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SQUAD ANNOUNCEMENT: The Western Force has named the 28-player squad for the upcoming women’s three-game tour of Japan ahead of the team’s departure on Wednesday.

NEWS: Fresh off his NRL season with the Sydney Roosters, big-money rugby recruit Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii is putting his hand up for game time on the Wallabies' upcoming UK tour.

NEWS: Wales and British Lions centre Jonathan Davies has announced his retirement, bringing the curtain down on a career which brought 96 caps and two Six Nations Grand Slams.

WATCH as Bulls Director of Rugby Jake White speaks about his post-match reaction to the hard-earned 29-19 win over the Ospreys, following a chaotic second half in Swansea.

MATCH REPORT: Harlequins ended Saracens' 100 percent record in this season's Premiership by defeating their London rivals 17-10 in a bruising encounter at the Twickenham Stoop.

MATCH REPORT: The Lions were way off their best, but managed to hang on for an important win and retain their unbeaten start to the United Rugby Championship season.

READERS’ FORUM: Welcome to our LIVE coverage of the United Rugby Championship Round Four encounter between the Dragons and Lions at Rodney Parade in Newport.

WATCH as Stormers Director of Rugby John Dobson explains his plans for the way forward, after another humbling URC loss.

WRAP: Spain wrapped up the WXV 3 title and World Cup 2025 qualification with a nail-biting 10-8 victory against Fiji in the United Arab Emirates.

REACTION: The Wallaroos claimed their first major piece of silverware when they recorded a 31-22 victory over Scotland at Athlone Stadium.

WRAP: France scrumhalf Antoine Dupont made an impressive return to the Top 14 on Saturday by scoring a quickfire hat-trick of tries. 

WRAP: England were forced to dig deep to retain their WXV 1 title with a 21-12 victory against hosts Canada at BC Place.

MATCH REPORT: The Western Force concluded their three-match South African tour with a last-gasp 34-33 victory over a WP XV outfit at the Markotter Stadium in Stellenbosch on Saturday. 

REACTION: It was a heartbreaking defeat for the Springbok Women, who have shown tremendous progress throughout the WXV 2 tournament.

REACTION: Sharks coach John Plumtree singled out 'not being clinical enough' as the main reason for their 10-38 loss to Benetton in the United Rugby Championship at the weekend.

MATCH REPORT: It was a typical Irish derby - plenty of passion and drama.

PREMIERSHIP SATURDAY WRAP: Leicester made it three wins from four Premiership games under Michael Cheika as they defeated East Midlands rivals Northampton 24-8 at Welford Road.

MATCH REPORT: The Bulls held on for a 29-19 win over the Ospreys after a chaotic second half in Swansea.

MATCH REPORT: Leinster showed why they are the United Rugby Championship pacesetters with a convincing 26-12 bonus-point win over Munster at Croke Park.

MATCH REPORT: Scarlets produced a stunning defensive display to claim their first United Rugby Championship win of the season by beating Cardiff 25-19 in the capital.

MATCH REPORT: Edinburgh bounced back from last week's massive hammering at the hands of a South African team to dish out some pain of their own to visitors from the Republic.

READERS’ FORUM: Welcome to our LIVE coverage of the United Rugby Championship Round Four encounter between Ospreys and the Bulls in Swansea.

MATCH REPORT: Australia inflicted a first-ever WXV 2 defeat on Scotland to secure the second-level title with a thrilling 31-22 victory at Athlone Sports Stadium.

MATCH REPORT: Benetton recorded their first win of the 2024/2025 United Rugby Championship season with a 38-10 win over a sloppy Sharks team in Treviso on Saturday.

READERS’ FORUM: Welcome to our LIVE coverage of the United Rugby Championship Round Four encounter between Edinburgh and Stormers in the Scottish capital.

MATCH REPORT: South Africa's dream of a tournament win in WXV Two ended in misery on Saturday.

READERS’ FORUM: Welcome to our LIVE coverage of the United Rugby Championship Round Four encounter between Benetton and the Sharks in Treviso.

SPOTLIGHT: A strong finish for the Springbok Women against Italy in their final WXV 2 match at Athlone Stadium in Cape Town on Saturday will justify the hard work during the season and keep the squad’s upward momentum going.

SPOTLIGHT: Considering the competition for back-row spots in the Springboks set-up, you would imagine it must be pretty daunting for an uncapped player with international ambitions.

WRAP: Ireland took advantage of USA indiscipline to come from behind and wrap up their WXV1 campaign with a 26-14 win in Vancouver.

MATCH REPORT: Sale Sharks moved to second-place on the Premiership table following their 43-10 victory over Newcastle Falcons at the Selford Community Stadium on Friday. 

MATCH REPORT: Defending United Rugby Championship champions Glasgow Warriors bagged their third win a row following a 33-3 victory over Zebre on Friday. 

NEWS: An international arrest warrant was issued on Friday against former Wallaby captain Rocky Elsom.

PREVIEW: France Olympic gold medallist Antoine Dupont will make his first appearance in the 2024/5 Top 14 on Saturday against Clermont.

MATCH REPORT: The Wales Women ended their WXV 2 campaign on a high note, beating Japan Women 19-10 at Athlone Stadium on Friday.

PREVIEW: South Africa's four franchises are on the road as the United Rugby Championship enters its fourth week of the 2024/2025 season.

NEWS: Nigel Owens, the game’s best-known former match official, is not a fan of the proposed law changes World Rugby announced and tested this year.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Bulls Director of Rugby Jake White has revealed his team to face Ospreys in their first tour match of the 2024/2025 United Rugby Championship season.

Mark Alexander, President of the South African Rugby Union (SARU), has thanked the member unions for the outcomes of the recent engagements with provincial rugby leadership during a national roadshow discussing a proposed equity transaction.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: There are six changes to the Stormers starting line-up for their United Rugby Championship clash with Edinburgh in Scotland on Saturday.

NEWS: South Africa Women can climb on the World Rugby rankings when they take on Italy in Round Three of the WXV 2 in Cape Town.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Lions head coach Ivan van Rooyen has revealed his team to face the Dragons in their United Rugby Championship Round Four clash in Newport on Sunday.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: The Western Force has made a host of changes for Saturday’s third spring series game against the Western Province XV in Stellenbosch.

WATCH: If Swys de Bruin has his way, the Springbok Women will certainly be one of the contenders at next year's World Cup in England.

NEWS: The match officials have been confirmed for the international window in November with 30 referees from 12 nations to take charge of the 36 tests and five other matches featuring representative teams.

NEWS: English club Bath announced that Jacques du Plessis has left the club due to "personal reasons"

NEWS: The All Blacks have revealed that Tamati Ellison has joined their coaching team in a permanent role.

SPOTLIGHT: We know him as Rabz Maxwana - the Lions player who just became the leading try scorer in the United Rugby Championship.

SPOTLIGHT: Former England captain Owen Farrell played down talk of a place on next year's British and Irish Lions tour to Australia, saying he was "busy trying to settle in" at his new club Racing 92.

NEWS: Premiership Rugby CEO Simon Massie-Taylor has poured cold water on proposals for a British and Irish or Anglo-Welsh league.

PREVIEW: It seems like a fitting finale as the hosts Canada take on defending champions England for the WXV 1 title on Saturday.

FRIDAY PREVIEW: All eyes turn to Round Four of the United Rugby Championship, starting when Glasgow Warriors host Zebre at the Scotstoun Stadium in the only Friday game.

PREVIEW: This weekend's WXV 2 action is set for a pulsating conclusion as three teams are in contention for the title.

PREVIEW: As the final round of the WXV 3 in the United Arab Emirates heats up, the team that has one hand on the trophy and one foot in England for the World Cup in 2025, is Spain.

WATCH as coach Sean Everitt explains how his team will bounce back from last week's humbling loss to the Lions and bounce back against the Stormers.

VIDEO: Bulls utility back Canan Moodie has spoken out about all the hype about playing centre and switching around in the backline.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: South Africa's women national team coach Swys de Bruin has been forced into making changes for the side's final outing in the WXV Two tournament.

SPOTLIGHT: Sharks head coach John Plumtree says it will be a challenge to integrate more Springboks into his squad over the next couple of weeks.

SPOTLIGHT: History will be made at Croke Park on Saturday when the United Rugby Championship showdown between Leinster and Munster is played out in front of a new record league attendance.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Sharks head coach John Plumtree has revealed his team for their United Rugby Championship Round Four clash against Benetton in Treviso on Saturday.

REACTION: Rugby Australia will launch a counterclaim, slamming the Rebels' attempts to "shift the blame" a day after the axed franchise filed for AU$30 million in damages.

