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SEVENS: Chris Dry will make his 50th tournament appearance for the Springbok Sevens this weekend at the Canada Sevens in Vancouver after the Blitzboks confirmed an unchanged 12-man squad.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Josh Strauss and Alex Dunbar will make their first Scotland starts of the 2016 Six Nations against France on Sunday.

REPORT: The Brumbies remained unbeaten in this year's Super Rugby competition when they beat the Western Force 31-14 in Perth on Friday.

NEWS: Allister Coetzee on Friday took a step closer to being officially named Springbok coach.

NEWS: The Stormers are wary of the threat posed by Sharks flyhalf Joe Pietersen in Saturday's crunch match at Newlands. Warren Fortune reports.

Springbok Sevens coach, Neil Powell, has urged his squad to toughen up on their mental approach for the inaugural Canada Sevens in Vancouver.

The Women's Six nations looks to be England's to lose.

NEWS: In a dramatic about turn the Varsity Cup organisers have decided to open the Soccer City stadium to the public for next Monday's games.

SIX NATIONS ROUND FOUR: Paul Dobson gives us his unique view of the crucial Six Nations encounter between these historic rivals.

REPORT: The Hurricanes recorded their first win of the Super Rugby season when they edged the Blues 23-19 in a nailbiter in Auckland on Friday.

NEWS: Waratahs coach Daryl Gibson has admitted it will be hard to keep hold of Wallabies back Kurtley Beale after Wasps offered him a big-money deal, a report said on Friday.

NEWS: Sherwin Stowers has come back into the New Zealand Sevens side after recovering from the broken arm he suffered at the Cape Town Sevens in December.

SIX NATIONS ROUND FOUR: Joe Schmidt has insisted he's still enthused by his Ireland team, despite them sitting second bottom of the Six Nations table ahead of Italy's visit to Dublin on Saturday.

After several skirmishes, the intensity in the Eastern Cape schools programme will move up a few notches with the Graeme Rugby Day .

IN THE SPOTLIGHT. Jan de Koning looks at the Saturday matches in Part Two of Super Rugby's Round Three.

This is a huge opportunity for Wales Under-20.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Italy coach Jacques Brunel injected new blood into his side ahead of Saturday's Six Nations game against Ireland.

PREVIEW: Harlequins prop Will Collier insists his side are ready to put recent form behind them against Bath this Friday.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Ireland coach Joe Schmidt made two changes, both to the backline, to the team to take on Italy in a Six Nations encounter in Dublin on Saturday.

NEWS: Sharks Director of Rugby Gary Gold believes their Super Rugby opponents this Saturday, the Stormers, are "years ahead" of them in terms of development. 

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Sunwolves head coach Mark Hammett has named and unchanged starting XV for their Super Rugby clash against the Cheetahs in Singapore on Saturday.

NEWS: England coach Eddie Jones has named an unchanged starting side for Saturday's potential Six Nations title showdown against Wales at Twickenham, but recalled powerhouse centre Manu Tuilagi to the bench.

NEWS: Cheetahs coach Franco Smith produced a surprise by naming Sias Ebersohn, a regular flyhalf, at fullback.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: A largely new-look forward pack will front for the Chiefs when they take on the Southern Kings this Saturday in Port Elizabeth.

NEWS: Stormers head coach Robbie Fleck has made four changes and a positional switch in the starting XV to face the Sharks at Newlands on Saturday.

EXCLUSIVE: Jan de Koning and Tauriq Ebrahim look into the reasons for the Lions' recent success.

NEWS: Eastern Province Rugby (Pty) Ltd, the professional arm of the EP Kings, have been provisionally liquidated.

NEWS: Brumbies coach Stephen Larkham made three changes to his side for Friday's Super Rugby encounter with the Western Force in Perth.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: The Melbourne Rebels head coach Tony McGahan has shown faith in his starting line-up by making just one change to the team for Saturday derby with the Reds at AAMI Park.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Sharks Director of Rugby Gary Gold has stuck with the same team that defeated the Jaguares at Kings Park  for their match against the Stormers.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Reds co-interim coaches Nick Stiles and Matt O'Connor have made five changes to the starting team that lost to the Western Force last week for their match against the Rebels in Melbourne this Saturday.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Highlanders head coach Jamie Joseph has refreshed his forward pack for Saturday's game against the Lions. 

NEWS: The Lions, who play the Highlanders on Saturday, are currently stranded in Christchurch after bad weather en route to Dunedin on Thursday necessitated their aircraft to make a U-turn.

EXCLUSIVE: The Varsity Cup tournament will be revived next week, but behind closed doors.

EKSKLUSIEF: Jan de Koning en Eugene Eloff gesels oor die Leeus en hoekom hulle so suksesvol is.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT. Jan de Koning looks at the Friday matches in Part One of Super Rugby's Round Three.

NEWS: Stormers fullback Cheslin Kolbe is not focussed on the threat his upcoming counterpart, Springbok Willie le Roux, poses but chooses to focus on what he has to do to contribute to the team's success.

NEWS: Former Ireland international Ronan O'Gara has extended his contract with Racing 92 until 2019, the Top 14 club said on Wednesday.

NEWS: Scotland centre Matt Scott will miss the rest of this season's Six Nations Championship because of an elbow injury.

NEWS: England reserve hooker Jamie George has been ruled out of this weekend's Six Nations decider against Wales at Twickenham.

NEWS: The Hurricanes are continuing to sweat over the fitness of a number of key players, ahead of their Super Rugby Round Three encounter with the Blues.

NEWS: World Cup winning All Black Charlie Faumuina makes his first start of the Super Rugby Championship for the Blues against the Hurricanes at Eden Park on Friday.

NEWS: Wallaby back row forward Ben McCalman has been named at No.8 in one of five changes to the Western Force starting XV set to do battle with the undefeated Brumbies in Perth on Friday.

NEWS: The Eastern Province Kings have appointed Academy Manager, Springbok Robbie Kempson, as their Currie Cup coach despite the current financial challenges being faced by the embattled union.

OPINION: There has been major concern about whether or not the Varsity Cup will continue but Tauriq Ebrahim may just have found a solution to the current situation.

INTERVIEW: Seasoned flyhalf Louis Fouche must give the Southern Kings direction when they host the two-time Super Rugby champion Chiefs on Saturday.

NEWS: Jim Carmichael will step down from his role as CEO of the Queensland Rugby Union at the end of the year after he revealed that he would not seek to extend his current contract.

NEWS: The New South Wales Rugby Union scored a coup by luring Ospreys Chief Executive Officer Andrew Hore to Sydney.

EXCLUSIVE: rugby365 law guru Paul Dobson has a look at what the law states regarding sliding the ball down the post -Try? No try? The law and the view.

NEWS: Powerful centre Manu Tuilagi is back in the England squad for the first time since June 2014 ahead of Saturday's potential Six Nations decider with Wales at Twickenham.

Paarl Gim will be holding its Sports Day at the school on Saturday, March 12.

NEWS: Stormers head coach Robbie Fleck remained coy as to when and how he would rotate his players, hinting at the fact that there could possibly be a change in the front row.

INTERVIEW: France scrumhalf Maxime Machenaud on Tuesday credited a diet for hs return to the international set-up.

NEWS: The USA will welcome tItaly and Russia to the United States this June, hosting tests in San Jose, California, and Sacramento.

NEWS: The Stormers face the prospect of introducing young, inexperienced flyhalves into their setup after the loss of Robert du Preez to a knee injury that has ruled him out for about 12 weeks.

The generous Tony Stoops Rugby Festival takes place from March 19-23, with 36 teams taking part.

NEWS: Springbok lock Lodewyk de Jager was not included in Franco Smith's Cheetahs squad for their trip to Singapore to face the Sunwolves on Saturday.

NEWS: Ian Humphreys confirmed that he will retire from rugby at the end of this season.

NEWS: George Smith of Wasps will appear before an RFU Disciplinary panel charged with striking an opponent in a Premiership match last weekend.

NEWS: George Smith of Wasps will appear before an RFU Disciplinary panel charged with striking an opponent in a Premiership match last weekend.

NEWS: George Smith of Wasps will appear before an RFU Disciplinary panel charged with striking an opponent in a Premiership match last weekend.

NEWS: Lions centre Harold Vorster will play no further part in his team's Super Rugby campaign after picking up a serious knee injury in his team's 36-32 win over the Chiefs in Hamilton on Saturday.

INTERVIEW: American rugby player Carlin Isles has launched an ambitious bid to represent the United States in two different sports at a single Olympic games after deciding to resurrect his sprinting career.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Wales head coach Warren Gatland named an unchanged starting XV for their crunch Six Nations match against England at Twickenham on Saturday.

