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The battle for semifinal spots in the FNB Varsity Cup heats up on Monday with some key matches in the penultimate round of the regular season.

The Sharks XV top the South Section log while four Northern teams managed bonus point wins in the opening round of the Vodacom Cup.

The Hurricanes have called up Jason Rutledge to join the squad following injuries suffered in their 29-28 win over the Crusaders on Friday.

Chiefs head coach Dave Rennie believes that winning the collisions was pivotal in earning the Stormers their 36-34 win at Newlands on Saturday.

Stormers coach Allister Coetzee lauded the “immense character” of his players after their 36-34 win over the Chiefs at Newlands on Saturday.

The Cheetahs’ and Bulls’ heroics at the weekend could be a catalyst for a successful year for South African Super Rugby franchises abroad.

Jan de Koning looks at a widely-used custom and practice that allowed the Kings to field four 'foreigners' against the Sharks at the weekend.

Eoin Reddan added to Ireland's terrible run of injuries here on Saturday when he broke a leg in his side's 13-13 Six Nations draw with France.

Toulon romped to a bonus point victory at home to Biarritz on Saturday to consolidate their hold on the Top 14 leadership.

Ireland would be contending for the Six Nations title if they had taken their chances during the tournament.

Scotland interim head coach Scott Johnson was concerned after his side's second successive Six Nations match without a try.

Interim Wales head coach Rob Howley insisted the pressure of a home crowd would help, rather than hinder, his side when they faced England.

The Wallabies suffered a major blow for the series against the B&I Lions, with confirmation that David Pocock has been ruled out for six months.

The Bulls recorded their first ever win at Eden Park in Auckland when they beat the Blues 28-21 in an intriguing and entertaining encounter on Sunday.

Brumbies coach Jake White said his team set the benchmark for the remainder of their season against the Waratahs on Saturday.

Stormers wing Bryan Habana has torn the medial collateral ligament in his left knee and is likely to be out of rugby for 10 weeks.

France came from 3-13 down to grab a 13-all draw with Ireland at Lansdowne Road on Saturday.

The Sharks came away from Port Elizabeth with four points for a win, but a huge dent in their pride.

The Stormers won their first match of the season and also handed the defending champion Chiefs their first defeat of 2013.

Richard Hibbard scored his first Test try as defending Six Nations champions Wales maintained their title bid with a 28-18 victory over Scotland.

Wallaby star David Pocock, a possible captaincy candidate, is almost certain to be ruled out of the British and Irish Lions series later this year.

The Scarlets have confirmed that 21-year-old flyhalf Owen Williams will leave the region at the end of the season having signed for Leicester Tigers.

Waratahs coach Michael Cheika bemoaned his team's lack of desire, following their humiliating loss to the Brumbies in Canberra on Saturday.

rugby365 law guru Paul Dobson looks at a contentious incidents in the Cheetahs' win over the Highlanders

The Cheetahs entertained with their win, but the commentators were just as 'good'.

The Brumbies cemented their place at the top of the Super Rugby standings with a bonus-point (35-6) humiliation of the Waratahs on Saturday.

The Cheetahs produced the upset of the season when they beat the Highlanders 36-19 in Invercargill on Saturday.

The Hurricanes face a potential crisis at hooker, after bot Dane Coles and Motu Matu'u left the field on Friday with injuries.

Former London Welsh team manager Mike Scott has been hit with a lifetime ban from any involvement in Rugby Union.

Wayward All Blacks wing Zac Guildford has been cleared to return to club rugby in New Zealand.

There was an incident at a quick throw-in in the match in Melbourne between the Rebels and the Reds that caused eyebrows to shoot up.

John Mitchell, one of the best-known rugby coaches and analysts in the world, is helping Kingswood College of Grahamstown to prepare for the coming season.

Italian coach Jacques Brunel made seven changes, including six newcomers, in his team to face England in a Six nations encounter at Twickenham on Sunday.

The Queensland Reds recorded their third straight Super Rugby triumph, with a dominant 23-13 victory over the Melbourne Rebels in Melbourne on Friday.

A convincing victory for England on Sunday against Italy will stand them in great stead to go on to win their first Grand Slam since 2003.

Mako Vunipola will make his first start for England in Sunday's Six Nations match against Italy at Twickenham Stadium.

The Reds made the Rebels pay for some sloppy play when they beat them 23-13 in an error-strewn Super Rugby encounter in Melbourne on Friday.

Scott Johnson's present and past will collide when Scotland play Wales in the Six Nations at Murrayfield on Saturday.

London Welsh said they were "shocked" after being docked five points and fined £15,000 (US$22,534) for fielding an ineligible player in the English Premiership this season.

The Hurricanes rallied late to record their first win of the season, beating the Crusaders 29-28 in a thrilling encounter in Wellington on Friday.

Blues head coach John Kirwan has made wholesale changes to his team for Sunday's clash with the Bulls at Eden Park.

France hope to ease fears of a first wooden spoon since 1957 with their first victory of the Six Nations on Saturday against Ireland.

The Welsh love the Scottish trip. Paul Dobson previews the Six Nations clash at Murrayfield.

With the euphoria of their debut win having been exchanged for reality, the Kings are  now plotting the downfall of a much bigger fish.

London Welsh were docked five points and fined £15,000 ($22,534) on Thursday for fielding an ineligible player in the Premiership this season.

Can lightning strike twice for newcomers the Southern Kings when they host the Sharks in their second Super Rugby match in Port Elizabeth on Saturday?

Deon Stegmann, one of the few openside specialists in South Africa, will be crucial to the Bulls' cause in Auckland on Sunday.

The Chiefs have made several changes for the crunch Super Rugby showdown against the Stormers at Newlands on Saturday.

Brumbies and Wallaby utility back Pat McCabe’s return to Super Rugby suffered another setback on Thursday.

Ireland coach Declan Kidney has retained Paddy Jackson at flyhalf and named two uncapped players on the bench for Saturday’s clash with France.

Steven Hunt will make his return to action as part of the Springbok Sevens EPD at the International Sevens tournament in Harare this weekend.

It’s do or die for a number of clubs in the Community Cup this Saturday as the penultimate round of pool action kicks off.

Wallabies coach Robbie Deans has defended a training camp ahead of the B&I Lions tour, saying the tourists have a "huge advantage".

It is another big weekend of rugby with Super Rugby and the Six Nations on the go. We bring you all of the action LIVE.

France coach Philippe Saint-Andre said that he would take any victory against Ireland - no matter what the score.

Morgan Parra and Frederic Michalak will start France's must-win match against Ireland in a Six Nations encounter this weekend.

Over the last four seasons Peter Saili's form chart has mirrored that of the Blues.

Former Baby Bok and University of Pretoria captain Zane Botha admitted that he used steroids to get "bigger and stronger".

St Andrew's College of Grahamstown may just be the first school to play football by rugby laws, way back in 1875, the year the first club, Hamiltons, was founded in South Africa.

The forecast is for blue skies, sunny and hot in Auckland on Sunday.

Henry Speight returns from injury for the Brumbies' clash with the Waratahs on Saturday, whilst George Smith starts on the bench.

