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SPOTLIGHT: Discover the Charms of One of Japan’s Most Underrated World Cup cities.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Exeter Chairman Tony Rowe has predicted that Eddie Jones and his England team will fail at the Rugby World Cup.

RUGBY CHAMPIONSHIP SPOTLIGHT: The Wallabies squad of 34 players flew to South Africa on Sunday ahead of their Rugby Championship clash against the Springboks on July 20.

SUPER RUGBY SPOTLIGHT: Scott Robertson, fast becoming hailed as a master coach, summed up the secret to his success as a "wacky" approach.

REACTION: New Zealand rugby coach Steve Hansen is under fire for attempting to justify the selection in his Rugby Championship squad of a player charged over domestic violence.

WATCH as Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus reveals his goals for South Africa's Rugby Championship campaign.

SUPER RUGBY REACTION: Underdogs Jaguares were devastated to lose the Super Rugby Final to the defending champions Crusaders on Saturday, but said their breakout season has set Argentina up nicely for the World Cup.

CRAVEN WEEK REPORT: It was a good day for Western Province as their top team beat the Blue Bulls 56-31 in the final match of the 2019 Craven Week.

CRAVEN WEEK WRAP: Western Province finished the 2019 Under-18 Craven Week as the only unbeaten team to ensure their top team status for the second consecutive year.

ACADEMY WEEK WRAP: Western Province showed their class in the Academy Week to emerge as the top side in the tournament for the second year in a row as they defeated Border 45-17 in the final match.

NEWS: The Waratahs have well and truly opened the door to the public as they continue their search for a new head coach.

SUPER RUGBY FINAL REACTION: Captain Sam Whitelock said the team used adversity to help them gel and ultimately lift them to victory.

JERSEY LAUNCH: The new Wales kit to be worn by both the senior men’s and women’s international sides until the end of 2020, has been revealed by the Welsh Rugby Union (WRU).

VIDEO: Crusaders head coach Scott Robertson was in a breakdancing mood once again after his team beat the Jaguares in Saturday's Super Rugby Final.

SUPER RUGBY FINAL REPORT: The Crusaders won their 10th Super Rugby title on Saturday with a 19-3 victory over the Jaguares in Christchurch.

WATCH as Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus reveals the 'lifeline' he will be throwing those players on the fringe of the national team.

READERS' FORUM: Welcome to @rugby365com's live coverage of the @SuperRugby #Final between the @crusadersrugby and @JaguaresARG in Christchurch.

TRANSFER NEWS: Harlequins have revealed that Charlie Mulchrone has signed a playing contract extension, which will keep him at the Club until the end of the Rugby World Cup in Japan, providing cover for Martin Landajo.

There will be two South African Schools team chosen from the Under-18 Craven Week which ends in Bloemfontein on 6 July 2019.

The teams in this year's prestigious last match of the 2019 Craven Week will be between Western Province and the Blue Bulls, the third time they have met in this match.

Griffin Colby of the Free State Referees' Society has been appointed to referee the final match of the 2019 Craven Week at Grey College in Bloemfontein on Saturday, 6 July 2019, the most prestigious match at Craven Week.

SUPER RUGBY FINAL: Providing a distraction for the people of terror-hit Christchurch remains a driving point for the Crusaders.

CURRIE CUP SPOTLIGHT: Departing Stormers coach Robbie Fleck will not walk off into the sunset, as expected.

OPINION: Here it is, the results of the readers' nominations for a Springbok starting XV.

TRANSFER NEWS: The Dragons have signed experienced scrumhalf Luke Baldwin on a year-long loan deal.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Steve Hansen has issued not just the Crusaders, but his own All Blacks, with a warning about the ominously strong state of Argentina rugby.

WRAP: It was a little warmer in Bloemfontein on Day Four of the Craven Week and the Academy Week and there was less wind.

INJURY UPDATE: All Blacks midfielder Sonny Bill Williams has reportedly pulled up with a tight hamstring at All Blacks training.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Wallabies coach Michael Cheika remains bullish about one of his injury-plagued stars being fit for the World Cup.

SUPER RUGBY FINAL: Helping to heal a devastated city has become a motivating factor for the Crusaders, as the competition's most successful side prepare for a showdown with the Jaguares, the season's success story.

OPINION: Eddie Jones announced his 38-man World Cup training squad on Thursday, with some unexpected inclusions and exclusions.

Craven Week is saved. The Blue Bulls beat Western Province XV 36-34 in a match of such brilliant quality that it has pulled Craven Week up out of the bitter ash of the main match the day before and told the world that schools rugby is alive and healthy in South Africa.

The Griffons in royal blue beat the Blue Bulls in sky blue 50-22 in a Craven Week match at Grey College in Bloemfontein on Thursday, Day 4 of the week - this despite a comeback by the Blue Bulls XV that took the score from 33-5 to 33-22.

SPRINGBOK SPOTLIGHT: The first two rounds of the Rugby Championship will be crucial as South Africa build towards the World Cup.

CRAVEN WEEK MATCH REPORT: The Golden Lions’ campaign had certainly not gone as planned.

ROUND ONE: The First Division will feature added beef in the form of Argentinean outfit, the Jaguares XV when it kicks off this weekend with a full round of matches.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: England coach Eddie Jones has named 35 players that will assemble at Lensbury on Sunday for their first official World Cup training camp.

CRAVEN WEEK MATCH REPORT: The Eastern Province Elephants kept their campaign flawless with a 43-12 win over the Griquas.

NEWS: The Scarlets have released South African fullback Clayton Blommetjies from his contract.

CRAVEN WEEK REPORT: It was certainly a sensational second-half performance from the Limpopo Blue Bulls on the Day 4 of the Cravenweek.

NEWS: The Lions have secured the services of a key front-row member for the next few seasons.

WATCH as Limpopo Blue Bulls flank Renzo du Plessis starts a counter inside his own in-goal area and ends with a try, 103 metres.

REACTION: New Zealand Rugby was accused of "deplorable" judgment Thursday over the All Black selection of Sevu Reece, a player who less than 12 months ago pleaded guilty to assaulting his girlfriend.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Rugby aims to open up new frontiers this year when Japan host the first World Cup held in Asia, but the talent-rich Pacific island nations feel they are still being neglected by the game's powerbrokers.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Jaguares head coach Gonzalo Quesada has made a few changes to his matchday 23 for Saturday's Super Rugby Final against the Crusaders in Christchurch.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Crusaders head coach Scott Robertson has revealed his team to face the Jaguares in Saturday's Super Rugby Final against the Jaguares in Christchurch.

SQUAD ANNOUNCEMENT: Cancer survivor Christian Lealiifano was recalled to the Wallabies for the first time in three years.

LISTEN as the @rugby365com puts the 2019 @SuperRugby #Final between the @crusadersrugby and @JaguaresARG under the spotlight.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Springboks Head coach Rassie Erasmus is spoilt for choice when it comes to suitable captain candidates for the Rugby Championship.

It was mercifully warmer in Bloemfontein on Day 3 and the wind less obtrusive for the Under-18 Craven Week matches and the Under-18 Academy Week matches.

CRAVEN WEEK REPORT: What a disgrace! This "match" between Free State and Western Province on 3 July 2019 must be far and away the worst match ever played in Craven Week. Go back to 1964 and you will not find anything like it.

CRAVEN WEEK REPORT: The SWD Eagles recorded their second victory of the 2019 Craven Week as they were made to work hard on defence in the second half to claim a 39-31 victory over the Sharks.

REACTION: Waisake Naholo has posted a farewell message on Instagram just a day after missing out on the All Blacks squad for the opening two games of the Rugby Championship.

TRANSFER NEWS: Stormers JJ Engelbrecht and Cheetahs Rudy Paige have signed deals with Clermont.

CRAVEN WEEK REPORT: It looked as if Boland, leading 36-12, were on the way to comfortable victory when the Valke came flying back with 19 unanswered points, the last coming with time already up. It made for a dramatic finish.

NEWS: South African will start their Rugby Championship campaign without the services of captain Siyamthanda Kolisi.

