Rugby union could look very different after the World Cup. How different will become more apparent this week when World Rugby’s Law Review Group (LRG) meets in London today and tomorrow to decide on which player welfare-based rule amendments to pursue on a trial basis.

World Rugby chief executive Brett Gosper says there could be a Women’s Nations Championship if the male concept is given the thumbs up.

Paul O’Connell’s stay in Paris with Stade Francais will end once this season is done, it is understood.

World Rugby chief executive Brett Gosper claimed his sport has “never been safer than it is now” as he looked ahead to a groundbreaking World Cup in Japan later this year.

If we’ve learned anything from Netflix TV series, sports podcasts and purveyors of fancy doughnuts, it’s that you can have too much of a good thing. What is at first new and exciting can soon become bewilderingly oversaturated, and soon you have no idea what’s good anymore, or indeed, what to listen to while you are queuing at the Krispy Kreme drive-thru, writes Tommy Martin.

Ireland’s bid to host the 2023 Rugby World Cup has been “holed”, but not sunk, by the report that placed them third of the three bids, IRFU chief, Philip Browne, has said.

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.

Three days later and the shock waves from Japan’s win against South Africa continue to ripple far beyond the shores of the genteel and chic coastal town of Brighton which now finds itself enshrined in rugby folklore.

Rugby World Cup bosses are “unlikely” to disqualify teams for breaching concussion protocols but could impose fines should competitors flout head- injury safety guidelines.

Connacht coach Pat Lam said that it measure of his endurance and determination that Nathan White was able to overcome injury and disappointment to become the oldest player in the professional era to make his debut for Ireland.

Recent suggestions foreign players should serve a five-year residency — as opposed to three — before qualifying to play Test rugby for their adopted countries have, unsurprisingly, found little favour with Jared Payne.

The Cork County Board will press on with the planned redevelopment of Páirc Uí Chaoimh, flatly contradicting media reports yesterday that Government funding for the project was being withheld.

World Rugby boss Brett Gosper has claimed his tweet was "over-interpreted" into partisanship when posting that hosts England failing to reach the World Cup quarter-finals would be "not the words we want to hear".

Rugby World Cup chiefs have warned fans not to buy tickets from unofficial sources amid exhorbitant pricing on ticket-sale websites.

Warren Gatland wants Wales to win their ‘backyard’ scrap with Celtic ‘brothers’ Ireland. 

Ireland’s hopes of securing hosting rights for the 2023 Rugby World Cup were given a boost yesterday when the chief executive of World Rugby (formerly the IRB) indicated that the tournament is likely to end up in, or near, Dublin’s time zone.

Munster will be one of the guinea pigs this weekend, as World Rugby tries out decision review system Hawkeye during the Guinness Pro12 clash with Scarlets in Llanelli.

The International Rugby Board is ready to block exploitation of a loophole in qualifying regulations for Rio 2016 that enables players to switch national allegiance.

The hurler and footballer and soccer player on the ditch is a great fella for tradition. This can be a nuisance for brave, forward-looking men like Páraic Duffy and Pete Winkelman.

It’s over two months since Brian O’Driscoll laced up his boots for the last time, but the former Leinster and Ireland centre is still rated as one of the game’s principal movers and shakers.

Pitch-side concussion tests are to be extended to 10 minutes, the International Rugby Board (IRB) announced yesterday.

Supporters will not face segregation at Rugby World Cup 2015, tournament bosses have been at pains to confirm.

The European peace deal averted a crisis that could have seriously damaged professional rugby’s world image, according to International Rugby Board boss Brett Gosper.

Ireland’s bid to host the 2023 World Cup has been given a huge boost after IRB chief executive Brett Gosper described the country as “a wonderful candidate”.

Irish players are amongst those being left at increased risk of concussion-related injuries due to the failure of the PRO12, Heineken Cup and Six Nations to adopt IRB guidelines, according to a leading player advocate.

Premiership Rugby will step up plans to create a new European competition - despite the International Rugby Board declaring they would oppose a format composed exclusively of Anglo-French clubs.

The IRB have said they ‘do not believe’ in an Anglo-French tournament to replace the Heineken Cup and will veto the proposal if it is put to them.

The International Rugby Board have entered the dispute over the future of the Heineken Cup by declaring their support for a European tournament.

Peter Stringer was "disgusted" at being spat on by his French opposite number Jerome Fillol in Bath's 36-20 Amlin Challenge Cup defeat to Stade Francais.

My, but how the GAA has moved on.