Veteran All Black Andre Hore return from suspension to lead the Highlanders in their Super Rugby encounter with the Cheetahs.

Ben Volavola has forced his way into the Waratahs starting line-up for their clash with the Brumbies after some impressive performances coming off the bench.

Bulls coach Frans Ludeke made seven changes to his starting side to play the Blues in Auckland on Sunday.

The KwaZulu Natal Rugby Union held its first schools day at Kings Park on Wednesday, the Top Schools Rugby Festival, with 10 schools taking part.

Reds defensive linchpin Anthony Faingaa returns from injury at outside centre for Friday's Super Rugby clash against the Rebels in Melbourne.

It may still be early days in the Super Rugby season, but the pressure is already on as no team wants to get left behind.  

Stormers coach Allister Coetzee would much rather play players into form, than 'bench' them back to their best.

The Brumbies have unveiled their centenary strip that they will wear for Saturday’s game against the Waratahs.

Captaincy comes naturally for Ryan Jones, who has retained the leadership role for Saturday’s Six Nations Test against Scotland at Murrayfield.

Former Baby Bok and University of Pretoria captain Zane Botha has quit rugby after testing positive for a banned substance.

Versatile Connacht forward Andrew Browne has signed a new two-year contract to remain at the Sportsground.

Scotland assistant coaches Stevie Scott and Duncan Hodge were on Wednesday appointed as interim coaches of Edinburgh.

Influential Italian captain Sergio Parisse was on Wednesday cleared to face England in the Six Nations on Sunday.

All eyes will be on Polokwane on Saturday when the Limpopo Blue Bulls make their Vodacom Cup debut.

Bishops, who have such a long and rich history in the game have 19 full matches for the season. many against ancient rivals.

Stormers coach Allister Coetzee named an unchanged starting XV for their first home game of the Super Rugby season.

Sharks coach John Plumtree retained the combination that started their campaign with back-to-back Super Rugby wins over the Cheetahs and Stormers.

Japan-based Springbok Jaque Fourie will make a return to international rugby when he plays for the Barbarians against the British & Irish Lions.

Andy Farrell believes England's defence is reaching world-class standard, even though they missed 21 tackles against France.

Fiji's top players should look for contracts in Australia and New Zealand rather than Europe if they want to improve their game.

All Blacks star flyhalf Dan Carter on Wednesday denied speculation he had signed a deal to play Japanese club rugby.

Cheetahs coach Naka Drotské is backing young Springbok flyhalf Johan Goosen to bounce back to his best soon.

London Welsh were left with an anxious wait after the outcome of a RFU competition hearing into allegations they'd fielded an ineligible player.

Cheetahs coach Naka Drotské has resisted the temptation to rush Springbok Heinrich Brüssow straight back into his starting XV.

Crusaders coach Todd Blackadder made three changes to his team to face the Hurricanes in their Super Rugby encounter in Wellington on Friday.

There was speculation that referee Steve Walsh was in hot water - again - for pushing Conrad Smith of the Hurricanes out of the way, but it seems that he is not blameworthy.

Thierry Dusautoir says France must do whatever it takes to beat Ireland in their Six Nations clash in Dublin on Saturday

Exeter Chiefs coach Rob Baxter has urged his team to push on after they completed a league double over Harlequins at the weekend.

Crusaders wing Zac Guildford's playing future could be determined at a New Zealand Rugby Union disciplinary hearing on Thursday.

Readers can still enter the rugby365 Super Rugby prediction challenge to stand a chance of winning a Super Rugby jersey.

Two players will don the Hurricanes jersey for their 50th appearance in their Round Four clash with the Crusaders at Westpac Stadium on Friday.

Kings lock Steven Sykes is looking forward to playing against his former teammates when the Super Rugby newcomers face the Sharks on Saturday.

There is a healthy list of FNB Classic Clashes for 2013. There are some 50 matches all over the country.

Scrumhalf Michael Heaney has signed a new two-year deal with Ulster Rugby that will see him play at Ravenhill until at least June 2015.

Under-pressure Ireland coach Declan Kidney has named a team to play France without a starting or reserve flyhalf as he waits on the fitness of Paddy Jackson.

Loosehead prop Gethin Jenkins has been left out of Wales' team against Scotland through injury, whilst Sam Warburton and Alun-Wyn Jones return to the starting line-up.

Sharks coach John Plumtree is happy with his side’s solid start to the season but is determined that they focus solely on their clash against the Kings.

Glasgow flyhalf Duncan Weir will make his first Scotland start against Wales in the Six Nations at Murrayfield on Saturday.

With an injury cloud hanging over captain Luke Watson the Southern Kings have named Darron Nell as captain for their clash against the Sharks in Port Elizabeth this weekend.

Waratahs newcomer Ben Volavola has provided Michael Cheika with a serious selection conundrum after providing two great off-the-bench performances.

Glenwood play their second match of the season when they meet Maritzburg College in KwaZulu Natal's first schools day at Kings Park on Wednesday.

The 2013 Super Rugby season is now well underway, and SANZAR Game Manager Lyndon Bray has been happy with how the new trial with the Television Match Official has begun and how the scrums are faring.

Ospreys are looking to the future after they retained the services of talented scrumhalf Rhys Webb for next season.

London Wasps have added experienced flyhalf Andy Goode, the second-most prolific scorer in Premiership history, to their squad for next season.

Hoërskool Outeniqua of George have picked a powerful team to take part in the Easter Festival at Kearsney this year.

The return of Dewald Potgieter and Deon Stegemann could not have come at a better time as the Bulls embark on a tough tour Down Under.

The Sharks beat the Stormers 12-6 in what can only be described as a heavyweight bout as the teams went toe-to-toe for a gruelling 80 minutes.

Framesby of Port Elizabeth have a busy season ahead, starting with a match in Durban. they certainly are happy to play anybody anywhere.

Stormers coach Allister Coetzee is looking for "big improvements" in his team's set-piece play ahead of their encounter with the defending Super Rugby champions.

Glenwood High School of Durban beat Hoërskool Framesby of Port Elizabeth 26-24 at Kings Park on Saturday.

Rebels captain James O'Connor will start at flyhalf in place of the injured Kurtley Beale in their match against the Reds in Melbourne on Friday.  

Maxime Medard is set to make his first appearance for France in over a year in Dublin on Saturday, but says people must not expect miracles from him.

The Southern Kings may be without the services of captain Luke Watson when they make their second appearance in Super Rugby.

It's autumn in South Africa - the season of mists and mellow fruitfulness and of schools rugby. And so we already have results.

Scotland interim head coach Scott Johnson on Monday recalled Euan Murray and Alasdair Strokosch to his squad for Saturday's Six Nations showdown with Wales.

Leicester flank Tom Croft was added to England's training squad, while Owen Farrell is set to miss the encounter with Italy.

Leinster on Monday revealed the signing of flyhalf Jimmy Gopperth.

NMMU caused a major Varsity Cup upset on Monday when they downed UJ, whilst Maties continued their unbeaten run with a 37-15 victory over UCT.

Hooker Tiaan Liebenberg is back in the Stormers' selection frame, but several other Boks won't feature against the Chiefs.

