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WRAP: Toulouse gained a measure of revenge on Racing-Metro with a turgid and try-less 15-9 victory in the French Top 14 on Sunday.

MATCH REPORT: Benetton Treviso ended their Pro12 winless streak with a hard-fought 26-16 victory against Italian rivals Zebre.

MATCH REPORT: Wasps ended their away-day hoodoo in the Premiership this season, as they held off a resurgent Gloucester.

In the beginning there were no referees. The need for referees is ongoing proof of the existence of original sin and human fallibility. Man could not honestly or objectively run a game. He needed somebody impartial to do the judging for him.

POST-MATCH REACTION: Anthony Foley has challenged Munster to maintain a high standard of performance into 2015.

POST-MATCH REACTION: Dean Richards insists his Newcastle Falcons side are improving way ahead of schedule.

Production not possession was all that mattered as Northampton Saints kept themselves top of the Premiership table.

The French doping system has been put in the spotlight for its seemingly inconsistency.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Michael de Vries takes a look at the young stars he thinks will make the step up to the next level in 2015.

NEWS: Wallabies back, James O'Connor will leave Toulon after "a great six months" with the French Champions.

Montpellier head coach Fabien Galthie is unaware of when Jake White will join the struggling French Top 14 side as manager.

Dan Lydiate marked his first start for Ospreys with a try, as his side struggled past Scarlets 17-15 in the first of back-to-back derbies.

Northampton maintained their lead at the top of the Premiership with an impressive 30-25 victory over Harlequins at Twickenham.

London Irish director of rugby Brian Smith leapt to the defence of Dan Leo after the Samoa international was handed a red card.

Mark Hammett called on his Cardiff Blues to restore some pride and demanded they raise the intensity levels.

London Irish director of rugby Brian Smith lauded the work of his combative forwards as his side sealed their first Premiership home win of the season over London Welsh.

Toulon do not take defeat lightly, especially at home, and will seek to avenge their sole Top 14 home loss this season against Stade Francais.

Pro12 WRAP: Munster secured their first league double over Leinster in six years, with a 28-13 victory at Thomond Park.

PREMIERSHIP: London Irish easily brushed London Welsh aside 24-9 for their 175th Premiership victory at the Madejski Stadium on Friday.

Gonzalo Quesada, the sporting director of French Top 14 side Stade Francais, has extended his contract for two seasons.

FEATURE: The battle for the No.1 ranking of the world continues as we look at Part 2 of this century old rivalry.

Gloucester's Director of Rugby, David Humphreys, is pleased that his side are at home again on Sunday.

NEWS: The Welsh Rugby Union have secured the signatures of three future stars on the National Dual Contract.

NEWS: Switching codes, and dabbling in boxing, are realities of modern-day sport that make players' careers even more enticing.

According to former Wales international Arwel Thomas, Scarlets flyhalf Rhys Priestland could benefit from a move out of Welsh rugby.

Stephen Myler, James Wilson, George Pisi and Tom Stephenson have agreed new contracts with Premiership champions Northampton.

ROUND 11 PREVIEW: The post-Christmas action kicks off with some tantalising local derbies to whet the appetite following the festive feast.

Nigel Felton may not be a household name but the former professional cricketer is one of the many unsung heroes who play a massive role in Premiership.

NEWS: South Africa's 2007 World Cup-winning coach Jake White is set to be named manager of Top 14 side Montpellier.

Wing Craig Gilroy insists no one at Ulster is feeling sorry for themselves following their fall out of the top four of the Pro12.

London Irish have not quite reached the make or break stage this season, but hooker David Paice admits his side need to beat London Welsh to revive their faltering campaign.

Ross Moriarty insists everyone at Gloucester is determined to give the Kingsholm faithful something to cheer about before the New Year.

ROUND 11 PREVIEW: The battle of the Exiles kicks off the Premiership Christmas programme this weekend.

The rugby365 team would like to wish all our readers a Merry Christmas on this most joyful day.

Harlequins scrumhalf Danny Care admits losing the England No.9 shirt was a huge disappointment during the November Internationals.

Sale Sharks pair Mike Haley and Josh Beaumont have both signed new two-year contracts with the Premiership outfit.

Newport Dragons have sought expert advice on Taulupe Faletau's ankle injury as his festive availibility is thrown into doubt.

EXCLUSIVE: In the final instalment of his chat with Jan de Koning, John Mitchell speaks about changes since his departure from the All Blacks.

FEATURE: It is a rivalry that has been going on for the best part of a century - the battle for the No.1 ranking of the world.

Ospreys have expressed their delight in signing Fijian international, Tevita Cavubati, until the end of the season.

Newport Dragons are delighted to announce that back row James Thomas has extended his contract with the region.

The penny has finally dropped. The Wallabies know they need to resolve their scrum woes or fall short at the World Cup next year.

The proverbial hairdryer treatment from coach Gregor Townsend sparked Glasgow Warriors' sensational turnaround against Munster.

Rhys Priestland says his Scarlets side will be taking a long, hard look at themselves this week after coming up short against rivals Cardiff Blues.

NEWS: Northampton and England serial offender Dylan Hartley has escaped with a slap on the wrist, following his latest brain explosion.

Tackle is a difficult word in that it can have more than one meaning.

Teofilo Paulo and Johan Snyman, lock forwards for Cardiff Blues and the Scarlets respectively, have escaped punishment after being cited for striking each other on Friday.

Captain Ken Owens and fullback Liam Williams have committed their future to Scarlets which boosts the Welsh side this festive season

Fijian scrumhalf Niko Matawalu will join Bath from Glasgow Warriors next season.

FEATURE: Michael de Vries looks at the young guns that made a big noise this year, as rugby365 continue our review of 2014.

The one is a world champion of beards. The other is a strong challenger.

FEATURE: Paul Dobson, at his idiomatic best, looks back at the year in a very differentiable way and names his 'Socksdown XV'.

Benetton Treviso prop, Romulo Acosta was banned for six weeks following the red card he received in the match against Edinburgh.

BLAST FROM THE PAST: Danie Gerber was a player of immense talent whose career was stunted by South Africa's isolation years.

We take a step back in time, 30 years in fact.

The Australian Sevens program is delighted to announce the signing of 19-year-old Brisbane City flank, Bradley Wilkin, effective from January 2015.

NEWS: Nick ‘Honey Badger’ Cummins will return to the Western Force for the 2015 Super Rugby season.

INTERVIEW: The Japanese Top League may not be regarded as the toughest domestic competition in the world, but it has one major advantage.

European Professional Club Rugby has announced the referees for Rounds 5 and 6 of the Champions Cup and the Challenge Cup.

FROM THE RUMOUR MILL: Popular Wallaby wing Nick Cummins could soon grace the Wallaby gold again.

England and Northampton Saints bad boy Dylan Hartley will have his latest case heard by an RFU disciplinary judicial officer on Tuesday.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Some SA teams made a major leap in 2014, abandoning the dreaded conservative approach and adopting an expansive style.

Ireland international forward Devin Toner has agreed a new two-year contract with the IRFU and will stay at Leinster until at least June 2017.

