https://www.scmp.com/rss/316020/feed The 2015 Rugby World Cup was the global tournament's eighth edition and was hosted by England from 18 September to 31 October. Some games took place in Wales but the final was held at London's famed Twickenham Stadium. Defending champions New Zealand, who won the 2011 tournament on home soil, became the first nation to retain the Webb Ellis Cup and the first to win it three times when they defeated Australia 34-17 in the title-deciding match. en https://assets.i-scmp.com/static/img/icons/scmp-meta-1200x630.png https://www.scmp.com Former Hong Kong men’s national team coach Leigh Jones is leaving the Hong Kong Rugby Union to become Leicester Tigers’ new general manager of rugby in May, both parties announced Tuesday evening. Jones – who concludes his capacity as general manager of rugby performance at the Union having also previously spearheaded the now-axed professional Elite Rugby Programme – said the prospect of managing in England’s top Premiership division was simply too enticing. “From a personal perspective, the... https://www.scmp.com/sport/hong-kong/article/3123722/hong-kong-rugby-union-leigh-jones-set-leicester-tigers-general?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/hong-kong/article/3123722/hong-kong-rugby-union-leigh-jones-set-leicester-tigers-general?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 02 Mar 2021 11:20:14 +0000 Home-field advantage is an accepted truth in the sporting world, but it does not always come to pass and China’s men’s basketball team are the latest to find that out the hard way. After losing 72-59 to Venezuela on Wednesday night, the hosts of the Fiba 2019 Basketball World Cup moved on to the 17-32 place draw, missing out on the second round and the knockouts beyond that. Instead, China move on to the wooden spoon group with South Korea, Nigeria and Ivory Coast in Guangdong. They don’t even... https://www.scmp.com/sport/basketball/article/3025872/does-china-crashing-out-fiba-basketball-world-cup-make-them-worst?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/basketball/article/3025872/does-china-crashing-out-fiba-basketball-world-cup-make-them-worst?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 06 Sep 2019 00:00:06 +0000 Japan’s famous win over South Africa at the 2015 Rugby World Cup, regarded by many as one of the greatest sporting upsets of all time, is to be turned into a movie with an international all-star cast, the film’s creator told Kyodo News. Award-winning Australian writer and director Max Mannix said on Tuesday that while there were still a few logistical issues to sort out, filming of the movie tentatively titled The Brighton Miracle will commence in January on Australia’s Gold Coast. “What Eddie... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/article/2166891/rugby-world-cup-japans-miracle-victory-over-south-africa-brighton-be?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/article/2166891/rugby-world-cup-japans-miracle-victory-over-south-africa-brighton-be?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 04 Oct 2018 02:09:34 +0000 Fullback Ayumu Goromaru is hopeful that his move to French club Toulon will pave the way for more Japanese rugby players to play in Europe. The 30-year-old has signed a one-year contract with the wealthy French side after a lacklustre season with Australian club Queensland Reds. I hope others [from Japan] will make it a goal to play [in France] and at some point it will become a natural destination Toulon fullback Ayumu Goromaru Goromaru played a key role in Japan’s impressive World Cup campaign... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/article/1990386/world-cup-hero-ayumu-goromaru-keen-open-french-doors-japanese-players?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/article/1990386/world-cup-hero-ayumu-goromaru-keen-open-french-doors-japanese-players?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 15 Jul 2016 17:15:45 +0000 Japanese poster boy Ayumu Goromaru is expected to draw one of Queensland Reds' biggest crowds of the Super Rugby season when he faces the Tokyo-based Sunwolves on Saturday. The 30-year-old fullback and Hendrik Tui will line up against some of their Japanese international team-mates when the Sunwolves play in Australia for the first time. World Cup hero Goromaru controversially snubbed the newly formed Sunwolves to join the Reds, but he has struggled to hold down a regular spot. Goromaru will... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/article/1948557/goromaru-v-sunwolves-bumper-crowd-expected-world-cup-hero-takes-super?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/article/1948557/goromaru-v-sunwolves-bumper-crowd-expected-world-cup-hero-takes-super?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 20 May 2016 07:00:00 +0000 The New South Wales Waratahs urged Wallabies star Kurtley Beale to stay put on Friday after he reportedly accepted an offer from Wasps that would make him the highest paid player in English rugby. A report in The Times newspaper said utility back Beale will join Wasps on a two-year, £1.5 million (HK$16.8 million) contract. Waratahs coach Daryl Gibson said the long-rumoured move was “unconfirmed” and he urged the in-form Beale, 27, to stick with the Sydney club. For us we’d love him to stay. He's... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/article/1944493/waratahs-urge-kurtley-beale-reject-blockbuster-move-england?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/article/1944493/waratahs-urge-kurtley-beale-reject-blockbuster-move-england?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 13 May 2016 04:00:45 +0000 South Africa’s Rugby World Cup-winning scrum-half Fourie du Preez announced his retirement on his 34th birthday on Thursday, ending a 15-year professional career that included world, southern hemisphere and Super Rugby titles for a player rated at one time the best number nine in the world. Du Preez played his final game for the Springboks at last year’s Rugby World Cup, where South Africa lost in the semi-finals to eventual champions New Zealand. He ended his career at club level with Suntory... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/article/1930480/springboks-world-cup-winner-fourie-du-preez-retires?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/article/1930480/springboks-world-cup-winner-fourie-du-preez-retires?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 24 Mar 2016 15:30:30 +0000 It has been a tough start to Super Rugby life for the Sunwolves and it might well get worse before it gets any better, according to Sanzaar boss Andy Marinos. The Japanese franchise were beset with player and staff recruitment issues, with Eddie Jones stepping down even before starting as director of rugby, leading to a shortened pre-season and two defeats to start their campaign. The second, a 32-31 loss in Singapore against the Cheetahs on Saturday, exposed their lack of squad depth – the... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/article/1924080/world-cup-helped-and-hindered-super-rugbys-sunwolves-says-sanzaar-boss?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/article/1924080/world-cup-helped-and-hindered-super-rugbys-sunwolves-says-sanzaar-boss?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 13 Mar 2016 07:30:45 +0000 All Blacks coach Steve Hansen confirmed the first of his major rebuilding decisions following back-to-back World Cup victories with the naming of Kieran Read as the next national captain on Friday, replacing the retired Richie McCaw. The 35-year-old McCaw, named as the 2015 New Zealander of the year earlier this week, retired at the end of last year after leading the All Blacks to a second successive Rugby World Cup triumph. He was one of six stalwarts of the team, who had cemented them as the... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/article/1914199/kieran-read-named-new-all-blacks-captain-post-ritchie-mccaw-era-begins?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/article/1914199/kieran-read-named-new-all-blacks-captain-post-ritchie-mccaw-era-begins?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 20 Feb 2016 02:00:00 +0000 Former Ireland captain Paul O’Connell has retired from all rugby on medical grounds with immediate effect, the lock announced on Tuesday. "It is with deep regret that I have decided to retire from professional rugby following medical advice," O'Connell, 36, said in a statement published on the Irish Rugby website. "I would like to take this opportunity to thank all at Rugby Club Toulonnais for their understanding and support over the past few months." I have been blessed to be a professional... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/article/1911342/ex-ireland-captain-paul-oconnell-retires-rugby?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/article/1911342/ex-ireland-captain-paul-oconnell-retires-rugby?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 09 Feb 2016 17:30:30 +0000 The Americas Rugby Championship, a second-tier competition for the six best northern and southern American rugby union national teams, kicks off Saturday with regional power Argentina taking on the United States in Houston. Uruguay will visit Canada and Chile will host Brazil in the other opening-day matches in the round-robin contest. The ARC, styled after Europe’s Six Nations Championship, which also starts Saturday, will be played over five weeks with a champion decided on March 5. While not... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/article/1909815/joy-six-pumas-hot-favourites-first-ever-americas-rugby-championship?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/article/1909815/joy-six-pumas-hot-favourites-first-ever-americas-rugby-championship?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 05 Feb 2016 08:00:00 +0000 Controversial Northampton hooker Dylan Hartley is the frontrunner to succeed Chris Robshaw as England’s Six Nations captain with an announcement due on Monday, British media reported Friday. Hartley, 29, is believed to be new head coach Eddie Jones’ first choice as captain. Jones is due to announce the successor to Robshaw after speaking to senior players at the squad’s training base in Surrey, southern England. Hartley said that he was only concentrating on holding down a place in the team,... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/article/1903989/firebrand-hooker-dylan-hartley-tipped-be-named-new-england-skipper?