Injured Ireland hooker Rory Best is set to return to action in time for the opening round of action in the 2008 Six Nations Championship.

England rugby star Olly Barkley pleaded not guilty to assaulting a fellow guest at a wedding.

The Ospreys will enter 2008 with their tails up after recording a stodgy but much-needed 22-3 victory over the Cardiff Blues at the packed Liberty Stadium on New Year's Eve."

Ireland hooker Rory Best is expected to be fit for the start of the Six Nations Championship after receiving positive news on his injured right ankle."

Springbok Sevens coach Paul Treu is convinced that playing more rugby against Southern African neighbours Zimbabwe will be most beneficial to both countries."

England and Bath star Olly Barkley has pleaded not guilty to assaulting a fellow guest at a wedding after appearing in the dock for a brief hearing at Aylesbury Magistrates' Court on Monday."

2007 was a memorable year for rugby in only its twelfth year of full professionalism. "

Lee Germon, the out-going boss of the Tasman Makos, has insisted that All Black lock Ali Williams, the Air New Zealand (ANZ) Cup side's latest big signing, will not be wearing a Canterbury jersey in 2008."

With 2007 almost over and another year of rugby ahead we thought we'd caress our crystal ball and see what was to come in 2008..."

2007 is out of the way, and it's time to wash oneself of all those bad habits picked up over the past 12 months and turn oneself into a kinder, happier, and better to the environment type of person."