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NEWS: Bordeaux-Begles' France flyhalf Francois Trinh-Duc said in an interview published on Wednesday he will retire at the end of the season.

DISCIPLINARY UPDATE: Wasps' England loose forward Brad Shields has been banned for a month.

NEWS: EPCR confirmed that Saracens has recorded a significant number of positive tests for COVID-19 among their playing squad.

NEWS: England will face the two leading teams on the world rankings at Twickenham next year.

BREAKING NEWS: Former Springbok assistant coach Johann van Graan's next gig has been confirmed

INTERVIEW: Crusaders coach Scott Robertson has provided an update on Richie Mo’unga’s availability for the beginning of next year’s Super Rugby Pacific campaign.

PODCAST: Former England international Andy Goode has outlined his fury with Romain Poite.

SPOTLIGHT: With the Currie Cup and the United Rugby Championship both on the go in January, it will be all systems go for both the Stormers and Western Province.

SPOTLIGHT: The inaugural Japan Rugby League One competition kicks off on January 7, with the big money on offer attracting stars from around the world.

NEWS: France's South African-born lock has made a decision on his playing future.

NEWS: This week's Champions Cup match between Montpellier and Leinster is in doubt after the French club announced that a fifth member of their set-up had tested positive for Covid-19.

NEWS: A South African has been added to Bath's coaching team.

NEWS: The Sharks have revealed their new Currie Cup coaching team.

NEWS: Munster head coach Johann van Graan has finally revealed his decision on his coaching future.

SPOTLIGHT: Argentina star Pablo Matera has opened up on his "challenging" move to Christchurch ahead of next year's Super Rugby Pacific campaign.

NEWS: Hunter Paisami has shunned overseas offers to extend his contract with Rugby Australia and the Queensland Reds in a boost for the Wallabies' 2023 World Cup aspirations.

NEWS: Joe Schmidt was named as an All Blacks selector Tuesday, but will not take up the role until after his former team Ireland tour New Zealand next year.

WATCH as one of South Africa's most prized assets makes his first appearance on the training field in four months.

REACTION: The IRFU hit back at a group of over 60 female players who have penned a withering letter to the Irish government, complaining about the national union.

NEWS: Leinster postponed training until Tuesday ahead of this week's European Champions Cup visit to Montpellier, while the Irish province wait for their latest COVID-19 test results.

WATCH as we bring you a collection of some of the best hits from past games between South Africa and New Zealand.

SPOTLIGHT: Super Rugby Pacific is being billed as the world's best provincial competition. Yet, at least on prominent coach has pointed to a fatal flaw in its make-up.

NEWS: One of the world's best coaches is set to get an important role with the All Blacks.

REACTION: Ulster captain Alan O'Connor had plenty of praise for Springbok superstar Duane Vermeulen after the Irish side's upset win over Clermont Auvergne in the Champions Cup.

SPOTLIGHT: Some of New Zealand's leading players revealed they are 'keen' on exploring alternatives to playing in their own country.

OPINION: RugbyPass writer Ben Smith dissects some worrying comments from the All Blacks' leadership.

NEWS: NZ Rugby issued a directive for all 15-a-side community competitions to require COVID-19 vaccination certificates, as part of participation in 2022.

EURO CUP REPORT: Harlequins survived a late rally from Castres Olympique as they picked up an important 20-18 win in the opening round of the Champions Cup at Stade Pierre Fabre on Saturday.

EURO CUP REPORT: Last season’s Champions Cup finalists Stade Rochelais fought to a 20-13 win over Glasgow Warriors at Stade Marcel Deflandre in their opening game of the 2021/22 campaign on Sunday.

EURO CUP REPORT: Munster scored four tries on their way to a 35-14 victory over Wasps in Coventry.

CHALLENGE CUP WRAP: Saracens got their Challenge Cup campaign underway with a shock 18-21 loss to Edinburgh in London.

EURO CUP REPORT: Connacht captain Jack Carty produced a hat-trick of assists and kicked six points as Andy Friend’s side beat Stade Français Paris 36-9 in the Champions Cup on Sunday

EURO CUP REPORT: Tries from Rohan Janse van Rensburg and Jean-Luc du Preez helped Sale beat Ospreys on Sunday.

NEWS: The All Blacks are set to venture into new territory when the 2022 Rugby Championship comes around.

NEWS: SA Rugby's unexpected profit of ZAR21 million was reportedly the reason for a heated argument between South Africa's bosses on Friday.

EURO CUP REPORT: Exeter Chiefs lock Jonny Gray notched a second-half hat-trick as the 2020 Champions Cup winners routed Montpellier 42-6 at Sandy Park.

EUROPEAN REPORT: Ulster produced an impressive display to win 29-23 against ASM Clermont Auvergne on Saturday.

EUROPEAN REPORT: A 77th-minute penalty from Leicester Tigers flyhalf George Ford was ultimately the deciding factor in a 16-13 win over Union Bordeaux-Begles.

REPORT: Four-time European champions Leinster kicked off their Champions Cup Pool A campaign as they eased to a 45-20 win over Bath in Dublin on Saturday.

EUROPEAN REPORT: France scrumhalf Antoine Dupont celebrated being named World Player of the Year with a try as Toulouse won 39-7 at Cardiff in the Champions Cup on Saturday.

NEWLANDS UPDATE: They may have failed with their 'vote of no confidence', but Cape Town clubs are once again rounding up on controversial WPRFU President Zelt Marais.

CHALLENGE CUP WRAP: French club Lyon and Premiership outfit Newcastle Falcons got their European season off to winning starts.

EURO CUP MATCH REPORT: Racing 92 overwhelmed Northampton 45-14 in the opening match of the Champions Cup season.

SPOTLIGHT: Are two of the most prominent officials in South African rugby heading for another high-profile public stand-off?

NEWS: All Black Ngani Laumape on Friday became the latest player to express interest in turning out for Tonga, the country of his heritage, following a relaxation in World Rugby player eligibility rules.

NEWS: The World Rugby men's and women's 15-a-side Player of the Year have been announced.

WATCH as Springbok legend Frik du Preez addresses a crowd and produces some real rugby pearlers.

NEWS: The Currie Cup will kick off next month, with a seven-team Premier Division, following an online meeting of the SARU General Council.

LISTEN as England coach Eddie Jones unpacks South Africa's ability to successfully defend their World Cup title in 2023.

AWARDS: The five finalists for South Africa's Player of the Year have been revealed.

NEWS: Scott Johnson will leave his role as Rugby Australia's Director of Rugby at the end of the year, while Sevens coaches Tim Walsh and John Manenti will swap jobs.

PREVIEW ROUND ONE: Former New Zealand prop Charlie Faumuina expects to face a "willing" Cardiff side in the European Champions Cup on Saturday.

NEWS: Another All Black has decided to extend his contract in New Zealand, re-signing with New Zealand Rugby through to 2024.

NEWS: SA Rugby Chief Executive Jurie Roux has lost his appeal and is now responsible to personally pay back more than ZAR37-million to the University of Stellenbosch.

NEWS: Argentina's Marcos Moneta has been crowned World Rugby's Men's Sevens Player of the Year.

TRANSFER NEWS: Wasps have bolstered their pack with one of the world's best props.

SPOTLIGHT: It seems Steve Borthwick is everything Handre Pollard wants in a coach.

NEWS: Western Province have revealed their coaching team for the upcoming Currie Cup campaign.

SPOTLIGHT: John Mitchell has finally broken his silence on why he surprisingly quit working for Eddie Jones’ national team.

SPOTLIGHT: Roc Nation Sports President Michael Yormark has called for drastic changes in South African sport, including rugby.

SPOTLIGHT: The Bulls will not be making drastic changes in terms of their scrums.

NEWS: Garry Ringrose will be "an influential figure over the coming years" for both Leinster and Ireland said Irish Rugby Football Union's (IRFU) High Performance Director David Nucifora.