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/article/1903989/firebrand-hooker-dylan-hartley-tipped-be-named-new-england-skipper?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 23 Jan 2016 07:00:30 +0000 Former England centre Sam Burgess was on Saturday hailed a hero in Australia after he reportedly helped a man choking on a piece of seafood. Burgess, who quit English Premiership rugby union side Bath last year to return to rugby league’s South Sydney Rabbitohs, was with teammates at the Sydney Fish Market on Friday when he sprang into action. The Souths players were taking part in a fish-eating challenge when a man joined in and began to choke, a witness, who asked not to be named, told... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/article/1903983/rugby-league-ace-sam-burgess-hailed-hero-helping-choking-man?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/article/1903983/rugby-league-ace-sam-burgess-hailed-hero-helping-choking-man?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 23 Jan 2016 03:45:30 +0000 Celebrated All Blacks captain Richie McCaw has sidestepped a knighthood and been awarded New Zealand’s supreme honour – the Order of New Zealand – which recognises the country’s “most respected people”. The announcement was made in the country’s New Year’s honours list which was released Thursday, McCaw’s 35th birthday. After McCaw led the All Blacks to victory at the 2015 Rugby World Cup in England, making them the first side to win consecutive tournaments, many New Zealanders including Prime... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/article/1896732/all-blacks-legend-richie-mccaw-awarded-new-zealands-highest-honour?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/article/1896732/all-blacks-legend-richie-mccaw-awarded-new-zealands-highest-honour?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 31 Dec 2015 03:45:45 +0000 FEBRUARY & MARCH: Six Nations, Sevens World Series, European Nations Cup APRIL & MAY: Sevens World Series, Asia Rugby Championship, World U20s Trophy JUNE: World U20s Championship, Africa Cup JULY: Samoa-New Zealand test, Olympic qualifiers, Pacific Nations Cup AUGUST: The Rugby Championship SEPTEMBER & OCTOBER: Rugby World Cup 2015 and RWC warm-ups NOVEMBER & DECEMBER: World Rugby Awards, Olympic qualifiers, Sevens World Series https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/play-week/article/1896649/watch-stunning-2015-highlights-world-rugby?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/play-week/article/1896649/watch-stunning-2015-highlights-world-rugby?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 30 Dec 2015 12:45:30 +0000 New Zealander Mark Hammett was confirmed as the inaugural coach of Japan’s new Super Rugby team the Sunwolves on Monday, unveiled at a news conference just over two months before their maiden match. The former All Blacks hooker, who had four seasons in charge of the Wellington-based Hurricanes, also revealed the Tokyo and Singapore-based team’s 34-man squad for their first season. The squad contained 15 players with test experience and 10 of the Japan squad who stunned rugby by beating South... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/article/1893998/ex-hurricanes-boss-mark-hammett-coach-japans-sunwolves-super-18?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/article/1893998/ex-hurricanes-boss-mark-hammett-coach-japans-sunwolves-super-18?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 22 Dec 2015 19:00:30 +0000 Japanese rugby pin-up Ayumu Goromaru, one of the stars of the 2015 Rugby World Cup, has added a new weapon to his already formidable arsenal after being made a certified “Master of Ninjas”. The Japan Ninja Council said it awarded the fullback the honour on Wednesday because his kicking pose – hands clasped together with index fingers pointing skywards and knees bent – evoked images of the ancient stealth warriors. The 29-year-old played a key role as Japan's Brave Blossoms upset the odds by... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/article/1892575/japan-world-cup-hero-ayumu-goromaru-becomes-ninja-master?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/article/1892575/japan-world-cup-hero-ayumu-goromaru-becomes-ninja-master?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 18 Dec 2015 03:15:00 +0000 France's most-capped player Thierry Dusautoir retired from international rugby on Friday after a career which saw him play 80 times and skipper his country on 56 occasions. The 34-year-old Toulouse forward told L'Equipe he had discussed his future with new coach Guy Noves after not wanting to make a hasty decision in the aftermath of France's 62-13 mauling by the All Blacks in the World Cup quarter-finals. "I saw him (Noves) this morning and we came to the same conclusions," said the captain. My... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/article/1886970/france-captain-thierry-dusautoir-calls-time-his-international-career?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/article/1886970/france-captain-thierry-dusautoir-calls-time-his-international-career?