Rugby

Stephen Ferris

Ferris cleared by hearing  new

Stephen Ferris will be available for Ireland's RBS 6 Nations clash with France on Saturday after being cleared of tip-tackling Wales lock Ian Evans.

Inside Rugby

Ruaridh Jackson

Jackson to return  new

Wednesday, 8 February 2012

Glasgow stand-off Ruaridh Jackson will make his comeback from injury when Warriors host Scarlets in the RaboDirect PRO12 on Thursday night.

Bradley Davies (centre)

Davies banned for seven weeks  new

Wednesday, 8 February 2012

Wales lock Bradley Davies will miss the rest of this season's RBS 6 Nations Championship after receiving a seven-week ban.

Greig Laidlaw

Two changes for Scotland

Wednesday, 8 February 2012

Scotland have made two enforced changes for Sunday's RBS 6 Nations clash with Wales in Cardiff, with Greig Laidlaw set to make his first Test start.

Rugby Union

Telford player 'sorry' over racism

Wednesday, 8 February 2012

The lower-league rugby player banned for 18 weeks after being found guilty of racially abusing an opponent has apologised for his conduct to the player he targeted.

Marco Bortolami (centre)

Two changes for Italy

Wednesday, 8 February 2012

Italy coach Jacques Brunel has made two changes to the side that lost the RBS 6 Nations opener against France for the game against England in Rome on Saturday.

Dwayne Peel

Trio pen Sale deals

Wednesday, 8 February 2012

Wales international Dwayne Peel has signed a new two-year contract with Aviva Premiership club Sale Sharks.

Michael Bradley

Gamboa makes Edinburgh move

Wednesday, 8 February 2012

Edinburgh have signed Argentina prop Ulises Gamboa from RaboDirect Pro12 rivals Aironi until the end of the season.

Rugby union

Racism suspension handed out

Wednesday, 8 February 2012

A rugby player has been suspended for 18 weeks after being found guilty of racially abusing an opponent.

Ben Morgan

Weight matters for Morgan

Wednesday, 8 February 2012

Ben Morgan has revealed the punishing training regime that helped turn him from a part-time builder, part-time rugby player into a full England international.

Andy Robinson and Dan Parks

Robinson salutes retiring Parks

Wednesday, 8 February 2012

Scotland head coach Andy Robinson paid tribute to the retiring Dan Parks as he signalled his readiness to turn to a new generation of fly-halves in Sunday's RBS 6 Nations clash with Wales.

Director of Rugby at Ulster Rugby David Humpreys (left) and Brian McLaughlin during yesterday's press conference where it was announced that McLaughlin would be stepping down as Ulster head coach at the end of the season

Kirwan targets Ulster job as McLaughlin 'sidelined'

Wednesday, 8 February 2012

Within hours of Ulster's confirmation that Brian McLaughlin is to be jettisoned, former All Black John Kirwan last night revealed he would be interested in becoming the province's new coach when the post is vacated this summer.
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Six Nations: Saint-Andre wary of Irish resistance

Wednesday, 8 February 2012

French coach Philippe Saint-Andre has beefed up an already formidable pack for Saturday's Six Nations clash with Ireland in Paris and declared that his side will try to take advantage of the visitors' "different defence and attack".
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Tainton - ‘These are the best players we have’

Wednesday, 8 February 2012

There was a touch of the 'Auckland blues' swirling around the Irish camp yesterday and, considering the size of the task facing them in Paris this weekend, that is no bad thing.
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Ireland's drop down rankings threatens World Cup seeding

Wednesday, 8 February 2012

There was plenty to leave Irish fans despondent last Sunday after the gut-wrenching defeat by Wales, but Monday arrived with further gloom when the IRB world rankings were updated.
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Toby Flood

Flood returns to Tigers

Tuesday, 7 February 2012

Toby Flood has been released to play for Leicester this weekend - but Lee Dickson is still part of England's plans for their RBS 6 Nations clash with Italy in Rome.

Dean Richards

Worcester play down Richards link

Tuesday, 7 February 2012

Worcester Warriors have ruled out the possibility of former England number eight Dean Richards joining them as director of rugby - at least for the time being.

Bradley Davies

Wales braced to lose Davies

Tuesday, 7 February 2012

Wales look destined to lose lock Bradley Davies from their RBS 6 Nations plans on Wednesday - but two other World Cup forwards could return for next Sunday's clash against Scotland.

Saracens

Sarries announce Abu Dhabi fixture

Tuesday, 7 February 2012

Saracens have arranged a friendly with Fijian champions Nadroga Stallions in Al Ain, Abu Dhabi on Friday, March 9.

Andy Farrell

Farrell - Discipline is key

Tuesday, 7 February 2012

Andy Farrell reinforced the need for England to avoid tip tackles after Bradley Davies and Stephen Ferris were cited for foul play incidents over the weekend.

Dan Parks

Parks calls time on Scotland career

Tuesday, 7 February 2012

Scotland fly-half Dan Parks has retired from international rugby with immediate effect, the Scottish Rugby Union have announced.

More rugby:

In Pictures: Rugby World Cup Fans

In Pictures: World Cup Fans

The Best Rugby XV ever

The Best Rugby XV ever

Columnist Comments

niall_crozier

Ulster bonus material finally shown

A week ago, in the wake of their 24-17 RaboDirect Pro12 victory over Scarlets, I wrote in terms of Ulster having achieved the first of five pre-Christmas goals.

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The World's 10 Sexiest Women

The World's 10 Sexiest Women

In Pictures: Rugby through the years

In Pictures: Rugby through the years

A look back at the local archives

TeleToons

Teletoons gallery by Stevie Lee

 

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