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OPINION: Rugby365 columnist Jon Cardinelli takes a look at how the Bulls, Sharks and Lions have failed to live up to the second-half hype.

REACTION: The Bulls’ inability to turn dominance into tries was a major source of frustration as they succumbed to the Sharks in their Round Seven United Rugby Championship encounter in Durban on Saturday.

REACTION: The Stormers extended their unbeaten run in the United Rugby Championship with a hard-fought 34-27 victory over the Lions at Cape Town Stadium on Saturday, but Director of Rugby John Dobson admitted the performance was far from convincing.

REACTION: Although the Lions suffered a 27-34 defeat to the Stormers, Lions head coach Ivan van Rooyen cut a satisfied and optimistic figure after his side’s United Rugby Championship Round Seven clash at Cape Town Stadium.

MATCH REPORT: Bath scored eight tries to claim a dominant 50-14 PREM win over Newcastle Red Bulls at Kingston Park.

ROUND TWO WRAP: Sungoliath were in fine form as they recorded a 43-25 bonus point win over Verblitz.

NEWS: The Stormers have finally released a statement on Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu's playing future.

REACTION: Sharks replacement scrumhalf Jaden Hendrikse was the star of the show in their 21-12 victory over the Bulls, and coach JP Pietersen gave a special shoutout to the No.9 after the game.

WRAP: Exeter boss Rob Baxter praised his Chiefs’ fighting spirit after a first victory at StoneX Stadium since 2017, completed their 2025 redemption story.

NEWS: Ospreys have dipped into South Africa to address their back-row injury crisis, bringing in Griquas loose forward Marco de Witt on a short-term contract following Jac Morgan’s shoulder setback.

SATURDAY WRAP: Munster moved back into second spot in the United Rugby Championship standings after they recorded a 26-10 bonus-point win over the Ospreys in Wales.

READERS’ FORUM: Welcome to our LIVE coverage of the United Rugby Championship Round Seven encounter between the Sharks and the Bulls in Durban.

MATCH REPORT: Three tries to zero tells the story of how the Sharks managed to grind out a vital win in their United Rugby Championship clash against the Bulls in Durban on Saturday.

MATCH REPORT: The Stormers' unbeaten run in the United Rugby Championship has been extended after they edged the Lions 34-27 in an absorbing Round Seven encounter in Cape Town on Saturday.

READERS’ FORUM: Welcome to our LIVE coverage of the United Rugby Championship Round Seven encounter between the Stormers and the Lions in Cape Town.

FRIDAY WRAP: Leinster staged a second-half fightback to claim a bonus-point 24-20 victory over Ulster at the Aviva Stadium

MATCH REPORT: England lock Ollie Chessum scored on his return from injury to cap a comfortable 45-14 win for Leicester against Gloucester in the PREM.

SPOTLIGHT: The Stormers will have to navigate a tough series of matches over the next month or two without one of their backline enforcers.

NEWS: World Rugby Match Officials have been confirmed for the Men’s Six Nations 2026.

SATURDAY PREVIEW: It's derby time in South Africa with big spotlights on Cape Town and Durban this weekend.

SPOTLIGHT: Stormers Director of Rugby John Dobson admitted that there was "visible disappointment" on his players' faces when they saw the state of their home ground this week.

SPOTLIGHT: Springbok flyhalf Jordan Hendrikse will be out to nail down the Sharks' No.10 jersey.

SPOTLIGHT: Jan-Hendrik Wessels will make his long-awaited return to the pitch following his nine-week suspension when the Bulls face the Sharks in their United Rugby Championship clash in Durban on Saturday.

PREVIEW: From Kwagga Smith’s breakdown mastery to Manie Libbok’s playmaking and Jasper Wiese’s power, South African influence once again shapes a pivotal weekend in Japan Rugby League One.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Bulls coach Johan Ackermann has made 11 changes to the starting line-up for their United Rugby Championship clash with the Sharks in Durban on Saturday.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Tighthead Neethling Fouché will earn his 100th Stormers cap when they host the Lions in a United Rugby Championship derby at the Cape Town Stadium on Saturday, as the hosts chase a ninth straight win this season.

NEWS: Whitney Hansen has been appointed the new Black Ferns head coach, taking charge through to the end of 2027.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Lions head coach Ivan van Rooyen has revealed his team for Saturday's United Rugby Championship showdown against the Stormers in Cape Town.