CRAVEN WEEK REPORT: The Pumas were in an unforgiving mood on Day Three of the 2019 Craven Week when they ran riot against the Leopards to claim a comprehensive 54-17 victory.

TRANSFER NEWS: Harlequins announced that Fiji back Vereniki Gonevawill join the London Club from the 2019/20 season.

SPOTLIGHT: With little time to rest, Australia will name their first Wallabies squad for the 2019 Rugby Championship this week.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: TJ Perenara and Ardie Savea have been named joint winners of the Hurricanes Player of the Year award.

SPOTLIGHT:  This week's squad announcement marked the second year in a row that a supersized All Blacks squad has been announced.

CONTRACT NEWS: Wallabies and Waratahs lock Rob Simmons has opted to remain in Australia after he signed a new two-year deal.

SQUAD ANNOUNCEMENT: Māori All Blacks Head Coach Clayton McMillan has included six All Blacks stars in his 26-man squad for upcoming Series against Fiji.

RUGBY CHAMPIONSHIP SPOTLIGHT: Former Wallaby Matt Giteau believes the one-time bad boy of Australian rugby James O'Connor deserves his shot at redemption.

The big match this weekend is in Christchurch on New Zealand's South Island - the 2019 Super Rugby final between the habitual finalist Crusaders and the new finalist Jaguares from Argentina, and the man to referee the final is Jaco Peyper of South Africa, his third Super Rugby Finals.

SUPER RUGBY FINAL: The Jaguares don't believe they are rank outsiders. They see themselves as the Crusaders' equals.

It was another day of classy rugby action at Grey College in Bloemfontein on Tuesday as the Under-18 Craven Week and Academy Week saw the teams that watched from the sidelines on Monday taking to the field in their first round of matches.

NEWS UPDATE: Political firebrand and Eastern Province Rugby Union deputy president Bantwini Matika succeeded in eliminating Nick Mallett from the decision-making process at the Southern Kings.

Christopher Allison of the Blue Bulls Referees' Society has been appointed to the main match of the third day of the Under-18 Craven Week being played at Grey College in Bloemfontein.

This was a Match! It was not spectacular, it was not glamorous, but it was a match every inch of the way - two teams which gave of their determined best for the whole 70 minutes.

CRAVEN WEEK REPORT: The Blue Bulls overturned a seven-point half-time deficit to claim a 35-24 victory over Border on Day 2 of the 2019 Craven Week.

NEWS: Former France hooker Marc dal Maso was named as forwards coach of newly-promoted Top 14 side Brive.

CRAVEN WEEK REPORT: In the first 20 minutes the Griffons scored 13 points. In the last 10 minutes, they scored 15 points. In the intervening 40 minutes, they scored no points but still had enough at the final whistle to win 28-24 against an Eastern Province team which dominated 40 of the 70 minutes of the match.

TRANSFER NEWS: Bulls duo Hanro Liebenberg and Travis Ismaiel have become the latest stars to head abroad.

OPINION: Here is your chance to have your say. Vote now for your Springbok starting team!

TRANSFER NEWS: Leicester Tigers have secured the signature of EW Viljoen from the Stormers in Super Rugby.

CRAVEN WEEK REPORT: The Blue Bulls XV dominated important periods of the match to score five tries on their way to a 32-21 victory over the Golden Lions XV on Day 2 of Craven Week in Bloemfontein.

SANZAAR has announced that Jaco Peyper will referee the final of Super Rugby 2019 between the Crusaders and the Jaguares in Christchurch on Saturday.

NEWS: A grassroots Scottish rugby player has been banned from the sport for two years following an in-competition test at a match between Gala and Edinburgh Academicals in October 2017.

NEWS: The Lions revealed that there will be 10 players heading for the exit door as the franchise look to rebuild.

CRAVEN WEEK REPORT: Griquas got their 2019 Craven Week off to a good start when they edged the Limpopo Blue Bulls 35-24 in a match riddled with errors and poor discipline.

INJURY UPDATE: The Crusaders have suffered a double blow ahead of Saturday's Super Rugby Final against Argentina's Jaguares.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Aside from dominating the South African conference in the Super Rugby competition, the Jaguares will now try to dominate South Africa's domestic competition as well.  

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: All Blacks Coach Steve Hansen has named the squad for the first two matches of the Rugby Championship against Argentina and South Africa.

Bloemfontein in June is a rarely a chosen destination, and the Day 1 of the Youth Weeks was particularly unpleasant with rare patches of sunshine, the odd drizzle, a mean wind and temperature which reached just 11°C before dropping down below freezing.

REACTION: The Southern Kings’ majority shareholders, the Greatest Rugby Company in the Whole Wide World, wants Bantwini Matika removed from the board.

CRAVEN WEEK REPORT: After a good start by the Sharks, Free State took over and eventually won 46-24 in yet-another high-scoring Craven Week match.

CRAVEN WEEK REPORT: Western Province flyhalf Sacha Mgomezulu pulled all the strings in a dominant performance as his side made their intentions clear with a 50-24 victory over Boland on Day One of the 2019 Craven Week.

OPINION: And then there were two.

SELECTION TIME: The truncated version of the Rugby Championship brings its own unique challenges. However, it remains critical in the build-up to the World Cup.

South Western Districts went into this match as firm favourites which seemed a silly idea in the early part of the match when, after 13 minutes, they found the Pumas leading 12-0, and in fact the first half ended with Pumas leading.

TRANSFER NEWS: Italy captain Sergio Parisse has signed a one-year contract with Toulon, the Top 14 outfit announced Monday.

CRAVEN WEEK REPORT: The opening match of the 2019 Craven Week got the week off to a flying start as the Falcons manage to edge the Leopards 43-24 in a 10-try thriller.

Time is running out quickly as the Crusaders lead the Hurricanes 30-26 with a place in the Super Rugby final at stake and the Hurricanes are attacking well inside the Crusaders' 22.

SEVENS SPOTLIGHT: Los Pumas Sevens will join Fiji, USA, New Zealand and South Africa, the four teams to book their places through the World Rugby Sevens Series 2019, and host nation Japan in the 12-team field in Tokyo.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Scott Robertson will spend the early part of Super Rugby grand final week ensuring his Crusaders players aren't emotionally affected by the high of All Blacks selection or the low of rejection.

SQUAD ANNOUNCEMENT: The Jaguares will start their trip to Christchurch on Monday ahead of their Super Rugby Final against the Crusaders on Saturday.

SQUAD UPDATE: The Springboks have added another loose forward to their squad on Monday.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Time is running out for David Pocock and James O'Connor prior to the Wallabies' first Test of a World Cup year.

UPDATE: Crusaders stars Richie Mo'unga and George Bridge have learned their fate after a misconduct investigation for offensive behaviour during the Crusaders' Super Rugby tour of South Africa.

On Monday, 1 July 2019, the two senior Youth Weeks start at Grey College in Bloemfontein - the Under-18 Craven Week and the Academy Week, and SA Referees have made known the match officials appointed to the first two days of the weeks.

WORLD CUP SPOTLIGHT: New Zealand Rugby has paid homage to both Maori and Japanese cultures, with the unveiling of a stunning new All Blacks jersey for World Cup 2019.

The most prestigious week of South African rugby's seven Youth Weeks, the Craven Week, kicks off in Bloemfontein on Monday.

SPOTLIGHT ON NEWLANDS: Despite the obvious financial predicaments, a combination of some skilful give-and-take haggling and loyalty appears to have solved the Western Province Rugby Football Union's contractual issues.

SUPER RUGBY SPOTLIGHT: New Zealand's Crusaders and Argentina's Jaguares are preparing for a showdown that will be a clash of Test-match proportions in Christchurch on Saturday.

SUPER RUGBY SPOTLIGHT: Brumbies coach Dan McKellar says he won't replace departing veteran Christian Lealiifano and instead look to his rookie playmakers for next Super Rugby season.

WORLD CUP SPOTLIGHT: The Wallabies want access to up to AU$6.2 million worth of prize bonuses should they claim the Webb Ellis Cup in Japan later this year.

The Under-18 Craven Week this year is being hosted at Grey College in Bloemfontein in the first week of July - 1-6 July 2019.

