England
Venter: Sales Sharks' appointment will be a 'brilliant' choice
NEW APPOINTMENT: Former Saracens boss Brendan Venter believes Alex Sanderson, who is set to be named Sale Sharks’ new director of rugby, is a “brilliant” choice and uniquely equipped to get the best out of the club’s 11 strong contingent of South African players.
Countries
Six Nations appoints Director of Rugby
NEW RUGBY DIRECTOR: Six Nations Rugby announced the appointment of Julie Paterson as Director of Rugby.
South Africa
Sharks will 'gladly accept' Kolisi
CURRIE CUP SPOTLIGHT: Siya Kolisi's playing future has been under the spotlight ever since the Sharks' partnership with MVM Holdings was officially unveiled.
Super Rugby
'I wasn't happy at the Waratahs'
REACTION: Wallabies prop Tom Robertson concedes he was unhappy at the NSW Waratahs last year, and has described his move to the Western Force as like a breath of fresh air.
France
Former Bulls lock eyes Springboks call-up
TOP14 PREVIEW: South African lock Ryno Pieterse said he is happy the "rollercoaster" experience of his first few months at Castres is over ahead of travelling to fellow Top 14 strugglers Montpellier on Sunday.
News
Remaining Euro group matches scrapped
NEWS: The final two rounds of group matches in the European Champions and Challenge Cups will be cancelled.
Wales
Wales hit by Williams ban for Six Nations opener
NEWS: Liam Williams will miss Wales's Six Nations opener against Ireland next month after receiving a three-game ban for his red card in Scarlets' Pro14 loss to Cardiff Blues.
News
Sharks coach gives squad update after COVID outbreak
CURRIE CUP SPOTLIGHT: Sharks head coach Sean Everitt has answered some questions concerning the readiness of his squad,
News
Bulls a different beast under Jake White
CURRIE SPOTLIGHT: Jake White reflects on how far his team has come since he took over.
Latest News
Wales’ captain making good progress after knee injury
INJURY: Record-breaking Wales captain Alun Wyn Jones is making good progress in his recovery from a knee injury ahead of next month's start of the Six Nations, according to his Ospreys coach Toby Booth.
News
Virus forces Super Rugby trial cancellation
NEWS: COVID-19 again threatens to disrupt the home-and-away season.
England
Exeter to make most of two-week Premiership void
FIXTURES: Exeter director of rugby Rob Baxter wants the English and European champions to make the most of an unexpected two-week break despite wanting to fill the gap with Premiership fixtures.
News
Los Pumas star backs out of Force deal
NEWS: The Western Force's Argentine contingent has been cut by one.
Japan
Covid-19: Japan puts their Top League on hold
POSITIVE TESTS: Japan's Top League rugby was put on hold after scores of players tested positive for the coronavirus, the latest setback for sport in the country just six months before the Tokyo Olympics.
News
'There will be more respect for points'
CURRIE CUP SPOTLIGHT: Can the Lions cause an upset at Loftus Versfeld?
News
England star criticises Premiership's failure to fill Euro void
NEWS: Harlequins and England wing Chris Ashton is unhappy.
England
Six Nations organisers issue update on tournament
NEWS: It's the news that teams have been waiting to hear
News
Stats reveal Currie Cup's top performers
STAT ATTACK: Two Boks dominated the overall stats at the completion of this year’s regulation matches in the Currie Cup.
England
England star cops two-week ban for f-bomb
DISCIPLINARY UPDATE: Bristol prop Kyle Sinckler has been banned for two weeks and will miss the start of England’s Six Nations campaign on February 6 at home to Scotland.
Latest News
Online petition started to postpone B&I Lions’ SA tour
LIONS TOUR: A petition has been created online to postpone the British and Irish Lions tour of South Africa to 2022 and avoid the series being moved to the United Kingdom and Ireland. Rising Covid-19 cases in South Africa, in conjunction with a new variant of the virus, have made it unlikely that the world champions will host the Lions as planned this year.
England
Springbok Faf opens up about Lions tour
SPOTLIGHT: With 14 months having passed since their World Cup 2019 victory over England, Faf de Klerk admits he cannot wait to run out in a Springbok jersey again.
France
Du Preez to join Toulon?
NEWS: Toulon are looking to bolster their squad with some big names again.
Australia
Waratahs confirm Super Rugby AU roster
WARATAHS ROSTER: The NSW Waratahs have unveiled their full roster ahead of the start of the Super Rugby AU competition, with a changing of the guard seeing some fresh talent come into the squad.
News
WP taking no chances ahead of semifinal
CURRIE CUP SPOTLIGHT: Western Province are leaving no stone unturned ahead of their semifinal against the Sharks.
Japan
Japan: Becoming the Epicentre of Rugby
IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Japan is fast becoming the epicentre of world rugby with former Wallabies coach Robbie Deans declaring the Top League the "new destination of choice" because of its unique, back-to-the-future model and the country's wholesome lifestyle.
Wales
France government seeks 'guarantees' from Six Nations rivals
IN THE SPOTLIGHT: French sports minister Roxana Maracineanu said on Tuesday she needs further "guarantees" from other governments to allow France to face Ireland and England in the upcoming Six Nations.
Pro14
PRO14 and Top 14 revised fixtures amid European postponements
REACTION: PRO14 and the Top 14 in France have announced a raft of rescheduled league fixtures after it was confirmed that this month’s planned two rounds of European matches have been postponed.
South Africa
Franchise Cup: A watershed moment for P Divvy's team?
WATCH as Peter de Villiers talks about the players in the EP Elephants squad and the upcoming Franchise Cup.
Currie Cup
Currie Cup: the good, the bad and semifinals
IN THE SPOTLIGHT: The Currie Cup semi-finals are scheduled to be contested at Loftus Versfeld and Newlands.
Countries
Galthie names three uncapped players in Six Nations squad
SELECTION: Racing 92's exciting young wing Donovan Taofifenua was one of three uncapped players named by France coach Fabien Galthie on Monday in his squad of 37 to prepare for this year's Six Nations which is due to begin next month.
England
Saracens: Preparing prisoners for life
LIFE PROGRAMME: On the pitch, Saracens have become one of the giants of European rugby. Off it, they are using their powerful platform to prepare prisoners for life after release.
Currie Cup
Currie Cup semi-final kick-off times confirmed
IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Bulls and Lions will meet in the first of the two Currie Cup semi-finals on Saturday, January 23, as SA Rugby announced the kick-off times on Tuesday.
New Zealand
REPORT: New Zealand Rugby for Sale
IN THE SPOTLIGHT: New Zealand Rugby’s negotiations with US private equity firm Silver Lake are advancing, with reports suggesting a minority stake of up to 15 percent could soon be sold off.
Premiership
Matches won't be moved forward after European cancellation
SCHEDULE RETAINED: England's Premiership ruby union clubs will take a two-week, mid-season break, organisers said after it was announced earlier Monday that both the European Champions Cup and Challenge Cup tournaments were being suspended because of coronavirus concerns raised by French authorities.
Super Rugby
Ireland star's unusual Super Rugby training
NEW CHALLENGE: He went from freezing conditions in Ireland to bench pressing his own hotel bed in Brisbane, but Irish rugby legend Rob Kearney was all smiles when he finally met his new Western Force teammates in Perth on Tuesday.
Australia
Israel Folau linked with Rugby Union return
NEWS: Controversial cross-code athlete Israel Folau has been linked – albeit tenuously – with a move back to Rugby Union.
Japan
All Blacks' showpiece scrapped
NEWS: A mouth-watering clash has been scrapped.
News
European cups suspended due to COVID-19
NEWS: European Champions Cup and Challenge Cup have been suspended after the French government said the Covid-19 pandemic made it too risky for French teams to play, organisers said Monday.
News
England star in hot water for foul-mouthed outburst
UPDATE: Bristol Bears prop Kyle Sinckler will appear before an online independent disciplinary panel on Tuesday.
South Africa
B&I Lions legend backs controversial tour alternative
SPOTLIGHT: A British and Irish Lions legend has weighed in on the uncertainty surrounding this year’s British and Irish Lions Tour to South Africa.
Premiership
England star set to move to new club
TRANSFER: England stalwart Mike Brown is set to swap London for Newcastle, with the fullback set to link back up with former Harlequins head coach Dean Richards at the Falcons.
Tonga
Tonga reveal their new Chief
NEWS: The Tongan Rugby Union have announced a new chief executive as part of the union’s plans to improve governance and administrative leadership in the coming years.
Currie Cup
Pumas boss’ request to SA Rugby
REACTION: Pumas hope their Currie Cup campaign proved that they belong in SA Rugby’s new Franchise Cup competition.
News
Team of the Week: It is time to vote!
READERS' VIEW: The final pool round of the Currie Cup season is over and now it is time for the readers to vote for their Team of the Week.
Top 14
Toulouse rout Stade Francais to move to the top
TOP 14: Record 20-time champions Toulouse ran in seven tries in a 48-24 demolition of old rivals Stade Francais on Sunday to take pole position in the French Top 14.
News
'We shouldn't be alarmed about Six Nations'
SIX NATIONS: French rugby federation president Bernard Laporte remains optimistic that the Six Nations will go ahead as scheduled despite the COVID-19 crisis.
South Africa
Woodward: 'Send out a big message to the South Africans'
SPOTLIGHT: Clive Woodward has tabled his wishlist should the tour go ahead, devising a strategic plan to flummox the Springboks in his latest column for Daily Mail UK.
Premiership
Harlequins and London Irish share the spoils
MATCH REPORT: Harlequins and London Irish delivered the first draw of the season during a pulsating London derby at The Stoop.
France
Brive's second-half blitz floors Montpellier
TOP 14 WRAP: Former France coach Philippe Saint-Andre said it was a blow to the squad's morale to lose his second game in charge of Top 14 strugglers Montpellier on Sunday.
Currie Cup
Pumas give Bulls a rugby lesson
MATCH REPORT: The Pumas recorded a rare and historic 44-14 victory over table-topping Bulls on Sunday.
British & Irish Lions
Tuilagi in race against time to be fit for Lions tour to South Africa
With Manu Tuilagi's earliest projected return from injury being touted as April/May, will he be fit enough to be selected for the B&I Lions tour of South Africa in July?
News
RECAP: Pumas v Bulls
READERS' FORUM: Welcome to our coverage of the Currie Cup Round Seven encounter between the Pumas and the Bulls in Nelspruit.
British & Irish Lions
Springboks v B&I Lions: Gatland's dilemma
After having an awful season with the Chiefs finishing last in Super Rugby Aotearoa what happens to Warren Gatland if the B&I Lions tour to South Africa later this year is cancelled?
News
Liam Williams in hot water after red card comment
Not only did Wales and B&I Lions player Liam Williams get red carded for charging into a ruck head first, he then decided to compound that by chirping ref Craig Evans as he left the field
England
Are rugby players paid too much?
WATCH as former England front row Brian Moore sat down with Jim Hamilton to discuss the state of rugby in the modern era.
Premiership
Report: Springbok Hougaard linked to the Bulls
TRANSFER TALK: Francois Hougaard could be the latest Springbok to be lured back to South Africa by Jake White’s Bulls franchise.
News
Wasps sign Georgian Giant
Georgian lock Lasha Jaiani has signed up with English Pro14 club Wasps and is available with immediate effect.
