All News

REACTION: Waratahs coach Michael Cheika was guarded when asked about the yellow card shown to loose forward Jacques Potgieter.

Selborne and Paarl Gymnasium provided the highlight of the day when the Cape Schools Rugby and Crosscountry Week began at Grey High in Port Elizabeth on Saturday 27 June 2015.

NEWS: The French Rugby Federation confirmed they throw their name in the hat to bid to host the 2023 World Cup.

REACTION: Brumbies coach Stephen Larkham was quick to dismiss his side's travel schedule as an excuse for their semifinal defeat..

NEWS: The selection of eight uncapped players and the return of a further six are the features of the Springbok squad named on Saturday.

REPORT The Highlanders made it an all-New Zealand Super Rugby Final when they beat the Waratahs 35-17 in the semifinal on Saturday.

NEWS: The Southern Kings continued their recruitment drive ahead of their re-entry into Super Rugby next year.

NEWS: Emblematic Basque clubs Biarritz and Bayonne will not be merging, following a resounding "no" vote by the latter.

NEWS: Chris Wyles will captain the United States national team as the Eagles prepare for the World Cup - at a four-match Pacific Nations Cup campaign.

REPORT: The Hurricanes will host a Super Rugby Final for the first time, after they demolished the Brumbies - winning 29-9 in their semifinal.

NEWS: Argentina coach Daniel Hourcade gave an indication of his World Cup line-up when he named his Rugby Championship squad.

REPORT: Argentina got revenge on the French Barbarians when they beat them 21-9 in their second encounter at the La Plata club in Buenos Aires.

NEWS: Sharks director of rugby Gary Gold  will be heading-up the Sharks coaching team for this year’s Currie Cup campaign.

NEWS: The Highlanders were given a timely boost ahead of their Super Rugby semifinal trip to Sydney on Saturday.

Some of the country's most promising youngsters will be in action when the Under-13 Craven Week kicks off on Monday in White River, Mpumalanga.

The annual Bondedag this year will be held in Sasolburg on Saturday, 27 June 2015.

NEWS: The Sharks on Friday confirmed that Springbok loosehead prop Coenie Oosthuizen is on the conveyor belt from Bloemfontein to Durban.

NEWS: Patrick Lambie is likely to follow the Jean de Villiers route back to Springbok selection after a lengthy lay-off.

The All Blacks got together as a squad for the first time and although missing a few players the coaches were delighted with the outcome. 

SARU's Girls' Under-16 Week starts at Langenhoven Gimnasium in Oudtshoorn on Monday, 29 June 2015.

NEWS: Former Great Britian rugby league international Graham Steadman has been appointed as defence coach at the Cardiff Blues. 

Both Argentina and the French Barbarians made multiple changes to their teams for the second and last match.

NEWS:  The Japanese Yen is proving to be extremely luring and has claimed another three Springbok players.

The Waratahs and Highlanders round off the semifinals with the Sydneysiders determined to prove that regular-season points were an aberration.

NEWS: A potential move Newport-Gwent Dragons No 8 Taulupe Faletau to English Premiership team Bath would not hinder his international chances.

Brumbies' wing Henry Speight has ban handed a lifeline after a SANZAR appeals committee ruled that they will hear his appeal on his five-week ban.

Namibia head coach Danie Vermeulen has stepped down from his position less than three months before the team kicks off their World Cup campaign.

The Hurricanes will play the emotional card and invoke the memory of Jerry Collins when they play the Brumbies this weekend.

On Monday, 29 June, the LSEN Craven Week starts in Worcester. (LSEN -Learners with Special Educational Needs). If you have a chance it's an excellent week to go to.

NEWS: Phil Blake has become the first person to be banned by the Rugby Football Union, for breaching rules governing betting and anti-corruption.

PREVIEW: The two early pacesetters in the race for the vital Currie Cup Qualifier top spot, the Leopards and Griquas, will meet on Saturday.

NEWS: The baby daughter of former New Zealand international Jerry Collins has awoken from a coma, the family announced on Thursday.

After many trials, Free State have chosen their three teams for this year's Craven Week, Academy Week and Grant Khomo Week.

On Saturday Heyneke Meyer will give the first indication of which foreign-based players will feature in the World Cup.

NEWS: Bayonne rugby club president Manuel Merin will follow in the footsteps of Biarritz counterpart Serge Blanco and hand in his resignation.

Four of South Africa's six Super Rugby teams are currently looking for a coach, but why do they seem so short on options?

NEWS: Livewire Wales back Liam Williams has undergone foot surgery, leaving him with a potential battle to regain fitness for the World Cup.

After making himself unavailable for the Springboks, lock Flip van der Merwe will line up against South Africa for the World XV at Newlands.

NEWS: Former Welsh international Stephen Jones is returning to his old club the Llanelli Scarlets as backs coach ahead of the 2015/2016 season.

EXCLUSIVE: rugby365 cartoonist Matthew Ackermann, looks at the Stormers - who yet again failed to reach the Super Rugby summit.

The Mpumalanga Rugby Union has chosen four teams for National Weeks - the Under-18 Craven Week, the Academy Week and the Grant Khomo Week.

Western Force Steve Mafi took another step towards representing Tonga in this year’s World Cup after being selected in  the Tongan Pacific Nations Cup squad.

Jan de Koning captured the moment when the 1995 legends returned to the scene of their greatest triumph.

NEWS: The Brumbies will appeal Wallabies wing Henry Speight's five-week ban after the Aussie side felt the player was treated harshly.

NEWS: Loose forward Michael Leitch will be back in Chiefs colours, after signing to return for the 2016 Super Rugby season.

The Waratahs have appointment Chris Malone as assistant coach to Daryl Gibson on a three year contract, to commence with the 2016 season.

Brumbies' coach Stephen Larkham has made only one forced change to his team to tackle the Hurricanes in Saturday's semifinal showdown.

The Waratahs will be without star Wallaby midfielder Kurtley Beale for their Super Rugby semifinal against the Highlanders on Saturday.

NEWS: The Hurricanes will welcome back star flyhalf Beauden Barrett for their semifinal clash against the Brumbies on Saturday.

Highlanders' coach Jamie Joseph has named an unchanged starting XV with the exception of one forced switch for the clash against the Waratahs.

INTERVIEW: It was a day of celebration and remembrance. However, the victorious Springbok team of 1995 also paused to honour some fallen heroes.

INTERVIEW: Former Springbok captain Francois Pienaar believes the class of 2015 can overcome the odds and win the World Cup.

NEWS: Rhys Ruddock will miss the World Cup after a second broken arm in six months cost the Leinster flank a place in the Ireland squad.

NEWS: Frans Ludeke will depart Pretoria a year earlier than anticipated, but believes it is "the right time" to part ways with the Bulls.

Francois Louw is determined to keep hold of his Springbok jersey despite being based overseas in Bath.

There were two incidents in the match between the Highlanders and the Chiefs on Saturday that gave rise to surprising comments by the commentators.

Brumbies prop Scott Sio, if selected, will run out for his 50th Super Rugby match in Saturday’s sudden death Super Rugby semifinal against the Hurricanes.

The Sharks have announced the signing of utility back Wandile Mjekevu on a two-year deal effective from July.

Hurricanes' coach Chris Boyd is backing his loose forward trio to step up in their crunch Super Rugby semifinal against the Brumbies on Saturday.

New Kobe Steelers' coach Allister Coetzee has said that Springbok centre Jaque Fourie is available and keen to play for South Africa at the World Cup.

