All News

NEWS: Eben Etzebeth will lead the Springboks against New Zealand on Saturday in Auckland despite the death of his father.

NEWS: The decision from Ireland captain Johnny Sexton's disciplinary hearing with European Professional Club Rugby held on Thursday is expected "in the coming days"

JERSEY LAUNCH: Ireland officially released their World Cup kit on Thursday and a lot of fans are not happy about it.

WATCH as Springbok coach Jacques Nienaber unpacks the process to decide who will take the kicks at goal for the Springboks

FIXTURES: The Bulls and Stormers will be up against two of Europe's heavyweights in the opening round of the 2023/2024 Champions Cup.

SPOTLIGHT: The Springboks will line-up for Round Two of the Rugby Championship against the All Blacks in Auckland on Saturday with an unblemished record under the current coaching staff of Jacques Nienaber and Johan Erasmus on New Zealand soil.

PREVIEW: Japan head coach Jamie Joseph has revealed his Brave Blossoms team to take on the All Blacks XV this Saturday at Egao Kenko Stadium in Kumamot.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Argentina head coach Michael Cheika has revealed his team to face Australia in Round Two of the Rugby Championship in Sydney on Saturday.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Eddie Jones demanded that Australia "roll up their sleeves" as he made five changes to his starting team to face Argentina after being thrashed by South Africa in his first game in charge.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: New Zealand head coach Ian Foster brought in Will Jordan as part of five changes to his starting line-up for Saturday's Rugby Championship showdown with South Africa in Auckland.

PREVIEW: Head coach Richie Murphy has named his Ireland matchday squad for Friday's World Rugby Under-20 Championship Final against France at Athlone Stadium in Cape Town.

NEWS: JJ Theron (SA Schools) and Imaani Pemba (SA Schools ‘A’) will captain their respective sides when the teams meet at the Boland Stadium in Wellington on Thursday, while there was also an injury-enforced change on the bench of the ‘A’ team.

WATCH as seasoned Springbok Albertus Stephanus Smith talks about facing off against All Black star Ardie Savea.

NEWS: Tributes have started to pour in for Nick Koster who has passed away at the age of 34.

SPOTLIGHT: Quade Cooper is confronting his demons head on as he prepares to tackle Argentina for the first time since suffering a devastating leg injury.

WATCH as Springboks Malcolm Marx and Francois de Klerk sing the praises of retired teammate François Philippus Lodewyk Steyn.

NEWS: Springbok captain Eben Etzebeth’s father Harry sadly passed away on Tuesday evening.

SPOTLIGHT: All Black forwards coach Jason Ryan says no stone is being left unturned as his side prepares for a mammoth battle against the world's best pack of forwards.

SPOTLIGHT: For Crusaders scrumhalf Bryn Hall admitted that he got it wrong by underestimating the Springboks ahead of their Rugby Championship opener against the Wallabies in Pretoria last weekend.

NEWS: Wales flyhalf Rhys Patchell has signed a one-year deal to play for New Zealand rugby franchise the Highlanders in 2024, it was announced Wednesday.

NEWS: New Zealand tight-head prop Nepo Laulala will join Toulouse next season, the French Top 14 champions said on Tuesday.

NEWS: Two-time World Cup-winning Springbok Frans Steyn has announced his retirement - with immediate effect.

SPOTLIGHT: Annemie Bester looks at the career of Springbok captain Eben Etzebeth and what his teammates say about him.

WATCH as Springbok coach Jacques Nienaber talks about his expectations for the new halfback combination in the Auckland crunch.

In the wake of the announcement of the 2023/24 United Rugby Championship fixture list, we take an in-depth look at the process behind setting up the calendar.

Here is a full list of the 2023/24 United Rugby Championship fixture. 

NEWS: Premiership Rugby have confirmed the new look ten-team league will get underway on Friday, October 13, which is only two weeks before the Rugby World Cup final.

NEWS: With 102 days until the new United Rugby Championship season kicks off the league can confirm its fixture schedule in full for the 2023/24 campaign.

WATCH as Springbok coach Jacques Nienaber talks about the benefits of his selection balancing act.

NEWS: Carl Hayman, who played 45 tests for the All Blacks between 2001 and 2007, was rushed to hospital in a helicopter on Tuesday after being left ‘seriously injured and confused’ in a cycling accident.

INJURY UPDATE: All Blacks will be out to field the most competitive side when they take on the Springboks in the Rugby Championship Round Two match on Saturday.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Springbok lock Eben Etzebeth will make a notable return from a shoulder injury as the captain of the team to face New Zealand in the second Rugby Championship Test in Auckland on Saturday.

NEWS: Some will say they're clutching at straws but the Wallabies have found a silver lining to their 43-12 Rugby Championship mauling at the hands of Springboks.

TRANSFER NEWS: Stormers are set to lose another key player.

WATCH as seasoned Springbok Daniel Johannes Vermeulen unpacks the real reason for the success of South Africa's back three.

INJURY UPDATE: Australia flank Tom Hooper could miss Saturday's Rugby Championship Round Two match against Argentina.

REACTION: The fact that they can still earn a podium position at the 2023 Under-20 World Championship by beating England in the bronze final on Friday will be a huge motivating factor for the Junior Springboks in the next couple of days as they prepare with the knowledge that some silverware can justify the hard work and effort of the squad.

WATCH as Springbok assistant coach Deon Davids previews the Round Two Rugby Championship face-off against the All Blacks.

All bets are off when the All Blacks and Springboks resume their rivalry this weekend.

NEWS: New Zealand captain Sam Cane has apologised for tripping a pitch invader after their 41-12 Rugby Championship win over Argentina.

BREAKING NEWS: Fprmer Scotland captain Stuart Hogg announced his retirement from the game with immediate effect on Sunday just months before the World Cup.

WATCH as Daniel Johannes Vermeulen talks about what the future holds for him.

DAY FOUR WRAP: Ireland knocked hosts South Africa out in the semifinals of the World Rugby Under-20 tournament at the Athlone Stadium near Cape Town on Sunday.

REACTION: Coach Eddie Jones said he endured "a long day at the office" in Pretoria after a disastrous start to his second stint in charge of the Wallabies.

WATCH as the Junior Springboks will become the first South African team to play in the new strip when they face Ireland on Sunday.

REACTION: The Springboks are not allowing themselves to get carried away after their incredible 43-12 win over Australia on Saturday at Loftus Versfeld.

REACTION: New Zealand head coach Ian Foster says a showdown with the in-form Springboks is a challenge his All Blacks need following their 41-12 thumping of Argentina in Mendoza on Saturday in the Rugby Championship.

REACTION: Eddie Jones' second stint as Wallabies head coach has kicked off in disastrous fashion.

OPINION: The 12-41 loss was a huge shock to an Argentine side of which much more was expected.

OPINION: The All Blacks kicked off the 2023 Rugby Championship campaign with an impressive 41-12 win over Argentina in Mendoza after a first-half blitz saw the visitors up by 31-0 at the half.

REACTION: Springbok assistant coach Mzwandile Stick said a number of players have played themselves into contention for next weekend’s Test against the All Blacks after thumping the Wallabies on Saturday.

MATCH REPORT: New Zealand got their Rugby Championship campaign off to a flying start, recording a 41-12 win over Argentina on Saturday in Mendoza.

SQUAD UPDATE: After a big win against the Wallabies, Springbok coach Jacques Nienaber named a group of 21 players to join their teammates in New Zealand for next week’s second Rugby Championship outing against the All Blacks in Auckland.

READERS’ FORUM: Welcome to our LIVE coverage of the Rugby Championship Round One encounter between Argentina and New Zealand at Estadio Malvinas Argentinas in Mendoza.

OPINION: The Boks sent a warning to future opponents in a World Cup year with a strong performance against the Wallabies in their Rugby Championship opener in Pretoria on Saturday

OPINION: The Wallabies’ new era under coach Eddie Jones has begun with a disappointing 12-43 loss to defending world champions South Africa at Loftus Versfeld in Pretoria.

MATCH REPORT: The Springboks made a big statement, beating the Wallabies 43-12 in the Rugby Championship opener at Loftus Versfeld on Saturday.

MATCH REPORT: The All Blacks XV started their Japanese tour with a comfortable 38-6 victory over a Japan XV in Tokyo.

READERS’ FORUM: Welcome to our LIVE coverage of the Rugby Championship Round One encounter between South Africa and Australia at Loftus Versfeld in Pretoria.

SQUAD ANNOUNCEMENTS: The SA Schools selectors named two squads of 23 players each to represent the SA Schools and SA Schools ‘A’ teams at the conclusion of the Under-18 Craven Week in George.

