Gatland questions England's approach http://ift.tt/1MoLcWr

Warren Gatland says Wales are "more settled" than World Cup rivals England, saying they "are not 100% sure of where they are going".

from BBC Sport - Rugby Union http://ift.tt/1MoLcWr
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Trimble left out of Ireland squad http://ift.tt/1MoLcWr

Ireland's 2014 player of the year Andrew Trimble is believed to have missed out on selection for the World Cup.

from BBC Sport - Rugby Union http://ift.tt/1MoLcWr
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Wary Cotter weighs up Scots' options http://ift.tt/1MoLcWr

Tom English considers the hard choices facing Vern Cotter as he picks Scotland's Rugby World Cup squad.

from BBC Sport - Rugby Union http://ift.tt/1MoLcWr
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Lock Jones could miss Uruguay game http://ift.tt/1MoLcWr

Second row Alun Wyn Jones could miss Wales' World Cup opener against Uruguay due to a knee injury.

from BBC Sport - Rugby Union http://ift.tt/1MoLcWr
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World Cup fitness boost for Botha http://ift.tt/1MoLcWr

Exeter head coach Rob Baxter hopes Chrysander Botha can use the World Cup as a chance to return to full fitness.

from BBC Sport - Rugby Union http://ift.tt/1MoLcWr
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'Samson making brilliant progress' http://ift.tt/1MoLcWr

Wales coach Warren Gatland hints that prop Samson Lee is fit enough to be in the World Cup squad which is named on Monday.

from BBC Sport - Rugby Union http://ift.tt/1MoLcWr
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Schmidt faces tight Ireland calls http://ift.tt/1MoLcWr

Joe Schmidt says picking his Ireland World Cup squad will involve the "most difficult" decisions of his coaching career.

from BBC Sport - Rugby Union http://ift.tt/1MoLcWr
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Wales cap 'dream come true' - Francis http://ift.tt/1MoLcWr

Wales prop Tomas Francis admits his rapid rise to international rugby is like "a dream" after winning first cap in Ireland.

from BBC Sport - Rugby Union http://ift.tt/1MoLcWr
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Naholo named in All Blacks squad http://ift.tt/1MoLcWr

Winger Waisake Naholo is named in the New Zeland squad for the World Cup after recovering from a broken leg.

from BBC Sport - Rugby Union http://ift.tt/1MoLcWr
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Gatland praise for flanker Tipuric http://ift.tt/1MoLcWr

Wales coach Warren Gatland is impressed with open-side Justin Tipuric as he ponders his final World Cup squad selection.

from BBC Sport - Rugby Union http://ift.tt/1MoLcWr
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Schmidt positive about Earls fitness http://ift.tt/1MoLcWr

Ireland coach Joe Schmidt says that the initial news of Keith Earls is positive after he was carried off against Wales.

from BBC Sport - Rugby Union http://ift.tt/1MoLcWr
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Sprinklers spoil Olympic Stadium bow http://ift.tt/1MoLcWr

The first ever game of rugby at the Olympic Stadium - which will host five World Cup matches - is delayed when the sprinklers come on.

from BBC Sport - Rugby Union http://ift.tt/1MoLcWr
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Francis 'bitter' over school memory http://ift.tt/1MoLcWr

Wales World Cup hopeful Tomas Francis says he was unhappy at being overlooked as a rugby schoolboy in England.

from BBC Sport - Rugby Union http://ift.tt/1MoLcWr
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England players show Exeter's rise http://ift.tt/1MoLcWr

Three Exeter players made England's World Cup squad - another reminder of the Chiefs' rise under head coach Rob Baxter.

from BBC Sport - Rugby Union http://ift.tt/1MoLcWr
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VIDEO: Schmidt on his 'least desirable job' http://ift.tt/1MoLcWr

Ireland coach Joe Schmidt concedes that informing the members of his squad who will not be part of the 31-man group selected for the Rugby World Cup is "the least desirable part of my job".

from BBC Sport - Rugby Union http://ift.tt/1MoLcWr
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'Knock could end North's career' http://ift.tt/1MoLcWr

Coach Warren Gatland says safety is paramount as George North returns to win his 50th Wales cap after five months out.

from BBC Sport - Rugby Union http://ift.tt/1MoLcWr
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VIDEO: Lancaster explains World Cup picks http://ift.tt/1MoLcWr

England head coach Stuart Lancaster says "now is the time for the country to get behind the team" after selecting his squad for the 2015 Rugby World Cup, which starts next month.

from BBC Sport - Rugby Union http://ift.tt/1MoLcWr
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Baxter joy at Slade's England place http://ift.tt/1MoLcWr

Exeter boss Rob Baxter is pleased England's coaches have selected versatile centre Henry Slade for the World Cup.