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 05 Dec 2015 00:45:30 +0000 Heyneke Meyer has decided to stand down as coach after four years in charge of the Springboks. The possibility of Meyer being offered a contract extension was due to be discussed by the South African Rugby Union general council at a meeting in Cape Town on December 11, but he told president Oregan Hoskins and chief executive Jurie Roux he was walking away. Since returning from England I have realised that as much as I believe I still have a lot to offer, the time has come for change Heyneke... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/article/1886647/heyneke-meyer-stands-down-springboks-coach?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/article/1886647/heyneke-meyer-stands-down-springboks-coach?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 03 Dec 2015 16:45:30 +0000 Double World Cup-winner Dan Carter arrived in Paris on Friday and immediately said he moved to France to continue the success he achieved with New Zealand and the Canterbury Crusaders back in his homeland. The 33-year-old fly-half formally joins his new club Racing 92 this weekend, renewing his association with the French Top 14 championship after a brief stint with Perpignan in 2009. His French team won the league that year but Carter played only five matches due to a ruptured Achilles... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/article/1884852/dan-carter-says-he-picked-racing-92-because-they-match-his-own-hunger?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/article/1884852/dan-carter-says-he-picked-racing-92-because-they-match-his-own-hunger?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 29 Nov 2015 10:13:35 +0000 A golden Buddha in Japan has attracted new – and unexpected – attention from rugby fans who are thronging to the religious icon to witness in person the hand gesture it shares with their beloved Rugby World Cup hero Ayumu Goromaru. The number of visitors to the religious-turned-sports shrine in central Japan has soared five-fold as eager fans descend on the Dainichi Nyorai statue, which has clasped hands with touching upward-pointing index fingers – just like Goromaru's trademark pre-kick... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/article/1883485/scrums-japanese-rugby-fans-make-pilgrimage-see-buddha-statue-ayumu?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/article/1883485/scrums-japanese-rugby-fans-make-pilgrimage-see-buddha-statue-ayumu?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 26 Nov 2015 03:45:30 +0000 Eddie Jones has insisted there will be no conflict of loyalties when he coaches England against his native Australia for the first time next year. Jones was in charge of the Wallabies when they lost the 2003 World Cup final to England in Sydney. But on Friday the 55-year-old became England’s new head coach after Stuart Lancaster stepped down following the team’s humiliating group stage exit at the Rugby World Cup. Jones’ first match in charge of England will be their Six Nations opener away to... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/article/1881339/totally-committed-eddie-jones-vows-hell-be-100-behind-england-against?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/article/1881339/totally-committed-eddie-jones-vows-hell-be-100-behind-england-against?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 21 Nov 2015 04:45:45 +0000 Queen Elizabeth II offered her condolences over Jonah Lomu's death Friday as the rugby legend's family revealed they were planning a send-off as big as the great man himself. The family said they had been overwhelmed by a global "outpouring of love" after the charismatic winger died unexpectedly on Wednesday aged just 40, leaving a wife and two young sons. Former All Blacks coach John Hart said feelings were so intense in Lomu's native New Zealand that Auckland's Eden Park stadium may be needed... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/article/1880591/state-funeral-considered-superstar-jonah-lomu?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/article/1880591/state-funeral-considered-superstar-jonah-lomu?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 20 Nov 2015 00:15:15 +0000 England on Friday named Australian Eddie Jones as their first foreign head coach with the task of reviving the national team after their Rugby World Cup disaster. Jones has agreed a four-year deal in place of Stuart Lancaster.  The former Australia and Japan boss has been released from his contract with South African provincial side Stormers and will take up his England post next month. "The opportunity to take the reins in possibly the world's most high-profile international rugby job doesn't... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/article/1880719/eddie-jones-be-appointed-england-coach-reports?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/article/1880719/eddie-jones-be-appointed-england-coach-reports?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 20 Nov 2015 00:15:00 +0000 Retiring All Black skipper Richie McCaw is known by many names to Kiwi rugby fans – “Captain Fantastic”, “The Real McCaw”, “Richie McAwesome” – but team-mates simply call him GOAT: Greatest Of All Time. Statistics back up the players' assessment – McCaw is rugby's most capped test player, three-time world player of the year and the only captain to win the World Cup twice. After 15 years at the top, the 34-year-old bowed out on Thursday on an unprecedented 148 test caps – 111 matches as captain –... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/article/1880377/greatest-all-black-weve-ever-had-richie-mccaw-retires?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/article/1880377/greatest-all-black-weve-ever-had-richie-mccaw-retires?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 19 Nov 2015 00:30:45 +0000 WATCH: All 15 Rugby World Cup tries scored by Jonah Lomu WATCH: Jonah Lomu shows perfect form in three Hong Kong Sevens title victories WATCH: The legend explains why the Hong Kong Sevens means so much WATCH: Jonah Lomu makes his mark at the 1995 Rugby World Cup WATCH: In case you missed it ... here once more is THAT try against England WATCH: Unstoppable Jonah Lomu at the 1999 Rugby World Cup WATCH: World Rugby pays tribute to the legend https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/play-week/article/1880164/watch-jonah-lomus-greatest-hits-and-finest-moments?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/play-week/article/1880164/watch-jonah-lomus-greatest-hits-and-finest-moments?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 18 Nov 2015 10:00:15 +0000 Hong Kong joined the world of rugby in paying tribute to Jonah Lomu on Wednesday after his shock death at the age of 40.  The New Zealand rugby legend took his first steps to global superstardom at the Hong Kong Sevens. He made his debut in Hong Kong in 1994 when an 18-year-old unknown and went on to become one of the world’s greatest players. “Jonah Lomu was a great friend to Hong Kong Rugby and a tireless supporter of the Hong Kong Sevens and the Sevens game worldwide,” said Pieter Schats,... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/article/1880119/it-all-started-hong-kong-how-sevens-launched-ill-fated-jonah-lomu?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/article/1880119/it-all-started-hong-kong-how-sevens-launched-ill-fated-jonah-lomu?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 18 Nov 2015 04:15:45 +0000 Rugby legend Jonah Lomu, the game's first global superstar whose speed and power terrorised opponents, died unexpectedly on Wednesday aged 40, the player's family and New Zealand Rugby said. Lomu, who for decades battled the kidney disease that ended his career, passed away suddenly at his Auckland home, family spokesman John Mayhew said. READ MORE: ‘It all started in Hong Kong’: How the Sevens launched ill-fated Jonah Lomu to superstardom "I can confirm that Jonah Lomu died this morning... it... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/article/1880061/all-blacks-legend-jonah-lomu-dies-aged-40?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/article/1880061/all-blacks-legend-jonah-lomu-dies-aged-40?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 18 Nov 2015 01:15:30 +0000 Richie McCaw, the double World Cup-winning captain of the All Blacks, is expected to confirm his decision to retire from rugby this week, New Zealand media reported on Sunday. McCaw, who turns 35 on December 31, led the All Blacks to their third World Cup triumph two weeks ago when his side beat Australia 34-17 in the final at a packed Twickenham stadium in London. The All Blacks were the first team to retain the trophy, after the openside flanker led the team to victory in 2011 while playing... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/article/1879004/legendary-all-black-richie-mccaw-expected-announce-retirement-week?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/article/1879004/legendary-all-black-richie-mccaw-expected-announce-retirement-week?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 15 Nov 2015 07:30:30 +0000 Montpellier boss Jake White insists he won't take part in a drawn-out application process for the vacant England head coach role. White, who coached South Africa's 2007 World Cup-winning squad, is one of the leading candidates to replace Stuart Lancaster after he parted ways with the Rugby Football Union (RFU) in the aftermath of England's dismal World Cup campaign. But the 52-year-old South African has twice been snubbed at the final hurdle by the RFU, when Martin Johnson took control in 2008... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/article/1878440/i-wont-be-messed-around-england-again-says-jake-white?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/article/1878440/i-wont-be-messed-around-england-again-says-jake-white?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 13 Nov 2015 04:00:45 +0000 Australia's Israel Folau will be sidelined for three months, officials said Thursday as they confirmed he will need surgery for an ankle injury sustained during the Rugby World Cup. The fullback was relatively subdued in the latter stages of the tournament in England, which the All Blacks went on to win in the final against the Wallabies, after he injured an ankle in a pool game. The Australian Rugby Union said scans revealed the 26-year-old would require surgery for the injury, which saw him... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/article/1878227/wallaby-israel-folau-go-under-knife-ankle-injured-during-rwc?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/article/1878227/wallaby-israel-folau-go-under-knife-ankle-injured-during-rwc?