SATURDAY WRAP: Western Province and Eastern Province claimed victories on Saturday to finish their respective campaigns unbeaten at the Under-18 Craven Week at Outeniqua Park in George.

OPINION: The altitude topic has been thrown around a lot this week with some (read one particular rugby writer in New Zealand) saying the altitude is not an ally of the Springboks, while others still maintain it is a very real thing.

SPOTLIGHT: The saying ‘one man’s loss is another man’s gain’ can sum up Marco van Stadens’ season when Springbok captain Siyamthanda Kolisi got injured.

NEWS: Springbok assistant coach Mzwandile Stick says Wallaby coach Eddie Jones can take players to dark places to get the best out of them and that is why the visitors will be an unknown factor for the Springboks in their opening Rugby Championship game at Loftus on Saturday.

NEWS: Former Wales and British and Irish Lions captain Alun Wyn Jones will play for Top 14 side Toulon as cover during this year's World Cup, the French team said on Friday.

NEWS: Wallabies forwards coordinator Neal Hatley reckons there is no harder place in the world to test their forwards than against the Springboks at altitude in Pretoria on Saturday.

OPINION: This weekend’s Test between South Africa and Australia at Loftus Versfeld is a tough one to call writes former Springboks head coach Jake White.

SPOTLIGHT: It's Round One of the 2023 Rugby Championship and World Rugby has revealed the ranking permutations ahead of this weekend's matches.

PREVIEW: The hosts South Africa will take on a very motivated Ireland side in the first semifinal of the World Rugby Under-20 Championship on Sunday, July 9.

REACTION: Axed from the controversial Mzansi Challenge on political grounds, Tel Aviv Heat came within a whisker of facing South African teams in Europe.

RUGBY CHAMPIONSHIP, ROUND ONE: The Springboks take their first steps in 2023 when they host Australia at Loftus on Saturday with new captain Duane Vermeulen leading them in the challenge to keep their unbeaten record in Pretoria against the Wallabies intact.

RUGBY CHAMPIONSHIP, ROUND ONE: One of the big talking points after Ian Foster revealed this week has been the selection at flyhalf.

TRANSFER TALK: Rookie Wallabies flyhalf Noah Lolesio is poised to walk out on Australian Rugby after being overlooked by new head coach Eddie Jones.

DAY FOUR WRAP: The Blue Bulls will face Western Province in the main match of the Craven Week in George on Saturday.

WATCH as Australia coach Eddie Jones produces a few classic quips in the build-up to the Rugby Championship opener against South Africa in Pretoria on Saturday.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: All Black coach Ian Foster has unveiled his first team of the year, naming one debutant to face Argentina in the opening round of the Rugby Championship in Mendoza.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Argentina head coach Michael Cheika has revealed his team for Saturday's Rugby Championship Round One clash against the All Blacks in Mendoza.

INTERVIEW: Jean Kleyn is a unique story, with a variety of shades of green in his journey.

NEWS: European Professional Club Rugby (EPCR) unveiled the two invited teams for the 2023/2024 Challenge Cup season.

SPOTLIGHT: Veteran All Black lock Brodie Retallick says the Pumas have become a different beast over the last few years.

SPOTLIGHT: International fans can look forward to five weekends of fixtures, featuring each of the Six Nations and Rugby Championship unions, when the Nations Series kicks off on Saturday, July 29.

REACTION: Veteran Wallaby prop James Slipper looks set to lead Australia against South Africa at Loftus Versfeld on Saturday, despite what he described as a "challenging week".

NEWS: Jamie Joseph has announced plans to step down as Japan's head coach.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: A few All Blacks fringe players have a chance to fight for a World Cup spot when All Blacks XV take on Japan XV at Chichibunomiya Rugby Stadium in Tokyo on Saturday, July 8.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Australian coach Eddie Jones has named four debutants as the side looks to create history with their first-ever win against South Africa in Pretoria on Saturday.

NEWS: Wallaby co-captain James Slipper is in doubt for their opening Rugby Championship Test against South Africa after suffering a knee injury at training.

WATCH as Springbok coach Jacques Nienaber and Director of Rugby Johan Erasmus unpack the reasons for making Duane Vermeulen captain.

TRANSFER NEWS: Former Australia lock Adam Coleman will join Bordeaux-Begles after this year's World Cup where he is set to feature for Tonga, the French club announced.

DAY THREE WRAP: Eastern Province and Western Province maintained their unbeaten records, while there were wins for the hosts, South Western Districts, and Free State on the third day of the SA Rugby Under-18 Craven Week at Outeniqua Park in George.

WATCH as loose forward Rob Valetini and back Reece Hodge speak about the influence Eddie Jones is having on the team in his second stint as Wallaby coach.

REACTION: Junior Springbok head coach Bafana Nhleko said the tough route into the semifinals of the World Rugby Under-20 Championship will benefit his squad going into Sunday's play-off encounter against Ireland.

NEWS: Leinster have confirmed Guy Easterby as its new Chief Operating Officer (COO).

WATCH as Springbok coach Jacques Nienaber and Director of Rugby Johan Erasmus explain the science behind the use of a six-two split on the bench.

TEAM UPDATE: Springbok coach Jacques Nienaber was forced to make a change to his team for their opening Rugby Championship Test against the Wallabies in Pretoria on Saturday.

WATCH as veteran Wallaby Reece Hodge speaks about the importance of the kicking game against the Springboks at Loftus Versfeld.

SQUAD ANNOUNCEMENT: Veterans Bernard Foley and James O'Connor will get a chance to push for World Cup selection after being named in the Australia 'A' squad to face Tonga next month.

NEWS: All Blacks legend Tana Umaga has been named as the next head coach of Super Rugby Pacific side Moana Pasifika.

PREVIEW: A shortened Rugby Championship - to accommodate the World Cup - starts on Saturday with Southern Hemisphere teams honing their plans ahead of the showpiece tournament in France.

TRANSFER NEWS: The 2024 Highlanders team continues to take shape with the announcement of three additional players.

ROUND THREE WRAP: South Africa secured their spot in the semifinals of the World Rugby Under-20 Championship after a gritty 24-16 win over Argentina in their final pool game at Athlone Stadium in Cape Town.

DAY TWO WRAP: The Leopards, Griffons, Golden Lions and Blue Bulls recorded big wins on Day Two of the SA Under-18 Craven Week at Outeniqua Park in George.

TRANSFER NEWS: Springbok fullback Willie le Roux will be playing in the United Rugby Championship next season.

WATCH as South Africa's Director of Rugby Johan Erasmus speaks about the injury concerns ahead of the Springbok team's season-opener.

TRANSFER NEWS: Blue Bulls Company CEO Edgar Rathbone says Armand van der Merwe's experience will be a great addition to the squad as the Pretoria franchise continues to "evolve".

WATCH as seasoned prop Allan Alaalatoa explains how they are going to calm the nerves of players who have never faced a hostile Loftus Versfeld crowd before.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Experienced No 8 Duane Vermeulen will lead the Springboks for the third time in their opening Castle Lager Rugby Championship clash against Australia at Loftus Versfeld on Saturday.

BREAKING: South Africa will feature a brand-spanking new Springbok kit when they tackle Australia in the opening match of the Rugby Championship in Pretoria on Saturday.

SQUAD UPDATE: Wales head coach Warren Gatland has bolstered his squad.

WATCH as seasoned Springbok Marvin Orie speaks about how to deal with the Wallaby 'giants'.

SPOTLIGHT: All Black flyhalf Richie Mo'unga says his team can't afford to be "one-dimensional" when they face Argentina in their Rugby Championship Round One opener in Mendoza on Saturday.

REACTION: The Ireland team looks set to fulfil its fixture in Round Three of the World Rugby Under-20 championship on Tuesday - despite a double tragedy hitting the team.

DAY ONE WRAP: Boland, Eastern Province, the Sharks and Western Province claimed important wins on Day One of the SA Under-18 Craven Week at Outeniqua Park in George.

WATCH Wallaby veteran Allan Alaalatoa speak about the challenge of facing the Springboks at Loftus Versfeld - a venue where Australia has never won against South Africa.

WATCH as seasoned Springbok midfielder Andre Esterhuizen talks about facing the Wallabies at Loftus Versfeld in the opening round of the Rugby Championship.

NEWS: Wallaby Phil Kearns has been appointed as a Director on the Board of the Local Operating Company (LOC) for Australia’s World Cup preparations in 2027 and 2029.

STATISTICAL UPDATE: As the well-versed idiom goes: 'There are Lies, damned lies, and statistics'.

NEWS: The Blues on Monday named former Scotland and Fiji national coach Vern Cotter the new head coach of the Super Rugby Pacific side on a two-season deal.

WATCH as Springbok captain Siyamthanda Kolisi gives yet another update on the progress of his rehabilitation from knee surgery.