INJURY UPDATE: The Crusaders will be sweating over the fitness of some key players ahead of their Super Rugby Final showdown with the Jaguares next Saturday.

REACTION: The Hurricanes suffered a heartbreaking defeat to the Crusaders in a thrilling Super Rugby semi-final that was made even worse with a controversial call during the dying stages of the game.

REACTION: Brumbies coach Dan McKellar said his men wanted to play positive rugby to get people talking about the game instead of off-field sagas.

REACTION: The Southern Kings have started an internal disciplinary process, following a racist rant by board member Bantwini Matika.

Craven Week, the greatest schoolboy rugby tournament in the world, seems to have been around forever. But like all things, it had a birth. It was a healthy birth but not universally welcomed. There were those who thought it a bad idea.

WATCH as we bring you all the highlights from the semifinal round of Super Rugby 2019.

MATCH REPORT: Crusaders kept their impressive home record intact with a hard-fought 30-26 win over the Hurricanes at Christchurch.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Unapologetic Rugby Australia chairman Cameron Clyne defended the firing of Israel Folau Saturday, saying sponsors would have deserted the sport if a hard line had not been taken over his religious stance.

WATCH as the Jaguares book their first ever Super Rugby final with a tremendous win over the Brumbies

LISTEN as newly appointed Cheetahs coach Hawies Fourie explains how he will meet the challenges in Bloemfontein head on.

Welcome to our coverage of the Super Rugby semi-final between the Crusaders and the Hurricanes at Christchurch Stadium.

SUPER RUGBY SPOTLIGHT: The Jaguares reached their first-ever Super Rugby Final after they destroyed the Brumbies 39-7 in their semifinal in Buenos Aires on Friday.

Welcome to our coverage of the Super Rugby semi-final between the Jaguares and the Brumbies in Buenos Aires.

Western Province are the unofficial champions of the Grant Khomo Week while the Sharks, by a small margin, dethroned Western Province in the Under-13 Craven Week. This happened in the final match of the final day of each tournament.

REACTION: Eddie Jones has named a new England training squad on Friday, which sees players from Gloucester and Northampton Saints enter the fray.

In rugby some referees are better than others. That's true, too, of players - some are better than others. In fact it is true of all walks of life. It's not just what they do but they way they do it that makes the difference between good, better and best.

CONTRACT NEWS: Italy captain Sergio Parisse is to leave Stade Francais after 15 seasons with the Parisian club.

TRANSFER NEWS: Samoan international scrumhalf Kahn Fotuali'i has quit Bath to join Top 14 club Montpellier on a one-year deal, replacing South African Ruan Pienaar.

NEWS: England coach Eddie Jones has announced a squad of 31 players to attend a second training camp from Sunday.

NEWS: Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus has added another 13 players to his training group in Pretoria

With Craven Week drawing ever closer, we take a look at the teams that could cause an upset or two during the week, or better yet, emerge unbeaten come Saturday, 6 July.

CONTRACT NEWS: The Lions took the first significant step in the quest to regain their lost glory, following a rather unrespectable Super Rugby season.

NEWS: World Cup hosts Japan have been hit by a second drugs scandal involving  Toyota Verblitz.

INJURY UPDATE: Blues flank Tom Robinson has been denied a meteoric call-up to the All Blacks by a knee injury.

NEWS: The Sharks have opted to replace head coach Robert Du Preez as the team's Currie Cup coach.

UPDATE: Israel Folau says he is disappointed a settlement wasn't reached with Rugby Australia at a conciliation meeting before the Fair Work Commission on Friday.

TRANSFER NEWS: Wales coach Warren Gatland will return to join his home team the Chiefs next year, New Zealand Rugby said Friday.

TRANSFER NEWS: Melbourne Rebels will have a new face at scrumhalf for next season.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: France's second consecutive World Rugby Under-20 Championship should be a valuable commodity for the French Rugby Union.

SUPER RUGBY SEMIFINAL: Hurricanes playmaker Beauden Barrett is under pressure to outshine his All Black rival Richie Mo'unga on Saturday.

NEWS: Warren Gatland will coach in New Zealand sooner than expected.

SUPER RUGBY SEMIFINAL: The Jaguares and twice former champions the Brumbies boast long winning streaks ahead of their clash in Buenos Aires on Friday.

FAIR WORK SPOTLIGHT: Israel Folau has his fingers crossed that Rugby Australia will admit it was wrong to terminate his contract over a social media post.

The 2019 edition of the Under-13 Craven Week and Under-16 Grant Khomo Week will conclude in dramatic fashion on Friday with Western Province and the Sharks meeting each other in the final match of both tournaments.

WATCH as Jim Harbaugh and the University of Michigan Wolverines swapped a pigskin for a rugby ball, when they trained with the Springboks in South Africa.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: @rugby365com can now reveal some of the more intimate details of the salary caps in the newly released South African player contracting model.

TRANSFER NEWS: Edinburgh have continued to strengthen their squad ahead of next season.

NEWS: Eddie Jones will have a new coaching job after this year's World Cup.

BREAKING NEWS: The Cheetahs took a long-term view when they named Franco Smith's replacement as head coach.

WATCH scenes from a horrible mass brawl between two French Reserve League sides Mougeurre and Elne in the South-Western region of Saint-Girons.

NEWS: Ross Ford confirmed his decision to retire from playing the sport

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: The Crusaders and Hurricanes will capture the full attention of All Blacks coach Steven Hansen after a plethora of All Blacks candidates were unveiled for their Super Rugby semi-final.

LISTEN as @King365ed and @LoffieEloff select their @Springboks teams for the @SanzarTRC and give #Bok coach Rassie Erasmus some 'advice' as the @SanzarTRC looms large.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: The Jaguares received a big boost ahead of the Super Rugby semifinal against the Brumbies in Buenos Aires on Friday.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Brumbies playmaker Christian Lealiifano will bring up his 150th Super Rugby appearance for the team.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Crusaders head coach Scott Robertson has unveiled his team to face the Hurricanes in a Super Rugby semifinal in Christchurch on Saturday.

A number of close encounters, a draw and impressive wins for the Golden Lions and Western Province highlighted Day Two of the Under-16 Grant Khomo Week at HS Rob Ferreira in White River on Wednesday.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Hurricanes head coach John Plumtree has revealed his team to face the Crusaders in a Super Rugby semifinal in Christchurch.

NEWS: Colin Cooper quit the Chiefs Thursday with a year still on his coaching contract.

@rugby365com PROBE: Western Province Rugby Football Union President Zelt Marais is confident they have averted a mass exodus of senior players.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: England rugby coach Eddie Jones has revealed the mind games he plays with his players, opponents and the media.

In the beginning, back in 1993 when it was Super 10, there were no semifinals. There was no need for a semifinal, as, having two pools, the finalists came naturally - each the winner of his pool.

TRANSFER NEWS: Stade Francais head coach Heyneke Meyer has found the perfect replacement for Piet van Zyl

TRANSFER NEWS: Glasgow Warriors have signed hooker Mesu Dolokoto on a two-year contract, subject to visa and medical.

NEWS: Former All Black wing Julian Savea has agreed to a pay cut in order to remain at Toulon.

WATCH as Francois Steyn shows why he still have the match fitness and skills to don a Springbok jersey.

NEWS: Leicester Tigers are reinforcing the team off the field.

CRAVEN WEEK SPOTLIGHT: Grey College in Bloemfontein has been a hotbed of South African rugby talent for generations and will, in July 2019, play host to the most prestigious schools rugby week - the Craven Week.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Brumbies prop Allan Alaalatoa says the career-best form of his teammates is driving the club towards a drought-breaking Super Rugby title.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Sale boss Steve Diamond believes Australia will get a "little pearl" for this year's World Cup in Japan.

INJURY UPDATE: The Jaguares are playing a waiting game with one of their star players ahead of their Super Rugby semifinal against the Brumbies in Buenos Aires on Friday.

The Sharks, Pumas, Western Province and Golden Lions showed great intent on Day Two of the Under-13 SA Rugby Craven Week at Hoërskool Rob Ferreira in White River on Tuesday, earning impressive wins.

