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TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Blues coach Tana Umaga has named an unchanged starting line-up for the penultimate Super Rugby match against the Brumbies at Eden Park.

rugby365 cartoonist Matthew Ackermann looks at what was billed as the 'ultimate predator battle'.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Playmaker Duncan Paia’aua has been named in the Reds' starting line-up to face Chiefs in Round 16 of the Super Rugby at Suncorp Stadium.

The Under-18 Girls National Youth Week is taking place at Hoërskool Noord-Kaap in Kimberley.

rugby365 would like to wish all our Muslim readers and their families a joyous Eid-ul-Fitr Mubarak.

The main match at Paarl Gim on Wednesday, 6 May 2016, is Boland vs KwaZulu Natal in the Grant Khomo Week

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Southern Kings have three new inclusions to their Super Rugby squad ahead of their clash against the Lions in Johannesburg on Friday.

In the main game of the Independent Schools Festival, Bishops and Hilton produced a thrilling match of running rugby.

INTERVIEW: The Cheetahs may not be in the play-off race, but they still have enough talent to cause the Sharks a few problems at Kings Park on Saturday.

NEWS: Wasps have strengthened their coaching team ahead of the 2016/2017 European season. 

DAY TWO WRAP: The cold weather conditions could not put a damper on the young boys' spirits as they continue to deliver thrilling rugby on Day two of the Under-13 Craven Week at Paarl Gimnasium.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Lions captain Jaco Kriel chatted to Jan de Koning about the team's run-in to the play-offs.

NEWS: Springbok lock Lodewyk de Jager will join the Bulls in November on a 12-month contract after agreeing terms with the Blue Bulls Company (Pty) Ltd.

INTERVIEW: Exeter Chiefs newcomer Greg Holmes says he is "excited" by the challenge that lies ahead as he prepares to join up with the Premiership club in the coming weeks.

INTERVIEW: Assistant coach Russell Winter says the Stormers are not worried about their defence ahead of their clash against the Western Force in Perth on Saturday. Warren Fortune reports.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Lions head coach Johan Ackermann has decided to go with continuity for their upcoming clash against the Southern Kings at Ellis Park on Friday.

Marius van der Westhuizen is off to Harare this weekend for an Africa Cup match.

INTERVIEW: New Harlequins Director of Rugby John Kingston admits that with all eyes on the club in its 150th season, they need to meet their fans' high Premiership expectations again.

INTERVIEW: Australia lock Kane Douglas looks set to play his first home game for the Reds when they face Chiefs at Suncorp Stadium in Super Rugby clash on Friday.

NEWS: Crusaders flank Matt Todd will stay in New Zealand until at least 2017, despite falling further behind in the pecking order for All Black selection.

NEWS: Wallaby wing Joe Tomane revealed on Tuesday he will leave the Brumbies and join French club Montpellier at the end of the current Super Rugby season.

The main match of Day two of the Under-13 Craven Week, being played at Paarl Gim, is between Valke and Free State.

INJURY UPDATE: The Bulls were given a massive injury scare in their 11-29 Super Rugby loss to the Jaguares in Buenos Aires at the weekend.

Of the 20 teams taking part in the 31-year-old Independent Schools festival, six are unbeaten after Day 2.

The National Girls Under-18 Week kicked off at Hoërskool Noord-Kaap in Kimberley on 4 July 2016.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: It is a cliché, but so true - a week is a long time in sport. Jan de Koning looks at the final two weeks of Super Rugby league action.

DAY ONE WRAP: The Under-16 Grant Khomo week got off to a thrilling start with a three narrow victories and big wins for most of the teams at Paarl Gimnasium on Monday July 4.

NEWS: Stormers loose forward Nizaam Carr will fly home to Cape Town from Perth due to a shoulder injury he picked up in the 57-31 victory against the Rebels in Melbourne.

INJURY UPDATE: The struggling Southern Kings look set to be without the services of their star loose forward Cyril-John Velleman for the last two weeks of the Super Rugby season.

DAY ONE WRAP: Griffons put on a stunning performance in their 45-0 victory over Border Country District on Day one of the Under-13 Craven week at Paarl Gimnasium on Monday July 4.

NEWS: The Sharks will be without fullback Willie le Roux for their clash against the Cheetahs in Durban on Saturday.

EXCLUSIVE: Eugene Eloff, a two-time former Under-19 World Cup winner, shares with rugby365's readers, some positives from the South African landscape.

SUPER RUGBY SPOTLIGHT: The Lions again lead the way with selection in rugby365's famous Team of the Week.

NEWS: Gloucester confirmed that Australian centre Bill Meakes has been released from his contract with the club to take up an opportunity to play in Super Rugby.

NEWS: Scarlets tighthead prop Samson Lee will miss the start of the Pro12 season after undergoing shoulder surgery.

NEWS: Leinster head coach Leo Cullen has confirmed that former Leinster player Niall Morris has re-joined the province on a short term contract from the Leicester Tigers.

NEWS: The Hurricanes have lost two of their first-choice forwards for the remainder of this year's Super Rugby season.

INTERVIEW: The Brumbies will go in search of maximum points from their remaining two games to secure themselves a spot in this year's Super Rugby play-offs.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: A moment here and a snapshot there against the conference-leading Brumbies was enough to suggest there is justified hope in Queensland Rugby's next generation.

The Grant Khomo Week for provincial Under-16 teams starts at Paarl Gim on Monday, 4 July 2016.

The Girls Under-18 National Week starts in Kimberley on Monday, 4 July 2016.

The Under-13 Craven Week kicks off at Paarl Gim on Monday, 4 July 2016.

REACTION: Sharks Director of Rugby Gary Gold believes they made life easy for the Lions during their 10-37 loss at Ellis Park on Saturday.

REACTION: Crusaders head coach Todd Blackadder revealed that he will be resting All Black captain Kieran Read for their must-win match against the Melbourne Rebels.

REACTION: After securing their place in the play-offs, Lions head coach Johan Ackermann could be resting some of his star players over the next two weeks.

REACTION: Southern Kings captain Steven Sykes believe their 18-48 loss to the Highlanders was a massive learning for the team.

REACTION: Stormers head coach Robbie Fleck hailed his team's scrum dominance after their impressive 57-31 bonus-point win against the Melbourne Rebels on Saturday. Warren Fortune reports.

SQUAD ANNOUNCEMENT: World Cup star Sonny Bill Williams and his sister Niall joined the rare Olympic siblings club Sunday when both were named in the New Zealand Sevens teams for the Rio Games.

MATCH REPORT: The Jaguares recorded a convincing 29-11 SAuper Rugby win over a hapless Bulls team in a very wet Buenos Aires on Saturday.

CURRIE CUP WRAP: Western Province continue their good form in the Currie Cup qualifying competition, as they edged closer to the table-topping Griquas.

OLYMPIC WARM-UP: The Springbok Sevens team on Saturday showed good form at the inaugural Sevens tournament played at Markötter Stadium in Stellenbosch.

MATCH REPORT: The Highlanders scored 28 unanswered points in the final 12 minutes to record a bonus-point 48-18 win over the Southern Kings.

The 2016 Independent Schools Rugby Festival kicked off at Bishops on Saturday, 2 July.

MATCH REPORT: The Lions, despite being without captain Warren Whiteley, showed their championship qualities, in a 37-10 demolition of the Sharks.

MATCH REPORT: The Cheetahs managed to hang on for a fortuitous 30-29 Super Rugby win over a hard-charging Western Force in Bloemfontein on Saturday.

REPORT: The Stormers ran in seven tries to claim an emphatic 57-31 victory over the Rebels in Melbourne on Saturday as they pressed home a six-point half-time advantage.

REPORT: The Hurricanes overcame a seven point half-time deficit to claim an important 37-27 victory over a boisterous Blues team in Wellington on Saturday.

REPORT: The Waratahs displayed an attacking masterclass as they ran in nine tries to dominate the Sunwolves 57-12 in Tokyo on Saturday.

The 2016 Independent Schools Festival kicks off at Bishops on Saturday, 2 July 2016.