PREVIEW: Hosts South Africa has drafted in some serious muscle as they hope to salvage their campaign in the World Rugby Under-20 championship.

SPOTLIGHT: Damian McKenzie is the X-factor in the All Black squad for the World Cup, that enigma of a player that is produced once in a decade.

NEWS: The Craven Week kicks off in George at Outeniqua Park this week showcasing the best of this years’ Under-18 talent on offer.

NEWS: Western Province has reportedly signed promising young Matie captain and flyhalf Jurie Matthee to bolster their playmaker options.

NEWS: Johan Walters, great Western Province center, has died. 

NEWS: The Dragons have struck a deal to return to private ownership this summer, thus ending the six years of Welsh Rugby Union (WRU) control.

NEWS: The inclement weather conditions in Cape Town has forced World Rugby to make a venue change for the World Under-20 Championship for the remainder of the tournament. 

NEWS: Disgraced French prop Mohamed Haouas will play for second tier Biarritz next season after he and Top 14 outfit Clermont came to a severance agreement, according to French media on Saturday.

OPINION: @king365ed takes a stab at splitting the Springbok squad - much like coach Jacques Nienaber will do this week.

NEWS UPDATE: More details have emerged of the proposed new two-tier competition between the Six Nations and SANZAAR countries.

INJURY UPDATE: All Black coach Ian Foster revealed that two injury replacements will travel to Argentina for next weekend's Test in Mendoza.

TRANSFER NEWS: The Bulls ramped up their off-season recruitment drive this week, with a Springbok the latest on their wishlist.

OPINION: New Zealand-based scribe Ben Smith is partaking in his favourite pass time - bagging the Boks!

NEWS: The game's major stakeholders took a big step in the right direction at a meeting in London this week - where they met to discuss the future global calendar.

NEWS UPDATE: French prop Mohamed Haouas on Friday received his second prison sentence in two months.

SQUAD ANNOUNCEMENT: England head coach Steve Borthwick has named his official training squad for the 2023 World Cup which kicks off in France in September.

NEWS: The Springbok management is watching the Under-20 World Cup  taking place in South Africa closely to identify the next generation of Springboks, says SA’s Director of Rugby Johan Erasmus.

INTERVIEW: Liam Heagney chats to South African Under-20 flyhalf Jean Smith to find out more about the Baby Bok No.10.

SPOTLIGHT: Springbok hooker Bongi Mbonambi reflects on how far the Springboks have come the last four years and how boring life would be if no-one had expectations of them.

WATCH Wallaby coach Eddie Jones talking about beating the Springboks in the Rugby Championship opener at Loftus Versfeld.

REACTION: Junior Spingbok head coach Bafana Nhleko and captain Paul de Villiers believe that the Junior Boks can bounce back from the defeat to Italy to qualify for the  Under-20 World Championship semifinals.

REACTION: The emotional outcry suggested a major crime had been committed. However, it happened to be no more than an oversight or miscalculation by Western Province officials.

DISCIPLINARY UPDATE: Ireland's star Johnny Sexton's dream World Cup farewell hangs in the balance following a misconduct complaint lodged by the European Professional Club Rugby.

SPOTLIGHT: Springbok head coach Jacques Nienaber says "the base is now in place" for his team to hit the ground running when the Rugby Championship starts next week.

WATCH this hilarious collection of clips, as the Springboks struggle to stick to the script during their preparations for the Rugby Championship.

WORLD CUP WRAP: Ireland finally recorded a victory, beating Australia in Round Two of the Under-20 World Championship.

WATCH as Springbok coach Jacques Nienaber unpacks how he can utilise four very contrasting flyhalves in the national team.

TRANSFER NEWS: The Bulls have unveiled three new signings as they look to build a formidable squad ahead of the 2023/2024 season.

TRANSFER NEWS: Former Hurricanes centre Matt Proctor has signed with the Melbourne Rebels on a two-year Super Rugby Pacific deal, replacing departing Wallaby utility Reece Hodge.

UPDATE: The Crusaders have confirmed that they will embark on their first-ever international tour next year.

CONTRACT NEWS: The Highlanders have announced the signing of several young players for 2024.

SPOTLIGHT: World Rugby is reportedly set to introduce a review system for upgrading yellow cards to red cards during matches at the World Cup this year.

INTERVIEW: Playmaker Carter Gordon isn't shying away from the prospect of making his debut when the Wallabies travel to South Africa to start the Rugby Championship.

TRANSFER NEWS: True to his word, Pumas coach James Stonehouse moved quickly to plug the gaps as a result of the annual exodus from Nelspruit.

NEWS: Stravino Jacobs, known as the Bulls' Rocket Man, has extended his contract which will see him remain at the franchise until June of 2027.

WATCH as South Africa's Director of Rugby Johan Erasmus gives his take on the latest chapter in the protracted Sibusiso Nkosi saga.

SPOTLIGHT: The Junior Springboks plan to deliver an energetic effort at Paarl Gymnasium on Thursday, where they will take on Italy in their second Pool C match of the 2023 Under-20 World Championship.

SPOTLIGHT: All Black legend Dan Carter says the favourites tag means very little when the World Cup starts.

Following a stellar season in Super Rugby Pacific, there was no fairytale finish for the Chiefs in last weekend’s decider. But not long after the full-time siren had sounded, another twist came as a surprise to reporters.

NEWS: The ‘Eddie Jones’ mind games have already begun ahead of the big Rugby Championship Test against the Springboks at Loftus next weekend, but nothing would surprise SA’s Director of Rugby Johan Erasmus.

INTERVIEW: Annemie Bester spoke to Springbok Andre Pretorius about his time in Japan and what can be expected of them at the World Cup!

NEWS: Lock Samuel Whitelock is a doubt for the All Blacks' Rugby Championship opener against Argentina after playing through an achilles injury in the Super Rugby Pacific Final.

NEWS: New Zealand has unveiled the All Blacks' World Cup kit.

TRANSFER NEWS: Scarlets announced the signing of Welsh-qualified forward Taine Plumtree ahead of the 2023-24 season.

NEWS: A small group of Springbok players will travel to New Zealand before the Test against Australia with the balance of the group earmarked for the Test in Auckland, around 15 or so, set to leave after the Australia Test on 8 July at Loftus Versfeld.

PREVIEW: The Under-20 World Championship will resume with Round Two on Thursday after an action-pack Round One.

INJURY UPDATE: South Africa's Director of Rugby Johan Erasmus has provided an update on the injured players in the Bok camp as the start of the Rugby Championship draws nearer.

OPINION: It would be a travesty to see one of South Africa's most talented wings fall victim to mental illness writes @rugby365com contributor Angus Opperman.

TRANSFER NEWS: Springbok back Warrick Gelant has bid farewell to Racing 92.

SPOTLIGHT: Will Skelton admits he's yet to realise his potential in a Wallabies jersey, but he thinks that will all change with better knowledge of how to use his massive frame and some rare time in camp.

NEWS: One of New Zealand's centres is set to miss at least the first two games of the Rugby Championship next month after being hit with a three-week ban on Tuesday.

NEWS: Two legendary rugby teams, both crowned champions in 2023, will face each other next year when the Crusaders and Munster meet in Ireland.

NEWS: A request by Top 14 club Clermont to cancel the employment contract of Mohamed Haouas, who was last month convicted of hitting his wife, was dismissed by a French industrial tribunal on Monday.

NEWS: Sibusiso Nkosi's time in Pretoria has come to an end.

SQUAD ANNOUNCEMENT: Wales head coach Warren Gatland has confirmed 47 players in his updated training squad for World Cup 2023.

NEWS: New Zealand Rugby (NZR) has come out in support of referee Ben O'Keeffe and the comments he made following the Super Rugby Pacifika final on Saturday.

OPINION: France and Ireland have garnered plenty of attention when the favourites tag has been thrown around leading up to this year's World Cup, but those teams should be shaking in their boots with the Springboks on their side of the draw.

NEWS: Rookie Wallabies Josh Kemeny and Dylan Pietsch have opened up about the tag of ‘utility’ which coach Eddie Jones sprung on them, saying it caught both of them off guard.

SQUAD ANNOUNCEMENT: England star Billy Vunipola underwent a minor surgical procedure on his injured knee.

REACTION: The opportunity to captain his nation at a World Cup looms as the greatest honour of James Slipper's sometimes-turbulent career, but the veteran prop insists his only focus is helping the Wallabies seize an opportunity to create history.

WATCH as Cheetahs coach Hawies Fourie reveals the Super Rugby challenge that awaits the Currie Cup champions later this year.

WATCH as Pumas coach James Stonehouse explains to @king365ed how his team will cope with another post-season exodus.