from BBC Sport - Rugby Union http://ift.tt/1MoLcWr
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Ireland stars return for Wales clash http://ift.tt/1MoLcWr

Fly-half Jonny Sexton is among the key players returning to Ireland's team for Saturday's warm-up game against Wales.

from BBC Sport - Rugby Union http://ift.tt/1MoLcWr
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Burgess earns World Cup call-up http://ift.tt/1MoLcWr

Rugby league convert Sam Burgess is named in England's 31-man squad for the World Cup, which starts next month.

from BBC Sport - Rugby Union http://ift.tt/1MoLcWr
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Playmaker Lewis-Pratt joins Irish http://ift.tt/1MoLcWr

Former England sevens playmaker Christian Lewis-Pratt signs a short-term deal with London Irish.

from BBC Sport - Rugby Union http://ift.tt/1MoLcWr
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Hogg, Russell & Gray to face Italy http://ift.tt/1MoLcWr

Stuart Hogg, Finn Russell and Jonny Gray are among the big names to make their summer bow for Scotland against Italy

from BBC Sport - Rugby Union http://ift.tt/1MoLcWr
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Williams takes Neath ambassador role http://ift.tt/1MoLcWr

Wales wing great Shane Williams returns to former club Neath in an ambassadorial role but will also help with coaching and could even play.

from BBC Sport - Rugby Union http://ift.tt/1MoLcWr
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Weight of nation on North - Lomu http://ift.tt/1MoLcWr

New Zealand great Jonah Lomu says the weight of expectation will be on fellow wing George North when he returns to action for Wales.

from BBC Sport - Rugby Union http://ift.tt/1MoLcWr
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North set for Wales recall in Dublin http://ift.tt/1MoLcWr

George North is expected to play for the first time since March in Saturday's World Cup warm-up match in Ireland.

from BBC Sport - Rugby Union http://ift.tt/1MoLcWr
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Burgess set to win World Cup call-up http://ift.tt/1MoLcWr

Rugby league convert Sam Burgess is expected to be named in England's 31-man squad for the World Cup on Thursday.

from BBC Sport - Rugby Union http://ift.tt/1MoLcWr
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#mysportingfail http://ift.tt/1MoLcWr

After sporting failures at the World Athletics Championships, we asked the BBC Sportsday audience to share theirs.

from BBC Sport - Rugby Union http://ift.tt/1MoLcWr
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Exeter centre refused new visa http://ift.tt/1MoLcWr

Fijian centre Sireli Naqelevuki will not return to Exeter Chiefs next season after being refused a new visa.

from BBC Sport - Rugby Union http://ift.tt/1MoLcWr
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Cipriani left out of World Cup squad http://ift.tt/1MoLcWr

Fly-half Danny Cipriani will be left out of England's 31-man squad for the World Cup when it is announced on Thursday.

from BBC Sport - Rugby Union http://ift.tt/1MoLcWr
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Ospreys' Ardron to captain Canada http://ift.tt/1MoLcWr

Ospreys pair Tyler Ardron and Jeff Hassler named in Canada World Cup squad, along with Scarlets-bound winger DTH van der Merwe.

from BBC Sport - Rugby Union http://ift.tt/1MoLcWr
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All Blacks pair join BBC rugby team http://ift.tt/1MoLcWr

All Blacks legends Andrew Mehrtens and Justin Marshall join the BBC Radio 5 live team to provide expert analysis during the 2015 World Cup.

from BBC Sport - Rugby Union http://ift.tt/1MoLcWr
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Winger Lewington extends Irish stay http://ift.tt/1MoLcWr

London Irish winger Alex Lewington has signed a contract extension with the club ahead of the new season.

from BBC Sport - Rugby Union http://ift.tt/1MoLcWr
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Coventry settling in to Irish life http://ift.tt/1MoLcWr

New London Irish head coach Tom Coventry talks about settling in and preparing for his first Premiership season.

from BBC Sport - Rugby Union http://ift.tt/1MoLcWr
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Pirates aim for new stadium by 2017 http://ift.tt/1MoLcWr

Championship side Cornish Pirates are aiming to be playing in a new Stadium for Cornwall, in Truro, by August 2017.

from BBC Sport - Rugby Union http://ift.tt/1MoLcWr
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Clock ticking on Healy fitness bid http://ift.tt/1MoLcWr

Ireland defence coach Les Kiss concedes that time is running out for Cian Healy to prove his fitness ahead of the World Cup.

from BBC Sport - Rugby Union http://ift.tt/1MoLcWr
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VIDEO: World Cup wide open - Lomu http://ift.tt/1MoLcWr

All Blacks legend Jonah Lomu says previous form counts for nothing at World Cups and the 2015 competition is wide open.

