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NEWS: New Zealand coach Steve Hansen on Thursday promised "a performance to be proud of" in Saturday's World Cup semifinal against South Africa.

Manawatu Turbos prop Michael Alaalatoa will add some strength and bulk to the Crusaders' front row next season, having signed up for 2016.

Scarlets have named all four of their returning Welsh internationals for their table-topping clash with Munster.

Australia great Matt Giteau says it is thanks to three-time European champions Toulon that he is enjoying an Indian summer in the dying days of his career at the Rugby World Cup.

NEWS: Golden Lions coach Johan Ackermann has made a number of changes for the Currie Cup Final, when they host Western Province at Ellis Park on Saturday.

NEWS: New Zealand coach Steve Hansen has made one change to the side that thrashed France for their semifinal showdown against South Africa at Twickenham on Saturday.

REPORT: Wing Olly Woodburn scored two tries as the Exeter Chiefs completed a 34-19 home win over Bordeaux-Begles at Sandy Park on Saturday to keep their Champions Cup hopes alive.

REPORT: Racing Metro kicked-off their Champions Cup campaign with a 29-12 bonus-point victory over the Scarlets.

REPORT: Northampton Saints crushed the Glasgow Warriors pack to earn a 26-15 Champions Cup triumph at Scotstoun.

REPORT: Bath turned to their firepower up front to bag their first European win over Leinster at The Recreation Ground and leave the three-time champions floundering in Pool Five after a 19-16 defeat.

REPORT: Argentina scored seven tries to beat the Barbarians 49-31 in an entertaining game at Twickenham on Saturday.

REPORT: Toulouse reignited their quest for Champions Cup glory with a hard-fought 24-18 win over Oyonnax at Stade Ernest Wallon.

REPORT: Leicester Tigers took control of their European Rugby Champions Cup pool with a 36-3 bonus-point win at Treviso.

NEWS:The Springbok Sevens training squad shifted to a higher gear in their final preparation for the start of the new season.

Fulgence Ouedraogo has signed a three-year contract extension with Top 14 side Montpellier, the France flank announced after his side's 64-0 European Challenge Cup win over Calvisano of Italy on Friday.

REACTION: Mako Vunipola reckons Saracens have sent out a big statement of intent after their comprehensive European Rugby Champions Cup Pool One win over Ulster.

FRIDAY WRAP: Edinburgh continued their perfect start to the Challenge Cup with a commanding 27-6 triumph at Agen on Friday.

REACTION: Eddie Jones has insisted there will be no conflict of loyalties when he coaches England against his native Australia for the first time next year.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Outspoken Australian Eddie Jones has already masterminded the biggest shock in World Cup history and now he has taken on a monumental task in trying to revive England.

Saracens pulled away from Ulster in the second half to pick up a 27-9 victory in their European Cup clash in Belfast.

While Eddie Jones might be the one that got away, the Stormers are intent on landing another 'big fish' with considerable coaching experience.

REACTION: Eddie Jones said intends to build on England's "traditional strengths" after becoming their first foreign coach and did not want them to slavishly copy world champions New Zealand.

REACTION: New England coach Eddie Jones has no intention of changing England's strict policy of selecting only home-based players for the national team.

NEWS: Highly-rated French centre Gaël Fickou has extended his contract with Toulouse for three more seasons, the Top 14 outfit said on Friday.

REACTION: Eddie Jones on his excitement, his hopes, central contracts, captaincy, overseas players and much, much more.

REACTION: Eddie Jones explains his decision to turn his back on the Stormers and take up the head coach position with England.

Fiji head coach Ben Ryan has selected a 14-man squad for the opening two tournaments of the World Rugby Sevens World Series 2015-16 as his side begin the defence of the title they won last May.

The South African Rugby Union has broken new ground by establishing a Rugby Education Foundation to support predominantly black young talent in rugby academies around the country.

NEWS: Eddie Jones has been appointed the new head coach of England. This follows confirmation of his departure from the Stormers.

CHEEKY WATSON IN HIS OWN VOICE: rugby365 brings you the recording of Watson's media briefing this week, where he speaks about the Southern Kings' financial crisis.

THURSDAY WRAP: Harlequins scrumhalf Danny Care helped his team clinch a 32-20 bonus-point against 14-man Cardiff Blues at Cardiff Arms Park on Thursday.

INTERVIEW: Michael Cheika admits he has been "having fun" since the World Cup, but the Aussie insists it will be "back to the serious business" with the Barbarians against Argentina on Saturday.

NEWS: Following last week's mass postponements in response to the Paris terror attacks, France will resume its sporting fixtures this weekend. 

Queen Elizabeth II offered her condolences over Jonah Lomu's death Friday as the rugby legend's family revealed they were planning a send-off as big as the great man himself.

REACTION: Super Rugby outfit the Stormers appeared to have accepted the inevitable - that they have lost the services of Eddie Jones.

The world's most famous invitation club, the Barbarian, will aim to entertain when they celebrate their 125th year of existence.

NEWS: Eddie Jones took another giant leap towards the England coaching job, after Montpellier's South African coach Jake White ruled himself out of the running.

Toulon captain Juan Smith says his team are eager to put last week's Paris terror attacks behind them as they finally get their European Champions Cup campaign underway.

EXCLUSIVE: In Part Two of a four-part series, Tauriq Ebrahim introduces you to the next crop of Springbok Sevens players and gets their thoughts on being in the Blitzbok setup.

PREVIEW: Munster's trip to Stade Francais this weekend has been called off but Irish rivals Ulster will kick things off at home to Saracens on Friday.

REACTION: The Stormers have responded with an almost stony silence to reports that Eddie Jones has already ditched them.

NEWS: The Sharks have announced their pre-season training squad and makes for interesting reading as they have secured the services of former Stormers forward Ruan Botha and Springbok prop Coenie Oosthuizen.

The final part of Ben Ryan's fascinating account has him reminiscing on how the 2014/15 World Sevens Series was won - with a look back at the closing three tournaments.

NEWS: Eddie Jones may already have ditched the Stormers to take up the role of head coach with England.

Racing Metro's Top 14 clash with Toulouse later this month has been switched from the Stade de France national stadium following last Friday's Paris terror attacks.

Whoever replaces Stuart Lancaster as England coach will have the basis of a side that can challenge the world's best according to lock Geoff Parling.

REACTION: Retiring All Black captain Richie McCaw paid an emotional tribute to Jonah Lomu.

NEWS: Inspirational double World Cup-winning All Blacks captain Richie McCaw announced his immediate retirement on Thursday.

INTERVIEW: Ospreys forwards coach Chris Gibbes has backed his players to handle the demands of facing Clermont Auvergne at Stade Marcel-Michelin this weekend.

NEWS: Grenoble wing Maretino Nemani has been suspended for four weeks for abusing a referee.

INTERVIEW: Eastern Province Rugby Union President Cheeky Watson is standing his ground, despite a chorus of voices for him to step down.

INTERVIEW: The Southern Kings will "loan" some fringe players from other franchises when they make their return to Super Rugby next year.

New Zealand giant Jonah Lomu, who died from a heart attack, revolutionized rugby with his steamroller runs and dragged the game into the modern era with the same ferocity he used to trample opposing players.

NEWS: Wales second row forward Luke Charteris will be leaving Racing 92 at the end of the season, when he is out of contract, in order to better pursue his international career.

NEWS: Clubs across England and Wales are benefiting from the legacy of the 2015 World Cup, through the distribution of equipment used during the tournament.

NEWS: England Sevens played Scotland and Wales in a series of conditioned games at the Millennium Stadium as part of preparations for the World Sevens Series.

John Gainsford died gently at his home in Paarl on the morning of 18 November 2015. He was 77.

INTERVIEW: England great Jonny Wilkinson said on Tuesday the "bar had to be reset at all levels" if the national side were once again to become a global force.

NEWS: Stade Francais have postponed their European Cup pool match against Munster on Sunday.

Would rugby be worse off if the exceptions to the laws were removed? rugby365 law guru Paul Dobson reports.