INTERVIEW: Eddie Jones' England side face Wales at Twickenham in a game that is likely to decide the destination of the Six Nations title.

INTERVIEW: Springbok Sevens head coach said their will have to be "consequences" if his players continue to throw away games with their ill-discipline

NEWS: England flank James Haskell believes the sport's authorities should end their policy of showing slow motion replays of incidents of foul play on the big screen in stadiums.

Six Nations rugby is back for its penultimate round, each with a Southern referee.

INTERVIEW: After two wins from two in this year's Super Rugby tournament as well as beating two of France's powerhouses in the pre-season, the Sharks are in a buoyant mood ahead of their clash with the Stormers.

NEWS: Australia Sevens will have a fresh look at the Vancouver leg of the World Sevens Series after head coach Andy Friend made a handful of changes to his squad that finished runners-up in Las Vegas.

Graeme College of Grahamstown is hosting its annual rugby day on Saturday, March 12.

The 21st Annual St John’s College Easter Rugby Festival takes place over the Easter weekend - March 24- 28.

NEWS: The Chiefs headed for South Africa without their star All Black lock Brodie Retallick.

NEWS: The Bulls enjoy the first of their two mid-season byes this week, before resuming their Super Rugby campaign next week.

NEWS: Back row forward Antoine Burban will miss France's last two Six Nations matches against Scotland and England due to a head injury.

Some may think that it's summer and temperatures around the country seem to confirm that but not rugby.

NEWS: Clermont flyhalf Camille Lopez will be sidelined for at least six weeks after suffering multiple fractures to his face in an accidental head collision.

NEWS: Fraser Brown, Alex Dunbar and Henry Pyrgos have been drafted into the Scotland squad ahead of Sunday's Six Nations match against France.

NEWS: The Southern Kings received a timely boost ahead of their Super Rugby showdown with the Chiefs in Port Elizabeth on Saturday.

NEWS: The Brumbies have escaped relatively unscathed from the brutal encounter with the Waratahs at the weekend.

NEWS: Hurricanes captain Dane Coles and fellow All Black Nehe Milner-Skudder are both in a race against time to prove their fitness ahead of their team's meeting with Blues on Friday.

EXCLUSIVE: rugby365 law guru Paul Dobson reviews the two penalty tries against the Blitzboks in their semifinal defeat to Australia - the first one being an "erroneous" call.

NEWS: Uncapped Munster flank Jack O'Donoghue has been called up by Ireland for the country's two remaining Six Nations fixtures against Italy and Scotland.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: After their impressive 36-32 away win over the Chiefs in Hamilton, it is no surprise that the Lions dominate rugby365's famous selection for Round Two of Super Rugby.

NEWS: Wales have called up Ospreys scrumhalf Rhys Webb ahead of Saturday's crunch Six Nations clash with England.

INTERVIEW: England centre Jonathan Joseph admits last September's World Cup loss to Wales still rankles with many in the squad ahead of their crucial Six Nations rematch this weekend.

REACTION: Australia Sevens suffered their second successive Cup Final defeat when they went down 15-21 to Series leaders Fiji in Las Vegas.

South African Sevens captain Kyle Brown speaks about his team's dramatic and controversial exit at the semifinal stage of the Las Vegas Sevens.

REACTION: Springbok Sevens captain Kyle Brown was left disappointment by their lack of discipline which cost them a place in the Cup Final of the Las Vegas tournament.

NEWS: World Rugby has announced the pools for the sixth round of the World Rugby Sevens Series in Vancouver, Canada, to be played on March 12-13.

NEWS: Leicester forward Ed Slater and Northampton centre Luther Burrell were Sunday called into England's training squad for next weekend's Six Nations clash with Wales.

NEWS: Reds head coach Richard Graham has been released from the remainder of his contract with immediate effect after the Brisbane side started the 2016 Super Rugby season with two straight losses.

SEVENS WRAP: Fiji stole a march on their main rivals in the Sevens World Series by winning the Las Vegas leg on Sunday.

DAY THREE WRAP: Australia will meet Fiji in the Cup Final at the Las Vegas leg of the Sevens World Series on Sunday.

TOP 14 WRAP: European champions Toulon saw a three-game winning run ended by La Rochelle in a 14-19 defeat on Sunday that prevented the big-spending club from reclaiming top spot in the Top 14.

PREMIERSHIP REPORT: Leicester Tigers weathered a second-half storm to notch to secure a 31-27 bonus-point victory over the high-flying Exeter Chiefs.

PRO12 REPORT: A first-half blitz ensured Glasgow Warriors maintain their impeccable recent home record with a 27-20 victory over Cardiff Blues at Scotstoun.

REACTION: A frank chat with head coach Rafael Ibanez proved key to Adam Ashley-Cooper running riot with a hat-trick of tries for Bordeaux-Begles against Oyonnax.

NEWS: Sonny Bill Williams is returning to New Zealand after a leg injury ruled him out of contention for next weekend's Canada Sevens in Vancouver.

REACTION: Stormers head coach Robbie Fleck says his team were not accurate enough in their hard-fought 20-10 win over the Cheetahs in Bloemfontein on Saturday.

NEWS: Star centres Harold Vorster and Lionel Mapoe are heading home for different reasons ahead of the Lions' Super Rugby clash with defending champions the Highlanders in Dunedin on Saturday.

NEWS: Waratahs hooker Silatolu Latu has been suspended for one week for punching in his team's 15-32 loss to the Brumbies on Friday.

REACTION: Sharks Director of Rugby Gary Gold said their 19-15 win over the Jaguares on Saturday was crucial a one in their bid to make the play-offs this season.

REPORT: Agustin Ormaechea scored on five penalty kicks and converted two tries to give Uruguay a 29-25 home victory Saturday over the United States that ensured Argentina captured the inaugural Americas Rugby Championship.

REACTION: Jaguares flyhalf Nicolas Sanchez said that he was "upset" with the way they allowed the Sharks to beat them in their Round Two Super Rugby match in Durban on Saturday.

LAS VEGAS SEVENS DAY TWO WRAP: The BlitzBoks defeated New Zealand 14-7 in their Cup quarterfinal match on Saturday in Las Vegas to book a semifinal showdown with Australia at the USA event.

PRO12 WRAP: Leinster were made to work hard to preserve their 100 percent home winning record in the Pro12 with a 19-16 victory over the Ospreys.

TOP 14 WRAP: Replacement Jean-Baptiste Pejoine charged down a last-gasp Sebastien Bezy conversion from under the posts to earn Brive a draw in a 21-all stalemate with Toulouse on Saturday.

REACTION: The Highlanders admitted their were a touch fortunate to emerge with a one-point win over the Hurricanes in a replay of last year's Super Rugby Final.

SATURDAY WRAP: Northampton Saints produced a fine display as they saw off Premiership leaders Saracens 20-15 at Allianz Park to move back into the Top Four.

REPORT: The Sharks gave the Super Rugby newcomers, the Jaguares, a taste of reality - as they beat them 19-15 in Durban on Saturday.

REPORT: The Stormers did enough to beat the Cheetahs 20-10 in a disappointing Super Rugby match in Bloemfontein on Saturday.

REACTION: Lions coach Johan Ackermann said his victorious team still has "lots" to improve on.

REPORT: The Bulls eased past the Rebels to record a 45-25 Super Rugby win over their Australian rivals in Pretoria on Saturday.

REPORT: The Western Force managed to get back in the winner's circle when they beat the Reds 22-6 in a dour Super Rugby encounter in Brisbane on Saturday.

REPORT: Hayden Parker kicked a pressure penalty five minutes from time as the defending champion Highlanders edged the Hurricanes 17-16 in Dunedin on Saturday.

LAS VEGAS SEVENS DAY ONE WRAP: New Zealand, Kenya, South Africa and Australia have confirmed their spots in the Cup quarterfinals after the opening two rounds of matches in Las Vegas.

REPORT: The Lions broke their duck in Hamilton when they beat the Chiefs 36-32 in an eight-try Super Rugby thriller on Saturday.

NEWS: Tevita Kuridrani of the Brumbies has been issued with a citing commissioner warning for foul play.

TOP 14 REPORT: France wing Noa Nakaitaci scored a hat-trick as Clermont went top of the French Top 14 table with a 45-12 bonus point rout of Grenoble on Friday.

PRO12 FRIDAY WRAP: Connacht extended their lead at the top of the Pro12 table with a 28-23 victory away to Edinburgh, who secured a losing bonus point with the final kick of the game.

PREMIERSHIP REPORT: Worcester Warriors leapfrogged Newcastle Falcons in the Premiership table after Craig Willis' late missed conversion saw the visitors record a rare 15-14 away victory at Kingston Park.