Premiership
Montpellier poach rising English sensation
TRANSFER TALK: Bath Rugby’s young back row Zach Mercer has signed with French club Montpellier - ending his future chances of playing for England in the process.
Premiership
England star under scrutiny after ref-bashing
REACTION: Bristol Bears prop Kyle Sinckler has issued a Twitter apology after a comment he made to referee Karl Dickson during his side’s victory over Exeter Chiefs was widely criticised.
Pro14
Munster return to winning ways in Galway
PRO14 REPORT: Munster returned to winning ways in the Pro14 after they recorded a 10-16 victory over Connacht at the Sportsground in Galway.
Pro14
Plucky 14-man Scarlets go down to Blues
Scarlets were reduced to 14 men when Liam Williams was red carded battled manfully but Cardiff Blues just proved a little too strong for them in the end
News
Ospreys edge Dragons in cagey Welsh derby
PRO14 REPORT: Ospreys edged a cagey Welsh derby with Dragons 28-20 to earn their first win at Rodney Parade in four visits and remain unbeaten in 2021.
News
Bristol outplay champions Exeter to go top of table
PREMIERSHIP SATURDAY WRAP: Bristol Bears delivered an outstanding performance on both sides of the ball to beat Exeter Chiefs 20-7 at Sandy Park for the second season running.
News
Steyn boots Cheetahs to victory in Kimberley
CURRIE CUP REPORT: The Cheetahs ended their Currie Cup campaign with a hard-fought 22-18 win over Griquas in Kimberley on Saturday.
Premiership
Zebre secures back-to-back wins over Benetton
PRO14 REPORT: In a tense all Italian affair Zebre came out the winners 22-18 giving them bragging rights with back to back wins over local rivals Benetton
News
Bulls bring in U21 champions for Pumas clash
TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: The Bulls have named a youthful matchday squad that will face the Pumas in their final regular-season Currie Cup match at the Mbombela Stadium in Nelspruit on Sunday.
News
European Cup in disarray, Six Nations in doubt
NEWS: The French government has recommended rugby clubs postpone upcoming European Cup matches with British teams due to the new COVID-19 variant.
News
RECAP: Griquas v Cheetahs
READERS' FORUM: Welcome to our coverage of the Currie Cup Round Seven encounter between Griquas and the Cheetahs in Kimberley.
Super Rugby
Jaguares reveal next move after Super Rugby cut
IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Perhaps the biggest losers from the relatively sudden reformating of Super Rugby are Argentina and, more specifically, the Jaguares.
France
VIDEO: Fijian sent off for 'intolerable' celebration
IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Bizarre scenes played out in France’s second-tier Pro D2 on Friday when a player was red-carded for celebrating his side’s win by lifting the referee into the air.
Pro14
Leinster end Ulster's unbeaten Pro14 run
PRO14 REPORT: Triple-defending champions Leinster bounced back from their first defeat in 27 Championship games with a 24-12 win over Ulster.
Premiership
Sale Sharks battle past Worcester Warriors
PREMIERSHIP FRIDAY WRAP: Sale Sharks secured their second consecutive Premiership victory under interim head coach Paul Deacon with a battling 20-13 triumph over Worcester Warriors at the AJ Bell Stadium.
News
Currie Cup play-off dates moved to save 'integrity'
NEWS: COVID-19 precautionary measures have triggered the adjustment of the Currie Cup play-off dates.
News
Currie Cup, Round Seven - Teams and Predictions
FINAL ROUND: It is the final pool round of the Currie Cup season and there are just two games.
News
Pumas make midfield change for Bulls clash
TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Pumas head coach, Jimmy Stonehouse, opted for consistency in selection for their final Currie Cup match of the season.
Top 14
COVID-19: Top 14 match postponed
POSTPONEMENT: The crunch Top 14 match between Racing 92 and leaders La Rochelle on Sunday was postponed indefinitely following further positive cases of Covid-19 at La Rochelle.
Premiership
Premiership, Round Six - Teams and Predictions
BATTLE OF THE FAFS: The Christmas and New Year festivities may be over, but there is sure to be plenty of joy and cheer on offer throughout five mouth-watering Premiership Rugby battles in Round 6.
Top 14
Recent losses will motivate Top 14 leaders
TOP 14: La Rochelle's Kiwi head coach Jono Gibbes said recent hammerings at Racing 92 will serve as motivation for Saturday's Top 14 match in Paris.
Premiership
Clubs show sizeable drop in virus cases
COVID-19: Premiership Rugby said Thursday there had been a drop in the number of positive coronavirus cases in the top flight of English club rugby union following its latest round of testing.
News
Waratahs sign 'exciting' and 'damaging' player
NEWS: The Waratahs have bolstered their backline stocks with the signing of former Brisbane NRL star Izaia Perese for the 2021 Super Rugby season.
Pro14
Former boss is back with the Cardiff Blues
COACHES: Former Cardiff Blues boss Dai Young has returned as the interim Director of Rugby after coach John Mulvihill left his position as head coach with "immediate effect due to personal reasons", the Welsh capital club announced Thursday.
France
Coloured bibs to help with tackling technique
HEAD INJURIES: The French Rugby Federation (FFR) announced on Thursday it will trial the use of coloured bibs in training sessions among amateur clubs in an attempt to reduce the risk of head injuries.
Argentina
World Rugby to implement stricter checks on elected officials
NEWS: World Rugby is to introduce a fit and proper person's test for elected officials.
News
Bok gets three-week ban
NEWS: Sale will be without one of their Boks for the next few weeks.
Latest News
PRO14, ROUND 11 - TEAMS AND PREDICTIONS
PREVIEW: The PRO14 completes its three-week stint between European breaks with six more matches this weekend, including two re-arranged games from Round 9.
South Africa
Ground-breaking deal: WP's loss is Sharks' gain
NEWS: The Sharks have done what Western Province could not.
News
Griquas change four for Cheetahs
TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Griquas head coach, Scott Mathie, made two changes to his backline and two to his pack for their final Currie Cup clash of the season, against the Cheetahs in Kimberley.
South Africa
'SA Rugby inflicted the most harm on the Cheetahs'
SPOTLIGHT: Free State Cheetahs Managing Director Harold Verster does not want the rugby community to forget how SA Rugby has treated the union in 2020.
Ireland
Ireland boss Farrell brings in extra help
NEWS: Ireland coach Andy Farrell has added a very iconic figure to his coaching staff following an inconsistent first calendar year.
Currie Cup
'Disappointed' WP set sight on semis
IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Western Province have shifted their focus to ensure they are at their best in the Currie Cup semifinal against the Sharks.
News
Cheetahs coach reveals changes for Griquas clash
TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Cheetahs head coach Hawies Fourie has revealed his team to face Griquas in their final-round Currie Cup clash in Kimberley on Saturday.
South Africa
REPORT: Bok's doping saga continues
UPDATE: Springbok Aphiwe Dyantyi has reportedly opted to appeal his four-year doping ban.
News
Van Rooyen is a frustrated Lions coach
CURRIE CUP REACTION: Lions head coach Ivan van Rooyen is a frustrated man after his side missed a golden opportunity to secure a home seminal in this season's Currie Cup campaign.
Premiership
No more ice-baths, try celebrations in Premiership
NEW MEASURES: English Premiership rugby is to ban players from taking ice baths and engaging in face-to-face try celebrations in a bid to restrict the spread of the coronavirus.
Top 14
Montpellier's coach 'won't give up till the last day'
TOP 14: Philippe Saint-Andre saw his first game in charge of floundering Montpellier end in a 24-20 defeat by Lyon on Wednesday but the former France coach vowed to keep the team in the elite Top 14 even if it meant surviving on "three, four hours sleep".
New Zealand
Barrett wants to reclaim All Blacks No.10 jumper
IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Beauden Barrett set his sights on reclaiming the All Blacks' number 10 jersey Wednesday as he prepares to begin a stint in Japan, which is battling a coronavirus surge.
Currie Cup
Bulls see off Lions for top spot
MATCH REPORT: The Bulls cemented their place at the top of the Currie Cup table with a 22-15 win over the Lions at Loftus Versfeld on Wednesday.
Premiership
COVID-19: Another Premiership match called off
CANCELLED: Premiership Rugby confirmed that Northampton Saints’ Premiership Rugby match against Leicester Tigers, scheduled for Saturday, has been called off.
News
RECAP: Bulls v Lions
READERS' FORUM: Welcome to our coverage of the Currie Cup Round Five encounter between the Bulls and Lions in Pretoria.
Currie Cup
WP v Sharks match cancelled
BREAKING NEWS: The final round Currie Cup match between Western Province and the Sharks has been cancelled in line with COVID-19 protocols.
Super Rugby
Brumbies boss hands Kiwi a super lifeline
SQUAD ANNOUNCEMENT: Brumbies have confirmed their squad for the 2021 Super Rugby Season, with 28 of the club’s 2020 title squad returning next year.
South Africa
SA Rugby pays tribute to an 'iconic figure'
NEWS: Mark Alexander, the President of SA Rugby, has paid tribute to the hugely influential role Mluleki George played in the normalisation of South African sports and politics.
Tournaments
VIDEO: The joys of rugby
WATCH some of rugby's most hilarious moments.
Top 14
France Flank: It's worse than expected
INJURY: Clermont's French international backrow forward Alexandre Lapandry will be sidelined for a further two months, the Top 14 club announced Tuesday.
Premiership
Gloucester signs young giant for the new season
TRANSFER: Gloucester Rugby has confirmed the signing on Andrew Davidson from Edinburgh ahead of the 2021-22 season.
Super Rugby
Blues' plan to find Beauden Barrett's backup
IN THE SPOTLIGHT: After a rejuvenation of sorts in 2020, the Blues will have to reinvent themselves again in the coming Super Rugby Aotearoa season, having lost star recruit Beauden Barrett to Japan for the year.
Super Rugby
Skipping family Christmas to miss quarantine
TRAINING: The Brumbies have proven their commitment to winning back-to-back Super Rugby AU titles with some players skipping Christmas with their families to ensure they didn't miss training.
OPINION
Six Nations: Greedy or just short-sighted?
Are the Six Nations greedy or just short-sighted when it comes to the plight of the Pacific Nations?
Top 14
Another Top14 match in danger due to Covid-19
NEWS: Covid-hit Bayonne's Top 14 match against Toulon, scheduled for Friday, has been postponed because of coronavirus infections.
Currie Cup
VIDEO: The 'huge desire' inside WP camp
IN THE SPOTLIGHT: The Western Province camp believes that Newlands deserves to host one last Currie Cup semifinal.
News
Bulls make wholesale changes for Lions clash
TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Bulls Director of Rugby Jake White has finalised his team for Wednesday's Currie Cup clash against the Lions.
News
Bulls v Lions - Teams and Predictions
MIDWEEK BRUISER: Wednesday's match will set the tone for a high-octane final stretch as the pool stage concludes this week and the top teams battle it out for home semifinals.
News
Team of the Week: Blue and white hoops
READERS' VIEW: The votes have been counted and the readers' Currie Cup Team of the Week for Round Six has been revealed.
Super Rugby
Crusaders coach takes up position at Worcester Warriors
COACH DEPARTURE: Crusaders and Canterbury Assistant Coach Mark Jones has confirmed he will not return to Christchurch ahead of the Crusaders 2021 Super Rugby season, and will instead take up the position of Senior Assistant Coach with English club, Worcester Warriors.
