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Ulster received a boost today as it was confirmed that Ireland international Rob Herring has signed a two-year contract extension, keeping him at Kingspan Stadium until 2018.

NEWS: CJ Stander has signed a two-year contract extension that will see him remain with Munster until at least June 2018.

NEWS: Clermont's Australian flyhalf Brock James has signed a two-year deal with Top 14 rivals La Rochelle from the end of this season.

NEWS: There were no positive drug tests detected before or during the 2015 World Cup in England, the sport's global governing body World Rugby announced on Tuesday.

INTERVIEW: Springbok Sevens coach Neil Powell will be looking to get the balance right between trying out new players and also being successful at the same time.

NEWS: Bath props Nick Auterac and Nathan Catt have renewed their deals with the English Premiership club.

INTERVIEW: London Irish prop Tom Court has been there and done it in the sport of rugby, but he admits it could have been a completely different story.

OPINION: Jan de Koning asks why has the Stormers' brains trust lost their appetite for local coaches?

All Blacks flyhalf Dan Carter looked relaxed at his first training session with his new Racing Metro teammates on Tuesday, four days after touching down from New Zealand.

FEATURE - SEVEN OF THE BEST: The World Cup is beginning to fade into the memory banks. However, Sevens is about to light up the international stage this week.

Scarlets confirmed that Byron Hayward has extended his contract with the team, which will see him remain as defence coach until the end of 2017/18.

NEWS: Leinster will welcome back Ireland international Richardt Strauss from injury ahead of their Pro12 clash against Glasgow Warriors on Saturday.

Rugby World Cup Final referee Nigel Owens will run a Level One refereeing course on Monday 30 November 2015 specifically for school and college students.

NEWS: Western Province Rugby Union president Theo Wakefield will keep his post after he was re-elected unopposed at the union's annual general council meeting on Monday.

The Brumbies have scrapped the white in their jerseys for a new 2016 Super Rugby version, which was revealed by the team on Monday.

After sharing their grief with an entire nation for almost two weeks, All Black Jonah Lomu's family said their last goodbyes at a private funeral for the rugby legend in Auckland on Tuesday.

NEWS: France international flyhalf Francois Trinh-Duc says he is interested in moving to Super Rugby, despite having announced he will join Toulon next season.

NEWS: Crusaders and Fiji wing Nemani Nadolo has become the latest high-profile player to join the rush to Montpellier.

Ken Hewitt, who had a long and effective career as an administrator has died at the age of 79.

Gareth Steenson believes Exeter's ever-growing exposure to life in the Premiership is helping to propel the Chiefs onwards and upwards.

INTERVIEW: Springbok Sevens star Werner Kok believes winning the World Rugby Sevens Player of the Year Award has made him a marked man ahead of the upcoming season.

Following three straight defeats in the last three outings Scarlets head coach Wayne Pivac stressed the importance of securing the victory in the eighth round of the Pro12 on Sunday.

rugby365 and ASICS have combined to give three readers an opportunity to watch the Cape Town Sevens on December 12 and 13!

There are many foreigners playing in Europe's rugby, rugby ability their passport, not refugee status.

There are many foreigners playing in Europe's rugby, rugby ability their passport, not refugee status.

OPINION: rugby365.com journalist Warren Fortune explains why he thinks the Lions and the Bulls will be South Africa's top two teams in next year's Super Rugby competition.

NEWS: England's Rugby Football Union had record revenues and investment in rugby in 2014/15 according to their annual report.

INTERVIEW: Sharks director of rugby Gary Gold believes Robert du Preez will give his team an extra edge on attack in next year's Super Rugby competition.

REACTION: It may not have been pretty but Leicester Tigers director of rugby Richard Cockerill did not care one bit after watching his side claim a hard-fought win over Bath at Welford Road.

Some years ago we used to produced a synopsis of the weekend's results. We are looking to reintroduce it and this is the first example.

WEEKEND WRAP: France flyhalf Jules Plisson kicked seven penalties to help Stade Francais to a vital 21-19 away win over Grenoble on Sunday to kick start their floundering Top 14 season.

NEWS: Springbok hooker Adriaan Strauss has been named as captain of the Bulls for the 2016 Super Rugby season.

WATCH THE VIDEO: All Black greats united to pay tribute to Jonah Lomu with a powerful haka, as thousands of fans packed a memorial service at New Zealand rugby's spiritual home, Eden Park.

Japan is looking to cash in on the rugby fever that swept the nation in recent weeks by unveiling a life-size bronze statue of World Cup star Ayumu Goromaru.

REPORT: Dan Cole's first Premiership try for six years put the exclamation mark on a hard-fought 21-11 win for Leicester Tigers over Bath at Welford Road.

REPORT: Scarlets had to withstand a second half comeback from Zebre to claim a 20-12 at the Parc y Scarlets to climb back up to second on the Pro12 log.

The Springbok Sevens travel to Dubai on Sunday, eyeing another good start at one of their favourite hunting grounds where the new and bigger Sevens World Series kicks off on December 4.

REACTION: Leinster coach Leo Cullen has called for his side to be more clinical after squeezing past rivals Ulster on Friday night.

REACTION: Exeter Chiefs are justifying their top four position in the Premiership after Rob Baxter's side edged out Harlequins by a single point at Sandy Park.

REACTION: Saracens coach Mark McCall urged Ben Spencer to follow the example of Jamie George after a standout performance in the champions victory over Worcester Warriors.

European champions Toulon emphatically demonstrated that rumours of their demise had been exaggerated as they thumped Top 14 leaders Clermont 35-9 on Saturday.

Dan Carter was present as Racing 92 gave their latest recruit something to cheer in beating Toulouse 28-13 in the French Top 14.

Bundee Aki scored a stunning late try as Connacht ended their 29-year wait for an away win at Munster and retained the lead at the top of the PRO12.

Tim Swiel's last-gasp penalty attempt went agonisingly wide at Sandy Park and Exeter Chiefs held on for a memorable victory.

Newport Gwent Dragons skipper Rynard Landman was frustrated with his side's poor discipline in their to defeat to Edinburgh on Friday.

Northampton Saints forwards coach Dorian West said that his team's impressive scrum was pivotal in their victory against Gloucester.

Former Springbok Sevens captain Jonathan Mokuena has been appointed as the new coach of the Leopards and Pukke.

Montpellier edged La Rochelle with Demetri Catrakilis' 20-point haul allowing Jake White's team to shrug off the injury-enforced absence of Francois Trinh-Duc.

Dan Carter said he has come to France to emulate the success he achieved with New Zealand and the Crusaders back in his homeland.

Thousands of people gathered in Auckland on Saturday for a Pacific island farewell for rugby legend Jonah Lomu.

REPORT: Stephen Myler's boot was the difference at Franklin's Gardens as Northampton Saints got their Premiership campaign back on track with a hard-fought win over Gloucester.

PRO12 FRIDAY WRAP: Two tries from their props were enough for Edinburgh to cruise past Newport Gwent Dragons 32-6 at Murrayfield.

NEWS: Cameron Cowell and Ruaridh McConnochie will make their Sevens World Series debuts when the season kicks off in Dubai next week (December 4 and 5).

NEWS: Kenya retained the bulk of the squad that qualified for the Rio Olympics, for the season-opening Dubai Sevens next month.

INTERVIEW: Giving up playing for New Zealand may have been a wrench, but Dan Carter said the time had come to move on and tackle a new challenge.

John Gainsford's memorial service took place on Friday morning in the Strooidak Church in Paarl.

NEWS: Eastern Province Rugby Union President Cheeky Watson has avoided facing a 'vote of no confidence' from clubs in the Eastern Cape region.

INTERVIEW: Australia's Matthew Giteau wants to kick start Toulon's Top-14 campaign against Clermont this weekend to bury the horror of losing the World Cup Final to New Zealand.

NEWS: South African hooker Craig Burden has joined Stade Francais as an injury replacement.

INTERVIEW: No region or country is off-limits for the future expansion of SANZAR tournaments.

The six European club matches which were postponed due to the Paris attacks will be played on the weekend of 8/9/10 January.