REACTION: Victor Matfield says his all-Southern Hemisphere Barbarians side is braced for Saturday's clash with Argentina after his team swept aside English Premiership side Gloucester 62-14.

REACTION: Jonah Lomu, the game's first global superstar whose speed and power terrorised opponents, died unexpectedly on Wednesday aged 40.

World Cup winner Colin Slade said he is relishing the task of keeping Top 14 new boys Pau in the French top flight after he was unveiled to media on Tuesday.

Eddie Jones, one of the favourites to become the next England coach, has said whoever succeeds Stuart Lancaster must have greater control over the country's Test players.

SARU has agreed to assist the Eastern Province Rugby Union by taking control of the Southern Kings franchise in Super Rugby.

NEWS: England captain Chris Robshaw has committed his future to Premiership outfit and European Challenge Cup contenders, Harlequins.

NEWS: Sharks director of rugby Gary Gold has announced the four coaches that will be assisting him in next year's Super Rugby competition.

Despite the mad events in Paris, the European competitions seem to be going ahead this weekend.

NEWS: Robbie Abel's journey to Super Rugby has taken another step forward with the hooker signing on with the Brumbies Extended Playing Squad (EPS) for 2016.

NEWS: Scarlets announced that flank Aaron Shingler is the latest to put pen to paper with a contract extension keeping him at the region for season 2016-17 and beyond.

Schools rugby in the Western Province kicks off on the second Saturday of April in 2016 and ends on the last Saturday of August.

The chance to play at Twickenham does not come around too often and London Irish skipper George Skivington has called for his side to rise to the challenge at the London Double Header.

NEWS: All Blacks assistant coach Ian Foster has extended his contract with New Zealand Rugby (NZR) through to 2017, NZR chief executive Steve Tew announced on Tuesday.

Leicester Tigers back Matt Smith has told his teammates their victory over Stade Francais will mean nothing if they cannot overcome Benetton Treviso this weekend.

Australia coach Michael Cheika suggested England ought to be thinking long-term as well as concentrating on recruiting a new boss after insisting he had no interest in the role.

NEWS: World Cup flops Italy have brought in 18 new faces as part of a 38-man training squad expected to be trimmed by coach Jacques Brunel ahead of next year's Six Nations.

NEWS: The Highlanders announced that flyhalf Lima Sopoaga has recommitted to New Zealand Rugby and Super Rugby champions through until the end of the 2018 season.

When is being in the way obstruction?

NEWS: Springbok wing Bryan Habana has extended his contract with Toulon by another year, effectively keeping him in the Top 14 until June 2017.

NEWS: Australia coach Michael Cheika insisted he had no interest in taking over the vacant England position and ruled himself out as a successor to Stuart Lancaster.

The Welsh Rugby Union has issued a strong warning to players at all levels to ensure they train and compete cleanly for the good of the game, following suspensions of two players for anti-doping rule violations.

NEWS: Australian James Hilterbrand, a hooker currently playing for Edinburgh in European competitions, headlines a list of nine new signings by the Southern Kings.

All Blacks great Dan Carter has lifted the lid on a night of violence that left him fearing for his life in South Africa as a fledgling rugby player in 2002.

Springbok veteran Victor Matfield will take charge of the Barbarians for this week's matches against English side Gloucester and Argentina.

Toppling Saracens at Twickenham may be an unenviable task but Premiership new boys Worcester Warriors have already shown that the big games can draw out their best performances.

Bath chairman Bruce Craig said his side's European Champions Cup pool game against reigning champions Toulon won't be played after the match was postponed because of Friday's terror attacks in Paris.

NEWS: All Black legend Dan Carter is in line for one of the biggest double accolades in the game.

The South African Players Association has stepped up their efforts to assist Eastern Province Kings players who have not received their salaries for October.

Eddie Jones is determined to make the most of the Stormers' natural strengths by playing a 'smarter' game.

The London Double Header will make for a happy return to Twickenham for Saracens but Director of Rugby Mark McCall believes his side cannot underestimate Worcester Warriors.

REACTION: Wales flyhalf Dan Biggar ranked Ospreys' Champions Cup home win over Exeter Chiefs as one of the best in his career at the club.

NEWS: The Blues on Monday announced All Black Tanerau Latimer had signed for a season-long loan from his Japanese club Toshiba Brave Lupus.

Gloucester, the reigning Challenge Cup champions, beat Zebre Rugby 23-10 to make it 10 straight competition wins - but they know they must and can do better in a tough group.

EXCLUSIVE: In the first of a four-part series Tauriq Ebrahim goes inside the BlitzBoks' camp to find out about the impact 15-a-side players will have on the Sevens Series and the Blitzbok's culture.

REACTION: Wasps director of rugby Dai Young has challenged his players to back up their record breaking win over Leinster in Dublin, with another victory at home against reigning champions RC Toulon.

REACTION: Exeter Chiefs coach Rob Baxter admitted to feelings of frustration as his side relinquished a half-time lead to lose their European Cup clash at Ospreys.

REPORT: Dan Biggar's 20-point haul guided the Ospreys to a valuable 25-13 win over Exeter Chiefs in their opening European Cup clash at the Liberty Stadium.

REACTION: Leinster head coach Leo Cullen has admitted that his side's second round clash with Bath at The Recreation Ground is a 'must win' game for his side after their record home defeat to Wasps.

NEWS: Australia international Matt Toomua will join Leicester Tigers in 2016 after putting pen to paper that will see him link up with former All Blacks flyhalf Aaron Mauger.

Kenya booked their place in the 2016 Rio Olympic Games when they defeated Zimbabwe 19-17 in a thrilling Africa Men's Sevens Olympic Qualifier in Johannesburg.

REPORT: All Blacks fullback Charles Piutau led a free-running and defensively sound Wasps to a vital 33-6 hammering of Leinster in their opening European Cup fixture.

Kearsney College is in for a busy rugby year - its tournament at Easter and the Craven Week in July.

The 53rd Craven Week this year will be at Kearsney College in KwaZulu-Natal. The matches for the first two days have been drawn up.

REACTION: Toulouse captain Thierry Dusautoir reckons his side will take the lessons from their first-half humbling at Saracens into the rest of their European Cup campaign.

REACTION: Saracens hooker Jamie George hailed a perfect first-half performance as Saracens kicked off their European Cup campaign with a 32-7 win over Toulouse.

REACTION: Scarlets head coach Wayne Pivac was left to rue costly errors as the Welsh region lost 11-15 at Northampton in their opening European Cup clash.

REACTION: Northampton Saints captain Tom Wood praised the efforts of his tight five as they beat Scarlets 15-11 in their European Champions Cup Pool Three opener at Franklin's Gardens.

NEWS: Australia became the 10th team to qualify for Sevens' debut appearance at the summer Olympics when they thrashed Tonga 50-0 in the final of the Oceania tournament in Auckland.

NEWS: All Blacks captain Richie McCaw is expected to announce his retirement in the coming days - a move that would confirm one of the worst-kept secrets in rugby.

Tries from Ken Pisi and Alex Waller saw Northampton claim a tough 15-11 win against the Scarlets at Franklin's Gardens.

Saracens got their European Cup campaign off to a fine start with a comprehensive 32-7 win over Toulouse at Allianz Park.

Simon Zebo scored a late try to give Munster a bonus-point 32-7 victory over Treviso at Thomond Park.

Noel Ingle of George Campbell School of Technology in Durban is the new chairman of South African Schools.

There were three unbeaten teams at the Sevens Olympic Qualifier at the Barnard Stadium in Kempton Park on Saturday.  

Connacht overcame bitter cold to notch up a historic 31-14 victory in their European Challenge Cup match against Russian debutants Enisei-STM.

The Wildeklawer Schools Rugby tournament  can lay claim to being the top tournament in South Africa.

Stade Francais Paris coach Gonzalo Quesada saw his injury list grow with scrumhalf Julien Dupuy suffering an ankle problem at Welford Road.

This weekend's European Rugby Champions Cup and Challenge Cup matches scheduled to be played in France have been postponed.