Springbok and Ulster scrumhalf, Ruan Pienaar is back on the injured list after he twisted his knee on Saturday.

Qualifying competition for the 2015/16 European Challenge Cup which will now include clubs from Russia, Portugal and Spain.

Two players have been cited in the wake of the weekend's Round 10 Pro12 matches.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Tauriq Ebrahim delves into the world of automobiles to find which best describe some of the world's premier players.

NEWS: Ospreys have secured the services of Welsh star Justin Tipuric for another three years, keeping him at the Liberty Stadium until 2018.

The Irish Rugby Football Union has made Helen O'Reilly the first female appointment to its national referees' panel in a move that could eventually see her officiate in Pro12 and European Champions Cup matches.

BREAKING NEWS: The Sharks have lured a New Zealand Sevens player to Durban as they continue to bolster their own ranks.

A Joyous and Blessed Christmas to all of good will who have rugby refereeing at heart. It is a wonderful and loving time of the year that would be even greater if it lasted all year.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Darryn Pollock compares the school structures in the Northern and Southern Hemisphere.

REACTION: Forgotten England flyhalf Andy Goode claimed a record individual 33-point haul as Wasps eased to a 48-16 Premiership win over London Irish.

NEWS: Wayne Smith will rejoin the All Blacks coaching staff ahead of next year's World Cup as a defence specialist.

REPORT: A blistering start to the second half set Newport Gwent Dragons on their way to a 25-11 victory that lifts them out of the Pro12 bottom two.

Highlights from Ospreys' Round 10 Pro12 win over Ulster.

MATCH REPORT: Andy Goode set a new Premiership individual points record in front of the largest home crowd the competition has ever seen.

REACTION: Mark McCall admits a confident Saracens never thought about taking their foot off the pedal after dispatching London Welsh 78-7.

REACTION: Ospreys will spend Christmas Day at the Pro12 summit and head coach Steve Tandy is pleased to be setting the pace.

REACTION: Bath head coach Mike Ford insists his side's defence was just as vital to their historic 39-16 win over Gloucester at Kingsholm.

REACTION: A superb Glasgow Warriors second-half fight-back proved too much for Munster in their Pro12 encounter at the weekend.

POST-MATCH REACTION: Northampton Saints Director of Rugby Jim Mallinder heaped praise on Luther Burrell.

Scarlets and Wales fullback Liam Williams has apologised for any offence caused by a fancy dress outfit worn at the weekend.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Nicknamed Mouse, Gerrie Germishuys was anything but a rodent during his playing days with the Springboks.

EXCLUSIVE: Matt Hawkins, rugby365's specialist Sevens columnist, says it is time for everybody to take a deep breath.

NEWS: Toulon's outspoken owner Mourad Boudjellal  has added veteran All Black Ma'a Nonu to his growing list of high-profile signings.

BREAKING NEWS: Wayne Smith looks set to return to the All Black coaching set-up ahead of next year's World Cup.

WRAP: Ospreys surged to the top of the Pro12 with a superb 31-20 home win over Ulster while Munster went down 18-21 to Glasgow.

PREMIERSHIP WRAP: Northampton captain Dylan Hartley could be suspended after he elbowed an opponent in his side's 23-19 win over Leicester.

Montpellier ended a run of seven successive defeats with a thrilling 23-20 victory over Toulouse in their Top 14 clash on Saturday.

Toulon owner Mourad Boujellal has named former Italy and Stade Francais flyhalf Diego Dominguez as Bernard Laporte's successor.

Exeter Chiefs have confirmed that wing Tom James is set to return to his former club, Cardiff Blues.

Members of the London Welsh squad dropped in to hand out presents very generously donated by the Club's supporters to its Christmas Toy Appeal.

Stade Francais took over the leadership of the French Top 14 on Friday with a five-try 43-30 victory at Grenoble who surrendered their unbeaten home record.

Zane Kirchner's late try at the RDS Arena made sure Leinster got revenge for their early season defeat to Connacht with a 21-11 Pro12 win.

MATCH REPORT: A vintage performance from Danny Cipriani put an abrupt end to Exeter Chiefs' excellent Premiership run of form.

The city of Cape Town expressed "disappointment" with the decision of the WPRF Union not to relocate from Newlands to the Greenpoint stadium.

John Smit has given his front row forwards some valuable dietary advice.

The powerful back row trio of Matt Garvey, Leroy Houston and Guy Mercer have renewed their contracts with Bath.

Ospreys lock, Lloyd Peers will be out of action for four months after undergoing surgery to repair damaged ankle ligaments.

REACTION: The New Zealand Rugby Union are expecting an unprecedented exodus after the 2015 World Cup, but there is no sign of panic.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: From a rogue rookie to a mature man. This, in a nutshell, is the story of one of Australia's most talented players - Quade Cooper.

OPINON: It's taken a while and after much thought, Tauriq Ebrahim has managed to select the 2014 Team of the Year.

French and European champions Toulon return to Top 14 duty missing several stars and resentful over the ban od fullback Delon Armitage.

PREVIEW: The Pro12 returns with a bang this weekend as the top four teams battle it out for supremacy.

The Reds will face the Crusaders at Ballymore in their second pre-season match ahead of the 2015 Super Rugby season - on Friday, February 6.

Fiery All Black loose forward Liam Messam will return to the growing ranks of Rugby Union players dabbling in boxing as a pre-season pastime.

All Black great Dan Carter said the sheer quality of the players in France's Top-14 was a key reason in him joining Racing Metro.

Ireland flyhalf Jonathan Sexton could miss the opening match of the Six Nations after being ordered to rest following blows to the head.

PREVIEW: The Premiership returns this weekend with the most competitive league in Europe poised for a fascinating round of matches.

It's time for families to draw closer as Christmas comes and a time for rugby's social unit, the clubs, to have their time to come together. There are no Tests this weekend - just clubs in action.

REACTION: Toulon's abrasive and controversial boss Mourad Boudjellal has once again threatened to go to court, because a decision did not go his way.

England and Wasps lock Joe Launchbury is to undergo surgery on a neck injury which will see him miss the 2015 Six Nations.

The game in Kenya was thrown into further turmoil when Kenyan Rugby Union Chairman Mwangi Muthee resigned.

The United States have confirmed that they have submitted a bid to World Rugby to host the World Cup Sevens tournament in 2018.

Exeter Chiefs head coach Rob Baxter has spoken of his delight after another three members of his squad pledged their long-term futures to the Premiership.

Two-time defending European champions Toulon suffered a blow as utility back Delon Armitage was banned for 12 weeks.

The Western Province Rugby Football Union will not be relocating from Newlands to the Cape Town Stadium.

Wallabies head coach Michael Cheika is unfazed about a possible mass exodus of players after next year's World Cup.

The Western Force has recruited Japanese international wing, Akihito Yamada for the 2015 edition of the Super Rugby competition.

NEWS: All Black great Dan Carter will become the world's highest paid player when he leaves New Zealand after next year's World Cup.

Australia's post-World Cup exodus to Europe gained further momentum with the news that former captain James Horwill will also head for the exit door.

New Zealand head into World Cup year as stand-out favourites to defend their title after dominating 2014 to remain on top of the global game.