CURRIE CUP QUALIFYING WRAP: The Boland Cavaliers scored four tries to beat the Blue Bulls 35-26 in the Currie Cup Qualifying competition at Loftus Versfeld on Friday

Chris Pollock, for many years a top referee, will referee his 200th first class match on Saturday.

WRAP: The Springbok Sevens squad showed some early rustiness, but finished strongly at the Sevens International Tournament at the Markötter Stadium in Stellenbosch on Friday.

In the final match of the third day of the Girls Under-16 Tournament, Border ended with the glory.

NEWS: London Irish announced on Friday that Brendan Venter is returning to the club to take up the new position of Technical Director with immediate effect.

NEWS: Glasgow Warriors can confirm that second-row Kieran Low has left the club.

REACTION: Brumbies flyhalf Christian Lealiifano said his team's second-half performance against the Reds on Friday was one to be proud of.

NEWS: Dean Mumm predicts that his fellow Australians Dave Dennis and Greg Holmes will make a mammoth impact at Exeter Chiefs.

NEWS: Gloucester confirm that Greig Laidlaw has been named as their captain for the forthcoming season.

NEWS: The Scotland international Nick de Luca has signed a short-term contract with Premiership side Wasps.

MATCH REPORT: Argentinian scrumhalf Tomás Cubelli came on as a second-half replacement to spark the Brumbies to a bonus-point 43-24 win over the Reds.

MATCH REPORT: The Chiefs moved past the Crusaders to the top of the Super Rugby standings with a hard-fought 23-13 win in Suva on Friday.

NEWS: Former All Blacks, Wales, British & Irish Lions coach Graham Henry will join Leinster on July 30 on a short-term contract as a consultant.

NEWS: Springbok Sevens coach Niel Powell has a tough job on the hand as he will use the Sevens International Tournament to pick his perfect 12 for the Olympix Games in Rio.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: After a competitive jam-packed LSEN rugby week, the SA LSEN team were announced at an elegant gala dinner in Pretoria.

INTERVIEW: The Sharks know that they will have to be accurate in everything they do if they are to beat the Lions at Ellis Park in Johannesburg on Saturday.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Jan de Koning looks at the Saturday matches in Part Two of Super Rugby's Round 15.

The main match on the final day of the Girls' Under-16 Week in Welkom will be between Border and Western Province.

INTERVIEW: The Bulls have not shelved their dream of a Super Rugby play-off spot, but they are well aware they need "favours" from other teams to realise it.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Jaguares coach Raúl Perez has kept the faith in bellicose lock Tomas Lavanini for their encounter with the Bulls on Saturday.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Ravaged by injuries and with their captain being rested, the Bulls were forced into a host of changes for their encounter with the Jaguares.

FINAL DAY WRAP: Boland have done it again, they beat the Falcons 30-14 to reclaim the honours of top team at the 2016 LSEN Week Tournament.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Southern Kings head coach Deon Davids has made four changes to his starting line-up for their clash against the Highlanders at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium on Saturday.

NEWS: Namibia Rugby Union have announced the teams who are going to represent them in South Africa's annual Craven (U18), Academy (U18) and Grant Khomo (U16) week.

INTO THE HORNETS NEST: The bankrupt Eastern Province Rugby Union and the South African Rugby Union are being drowned in an avalanche of court cases.

REACTION: Stormers head coach Robbie Fleck said Jaco Taute still has a lot to offer the team in the final phase of this season's Super Rugby tournament.

NEWS: Newcastle Falcons have confirmed the signing of South African Kyle Cooper from the Super Rugby club the Sharks.  

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Cheetahs will be taking on the Western Force without the pivotal Lood de Jager on July 2.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Ruan Ackermann will start at No.8 for the Lions in their clash with the Sharks at Ellis Park on Saturday.

NEWS: Wellington favourite Cory Jane is winging it to Japan after signing a two-year contract with Toshiba, but will be back in Hurricanes colours in 2017.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: All Black superstar Jerome  heads the list of internationals returning to the Blues team for their all-New Zealand derby against the Hurricanes.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Fresh from International duty flanker Sean McMahon will captain the Melbourne Rebels against the Stormers on Saturday.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: The Sharks' worst fears have been realised - they will be without three top players when they face the Lions in Johannesburg on Saturday.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: The Highlanders will be without a few of their star All Blacks when they face the Southern Kings in Port Elizabeth on Saturday.

NEWS: Worcester Warriors have confirmed that Director of Rugby Dean Ryan has been released from his contract and will leave his post immediately.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: The Hurricanes' five All Blacks will all start against the Blues in Wellington on Saturday.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Playmaker Jono Lance will start at flyhalf for the Western Force against the Cheetahs in Bloemfontein on Saturday.

NEWS: The mass exodus of Southern Kings players abroad are continuing.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Jaco Taute will make his first appearance this season for the Stormers in their clash with the Melbourne Rebels at AAMI Park on Saturday.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Lock Naohiro Kotaki will make his Super Rugby debut when he runs out for the Sunwolves against the Waratahs in Tokyo on Saturday.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Taqele Naiyaravoro has been included in the Waratahs starting XV for their first-ever clash against the Sunwolves in Tokyo on Saturday. 

EXCLUSIVE: Jan de Koning and Tauriq Ebrahim examine the Springboks' performance in the June Test and look ahead to the resumption of Super Rugby.

EKSKLUSIEF: Jan de Koning en Eugene Eloff vra of Allister Coetzee se Springbokke 'n slaagsyfer behaal het en gee ook hul voorspellings vir die volgende rondte Super Rugby wedstryde.

The LSEN Craven Week, hosted by Affies in Pretoria, ends with its third match day on Thursday, 30 June 2016.

After two rounds just three teams are unbeaten at the Under-16 Girls' Provincial Tournament in Welkom.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT. Jan de Koning looks at the Friday matches in Part One of Super Rugby's Round 15.

Cambridge High School of East London hosted a rugby Festival at the end of term with matches.

EUROPEAN CUP DRAW: Saracens face a tough defence of their European Champions Cup title.

EXCLUSIVE: The prestigious Coca-Cola Youth Weeks, presented by SA Rugby, give schoolboys at Under-13, U-16 and U-18 levels an opportunity to represent their respective provinces.

Amy Perrett will make history on Saturday when she becomes the first female assistant referee in Super Rugby.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: The Brumbies will rely on a rookie at No.8 in their final run-in to the Super Rugby play-offs.

NEWS: London Irish have been given a major boost ahead of the 2016-17 season.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: The Rebels are determined to give their long-suffering fans something to celebrate when they host the Stormers in Melbourne on Saturday.

NEWS: Springbok Sevens coach Neil Powell acknowledged that there will no easy matches at the Olympic Games in Rio in August after Team South Africa was drawn in Pool B of the Sevens event.

EXCLUSIVE: rugby365 cartoonist Matthew Ackermann looks at what will happen now that the Springboks have returned to their franchises.

NEWS: Former New Zealand Under-20 representative Josh Goodhue will join the likes of Jimmy Tupou, Alex Hogman and Sonny-Bill Williams as the Blues' new signings for 2017.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: The Reds have handed former Australian schoolboys representative Jack Tuttle his Super Rugby debut that will potentially see him playing with his brother James, for the first time since high school.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: All Blacks flyhalf Aaron Cruden has been named on the Chiefs' bench for their top of the New Zealand conference clash against the Crusaders in Suva, Fiji.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: The Crusaders will field their strongest possible team when they travel to the National Stadium in Suva, Fiji, for their crucial Super Rugby encounter against the Chiefs.

INTERVIEW: The Sharks are under no illusions about the challenge they face at Ellis Park in Johannesburg this weekend.

The Girls' Under-16 national tournament is taking place in Welkom.

REACTION: Losing one of the form players in South Africa would be a blow to any team, but the Lions are not about to 'sulk' over the injury-enforced absence of Warren Whiteley.

NEWS: The pools have been revealed for the 12-team men's Sevens events at the Rio 2016 Olympic Games.