Leicester Tigers boss Richard Cockerill hailed the impact of head coach Aaron Mauger after a free-flowing 33-20 triumph over Stade Francais.

REPORT: New signing Brendon O'Connor became a hit with Leicester fans as he made one try and scored another in his team's 33-20 bonus-point win over Stade Français on Friday.

Fiji wing Metuisela Talebula has penned a three-year contract extension with Bordeaux-Begles that runs until 2019, the French Top 14 club's president announced on Friday. 

The Rugby Football Union refused to comment on reports they were holding talks with Jake White over becoming England's new coach after the South African insisted he could win England the World Cup.

New France coach Guy Noves warned on Friday against sky-rocketing expectations, insisting that he is fallible, unlike fictional hero Zorro.

Wales international centre Jonathan Davies confirmed Friday he will leave Top 14 side Clermont at the end of the season and return home to play for Scarlets on a national dual contract.

NEWS: England flyhalf Danny Cipriani has been charged with drink-driving, London's Metropolitan Police said Friday.

NEWS: Loose forward Tim Agaba has become the third player to leave the Eastern Province Kings after handing in notice to follow in the footsteps of Tim Whitehead and Lizo Gqoboka.

NEWS: The Springbok Sevens were drawn with Scotland, Samoa and newly-promoted core team Russia for the opening leg World Sevens Series leg in Dubai on December 4-5.

If Toulon are to defend their European Cup title, they will have to do it the hard way, starting with the visit of Bath this weekend.

Schools rugby in the Western Province kicks off on the second Saturday of April in 2016 and ends on the last Saturday of August.

Oyonnax have sacked coach Olivier Azam just two days before making their European Cup debut against Irish giants Ulster.

USA Sevens has announced a 19-man squad for a training camp at the Olympic Training Centre in southern California.

Argentine scrumhalf Tomás Cubelli has signed for the Brumbies on a two-year deal.

Australia will embark on their tenth 'Grand Slam' tour in 2016, aiming to beat the home nations in one trip for the first time in 30 years.

England are prepared to look abroad for a coach, but will such a candidate accept the current restrictions on selecting overseas-based players?

New Zealand Rugby chief Steve Tew said it was premature to speculate about Japan joining the Rugby Championship.

Jake White insists he won't take part in another drawn out application process for the vacant England head coach role.

Victor Matfield expects to have some "fun on the park" when he partners Bakkies Botha for the final time for the Barbarians next week.

INTERVIEW: Tim Whitehead said he bears no grudges, after he departed the Eastern Province and Southern Kings. Jan de Koning spoke to him.

The European Cup will get underway on Friday when Leicester Tigers host French champions Stade Francais at Welford Road.

NEWS: The names of the first two players to leave the Southern Kings have been confirmed.

An Under-16 team is being put together from the Eastern Cape to play in a tournament in Rovigo at the end of April next year.

There were four South African referees with Chris Pollock at the World Cup, and they pay tribute to him.

OLYMPIC SEVENS QUALIFIERS: The Kenya Rugby Union's ill-timed decision to discard two South Africans from their Sevens coaching panel could come back to haunt them this weekend.

Fears the leading Pacific nations would miss out on places at the next World Cup were eased when World Rugby announced on Thursday the qualifying process for Japan 2019.

New Stormers coach Eddie Jones says that he wants the Stormers to play a distinctive brand of rugby and 'light up Newlands'.

NEWS: Saracens forward Ernst Joubert has confirmed that he will retire from rugby at the end of the month.

Wing Christian Wade wants to help Wasps redress the balance after narrowly failing to beat Leinster in two absorbing European Rugby Champions Cup clashes last season.

REACTION: Former England head coach Clive Woodward has accused the Rugby Football Union (RFU) of using Stuart Lancaster as a scapegoat for the country's World Cup failure.

New Sunwolves coach Mark Hammett, in his inauguration speech, addressed the media ahead of their Super Rugby debut in 2016.

NEWS: Former England fullback Josh Lewsey will step down from his post as the Welsh Rugby Union's Head of Rugby in January.

NEWS: The Western Force added significant size to its forward pack for 2016 with the recruitment of Queensland Country lock Richie Arnold.

The Oceania Sevens Championship will produce a qualifier for the 2016 Olympic Games in Brazil.

The chief executive of England's Rugby Football Union insisted he felt "no embarrassment" over the return to Rugby League of former Test centre Sam Burgess.

England World Cup winner Will Greenwood believes the Rugby Football Union will appoint a "super coach" to replace Stuart Lancaster after the former boss stepped down as the side's head coach on Wednesday.

NEWS: David Halaifonua [Gloucester Rugby] and Riccardo Brugnara [Leicester Tigers] have both received two week suspensions on Wednesday after their respective disciplinary hearings.

NEWS: Australian fullback Israel Folau will be sidelined for three months, but should be available for the start of the Super Rugby season.

NEWS: World Rugby has announced the referees for the 2016 Six Nations, starting on February 26.

NEWS: Munster wing Gerhard van den Heever has been slapped with a two-match ban and will miss the opening weeks of the European Cup.

NEWS: The South African referee blamed for Scotland's World Cup exit has been named as the assistant referee for their final Six Nations match against Ireland on March 19.

REACTION: Rugby Football Union Chief Executive Ian Ritchie said that England were determined to appoint a coach of "proven international experience".

After a great career, Chris Pollock has decided to retire from refereeing international rugby.

NEWS: Gloucester revealed that second row forward Joe Latta has agreed to join the club from Super Rugby Champions the Highlanders.

NEWS: Glasgow Warriors have signed Georgian international Shalva Mamukashvili on a deal until the end of the season.

Munster boss Anthony Foley reckons centre Francis Saili has the pedigree to make a major European impact for the Irish province.

Who would you like to see as coach of South Africa and England? Vote below!

BREAKING NEWS: Stuart Lancaster has fallen on his sword in the wake of England's disastrous World Cup campaign.

Former All Blacks coach John Mitchell has warned about the dangers of doping in schoolboy rugby in South Africa.

NEWS: England fullback Mike Brown has signed a new "long-term" contract with Harlequins.

NEWS: The Eastern Province Kings, and their Super Rugby version the Southern Kings, could be faced with a player exodus this week. Jan de Koning reports.

EXCLUSIVE: rugby365 cartoonist Matthew Ackermann looks at what is next for legend Bok wing Bryan Habana.

REACTION: Sam Burgess' decision to quit Bath to return to Rugby League after just one season in Rugby Union let down "the lads who would die for this club", former clubmate George Ford said.

Brendan McKibben was slapped with the biggest ban of the three players that appeared in front of a Premiership disciplinary panel.

NEWS: Munster wing Gerhard van den Heever has cited for an alleged dangerous tackle at his team's Pro12 match against Edinburgh this past weekend.

NEWS: A total of five players in the English Premiership have been cited for a range of indiscretions after this past weekend's action.

NEWS: In the latest development in the ongoing saga surrounding the Eastern Province Kings' cash crisis, it is claimed that taxpayers' money have been used to foot the bills.

NEWS: Edinburgh have agreed to release David Denton to join English Premiership club Bath, subject to medical.

The qualifying tournament to take part in the Sevens at the Olympic Games in 2016 is taking place on the East Rand.

OPINION: Jan de Koning takes another look at the attitude towards coaches of South Africa's national team, in the wake of the emotional outburst by former players.

INTERVIEW: Jim Hamilton was a latecomer when it came to Rugby Union but the Saracens lock is delighted to have made up for lost time in the English Premiership.

Kenyan Sevens coach Benjamin Ayimba has recalled ace winger Willy Ambaka in his 12-man squad for this week's 2016 Olympic African qualifying tournament in South Africa.

The second part of Ben Ryan's fascinating account of the 2014/15 World Rugby Sevens Series continues with South Africa's wins in Dubai and Port Elizabeth and a first-ever win for Fiji's coach in Hong Kong.

Saracens' Alastair Hargreaves is looking forward to running out at Twickenham again when his side takes on Worcester Warriors when the Premiership reconvenes later this month.