UPDATE: The Sharks' search for a new coach, to replace John Plumtree, is a long way from reaching its conclusion.

SPOTLIGHT: Toulouse travel to Lyon in the French Top 14 on Saturday a week on from suffering a second-half collapse at Glasgow leaving their hopes of a favourable knock-out stage run in the Champions Cup in tatters.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Sharks interim head coach JP Pietersen has revealed his team for Saturday's United Rugby Championship Round Seven clash against the Bulls in Durban.

FRIDAY PREVIEW: James Lowe has urged Leinster to deliver an "awesome" attack as they take on the inform Ulster in the United Rugby Championship Round Seven showdown.

TRANSFER NEWS: The Dragons have bolstered their pack with a South African.

STAT ATTACK: The Bulls will look to end their four-match losing streak when they travel to Durban for a face-off with an improved Sharks selection.

NEWS: The Lions will soon be on the hunt for a new assistant coach after confirming the departure of Barend Pieterse.

NEWS: The match officials' appointments for the United Rugby Championship Round 7 fixtures have been confirmed.

SPOTLIGHT: Paul de Villiers' stock continues to rise with each appearance in a Stormers jersey.

NEWS: Springbok Arno Botha will start a new chapter in his career next season.

SPOTLIGHT: Round Two of the 2025/2026 Champions Cup season is done and dusted and with comes the latest Team of the Week selection.

NEWS: Saracens hooker Theo Dan is free to play this weekend after a citing complaint against him was dismissed.

NEWS: The next instalment of international rugby sevens will unfold at Dubai’s iconic Sevens Stadium as HSBC SVNS 3 takes centre stage across two days between January 17-18, 2026.

2026 is set to be a huge year for rugby union. From the Six Nations to the inaugural edition of the World Rugby Nations Championship, we’re set to see lots of huge clashes in the run-up to the 2027 Men’s Rugby World Cup.

NEWS: Scottish Rugby has appointed Sione Fukofuka as the new head coach of Scotland Women following a global recruitment process.

WATCH as Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu talks about the hype building up around his game, as well as his goals for 2026 and beyond.

SOCIAL SPOTLIGHT: All Blacks star Sonny Bill Williams has called on South African franchises to make a return to Super Rugby.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Stormers attack coach Dawie Snyman has dismissed concerns that the Cape Town franchise may have peaked too early ahead of the return of the United Rugby Championship competition.

VIDEO: A brutal test awaits the Lions in Cape Town as they take on the unbeaten Stormers in the United Rugby Championship, with one of world rugby’s most lethal halfback pairings lying in wait.

REPORT: The Netherlands U18 team proved their victory last week against the SA U18 Girls at Markötter Stadium was no fluke by again outplaying their hosts at the same Stellenbosch venue, winning 26-0.

REACTION: The Bulls’ defensive frailties were exposed again, leaving coach Johan Ackermann in a reflective mood as belief and resolve continue to be tested.

SPOTLIGHT: Wallabies coach-in-waiting Les Kiss admits he has enough to deal with at the Queensland Reds before preparing the tournament hosts for the 2027 Rugby World Cup.

STAT ATTACK: Jan de Koning takes another deep dive into the numbers, as the Bulls suffered a worrying fourth-successive loss.

ROUND ONE WRAP: Despite a try by Springbok scrumhalf Faf de Klerk, Yokohama Eagles were unable to give their new coach Leon MacDonald a winning start.

NEWS: South African-born prop Nick Schonert has made himself available for Germany ahead of the 2026 Rugby Europe Championship, qualifying through his grandparents.

NEWS: Record 24-time French Top 14 champions Toulouse were handed a two-point penalty by the league's organisers for the 2022 transfer of Melvyn Jaminet from Perpignan.

The Blue Bulls Company confirmed the devastating news of the passing of Bulls Daisies captain, Lusanda Dumke.

INTERVIEW: Donavan Don is blitz, very rapid with ball in hand.

TRANSFER NEWS: The Lions continue to strengthen their squad with yet another big signing.

NEWS: Leinster have confirmed that Ireland flanker Jack Conan will be available for selection for their United Rugby Championship game against Ulster at the Aviva Stadium on Friday.

NEWS: Wales captain Jac Morgan and hooker Dewi Lake will both join Gloucester at the end of the season, departing the Ospreys in a major double coup for the Premiership club.

