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JAPAN LEAGUE WRAP: Three Springboks stars kicked off their Japan League One careers in fine fashion.

NEWS: The United Rugby Championship resumes this week with some teams making their re-entry in a quite different space to where they were when the competition went into the break for the European competitions a couple of weeks back.

NEWS: Kurtley Beale is set to start at fullback next season as the Waratahs plan their next step towards Super Rugby title contention.

MATCH REPORT: Harlequins recorded their first win in this season’s Champions Cup as they did enough to see off 14-man Racing at a rain-soaked Twickenham Stoop on Sunday.

MATCH REPORT: Bristol Bears eased to a bonus-point win in the Challenge Cup as they defeated Zebre Parma 35-19 at Ashton Gate on Sunday.

MATCH REPORT: Stade Toulousain made a huge Champions Cup statement, beating Sale Sharks 45-19  in Round two on Sunday.

MATCH REPORT: Gavin Coombes enjoyed a first half to remember as the Munster No.8 twice crossed the whitewash in a 17-6 win over Northampton Saints at cinch Stadium at Franklin’s Gardens in Champions Cup Pool B on Sunday.

WATCH as Sharks wing Werner Kok executed one of the most bizarre cleanouts during his team's Champions Cup match against Bordeaux-Begles.

NEWS: Former England lock Steve Borthwick is set to be named as the country's new head coach on Monday, according to British media reports.

REACTION: Stormers head coach John Dobson delivered a bleak injury assessment in the wake of his team's first European Champions Cup win in Cape Town.

REACTION: Two Rounds down and the Lions are still unbeaten in the European Challenge Cup.

Cheetahs coach Hawies Fourie revealed his team is not in the Challenge Cup to be spectators, their aim is to go through to the final 16.

MATCH REPORT: Ospreys recorded their first win in Europe in two years as they battled to a 21-10 win against Top 14 champions Montpellier in the Champions Cup.

MATCH REPORT: Ulster suffered their second successive Champions Cup Pool B loss on Saturday when they were edged out 29-36 by defending champions Stade Rochelais in a seven-try thriller at the Aviva Stadium.

MATCH REPORT: Cardiff Rugby ran rampant for the second week running in the EPCR Challenge Cup, following their 41-0 home drubbing of CA Brive last weekend with a 47-10 romp at Newcastle Falcons in Pool A on Saturday.

MATCH REPORT: Dragons RFC were beaten 27-21 by Section Paloise in a thrilling EPCR Challenge Cup contest at Rodney Parade on Saturday.

MATCH REPORT: Benetton Rugby recorded their first win in this season’s EPCR Challenge Cup as they thrashed Aviron Bayonnais 45-7 at Stade Jean Dauger on Saturday.

MATCH REPORT: The Stormers recorded their first European Champions Cup win, beating London Irish 34-14 at the Cape Town Stadium on Saturday.

MATCH REPORT: Scarlets made it two out of two in the EPCR Challenge Cup with an impressive 45-26 win over Toyota Cheetahs in Parma on Saturday.

MATCH REPORT: Saracens defeated Lyon 28-20 in a hard-hitting game in Round 2 of the Champions Cup at Matmut Stadium de Gerland on Saturday.

MATCH REPORT: Leicester Tigers made it back-to-back wins at the start of this season’s Champions Cup as they overcame ASM Clermont Auvergne 23-16 at Mattioli Woods Welford Road on Saturday.

READERS’ FORUM: Welcome to our live coverage of the Round Two Champions Cup encounter between the Stormers and London Irish in Cape Town.

CHALLENGE CUP REPORT: Bath Rugby were comfortably beaten in Round two of the Challenge Cup as RC Toulon claimed a 29-7 win at Stade Félix Mayol on Saturday.

MATCH REPORT: Edinburgh claimed an important 31-20 win over Castres Olympique in the Champions Cup on Saturday.

READERS’ FORUM: Welcome to our live coverage of the Round Two Challenge Cup encounter between the Cheetahs and Scarlets at Stadio Sergio Lanfranchi, in Parma.

CHAMPIONS CUP REPORT: The Bulls have been given a harsh reality check by Premiership club Exeter Chiefs on Saturday. 

READERS’ FORUM: Welcome to our live coverage of the Round Two Champions Cup encounter between Exeter Chiefs and the Bulls at Sandy Park.

CHALLENGE CUP REPORT: Connacht defeated Brive 31-24 at the French side’s Stade Amédée-Domenech in the EPCR Challenge Cup on Friday.

CHALLENGE CUP REPORT: Glasgow Warriors secured back-to-back wins in the EPCR Challenge Cup as they held on for a 26-18 victory over Perpignan at BT Murrayfield Stadium on Friday.

MATCH REPORT: Leinster made it two bonus-point wins from two in the Heineken Champions Cup as they ran in nine tries to beat Gloucester 57-0 at RDS Arena on Friday.

MATCH REPORT: The Sharks claimed another French scalp for South Africa when they edged Bordeaux-Bègles 19-16 at a freezing Stade Chaban-Delmas on Friday.

MATCH REPORT: The Lions produced an impressive bonus-point win in Johannesburg on Friday, seeing off the famed Stade team 30-12.

READERS’ FORUM: Welcome to our live coverage of the Round Two Champions Cup encounter between Bordeaux-Bègles and the Sharks at Stade Chaban-Delmas.

READERS’ FORUM: Welcome to our live coverage of the Round Two Challenge Cup encounter between the Lions and Stade Francais at Ellis Park in Johannesburg

SATURDAY & SUNDAY PREVIEWS: The pride of South Africa goes up against two Premiership teams in another round of firsts for Europe's premier competition.

SATURDAY AND SUNDAY PREVIEW: The Cheetahs will continue their Challange Cup adventure with another huge task in Parma.

BREAKING NEWS: South Africa’s most-capped Springbok Sevens player, Branco du Preez, has retired from international sevens rugby and will leave the Blitzboks with a bouquet of career records, gold medals and highlights.

NEWS: Worcester's hopes of returning to rugby union next season have suffered a blow after a takeover bid was rejected on Friday, while fellow crisis club Wasps were given the green light to feature in the English Championship.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Springbok forwards Frans Malherbe and Marvin Orie have been included in the Stormers team to face London Irish in a Champions Cup encounter at Cape Town Stadium on Saturday.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: The Bulls have made minimal changes to the side that will take on Exeter Chiefs at Sandy Park on Saturday.

SPOTLIGHT: Former All Blacks captain Justin Marshall has pulled no punches in his criticism of the New Zealand side’s 2022 international season.

NEWS: The Japanese Rugby League One will feature a host of Wallabies, 14 in total, while former Aussie coach Robbie Deans’ Wild Knights prepare to defend their title.

INJURY UPDATE: Wales star George North could still be involved in their opening match of the Six Nations despite undergoing surgery for a cheekbone injury, according to club boss Toby Booth.

SPOTLIGHT: The prospective new owners of cash-strapped English club Worcester have accused the Rugby Football Union of "seeking to impose onerous operational conditions" on their bid.

FRIDAY PREVIEW: Sharks Director of Rugby Neil Powell is banking on the experience of his international stars to avoid his side being 'French-fried' on Friday.

UPDATE: Former Springbok captain Wynand Claassen's virtuous crusade to turn the Newlands Stadium into a Heritage Site has received some serious pushback from the very communities he hoped would support him.

NEWS: The French Rugby Federation (FFR) and the French league (LNR) is in search of a new president after Bernard Laporte was found guilty of corruption.

FRIDAY PREVIEW: The Lions will be looking for their first win of the European Challenge Cup as they welcome Stade Français Paris on Friday.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: The Sharks team to meet Bordeaux-Bègles for Friday's Champions Cup clash at Stade Chaban-Delmas shows minimal changes.

DISCIPLINARY NEWS: Section Paloise coach Sébastien Piqueronies has been handed a 10-week ban.

PREVIEW: Japan Rugby League One kicks off in Tokyo on Saturday with several of the heavy hitters squaring off to start the new season.

REACTION: They may be the United Rugby Championship title holders, but the Stormers needed to do some serious introspection after their debut weekend in the European Cup.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: The English referee Wayne Barnes revealed he was close to giving up the whistle after officiating France’s Test against South Africa.

NEWS: The Stormers are under pressure as they chase a full house when they host London Irish in this weekend’s second round of the Champions Cup in Cape Town on Saturday evening.

TRANSFER NEWS: One of the stars of the Springbok Women and Springbok Women’s Sevens will join Nagato Blue Angels in Japan on a six month contract in January 2023.