NEWS: USA Rugby is seeking applicants for the position of head coach for their national team after Mike Tolkin's contract came to an end.

NEWS: A professional Rugby Union league is to be launched in North America for the first time next year, as officials aim to capitalise on the increasing popularity of the sport.

REACTION: Sam Burgess said "Rugby League is in my heart", but hit out at an "agenda" against him as he broke his silence over his rapid return to Australia after his disappointing World Cup.

REACTION: The Rugby Football Union denied they had approached Australia coach Michael Cheika about the possibility of succeeding England boss Stuart Lancaster.

World Cup is gone and now it's Europe's turn to excite rugby with its two great competitions - the Champions Cup and the Challenge Cup.

The Springbok Sevens  squad started their final preparation camp for the upcoming World Sevens Series with a full day of training and planning sessions on Monday in Stellenbosch.

INTERVIEW: Northampton Saints boss Jim Mallinder is hoping a change of competition this weekend, to the Champions Cup, will bring about a change in fortunes.

INTERVIEW: Ulster flyhalf Paddy Jackson wants to right the wrongs of last season's disappointing European Champions Cup campaign.

NEWS: The fallout from England's woeful World Cup took a bizarre twist on Monday.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Reports that Toulon's millionaire owner Mourad Boudjellal wants to buy the Southern Kings franchise are a 'stillborn baby'. Jan de Koning reports.

NEWS: Former Bulls captain Anton Leonard will return to his old stomping ground as part of coach Nollis Marais's management team for next year's Super Rugby competition. 

There was an interesting decision in the match between Exeter Chiefs and Leicester Tigers at Sandy Park.

REACTION: Wasps coach David Young was far from pleased with his side's ultimately comfortable 23-3 win over Gloucester in the English Premiership on Sunday.

NEWS: Ed Jenkins will lead an experienced Australian Sevens team in the Oceania regional Olympic qualifying tournament in Auckland this coming weekend - November 14 and 15.

TOP 14 WRAP: High-flyers Clermont and Racing 92 both suffered defeats in Round Eight of the French Top 14.

REPORT: Wasps continued their hold over Gloucester as an eye-catching Christian Wade try and the powerful boot of Elliot Daly led them to victory at the Ricoh Arena.

REPORT: Paul Marshall grabbed the only try of the game as Ulster completed their first away win in the Pro12 since April.

REACTION: Edinburgh head coach Alan Solomons admits his side were the architects of their own downfall in a nail-biting defeat at home to Munster.

Rugby Union will break new ground in the Siberian city of Krasnoyarsk next weekend when local team Enisei-STM become the first Russian club to play in the group stages of a European competition.

NEWS: Japan's men's Sevens team qualified for the Rio Olympics on Sunday beating Hong Kong 24-10 in the Final of the Asia Rugby Sevens Qualifier 2015.

REACTION: Worcester Warriors Director of Rugby Dean Ryan believes his side must learn to keep the pressure on their opponents despite coming away with a bonus-point win against Newcastle Falcons.

REACTION: Mike Ford believes Rhys Priestland is starting to flourish in Bath backline after the Wales international dotted down on his first start for the club.

REACTION: It all came down to nerve according to Rob Baxter who believes his Exeter Chiefs showed their mental strength to pick up a 19-6 Premiership win over Leicester Tigers.  

REACTION: Owen Farrell may have kicked Saracens to victory at Franklin's Gardens but director of rugby Mark McCall reserved his praise for young forward duo George Kruis and Maro Itoje.

Quade Cooper was little used at the World Cup with Australia coach Michael Cheika opting for the steadier game of Bernard Foley as the Wallabies finished runners-up to rivals New Zealand.

The Blue Bulls on Saturday showed their class at the interprovincial Sevens tournament at the Mbombela Stadium in Nelspruit.

PREMIERSHIP WRAP: Owen Farrell's boot guided Saracens to a gritty victory over Northampton Saints as the champions preserved their winning start to the Premiership season.

TOP 14 WRAP: Australian flyhalf Quade Cooper enjoyed the ideal introduction to the Top 14 as he steered Toulon to a 52-8 thrashing of Montpellier on Saturday.

PRO12 WRAP: Finn Russell pulled the strings on his return to the Pro12 as Glasgow Warriors held on for a hard-fought bonus-point win against a Cardiff Blues side who just wouldn't lay down.

NEWS: Argentina coach Daniel Hourcade has named an impressive array of World Cup stars in the 25-man squad to face the Barbarians later this month.

REACTION: Harlequins edged their way to a third Premiership win in four by beating Sale Sharks, but Quins Director of Rugby Conor O'Shea admits there is better to come from his troops.

As if presiding over the first host nation to suffer a pool-phase exit at a World Cup was not bad enough, Sam Burgess's return to Rugby League after just a year in Rugby Union will further undermine England coach Stuart Lancaster.

FRIDAY WRAP: A try from the returning Robbie Henshaw helped Connacht to a fifth consecutive Pro12 win for the first time since 2002 as they downed Treviso 33-19 at the Sportsground.

REPORT: Tim Visser's second half try helped Harlequins to a third win from four matches as they overcame Sale Sharks dogged display, to triumph 16-14 at Twickenham Stoop.

NEWS: Wales international scrumhalf Lloyd Williams has pledged his long-term future to Cardiff Blues on his return from the Rugby World Cup.

NEWS: Eastern Province Rugby  has the spotlight on them after Sports Minister Fikile Mbalula told the media he will be paying EP Rugby president Cheeky Watson a special visit in the near future.

World Cup-winning coach Clive Woodward has branded English rugby union "arrogant, embarrassing and a laughing stock" Sam Burgess' return to league.

NEWS: Durban, and not Johannesburg, will host back-to-back World Cup winners New Zealand next year.

Jan de Koning chatted to Kyle Brown about Sevens, the large number of 15-a-side players being put on trial with a view to the Olympics, the World Series and the BlitzBoks' goals.

Two more Ospreys players have signed National Dual Contracts, taking the total number of players under joint control of the WRU and their club past the symbolic XV mark.

Wales coach Warren Gatland will quit his post after the 2019 World Cup and return to New Zealand, media reports in his homeland said Friday.

Several All Blacks have taken the World Cup on an unscheduled detour to a New Zealand cemetery for an emotional graveside tribute to fallen teammate Jerry Collins.

South Sydney Rabbitohs confirmed Friday that England Rugby Union international Sam Burgess will switch back to League and play for the Australian club again in 2016.

European champions Toulon will be looking to maverick flyhalf Quade Cooper to kick-start their season at home to Montpellier on Saturday.

NEWS: The appeal by Wasps over the length of the sanction given to Jimmy Gopperth for foul play has been dismissed. 

NEWS: Fiji will host a Super 18 match between New Zealand rivals the Chiefs and Crusaders next year, competition organiser SANZAR said Friday.

NEWS: South Africa's minister of sport, Fikile Mbalula, dismissed the notion that he would put pressure on the South African Rugby Union to influence the appointment of the Springbok coach.

Northampton Saints hooker Mike Haywood acknowledged last season's semifinal defeat to Saracens has provided additional motivation.

England Rugby Union international Sam Burgess has left Premiership club Bath with immediate effect in order to return to Rugby League side South Sydney Rabbitohs, the BBC reported Thursday.

Former England prop Matt Stevens and French lock forward Romain Taofifenua have both extended their contracts with triple European champions Toulon, the Top 14 side announced.

The round opens with three of the top four teams in action in Ireland on Friday night with Connacht hosting Treviso and Leinster welcoming Scarlets.

EKSKLUSIEF: Jan de Koning en Tauriq Ebrahim gesels rugby - die pas-afgelope Wêreldbekertoernooi, die nuwe Sewes Springbokke en die Olimpiese Spele.

NEWS: Welsh rugby has signed two new players on National Dual Contracts – Wales and Ospreys forwards Scott Baldwin and James King.

With the 2015 World Cup behind us we speculate on who will play for the Springboks in 2019 and look back at our predictions in 2011.

World Cup memorabilia is all the rage at the moment, with prices skyrocketing as frenzied fans go after prized items.

