Referee Jaco Peyper was not considered for a World Cup semi-final appointment after an “inappropriate” picture of him with Welsh fans appeared on social media.

Covering the Wales rugby side is never dull, but the start of the team’s World Cup campaign in Japan saw them breach already lofty standards of controversy.

Wales number eight Taulupe Faletau has been ruled out of the Rugby World Cup due to a clavicle injury, the Welsh Rugby Union has announced.

Glasgow Warriors “know what not to do” as they prepare for Friday’s PRO14 semi-final visit of Ulster, says assistant coach Jonathan Humphreys.

At face value, European rugby’s semi-finals bore all the hallmarks of sell-out occasions: The champions of England against the Red Army in one, the holders at home in Dublin against the most famous of French clubs in the other.

Grand Slam winner Gareth Anscombe has called on the power-brokers to sort out Welsh rugby’s domestic mess.

Warren Gatland says there is “no doubt” his Six Nations title and Grand Slam-chasing players have been distracted by Welsh rugby’s current domestic situation.

The Ospreys chairman Mike Jones has resigned over the “catastrophic mismanagement” of plans to overhaul Wales' rugby regions.

Bernard Jackman has been sacked as head coach by the Dragons.

There was a time when the stinginess of the Scottish Rugby Union knew no bounds, when players were given one pair of socks per year and instructions to hand them back with the rest of the kit at the end of the season, writes Peter Jackson.

Lions captain Sam Warburton has retired from rugby union at the age of 29.

Once again, the professional model that pertains in Ireland is being hailed as the best in class. That’s what comes with success. Everyone looks at what you’re doing in an attempt to close the gap, writes Donal Lenihan.

The Welsh Rugby Union revealed today that the Swansea-based Ospreys will be his destination.

Kick-off at Twickenham is at 4.45pm.

Ronan O’Gara hopes that Ireland’s top players can see the value in ending their careers as a ‘one-club man’.

Wales star Sam Warburton is set to miss the rest of this season after undergoing a second operation in three months.

Munster and Leinster take the annual plunge into Europe, fortified by more than five European titles between them in six years.

Leo Cullen is expecting a Dragons side revitalised under new ownership and the guidance of former team-mate Bernard Jackman when Leinster open their Guinness Pro14 campaign at Rodney Parade in Newport this afternoon (3:15pm).

Bernard Jackman could give you any number of reasons as to why he accepted the offer to coach the Newport Gwent Dragons.

The IRFU remains opposed to the prospect of Friday night Six Nations games at Dublin’s Aviva Stadium, despite indications the practise will be extended beyond Cardiff where Wales host Ireland in two day’s time.

The intense pressure of refereeing the 2015 Rugby World Cup final was nothing compared to the struggle to accept that he was gay, according to referee Nigel Owens.

Wales assistant coach Robin McBryde says prop Samson Lee is not someone “distracted by things on the outside”.

Wales head coach Warren Gatland has dismissed reports claiming he might consider an approach to become Stuart Lancaster’s potential England successor.

London Irish CEO Bob Casey admits his side could be opening the door to America for the Irish provinces after it was confirmed their Aviva Premiership game with Saracens in March will take place in New Jersey.

Welshman Nigel Owens has been appointed to referee Saturday’s Rugby World Cup final between New Zealand and Australia at Twickenham, with Ireland’s John Lacey taking charge of the bronze medal match between South Africa and Argentina.

The IRFU is to provide clubs with up to €400 in grant aid to encourage them travel to the Aviva Stadium for the World Cup warm-ups with Scotland and Wales in August.

The future of Ireland coach Joe Schmidt could be resolved ahead of the World Cup with IRFU chief executive Philip Browne confirming that talks about a new deal are underway.

Wales will not receive the RBS 6 Nations trophy in Rome next Saturday if they win this season’s title.

George North has hailed Wales’ “brilliant” medical staff as he prepares for a world record-breaking Test match return three weeks after dominating images that shocked the sport.

France v Wales

Warren Gatland has plunged his long-term future as Wales head coach into doubt after admitting Roger Lewis’s departure as Welsh Rugby Union chief later this year "probably does" have a bearing on his own long-term future.

RBS Six Nations

Rory Best has passed concussion testing and will start Ireland’s RBS 6 Nations clash with France on Saturday.

France coach Philippe Saint-Andre is relishing Saturday’s trial by fire at the Aviva as he aims to keep a special record intact.

Wales star and qualified doctor Jamie Roberts believes the fallout from the George North concussion controversy will contribute towards making rugby union a safer sport. 

Taulupe Faletau insists there is “still a chance” that Wales can be crowned RBS 6 Nations champions this season.