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`Cheetahs coach Naka Drotské believes that if his team improves its attack, the defensive frailties will also be resolved.

The coastal teams made a charge up the standings at the conclusion of Round Six of the 2014 Varsity Cup on Monday night.

Injuries could force Corey Flynn and Willi Heinz out of the Crusaders for a lengthy period.

Under pressure Hammett is set to avoid the axe for now at least this is despite a losing start to the season.

Reds centre Mike Harris has underlined the importance of them ending their South African rut when they meet the Sharks this weekend.

One is a former American football star, the other a former SA rugby player.

Allister Coetzee has a few tough decisions to make for Friday's clash against the Chiefs as injuries continue to mount.

There is a nice spread of teams in our famous weekly selection - with the table-topping Sharks getting the edge in our starting XV.

Although Ireland notched the biggest victory, our Six Nations team is dominated by the Red Rose of England after their victory over Wales at Twickenham.

The Eastern Province Kings have made their first big-name signing ahead of the Port Elizabeth team's return to the Currie Cup competition.

Scotland flyhalf Duncan Weir has today penned a new two-year deal with Glasgow Warriors.

France head coach has recalled both No 8 Louis Picamoles and hooker Dimitri Szarzewski to the squad for the final Six Nations match with Ireland.

The fixtures for Saturday 29 March 2014, the first day of the Mutual and Federal Agri Oakdale Rugby Festival, have finally been announced.

A number of Irish players reported bumps and bruises following a very physical encounter with Italy.

World Cup-winning Springbok JP Pietersen is expected back in the Sharks fold this week, but there is no guarantee that he will play against the Reds.

Back row forward Johnnie Beattie and wing Sean Lamont will both miss Scotland's final match in the Six Nations due to injury.

Wales' Six Nations misery was compounded by injuries to Leigh Halfpenny and Rhys Webb, following their 18-29 loss to England at the weekend.

England clinched the Triple Crown and kept their Six Nations title hopes alive, but the job is far from done.

The Stormers suffered two tour-ending injuries after their heartbreaking 13-14 Super Rugby loss to the Crusaders in Christchurch at the weekend.

BOris_the_Spid3r stormed to the top of our superbru pool at the end of Round Four this weekend.  

With the play-offs on the horizon, Round Six of the Varsity Cup will have a major bearing on which teams make the knock-outs.  

Roses United sprung the biggest upset in the first round of the Community Cup when they beat Brakpan in Wellington.

England scored the only two tries of the match as they beat Wales 29-18 at Twickenham to claim the Triple Crown.

Bulls captain Flip van der Merwe pointed to his team's high work rate as the key to their turnaround in form.

Sharks boss Jake White hailed the maturity and composure that Frans Steyn showed to slot in at flyhalf against the Lions.  

The Kenyan Simba XV got their debut Vodacom Cup season off to the ideal start with victory over the EP Kings.

They may have got their first win of the season against the Stormers, but the Crusaders still have 'a long way to go' according to Israel Dagg.

Melbourne Rebels coach Tony McGahan said that his team had let the franchise down in their 46-7 capitulation to the Western Force on Saturday.  

Autumn may not have started yet but rugby at schools has.

Although 'gutted' by his team's last-minute defeat to France, Scotland coach Scott Johnson was not ready to point any fingers.

Sunday's clash between England and Wales will be the last time they square off at Twickenham before the World Cup.

Brian O'Driscoll has called on his Ireland teammates to raise their game one last time as he bids to retire from Test rugby on a high.

France coach Philippe Saint-Andre backed his side to be much improved when they face Ireland in a potential Six Nations title decider in Paris.  

The Sharks moved back to the top of the standings after a bonus-point 37-23 victory over the Lions in Durban on Saturday.

France kept their Six Nations hopes alive with a narrow 19-17 victory over Scotland in a scrappy game at Murrayfield on Saturday.  

The Bulls continued their match up the Super Rugby table with a 38-22 win over the Blues at Loftus Versfeld on Saturday.

Ireland ensured Brian O'Driscoll's last home Test was a memorable one as they scored seven tries in a 46-7 demolition of Italy in Dublin.

Force captain Matt Hodgson described his team's emphatic 32-7 bonus-point win over the Rebels as their best 30 minutes ever.

Stormers coach Allister Coetzee was gutted for his players after their dramatic one-point defeat to the Crusaders on Saturday.

The Western Force produced a stunning first-half display to record their first win of the season, beating the Rebels 32-7 in Perth on Saturday.

The Crusaders produced a late burst to secure a one-point (14-13) win over the Stormers in Christchurch on Saturday.

Uncapped Dave McDuling has been named in a 27-man Reds squad for their two-match tour of South Africa.

Reds coach Richard Graham was 'pleased as punch' with his team's 43-33 bonus-point victory over the Cheetahs.

Ireland great Brian O'Driscoll reflects on the highs and lows as the sun starts to set on a 15-year career at the top.

Jake Ball will start for Wales at lock in their Six Nations encounter with England at Twickenham on Sunday.

Scotland have made a change to their squad for Saturday's Six Nations game against France at Murrayfield.

Pine Pienaar has been axed as the Blue Bulls' Currie Cup coach.

The Reds denied the Cheetahs in the most cruel fashion, a controversial penalty giving the home team a 43-33 win in Brisbane on Friday.

England made two changes to their squad for Sunday's Six Nations match against Wales at Twickenham Stadium.

Frik Kirsten has joined fellow Springbok Coenie Oosthuizen on the list of front row forwards with a question mark over his career as a result of a neck injury.

The Brumbies recorded their second win of the season, when they scored a bonus point 29-21 win over the hapless Hurricanes.

The Lions may already have claimed the scalps of the Cheetahs and Stormers, but the Sharks in Durban is an entirely different challenge.

Even after their heaviest Six Nations defeat in five years, France are still in the title race ahead of their trip to Murrayfield to face Scotland.

Deon Stegmann may not be everybody's cup of tea, but he is the prefect fit for the type of game the Bulls want to play.

Ireland will be looking to put away Italy and keep themselves at he top of the 6 nations table when the clash in Dublin.

Jan de Koning looks at the four Saturday matches in Round Four of the Super Rugby season.

The match between England and Wales on Sunday is the most significant of the weekend. Paul Dobson reports.

Rebels coach Tony McGahan surprised by making six changes to his starting line-up for Saturday's Super Rugby clash with the Western Force in Perth.

Italian coach Jacques Brunel surprised by "resting" captain Sergio Parisse for Saturday's Six Nations match against Ireland.

The Ireland coaching team has made just one change to the starting XV that narrowly lost to England, for the Six Nations clash against Italy.

France coach Philippe Saint-Andre announced a team showing seven changes for Saturday's Six Nations encounter with Scotland at Murrayfield.

The Sharks will stick to the game plan that brought them a bonus-point win against the Bulls, rather than get suckered into a helter-skelter affair again.

It is another big weekend with Super Rugby and Six Nations on the go. Catch it all LIVE right here.

Benji Marshall is the big casualty in the Blues' selection shake-up, ahead of their Super Rugby Round Four trip to Pretoria.

