World Rugby chief executive Brett Gosper has hinted that Ireland’s timing hasn’t been right as the country finds itself ranked behind “two masters of the universe in terms of putting on major world events” in the race to host the 2023 Rugby World Cup.

The IRFU has doubled down on its doubts over South Africa’s suitability to host the 2023 Rugby World Cup, with the union continuing to push for answers on aspects of the technical review which last week recommended the Rainbow Nation.

A new Springboks coach will be named this morning with Allister Coetzee expected to be tasked with making the team a formidable force again while radically altering its racial composition.

NEW Zealand provincial powerhouses Wellington Hurricanes and Canterbury Crusaders have staked early claims to this year’s Super 14 rugby title.

Ministers today welcomed an agreement reached at the world racism conference which recognised the injustice of slavery and colonialism.