World Rugby bosses have hit back at claims 31-man World Cup squads threaten player welfare by insisting top coaches left their objections too late to have any effect for the 2019 tournament in Japan.

Ireland are refusing to give up hope that Robbie Henshaw can shake off his hamstring injury and play a significant part in the World Cup.

Henshaw, who played only 80 minutes during pre-season, in the final warm-up game against Wales in Dublin on September 7, was set to go for a scan this morning.

Ireland’s Rugby World Cup ambitions appear to have hit a speed bump before the opening game with fears over the fitness of Robbie Henshaw.

Ireland captured a memorable Grand Slam earlier this year, securing thrilling home victories over England and France.

Ireland’s flock is all out of offerings to lay at the altar of Joe Schmidt.

Jeremy Guscott has thrown cold water on Ireland’s chances of a best-ever World Cup performance.

Three Academy players will make their first Munster starts in Friday’s friendly against London Irish.

Flanagan, from Cork, will take charge of the province from mid-October, once he departs his current role as Global Head of Football with Treble Group, a sports marketing and event management company.

Former Ireland internationals, head coaches, a World Cup-winning captain will be among RTÉ’s stable of pundits for the Rugby World Cup.

Ireland will take a fully fit squad to Japan for the World Cup.

The 26-year-old Waratahs player will provide cover across the second-row and back-row.

Ireland came from 10-7 down at half-time in the Aviva Stadium to win 19-10 thanks to early second-half tries from Tadhg Furlong and James Ryan

Australia held off a late rally from Somoa to complete their World Cup warm-up with a 34-15 win in Parramatta.

The silver gilt cup was made in 1906, a copy of an 18th century original, and was stored in a vault at London jewellers Garrard’s until it was chosen as the trophy for the inaugural Rugby World Cup in 1987.

The Irish team to face Wales this Saturday has been announced.

Jack Carty got the official prize, but who was your man-of-the-match?

Check out our full list of Rugby World Cup 2019 fixtures and group tables.

Ireland lock James Ryan says they must match Wales’ intensity in Saturday’s World Cup warm-up match in Cardiff.