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 13 Nov 2015 04:00:15 +0000 Rugby Football Union chief executive Ian Ritchie said England were determined to appoint a coach of “proven international experience” in succession to Stuart Lancaster - however long it took. England's dismal World Cup campaign set the seal on Lancaster's three-and-a-half years in charge, with the RFU announcing on Wednesday he had left his post by “mutual consent”. Under Lancaster , who had little prior elite rugby experience, England became the first host nation to fail to get out of the group... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/article/1878060/jake-white-and-michael-cheika-fit-bill-england-seek-proven-coach-replace?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/article/1878060/jake-white-and-michael-cheika-fit-bill-england-seek-proven-coach-replace?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 12 Nov 2015 01:30:15 +0000 Stuart Lancaster has stepped down as England head coach by “mutual consent”, England's Rugby Football Union announced on Wednesday. Lancaster's departure, three and-a-half years after his appointment, was expected in the light of England's disastrous World Cup campaign, which saw the hosts eliminated in the group phase. I ultimately accept and take responsibility for the team's performance and we have not delivered the results we all hoped for during this tournament Stuart Lancaster “I am... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/article/1877893/it-was-mutual-stuart-lancaster-steps-down-england-rugby-coach?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/article/1877893/it-was-mutual-stuart-lancaster-steps-down-england-rugby-coach?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 11 Nov 2015 14:45:45 +0000 The Rugby Football Union denied Monday they had approached Australia coach Michael Cheika about the possibility of succeeding England boss Stuart Lancaster. Australian press reports said RFU president Jason Leonard had made contact with Cheika during the Wallabies’ World Cup campaign in England. However, a spokesman for the RFU, England’s national governing body, said Monday: “There has been no contact.” There has been no contact RFU statement Cheika, contracted to the Australian Rugby Union... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/article/1877345/england-deny-making-play-wallabies-coach-michael-cheika-during-rugby?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/article/1877345/england-deny-making-play-wallabies-coach-michael-cheika-during-rugby?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 10 Nov 2015 02:15:15 +0000 Mercurial Quade Cooper was little used at the World Cup, Australia coach Michael Cheika opting for the steadier game of an in-form Bernard Foley as the Wallabies finished runners-up to trans-Tasman rivals New Zealand after a fine campaign. I’ve been training for the last 12 weeks to play games. I wanted to come here as soon as possible after the World Cup to play rugby Quade Cooper But Cooper said the frustration of not pulling on the green and gold jersey as much as he would have liked to at... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/article/1876737/quade-cooper-back-enjoying-club-success-toulon-after-world-cup?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/article/1876737/quade-cooper-back-enjoying-club-success-toulon-after-world-cup?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 08 Nov 2015 07:30:00 +0000 England rugby union international Sam Burgess has left Premiership club Bath with immediate effect in order to return to rugby league side South Sydney Rabbitohs, the BBC reported on Thursday. The 26-year-old Burgess had two years left on a three-year deal with west country side Bath. Burgess was a member of the England squad that recently became the first World Cup host nation to exit the tournament in the group stages, with coach Stuart Lancaster criticised for what many saw as the overly... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/article/1876133/sam-burgess-set-rugby-league-return-rabbitohs-bbc-report?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/article/1876133/sam-burgess-set-rugby-league-return-rabbitohs-bbc-report?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 05 Nov 2015 16:45:00 +0000 The Brave Blossoms' superstar fullback Ayumu Goromaru said yesterday that he expected to show the world that his Rugby World Cup performance was not a fluke, as he heads to Australia on a one-year contract. Goromaru, who led Japan's shock 34-32 defeat of South Africa at the World Cup, signed with the Queensland Reds in the 2016 Super Rugby tournament. I will be starting from zero and want to enjoy each and every challenge. I will be in an environment where I can play high level rugby Ayumu... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/article/1876040/im-no-rugby-world-cup-fluke-brave-blossoms-star-ayumu-goromaru-set-prove?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/article/1876040/im-no-rugby-world-cup-fluke-brave-blossoms-star-ayumu-goromaru-set-prove?