NEWS: Eli Walker, whose existing deal runs out at the end of the current season, has extended his stay with Ospreys by another year - keeping him at his home region until 2017.

NEWS: It's not been quite the same whirlwind start to the season for Thomas Waldrom, but the Exeter Chiefs forward isn't complaining as long as they continue to produce the winning formula.

Six Sharks players that did not make their Super Rugby squad have been encouraged to seek employment elsewhere.

Super Rugby champions the Highlanders have been taken over by a group of private investors who have been granted a licence to operate the team until 2020.

NEWS:  Former Eastern Province Kings players, Tim Agaba and Siviwe Soyizwapi have become the latest Sevens recruits after the pair agreed to play the seven-man game for the next two years.

NEWS: The Western Force have just begun their pre-season training, with speed, intensity and high tempo play at the top of the agenda leading into the 2016 Super Rugby competition.

NEWS: They are some of the best players to have worn the Crusaders jersey but will have their abilities tested as they turn their attention to the cricket field - all in the name of charity.

SQUAD ANNOUNCEMENT: Wallaby Henry Speight will be one of three debutants in the Australian Sevens 12-man squad for the opening round of the 2015/16 World Sevens Series in Dubai.

EXCLUSIVE: In Part Three of our four-part series, Tauriq Ebrahim gets the Springbok Sevens' views on the Cape Town leg of the Series, as well as what lies ahead for the season.

NEWS: French international flyhalf Francois Trinh-Duc signed a three-year deal with European champions Toulon.

NEWS: Northampton Saints revealed that George North has put pen to paper on a new contract to stay at Franklin's Gardens.

Neither Niall Annett nor Worcester Warriors have ever played at Twickenham before, but - ahead of the London double header this weekend - the hooker remains undaunted.

NEWS: Ireland hooker Rory Best has signed a new two-year contract extension with Ulster, which will keep him at Kingspan Stadium until June 2018.

Saracens star Charlie Hodgson will move into the club's backroom staff at the end of the 2015/16 season after the Premiership legend confirmed he will retire from playing. 

The home of Welsh rugby in Cardiff lost its name on Thursday as the 'Millennium Stadium' sign was taken down in readiness for its January rebranding as the Principality Stadium.

Leinster will be looking to continue their unbeaten home run this season when they host Ulster in an Irish Pro12 derby on Friday.

NEWS: Springboks Ruan Pienaar and Zane Kirchner will both reach landmarks for their respective Irish provinces this weekend.

NEWS: Wing Remy Grosso will undergo an operation on a troublesome groin strain and will face a long lay-off, the club announced on Thursday.

PREVIEW: Toulon will bid to bounce back from their European Cup horror show against Wasps with a maiden away victory over fellow Top 14 giants Clermont this weekend.

Wales Sevens head coach Gareth Williams has named his 12-man squad to participate in the opening rounds of the World Rugby Sevens World Series in Dubai and Cape Town.

The start of the 2015/2016 World Rugby Sevens Series in Dubai is just eight days away. Here is a teaser to whet the appetite!

This is the last newsletter for 2015 and we want to take this opportunity to wish all our newsletter readers a Merry Christmas.

INTERVIEW: All Blacks legend Brad Thorn, who is part of the Reds coaching team, has not ruled out the possibility of playing for the Queensland outfit in next year's Super Rugby competition.

NEWS: Ospreys wing Dafydd Howells is facing a lengthy spell on the sidelines after undergoing surgery at the weekend.   

All Blacks and Chiefs scrumhalf Augustine Pulu has been included in a 14-man New Zealand Sevens squad for the first two tournaments of the 2015/16 Sevens World Series in Dubai and Cape Town. 

INTERVIEW: Japan's Sunwolves, one of three new teams in an expanded Super Rugby competition next year, face a serious coaching challenge.

INTERVIEW: The SANZAR Chief Executive Andy Marinos believes expansion will help the Southern Hemisphere countries retain their edge over their Northern Hemisphere rivals.

SHIRT LAUNCH: The Bulls have unveiled three new Super Rugby kits, something very different.

NEWS: Ireland international scrumhalf Kieran Marmion has put pen to paper on a new two-year contract with Pro12 side Connacht.

NEWS: France flyhalf Francois Trinh-Duc confirmed Wednesday he will leave Montpellier at the end of this season when his contract expires.

NEWS: The South African Rugby Union said on Wednesday it expected to be able to announce details of its plans for the Southern Kings early next week.

Cardiff Blues hooker Matthew Rees has been suspended for seven weeks for a stamp in his team's European Rugby Challenge Cup tie against the Harlequins last Thursday. 

NEWS: Current SA Schools and Paul Roos Gymnasium coach Hein Kriek will join the Pumas coaching team ahead of the 2016 season.

NEWS: Springboks Francois Hougaard and Juan de Jongh were on Wednesday named in a strong South African Sevens 12-man squad for this season's first two World Sevens Series tournaments.

Two little incidents from the EPCR's European Cup matches at the weekend.

EXCLUSIVE: Allister Coetzee looks set to be named the new Springbok coach in December. Jan de Koning reports.

CAST YOUR VOTE: Should Heyneke Meyer stay on as head coach of the Springboks? Yes or No.

SQUAD ANNOUNCEMENT: Argentina Sevens head into the opening leg of the World Sevens Series in Dubai with five debutants.

NEWS: Glasgow Warriors hooker Pat MacArthur will be out of action for up to six weeks after fracturing his jaw in his team's European Champions Cup tie against Northampton Saints.

Australian World Cup finalist Sekope Kepu says he's excited at starting a new adventure in France with Bordeaux-Begles.

The Lions will welcome back all their players currently on overseas duty as well as three players who return from injuries sustained during their victorious Currie Cup campaign.

Scotland international Richie Gray has agreed a four-year contract with French giants Toulouse.

England lock Dave Attwood has renewed his contract with Bath, keeping him at the Recreation Ground for a further three years.

NEWS: Racing's Bernard le Roux and Matthew Rees of Cardiff Blues will have their disciplinary hearings in London on Wednesday, November 25 after the pair received red cards in Round Two of the European Cup.

INTERVIEW: Sharks director of rugby Gary Gold is looking forward to preparing his team properly for the 2016 Super Rugby season after his late arrival at Kings Park this year.

Europe is quieter now as the countries withdraw into domestic rugby, not that it will be easy with all that striving for glory or survival.

The Hurricanes will have a new and inexperienced midfield next year with Ma'a Nonu and Conrad Smith having moved on.

NEWS: Scrumhalf Aled Davies is the latest player to commit his future to the Scarlets.

Top Eastern Cape schools will again provide  a fitting kick-off to the schools rugby season in 2016 at the annual  Graeme College Rugby Day.

In 2016 Wynberg Boys' High turns 175 and there will be lots of celebrations.

CAST YOUR VOTE: Who will win the new expanded Super Rugby competition next year? Cast your vote below.

NEWS: London Irish announced that loosehead prop Tom Smallbone has committed his future to the club, signing a two year extension.

Montpellier's France international flyhalf Francois Trinh-Duc will be out for one or two months with a broken leg, a source close to his club said on Monday.

NEWS: The Reds have confirmed a 37-man squad for the 2016 Super Rugby season, with eight fresh faces in total joining the ranks in Brisbane.

NEWS: Crusaders coach Todd Blackadder announced Tuesday he will leave the New Zealand Super Rugby team at the end of the 2016 season.

NEWS: World Cup winner Ma'a Nonu said he was looking forward to a fresh adventure as he arrived at new club Toulon on Monday.

The South African Rugby Union has established an operational implementation task group to oversee the running of the Southern Kings franchise in Super Rugby.

Eddie Jones might not be coming back to Cape Town to assist the Stormers, but he will be in Los Angeles this week.

NEWS: The Bulls are targeting the signatures of more Southern Kings players after already adding prop Lizo Gqoboka and wing Luther Obi to their squad.

NEWS: Welsh international Luke Charteris has expressed his excitement at joining Premiership side Bath from Racing Metro next season.

