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It was a better attacking display from the Sharks last week, but they are well aware of the need to improve their defensive game against the Bulls.

The Highlanders held off a resurgent Blues side to pick up a hard-fought 30-24 victory in Dunedin.

The Waratahs beat the Hurricanes 29-24 in Wellington, to hand the home side their first defeat of the season.

 Franck Azema insisted that last year's 46-6 thrashing at the hands of Saracens would have no bearing on Saturday's semifinal between the pair.

Newcastle Falcons have added further proven international talent to their side for next season, with the signing of Nili Latu.

NEWS: Wallaby Luke Burgess signed a deal to leave the Melbourne Rebels and join Italian Pro12 side Zebre next season

The Sharks Board have decided that suspensions, no matter how harsh, are not punishment enough for foul play.

The Chiefs will be sweating over the knee injury suffered by All Black flyhalf Aaron Cruden in their emphatic 26-9 Super Rugby victory over the Crusaders.

EXCLUSIVE: There will be many mini battles, but the war will be won by the team controlling the set pieces. Jan de Koning reports.

INTERVIEW: The Reds have listed Springbok outcast Heinrich Brüssow as the biggest threat to their prospects of turning around their season.

The Chiefs have made it two from two against the Crusaders this season, with a 26-9 victory in Christchurch on Friday.

Maritzburg College and Glenwood will continue their rivalry this coming Saturday when they face-off in a curtain-raiser at Kings Park in Durban.

Saracens knocked Clermont Auvergne for six at the European Cup semifinal stage last season, will it be repeat or redemption this time around?

Tom Franklin and Jason Emery, have re-signed with the Highlanders for a further two years, signalling their commitment to the team.  

The Brumbies have been forced into a late change ahead of their Super Rugby Round 10 encounter with the Rebels in Canberra on Saturday.

NEWS: France international back Wesley Fofana has signed a new deal with Clermont, staying until 2019.

Matt O'Connor admits his side will have to be at their best if they are to upset reigning Cup holders Toulon in Marseille.

Ulster and Ireland prop Declan Fitzpatrick, who played in the 2012 European Cup Final at Twickenham Stadium, has been forced to retire on medical grounds.

The spotlight will shine brightly on the South African teams in this edition of our preview, even though two of the matches are cross-conference encounters.

INTERVIEW: Leinster flyhalf Jimmy Gopperth has vowed to stop RC Toulon at source, as they plot their path to the European Champions Cup Final.

Argentine international centre Marcelo Bosch has put pen to paper to extend his stay with Saracens in the English Premiership.

Paul Roos, in their 150th year, will represent South Africa at this year's Sanix Youth Rugby Tournament at the Global Arena in Fukuoka on the island of Kyushu in Japan. It is the 15th such tournament.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Clermont stalwart Julien Bonnaire is determined to end his career at the club he loves by lifting the European Champions Cup.

A compilation of some of the best steps from Rugby Union and League for 2014

INTERVIEW: Allister Coetzee has commended Schalk Burger for his Laureus Sports award he received in Shanghai, China, on Thursday.

The Sharks are well aware that they cannot fall into any off-the-ball traps the Bulls might set for them, after coming under such scrutiny for foul play this season.

NEWS: Bulls coach Frans Ludeke has added some serious muscle to his pack for the Super Rugby crunch match with the Sharks on Saturday.

SA Referees have announced the match officials for the Wildeklawer Super Schools Rugby Tournament in Kimberley later this month. There are 13 referees and five coaches.

The Waratahs have secured the signing of Super Rugby-winning flyhalf Bernard Foley on a flexible three-year contract extension with the ARU.

Flank Chris Alcock returns to the starting line-up for the Western Force’s clash against the Stormers in his 50th appearance.

Allister Coetzee has made four personnel changes in the Stormers starting XV ahead of their final Super Rugby tour match against the Force.

The Reds have thrust recently recalled suspended lock James Horwill and Wallaby back James O'Connor into the starting line-up.

All Black Tamati Ellison will make his 100th Super Rugby appearance as part of an unchanged Rebels matchday 23.

Michael Cheika has shaken up his starting XV as the defending champions look to make amends for last weekend’s loss when they meet the Hurricanes.

The Sharks have largely kept the same side that fell just short against the Lions last weekend, with only two changes coming in the front row.

The Brumbies have been forced into a number of changes due to injures, especially in the backline, for their clash against the Rebels in Canberra on Saturday.

Outstanding teenage prospect Akira Ioane will make his Super Rugby debut for the Blues against the Highlanders on Saturday.

Highlanders’ head coach Jamie Joseph has shuffled his forward pack for the clash against the Blues this Saturday. 

Hurricanes coach Chris Boyd has named a similar starting side to that which faced the Stormers, with the inclusion of Ardie Savea, to face the Waratahs

Two delectable north-south derbies in New Zealand, a trans-Tasman showdown and an all-Australian encounter is what we look at.

INETRVIEW: Leinster legend Leo Cullen is expecting a test of mammoth proportions in their European Champions Cup semifinal against RC Toulon.

INTERVIEW: Saracens starlet Maro Itoje said he is ready to make the big step up to the European Champions Cup stage.

Saracens's England lock George Kruis has given his side a boost ahead of their European Champions Cup semifinal by signing a new contract.

The six teams occupying positions two to seven on the South Section log clash in three encounters this weekend.

Franco Smith has not been back in Bloemfontein long, but he has already made waves by taking Shimlas to their first Varsity Cup title.

NEWS: Springbok loose forward Schalk Burger has won the 'Comeback of the Year' at the annual Laureus sport awards.

Scarlets' flyhalf Rhys Priestland believes that European qualification is a must for the team despite his departure to Bath at the end of the season.

EXCLUSIVE: rugby365 law guru Paul Dobson looks at an interesting incident - interesting and complicated.

OPINION: AussieBoer, in his latest contribution to rugby365, continues his quest to fine the best all-time XV. In this edition he looks at No.10.

NFL's Philadelphia Eagles' stadium  will host the ground-breaking Independence Cup fixture between Leicester Tigers and the NRFL's Rough Riders.

South African-born England Sevens player Jeff Williams will leave the shorter version of the game to join Bath next season.  

INTERVIEW: Wallaby scrumhalf Will Genia believes the Cheetahs will use the same 'bullying tactics' as the Bulls did last week.

All Black stars Richie McCaw and Kieran Read have said they a ready for when the time comes to walk in the rugby sunset.

The NZRU are reconsidering their concussion procedures after a Highlanders player remarkably returned to the field in a Super Rugby game last weekend.

Kieran Read has changed his mind and declined the opportunity to play at the Rio Olympics in 2016.

The traditional Classic Clashes will return with a bang in 2015 with more than 50 exciting matches on the cards.

The charge of foul play against Billy Vunipola was dismissed by an RFU disciplinary panel and he is available for the European clash against Toulon.

We would like to welcome cartoonist Ackers to the ever-growing rugby365 family. We are looking forward to his contributions. Here is the first offering!

Chiefs coach Dave Rennie has made five changes to his backline for the all-New Zealand Super Rugby derby, against the Crusaders.

Crusaders coach Todd Blackadder wasted no time in drafting in All Black legends Dan Carter and Richie McCaw for the Super Rugby against the Chiefs.

Saracens and England Saxons lock Maro Itoje has committed his future to Saracens by signing a new contract.