NEWS: World Rugby will take the first steps towards potential player welfare-based law amendments when its Law Review Group (LRG) meets in London on Thursday and Friday.

TRANSFER NEWS: French Top 14 club Montpellier have bolstered their pack ahead of the 2019/2020 European season.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT:  It will be a case of the understudy versus the star when Brumbies take on the Jaguares at the Jose Amalfitani Stadium in Buenos Aires this weekend. 

TRANSFER NEWS: Exeter Chiefs are losing one of their star players.

SUPER RUGBY SPOTLIGHT: Going to Christchurch to face the Crusaders is a daunting task for any team, but the Hurricanes believe they can expose their opponents' weaknesses this weekend.

There will be a lot of interest centred on Christchurch and Buenos Aires as Super Rugby charges into the semifinals with Nic Berry and Mike Fraser to referee them.

The pinnacle of schoolboy rugby gets underway in Bloemfontein from 1-7 July when Grey College plays hosts to 18 provincial teams. We look at a few teams worth keeping your eye on during the festival.

SUPER RUGBY SPOTLIGHT: The Crusaders are confident they can limit Beauden Barrett's influence once again when they face the Hurricanes in Saturday's Super Rugby semifinal in Christchurch.

NEWS: Premiership rugby club Leicester Tigers has put itself up for sale.

WATCH as the French forwards take a South African opponent on a trip around the world in their World Rugby Under-20 encounter.

REACTION: The news that Italy attack coach Mike Catt will join Andy Farrell’s Ireland coaching team after the World Cup has not gone down too well with all fans on social media.

NEWS: A Christian group launched a crowdfunding campaign Tuesday for sacked Australian rugby star Israel Folau.

Scintillating action and the best provincial schoolboy rugby talent highlighted the opening day of the Under-13 Craven Week and Under-16 Khomo Week at Hoërskool Rob Ferreira in White River on Monday, 24 June 2019.

CONTRACT NEWS: Former All Black centre Casey Laulala will join Toulon from Top 14 rivals Racing 92 next season as skills coach on a one-year deal with an option for a second.

NEWS: The Cheetahs will unveil their new Currie Cup and Pro14 coach on Thursday.

OPINION: It is an often repeated question: 'Who can stop the Crusaders juggernaut?'

WATCH as Joel Stransky slots one of the most famous drop-goals of all time - on this day, 24 June 1995.

REACTION: South Africa head coach Rassie Erasmus has taken his first step towards building a squad for the World Cup later this year by naming a 26-man alignment squad.

TRANSFER NEWS: ​Edinburgh have secured the signing of Fijian Sevens star Mesulame Kunavula on a long-term deal.

OPINION: Is there anybody in the whole wide world who has not had disappointments?

REACTION: Rugby star Israel Folau said his resolve to fight his sacking for controversial comments had "only been hardened" by criticism as a crowdfunding campaign for his legal fees was shut down on Monday.

Here it is. Your last chance to vote for the South African Team of the Week, after both the Bulls and Sharks were knocked out in the quarterfinal stage of Super Rugby.

SUPER RUGBY SEMIFINALS: Matt Proctor could return boost the Hurricanes for their crucial Super Rugby semifinal clash against the Crusaders on Saturday.

JERSEY NEWS: It seems an Australian sports store has jumped the gun by revealing the All Blacks' 2019 World Cup jersey.

TRANSFER NEWS: Edinburgh is set to sign Lions and South Africa flank Albertus Smith as Rugby World Cup cover.

NEWS: All Blacks and Hurricanes flyhalf Beauden Barrett will be leaving Wellington after this year's World Cup.

TRANSFERS NEWS: The Southern Kings have been boosted in their pre-season Pro14 preparations by the arrival of highly experienced Kiwi strength and conditioning coach Wayne Taylor.

SUPER RUGBY SPOTLIGHT: Brumbies lock Rory Arnold says they can extend their winning streak to nine games and end a 15-year Super Rugby title drought over the next fortnight.

NEWS: Springbok wing JP Pietersen confirmed his departure from French giants Toulon.

NEWS: A crowdfunding campaign by controversial Australian rugby star Israel Folau, who was sacked last month for controversial comments, was shut down Monday

Two more Youth Weeks - the Under-13 Craven Week and the Grant Khomo Week for Under-16 teams - kick off on Monday, 24 June 2019, at Hoërskool Rob Ferreira at White River in the Lowveld.

TRANSFER NEWS: Italy assistant coach Mike Catt will join the Ireland coaching team following the completion of this year’s Rugby World Cup and ahead of the 2020 Six Nations Championship.

SQUAD UPDATE: Sale Sharks wing Chris Ashton has withdrawn from England’s training squad for family reasons.

SQUAD ANNOUNCEMENT: Springboks head coach Rassie Erasmus has named a strong 26-man squad for the Springboks alignment camp.

SUPER RUGBY REACTION: There was the good, the bad and the Sharks.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: All roads are expected to lead through Christchurch to claim the Super Rugby crown.

WATCH all the highlights from weekend's Super Rugby quarterfinal action.

REACTION: Bulls' quarterfinal exit was accompanied with a massive reality check for head coach Pote Human.

INJURY UPDATE: Wallabies loose forward Pete Samu has been ruled out of the Brumbies' Super Rugby semi-final due to a strained hamstring.

SUPER RUGBY REACTION: Brumbies coach Dan McKellar says his men can overcome their taxing trip to Buenos Aires and book their spot in the Super Rugby Final.

VIDEO: Bulls fans believe the Hurricanes should have been reduced to 14 men during their Super Rugby quarterfinal against the Bulls in Wellington on Saturday.

SUPER RUGBY REACTION: All Black star and Chiefs captain Sam Cane issued a warning to the Jaguares' future opponents.

SUPER RUGBY SPOTLIGHT: Following the completion of the four quarterfinals the semifinalists for the 2019 Super Rugby tournament have been confirmed.

FINALS WRAP: It's the final day of the World Rugby Under-20 Championship with Australia against France in the Final.

MATCH REPORT: The Brumbies were just too clinical for the Sharks during their quarterfinal clash in Canberra on Saturday.

MATCH REPORT: The Hurricanes book their spot in the semifinals with a hard-fought 35-28 win over the Bulls on Saturday in Wellington.

Welcome to our coverage of the Super Rugby quarter-final between the Brumbies and the Sharks in Canberra.

LISTEN as the @rugby365com team brings you the views of @LionsRugbyCo coach Swys de Bruin, who was asked if his team had regressed.

Welcome to our coverage of the Super Rugby quarter-final between the Hurricanes and the Bulls in Wellington.

SUPER RUGBY REPORT: The Jaguares made history by reaching the semifinals for the first time.

WATCH as the defending champion Crusaders end the Highlanders' dreams in the first match of the 2019 quarterfinals.

Welcome to our coverage of the Super Rugby quarter-final between the Jaguares and the Chiefs at the José Amalfitani Stadium in Buenos Aires.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Junior Springbok scrumhalf Jaden Hendrikse has been nominated as one of four players for the World Rugby U20 Championship Breakthrough Player of the Tournament award.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Samu Kerevi will depart the Queensland Reds as the reigning Pilecki Medallist after easily claiming another best player gong on Friday.

The Under-16 and Under-18 teams of Western Province came through the Under-16 and SA Rugby Under-18 Girls Weeks undefeated in Johannesburg when the two national tournaments concluded on Friday, 21 June 2029.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: One of the most interesting subplots to this Super Rugby season has been the form of prospective flyhalf challengers for the All Blacks this year.

TRANSFER NEWS: Welsh centre Joe Thomas has agreed to a move to Leicester Tigers ahead of the 2019/20 season.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Sharks' set-piece and their quality backline are just a few things that Brumbies have thoroughly examined before the quarterfinal showdown.

SUPER RUGBY REPORT: Richie Mo’unga scored 23 points to help the Crusaders smash the Highlanders 38-14 in their Super Rugby quarterfinal in Christchurch on Friday.

NEWS: Almost five months after moving Stephen Larkham sideways, Rugby Australia has finally appointed his replacement as Wallabies assistant coach.

It is the last day of World Rugby's Under-20 World Championship being played up the Paraná in Rosario and Santa Fe.