The top South African men's and women's Sevens players will look to make their presence felt at the SARU Interprovincial Sevens tournament in Nelspruit on Friday.

NEWS: Scotland flank Alasdair Strokosch on Thursday confirmed his decision to retire from international rugby after earning 47 caps for his country.

EXCLUSIVE: Michael de Vries and Jan de Koning wrap up the World Cup and chat about Sevens - the upcoming World Series, the Olympics and the 15-a-side players looking to switch codes

In part one of a compelling account of the 2014/2015 World Rugby Sevens Series, Fiji's title-winning coach Ben Ryan gives his thoughts on Olympic qualification and the challenges on the road to Rio.

The Reds will be sweating over the news that Wallaby lock Kane Douglas faces surgery on his injured left knee this week after scans confirmed he sustained a ruptured ACL.

INTERVIEW: South Africa's Sevens programme went into overdrive with the single-minded goal of collecting gold at the Olympic Games next year. Jan de Koning reports.

The Sharks will travel to France in February 2016, on a pre-season tour ahead of the start of their Super Rugby campaign. 

EXCLUSIVE: rugby365 cartoonist Matthew Ackermann looks at how much better the All Blacks are than the rest.

Lock Jonny Gray - brother of Richie Gray - has been named the new captain of Glasgow Warriors.

OPINION: rugby365 delves into the lighter side of the World Cup with all those moments that made you cheer, gasp, cry and even spill your preferred beverage - it's time for our Alternate Awards.

Wasps' Jimmy Gopperth has been banned for three weeks for striking Leicester Tigers wing Matthew Tait in the head with his elbow.

The South African Sevens training squad for the upcoming World Series and 2016 Rio Olympics features nine Springbok players.

Paul Dobson takes a look back at all eight of the World Cup Finals and picks his best team.  

Japan fullback Ayumu Goromaru, a standout performers at the World Cup, has snubbed his country's new Super Rugby team, the Sunwolves, and joined the Reds next season.

World Cup finalists the Wallabies must improve rather than hope the All Blacks drop their lofty standards if they are to overhaul the triple champions, coach Michael Cheika said.

NEWS: The Cheetahs have started their preparations for the 2016 Super Rugby tournament by naming a 51-man pre-season squad.

Edinburgh lock Fraser McKenzie will serve a two-week suspension after he was found guilty of charging into ruck during his team's match again Connacht this past weekend.

Ospreys confirmed that lock De Kock Steenkamp has been released from his contract and will return home to South Africa after undergoing surgery on an ongoing hip problem.

Rugby (and refereeing) mainly in the North and mainly in club competition.

Kenya Sevens coach Benjamin Ayimba has warned his team faces a difficult task to qualify for the Olympic Games during the African regional qualifying tournament in South Africa next week.

Lock Paul O'Connell, who on Monday revealed he could be out for "between four and eight months", should be "ready to play in mid-January", says Toulon president Mourad Boudjellal.

Australia flyhalf Quade Cooper reported for duty at European champions Toulon on Tuesday, having negotiated a special contract clause so he can play in the Olympics next year.

New Zealand and Australia's World Cup finalists join forces in a superstar Barbarians' squad when they take on Gloucester and Argentina this month.

OPINION: After 48 matches and 2 439 points, the time has come for rugby365 to don their best tuxedos and bow ties to dish out our famous World Cup salutes.

Jean de Villiers says that the Springboks need to take the positives out of their World Cup campaign in order to progress.

Twickenham will host a minimum three National Football League [NFL] games in the next three years after an agreement was reached with the Rugby Football Union [RFU].

Glasgow Warriors and Scottish Rugby have been handed a further boost today after announcing one of Scotland's established young players has signed a new long-term contract.

South Africa made more tackles than any other team in this year's World Cup - 70 tackles more than next team on the list.

Springbok coach Heyneke Meyer says that he wants to stay in the job so that he can be 'part of the solution'.

NEWS: London Irish announced the signing of Canadian international Ciaran Hearn for the remainder of the season.

NEWS: Wales will face the Chiefs in a midweek fixture following the first of three Tests on their tour of New Zealand in June next year.

NEWS: Jimmy Gopperth of Wasps will appear at a disciplinary hearing after being cited for striking a player during their clash against Leicester Tigers on the weekend.

New France coach Guy Noves has vowed to bring back the excitement following the national team's World Cup debacle under predecessor Philippe Saint-Andre.

NEWS: South African prop Schalk Van der Merwe will miss Montpellier's Top 14 trip to Toulon on Saturday due to a dislocated shoulder.

OPINION: New Zealand's dominance of the World Cup has earned the world's top team even more accolades.

On Saturday last Nigel Owens refereed the Final of the World Cup at Twickenham. This week's experience could be different for him.

NEWS: Irish lock Paul O'Connell could miss the entire season for new club Toulon after sustaining a serious hamstring injury during the World Cup, he revealed on Monday.

Code-crossing England international Sam Burgess returned to training with Bath on Monday, the club confirmed amid reports he is seeking a return to Rugby League.

NEWS: French international forward Louis Picamoles confirmed on Monday he is quitting Top 14 giants Toulouse to join English side Northampton Saints. 

NEWS: The Pumas have signed a total of 13 new players in a bid to become a stronger and more competitive team in the 2016 season.

NEWS: Springbok fans will have to hold their collective breath for another month, as they await the fate of Heyneke Meyer.

New Zealand have extended their lead at the top of the world rankings following their 34-17 victory over Australia in Saturday's World Cup Final.

Australia coach Michael Cheika says winning the 2015 World Rugby Coach of the Year award a day after his team lost to the All Blacks in the World Cup Final was a "bittersweet" feeling.

The South African Rugby Union on Monday congratulated Werner Kok on his World Rugby Sevens Player of the Year Award. 

While some reports suggest Heyneke Meyer is going to be well-paid to keep his job, what are the chances of a foreign Springbok coach?

All Blacks captain Richie McCaw and coach Steve Hansen will be offered knighthoods following New Zealand's World Cup triumph. 

England dual international Sam Burgess is set to be lured back to Australia's NRL with the richest deal in the game’s 108-year history, reports suggest.

All Blacks centre Sonny Bill Williams was presented with a new World Cup winners' medal to replace the one he handed to a fan after Saturday's victory over Australia.

All Blacks flyhalf Dan Carter was named World Player of the Year for the third time Sunday, just a day after inspiring his country to a 34-17 World Cup final victory over Australia.

SUNDAY WRAP: Don Armand crossed for a double as a first half blitz from the Exeter Chiefs saw off Newcastle Falcons and put them second on the Premiership table.

SUNDAY WRAP: Leinster claimed a comfortable victory over Treviso at the Stadio Monigo, to hand the Italians their 13th consecutive Pro12 defeat.

NEWS: The world champions All Blacks have been praised as the greatest of all time by former rivals but captain Richie McCaw is reluctant to put them ahead of his disastrous 2007 side.

NEWS: After directing the All Blacks to a record breaking victory, coach Steve Hansen is unlikely to take his champion team through to the next World Cup as he is only contracted until 2017.

NEWS: The SARU Sevens Academy clinched their fourth Singapore Cricket Club International Sevens tournament when they defeated the Penguin Internationals 36-5.

Just when you thought the Joubert-gate fiasco had ended, World Rugby chief executive Brett Gosper insisted the governing body had not meant to throw Craig Joubert "under the bus" after his contentious World Cup penalty call.

TOP 14 WRAP: Clermont ran in five tries to defeat Castres 42-13 on Saturday and maintain top spot on France, extending their lead to four points.

REACTION: Dan Carter, who landed the decisive blow in New Zealand's World Cup triumph over Australia, said he had been relieved to make the Twickenham final.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: England 2015 will be remembered as the "best" and as the tournament that put the 'world' into World Cup.

REACTION: For a team that has achieved the game's Everest, the All Blacks were quick to dampen any overt excitement after beating Australia 34-17 in the World Cup Final.

