World Rugby
The unheralded ex-Wallaby who could soon become most powerful man in global rugby
Former Brumbies captain Brett Robinson is considering a run for the chairmanship of World Rugby later this year after colleagues urged him to stand.
- by Iain Payten
Latest
Why success for Wallabies this year is finishing top of ‘second division’
Painfully modest as it sounds, a realistic aim for Australia would be to finish sixth in the world rankings, ahead of Scotland, Argentina and the increasingly solid Fiji.
- by Paul Cully
Junior Wallabies’ appeal dismissed after under 20s washout
Australia’s young stars were denied their shout at a place in the world championship finals when a game was cancelled due to a muddy pitch. Two games were later played on the same field.
- by Iain Payten
Analysis
For subscribers
Rugby’s Qatar option would be a cynical, soulless money grab
If rugby bosses are going to accept vast sums to take the Nations Championship finals to Qatar, they must at least be honest about their motives.
- by Paul Cully
Analysis
For subscribers
World Rugby ushers in law changes to speed up game, but have they opened a new loophole?
With the goal of reducing stoppages and making rugby more appealing to fans, new laws and law trials have been announced. But some people aren’t happy.
- by Iain Payten
Sports minister raised World Cup final in phone call to rugby boss
Rugby officials have been warned the Victorian government expects an elite rugby union team to play in the state, with the future of the Melbourne Rebels to be decided on Friday as ministers weigh up a bid to stage the 2027 Rugby World Cup final.Â
- by Carla Jaeger, Kieran Rooney and Sarah Danckert
Brisbane troll fined for ‘vile’ online ref abuse during Rugby World Cup
A Brisbane man has been fined $1000 and given a 12-month good behaviour bond for abusing a Rugby World Cup match official and his family.
- by Iain Payten
This is now a high tackle in Shute Shield … and coaches believe it will improve rugby
In its 102nd year, the Shute Shield starts this weekend using a trial law to lower the legal tackling height to the sternum. The eyes of the world will be on the results.
- by Iain Payten
Opinion
For subscribers
Seventeen dead minutes: Why World Rugby had to act after Cup final
The 2011 Rugby World Cup final was by no means a classic. But comparing it to last year’s showpiece event proves that rule changes have turned rugby into a waiting game.
- by Paul Cully
World Rugby to consider tackle height change for professional game
A range of law tweaks and trials to enhance the spectacle of rugby, and improve player welfare, have been revealed in a new World Rugby plan.
- by Iain Payten
Five-second rule: Can one refereeing decision kill off rugby’s most hated tactic?
A rarely used refereeing call during the Brumbies’ loss to the Chiefs could help eradicate rugby’s worst pest: the caterpillar ruck.
- by Iain Payten