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Ireland's trip to face England at Twickenham in a fortnight is looming large as a potential Six Nations tournament decider.

For those new to Super Rugby, here's our 2014 preview for the defending Champions, the Chiefs.

We bring you highlights of Day Two at the Wellington Sevens!

Simon Zebo marked his Munster return with a try as the PRO12 leaders produced a scintillating second-half display to down Cardiff Blues 54-13.

London Irish became first side to beat Saracens at Allianz Park in a regular season Premiership game as they humbled the league leaders.

England scored a try in each half to secure a comprehensive 20-0 win over Scotland in terrible conditions at Murrayfield on Saturday.

France scrumhalf Morgan Parra scored all of Clermont's points in a 25-13 win over Stade Francais on Saturday to leapfrog the losers into top place in the Top 14.  

Ireland beat defending Six Nations champions Wales 26-3 in a clinical display in Dublin on Saturday.

Both Italy and France will be chasing their own doubles in their Six Nations clash in Paris on Sunday.

France captain Pascal Pape has warned that victory should not be taken for granted agaisnt Italy in their Six Nations match on Sunday.

Tommy Seymour said he was determined to repay the faith of Scotland coach Scott Johnson after being called into the starting side for the clash with England at Murrayfield.

The Reds recorded a 31-20 win over the defending champion Chiefs in a pre-season match in Toowoomba on Saturday.

The Commonwealth Games will be in Glasgow this year and rugby Sevens will be a part of it. Eight referees have been appointed to the games.

The Melbourne Rebels edged the Hurricanes 24-22 in their pre-season clash at Simonds Stadium in Geelong on Saturday.

England hooker Dylan Hartley reckons it will be a case of "us against the world" when they face old rivals Scotland in Edinburgh this weekend.

New Zealand beat South Africa 21-0 in the final of the Wellington round of the IRB Sevens World Series on Saturday.

Benji Marshall will ignore the advice of fellow Rugby League convert Israel Folau and continue playing at flyhalf for the Blues.

Darren Cave's second-half try proved decisive as Ulster triumphed 10-7 to leapfrog their opponents the Ospreys and climb to second spot in the Pro12.

Niki Goneva dotted down twice in the first half as Premiership champions Leicester Tigers narrowly avoided defeat at winless Worcester Warriors.

Grey College, perhaps the most astonishing school in the world for its results and for the international rugby players who have been though the school in recent years, did not have a great season last year - not by their standards but a season that would be the envy of the vast majority of South African schools.

Springbok Siya Kolisi scored a hat-trick as the Stormers dispatched the Southern Kings in a Super Rugby pre-season outing.

The Lions were given a reality check when a full-strength Sharks team handed them a 57-14 drubbing in their pre-season friendly.

Italy play France at Stade de France on Sunday and coach Jacques Brunel has made five changes to the team that gave Wales such a hard time at Millennium Stadium last week.

The Western Force eased into their pre-season build-up with a runaway 69-3 win over Samoa A in Perth on Friday.

Cheetahs coach Naka Drotske drafted in a number of Varsity Cup stars when he unveiled his 2014 Super Rugby squad on Friday.

Craig Joubert will blow the whistle to start the 2014 Super Rugby tournament.

For the second week in succession high-profile Rugby League convert Benji Marshall failed to live up to the pre-match hype.

St Stithians is hosting its 31st Easter Festival, again with several interesting matches.

The Crusaders have opened their season by scoring four tries to two in a 28-15 win over the Highlanders in their Super Rugby trial match Motueka.

Philippe  Saint-Andrè has changed three in his starting XV for France's Six Nations match at Stade de France against Italy on Sunday.

South African coach Neil Powell expressed his disappointment in the BlitzBokke's loss to England on Day One of the Wellington Sevens.

Here's the 2014 preview for 2013 finalists, the Cheetahs out of Bloemfontein.

South Africa's unbeaten run on the IRB Sevens World Series circuit came to an abrupt end in Wellington on Friday.

France have already warned that they should not take Italy lightly when they meet at Stade de France on Sunday. Nor should they.

There are two vastly different approaches from the teams going into Friday's Super Rugby pre-season showdown between the Lions and Sharks.

England are preparing themselves for a pitch battle in more ways than one when they face Scotland for the Calcutta Cup at Murrayfield on Saturday.

Both Ireland and Wales will be looking to build on their opening Six Nations wins last week when they square off in Dublin on Saturday.

The Stormers are focused on improving key areas of their game in the pre-season clash with the Kings in Port Elizabeth.

Sale Sharks duo James Gaskell and Rob Miller will join London Wasps next season.

Munster have confirmed that head coach Rob Penney and backs coach Simon Mannix will leave the province at the end of the current season.

After just over a month out of the limelight, the focus returns once more to the Pro12 and the first of four successive rounds that could have a huge impact on the outcome of this season's tournament.

Flank Chris Fusaro will make his Test debut for Scotland in Saturday's Six Nations and Calcutta Cup clash against England at Murrayfield.

Paul O'Connell has recovered from a chest infection and will lead Ireland against Six Nations champions Wales on Saturday.

There are differences in the setting of the scrum for schools and some club sides.

Table-topping Saracens will be feeling the heat from the chasing pack as the Premiership recommences this weekend.

Centre Alwyn Hollenbach will captain a youthful Lions side to take on the Sharks in a pre-season match at Ellis Park this weekend.  

The Six Nations rolls on this weekend with Round Two clashes in Dublin and Edinburgh on Saturday and Paris on Sunday. Catch the action LIVE right here.

Big-spending French Top 14 side Toulon have agreed a one-year deal for next season with Australian back James O'Connor, club president Mourad Boudjellal announced on Thursday.

The Brumbies team named to take on an ACT XV on Saturday includes no less than 10 Wallabies as well as Japanese international Harumichi Tatekawa who will feature on the wing.  

Springbok lock and Ulster captain Johann Muller has announced that he will retire at the end of this season.

The International Rugby Board (IRB) confirmed on Thursday how Olympic qualification for 2016 in Brazil will work.  

England coach Stuart Lancaster has named an unchanged starting XV and replacements bench for Saturday's Calcutta Cup clash against Scotland at Murrayfield.

The future of the European Cup has been plunged into fresh doubt after officials refused to release payments owed to competing clubs.

The South African Under-18 Sevens team is in the process of getting ready to take part in the African Youth Games in Gaberone, the capital of Botswana on 22-31 May 2014.  

All Black centre Tamati Ellison will make his Melbourne Rebels debut in the pre-season clash against the Hurricanes at Simonds Stadium in Geelong on Saturday.

Wales coach Warren Gatland says the breakdown will play a huge role in deciding his team's Nations clash with Ireland this weekend.  

For those new to Super Rugby, here is the beginner's guide to seven-time champions the Crusaders.  

Highlanders wing Buxton Popoalii will miss the entire Super Rugby season to focus on recovering from surgery planned for later this month.  

Bernard Foley will start at flyhalf for the Waratahs opposite the Blues' Benji Marshall with Kurtley Beale at fullback when the teams meet in Sydney on Friday.

Reds coach Richard Graham has named his strongest possible team for their first pre-season match against the Chiefs in Toowoomba on Saturday.

