Ireland secure number one spot after impressive win

Ireland will move to the top of the world rankings on Monday following an excellent 19-10 triumph over Wales at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin.

VIDEO: Australia v Samoa highlights

Check out the highlights from Australia's 34-15 victory over Samoa.

Wallabies hold off Samoa in Sydney

The Wallabies were made to work hard for a 34-15 victory over Samoa in their Rugby World Cup warm-up encounter in Sydney on Saturday.

Eddie Jones hails England’s ability to ‘problem solve’

England head coach Eddie Jones praised his side's ability to 'problem solve' after their 37-0 victory over Italy in Newcastle on Friday night.

VIDEO: New Zealand v Tonga highlights

Watch the highlights from New Zealand's win over Tonga in Hamilton.

14-try All Blacks put Tonga to the sword

New Zealand made a statement of intent ahead of the Rugby World Cup when they notched a 92-7 win against Tonga in Hamilton on Saturday.

England nil Italy in one-sided clash in Newcastle

England wrapped up their Rugby World Cup warm-up campaign with a ruthless 37-0 win over Italy at St James' Park in Newcastle on Friday.

Second half surge helps Scotland overcome Georgia

Scotland rounded off their Rugby World Cup preparations with an unconvincing 36-9 win over Georgia at Murrayfield Stadium on Friday.

Predictions: Ireland to claim another win over Wales

Ahead of the World Cup warm-up encounters, we are putting our head on the block and picking our winners from the matches this weekend.

Makazole Mapimpi hat-trick sets up Bok win over Japan

South Africa completed their Rugby World Cup 2019 preparations in style courtesy of a 41-7 victory over Japan in Kumagaya on Friday.

Anthony Watson backing Ruaridh McConnochie to shine

England's Anthony Watson is backing his Bath team-mate Ruaridh McConnochie ahead of his international bow against Italy on Friday.

Anton Lienert-Brown relishing Tonga challenge

All Blacks centre Anton Lienert-Brown will take special satisfaction from facing Tonga in Saturday's World Cup warm-up encounter in Hamilton.

David Pocock to retire from Tests after Rugby World Cup

Veteran Wallabies back-row David Pocock has announced that he will retire from Tests after the Rugby World Cup in Japan later this year.

The short side: Big game previews, Boks out for revenge

The short side returns to Planet Rugby as we study the major talking points ahead of the weekend’s Rugby World Cup warm-up matches.

Johnny Sexton starts in strong Ireland side

Fly-half Johnny Sexton will make his first start in Ireland's final World Cup warm-up fixture against Wales at the Aviva Stadium on Saturday.

VIDEO: England build to Italy and Ben Youngs’ view

England have opened the doors on their preparations for the Rugby World Cup in Japan, with these videos making for captivating viewing.

Wales name strong team for Ireland showdown

Wales have named their side for their final warm-up match ahead of the World Cup with captain Alun Wyn Jones returning to the starting team.

Johnny Sexton sings Joe Schmidt and Rory Best’s praises

Johnny Sexton said Ireland's squad are keen to give Joe Schmidt and Rory Best a winning Aviva Stadium send-off against Wales on Saturday.

Ryan Crotty to start at 12 for All Blacks

Ryan Crotty is set to return to Test action when New Zealand host Tonga in their final Rugby World Cup warm-up game in Hamilton on Saturday.

Ryan Wilson to skipper Scotland against Georgia

Glasgow back-row Ryan Wilson will captain Scotland for the first time in their final World Cup warm-up fixture, against Georgia at Murrayfield.

My Rugby World Cup hero: Stirling Mortlock

Ahead of the Rugby World Cup in Japan, we dig through the archives to highlight a hero from a previous tournament. Next up, Stirling Mortlock.

Loose Pass: An unfortunate XV and an unlucky Irishman

This week we will mostly be concerning ourselves with the best of the unfortunate ahead of the World Cup, and a poor show from a union...

David Pocock to captain Australia against Samoa

David Pocock will return from injury and leads Australia in their final Rugby World Cup warm-up game, against Samoa at Bankwest Stadium.

Match officials to September 8

The match officials for this week's action have been confirmed, with Mathieu Raynal refereeing the Ireland versus France fixture in Dublin.

Team Tracker: Rugby World Cup warm-ups

Check on the international sides for the weekend via our Team Tracker.

Owen Farrell leads rotated England against Italy

England head coach Eddie Jones has named an experimental XV to play in their final Rugby World Cup warm-up fixture, against Italy on Friday.

Retirement call from Wallaby veteran Tatafu Polota-Nau

Australia hooker Tatafu Polota-Nau will represent his country for the last time on Saturday after confirming his retirement from Test rugby.

Rugby Union Today: World Cup squads and Georgia analysis

Another busy day in the rugby union game as Scotland announce their Rugby World Cup squad while Sam Larner returns to analyse Georgia.

Rugby World Cup squad lists for 2019

Check on the squads named thus far ahead of the Rugby World Cup.

Scotland announce squad for Rugby World Cup

Scotland head coach Gregor Townsend has unveiled his 31-man squad for the Rugby World Cup, with hooker Stuart McInally named as captain.