REACTION: Daryl Gibson has his sights set on a big Wallabies job

REACTION: Israel Folau has been clammed by a former teammate over his GoFundMe page.

NEWS: The Israel Folau saga on Friday claimed another victim.

NEWS: The Rugby Championship could be expanded now that World Rugby's proposed global league has collapsed.

Welcome to our coverage of the Super Rugby quarter final between the Crusaders and the Highlanders at the Christchurch Stadium.

NEWS: Sacked star Israel Folau has appealed for public donations to help raise AU$3-million to fund his legal dispute against Rugby Australia.

NO PLACE TO HIDE: With the one side of the quarterfinal draw New Zealand heavy, it is going to be a brutal weekend of play-off rugby.

The LSEN Under18 Week held its third round of matches at Hoërskool Sentraal in Bloemfontein and the Under-16 Girls held their second playing day at Jeppe High School in Johannesburg.

We're at the business end of the 2019 Super Rugby season. The quarterfinal is upon us. And so are your predictions.

NEWS: World Cup hosts Japan has been hit by a drugs scandal.

REACTION: Eddie Jones has announced an England training camp ahead of the World Cup later this year, and there have been a number of noticeable omissions.

NEWS UPDATE: Springbok and Sharks prop Tendai Mtawarira has decided to delay the launch of his highly anticipated book.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Just a day after Deon Davids' resignation, the Southern Kings head to social media seeking a suitable replacement.

TRANSFER NEWS: The Scarlets have further strengthened their squad for the 2019-20 campaign with the signings of lock Danny Drake, scrumhalf Dane Blacker and prop Alex Jeffries.

SQUAD ANNOUNCEMENT: England head coach Eddie Jones has announced a squad of 29 players to attend a training camp at Pennyhill Park next week

CONTRACT NEWS: Rugby Australia appears ready to 'break the bank' to turn around a year of horrors.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: The Sharks side named to play the Brumbies in Saturday's Super Rugby quarterfinal shows two changes.

INJURY UPDATE: England hooker Dylan Hartley has failed to recover from a knee injury in time to be named in head coach Eddie Jones' first training squad for the upcoming World Cup in Japan.

REACTION: Crusaders scrumhalf Bryn Hall said there was never any doubt in his mind that he would re-sign with the Crusaders.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: The Brumbies have named a full-strength side to face the Sharks in their Super Rugby quarter-final at Canberra Stadium on Saturday.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Bulls head coach Pote Human has revealed his team to face the Hurricanes in a Super Rugby quarterfinal on Saturday.

REACTION: SANZAAR has expressed disappointment that the proposed World Rugby Nations Championship concept has officially been taken off the table.

Four sides – Golden Lions, Blue Bulls, Western Province and Border– kept their winning streaks intact at Jeppe High School in Johannesburg on Wednesday, as Day Two of the SA Rugby Under-16 Girls Week concluded.

NEWS: One of world rugby's most innovative and respected coaches, All Blacks forwards coach Mike Cron, has announced that this year will be his last with the national side.

INJURY UPDATE: England face a World Cup waiting game on flying back Jack Nowell.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: In preparation for their first-ever home quarterfinal, the Jaguares have made a raft of changes to their side after resting some of their big guns last week against the Sunwolves.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Chiefs head coach Colin Cooper has named a near unchanged line-up for the quarterfinal against the Jaguares in Buenos Aires.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: A host of experienced players will return to the Hurricanes starting XV for Saturday's Super Rugby quarterfinal clash against the Bulls at Westpac Stadium.

Listen as @King365ed takes to task @TheSharksZA coach Robert du Preez and his media manager @novashni over their attempts to bully the media.

James Doleman of New Zealand has been chosen to referee the final match of World Rugby's Under-20 Championship between France and Australia as the Jockey Club of Rosario on Saturday, 22 June 2019.

MATCH REPORT: Itembelihle secured a remarkable win over Union High. 

Itembelihle of New Brighton in Port Elizabeth were the bright stars at Westering High Schools biennial sports festival.

SUPER RUGBY QUARTERFINALS: There is no place to hide. This, in a nutshell, is the opening match of the quarterfinal round.

NEWS: After months of negotiations World Rugby has ditched its attempts to secure agreement for a Nations Championship.

NEWS: The Southern Kings franchise and coach Deon Davids have 'mutually agreed' to part ways.

On Saturday Itembelihle Comprehensive School of New Brighton played Hoërskool DF Malherbe of Wailer and beat them 47-15 (26-3) in a game where Item played some scintillating rugby, attacking from all over the field, even from behind our own try-line!

A large, vocal crowd greeted the St Andrew’s College 1st XV as they ran out onto City Lords on Saturday for the annual K-Day fixture.

NEWS: Reigning champions Saracens have been handed a humdinger of a Champions Cup pool following the draw for the 2019/20 season.

SUPER RUGBY SPOTLIGHT: Here it is, the results of the Readers' selections for the South African Team of the Week for Round 18.

NEWS: French international fullback Djibril Camara, facing the sack from Stade Francais over gross misconduct charges, announced Wednesday his departure from the Top 14 club.

VIDEO: Toulouse players have some bizarre ways of celebrating their success.

Depending on hemisphere, it's either midsummer or midwinter. In midsummer, the weather has been working against the cricket World Cup. In midwinter, the weather was working against the U20 World Championship. Mercifully, the rugby was better able to recover than the cricket.

NEWS: French centre Bastareaud says he is retiring from international rugby.

REACTION: With World Rugby’s proposed Nations Championship facing a decisive vote of approval this Friday, former Samoa international Dan Leo has shown his outrage on Twitter.

SUPER RUGBY SPOTLIGHT: It may just be the feeling of familiarity, but the Sharks will have a measure of self-assurance when they face off against the Brumbies in the quarterfinal on Saturday.

ANALYSIS: Quade Cooper last played for the Wallabies in June 2017.

NEWS UPDATE: Rugby Australia has opted to hand out a slap on the wrist for Wallabies and Waratahs hooker Tolu Latu.

REACTION: Much has been made about Tendai 'Beast' Mtawarira's comments about former Springbok coach Peter de Villiers in the Bok prop's book entitled 'Beast'.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: The Highlanders will approach their Super Rugby quarterfinal encounter with the Crusaders with a settled looking side.

SUPER RUGBY SPOTLIGHT: The Brumbies have pledged to send inspirational flyhalf Christian Lealiifano out a Super Rugby winner as they prepare for the first obstacle of their finals campaign.

TRANSFER NEWS: The Hurricanes have strengthened the depth of their forward pack after signing imposing lock Scott Scrafton on a two-year deal from 2020.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: The Crusaders will be at full strength when they host the Highlanders in the opening match of the quarterfinal on Friday.

Thrilling rugby action was again at the order of the day in Johannesburg and Bloemfontein, where the SA Rugby Youth Weeks continued for a second day at Jeppe High School and Hoërskool Sentraal.

REACTION: France are looking to make big changes to the way they play ahead of this year's World Cup in Japan.

SUPER RUGBY QUARTERFINALS: A fortuitous quarterfinal berth has handed departing Highlanders first-five Marty Banks at least one more week with the club of which he has earned cult hero status.

SARU has announced the appointment of coaches for the SA Schools and SA Schools A teams for August "Tests" against England., Wales, France and Argentina.

After a thrilling series, which men's players get your vote for World Rugby Men's Sevens Player of the Year?

Rugby fans can expect lots of entertainment this coming weekend. Well, the quarterfinals are here with us.

REACTION: The new conferences for the Pro14 have been announced, and they have already left some fans bemused on social media.

SUPER RUGBY QUARTERFINALS: Montpellier-bound Springbok flyhalf Handre Pollard is hoping to give the Bulls' the perfect parting gift.

NEWS: Wasps have brought in a new coach ahead of the 2019/2020 season.

SQUAD ANNOUNCEMENT: France head coach Jacques Brunel has revealed his 31-man squad for the upcoming World Cup in Japan.

SUPER RUGBY SPOTLIGHT: The Hurricanes believe they don't need to do anything "special" on the field to beat the Bulls in their Super Rugby quarterfinal in Wellington on Saturday.

