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NEWS: France's opponents for November 2020 has been revealed.

CHAMPIONS CUP REPORT: Coach Mark McCall made nine changes as Saracens' hopes of defending their European Champions Cup title were dealt a blow after a 3-10 defeat at Munster on Saturday.

CHAMPIONS CUP REPORT: Racing 92 continue to set the pace at the top of Pool Four of the European Champions Cup with a 40-19 victory over the winless Ospreys in Swansea.

CHAMPIONS CUP REPORT: John Cooney kicked a nerveless 79th-minute penalty to give Ulster a dramatic 25-24 victory over Harlequins in the Champions Cup Pool Three on Saturday.

CHAMPIONS CUP REPORT: Glasgow Warriors lived up to their name as they fought back magnificently from a 6-18 deficit to score a dramatic 27-24 Champions Cup victory against La Rochelle at Stade Marcel Deflandre on Saturday.

READERS’ FORUM: Welcome to the European Cup Round Three match between Munster and Saracens at Thomond Park in Limerick.

CHAMPIONS CUP REPORT: Lyon cruised to their first-ever win in the Champions Cup at Matmut Stadium de Gerland on Saturday after eight successive defeats in the competition.

CHAMPIONS CUP REPORT: Leinster laid down a Champions Cup marker on Saturday in Pool One as they scored seven tries in a 43-16 win over Northampton Saints at Franklin’s Gardens.

DAY THREE WRAP: The BlitzBoks put in a clinal performance to beat New Zealand 15-0 in the Cup Final of the Dubai Sevens on Saturday.

READERS’ FORUM: Welcome to the European Cup Round Three match between Ulster and Harlequins at Kingspan Stadium in Belfast.

READERS’ FORUM: Welcome to the European Cup Round Three match between Northampton Saints and Leinster at Franklin’s Gardens.

NEWS: Fijian star Leone Nakawara could be heading to a Super Rugby team.

DAY THREE: It is day three of the 2019 Dubai Sevens with the tournament entering the knockout stage.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: South Africa's Cheslin Kolbe returns to Toulouse for the first time since his World Cup-winning heroics with teammates relieved "to have him with us rather than against us".

CHAMPIONS CUP REPORT: Clermont Auvergne got their Pool 3 campaign back on track with a convincing 34-17 bonus-point win over Bath on Friday at The Rec - with two tries from debutant Samuel Ezeala.

DAY TWO WRAP: Fiji have missed out on the Cup quarter-finals for the first time in the 21-year history of the  World Rugby Sevens Series round in Dubai.

NEWS: Racing 92 announced on Friday they had sacked Fijian Olympic gold medallist Leone Nakarawa.

TRANSFER NEWS: Double All Blacks World Cup winner Jerome Kaino has agreed a contract extension taking him through to June 2021.

NEWS: The Super Rugby franchise the Bulls have been approached by former Wallabies back Israel Folau's camp.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Former Wallabies playmaker Quade Cooper has revealed his ambitions to play rugby league alongside long-time friend and ex-All Blacks star Sonny Bill Williams.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Scott Robertson is set for his moment of truth in his quest to become the next All Blacks head coach.

WATCH as BlitzBoks superstar Rosko Specman steps his way past several Kenyan defenders fora crucial try at the Dubai Sevens tournament.

NEWS: Worcester Warriors lock Anton Bresler has become the latest player to commit his future to the club by signing a contract extension.

PRO14 SPOTLIGHT: The Cheetahs are enjoying some downtime as their Pro14 campaign takes a break over the Christmas period but for the Southern Kings the need for them to pick up some momentum means the next month will be business as usual.

DAY ONE WRAP: There were some big wins and some shaky wins for the big guns on the opening day of the 2019 Dubai Sevens on Thursday.

NEWS: The Dragons confirmed that prop Jack Cosgrove has retired from professional rugby on medical grounds with immediate effect.

CHAMPIONS CUP: Clermont fullback Nick Abendanon is looking forward to what he calls a "special" return to the Recreation Ground to face old side Bath in the European Champions Cup this weekend.

LEGEND: Ockie Oosthuizen, a fine South African, died after a battle against colon cancer. The strong former Springbok prop won a battle against a heart problem but the cancer was too much.

Ockie Oosthuizen, a fine South African, died after a battle against colon cancer. The strong former Springbok prop won a battle against a heart problem but the cancer was too much.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: England coach Eddie Jones believes Rugby Australia should drop the ‘Giteau Law’ threshold from 60-caps to 40-caps.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: As reunions come, Ruan Pienaar’s first match back in Belfast since his 2017 exit couldn’t be more perfectly timed.

TRANSFER NEWS: Exeter Chiefs have moved to strengthen their options at hooker by agreeing a loan move for former Sharks forward Kyle Cooper.

OPINION: There are a number of attributes required to become a professional flyhalf.

REACTION: Australia insisted Thursday it did not back down by settling its feud with Israel Folau over his sacking for controversial comments, while all-but ruling him out from playing Super Rugby again.

SIX NATIONS SPOTLIGHT: South African referee Jaco Peyper will take charge of the clash between England and Ireland at Twickenham on Sunday, February 23.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Premiership Rugby reconfirmed they won’t move forward the date for their 2021 final to accommodate Warren Gatland’s preparations for the Lions’ tour to South Africa.

DISCIPLINARY UPDATE: Sale Sharks will be without the services of Springbok Jean-Luc Du Preez after he was suspended for three weeks.

NEWS: Former Scotland rugby union captain John Barclay announced his retirement from Test rugby on Wednesday.

THE MILESTONE: Celebrating its 50th anniversary this year, the Dubai Rugby Sevens kicks off on December 5 and will bring together 20 teams from across the globe for three days of non-stop sevens.

NEWS: Charles Piutau will extend his stay at Ashton Gate until 2022, Bristol Bears revealed.

NEWS: The British & Irish Lions could make history on an eight-game tour of South Africa in 2021.

REACTION: Israel Folau said Wednesday he had been "vindicated" after a surprise settlement with Rugby Australia ended the former Wallaby's divisive, multi-million dollar lawsuit.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Northampton Saints head coach Chris Boyd is not ready to let one of his coaches go and join England's backroom staff.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: We look at five key stages in Folau's colourful and controversial career.

NEWS: Rugby Australia and Israel Folau reached a settlement Wednesday that will end the former Wallaby's multi-million dollar lawsuit over his sacking for controversial comments.

NEWS: The Bulls revealed their captain for 2020 Super Rugby season.

AWARDS: Sharks and Springbok try-scoring hero, Makazole Mapimpi, was the big winner at the annual Sharks Player of the Year. Awards

Christmas is coming, and there is lots of noise about it, but, it seems, as the noise level rises, the sound of whistles goes softer. There are no Tests for seniors, men or women, but there is the Sevens series which starts in Dubai for the new season.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Exactly one month after South Africa won the World Cup, recently retired hooker Schalk Brits has described the "craziest month" of his life.

CHAMPIONS CUP SPOTLIGHT: Gloucester head coach Johann Ackermann is desperate to get his club's season back on track when they face Connacht in their Champions Cup Round Three fixture on Sunday.

NEWS: Northampton Saints confirmed the signing of Fijian international hooker Sam Matavesi with immediate effect.

NEWS: Edinburgh have been handed a huge boost ahead of this Friday’s Challenge Cup match against Wasps with the re-signing of loosehead prop, Pierre Schoeman.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Crusaders scrumhalf Bryn Hall has caused a massive uproar after he labelled Jack Goodhue a ‘Jew’.

INJURY UPDATE: The Crusaders have announced they won’t have their full contingency available when the 2020 season kicks off.

TRANSFER NEWS: Welsh strugglers Ospreys arrived at training on Tuesday to a greeted by a temporary presence of 2005 Wales Grand Slam winner Mike Ruddock.

SEVENS SPOTLIGHT: He might have accumulated heaps of experienced during Super Rugby and Currie Cup season, but Dylan Sage admitted it was still tough to get back in the BliitzBoks set up and start playing again.

TRANSFER NEWS: Rugby Australia announced the signing of Melbourne Storm Premiership-winning wing Suliasi Vunivalu on a two-year contract from 2021.

OPINION: The 2020 Super Rugby season is not shaping up as an easy one for Hurricanes supporters.

