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Springbok Bismarck du Plessis sees his side as the Usain Bolt of the World Cup, after the renowned sprinter bounced back from injury.

All Blacks coach Steve Hansen has named a full-strength team for their opening World Cup game against Argentina on Sunday.

Chris Wyles will captain the United States of America when they go head-to-head with Samoa on Sunday at the Brighton Community Stadium.

FEATURE: Jaco Peyper will referee the opening match of World Cup 2015 and he will do so with a special coin and a special whistle.

NEWS: Samoa coach Stephen Betham is not short of any household names in his side named to take on USA in Brighton on Sunday.

Paul Dobson tells us what we can expect from the World Cup encounter between South Africa and Japan, in Brighton on Saturday.

Both France and Italy go into their World Cup opener at Twickenham on Saturday with key players missing and their coaches under pressure.

Legendary Irish lock Paul O'Connell knows what it is like to be humiliated at a World Cup and he does not want it to happen again at his last World Cup.

Ireland will look to transfer their Six Nations form onto the World stage when they take on Canada in their opening Pool D match.

Argentina have become a pain in the neck literally for burly All Blacks props Owen and Ben Franks as the length of time scrums are formed has doubled.

It is tough to imagine that the big north-south derby has become a sideshow, despite being a crucial match for both teams.

The wait is almost over. As they say in the classics: LET THE GAMES BEGIN! We look at the World Cup's opening match.

EXCLUSIVE: World Cup winner Rob Brink takes a look at South Africa's prospects at the World Cup, which gets underway on Friday.

NEWS: Japan have rung the changes and announced the eldest side in their Test history for their opening World Cup match.

EXCLUSIVE: Michael de Vries and Jan de Koning talk World Cup, with 1995 legend James Small as their special guest.

Tonga and Georgia will both want to start their World Cup campaigns on a winning note when they face-off in Gloucester on Saturday.

EKSKLUSIEF: Jan de Koning en Tauriq Ebrahim praat oor die Wêreldbeker-toernooi wat Vrydag afskop, en bring ook Kobus Wiese se mening.

NEWS: Star centre Wesley Fofana will miss France's World Cup opener against European rivals Italy at Twickenham on Saturday.

Georgia will field the youngest player in World Cup history when scrumhalf Vasil Lobzhanidze starts Saturday's match against Tonga.

NEWS: Tonga's stating XV shows six changes for their opening World Cup pool match against Georgia in Gloucester on Saturday.

NEWS: Veteran lock Jamie Cudmore will captain the oldest starting XV in Canada's World Cup history.

Italy head coach Jacques Brunel has named his team for the Pool D match against France at Twickenham Stadium on Saturday.

NEWS: Ireland coach Joe Schmidt is taking nothing for granted in the World Cup Pool D opener against Canada.

FEATURE: We look at the number of brothers playing together in the World Cup, which gets underway at Twickenham on Friday.

A dozen referees have been appointed to referee at the 2015 Rugby World Cup, hosted by England. There have been more at times.

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Will Genia was a peripheral figure during Australia's World Cup preparation, but he will have strong ambitions of forcing his way into the starting XV.

Hooker Franco Marais will start in the only change to the Sharks starting XV to face the Golden Lions at Ellis Park on Saturday.

NEWS: Lions head coach Johan Ackermann has rotated half his pack for the Currie Cup clash against the Sharks at Ellis Park on Saturday.

For South Africa it was a return to glory. For New Zealand there was weeping and gnashing of teeth.

England, Australia and Wales will battle for a route to the World Cup quarter finals from probably the toughest first round pool ever drawn in the tournament's history. 

Pumas coach MJ Mentz has made some late enforced changes to his team for their match against the Eastern Province Kings in Nelspruit on Friday.

Japan will have to stand tall against a much bigger, and more physical South African team in their opening World Cup match on Saturday.

Newcastle Falcons have confirmed that Uili Kolo’ofai has left the club by mutual agreement between the two parties.

Four French World Cup players underwent doping tests on Wednesday, three days ahead of their first match of the tournament, a member of the French staff said.

Most international flyhalves like to have their kicking coaches alongside them but Italy's Tommaso Allan prefers to keep his anonymous and at a distance.

The wait is over, Chris Robshaw leads hosts England out at Twickenham on Friday to play Fiji and kick off the  World Cup that promises six weeks of thrills.

Rugby chiefs live in perpetual fear of another serious injury overshadowing the World Cup and the tournament format may have to be changed to rest players.

INTERVIEW: Japan-based scrumhalf Fourie du Preez is key to South Africa's chances of success at the World Cup.

INTERVIEW: Argentina know the odds are stacked against them when they face New Zealand in their opening World Cup encounter on Sunday.

Eighteen-year-old scrumhalf Vasil Lobzhanidze will become the youngest World Cup player in history if he gets a place in Georgia's team to play Tonga on Saturday.

INTERVIEW: The World Cup is a "beast" but New Zealand are capable of becoming the first team to win back-to-back titles.

INTERVIEW: England scrumhalf Ben Youngs said his side were ready for a journey into the "unknown" against opening World Cup opponents Fiji.

INTERVIEW: Wales will have their defensive work cut out in a tough Pool A that includes fellow top 10-ranked teams England, Australia and Fiji.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: World Cup referees will send players who dive or feign injury to the sin-bin in a bid to stop a "football culture" taking over the game.

INTERVIEW: Italy coach Jacques Brunel has failed to build a team mentality for the World Cup because he does not communicate with players.

NEWS: Loose forward RJ Liebenberg has recovered  sufficiently from a rib injury to be named in the Griquas team this week.

Fiji at their best can cause World Cup hosts England a lot of problems in the showpiece opener at Twickenham, coach John McKee said.

REACTION: The All Blacks refused to be provoked by a mocking haka led by former England scrumhalf Matt Dawson.

EXCLUSIVE: rugby365 cartoonist Matthew Ackermann asks which country's President will be congratulating his captain this year.

Eastern Province Kings coach Brent Janse van Rensburg has made only one change to the team to play the Pumas in a Currie Cup match in Nelspruit on Friday.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: There is a long history of school teachers becoming great coaches and the upcoming World Cup may well go some way.

NEWS: Blue Bulls coach Nollis Marais has kept his promise and made some "tough calls" ahead of the big north-south derby.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: If anyone can get Japan to punch above their weight at the World Cup, it's Eddie Jones.

Opinion: Springbok coach Heyneke Meyer needs to use the pool phase of the World Cup to settle on his best team for the quarterfinal.

NEWS: The most experienced Springbok side ever will face Japan in their World Cup opener in Brighton on Saturday.

Rugby World has set out a Law Clarification, the seventh this year.