Libbie Janse van Rensburg is still making history as a player, but the Springbok Women's flyhalf is already being tapped up for a different role in rugby.

SPOTLIGHT: As the NPC play-offs get underway, 14 players from the All Blacks squad announced this week will be available to represent their teams in the quarterfinals.

MATCH REPORT: Emerging Ireland finished their tour of South Africa unbeaten, after teaching the Cheetahs another valuable lesson in Bloemfontein on Wednesday.

SPOTLIGHT: The value of the Junior Springbok Women playing three tough matches in the African Under-20 Women’s Series will be realised in coming seasons when the top U20 players progress to the senior ranks, both at provincial and national levels.

NEWS: England Under-20 coach Mark Mapletoft will take charge of the England 'A' squad against Australia 'A' during the year-end season.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Pressure is building on Wales Women as they take on Japan in the final round of the WVX 2 on Friday.

SPOTLIGHT: Lions flank JC Pretorius says getting out of his comfort zone has been key to his growth on the field

WATCH as we bring you all the WXV highlights of Round Two.

SPOTLIGHT: Alun Lawrence is proof that a lot can happen in 12 months in the life of a professional player.

INTERVIEW: Springbok Women utility back Byhandre Dolf has taken her role in the ‘Bomb squad’ with absolute pride.

NEWS: The United Rugby Championship revealed that the Round Eight Glasgow Warriors versus Edinburgh game will now be played at Hampden Park.

OPINION: The @rugby365com team sat down and put on their selection hats on, to decide the best-of-the-best from the just completed Rugby Championship.

SQUAD ANNOUNCEMENT: Bulls Director of Rugby Jake White has revealed a 34-man squad for a three-match tour in the United Rugby Championship.

NEWS: The Melbourne Rebels are seeking "significant damages" from Rugby Australia in a lawsuit launched after the franchise was dissolved by the governing body.

NEWS: Former Ireland rugby international Brendan Mullin went on trial in Dublin on Tuesday accused of stealing more than 500,000 euros (R9.6m)  from a bank as well as deception, and furnishing false information.

NEWS: World Rugby proposed a series of changes to its laws including reducing the impact of the red card, "aimed at enhancing both fan and player experience".

INTERVIEW: Springbok Women No.8 Aseza Hele believes her team's newfound belief and guts will secure a rare win over Italy on Saturday.

NEWS: Former Australia captain Will Skelton says he is keen to feature for the Wallabies in November having spoken to head coach Joe Schmidt.

PREVIEW: The Cheetahs on Wednesday get a last chance to 'measure themselves' against quality opposition, as they go into the final phase of their preparation for their next European campaign.

SPOTLIGHT: Lions assistant coach Julian Redelinghuys says it’s sad to see flyhalf Kade Wolhuter on the sidelines again after the young gun produced some eye-catching performances in the No.10 jersey.

SPOTLIGHT: Despite all the ups and downs and the physical and mental toll it takes, rugby remains the job Josh van der Flier will choose over and over again.

WATCH as South African women received a timely boost ahead of the final round of WXV 2 action in Cape Town.

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

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: The Lions revealed an alarming injury list ahead of the first leg of their European tour.

NEWS: While Semi Radradra’s future with Lyon is in doubt it is rumoured that Fijian Drua’s Iosefo Masi will be joining the Top 14 club.

WRAP: College Rovers and Naka Bulle claimed big victories this past weekend to secure home ground advantage for the Gold Cup, national club championship, semifinals.

REACTION: Leicester Tigers head coach Michael Cheika said he felt unwanted in the Premiership after he received a two-match ban for disrespecting a matchday doctor.

REACTION: French federation President Florian Grill said an overhaul of the system of discipline is needed after a mid-year tour of Argentina was overshadowed by claims of attempted rape and racism.

SPOTLIGHT: World Cup-winning Springbok wing Kurt Lee Arendse believes playing in Japan will make him a better player.

SPOTLIGHT: Swys de Bruin’s Bok Women will be a whole different story when they face Italy in the final round of the WXV 2 in Cape Town on Saturday.

OPINION: Rassie Erasmus will take a strong Springbok squad to the Northern Hemisphere next month, while leaving another group of potential world-beaters at home.

SPOTLIGHT: The Springbok Women may still have a mathematical chance of finishing top of the WXV 2 standings on Saturday. 

SQUAD ANNOUNCEMENT: Ten players with All Blacks experience have been named in the All Blacks XV squad, ahead of their two-match northern tour against Munster and Georgia next month.

NEWS: Olympic Sevens gold medallist Antoine Dupont has returned to club training on Monday following a post-Olympic holiday. 

SPOTLIGHT: Sharks utility back Ethan Hooker has shed light on how he found the transition from centre to wing ahead of the Sharks URC' clash against Benetton this weekend.

SPOTLIGHT: The Stormers are happy with their 36-5 victory over Zebre, but are wary of a 'quality' Edinburgh challenge that awaits them this weekend.

NEWS: South Africa Women have dropped one spot after their narrow 26-33 defeat to Australia Women on Saturday.

VIDEO: Utility forward Cobus Wiese made the move to the Bulls three months ago in a desperate attempt to catch the eye of the Springbok selectors and maybe wear the Green and Gold with his older brother Jasper.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Junior Springbok Women’s coach Flash Malinga has announced a new-look side for their final clash in the African U20 Women’s Series, on Tuesday against Uganda in Stellenbosch.

NEWS: England has confirmed that Kevin Sinfield will continue his involvement with the senior men's national side.

It has been a whirlwind ride for the Springbok Women's team, who have been constantly punching above their weight in this year's WXV 2 tournament.

NEWS: The British and Irish Lions announced the details of a new player agreement which will see the selected players for the 2025 tour to Australia benefit from a profit share model for the first time.

NEWS: Following their 29-24 victory over the Western Force in Bloemfontein, three Emerging Ireland squad members will be released to return to their respective provinces. 

SPOTLIGHT: Western Force captain Reed Prinsep is determined to make up for his side's loss to Emerging Ireland in their final fixture against Western Province XV in Stellenbosch on Saturday. 

SQUAD ANNOUNCEMENT: All Blacks head coach Scott Robertson has named a nearly unchanged squad from the Rugby Championship for their 2024 Northern Tour.

WATCH as two -time World Cup-winning Springbok Rudolph Gerhardus Snyman speak about his return to the playing field his debut for Leinster.

REACTION: The Lions will depart on a month-long, five-match road trip this week as they look to build on their unbeaten start in the United Rugby Championship.

MATCH REPORT: England back row forward Ben Earl scored two tries as Saracens made it three wins from three in the Premiership this season with a 29-14 victory over Exeter Chiefs on Sunday to move top of the table.

MATCH REPORT: The Cheetahs bounced back from this past Wednesday's loss to the Western Force to record an impressive 45-21 win over the Griffons.

REACTION: Springbok Women's physicality was extremely challenging combat says Wallaroos coach Jo Yapp after the WXV 2 clash at Athlone Stadium in Cape Town.

SPOTLIGHT: @rugby365com contributor Ryan Grant takes a look at the state of the global game.

WATCH: The support shown by Springbok captain Siya Kolisi has been incredible for his female counterparts says South Africa Women Performance coach Swys de Bruin.

SPOTLIGHT: The Stormers will be going all out to achieve their tour objective when they head to Edinburgh in the coming days.

REACTION: Sharks head coach John Plumtree will have his work cut out for him as his players continue to shoot themselves in the foot

VIDEO: Canan Moodie put up an immaculate display of centre play against Ulster on Saturday and there is no reason why the Bulls utility cannot grab the No. 13 Springbok jersey.

TOP 14 SATURDAY WRAP: France lock Hugo Auradou was described as being "serene" by Pau head coach Sebastien Piqueronies on Saturday despite being whistled off the pitch in his first match since being accused of rape in Argentina

SATURDAY WRAP: Canada’s Women’s team defeated Ireland 21-8 in their second match of the tournament at Willoughby Stadium.

WRAP: Samoa and Spain are in the driver seat for Women's World Cup 2025 qualification following Round Two of WXV 3 2024 in the United Arab Emirates. 

REACTION: It was a battle of epic proportions as Springbok Women almost salvaged a draw against the Wallaroos in the WXV 2 Round Two fixture at the Athlone Stadium in Cape Town.

REPORT: Munster have put last weekend's shock defeat to Zebre behind them by securing a 23-0 bonus-point win over Ospreys at a rain and wind-swept Musgrave Park.