NEWS: Former Leicester Tigers head coach Richard Cockerill has been dismissed by Georgia following Black Lion’s crushing 0-52 Challenge Cup defeat in Ireland on Saturday.

REACTION: Franco Smith reflects on Glasgow's night and the epic comeback against Stade Toulousain.

SPOTLIGHT: South African rugby sits firmly at the summit of the global game after Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu was crowned the world’s best player by RugbyPass, topping the Top 100 for 2025 as the Springboks dominated the sharp end of the rankings.

NEWS: World Rugby confirmed that the lower tackle height trial will be introduced to elite rugby for the first time at the World Rugby U20 Championship 2026, which will take place in Georgia.

REACTION: Stormers Director of Rugby John Dobson believes the performance that his side dished up against Stade Rochelais won't be good enough to knock over South African opposition in the coming weeks.

Dominance without reward proved a familiar and costly theme for the Lions as their European struggles continued.

OPINION: Rugby365 columnist Jon Cardinelli takes a deep dive into the Stormers' excellent squad rotation.

REACTION: Sharks interim head coach JP Pietersen was impressed with dynamism shown by his midfield combination in Saturday's Champions Cup clash against Saracens in Durban.

SUNDAY WRAP: Exeter succumbed to a late fightback from Racing 92 after Greg Fisilau had been sent to the sin-bin as the French side snatched a dramatic 31-31 draw in their Challenge Cup match at the Stade Dominique Duvauchelle.

SUNDAY WRAP: Toulon held off determined Bath resistance to win 45-34 on Sunday, but the visitors claimed the bonus point that put them top of the tightly-balanced Champions Cup Pool Two.

MATCH REPORT: The Bulls delivered a poor performance on their way to an embarrassing 5-50 Champions Cup defeat to Northampton Saints in England on Sunday.

READERS’ FORUM: Welcome to our LIVE coverage of the Champions Cup Round Two encounter between Northampton Saints and the Bulls at Franklin's Gardens.

REACTION: The Cheetahs missed a golden opportunity to slay a European giant, falling 22-45 to Stade Français in Amsterdam in what could have been a statement-making win.

SATURDAY WRAP: Franco Smith's Glasgow Warriors pulled off one of the most remarkable comebacks in the 30-year history of the European Champions Cup at Scotstoun, toppling a giant spectacularly.

SATURDAY WRAP: Cardiff edged Ulster at the death with a 29-26 win in their Challenge Cup Round Two clash at Arms Park.

READERS’ FORUM: Welcome to our LIVE coverage of the Challenge Cup Round Two encounter between Newcastle Red Bulls and the Lions at Kingston Park.

MATCH REPORT: Newcastle made it two wins in as many weeks, staging a dramatic late fightback to snatch a Challenge Cup victory over the Lions at Kingston Park.

MATCH REPORT: JP Pietersen started his tenure as the Sharks' interim head coach with a morale-boosting 28-23 win over Saracens at a wet and windy Kings Park on Saturday.

READERS’ FORUM: Welcome to our LIVE coverage of the Champions Cup Round Two encounter between the Sharks and Saracens in Durban.

MATCH REPORT: The Stormers extended their unbeaten run to eight games, recording a 42-21 victory over Stade Rochelais in a thrilling Champions Cup Round Two clash at Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium in Gqeberha on Saturday.

READERS’ FORUM: Welcome to our LIVE coverage of the Champions Cup Round Two encounter between the Stormers and Stade Rochelais at Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium in Gqeberha.

MATCH REPORT: French giants Stade Francais delivered a convincing victory over the Cheetahs in Amsterdam on Saturday as they ran in six tries for a 45-22 win in Round Two of the Challenge Cup.

REACTION: Byrhandrè Leigh-She Dolf is a softly-spoken, mousy young lady - not someone you would associate with a savage and merciless sport like Rugby Union.

READERS’ FORUM: Welcome to our LIVE coverage of the Challenge Cup Round Two encounter between the Cheetahs and Stade Francais Paris in Amsterdam.

SATURDAY PREVIEW: The Challenge Cup hits Round Two this weekend, and several big teams are already under pressure after shock home defeats for the Lions and Lyon.

MATCH REPORT: The SA Under-18 Girls team learned some valuable lessons when they were beaten 29-12 by the Netherlands on a historic day in unseasonably cold, wet and windy conditions in Stellenbosch on Friday.

