Brendon Leonard, Dane Coles, Kendrick Lynn and Filo Paulo have been cited for an incident which took place in yesterday’s North Island v South Island game in Dunedin.

The Steve Hansen era began on the best possible note as the All Blacks systematically destroyed Ireland 42-10 in Auckland last night.

The South Island has named a strong side for Sunday’s clash against its North Island counterparts in Dunedin.

Forwards Eben Etzebeth, Juandre Kruger and Marcell Coetzee will earn their first test caps when South Africa takes on England in Durban this Saturday.

Lock Brodie Retallick, halfback Aaron Smith and wing Julian Savea will debut for the All Blacks in Saturday night’s first test against Ireland at Eden Park.

Ireland will not struggle with physical and mental fatigue during its three-test series against the All Blacks, says fullback Rob Kearney.

Sir Graham Henry has been appointed to the International Rugby Board’s rugby committee.

It appears three of the All Blacks’ uncapped players will make their debuts against Ireland at Eden Park this Saturday night.

All Blacks centre Conrad Smith says the team has spoken at length about the dangers of suffering a Rugby World Cup hangover.

The New Zealand Under 20 side opened its IRB Junior World Championship campaign by thrashing Samoa 63-0 in Stellenbosch this morning (NZT).

Second five Jean de Villiers will captain South Africa during its three-test series against England this month.

A number of high profile players will take no part in the North v South game in Dunedin this Sunday.

Former All Blacks wing John Kirwan has received a knighthood for services to rugby and supporting mental health.

Heinrich Brüssow is the surprise omission from a captain-less Springboks squad which contains nine uncapped players.

Flanker David Pocock will captain a Wallabies side which contains five new caps for the one-off test against Scotland in Newcastle on Tuesday.

In-form Crusaders halfback Andy Ellis has surprisingly missed out on the All Blacks squad, with the selectors maintaining their faith in the struggling Piri Weepu.

The New Zealand Sevens and New Zealand Maori teams will now carry the All Blacks name as the New Zealand Rugby Union looks to increase its offshore revenue stream.
 

Veteran Ireland lock Paul O’Connell will miss his side’s tour of New Zealand this month.