Springbok Elton Jantjies will make his long-awaited return to the Lions team, for their Super Rugby trip to Durban.

The Wartburg Kirchdorf School, some 30 km from Pietermaritzburg, is holding a big rugby hockey and netball festival at the Midlands school on Saturday, 9 March 2014.

Questions have again been raised about the future of the Cheetahs' Springbok prop, Coenie Oosthuizen, after yet another serious neck injury.

Israel Dagg will start at left wing for the Crusaders when they take on the Stormers in Christchurch on Saturday.

The Brumbies have named Leon Power at lock in the team to face the Hurricanes on Friday, as part of a forwards re-shuffle to account for the injury to David Pocock.

Jake White has named an unchanged Sharks team to face the Lions in their Super Rugby clash in Durban on Saturday.

It is too early to talk of 'desperation', but some teams are already in need of a win or face the possibility of becoming Super Rugby also-rans.

The South African Rugby Union has appointed an administrator to assist the Border Rugby Union normalise its affairs.

The Stormers will enjoy a rare occasion of being the underdogs, but there is good reason for their status.

Stuart Lancaster named Tom Johnson in his 23-man squad to prepare for Sunday's Six Nations match against Wales at Twickenham Stadium.

France will be missing 12 potential first-choice players when they travel to Edinburgh to face Scotland in the Six Nations on Saturday.

David Pocock will miss the rest of the 2014 Super Rugby season, after undergoing a full reconstruction on his left knee on Wednesday.

The Scottish scrum will have to produce their best performance of the Six Nations if they are to upset France.

Oregan Hoskins will be President of the South African Rugby Union for another four years.

England forwards coach Graham Rowntree warned Wales that his side have learnt the lessons from their one-sided Six Nations defeat a year ago.

Wales have made two changes to the side to face England in their Six Nations at Twickenham on Sunday.

Kieram Brookes has been suspended for six weeks after pleading guilty to a charge of acts contrary to good sportsmanship.

There is one product of South African rugby that stands out head and shoulders above any others - the SA Rugby Annual, incomparably the best in the world.

Scotland centre Matt Scott has re-signed with Edinburgh rugby where he began his professional career.  

Nick Koster is to leave Bath at the end of the season after agreeing a permanent deal with local rivals Bristol.

The Springboks will face 2013 Six Nations champions Wales in two Tests in Durban and Nelspruit.

The Stormers have been forced into a major reshuffle ahead of their opening tour match, against the Crusaders on Saturday.

The Vodacom Cup competition kicks off on Friday with two former South African Schools players looking to shine at senior provincial level.

The Hurricanes have made two changes to the team that returned from their tour of South Africa.

Springbok Deon Stegmann will make his first competition appearance for the Bulls this year, when they host the Blues at Loftus Versfeld on Saturday.

The Stormers were dealt a cruel blow on the eve of their opening Super Rugby tour match in Australasia.

Krugersdorp High School is having its enterprising rugby and hockey festival before Easter this year.

The Porterville school in the lovely Boland town up the West Coast is holding a two-day rugby and netball festival at which they expect some 1 200 players to be taking part. It is the third such festival at the school.

Three top men will run a course for school coaches on 19 March 2014 to talk about scrumming, line-outs and breakdowns.

The Western Province Referees' Society has sent out possible courses for those wishing to join the Society so that they can obtain BokSmart and IRB Level 1 qualifications.

Frans Steyn is looking to prove his naysayers wrong after a lengthy spell on the sidelines.

The South African Schools Rugby Association (SASRA) has invited applications for the posts of team head coach and team manager. The closing date for applications is 24 Match 2014 at 16.30.

Captain Matt Hodgson is set to become the first Western Force player to notch up a ton of games against all the odds.

Stormers captain Jean de Villiers knows that his team will have to produce 'something special' if they are to notch their first-ever win in Christchurch.

Sharks boss Jake White says he has not been surprised at all by the promising start the Lions have made to the Super Rugby season.

Scotland have made three changes to their pack, among which Kelly Brown is recalled as captain, for Saturday's Six Nations match against France at Murrayfield.

Lions coach Johan Ackermann and his fellow selectors will have a few tough decisions to make this week.

Scotland halfback Greig Laidlaw has agreed a deal to leave Edinburgh and join Gloucester next season, the English Premiership club announced on Tuesday.  

The Waratahs bye came at exactly the right time for Israel Folau who rolled his ankle this past weekend, but will be available for the clash with the Brumbies next Saturday. 

David Pocock has re-injured his left knee in the Brumbies 27-14 win against the Western Force in Perth last weekend and has been ruled out of this Fridays clash with the Hurricanes.

Leigh Halfpenny has warned his team-mates that opposing fullback Mike Brown can hurt Wales when they face England at Twickenham on Sunday.

England coach Stuart Lancaster has said anything less than winning the Six Nations would count as a failure for his side.   

Euan Murray has joined up with the Scotland squad ahead of Saturday's match against France after missing the opening three Six Nations fixtures with a bizarre injury.  

All Blacks captain Richie McCaw has had a screw succesfully inserted into his broken thumb and is expected to be back in action in two months time.

Reds head coach Richard Graham has named his team to face the Cheetahs this Friday, with five changes to the side that lost to the Waratahs.

The penultimate round of exciting Six Nations is on this week with the ultimate victors undecided. The toughest encounter is probably at Twickenham with France and Ireland looking on with interest.

The neck problem of Springbok prop Coenie Oosthuizen is one of four injury concerns for the battered and bruised Cheetahs.

NWU-Pukke handed defending champions UP-Tuks their first defeat of the 2014 Varsity Cup tournament on Monday to claim top spot on the standings.

In some places they are playing cricket, weather permitting, but already but other schools have decided that the end of February is near enough to autumn for rugby matches to take place - not just practices or trials, but matches.

We have various shades of blue in our famous weekly selection - the Waratahs, Bulls, Blues and Rebels all well represented.

The Bulls confirmed that former Southern Kings loose forward Wimpie van der Walt has signed a short-term contract

Round 16 of the Pro12concludes with a new leader at the top of the table.

rugby365 law guru Paul Dobson looks at what he feels must be the most bizarre incident since the use of the TMO was introduced.

England will take on Wales in a one-off sevens international staged immediately after Sunday's RBS 6 Nations contest between the countries.

Welsh side Ospreys have reatined the signiture of versatile front rower Dmitri Arhip on a  new two-year deal

Deon Stegmann has been declared fit and available for selection ahead of the Bulls' Super Rugby match against the Blues.

The Highlanders go into their first bye week on the back of the news that veteran lock Brad Thorn will be sidelined for at least another three weeks.

Wallaby flank David Pocock remains a doubtful starter ahead of the Brumbies' Round Four Super Rugby encounter with the Hurricanes.

The Lions had their first stumble, as the Bulls exposed certain flaws in their game plan at the weekend. Jan de Koning reports.

All Black captain Richie McCaw will undergo surgery to fix his fractured thumb, although it is not expected to sideline him for more than eight weeks.