France's Top 14, the world's richest rugby championship, suffered a record deficit of US$25.5-million last season as player salaries soared.

Sean Cronin has called on his Leinster teammates to play the best game of their careers when they face two-time champions Toulon.

Springbok flank Juan Smith, and Welsh fullback Leigh Halfpenny, have both been included in Toulon's European Cup semifinal squad to take on  Leinster.

Robbie Fleck says that the Force's big kicking game will pose a major challenge for the Stormers defence this weekend.

Stormers backline coach Robbie Fleck said that the Force will pose a different challenge as the defending champions did in Round 9 of Super Rugby.

Stormers backline coach Robbie Fleck said that the Force will pose a different challenge as the defending champions did in Round 9 of Super Rugby.

Boland Landbou had a succesful European Tour recently winning two games comfortably against Italian opposition.

De Wet Barry says the likes of Burger Odendaal, Andre Esterhuizen and Jesse Kriel are proving their worth at senior level this season.

Springbok fullback Willie le Roux will sit out the Cheetahs clash with the Reds this weekend due to an agreement with SA Rugby.

Few schools have played during this holiday week, especially as we included Easter Monday's results in last week's Top 20, but still there are some changes.

London Welsh have announced the re-signing of front rowers Nathan Trevett, Koree Britton, Nathan Morris and Ben Cooper.

Simon Mannix has extended his contract as coach of Pau, ensured of promotion to the Top 14 next season, through until 2018.

Europe is back in cut-throat action with the semifinals. There is a Final in Scotland and a Final in Spain. In South Africa, Varsity Cup has its Finals.

Northampton Saints announced that former Baby Bok Pat Howard will be leaving South Africa to join the club next season.

Some members of the South African Rugby Referees Association (SARRA) are at loggerheads with SARU's manager of referees, André Watson.

The decision of Colin Slade to head to Europe after the World Cup has made coach Steven Hansen very aware that the exodus of players is not yet over.

Samu Kerevi has been a stand-out performer in a struggling Queensland team, and expects to play a role in assisting the inside backs.

The schoolboys from EG Jansen has had a mixed bag of results so far this year, winning three and losing three matches.

After the Crusaders match a fortnight ago, the Sharks had no choice but to step up their game, and Sean Everitt believes he is seeing a spark.

Taqele Naiyaravoro will miss Saturday's Super Rugby showdown with the unbeaten Hurricanes because of visa restrictions.

Matt Hodgson will continue his career with the Force after starting it in Perth in 2005, by extending his contract through to the end of the 2016.

Wallabies prop Paddy Ryan has recommitted to the Waratahs for the 2016 season, his sixth with the franchise.

Saracens back row forward Billy Vunipola is to face a RFU disciplinary panel, after being accused of foul play last weekend.

INJURY UPDATE: Bulls coach Frans Ludeke will be able to call on a host of returning Springboks when they face the Sharks on Saturday.

INTERVIEW: All Black and Crusaders back Colin Slade said he "remains committed" to New Zealand, until he leaves for France later this year.

NEWS: All Black flyhalf Colin Slade has signed a three-year contract with Pau, who have just won promotion to the Top 14.

VARSITY CUP: UFS-Shimlas beat NWU-Pukke 63-33 in an epic final in Bloemfontein on Monday to claim their first Varsity Cup title.

Last weekend the supporters of Clermont and Leinster were dancing in the stands, but a week on things were totally different.

Saracens will have Brad Barritt and Owen Farrell back in contention to play against Clermont Auvergne in this weekend's European Cup semifinal re-match.

European Professional Club Rugby has announced the referees for the semifinals of their Champions Cup and Challenge Cup this weekend.

The rugby365 Team of the Week is littered with men from the Republic, which is unsurprising in a weekend that saw a number of upsets.

One is a leader of London, the other is a leader of Loftus.

Following an injury to his left shoulder, sustained during the final game of the 6 Nations, Edinburgh centre Matt Scott underwent surgery last week.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: rugby365 law guru Paul Dobson takes a look at the Blues team's recent complaints about penalties against them.

REACTION: SANZAR sidestepped the latest attack on their integrity, telling SARU President Oregan Hoskins to "follow the proper channels".

Leigh Halfpenny could miss Toulon's European Champions Cup semifinal after damaging his right shoulder against Grenoble.

Leading points scorer Ian Madigan is confident Leinster can stop Toulon's charge for a third-straight European Champions Cup.

NEWS: Muir College bounced back from a first game defeat to win their final two matches of the Oakdale Rugby Festival.

Ryan Crotty has been ruled out of the Crusaders' clash with the Chiefs as a precautionary measure.

Scarlets coach Wayne Pivac said there is room for improvement, despite his team's 28-26 Pro12 victory over Zebre at the weekend.  

Flank Callum Gibbins is set to stay in Wellington for another year, having recently extended his contract with Hurricanes until the end of 2016.

NEWS: Sikhumbuzo Notshe has been called up to join the Stormers ahead of their final Super Rugby tour match.

Willem Alberts reminds the world why he is called the Bone Collector.

Western Force inside centre Luke Burton will remain with the Force for a further two seasons, extending his contract to 2017.

Kyle has jumped five places to top spot in rugby365's SuperBru standings this week, while our Yellow Cap for the round is Flash.

The Brumbies are facing a test of their squad depth after their Super Rugby defeat last Friday against the Blues.

Rondebosch travelled to the KES Easter festival and then on to Namibia and returned home unbeaten.

Pierre Mignoni will leave his job as backs coach at Toulon at the end of the season to take over the helm at Top 14 rivals Lyon.

SARU President Oregan Hoskins has spoken out strongly against the inconsistency of recent rulings at disciplinary tribunals.

REACTION: The Stormers have paid a dear price for their impressive 32-18 win over the defending Super Rugby champion Waratahs.

REPORT: James Benjamin scored two late tries as Newport Gwent Dragons produced a surprise 25-22 victory over Leinster.

REPORT: Alex Lewington's try double proved vital as London Irish dented Sale Sharks' hopes of a Premiership top-six finish.

REPORT: Tom Varndell grabbed a hat-trick against London Welsh, as Wasps recorded their first away Premiership win of 2015.

REPORT: Exeter Chiefs produced a devastating display of power and control to defeat Northampton Saints 21-10.

Michael Cheika may have been cleared by SANZAR, but he is set to face a new trial by media in New Zealand this week.

WRAP: It was business as usual at the top of the Vodacom Cup's North and South Section logs.

Both the UFS-Shimlas and NWU-Pukke will be gunning for their first title when they meet in the Varsity Cup Final on Monday.

REACION: Reds coach Richard Graham has made a dramatic about turn in his stance on suspended Wallaby lock James Horwill.

Interview: Gary Gold has said that his time at the Sharks has been a 'tremendous challenge' due to the many regime changes recently.

For lots of schoolboys this is holiday time, but thanks to keen schoolmasters they are kept from boredom by the excitement of playing rugby.

Munster kept pace with their fellow top-four contenders as a second-half onslaught saw them overcome Edinburgh with a dominant 34-3 victory.

REPORT: The Bulls ran in six tries to beat the Reds 43-22 in a high-scoring Super Rugby game at Loftus Versfeld on Saturday.

Defending champions Toulon returned to the summit of the Top 14 on Saturday while Clermont were upset at home to Oyonnax.

