News

The road to France: Overview
(Rugby News Service) Sunday 24 June 2007
By Karen Bond
A record 86 nations from five continents took part in the qualifying process for Rugby World Cup 2007 with 191 matches held over 932 days to determine which 12
The road to France: The Americas
(Rugby News Service) Friday 22 June 2007
In the North the prime tussle was between old foes USA and Canada, while in the South the likes of Chile and Uruguay looked to topple the Pumas.
The road to France: Africa
(Rugby News Service) Friday 22 June 2007
With preliminary rounds in the south and north feediing into a grand final, this was Africa's most extensive ever qualifying process.
The road to France: Asia
(Rugby News Service) Friday 22 June 2007
Qualifying began in Asia with all the sides trying to figure out a way to beat perennial regional champions Japan..
Europe's marathon race to France
(Rugby News Service) Friday 22 June 2007
The FIRA European Nations Cup once again fed into the region's RWC qualifying campaign, which was by far the longest and ultimately the most competitive.
The road to France: Repechage
(Rugby News Service) Friday 22 June 2007
For the sides that didn't manage qualification at the first attempt in their region there was the sudden-death drama of the play-offs over two legs.
The road to France: Oceania
(Rugby News Service) Friday 22 June 2007
Oceania's qualifying competition featured the combined muscle of Fiji, Samoa and Tonga as well as the likes of Niue and Papua New Guinea out to cause a shock.
Portugal make history to qualify
(IRB.COM) Monday 26 March 2007
Portugal book a place at RWC 2007 after completing a narrow 24-23 aggregate victory over Uruguay in Montevideo.
international rugby board
Uruguay keen to preserve proud record
(IRB.COM) Saturday 24 March 2007
Uruguay have only ever lost two RWC qualifiers at home since 1993, a record they will need to maintain against Portugal in Montevideo on Saturday if they are to claim the final place in Rugby World Cup 2007.
international rugby board
Portuguese rugby finding its voice
(IRB.COM) Friday 16 March 2007
Victory over Uruguay in Lisbon has left Portugal one good result away from a first ever Rugby World Cup, and helped to propel the sport even further into the country's sporting psyche.
international rugby board
Excitement builds for Lisbon qualifier
(IRB.COM) Sunday 11 March 2007
Rugby is the only topic of conversation in Lisbon ahead of the RWC 2007 qualifying match between Portugal and Uruguay at the Estadio Universitario de Lisboa on Saturday.