There are some words you don't usually associate with English rugby.

Warren Gatland has pleaded with Ireland fans to forgive and forget his decision to drop Brian O'Driscoll from the Lions test team.

Jonathan Davies - once described by the late lamented Bill McLaren as having a tackle "like the clap of doom" - could be the man who finally takes over from Brian O'Driscoll at centre on the forthcoming Lions tour of Australia.

Wales fullback Leigh Halfpenny has won the 2013 Six Nations Player of the Year award.

Not since the amateur days has a Grand Slam match-winner boasted such a meagre salary.

Nick Mallett says the World Cup will favour teams that can maintain possession.

The Southern Hemisphere have little to fear at this year's World Cup.

So what chance do any of the Six Nations have of shaking the World Cup tree in September-October?, asks David Leggat. On the evidence of the past few weeks....

They say you always learn most, not from your victories but your mistakes. If true, England took a quantum leap forward at Twickenham.

An ageing side, past its sell-by date? Or one with enough talent to be able to raise one last hurrah in 2011, Rugby World Cup year?

Perhaps only the French could endure so roller-coaster a ride in their rugby team's fortunes these past 12 months.

The Six Nations rugby tournament kicks off on Saturday morning (NZT) with an unprecedented Friday night match. Paul Lewis figures that's not all that is different in Rugby World Cup year.

The South African rugby union is questioning the Springboks' future involvement in the Sanzar partnership.