Quade Cooper's future with the Wallabies has been set back yet again as the flyhalf is battling another shoulder injury ahead of the Rugby Championship.

Lille might not make its ground-breaking bow on the French professional rugby scene next season after its promotion into the second-division ProD2 was refused.

NEWS: Serge Blanco resigned as Biarritz president on Tuesday following his unsuccessful attempt to merge the club with Basque rivals Bayonne.

NEWS: Forgotten All Black scrumhalf Andy Ellis is back in the New Zealand Test selection frame.

NEWS: Brumbies flyer Henry Speight will miss the remainder of the Super Rugby play-offs and Australia's first two Tests of the Rugby Championship.

INTERVIEW: Waratahs flank Stephen Hoiles has warned that the Highlanders pack could cause problems for the defending champions.

NEWS: Organisers of two of New Zealand's most iconic sporting events have joined forces - to deliver two weeks of Sevens, horse racing.

It's the mid-year schools holiday and that means the national weeks, a great opportunity for school players. It is also a great opportunity for referees to gain experience and tuition together.

NEWS: Players and management from the Springboks 1995 World Cup winning squad will celebrate the 20th anniversary of the final.

England coach Stuart Lancaster will wait for the outcome of a police investigation to make a decision on Danny Cipriani's involvement in the World Cup squad.

Lots of schools have not played rugby this last weekend, probably because of exams. But Paarl Boys' High confirmed their No.1 spot.

NEWS: The Eastern Province Kings have lost the services of Springbok prop CJ van der Linde at a crucial time heading into the Currie Cup.

Former Scotland captain Kelly Brown is backing the Springboks to win the World Cup in England later this year.

NEWS: Springbok flyhalf Handre Pollard is the latest on the Japan hit-list after agreeing a deal with NTT Docomo Red Hurricanes post-World Cup. 

NEWS: The outcome of Brumbies' wing Henry Speight's hearing has been delayed by the judicial officer Robert Stelzner.

NEWS: Promoted Top 14 outfit Agen have recruited Irish prop Dave Ryan on a two-year deal from Ulster, the French club said on Tuesday.

This weekend there are the semifinals of Super Rugby - two Australian teams and two Australian teams with a New Zealand referee and a South African referee. It's a big day.

NEWS: England Under-20 No.8 James Chisholm has been voted by fans as the World Rugby U20 Championship Player of the Year.

Watch this massive hit in a New Zealand club game by Harbour backrower Ratu Dawai.

SANZAR has made known the match officials for the semifinals of Super Rugby 2015 They are Craig Joubert and Glen Jackson.

NEWS: Lock forward Dominic Barrow has agreed a move to Leicester Tigers from Premiership rivals Newcastle Falcons ahead of the 2015/16 season.

Brumbies coach Stephen Larkham has taken to the fine art of playing mind games ahead of his team's semifinal with the Hurricanes in Wellington.

NEWS: Waratahs' centre Kurtley Beale is in a race against time to be ready for the Tahs' semifinal meet with the Highlanders in Sydney on Saturday.

NEWS: Three Pumas players are set to miss the whole 2015 Currie Cup campaign through long-term injuries.

NEWS: Former All Black captain Tana Umaga expressed his excitement after being appointed as the Blues new head coach. 

NEWS: New Zealand Rugby and the Crusaders have paid tribute to Norm Berryman, who passed away in Australia aged 42-years-old.

NEWS: Veteran back row forward Imanol Harinordoquy has extended his contract with Toulouse, the Top 14 club's president confirmed Monday.

NEWS: Scotland's preparations for a testing World Cup pool have been kick-started at altitude and included a night under the stars with French military forces.

Cape Schools Week, first held in 1980, starts on Saturday, 27 June 2015, with 10 teams taking part.

NEWS: David Strettle has withdrawn from England's World Cup training squad, ahead of his move to French giants Clermont.

Stormers captain Duane Vermeulen accused Toulon of breaking the confidentiality clause by 'unveiling' him at a media briefing last week.

NEWS: South Africa may have stumbled over the semifinal hurdle, but there is at least one feel-good story to emerge from the U20 World Cup.

These are the results of all the rugby matches between schools on 20 June 2015.

London Welsh has further strengthened its playing squad for next season's Championship campaign with the additions of Brendon Snyman and Thretton Palamo.

Watch as New Zealand beat England 21-16 in the Final of the Under-20 World Cup.

One is a french flyer the other is a mutant.

EXCLUSIVE: It may be some time before it becomes a reality, but rumours of Dawie Theron's departure are bubbling under the surface.

Kearsney ended their rugby season on a high beating Clifton 66-10 in a highly entertaining match in Botha's Hill, coinciding with Founders’ weekend which attracted a good crowd on a perfect wintry afternoon.

A physical encounter for both Muir and Grey Blues took place on a superb winter's morning in Port Elizabeth and saw the Grey Blues ran out winners 28-15. The Muir side trailed narrowly 10-18 at the break.

Maritzburg College managed to claim a narrow 16-12 victory over rivals Westville in a Classic Clash that also celebrated Reunion Day at Goldstones.

The Balgowan leg of the Michaelhouse vs Hilton Derby was another positive day for open age group rugby at Michaelhouse.

The tide of South Africans heading abroad continues as Marcell Coetzee is the latest to ink a deal in Japan, utilising the grace period after the World Cup.

NEWS: There were two different paths to the All Blacks' training squad for James Broadhurst and Nehe-Milner Skudder. 

Waratahs flyhalf Bernard Foley has urged the Sydney supporters to roll into Allianz Stadium to back his side when they meet the Highlanders  on Saturday.

NEWS: The South African Rugby Union Sevens Academy team followed their Roma Sevens triumph a week ago with another title.

NEWS: A total of 35 players from the Dewar Shield competition have been selected in the Melbourne Rising’s 2015 extended training squad.

With only four teams to choose from positions were still tightly contested by the winning sides in rugby365's team of the week.

NEWS: Hurricanes head coach Chris Boyd is confident the bye week has given them enough time to address line-out problems ahead of the semifinals.

Major Australian media outlets said on Monday they will boycott this year's World Cup over "unreasonable" coverage restrictions on video match highlights.

A beautifully crisp, cloudless morning encouraged a sizeable crowd to turn out for what turned out to be a nail-biter of epic proportions.

Before Saturday there may well have been an argument about who of Paarl Boys High and Paul Roos was the better.

Following their bronze medal success the Junior Springboks will be the third ranked team for the 2016 edition of the Under-20 World Cup.

WRAP: It was a weekend of home wins in the Currie Cup Qualifier as the Griffons, Griquas and the Leopards came out tops in their respective matches.

After comfortably defeating the Stormers in a Super Rugby play-off game on Saturday the Brumbies now face challenging travels ahead of their semifinal.

There are some big results this week - Paarl Boys' High's big win over Paul Roos and Paarl Gim's  close victory over Oakdale.

Queensland Rugby Union (QRU) have withdrawn from negotiations with Quade Cooper due to unreasonable demands from his management.

The Chiefs will be without a host of players next season including captain Liam Messam who will play Sevens in a bid to make the Olympics.

The Highlanders will be without loose forward Dan Pryor in their Super Rugby semifinal against the defending champions Waratahs in Sydney.

His team might have been outplayed by the Brumbies at Newlands, but Allister Coetzee is proud of what he achieved as Stormers coach.