TRANSFER NEWS: South Africa international centre Francois Venter has committed his future to Worcester Warriors for two more years.

TRANSFER NEWS: Wasps flyhalf Lima Sopoaga has responded to reports that he’s leaving Wasps at the end of the season.

UPDATE: Mediation between Rugby Australia and fallen star Israel Folau ended without agreement on Monday, but talks will continue on Wednesday. 

NEWS: Toulon's Mourad Boudjellal has sold his controlling share in the French Top 14 club but, under the terms of the deal revealed on Monday, remains the club president.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: New Zealand Rugby has announced the finalists for the upcoming national rugby awards, along with a couple of tweaks to the categories.

NEWS: A new era for the All Blacks will kick off at Auckland’s Eden Park in 2020 in the first of six home Test matches for a new-look All Blacks coaching team.

PREMIERSHIP REACTION: London Irish Director of Rugby Declan Kidney said his team displayed "bucket loads of attitude" as they carved out a 27-27 draw against second-placed Bristol in the English Premiership on Sunday.

NEWS: Rugby Australia said they hoped to reach a "sensible" settlement as they met Monday with fallen star Israel Folau.

NEWS: Outgoing All Blacks head coach Steve Hansen has confirmed his next career move.

NEWS: The Sunwolves will be getting some help during next year's Super Rugby tournament.

TOP14 WRAP: Reigning champions Toulouse jumped to fourth in the Top 14 with a 45-10 victory over Bayonne, who finished with 13 men, on Sunday

MATCH REPORT: Alex Dombrandt's second-half try and the boot of Marcus Smith handed Harlequins a 23-19 win in a topsy-turvy encounter against Gloucester Rugby.

MATCH REPORT: A last-gasp Stephen Myler penalty broke Bristol Bears' hearts and salvaged a 27-all draw in an entertaining battle at Ashton Gate.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: The New Zealand Super Rugby franchises will take to the field in 2020 with entirely new kits, with all five sides having revealed their new home jerseys for the 2020 season over the weekend.

READERS' FORUM: Welcome to the Premiership Round Five match between Bristol Bears and London Irish at Ashton Gate.

WATCH as Springbok Faf de Klerk showed why he is such a valuable player to his Premiership side Sale Sharks.

SEVENS SPOTLIGHT: South Africa Sevens coach Neil Powell has revealed he will make use of every player during the Dubai Sevens tournament.

REACTION: Sale Sharks director of rugby Steve Diamond criticised the red card his forward Jean-Luc Du Preez was given during the team's 13-20 defeat to Worcester Warriors.  

INJURY UPDATE: All Blacks loose forward Ardie Savea has revealed he will miss the majority of the 2020 Super Rugby season.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Some of the top rugby playing schools and major role players came together during the past few months to negotiate the birth of arguably the most competitive schoolboy rugby challenge in the world.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Wallabies loose forward David Pocock has weighed in on the latest development in the Israel Folau saga.

TOP14 WRAP: Montpellier romped to a five-try bonus-point triumph over French leaders Lyon on Saturday.

Pro14 REPORT: Two tries inside five minutes from Cian Kelleher helped Leinster past Glasgow Warriors in a compelling re-run of last year's Final.

PRO14 REPORT: The Cheetahs recorded their first away with of the season, as they held on for an 18-13 win in a dramatic finish against the hapless Ospreys at The Gnoll on Saturday.

PRO14 REPORT: Zebre ran in five tries against Dragons as the Italians ended their 20-game winless run and secured their first victory of the season at Rodney Parade.

PRO14 REPORT: Super-sub Jason Harries came on to break Benetton hearts with an injury-time try that secured a comeback five-point win for Cardiff Blues.

PRO14 REPORT: John Porch scored two tries as Connacht moved to within a point of Conference B leaders Munster with a hard-fought 24-12 victory against the Southern Kings.

READERS' FORUM: Welcome to the Pro14 Round Seven match between Glasgow Warriors and Leinster at Scotstoun Stadium.

PREMIERSHIP REPORT: Perry Humphreys and Ashley Beck both crossed as Worcester Warriors battled to their third win of the season against 14-man Sale Sharks.

PREMIERSHIP REPORT: Exeter Chiefs carried their European form into Premiership action as they ran in five scores for a bonus-point triumph over Wasps.

PREMIERSHIP REPORT: Matt Proctor crossed for a double on debut, as Northampton Saints crushed their East Midlands rivals Leicester Tigers to move top of the standings.

MATCH REPORT: Wales held on for an entertaining 43-33 win over the Barbarians in the final 'international' of the year.

NEWS: World Cup-winning Springbok Eben Etzebeth arrived at Toulon this week, only to hear that the club is up for sale.

READERS' FORUM: Welcome to the Premiership Round Five match between Northampton Saints and Leicester Tigers at Franklin’s Gardens.

WATCH as World Cup-winning Springbok captain Siyamthanda Kolisi speaks about the moment he met legendary Liverpool manager Jürgen Klopp.

This is a gem of a book. It is Hans Saestad's 11th book on episodes in South African that do not have a written book of their own. The short tours of the Sixties now have a book all right, a book of high quality. It is a beautiful book with all the care that story and statistics demand.

PRO14 SPOTLIGHT: Struggling Ospreys held a media conference on Friday aimed at clarifying the confusion surrounding the Welsh club over whether Allen Clarke is still with them or has been sacked as coach.

SPOTLIGHT: Tony Brown has revealed that he had no fear in turning down a position with the All Blacks.

REACTION: The rumour mill has switched to overdrive on the future of Saracens owner Nigel Wray at the European and Premiership champions.

PRO14 REPORT: Dan McFarland’s Ulster made it five wins from seven in Conference A with a bonus-point 29-5 hammering of Scarlets at Kingspan Stadium.

PREMIERSHIP REPORT: Owen Farrell enjoyed a winning return for Saracens as he kicked the defending Premiership champions to victory over Bath.

PRO14 REPORT: Eroni Sau’s second-half try proved the difference as Edinburgh edged Munster 18-16 in Cork.

READERS' FORUM: Welcome to the Premiership Round Five match between Bath and Saracens at the Recreation Ground.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Eben Etzebeth said he was looking forward to his "European adventure" and wanted to be a "part of history" when he faced the media for the first time on Friday.

CONTRACT EXTENSION: The Irish Rugby Football Union and Connacht have confirmed that Bundee Aki has signed a three-year contract extension.

The South African Rugby Unions has issued a warning to schools intending to tour abroad. Even here, there are rogues.

CELEBRATION DAY: Wayne Pivac goes under the white-hot scrutiny of coaching Wales when his new team takes on Warren Gatland's Barbarians on Saturday in Cardiff.

NEWS: Conor O’Shea will join the Rugby Football Union (RFU) as Director of Performance Rugby next year.

SUPER RUGBY SPOTLIGHT: Kurtley Beale could not only solve Waratahs' flyhalf saga but could also be the answer to Wallabies' No.10 debate.

WATCH as former England captain Dylan Hartley reveals the roles and responsibilities that he undertook under the watchful eye of Eddie Jones.

TOP14 SPOTLIGHT: South Africa's World Cup winner Cheslin Kolbe plans to keep his feet on the ground as he is set to return to action with club Toulouse in the Top14 this weekend.

NEWS: New Zealand's Crusaders announced Friday that the team will retain its name but change its logo after a review sparked by the deadly mosque shootings in its home city of Christchurch in March.

TOP 14 NEWS: Toulon's crop of off-season signings are slowly making their way to the south of France.

REACTION: Springbok Robbi Kempson has no time for critics trying to blemish South Africa’s recent World Cup triumph.

TRANSFER NEWS: Wasps confirmed that Ross Neal will be leaving the club to move to the United States.

SUPER RUGBY NEWS: South Africa's Super Heroes day has been moved to Johannesburg.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: After a two-week European break, the Premiership Rugby is back with a thriller as Saracens head to the Rec to go head-to-head with Bath Rugby on Friday.

WATCH a classic replay of 'Cheslin Kolbe' stepping 'Owen Farrell' just as he did in the World Cup Final!

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: A fortnight of European action is in the rear-view mirror and we return to the Pro14 for one week in what could be a crucial Round Seven when all is said and done.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Siviwe Soyizwapi will lead a vastly experienced Springboks squad, featuring a number of returning veterans at the Dubai leg of the Sevens World Series.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Head coach Wayne Pivac has named his first Wales side to face the Barbarians in Cardiff on Saturday.

