Rugby

A cheating scandal has rocked the chess world, but it's just the latest in a long list of sports cheats.

For many rugby fans the enduring image of Michael Cheika is of a scowling figure in the coach's box, but these days he can't wipe the smile off his face.

The Black Ferns are hoping referees will crack down on teams slowing the game down at the Rugby World Cup.

Analysis - The Black Ferns 41-17 win over the Wallaroos last night capped off a new more family-friendly, fan-driven kind of experience for punters at Eden Park, writes Jamie Wall.

Analysis - Two of New Zealand's great rugby coaches believe the battle for the Rugby World Cup will be won in the minds of the players rather than with physicality, Jamie Wall writes. Video

Women's Rugby World Cup tickets are going cheap, and organisers say that is to make sure stadiums are brimming with fans to support the growth of the women's game.

In this episode of Voices, Afghan rugby players Bilal Slaimankhel and Mohammed Safi speak to Kadambari Raghukumar on what the game has come to mean to them in recent years. 

Three men charged after a Pōneke rugby player was bashed have all either been discharged without conviction or had their charges dismissed.

Sevens players Sarah Hirini and Portia Woodman have been named in the Black Ferns lineup to take on Japan at Eden Park on Saturday.

Wellington has taken the Ranfurly Shield off Hawke's Bay with a 19-12 victory in Napier.

There was a time when Australia and New Zealand's battle for the Bledisloe Cup was almost a de facto world championship, but that's not the case now.