On Saturday, 2 July 2016, Rasta Rasivhenge will become South Africa's 70th Test referee

NEWS: Thembelani Bholi, the Southern Kings' powerful ball-carrying loose forward, will be running onto the field for the Free State Cheetahs in both the 2016 and 2017 Currie Cup seasons.

European Professional Club Rugby (EPCR) has appointed Joël Jutge of France to be its new referees' boss.,

DAY TWO WRAP: Boland, who took top honours at the 2015 edition of the tournament, have registered a second consecutive victory with a 20-11 win over neighbours Western Province on Day Two of the LSEN Week.

NEWS: English-qualified lock Matt Symons becomes the ninth player who will be joining Wasps ahead of the 2016/17 season.

June's Test window is shut, the North rests and in the South Super Rugby tries to pick itself up.

NEWS: The Lions will be without captain Warren Whiteley for the rest of the current Super Rugby season after he injured his shoulder while playing for South Africa against Ireland at the weekend.

NEWS: The Northern Hemisphere is waiting in anticipation for the draws of the Championship Cup and Challenge Cup.

NEWS: Glasgow Warriors recruited a new warrior - Tjiuee Uanivi - who will join their ranks as second row.

NEWS: The Crusaders are set to be without All Black centre Ryan Crotty for their crucial Super Rugby clash against the Chiefs in Fiji on Friday.

NEWS: The Bulls have opted to 'rest' Springbok captain Adriaan Strauss, as they head to Argentina for a crucial Super Rugby match.

NEWS: Lock forward Tadhg Beirne committed his talents to the Scarlets pack for the forthcoming season.

NEWS: Leinster confirmed on Tuesday that Luke Fitzgerald has announced his retirement from professional rugby with immediate effect.

OPINION: Former England coach Clive Woodward says All Blacks still don't fear England, despite the latter’s 3-0 series victory against Australia.

NEWS: The Highlanders have bolstered their backline stocks after signing Blues wing Tevita Li for the 2017 Super Rugby season.

The main match on Day 2 of the LSEN Craven Week will be between neighbours Western Province and Boland.

INJURY UPDATE: The Bulls suffered a setback ahead of their trip to Argentina and a crucial Round 13 Super Rugby encounter with the Jaguares.

The National Girls Under-16 Week featured a mixed bag of results with a handful of big wins, while other matches proved to be nail-biting.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: The rugby365 team sat down, analysed the entire month's matches and came up the most consistent performers.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: rugby365 law guru Paul Dobson looks at a contentious incident in the third Test between South Africa and Ireland.

NEWS: Gloucester confirmed that Henry Trinder had to undergo further surgery on his right knee and will be ruled out of playing action for the foreseeable future.

DAY ONE WRAP: The Falcons registered the biggest win of the opening day at the LSEN Week, as they out-scored the Golden Lions 10 tries to two for an emphatic 64-13 victory

The Super Rugby season resumes this week with the top two New Zealand Conference teams going head-to-head at ANZ Stadium in Suva, Fiji.

NEWS: A dominant performance from France in Argentina has resulted in a shake-up in the top 10 of the World Rugby Rankings.

SQUAD ANNOUNCEMENT: The Stormers will be without co-captain Frans Malherbe for their upcoming two-match tour of Australia.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Strap yourself in. The next three weeks of Super Rugby is going to get wild. Jan de Koning reports.

NEWS: Edinburgh have signed young Samoan-born centre Sasa Tofilau on a one-year deal. 

NEWS: Western Force interim head coach Dave Wessels has named a 26-man squad that departed last on Sunday for the team's Round 15 clash with the Cheetahs in Bloemfontein on Saturday.

NEWS: The Falcons Rugby Unions has selected the teams which are going to represent them in the Craven (U18) and Academy Week (U18).

INTERVIEW: Brumbies lock Rory Arnold is hoping to celebrate his birthday this Friday, with a strong performance against the Reds at GIO Stadium.

The National Week for Girls Under-16 starts in Welkom on Monday, 27 June 2016.

Kearsney ended their season with huge win in Durban.

We have just two sets of results as the term fizzles out.

NEWS: Welsh International Lou Reed has signed a two-year contract with Sale Sharks.

There have been a couple of schools matches and the Northvaal Bondedag for teams bound for Craven Week.

OPINION: rugby365 columnist Brett McKay feels Australia can learn from being whitewashed by England ... IF they can throw out the rubbish.

NEWS: The talented Jack Maddocks has been scooped up by the Melbourne Rebels after a great showing in the Under-20 World Championship.

NEWS: Japan's Super Rugby franchise the Sunwolves formally announced Monday that coach Mark Hammett will leave the Tokyo-based club at the end of the season.

NEWS: The Waratahs welcomed back powerful international wing Taqele Naiyaravoro on Monday following the announcement of his re-signing for 2017 and 2018 last month.

REPORT: Tommaso Allan kicked 12 points while hooker Ornel Gega scored the only try of the game in the 60th minute to help Italy edge Canada 20-18 in Toronto.

NEWS: All Blacks and Crusaders' loosehead prop, Joe Moody, has re-signed with New Zealand Rugby and his Super Rugby team for another three years through to 2019. 

Kearsney ended their season with huge win in Durban.

REACTION: Wales captain Sam Warburton was impressed with New Zealand's depth during the three-week tour of the country, which saw them lose the Series 3-0 while also losing a midweek game to the Chiefs.

REACTION: New Zealand, in winning the third Test over Wales 46-6 in Dunedin, finished about where the team management wanted them to be.

NEWS: Junior Springbok coach Dawie Theron was recognised and thanked for his enormous contribution to the sport in South Africa as he embarks on a new journey in Japan.

REACTION: Springbok flank Jaco Kriel said he could hardly remember anything from his time on the field in South Africa's 19-13 win against Ireland in the third Test in Port Elizabeth. Warren Fortune reports.

NEWS: Springbok fullback Willie le Roux will miss the Sharks' crucial Super Rugby clash against the Lions next weekend after receiving a one-week suspension for dangerous play.

REACTION: Ireland head coach Joe Schmidt said they only have themselves to blame for letting a series victory slip out of their hands against South Africa. Warren Fortune reports.

REACTION: Springbok head coach Allister Coetzee acknowledged that his team will need to improve certain aspects of their game before the Rugby Championship gets underway in August. Warren Fortune reports.

REACTION: Coach Michael Cheika is prepared for critics to put the boot in after the Wallabies slumped to their first home three-Test series loss to England this weekend.

REPORT: The United States Eagles won their third consecutive international Test at Bonney Field on Saturday when they routed Russia 25-0.

REACTION: Junior Springbok coach Dawie Theron described his team's 19-49 defeat against Argentina in the bronze play-off at the World Under-20 Championship in Manchester as one of the most disappointing moments in his career.

NEWS: Springbok fullback Willie le Roux has been cited for tackling Irish fullback Tiernan O'Halloran in the air during the Series decider in Port Elizabeth on Saturday.

REACTION: Wales coach Warren Gatland is predicting the world champion All Blacks will be tested by the British and Irish Lions in 2017 but stopped short of predicting the Series outcome.

REACTION: The Wallabies want the rules surrounding 'Spidercam' to be reviewed after the hovering television camera made a controversial intervention during England's third Test win in Sydney.

REACTION: Victorious coach Eddie Jones praised England's historic series whitewash in Australia but warned that his team must find greater consistency if they are to become the top team in world rugby.

WRAP: England cruised to a third world Under-20 title on Saturday, with a 45-21 victory over Ireland.

REPORT: France snapped a four-match losing streak under coach Guy Noves by defeating Argentina 27-0 in Tucuman Saturday, to draw a two-Test series.

REACTION: Adriaan Strauss will stay on as Springbok captain for the remainder of the 2016 international season. Warren Fortune reports.

OPINION: Ireland surprised friend and foe with their willing and entertaining displays against South Africa.

OPINION: Just six points separated the team in each of the three Tests. However, South Africa won the match that mattered - the series decider in Port Elizabeth on Saturday.

REPORT: It took one moment of sheer bravery, a spot tackle by scrumhalf Francois de Klerk, to seal a 2-1 series win for South Africa over Ireland.