The SA Rugby Match Official Panels for 2020 were confirmed on Thursday, with 27 referees named on the National Panel, including Aimee Barrett-Theron, who handled two First Division Currie Cup fixtures earlier in the year.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: The Barbarians have revealed their team to face Wales in Cardiff on Saturday.

SPOTLIGHT: Conor Wilson takes a look at how parts of the modern games is 'borrowed' from the realy years of the Brumbies.

LISTEN as All Black scrumhalf Aaron Smith talks about the review in the wake of New Zealand's semifinal at the World Cup.

TRANSFER NEWS: Ted Hill, regarded as one of the brightest back row talents in English rugby has committed his future to Worcester Warriors until the end of the 2021/22 season.

TRANSFER NEWS: Mount Maunganui lock Aaron Carroll has been added to the Blues roster for the 2020 Super Rugby competition.

NEWS: Wallabies hooker Folau Fainga’a has put pen to paper on a contract extension to see him remain with the Brumbies and Rugby Australia until the end of 2022.

NEWS: The USA have long been touted a sleeping giant of international rugby, but it appears that off-field issues could cut the nation off at the knees before it amounts to anything.

DISCIPLINARY UPDATE: La Rochelle hooker Pierre Bourgarit got away with no more than the proverbial 'slap on the wrist' for eye-gouging!

INJURY UPDATE: Italian lock Dean Budd has undergone surgery on a fractured hand.

PRO14 SPOTLIGHT: The start of the next four-year cycle, building up to the 2023 World Cup in France, will see new coaches come to the fore.

NEWS: Junior Springbok assistant coach Bafana Nhleko said they had set clear goals on what they wanted to achieve from the tour and that they were excited to see the players in action.

INJURY UPDATE: Southern Kings loose forward CJ Velleman remains positive despite his latest injury setback.

TRANSFER NEWS: The Lions are continuing to bolster their ranks with senior Springboks returning from France.

TRANSFER NEWS: Semi Radradra is to sensationally join Bristol Bears, defying widespread reports he was set to return to the National Rugby League.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: It seems like Rugby Australia can not keep a low profile when it comes to drama.  

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Former All Blacks wing Nehe Milner-Skudder has opened up about going into “dark places” in what he described as “one of the toughest years” of his life.

SUPER RUGBY SPOTLIGHT: How much of a role new coach Warren Gatland had in the Chiefs’ recruitment process for the upcoming season is anyone’s guess.

UPDATE: Saracens are to invite auditors to examine details of how they are currently operating under the Premiership £7million salary cap.

DISCIPLINARY NEWS: Montpellier lock Jacques du Plessis faces a disciplinary hearing after being sent off during his team's 30-27 win over Gloucester on Sunday.

NEWS UPDATE: Israel Folau increased his demand for compensation against Rugby Australia.

There was a unique occurrence this past week. International matches were cancelled because of measles.

NEWS: England star Anthony Watson suffered a knee injury in Bath's 9-15 defeat to Harlequins in the Champions Cup on Saturday.

NEWS: Rugby Australia chief Raelene Castle felt compelled to write a letter of apology over the behaviour of the Wallabies squad at the World Cup, according to media reports.

SPOTLIGHT: Coaching rugby is a privilege, not a right!

NEWS: Wasps announced that Academy graduate Jacob Umaga has signed a new first-team deal.

UPDATE: The protracted Eben Etzebeth saga has been thrust back into the spotlight.

NEWS: Northampton Saints announced that Scotland international Rory Hutchinson has extended his contract at Franklin’s Gardens.

NEWS: Cardiff Blues have confirmed that Willis Halaholo suffered an acute anterior cruciate ligament injury during last Saturday’s European Challenge Cup clash with Leicester Tigers.

SPOTLIGHT: Retired All Black Andrew Mehrtens suspects New Zealand will regret the fact that the Wallabies will benefit from Dave Rennie's intelligence.

WATCH as Springbok World Cup winner Cheslin Kolbe puts on display his full array of sublime skills ... in two videos!

SQUAD ANNOUNCEMENT: The Sunwolves have released the first batch of names for 2020, their final season in Super Rugby.

NEWS: Wallaby Jack Maddocks will put his Test rugby career on hold as he chases Olympic glory with the Australian Sevens team.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: The All Blacks coaching role is a “poisoned chalice”.

NEWS: World Cup winner Cheslin Kolbe capped off an impressive year clinching the Top 14 player of the season award.

NEWS: Scott Wisemantel appears ever closer to joining the Wallabies fold after ending his 18-month stint as England's attack coach.

NEWS: Junior Springbok coach Chean Roux, who will guide the South Africa Under-19 team on a two-match tour to Georgia, said they were looking forward to the challenge in Tbilisi, with the players and coaching staff set to benefit from the experience.

TRANSFER NEWS: Northampton Saints defence coach Alan Dickens has been appointed as England's Under-20 head coach.

TRANSFER NEWS: The Lions have confirmed that Springbok Jannie du Plessis has joined the franchise for the upcoming Super Rugby season.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Eddie Jones is facing a battle with new Australian head coach Dave Rennie to hold onto attack specialist Scott Wisemantel, who has proved to be a key member of his England management team.

REACTION: The log-jam they are wedged into in Conference A and the quality of teams they are competing with means that the Cheetahs will see it as a non-negotiable that they have to start picking up away wins in order to sustain any kind of PRO14 challenge.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Australia and New Zealand must separate from South Africa and Argentina and push into Asia says All Blacks legend Andrew Mehrtens.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Matt Toomua is putting his hand up to wear the Wallabies No.10 jersey in 2020 after the departures of a swag of veteran Test playmakers.

NEWS: The Waratahs have secured the services of Karmichael Hunt for the 2020 Super Rugby season, with the dual international to play his second season in sky blue.

NEWS: Melbourne will stage a Bledisloe Cup Test next year for the first time in a decade.

REACTION: Gloucester coach Johan Ackerman accused Montpellier of illegal scrummaging.

OPINION: It was a weekend of consolidation in the Champions Cup, as a number of teams backed up impressive wins in Round One, with similar results a week later.

CHAMPIONS CUP REPORT: Montpellier, reduced to 14 men for a large chunk of the second half, held out for a crucial 30-27 win against a hard-running Gloucester at the GGL Stadium on Sunday.

CHAMPIONS CUP REPORT: Sale Sharks had to battle to secure a 25-15 win over a determined La Rochelle at the AJ Bell Stadium on Sunday.

REACTION: As the proverb goes: It never rains but it pours!

REACTION: Reports of a possible 'influx' of international stars to the Stormers has been greatly exaggerated.

REACTION: Harlequins’ boss Paul Gustard praised Joe Marler’s “street-savviness” as the England prop returned to help his club defeat Bath in a Champions Cup Round Two match.

SPOTLIGHT: Springbok superstar Francois de Klerk is confident he can take his game to the next level.

CHAMPIONS CUP REPORT: Harlequins got their first win in Pool Three of the Champions Cup largely due to the boot of flyhalf Marcus Smith in a 15-9 triumph over Bath.

CHAMPIONS CUP REPORT: Munster and Racing 92 fought out a tremendous 21-21 draw in a dramatic Champions Cup Pool Four clash at Thomond Park on Saturday.

CHAMPIONS CUP REPORT: Exeter gave a stirring second half show to wipe out a three-point deficit and run-out comfortable 34-18 winners over injury hit Glasgow in Pool Two of the Champions Cup.

CHAMPIONS CUP REPORT: Leinster remain top of Champions Cup Pool One after a gritty 13-6 victory over Lyon on Saturday at Matmut Stadium de Gerland.

READERS' FORUM: Welcome to the European Cup Round Two match between Munster and Racing 92 at Thomond Park, Limerick.

CHAMPIONS CUP REPORT: Toulouse bagged a late try to secure a 32-17 bonus-point victory over brave Connacht in Pool Five of a riveting Champions Cup clash at Stade Ernest-Wallon.

CHAMPIONS CUP REPORT: Dan Biggar’s nerveless penalty deep into added time settled a fabulously hectic game in Champions Cup Pool One as Northampton Saints snatched a drama-packed 35-32 victory at Benetton.