NEWS: Tappe Henning has been appointed Head of Match Officials for the United Rugby Championship.

SPOTLIGHT: Lions head coach Ivan van Rooyen says Vincent Tshituka's growth as a player has been 'positive'.

NEWS: There are five Springboks in World Rugby's Dream Team of the Year.

REACTION: Ousted Western Province Rugby Football Union (WPRFU) president Zelt Marais has lashed out at the South African Rugby Union (SARU) in a letter.

NEWS: The All Blacks left no stone unturned in their team reviews.

NEWS: A Wallaby has signed a contract extension keeping him at Bordeaux-Begles until 2024.

REACTION: World Cup-winning Springbok flyhalf Handre Pollard has turned down bigger offers to join leading English Premiership club Leicester Tigers.

TRANSFER NEWS: Edinburgh confirmed that teenage centre Jordan Venter has joined English Premiership side Bath with immediate effect.

NEWS: English Premiership leaders Leicester announced the signing of South Africa World Cup-winning flyhalf Handre Pollard.

SPOTLIGHT: World Rugby has revealed the winners of two more categories of their global awards.

WATCH as Bulls Director of Rugby Jake White explains how they will overcome the challenging start to their United Rugby Championship campaign.

NEWS: The European Cup has suffered its first cancellation as a result of a COVID-19 outbreak.

NEWS: EPCR officials have shut the door on the suggestion that some of this weekend’s games could be rearranged to help clubs hit by South Africa’s COVID-19 outbreak.

SPOTLIGHT: The design plans for the Crusaders’ future home ground, the Canterbury Multi-Use Arena, has been revealed by the Christchurch City Council.

WATCH as @WorldRugby7s reveals the best players from the second leg of the World Series - in Dubai at the weekend.

WATCH as the Bulls' new Currie Cup coach dishes out his own version of 'justice'.

NEWS: World Rugby has revealed the winner of the men's Try of the Year award.

NEWS: Sam Cane has made a decision on his playing future.

WATCH as Lions coach Ivan van Rooyen talks about his team's dramatic turnaround after a barren Currie Cup campaign.

NEWS: Munster head coach Johann van Graan could be heading to England.

SPOTLIGHT: Sharks have been growing depth in key positions over the last year and the No.10 spot has become one of the most promising in that regard.

OPINION: Alex McLeod takes a look at the brightest young talent on display this year and only one Springbok makes the cut!

JERSEY LAUNCH: New Zealand's five Super Rugby franchises have revealed their new jerseys for next year's inaugural Super Rugby Pacific competition.

REACTION: The Stormers are not just disappointed in their performance, but also frustrated that they have to wait a month to rectify the matter.

PREMIERSHIP MATCH REPORT: George Ford kicked 11 points to maintain Leicester's unbeaten start to the season by winning a titanic struggle with the reigning champions.

REACTION: Former Fiji Sevens coach Peni Veidreyaki explained why he felt the double Olympic Champions failed in Dubai.

REACTION: A reward of ZAR100,000 has been offered for "information leading to the recovery of Werner Kok's BlitzBok jerseys," after the South African was robbed last week.

TRANSFER NEWS: Flyhalf Ihaia West has signed for Toulon on a three year contract from Top 14 rivals La Rochelle, his new club confirmed on Sunday.

WATCH as Bulls Director of Rugby Jake White unpacks his team's 16-30 loss to the Sharks in Durban at the weekend.

WATCH as a couple of referees bring out their best chirps to put seasoned players in their place in the United Rugby Championship at the weekend.

REACTION: Springbok Sevens coach Neil Powell and captain Siviwe Soyizwapi both praised the character of the team.

MATCH REPORT: Glasgow Warriors bounced back after last weekend's frustrating away loss to Benetton by producing their sharpest performance of the Danny Wilson era.

REACTION: Lions coach Ivan van Rooyen praised his team's character after their victory over the Stormers in Cape Town on Saturday.

PREMIERSHIP WRAP: South African duo Juarno Augustus and Courtnall Skosan were on fire for Northampton Saints.

URC MATCH REPORT: Ospreys flyhalf Stephen Myler kicked 14 points to steer his side to a hard-fought 19-13 victory over Ulster in Swansea.

URC MATCH REPORT: The Stormers’ first home game in the United Rugby Championship was a depressing one as they were outplayed by the Lions.

DAY TWO WRAP: The impressive JC Pretorius scored the winning try for the Springbok Sevens to defeat Australia 10-7 in a thrilling World Rugby Sevens Series final in Dubai on Saturday.

READERS’ FORUM: Welcome to our live coverage of the United Rugby Championship Round Seven match between the Stormers and Lions in Cape Town.

NEWS: The United Rugby Championship (URC) have released a statement after a chaotic week.

PREMIERSHIP REPORT: Gloucester finally ended a run of five straight English Premiership defeats by arch-rivals Bristol with a 27-10 derby victory at Kingsholm on Friday.

URC REPORT: Blair Kinghorn was at the heart of the action as in-form Edinburgh moved up to second in the United Rugby Championship with a bonus-point 24-10 victory against Benetton.

URC MATCH REPORT: Leinster overcame a fast-starting Connacht to claim a 47-19 United Rugby Championship derby win at the RDS Arena.

REACTION: Stormers head coach John Dobson hopes the United Rugby Championship can continue as planned in the new year after disruptions to Round Six and Seven.

REACTION: Sharks coach Sean Everitt said he was "very happy" with per performance and impact his returning Springboks had on the team in Friday's impressive 30-16 win over the Bulls.

DAY ONE WRAP: Fiji missed out on a place in the Cup play-offs in the second round of the Dubai leg of the World Series.

URC MATCH REPORT: Bulls coach Jake White's pre-match prediction proved to be prophetic, as the Springbok-laden Sharks beat his team 30-16 on Durban on Friday.

READERS’ FORUM: Welcome to our live coverage of the United Rugby Championship Round Seven match between the Sharks and Bulls at Kings Park.

REACTION: Stormers captain Salmaan Moerat has addressed reports linking him to a move up north.

NEWS: The SA Rugby match official panels for 2022 were confirmed on Friday.

TOP 14 PREVIEW: Australia lock Kane Douglas said second-placed Bordeaux-Begles will have to be defensively sound when they host champions and leaders Toulouse on Saturday.

NEWS: The Bulls have revealed their coach for next year's Currie Cup campaign.

WATCH as we bring you a bizarre bit of play in the Blitzboks' clash with Japan at the Dubai Sevens on Friday.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Stormers head coach John Dobson has revealed his team to face the Lions in their Round Seven United Rugby Championship clash in Cape Town.

NEWS: Sharks speedster Werner Kok has asked fans for help after he revealed that all his Springbok Sevens jerseys were stolen from a storage facility in Cape Town.

TRANSFER NEWS: Glasgow Warriors have signed a giant.

NEWS: Wallabies star Quade Cooper has revealed he will take his citizenship test, finally allowing him to "officially call Australia home".

DISCIPLINARY UPDATE: Argentinian bad boy Tomas Lavanini won’t play again until 2022 after he copped a hefty ban from World Rugby.

NEWS: ECC organisers said teams will be allowed to add as many new players as they wish to their squads for this season's competition.

SPRINGBOK TRIAL: The Springboks won't play for another seven months, but there will be some interesting head-to-head battles when the SA teams re-enter the URC.

REACTION: Sharks head coach Sean Everitt has explained Lukhanyo Am's positional switch for their United Rugby Championship clash against the Bulls in Durban on Friday.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: The Lions will have more to play for than just points on the table when they face the Stormers in Cape Town on Saturday.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Bulls Director of Rugby Jake White has revealed his team to face the Sharks in their United Rugby Rugby Championship encounter in Durban on Friday.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Sharks head coach Sean Everitt has revealed a powerful team to face the Bulls in their United Rugby Championship clash on Friday.

SPOTLIGHT: South Africa is going to continue losing talented players to cash-flush teams abroad unless there is a dramatic change in strategy.