OPNION: Eddie Jones returned to his homeland, Australia, and plotted their downfall - a 3-0 series whitewash by England.

REACTION: Racing 92's owner Jacky Lorenzetti believes his side's first French Top 14 title in 26 years will act as a building block to more silverware.

OPINION: Australia put up a spirited performance, but ultimately fell short and lost 40-44 to England a thrilling match in Sydney on Saturday.

Report: Greg Laidlaw came on to kick four penalties as Scotland worked hard to secure a 21-16 victory against Japan.

REPORT: England recorded a series whitewash over Australia by beating them 44-40 in a thrilling match in Sydney on Saturday.

NEWS: Newcastle Falcons Chairman has been elected by the Premiership Rugby Board as Chairman on an interim basis commencing on June 30.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Canada Cieran Hearn will received his 50th Test cap when they host Italy on Sunday at the BMO Field.

OPINION: Any hope of Wales salvaging some pride in Dunedin were quickly extinguished as they suffered a massive 6-46 loss at the hands of a rampant All Blacks team.

NEWS: The Melbourne Rebels have confirmed that their Super Rugby match against the Stormers will proceed at AAMI Park on July 2.

OPINION: New Zealand are simply in a class of their own as they put in yet another masterclass performance to beat Wales 46-6 in Dunedin.

REPORT: Beauden Barrett produced a flyhalf masterclass as New Zealand demolished a tired-looking Wales 46-6 in the third and final Test in Dunedin on Saturday.

REPORT: Samoa recorded a comfortable 30-10 win over their island rivals Tonga in their Pacific Nations Cup match in Apia on Saturday:

REPORT: Racing 92 beat Toulon 29-21 in the dramatic Final of the French Top 14.

CURRIE CUP WRAP: Table-topping Western Province and the second-placed Pumas both scored comfortable wins in Friday's Currie Cup qualifying matches.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: England Under-20 coach Martin Haag has opt to leave a winning side unchanged as they enter the final with an unbeaten record.

NEWS: Zimbabwe Rugby Union have selected the starting XV who will be represent the country in the Craven Week this year.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Japan, the darlings of last year's World Cup, will be determined to reverse last week's loss when the host Scotland in Tokyo on Saturday.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Wales Under-20 will look to sally their side into an intense fixture against Scotland on June 25.

Paul Williams of New Zealand has been appointed to referee the final of World Rugby's Under-20 Championship on Saturday, 25 June 2016.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: The bronze playoff against Argentina on June 25 marks the last match of Dawie Theron as Junior Springbok coach.

NEWS: The England international Danny Cipriani was convicted of drink-driving on Friday after crashing his Mercedes into a taxi following a night out in 2015.

NEWS: The Free State Rugby Union have chosen their sides for this year's Craven Week (U18) and Academy (U18) week.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: England Under-20 will be looking to lift the Junior World Cup on home soil when they take on Ireland at the AJ Bell Stadium in Salford on Saturday.

REPORT: The Blues unleashed a savage beating on the Northland Barbarians in a thrilling 73 - 8 victory.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Argentina have the opportunity to close out their two match Test-series against France in Tucumán on Saturday.

INTERVIEW: Prop Steven Kitshoff remained coy about his playing future in Europe ahead of South Africa's third and final Test against Ireland in Port Elizabeth on Saturday. Warren Fortune reports.

NEWS: Dan Evans becomes the 18th player to commit his future to Ospreys ahead of the new season.

HISTORY BECKONS: Coach Eddie Jones has urged his players not to be seduced by praise, as England close in on a "once in a lifetime opportunity".

USA coach John Mitchell has been forced to bring in reinforcements as the depleted Eagles prepare to face Russia in a one-off rugby Test match on Saturday.

NEWS: The Challenge Cup and Champions Cup draw have more than a pair of aces up it's sleeves with top teams from the Premiership, PRO12 and Top 14 being in the fold.

SQUAD ANNOUNCEMENT: The Highlanders have rallied a 25-man touring squad for their Super Rugby clash against the Kings.

INTERVIEW: Ireland loose forward Jordi Murphy says he and his teammates are well aware of the threats posed by Warren Whiteley and Jaco Kriel ahead of the third Test against the Springboks. Warren Fortune reports.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: After much deliberation Michael Cheika has confirmed his eight men who will start the game on the bench.

IN THE SPOTLIGH: rugby365's decorated writer Paul Dobson looks at the decisive third Test between South Africa and Ireland.

INTERVIEW: Jaco Kriel is ready to show what he is made of on the international stage after being named in the Springboks' matchday 23 for the third and final Test against Ireland. Warren Fortune reports.

All Blacks captain Kieran Read believes his side are primed to complete a 3-0 whitewash in the final Test against a battered Wales unit still clinging to the hope of an upset win.

The National Weeks are upon us, great opportunities for players, great opportunities for referees.

NEWS: South African Dave Wessels takes up the mantle of Western Force interim coach.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: All Black legend Dan Carter is hoping to crown his debut season at Racing 92 with a victory over fellow league heavyweights Toulon in the Top 14 Final in Barcelona on Friday.

NEWS: Tom Coventry is to return home to New Zealand after resigning as head coach of relegated English Premiership club London Irish.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: The Argentinean team to play France in a decisive second Test in Tucuman on Saturday shows three changes from that which won at the same Estadio Monumental José Fierro.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: France have recalled flyhalf Francois Trinh-Duc while naming lock forward Yoann Maestri as captain for Saturday's second and final Test against Argentina.

REACTION: Ireland head coach Joe Schmidt said his players cannot allow the Springboks to dominate them like they did in the last 20 minutes of the second Test in Johannesburg. Warren Fortune reports.

REPORT: The Hurricanes weathered severe conditions to come out victorious in an exhibition game against the Rebels on Thursday.

NEW: Michael Allardice has been ruled out of Super Rugby for the rest of the season, after suffering a tear in his meniscal muscle.

The Mpumalanga Rugby Union has chosen its teams of boys and girls from Under-12 to Under-19 for National Weeks

REACTION: Springbok head coach Allister Coetzee described Ruan Combrinck's starting berth as a "tactical change, rather than a vote of confidence" ahead of the third Test against Ireland. Warren Fortune reports.

NEWS: Eoin Reddan will retire from the game after the decisive third Test between Ireland South Africa in Port Elizabeth on Saturday.

REACTION: Wales coach Warren Gatland has urged his players to "stop shooting themselves in the foot".

As it is for a South African appointed to a Currie Cup Final, so it is for a French referee appointed to the Final of the Championat, now the Top 14.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Ireland suffered a big blow ahead of the decisive third Test against South Africa in Port Elizabeth on Saturday.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Ruan Combrinck has been rewarded for his match-winning performance last week with a starting spot in the Springbok team.

MATCH REPORT: The Highlanders put down a big off-season marker with a ruthless 40-12 victory over the Crusaders in Oamaru on Thursday.

It has come as a shock to the rugby community in South Africa that Kosie Horn died on the afternoon of 22 June 2016.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: England coach Eddie Jones has named Northampton Saints' back row forward Teimana Harrison in his starting 15.

NEWS: Governing body SANZAAR said they will adopt the modified bonus point system used in Super Rugby this season for this year's four-nation Rugby Championship.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Australian coach Michael Cheika revamped his second row and recalled centre Matt Toomua.

EXCLUSIVE: Jan de Koning and Tauriq Ebrahim talk about South Africa's amazing comeback and the decisive third Test against Ireland.

EKSKLUSIEF: Jan de Koning en Eugene Eloff praat oor die Springbokke se terugveg-poging en die laaste Toets teen Ierland.

NEWS: Junior Springbok captain Jeremy Ward was suspended for two weeks for a dangerous tackle in the World Rugby Under-20 Championship.

Mathieu Raynal will be driving down from his home in Perpignan to Barcelona to referee the Top 14 Final.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Wales coach Warren Gatland has kept faith in most of his side in the hunt for an elusive win against New Zealand.