"It builds coronaries for coaches but it also builds character," was Ireland coach Joe Schmidt's summation of the crazy final day climax to the Six Nations.

Wales go into the World Cup with just two established hookers, Scott Baldwin and Ken Owens, but versatile prop Aaron Jarvis says he is ready to step in should the call come.

Former All Black wild man Zac Guildford on Wednesday joined the Waratahs for the 2016 Super Rugby season, the New South Wales club confirmed.

EXCLUSIVE: rugby365's acclaimed writer Paul Dobson continues his quest as he reveals where the name of the game, rugby, comes from.

The year 2003 will forever be edged in the minds of South Africans for the wrong reasons.

Francois de Klerk will play in his 50th match in a Pumas jersey as they hope to end a two-game losing run, when they face Eastern Province Kings on Friday.

The Wallabies have a smile back on their faces after coach Michael Cheika turned them into a winning team, playing an attractive brand.

Wales coach Warren Gatland believes that this will be the closest World Cup ever, and he will be hoping to take his team all the way to the Final.

There is no alternative to Japan as hosts of the 2019 World Cup, World Rugby president Bernard Lapasset said Tuesday.

The All Blacks are expecting a bruising encounter when they meet the extremely physical Pumas in their opening World Cup match on Sunday.

EXCLUSIVE: AussieBoer, in his latest contribution to rugby365, asks if South Africa have enough world-class players to win the World Cup.

WP coach John Dobson has not tampered too much with his team - Mbongeni Mbonambi starts at hooker, with Siyabonga Ntubeni moving to the bench.

Springbok prop Trevor Nyakane says he would prefer to play at loosehead in the World Cup, but will perform any role that is asked of him.

Ospreys are still without a win two games into the new Pro12 season and captain Lloyd Ashley is notably frustrated.

Japan coach Eddie Jones is a bigger cause for concern for the Springboks than what the weather will be like in Brighton.

Wales international Jonathan Thomas has been forced to retire at the age of 32, after being diagnosed with Epilepsy last year.

Rising young versatile forward Ross Haylett-Petty, will remain with the Western Force after re-signing for a further two seasons.

The World Cup starts this week when Jaco Peyper blows his whistle.

NEWS: Eastern Province Kings centre JP du Plessis will receive no sanction for his red card offense against the Cheetahs last Friday.

France captain Thierry Dusautoir is such an inspiration to his team that if Italy prevent him from playing his game they have a chance of winning their France clash on Saturday. 

All players and team officials at the World Cup will have to sign up to an anti-corruption and betting education programme, World Rugby has announced.

Bok Skipper Jean de Villiers and Schalk Burger defied massive odds to be part of the Springboks squad for the World Cup which kicks off Friday in England.

Fiji have stepped up the psychological pressure on England, sending out the message they expect to inflict a humiliating defeat for the World Cup hosts on Friday.

INTERVIEW: Fiji pose a real threat to England in the opening match of this year's World Cup warned the hosts coach Stuart Lancaster.

NEWS: Western Province flyhalf Kurt Coleman will not be available for selection this week once again.

INTERVIEW: Fiji are looking for a boilover victory in the World Cup opener against England on Friday.

Wales suffered a further injury blow ahead of the World Cup, with Eli Walker ruled out just days after he was rushed into the side as a replacement.

INTERVIEW: In a team with three world-class flyhalves there is simply no room for egos.

Jan de Koning chatted to Tim Whitehead about the Eastern Province Kings and Southern Kings' financial crisis and his decision to head for the exit door.

NEWS: Blue Bulls coach Nollis Marais will have all his regular squad members fit and ready for selection for the big north-south derby.

Ben Youngs will win his 50th cap when England kick off the World Cup against Fiji at Twickenham Stadium on Friday.

France must be wary of the threat of their opening World Cup opponents Italy warned french scrumhalf Morgan Parra on Monday.

Ireland's Cian Healy was cleared to play in the World Cup, following neck surgery that threatened to keep him out of the tournament.

Glasgow hooker Kevin Bryce has replaced Stuart McInally in Scotland's World Cup squad - the Scottish Rugby Union announced on Monday.

Anthony Watson has the ability to light up World Cup like his boyhood inspiration Jason Robinson, but first he has to tame the "Fijian Lomu".

Join us in the rugby365 World Cup prediction Pool. See if you can beat our staff on the global stage!

The World Cup evokes a variety of responses from New Zealanders, but loose forward Victor Vito believes not being complacent is the key to victory.

EXCLUSIVE: This is Part Two in which rugby365's acclaimed writer and renowned historian Paul Dobson looks at the man behind the name of the Webb Ellis Cup.

EXCLUSIVE: rugby365's acclaimed writer and renowned historian Paul Dobson looks at the man behind the name of the Webb Ellis Cup.

Beleaguered Pumas coach MJ Mentz will expect his team to put in a monumental performance against the Eastern Province Kings in Nelspruit.

Sharks boss Gary Gold highlighted a 10- to 13-minute period where his side lost control of the game against Western Province.

With the EP Kings and Griquas claiming their first scalps of the season it is no surprise that they feature well in rugby365's Team of the Week.

Dr. EG Jansen van Boksburg, het twee Valke toernooie vir Sewes gewen.

Steven Sykes may miss the the next Currie Cup fixture away to the Pumas.

Flyer Luke Morahan has re-signed with the Western Force, and will remain at the franchise for at least another season.

When England face Fiji, Wasps looseforward Nathan Hughes will be cheering for his native Fiji while counting down to 2016 when he is eligible to play for England.

INTERVIEW: Japan may be seen as a team of 'midgets', but they have an 'enforcer' who believes he can 'scare' the mighty Springboks.

INTERVIEW: Veteran loose forward Liam Messam said New Zealand are busy doing their homework on referees.

NEWS: South African coach Heyneke Meyer will be sweating over the fitness of bruising lock Eben Etzebeth ahead of the start of the World Cup.

REACTION: Blue Bulls coach Nollis Marais admitted his is facing a big poser about the make-up of his scrum for the rest of the Currie Cup season.

Lions coach Johan Ackermann was happy to take his team's Currie Cup win over the Blue Bulls, no matter how it came.

Second division champions Pau moved off the foot of the Top 14 table with a hard-fought 9-6 win over giants Toulouse on Sunday.

REPORT: CJ Stander's last-gasp try and Ian Keatley's nerveless conversion snatched Munster victory at the Liberty Stadium.

INTERVIEW: South Africa are happy for New Zealand to carry the favourites tag into the World Cup.

WRAP: The Leopards ran in nine tries to remain the only unbeaten side in the First Division.

Stellenberg High School won the Western Province Sevens on Friday 11 September 2015.

The winners of the World Cup on Saturday, 31 October will receive, with glee, the Webb Ellis Cup. Paul Dobson looks at the history of the Cup.

