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The Sharks look set to rest some of their key players this week, but fullback SP Marais feels that it will be a positive thing for the youngsters.

France international halfback Frederic Michalak has been added to reigning champions Toulon's European Rugby Champions Cup squad ahead of April's quarter-finals, organisers said Tuesday.

Hurricanes scrumhalf TJ Perenara will run on for his 50th match this Friday, as his team takes on the Rebels in Wellington.

Reds coach Richard Graham wasted no time in rushing back a number of Wallaby stars, when he named his side to take on the Lions on Friday.

England's fourth consecutive runners-up finish in the Six Nations was "not acceptable", Rugby Football Union chief executive Ian Ritchie told reporters.

Springbok flank Teboho Mohoje has left the Cheetahs' tour of Australasia after injuring his groin against the Crusaders last weekend.

A fantastic school boy rugby encounter took place at Muir College as they played hosts to Kingswood from Grahamstown.  Unfortunately, hosts Muir went down 29-34 in the final few minutes after trailing 10-22 at the break.

Dean Mumm admits it will be with a heavy heart that he will bring to an end his Exeter Chiefs career at the end of the 2014/15 season.

These are results of matches between schools - all matches, not just the 1st XVs.

The Reds welcome back seven key players, for their upcoming Super Rugby clash against the Lions, with James O'Connor set to start on the wing.

The Stormers will be looking to emulate the feat of the 2012 campaign to get their tour off to a good note and provide them with valuable momentum.

OPINION: AussieBoer, in his latest contribution to rugby365, looks into the new contracting system proposed by SARU.

Glenwood travelled up to the Midlands this weekend to take on Michaelhouse. In a game where both teams made mistakes and struggled to gain momentum early on, Michaelhouse eventually came out on top.

Queen’s College started the season off with a tough encounter against Grens from East London, at the annual Border Schools’ Rugby Day. The match was played in windy conditions at Selborne College.

Kearsney hosted Hilton on a hot and humid Saturday afternoon on Botha’s Hill and beat the visitors 34-22 in the 1st XV match.

Calm. Refereeing sails into relatively calm waters this weekend as the Six Nations and the European Nations Cup both end.

The Springbok trio of Cobus Reinach, Marcell Coetzee and Pat Lambie are all expected to be rested for the Sharks' showdown with the Force.

Cardiff Blues have announced the signing of United States of America international Blaine Scully.

The Brumbies have been left with a gap in the midfield following news that destructive outside centre Tevita Kuridrani will be sidelined for two months.

Karmichael Hunt was welcomed back to team training after the four-week banishment that turned his new life, and code, into uproar.

 Chiefs captain Liam Messam's citing has been upheld after the charge was amended to an act contrary  to good sportsmanship.

Lions coach Johann Ackermann has shifted Elton Jantjies back to flyhalf after playing at centre against the Rebels last weekend.

David Pocock's principled stand against homophobia on the field will cost him any chance of captaining Australia again, says former Wallaby Greg Martin.

Bulls midfielder Burger Odendaal will return to training on Tuesday after a successful rehabilitation phase on a meniscal knee injury.

British police have announced that they are investigating claims that Welsh referee Nigel Owens was the target of homophobic abuse on Twitter.

Harlequins' England and British & Irish Lions wing Ugo Monye will retire at the end of the season.

South African prop Jacobus Roux has signed for Oyonnax as medical cover for Antoine Guillamon.

OPINION: It was a close finish, going down to fire - literally. England came within six points of snatching Six nations glory from Ireland.

In their second match this season Die Brandwag and St Andrew's of Grahamstown met in Uitenhage in an entertaining game of running rugby.

Two late bonus points saw NWU-Pukke sneak into the Varsity Cup semifinals ahead of Maties on points difference.

REACTION: England fullback Mike Brown has slammed the lacklustre efforts of Scotland and Italy that helped deny his side the Six Nations crown.

The climax to the final day of the Six Nations was labelled 'Super Saturday' and for once it lived up to the hype - as 221 points were scored.

Glasgow Warriors have signed Scotland international lock Kieran Low from London Irish.

For scoring 57 unanswered points against the Cheetahs in a display of magical rugby, it is the Crusaders who dominate our Team of the Week.

BREAKING NEWS: Sharks and Springbok midfielder Frans Steyn has been found 'not guilty' by a SANZAR judicial hearing on Monday.

REACTION: Toulon coach Bernard Laporte called for the Top 14 championship to be cut in order to help the national team.

Highlanders co-captain Nasi Manu has signed for Scottish club Edinburgh and will leave at the end of the current Super Rugby season.

The big schools are starting to roll out now, with the result that there are already some big results, this week again.

The big schools are starting to roll out now, with the result that there are already some big results, this week again.

Schools Day this year is on Tuesday 24 March 2015, starting at three o'clock in the afternoon.

OPINION: Should we really expect the South African Super Rugby franchises to rest top Springboks as per SARU's request?

Sharks captain Bismarck du Plessis admits that he needs to get his emotions in check after receiving a red card for a kick against the Chiefs on Saturday.

The rugby365 office has a new leader - as MdV has taken over from TommyGun.

The ARU has fined Jacques Potgieter AU$20,000, following an incident during Sunday’s match against the Brumbies.

SANZAR have engaged in a preliminary investigation surrounding the alleged homophobic slurs and have decided to pass the matter onto the ARU.

If there was ever any doubting Joe Schmidt's dedication to his team it should well have disappeared after becoming back-to-back Six Nations champions.

Hurricanes flank Ardie Savea will be sidelined for up to six weeks after dislocating his finger in Friday's 20-13 win over the Highlanders.

The frenzied finale to the Six Nations comes as a timely reminder to the Southern Hemisphere giants ahead of this year's World Cup.

The Waratahs confirmed that Wallaby lock Dean Mumm will return to the franchise after three years with English Premiership side the Exeter Chiefs.

EXCLUSIVE: The Bulls fully support SARU's plan to rest key Springboks, but there won't be a mass withdrawal of players at any stage.

WRAP: The South Section of the Vodacom Cup kicked off this weekend with the Sharks XV and Pumas getting 50-pointers without conceding a point.

PREVIEW: There will be four teams fighting it out over the two remaining play-offs spots in the final round of the Varsity Cup on Monday.

DISCIPLINARY HEARING: Springbok hooker Bismarck du Plessis has been banned for four weeks for kicking an opponent.

Dave Rennie has said his team could not hold onto the wet ball and lacked patience against a 13-man Sharks team in a spiteful match.

Gary Gold has not condoned Bismark du Plessis's red card offence but has come to the support of his physical captain's fiery nature.

REACTION: Ireland scrumhalf Conor Murray says his side's Six Nations triumph shows they are ready to make a major impact at the World Cup.

REACTION: The Waratahs stand accused of hurling homophobic slurs at the Brumbies in their Super Rugby match in Sydney on Sunday.

REACTION: Wales coach Warren Gatland said his team will look ahead with confidence to this year's World Cup.

REACTION: Ireland captain Paul O'Connell is not yet ready to announcement his retirement date, despite being on the wrong side of 35.

REACTION: England captain Chris Robshaw feels Twickenham will be a real fortress at the World Cup later this year.

Chiefs captain Liam Messam has joined three other players in the dock after the spiteful and brutal Super Rugby encounter with the Sharks.

MATCH REPORT: The Waratahs, after trailing early, produced a powerful second-half performance to beat the Brumbies 28-13 on Sunday.

Ireland coach Joe Schmidt admitted to being 'exhausted' after his team retained their Six Nations crown in dramatic style.

The Sharks did just enough to secure a 12-11 victory over the Chiefs at Kings Park in a match marred by poor discipline.

England beat France 55-35 at Twickenham on Saturday but it was not enough to clinch the Six Nations as Ireland retained their title.

Italy flyhalf Kelly Haimona is set for a spell on the sidelines after fracturing his right forearm early in the 61-20 Six Nations defeat to Wales.

The Bulls battled their way to a 25-24 victory over the Force in a scrappy encounter at Loftus Versfeld on Saturday.

Ireland recorded a 40-10 victory over Scotland at Murrayfield to keep their Six Nations defence alive and end Wales' hopes.

Wales pulled away from Italy in the second half to record an emphatic 61-20 Six Nations victory in Rome on Saturday.

Highlanders coach Jamie Joseph bemoaned the number of marginal decisions that went against his side in their 13-20 defeat to the Hurricanes in Dunedin.

The Fiji Rugby Union announced the death of prop Iosefo Bele Tabalala on Saturday, saying the 32-year-old apparently died in his sleep.

Die Brandwag of Uitenhage began their season with a big win over Solomon Mahlangu, also of Uitenhage

After leading at halftime, a Willie le Roux yellow card saw the Crusaders score four tries in six minutes to destroy the Cheetahs 57-14

Well-rested Wales will look to replicate their storming start against Ireland when they face Italy in Rome on Saturday.

England coach Stuart Lancaster claims the final day of the Ryder Cup is the only event that compare with Saturday's dramatic Six Nations finale.

The Board of Saracens and Edward Griffiths announced that the CEO will be leaving at the end of the season.

DC HEARING: Connacht coach Pat Lam received a slap on the wrist, a fine, for his verbal attack on an assistant referee.

POST-MATCH REACTION: Warren Whiteley said his team never lost the faith in their own ability, despite a poor start to the season.

INTERVIEW: The Cape Town leg of the Sevens World Series will be the ideal vehicle for SARU to showcase their ability to host the 2023 World Cup.

One is here to save the World. The other is here to save the Stormers' scrum

Geoff Parling believes England must come roaring out of the blocks against France as the Six Nations goes down to the wire on Saturday.

Quade Cooper is one of six big names returning from injury for the Reds after their bye week as they prepare to take on the Lions in Round Seven.

The Lions pinched a 20-16  win over the Rebels with a converted try from Lionel Mapoe two minutes from time in Melbourne on Friday. 

The SARU announced that the SA leg of the Sevens Series would be moving to Cape Town for four years from December.

The Hurricanes held off a late charge from the Highlanders to secure a 20-13 victory and extend their winning streak to a record five matches.

Border Schools, amongst them some of the best rugby Schools in South Africa, will be in action at the Buffalo City Municipal Stadium, the old Border rugby Union Grounds, on Saturday 21 March 2015.

Ireland No.8 Jamie Heaslip admits he is familiar with the threats Scotland will pose in their Six Nations clash on Saturday.

England will know exactly what they need to do to lift their first Six Nations under Stuart Lancaster when they take the field against France.

Wales coach Warren Gatland has called for focus as they go in search of a huge victory margin over Italy that could see them crowned Six Nations champions.

The stage is set for two days of high drama in the Super Rugby arena, as we take a look at Saturday and Sunday's matches.

Steve Walsh, a rugby referee in the top category of rugby referees, is to end his career with immediate effect.

There are 33 matches at this year's two-day festival at Hoërskool Porterville on 20-21 March 2015.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: All Black Sonny Bill Williams has been ruled out of the Chiefs' encounter with the Sharks on Saturday.

Damian de Allende has made a big step up this season and is now one of the most influential players in the Stormers side.

It is a massive weekend for the Six Nations as the three-horse race comes to an end with the crowning of a champion as well as Round Six of Super Rugby.

EXCLUSIVE: Lions captain Warren Whiteley earmarked 'consistency' and 'being clinical' as the missing elements in his team's campaign.

Italy have lost their inspirational captain Sergio Parisse for their final Six Nations match at home against Wales.

Ireland have made two changes for their final game of the Six Nations against Scotland including a long-awaited start for Luke Fitzgerald.

On Saturday at the Buffalo City Municipal Stadium in East London, Dale College of King William's Town play Port Rex Technical High School as part of the Border Schools Day.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Scotland' coach Vern Cotter made two changes to his pack ahead of Saturday's Six Nations finale.

rugby365 and Moonsport bring you a collection of Heyneke Meyer's best freakouts!

The Bulls have retained the services of Dean Greyling who has spurned the option to make a lucrative move overseas to play out his career.  

The Vodacom Cup picks up speed this weekend with action in the South Section getting underway.

EXCLUSIVE: rugby365 columnist Matt Hawkins returns and looks at some exciting developments on the Sevens World Series circuit.

Justin Geduld and Stephan Dippenaar return to the 12-man BlitzBokke squad in place of Rayno Benjamin and Warrick Gelant for the Far-East tournaments.

The Waratahs will be without Wallabies hooker Tatafu Polota-Nau for Sunday's Australian derby clash against the Brumbies in Sydney.  

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Young Stade Francais flyhalf Jules Plisson has been called up for France's final Six Nations clash with England.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Leicester lock Geoff Parling was recalled by England for Saturday's decisive Six Nations showdown with France.

Questions are being asked about the SARU player rest initiative for the Sharks, but Gary Gold says the they are a special case in South Africa.

On Saturday, 21 March 2015, Hoërskool Noord-Kaap is holding a rugby day with teams from Landboudal in Jacobsdal, Adamantia of Kimberly, like their hosts, Duineveld of Upington and Hopetown.

Veteran Springbok Victor Matfield will play off the bench when the Bulls host the Western Force in a Super Rugby Round Six match on Saturday.

Wallabies flank David Pocock will return via the Brumbies bench this Sunday when the team travels to Sydney to take on the Waratahs.

South African Sias Ebersohn makes his return to the run-on side at flyhalf when the Western Force takes on the Bulls,

Todd Blackadder has named his side to take on the Cheetahs this Saturday, making four changes to the starting line-up that beat the Lions last weekend.

The Sharks team has only one injury-enforced change with Marco Wentzel coming into the starting pack for Pieter-Steph du Toit.

Former Reds', Mike Harris and Dom Shipperley will each make their 50th Super Rugby appearance this week alongside old teammate Jonah Placid.

A rash of injuries forced Highlanders coach Jamie Joseph to make a number of changes to his team to face the Hurricanes on Friday.

The Hurricanes head south, across the Cook Strait, determined to maintain their unbeaten start - as Super Rugby heads into Week Six.

NEWS: South African scrumhalf Enrico Januarie will play for Top 14 side La Rochelle next season, after signing a two-year contract.

INTERVIEW: Scotland may be winless and propping up the Six Nations table, but they are an angry and dangerous bunch.

NEWS: Heinrich Brüssow will get an opportunity to put his breakdown skills on display when the Cheetahs face the Crusaders on Saturday.

NEWS: Four more players have committed their futures to Wales and the regions by signing National Dual Contracts.

Eerskomende vakansie,  vanaf  Woensdag 1 April tot Maandag 6 April 2015, bied Hoërskool Outeniqua weer die Nashua Kwagga Junior Rugbyweek aan.

OPINION: AussieBoer, in his latest contribution to rugby365, asks fellows readers where they were during historic moments in the game's history.

Hoërskool Pionier of Vryheid will be going over the mountains to Brakpan this weekend for the semifinals of the Pukke 16 competition.

NEWS: A record number of tickets will be sold for this year's Rugby Union World Cup in England, the head of the sport's ruling body said.

Labori High School had a good start to its rugby season with a 33-10 victory over Groendal Secondary of Franschhoek.

All Black coach Steve Hansen warned that Rugby Union risks becoming "boring", unless the game is made more attacking and the rulebook simplified.

Super Rugby teams will not be forced to rest key Springboks, despite a 'request' from the South African Rugby Union to do so ahead of the World Cup.

INTERVIEW: The Lions may be best known for their cavalier approach, but they are looking at a more 'conservative' approach this week.

INTERVIEW: With the South African public sighing with relief over Pieter-Steph du Toit's injury, Super Rugby continues for the Sharks and Marco Wentzel.

The Hurricanes were dealt a blow ahead of their Super Rugby showdown with the Highlanders, with the withdrawal of hooker Dane Coles.

Wales scrumhalf Rhys Webb has become the latest international to sign a National Dual Contract, committing his future to the Ospreys and Wales.

Dougie Fife believes Scotland will have a big say in the destination of this year's Six Nations - despite only picking up losses thus far

Jonathan Joseph expects a ruthless performance from England in Saturday’s Six Nations showdown with France at Twickenham.

The Sharks seem to have been given a massive boost with news that Pieter-Steph du Toit could be back in action in three months.

If there was ever a good time for Stormers coach Allister Coetzee to rest captain Duane Vermeulen it is now.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Western Force utility back Marcel Brache is no stranger to Loftus Versfeld. He speaks about tackling the Bulls.

When schools meet there are usually several matches, not just the 1st XV clash. Some schools are kind and send in all their results.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Wales made two changes in their front row to face Italy in a Six Nations match in Rome on Saturday.

Michael Cheika is backing the Waratahs to upset the Brumbies, but he acknowledged the men from Canberra are Australia's best team.

Kearsney hosted Glenwood on a hot and humid afternoon for what proved to be a very exciting and closely contested match. Kearney won 13-11

NEWS: Newcastle Falcons confirmed the signing of Tongan Prop Taione Vea from London Welsh.

MATCH OFFICIAL APPOINTMENTS: It's the last round of the Six Nations, with all to play for in all three matches this coming weekend.

Tevita Kuridrani has signed a two-year contract extension with Australian Rugby that will take him through until the end of the 2017 season.

What started as a special project to celebrate Graeme College’s 125th anniversary in 1998 has developed into an Eastern Cape rugby spectacular which looks sure to remain a permanent date on the schools calendar.

NEWS: Chiefs star Sonny Bill Williams will be given until Friday to recover from a head-knock, in the hope that he can face the Sharks.

Johan Ackermann made several changes to his team to take on the Melbourne Rebels, including shifting flyhalf Elton Jantjies to inside centre.

NEWS: Italy captain Sergio Parisse remains a doubt for their Six Nations finale against Wales this Saturday.

France coach Philippe Saint-Andre gave a strong indication that Saturday's game against England at Twickenham would be his last match in charge.

NEWS: Veteran France prop Thomas Domingo on Monday replaced the injured Eddy Ben Arous in the squad for their final Six Nations match.

OPINION: The Six Nations race will go down to the wire, but Wales got some early reward in rugby365's famous weekly selection.

Muir College hosted Cillié High School in their first fixture of the 2015 season.  The College 1st XV opened their account with a convincing 32-14 victory over Cillié, after leading 22-7 at the break.

NEWS: Newcastle Falcons confirmed that Director of Rugby Dean Richards has agreed a new three-year contract.

INJURY UPDATE: The Bulls, fresh from their bye week, will be without two regulars when they face the Western Force on Saturday.

VARSITY CUP WRAP: UP-Tuks and UFS-Shimlas both secured home semifinals with big wins in Round Six of the Varsity Cup on Monday.

Ireland coach Joe Schmidt insists confidence will remain high in the camp this week, despite seeing their hopes of a Grand Slam disappear.

Italian captain Sergio Parisse has indicated he could shake off a foot injury to lead his side into their Six Nations finale against Wales this Saturday.

VIDEO REVIEW: The Six Nations hangs in the balance going into the final round and there is a change in the world rankings.

#FanUp: rugby365 and Vodacom have combined to give five lucky readers a chance to win tickets to Loftus Versfeld on Saturday, March 21.

BREAKING NEWS: The Sharks were on Monday holding onto the slim hope that Springbok lock Pieter-Steph du Toit is not another World Cup casualty.

The Highlanders refuse to falter against some of the bigger teams and as such they feature heavily in rugby365's selection this week.

NEWS: Scotland's coaching staff and players remain upbeat, despite having a growing injury list heading into their final Six Nations match of the season.

INTERVIEW: Stuart Lancaster believes the experience of England's Six Nations near miss two years ago will be invaluable in this week's big match build-up.

OPINION: Darryn Pollock looks at why the drama of the Six Nations is far better to watch than the drudgery of Super Rugby.

NEWS: The Highlanders retained a couple of their heavy hitters, with Patrick Osborne and Joe Wheeler have recommitted to the franchise for 2016.

In a massive move for rugby365's newest staff member, Wayno is not longer the last-placed predictor in SuperBru with a mammoth two-place jump to 82nd!

REACTION: The Chiefs head to Durban on the back of one their best attacking performances but remain determined to iron out a roller coaster of form.

With Super Rugby in Round Five, which SA players have impressed you so far?  

REACTION: Coach Philippe Saint-Andre refused to be drawn on France's chances of snatching the Six Nations title.

DISCIPLINARY HEARING: Reds flank Lam Gill will miss just one match, after his ugly spear tackle on Brumbies scrumhalf Nic White.

JUDICIAL HEARING: Hurricanes lock James Broadhurst has escaped with a slap on the wrist after an ugly act of foul play.

REPORT: It was third time lucky for France in Rome as they claimed a 29-0 victory over Italy in an uneventful scrap-fest.

VARSITY CUP PREVIEW: The pressure will be on in the penultimate round of the Varsity Cup on Monday before the competition heads into the play-offs.

There were shocks this week - like Eldoraigne toppling HTS Middelburg, Diamantveld drawing with great Grey, Henties beating College, a century for Vryburg and a massive score between Dr EG Jansen and Transvalia.

VODACOM CUP WRAP: The Pumas, Golden Lions and Blue Bulls all recorded good victories in the second round of the Vodacom Cup this weekend.

REACTION: Brave, bruised but beaten again, Scotland coach Vern Cotter was left pondering what might have been after a hard-fought Calcutta Cup defeat.

REACTION: The Stormers will be kicking themselves following their 19-28 loss to the Chiefs after they needlessly handed the game to the visitors.

REACTION: Ireland head coach Joe Schmidt was left ruing a slow start which saw Wales gain vital ground on their way to a 23-16 RBS 6 Nations win in Cardiff.

REACTION: Waratahs captain Dave Dennis is demanding his teammates lift their game as the reigning champions face a test of character to keep their title defence alive.

REACTION: Stuart Lancaster admits his England players must simply be more clinical and ruthless against France if they are to capture the Six Nations title.

WRAP: Reigning European and French champions Toulon, with a batch of internationals away on Six Nations duty, regained the Top 14 summit.

REACTION: The table-topping Brumbies have set their sights on lowering the colours of the defending champion Waratahs.

INTERVIEW: France captain Thierry Dusautoir said the struggling Six Nations giants will be doubly determined when they face Italy on Sunday.

An opportunistic brace of tries from veteran France wing Vincent Clerc helped Toulouse to a 18-13 victory over Montpellier in the Top 14 on Saturday.

RACTION: Captain Sam Warburton hailed the defensive effort of his Wales side after they held off Ireland to blow the Six Nations title race wide open.

MATCH REPORT: England moved to the top of the Six Nations standings with a hard-earned 12-point (25-13) win over Scotland on Saturday.

The Sharks have got back to winning ways after scoring three tries in the first half to sink the Cheetahs 27-10 in Bloemfontein on Saturday.

MATCH REPORT: Wales held on in the face of a fierce second-half comeback by Ireland to record a famous 23-16 win in Cardiff on Saturday.

The Stormers suffered their first loss of 2015, as they went down 19-28 to two-times Super Rugby champions, the Chiefs at Newlands.

The Reds' season went from bad to worse, after flank Liam Gill was cited for an act of foul play in their 0-29 loss to the Brumbies on Saturday.

REACTION: The Crusaders put their season back on track with a rampant second half, to secure a 34-6 bonus point win over the Lions.

SA TOUR: Former Bulls lock Wilhelm Steenkamp is one of the high-profile additions to the 28-man Western Force squad.

Springbok coach Heyneke Meyer paid tribute to Gurthrö Steenkamp after the veteran prop announced his retirement from international rugby.

The Brumbies' front row played a starring role in a convincing 29-0 victory over the Reds in Brisbane on Saturday.

A fantastic second half turn around by the Highlanders has seen them collect a bonus point 26-19 victory against the Waratahs at Forsyth Barr stadium.

The Crusaders reignited their faltering Super Rugby campaign with a 34-6 win over the Lions in Christchurch.

INTERVIEW: Appearing in this year's World Cup remains the goal of Montpellier flyhalf Francois Trinh-Duc.

Noord-Kaap trek from Kimberley to Cradock to Marlow for Saturday's rugby. All the teams will make the 490km journey for their matches.

Springbok prop Gurthrö Steenkamp has announced his retirement from international rugby stating his wish to focus his career at Toulouse.

Italy coach Jacques Brunel has made three changes to the side that stunned Scotland at Murrayfield for Sunday's Six Nations clash against France.

Hurricanes lock James Broadhurst has been cited for an act of foul play during his team's 30-23 Super Rugby win over the Blues on Friday.

 For a player known for his direct approach on the field, Frans Steyn showed some skills in sidestepping the question over his Bok availability.

MATCH REPORT: The Rebels scored a 21-17 win over the Western Force in a dour Super Rugby Round Five encounter in Perth on Friday.

Italy centre Giulio Bisegni has been sidelined after suffering knee ligament damage, the Italian Rugby Federation (FIR) announced on Friday.

France will be looking to make it third time lucky when they head to Rome to take on Italy in a Six Nations encounter on Sunday.

The white card initiative is making an impressive impact in overturning foul play, as nearly half of the referrals in this year's Varsity Cup matches have been successful.

Stormers scrumhalf Louis Schreuder knows that he has a golden opportunity to prove his quality against the Chiefs at Newlands.

Joe Schmidt has insisted there will be no second-guessing Wales counterpart Warren Gatland in Saturday's crunch Six Nations match.

MATCH REPORT: The Hurricanes moved to the top of the standings after edging the Blues 30-23 in a thrilling Super Rugby encounter on Friday.

George Ford is determined to help slip England's notorious slow starters straight into top gear in another highly-charged Calcutta Cup clash.

History is on the line for Ireland in their Six Nations clash with Wales in Cardiff where victory could pave the way for far greater celebrations.

SUPER SATURDAY: It is going to be a cracking day of entertainment and drama, as we look at five intriguing games.

NEWS: Scotland centre Alex Dunbar will be sidelined for up to nine months after rupturing the anterior cruciate ligament in his knee.

Chiefs coach Dave Rennie made six changes to the starting XV to play the Stormers in a Super Rugby Round Five match on Saturday.

Mike Brown admits he hurt more than most when England's Six Nations title chances took a hit against Ireland last time out.

Almost half of the White Card referrals in this year’s FNB Varsity Cup presented by Steinhoff International matches have been successful, and the initiative is making an impressive impact in overturning foul play.

Ireland made one change to the starting line-up for their Round Four Six Nations game against Wales at the Millennium Stadium on Saturday.

It is a bumper weekend of rugby as the Six Nations returns and Super Rugby hits Round Five

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Scotland coach Vern Cotter made five changes to his starting line-up for this Saturday's Calcutta Cup clash with England.

Frans Steyn's stint in Japan has led him to abandon the kicking mentality that has been forced on him in South Africa.

Second-placed Clermont will be shorn of a raft of players on international duty when they host ever-dangerous Bordeaux-Begles in Top 14 action on Friday.

France have made wholesale changes for their Six Nations Championship match against Italy on Sunday, following their disappointing defeat to Wales.

Stormers coach Allister Coetzee has made four changes to his unbeaten team, ahead of their Super Rugby encounter with the Chiefs.

The Brumbies remain unchanged from the side which beat the Western Force last Friday.

Richard Graham has made three changes to the starting side against the Brumbies - highlighted by the return of James Horwill.

The Highlanders have made a few changes to the starting XV for their Round Five clash against defending champion Waratahs.

Three Vodacom Cup matches in the North Section take place on Friday, with the clash in Pretoria between the Blue Bulls and Leopards XV set to see sparks fly.

Kieran Read, Sam Whitelock and Nemani Nadolo will make their return to Super Rugby when the Crusaders take on the Lions. 

Rebels and Wallabies forward Luke Jones will make his 50th appearance for the franchise on Friday against the Force in Perth. 

Nick Cummins will make his return to the NIB Stadium when the Western Force takes on the Melbourne Rebels on Friday.

Gary Gold has made four changes to his team for this Saturday’s Super Rugby clash with the Cheetahs in Bloemfontein.

Warren Gatland has paid tribute to skipper Sam Warburton, as the Wales flank gets set to lead his country for a record-breaking 34th time.

The opening salvos of Super Rugby's Round Five action will be fired by a team in dire straits up against a team flying high.

INTERVIEW: Lions coach Johan Ackermann speaks about his team's next challenge, tackling the seven-time champion Crusaders.

NEWS: Munster on Wednesday revealed that BJ Botha, Niall Scannell and Kevin O'Byrne have all signed contract extensions with the province.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Lock Courtney Lawes and fullback Mike Brown have been recalled for England's Six Nations clash with Scotland on Saturday.

The anger in schools against the poaching of good rugby players has not abated and with the new season just starting it has again shouted its ugly voice.

Manawatu fullback Nehe Milner-Skudder will have the pleasure of running on for his first Hurricanes start in front of a home crowd on Friday.

The Cheetahs have been forced into another change, ahead of their Super Rugby Round Five encounter with the Sharks in Bloemfontein on Saturday.

The winless Blues suffered another huge blow, with confirmation that captain Jerome Kaino will not play against the Hurricanes.

The Honey Badger drops a few pearlers in another classic interview.

NEWS: Blues Academy and Wales Under-20 stars Liam Belcher and Seb Davies have both signed long-term senior contracts with Cardiff Blues.

INTERVIEW: The Blues hope that a 'mid-season review' will have the same positive effect as it did last year.

NEWS: Edinburgh captain Mike Coman has extended his contract with the club for a year which will see him remain at the club until May 2016.

St Benedict's College of Bedfordview looks forward to the rugby season and is getting into gear.

NEWS: Former Argentina hooker Mario Ledesma has helped the Waratahs improve their scrumming ability by getting them to scrum as a pack.

While all eyes will be on the midfield duel at Newlands this weekend, the battle between the two captains at the back of the scrum should be just as intense.

Excited about making their first appearance at the  Graeme College Rugby Day, Bishops will bring their own brand of running rugby in what promises to be another spectacular day of schoolboy action.

Francois Trinh-Duc, Montpellier's French international flyhalf, could make his first appearance since breaking his leg in October against Toulouse on Saturday.

NEWS: Ireland kicking coach Richie Murphy reckons they will have a full deck to choose from when the coaches pick the team to face Wales in Cardiff.

Lions coach Johan Ackermann has recalled two-times capped Springbok Marnitz Boshoff for his team's Super Rugby match against the Crusaders.

Jannie du Plessis may not have been involved on the weekend, but he has given his diagnosis on what went wrong in the scrums.  

OPINION: rugby365's law guru Paul Dobson looks at the ongoing problems, following yet another round of ugly, dangerous scrumming.

France wing Sofiane Guitoune is ruled out of Sunday's Six Nations match against Italy and has been replaced by Marc Andreu.

An appeal by Leone Nakarawa, the Glasgow Warriors lock, was rejected after the player was cited for striking an opponent with his head.

Irish flyhalf Jonathan Sexton has been passed fit for Ireland's Six Nations clash with Wales on Saturday.

BltzBok Steven Hunt underwent surgery to his left foot after suffering a fracture at training last week and will be out of action for at least six weeks.

English Premiership side Saracens have secured the services of Stormers lock / flank Michael Rhodes from next season.

Warren Gatland has stuck with his the same XV that defeated France for Saturday’s crunch Six Nations clash with Ireland.

OPINION: AussieBoer, in his latest contribution to rugby365, continues with his 'all-time best' series - this week looking at outside centres.

Stormers backline coach, Robbie Fleck believes Cheslin Kolbe's best position is fullback and will make a massive impact on the international stage.

Brad Mcleod-Henderson admits the Stormers taught them a lesson in the scrums last Saturday, but he hopes they can turn it around this week.

Tjol Lategan, a great centre in great times for South African rugby, has died in Stellenbosch at the age of 89.

Heinrich Brussow has been named on the Cheetahs bench after missing the start of the season because of concussion. 

Rory Best has said that the Welsh, waiting for them at the Millennium Stadium, will be a tougher challenge than their last victory against England.

Head coach Michael Cheika has named an unchanged starting side from the previous round of the Super Rugby tournament.

Israel Folau could find himself front and centre for the Waratahs sooner than expected as they look to find a silver lining in Adam Ashley-Cooper's injury.

Sam Carter, Josh Mann-Rea and Scott Fardy have all recommitted to the Brumbies for two more seasons.

All Blacks Kieran Read, Sam Whitelock, Dan Carter and Fijian wing Nemani Nadolo will return for this Saturday's Super Rugby match against the Lions.

NEWS: England coach Stuart Lancaster has confirmed Brad Barritt has been ruled out of the rest of his side's Six Nations campaign.

HEAD-TO-HEAD: Stormers centre Damian de Allende has the perfect opportunity to stake a claim for Jean de Villiers' Springbok No.12 jersey.

The WPRFU launched a Franschhoek Rugby Disaster Relief Fund to help those affected in last Saturday's tragic bus accident.

NEWS: The Bulls received a timely boost, as they head into their bye week - on the back of two crucial wins.

A convincing 63-8 victory over CUT in Pretoria saw UP-Tuks move past the unbeaten UFS-Shimlas to the top of the Varsity Cup standings.

There was an unusual penalty try at Newlands on Saturday when the Stormers played the Sharks, law expert Paul Dobson takes a closer look.

Pat Lam has been formally charged with misconduct by the disciplinary officer of the Pro12 following comments he made to the media following his team's defeat.

Wales have called Scarlets hooker Ken Owens into their Six Nations squad.

It's the penultimate round of the 2015 Six Nations this weekend with the crucial clash in Cardiff when Wales host the log leaders Ireland.. Ireland are the only unbeaten side but Wales, who have lost once, are not without a chance to win the championship.

Ireland No.8 Jamie Heaslip has been named in their squad for the final two matches of the Six Nations as he recovers from injury.

NEWS: Reds wing Chris Kuridrani has escaped sanction, despite being found guilty of foul play.

The Stormers feature heavily in rugby365's team of the week after fronting up and toppling the Sharks in a bruising contest.

NEWS: The Stormers will be sweating over the fitness of burly Springbok lock Eben Etzebeth, ahead of their crunch encounter with the Chiefs.

OPINION: Jan de Koning asks why is it that New Zealanders never just accept defeat against a South African team.

FEATURE: There have been seven World Cup Finals so far - in 1987, 1991, 1995, 1999, 2003, 2007 and 2011.

Scottish head coach Vern Cotter added two players to the Scotland squad ahead of this Saturday's Calcutta Cup match against England,

Alun Wyn Jones admits he is looking forward to locking horns with Ireland counterpart Paul O'Connell on Saturday.  

Richard Graham has admitted that he is under pressure to hold on to his job but insists he should retain his position.

John Plumtree has said he knows what under fire Blues coach John Kirwan is going through after not picking up a single win in four rounds

Resident Rugby365 editor LionKing has gone from basement dweller to Yellow-capper after Round Four of Super Rugby.

Is that 356 runs for three wickets? Nope it is 356 points to three in Belgium's top club rugby league!

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Paul O'Connell should pull on the Ireland jersey he has expended blood sweat and tears for, for the 100th time against Wales.

The Australian Rugby Union announced that Sydney will be the home of the Australian leg of the Sevens World Series for the next four years.

Newport Gwent Dragons got back to winning ways in the PRO12 with an impressive 26-22 victory over in-form Ulster.

A late try gave Leicester Tigers their fourth consecutive win and broke Newcastle Falcons hearts in a low-scoring encounter at Kingston Park.

Flyhalf Alex Goode kicked 16 points as Saracens ended Wasps' winning home record in the Premiership this season.

Round Five of the Varsity Cup will see a replay of last year's epic final between NWU-Pukke and UCT in Potchefstroom on Monday.

Having made a fast start to the season, the Stormers must show that they can handle the rarified air at the top of the standings.

Schools are gradually swinging into full action in northern reaches of the country.

No fewer than 24 tries were scored in the first four matches of the Vodacom Cup in 2015, with wins for the Golden Lions, Pumas, Blue Bulls and Leopards XV.

Cheetahs coach Naka Drotske wants his team to call the shots and avoid having to chase the opposition.

Bulls coach Frans Ludeke hailed star flyhalf Handre Pollard as the catalyst for his team's improved performance.   

The South African rugby community was shocked on Saturday when a bus carrying the Franschhoek Rugby Club team crashed, killing three people.

After enduring a disappointing start to the season, Sharks coach Gary Gold has called on his side to 'man-up' and pull together.

Although pleased with the courage they showed in their win against the Chiefs, Highlanders coach Jamie Joseph expects more from his side.

Reds wing Chris Kuridrani will appear at a SANZAR Judicial Hearing after being cited for foul play.  

Toulon and Clermont share the lead in the Top 14, after comfortable victories on Saturday.    

Matt Scott's try double helped Edinburgh on their way to a first Pro12 win in three matches as they triumphed 29-8 over a sub-par Benetton Treviso.

James Davies' man-of-the-match display ensured Scarlets maintained their unbeaten home record 23-13 as Leinster missed an opportunity to hit the top four.

Sam Davies scored 21 points as Ospreys put Munster to the sword, running out 26-12 winners at the Liberty Stadium and moving back into the top four.

Harlequins ended a disastrous recent run of results as Nick Evans produced an assured performance to steer Conor O'Shea's men to a 26-20 win.

Thomas Waldrom notched his 11th and 12th Premiership tries of the season as Exeter Chiefs romped to a 74-19 victory over winless London Welsh.

Samu Manoa's last-gasp try completed a determined fightback to knock the stuffing out of Gloucester and salvage a 33-all draw for the Saints.

The table-topping Stormers made it four from four, as they claimed a hard-fought 29-13 win over the Sharks at Newlands on Saturday.

The Bulls ended the Cheetahs unbeaten run this year with a 39-20 victory at the Free State Stadium in Bloemfontein on Saturday.

Chris Kuridrani of the Reds has been cited for alleged foul play during a Super Rugby match against the Waratahs at the weekend.

REACTION: The New Zealand media have turned on an iconic All Black in the wake of the Blues' winless start to the Super Rugby season.

MATCH REPORT: The Waratahs won their fourth straight match on the road against Australian opposition, as they demolished the Reds 23-5.

REACTION: Mike Ford was a relieved figure at the final whistle, after seeing Bath end a disastrous sequence of results in the Premiership.

Oyonnax boosted their prospects of making the French Top 14 play-offs with a 9-3 home win over Toulouse on Friday.

MATCH REPORT: The Lions came back from a half-time deficit to edge the Blues 13-10 in their Super Rugby Round Four match.

This is a bit late this week, which is a pity as there was some promising scumming last weekend which suggests that the scrum in rugby union football may survive after all.

Bath got their Premiership play-off charge back on track through a dogged kicking performance from Tom Homer off the tee.

Rhys Patchell held his nerve deep into injury-time to kick Cardiff Blues to a 18-17 victory over Connacht - their first Pro12 victory over an Irish province this season.

DTH van der Merwe got the ball rolling as Glasgow Warriors blew Zebre away with a four-try first-half to climb back to the top of the Pro12 table.

France No.8 Damien Chouly has extended his contract with league leaders Clermont by three years until June 2019.

European Professional Club Rugby has announced the referees for the quarterfinals of the Champions Cup and the Challenge Cup over the weekend of 3-5 April 2015.

The Chiefs may have felt they deserved to win against the Highlanders, but that is behind them as they now focus on their tour to South Africa.

REACTION: The Brumbies continued their strong start to the 2015 season, after comfortably defeating the Force 27-15 in Canberra on Friday.

Hoërskool Fichardtpark of Bloemfontein has a fine array of rugby teams for its big sports day  on Saturday 7 March 2015. Apart from rugby there will be  hockey, netball, golf, shooting, chess and tennis. Some 4 500 pupils from 50 schools will take part.

INTERVIEW: Disgraced code-hopper Karmichael Hunt SAID that while he does not have a perfect past, it doesn't mean he has a drug problem.

INTERVIEW: Ireland can move to within one win of only their third Five/Six Nations Grand Slam if they shut down Welsh halfback pairing.

PREVIEW: Fans in France will be looking forward to some domestic respite from the woes surrounding the national team in the Six Nations.

Ryan Kankowski will become the Sharks' 16th centurion when he runs out against the Stormers on Saturday alongside four others in the starting line-up.

MATCH REPORT: The Brumbies scored a bonus-point (27-15) win over the Western Force on Friday, reaffirming their championship credentials.

EXCLUSIVE: The name Harold Vorster doesn't come up in too many conversations when future Springbok midfielders are debated.

MATCH REPORT: The Highlanders scored a controversial 20-17 win over the Chiefs in their Super Rugby Round Four match in Hamilton on Friday.

Rugby HQ's, Sean Maloney takes a look at the Good, Bad and Ugly from the World of Rugby through the month of February.

Cameron Clark has signed a new contract with the Australian Sevens that will take him to the end of 2016.

Ben Te'o and Roger Wilson appeared before an independent Pro12 Rugby Disciplinary Committee for striking another player in their respective matches.

Wallabies coach Michael Cheika says he will consider Karmichael Hunt for selection once the player has completed his six-week ban.

Saturday will be a day of milestones for front row forwards - with Keven Mealamu and Benn Robinson in the spotlight.

There has been much angry shouting following the match between the Bulls and the Sharks on Saturday, with five bones of contention.

NEWS: Racing Metro are yet to discuss any potential return to Wales their centre Jamie Roberts may make.

NEWS: Wales captain Sam Warburton will be fit in time to play for his country in the Six Nations showdown against Ireland in Cardiff.

Connacht and the IRFU revealed that Danie Poolman has signed a new deal that will keep him at the Sportsground until at least 2017.

NEWS: Veteran hooker Bismarck du Plessis has formally apologised for his inappropriate verbal joust with fellow Springbok Victor Matfield.

Italy have announced that they would bid to host the 2023 World Cup after South Africa expressed their interest in hosting the global showpiece.

Super Rugby is into Round Four while the Six Nations takes a break - catch it all LIVE here!

Having had the same leader for 11 of the first 13 rounds of the Pro12, the top of the table has changed hands twice in the last two weeks.

The Vodacom Cup, the breeding ground for future South African stars, kicks off this weekend with four matches in the North Section scheduled.

After three consecutive Premiership defeats Dominic Day believes it's time for Bath to get their season back on track.

Gary Gold has said that it does make a difference in a team's preparation if they know the referee and what he is about .

These are the first schools results published in 2015.

NEWS: France coach Philippe Saint-Andre called up prop Nicolas Mas, scrumhalf Rory Kockott and centre Maxime Mermoz for his 30-strong squad.

After his debut season in Japan, Schalk Burger is happy to make his return to Super Rugby against the Sharks at Newlands off the bench.

Frans Ludeke named the same fifteen that ran out in the win over the Sharks for the trip to the Free State Stadium this Saturday.

Premier Interschools has announced its high-profile fixtures for 2015, matches which will be broadcast live on television.

NEWS: Eben Etzebeth and Schalk Burger have both been named in the Stormers' matchday squad for the Super Rugby clash against the Sharks.

Records are made to be broken, but for Benn Robinson, becoming the NSW Waratahs most capped player is not his primary goal.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Paul Dobson takes a look at how commentators tend to mangle names, which he says is not respectful or professional.

Richard Graham has made just two changes to the starting line-up with experienced campaigners James Horwill and Ben Tapuai returning from injury.

Nick Cummins will make his return to the field when the Western Force takes on the Brumbies at Canberra’s GIO Stadium on Friday.

The Sharks have included Frans Steyn, JP Pietersen and Willem Alberts in their stating line-up to take on the Stormers at Newlands on Saturday.

 BREAKING NEWS: The Australian Rugby Union has slapped a ban on Karmichael Hunt after he pleaded guilty on cocaine charges.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: The Brumbies will field an unchanged side to face the Force in a Super Rugby Round Four encounter in Canberra on Friday.

Highlanders coach Jamie Joseph made five changes and one positional switch to his starting forward pack to take on the Chiefs in Hamilton on Friday.

Hold onto your seats, this ride could get scary. We look at Friday's two Super Rugby Round Four games - both domestic derbies.

EXCLUSIVE: Cheetahs coach Naka Drotské chatted to Jan de Koning about two key players in his squad's unbeaten start to the season.

Namibia's Welwitschias open the 2015 Vodacom Cup when they play the Golden Lions in Windhoek on Saturday, an important match this year for those who have aspirations to represent Namibia at the 2015 Rugby World Cup.

BREAKING NEWS: South Africa this week formally entered the race to host the 2023 World Cup.

Will Genia has urged his players to muscle-up in the collision area against the Waratahs forward pack and not allow them to gather any momentum.

Danny Cipriani is among the players Stuart Lancaster has released back to their clubs from the England squad currently undergoing training at Pennyhill Park.

OPINION: AussieBoer, in his latest contribution to rugby365, continues with his 'all-time best' series - this week looking at wings.

NEWS: Newport Gwent Dragons revealed that Dorian Jones has signed a long-term deal with the region.

NEWS: Lions coach Johan Ackermann has again made changes to his team, ahead of the opening match of their four-game Australasia.

The Chiefs will be without Brodie Retallick while flank Liam Messam is doubtful as he awaits a concussion clearance for their match against the Highlanders.

All Blacks warhorse Keven Mealamu will set a new Super Rugby appearance record after being named in the Blues starting line-out against the Lions.

This occurs in rugby when one side wants to maul and the other refuses to join the fun, most obviously at a line-out.

Ireland's player of 2014 Andrew Trimble signed a new two-year contract with his province Ulster on Tuesday.

Mike Brown is progressing well from his concussion according to head coach Stuart Lancaster who hopes to have him in training by Friday.

France lock Pascal Pape has had the appeal against his 10-week suspension rejected.

Prop Martin Castrogiovanni has been dropped for the Six Nations matches against France and Wales.

The Cheetahs have made one change to the team that beat the Blues with Johannes Prinsloo starting on the flank against the Bulls.

The Sharks have been boosted by the return of Frans Steyn and JP Pietersen from Japan, as well as Willem Alberts from a hamstring injury.

Saracens have captured the signature of Samuela Vunisa from Pro12 club Zebre with the loose forward joining the London team next season.

A fresh approach to their preparations for their next two tournaments will hopefully rejuvenate the BlitzBokke as they look to regain their form

Stormers hooker Mbongeni Mbonambi is relishing the opportunity of going up against Springbok Bismarck du Plessis when the Sharks head to Newlands.

Quade Cooper may not be able to run out against the Waratahs but has been working behind the scenes to sharpen up pivot James O'Connor.

London Irish have completed their coaching team ahead of next season with confirmation that Grant Doorey and Clark Laidlaw will join Tom Coventry's coaching set up for the 2015/16 season.

The Six Nations has a rest this week before the final burst of two matches each. But there is a lot of enthusiastic rugby taking place, including the start of the NACRA Championship in the Caribbean.

Italy captain Sergio Parisse admitted he could scarcely believe his eyes after the Azzurri claimed only their second away victory in the history of the Six Nations on Saturday.

Ireland's victory over England in the Six Nations means they are once again the leading northern hemisphere nation in the latest World Rankings.

Bulls loose forward Arno Botha will return to training next week after recovering well from a pectoral muscle tear.

John Kirwan is preaching process as the key to performance stating that the Blues winless streak is simply them setting themselves up.

Rene Ranger is returning to New Zealand after gaining an early release from Montpellier and is keen to win back a black jersey.

Wales captain Sam Warburton is on course to return to fitness for the crucial Six Nations clash against Ireland later this month.

The Stormers may be sitting near the top of the Super Rugby standings, but are aware their smooth-sailing ship can be sunk in the blink of an eye.

VARSITY CUP WRAP: A 21-16 victory over Maties in Bloemfontein saw UFS-Shimlas move to the top of the Varsity Cup standings on Monday.

Sean O'Brien and Jared Payne have suffered concussions in Ireland's Six Nations victory over England on Sunday.

French club Bayonne have announced the signings of England-capped back Mathew Tait on a two-year contract and All Black Tom Taylor, who has agreed a three-year deal.

France scrumhalf Morgan Parra will miss the rest of the Six Nations after being ruled out for at least 10 weeks with a knee injury.

The EP Kings have lured Brent Janse van Rensburg from the Lions to replace Omar Mouneimne as defensive coach in Port Elizabeth.

OPINION: Ireland were not exactly pure Emerald, but they were good enough to take their winning streak to a record-equalling 10 Tests.

The Hurricanes put out a big warning to other competitors and unsurprisingly they feature heavily in Rugby365's team of the week.

The Stormers will welcome back Eben Etzebeth from injury as well as Schalk Burger from Japan as they get set to host the Sharks at Newlands.

INTERVIEW: Ireland coach Joe Schmidt said any talk of a third Five/Six Nations Grand Slam for the Irish was premature.

The one coached four national cricket teams. The other can't find a provincial coaching gig.

Crusaders centre Robbie Fruean will be sidelined for the rest of the Super Rugby season after breaking his arm in the weekend defeat to the Chiefs.

OPINION: Tauriq Ebrahim shares his thoughts on the way referees are handling protecting players in the air and has provided a possible solution.

From hero to zero, thatmanvan has gone from leader to wooden-spooner!

REACTION: The Lions headed for Australasia on Sunday determined to end their three-match losing streak.

REACTION: Ireland coach Joe Schmidt proclaimed himself to be really proud of the Irish players for a sterling defensive effort against England.

REACTION: Sharks Director of Rugby Gary Gold bemoaned two crucial TMO decisions he felt changed the course of his team's loss to the Bulls.

NEWS: Ireland's hopes of a Six Nations Grand Slam could rest on the extent of star flyhalf Jonathan Sexton's hamstring injury.

REACTION: It wasn't pretty, but it was good. That was the overriding view from the Stormers camp after they scraped to a 22-19 win over the Lions.

REACTION: The Bulls put their Super Rugby campaign back on track with the kind of performance that would make other teams sit up and take note.

REPORT: Zebre closed the gap on Benetton Treviso at the foot of the Pro12 table thanks to a narrow 23-17 victory over Newport Gwent Dragons.

REPORT: Lloyd Williams produced a masterful display from scrumhalf as Cardiff Blues won their first Pro12 game following the departure of Director of Rugby Mark Hammett.

Matt Healy grabbed a double and Craig Ronaldson kicked 18 points as Connacht racked up seven tries to claim a 53-5 Pro12 victory over Treviso.

Before France played Wales at Stade de France on Saturday, France paid its respects to a remarkable referee, Bernard Marie who was 96 when he died.

REPORT: Wasps ran in five tries to secure a bonus point in their 32-21 win over Gloucester on Sunday that lifted them into a play-off berth.

The table-topping UP-Tuks will be looking for their first away win of the Varsity Cup when they travel to Potchefstroom to face NWU-Pukke on Monday.

MATCH REPORT: Ireland recorded their 10th consecutive Test win and kept alive their hope of back-to-back Six Nations Grand Slams.

REACTION: Warren Gatland believes Wales must avoid getting dragged into a dog-fight if they are to beat Ireland in the Six Nations in two weeks.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: The Hurricanes and Chiefs, along with the Stormers, emerged as the form teams after three rounds of Super Rugby.

REACTION: Italian captain Sergio Parisse said his team's dramatic last minute 22-19 victory against Scotland answered the critics.

REACTION: Scotland captain Greig Laidlaw admitted his side's ill-discipline had proved their undoing as Italy secured a last-gasp Six Nations victory.

REACTION: France coach Philippe Saint-Andre admitted his side only had themselves to blame after Wales condemned Les Bleus to their second loss.

REACTION: Warren Gatland had warned the rest of the Six Nations that Wales are just warming up after his side secured a clinical win over France.

NEWS: Robbie Fruean run of bad luck took another turn for the worse, as the Crusaders utility back is set for another stint on the sidelines.

REACTION: Italy captain Sergio Parisse admitted revenge tasted extremely sweet after a last-gasp penalty try secured a dramatic victory over Scotland.

Munster produced a stunning first-half display and resisted a spirited comeback by Glasgow Warriors as they moved top of the Pro12 table.

Wales kept their Six Nations hopes alive with a fourth straight victory over France as they triumphed 20-13 at the Stade de France.

The Stormers came from behind to secure a dramatic 22-19 victory over the Lions at Ellis Park on Saturday.

Laurence Pearce's first-half score ended Leicester Tigers' Premiership try-scoring drought and set them on their way to 28-8 victory over Sale.

Will Chudley's score gave Exeter their first ever victory 16-6 over Bath and ensured the race for a place in the top four remained wide open.

Saracens survived a scare at Allianz Park as Ben Spencer kept his nerve to down a spirited Newcastle Falcons from the tee 22-17.

Alex Lewington scored his second Premiership hat-trick, as London Irish helped themselves to a flurry of tries to beat London Welsh 50-12.

The Bulls notched their first victory of the season by beating the Sharks 43-35 in a bruising encounter at Loftus Versfeld.

A last-minute penalty try earned Italy a 22-19 victory over Scotland and only their second away win in the Six Nations.

A last-minute penalty try earned Italy a 22-19 victory over Scotland and only their second away win in the Six Nations.

Melbourne Rebels coach Tony McGahan remains confident his side will gain more poise in attack in the coming weeks.

The Chiefs and Crusaders fixture is one steeped in history and fierce rivalry, but for the first time ever, five tries were scored.

The Chiefs' record 40-16 thumping of the Crusaders could have come at a heavy price, with Brodie Retallick suffering a suspected AC shoulder injury.

The Brumbies scored the only two tries of the game to beat the Rebels 20-15 in a wet Melbourne on Saturday.

Cheetahs captain Francois Uys admitted that his team's narrow win over the Blues in Bloemfontein had been 'too close for comfort'.

The Chiefs cruised to a 40-16 bonus point victory against the Crusaders in Hamilton to maintain their unbeaten start to the Super Rugby season.

Ireland coach Joe Schmidt says beating England in Dublin on Sunday would be his team's biggest win since he took over in 2013.

Bues lock Josh Bekhuis of the Blues has been issued with a Citing Commissioner Warning for striking a Cheetahs player in the face.

REPORT: It was a case of all bark and no bite for Harlequins, as Northampton Saints recorder a 17-13 Premiership victory at Franklin's Gardens.

MATCH REPORT: Jimmy Gopperth kicked a last-gasp penalty as Leinster scrapped their second Pro12 draw of the season.

MATCH REPORT: Ulster came from behind to move level on points with Glasgow Warriors at the top of the Pro12 table.

NEWS: France lock Pascal Pape has appealed the 10-week ban he received after kneeing Ireland's Jamie Heaslip during their Six Nations clash.

MATCH REPORT: The Cheetahs hung on desperately for a thrilling one-point (25-24) Super Rugby win over the Blues on Friday.

Richard Graham has said his side were disappointed to leave Dunedin with only a losing bonus point, but there were some positives.

Connor Braid will now be staying with Glasgow Warriors until the end of the season.

Rynard Landman appeared today before an independent Pro12 disciplinary committee and recieved a six-week ban for striking with the elbow.  

Jordi Murphy is the only change to the starting line-up that began the game against France as the Leinsterman replaces the injured Jamie Heaslip.

INTERVIEW: Wales lock Luke Charteris said Saturday's Six Nations clash against France is a pressure match as both sides desperately need to win.

MATCH REPORT: The Hurricanes raced to the top of the Super Rugby standings with a 42-13 demolition of a hapless Western Force.

The Eastern Province Kings have, after extended negotiations with the Leopards, secured the services of up-and-coming backline stars Luther Obi and Sylvian Mahuza.

Hooker Mahlatse Ralepelle has had his contracted ended early by Toulouse as the Springbok's doping hearing approaches in March.

Stuart Lancaster has named fullback Alex Goode and wing Jack Nowell in his starting side to face Ireland at the Aviva Stadium on Sunday.

Vern Cotter has no qualms about pitting flyhalf Peter Horne against Italy’s Kelly Haimona in Saturday’s encounter between the Six Nations’ two win-less sides.

EXCLUSIVE: Lions coach Johan Ackermann told Jan de Koning his team is not concerned about being last on the Super Rugby standings.

MATCH REPORT: The Highlanders got their Super Rugby campaign firmly back on track with a hard-earned 20-13 win over the Reds.

Michael Rhodes is expecting his old team the Lions to mix it up on attack against the Stormers at Ellis Park on Saturday.

Ivan Pekeur has been re-elected as the President of the Boland Rugby Union.

Brumbies head coach and Stephen Larkham and Waratahs assistant coach Nathan Grey have joined Michael Cheika and the Wallabies.

Vern Cotter is wary of a physical Italian test as he welcomes the Azzurri to Murrayfield in search of a maiden Six Nations victory.

George North will make his 50th international appearance against France on Saturday, and will be looking to continue his purple patch against Les Bleus.

Grand Slam ambitions will be on the line for Ireland and England when they meet in a pivotal Six Nations clash in Dublin on Sunday.

Glasgow Warriors stretched their lead even further at the top of the table after defeating Ospreys in the last round, whilst Munster were held to a 25-all draw at Scarlets.

DERBY DAY: Two of Super Rugby's most successful teams - the Crusaders and Bulls - appear to be up the creek without a paddle.

OPINION: AussieBoer, a regular rugby365 contributor from Down Under, is puzzled and not at all confident about his predictions this week.

Harlequins scrumhalf Karl Dickson believes his side will be up for the fight under the lights at Franklin's Gardens on Friday.

There is a massive game between England and Ireland in the Six Nations this weekend as well as Round Three of Super Rugby!

INTERVIEW: Cheetahs coach Naka Drotské is confident they can reproduce the form that saw them beat the Sharks, when they face the Blues.

EXCLUSIVE: RUGBY365 COLUMNIST MATT HAWKINS RETURNS AND LOOKS AT SOME EXCITING DEVELOPMENTS ON THE SEVENS WORLD SERIES CIRCUIT.