The Lions will face a stern examination of their Super Rugby pedigree when they face the Sharks in Johannesburg on Friday.

Edinburgh have agreed to loan wing Lee Jones to Glasgow Warriors as injury cover until the end of the season.

British and Irish Lions wing Sean Maitland will be sidelined for approximately eight weeks due to a knee injury he sustained in Scotland’s defeat to Ireland on Sunday.

Edinburgh's next home match against Ospreys on Friday, February 28 will be played at Meggetland.

Mark Anscombe has signed a one-year contract extension with Ulster meaning that he will be head coach of the province until at least June 2015.

Argentine centre Gabriel Ascarate has left Glasgow Warriors and returned to Argentina to recover from a neck injury.

Scrumhalf Tavis Knoyle is to return to Wales after the talented back agreed a move to Cardiff Blues.

Some of South Africa’s former greats will represent the SA Rugby Legends Association at this year’s Cape Town 10s.

Gloucester have confirmed that Argentinian international second row Mariano Galarza will join the club in time for the 2014/15 season.

The BlitzBokke head into the weekend’s Wellington Sevens in New Zealand looking for a historic third successive tournament title.

A trio of All Blacks have been named in the Blues team, but it is Benji Marshall that will steal the headlines when they take on the Waratahs.

Hurricanes coach Mark Hammett has named a near full-strength side to face the Rebels in a Super Rugby pre-season match in Geelong on Saturday.

The Western Force will have most of their big guns available when they tackle Samoa A in their opening pre-season fixture on Friday.

The return of long-standing captain Ed Jenkins, after an injury lay-off, is the only change to the Australian Sevens squad.

His Japanese commitments may have prevented Ryan Kankowski from adding to his 20 Test caps, but he will be vital to the Sharks this year.

Sharks boss Jake White will unleash all his available Springboks on the Lions in their final pre-season Super Rugby outing in Johannesburg on Friday.

The Highlanders have turned to retired All Black Clarke Dermody to improve their scrumming.

The Crusaders have opted to put some of their All Blacks on ice for their first Super Rugby pre-season match against the Highlanders on Friday.

Kenya will add an international flavour to the Vodacom Cup this year, when they compete in this 17th annual edition for the first time.

For those new to Super Rugby, here's the 2014 preview for last year's beaten finallists, the Brumbies.

It may not be cause and effect, but it is a fact that in the four Varsity Cup matches on Monday, each refereed by two referees, 32 tries were scored.

The Pumas may have secured their place in the Currie Cup competition, but they are still worse of than the Eastern Province Kings.

A new hybrid pitch is ti be installed at Murrayfield for the start of next season after the once pristine pitch came under attack from parasites.

England coach Stuart Lancaster has named an unchanged squad for their Six Nations match against Scotland on Saturday.

Callum Wilson has been handed his IRB Sevens World Series debut and Mat Turner returns to the side as England prepare to defend their Wellington Sevens title.

Schalk Burger is negotiating with the Stormers for a contract extension that would keep him in Cape Town until after the 2015 World Cup.

Edinburgh have extended the contract of 26-year-old Argentine international Tomas Leonardi until 2015.

The WRU has urged Regional Rugby Wales to take up the position allocated to them on the Board of Directors of European Rugby Cup Limited.

Bradley Davies will join London Wasps from Cardiff Blues next season, with the Welsh star adding formidable experience to Dai Young's pack.

Wales will face Ireland captain Paul O'Connell on Saturday if his recovery from illness continues as expected.

Wallaby utility back Adam Ashley-Cooper insists there will be no more alcohol-related controversies in the Australian camp this year.

There are two strong rugby schools in Upington - Upington and Duineveld. Inevitable the rivalry between the two is intense.

St Benedicts College of Bedfordview, the biggest Catholic boys' school in South Africa have made great headway on the rugby field.

It's the end of an era at Gloucester, as Andy Hazell, who is destined to go down as one of the club's true legends, confirmed that he is to retire from the game with immediate effect.

South African forward Gerrit-Jan van Velze is to join Worcester from rival English Premiership side Northampton in the European off-season.

Veteran Steven Sykes will captain a new-look Southern Kings team against the Stormers in Port Elizabeth on Friday.

Dale College of King William's Town is one of South Africa's great rugby school and a part of that Border trilogy that have, over the years, done Border proud.

South Africa's preparations for the Wellington leg of the IRB Sevens World Series is in full swing.

Regular captain Sam Warburton returns to the Welsh starting line-up as one of three changes to the side to face Ireland in Dublin on Saturday.

The Stormers were dealt a cruel blow on the eve of the Super Rugby season, with one of their key players ruled out through injury.

Springbok loose forward Schalk Burger will continue his remarkable comeback from a two-year injury-enforced lay-off when he captains the Stormers.

Sharks boss Jake White plans to use his team's pre-season outing against the Lions on Friday as a 'double trial'.

Maori lock Hayden Triggs has been called into the Blues squad to replace the injured Culum Retallick.

It's the second round of the Six Nations and thesecond round of the Varsity Cup with its two referees.

Auckland teenager Akira Ioane is set to make his international debut in the Wellington leg of the IRB Sevens World Series this weekend.

For those new to Super Rugby, here's the 2014 preview for last year's semifinallists, the Bulls out of Pretoria, South Africa.

Victor Matfield spoke to Jan de Koning about his comeback after a two-year hiatus - the reasons and driving forces behind it. All you need to know!

The NMMU Madibaz made a big statement in the opening round of the Varsity Cup by storming to a 45-29 victory over Maties in Port Elizabeth.

Scotland scrumhalf Henry Pyrgos and hooker Dougie Hall have put pen to paper on new one-year deals with the Glasgow Warriors.

England centre Kyle Eastmond has agreed terms to extend his contract at Bath for a further two years.

British and Irish Lions wing Sean Maitland will miss Scotland's Calcutta Cup clash with England at Murrayfield on Saturday.

All Blacks Liam Messam and Aaron Cruden have been named co-captains of the Super Rugby champion Chiefs for the 2014 season.

Talented back row Josh Turnbull will make a switch to Cardiff Blues after the Wales international forward signed a contract with the region.

Ireland were the most impressive in the opening round of the Six Nations and they were duly rewarded in our famous weekly selection.

rugby365 bring your the 10 best tries of 2013!

Muir College of Uitenhage plays its fir match in 2014 again Kirkwood on 8 March a its la match again Graeme in Grahamstown on 16 August.

Public statements by Grant Pascoe resulted in the suspension of talks between the city and the WPRFU over the use of the Cape Town stadium.

It's hot and humid in Durban at this time of the year but the Port Natal Night Series kicked off at Hoërskool Port Natal with five matches to end January on Friday night.

The Bulls' Springbok loose forward Arno Botha will spend at least the next six months on the sidelines, after yet another serious injury.

Southern Kings stand-in coach Robbie Kempson feels his charges require a major "mind-shift" or they won't convert close defeats into victories.

Ireland coach Joe Schmidt enjoyed a winning start to his first Six Nations campaign, but his team is now up against the tournament's benchmark.