The All Blacks selectors gave their first hint of World Cup thinking, naming five new faces in an enlarged 41-man squad.

REPORT: Argentina's World Cup preparations hit a speed-bump when they lost 22-28 to a French Barbarians side in Rosario on Saturday.

NEWS: Embattled Italy's training for the World Cup will resume after cool-the-air talks with Italian Rugby Federation officials led to a resolution.

Two of South Africa's oldest schools met in a Classic Clash up in Newlands on a magnificent winter's day, and SACS  beat Wynberg 22-5.

NEWS: Brumbies wing Henry Speight runs the risk of missing his team's semifinal showdown with the Hurricanes next week.

WRAP: New Zealand ended a three-year trophy drought at the Under-20 World Cup when they beat England 21-16 in the Final  on Saturday.

NEWS: The race for the Super Rugby title is down to four - with back-to-back trans-Tasman semifinals to be played next Saturday, June 27.

REPORT: The Brumbies advanced to the Super Rugby play-offs, where they will meet the Hurricanes next week, after humiliating the Stormers.

REACTION: Chiefs coach Dave Rennie admitted that the Highlanders had a clear edge over them in Super Rugby this year.

NEWS: Waratahs head coach Michael Cheika  will have to improve his team's scrum ahead of their semifinal next week.

REPORT: The Highlanders reached Super Rugby's semifinals for the first time in 13 years, after they edged the Chiefs 24-14 on Saturday.

NEWS: New Zealand coach Scott Robertson made one change to the starting 15 for the Under-20 World Cup Final.

Will Houston of Australia will referee the Final of World Rugby's Under-20 Championship between England and New Zealand in Cremona, Northern Italy.

The England Under-20 side that will play the final against New Zealand will be the same team that convincingly beat South Africa

Matt Toomua has proved his fitness ahead of tomorrow’s Super Rugby qualifier against the Stormers in Cape Town and will start the match for the Brumbies.

NEWS: Ireland Under-20 head coach Nigel Carolan has made five changes to the side that lost two Wales for their play-off for seventh place against Scotland.

NEWS: Connacht have signed  Ireland-qualified rugby league star Api Pewhairangi. 

The Junior Springboks have freshened up their starting fifteen to play France on Saturday by making five changes to the starting XV.

NEWS: Springbok Pierre Spies has revealed that he was regarded as surplus to requirements at the Bulls, which is why he is heading to France.

NEWS: Wales Under-20 coaching co-ordinator Allan Lewis says his team is looking forward to their fifth-place play-off clash against Australia

Yoh! This is a big one - No.1 against No.2, Paarl Boys' High vs Paul Roos on Boys' High's ground in Paarl this Saturday.

France legend Emile Ntamack has joined Bordeaux Begles as backline coach on a three-year deal, the Top 14 club announced on Friday.

We caught up New Zealand Under-20 stars Jack and Joshua Goodhue.

The Under-20 World Cup competition reaches its climax on Saturday, with what many believe is going to be one of the best finals ever.

One combats on the field for the Stormers, the other is from Mortal Kombat 2

NEWS: Argentina Jaguars and Romania will go head-to-head for the Nations Cup 2015 title in Bucharest on Saturday.

NEWS: The Stormers will till wait just before the game to make a call on whether flank Schalk Burger will play a role in the game or not.

NEWS: The Melbourne Rebels have been sold to a locally-based sports management company, which is headed by a New Zealander. 

NEWS: The Wallabies will play England in a blockbuster three-Test series in Australia in June 2016, the Australian Rugby Union announced on Friday.

The Highlanders will hope that home ground advantage will see them advance to Super Rugby's semifinals for the first time in more than a decade.

NEWS: Uncertainty exists around All Blacks prop Charlie Faumuina's involvement in the international rugby season.

PREVIEW: Penalty kicks could be the name of the game as the Stormers prepare to host the Brumbies at Newlands on Saturday.

NEWS: John Kirwan has resigned his role as head coach of the Blues, with Tana Umaga is tipped to take over on a three-year deal.

COMMENT; South Africa want to finish the Under-20 World Cup on a winning note, when they face France on Saturday in the play-off for third place.

REACTION: Stormers boss Gert Smal was not happy with Toulon's behaviour, which is a major distraction ahead of their Super Rugby play-off date.

One of the great school derbies is a keen rivalry that happens twice a year, at the end of the second term at Bishops and at the end of the third term at Rondebosch.

SACS have the chance to secure their first Triple Crown when they host Wynberg in a Classic Clash in Newlands on Saturday.

Springbok captain Jean de Villiers is convinced national coach Heyneke Meyer and his brains trust have thoroughly prepared for the World Cup.

NEWS:The Namibian Rugby Union on Thursday named a 50-man preliminary training squad from which 31 will be selected for the RWC.

NEWS: Glasgow Warriors are continuing to build for next season and have announced a quartet of new deals.

NEWS: Defending champions Brisbane City will host Perth Spirit in Round One of this year's Australian National Rugby Championships.

NEWS: Stormers coach Allister Coetzee did not hesitate to bring out the big guns for his team's encounter with the Brumbies on Saturday.

REACTION: The Brumbies may have named an unchanged line-up to take on the Stormers, but an injury cloud still hovers over two players.

NEWS: There was immense excitement at the conclusion of the 2015/2016 European Challenge Cup draw.

After their memorable win over St Andrew's last weekend, Kingswood face another big test when they travel to Uitenhage to play Brandwag in a shortened Eastern Province schools rugby programme.

SACS captain Jordan Chait is hoping his team can finally get a win over Wynberg, something they have not achieved in the last three seasons.

With the announcement of the pool draws for the Champions Cup appetites have been wet for next season's European showdown.

The Brumbies have named an unchanged line-up for the blockbuster elimination game against the Stormers at Newlands on Saturday.

PREVIEW: The Leopards and Cavaliers will be determined to build winning momentum in Round Two of the Currie Cup qualifier on Saturday.

EPISODE 10: The team hands out their brickbats and bouquets in their season-finale of the #Latetackle365 show.

NEWS: The United States of America Sevens team won't be afraid of the added firepower of All Blacks players from the fifteens squad.

Chiefs' coach Dave Rennie has mad a number of positional changes to his team to take on the Highlanders on Saturday, most notably in the centres.

NEWS: Highlanders coach Jamie Joseph welcomed back several key players for their encounter with the Chiefs in Dunedin on Saturday.

NEWS: Ahead of his 100th Super Rugby match on Saturday, hooker Hika Elliot has re-signed  with the Chiefs for another two years.

NEWS: Josh Jones has turned his back on Rugby League side St Helens and opted for Rugby Union club Exeter.

Brumbies flyhalf Christian Lealiifano knows that his kicking will have to be spot-on against the Stormers at Newlands on Saturday.

NEWS: Blue Bulls Currie Cup coach Nollis Marais will lean on the 'expertise' of David Manuel and Pine Pienaar.

Talented United States Eagles forward Cameron Dolan is to join Cardiff Blues after agreeing a deal to move to Arms Park.

NEWS: Triple winners Toulon face a tough pool, featuring English sides Bath and Wasps, and three-times former winners Leinster.

NEWS: The two highest-profile matches on the European club calendar will be staged in France.

NEWS: Outstanding loose forward Brendon O'Connor was voted the Blues' Most Valuable Player and the Players' Player of the Year.

INTERVIEW: The Stormers back three of Seabelo Senatla, Dillyn Leyds and Cheslin Kolbe are preparing for a barrage of Brumbies kicks.