WORLD SERIES ROUND TWO: The World Rugby Sevens Series continues with a second Dubai Sevens event on December 3-4 as fans return to The Sevens Stadium.

NEWS: The Highlanders have added three players as temporary replacements to cover for their All Blacks.

NEWS: New Zealand Rugby has revealed the nominees for their annual awards event.

NEWS: The Sharks' friendly against Saracens in London has been cancelled.

SPOTLIGHT: The Bulls are wary of the task that awaits them in Durban against the Sharks on Friday.

NEWS: The Bulls officially said goodbye to one of their Springboks on Wednesday.

NEWS: World Rugby has announced 10 optional law variations for the global community game, which are designed to increase player welfare and accessibility.

SPOTLIGHT: Bulls hooker Johan Grobbelaar will be out to produce some impressive performances in the United Rugby Championship and ultimately make a return to the national set-up.

NEWS: Wallabies star Tom Banks is back in training with the Brumbies ahead of next year’s inaugural Super Rugby Pacific campaign following an injury lay-off. Alex McLeod reports.

NEWS: Springbok flyhalf Handre Pollard has reportedly turned down a big-money move to Japan.

NEWS: The majority of Munster's squad has left Cape Town after a "difficult time" in South Africa.

INTERVIEW: Lions captain Burger Odendaal chats to @king365ed about his team's top to Cape Town for a URC encounter with the Stormers.

NEWS UPDATE: The Cardiff team plans to depart Cape Town on Thursday, after the Welsh franchise secured a charter flight and quarantine accommodation in England.

NEWS: Ulster's latest recruit from South Africa won't be featuring for the Irish province this week.

TRANSFER NEWS: Another World Cup-winning Springbok will continue his career in France.

INTERVIEW: The Stormers are set to get some serious Springbok muscle back when they host the Lions in Cape Town on Saturday.

NEWS UPDATE: The Munster squad remains stranded on Cape Town, following the outbreak of more positive COVID tests.

WATCH as Cheetahs coach Hawies Fourie chats to @king365ed about the November challenge series and the progress they made.

NEWS: All Black loose forward Ardie Savea has signed a four-year deal with New Zealand Rugby, which will keep him in Aotearoa through to the end of the 2025 season.

NEWS: The rugby public did not think Eben Etzebeth was the best player during the 2021 end-of-year series.

NEWS: Former France captain Mathieu Bastareaud said he will think about his future after suffering two serious knee injuries last weekend.

NEWS: There is some good news for South African rugby fans on Monday.

UPDATE: The majority of Munster's squad have been given the green light to return to Ireland.

WATCH as we bring you a couple of bizarre kicks from years gone by - one in Ireland and one in New Zealand.

COMPETITION TIME: Want to get the ultimate stocking stuffer for someone? Here's your chance.

INJURY UPDATE: The South African Sevens team was dealt a double blow after wining the opening tournament of the 2021-22 World Series in Dubai at the weekend.

SPOTLIGHT: One of the Springboks' stars has been recognised for his performances during the end-of-year series

NEWS: Former British and Irish Lions coach Warren Gatland received a new coaching job.

OPINION: @king365ed attempts to unpack the head-scratching decision to cancel the weekend's URC Round Six matches, leaving the South African teams in the lurch.

SPOTLIGHT: It's that time of the year again when we start to reflect on the rugby season.

PREMIERSHIP REPORT: Saracens returned to Premiership action in style as they registered a hard-fought 25-14 win over Sale Sharks in London.

NEWS: Three Wallabies players are reportedly among six confirmed coronavirus cases that forced the abandonment of the Barbarians rugby international against Samoa.

SPOTLIGHT: It seems Rassie Erasmus wants to get a lot off his chest and he wants to share it with the public.

NEWS: Munster will not be heading home on Sunday due to a positive Covid-19 case in their squad.

REACTION: BlitzBoks coach Neil Powell praised his team for delivering improved performances when it mattered on the second day of the Dubai Sevens.

SPOTLIGHT: Once again there is a lot of uncertainty surrounding the game of rugby in South Africa, which could mean derby matches are on the cards again.

SPOTLIGHT: The All Blacks disappointing end to the 2021 season after 15 Tests has added pressure on the side after their disrupted 2020 season also ended in unconvincing fashion with three wins from six Tests.

WATCH as Cheetahs coach Hawies Fourie talks about the two-time World Cup winner that is a 'ball boy' in Bloemfontein.

PREMIERSHIP WRAP: Ben White's try proved decisive as London Irish picked up just their second win this season with a 22-19 victory at champions Harlequins on Saturday.

MATCH REPORT: Flyhalf Leonardo Marin sunk Glasgow Warriors with a dramatic last-gasp penalty as Benetton claimed a 19-18 United Rugby Championship victory.

DAY TWO WRAP: The BlitzBoks won every match and set a new record winning-run on their way to glory in Dubai.

NEWS UPDATE: The four teams stuck in South Africa, following the dramatic events of Friday, are working hard to find a way to return home.

BREAKING NEWS: Another high-profile game has fallen prey to the latest outbreak of the COVID virus.

NEWS: World Rugby has slapped Wallabies back row Rob Valetini with a three-match suspension for his dangerous tackle on Welsh lock Adam Beard.

OPINION: A look at World Rugby’s refreshed eligibility laws impact on tier two nations.

REPORT: Connacht’s admirable sense of adventure at the wind and rain-lashed Sportsground was rewarded with a 46-18 bonus-point win over the Ospreys.

PREMIERSHIP WRAP: Bath produced their best display of the season but still suffered an eighth successive English Premiership rugby defeat as they lost 23-16 to Exeter on Friday.

INJURY UPDATE: South Africa's World Cup-winning lock Eben Etzebeth will spend the next three months on the sidelines.

DAY ONE WRAP: South Africa lived up to their favourites tag with a perfect start to their bid for glory on the opening day of the Dubai Sevens.

MATCH REPORT: The Cheetahs completed their November campaign with an impressive 54-5 rout of Romania's champion Baia Mare club team on Friday.

OPINION: The RugbyPass duo of Jamie Lyall and Owain Jones picked a team from the players they thought were the most impressive in November.

INJURY UPDATE: France hooker Julien Marchand will be out for several weeks after sustaining a fractured costal cartilage, his club Toulouse announced Friday.

NEWS: The Cheetahs are a step closer to participating in a new competition after a successful conference in Bloemfontein.

NEWS: There will be no United Rugby Championship action in South Africa this year.

BREAKING NEWS: Wallaby coach Dave Rennie has 'apologised' for his refereeing rant last week.

WATCH as retired Springboks Jean de Villiers and Schalk Burger have a bit of fun at the expense of 2019 World Cup winner Willie le Roux.

SPOTLIGHT: South Africa have a lot of work to do ahead of the defence of their Rugby World Cup title in France in 2023, but have solid foundations to build from, their coach Jacques Nienaber told AFP.

SPOTLIGHT: How Rugby Australia tweaks the Giteau Law will shape the Wallabies' path to the 2023 World Cup after a yo-yoing Test season offered a peek over both sides of the fence.

NEWS: Super Rugby Pacific organisers are considering contingency plans in the wake of the New Zealand government's latest announcement on travel restrictions.

TWICKENHAM SHOWDOWN: The Barbarians and Samoa have finalised their matchday squads for the clash at Twickenham on Saturday.

NEWS: Round Six of the United Rugby Championship has been thrown into chaos after some teams have made it known they are trying to leave South Africa ahead of their scheduled fixtures.

PREVIEW: Connacht and the Ospreys will be looking to build on their impressive Round Five victories when they meet in Galway on Friday.

PREVIEW: The Cheetahs are determined to finish off their November campaign on a high, but face a tricky European opponent that will provide them with a very different test.

REACTION: Rugby Australia boss Andy Marinos has promised the sport's chance to reset and prosper won't be missed after the country all but landed the hosting rights for the 2027 World Cup.