FEATURE: New Zealand's pre-match haka may be one of sports most famous rituals and often claimed to intimidate opposing sides.

TOP 14 WRAP: European champions Toulon picked up a welcome 45-24 victory over La Rochelle on Saturday.

NEWS: Italy captain Sergio Parisse has declared himself unfit for the opening World Cup clash against France at Twickenham  next week.

SATURDAY WRAP: Scarlets continued their bright start to the Pro12 season with a 22-12 victory over Ulster.

REPORT: The Golden Lions survived a fierce second-half onslaught by the Blue Bulls to remain unbeaten and escape with a 36-28 win in Pretoria.

REPORT: Western Province boosted their play-off chances after their impressive 37-27 bonus-point win over Sharks in Durban on Saturday.

REPORT: Griquas recorded their first win in this year's Currie Cup, when they beat the Pumas 32-15 in Kimberley on Saturday. 

The fourth Rugby World Cup was in the old Five Nations country with Wales as hosts.

The 1990s are probably the greatest decade in South Africa's history, certainly for over three centuries.

EXCLUSIVE: rugby365 law guru Paul Dobson looks at another contentious call by a match official - in the Free State Cheetahs versus Blue Bulls game.

David Campese. There was a ridiculous pass, there was a ridiculous try and there was a ridiculous knock-on.

The first World Cup and images immediately flood the mind - Koroduadua, Kirwan, Blanco, Gallagher, Qoro, Richards and Codey, Tsimba, Kirk and Jones.

rugby365 law guru Paul Dobson looks at a contentious debate between a referee and a TMO. Was it a try or not?

Castres battled to a 35-26 win over Oyonnax, the former club of their new coach Christophe Urios, in French Top 14 rugby action on Friday.

The World Cup starts in London on September 18, and it will be the last chance for some of the world's great captains to challenge for the Webb Ellis cup.

FRIDAY WRAP: Defending Pro12 champions Glasgow Warriors withstood a resurgent second-half Connacht performance.

REPORT: The Eastern Province Kings, reduced to 14 men for most of the second half, produced a major upset against the Free State Cheetahs.

The Kenya Rugby Union confirmed the appointment of former Sevens coach Benjamin Ayimba fpr the coming season.

Robert du Preez will start at flyhalf for Western Province in their Currie Cup clash against the Sharks in Durban on Saturday.

Samoa have called up 'retired' prop Census Johnston to their World Cup squad after an injury to Leicester Tigers Logovi'i Mulipola.

Toulon will be under increased scrutiny this weekend at home to La Rochelle as the European champions continue to be implicated in a medication scandal.

The South African Sevens team won gold at the Commonwealth Youth Games in Apia, the capital of Samoa.

Anyone who thinks they know rugby and want to play Fantasy Rugby for the World Cup.

NEWS: Sale Sharks have announced the signing of Springbok tighthead prop Brian Mujati on a two-year deal.

Italy have yet to reach the knockout stages of a World Cup and it will be a major surprise if they emerge as one of the top two from a pool also featuring Ireland and France.

A few months ago the odds would have been short on Ireland improving on their modest World Cup record and reaching the semifinals for the first time.

Four years on and the perennial question arises: which France side will turn up at the World Cup?

Bordeaux-Begles are set to sign Australia international lock Sam Carter as cover during the World Cup, club president Laurent Marti said on Thursday.

The trans-Jukskei derby is the highlight of Round Six and a sneak preview of a possible Currie Cup Final.

EXCLUSIVE: Michael de Vries and Jan de Koning look at World Cup Pool D and Currie Cup Round Six.

After a crackling opening round, in which 242 points were racked up by the 12 competing teams, the Pro12 is back this weekend.

NEWS: New Zealand international Charles Piutau signed a one-season contract with English Premiership club Wasps.

South Africa's World Cup build-up may at times have resembled a circus, but the Springboks are confident their focus is on the right issues.

The SWD Eagles will travel to East London on Friday to face the Border Bulldogs looking for a third win in the First Division.

Eastern Province Kings coach, Brent Janse van Rensburg, has called back a host of his stalwarts for friday's match against the Free State Cheetahs.

EKSKLUSIEF: Jan de Koning en Tauriq Ebrahim gesels rugby - die Wêreldbeker en Curriebeker toernooie.

Nic Groom will take over the captaincy for Western Province from injured No.8 Nizaam Carr - against the Sharks in Durban on Saturday.

Griquas coach Hawies Fourie has made five changes to his team as they seek a first win of the season against the Pumas this weekend.

NEWS: Jaco Kriel is back to lead the Golden Lions against the Blue Bulls for the Currie Cup match at Loftus in Pretoria on Saturday.

Springbok Jan Serfontein will start at inside centre for the Blue Bulls when they take on the Golden Lions in a Currie Cup match at Loftus Versfeld on Saturday.

Newcastle Falcons released a statement to confirm that Sean Robinson has signed a three year contract extension with the club.

The All Blacks prepared to fly out to England for the World Cup Thursday, still haunted by the upset quarterfinal loss to France in Cardiff during the 2007 tournament.

The referees are in London now preparing for the 2015 Rugby World Cup which starts on 18 September when Jaco Peyper blows his whistle.

MJ Mentz decided to make eight changes to his Pumas team for this coming weekends Currie Cup match against the Griquas in Kimberley.

Thomas du Toit will pack down at loosehead prop for the Sharks against Western Province after he recently declared that his preferred position is tighthead.

Ashwin Willemse: The Right Path tells the story of a man who had a choice of two paths when growing up.

Western Force loose forward Brynard Stander, who signed from the South African-based Sharks, has recommitted to the Force for a further two seasons.

Rank outsiders Namibia are going to the World Cup hoping for a first victory after 15 consecutive losses in four successive previous appearances.

A battle-hardened Argentina head to the World Cup bidding to repeat the heroics of the 2007 edition when they stormed to a third-place finish.

It's not just about winning the World Cup for the All Blacks, it's about becoming the first side to win back-to-back World Cups and coach Steve Hansen says there is no plan B.

INTERVIEW: The variations the Blue Bulls have added to their game pose the biggest threat to the Golden Lions.

NEWS: Italy captain Sergio Parisse will not join up with the team in Rome on September 12.

REACTION: South African Rugby Union President, Oregan Hoskins' has hit back at critics of his union and the national team.

NEWS: The Free State Cheetahs will have a new captain when they tackle the winless Eastern Province Kings in Port Elizabeth on Friday.

EXCLUSIVE: rugby365 cartoonist Matthew Ackermann looks at the sideshows that will be on while the World Cup plays on the main stage.

Scotland suffered a disastrous Six Nations, but coach Vern Cotter seems to have succeeded in turning a corner with a World Cup quarterfinal place well within their reach.

