Australia lock Nathan Sharpe has been ruled out of today’s Test against France with a groin strain, allowing Dean Mumm a first Test start.

ULSTER have become the third Irish province to confirm a pre-season friendly with Super 14 side Queensland Reds.

The draw for the 2011 Rugby World Cup will take place in London on December 1.

Luis Aragones might be 69 years old, a soccer man all his life and a bit of an oddball, despite guiding Spain to Euro 2008 glory.

Martin Johnson has dropped Mike Tindall and Ben Kay on his first day in charge as England’s new team manager.

Leicester Tigers have announced the appointment of South African Heyneke Meyer as their new head coach.

John Hayes is in the ‘Presidential Suite’ of the Westbury Hotel. The first look you get at him confirms that his back isn’t supported by scaffolding, his shoulders aren’t in the care of some fussing curator. He doesn’t appear tired. There is no starch in his stride, no frost in his eyes.

Leonardo Ghiraldini’s last-minute converted try secured Italy a remarkable 13-12 win over Argentina in Cordoba on Saturday night.

Australia overcame France in a scrappy encounter at the ANZ Stadium in Brisbane on Saturday thanks to a dominant second-half performance.

1 Clarify precisely what he is meant to be doing: Presumably Martin Johnson has a better idea of his precise job description than anyone else. He was announced in April as England’s new manager. Much play was made that he is not to coach — he does not have the experience or the qualifications — and the Rugby Football Union already have a lot of suits to look after matters away from the training field.