France coach Philippe Saint-Andre credited Sunday's thrilling 26-24 victory over England in Paris to the two-week preparation time they were granted.

Lions coach Johan Ackermann will be sweating over the fitness of two key players, following his team's 19-12 win over the Kings.

Freddie Burns returns to the 33-man England squad to prepare for Saturday’s Six Nations match against Scotland at Murrayfield.

The Chiefs will play their only New Zealand pre-season fixture against the Blues on Valentine’s Day, February 14 at Rotorua International Stadium.

The Waratahs may have lost their friendly against the Rebels in Albury on Saturday, but in a major positive, their returning stars came through the hit-out unscathed.

Ireland fired an early Six Nations warning with a commanding 28-6 victory over Scotland in Dublin on Sunday.

Ireland suffered a late injury setback with captain Paul O'Connell ruled out of Sunday’s Six Nations Test again Scotland in Dublin with a chest infection.

England head coach Stuart Lancaster was full of praise for his side's character after they were undone by Gael Fickou's late try against France in Paris.

The 2014 Varsity Cup kicks off on Monday, giving fans their first taste of the new double referee system.

Stormers head coach Allister Coetzee was pleased with his team's pre-season victory over the Bulls in Polokwane on Saturday.

France coach Philippe Saint-Andre praised his team’s will following their thrilling 26-24 win over England in Paris on Saturday.

Italy captain Sergio Parisse says he’s proud of the way an injury-hit side featuring several novice backs performed in the cauldron of Cardiff on Saturday.

Wales coach Warren Gatland insists next weekend's match against Ireland would not be blighted by any fall-out from his relationship with Brian O'Driscoll.

The Lions continued their build-up to their Super Rugby return with a 19-12 win over the Southern Kings in Port Elizabeth on Saturday.

France put a bitterly disappointing year behind them as they upset England 26-24 in the opening round of the 2014 Six Nations.

The Cheetahs finally hit their stride, after a couple of Super Rugby pre-season wobbles.

Victor Matfield made his return to the playing field, but it was not enough to prevent the Stormers from beating the Bulls 26-19.

Wales got their Six Nations defence underway with a scrappy 23-15 win over Italy at the Millennium Stadium, in Cardiff, on Saturday.

The plaudits are flooding in, but there are some dissenting voices who feel the jury is still out on Benji Marshall as a Rugby Union player.

The Rebels started 2014 with a 33-28 win in their first trial over the Waratahs, in 42 degree conditions at Albury Sports Ground.

Mike Vowles - Michael Lesley Vowles a qualified teacher but really a rugby coach - has joined the Glenwood High School coaching staff as the assistant to other head coach, Rudi Dames.

The headlines were all about Benji Marshall, but the real winners were the Hurricanes.

Wallaby utility back James O'Connor has confirmed that he will return to Australia to play Super Rugby in 2015.

There are some changes to the Grey Rugby Festival to start at Grey High Schools in Port Elizabeth at the end of April.

Victor Matfield may have been welcomed back from retirement, but there is no guarantees that he will play for the national team.

The worst-kept secret has been confirmed - Victor Matfield will return to the playing field.

Brian O'Driscoll and Rob Kearney will both reach significant career milestones when they line out against Scotland at the Aviva Stadium on Sunday.

Springbok flyhalf Johan Goosen will get a chance to cement his place in the Cheetahs starting line-up when they take on the Pumas.

It could not have been a worse start to the year for the Brumbies - losing their opening trial match and seeing star back Pat McCabe go down again.

Ospreys revealed that they have signed Fijian international Josh Matavesi on a two-year deal.

Gordon Tietjens named a squad of 14 players ahead of the fifth leg of the IRB Sevens World Series, in Wellington, New Zealand, on February 7 and 8.

The Western Force will complete their pre-season preparations against the Pampas XV at 'The Force Field- - nib Stadium - on Friday, February 14.

The Highlanders caused the first pre-season upset when they beat the much-fancied Brumbies 15-11 in their Super Rugby warm-up match.

The Cheetahs best heed the wake-up call they received from the Southern Kings last week or they'll face serious heartache against the Pumas.

It may be the newest rivalry in Super Rugby, but they don't get much more appetizing and entertaining than the Southern Kings against the Lions.

The Bulls are expected to provide a stern pre-season test for the relatively young Stormers tight five in Polokwane on Saturday.  

France will be looking to put last year's woes behind them when they take on England in their Six Nations opener in Paris on Saturday.  

No side has ever claimed a third successive Six Nations, but Wales are in line to do so.

IRB Chairman Bernard Lapasset has spoken out against the "increase" in public criticism of referees.

The Irish will be determined to hand coach Joe Schmidt a dream Six Nations debut when they welcome Scotland to the Aviva Stadium on Sunday.

Sherylle Calder, the world-renowned Visual Skills and Performance Specialist, has joined the Sharks as a consultant on a two-year contract.

The Six Nations season gets underway with two games on Saturday and a Sunday clash to conclude Round One. Catch the action LIVE right here.

Veteran lock Marco Bortolami will make his 100th Test appearance for Italy in Saturday’s Six Nations clash with Wales at the Millennium Stadium in Cardiff.

Corné Steenkamp has put his retirement on hold and will lead the Pumas in a pre-season friendly against the Cheetahs in Bloemfontein on Saturday.

Muscle flexing by Welsh regions may leave Wales captain Sam Warburton, who recently signed a central contract with the Wales Rugby Union, without a club.

A beefy Springbok that is willing to put his body on the line. That is just what the doctor ordered for the Waratahs.

The injured Springbok duo of Seabelo Senatla and Rosko Specman will return to South Africa.

Jake White has, repeatedly in the past, taken teams from the doldrums to the top of their game. He spoke to Jan de Koning about his goals for 2014.

Jules Plisson will make his debut for France after being named at flyhalf for Les Bleus’ Six Nations opener against England in Paris on Saturday.

England will field new caps Luther Burrell and Jack Nowell in their Six Nations opener against France on Saturday.

Lions coach Johan Ackermann made a number of significant changes to his frontline selection, which will face the Kings on Saturday.

Wallaby vice-captain Quade Cooper says his passion for boxing is growing after a fourth round knockout win in his second professional fight.

Scott Higginbotham has been named captain for the Rebels first pre-season match against the Waratahs in Albury on Saturday.

The stocks of Springbok prop Trevor Nyakane is continuing to plummet at an alarming rate.

Star recruit Benji Marshal has been handed the number 10 jersey for the Blues' opening pre-seaon match against the Hurricanes in Masterson on Saturday.  

Kurtley Beale, back in the Waratahs light blue for the first time since 2011, will pull on the No. 10 jersey when he lines up against the Melbourne Rebels in a warm-up game in Albury on Saturday. 

Ireland flyhalf Jonathan Sexton has revealed he felt like quitting Racing Metro after struggling to adjust to life in Paris following a high-profile move.

Former Bulls flank CJ Stander has committed to a long-term goal of playing Test rugby for Ireland by signing a two-year contract extension with Munster.

Naturally gifted Waratahs fullback Israel Folau says he is keen to add more strings to his bow following a standout debut season last year.

Tongan tighthead Sila Puafisi has signed an extended contract at Gloucester after impressing greatly since his arrival at the club.