INTERVIEW: Western Province coach John Dobson says that the Sharks huge kicking game will affect their ability to counter-attack from first phase.

The 2015 World Cup will be held in England accross 13 venues - with 48 matches in total.

South Africa are taking a huge gamble going into the World Cup, getting underway in England in just over a week.

VIDEO: Take a look behind the scenes from the Classic Clash between Ndzondelelo and Ithembelihle in Zwide in Port Elizabeth.

Faith trumps rankings for Samoa coach Stephen Betham who sees his team's slide down the ladder as no reflection of what they are capable of.

The Unites States of America have set themselves the ambitious target of reaching the World Cup quarterfinals for the first time.

Japan will have to ditch their emotional baggage if they are to achieve their ambitious target of reaching the World Cup quarterfinals.

Toulon have signed New Zealand fullback Tom Taylor from Bayonne with the Pro D2 side extending the stay of Fijian centre Gabiriele Lovobalavu.

Those who opposed the instigation of a World Cup on the grounds that it would bring profound changes to the game were right - 100 percent  right.

England international flyhalf Andy Goode's hopes of a final stint with English Premiership side London Irish were dashed due to injury.

Australian prop Salesi Ma'afu has been charged with alleged assault and could face a prison sentence or a possible fine.

Northampton Saints announced the signing of Springbok World Cup-winning lock Victor Matfield on Tuesday, ahead of the 2015/16 season.

The final countdown, and Paarl Boys' High are top of the Schools Top 20 for 2015.

Eastern Province Kings fullback Hansie Graaff has been suspended for one match after being found guilty of striking an opponent.

Fijian international centre Gabiriele Lovobalavu has renewed his contract with French club Bayonne for another season.

Edinburgh has been chosen as the host city for the 2016 Pro12 Final to be held on Saturday, May 28.

Italy captain Sergio Parisse is in a race against time to be fit for the World Cup after undergoing surgery to drain a hematoma.

The Sharks are determined to get it right against the bigger unions in a bid to establish themselves as genuine Currie Cup contenders.

Warren Whiteley will not be available for selection in this coming weekend's top of the table clash against the Blue Bulls at Loftus Versveld.

This week the referees will be gathering in London for the eighth Rugby World Cup.

Wales' World Cup hopes took another heavy blow on Tuesday with the news that scrumhalf Rhys Webb has been ruled out of the tournament with a foot injury.

All Blacks flank Sam Cane says that the New Zealanders are not daunted by the massive expectations they will carry at the World Cup.

Australia coach Michael Cheika has performed a remarkable turnaround in the short space of time he has been in charge of the Wallabies. 

While Pool A is regarded as a pool of death with marquee sides England, Australia and Wales, fourth-seeded Fiji see only a "pool of opportunity".

It may be cruel to say but Uruguayan rugby is still best known for a 1972 air crash in the Andes that resulted in the best selling book 'Alive' later made into a film.

As hosts of the World Cup and a country blessed with a huge playing base, not to mention the wealthiest union, England ought to be bullish about their chances of lifting the Webb Ellis Trophy.

NEWS: Springboks Deon Stegmann and Dean Greyling are fit again and will be considered for selection by the Blue Bulls.

NEWS: Wales were dealt a hammer blow on Monday when fullback Leigh Halfpenny was ruled out of the World Cup.

Western Province hooker Daniel du Plessis has shown steady improvement after suffering a cardiac arrest at Newlands on Saturday.

RANKINGS: South Africa moved up to third place in the world rankings without even kicking a ball.

NEWS: Defending champions Western Province will wait as long as possible before making a call on injured captain Nizaam Carr.

EXCLUSIVE: New Zealand may have been the top-ranked team in the World since 2010, but that is no guarantee of victory at the World Cup.

Loose forward Josh Turnbull has pledged his future to Cardiff Blues after signing a new contract extension in Cardiff on Monday.

Shane Williams has questioned whether Wales coach Warren Gatland really needed to play Leigh Halfpenny in a warm-up match against Italy.

Interview: Despite the return of Springbok prop Vincent Koch, coach MJ Mentz feels that the Pumas still haven't solved a problematic scrum.

Itembelihle of Port Elizabeth won the 20th KwaZulu-Natal Under-17 development festival  for the third year in a row!

Glenwood High School in Association with the Joost Group, hosted An evening with Joost and Friends on Friday 4th September 2015.

EXCLUSIVE: AussieBoer, in his latest contribution to rugby365, looks at the best locks in his search for an all-time World XV.

Jonny May was in fantastic form in England's 21-13 victory over the world's No.2 ranked team Ireland, at Twickenham last weekend.

Eastern Province veteran centre Ronnie Cook is one of three casualties after the 21-37 loss to the Golden Lions on Saturday.

Interview: Munster captain CJ Stander was thrilled with his team's win over Benetton Treviso this past weekend, but believes they can still do better.

Only one Springbok squad member who was axed from the World Cup team managed to make an impression in the Currie Cup Round Five.

NEWS: Australian wing Blair Connor has extended his contract with French Top 14 side Bordeaux-Begles for another five years.

REPORT: Under-pressure Toulon kick-started their season with a first win of the Top 14 campaign as they beat Stade Francais 20-13 on Sunday.

Fiji gave England a timely warning ahead of their World Cup opener with a 48-17 rout of Canada in a warm-up match at the Stoop on Sunday.

The Leopards beat Boland Cavaliers 47-12 to notch their seventh consecutive win in the First Division.

Springbok hooker Mahlatse 'Chiliboy' Ralepelle has been handed a two-year ban for a doping offence.

Cardiff Blues ensured they ended the opening round sitting pretty at the top of the PRO12 table thanks to a 61-13 victory over Zebre.

Blockbusting American No.8 Samu Manoa is determined to prove a big hit at the World Cup - in every sense.

The Blue Bulls will head into their table-topping showdown with the Lions high on confidence after a tough win against the Cheetahs.

Australia coach Michael Cheika believes the Wallabies are ready to put their set-piece woes behind them in the World Cup's Pool of Death.

Western Province coach John Dobson is looking for answers to their set-piece problems after they were frustrated in that area by Griquas.

Griquas coach Hawies Fourie knows that their clash with the Pumas in Kimberley will be one of their best chances for a win this season.

Australia coach Michael Cheika has warned his players about the threat posed by World Cup Pool A opponents Fiji.

Warren Gatland admitted that it would be a "massive blow" for Wales to lose Leigh Halfpenny and Rhys Webb on the eve of the World Cup.

England coach Stuart Lancaster says that the victory over Ireland was a great building block for their World Cup campaign.

Australia wrapped up their World Cup preparations with a 47-10 victory over the United States in a hard-fought Test match at Soldier Field. 