INTERVIEW: The Springbok-laden Sharks team arrived in Bordeaux this week with a feared reputation - mainly for the quality of the individuals in the line-up.

NEWS: European Professional Club Rugby confirmed that the Challenge Cup, Round two fixture between Glasgow Warriors and Perpignan will be moved from Glasgow to Edinburgh.

TRANSFER NEWS: Saracens confirmed that England pair Jamie George and Elliot Daly have signed new contracts with the Premiership club.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Cheetahs coach Hawies Fourie confirmed that Springbok Frans Steyn will return to South Africa and miss the Challenge Cup Round Two match against Scarlets.

DISCIPLINARY NEWS: London Irish hooker Agustin Creevy has been suspended for four weeks following the Champions Cup Round One match against Montpellier Hérault Rugby at the Gtech Community Stadium.

EXCLUSIVE: Zelt Marais, the suspended President of WPRFU, is calling on South African President Cyril Ramaphosa to 'assist' him in his battle with SARU.

NEWS: The Chiefs have imported a 34-year-old Ireland prop, John Ryan, to join their ranks for the 2023 Super Rugby campaign to cover for one of their injured.

NEWS: Springbok youngster Kurt-Lee Arendse has been nominated for the South Africa Player of the year in his first season in the Green and Gold jersey. 

NEWS: Ulster coach Dan McFarland admitted confidence in the side after the 39-0 mauling at the hands of Sale Sharks this past weekend that was spearheaded by Springbok Robert du Preez.

NEWS: New Zealand Rugby is reeling after the owner of Altrad, the sponsor of their All Blacks shirts, was given a suspended sentence in France on Tuesday.

BREAKING NEWS: Disgraced French boss Bernard Laporte has walked away from his position as vice-president of World Rugby.

REACTION: Bulls Director of Rugby Jake White dropped a bombshell on Tuesday by stating that the odds are 'stacked' against a South African team winning the European Cup.

DISCIPLINARY DECISION: Sharks prop Retshegofaditswe Nche has been suspended for three weeks, following his red card in the Champions Cup Round One win over Harlequins in Durban.

REACTION: World Rugby Executive Committee is to hold a meeting, following confirmation that a court in France sentenced French President Bernard Laporte to a two-year suspended prison sentence.

NEWS: Jake White, director of Rugby at Loftus Versfeld, has awarded the men who beat Lyon last week by sending them to England to face the Exeter Chiefs in the Champions Cup this Saturday.

Two Lions players, Asenathi Ntlabakanye and Travis Gordon, are part of six nominees for the United Rugby Championship Unity Awards together with Springbok captain Siya Kolisi. 

DISCIPLINARY HEARINGS - ROUND ONE: Section Paloise coach Sébastien Piqueronies is facing a long, possibly a life ban.

Sacked England coach Eddie Jones is set to make another visit to Twickenham, this time in May as the coach of the Barbarians when they face a World XV.

The services of another coach of one of South Africa’s national women's teams have been abruptly ended.

Border rugby was finally, after four years, restored to full membership of the South African Rugby Union following an extended period of administrative control by the mother body.

OPINION: Ben Smith runs the rule over the All Blacks' 2022 performances and names his WINNERS and LOSERS!

With one exception, it was all new for the South African teams making their debuts in the Champions Cup and the Challenge Cup this past weekend, but it may have been the games featuring the overseas teams that told us more about what to expect.

The Black Ferns have shown girls that they can do anything after clinching the World Cup in dramatic fashion last month, says New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern.

SPOTLIGHT: A French court is set to deliver its verdict in the trial of Bernard Laporte on Tuesday.

SPOTLIGHT: England star Anthony Watson has paid tribute to departing national team coach Eddie Jones, describing him as "a world-class coach - and a world-class human".

SPOTLIGHT: Lions backline coach Ricardo Loubscher will be imparting some valuable knowledge to his players ahead of their Challenge Cup clash against Stade Francais in Johannesburg on Friday.

SPOTLIGHT: Following the past weekend's Challenge Cup Round One matches, we look at the key data and top performers.

SPOTLIGHT: Following the past weekend's Champions Cup Round One matches, we take a look at key data and the top performers.

WATCH as the Bulls' Director of Rugby Jake White reveals to @king365ed his selection policy moving forward in Europe.

REACTION: Sharks Director of Rugby Neil Powell had plenty of praise for Springbok scrumhalf Jaden Hendrikse after Saturday's Round One Champions Cup encounter against Harlequins in Durban.

WATCH as Stormers coach John Dobson unpacks his team's 14-24 loss to Clermont at Stade Marcel-Michelin in their European Cup debut at the weekend.

NEWS: New Zealand Rugby (NZR) has announced an independent panel of four experienced directors to undertake a review of its governance structures.

REACTION: England captain Owen Farrell feels the decision to sack Eddie Jones as head coach was "unbelievably disappointing".

MATCH REPORT: Leicester Tigers' Champions Cup campaign began with a battling 23-17 win against Ospreys in Swansea on Sunday.

MATCH REPORT: Scarlets kicked off their Challenge Cup campaign in style as they thrashed Aviron Bayonnais 39-7 at Parc y Scarlets on Sunday.

FINALS WRAP: After three days of Sevens action at the Cape Town leg of the World Series, Samoa ended the event - and 2022 - in style.

MATCH REPORT: Saracens marked their return to the Champions Cup with a bonus-point win as they defeated Edinburgh 30-26 in a thrilling encounter in London on Sunday.

REPORT: Stade Toulousain showcased their European quality with a combative 18-13 victory over Munster in their Round One Champions Cup encounter at Thomond Park on Sunday.

MATCH REPORT: Sale Sharks began their Champions Cup campaign with a dominant 39-0 win over Ulster at Salford City Stadium on Sunday.

REACTION: The Cheetahs have paid a dear price for their impressive come-from-behind 21-16 win over Section Paloise in a Challenge Cup Round One outing in Pau at the weekend.

REACTION: Harlequins head coach Tabai Matson said his team made life too easy for the Sharks in their Round One Champions Cup encounter in Durban on Saturday.

NEWS: Rugby Australia chairman Hamish McLennan and Eddie Jones had phone discussions this weekend, a report said Sunday, with the governing body keen to entice the sacked England coach home.

REACTION: Sharks Director of Rugby Neil Powell believes the referee's decision to give Ox Nche a red card against Harlequins was harsh.

REACTION: Lions head Ivan van Rooyen is expecting to lose one of his key players for a lengthy period.

CHALLENGE CUP WRAP: Toulon battled to a 24-21 win against a stubborn Zebre Parma side in their opening EPCR Challenge Cup game at Stadio Sergio Lanfranchi on Saturday.

MATCH REPORT: Exeter Chiefs kicked off their Champions Cup campaign with a commendable 24-12 win over Castres Olympique at Stade Pierre Fabre on Saturday.

MATCH REPORT: Stade Rochelais began the defence of their Champions Cup crown with an emphatic 46-12 victory over Northampton Saints at the Stade Marcel Deflandre on Saturday.

DAY TWO WRAP: Hosts South Africa stayed on course to end their Cape Town drought as they reached the semifinals of Round Three of the World Sevens Series.

MATCH REPORT: The Bulls were made to hang on desperately in the second half, as a willing Lyon threatened to spoil their Champions Cup debut party.

MATCH REPORT: Gloucester produced an extraordinary comeback to win 22-17 and stun a Bordeaux-Bègles side that had controlled the game for the first hour of Saturday's Champions Cup contest.

MATCH REPORT: The Stormers were taught a lesson in the realities of the European competition when Clermont beat them 24-14 in the Champions Cup Round One outing on Saturday.

READERS’ FORUM: Welcome to our live coverage of the Round One European Cup encounter between the Bulls and Lyon at Loftus Versfeld in Pretoria.

CHALLENGE CUP REPORT: Glasgow Warriors survived a late scare to win away in the EPCR Challenge Cup on Saturday, twice finding themselves pegged back by a determined Bath side before ultimately claiming a deserved 22-19 victory.

CHAMPIONS CUP REPORT: Leinster made a statement in their opening Champions Cup game of the season on Saturday as they claimed a 42-10 victory at Racing 92.

CHALLENGE CUP REPORT: The Cheetahs made a huge statement when they started their Challenge Cup campaign with a 21-16 win over Section Paloise in France.

CHAMPIONS CUP REPORT: The Sharks started their Champions Cup campaign with a thrilling 39-31 win over Harlequins in Durban on Saturday.

READERS’ FORUM: Welcome to our live coverage of the Round One European Cup encounter between Clermont Auvergne and the Stormers at Stade Marcel-Michelin.