MATCH REPORT: The Stormers recorded their first victory in the United Rugby Championship on tour this season with a resounding 36-5 win over Zebre in Parma. 

PREMIERSHIP SATURDAY WRAP: Bristol boss Pat Lam underlined Harry Randall's England credentials after the scrumhalf inspired a 36-26 win over Bath to send his team to the top of the English Premiership on Saturday.

MATCH REPORT: Replacement hooker Fez Mbatha scored a try in the 85th-minute as the Sharks edged the Dragons 33-30 in a tense United Rugby Championship Round Three clash in Newport on Saturday.

MATCH REPORT: Leinster took a 28-0 lead into the break which was enough to see them home against Benetton by 35-5 at the Stadio Monigo. 

READERS’ FORUM: Welcome to our LIVE coverage of the United Rugby Championship Round Three encounter between Zebre and the Stormers in Parma.

MATCH REPORT: Australia Women hung on to beat the Springbok Women by 33-26 in WXV 2 at the Athlone Stadium in Cape Town.

MATCH REPORT: The Bulls put on a dominating display as they thrashed Ulster in the United Rugby Championship by 47-21 at Loftus Versfeld. 

READERS’ FORUM: Welcome to our LIVE coverage of the United Rugby Championship Round Three encounter between the Dragons and Sharks at Rodney Parade in Newport.

MATCH REPORT: Scotland Women edged Japan Women by 19-13 in Round Two of WXV 2 at Athlone Stadium in Cape Town.

MATCH REPORT: The Lions made it two wins in a row in this season's United Rugby Championship after they thumped Edinburgh 55-21 in their Round Three clash at Ellis Park on Saturday.

READERS’ FORUM: Welcome to our LIVE coverage of the United Rugby Championship Round Three encounter between the Bulls and Ulster at Loftus Versfeld in Pretoria.

READERS’ FORUM: Welcome to our LIVE coverage of the United Rugby Championship Round Three encounter between the Lions and Edinburgh at Ellis Park in Johannesburg.

SPOTLIGHT: Australia Women's team is on high alert for hosts South Africa as the unbeaten teams prepare for a crucial clash in the WXV2 tournament in Cape Town this weekend.

WATCH Springbok captain Siya Kolisi has urged fans to support the South Africa Women when they take on Australia at Athlone Stadium on Saturday.

INTERVIEW: As she is cementing herself as one of the leading coaches in women's rugby, Springbok Women scrum coach Laurian Johannes-Haupt hopes to inspire more women to get involved and grow the sport.

WATCH as Bulls Director of Rugby Jake White reveals why one of his frontline props ended up in hospital.

PREVIEW: The Cheetahs will field a new-look team when Round Two of the Challenge Series takes place on Sunday.

FRIDAY WRAP: English Premiership champions Northampton Saints fought back after a sluggish first half to beat visiting Harlequins 33-29.

MATCH REPORT: Cardiff’s unbeaten start to the United Rugby Championship season came to an end as Glasgow edged an enthralling encounter to rack up a 52-36 bonus-point victory.

SATURDAY PREVIEW: The Bulls and Lions have gone 'full metal jacket' and named the bulk of their Springboks, while the Stormers and Sharks were more 'economical' with the return of their internationals.

MATCH REPORT: Italy Women produced an incredible defensive display and secured a narrow 8-5 win over Wales Women at Ahtlone Stadium on Friday

WATCH as Stormers Director of Rugby John Dobson gives another update on injured Springbok flyhalf Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu.

SQUAD ANNOUNCEMENT: England head coach Steve Borthwick has named a 36-player squad for a three-day training camp ahead of the upcoming November Tests.

NEWS: Springbok lock RG Snyman will return to the playing field this weekend.

NEWS: New Zealand Rugby (NZR) Chair Patsy Reddy has confirmed that she will not be standing for re-appointment to the NZR Board.

NEWS: French international rugby player Hugo Auradou, who along with another player is accused of raping a woman in Argentina, will start a match for Pau on Saturday, the top-flight club said.

PREVIEW: It is the clash of the titans when WXV 1 continues this Saturday in Canada.

SPOTLIGHT: Jacques Nienaber has revealed that he had to work on his communication with Leinster's players.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Stormers head coach John Dobson has revealed his team to face Zebre Parma in Italy on Saturday.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: The Bulls have picked their strongest team in four years to face Ulster in Round Three of the Rugby Championship at Loftus Versfeld on Saturday.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: The return of two Springboks and a BlitzBok headlines the Lions team for their Round Three United Rugby Championship face-off with Edinburgh at Ellis Park on Satgurday.

NEWS: South Africa could soon be following in New Zealand's footsteps when it comes to the commercial side of the game.

PREVIEW: Experienced Fiji hooker Sam Matavesi has demanded "change" in his country's Rugby Union set-up, as he settles into life at French Top 14 club Lyon before heading to La Rochelle on Saturday.

NEWS: South Africa Women will have to produce a mammoth performance against Australia if they want to put pressure on the top 10 teams in the world.

SPOTLIGHT: England head coach Steve Borthwick received a playmaker boost ahead of his side's end-of-year Tests.

NEWS: An Australia XV squad will travel to the United Kingdom in November for matches against Bristol Bears and England A.

INTERVIEW: Wallaroos flyhalf Faitala Moleka braces herself for a tough task when they take on the Springbok Women on Saturday at the Athlone Stadium.

AUDIO: Edwill van der Merwe’s road back to the Springboks starts this weekend in the United Rugby Championship against Edinburgh and the star wing says he has picked himself up before and will do so again.

TRANSFER NEWS: Wallaby star James O'Connor has extended his Super Rugby Pacific career by shifting to New Zealand and signing a one-year deal with the Crusaders.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Two sets of brothers will run out for the Sharks in Saturday’s second United Rugby Championship game on the road when they meet Dragons in Newport, Wales.

SPOTLIGHT: The battle for spots for the 2025 World Cup is heating up in the WXV 3.

PREVIEW: In the first of two United Rugby Championship Round Three games taking place on Friday, Scarlets host Connacht while Cardiff plays at home against the title holders Glasgow Warriors.

PREVIEW: This weekend's WXV 2 action kicks off on Friday at the Athlone Stadium with a Wales versus Italy battle.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Lusanda Dumke will lead the Springbok Women into battle on Saturday when they take on Australia at Athlone Stadium in Cape Town in the second round of WXV 2.

VIDEO: The Bulls’ utility back David Kriel will play any position if he gets the opportunity to represent the Springboks, even lock.

NEWS: The New Zealand Rugby Union is seeking more information from the global governing body World Rugby after France opted to exclude some national players from next year’s Test against the All Blacks.

SPOTLIGHT: The Junior Springbok Women will focus on getting more of the fundamentals right when they face the San Clemente Rhinos in their second African Under-20 Women’s Series clash in Stellenbosch on Friday.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Wallaroos coach Jo Yapp has named her side for the upcoming clash against South Africa at Athlone Stadium in Cape Town on Saturday.

NEWS: Sixteen members of the All Blacks Rugby Championship squad will represent their provincial unions in the final round-robin stage of the NPC this weekend.

ROUND ONE WRAP: The Cheetahs were given a harsh reality check when an impressive Western Force team dismissed them 34-24 in the opening Round of the Challenge Series in Bloemfontein on Wednesday.

SPOTLIGHT: Now that the Rugby Championship is done and dusted, the Springboks will turn their attention to the end-of-year tour and Rassie Erasmus will have a lot to ponder when it comes to selections.

SPOTLIGHT: Leinster coach Jacques Nienaber has dubbed the United Rugby Championship a "beautiful competition" as he surveys the scene from the top of the table.

NEWS: Leicester Tigers coach Michael Cheika has been banned for his behaviour during a Premiership match at the weekend.

NEWS: Weeks after retiring from Los Pumas, the former Argentine captain Agustin Creevy has signed to play in the United Rugby Championship (URC) for Italian team Benetton.

WATCH as John Dave Schickerling talks about his return to the Stormers, after three seasons in Japan.

VIDEO: For newly-capped Springbok Johan Grobbelaar, his performance in the United Rugby Championship for the Bulls will determine his future with the national side.

WATCH as World Cup winner Deon Fourie talks about his battle with a long-term injury in the latest episode of Boks Office.

NEWS: Rugby Australia has decided to dump another team based in Melbourne

NEWS: Karim Ghezal has been axed as head coach of Stade Francais, paying for his team's poor start to the Top 14 season, the French club announced.

NEWS: James O'Connor is in talks with the Crusaders about extending his Super Rugby Pacific career in a potentially groundbreaking trans-Tasman move.

