A joint venture between ticketing and hospitality giant Ticketek - Australia & NZ and leading Management Company International Quarterback (IQ) has been appointed an Official Corporate Hospitality Agent for Rugby World Cup 2011 (RWC 2011), New Zealand.

The International Rugby Board has announced that Noel Murphy has been awarded the Vernon Pugh Award for Distinguished Service and Chia-Seng Lin the IRB Development Award.

New Zealand's inspirational captain Richie McCaw has been named the International Rugby Board Player of the Year 2009 in association with Emirates Airline.

The International Rugby Board has announced the shortlist for the IRB Player of the Year 2009 in association with Emirates Airline. The winner will be announced, together with the IRB Coach of the Year and IRB Team of the Year, during the final weekend of November Tests.

The International Rugby Board will induct nine legends into the IRB Hall of Fame at a special ceremony celebrating the rich history of British & Irish Lions tours to South Africa at Rugby School in England on Tuesday, October 27.

By Daniel Gilhooly of NZPA

Wellington, Sept 17 NZPA - Organisers have found the perfect way to side-step atrocious conditions that have marred recent rugby tests in Wellington -- schedule the latest home match on New Zealand soil in 47 years.

By Daniel Gilhooly of NZPA

Hamilton, Sept 11 NZPA - The lineout mind games have started, with Springboks maestro Victor Matfield wondering aloud whether New Zealand's forwards will press the self-destruct button again in tomorrow's Tri-Nations rugby test.

By Daniel Gilhooly of NZPA

Durban, July 30 NZPA - The dancing feet of Victor Matfield provide the secret behind South Africa's lineout success according to the All Blacks.

By Daniel Gilhooly of NZPA

Durban, July 28 NZPA - All Blacks coach Graham Henry has showered praise on South African prop John Smit, who will become the most capped captain in test rugby history when the teams square off in Durban this weekend.

Durban, July 29 NZPA 

The most capped captains in test rugby:

59: John Smit (South Afica 2003-09), Will Carling (England, 1988-96), George Gregan (Australia, 2001-07)

57: Brian O'Driscoll (Ireland/Lions 2002-09)

55: John Eales (Australia 1996-2001)