INTERVIEW: Wallaby coach Michael Cheika has fuelled the flame surrounding the international eligibility of Waratahs star Taqele Naiyaravoro.

The Welsh Rugby Union have acquired the services of highly respected and experienced fitness expert Paul Stridgeon as consultant Head of Physical Performance.

NEWS: World Cup winning coach Jake White has formally welcomed the Du Plessis brothers, Jannie and Bismarck, to his French club Montpellier.

NEWS: All Black legend Jonah Lomu paid tribute to Jerry Collins' last act of heroism as thousands mourned the ex-New Zealand flank.

NEWS: Italy's World Cup preparations are back on track after players and the national federation (FIR) reached an agreement over bonuses.

EXCLUSIVE: rugby365 cartoonist Matthew Ackermann, looks at all the Super Rugby coaches heading out the exit door.

The United States of America Eagles have named a 50-man training squad as part of their preparations for the upcoming World Cup.

Brumbies prop Ben Alexander knows that the front row have their work cut out at Newlands against the Stormers this weekend.

Day of the two-day tournament at Hoërskool Langenhoven saw four Southern Coastal Provinces descend on the school as part of their preparation.

NEWS: Top 14 side Oyonnax will be the first French side to play on a synthetic pitch next season, the Rhone-Alpes club confirmed on Tuesday.

NEWS: Western Force flyhalf Zack Holmes has signed a two-year deal with French club La Rochelle, the Top 14 club announced on Tuesday.

There is just one change this week as schools in the Free State and the Western Cape have had the extra-long weekend off.

Despite not having Duane Vermeulen's presence on defence, Siya Kolisi believes the various "area leaders" will be at their best to take control.

NEWS: Former All Black and Highlanders wing Jeff Wilson believes his former team can go the way in this year's Super Rugby edition.

Bulls flank Pieter Labuschagne will miss the first warm-up match of his team's Currie Cup campaign against the Eastern Province Kings on July 17.

Following England's semifinal victory over South Africa on Monday, the RFU received more good news that they will be the hosts of the U20 World Cup 2016.

EPCR chairman Simon Halliday believes tomorrow's pool draws for the Champions Cup and Challenge Cup in Neuchatel will be the strongest in the history of European rugby.

It is not wholesome but not unusual for a rugby player to assault a referee. But when the player ins in an Under-12 match and the player is an 11-year-old it is unusual enough to be unique.

NEWS: Departing Waratahs scrumhalf Brendan McKibbin has indicated he would accept any opportunity to play Test rugby for Scotland.

Playing with a man down twice against England left South Africa with too much to do as they went down 20-28 to the defending champions in the U20 World Cup semifinal.

The last time the Brumbies entered the Newlands arena it was a spiteful encounter and this weekend may be no different.

Springbok flyhalf Pat Lambie will have limited opportunities to find form ahead of the World Cup later this year.

NZRU are celebrating another re-signing with impressive All Blacks and Chiefs flank Sam Cane committing to the national body and his Super Rugby team until 2017.

NEWS: The three-month-old daughter of former New Zealand international Jerry Collins remains in a stable but "worrying" condition.

NEWS: The Crusaders have appointed former Eastern Province Kings coach Brad Mooar to their coaching team for 2016.  

South Africa and Stormers No.8 Duane Vermeulen has signed for European Champions Toulon, club president Mourad Boudjellal said on Monday.

Hilton hosted Kearsney on the return leg of a double header on a beautiful afternoon ideal for rugby. Hilton proved very motivated as they were keen to reverse the result in March when Kearsney were victorious in Botha’s Hill. This time Hilton won 24-10.

The Western Cape and the Free State gave up interschool rugby in favour of a long weekend to celebrate Youth Day.

In the Under-18 Craven Week section of the Southern Coastal tournament at Langenhoven Gim in Oudtshoorn, Eastern Province and South Western Districts beat Boland and Western Province.

WRAP: England will play New Zealand in the Final of the Under-20 World Cup on Saturday, after they both recorded convincing semifinal victories.

The Brumbies are following protocol regarding the concussion of flank David Pocock in the hopes that he will be available for their must-win game against the Stormers.

NEWS: Wasps confirmed the signing of Samoan tighthead James Johnston from Saracens adding to their list of recruitments ahead of the 2015/16 season.

Some impressive rugby was seen coming out of the New Zealand camps this weekend with 10 of the 15 places up for grabs claimed by Kiwi players.

Michaelhouse were most impressive as their intensity and cohesion drive them to a 34-8 win over the usual winners, Maritzburg College at College. The win establishes Michaelhouse 1st XV as the top team in KwaZulu-Natal.

NEWS: Stormers captain Duane Vermeulen has not improved significantly enough to feature in the first round of Super Rugby play-offs.

Sevens Academy head coach Marius Schoeman expressed his satisfaction with the performance of his South African outfit at the Roma Sevens 

On Saturday 13 June 2015 the Glenwood 1st XV took on their local rival Port Natal and won 72-14 at Glenwood.

NEWS: The Hurricanes are sweating on the fitness of two key backline members for their Super Rugby semifinal on Saturday week.

NEWS: Italy's World Cup preparations got off on the wrong foot, when players refused to take part in the first training session in a row over pay.

NEWS: All Black centre Malakai Fekitoa heads the list of key players set to return for the Highlanders' Super Rugby play-off match against the Chiefs.

NEWS: The Chiefs will be without star scrumhalf Augustine Pulu when they take on the Highlanders in the preliminary Super Rugby play-offs.

Waratahs head coach Michael Cheika wants to get his team's line-out working better as he waits to see who they will face in their home semifinal.

NEWS: Leinster have confirmed two further appointments to their senior coaching staff for the 2015/16 season

NEWS: SARU president Oregan Hoskins paid tribute to former African Springbok legend, Thompson "Sandi" Magxala, who passed away in Khayelitsha

Willeboer can see light at the end of the tunnel as he went 1.75 points clear of second place.

The World Rugby Under-20 Championship has now reached semifinals in Northern Italy.

NEWS: Stormers fullback Robert du Preez and Sharks centre Andre Esterhuizen have both been handed lengthy suspensions for dangerous tackles

NEWS: French club Clermont have signed All Black wing Hosea Gear on a two-year deal from the Chiefs.

Sharks Director of Rugby Gary Gold said it will not be easy to replace the outgoing stalwarts in Durban however they have a plan within their structures.

NEWS: The United States of America Sevens side will defend their Olympic rugby crown next year after defeating Canada 21-5 on Sunday

NEWS: Brad Macleod-Henderson has become the first casualty as the Sharks look to revamp their coaching structures.

Australia Under-20 head coach Adrian Thompson has made four changes to his starting XV to take on Scotland in the Under-20 World Cup Fifth place playoff.

NEWS: A plan to stage a match between New Zealand's Crusaders Knights and English Premiership club Saracens has been cancelled.

South Africa face England and New Zealand are up against France in the semifinals of the Under-20 World Cup on Monday.

Cheetahs coach Franco Smith says his side are still adapting to the high-tempo style he wants them to play.

Frans Ludeke believes that the adversity the Bulls faced this season will have a positive impact on the team for the future.

Stormers coach Allister Coetzee believes his side is in much better shape for the play-offs than in previous years.

Rikus Bothma comes in for Jacques Vermeulen in the only change to the Junior Springbok starting line-up to face England on Monday.