In the Puk 16 Sports Series, Vryburg were much to strong in the rugby section for the boys from Hoërskool Wolmaransstad.

Simon Hickey is the latest star to emerge from New Zealand's flyhalf factory and he will be unleashed on the Bulls and Lions in the next fortnight.

A drop-goal in the dying seconds of the Basque derby saw Bayonne ease their relegation worries from the Top 14 and all but confirmed Biarritz will go down.

France head coach Philippe Saint-Andre insisted he had no regrets about suspending Louis Picamoles.

The Lions may have suffered a disappointing defeat at the weekend, but they are still top of the pile in one department.

Vereniki Goneva scored try in each half as Leicester Tigers stayed fourth in the Premiership.

The Lions were naive in their approach and did not adjust adequately to the conditions.

Bulls flyhalf Jacques-Louis Potgieter's performance made all the difference in their 25-17 victory over the Lions at Loftus Versfeld at the weekend.

Western Force coach Michael Foley was looking for a better "response" from his team, following their disappointing loss at the weekend.

There is little to choose between any of the teams in a mouth-watering set of fixtures in Round Five of the 2014 Varsity Cup.

The Brumbies were given a timely boost with the news that two stars, centre Pat McCabe and flank David Pocock, have been cleared of serious injury.

European champions Toulon moved to the summit of the French Top 14 table with a crushing nine-try victory over promoted Oyonnax on Saturday.

The Reds have earmarked their encounter with a misfiring Cheetahs team as the game in which to bounce back.

Flash is the new leader in the rugby365 SuperBru pool.

PRO12 leaders Munster lost for the first time in Wales this season as the Scarlets claimed a 18-13 win at Parc Y Scarlets.

After an even first-half Northampton Saints turned on the style and ran away from Gloucester to secure a comprehensive 39-13 victory.

Toulon's former England prop Andrew Sheridan has been ruled out for the rest of the season after undergoing an operation on his neck.  

The Bulls beat the Lions 25-17 at a wet Loftus Versfeld on Saturday to claim their first win of the season and hand the visitors their first defeat.

Wallabies Hugh McMeniman and Pat McCabe both suffered suspected neck injuries in the Brumbies' comfortable win over the Western Force in Perth on Saturday.

Waratahs coach Michael Cheika said that his team's win against the Reds in Sydney on Saturday was built on good execution of the basics.

The Brumbies cruised to a comfortable 27-14 victory over an underwhelming Western Force in their Australian derby in Perth on Saturday.  

The Stormers' Puma lock Manuel Carizza will not go on tour to Australasia after injuring his wrist in the narrow win over the Hurricanes at Newlands on Friday.

Although their performance against the Hurricanes was far from convincing, the Stormers are happy to take the win and run as they head on a tough tour.

The Waratahs scored four tries on their way to a convincing 32-5 victory over the Reds in a one-sided Australian derby in Sydney on Saturday.

Despite the heartbreaking nature of their loss to the Stormers at Newlands, the Hurricanes took heart from what was an encouraging performance.

The Chiefs were forced to come from behind to edge a willing Highlanders side 21-19 in a thrilling encounter in Hamilton on Saturday.  

Racing-Metro wing Marc Andreu has been called into the 30-man French squad for the Six Nations game against Scotland in Edinburgh on March 8.

Richie McCaw faces up to eight weeks on the sidelines after breaking his thumb in the Crusaders' defeat to the Blues at Eden Park on Friday.

David Strettle marked his 100th Saracens appearance in style as his side became the first to find a way past Bath at The Rec this season by 23-10.

Ulster boosted their chances of a top four Pro12 finish with a scintillating 38-8 victory over Newport Gwent Dragons at Ravenhill.

The Stormers stole a one-point (19-18) win against the Hurricanes in the Super Rugby showdown at Newlands on Friday.

Newcastle Falcons front row forward Rob Vickers has extended his contract at Kingston Park.

Blues coach John Kirwan feels his team could collect some valuable points on their two-match tour of South Africa.

Newport Gwent Dragons' head coach Darren Edwards has left the region with immediate effect.

Six Nations leaders Ireland expect playmaker Jonathan Sexton to be fit for their March 8 match at home to Italy.

The Crusaders will be sweating over the fitness of All Black captain Richie McCaw, who suffered a suspected fractured thumb.

The Rebels recorded their biggest win in Super Rugby when they scored a comprehensive 35-14 win over an out-of-sorts Cheetahs.

The Blues came back from 14 points down to smash the Crusaders 35-24 in their Super Rugby derby match at Eden Park, Auckland, on Friday.

Springbok Franco van der Merwe has seen it all in a first-class career spanning a decade. He spoke to Jan de Koning about the Lions.

It is truly derby day - with all four of Saturday's games between teams in the same conference. Jan de Koning reports.

Ireland flyhalf Jonathan Sexton could be sidelined for the remainder of the Six Nations tournament due to a thumb injury.

France scrumhalf Morgan Parra will miss next weekend’s Six Nations clash with Scotland after receiving a two-week suspension.

Following a narrow victory over Edinburgh, Scarlets captain Rob McCusker says they’re ready to put in a big performance against league leaders Munster this weekend.

Super Rugby takes centre stage this weekend as the Six Nations takes a one-week break. Catch all the action LIVE right here.

Several Highlanders players are in hot water after late night celebrations resulted in a complaint of abusive behaviour from a Dunedin taxi driver in the early hours of Sunday morning.

Glasgow Warriors have pulled off a coup by landing United States Sevens sensation Carlin Isles until at least May 2015, subject to a visa and medical.

Cheetahs coach Naka Drotské spoke to Jan de Koning about a 'quantum leap' in the team's tactics that could reap rich Super Rugby rewards.

Samoan speedster Sailosi Tagicakibau has linked up with the Stormers squad ahead of their four-game Super Rugby tour of Australasia.

A Six Nations ad that was originally banned for being anti-English has gone viral.

Robbie Coleman will make his first appearance in 2014 when the Brumbies travel to Perth to take on the Western Force on Saturday.

Log-leaders Northampton Saints will be out for revenge when they host Gloucester at Franklins Gardens on Saturday.

Round 16 of the Pro12 is the last of a run of four straight rounds that could help define the teams' seasons before international rugby takes centre stage once more.

Lock Hugh McMeniman and flank Chris Alcock have returned to the starting XV for the Western Force's Super Rugby clash against the Brumbies.

Jean de Villiers and Conrad Smith will line up opposite one another at Newlands on Friday with more than just their personal battle on their minds.  

Lions coach Johan Ackermann was forced to change his team for their trans-Jukskei Super Rugby derby with the Bulls in Pretoria on Saturday.

One is a New Zealand super star, the other a South African that stars on the Super Rugby stage.

The Chiefs have made six changes to their starting line-up, including five in the forward pack, to play the Highlanders in Hamilton on Saturday.

Michael Hooper will captain the Waratahs for the first time against the Reds on Saturday, after the late withdrawal of Dave Dennis.

The Blues and New Zealand Rugby Union have re-signed head coach John Kirwan and his assistant Grant Doorey for the 2015 Super Rugby season.