REACTION: Ma'a Nonu scored a dazzling try in his final Test as he helped New Zealand win an unprecedented third World Cup but insisted he would never don the All Blacks jersey again.

REACTION: Australia's courageous loss to the All Blacks in the World Cup Final may be tough for coach Michael Cheika but it remains a testament to what he has achieved in a year.

NEWS: All Blacks centre Sonny Bill Williams gave his World Cup winner's medal to a boy who he said was tackled by a Twickenham security guard after Saturday's Final.

REACTION: Australia coach Michael Cheika said the only way for the rest of world to keep pace with three-time World Cup champions New Zealand was by sheer dogged persistence.

FEATURE: Dan Carter left the international stage as New Zealand's hero in their historic World Cup win over Australia that opened up a new era of All Black domination of the game.

INTERVIEW: South Africa star Bryan Habana left the World Cup without breaking Jonah Lomu's try-scoring record, but he has no regrets as he ponders his own international future.

Andries Van Schalkwyk's late bonus point try was the icing on the cake as Zebre downed Cardiff Blues 26-15 to secure their first ever PRO12 back-to-back victories.

Wallabies coach Michael Cheika says that the way to close the gap on the All Blacks is simply to 'stay at it'.

OPINION: New Zealand proved once again they are the best team on the planet when they beat Australia 34-17 in the World Cup Final on Saturday.

Richie McCaw said winning a second World Cup was his proudest moment and made him want to put retirement back even further.

This was the match Dan Carter had waited four years for, and he appropriately landed the decisive blow in the World Cup Final at Twickenham.

OPINION: Australia did well to get to this year's World Cup Final, but were well beaten by the mighty All Blacks.

Defending Premiership champions Saracens survived a scare against a London Irish side that ran the hosts all the way at Allianz Park.

The All Blacks became the first team to retain the Webb Ellis Cup when they beat the Wallabies 34-17 in the World Cup Final at Twickenham.

The World Cup, with record ticket sales and revenues, will make a $230 million surplus, World Rugby president Bernard Lapasset said Saturday.

Argentina lock Tomas Lavanini has been cited for an illegal tackle in their defeat to South Africa on Friday.

Springbok coach Heyneke Meyer paid tribute to the role of the senior players in claiming the World Cup bronze medal.

Brisbane City have won successive National Rugby Championship titles after a hard-fought 21-10 win over the Canberra Vikings in Brisbane.

Richie McCaw and Dan Carter must control the emotion of the World Cup Final or risk letting Australia whisk the trophy away from them, says rugby legend Jonah Lomu.

NEWS: Argentina left the World Cup having proved that they are fast becoming a rugby superpower.

South Africa coach Heyneke Meyer said his side could become "invincible" after they finished their World Cup with a 24-13 third-place play-off win over Argentina.

OPINION: Argentina lacked any flair and excitement that brought the crowd to their feet on numerous occasions and it seemed as though their injuries took its toll at the end of the day.

PRO12 WRAP: Table-topping Scarlets maintained their unbeaten start to the Pro12 season with a workmanlike victory at Parc y Scarlets.

OPINION:  It is the match that no-one wants to play and the type of rugby that was on display certainly matched the occasion - and the crowd let the players know exactly what their feelings were.

REPORT: South African finished their World Cup campaign with a win, but it was not the kind of performance that would have silenced critics.

FEATURE: As many as nine players who are set to play a part in Saturday's World Cup Final will be on show during the 2015/16 European club season.

interview: Australia go into their World Cup final clash against trans-Tasman rivals New Zealand with coach Michael Cheika believing it will be a hyper-physical battle but one his side can dominate.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: At his fourth World Cup, with a world record haul of points in the bag, Dan Carter has one final piece of business to attend to.

NEWS: The Sharks have recruited banned Springbok hooker Chiliboy Ralepelle, who will join them next season.

NEWS: Scarlets confirmed that Wayne Pivac has committed his future to the region by signing a new contract.

NEWS: Four of the six contenders for the prestigious 2015 Player of the Year Award will be playing in Saturday's World Cup Final at Twickenham

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Victor Matfield and Francois Louw speak about the Springboks' World Cup campaign, the future and retirement.

Australia prop Scott Sio says he is fully fit to face arch-rivals New Zealand in Saturday's World Cup Final after recovering from a dislocated elbow.

Richie McCaw has declared New Zealand ready for the battle of the breakdown when they will front Australia's twin threat of Michael Hooper and David Pocock. 

Once a "joke team" - in the words of departing coach Eddie Jones - Japan's World Cup heroics put Rugby Union firmly on the map in a country dominated by baseball and football. 

Western Province Rugby has wished former WP and Stormers captain Jean de Villiers as he embarks on the next phase of his stellar rugby career at top English club, Leicester Tigers.

NEWS: Scotland flyhalf Finn Russell has signed a new long-term contract with the Glasgow Warriors, meaning the Scotland international will be staying at Scotstoun until at least May 2018.

NEWS: Cardiff Blues wing Aled Summerhill has been handed a three week suspension after his citing for a dangerous lifting tackle against Ulster in Belfast was upheld.

For the first time in the Melbourne Rebels' five-year history, the team confirmed the signings of home-grown talents in the form of Sione Tuipulotu and Rob Leota on two year deals.

Exeter lock Damian Welch believes there is still "more to come” from the Chiefs this season, despite an encouraging start to the new season for the Devon club.

French Top 14 heavyweights Clermont, Racing 92, Toulouse and Stade Francais will be boosted by the return of their World Cup stars this weekend.

If the World Cup Final ends on Saturday and nobody is talking about Nigel Owens, he says he will be "a very, very, very happy man".

Stephen Moore once thought about playing for Ireland but will earn his 102nd cap leading Australia against New Zealand in the World Cup Final on Saturday.

WORLD CUP FINAL: This is it - the climax of four years of sweat and tears, of planning, of speculation and hope. Paul Dobson previews the match.

NEWS: Three more English Premiership clubs revealed that they were not investigated for potential breaches of the salary cap.

NEWS: Japan's stunning progress at the World Cup has been recognised with their inclusion as one of four nominees for World Rugby's Team of the Year award.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: South Africa great Victor Matfield insisted he had no regrets about coming out of retirement as he prepared to play his final match for the Springboks.

It might not be the end to the year either side wanted, but Argentina and South Africa have vowed to give their all in the World Cup third-place play-off.

NEWS: First-choice prop Scott Sio returns to the Australia side for the World Cup final against New Zealand on Saturday.

EKSKLUSIEF: Jan de Koning en Tauriq Ebrahim bespreek Heyneke Meyer se toekoms asook die Wêreldbeker-eindstryd tussen Nieu-Seeland en Australië.

New Zealand coach Steve Hansen will be banking on the experience of two key players to give them the edge over Australia in the World Cup Final at Twickenham on Saturday. 

Edinburgh coach Alan Solomons has warned his troops to expect a tough battle if they want to get back to winning ways against Connacht this weekend.

NEWS: New Zealand coach Steve Hansen has named an unchanged side to face Australia in the World Cup Final at Twickenham on Saturday.

EXCLUSIVE: Michael de Vries and Jan de Koning chat about Heyneke Meyer's future, the Springboks' last game at the World Cup, as well as the Final between the All Blacks and Wallabies.

Bath head coach Mike Ford expressed confidence that code-switching England international Sam Burgess will not return to Rugby League. 

Upload your 100 percent fan pics to centrum.co.za to stand a chance to win!

EXCLUSIVE: rugby365 reader AussieBoer has his say about the ongoing debate surrounding Heyneke Meyer's future and shows why he believes he is correct.

New Zealand and Australia have played 154 rugby Tests with the balance heavily in New Zealand's favour with 105 victories to the Wallabies 42 and seven draws. 

The often-brutal sport of rugby has become an unlikely international sports leader in forcing players to accept gay teammates.

For some New Zealanders they are an inspiration and for others an irritation - the All Blacks are about far more than rugby, giving this weekend's World Cup Final an added significance.

Joel Stransky's extra-time winner for South Africa and Jonny Wilkinson's dramatic kick for England in 2003 are just two drop goals that have marked the World Cup.