Currie Cup
Lions make minor tweaks for Bulls clash
TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: The Lions coach Ivan van Rooyen has named his team to face the Bulls at Loftus on Wednesday.
Currie Cup
Currie Cup: Earlier kick-off for WP v Sharks
TIME-CHANGE: The kick-off time for the seventh round Currie Cup fixture between Western Province and the Sharks in Cape Town on Saturday has been changed.
News
Jake White opens up about his COVID-19 battle
SPOTLIGHT: Bulls Director of Rugby Jake White has opened up on his personal battle with COVID-19 and the friends he lost to the virus.
Premiership
Another Scotland star joins the Premiership
TRANSFER NEWS: Tight-head prop Jon Welsh has returned to Newcastle Falcons – signing up until the end of the season.
Australia
Force development to rely on new CEO's Tasman recipe
NEW APPOINTMENT: Former WA rugby union representative Tony Lewis will look to emulate the success of New Zealand’s champion province, the Tasman Mako, in developing talented young players after being appointed the new Chief Executive Officer of the Western Force.
European Cup
Twist on the cards for Euro Covid-19 protocols
SPOTLIGHT: The EPCR have held a meeting to discuss their Covid-19 protocols, hot on the heels of rumblings from France suggesting a number of Top 14 clubs are not entirely satisfied with the status quo in relation to controlling the virus.
News
Six Nations still expected to go ahead
ON SCHEDULE: Tournament organisers said Monday they still expected the 2021 Six Nations Championship to go ahead as scheduled in February and March despite the rising number of coronavirus cases in Britain, Ireland and the rest of Europe.
France
France's contingency plan for Six Nations
NEWS: France coach Fabien Galthie will have a 37-man squad for the upcoming Six Nations after an agreement between the French Rugby Federation (FFR) and the league (LNR), sources told AFP on Monday.
Premiership
Van Der Merwe joins Premiership club in major coup
TRANSFER NEWS: Worcester Warriors have recruited Scotland international wing Duhan van der Merwe from Edinburgh as their first major signing for the 2021/22 season.
Currie Cup
Lions opt for ‘conservative’ approach against Bulls
REACTION: Lions coach Ivan van Rooyen is not taking any chances against the table-topping Bulls on Wednesday.
Premiership
Du Preez cited as ref gets it wrong
DISCIPLINARY NEWS: Sale Sharks Dan Du Preez finds himself in heaps of trouble following his moment of madness against Gloucester on Saturday.
News
White reveals extended Bulls squad for crunch midweek game
SQUAD ANNOUNCEMENT: Bulls Director of Rugby, Jake White, has named an extended squad in preparation for the Currie Cup clash against the Lions at Loftus Versfeld on Wednesday.
News
Bulls bring in top coach from Japan
NEWS: The Bulls have created a new role in their coaching team, which the franchise described as "another first in South African Rugby".
News
Sharks players 'wanted to right the wrongs'
CURRIE CUP SPOTLIGHT: The Sharks had a point to prove.
News
COVID-19: Saints awarded win over London Irish
POINTS AWARDED: Premiership Rugby confirmed that that Northampton Saints have been awarded four points and London Irish two following the cancellation of their Premiership Rugby Round Five match.
Premiership
Spotlight on 'inconsistent' ref after Bok's tackle
REACTION: Sale Sharks number eight Daniel du Preez, along with officials, has come under scrutiny for a dangerous tackle made on Gloucester’s Chris Harris during Saturday’s Premiership clash.
South Africa
Springboks v B&I Lions: The new alternative?
SOCIAL BUZZ: With major doubt being cast over the viability of the British and Irish Lions to South Africa, an alternative suggestion has been gaining legs in Europe.
Top 14
Saint-Andre takes over at struggling club
COACH: Former France coach Philippe Saint-Andre on Sunday took over as head coach of Montpellier after the Top 14 club sacked Xavier Garbajosa.
Latest News
'New strain' claims European Challenge Cup matches
CANCELLATION: French rugby club Bayonne, affected by the new coronavirus variant that was recently detected in Britain, announced Sunday they would not play their two final pool games of the European Challenge Cup, against Leicester and Zebre on January 15 and 22.
Top 14
Six tries as 14-man Brive bears the brunt
TOP 14 WRAP Stade Francais notched up a bonus-point, six-try 51-21 demolition of 14-man Brive to move into fourth spot in the Top 14 on Sunday.
Second Phase
Team of the Week: Get those votes in!
READERS' VIEW: Round Six of the Currie Cup is done and dusted and now it's time for the readers to vote for their team of the week.
News
Ford stars as Leicester fight back to beat Bath
PREMIERSHIP REPORT: Leicester Tigers kicked off a new year with a 36-31 win over Bath at Mattioli Woods Welford Road on Sunday in Round Five of the Premiership season.
News
Cheetahs coach questions off-the-ball penalty decision
CURRIE CUP REACTION: Cheetahs head coach Hawies Fourie has questioned the penalty decision for an off-the-ball incident in the second half of their crucial clash against Western Province.
News
'It's like trench warfare'
CURRIE CUP REACTION: John Dobson believes the game of rugby has become more like "trench warfare", and he used his team's match against the Cheetahs as an example.
News
Steyn battled to hold back the tears
CURRIE CUP REACTION: Two-time World Cup winner Francois Steyn battled to hold back the tears after the Cheetahs' defeat to Western Province in Bloemfontein on Saturday.
France
La Rochelle deliver Top 14 rout
TOP 14, SATURDAY WRAP: Hooker Pierre Bourgarit scored a hat-trick of first-half tries as La Rochelle crushed rock-bottom Agen 43-13 on Saturday to bolster their French Top 14 title hopes.
France
Toulon coach is not a happy man
REACTION: Toulon coach Patrice Collazo admitted there was "zero positive" from his team's 18-31 defeat to Bordeaux in the French Top 14 on Saturday.
Pro14
Connacht shock Leinster
In a scintillating match with 4 tries apiece Connacht ran out the winners by 35-24. It was the Jack Carty show with two tries, three penalties and three conversions that made the difference.
News
Sale edge Gloucester with with late try
PREMIERSHIP SATURDAY WRAP: A late try from the returning Josh Beaumont helped Sale seal a 22-19 win over Gloucester at Kingsholm on Saturday.
Pro14
Ulster remain unbeaten with hard-fought win over Munster
PRO14 REPORT: Two first-half tries were enough for Ulster to seal a 15-10 derby triumph over Munster.
Pro14
Edinburgh edge Glasgow Warriors in Scottish derby
PRO14 REPORT: Edinburgh held on grimly to edge past Glasgow Warriors 10-7 at the death with a lone penalty kick from South African born flyhalf Jaco van der Walt being the difference.
Pro14
Bigi brace of tries sees off Benetton
PRO14 REPORT: A Luca Bigi brace helped Zebre begin 2021 in style as they saw off Italian rivals Benetton 24-15 in a hard-fought derby in Treviso.
South Africa
B&I Lions issue statement as SA tour hangs in the balance
REACTION: British and Irish Lions Managing Director Ben Calveley has opened up on the upcoming tour to South Africa.
News
Sharks thump Griquas to secure play-off place
CURRIE CUP REPORT: The Sharks thumped Griquas 47-19 in their Currie Cup Round Six match in Durban on Saturday.
News
WP crush Cheetahs' play-off hopes with late Swiel kick
CURRIE CUP REPORT: Á late penalty kick from Tim Swiel helped Western Province edge the Cheetahs 31-29 in Bloemfontein on Saturday.
News
RECAP: Cheetahs v Western Province
READERS' FORUM: Welcome to our coverage of the Currie Cup Round Six encounter between the Cheetahs and Western Province in Bloemfontein.
News
RECAP: Sharks v Griquas
READERS' FORUM: Welcome to our coverage of the Currie Cup Round Six encounter between the Sharks and Griquas in Durban.
News
Swanepoel stars as Lions edge Pumas
CURRIE CUP REPORT: The Lions recorded a valuable 33-25 win over the Pumas in their Currie Cup Round Six match in Nelspruit on Saturday.
News
RECAP: Pumas v Lions
READERS' FORUM: Welcome to our coverage of the Currie Cup Round Six encounter between the Pumas and Lions in Nelspruit.
South Africa
REPORT: B&I Lions tour to SA on verge of cancellation
NEWS: The British and Irish Lions tour to South Africa is in serious danger of not going ahead this year due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
News
Ospreys see off Cardiff Blues
PRO14 REPORT: Cardiff Blues’ first visit to the Cardiff City Stadium since April 2012 ended in defeat, as Ospreys emerged 17-3 victors after a hard-fought New Year’s Day battle in the Welsh capital.
News
Scarlets too good for Dragons
PRO14 REPORT: Second-half tries from Sione Kalamafoni and Sam Costelow inspired Scarlets to their sixth successive win over Welsh regions.
News
Bristol Bears bring Falcons back down to earth
PREMIERSHIP REPORT: Newcastle Falcons tasted Premiership defeat for their first time this season, falling to last year’s semifinalists Bristol Bears 17-29 at Ashton Gate on Friday.
News
Currie Cup, Round Six - Teams and Predictions
NEW YEAR'S RESOLUTION: Every point counts with five teams still in the running for semifinal places.
Top 14
Former sevens star 'struggled to adjust to new style'
TOP 14: Former New Zealand sevens international Ben Lam said he has found his feet at Bordeaux-Begles, aided by a growing taste for the signature French food speciality of foie gras.
News
Wiese opens up on why he turned down Saracens
NEW FOCUS: The final month of an unprecedented year has seen Cobus Wiese face the shock exit of Steve Diamond, Sale Shark’s director of rugby, suffer three successive defeats and experience snow for the first time in his life.
News
Triple Six Nations injury blow for Scotland
INJURIES: Scotland suffered a triple Six Nations injury blow on Thursday when Glasgow's Fraser Brown, George Horne and Alex Allan were all ruled out of the tournament.
News
Premiership, Round Five - Teams and Predictions
PREVIEW: The 2020/2021 season enters Round Five this weekend with only four matches.
News
Pro14, Round 10 - Teams and Predictions
PREVIEW: Springbok loose-forward Marcell Coetzee is expected back from injury to bolster Ulster in Saturday’s plum PRO14 derby against Munster at the Kingspan Stadium in Belfast.
News
Pumas make key changes for Lions clash
TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Pumas coach Jimmy Stonehouse made seven changes to his matchday squad for their Currie Cup fixture against the Lions in Nelspruit.
News
Lions bring in experienced prop for Pumas clash
TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: The Lions have revealed their team to face the Pumas in Nelspruit on Saturday.
News
Fassi gets Sharks' No.15 jersey
TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Sharks head coach Sean Everitt has once again had to implement changes to the team ahead of their clash against Griquas on Saturday.
England
Saracens want friendlies against SA's franchises
FRANCHISES: Top English club Saracens is hoping to organise matches against South Africa’s top four franchises that will be playing in the PRO14’s Rainbow Cup.
News
Griquas to unleash Coetzee against Sharks
TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Griquas head coach Scott Mathie has made one change to his side for their clash against the Sharks.
News
Cheetahs forced to change wing for WP clash
TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Cheetahs head coach Hawies Fourie has revealed his team to face Western Province in their crucial Currie Cup Round Six match in Bloemfontein on Saturday.