NEWS: Antoine Dupont's record six-time Champions Cup winners Toulouse head to Glasgow on Saturday with off-field issues dominating their preparation for the trip to Scotland.

NEWS: Two-time winners La Rochelle will go into their Champions Cup match against South African franchise Stormers on Saturday with a host of youngsters including 19-year-old Lucas Andjisseramatchi who will captain them at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium.

SATURDAY AND SUNDAY PREVIEW: It's a mixed bag for the South African teams heading into the Champions Cup Round Two clashes this weekend.

MATCH REPORT: Montpellier Hérault came from behind to dominate Zebre Parma in Round Tow of the EPCR Challenge Cup.

MATCH REPORT: Four-times champions Leinster sputtered at Leicester on Friday before pulling ahead in the dying minutes to open Round Two of the Champions Cup group stage with an 23-15 win in Pool Three.

INJURY UPDATE Edinburgh and Scotland have been dealt a major blow with lock Marshall Sykes ruled out for up to 12 weeks, sidelining him for the rest of Edinburgh’s Champions Cup pool stage and a large chunk of the Six Nations.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: The Bulls have unveiled a reshuffled match-day squad for Sunday’s Round Two Champions Cup clash against Northampton Saints at Franklin’s Gardens, with several frontline stars making way for fresh combinations and rising talent.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Cheetahs coach Frans Steyn was forced to make some minor changes to his side that will face Stade Franҫais in Amsterdam on Saturday.

SPOTLIGHT: Two Springboks have been included in RugbyPass’s latest batch of their Top 100 men’s players in 2025.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: WJ Steenkamp will lead the Lions when they face Newcastle in Round Two of the Challenge Cup at Kingston Park on Saturday evening.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Springbok powerhouse André Esterhuizen will captain the Sharks in their Champions Cup Round Two showdown with Saracens on Saturday at Kings Park.

TRANSFER NEW: Wallaroos flyhalf Faitala Moleka has re-signed with Rugby Australia, joining forwards Martha Fua, Allana Sikimeti and winger Biola Dawa in re-committing to the program.

NEWS: Forty players will assemble alongside the Wallabies coaches and support staff in Sydney on January 5 for three days before returning to their Super Rugby Pacific clubs ahead of the 2026 season.

SPOTLIGHT: A couple of key Springbok backline players have been included in RugbyPass' latest batch of their Top 100 men’s players in 2025.

ROUND ONE PREVIEW: Springbok stars will be front and centre as Japan Rugby League One kicks off on Saturday, with several South Africans poised to shape the early storylines of the new season.

PREVIEW: Friday's Challenge Cup Round Two clash between Montpellier and Zebre will provide a stage for Ali Price.

WATCH as Jan de Koning chats to the globe's most prolific star, Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, about his meteoric rise.

PREVIEW: Leicester Tigers will have five senior internationals back in their matchday squad to take on Leinster in Round Two of the Champions Cup.

NEWS: Stade Rochelais head coach Ronan O’Gara will watch his side’s clash with the Stormers in the Champions Cup from the stands of the Cape Town Stadium on Saturday.

SPOTLIGHT: Former Wallaby fullback Matt Burke believes Australian players are struggling with the physical demands at the top level of the game.

NEWS: Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu has been rewarded for his brilliant performances in 2025.

NEWS: An All Black stalwart dominated the New Zealand Rugby Awards on Thursday.

SPOTLIGHT: Stormers Director of Rugby John Dobson had a huge smile on his face while explaining his midfield selection for Saturday's blockbuster Champions Cup showdown against Stade Rochelais in Gqeberha.

NEWS: The Bulls, still reeling from last week's home loss to Bordeaux Bègles, have replaced two of their frontline players.

SPOTLIGHT: Springbok superstar Eben Etzebeth took to social media to explain the build-up to the eye-gouge incident involving Wales flank Alex Mann.

NEWS: The Cheetahs head into their Round Two Challenge Cup match against the powerful French outfit Stade Francais.

TRANSFER NEWS: The Hurricanes announced the return of former coach Jason Holland to the franchise, ahead of the 2026 Super Rugby Pacific campaign.

NEWS: Japan head coach Eddie Jones had to face a performance review at the end of a mixed second year back in charge.