Springbok hooker Chiliboy Ralepelle  was cleared to tour with the Bulls to Australasia, after a citing against him was dismissed.

It's autumn in South Africa - the season of mists and mellow fruitfulness and of schools rugby. And so we already have results.

There was good and bad news on the injury front for the Bulls, ahead of their tour to New Zealand and Australia.

Hilton College of the KwaZulu Natal Midlands will again be hosting the Independent Schools’ Under-15 Rugby Festival at Hilton on 3- 6 April 2013.

The Cheetahs' Springbok stalwart Heinrich Brüssow will make his comeback to competitive rugby after more than four months on the sidelines.

It's again a hectic weekend with lots of big rugby on both sides of the equator with lots to absorb referee interest.

Veteran Springbok flyhalf Morné Steyn feels now is the right time to head abroad, even though his improved form could revive his Springbok prospects.

Our famous weekly selection is literally black and blue - the colours of the Chiefs and Blues.

Wallaby utility back Kurtley Beale has been ruled out of Super Rugby for up to a month with a fractured hand.

Ireland's most-capped player Ronan O'Gara has been left out the Six Nations squad to face France in Dublin on Saturday.

Nic White will spend another year with the Brumbies, after extending his contract until the end of 2014 on Monday.

USA Eagles coach Mike Tolkin, who will coach the North American All Stars, has released three names of his squad that will face the Lions in April.

Blues coach John Kirwan was thrilled with Friday’s victory over the Crusaders, but believes his side can get much better.

Stormers coach Allister Coetzee is confident his charges will get their campaign back on track against the Chiefs at Newlands on Saturday.

Three second-half tries helped Saracens pick up a 35-14 bonus point win over London Welsh and leapfrog Harlequins into top spot in the Premiership.

The Blues’ surprisingly dominant start to the season continues the recent rise of Super Rugby dark horses, writes Quintin van Jaarsveld.

Sharkbyte moved to the top of the rugby365 prediction challenge standings after the third round of Super Rugby.

Unfancied Pacaltsdorp Evergreens stole the show on a dramatic third weekend of Community Cup action.

Bulls coach Frans Ludeke rated his side's performance in their win over the Force on Saturday as their ‘worst performance in the last five years.’

Sharks coach John Plumtree says their improved set-pieces and ability to handle pressure better were key to overcoming the Stormers on Saturday.

Bulls hooker Chiliboy Ralepelle has been cited for alleged foul play during Saturday’s Super Rugby match against the Western Force at Loftus Versfeld.

Jonny Wilkinson said he wants to keep playing after guiding Toulon to a 35-16 win over Toulouse on Saturday.

There will be no lack of passion when Cape FNB Varsity Cup rivals FNB UCT and FNB Maties meet at the Green Mile on Monday.

Feeling unwanted in Cape Town, Demetri Catrakilis made a move many so-called pundits regarded as a 'career killer'.

Nothing could separate Munster and the Ospreys as the play-off chasing sides fought out a 13-all draw in their Pro12 outing at Thomond Park.

A late Luke Arscott try secured a first Premiership double for Exeter Chiefs over defending champions Harlequins.

The Sharks won a thrilling encounter in Durban on Saturday, beating the Stormers 12-6 in a typical South African derby.

The Bulls moved to the top of the South African conference with a 36-26 win over the Western Force in Pretoria on Saturday.

Welsh franchise Ospreys have announced the signing of Italian international scrumhalf Tito Tebaldi on a two-year contract.

The Crusaders' horror start to Super Rugby has been compounded by an injury worry.

A withering closing burst produced a second bonus-point win in as many matches for the reigning Super Rugby champions Chiefs.

Connacht flyhalf Miah Nikora has agreed terms on a new one-year contract to remain at the Sportsground.

Former Australia captain Rocky Elsom signed for French Top 14 leaders Toulon - as a replacement for Stephane Munoz.

The new Curro Sevens series for primary schools takes place on Saturday, 2 March at Curro Woodhill in Pretoria.

Waratahs coach Michael Cheika spat the dummy over a refereeing decision in his team's 31-26 win over the Rebels on Friday.

The defending champion Chiefs showed their true ability as they demolished the Cheetahs 45-3 in their Super Rugby encounter in Hamilton on Saturday.

The Queensland Reds withstood relentless pressure from the Hurricanes in the final quarter of their Super Rugby match to record a gritty 18-12 victory.

The Western Force has made four changes to their starting XV to tackle the Bulls in Pretoria on Saturday.

Jonny Arr's try 12 minutes from time sealed a vital bonus-point 29-23 win for Worcester Warriors dealing London Wasps' Premiership play-off hopes a blow in the process.

Three tries in eight second-half minutes were enough for Glasgow Warriors to take advantage of Ulster's draw with Treviso - beating Cardiff Blues 29-12 to move top of the Pro12 table.

rugby365 Law guru Paul Dobson looks at a contentious moment and decision in the Blues' 34-15 win over the Crusaders on Friday.

BRU boss Francois Davids is confident the union will go from strength to strength after the election of the new Executive Committee at their AGM on Thursday.

Waratahs coach Michael Cheika praised his side’s fighting spirit following their 31-26 come-from-behind win over the Rebels on Saturday.

SARU are awaiting a response from Kagiso Vantage after they had “exchanged communications” on Friday to resolve a commercial dispute.

Wales lock Ian Evans has said any verbal tricks played by former coach Scott Johnson will come as no surprise to him.

Russia are hoping its hosting of World Cup Sevens will be a "giant step" for the sport in a country where it is only just starting to arouse national interest, the Russian rugby chief said.

England flyhalf Toby Flood believes appointing national coach Stuart Lancaster as an 'interim', before making it a full-time post, benefitted the mentor.

London Irish loosehead prop Tom Smallbone has re-signed with the Premiership club for a further three years.

The Reds were fortunate to have escaped with a 18-12 win over the Hurricanes in their Super Rugby encounter in Brisbane on Friday.

The Waratahs left it till the final quarter before taking control and beating the Rebels 31-26 in their Super Rugby showdown in a wet Sydney on Friday.

The Blues again showed the influence of former All Black coach Graham Henry as they smashed the Crusaders 34-15.

And we have a winner in the Kings jersey giveaway!

The Kings have used their bye week to allow the euphoria of their debut win to fade away and create room for reality to set in.

The cynics may be ready to discard them to the scrap heap, but Bryan Habana tells Jan de Koning the Stormers are doing South African rugby a huge favour.

Some 4 500 boys and girls will take part in the 12th Hoërskool Fichardtpark's sports day on Saturday.

Ireland's hopes of having Jonathan Sexton fit in time to face France in the Six Nations in Dublin a week on Saturday are fading.

With the pre-season rust shaken off, there will be no excuses on Saturday in the last three Super Rugby games of the weekend.

Round 17 of the Pro12 kicks off with five games on Friday, with both contenders for the top spot in action.

Stephen Ferris's hopes of being selected for the B&I Lions appeared to have ended when it was revealed he faces three more months out of action.

Kenya Sevens ace Collins Injera is at a risk of being dropped after being handed a lengthy suspension failing to honour a national league match.

The prospect of Sevens becoming an Olympic sport in 2016 will attract stars from the full version of the game to the Sevens World Cup in Russia.