Highly-rated back row forward Ellis Jenkins has pledged his future to Cardiff Blues and signed a new long-term deal with the region.

Director of Rugby Mark McCall and six key members of the training ground staff have extended their contracts with Saracens until June 2017.

Hurricanes head coach Mark Hammett has named his 27-man team to face the Blues in Masterton this Saturday.

Victor Matfield, who became a father for the third time on Wednesday, is expected to confirm his return to the playing field later this week.

All Black captain Richie McCaw may be moved around by the Crusaders this season, according to coach Todd Blackadder.

Springbok captain Jean de Villiers is expecting another long Super Rugby season with the Stormers without much rest or rotation.  

All Black Brad Thorn is "helping" with the conditioning of the Highlanders and may turn to coaching.

SARU remained mum following reports that the Springboks are likely to play a game against a World XV at Cape Town Stadium this year.

Scotland made four changes and a positional switch in their team to open the 2014 Six Nations championship away to Ireland on Sunday.

The Bulls have lured seasoned utility back Jacques-Louis Potgieter back from France ahead of the Super Rugby season.

There was no sign of Victor Matfield when Bulls coach Frans Ludeke named two teams to take on the Golden Lions and the Stormers.

Stormers coach Allister Coetzee named Springbok captain Jean de Villiers as the skipper for their first outing of the season.

Montpellier flyhalf Francois Trinh-Duc has been the happiest man in camp since joining the French squad.

Wallaby legend George Gregan expects fierce competition between the Reds and Brumbies when Super Rugby kicks off in three weeks.

Ma'a Nonu admitted that the Blues fans may not embrace him after his highly publicised walk-out on the franchise in 2012.

All Black legend Andrew Mehrtens has joined the NSW Waratahs coaching staff as kicking coach. Mehrtens answers some questions!

Chris Ashton and Ben Youngs have been omitted from the 26-man England for their Six Nations opener against France on Saturday.

Courtney Lawes says England’s pack are confident of asserting themselves against Les Bleus at the Stade de France on Saturday.

Ireland great Brian O'Driscoll says he is fully focused on the weekend’s Six Nations clash against Scotland in Dublin and has put aside thoughts of the “afterlife.”

Wales flank Dan Lydiate could miss the defending champions' Six Nations opener after flying back to Paris to be with his pregnant fiancée.

Worcester Warriors have announced the signings of Gloucester duo Matt Cox and Ryan Mills as the club continue to build for the future.

Kings caretaker coach Robbie Kempson is hoping for a better performance up front against the Lions this weekend.

The Cheetahs will have to take to heart the lessons learnt in last week's two mediocre performances or face a season of heartache.

The planned SARU Special General Council meeting, to be held in Cape Town on Friday, has been postponed until February 13.  

Lock Alun Wyn Jones will captain Wales in their first Six Nations clash against Italy in Cardiff on Saturday, with Sam Warburton starting on the bench.

Wallaby flyhalf Quade Cooper declared on the eve of his second professional bout that boxing has boosted his rugby career and he has no intention of stopping.  

The Bugle, the King William's Town paper. ran yet another story of player recruitment, a buirning issue for many. This time it coincerns the Griffons Rugby Union who already have the Harmony Sports Academy in Virginia to provide young players.

Jason Jaftha, who is on SANZAR's panel of Super Rugby referees for 2014, was part of the South African delegation which attended the conference. He reports on what happened.

Kurtley Beale is eager to prove a point against the Melbourne Rebels in a Super Rugby pre-season match on Saturday, but it has nothing to do with getting one over the club who released him.

The Melbourne Rebels have ambitious plans to stamp themselves as one of the best defensive teams in Super Rugby with new coach Tony McGahan.

He may have a long way to go, but former Rugby League star Benji Marshall has set his sights on eventually playing for the All Blacks.  

Queensland Reds openside flank Liam Gill wants to take his game to new heights in 2014.

SARU has implemented cutting-edge technology which will ensure players from as young as Under-13 level are properly monitored and managed.  

Highlanders’ head coach, Jamie Joseph, has named an inexperienced starting XV to play the Brumbies at Queenstown Recreation Ground on Friday.

David Pocock will make his return from injury when he leads the Brumbies in their pre-season clash with the Highlanders in Queenstown this weekend.

France flank Yannick Nyanga says his team can afford no more excuses when they face England in their Six Nations opener.

Italy coach Jacques Brunel has complained that his side is still "fragile" ahead of their Six Nations bow against champions Wales in Cardiff on Saturday.

England coach Stuart Lancaster said he had no qualms about selecting as many as three uncapped players.

Flyhalf Simon Humberstone has put pen to paper on a full-time professional contract at Cardiff Blues.

International matches come tumbling in to start February, and all over top referees are refereeing top matches.

Lions coach Johan Ackermann will bring out most of his big guns for their second Super Rugby pre-season outing.

Edinburgh have announced the signing of former Scotland Under-21 captain Neil Cochrane from London Wasps until 2016.

Ireland international and British and Irish Lion Tom Court has signed a three-year deal with London Irish.

Ireland head coach Joe Schmidt has named a 34-man squad for the opening two games of the Six Nations against Scotland and Wales.

The Stormers will look to tick the right boxes in the pre-season friendly against the Bulls at the Peter Mokaba Stadium on Saturday.

John Mitchell's UKZN Impi may have lost his first game in charge, but they showed that they will be a force to be reckoned with in the Varsity Shield this year.  

Stormers coach Allister Coetzee will be forced to name a makeshift lock pairing for Saturday’s pre-season game against the Bulls in Polokwane.

Mornè Mellett is the only Bulls player not likely to be considered for the pre-season Super Rugby encounter with the Stormers on Saturday.

The cash-strapped Fiji Rugby Union sacked coach Inoke Male in a money-saving move less than a month before it starts its defence of the Pacific Cup.

Superior fitness helped South Africa to come back from 0-7 down and beat New Zealand 14-7 in the Final at the Las Vegas Sevens.

The dates for the European Cup and Challenge Cup quarterfinals in early April have been confirmed, with a total of 30 European titles between the teams involved.

Do you agree with the views of Will Carling, Scott Quinnell & Matt Dawson?

New Zealand will face Pacific rivals Fiji in their pool matches during their home leg of the IRB Sevens World Series.

Twice-capped Welsh fullback Dan Evans is set to move from Newport Gwent Dragons to Ospreys at the end of the season after signing a three-year deal.

The Bulls scrum may have lost the 'fear factor', but coach Frans Ludeke is confident they will not be shunted around this season.

New Zealand were dealt a big blow ahead of their home leg of the IRB Sevens World Series.

rugby365 brings you highlights of South Africa's win at the US leg of the IRB Sevens World Series, when they beat New Zealand 14-7 in the Final.

South Africa defended their title at the United States leg of the IRB Sevens World Series, winning a thrilling Cup final 14-7 against New Zealand.

Sharks Director of Rugby Jake White says matches between South African provinces and English clubs could be the way forward.

Springbok lock Bakkies Botha faces a lengthy spell on the sidelines after he suffered a fractured forearm in Toulon's 10-23 Top 14 loss to Brive on Saturday.