SPOTLIGHT: Loose forward Elrigh Louw is ready to build on his impressive performances this year when the Bulls come up against Irish giants Munster at Loftus Versfeld on Saturday.

NEWS: SA Rugby and Rassie Erasmus will no longer lodge an appeal against the sanctions imposed by the Judicial Committee after their misconduct hearing.

WORLD SERIES ROUND ONE: The global sevens series returns with an action pack weekend in Dubai.

UPDATE: It appears 'stability' is finally descending on the Newlands boardroom, after nearly two years of chaotic and destructive infighting.

NEWS: An Ireland and Leinster star has signed a new three-year IRFU contract up to the end of the 2024/25 season.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Lions head coach Ivan van Rooyen has revealed his team for their United Rugby Championship Round Six clash against Cardiff in Johannesburg on Sunday.

OPINION: Retired Springbok scrumhalf Neil de Kock takes a look at how South African will fair without Director of Rugby Johan 'Rassie' Erasmus.

INTERVIEW: The Lions are currently running two squads - one focusing on the United Rugby Championship and one geared towards the Currie Cup early next year.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Cheetahs ahead coach Hawies Fourie has revealed his team to face Baie Mare from Romania on Friday.

NEWS: England's governing Rugby Football Union (RFU) revealed Wednesday that revenue for the financial year 2020/21 stood at £120 million ($160 million, 143 million euros) less than pre-coronavirus forecasts.

NEWS: Wales captain Alun Wyn Jones will need a second shoulder operation after being injured on international duty last month, the veteran lock's club side said.

REACTION: New eligibility rules passed by World Rugby could open the way for the controversial Israel Folau to make his return to the international game with Tonga.

NEWS: Wallabies legend Stephen Larkham was Thursday appointed head coach of the Brumbies for the 2023 and 2024 Super Rugby Pacific seasons, handing in his notice at Munster.

NEWS: World Rugby has approved revisions to the World Cup host selection process.

REACTION: Sale boss Alex Sanderson said he was "frustrated" that Manu Tuilagi could face yet another lengthy spell on the sidelines.

BREAKING NEWS: World Rugby has eased its once strict rules on international eligibility.

NEWS: Sharks announced that they will be playing Saracens at StoneX Stadium in North London on Saturday, January 15, 2022.

URC SPOTLIGHT: The Sharks have taken to heart the lessons they learnt from their tour of Europe and hope to apply those in the next fortnight.

NEWS: Gloucester Rugby announced that four current Cherry and White players have extended their contracts with the club.

WATCH as we bring you 'evidence' of why World Rugby made a massive blunder in not nominating Eben Etzebeth for the Player of the Year award.

DISCIPLINARY NEWS: Injured England back Anthony Watson has been handed a one-week suspension for a social media message he posted regarding Bath's defeat to Wasps on October 30.

OPINION: Alex McLeod ranks New Zealand's Tests for 2021 from worst to best. Look where South Africa come in!

REACTION: Wallabies great Stephen Larkham is tipped to take over as Brumbies coach for 2023 after announcing he won't take up a new deal with Irish club Munster.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: All Blacks head coach Ian Foster has acknowledged the backlash from fans across New Zealand after his side finished its worst season since 2009.

NEWS: Trans-Tasman sporting codes are back at the drawing board after New Zealand decided against scrapping self-isolation for international arrivals.

INTERVIEW: After a challenging European tour - with just one win from four outings - the Bulls are looking to make home ground advantage count.

NEWS: Australia legend Stephen Larkham will depart Munster Rugby at the end of the 2021/22 season.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: The Stormers will waste no time to rush back Springboks trio for the United Rugby Championship Round six match against Zebre at the Cape Town Stadium.

`WATCH as Cheetahs coach Hawies Fourie chats to @king365ed after their mid-season friendly win over the Sharks at the weekend.

WATCH a very heated exchange between Ireland skipper Peter O’Mahoney and Argentina’s Tomas Lavanini caught the eye – or rather the ear of the rugby fraternity. 

TRANSFER TALK: Springbok and Stormers prop Stevan Kitshoff is reportedly in high demand in Europe.

SPOTLIGHT: Former Springbok head coach Nick Mallett revealed that World Rugby’s decision to sanction current South African Director of Rugby Rassie Erasmus was correct.

SPOTLIGHT: New Zealand Rugby [NZR] has thrown its support around under-fire All Blacks head coach Ian Foster following a dismal end to his side’s test campaign.

TRANSFER NEWS: All Blacks fullback Damian McKenzie will leave the Chiefs to join Suntory Sungoliath, the Japanese franchise announced on Monday.

TRANSFER NEWS: One of Australia's hookers has joined Montpellier on a three-year deal, one of which is optional, the Top 14 club said on Monday.

SPOTLIGHT: Eddie Jones hailed the emergence of England's new crop of rising stars for creating an "enormous competitive strain" on selection as his squad builds towards the 2023 World Cup in France.

SQUAD ANNOUNCEMENT: The Barbarians have confirmed their 24-man squad for their match against Samoa at Twickenham on Saturday.

NEWS: For the first time since 2002 all three major leading Southern Hemisphere sides were beaten on the same day as the end-of-year series came to a rousing conclusion.

SPOTLIGHT: Crusaders head coach Scott Robertson has opted to stay clear of questions surrounding Ian Foster and the All Blacks in the wake of the team’s successive defeats over the past fortnight.

SPOTLIGHT: Springbok centre Damian de Allende says there is no feeling of doom and gloom in his squad after their defeat to England at Twickenham.

SQUAD UPDATE: Munster have added another four players to their squad for their tour to South Africa.

SPOTLIGHT: Dave Rennie has been backed by the man he replaced as Wallabies coach after his furious criticism of match officials' decisions during the Test defeat to Wales.

SPOTLIGHT: Ireland and France share top billing as the teams to have impressed in the November Tests said Argentina coach Mario Ledesma.

SPOTLIGHT: Marcus Smith wants to see England "kick on" after steering Eddie Jones's men to a thrilling 27-26 win over world champions South Africa.

WATCH as Sharks coach Sean Everitt speaks about the aspects of his team's game that concern him most ahead of the resumption of their URC campaign.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENTS: A mix of youth and experience has been unveiled, amongst several moves in the player market, with the squads confirmed for every Super Rugby Pacific side.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENTS: There is returning star power who have joined a cast of exciting young rookies in New Zealand's five 2022 Super Rugby Pacific squads.

OPINION: Liam Heagney rates the Ireland players after their 53-7 rout of Argentina in Dublin on Sundsay.

OPINION: Rugbypass writer Ben Smith shares his views on the Springboks' 2021 season.

REACTION: Joe Marler is happy to "come along for the ride", after seeing a raft of young England players make their mark in a dramatic victory over world champions South Africa.

MATCH REPORT: Ireland ensured it was a clean sweep by Northern Hemisphere teams on the final weekend of year-end Tests - routing Argentina 53-7 in Dublin on Sunday.

READERS’ FORUM: Welcome to our live coverage of the year-end international between Ireland and Argentina in Dublin.

ANALYSIS: Rookie flyhalf Marcus Smith landed a 79th-minute penalty to secure a thrilling 27-26 win for England over South Africa at Twickenham at the weekend.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: They travelled over as the best-ranked three nations in world rugby but Australia, South Africa and New Zealand are returning from their European tours with their tails between their legs.

REACTION: Springboks captain Siyamthanda Kolisi praised his team's mental strength following their disruptive November Test series.

South Africa Director of Rugby Rassie Erasmus might have not been at Twickenham however he managed to steal the headlines with a very memorable celebration.

OPINION: The All Blacks have finished their 2021 international season with another loss, going down to France 40-25 at Stade de France in Paris. It was also their second loss in as many Tests after going down to Ireland last weekend.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: New Zealand face some serious soul-searching, with the focus on head coach Ian Foster, after they were completely outplayed by France in Paris on Saturday to end their worst year since 2009.

