Howley handed the reigns

Wales coach Warren Gatland will hand over the reins to assistant Rob Howley for the three-Test summer tour of Australia.

Gatland is recovering in New Zealand after fracturing both heels in a recent fall and will not be fit enough to take control of the side in Australia. He will also miss the summer international against the Barbarians.

Howley has been appointed caretaker head coach and will have full control of the team during the series.

"Although...

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McCaw: My best years are ahead of me

Rugby previews

Richie McCaw insists his injury-enforced lay-off has not diminished his appetite for competitive rugby and is confident his best years remain ahead of him (Bet on rugby league: Waratahs 12/5 tie 22/1 Crusaders 1/3 - 80 minutes bet365).

The All Blacks superstar is on the verge of making his first appearance for the Crusaders since guiding his country to World Cup glory last October and could even make the bench against the Waratahs in Sydney on Sunday....

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Olympic Rugby

Rugby will not be played at the London 2012 Olympics, but that was not always the case.

In fact, rugby union was included in four of the first seven summer Olympics of the modern era. The sport was first introduced at the 1900 Paris Games, when the hosts took the gold medal.

It was also an event at the London games in 1908, Antwerp in 1920, and Paris again, four years later. The USA was the most successful nation in these rugby tournaments, taking two golds.
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Sonny bids farewell to the Ospreys

Sonny Parker is the latest Ospreys player to announce his departure from the club at the end of the season, with the former Welsh international set to join ambitious Championship side London Welsh. The experienced centre has spent a successful eight years at the club, however, has now announced his intention to join Shane Williams, Tommy Bowe, Huw Bennett, Nikki Walker and Tom Smith in leaving the Ospreys this summer.

The New Zealand-born 34-year old admitted the decision to leave...

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North looking for continued success

George North has made it clear Wales need to use their recent Grand Slam triumph as a platform on which to build something special. The Welsh have previously struggled to maintain their form following Grand Slam wins; most recently following their 2005 of 2008 successes.

The powerful winger will be a major part of Wales’ hopes of victory during their upcoming three-Test series against Australia this summer. The squad, to be led by Rob Howley in Warren Gatland’s enforced absence,...

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