England flyhalf Owen Farrell was rated at only "fifty-fifty" by coach Stuart Lancaster for the match against Italy at Twickenham on March 10.

Lock forward Pascal Pape will miss the rest of France's Six Nations campaign to fully recover from a back injury.

Stormers rookie Damian de Allende’s second Super Rugby assignment on Saturday will be a significantly greater challenge than his first.

Bath second row Dominic Day admits that it is win at all costs when they welcome West Country rivals Gloucester to the Rec on Friday.

The KZNRU and The Sharks have combined with the top rugby schools in KwaZulu Natal to bring to the province a special tournament embracing schoolboy rugby, the McCarthy Toyota Top Schools Festival.

BlitzBok coach Paul Treu will accompany the South Africa Sevens EPD team to Harare for next weekend’s Zimbabwe Sevens Tournament.

The Scarlets have agreed the release of Pumas lock Tomás Vallejos from their squad to allow him to take up a fresh opportunity representing his country.

Sharks coach John Plumtree says they are not fixated on exacting revenge on the Stormers on Saturday for their Currie Cup Final loss last year.

Legendary Welsh flyhalf Stephen Jones is to hang up his boots at the end of the season.

There are some big Super Rugby match-ups this weekend, catch all of the action right here LIVE!

The race for George heats up around the country on Saturday as the Community Cup pool stages reach a make-or-break stage for a number of clubs.

The International Rugby Board on Thursday unveiled the draw for what is set to be a fiercely-contested Sevens World Cup in Moscow.

Biarritz and Bayonne lie at the heart of the French Basque heartland, rich in rugby history and pomp but both currently struggling to make their mark in the no-holds barred Top 14.

Chiefs coach Dave Rennie has made four changes to his starting line-up to play the Cheetahs in their first Super Rugby home game on Saturday.

The ARU announced that the Wallabies will have a dedicated three-week window to prepare for their once in a lifetime opportunity against the B&I Lions.

The Bulls will not be in a charitable mood when they host the Western Force at Loftus Versfeld on Saturday. Jan de Koning reports.

Round Three of Super Rugby will kick-off with one of the most anticipated clashes of the season when the Blues host the Crusaders on Friday.

King Edward VII School in Houghton, Johannesburg is holding its Easter Festival for high and primary schools.

Ireland prop Cian Healy had his ban for stamping on England's Joe Marler reduced by a week on appeal at a hearing in Glasgow on Wednesday.

Edinburgh centre Nick De Luca has been slapped with a 13-week ban for a spear tackle.

Stormers coach Allister Coetzee says their victory over the Sharks in last year’s Currie Cup Final is irrelevant ahead of Saturday's showdown.

The Cheetahs are determined not to get left behind in the starting blocks again, when they face the defending champion Chiefs in a Super Rugby showdown.

Springbok and Bulls loose forward Jacques Potgieter has extended his contract with the Blue Bulls Company (Pty) Ltd.

Glenwood have chosen 23 players for their 1st XV which opens its season on Saturday with a match against Framesby at Kings Park.

The South African Rugby Union on Wednesday said they will go to court to end a stand-off with Kagiso Vantage.

Sharks coach John Plumtree has made just one change to his team for the Super Rugby encounter with the Stormers in Durban on Saturday.

Stormers coach Allister Coetzee made two changes to his team to take on the Sharks in Saturday's Super Rugby clash in Durban.

Former South African schools star Jean Cook is set to make his Super Rugby debut for the Bulls against the Western Force at Loftus Versfeld on Saturday.

Frank Halai is not a player you would associate with a 'slow start'. However, the Tongan flyer is now making great strides.

Rene Ranger has attempted to downplay speculation he will leave New Zealand rugby to play for Montpellier in the south of France later this year.

Waratahs coach Michael Cheika has insisted that his side's nine-match losing streak is not something that is influencing his team in the their preparations for their match against the Rebels.

England and Saracens flyhalf Owen Farrell will sit out England's preparations for their clash against Italy at Twickenham next week.

Veteran scrumhalf Sarel Pretorius will start for the Cheetahs against the Chiefs in their Super Rugby showdown in Hamilton on Saturday.

New Zealand-born Scotland wing Sean Maitland believes last week's Six Nations win over Ireland could be the start of a new era for the side.

Glenwood kick off their serious fixtures this weekend down the road at Kings Park Stadium and they end their season six months later in Bloemfontein.

Waratahs coach Michael Cheika has made two changes to the starting team to play the Rebels in a Super Rugby Round Three match on Friday.

Blues head coach John Kirwan has named an unchanged line-up for Friday's Super Rugby Round Three clash with the Crusaders at Eden Park.

Robbie Fruean is set to win his 50th Super Rugby cap after being included in the Crusaders starting XV for Friday’s match against the Blues at Eden Park.

London Wasps lock Marco Wentzel says playing without fear of relegation has him loving his rugby this season.

London Wasps eighthman James Haskell is one of ten players released from the England squad for this weekend’s Premiership matches.

Harlequins boss Conor O'Shea has poured cold water over talks of him taking over as Ireland coach should Declan Kidney vacate the position.

Toulon president Mourad Boudjellal said Tuesday he'd extend Jonny Wilkinson's contract by four years if the former England flyhalf wanted to.

London Welsh are to appear before a RFU Competitions Hearing charged with fielding an ineligible player in a number of Premiership matches.

Back row stalwart Roddy Grant has signed a new two-year deal with Edinburgh.

Sharks flyhalf Pat Lambie is aiming to use the Super Rugby season to help him further improve his development at No.10.

The Hurricanes have made just one change to their starting line-up for their second match of the Super Rugby competition against the Reds in Brisbane on Friday.

The referee freekicks France for early engagement at a scrum. Andy Goode of England steps up and kicks a high up-and-under. England players chase after the ball.

Exeter Chiefs coach Rob Baxter spoke of his delight as his side returned to winning ways in the Premiership with a 47-16 demolition of London Welsh at Sandy Park.

London Wasps have signed 20-year-old London Irish scrumhalf Jack Moates who will join them at the end of the season.

France coach Philippe Saint-Andre has called up lock Sebastien Vahaamahina and utility back Maxime Medard into his 23-man squad for their Six Nations tussle with Ireland.

Accusations have been passed that Reds coach Ewen McKenzie would never coach the Wallabies because of his past as a front-row forward.

Cardiff Blues captain Andries Pretorious will not make his debut for Wales during the Six Nations after being ruled out until May because of shoulder surgery.

Scotland international Richie Vernon will rejoin the Glasgow Warriors next season after signing a three-year deal with the club.

The Blues may have opened their Super Rugby account with a bonus point victory, but coach John Kirwan is keeping his team's feet firmly on the ground.

Connacht Rugby have bulked up their front row options as props Rodney Ah You and JP Cooney have signed one and two-year contract extensions respectively.

Ulster centre, Paddy Wallace, looks certain to miss the European Cup knockout stage after suffering a knee injury.

Michael Cheika was backed-up by Wallibies coach Robbie Deans over his decision to start Israel Folau at fullback against the Reds last Saturday.

Australian Rugby Union will bid farewell to the game’s longest-serving executive when Matt Carroll stands down next month as Deputy CEO.