REACTION: There were good moments and some not-so-good moments for South Africa Under-20 in their 33-23 win over Georgia at the weekend.

REACTION: Newly-crowned First Division champions Boland could soon be in the 'big leagues' - financially.

NEWS: Toulouse's Australian lock Emmanuel Meafou will not be eligible to represent France before the end of 2023, meaning he will miss out on the Rugby World Cup.

REACTION: Sam Whitelock expects to have some explaining to do to All Blacks coach Ian Foster after helping the Crusaders win the Super Rugby Pacific Final despite an ankle knock.

REACTION: Michael Hooper has regained the Wallabies captaincy and will welcome the challenge for game time posed by in-form flank Fraser McReight.

WATCH as Australian coach Eddie Jones unpacks his decision about the Wallaby captaincy.

OPINION: @king365ed rates the Cheetahs players after their 25-17 win over the Pumas in the Currie Cup Final in Bloemfontein on Saturday.

WRAP DAY ONE: South Africa kicked off their World Under 20 Championship with a winning start when they disposed of Georgia 33-23 in Stellenbosch on Saturday.

OPINION: @king365ed rates the Pumas players after their 17-25 loss to the Cheetahs in the Currie Cup Final in Bloemfontein on Saturday.

MATCH REPORT: Cheetahs playmaker Ruan Pienaar sent the ball hurling into the stands as his team romped to Currie Cup victory after defeating the Pumas in the final in Bloemfontein on Saturday. 

READERS’ FORUM: Welcome to our LIVE coverage of the Currie Cup Final face-off between the Cheetahs and Pumas in Bloemfontein.

MATCH REPORT: The Crusaders claimed a seventh straight title with a 25-20 win over the Chiefs in the Super Rugby Pacific Final Saturday.

REACTION: World Rugby's decision to clear Ireland lock Jean Kleyn to represent South Africa is a huge boost for the Springboks.

SPOTLIGHT: @king365ed looks at one of the more intriguing sideshows in the Currie Cup Final at the Free State Stadium on Saturday.

TRANSFER NEWS: The Springboks' post-World Cup exodus appears to be gathering momentum.

INTERVIEW: Ahead of this year's World Cup, Jack Dempsey's decision to swap a Wallaby jersey for a Scottish jumper has finally been accepted by his father.

PREVIEW: Pumas coach Jimmy Stonehouse promised that he will have a 'few tricks up his sleeve' when they face the Cheetahs in the Currie Cup Final in Bloemfontein on Saturday.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: The Cheetahs host the Pumas in the Currie Cup Final in Bloemfontein on Saturday in what will be their 16th Final, but will do so without their experienced prop Schalk Ferreira.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Pumas coach Jimmy Stonehouse has gone with the tried and tested combination for the third consecutive week when he picked his side to defend their Currie Cup title in the Final against the Cheetahs in Bloemfontein on Saturday.

NEWS: It is very likely that former Irish international lock Jean Kleyn will make his debut for the Springboks next month after being cleared for Bok selection under new eligibility rules.

SPOTLIGHT: Saturday's Super Rugby Pacific final clash between the Chiefs and Crusaders spells the end for some players and coaches.

NEWS: The saga of the Puma flyhalf and the Wales team in search of his services, is back on track and the South African playmaker is seemingly on his way to Cardiff next season after all.

WATCH Wallaby coach Eddie Jones explains how he plans to beat the Springboks at altitude.

WATCH as Springbok captain Siyamthanda Kolisi talks about his ongoing rehabilitation after knee surgery.

NEWS: Springbok Derick Hougaard has emerged from a coma after 11 days.

SATURDAY PREVIEW: Champion France kicks off their campaign in defence of the World Rugby Under-20 title against Japan on the first day of the Championship while hosts South Africa will tackle Georgia in their opening game in Stellenbosch on Saturday.

REACTION: He may not have won any silverware, but Sharks Currie Cup coach Joey Mongalo believes he has impacted on the lives of many in his first season as a head coach.

TRANSFER NEWS: Saracens announced the signing of Ollie Hoskins on a two-year deal.

TRANSFER NEWS: Harlequins have confirmed the signing of London Irish prop Lovejoy Chawatama.

PREVIEW: The Crusaders aim to secure a seventh straight Super Rugby title and a triumphant swansong for talismanic All Blacks-coach-to-be Scott Robertson this Saturday.

TRANSFER NEWS: Rory Jennings has become Newcastle Falcons’ latest signing, joining the Kingston Park club on a two-year deal.

NEWS: The first ever Test match between England and Japan to be played in Japan will be held next year, the Rugby Football Union (RFU) and Japan Rugby Football Union (JRFU) have announced in a historic occasion for the two nations.

NEWS: Juan Imhoff, recalled by Argentina after being left out in 2019, is sure that the Rugby World Cup in his adopted home of France is "bound to be magnificent".

REACTION: The Lions head coach Ivan van Rooyen predicted some attractive attacking rugby following the Challenge Cup draw.

NEWS: He would be forgiven if his heart pumps orange on Saturday when the Cheetahs and Pumas run out for the final of the Currie Cup in the Bloemfontein stadium on Saturday.

INTERVIEW: Ten months after rupturing his Achilles, veteran flyhalf Quade Cooper is ready to make his second Wallabies comeback in the lead up to the World Cup.

NEWS: The Griquas will be very busy during the off-season as they not only seek a new forwards coach but also have to find a replacement for X-factor wing Rosko Specman. 

NEWS: The pool draws for the 2023-24 European Cup and Challenge Cup competitions have been made.

WATCH as South Africa's Director of Rugby Johan Erasmus talks about the pressure on the Springboks, heading into the World Cup as defending champions.

NEWS: The exodus of elsh internationals is gathering momentum.

SQUAD ANNOUNCEMENT: France head coach Fabien Galthie has a revealed 42-man preliminary squad for the World Cup on Wednesday.

Toulouse clinched a 22nd French title over the past weekend following a stunning last-minute try from Romain Ntamack.

WATCH as Cheetahs coach Hawies Fourie explains how two-time World Cup winner Frans Steyn feels about his prospect of making the team bus to France.

WATCH as Springbok coach Jacques Nienaber reveals where a recalled Elton Jantjies sits in the No.10 pecking order in the national team.

SPOTLIGHT: In a mighty boost to Australia's World Cup hopes, Taniela Tupou is on target for a return in the Wallabies' first Test of the year in South Africa.

SPOTLIGHT: After two months of preparing in Stellenbosch, the Junior Springboks are more than prepared for their opening World Rugby Under-20 Championship match against unpredictable Georgia. 

INTERVIEW: Wily Pumas coach Jimmy Stonehouse has elevated his team's status to 'major' ahead of the Currie Cup Final.

WATCH as Cheetahs coach Hawies Fourie unpacks the value of the veteran Springbok that signed for another year.

NEWS: Nigel Owens may not be available, but the Springboks have the next best on board.

SPOTLIGHT: The Pumas are a mere 'infant' when compared to the rich Currie Cup history of the Cheetahs. One union was founded in 1895, the other almost a century later in 1969.

SPOTLIGHT: All Blacks head coach Ian Foster is confident he has the players to win the Rugby Championship and the World Cup this year.

NEWS: SA Rugby, in consultation with the local organising committee, have decided to move the 2023 Craven Week for Under-18 boys to Outeniqua Park in George.

NEWS: The match officials for the Currie Cup Final and First Division Final, in Bloemfontein and Wellington on Saturday, have been confirmed.

REACTION: An off-the-cuff remark by New Zealand-based journalist Ben Smith has caused a social media firestorm - with some severe push-back by South African supporters.

REACTION: New Zealand Warriors coach Andrew Webster has poured cold water on speculation that All Blacks centre Roger Tuivasa-Sheck could be in line for a shock early recall to the National Rugby League club.

TRANSFER NEWS: Bath head coach Johann van Graan has added Andy Robinson and Stevie Scott to his coaching team for the 2023/24 season.

INTERVIEW: Japan veteran Michael Leitch said he believes his team can win this year's World Cup, claiming they have the best side the country has produced.

SPOTLIGHT: Convinced Australia has the talent to win the World Cup, new forwards coach Neal Hatley has welcomed the Wallabies' daunting trip to Pretoria as the perfect season starter.

SPOTLIGHT: Sharks coach Joey Mongalo says his team's 2023 Currie Cup campaign provided him with some valuable lessons going forward in his coaching career.

SPOTLIGHT: Japan flyhalf Lee Seung-sin said Monday he wants to blaze a trail for his country's ethnic Korean population by playing at this year's Rugby World Cup.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: SA Rugby President Mark Alexander paid tribute to World Cup-winning brothers, Jannie and Bismarck du Plessis, both of whom have retired from rugby following careers spanning 20 years and thanked them for their loyal service to rugby.