Highlanders’ head coach Jamie Joseph has handed Winston Stanley his debut as one of three changes to his starting team to play the Chiefs. 

The Rebels will become the last team to enter the 2014 Super Rugby race, when they host the Cheetahs in Week Three.

Reds head coach Richard Graham has been forced to make a change to his team to face the Waratahs, with Mike Harris ruled out due to an ankle injury.

Rebels coach Tony McGahan named rookie Sean McMahon at blindside flank as one eight new faces in the side to tackle the Cheetahs.

The Blue Bulls Rugby Union and their Schools Rugby Association, in co-operation with sports promoter Willem Strauss on Wednesday announced an innovative and exciting new rugby competition that will combine clubs and schools.

All Black Jerome Kaino wasted no time getting stuck in with the Blues, heading straight from the airport to the training field.

Clive Woodward believes England can not only win the World Cup, but also achieve a No.1 ranking.

Lions coach Johan Ackermann has cautioned against too high expectations from his team, despite their unbeaten start to the season.

Glenwood beat DHS 10-3 in the Final of the Aandreeks organised by Port Natal. In the 2nd XVs Final Glenwood drew with brave Port Natal 5-all.

The Brumbies will hope to have fixed the 'fundamentals' in their game when they head to Perth to take on the Western Force.

For those new to Super Rugby, here's the preview for the Waratahs.

Former England centre Jeremy Guscott has hit out at the current France team, saying watching them is "like watching clowns at the circus".

Rebels journeyman Tamati Ellison hopes the Cheetahs bring their 'A-game' when the two sides meet in a Super Rugby encounter on Friday.

Victor Matfield and Jacques-Louis Potgieter are among the big bolters in the Bulls team to face the Lions in a Super Rugby showdown.

Lyndon Bray, SANZAR's Game Manager, wants referees to get tougher on scrumhalves not feeding the ball properly and forcing hookers to hook.

Hurricanes prop Ben Franks will earn his 100th Super Rugby cap against the Stormers at Newland on Friday.

The Cheetahs are not exactly 'Tommy Tourists', but they have found that extra free time is a helpful tool in getting a winning recipe.

Simon Hickey will make his Super Rugby debut when he starts at flyhalf for the Blues against the Crusaders at Eden Park on Friday.  

Colin Slade will start at fullback ahead of Israel Dagg in one of four changes to the Crusaders team to face the Blues at Eden Park on Friday.

During the week last week, Sarel Cilliers of Glencoe beat Estcourt 53-0. On Saturday they beat Welkom High School 66-3.

Having had his first taste of Test rugby in Ireland’s 10-13 Six Nations loss to England at Twickenham last Saturday, Leinster flank Jordi Murphy is hungry for more.

England scrumhalf Danny Care believes he's in the best form of his career and feels the “pain and hurt” of last season’s defeat in Cardiff can drive them to the Triple Crown.

The postponed Pro12 match between Newport Gwent Dragons and Edinburgh at Rodney Parade has been rearranged for Thursday, April 3.

The Barbarians will kick start the November internationals with an eagerly anticipated opening match against Australia at Twickenham on November 1.

The Community Cup will break new ground at the end of the season with a series of World Cup-style regional qualifying matches.

Following their horror start to the season at Ellis Park last week, Stormers captain Jean de Villiers is expecting a major response from his side.

OPINION: Jan de Koning delves into the problems that have bedevilled the Bulls this season - resulting in back-to-back defeats.

Jaco Taute has been named at fullback for the Stormers' first home game of the Super Rugby season against the Hurricanes on Friday.

Crusaders coach Todd Blackadder will have a selection headache to deal with while choosing his side to play the Blues on Friday.

Reds flank Liam Gill said his side is not worried by the Israel Folau factor, and hopes both teams bring an attacking game plan when they meet the Waratahs on Saturday.

Springbok Elton Jantjies will have to wait a while longer before he will make his comeback to Super Rugby.

Cheetahs coach Naka Drotske has gone for consistency and selected an unchanged 23-man matchday squad for the Super Rugby clash with the Rebels.

Richard Buckman has received a full Super Rugby contract with the Highlanders, following his impressive debut against the Blues.

Michael O’Connor has resigned from his position as Australian Rugby Sevens head coach citing family considerations.

Australian John O'Neill has quit as director of the 2015 Rugby World Cup citing personal reasons, the International Rugby Board (IRB) said on Tuesday.

Waratahs coach Michael Cheika has made just one change to his side to face the Reds with Springbok Jacques Potgieter replacing Will Skelton at lock.

The Stormers will look to draw on the inspiration of the Proteas' spectacular comeback against Australia.

Georgia and Romania are now both qualified for the 2015 Rugby World Cup. Their final pools are yet to be  decided.

Twice over the weekend there were incidents which looked similar but had different outcomes. Law guru Paul Dobson looks at them.

Billy Vunipola will take no further part in the Six Nations due to a sprain to his right ankle.

UP-Tuks and NWU-Pukke put some daylight between themselves and the chasing pack with good away wins in Round Four of the 2014 Varsity Cup.

Scrumhalf Morgan Parra faces an anxious wait after being recalled to the French Six Nations squad for their match with Scotland on March 8.

Long-serving Edinburgh duo Ben Cairns and Steven Lawrie have been forced to retire from rugby due to long-term knee injuries.

There is a Test rest this weekend but lots of other rugby. As there are no Test matches, a lot of the top referees are involved in club matches.

The Highlanders will be without their most experienced forward in Brad Thorn, who will miss three to four weeks with a rib injury.

Brian O'Driscoll and Peter O'Mahony are Ireland’s only injury concerns ahead of next weekend’s Six Nations clash with Italy in Dublin.

The Brumbies will look to bounce straight back, after last year's beaten finalists suffered a loss in the opening round of their 2014 campaign.

The Stormers remain hopeful that veteran Springbok Schalk Burger will feature in the Super Rugby showdown with the Hurricanes at Newlands on Friday.

There is an interesting collection of players in our famous weekly selection - spread across nine of the 14 teams that featured.

Wales' impressive win against France on Friday saw them claim the most places in our Six Nations Team of the Week after Round Three.

The Hurricanes admitted they will have to work on their scrumming, ahead of their trip to Newlands and an encounter with the Stormers on Friday.

The Bulls will again be without regular captain Pierre Spies for a large part of the Super Rugby season.

Blues coach John Kirwan will have to dig deep into his midfield reserves ahead of their Round Three Super Rugby encounter with the Crusaders.

Staal Burger claimed the yellow cap to storm to the top of our Superbru pool this week.

There was a mixed bag on the selection front for the Crusaders on Monday - Kieran Read set to return, but Richie McCaw likely to be ruled out.

The Stormers are sweating over the fitness of three players, including veteran Springbok Schalk Burger.

England will be sweating over the fitness of star loose forward Billy Vunipola ahead of the decisive Round Four Six Nations encounter with Wales.

Just two log points separate the top four teams in the Varsity Cup ahead of Round Four on Monday.

