Rugby Union

The world's top rugby union nations and expectant hosts Japan are set for the start of the "most open World Cup in a long time".

England centre Henry Slade says he hopes his bond with midfield partner Manu Tuilagi can fire England to World Cup success in Japan.

Gordon Reid gives BBC Scotland the lowdown on the big personalities inside Scotland's World Cup dressing room.

Coach Lyn Jones hopes underdogs Russia can make their mark in Friday's World Cup opener against hosts Japan but admits their chances are slim.

There's only been one name on the Premier 15s trophy, so who can push Saracens all the way this season? BBC Sport provides a lowdown on all 10 sides.

France opt for Toulouse duo Romain Ntamack and Antoine Dupont as their half-back partnership to take on Argentina

Australia name both David Pocock and Michael Hooper in their back row to face Fiji on the opening weekend of the Rugby World Cup

Ireland skills coach Richie Murphy says potentially bad weather conditions will not derail Ireland's plans for their World Cup game with Scotland.

New Zealand pick Beauden Barrett at full-back and Richie Mo'unga at fly-half in their team to face South Africa on Saturday.

Centre Henry Slade says his bond with midfield partner Manu Tuilagi can fire England to World Cup success.

Former England scrum-half Matt Dawson answers five key questions as the start of the Rugby World Cup in Japan looms.

Forwards coach Robin McBryde says Wales are "circling the wagons" after the shock removal of Rob Howley.

As they prepare for an opener against South Africa and a bid for a third straight Rugby World Cup, are the All Blacks wobbling on their throne?

Captain Michael Leitch says his team are ready to "inspire Japan again" as the host nation prepare to take on Russia in the World Cup opener

Jobs have been quit, house deposits spent and continents crossed - without flying - to get to the Rugby World Cup in Japan.

The ex-Wales captain said he would not have made his HIV public if a newspaper had not made threats.

Ireland's Rob Kearney, Keith Earls and Joey Carbery have been passed fit to face Scotland in Sunday's World Cup opener, but Robbie Henshaw will definitely miss out.

Wales head coach Warren Gatland says he's shocked backs coach Rob Howley has been sent home from the World Cup for an alleged betting breach.

Experienced scrum-half Greig Laidlaw has divided opinions in the past but, as he tells Tom English, he knows what he means to Scotland in what is likely to be his World Cup swansong.

Wales head coach Warren Gatland says he is shocked at alleged breach of betting rules by assistant Rob Howley