Marcus Watson ran in four tries to equal the Newcastle Falcons Challenge Cup record as the English Premiership side put Russian newcomers Enisei-STM to the sword with a 55-7 victory.

REACTION: Wasps coach Dai Young has spoken of his pride after seeing his side dismantle three-time champions Toulon.

Expectations are high on the field for Wasps after their relocation to Coventry, and joint-skipper Matt Mullan is desperate to show the Premiership that his side mean business this season.

All Black Zac Guildford said has vowed rebuild his career after he again admitted to being an alcoholic on a New Zealand current affairs programme.

INTERVIEW: Australia's performances in this year's World Cup has become a yardstick for the Reds ahead of next year's Super Rugby campaign says centre Samu Kerevi.

NEWS: Rugby great Jonah Lomu probably died from a blood clot that formed during a long-haul flight to New Zealand.

NEWS: The Springbok Sevens team scooped the Team of Year Award at the annual SA Sports Awards in Bloemfontein on Sunday.

CAST YOUR VOTE: Here is your chance to say who should coach the Stormers, now that Eddie Jones has ditched them.

NEWS: SANZAR has appointed Andy Marinos as the organisation's new Chief Executive Officer.

Reds assistant coach Nick Stiles says the team can return to the heights of Queensland scrums past, despite major injury setbacks.

REPORT: Defending European champions Toulon and their international brigade of superstars slumped to a shock 32-6 defeat to Wasps on Sunday.

REACTION: Richard Cockerill praised Leicester Tigers' perfect start to the European Rugby Champions Cup after a bonus-point win in Italy.

REPORT: Clermont Auvergne belatedly opened their European Cup campaign with a thrilling 34-29, five-point win over Welsh side Ospreys on Sunday.

REACTION: Northampton Saints captain Tom Wood reckons their plan came together as they demolished the Glasgow Warriors pack to secure a 26-15 Champions Cup victory.

REACTION: Three-time winners Leinster were left battling for survival in this season's European Champions Cup.

INTERVIEW: Wallaby coach Michael Cheika said he would put his longstanding friendship with Eddie Jones on hold when the new England boss arrives in Australia for a three-Test series in June.

SATURDAY WRAP: Contests between fierce neighbours Worcester Warriors and Gloucester are always high octane affairs.

REPORT: Wing Olly Woodburn scored two tries as the Exeter Chiefs completed a 34-19 home win over Bordeaux-Begles at Sandy Park on Saturday to keep their Champions Cup hopes alive.

REPORT: Racing Metro kicked-off their Champions Cup campaign with a 29-12 bonus-point victory over the Scarlets.

REPORT: Northampton Saints crushed the Glasgow Warriors pack to earn a 26-15 Champions Cup triumph at Scotstoun.

REPORT: Bath turned to their firepower up front to bag their first European win over Leinster at The Recreation Ground and leave the three-time champions floundering in Pool Five after a 19-16 defeat.

REPORT: Argentina scored seven tries to beat the Barbarians 49-31 in an entertaining game at Twickenham on Saturday.

REPORT: Toulouse reignited their quest for Champions Cup glory with a hard-fought 24-18 win over Oyonnax at Stade Ernest Wallon.

REPORT: Leicester Tigers took control of their European Rugby Champions Cup pool with a 36-3 bonus-point win at Treviso.

NEWS:The Springbok Sevens training squad shifted to a higher gear in their final preparation for the start of the new season.

Fulgence Ouedraogo has signed a three-year contract extension with Top 14 side Montpellier, the France flank announced after his side's 64-0 European Challenge Cup win over Calvisano of Italy on Friday.

REACTION: Mako Vunipola reckons Saracens have sent out a big statement of intent after their comprehensive European Rugby Champions Cup Pool One win over Ulster.

FRIDAY WRAP: Edinburgh continued their perfect start to the Challenge Cup with a commanding 27-6 triumph at Agen on Friday.

REACTION: Eddie Jones has insisted there will be no conflict of loyalties when he coaches England against his native Australia for the first time next year.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Outspoken Australian Eddie Jones has already masterminded the biggest shock in World Cup history and now he has taken on a monumental task in trying to revive England.

Saracens pulled away from Ulster in the second half to pick up a 27-9 victory in their European Cup clash in Belfast.

While Eddie Jones might be the one that got away, the Stormers are intent on landing another 'big fish' with considerable coaching experience.

REACTION: Eddie Jones said intends to build on England's "traditional strengths" after becoming their first foreign coach and did not want them to slavishly copy world champions New Zealand.

REACTION: New England coach Eddie Jones has no intention of changing England's strict policy of selecting only home-based players for the national team.

NEWS: Highly-rated French centre Gaël Fickou has extended his contract with Toulouse for three more seasons, the Top 14 outfit said on Friday.

REACTION: Eddie Jones on his excitement, his hopes, central contracts, captaincy, overseas players and much, much more.

REACTION: Eddie Jones explains his decision to turn his back on the Stormers and take up the head coach position with England.

Fiji head coach Ben Ryan has selected a 14-man squad for the opening two tournaments of the World Rugby Sevens World Series 2015-16 as his side begin the defence of the title they won last May.

The South African Rugby Union has broken new ground by establishing a Rugby Education Foundation to support predominantly black young talent in rugby academies around the country.

NEWS: Eddie Jones has been appointed the new head coach of England. This follows confirmation of his departure from the Stormers.

CHEEKY WATSON IN HIS OWN VOICE: rugby365 brings you the recording of Watson's media briefing this week, where he speaks about the Southern Kings' financial crisis.

THURSDAY WRAP: Harlequins scrumhalf Danny Care helped his team clinch a 32-20 bonus-point against 14-man Cardiff Blues at Cardiff Arms Park on Thursday.

INTERVIEW: Michael Cheika admits he has been "having fun" since the World Cup, but the Aussie insists it will be "back to the serious business" with the Barbarians against Argentina on Saturday.

NEWS: Following last week's mass postponements in response to the Paris terror attacks, France will resume its sporting fixtures this weekend. 

Queen Elizabeth II offered her condolences over Jonah Lomu's death Friday as the rugby legend's family revealed they were planning a send-off as big as the great man himself.

REACTION: Super Rugby outfit the Stormers appeared to have accepted the inevitable - that they have lost the services of Eddie Jones.

The world's most famous invitation club, the Barbarian, will aim to entertain when they celebrate their 125th year of existence.

NEWS: Eddie Jones took another giant leap towards the England coaching job, after Montpellier's South African coach Jake White ruled himself out of the running.

Toulon captain Juan Smith says his team are eager to put last week's Paris terror attacks behind them as they finally get their European Champions Cup campaign underway.

EXCLUSIVE: In Part Two of a four-part series, Tauriq Ebrahim introduces you to the next crop of Springbok Sevens players and gets their thoughts on being in the Blitzbok setup.

PREVIEW: Munster's trip to Stade Francais this weekend has been called off but Irish rivals Ulster will kick things off at home to Saracens on Friday.

REACTION: The Stormers have responded with an almost stony silence to reports that Eddie Jones has already ditched them.

NEWS: The Sharks have announced their pre-season training squad and makes for interesting reading as they have secured the services of former Stormers forward Ruan Botha and Springbok prop Coenie Oosthuizen.

The final part of Ben Ryan's fascinating account has him reminiscing on how the 2014/15 World Sevens Series was won - with a look back at the closing three tournaments.

NEWS: Eddie Jones may already have ditched the Stormers to take up the role of head coach with England.

Racing Metro's Top 14 clash with Toulouse later this month has been switched from the Stade de France national stadium following last Friday's Paris terror attacks.

Whoever replaces Stuart Lancaster as England coach will have the basis of a side that can challenge the world's best according to lock Geoff Parling.

REACTION: Retiring All Black captain Richie McCaw paid an emotional tribute to Jonah Lomu.

NEWS: Inspirational double World Cup-winning All Blacks captain Richie McCaw announced his immediate retirement on Thursday.

INTERVIEW: Ospreys forwards coach Chris Gibbes has backed his players to handle the demands of facing Clermont Auvergne at Stade Marcel-Michelin this weekend.