REACTION: Australia coach Dave Rennie has delivered an uncharacteristic blast at the match officials after his side's 28-29 defeat to Wales in Cardiff.

REACTION: Springboks coach Jacques Nienaber has promised his team will come back stronger in 2022 after ending this year on a dire note.

REPORT: France made a statement by beating New Zealand by a record margin, 40-25, on Saturday in a dress rehearsal for the opening game of the 2023 World Cup.

OPINION: Will Owen rates the Wales players after their narrow 29-28 win over Australia on Saturday.

MATCH REPORT: The ill-disciplined and luckless Wallabies have been punished once last time on their wretched European tour, their 14 men going down 29-28 to Wales in a stop-start, bad-tempered but ultimately thrilling affair at the Principality Stadium in Cardiff.

READERS’ FORUM: Welcome to our live coverage of the year-end international between France and New Zealand in Paris.

OPINION: This was a November heavyweight clash that lived up to his box office billing, the outcome going right down to the wire before the 80th minute Marcus Smith penalty edged England to their gripping 27-26 November  Series victory.

OPINION: Gavin Harper rates the Scottish players after their hard-earned win over Japan at Murrayfield on Saturday.

OPINION: Leezil Hendricks rates the South African players after their loss to England on Saturday! 

MATCH REPORT: Eddie Jones had promised that England will be more street-smart in their contest against South Africa.

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

MATCH REPORT: Pierre Bruno scored a try on his international debut as Italy held on to beat Uruguay 17-10 in Parma on Saturday to end a 16-match losing streak.

MATCH REPORT: Stuart Hogg set a new national try-scoring record as Scotland ended their year with a 29-20 win over Japan at Murrayfield on Saturday.

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

MATCH REPORT: Cheetahs coach Hawies Fourie said his team wanted to show they can be competitive against South Africa's United Rugby Championship teams.

NPC MATCH REPORT: Two opportunist tries to Bailyn Sullivan sealed a golden homecoming for Waikato when they beat Tasman 23-20 in a cliffhanger NPC Final.

READERS’ FORUM: Welcome to our live coverage of the year-end international between Scotland and Japan at Murrayfield.

LAST DANCE: A first-ever win for Argentina in Dublin over an Ireland side coming off a victory over New Zealand would be "massively good" for the Pumas at the end of a long season.

SPOTLIGHT: Rassie Erasmus' absence will be a big motivator for Springboks when they face England at Twickenham, says Springbok assistant coach Mzwandile Stick.

SPOTLIGHT: Joe Marler said on Friday he hopes a combination of red wine and adrenaline will prove a winning formula when England face South Africa at Twickenham this weekend.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Veteran second row forward Guido Petti is restored to the Argentina starting line-up for Sunday's Test with in-form Ireland at Lansdowne Road.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: British and Irish Lions centre Robbie Henshaw gets his first start for Ireland since recovering from a foot injury in their final November Test against Argentina on Sunday.

PREVIEW: After defeats to THE Rugby Championship duo New Zealand and Argentina, Kieran Crowley will hope it is third time lucky as Italy host Uruguay in Parma.

TRANSFER TALK: Springbok flyhalf Handré Pollard has reportedly been linked to a move to Premiership side Leicester Tigers.

WORLD CUP REHEARSAL: When the draw for the 2023 Rugby World Cup was made last December on the swanky side of Paris' former stock exchange one fixture stood out, France against New Zealand.

OFF-FIELD DRAMA: It is a replay of the 2019 World Cup Final, but the build-up has been overshadowed by sideshows.

DESPERATION: Australia coach Dave Rennie has painted the Wallabies' end-of-tour clash against Wales in Cardiff as a battle between two sides "desperate" to end difficult, injury-hit campaigns on a high.

MAKING A STATEMENT: This may be billed as another 'pre-season' match, but the Cheetahs are determined to send a strong message to the big four franchises.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: The Sharks will travel to Bloemfontein to play the Free State Cheetahs in the third match of the pre-season Challenge Series.

SAFFA SHOWDOWN: Japan and Scotland square off at BT Murrayfield looking to end their November Series campaigns on a high.

SPOTLIGHT: World Rugby may have painted a picture of unequivocal evidence of Rassie Erasmus' guilt, but their own documentation points to at least one major contradiction.

SPOTLIGHT: The hour-long video of South Africa's Director of Rugby, Johan Erasmus, has had some unintended consequences.

INJURY UPDATE: England captain Owen Farrell faces a race to be fit for the Six Nations, after Saracens confirmed on Thursday the playmaker will be sidelined for three months due to ankle surgery.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Richie Mo'unga starts at flyhalf instead of the injured Beauden Barrett for this weekend's highly-anticipated Test with France.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Japan head coach Jamie Joseph has announced his team to take on Scotland at Murrayfield on Saturday.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Eddie Jones has named his England side to play South Africa at Twickenham Stadium on Saturday, November 20.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Scotland head coach Gregor Townsend has revealed his team to face Japan at Murrayfield on Saturday.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Wallabies coach Dave Rennie has urged replacement flank Pete Samu to bring his own "athletic edge" against Wales rather than try to emulate injured skipper Michael Hooper in their Test against Wales.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Wales head coach Wayne Pivac has named his team for their final Test of the 2021 end-of-year series.

SPOTLIGHT: World Rugby has thrown the proverbial book at South Africa's Director of Rugby, Rassie Erasmus, laying the blame squarely at his feet.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Romain Ntamack will start at flyhalf for this weekend's Test with New Zealand after featuring at centre throughout November, Fabien Galthie said on Thursday.

SQUAD ANNOUNCEMENT: A 29-man Munster squad will travel to South Africa on Saturday for their United Rugby Championship fixtures against the Bulls and the Lions.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Cheetahs coach Hawies Fourie made minimal changes to his team for the third match in the pre-season Challenge series.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Springbok centre Damian De Allende revealed the secret behind his successful midfield partnership with Lukhanyo Am.

SPOTLIGHT: Australian referee Nic Berry says his reputation has been "tarnished" forever due to Rassie Erasmus' 62-minute video rant.

NEWS: The longest-serving administrator in South Africa, Harold Verster, Managing Director of the Free State Cheetahs, will step down at the end of November after 28 years at the helm.

SPOTLIGHT: Springbok No.8 Duane Vermeulen admitted they are in for a very gruelling breakdown battle against England on Saturday at Twickenham. 

NEWS: World Rugby announced a new global education campaign on Wednesday "to increase understanding of the importance of brain health" for players.

MATCH REPORT: The Cheetahs turned on the class and recorded a 99-15 win over Barcelona Diables on Wednesday in Bloemfontein.

UPDATE: South Africa's Director of Rugby Rassie Erasmus and SA Rugby wasted no time to respond to World Rugby’s long-awaited verdict.

An independent committee has found SA Rugby Director of rugby Rassie Erasmus guilty of misconduct towards match officials during the series between the Springboks and British & Irish Lions.

SQUAD NEWS: Springbok coach Jacques Nienaber confirmed that Sharks duo Sibusiso Nkosi and Aphelele Fassi have been released from the touring squad and will depart for South Africa on Wednesday.

NEWS: A new halfback pairing with start Ireland's final Test of the year against Argentina on Sunday.

NEWS: Two forwards have been ruled out of Wales' match against Australia on Saturday after suffering concussion, the Welsh Rugby Union has announced.

SPOTLIGHT: Matt Proudfoot has got no anxiety about the likely youthful make-up of the starting England front row this Saturday against the Springboks.

SPOTLIGHT: There are "a lot of similarities" between England's scrum and South Africa's scrum, according to Bok head coach Jacques Nienaber.

NEWS: It is a devastating time for the family of Springbok prop Jannie du Plessis after his son died in a drowning accident on Tuesday.

WATCH as Springboks No.8 Duane Vermeulen reveals the real reason why he returned to South Africa.