TRANSFER NEWS: New Zealand wing Sevu Reece will join French side Perpignan next season provided the Catalan club retains its place in the Top 14.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Bulls coach Johan Ackermann has included nine Springboks in his squad for this weekend's Champions Cup Round Two clash against Northampton Saints.

NEWS: Another Springbok has confirmed his playing future.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: The Sharks are desperate to turn their fortunes around, and one of the leaders in that regard is André Esterhuizen.

NEWS: Northampton Saints wing James Ramm has been suspended for two weeks.

SPOTLIGHT: Springbok captain Siya Kolisi has entered the discussion after RugbyPass' revealed the latest list in their Top 100 men’s players in 2025.

NEWS: The South African Rugby Union confirmed the match official panels for the 2026 season.

SPOTLIGHT: After an action-packed first round of the season, a 'Team of the Week' has been unveiled by the Champions Cup

Positive news continues to roll out of Johannesburg, with yet another key player choosing to extend his stay at the Lions.

NEWS: South Africa has taken a big step in ensuring the game is safe for their juniors.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: There are nine Springboks in the Stormers starting line-up for the Champions Cup Round Two encounter with Stade Rochelais at Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium on Saturday.

NEWS: Rugby Australia announced a 10-Test schedule for the Wallaroos in 2026 featuring a historic tour of the USA and a three-match series in the UK and Europe.

OPINION: Jan de Koning takes a hard look at the erratic form of the Bulls and the possible reasons for their floundering form.

SPOTLIGHT: RugbyPass released the second group of their Top 100 men’s players in 2025, and like the first grouping, it also features two Springboks.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Springbok head coach Rassie Erasmus addressed the favourites tag the South African national team has been given heading into the 2027  World Cup.

NEWS: Stormers lock Adre Smith learns his fate following an incident against Bayonne.

SPOTLIGHT: The Lions hope that giving their 'fringe players' a run will rekindle the flagging energy levels of the team.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: A transfer can either elevate a player to new heights or derail a promising career.

SPOTLIGHT: Jesse Kriel hopes to take Springbok lessons back to Japan and lift the struggling Eagles.

NEWS: The All Blacks have confirmed their home fixtures for 2026, which include some historic matches for New Zealand fans.

OPINION: Rugby365 columnist Jon Cardinelli believes John Dobson's Stormers have the blueprint to go all the way this season.

SPOTLIGHT: RugbyPass released the first batch of their top 100 players and it features two Springboks.

OPINION: Rugby365 contributor Avuyile Sawula takes a deep dive into some of Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu's key performances in 2025.

UPDATE: Leinster will be sweating over a couple of key players ahead of their Champions Cup Round Two clash against Leicester Tigers at Welford Road on Friday.

NEWS: Lions fans will have something to cheer about after their team's poor performance in a 18-26 Challenge Cup defeat to Benetton over the weekend.

CHAMPIONS CUP WRAP: Springbok prop Boan Venter sealed the match for Edinburgh four minutes before time as they saw off three-time winners Toulon.

NEWS: A strong group of 26 players will become the first South African U18 Girls squad that will take on a touring side from the Netherlands later this month.

WRAP: South Africa became the first team to win consecutive HSBC SVNS titles in Cape Town with a late Christie Grobbelaar winner in a thrilling Final.

MATCH REPORT: The Cheetahs fought hard but ultimately went down 12-42 to Exeter at Sandy Park. 

WRAP: Ospreys completed a stunning fightback to overturn a 0-21 deficit at Brewery Field and beat Connacht 24-21 in their opening European Challenge Cup pool match whilst the Dragons' struggles continue.

READERS’ FORUM: Welcome to our LIVE coverage of the Challenge Cup Round One encounter between Exeter Chiefs and the Cheetahs at Sandy Park.

MATCH REPORT: A Sharks outfit without their big names arrived in Toulouse with nothing to lose and plenty to prove, and while they showed enterprise and fight, they ultimately came up short against the French heavyweights.

READERS’ FORUM: Welcome to our LIVE coverage of the Champions Cup Round One encounter between Stade Toulousain and the Sharks at Stade Ernest Wallon.

UPDATE: Disciplinary hearings continue to spawn nonsensical vagaries, even with their commonplace 'full written' explanations.

SQUAD ANNOUNCEMENT: The Lions have been bolstered by the return of one of their most dangerous strike weapons for their Challenge Cup away clash with the Newcastle Red Bulls. 