from BBC Sport - Rugby Union http://ift.tt/1MoLcWr
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Hartley could return at World Cup http://ift.tt/1MoLcWr

Suspended England hooker Dylan Hartley could return to the squad during the World Cup, says coach Graham Rowntree.

from BBC Sport - Rugby Union http://ift.tt/1MoLcWr
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Laidlaw returns to lead Scotland http://ift.tt/1MoLcWr

Greig Laidlaw resumes the captaincy as Scotland make 15 changes to their squad for Saturday's game with Italy.

from BBC Sport - Rugby Union http://ift.tt/1MoLcWr
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Wales can reach final, says Davies http://ift.tt/1MoLcWr

Wales can win a World Cup pool that also includes hosts England and Australia and reach the final, says former wing Gerald Davies.

from BBC Sport - Rugby Union http://ift.tt/1MoLcWr
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Seven released from Scotland squad http://ift.tt/1MoLcWr

Dougie Fife and new cap Mike Cusack are among seven players dropping out of Scotland's World Cup squad.

from BBC Sport - Rugby Union http://ift.tt/1MoLcWr
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Walker in Wales contention - Tandy http://ift.tt/1MoLcWr

Ospreys head coach Steve Tandy says wing Eli Walker can win a place in Wales' final squad for the Rugby World Cup.

from BBC Sport - Rugby Union http://ift.tt/1MoLcWr
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Date set for naming England squad http://ift.tt/1MoLcWr

Head coach Stuart Lancaster will name the 31-man England squad for the Rugby World Cup on Thursday, 27 August at 13:45 BST.

from BBC Sport - Rugby Union http://ift.tt/1MoLcWr
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Worcester get Bristol's Mama on loan http://ift.tt/1MoLcWr

Worcester Warriors sign flanker Marco Mama from last term's promotion rivals Bristol on a season's loan.

from BBC Sport - Rugby Union http://ift.tt/1MoLcWr
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England loss 'no true reflection' http://ift.tt/1MoLcWr

England's 25-20 defeat by France will not damage their World Cup chances, says former Wales captain Ryan Jones.

from BBC Sport - Rugby Union http://ift.tt/1MoLcWr
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Cotter pleased, but work to be done http://ift.tt/1MoLcWr

Vern Cotter is pleased by Scotland's first win of 2015, but admits there remains plenty of room for improvement.

from BBC Sport - Rugby Union http://ift.tt/1MoLcWr
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Trinh-Duc left out of France squad http://ift.tt/1MoLcWr

Francois Trinh-Duc will miss the World Cup as France coach Philippe Saint-Andre prefers Frederic Michalak in his squad.

from BBC Sport - Rugby Union http://ift.tt/1MoLcWr
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VIDEO: Lancaster admits to selection headaches http://ift.tt/1MoLcWr

England head coach Stuart Lancaster describes his side's late fightback in their 25-20 defeat against France as "too little, too late", and admits there are "possible question marks" over his final World Cup squad.

from BBC Sport - Rugby Union http://ift.tt/1MoLcWr
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Robshaw rues 'shocking' discipline http://ift.tt/1MoLcWr

Captain Chris Robshaw blames England's 'shocking' first-half discipline for their 25-20 defeat by France in Paris.

from BBC Sport - Rugby Union http://ift.tt/1MoLcWr
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VIDEO: Leinster edge out Ulster in friendly http://ift.tt/1MoLcWr

Match highlights as Leinster fight back from 14-5 down at half-time to beat Ulster 24-21 in Friday's pre-season friendly.

from BBC Sport - Rugby Union http://ift.tt/1MoLcWr
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It is not a competition yet - Cotter http://ift.tt/1MoLcWr

Head coach Vern Cotter wants to see cohesion from Scotland as he tinkers with the team ahead of World Cup selection.

from BBC Sport - Rugby Union http://ift.tt/1MoLcWr
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Hughes' roots steel him for Test bow http://ift.tt/1MoLcWr

New Scotland wing Rory Hughes has quite a back story but it's his future that fascinates, writes Tom English.

from BBC Sport - Rugby Union http://ift.tt/1MoLcWr
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Burrell can solve 'centre dilemma' http://ift.tt/1MoLcWr

Assistant coach Mike Catt wants a strong performance from Luther Burrell against France to solve England's "centre dilemma".

from BBC Sport - Rugby Union http://ift.tt/1MoLcWr
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Ex-All Black player appears in court http://ift.tt/1MoLcWr

A former New Zealand rugby player appears at Cardiff Magistrates' Court charged with sexual assault.

from BBC Sport - Rugby Union http://ift.tt/1MoLcWr
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Fiji omit Bai from World Cup squad http://ift.tt/1MoLcWr