French Top-14 side Bordeaux-Bègles have agreed a two-year contract with Wallaby Adam Ashley-Cooper to join them after next year's World Cup.

Martin Castrogiovanni has been ordered to pay €10,000 to charity and banned for four matches (ban suspended) for his rant about Richard Cockerill.

Former South African Seven coach Paul Treu has praised his successor Neil Powell at the helm of the BlitzBokke stating that they will win the World Series.

Wasps believe that the ticket sales from Sunday's match at the Ricoh area in front of a record crowd will enable them to compete in the transfer market.  

Already Super Rugby is on the minds of management and friendly matches are being arranged - with referees.

It is common knowledge that rugby nowadays forbids playing a player who is in the air. This led to the IRB (now World Rugby) to amplify the law a bit.

Chris Cracknell has announced his retirement from the England Sevens programme.  

England and Northampton hooker Dylan Hartley has spurned a chance to join French club Montpellier, picking loyalty over money.

Charlie Matthews could face a ban of up to one year after he was cited for allegedly making contact with the eye of Leinster flank Dominic Ryan.

Steve Hansen believes the All Blacks coaches should be contracted in four-year year blocks over the World Cups.

The Kenya Rugby Union have appointed Felix Ochieng as the new Sevens coach to replace South African Paul Treu who resigned last week.

Wales have revealed their preparation plans for the World Cup, with training camps in Qatar, Poland and Switzerland.

England internationals Tom Youngs and Dan Cole and Argentina prop Marcos Ayerza have all agreed new contracts with Leicester Tigers.

The Barbarians will round off their 125th anniversary year by tackling Argentina at Twickenham in November 2015, organisers announced on Tuesday.

EXCLUSIVE: Former BlitzBokke coach Paul Treu's role at the Stormers and Western Province may be surprising given his Sevens background.

Alan Solomons believes Edinburgh's unbeaten record in Europe this season is a testament to their strength in depth.

Jason Robinson says Sam Burgess can follow in his path by being fast-tracked into Stuart Lancaster's England squad for the World Cup,

New Zealand Under-20 star Damian Mckenzie will have to battle it out with his brother Marty for a spot at flyhalf for the Chiefs next year.

Billy Vunipola admits it wasn't just his body left battered and bruised from England's year-end internationals but his ego too.

With very little international rugby going on there was chances for the minnows to climb the World Rugby rankings with Columbia jumping seven places to 50th.

The iconic 72,000-seater stadium in Yokohama has been added to the list of bidders seeking to become venues for the 2019 World Cup in Japan. 

Former France international lock and Brive captain Arnaud Mela looks set to end his career with the Top 14 club after extending his contract there by two years.

Steve Hansen has been reappointed as All Blacks coach to the end of 2017, regardless of results at next year's World Cup.

Former BlitzBokke coach Paul Treu has signed on to aid the Stormers and Western Province after leaving the Sevens game behind last weekend.

Former France hooker Olivier Azam has been announced as the new Director of Sport at Top 14 club Oyonnax, taking over at the end of the current season.

It is good to know that the All Blacks aura does not affect the impartiality of the Sevens refs.

Scarlets coach Wayne Pivac says he is hopeful of holding on to Wales stars Liam Williams, Jake Ball and Rhys Priestland after a triumphant win over Ulster.

Clermont are looking to secure Pool One after back-to-back victories over Munster, but there are still two tricky games against Saracens and Sale to come.

An internal restructuring to streamline the identification, development and monitoring of players will be headed up by Rassie Erasmus for SARU.

Blitzbokke coach Neil Powell said that the input of sport psychologist Dr. Jannie Botha was vital to their win at home.  

KRU board member Godwin Karuga has resigned from Kenyan rugby and follows departing coach Paul Treu out of the troubled Union.  

Australian Sevens head coach Geraint John has lauded his charges after they recorded their second top-three finish in consecutive weeks.

The BlitzBokke will face the United States, France and Japan in their pool games at the 2015 Sevens Wellington tournament in Febuary.

Racing Metro are reportedly winning the race to sign All Black Dan Carter in a deal that is tipped to make him the highest paid player in the game.

Ian Keatley kicked Munster to an injury time losing bonus point to go down 19-26 against Clermont at Stade Marcel-Michelin.

South Africa have defended their title and won their second consecutive round of the Sevens World Series with a 26-17 win over New Zealand 

The Aviva A League could provide the platform for Sam Burgess to make his third Bath Rugby debut of the season on Monday – in the back row.

Northampton Saints ran riot in Italy to top Pool Five going into the new year - and they did it in record style.

Dan Biggar says the Ospreys 'won't feel sorry for themselves' despite falling to their second defeat 18-15 and facing elimination from the Champions Cup.

Newport Gwent Dragons centre Ashley Smith sustained a fractured jaw during Saturday's Challenge Cup game, when making a tackle in the early minutes.

Ben Ryan is concerned at the loss of players overseas, particularly to Sri Lanka, saying it threatens to derail preparations for the Olympics.

Two-time defending champions Toulon notched up a comprehensive 23-8 victory over Leicester in the European Champions Cup on Saturday.

World Rugby's Sevens Series enters its knock-out stage on Sunday with the quarterfinals of the cup and the bowl. Referees have been appointed to these matches and the appointments to semifinals and then the finals will depend on what happens in the quarterfinals.

Cecil Afrika became the top points scorer for South Africa as the Blitzbokke went unbeaten at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium on Saturday.

Watch USA Sevens speedster Perry Baker kick a pitch invader.

Wallabies and Waratahs coach Michael Cheika says that the only way he can manage to do both jobs is by keeping them completely separate.

James O’Connor will only join the Queensland Reds until month after being granted a brief extension to help injury-hit Toulon.

Code-hopper Sam Burgess was happy with his starting debut for Bath against Montpellier, but knows he still has plenty to work on.  

England captain Chris Robshaw will be sidelined for up to four weeks after injuring a shoulder playing for Harlequins.

EXCLUSIVE: Jan de Koning chatted to Bulls coach Frans Ludeke about possible changes to their game plan for 2015.

European Professional Club Rugby's Disciplinary Officer has lodged misconduct complaints against Toulon players Martin Castrogiovanni and Delon Armitage.

Bath secured the 32-12 bonus-point win they so needed against Montpellier at The Rec, to keep their European hopes very much alive.

Oxford recorded their biggest-ever win over Cambridge, beating the Light Blues 43-6. In fact it was the biggest victory ever in the match that dates back to 1872.

The maul from a line-out was a great South African weapon. They developed it first and used it most profitably. Until November, that is. 

The third round of the 2014-15 World Rugby Sevens Series starts in Port Elizabeth this weekend and the match officials have been appointed to each match.

Matt Hawkins takes a closer look at the Blitzbokke and the reasons behind their dominance in Dubai last weekend.

The Springboks will face the All Blacks at Ellis Park again next year, but the fixture will move around from 2016 on.

Lions coach Johann Ackermann has made it clear that he will not be leaving the Lions despite garnering attention from big spending Japanese clubs.

Michael Wells has been drafted into the Australian squad for the South Africa Sevens after Greg Jeloudev was ruled out with an ankle injury.