SANZAAR has announced the match officials for this weekend's four quarterfinals.

UNDER-20 SPOTLIGHT: The perception that match official favour New Zealand teams and handle them with kid gloves is not going away.

SUPER RUGBY SPOTLIGHT: The Brumbies could face one of the most gruelling travel schedules in world sport to end a 15-year Super Rugby title drought.

SUPER RUGBY SPOTLIGHT: The Highlanders are set to be bolstered by the return of one of the biggest names in rugby for their Super Rugby quarterfinal in Christchurch.

Two of South Africa's seven Youth Weeks kicked off on Monday, one in Bloemfontein and the other in Johannesburg

REACTION: The lack of clarity surrounding the South African Rugby Union's new contracting model has contributed to the troubling contract situation of the Western Province Rugby Football Union.

NEWS: A French court has ordered assault charges dating back to 2014 against former England flank Steffon Armitage to be dropped, the player's lawyer Clement Lambert said Monday.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: The Conferences for the upcoming PRO14 seasons have been drawn based upon finishing positions resulting in six teams swapping Conferences.

SOCIAL MEDIA SPOTLIGHT: Former Springboks assistant coach and current United States head coach Gary Gold has made a startling comparison between Super Rugby and Major League Rugby.

INJURY UPDATE: The Bulls have received a much-needed boost ahead of their quarterfinal clash against Hurricanes in Wellington.

SUPER RUGBY SPOTLIGHT: The Crusaders are ready to roll out a full contingent of All Blacks when they host the Highlanders in the quarterfinal on Friday.

OPINION: It was a dramatic final round of league action, which saw some contenders - like the Chiefs and Highlanders - sneak in through the back door.

WRAP: Australia and defending champions France will contest the World Rugby Under-20 Championship Final.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Chiefs captain Sam Cane has said their stunning transformation from Super Rugby strugglers to playoffs contenders was sparked by a desire to prove their critics wrong.

NEWS: Former Leicester Tigers and England captain Peter Wheeler will become the President of the Rugby Football Union.

NEWS: Front row ace Brok Harris has pledged his future to Dragons after agreeing to a new contract at the region.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Sharks coach Robert du Preez has named a 27-man squad for Saturday's Super Rugby quarterfinal clash with the Brumbies in Canberra.

OPINION: North versus South. Set-piece versus multi-phase. Kicking versus running the ball. Defence versus Offence.

Here is your chance to have your say. Nominate the South African players you felt performed the best in Super Rugby's Round 18.

NEWS: Rising young All Blacks prop Tyrel Lomax has signed a four-year deal with the Hurricanes through until at least 2023.

The annual Bondedag was held for Northvaal provinces at Hoërskool Bekker in Magaliesburg.

TRANSFER NEWS: Brumbies will not only lose David Pocock, but now Christian Lealiifano has confirmed that he will also depart the club at the conclusion of the 2019 Super Rugby season.

Midwinter in South Africa means rugby's youth weeks, and the first of them start on Monday, 17 June 2019.

TRANSFER NEWS: The Cheetahs are set to lose one of their most experienced players.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: There was a unique request from one of the players at Saturday's Top 14 Final between Toulouse and Clermont in Paris.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Powerful but uncapped loose-forward Rynhardt Elstadt is in with a shout of featuring for the Springboks at the World Cup.

There are three categories of team involved in Monday's first round of knock-out matches - the four with a chance of being champions, the next four with only pride at stake, and the bottom four desperate to avoid relegation.

WATCH the highlights from the weekend’s Super Rugby Round 18 matches!

SUPER RUGBY REACTION: The final round clash between the Stormers and the Sharks was probably one the worst advertisements for South African rugby.

SUPER RUGBY REACTION: The Bulls believe that they can emulate the Crusaders and become only the second team to win a Super Rugby final on foreign turf if that scenario pans out for them.

The K-Day derby in Grahamstown was a thriller - a match of 41 points with a one-point winner.

TOP 14 FINAL: France wing Yoann Huget scored two tries as Toulouse won the French title for a 20th time beating Clermont 24-18 on Saturday.

SUPER RUGBY REACTION: At least one of the Crusaders' fellow quarterfinalists is expecting the defending champions to host this year's Super Rugby Final once again.

SUPER RUGBY REACTION: The Brumbies are the only side left flying the Australian flag In Super Rugby and coach Dan McKellar says the team will be playing for national pride in the quarterfinals.

SUPER RUGBY SPOTLIGHT: Sharks head coach Robert du Preez had the perfect platform at Newlands to hit back at his critics one again after his team's 12-9 win over the Stormers on Saturday.

SUPER RUGBY SPOTLIGHT: After 18 Rounds and 120 matches of the regular season the quarterfinalists for the 2019 tournament have been confirmed.

SUPER RUGBY REPORT: The Bulls produced their most impressive performance of the season to score a commanding 48-27 win over the Lions in Pretoria on Saturday.

SUPER RUGBY REPORT: Springbok centre Lukhanyo Am score a try almost two minutes after regulation full-time to secure a thrilling 12-9 win for the Sharks over the Stormers at Newlands on Saturday.

Welcome to our coverage of the Super Rugby Round 18 clash between the Bulls and Lions at Loftus.

SUPER RUGBY REPORT: The Brumbies put the seal on winning the Australian conference with a 40-27 win over the Reds in a cold Canberra on Saturday.

Welcome to our coverage of the Super Rugby Round 18 clash between the Stormers and Sharks at Newlands.

SUPER RUGBY REPORT: The Hurricanes put in a strong second-half performance to beat the Blues 29-24 in Wellington on Saturday.

Round 4 of World Rugby's Under-20 World Championship, being played in Argentina, starts the knock-out stage, and the match officials for the matches have been announced.

INJURY UPDATE: In a huge boost for the Wallabies' World Cup prospects, champion flank David Pocock is set for a surprise early return during the Rugby Championship.

Welcome to our coverage of the Super Rugby Round 18 clash between the Brumbies and Reds at GIO Stadium.

REACTION: Warren Gatland, coach for the British and Irish Lions tour to South Africa in 2021, wants his team to tested, not fed cannon fodder.

SUPER RUGBY REPORT: The Argentine Jaguares sealed second place in the Super Rugby standings by trouncing the Japanese Sunwolves 52-10 Friday in Buenos Aires despite fielding a virtual reserve team.

Welcome to our coverage of the Super Rugby Round 18 clash between the Hurricanes and Blues at Westpac Stadium.

SUPER RUGBY SPOTLIGHT: The Sharks are all about physical dominance when it comes to game plans and Stormers head coach Robbie Fleck believes his team his well-suited to deal with that with the return of Damian de Allende.

TRANSFER NEWS: Jason Tovey will return to Arms Park for a second stint after signing a two-year deal with Cardiff Blues.

REACTION: "How did we fall into such a big hole?"

REACTION: No one would be more pleased to bid farewell to the 2019 Super Rugby season than Waratahs head coach Daryl Gibson.

St Stithians College of Randburg play host to Kearsney College of Botha's Hill on Saturday in their annual Methodist derby.

REACTION: Japan sabbaticals is South Africa's best counter to the cash-flush clubs in Europe.

SUPER RUGBY REPORT: The Chiefs marched into the play-offs in emphatic fashion, blowing the Rebels away 59-8 in Melbourne on Friday.

NEWS: Munster and the IRFU confirmed that Stephen Larkham will join the province as senior coach ahead of the 2019/20 season.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: One of South Africa's best players is off to Japan after this year's World Cup.

NEWS: Israel Folau and Rugby Australia have been given a last chance to settle their differences before an industrial tribunal begins lengthy and costly proceedings.

SUPER RUGBY REPORT: The Highlanders kept alive their slim hope of reaching the play-offs when they blew the Waratahs away - a 49-12 win in Invercargill on Friday.

TOP 14 FINAL: The French Top 14 season heads towards a tantalising climax on Saturday as swashbuckling Toulouse and imperious Clermont face off at the Stade de France in what has been described as the 'Dream Final'.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Wallabies coach Michael Cheika concedes it's unfortunate that Israel Folau has been lost to Australian rugby but maintains "team is king".

