Rugby World Champions New Zealand were treated to an epic welcome when they returned home with the Webb Ellis Trophy.

Jamie Heaslip has spoken about Ireland’s ‘upset’ with the manner of their Rugby World Cup quarter-final defeat to Argentina last month.

One senses that Ulster’s new Director of Rugby Les Kiss is still in a little battle-scarred following Ireland’s heavy World Cup quarter-final exit at the hands of Argentina.

“I just wanted to put a smile on his face.”

For two whole years, the hard times never seemed to leave Steve Hansen alone – none harder than a wintry weekend in Dublin 13 years ago.

THE Rugby World Cup that ended with a New Zealand victory on Saturday was a triumph in more ways than one.

Earlier in this year this column spoke to Mickey Ned O’Sullivan, former Kerry captain and manager, ahead of the marriage referendum. He was insightful and passionate, articulate and convincing: himself, in other words.

Halloween. A long and spooky evening is in store for Australia, it seems.

New Zealand media toasted the All Blacks’ victory over Australia in Saturday’s final, hailing the achievements of a “phenomenal” team many are calling the best of all time.

Dan Carter admitted he could hardly have a better ending to his glittering international career after his man-of-the-match performance helped the All Blacks to a historic World Cup triumph.

Sonny Bill Williams presented his World Cup winner’s medal to a fan tackled by security guards when trying to celebrate with the All Blacks.

New Zealand emerged 34-17 winners over Australia in a compelling World Cup final at Twickenham.

New Zealand cemented their status as rugby’s greatest ever team by becoming the first side to retain the World Cup with 34-17 victory over Australia.

Poor Annabelle.

New Zealand head coach Steve Hansen believes Saturday’s World Cup final against Australia has the potential to buck a recent trend.

If Richard Hugh McCaw lifts the Webb Ellis Cup up to the London skies tonight in his final act as an All Black, it would do more than reinforce his claim to being rugby’s ultimate gladiator, the best player the game has seen.

New Zealand will be hoping to avoid another Halloween horror show when they face World Cup final opponents Australia.

More than rugby pride is at stake when Australia and New Zealand clash in this afternoon’s World Cup final Remember when your little brother or sister beat you for the first time?

Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp does not believe Chelsea’s current troubles make it any easier visiting Stamford Bridge and warned of the dangers a “wounded” side can pose.

Bryan Habana endured a wretched night in missing four chances to break Jonah Lomu’s record.

Nigel Owens took time out from preparing to referee tomorrow’s Rugby World Cup final to tweet this clip of an encounter with Jack Whitehall.

Australia have blundered on the eve of Saturday’s World Cup final by accidentally revealing elements of their game-plan for dethroning New Zealand.

Someone’s going to end up with egg on their face.

Leinster announced today that Isa Nacewa is to take over the role of club captain on a permanent basis, having taken led the team on an interim basis during the Rugby World Cup.

It’s been said that most Rugby World Cup finals have been dour, boring affairs, and there’s good reason for that, but I think we could be looking at the exception to the rule this weekend, writes Ronan O’Gara

New Zealand boss Steve Hansen has hailed the durability of “special player” Dan Carter as he prepares to line up in his first Rugby World Cup final.

With the Rugby World Cup final fast approaching, fans from both countries have been busy trying to outdo each other in terms of who has the best supporters.

Australia have made one change for Saturday’s World Cup final against New Zealand after Scott Sio completed his recovery from an elbow injury.

Five All Blacks stalwarts can end their Test careers by cementing New Zealand’s class of 2015 as rugby’s greatest ever with World Cup glory.