Wallabies flyhalf Quade Cooper has committed to Australian Rugby for another year in a deal that will take him through until the end of 2015.

The Blitzbokke will be aiming for two different doubles at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium in Port Elizabeth this weekend.

LM Smit played for Northern Transvaal in its very first match - against Transvaal on 18 April 1938. He died gently on 8 December 2014, three weeks short of his 102nd birthday.

Paul Treu will step down from his role as Kenya Sevens head coach after this weekend's Nelson Mandela Bay Sevens.

Ireland's trio of former winners face a make-or-break weekend when the fourth round of European Champions Cup matches get underway.

The Springbok Sevens have announced an unchanged squad for the defence of their home Cup title, the Nelson Mandela Bay Sevens tournament.

Sharks flyhalf Tim Swiel may make his European Cup starting debut for Harlequins with team-mate Nick Evans not available for the Leinster clash.

Rugby’s most prestigious prize, the Webb Ellis Cup, has arrived in Shanghai for a two day visit as part of the Rugby World Cup Trophy Tour.

All Blacks Sevens coach Gordon Tietjens has placed a major emphasis on mental attitude as his side look to bounce back in Port Elizabeth.

It is the centenary of the start of World War I in which 55 Oxford and Cambridge rugby Blues were killed. The 2014 match on December 11 honours their memory.

All Black Brodie Retallick has backed up his World Rugby International Player of the Year award by being named the Kelvin R Tremain Player of the Year.

Springbok coach Heyneke Meyer will be pleased to see two of his stalwarts returning to the rugby field in the European Cup this weekend.

Dan Carter is still aiming to be a factor in the 2015 World Cup after an injury plagued couple of months that have seen him stuttering with form.

World Cup-winning England coach Clive Woodward is backing code-hopper Sam Burgess to secure a place in England's World Cup squad.

The Bulls will begin their preparations for the upcoming Super Rugby season with a warm up match against the Cheetahsin Polokwane

Adrian Thompson will return for his third year of coaching the Australian Under-20 side in 2015.

Eskom and loadshedding will not dampen the mood for the upcoming Seven tournament in PE.

Richard Cockerill has spoken out against Martin Castrogiovanni's rant aimed at him, labelling it as 'disgusting' and 'disappointing'.  

It is one of rugby's great traditions - the Varsity Match, at Twickenham but much older than Twickenham, older than all internationals except the Calcutta Cup match.

SARU have announced that it had assumed control of the financial and administrative affairs of the Border Rugby.

England Sevens have made three changes to their squad, with Alex Davis, Sam Stanley and London Scottish No.8 Mark Bright all coming in.

World Rugby, the new name for the IRB, has announced the names of the match officials for the 2015 Six Nations including four South Africans.

Toulon president Mourad Boudjellal has said he will apologise to Leicester for Martin Castrogiovanni's outburst towards head coach Richard Cockerill.

Leinster skills coach Richie Murphy has confirmed reports that Jimmy Gopperth is talking to other clubs and will leave the province at the end of the current season.

Bath hookers Ross Batty and Rob Webber have both extended their contracts at the European Rugby Champions Cup side.

Natalie Thain, a New Zealand business woman and former Zimbabwean swimmer, has taken over as the new board director at the Crusaders.

Coming off a highly successful 2014 rugby season in all areas, the Lions have announced the final signings of players for the 2015 season

Nizaam Carr and Handré Pollard lead the full list of nominees for the annual Player of the Year Awards

Montpellier head coach Fabien Galthie has insisted that his players are '200 percent' behind him despite a run of six straight defeats.

Wales flank Dan Lydiate has signed for Ospreys to become the second player, after national captain Sam Warburton, to seal a national dual contract between the Welsh Rugby Union and the regions.

Glasgow Warriors fullback Stuart Hogg wants to see his side learn their lessons from Round Three in order to turn their fortunes around against Toulouse.

South African Seven captain Kyle Brown says that it is hard to carry momentum in the World Series as each tournament is a separate entity.

The most pressing need of all positions in South African rugby is at scrumhalf. Just watch the Springboks play and you know there is a problem.

Christian Loamanu, who tested positive for cannabis five years ago, has had his indefinite ban for playing rugby in Japan lifted. 

Leinster captain Jamie Heaslip is determined to put-right their European Cup defeat to Harlequins in front of their fans at the Aviva Stadium.

Springbok hooker Tiaan Liebenberg was glad he got to wear the national colours one final time at the Wanderers last week.

As Christmas hurries closer, the centre of refereeing attention this weekend is Sevens in Port Elizabeth and in Europe's club rugby, the Champions Cup and the Challenge Cup, and the British & Irish Cup.

Despite their dominant performance in Dubai, the Springbok Sevens side will not be taking anything for granted in Port Elizabeth.

Ulster centre Darren Cave has put pen-to-paper on a new three-year deal which will keep him with the Irish side until 2018.  

EXCLUSIVE: In Part Two of his interview with Jan de Koning, John Mitchell spoke about his tumultuous stay at and departure from Ellis Park.

Rebels scrumhalf Nic Stirzaker has signed a two-year deal which keeps him in Melbourne until at least the end of the 2017 season.

Rory Best has told Ulster's rivals to 'write us off at your peril' after they secured their first European Cup win against Scarlets.

Toulon prop Martin Castrogiovanni is being investigated by Europen Professional Club Rugby for his foul-mouthed rant at Welford Road.  

World Rugby has announced the referees for the Women's Six Nations, which, like the men's Six Nations, starts on 6 February 2015 and the same countries take part as in the men's competition.

Rugby’s most prestigious prize, the Webb Ellis Cup, has arrived in Hong Kong as part of the Rugby World Cup Trophy Tour.

The Brumbies will farewell Doug Edwards as Chief Executive of the club after the long-serving board member announced his departure on Monday. 

Bayern Munich manager Pep Guardiola has branched out into rugby and has been assisting Japan's Eddie Jones in preparation the World Cup.

World Rugby, the new name for the IRB, has announced the names of the match officials for the 2015 Six Nations.

World Rugby, the new name for the IRB, has announced the names of the match officials for the 2015 Six Nations.

The European Cup offers teams the chance to enact swift vengeance with a quick-fire return leg set up for next weekend.

The Blitzbokke will have momentum from their win in Dubai and home ground advantage in Port Elizabeth this weekend.

The BlitzBokke claimed the Dubai title and also three of the tries of the tournament.

Controversial Welsh scrumhalf Mike Phillips has insisted he is not ready to allow Rhys Webb a free run in the Wales No.9 jersey 

Australian Sevens head Coach Geraint John has named an unchanged 12-man squad for this week's tournament in South Africa.

Ross Haylett-Petty and Francois van Wyk have been included in the RUPA Induction Camp, a core component of the Player Development Program.

In a previous blog about who should be Bok captain, readers started an interesting conversation about what position a captain should play.

Reports out of France are that Toulon are hunting Springbok Eben Etzebeth as a replacement for Bakkies Botha after the World Cup.

Toulon prop Martin Castrogiovanni has launched an extraordinary attack on his former coach at Leicester Tigers Richard Cockerill.