NEWS: Grenoble wing Maretino Nemani has been suspended for four weeks for abusing a referee.

INTERVIEW: Eastern Province Rugby Union President Cheeky Watson is standing his ground, despite a chorus of voices for him to step down.

INTERVIEW: The Southern Kings will "loan" some fringe players from other franchises when they make their return to Super Rugby next year.

New Zealand giant Jonah Lomu, who died from a heart attack, revolutionized rugby with his steamroller runs and dragged the game into the modern era with the same ferocity he used to trample opposing players.

NEWS: Wales second row forward Luke Charteris will be leaving Racing 92 at the end of the season, when he is out of contract, in order to better pursue his international career.

NEWS: Clubs across England and Wales are benefiting from the legacy of the 2015 World Cup, through the distribution of equipment used during the tournament.

NEWS: England Sevens played Scotland and Wales in a series of conditioned games at the Millennium Stadium as part of preparations for the World Sevens Series.

John Gainsford died gently at his home in Paarl on the morning of 18 November 2015. He was 77.

INTERVIEW: England great Jonny Wilkinson said on Tuesday the "bar had to be reset at all levels" if the national side were once again to become a global force.

NEWS: Stade Francais have postponed their European Cup pool match against Munster on Sunday.

Would rugby be worse off if the exceptions to the laws were removed? rugby365 law guru Paul Dobson reports.

REACTION: Victor Matfield says his all-Southern Hemisphere Barbarians side is braced for Saturday's clash with Argentina after his team swept aside English Premiership side Gloucester 62-14.

REACTION: Jonah Lomu, the game's first global superstar whose speed and power terrorised opponents, died unexpectedly on Wednesday aged 40.

World Cup winner Colin Slade said he is relishing the task of keeping Top 14 new boys Pau in the French top flight after he was unveiled to media on Tuesday.

Eddie Jones, one of the favourites to become the next England coach, has said whoever succeeds Stuart Lancaster must have greater control over the country's Test players.

SARU has agreed to assist the Eastern Province Rugby Union by taking control of the Southern Kings franchise in Super Rugby.

NEWS: England captain Chris Robshaw has committed his future to Premiership outfit and European Challenge Cup contenders, Harlequins.

NEWS: Sharks director of rugby Gary Gold has announced the four coaches that will be assisting him in next year's Super Rugby competition.

Despite the mad events in Paris, the European competitions seem to be going ahead this weekend.

NEWS: Robbie Abel's journey to Super Rugby has taken another step forward with the hooker signing on with the Brumbies Extended Playing Squad (EPS) for 2016.

NEWS: Scarlets announced that flank Aaron Shingler is the latest to put pen to paper with a contract extension keeping him at the region for season 2016-17 and beyond.

Schools rugby in the Western Province kicks off on the second Saturday of April in 2016 and ends on the last Saturday of August.

The chance to play at Twickenham does not come around too often and London Irish skipper George Skivington has called for his side to rise to the challenge at the London Double Header.

NEWS: All Blacks assistant coach Ian Foster has extended his contract with New Zealand Rugby (NZR) through to 2017, NZR chief executive Steve Tew announced on Tuesday.

Leicester Tigers back Matt Smith has told his teammates their victory over Stade Francais will mean nothing if they cannot overcome Benetton Treviso this weekend.

Australia coach Michael Cheika suggested England ought to be thinking long-term as well as concentrating on recruiting a new boss after insisting he had no interest in the role.

NEWS: World Cup flops Italy have brought in 18 new faces as part of a 38-man training squad expected to be trimmed by coach Jacques Brunel ahead of next year's Six Nations.

NEWS: The Highlanders announced that flyhalf Lima Sopoaga has recommitted to New Zealand Rugby and Super Rugby champions through until the end of the 2018 season.

When is being in the way obstruction?

NEWS: Springbok wing Bryan Habana has extended his contract with Toulon by another year, effectively keeping him in the Top 14 until June 2017.

NEWS: Australia coach Michael Cheika insisted he had no interest in taking over the vacant England position and ruled himself out as a successor to Stuart Lancaster.

The Welsh Rugby Union has issued a strong warning to players at all levels to ensure they train and compete cleanly for the good of the game, following suspensions of two players for anti-doping rule violations.

NEWS: Australian James Hilterbrand, a hooker currently playing for Edinburgh in European competitions, headlines a list of nine new signings by the Southern Kings.

All Blacks great Dan Carter has lifted the lid on a night of violence that left him fearing for his life in South Africa as a fledgling rugby player in 2002.

Springbok veteran Victor Matfield will take charge of the Barbarians for this week's matches against English side Gloucester and Argentina.

Toppling Saracens at Twickenham may be an unenviable task but Premiership new boys Worcester Warriors have already shown that the big games can draw out their best performances.

Bath chairman Bruce Craig said his side's European Champions Cup pool game against reigning champions Toulon won't be played after the match was postponed because of Friday's terror attacks in Paris.

NEWS: All Black legend Dan Carter is in line for one of the biggest double accolades in the game.

The South African Players Association has stepped up their efforts to assist Eastern Province Kings players who have not received their salaries for October.

Eddie Jones is determined to make the most of the Stormers' natural strengths by playing a 'smarter' game.

The London Double Header will make for a happy return to Twickenham for Saracens but Director of Rugby Mark McCall believes his side cannot underestimate Worcester Warriors.

REACTION: Wales flyhalf Dan Biggar ranked Ospreys' Champions Cup home win over Exeter Chiefs as one of the best in his career at the club.

NEWS: The Blues on Monday announced All Black Tanerau Latimer had signed for a season-long loan from his Japanese club Toshiba Brave Lupus.

Gloucester, the reigning Challenge Cup champions, beat Zebre Rugby 23-10 to make it 10 straight competition wins - but they know they must and can do better in a tough group.

EXCLUSIVE: In the first of a four-part series Tauriq Ebrahim goes inside the BlitzBoks' camp to find out about the impact 15-a-side players will have on the Sevens Series and the Blitzbok's culture.

REACTION: Wasps director of rugby Dai Young has challenged his players to back up their record breaking win over Leinster in Dublin, with another victory at home against reigning champions RC Toulon.

REACTION: Exeter Chiefs coach Rob Baxter admitted to feelings of frustration as his side relinquished a half-time lead to lose their European Cup clash at Ospreys.

REPORT: Dan Biggar's 20-point haul guided the Ospreys to a valuable 25-13 win over Exeter Chiefs in their opening European Cup clash at the Liberty Stadium.

REACTION: Leinster head coach Leo Cullen has admitted that his side's second round clash with Bath at The Recreation Ground is a 'must win' game for his side after their record home defeat to Wasps.

NEWS: Australia international Matt Toomua will join Leicester Tigers in 2016 after putting pen to paper that will see him link up with former All Blacks flyhalf Aaron Mauger.

Kenya booked their place in the 2016 Rio Olympic Games when they defeated Zimbabwe 19-17 in a thrilling Africa Men's Sevens Olympic Qualifier in Johannesburg.

REPORT: All Blacks fullback Charles Piutau led a free-running and defensively sound Wasps to a vital 33-6 hammering of Leinster in their opening European Cup fixture.

Kearsney College is in for a busy rugby year - its tournament at Easter and the Craven Week in July.

The 53rd Craven Week this year will be at Kearsney College in KwaZulu-Natal. The matches for the first two days have been drawn up.

REACTION: Toulouse captain Thierry Dusautoir reckons his side will take the lessons from their first-half humbling at Saracens into the rest of their European Cup campaign.

REACTION: Saracens hooker Jamie George hailed a perfect first-half performance as Saracens kicked off their European Cup campaign with a 32-7 win over Toulouse.

REACTION: Scarlets head coach Wayne Pivac was left to rue costly errors as the Welsh region lost 11-15 at Northampton in their opening European Cup clash.

REACTION: Northampton Saints captain Tom Wood praised the efforts of his tight five as they beat Scarlets 15-11 in their European Champions Cup Pool Three opener at Franklin's Gardens.