REPORT: The Lions came back after conceding two first-half tries to beat the Sharks 23-21 at Ellis Park on Saturday and keep up their winning run.

Saracens kept up the chase at the top of the table after a superb second-half performance handed them a 22-6 victory over Leicester Tigers

Rhys Priestland's last-gasp penalty saw Scarlets snatch a dramatic 28-26 victory over bottom side Zebre at Stadio Sergio Lanfranchi.

Tommy Bowe's try double helped Ulster strengthen their grip on a semifinal spot as the visitors secured a 27-20 triumph over Connacht.

Harlequins gave their hopes of qualifying for next year's European Rugby Champions Cup a boost with a dramatic 29-26 win over Gloucester.

The Western Force, despite having the lion's share of the possession and territory, were unable to finish off a spirited Cheetahs team in Perth.

REPORT: The Cheetahs snapped their five-match losing streak with a much-needed 24-15 win over the embattled Western Force in their clash in Perth.

Wasps No.8 Nathan Hughes has had his three-week ban for kneeing Northampton's George North in the head annulled.

Two late tries saw the Stormers claim an impressive 32-18 bonus point victory over the Waratahs in Sydney on Saturday.

The Highlanders fought back to claim a 25-20 victory over the Crusaders in their clash in Christchurch on Saturday.

NEWS: The French Rugby Federation launched the application process to find the successor to incumbent coach Philippe Saint-Andre.

La Rochelle extended their unbeaten run to six matches as they battled Top 14 title challengers Stade Francais to a 19-all draw on Friday.

REPORT: Bath's backs shared the spoils as they kept their Premiership title ambitions on course with a 10th consecutive victory.

REPORT: Hat-trick hero Peter Horne fired Glasgow Warriors to an emphatic 36-17 victory over Cardiff Blues.

REPORT: Ospreys scored three tries in the final 15 minutes, to grab an unlikely bonus-point 33-13 win at Stadio Monigo.

Connacht have completed their internal review of the circumstances surrounding the questioning of Mils Muliaina in relation to an alleged sexual assault.

The Cheetahs management have expressed concerns as to the teams poor performance and log position.

EXCLUSIVE: The Reds should not expect the start of their South African safari to be a picnic. Jan de Koning reports.

Stephen Larkham admitted that the Blues first half lead was difficult to chase down as their valiant second half comeback fell agonisingly short.

INTERVIEW: Reds fullback Karmichael Hunt said he is prepared for a high-ball bombardment from the Bulls at Loftus Versfeld on Saturday.

Sean Maitland has played his last game for the Glasgow Warriors and is facing a race against time to be fit in time for the World Cup.

REPORT: The Blues recorded their first win of the Super Rugby season, a dramatic 16-14 victory over the Brumbies in Auckland on Friday.

EXCLUSIVE: rugby365 columnist Matt Hawkins looks at what the future holds for Sevens, which appears not to include Japan as a stop in the World Series.

NWU-Pukke coach Robert du Preez says that what happened in last year’s Varsity Cup final is ‘not a consideration’ in this year's final.

NEWS: Chiefs prop player Ben Afeaki has decided to retire from the game due to medical reasons.

FEATURE: New Zealand are already beginning to contemplate life after Dan Carter. The search is on for his replacement as All Black flyhalf.

Bath hooker Ross Batty insists there is no chance of his side underestimating Newcastle Falcons as the Premiership run-in reaches the business end.

INTERVIEW: The Stormers will need to front-up physically if they are to have any chance of beating the defending Super Rugby champions, the Waratahs.

There will be a lot of desperation on display in the second half of the weekend's Super Rugby matches. Jan de Koning reports.

The intensity of the Vodacom Cup is expected to rise significantly this weekend as the pool stages reach the halfway stage.

Jacques Burger, has been suspended for one week following a disciplinary hearing after being cited in their European Cup match.

Leaders Glasgow Warriors open this round of Pro12 action by hosting Cardiff Blues at Scotstoun on Friday.

The Reds attended a coaching clinic with the Jabulani Rugby Club in Soweto

London Irish has bolstered its options at hooker for next season with the signing of Tom Cruse from Rotherham Titans.

La Rochelle can take a significant step towards Top 14 survival if they extend a five-match unbeaten run in the league by beating Stade Francais.

Sharks boss Gary Gold said if he had the choice he would not be resting Springboks Jannie du Plessis and Tendai Mtawarira the Lions.

NEWS: Bulls coach Frans Ludeke has opted to extend the lay-off period for Springboks Handré Pollard and Jan Serfontein.

UFS-Shimlas may be unbeaten, but coach Franco Smith knows that there is a massive hurdle standing between them and the Varsity Cup title.

Landboudal sent a total of five teams to take part in the Southern Cape Sports Tours (SCST) from April 4 to April 8, winning ten of their 15 games played

The Bulls played the Lions last Saturday and lost. Pierre Spies complained about the refereeing of the end-game.

Dane Haylett-Petty will return to the Western Force starting line-up for the franchise's 10th season anniversary match against the Cheetahs on Saturday.

With captain Duane Vermeulen resting this week against the Waratahs, Stormers coach Alister Coetzee has tinkered with his loose trio.

Karmichael Hunt will make his first start for the Reds since his six-week ban, when he dons the No.15 jersey against the Bulls at Loftus.

Waratahs coach Michael Cheika and South African referee Jaco Peyper have both been reprimanded by SANZAR for their 'inappropriate' conduct.

Gary Gold has made a number of changes to his team to take on the Lions, welcoming back two players from injury to bolster his side.

Jamie Joseph has kept faith with the team that beat the Stormers, by naming an unchanged line-up for the match against the Crusaders. 

Dan Carter has returned to the Crusaders team via the bench, after coach Todd Blackadder named an unchanged backline.

The Brumbies starting XV is unchanged for its clash against the Blues, having come through last week’s win over the Cheetahs unscathed.

NEWS: New Zealand's World Cup-winning lock turned Leicester captain Brad Thorn is to retire at the end of the English season.

Desperate times call for desperate measures. It may be a well-worn cliche, but it certainly rings true for a few of the teams in Round Nine.

EXCLUSIVE: rugby365 law guru Paul Dobson takes a look at what he feels is the 'muddled thinking of Australian referee Rohan Hoffmann.

Ulster have signed lock Peter Browne and scrumhalf Paul Rowley, both from London Welsh.

Saracens back row, Jacques Burger, has been cited following the European Cup quarterfinal against Racing Metro 92 on Sunday, April 5.

Lions head coach Johan Ackermann has named Sevens flyer Mark Richards in his team to face the Sharks at Ellis Park on Saturday.

INTERVIEW: Returning Springbok loose forward Willem Alberts has come out in defence of his under-fire Sharks teammates.

Lent is over and so is Easter but rugby continues, in the North as a club contest, in the South dominated by Super Rugby.

OPINION: AussieBoer, in his latest contribution to rugby365, continues his quest to fine the best all-time XV. In this edition he looks at No.12.

Former Stormers and Sharks flyhalf, Tim Swiel has signed a full-time contract with Premiership club Harlequins after a highly successful four month loan.

A total of 42 matches have been played on the first two days of the Glenwood Rugby Festival with both the 1st and 2nd teams in action.

Worcester Warriors have announced the signing of New Zealand wing Bryce Heem, who will join the Club in July from Super Rugby giants Waikato Chiefs.

The Blues have named two openside flanks in their starting XV for their match against the Brumbies in Auckland on Friday.

