Rugby
France offers $275 million to host World Cup
France is willing to pay World Rugby $275 million as a hosting fee to stage the 2023 Rugby World Cup.
The death of rugby
French rugby is warning of the death of the international sport because of huge financial burdens shouldered by rugby nations. Audio
Vito picks up top French gong
The former All Black and Hurricanes loose forward Victor Vito has been named player of the year in French Rugby's Top 14 competition after a standout season for La Rochelle.
Dateline Pacific morning edition for 19 September 2017
Child sex abuse scandal continues to plague the Catholic Church on Guam; Tonga civil society head says early elections could be an opportunity for women candidates; While in PNG there are hopes for… Audio
Fuimaono Titimaea Tafua returns as Manu Samoa coach
The Samoa Rugby Union have reappointed a former Manu Samoa head coach in an attempt to put their Rugby World Cup qualifying campaign back on track. Audio
'Unrealistic hope' hurt Springboks in defeat
The All Blacks record 57-0 victory over the Springboks on Saturday has sent fans in South Africa into a state of depression. Audio
Dagg's season likely over
Israel Dagg's season appears to be over due to an ongoing knee issue.
Perfect finish at home for the Professor
Departing All Blacks defensive mastermind Wayne Smith says his troops could not have farewelled him any better in his final home Test with a resounding 57-0 victory over South Africa.
All Blacks trounce the Boks
The All Blacks vs South Africa rugby championship match last night at North Harbour Stadium was an absolutely trouncing, 57-0. Joe Porter talks about the game. Audio
All Blacks crush Boks by record 57-0 margin
The All Blacks emphatically dispatched the South Africans at North Harbour Stadium in Albany.
Springbok support still kicking in Auckland
Before this weekend's test match, Matt Chatterton investiages South Africa's support base in Auckland. Audio
Cheika defends Folau's right to voice views
Wallabies coach Michael Cheika has defended the rights of his star fullback Israel Folau to speak out against same-sex marriage saying the team respects each other's right to an opinion.
Springbok revival put to the test
South Africa's revival in the world rugby pecking order will face its first true test when they take on the All Blacks at North Harbour Stadium on Saturday.
Canterbury retain the Shield
A destructive Canterbury outfit has retained the Ranfurly Shield in style, thumping Counties Manukau 78-5 in Christchurch.
England confirm game with All Blacks
England will face the All Blacks in November 2018 for the first time in four years.
Breakaway rugby competition underway next year
West Australian mining tycoon Andrew Forrest says his proposed breakaway rugby competition will launch after Super Rugby finishes next year.
ABs seek perfection against Springboks
The All Blacks are still searching for a complete 80 minute performance after their error-ridden 39-22 win over Argentina on the weekend.
Clayton McMillan named Maori ABs coach
I te rā nei pāpāhotia ai e te Ohu Whutupaori o Aotearoa te tīpakohanga o Clayton McMillan, nō Te Moana ā Toi (Ngāi Te Rangi), ki te tūranga Kaiako Matua o Te Kapa Ōpango Māori.
Fifita sparks All Black comeback against Pumas
A sensational try by powerful young flanker Vaea Fifita sparked the All Blacks to another comeback 39-22 victory over Argentina in their Rugby Championship clash in New Plymouth.
Stalemate between Wallabies and Springboks
South Africa fought back from a 10-point deficit early in the second half to secure a 23-23 draw with Australia in their Rugby Championship clash in Perth and remain unbeaten in six tests this year.
