New Zealand Herald - International rugby

Three-pool format favoured for Super Rugby revamp
Sanzar bosses are firming on how to revamp Super Rugby, with a 15-team conferenced championship from 2010 the preferred option. The conference model is understood to have gained the most support as it will provide more local derbies...

Rugby: England coach restricted by player-release rules
Danny Cipriani may be the people's choice as England's first five-eighths to face the All Blacks next month, especially as the people can no longer choose the stricken Jonny Wilkinson. But there will be no firm decision on the...

Rugby: Carter may be out for test, says Henry
All Blacks coach Graham Henry admits Dan Carter may not be used for the first test against France next year. The All Blacks first five will return to New Zealand after the French season ends in June. The two tests against the French...

TV channels unite over 2011 Rugby World Cup
Peace has broken out in the television war between Sky, TVNZ and TV3. It is understood the three broadcasters are jointly negotiating with the International Rugby Board agent IMG to share screening rights to the 2011 Rugby World...

Rugby: Horwill out of Wallabies tour
Test lock James Horwill was today ruled out of the Wallabies spring tour to Europe due to a foot injury which requires surgery. Horwill is facing six months on the sidelines after an operation to repair a ligament tear - a major...

Rugby: Record interest in staging World Cups
LONDON - The rugby union World Cups of 2015 and 2019 have attracted a record number of countries interested in launching official bids, the International Rugby Board (IRB) has confirmed. Eight nations - England, Wales, Scotland,...

Rugby: Japan launches bid for 2015 World Cup
TOKYO - Japan has formally applied to host the 2015 Rugby World Cup. Japanese rugby officials said today they had sent a letter of intent to the International Rugby Board confirming bids for both the 2015 and 2019 tournaments. "We...

Rugby: Giteau senses special times ahead for Wallabies
SYDNEY - Primary playmaker Matt Giteau feels the new-look Wallabies may be on the verge of something special as they prepare for their first spring tour under new coach Robbie Deans. The six-match campaign concludes with a game...