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

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

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.

IRELAND are set to take on South Africa this autumn in the United Arab Emirates in what would be an unprecedented international test.

WORLD CUP-winning prop CJ van der Linde and Australian international back-row forward Rocky Elsom have been named on the Leinster roster for the coming season.

New Ireland coach Declan Kidney has chosen former Australia Rugby League player Les Kiss as his defence coach.

New Zealand fly-half Dan Carter has signed a six-month deal with French club Perpignan after receiving permission to spend a season in Europe.

Australia have promised to try and play a more attractive brand of rugby in their opening test against France in Sydney today in the hope of winning back disgruntled fans.

Australia overcome France in a scrappy encounter at the ANZ Stadium in Brisbane 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.