# IRB

All time

# Rucking

Does rugby need to take a closer look at its breakdown laws?

One prominent sevens coach has expressed his concern over the ‘croc roll’ or ‘tin opener’ technique.

8.0k

Dec 4th 2014, 8:15 AM

# Award

Sexton misses out as Retallick named World Rugby Player of the Year

The New Zealand second row becomes the fourth man from his country to win the trophy.

13.1k

Nov 22nd 2014, 8:23 PM

# fame

Keith Wood inducted into IRB Hall of Fame

The former Ireland captain has been honoured this evening.

24.3k

Nov 17th 2014, 9:32 PM

# Top three

Ireland jump to third in IRB world rankings ahead of Wallabies clash

Defeats for Australia and England, as well as Ireland’s win, mean a change in the official ladder.

16.7k

Nov 16th 2014, 6:08 PM

# the general

'Johnny's a poster boy for being a professional' - Sexton up for IRB award

The Ireland camp are unsurprised that their out-half has been nominated alongside four Southern Hemisphere players.

4.9k

Nov 12th 2014, 2:07 PM

# Rule Book

Could law changes help the IRB to make rugby a more entertaining spectacle?

Eoghan Hickey proposes two minor alterations to speed up the game and provide more tries.

7.1k

Aug 29th 2014, 7:15 AM

# Rebrand

IRB to become World Rugby as global game continues to grow

Rugby union’s international governing body will have a new moniker from the 19th of November onwards.

4.4k

Aug 28th 2014, 10:46 AM

# Honour

Ireland's Niamh Briggs nominated for IRB World Player of the Year

The 29-year-old UL Bohemians and Munster fullback is on a four-player shortlist.

3.4k

Aug 13th 2014, 1:20 PM

# Green Giants

Keith Wood among three Irish rugby greats to join IRB Hall of Fame

Former Ireland captains Fergus Slattery and Tom Kiernan will be inducted with ‘Uncle Fester’ over the coming months.

8.8k

Jul 31st 2014, 12:39 PM

# Nationality

Ex-All Blacks considering international 'transfers' for Rugby World Cup

Former Munster centre Lifeimi Mafi is reported to be among the players hoping to line out for Tonga.

12.6k

Jul 28th 2014, 1:32 PM

# Global Game

10-game winning streak sends Japan into world rugby's top 10

Eddie Jones has led the Brave Blossoms to major improvements ahead of the 2015 World Cup.

5.3k

Jun 23rd 2014, 3:51 PM

# brave blossoms

IRB chief would prefer Japanese entrant for final place in Super 18

Super Rugby is set to take on a sixth South African side, an Argentinian team plus A.N Other.

5.2k

Jun 13th 2014, 8:15 AM

# Doping

South Africa hooker Ralepelle tests positive for anabolic steroid - report

The 27-year-old is now at risk of a two-year ban from playing.

7.5k

Jun 9th 2014, 10:37 AM

# Head Injuries

IRB extend pitch-side concussion tests to 10 minutes in drive for 'cultural change'

The memory and balance sections of the PSCA will also be expanded from the 1st of June.

4.7k

May 19th 2014, 4:51 PM

# ireland remembers

Pics: President Higgins and Taoiseach among thousands who gather to remember Easter Rising

A wreath was laid outside the steps of the GPO with the Proclamation of the Republic also read out.

20.1k

Apr 20th 2014, 9:24 PM

# dirty hogg

Stuart Hogg banned for three weeks after head-hunting Dan Biggar

The Scotland fullback did not contest his citing charge after his red card against Wales.

4.7k

Mar 19th 2014, 3:38 PM

# Outranked

France move above Ireland in IRB rankings before Six Nations clash

Philippe Saint-André’s men are one place above Joe Schmidt’s on the official list.

12.0k

Mar 10th 2014, 5:50 PM

# fifth

Ireland move up one place in IRB world rankings despite Twickenham defeat

Joe Schmidt’s side advance up the list mainly thanks to France’s poor result.

10.3k

Feb 25th 2014, 7:37 PM

# Broke

Fiji sack their coach... to save money

The cash-strapped rugby union were left with little choice.

4.4k

Jan 27th 2014, 10:29 AM

# eyewear

Rugby goggles given green light by IRB

One brand of protective eyewear has been approved for cases when players are unable to wear contact lenses.