James Downey helped himself to his first Munster try as the 2011 champions returned to the top of the PRO12 with a 25-11 victory over Ospreys at the Liberty Stadium.

Saracens kept up the pressure on Northampton Saints at the top of the Premiership table as they downed struggling Exeter Chiefs 23-10.

Danny Care admits England must make further improvements with Wales due next at Twickenham, following victory over Ireland.

Scotland hero Duncan Weir said he had no doubts about the last-minute drop-goal that secured victory over Italy in Rome.  

Top 14 play-off contenders Grenoble signed South African scrumhalf Charl McLeod on Sunday on a two year contract from the Sharks.

Sharks boss Jake White was encouraged by the adaptability his side have shown in overcoming two very different opponents.

The Lions are hoping that flyhalf Marnitz Boshoff's deadly drop-goals will give them a chance to run the ball more in the coming weeks.

Stormers captain Jean de Villiers said that the players should take full responsibility for their heavy defeat to the Lions at Ellis Park.

Chiefs coach Dave Rennie heads the chorus of disapproval in the wake of the revelation that Super Rugby is set to expand in 2016.

Stunned Italian coach Jacques Brunel is hoping for a reaction from the Azzurri after Scotland snatched a 21-20 victory in Rome.

The first full round of Super Rugby separated hype from reality for some purported title contenders.

Israel Folau scored a hat-trick as the Waratahs got their Super Rugby campaign off to a winning start.

Fullback Jordan Williams enhanced his burgeoning reputation as his two tries saw the Scarlets roar back to secure a 25-21 victory over Edinburgh in the Pro12.

Bath extended their record Premiership unbeaten run at the Rec to 12 games in a seven-try thriller with London Wasps.

The Lions continued their amazing comeback to Super Rugby with a second successive win, beating the Stormers 34-10 at Ellis Park on Saturday.

Danny Care's breakaway try saw England clinch a nail-biting 13-10 victory over Ireland at Twickenham on Saturday.

The Sharks scored their second win of the Super Rugby season when they beat the Hurricanes 27-9 in Durban on Saturday.

A last-minute drop-goal from flyhalf Duncan Weir gave Scotland a dramatic 21-20 victory over Italy in Rome on Saturday.

Furious France coach Philippe Saint-Andre on Saturday said there will be changes to his team, following their 6-27 defeat to Wales.

Composure and great defence is what helped the Reds open their 2014 Super Rugby campaign on a winning note.

The Bulls will have to go back to the drawing board before they take on the Lions at Loftus Versfeld in Pretoria next Saturday.

The Cheetahs will take some much needed momentum into a difficult Australasian Super Rugby tour.

South African Rory Kockott has committed his future to Castres, with the French champions announcing that he had signed a new three-year deal.

The Reds got their Super Rugby campaign off to a winning start with a 27-17 win over the Brumbies at the Canberra Stadium on Saturday.

The Highlanders held off a strong second-half charge by the Blues to secure a bonus-point (29-21) win in their Super Rugby encounter.

The defending champion Chiefs are counting the cost of their 18-10 win over the Crusaders in their Super Rugby showdown.

Warren Gatland got exactly the reaction he wanted from his Welsh side, as they thrust themselves back into the Six Nations title race.

Wales got back to winning ways in the Six Nations with a comfortable 27-6 victory over France at the Millenium Stadium in Cardiff.

The Cheetahs beat the Bulls for the first time in Super Rugby history, a 15-9 win in a dire game in Bloemfontein on Friday.

There is in 2014 a healthy list of over 50 FNB Classic Clashes, all of them intensely interesting.

Australian back row forward George Smith has signed a two-year deal with rising French second division side Lyon.

Jake White gave his Sharks just an 'average' mark and admitted there will be enormous pressure on them, given the star-studded nature of the side.

The Lions will need to remain vigilant and adapt to any refereeing idiosyncrasies if they are to repeat their first round Super Rugby win.

Seabelo Senatla has been declared fit and has resumed training with South Africa's national Sevens team.

For those new to Super Rugby, here's the 2014 preview for the Force.

The Chiefs started the defence of their Super Rugby title with a scratchy 18-10 win over the Crusaders in Christchurch on Friday.

Jack Conan marked his Leinster debut with a try-scoring man of the match performance as the reigning Pro12 champions saw off Cardiff Blues 34-22.

Italy coach Jacques Brunel has warned against a possible backlash from Scotland when his side host the Six Nations strugglers at Rome's Olympic Stadium on Saturday.

The failure to execute, rather that the game plan itself, is what is causing the biggest headache for Bulls coach Frans Ludeke.

France are strutting cockahoop while Wales wallow. After all France have won both of their Six Nations matches, while Wales were thrashed last time out.

South Africa step to the fore in the second half of Super Rugby's Week Two - even in the game not involving SA teams.

The International Rugby Board has changed the laws governing the setting of a scrum. SA Referees has already sent out a summary of the changes but does so again as there appears some confusion.

Sarel Cilliers, a high school in Glencoe, Northern KwaZulu Natal, is holding its 49th Rugby Day at the school on Saturday.

Twickenham hosts a Test with serious Six Nations title implications as England and Ireland look to edge closer to the coveted silverware on Saturday.

Captain Sergio Parisse is hoping the Stadio Olimpico can play its part in getting Italy back to winning ways against Scotland in the Six Nations on Saturday.

All Black Carlos Spencer has been tasked to guide the Eastern Province Kings in their return to the Currie Cup competition.

Alby Mathewson will play his 100th Super Rugby match when the Western Force line up for their opening match of the season against the Waratahs.

Four players are set to make their first starts for the Hurricanes, against the Sharks in Durban this weekend.

The two Premiership pacesetters hit the road in Round 15 for what will be tricky assignments this weekend.

Ireland named an unchanged side for the Six Nations crunch encounter against England at Twickenham on Saturday.

The Super Rugby season is in full swing and the Six Nations returns after a one-week break. Catch the action LIVE right here.

Reds coach Richard Graham said he expects his team to be 'squeezed' when they take on the Brumbies in their Super Rugby season opener.

Jarrad Butler will start at No.8 on his Brumbies debut - taking on his former teammates, the Reds, in their Super Rugby season opener this Saturday.

Key moments from previous Wales v France clashes in the last six years.

England have made two changes to their squad for Saturday's Six Nations match against Ireland at Twickenham Stadium.

High-profile Rugby League recruit Benji Marshall will make his Super Rugby debut off the bench, when the Blues face the Highlanders.

Lions head coach Johan Ackermann made two changes to his 23-man team to front up the Stormers in a Super Rugby Round Two match.

The Cheetahs will have to match the Bulls physically and take their chances if they want to get their first Super Rugby win of the year.

The Community Cup will begin on 8 March with eight pool matches taking place across the length and breadth of the country.

Allister Coetzee is excited about Stormers youngster Ryno Eksteen who could make his Super Rugby debut off the bench against the Lions on Saturday.

Super Rugby will be expanded to at least 17 teams, probably 18, in 2016 - with Argentina getting one of the additional slots.

Highlanders coach Jamie Joseph named six players to make their debut in the team's first Super Rugby match of the season.