Brumbies wing Henry Speight will be eligible for a Wallaby jumper in 2014, with the IRB ruling the Fijian-born player will be available for Australia from September 11.

Clermont, Toulon and Toulouse, all stripped of international talent ahead of the Six Nations, suffered defeats in the French Top 14 on Saturday.

The waiting is finally over and the 2014 Varsity Cup season will get going on Monday with the first Varsity Shield matches.

Experienced flyhalf Francois Trinh-Duc was on Saturday called into the France squad after Remi Tales was forced to withdraw with an arm injury.

Man of the match Mouritz Botha praised his side's “brilliant performance” after Saracens' 23-15 win over the Sharks at Allianz Stadium on Saturday.

South Africa will play Samoa in the Cup semifinals of the Las Vegas Sevens following their 36-0 win over Argentina on Sunday morning.

The Cheetahs had to come from behind to earn a 36-21 victory over a spirited Southern Kings side at Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium.

Wales captain Sam Warburton has become the first player from his country to sign a central contract, the Welsh Rugby Union announced on Saturday.

Saracens held off a spirited fight back from a Sharks side shaking off pre-season rust to secure a 23-15 victory in London.

Glenwood High School has appointed Shawn van Rensburg as its director of rugby in place of Sean Erasmus who has gone to Paarl Boys' High.

Stade Francais shrugged off the absence of a host of Six Nations stars to clinch a bonus point 32-6 win over champions Castres and go top in France on Friday.

Defending champions Wales have a chance to do what no side has ever done by winning the Six Nations three times in a row.

The Blitzbokke made a convincing start to their Las Vegas Sevens title defence by not conceding a single point on the opening day.

Two pupils of Muir College in Uitenhage , one in Grade 11 and one in Grade 12, went to Noord-Kaap in Kimberley on a rugby bursary, but did not stay long. They are a promising pair of centres.

The Lions started their return to Super Rugby with a runaway 52-14 win over the NWU Pukke team on Friday.

London Wasps have moved to bring in experienced Australian scrumhalf Brett Sheehan until the end of the season.

The Cape Town 10s tournament has attracted several international and local legends, who will be participating in 2014.

The South African Rugby Union confirmed that a group of 17 players had been contracted for the Springboks 2014 campaign.

The business of poaching/attracting schoolboy rugby players has reached enormous proportions in the Falcons Rugby Union.

Wallaby flyhalf Quade Cooper is not about to give up his dream of making a success of both his rugby and boxing careers.

Wallaby coach Ewen McKenzie has backed the Brumbies to build on their appearance in the Super Rugby Final last season.

Ospreys revealed that Welsh star Alun Wyn Jones has committed his future to the region.

Sharks loose forward Marcell Coetzee aims to re-invent himself and establish himself as South Africa’s next top fetcher this season.

There is no doubt the Cheetahs are outright favourites for their pre-season Super Rugby outing against the Southern Kings on Saturday.

Edinburgh loose forward Cornell du Preez has avoided any further punishment for foul play after being called before an independent Disciplinary Hearing in Dublin on Thursday

Munster wing Keith Earls has been ruled out of Ireland's Six Nations campaign due to a knee injury he sustained against Edinburgh on Sunday.

Steve Borthwick will captain a strong Saracens side in Saturday's pre-season match against the Sharks at Allianz Stadium.

England International Christian Wade has signed a contract extension that will keep him in the black and gold of London Wasps.

Ireland No.8 Jamie Heaslip has signed a new three-year contract with the IRFU, which will see him remain at Leinster until at least June 2017.

Wales have suffered another setback with lock Ian Evans set to miss the Six Nations after being suspended for 12 weeks in Dublin on Thursday.

Wales fullback Leigh Halfpenny has confirmed that he will join French club Toulon from Cardiff Blues at the end of the season.

The trimmed 23-man French squad for the Six Nations opening round clash with England in Paris next weekend feature just nine backline players.

Wales coach Warren Gatland accepted the financial strength of French clubs is making it difficult to prevent players heading across the Channel.

The Springbok Sevens will be aiming for a third title in four years in Las Vegas in the fourth round of the IRB Sevens World Series this weekend.

The Bulls and Cheetahs will both feature new, and very different, looks this season.

Stuart Lancaster has insisted this season's Six Nations will not be a mere 'warm-up' ahead of next year's World Cup in England.

Scotland captain Kelly Brown is confident a once debilitating stammer will have no bearing on his ability to lead the side in this season's Six Nations.

France may have won the last four Six Nations following a B&I Lions tour, but coach Philippe Saint-Andre said that was no reason to expect similar success.

Tim Swiel will make his Sharks debut at flyhalf in the pre-season game against Premiership club Saracens at Allianz Stadium on Saturday.

Western Province and Stormers forward Michael Rhodes was cleared of further sanctions on Thursday.

Queensland Reds and Wallabies prop James Slipper is looking forward to the team’s first pre-season clash against the Chiefs in Toowoomba in three weeks.

The Cheetahs, like all Super Rugby teams, have a new playing strip for 2014.

The Lions have been forced into a late change of venue, ahead of their pre-season Super Rugby warm-up matches against the Leopards.

Springbok No.8 Duane Vermeulen wants to play a more prominent role with ball in hand for the Stormers in the 2014 Super Rugby season.

Before resuming their preparations for the Las Vegas leg of the IRB Sevens World Series, South Africa's national team went to school.

Brendan Venter's passion for coaching knows no bounds. His latest stop on a world-wide coaching tour is Port Elizabeth.

Dave Ewers wants to help Exeter Chiefs become a real force within the English game after he agreed a new two-year contract with the Premiership club.

Ireland captain Paul O'Connell says Brian O'Driscoll remains the standard bearer in the squad as he heads into his final Six Nations.

Springbok flank Marcell Coetzee has been withdrawn from the Sharks' touring party for Saturday’s pre-season clash against Saracens due to injury.

The IRB has approved has approved the use of a particular kind of goggles for those who have problems with their vision.

France captain Pascal Pape has hit out at a rash of high-profile foreign signings by Top 14 clubs, saying they were damaging the national side.

Scotland coach Scott Johnson said he would not lose sight of longer-term goals while trying to ensure the team remained competitive in the Six Nations.

Sam Warburton insisted the 'civil war' in Wales would not distract his side in their bid for an historic third successive Six Nations title.

Australia are set to face the giants of Sevens, New Zealand and Fiji, when the IRB World Series resumes in Las Vegas.

John Mitchell says that it is time to put his ego aside as he starts a new chapter of his coaching career with UKZN in the Varsity Shield.  

The Bulls may have the highest player turnover of all the franchises, but coach Frans Ludeke believes he still has the core of a successful team.

New Sharks captain Bismarck du Plessis will be counting on the support of his predecessor Keegan Daniel.

Queen's College, the great Queenstown school with great traditions and enthusiasm for sport, will play its rugby form March to August.

Springbok scrumhalf Ruan Pienaar tops the list of names forwarded for the European Cup Player of the Year awards.

Springbok Johan Goosen will start his comeback when he plays flyhalf for the Cheetahs against the Kings in a pre-season game on Saturday.