The 2016 Independent Schools Rugby Festival takes place at Bishops, starting on 2 July 2016.

NEWS: Former All Blacks scrumhalf Byron Kelleher was arrested in the French city of Toulouse and placed in custody for "destruction and domestic violence," a police source said.

NEWS: Former All Blacks centre Ma'a Nonu has been ruled out of Toulon's Top 14 final against Racing 92 on Friday, depriving fans of the chance to see him take on World Cup-winning teammate Dan Carter.

EXCLUSIVE: The prestigious Youth Weeks, presented by SA Rugby, give schoolboys at Under-13, U-16 and U-18 levels an opportunity to represent their respective provinces.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Highlanders loose forward Elliot Dixon will make his international debut when the All Blacks play their third and final Test against Wales in Dunedin on Saturday.

The trophy for winning the French championship is the Bouclier de Brennus.

NEWS: Newly promoted Top 14 outfit Bayonne completed their recruitment campaign when introducing four players in their thirties for the 2016-2017 campaign.

NEWS: Italy stalwart Andrea Masi announced his retirement from the game, after he failed to recover from an Achilles tendon injury suffered during last year's World Cup.

The trophy for winning the French championship is the Bouclier de Brennus.

On Friday thousands of Frenchmen will pour over the border with Spain for the Final of the Top 14.

NEWS: Leinster Rugby have confirmed that they will play three matches ahead of 2016/17 Pro12 and Champions Cup season.

NEWS: Bath Rugby will be taking to the road this pre-season as they build up to 2016/17, playing fixtures in England, Wales and Ireland.

NEWS: Ospreys Rugby are delighted to announce that highly rated flanker, Olly Cracknell, has signed a contract extension.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: The All Blacks have promised to 'cut loose' in the third and final Test against Wales on Saturday.

NEWS: Leopards flyhalf Benhard Janse van Rensburg has been called up to join the Junior Springbok squad as injury cover.  

NEWS: Connacht Rugby and the IRFU are pleased to announce the recruitment of Irish qualified, tighthead prop Dominic Robertson-McCoy from New Zealand.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Blues coach Tana Umaga has named the team who will play the Northland Barbarians on Friday.

INTERVIEW: Ireland want nothing less than a series victory when they face the Springboks in the third and final Test of the three-match series in Port Elizabeth on Saturday. Warren Fortune reports.

EXCLUSIVE: rugby365 cartoonist Matthew Ackermann looks at the reason behind the Springboks' magical come-from-behind win over Ireland.

SQUAD ANNOUNCEMENT:  Melbourne Rebels head coach Tony McGahan has included three debutants in an extended squad to face the Hurricanes on Thursday.

INTERVIEW: England coach Eddie Jones has thrown his support behind Dylan Hartley to captain the British and Irish Lions next year on their tour of New Zealand.

NEWS: Wales suffered a huge blow when Gethin Jenkins, Bradley Davies and Josh Turnbull all returned home ahead of the third Test against New Zealand on Saturday.

INTERVIEW: The Springboks will be looking for a much better start in their third Test against Ireland than what they dished up the first and second Tests in the three-match series so far. Warren Fortune reports.

NEWS: Talented young hooker Hugh Roach has become the eighth player to pledge his allegiance to the Waratahs after extending his contract until the end of 2018.

NEWS: Sharks prop Coenie Oosthuizen will join the Springboks on Wednesday in Port Elizabeth as an extra front row cover.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Highlanders coach Jamie Joseph will make use of his extended squad for their friendly match against the Crusaders in Oamaru on Thursday.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Japan World Cup star Ayumu Goromaru began training for the first time on Tuesday with his new French club Toulon.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: The Crusaders put their youngsters in the frontline for a warm-up derby against the Highlanders, before Super Rugby resumes next month.

INTERVIEW: Lock Devin Toner revealed on Tuesday that he and his teammates are still hurting after their narrow loss to the Springboks in the second Test at Ellis Park.

INJURY UPDATE: The Bulls were dealt a number of injury setbacks, as they started preparations for the resumption of Super Rugby next month.

INTERVIEW: The Junior Springboks are out for revenge in the third-place play-off against Argentina at the UNder-20 World Cup.

INTERVIEW: With Christiaan Stander back for Ireland, the Springboks will be looking for dynamism in their back row for the series decider in Port Elizabeth on Saturday.

Leaners are gearing up to prove themselves against their provincial counterparts in the annual LSEN Craven Week from June 27 to 30.

NEWS: Australian Sevens coach Andy Friend received a timely boost, as his squad go into a week-long Olympics training camp in Darwin.

NEWS: Defending Craven Week Champions the Western Province have finally named their provincial sides who is going to represent them in this year's Craven Week (U18) and Academy Week (U18).

WORLD RANKINGS: Australia's plummeting form has seen them drop two places in the latest world rankings.

REACTION: With Trevor Nyakane out injured, Steven Kitshoff is in line to make his Test debut against Ireland in the series decider in Port Elizabeth on Saturday.

Four Western Province schools teams have been confirmed.

NEWS: Springbok prop Trevor Nyakane and lock Lodewyk de Jager were withdrawn from the squad for this Saturday's decisive third Test against Ireland.

REACTION: Michael Cheika accused New Zealand's Steve Hansen of taking a cheap shot with his "shallow" suggestion the Australian was letting England mentor Eddie Jones bully him.

INJURY UPDATE: Wallabies No.8 Ben McCalman has been ruled out for up to six weeks after he suffered a fracture to his right scapular.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Two teams, New Zealand and England, dominate rugby365's famous weekly selection.

UNDER-20 PLAY-OFF WRAP: It will be an all-Northern Hemisphere Final at the World Rugby Junior World Cup.

In the Under-20 World Championship final in Manchester this evening, England beat South Africa 39-17.

NEWS: Springbok No.8 Duane Vermeulen has been ruled out of the third and final Test against Ireland due an elbow injury he sustained in the first half of the second Test in Johannesburg.

NEWS: British and Irish Lions star Leigh Halfpenny is delighted with his successful return after being absent for eight months.

NEWS: South Africa Sevens coach Neil Powell is on the hunt for some silverware in the upcoming Sevens tournament in Stellenbosch commencing on July 1.

St Charles hosted Kearsney on their Founders’ weekend in unusual sunny and hot conditions.

NEWS: Robbie Henshaw returned to Ireland after sustaining a knee-injury in the second Test against South Africa at the weekend.

Kingswood College scored a convincing 34-22 victory over rivals St Andrew's College at City Lords on Saturday.

EXCLUSIVE: rugby365 columnist Ethienne Reynecke suggests that Northern Hemisphere teams are closing the gap on their southern rivals.

NEWS: Eddie Jones revealed that his desire to make England the No.1 team in the world is a bigger driving force than coaching the British and Irish Lions.

NEWS: Limpopo Blue Bulls are delighted to reveal the young men who is going to represent the Limpopo Rugby Union in the annual Craven (U18), Academy (U18) and Grant Khomo (U16) week.

There are big matches this week, none bigger than the one on Friday in Barcelona.

INTERVIEW: The Hurricanes are working on the top three inches, their heads, during their June break.

NATIONS CUP WRAP: Romania hoisted the Nations Cup up high for the fourth time in five years.

REACTION: Skipper Stephen Moore appealed to the Wallabies leadership group to lift the beleaguered team, as they try to prevent an ignominious series whitewash to England.

COMMENT: All Black coach Steve Hansen has advised Michael Cheika to stop letting Eddie Jones "bully" him.

REPORT: Lock Guido Petti burst through the France defence to score a try six minutes from time that sealed a 30-19 first Test victory for Argentina in Tucuman Sunday.

WRAP: Spain booked the final place at the Olympic Games by winning the repechage tournament in Monaco on Sunday.

There is little interschools rugby this weekend, except for some important matches in Northvaal and the biggest match of the season in Grahamstown.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: In Ireland there's a media storm surrounding his selection, but South African-born lock Quin Roux hopes to get another crack at the Springboks.