Do you know who gave the Argentinian national rugby team its nickname, which has stuck even though it was inaccurate?

Leicester Tigers inflicted the first defeat on champions Toulon in the European Cup for more than a year with a 25-21 success at Welford Road.

After their impressive Cup win in Dubai on Saturday, hosts South Africa are top seeds and head Pool A of the Nelson Mandela Bay Sevens.

Former France captain Fabien Galthie is on the point of leaving his post as coach of Top 14 side Montpellier according to some reports.  

Springbok Sevens captain Kyle Brown was full of praise for the defensive commitment his team showed in Dubai.

Ospreys backs coach Gruff Rees praised his side's character after they fought back to claim a share of the spoils against Racing Metro.

Saracens' George Kruis admitted the final whistle of their clash with Sale Sharks was greeted with a massive sigh of relief.

EXCLUSIVE: Jan de Koning chatted to Bulls coach Frans Ludeke as the three-time Super Rugby champions stepped up their pre-season preparations.

A brave Ospreys fightback was not quite enough to earn a vital victory as the Welsh side played out a 19-19 draw against Racing Metro.

South Africa have won the Dubai Sevens Cup final, defeating Australia 33-7 in a clinical second-half display.

Harlequins scrumhalf Danny Care is determined to answer his critics with a stellar Champions Cup performance against Leinster on Sunday.

Convincing Steve Hansen to extend his contract after the World Cup would ensure the All Blacks aren't exposed by the exit of their experienced players.

Matt Todd was the big winner for the Crusaders and Caterbury at their annual awards evening, the flank coming away two prizes including the big one.

The recent November Tests showed the rugby community across the globe that the Southern Hemisphere dominance may be starting to crack.

Bath head coach Mike Ford has pledged his side will go for the jugular in the return leg against Montpellier next week and won't settle for anything less than the full five points.

The Springboks, going into the match against the much favoured Proteas as underdogs, managed to surprise with a five-wicket victory.

Bath inflicted a 30-5 beating on Montpellier in France, but failed to take enough advantage of three yellow cards to pick up a try bonus point.

The BlitzBokke won all three of their Pool D matches at the Dubai Sevens tournament on Friday to reach the Cup quarterfinals.

Both parts of Ireland have united to bid for the World Cup in 2023, promising on Friday to rally Catholics and Protestants behind the event.

Nizaam Carr, Marcell Coetzee, Willie le Roux, Handré Pollard and Duane Vermeulen have been nominated for the SA Rugby Player of the Year Award.

The UCT Ikey Tigers' win in the 2014 Varsity Cup will long be remembered as one of the most dramatic comebacks of all time.

Mouritz Botha has been reluctantly released by Saracens to join the Sharks, with effect from January 1, 2015.

Matt Hawkins says that the second leg of the Sevens World Series in Dubai should see the teams step things up a gear.

As Stephen Moore works his way back from injury he is he is hoping to be in a position to take back the helm at both Club and Country.

COMPETITION TIME: rugby365 and ASICS bring you the chance to win a set of double tickets to the Nelson Mandela Bay Sevens on December 13 and 14.

Sonny Bill Williams is backing Sam Burgess to succeed in Union and and would like to face off against him in the backline at the highest level.

Ireland flanker Chris Henry admits he was terrified after suffering a mini stroke last month.  

Round Two of the Sevens World Series begins in Dubai this Friday, and the stakes will be higher than ever before.

Thirty Craven Week players, five of whom played for the SA Schools team, and nine regular First team captains from will form part of an exciting  Western Province Institute intake.

Jean de Villiers underwent a successful surgery on the left knee and is setting his sights on the World Cup in England next year.

Craig Joubert swaps the whistle for the finger this Friday as the Boks play the Proteas

Former Lions captain Josh Strauss is on track to play for Scotland in the World Cup after signing a two-year contract extension with Glasgow Warriors.

Defending champions Toulon face a tricky away game at Leicester in the third round of action in the European Champions Cup this weekend.

Sam Burgess is firmly in Mike Ford’s Champions Cup selection plans for Bath as they gear up to face Montpellier in their struggling European campaign.

Jonathan Kaplan gives his views on the white card system that will be used in the Varsity Cup next year.

Springbok fullback Willie le Roux has been named the Cheetahs player of the year for 2014, but scrumhalf Sarel Pretorius claimed three awards of his own.

Centre Jan Serfontein was named as the Bulls' player of the year at a very casual and relaxed event hosted on the Loftus B-Field.

Warren Whiteley was crowned the Golden Lions Player of the year on Wednesday with team-mate Jaco Kriel scooping three awards of his own.

Graham Mackenzie has been re-elected President of the KZNRU for a further two-year term.  

Seabelo Senatla is looking to take the lessons he learnt with the Springboks on their year-end tour and implement them with the BlitzBokke.

EXCLUSIVE: The coaching merry-go-round at the Sharks may have contributed significantly to the drain on the franchise's financial resources.

Leones de San Marcos from Peru came out top in the global Rugby Safety Awards.   

Bulls prop Frik Kirsten has been forced to call a premature end to his rugby career following a serious neck injury.

The Springboks are likely to head to the World Cup next year without a specialist outside centre, but is that such a problem?

Regular Springbok Sevens captain Kyle Brown is eager to get back into the Blitzboks jersey in Dubai this weekend. 

The sight of Springbok captain Jean de Villiers rolling over,  face contorted and crying out in agony was the worst memory of November's rugby, 

After the narrow defeats to Leicester Tigers and Toulon, many pundits have written off Ulster's European season, but not Tommy Bowe. 

Jean de Villiers is a fighter and probably still believes he can lead the Boks at the World Cup next year.

An overwhelming majority saw Cheeky Watson secure another four-year term as President of the Eastern Province Rugby Union last week.

Munster lock Donncha O'Callaghan has been banned for two weeks for kicking an opponent in the Irish Pro12 derby against Ulster last week.

Wallabies prop Laurie Weeks says that Australians need to change their attitude towards the scrum if they are going to improve. 

World Rugby ( formerly the International Rugby Board, née the International Rugby Football Board), rugby's statutory body, has issued three new clarifications of laws.

Irish rugby paid tribute to the man considered to be their greatest player during a memorial service for the late Jack Kyle in Belfast.

World Cup winner Hannes Strydom is recovering in hospital after a vicious carjacking attempt which left him with a cracked skull and a stab wound.

The Scarlets have signed New Zealander Hadleigh Parkes from the Hurricanes in Super Rugby and Auckland in the NPC.

Clermont's Georgian international flank Victor Kolelishvili is likely to be ruled out for the rest of the season with a serious knee injury.

Ospreys Ashley Beck is gearing up for a trial by combat against Jamie Roberts ahead Racing Metro's trip to Swansea in the European Champions Cup.

Willem Alberts, who took two wickets with consecutive balls at Newlands in January, has been named to captain the Springboks against the Proteas.

It seems strange after the Test-crammed month of November that there are no Tests at all in December, not that there is a rugby hiatus.

Two time European Cup champions Toulon have accepted and set a date for the challenge presented to them by the Sharks.