NEWS: Clayton McMillan has been announced as head coach of the All Blacks XV and will lead the team on a two-match northern tour.

INJURY UPDATE: Ulster will be without one of their key players when they face the Bulls in their United Rugby Championship Round Three clash in Pretoria on Saturday.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: There is very little doubt that the Springbok Women face one of their toughest assignments this weekend.

WATCH as Lions backline Ricardo Loubscher gives an update on injured and fit again players in the squad.

WATCH as the Boks Office crew share their views on Manie Libbok after his impressive performance against Argentina at Mbombela Stadium.

PREVIEW - ROUND ONE: The Cheetahs' mantra for 2024 has been 'development' and it will again be the theme at the Challenge Series that starts in Bloemfontein on Wednesday.

NEWS: The Rugby Football Union revealed that Leicester Tigers head coach Michael Cheika will be facing a disciplinary panel on Tuesday.

VIDEO: Bulls utility back Boeta Chamberlain has the support of his new teammates to call the shots and play his natural game.

INJURY UPDATE: Springbok Women fullback Libbie Janse van Rensburg is in a race against time to be fit for South Africa's WXV 2 match against Australia in Cape Town.

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

VIDEO The nostalgia of her roots in Zimbabwe has been a welcome surprise for Wallaroos centre Georgie Friedrichs who is enjoying Cape Town with her teammates during the WXV2 series.

SPOTLIGHT: Jacques Nienaber has outlined the boxes RG Snyman needs to tick before getting the "all clear" for his return to the playing field for Leinster

WATCH as we bring you all the WXV highlights of Round One.

VIDEO: As the euphoria of South Africa winning the Rugby Championship title dies down, plans are being made for the end-of-year tour.

SPOTLIGHT: With the first hurdle cleared in WXV 2, the Springbok Women are preparing for their toughest challenge in the shape of Australia in Cape Town on Saturday.

NEWS: United Rugby Championship side Zebre has announced that David Sisi has quit playing immediately and will assume the duties as lineout coach for the next two seasons.

NEWS: South Africa's second row stocks, ahead of the year-end tour, are beginning to look very impressive.

WATCH as Stormers Director of Rugby John Dobson talks about the return of Damian Willemse and other skilful backline players

NEWS: South Africa Women have moved up one spot after their WXV 2 win over Japan Women at Cape Town Stadium.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: The Western Force has revealed their side for the opening round of the Cheetahs Challenge against the hosts on Wednesday, October 2.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: It is a case of slow and steady as Springbok Women fullback Libbie Janse Van Rensburg.

SPOTLIGHT: Leinster head coach Leo Cullen and captain Jack Conan sang the praises of veteran Leinster and Ireland prop Cian Healy who broke the appearance record for Leinster. 

OPINION: The Rugby Championship results as well as a series of unprecedented stats highlight the Springbok evolution under attack coach Tony Brown.

NEWS: The RFU has announced the appointment of Francesca Pierce as their Chief Financial Officer.

SPOTLIGHT: Hard as nails Springbok flank Pieter-Steph du Toit is arguably the best loose forward in the world, but he remains hard on himself after each game.

NEWS: The Super Rugby Pacific draw for 2025 has revealed an action packed schedule, headlined by fierce rivalries and a new Finals format that will ignite the battle for ladder positions. 

WRAP: Ireland capped a remarkable opening day of WXV 1 2024 with a memorable victory against New Zealand, while there were also wins for England and Canada in Vancouver on Sunday.

MATCH REPORT: Bath recorded their second win of the season in as many matches in the Premiership with a hard-fought 20-15 away win over Leicester Tigers on Sunday.

REACTION: Lions head coach Ivan van Rooyen was pleased with his charges to bounce back from a disappointing Currie Cup Final defeat to record their first-ever win over Ulster in the United Rugby Championship at Ellis Park on Saturday. 

REACTION: Stormers Director of Rugby John Dobson expressed his disappointment after his side's defeat to Ospreys at the Brewery Field in the United Rugby Championship, and pinpointed which area he felt they lost the game.

VIDEO: The behemoth that is Eben Etzebeth is not going anywhere, he promised Springbok fans after his team won the Rugby Championship title in Mbombela on Saturday.

REACTION: Bulls Director of Rugby Jake White expressed his satisfaction with his side's 22-16 victory over Edinburgh at Loftus Versfeld in the United Rugby Championship. 

REACTION: Sharks head coach John Plumtree believes his team lacked the energy needed to see Connacht off in their Rugby Championship clash in Galway on Saturday.

SPOTLIGHT: With 10 months to go before the World Cup in 2025, Springbok Women performance coach Swys De Bruin has one wish for the game in South Africa.

SPOTLIGHT: New Zealand coach Scott Robertson expects rising loose forward Wallace Sititi to ignore the "hype" and be a standout figure on their Northern Hemisphere tour.

VIDEO: Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus is a hard man to please.

SATURDAY WRAP: Alex Lozowski's 22-point haul helped Saracens beat Sale 45-26 after the visitors lost England flyhalf George Ford early on to a quad injury on Saturday.

WRAP: Spain and Fiji each began WXV 3 2024 with bonus-point victories in Dubai but the moment of the round was arguably saved until last.

MATCH REPORT: The Stormers continued their poor form on overseas soil after suffering a 24-37 defeat to the Ospreys in the United Rugby Championship at the Brewery Field. 

MATCH REPORT: Connacht came from behind to record a 36-30 bonus-point win over the Sharks in their United Rugby Championship Round Two match at the Sportsground in Galway on Saturday.

VIDEO: What irked Los Pumas coach Felipe Contepomi so much that he ended the post-match press conference abruptly?

MATCH REPORT: Cardiff recovered from a slow start at Parc y Scarlets to claim a bonus-point victory in the United Rugby Championship. 

MATCH REPORT: Zebre turned the heat on to cause a massive upset at the Stadio Lafranchi to defeat Munster by 42-33 in the United Rugby Championship.

OPINION: The Los Pumas didn’t show too much in their defeat to the Springboks in the Rugby Championship decider in South Africa.

READERS’ FORUM: Welcome to our LIVE coverage of the United Rugby Championship Round Two encounter between Ospreys and the Stormers at the Brewery Field in Bridgend.

READERS’ FORUM: Welcome to our LIVE coverage of the United Rugby Championship Round Two encounter between Connacht and the Sharks at the Sportsground in Galway.

OPINION: A powerful performance by the forwards laid the platform for the Springboks' emphatic 48-7 victory over Argentina on Saturday.

MATCH REPORT: South Africa clinched the Rugby Championship in emphatic style with a bonus-point win over Argentina at the Mbombela Stadium in Nelspruit on Saturday.

MATCH REPORT: The Bulls survived a plucky Edinburgh side to claim a 22-16 victory in the United Rugby Championship at Loftus Versfeld. 

REACTION: Coach Joe Schmidt said on Saturday Australia are still some distance from playing their best, but believes they can "potentially be competitive" against the British and Irish Lions next year.

READERS’ FORUM: Welcome to our LIVE coverage of the Rugby Championship Round Six encounter between South Africa and Argentina at the Mbombela Stadium in Nelspruit.

NEWS: The New Zealand and Australian captains have given their approval to future Bledisloe Cup series including a Test on Anzac Day.

MATCH REPORT: The Lions got their United Rugby Championship campaign off to a winning start as they bagged their first ever win over Ulster by 35-22 at Ellis Park. 

REPORT: The Australia Women took revenge for last week's defeat, beating the Wales Women 37-5 in the WXV 2 opener at Cape Town Stadium.

SPOTLIGHT: Prepare for an exhilarating display as the fourth annual Cheetahs Challenge tournament kicks off in early October in the Free State Stadium, in Bloemfontein.

READERS’ FORUM: Welcome to our LIVE coverage of the United Rugby Championship Round Two encounter between the Bulls and Edinburgh at Loftus Versfeld in Pretoria.

REACTION: Australia was in the contest for the first half, but a crucial call on the stroke of half-time saw New Zealand grab control and race away the a crushing 33-13 win in the second Bledisloe Cup Test in Wellington.

VIDEO: Felipe Contepomi, World Rugby Hall of Famer #133, was a cult hero when he played for Argentina and now he is making heroes of his Los Pumas players in the Rugby Championship.

READERS’ FORUM: Welcome to our LIVE coverage of the United Rugby Championship Round Two encounter between the Lions and Ulster at Ellis Park in Johannesburg.

OPINION: The Wallabies came out of the blocks fast to score the opening try through Fraser McReight after seven minutes of power rugby.