WRAP: CJ Stander scored two tries as Munster held on to beat Benetton Treviso and get their Pro12 campaign underway with a dramatic 18-13 victory.

REPORT: France edged Scotland 19-16 in a thrilling World Cup warm-up[ match in Paris on Saturday.

NEWS: A Western Province Under-21 player collapsed on the field of play at Newlands on Saturday.

WRAP: Clermont maintained their perfect start to the Top 14 season on Saturday.

REPORT: The Golden Lions ran in five tries to claim a 37-21 bonus point victory over an impressive EP Kings in Johannesburg.

REPORT: Wales suffered a major double injury blow as Leigh Halfpenny and Rhys Webb were both carried off in Cardiff on Saturday.

REPORT: WP left it to the final 20 minutes to score three tries and claim a 33-15 bonus point victory over Griquas in an error plagued match.

REPORT: England beat Ireland 21-13 in an error-strewn World Cup warm-up match at Twickenham on Saturday.

REPORT: A late Joe Pietersen penalty helped the Sharks claim a slender 27-26 victory over a plucky Pumas outfit in Durban.

On a lovely, rain-free evening the 47th Villager Sevens played to a thrilling finish.

INTERVIEW: Australia centre Matt Giteau is relishing the prospect of a World Cup swan song.

FRIDAY WRAP: Nepia Fox-Matamua scored a try on his competitive debut as Connacht held off a Newport Gwent Dragons fight back.

REPORT: The Blue Bulls continued their unbeaten run in the Currie Cup competition with a thrilling 24-17 win over the Free State Cheetahs.

Bordeaux-Begles' will lose the services of Australian wing Blair Connor through injury after undergoing surgery on a fractured jaw.

Three-time European champions Toulon's stuttering start to the Top 14 season faces another tough test.

NEWS: Sam Burgess has some high-profile detractors suggesting he should not be anywhere near a rugby union World Cup.

Reds Executive General Manager Daniel Herbert has confirmed the appointment of Matt O'Connor as the Reds attack coach on a three-year deal. 

NEWS: Popular Western Force utility back Marcel Brache will remain with the franchise through to the end of the 2017 season.

NEWS: Italian general Sergio Parisse has returned to lead his troops into battle against Wales at Cardiff on Saturday.

Australia step up their World Cup preparations against the United States at Soldier Field on Saturday, September 5.

NEWS: Chris Wyles will captain the United States of America in his 50th international Test on Saturday against Australia in Chicago.

Both France and Scotland are coming off highs and will want to continue riding the wave of victory in their final test before the World Cup. 

Both England and Ireland will be desperate to claim some winning momentum in their last warm-up game before the World Cup.

Sam Warburton will heave a sigh of relief when he returns to captain Wales in their final World Cup warm-up game against Italy in Cardiff.

The Currie Cup competition this week will be lit up by a host of Springboks who missed the World Cup cut.

EXCLUSIVE: Michael de Vries and Jan de Koning look at Pool C at the World Cup, which gets underway ina fortnight.

The Pro12 season launches back into action in style this weekend, with three games on the opening Friday.

NEWS: Pumas coach MJ Mentz wasted no time in drafting back his Springbok prop, Vincent Koch.

NEWS: Controversial inclusion John Hardie will have a chance to show why he is in Scotland's World Cup squad.

NEWS: The Eastern Province Kings will field a team against the Lions at Ellis Park on Saturday.

Down in the Cape they play rugby longer than  in other parts of the country and then they play Sevens.

The Rugby World Cup is upon us with a open season on law changes.

NEWS: Ireland have left out prop Cian Healy and fullback Rob Kearney from the side to play England in their final World Cup warm-up match.

NEWS: Springbok training squad members Siyabonga Ntubeni and Steven Kitshoff will start in the front row for Western Province on Saturday.

EKSKLUSIEF: Jan de Koning en Tauriq Ebrahim gesels rugby - ANA, die Wereldbeker en Curriebeker toernooie.

NEWS: Wales captain Sam Warburton is set to make his first appearance of the World Cup warm-up campaign.

NEWS: Springbok Warren Whiteley return to the Golden Lions has been cut short.

NEWS: Donncha O'Callaghan's illustrious playing career is set to continue for a further two years, although not at Munster.

NEWS: Influential French captain Thierry Dusautoir returns to action for his team's final warm-up game against Scotland at  Stade de France on Saturday.

NEWS: Cobus Reinach has become the latest Springbok to be called up by his province for Currie Cup duty.

NEWS: Tries scored in the Welsh Premiership will be worth six points this season, as part of an innovative trial by World Rugby.

Canada collected its second straight win after holding out to a 16-15 victory over Georgia in Esher England on Wednesday.

NEWS: South African-born prop Francois van Wyk has extended his stay with the Western Force, signing for another two seasons until the end of 2017.

NEWS: James Slipper will become the 83rd player to captain the Wallabies in a Test match.

NEWS: Veteran Samoan lock Kane Thompson will miss his country's opening game of the upcoming World Cup.

NEWS: The South African Rugby Union may have to bail out the Eastern Province Rugby Union to end a player strike.

Griquas' coach Hawies Fourie has made a number of changes to his side after their spirited 32-46 loss to the Blue Bulls in Kimberley last weekend.

NEWS: The Free State Cheetahs will play Springbok Teboho Mohojé off the bench when they take on the Blue Bulls on Friday.

The First Division will dish up some big battles this weekend following the resumption of the tournament last week.

Scotland lock Jim Hamilton announced his retirement from international rugby, a day after missing out on a place in the World Cup squad.

NEWS: The Springboks have been cleared to travel to England and compete in the World Cup later this month.

There has been much debate about whether Thomas du Toit should play loosehead or tighthead but he is certain of his favoured position.

The schools interprovincial Sevens for Under-17 teams takes place at Paarl Gim on 2-3 October.

NEWS: Blue Bulls coach Nollis Marais wasted no time in drafting Springbok discards Marcel van der Merwe and Jan Serfontein into his team.

Ospreys confirmed the signing of Oliver Tomaszczyk on a short-term contract.

Scarlets have confirmed that lock Richard Kelly has been forced to retire on medical grounds, after sustaining a broken arm in October 2014.

EXCLUSIVE: rugby365 cartoonist Matthew Ackermann looks at some of the more interesting selections by Springbok coach Heyneke Meyer.

New Zealand entered the World Cup in 2011 determined to end a 24-year World Cup drought, and cast off a reputation for choking on the big stage.

Juan Manuel Leguizamon is set to return to his homeland to represent Argentina's new Super Rugby franchise after a decade in Europe.

NEWS: Former France coach Bernard Laporte launched his bid to become president of the rugby federation (FFR) on Tuesday.