IN DIE KOLLIG: Cheetahs kaptein Francois Venter se sy span sal die regte ingesteldheid moet hê indien hulle die Stormers Saterdag in Bloemfontein wil afransel.

NEWS: The Sharks will be looking to bring the fear factor back to Kings Park this season by starting with a win against a strong Jaguares team on Saturday. Warren Fortune reports. 

NEWS: Waratahs hooker Silatolu Latu has been cited for foul play in his team's 15-32 loss to the Brumbies on Friday.

NEWS: Jurie Roux is on the rise, after months of being bombarded by negative criticism over allegations of mismanagement of funds during his time at Stellenbosch University.

NEWS: Stormers head coach Robbie Fleck says his team will have to be more patient on attack against a tricky Cheetahs outfit in Bloemfontein on Saturday. Warren Fortune reports.

NEWS: Ospreys' Welsh international prop Aaron Jarvis has penned a two-year deal with Clermont.

TOP 14 SPOTLIGHT: Clermont can regain the leadership of the French Top 14 on Friday before defending champions Stade Francais, big-spending Racing 92 and Toulouse attempt to exorcise last week's morale-sapping defeats.

NEWS: Counties Manukau duo, Josh van Lieshout and Sione Molia will make their All Blacks Sevens debuts at the fifth leg of the World Sevens Series in Las Vegas.

REPORT: The Brumbies stayed the top of the Australian conference with an hard-earn 32-15 win over the Waratahs in their Super Rugby showdown in Canberra on Friday.

NEWS: Canada is set to 'Rise as One' as Vancouver, Calgary and Toronto are set to host Japan, Russia and Italy as part of the annual June International Series.

NEWS: Six-time Super Rugby finalists, the Brumbies and French Top 14 giants Stade Francais have added a significant boost to the World Club 10s taking place in Mauritius in June 2016.

REPORT: The Crusaders brought the Blues down to earth with a bang as they beat them 28-13 in their Super Rugby showdown in Christchurch on Friday.

PREVIEW: Bath's backline may not be striking with the same ruthlessness as last season but with the forwards delivering the goods up front, Ross Batty is confident they can rediscover their title-challenging form.

NEWS: The Hurricanes were forced into a late change to their team to face the Highlanders in a Super Rugby Round Two match.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT. Jan de Koning looks at the Saturday matches in Part Two of Super Rugby's Round Two.

NEWS: Clermont backs Wesley Fofana and Scott Spedding were recalled into the France squad for the Six Nations clash against Scotland in Edinburgh on March 13.

NEWS: Former England captain Bill Beaumont said he intends to run for the post of World Rugby Chairman.

PREVIEW: With only six rounds left for most of the teams in the Pro12, the race for the play-offs and European Champions Cup 2016/17 qualification is intensifying.

NEWS: The Executive Council of the South African Rugby Union revealed that Jurie Roux retains their unanimous support to continue in his role as the organisation's CEO.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Jaguares coach Raúl Perez has been forced into making changes to his team or their Super Rugby showdown with the Sharks.

The Springbok Sevens are very aware of the threat posed by their three pool opponents for this weekend’s Las Vegas Sevens, which kicks off on Saturday.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: The Melbourne Rebels have made two changes for their Round Two Super Rugby meeting with the Bulls at Loftus Versfeld in Pretoria on Saturday.

REACTION: Leading players hit back after over 70 doctors and medical experts called on the British government to ban tackling in school rugby matches.

NEWS: Bernard Lapasset will stand down as head of Rugby Union's governing body this year to concentrate on leading the Paris bid to secure the 2024 Olympics.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Sevens Springbok Johannes Prinsloo has been dropped to the bench by the Cheetahs.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Wallaby No.8 Ben McCalman has been named on the bench in one of three changes to the Western Force team set to do battle with the Reds on Saturday.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Japanese Test player Ayumu Goromaru will make his run-on debut at fullback for the Reds against the Western Force on Saturday.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Chiefs coach Dave Rennie has made two changes to the starting fifteen for their Super Rugby Round Two encounter with the Lions on Saturday.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Highlanders coach Jamie Joseph has made three changes to the starting team that lost to the Blues last week for their encounter with the Hurricanes on Saturday. 

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Scott Sio returns to the starting side and Blake Enever will make his first appearance of 2016 when the Brumbies take on the Waratahs on Friday.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: rugby365's law guru Paul Dobson believes there are certain laws which are being overlooked by referees.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Stormers head coach Robbie Fleck has made one injury-enforced change to his team to face the Cheetahs at the Free State Stadium in Bloemfontein on Saturday.

NEWS: Veteran Springbok wing JP Pietersen will start in place of the injured Lwazi Mvovo when the Sharks take on Super Rugby newcomers the Jaguares of Argentina in Durban on Saturday.

NEWS: Lions coach Johan Ackermann has made three key changes to his starting XV for their Super Rugby Round Two encounter with the Chiefs in Hamilton on Saturday.

EXCLUSIVE: Jan de Koning and Tauriq Ebrahim talk about all thing rugby, including asking id Allister Coetzee is the right man for the Springbok coaching position. And Paul Dobson talks refereeing!

EKSKLUSIEF: Jan de Koning en Eugene Eloff bespreek die jongste gebeure in Suid Afrikaanse rugby - insluitende wie die nuwe Springbok afrigter moet wees.

NEWS: The Hurricanes will have to wait at least another week before captain Dane Coles will make his return to the plying field.

Paddy O'Brien, the man in charge of Sevens refereeing, has announced the referees for the pool rounds in Las Vegas, the fifth in World Rugby's Sevens Series.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT. Jan de Koning looks at the Friday matches in Part One of Super Rugby's Round Two.

NEWS: Wales scrumhalf Dwayne Peel has retired with immediate effect due to a shoulder injury.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Over 70 doctors and medical experts sent an open letter to the British government calling for tackling to be banned in school matches.

INJURY UPDATE: The Rebels duo of Mike Harris and Colby Fainga'a play no part in their upcoming match against the Bulls in Pretoria, after sustaining injuries in their tournament opener.

NEWS: Following the recent events at the disruption of a Varsity Cup match in Bloemfontein, the Sharks have decided to make a stand for national unity when they host the Jaguares on Saturday.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Bulls coach Nollis Marais resisted the temptation to make wholesale changes to his team, in the wake of their 9-33 loss to the Stormers last week.

After Riund 3 of the Woremen's Siux Nations 2016, onlyt Wales and Enbgland are unbeaten - and they meet soon.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: All Black Sevens standout Akira Ioane has once again been named on the Blues' bench, which sees the loose forward not participate in the Las Vegas leg of the Sevens Series.

NEWS: SP Marais, lured to Port Elizabeth with empty promises and then discarded, has a chance to resurrect his career.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Australia international and Waratahs lock Dean Mumm will run out in his 100th provincial appearance for the region against the Brumbies in Canberra on Friday.

NEWS: Stormers lock JD Schickerling says he is taking nothing for granted after making a miraculous return to the playing field from a serious neck injury. 

INTERVIEW: Sharks wing Odwa Ndungane says he and his teammates are relishing their encounter with a  Puma-laden Jaguares team in Durban on Saturday.

Frans Muller, former Test referee and provincial chairman, died suddenly in a Port Elizabeth shopping mall. He was just over 76.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Crusaders head coach Todd Blackadder has made just one change to his matchday 23 that lost to the Chiefs, for their Round Two match against the Blues on Friday.

NEWS: New Zealand international Rudi Wulf is set for a month on the sidelines with a stomach problem, his French club Castres said on Tuesday.

NEWS: Scrumhalf Scott Steele and lock Will Lloyd have penned two-year contract extensions at London Irish.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: rugby365 brings you the view of Lions coach Johan Ackermann on selecting his son Ruan for the Super Rugby tour to Japan and New Zealand.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: rugby365 brings you the view of Lions coach Johan Ackermann on selecting his son Ruan for the Super Rugby tour to Japan and New Zealand.

REACTION: Dan Evans completed the second fastest half-century of appearances in the Ospreys' history on Saturday, just 17 months and 21 days after his debut against Treviso at the Liberty Stadium.

NEWS: After 25 years of service to Western Province Rugby and the Western Province Rugby Union (WPRFU), CEO Rob Wagner announced his retirement, effective immediately.

They have won!  In their second year in European Rugby Nations Cup Germany have at last won a match.

NEWS: Scotland and British & Irish Lions hooker, Ross Ford, has signed a three-year-deal with Edinburgh, that will see him remain at the club until May 2019.

NEWS: rugby365 can confirm that Varsity Cup have extended the postponement of matches until further notice.