NEWS: Deborah Griffin is set to make history in 2025 and become the Rugby Football Union’s first female president.

SQUAD ANNOUNCEMENT: England’s second Rugby World Cup preparation camp in Brighton sees Steve Borthwick name an increased 38-player training squad.

REACTION: The Cheetahs are on a mission to get their revenge against the Pumas when the two sides meet in the Currie Cup Final on Saturday.

SPOTLIGHT: Former England wing Ugo Monye has refused to be taken in by the hype surrounding the No.1 ranked Ireland ahead of the Rugby World Cup.

REACTION: Pumas head coach Jimmy Stonehouse says his team's determination to prove their worth in South Africa was the motivating factor in their Currie Cup semifinal win over the Sharks in Durban.

REACTION: After Toulouse's star-studded side beat La Rochelle to claim a 22nd French Top 14 title, the club's host of internationals were ready to shift their sights to the Rugby World Cup.

SQUAD ANNOUNCEMENT: Samoa’s World Cup training squad for the upcoming World Cup 2023 has been announced by head coach Seilala Mapusua.

REACTION: Frustration took its toll on the Bulls during their Currie Cup 10-39 semifinal defeat to the Cheetahs on Saturday, says backline coach Hugo van As.

SQUAD ANNOUNCEMENT: All Blacks head coach Ian Foster has revealed his squad for the upcoming Rugby Championship.

REACTION: Sharks coach Joey Mongalo is taking full responsibility for his team's Currie Cup semifinal loss to the Pumas in Durban on Saturday.

INTERVIEW: @king365ed sat down with Michael R. Yormark, President of Roc Nation Sports International, to unpack the financial challenges facing England's Premiership competition.

SPOTLIGHT: Chiefs coach Clayton McMillan concedes the Crusaders are in "phenomenal" form but believes his side has good reason to take confidence into the Super Rugby Pacific Final.

TOP 14 FINAL REPORT: Romain Ntamack scored a superb late try as Toulouse beat La Rochelle 29-26 in the French Top 14 Final on Saturday to claim a record-extending 22nd domestic crown.

SPOTLIGHT: Rudolph Snyman has developed into an experienced lock in his time with Munster and is back in the Springbok squad together with his teammate and friend Jean Kleyn.

CURRIE CUP REPORT: The Pumas will face the Cheetahs in next weekend's Currie Cup Final in Bloemfontein.

MATCH REPORT: The Cheetahs booked a spot in the Currie Cup Final with a 39-10 win over the Bulls in Bloemfontein on Saturday.

READERS’ FORUM: Welcome to our LIVE coverage of the Currie Cup semifinal encounter between the Sharks and Pumas at the Kings Park Stadium in Durban.

Former Springbok flyhalf Derick Hougaard has been in a coma for a week, his former girlfriend confirmed.

READERS’ FORUM: Welcome to our LIVE coverage of the Currie Cup semifinal encounter between the Cheetahs and Bulls in Bloemfontein.

SUPER RUGBY REPORT: The Chiefs ended the Brumbies' Super Rugby Pacific season with a 19-6 semifinal win in Hamilton.

REACTION: All Blacks-bound coach Leon MacDonald admits the Blues were no match for the Crusaders after seeing his side handed a 52-15 Super Rugby Pacific semifinal thrashing in Christchurch.

TRANSFER NEWS: Bristol Bears have signed former London Irish centre Benhard Janse van Rensburg.

STATISTICAL SPOTLIGHT: The dust is still settling on this season's United Rugby Championship and teams will be in the boardrooms reviewing their campaigns.

NEWS: South African flyhalf Tian Schoeman has left Premiership club Newcastle Falcons by “mutual consent”.

NEWS: Gonzalo Quesada will become the first Argentinian to coach Italy after he was named to replace Kieran Crowley after the Rugby World Cup, the Italian federation announced Friday.

SEMIFINAL PREVIEW: Cheetahs head coach Hawies Fourie knows that his team can't afford another slow start against the Bulls when they meet in Saturday's Currie Cup semifinal in Bloemfontein.

CURRIE CUP, SEMIFINAL: It will be a case of student versus master when the Sharks host the Pumas at the Kings Park Stadium on Saturday.

SPOTLIGHT: Springbok coach Jacques Nienaber has provided an update after his squad wrapped up their first week of a three-week training camp in Pretoria.

NEWS: Wales and British and Irish Lions full-back Liam Williams has become the latest victim as Cardiff offloads their high earners amid the club's' £2m budget cut for next season.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Cheetahs head coach Hawies Fourie has made one change to his starting XV for Saturday's Currie Cup semifinal against the Bulls at the Free State Stadium in Bloemfontein.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Bulls Director of Rugby Jake White has made four changes to his matchday 23 for Saturday's Currie Cup semifinal against the Cheetahs in Bloemfontein.

SUPER RUGBY REPORT: The Crusaders have once again dashed the Blues' title hopes by dominating their Auckland-based rivals in a 52-15 win in the first Super Rugby Pacific semifinal.

SPOTLIGHT: French rugby giants Toulouse meet La Rochelle in the Top 14 in Paris on Saturday with the Champions Cup holders looking to claim a double after May's continental success.

INTERVIEW: Two different Springbok captains and two different teams will be used against Australia and New Zealand in the Rugby Championship in July.

NEWS: Kieran Crowley will leave his role as Italy head coach after the World Cup later this year, despite the New Zealand coach's wish to extend his contract.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Pumas coach Jimmy Stonehouse has opted for an unchanged match 23 for the Currie Cup semifinals against the Sharks in Durban on Saturday.

BREAKING NEWS: The Eastern Province Rugby Union President, Maasdorp Cannon, has been suspended for two years.

BREAKING NEWS: A spate of injuries among Springbok flyhalves has led to the call-up to the Rugby Championship training squad of cover at No.10.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Sharks head coach Joey Mongalo has revealed his team to face the Pumas in Saturday's Currie Cup semifinal in Durban.

NEWS: The Bulls received a boost ahead of their Currie Cup semifinal against the Cheetahs with the news that Elrigh Louw's red card has been rescinded.

NEWS: Patrick Arlettaz will take over as France attack coach following the World Cup, the French Rugby Federation announced on Thursday.

NEWS: Northampton have acquired the services of a second player from London Irish with the announcement that Tom Pearson will be following Chunya Munga Premiership club.

NEWS: Premiership Rugby confirmed the launch of the newly-formed Sporting Commission to help transform and strengthen its governance.

SPOTLIGHT: Three Wallabies and five All Blacks make Tonga's squad its best ever and will give the Pacific nation a "massive X-factor" at the Rugby World Cup, coach Toutai Kefu has said.

PREVIEW: An injury-hit Crusaders team missing All Black forwards Sam Whitelock and Ethan Blackadder are anticipating a bruising encounter when they host the Blues in the Super Rugby Pacific semifinal on Friday.

NEWS: South Africa's Director of Rugby, Rassie Erasmus, hopes Aphiwe Dyantyi can one day be picked for the Springboks again.

NEWS: Suspended Wallabies playmaker Kurtley Beale said Thursday "the truth will come out" after he pleaded not guilty to sexually assaulting a woman at a Sydney pub, reports said.

REACTION: SANSAAR was left with egg on its collective face over false claims by Rugby Australia and current SANZAAR Chairman Hamish McLennan.

SPOTLIGHT: Bulls utility back Johan Goosen wants television match officials to get more involved in the kicking side of things.

NEWS: The Springboks almost lost the opportunity to make Jean Kleyn a Springbok because they voted against World Rugby's proposed change of Regulation 8.

NEWS: Following a spectacularly successful season the European competitions will show dramatic changes to its formats for the 2023-24 seasons.

NEWS: The French Rugby Federation (FFR) announced it had appointed Florian Grill as its new president on Wednesday less than three months out from hosting the Rugby World Cup.

SPOTLIGHT: Warren Gatland says he would not have returned for a second spell as Wales coach had he known the full extent of the problems plaguing Welsh rugby.

NEWS: South Africa only have one fit flyhalf training in the build-up to the Rugby Championship.

OPINION: Annemie Bester talks about the 'elephant in the room' - why the Lions no longer produce Springboks!

SPOTLIGHT: ‘It's not how you start but how you end.'

OP0INION: @king365ed put on his thinking cap and selected a 'Springbok' team of players who did not make the Rugby Championship training squad!

SPOTLIGHT: Scott Robertson has backed his injury-hit Crusaders to "rise to the occasion" against the Blues after losing Ethan Blackadder and lock Zach Gallagher for Friday's Super Rugby Pacific semifinal.

