Rugby

Ireland faces stern Scotland test at Rugby World Cup. England and Wales prepare for quarters

PARIS (AP) — Ireland's famous — or infamous — reputation for never passing the Rugby World Cup quarterfinals could become irrelevant on Saturday when there's a chance the No. 1-ranked team may not even get there.

Oct 6, 2023 12:14 PM Read more >

All Blacks finish Rugby World Cup pool play with 73-0 win over Uruguay

LYON, France (AP) — New Zealand overcame a sluggish start to beat Uruguay 73-0 in its final pool match at the Rugby World Cup on Thursday. But the All Blacks' performance was less than the polished quarterfinal rehearsal they were hoping for.

Oct 6, 2023 7:59 AM Read more >

Ford-Farrell axis dusted off by England before Rugby World Cup quarterfinals

LILLE, France (AP) — England has dusted off the old George Ford-Owen Farrell axis for its last Rugby World Cup pool game before the quarterfinals.

Oct 5, 2023 3:28 PM Read more >

Scotland in fearless mode for all-or-nothing Rugby World Cup clash with favorite Ireland

PARIS (AP) — Fearless Scotland heads into the Rugby World Cup showdown against top-ranked Ireland with an all-or-nothing approach to reaching the quarterfinals on Saturday.

Oct 5, 2023 2:19 PM Read more >

Wales says its left behind Georgia loss but Lelos aren't forgetting at the Rugby World Cup

NANTES, France (AP) — Wales says it doesn't bear a grudge against Georgia. Nearly a year ago, the Georgians went to Cardiff and achieved an historic first success against a feeble Wales by 13-12.

Oct 5, 2023 12:18 PM Read more >

South African flag may be taken down at rugby & cricket World Cups for doping body's non-compliance

CAPE TOWN, South Africa (AP) — The South African flag will not be displayed at the rugby and cricket World Cups later this month if its national anti-doping body does not appeal a decision by the World Anti-Doping Agency to declare it non-compliant.

Oct 5, 2023 7:00 AM Read more >

Unbeaten France has lots of reasons to be worried about Italy in crunch Rugby World Cup match

Title contender France has plenty of reasons to be concerned about Italy in their crunch Rugby World Cup match on Friday in Lyon. Both are chasing a quarterfinal spot. France is unbeaten and is looking to top Pool A. Italy has lots of motivation.

Oct 5, 2023 6:31 AM Read more >

Japan players channel spirit of the samurai in 'do or die' Rugby World Cup match against Argentina

TOULOUSE, France (AP) — It’s “Samurai Time” for Japan at the Rugby World Cup. The equation facing the Japanese is quite simple heading into their final pool game against Argentina in Nantes on Sunday. Essentially, it’s win or go home.

Oct 5, 2023 6:24 AM Read more >

Slippery stairs, spider bite, tackles and bad luck knock out players at the Rugby World Cup

Since Antoine Dupont broke a cheekbone in a tackle at the Rugby World Cup , France has been feeding crumbs of positivity about its talismanic captain.

Oct 5, 2023 2:55 AM Read more >

Italy forgets New Zealand debacle and resets to take on France at Rugby World Cup

AP Sports Writer (AP) — Convinced the New Zealand walloping is firmly behind them, Italy’s players must find a way to beat rampant host France at the Rugby World Cup on Friday.

Oct 4, 2023 10:02 AM Read more >