REACTION: Hurricanes head coach Chris Boyd will be wanting his side to bounce back after being thrashed 10-52 by the Brumbies in Canberra in Round One of Super Rugby.

NEWS: Former Sharks prop Allan Dell has extended his contract with Scottish side Edinburgh, the club announced on Tuesday.

INTERVIEW: Reds lock Cadeyrn Neville believes a win against the Western Force this coming weekend will help relieve some pressure after their 10-30 Round One loss against the Waratahs.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: They're undefeated and sitting at the top of the Varsity Cup table, however, it has come down to more than just the type of rugby Maties are playing. Tauriq Ebrahim reports.

INTERVIEW: Brumbies utility back Andrew Smith says he is enjoying being back in Canberra and playing whatever role is necessary for the side in 2016.

We have leapt over February's Leap Year and are into March.

NEWS: Manu Tuilagi is back in the England squad for the first time in two years after being added to their training party ahead of the Six Nations clash with Wales.

NEWS: Jonah Lomu's former doctor on Tuesday dismissed speculation from an ex-teammate linking the rugby legend's shock death last year to the dietary supplement creatine.

NEWS: Defending Super Rugby champions the Highlanders suffered a double blow Tuesday with confirmation international backline stars Waisake Naholo and Fumiaki Tanaka both face extended periods out injured.

NEWS: France back row forward Damien Chouly will be fit for the Six Nations clash against Scotland at Murrayfield on March 13, despite suffering a minor shoulder injury in the defeat to Wales last Friday.

NEWS: England fullback Mike Brown has escaped a citing over an incident that left Ireland's Conor Murray requiring stitches in a head wound.

NEWS: New Zealand World Cup winner Corey Flynn has signed for Glasgow from Toulouse.

NEWS: Italy prop Martin Castrogiovanni was cited for stamping on Scotland's Duncan Taylor during last Saturday's Six Nations clash.

SIX NATIONS SPOTLIGHT: It may not have been the most exciting weekend of Six Nations matches, but it was intriguing.

NEWS: Leicester Tigers have confirmed the signing of South Africa international prop Pat Cilliers for the start of the 2016/17 season.

After this weekend's results, Wales look in the best postilion to win the 2016 Under-20 Six Nations.

NEWS: The Stormers will be looking to break their three-game losing streak in Bloemfontein when they face the Cheetahs on Saturday.

SUPER RUGBY SPOTLIGHT: The Stormers' impressive performance against the Bulls means that they dominate rugby365's famous selection after Round One of this year's Super Rugby tournament.

REACTION: The Waratahs may be sweating over the fitness of a few key players, but the Brumbies are likely to be at full strength when the two sides go head-to-head.

REACTION: Melbourne Rebels head coach Tony McGahan has lauded his side's resilience following an opening round 25-19 victory over Western Force in Perth on Saturday.

REACTION: Sharks defence coach Omar Mouneimne is calling for a better defensive effort from his team ahead of their clash against the Jaguares in Durban on Saturday.

NEWS:Crusaders back, Kieron Fonotia, has decided to make the 2016 season his last in Christchurch and will take up a contract with the Ospreys in Wales.

NEWS: Jaguares lock Tomas Lavanini will play no part in his team's game against the Sharks after being suspended for one week for a dangerous charge.  

PREMIERSHIP WRAP: Springbok Jean de Villiers celebrated his first start for Leicester Tigers with a try to help his side claim a 47-20 victory over London Irish to end a three-match losing run.

PRO12 SUNDAY WRAP: A sensational second-half comeback from Cardiff Blues saw them overhaul Ulster 23-13 at home to claim their first victory in three matches.

REACTION: Lions coach Johann Ackermann was pleased with his side's 26-13 victory over the Sunwolves in Tokyo, however he feels they were not sharp enough on attack.

NEWS: Waratahs lock Will Skelton received a warning for foul play in his team's 30-10 win against the Reds on Saturday.

REACTION: Despite going down 8-43 to the Sharks on Saturday, Southern Kings head coach Deon Davids said there were a number of positives in his team's performance.

REPORT: Moises Duque booted the winning penalty kick between the uprights on the final play Saturday to give Brazil a shocking 24-23 upset of the United States in the Americas Rugby Championship.

REACTION: England coach Eddie Jones jokingly said he didn't even know what a Grand Slam was after his side moved closer to a Six Nations clean sweep with a 21-10 win over Ireland at Twickenham.

REACTION: Scotland coach Vern Cotter fired an early warning shot at France ahead of their visit to "horrible" Murrayfield after a stylish 36-20 win in Rome ended their nine-match Six Nations winless streak.

REACTION: Stormers head coach Robbie Fleck praised his tight five for laying the platform for their impressive 33-9 win over the Bulls at Newlands on Saturday.

REACTION: Jaguares head coach Raúl Pérez said his team's first-ever Super Rugby match against the Cheetahs in Bloemfontein was a big learning curve.

REPORT: Matt Healy continued his superb try-scoring form as Connacht made it five wins in a row in all competitions - 30-22 over Ospreys - to extend their lead at the Pro12 summit.

REACTION: England coach Eddie Jones threatened a "self-imposed media ban" after his side maintained their bid for a Six Nations Grand Slam with a 21-10 defeat of Ireland at Twickenham on Saturday.

REPORT: England, despite being a man down for the final 10 minutes, produced a powerful final quarter to beat Ireland 21-10 and put their one hand on the Six Nations trophy.

REPORT: An under-strength Toulon regained the lead in the Top 14 in France on Saturday with a six-try, 44-15 win over Brive.

NEWS: Toulon coach Bernard Laporte on Saturday played down speculation that Australian international back James O'Connor had been laid low by a heart problem.

PREMIERSHIP SATURDAY WRAP: Tom Collins scored a wonderful hat-trick as Northampton Saints saw off a stubborn Worcester Warriors challenge 38-18 at Franklin's Gardens.

REPORT: The Stormers dismissed the Bulls 33-9 at Newlands on Saturday to go top of the South African conference after the opening round of the Super Rugby season.

REPORT: Scotland avoided the Six Nations' wooden spoon when they won their first match of the year.

REPORT: The Sharks were far from outstanding, but still too good for a very ordinary Southern Kings team.

REPORT:  The Rebels held on to edge the Western Force 25-19 in a dour Super Rugby Round One match in Perth on Saturday.

REPORT: The Waratahs got their 2016 Super Rugby campaign off to a winning start, with scrappy 30-10 win over the reds in Sydney on Saturday.

REACTION: The Brumbies may have laid down an impressive marker in their 52-10 demolition of the Hurricanes, but there are a few areas of concern.

REPORT: The Chiefs came from behind to upset the Crusaders 27-21 in their opening round Super Rugby match in Christchurch on Saturday.

REPORT: The Lions got their 2016 Super Rugby campaign off to a sloppy start with a 26-13 win over tournament newcomers the Sunwolves in Tokyo on Saturday.

REACTION: A hard-fought 19-10 victory over France might not have been convincing, but it means Wales remain in the running for the Six Nations title, according to coach Warren Gatland.

NEWS: Tomas Lavanini of the Jaguares has been cited for foul play during a Super Rugby match at the weekend.

REPORT: Dan Biggar booted 14 points to help steer Wales to a 19-10 victory over France in a Six Nationsencounter on Friday and keep their championship title hopes alive.

REACTION: Ireland captain Rory Best said comments about the health of flyhalf Jonathan Sexton from England coach Eddie Jones were a "sideshow" ahead of Saturday's Six Nations international at Twickenham.

NEWS: Australia international back James O'Connor is undergoing tests after being laid low by a mystery illness, his club Toulon said on Friday.

REPORT: Super Rugby newcomers the Jaguares of Argentina started their campaign with a nailbiting 34-33 win over a willing Cheetahs team in Bloemfontein on Friday.

The tough match in Round 3 of the Women's Six Nations is surely the one between England and Ireland.

NEWS: Stormers co-captain and centre Juan de Jongh is looking forward to his and Johnny Kotze's midfield showdown with the Bulls' Springboks Jan Serfontein and Jesse Kriel on Saturday. Warren Fortune reports.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Connacht returned to the top of the Pro12 table after their bonus point win in Italy.

This Saturday evening in the Under-20 Six Nations the only unbeaten teams meet - Wales vs France.

PREVIEW: Northampton Saints prop Alex Waller is all too aware of the danger the Worcester Warriors pose, after they snapped a 13-game losing run with a 31-23 win over Sale Sharks at Sixways last Saturday.

REPORT: The Brumbies scored seven tries in a 52-10 Super Rugby rout of last year's beaten finalists, the Hurricanes, in Canberra on Friday.