SQUAD ANNOUNCEMENT: Experienced Wallabies lock Adam Coleman was named in Tonga's squad Wednesday alongside former Australia teammate Israel Folau for Tests next month in the build-up to the World Cup.

REACTION: Lyon's former New Zealand flyhalf Lima Sopoaga said on Tuesday coach Xavier Garbajosa's departure from the French club should have come earlier.

NEWS: Former England prop Paul Rendall has died aged 69, it was announced Tuesday.

WATCH as Cheetahs coach Hawies Fourie tells @king365ed about his plans for the Currie Cup semifinal face-off against the Bulls.

NEWS: Sharks captain Reniel Hugo says new recruit Aphiwe Dyantyi has learnt his lesson and will join the Durbanites on a clean slate. 

SEASON REVIEW: The Griffons will be a much more competitive outfit next season says head coach Jacques Juries.

NEWS: Lions prop Sithembiso Sithole might very well be the Stormers’ answer to replacing Springbok Steven Kitshoff.

TRANSFER NEWS: Springbok Aphiwe Dyantyi will make his long-awaited return to the rugby scene - sporting a Sharks jersey.

NEWS: The Highlanders revealed the 'new' owners to join current co-owners Peter Kean, Shane Drummond and the regional provincial unions - Otago, Southland and North Otago.

NEWS: Lyon axed Xavier Garbajosa as coach after a season marked by tensions with the squad.

WATCH as backline coach Hugo van As unpacks the Bulls' loss to the Cheetahs at the weekend and their rematch in the Currie Cup semifinal this coming Saturday.

INTERVIEW: @king365ed sat down with Michael R. Yormark, President of Roc Nation Sports International, to unpack the reasons behind the decision of Springbok Cheslin Kolbe to sign with Japanese outfit @sungoliath.

NEWS: The two Currie Cup semifinals will all take place on Saturday in Bloemfontein and Durban.

The Stormers have finally bid farewell to former Junior Springbok captain Ernst van Rhyn in a moving social media post.

REACTION: John Dobson admitted that navigating between the Stormers’ United Rugby Championship and the Western Province’s Currie Cup season was 'not ideal' for the franchise.

SQUAD ANNOUNCEMENT: Steve Borthwick has named a 28-player training squad for England’s first World Cup preparation camp at the England Rugby Performance Centre, Pennyhill Park.

NEWS UPDATE: Ireland captain Johnny Sexton could miss a substantial portion of his country's build-up to the World Cup.

INTERVIEW: Japan coach Jamie Joseph believes his team's "unorthodox" style can make life difficult for England at the World Cup.

NEWS: England coach Steve Borthwick is expected to announce the England training squad on Monday and two shock selections are on the cards.

NEWS: Wales lock Corey Hill has opted to pursue a club contract outside of Wales and has become the latest player to withdraw from the Wales World Cup training squad.

REACTION: Cheetahs coach Hawies Fourie reckons his side is peaking at the right time going into their semifinal week after their vital fight-back victory over the Bulls at Loftus the past weekend.

REACTION: Despite the thrashing at the hands of Western Province over the weekend, Sharks head coach Joey Mongalo was adamant that the 5-44 loss in the last round of the Currie Cup in Cape Town would not hurt his team as they prepare for their home semifinal against the Pumas.

TRANSFER TALK: Union Bordeaux-Bègles could be one of the first clubs to swoop on the carcass of London Irish, with reports in France suggesting a Wallaby lock could be the first prize landed.

REACTION: Brad Thorn wants a “little break” and the Queensland Reds’ coach has probably earned it after signing off from 30 consecutive years in rugby with a gut-wrenching Super Rugby Pacific quarterfinal loss to the Chiefs.

REACTION: The Bulls’ Currie Cup semifinal spot was accompanied by a hefty price.

REACTION: Wallabies scrumhalf Nic White declared the Brumbies would "throw the kitchen sink" at the Chiefs when they fly the flag for Australia in the Super Rugby Pacific semifinals.

SPOTLIGHT: If everything goes as planned, Ireland lock Jean Kleyn could switch international allegiance after he was selected to join the Springboks Rugby Championship training squad.

INTERVIEW: Pumas coach Jimmy Stonehouse has pleaded with the South African Rugby Union to make a more concerted effort to invest in smaller unions.

TOP 14 REPORT: European champions La Rochelle beat Bordeaux-Begles 24-13 in the second semifinal of the Top 14 play-offs on Saturday and will face Toulouse in the final next week.

CURRIE CUP REPORT: Western Province ended their Currie Cup campaign on high note after they smashed the Sharks 44-5 at Cape Town Stadium on Saturday.

CURRIE CUP REPORT: The Bulls have managed to book the final spot in this season's Currie Cup semifinals despite going down 27-31 to the Cheetahs in a thrilling final-round clash at Loftus Versfeld on Saturday.

READERS’ FORUM: Welcome to our LIVE coverage of the Currie Cup Round 14 encounter between Western Province and the Sharks in Cape Town.

READERS’ FORUM: Welcome to our LIVE coverage of the Currie Cup Round 14 encounter between the Bulls and Cheetahs at Loftus Versfeld in Pretoria.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Springbok coach Jacques Nienaber named a Rugby Championship training squad of 40 players.

REPORT: Toulouse gave a demonstration of power with a comprehensive 41-14 rout of Racing 92 to reach the Top 14 Final for the third time in four years.

SATURDAY WRAP: A Suliasi Vunivalu double got the Reds within reach of a historic Super Rugby victory, but Damian McKenzie sealed a quarterfinal win for the Chiefs.

NEWS: The Bristol Bears have been handed a spot in next season's Champions Cup following the suspension of London Irish.

SATURDAY PREVIEW: There is only one place remaining in the Currie Cup semifinals.

MATCH REPORT: The Lions kept their Currie Cup semifinal hopes alive with a hard-fought 39-22 win over the Griffons on Friday.

CURRIE CUP REPORT: The Pumas secured their spot in this season's Currie Cup play-offs with a hard-fought 27-17 win over Griquas in the final round in Kimberley on Friday.

NEWS: The Western Province Rugby Football Union (WPRFU) is on the brink of finding an equity partner, SA Rugby announced on Friday.

READERS’ FORUM: Welcome to our LIVE coverage of the Currie Cup Round 14 encounter between the Griffons and the Lions in Welkom.

READERS’ FORUM: Welcome to our LIVE coverage of the Currie Cup Round 14 encounter between the Griquas and the Pumas in Kimberley.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: The Sharks will be seeking another character-driven performance in the Currie Cup on Saturday, when they host Western Province in the final round of the pool stages.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Cheetahs coach Hawies Fourie has been forced into leaving his star playmaker behind when they left Bloemfontein, en route to Pretoria, on Friday.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: There are six changes to the Western Province starting line-up for the coastal Currie Cup clash against the Sharks at Cape Town Stadium on Saturday.

MATCH REPORT: The Waratahs' Super Rugby Pacific season has come to an end in the quarterfinals for the second straight year after a heavy loss to the Blues in Auckland.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Bulls Director of Rugby Jake White has revealed his team for their crunch Currie Cup Round 14 clash against the Cheetahs at Loftus Versfeld on Saturday.

PREVIEW: The Brumbies will host the Hurricanes in a Super Rugby Pacific quarterfinal, where two potent attacks will look to keep their seasons alive.

SPOTLIGHT: The Reds won't lean too heavily on their upset defeat of the Chiefs when the sides meet again in a Super Rugby Pacific quarter-final in Hamilton.

SPOTLIGHT: The Springboks could add another impeccable record to their rich history when they defend their World Cup title in France later this year.

TOP 14 PREVIEW: Racing 92's Argentina wing Juan Imhoff says he wants to make the most of Friday's Top 14 semifinal against Toulouse to put his hand up for World Cup selection later this year.

NEWS: James Slipper is on track to become the all-time most-capped Wallabies player after extending his contract with Rugby Australia and the Brumbies for another two years.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Lions head coach Mziwakhe Nkosi has made a few changes to his starting team as they aim to finish as high as possible in the Currie Cup standings.

NEWS: Simon Raiwalui has named a 45-strong Rugby World Cup training squad which include 23 Fijian Dura players, 13 from the French Top 14, five from the English Premiership, and one each from the French Pro D2, the United Rugby Championship, Japan’s League one and Super Rugby.

SPOTLIGHT: Joey Mongalo sees himself as part of a bigger picture emerging in South African rugby.

FRIDAY PREVIEW: Five teams will compete for the last two playoff spots in the final round of the Currie Cup this weekend.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: The Western Province have no choice but to empty the tank when they host the Sharks at Cape Town on Saturday. 

NEWS: The Melbourne Rebels have officially confirmed Wallabies lock Lukhan Salakaia-Loto has signed with the Super Rugby Pacific team until the end of 2025.