NEWS: Australia became the 10th team to qualify for Sevens' debut appearance at the summer Olympics when they thrashed Tonga 50-0 in the final of the Oceania tournament in Auckland.

NEWS: All Blacks captain Richie McCaw is expected to announce his retirement in the coming days - a move that would confirm one of the worst-kept secrets in rugby.

Tries from Ken Pisi and Alex Waller saw Northampton claim a tough 15-11 win against the Scarlets at Franklin's Gardens.

Saracens got their European Cup campaign off to a fine start with a comprehensive 32-7 win over Toulouse at Allianz Park.

Simon Zebo scored a late try to give Munster a bonus-point 32-7 victory over Treviso at Thomond Park.

Noel Ingle of George Campbell School of Technology in Durban is the new chairman of South African Schools.

There were three unbeaten teams at the Sevens Olympic Qualifier at the Barnard Stadium in Kempton Park on Saturday.  

Connacht overcame bitter cold to notch up a historic 31-14 victory in their European Challenge Cup match against Russian debutants Enisei-STM.

The Wildeklawer Schools Rugby tournament  can lay claim to being the top tournament in South Africa.

Stade Francais Paris coach Gonzalo Quesada saw his injury list grow with scrumhalf Julien Dupuy suffering an ankle problem at Welford Road.

This weekend's European Rugby Champions Cup and Challenge Cup matches scheduled to be played in France have been postponed.

Leicester Tigers boss Richard Cockerill hailed the impact of head coach Aaron Mauger after a free-flowing 33-20 triumph over Stade Francais.

REPORT: New signing Brendon O'Connor became a hit with Leicester fans as he made one try and scored another in his team's 33-20 bonus-point win over Stade Français on Friday.

Fiji wing Metuisela Talebula has penned a three-year contract extension with Bordeaux-Begles that runs until 2019, the French Top 14 club's president announced on Friday. 

The Rugby Football Union refused to comment on reports they were holding talks with Jake White over becoming England's new coach after the South African insisted he could win England the World Cup.

New France coach Guy Noves warned on Friday against sky-rocketing expectations, insisting that he is fallible, unlike fictional hero Zorro.

Wales international centre Jonathan Davies confirmed Friday he will leave Top 14 side Clermont at the end of the season and return home to play for Scarlets on a national dual contract.

NEWS: England flyhalf Danny Cipriani has been charged with drink-driving, London's Metropolitan Police said Friday.

NEWS: Loose forward Tim Agaba has become the third player to leave the Eastern Province Kings after handing in notice to follow in the footsteps of Tim Whitehead and Lizo Gqoboka.

NEWS: The Springbok Sevens were drawn with Scotland, Samoa and newly-promoted core team Russia for the opening leg World Sevens Series leg in Dubai on December 4-5.

If Toulon are to defend their European Cup title, they will have to do it the hard way, starting with the visit of Bath this weekend.

Schools rugby in the Western Province kicks off on the second Saturday of April in 2016 and ends on the last Saturday of August.

Oyonnax have sacked coach Olivier Azam just two days before making their European Cup debut against Irish giants Ulster.

USA Sevens has announced a 19-man squad for a training camp at the Olympic Training Centre in southern California.

Argentine scrumhalf Tomás Cubelli has signed for the Brumbies on a two-year deal.

Australia will embark on their tenth 'Grand Slam' tour in 2016, aiming to beat the home nations in one trip for the first time in 30 years.

England are prepared to look abroad for a coach, but will such a candidate accept the current restrictions on selecting overseas-based players?

New Zealand Rugby chief Steve Tew said it was premature to speculate about Japan joining the Rugby Championship.

Jake White insists he won't take part in another drawn out application process for the vacant England head coach role.

Victor Matfield expects to have some "fun on the park" when he partners Bakkies Botha for the final time for the Barbarians next week.

INTERVIEW: Tim Whitehead said he bears no grudges, after he departed the Eastern Province and Southern Kings. Jan de Koning spoke to him.

The European Cup will get underway on Friday when Leicester Tigers host French champions Stade Francais at Welford Road.

NEWS: The names of the first two players to leave the Southern Kings have been confirmed.

An Under-16 team is being put together from the Eastern Cape to play in a tournament in Rovigo at the end of April next year.

There were four South African referees with Chris Pollock at the World Cup, and they pay tribute to him.

OLYMPIC SEVENS QUALIFIERS: The Kenya Rugby Union's ill-timed decision to discard two South Africans from their Sevens coaching panel could come back to haunt them this weekend.

Fears the leading Pacific nations would miss out on places at the next World Cup were eased when World Rugby announced on Thursday the qualifying process for Japan 2019.

New Stormers coach Eddie Jones says that he wants the Stormers to play a distinctive brand of rugby and 'light up Newlands'.

NEWS: Saracens forward Ernst Joubert has confirmed that he will retire from rugby at the end of the month.

Wing Christian Wade wants to help Wasps redress the balance after narrowly failing to beat Leinster in two absorbing European Rugby Champions Cup clashes last season.

REACTION: Former England head coach Clive Woodward has accused the Rugby Football Union (RFU) of using Stuart Lancaster as a scapegoat for the country's World Cup failure.

New Sunwolves coach Mark Hammett, in his inauguration speech, addressed the media ahead of their Super Rugby debut in 2016.

NEWS: Former England fullback Josh Lewsey will step down from his post as the Welsh Rugby Union's Head of Rugby in January.

NEWS: The Western Force added significant size to its forward pack for 2016 with the recruitment of Queensland Country lock Richie Arnold.

The Oceania Sevens Championship will produce a qualifier for the 2016 Olympic Games in Brazil.

The chief executive of England's Rugby Football Union insisted he felt "no embarrassment" over the return to Rugby League of former Test centre Sam Burgess.

England World Cup winner Will Greenwood believes the Rugby Football Union will appoint a "super coach" to replace Stuart Lancaster after the former boss stepped down as the side's head coach on Wednesday.

NEWS: David Halaifonua [Gloucester Rugby] and Riccardo Brugnara [Leicester Tigers] have both received two week suspensions on Wednesday after their respective disciplinary hearings.

NEWS: Australian fullback Israel Folau will be sidelined for three months, but should be available for the start of the Super Rugby season.

NEWS: World Rugby has announced the referees for the 2016 Six Nations, starting on February 26.

NEWS: Munster wing Gerhard van den Heever has been slapped with a two-match ban and will miss the opening weeks of the European Cup.

NEWS: The South African referee blamed for Scotland's World Cup exit has been named as the assistant referee for their final Six Nations match against Ireland on March 19.

REACTION: Rugby Football Union Chief Executive Ian Ritchie said that England were determined to appoint a coach of "proven international experience".

After a great career, Chris Pollock has decided to retire from refereeing international rugby.

NEWS: Gloucester revealed that second row forward Joe Latta has agreed to join the club from Super Rugby Champions the Highlanders.

NEWS: Glasgow Warriors have signed Georgian international Shalva Mamukashvili on a deal until the end of the season.

Munster boss Anthony Foley reckons centre Francis Saili has the pedigree to make a major European impact for the Irish province.

Who would you like to see as coach of South Africa and England? Vote below!

BREAKING NEWS: Stuart Lancaster has fallen on his sword in the wake of England's disastrous World Cup campaign.

Former All Blacks coach John Mitchell has warned about the dangers of doping in schoolboy rugby in South Africa.

NEWS: England fullback Mike Brown has signed a new "long-term" contract with Harlequins.

NEWS: The Eastern Province Kings, and their Super Rugby version the Southern Kings, could be faced with a player exodus this week. Jan de Koning reports.

EXCLUSIVE: rugby365 cartoonist Matthew Ackermann looks at what is next for legend Bok wing Bryan Habana.

REACTION: Sam Burgess' decision to quit Bath to return to Rugby League after just one season in Rugby Union let down "the lads who would die for this club", former clubmate George Ford said.

Brendan McKibben was slapped with the biggest ban of the three players that appeared in front of a Premiership disciplinary panel.

NEWS: Munster wing Gerhard van den Heever has cited for an alleged dangerous tackle at his team's Pro12 match against Edinburgh this past weekend.

