news by country
Regions and WRU strike an accord
Wales boss Warren Gatland has been assured by Wales' regions that players will be released timeously for international training.
Wales will unite in 2009
WRU Chief Executive Roger Lewis said that 2009 would be the year when Wales' union and four regions united once and for all.
Ospreys wait on Williams
IRB World Player of the Year Shane Williams has been given a two-week break by the Ospreys in an attempt to solve a shoulder issue ahead of the Six Nations campaign.
The Planet Rugby Awards 2008
It's that time of year again when we reward all those kind enough to have provided entertainment over the past 12 months, wittingly or not!
A glance back at 2008 - Part Two
If 2008 did not exactly reach the peaks of 2007, it didn't disappoint for intrigue either. There were no World Cups, few extraordinary moments, few moments of pure drama to remember, but plenty of events that will be recalled further down the line as moments that may have defined the years to come. Certainly it will be remembered as the year the south pulled clear again in terms of performance and ability. But why?
A glance back at 2008 - Part One
If 2008 did not exactly reach the peaks of 2007, it didn't disappoint for intrigue either. There were no World Cups, few extraordinary moments, few moments of pure drama to remember, but plenty of events that will be recalled further down the line as moments that may have defined the years to come. Certainly it will be remembered as the year the south pulled clear again in terms of performance and ability. But why?
Phillips eyeing Wales comeback
Ospreys scrum-half Mike Phillips is setting his sights on a return to the Wales team after recovering from a knee injury.
Welsh internal tour plans stymied
Political interference, with David Moffett at the forefront once more - has brought Warren Gatland's plan for an internal tour of New Zealand in 2010 to what is likely to be an acrimonious halt.
JPR Williams' overdue peace offering
The most infamous stamping incident in Welsh rugby may soon be given some closure, after an All Black's peace offering.
Match Officials: 2009 Six Nations
The International Rugby Board (IRB) has released the list officials for the 2009 Six Nations, which kicks off when England host Italy at Twickenham on 7 February.
Hemisphere gap closing - Williams
Wales wing Shane Williams believes top European nations are closing the gap on the southern hemisphere even though his side were the only country to defeat one of the 'Big Three' in last month's Tests.
Welsh given Billy Whizz's backing
Jason Robinson's view on the November internationals is that the Welsh will the the ones making up the core of next June's British and Irish Lions side.
Fitzpatrick: 'Toughen up'
Former New Zealand captain Sean Fitzpatrick says England and Wales need to "toughen-up" if they are to sustain a challenge to the southern hemisphere sides.
State of the nation - Wales
It's difficult to know what to write about Wales, given they could have feasibly won all four of their November internationals.
Gatland positive after 'toughest' draw
Wales boss Warren Gatland believes his reigning Six Nations champions have landed "the toughest pool" of Rugby World Cup 2011.