France
Pumas' All Blacks beater signs for French club
TRANSFER: Argentine back-rower Rodrigo Bruni, who played in the Pumas' stunning triumph over the All Blacks last month, on Wednesday signed a deal to play for French second-tier outfit Vannes.
News
New Year’s Day Premiership fixture cancelled
NEWS: Premiership Rugby confirmed that Harlequins' Premiership match against Worcester Warriors, scheduled for New Year's Day, has been called off.
France
Star out for up to eight weeks in Six Nations blow for France
NEWS: France received some bad news on Wednesday.
Second Phase
VIDEO: Ulster squad's reaction to Coetzee's Bulls move
REACTION: Flyhalf Ian Madigan revealed the Ulster squad's response when Marcell Coetzee announced that he was heading back to South Africa to play for the Bulls.
Scotland
Relief for fans after injury before Six Nations
INJURY: Rob Baxter has allayed fears that Stuart Hogg is a major Six Nations doubt for Scotland after Gregor Townsend’s Test level skipper limped out of last Saturday’s Premiership win by Exeter over Gloucester at Sandy Park.
News
Rainbow Cup: Tactical challenges await SA sides
NEW COMPETITION: The contrasting weather conditions to which the sides in the different hemispheres must adapt will provide interesting tactical challenges to coaches when the upcoming Rainbow Cup tournament kicks off in April.
News
Dobson tweaks WP team for crucial clash
TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Western Province head coach John Dobson has revealed his team to face the Cheetahs in Bloemfontein on Saturday.
News
Charge for kicking opponent dismissed by panel
HEARING: Ahsee Tuala of Northampton Saints appeared before an online independent disciplinary panel on Tuesday, following a citing in the match between Northampton Saints and Worcester Warriors on Saturday 26 December.
France
Top 14 game cancelled after Covid spike
CANCELLATION: The French Rugby top-flight game between Bayonne and Pau scheduled for Saturday has been cancelled after a series of positive Covid tests.
South Africa
B&I Lions' 'likely skipper' and bolters for SA tour
SPOTLIGHT: British and Irish Lions legend Ian McGeechan opens up on who he will pick for the B&I Lions tour to South Africa.
News
WP brace themselves for Bloem danger
CURRIE CUP SPOTLIGHT: Western Province hooker Bongi Mbonambi believes the Cheetahs will try and run his team ragged in their crucial Round Six encounter in Bloemfontein on Saturday.
Wales
Wales' Scarlets lock returns home after nine years
RETURN: Scarlets and Wales second row Jake Ball will be heading back to Australia at the end of the season.
News
Lockdown forces change to Currie Cup kick-off
LOCKDOWN: The adjusted lockdown regulations announced on Monday night have led to yet another change in this season’s Currie Cup fixtures.
News
Team of the Week: Cheetahs dominate the votes
READERS' VIEW: With all the votes in, players from the Cheetahs dominate the rugby365 readers' Team of the Week for Round Five.
Top 14
End of Top 14 season for former France centre
RETIREMENT: Former France centre Mathieu Bastareaud will miss the rest of the Top 14 season with a knee injury, the Lyon player announced on Monday.
Argentina
UAR takes action after captain's comments
DISCIPLINE: Pablo Matera must complete an educational course before he can play again for the Pumas or resume the Test captaincy, the Argentina Rugby Union (UAR) has announced.
News
Cheetahs send ominous warning to WP
CURRIE CUP SPOTLIGHT: The Cheetahs will be looking to build on their win against the Sharks when they face Western Province in a crucial Round Six encounter in Bloemfontein on Saturday.
France
Fractured jaw for France's star playmaker
NEWS: France's star playmaker faces a race against time after suffering a horror injury.
News
Lions could get key players back
INJURIES: The Lions have provided an injury update on some of their players.
News
Premiership reveal points decisions for cancelled matches
NEWS: Premiership Rugby have announced how points will be awarded for the Newcastle Falcons v Leicester Tigers and Bath v London Irish games which were cancelled over the weekend.
Latest News
No bonus point, but La Rochelle stays tops
TOP 14: La Rochelle beat Montpellier 22-9 on Sunday to maintain their Top 14 lead despite playing an hour with 14 men, but the two teams immediately below both picked up bonus points to gain ground.
News
Scoreboard pressure brought Sharks' downfall
INTERVIEW: The past weekend’s Currie Cup matches brought more realism for the Cheetahs’ play-off chances and kept Western Province on course after both secured home victories against the Sharks and Griquas respectively.
News
Jake White opens up on Bulls' 'phenomenal' signing
TRANSFER NEWS: Bulls Director of Rugby Jake White has opened up on his team's new signing.
South Africa
Boland's president Ivan Pekeur passes away
IN THE NEWS: Mr Mark Alexander, president of SA Rugby, has expressed his condolences to the family of the late Mr Ivan Pekeur, the Boland Rugby Union president, who passed away during the early hours on Sunday morning.
Second Phase
Team of the Week: It's time to vote!
READERS' VIEW: It is that time of the week again. You get to vote for your team of the week.
News
REVEALED: The source of Siya Kolisi's COVID-19 contact
NEWS: Western Province coach John Dobson was reluctant to give details, but the source of his captain's COVID-19 contact has been confirmed.
News
Madigan boots Ulster to Galway glory
PRO14 MATCH REPORT: Ulster staged a superb second-half fightback to beat Connacht 32-19 and claim their first win in Galway for more than five years.
News
Now for the 'massive' trip to Bloemfontein
REACTION: The competition logjam means the final fortnight of league action is going to make for an intriguing and brutal run into the Currie Cup play-offs.
News
All Black's boot help Wasps edge Springbok-laden Sharks
PREMIERSHIP MATCH REPORT: Tries from Charlie Atkinson and Tom Cruse, plus a perfect kicking display from All Black Lima Sopoaga secured victory for Wasps.
News
Cheetahs rout Sharks in Bloem blow-out
CURRIE CUP MATCH REPORT: The Cheetahs put their campaign back on track with an impressive bonus-point win over a decidedly unimpressive Sharks team in Bloemfontein on Sunday.
News
RECAP: Cheetahs v Sharks
READERS’ FORUM: Welcome to our coverage of the Currie Cup Round Five encounter between Cheetahs and Sharks in Bloemfontein.
Japan
VIDEO: Barrett rocks their sock off in Japan
WATCH as All Black great Beauden Barrett rocks the fans just moments after stepping into the Japanese club circuit for the first time.
News
COVID-19 fall-out: Kolisi to miss crucial trip to Bloem
REACTION: World Cup-winning Springbok captain Siyamthanda Kolisi will miss Western Province's crucial trip to Bloemfontein this week.
News
VIDEO: No training, no problem for Exeter
REACTION: Exeter's Director of Rugby Rob Baxter hailed his players' gritty 28-20 win against Gloucester after they were unable to train together for a fortnight.
News
Scarlets in memorable comeback win
PRO14 MATCH REPORT: Angus O'Brien's late try propelled Scarlets to a comeback Derby Day victory over Ospreys at a windswept Parc y Scarlets.
News
Blues manage last gasp win over Dragons
PRO14 MATCH REPORT: Cardiff Blues won a turgid Boxing Day derby against the Dragons, running out 13-12 victors at Rodney Parade.
News
Bears keep the pressure on Chiefs
PREMIERSHIP SATURDAY WRAP: Bristol Bears kept the pressure on leaders Exeter Chiefs as Round Four got underway.
News
Province maul hapless Griquas
CURRIE CUP MATCH REPORT: Western Province moved to second place on the standings, at least for the next 24 hours.
South Africa
The Bulls' BIG 'secret' revealed
NEWS: Ulster unveiled the plans for back row forward Marcell Coetzee to return home to South Africa and play for the Bulls.
News
RECAP: Western Province v Griquas
READERS’ FORUM: Welcome to our coverage of the Currie Cup Round Five encounter between Western Province and Griquas at Newlands.
South Africa
'It has been absolutely awful'
INTERVIEW: The current product being dished up to audiences isn't pleasant.
News
COVID-19 stops another Christmas derby
NEWS: The Pro14 have scrapped another Christmas derby due to the pandemic.
France
Toulon's 'at ease' All Blacks face festive Clermont feast
TOP 14 PREVIEW: Toulon coach Patrice Collazo said New Zealand centres Ma'a Nonu and Isaia Toeava are "at ease" with each other.
News
Bulls simply can't keep a secret
TRANSFER NEWS: The Bulls may just have let the cat out the bag with their latest teaser.
Six Nations
SA refs only two from outside Six Nations
REFEREES: South Africa’s two leading referees, Jaco Peyper and Marius van der Westhuizen, are the only two referees officials from the Southern Hemisphere appointed to officiate in the Six-Nations Championship that kicks off in February.
News
Sharks change it up for Cheetahs
TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Sharks coach Sean Everitt made four changes to his side take on the Cheetahs in Bloemfontein in a Currie Cup Round Five clash on Sunday.
News
Currie Cup, Round Five - teams and predictions
BOXING DAY BATTLE: Rugby on December 26. It has been a source of much banter in the last couple of months, but what is going to happen at Newlands on Saturday will be no joke.
Premiership
Premiership, Round Four - teams and predictions
BEARS CHALLENGE: After the lost matches at Kingston Park and The Recreation Ground, the weekend kicks off at Stoop Memorial Ground.
Pro14
Pro14, Round Nine - teams and predictions
DERBY WEEKEND: The expected humdinger and standout match in this weekend's Pro14 fixtures, between Munster and defending champions Leinster at Limerick on Saturday has been postponed.
Second Phase
The raw beauty of scrum power
WATCH as we bring you some of the game's biggest and fiercest scrums.
News
Griquas gets some muscle back
TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Griquas flank Gideon van der Merwe has recovered from injury and was named in a reshuffled starting XV.
England
Gloucester ropes in another new signing
TRANSFER: Gloucester has announced the signing of Seb Nagle-Taylor on a permanent contract with the Club for the 2021-22 season.
South Africa
SA Rugby mum on CEO saga
REACTION: The Executive Council of South African Rugby has declined to react to the reports of the arbitration involving Jurie Roux and his former employer, Stellenbosch University at this stage.
News
COVID-19 hits Irish headliner
BREAKING NEWS: Pro14's return to action was dealt a blow by a COVID-19 outbreak in the Leinster camp.
News
Sharks: 'Have boots, will play'
REACTION: The Sharks will field a team in Bloemfontein on Sunday, come what may!
News
Cheetahs get their 'Oupa' back
TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Cheetahs coach Hawies Fourie has been forced into making changes, yet again, for his team's Currie Cup Round Five encounter with the Sharks.
News
WP sends in the A-Team for Boxing Day battle
TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Western Province has been boosted by the return of a number of key players for their Currie Cup encounter with Griquas at Newlands on Boxing Day.
News
Four-week ban for Sharks' Bok
DISCIPLINARY UPDATE: The European Cup disciplinary committee has revealed the verdict on two hearings - both the result of Round Two matches.
News
COVID-19 forces another Premiership cancellation
NEWS: London Irish's Premiership match with Bath on Saturday has been cancelled.
News
It's the 'Rainbow Cup'
BREAKING NEWS: The name for the new, expanded, competition that South Africa's franchises will play in has been revealed.