NEWS: A total of five players in the English Premiership have been cited for a range of indiscretions after this past weekend's action.

NEWS: In the latest development in the ongoing saga surrounding the Eastern Province Kings' cash crisis, it is claimed that taxpayers' money have been used to foot the bills.

NEWS: Edinburgh have agreed to release David Denton to join English Premiership club Bath, subject to medical.

The qualifying tournament to take part in the Sevens at the Olympic Games in 2016 is taking place on the East Rand.

OPINION: Jan de Koning takes another look at the attitude towards coaches of South Africa's national team, in the wake of the emotional outburst by former players.

INTERVIEW: Jim Hamilton was a latecomer when it came to Rugby Union but the Saracens lock is delighted to have made up for lost time in the English Premiership.

Kenyan Sevens coach Benjamin Ayimba has recalled ace winger Willy Ambaka in his 12-man squad for this week's 2016 Olympic African qualifying tournament in South Africa.

The second part of Ben Ryan's fascinating account of the 2014/15 World Rugby Sevens Series continues with South Africa's wins in Dubai and Port Elizabeth and a first-ever win for Fiji's coach in Hong Kong.

Saracens' Alastair Hargreaves is looking forward to running out at Twickenham again when his side takes on Worcester Warriors when the Premiership reconvenes later this month.

NEWS: USA Rugby is seeking applicants for the position of head coach for their national team after Mike Tolkin's contract came to an end.

NEWS: A professional Rugby Union league is to be launched in North America for the first time next year, as officials aim to capitalise on the increasing popularity of the sport.

REACTION: Sam Burgess said "Rugby League is in my heart", but hit out at an "agenda" against him as he broke his silence over his rapid return to Australia after his disappointing World Cup.

REACTION: The Rugby Football Union denied they had approached Australia coach Michael Cheika about the possibility of succeeding England boss Stuart Lancaster.

World Cup is gone and now it's Europe's turn to excite rugby with its two great competitions - the Champions Cup and the Challenge Cup.

The Springbok Sevens  squad started their final preparation camp for the upcoming World Sevens Series with a full day of training and planning sessions on Monday in Stellenbosch.

INTERVIEW: Northampton Saints boss Jim Mallinder is hoping a change of competition this weekend, to the Champions Cup, will bring about a change in fortunes.

INTERVIEW: Ulster flyhalf Paddy Jackson wants to right the wrongs of last season's disappointing European Champions Cup campaign.

NEWS: The fallout from England's woeful World Cup took a bizarre twist on Monday.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Reports that Toulon's millionaire owner Mourad Boudjellal wants to buy the Southern Kings franchise are a 'stillborn baby'. Jan de Koning reports.

NEWS: Former Bulls captain Anton Leonard will return to his old stomping ground as part of coach Nollis Marais's management team for next year's Super Rugby competition. 

There was an interesting decision in the match between Exeter Chiefs and Leicester Tigers at Sandy Park.

REACTION: Wasps coach David Young was far from pleased with his side's ultimately comfortable 23-3 win over Gloucester in the English Premiership on Sunday.

NEWS: Ed Jenkins will lead an experienced Australian Sevens team in the Oceania regional Olympic qualifying tournament in Auckland this coming weekend - November 14 and 15.

TOP 14 WRAP: High-flyers Clermont and Racing 92 both suffered defeats in Round Eight of the French Top 14.

REPORT: Wasps continued their hold over Gloucester as an eye-catching Christian Wade try and the powerful boot of Elliot Daly led them to victory at the Ricoh Arena.

REPORT: Paul Marshall grabbed the only try of the game as Ulster completed their first away win in the Pro12 since April.

REACTION: Edinburgh head coach Alan Solomons admits his side were the architects of their own downfall in a nail-biting defeat at home to Munster.

Rugby Union will break new ground in the Siberian city of Krasnoyarsk next weekend when local team Enisei-STM become the first Russian club to play in the group stages of a European competition.

NEWS: Japan's men's Sevens team qualified for the Rio Olympics on Sunday beating Hong Kong 24-10 in the Final of the Asia Rugby Sevens Qualifier 2015.

REACTION: Worcester Warriors Director of Rugby Dean Ryan believes his side must learn to keep the pressure on their opponents despite coming away with a bonus-point win against Newcastle Falcons.

REACTION: Mike Ford believes Rhys Priestland is starting to flourish in Bath backline after the Wales international dotted down on his first start for the club.

REACTION: It all came down to nerve according to Rob Baxter who believes his Exeter Chiefs showed their mental strength to pick up a 19-6 Premiership win over Leicester Tigers.  

REACTION: Owen Farrell may have kicked Saracens to victory at Franklin's Gardens but director of rugby Mark McCall reserved his praise for young forward duo George Kruis and Maro Itoje.

Quade Cooper was little used at the World Cup with Australia coach Michael Cheika opting for the steadier game of Bernard Foley as the Wallabies finished runners-up to rivals New Zealand.

The Blue Bulls on Saturday showed their class at the interprovincial Sevens tournament at the Mbombela Stadium in Nelspruit.

PREMIERSHIP WRAP: Owen Farrell's boot guided Saracens to a gritty victory over Northampton Saints as the champions preserved their winning start to the Premiership season.

TOP 14 WRAP: Australian flyhalf Quade Cooper enjoyed the ideal introduction to the Top 14 as he steered Toulon to a 52-8 thrashing of Montpellier on Saturday.

PRO12 WRAP: Finn Russell pulled the strings on his return to the Pro12 as Glasgow Warriors held on for a hard-fought bonus-point win against a Cardiff Blues side who just wouldn't lay down.

NEWS: Argentina coach Daniel Hourcade has named an impressive array of World Cup stars in the 25-man squad to face the Barbarians later this month.

REACTION: Harlequins edged their way to a third Premiership win in four by beating Sale Sharks, but Quins Director of Rugby Conor O'Shea admits there is better to come from his troops.

As if presiding over the first host nation to suffer a pool-phase exit at a World Cup was not bad enough, Sam Burgess's return to Rugby League after just a year in Rugby Union will further undermine England coach Stuart Lancaster.

FRIDAY WRAP: A try from the returning Robbie Henshaw helped Connacht to a fifth consecutive Pro12 win for the first time since 2002 as they downed Treviso 33-19 at the Sportsground.

REPORT: Tim Visser's second half try helped Harlequins to a third win from four matches as they overcame Sale Sharks dogged display, to triumph 16-14 at Twickenham Stoop.

NEWS: Wales international scrumhalf Lloyd Williams has pledged his long-term future to Cardiff Blues on his return from the Rugby World Cup.

NEWS: Eastern Province Rugby  has the spotlight on them after Sports Minister Fikile Mbalula told the media he will be paying EP Rugby president Cheeky Watson a special visit in the near future.

World Cup-winning coach Clive Woodward has branded English rugby union "arrogant, embarrassing and a laughing stock" Sam Burgess' return to league.

NEWS: Durban, and not Johannesburg, will host back-to-back World Cup winners New Zealand next year.

Jan de Koning chatted to Kyle Brown about Sevens, the large number of 15-a-side players being put on trial with a view to the Olympics, the World Series and the BlitzBoks' goals.

Two more Ospreys players have signed National Dual Contracts, taking the total number of players under joint control of the WRU and their club past the symbolic XV mark.

Wales coach Warren Gatland will quit his post after the 2019 World Cup and return to New Zealand, media reports in his homeland said Friday.

Several All Blacks have taken the World Cup on an unscheduled detour to a New Zealand cemetery for an emotional graveside tribute to fallen teammate Jerry Collins.

South Sydney Rabbitohs confirmed Friday that England Rugby Union international Sam Burgess will switch back to League and play for the Australian club again in 2016.

European champions Toulon will be looking to maverick flyhalf Quade Cooper to kick-start their season at home to Montpellier on Saturday.

NEWS: The appeal by Wasps over the length of the sanction given to Jimmy Gopperth for foul play has been dismissed. 

NEWS: Fiji will host a Super 18 match between New Zealand rivals the Chiefs and Crusaders next year, competition organiser SANZAR said Friday.