Canterbury Head Coach Scott Robertson will have a new coaching team supporting him this season, with Assistant Coaches moving to other teams.

Waratahs Head Coach Michael Cheika has named an unchanged starting side for the match against the Stormers in Sydney.

The Sharks have been put under pressure from their fans after a hammering from the Crusaders, and a possible ill-discipline problem.

NEWS: Outstanding loose forward Steven Luatua has pledged his allegiance to the Blues and New Zealand Rugby for a further two years.

NEWS: New Zealand Rugby is in the black for the third year in a row, after announcing a profit of NZ$373,000 for the 2014 financial year.

The Cheetahs have named live-wire scrumhalf Sarel Pretorius in the starting XV for their match against the Western Force in Perth on Saturday.

Welshman Nigel Owens headed a list of 12 referees to officiate at the World Cup, which was announced by World Rugby on Tuesday.

Ospreys hooker, and serving soldier, Matthew Dwyer has signed a new one-year deal at the Liberty Stadium.

It has been confirmed that veteran Springbok lock Victor Matfield will have surgery on his knee, ruling him out for three to four weeks.

The Reds arrived in Johannesburg hoping to have left their baggage of losses behind in Australia.

This is our first schools Top 20 of the season, we have lots of results but ranking the teams is as hard as it has ever been.

The Stormers  will regain the services of Springbok centre Juan de Jongh, among others, who will set the tone for an attacking threat posed to the Tahs.

NUUS: Die 36ste Agri Oakdale-rugbytoernooi is met groot sukses deur die Hoër Landbouskool Oakdale op Riversdal aangebied.

#FanUp: rugby365 and Vodacom have combined to give five lucky readers a chance to win tickets to Loftus Versfeld on Saturday, April 11.

The Sharks have been dealt another hefty blow by SANZAR, after Jean Deysel was banned for seven weeks on Tuesday following a red card offence.

Sharks and Springbok flyhalf Patrick Lambie has been ruled out for six weeks, following a neck injury sustained against the Crusaders in Durban.

The Oakdale Rugby Week, played at the school in Riversdale, came to an End on Easter Monday with many tries.

Singapore look set to take over from Tokyo as a new Asian destination for the Sevens World Series at its National Stadium next year.

The most important piece in the puzzle for Argentina's new Super Rugby franchise has been put in place, with the signing of Agustin Creevy.

Mils Muliaina faces an internal review from his Irish province Connacht, as he fights to clear his name of sexual assault allegations.

Former England star Jason Robinson has revealed that he considered killing himself during a troubled period of his career.

NEWS: The Bulls will get a number of Springbok back this week, but there is growing concern over the knee injury of veteran lock Victor Matfield.

Durbell kicked a late penalty in the dying minutes of a gripping Community Cup final against defending champions Rustenburg Impala to secure a hard-fought 31-30 victory.

Easter schools rugby festivals around the country came to an end with some big matches on Monday.

The eighth Kearsney Easter Rugby Festival wrapped up with bursaries for five players to the Sharks Academy for 2016.

INTERVIEW: The absence of Springbok superstar Duane Vermeulen has thrust Nizaam Carr back into the Super Rugby spotlight.

In the 'breakfast game' Henties at last got a win at the KES Easter Festival, beating Southdowns College of Pretoria, 20-10.

The much anticipated penultimate game between Grey College and Dr EG Jansen did not disappoint as the Bloemfontein side finished the weekend unbeaten.

UKZN handed Wits a 29-24 defeat in Johannesburg on Monday to claim their first Varsity Shield title.

Menlopark adapted well to windy conditions in the second half to pick up a narrow win against Glenwood at the Kearsney Easter Festival.

Our ultimate gentleman writer, MdV, has dutifully stepped aside to allow his girlfriend, JFM, to take up the Yellow Cap on SuperBru this week.

After putting 50 points over the Sharks - in their own back-yard - it is unsurprising that 10 Crusaders make it into rugby365's Team of the Week.

Viadana of Northern Italy, thumped on the first day, have won their next two matches, coming from behind on the third day from 19-7 down at half time to win 24-19.

 HTS Middelburg did not panic in difficult conditions as they ground out a solid 23-15 win over Selborne, the boot of Brandon Par-Bailey being the difference.

We run through seven of the best tries from the Tokyo Sevens. Which is your favourite?

The second game started off in sunlight after some rain in the previous game. Affies won an easy 57-0.

The final day of the Kearsney Easter Rugby Festival opened with a match between unbeaten SACS and Westville who eventually prevailed 34-26.

Munster confirmed on Monday that they signed Blues centre Francis Saili on a two-year contract.

Australian veteran hooker Stephan Moore, has backed the trend of foreign league sabbaticals as a way of keeping the Wallabies's best talent in the country.

INTERVIEW: Reds captain James Slipper is hoping to use the nightmares of previous visits to Loftus Versfeld to charge up his team this week.

All Black Mils Muliaina is "distressed" and in shock over a sexual assault allegation levelled against him in Wales.

Nick Abendanon's outstanding form for Clermont has sent out a timely reminder to England coach Stuart Lancaster ahead of this year's World Cup.

INTERVIEW: Sharks coach Gary Gold has taken full accountability after his team's dismal 10-52 loss against the Crusaders at the weekend.

France had a massive win over Georgia in the Final of Europe's Under-18 Championship. France won 57-0.

We have many, many matches this week. The Easter activities have ensured that as many teams have played more than one match over the weekend.

If there is further improvement in the caliber of rugby on the third day of the Kearsney Easter Rugby Festival, those attending are in for a treat.

Crusaders captain Kieran Read said, despite his teams emphatic victory over the Sharks, some of his players need lessons in fair play.

REACTION: Wasps coach Dai Young said they gave the star-studded French club, Toulon, too much respect in the early exchanges.

REACTION: Director of Rugby Mark McCall described Saracens’ performance at Racing Metro as one of the most courageous he has ever seen.

Marcelo Bosch kicked a last-gasp penalty to hand Saracens a dramatic 12-11 victory over Racing-Metro,

Toulon will continue their defence of European club rugby's premier crown in a Marseille semifinal showdown with Leinster after beating Wasps 32-18.

Kyle Brown has said it was not his team's night as they went down 14-21 to England in the Final of the Tokyo leg of the Seven World Series.

There was lots and lots of enthusiastic rugby around South Africa at Easter school festivals.

The Reds have James Horwill behind as they departed for South Africa on Sunday, following his second red card of the season.  

With the Sharks match and conditions becoming quite dark, the crowd had thinned for the final match on the second day of the Kearsney Easter Festival.

The second day of the Kearsney Easter Rugby Festival provided some thrilling rugby, dogged defence and surprising upsets.

Gary Gold has said there is no ill-discipline rot in Durban, and that the multiple red cards this season have been isolated incidents.

Jean Deysel, after receiving a red card against the Crusaders on Saturday, has been cited, as the Sharks prepare to again tussle with SANZAR.

England won their first Cup title since the 2013 Wellington Sevens, beating South Africa 21-14 in the final of the Tokyo Sevens.

There were many close scores on Day 2 of the Oakdale Rugby Week in Riversdale on Saturday, except for the hosts' big win over Voortrekker of Bethlehem in the Eastern Free State.

WRAP: Defending Community Cup champions and tournament hosts Rustenburg Impala on Saturday booked their place in the Final on Monday.