New Zealand
Looking for another run in the All Blacks jersey
CONTRACT NEWS: Birthday boy David Havili has inked a new contract with the Crusaders which will keep him in New Zealand until the end of 2023.
New Zealand
Tony Brown's coaching priorities have changed
COACHING: When Steve Hansen’s contract as All Blacks head coach came to an end following the 2019 Rugby World Cup in Japan, New Zealand Rugby reached out to 26 candidates they considered viable options who could have a role to play in the post-Hansen era.
News
Celtic nations give their verdict on South African invasion
REACTION: Ciarán Kennedy chatted to six experts from the Celtic Nations to get their view on South Africa's participation in the Pro16.
France
Close shave as Brive fights back from big deficit
TOP 14: Brive clawed themselves back from a 15-point half-time deficit to win 25-24 at Castres on Tuesday in a Top 14 match postponed from the weekend of October 10 by a coronavirus outbreak.
New Zealand
'Loyal' Robertson could well change course
COACHING: When Scott Robertson called time on his playing career in New Zealand, the maverick loose forward headed offshore in search of new challenges. Now, as one of the most respected coaches in world rugby, Robertson could be set to do the same at the end of 2021.
News
Fixture fix: No 'conspiracy' here
REACTION: Bulls CEO Edgar Rathbone moved swiftly to dispel the suggestion that his franchise is being favoured in the Currie Cup fixture rescheduling. Jan de Koning reports.
Australia
Aussies appoint South African as their new CEO
BREAKING NEWS: Experienced administrator and former player Andy Marinos has been appointed as Rugby Australia's new chief executive officer.
Argentina
Puma star signs for Racing 92
TRANSFER NEWS: Argentina back Emiliano Boffelli has signed for Racing 92 and will join in January, subject to a medical.
France
All Black World Cup winner to retire
NEWS: All Black forward Jerome Kaino, a double World Cup winner who plays for Toulouse, told French radio on Tuesday that he planned to retire at the end of the season.
News
COVID-19 outbreak hits Premiership
BREAKING NEWS: Leicester's English Premiership match at Newcastle on December 26 has been cancelled because of a COVID-19 outbreak in the Tigers squad.
Second Phase
Team of the Week: Votes are in
READERS' VIEW: The Lions, the form team of the Currie Cup, got an overwhelming vote of confidence from the @rugby365com readers.
England
Pumas in Premiership demand
TRANSFERS: Newcastle Falcons has completed the signing of Argentina flanker Santiago Grondona and Argentina 7s wing Mateo Carreras.
England
England's shocking concussion figures
SPOTLIGHT: One in five professional players in England suffered concussion during the 2018-19 season.
Second Phase
Genius passes and offloads
WATCH as we bring you some of the best genius passes and offloads in the game.
South Africa
Three-times Bok manager passes away
IN THE NEWS: Mr Arthob Petersen, who held the post of Springbok manager on three separate occasions and was a powerhouse on the Boland rugby scene, has been fondly remembered following his untimely death from the effects of the COVID-19 virus.
News
Nigel Owens about demons and saving a life
IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Nigel Owens speaks about the highs and lows of his career - including coming out and saving a young boy's life!
News
Composure key for 'sudden death' Cheetahs
SPOTLIGHT: Cheetahs coach Hawies Fourie used the word 'composure' to describe this past weekend's drought-breaking Currie Cup win over the Pumas.
England
How Sarries plan to keep their players fit
CLUB NEWS: Saracens’ season in the Greene King IPA Championship will not begin until March 6 but the club is looking to set up a separate competition to keep players fit in the lead-up to their shortened season.
France
Tough replacement for Bok legend
IN THE NEWS: Montpellier Hérault looks set to wield their considerable financial clout in the transfer markets with reports that they are to fill a Bismarck du Plessis void in the team with a like for like replacement.
England
League players join Union counterparts in concussion law suit
NEWS: Ten former Rugby League players will reportedly take action against the sport's England authorities over concussion-related health issues.
News
Practice makes the Lions 'perfect'
INSIGHT: It was that 'moment of magic' so many coaches talk about. The one incident that wins a game.
England
Bristol adds power to cover for Six Nations
IN THE NEWS: Formidable Argentina international, Nahuel Tetaz Chaparro, is set to join Bristol Bears on a short-term deal in January 2021.
News
Backline boost for WP
INJURY UPDATE: Western Province, desperate to stray in the Currie Cup play-off race, received a timely boost on Monday. Jan de Koning reports.
England
Looking to grow Premiership Rugby
IN THE NEWS: Former England captain Nigel Melville has been announced as the new Chairman of the Premiership Rugby Investor Board which represents the clubs at Premiership Rugby.
TRANSFER NEWS: Bath have dipped into the Scottish market to replenish its playing stocks.
New Zealand
Serial code-hopper's biggest regret
SPOTLIGHT: Serial code-hopper Sonny Bill Williams has reflected on being the first All Black to be red-carded in 50 years during the British and Irish Lions tour in 2017.
News
Reds 'turning' Japanese
NEWS: The Reds will play a pre-season match in Japan next December after forming an alliance with Japanese Top League powerhouse Wild Knights.
News
Bulls' matches moved
BREAKING NEWS: The kick-off dates of two Currie Cup matches have been moved to combat the threat of COVID-19 infection.
Argentina
Pumas racism: 'I was an immature boy'
REACTION: Argentina captain Pablo Matera said he was just "an immature boy" when he posted tweets deemed to be racist and which saw him briefly suspended from the Pumas team earlier this month.
Second Phase
Team of the Week: Vote Now!
READERS' VIEW: It is that time of the week again. You get to vote for your team of the week.
News
Currie Cup still a good testing ground
REACTION: For more than a century the Currie Cup has been a testing ground for South African talent and a great source of entertainment.
News
Bears get back on track
EUROPEAN CUP MATCH REPORT: Bristol Bears secured all five points to get their Champions Cup campaign back on track with a 27-18 win over Connacht.
News
Edinburgh's Saffas celebrate, as Sharks Saffas muse over loss
REACTION: It was a game that gave a group of South Africans bragging rights over another bunch of Saffas.
News
Racing masterclass leaves Quins in tatters
EUROPEAN CUP MATCH REPORT: Racing 92 ran in seven tries as they proved much too good for Harlequins at Twickenham Stoop on Sunday.
News
RECAP: Harlequins v Racing 92
READERS’ FORUM: Welcome to our coverage of the European Cup Round Two encounter between Harlequins and Racing 92 at Twickenham Stoop.
News
Lions veterans not just 'talking' a big game
REACTION: Since the start of the Currie Cup half of the revamped domestic season, the Lions have beaten all-comers.
Second Phase
VIDEOS: Weekend highlights
WATCH as we bring you the highlights from the main matches at the weekend-Currie Cup Round Four and European Cup Round Two.
News
CJ Stander the 'smiling assassin'
REACTION: Johann Van Graan’s Munster men became only the second side to earn a Champions Cup triumph at Stade Marcel Michelin.
News
Late North try sinks Worcester
CHALLENGE CUP SATURDAY WRAP: George North produced a dramatic late score as Ospreys beat Worcester Warriors in Round Two in an enthralling eight-try game at the Sixways Stadium.
European Cup
Edinburgh edge out Sale Sharks for crucial away win
EUROPEAN CUP MATCH REPORT: Sale sharks threw away a 12-0 lead at the break through rank indiscipline to allow Edinburgh to sneak it 16-15 at the end.
News
Cordero hat-trick helps Bordeaux rout Dragons
EUROPEAN CUP MATCH REPORT: A hat-trick of tries from wing Santiago Cordero was the catalyst for Bordeaux Begles as they demolished Dragons 47-8 at the Stade Chaban-Delmas.
News
Toulon considers appeal after 'harrowing' decision
COVID-19 REACTION: Toulon are considering appealing the decision to award the Scarlets a 28-0 European Champions Cup victory.
European Cup
Munster pull off comeback of the year against Clermont
EUROPEAN CUP MATCH REPORT: Munster pulled out all the stops in the second half to come back from a 28-9 deficit at one stage to win the match in thrilling style 39-31
News
Lions move into second with comprehensive win
CURRIE CUP MATCH REPORT: The Lions made a massive statement with a comprehensive 27-12 win over the Sharks in a Round Four encounter at Ellis Park on Saturday.
News
Barton try secures Gloucester dramatic late winner
EUROPEAN CUP MATCH REPORT: An 85th minute try from George Barton gave Gloucester a dramatic 38-34 win over Ulster in a classic Champions Cup encounter at Kingsholm Stadium.
News
RECAP: Lions v Sharks
READERS’ FORUM: Welcome to our coverage of the Currie Cup Round Four encounter between the Lions and Sharks at Ellis Park.
News
Toulon sends points to Scarlets
NEWS: Toulon has informed European officials that the club will not be fulfilling their Champions Cup, Round Two fixture against Scarlets.
News
Leinster just too strong for struggling Saints
EUROPEAN CHAMPIONS CUP MATCH REPORT: Leinster proved far too strong for bottom dwellers Northampton Saints cruising to a 35-19 win at the RDS Arena.
News
RECAP: Gloucester v Ulster
READERS’ FORUM: Welcome to our coverage of the European Cup Round Two encounter between Gloucester and Ulster at Kingsholm.
New Zealand
How All Blacks plan to beat Boks
SPOTLIGHT: When the All Blacks next take on the Springboks, the game won’t really start on a Saturday.
News
VIDEO: The COVID-19 uncertainties facing the Bulls
REACTION: The Bulls - coaches, staff and players alike - will have a few sleepless nights after the COVID-19 outbreak in the camp. Jan de Koning reports.
News
Zebre's dramatic upset of Brive
CHALLENGE CUP WRAP: Carlo Canna kicked a penalty with a minute left on the clock to hand Zebre victory in a tense encounter against Brive on Friday.
Australia
US raids on Aussie franchises picking up
NEWS: Super Rugby veteran Angus Cottrell has become the latest Australian-based player to sign with United States franchise LA Giltinis.
South Africa
REVEALED: WPRFU's new benefactor
SPOTLIGHT: The ever-evolving Western Province Rugby Football Union financial saga is about to get another new and intriguing chapter. Jan de Koning reports.
News
Wasps sting 14-man Montpellier
EUROPEAN CUP REPORT: Alfie Barbeary bagged two tries and Star of the Match award as Wasps cruised to a 33-14 win over 14-man Montpellier in Coventry on Friday.
News
Cheetahs break their drought to get back in the race
CURRIE CUP MATCH REPORT: The Cheetahs won their first match in the second half of the season, when they beat a willing Pumas team 35-31 in Nelspruit on Friday.
News
Toulon withdraws over lack of 'sanitary conditions'
NEWS: Toulon has pulled out of their European Champions Cup match against Scarlets, scheduled for Friday.
England
Calls for 'tackle ban'
REACTION: Academics at British universities has called dramatic for government intervention in the escalating head injury saga.
News
RECAP: Pumas v Cheetahs
READERS’ FORUM: Welcome to our coverage of the Currie Cup Round Four encounter between the Pumas and Cheetahs in Nelspruit.
News
Was Cipriani ever good enough?
Former England player Austin Healey has launched a withering attack on Danny Cipriani just days after the maverick flyhalff surprisingly quit Gloucester with immediate effect just 19 months after he was voted the Premiership players’ player of the year.