Five British-based players are in Fiji's 31-man Rugby World Cup squad but there is no place for Leicester Tigers centre Seremaia Bai.

from BBC Sport - Rugby Union http://ift.tt/1MoLcWr
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North concussion stressful - James http://ift.tt/1MoLcWr

Watching George North dealing with the effects of concussion was a stressful experience says his partner, cyclist Becky James.

from BBC Sport - Rugby Union http://ift.tt/1MoLcWr
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VIDEO: Hampson plans hangar rehab centre http://ift.tt/1MoLcWr

Former England youth international Matt Hampson tells BBC East Midlands Today about his plans to convert a disused aircraft hangar into an injury rehabilitation centre.

from BBC Sport - Rugby Union http://ift.tt/1MoLcWr
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Bristol can cope with Jones loss http://ift.tt/1MoLcWr

Bristol director of rugby Andy Robinson says the Championship club can cope with the loss of forward Ryan Jones.

from BBC Sport - Rugby Union http://ift.tt/1MoLcWr
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Reaction to Ryan Jones' retirement http://ift.tt/1MoLcWr

Former team-mates and coaches pay tribute to former Wales captain Ryan Jones, who has retired on medical advice.

from BBC Sport - Rugby Union http://ift.tt/1MoLcWr
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Horwill left out of Australia squad http://ift.tt/1MoLcWr

Australia coach Michael Cheika omits former captain James Horwill from their 31-man squad for the Rugby World Cup.

from BBC Sport - Rugby Union http://ift.tt/1MoLcWr
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VIDEO: First Scotland start thrills Hughes http://ift.tt/1MoLcWr

Scotland winger Rory Hughes tells BBC Scotland's Jane Lewis his "heart stopped" when he heard he was starting against Italy.

from BBC Sport - Rugby Union http://ift.tt/1MoLcWr
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Strong French side for England game http://ift.tt/1MoLcWr

France make 12 changes as they name strong team to face England in Saturday's World Cup warm-up in Paris.

from BBC Sport - Rugby Union http://ift.tt/1MoLcWr
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I'm under no pressure - Burrell http://ift.tt/1MoLcWr

England centre and World Cup hopeful Luther Burrell says he does not feel any extra pressure to perform against France.

from BBC Sport - Rugby Union http://ift.tt/1MoLcWr
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Trio to make Scots debuts in Turin http://ift.tt/1MoLcWr

Head coach Vern Cotter makes 11 changes to the Scotland team that lost in Dublin for Saturday's Test in Italy.

from BBC Sport - Rugby Union http://ift.tt/1MoLcWr
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Can Wales survive the toughest pool? http://ift.tt/1MoLcWr

With Wales kicking off their Rugby World Cup campaign in a month, we cast an eye over the five teams contesting Pool A.

from BBC Sport - Rugby Union http://ift.tt/1MoLcWr
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Hibbard omission 'shocks' Williams http://ift.tt/1MoLcWr

Former Wales wing Shane Williams is surprised that hooker Richard Hibbard has been dropped by Wales.

from BBC Sport - Rugby Union http://ift.tt/1MoLcWr
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Former Wales captain Jones to retire http://ift.tt/1MoLcWr

Ryan Jones, who won 75 caps for Wales, is set to announce his retirement because of a shoulder injury.

from BBC Sport - Rugby Union http://ift.tt/1MoLcWr
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All Black chases alleged shoplifter http://ift.tt/1MoLcWr

Three rugby players, including a New Zealand international, chased and apprehended an alleged shoplifter in Napier.

from BBC Sport - Rugby Union http://ift.tt/1MoLcWr
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Tigers keen to keep wing Camacho http://ift.tt/1MoLcWr

Wing Gonzalo Camacho will return to Leicester Tigers this week, with the club hopeful he can prove his fitness.

from BBC Sport - Rugby Union http://ift.tt/1MoLcWr
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Harlequins appoint Care as captain http://ift.tt/1MoLcWr

Harlequins appoint England scrum-half Danny Care as their new captain, replacing international team-mate Joe Marler.

from BBC Sport - Rugby Union http://ift.tt/1MoLcWr
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Cullen appointed as Leinster coach http://ift.tt/1MoLcWr

Three-times Heineken Cup-winning captain Leo Cullen is named new Leinster coach to succeed Matt O'Connor.

from BBC Sport - Rugby Union http://ift.tt/1MoLcWr
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Bristol winger Lemi out for 12 weeks http://ift.tt/1MoLcWr

Bristol winger David Lemi is ruled out for 12 weeks with a neck injury and will miss the start of the Championship season.

from BBC Sport - Rugby Union http://ift.tt/1MoLcWr
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Faletau 'very happy' at Dragons http://ift.tt/1MoLcWr

Dragons head coach Kingsley Jones expects Taulupe Faletau to be playing for them this season despite being linked with Bath.