NEWS: South Africa's minister of sport, Fikile Mbalula, dismissed the notion that he would put pressure on the South African Rugby Union to influence the appointment of the Springbok coach.

Northampton Saints hooker Mike Haywood acknowledged last season's semifinal defeat to Saracens has provided additional motivation.

England Rugby Union international Sam Burgess has left Premiership club Bath with immediate effect in order to return to Rugby League side South Sydney Rabbitohs, the BBC reported Thursday.

Former England prop Matt Stevens and French lock forward Romain Taofifenua have both extended their contracts with triple European champions Toulon, the Top 14 side announced.

The round opens with three of the top four teams in action in Ireland on Friday night with Connacht hosting Treviso and Leinster welcoming Scarlets.

EKSKLUSIEF: Jan de Koning en Tauriq Ebrahim gesels rugby - die pas-afgelope Wêreldbekertoernooi, die nuwe Sewes Springbokke en die Olimpiese Spele.

NEWS: Welsh rugby has signed two new players on National Dual Contracts – Wales and Ospreys forwards Scott Baldwin and James King.

With the 2015 World Cup behind us we speculate on who will play for the Springboks in 2019 and look back at our predictions in 2011.

World Cup memorabilia is all the rage at the moment, with prices skyrocketing as frenzied fans go after prized items.

The top South African men's and women's Sevens players will look to make their presence felt at the SARU Interprovincial Sevens tournament in Nelspruit on Friday.

NEWS: Scotland flank Alasdair Strokosch on Thursday confirmed his decision to retire from international rugby after earning 47 caps for his country.

EXCLUSIVE: Michael de Vries and Jan de Koning wrap up the World Cup and chat about Sevens - the upcoming World Series, the Olympics and the 15-a-side players looking to switch codes

In part one of a compelling account of the 2014/2015 World Rugby Sevens Series, Fiji's title-winning coach Ben Ryan gives his thoughts on Olympic qualification and the challenges on the road to Rio.

The Reds will be sweating over the news that Wallaby lock Kane Douglas faces surgery on his injured left knee this week after scans confirmed he sustained a ruptured ACL.

INTERVIEW: South Africa's Sevens programme went into overdrive with the single-minded goal of collecting gold at the Olympic Games next year. Jan de Koning reports.

The Sharks will travel to France in February 2016, on a pre-season tour ahead of the start of their Super Rugby campaign. 

EXCLUSIVE: rugby365 cartoonist Matthew Ackermann looks at how much better the All Blacks are than the rest.

Lock Jonny Gray - brother of Richie Gray - has been named the new captain of Glasgow Warriors.

OPINION: rugby365 delves into the lighter side of the World Cup with all those moments that made you cheer, gasp, cry and even spill your preferred beverage - it's time for our Alternate Awards.

Wasps' Jimmy Gopperth has been banned for three weeks for striking Leicester Tigers wing Matthew Tait in the head with his elbow.

The South African Sevens training squad for the upcoming World Series and 2016 Rio Olympics features nine Springbok players.

Paul Dobson takes a look back at all eight of the World Cup Finals and picks his best team.  

Japan fullback Ayumu Goromaru, a standout performers at the World Cup, has snubbed his country's new Super Rugby team, the Sunwolves, and joined the Reds next season.

World Cup finalists the Wallabies must improve rather than hope the All Blacks drop their lofty standards if they are to overhaul the triple champions, coach Michael Cheika said.

NEWS: The Cheetahs have started their preparations for the 2016 Super Rugby tournament by naming a 51-man pre-season squad.

Edinburgh lock Fraser McKenzie will serve a two-week suspension after he was found guilty of charging into ruck during his team's match again Connacht this past weekend.

Ospreys confirmed that lock De Kock Steenkamp has been released from his contract and will return home to South Africa after undergoing surgery on an ongoing hip problem.

Rugby (and refereeing) mainly in the North and mainly in club competition.

Kenya Sevens coach Benjamin Ayimba has warned his team faces a difficult task to qualify for the Olympic Games during the African regional qualifying tournament in South Africa next week.

Lock Paul O'Connell, who on Monday revealed he could be out for "between four and eight months", should be "ready to play in mid-January", says Toulon president Mourad Boudjellal.

Australia flyhalf Quade Cooper reported for duty at European champions Toulon on Tuesday, having negotiated a special contract clause so he can play in the Olympics next year.

New Zealand and Australia's World Cup finalists join forces in a superstar Barbarians' squad when they take on Gloucester and Argentina this month.

OPINION: After 48 matches and 2 439 points, the time has come for rugby365 to don their best tuxedos and bow ties to dish out our famous World Cup salutes.

Jean de Villiers says that the Springboks need to take the positives out of their World Cup campaign in order to progress.

Twickenham will host a minimum three National Football League [NFL] games in the next three years after an agreement was reached with the Rugby Football Union [RFU].

Glasgow Warriors and Scottish Rugby have been handed a further boost today after announcing one of Scotland's established young players has signed a new long-term contract.

South Africa made more tackles than any other team in this year's World Cup - 70 tackles more than next team on the list.

Springbok coach Heyneke Meyer says that he wants to stay in the job so that he can be 'part of the solution'.

NEWS: London Irish announced the signing of Canadian international Ciaran Hearn for the remainder of the season.

NEWS: Wales will face the Chiefs in a midweek fixture following the first of three Tests on their tour of New Zealand in June next year.

NEWS: Jimmy Gopperth of Wasps will appear at a disciplinary hearing after being cited for striking a player during their clash against Leicester Tigers on the weekend.

New France coach Guy Noves has vowed to bring back the excitement following the national team's World Cup debacle under predecessor Philippe Saint-Andre.

NEWS: South African prop Schalk Van der Merwe will miss Montpellier's Top 14 trip to Toulon on Saturday due to a dislocated shoulder.

OPINION: New Zealand's dominance of the World Cup has earned the world's top team even more accolades.

On Saturday last Nigel Owens refereed the Final of the World Cup at Twickenham. This week's experience could be different for him.

NEWS: Irish lock Paul O'Connell could miss the entire season for new club Toulon after sustaining a serious hamstring injury during the World Cup, he revealed on Monday.

Code-crossing England international Sam Burgess returned to training with Bath on Monday, the club confirmed amid reports he is seeking a return to Rugby League.

NEWS: French international forward Louis Picamoles confirmed on Monday he is quitting Top 14 giants Toulouse to join English side Northampton Saints. 

NEWS: The Pumas have signed a total of 13 new players in a bid to become a stronger and more competitive team in the 2016 season.

NEWS: Springbok fans will have to hold their collective breath for another month, as they await the fate of Heyneke Meyer.

New Zealand have extended their lead at the top of the world rankings following their 34-17 victory over Australia in Saturday's World Cup Final.

Australia coach Michael Cheika says winning the 2015 World Rugby Coach of the Year award a day after his team lost to the All Blacks in the World Cup Final was a "bittersweet" feeling.

The South African Rugby Union on Monday congratulated Werner Kok on his World Rugby Sevens Player of the Year Award. 

While some reports suggest Heyneke Meyer is going to be well-paid to keep his job, what are the chances of a foreign Springbok coach?

All Blacks captain Richie McCaw and coach Steve Hansen will be offered knighthoods following New Zealand's World Cup triumph. 

England dual international Sam Burgess is set to be lured back to Australia's NRL with the richest deal in the game’s 108-year history, reports suggest.

All Blacks centre Sonny Bill Williams was presented with a new World Cup winners' medal to replace the one he handed to a fan after Saturday's victory over Australia.

All Blacks flyhalf Dan Carter was named World Player of the Year for the third time Sunday, just a day after inspiring his country to a 34-17 World Cup final victory over Australia.

SUNDAY WRAP: Don Armand crossed for a double as a first half blitz from the Exeter Chiefs saw off Newcastle Falcons and put them second on the Premiership table.

SUNDAY WRAP: Leinster claimed a comfortable victory over Treviso at the Stadio Monigo, to hand the Italians their 13th consecutive Pro12 defeat.

