Source: Japan Rugby

The World Cup – what’s different this time?

From the start the organizing committee conceived this tenth RWC on a different scale from its predecessors. Size First, the increase from 12 to 16 participating nations. This isn’t the only time – the 1998 and 2002 versions were that size. But people soon realised the problems this larger number brought. The bigger the tournament,

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Source: World Rugby

World Cup Quiz – the Answers

Here are the answers to our quiz – please let us know how you got on. Answers in bold. Here a five taglines. Which nations use them? 1. Strength in bloom – Wales 2. Get into rugby –  USA 3. All in for Gold – Australia 4. Rugby for all – Japan 5. We’re doing

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Source: Phil Mingo/Pinnacle/RFU

The World Cup – who’d be a referee?

The officials tend to be the people overlooked, until they stand accused of making an ‘obvious’ error. The fact is, they have been training assiduously, mostly at Faro in Portugal. The skills they need vary widely. Take for example what the onfield assessment involves: application of the laws; match control; fitness, agility, positioning and work-rate;

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Source: Rachael Whareaitu/NZ Rugby

The World Cup – the thunder rumbles closer

It’s best not to think of certainties when predicting the 2025 RWC. But there are a few nobody can deny. This tenth version will be the best attended and the most widely followed ever. Coverage by all known media will be exhaustive. Let’s take a look at one or two features. Three of the leading

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Ioan Cunningham presents his Fijiana squad

First some excellent news: the Fiji Sports Commission has allocated $1.5m to support the national team. We just have to hope these moneys came through early enough to make their presence felt. The squad Forwards: JADE COATES NUNIA DAUNIMOALA MANUOALA KOMAITAI ALFREDA FISHER (captain) KELENI NARAWA VIKA MATARUGU MEREONI NAKESA SELAI NALIVA RUSILA NAGASAU KARLAINI

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Source: ©INPHO/Tom Maher

Ireland set their stall out

The world knows – the Irish have come on in leaps and bounds in the past two years. The central question is whether they can overcome a series of injury doubts and setbacks to do themselves justice. (full list below) Their recent record at the RWC is none too promising. Their performance in their own

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