7.1k

Jan 22nd 2014, 1:16 PM

# statement

IRB re-confirms stance on European club competition by backing unions

The International Rugby Board says it ‘supports the commitment’ of the Six Nations member unions.

11.3k

Jan 8th 2014, 5:00 PM

# rule change

You won't be hearing the 'yes, nine' call in this weekend's Heineken Cup

The IRB has made a greatly welcome alteration to the scrum-related protocol.

8.8k

Jan 8th 2014, 9:55 AM

# Rugby

All Black Kieran Read named IRB player of the year

Steve Hansen picks up coach of the year award.

4.2k

Dec 3rd 2013, 4:06 PM

# PSCA

Positive steps forward in rugby’s battle against concussion?

The fact that Brian O’Driscoll didn’t reappear against the All Blacks suggests progress has been made.

12.3k

Nov 28th 2013, 3:35 PM

# RWC2023

South Africa set to compete against Ireland for World Cup

We have some tough opposition for the right to host the 2023 Rugby World Cup.

16.6k

Nov 21st 2013, 5:30 PM

# RWC2023

Local people are the key to Ireland's World Cup bid - Sebastian Coe

The man behind London 2012 has some words of advice for Leo Varadkar and the IRFU.

4.5k

Nov 19th 2013, 4:42 PM

# Player Welfare

'You just want to stay on the field' - George Gregan on concussion

The former Wallabies scrum-half says he believes the game has moved forward in protecting players.

1.7k

Nov 19th 2013, 12:21 PM

# BID

Varadkar 'very confident' Ireland will bid for Rugby World Cup

Minister for Sport Leo Varadkar says Ireland are interested in hosting the 2023 version of the tournament.

11.9k

Nov 18th 2013, 3:29 PM

# Head Injuries

IRB calling for Six Nations to adopt concussion protocols

The world rugby body points out that their pitch-side assessments have reduced dangerous incidents in this area.

2.3k

Nov 18th 2013, 12:25 PM

# Ambition

Keith Wood is behind Ireland’s bid to host Rugby World Cup

Minister for Sport Leo Varadkar is expected to announce plans for a formal bid later today.

19.0k

Nov 18th 2013, 9:00 AM

# Governance

IRB chairman says the Rugby Champions Cup is "not necesarily" credible

Bernard Lapasset said the proposed new European club tournament is by no means definite.

5.4k

Oct 30th 2013, 5:33 PM

# money game

Celtic nations looking for more World Cup rewards - report

Ireland, Scotland and Wales look set to demand more World Cup cash as concerns over European club rugby persist.

2.5k

Oct 16th 2013, 9:45 AM

# Speaking out

'We've been waiting for this battle for the last 17 years': IRFU chief on Heineken Cup

Philip Browne says that the Heineken Cup situation has been coming since 1995.

2.9k

Sep 20th 2013, 11:49 AM

# Collision Course

IRB 'don't believe' in Anglo-French European Cup venture

“We strongly believe it should be a European competition,” declared IRB chief executive Brett Gosper.

2.4k

Sep 18th 2013, 10:44 PM

# all for one

Romain Poite hung out to dry by IRB over 'late' Dan Carter hit

The French referee should have taken a firmer stance on the Bismarck du Plessis shoulder barge.

10.4k

Sep 15th 2013, 8:09 PM

# deep impact

'What James Horwill did was far from an accident' - Shane Byrne

The former Lions hooker expects the Australia captain to miss out on the Third Test with a playing ban.

4.9k

Jun 28th 2013, 1:02 PM

# Lions 2013

IRB to appeal citing clearance of Wallabies skipper James Horwill

The ARU said in a response that it was ‘surprised and disappointed’ by the IRB announcement.

3.0k

Jun 27th 2013, 12:32 PM

# Punishment

Barbarians hooker Brits banned for punching Farrell

It means the Saracens player will miss the first three games of next season.

2.7k

Jun 2nd 2013, 10:39 AM

# RWC2015

Rugby bosses promise fairer World Cup schedule for the little guys

Small nations complained bitterly during the 2011 World Cup that the timetable was skewed towards the game’s traditional superpowers who had longer rest periods.

1.5k

Apr 22nd 2013, 9:09 AM

# fan favourite

Romain Poite named as ref for Wales v Ireland 6 Nations clash

The Frenchman will whistleblow at the Millennium Stadium – scene of a lineout-gate in 2010.

7.6k

Dec 11th 2012, 4:46 PM