from BBC Sport - Rugby Union http://ift.tt/1MoLcWr
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Phillips retains World Cup hope http://ift.tt/1MoLcWr

Scrum-half Mike Phillips says he hopes to play for Wales again despite being dropped from the World Cup squad.

from BBC Sport - Rugby Union http://ift.tt/1MoLcWr
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Wales driven by 2011 woe - Halfpenny http://ift.tt/1MoLcWr

Full-back Leigh Halfpenny says Wales are being driven on to World Cup success by the pain of losing in the semi-final four years ago.

from BBC Sport - Rugby Union http://ift.tt/1MoLcWr
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Strong England side named for France http://ift.tt/1MoLcWr

Mike Brown will play for the first time since March as England play the second of their World Cup warm-up games against France.

from BBC Sport - Rugby Union http://ift.tt/1MoLcWr
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World Rugby to review residency rule http://ift.tt/1MoLcWr

The head of World Rugby confirms a rule allowing players to switch international allegiance is being reviewed.

from BBC Sport - Rugby Union http://ift.tt/1MoLcWr
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Flanker Croft training with England http://ift.tt/1MoLcWr

Leicester flanker Tom Croft, who has been out of action since March because of injury, has been training with England.

from BBC Sport - Rugby Union http://ift.tt/1MoLcWr
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Gilchrist captains Scots in Italy http://ift.tt/1MoLcWr

Grant Gilchrist will captain Scotland in their second World Cup warm-up match against Italy in Turin on Saturday.

from BBC Sport - Rugby Union http://ift.tt/1MoLcWr
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Warburton pleased by Wales' fitness http://ift.tt/1MoLcWr

With one month to go before the tournament kicks-off, captain Sam Warburton says Wales' World Cup squad are fitter than in 2011.

from BBC Sport - Rugby Union http://ift.tt/1MoLcWr
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Hawk-Eye to be used at World Cup http://ift.tt/1MoLcWr

Television referees and medics will use Hawk-Eye technology to help them make decisions at the Rugby World Cup.

from BBC Sport - Rugby Union http://ift.tt/1MoLcWr
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McAndrew given Edinburgh chance http://ift.tt/1MoLcWr

Melrose and Scotland Under-20 scrum-half Murdo McAndrew is handed a four-month trial by Edinburgh.

from BBC Sport - Rugby Union http://ift.tt/1MoLcWr
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Ireland have no fresh injury worries http://ift.tt/1MoLcWr

Ireland report no fresh injury concerns after their 28-22 World Cup warm-up win over Scotland at the Aviva Stadium.

from BBC Sport - Rugby Union http://ift.tt/1MoLcWr
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Burgess & Slade impress Lancaster http://ift.tt/1MoLcWr

England coach Stuart Lancaster says Sam Burgess and Henry Slade are putting pressure on their rivals for a World Cup spot.

from BBC Sport - Rugby Union http://ift.tt/1MoLcWr
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No broken ankle for Scotland's Grant http://ift.tt/1MoLcWr

Scotland prop Ryan Grant's ankle is not fractured, but further tests will determine the extent of the injury.

from BBC Sport - Rugby Union http://ift.tt/1MoLcWr
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Pubs in World Cup early closing fear http://ift.tt/1MoLcWr

Twickenham businesses criticise police closure of pubs and bars on the night of a Rugby World Cup warm-up match.

from BBC Sport - Rugby Union http://ift.tt/1MoLcWr
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White thrilled to make Ireland debut http://ift.tt/1MoLcWr

Nathan White achieves the Ireland debut he feared was destined never to happen after coming on against Scotland.

from BBC Sport - Rugby Union http://ift.tt/1MoLcWr
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VIDEO: Madigan's mixed feelings after Irish win http://ift.tt/1MoLcWr

Ian Madigan says that Ireland could take plenty of positives from Saturday's 28-22 World Cup warm-up win over Scotland but that the concession of three tries had been disappointing.

from BBC Sport - Rugby Union http://ift.tt/1MoLcWr
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Burgess 'did enough' to make squad http://ift.tt/1MoLcWr

Bath coach Mike Ford backs centre Sam Burgess to play for England at the World Cup, but ex-scrum-half Matt Dawson thinks the opposite.

from BBC Sport - Rugby Union http://ift.tt/1MoLcWr
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VIDEO: Will Burgess make World Cup squad? http://ift.tt/1MoLcWr

Jeremy Guscott analyses Sam Burgess' performance in England's win over France in their World Cup warm-up game at Twickenham.

from BBC Sport - Rugby Union http://ift.tt/1MoLcWr
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VIDEO: Guscott's England World Cup picks http://ift.tt/1MoLcWr