Gloucester have made their first new signing ahead of the 2015-16 season with Tom Marshall moving to Kingsholm from Super Rugby's Chiefs.  

The hype around 'Tongan Thor' may slow down next year as the Reds prop looks set for a season of club rugby rather than Super Rugby.

France international Maxime Medard has signed a four-year contract extension with Toulouse, the club announced Monday.

David Pocock says he has no regrets over his arrest Sunday at a protest against a coal mine being constructed in a state forest.  

having played in all 12 of South Africa’s Test matches in 2014 it is safe to say No.8 Duane Vermeulen is an integral part of the World Cup plans .

Jean de Villiers will require surgery on his injured left knee and will be in a race against time to be fit for the World Cup in England in 2015.

England and Wales have both improved their rating points, but not by enough to climb up the latest World Rugby rankings.

Last season's runners-up have not won in three matches after their latest defeat to Challenge Cup contenders Exeter Chiefs.

The Springboks decision making in Northern Hemisphere conditions will receive serious attention in the build-up to the World Cup next year.

Ireland lock Donncha O'Callaghan has been cited for allegedly kicking an opponent in the head, officials announced on Monday.

Chris Robshaw believes the way the forwards set up the win against Australia in their November finale  was an encouraging sign ahead of next year's World Cup.

Samoa's prime minister has ruled out the changes to the Samoan Rugby Union sought by players.

New Zealand remained the team to beat less than a year out from the World Cup in England after another successful November campaign.  

Wallabies flank David Pocock has been charged by police over his involvement in a protest against a coal mine in northern New South Wales.

With the November tours done and dusted, it makes for some interesting debate looking towards next year's 'holy grail'.

After an action-packed November our team of the month has a fairly even split between northern and southern hemisphere players.

Glasgow Warriors recovered from a shaky first-half performance to scrape past Newport Gwent Dragons for their seventh Pro12 win of the season.

Toulon have accepted the challenge of Sharks CEO John Smit and will meet the Durban side in a challenge match on February 5 next year.

Stade Francais maintained their unbeaten home record on Sunday despite a scare and missing out on a bonus point in a 20-17 victory over Brive.

Northampton Saints returned to the top of the Premiership table with a crushing win over struggling London Welsh at the Kassam Stadium.

Ex-Wales stars lined up to celebrate Wales' second-ever victory over South Africa after a tough victory at the Millenium Stadium.

Springbok coach Heyneke Meyer says that he might have to change tactics after another costly yellow card conceded under a high ball.

Reigning French and European champions Toulon defeated arch-rivals Clermont 27-19 to move top of the Top 14 on Saturday.

South African-born lock Marco Kotze has signed with the Reds after featuring heavily in Brisbane City’s victorious NRC campaign.  

Australia coach Michael Cheika insisted there would be "no panic" in the Wallaby camp after they ended 2014 with defeat by England at Twickenham.

England coach Stuart Lancaster insists his side are "on track" for next year's home World Cup after their win over Australia at Twickenham.

Leinster scrapped their way to a battling 18-12 victory in Dublin, as they took advantage of a weakened Ospreys.

REACTION: Warren Gatland has long been in the media crosshairs for his failure to guide Wales to more than one win over the Southern Hemisphere giants.

REACTION: Australia coach Michael Cheika suggested his side were possibly "too honest" in the scrum during the 17-26 defeat to England.

REACTION: South Africa's 6-12 defeat by Wales was "disappointing", but they would improve greatly before the World Cup.

Owen Williams kicked all 18 points as Leicester overcame Wasps 18-16 while Gareth Steenson booted all the points to lead Exeter to a 27-19 victory.

Francois Hougaard's spectacular score in South Africa's win over New Zealand in the Rugby Championship is the Try of the Year.

BREAKING NEWS: South African captain Jean de Villiers is once again doubtful for a World Cup after yet another dreadful injury.

Australia were handed their second successive defeat by a Northern Hemisphere side when they went down 17-26 to England at Twickenham.

Wales have claimed the gigantic scalp of the Springboks for the second time ever with a 12-6 victory in Cardiff on Saturday.

An excellent defensive display saw England run out 26-17 victors over Australia at Twickenham.

The Springboks have fallen to their second ever loss to Wales at the millennium stadium in a scrappy 6-12 defeat.  

REPORT: Wales recorded only their second-ever win over South Africa in a Test match, winning 12-6 in an error-riddled arm-wrestle in Cardiff.

MATCH REPORT: A try in both halves from Ben Morgan helped England claim a well-deserved 26-17 victory over Australia at Twickenham.

Rugby League convert Sam Burgess made his highly-anticipated Rugby Union debut for Bath in a comprehensive 25-6 victory over Harlequins.

On a night that had been billed as a one-man show, it was a solid team performance from Bath Rugby that eventually produced a bonus-point 25-6 win over Harlequins at the Recreation Ground.

A last minute missed conversion by Ulsters' Ian Humphreys handed Munster a dramatic 21-20 victory over Ulster and moved them above their rivals in the Pro12 table.

Wales centre Jamie Roberts insisted he was ready for more of the same 'car-crash' tactics against South Africa on Saturday.

Two people have been banned from Twickenham for two years after being found to have aimed homophobic abuse at referee Nigel Owens.

South Africa need no extra motivation to raise themselves for Saturday's season-ending Test match against Wales.

Wales' key playmaker, Lee Williams, is among the four changes for the next two rounds of the Sevens World Series in Dubai and South Africa.

England captain Chris Robshaw is an "absolute pest" according to Australia counterpart and fellow openside flank Michael Hooper.

Former Ireland great Jack Kyle has died at the age of 88, his family announced on Friday.

Canada's Ray Barkwill has been suspended for nine weeks for making contact with an opponent's eye area during his team's match against Romania.

Reigning French and European champions Toulon tackle their "Painful Gulch" rivals Clermont in the big game of the French Top 14 this weekend.

England's clash with Australia at Twickenham on Saturday may be a 'preview' of their World Cup pool fixture in just under a year's time.

Want to get the experience of a match day in Dublin?

The International window might be over but there are still two mouth-watering matches to look forward to.

PRE-SEASON: For long the bastion of a structured approach to rugby, the Bulls are flirting with an attacking mindset.

The Western Force will celebrate its 10th season in Super Rugby by returning one of the club's favourite sons, Tai McIsaac, to its coaching staff.

England and Australia will both be desperate to end the year on a high when they meet at Twickenham on Saturday.

Sam Burgess is in line to make an earlier than expected rugby union debut after being named on the bench for Bath's Premiership encounter with Harlequins.    

Veteran Fiji wing Rupeni Caucaunibuca, who has put an end to his eight-year stay in France, wants to play Sevens in Sri Lanka.

Jan de Koning takes a look at the final Test match of the year, when Wales hosts South Africa at Cardiff's Millennium Stadium.

EXCLUSIVE: Rob Brink continues the expedition to World Cup 2015, giving us his views on consistent selections and finding a winning momentum.

EXCLUSIVE: Matt Hawkins, rugby365's specialist Sevens columnist, talks about he regards as the new world of transparency.

PREVIEW: Round Nine of the Pro12 kicks off with a mouth-watering Irish derby on Friday.

