With rugby fever hitting Dubai at the annual Emirates sevens tournament, Emirates Airline has increased its commitment to rugby with the announcement that it has become the Official Airline of the USA Rugby National Sevens Teams.

The International Rugby Board Council has announced details of the Law amendment process which will shape the evaluation of the Laws and whether there is a need for any change following Rugby World Cup 2011 in New Zealand.

With less than two years to go until Rugby World Cup 2011 (RWC 2011) kicks off in New Zealand there is already a buzz in the air about the Tournament and nowhere more so than online.

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.

Wellington, Dec 1 NZPA - Colin Cooper has announced he will resume his old role as Taranaki head rugby coach in 2011 when his time at the Hurricanes comes to an end .

Sports codes should consider the needs of migrants if they want to attract players and supporters, says a new report by sociologist Professor Paul Spoonley.

Shearing has seen one of its more popular wins with Wanganui gun Jerome McCrea beating World champion Paul Avery on the champion's home stage in Stratford.

By Mark Geenty of NZPA

Marseille, Nov 29 NZPA - It's the eternal question: why do France bring out the best and the worst in the All Blacks rugby team?

New Zealand rugby and the All Blacks have congratulated All Blacks captain Richie McCaw who was tonight named the IRB 2009 Player of the Year.

28-year-old McCaw received the award following the All Blacks - France Test in Marseille tonight.

By Mark Geenty of NZPA

Marseille, Nov 29 NZPA - Suggestions that All Blacks prop Tony Woodcock was eye-gouged left a bitter aftertaste to the tourists' stunning 39-12 test rugby win over France here today.