CHALLENGE CUP REPORT: The Lions and the Dragons played out a thrilling 31-31 draw in a Challenge Cup opener in Johannesburg on Saturday.

READERS’ FORUM: Welcome to our live coverage of the Round One Challenge Cup encounter between Section Paloise and the Cheetahs at Stade du Hameau, in Pau.

READERS’ FORUM: Welcome to our live coverage of the Round One European Cup encounter between the Sharks and Harlequins at Kings Park in Durban.

READERS’ FORUM: Welcome to our live coverage of the Round One Challenge Cup encounter between the Lions and Dragons at Ellis Park in Johannesburg.

CHALLENGE CUP FRIDAY WRAP: The 2017 EPCR Challenge Cup winners Stade Français Paris relied on a stunning second-half showing to overcome a resilient Benetton 24-14 at the Stade Jean-Bouin on Friday.

NEWS: South Africa's Gary Gold has resigned as United States national rugby team coach after the Eagles failed to qualify for next year's World Cup in France.

CHAMPIONS CUP REPORT: Montpellier produced a fightback to defeat 14-man London Irish 32-27 on the opening day of the European Champions Cup on Friday.

DAY ONE WRAP: Hosts South Africa kept alive their dream of a first win on home soil since 2015, the first year in which the event was held in Cape Town, when they came from behind in a 17-7 win over Canada.

SATURDAY AND SUNDAY PREVIEW: Sporting history will be made this weekend when South Africa's franchises enter European Rugby's Champions Cup for the first time.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Steven Kitshoff will captain the Stormers in their historic Champions Cup debut match against ASM Clermont Auvergne at the Stade Marcel Michelin on Saturday.

WATCH as @king365ed chats to Cheetah coach Hawies Fourie and Lions counterpart Ivan van Rooyen about their Euro debuts!

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Bulls Director of Rugby Jake White has revealed a new-look team for their Champions Cup opener against Lyon in Pretoria on Saturday.

NEWS: Three female match officials have been promoted to join Aimee Barrett-Theron on the national refereeing panel in a ground-breaking move, announced by SA Rugby on Friday.

SPOTLIGHT: Toulouse scrumhalf Antoine Dupont, the 2021 World Player of the Year, has hit out at the inclusion of South African teams in the new-look Champions Cup on Thursday, saying it was "no longer the European Cup".

FRIDAY PREVIEW: The 2022/23 Champions Cup season kicks off at the Brentford Community Stadium with London Irish taking on Montpellier.

SPOTLIGHT: Sharks Director of Rugby Neil Powell has confirmed that Siyamthanda Kolisi will be his team's captain for the duration of their Champions Cup campaign.

WATCH as star centre Jesse Kriel opens up about the Springboks' to-do list ahead of the World Cup.

DISCIPLINARY NEWS: Leicester Tigers prop Francois van Wyk has been handed a three-week ahead of the opening round of the European Champions Cup season.

WATCH as Blue Bulls Company CEO Edgar Rathbone unpacks the timeline and events leading up to and how they found missing Springbok Sibusiso Nkosi.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Springbok Captain Siyamthanda Kolisi returns to lead the Sharks in Saturday’s opening round Champions Cup clash with Harlequins at Kings Park.

PARTY TIME: Outside of Hong Kong, the Cape Town leg of the World Sevens Series is the biggest 'party' on the circuit.

SPOTLIGHT: Exeter boss Rob Baxter said it would be "fantastic" if Steve Borthwick's success in the Premiership paved the way for his appointment as England rugby head coach.

Out-of-favour Queensland backrow Harry Wilson will cling onto hope of winning a World Cup recall, despite another frustrating season in the Wallabies wilderness.

STAT ATTACK: Stormers centre Ruhan Nel produced some impressive stats in his first United Rugby Championship out of the season last weekend.

NEWS: Scotland wing Darcy Graham has been ruled out until February because of a knee injury that now threatens his involvement in the early rounds of this season's Six Nations Championship.

SPOTLIGHT: South Africa's Director of Rugby Rassie Erasmus has shown his respect for Eddie Jones, who was given the boot by the Rugby Football Union this week.

SPOTLIGHT: Northampton Saints wing Courtnall Skosan believes the English Premiership side have the ability to go “all the way” in this season’s Champions Cup.

SQUAD ANNOUNCEMENT: Springbok Sevens coach Sandile Ngcobo has included Darren Adonis in the Blitzboks’ playmaking role for this weekend’s Cape Town Sevens at Cape Town Stadium.

REACTION: Exeter boss Rob Baxter said he was "surprised" by the timing of Eddie Jones' exit as head coach of England.

NEWS: Exeter Chiefs director of rugby Rob Baxter will not be throwing his hat into the ring for the England head coach job after signing a new contract extension at the Premiership club.

The Stormers are in for a very hostile reception in their debut Champions Cup fixture against Clermont on Saturday. 

NEWS: New Zealand Rugby on Wednesday named former governor general Patsy Reddy as chair, the first woman to hold the position in the 130-year history of the governing body.

SPOTLIGHT: The Sharks are well aware of the threat Andre Esterhuizen will pose when they come up against the Harlequins.

NEWS: Irish rugby great Ronan O'Gara has extended his contract as head coach with European champions La Rochelle until 2027, the French Top 14 club confirmed.

WATCH as Bulls Director of Rugby Jake White gives his players a crash course in the challenges they will face in the European Cup.

SPOTLIGHT: Scotland flyhalf Finn Russell said Tuesday he is on the "same page" as head coach Gregor Townsend after originally being omitted from their squad for the recent year-end Tests.

BREAKING NEWS: Wasps and Worcester's efforts to overturn relegation from the English Premiership have been rejected by the Rugby Football Union.

REACTION: Wallaby great Matt Giteau insisted England had made a "big mistake" in sacking head coach Eddie Jones nine months out from a Rugby World Cup.

SPOTLIGHT: Eddie Jones was sacked as England coach on Tuesday, some seven years after the Australian was appointed to the role.

WATCH as Cheetahs coach Hawies Fourie and captain Victor Sekekete talk about their Challenge Cup debut this week.

REACTION: The South African players' union, MyPlayers, has thrown its collective weight behind the steps to support embattled Springbok Sibusiso Nkosi in his battle with his mental health issues.

The Rugby Football Union (RFU) confirmed that Eddie Jones has been dismissed as the England head coach. 

SPOTLIGHT: This weekend marks another historic time for South African rugby.

The Bulls are going to give World Cup-winning Springbok Sibusiso Nkosi the 'space and time' to seek the help he needs.

Springboks star Handre Pollard has hinted it will take South African teams a couple of very challenging seasons to adjust to the European Champions Cup.

With the Cape Town Sevens approaching as fast as the athletes, here is a look at all the highlights of the action-packed event.

REACTION: Warren Gatland said the prospect of being involved in a World Cup again was a key factor in the decision to put his legacy on the line by returning for a second stint as Wales coach.

Former France flank Alexandre Lapandry announced on Monday his retirement, blaming his club Clermont for failing to take a concussion he suffered in 2020 seriously.

England head coach Eddie Jones could find out within the next 48 hours if he still has a job following a Rugby Football Union (RFU) review into the team's woeful year-end campaign.

TRANSFER NEWS: England hooker Luke Cowan-Dickie has signed a three-year contract with Montpellier starting next season, the French Top 14 champions announced on Monday.

NEWS: South African Sevens coach Sandile Ngcobo has added three players to his squad that assembled in Cape Town on Monday, as they prepare for their home leg in the World Series.

NEWS: The Blue Bulls Company confirmed that contracted player Sibusiso Nkosi has been located, safe and sound - ending several days of speculation about his whereabouts.

WATCH as Lions coach Ivan van Rooyen unpacks his team's debut in Europe - where they will face a team they have already beaten this year and a legendary French club.

NEWS:  Warren Gatland has been reinstated as head coach of Wales. 

SQUAD ANNOUNCEMENT: A 26-man Stormers squad leaves for France on Monday ahead of their Champions Cup debut against ASM Clermont Auvergne on Saturday.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Sweet revenge will be at the forefront for the Dragons, when they face the Lions in the opening round of the European Challenge Cup.

REACTION: The Blue Bulls Company has dismissed as 'untrue' reports in relation to Springbok Sibusio Nkosi’s whereabouts.

WEEKEND WRAP: New Zealand wing George Bridge scored on his Montpellier debut as his new side lost 14-19 at Clermont in the French Top 14.