Jeremy Guscott tells John Inverdale who he would pick in his ideal England World Cup squad.

from BBC Sport - Rugby Union http://ift.tt/1MoLcWr
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Burgess & Slade 'not centre rivals' http://ift.tt/1MoLcWr

England boss Stuart Lancaster insists Henry Slade and Sam Burgess are not battling each other for a World Cup spot.

from BBC Sport - Rugby Union http://ift.tt/1MoLcWr
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VIDEO: 'I know you - you're Leigh Halfpenny' http://ift.tt/1MoLcWr

Wales star Leigh Halfpenny surprises eight-year-old by telling him he has been picked to be a Rugby World Cup mascot.

from BBC Sport - Rugby Union http://ift.tt/1MoLcWr
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Injury scare for Scotland's Grant http://ift.tt/1MoLcWr

Scotland prop Ryan Grant is a World Cup doubt after injuring an ankle during Saturday's 28-22 loss to Ireland.

from BBC Sport - Rugby Union http://ift.tt/1MoLcWr
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No Wales Cup spot safe - Halfpenny http://ift.tt/1MoLcWr

After Richard Hibbard, James Hook and Mike Phillips' omissions, full-back Leigh Halfpenny says no Wales spots are safe.

from BBC Sport - Rugby Union http://ift.tt/1MoLcWr
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McCaw sets record as All Blacks win http://ift.tt/1MoLcWr

Richie McCaw becomes the most capped player in Test history as New Zealand beat Australia to the Bledisloe Cup.

from BBC Sport - Rugby Union http://ift.tt/1MoLcWr
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JJ backs Cuthbert for Wales Cup spot http://ift.tt/1MoLcWr

Alex Cuthbert should remain part of Wales' 2015 World Cup plans, says legendary wing predecessor JJ Williams.

from BBC Sport - Rugby Union http://ift.tt/1MoLcWr
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Scots must take chance to impress http://ift.tt/1MoLcWr

Players in an experimental Scotland side are competing with each other for World Cup places, writes Mike Blair.

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VIDEO: Pellegrini not looking to replace Dzeko http://ift.tt/1MoLcWr

Manchester City boss Manuel Pellegrini says he is not in the market for a new striker, despite Edin Dzeko having left the club for Roma this week.

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Burgess has big-game nerve - Farrell http://ift.tt/1MoLcWr

England backs coach Andy Farrell says new cap Sam Burgess's big-match experience will ensure he prospers against France.

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Champions Toulon start against Bath http://ift.tt/1MoLcWr

Toulon start their bid for a fourth consecutive European title against Premiership runners-up Bath on 14 November.

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Who is new Scotland skipper Pyrgos? http://ift.tt/1MoLcWr

Jamie Lyall delves into the past of Scotland captain Henry Pyrgos to chart his rise and uncover what makes him tick.

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Stubborn Gatland won't call - Jones http://ift.tt/1MoLcWr

Ex-Wales prop Adam Jones does not expect coach Warren Gatland to ask him to return to the international fold.

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Coach Cotter has much to ponder http://ift.tt/1MoLcWr

Tom English highlights the choices facing Scotland head coach Vern Cotter in the run up to the World Cup.

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The team player who now stands alone http://ift.tt/1MoLcWr

In the ultimate team game, the ultimate team player is set to make history. Fellow New Zealand greats open up about Richie McCaw.

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Tigers youngsters will 'step up' http://ift.tt/1MoLcWr

Leicester Tigers boss Richard Cockerill says the club's youngsters must "step-up" at the start of the season.

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Bold Gatland puts careers on trial http://ift.tt/1MoLcWr

Former Wales captain Colin Charvis considers the futures of Richard Hibbard, James Hook and Mike Phillips after they are cut from the World Cup squad.

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Falcons sign ex-England lock Botha http://ift.tt/1MoLcWr

Premiership side Newcastle Falcons sign former England second-row Mouritz Botha on a three-year deal.

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Revitalised May relishing recall http://ift.tt/1MoLcWr

England wing Jonny May says being dropped during the Six Nations has spurred him on to make an impact ahead of the World Cup.

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Ireland handed Trimble fitness boost http://ift.tt/1MoLcWr

Ireland winger Andrew Trimble will be fit for the World Cup after a "positive" second scan on his injured foot.

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Irish give Conan debut for warm-up http://ift.tt/1MoLcWr

Leinster flanker Jack Conan will make his senior Ireland debut in Saturday's World Cup warm-up game against Scotland in Dublin.

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Andrew says rugby has changed http://ift.tt/1MoLcWr

Ex-England fly-half Rob Andrew says rugby has become safer and more accessible in the last two decades.

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Wales drop Phillips, Hook and Hibbard http://ift.tt/1MoLcWr

Wales have dropped Lions Mike Phillips, James Hook and Richard Hibbard from their 2015 World Cup training squad.