POST-MATCH REACTION: Jan de Koning reports from the Springbok camp after their resilient, come-from-behind win over Ireland in Johannesburg at the weekend.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Wales Under-20 have made four changes to their side for their second match against New Zealand within a week. 

REACTION: South African coach Jake White insisted he was proud despite his Montpellier side failing to make the Top 14 Final.  

REACTION: England coach Eddie Jones insisted Sunday he would not be in charge of the British and Irish Lions when the combined side tour New Zealand next year.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Ireland Under-20 will be looking to continue their dream run in this year's World Rugby U20 Championships when they face Argentina Monday.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Junior Springbok coach Dawie Theron has made six changes to his starting team to face England in the World Rugby Under-20 Championship semifinal at the Academy Stadium in Manchester.

REACTION: Jan de Koning reports from the Irish camp, after their dramatic 26-32 loss to South Africa in Johannesburg at the weekend.

NEWS: The Springboks could be short on No.8s for their series decider against Ireland in Port Elizabeth next weekend.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: England head coach Martin Haag has made six changes to his side for Monday's World Rugby Under-20 Championship semifinal against South Africa at Manchester City Academy Stadium.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: The Ireland Under-20 side has been named to face Argentina in the World Rugby U20 Championships semifinal at the Manchester City Academy Stadium on Monday.

OPINION: rugby365 editor Jan de Koning goes beyond the numbers to look at South Africa's dramatic come-from-behind win over Ireland at Ellis Park at the weekend.

REPORT: Canada ran in six tries as they convincingly beat Russia 46-21 at the Calgary Rugby Park Saturday afternoon in their second June test match.

REPORT: Hooker Ornel Gega scored two tries as Italy overpowered the United States to claim a bruising 24-20 victory in a one-off rugby Test match on Saturday.

REACTION: Coach Michael Cheika says he will forcefully get his message across to his misfiring team after the Wallabies threw away their chance of squaring the Test series against England this weekend.

REACTION: Coach Eddie Jones says he is not satisfied with England leapfrogging Australia to the world's second ranking and wants his team to go for the kill and sweep the series 3-0.

REACTION: Aaron Cruden remains on the All Blacks roster to face Wales in the third Test next weekend despite a neck-crunching blow, although coach Steve Hansen indicated Sunday he may rest the flyhalf. 

REACTION: The Australian Rugby Union said Sunday it will review the hosting of future Tests at Melbourne's AAMI Park after slamming the playing surface as "not up to standard" for the England clash.

REACTION: Wales coach Warren Gatland insists the gap between his side and New Zealand is narrowing despite a 22-36 loss in the second Test in Wellington. 

REPORT: Toulon reached a fourth Top 14 Final in five years on Saturday with a 27-18 defeat of Montpellier and will face fellow big-spenders Racing 92 for the title at Barcelona's Nou Camp next Friday.

CURRIE CUP QUALIFYING WRAP: Western Province saw off the visiting Griffons 38-26 at City Park, Athlone on Saturday in their Currie Cup Qualifier despite blustery conditions.

OPINION: They dominated proceedings for 61 minutes and fed on the Springboks' mistakes but ran our of steam and got blown away to suffer a 26-32 defeat after holding a 26-10 lead.

OPINION: For 60 minutes, the Springboks were woeful but, with form replacements coming onto the field, they dominated the final 30 minutes to claim a 32-26 victory over Ireland in Johannesburg.

REPORT: The Springboks came back from 16 points down to run in four second half tries and claim a 32-26 victory over Ireland in Johannesburg to level the Series 1-1.

REPORT: Scotland secured a 26-13 victory over the Brave Blossoms in their first International Test at Toyota Stadium in Tokyo on Saturday.

OPINION: A defensive masterclass by England helped them clinch their first-ever series victory against the Wallabies in Australia on Saturday.

OPINION: Australia's failure to breach a stern England defence in the second half cost them dearly in the second Test in Melbourne on Saturday.

NEWS: New Zealand coach Steve Hansen said, flyhalf Aaron Cruden was cleared of a serious neck injury after being stretchered off during the All Blacks' second Test win over Wales on Saturday.  

NEWS: Junior Springbok assistant coach Nazeem Adams stated there is a positive team spirit in the South Africa Under-20 camp ahead of their Junior World Cup match against hosts England.

REPORT: England won their first-ever series in Australia with a heroic 23-7 victory over the Wallabies in the second Test in Melbourne on Saturday.

OPINION: New Zealand produced an improved performance in the second Test to clinch the three-Test series against Wales in Wellington on Saturday.

OPINION: Wales would have fancied their chances at half-time but had their defensive frailties exposed in the second half to suffer a 22-36 loss to New Zealand on Saturday.

Report: New Zealand scored five tries as they beat Wales 36-22 in the second Test to clinch the three-Test series in Wellington on Saturday.

REPORT: Racing 92 defeated Clermont 34-33 in a French Top 14 semifinal extra-time thriller on Friday with All Blacks superstar Dan Carter sealing victory with a conversion in the dying moments.

INSIDE THE BOK CAMP: The South African camp this week spoke often of making better decisions when they look to 'right the wrongs' against Ireland.

NEWS: Montpellier coach Jake White blamed French players' reluctance to join his team for Montpellier's huge South African influence.

The pool matches in World Rugby's Under-120 Championship in Manchester are over. It's knock-out time.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Prop forward Ramiro Herrera has returned from suspension and will start in Argentina's front row for their first Test against France on Sunday.

CURRIE CUP QUALIFYING WRAP: Tony Jantjies contributed 22 points in the Blue Bulls' 42-15 victory over the Falcons.

REPORT: A massive second half performance and exceptional defensive display saw the England Saxons claim a nail biting 29-26 victory over South Africa A in an eight-try thriller in George on Friday.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Canada coach Mark Anscombe is aiming to fire up the home crowd by starting three Calgarians for their clash against Russia.

NEWS: The Griquas Rugby Union is proud to announce the teams who are going to represent the province in this year's annual Craven (U18) week, Academy (U18) week and Grant Khomo (U16) week.

PREVIEW: Samoa, Russia and Canada head into the Olympic repechage tournament in Monaco this weekend with one final place up for grabs for Rio in the men's Sevens competition.

MEDIA HOUR: The Springboks could do themselves a huge favour by taking notice of the routine of Ireland flyhalf Paddy Jackson this week.

NEWS: Ospreys managed to bag a duo of highly rated youngsters for their development programme.

On Saturday last the Springboks played Ireland in just the 52nd Test at Newlands since the first in 1891.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: The Springboks could get the 'leg up' they are looking for in a pride of Lions at Ellis Park on Saturday. Jan de Koning reports.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: South Africa 'A' will have it all to do to salvage some respect against England Saxons in George on Friday.  

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Japan take on Scotland on Saturday seeking revenge for their bruising defeat at last year's World Cup - but without their talisman, France-bound flyhalf Ayumu Goromaru.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: France coach Guy Noves has picked seven uncapped players to face Argentina in the first of two international Test matches in Tucuman on Sunday.

Argentina will host France in a two match Test-series which kicks-off at the Estadio Monumental Jose Fiero in Tucumán on Sunday.

NEWS: Wallabies coach Michael Cheika revealed Friday that line-out general Rob Simmons was axed and not injured as he searches for ways to keep the three-match England series alive.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Italy coach Conor O'Shea is targeting the first victory of his reign on Saturday when the Azzurri take on the United States in California one week after an encouraging opening defeat to Argentina.

SEVENS: Ryan Kankowski, Juan de Jongh, Francois Hougaard and Bryan Habana have forfeited immediate XVs ambitions as they have been selected in Neil Powell's 19-man preliminary training squad.

NEWS: New Zealand Rugby and the Crusaders announced that Scott Robertson will replace Todd Blackadder at the helm of the Crusaders coaching team from 2017. 

NEWS: Australian Sevens outside back Pama Fou has been ruled out of contention for Rio 2016 Olympic selection after rupturing his ACL.

NEWS: The Griffons have chosen three teams for this year's three weeks - Craven (U18), Academy (U18) and Grant Khomo (U16).