Scotland hooker Ross Ford should be fit to play against Wales in their next Six Nations match despite having suffered a facial injury in Sunday's 12-8 defeat of Ireland.

Former  Manawatu, Taranaki and Munster Centre Jason Holland has been appointed as Canterbury Assistant Coach for the 2013 National Provincial Championship campaign.

Wallaby fullback James O'Connor will skipper the Rebels against the Waratahs this weekend in place of Gareth Delve who is being rested.

Marlize Jordaan of the Free State Referees' Society, made news in Rio de Janeiro last weekend.

Influential Highlanders No.8 Nasi Manu will miss most of the rest of the season due to a foot injury he picked up against the Chiefs last week.

Former Hurricanes scrumhalf Chris Eaton has joined the Western Force on a short-term contract for the 2013 Super Rugby season.

Stormers coach Allister Coetzee is not about to wield a heavy axe, but he does feel the players need to take ownership of their performances.  

The Reds have named speedy Aidan Toua at fullback in a tactical change for their clash with the Hurricanes at Suncorp Stadium on Friday.  

The year is speeding by and there may not be Test matches this weekend but there will be lots of activity to test match officials.

FNB Maties got revenge for their defeat in last year's Varsity Cup Final with a late 18-16 victory over FNB UP-Tuks in Pretoria on Monday.

Edinburgh centre Nick De Luca will appear before an independent Pro12 disciplinary committee in Dublin on Wednesday, February 27.

Errie Claassens of Worcester Warriors is to appear at an RFU disciplinary hearing.

Ever wondered how teams are separated on a Super Rugby table?

The Stormers, still reeling from their loss to the Bulls at the weekend, suffered another injury setback.

It was a weekend of intrigue and surprises. Our famous weekly selection reflects these results.

Bulls Springbok Dewald Potgieter has not given up on the prospect of accompanying the team on their Australasian tour next week.

Scotland's Australian interim head coach Scott Johnson jokingly compared his side to boxing great Mohammed Ali after they came from behind to see off Ireland.

There were several decisions at the weekend which are worth debating, including the try scored by Chiliboy Ralepelle of the Bulls.

The plaudits went to Morné Steyn, but one of the unsung heroes at Loftus Versfeld at the weekend was scrumhalf Francois Hougaard.

George Smith has become the second Wallaby star to rejoin the Brumbies this year after a lengthy absence.

Treviso caused a stunning Pro12 upset as they romped to a 34-10 win over Munster at Stadio di Monigo on Sunday.

The Southern Kings can continue their Super Rugby stint with pride and confidence after their gutsy maiden victory at the weekend.

Home is where the heart is for London Irish as they recorded back-to-back Premiership victories with a 30-19 win over capital rivals London Wasps on Sunday.

Scotland showed great character as they came from behind to seal an unlikely 12-8 win over Ireland at Murrayfield on Sunday.

USA Eagles captain Todd Clever is looking forward to welcoming the Lions to Southern California for their clash against the North American All Stars in April.

France coach Philippe Saint-Andre repeated his call for a cut in the number of foreign players in French rugby after a 23-13 loss to England.

Wales interim coach Rob Howley hailed the flexibility of his players as they maintained their title defence hopes with a 26-9 victory over Italy.

England coach Stuart Lancaster said there was more to come from his side after their 23-13 victory over France at Twickenham on Saturday.

Slapchip soared to the top of the rugby365 prediction challenge after the second round of this year’s Super Rugby tournament.

Captain Frans Steyn lauded the Sharks' pack after the coastal side bagged a 29-22 over the Cheetahs in Bloemfontein on Saturday.

Stand-in skipper Andries Strauss has warned the Kings to keep their feet on the ground after their historic win on Saturday.

Allister Coetzee says a lack of momentum, caused by basic errors, contributed to the Stormers' downfall against the Bulls on Friday night.

Wild cards Raiders recorded their second big victory in the second round of the Community Cup on Saturday.

Leinster saw off play-off rivals Scarlets 32-5 to move clear of the Welsh region in the fight for a top-four place in the Pro12 table.

David Strettle starred for Saracens as they sealed a sensational 32-27 win over Leicester Tigers at Welford Road on Saturday.

History was made in Port Elizabeth when the Southern Kings marked their debut in Super Rugby with an impressive 22-10 win over the Force.

England showed good composure to secure a 23-13 victory over France in their Six Nations encounter at a chilly Twickenham on Saturday.

The Sharks held on in the face of a powerful late surge by the Cheetahs to win 29-22 in an entertaining Super Rugby match in Bloemfontein on Saturday.

Wales scored two tries in the second half to cruise to a comprehensive 26-9 Six Nations victory over Italy in a wet Rome on Saturday.

The new-look Waratahs were searching for positives after they went down 17-25 to the Reds in their opening Super Rugby match of the season.

The Queensland Reds got their Super Rugby season back on track at the Suncorp Stadium with a win.

Bulls coach Frans Ludeke pinpointed his side's defensive efforts and the performance of flyhalf Morné Steyn, following their victory over the Stormers.

The penalty try, awarded in favour of the Hurricanes in the match against the Blues in Wellington, has become the most talked-about incident in the match.

The Reds got back on the winning track with a 25-17 win over interstate arch rivals the Waratahs in their Super Rugby showdown in Brisbane on Saturday.

New Blues coach John Kirwan got his career at the Auckland franchise off to a winning start, when they recorded a comfortable 34-20 win over the Hurricanes.

Niko Matawalu inspired Glasgow Warriors as they closed the gap on Pro12 leaders Ulster with an attritional 20-14 win in a gripping top of the table clash.

Charlie Matthews grabbed two tries in seven second-half minutes to hand Harlequins a hard-fought 30-21 victory over the Premiership's bottom side Sale Sharks.

The Brumbies will celebrate their four-try bonus-point win (30-13) over the Rebels on Friday, but they are already shifting their attention further afield.

Defending Super Rugby  champions the Chiefs feel they can improve on their 41-27 victory over the Highlanders on Friday.

Highlanders coach Jamie Joseph may well relish the opportunity of an early bye, after his team's injury list received another casualty.

The Bulls opened their account with a credible 25-17 win over the Stormers in the opening derby of the South African Super Rugby season.

The Western Force will welcome captain Matt Hodgson, wing Nick Cummins and off-season recruit Hugh McMeniman into their starting XV.

England starter Courtney Lawes admits that there is pressure on him to put in a big performance against France on Saturday.

Six Nations champions Wales expect a tight match against Italy on Saturday despite the hosts missing influential captain Sergio Parisse.

France captain Thierry Dusautoir says Saturday's clash against England at Twickenham could be a "career-defining" match for his struggling side.

Wales and British and Irish Lions prop forward Gethin Jenkins will rejoin Cardiff Blues for the 2013/14 season.

Lions captain JC Janse van Rensburg is not lost to South African rugby yet following confirmation that he has not signed with Bayonne.

Jake White has been recognised as an Adjunct Professor by the University of Canberra.

The Scots will feel this as good time as any to put one over their rivals across the Irish sea when they take on Ireland at Murrayfield on Sunday.