Premiership
Experience the clincher in Gloucester's latest deal
SIGNING: Gloucester has confirmed that England international hooker Jack Singleton has penned a permanent deal to remain at Kingsholm.
Second Phase
CONCUSSION: What happens inside the head
WATCH as a group of doctors explain what happens inside the brain of a player when he/she gets concussed.
New Zealand
Concussion a 'risk we accept'
BREAKING NEWS: All Blacks captain Sam Cane admitted he's concerned about his future health after a series of concussions, as World Rugby faces a lawsuit from ex-players with dementia and other problems.
News
European Cup, Round Two - teams and predictions
COVID-19 CHAOS: The Champions Cup has been thrown into chaos.
England
Response from the top on head injuries
REACTION: World Rugby chairman Bill Beaumont said he was "saddened" by the plight of former players suffering from concussion-related health problems after six more ex-professionals joined a lawsuit against the sport's authorities.
News
Wales hold their breath before Six Nations
NEWS: Wales captain Alun Wyn Jones faces a race against time to be fit for the Six Nations, with Ospreys head coach Toby Booth predicting on Thursday that he could be out for at least 10 weeks.
News
Not just gloom for Brumbies after difficult year
AGM: The Brumbies announced an A$468,484 (R5,2 million) loss after a difficult year for sporting franchises across the globe at their Annual General Meeting on Thursday evening.
News
Currie Cup, Round Four - teams and predictions
LEVEL PLAYING FIELD: The playing field has been levelled, almost, as South Africa's premier domestic moves closer to the home stretch.
France
Pumas wing signs on for more with Bordeaux-Begles
NEWS: Argentina wing Santiago Cordero has signed a two-year contract extension with Bordeaux-Begles, the French side said on Thursday.
England
Class-action lawsuit: Concussion saga escalating
REACTION: World Rugby, the Rugby Football Union and the Welsh Rugby Union have issued a joint statement in response to a class-action lawsuit over the escalating concussion saga.
South Africa
Bulls showed the way
REACTION: Sport Employees Unite (SEU), the representative trade union of non-playing staff in rugby, welcomed the announcement by the Western Province Professional Rugby Board to make changes to its governance and leadership in the company.
England
Class-action lawsuit: World Rugby's 24 failures
UPDATE: Retired England and Wales rugby union internationals are among six former players suffering from concussion-related health problems to have joined a lawsuit against the game.
News
Lions like their winning recipe
TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Consistency is key for Lions coach Ivan van Rooyen.
News
Powell's planning problems after tournaments moved
REACTION: The importance of player welfare remains a priority, which is why Springbok Sevens coach Neil Powell has endorsed the decision by World Rugby to move the World Rugby Sevens Series tournaments in Singapore and Hong Kong next year, despite the fact that it will leave teams short on match time before the Olympic Games in Tokyo in July.
New Zealand
Captain Cane reaps the rewards
All Blacks captain Sam Cane has received the top honour at the 2020 Rugby Awards, claiming the Kelvin R Tremain Memorial award for overall Player of the Year after also picking up the All Black of the Year title.
News
COVID-19: Sevens take a hit
NEWS: Hong Kong's famous rugby sevens tournament was postponed from next April to November on Thursday over continuing COVID-19 uncertainty after it was scrapped altogether this year.
News
No revenge for Toulouse's Wallaby lock
REACTION: Toulouse's Australian lock Rory Arnold admitted he was feeling "underdone" after this Sunday's eagerly awaited European Champions Cup semi-final rerun against Exeter Chiefs was cancelled due to a Covid-19 outbreak at the English club.
News
Sharks lose their Tank ahead of Lions showdown
TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Sharks coach Sean Everitt has made a few changes to his side for their Currie Cup Round Four encounter with the Lions.
South Africa
Newlands split: Where will the money come from?
INTERVIEW: Jan de Koning asked probing questions about Western Province's future income streams. Watch as Ebrahim Rasool
answers.
News
COVID-19 claims another game
BREAKING NEWS: The COVID-19 pandemic has claimed another game in South Africa.
News
COVID-19 wreaks havoc in Europe
BREAKING NEWS: Two matches in Round Two of the Champions Cup have been cancelled as a result of a COVID-19 outbreak.
News
Another slap on the wrist for testicles grabber
DISCIPLINARY UPDATE: Testicle-grabbing Stade Francais flank Charlie Rorke has been given a proverbial slap on the wrist - a two-week ban.
News
Stonehouse 'rotates' the Pumas
TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Pumas coach Jimmy Stonehouse made a handful of changes to his team, ahead of the Currie Cup Round Four encounter with the Cheetahs.
News
New flyhalf as Cheetahs change it up
TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Cheetahs coach Hawies Fourie has made a host of changes to his team ahead of their Currie Cup Round Four encounter with the Pumas in Nelspruit on Friday.
Latest News
Cherry & Whites contract from Europe
TRANSFER: Gloucester's latest signing comes after impressive performances in the recent Autumn Nations Cup.
News
Jake confirms Duane's down time
INTERVIEW: It may be crunch time as the run-in to the Currie Cup play-offs approaches, but the Bulls' coach Jake White is sticking to his guns.
England
Former RFU medical officer slams 'disingenuous' CEO
REACTION: The Rugby Football Union Chief Executive Bill Sweeney stands accused of being 'disingenuous'.
Japan
Fame became too much, so he retired
NEWS: Japanese rugby star Ayumu Goromaru announced his retirement on Wednesday.
Second Phase
You have to give him the two points ... just for that
WATCH as New Zealander utility back Baden Kerr from Counties Manukau makes the most incredible kick ever.
News
Frustrated Jimmy still has lofty goals
INTERVIEW: Every Currie Cup side has its own goals, and with their play-off chances gone the Pumas have changed their focus.
South Africa
REVEALED: Cheetahs' way back into Europe
SPOTLIGHT: The Cheetahs are set to enter a new 'international' competition next year that will give them a pathway back into Europe.
News
Jake: All that matters is who lifts the trophy
REACTION: A pragmatic Jake White remains upbeat about the Bulls' Currie Cup chances despite their loss to the Sharks this past weekend.
News
Etzebeth taking no prisoners
WATCH as World Cup-winning Springbok Eben Etzebeth gets into it with one of his teammates in a warm-up.
England
England's Jones cleared for dual coaching role
NEWS: The Rugby Football Union has cleared England coach Eddie Jones to continue in his role as consultant for Japan's Sungoliath club.
Second Phase
Team of the Week: Readers' votes are in
OPINION: The votes are in. You, the readers, have spoken and here is your Team of the Week - after the third week of Currie Cup action.
News
Aussie rookie cited for testicle grab
DISCIPLINARY UPDATE: Stade Francais back row forward Charlie Rorke has been cited by Challenge Cup organisers.
News
Gloucester drops Cipriani bomb
BREAKING NEWS: Danny Cipriani has left English Premiership club Gloucester after falling out of favour this season.
News
Sharks want to push on from Bulls win
SPOTLIGHT: Expect a tough battle when the Sharks travel to Ellis Park this weekend for their Currie Cup match against the Lions.
France
Will this be the undoing of the All Blacks?
OPINION: Tom Vinicombe looks at how history is repeating itself and what impact it could have on New Zealand's prospects at the 2023 World Cup.
News
It isn't a new Cheetahs problem
SPOTLIGHT: Coach Hawies Fourie’s concern remains that his team’s most pressing problem has not been rectified.
South Africa
VIDEO: The big 'split' at Newlands
BREAKING NEWS: The first, critical, steps in securing the financial sustainability of the game in the Western Cape was taken at the weekend. Jan de Koning reports.
Australia
Hooper wins third John Eales Medal
NEWS: Wallaby captain Michael Hooper won his third John Eales Medal, narrowly pipping last year's winner Marika Koroibete for the top honour.
England
Japan ready for Jones 'reunion'
REACTION: Japan rugby coach Jamie Joseph is relishing a 2023 World Cup reunion with 'Miracle of Brighton' architect Eddie Jones.
Ireland
RWC2023: Euro coaches and Pro16 factors
WATCH as Springbok coach Jacques Nienaber talks about the World Cup draw, announced on Monday. Jan de Koning reports.
France
All Blacks up for 'special' French team in 2023
REACTION: New Zealand coach Ian Foster said facing hosts France in a mouthwatering 2023 World Cup pool game will be "special".
News
Gloucester's Puma-excitement
TRANSFER NEWS: Gloucester is delighted to confirm the availability of Argentine international Santiago Carreras until the end of the 2020-21 season.
Ireland
Boks 'excited' about massive challenge
REACTION: South Africa will have a massive challenge when they defend their title at the 2023 World Cup.
News
REVEALED: Boks get Six Nations pool
BREAKING NEWS: Defending champions South Africa will have two Six Nations teams in their pool at the 2023 World Cup.
Second Phase
Readers' choice: Team of the Week
VOTE NOW: Round Three of the Currie Cup produced some interesting results, which will make for some interesting selections in the Team of the Week.
South Africa
Details of Bok's doping ban revealed
CONFIRMED: The South African Institute for Drug-Free Sport released details of disgraced Springbok wing Aphiwe Dyantyi's doping ban.
News
Trans-Tasman's Super draw revealed
NEWS: All of Australia and New Zealand's Super Rugby outfits will play in one location over one weekend as part of next year's Trans-Tasman competition.
News
World Cup 2023 draw: Follow it LIVE!
READERS' FORUM: Follow live and debate the draw for the 2023 World Cup in France!
News
The keys to Sharks' revival
REACTION: Sharks coach Sean Everitt believes his team is beginning to hit the right notes, as the Currie Cup heads towards the home stretch.
News
Munster sees off Harlequins in game of cards
EUROPEAN CUP REPORT: Munster scored two second-half tries to secure a 21-7 Champions Cup win over Harlequins.
News
Racing dispatch Connacht for bonus-point win
EUROPEAN CUP REPORT: Racing 92 were made to battle all the way against Connacht in a 26-22 Champions Cup win in Paris on Sunday.
News
Chiefs whitewash hapless Warriors in opening rout
EUROPEAN CUP MATCH REPORT: Defending champions Exeter Chiefs got off to the perfect start in the Champions Cup.
News
Lions 'geriatrics' like a good red wine
REACTION: There was a zip in the Lions team that hasn't been seen for some time, especially on the attack. Jan de Koning reports!
News
RECAP: Munster v Harlequins
READERS’ FORUM: Welcome to our coverage of the European Cup Round One match between Munster and Harlequins at Thomond Park.
News
Lyon rout hapless Gloucester
EUROPEAN CUP MATCH REPORT: Lyon laid down a Champions Cup marker on Sunday as they ran in eight tries in a 55-10 win over Gloucester.
News
RECAP: Exeter Chiefs v Glasgow Warriors
READERS’ FORUM: Welcome to our coverage of the European Cup Round One match between Exeter Chiefs and Glasgow Warriors at Sandy Park.
News
Last minute shock for Wasps as Dragons players test positive for COVID-19
Wasps head coach Lee Blackett not impressed with European rugby bosses with being kept in the dark until the last minute about Dragons players testing for COVID-19
News
VIDEO: Duane Vermeulen's classic chirp after yellow cards
WATCH as veteran World Cup-winning Springbok Duane Vermeulen comes up with a classic chirp in the wake of two contentious yellow cards.