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Blake starts for Scotland in Dublin http://ift.tt/1MoLcWr

Back-row Hugh Blake will make his Scotland debut in Saturday's World Cup warm-up match against Ireland.

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VIDEO: Welsh rugby's love of train travel http://ift.tt/1MoLcWr

Train travel may be unusual for modern sport stars but, in the 1960s it was a matter of course for the Welsh rugby team.

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Shane Williams turns down Merthyr http://ift.tt/1MoLcWr

Ambitious Welsh Championship club Merthyr RFC fail in a bid to sign Wales wing great Shane Williams.

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Scotland need a result, says Grant http://ift.tt/1MoLcWr

Fit-again Scotland loosehead prop Ryan Grant says progress under coach Vern Cotter must now be capped with victories.

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SA boss 'does not look at colour' http://ift.tt/1MoLcWr

Heyneke Meyer says his South Africa team are behind him, despite accusations he is not picking enough black players.

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New-look Australia impress Rowntree http://ift.tt/1MoLcWr

Australia's recent performances have "raised the bar" for their World Cup rivals, says England forwards coach Graham Rowntree.

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Cotter extends Scotland contract http://ift.tt/1MoLcWr

Vern Cotter agrees a one-year extension as Scotland head coach, with the New Zealander contracted until 2017.

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Samoa first to name World Cup squad http://ift.tt/1MoLcWr

London Irish's Ofisa Treviranus will captain Scotland's Pool B rivals Samoa as they name their World Cup squad.

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Break 'good' for North - Warburton http://ift.tt/1MoLcWr

Wales captain Sam Warburton believes wing George North will return revitalised after his five months out with concussion.

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Wales trio miss World Cup training http://ift.tt/1MoLcWr

Wales full-back Leigh Halfpenny, scrum-half Mike Phillips and wing Alex Cuthbert miss training after suffering "bumps".

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Herring & Reid out of Ireland squad http://ift.tt/1MoLcWr

Ulster hooker Rob Herring and Leinster centre Noel Reid drop out of Ireland's World Cup training squad.

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Scotland captaincy no shock - Pyrgos http://ift.tt/1MoLcWr

Glasgow Warriors scrum-half Henry Pyrgos says he was not surprised to be named captain for Scotland's match against Ireland.

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Pyrgos captains Scots against Irish http://ift.tt/1MoLcWr

Glasgow Warriors scrum-half Henry Pyrgos is named Scotland captain for the World Cup warm-up match against Ireland.

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Hook and Phillips face 'the end' http://ift.tt/1MoLcWr

Mike Phillips and James Hook may have played their last game for Wales, says former team-mate Dafydd James.

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Crunch time for England hopefuls http://ift.tt/1MoLcWr

With England set to cut eight men before the World Cup, Saturday may be the last chance for players to stake their claim.

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Burgess is handed England debut http://ift.tt/1MoLcWr

Sam Burgess will make his England debut when Stuart Lancaster's side host France in a World Cup warm-up at Twickenham on Saturday.

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VIDEO: England 'positive' for warm-up games http://ift.tt/1MoLcWr

Stuart Lancaster says England head into their World Cup warm-up matches "with a positive mindset".

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Ireland's O'Donnell out of World Cup http://ift.tt/1MoLcWr

Ireland's Tommy O'Donnell will miss the World Cup after suffering a dislocated hip in Saturday's win over Wales.

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South African De Villiers breaks jaw http://ift.tt/1MoLcWr

South Africa captain Jean de Villiers fractures his jaw only weeks after returning from a serious knee injury.

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Gatland unsure of six Wales places http://ift.tt/1MoLcWr

Wales coach Warren Gatland says there are six spots up for grabs in the final World Cup squad after his side lose to Ireland.

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Pumas secure historic win in Durban http://ift.tt/1MoLcWr

Argentina beat South Africa for first time in their history in the final match of the Rugby Championship.

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VIDEO: Dominant Ireland deny Wales http://ift.tt/1MoLcWr

Ireland had a dream start to their World Cup preparations as they scored five tries in an impressive 21-35 win over Wales at the Millennium Stadium.

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O'Donnell injured in Ireland win http://ift.tt/1MoLcWr

Tommy O'Donnell's hopes of playing for Ireland at the World Cup may be in doubt after he is injured in the win over Wales.

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VIDEO: Earls scores after huge Trimble hit http://ift.tt/1MoLcWr

Keith earls scores for Ireland to put them 22-0 ahead of Wales in their World Cup warm up match at the Millennium Stadium.

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VIDEO: Heaslip try puts Ireland in front http://ift.tt/1MoLcWr

Jamie Heaslip walks in a simple try to give Ireland the lead over Wales in their World Cup warm-up match.