The Southern Kings will take to the field against the Cheetahs on Saturday with a mixture of experience and youth.

Stormers centre Juan de Jongh says it is imperative that they get this year's Super Rugby tournament off to a winning start.

The Cheetahs were made to work hard for their narrow 29-26 victory over the NMMU Madibaz in Port Elizabeth on Tuesday.

The Varsity Cup in 2014 will have three experiments which could, it is hoped, add a positive effect on rugby.

Keith Earls became the latest Ireland international to avoid the lure of foreign club rugby by signing a new contract with Munster.

English Premiership clubs will have an additional £500 000 to spend on players next season after agreeing an increase in the salary cap.  

Victor Matfield is not the only Springbok making a return after two years on the sidelines, with Schalk Burger also on a mission to get back to his best.

Lions coach Johan Ackermann named two 28-man sides to face the Leopards, in his team's first Super Rugby warm-up matches.

The Lions, more so than any other team this year, will be keen to trial their systems in Super Rugby's pre-season build-up. Jan de Koning reports.

Western Province and Stormers forward Michael Rhodes will appear before a South African Rugby Union judicial committee on Thursday.

The Springbok team arrived in Las Vegas, where they will defend their title at the United States leg of IRB's World Sevens Series.

Australia's best emerging talent will compete against national representative teams from Fiji, Japan, Samoa, Tonga and Argentina in the 2014 IRB Pacific Rugby Cup (PRC).

France coach Philippe Saint-Andre has admitted that the pressure is on his team to start winning after two poor Six Nations campaigns since he took over.

For the 17th time Graeme College of Grahamstown will be holding its rugby day with a fine array of Eastern Cape Schools. The event will take place on Human Rights Day, Friday 21 March 2014.

Jean Cook, imported from the Bulls, has jumped ahead of Sevens Springbok Johannes Prinsloo in the Cheetahs loose forward queue.

St Andrew's College of Grahamstown starts its rugby season with trials on 8 March 2014 with its first match a week later.

New Zealand Rugby have confirmed an inaugural 2014 National Under-19 Tournament would be held in Taupo in September.

Edinburgh loose forward Cornell du Preez and Connacht duo Kieran Marmion and Nathan White have been cited for foul play.

The Cheetahs will put their most prized asset on ice till the Super Rugby season starts. Jan de Koning reports.

The IRB's Sevens Series gets going again, this time in Las Vegas, Nevada which may just be more famous for things other than rugby.

Sale Sharks have announced the signing of Scottish lock Nathan Hines from French club Clermont on a two-year deal.

England coach Stuart Lancaster has called for changes to the laws that would make the game more appealing to spectators ahead of the 2015 World Cup.

Toby Flood admitted on Monday he'd agonised over the end-of-season move to France that is set to terminate the flyhalf's England career.

Ryan Jones looks set to miss Wales' opening two Six Nations matches after he sustained a hamstring injury at the weekend.

Craig Gilroy and Simon Zebo have been added to the extended Ireland squad as the coaching team await the outcome of a scan on Keith Earls.

The European Cup set a new pool stage attendance record as quarterfinal qualification went down to the wire once again at the weekend.

The Varsity Cup moves into its seventh year of existence in 2014, with some new exciting innovations planned for this season.

Ireland captain Paul O'Connell has turned down a potentially lucrative move to France in order to sign a new two-year contract that will keep him at Munster.

Cardiff Blues confirmed the signing of Samoa international centre Isaia Tuifua.

Recently re-signed Edinburgh scrumhalf Sean Kennedy joined English Premiership side London Irish on a month-long loan.

Thomas Waldrom says he is "excited" by the challenge that lies ahead after he sealed a move to the Exeter Chiefs from Premiership rivals Leicester Tigers.

SARU will host a ground-breaking national coaching symposium, where ideas will be shared between coaches from junior to Bok level.

Maritzburg College, which celebrated its 150th birthday last year, at Collegeas forever been one of the most influential rugby schools in South Africa. Fittingly they play some of South Africa's top schools.

Can you spin a ball longer that Danny Care and Nick Evans?

Hilton start their short, ten-match rugby programme in Pietermaritzburg in March and end it at home with the second match against Midlands rivals.

The excitement in Grant Doorey's husky Australian voice was palpable, as the Blues backs ran through their attacking moves.

Having watched the past weekend's action unfold, Leinster coach Matt O'Connor was pleased with the European Cup quarterfinal draw.

Rudi Dames, the newly appointed Glenwood 1st XV Rugby Coach is no stranger to the Green Machine family. Rudi has been assistant coach of the Glenwood 1st XV rugby squad since 2003.

There is good reason for Jake White to be optimistic ahead of the Sharks' 2014 Super Rugby campaign.He spoke to Jan de Koning.

France's hopes of a successful Six Nations tournament have suffered a major blow with captain Thierry Dusautoir ruled out of the tournament through injury.

After a drama-packed final round of pool matches, the European Cup quarterfinal line-up was confirmed on Sunday - and what a heavyweight line-up it is.

Munster and Clermont clinched home European Cup quarterfinals as they raced to comfortable wins over Edinburgh and Racing Metro on Sunday.

Irish club Connacht are reportedly facing a crippling shortfall of €900,000 at the end of the current financial year.

English Premiership clubs will reportedly benefit from a 10 percent rise in the salary cap in an attempt to halt the exodus of players to France.

Wales captain Sam Warburton will reportedly sign a new central contract - a first of its kind - with the Wales Rugby Union.

The venues have been confirmed for Ireland's two-Test tour of Argentina in June.

Sale Sharks have announced that both Mark Cueto and Tom Brady have signed new deals with the club.

Exeter Chiefs head coach Rob Baxter hailed his side's character after they ended their European Cup campaign with a win over Cardiff Blues on Saturday.

French international threequarter Alexis Palisson is to leave Toulon apparently, because he has, apparently, become frustrated with his lack of game time which begs the question: How French are French sides?

Saracens Director of Rugby Mark McCall was delighted with his side's 11-try response to their defeat in Toulouse six days earlier.

Leicester Tigers boss Richard Cockerill talked of 'tiny margins' after his side narrowly missed out on a home quarterfinal in the European Cup.

Jonny Wilkinson was delighted to see Toulon emerge from Scotstoun with a victory that clinched a home European Cup quarterfinal for the reigning champions.

Ruan Pienaar says he's not worried about the fact that no team winning all pool matches have been able to go on and win the European Cup title.

Jackson Willison is the latest player to ink a lucrative contract with an overseas club, signing a two-year deal with Top 14 French outfit Grenoble.

Ulster edged a huge European Cup encounter with Leicester Tigers to ensure they finished top of Pool Five and secured a home quarterfinal.

Wales lock Ian Evans could miss at least part of the Six Nations after he was sent off for stamping.

Coach Jamie Joseph readily admits his Highlanders team will be filled with a bunch of 'no-name branded' players.

Auckland player Akira Ioane has had to withdraw from the team for the Las Vegas Sevens tournament.

Carel Greeff is the latest Varsity Cup product looking to leave his mark in Super Rugby. rugby365 reports.

Jan de Koning reports on the news that the Border Rugby Football Union is bankrupt and can't pay their staff salaries.