ROUND TWO: The reshuffled Wallabies face a desperate battle to keep alive their Test series with Eddie Jones's buoyant England in a second Test showdown in Melbourne on Saturday.

Wales are determined to keep pace with the All Blacks for 80 minutes after learning harsh lessons about the world champions' steamroller abilities late in a match, when the sides come to blows on Saturday.

NEWS: Wallabies head coach Michael Cheika has confirmed the final make-up of his replacements bench ahead of the second Test against England at AAMI Park in Melbourne on Saturday.

ROUND TWO: Paul Dobson, in his unique manner, looks at the second Test between South Africa and Ireland at Ellis Park on Saturday.

REACTION: The Springboks will build the proverbial innings and not swing for the fences when they face Ireland in the second Test at Ellis Park on Saturday.

EXCLUSIVE: Eugene Eloff, a two-time former Under-19 World Cup winner, shares with rugby365's readers, his views on the start of the Allister Coetzee era.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Ireland coach Joe Schmidt believes that South African-born lock Quinn Roux and Leinster prop Tadhg Furlong have the qualities needed in order to excel against South Africa on Saturday. 

REPORT: Boland's crusade to East London saw them return with a bag full of points, including a bonus point.

MEDIA HOUR: Springbok coach Allister Coetzee describes himself as a coach that gives second chances to players. Jan de Koning reports.

INTERVIEW: Wales Under-20 head coach Jason Strange is looking forward to his side's 'second Test' against New Zealand on Monday.

NEWS: Northampton Saints will intend to go for gold with Tom Wood as their new captain.

NEWS: The Boland Rugby Union was on Thursday fined R42 000, suspended for a year, having been found guilty of fielding an ineligible player during the Currie Cup Qualifying competition. 

NEWS: England prop Joe Marler was issued with a formal warning by the Rugby Football Union on Thursday after posting an abusive tweet aimed at former Australia coach Bob Dwyer.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Ireland head coach Joe Schmidt has included uncapped South African-born lock Quinn Roux in his starting XV for Saturday's second Test in the June series against South Africa.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Springbok coach Allister Coetzee has made five changes to his matchday-23 to face Ireland in the second Test at Ellis Park in Johannesburg on Saturday.

NEWS: Southern Kings vice captain, Shane Gates and No.8, Aidon Davis, have secured international contracts following their outstanding performances during the 2016 Super Rugby Season.

EXCLUSIVE: rugby365 law guru Paul Dobson looks at the incident which led to CJ Stander's red card in the first Test against the Springboks at Newlands. 

SQUAD ANNOUNCEMENT: The Pumas will travel to Tucumán on Friday ahead of their two-Test series against France and head coach Daniel Hourcade named a squad of 28 players.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: George Ford and Jack Nowell return to the England starting XV for the second Test match against Australia in Melbourne on Saturday. 

REACTION: Rhys Patchell expected to watch Wales's second Test against the All Blacks on television in Cardiff.

REACTION: All Black coach Steve Hansen said that Julian Savea's axing was only temporary.

NEWS: Springboks lock Juandre Kruger, who had been expected to leave Racing 92 for Sale in England, decided Wednesday to remain in France and join Toulon, the club's president Mourad Boudjellal told AFP.

NEWS: Flyhalf Jules Plisson will skipper France in Sunday's first Test against Argentina with coach Guy Noves admitting he already has one eye on planning for the 2019 World Cup.

NEWS: Struggling Super rugby club Western Force parted ways with coach Michael Foley after a poor season which has left them last in the Australian conference.

UNDER-20 WORLD CUP WRAP: The World Rugby Under-20 Championship 2016 hosts will face South Africa in one semifinal with fellow pool winners Ireland and Argentina meeting in the other on Monday.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Coach Warren Gatland has made two changes to his Test team to play New Zealand in their second encounter on Saturday.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Julian Savea has been dropped and Israel Dagg earned a recall to the All Blacks.

EXCLUSIVE: Tauriq Ebrahim and Eugene Eloff speak about Springbok coach Allister Coetzee needing to select on form and for the future.

MEDIA HOUR: The Springboks, still hurting from last week's shock loss to Ireland, are desperate to set the record straight. Jan de Koning reports.

NEWS: Former Springbok coach Heyneke Meyer will join the Africa Pacific Dragons coaching staff for the World Club 10s in Mauritius.

EXCLUSIVE: The prestigious Coca-Cola Youth Weeks, presented by SA Rugby, give schoolboys at Under-13, U-16 and U-18 levels an opportunity to represent their respective provinces.

NEWS: Western Province utility backs JP Lewis and Devon Williams have opted to leave the Cape to chase fortunes in Mpumalanga as they have penned respective deals with the Pumas.

NEWS: Ireland director of Sevens Rugby Anthony Eddy has finalised his squad to compete at the Olympic Repechage in Monaco this weekend where the overall winner will claim the final Men's Sevens spot at the Rio 2016 Olympics.

MEDIA HOUR: The Ireland team did not hide their disappointment in the outcome of the Christiaan Stander disciplinary hearing. Jan de Koning report.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Wasps wing Christian Wade will start for England Saxons against South Africa 'A' in their second test in George on Friday.

NEWS: South Western District have chosen their teams who is going to represent them in the Craven (U18) week, Academy (U18) week and Grant Khomo (U16) week.

NEWS: Clermont will look to rid themselves of their chokers tag this weekend amid a betting scandal and stinging criticism of the Top 14 spectacle.

EXCLUSIVE: rugby365 cartoonist Matthew Ackermann looks back at what happened in the first Test in the three-match series between South Africa and Ireland.

NEWS: Australian prop Paddy Ryan has re-sign with the Waratahs for a further two seasons.

NEWS: Australia International and Super Rugby centre Morgan Turinui has join the Melbourne Rebels as an assistant coach.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Rebels loose forward Sean McMahon has been handed his first Test start in Australia, at his home ground, following the injury to David Pocock in the Series opener.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Australia Under-20 coach Adrian Thompson has made three changes to his starting XV to face England in their third and final pool match in the Junior World Cup.

NEWS: The Scarlets have secured the services of 24-year-old South African-born lock Rynier Bernardo ahead of the 2016/7 season from the Ospreys.

REACTION: Wales coach Warren Gatland says his fringe players blew a chance to press their case for Test selection in their heavy loss to the Chiefs on Tuesday.

NEWS: Wallabies and Brumbies wing Henry Speight's dream of representing Australia Sevens at the 2016 Rio Olympic Games have been shattered after he suffered knee ligament damage.

MEDIA HOUR: The improved quality in the European game is what making teams like Ireland and England more competitive. Jan de Koning reports.

MEDIA HOUR: The misanthropes and naysayers will have you believe the Springboks have lost their aura as a feared team. Jan de Koning reports.

NEWS: Controversy continues to dog England prop Joe Marler as he faces punishment for an abusive tweet aimed at former Australia coach Bob Dwyer on Tuesday.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: The Junior Springboks' will need to get a bonus-point win against France if they want to have any chance of making the play-off at this year's World Rugby Under-20 Championships in Manchester.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: South Africa 'A' coach Johan Ackermann made wholesale changes to his team for Friday's final match against the England Saxons in George on Friday. 

INTERVIEW: England will be targeting a better defensive effort in their second Test match against Australia in Melbourne on Saturday.

NEWS: The Leopards Rugby Union have selected the teams who is going to represent them in the three weeks - Craven (U18), Academy (U18) and Grant Khomo (U16).

We are going to try to get to the essence of the use of the problematic woird 'intentionally in the Laws of the Game.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Junior Springbok coach Dawie Theron made eight changes to his team to face France in their final pool match in the World Rugby Under-20 Championship in Manchester on Wednesday.

NEWS: Toulon hooker Iuri Natriashvili is among seven players who will appear before a French rugby disciplinary hearing on June 29 for breaking betting rules, the National Rugby League (LNR) said on Tuesday.

NEWS: Canada have a big pile of snow to shovel themselves out of if they are to make it to the Rio Olympics.

NEWS: Keelan Giles jumped at the opportunity to make his way to the senior Wales squad, parting with his Under-20 teammates to join the big boys in their test against New Zealand.