NEWS: The cash crisis at the Eastern Province Kings has been shrouded in a veil of secrecy.

EXCLUSIVE: Referees play a big role in any game, but at the 2015 World Cup they will be the key players. Jan de Koning reports.

NEWS: Italy have called Glasgow Warriors wing Simone Favaro into their World Cup squad.

NEWS: Brad Barritt has returned to the England starting line-up for Saturday's international against Ireland at Twickenham.

NEWS: Springbok coach Heyneke Meyer is likely to have a fully fit squad of 31 to choose from for their World Cup opener.

The Commonwealth Youth Games start in Samoa on 9 September. Sevens is one of the sports.

NEWS: The South African duo of Willem Nel and Josh Strauss have been included in Scotland's World Cup squad on Tuesday.

Experienced prop Phil John is embarking on his 17th season at the Scartlets, with the start of the Pro 12 season now only days away.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Comparisons, they say, are odious but they can be interesting.

There were no surprises when the 31-man United States squad for the World Cup in England was announced on Tuesday.

Paarl Boys' High have finished the season unbeaten and top of the Top 20.

Japan's Super Rugby team is being scrutinised about the quality of its players to ensure that it fulfills the criteria set out by SANZAR.

Western Province coach John Dobson believes Steven Kitshoff can give them an edge against Griquas at Newlands this coming Saturday.

Last weekend Jaco Peyper was in Paris. This weekend he is in Chicago.

Heyneke Meyer has picked his Springbok squad for the 2015 World Cup. We look at the schools the players have come from.

Ireland's 2014 Player of the Year Andrew Trimble has been omitted from coach Joe Schmidt's 31-man squad for the World Cup, announced on Tuesday.

NEWS: The All Blacks played down injury concerns over Colin Slade on Tuesday after the flyhalf went down with a knee problem at training.

The Waratahs have confirmed the re-signing of assistant coach Nathan Grey, finalising the coaching structure ahead of the 2016 Super Rugby season.

That New Zealand have been the team to beat ahead of every World Cup has long been accepted by the rest of the rugby union community.

INTERVIEW: Scott Spedding may have started the last four matches for France but he under no illusions that the No.15 jersey is his own.

Tonga on Tuesday named Newcastle Falcons lock Uili Kolo'ofai as the final member of their 31-man Rugby World Cup squad.

REACTION: The South African Rugby Union and the SA government, at times at loggerheads over transformation, will be strange bedfellows this week.

NEWS: Western Province flank Sikhumbuzo Notshe will miss this Saturday's Currie Cup clash against Griquas with an AC Joint injury.

INTERVIEW: Whoever loses this weekend's "massive" World Cup warm-up match between England and Ireland will suffer a major setback.

NEWS: Blue Bulls flank Roelof Smit and midfielder William Small-Smith has been cleared from their recent injuries.

FREEBIE: rugby365 and Ebury Publishing are giving away Ben Cohen's autobiography: Carry Me Home.

The Villager Schools Sevens is on Friday, 4 September 2015, at the Villager Football Club in Claremont.

NEWS: New Zealand-born flyhalf Gareth Anscombe failed to make Wales' World Cup squad, announced on Monday.

The 'debate' around Damian de Allende's race is a sad distraction from real issues of transformation in South African rugby.

Harlequins and United States Rugby have entered into a partnership to help grow the game in one of the sport's fastest growing markets.

EXCLUSIVE: Six out of the Eight Currie Cup Teams were rewarded with honours in rugby365's famous team of the week.

There are not many matches but everyone a great occasion for those who proudly played and those who proudly watched.

Former Australian Rugby Union chief John O'Neill fears that World Rugby's "ultimatum" to Japan may strip  the 2019 World Cup from them.

The Pumas will hope the return of Springbok discard Vincent Koch will help stabilise their set pieces.

The three Finals of the Maties Top Schools Competition took place in Danie Craven Stadium on Saturday morning.

Coach Eddie Jones on Monday named former Australian rugby league star Craig Wing among a 31-strong Japan World Cup squad. 

Hoërskool Tygerberg continued their dominance in the Cape's Northern Suburbs with a 27-11 win over Brackenfell in their Classic Clash.

Report: The Eastern Province Kings have released their latest injury report - besides a few bumps and bruises there are no further injuries.

Michael Cheika believes that Taqele Naiyaravoro can still make a valuable contribution to the Australian World Cup set-up.

The Bulls have confirmed that a number of high profile Springboks have extended their contracts at Loftus for the next couple of seasons.

Auckland coach Paul Feeney has been appointed assistant coach to Tana Umaga for the Blues next year.

NEWS: South Africa have had their World Cup preparations placed under legal scrutiny by a little known political party.

What a super final match it was between Boishaai and Outeniqua!

Wynberg produced their best performance of the season, in beating visitors SACS 30-23.

Castres heaped more misery on European champions Toulon with a bonus-point 24-9 victory in the French Top 14 on Sunday.

EXCLUSIVE: AussieBoer, in his latest contribution to rugby365, looks at the best blindside flanks in his search for an all-time World XV.

New Zealand head coach Steve Hansen believes Waisake Naholo can play an important role in the team's World Cup defence in England. 

NEWS: None of the players named in Uruguay’s 31-man World Cup have any previous tournament experience.

REATION: The Leopards, Griffons and Falcons were all on the winning side on Saturday when the 2015 Currie Cup First Division started.

REACTION: Golden Lions head coach Johan Ackermann said his team were far from perfect in their 41-11 win over the Pumas on Friday.

Die tradisionele interskole tussen die Hoër Landbouskool Oakdale en Boland Landbou is Saterdag op Riversdal beslis.

In a tense encounter in Riversdale Oakdale Landbou beat Boland Landbou of Paarl 21-19.

REACTION:  Ireland captain Paul O'Connell said he was left embarrassed after his team's 10-16 home loss to Wales on Saturday. 

REACTION: Pumas head coach MJ Mentz said he was disappointed with his team’s second-half capitulation against the Golden Lions.

Schools rugby this weekend was confined to the Free State and the old Cape Province, and there were not many matches.

REACTION: Western Province head coach John Dobson said they will do some soul-searching after their 21-28 defeat at the hands of the Free State Cheetahs.

REACTION: Wales' 16-10 win over Ireland in Dublin has given them hope that they can qualify from their difficult World Cup group.

REACTION: Scotland head coach Vern Cotter is not getting carried away with his team's 48-7 win over Italy at Murrayfield on Saturday.

REACTION: Italy coach Jacques Brunel accused his players of taking to the field "with low physicality" after their 7-48 defeat to Scotland. 

Nehe Milner-Skudder and Waisake Naholo were rewarded for their fine form after they were included in New Zealand's World Cup squad.