NEWS: Wales has been a happy hunting ground for playmaker James O'Connor, who made his maiden appearance there in the Wallabies' No.10 jersey a decade ago.

SPOTLIGHT: Australia's 1999 Rugby World Cup-winning captain John Eales says his country hosting the tournament in 2027 for a third occasion will also be beneficial to other countries.

SPOTLIGHT: Jonathan Humphreys acknowledges that injury-ravaged Wales are "battered and bruised" as a punishing November Series campaign nears its conclusion with Saturday's clash against Australia in Cardiff.

NEWS: New Zealand forwards coach John Plumtree said flyhalf Beauden Barrett is a "doubt" for this weekend's Test with France in Paris.

SPOTLIGHT: Springbok head coach Jacques Nienaber says Jesse Kriel's performance against Scotland was the main reason why the 27-year-old has kept his place on the wing.

SPOTLIGHT: Cheetahs head coach Hawies Fourie has revealed his team to face Barcelona Diables in Bloemfontein on Wednesday.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Springbok head coach Jacques Nienaber has revealed his team to face England at Twickenham.

NEWS: The Wallabies have decided on a captain to lead them against Wales on Saturday.

NEWS: The pools and match schedule have been announced for the Dubai Sevens on November 26-27.

ANALYSIS: RugbyPass writer Ben Smith looks at why Siya Kolisi should have been on the shortlist for World Rugby's Player of the Year.

SPOTLIGHT: Springbok prop Steven Kitshoff says his team is not paying too much attention to the Matt Proudfoot factor ahead of Saturday's clash against England at Twickenham.

SPOTLIGHT: All Blacks loose forward Sam Cane believes his side will have to make better decisions in the heat of battle when they take on France in Paris on Saturday.

NEWS: Wales look set to play their end-of-year series finale against Australia in Cardiff racked with more injuries.

NEWS: The Wallabies' hopes of salvaging some pride on their tour have suffered a hammer blow.

SPOTLIGHT: Springbok prop Steven Kitshoff says his team is determined to hold onto their No.1 spot in the world rankings as they prepare to face England this weekend.

INJURY UPDATE: Ireland captain Johnny Sexton will be out of action for up to six weeks.

INJURY UPDATE: England suffered a double blow in the build-up to their final year-end Test, against South Africa at Twickenham on Saturday.

SPOTLIGHT: Outspoken England coach Eddie Jones has likened his team to boxing legend Muhammad Ali, when he beat George Foreman with some unconventional tactics.

NEWS: It’s all change in the top five of the World Rugby Rankings.

WATCH as South Africa's Director of Rugby Rassie Erasmus returns to his 'water boy' duties for the Springboks.

NEWS: The nominees for World Rugby's 2021 Player of the Year award has been revealed.

SPOTLIGHT: Joey Carbery's assured display in guiding Ireland over the line in their impressive 29-20 victory over New Zealand was a huge bonus for head coach Andy Farrell.

SPOTLIGHT: The Maori tribe that owns rights to the "Ka Mate" haka told anti-vaccine protesters Monday to stop performing the famous ritual at demonstrations.

SPOTLIGHT: Will England have some antivenom for the Springboks' ‘slow poison’ when they meet at Twickenham this coming weekend?

INJURY UPDATE: Australia, still looking for the first win on their year-end tour, could be without skipper Michael Hooper.

NEWS: One of New Zealand's centres will miss this weekend's Test with France.

SUPER RUGBY PACIFIC NEWS: Melbourne will host three days of double-headers featuring all 12 teams in the new competition - including newcomers Moana Pasifika and Fijian Drua.

REACTION: Springbok head coach Jacques Nienaber said Herschel Jantjies still needs to learn a lot in terms of operating in Northern Hemisphere conditions.

OPINION: Wayne Pivac’s men faced the ignominy of dropping out of the top 10 in World Rugby’s ranking if they lost to Fiji.

REACTION: France head coach Fabien Galthie said on Sunday his side cannot "copy Ireland" if they hope to beat New Zealand next weekend.

REACTION: Scotland captain Stuart Hogg brushed off his historic double against South Africa as he bemoaned the self-destructive errors that led to a 15-30 defeat.

MATCH REPORT: Wales bounce back from two consecutive defeats to seal a hard-fought 38-23 victory over 13-man Fiji at the Principality Stadium in Cardiff on Sunday.

MATCH REPORT: Wing Damian Penaud said France have "work to do" before facing New Zealand next week after scoring twice as they outclassed Georgia with a 41-15 win in Bordeaux on Sunday.

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

REACTION: Springbok head coach Jacques Nienaber has praised wing Makazole Mapimpi for his try-scoring heroics against Scotland at Murrayfield on Saturday.

REACTION: Ireland have become mentally stronger under Andy Farrell as they showed in putting behind them missed chances in the first-half to go on and deservedly beat New Zealand 29-20.

REACTION: New Zealand's 20-29 defeat to Ireland on Saturday will serve as a wake-up call to those players experiencing a Northern Hemisphere tour for the first time.

OPINION: The Wallabies were soundly defeated by England 32-15 at Twickenham this afternoon in what could be described as a self-destructive performance by the Australians.

REACTION: Eddie Jones urged England to claim a South African "scalp".

OPINION: The All Blacks went down to a fabulous Irish team 20-29 in their penultimate match of the year.

OPINION: Despite Australia’s excellent run of form in 2021 and an outbreak in camp, England came into this contest as heavy favourites.

REACTION: Springbok captain Siya Kolisi singled out the effective use of their point-scoring opportunities as one of the main keys to success against Scotland at Murrayfield on Saturday.

MATCH REPORT: Freddie Steward scored his first Test try as England enjoyed their eighth successive win against Australia under coach Eddie Jones with a 32-15 victory at Twickenham on Saturday.

OPINION: This has quickly become the norm and not the elusive scalp for Ireland as they defeated the All Blacks for the third time in five meetings.

REPORT: A try at the death from Seabelo Senatla saw Western Province XV snatch a thrilling 31-30 victory against the Cheetahs in Bloemfontein on Saturday.

MATCH REPORT: Ireland beat New Zealand for the third time in the past five years in a stunning 29-20 victory at Lansdowne Road on Saturday.

READERS’ FORUM: Welcome to our live coverage of the year-end international between England and Australia at Twickenham.

OPINION: South Africa squeezed Scotland out with a dominant second-half performance to earn victory at Murrayfield.

OPINION: The Springboks' forward pack proved to be the difference again in their 30-15 win over Scotland at Murrayfield.

MATCH REPORT: Argentina ran out 37-16 winners over Italy on Saturday, ending a seven-match losing streak and condemning the Azzurri to another in a long line of Test defeats.

MATCH REPORT: Makazole Mapimpi scored two tries as world champions South Africa beat Scotland 30-15 at Murrayfield on Saturday.

READERS’ FORUM: Welcome to our live coverage of the year-end international between Ireland and New Zealand at Lansdowne Road.

READERS’ FORUM: Welcome to our live coverage of the year-end international between Scotland and South Africa at Murrayfield.

SPOTLIGHT: Fabién Galthie’s France take on Georgia in their second year-end Test encounter in what is only the second meeting between the two sides.

BOUNCE BACK: Wales will seek to bounce back from two losses to New Zealand and South Africa when they take on perennial Rugby World Cup pool opponents Fiji in Cardiff on Sunday.

NEWS: The Acting Western Cape Director of Public Prosecutions, Advocate Nicolette Bell has declined to prosecute Springbok rugby forward Eben Etzebeth and his cousin Emile over a 2019 Langebaan assault.

PRE-MATCH INTERVIEW: Scotland faces an acid test against South Africa at Murrayfield this weekend.

WATCH as Springbok captain Siyamthanda Kolisi opens up about the polemical issue of transformation in South Africa's national team.

NEWS UPDATE: Ireland has avoided making any late changes to their team for Saturday' Test against New Zealand, despite a COVID-19 scare.

