World Rugby

PNG 7s team off to world challenge

PNG men’s and women’s 7s teams are also in the mix following their outstanding performances at the Oceania Qualifiers last year.

Both teams quietly departed Port Moresby last Saturday for the challenger series.

The PNG Men’s team is fielded alongside Belgium, Brazil, Chile, Germany, Hong Kong, Italy, Jamaica, Korea, Tonga, Uganda and Zimbabwe.

PNG’s first match today is against Hong Kong followed by Chile and tomorrow they are up against Italy.

Magic feet of Marcos Moneta lead Argentina to emotional Cup victory in Vancouver

They say that good things come to those who wait and that was certainly the case for Argentina on day two of the HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series men’s event in Vancouver on Sunday.

The Argentineans played some amazing rugby all weekend and really turned it on in the final against Fiji, the winners in Singapore the week before, to lift the title.

World Rugby considers transgender ban

It would be the first international sports federation to prohibit transgender women from competing.

World Rugby said it had undertaken a review of its "rugby-specific transgender guidelines" in light of the "latest peer reviewed research".

It said it was committed to "ensuring a safe and inclusive playing environment at all levels of the game".

World Rugby to review qualifier

Romanian referee Vlad Iordachescu had to be led away from Spanish players who were furious with the way he officiated their 18-10 defeat last month, which seemed to have ended their hopes of qualifying for the tournament in Japan next year.

Rugby Europe last week delayed a decision on the contentious encounter after Romania and Belgium were accused of fielding ineligible players during the Rugby Europe Championship.

Barrett scoops World Rugby's top prize again

The skilful fly-half joins All Blacks great Richie McCaw as the only player to have retained the award, while Barrett, McCaw and the great Dan Carter are the only three to have won the prize more than once.

Barrett enjoyed another stellar year in international rugby, helping New Zealand retain the Rugby Championship, while he was also a part of the side that drew a thrilling series with the British and Irish Lions 1-1.

VIDEO: PNGRFU face arbitration

He says they are adamant in resolving this impasse for the good of the code and more so for its players.

More from TVWan News.

Tkatchenko clarifies involvement with PNG Rugby Union

Tkatchenko said that he received a letter from World Rugby hand delivered last week and not directly sent to him.

The letter stated that World Rugby doesn’t appreciate political interference in decision making or in any part of rugby union in PNG.

Tkatchenko came out in the media and clarified that he has never got involved personally with rugby union.

Tkatchenko said: “I want to clarify that I have never interfered with rugby union at all in the administration, management or the running of the game.

World Rugby announces 'zero-tolerance approach' to reckless and accidental head contact

From January 3, 2017, redefined illegal high tackle categories and increased sanctions will be applied at all levels of the game, with minimum on-field punishments introduced for reckless or accidental contact with the head.

Stating its intention to ensure the head is a "no-go area" for tacklers, rugby's global governing body will also introduce an awareness and education programme as part of a package of measures brought in following an extensive research programme.

World Rugby committed to investing in the 10 tier two unions

With global participation and competitiveness at an all-time high and World Rugby committed to closing the performance gap, the global governing body has injected approximately £34 million for the period 2012-15 directly into the 10 tier two nations participating in Rugby World Cup 2015.

This money will underwrite a package of programmes aimed at reducing the competition gap with the 10 tier one nations.

In addition, World Rugby has indirectly invested a further £16m in unions via high performance competitions to enhance the pathway to the Rugby World Cup for teams.