SELECTION TIME: Aussieboer, a regular rugby365 reader, names his World XV to take on an Alien selection from outer space.

European Professional Club Rugby have announced the referees for Rounds 3 & 4 of the European Cup and the Challenge Cupth

Wales coach Warren Gatland has denied he was under extra pressure as his team sought an elusive win over a Southern Hemisphere side.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT:  rugby365 asks why there are no French-based players in the Bok team, while Wales have five in their matchday squad.

JJ Engelbrecht has failed to make the cut for the BlitzBokke who named their squad for the Dubai Sevens tournament.

Golden Lions scrumhalf Ross Cronje has been called up to Springboks tour squad as replacement for Rudy Paige.

Wales have made three changes to their side to face South Africa, with Gethin Jenkins, Scott Baldwin and Liam Williams all coming into the starting XV.

Billy Twelvetrees has been handed his first start of the 2014 Internationals against Australia with Owen Farrell reverting to the bench.  

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: rugby365 brings you an interview with injured Springbok Flip van der Merwe, after his most recent mishap.

Former Fiji wing Rupeni Caucaunibuca has ended his unhappy second stint with French second division side Agen by mutual consent.

Referee abuser Elliot Daly has been hit with a three-week ban.

The Pacific islands may yet get a taste of Super Rugby, with the Crusaders considering shifting their home match against the Hurricanes to Fiji next year.

England captain Chris Robshaw is in no doubt that England's November international series will be judged a failure if they lose to Australia.

BREAKING NEWS: Centre Jaque Fourie has joined fellow World Cup winner Bakkies Botha in the retirement village.

NEWS: Sean McMahon returns to the Australian starting XV in one of three changes ahead of their final year-end Test, against England on Saturday.

Andy Farrell has demanded England use dogged industry to stop them at the source and impose their own game during Saturday's game.

Springbok and Ulster scrumhalf Ruan Pienaar is edging closer to recovering from a knee injury.

Hosts Italy take on South Africa and current champions England play Japan on the first day of next year's Under-20 world championship, on June 2.

INTERVIEW: Patrick Lambie has a golden opportunity to steal a march on his main rivals in the race for the Springbok No.10 jersey at the World Cup.

The drums are beating for two discarded All Blacks to be recalled as the world's No.1 side remains bugged by a dearth of talent at scrumhalf.

England Sevens captain Tom Mitchell returns to the team for the second leg of the World Sevens Series in Dubai in December.

VIDEO NASTIES: Shaun Edwards has hit back angrily at the suggestion that Wales head coach Warren Gatland is under pressure.

Here are some interesting stats and facts ahead of the Springboks' Cardiff Test.

BREAKING NEWS: Heyneke Meyer has made eight changes to the team for South Africa's last Test of the year - against Wales in Cardiff on Saturday.

Ospreys and Wales prop Nicky Smith is set to undergo surgery after suffering a significant pectoral tear in Wales' 16-34 loss to New Zealand.

Australia prop James Slipper said his side want to end England's dreams of World Cup glory on home soil next year as payback for 2003.

New Zealand lock and World Rugby Player of the Year, Brodie Retallick, has been nominated for the Kelvin R Tremain Memorial Player of the Year award.

Samoan players are disputing the claims of their prime minister that a dispute with their national rugby union has been resolved.

The Australian Rugby Union revealed that the AU$45,000 fine paid by Kurtley Beale is going to a charity.

England forwards coach Graham Rowntree said Australian captain Michael Hooper would receive "special attention" in Saturday's clash.

England have named an unchanged match 23 for Saturday’s International against Australia with the inside centre spot still keenly contested.

Welsh defensive coach Shaun Edwards has bad memories of what Willie le Roux did to them in June and is wary of the Springboks' threats.

Chris Henry has had an operation to repair a defect on his heart wall after a temporary blockage was discovered in a small blood vessel in his brain.

Former Chiefs hooker Hika Elliot will re-join the Chiefs as a pre-season replacement for Nathan Harris 

Graham Rowntree believes Australia will have a few surprises at set-piece time in order to cover up their perceived weakness.  

European champions Toulon announced Tuesday the signing of Argentina hooker Matias Cortese as medical cover for injured South African Craig Burden.

John Lacey of Ireland is continuing his remarkable progress in the top refereeing world, this time appointed to the match at Millennium Stadium.

The Sharks have recruited specialist New Zealand attacking coach, Brad Mooar to help with their attacking flair for their Super Rugby campaign.

Blair Cowan has committed his long term future to London Irish by penning a new deal that will keep him with the Club until 2018.

Cardiff Blues' new signing Gareth Anscombe is keen to impress Wales coach Warren Gatland and force his way into the Six Nations squad.

A strong SA Sevens Academy squad has been selected to participate in International invitational tournaments in Harare and Dubai.

Pat Lambie has said that there has been a healthy rivalry going on between the four flyhalves that were included in the year-end tour squad.

England fullback Mike Brown says that the hosts will not be kicking the ball at Israel Folau too often at Twickenham on Saturday.  

Aussieboer, 'n gereelde rugby365 leser, verduidelik waarom hy meen Duane Vermeulen is tans die No.8 met die beste vorm op die planeet.

The Free State Union have launched an urgent investigation into the naming rights and trademark of the 'Cheetahs' name and emblem.

Coenie Oosthuizen and Trevor Nyakane have received high praise from coach Johann van Graan for more than just their scrummaging.

Troubled Wallaby Kurtley Beale says his redemption mission is still a work in progress, promising to learn from past mistakes.

Wales have been left with a hefty casualty count that could affect selection plans for Saturday's year-end Test series finale against South Africa.

Ireland will played the Barbarians at Thomond Park, Limerick on Thursday, May 28, next year.

TEAM UPDATE: England coach Stuart Lancaster confirmed that George Ford will stay at flyhalf for Saturday's clash against Australia.

Wasps back Elliot Daly has been cited for alleged verbal abuse of a referee.

Warren Whiteley and Jannie du Plessis are the only members of the current Springbok tour squad who will not be available to face Wales in Cardiff.

Jonathan Kaplan says that the emphasis on decisions being 'clear and obvious' is dangerous as it means that some forward passes are not being called.

EXCLUSIVE: It was a meeting of much debate and little consensus, but we managed to finally produce rugby365's famous weekly selection.

A selection of Springboks will take on the Proteas in a T20 match at the Wanderers stadium in Johannesburg on December 5 for the Nelson Mandela Legacy Cup.

Australia’s 23-26 loss to Ireland on Saturday has seen the Wallabies slip another place to fifth - equalling their lowest ever position.

Stuart Lancaster has recalled 34 players to prepare for Saturday’s International against Australia at Twickenham.

Australian men's Sevens head coach Geraint John has named his 12-man squad that will travel to Asia for the Dubai Sevens in December.

Scarlets' four-point victory over Glasgow was a vital step forward in their top four campaign, as things hotten up in the Pro12 competition table.

INTERVIEW: Twelve months ago the Springbok talent cupboard looked bare - with a dearth of back-up in several key positions.

A small reminder of why Bakkies Botha will go down in history as one of the toughest enforcers in world Rugby

Crusaders assistant coach Aaron Mauger has accepted the head coach role with his old Leicester Tigers club.