Forward Adam Thomson has become the latest All Black to sign a lucrative contract to play in Japan, joining the Canon Eagles on a two-year deal.

The Brumbies lived up to their pre-season billing as one of the fancied Australian sides, when they beat the Rebels 30-13 in Melbourne on Friday.

The Chiefs started the defence of their Super Rugby crown with an impressive bonus-point win (41-27) over the Highlanders in Dunedin on Friday.

EXCLUSIVE: Springbok coach Heyneke Meyer chats to Jan de Koning about the Super Rugby season and his expectations of the South African teams.

Italy play Wales in Rome on Saturday. The teams have each beaten France and each lost a match. This could just be an interesting encounter.

Rarely can France have been in such need of a win at Twickenham as they will be when they try to salvage a flagging season.

Utility back and Sevens ace Ed Stubbs will fly out to join the Western Force on their two-match Super Rugby South African leg.

History will be made when the Southern Kings host the Western Force in their first ever Super Rugby match in Port Elizabeth on Saturday.

The Springbok Sevens have been paired against Wales, Argentina and Australia for the Hong Kong Sevens on March 22-24.

Fiji-born Manoa Vosawei will fill the gaping hole at No.8 left by the suspended Sergio Parisse in Saturday's game against Wales in Rome.

Brad Barritt may not be a fans' favourite but so long as he has the respect of his teammates he is perfectly happy to keep adding to his tackle count.

Harlequins will look to cement their place at the top of the Premiership standings when they visit Salford City Stadium on Friday.

There will be much more on offer than just rugby at Loftus on Friday.

We have a bumper weekend of rugby lined up with a full round of Super Rugby fixtures and the Six Nations. Catch it all LIVE right here.

The Cheetahs' coaching staff will head into their opening Super Rugby match with a sense of having been 'let down'.

With just seven rounds left in the regular season of the PRO12, the race is really on for a top four finish, and qualification for the play-offs.

Four teams will be making their Community Cup debuts on Saturday in the second round of the new national club competition.

For Alan Solomons it is akin to climbing a rugby Everest, but the Southern Kings coach is 'excited' about the massive challenge ahead.

Paul Dobson chats to Jonathan Kaplan, who will referee his 100th Super Rugby match in Bloemfontein on Saturday.

France coach Philippe Saint-Andre on Thursday made seven changes to his side to take on England in a Six Nations match at Twickenham.

England coach Stuart Lancaster has made three changes to his team to face France in their Six Nation crunch encounter at Twickenham.

Israel Folau will make his Super Rugby debut on Saturday when he pulls on the Waratahs No.15 jersey against the Reds.

All Black scrumhalf Piri Weepu will play his 100th Super Rugby game when the Blues go head-to-head with his old franchise, the Hurricanes.

Reds lock Rob Simmons will play his milestone 50th game for Queensland in Saturday's Templeton Cup grudge match against the Waratahs.

Brumbies coach Jake White has been forced to make a change to the starting side which beat the Reds last weekend.

The Highlanders will have to wait at least another week before they are able to list legendary All Black Brad Thorn on their team sheet.

After last week's appetisers it is time to get stuck into the main feast of Super Rugby action, starting with three big derbies on Friday.

Francois Trinh-Duc said Wednesday he was desperate to pull back on the No.10 shirt for France when they go up against unbeaten England.

Italian captain Sergio Parisse looks set to miss the rest of the Six Nations Championship, after picking up a 30-day ban on Wednesday for swearing at a referee.

The injury list may be extensive, but Sharks coach John Plumtree is adamant it will be a more settled team that will start their 2013 campaign.

Paddy Jackson is set to make his Ireland debut against Scotland on Sunday after being selected ahead of veteran flyhalf Ronan O'Gara.

The Hurricanes have announced their side that is set to host the Blues in their season opener this Saturday at Westpac Stadium.

Sharks coach John Plumtree admitted he had to make some tough calls when he named his team to face the Cheetahs in Bloemfontein on Saturday.

Prop forward Geoff Cross has been called up into the Scotland side for Sunday's Six Nations international against Ireland.

Hurricanes openside flank Ardie Savea, who has been suspended for four weeks following a judicial hearing, has apologised for his 'clumsy" tackle.

Hoërskool Duineveld, the powerful Upington school, will again have a demanding fixture list in 2013 and many kilometres to travel to fulfil it.

Kings captain Luke Watson speaks about his team's upcoming Super Rugby debut!

Stormers captain Jean de Villiers is positive his team can make an early impact on the South African Conference when they face the Bulls at Loftus on Friday.

Because of some confusion, André Watson, South Africa's refereeing boss, has clarified the scrum procedures in South Africa which will differ from those applied in other countries.

The Cheetahs received a double boost ahead of their Super Rugby season-opener against the Sharks, with two Springboks returning to the team.

France's hopes of causing an upset over England in their Six Nations clash at Twickenham on Saturday are not borne out by the statistics.

On Saturday in Brisbane referee Chris Pollock will wear equipment that will show to the television viewer a referee's eye view of the action.

Castres signed South African back row forward Wessel Jooste as emergency cover.

Northampton Saints announced on Wednesday that Stephen Myler has signed a new contract to stay at Franklin’s Gardens for the foreseeable future.

The Rebels have named an unchanged side for their match against the ACT Brumbies in Melbourne on Friday.

The defending champion Chiefs will be minus four of their big stars when they start their 2013 campaign against the Highlanders in Dunedin on Friday.

The Sharks' Springbok centre Frans Steyn admits that the captain's armband came as a surprise to him ahead of the start of the Super Rugby season.

The great north-south derby, the Bulls versus Stormers, equates to a Test match. It may sound cliched, but it is a fact!

London Wasps lock Marco Wentzel has signed a contract extension in the same week that the club have signed Kearnan Myall from Sale Sharks.

Bath have bolstered their pack with signings of Pumas tighthead prop Juan Pablo Orlandi and eighthman Leroy Houston.

England forwards coach Graham Rowntree has told his pack to expect a fierce French onslaught when they meet in the Six Nations at Twickenham on Saturday.

Stuart Lancaster has named an unchanged match day squad for the Six Nations clash with France on Saturday.

Kurtley Beale resisted the lure of a big-money move to Rugby League in order to face the British and Irish Lions in June.

Springbok legend Juan Smith, who last week announced his retirement on medical advice, could make a dramatic return to the pitch.

Wales' Sam Warburton will have to make do with a place on the bench after interim head coach Rob Howley confirmed his replacements for Saturday's Six Nations clash against Italy.

Allegations of spying have surrounded the Southern Kings ahead their match against the Force this weekend.

The Southern Kings team to take on the Western Force in their debut Super Rugby game in Port Elizabeth on Saturday does not feature any foreign players in the starting line-up.

Toulon's Argentina captain Juan Martin Fernandez-Lobbe will be out for around six weeks with a ruptured spleen, the French Top 14 leaders Toulon announced on Tuesday.

The Sharks have named a very settled 35-man squad for their Super Rugby campaign starting this weekend.

Wing Lionel Mapoe and prop Morne Mellett will both make their debut for the Bulls in their Super Rugby opener against the Stormers at Loftus Versfeld on Friday.