South Africa
Bok gets four-year ban for doping
REPORT: Troubled Springbok Aphiwe Dyantyi has been informed of his punishment for doping according to South African media.
News
VIDEO: Springbok's Euro injury a concern
POST-MATCH: Toulon's World Cup-winning Springbok lock Eben Etzebeth suffered a worrying head injury in Toulon's impressive 26-14 win over Sale Sharks.
News
Last-gasp Pau defeat Worcester
CHALLENGE CUP WRAP: An 80th minute try from Antonie Erbani secured a 24-20 victory for Pau against Worcester Warriors in the opening round on Saturday.
News
La Rochelle grind out away win
EUROPEAN CUP MATCH REPORT: La Rochelle kicked off their Champions Cup campaign with a gritty 13-8 win over Edinburgh at Murrayfield.
News
Late brace of tries see Wasps through
EUROPEAN CHAMPIONS CUP MATCH REPORT: Late tries from forwards Jack Willis and Thomas Young punctuated a 24-8 victory for Wasps against Dragons.
News
CVC's Six Nations deal done by 'end of January'
NEWS: French Rugby Federation President and World Rugby vice-chairman Bernard Laporte said he expects the investment in the Six Nations by a private equity firm to be concluded by next month.
News
Five-try Leinster makes statement against Montpellier
EUROPEAN CHAMPIONS CUP REPORT: Leinster's quest for a fifth European star got off to the perfect start on Saturday.
News
Scarlets edge Bath in Rec thriller
EUROPEAN CHAMPIONS CUP REPORT: Scarlets won a breathtaking encounter against Bath 23-19 in the opening round at The Rec on Saturday.
News
Toulon canter to a victory over Sharks at home
Toulon took an easy win over the embattled Sale Sharks who lost their director of rugby Steve Diamond at the beginning of the week.
News
Bears get mauled at home by stunning Clermont attack
Clermont came to Ashton Gate Stadium, the home of the Bristol Bears and put on an attacking masterclass outscoring the home side 7 tries to 5 to win the match 51-38
News
Lions dispatch Cheetahs in emphatic fashion
CURRIE CUP MATCH REPORT: The Lions scored a bonus-point win over the Cheetahs on Saturday, to put them back in the race for a top-two finish.
News
RECAP: Toulon v Sale Sharks
READERS’ FORUM: Welcome to our coverage of the European Cup Round One match between Toulon and the Sale Sharks at Stade Felix-Mayol.
News
Sharks close in on the Bulls
CURRIE CUP MATCH REPORT: The Sharks closed the gaps on the table-topping Bulls with an impressive win in a hot and humid Durban on Saturday.
News
RECAP: Cheetahs v Lions
READERS’ FORUM: Welcome to our coverage of the Currie Cup Round Three encounter between the Cheetahs and the Lions in Bloemfontein.
News
Tigers leave it late
CHALLENGE CUP WRAP: Three tries in the final 20 minutes helped Leicester to a bonus-point win over Brive in their opening match of the campaign.
News
RECAP: Sharks v Bulls
READERS’ FORUM: Welcome to our coverage of the Currie Cup Round Three encounter between the Sharks and the Bulls at Kings Park.
News
On the Hunt for a new job'; looking at League
NEWS: Discarded Wallaby Karmichael Hunt is eyeing up a potential return to the NRL.
News
McFarland bemoans 'soft-touch' Ulster
REACTION: Ulster coach Dan McFarland bemoaned his side’s wasted opportunities and the conceding of “soft tries” after they opened their Champions Cup campaign with a 29-22 home defeat to Toulouse.
News
Kolbe: 'I surprise myself'
VIDEO: South Africa's World Cup winner Cheslin Kolbe said he was stunned by his own ability.
South Africa
WPRFU saga: Marais explains the way forward
REACTION: Western Province Rugby Football Union President Zelt Marais is looking for 'trustworthy' partners that "respect confidentiality". Jan de Koning reports!
News
Kolbe double ends Ulster's Kingspan run
EUROPEAN CUP REPORT: South Africa's World Cup-winning superstar Cheslin Kolbe scored twice as Toulouse started their campaign with a 29-22 victory at Ulster on Friday.
News
Cordero strikes late for crucial away win
EUROPEAN CUP REPORT: A remarkable 74th minute try from Argentine wing Santiago Cordero gave Bordeaux-Begles a pivotal away success in the opening Champions Cup match of the season.
News
WP rally late for bonus-point win
CURRIE CUP MATCH REPORT: Western Province put their campaign back on track with a bonus-point win over the Pumas at Newlands on Friday.
News
RECAP: Western Province v Pumas
READERS’ FORUM: Welcome to our coverage of the Currie Cup Round Three encounter between Western Province and the Pumas at Newlands.
News
Referee Owens retires on 100
NEWS: Nigel Owens, world rugby's most capped referee, has brought his 17-year international career to an end.
News
Weather forces change in Durban kick-off time
NEWS: The top-of-the-table Currie Cup showdown between the Sharks and Bulls have a new kick-off time.
South Africa
Jail time for former Bulls boss
NEWS: One of the darkest periods in the Bulls' storied history came to a head on Friday.
South Africa
Will Proudfoot be the 'spy' in the B&I Lions camp?
SPOTLIGHT: World Cup winner Schalk Brits believes Matt Proudfoot’s inside information on the Springboks could have a massive influence on the three-Test series.
France
Game faces 'dementia epidemic'
SPOTLIGHT: Without serious change in the game, rugby will suffer a dementia "epidemic" among former professional players, says the lawyer representing players who have suffered.
New Zealand
All Blacks' fixture wish list revealed
NEWS: The All Blacks are likely to play Australia and Italy three times next year if NZ Rugby's fixture wish list comes off.
News
Tupou Australia's best ... again
AWARDS: Queensland prop Taniela Tupou has won his second Australian Super Rugby player of the year award, continuing the Reds' recent dominance of the award.
South Africa
Special Bok jersey for B&I Lions
WATCH as we bring you the new Springbok jersey that will be worn against the British and Irish Lions in 2021.
News
European Cup, Round One - teams and predictions
A TASTE OF THINGS TO COME: There will be no shortage of South African interest when the Champions Cup gets underway this weekend.
News
Currie Cup, Round Three - teams and predictions
CRUNCH TIME: There may still be five rounds, including this week, remaining. However, this could be season-defining for some teams.
Wales
Wales captain sidelined 'for weeks'
INJURY UPDATE: Wales captain Alun Wyn Jones faces an absence of "weeks not days" after being injured on international duty in the year-end Nations Cup.
Scotland
Scotland extend Townsend deal
CONTRACT NEWS: cotland head coach Gregor Townsend has signed a two-year contract extension that will take him up to the 2023 World Cup.
South Africa
WPRFU: And the hits keep coming
BREAKING NEWS: Just hours after the announcement that Flyt is going to claim damages, the WPRFU has been told that their American partners are walking away. Jan de Koning reports!
Argentina
Players' union calls for urgent action
HEAD INJURY SPOTLIGHT: Rugby Players' Association chief Damian Hopley says training methods need to be addressed "very quickly".
News
Lions change it up for Cheetahs
TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: The Lions made three changes to their starting line-up for the Currie Cup match against the Cheetahs in Bloemfontein on Saturday.
News
Bulls add some beef after ban
TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Bulls coach Jake White has brought back some serious beef ahead of his team's top-of-the-table Currie Cup encounter with the Sharks.
News
Sharks get their skipper back for Bulls
TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: The Sharks received a timely boost ahead of their Currie Cup Round Three encounter with the Bulls at Kings Park on Saturday.
News
Changed Cheetahs adding beef to their bench
TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Cheetahs coach Hawies Fourie was forced to change his team ahead of their Currie Cup Round Three outing against the Lions in Bloemfontein on Saturday.
South Africa
Flyt bomb drops on Newlands saga
BREAKING NEWS: The Flyt marriage with the Western Province Rugby Football Union is officially on the rocks.
Second Phase
Controversial Tries that will frustrate you
WATCH: There have been some highly controversial tries scored over the years and we thought we'd relive some of them.
News
Province faces Euro raid on their resources
CURRIE CUP SPOTLIGHT: As that old adage goes: 'Where there's smoke, there's fire.'
News
Sharks to show Bulls just how tough it is in the Tank
SPOTLIGHT: The Sharks are determined to enhance their growing reputation as an impenetrable force in Durban.
France
Pau sack two coaches
NEWS: Pau coaches Nicolas Godignon and Frederic Manca paid the price for six successive defeats when they were sacked on Wednesday, the French Top 14 club announced.
News
Bristol throw their toys over Radradra treatment
REACTION: English Premiership club Bristol is to make a formal complaint to World Rugby over Fiji's injury management of their star player Semi Radradra.
News
Stringer: Why South Africa's 'big four' is a must for Pro16
SPOTLIGHT: Former Ireland and Munster scrumhalf Peter Stringer says there is “no doubt” the Pro14 needs to expand to include the South African Super Rugby franchises.
Currie Cup
Stonehouse surprises with teenager
TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Tiaan Botes, who celebrated his 19th birthday on Monday, will have the task of guiding the Pumas backs against Western Province at Newlands on Friday.
News
Kaplan shoots from the hip
Retired veteran referee Jonathan Kaplan analyses the weekend’s Currie Cup calls, controversies and more.
Second Phase
The Alternative Team of the Decade
OPINION: Josh Raisey takes a stab at naming his alternative team of the decade!
Japan
End of the road for Japan 'cult' hero
NEWS: Japan rugby star Ayumu Goromaru who enjoyed cult status after leading his country to a historic World Cup win over South Africa, will retire at the end of the 2021 domestic season.
News
Bok gets four-week ban for elbow strike
DISCIPLINARY UPDATE: Harlequins have suffered a massive blow ahead of their European Cup Round One encounter with Munster in Limerick on Sunday.
England
B&I Lions XV based on Nations Cup form
OPINION: Josh Raisey names his British and Irish Lions form XV, based on the year-end Nations Cup performances.
News
Waratahs, Reds back to grassroots
NEWS: The Waratahs and Reds will go head to head in Narrabri, northern New South Wales, in a pre-season face-off in February.
News
Province changes seven for Pumas
TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: There are seven changes to the Western Province team for the Currie Cup encounter with the Pumas at Newlands on Friday.
South Africa
'Siya Kolisi is going nowhere'
REACTION: The Western Province Rugby Football Union is willing to fight tooth and nail to retain their most prized asset. Jan de Koning reports.
News
Sharks getting some extra bite back
INJURY UPDATE: The Sharks have returned from their bye a fitter and healthier squad.
England
World Rugby faces 'class action' lawsuit over concussion
NEWS: England World Cup winner Steve Thompson is among a group of former internationals planning legal action against authorities over brain injuries.
England
BaaBaas bad boys banned
DISCIPLINARY NEWS: Former England captain Chris Robshaw was among 13 Barbarians players suspended on Tuesday after breaching coronavirus protocols.
News
Province lower concussion fears
INJURY UPDATE: Winless Western Province went from five concussions to just one.
News
Bok-laden Sharks lose their Diamond
NEWS: Sale Sharks revealed that Steve Diamond has left the club with immediate effect due to personal reasons.
News
Lions value impact of the 'boot and bench'
REACTION: The Springboks had their 'bomb squad'. The Lions have a booming boot to go with their bench.