OPINION: The Wallabies have been beaten by the All Blacks in Wellington 33-13. Following last weekend’s heroics in Sydney, the men in gold seemed the more confident of the two sides early on but they couldn’t maintain any dominance throughout the entire Test.

MATCH REPORT: The All Blacks have beaten the Wallabies 33-13 in the second Bledisloe Cup Test in Wellington, their final home game of the year.

READERS’ FORUM: Welcome to our LIVE coverage of the Rugby Championship Round Six encounter between New Zealand and Australia in Wellington.

With Eben Etzebeth becoming the most-capped rugby Test player on Saturday when Springboks take on Los Pumas, there is another legend in the making who has dreams of following in his footsteps.

INTERVIEW: Stormers Director of Rugby John Dobson has given an update on injured Springbok flyhalf Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu and it is not good news.

VIDEO: The best way for the Springbok team to celebrate Eben Etzebeths’ milestone as he becomes the most capped Springbok of all time against Argentina in Mbombela on Saturday, is by winning the trophy.

MATCH REPORT: Glasgow proved too strong for an indisciplined Benetton as they landed the first win of their United Rugby Championship title defence with a 41-10 home victory.

MATCH REPORT: Christian Wade scored a hat-trick of tries as Gloucester claimed a remarkable 44-41 Premiership victory over west country rivals Bristol at Ashton Gate.

MATCH REPORT: Replacement Joe McCarthy's 64th-minute try sealed the bonus point for Leinster in a pedestrian 34-6 United Rugby Championship win over the Dragons.

REACTION: Springbok Women's performance coach Swys De Bruin hailed his side's defensive display.

MATCH REPORT: The Springbok Women edged Japan 31-24 in a thrilling WXV 2 opener at Cape Town Stadium on Friday.

WATCH as Bulls Director of Rugby Jake White explains why he named Springbok duo Ruan Nortje and Elrigh Louw as co-captains, despite them being unlikely to be available before the new year.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Stormers Director of Rugby John Dobson has revealed his team to face Ospreys in Bridgend on Saturday.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: South Africa Women have a chance to climb one spot when they take on Japan Women in the WXV 2 opener on Friday at the Cape Town Stadium.

VIDEO: Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus says being No. 1 in the world is not their main focus at the moment.

PREVIEW: Wales flyhalf Dan Biggar said he accepts he has a different role to play at Toulon this season before they host Vannes in the French Top 14 on Saturday.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Lions coach Ivan van Rooyen has named a strong 23-man squad for his side's United Rugby Championship opener against Irish province Ulster at Ellis Park on Saturday.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Bulls Director of Rugby Jake White wasted no time in naming his two returning Springboks in the squad for their opening United Rugby Championship match.

RUGBY CHAMPIONSHIP, FINAL ROUND: Can South Africa bounce back for a widely predicted victory or will Los Pumas perform a miracle and get their hands on the Rugby Championship trophy for the first time ever?

PREVIEW: The WXV 1 kicks off on Sunday with a triple header in Canada.

NEWS: French hero Antoine Dupont spent the tail end of his post-Olympics vacation checking out the NFL's Los Angeles Chargers.

RUGBY CHAMPIONSHIP, ROUND SIX: Milestones, fadeouts and the Wellington hoodoo will be motivating factors as the All Blacks seek a Bledisloe Cup shutout against the Wallabies.

RANKINGS UPDATE: South Africa will have to wait until November before they get a chance to reclaim their place at the top of the world rankings.

NEWS: The Welsh Rugby Union has issued 37 new full-time professional contracts to Wales Women players - it was confirmed as the squad prepares to face Australia in the WXV2 tournament hosted in South Africa this weekend.

NEWS: France loose forward Oscar Jegou has returned to training with La Rochelle despite being accused of aggravated rape in Argentina, the club's assistant coach Sebastien Boboul said on Thursday

PREVIEW: The South African teams enter the fray with the United Rugby Championship still playing second fiddle to an international tournament - the Rugby Championship.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Sharks head coach John Plumtree has revealed his matchday 23 for Saturday's United Rugby Championship Round Two clash against Connacht in Galway.

VIDEO: The Springboks and Los Pumas have more in common than just playing for the title of the Rugby Championship in Mbombela on Saturday.

PREVIEW: There are three nations that will make their entrance onto the WXV stage when WXV 3 kicks off this Friday in Dubai.

NEWS: England have appointed Joe El-Abd as their defence coach ahead of the November internationals.

PREVIEW: The WXV 2 kicks off this Friday when South Africa Women take on Japan Women at Cape Town Stadium.

REACTION: If there's ever a sign the Bledisloe Cup has lost its edge, it's that the Wallaby coach is being backed by New Zealanders.

VIDEO: Los Pumas coach Felipe Contepomi has come out in support of Manie Libbok, saying he has followed the Springbok flyhalf’s career for a long time.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Argentina head coach Felipe Contepomi has revealed his team to face the Springboks in Saturday's Rugby Championship Round Six clash in Nelspruit.

VIDEO: Starting for the Springboks or coming off the bench with the Bomb Squad, hooker Malcolm Marx always goes about his business the same way.

SPOTLIGHT: Despite being on top of the Rugby Championship table, South Africa's tournament stats make for bleak reading. 

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Star wing Marika Koroibete will miss Australia's Bledisloe Cup rematch against New Zealand on Saturday with a wrist injury, while scrumhalf Nic White has been axed from the matchday squad.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: New Zealand veteran Beauden Barrett was recalled to start at flyhalf against Australia this weekend, replacing Damian McKenzie who has been relegated to the bench.

NEWS: The Crusaders have confrimed the return of Leicester Fainga'anuku to the franchise for the 2026 Super Rugby season. 

SPOTLIGHT: The Stormers will have a new captain in Dan du Plessis as they kick-off their URC season against Ospreys this Saturday. 

INJURY UPDATE: Hooker Lindelwa Gwala suffered a calf strain and has been replaced by Roseline Botes in the starting team as Ayanda Malinga relishes her WXV debut.

SPOTLIGHT: 'Braveheart' Wallace Sititi says he is still processing his "crazy" rise this year from the fringes of the Chiefs to facing world champions South Africa with the All Blacks.

VIDEO: Everyone is speculating who will step up to the plate to take the goal-kicking responsibilities for the Springboks against Argentina in Mbombela on Saturday, and Bok wing Cheslin Kolbe says he is also not sure if it will be him.

WATCH as Andrew Brace talks about his journey as a referee and what is key to being successful.

WATCH as the @boks_office crew talks about props with pace and debate who is the most rapid of the front row club!

SPOTLIGHT: New Munster outside back Thaakir Abrahams speaks about how he got into the game, his time at the Sharks and Lyon and how his time at Munster has been so far. 

NEWS: Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus released three players to their local franchises.

SPOTLIGHT: The WXV 2 kicks off this Friday in Cape Town and there is a sense of excitement that accompanies the tournament.

SPOTLIGHT: Heading into the final and deciding round of the Rugby Championship - South Africa and Argentina have different permutations in order to clinch the title. 

SPOTLIGHT: Bulls Director of Rugby Jake White believes his team is now better equipped than ever to push for the United Rugby Championship title.

NEWS: Emerging Ireland has made a number of changes to their upcoming tour to South Africa. 

SPOTLIGHT: The annual WXV kicks off this Friday, and there have been many questions surrounding this global tournament.

INTERVIEW: If they want to snatch the Rugby Championship title from the Springboks, Argentina needs to score tries. Still, coach Rassie Erasmus knows the threat the visitors will pose at the Mbombela Stadium on Saturday.

INJURY UPDATE: England scrumhalf Alex Mitchell will see a specialist on Thursday to discover the extent of a neck problem that has sidelined him this season.

NEWS: Wales will replace Italy in ninth place in the World Rugby Women's Rankings after achieving their first win over Australia at the seventh attempt in Newport last week.

VIDEO: Springbok flyhalf Manie Libbok will most likely not take any kicks at goal against Argentina in Mbombela on Saturday if coach Rassie Erasmus’ comments are anything to go by.

SPOTLIGHT: Sam Cane will become the 13th All Blacks representative to notch 100 Tests when New Zealand face Australia in Wellington on Saturday.

REACTION: South Africa Women will depend on their heavy artillery and a six-two forward-heavy split on the replacement bench when they face Japan Women in the WXV 2 opener in Cape Town on Friday.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Stormers coach John Dobson named a 29-man squad for a three-match United Rugby Championship tour.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Eben Etzebeth will set the record as the most capped Springbok of all time on in Nelspruit Saturday when he runs out at lock against Argentina.

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

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Ayanda Malinga will make a return to the Test arena for the first time since 2022.