The Leopards and Boland Cavaliers took an early lead in the Currie Cup Qualifier as they both secured bonus-point victories in the opening round.

Blues front row legends Keven Mealamu and Tony Woodcock ended their Super Rugby careers on a sour note with a heavy defeat to the Highlanders.

It is a long weekend and so there is less rugby than usual, as preparation for the four national weeks next month continues.

Four penalties by Springbok flyhalf Morne Steyn saw Stade Francais pip Clermont 12-6 to claim the Top 14 title on Saturday.

Wallabies coach Michael Cheika said that overseas-based players will not be part of his Rugby Championship training squad.

Sharks centre Andre Esterhuizen and Stormers utility back Robert du Preez have both been cited for dangerous tackles.

Sonny Bill Williams has been issued with a Citing Commissioner Warning for a dangerous tackle.

In a tryless Final of the Top 14, France's championship, on Saturday night, Stade Français beat Clermont Auvergne 12-6, four kicks to two kicks.

REPORT: The Sharks were too strong for the Stormers as they ran out 34-12 winners in a fitting send-off for departing Sharks' players.

NEWS: The Bulls confirmed that Frans Ludeke will step down from his position as Super Rugby and Currie Cup head coach with immediate effect. 

REPORT: The Cheetahs won a Super Rugby match in Pretoria for the first time with a 42-29 triumph over the Bulls.

REPORT: The Cheetahs outplayed the Bulls 42-29 in a high-scoring affair at Loftus Versfeld on Saturday.

REPORT: The Cheetahs outplayed the Bulls 42-29 in a high-scoring affair at Loftus Versfeld on Saturday.

REPORT: The Cheetahs outplayed the Bulls 42-29 in a high-scoring affair at Loftus Versfeld on Saturday.

REPORT: The Hurricanes showed just why they are the tournament leaders as they fought-off a hopeful Chiefs team 21-13 in New Plymouth.

REPORT: The Waratahs have secured a home semifinal after they defeated the Reds 31-7 in a sloppy Sydney encounter.

REPORT: The Crusaders sent two of their legends off with an emotional victory in Canberra as they beat the Brumbies 37-24.

It's summer in Paris and the place to be this Saturday is at Stade de France in the northern suburb of St Denis. St Denis, the first Bishop of Paris, a martyr, is the patron saint of Paris.

Camille Lopez will start Saturday's French Top 14 final for Clermont against Stade Francais instead of Brock James despite the Australian's semifinal heroics.

NEWS: Former France captain Fabien Pelous has been named as sporting director of Top 14 giants Toulouse.

This weekend Glenwood play the 1st XVs of three different schools - Port Natal, George Campbell and the KwaZulu-Natal Development XV. They are grabbing their chance to play rugby when many in South Africa are taking relaxed advantage of the Youth Day long weekend.

Maritzburg College, for so long enthroned at the head of KwaZulu-Natal rugby, has worn an uneasy crown of late and, strangely as it may seem to those of yesteryear, is challenged for top spot by Michaelhouse who will descend on Pietermaritzburg from lofty Balgowan. The match may well decide who is the top side in KwaZulu-Natal.

It's a huge day in Grahamstown when Neighbour plays Neighbour, Anglicans meet Methodists, St Andrew's vs Kingswood, a match that has been played since 1898, when Kingswood just four years old.

After enjoying a training-free day on Thursday, the Junior Springboks resumed their Under-20 World Cup preparations on Friday in Parma, Italy.

EXCLUSIVE: There will be at least four new Super Rugby coaches in SA in 2016, while the Southern Kings are also still in the market.

NEWS: Ireland Under-20 captain Nick McCarthy has been ruled out of the remainder of the World Rugby Under-20 Championship.

NEWS: European champions Toulon have signed Australian international prop Salesi Ma'afu from Northampton on a two-year deal.

Wales Under-20 have been dealt a cruel blow ahead of their play-off match against Ireland in the Under-20 World Cup.

The British and Irish Lions have appointed Charlie McEwen as the new Chief Operating Officer. 

REPORT: The Western Force ended their season on a winning note, beating the Rebels 13-11 in a dour match in Melbourne on Friday.

NEWS: The Blue Bulls Company on Friday confirmed that there will be a mass exodus from Loftus Versfeld after this weekend.

Having named a second-string team to face the Sharks, the Stormers have everything to gain in Durban this weekend.

REPORT: The Highlanders advanced their cause for a homeground advantage in Super Rugby's preliminary round of play-offs.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: We give you a reminder of how it will work in the Super Rugby play-offs to separate teams that are level on competition points.

NEWS: The Reds have secured flank Liam Gill on a one-year contract extension, keeping him with the Queensland-based franchise for the 2016 season.

A group of New Zealand internationals performed a haka tribute at the spot where former teammate Jerry Collins was killed in a car crash last week.

The focus will be on the Australian conference as the defending champion Waratahs and the Brumbies chase maximum points.

Selborne College of East London dominate the Border Craven Week side bound for Stellenbosch in the second week of July.

Most of Grahamstown will come to a standstill on Saturday (13 June 2015) as one of the biggest derbies in South African schools rugby takes place when the city's two private institutions, St Andrew's and Kingswood, meet in their annual showdown.

NEWS: Cardiff Blues confirmed that former Wales Under-20 coach Danny Wilson will join the club as head coach on a three-year contract.

NEWS: Namibia will play two test matches against Russia in July as part of their preparations for the Rugby World Cup

In preparation for the various national weeks four unions will be attending a tournament in Oudsthoorn for their Craven Week, Academy Week, Grant Khomo Week and Under-13 Craven Week teams.

INTERVIEW: The Du Plessis brothers, Bismarck and Jannie, may not move to the Jake White-coached French club Montpellier after all.

REACTION: The Junior Boks will remain grounded despite their emphatic win against Australia on Wednesday.  

The battle for the last available position in the Currie Cup Premier Division will begin on Friday, as six of the seven teams go-head to-head.

NEWS: Nizaam Carr will lead the Stormers into action when they face up to the Sharks in the final round of Super Rugby league action on Saturday.

NEWS: The Crusaders have re-signed a number of their current players who come off contract at the end of this season.

NEWS: Bulls coach Frans Ludeke made four changes to his starting team that will face the Cheetahs in their final Super Rugby clash of the season.

NEWS: The Western Force are determined to give veteran lock Sam Wykes a winning send-off when they play the Rebels.

There has been much unhappiness amongst the top Western Province schools at the way the bench has been used, especially by Paul Roos.

NEWS: Reds head coach Richard Graham has made one change to his starting side to take on the Waratahs in Sydney this weekend.

Pascal Gauzere referees his first Final in the French Championship on Sunday, the newest in a line of referees stretching back, war breaks apart, to 1892.

Wallabies Will Skelton and Tatafu Polotu-Nau have returned to the Waratahs starting line-up ahead of their meeting with old rivals the Reds in Sydney.

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

NEWS: Rebels coach Tony McGahan has named an unchanged side for his team's final match of the Super Rugby season.

Paris is the place to be on Sunday when the annual invasion takes place for the Final of the Championship, the Final of France's Top 14.

NEWS: The Hurricanes will be without the services of All Black flyhalf Beauden Barrett against the Chiefs after the playmaker picked up a calf strain.

NEWS: Springboks Marcell Coetzee and Willem Alberts return for the Sharks for their final Super Rugby match of the season, when they host the Stormers.