PRE-MATCH BUILD-UP: Ireland assistant coach Simon Easterby said this weekend's international with New Zealand will go ahead despite two home players missing Friday's training session after one tested positive for COVID-19.

PRE-MATCH INTERVIEW: Michael Hooper says playing in front of 80,000 at Twickenham may make his Wallabies feel lonely - but he's confident the atmosphere will inspire them.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Back row forward Beka Gorgadze will make his first Test appearance in almost a year when Georgia face France this weekend.

NEWS: There could be a spanner in the works when it comes to Ireland's preparations for Saturday's clash against the All Blacks.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: France head coach Fabien Galthie on Friday made five changes to his team to host Georgia this weekend.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Fiji has made seven changes to the starting line up for Sunday's Test against Wales in Cardiff.

TEAM NEWS: England prop Ellis Genge has tested positive for coronavirus and will miss Saturday's one-off Test against Australia at Twickenham, the Rugby Football Union has announced.

SPOTLIGHT: Bulls Director of Rugby Jake White said his team are in a good space as they resumed training ahead of their clash against Munster on November 27.

TWICKENHAM FACTOR: Dave Rennie has promised his patched-up Wallabies will "throw everything" at Eddie Jones' adventurous-looking England side in a bid to end their woeful recent sequence against the old enemy.

DESPERATE TEAMS: One miserable Test streak will end this weekend.

MURRAYFIELD CAULDRON: Will Jacques Nienaber's side might play a more attacking brand of rugby at Murrayfield?

SETTLING SCORES: Ireland will be able to gauge where they stand under coach Andy Farrell two years out from the World Cup by playing New Zealand on Saturday at Lansdowne Road.

PREPARATION FOR THE NEW SEASON: The Cheetahs and Western Province are both using this game as preparation for their next campaign.

SPOTLIGHT: There will be no special treatment for Scotland's South African-born players on the field, according to Bok prop Retshegofaditswe Nché.

WATCH as Springbok legend Morné Steyn spoke to Jim Hamilton about the South African's amazing rugby journey.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Andy Farrell and his coaching team has named the Ireland match day squad to play New Zealand on Saturday at the Aviva Stadium

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Scotland Head Coach Gregor Townsend has made minor changes to the side to play South Africa at BT Murrayfield on Saturday.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Wallabies head coach Dave Rennie has revealed his team for their clash against England in London on Saturday.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: England coach Eddie Jones sprang a surprise on Thursday.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: The All Blacks coach Ian Foster has named his team to play Ireland at Aviva Stadium in  Dublin on Saturday.

TRANSFER NEWS: Exeter Chiefs have alleviated the loss of South African Jacques Vermeulen to injury by signing Argentina back-row Santiago Grondona for the remainder of the 2021/22 Premiership season.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: The next generation of talent will get an opportunity to show what they can do as Western Province take on the Cheetahs.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: The Cheetahs have pressed the reset button after a disappointing 2021 Currie Cup season.

WATCH as we bring you a glance at what rugby was like in the amateur days, before the over-regulated professional era.

SPOTLIGHT: Wales rugby will, one day in the foreseeable future, bid farewell to the iconic figure of Alun Wyn Jones, the talismanic lock and most-capped player in the sport's history.

SPOTLIGHT: They are not related, but Elton Jantjies and Herschel Jantjies have a "certain bond" and the Boks will hope that will translate to the field against Scotland on Saturday.

Former World Cup-winning hooker Phil Kearns has said the Wallabies have got a job on their hands if they are to end Eddie Jones' unbeaten record against his native Australia since becoming England head coach at Twickenham on Saturday.

SPOTLIGHT: Ever wondered who is the most popular Springbok? It certainly is not the captain Siyamthanda Kolisi - although he runs a close second.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Wales coach Wayne Pivac says that a potential easing of currently stringent player eligibility rules by World Rugby would strengthen the game globally and make the World Cup more competitive.

TRANSFER NEWS: Described as a strong running midfielder, the Hurricanes confirmed that centre midfielder Tei Walden is heading to the capital after putting pen to paper for the 2022 Super Rugby season.

SPOTLIGHT: Scotland's Chris Harris is relishing the prospect of facing South Africa again after tasting defeat at Springbok hands during this year's British and Irish Lions tour.

SPOTLIGHT: Australia is a "safe pair of hands" to stage the 2027 World Cup, the country's top rugby administrator said Wednesday as it competes with the United States to host the event.

SPOTLIGHT: Ireland have to "respond" in positive fashion when they face NZ for the first time since they were thumped by Saturday's opponents in the 2019 World Cup quarterfinal said Johnny Sexton.

SPOTLIGHT: Springbok flyhalf Elton Jantjies knows that his opposite number Finn Russell has all the capabilities to be a match-winner for Scotland on Saturday. 

OPINION: @rugby365com contributor Angus Opperman unpacks the latest selection debate swirling around the Springbok team.

INJURY UPDATE: World Cup-winning Springbok lock Rudolph Snyman has started the long road back to full recovery, after going under the knife.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Wales have named their side to take on Fiji in the third game of their end-of-year series in Cardiff on Sunday.

UPDATE: England have encountered no further coronavirus setbacks following Joe Marler's positive test that has ruled him out of Saturday's showdown with Australia.

SPOTLIGHT: An exciting bonanza awaits fans in November, when Free State Rugby welcomes back supporters - the first time in almost two years.

SPOTLIGHT: All Blacks assistant coach John Plumtree has challenged his side to produce a vastly improved performance against Ireland on Saturday.

WATCH as Springbok coach Jacques Nienaber explains the specific role that veteran utility back Frans Steyn plays in the team and the plan for his future.

SPOTLIGHT: It won't be as personal but Nic White's guard is still up as the Wallabies prepare to face England and their Australian coach and "king of mind games" Eddie Jones.

YEAR-END SPOTLIGHT: Two of the great flyhalves of the modern era could go head-to-head in Dublin on Saturday.

PRE-MATCH BUILD-UP: South Africa are happy to continue 'grinding out' wins, even if they are by the narrowest of margins.

NEWS: England has lost another key player, as COVID continues to hound Eddie Jones' team.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Franco Mostert and Jesse Kriel will earn their 50th Test caps when the Springboks line up against Scotland in Edinburgh on Saturday.

REACTION: Retired All Black players have taken aim at notorious prankster Daniel Jarvis and a Welsh fan for their pitch invading exploits over the weekend.

YEAR-END SPOTLIGHT: England head coach Eddie Jones has begun the countdown to this week’s Twickenham Test against his native Australia in a typically robust manner.

WATCH as our infamous TMO Marius Jonker gets another call badly wrong.

INTERVIEW: Forwards coach John Dalziel gives some insights into the state of the game in Scotland, ahead of the arrival of South Africa in Edinburgh.

INJURY UPDATE: All Blacks scrumhalf Aaron Smith launched a late dash to Dublin Tuesday after being called up as injury cover for upcoming Tests against Ireland and France.

INJURY UPDATE: Hooker Ken Owens will miss Wales’ entire end-of-year campaign due to a back injury.

SPOTLIGHT: South Africa have to brace themselves for a very tough scrummaging battle against Scotland says Springbok assistant coach Deon Davids.

NEWS: The Welsh Rugby Union has confirmed that the unnamed pitch invader who disrupted play at the Principality Stadium on Saturday will receive a life ban from the ground.

INJURY UPDATE: Springboks assistant coach Deon Davids revealed that Damian Willemse is likely to miss South Africa’s Test against Scotland at the Murrayfield on Saturday.

WORLD RANKINGS UPDATE: Remarkably, after a weekend where 12 games were played, there were only a couple of positional changes to the Top 20.

INTERVIEW: Ireland wing James Lowe is already relishing the prospect of locking horns with some of his best friends as he prepares to face his native New Zealand for the first time.

REACTION: Wallaby captain Michael Hooper says the disappointment of the loss to Scotland will only fire up his team for their huge examination from England.