Namibia captain Jacques Burger has extended his contract with Saracens and is set to return to the playing field soon after recovering from a long-term injury.

England coach Stuart Lancaster has warned that France will be no pushovers in Saturday's showdown at Twickenham despite starkly contrasting starts to the Six Nations for the sides.

James Horwill's ankle injury has yet again meant that he will unable to take the field for the Reds against the Waratahs this coming weekend.

The hype surrounding the Southern Kings' debut in Super Rugby is unprecedented, but that could have an undesirable spin-off for the players.  

Vincent Clerc may be in line to break the French try-scoring record, but he is focused solely on getting one over England at Twickenham this weekend.  

All Blacks coach Steve Hansen has expressed his disappointment at utility back Richard Kahui's decision to play in Japan next year.  

The British and Irish Lions tour of Australia is being billed as the most successful ever with fans after the last tickets for the three Tests sold out within 15 minutes.

Ireland were hit by a new injury blow when it was announced that loose forward Chris Henry is out of the rest of the Six Nations with a knee injury.

The Cheetahs coaching staff will hope Springbok flyhalf Johan Goosen comes through Tuesday's training session unscathed.

Jonathan Kaplan reaches another milestone this weekend when he referees his century of Super Rugby matches - yet another record for him.

The Stormers have opted to start their season without several key players, because it means avoiding long-term, recurring injuries.

The table-topping FNB Maties continued their unbeaten start to the 2013 Varsity Cup with a tense 13-8 victory over a determined FNB NMMU side in Stellenbosch on Monday.

England coach Stuart Lancaster is hopeful Ben Morgan will recover from his ankle injury in time to play some part in the Six Nations tournament.

Stormers captain Schalk Burger has been ruled out of his team's opening Super Rugby clash against the Bulls at Loftus Versfeld on Friday.

Sharks and Springbok forward Willem Alberts will undergo a minor shoulder operation and will be out for a further four weeks.

Super Rugby 2013 kicked off in Australia over the weekend and the stats tell us that it was a drab start.

The Chiefs will be assessing their backline resources in their build-up the start of their Super Rugby title defence.

Connacht Rugby has captured a major international signing for the 2013/14 season with Craig Clarke coming in to further strengthen the forward pack.

Former England and Scotland coach Andy Robinson was appointed as Director of Rugby for Championship club Bristol on Monday.

One of South Africa's most iconic stadiums, Kings Park, will no longer have a sponsor's name attached to it.

Wilhelm Steenkamp and Dean Greyling will not be considered for the Bulls' opening Super Rugby match of the season, against the Stormers on Friday.

There may only have been two matches in Round One, but we are so excited about the new season that we named our 15 best players anyway.

Hurricanes openside flank Ardie Savea has been cited after in last Saturday's Super Rugby pre-season match against the Chiefs in Mangatainoka.

Sam Lane has been released from his Waratahs contract, at his own request, to get as much game-time as possible after surgery on both knees.

Loose forward Brad Shields and prop Reggie Goodes have re-committed to the Hurricanes and Wellington Lions.

Do you want to be dressed like a King - the Southern Kings variety? Then enter our Kings jersey giveaway.

Prolific try-scorer DTH van der Merwe has committed to Scotstoun for at least a further two years.

London Wasps edged Gloucester 33-29 in a thrilling match at Adams Park on Sunday to keep their semifinal hopes alive.

Harlequins returned to the top of the Premiership log thanks to an enthralling 21-25 win over Leicester Tigers at The Stoop on Saturday.

The Western Force have added four Wallabies to their 26-man squad for their two-match South African Super Rugby leg.

Italy coach Jacques Brunel on Sunday named Mauro Bergamasco in his 31-man squad as cover for captain Sergio Parisse.

South African players will want to put their best foot forward and impress Springbok coach Heyneke Meyer this weekend.

South African-born Antonie Claassen insists that his heart belongs to the French after being called up to the France squad.

The Varsity Rugby season will be in full swing on Monday with the start of the FNB Varsity Young Guns and Steinhoff Koshuisrugby competitions.

Man of the Match Owen Williams put the boot into Munster to guide Scarlets to an 18-10 win at Parc y Scarlets on Saturday.

College Rovers kicked off the Community Cup with an impressive win over Despatch, while there were also wins for African Bombers, Raiders and Roses United.

France coach Philippe Saint-Andre said on Saturday that next weekend's game with England at Twickenham would be their grand slam match.

It is one of the most anticipated matches of the year - the Southern Kings making their Super Rugby debut.

With their season opener against the Stormers looming on the horizon, the Bulls feel they have laid a solid foundation for a successful season.

Rebels coach Damien Hill never lost faith that his team would hold on to their lead to start the season on a winning note on Friday.

The Reds will look to put the loss to the Brumbies behind them when they return to Suncorp Stadium next Saturday and host the Waratahs.

Brumbies captain Ben Mowen admitted that his team had revenge on their mind when they took on the Reds in Canberra on Saturday.

Supertrooper71 is in pole position in the rugby365 prediction challenge after the opening round of Super Rugby.

Wallaby coach Robbie Deans hopes Super Rugby will provide a proper springboard for his players before the arrival of the B&I Lions in June.

Loose forward Sean O'Brien insists Ireland can still win the Six Nations after their defeat at home against England.

Centre Jamie Roberts has urged Wales to turn winning into a habit after kick starting their Six Nations campaign.

Two tries from fullback Jesse Mogg saw the Brumbies secure a comfortable 24-6 victory over the Reds in Canberra on Saturday.

England wing Chris Ashton is determined to keep improving and says he is as hungry for tries as he has ever been.

The Chiefs wrapped up their pre-season preparations with a 25-21 win over the Hurricanes in Mangatainoka on Saturday.

South African centre Gavin Hume scored the only try as Perpignan defeated Toulouse 19-18 on Friday to shatter Guy Noves' dream of celebrating his 1,000th match with the French champions with victory.  

The Six Nations have responded to suggestions in the media that Ireland prop Cian Healy's recent citing was somehow unprecedented and/or outside the scope of the relevant regulations

Experienced rugby administrator Willie Small has been appointed as Chief Executive Officer of the Boland Rugby Union with immediate effect.

Two tries from Robbie Diack and one each for Rob Herring and Ricky Andrew earned Ulster a bonus-point victory over Zebre to keep their spot on the top of the Pro12 log.

Prop Joe Marler has said England would back themselves to win the World Cup if it started tomorrow.

Western Province Referees' Society have just held the first of 10 meetings to explain the law changes to clubs, schools and referees.

The Sharks completed their pre-season commitments with a 50-19 win over the Pumas at KaNyamazane Stadium on Friday.

Ireland centre Gordon D'Arcy has been ruled out of the remainder of the Six Nations Championship with a foot injury.

With another exciting week of Premiership fixtures on the cards we focus on the clash between Harlequins and the Leicester Tigers.

The Rebels drew first blood in the Australian Conference with victory over the Force in the Super Rugby season opener at AAMI Park on Friday.

Serena Boyle is this week’s winner of our Maybru competition with this response to Quintin van Jaarsveld's column 'Time is right for SA Champs'.

