Rugby

Ireland rugby internationals Paddy Jackson and Stuart Olding went on trial in Belfast on Wednesday (NZ time) charged with raping the same woman at a party in Ulster flyhalf Jackson's home in 2016.

English Premiership side Northampton have appointed Hurricanes coach Chris Boyd as their new director of rugby on a three-year contract, starting in August.

World Cup winning former All Blacks coach Sir Graham Henry is returning to his roots.

Wellington rugby great Graham Williams has died, he was 72.

Two New Zealand players have been nominated for the European Professional Club Rugby Player of the Year.

The Highlanders will take on the Chiefs in a New Zealand Super Rugby derby in June in Fiji.

Former All Black Stephen Donald's move to Ireland is off.

David Pocock's return to Australian rugby from his year-long sabbatical will be delayed after the Wallabies loose forward had knee surgery.

The New Zealand rugby player John Hardie will return to rugby in Scotland this weekend.

All Blacks winger Julian Savea expects the gap between Australian and New Zealand teams in Super Rugby to close dramatically this year.

The French Rugby club Toulon has confirmed the signing of veteran New Zealander Liam Messam.

England head coach Eddie Jones has signed a contract extension to keep him in the role until 2021, working with his eventual successor in the final year.

Former Wallaby George Smith has been arrested in Japan, according to his Japanese rugby team's owner Suntory.

NSW Waratahs have poached a potential All Blacks hooker from under the nose of New Zealand rugby.

Former All Blacks prop Carl Hayman will come out of retirement to play for French Top 14 club Pau at the Brisbane Global Rugby Tens next month.

The finalists have been named for the 55th Halberg Awards - New Zealand's top sporting honours.

The All Blacks have lost their back up first-five with Lima Sopoaga confirming he will quit New Zealand rugby for England at the end of the Super Rugby season.