New Zealand considering alternative of playing a North American XV

More details emerged about the All Blacks November trip to the USA, but player release remains a barrier towards a playing the Eagles and an alternative of North American XV has been mentioned.

Why the privately owned Club model is better for the global game than the Union run model

There are two diverging philosophies in the European club battle, one from the privately backed domestic game in England, France and the Welsh regions, the other from the Union run domestic game backed by the IRFU, SRU and WRU (who want more control over the regions). Here we say, from the perspective of the global game, who it would be preferable to triumph.

Clown of the week: Gregor Paul

New Zealand Herald journalist and so called "expert" Gregor Paul has, on top of his colossal ignorance, also managed to prove himself totally contradictory fool.

Should Georgia drop their record point scorer Merab Kvirikashvili?

Over his 11 year international career Merab Kvirikashvili has broken Georgian point scoring records and won popularity with fans, however he also remains an enigma and frustratingly gaffe prone. Should Milton Haig keep picking him?

Georgia and Romania coast undefeated to World Cup qualification

Both Georgia and Romania officially secured their qualification for next year’s Rugby World Cup in England this weekend with easy bonus point wins over Russia and Spain, but the poor challenge from the other ENC nations this year has been notable and the trend is becoming a cause for concern.

Clown of the week: Scott Hastings

As one of the ex-players asked about about Scotland's place in the 6 Nations tournament following the dismal defeat to England, in defending his home nation Scott Hastings went on a strange and ignorant tirade against the passion of Georgian support for their team.

Bernard Lapasset offers encouragement on visit to Georgia

IRB Chairman Bernard Lapasset is in Georgia this weekend ahead of their match with Russia, on his visit he offered some encouragement to the Georgians for progress in the future.

JRFU and SRU to form partnership

Sankei Sports announced that the JRFU and the SRU are to form a partnership which will lead to a coaching and referee exchange, whilst JRFU Chairman Tatsuzo Yabe hopes for a regular possibly annual fixture between the two nations.

Thretton Palamo to return to rugby

Former Eagles centre Thretton Palamo is set to return to rugby and is training with the 7’s side after finishing a stint playing American Football with the Univeristy of Utah.

Sevens star Carlin Isles to make first foray into 15 man code

In exciting news for fans of the USA and rugby in general, it appears that Carlin Isles will be making his first foray into the 15 man code as RugbyMag reports he is to sign for Rabo Pro12 side Glasgow for the rest of the season.

John Quill makes it three Eagles at London Welsh

Following Tai Tuisamoa and Toby L’Estrange, a third Eagle in flanker John Quill has signed up to join Championship side London Welsh.

Japanese pass master Harumichi Tatekawa

One of the most gifted and impressive players to have emerged in international rugby since the World Cup has been 24 year old Japanese midfielder Harumichi Tatekawa. A player the purists would appreciate for his fine passing skill and who recently signed a Super Rugby contract to play in Australia with the Brumbies.

Jeff Hassler fast improving and winning fans at the Ospreys

Becoming increasingly popular with fans, Canadian wing Jeff Hassler has been voted January player of the month for the Ospreys as his hard work pays off.

RUR's Howard Thomas living in la la land

In his role as RUR vice president, Howard Thomas has been ever willing to do some of the most cheesy fantasy filled "Russia coming in from the cold" interviews. Here is just a sample.

Briefing: 6 Nations promotion and relegation

Following the recent media and fan discussion, here is a briefing on the chances of a promotion and relegation system being added to the leading international tournament in the Northern Hemisphere the 6 Nations.

What is Kingsley Jones doing?

The curious case of Russia’s Head Coach Kingsley Jones, who appears to be more committed to TV punditry roles on Scrum V than he does coaching his national side.

The farcical state of Russian rugby

If there was ever a match that pretty much summed up the complete farce that has been Russian rugby in recent times, it was last weekend's important Rugby World Cup qualifier with Romania, played in a random field in the little known village of Nebug.

How good were Italy in the 1990's compared to Georgia today?

A statement frequently made in regard to Georgia and the topic of 6 Nations expansion is that the Italians were much better at the time they were added to the tournament in the 1990’s. Here we explain why that statement is a highly dubious one.