REACTION: Players at Wales' four regions are being "detrimentally impacted" by the financial uncertainty surrounding their futures, the Welsh Rugby Players Association said on Sunday.

WATCH as Bulls Director of Rugby Jake White speaks about the value of his team's world-class backs.

WATCH as we bring you all the United Rugby Championship Round Nine highlights!

MATCH REPORT: The Lions continued their climb up the United Rugby Championship rankings with a 32-15 bonus-point win over the Scarlets at Ellis Park, in Johannesburg, on Sunday.

READERS' FORUM: Welcome to our live coverage of the United Rugby Championship Round Nine encounter between the Lions and Scarlets at Ellis Park in Johannesburg.

WATCH as Stormers star Manie Libbok shows why he could be South Africa's best flyhalf at the moment.

REACTION: Stormers need to eliminate their soft underbelly after their win over Dragons on Saturday. 

REACTION: It was not pretty, but the Sharks' win on Friday was much-needed a relieved Director of Rugby Neil Powell admitted.

SATURDAY WRAP: A scintillating performance by Argentina international Santiago Carreras inspired Gloucester to a 34-19 victory over Northampton at Kingsholm.

MATCH REPORT: Leinster produced a stunning response to Cian Healy's first-half sending-off as captain Garry Ringrose's classy second-half brace inspired a 38-29 bonus-point win over Ulster at the RDS.

MATCH REPORT: Cardiff's run of victories came to an abrupt end at Loftus Versfeld Stadium, in Pretoria, on Saturday.

MATCH REPORT: Replacement Caolin Blade claimed a 66th-minute bonus point as Connacht overcame Benetton 38-19 at the Sportsground on Saturday.

READERS' FORUM: Welcome to our live coverage of the United Rugby Championship Round Nine encounter between the Bulls and Cardiff at Loftus Versfeld in Pretoria.

STATEMENT: The Blue Bulls Company on Saturday confirmed that Springbok and Bulls contracted player Sibusiso Nkosi has been absent without leave for the past three weeks.

SATURDAY WRAP: South Africa won their fourth-successive title at the Dubai leg of the Sevens World Series.

Glasgow Warriors survived an early period of Zebre Parma pressure to emerge with a 45-17 bonus-point victory from their match in Italy.

The Stormers continue their winning run, beating Dragons 34-26 at the Nelson Mandela Stadium. 

READERS' FORUM: Welcome to our live coverage of the United Rugby Championship Round Nine encounter between the Stormers and Dragons at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium in Port Elizabeth.

Springbok wing Sbu Nkosi has not reported for duty at Loftus Versfeld for about three weeks.

NEWS: Harlequins' victory celebrations after an impressive 19-13 Premiership win over Bath on Friday were dampened by an injury update on England flyhalf Marcus Smith.

MATCH REPORT: Munster produced a storming fightback to claim a bonus-point 38-17 victory away to Edinburgh in their United Rugby Championship Round Nine encounter on Friday.

SATURDAY AND SUNDAY PREVIEW: The Stormers are hoping to turn Nelson Mandela Bay stadium into a 'home' away from home.

TEAM UPDATE: The Lions were forced to make a late change to their starting XV for their United Rugby Championship clash against Scarlets after centre Henco van Wyk received a three-game suspension for foul play.

URC REPORT: The Sharks have finally got back to winning ways with a scrappy 25-10 win over the Ospreys in Round Nine of the United Rugby Championship in Durban on Friday.

DAY ONE WRAP: With qualification for the Paris 2024 Olympic Games resting on this season's standings, the Sevens World Series has taken on an extra edge.

READERS' FORUM: Welcome to our live coverage of the United Rugby Championship Round Nine encounter between the Sharks and Ospreys at Kings Park in Durban.

SPOTLIGHT: Kurt-Lee Arendse enjoys nothing more than proving all those people who told him he was too small to play rugby wrong.

NEWS: Ireland rugby great Ronan O'Gara ruled himself out of the running to replace under-pressure England coach Eddie Jones.

SPOTLIGHT: Eddie Jones will learn if he is to continue as England head coach next week with the Rugby Football Union's review into a dismal November set to conclude on Tuesday.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Springbok Jaco Kriel makes a return to the Lions' starting XV for Sunday’s United Rugby Championship match against the Scarlets at Ellis Park.

The Bulls have been given a huge Springboks boost for their United Rugby Championship Round nine fixture against Cardiff

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Stormers coach John Dobson wasted no time in bringing back some serious Springbok muscle.

England rugby coach Eddie Jones has labelled Clive Woodward "sad" after his predecessor's stinging criticism following a lacklustre Year-end campaign that left the Australian fighting to stay in his job.

The Super Rugby Pacific competition will remain intact until at least 2030 following a joint agreement between Australian and New Zealand rugby bosses announced Friday.

FRIDAY PREVIEW: Ospreys expect a fierce backlash from a Sharks team in dire need of some uplifting news.

SPOTLIGHT: The Springbok Sevens squad will start the Dubai Sevens on Friday with a healthy dose of reality, but also the expectation that the hard work done on the training field will bring some change.

NEWS: A public vote has revealed the best player of the end-of-year internationals and it is someone from the north

REACTION: Senior Springboks Siyamthanda Kolisi and Eben Etzebeth played a significant role in helping the Sharks through their tumultuous coaching revamp at Kings Park this week.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: The Sharks have welcomed back a number of returning Springboks for their United Rugby Championship clash against Ospreys at Kings Park on Friday.

WATCH as former Springbok coach Peter de Villiers shares his thoughts on a variety of subjects - including the RassieGate saga and team selection.

TRANSFER NEWS: Saracens have bolstered their scrumhalf stocks with another Springbok.

SPOTLIGHT: One of rugby's big names has reportedly emerged as the top contender for the England job if the Rugby Football Union decides to sack Eddie Jones.

WATCH as South Africa's Director of Rugby Rassie Erasmus, in his own words, explains why he took to social media and what his strategy for Twitter is.

WORLD SEVENS SERIES ROUND TWO: It's the second event in this season's World Rugby Sevens Series calendar and it all takes on the pitch at The Sevens Stadium.

SPOTLIGHT: Unless the authorities seize the problem of traumatic head injuries "by the scruff of the neck" parents will not allow their children to play the sport.

NEWS: Former Highlanders' co-captains Nasi Manu and Ben Smith have joined the 2023 Highlanders' management team.

INTERVIEW: Wales flyhalf Dan Biggar said that he has big ambitions with his new club Toulon, saying "I want to be champion of France".

WATCH as retired refereeing legend Nigel Owens unpacks some of the refereeing howlers of the past weekend - including why South Africa's controversial try should not have stood.

SPOTLIGHT: European officials refused to put a deadline on an agreement for the creation of a Club World Cup, but remain hopeful the groundbreaking plan will get off the ground.

NEWS: Sharks captain and Springbok prop Thomas du Toit has been informed of the outcome of his disciplinary hearing, following his red card in the year-end Test against England this past weekend.

INTERVIEW: Former Springboks captain Bobby Skinstad has backed the trenchant way Rassie Erasmus defended South Africa during their recent year-end Tests.

SPOTLIGHT: Wearing the mantle of defending champions and nine-time winners of the Dubai Sevens is one thing, but arriving at The Sevens Stadium bereft of top form, playing in a tough pool and with a number of new players, is something else.

NEWS: World Rugby has revealed a new framework for the future of the Sevens World Series.

NEWS: The match officials for the United Rugby Championship Round Nine fixtures have been confirmed.

SPOTLIGHT: Springbok legend Joel Stransky believes the Bulls will not have enough firepower to go all the way in the United Rugby Championship this season.

SPOTLIGHT: Handre Pollard believes England has left it too late to sack Eddie Jones.

SPOTLIGHT: Springbok legend Joel Stransky believes the relationship between Neil Powell and Sean Everitt at the Sharks was always destined for failure.

Rugby officials have defended the manner in which Australia scrumhalf Nic White was allowed to play on after he was concussed against Ireland this month.

OPINION: The year-end Tests have come and gone, with some interesting and intriguing results. Jan de Koning names his Team of the Month for November!

The Cheetahs will make their EPCR Challenge Cup debut this season and announced their squad for the Rounds one and two matches played in December 2022.

Bulls assistant coach Pine Pienaar revealed the South African franchise face a real test at home against Cardiff on Saturday.

The Springboks have been reaping the rewards since South African teams opted to swap Super Rugby for the United Rugby Championship. 

The Springboks crushed England into submission with a demoralising 27-13 win at Twickenham but the manner in which they constructed their win was largely the same for the most part.