REPORT: Alex Dunbar made a try-scoring return to Pro12 action as Glasgow Warriors recorded just their second win on the road this season.

NEWS: Cheeky Watson and his allies relied heavily on a constitutional technicality to keep himself in power as the president of the Eastern Province Rugby Union.

NEWS: Wallaby Quade Cooper is in line for his World Series debut after being named in the 12-man squad Australian Sevens squad for Las Vegas next month.

REPORT: The Blues held on in the face of a late charge from the defending Super Rugby champion Highlanders to record a thrilling 33-31 win in the season opener.

SIX NATIONS ROUND THREE: Underestimating a "technically superior" and "very physical" Scotland in Rome on Saturday will be fatal to Italy's chances of avoiding the Six Nations wooden spoon, coach Jacques Brunel has warned.

SIX NATIONS ROUND THREE: On Saturday at Twickenham the oldest Test-playing nation plays the third oldest. Paul Dobson gives us his unique view.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT. Jan de Koning looks at the Saturday matches in Part One of Super Rugby's Round One.

The South African Rugby Annual 2016 is now available, a marvellous book for all with an interest in South African rugby.

NEWS: Springbok lock Lodewyk de Jager has been named South Africa's Rugby Player of the Year for 2015, while Jaco Kriel scooped the prestigious Players' Player of the Year Award on Thursday. 

NEWS: Fit-again wing Tim Visser has been recalled by Scotland as they seek to end a run of nine straight Six Nations Championship defeats when they face Italy in Rome on Saturday.

SIX NATIONS ROUND THREE: France will target a third successive Six Nations victory under new coach Guy Noves when they take on fancied tournament winners Wales at Cardiff's Millennium Stadium on Friday.

NEWS: Uncapped duo Stuart McCloskey and Josh van der Flier were named in Ireland's side to play England in the Six Nations at Twickenham on Saturday.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Italy coach Jacques Brunel has recalled flyhalf Kelly Haimona to his starting XV for their 'wooden spoon' clash against Scotland at the Stadio Olimpico on Saturday. 

COMPETITION: rugby365 and adidas have combined to give away two FREE tickets to the big north-south Super Rugby derby.

NEWS: Melbourne Rebels left wing Reece Hodge will make his Super Rugby debut after being selected in the starting line-up for their opening match against the Western Force in Perth.

NEWS: Saracens' rising star Maro Itoje is set to make his first England start after being named in coach Eddie Jones's run-on side to face Ireland in the Six Nations at Twickenham on Saturday.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: The Western Force is set to have five players wearing Force blue for the very first time in the 23-man squad to take on the Melbourne Rebels at nib Stadium on Saturday.

NEWS: The inclusion of Springboks Bryan Habana and Ryan Kankowski are two of seven changes in the Springbok Sevens squad for the next two rounds of the World Rugby Sevens Series in North America.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Springboks Pieter-Steph du Toit and Jano Vermaak will both earn their first Super Rugby caps for the Stormers in the clash with the Bulls at Newlands on Saturday.

NEWS: The Sharks have turned to veteran Springbok Tendai Mtawarira as stand-in captain for the season.

BokSmart has developed lightning safety guidelines for South African rugby.

NEWS: Rugby has become the latest victim of the trouble at South Africa's universities.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Lions coach Johan Ackermann opted for a seasoned and well-established combination, when he named the team the historic encounter with Super Rugby newcomers the Sunwolves.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Chiefs head coach Dave Rennie has named a powerful line-up to take on the Crusaders in Christchurch on Saturday.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Richie Mo'unga will make his debut for the Crusaders in Super Rugby when he runs out at flyhalf against the Chiefs in Christchurch on Saturday.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Argentinean scrumhalf Tomás Cubelli is one of three debutants in the Brumbies that will gave the Hurricanes in the opening round of the expanded Super Rugby competition.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Japan's Sunwolves face a baptism of fire in Super Rugby after filling their playing roster only days ago and with their coach returning just in time from compassionate leave.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Reds head coach Richard Graham has made three changes to the side which played the Brumbies in a trial match two weeks ago for their opening Super Rugby match against the Waratahs. 

EXCLUSIVE: Jan de Koning and Tauriq Ebrahim talk about the Varsity Cup violence, sensational Super Rugby and the Six Nations.

EKSKLUSIEF: Jan de Koning en Eugene Eloff gesels oor die drama rondom die Varsitybeker na vandeesweek se moleste in Bloemfontein, hulle raak opgewonde oor Super Rugby en bespreek die Sesnasie-reeks.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT. Jan de Koning looks at the Friday matches in Part One of Super Rugby's Round One.

NEWS: Wing Djibril Camara will make his France debut in Friday's Six Nations match against Wales, coach Guy Noves announced Wednesday.

NEWS: Courtney Lawes has replaced the injured Joe Launchbury in England's squad ahead of the Six Nations match against Ireland at Twickenham on Saturday.

INTERVIEW: Mike Brown is still smarting from England's World Cup failure ahead of their return to Twickenham for the first time since the tournament.

NEWS: Saracens' Springbok hooker Schalk Brits has been slapped with a three-week ban for punching.

PRO12: Defending champions Glasgow Warriors lie eighth on the table, but still have two games in hand over most of their rivals.

INTERVIEW: The head of the World Cup has hailed Japan's preparations for hosting the next edition in 2019 as well as the groundswell of excitement about the sport.

NEWS: Jaguares captain Agustín Creevy is expecting a typically physical encounter with the Cheetahs when the South American franchise make their Super Rugby debut on Friday.

There are some changes to the Laws of the game which will be applicable in Super Rugby.

COMPETITION: rugby365 and Jonathan Ball Publishers have combined to give readers a chance to win one of two copies of the book Springbok captains.

NEWS: The Hurricanes suffered a crucial injury blow with the news that captain and All Black hooker Dane Coles has been ruled of the 2016 season-opener against the Brumbies on Friday.

NEWS: Cheetahs coach Franco Smith has opted to field an inexperienced pack of forwards for their opening Super Rugby match against the Jaguares on Saturday.

NEWS: Bulls coach Nollis Marais named an exciting and young squad to travel to Cape Town, where they will face Stormers in the opening weekend of the 2016 Super Rugby competition.

NEWS: All Black Zac Guildford, David Horwitz and former Blues prop Angus Ta'avao have been handed their Waratahs debut for the historic 301st clash against rivals the Reds on Saturday.

INTERVIEW: Stormers lock JD Schickerling is destined for great things in the game of rugby, according to forwards coach Russell Winter.

NEWS: The Blues will blood some new players, rely on proven performers and bring plenty of firepower off the bench for Friday's opening match of the Super Rugby championship at Eden Park.

NEWS: Former Chiefs loose forward Liam Squire has been handed his Highlanders debut for their opening Super Rugby match against the Blues on Friday.

NEWS: In a desperate move to hang onto power, Cheeky Watson is allegedly throwing money around to avoid a motion of no confidence being passed at Thursday's postponed Annual General Meeting.

NEWS: Prop Louis Albertse has secured a spot on the Southern Kings bench for their first game back in Super Rugby, against the Sharks on Saturday.

NEWS: Wasps back Elliot Daly is set to make his international debut for England after being included in Eddie Jones' 23-man squad for their Six Nations clash against Ireland on Saturday.

Super Rugby starts in a new format and with new teams.

EXCLUSIVE: Jan de Koning spoke to lawyer Frikkie Erasmus about the ongoing boardroom saga that is ripping South African rugby apart.

INTERVIEW: France back Maxime Medard directed a veiled criticism towards former coach Philippe Saint-Andre on Tuesday by claiming new boss Guy Noves gives the players more freedom.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Lock Steven Sykes will captain the Southern Kings in their Super Rugby Round One clash against the Sharks on Saturday.

FUN TIME: Super Rugby starts this week and as usual rugby365 will have pools in both a fantasy league and a prediction pool.

NEWS: The Chiefs have been bolstered by the addition of Japan prop Hiroshi Yamashita to their squad ahead of their opening Super Rugby match against the Crusaders this Saturday.

NEWS: Wales coach Warren Gatland has made three changes for their side to face France in a Six Nations Round Three match in Cardiff on Friday.

BOOK REVIEW: Max Baise was one of South Africa's greatest rugby referees and this is his story.

Dr EG Jansen of Boksburg, one of South Africa's very best rugby schools, is getting ready for a season which starts, competitively, on 5 March 2016.

NEWS: Newport Gwent Dragons confirmed that front rower Hugh Gustafson will leave the Region at the end of the season to join Ospreys.   