SPOTLIGHT: The Wallabies have returned to Wellington for the first time since a pulsating 16-all draw against the All Blacks in 2020.

REACTION: France poster boy Antoine Dupont said he was "curious" about moving from scrumhalf to centre, having had talks with Toulouse coach Ugo Mola.

WATCH as Wallaroos No.8 Tabua Tuinakauvadra reveals her side has a chance to rewrite their wrongs when they take on Wales in the WXV 2  opener in Cape Town, South Africa.

NEWS: New Zealand centre Jordie Barrett has been ruled out of the second Test against Australia in Wellington with a knee injury.

SPOTLIGHT: Mention the name Eben Etzebeth and a colourful array of descriptions and opinions of the man mountain lock start appearing: GOAT, The Ultimate Enforcer, Most Feared Player, A Springbok Colossus.

INJURY UPDATE: Argentina will be without one of their key players when they face the Springboks in Saturday's Rugby Championship decider in Nelspruit.

VIDEO: Springbok assistant coach Daan Human has lauded the Los Pumas for their performances in the Rugby Championship this season and warned how dangerous they will be in Mbombela on Saturday.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: There is no downplaying the importance of the WXV 2 tournament inside the Springbok Women camp.

SQUAD ANNOUNCEMENT: Sharks head coach John Plumtree has revealed a 27-man tour squad for their upcoming United Rugby Championship matches in Ireland, Wales and Italy.

NEWS: Black Ferns Sevens co-captain Sarah Hirini has recommitted to New Zealand Rugby (NZR) through to 2026.

NEWS: The South African Rugby Union confirmed that Marius Schoeman has stepped away from his role as Springbok Sevens High Performance Manager.

SPOTLIGHT: There will be plenty of work-ons for the Springboks in training this week as they look to right the wrongs after their defeat to Argentina in Santiago del Estero.

OPINION: The management of Manie Libbok in the lead-up to the final Rugby Championship fixture in Mbombela will be key, writes @rugby365com contributor Jon Cardinelli.

SPOTLIGHT: Returning hooker Brandon Paenga-Amosa says the frustrated Wallabies are sick of "almost" delivering on their promise after falling short in their Bledisloe Cup opener against New Zealand.

SPOTLIGHT: The WXV is only in its second year and has been growing rapidly.

MATCH REPORT: Sale edged out Harlequins 12-11 in an attritional contest in the English Premiership on Sunday, with England flyhalf George Ford kicking four penalties.

NEWS: Wallabies coach Joe Schmidt wouldn't mind officials rethinking the Bledisloe Cup format after watching the treasured trophy slip out of Australia's grasp once more.

WATCH as Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus explains why the weekend's loss won't force him to change his pre-determined plan for Nelspruit.

REACTION: Lions Currie Cup coach Mziwakhe Nkosi went through the motions of being champion for ten seconds before a leadership malfunction in his team handed the golden cup to the Sharks on a silver platter.

SQUAD ANNOUNCEMENT: Lusanda Dumke, a former SA Women's Player of the Year, has been included in the Springbok Women’s squad of 30 players for WXV 2, while Maria Tshiremba has also been included in the group.

OPINION: Manie Libbok's goal-kicking woes shouldn't overshadow his playmaking abilities which suits the direction the Springboks are moving towards to. 

SPOTLIGHT: South Africa’s unbroken 11-month reign at the top of the World Rankings is over following their dramatic 28-29 defeat to Argentina in Santiago Del Estero on Saturday.

VIDEO: Believe in yourself, head down, pale toe.

REACTION: All Blacks coach Scott Robertson said he was optimistic his team were on the right track, but they need to rediscover their killer instinct to close out games.

WATCH as Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus absolves replacement flyhalf Manie Libbok of the blame for his team's loss to Los Pumas.

OPINION: Philip Bendon rates the Argentinean players after their 29-28 Rugby Championship win over South Africa.

OPINION: The Manie Libbok curse struck South Africa again - a missed penalty kick sending the Rugby Championship into decider in Nelspruit next week.

REPORT: The Springboks' unbeaten run in the Rugby Championship has ended after a 28-29 defeat to Argentina in their Round Five clash in Santiago del Estero.

MATCH REPORT: A dramatic late try with the clock well in the red from David Shanahan ensured that Ulster opened their United Rugby Championship season with a 20-19 win over champions Glasgow Warriors.

REPORT: A 79th-minute try by Benetton denied Scarlets a gutsy victory on the opening weekend of the United Rugby Championships in Treviso.

PREMIERSHIP WRAP: Michael Cheika’s reign as Leicester Tigers head coach began in dramatic winning fashion as his team claimed a 17-14 Premiership victory over Exeter Chiefs at Sandy Park.

READERS’ FORUM: Welcome to our LIVE coverage of the Rugby Championship Round Five encounter between Argentina and South Africa at Estadio Único Madre de Ciudades, in Santiago del Estero.

MATCH REPORT: Munster opened their United Rugby Championship campaign with a 35-33 win over Connacht in an entertaining Irish derby at Thomond Park.

MATCH REPORT: Dragons have kicked off their era under new captain Ben Carter with a hard-fought 23-21 win over Ospreys on Saturday.

MATCH REPORT: Jordan Hendrikse slotted a sensational 59-metre penalty in extra time to steal a thrilling 16-14 win for the Sharks over his former team, the Lions, in the Currie Cup Final at Ellis Park on Saturday.

REACTION: New Zealand head coach Scott Robertson praised Australia's "grit" and lamented how his side let slip a commanding lead in their 31-28 Bledisloe Cup win in Sydney.

REACTION: Wallaby coach Joe Schmidt said he was proud of the way Australia battled back into their clash with New Zealand, but admitted they still had plenty to work on.

MATCH REPORT: Fiji put in a dominant second-half performance to silence the Higashiosaka crowd and claim a 41-17 victory against Japan.

READERS’ FORUM: Welcome to our LIVE coverage of the Currie Cup Final face-off between the Lions and Sharks at Ellis Park in Johannesburg

OPINION: The All Blacks lost starting fullback Beauden Barrett to illness before kickoff but they came out firing in Sydney with 28 first-half points.

OPINION: The Wallabies have fallen painfully short of what would’ve been an incredible comeback win over the All Blacks in Sydney. New Zealand appeared to be on their way to a cricket score early but the men in gold fought their way back, going down 28-31.

MATCH REPORT: New Zealand snapped a two-game losing streak with a nail-biting 31-28 win over Australia on Saturday, holding off a second-half charge to retain the Bledisloe Cup.

SPOTLIGHT: Salmaan Moerat is eager to repay the faith Rassie Erasmus has shown in him by delivering consistent performances worthy of the Springbok jersey and captaincy.

MATCH REPORT: Australia's rugby women have been left reflecting ruefully on a potential international win that got away after they succumbed to a last-gasp try in an agonising 24- 31 defeat by Wales.

READERS’ FORUM: Welcome to our LIVE coverage of the Bledisloe Cup encounter between Australia and New Zealand in Sydney.

MATCH REPORT: Cardiff launched their United Rugby Championship campaign with a four-try bonus point victory over their determined Italian guests, Zebre, at the Arms Park.

FRIDAY WRAP: Bath turned the tables on Premiership champions Northampton as they opened their league campaign with a 38-16 victory at the Recreation Ground.

MATCH REPORT: Leinster held on in the face of a late rally by the home team to edge Edinburgh 33-31 in a thrilling opening match of the new United Rugby Championship season.

SPOTLIGHT: In the final part of our four part series - @rugby365com takes a look at the South African teams ahead of the 2024/5 URC season.

SPOTLIGHT: In part three of our four part series - @rugby365com takes a look at the Welsh teams ahead of the 2024/5 URC season. 

PREVIEW: England flyhalf Owen Farrell will face "one of the hardest challenges in the Top 14" when his Racing 92 side travel to Bordeaux-Begles in Round Three of the French Top 14 this weekend.

SPOTLIGHT: In part two of our four part series - @rugby365 com takes a look at the different squads of the Scottish/Italian teams ahead of the 2024/5 URC season. 

OPINION: Springbok fullback Libbie Janse van Rensburg became the first woman in South African rugby history to score more than 200 points.

SPOTLIGHT: World Rugby has published the ranking permutations for the final round of the Pacific Nations Cup 2024 and the penultimate round of the Rugby Championship this weekend.

SPOTLIGHT: In part one of our four-part series - @rugby365com takes a look at the different squads of the Irish teams ahead of the 2024/5 URC season. 