YEAR-END REVIEW: Tournament hosts France head into next year's Rugby World Cup as favourites but an enthralling series of November internationals suggests the 2023 edition could be the most competitive yet.

SPOTLIGHT: Springbok flyhalf Damian Willemse has opened up on some of his moments of brilliance against England at Twickenham.

Ieuan Evans promised to "strive for more" after being appointed chair of the Welsh Rugby Union (WRU).

NEWS: Springbok prop Thomas du Toit will attend a disciplinary hearing for an act of foul play against England at Twickenham on Saturday.

NEWS: Sharks head coach Sean Everitt has stepped down from his role with immediate effect.

NEWS: Six Nations Rugby announced that its Chief Executive Officer, Ben Morel, has decided to step down at the end of the current 2022/23 rugby season.

SPOTLIGHT: At the start of the year, as Ricardo Duarttee walked back to his car after a meeting Philip Snyman – then still the Stellenbosch Academy of Sport Sevens Academy coach – his mind was racing.

UPDATE: Kenya's Rugby Sevens players, who launched an appeal for donations to pay their bills, will be paid their overdue salaries this week ahead of the season-opening Dubai series, the country's sports minister said Monday.

REACTION: Cardiff boss Dai Young says his team need to back up their "outstanding" United Rugby Championship victory away to the Sharks when they take on the high-flying Bulls on Saturday.

SPOTLIGHT: The Stormers are hoping that one of their Boks will not be on the sidelines for a lengthy period.

Sunday's United Rugby Championship Round Eight fixture against Cardiff was a dark and gloomy one for the Sharks.

REACTION: Lions head coach Ivan van Rooyen is a happy man after his team's United Rugby Championship Round Eight win over the Dragons on Sunday.

ROUND EIGHT REVIEW:: After another interesting weekend of URC action, the top four began to draw away from the rest as Leinster, Ulster, the Bulls and the Stormers put daylight between themselves and the chasing pack.

REACTION: Scotland coach Gregor Townsend has paid tribute to the "huge legacy" left by Doddie Weir following his former teammate's death from Motor Neurone Disease.

REACTION: David Kriel is slowly but surely hitting his strides with every Bulls outing.

REPORT: Warren Gatland is in line to return as Wales coach should Welsh rugby chiefs decide Wayne Pivac has to be replaced ahead of next year's World Cup, according to media reports.

TOP 14 WRAP: Top 14 leaders Toulouse slipped to a 14-21 defeat at Lyon on Sunday as their French national skipper Antoine Dupont began a four-week suspension.

SPOTLIGHT: Former England coach Clive Woodward said Saturday's defeat by South Africa had rounded off the "worst week in English rugby history".

OPINION: The end-of-year international series produced some sparkling rugby auguring well for next year's World Cup in France.

Kenya's Rugby Sevens launched a public appeal for donations on Sunday, claiming the team has not been paid in months and players badly needed money ahead of several international matches.

Thomas Young starred for Cardiff as they thrived in the Durban rain to claim a famous 35-0 victory over the Sharks.

MATCH REPORT:  The Lions recorded their first home win, beating Dragons 33-25 at Ellis Park on Sunday. 

READERS' FORUM: Welcome to our live coverage of the Round Eight United Rugby Championship encounter between the Sharks and Cardiff at Kings Park in Durban.

SPOTLIGHT: The Rugby Football Union will conduct a review following England's dismal year-end series. 

READERS' FORUM: Welcome to our live coverage of the Round Eight United Rugby Championship encounter between the Lions and Dragons at Ellis Park in Johannesburg.

REACTION: Springbok captain Siya Kolisi believes that his team's win over England at Twickenham was more proof that they are not one-trick ponies.

OPINION: The Wallabies had a point to prove against Wales on Saturday, as they looked to avoid a four-match losing streak to end their season.

REACTION: Dave Rennie has hailed the Wallabies' rollercoaster end-of-year tour a success after watching his brave, makeshift outfit complete an epic 39-34 comeback win over Wales.

REACTION: Wales head coach Wayne Pivac did not sound like a man whose job is under extreme pressure.

REACTION: Eddie Jones has again faulted himself after his England team subsided to a dispiriting 13-27 defeat by South Africa at Twickenham and most fans would for once agree.

MATCH REPORT: Munster ended a run of five interprovincial derby defeats as their pack powered them to a 24-17 bonus-point victory over Connacht at Thomond Park.

SPOTLIGHT: Springbok head coach Jacques Nienaber admitted that his team's 27-13 win over England on Saturday will rank high among the "special results" his team has achieved.

OPINION: The Springboks ended 2022 on a high with an emphatic 27-13 win over England at Twickenham on Saturday.

OPINION: A deja vu scenario, but with quite a damaging outcome for England on this occasion.

REPORT: World champions South Africa ended 2022 with a 27-13 win over England in their concluding November series international at Twickenham on Saturday.

Rob Russell scored a hat-trick of tries as Leinster eased to a 40-5  United Rugby Championship victory over Glasgow Warriors.

Former Scottish rugby international Doddie Weir has died at the age of 52 after a long battle with Motor Neurone Disease (MND), his family announced on Saturday.

OPINION: It’s a difficult time to back Wales. Their brilliant win over Argentina feels like a lifetime ago because, as Wayne Pivac says, seven days is a long time in rugby.

REPORT: Australia came from 13-34  down to beat Wales 39-34 in an extraordinary Test in Cardiff on Saturday.

READERS' FORUM: Welcome to our live coverage of the year-end international between England and South Africa at Twickenham in London.

PREMIERSHIP REPORT: Sale Sharks’ fine start to the Premiership season continued with a resilient 25-20 victory over Bristol Bears at the AJ Bell Stadium.

Benetton climbed into the top half of the United Rugby Championship table after a hard-fought 24-17 win over Edinburgh Rugby.

MATCH REPORT:  Ruan Nortje kicked off his reign as Bulls captain with a comfortable 43-26 win over Ospreys on Saturday at Loftus Versfeld. 

READERS' FORUM: Welcome to our live coverage of the year-end international between Wales and Australia in Cardiff.

READERS' FORUM: Welcome to our live coverage of the Round Eight United Rugby Championship encounter between the Bulls and Ospreys at Loftus Versfeld in Pretoria.

The United Rugby Championship Round eight clash between the Bulls and Ospreys has been pushed back by 30 minutes.

NEWS: It has been revealed that World Rugby has had "constructive discussions" with Rassie Erasmus after he received a ban for criticising refereeing decisions on social media recently.

SUNDAY PREVIEW: It is all about South Africa versus Wales during Sunday's United Rugby Championship Round eight clashes.

SPOTLIGHT: Stormers head coach John Dobson was a proud man after his team recorded a big win over an experienced Scarlets side in Cape Town on Friday.

REACTION: World Cup-winning former Springbok coach Jake White believes it will take a while for South Africa's battered image to recover from the RassieGate sage.

MATCH REPORT: Two tries from hooker Tom Stewart helped Ulster to a six-try bonus-point victory, as they defeated bottom team Zebre 36-15 at Ravenhill Stadium on Friday.

WATCH as World Cup-winning Springbok Bob Skinstad gives his informed opinion about how to solve the chaos that erupted around referees in the game.

MATCH REPORT: The defending United Rugby Championship team, the Stormers, restarted their campaign with an impressive 36-19 win over a willing Scarlets outfit in Cape Town on Friday.

FRIDAY WRAP: Danny Care produced a man-of-the-match performance as Harlequins sent Gloucester crashing to a third consecutive league defeat with a 21-12 victory at the Stoop.

SATURDAY PREVIEW: You will not find a single bookmaker making a Welsh region favourite in any round-eight match this weekend.

READERS' FORUM: Welcome to our live coverage of the Round Eight United Rugby Championship encounter between the Stormers and Scarlets in Cape Town.

SPOTLIGHT: With a big clash at Twickenham looming, Springbok captain Siya Kolisi was again asked for his opinion on the whole Rassie Erasmus saga.

SPOTLIGHT: Dave Rennie is confident Wallabies steam-roller Taniela Tupou will be back from injury in time for next year's World Cup while promising a review into the causes of Rugby Australia's colossal casualty list.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Lions have named their team to face the Dragons in a United Rugby Championship Round Eight clash at Ellis Park on Sunday.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: James Venter will lead the Sharks against Cardiff Rugby on Sunday at Kings Park as they return to United Rugby Championship action following the November test window.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Bulls Director of Rugby Jake White has revealed his team to face Ospreys in a United Rugby Championship Round Eight clash at Loftus Versfeld on Saturday.