NEWS: A group of protesters were dealt with by force after disrupting a Varsity Cup match between UFS-Shimlas and NMMU-Madibaz in Bloemfontein on Monday.

NEWS: The Melbourne Rebels have received a boost on the eve of the 2016 Super Rugby season with Colby Fainga'a recommitting to the club for another two years.

NEWS: Blues captain Jerome Kaino will miss the team's season opener against the Highlanders, after he was sanctioned for foul play during a pre-season match against the Chiefs on Friday.

INTERVIEW: Eddie Jones has told his England stars to use the hatred from their rivals as fuel to power their bid for the Six Nations title.

Australia is about to enjoys its first national Under-20 competition.

NEWS: The Southern Kings may have submitted a provisional squad to SANZAAR on Monday, but it is obvious there remain a few gaping holes in their make-up.

Schools Day at Newlands is on 15 March 2016.

VARSITY CUP ROUND THREE WRAP: Maties remained unbeaten in this year's Varsity Cup after they beat UP-Tuks 29-16 at the Danie Craven Stadium in Stellenbosch on Monday.

INTERVIEW: Eddie Jones has said he is eager to have Manu Tuilagi play a role in England's Six Nations match with Wales on March 12.

NEWS: Table-topping Premiership side Saracens reveaked that both Mako and Billy Vunipola have committed their futures to the club.

Graeme Colleg of Grahamstown is holding its annual Rugby Day onm 12 March 2016.

SA Rugby has made significant changes to its concussion protocols in age-group rugby.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Brumbies co-captain Stephen Moore feels the team will be able to put behind them the pre-season David Pocock saga, as they head into the opening round of Super Rugby.

NEWS: Stormers head coach Robbie Fleck is expecting a Bulls side that will be a bit different in terms of style to the ones they encountered in past Super Rugby tournaments.

NEWS: One-time Springbok flyhalf Marnitz Boshoff has missed the cut for the Lions team's three-match Super Rugby tour to Japan and New Zealand.

NEWS: Uncapped Edinburgh hooker George Turner is one of five additions to the Scotland squad ahead of their Six Nations showdown with Italy.

NEWS: Experienced Springbok wing Bryan Habana will join the Springbok Sevens squad in Stellenbosch on Tuesday following an agreement with his French club side, Toulon, SA Rugby confirmed on Monday.

NEWS: Ospreys announced that Ben John has become the latest player to commit their future to the region, signing a new two-year deal to stay with the Ospreys until 2018.

NEWS: Edinburgh on Monday confirmed that Sam Beard will leave the club at the end of the season.

NEWS: Dave Foley, Jordi Murphy and Craig Gilroy have been brought into the Ireland squad by coach Joe Schmidt for Round Three of the Six Nations.

Super Rugby is starting and there will be even more travelling.

NEWS: The Sunwolves have confirmed their 39-man squad for this year's Super Rugby tournament.

REACTION: Scarlets secured their first victory in eight years at Kingspan Stadium on Sunday afternoon after an all round 80-minute performance that saw the men in yellow hold on to a one-point lead.

INTERVIEW: Wallaby lock and former Waratahs player Kane Douglas described being part of the Reds as a "weird" feeling ahead of this year's Super Rugby competition.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: England and France are set to have their title credentials put to the test when the Six Nations resumes this week.

NEWS: Mental skills coach Gilbert Enoka, a mainstay of the All Blacks management team for many years, is to work full-time for New Zealand Rugby (NZR) in an expanded role, it was announced on Monday.

NEWS: Samoan-born wing David Smith's call-up to the France squad on Sunday lasted only a few hours before it was discovered he was ineligible.

REPORT: Ma'a Nonu scored his first try in the French Top 14 as European champions Toulon moved up to second in the standings with a bonus-point 44-13 win over relegation-threatened Oyonnax on Sunday.

SUNDAY WRAP: Exeter Chiefs closed the gap on Saracens at the top of the Premiership table with a comeback win over London Irish at the Madejski Stadium.

REPORT: Michael Collins scored a brace as the Scarlets beat Ulster 21-20 at the Kingspan Stadium to cement their place in the top four of the Pro12.

REACTION: Connacht might have scored six tries to beat Zebre and return to the top of the Pro12, but head coach Pat Lam is not getting carried away.

REACTION: George Smith was delighted with the way Wasps raised their game as they made it five straight Premiership victories to move into the top four in the table.

REACTION: Mark McCall heaped praise on Juan Figallo after the prop helped power Saracens to a 25-12 victory of Gloucester just hours after the birth of his first child.

REACTION: Dean Ryan admitted the class of Francois Hougaard had proved vital in Worcester Warriors ending their 13-game winless run with victory over Sale Sharks.

We have reached the halfway mark of the Varsity Shield competition and tournament leaders UKZN-Impi will enjoy a much-deserved bye after playing four consecutive matches.

Log leaders Maties will be aiming for maximum points when they host basement dwellers UP-Tuks at the Danie Craven Stadium in Round Four of the Varsity Cup.

NEWS: World Cup-winning All Black captain Richie McCaw entered the contentious New Zealand flag debate Sunday saying he is in favour of change.

NEWS: The Blues will start the Super Rugby season without their captain, Jerome Kaino.

WEEK THREE WRAP: New coasch John Mitchell continued his unbeaten run with the United States as they moved to the top of the Americas Championship at the weekend.

TOP 14 SATURDAY WRAP: Racing 92 pulled five points clear in the French Top 14 with a thrilling 39-35 win at Grenoble on Saturday, after Clermont had seen off Castres 28-17.

NEWS: France lost the services of wingers Teddy Thomas and the uncapped Marvin O'Connor for next Friday's Six Nations clash against Wales after both picked up injuries on Top 14 duty on Saturday.

NEWS: England and Wales were both left with injury concerns ahead of next week's resumption of the Six Nations after Bath suffered a 18-24 loss at home to Wasps in the English Premiership on Saturday.

PRO12 SATURDAY WRAP: Isa Nacewa's try on the hour mark proved just enough for Leinster to return to the top of the Pro12 table as they survived late pressure from Cardiff Blues to secure a narrow 14-13 victory.

PREMIERSHIP SATURDAY WRAP: Francois Hougaard crossed for a try on debut as Worcester Warriors claimed their first win in 2016 when they beat Sale Sharks 31-23 at Sixways.

NEWS: Wallabies flyhalf Quade Cooper's dream of heading to the 2016 Rio Olympics may be in jeopardy after it emerged that he still travels on a New Zealand passport.

TOP 14: Defending Top 14 champions Stade Francais kept their hopes of retaining their title alive with a crucial 32-17 win at home to Brive on Friday.

REACTION: Super Rugby debutants the Jaguares completed their pre-season with a 49-28 victory over the Lions in Johannesburg with captain Agustin Creevy believing his side will be fine for their debut encounter.

REACTION: Leicester Tigers' director of rugby Richard Cockerill feels that Manu Tuilagi is not ready for the Test arena just yet, despite England boss Eddie Jones' presence at their 19-25 loss to Harlequins on Friday.

REPORT: Marland Yarde's late try and fierce defending saw Harlequins kick their three-game losing streak in the Premiership with a 25-19 victory over Leicester Tigers.

FRIDAY PRO12 WRAP: Benetton Treviso held on after Angus O'Brien's last-ditch drop-goal hit the post, as the Italians picked up their second Pro12 win on the trot.

NEWS: Injured Ireland players Mike McCarthy, Sean O'Brien and Dave Kearney are all in line to miss the remainder of the Six Nations Championship.

REPORT: The Jaguares bounced back from last week's disappointment to beat a young Lions team 49-28 in an 11-try feast in their Super Rugby pre-season outing Johannesburg on Friday.

NEWS: Joshua Furno has replaced injured lock George Biagi in Italy's squad for the Six Nations clash against Scotland on February 27, the Italian Rugby Federation announced Friday.

NEWS: Hurricanes lock James Broadhurst will miss the start of the Super Rugby season due to the ongoing effects of concussion.

NEWS: Waratahs flyhalf Bernard Foley could miss his team's opening Super Rugby game after he injured his shoulder in a pre-season match against the Highlanders on Friday. 

NEWS: Scarlets have had a suspended fine of €10,000 (euro) imposed on them after naming an ineligible player in their matchday squad against Racing 92.

NEWS: New Zealand-born French international prop Uini Atonio has signed a three-year contract extension with La Rochelle, the Top 14 club confirmed on Thursday.

NEWS: Grenoble on Thursday extended Tongan prop Sona Taumalolo's contract until 2017.

NEWS: New Zealand head coach Steve Hansen confirmed that Kieran Read will be the man to captain the All Blacks.