Argentine legend Agustin Pichot took another step up the global rugby pecking order when he was elected to the World Rugby's ruling executive committee.

INTERVIEW: South Africa coach Heyneke Meyer said Wednesday he is a "total nutter" as he announced his determination to stay as Springbok coach.

NEWS: Nicolas Sanchez, the highest points scorer at the World Cup, will captain Argentina for the first time in Friday's third-place play-off against South Africa.

NEWS: Victor Matfield will lead the Springboks into battle in their last match at the World Cup.

NEWS: Steve Hansen is holding to the ABC of rugby to have the All Blacks "fizzing" when they confront Australia in the World Cup final on Saturday at Twickenham.

OPINION: rugby365's acclaimed writer Paul Dobson has his referees' hat firmly on his head as he takes a look at the Craig Joubert decision and its aftermath.

The club has just seven members - the number of referees appointed to the eight World Cup Finals since 1987.

The club has just seven members - the number of referees appointed to the eight World Cup Finals since 1987.

A dozen top rugby schools will again make the Easter Festival special at King Edward VII School in 2016.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Golden Lions coach Johan Ackermann feels his team's expansive gameplan can't be 'copy and pasted' onto the Springbok team.

Although he is preparing for a World Cup Final, David Pocock knows there are more important things in life than rugby.

Jesse Kriel says that the Springboks are hoping to give some of their senior players a fitting farewell at the Olympic Stadium on Friday.

NEWS: New Zealand will need to nullify the dizzying talent in Australia's back row if they are to make history and become the first side to win back-to-back World Cup titles.

NEWS: The opening match of the 2019 World Cup in Japan will be played on September 20 in Tokyo, with the final being played on November 2 in Yokohama.

Cash-strapped Australian rugby is banking on the Wallabies defying the odds and toppling the mighty All Blacks on Saturday to help boost its popularity in a crowded sports market.

SQUAD ANNOUNCMENTS: Massive experience and exciting new talents are the order of the day for all New Zealand's Super Rugby franchises as they reveal their 2016 squads.

NEWS: The Melbourne Rebels continue to ramp up their preparations for the 2016 Super Rugby season by signing three more players.

EXCLUSIVE: rugby365 cartoonist Matthew Ackermann looks at what the next four years holds for Springbok rugby.

Nigel Owens will have two of the best assistant referees in his ear in Saturday's fiery World Cup final - Richie McCaw and Stephen Moore. 

New Zealand expect a barrage of high balls from Australia in the World Cup final on Saturday and they are confident they can counter it thanks to help from an Australian.

Prince Harry will present the William Webb Ellis Cup to the winner of Saturday's World Cup Final between Australia and New Zealand, organisers said.  

South Africa will be going all out to ensure they end their World Cup campaign on a high note when they face Argentina in their third-place play-off on Friday.

The Welsh Rugby Union (WRU) revealed on Tuesday that it has refused to sanction Newport Gwent Dragons' attempt to transfer Wales No.8 Taulupe Faletau to English Premiership side Bath.

New Zealand wing Julian Savea has two tries shortlisted for the 2015 International Rugby Players’ Association (IRPA) Try of the Year award.

If defence wins World Cups then New Zealand say they have the right man in Wayne Smith building their barricades. 

2015 World Cup finalists Australia have made the same amount of progress in one year as their predecessors did in two to win the 1999 tournament, Stephen Larkham said Tuesday.

NEWS: Former Springbok captain Jean de Villiers will continue his playing career in the English Premiership after signing with Leicester Tigers.

This is the game nobody wants to play. They went into the semifinal hoping for the final and here they are disappointed also-rans.

After getting his first taste as coach of Western Province's senior team this year, John Dobson will now be looking to implement some changes to the team's culture and playing style.

NEWS: The Springbok Sevens squad members continue their pre-season preparations for the upcoming season with a trip to Singapore to take part in the annual Singapore Cricket Club Sevens tournament.

Russell Winter will take up the vacant position as Stormers forwards coach under new head coach Eddie Jones.

Nigel Owens of Wales becomes the seventh referee to referee a World Cup Final when he blows the whistle at Twickenham on Saturday.

NEWS: Tommy Bowe is set to miss the 2016 Six Nations after it was confirmed that a knee injury will rule him out of action for at least another six months.

REACTION: Edinburgh suffered their first defeat of the Pro12 season against Zebre and head coach Alan Solomons admits his side's ill-discipline cost them dearly.

NEWS: Dane Coles is ready to savour "a dream come true" as he looks forward to completing a remarkable journey from off-pitch hell-raiser to Saturday's World Cup final against Australia.

NEWS: Worcester Warriors have bolstered their front row options by signing Georgian international hooker Jaba Bregvadze, who will join the team immediately.

NEWS: London Irish will be the first to play a Premiership fixture overseas when the Exiles take their Round 16 home match to the United States.

NEWS: Tactical guru and Japan coach, Eddie Jones believes New Zealand will become the first team to retain the Webb Ellis trophy - but by the narrowest of margins.

NEWS: David Pocock's return to the Australia team for their semi-final against Argentina at Twickenham was a key factor as the Wallabies reached their fourth World Cup final.

The All Blacks partners are playing a special role this week as the team battles to keep a lid on excitement levels ahead of their World Cup final against Australia.

NEWS: Taranaki tighthead prop Ryan Cocker has put pen to paper with the Melbourne Rebels that will see him represent the franchise in the 2016 Super Rugby tournament.

Michael Cheika's father was his harshest critic as a rugby player but his courage in leaving Lebanon for a new life in Australia has been an example in hauling the Wallabies to the World Cup final.

REACTION: Welshman Nigel Owens said he was "humbled" to be chosen to referee Saturday's World Cup final between New Zealand and Australia.

Argentina star Juan Martin Fernandez Lobbe believes the creation of a new Super Rugby franchise in Buenos Aires can inspire the Pumas to greater heights even if it means the end of his Test career.

INTERVIEW: The looming retirement from the international stage by greats Richie McCaw and Dan Carter will not figure in the All Blacks' preparation for Saturday's World Cup Final against Australia.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: South Africa are running the risk of destroying their production line by diluting the Currie Cup competition.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: This year's winner of the World Cup, Australia or New Zealand, will become the only team to have won the Webb Ellis Cup three times.

The World Cup Final. That is where the focus of world rugby is - Australia vs New Zealand.

REACTION: Robert du Preez will bounce back from his nightmare performance in the Currie Cup Final at the weekend.

NEWS: Nigel Owens of Wales will referee the 2015 World Cup Final.

NEWS: Australia coach Michael Cheika on Monday warned his players not to get dragged into rivalry with the All Blacks before their World Cup Final.

NEWS: New Zealand and Australia have both increased their points tallies on the current World Rankings.

Rasta Rasivhenge, the most itinerant of referees, is off to Paris on Tuesday.

NEWS: Scarlets confirmed Monday that Welsh qualified Kiwi Michael Collins has joined the team on a short-term contract.

OPINION: The haters will hate and pessimists will always see the dark side. Jan de Koning looks past the hyperbole at what is the right thing to do.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Three nations are represented in the nominees for the inaugural World Rugby Breakthrough Player of the Year.

There was only place for one Springbok in our Team of the Week from the World Cup semifinals.

OPINION: The Currie Cup may have taken a back seat to the World Cup but the on field action was electric as the Golden Lions claimed the honours, but who stood out?

Scarlets captain Ken Owens wasted no time in getting back into regional action as they took to the field against Munster on Friday only days after bowing out of the World Cup with Wales.

Argentina captain Agustin Creevy is confident his country will keep their place at the top table of world rugby despite failing to make the Final of World Cup 2015.

Form is on New Zealand's side as they plot their game plan against close neighbours and even closer rivals Australia in the World Cup final. 

Agustin Creevy, Juan Imhoff and Juan Martin Hernandez have all been ruled out of the Argentina team to take on South Africa in the third-place playoff through injury.

Australia will need "something extra just to be competitive" in their World Cup final against defending champions New Zealand, coach Michael Cheika said.

