Top Stories of the Week

We have 12 months to save our sport, warns Agustin Pichot

World Rugby vice-chairman Agustín Pichot has warned that the entire future of test rugby is under threat unless the sport takes urgent action within the next 12 months.

The former Los Pumas scrumhalf has called for unions and clubs to finalise a fresh 10-year blueprint before next year’s World Cup in Japan, admitting the current financial model “is not working”. Full story

Sopoaga warns that All Black exodus could continue

Wasps' fly-half Lima Sopoaga believes the player drain from New Zealand to Europe will increase in the future because the lure of the All Blacks jersey no longer outweighs the financial incentives on offer in the northern hemisphere.

In an interview with The Guardian Sopoaga said that he believes that the trend will of players leaving New Zealand in their prime will continue with players making the 'business' decision to seek their fortunes in Europe. Full story

George Smith cleared to play

🔴 Was this hit from George Smith worthy of a red card? pic.twitter.com/WH9QyfpPn7

— RUGBYcomau (@rugbycomau) September 11, 2018

George Smith has been cleared to play for Bristol Bears this weekend after he contested his the charge of an adjudged dangerous tackle and it was dismissed by the panel.

He appeared before an independent disciplinary panel after he was shown a red card for a dangerous tackle in the 47th minute of the match Saracens v Bristol Bears on Saturday 8 September 2018.

WATCH: Bastareaud sees RED for wild smash

Ma'a Nonu signs for the Blues

All Black Centurion Ma’a Nonu will return to the Blues for the Super Rugby Championship.

After deciding it was time to return to New Zealand with his wife Andrea and three children, the powerhouse midfielder has taken up a 12-month contract with the Blues, which will be his third stint with the Super Rugby club. Full story

Rugby World Cup could expand to 24 teams in 2023

World Rugby says four more teams could feature in France in 2023, expanding the Rugby World Cup from 20 to 24 teams.

As things stand Canada, Kenya, Hong Kong and Germany will be involved in a playoff event this year with the winners advancing to the 2019 tournament in Japan. Full story