REACTION: Dylan Hartley was quick to acknowledge that English rugby flag bearers Northampton Saints had been taught "one hell of a lesson."

REACTION: Influential Stormers captain Duane Vermeulen will return to Cape Town for a further two-week rest period.

In the early match on Day 2 of the KES Easter Festival, DHS, beaten by Rondebosch on Day 1, beat St David's Marist of Inanda 33-10.

REPORT: Northampton were put firmly in their place by Clermont as the French giants ran out all-too-comfortable 37-5 victors.

REACTION: Mike Ford highlighted the "small margins" in the wake of their 15-18 defeat by Leinster that ended hopes of more European glory for the 1998 champions.

New Zealand star Mils Muliaina has been arrested on suspicion of sexual assault, Connacht confirmed on Saturday.

REACTION: Jamie Heaslip accepts Leinster will need to move up another gear if the three-time European champions are to be present at Twickenham

REPORT: Hooker Armand van der Merwe charged over for the game's only try on full-time, as the Lions edged the Bulls 22-18.

REPORT: Ian Madigan slotted six penalties to hand Leinster a dramatic 18-15 victory over Bath to advance to the European Champions Cup semifinal.

The penultimate match on the second day at the Kearsney Easter Festival saw local side Glenwood taking on HTS Middelburg. It was a tough, closely fought encounter, resulting in a 22-11 win for the Rooibulle, which meant all three KwaZulu-Natal teams lost their second day fixtures.

REPORT: The Sharks were given a real lesson , and a hiding, by the Crusaders - who won their spiteful Super Rugby encounter 52-10.

In the fourth match of the second day, Affies took on SACS and one of the festival's most fancied sides were upset by the newcomers.

NEWS: The South African Undeer-20 squad has been boosted by a number of players with Super Rugby experience.

NEWS: Carl Hayman insists history-chasing Toulon cannot afford to look beyond their European Rugby Champions Cup quarterfinal clash against Wasps.

NEWS: Springbok and Bath flank Francois Louw is relishing the back row battle against Leinster in the European Rugby Champions Cup quarterfinal.

In an entertaining contest hosts Kearsney held Greyy College until the last quarter when they scored two good tries to win 28-10.

By the time the second match between Westville and Dale College had begun, the sun was shining at the Kearsney Easter Festival and the crowd had swelled.

In contrast to the ideal conditions on the first day of the Kearsney Easter Rugby Festival, the first match of day two, between Selborne College and Menlopark, started with a slight mist over the ground. This soon cleared, but the ball remained slightly slippery. This did not prevent some good rugby and a second win for Selborne, this time 28-20.

REPORT: The Brumbies maintained their stranglehold on the Australian conference with a 20-3 win over the hapless Cheetahs on Saturday.

St Charles led St Benedict's 7-3 at half-time in the Battle of Saints at St John's Easter Tournament on Holy Saturday but in the end the Bedfordview side beat the Pietermaritzburg side 24-14, scoring three tries to two.

NEWS: Wallaby flyhalf Quade Cooper has suffered a new injury setback and is out for eight weeks with a broken shoulder blade.

SANZAR's consistency in dealing with judicial matters will again be under the spotlight, after Reds lock James Horwill was given a slap on the wrist.

REPORT: The Chiefs cemented their place in the top six of the Super Rugby competition with a hard-earned 23-16 win over a combative Blues.

Late changes have been made to the referees for the two Super Rugby matches in South Africa on Saturday.

WRAP: Defending Tokyo champions Fiji and South Africa book their place in the Cup quarterfinals with 100 percent records on Day One.

Argentina wing Martin Bustos Moyano has extended his contract with Bayonne, the French Top 14 outfit said Friday.

REACTION: The Hurricanes have equalled their best ever Super Rugby winning streak - but it was almost not to be.

REACTION: The Rebels claimed their first home victory of the season, beating a dogged Reds outfit 23-15 in a Good Friday clash.

REACTION: Reds coach Richard Graham expressed his disappointment, but also had praise for his team.

NEWS: Northampton's Wales wing George North will be out until at least the end of April, after a series of head injuries.

Two-time defending champions Toulon welcome back veterans Bakkies Botha and Matt Giteau for a European Champions Cup quarterfinal.

NEWS: Super Rugby's new bad boy, Wallaby and lock James Horwill, is facing a ban after his latest act of thuggery.

It was a beautiful autumn day when Oakdale's big rugby tournament kicked off on 2 April 2015 with a match between Hermanus and Durbanville.

The second day of the Kearsney Easter Rugby Festival has some interesting fixtures and dramatic results are again anticipated.

EXCLUSIVE: rugby365 columnist Matt Hawkins looks at the storylines that emerged from the famous Hong Kong Sevens tournament.

New Zealand-born France prop Uini Atonio has put pen to paper on a two-year contract extension with La Rochelle.

REPORT: The Rebels recorded their win at home this season, beating the Reds - reduced to 14 men for the best part on an hour - 23-15 on Friday.

Todd Blackadder has noticed an improvement in the Sharks scrum, as his own impressive forward pack prepare to battle it out at Kings Park.

REPORT: The Hurricanes cemented top spot on the Super Rugby standings with a 25-20 win over a willing Stormers team in Wellington on Friday.

Will Genia's move to Stade Francais was made official by the club's President Thomas Savare, leaving the Reds fuming.

Defending Community Cup champions Rustenburg kept alive hopes of winning back-to-back titles with a last-gasp penalty.

Three of the four quarterfinals are taking place on French soil, and all three of those against English opposition - has the feel of the Hundred Year War.

A late penalty saw Grey College secure a hard-fought 22-19 victory over HTS Middelburg at the Kearsney Easter Festival on Thursday.

SUPER SATURDAY It is going to be a spicy Easter weekend and for some certainly not such a Holy Saturday. Jan de Koning reports.

There are several Easter rugby festivals where schools' 1st XVs are playing. As far as possible we are giving the results of the first day's play on Maundy Thursday.

NEWS: Australia and Reds scrumhalf Will Genia has joined the exodus to the cash-flush French clubs.

The third mach of the Kearsney Easter Rugby Festival saw local side Westville beat Menlopark from Pretoria 27-25 in an exciting game.

After a scoreless first half, Glenwood pulled away from Framesby to record a 31-0 win at the Kearsney Easter Festival.

NEWS: Harlequins revealed that loosehead prop Owen Evans will join the London club next season from Newport Gwent Dragons.

Pretoria's Affies scored six tries to one as they crushed EG Jansen from the East Rand 41-5 in the fourth match of the Kearsney Easter Rugby Festival.

Gary Gold has had to bite his tongue on the issue of Frans Steyn's ban, after SANZAR would not allow him to speak out about the proceedings.

SACS outscored Dale College by three tries to two to pick up a 22-12 win in the second match at  the Kearsney Easter Festival.

NEWS: Ulster has signed Australian flyhalf Sam Windsor on a one-year contract.

Pat Lambie's style of captaincy has an air of Springbok great Gary Teichmann's leadership approach, according to coach Gary Gold.

Welcome to rugby365's new and improved LIVE match centre - up and running for Round Eight of Super Rugby and the European Cup play-offs!

EXCLUSIVE: Three-times capped Springbok Jano Vermaak is returning home to South Africa with a World Cup dream. Jan de Koning reports!