REPORT: Wales conceded six tries as they crashed to a 7-40 defeat against the Chiefs in Warren Gatland's home town of Hamilton. 

NEWS: Ospreys have confirmed details of key appointments to the support staff that will strengthen the development programme at the region ahead of the new season.

MEDIA HOUR: Disgruntled fans hoping for a dramatic change in South Africa's approach to Test rugby are likely to be disappointed. Jan de Koning reports from Johannesburg.

NEWS: The Highlanders are back in camp and preparing for a match against the Crusaders in Oamaru on Thursday, June 23. 

REPORT: Hudson Park High School secured a 16-14 victory as they hosted St Andrew's College in some difficult and challenging conditions at the weekend.

NEWS: Thirteen first and second division rugby players in France have been identified by gambling regulators ARJEL for having ignored a ban against betting, the French national Rugby League (LNR) said.

NEWS: World Rugby pledged Tuesday to examine a raft of issues that cash-strapped South Pacific unions complain is draining talented players from their ranks.

NEWS: All Blacks assistant coach Ian Foster on Tuesday expressed confidence wing Julian Savea would return to his blockbusting best after a lacklustre performance against Wales.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Allister Coetzee may have had a disastrous start to his stint as head coach of the Springboks, but he is not about to thrown the baby out with the bath water.

NEWS: New Zealand international lock Tom Donnelly will join Bayonne from Montpellier for next season, the Basques said on Monday.

Time flies. It's the end of term soon and for some, sadly, the end of the rugby season.

NEWS: Ireland will be without star loose forward Christiaan Stander for the second Test against South Africa.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Players from the Northern Hemisphere dominate our famous Team of the Week after the first round of matches in the 2016 June international window.

NEWS: The Junior Springboks will have to muster all their strength for the final Round Three game as only a bonus point win will ensure their passage to the semifinals at the World Rugby Under-20 Championship. 

There are more Tests again this weekend with few club matches.

REPORT: Glenwood High School scored four unanswered tries to ensure they walked away with a 26–3 victory over Westville at the weekend.

NEWS: France coach Guy Novès on Monday named 11 more players for the two-Test tour of Argentina, including five more yet to win an international cap.

REPORT: Kearsney College secured a comfortable 53-24 victory over St Benedict's in a cold Johannesburg on Saturday.

REPORT: Graeme College manage to secure a tightly contested 19-14 victory over the relentless Union High School in Grahamstown at the weekend.

NEWS: England moved up to third in the World Rugby Rankings and Fiji return to the top 10 after a breathtaking weekend of international rugby.

INTERVIEW: Kahn Fotuali'i will no doubt try to make waves in the Premiership after signing a new contract with Bath.

The end to the absorbing Rondebosch-Bishops match was thrilling as Rondebosch scored a brilliant try to win 15-14.

NEWS: Springbok coach Allister Coetzee has called up experienced flyhalf Morne Steyn for the second Test against Ireland at Ellis Park.

INTERVIEW: Flank Sam Cane said the All Blacks have identified areas in their game that they need to improve ahead of the second Test against Wales in Wellington on Saturday.

INTERVIEW: Flank Scott Fardy says the Wallabies are looking to quickly learn their lessons from England's commanding first Test win as they battle to save the series in Melbourne this weekend.

NEWS: Wales star wing George North was ruled out of the All Blacks series on Monday, adding to a mounting injury toll that leaves the tourists looking for fringe players to step up.

REPORT: Jake White's Montpellier produced a typically bruising display to beat Castres 28-9 on Sunday and qualify for a Top 14 semi-final against Toulon.

An uninspiring headline for an uninspiring match which was won by SACS.

NEWS: Springbok Sevens kingpins Werner Kok and Frankie Horne have thrown their names in the hat for possible Olympic selection as they helped the SA Sevens Academy team claim the Roma Sevens title in Italy.

NEWS: Luke Charteris will lead his country for the first time at FMG Stadium as Wales face their second match of the summer tour against the Super Rugby franchise Chiefs on Tuesday.

REACTION: Junior Springbok coach Dawie Theron called for his team to lift their performance significantly in the World Under-20 Championship in Manchester to keep their hopes of winning the title alive.

REACTION: The Springboks' inability to penetrate a 14-man Ireland defence cost them dearly at Newlands on Saturday. Warren Fortune reports.

As the schools close down for the winter holidays, there are fewer results and some unusual scored.

REACTION: Australia's World Cup aura has faded, while revitalised England has soared to a new level with their masterful first Test victory in Brisbane, Australian media said on Sunday.

REACTION: Springbok head coach Allister Coetzee admitted that his team was just not good enough to beat a 14-man Ireland team at Newlands on Saturday. Warren Fortune reports.

REPORT: All Blacks legend Dan Carter marked his return from injury with a perfect six penalties to lead Racing 92 to a 21-16 win over Toulouse and into the French Top 14 semi-finals Saturday.

REACTION: England coach Eddie Jones says the pressure is now all on Australia after their first Test defeat.

REACTION: New Zealand's withering late burst to down Wales 39-21 in the first Test in Auckland exposed the gulf between the Northern and Southern hemispheres.

REACTION: Ireland head coach Joe Schmidt lauded his side's resilience after beating the Springboks at Newlands on Saturday.

NEWS: Star forward David Pocock will miss the remainder of Australia's Test series against England.

UNDER-20 WORLD CUP WRAP: It was a day of celebration for Ireland and a day to forget by South Africa.

CURRIE CUP WRAP: The Golden Lions and Falcons were the big winners on Saturday, as the Currie Cup qualifying tournament continued in relative obscurity.

REPORT: Argentina held on in a face of a powerful late surge by Italy to win 30-24 in Santa De on Saturday.

NEWS: Springbok head coach Allister Coetzee said flyhalf Patrick Lambie will likely be out of action for two weeks after being concussed during his team's 20-26 loss against Ireland at Newlands on Saturday.

OPINION: Ireland, despite being reduced to 14 men for almost an hour, produced a gutsy showing to win their first-ever Test on South Africa soil.

OPINION: The Allister Coetzee era got off to a disastrous start - his Springboks losing 20-26 to a 14-man Irish team.

REPORT: Ireland made history at Newlands on Saturday - winning their first-ever Test on South Africa soil, despite being down to 14 men for almost an hour.

REACTION: England coach Eddie Jones said he wasn't getting carried away despite his side recording their first ever win over Australia in Brisbane on Saturday.

REACTION: England Saxons coach Ali Hepher praised his team's performance after securring a 32-24 victory over South Africa A at the Free State Stadium in Bloemfontein.

NEWS: Wales' despair at losing the first Test to New Zealand 21-39 in Auckland deepened Saturday with fears of another serious injury blow which may end the tour for star wing George North.

OPINION: England's 38-29 victory over Australia may not have been pretty, but it was tactically perfect as they outsmarted their hosts in every aspect of the game.

OPINION: Australia seemed a far cry from the side that made the 2015 World Cup Final as they suffered a 28-39 defeat at the hands of England in Brisbane.

OPINION: Wales faced the daunting prospect of taking on the All Blacks at Eden Park and were competitive throughout the encounter, but their fire was finally put out in the final 10 minutes.

REPORT: England were outscored four tries to three but Owen Farrell's boot was the difference as they beat Australia 39-28 in Brisbane on Saturday.

OPINION: It was a story of two halves, with the All Blacks trailing 18-15 at the break, but their class came through in the second half with the bench making a big difference.

REPORT: The All Blacks overcame a three-point half-time deficit to run Wales into the ground in the final 10 minutes of the encounter and claim a 39-21 victory in Auckland on Saturday.

REPORT: Fiji have got their World Rugby Pacific Nations Cup campaign off to the perfect start with a 23-18 victory over Tonga in Suva on Saturday.

CURRIE CUP QUALIFYING WRAP: The Blue Bulls found themselves trailing 18-7 after 53 minutes but scored three unanswered tries to secure a 22-18 victory over the Sharks XV at Loftus Versfeld on Friday.