Rival Kiwi coaches Robbie Deans and Warren Gatland are facing contrasting pressures ahead of the British and Irish Lions' visit to Australia in what could be a career-defining tour for both men.

World Cup-winning coach Sir Graham Henry faces potential disciplinary action after making a blistering attack on the standard of refereeing in Super rugby.

Veteran flanker George Smith and center Pat McCabe kept their hopes of facing the British and Irish Lions alive after scans Tuesday revealed their injuries were not as bad as initially feared.

Ireland's grand slam-winning captain Brian O'Driscoll ended months of uncertainty over his future on Thursday when he agreed to play on for one more year for province and country.

Wales lock Ian Evans has said any verbal tricks played by former coach Scott Johnson ahead of next week's Six Nations international at Murrayfield will come as no surprise to him.

Former Wallabies flanker George Smith, who led Tokyo-based Suntory Sungoliath to their fifth All-Japan title on Sunday, is set to return to Super Rugby after agreeing to a short-term contract with his former club ACT Brumbies.

Six Australian National Rugby League (NRL) clubs Tuesday admitted they were mentioned in a nationwide sports doping scandal, and vowed to support any investigations.

France coach Philippe Saint-Andre said it's back to the drawing board ahead of their date against Wales in Paris after Italy kicked their Six Nations Grand Slam hopes into touch with an impressive 23-18 win on Sunday.

Struggling English Premiership club Sale on Monday sacked their social media executive after she launched a foul-mouthed tirade against supporters on her Facebook page.

Australia, host country England and Wales were herded together in the same eye-catching group for the 2015 World Cup on Monday, ensuring one of the world's leading rugby nations will fail to qualify for the quarterfinals.