NEWS: The next chapter in Cheslin Kolbe's career has been confirmed.

NEWS: All Blacks winger Leicester Fainga'anuku will join French club Toulon later this year, his New Zealand side the Canterbury Crusaders said Thursday.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: The Pumas have made five changes to their starting XV that will face the Griquas on Friday.

NEWS: France head coach Fabien Galthie said on Wednesday that tight-head prop Mohamed Haouas will not be picked for this year's World Cup after being convicted of hitting his wife.

NEWS: The model for professional rugby in the UK seems to be inherently broken with London Irish being the latest victim of the financial crisis gripping the Premiership.

UPDATE: London Irish filed for administration on Wednesday following their suspension from all club competitions over a failure to provide financial assurances.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Griquas head coach Pieter Bergh has revealed his team for their crucial final-round Currie Cup clash against the Pumas in Kimberley.

NEWS: Springbok Stefan Terblanche has been named part of the disciplinary officials for the upcoming World Cup in France.

SPOTLIGHT: Former Springbok wing JP Pietersen wants to give John Plumtree some selection headaches over the next few seasons.

The Stormers have finally addressed the rumour mill surrounding the transfer deal with superstar Cheslin Kolbe. 

SPOTLIGHT: Growing up in the small town of Mamre in the Western Cape, Keagan Johannes looked up to a player like Ruan Pienaar as the ideal scrumhalf. 

INTERVIEW: Daniel Johannes 'Duane' Vermeulen has one mission before he bids farewell to the beautiful game.

NEWS: Rugby Australia and the Waratahs announced the re-signing of Lalakai Foketi until the end of 2025.

SPOTLIGHT: Bulls flank Marcell Coetzee has admitted that his chances of making Springboks' World Cup squad are slim.

SPOTLIGHT: Phil Waugh has set the lofty goal of taking Australia to the top of world rugby in all four formats of the game after being formally ushered in as Rugby Australia's new CEO.

NEWS: The Super Rugby Pacific tournament has confirmed the eight teams that have qualified for the quarter-finals and the matches that will be played this weekend. 

NEWS: New Zealand scrum-half Brad Weber will join Stade Francais next season, the French Top 14 side announced on Tuesday.

NEWS: London Irish will not participate in any league next season after the club failed to prove they have the finances to continue operating, England's Rugby Football Union (RFU) announced on Tuesday.

NEWS: British and Irish Lion and Scotland international prop Allan Dell has extended his contract with the the Glasgow Warriors for the 2023/24.

SPOTLIGHT: Ben-Jason Dixon has established himself as an important cog in the Stormers' engine room this season and his growth as a player will put the Capetonians in good stead heading into the 2023/2024 season.

SPOTLIGHT: Morné Steyn versus Ruan Pienaar is on the cards when the Bulls host the Cheetahs in the Currie Cup crunch match at Loftus on Saturday.

OPINION: The Springboks will likely send an ‘A’ team to New Zealand with a split squad strategy in this year’s Rugby Championship for one very specific reason.

REACTION: The South African Rugby Union has labeled the latest report of a stabbing in a domestic club match as a 'disgrace' and 'unacceptable'.

WATCH as the Bulls Currie Cup team's defence and breakdown coach, Sean Everitt, speaks about the key aspects of their game ahead of their crunch encounter with the Cheetahs.

NEWS: Barely two years after being sacked by the Waratahs, Rob Penney has landed firmly on his feet as coach of the champion Crusaders.

NEWS: Jordi Viljoen, son of former Springbok scrumhalf, Roelof “Joggie” Viljoen, has been included in the New Zealand Under 20 squad for the World Rugby U20 Championship taking place in South African later this month.

NEWS: Former Wallabies flank Phil Waugh was named chief executive of national governing body Rugby Australia on Tuesday, three months before the World Cup.

TEAM NEWS: Injured lock Paul Willemse was named in France's first World Cup training squad.

NEWS: Joey Mongalo has been rewarded for his success with the Sharks Currie Cup team.

INTERVIEWS: It may not be on the magnitude of the event that took place during the Anglo–Boer War in the late 1800s, but as far as rugby games go this is going to be a titanic contest.

SPOTLIGHT: Lubabalo Dobela has been one of the stand-out flyhalves in the Currie Cup this season as one of the top points scorers in the competition.

NEWS: Sir Wayne Smith received a knighthood for services to rugby in New Zealand's annual King's Birthday honours.

NEWS: Tongan coach Toutai Kefu believes he has rounded up the best possible talent for the World Cup, including Israel Folau. 

NEWS: Christian Lealiifano is about to close the deal on his transfer from Australia to Samoa for a potential World Cup appearance. 

REACTION: Cheetahs coach Hawies Fourie made a pivotal decision recently that ended a run of defeats that could have had catastrophic consequences for their Currie Cup campaign.

SPOTLIGHT: Liam Heagney looks at what happened to the Baby Bok class of 2012, who famously beat New Zealand in the Final in Cape Town.

WATCH as the Springboks' World Cup-winning captain Siyamthanda Kolisi shows off his virtuoso dance moves - all part of his rehabilitation.

TRANSFER TALK: Since the conclusion of the United Rugby Championship last month, the Stormers have been hard at work trying to boost their roster.

Fijian Drua head coach Mick Byrne says guiding the fledgling team to the Super Rugby Pacific quarterfinals surpasses anything he has achieved in top-level sport.

TOP 14 WRAP: Racing 92 beat 14-man Stade Francais 33-20 in a Top 14 play-off on Saturday to set up a semifinal against Toulouse in Spain next week.

REACTION: The Lions have given the Sharks the best possible preparation for the semifinals, says Joey Mongalo after his team won a hard fought battle in Durban on Saturday.

The Lions head coach Mziwakhe Nkosi was left gutted following his team’s 21-29 defeat to the Sharks during the Currie Cup Round 13 clash at Kings Park on Saturday.

WATCH as Springbok coach Jacques Nienaber talks about his selection strategy in the build-up to the World Cup in France.

MATCH REPORT: The Sharks have reclaimed the number one spot on the Currie Cup after a ferocious tussle with the Lions in the Currie Cup in Durban on Saturday, claiming a 29-21 win.

READERS’ FORUM: Welcome to our LIVE coverage of the Currie Cup Round 13 encounter between the Sharks and Lions at the Kings Park stadium in Durban.

WATCH as Western Province coach John Dobson unpacks his team's loss to Griquas in Kimberley and next week's final home game against the Sharks.

READERS’ FORUM: Welcome to our LIVE coverage of the Currie Cup Round 13 encounter between the Pumas and Cheetahs at the Mbombela Stadium in Nelspruit.

NEWS: Former Springboks lock Albert van den Berg has been named Scarlets' new forwards coach for the 2023-24 season.

SUPER RUGBY WRAP: The Waratahs will limp into the Super Rugby Pacific play-offs on the back of a shock 24-33 loss to wooden spooners Moana Pasifika in Sydney.

NEWS: Wales star Alun Wyn Jones has confirmed he will not be an Ospreys player next season.

MATCH REPORT: The Bulls overcame a three-hour delay as a result of a power failure to record a bonus-point (64-33 win over the Griffons in Pretoria on Friday.

MATCH REPORT: The unerring boot of George Whitehead and unbounded enthusiasm on defence saw Griquas score their seventh-successive Currie Cup win over Western Province on Friday.

READERS’ FORUM: Welcome to our LIVE coverage of the Currie Cup Round 13 encounter between the Bulls and Griffons at Loftus Versfeld in Pretoria.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: The Cheetahs have a score to settle with the defending Currie cup champions, the Pumas, when they face each other in Nelspruit on Saturday.

SATURDAY PREVIEW: The Sharks and Cheetahs are in the pound seats, as the Currie Cup play-off race heads into the finishing straight.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Saturday’s penultimate Currie Cup round, when the Sharks host the Lions at Kings Park, is a crucial weekend of action as the teams all vie for positions on the log.

READERS’ FORUM: Welcome to our LIVE coverage of the Currie Cup Round 13 encounter between Griquas and Western Province in Kimberley.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Lions coach Mziwakhe Nkosi has indicated that five points are what his team is after from their clash with the Sharks in Durban in the Currie Cup this weekend.

Paul de Villiers and Katlego Letebele will return for their second stint with the Under-20 South Africa squad, this time as captain and vice-captain of team for the World Rugby Under-20 Championship, which will kick off in Cape Town, Paarl and Stellenbosch later this month.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Pumas head coach Jimmy Stonehouse had made one change to his starting XV that will host the Cheetahs in Nelspruit on Saturday.

Lions speedster Edwill van der Merwe has taken the sports quote ‘there are no speed limits on the road to success’ quite literally as he tears up the pitches across the country in his quest to score tries.