CHAMPIONS CUP REPORT: Saracens picked up all five points as they cruised to a 44-3 win over Ospreys in their Champions Cup Pool Four match on Saturday.

READERS' FORUM: Welcome to the European Cup Round Two match between Lyon and Leinster at the Matmut Stadium de Gerland, in Lyon.

READERS' FORUM: Welcome to the European Cup Round Two match between Saracens and Ospreys at Allianz Park.

REACTION: A massive culture change will have to be part of the new landscape if New Zealander Dave Rennie is to turn the Wallabies from losers into winners.

NEWS: New Zealand Rugby has revealed the names of six emerging Sevens stars selected after the national development camp.

SPOTLIGHT: A club match in the seventh tier of the English rugby pyramid wouldn’t normally attract nationwide headlines.

POST-WORLD CUP SPOTLIGHT: Choosing a successor to Rassie Erasmus as head coach is one of several pressing issues for the Springboks.

OPINION: In South Africa, if you want advice, you light a braai fire! If you want criticism, you select a team, especially a Springbok team.

CHAMPIONS CUP REPORT: Scrumhalf John Cooney guided Ulster to a 18-13 victory over Clermont in the European Champions Cup in testing conditions in Belfast on Friday.

NEWS: South Africa wing Aphiwe Dyantyi's ''heart is at peace" following his suspension after failing a drug test.

REACTION: World Cup-winning captains John Eales and Nick Farr-Jones are among those supporting the new International Rugby Academy of Australia.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: The Southern Kings have named a 25-man touring group that will leave Port Elizabeth early next week for Galway, Ireland.

PRO14 SPOTLIGHT: Cheetahs coach Hawies Fourie is preparing his players for their fixture in the Northern Hemisphere by dipping balls in water.

NEWS: The Blue Bulls Company has taken the bold step to bring on board the owner of Mamelodi Sundowns football club.

REACTION: The All Blacks’ loss of Tony Brown as a potential coaching candidate has become the Highlanders’ gain.

SPOTLIGHT: Schoolboy sprint star Edward Osei-Nketia has blown away New Zealand Rugby bosses in his first venture into Sevens, at a camp in Auckland.

NEWS: Semi Radradra is reportedly willing to take a AUS$2 million pay cut to join South Sydney Rabbitohs in Australia's National Rugby League.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Noting that sport was like business, rugby great Michael Lynagh has implored Australia's doubting fans to get behind the Wallabies new Kiwi coach.

SQUAD ANNOUNCEMENT: The Melbourne Rebels have confirmed their full playing squad for the 2020 Super Rugby season.

NEWS: The career of former Springbok skipper Warren Whiteley may be over at 32 - according to reports.

NEWS: Springbok prop Jannie du Plessis has made a mid-season exit from Montpellier in the Top 14.

TOP 14 NEWS: French club Montpellier have had their €400,000 (US$442,511) fine for salary cap infringements removed by the French Rugby Federation's appeals commission.

CHAMPIONS CUP: Lyon's New Zealand centre Charlie Ngatai says hosting record four-time winners Leinster in the Champions Cup on Sunday will be "massive" for the inexperienced club.

NEWS: Another South African has been appointed as coach of the Italian national team.

SPOTLIGHT: A surprising reason for Devin Toner’s controversial World Cup omission has been revealed in Joe Schmidt’s new autobiography.

WATCH as we bring you some of the most momentous plays by South African forwards at the World Cup.

PRE-SEASON BUILD-UP: It may not be the universally most popular tactics, but the Stormers will play to their strengths in 2020.

DISCIPLINARY NEWS: Cheetahs loose forward, Jasper Wiese, will not be touring with the team to Wales next week for their PRO14 round seven clash against the Ospreys in Wales.

NEWS: It’s becoming an alarmingly regular occurrence now for Chiefs players to find their playing time cut short due to concussion.

NEWS: Former Scotland captain Tom Smith has revealed he is battling stage four colorectal cancer.

SPOTLIGHT: New Zealand's foremost academy is looking for accomplished, aspiring and ambitious players from around the globe to join them for their next intake.

NEWS: The Super Rugby season hasn't even started yet, and the New Zealand franchise the Blues already find themselves in a pickle. 

PRO14 UPDATE: The Southern Kings are hoping that their try-grabbing former Junior Springbok wing Yaw Penxe will be ready to play their next Pro14 match against Connacht, but they are not banking on it.

SPOTLIGHT: The Rugby Pod give their reaction to the news that Saracens will not appeal the 35 point deduction that they were given in light of breaching salary cap regulations.

NEWS: In the midst of a self-confessed "rebuild phase", Rugby Australia will review its so-called "Giteau Law" after pledging to usher in an exciting new era for the Wallabies.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Saracens boss Mark McCall said he is 100 percent behind his stars playing for England in the upcoming Six Nations.

MATCH REPORT: The Barbarians recorded a 47-22 victory over Brazil in Sao Paulo on Wednesday.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: He rejected the chance to coach the All Blacks and now Dave Rennie is hoping to win over sceptical Wallabies fans with "high-octane" and "brutal" rugby.

NEWS: The Springboks will face Scotland and Georgia in three home Tests as part of the Incoming Series match schedule.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: He’s become one of South Africa’s most lethal weapons on the World Rugby Sevens Series, but things haven’t panned out so smoothly for Seabelo Senatla in the XVs version of rugby.

TRANSFER NEWS: Argentina wing Ramiro Moyano has joined French side Toulon until the end of the season, the Top 14 club announced on Wednesday.

NEWS: Danny Wilson will become the new head coach of Glasgow Warriors on a two-year deal ahead of next season.

REACTION: Joe Marler does not think there will be a split in Eddie Jones’ Six Nations England squad after Saracens accepted sanctions for salary cap breaches.

REACTION: Newly appointed Australia coach Dave Rennie Wednesday said the All Blacks left it too late to secure his services.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Marcell Coetzee aims to put his double World Cup disappointment behind him by starring for the Springboks in their series against the British and Irish Lions in 2021.

NEWS: New Zealander Dave Rennie was tasked on Wednesday with resurrecting Australia's rugby team.

TRANSFER NEWS: Marty McKenzie, the former New Zealand Maori and U20s flyhalf, has put pen to paper and committed to the Ospreys to the end of the season.

PLAYERS CHOICE AWARDS: Springboks star forward Pieter-Steph du Toit walked away with the coveted Players' Player of the year award.

NEWS: Saracens have been hit with a fresh fine for failing to attend a promotional event for the European Champions Cup in the wake of a salary cap scandal.

WATCH all the action from the third annual Players Choice Awards. 

NEWS: Springbok wing and World Cup winner Cheslin Kolbe has set his sights on playing for the BlitzBoks at the 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo.

It is the second round of European Professional Club Rugby's top competitions amongst many other important matches, only one of which is south of the equator.

PRE-SEASON BUILD-UP: The departure of World Cup-winning Springbok Damian de Allende and Dan Kriel has left the Stormers in a pickle.

NEWS: Connacht announced that Irish international scrumhalf Kieran Marmion has signed a three-year contract extension with Connacht up to the end of the 2022/23 season.

SQUAD ANNOUNCEMENT: Wales head coach Wayne Pivac has named a 35-man squad to prepare for his first fixture in charge against the Barbarians at Principality Stadium on November 30.

OPINION: At just 20-years-old he turned the rugby world upside down in 2017 as an electric wing has always held the ambition to become a centre, where he played as a schoolboy at Auckland Grammar and in 2014 with New Zealand Schools.

TRANSFER NEWS: Exeter Chiefs have bolstered their squad with the signing of Argentinian prop Enrique Pieretto until the end of the season.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Incoming Chiefs coach Warren Gatland has pleaded to Premiership clubs in England to move the competition’s final in 2021. 

INJURY UPDATE: There was some more bad news for Wales ahead of the upcoming Six Nations.

REACTION: Former Wallabies coach Alan Jones has called on Rugby Australia chairman Cameron Clyne to go immediately and leave key tasks like finding the next national coach to a new-look board.

NEWS: Scotland are set to be the first opponents of new world champions South Africa, with Tests in the Republic on July 4 and 11.

NEWS: The Stormers will have almost all of their stars available for the opening round of Super Rugby 2020.