NEWS: Japan's Sunwolves suffered another blow to their preparations for the Super Rugby season after coach Mark Hammett was forced to leave team training Friday following the death of his mother

REPORT: Tana Umaga's influence on the Blues has been impressive, as they completed a three-nil winning streak in their Super Rugby pre-season matches.

REACTION: Wits returned home from Alice with a bonus point 37-8 victory over Fort Hare to keep themselves in touch with Varsity Shield log leaders UKZN-Impi, despite an unconvincing performance.

REPORT: The Highlanders edged the Waratahs 40-35 in an entertaining pre-season trial in Queenstown, New Zealand on Friday. 

INTERVIEW: Sharks attack coach Robert du Preez is confident that the young flyhalves in the squad will be able to provide adequate cover for injured captain Patrick Lambie. Warren Fortune reports.

REPORT: The Hurricanes scored 12 tries on their way to 74-7 win over the Crusaders in a pre-season hit-out in Blenhiem on Friday.

NEWS: Nic Stirzaker has been named captain of the Rebels for their 2016 Super Rugby campaign.

VARSITY SHIELD WRAP: UKZN-Impi made it four consecutive victories when they overcame a seven-point half-time deficit to beat TUT-Vikings 63-30 in Round Four of the Varsity Shield.

PREVIEW: Glasgow Warriors break new Pro12 ground with the move to Rugby Park, Kilmarnock, for their game against sixth-placed Munster. 

NEWS: Jaguares coach Raúl Pérez has made seven changes to his starting XV that lost to the Stormers last weekend for their second pre-season hit-out against the Lions on Friday.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Bath's Springbok  flank Francois Louw has urged the club to build on their hard-fought win over Worcester Warriors as they look to get their Premiership campaign back on track.

NEWS: The Lions received a timely boot with the return of star centre Harold Vorster from injury.

REPORT: The Melbourne Rebels concluded their Super Rugby pre-season campaign with a 85-0 victory over Samoa in Melbourne on Thursday.

RIP: Klippies Kritzinger, a powerful Springbok forward of the Seventies, has died in the Centurion Hospital.

PREVIEW: Stade Francais coach Gonzalo Quesada is taking no chances ahead of Friday night's visit of Brive, calling up his international big-guns for the Top 14 clash.  

Western Province Rugby launched an exciting new initiative after their warm-up match against the Jaguares at Newlands on Saturday.

NEWS: Israel Folau will start at fullback for the Waratahs, when they face the Highlanders in their third and final Super Rugby pre-season trial in Queenstown on Friday.

NEWS: All Blacks flyhalf Aaron Cruden will make a long-awaited return to the playing field after he was named in the Chiefs' starting line-up for their pre-season clash against the Blues on Friday.

NEWS: Openside flank Ardie Savea will return to Super Rugby duties when the Hurricanes play the Crusaders in a pre-season match in Blenheim on Friday.

EXCLUSIVE: Jan de Koning and Tauriq Ebrahim discuss what appears to be a runaway train heading for a massive crash - SARU!

EKSKLUSIEF: Jan de Koning en Eugene Eloff gesels oor SARU, wat soos 'n onbemande trein na 'n groot ongeluk spoed!

It's a very short turn around time for three of the four Varsity Shield teams who played on Monday, as they return to the field for Round Four on Thursday, February 18.

NEWS: Scrumhalf Tom Habberfield has signed a new three-year contract with his home region, Ospreys, that will see him remain at Liberty Stadium until the end of the 2018/19 season.

NEWS: Scarlets centre Hadleigh Parkes, who has taken over the captaincy Ken Owens' absence, says he is looking forward to Sunday's challenge against Ulster.

NEWS: London Irish have completed the signing of Tommy Bell from Leicester Tigers on a long-term deal.

NEWS: Flyhalf Francois Trinh-Duc is back in France's Six Nations squad for the match against Wales in Cardiff after a lengthy absence.

NEWS: New Zealand flyhalf Nick Evans could miss the rest of the season due to damage to the bone in his right leg, his Harlequins head coach Conor O'Shea revealed.

NEWS: Wales have admitted to concerns around fragile flyhalf Dan Biggar ahead of their next Six Nations clash with France in Cardiff.

NEWS: Veteran loose forward Juan Manuel Leguizamón headlines a number of players sent home by the Jaguares, from their South African tour.

It seems incredible that this is just the 9th Tony Stoops Rugby Festival because it seems so much a part of schools rugby in the Western Province.

REACTION: Maties are sitting pretty at the top of the Varsity Cup table after a second consecutive bonus-point victory but their performance against NMMU-Madibaz leave much to be desired.

EXCLUSIVE: Jan de Koning chatted to former England prop David Flatman about the apparent unwillingness of South African teams to make use of foreign coaches.

Glenwood High School of Durban have made known their fixtures in 2016, including a trip to Japan.

NEWS: Fijian international Nemani Nadolo has been drafted into the Crusaders starting XV for their final pre-season match against the Hurricanes on Friday.

NEWS: Springbok Werner Kruger will join the Scarlets in Wales at the completion of the Super Rugby competition in July.

NEWS: The Highlanders will travel to Queenstown to face the Waratahs in their final pre-season match and will be aiming to go into the Super Rugby season with winning momentum.

This is a test page, please ignore.

NEWS: The Blues travel to the Chiefs for their final pre-season match in what is expected to be an encounter that will be as intense as the Super Rugby competition.

Max Baise, a great referee from the 70s, a man who changed refereeing, is to launch his autobiography.

NEWS: World Cup winning All Black Adam Thomson will make his first appearance in Rebels colours after moving to Melbourne in their final pre-season game against Samoa in Melbourne on Thursday.

NEWS: Leinster head coach Leo Cullen announced the signing of Ireland centre Robbie Henshaw from Connacht on Tuesday.

NEWS: Ulster has been boosted by the news that Stuart Olding, widely considered as one of the biggest talents in Irish rugby, has signed a contract extension that will keep him at Kingspan Stadium until 2019.

Paarl Boys' High, who were the undisputed top rugby school in 2015 with an unbeaten run of 21 matches, once again have a demanding fixture list in 2016.

NEWS: Stormers coach Robbie Fleck said the reasoning behind not naming Schalk Burger as captain was so that the Springbok could play with some freedom in his final Super Rugby campaign with the team. Warren Fortune reports.

NEWS: The All Blacks will return to Soldier Field in Chicago to play Ireland for the first time on American soil, while the Maori All Blacks will take on the USA Eagles. 

NEWS: Australian lock Luke Jones will leave Melbourne Rebels at the end of the Super Rugby season to join Bordeaux-Begles on a two-year deal, the Top 14 outfit announced Tuesday.

NEWS: South Africa-born fullback Scott Spedding has been ruled out of France's Six Nations match against Wales with a knee injury.

Georgia's victory over Portugal in the European Nations Cup confirms their top position after seven rounds of the 2015-16 tournament.

NEWS: Exeter Chiefs newcomer Lachlan Turner says he's more than happy to be thrown in at the deep end after he today sealed a move to the Premiership club.

NEWS: The Stormers have lost the services of Jean Kleyn and Rynhardt Elstadt through injury ahead of this year's Super Rugby tournament. Warren Fortune reports.

NEWS: Sharks captain Patrick Lambie will miss the first half of the Super Rugby season with a shoulder injury.

NEWS: The Stormers will be lead by co-captains for the 2016 Super Rugby season as coach Robbie Fleck looks for leadership in the pack and backline.

REACTION: All the focus has been on the Varsity Cup but UKZN-Impi has made a blistering start to the Varsity Shield competition, winning all three of their matches thus far.

NEWS: The Lions suffered a pre-season blow with the news that stalwart Ross Cronjé faces surgery.

REACTION: UJ coach Werner Janse van Rensburg could not have asked for a better start to their Varsity Cup campaign after picking up a 36-31 victory over NWU-Pukke in Potchefstroom.

REACTION: The NMMU-Madibaz have a right to feel hard done by after refereeing errors led to them suffering their second consecutive heartbreaking defeat, this time going down 25-27 to Maties.

NEWS: New Zealand star Israel Dagg is hoping to put a poor 2015 season behind him and add to his 49 Test caps for the All Blacks after missing the World Cup squad last year.

Six Nations has a break this weekend in preparation for the storm due to rage next weekend.

REACTION: CUT-Ixias are well on their way to achieving their goal of making history after they claimed their first ever Varsity Cup victory by edging UCT-Ikeys 10-9 in Bloemfontein.

NEWS: Ireland centre Robbie Henshaw will not be extending his contract with the province Connacht beyond the current season.  

COMPETITION: rugby365 and Burnet Media have combined to give readers a chance to win one of two copies of the famous (or is that infamous) Year of the Turnip.