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Australia win Rugby Championship http://ift.tt/1MoLcWr

A stunning second-half performance sees Australia beat New Zealand 27-19 to claim the Rugby Championship in Sydney.

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Walker set to fulfil Wales ambition http://ift.tt/1MoLcWr

Ospreys wing Eli Walker set to fulfil his ambition of playing for Wales nearly two years after first being selected.

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Ashton among seven cut by England http://ift.tt/1MoLcWr

Winger Chris Ashton is one of seven players who have been cut from England's pre-World Cup training squad.

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Preview & key stats: Wales v Ireland (Sat) http://ift.tt/1MoLcWr

Team news, match preview and statistics for Saturday's World Cup warm-up match between Wales and Ireland at the Millennium Stadium.

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Tigers director plans investment http://ift.tt/1MoLcWr

Leicester director Tom Scott offers to buy more shares in the club, in a move which could raise over £5m for the Tigers.

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Faletau needs higher level - Charvis http://ift.tt/1MoLcWr

Dragons star Taulupe Faletau's proposed move to Bath could benefit Wales in the long run, says ex-Wales captain Colin Charvis.

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Hook, Phillips and new faces excite Charvis http://ift.tt/1MoLcWr

In his Scrum V column, ex-captain Colin Charvis gives his opinion on Wales' XV to face Ireland and talks about Taulupe Faletau's future.

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Fit-again Trimble back for Ireland http://ift.tt/1MoLcWr

Andrew Trimble will play his first Ireland game in over a year in Saturday's World Cup warm-up match against Wales.

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Tonks targets Scotland fly-half role http://ift.tt/1MoLcWr

Edinburgh back Greig Tonks has his sights trained on nailing down Scotland's number 10 jersey at the Rugby World Cup.

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VIDEO: Gatland's stadium roof banter http://ift.tt/1MoLcWr

Wales coach Warren Gatland reveals his Millennium Stadium roof banter with his Ireland counterpart Joe Schmidt.

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Munster sign Australia lock Chisholm http://ift.tt/1MoLcWr

Irish province Munster sign 58-times capped Australian second row Mark Chisholm on a two-year contract.

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VIDEO: Burgess: Position change not difficult http://ift.tt/1MoLcWr

Sam Burgess says changing positions between club and country duties is "not difficult at all".

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Gatland and Schmidt discuss teams http://ift.tt/1MoLcWr

Wales coach Warren Gatland reveals he and Ireland counterpart Joe Schmidt discussed team selection before Saturday's World Cup warm-up.

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Hook 'shocked' by Wales selection http://ift.tt/1MoLcWr

James Hook says he is "shocked but thrilled" after being selected at fly-half for Wales' World Cup warm-up against Ireland.

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Burgess happy with centre spot fight http://ift.tt/1MoLcWr

Sam Burgess says he has no concerns about competing for a World Cup place in the midfield, despite switching to the back-row for Bath.

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Olympic odysseys: Five global stories http://ift.tt/1MoLcWr

One year out from Rio, five compelling Olympic stories - including the Fijian who played rugby on a roundabout.

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VIDEO: Cipriani & Burgess 'must earn places' http://ift.tt/1MoLcWr

Stuart Lancaster says Danny Cipriani and Sam Burgess will receive no favours when it comes to earning places in England's World Cup squad.

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Rugby stars issue pub apology http://ift.tt/1MoLcWr

A pub receives an apology after claims Northampton Saints rugby players smashed glasses, intimidated staff and urinated in a garden on a night out.

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Moriarty set to make Wales debut http://ift.tt/1MoLcWr

Ross Moriarty, Tyler Morgan, Eli Walker and Dominic Day will win their first Wales caps in Saturday's World Cup warm-up match against Ireland.

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Phillips vying for World Cup spot http://ift.tt/1MoLcWr

Wales scrum-half Mike Phillips says he must impress in the World Cup warm-up match against Ireland to keep his place in the squad.

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Bailed Cipriani can play in World Cup http://ift.tt/1MoLcWr

England's Danny Cipriani will be available for the World Cup after being re-bailed following his arrest on suspicion of drink-driving.

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North set to sit out Wales warm-up http://ift.tt/1MoLcWr

George North is unlikely to play in Wales' first World Cup warm-up with Ireland on Saturday but may return in Dublin on 29 August.

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Exeter 'inspired' by play-off miss http://ift.tt/1MoLcWr

Exeter boss Rob Baxter says his squad have been "inspired" by narrowly missing out on last season's Premiership play-offs.

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Injured James out of Wales squad http://ift.tt/1MoLcWr

Cardiff Blues wing Tom James is released from Wales' World Cup training squad because of a foot injury.

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