NEWS: The world champions All Blacks have been praised as the greatest of all time by former rivals but captain Richie McCaw is reluctant to put them ahead of his disastrous 2007 side.

NEWS: After directing the All Blacks to a record breaking victory, coach Steve Hansen is unlikely to take his champion team through to the next World Cup as he is only contracted until 2017.

NEWS: The SARU Sevens Academy clinched their fourth Singapore Cricket Club International Sevens tournament when they defeated the Penguin Internationals 36-5.

Just when you thought the Joubert-gate fiasco had ended, World Rugby chief executive Brett Gosper insisted the governing body had not meant to throw Craig Joubert "under the bus" after his contentious World Cup penalty call.

TOP 14 WRAP: Clermont ran in five tries to defeat Castres 42-13 on Saturday and maintain top spot on France, extending their lead to four points.

REACTION: Dan Carter, who landed the decisive blow in New Zealand's World Cup triumph over Australia, said he had been relieved to make the Twickenham final.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: England 2015 will be remembered as the "best" and as the tournament that put the 'world' into World Cup.

REACTION: For a team that has achieved the game's Everest, the All Blacks were quick to dampen any overt excitement after beating Australia 34-17 in the World Cup Final.

REACTION: Ma'a Nonu scored a dazzling try in his final Test as he helped New Zealand win an unprecedented third World Cup but insisted he would never don the All Blacks jersey again.

REACTION: Australia's courageous loss to the All Blacks in the World Cup Final may be tough for coach Michael Cheika but it remains a testament to what he has achieved in a year.

NEWS: All Blacks centre Sonny Bill Williams gave his World Cup winner's medal to a boy who he said was tackled by a Twickenham security guard after Saturday's Final.

REACTION: Australia coach Michael Cheika said the only way for the rest of world to keep pace with three-time World Cup champions New Zealand was by sheer dogged persistence.

FEATURE: Dan Carter left the international stage as New Zealand's hero in their historic World Cup win over Australia that opened up a new era of All Black domination of the game.

INTERVIEW: South Africa star Bryan Habana left the World Cup without breaking Jonah Lomu's try-scoring record, but he has no regrets as he ponders his own international future.

Andries Van Schalkwyk's late bonus point try was the icing on the cake as Zebre downed Cardiff Blues 26-15 to secure their first ever PRO12 back-to-back victories.

Wallabies coach Michael Cheika says that the way to close the gap on the All Blacks is simply to 'stay at it'.

OPINION: New Zealand proved once again they are the best team on the planet when they beat Australia 34-17 in the World Cup Final on Saturday.

Richie McCaw said winning a second World Cup was his proudest moment and made him want to put retirement back even further.

This was the match Dan Carter had waited four years for, and he appropriately landed the decisive blow in the World Cup Final at Twickenham.

OPINION: Australia did well to get to this year's World Cup Final, but were well beaten by the mighty All Blacks.

Defending Premiership champions Saracens survived a scare against a London Irish side that ran the hosts all the way at Allianz Park.

The All Blacks became the first team to retain the Webb Ellis Cup when they beat the Wallabies 34-17 in the World Cup Final at Twickenham.

The World Cup, with record ticket sales and revenues, will make a $230 million surplus, World Rugby president Bernard Lapasset said Saturday.

Argentina lock Tomas Lavanini has been cited for an illegal tackle in their defeat to South Africa on Friday.

Springbok coach Heyneke Meyer paid tribute to the role of the senior players in claiming the World Cup bronze medal.

Brisbane City have won successive National Rugby Championship titles after a hard-fought 21-10 win over the Canberra Vikings in Brisbane.

Richie McCaw and Dan Carter must control the emotion of the World Cup Final or risk letting Australia whisk the trophy away from them, says rugby legend Jonah Lomu.

NEWS: Argentina left the World Cup having proved that they are fast becoming a rugby superpower.

South Africa coach Heyneke Meyer said his side could become "invincible" after they finished their World Cup with a 24-13 third-place play-off win over Argentina.

OPINION: Argentina lacked any flair and excitement that brought the crowd to their feet on numerous occasions and it seemed as though their injuries took its toll at the end of the day.

PRO12 WRAP: Table-topping Scarlets maintained their unbeaten start to the Pro12 season with a workmanlike victory at Parc y Scarlets.

OPINION:  It is the match that no-one wants to play and the type of rugby that was on display certainly matched the occasion - and the crowd let the players know exactly what their feelings were.

REPORT: South African finished their World Cup campaign with a win, but it was not the kind of performance that would have silenced critics.

FEATURE: As many as nine players who are set to play a part in Saturday's World Cup Final will be on show during the 2015/16 European club season.

interview: Australia go into their World Cup final clash against trans-Tasman rivals New Zealand with coach Michael Cheika believing it will be a hyper-physical battle but one his side can dominate.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: At his fourth World Cup, with a world record haul of points in the bag, Dan Carter has one final piece of business to attend to.

NEWS: The Sharks have recruited banned Springbok hooker Chiliboy Ralepelle, who will join them next season.

NEWS: Scarlets confirmed that Wayne Pivac has committed his future to the region by signing a new contract.

NEWS: Four of the six contenders for the prestigious 2015 Player of the Year Award will be playing in Saturday's World Cup Final at Twickenham

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Victor Matfield and Francois Louw speak about the Springboks' World Cup campaign, the future and retirement.

Australia prop Scott Sio says he is fully fit to face arch-rivals New Zealand in Saturday's World Cup Final after recovering from a dislocated elbow.

Richie McCaw has declared New Zealand ready for the battle of the breakdown when they will front Australia's twin threat of Michael Hooper and David Pocock. 

Once a "joke team" - in the words of departing coach Eddie Jones - Japan's World Cup heroics put Rugby Union firmly on the map in a country dominated by baseball and football. 

Western Province Rugby has wished former WP and Stormers captain Jean de Villiers as he embarks on the next phase of his stellar rugby career at top English club, Leicester Tigers.

NEWS: Scotland flyhalf Finn Russell has signed a new long-term contract with the Glasgow Warriors, meaning the Scotland international will be staying at Scotstoun until at least May 2018.

NEWS: Cardiff Blues wing Aled Summerhill has been handed a three week suspension after his citing for a dangerous lifting tackle against Ulster in Belfast was upheld.

For the first time in the Melbourne Rebels' five-year history, the team confirmed the signings of home-grown talents in the form of Sione Tuipulotu and Rob Leota on two year deals.

Exeter lock Damian Welch believes there is still "more to come” from the Chiefs this season, despite an encouraging start to the new season for the Devon club.

French Top 14 heavyweights Clermont, Racing 92, Toulouse and Stade Francais will be boosted by the return of their World Cup stars this weekend.

If the World Cup Final ends on Saturday and nobody is talking about Nigel Owens, he says he will be "a very, very, very happy man".

Stephen Moore once thought about playing for Ireland but will earn his 102nd cap leading Australia against New Zealand in the World Cup Final on Saturday.

WORLD CUP FINAL: This is it - the climax of four years of sweat and tears, of planning, of speculation and hope. Paul Dobson previews the match.

NEWS: Three more English Premiership clubs revealed that they were not investigated for potential breaches of the salary cap.

NEWS: Japan's stunning progress at the World Cup has been recognised with their inclusion as one of four nominees for World Rugby's Team of the Year award.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: South Africa great Victor Matfield insisted he had no regrets about coming out of retirement as he prepared to play his final match for the Springboks.

It might not be the end to the year either side wanted, but Argentina and South Africa have vowed to give their all in the World Cup third-place play-off.

NEWS: First-choice prop Scott Sio returns to the Australia side for the World Cup final against New Zealand on Saturday.

EKSKLUSIEF: Jan de Koning en Tauriq Ebrahim bespreek Heyneke Meyer se toekoms asook die Wêreldbeker-eindstryd tussen Nieu-Seeland en Australië.

New Zealand coach Steve Hansen will be banking on the experience of two key players to give them the edge over Australia in the World Cup Final at Twickenham on Saturday. 

Edinburgh coach Alan Solomons has warned his troops to expect a tough battle if they want to get back to winning ways against Connacht this weekend.