World Cup Qualification

Valiant All Whites fall short of World Cup qualification

The victory books Costa Rica's place at the World Cup later this year, along with $16.5 million dollars in prize money.

The Central Americans scored first, taking a 1-0 lead in just the third minute through a scrappy break away goal from Joel Campbell.

The All Whites responded well and thought they'd scored an equaliser through striker Chris Wood late in the first half, only for the goal to be ruled out by the video assistant referee, with a New Zealand player deemed to have committed a foul in the build-up.

Women's Six Nations: Tournament to start in 'spring or summer'

Full details are expected by the end of January, with the men's Six Nations set to start as planned in February.

Ireland, Scotland and Italy's Women's Six Nations fixtures may double as 2021 World Cup qualification matches given none of the three have yet secured a place at the tournament.

The Under-20 Six Nations has also been delayed until later in 2021.

Like the women's tournament, it would normally run at the same time as the men's Six Nations.

World Cup qualification a boost for Fiji women's rugby

The Fijiana XV overwhelmed Samoa 41-13 in the Oceania qualifying final at the weekend to book their ticket to New Zealand.

Head coach Alifereti Doviverata said qualifying for the World Cup is a "historical moment" that will enhance development for women's rugby in Fiji.

"It means a lot firstly, for the development of women's rugby," said the former Flying Fijians captain.

"I think it has come a long way since its inception in Fiji and the rugby development officers, the CEO and staff have been working tirelessly to get some recognition in women's rugby in Fiji."