PREVIEW: Ahead of Saturday's big clash at Twickenham, Springbok head coach Jacques Nienaber described England as a team that just "doesn't go away".

PREVIEW: Wales host Australia in the two teams' final rugby Test of the year on Saturday with both badly in need of a win.

SPOTLIGHT: England's leading administrators were in the firing line on Thursday as a committee of UK lawmakers took aim at their "shambolic" response to the chaotic collapse of Worcester and Wasps.

FRIDAY PREVIEW: Unloading his 'young guns' on a seasoned Scarlets outfit is a risk John Dobson is prepared to take.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: The Cheetahs will be heading to Welkom on Friday, November 25, for their second warm-up match against the Griffons.

INTERVIEW: England coach Eddie Jones said referees had to be treated with respect ahead of his team's meeting with a South African side who will be without Rassie Erasmus at Twickenham.

INJURY UPDATE: The Stormers will be without the services of their Junior Springbok captain and flyhalf Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu for a considerable period of time.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Wales head coach Wayne Pivac has revealed his team to face the Wallabies in Cardiff on Saturday.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: After a difficult Test debut from the bench, Ben Donaldson has earnt his first start.

NEWS: Englishman Wayne Barnes, the man at the heart of the RassieGate saga, will be involved when South African teams make their debut in the European Cup next month.

NEWS: The Bulls have revealed their new captain as the European season resumes after the international window.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Eddie Jones has named the 23-player England team that will take on South Africa this weekend.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Stormers head coach John Dobson has revealed his team to face Scarlets in Round Eight of the United Rugby Championship in Cape Town.

WATCH as Former Springbok captain Bobby Skinstad confirms his interest in the Stormers and unpacks the qualities of the URC.

SPOTLIGHT: Springbok hooker Malcolm Marx will have some extra motivation heading into Saturday’s clash against England in London.

INTERVIEW: Len Ikitau says the Wallabies players need to be better to end their lean year-end tour on a happier note against an equally desperate Wales.

NEWS: A group of former players, including England World Cup winner Steve Thompson and All Black Carl Hayman, are to file legal action in France against the national rugby bodies over concussion.

SPOTLIGHT: Jamie George believes a match against South Africa represents the "perfect test" for an England pack still "hurting" after their display in last week's thrilling 25-25 draw with New Zealand.

NEWS: La Rochelle coach Ronan O'Gara has been suspended for 10 weeks for "harming the best interests of rugby", the French Rugby Union league (LNR) said on Wednesday.

WATCH as Sharks flank Vincent Tshituka chats to @king365ed about the double threat of facing top European opponents in the URC and Champions Cup.

SPOTLIGHT: Wales newcomer Josh Macleod believes they are ready for Australia's challenge after some "very honest" conversations following a humiliating defeat against Georgia.

SPOTLIGHT: Portugal will not travel to next year's Rugby World Cup in France as "pushovers" despite being the 20th and last team to qualify for the tournament, according to coach Patrice Lagisquet.

SPOTLIGHT: Springbok centre Damian de Allende is ready to put his body on the line again at Twickenham on Saturday.

SPOTLIGHT: There should be high levels of discomfort and an element of desperation in several teams when the next phase of the United Rugby Championship gets underway at the weekend.

SQUAD UPDATE: The Wallabies have issued another injury update ahead of their clash against Wales in Cardiff on Saturday.

WATCH as Springbok coach Jacques Nienaber explains the values that flyhalves Damian Willemse and Manie Libbok bring to the team.

SPOTLIGHT: England forward coach Matt Proudfoot has opened up on the "mindset challenge" his team will face in the scrums against the Springboks.

OPINION: Ben Smith gives his rather brutal take on the real damage RassieGate is doing to South African rugby.

SPOTLIGHT: The disappointment of three tight losses is driving the decimated Wallabies to finish their marathon end-of-year on a high as they prepare to take on Wales.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Neil Jenkins has insisted "there is no hiding place" for Wales as they conclude their final year-end Test against Australia in Cardiff on Saturday, a week after a shock defeat to Georgia.

TRANSFER NEWS: The Highlanders have added their last player to their 2023 squad with the signing of Argentinian, Martin Bogado.

SQUAD ANNOUNCEMENT: England have retained a 26-player squad for their match against South Africa this weekend.

NEWS: The match officials appointments of the United Rugby Championship Round 8 fixtures have been confirmed

REACTION: The South African team and management have been skilful in their attempts to tap dance their way around the RassieGate saga, working in an environment shrouded in secrecy.

The Bulls forwards coach Russell Winter provided a very positive assessment as the team resume their United Rugby Championship campaign without some key players.

REACTION: RassieGate, or rather the social media firestorm created by South Africa's Director of Rugby Rassie Erasmus, could soon settle down.

Springbok coach Jacques Nienaber made eight changes and one positional switch to his matchday squad to face England at Twickenham on Saturday. 

SPOTLIGHT: Wales' four regional teams face tough assignments when they travel 13,000 kilometres south to tackle South African franchises at the resumption of the URC.

Springboks could be without another 2019 World Cup-winning star when they face England on Saturday at Twickenham.

WATCH as we bring you an insightful video that shows six simple changes that could save the game.

ONE-ON-ONE: @king365ed sat down with Jordan Hendrikse for a chat about rugby and to get some insights into the Hendrikse brothers.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: The Stormers' flyhalf depth will be put to the test against the Scarlets, when they resume their United Rugby Championship title defence in Cape Town on Friday.

NEWS: France and Montpellier prop forward Mohamed Haouas will be back in court in January charged with "willful violence" in an incident on New Year's Day 2015.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Eddie Jones has named an unchanged squad for England's final year-end Test against South Africa this weekend.

France No.8 Gregory Alldritt said on Sunday his side are "keeping their feet on the ground" despite a record unbeaten run less than 10 months out from hosting the Rugby World Cup.

WATCH AS Springbok coach Jacques Nienaber unpacks the values that 'rookie' flyhalf Manie Libbok brings to the team. @king365ed reports.

REACTION: Japan's Dylan Riley said his side need to play more Test matches to "keep building" before next year's Rugby World Cup.

INJURY UPDATE: The Wallabies' loss to Ireland has ended in carnage, with six injured players sent home from the year-end tour, missing their final Test against Wales.

World Rugby announced the Men’s 15s Dream Team of the Year on Sunday at Monaco. However, the absence of two international superstars has left fans shocked and confused.

INJURY UPDATE: All Blacks veteran Thomas Perenara ruptured his Achilles tendon in last weekend's draw with England,

Ireland flank Josh van der Flier was named men's World Rugby Player of the Year

Maro Itoje has insisted that the year-end match against South Africa can not come soon enough given England's dramatic draw with New Zealand at the weekend.

SQUAD UPDATE: Springbok coach Jacques Nienaber called up six players to his squad for Saturday's final Year-end Tour Test against England.

MATCH REPORT: Wing Damian Penaud scored twice as France beat Japan 35-17 in the year-end Nations Series on Sunday to continue their winning run before next year's Rugby World Cup on home soil.

REACTION: Jamie Roberts has pointed the finger firmly at Wayne Pivac following Wales' shock 13-12 loss to Georgia in Cardiff.

TRANSFER NEWS: South African international flyhalf Elton Jantjies has joined French second-division side Agen, the club announced.

REACTION: Springbok hooker Mbongeni Mbonabi has come under fire for his comments towards English referee Matthew Carley in South Africa's 63-21 demolition of Italy at the weekend.

REACTION: England coach Eddie Jones has already turned his sights on South Africa, after his team produced an astonishing fightback from 6-25 down with nine minutes left against New Zealand.

OPINION: Daniel Gallan rates the Ireland players after their narrow (13-10) escape against Australia!

OPINION: Finn Morton rates the Australian players after their heartbreaking 10-13 loss to Ireland at the weekend!

REACTION: Another five Wallabies have joined the injury list - with prop Taniela Tupou possibly in danger of missing the World Cup after a suspected Achilles tendon injury.

WATCH as Springbok captain Siyamthanda Kolisi speaks about overcoming the Rassie Erasmus saga and focussing on the game.

MATCH REPORT: Ireland beat Australia 13-10 to secure a record-equalling 12th home Test success at Lansdowne Road on Saturday despite missing talismanic captain Johnny Sexton.

OPINION: Another November Saturday, another intriguing England versus New Zealand collision.

OPINION: After mixed seasons, both England and the All Blacks entered their final Test of 2022 with points to prove.

MATCH REPORT:  England scored three late tries to snatch a dramatic 25-all draw with New Zealand at Twickenham on Saturday. 