Leinster became the seventh team to qualify for the European Cup quarterfinals with their bonus point victory over the Ospreys to win Pool One.

It may have been a low-key pre-season outing, but the Cheetahs put all their attacking prowess on display to beat Shimlas 66-19 on Friday.

Pontypridd's Adam Thomas returns to the fray to captain Wale at the IRB World Series in Las Vegas.

Chris Robshaw has been re-appointed England captain for the 2014 Six Nations.

Shaun Sowerby, who played a Test as a Springbok in 2002 and  turned 35 last July, is set to retire from playing the game, but hopes to become a coach.

Sharks Director of Rugby Jake White spoke to Jan de Koning about the upcoming trip to Saracens and team selection for the season ahead.

Three-time European Cup winners Leinster and English giants Saracens will look to secure their places in the last eight.

All Black coach Steve Hansen has few shortcomings in his team, with finding a long-term replacement at hooker top of his priorities in 2014.

French wing Vincent Clerc will return after nine months out with a knee injury when Toulouse face Italian side Zebre in the European Cup on Saturday.

After being the first South African to join the Western Force, many of Sias Ebersohn's countrymen have now joined him the west.

Cheetahs assistant coach Hawies Fourie chatted to Jan de Koning about the most dramatic change in the team - the departure of Robert Ebersohn.

rugby365 law guru Paul Dobson takes a look at how the Pitch Side Concussion Assessment works.

The closing series of pool matches in Europe's premier club tournament has its customary intrigue.

The Night Series hosted and organised by Hoërskool Port Natal  and sponsored by Geldenhuys Broers Bedryf, a tyre firm, starts on 31 January 2014. It has been a popular way to get the school rugby season going. The series was started in Pinetown in 2000 and moved to Port Natal in 2008.

Waratahs coach Michael Cheika warns Israel Folau faces a challenging second year in Rugby Union despite his dream debut season last year.

Quade Cooper says he’s flattered to be considered a candidate for the Australian captaincy and will look to continue where he left off last season.

MyPlayers Rights Management, which is responsible for the management of the collective interests of South African players, has appointed Louis von Zeuner as chairman.

New Zealand-born prop Rodney Ah You has expressed his delight after being included in the extended 44-man Ireland squad for the upcoming Six Nations.

Ireland flank Sean O'Brien has resisted the lure of French giants Toulon and signed a new contract with Leinster, the Irish Rugby Football Union announced.

A new, in-depth training programme called ClubWise has been launched by SARU to up-skill rugby club administrators to sustain and grow the game at grassroots level.

Wallaby centre Christian Lealiifano is working towards returning to full fitness to take on the Waratahs in the Brumbies’ Round Five clash on March 15.

Jake White may have departed, but the Brumbies will still have a strong South African influence in 2014.

Bismarck du Plessis, the world's best hooker, has been named captain of the Sharks for the 2014 Super Rugby season.

The ARU received 41 Expressions of Interest from across the country for this year's National Rugby Championship.

New Zealand will be without the services of star playmaker Tomasi Cama at the fourth leg of the IRB Sevens World Series in Las Vegas.

There is just a hint of a ceasefire in the long-standing war of words between the Welsh Rugby Union and the country's four regional teams.

World Cup-winning coach Jake White delivering a telling message at a recent Sharks coaching conference at Kings Park.

Springbok veteran Schalk Burger is spoiling to make his long awaited Super Rugby return for the Stormers after a two-year injury-enforced absence.

Cheslin Kolbe’s Super Rugby debut has been pushed back after the rising star suffered a serious knee injury during a Stormers training session on Tuesday.

In the wake of the Victor Matfield mania, rugby365 writer Paul Dobson suggests the only criterion should be: is he the best man for the job?

Uncapped 23-year-old Edinburgh wing Dougie Fife was named in a senior Scotland squad for the first time - ahead of the Six Nations next month.

The Sharks will use their trip to Saracens later this month test the dept of the squad ahead of the Super Rugby season.

Springbok and Bath flank Francois Louw is convinced his side can maintain their challenge on multiple fronts - even with some of their leading lights set for international duty.

Senior Springboks Jean de Villiers and Schalk Burger will head up the Stormers' leadership group in the 2014 Super Rugby season.

Former Maties hooker Rob Herring was named in Ireland's Six Nations squad alongside South African-born Ulster teammate Robbie Diack.  

James Gaskell and Henry Thomas will both leave Sale Sharks at the end of the current season.

South African coach Neil Powell named an experienced team to defend their IRB Sevens World Series tournament title at Las Vegas next weekend.

It may seem a pretty obvious statement, but Rebels lock Hugh Pyle is determined to finally realise his national aspirations.

Scottish chiefs are optimistic they are getting the better of parasites that have spoilt the once pristine Murrayfield pitch in time for the Six Nations.

France coach Philippe Saint-Andre vowed to banish a "difficult" 2013 to history and make this year one of "effectiveness" from his team.

The Currie Cup debate took an intriguing twist with a suggestion that pre-season play-offs should determine who play in the Premier Division.

Ever wondered what a Sevens Bok is up to when not traveling the globe?

South African-born loose forward Robbie Diack has been included in a 44-man Ireland squad for the forthcoming Six Nations.

Star hooker Kristian Dacey has put pen to paper on a new long-term contract to remain at Cardiff Blues.

London Wasps have announced that six players have signed contract extensions with the English club.

The BlitzBokke on Tuesday received a favourable draw for the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games, which gets underway on July 23.

Wales head coach Warren Gatland has named an experienced 32-man squad to defend the Six Nations title as his side look to create history in 2014.

International referee Nigel Owens was left "shaken" but not seriously hurt after a motorway accident on Monday.

After weeks of speculation Gloucester have finaly confirmed that England flyhalf Freddie Burns will leave the club at the end of this season.

The Cheetahs have suffered a major blow with the news that openside flank Heinrich Brüssow will undergo surgery on an injured toe which will rule him out for three months.  

Doubt has been cast over reports linking Springbok and Stormers outside back Gio Aplon to French clubs.

All Blacks flank Steven Luatua has apologised for his involvement in a controversial video..  

Scrumhalf Will Genia says that the Wallabies captaincy is the furthest thing from his mind as he prepares for another Super Rugby season with the Reds.

Despite their difficult financial situation, Fiji will definitely still take part in the Wellington Sevens tournament next month.  

Wales fullback Leigh Halfpenny was named the player of the year for 2013 by the British-based Rugby Union Writers' Club on Monday.  

Injury concerns are threatening to overshadow Wales coach Warren Gatland's Six Nations squad announcement on Tuesday.  

After ending seven lean years in 2013, the Cheetahs are ready to raise the Super Rugby bar. Jan de Koning chatted to Hawies Fourie.

Why on earth is this in the rugby union law book? Is it there just to ensure that the laws of the game are too complex for even the best human minds?

Fiji Sevens coach Ben Ryan has named an exciting 17-man training squad ahead of the fourth and fifth rounds of the IRB Sevens World Series.

Wales wing George North has found his try-scoring form once again after he dealt the Ospreys a heavy European Cup blow on Sunday afternoon.