OPINION: Rugbypass columnist Ben Smith dissects Springboks and All Blacks' current form in Europe.

REACTION: The popular catchphrase 'bomb squad' was coined by South Africa at the 2019 World Cup, but it is so much more than just an attention-grabbing slogan.

INJURY UPDATE: The All Blacks are sweating on the fitness of two key players ahead of their penultimate test of the year against Ireland in Dublin on Saturday.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Australia coach Dave Rennie has offered an unimpressed retort to Andrew Mehrtens after the former All Blacks star offered a grim picture of the fate that could await the Wallabies against England.

PREMIERSHIP REPORT: Defending champions Harlequins produced yet another dramatic recovery as they came from 16 points behind at half-time to win 26-16 at Wasps in the English Premiership on Sunday.

SPOTLIGHT: Pieter Stephanus du Toit and Albertus Stephanus Smith are two very contrasting players, even though they both wear No.7 in the Springbok team.

OPINION: Scotland maintained their winning run with a hard-fought win over Australia at Murrayfield.

OPINION: The Wallabies entered their match with Scotland sitting on five straight victories and there would have been plenty of confidence Australia could arrest their two-match losing streak against the home side.

SPOTLIGHT: New Zealand are a daunting challenge for anyone but Ireland approach next Saturday's Test in good heart having taken a "step forward" in the 60-5 rout of Japan, captain Johnny Sexton said.

MATCH REPORT: Scotland defeated Australia 15-13 in their end-of-year international at Murrayfield on Sunday as they ended the Wallabies' five-match winning streak against all opponents.

NEWS: The England squad received some good news on Sunday.

READERS’ FORUM: Welcome to our live coverage of the year-end international between Scotland and Australia at Murrayfield.

NEWS: Wallabies stalwart Dane Haylett-Petty has been forced to call time on his career after a lengthy battle with concussion.

REACTION: Japanese players have to pick themselves up and work hard ahead of their two matches with Portugal and Scotland.

PREMIERSHIP WRAP: Kyle Rowe scored a hat-trick of tries as 14-man London Irish snatched a sensational 34-all draw against Saracens.

REACTION: Eddie Jones praised his new-look England team's attitude after they ran in 11 tries to thrash Tonga 69-3 in their year-end opener at Twickenham on Saturday.

REACTION: Wales coach Wayne Pivac was unwilling to blame a second-half pitch invader for his team's disappointing 17-23 loss to South Africa.

WATCH as Springbok captain Siyamthanda Kolisi speaks about his team's amazing resolve to end a near decade-long drought in Cardiff.

MATCH REPORT: Flyhalf Matthieu Jalibert celebrated his 23rd birthday by setting-up two tries as France beat Argentina 29-20 on Saturday in their opening November Test.

OPINION: Ian Cameron rates the Welsh players after their 18-23 loss to South Africa in Cardiff on Saturday.

OPINION: South African finally broke their Cardiff drought, but they left it rather late - sealing the 23-18 win with an Elton Jantjies penalty in the last minutes.

MATCH REPORT: South Africa won their first game in Cardiff for almost a decade, when they edged Wales 23-18 in a bruising arm-wrestle at a wet Millennium Stadium on Saturday.

MATCH REPORT: England shrugged off Owen Farrell's late COVID-19 withdrawal as they hammered Tonga 69-3 in their year-end opener at Twickenham on Saturday.

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

MATCH REPORT: A South African Currie Cup selection romped to an impressive 85-17 victory over Kenya at Loftus Versfeld in Pretoria on Saturday.

MATCH REPORT: Irish legend Johnny Sexton celebrated his 100th Test for his country with 16 points as Ireland routed Japan 60-5 in their one-off Test at Lansdowne Road on Saturday.

MATCH REPORT: Hooker Dane Coles scored twice in 10 minutes as New Zealand beat Italy 47-9 at the Stadio Olimpico on Saturday.

READERS’ FORUM: Welcome to our live coverage of the year-end international between England and Tonga at Twickenham.

READERS’ FORUM: Welcome to our live coverage of the year-end international between Ireland and Japan in Dublin.

READERS’ FORUM: Welcome to our live coverage of the year-end international between Italy and New Zealand in Rome.

SPOTLIGHT: The Springboks did not have a peaceful sleep ahead of their clash against Wales in Cardiff on Saturday.

Springbok captain Siya Kolisi says World Rugby has been doing a good job regarding player safety and preventing head injuries in the modern game.

EDINBURGH SHOWDOWN: Coach Gregor Townsend has called on Scotland to channel the spirit of Paris as they prepare to host the in-form Wallabies in Sunday's clash at Murrayfield.

PREMIERSHIP REPORT: George Ford scored 25 points as Leicester maintained their 100 percent start to the Premiership season with a 40-23 win over Bath.

SPOTLIGHT: Springbok captain Siya Kolisi believes his team’s newfound knowledge will secure a rare win over Wales in Cardiff on Saturday.

INJURY UPDATE: Wales have lost another player on the eve of their showdown with the Springboks, this time due to an injury sustained in training.

NEWS: Love him or hate him, you most certainly have an opinion on referee Romain Poite.

YEAR-END SPOTLIGHT: South Africa and New Zealand's see-saw battle at the top of the world rankings looks set to continue.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Experienced trio Rory Arnold, Kurtley Beale and Will Skelton will all make their return to the Wallabies against Scotland at Murrayfield on Sunday.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Scotland head coach Gregor Townsend has selected an experienced side to play Australia at Murrayfield on Sunday.

FRENCH FLAIR: France coach Fabien Galthie said it was "no surprise" for regular flyhalf Romain Ntamack to start at centre, with Matthieu Jalibert at No.10 for this weekend's home Test with Argentina.

NEWS: England captain Owen Farrell has tested positive for Covid-19 ahead of this weekend's match against Tonga at Twickenham, the Rugby Football Union said Friday.

TRIAL TIME: Coach Ian Foster said he had "full faith" in Sam Cane, after naming the flank as New Zealand captain for this weekend's Test at Italy.

TRANSFER NEWS: The Sharks have bolstered their front-row stocks with a Stormer.

ENGLAND REVAMP: After a disappointing Six Nations campaign earlier this year, England head coach Eddie Jones believes he now has a squad that can go on to achieve big things.

WATCH as Wales coach Wayne Pivac gives an update on the injury status of his key players.

CARDIFF COMBAT: The Six Nations champions against the World Cup holders. This is how this game is being billed.

NOVEMBER SERIES: Johnny Sexton will win his 100th cap for Ireland on Saturday against Japan and former teammate Marcus Horan told AFP he is "a testament to younger players what hard work can do."

WATCH as veteran Springbok prop Trevor Nyakane previews the team's opening year-end Test against Wales in Cardiff on Saturday.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Head coach Jamie Joseph said on Thursday he will never sacrifice Japan's "adventurous" style of rugby for the power game even if this weekend's opponents Ireland are proficient at it.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Gloucester's Santiago Carreras will start at flyhalf instead of Nicolas Sanchez for this weekend's Test with France, the Argentina Rugby Federation announced on Thursday.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: New Italy coach Kieran Crowley recalled Matteo Minozzi to the starting line-up for Saturday's Test with New Zealand after the Wasps wing missed this year's Six Nations.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Andy Farrell has named the Ireland matchday squad to play the Japan in Dublin on Saturday.

SPOTLIGHT: Some of South Africa’s most exciting provincial players will be on display in the Champions Match against Kenya, in a pioneering clash at Loftus Versfeld in Pretoria on Saturday.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Head coach Eddie Jones has named his England team for their Test match against Tonga at Twickenham Stadium on Saturday.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Wales head coach Wayne Pivac has made six changes to the starting XV for the Test against South Africa.

NEWS: The much-awaited announcement of the England team to play Tonga this Saturday at Twickenham was delayed on Thursday following a positive Covid-19 case.