Welcome to our coverage of the Super Rugby Round 18 clash between the Rebels and Chiefs at AAMI Park.

UPDATE: Waratahs and Wallabies hooker Tolu Latu has been sentenced in court on Friday, after pleading guilty to mid-range drink driving and driving whilst suspended.

NEWS: Australia's form outside centre has decided his future.

NEWS: Wallabies centre Samu Kerevi holds no grudges with the national body after confirming a three-year deal with Suntory in Japan's Top League from next season.

SUPER RUGBY SPOTLIGHT: The Sharks appear to be set for a period of renewed upheaval, including a possible coaching exodus.

Welcome to our coverage of the Super Rugby Round 18 clash between the Highlanders and Waratahs at Rugby Park Stadium.

Michaelhouse vs Hilton, the Midlands Derby is the most elegant rugby occasion in South Africa, and it happens twice a year.

On 15 June 2019, on City Lords in Grahamstown, Kingswood and St Andrew's will meet, a match that goes back 121 years to 1898, a rugby day that became known as K-Day in 1996.

DERBY DAY: The abomination that is SANZAAR conference system may be the most derogated part of the competition.

NEWS: Rugby League superstar Kayln Ponga has reportedly been approached by Wallabies coach Michael Cheika about making a dramatic code switch.

VIDEO: Fans on social media have been up in arms over a tackle in South Africa’s match against New Zealand in the World Rugby Under-20 Championship.

NEWS: Worcester Warriors Director of Rugby Alan Solomons has committed himself to the club until the end of the 2021/22 season.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: There are four changes to the Stormers backline for the Super Rugby coastal clash with the Sharks at Newlands on Saturday.

LISTEN as Lions prop Dylan Smith tells his teammates to 'give it a full go' against the Bulls in their decisive Super Rugby Round 18 encounter at Loftus Versfeld on Saturday.

UPDATE: There has been plenty of speculation over England’s post-Rugby World Cup coaching group in recent months, with only Steve Borthwick, of the assistant coaches, contracted long-term to the RFU.

JUNIOR WORLD CUP SPOTLIGHT: South African JJ van der Mescht showed some serious pace for a lock when he intercepted, outpaced New Zealand's fastest wing and sprinted 50 metres for a crucial try.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Sharks head coach Robert du Preez has revealed his team to face the Stormers in a crucial final-round encounter at Newlands on Saturday.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Wallabies coach Michael Cheika is set to unveil his mystery World Cup attack coach with less than 100 days until the Japan rugby tournament.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: The Australian Conference Champion Brumbies return to GIO Stadium this weekend for their final regular season match of the Super Rugby competition when they welcome the Reds.

In another @rugby365com exclusive @tauriq365 chats to former player and talent manager @Andries_Strauss about signing young schoolboys for European clubs.

TRANSFER NEWS: Wallabies' director of rugby Scott Johnson said Rugby Australia couldn't have done more to keep star centre Samu Kerevi.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: When Toulouse's Peato Mauvaka was growing up on the remote Pacific island of the French overseas territory of New Caledonia his dream was to head to France to play volleyball.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: The Queensland Reds have made two changes to their starting XV for their final match of 2019 against the Brumbies at GIO Stadium Canberra on Saturday.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: The Blues are determined to finish their Super Rugby season with a flourish against the Hurricanes in Wellington on Saturday.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Squad captain Dane Coles will return to the starting XV for the first time since Round Five of the Super Rugby competition when the Hurricanes host the Blues at Westpac Stadium on Saturday.

FIXTURES: The pool matches are over and now the knock-out stages loom with two more matches to win a trophy, earn pride and avoid relegation.

LAST CHANCE: For four of the teams in Friday's matches it is literally the last chance saloon.

LISTEN as newly appointed British and Irish Lions coach Warren Gatland speaks about his plans for their tour of South African in 2021.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: The Bulls added some additional Springbok muscle for their must-win Super Rugby Round 18 encounter with the Lions at Loftus Versfeld on Saturday.

ROUND THREE: The final matches of the league stages - to determine the semifinals - take place on Wednesday.

INJURY UPDATE: The Sharks will head to Newlands on Saturday for their Super Rugby crunch match against the Stormers without three of their key Springboks.

TRANSFER NEWS: Demetri Catrakilis is set to return to the Southern Kings ahead of the new season starting in September.

The 2019 Super Rugby season is heading to the business end, but the conference standings are tight. Here are the predictions for Round 18's fixtures.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: It's about time New Zealand Rugby Union gives back to the Pacific Island rugby, according to Tonga coach Toutai Kefu.

CURRIE CUP FIXTURES CONFIRMED: The defending-champion Sharks have a tricky start to their 2019 campaign.

OPINION: Here it is, your choices as the South African Team of the Week for Super Rugby's Round 17 matches.

TRANSFER NEWS: Crusaders Backs Coach Ronan O’Gara has confirmed the 2019 season will be his last with the Christchurch-based club, having accepted a coaching role with the French club, La Rochelle.

WATCH as the head coach for the 2021Bristish and Irish Lions tour is announced.

Jérôme Garcès, a full-time referee who will be 46 in October, is adding to his illustrious refereeing career with an appointment to his third Top 14 final this weekend - a grand occasion at Stade de France.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Japan's rugby captain Michael Leitch warned that the "Brave Blossoms" will fear no one at this year's World Cup as the hosts target a place in the knockout stage for the first time.

SUPER RUGBY SPOTLIGHT: Speculation is rife about Beauden Barrett making a potential shock move from the Hurricanes to the Blues.

RANKINGS: This week, fewer matches mean fewer changes and with mid-winter holidays upon us, there will not be another Top 20 till late July 2019.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Chiefs coach Colin Cooper has made three changes to his starting XV, for their must-win Super Rugby Round 18 encounter with the Rebels in Melbourne on Friday.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Towering lock Brodie Retallick has agreed to stay with the All Blacks until the 2023 World Cup but only after a stint playing Japanese club rugby, New Zealand Rugby announced.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: The Rebels have rushed back a pair of Wallabies for their must-win match Round 18 Super Rugby showdown with the Chiefs on Friday.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: All Blacks legend Ben Smith has been ruled out of the Highlanders' must-win Super Rugby match against the Waratahs.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Waratahs will be without five of their Wallabies when they face Highlanders at Rugby Park, Invercargill on Friday.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Wallabies props Allan Alaalatoa and Scott Sio say reformed loosehead James Slipper has earned the right to play for Australia again.

On the 6th of June 2019 one thousand Under-9 Get Into Rugby participants, from the Orange District region in the Northern Cape, took part in a festival at High School Keimoes.

ROUND 18 BUILD-UP: The Stormers will play the 'depleted' hand dealt to them when they face the Sharks in a must-win Super Rugby showdown at Newlands on Saturday.

Fewer matches and fewer results as exams and Craven Week preparations demand that thousands sacricfice the exercise and excitement that the rugby field provides.

SUPER RUGBY SPOTLIGHT: The Highlanders will look to give All Black legend Ben Smith the perfect send-off when they face the Waratahs in Invercargill on Friday.

TRANSFER NEWS: Wasps announced the signing of wing Zach Kibirige from Newcastle Falcons.

SPOTLIGHT: The British and Irish Lions will name their head coach for 2021 tour of South Africa on Wednesday.

It's midsummer in Europe and the final of France's Top 14 at Stade de France. That will be a huge match, as it has been since 1892.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: The last time the Brumbies were playing with this much confidence they made the Super Rugby final, according to 99-game prop Scott Sio.

WORLD CUP SPOTLIGHT: A newly refurbished stadium, tattoo-friendly baths and enough traditional street bars to satisfy the thirstiest fan.

INJURY UPDATE: Injury-riddled All Blacks wing Nehe Milner-Skudder’s slim hopes of appearing at this year’s World Cup appear to have been halted.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Rebels scrumhalf Will Genia refused to be sidetracked by contract chats ahead of his side's must-win fixture against the Chiefs. 

INJURY UPDATE: The Bulls have two big casualties after their match with the Highlanders in Dunedin last Friday.

@rugby365com Law guru Paul Dobson looks at yet another dangerous incident that went unpunished by match officials.