SUPER RUGBY WRAP: The Blues have opened the final weekend of the Super Rugby Pacific regular season with a 16-9 home win over the Highlanders that severely dented the visitors' playoff hopes and opened the door for three of their rivals.

TRANSFER TALK: The Welsh United Rugby Championship club the Dragons are reportedly interested in signing South African lock Deon Slabbert from Currie Cup outfit Pumas.

NEWS: Rugby Australia received a double boost with the signing of rising star duo Langi Gleeson and Cadeyrn Neville.

WATCH as Bulls Director of Rugby Jake White reveals the real reason why World Cup-winning Springbok Sibusiso Romeo Nkosi is not being selected for their Currie Cup team.

SQUAD UPDATE: Wales' World Cup training squad have lost another player.

FRIDAY PREVIEW: With only one spot secured and one team out of the running, it is a six-team race for the remaining three places in the Currie Cup play-offs.

REACTION: The Eastern Province Rugby Union has been forced to suspend the home game of another club - the second time in as many months.

SPOTLGHT: Former Springbok hooker Schalk Brits says the Wallabies will be a "different kettle of fish" this year under Eddie Jones and that makes them dangerous foes heading into the World Cup.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Tighthead prop Neethling Fouche will captain Western Province in a Currie Cup match against the Griquas in Kimberley on Friday.

INTERVIEW: Fezokuhle Brian Zomakahle Mbatha is adamant the table-topping Sharks is not the finished product yet, despite sitting pretty at the top of the Currie Cup standings.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: The Bulls prepare to take on the Griffons with a rotated side ahead of the Currie Cup round 13 clash at Loftus Versfeld on Friday.

UPDATE: London Irish have been given a week's extension until June 6 to pay all staff their full May wages or face being suspended from the English Premiership.

Once a week, Eddie Jones and his Wallabies inner circle dial in for a Zoom meeting with one key focus - defying the odds and pinching the World Cup.

NEWS: New Zealand centre David Havili is expected to be sidelined for the entire Rugby Championship after suffering a serious hamstring injury in Super Rugby Pacific.

TRANSFER NEWS: Double World Cup-winning lock Sam Whitelock has signed a two-year contract with Pau, where he will join his younger brother Luke after the World Cup.

REACTION: The Eastern Province Rugby Union's spotty record took another battering in the wake of renewed reports of violence in club matches.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: The Griffons have made just two changes for their Currie Cup Round 13 face-off with the Bulls on Friday.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Griquas were forced into a change to their team for the Currie Cup Round 13 face-off with Western Province in Kimberley on Friday.

NEWS: Rhys Webb is the latest Wales star to retire from Test rugby ahead of the World Cup.

UPDATE: London Irish must pay all staff their full May wages on Wednesday or face being withdrawn from the English Premiership.

REACTION: Stormers head coach John Dobson said it is not fair that Manie Libbok gets the blame for Saturday's United Rugby Championship Final defeat to Munster.

SPOTLIGHT: The Springboks wrapped up their second preparation camp on an exciting note in Durban on Wednesday, as the world celebrated the milestone of 100 days until the kick-off of the 2023 Rugby World Cup in France.

TRANSFER NEWS: The Sharks have confirmed that versatile Springbok prop Coenraad Oosthuizen will be returning to Durban from Sale Sharks.

WATCH as South Africa's Director of Rugby Johan Erasmus and Springbok coach Jacques Nienaber unpack the 'state of the nation' with 100 days to go to the World Cup.

SPOTLIGHT World Rugby chief executive Alan Gilpin said this year's Rugby World Cup is "timely" as Wednesday marks 100 days to go until the start of the tournament.

REACTION: Super Rugby bosses have released a statement following Harry Wilson's comments that criticised referee Brendon Pickerill's handling of teammate Connor Vest's scary injury.

SPOTLIGHT: Some "simple advice" from Wallabies coach Eddie Jones has Suliasi Vunivalu confident about his rugby future with the wing signing a new deal until the end of 2025.

NEWS: Cheetahs coach Hawies Fourie says he will not be happy with anything less than four points in the bag when his team faces the Pumas in Nelspruit on Saturday.

NEWS: Jaywinn Juries is the second highest points scorer in the Currie Cup but plays for the team destined for the wooden spoon this season that has only won a single game in twelve rounds of the competition thus far.

UPDATE: French rugby international prop Mohamed Haouas was on Tuesday handed a one-year jail sentence for hitting his wife in public.

TRANSFER NEWS: The Cheetahs have confirmed that centre Ali Mgijima will be returning to Bloemfontein.

SQUAD ANNOUNCEMENT: Ireland head coach Andy Farrell named a 42-player training squad to begin preparations for the upcoming warm-up Test matches and the World Cup.

SPOTLIGHT: Springbok wing Cheslin Kolbe has opened up about his impending departure from Toulon.

SPOTLIGHT: Springbok wing Sibusiso Nkosi says his time spent with the World XV squad last week was a break from being "judged".

ANALYSIS: To appropriate a popularized colloquialism: 'It is High Noon at the OK Corral.'

SPOTLIGHT: The United Rugby Championship Final was played at the right venue as the competition continues its outreach into Africa but Munster taking the trophy home to Ireland might be good for the tournament going forward.

NEWS: An indecisive Michael Hooper might be chasing a big pay-day in Japan or France, or even glory in the Olympic Games as his future beyond 2023 still seems unsure.

SPOTLIGHT: Stormers head coach John Dobson said there is no way his franchise can afford to bring Cheslin Kolbe back to Cape Town.

NEWS: Former Springbok hooker Lukas van Biljon sustained multiple stab wounds during a robbery at his family farm in the Free State, according to reports.

NEWS: World Cup-winning Springbok wing Cheslin Kolbe will be leaving Toulon, the French club confirmed on Monday.

NEWS: For the first time in the history of the Six Nations, France will host its home fixtures away from the Stade de France, in Paris.

REACTION: Stormers head coach John Dobson is hoping he will have a "meaner and bigger" squad next season with a private equity deal and an adjustment to the salary cap on the cards.

NEWS: Pieter de Villiers, Steve Tandy and John Dalziel have extended their contracts as Scotland assistant coaches following Gregor Townsend, who committed his future to Scottish Rugby earlier this month.

REACTION: Munster star Tadgh Beirne says his team is 'really lucky" to have someone like Rudolph Snyman in their squad.

REACTION: The Sharks face the Lions in the Currie Cup in Durban on Saturday and coach Joey Mongalo says they have a score to settle with the men from Johannesburg on and off the field.

STATISTICAL SPOTLIGHT: The Stormers were made to work hard on defence in their United Rugby Championship Final against Munster over the weekend.

TOP 14 WRAP: Lyon beat Bayonne 53-19 to qualify for the Top 14 play-offs after Sunday's final round of matches in the regular season.

UPDATE: France prop Mohamed Haouas has been remanded in custody ahead of his trial on Tuesday for domestic violence his lawyer told AFP.

REACTION: World XV coach Steve Hansen said Israel Folau "can't be punished for life" after the talented back was booed at Twickenham on Sunday.

NEWS: London Irish could join Wasps and Worcester in being suspended from the Premiership on Tuesday following a season of unprecedented financial turmoil in English club rugby.

WATCH as South Africa's Director of Rugby Johan Erasmus explains how they 'parked' their well-documented disputes with match officials.

WATCH as Springbok coach Jacques Nienaber gives an update on the injury status of two-time World Cup winner Frans Steyn.

MATCH REPORT: The Barbarians came out on top in a 14-try 48-42 points-fest against the World XV at Twickenham on Sunday.

REACTION: Manu Tuilagi is playing "at his best" ahead of the World Cup according to Sale boss Alex Sanderson.

UPDATE: The Crusaders' comprehensive 42-18 victory over the Waratahs has come with a cost with two more All Blacks under injury clouds heading into the final round.

REACTION: Stormers head coach John Dobson admitted that he might have gotten his team's "game model" wrong for the United Rugby Championship Final.

NEWS: Will Jordan has become the latest All Black to re-sign with New Zealand Rugby (NZR) until the end of the 2027 Rugby World Cup cycle.

REACTION: Owen Farrell was adamant Saracens' victory in the English Premiership Final at Twickenham on Saturday was just the start after guiding the London club to a 35-25 win over Sale.

REACTION: Blues coach Leon MacDonald has hailed the match-winning qualities of Mark Telea after the wing jumped to the front of a queue of contenders for an All Blacks Test jersey.

REACTION: Munster head coach Graham Rowntree said Saturday was his "best day ever" as a coach after his team edged the Stormers in a compelling United Rugby Championship Final at Cape Town Stadium.