PRE-SEASON SPOTLIGHT: Watch as new Stormers coach John Dobson sits down for a wide-ranging chat about pre-season and the 2020 Super Rugby campaign.

NEWS: Saracens have revealed why they will not continue to fight the salary cap punishment.

NEWS: Former New Zealand Rugby CEO David Moffett believes Steve Hansen and his All Blacks coaching staff stayed on two years too long, and it cost them the World Cup.

OPINION: The Pro14 has become the latest domestic club competition acquired in part by private equity firm CVC, agreeing in principle to sell a 27 percent stake in a similar deal to the one struck with Premiership Rugby.

SPOTLIGHT: @rugby365com law guru Paul Dobson takes a look at the suggestion that the replacements lkaw should be changed!

NEWS: The Lions are in the process of bolstering their front row stocks ahead of the 2020 Super Rugby season.

OPINION: The European Champions Cup returned this weekend to wake the Northern Hemisphere from its post-World Cup blues, and we have compiled our XV of the week from an entertaining opening round.

NEWS: Another coach has dropped out of the All Blacks coaching race.

NEWS: Rugby Australia chairman Cameron Clyne on Monday announced he will not stand for re-election in 2020, taking a parting swipe at the media after a difficult four years in charge.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: The match between Fiji and the Barbarians was an entertaining affair, to say the least with the men from the Pacific running out narrow victors in the end.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Arguably rugby union top’s referee Nigel Owens has backed a radical law change proposal put forward by former England centre turned pundit, Jeremy Guscott.

MATCH REPORT: It is clear that it's going to be a long Champions Cup season for titleholders Saracens.

MATCH REPORT: Connacht Rugby got their Champions Cup Pool 5 campaign off to the perfect start with a 23-20 win over Montpellier at The Sportsground.

MATCH REPORT: Northampton Saints’ fine first-half display was enough to secure a 25-14 victory over Lyon in the opening match in Champions Cup Pool 1.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Ireland legend Brian O’Driscoll has come to the defence of Springboks' image.

NEWS: Wallabies centre Samu Kerevi has revealed he wants to play for Fiji at the next World Cup in France.

UPDATE: Premiership champions Saracens won't prolong the salary cap scandal as they are set to accept their punishment, the British media reports. 

REACTION: England and Harlequins prop Joe Marler has caused a stir on social media by tweeting about required changes to the scrum laws following his side’s massive 21-53 defeat at the hands of Clermont.

CHAMPIONS CUP REPORT: Clermont fired out a warning to the rest of their Champions Cup rivals as they overpowered Harlequins 53-21 in Pool Three at Parc des Sports Marcel Michelin.

CHAMPIONS CUP REPORT: Munster were made to battle until the 85th minute before eventually securing all five points against a dogged Ospreys side in a 32-13 European Champions Cup Pool Four victory in Swansea.

NEWS: Conor O’Shea’s stint in charge of Italy has officially ended

CHAMPIONS CUP REPORT: Ireland centre Garry Ringrose bagged his first career hat-trick as Leinster set down a marker in Pool One with a 33-19 triumph over plucky Benetton.

CHAMPIONS CUP REPORT: A clinical display of attacking rugby from Exeter Chiefs was enough to secure them all five points on the road against La Rochelle after a comfortable 31-12 win in Champions Cup Pool Two.

MATCH REPORT: Two tries from South African World Cup winner Makazole Mapimpi were not enough as Fiji recorded their first win over the Barbarians in 49 years.

CHAMPIONS CUP REPORT: Glasgow opened their Champions Cup Pool Two campaign with a hard-fought but deserved 13-7 victory over Sale at Scotstoun despite a late charge from the Sharks.

CHAMPIONS CUP REPORT: Former champions Ulster got off to a winning start in the European Champions Cup with scrumhalf John Cooney's late penalty securing a narrow 17-16 win at Bath on Saturday.

READERS' FORUM: Welcome to the match between the Barbarians and Fiji at Twickenham.

NEWS: A South Otago rugby player has been banned from playing the sport in New Zealand after punching a referee.

REACTION: It was clear that Johan Ackermann's Gloucester missed Springboks lock Franco Mostert during their 20-25 defeat to Toulouse on Friday.

TRANSFER NEWS: France international flyhalf Jules Plisson has joined La Rochelle from Stade Francais, the two clubs announced.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: As he prepares for life away from the All Blacks, departing New Zealand skipper Kieran Read has a lot to consider following his life after rugby.

CHAMPIONS CUP REPORT: The European Champions Cup returned with a bang on Friday as Toulouse turned around a 9-20 half-time deficit to eventually defeat Gloucester 25-20 at Kingsholm Stadium.

NEWS: New Wales boss Wayne Pivac has confirmed Byron Hayward and Sam Warburton will join his coaching team as defence coach and technical advisor respectively.

WATCH as rugby referee Wayne Barnes gave a speech to the South African team and their supporters at a celebration dinner.

OPINION: Don’t count Saracens out but this could be Clermont or Leinster’s year for Champions Cup glory. Rugbypass pundit Andy Goode reports. 

CONTRACT NEWS: Three weeks out from the start of the All Blacks Sevens’ 2019/2020 season, coach Clark Laidlaw is putting the finishing touches on a 24-strong squad.

SPOTLIGHT: Twenty-four hours after announcing his retirement for a second time, World Cup winner Schalk Brits said that has isn’t completely finished with rugby just yet.

THREE-HORSE RACE: The battle for the next All Black head coach is down to just three contenders.

SPOTLIGHT: Doping in Rugby Union is back in the spotlight, after former Wales coach Warren Gatland made some startling claims about his own suspicions.

CONTRACT NEWS: The Reds and Rugby Australia have secured the services of versatile young forward Lukhan Salakaia-Loto until the end of 2022.

CHAMPIONS CUP: Racing 92's New Zealand lock Dominic Bird says he is cautious of title holders Saracens' quality, despite the English side sending a weakened outfit to Paris for their tournament opener this weekend.

REACTION: Michael Cheika may be on the nose with disillusioned Wallabies fans but he's a hero to newly crowned John Eales medallist Marika Koroibete.

SPOTLIGHT: Two-time World Cup-winning Springbok Frans Steyn appears set to call time on his European club adventure.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: World Cup-winning Springboks have stripped down to their underwear in response to a challenge by scrumhalf Faf de Klerk for South African men to get screened for testicular cancer.

PREVIEW - BAABAAS V FIJI: In the wake of the serious and intense nature of the World Cup, the focus switches to some fun this week.

AWARDS: Marika Koroibete has signed off an outstanding 2019 season by claiming the John Eales Medal at Rugby Australia Awards in Sydney on Thursday.

PRO14 SPOTLIGHT: A trip to Irish province Connacht at the end of the month will give the Southern Kings an opportunity to take what their coach Robbi Kempson regards as their next step in the Pro14.

NEWS: Scottish Rugby Union have agreed to pay their fine and settle the feud with World Rugby.

NEWS: In 2020, the Hurricanes will do everything in their power to land Jordie Barrett that legendary All Blacks fullback jersey.

DISCIPLINARY UPDATE: Paolo Odogwu of Wasps and Aled Brew of Bath have both been slapped with bans for foul play in the Premiership and will miss the opening rounds of European competition.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: World Cup-winning Springbok forward Schalk Brits, 38, retired for the second time, and insisted there would not be another comeback.

REACTION: Organisers of rugby's European Cup expressed concern on Wednesday that the 35-point English Premiership penalty handed to Saracens will affect the holders' appetite to defend their crown.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: British and Irish Lions head coach Warren Gatland has suggested that his squad to face world champions South Africa in 2021 could be loaded full of England players.

Again in 2020, Hoërskool Diamantveld will host the Wildeklawer Rugby Tournament in Kimberley.

EURO SPOTLIGHT: Robert du Preez is hoping to follow Francois de Klerk’s lead and revive his own international career in Europe.

NEWS: Wales' former defence coach Shaun Edwards was named by new France coach Fabien Galthie as an integral part of his new look staff on Wednesday.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: The Barbarians will field one of biggest midfield combinations in the world, when they host Fiji at Twickenham on Saturday.

There were scouts again at the 2019 Craven Week, including those from Australia, France and England. Now 22 school boys are heading overseas on rugby contracts - three to Australia, one each to England and Ireland, two to Japan and a whopping 13 to France.