Things are heating up in the Sevens World Series as we look closer to Round Seven in Japan with the top three teams separated by only three points.

Glasgow Warriors captain Al Kellock will retire from rugby at the end of the season.

NEWS: The Bulls were dealt a cruel blow ahead of their Super Rugby Round Eight encounter with the Lions in Johannesburg on Saturday.

Selborne powered their way to a 48-7 victory over hosts Kearsney in the first match of the Easter Festival in Bothas Hill on Thursday.

Dane Haylett-Petty has extended his stay with the Western Australian franchise for a further two seasons.

Hudson Park of East London kicked off the KES Easter Festival with a massive 53-10 victory over Hentie Cilliers of Virginia.

Teams for schools participating in Easter weekend rugby festivals have been announced.

David Pocock will make his second start this year on the back of a solid return two weeks ago, from the bench, against the Waratahs.

Patrick Lambie has been named to captain the Sharks in their Super Rugby crunch encounter with the Crusaders in Durban on Saturday.

Waratahs assistant coach Daryl Gibson will take over from head coach Michael Cheika for the 2016 Super Rugby season.

All Black captain Richie McCaw has been replaced by Matt Todd in the starting line-up to face the Sharks.

Brodie Retallick will return to the Chiefs starting XV after injuring his shoulder in Round Three, as the Waikato team prepare to take on the Blues in Hamilton on Saturday.

Rebels head coach Tony McGahan has made just two changes to his starting XV as Lopeti Timani returns and Paul Alo-Emile gets his first start of the season.

Cocaine-tainted code-hopper Karmichael Hunt has been recalled to the Reds team for their encounter with the Rebels this Friday.

You may well call it freaky Friday - two games featuring four teams with vastly differing fortunes. Jan de Koning reports!

NEWS: Ulster loose forward Nick Williams has been given an eight-week discount by a Pro12 disciplinary hearing.

Connacht Rugby have announced that Mils Muliaina will finish with the province at the end of the season moving to Italian side Zebra.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: SANZAR moved swiftly to defuse the storm that erupted in the wake of Springbok Francois Steyn's five-week ban.

Francois van der Merwe has grown up with the Racing Metro's dream of mixing it with the best clubs in Europe and now he is living the reality.

NEWS: Wales wing George North will miss Northampton's European Champions Cup quarterfinal at Clermont Auvergne this weekend

Utility back Ruhan Nel was on Wednesday called up as a replacement for the injured Stephan Dippenaar who returns home with a hamstring injury.

Ulster confirmed the signing of New Zealand international, Charles Piutau, on a two-year contract.

The European Under-18 Championship is set for a Final of the Elite Division between France and Georgia, both of whom one close encounters in the semifinals.

EXCLUSIVE: The Lions' success on their Australasian tour  has been put down to their sound defensive system. Jan de Koning reports.

Lions head coach Johan Ackermann has named his 23-man side to face the Bulls in Saturday’s local Super Rugby derby match.

Scarlets confirmed today that lock Tom Price will join the region from Leicester Tigers ahead of the 2015-16 season.

Former All Black Sevens player Pita Ahki will make his season debut for the Blues in their Super Rugby clash against the Chiefs on Saturday.

Hurricanes midfielder Ma'a Nonu will join an elite club of four when he runs on against the Stormers this Friday night.

Wales lock Ian Gough had his conviction for assaulting his glamour model ex-girlfriend overturned by a south London court.

INTERVIEW: While the Sharks have been shocked by SANZAR's ruling on Frans Steyn, Fred Zeilinga is trying to look to the future.

The Kearsney Easter Festival, such a high-profile addition to schools rugby at Easter, kicks off at the school in Botha's Hill on Thursday, 2 April 2015.

Nathan Hughes of the Wasps has been found guilty and charged for striking with George North's head with his knee during the match against Northampton.

Welsh centre Jamie Roberts admits he is trying to put the uncertainty over his club future to the back of his mind.

Not so long ago, there was only the Saints' tournament at Easter. Now there are several. We are giving the fixtures at each tournament in one bundle.

NEWS: SARU made a small operating profit – exceeding forecasts – in a very difficult economic environment, to record a fourth successive year of profit.

Cheetahs coach Naka Drotské has named his team to take on Australian conference leaders the Brumbies in a Super Rugby clash on Saturday.

Sharks centre Frans Steyn has been slapped with a five-week ban for a tip-tackle incident he was cleared of only a week ago.

Lions utility back Nicolaas Hanekom is making progress on his knee injury and is expected to be available for selection within the upcoming four weeks.

The 2015 KES Easter Rugby Festival has again attracted top schools from many parts of the country - from Ben Vorster in the far north to Rondebosch in the deep south.

Ospreys have announced that scrumhalf Tom Habberfield has become the latest player to sign a new deal with the region.

Dan Carter will not take part in the Crusaders second tour match against the Sharks in Durban this weekend after he flew home on Tuesday.

Glasgow Warriors have signed experienced scrumhalf Mike Blair on a two-year contract.

Noord-Kaap van Kimberley het die Pukke Skouspel onoorwonne afgesluit danksy 'n sege van 43-13 oor Transvalia van Vanderbijlpark by die Fanie du Toit Stadium in Potchefstroom.

Chris Ashton says he has warmed up for 'the biggest game this year' by scoring two tries last weekend in preparations for Saracens' quarterfinal.

George North will hope to be fit for Northampton's quarterfinal clash with Clermont, after he was carried off on a stretcher at the weekend.

The Hong Kong Sevens provided new levels of entertainment and we look at some of the best bits.

The annual Tony Stoops Rugby Festival will celebrate its seventh year by bringing together 35 teams from across the country to enjoy a fun-filled event.

Nizaam Car has been completely left out of the Stormers matchday 23 for their upcoming  Super Rugby fixture against the Hurricanes.

Krugersdorp High School will again be hosting its Easter Festival  for rugby and hockey. It is the 12th such festival run by the school.

Victor Matfield and Jan Serfontein will both be rested against the Lions this week, in accordance with the franchises' agreement with SARU.

Rebels prop Laurie Weeks has avoided surgery after injuring his knee in last Friday’s loss to the Hurricanes, however he will be sidelined for six to eight weeks.

The Stormers will welcome back Duane Vermeulen and Eben Etzebeth to the starting XV for the match against the Hurricanes in Wellington on Friday.  

All Black loose forward Jerome Kaino has committed himself for the next three years to New Zealand, the Blues and Auckland.

This week is Holy Week and Lent ends in the alleluias of Easter, not just a time of prayer and chocolate eggs but also a time of rugby.

IN THE EURO SPOTLIGHT: Bath coach Mike Ford is ready to go for broke in a bid to upset the odds Leinster in Dublin.

NEWS: Toulouse General Manager Guy Noves expressed his optimism that centre Gael Fickou will be fit in time for the World Cup.

NEWS: South African coach Jake White on Monday signed a pre-contract, to extend his stay with Top 14 side Montpellier.

VARSITY CUP WRAP: The unbeaten UFS-Shimlas will host NWU-Pukke in their first-ever Varsity Cup final in Bloemfontein on Monday, April 13.

Leinster have been dealt a blow ahead of their European Champions Cup quarterfinal clash with Bath, as Rhys Ruddock is set to miss the rest of the season.

Reigning European champions Toulon will make a return to the Stade Vélodrome for their Champions Cup semifinal if they manage to defeat Wasps.

Connacht forwards Andrew Browne and Jason Harris-Wrighthave both signed new deals for next season.

Pukke are preparing to represent South Africa at the tournament that launched Sevens as a sport - the Melrose Sevens in Scotland.

OPINION: AussieBoer, in his latest contribution to rugby365, writes an open letter to Stormers boss Gert Smal!

St Benedict’s College rugby season is well under way, having played their first official fixture against St David’s Inanda on Saturday, March 28. 

Cheetahs loose forward Jean Cook has been sent home from their Australasian tour with an abdominal muscle injury.

South African lock, George Earle, has extended his contract with the Scarlets after joining the region from the Cheetahs in 2012.

The BlitzBoks have called up uncapped Carel du Preez to replace injured forward Philip Snyman for the Tokyo Sevens tournament.

The 20th annual St.John's College Easter Rugby Festival is set to get underway this weekend in Johannesburg.

Noord- Kaap ran in six tries on their way to a 42-29 victory over Kearsney at the Pukke Skouspel in Potchefstroom. 

INTERVIEW: Stormers forwards coach Matt Proudfoot wants his team to be more direct and physical when they face the table-topping Hurricanes.

In one of the toughest games to call from the weekend, the Bulls stepped up to the plate and delivered, and so they feature heavily in our Team of the Week.

World Cup winning coach Jake White has reached an agreement  to stay at Montpellier until 2017, Midi Olympique confirmed on Monday.

A lacklustre performance by Muir at the Graeme Rugby Day saw them go down 0-26 to Hudson Park.  Muir trailed 0-19 at the break.

Creating time and space in attack, and clarity at the breakdown are at the top of the New Zealand Rugby Union's early wish-list.

After six seasons with the capital club, Tim Visser will be leaving Edinburgh at the end of May.

Queen’s College secured a comfortable 41-7 victory against Pearson at the Graeme College Rugby Day in Grahamstown.  

When school meets school, there is more than just the 1st XV involved even if that is the match that counts most. Here we try to tell a fuller story of school vs school with the results of all teams of the day.

Nick Williams, the Ulster No.8, has been cited for allegedly striking an opponent in the Pro12 match against Cardiff Blues at the weekend.

After sweeping the office standing MdV has now climbed back into the Top 10 with a five position jump.

Australian Under-20 Coach Adrian Thomson has selected an extended squad of 29 players in preperation for the Junior World Cup.

The Hurricans are looking to recall their rested All Blacks as they wait the arrival of the Stormers in Wellington this coming Saturday.

The annual Pukke Rugby Skouspel, reduced this year to two playing days, started at the Fanie du Toit Stadium in Potchefstroom on Saturday.

A South African import who is helping his Irish province flourish near the top of the Pro12

Argentina flyhalf Nicolas Sanchez has left European champions Toulon to get ready for his wedding in May and to prepare for the World Cup.

Bath's second-half onslaught saw them surge back into the Premiership semifinal places with a bonus-point triumph over London Welsh.

Sale Sharks maintained their presence in the battle for a Premiership top four spot with a gritty victory over Gloucester.

Itembelihle are currently playing in the Mzwandile Mali Memorial Easter Festival in Wolfson Stadium, KwaZakhele, Port Elizabeth, with 16 schools taking part.

It was a match that went with the wind that blew down the Markötter Field in Stellenbosch when Paul Roos turned the tables and beat Affies 29-12 on Saturday.

A third-place finish in Hong Kong saw the BlitzBoks hold on to their lead at the top of the Sevens World Series standings.

Both of last year's finalists are playing away from home in the Varsity Cup semifinals on Monday.

EP Kings flank Paul Schoeman and Welwitschias fullback Justin Nel both recorded hat-tricks of tries in the fourth round of the Vodacom Cup.

France centre Gael Fickou will miss the rest of the season after damaging ligaments in his left knee according to Toulouse general manager Guy Noves.

England centre Manu Tuilagi looks set to miss the rest of the season through injury, but should be fit for the World Cup.

Paul Roos 1st XV gave their great school a good 150th birthday present when they celebrated with a big win over Affies from Pretoria.

Gary Gold was left frustrated after his team got themselves into another tight contest, this time scraping a win against the struggling Force in Durban.

Lions coach Johan Ackermann puts their success on tour without many star players down to the attitude and work ethic of the team.

Blues coach John Kirwan knows his team must beat the Chiefs if they are to have any hope of contending for a play-off spot this season.

They are the only Sevens team to have secured a place at the Olympics in Rio next year, but host team Brazil face monumental hurdles to hold their own.

Rugby legends say that Sevens' inclusion in next year's Olympics will be a turning point which brings it fully onto the world stage.

Fiji beat defending champions New Zealand 33-19, their second consecutive Cup final win, at the Hong Kong Sevens.

REPORT: Two tries from Tom Prydie helped earn Newport Gwent Dragons 32-17 victory over Benetton Treviso.

Two tries from Dan Baker made sure Ospreys stay in touch at the top of the Pro12 table after a convincing 53-22 home win against strugglers Zebre.

Top 14 leaders Toulon and Clermont, both preparing for European Cup quarterfinal action next weekend, suffered defeats in French rugby action on Saturday.

REPORT: Chris Ashton and Chris Wyles both grabbed doubles as Saracens secured a bonus-point win over Harlequins.

REPORT: Edinburgh leapfrogged the Scarlets in the Pro12 top six race and ended their opponents' impressive home record.

Geoff Parling's second-half try and the boot of Freddie Burns saw Leicester Tigers leapfrog Exeter Chiefs in the Premiership Rugby table.

Duncan Casey's second-half try proved to be the pivotal moment as Munster continued their hunt for a home semifinal with a 42-20 Pro12 victory over Connacht.

London Irish claimed only their third home Premiership Rugby victory of the season after defeating a plucky Newcastle Falcons at Madejski Stadium.

REPORT: The Bulls outmuscled the Crusaders in a cracking game in Pretoria on Saturday, to win this Super Rugby Round Seven encounter 31-19.

The annual Graeme College Rugby Day produced yet another set of bumper Eastern Cape schoolboy rugby fixtures in Grahamstown on Saturday.

REPORT: The Sharks collected four valuable points, as they beat the Western Force 15-9 in a dour Super Rugby Round Seven game on Saturday.

REACTION: Powerhouse wing George North said Saturday he has feeling fine despite once again being badly concussed in a game.

REACTION: Stormers coach Allister Coetzee was disappointed with his team's showing against the Highlanders, but felt it was not a train smash.

REPORT: The Waratahs closed the gap on Australian conference leaders the Brumbies with a hard-earned 23-11 win of the Blues.

George North was at the centre of another concussion scare after the Wales wing suffered a sickening blow to the head on Friday.

REPORT: The Highlanders recorded their first win over the Stormers in eight years, as they overpowered the visitors 39-21 on Saturday.

Flyhalf Johnny Sexton returned to Top 14 duty after Ireland's Six Nations triumph last weekend and lifted Racing Metro to a 12-6 win at Bayonne.

DAY TWO WRAP: World Sevens Series leaders South Africa and Fiji were the only sides to maintain 100 percent records.

REPORT: The Chiefs cemented their place in the top six of Super Rugby with a convincing 37-27 win over the Cheetahs on Saturday.

Less than a week after lifting the Six Nations trophy Ireland captain Paul O'Connell has been awarded the Player of the Championship.

George North's first-half try double helped Northampton Saints extend their lead atop the Premiership table with a hard-fought 52-30 victory.

Glenn Bryce's late try saw leaders Glasgow Warriors snatch a 34-all draw with Leinster at the RDS Arena to remain atop the table.

Louis Ludik's pair of tries helped Ulster to resist a second-half fightback from Cardiff with a 36-17 victory.

On Thursday 26 March 2015 St Andrew’s College took on Bishops from Cape Town in their annual rugby derby in Grahamstown. Bishops won the match but there was must more to this thrilling game of great skill than just the final score.

REACTION: The Lions on Friday completed South African's 'hat-trick club' - teams winning three matches on tour in Australasia.

The one beats opponents with his feet, the other beats opponents till they drop 

REPORT: Sevens World Series leaders South Africa and defending Hong Kong champions New Zealand recorded first round wins on day one.

Fiji wing Albert Vulivuli has joined Montpellier to replace the injured Benjamin Fall, the Top 14 side announced on Friday.

French clubs will be buoyed by the presence of some players back from international duty for this weekend's Top 14 action.

MATCH REPORT: The Lions won their third match on tour, beating the Reds 18-17 in a thrilling Super Rugby Round Seven encounter on Friday.

With the early season skirmishes out of the way, the Graeme Rugby Day is set for a spectacular display of schoolboy action when it kicks off in Grahamstown.

Paul Roos is 150 years old this year - not the player but the great school which bears his name - Paul Roos Gymnasium in Stellenbosch. 

Ospreys have signed Welshman and former Gloucester and Melbourne Rebels captain Gareth Delve.

MATCH REPORT: The Hurricanes scored 26 unanswered second-half points to beat the Rebels 36-12 in their Super Rugby encounter on Friday.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: The Crusaders hit back at their critics, in the wake of accusations that their scrum dominance is based on illegal tactics.

Can we match last Saturday for sheer drama? The quality of the play was below par, but the drama was befitting of a Hollywood script.

After a scintillating finish to the Six Nations, there is an Irish v Scottish flavour again in this round of Pro12 games.

Thomas Waldrom heads back to his old stomping ground determined to keep Exeter firmly in the mix at the top end of the Premiership.

Jonny Wilkinson slots that drop-goal at the 2003 World Cup!

Super Rugby is heading towards the half-way stage as we gear up for Round Seven of the competition.

Welsh prop Adam Jones will join Harlequins from Cardiff Blues at the end of the season, the English Premiership club announced on Thursday.

The Champions Cup and the Challenge Cup, the two annual European competitions, will kick off mid-November next season - due to the World Cup.

When Schalk Burger runs out against the Highlanders, he will become the Stormers' fourth player to reach the magical 100 appearance mark in Super Rugby.

New Zealand go into the Hong Kong Sevens with an extra spring in their step after the Black Caps' victory in the cricket World Cup semifinals.

INTERVIEW: Irish great Brian O'Driscoll said that it was officiating and not the laws of the game that needed to change.

Frans Steyn looks set to play for the Sharks this weekend, after the Appeal Committee moved the date of his SANZAR hearing to next week.

EXCLUSIVE: rugby365 columnist Matt Hawkins looks at what he calls the Grand Daddy of all Sevens tournaments - Hong Kong!

One of three ex-players who played provincial rugby and have become referees is Mpho Matsaung of Griqualand West.

Pieter Labuschagne has failed to recover from a chest injury picked up against the Western Force last weekend amd has been replaced by Arno Botha.

There will be additional prestige on offer when 16 of the world's leading nations gather in Hong Kong to contest Round Six of the World Sevens Series.

Egon Seconds was a great wing in his day - fast, elusive, skilful. Now, 34 years of age, he is set fair to becoming a top referee.

Jacques Nieuwenhuis went to two Rugby World Cups as a player - France in 2007 and New Zealand in 2011. Now, just turned 35, he is a referee and loving it.

Sevens will make its Olympic Games debut on  August 6, 2016 after the Rio organising committee released the daily competition schedule.

On Saturday Paul Roos Gymnasium from Stellenbosch host old rivals from Pretoria Affies as part of their 150th birthday celebrations. 

The Force have made just one change to their matchday squad to face the Sharks, with Dane Haylett-Petty coming onto the bench.

Crusaders coach Todd Blackadder wasted no time in bringing back All Black captain Richie McCaw for his team's encounter with the Bulls.

Schalk Burger will start his first Stormers game of 2015, and in doing so notch-up his 100th Super Rugby cap for the Cape Town outfit.

Wallaby forward Radike Samo could make his Rebels debut after being named on the bench to face the Hurricanes on Friday in Wellington.

The Sharks have named Frans Steyn at flyhalf, to face the Western Force, despite SANZAR appealing his not-guilty verdict for a tip tackle.

The Chiefs have made several changes to their starting lineup, including a new front row and the return of Sonny Bill Williams.

Highlanders coach Jamie Joseph has made two changes to his team, both in the pack, to play the Stormers on Saturday.

Waratahs coach Michael Cheika named an unchanged side for Saturday's Super Rugby Round Seven clash against the Blues in Sydney.

Coach John Kirwan rung the changes as he looked to break his winless Blues team's Super Rugby duck.

The Rebels head to Wellington to face a decidedly under-par Hurricanes, and the Reds are at home to a vastly improved Lions outfit.

INTERVIEW: The Cheetahs learnt some harsh lessons in their 43-point drubbing at the hands of the Crusaders last week. Jan de Koning reports.

The Vodacom Cup is now fully underway across the length and breadth of South Africa and Namibia and sparks are set to fly.

They will all go down to Lower Field on Thursday afternoon to watch brother schools meet - St Andrew's and Bishops, this time at St Andrew's.

Benetton Treviso announced the signing of  Filo Paulo in time for next season, arriving from the Cardiff Blues.

The Six Nations may have run its course, but the drama in Europe is far from over - with the European Cup play-offs less than a week away.

Italy's New Zealand-born flyhalf Kelly Haimona has undergone an operation on his fractured right radius and is expected to be out of action for three months.

The South African Rugby Union on Wednesday announced a large group of players to participate in the Junior Springbok trials camp early next month in Stellenbosch.

EXCLUSIVE: Jan de Koning chatted to Lions coach Johan Ackermann about their final tour match, against the Reds in Brisbane on Friday.

Scarlets can today confirm that tighthead prop Will Taylor will join the region from Wasps ahead of the 2015-16 season.

Siya Kolisi says that the competition amongst the loose forwards at the Stormers is exactly what he needs to get back to his best.

Ospreys confirm that Tom Grabham has put pen to paper on a new two-year deal.

EXCLUSIVE: RUGBY365 COLUMNIST MATT HAWKINS LOOKS AT WHAT THE FUTURE HOLDS FOR SEVENS, WHICH APPEARS NOT TO INCLUDE JAPAN AS A STOP IN THE WORLD SERIES.

EXCLUSIVE: RUGBY365 COLUMNIST MATT HAWKINS LOOKS AT THE STORYLINES THAT EMERGED FROM THE FAMOUS HONG KONG SEVENS TOURNAMENT.

EXCLUSIVE: RUGBY365 COLUMNIST MATT HAWKINS LOOKS AT WHAT HE CALLS THE GRAND DADDY OF ALL SEVENS TOURNAMENTS - HONG KONG!