Rugby

Picking code-hopper Israel Folau to face the Lions would devalue the Wallabies shirt, says World Cup-winning coach Jake White.

Wallaby winger Digby Ioane has signed a two-year deal to play for Stade Francais in the French Top 14.

The breakdown clashes will be a "huge" part of the British and Irish Lions series, according to Australia coach Robbie Deans.

Mako Vunipola, Joe Launchbury and Christian Wade have been nominated for both player and young player of the year awards.

South Africa flanker Schalk Burger has undergone a third operation in two months and is unlikely to play this year.

Saracens prop Carlos Nieto has announced he will retire at the end of this season.

Biarritz hooker Benoit August has received a four-week ban after being cited for stamping on Ireland captain Jamie Heaslip.

Scotland prop Alasdair Dickinson will return to Edinburgh on a one-year deal this summer.

Australia winger Digby Ioane is to leave the Queensland Reds and move to a French club at the end of the Super Rugby season.

The rugby World Cup will be played on an almost level playing field after organisers came up with a schedule that gives the lesser lights a fighting chance.

England captain Chris Robshaw was unlucky not to be selected for the British and Irish Lions tour to Australia.

Crusaders coach Todd Blackadder has lost patience with Israel Dagg, dropping the out-of-form All Black to the bench.

Australia coach Robbie Deans anticipates a gladiatorial contest against the British and Irish Lions in the summer.

The Olympic Stadium is set to be confirmed as a venue for the 2015 World Cup - but retractable seating may not be in place.

Worcester's former England scrum-half Shaun Perry has been forced to retire because of a knee injury.

Kurtley Beale has been named on the Melbourne Rebels' bench for their Super Rugby game against New Zealand's Chiefs on Friday.

British and Irish Lions head coach Warren Gatland insists there is no residual ill feeling with Dylan Hartley following their spat two years ago.

Jonny Wilkinson asked not to be inlcuded in the British and Irish Lions squad for the summer tour of Australia.

Sale Sharks have announced three further new signings for next season.

Australia coach Robbie Deans was unsurprised by the British and Irish Lions squad selection.