EURO SPOTLIGHT: Saracens Director of Rugby Mark McCall insists not everything is black and white regarding the club’s alleged breach of salary cap rules.

NEWS: Reports in France on Wednesday suggest that 2015 World Cup-winner Nehe Milner-Skudder might never arrive in Toulon to take up the three-year contract agreed on last December.

EUROPEAN CUP SPOTLIGHT: Following their ignominious exit from the World Cup, Ireland's provinces will look to restore some pride and credibility this weekend.

SUPER RUGBY SPOTLIGHT: The arrival of the Super Signing Day for New Zealand’s franchises brings with it a sense of excitement and anticipation around the country for the upcoming season, and that was no different this week.

TRANSFER NEWS: The Brumbies have bolstered their player stocks.

REACTION: England coach Eddie Jones is being 'haunted' every day by one big mistake he made before the World Cup Final.

WATCH as the Scarlets score an amazing try against Benetton in their 20-17 win at Parc y Scarlets this past weekend!!

NEWS: Fiji lock Leone Nakarawa has been suspended by Racing 92 after returning from the World Cup two weeks' late, the French club said on Tuesday.

TRANSFER NEWS: The cash-strapped Stormers are still struggling to hold onto all their high-profile stars.

NEWS: Former Springbok coach Heyneke Meyer's stint at French club Stade Francais has come to an abrupt end.

CHAMPIONS CUP SPOTLIGHT: The start of the new campaign is later than usual, but what a way to herald the return of Europe's elite club competition than with the visit of four-time winners Toulouse to Gloucester's Kingsholm Stadium stronghold on Friday.

SPOTLIGHT: The Springboks' World Cup success in Japan has teed up a mouthwatering prospect for British and Irish Lions coach Warren Gatland.

INJURY UPDATE: Wales' star centre Jonathan Davies will miss the 2020 Six Nations.

PREMIERSHIP SPOTLIGHT: Saracens’ alleged breach of the salary cap rules could come down the interpretation of one sentence in the 57-page ‘Salary Regulations’ document.

OPINION: South Africa is a groundbreaking team for many reasons. Ben Smith puts their World Cup win under the spotl;ight.

BARBARIANS SQUAD ANNOUNCEMENT: While their teammates will be able to kick back and enjoy their World Cup success, three Springboks will head straight from their victory tour to Twickenham.

SQUAD ANNOUNCEMENT: The Hurricanes have bolstered their backline stocks with a South African ahead of the 2020 Super Rugby season.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Former Wales coach Warren Gatland confirmed Tuesday he has turned down an offer to apply for the All Blacks head coaching job.

The Southern Hemisphere lapses into warm aestivation while the north gathers momentum.

NEWS: Hurricanes prop Toby Smith has announced he is retiring from rugby following issues with concussion.

NEWS: Is seems like the Springboks' trophy celebration is still far from over.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: There are laws in writing and laws in action, and sometimes words and actions are not in accord.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: South Africa's most-capped flyhalf Morne Steyn revealed he looks forward to his 'new' semi-coaching role at the Bulls after playing his last game for Stade Francais.

WATCH as World Cup-winning Springbok captain Siyamthanda Kolisi implores South Africans to put their differences aside in the interest of the country.

WATCH as Cape Town come out to part when the Springboks embarked on the fifth and final leg of World Cup victory tour.

REACTION: South Africa's victory tour hit a couple of unexpected snags on Monday - including a protest and a broken-down bus

REACTION: The Chiefs aren’t worried about Aaron Cruden’s recent injury history in the wake of his return to the Hamilton franchise.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: England rugby coach Eddie Jones reportedly wants to coach in the National Rugby League (NRL).

WORLD CUP REACTION: Controversial Irish pundit Neil Francis has suggested putting an asterisk beside the Springboks’ win due to the proliferation of steroids in South African rugby.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Former All Blacks assistant coach Wayne Smith has sent a warning to New Zealand Rugby (NZR) as the race to replace Steve Hansen gets underway.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Rassie Erasmus and Siya Kolisi capped a brilliant year for the Springboks by walking away with two coveted SA Sport Awards in Durban on Sunday.

SPRINGBOK SPOTLIGHT: Siyamthanda Kolisi and his World Cup-winning South African team have embarked on the fifth and final leg of their victory tour.

TOP 14, SUNDAY WRAP: Teddy Thomas scored a hat-trick as Racing 92 claimed the Parisian derby spoils with a 25-9 win at Stade Francais on Sunday, leaving the hosts rock bottom of the French Top 14 table.

PREMIERSHIP REPORT: A dominant display by Premiership new-boys London Irish delivered a valuable 36-11 bonus-point win over Leicester Tigers at the Madejski Stadium.

PREMIERSHIP REPORT: Bristol Bears scored a last-minute try to complete an incredible comeback to beat Exeter Chiefs 20-17 at Sandy Park.

OPINION: The All Blacks are no longer World Cup holders after eight long years of dominance, both at the tournament and in between it with a 10-year run as the world’s number one side.

READERS' FORUM: Welcome to the Premiership Round Four encounter between Exeter Chiefs and the Bristol Bears at Sandy Park.

NEWS: World Cup-winning Springbok forward, Francois Louw, has called time on an outstanding international career.

PREMIERSHIP REACTION: Saracens director of rugby Mark McCall is prepared to sacrifice their chances of more European glory as he admitted this season’s priority was now avoiding relegation.

TOP 14 SATURDAY WRAP: France's World Cup stars shone on their return to the Top 14 as champions Toulouse convincingly beat Clermont 34-8 in a re-run of last season's Final on Saturday.

TRANSFER NEWS: The Chiefs and New Zealand Rugby Union have announced that All Black flyhalf Aaron Cruden has signed with the Chiefs for 2020.

TRANSFER NEWS: England centre Joe Marchant is moving to New Zealand to spend a year playing for Blues.

PRO14 REPORT: Scarlets kept up the pressure on Munster at the top of Conference B as flyhalf Dan Jones held his nerve to kick the winning penalty deep into the red.

PRO14 REPORT: George Horne struck a first-half double as Glasgow Warriors continued their resurgence with a dominant 31-7 bonus-point win over Zebre in Parma.

PRO14 REPORT: Ireland wing Andrew Conway returned from World Cup duty in stunning style as his second-half scorcher edged Munster past Ulster (22-16) in a gripping Irish derby.

PRO14 REPORT: Cardiff Blues ended their four-game losing streak, after tries in either half from Aled Summerhill and Josh Turnbull secured a 30-17 victory over the Cheetahs.

PREMIERSHIP REPORT: Bath is off the bottom of the table after a stoic and resolute performance saw them down leaders Northampton Saints 22-13 at The Rec.

PRO14 REPORT: Scott van Breda's 11-point haul from the tee helped the Southern Kings pick up their first-ever away win and first victory of this season.

PREMIERSHIP REPORT: Jamie Shillcock’s second-half try powered Worcester Warriors to their second win of the season, with a 19-14 victory over Harlequins at The Stoop.

PREMIERSHIP REPORT: Saracens sent a strong message at the end of a tumultuous week when they thrashed Gloucester 21-12 at Kingsholm on Saturday.

READERS' FORUM: Welcome to the Pro14 Round Six encounter between Munster and Ulster in Limerick.

PREMIERSHIP REACTION: Wasps wing Paolo Odogwu has apologised for his behaviour in the aftermath of his red card for a kick to the face of former Sale Sharks teammate Rohan Van Rensburg.

READERS' FORUM: Welcome to the Premiership Round Four encounter between Gloucester and Saracens at Kingsholm.

SEVENS NEWS: The Australian Men’s Sevens team has qualified for the 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games having defeated Samoa 19-12 in the Olympic Final of the Oceania Sevens Championship in Suva Fiji on Saturday.

WORLD CUP SPOTLIGHT: It has been revealed by members of the England squad that the idea of advancing towards their opponents wasn’t formulated until "the night before"

NEWS: The World Cup could return to the Southern Hemisphere in the near future as Australia appears to lead the race as favourites to host the tournament in 2027.

MATCH REPORT: Edinburgh Rugby ensured they got back to winning with a 20-7 win over Dragons in a cagey PRO14 affair at BT Murrayfield.

MATCH REPORT: Defending champions Leinster continued their exceptional start to the 2019/20PRO14 season as they produced a convincing 42-11 win over Connacht.