READERS' FORUM: Welcome to our live coverage of the year-end Test between Ireland and Australia at Lansdowne Road in Dublin.

REPORT: Georgia came from nine points down at half-time to beat Wales for the first time in a dramatic 13-12 year-end upset in Cardiff on Saturday.

REPORT: Darcy Graham scored a hat-trick of tries as Scotland thrashed Argentina 52-29 in a bad-tempered clash at Murrayfield littered with ill-discipline from the visitors.

OPINION: South Africa produced a second-half masterclass to blow Italy away in Genoa on Saturday. Jan de Koning rates the Springbok players!

READERS' FORUM: Welcome to our live coverage of the year-end Test between England and New Zealand at Twickenham in London

REPORT: South Africa made the perfect statement to World Rugby two days after Director of Rugby Rassie Erasmus was banned ... again.

READERS' FORUM: Welcome to our live coverage of the year-end Test between Scotland and Argentina at Murrayfield in Edinburgh.

READERS' FORUM: Welcome to our live coverage of the year-end Test between Italy and South Africa.

PREVIEW: Next year's World Cup hosts France finish their year-end campaign on Sunday by facing Japan in Toulouse with head coach Fabien Galthié's mind already turned towards the tournament.

REACTION: Springbok captain Siyamthanda Kolisi did his most eloquent tap-dance to suggest it won't be a distraction, but the Rassie Erasmus-saga is not going to go away quietly.

SPOTLIGHT: Sam Whitelock had some important words to say to his team ahead of their clash against England at Twickenham on Saturday.

QUALIFICATION WRAP: Portugal became the 20th team to qualify for Rugby World Cup 2023 as they secured a 16-16 draw in a nail-biting deciding match of the Final Qualification Tournament against USA.

SPOTLIGHT: Kyle Sinckler said he was "raring to go" in England's latest "massive occasion" clash with New Zealand.

SPOTLIGHT: Dan Carter has warned England that New Zealand will be fuelled by revenge when the nations clash for the first time since their dramatic 2019 World Cup semifinal.

WATCH as Springbok captain Siyamthanda Kolisi uses all his guile to void getting caught up in the media maelstrom swirling around the head of South Africa's Director of Rugby Rassie Erasmus.

SPOTLIGHT: World Rugby has published the ranking permutations for the men's internationals in Europe this weekend.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Scrumhalf Maxime Lucu will replace World Rugby player of the year Antoine Dupont in France's side to face Japan in the year-end Nations Series this weekend, Les Bleus head coach Fabien Galthie said on Friday.

WATCH as South Africa 'A' coach Mzwandile Stick unpacks the reasons for his team's dismal and winless tour of Ireland and England.

Japan head coach Jamie Joseph said on Friday he had dropped former Clermont wing Kotara Matsushima to the bench for this weekend's year-end Nations Series Test with France for "physicality reasons".

URC SPOTLIGHT: When Jacques du Toit left the Cheetahs to join Bath last year, little could he have known he would be back facing South African opposition so soon.

Wales take on Georgia for just the fourth time in history on Saturday as Wayne Pivac’s side bid for back-to-back year-end Nations Series wins.

PREVIEW: Scotland and Argentina will face off for the fourth time this year, when they meet at Murrayfield on Saturday.

PREVIEW: England coach Eddie Jones compared playing New Zealand to climbing Everest as he urged his side to scale a mountainous challenge against the All Blacks at Twickenham on Saturday.

TRANSFER NEWS: England international Joe Launchbury is joining Verblitz in Japan for the upcoming season, the latest big signing as the country's League One strives to attract global talent.

Ireland host Australia in their final international of the year bidding for a record-equalling 12th successive home Test success on Saturday and frank their status as the top-ranked rugby team in the world.

PREVIEW: Before South Africa's year-end journey got underway, most - if not all - would have listed November 19 as the least challenging of the Springboks' Tests.

OPINION: It was another hard lesson in cohesiveness handed to the South Africa ‘A’ side at the Ashton Gate on Thursday.

MATCH REPORT: South Africa 'A' side suffered a disappointing 18-26 defeat against the Bristol Bears at a packed Ashton Gate Stadium on Thursday.

READERS' FORUM: Welcome to our live coverage of the year-end mid-week tour match between Bristol Bears and South Africa 'A' at Bristol Bears v South Africa 'A'.

NEWS: Springboks Director of Rugby Rassie Erasmus has been suspended by World Rugby.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Jack Dempsey is set to make his first start for Scotland after being named in the run-on XV to play Argentina at Murrayfield on Saturday.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: The Ireland coaching group have named the final Ireland matchday squad of 2022 for Saturday’s clash against Australia at Aviva Stadium.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Dave Rennie is demanding the Wallabies hit back after naming a full-strength line-up to face the top-ranked Irish in Dublin.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Argentina head coach Michael Cheika has revealed his team to face Scotland in Edinburgh on Saturday.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Owen Farrell will become only the third English rugby player to reach a century of caps for his country when he leads out the team against New Zealand on Saturday at Twickenham.

NEWS: Springbok superstar Pieter-Steph du Tout and France captain Antoine Dupont both received their suspensions on Thursday after acts of foul play last weekend.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: All Blacks coach Ian Foster has named Brodie Retallick for his 100th All Blacks Test against England at Twickenham.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: World Rugby's Head of Match officials Joël Jutge has been left confused with Rassie Erasmus' attitude towards referees.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Buoyant Italy have made two changes to their starting line-up for their clash with South Africa in Genoa.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Wales prop Harri O’Connor will head back to South Africa next week having benefited hugely from his “unreal” experience out there earlier this year.

SPOTLIGHT: Springbok utility back Manie Libbok has opened up on his Bok debut against France last weekend.

WATCH: Springbok flyhalf Elton Jantjies finally broke his silence on his recent exclusion from the international side.

SPOTLIGHT: Ireland captain Johnny Sexton insists he would rather beat Australia than be crowned World Player of the Year.

SPOTLIGHT: Hopes in Scotland that Richie Gray would escape a ban following the citing that arose from last Sunday’s defeat to the All Blacks have been dashed.

SPOTLIGHT: Ireland captain Johnny Sexton paid tribute on Wednesday to Owen Farrell who is set to become only the third English player to reach the 100 cap milestone saying "his leadership is outstanding".

SPOTLIGHT: Evan Roos is heading into Saturday's clash against Italy full of confidence after he got a message of support from his childhood hero.

WATCH as South Africa Director of Rugby Rassie Erasmus opens up about Grant Williams' chances of making the Springbok cut.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Cheetahs head coach Hawies Fourie has revealed his team for their match against the Sharks in Durban on Friday.

REACTION: South African rugby authorities should have a word in Springbok Director of Rugby Rassie Erasmus's ear and tell him to stop criticising match referees, says former Wales head coach Warren Gatland.

SPOTLIGHT: In-form Ireland wing Mack Hansen is looking forward to "going to war" against his native Australia and has no concerns about receiving on-field stick as the Wallabies squad "can't sledge for sh*t".

TRANSFER NEWS: The Lions have boosted their front row stock with the signing of hooker Michael van Vuuren.

OPINION: Once again All Blacks No.8 Ardie Savea has been unequivocally snubbed for the second year in a row after World Rugby announced their four nominees for Player of the Year: Lukhanyo Am, Josh van der Flier, Johnny Sexton and Antoine Dupont.

MIDWEEK PREVIEW: A stadium-record crowd is expected when Bristol Bears host South Africa 'A' at Ashton Gate on Thursday.

REACTION: Former referee Nigel Owens is the latest high-profile name to step into the debate around Springboks Director of Rugby Rassie Erasmus and his methods of social media use.

SPOTLIGHT: The Wallabies are pledging to perform against Ireland as they look to help extend the contract of their "phenomenal coach" Dave Rennie past next year's Rugby World Cup.

SPOTLIGHT: Former Japan wing Akihito Yamada said he hopes his country can "check themselves to see where they are" as they play France on Sunday.

SPOTLIGHT: New Zealand hooker Codie Taylor has insisted the All Blacks' dramatic 2019 World Cup semifinal defeat by England will count for little at Twickenham on Saturday.

WATCH as Springbok coach Jacques Nienaber unpacks the selection decisions in the team to face Italy in Genoa on Saturday.

TEAM UPDATE: Two key players are missing from the England team ahead of their year-end encounter with New Zealand at Twickenham on Saturday.

TRANSFER NEWS: England scrumhalf Dan Robson has joined Pau after being made redundant by the crisis English club Wasps.

TEAM NEWS: Charles Ollivon will captain France in the Six Nations champions' final Test of the year against Japan on Sunday in the absence of the suspended Antoine Dupont.