PREVIEW: Sanele Nohamba v Siya Masuku. Quan Horn v Jordan Hendrikse. Renzo du Plessis v James Venter.

RUGBY CHAMPIONSHIP, ROUND FIVE: Springbok head coach Rassie Erasmus says his team cannot afford to let things get too loose when they face Argentina on Saturday.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Lions coach Mziwakhe Nkosi made one change to his starting XV for the Currie Cup Final against the Sharks at Ellis Park on Saturday.

VIDEO: Two-time Currie Cup winner Tapiwa Mafura will happily end his career at the Lions having found a home where he is thriving on and off the pitch.

RUGBY CHAMPIONSHIP, ROUND FIVE: The All Blacks are driven by the fear of being the first team to relinquish the Bledisloe Cup since Australia's last win 2002 ahead of the first Test against Australia in Sydney on Saturday. 

MATCH REPORT: The Springbok Women will head into WXV 2 with some momentum after they beat Spain by 36-19 in cold and blustery conditions in Cape Town on Thursday.

PREVIEW: This weekend the United Rugby Championship returns with an exciting round of games to kick off the 2024/2025 season.

SPOTLIGHT: Currie Cup Finals between the Sharks and the Lions are strange and it almost seems as if playing at home is a curse.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Argentina head coach Felipe Contepomi has revealed his matchday 23 to face the Springboks in Saturday's Rugby Championship Round Five clash in Santiago del Estero.

SQUAD ANNOUNCEMENT: Red Roses head coach John Mitchell has confirmed his 30-player squad to travel to Canada for the 2024 WXV 1 tournament.

SPOTLIGHT: @king365ed sat in as Test referee Andrew Brace and URC Head of Match Officials Tappe Henning explained how recent law changes impacted the game.

VIDEO: Kade Wolhuter will run out in his first Currie Cup Final against the Sharks at Ellis Park on Saturday for the team that has become his new home.

SPOTLIGHT: A couple of Springbok players shared their views on Siya Kolisi's role in the coaches' box for Saturday's Rugby Championship clash against Los Pumas in Argentina.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Sharks coach John Plumtree has made two key changes to his team for the Currie Cup Final face-off against the Lions at Ellis Park on Saturday.

TRANSFER NEWS: South Africa's powerhouse prop Ox Nche has responded to speculation that he might be leaving the Sharks to join a French club.

MATCH REPORT: An extended Stormers squad ran in seven tries in their training match against the Pumas Nelspruit on Wednesday after the hosts came back strong in the second half.

REACTION: All Black coach Scott Robertson is expecting "a hell" of a Bledisloe Cup Test against Australia on Saturday.

This weekend, the Springboks could be crowned the 2024 Rugby Championship winners if they overcome a passionate Los Pumas team in Santiago del Estero.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Veteran Beauden Barrett was recalled to the New Zealand team named Thursday to face Australia in the Rugby Championship, as All Blacks coach Scott Robertson made four changes.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Veteran prop James Slipper will become Australia's most-capped Wallaby of all time when he runs out for his 140th Test against the All Blacks on Saturday.

WATCH as veteran flyhalf Handré Pollard explains how the Springbok team is becoming a better version of itself.

SPOTLIGHT: There's a line he won't cross, but the Wallabies plan to tap into Joe Schmidt's trade secrets on the All Blacks as they bid to end more than two decades of Bledisloe Cup heartache.

PREVIEW: Wales Women will host Australia Women for the first time at Newport Parade on Friday.

PREVIEW: The South Africa Women will take on Spain Women on Thursday in their final Test before the WXV 2 tournament.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Coach Simon Easterby has named a 33-player Emerging Ireland squad for the upcoming three-match tour to South Africa.

SPOTLIGHT: All Black hooker Codie Taylor said his team will be looking to build on some of the positives that came out of their recent tour to South Africa.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: The Western Force's 30-player squad for the upcoming three-game tour of South Africa has been named.

OPINION: Rassie Erasmus' savvy selections of Handré Pollard and a six-two forward-heavy bench highlight the Springboks' respect for Argentina and the occasion in Santiago del Estero.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: The long injury lay-off has given Evan Roos a new lease on life, the Stormers' loose forward revealed.

SPOTLIGHT: The match official appointments for the United Rugby Championship Round One fixtures have been confirmed.

NEWS: Simon Easterby will take temporary charge of Ireland while Andy Farrell is with the British and Irish Lions, the Irish Rugby Football Union (IRFU) announced.

NEWS: The Springboks’ new flyhalf sensation Sacha Feinbergh-Mngomezulu needs surgery and will only be ready to play for the Boks' outgoing Tour in November.

SQUAD ANNOUNCEMENT: A 26-man Stormers squad will face the Pumas in a training match at Nelspruit Rugby Club on Wednesday.

WATCH as the Boks Office crew share their views on why South African players are so sought after around the world.

STAT ATTACK: Rassie Erasmus has rotated his matchday squad once again as he aims to build depth and test new combinations.

AUDIO: The Sharks head to Ellis Park on Saturday to face the Lions in the Currie Cup Final with some inside info on their opponents in their back pockets.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus has made 10 changes to his starting team for their penultimate Rugby Championship clash against Los Pumas in Santiago del Estero on Saturday.

SPOTLIGHT: The 2024/25 Premiership season kicks off on Friday with a repeat of last season’s final between Bath and Northampton at The Recreation Ground, while Bristol travel to Newcastle.

SPOTLIGHT: Tom Curry has spoken about the intriguing November prospect of taking on the Springboks – and Bongi Mbonambi – for the first time since last year’s controversial World Cup semifinal.

WATCH as Springbok loose forward Kwagga Smith previews his team's crucial Rugby Championship face-off with Los Pumas.

SQUAD ANNOUNCEMENT: Italy Women will head to South Africa for the WXV 2 tournament without the prolific player Alyssa D’Inca.

SPOTLIGHT: The 2015 Currie Cup saw the Lions go on a remarkable run, staying unbeaten and completely dismantling every opponent in their way.

SPOTLIGHT: England's Tom Curry said he "curled up in a ball" and cried when he was told the full extent of a hip problem that saw him miss most of last season and left the Sale flank fearing for his career.

The wounded Wallabies have bunkered down, intent on escaping the external pressure of trying to break one of the most infamous droughts in Australian sport.

NEWS: Fijian international Vinaya Habosi, currently playing for French Top 14 team Racing 92, was arrested on Sunday following allegations of domestic violence.

WATCH as Springbok assistant coach Deon Davids gives some insights into the team's preparations for the Los Pumas face-off.

SPOTLIGHT: In the final part of our URC squad transfers breakdown, @rugby365com reporter Angus Opperman takes a look at the player movements of the South African teams.

INJURY UPDATE: Leinster head coach Leo Cullen has provided an injury update on his squad ahead of their season opening clash against Edinburgh.

SQUAD ANNOUNCEMENT: Wales head coach Ioan Cunningham has named the 30-strong squad to represent Wales at WXV2 in South Africa in September and October.

SPOTLIGHT: Franco Smith insists Glasgow Warriors are embracing the challenge of having a target on their back as the new United Rugby Championship season gets underway.

WATCH as Stormers Director of Rugby John Dobson speaks about his 'tricky' selection poser.

NEWS: Former Ireland international Joey Carbery picked up an injury during his first appearance for Bordeaux Bègles in the Top 14 on Saturday.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Springbok Women performance coach Swys de Bruin has made two changes to the starting team that will face Spain at Cape Town Stadium on Thursday, and three tweaks to the bench from their comprehensive victory over the Barbarians just over a week ago.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: The Springboks are not underestimating the Los Pumas as they prepare for their penultimate Rugby Championship clash in Santiago del Estero on Saturday.

SPOTLIGHT: Dragons head coach Dai Flanagan urged his side to make the most of their 2024/5 URC fixture draw.

SPOTLIGHT: Australia are bracing themselves for a fired-up All Blacks side following their winless tour of South Africa to target them in Sydney.

NEWS: Veteran lock Patrick Tuipulotu will rejoin the New Zealand squad on Monday for the Bledisloe Cup Tests against Australia after recovering from injury.

SPOTLIGHT: @rugby365com reporter Angus Opperman delves into the squad depth of the Welsh URC outfits for the upcoming season.

VIDEO: Lions coach Mziwakhe Nkosi lauded his bench for victory over the Cheetahs in the Saturday Currie Cup semifinal at Ellis Park.

VIDEO: The Cheetahs’ Director of Rugby, Frans Steyn, is working hard behind the scenes to get his side playing international rugby again, if politics don’t interfere.

SPOTLIGHT: Stalwart Eben Etzebeth is trying his best to stay away from all the talk that is surrounding the Springbok Test cap record.