NEWS: The Chiefs have made multiple changes to the team that beat the Reds last weekend for their important final round clash with the Hurricanes.

NEWS: Crusaders head coach Todd Blackadder as made five changes to the starting fifteen or his team's final game of 2015 against the Brumbies.

NEWS: The Brumbies will field an unchanged starting XV, when they take on the Crusaders in their final Super Rugby league match of the season.

NEWS: Michael Hooper, one of two preferred candidates to lead Australia at the World Cup, took a step closer to the captaincy role at the Wallabies.

NEWS: The Highlanders will go into their decisive Super Rugby encounter with the Blues without the services of star All Black Malakai Fekitoa.

WRAP: The dream of winning the U20 World Cup remains alive for South Africa, New Zealand, France and England after the climax of the pool stage.

There will passion and drama aplenty on the opening day in the final round of Super Rugby league action. Jan de Koning reports.

Racing-Metro head coaches Laurent Labit and Laurent Travers have extended their contracts at the French Top 14 club until 2019.

Willie le Roux will start at fullback for the Cheetahs in his last ever game for the Free-State franchise as they take on the Bulls at Loftus Versfeld on Saturday.

Courtesy of the FoxSport team we bring you the top five tries from front row forwards.

One is a an All Black hero, the other is a comic hero.

One is a major rugby player, the other is seeking an elusive major.

With the International season looming upon us, Australia head coach Michael Cheika has seemingly already decided on his Wallaby captain.

INTERVIEW: There may be an unpleasant surprise waiting for the Stormers in Durban on Saturday, whether they send their A or B team.

NEWS: Australia's fans have taken to social media to voice their opinions on the design of their newly launched jersey.

We go to New Zealand this week for a match report on a match involving Sir John Kirwan's old school, De La Salle College of Auckland, a match which his old school won more comfortably than expected.

NEWS: All Black centre Malakai Fekitoa remains a cloud a doubt hanging over the Highlanders' head as he is yet to recover from a groin injury.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Namibia have selected their team for Friday's Nations Cup opener against Argentina's Jaguars in Bucharest.

EXCLUSIVE: rugby365 cartoonist Matthew Ackermann, looks at what the future holds for Bulls coach Frans Ludeke.

Eduan van der Walt has been admitted to a Pretoria hospital following a relapse of Guillain-Barré Syndrome, following the Pumas' Vodacom Cup triumph.

The St Andrew’s College enjoyed a very successful weekend away from home against Queen’s College when the 1st XV beat Queen's 38-32.

NEWS: Springbok Jaco Taute could be the major benefactor if Stormers coach Allister Coetzee rests some players for the Sharks match.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: The Blues have plenty to play for in their final Super Rugby match of the season, against the Highlanders on Friday.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Australian go head-to head with South Africa at the Under-20 World Cup, with first place in Pool B up for grabs.

Again we publish them in the order in which we receive them and again we tip our hats to the schools who send in their results when they have been hammered just as they do when they have done the hammering.

NEWS: The embattled Bulls suffered another blow with the news that midfielder Jan Serfontein has not recovered sufficiently from his knee injury.

Defending champions England, France, South Africa, Australia, New Zealand and Ireland are all in contention to reach the semifinals.

The likely return from injury of Matt Toomua means the Brumbies will have their twin strike power back when they face the Crusaders.

It's a quiet time at present - the quiet before storms break out with Tests all over the world and then the World Cup.

The three-month-old daughter of All Black great Jerry Collins, who died last week alongside his wife Alana Madill in a road accident, remains in a "worrying" state.

FEATURE: The 2015 World Cup in England will be, in economic terms, the most successful in the tournament's 28-year history.

Wales Under-20 will not be taking their final World Rugby Under-20 Championship Pool match against Japan likely.

South Africa Under-20 head coach Dawie Theron has made one change in the forward pack and two in the backline for their clash against Australia.

Probably the most interesting result this week was Helpmekaar's victory over Jeppe, unranked over 15th ranked.

The Stormers are South African conference champions and will host a Super Rugby play-off match at Newlands this season - either on June 20 or June 27.

Forwards Ellis Genge and James Chisholm have reclaimed their places in the England Under-20 side ahead of their Pool A decider against France.

Connacht have announced that that former player Jimmy Duffy will be their new forwards coach ahead of the 2015/2016 season.

New Zealand Under-20 coach Scott Robertson has urged his team to work on their mental skills for their final pool game of the Under-20 World Cup.

Melborne Rebels centre Tamati Ellison has been ruled out of his team's final match of the season against the Western Force in Melbourne on Friday. 

NEWS: It has now been confirmed that Bismarck and Jannie du Plessis as well as Willem Alberts will be playing their final match for the Sharks on Saturday.

The New Zealand selection headache for the openside flank position is mounting after Sam Cane cleaned up at the 2015 Chiefs awards in Hamilton.

Tendai Mtawarira says that the Sharks will have plenty to play for against the Stormers this weekend as they bid goodbye to a trio of Springboks.

Chiefs' midfielder Anton Lienert-Brown has been called into the New Zealand Under-20 squad in Italy for the Under-20 World Cup. 

NEWS: All Black and Crusaders prop Wyatt Crockett has signed a new three-year deal keeping him in New Zealand and at the Crusaders until 2018.

NEWS: The Golden Lions Rugby Union moved quickly to dismiss media speculation that backline coach Swys de Bruin was leaving the franchise.

REACTION: The NRFL, a rebel organisation aiming to launch a professional league in the US, has fallen foul of the national controlling body.

NEWS: Stormers captain Duane Vermeulen has been cleared to play in he Super Rugby play-offs, which gets underway in just under a fortnight.

NEWS: Top 14 club Brive have bolstered their ranks by signing South African second row forward Johan Snyman from Llanelli.

FREEBIE: rugby365 and Vodacom have combined to give five lucky readers a chance to win tickets to Loftus Versfeld on Saturday..

UNDER-20 WORLD CUP: South Africa Under-20 captain Hanro Liebenberg wants a better all-round performance from his team when they face Australia.

NEWS: Springbok lock Bakkies Botha, who announced his retirement from the game, will make one last appearance in South Africa.

INJURY UPDATE: The Stormers are still awaiting news on the extent of captain and Springbok No.8 Duane Vermeulen's neck injury.

Wallabies prop Ben Alexander says the Brumbies can win the Super Rugby title regardless of where they finish in the top six.

OPINION: Retired record-breaking referee Jonathan Kaplan has once again taken aim at his fellow officials, about rampant incompetence.

Wallabies and Waratahs fullback Israel Folau says he feels fine physically despite a gruelling schedule after emerging from a rare lull in form.

The honours were dominated by a handful of teams with only seven of the 14 sides represented in rugby365's team of the week.

Kearsney showed their class when they outscored Northwood by five tries to two in their 36-14 Classic Clash win in Durban on Saturday.

NEWS: Leicester Tigers have been forced to cancel a ground-breaking match in America during the off-season.

Wallabies No.8 Ben McCalman may be in doubt for the start of the Rugby Championship after being diagnosed with a fractured cheekbone.

A full house round of successful predictions was spoilt with the near-impossible call to make when the Stormers and Lions drew

REACTION: Australia Under-20 will have a lot of improving to do if they are going to beat South Africa in their final pool game.   

REACTION: England Under-20 head coach Jon Callard said they achieved their objective with their bonus point win against Wales. 