Clermont Auvergne booked their place in the Top 14 final alongside Toulouse yesterday with an impressive 33-13 win over Lyon.

NATIONS CUP WRAP: The World Rugby Nations Cup will go down to the wire as Russia and Namibia claimed dramatic wins over Argentina XV and host Uruguay respectively on Sunday.

OPINION: Nobody likes a draw.

OPINION: The Crusaders produced a masterclass in Round 17 against the Melbourne Rebels in Christchurch.

INJURY UPDATE: Lions will have to take on the Bulls without the influential Albertus Smith.

WATCH as Italy Under-20 produced an incredible team try against England at the World Rugby U20 Championship.

INJURY UPDATE: The Chiefs received some much-needed good news ahead of their final round-robin Super Rugby showdown with Rebels on Friday.

SUPER RUGBY SPOTLIGHT: Hurricanes coach John Plumtree has paid homage to the wealth of talent at the disposal of South African coaches, particularly the black talent.

OPINION: Tauriq Ebrahim looks at how selfish individuals are looking after their own interests and denying others the time to shine at Craven Week.

SUPER RUGBY SPOTLIGHT: The Waratahs will rest their Wallabies stars against the Highlanders this week, despite remaining a mathematical chance to make the Super Rugby finals.

NEWS: First the good news: Japanese organisers insist there is no danger of this year's Rugby World Cup venues running out of beer.

SUPER RUGBY SPOTLIGHT: The defending champions Crusaders find themselves in a perfect position to go on and secure a third straight Super Rugby crown.

Here is another chance to have your say. Vote for the players from the four South African teams you felt performed best in Super Rugby's Round 17.

JUNIOR WORLD CUP SPOTLIGHT: The championship has typically been an efficient conveyor belt of talent for the professional game.

TOP 14 FINAL: Clermont booked their place in next weekend's French Top 14 Final against Toulouse with a 33-13 victory over Lyon on Sunday.

SUPER RUGBY SPOTLIGHT: The season's league phases will come to a dramatic and climactic conclusion with two South African derbies.

WATCH the highlights from the weekend's main matches - Super Rugby Round 17 and World Rugby's Under-20 championship!

SUPER RUGBY REACTION: Not for the first time this year a New Zealand coach has slammed the Stormers for their 'lack of ambition'.

SUPER RUGBY REACTION: The Lions are waiting anxiously for clarity on the severity of loose forward Albertus Smiths’ injury.

@rugby365com brings you all the schools results from the weekend!

JUNIOR WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP SPOTLIGHT: If you happen to be a Sharks fan, it would be difficult to look at this crop of South African Under-20 players and not be excited about the future of your franchise.

SUPER RUGBY REACTION: Reds coach Brad Thorn used last week's State of Origin to inspire his team ahead of their win over the Blues.

REACTION: The Israel Folau saga has become a bitter public stand-off between the Wallaby utility back and Rugby Australia, from which no winners will emerge.

REPORT: Kearsney fought their way back into their Classic Clash with Northwood but eight points in the final 10 minutes secured a 20-12 victory for the home side.

TOP14 MATCH REPORT: Springbok livewire Cheslin Kolbe helped stoke Toulouse's hopes of a first Top 14 title since 2012. 

MATCH REPORT: The Jaguares cemented their spot at the top of the South African Super Rugby conference with a convincing win over the Sharks in Buenos Aires.

TRANSFER NEWS: Former Bath head coach Tabai Matson says he is “honoured and humbled” to be appointed the backline coach for the Fiji Rugby World Cup campaign in Japan.

It was a lovely match between Bishops and Rondebosch at Bishops on Saturday, a typical Cape winter's day - sunny, warm enough and almost windless with just a strip of white cloud enjoying a splendid view from its Table Mountain grand stand.

Welcome to our coverage of the Super Rugby Round 17 between the Jaguares and Sharks at Estadio Jose Amalfitani.

MATCH REPORT: Stormers kept their play-off hopes alive with a 31-18 win over the Sunwolves in a scrappy affair at Newlands.

MATCH REPORT: The Hurricanes marched to a 37-17 win over the Lions at Ellis Park.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT:  Sacked Wallabies fullback Israel Folau has not only launched legal action, but the star has hit out at the entire RA board for leaking the minutes of his Code of Conduct hearing.

Welcome to our coverage of the Super Rugby Round 17 between the Stormers and Sunwolves at Newlands.

SUPER RUGBY REPORT: The Brumbies sealed top spot in the Australian conference with a 35-24 win over a haphazard Waratahs team in Parramatta, Western Sydney, on Saturday.

ROUND TWO WRAP: We bring you all the drama from the second round of the World Rugby Under-20 championship in Argentina as the race for a place in the semi-finals intensifies.

Welcome to our coverage of the Super Rugby Round 17 between the Lions and Hurricanes at Ellis Park.

SUPER RUGBY REPORT: The Crusaders laid down a challenge for the pretenders to their crown: 'You want it? Come and get it!'

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Springboks head coach Rassie Erasmus revealed that lack of game time could be a worrying factor as the Rugby Championship looms.

NEWS: New Zealand bosses have confirmed the Crusaders will keep their name for at least another year.

Welcome to our coverage of the Super Rugby Round 17 between the Waratahs and Brumbies at Bankwest Stadium.

SUPER RUGBY SPOTLIGHT: The Lions is the most free-spirited team in South Africa. However, they will have to get 'down and dirty' against the Hurricanes on Saturday.

Welcome to our coverage of the Super Rugby Round 17 between the Crusaders and Rebels in Christchurch.

SUPER RUGBY SPOTLIGHT: The Stormers are looking to rediscover the form they had against the Crusaders and the Highlanders heading into their final two games of the season.

SPOTLIGHT: The Reds and former Wallabies number eight Scott Higginbotham set a record on Friday, by becoming the first forward to ever score 40 tries in Super Rugby.

SPOTLIGHT: South African rugby will be delighted with the news that winger Aphiwe Dyantyi has committed to the Lions until 2021.

INTERVIEW: The Western Province Rugby Football Union is busy steering the ship through the stormy waters of yet another cash crunch.

On Saturday Kearsney go down from their Botha's Hill to Durban and up to Durban North where they play Northwood in a Classic Clash.

NEWS: Only days after securing the services of Graham Rowntree, Munster are on the verge of confirming the recruitment of another high-profile coach to their set-up.

TOP14 SEMIFINALS: Lyon take on Clermont in the Top 14 semi-finals this weekend hoping to go one better than their last-four exit last season.

NEWS: For the first time since rugby turned professional in 1996, SA Rugby will no longer directly contract Springboks.

SUPER RUGBY REPORT: Veteran Wallaby loose forward Scott Higginbotham scored a double to mark his last game for the Reds, a winning departure.

TEAM UPDATE: Lions have been forced to reshuffle their starting XV for Saturday's fixture against the Hurricanes.

SUPER RUGBY REPORT: For the second week in succession to Bulls drew in New Zealand, playing a thrilling 24-all stalemate with the Highlanders in Dunedin on Friday.

TRANSFER NEWS: Brumbies Flank Jahrome Brown has signed a two-year contract for 2020 and 2021 with the club following his rapid rise up the Super Rugby ranks this season.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Jaguares have named their side that will face the Sharks in Buenos Aires on Saturday.

Welcome to our coverage of the Super Rugby Round 17 between the Reds and Blues at Suncorp Stadium.

TRANSFER NEWS: Crusaders rising star Will Jordan is one of the players that have committed to the reigning Super Rugby championship.

Welcome to our coverage of the Super Rugby Round 17 between the Highlanders and Bulls at Forsyth Barr Stadium .

From the Bishops gate on Sandown Road to the Rondebosch Boys' High gate on Oakhurst Avenue is about 400 metres. They are neighbours.

SELECTION POSERS: The Chiefs may not be in action this weekend, but they have remained in the spotlight.

INJURY UPDATE: The Stormers have been hit hard by injuries ahead of their final two regular season matches against the Sunwolves and Sharks.

Now in its fifth year, the South African Rugby Union's Get into Rugby (GIR) programme will be active in this part of the Northern Cape.