REPORT: Kane Thompson has put his availability for Samoa's opening World Cup match against the United States next month in jeopody.

WRAP: Racing-Metro stumbled over the line to maintain their winning start to the season.

REPORT: Japan thrashed Uruguay 40-0, bagging two straight warm-up victories as they prepare for the World Cup in England.

REPORT: Scotland produced a clinical display to smash Italy 48-7 in their World Cup warm-up match in Edinburgh on Saturday.

The Sharks had to come from behind to claim a 24-20 victory over the EP Kings in Port Elizabeth on Saturday.

REPORT: Wales landed a psychological blow on World Cup contenders Ireland at Lansdowne Road on Saturday.

The Blue Bulls outscored the Griquas by six tries to four to win 46-32 in a warm and windy Kimberley on Saturday.

In the last match of their season, an FNB Classic Clash, Rondebosch forced Bishops to its knees with a record 55-12 win.

REACTION: The Minister of Sport and Recreation, Fikile Mbalula, said the South African Rugby Union is "on track" with their transformation goals.

REPORT: Clermont shrugged off the absence of 16 World Cup bound players to defeat Grenoble 25-6 in a scrappy French Top 14 clash.

INTERVIEW: Australia coach Michael Cheika said he wants to turn hopes for their World Cup campaign into belief.

REACTION: Heyneke Meyer is adamant that he has selected a squad capable of winning the World Cup.

The Free State Cheetahs got their revenge against a lacklustre Western Province side when they recorded a 28-21 win in Bloemfontein.

REPORT: The Golden Lions went to the top of the Currie Cup standings, for at least 24 hours, with a bonus-point 41-11 demolition of the Pumas.

NEWS: Rudy Paige is arguably the biggest surprise in the Springbok squad for the World Cup next month.

NEWS: New Zealand international Carl Hayman may don his studs again as World Cup cover at European champions Toulon.

INTERVIEW: Japan coach Eddie Jones said that the 2019 World Cup hosts need a coach with "new ideas and new energy".

The Northern Suburbs in Cape Town will see of two of its biggest schools in action on Saturday when Hoërskool Tygerberg host Hoërskool Brackenfell.

SACS are introducing a brand new Sevens competition this September.

The Barbarians will face Samoa for the first time in their 125 year history when they meet at the Olympic Park in London on Saturday.

Wales coach Warren Gatland said Thursday he had already selected the bulk of his World Cup squad, with just a handful of places left open.

NEWS: Fiji's Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama has warned the Pacific islanders should not be underestimated at the World Cup. 

Will Greenwood has told England fans not to get worked up over the inclusion of "fourth choice centre" Sam Burgess in England's World Cup squad.

Scotland will be seeking to overturn their dramatic last-minute Six Nations defeat at home to Italy when they face the Azzurri on Saturday.

Brackenfell High School captain Jean-Marc Fuchs wants his team to break their hoodoo against Northern Suburbs rivals Hoërskool Tygerberg.

Paul O’Connell will bid an emotional farewell to Lansdowne Road in a World Cup warm-up match   against Wales on Saturday.

The Wallabies on Friday received a pre-World Cup boost with David Pocock and Kurtley Beale renewing contracts to stay in Australian.

Can anybody stop the high-flying Blue Bulls? Griquas get the next crack at Currie Cup's pace-setters.

MJ Mentz has made a few late changes to the match 22 for the Pumas clash against the Lions in Nelspruit.

Griquas face Currie Cup log leaders the Blue Bulls this weekend in Kimberley.

OPINION: Heyneke Meyer has already selected his World Cup squad, although the 31 lucky Springboks will only be unveiled late on Friday.

At Danie Craven Stadium on Saturday, 29 August 2015, Paarl Boys' High meeat Hoerskool Outeniqua of George.

There will be three Finals for southern schools at Danie Craven Stadium on Saturday.

Eastern Province Kings coach Brent Janse van Rensburg has welcomed the return of experienced skipper Luke Watson to the team.

NEWS: Italy coach Jacques Brunel continued to tinker with his World Cup squad.

NEWS: John Barclay will make his first Scotland start in nearly two years.

NEWS: Paul O'Connell will captain Ireland in his final home international before Test retirement.

Boland Landbou leave their Paarl farm and go up over the mountains to Oakdale's fame in Riversdale.

Michael de Vries and Jan de Koning debate Heyneke Meyer's possible World Cup selections and the Pool B teams.

EXCLUSIVE: World Cup winner Rob Brink returns after a long absence, giving us his view on Heyneke Meyer's possible World Cup selections.

Western Province Under-18 star Shane Farmer is the young man entrusted to lead Tygerberg in their Classic Clash against Brackenfell. 

George North will earn his 50th cap for Wales when they play in a World Cup warm-up match against Ireland in Dublin this weekend.

It's not far down the spine of the Peninsula from Newlands to Wynberg. It is the journey SACS take on Saturday.

NEWS: Sam Burgess's inclusion in England's final 31-man World Cup squad was no selection "gamble".

Israel Folau becomes the first Australian player to win consecutive John Eales Medals.

The Sharks backline that did duty last weekend has remained intact following no injury concerns and the desire to develop the cohesion.

Golden Lions captain Jaco Kriel has been a late exclusion from the team to face the Pumas in Nelspruit on Friday.

The Blue Bulls will be without in-form scrumhalf Francois Hougaard for the Currie Cup encounter against Griquas in Kimberly.

Wallabies coach Michael Cheika hit back at his critics that judged him for only selecting two hookers in his World Cup squad.

Saracens loose forward Jacques Burger will captain Namibia in the upcoming World Cup in England after the squad was named on Thursday.

Its the turn of Bishops to march down Tullyallen Road to Rondebosch Boys' High for another series of matches against rivals and friends.

Romanian coach Lynn Howells named his 31-man squad ahead of the World Cup.

Western Province coach John Dobson is re-visiting his breakdown strategy after his side were outmuscled against the Bulls.

Clermont are aiming for back-to-back wins at the start of the Top 14 season when they welcome Grenoble to the Stade Marcel Michelin on Friday.

World Rugby has demanded Japan to supply a list of confirmed venues for the 2019 World Cup after Tokyo's decision to scrap the proposed stadium that would host the final. 

Former England captain Will Carling has warned against Sam Burgess being included in the 2015 hosts' squad for next month's World Cup. 

Wales captain Sam Warburton is eager to improve on their World Cup performance four years ago when they crashed out in the semifinals.

Welkom by rugby365 se jongst Afrikaanse potgooi. Jan de Koning en Tauriq Ebrahim laat die kollig op die span-keuses van  Heyneke Meyer val.

Griquas No. 8 Carel Greeff, and Eastern Province Kings lock and captain Steven Sykes, have been cleared after being cited last weekend. 