REACTION: Stormers coach Allister Coetzee felt it was time for his team's detractors to back off and give the Cape Town franchise some credit.

REACTION: The Lions will continue to invest in their youth, as they continue the upwards curve they have shown in Super Rugby and Currie Cup.

Paul Roos Gimnasium, in their 150th year, easily accounted for hosts the South African College High School (SACS) by 39 points to eight (Half-time: 27-3).

At Brug Street in Paarl, the hometeam Paarl Boys' High once again gave a five star performance in their runaway, 62-14 victory over their visitors from Wynberg.

Hoërskool Monument of Krugersdorp went down to Durban for an interschools meeting against Glenwood and won 21-8, their fifth victory in six years.

REACTION: The Bulls have already moved on from yet another howler by match officials, which cost them victory against the Rebels.

REACTION: The Rebels relied on their growing maturity to overcome a desperate Bulls side in their Super Rugby outing at the weekend.

UNDER-20 WORLD CUP: South African have turned their attention to their decisive pool match against Australia, on Wednesday.

REACTION: Toulon boss Mourad Boudjellal took aim at the Stade Bordeaux spectators for showing "disrespect" to one of the game's greatest players.

NEWS: Chiefs coach Dave Rennie will be forced to rest star loose forward Sam Cane when they take on the Hurricanes.

REACTION: Late All Black great Jerry Collins' tragic death in a car crash last Friday was marked by a silent march by around 1500 people.

NEWS: Highlanders coach Jamie Joseph is facing some serious selection posers in the wake of his team's humiliation at the hands of the Hurricanes.

REPORT: Namibia started the next level of their preparations for the World Cup with a hard-fought 22-14 win over Tunisia.

WRAP: Recent results have been weird. At least to older folk. rugby365 brings you all the weekend's schools action!

NEWS: The Sharks are continuing to raid the ranks of the Cheetahs, with loose forward Philip van der Walt the latest capture.

NEWS: Even with the Top 14 Final looming, the French media rumour mill has gone into overdrive about players heading north for the next season.

WRAP: Another day of drama came to a close and Argentina almost pulled off an upset against New Zealand in Round Two of the Under-20 World Cup.

NEWS: The Stormers went to great lengths to play down the sudden withdrawal of injured captain Duane Vermeulen. Jan de Koning reports.  

REPORT: Australian flyhalf Brock James came off the bench to kick a penalty and drop goal as Clermont turned in a late burst to defeat Toulouse 18-14. 

Stormers' hopes of securing a home semifinal were dented on Saturday when they drew 19-19 with Lions in a Cape Town thriller.

The Waratahs have claimed the top spot in the Australian Conference with an emphatic 58-33 trouncing over the Cheetahs in Bloemfontein.

The Chiefs booked a place in the Super Rugby play-offs with a convincing 24-3 victory against the Reds in Brisbane.

The Crusaders cruised to a 34-11 bonus point victory over the Blues at Eden Park to keep their play-off hopes alive.  

Two of South Africa's top rugby schools meet again when Glenwood host Monument of Krugersdorp in Durban on Saturday in a Premier Interschools match.

Some off the best moments of the past week in Super Rugby.

The Bulls saw their play-off hopes disappear with a 21-20 defeat against the Rebels in Melbourne on Saturday.

Former All Black Jerry Collins, killed in a car crash in France, was remembered by the world rugby fraternity as a bone crusher with a big heart.  

INTERVIEW: Lions coach Johan Ackermann will be buoyed by weather predictions for Cape Town on Saturday, as it may well aid his team.

NEWS: South Africa have put together  high-profile delegtion for the first stage of their bid to host the World Cup in 2023.

South Africa has already made it known that they will bid to host the 2023 World Cup and now their opposition have been revealed.

England skipper Charlie Ewels insisted his team will require better concentration and accuracy when they face Wales at the Under-20 World Cup.

Following the conclusion of the Sevens World Series Marcus Watson and Jeff Williams are returning to the 15-a-side game signing for Newcastle Falcons and Bath respectively.

South Africa twins Dan Du Preez and Jean-Luc du Preez will pack down together for the first time in Italy as the team prepare for a physical onslaught from Samoa.

Driehoek continued their Classic Clash dominance over Dr Malan with a 27-14 victory in Vanderbijlpark on Saturday.

Ireland Under-20 head coach Nigel Carolan has made four changes to the side that overcame Argentina for their second pool game against Scotland on Saturday.

Monument have answered the Golden Lions call with 11 of their players making it into the province's Craven Week squad of 22.

REPORT: The Brumbies secured their place in Super Rugby's play-offs when they beat a pitiful Western Force team 33-20 in Perth on Friday.

England have made four changes to the side that beat Japan for their second Under-20 World Cup match against Wales in Calvisano on Saturday

Duane Vermeulen knows that he will have to be at his best if he is to get the better of Lions skipper and No.8 Warren Whiteley at Newlands.

Wynberg Boys' High go off to Paarl to play Paarl Boys' High as winter has finally arrived in the Cape with its rain, cold with snow on the mountains and the break of beautiful, clear, windless days.

The Wales Under-20 team has two changes from the side that lost to France for their Round Two encounter against England.

Some people have been up in arms about the placement of the Springbok logo on the sleeve of the jersey for the World Cup.

INTERVIEW: Bulls coach Frans Ludeke this week stood his ground, amidst rumours of a mass players exodus and speculation over his own future.

Northwood will be hoping to upset the apple cart when they welcome Kearsney for their Classic Clash on Saturday.  

Jeppe go across to Helpmekaar on Saturday for 12 matches.

REPORT: The Hurricanes secured top spot on the Super Rugby standings, with a week of the regular season still to go.

Springbok captain Jean de Villiers has made a few comebacks from major injury in his career, and says this one has been the easiest.   

A young Canterbury club player has been banned from all rugby for two years for possessing a human growth hormone.

All Blacks and Hurricanes hooker Dane Coles has become the third player to commit long-term to New Zealand Rugby.

NEWS: Springbok fullback Willie Le Roux has been included in the Cheetahs matchday 23 to face the Waratahs in Bloemfontein on Saturday.

Former New Zealand rugby international Jerry Collins was killed Friday along with his wife, Alana Madill, when a bus crashed into their car.

Europe has virtually closed down now as it moves into the joys of aestivation, but SANZAR's Super Rugby is becoming heated amidst the winter chill.

On Saturday one of the oldest schoolboy matches in the world will take place, perhaps the second oldest of all matches in South Africa - SACS of Newlands vs Paul Roos Gymnasium of Stellenbosch.

The Junior Springboks are leaving no stone unturned in their preparations for the next Under-20 World Cup match against Samoa in Parma, Italy on Saturday.

There is plenty at stake in Round 17 - wildcard spots, home semifinals and pride. We look at what Saturday has to offer.

The Wallabies will call the Sunshine Coast in Queensland home when they begin their preparations for the 2015 season in a camp from July 5-11.

Schools rugby in the Eastern Province continues to  be of great interest, much of it long-standing rivalry.

INTERVIEW: There is a method to the apparent 'madness' of Heyneke Meyer's approach to the Springboks' 2015 World Cup campaign.

Gloucester have been deducted two points from their final total for the 2014/2015 Premiership season for fielding an ineligible following a RFU appeal.

PREVIEW: Toulouse face a spicy Top 14 play-off semifinal against Clermont after a row broke out between rival players over a stamp.

The Stormers have made just three changes to their starting line-up for Saturday's all-South African Super Rugby meeting with the Lions at Newlands.