Sharks Director of Rugby Jake White subscribes to the adage that you don't change a winning formula.

Cardiff Blues open the round on Thursday with their game against current champions Leinster at the Arms Park.

Hold onto your seats, Super Rugby is about to go into overdrive. Following last week's all-SA opening, this week produces the first full round of action.

Anthony Foley will be promoted from forwards coach to the role of head coach at Munster - from July 1.

Now in its seventh year, the 2014 Kearsney Easter Rugby Festival is certain to attract capacity crowds following the announcement that the event has again attracted many of SA’s top rugby-playing schools.

Springbok and Bulls scrumhalf Francois Hougaard spoke to Jan de Koning about his form, his injury and the long road back.

St John's College is again holding its popular Easter Festival at its Johannesburg home.

Bulls captain Pierre Spies has been ruled out of their clash with the Cheetahs in Bloemfontein on Friday with an elbow injury.  

Although he has confidence in the young Stormers backline, captain Jean de Villiers knows that he will have to provide vital guidance against the Lions.  

We are approaching the first full round of Super Rugby action - here's a glimpse of what to expect!

The Stormers' Springbok fullback Gio Aplon may be on the wishlist of French Top 14 outfit Grenoble, but his move abroad is not a done deal.

Philippe Saint-Andre has made one change to France's starting XV for Friday's Six Nations clash with Wales.

Wales made three changes to their side to face France in their crucial Six Nations showdown at the Millennium Stadium on Friday.

Springbok skipper Jean de Villiers will lead a very strong Stormers team to take on the Lions in a Super Rugby Round Two encounter.

Scotland coach Scott Johnson insisted the barrage of criticism that has come his way in recent weeks would have no effect on him.

The Blues may have had a horror run in their Super Rugby pre-season build-up, but coach John Kirwan is nowhere near ready to hit the panic button.

All Black veteran Mils Muliaina will play at fullback for the Chiefs against the Crusaders on Friday in what will be his first match in New Zealand since 2011.

For those new to Super Rugby, here's the 2014 preview for last year's entertainers, the Blues out of Auckland, New Zealand.

Coach Todd Blackadder has named four Crusader debutants in the match-day squad to face the Chiefs in their Super Rugby opener in Christchurch on Friday.

A year away from Super Rugby has made the Lions a hungry and dangerous team capable of knocking over almost any side.

Bath flyhalf George Ford is in line to make his England debut in Saturday's Six Nations clash against Ireland at Twickenham.

Worcester Warriors have announced that Sam Smith will join the club when his contract with Harlequins comes to an end in June

Newport Gwent Dragons prop Francisco Chaparro has been banned for 10 weeks for a tip tackle on Leinster scrumhalf Isaac Boss.

Scotland scrumhalf Chris Cusiter will join Sale Sharks next season after five years at Worcester Warriors.

Rotherham Titans player William Robinson has been suspended for two years by the Rugby Football Union for an anti-doping violation.

The Scarlets have tied down one of Welsh rugby’s top players, with flyhalf Rhys Priestland extending his contract with his West Wales region.

Friday, 21 February is the final day of the 2014 Aandreeks which Port Natal have been hosting. It will end with a final between two traditional rivals - Glenwood High School and Durban High School.

The Sharks made a "great deal" to secure the services England international and current Saracens prop Matt Stevens.

The Bulls will not deviate from their style of play despite growing criticism about their kicking game, following their defeat to the Sharks in Durban.

To bye or not to bye? That is the question! Jan de Koning chatted, exclusively, to SANZAR boss Greg Peters about the vexed issue of byes.

Cheetahs coach Naka Drotske has not made any changes to his starting line-up for the Super Rugby clash with the Bulls in Bloemfontein on Friday.

Scotland have made three changes to their forward pack for Saturday's Six Nations match against Italy in Rome.  

Sharks flyhalf Pat Lambie believes that his team can play a lot better than they showed in their opening Super Rugby game against the Bulls.

There is no doubting Marnitz Boshoff's ambitions, with the talented Lions utility back finally being rewarded for his pertinaciousness.

Bulls lock Grant Hattingh will make his first appearance for his team this season against the Cheetahs in Bloemfontein on Friday.  

SARU have announced a group of 76 players along with a comprehensive preparation plan for the IRB Junior World Championship tournament to be hosted in Auckland in June.

Brumbies flyhalf Matt Toomua is looking forward to testing himself against Quade Cooper, now that the Reds playmaker has been passed fit. 

South African-born England prop Matt Stevens is reportedly set to leave Saracens at the end of the season and join the Sharks in Durban.

Cobus Reinach's try at Kings Park was a situation when for many people the decision was right or wrong depending on the team they were supporting.

Scottish Rugby chief executive Mark Dodson is sticking by his target of World Cup glory next year despite the side's awful start to this season's Six Nations.

Any doubts Rugby League star Sam Burgess had about the scale of the task confronting him in his bid to make it into England's 2015 World Cup squad have been put to rest.

Bernard Foley has won the initial battle for the Waratahs flyhalf berth while Kurtley Beale will start at inside centre against the Force.

Stormers coach Allister Coetzee played down suggestions that fullback Jaco Taute could be set for a lengthy stay on the sidelines.

Defending champions UP-Tuks were the only side left unbeaten after the third round of the 2014 Varsity Cup on Monday.

Ulster have signed 26-year-old loosehead prop Ruaidhri Murphy from the Brumbies on a two-year contract.

The year is rushing away and the big rugby weekend this weekend will make it speed even more. Six Nations is back and a there is a full round of Super Rugby. Referees are busy.

Alan Solomons has lured former IRB Junior World Championship-winning Baby Bok prop Allan Dell to Edinburgh.

Tag Rugby is the early leader in our SuperBru pool after the opening round of the Super Rugby season.

Edinburgh back Jack Cuthbert has been called up to the Scotland squad preparing for Saturday's match against Italy in the Six Nations.

A Sharks supporter died at Kings Park prior to the start of the Sharks’ Super Rugby opener against the Bulls on Saturday.

A number of players who featured in the Pro12 matches at the weekend have been added to a 33-man Ireland squad.

It was to be expected, given their impressive start to the season, but the Sharks dominate our famous weekly selection.

Rondebosch Boys' High, one of South Africa's great rugby schools, has made known its fixtures, starting in March and ending in August. They dod not have easy fixtures.

The Lions paid a dear price for their 21-20 victory over the Cheetahs in their Super Rugby return at the weekend.

Jason Jaftha, one of SANZAR's panel of Super Rugby referees, has suffered what seems to be a serious knee injury.

After Friday's matches in Port Natal's Aandreeks, the finalists are decided. The old foes will battle for the final - DHS and Glenwood.

The Stormers have signed another Southern Kings player on a loan deal for the Super Rugby season.

Wallabies flyhalf Quade Cooper is set to start in the Reds' Super Rugby opener against the Brumbies this weekend despite pain in his neck.

The Australians, never shy to heap praise on their Rugby League recruits, are just as quick to knock code-hoppers when they are desert the land Down Under.