NEWS: South Africa will be sweating on the fitness of captain Fourie du Preez ahead of their third-place play-off World Cup encounter with Argentina.

OPINION: Australia's ability to outsmart the Argentinian defence gave them a huge edge in their 29-15 win over Argentina in their World Cup semifinal.

REACTION: Australia will improve before they take on old rivals New Zealand in the World Cup Final next Saturday.

OPINION: Apart from dominating the scrum for most of the 80 minutes, Argentina were second best in other areas of the game in their semifinal defeat to Australia.

MATCH REPORT: Australia will meet New Zealand in the World Cup Final at Twickenham next Saturday.

REPORT: Laurence Pearce's crucial second-half try saw a tenacious Leicester edge out Harlequins at Welford Road to make it two victories from two in the Premiership.

REACTION: All Blacks coach Steve Hansen believes the World Cup play-off for third should be done away with and has questioned whether it is only staged as a money-making exercise.

REACTION: Springbok veteran Victor Matfield says the next generation of South African players must inspire fear in their opponents if they are to go on and win a third World Cup.

REACTION: New Zealand coach Steve Hansen dismissed reports that All Black captain Richie McCaw could miss the World Cup Final for elbowing an opponent in the semifinal.

Golden Lions head coach Johan Ackermann praised his team's fighting spirit after they ended this year's Currie Cup with a 32-24 win over Western Province in Saturday's Final.

REPORT: Montpellier sent French Top 14 leaders Clermont crashing to a first defeat this season on Saturday. 

Springbok veteran Schalk Burger says he played a big part in the Springboks 18-20 defeat to the All Blacks in Saturday’s World Cup semifinal.

Marcelo Bosch felt "sadness and pain" at missing Argentina's World quarterfinal as he served a one week ban for a dangerous tackle and knows he must stay calm against Australia.

Video images have emerged showing Richie McCaw's elbow apparently striking Springbok flank Francois Louw in the All Blacks'  20-18 victory in Saturday's World Cup semifinal.

South Africa coach Heyneke Meyer forecast a bright future for his side despite their agonising defeat by New Zealand in a gripping World Cup semifinal.

Two-time champions Australia take on Argentina in the second World Cup semifinal on Sunday aiming for a historic first final against old rivals New Zealand.

All Blacks coach Steve Hansen has only one wish for the semifinal between Argentina and Australia - he wants them to "smash each other". 

Exeter Chiefs secured a first Premiership win of the new season against London Irish at Sandy Park on Saturday.

The All Blacks and Springboks applauded Dan Carter Saturday as the master flyhalf steered New Zealand to a World Cup semifinal win. 

South Africa wing Bryan Habana has had many great days in a Springbok jersey but Saturday was not one of them.

OPINION: New Zealand overturned a five-point half-time deficit to walk away with a hard fought two point victory over the Springboks - although they should have won more comfortably.

Springbok coach Heyneke Meyer apologised for the third time in three months after his side lost to the All Blacks at Twickenham.

Toulouse passed up the chance of going second in the Top-14 in France, losing 12-10 to Bordeaux despite scoring the only try of the game.

Dion Berryman's second-half try helped a resilient Zebre to a first PRO12 triumph of the season against Edinburgh.

OPINION: The Springboks gave it horns against New Zealand and can hold their heads high with their Herculean defensive effort and dominant scrum, despite relinquishing a 12-7 half-time lead.

Have World Rugby opened 'Pandora's Box' by declaring referee Craig Joubert made the wrong call in Australia's victory over Argentina?

Australia coach Michael Cheika has called on his players to enjoy confronting Argentina in their World Cup semifinal at Twickenham.

The All Blacks scored the only two tries of the game to beat the Springboks 20-18 and book a place in the World Cup Final.

Western Province showed good fighting spirit, but were not accurate enough to beat the Golden Lions at Ellis Park.

The Golden Lions gained sweet revenge over Western Province to finish the Currie Cup unbeaten.

The Lions capped a perfect season by beating Western Province 32-24 in the Currie Cup Final at Ellis Park on Saturday.

NEWS: Argentina will go ahead with a threat to exclude Juan Imhoff and other European-based stars behind their World Cup success unless they join the new Buenos Aires Super Rugby side.

FRIDAY WRAP: Racing downed Paris rivals Stade Francais 27-18 on Friday to avenge the misery of their three defeats at the hands of the defending champions last season.

INTERVIEW: New Zealand intensified sparring with South Africa by claiming to have something special to unleash in their "brutal" World Cup semifinal.

PRO12 WRAP: Steven Shingler scored a match-winning penalty with the last kick of the game as Scarlets preserved their winning streak in the Pro12 and ended Munster's in the process.

PREMIERSHIP WRAP: Saracens moved to the top of the English Premiership table after Owen Farrell's late penalty secured a 17-15 win against Gloucester on Friday.

European Professional Club Rugby (EPCR) have announced the referees appointed to the first two rounds of European Cup and Challenge Cup.

NEWS: Centre Marcelo Bosch returns from suspension to take his place in Argentina's starting XV for their semifinal clash against Australia on Sunday.

The Springboks have billed Saturday's World Cup semifinal against New Zealand as the game of their lives, adding another chapter to the illustrious history between the two rugby superpowers.

INTERVIEW: The free-running Golden Lions may be a tad more 'cautious', but they are not about to be 'caged in'. Jan de Koning reports.

NEWS: David Pocock and Israel Folau will return to action for the Wallabies in their World Cup 2015 semifinal against Argentina at Twickenham on Sunday.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: So which team's memorabilia is the most sought after?

England centre Jonathan Joseph will be out of action for three months with a chest injury sustained during the World Cup, his Bath side said Friday.

Nicknames for players are common in the game of rugby with some using it to strike fear in their opponents. However, for some Argentinian players this is certainly not the case.

NEWS: Premiership boss Mark McCafferty insisted there have been no salary cap breaches committed by clubs competing in the English game's top tier.

All Blacks prop Joe Moody may be a Test match baby but South Africa would do well to think twice about giving the former champion wrestler a hard time. 

Australia gave key No.8 David Pocock a final chance to prove his fitness on Friday before naming a team for the World Cup semifinal against Argentina. 

CURRIE CUP FINAL: It once was the biggest game in South Africa, the highlight of the year - to determine the most supreme team in the country.

Members of South Africa's 1995 World Cup-winning team will go on a run through London before Saturday's semifinal against New Zealand at Twickenham.

NEWS: Wales' World Cup star loose forward Taulupe Faletau may well be on his way out of Pro12 outfit Newport Dragons to turn out in the Premiership, if the transfer is approved.

South Africa's Bryan Habana goes into Saturday's World Cup semifinal against New Zealand at Twickenham just one try short of breaking Jonah Lomu's tournament record of 15.

Saturday's World Cup semi final between New Zealand and South Africa will be the 91st clash between two of rugby's fiercest rivals.

WORLD CUP semifinal: rugby365's acclaimed writer Paul Dobson looks at the Battle of the Giants -the All Blacks versus the Springboks.

WORLD CUP SEMIFINAL: Argentina will be looking to break new ground in the rugby world when they face Australia in their World Cup semifinal at Twickenham on Sunday.

Northampton Saints are planning on using all of their squad in their bid for Premiership glory after losing Samu Mano and Salesi Ma'afu to Toulon.

INTERVIEW: For South Africa hooker Bismarck du Plessis facing champions New Zealand in a World Cup semifinal will be a new chance to make good on a childhood dream.

INTERVIEW: The gloves came off ahead of the New Zealand versus South Africa World Cup semifinal.

Jan de Koning en Tauriq Ebrahim gesels rugby - die Wereldbeker-halfeindstryde en die Curriebeker-einfstryd. Dan ios daar ook die Craif Joubert sage.

NEWS: France international flyhalf Frederic Michalak could be out of action for up to three months after tearing a hamstring in his right leg at the World Cup.

INTERVIEW: The Golden Lions almost paid a dear price last week for their lack of focus, but Jaco Kriel has promised the team has made a major 'mindshift'.