Four clips that are sure to make you swell up with pride for this great game of rugby

Argentina produced a tactical masterclass to beat France 18-13 at the Stade de France in Paris at the weekend.

REACTION: England coach Stuart Lancaster is faced with a difficult decision - whether to start George Ford or Owen Farrell at No.10.

Jan de Koning chatted to Rudy Paige about his unexpected call-up to the Springbok team for their final match of the year-end tour.

EP affiliated clubs from as far afield as Graaff Reinet and Cradock have sent a message of support for the current executive.  

Jayden Hayward missed a late penalty as Treviso missed the chance to win for the first time this season drawing 24-24 with Leinster.

James Wilson scored twice as Northampton Saints returned to the top of the Premiership table, after fending off Saracens.

Seabelo Senatla has been released from the Springbok touring squad at the request of the Springbok Sevens.

Georgia managed to get back to winning ways after stumbling against Ireland as they defeated the Brave Blossoms 35-24 in Tbilisi.

Almost 10 years to the day since taking over the All Blacks captain's armband, Richie McCaw was key to a resounding victory over Wales.

Ireland coach Joe Schmidt underwent an operation to have his appendix removed on Saturday night just hours after victory over Australia.

Greig Laidlaw pledged that his side would not be getting "carried away" ahead of the Six Nations and Rugby World Cup next year.  

Heyneke Meyer expressed confidence in the latest crop of Springboks after Bakkies Botha's decision to retire.

In 2015 the Varsity Cup matches which are broadcast on television, will bring back the white card allowing a referee review.

New Zealand coach Steve Hansen has clearly marked his team's challenge - winning an unprecedented back-to-back World Cup in 2015.

Ireland captain Paul O'Connell insists that their first double over South Africa and Australia does not guarantee a successful World Cup.

Wales coach Warren Gatland insisted that his team did not lack self-belief against the SANZAR nations.

England coach Stuart Lancaster told his side they should be wary of a "hurting" Australia in next weekend's November finale at Twickenham.

New Zealand lock Brodie Retallick has been named the World Rugby Player of the Year 2014 by an independent panel.

World Rugby, which used to be called the International Rugby Board, has announced its major awards for 2014 and, unsurprisingly, New Zealand dominate.

Argentina added another French scalp to their list, the Pumas winning 18-13 in dramatic fashion at the Stade de France, in Paris, on Saturday.

A wonder try from Henry Thomas helped lift Bath to second place in the Premiership table

England pulled away from Samoa in the second half to record a scrappy 28-9 victory at Twickenham on Saturday.

Wales surrendered a narrow second half lead to go down 16-34 to New Zealand at the Millennium Stadium in Cardiff.

REPORT: New Zealand, scoring four tries in a brutal final quarter, beat Wales 34-16 in Cardiff on Saturday to cement their No.1 ranking.

New Zealand put in a massive second half effort to overcome a plucky Welsh side 36-16 at the Millennium Stadium in Cardiff.

Canada have dropped the final game of their year-end tour to Romania in a tryless 9-18 defeat.

Ireland have defeated two Southern Hemisphere giants in their year-end tour with a tight 26-23 victory over the Wallabies.

An exciting match has seen the Australians entertain, but not win as they went down by the smallest margin against Ireland 26-23.

Ireland did just enough to secure a tense 26-23 victory over Australia in an entertaining clash in Dublin on Saturday.

Scotland settled a two-year-old score with a convincing 37-12 victory against Tonga on the plastic pitch at Kilmarnock Rugby Park.

OPINION: South Africa will know they have a lot of room for improvement, but they will also celebrate the impact of the replacement.

BREAKING: Springbok lock and World Cup winner Bakkies Botha has announced his immediate retirement from international rugby.

OPINION: Italy made life unpleasant for South Africa, but ultimately came up well short - losing 6-22 in Padua on Saturday.

MATCH REPORT: South Africa produced a late score to ease past Italy, winning 22-6 at Stadio Euganeo, in Padua, on Saturday.

Japan take on Georgia on Sunday with a side that shows four changes and two positional switches from the team that started last week's 18-13 win over Romania.

England forwards coach Graham Rowntree said the side had been "beating themselves up" ahead of Saturday's clash against Samoa.

Two tries from centre Darren Cave ensured Ulster triumphed in a war of attrition with Ospreys, who lost for the first time in the Pro12 this season.

Harlequins Director of Conor O'Shea admits his side did not play to their standards as they fell to a disappointing Premiership defeat at home to Sale Sharks.

INTERVIEW: rugby365 brings you the final views from the Italian and South African camps ahead of their Test encounter in Padua on Saturday.

MATCH REPORT: Fiji overcame two yellow cards and a strong second-half surge by the United States to secure a hard-fought 20-14 win.

Wallabies skipper Michael Hooper wants his side to pick up were they left off against Wales two weeks ago against Ireland on Saturday.

France remain vigilant ahead of Saturday's clash with Argentina despite victories over Fiji and Australia, captain Thierry Dusautoir said on Friday.

A victory over Australia on Saturday would give Six Nations champions Ireland their first clean sweep in the November Tests since 2006.  

The Waratahs are to play in a World Club Championship game against French giants Toulon just a week before their Super Rugby title defence kicks off.

Japan coach Eddie Jones said the inclusion of a Tokyo-based team in Super Rugby will give the Asian champions a boost before the country hosts the 2019 World Cup.

New Zealand coach Steve Hansen's withering first take on a teenage Richie McCaw was that he was "not a natural athlete".

It's the final BIG weekend of Internationals and we bring you five matches live!

Canadian coach Kieran Crowley made three changes to his starting XV for Saturday's Test against Romania in Bucharest, a game that closes out 2014 and the year-end tour.

The Bulls were dealt a cruel blow just days into their pre-season, with confirmation that Springbok Flip van der Merwe is set to miss the start of the 2015 season.

EXCLUSIVE: Matt Hawkins, rugby365's specialist Sevens columnist, turn the spotlight to a new look and revamped IRB World Series.

MATT HAWKINS TAKES A CLOSER LOOK AT THE BLITZBOKKE AND THE REASONS BEHIND THEIR DOMINANCE IN DUBAI LAST WEEKEND.

MATT HAWKINS SAYS THAT THE SECOND LEG OF THE SEVENS WORLD SERIES IN DUBAI SHOULD SEE THE TEAMS STEP THINGS UP A GEAR.

EXCLUSIVE: MATT HAWKINS, RUGBY365'S SPECIALIST SEVENS COLUMNIST, TALKS ABOUT HE REGARDS AS THE NEW WORLD OF TRANSPARENCY.

EXCLUSIVE: ROB BRINK CONTINUES THE EXPEDITION TO WORLD CUP 2015, GIVING US HIS VIEWS ON CONSISTENT SELECTIONS AND FINDING A WINNING MOMENTUM.  

EXCLUSIVE: MATT HAWKINS, RUGBY365'S SPECIALIST SEVENS COLUMNIST, TURN THE SPOTLIGHT TO A NEW LOOK AND REVAMPED IRB WORLD SERIES.