New Zealand officials have admitted making a mistake by allowing the man accused of killing 51 people at two Christchurch mosques to send a handwritten letter from his prison cell.

The Government has rejected calls for the appointment of New Zealander Gabriel Makhlouf as new Central Bank Governor to be re-examined, saying it cannot be undone.

Nothing less than a World Cup semi-final appearance in Japan later this year will constitute a good World Cup for Ireland, said a straight-talking David Nucifora, as the IRFU performance director threw down the gauntlet to Joe Schmidt and his squad yesterday.

Three years and change since Richie McCaw quit being the ruination of many an opponent’s rucks and, while the New Zealander didn’t make many friends doing what he did, he continues to influence the breakdown.

Alan Quinlan is "very excited" for the Andy Farrell era, as the IRFU revealed the successor to outgoing head coach Joe Schmidt.

Joe Schmidt's departure as Ireland head coach after the 2019 Rugby World Cup has also made big news in New Zealand.

Keeping Johann van Graan at Munster is crucial to the province’s ambitions, according to Conor Murray.

Munster centre Rory Scannell admits pre-season has been “tough” ahead his side’s PRO14 opener against South African side Cheetahs tomorrow.

Once bitten... Wayne Pivac has suffered at the hands of Leinster one time too many in a major knockout game at the Aviva Stadium and the Scarlets boss is determined to avoid a repeat in tomorrow’s Guinness PRO14 final.

Leinster have admitted to some surprise at the suggestion from Welsh legend Shane Williams that Isa Nacewa is a weak link who can be exposed defensively by the Scarlets in today’s Champions Cup semi-final.

Connacht centre Bundee Aki welcomed his return to provincial rugby as he seeks to ground himself after Grand Slam glory with Ireland.

Joe Schmidt deservedly received the plaudits for guiding Ireland to a Grand Slam on Saturday. But the New Zealander was quick to credit the efforts of his backroom team in the unforgettable spring campaign. Rory Keane reports.

Ireland 37 - Wales 27: Warren Gatland can always be relied on to offer a pithy comment or a smartly-aimed barb and they were much in evidence as the Wales coach reflected on a first Six Nations defeat to Ireland since 2014.

Whatever the demands in Munster for a return to winning ways after a chastening home defeat to Leinster, it is up in Ulster where the need for atonement is felt much deeper ahead of this evening’s sold-out PRO14 derby clash in Belfast, writes Simon Lewis

Lewis Hamilton continued his imperious form by posting a record-breaking lap of the Circuit of the Americas en route to completing a practice double for the United States Grand Prix.

Connacht lacked so much ‘attitude and commitment’ according to coach Kieran Keane who bristled with frustration as his side lost for the third time in four PRO14 games on Saturday.

After a hectic five weeks on the road and eight searching examinations to this point, the 2017 Lions tour reached the point of no return in the aptly named windy Wellington last Saturday night.

From day one of his tenure as the head coach of the 2017 British and Irish Lions, Warren Gatland has preached the importance of a power-packed set of replacements to come into the game and either close out a victory or reel in a deficit.

Rassie Erasmus believes keeping Springbok centre Jaco Taute at Munster beyond his short-term contract could be a possibility.

Munster have gone to the top of the Pro 12 after a comfortable 46-3 home win over Benetton Treviso in this afternoon's clash.

Just short of 10 months ago, Munster pulled off one of the most important wins of their 2015/16 season when they beat Ulster by two points (9-7) in the Guinness PRO12 at Kingspan Stadium. 

Zebre 7 Connacht 52: Two rounds played in the Champions Cup and only three teams in Europe have chalked up two wins. No surprise that Saracens and Clermont Auvergne have begun in such stellar fashion, but Pat Lam’s men are beginning to show that their historic PRO12 win might not be a one-hit wonder.

Brian O’Driscoll has labelled Leinster’s decision to part company with Matt O’Connor last summer as “rash” as the province turns to World Cup-winning coach Graham Henry to support an inexperienced management setup.

Some big knockout action takes place today...

There may still be over a week until Ireland face England at Twickenham but the mind games have already started.

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

Luck and inspiration may have abandoned the Irish rugby team, but true fans are steadfast.

The great and the good had been queuing up all week to predict an England win at Twickenham on Saturday night, among them three captains from World Cups long gone, writes Peter Jackson.

Good morning. Here’s everything you need to know before you start your day.

Gordon D’Arcy insists he has no bitterness towards Joe Schmidt for ending his international career and has backed the Ireland head coach to make the difference in the country’s bid for a first Rugby World Cup.