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 05 Nov 2015 16:00:30 +0000 England dual international Sam Burgess is set to be lured back to Australia’s National Rugby League with the richest deal in the game’s 108-year history, reports said on Monday. The Daily Telegraph reported that Burgess’ contract with an NRL club would be worth A$1.5 million (HK$8.3 million) a season, placing him above the highest NRL earners, Kangaroos captain Cameron Smith, South Sydney star Greg Inglis and Dally M Medallist Johnathan Thurston. We decided to give him time off there and then,... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/article/1874889/flip-flop-sam-burgess-set-switch-codes-again-big-money-move-back?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/article/1874889/flip-flop-sam-burgess-set-switch-codes-again-big-money-move-back?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 02 Nov 2015 04:15:30 +0000 Wellington went into party mode on Sunday as jubilant All Blacks fans celebrated New Zealand’s historic Rugby World Cup final win over arch-rivals Australia. Energetic despite a 5am kick-off, thousands of supporters poured out of pubs in the capital’s Courtenay Place entertainment strip after the 34-17 victory. Cars flying All Blacks flags tooted their horns as the good-natured crowd cheered, while strangers in All Blacks jerseys and scarves hugged on the sidewalk. It means so much to us... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/article/1874601/5am-kickoff-cant-prevent-new-zealanders-partying-they-celebrate-back?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/article/1874601/5am-kickoff-cant-prevent-new-zealanders-partying-they-celebrate-back?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 01 Nov 2015 03:00:30 +0000 All Blacks centre Sonny Bill Williams gave his World Cup winner’s medal to a boy who was tackled by a Twickenham security guard after Saturday’s final. Williams said the boy, later identified as Charlie Lines, was “smoked”  by a security official after running on to the field following the All Blacks’ 34-17 triumph over Australia. Williams said he felt sorry for the youngster. “I was walking around doing a lap of honour with the boys and a young fella came running out and he got smoked by the... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/article/1874595/enjoy-it-bro-sonny-bill-williams-gives-away-his-world-cup-winners-medal?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/article/1874595/enjoy-it-bro-sonny-bill-williams-gives-away-his-world-cup-winners-medal?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 01 Nov 2015 02:00:15 +0000 Dan Carter bowed out as king of rugby on Saturday when he kicked the All Blacks to a historic 34-17 Rugby World Cup victory over Australia at Twickenham. Carter kicked a decisive 19 points in his final match for New Zealand as they became the first team to retain the World Cup and the first to win three titles. When the Wallabies had closed to within three points of the All Blacks in the second half, Carter struck with a monstrous drop goal and a 50-metre penalty to decide the game. We played... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/article/1874560/dan-carter-bows-out-king-rugby-after-new-zealand-wins-rugby-world-cup?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/article/1874560/dan-carter-bows-out-king-rugby-after-new-zealand-wins-rugby-world-cup?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 31 Oct 2015 18:15:00 +0000 South Africa coach Heyneke Meyer said his side could become “invincible” after they finished their Rugby World Cup with a 24-13 third place play-off win over Argentina. While falling short of the standards Meyer set for the two-time world champions, third place represented a recovery given South Africa started this tournament with a shock 34-32 loss to Japan – the biggest upset in World Cup history. South Africa pushed defending champions New Zealand close before losing 20-18 in last weekend’s... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/article/1874340/springboks-can-become-invincible-says-meyer-after-they-finish-third?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/article/1874340/springboks-can-become-invincible-says-meyer-after-they-finish-third?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 31 Oct 2015 01:45:45 +0000 Richie McCaw will lead New Zealand's charge for a place among rugby's all-time greats when they battle Australia in the Rugby World Cup final at Twickenham on Saturday night. A convincing win over Michael Cheika's reborn Wallabies to become the first country to win two straight world titles - and three in all - could see the All Blacks acclaimed as the best team of all time. A titanic battle is guaranteed for the 80,000-plus crowd, who will witness the first final between two sides who have... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/article/1874329/all-blacks-cusp-all-time-great-tag-rwc-final?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/article/1874329/all-blacks-cusp-all-time-great-tag-rwc-final?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 30 Oct 2015 19:00:15 +0000 If nobody is talking about Nigel Owens when the World Cup final ends, he will be "a very, very, very happy man". Happiness has not always been easy for the 44-year-old Welshman who has reached the pinnacle of a referee's career: controlling a final at Twickenham between New Zealand and Australia. Everyone knows these personal things, but that is okay, really, as it helps other people Referee Nigel Owens Owens has been blowing the whistle in internationals for 10 years. He is known for keeping... https://www.scmp.com/sport/article/1874215/nigel-owens-tale-whistle-whisky-and-shotgun?