Tyler Ardron will captain Canada at the World Cup after being named in their 31-man squad by coach Kieran Crowley.

INTERVIEW: World Cup-winner Jason Leonard believes there is no need to reach for the panic button after England's recent mishap.

Cobus Visagie says that the biggest threats to the Springbok scrum at the World Cup are the interpretations of French referees.

Flyhalf Danny Cipriani has been cut from the England World Cup squad.

Jarryd Lurie will lead a strong Bishops side into battle against Rondebosch Boys in the hope of claiming their fourth consecutive victory.

Romania have decided to look abroad to bolster their World Cup squad, selecting a number of naturalised players.

Rondebosch are set to host Bishops in a massive Classic Clash on Saturday to renew a rivalry that spans 104 years.

De Kock Steenkamp will finally get his Ospreys career under way on Thursday evening when they face Saracens in a friendly match.

London Irish wing Alex Lewington has committed his future to the club by signing a contract extension ahead of the start of the season.

Free State Cheetahs' coach Franco Smith has made just one change to his team to take on Western Province in Bloemfontein on Saturday.

Ian Robertson, a skilled and determined player from what was then Rhodesia, died on Monday, 24 August 2015.

Inspiration Ireland Captain Paul o'Connell will play his last international on Irish soil when Ireland tackle Wales in Dublin this weekend.

Australia coach Michael Cheika is remaining focused on the Eagles clash as his team prepares for a training camp at the University of Notra Dame.

EXCLUSIVE: rugby365 cartoonist Matthew Ackermann looks at Heyneke Meyer rolling the dice for his Springbok World Cup squad.

NEWS: The New Zealand Rugby Union revealed that scrumhalf Aaron Smith has signed a four-year contract extension.

INTERVIEW: The Golden Lions may be unbeaten with a full-house 15 points, but coach Johan Ackermann is far from satisfied with their form.

NEWS: Toulon's former Australia international Salesi Ma'afu will appear in court next month.

NEWS: Scrumhalf Greig Laidlaw will return as Scotland's captain for the World Cup warm-up match against Italy at Murrayfield on Saturday.

NEWS: Pumas coach MJ Mentz announced an unchanged 22-man line-up for the fourth Currie Cup match of the season.

Japan Coach Eddie Jones  says that Saturdays clash against the Boks is a great opportunity for his side to make a mark on the world stage.

Hooker Tolu Latu penned a new contract with the NSW Waratahs keeping him at the club until the end of the 2018 season.  

NEWS: Free State Cheetahs coach Franco Smith has made a number of changes to his side to take on Griquas in Bloemfontein on Saturday.

Lions Captain Warren Whiteley will undergo a late fitness test for their Currie Cup clash against the Sharks at Ellis Park on Saturday.

New recruit to the rugby365team, Andrew Howitt, looks at the weekend's matches for the World Cup .

INTERVIEW: Schalk Brits is over the moon at being part of the Springbok squad for the World Cup.

INTERVIEW: Wing JP Pietersen believes South Africa are in "tip top shape" heading into the World Cup.

The Welsh have hosted the World Cup twice.

Uruguay has only participated in two of the seven World Cups.

Mike Hercus 51 points were the most by a US player at World Cups.

Tonga performs the Sipi Tau before they play.

South Africa has hosted the World Cup once and won it twice.

Gavin Hastings 227 points is the most by a Scottish player at World Cups.

Samoa performs the Siva Tau before they play.

Romania has only won one came in seven tournaments.

Jonah Lomu's 15 tries was the most at World Cups

Namibia have only scored 16 tries at World Cups.

Japan has never hosted the World Cup but will be hosting it for the first time in 2019.

Itaky have had seven different coaches and seven different captains at World Cups.

Ireland participated in all seven World Cups.

Georgia have only participated in three World Cups.

Georgia have only participated in three World Cups.

Georgia have only participated in three World Cups.

Georgia have only participated in three World Cups.

France's best finish at a World Cup was second place.

Fiji had six different captains and six different coaches at World Cups they participated in.

Jonny Wilkinson has the most points at World Cups- with 277 points. His 14 drop-goals was the most in World Cups.

Canada's best performance in Rugby World Cups was when they made it to the quarterfinals

The Wallabies has played in all seven World Cups.

Argentina have played in every World Cup but are yet to host the tournament 

Wembley hosted its first rugby international in 1992, when England walked over a Canada 26-13 while Twickenham was under development.

Villa Park is home to English Premier League (soccer) side Aston Villa and is situated in Witton, Birmingham, England.  

Twickenham is the biggest rugby ground in the world- with its first match staged in 1909 between two local sides, Harlequins and Richmond.

The stadium is home to MK Dons, who changed their name from Wimbledon FC, after they were controversially relocated.

St James Park hosted its first match in 1880 and is home to English Premier League side Newcastle United since 1892

Sandy Park will be the smallest stadium out of the 13 at the World Cup

The Olympic Stadium is located in Stratford, England and was constructed to host the 2012 Summer Olympics and Paralympics.

The Millennium Stadium is located in Cardiff and is the national stadium of Wales. 

The Manchester City Stadium is home to Manchester City Football Club and is also known as the Etihad Stadium because of sponsorship reasons.

The Leicester City Stadium is located in Leicester, England and is the home ground of Leicester City, who plays in the English Premier League 

The Kingsholm Stadium has a great history when it comes to international rugby and is home to Aviva Premiership side Gloucester.

Elland Road’s old school atmosphere (noisy and passionate crowd) will make it an unforgettable and perfect Rugby World Cup venue.

The Brighton Community Stadium has a stunning view- with a Sussex landscape that is situated in Falmer.

Newcastle is a buzzing city- with thriving cultural scenes and diverse shopping which is situated in the heart of the Northeast country of Tyne and Wear in England

Manchester has a great sporting heritage- with the likes of Manchester United and Manchester City both being  big names in World football.

London is the capital of England and the United Kingdom- with it being the most popular city in the UK. 

Leicester is a city and unitary authority area in the East Midlands of England- with the country town of Leicestershire.

Make more of your World Cup when visiting Leeds, from exploring the museums to West Yorkshire country houses

Gloucester is a city, district and country town of Gloucestershire in the South West of England- with glorious waterways, rolling landscapes and a medieval history.

Exeter is a historic city in Devon, England- with its historic buildings and beautiful countryside surroundings   .

Cardiff is the capital of Wales- with it being the sixth largest city in the UK. 

Brighton is a town situated on the south coast of Great Britain and offers great activities for the family such as shopping, family entertainment and fun on the beach.

One should make the most of their time in Birmingham during the World Cup with plenty fun attractions for the family to historic tours and stylish shopping.