England were dealt a big blow with the news that seasoned prop Dan Cole has been ruled out the rest of the Six Nations tournament.

For those new to Super Rugby, here's the 2014 preview for the Rebels out of Melbourne, Australia.

Ospreys flew back into the PRO12 top four in style, running in eleven tries and sending Treviso back to Italy licking their wounds.

Toby Flood's late penalty got Leicester Tigers out of jail and denied Gloucester what would have been a hard-fought share of the spoils at Welford Road.  

Loose forward Wenceslas Lauret was called up to France's squad for the Six Nations game with Wales after prop Luc Ducalcon was ruled out.

Springbok fullback Jaco Taute has been ruled out of the Stormers fixture against the Lions in Johannesburg next week.

Three teams remain unbeaten in the Varsity Cup, and they will all be on home turf in Round Three on Monday.

Bulls coach Frans Ludeke said that his team lost against themselves in their Super Rugby opener at Kings Park on Saturday.

Although satisfied with their bonus-point win over the Bulls, Sharks boss Jake White believes his side can play even better.

Cheetahs coach Naka Drotske labelled his team's 21-20 capitulation at home to the Lions as one of their worst-ever performances.

Lions coach Johan Ackermann knows that his young team's victory over the Cheetahs was worth more than just the four log points.

Rory Kockott says he has changed his mind over a move to Toulon and wishes to remain at French champions Castres.  

The return of Wales captain Sam Warburton couldn’t save Cardiff Blues as a late flurry saw Glasgow Warriors snatch a 27-20 away win on Saturday.

The Sharks started their Super Rugby campaign under Jake White with a perfect full-house - a bonus-point 31-16 win over the Bulls on Saturday.

Gerrit-Jan van Velze crossed for two tries as Northampton Saints defeated Worcester Warriors 30-14 to reclaim top spot in the Premiership.

The Boland Cavaliers gave the Stormers plenty to ponder as they beat them 29-24 in a pre-season friendly in Wellington on Saturday.

The Lions marked their return to Super Rugby with a 21-20 upset win over the Cheetahs in Bloemfontein on Saturday.

France hooker Benjamin Kayser has been ruled out of the remainder of the Six Nations, after suffering a serious knee injury.

Fears that All Black captain Richie McCaw could be underdone at the start of the Crusaders' Super Rugby campaign were well and truly dispelled.

Cheetahs coach Naka Drotské has given his Springbok fullback Willie le Roux free rein in this year's Super Rugby competition.

Grenoble claimed another prized Top 14 scalp on Friday when they beat leaders Clermont 16-13 to move up to fourth in the table.

For those new to Super Rugby, here is the 2014 preview for the Stormers out of Capetown, South Africa.

Initial scans revealed no fractures, but the full results will reveal the immediate future of Wallaby flyhalf Quade Cooper.

Johnny Lourens, forever a hero when the Currie Cup's past is mentioned, died on the night of 12 February 2014. He was 89.

Saracens overturned a 3-10 half-time deficit to beat Sale Sharks 15-10 in a tense encounter at AJ Bell Stadium on Friday.

The Waratahs will enter the Super Rugby season high on confidence following their impressive 19-16 win over the Highlanders on Friday.

Wasps and Scotland fullback Hugo Southwell has been forced to retire through injury.

Defending Pro12 champions Leinster came away with maximum points as they defeated Newport Gwent Dragons 31-19 in Dublin on Friday.

George North believes top sides are judged on their reaction to defeat and is confident Wales can get their Six Nations campaign back on track against France on Friday.

As the Scarlets prepare to take on Ulster on Friday in the Pro12, experienced prop Phil John says that a brood of young players is keeping him evergreen.

Reds scrumhalf Will Genia insists they will take positives out of the shock 13-18 pre-season loss to the Melbourne Rebels at Ballymore on Friday.

Wales captain Sam Warburton says they are desperate to put right the disappointment of the defeat against Ireland when they take on France next Friday.

The return of Wallaby forward Hugh McMeniman in the curtain raiser and another impressive pre-season win were the positives for the Western Force.

The Reds were dealt a double blow ahead of the start of the Super Rugby season, with Wallaby vice-captain Quade Cooper the biggest concern.

The Waratahs edged a willing Highlanders team 19-16 in a torrid Super Rugby pre-season match in Newcastle on Friday.

The two-time defending champion Chiefs put down a big marker ahead of the 2014 Super Rugby season when they demolished the Blues.

Lions coach Johan Ackermann believes there is no need for his rookie front row to be overawed by the prospect of facing a Springbok-laden scrum.

European champions Toulon will seek on Saturday to get a measure of revenge over Castres.

Cory Jane and Israel Dagg have re-signed with New Zealand Rugby until 2017 - the same year the British and Irish Lions will tour New Zealand.

Dumped Australia cricket coach Mickey Arthur landed a new job on Friday, as head of Western Force Super Rugby team's development programme.

Right wing Johnny McNicholl ran in a hat-trick of tries as the Crusaders beat the Hurricanes 40-15 in a Super Rugby pre-season match in Levin on Friday.  

Super Rugby is back and so are the Lions. That is the headline news of a round that features two all-South African derbies.

Welsh international centre, Ashley Beck, has signed a new two-year contract with Ospreys.

Scotland flank Chris Fusaro has signed a new two-year deal with Glasgow Warriors, which means he'll be staying at Scotstoun until at least May 2016.

London Irish have announced the signing of Harlequins back row forward Tom Guest on a two-year deal.

The All Blacks were named Team of the Year at New Zealand’s sports awards ceremony, the Halberg Awards, at Auckland’s Vector Arena on Thursday.

Wales' outing against France in Cardiff next Friday is a must win game if the champions are to retain the title, according to assistant coach Shaun Edwards.

Prospects for the future of a senior European club competition improved slightly, as England great Jonny Wilkinson warned it would be a "sad day" if it ceased to exist.

England coach Stuart Lancaster is now eagerly looking forward to his side's opening Test against the All Blacks in June.

After yet another fixture fell foul of the weather last weekend, players and spectators alike must be hoping that Round 14 of the Pro12 fares better.

rugby365 and Vodacom SupeRugby combine to give our readers a chance to watch the Sharks versus Bulls in the opening round of the season for free!

The Super Rugby season kicks off with two South African derbies in Bloemfontein and Durban on Saturday. Catch the action LIVE right here.

The decision to entrench the Eastern Province Kings in the Currie Cup for the next two years will aid "development" in the region.

The Currie Cup will feature an eight-team Premier Division and a new qualification round.

Winless Worcestor Warriors have their work cut out for them when they travel to face log-leaders Northampton Saints at Franklin's Gardens this weekend.

Springbok Ryan Kankowski returns to the Sharks team for their opening match of the Super Rugby season, against the Bulls in Durban on Saturday.

The IRB accepts that alcohol-related behaviour is a serious issue at the Wellington Sevens tournament after a number of incidents this year.

Is there an imposter here or did somebody swap sides?

Lions coach Johan Ackermann named six rookies in his team to mark their return to Super Rugby.