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/article/1874215/nigel-owens-tale-whistle-whisky-and-shotgun?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 30 Oct 2015 14:15:00 +0000 First-choice prop Scott Sio returns to the Australia side for the World Cup final against New Zealand on Saturday night in the only change announced by coach Michael Cheika. Sio has recovered from an elbow injury so James Slipper, who played in the semi-final win over Argentina, returns to the bench. Scott Sio has played really well. I’m not taking a risk. You can’t hide where he plays Australia coach Michael Cheika Cheika, masterminding Australia's campaign to win the World Cup for a third... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/article/1874211/return-scott-sio-massive-boost-wallabies-world-cup-final?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/article/1874211/return-scott-sio-massive-boost-wallabies-world-cup-final?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 30 Oct 2015 14:00:45 +0000 Richie McCaw has declared New Zealand ready for the battle of the breakdown, as the World Cup final has been billed, when they will front Australia's twin threat of Michael Hooper and David Pocock. The Wallaby pair, working with the forceful tackling of Scott Fardy, have established Australian dominance at the crucial breakdown area. We realise we need to be on the job and limit [Hooper and Pocock’s] influence as much as possible and hopefully our back row can impose itself All Blacks captain... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/article/1874213/were-ready-battle-breakdown-says-richie-mccaw?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/article/1874213/were-ready-battle-breakdown-says-richie-mccaw?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 30 Oct 2015 13:45:45 +0000 HESKETH’S HEART-STOPPER There were better tries at this tournament than Karne Hesketh’s injury-time clincher for Japan against South Africa, but none as seismic. When the replacement back held off Springboks winger JP Pietersen to cross in the left corner, Brighton Community Stadium erupted and the rugby world shook after the biggest upset in the history of the sport. Japan’s players collapsed to the ground in a mixture of joy and disbelief. Rugby has never seen anything like it. DAVIES’... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/article/1874002/watch-top-5-tries-rugby-world-cup?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/article/1874002/watch-top-5-tries-rugby-world-cup?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 30 Oct 2015 00:45:30 +0000 The often-brutal sport of rugby has become an unlikely international sports leader in forcing players to accept gay teammates. It has not been easy. Nigel Owens, who will referee the World Cup final tomorrow, considered suicide because of the difficulties he faced after coming out in 2007. Welsh rugby legend Gareth Thomas has spoken out against the barbs he faced after announcing his homosexuality. We all like to have a good laugh when playing ... But when this comes at the expense of gay... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/article/1873866/rwc-finalists-australia-come-out-support-gay-rights?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/article/1873866/rwc-finalists-australia-come-out-support-gay-rights?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 29 Oct 2015 16:15:15 +0000 Former Wallabies coach Eddie Jones has risked the wrath of Australia by tipping an All Blacks victory in Saturday’s World Cup final, but he expects a tight game. Jones, who led Australia to a heart-breaking defeat in the 2003 World Cup final against England and steered Japan to a shock win over South Africa at this year’s tournament, said the All Blacks were simply too good. “If you just look at the stats, then they are [the best ever],” he said. “Their test match record is so good; no other... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/article/1873083/former-wallabies-coach-eddie-jones-tips-all-blacks-beat-his-old-team?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/article/1873083/former-wallabies-coach-eddie-jones-tips-all-blacks-beat-his-old-team?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 28 Oct 2015 03:30:45 +0000 Michael Cheika's father was his harshest critic as a rugby player but his courage in leaving Lebanon for a new life in Australia has been an example in hauling the Wallabies to the World Cup final. The Australia coach said he hopes he has given this "no-fear factor" to his players going into the fiery atmosphere of Saturday's encounter with arch-rivals New Zealand. Nothing binds a team together mentally more than working hard, sweating a little, spilling a bit of blood together Australia coach... https://www.scmp.com/sport/article/1872946/michael-cheika-spurs-wallabies-no-fear-factor?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/article/1872946/michael-cheika-spurs-wallabies-no-fear-factor?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 27 Oct 2015 16:30:15 +0000