Nigh on four years already since the Springboks won their third World Cup and a fractured nation put all its problems behind it to drink in the moment

There can be no easing into the tournament for Ireland, warns James Ryan

The referee for Ireland and Romania credits McHugh, his 'sounding board, critic and crucially a friend', even going so far as to refer to him as 'grandfather'

The Corkman is well aware that this is the biggest stage of all 

England begin their campaign against Argentina in Marseille on Saturday with expectations at an all-time low after losing three of their four warm-up matches and five of their past six outings. 

Opening weekend talking points: A lot of water has flowed under the bridge since Johnny Sexton was forced off the field in Ireland’s Grand Slam decider

In short, there is nothing that points to anything but a 14th consecutive Test victory for the world's number one side.

A second round 71 left the Kilkenny 22-year-old on five under at the K Club

Keith Earls starts instead of the Conancht man against Romania.

It was reported that one top rugby nation had asked World Rugby for clarification about sanctions for any teams found to be spying.

The Rugby World Cup is kicking off and Ireland will face Romania in their first game - here is all you need to know about the game.

The skipper continued the fine form he is showing in Miami by scoring the winner from a free kick.

As much as the Pacific Nations have shown signs of improvement, there is still a galactic distance between potential and performance

The Pumas have risen to their rightful place on the global stage through their strong sense of each other, through their shared purpose and well-defined identity

The Boys in Green battled gamely but couldn't trouble the hosts. 

Ronan O'Gara and Donal Lenihan join co-hosts Simon Lewis and Brendan O'Brien. 

Starting hooker Rob Herring referenced McCarthy’s strength and physique in assessing the lock’s contribution to the Ireland set-piece.

The 26-year old centre spoke with her shortly after she reached the French capital and he came close to tears as he explained to the media how much it will mean to him to have her at the stadium at the weekend.

The Ireland manager praised Ireland's refusal to concede a glut of goals in Paris

Familiar failings let Ireland down in Paris on Thursday night.