Northwood captain Keagan sparks is expecting a tight encounter when they face Kearsney in their Classic Clash on Saturday.

NEWS: Blues hooker James Parsons has committed to play in the New Zealand until 2017.

NEWS: Lions' coach Johan Ackermann has opted for consistency for the clash against the Stormers at Newlands on Saturday.

NEWS: The Chiefs have beefed up their pack with the return of two All Blacks to take on the Reds in Brisbane on Saturday.

The Blues' coaches have an eye on the future with some hopeful young players given their start in the team to meet the Crusaders on Saturday.  

Reds' head coach Richard Graham has showed faith in the team that beat the Force last week for their penultimate game against the Chiefs at Suncorp Stadium.   

Crusaders' head coach Todd Blackadder has made three changes to front five for their crucial derby against the Blues in Auckland on Saturday.

NEWS: The Waratahs have secured the services of Blues tighthead prop Angus Ta'avao on a two-year contract.

Rebels' prop Paul Alo-Emile will become the sixth player in the team's short history to reach 50 Super Rugby caps

NEWS: Veteran lock Sam Wykes is set to play his final match in Perth when the Western Force tackle the Brumbies on Friday. 

NEWS: Blake Enever will make his fourth start for the Brumbies on Friday, when they take on the Western Force in Perth.

NEWS: Highlanders coach Jamie Joseph defended his decision to rest a number of key players, including three All Blacks.

Springbok Jacques Potgieter returns to the Waratahs starting XV for their second tour match in South Africa.

It doesn't get any bigger. It doesn't get any better. Jan de Koning looks at the two crucial matches on Friday.

The Blue Bulls have announced their Craven Week and Academy Week teams.

REACTION: South Africa came through their opening match at the Under-20 World Cup relatively unscathed.

Defending Under-20 World Cup champions England's coach Jon Callard was pleased with his side's performance in the opening round of the competition.

Two towns dominate the selection of Mpumalanga's schools teams for Craven Week, the Academy Week and Grant Khomo Week.

NEWS: Springboks Willie le Roux and Francois Hougaard said they are looking forward to their post-World Cup stint in Japan's Top League.

New Cheetahs coach Franco Smith has made it clear that he will focus on developing depth to make his side more competitive in the long-term.

Kearsney College captain Tristan Dixon is well aware of the challenge they face in their upcoming Classic Clash with Northwood High School on Saturday.

In a thrilling encounter which saw a total of 96 points and 15 tries being scored, Ben Vorster and Pietersburg played to an exciting 48-48 draw in a Classic Clash in Tzaneen.

NEWS: Former Scotland prop Euan Murray has left Glasgow Warriors and will ply his trade in France with newly-promoted Top 14 side Pau.

INTERVIEW: South Africa have overtaken New Zealand as the biggest offshore supplier of 'Scottish' players.

NEWS: A brief return "home" proved to be the catalyst in helping Wallaby wing Henry Speight return to his best form this season in the Brumbies' win over the Bulls.

New Cheetahs coach, Franco Smith has brought in two UFS-Shimlas Varsity Cup stars to the starting XV in his first game at the helm of the Super Rugby franchise.

EXCLUSIVE: rugby365 cartoonist Matthew Ackermann, looks at the Lions' fairytale season and wonders when it will end.

NEWS: All Blacks and Blues lock Patrick Tuipulotu will be ruled out for the rest of the year after he undergoes surgery on developmental defects on his hips.

Kearsney travelled to Johannesburg for their annual fixture against St Stithians on a surprisingly hot winter’s day on the Highveld and won 41-10.

NEWS: The Hurricanes wasted no time in rushing back All Black flyhalf Beauden Barrett for their Super Rugby crunch encounter with the Highlanders.

REPORT: There may not have been any shock results but there was no shortage of tries on the opening day of Under-20 World Cup 2015.

Paarl Boys' High, ranked the No.1 school in South Africa on the FNB Top 20, has 16 players in the three Western Province schools teams.

The top 12 teams all won last week. In fact only five of the Top 20 teams lost - EG Jansen, Jeppe, Rondebosch, Outeniqua and Waterkloof.

The Irish Rugby Football Union and Munster confirmed that captain Paul O'Connell will retire from international rugby at the end of the this year's World Cup. 

Namibia  will take their preparation for this year's Rugby World Cup to the next level, when they leave for Tunisia and Romania on a three week tour. 

SARU Sevens Academy have named a pair of Varsity Cup players in the squad that will travel to invitational Sevens tournaments in Italy and Switzerland in June.

EXCLUSIVE: Brian Strahan, in a new series on rugby365, takes a look at some classic World Cup matches.

Potchefstroom Gimnasium put in a powerful display to beat rivals Hoer Volkskool Potchefstroom 33-3 in their Classic Clash on Saturday.

Uncapped South African forwards Josh Strauss, WP Nel and Alan Dell have been included in Scotland's World Cup training squad.  

The Springbok training camp this week has made the Stormers' preparations for their crucial clash with the Lions particularly tricky.

NEWS: The Sharks have lured another senior Cheetahs player to Durban for the 2016 season. Jan de Koning reports.

Sale Sharks and England flyhalf Danny Cipriani has been arrested on suspicion of drunk driving following a car crash in the early hours of Monday morning

Bethlehem Voortrekker pulled away from rivals Witteberg to claim their FNB Classic Clash 18-3 on Saturday.

Leicester Tigers have announced that fullback Mathew Tait has agreed a new contract at the club.

As they prepare for their last home game in Brisbane before moving onto Europe, Reds duo James Horwill and Will Genia reflected on their time at the franchise.

NEWS: Bulls' coach Frans Ludeke has opted to rest Super Rugby's leading points scorer Handre Pollard for their must-win game against the Rebels.

Australian U20 coach Adrian Thompson has called on big-game experience for his side’s opening World Rugby Under-20 Championship fixture against Samoa.

NEWS: Wallabies and Western Force loose forward Ben McCalman has signed a new three-year flexible contract with the ARU through until the end of 2018.

Rebels speedster Sefanaia Naivalu has been ruled out of the remainder of the Super Rugby season, after fracturing his tibia in Durban against the Sharks.

Wales U20 have opted for a similar side that took part in the U20 Six Nations to face France in their opening World Rugby U20 Championship game.

New Zealand U20 coach Scott Robertson has opted for an experienced  team to face Scotland in their opening match of the World Rugby Under-20 Championship in Italy.

Boland have chosen their three teams for the Youth Weeks in 2015 - the Under-18 Craven Week, the Academy Week and the Grant Khomo Week.

The number of schools sending in their results of a day's matches against another school is growing and acknowledges the part of all buys in the school who pull on their school's rugby jersey.

NEWS: Bulls flank Deon Stegmann will miss Saturday's his team's final Australasian Super Rugby tour match.

INTERVIEW: Wales wing George North said Monday he was "fit and well" ahead of the World Cup despite a lengthy injury absence due to concussion.

NEWS: Springbok coach Heyneke Meyer has decided to cancel the final field session at the national training camp.

PREVIEW: Only three nations have lifted the distinctive World U20 Championship  trophy since the tournament began in 2008, will history repeat itself?

NEWS: After a bruising encounter against the physical Waratahs the Lions have come out relatively unscathed on top of a victory.

Westville turned the tables on Glenwood and recorded a memorable 18-17 win against their hosts in Durban’s biggest inter-schools rugby rivalry.