DEPARTING All Blacks coach Graham Henry has argued for continuity in New Zealand rugby, nominating his assistant Steve Hansen as the next man for the job.

World Cup-winning coach Graham Henry has officially stepped down from his role in charge of the All Blacks but looks set to move into a background position with the New Zealand Rugby Union.

INCENDIARY tweets, guerrilla gum shields and mean-spirited old farts – kind of makes you yearn for the innocent pleasures of dwarf throwing and bungee jumping doesn’t it?

THE International Rugby Board (IRB) insisted it was committed to addressing the financial concerns over the World Cup that have led to a threat from the All Blacks to boycott the 2015 tournament in England.

All Blacks fly-half Dan Carter has signed a four-year contract to stay in New Zealand.

ALL BLACK legend Sean Fitzpatrick has defended the Irish provinces’ right to sign Kiwi talent in the face of stinging criticism from New Zealand rugby’s top official, but has questioned whether such a policy is in the best interests of the game here.

NEW ZEALAND rugby chiefs have poured scorn on reports linking Carl Hayman with a return to the All Blacks jersey for this year’s Rugby World Cup.

IRELAND will play a three-Test series against New Zealand for the first time in 2012, as the shape of International Rugby Board-approved tours changed following a new global schedule agreed in the last week.

SCOTLAND head coach Frank Hadden stepped down yesterday with immediate effect after a frustrating Six Nations campaign ended with just one victory.

New Zealand Rugby Union chief executive Steve Tew has claimed the Six Nations’ block vote against the most controversial experimental law variation (ELV) was “ridiculous”.

NEW Zealand Rugby Union chief executive Steve Tew has fired back at Irish billionaire Denis O’Brien’s claims that the All Blacks “bully” Samoan rugby.

CLERMONT AUVERGNE lock Jamie Cudmore has received a five-week ban after being sent off in last weekend’s Heineken Cup clash against Munster at Thomond Park.

AUSTRALIA and New Zealand would consider scrapping future European tours if northern hemisphere unions continue to send under-strength teams Down Under for June Test matches.

LEADING New Zealand referee Steve Walsh has been red-carded by the IRB after a verbal sideline row with Shane Horgan during the Lions tour.

The British and Irish Lions will play an additional match against Auckland, the New Zealand Rugby Union have announced.

Clive Woodward could find himself in hot water over the comments he made about Simon Shaw’s dismissal.

All Blacks coach John Mitchell tonight paid tribute to the career of Jonah Lomu after it was revealed he had rejected the offer of a new one-year deal from the New Zealand Rugby Union.

Jonah Lomu’s New Zealand rugby career looks to be at an end after it was revealed today he had rejected the offer of a one-year deal from the New Zealand Rugby Union.

All Blacks giant Jonah Lomu is to take a four-week break from rug

All Blacks giant Jonah Lomu is to take a four-week break from rugby after a flare up of his chronic kidney problem.