Director of Rugby Lyn Jones has confirmed that fullback Dan Evans will not be offered a new Newport Gwent Dragons contract.

Professional players and coaches in England will take part in a compulsory concussion education programme before the start of next season.  

The Blues' high-profile Rugby League recruit Benji Marshall will take time to convert to Rugby Union.

The SARU Sevens Academy's victory at the Sevens Premier League tournament in George on Sunday capped a remarkable seven weeks in which they won three tournaments.

Mike Ellery is back in action for England at the fourth leg of the IRB Sevens World Series in Las Vegas later this month.

This is the last round of the pool matches in the European Cup and the Challenge Cup and the British & Irish Cup.

Graham Henry speaks about the Blues' pre-season preparations.

The Blues have withdrawn Culum Retallick from their squad for the upcoming Super Rugby season.

The Western Force will host two pre-season fixtures in Perth this year.

Eighteen European Cup clubs are still in contention for silverware, following a pulsating weekend of Round Five action.

Lions coach Johan Ackermann spoke, exclusively, to Jan de Koning about the changes to his squad ahead of the 2014 Super Rugby season.

More than most referees Jonathan Kaplan, born in Durban, educated in Johannesburg and living in Cape Town has been a member of referees' societies - six in all.

Super Rugby teams will step up their preparations for the upcoming season and shake off some rust in pre-season friendlies in the coming weeks.

Toulouse triumphed 21-11 over Saracens in their key European Cup Pool Three clash at Stade Ernest Wallon on Sunday to book their place in the quarterfinals.

England coach Stuart Lancaster is thrilled to welcome South African-born centre Brad Barritt back from injury ahead of the Six Nations.

Stuart Lancaster is adamant that the four new faces in England’s 35-man Six Nations squad can contribute to the 2015 World Cup.

Samurai beat giant-killers the Unlimited Titans 33-17 in the Cup Final on Sunday to secure back-to-back George Premier League Sevens titles.

Both sides were left feeling frustrated after Connacht beat Zebre 20-3 on Saturday night.

Leicester's unshakeable team spirit was at the heart of their bonus-point triumph at Treviso on Saturday, according to fullback Matthew Tait.

Clermont may have celebrated skipper Aurelien Rougerie's 50th European Cup outing with a 16-13 triumph at Harlequins on Saturday, but they don't want to stop there.

A heroic defensive effort saw Edinburgh ease to victory over Perpignan in their European Cup clash at Murrayfield on Saturday night.

A young Wellington side edged out Auckland 26-17 in the men’s Final of the National Sevens in Rotorua on Sunday to take out the title for the first time since 2002.

Cash-strapped Fiji pledged on Sunday to be back on side with the IRB in four months after its World Cup plans were hit when all financial aid was cut.

Fiji is facing the biggest crisis in it history, after the International Rugby Board pulled the financial plug on the Pacific Island nation.

For the seventh time Kearsney College plays host to its prestigious Easter Festival, again attracting several top schools.

The Wildeklawer tournament has become the most influential of the tournaments with its ability to attract a large number of top schools.

Defending champions Toulon and French rivals Clermont both secured places in the quarterfinals of the European Cup.

The star-studded Samurai and Kenyan teams cruised through Day One at the George Premier League Sevens tournament on Saturday.

Ulster head coach Mark Anscombe will be calling for a much more disciplined approach from his side when they travel to Welford Road next weekend.

Simon Easterby described his Scarlets' side's 19-13 win in Paris as "neither perfect nor pretty" but he was delighted to see it end a run of six successive defeats.

Sale Sharks took a step closer to the quarterfinals of the European Challenge Cup, but victory was over-shadowed by a serious injury to Worcester's Paul Warwick.

Ulster's Springbok Ruan Pienaar has set his sights on next weekend's European Cup clash with Leicester Tigers - a decisive Pool Five match.

This year South Africa's representative at the Sanix Rugby Youth Invitational tournament will be Paarl Boys' High.

Rumours that World Cup-winning Springbok Victor Matfield will come out of retirement has resurfaced.

Sale Sharks owners Brian Kennedy and Ian Blackhurst revealed that Gordon McKie has agreed to join the club as Chairman with immediate effect.

Yet again Glenwood High School of Durban as a cock-a-block fixture list for 2014 and yet again they are fearless in whom they play.

Afrikaanse Hoer Seunskool of Pretoria, known usually as Affies, is one of the top rugby schools in South Africa and has been so for many years.

Hoërskool Stellenberg/Stellenberg High Schools, founded in 1986,  is a dual medium school in Cape Town's Northern Suburbs, claiming to be the biggest school of its  kind in South Africa - and it has rugby ambitions.

Hoërskool Bellville was founded in 1937 and until 1994 was near Bellville station. Then it moved up the hill to smart new buildings and a view of Bellville.

Ulster beat Montpellier 27-16, but failed to grab a crucial fourth try which would have guaranteed them a European Cup quarterfinal place.

Boland Landbou, the small agricultural school near Paarl, each year produces astonishing teams from its small number of pupils. This year their first match in the Western Province is against Bishops in Rondebosch

The start to the season is disjointed because of long weekends but it does tun to 30 August 2014. The first fixture is on 12 April, the next on 10 May. It's not ideal and there are other excuses for not playing.

Exeter Chiefs back Jack Nowell has admitted he was "amazed" to hear that he has been named in Stuart Lancaster's England Six Nations squad.

The Stormers have joined the queue in Port Elizabeth to make use of the Southern Kings' talent pool.

The Eastern Province Kings may be keen, but they are a long way off from securing the services of Gary Gold.

Brive are now heavy favourites to qualify for the Challenge Cup quarterfinals from Pool Three after they edged out Newcastle Falcons at Kingston Park.

Toby Flood's decision to pursue a club career in France effectively cost him his England place.

Toulon coach Bernard Laporte has blasted French referee Laurent Cardona as "hopeless" and "completely incompetent".

The Cheetahs will head off the beaten track during their pre-season build-up, as they look to improve on last year's sixth-place finish in Super Rugby.

Versatile back Mirco Bergamasco was named in Italy's pre-Six Nations 30-man squad.

It is crunch time in Europe's premier club tournament, as we enter Round Five of the Euro Cup.

Forwards Declan Fitzpatrick and Stephen Ferris have agreed new contracts with Ulster and the IRFU.

George Ford was on Thursday included in a 30-man England Senior Elite Players Squad ahead of the Six Nations.

The world's best hooker, Bismarck du Plessis, is among 12 Springboks named in a provisional Sharks squad to play Saracens at Allianz Park.

Quade Cooper’s remarkable return could culminate with him becoming the next Wallaby captain after Ben Mowen’s shock decision to quit Australian rugby.

Edinburgh are confident that South African signing Carl Bezuidenhout can make the step up to the European Cup if called upon this week.

Springbok legend Breyton Paulse is looking for opportunities in coaching and will use th the Sevens tournament in George as a vehicle to showcase his talents.

The Waratahs will have a full contingent of Wallabies on deck when they run out at home for the first time in 2014.

The cash-strapped Fiji Rugby Union are struggling to pay the salary of high-profile Sevens coach Ben Ryan.