Ireland centre Brian O'Driscoll is the hot favourite for the International Rugby Board's Player of the Year award after being included on a seven-man shortlist on Monday.

Australia made a successful start to its Grand Slam tour by subduing England 18-9, while New Zealand handled Wales 19-12 in international rugby on Saturday.

English club champion Leicester stunned World Cup holder South Africa 22-17 at Welford Road on Friday.

Australia began the European leg of its rugby tour by subduing Gloucester 36-5 before a packed Kingsholm Ground on Tuesday.

Australia test center Greg Inglis scored three tries Saturday to lead the Melbourne Storm to a 40-10 win over the Brisbane Broncos and qualify for a fourth straight grand final in Australia's National Rugby League.

The All Blacks have made five changes to their team to play Australia in their attempt to avoid the Tri-Nations wooden spoon in their rugby Test here Saturday.

Eighth-place finisher Parramatta surprised first-place St. George Illawarra Dragons 25-12 on Sunday in the first round of Australia's National Rugby League playoffs.

John Sutton scored two of seven tries as 11th-placed Souths shocked championship leaders St. George Illawarra 41-6 in the 25th round of Australia's National Rugby League.

Three Stade Francais rugby players have been diagnosed with swine flu, the club said Monday.

A South African bid based on the Eastern Cape will challenge a Melbourne syndicate for the open spot in an expanded Super 15 rugby competition.