The New Zealand Conference will be the most competitive of the three national Super Rugby Conferences this season.

We look at the five franchises that make up the South African Conference and expect the Stormers and Sharks to battle for top spot.

Cardiff Blues have re-signed key youngsters, brothers, Lloyd and Tom Williams

Fiji will face the Barbarians at Twickenham on November 30 and officials hope to stage Tests with France, Wales and Russia.

Tickets to the British and Irish Lions tour to Australia are set to go on sale next week with the Lions’ match in Newcastle expected to sell fast.

The ARU has announced Adrian Thompson (head coach) and Sean Hedger (assistant coach) as the Australian Under-20 coaches.

Exeter Chiefs forward Tom Johnson says he was more than happy to put pen to paper on a new deal with the Premiership club.

The Rebels recorded a 30-23 victory over a Force side that was reduced to 13 men at one stage in their Super Rugby opener on Friday.

The most successful South African franchise, the beaten finalists and the defending champions. That is what awaits the Stormers at the start of 2013.

Despite a Hosea Gear hat-trick, the Highlanders went down 31-29 to the Blues in their final pre-season hit-out in Queenstown on Friday.

The Reds have backed inexperienced centre Aidan Toua to provide a midfield spark in their Super Rugby clash with the Brumbies in Canberra on Saturday.

Warren Gatland has assured England coach Stuart Lancaster selection for this year's British and Irish Lions tour of Australia will be based solely on merit.

Everyone loves a good comeback. And this one has the makings of a Hollywood blockbuster.

The Stormers have named their 34-man squad for the Super Rugby tournament.

With a pause in the international matches, the Pro12 takes centre stage again this weekend with games in Ireland, Scotland and Wales.

Hayden Parker has been named at No.10 for the Highlanders for the warm-up match against the Blues in Queenstown on Friday.

It is Super Rugby time and we bring you Round One's action LIVE!

Scrumhalf Dave Lewis will be donning the colours of Exeter Chiefs next season after he agreed a move from Premiership rivals Gloucester.

Springbok loose forward Ashley Johnson believes that the toughest games are yet to come for London Wasps.

Renowned England-baiter David Campese waded into a major row over how many English players should be in the B&I Lions squad.

The Waratahs will go into next week's Super Rugby opener against the Reds with a good hit out under their belts, after a tough final trial match against the Crusaders.

The Community Cup finally gets underway in Durban on Saturday when current national club champions College Rovers host Despatch.

The Crusaders may have recorded their first win of the year, but they may have paid a dear price for the result.

World Cup-winning Springbok flyhalf Andrew James has undergone a surgical procedure which will see him miss the start of the Super Rugby season.

It is just on 40 years since the most famous try in the history of the game happened at Cardiff Arms Park. Since then there have been lots of 'improvements' that had not equalled it.

Two pre-season wins will always create a good vibe, but the Bulls have ample reason to be positive ahead of the  Super Rugby season.

As usual before a new season of Super Rugby some game management issues are being highlighted.

Prop Pek Cowan will become the seventh player to captain the Western Force when he leads the side onto the field against the Rebels on Saturday.

Wallaby star Clyde Rathbone will complete a remarkable comeback when he runs out on the left wing for the Brumbies against the Reds on Saturday.

Reds boss Ewen McKenzie has opted to keep the Brumbies guessing, ahead of their season-opening Super Rugby encounter in Canberra on Saturday.

The 2013 Super Rugby season will have a fractured start - with two Australian derbies getting the show on the road this week.

A late try from replacement hooker Simon Westraadt saw Griquas snatch a dramatic 30-27 victory over the Southern Kings in Port Elizabeth.

Ireland's Cian Healy will miss the Six Nations matches against Scotland and France after receiving a three-week ban for stamping on England's Dan Cole.

Talented young centre Jan Serfontein has extended his contract with the Blue Bulls for the foreseeable future.

Stormers captain Schalk Burger will undergo three days of intense fitness testing to determine if he will lead the team against the Bulls next week.

British and Irish Lions coach Warren Gatland insists he would happily field an entire XV of England players in the first Test against Australia.

Sharks coach John Plumtree has named a strong squad with a number of big names in the mix to take on the Pumas in their last warm-up game in Nelspruit on Friday.

Piri Weepu will make his first appearance of the year for the Blues on Friday when they take on the Highlanders in Queenstown in their final pre-season hit-out.

Down in Melbourne on Friday evening Angus Gardner will blow the whistle that will start Super Rugby in 2013.

Although the 2013 Super Rugby season will see the introduction of split rounds, SANZAR will continue to award 'free' points for byes during 'full' rounds.

Chiefs and All Black midfielder Richard Kahui has announced that he will leave New Zealand at the end of the Super Rugby season to play in Japan.

British and Irish Lions coach Warren Gatland has admitted that he is wary of picking too many English players for the tour of Australia.

Ireland flyhalf Jonathan Sexton was rated 'doubtful' for their Six Nations clash against Scotland after the defeat by England on Sunday left them with several injury worries.

Uncapped 22-year-old flyhalf Ben Volavola will pull the strings for the Waratahs in their pre-season clash with the Crusaders in Sydney on Saturday.

He may be rated as a legend by his peers and even some pundits, but retired Springbok loose forward Juan Smith was never paid the real homage he deserves.

All Black Conrad Smith has been named captain of the Hurricanes team to host the Chiefs on Saturday.

Wales captain Sam Warburton will have to wait for a recall after interim coach Rob Howley said Tuesday he would name an unchanged starting XV.

Springbok flyhalf Elton Jantjies has returned to training following the tragic loss of his father and will be available for the Stormers' clash against the Bulls.

Wales have recalled Ospreys lock Alun Wyn Jones into their Six Nations squad.

UP-Tuks President and 1981 Springbok captain Wynand Claassen was lost for words when his son, and former Tuks captain, Antonie got the call-up to the French squad.

Southern Kings boss Cheeky Watson has denied that they have breached any regulations by naming five foreigners in a 35-man Super Rugby squad.

World Cup-winning Springbok midfielder Frans Steyn will take over the captaincy of the Sharks.

Jonathan Kaplan, the world's most capped Test referee ever, has made it known that his professional refereeing career will come to an end.

The South African Rugby Union on Tuesday joined the chorus of praise for retired Springbok legend Juan Smith.

Griquas will put a few youngsters on trial, but also provide the Southern Kings with a stern test on Wednesday.

The Southern Kings appear to be heading for a stand-off with the South African Rugby Union over their quota of foreign imports.

Centre Richard Kahui has given himself an outside chance of being available when the Chiefs start the defence of their Super Rugby title.

The Waratahs are sweating over a number of key players as they head into their final warm-up game against the Crusaders on Thursday.  

All Black wing Cory Jane was resigned to sitting out the Super Rugby season with the Hurricanes and may also miss New Zealand's end-of-year tour due to a ligament injury.

The Melbourne Rebels have announced their match-day 22 to take on the Force in their opening Super rugby fixture at AAMI park in Melbourne on Friday.

Prop James Slipper will captain the Reds in their Super Rugby season opener against the Brumbies in Canberra on Saturday.

They may be the tournament rookies, but the Southern Kings will not be short on Super Rugby experience in 2013.