MATCH REPORT: Robert du Preez along with brother Dan were in fine form as they steered the Sale Sharks to a 28-18 victory over Wasps at the AJ Bell Stadium. 

NEWS: France international Mathieu Bastareaud said on Friday he is not joining New York's Rugby United just to go on 'holiday'.

PREMIERSHIP SPOTLIGHT: Johan Ackermann emits a wry smile. It was early July when Gloucester learned they would play Leicester away and Saracens at home in the weekends leading into the opening round European game versus Toulouse.

REACTION: The Chiefs have rebuffed Steve Hansen's critique of the Super Rugby contract that will allow new coach Warren Gatland to take a season off to coach the British and Irish Lions.

SPOTLIGHT: The roster for the next three legs of the World Cup-winning Springboks' victory tour has been confirmed.

NEWS: Japan and England will face off in a two-Test series in July next year.

PRO14 SPOTLIGHT: The Cheetahs will be hoping the artificial field in Cardiff this weekend will help them break their duck on their first European tour this season.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: We profile 26 potential candidates to lead the All Blacks towards the 2023 World Cup in France.

TOP 14, WEEK NINE: After a two-week hiatus to accommodate the end of the World Cup, rugby in France resumes this weekend with two stand-out games to kick off the second phase of the Top 14.

NEWS: There is "unhappiness and disappointment" in the Free State with the decision not to include the province in the Springboks' World Cup trophy tour.

SUPER RUGBY NEWS: The Chiefs have announced the coaching team which will be joining head coach Warren Gatland for the 2020 Super Rugby season.

NEWS: All Blacks midfielder Sonny Bill Williams has given thanks to the New Zealand rugby community and fans following the announcement that he will leave New Zealand to play overseas.

REACTION: Retired Springbok prop Tendai Mtawarira is considering a stint abroad.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Johnny Sexton said the disappointment of Ireland exiting the World Cup at the quarter-final stage will remain with him and his teammates for the rest of their lives.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Munster Head coach Johann van Graan reveals he has no regrets after vacating his role as Springboks assistant coach two years ago.

NEWS: Scottish Rugby have been fined and have been told to write a 'meaningful apology'.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: After just three Premiership Rugby rounds this season is already shaping up to be another tight affair with every team having already tasted victory at least once already.

NEWS: Northampton Saints have confirmed that Dylan Hartley has retired from professional rugby with immediate effect.

NEWS: The Six Nations countries have reportedly held talks with unions in the Southern Hemisphere to create a new world championship series.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Five rounds…five wins - Leo Cullen’s Leinster have been simply superb at the start of the 2019-20 Pro14 season.

NEWS: Another Springbok has been left counting the cost of South Africa’s 32-12 World Cup win over England last Saturday in Yokohama.

NEWS: Samoa coach Matt Parish will approach Sonny Bill Williams once his deal to return to rugby league with Toronto is complete to talk to him about representing the Pacific nation.

OPINION: Andy Goode takes a look at the fall-out from the Saracens salary-cap saga and suggests it is the biggest controvery to hit the Premiership.

NEWS: Leone Nakarawa is reportedly facing the sack after failing to report for duty last week with Racing 92.

ANALYSIS: Ben Smith explains how the Springbok defence shut down England in the World Cup Final.

PRO14 NEWS: The Southern Kings have flown in replacements ahead of their final Pro14 tour game against the Ospreys on Saturday.

NEWS: Saracens chairman Nigel Wray has insisted the club's all-conquering team will not have to be ripped apart after being deducted 35 points and fined more than £5 million ($6 million) for breaching the English Premiership's salary cap.

OPINION: The Springboks are about to embark on a five-day trophy tour - a celebration of their momentous win in Japan.

SPOTLIGHT: The second leg of the Springboks' World Cup trophy tour will take place in Durban on Friday.

LISTEN as @King365ed and @LoffieEloff pay tribute to @rugbyworldcup-winning @Springboks captain #SiyaKolisi and coach Rassie Erasmus.

NEWS:  South Africa's World Cup winner Cheslin Kolbe has been shortlisted for the French Top 14 player of the season award, the league announced on Wednesday.

REACTION: European rugby champions Saracens on Wednesday faced an angry call from rivals Exeter to be automatically relegated for breaching the English Premiership's £7 million ($9 million) salary cap over several seasons.

NEWS: World Cup-winning Springbok legend Tendai Mtawarira has announced his retirement from the international game.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Leading lights of the world game were on hand in Cardiff today for the official launch of the 2019/20  Champions Cup and Challenge Cup tournaments and to celebrate the start of the 25th anniversary season of Europe’s premier club rugby competition.

REACTION: Rassie Erasmus and Siyamthanda Kolisi hope the Springboks' World Cup triumph will go some way to assist in fixing a broken society.

BREAKING NEWS: European Champions Cup winners Saracens could face further sanctions after they failed to send any representatives to the launch of this year's tournament.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Japan could be set for an invite into the Six Nations following their spectacular run to the World Cup quarter-finals, according to British media reports.

TRANSFER NEWS: England centre Manu Tuilagi is another star targeted by Toronto Wolfpack as Canadian league club close in on Sonny Bill Williams deal, Rugbypass reports.

SPOTLIGHT: Former Wallabies Pat Howard and Nathan Sharpe and ex-Olympic rower Bo Hansen will make up a panel to review the Wallabies World Cup flop.

TRANSFER NEWS: Brumbies announced that Wallabies backrower Pete Samu has signed an early two-year extension to his Rugby Australia and Brumbies contract to continue with the club’s Super Rugby journey to 2022.

NEWS: New Zealand Rugby bosses have ruled out a foreign coach for the All Blacks, revealing they have asked 26 New Zealanders to apply including Jamie Joseph.

SPOTLIGHT: The Springboks' World Cup trophy tour kicks off in Gauteng on Thursday.

INJURY UPDATE: Lodewyk de Jager, the World Cup-winning Springbok lock, is facing shoulder surgery that will delay his debut for Sale Sharks for up to four months.

The great Rugby World Cup in Japan ended with a bang and top rugby shuffled off home. At home, rugby became bread-and-butter stuff as the clubs keep on going.

SPOTLIGHT: Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus described his team's 20-week journey to Japan and back as only positives.

BREAKING NEWS: The first batch of the victorious Springboks arrived back in South Africa on Tuesday.

NEWS: Two-time World Cup winner Sonny Bill Williams is close to finalising his return to Rugby League with Super League debutants Toronto Wolfpack, according to British media reports.

WATCH as James Haskell, John Smit and Mike Tindall chat about facing the Haka.

REACTION: Saracens boss Nigel Wray has promised to fight the heavy-handed treatment handed down to his club.

NEWS: He's already lured a "Jack of all trades" and Australian men's rugby sevens coach Tim Walsh says there's definitely time for more to join ahead of Tokyo's Olympics next year.

BREAKING NEWS: English and European champions Saracens status as a Premiership club is under threat.

SPOTLIGHT: As the hackneyed idiom states: "There are three kinds of lies: lies, damned lies, and statistics."

NEWS: Springboks World Cup winners Lukhanyo Am, Makazole Mapimpi, Tendai Mtawarira and Herschel Jantjies have been added to the Barbarians squad.

NEWS: Waratahs Cameron Clark has exercised an option in his contract to extend his stay at Daceyville for a further season.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: World Rugby chairman Bill Beaumont has lauded Japan 2019 as "probably the greatest Rugby World Cup".

TRANSFER NEWS: Springbok and World Cup winner Cobus Reinach could become the latest South African that signs a very lucrative deal with Montpellier.

THE AFTERMATH: England coach Eddie Jones arrived back in London on Monday giving little away about his future as the Rugby Football Union prepared to start its World Cup debrief.

NEWS: All Blacks fullback Beauden Barrett appears to have endorsed Ian Foster’s bid to become the next head coach.

TRANSFER NEWS: Two Springboks are set to move north to Ireland.

OPINION: The 2019 World Cup is over and now it is time to see who got selected in rugby365's Team of the Tournament.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: As South Africa are still reveling in their World Cup triumph, in the coming weeks Director of Rugby Rassie Erasmus faces yet another grueling task.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: England boss Eddie Jones has hit out at "negativity" over his side's performance after they were smashed 12-32 by South Africa in the World Cup final.