NEWS: Welsh international tighthead prop Rhodri Jones has signed for Ospreys on a two-year contract.

INTERVIEW: Brumbies centre Tevita Kuridrani cannot wait for the year's Super Rugby season to start after taking a long break after Australia's World campaign last year. 

NEWS: Ireland boss Joe Schmidt has revealed flyhalf Johnny Sexton suffered a whiplash injury to his neck and shoulder in Ireland's 9-10 Six Nations defeat against France.

NEWS: French lock Yoann Maestri has been issued with 'citing commissioner warning' for his late shouler charge on Irish flyhalf Johnny Sexton.

VARSITY CUP WRAP: Defending champions Shimlas fought back in dramatic style to register a 47-46 victory over UP-Tuks in an 11-try thriller in Pretoria on Monday.

SIX NATIONS SPOTLIGHT: France may only have won by a single point, but they were impressive enough to dominate rugby365's famous weekly selection.

NEWS: Russell Winter is hoping that his experiences as a player and coach with the Golden Lions will help the Stormers' pack reach new heights in Super Rugby. Warren Fortune reports. 

NEWS: Springbok Sevens player Francois Hougaard will join Premiership side Worcester Warriors in England on a short term contract.

INTERVIEW: The Lions will be met with a chilly reception, literally, when they face Super Rugby newcomers the Sunwolves in their historic encounter on February 27.

INTERVIEW: London Irish's Canadian lock Jebb Sinclair is already raring to go ahead of their historic Premiership home game against Saracens at New Jersey’s Red Bull Arena.

If you have the 2015 Law Book, as issued to South African referees, you need to be make the following changes to that law book to make it compliant for the 2016 season.

NEWS: Chiefs openside flank Mitchell Karpik will not play any part in this year's Super Rugby tournament after picking up a serious knee injury in last Friday’s pre-season trial against the Waratahs at Rotorua. 

NEWS: Australia's Queensland Reds Monday said there was no truth in French reports that their star Japanese recruit Ayumu Goromaru will join European champions Toulon next season.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: The Super Rugby pre-season matches are about to go into overdrive and rugby365 will have all the results and reports for your perusal.

REACTION: While Eddie Jones has a "pretty good idea" of his squad for a crucial Six Nations clash against Ireland in a fortnight, there is a pretty good chance Jonathan Joseph will be in his starting XV.

NEWS: Japan star Ayumu Goromaru will join European champions Toulon next season, according to French press reports on Sunday.

The titleholders of the Women's Six Nations Ireland lost to a powerful French effort on Saturday while England had their second big win.

PRO12 REPORT: Munster slipped to their first defeat at Irish Independent Park for three years as the Ospreys came from behind to grind out a 21-17 victory.

TOP 14: All Black great Ma'a Nonu gave away a late penalty - converted by Baptiste Serin - which cost Toulon the chance to move top of the French league on Sunday.

REPORT: Wasps moved into the top four of the Premiership after a magical eight-try showing handed them a 64-23 triumph over league leaders Saracens at Allianz Park.

NEWS: France prop Eddy Ben Arous has been ruled out of the Six Nations match against Wales on February 26, after sustaining a fractured rib cartilage.

Tournament high-flyers, UKZN-Impi will be hoping to make it three victories from as many matches as they welcome the Fort Hare to Pietermaritzburg on Monday.

REPORT: A Jonathan Joseph second half hat-trick capped off a dominant performance from England to keep their Six Nations Grand Slam on track with a 40-9 dismantling of Italy on Sunday.

Defending champions UFS-Shimlas will be looking to build on their winning start when they travel to Pretoria to face UP-Tuks in Round Two of the Varsity Cup.

REACTION: Following their 14-29 loss to the Stormers in a pre-season friendly, the Jaguares will need to improve various facets of their game, including rhythm.

REPORT: An 80th minute penalty by Ben Cima sent the USA to the World Rugby Under-20 Trophy as they edged Canada 19-18 in Texas on Saturday.

REACTION: Stormers coach Robbie Fleck was pleased with what he saw from his team in their 29-14 victory over the Jaguares in a pre-season friendly at Newlands on Saturday.

REACTION: Steve Diamond admits his Sale Sharks side were pushed all the way but they maintained their unbeaten Premiership home record this season by seeing off Exeter Chiefs.

ROUND TWO WRAP: Argentina scored eight tries in a 52-15 victory over Chile to go top in the Americas Championship with the same eight points as the United States, who beat Canada 30-22.

REACTION: Scotland slipped to their ninth consecutive Six Nations loss on Saturday but captain Greig Laidlaw insists his side are so close to ending the run.

REACTION: Warren Gatland insists Wales remain in contention for the Six Nations title despite a scrappy 27-23 victory over Scotland in Cardiff.

REACTION: Defending Six Nations champions Ireland were left licking their wounds after a brutal 9-10 defeat by France on Saturday saw coach Joe Schmidt's injury list grow even longer.

REACTION: France coach Guy Noves hailed his side's "ferocious will" after they held on to edge two-time defending Six Nations champions Ireland 10-9 on Saturday to make it two wins from two outings.

PREMIERSHIP SATURDAY WRAP: Bath held on by the skin of their teeth as Tom Homer's boot secured a 16-14 victory at Worcester Warriors.

REPORT: Scotland flattered to deceive once again, as Wales rallied in the final quarter to secure a 27-23 win in their Six Nations encounter in Cardiff on Saturday.

REPORT: The Bulls came from behind to record a 28-24 win over the Lions in a Super Rugby pre-season match at the Peter Mokaba Stadium in Polokwane on Saturday.

REPORT: France caused the first upset of the 2016 Six Nations, when they came from behind to beat Ireland 10-9 in Paris on Saturday.

REPORT: The Stormers scored four tries on their way to a morale-boosting 29-14 victory over a strong Jaguares outfit in their pre-season friendly at Newlands on Saturday. 

PRO12 REPORT: Benetton Treviso produced a heroic defensive effort to claim their first win in almost a year when they beat Cardiff Blues 13-7 on Saturday.

REACTION: The Brumbies are confident they can sidestep the drama surrounding star loose forward David Pocock's ongoing contract negotiations.

REACTION: Western Force head coach Michael Foley said there were still areas of their game requiring improvement after their win against the Asia Pacific Dragons in a pre-season friendly on Saturday.

REACTION: Sharks Director of Rugby Gary Gold was impressed with the leadership skills shown by some of his senior players on their pre-season tour to France. 

REPORT: The Western Force outscored the Asia Pacific Dragons six tries to four to win 34-26 in a pre-season friendly in Perth on Saturday.

Only France and Wales remain unbeaten in the Six Nations Under-20 Championship.

REPORT: Springbok Riaan Viljoen scored a double as the Sunwolves started their Super Rugby chapter with a 52-24 demolition of a Top League XV in a pre-season out on Saturday.

REPORT: Scorching heat was no detriment to the Blues, who streaked away with six tries to win 40-12 against the Hurricanes in the second of three pre-season matches.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: England have never lost to Italy, but coach Eddie Jones said he was under no illusion the task facing his team when the sides play their second Six Nations match of the season on Sunday.

INTERVIEW: One of the three newcomers to Super Rugby, the Jaguares of Argentina, are ready for their "baptism of fire".

PRO12 FRIDAY WRAP: Leinster amassed a half-century of points to see off Zebre 52-0 in a dominant display and moved to within one point of the Pro12 summit.

PREMIERSHIP WRAP: Simon Hammersley and Adam Powell grabbed first-half tries as Newcastle Falcons completed their first Premiership victory over Leicester Tigers in almost seven years.

REPORT: Three converted tries by Johannes Prinsloo, Sergeal Petersen and Francois Venter helped the Cheetahs claim a 21-11 victory over the Southern Kings in Port Elizabeth on Friday.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Italy coach Jacques Brunel has made just one change to his side who take on England in Rome on Sunday with the return of fullback Luke McLean. 

Tall, friendly Banks Yantolo has been appointed by SARU as the manager of South African referees.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Former Sharks fullback Riaan Viljoen will start at fullback for the Sunwolves in their pre-season friendly against the Top League XV on Saturday.

REPORT: The Brumbies will celebrate an impressive win, while the Reds will sweat over more pre-season injuries.

OPINION: Respected rugby365 writer Paul Dobson asks if phase-play is not perhaps just a failure - a way out for teams who can't create?

Two of last week's matches were big wins for Georgia and Romania. This week, too, there are likely to be two big scores.

INTERVIEW: Stormers No.8 Nizaam Carr will be looking to put a disappointing 2015 season behind and regain the form that made him a Springbok not so long ago. Warren Fortune reports.