Nick Champion de Crespigny marked his debut as captain with a try as a misfiring Australia overcame Japan 19-15 to open its five-match Northern Hemisphere tour.

Phil Gifford is a Contributing Sports Writer for NZME. He is one of the most-respected voices in New Zealand sports journalism. The All Blacks aim for a Grand Slam on their northern tour, facing England,

CHICAGO (WGN) – At Pioneer Court in downtown Chicago, a rugby-style takeover was in full effect. A week ahead of their game against Ireland at Soldier Field, the New Zealand All Blacks did some good will warm-ups ahead of the first ever Gallagher Cup.

Welsh rugby bosses aim to halt the flow of playing talent heading to England with a radical shake up of the women's game in Wales. While a cut in the number of professional men's teams dominated Friday's announcement by the Welsh Rugby Union (WRU), major changes were also unveiled for women's domestic rugby.

Before private jets and sponsorships, Rugby League’s Ashes were fought across oceans and mud-soaked fields. England versus Australia was once the ultimate test - brutal, brilliant, and the making of legends.