MATCH REPORT: Scotland claimed a dominant 59-15 result against Fiji at Edinburgh Stadium.

MATCH REPORT: Japan booked their spot in the Pacific Nations Cup Final against Fiji following their 49-27 victory over Samoa in Tokyo on Sunday.

REACTION: Bulls coach Phiwe Nomlomo praised his players for their efforts in Saturday's Currie Cup semifinal against the Sharks, but he acknowledged that his team lacked the patience needed to close out the game.

REACTION: Sharks head coach John Plumtree revealed that there was some confusion around the red card rule among the officials in his team's Currie Cup semifinal against the Bulls in Pretoria.

NEWS: Injured All Black Fletcher Newell will miss next week's Rugby Championship Test against Australia, but New Zealand Rugby said on Sunday fellow-prop Ethan de Groot is fit to play.

WRAP: England captain Owen Farrell scored five points as Racing 92 beat Clermont 33-20 in the French Top 14 on Saturday.

MATCH REPORT: Australia Women have been handed a 10-36 hammering by Ireland in Belfast, just a week after their male counterparts suffered a similar chastening loss at the hands of Argentina.

MATCH REPORT: The Red Roses defeated the Black Ferns at Twickenham Stadium with a comprehensive 24-12 win in their final Test before travelling to Canada for WXV1.

MATCH REPORT: The Sharks booked a spot in the Currie Cup Final courtesy of a superior try-scoring tally in their 40-40 draw with the Bulls in extra-time at Loftus Versfeld on Saturday.

MATCH REPORT: Fiji moved into a Pacific Nations Cup Final against either Japan or Samoa after beating the United States 22-3 in Tokyo on Saturday.

MATCH REPORT: The Lions will host this year's Currie Cup Final after they beat the Cheetahs 43-34 in their semifinal clash in Johannesburg on Saturday.

READERS’ FORUM: Welcome to our LIVE coverage of the Currie Cup semifinal face-off between the Bulls and Sharks at Loftus Versfeld in Pretoria.

INJURY UPDATE: The Bulls have been forced into making a late injury change to their matchday 23 for the 2024 Currie Cup semifinal against the Sharks.

READERS’ FORUM: Welcome to our LIVE coverage of the Currie Cup semifinal face-off between the Lions and Cheetahs at Ellis Park in Johannesburg.

SPOTLIGHT: Springbok head coach Rassie Erasmus expects a hostile environment in Argentina where his team will face Felipe Contepomi's side in their Rugby Championship Round Five clash in Santiago del Estero on September 21.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: The Currie Cup seems to have hit the sweet spot according to former Lions hooker and commentator Owen Nkumane.

The importance of the Currie Cup can not be debated said Springbok legend Naas Botha ahead of the 2024 semifinals.

World Cup-winning former Springbok captain John Smit tells @king365ed how @SARugbyLegends are 'mining for gold' at the #iqhawerugby and #VukaRugby youth weeks.

NEWS: The URC has dismissed talks of media claims that the competition is in talks with the English Premiership regarding a British and Irish leauge to combine and exclude Italian and South African teams.

SPOTLIGHT: @rugby365com reporter Angus Opperman dives into the squad depth of the URC Scottish and Italian teams.

PREVIEW: On current form, the Lions should be considered firm favourites against defending champions, the Cheetahs, when the two sides meet in the semifinal of the Currie Cup at Ellis Park on Saturday.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: The Lions have bolstered their side with the inclusion of Springboks Ruan Venter and Quan Horn for the Currie Cup semifinal against the Cheetahs at Ellis Park on Saturday.

PREVIEW, SEMIFINAL: The fixture between Bulls and Sharks at Loftus Versfeld will go down as another Currie Cup classic.

NEWS: World Rugby has confirmed the appointment of Nicky Ponsford as Director of High Performance following a global process.

NEWS: Legendary Bulls colleague 'Tannie Saartjie Olivier", as she was known, passed away after an illness earlier this week.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Bulls head coach Phiwe Nomlomo has made some big calls for his team's Currie Cup semifinal match against Sharks at Loftus Versfeld on Saturday.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Two Cheetahs will run out in their 50th game in the Currie Cup semifinal against the Lions at Ellis Park on Saturday.

PREVIEW: Racing 92 begin life without Siya Kolisi as they host Clermont in the French Top 14 on Saturday in a stadium very different to their ultra-modern indoor Paris La Defense Arena.

NEWS: Super Rugby will change from a top-eight play-off format to a top six in 2025, with the competition featuring only 11 teams following the Rebels' axing.

WATCH as Munster coach Graham Rowntree speaks about the jeopardy of touring South Africa.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: The Wallabies are banking on stability to help them rebound from their horror loss to Argentina when they confront the All Blacks in the Bledisloe Cup.

NEWS: Former Scotland captain Stuart Hogg is set to miss Montpellier's Top 14 clash against Perpignan following his bail release.

PREVIEW: The 2021 (2) World Cup Finalists are set to face off at Twickenham Stadium on Saturday, September 14.

NEWS: South Africa has been forced into a late change to their tour squad for Argentina.

SPOTLIGHT: Ruan Nortje is a prime example of what can be achieved when you go the extra mile on the road to success.

NEWS: The 2024 New Zealand Schools, Barbarian U18 and Mãori U18 has all been announced by New Zealand Rugby ahead of international clashes.

WATCH as Stormers Director of Rugby John Dobson discloses his solution to the loss of Steven Kitshoff.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Sharks head coach John Plumtree has revealed his team to face the Bulls in Saturday's Currie Cup semifinal at Loftus Versfeld.

PREVIEW: Ireland Women will host Australia Women for the first time since the teams met in 2017 World Cup.

NEWS: Former national Sevens captain Phillip Snyman has been appointed as head coach of the BlitzBoks after taking care of the team in an acting capacity for the last six months.

NEWS: Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii is set to go from the NRL finals to a year-end tour in a little over a month, as he closes in on a Wallabies debut in Europe.

NEWS: Australian star James O'Connor will likely finish his career overseas after not extending his contract at the Queensland Reds.

NEWS: Brumbies announced the appointment of Andy Friend as the new Super Rugby Women’s head coach, signing on for the 2025 season.

SQUAD UPDATE: Twelve members of the All Blacks' Rugby Championship squad will represent their provincial unions this weekend during Round Six of the NPC.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Argentina coach Felipe Contepomi has recalled French-based prop Lucio Sordoni for the last two rounds of the Rugby Championship, against South Africa.

SPOTLIGHT: Lions head coach Ivan van Rooyen believes his team could've had one more representative in the Springbok squad in this current Test season

WARNING: The South African Rugby Union issued an urgent warning to supporters to beware of online websites claiming to have tickets for sale for the Springboks' last home match of the year.

NEWS: The women's game will take centre stage in 2025, in what could be a watershed year for the female version of the sport.

This weekend is another big milestone for South Africa’s Women Rugby as the country’s very own Aimee Barrett-Theron will make history at Twickenham on Saturday.

WATCH as Stormers Director of Rugby John Dobson and Sharks coach John Plumtree speak candidly about the decision to postpone the South African matches in the opening Round of the URC.

TRANSFER NEWS: The Stormers will be bolstering their squad with some talent from Kimberley ahead of the 2024/2025 United Rugby Championship season.

NEWS: Hot on the heels of a spectacular weekend of international matches in Cape Town, local fans have another Test coming their way next week.

SPOTLIGHT: Argentina might still be one of the most inconsistent sides in the game, but they have more than enough in the tank to upset the Boks in Santiago del Estero.

WATCH as Cheetahs Director of Rugby Frans Steyn reveals the 'cost' of having banned Springbok wing Sibusiso Nkosi on their books.

TRANSFER NEWS: The Western Force confirmed the signing of one-cap All Black centre Matt Proctor ahead of the 2025 Super Rugby Pacific season.

NEWS: Racing 92 Director of Rugby Stuart Lancaster said the French club will be patient before signing a replacement for newly-departed South African captain Siya Kolisi.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Sharks loose forward Vincent Tshituka revealed that the return of Springbok captain Siya Kolisi will add to the healthy internal competition at the Durban franchise. 

WATCH as @rugby365com brings you injury updates on Springbok World Cup winners Steven Kitshoff and RG Snyman.

REACTION: Bulls Director of Rugby Jake White says Kurt-Lee Arendse's short stint in Japan is another example of the sacrifices he is willing to make to keep his stars.

WATCH as the Boks Office crew share their thoughts on Handre Pollard's role in the Springbok squad after the rise of Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu.