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Sonny Bill Williams says that fellow Rugby League convert Sam Burgess needs time to adapt to the new code.

The first shots in the 2015 Varsity Rugby season will be fired on Monday when the Varsity Shield kicks off with matches in Bellville and Pretoria.

Although satisfied with their win over the Cheetahs, the Stormers still have work to do before they face the Bulls at Loftus Versfeld.

Despite going down to the Rebels in their pre-season outing in Cairns, the Reds were able to take a few positives from the performance.

Cheetahs coach Naka Drotske admits that their lack of tight five depth is a concern heading into the Super Rugby season.

Bulls captain Pierre Spies believes his team is well set for the start of the Super Rugby season after beating Saracens in London on Saturday.

Clermont and Stade Francais slumped to shock French Top 14 defeats on Saturday, leaving them locked together with Toulon.

Reds prop Greg Holmes will be sidelined for up to nine weeks, after tearing a ligament in his left thumb earlier this week. 

Sam Burgess will train with the senior England squad ahead of next week's Six Nations opener away to Wales.

REPORT: The Bulls produced an exhibition of power and precision to record a deserving 39-26 win over Saracens in London on Saturday.

The Lions took to a wet Potchefstroom pitch to test out their squad in a warm-up match against the NWU-Pukke and the Leopards.

REACTION: Western Force coach Michael Foley was not entirely happy, despite his team's unbeaten start to the year.

The Western Force have completed their pre-season campaign with a 38-19 win over the Asia Pacific Dragons at McGillivray Oval.

The Rebels’ 2015  pre-season campaign began with a solid 28-13 victory over the Reds in Cairns.

The Highlanders managed to overcome a 19-point deficit to defeat the Brumbies 24-19 in their second pre-season outing in Wagga Wagga.

FEATURE: This season's edition of Europe's Six Nations Championship will see the biggest influx of foreigners - ahead of the World Cup.

Sam Burgess endured an underwhelming debut for England Saxons as he failed to showcase his credentials for a Six Nations call-up.

Toulon put concerns over an upcoming Steffon Armitage court case for assault to one side on Friday to notch up a 24-17 victory over Bayonne.

REPORT: Dan Carter made an impressive appearance in Eketahuna, but it was not enough to prevent the Hurricanes from defeating the Crusaders.

NEWS: Stormers coach Allister Coetzee celebrated a win over quality opposition, but he will be sweating over injuries to key players.

Andries Pretorius has been forced to retire with immediate effect, after being diagnosed with a rare autoimmune disorder at the age of 29.

REPORT: The Stormers scored a 39-31 win over the Cheetahs in an entertaining Super Rugby pre-season match at Newlands on Friday.

EXCLUSIVE: How to manage the key Springboks in his team. That is one of the biggest pickles confronting Bulls coach Frans Ludeke.

Jacques Brunel has called up Treviso lock Marco Fuser to his squad for the opening two Six Nations fixtures as a replacement for the injured Quintin Geldenhuys.

Italy captain Sergio Parisse expects his side to more than justify their place in the forthcoming Six Nations following a lacklustre campaign last year.

There have been some alterations to the use of the White Card challenge in the Varsity Cup after a meeting on Sunday afternoon involving the Varsity Cup coaches and André Watson.

Some of the UK's best rugby journalists give their thoughts on the 2015 tournament.

Vern Cotter has said the success of his one-time protege Joe Schmidt was no surprise to him as they both spoke of their previous encounters.

PREVIEW: Toulon return to Top 14 action against Bayonne this weekend fresh from qualifying for the European Champions Cup play-offs.

Melbourne Rebels prop Max Lahiff has returned to England to link up with Bath effective immediately

Sevens World Series leaders South Africa head to New Zealand aiming for a hat-trick of tournament titles after wins in Dubai and Port Elizabeth.

INTERVIEW: The Queensland Reds' new recruit Karmichael Hunt speaks about his team's pre-season trip to Cairns!

EXCLUSIVE: Jan de Koning chatted to Lions coach Johan Ackermann about his team's Super Rugby draw from hell and pre-season plans.

Frans Steyn will join last season's captain Bismarck du Plessis and Currie Cup captain Lubabalo Mtembu alongside flyhalf Pat Lambie as part of the Sharks leadership quartet.

Cheetahs scrumhalf Sarel Pretorius will be moving to Newport Gwent Dragons at the end of the Super Rugby season.

Giorgio Intoppa appeared before an independent Pro12 disciplinary committee, having been charged with misconduct.  

England Sevens have named their squad for the Wellington leg of the Sevens World Series, with two players in line to make their debuts.

New Zealand Sevens have named a 16-man squad which includes four new players in preparation for their home tournament, as well as for the Las Vegas leg.

Four players will be making their first Wales appearance of the season in Wellington, in Round Four of this season's Sevens World Series.

Australia Sevens head coach Geraint John has named an extended 14-man squad for the Wellington Sevens which kicks off next Friday.

NEWS: The Boland Cavaliers and Stormers will play at the Cape Town Stadium in Green Point in their annual pre-season outing next Saturday.

The Sharks have selected a powerful squad that includes most of their new signings to travel to France to take on Toulon.  

Sharks defensive coach Michael Horak believes that their system of six coaches will put them 'half a yard ahead of the opposition'.

NEWLANDS DERBY: The Cheetahs have worked hard on plugging the gaps that made their defence the leakiest in Super Rugby last year.

Paris has had its fair share of South African rugby exiles, plying their trade with capital and Top 14 rivals Stade Francais and Racing-Metro.

EXCLUSIVE: Matt Hawkins, rugby365's specialist Sevens columnist, returns from his mid-season slumber with more great insight!

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Kelly Brown will lead a powerful Saracens team against the Bulls at Allianz Park on Saturday.

NEWS: The Brumbies have been bolstered by a large contingent of Wallabies, as they head into their final Super Rugby trial game.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Highlanders coach Jamie Joseph will face another Super Rugby pre-season outing without his Test stars.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Rugby League convert Duncan Paia'aua has been given the first shot at the Reds' vacant flyhalf spot.

New Zealand international scrumhalf Brendon Leonard has joined the Ospreys from Italian side Zebre on a three-year contract.

Brad Shields will lead the Hurricanes in their first Super Rugby pre-season match, when they take on the Crusaders in Eketahuna on Saturday.

Crusaders coach Todd Blackadder has resisted the temptation to rush back some of his high-profile All Blacks.

The Asia Pacific Dragons have named six international players in their 24-man squad to take on the Western Force in their pre-season fixture.

NEWS: Wasps' Springbok back row forward  Ashley Johnson has been suspended for three weeks, following a disciplinary fearing.

Austin Lockington talks of his journey from Malawi to Melrose, via Michaelhouse and Stellenbosch on a Sevens Express.

REPORT: The Chiefs struck an early psychological blow when they beat the Blues 41-20 in a Super Rugby pre-season clash in Whangarei.

The Ackermann legacy looks set to continue at the Lions, with young Ruan Ackermann named on the bench for the team's only pre-season outing.

INTERVIEW: The naysayers may be ready to write off SA's World Cup prospects, but Bok Willie le Roux believes the best is yet to come.

NEWS: Australia have signed two-year contract extensions with 20-year-old back row forward Sean McMahon and wing Rob Horne.

NEWS: Toulon flank Steffon Armitage and prop Xavier Chiocci have been arrested and questioned by police over a fight last month.

EXCLUSIVE: Crusaders and All Black lock Luke Romano chats about the pre-season build-up in this World Cup year.

Western Province schools are gearing up for the rugby season.

Wales coach Warren Gatland has insisted England's injury crisis won't give his side an advantage when they meet in their Six Nations opener.

NEWS: England coach Stuart Lancaster is holding out faint hope that Brad Barritt and Geoff Parling will be available for the start of the Six Nations.

Glasgow Warriors forward Ryan Wilson has been banned indefinitely, following an off-field brawl.

NEWS: Flank Deon Stegmann will lead the Blue Bulls when they take on Saracens in a pre-season friendly in London on Saturday.

England and British and Irish Lions wing Mark Cueto will retire at the end of the season, the 35-year-old Sale Sharks player said Wednesday.

NEWS: Vincent Koch is looking forward to testing himself against the best forwards that Super Rugby has to offer when he runs out for the Stormers.

Scotland's controversial new recruit, Hugh Blake, has urged fans to let him prove his worth following the furore over his call-up into the Six Nations squad.

The Western Force included their Wallaby contingent to take on the Asia Pacific Dragons in the franchise's final Super Rugby pre-season fixture.

Are prop forwards in the process of committing suicide, of making such a constant mess that they are in danger of being written out of the game?

NEWS: Willie Britz will lead the Cheetah when they tackle the Stormers in a Super Rugby pre-season outing at Newlands on Friday.

Toulon's South African lock Bakkies Botha will hang up his boots at the end of the season, he announced on Tuesday.

The Crusaders will no longer play a Super Rugby match in Suva, it was announced on Wednesday.

EXCLUSIVE: Jan de Koning finally caught up with Lions coach Johan Ackermann and chatted about their pre-season progress.

Following last weekend's pool stage conclusion of the European Cup the longlist for the European Player of the Year award has been announced.

Springbok Ashley Johnson has been cited for a dangerous tackle on Dave Kearney in the opening minutes of their game against Leinster.

Former Waratahs defence coach, Joe Barakat, is to join Ulster Rugby as assistant Coach on a two-year contract from July.

Chiefs head coach Dave Rennie has extended his contract with the Chiefs and will continue to lead the Super Rugby team for another two years.

Stormers coach Allister Coetzee has picked his best available team in their only warm-up game against Super Rugby opposition this weekend.

The two-day, annual rugby Festival at Wynberg Boys' High takes place at the school on 25-27 April 2015.

England flyhalf Owen Farrell and centre Brad Barritt have been ruled out of next week's Six Nations Championship opener against Wales in Cardiff.

Chris Dry and Justin Geduld have returned to the Springbok Sevens squad for the tournaments in New Zealand and the United States.

The Stormers have pulled together a formidable starting team to take on the Cheetahs at Newlands on Friday in their second pre-season game.

Harlequins tighthead prop Will Collier will miss the rest of the season after suffering a serious knee injury.

January ends, the European pools have ended and soon the Six Nations and Super Rugby will start.

Ally Hogg has put pen to paper on a new two year contract at Kingston Park, becoming the fifth member of the current squad to commit their future to the Falcons.

Scotland duo David Denton and Sean Maitland will miss the start of the Six Nations next month because of injury.

Former Australia coach Robbie Deans will take charge of the Barbarians for their two upcoming matches against Ireland and an England XV in May.

 Springbok Waylon Murray has been handed a lifeline, with a one-year contract at his home union the Sharks.

The Australian Men's Sevens program has announced its list of contracted players for 2015 and will be centrally based at Narrabeen.

The Rebels have named a 28 man travelling squad for this Saturday’s pre-season trial against the Reds with a possible seven debutants.

Jerome Kaino is in the process of weighing up his post World Cup future and is looking to make a decision by the start of Super Rugby.

Dan Carter has dismissed concerns about a calf strain and has said he wants to play the Crusaders Super Rugby pre-season match against the Hurricanes.

OPINION: Aussieboer, rugby365's well-versed reader, puts on his selection hat - as he looks to find an all-time XV ahead of the World Cup.

NEWS: Leicester Tigers flank Tom Croft and Northampton Saints lock Christian Day have been called up to the England training squad.

BREAKING NEWS: Star Stormers lock Eben Etzebeth is likely to be unleashed on the Cheetahs in Friday's pre-season clash at Newlands.

Saracens loose forward Will Fraser has been ruled out of the remainder of the European season, because of a longstanding back problem.

The growing trend of other countries poaching South African players at a young age was a worrying one, SARU Chief Executive Jurie Roux said.

Ireland remain hopeful that scrumhalf Eoin Reddan will recover from a knee injury in time for the opening match in defence of their Six Nations crown.

INTERVIEW: Injured Wallaby flyhalf Quade Cooper has endorsed teenage prodigy Duncan Paia'aua to fill his No.10 slot in the Reds squad.

BREAKING NEWS: The Bulls will be without Springbok hooker Bandise Maku for the entire Super Rugby season.

Belfast has been chosen as the host city for the Pro12 Final on Saturday May 30, to be held at Kingspan Stadium, the home of Ulster Rugby. 

TOURNAMENT LAUNCH: The eighth edition of the Varsity Cup will bring with it another batch of intriguing innovations.

Wasps have confirmed, after much speculation, that All Black wing Frank Halai will join the club from the Auckland Blues next season.

New Sharks boss Gary Gold and Springbok Frans Steyn will both be back in Durban soon.

NEWS: At their annual course for referees in Manly, Sydney, SANZAR revealed its 16 referees for Super Rugby in 2015.

EXCLUSIVE: Pierre Spies may not be everybody's cup of tea, but the Bulls believe in him as a player and leader. Jan de Koning reports.

London Irish continued their spending spree by signing Super Rugby title winning scrumhalf Brendan McKibbin from the Waratahs.

Bath came good when it really mattered to claim a quarterfinal place despite losing their opening two group matches.

Castres No.8 Johnnie Beattie has been added to the Scotland squad to re-enforce the group for the forthcoming Six Nations.

The knock-out stages have begun for the Euro Cup, but who will contest the Final?

Todd Blackadder will have to put his faith in some young and inexperienced scrumhalves for the Crusaders with Andy Ellis involved in Japan and Willi Heinz out with a broken leg.

NEWS: The French clubs got the best of the draw for the European Champions Cup quarterfinals.

England flyhalf Owen Farrell is in doubt for the Six Nations, after hobbling off with a knee injury during Saracens' 6-18 Euro defeat at Clermont.

Clermont extended their unbeaten run at home in European matches to 22 games as they avenged their first round defeat at Saracens 18-6.  

Munster ended their European Rugby Champions Cup campaign on a high with a 65-10 thumping of Sale Sharks at Thomond Park.

Bath wrote their name into the history books by becoming the first club to qualify for the quarterfinals as group winners after losing their opening two matches.

Montpellier defied the odds to secure a 27-26 triumph and send Toulouse out of the European Champions Cup at the Altrad Stadium.

Warren Gatland has thanked Adam Jones for his contribution to Wales and offered best wishes for his future in the game.

REACTION: Stormers coach Allister Coetzee is hoping the scrum dominace against SWD Eagles proves itself against sterner opposition.

Springbok fullback Bevin Fortuin has given his backing to the Stormers in this year's Super Rugby season because of the fire power in the back three.

Forwards coach Chris Gibbes did not pull any punches in his blunt assessment of the Ospreys' defeat in Italy.

Springbok trio Marnitz Boshoff and Julian Redelinghuys and Warren Whiteley have all extended their contracts until 2016 with the Lions.

Toulon may not have racked up 60 points like last weekend against Ulster, but Steffon Armitage believes his coach should still be happier this week.

Wales prop Adam Jones has announced his retirement from international rugby, after being omitted from the Six Nations squad.

REPORT: Centre Darren Cave ended Leicester Tigers hopes of Euro glory with his hat-trick of tries in Ulster's 26-7 victory in Belfast.

REPORT: Reigning champions RC Toulon secured a home Champions Cup quarterfinal with a comfortable 26-3 triumph at the Scarlets.

REPORT: Benetton Treviso finally broke their two season duck in the top-tier of European Cup, as they once again turned on the Ospreys.

REPORT: Racing Metro 92 are through to the knock-out stages for the first time at the fifth attempt - and they did it in real bonus point style.

REPORT: The Stormers recorded a 34-3 Super Rugby pre-season win over the lowly SWD Eagles side in very humid conditions in George.

REPORT: The Bulls laid down an early marker with an impressive 30-13 win over a hapless Cheetahs in Polokwane on Saturday.

MATCH REPORT: Harlequins were dumped out of the European Champions Cup despite scoring seven tries in the snow in Castres.

REPORT: Leinster survived a remarkable comeback from Wasps in the battle of the former champions at the Ricoh Arena.

Danny Cipriani is in line to sign a new deal with Sale, the English Premiership side said Saturday.

REACTION: The Western Force opened their 2015 pre-season campaign with an impressive 31-21 victory over the Brumbies, but felt they were well below par.

REACTION: The Brumbies lost the game and, by their own admission, were well of their best. Yet, they found reason to celebrate.

REPORT: The Crusaders were dealt a cruel blow in their first pre-season outing, with scrumhalf Willi Heinz likely to miss the entire season.

REPORT: Sam Hidalgo-Clyne claimed a club Challenge Cup record 28 points as Edinburgh advanced to their third European quarterfinal.

Ulster has signed former Highlanders openside flank Tim Boys on a short-term contract until the end of this season.

World Rugby (nee IRB) has issued a memorandum, written by Tim Gresson, the chairman of its judicial panel, on accumulated yellow cards and warnings by the citing commissioner.

Gavin Henson has agreed a one-year deal with Bristol Rugby from Bath and will join at the end of the season.

MATCH REPORT: The Western Force got their 2015 pre-season underway on a positive note, beating the Brumbies 31-21 in Perth on Friday.

Quade Cooper will be sidelined for 10 to 12 weeks after suffering a fractured collar bone during a training session at Ballymore Stadium on Thursday.  

Jake White has revealed that he has been asked by Montpellier president Mohed Altrad to remain on as coach of the French Top 14 side.

EXCLUSIVE: Jan de Koning chatted to the Highlanders' South African import, Ross Geldenhuys, about the journey that took him to Dunedin.

The next few weeks should give Michael Rhodes the opportunity to show what he can offer as a blindside flank in Super Rugby.

Israel Folau could soon be making an appearance in the Waratahs - and even the Wallabies - midfield as he continues to be an unpredictable threat.

EXCLUSIVE: Springbok Braam van Straaten, in Part Two of his interview with rugby365, speaks about tactics that lead to tries.

The Pool stages of the European Cup concludes this weekend - Which are the biggest games?

European Cup try-machine Chris Ashton reckons Saracens are in top-form ahead of their winner-takes-all clash at Clermont Auvergne on Sunday.

Juandre Kruger is ready to return to Northampton in order to knock the English side out of the automatic qualification spot.

The Melbourne Rebels have selected a group of five players for their leadership group in 2015 but have delayed announcing their captain by a week.

Ecstasy and agony are certain to figure in varying amounts this weekend as Europe's elite clubs ready themselves for an explosive Round Six.

There is a distinct pre-season look to the Highlanders side that will take on the Crusaders in their opening trial match in Timaru on Saturday.

Stuart Lancaster has pledged to make it cleat to Dylan Hartley that any more lapses in discipline could blow England's Six Nations chances.

Joe Schmidt selected the duo of Cian Healy and Sean O'Brien in his wider Six Nations squad despite both still battling long-term injuries.  

EXCLUSIVE: Bulls coach Frans Ludeke spoke to Jan de Koning about his goals for the pre-season outing against the Cheetahs on Saturday.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Wales legend Jonathan Davies said Warren Gatland must take more risks in the Six Nations or risk losing out in the World Cup.

London Irish have secured the services of Scotland international and British and Irish Lion Sean Maitland from Glasgow Warriors.

Nick Cummins' return to the Western Force will be delayed for a few rounds as the Wallaby wing goes under the knife for minor surgery on his ankle.

Pieter-Steph du Toit is looking to fight his way back into contention for a Super Rugby spot with the Sharks after a bad knee injury last year.

The Stormers' warm-up match against the SWD Eagles is a massive chance for Springbok Bevin Fortuin's men to get recognised by Allister Coetzee.  

South African lock Ben Venter revealed that he is set to join Top 14 side Bordeaux-Begles.

It is not only in France where the Southern Hemisphere's top players are leaving their mark. Other Six Nations countries are littered with imports.

Loose forward Ben White became the latest Exeter Chiefs player to commit his long-term future to the Premiership club.  

John Schwalge has sustained further blood clots on his lungs and has been ruled out for a majority of the Super Rugby campaign.  

Sam Burgess has said he had been given a "great opportunity" after being selected for the England Saxons squad barely two months into his Union career.

New Crusaders captain Matt Todd will lead a very inexperienced team south to Timaru to take on the Highlanders in the first pre-season outing.

Pat Lam has signed a new three-year deal with Connacht and the Irish Football Union to remain in the position of head coach until at least 2018.

NEWS: Northampton Saints revealed that Jamie Gibson will be joining the club ahead of the 2015/16 season.

Self-confessed sports nut Roger Federer is in no doubt who he'll be cheering at this year's rugby World Cup - South Africa.

The London Irish hooker David Paice has been suspended for three weeks, following a disciplinary hearing in Dublin on Wednesday.

NEWS: All Black prop Charlie Faumuina has bucked the trend and re-committed to the Blues and New Zealand Rugby to the end of 2017.

World Cup-winning former Wallaby lock Nathan Sharpe feels the All Blacks are the best team going into the World Cup, yet doesn't think they'll win it.

Who was the game's best finisher in 2014? Here's the top five...

IN DIE KOLLIG: rugby365 se rubriekskrywer Aussieboer het 'n paar glasies gaan klink met die voormalige Bok stut Hempies du Toit.

NEWS: Wallaby Nathan Charles will make his comeback from injury when the Western Force tackle the Brumbies in Perth on Friday.

Toulouse No.8 Louis Picamoles won't take part in France's training camp ahead of the Six Nations tournament after picking up a thigh injury.

NEWS: The Rebels have signed loosehead prop Jed Gillespie to their extended playing squad for the 2015 Super Rugby season.

REACTION: There is no chance of an early release for Stormers flyhalf Demetri Catrakilis, who is being courted by French club Montpellier.

BREAKING NEWS: Harlequins No.8 Nick Easter and Sale Sharks flyhalf Danny Cipriani have been named in England training squad.

Stormers coach Allister Coetzee has plenty of different boxes he needs to tick in their three warm-up matches.

Australian international prop Sekope Kepu has become the latest addition to the conveyor belt moving players from the Southern Hemisphere to France.

The modern scrum with all is processes, despite criticism at many levels, is proving safer according to BokSmart - a lot safer.

Northampton fullback Ben Foden's chances of an international comeback were dealt a cruel blow with confirmation that he will miss the rest of the season.

Stormers flyhalf Demetri Catrakilis is the latest player linked to a move abroad, with French club Montpellier reportedly his destination.

The Brumbies will field eight Wallabies, including David Pocock, this Friday - when they head to Perth to face the Force in the first Super Rugby hit-out.

NEWS: The Blues have allowed controversial wing George Moala to return to Super Rugby training, while he awaits sentencing for assault.

Neil Powell admitted he will have to make some tough choices when announcing his touring party of 12 players for the next two Sevens tournaments.  

Vern Cotter has named four new caps in his squad for the Six Nations, which will once again be led by Gloucester scrumhalf Greig Laidlaw.

Former All Blacks captain and loose forward Jerry Collins has joined second-flight French club Narbonne as a stop-gap for the injured Rocky Elsom.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Stormers hooker Siyabonga Ntubeni knows the threat that new recruit Mbongeni Mbonambi poses to his starting place.

New Zealand-born Gareth Anscombe has been included at flyhalf in Warren Gatland's 34-man Wales squad to contest the Six Nations.

EXCLUSIVE: Springbok Braam van Straaten speaks to Jan de Koning about what will be the key to winning Super Rugby.

The 2015 Super Rugby season will be Nic White’s last with the Brumbies after he announced he would move to France in 2016. 

New captain Duane Vermeulen will lead a starting Stormers team with four Test players – three Springboks and an Argentine international.

Bulls captain Pierre Spies is due to make his long-awaited comeback at Allianz Park when the South Africans take on Saracens.  

Captain Will Welch on Tuesday agreed a new two year contract with the Newcastle Falcons.

London Irish confirmed one of rugby's wort kept secrets on Tuesday when they unveiled All Black Ben Franks as their latest acquisition.

Saracens wing Chris Wyles has told Clermont to expect a visit from a side full of confidence in their winner-takes-all clash

Versatile Chiefs back Tim Nanai-Williams, while pushing for qualification to play for Samoa, could be forced to choose club over country.

Chiefs coach Dave Rennie is on the verge of signing a new contract with the franchise, with a deal set to be confirmed next week.

Blockbusting centre Manu Tuilagi could miss England's Six Nations campaign after revealing his recovery from a groin injury is progressing slowly.

NEWS: Scotland flyhalf Duncan Weir will miss the upcoming Six Nations Championship due to an arm injury.

Newport Gwent Dragons have become the latest European outfit to land the signature of a high-profile New Zealand player.

NEWS: Lock Francois Uys will lead a new-look Cheetah team when they take on the Bulls in their first Super Rugby pre-season outing.

NEWS: The Stormers will head into their opening Super Rugby pre-season game without the services of two Springbok loose forwards.

These are some of Nigel Owens' best moments.

INJURY UPDATE: Injured Springbok captain Jean de Villiers is holding on tight to his dream of recovering in time for the World Cup tournament.

EP Craven Week and SA Schools prop Lupumlo Mguca, is being provided a once in a lifetime opportunity to finish his studies at Burnside High School in Christchurch, New Zealand. 

NEWS: The French transfer merry-go-round is beginning to spin out of control, spewing out a couple of Springbok brothers in the process.

New Bulls recruits Pieter Labuschagne and Trevor Nyakane will face their former Cheetahs teammates in Polokwane on Saturday.

Young Sharks flyhalf Tim Swiel is using his short stint with English outfit Harlequins as a way to speed up his development.

Wenceslas Lauret has been called up in the France squad to replace the injured Charles Ollivon ahead of next month's Six Nations opener against Scotland.  

Schalk Burger’s fightback from a life-threatening illness to once again play a key role for the Springboks is one of the most inspirational sporting stories of the year.

The Bulls will be without the services of young Pierre Schoeman for the entire Super Rugby season after he tore his cruciate ligament in pre-season.

Crusaders coach Todd Blackadder feels his team needs to get out the blocks a lot faster this year, as they look to end a six-year title drought.

Paddy Jackson may sit out the Six Nations due to injury, this comes after Johnny Sexton was ruled out from an early return for the opening round.

NZ coach Gordon Tietjens  ended speculation about Rugby League star Shaun Johnson joining Sony Bill Williams in an all-star Sevens team.

Europe's competitions enter the crucial stage this weekend with the end of the pool matches. The teams for the quarterfinals will be decided.

The newest All Black returned to training with the Blues on Monday, marking the end of an eight-week break after the year-end tour.

NEWS: England lock Courtney Lawes is set to miss the first few weeks of the upcoming Six Nations Championship because of an ankle injury.

REACTION: Jim Mallinder says Northampton Saints' victory over the Ospreys has set up "a belter of a game" against unbeaten Racing Metro 92.

MATCH REPORTS: Racing Metro sneaked past Northampton Saints at the top of Pool Five in the European Cup to set up a thrilling decider next week.

MATCH REPORT: Francois Louw scored Bath's fourth try to inflict Toulouse' heaviest home defeat in the European Cup competition.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: He may be off to Gloucester next season, but Jeremy Thrush has plenty to focus on in New Zealand before he packs his bags.

Sonny Bill Williams has been given a May deadline to confirm his availability for New Zealand's Sevens team next year.

REPORT: Jake White's French club, Montpellier, remained winless in Europe, after falling to a second successive defeat on Sunday.

Unlike other New Zealand franchises the Hurricanes will not rest their All Blacks back for the opening rounds of Super Rugby.

REPORT: New champions were crowned after the Final of New Zealand's national Sevens tournament in Rotorua on Sunday.

REACTION: Irish giants Munster and Ulster, with three titles between them, exited the European Cup competition in limp fashion.

Leinster gave themselves a huge boost ahead of their massive European Cup Pool Two showdown with Wasps at the Ricoh Arena in Round Six.

REACTION: Clermont Auvergne have it all to do against Saracens at Stade Marcel-Michelin in their final European Cup group showdown.

POST-MATCH REACTION: Toulon head coach Bernard Laporte is obviously a tough man to please.

Champions Toulon became the first side to qualify for the European Cup quarterfinals when they handed Ulster a 60-22 thrashing.

The Scarlets will have plenty of pride to play for when they clash with Toulon in their final match of the campaign at Parc y Scarlets.

Stormers coach Allister Coetzee is not concerned by the inexperience of his squad, and says they are in better shape than last year.

Veteran World Cup-winning prop BJ Botha is happier than ever at Munster and hopes to sign on for another year with the Irish side.

Leicester Tigers Director of Rugby Richard Cockerill credited his side's clinical edge for keeping them in the European Cup quarterfinal race.

Wing Frank Halai is the latest All Black linked to a move overseas, with Premiership side Wasps reportedly set to sign him.

'Football chameleon' and new Reds recruit Karmichael Hunt has his sights firmly set on making the Wallabies World Cup squad.  

Leicester Tigers maintained their European Cup ambitions with a bonus-point 40-23 victory over the Scarlets.

Scotland will face France, Ireland and Italy as part of the national team's preparations for the World Cup.

Now that rugby is a summer sport, competitions start early and so there are warm-up matches. And even such friendlies need referees.

Stormers captain Duane Vermeulen believes that the best way to get the most out of his team is to stay on top of his own game.

Connacht have managed to secure one of their established centres in Dave McSharry who has signed a new deal that will keep him at the Sportsground until at least 2017.

Traditional English powerhouses Leicester and Bath face a make-or-break weekend in the European Champions Cup.

Super Rugby starts in a month's time with a match in Christchurch with Nick Briant to referee it.

BREAKING NEWS: Springbok star Duane Vermeulen will captain the Stormers in 2015, in the absence of injured Springbok Jean de Villiers.

Harlequins scrumhalf Karl Dickson has extended his contract with the Club until the end of the 2016/17 season.

EXCLUSIVE: Brendan Venter may be a technical director at the Sharks, but his systems will also make an impact at the Cheetahs.

NEWS: Wallaby and three time Super Rugby Champion Radike Samo will join the Rebels for the 2015 Super Rugby season.

The Blues and New Zealand Rugby have reached agreement with loose forward Peter Saili to terminate his employment with immediate effect.  

Blues' George Moala has been found guilty of assault with intent to cause injury and common assault following a nasty brawl in 2012.  

The Reds have named James Slipper as their captain as last year's captain, James Horwill, steps down from the leadership role.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: All Black legend Ali Williams vowed to spend his time fishing and hunting after announcing his retirement from the game.

Defending European Cup champions Toulon will have their work cut when they host former champions Ulster at Stade Felix Mayol at the weekend.

EXLUSIVE: Jan de Koning chatted to GLRU boss Kevin de Klerk about claims that not enough is being done for 'disadvantaged' players.

The Stormers have been busy preparing for their Super Rugby season, but one notable exclusion was Nizaam Carr -  who was admitted to hospital.

ON THE COUNTER: There is no truth in reports that Toulon have won the race for services of in-demand Springbok star Duane Vermeulen.

Italian coach Jacques Brunel has named his 30-man Six Nations squad with an experienced pack blending with a young backline

The Kings defence coach for their Super Rugby campaign in 2013, Omar Mouneimne, has returned to Port Elizabeth from Edinburgh.

Legendary former Ireland outside centre Biran O'Driscoll has some interesting views!

INTERVIEW: A change in the mental approach to the game is at the forefront of changes UWC's head coach Peter de Villiers needs to make.

New recruit Jack Wilson believes that the Sharks are stepping up their attack this year as they build on their defensive strength from last season.

BREAKING NEWS: The Nelspruit-based Pumas have retained the bulk of their coaching squad, without appointing a new head coach.

South African-born trio Rory Kockott, Scott Spedding and Bernard le Roux all maintained their places in France's initial 31-man squad.

Leinster will definitely be without Jack McGrath and Zane Kirchner for their final two European Rugby Champions Cup matches this month.

Centre Matt Hooper and loose forward Luke Wallace, who have almost 180 club appearances between them, have committed their future to the Club.

Louis Picamoles is bracing himself for a massive revenge mission from Bath when they travel to Stade Ernest Wallon on Sunday.  

Exeter Chiefs have bolstered their front-row options with the signing of young prop Alec Hepburn from Australian club Perth Spirit.

Northampton Saints prop Salesi Ma'afu received a one-week ban on Wednesday for racking up three yellow cards in the season thus far.

BREAKING NEWS: Nic White and David Pocock will help lead the Brumbies as vice-captains in the 2015 Super Rugby competition.

NEWS: Springbok flyhalf Morne Steyn is free to play for his French club, Stade Francais, in their European Challenge Cup game this weekend.

NEWS: Cardiff Blues lock Jarrad Hoeata will miss the remainder of his club's European commitments, after he was banned for six weeks.

INTERVIEW: Wing DTH Van de Merwe has set his Glasgow Warriors side a nine-point target from their final two European Champions Cup pool stage.

EURO SPOTLIGHT: Saracens can dictate their own European fate and Petrus du Plessis is fully focused on ensuring they come out on top.

NEWS: The Scarlets will have to head into their Euro Champions Cup clash with Leicester Tigers without four international front row men.

EXLUSIVE: Jan de Koning chatted to the secretary of the newly-formed Soweto Rugby Union, Zola Ntlokoma, about the reasoning behind the move.

BREAKING NEWS: Former Stormers lock Quinn Roux could soon be joining the growing list of South Africans that are available to Ireland.

FEATURE: Varsity Cup champions UCT underlined the strength of the university game in SA by beating Community Cup champions Rustenburg Impala.

NEWS: Chiefs assistant coach Tom Coventry has become the latest to join the growing exodus from the Southern Hemisphere to the north.

Matt Todd may have been surprised by the call, but Crusaders coach Todd Blackadder said the flank is a natural fit for the captaincy.

NEWS: Saracens lock George Kruis will be available for the start of England's Six Nations campaign, despite a three-week ban being slapped on him.

Richard Smith, who enjoyed a great season with the Welsh region, has signed a new contract at the region.

Kieran Brookes will join the Premiership champions from Newcastle Falcons ahhead of the 2015/16 season.

Salesi Ma’afu will face an RFU disciplinary panel after totting up three foul play yellow cards/evel one citings this season.

EXCLUSIVE: Word from inside the Sharks camp is that the Durban team is looking to keep the ball alive this season - so says Lubabalo Mtyanda.

London Irish have granted Director of Rugby Brian Smith early release from his contract that was due to expire in June.

Leinster skipper Jamie Heaslip is rated at only '50-50' to be fit in time to lead his side against Castres this weekend.

EXCLUSIVE: The injury that has ruled out Springbok Flip van der Merwe, has opened the door for a few youngsters to step onto the Super Rugby stage.

BREAKING NEWS: Gloucester have gained the services of Jeremy Thrush from the Hurricanes after the World Cup this year.

Jonathan Joseph has committed his future to Bath, renewing his contract with the West Country Club.

Sam Burgess's second Premiership start saw him starting to make an impact in Rugby Union

As the All Blacks gear up to defend the World Cup there is also an undercurrent of departing stars with Ben Franks thought to be the next to go.

Frenchman Marc Dal Maso is spending some time with the Highlanders forwards, working on their scrums, during their preseason.

CJ Stander says Munster's match against Saracens is the sort of Cup rugby that players want to experience.

South African born French international Scott Spedding will leave Bayonne at the end of the Top 14 season to join Clermont Auvergne.

NEWS: Saracens lock George Kruis' chances of playing in the opening round of the Six Nations are looking grim.

IN THE SUPER RUGBY SPOTLIGHT: The Stormers wasted no time in drafting their Springboks back into pre-season training.

EXCLUSIVE: Jan de Koning chatted to Cheetahs coach Naka Drotské about his flyhalf options ahead of the Super Rugby season.

Wasps and England flyhalf Andy Goode has been around the block a few times but his numbers in the European Cup are mighty impressive.

Northampton Saints flyhalf Steve Myler will reach 50 appearances in European competitions if he plays in the final two Champions Cup fixtures this month.

Sevens Springbok Jamba Ulengo sees his move to the Bulls as his chance to showcase his talents and see how far he can go with his rugby career.

French national captain Thierry Dusautoir has extended his contract with Top 14 club Toulouse for a further two seasons.

In a surprise move Crusaders coach Todd Blackadder has named Matt Todd as the captain for the opening rounds of the Super Rugby competition.

Community Cup champions Rustenburg Impala will host the tournament’s 2015 Easter weekend play-offs.

Former Wales and Scarlets flyhalf, and fans favourite, Stephen Jones will make a return home at the end of the season to Scarlets.

Scarlets attack coach, and former club captain, Mark Jones will leave the region at the end of the season.

REACTION: Outspoken World Cup winner Jake White was given a taste of his own medicine at the weekend.

One bosses the All Black pack. The other bosses the Hollywood elite

European Cup and Challenge Cup are back in action this weekend and dominate the appointments. There are also two qualifying matches.

European Cup and Challenge Cup are back in action this weekend and dominate the appointments. There are also two qualifying matches.

Prop Samson Lee has become the latest Welsh international to commit his future to the Scarlets and Wales by signing a National Dual Contract.

NEWS: The Blues' pre-season preparations continue to be disrupted by unwanted distractions.

The New Zealand Super Rugby teams have decided to expand their apparel with some basketball singlets

World Cup hosts England suffered a cruel setback with the confirmation that Ben Morgan is likely to miss the whole of the forthcoming Six Nations.

PRO12 WRAP:  Ospreys have climbed to the summit following a 22-11 victory over Newport while Ulster hung on to overcome Treviso 24-20.

PREMIERSHIP WRAP: There was mixed results for the Exiles on Sunday as London Irish claimed a last-gasp win while London Welsh remain winless.

REACTION: Glasgow Warriors head coach Gregor Townsend paid tribute to Mike Cusack, after the prop made a big impact on his return to the field.

REACTION: Josh Navidi believes Cardiff Blues can still climb up the Pro12 table, after a pocket of good form came to an end at the hands of Leinster on Saturday.

REACTION: Munster head coach Anthony Foley says his side showed glimpses of their class, in their 31-7 Pro12 win over Zebre on Saturday.

REACTION: Bath boss Mike Ford refused to get carried away about Sam Burgess' International future, despite his best Union performance yet.

REACTION: After an excellent performance against Leicester on Saturday, many have called for Nick Easter's return to the International scene.

REACTION: Sale Sharks director of rugby, Steve Diamond admits his charges are in prime position to attack the top half of the Premiership table.

A sparkling performance by Matt Giteau on his return inspired champions Toulon to a 32-23 victory over Racing-Metro on Saturday

The returning Jimmy Gopperth ensured Leinster continued their winning start to 2015 as they battled back from a half-time deficit to down Cardiff Blues 22-13.

Sale Sharks reinforced their Premiership play-off credentials in a dominant 20-7 performance over champions Northampton Saints.

Johnny Sexton has confirmed he will not be available for Ireland’s opening game of the Six Nations despite hope he would be cleared to play.  

Eight All Blacks will miss the first round of Super Rugby as the World Cup in September looms over the tournament.

The top 10 richest players were recently unveiled, but are those 10 players the best in the world?

David Humphreys paid tribute to his side's strength of character, and James Hook in particular, after he kicked his side to a dramatic victory.

England No.8 Ben Morgan is in doubt for the Six Nations after going off on a stretcher in Gloucester's Premiership win on Friday.

Stade Francais went clear at the top of the French Top 14 league on an emotional day in Paris with a bonus point 49-13 win over Castres on Friday.

MATCH REPORT: James Hook slotted a last-gasp penalty to claim a dramatic 24-23 victory for Gloucester over Saracens in a superb Premiership clash.

MATCH REPORT: Niko Matawalu produced a scintillating scrumhalf display to propel Glasgow Warriors back to the Pro12 summit.

NEWS: Toulon fullback Delon Armitage will be allowed to play again in February, after his ban for insulting fans was reduced by a month.

Ahead of the visit of London Welsh to Newcastle this Sunday, Exiles captain Tom May has announced that he will retire at the end of the season.

Scarlets will look to take their home form with them Friday, when they face Glasgow at the Scotstoun Stadium.

Will Helu will make the trek up to Edinburgh from Wasps after signing a two-year contract with the Scottish side

The Fabien Galthie saga took another new twist on Friday with news that his stand-off with Montpellier President Mohed Altrad became more strained.

PRE-SEASON: Veteran hooker Stephen Moore looks set to make a full comeback in time for the start of the Super Rugby season.

EXCLUSIVE: Renaldo Bothma says his game has grown in leaps and bounds since coming under the pupilage of the Sharks and Brendan Venter.

PREVIEW: Stade Francais will have the chance to go back to the top of the French Top 14 table when they take on struggling Castres in Paris.

Ireland international lock, Dan Tuohy, has agreed a three-year contract extension with Ulster that will keep him at Kingspan Stadium until at least 2018.

EXCLUSIVE: Former Pumas coach Jimmy Stonehouse is excited about working with World Cup-winning Springbok Francois Steyn in Japan.

The Blues' Super Rugby pre-season training almost ended in disaster, when close to 30 players had to be fished out of the water by sea rescue.

Delon Armitage has been forced to wait for a decision after he appealed against a 12 week suspension with the hearing set to to decide on Friday.

NEWS: Kurtley Beale ended months of speculation about his future by signing a one-year extension to his Wallaby and Waratah contracts.

With the top four teams all losing in the last round of the PRO12, there was very little movement in the Play-Off Zone.

ROUND 13 PREVIEW: After moving past the halfway mark, every point in the next round of the Premiership will be crucial.

The Sharks will be buoyed by the return of two big Springbok forwards in Pieter-Steph du Toit and Willem Alberts who have been spotted at training.

NEWS: Edinburgh retained the services of flank Hamish Watson and lock Ben Toolis - having extended their contracts with the club.

NEWS: Leicester Tigers prop Dan Cole has joined England's ever-growing list of injured players ahead of the Six Nations tournament.

Joggie Jansen's hit on Wayne Cotterell is arguably one of the biggest in history. 

EXCLUSIVE: Former Pumas coach, Jimmy Stonehouse, spoke to Tauriq Ebrahim about his reasons for leaving the Nelspruit-based team.

Dan Carter's move to French giants Racing Metro is set to make him rugby's richest man, but who else is in the Top 10?

NEWS: Cardiff Blues have secured the services of Super Rugby ace Rey Lee-Lo from the Hurricanes on a long-term deal.

NEWS: Jimmy Stonehouse, coach of the Nelspruit-based Pumas, resigned from his position to join Japanese club Toshiba Brave Lupus.

OPINION: Jan de Koning puts Jake White in the spotlight after the dramatic manner in which he turned around the fortunes of Montpellier.

NEWS: Leinster prop Jack McGrath has been banned for three weeks for stamping on an opponent.

NEWS: JJ Hanrahan will leave Irish province Munster at the end of the current season to join Premiership side Northampton Saints.

NEWS: Munster have retained the services of some of their best players, including Ireland international Ian Keatley.

Wasps have secured the services of New Zealander Jimmy Gopperth, who have signed for the English Premiership club from Irish province Leinster.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Code-hopper Sonny Bill Williams may be in fine physical form, but his skills require some fine-tuning.

Samoan flank TJ Ioane, unwanted by the Highlanders for Super Rugby, has joined the Sale Sharks until the end of the English Premiership season.

FEATURE: It is a rivalry that has been going on for the best part of a century, this is the final part of the Battle of the Giants - the Closest of Enemies.

BREAKING NEWS: Springbok flyhalf Morné Steyn has been suspended for two weeks, pending further investigation into his sending-off.

Commentators tell the world and the world believes. This is a pity when it comes to the laws of rugby for the commentators often get it wrong.

Scrumhalf Haydn Thomas insists there will be no panic with-in the ranks despite Exeter Chiefs slipping to their third successive defeat.  

Leinster  forwards coach Leo Cullen believes they need to be more clinical in putting their PRO12 opponents to the sword.  

NEWS: Edinburgh forwards coach Stevie Scott admits his troops will have revenge on their minds when they head take on Connacht.

England lock Graham Kitchener has signed a new contract at Leicester Tigers that will see him into his fifth season at Welford Road.

Newport Gwent Dragons confirmed that flyhalf Steffan Jones has left the Welsh outfit and signed a permanent deal with Bedford Blues.

South African born Quinn Roux will remian on loan with Irish side Connacht at least until the end of the 2014/15 season.

English club Bath have signed Welsh flyhalf Rhys Priestland from Pro12 team the Scarlets where he appeared almost 150 times.

Former Sharks lock Alister Hargreaves will know all about the Bulls when they travel up to London to take on his Saracens in a pre-season friendly.

INTERVIEW: Wallaby James O'Connor believes time spent with World Cup winner Jonny Wilkinson has turned him into a more complete player.

Last year's captain for the Bulls, Springbok Flip van der Merwe, will miss the first two months of Super Rugby with a new pectoral injury.

Toulon captain and legendary All Black tighthead Carl Hayman looks set to retire at the end of the French season.

Another Pacific Island nation has fallen foul of the international controlling body of the sport, World Rugby, over the political meddling of its government.

Veteran Springbok Morné Steyn claims he was 'eye-gouged', which is why he kicked out at Fijian wing Mosese Ratuvou.

Scotland international backs Tommy Seymour and Henry Pyrgos have both signed two-year contract extensions with the Glasgow Warriors.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: World Cup-winning Springbok Bryan Habana is enjoying his stay in Toulon so much, he might extend it.

Touchline decisions are often difficult, it is not just the law but the judgement required while a replay is there to show that the assistant referee was wrong.

NEWS: Flyhalf Owen Williams has ended speculation on his future by agreeing a new contract to stay with Leicester Tigers.

Ulster head coach Neil Doak insists his side are certainly good enough to make the Pro12 play-offs - provided they can sort out their away form.

Captain Scott Williams has said that the Scarlets are still in the hunt for a top four spot in the Pro12 as they head to Glasgow this weekend.

Newcastle Falcons have bolstered their front row resources with the signing of Argentine Prop Juan Pablo Orlandi from Bath.

The Blues have returned to pre-season training after the festive season break.

With Super Rugby fast approaching it is important to have a look at what each of the teams are doing in their preparations and who they have at their disposal.

FEATURE: Some players make the transition look smooth. However, Sam Burgess has found the Rugby Union hurdle higher to climb.

The year is quickly becoming serious as already there is one eye on the Rugby World Cup in England and Wales later this year. For players and organisers it will be a testing and busy time with even more emphasis on next month's internationals.

Saracens Director of Rugby Mark McCall saluted Billy Vunipola after the England international inspired a 22-6 victory over London Irish.

REACTION: Montpellier's new coach, Jake White, arrested a nine-match slide for his French club by using his tried and tested method.

WEEKEND WRAP: Clermont defeated Toulouse 24-6 to return to the summit of the French Top 14 for the first time since August.

It is a rivalry that has been going on for the best part of a century, this is Part Five in the Battle of the Giants - the role of Apartheid.

NEWS: Scott Higginbotham has become the latest to join a growing list of Wallabies that will head for the exit door after the World Cup this year.

PREMIERSHIP WRAP:  Wasps continue their dream start to life at the Ricoh Arena, as they demolished Sale Sharks 41-16.

REACTION: Matt Kvesic believes Gloucester's rebuilding project is firmly on course after the Cherry & Whites emerged as victors over Exeter.

Stephen Myler said that he is honoured to become just the second player to hit 2,000 points in black, green and gold of Northampton Saints.

Saracens players wore impact sensors, launching the first element a ground-breaking programme to determine the effects of concussions.

Scarlets and Wales flyhalf Rhys Priestland says he has decided on his future and will make an announcement about it next week.

Scarlets prop Rhodri Jones is a doubt for Wales' Six Nations campaign after dislocating his shoulder in Saturday's Pro12 win over Ospreys.

REACTION: With their 22-10 victory over Ospreys, Scarlets have now kept their unbeaten home record in the Pro12 alive.

REACTION: Munster head coach Anthony Foley admitted his side must improve after they slipped to defeat against Irish rivals Connacht.

REACTION: It was a case of an opportunity missed for Saracens in their Premiership victory over London Irish at Allianz Park.

MATCH REPORT: Ospreys remain top of the Pro12 despite going down to a shock 10-22 defeat at the hands of Scarlets.

MATCH REPORT: Gareth Steenson's missed conversion handed Gloucester a dramatic 26-25 Premiership win at Sandy Park,.

TOP 14 WRAP: South African World Cup-winning coach Jake White got off to a winning start at French club Montpellier.

PRO12 SATURDAY WRAP: A moment of magic from Ian Madigan helped Leinster to their 20th consecutive win at the RDS, beating Ulster 24-11.

MATCH REPORT: Saracens avenged last season's Premiership defeat to London Irish and stayed in touch with the tournament pace-setters.

REACTION: Edinburgh boss Alan Solomons said his team is now within sight of securing a place in Europe's Premier competition.

Newcastle Falcons may not have achieved their goal of securing victory, but the men from north east England are becoming a real threat.

Northampton Saints Director of Rugby Jim Mallinder is still looking for marked improvement in the Premiership from his table-topping team.

POST-MATCH REACTION: Northampton Saints Director of Rugby Jim Mallinder has backed Calum Clark for an England call-up.

Bok flyhalf Morne Steyn had a miserable first start of the season for Stade Francais, when he was red-carded in the Top 14 leaders' defeat at Lyon.

REPORT: Stephen Myler broke the 2,000 point barrier in the Premiership, as Northampton stretched their lead at the top of the table.

MATCH REPORT: Tim Visser's first-half double secured Edinburgh the 1872 Cup for the first time in six years.

FEATURE: It's a rivalry that has been going on for the best part of a century - the battle for the No.1 ranking. This is Part Four in the Battle of the Giants.

Burly lock Jake Ball has become the sixth player to sign a national dual contract with the Welsh Rugby Union and his regional team, Scarlets.

We go old-school, bringing you highlights of the third Test between SA and Aus in 1969.

England's No.8 Ben Morgan has remained loyal to Gloucester. The 25-year-old signed a new contract to extend his stay at Kingsholm.

REACTION: Gareth Anscombe may be the missing spark in an erratic Welsh team, which won just five of their 11 matches this past year.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Australia may have recorded a paltry one win from four starts on the year-end tour, but they believe they are winners - off the field.

PREVIEW: South African World Cup winning coach Jake White faces a baptism of fire when he takes charge of Montpellier this weekend.

INTERVIEW: Jake White may be only be days into his new job at crisis-club Montpellier but already he is targeting the Top 14 title.

Not that it's new, but an incident in the match between Bath and Exeter Chiefs aroused interest, because it was surprising.

PRO12 WRAP: Kieran Marmion's eye-catching try sparked a scintillating Connacht comeback that produced a 24-16 victory over rivals Munster.

PREVIEW: The first round of Premiership action in 2015 kicks off when the table-topping Northampton Saints host Newcastle Falcons.

FEATURE: Jan de Koning takes a look at the year 2014 and how the Top 10 teams performed this year!

NEWS: Wales and Scarlets hooker Emyr Phillips is likely to miss his country's Six Nations campaign with a dislocated shoulder.

NEWS: England coach, Stuart Lancaster believes the All Blacks are favourites to retain their World Cup crown in 2015.

Sale Sharks captain Dan Braid insists his side can go toe-to-toe with the big guns of the Premiership despite a narrow defeat to Leicester.

Jack Conan is enjoying life with Leinster and determined to keep fighting for his first-team berth at the RDS.

Harlequins may have briefly drifted away from their attacking heritage but have found their form with ball-in-hand last weekend.

Russian Alexander Pervukhin will take charge of the Russian National team after Raphael Saint-Andre stepped down from the helm.

Scarlets wing, Kristian Phillips, has received a three-week ban after he was guilty of a dangerous tackle in the Pro12 match against Ospreys.

Matt Jess wants Exeter Chiefs to kick-start the New Year with a bang as they play host to Gloucester in their latest Premiership encounter.

It seemed a certainty, but now doubt has been cast over the presumption that Irish legend Paul O'Connell will retire after next year's World Cup.

NEWS: Toulon's Delon Armitage has formally lodged an appeal against his 12-week suspension.

The rugby365 team would like to wish all our readers a Happy New Year.

PRO12 PREVIEW: The teams have passed the halfway mark and their focus will now be concentrated on the end of season play-offs.

Rising flyhalf Will Robinson is hoping he can continue to learn his trade on the biggest stage since securing a starting berth.

INTERVIEW: World Cup-winning former Springbok coach Jake White believes he stands before the biggest challenge of his career.

Scott Steele is determined to remain the first choice scrumhalf at London Irish after becoming a regular starter.

David Denton insists a roaring Murrayfield can help Edinburgh overturn their deficit after falling to Glasgow Warriors last weekend.

 Sam Dickinson is determined to make up for lost time by helping Northampton Saints maintain their sterling form.

FEATURE: rugby365 guru Paul Dobson says it has been a year for referees, as much as any other year - a year of highs and lows.

Ian Keatley insists facing former club Connacht, at their Sportsground fortress, could prove his toughest challenge of this campaign.

Sam Warburton is set to return from a shoulder injury when Cardiff Blues face Newport Gwent Dragons at Rodney Parade on New Year's Day.

Queen's honours list: Former England star flyhalf and World Cup winner Jonny Wilkinson has not been knighted, contrary to weekend reports.

Daniel Leo (London Irish) and Tom May (London Welsh) were both suspended for one week.

Montpellier coach Fabien Galthie has failed this season and that is why club President Mohed Altrad "suspended" him on Tuesday.

FEATURE: Jan de Koning asks if the world rankings can be used as an accurate yard-stick for the World Cup next year?

NEWS: England centre Manu Tuilagi faces a fresh race to be ready for the start of Six Nations after an injury setback.

Newport Dragons could receive a New Year's boost from Taulupe Faletau, after it was confirmed the No.8 does not need surgery on his ankle.

NEWS: World Cup-winning former Springbok coach Jake White has been formally unveiled by his new club - Montpellier.

BREAKING NEWS: Springbok Willie le Roux will be able to write his own salary cheque after next year's World Cup.

NEWS: The Australian Rugby Union has confirmed that they are aware of incident in Byron Bay involving Wallaby captain Michael Hooper.

NEWS: Glasgow Warriors captain Al Kellock is confident his side can build a legacy to rival the most storied clubs in the league.

And so to the New Year and the annual hope that the New Year will be better. It would be a great year for referees if not one was disappointed with an appointment, there was no criticism anywhere and abuse of referees was as remote a part of the past as public hanging.

Exeter Chief's captain, Dean Mumm says it's only right that they put pressure on themselves ahead their next encounter with Gloucester.

Daniel Leo, Tom May and Kane Thompson will appear before an RFU Disciplinary Officer, charged with striking, contrary to Law 10.4 (a).

BREAKING NEWS: Jake White will start his tenure as the head of coaching at French club Montpellier on Tuesday.

FEATURE: It's a rivalry that has been going on for the best part of a century - the battle for the No.1 ranking. This is Part Three in the Battle of the Giants.

Joe Royal talks about the significance of the Maori All Blacks Haka.

REACTION: Scarlets coach Wayne Pivac expressed his frustration with his team's loss to Ospreys at Liberty Stadium at the weekend.

REACTION: Scrumhalf Neil de Kock said Saracens were "very happy" with their 25-23 win over Newcastle Falcons.

OPINION: The year was filled with moments of brilliance and moments of insanity. We name and shame the best and worst of 2014.

REACTION: Director of Rugby Jim Mallinder insisted Northampton Saints are right on track in the Premiership.

REACTION: Wasps Director of Rugby Dai Young admits his side were their own worst enemy during a nervy second half against Gloucester.

French centre Mathieu Bastareaud broke down in tears at the weekend and said he has had enough of his poor form.

MATCH REPORT: Stade Francais stunned champions Toulon 30-6 in Paris on Sunday to replace their opponents at the French Top 14 summit.

BREAKING NEWS: Scrumhalf Nick Phipps has signed a two-year contract extension with the Australian Rugby Union.

BREAKING NEWS: Racing Metro's South African flyhalf Johan Goosen is set to be out of action for up to three weeks.

EXCLUSIVE: MATT HAWKINS, RUGBY365'S SPECIALIST SEVENS COLUMNIST, RETURNS FROM HIS MID-SEASON SLUMBER WITH MORE GREAT INSIGHT!