NEWS: The Waratahs have secured the signature of highly-rated Junior Wallaby, Pat Tafa for the 2020 Super Rugby season.

SQUAD ANNOUNCEMENT: The Brumbies have finalised their 2020 squad with 37 players named to take part in the 25th season of Super Rugby action.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: England are set to begin talks with coach Eddie Jones about the prospect of the Australian leading them at the 2023 World Cup in France when the beaten finalists return home from Japan.

At a splendid dinner at The Prince Park Towers in Tokyo on Sunday, 3 November 2019, World Rugby named Wayne Barnes of England the 2019 Referee of the Year.

PREMIERSHIP SPOTLIGHT: Saracens are facing the very real possibility of a mandatory 35-point deduction this season.

VIDEO AND PICTURE ANALYSIS: Cheslin Kolbe put the seal on South Africa's famous 32-12 World Cup win over England on Yokohama at the weekend.

PREMIERSHIP REPORT: A late Harry Williams try proved enough for Exeter Chiefs to come from behind and down a spirited Worcester Warriors side 24-20 at Sixways on Sunday.

TROPHY TOUR DETAILS: The South African World Cup-winning squad and coaches will arrive in Johannesburg from Japan on Tuesday and Wednesday.

NEWS: South Africa won the three main awards from World Rugby on Sunday.

WORLD RANKINGS: Rassie Erasmus take a bow. Eighteen months after taking over as Springboks coach he has taken South Africa back to No.1.

WORLD CUP SPOTLIGHT: A breakthrough performance from the hosts, a huge typhoon and a dressing-down for referees.

WATCH as we stream live from Japan the World Rugby awards for 2019!

WORLD CUP SPOTLIGHT: The 2019 tournament has made stars of many young players.

WORLD CUP SPOTLIGHT: Here are five of the stand-out players at the tournament, which was won by South Africa.

WORLD CUP REACTION: South Africa's victory over England may have been based on a no-nonsense defensive game plan, but No.8 Duane Vermeulen said two stunning tries showed they are also capable of producing "circus act" rugby.

PRO14 WRAP: Scarlets bounced back from last weekend’s disappointment at Edinburgh to battle past a defiant Cheetahs and continue their impressive start to the PRO14 season.

WATCH as Springboks supporters all around South Africa celebrate yet another wonderful moment in the nation's history.

The oldest Easter Rugby Festival for schools is the St Stithians Festival, which started in 1984. It has made known its fixtures for next year's festival on 9-13 April 2020.

PREMIERSHIP WRAP: Second-half tries from Brad Shields and Dan Robson saw Wasps edge out Bath 30-22, earning their first win of the season in  Premiership Rugby.

REACTION: A few England players were in no mood to celebrate as they quickly removed their runners-up medals after their defeat to South Africa in the World Cup final.

REACTION: England coach Eddie Jones was at a loss to explain a crushing 12-32 World Cup final defeat by South Africa as he admitted his team were "caught short" on Saturday.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: An emotional Makazole Mapimpi said he had come a "long way" after the wing became the first South African to score a Rugby World Cup final try during the Springboks' 32-12 triumph over England on Saturday.

WORLD CUP REACTION: South Africa's World Cup victory is about far more than rugby, Springboks legend Bryan Habana said following their thumping 32-12 win over England on Saturday in Japan.

WATCH as we go into the dressing room to see how South Africa celebrated its World Cup win!

OPINION: Despite owning the tag of favourites coming into the game, there was nothing England could do to stop the power and precision of South Africa in Yokohama.

OPINION: South Africa overpowered England 32-12 with a brutally effective forward display to win their third World Cup in Yokohama on Saturday.

WORLD CUP FINAL REPORT: South Africa made history by becoming the first team to win the tournament after losing a pool match.

READERS' FORUM: Welcome to the World Cup Final between England and South Africa in Yokohama.

REACTION: Australia's Director of Rugby Scott Johnson is already thinking about the 2023 World Cup in France.

In Paris in 2007, South Africa played England in the final of the Rugby World Cup and won 15-6. In Yokohama in 2019, South Africa are again playing England in the final of the Rugby World Cup.

WORLD CUP FINAL BUILD-UP: England face the daunting task of trying to match or even improve upon their stunning win over New Zealand when they face South Africa.

PREMIERSHIP FRIDAY WRAP: Early Premiership pacesetters Northampton Saints blew Harlequins away to secure a third win in as many league matches.

PRO14 FRIDAY WRAP: Eight-try Glasgow Warriors got their Pro14 season firmly up and running with a thumping 50-0 victory over winless Southern Kings at Scotstoun.

WORLD CUP REACTION: Warren Gatland bowed out as Wales coach with a 17-40 loss to his native New Zealand in the World Cup third-place play-off, expressing his hope that the team he coached for 12 years would not return to the "doldrums".

NEWS: The Stormers and Western Province will have a new home in 2021.

WORLD CUP FINAL BUILD-UP: The encounter between England and South Africa is likely to be come down to a shoot-out between the kickers' "golden boots" rather than "brilliant tries".

WORLD CUP REACTION: Outgoing New Zealand coach Steve Hansen said the pain his team had suffered at the World Cup would make them a "little bit more dangerous".

WORLD CUP FINAL BUILD-UP: There have been eight Finals since the tournament began in 1987.

OPINION:  Wales lacked the fizz to match New Zealand in the match that no-one wanted.

OPINION: It was the match that nobody wanted to play and nobody was too interested in the result.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: It was a mixed bag last weekend for the rugby world, as the unbridled intensity of England’s win over the All Blacks in the World Cup semi-final fizzled into the tedium of a kicking battle 24 hours later in South Africa’s win over Wales.

WORLD CUP MATCH REPORT: Departing All Black Ben Smith scored two tries late in the first half to help New Zealand win third place.

REACTION: World Rugby has announced the shortlist of players for the 2019 Player of the Year award and there are some major omissions.

ANALYSIS: South African players dominated a number of statistics after round four of the PRO14 Rugby Championship.

READERS' FORUM: Welcome to the World Cup third-place play-off match between New Zealand and Wales in Tokyo.

WORLD CUP FINAL SPOTLIGHT: When England and South Africa face off in Yokohama on Saturday, it will be the latest chapter in a history of classic encounters on the game's biggest stage.

NEWS: Australia announced that Test Rugby will return to the Sydney Cricket Ground for the first time since 1986 when Australia takes on Ireland in 2020.

WORLD CUP FINAL: This is it - the ninth rugby Final and perhaps the greatest of them all.

NEWS: World Rugby has announced the shortlist for the prestigious Player of the Year awards for 2019.

NEWS: Glasgow head coach Dave Rennie has been approached in relation to the upcoming vacancy of New Zealand manager.

WORLD CUP FINAL BUILD-UP: Frans Steyn is South Africa's cool and collected super-sub, according to coach Rassie Erasmus.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: As the plot thickens in the Pro14 last weekend confirmed a number of things for us: Leinster are going to take some stopping in defence of their title, Dragons are onto something this season and Conference B is going to chop and change all season long.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: After two rounds of Premiership play remarkably only two sides – Northampton Saints and Gloucester – are unbeaten, suggesting we are set for another incredibly close league campaign.

WORLD CUP SPOTLIGHT: If ever a man was destined to captain a team, it surely was Owen Farrell.

WORLD CUP SPOTLIGHT: Siyamthanda Kolisi carries the weight of the 'Rainbow Nation' on his shoulders, as the first black captain of the Springboks at Test level.

NEWS: Cheetahs centre Dries Swanepoel has been banned for three weeks following his team's 22-24 defeat to Connacht Rugby on October 26.

WATCH a video that debunks the myth that the Springboks are always on the wrong side of refereeing calls.

NEWS: The nominees for the World Rugby Team and Coach of the Year 2019 accolades have been revealed.

WORLD CUP THIRD-PLACE PLAY-OFF: Highly respected Kiwi coaches Steve Hansen and Warren Gatland will bow out of the international game after Friday.

NEWS: A nightclub has filed a criminal complaint against Uruguay rugby players after they allegedly caused thousands of dollars damage on a night out during the World Cup, its lawyer said Thursday.

TRANSFER NEWS: Worcester Warriors midfielder Scott van Breda has joined the Southern Kings squad on loan for the remainder of their tour.