WATCH as South Africa's Director of Rugby Rassie Erasmus gives the reasons for his increased activity on social media and dispel some myths about the motivation behind his many posts on Twitter.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Joe Joyce will captain Bristol Bears against South Africa 'A' in front of a record Ashton Gate crowd.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Scarlets loose forward Josh Macleod is set to make his long-awaited Wales debut after being named in a much-changed starting XV to face Georgia in Cardiff on Saturday.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Springbok head coach Jacques Nienaber has revealed his team to face Italy on Saturday.

SPOTLIGHT: Kyle Sinckler heads into this Saturday's Test with New Zealand buoyed by the memory of how coach Eddie Jones's novel use of a samurai sword and a kiwi fruit paved the way for a remarkable win at the 2019 World Cup.

REACTION: South Africa's Director of Rugby Rassie Erasmus is not taking a step back in his latest 'stand-off' with critics on social media.

SPOTLIGHT: The Wallabies have vowed to wield the axe on serial penalty offenders in a bid to defy the doomsayers by winning next year's Rugby World Cup in France.

TEAM NEWS: Saracens lock Callum Hunter-Hill was called into the Scotland squad ahead of this weekend's year-end Test against Argentina at Murrayfield.

AWARDS: World Rugby has unveiled the nominees for the prestigious Player of the Year award, which will be presented in Monaco on Sunday.

NEWS: The Cheetahs will face the Sharks in a pre-season warm-up game on Friday, November 18.

SQUAD UPDATE: The French Rugby Federation have issued a press release on Jonathan Danty.

SQUAD UPDATE: Ireland could face a selection crisis at flyhalf for their final Test of the year against Australia on Saturday.

SQUAD UPDATE: Adam Radwan and Will Stuart have been recalled to a 36-man squad for England's Test against New Zealand at Twickenham this weekend, the Rugby Football Union said on Monday.

AWARDS: Fans can cast their vote and select their winners for the two International Rugby Players Men’s and Women’s Try of the Year categories until Thursday.

REACTION: South Africa, while sweating over the outcome of a disciplinary hearing for veteran loose forward Pieter-Steph du Toit, has staunchly defended their spotty disciplinary record this year.

SPOTLIGHT: South Africa 'A' head coach Mzwandile Stick explained some of his selections for the clash against Bristol on Thursday.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: South Africa ‘A’ head coach Mzwandile Stick made five changes to his starting team to face the Bristol Bears at Ashton Gate Stadium on Thursday.

AWARDS: World Rugby has unveiled the shortlist for the World Rugby Coach of the Year award, which will be presented in Monaco on Sunday.

POST-MATCH ANALYSIS: South Africa is within a single score of the two top teams in the world and making significant progress on their year-end tour.

REACTION: Hong Kong's government reacted with fury on Monday after a popular democracy protest song was played instead of the Chinese national anthem.

SPOTLIGHT: Damning statistics have revealed the Wallabies' discipline is worsening despite repeated warnings.

SPOTLIGHT: England's rising star Freddie Steward is determined his boyhood admiration for the All Blacks will not distract him from rising to the challenge of playing New Zealand for the first time.

REACTION: South Africa may be winless on their year-end tour, but they continue to back themselves to be a force at next year's World Cup in France.

OPINION: Tom Vinicombe rates the New Zealand players after their 31-23 win over Scotland on Sunday.

OPINION: Gavin Harper rates the Scotland players after their heartbreaking 23-31 loss to New Zealand.

REACTION: New Zealand coach Ian Foster hailed a hard-fought 31-23 win over Scotland on Sunday as a sign of his side's progress over the past 12 months.

REPORT: Saracens captain Ben Earl hailed his side's character after they staged a remarkable rally to beat Northampton 45-39 on Sunday and preserve their unbeaten start to the English Premiership season.

MATCH REPORT: New Zealand held out for almost an hour of fierce Scottish raids, but two late tries saw them score a deserved 31-23 win at Murrayfield on Sunday.

READERS' FORUM: Welcome to our live coverage of the year-end Test between Scotland and New Zealand at Murrayfield in Edinburgh.

REACTION: France fullback Thomas Ramos said it was "too early" to claim his side were favourites for next year's Rugby World Cup after Saturday’s win over holders South Africa in Marseille.

SQUAD UPDATE: The South Africa 'A' squad lost one of the big names ahead of their clash against Bristol.

SPOTLIGHT: Springbok head coach Jacques Nienaber praised his team's fighting spirit in their 26-30 loss to France in Marseille on Saturday.

SPOTLIGHT: Rugby bosses hope a show-stopping end to the women's Rugby World Cup will spur much-needed investment in the women's game after decades of neglect.

REACTION: Fed-up former World Cup captain Stirling Mortlock says Rugby Australia must draw a line in the sand after the Wallabies' "train wreck" loss to Italy.

SPOTLIGHT: South Africa'sDirector of Rugby Rassie Erasmus has released a series of videos on social media that hint at some issues with the refereeing in his side's clash against France.

WATCH as South Africa 'A'-team coach Mzwandile Stick and captain Thomas du Toit speak about their loss to Munster and the game against Bristol Bears next week.

REACTION: France head coach Fabien Galthie said on Saturday his side "are on the right path" for next year's Rugby World Cup after edging Webb Ellis trophy holders South Africa 30-26 in Marseille.

OPINION: Another week, another heartbreaking loss for the Wallabies, who were beaten by Italy for the first time ever in Florence on Saturday.

OPINION: Wales put their year-end campaign back on track by beating Argentina 20-13 in an arm-wrestle of a Test match in Cardiff on Saturday. Tom Vinicombe rates the Welsh players!

OPINION: France stretched their winning streak to 12 consecutive matches when they edged South Africa 30-26 in a game where both teams lost players with red cards. Jan de Koning rates the Springbok players!

MATCH REPORT: France stretched their winning streak to 12 consecutive matches when they edged South Africa 30-26 in a game where both teams lost players with red cards.

REACTION: England coach Eddie Jones insisted defeating New Zealand was far from a "mission impossible" as he promised his side would "go after" the All Blacks following a 52-13 win over Japan at Twickenham.

WORLD CUP QUALIFICATION WRAP: Portugal and the United States have set up a Rugby World Cup 2023 Final Qualification Tournament decider after both teams made it two wins from two at The Sevens Stadium.

SATURDAY WRAP: Newcastle turned the form-book on its head with a thrilling 27-21 victory in a remarkable game at Gloucester.

REPORT: Wales bounced back from their huge defeat to the All Blacks with a morale-boosting 20-13 win over Argentina in Cardiff on Saturday.

READERS' FORUM: Welcome to our live coverage of the year-end Test between France and South Africa at Stade Vélodrome in Marseille.

REACTION: Kieran Crowley said he is trying to build an Italian team that the game's big guns respect after the Azzurri claimed a landmark 28-27 win over Australia on Saturday.

WATCH as Ben Donaldson makes a horror start to his international career.

OPINION: Eddie Jones’ England tuned up for next weekend’s showdown with the All Blacks with an encouraging seven-try demolition of an out-of sorts Japan to draw a line under last Sunday’s loss to Argentina.

REPORT: Guy Porter scored his first two Test tries as England revived their end-of-year campaign with a 52-13 win over Japan at Twickenham on Saturday.

READERS' FORUM: Welcome to our live coverage of the year-end Test between Wales and Argentina in Cardiff.

OPINION: Fiji entered their Saturday fixture with Ireland on the back of a 12-28 loss to Scotland.

OPINION: A lot of the pre-game chat was around Fiji coach Vern Cotter’s remarks that Ireland would treat the game like a training session and it looked like the opposite was the truth when the Fijians strolled over the try line after just two minutes.

MATCH REPORT: Nick Timoney scored two tries as Andy Farrell's fresh-faced Ireland beat a defiant Fiji 35-17 at the Aviva Stadium.

READERS' FORUM: Welcome to our live coverage of the year-end Test between England and Japan at Twickenham in London.

MATCH REPORT: Italy recorded their first-ever win over Australia, beating the Wallabies  28-27 in Florence.

READERS' FORUM: Welcome to our live coverage of the year-end Test between Italy and Australia at Stadio Artemio Franchi, in Florence.

TEAM UPDATE: Injury and illness have hit Wallabies camp in Florence, forcing Nick Frost out of Dave Rennie's inexperienced side to face Italy.

New Zealand's running game trumped  14-player England's power to win a thrilling final of the women's World Cup 34-31 in Auckland on Saturday and clinch a sixth world title.