Rugby

Record growth for rugby playing numbers in Pacific

Total playing numbers throughout Oceania in 2015, including New Zealand and Australia, reached one point one million.

The Get Into Rugby program was rolled out in the Pacific last year after being initially piloted in Tonga.

Stephen Moore heading back to Queensland

The 32-year-old hooker came through the junior ranks at the Reds before moving to the Brumbies in 2009 and has played 102 times for the Canberra-based side, matching exactly his tally of test caps.

A statement released by the Brumbies said the 2016 season would be Moore's last with the team "following his decision to re-join the Queensland Reds".

Smith set to debut for Pau

Smith is slated to play in Pau's Challenge Cup clash against the Newport Gwent Dragons.

Smith will be joined by All Blacks team-mate Colin Slade in the Pau team.

Pau sit bottom of Challenge Cup pool two with no points after defeats to Sale Sharks and the Newport Gwent Dragons.

Flying Fijians Leone Nakarawa and Nemani Nadolo named in international rugby team of the year

Respected specialist website Planet Rugby has named their favoured XV from a year that saw the international game dominated by the All Blacks again as they swept to back to back World Cup titles.

But there was no room for sentimentality for McCaw who stepped away from the game in the wake of that success, with record numbers next to his name.

McCaw was nominated for the No 7 jersey but it was awarded to Springboks and Bath flanker Francois Louw, whose record tackle count at the World Cup and in English club play got him the nod.

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Lomu's situation a lesson for young players

Lomu died on 18 November aged 40, most likely from a blood clot following long-distance travel.

He had suffered kidney problems since 1995 - the year he burst onto the international stage with his blinding form in the Rugby World Cup, in a performance credited with helping to turn the sport professional.

Pools drawn for HSBC Wellington Sevens

The draw for the HSBC Wellington Sevens was made before the Cup final at the second round of the series in Cape Town, with winners South Africa heading Pool A at the Westpac Stadium after a 29-14 over Los Pumas in their home tournament.

Neil Powell's side will come face to face with New Zealand, Scotland and Russia, while the runners-up Argentina compete against series leaders Fiji, Wales and the only non-core side in Wellington Japan.

Carter enjoys dream debut for Racing 92

Retired New Zealand great Carter admitted he was nervous yet ran the game smoothly at five-eighth in his first appearance since a starring role in the All Blacks recent World Cup title defence.

Nonu beats out Carter for top gong

Nonu, who's now playing in France, played in 103 tests for the All Blacks, was part of New Zealand's successful title defence at the Rugby World Cup in England last month.

The second-five scored five tries for the Hurricanes on their way to the Super Rugby final where they fell just short against the Highlanders.

Dane Coles to captain Hurricanes

The appointments have been hugely popular within the 'Canes camp, with head coach Chris Boyd saying it was Coles' dedication and passion for the team which made him deserving of the leadership role.

"Dane is a proud and passionate Hurricanes player who has always led, and will continue to lead by example.

Carter reveals Crusaders considered not re-signing him

Writing on the U.S. based Players Tribune website Carter said it was his wife Honor who kept in the game.

Two years ago Carter thought his body was telling him it was time to give up.