Australia Rugby

Australia Sevens team given Olympic wake-up call

Australia started strong in their final hit-out against New Zealand, but endured an ill-disciplined slide late in the game to allow the Kiwis to run away with victory 17-5 in Townsville on Sunday.

Their last scheduled game of the three-day tournament against an Oceania selection was called off to prevent the risk of injuries just weeks out from the Olympics

Australia coach Tim Walsh said despite the results there was plenty gained for the event.

“You’re never losing, you’re learning,” he told AAP.

Aussies impress in Japan's Top League

The Robbie Deans-coached Wild Knights pushed on from a 10-7 halftime advantage to win 26-13 in Osaka on Sunday.

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Forward Cornelsen's tireless work rate helped to stem the tide of the Red Hurricanes' early dominance of possession and territory, while Riley's power in the midfield helped to create the opportunity for Panasonic's three tries.

Wallabies rest big guns against Manu Samoa

Lukhan Salakaia-Loto, Adam Coleman and Marika Koroibete are the only three players to retain their starting spots from the side thrashed 36-0 by the All Blacks three weeks ago.

Flanker David Pocock will captain the Wallabies on his return from injury, with regular skipper Michael Hooper among those to miss the game as coach Michael Cheika takes a safety-first approach before Japan.

Israel Folau to lodge legal challenge to his sacking within days

The Australian Financial Review reported on Wednesday that the former Wallaby and Kangaroo had hired commercial law firm Macpherson Kelley to prepare a challenge after he was fired for an April 10 Instagram post saying homosexuals would go to hell.

The firm's head of employment, George Haros, who has also represented Opals basketballer Liz Cambage and St Kilda AFL player Ahmed Saad, said Macpherson Kelley believed Rugby Australia had acted "unlawfully".

Heavyweight support as Australian rugby ramps up State of Origin match

Wallabies captain Stephen Moore and Coach Michael Cheika have voiced their support for a State of Origin clash as Australian rugby looks for ways to win back popularity.

With rugby struggling for finances and audiences across the Tasman, talks are being held this week between New South Wales and Queensland officials about a possible Origin-style match.

Australia not doing enough to develop rugby in Fiji and Pacific: Mark Ella

Compared with his country, the former ace, regarded as Australia's best rugby player of all time, said the Kiwis were more active and culturally attached to the island nations.

He made the statement in light of the New Zealand All Blacks' tour to Samoa last year and the Super Rugby match between the Waikato Chiefs and the Canterbury Crusaders in Suva this year.

"I don't think Australia does enough to develop rugby in the Pacific Islands, I think New-Zealand does a bit more," Ella said.