SANZAR has decided to do away with the hugely unpopular system whereby teams get awarded 'bonus' point when they have a bye in Super Rugby.

The Super Rugby season begin with two SA derbies when the frequency of local derbies and format of the competition are being questioned.

The Bulls' scrum has been branded a potential 'weakness' in the team's armoury, but coach Frans Ludeke is not having any nightmares.

Victor Vito has become the latest Hurricanes player to be ruled out their tough South African tour after rupturing his posterior cruciate ligament in training on Wednesday.

SANZAR has drawn up profiles of the referees chosen to referee Super Rugby in 2014, a comparatively inexperienced squad of men.

Cardiff Blues have announced that captain Matthew Rees has been given the all clear from testicular cancer and will return to full-time training.

England and London Welsh hooker, Andy Titterrell, has announced his retirement with immediate effect.

Jonny Wilkinson said Wednesday his unofficial role as a 'mentor' to some of Toulon's rising stars could help prolong his own playing career.

Toulon coach Bernard Laporte was on Wednesday banned for 13 weeks for a vicious verbal tirade against a referee.

Italy prop Michele Rizzo and France front row forward Rabah Slimani have both been banned for two weeks for foul play.

Springbok captain Jean de Villiers on Wednesday became only the sixth player to be named South African Rugby Player of the Year for a second time.

Rebels coach Tony McGahan is wary that the franchise will likely lose a portion of their home supporters if they are unable to produce the goods this season.

SANZAR has announced the match officials for the first four rounds of Super Rugby.

The Cheetahs, like they did last year, will head to Australasia very early in their 2014 campaign. That is why it is vital that they get off to a winning start.

Wales centre Scott Williams is set to miss the rest of the Six Nations Championship because of a shoulder injury.

Boasting 44 teams, the 2014 Tony Stoops Rugby Festival, to be held at Tygerberg from Saturday 29 March to Wednesday 2 April, will be the biggest and quite probably the best so far.

The Wolramme of Marlow will be taking to the road again as they travel far and wide from Cradock to enjoy rugby of their standard, and their standard is high.

For those new to Super Rugby, here's the 2014 preview for the Sharks out of Durban, South Africa.

Sharks Director of Rugby Jake White has again moved to play down expectations ahead of his team's first Super Rugby match.

Dale College have produced an excellent summary of the history of their matches against their 2014 opponents.

The Hurricanes have lost a second player ahead of their Super Rugby campaign, which starts with a testing two-match tour of South Africa.

Benji Marshall will continue in the No.10 jersey for the Blues, when they face the Chiefs in their final pre-season hit-out in Rotorua on Friday.

The two-time defending Super Rugby champion Chiefs named their new board to take over the governance of the franchise.

After Pinetown's good win over George Campbell, their heavy defeat at the hands of DHS must have been a big disappointment while George Campbell made Glenwood battle

Victor Matfield will make his return to Super Rugby off the Bulls bench against the Sharks in Durban on Saturday.

Western Force forward Hugh McMeniman is set to return from a shoulder injury on Friday in the franchise's final Super Rugby pre-season match.

Reds coach Richard Graham made four changes to his side to take on the Melbourne Rebels in a pre-season match at Ballymore Stadium on Friday.

Round Four of the Port Natal Aandreeks was played at the school on Friday evening.

All Black captain Richie McCaw will return this week, but will be playing off the bench for the Crusaders.

The Lions will make their return to Super Rugby without one of their most influential players, flyhalf Elton Jantjies.

Italy coach Jacques Brunel was as good as his word on Tuesday, naming the same squad for the forthcoming Six Nations games with Scotland and Ireland.

Scotland great Finlay Calder said on Tuesday he had "no faith" in the coaching regime of Scott Johnson following the team's woeful start to the Six Nations.

Samoa international Ofisa Treviranus and Academy star Gerard Ellis have extended their contracts with London Irish.

Edinburgh have announced the signing of Melrose and Scotland Under-20 wing Damien Hoyland on a two-year deal.

The Premiership's latest Rugby League convert Lee Smith is excited at the prospect of honing his skills on the big stage for new club Newcastle Falcons.

England have released 18 players back to their clubs ahead of Round 14 of the Premiership this weekend.

British and Irish Lions captain Sam Warburton is one of 10 players who will be released from the Welsh squad for club duty this weekend.

We're throwning down the gauntlet with the launch of the Super Rugby rugby365 Superbru pool.

Lions coach Johann Ackermann has gone for a blend of both youth and experience in naming his final Super Rugby squad for the 2014 season.  

For those new to Super Rugby, here is our 2014 preview for the 2011 champions the Queensland Reds.

There is an air of excitement in Pretoria about the return of World Cup-winning Springbok lock Victor Matfield.

Former Southern Kings scrumhalf Shaun Venter will start ahead of Cheetahs stalwart Sarel Pretorius in the opening Super Rugby match against the Lions in Bloemfontein.

Sharks boss Jake White has named a star-studded Super Rugby squad, but warned that reputations will mean little when action gets underway against the Bulls this weekend.

After spending a year in the Super Rugby wilderness, the Lions may find it difficult adjusting when they make their re-entry this weekend.

Grand Slam contenders France and Ireland will square off on March 15 but face their biggest hurdle in the next round of Six Nations games.  

Stormers coach Allister Coetzee is using his side's final Super Rugby warm-up game to give some promising youngsters a chance to impress.

Big Brumbies loose forward Fotu Auelua has been ruled out for 10-12 weeks with a knee injury that will see him miss eight Super Rugby matches.

Springbok flank Jacques Potgieter is determined to add a hard edge to the Waratahs forward pack, warning his rivals to 'go play tennis' if they can't handle it.  

Super Rugby starts this week. Only other South African conference is in action but already excitement is growing. Crag Joubert will be back from Six Nations duty to blow the whistle to start the tournament.

Ben Smith returns to the Highlanders' starting line-up as captain, in a team named by head coach Jamie Joseph to face the Waratahs in a pre-season match in Newcastle on Friday. 

Hopes in Durban are high that the Sharks will finally be able to realise their potential and go on to take their first Super Rugby title this year.

The Cheetahs will welcome back star Springbok Willie le Roux when they take on the Lions in the opening round of the Super Rugby competition.

Pace-setters NWU-Pukke were the only home side to secure victory in an exciting second round of action in the Varsity Cup action on Monday night.  

Ulster have announced that Ravenhill Stadium will be officially opened on Friday, May 2 ahead of the Pro12 game against Leinster.

Newcastle Falcons have signed former Leeds Rhinos and Wakefield Trinity Wildcats wing Lee Smith with immediate effect.

Ireland have climbed one place in the latest IRB World Rankings after their home victory over Wales in the Six Nations on Saturday.

The disciplinary hearings for Italy prop Michele Rizzo and France front row forward Rabah Slimani will be held in London on Wednesday.

The Lions medical staff have confirmed that Springbok flyhalf Elton Jantjies will miss Saturday’s game against the Cheetahs in Bloemfontein.

Jake White's masterplan with the No.10/No.12 axis is well documented, but it is at outside centre where he could pull a rabbit out the hat.