Second Phase
Etzebeth throws opponent like a ragdoll
WATCH: World Cup-winner Eben Etzebeth made a 100kg opponent look like a ragdoll while turning out for his French-based club Toulon.
Australia
England to get Twickenham shot at Boks
BREAKING NEWS: England will finally get their chance for revenge against South Africa!
Second Phase
Team of the Week: Readers are rather Bullish
OPINION: The @rugby365com readers wanted to have a vote and got their wish. They were rather Bullish when selecting their Currie Cup Round Two Team of the Week.
New Zealand
Foster on the 'haters' and that steep learning curve
SPOTLIGHT: All Black coach Ian Foster speaks out about his first season in charge, the challenges and the haters.
Second Phase
VIDEO: World Rugby awards!
WATCH as we bring you the World Rugby 2020 awards - including the Team of the Decade!
Australia
All Blacks and Boks dominate Team of the Decade
SPOTLIGHT: New Zealand and South Africa dominated the awards at World Rugby's virtual prize giving on Monday.
News
De Allende and Esterhuizen Euro 'reunion' in doubt
CHAMPIONS CUP SPOTLIGHT: The fascinating prospect of two Springbok giants going head-to-head in the opening round of Europe's Champions Cup is in doubt.
News
Lure of the pound hooks Bulls Bok
TRANSFER NEWS: The exodus of Springbok players to Europe is not showing any signs of slowing down.
Argentina
SANZAAR 'planning' another bio-bubble championship
REACTION: SANZAAR says a centralised Rugby Championship is a possibility following the success of the Tri-Nations hosted by Australia and won by New Zealand.
News
Force loading up on Puma power
TRANSFER NEWS: The Western Force has added more World Cup and Tri-Nations experience to the squad for 2021.
England
Answers to five key questions
NATIONS CUP SPOTLIGHT: The year-end competition ended in dramatic fashion, when Owen Farrell's penalty saw England beat France 22-19 - 15 minutes into sudden-death extra-time - to win Sunday's final at Twickenham.
Australia
Wallaby's 'four-week' ban will last till February
DISCIPLINARY NEWS: Wallaby bad boy Lukahan Salakaia-Loto has been banned for 'four weeks'.
France
Stade, Toulon pay tribute to Dominici with thriller
TOP 14 WRAP: Stade Francais and Toulon paid a fitting tribute to their former player Christophe Dominici.
Second Phase
Readers' team: Vote now!
CURRIE CUP TEAM OF THE WEEK: Following an intriguing Round Two of the Currie Cup, we give you a chance to vote for your favourite player.
England
Eddie spits the dummy over 'disrespectful' critics
REACTION: England coach Eddie Jones said critics of their style were being "disrespectful" to his players.
News
The road to play-offs goes through Bloem
CURRIE CUP SPOTLIGHT: Jan de Koning takes a look at the road to the play-offs, with five round of absorbing and riveting action remaining.
Second Phase
All the weekend highlights
WATCH as we bring you all the drama from the weekend's main international and domestic matches!
News
Bok's red card can't stop Quins
PREMIERSHIP REPORT: Not even Springbok Andre Esterhuizen’s dismissal in the 45th minute could stop Harlequins from a 34-24 victory over Gloucester.
England
Farrell: It was my fault
REACTION: Owen Farrell admitted it was "my fault" that England needed sudden-death extra-time to see off a third-string France team 22-19 on Sunday.
England
Player ratings: In the winners' circle
OPINION: Eddie Jones and his England team wrapped up their Nations Cup campaign with a fortuitous win against France.
Australia
VIDEO: Wallabies consider 'First Nation' anthem
REACTION: The rousing success of Rugby Australia's move to have the Wallabies sing an Indigenous version of the national anthem could lead to permanent change.
England
Social media explode with 'evidence' of referee robbing France
REACTION: Video replays circulating online are calling into question the nature of England’s crucial late try, which forced their Nations Cup Final into sudden-death extra time with France.
Premiership
Sharks end pulsating game with a win over Irish
Sale Sharks score 8 unanswered points in the second half to beat London Irish 21-13
England
VIDEO: England edge France 'B-Team' in dramatic extra-time shoot-out
NATIONS CUP REPORT: England won the silverware, but France won the accolades.
Second Phase
THAT head butt...
WATCH as we relive the head butt from Bakkies Botha on Jimmy Cowan that ended in a 9 week ban for Botha
England
RECAP: England v France
NATIONS CUP FINAL: The inaugural year-end tournament finishes with England facing fellow pool winners France in a Twickenham showdown on Sunday in front of 2,000 spectators.
South Africa
Ox and The Tank confirm their futures
NEWS:The Sharks have managed to retain the services of one of the biggest players.
News
The price Province paid for 'horror' show
REACTION: Western Province, apart from being winless in the Currie Cup and in a tight race to make the play-offs, suffered some cruel injury setbacks.
Australia
Wallaby to appear before citing commissioner for red card offence
Wallaby Lukhan Salakaia-Loto is to appear before the citing commissioner on Monday 7th for a dangerous tackle after being sent off with a red card in Saturday's match against Argentina.
Italy
Wales 'will have a good crack' at Six Nations
REACTION: Wayne Pivac insisted Wales would be in contention for the 2021 Six Nations title.
Argentina
'Dumb' Wallabies get roasted
REACTION: Frustrated Wallabies coach Dave Rennie blasted his team's "dumb errors" after another erratic and ill-disciplined performance against Argentina.
England
Why England should provide the bulk of B&I Lions squad
SPOTLIGHT: Eddie Jones will be delighted if England supply the bulk of the squad for next year's British and Irish Lions tour of South Africa.
Ireland
Player Ratings: Savings Farrell's year
OPINION: It was by no means perfect.
Latest News
Injuries mar Bath's win over Worcester
PREMIERSHIP, SATURDAY WRAP: Bath overcame the early loss of two key players to pick up their first win of the Premiership season with a 33-17 demolition of Worcester at Sixways.
Countries
Wales dispatch Italy
Wales held on to beat a spirited Italy 38-18 in their final match of the Autumn Nations Cup.
Currie Cup
Last-gasp Lions add to Province's misery
MATCH REPORT: A last-gasp penalty kick by Tiaan Swanepoel handed Lions a narrow 22-19 win over the Western Province on Saturday.
Ireland
Ireland ease past Scotland for third spot
MATCH REPORT: A brace from Keith Earls ensured Ireland finished 2020 on a high as they came from behind to defeat Scotland 31-16 and secure third place in the inaugural Nations Cup.
News
RECAP: Lions v Western Province
READERS' FORUM: Welcome to our coverage of the Currie Cup Round Two match between the Lions and Western Province at Ellis Park.
Currie Cup
Bulls' second-half show floors Cheetahs
The Bulls kept their winning streak intact with an impressive 40-13 win over the Cheetahs on Saturday.
Fiji
FIJI FINISH NATIONS CUP ON A HIGH
It was the Nemani Nadolo show as Fiji ended a difficult Nations Cup with a 38-24 win over Georgia.
France
Major blow as England lose star forward
TEAM UPDATE: Ellis Genge has been drafted into the starting XV for England’s final International of the year against France.
News
RECAP: Blue Bulls v Free State Cheetahs
READERS' FORUM: Welcome to our coverage of the Currie Cup Round Two match between the Blue Bulls and Free State Cheetahs at Loftus Versfeld.
Ireland
RECAP: Ireland v Scotland
READERS' FORUM: Welcome to our coverage of the Nations Cup third-place play-off match between Ireland and Scotland in Dublin.
New Zealand
Maori edge Moana
REPORT: As the Maori All Blacks and Moana Pasifika laid down their challenges ahead of their clash in Hamilton, the passion that would be on display was clear to see.
Argentina
Monye stirs racism pot
REACTION: Former England wing Ugo Monye has accused Argentina's Rugby Union of being more concerned about protecting captain Pablo Matera than dealing with racism.
Argentina
Stalemate in game of cards
TRI-NATIONS MATCH REPORT: Australian and Argentina played to their second consecutive draw of the competition in a very wet Parramatta on Saturday.
England
Jones still having nightmares over Bok loss
REACTION: England coach Eddie Jones hopes to put the pain of last year's World Cup Final defeat to good use when his side face France.
South Africa
How De Villiers will make Eastern Province mighty again
REACTION: The Southern Kings are dead. Long live the Mighty Elephants. Jan de Koning reports!
Argentina
RECAP: Australia v Argentina
READERS' FORUM: Welcome to our coverage of the Tri-Nations Round Six match between Australia and Argentina in Sydney.
England
England v France - teams and predictions
NATIONS CUP FINAL: The inaugural year-end tournament finishes with England facing fellow pool winners France in a Twickenham showdown on Sunday in front of 2,000 spectators.
Premiership
Bears edge Saints with last-gasp Bedlow kick
MATCH REPORT: A last-minute penalty kick by Sam Bedlow made sure Bristol Bears record a narrow 18-17 win over Northampton Saints on Friday.
France
Hundreds gather for 'warrior' Dominici's funeral
IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Around 400 people congregated in Hyeres on Friday for the funeral of former France wing Christophe Dominici.
Currie Cup
Fourteen-man Pumas keep Griquas winless
MATCH REPORT: Jimmy Stonehouse's Pumas held out in the face of a determined and desperate Griquas side to win the Currie Cup Round two match on Friday.
Italy
Wales v Italy - Teams and Predictions
NATIONS CUP, PLAYOFFS: Wales aim to bounce back from defeat to England last weekend and end the calendar year on a high when they welcome Italy to Llanelli on Saturday.
News
RECAP: Pumas v Griquas
READERS' FORUM: Welcome to our coverage of the Currie Cup Round Two encounter between the Pumas and Griquas in Nelspruit.
Ireland
Ireland v Scotland - Teams and Predictions
NATIONS CUP, ROUND FOUR: Andy Farrell and Gregor Townsend will both hope to end a difficult year with a win when their respective sides Ireland and Scotland meet on Saturday.
South Africa
Former Bok coach gets new gig
BREAKING NEWS: Former Springbok coach Peter de Villiers has a new gig.
England
France changes six for Final
TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Wing Alivereti Raka is among six changes named by coach Fabien Galthie on Friday for this weekend's year-end Nations Cup Final with England.
England
Eddie Jones sends the A-Team into battle
TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Eddie Jones has named his England team to face France in the Final of the Nations Cup tournament this weekend.
News
Why the Highlanders were such Mauger flops
REACTION: The Highlanders are a classic example of how some great players can't convert their class into coaching success.
News
Carter and the Blues ... the 2021 conundrum
SPOTLIGHT:Exactly what role All Black legend Dan Carter will play at the Blues next year remains unclear.
News
Five big 2021 posers for Kiwi franchises
SPOTLIGHT: Alex McLeod takes a look at the five biggest posers facing New Zealand's Super Rugby franchises in 2021.
Ireland
Scotland coach has no fear of his South African 'foreign legion'
REACTION: Coach Gregor Townsend said on Thursday he has no qualms over Jaco van der Walt becoming Scotland's latest South Africa-born international.
Argentina
Australia v Argentina - teams and predictions
TRI-NATIONS ROUND SIX: Australia skipper Michael Hooper called for "a complete performance" in the final Test of the year against a weakened Argentina.