NEWS: Bath prop Will Stuart is unlikely to play any further part in the club’s Champions Cup campaign after suffering a suspected Achilles tendon rupture against Munster.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: The Sharks' departing head coach, John Plumtree, revealed that Eben Etzebeth's ban is a significant blow for the Durban franchise.

The Lions’ fifth straight loss to Benetton has left coach Ivan van Rooyen searching for answers after his side fell to the Italians once more.

REACTION: BlitzBoks head coach Philip Snyman won't be taking France lightly when they meet in the semifinals of the Cape Town SVNS on Sunday. 

WRAP: Leinster brushed aside Harlequins once again to launch their bid for a fifth Champions Cup title in ideal fashion but paid the price when their Springbok lock RG Snyman left the field injured.

SATURDAY WRAP: Cardiff were blown away in the second half as they began their European Challenge Cup campaign with a 17-38 defeat to Stade Francais.

DAY ONE WRAP: Dubai finalists New Zealand and France look to be on a collision course for a second final in as many HSBC SVNS tournaments, after both going unbeaten on the opening day of the HSBC SVNS Series in Cape Town.

SATURDAY WRAP: Defending Cape Town champions South Africa had no problem booking their place in the last four, winning all three of their matches to set up a Cup decider against France on Sunday.

REACTION: Stormers coach John Dobson hailed his team’s resilience as they secured an emphatic 26-17 win over Aviron Bayonnais at a buzzing Stade Jean-Dauger on Friday night.

MATCH REPORT: Glasgow Warriors made the perfect start to their Champions Cup campaign with a bonus-point victory away to Sale Sharks.

MATCH REPORT: The reigning Champions Cup holders, Union Bordeaux-Bègles opened their title defence with a 46-33 victory over the Bulls at Loftus Versfeld on Saturday.

READERS’ FORUM: Welcome to our LIVE coverage of the Champions Cup Round One encounter between the Bulls and Union Bordeaux Bègles at Loftus Versfeld in Pretoria.

MATCH REPORT: Two tries by centre Leonardo Marin and a drop goal by Tomas Albornoz helped Benetton surge past the Lions in the final 10 minutes on their way to a 26-18 victory in Saturday's Challenge Cup Round One clash.

READERS’ FORUM: Welcome to our LIVE coverage of the Challenge Cup Round One encounter between the Lions and Benetton at Ellis Park in Johannesburg.

NEWS: John Plumtree will be leaving the Sharks after their Champions Cup clash against Toulouse.

NEWS: The South African Rugby Union released some big news on Friday.

MATCH REPORT: It was a statement of intent from Ulster as they saw off last year's semifinalists Racing 92 61-7.

MATCH REPORT: The Stormers launched their Champions Cup campaign in style, powering to an emphatic 26-17 victory over Aviron Bayonnais at a buzzing Stade Jean Dauger.

READERS’ FORUM: Welcome to our LIVE coverage of the Champions Cup Round One encounter between Aviron Bayonnais and the Stormers at Stade Jean Dauger.

SATURDAY AND SUNDAY PREVIEW: South Africa’s Champions Cup journey enters its fourth chapter this weekend, and the big question lingers: can the South African sides finally push through to make history?

PREVIEW: The Lions and the Cheetahs will fly the South African flag in the EPCR Challenge Cup once again.

OPINION: Rugby365's Dylan Jack dissects the criticism Jacques Nienaber is facing in Ireland.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Cheetahs head coach Frans Steyn has unveiled his matchday squad for Sunday's Challenge Cup opener against Exeter Chiefs at Sanday Park

SPOTLIGHT: Springbok lock Eben Etzebeth revealed his version of events that led to the eye-gouging incident with Wales' Alex Mann.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Champions Cup rugby returns this weekend with the first round pitting the top European and South African teams against each other in one of the sport’s most illustrious and competitive tournaments.

NEWS: The Springboks will start their 2026 season with a mouth-watering clash against England at Ellis Park in Johannesburg, when the newly established Nations Championship kicks off.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Lions head coach Ivan van Rooyen has revealed his matchday squad for Saturday's Challenge Cup opener against Benetton in Johannesburg.

NEWS: Rugby's historic Greatest Rivalry series just got bigger with the news that the Springbok Women would meet New Zealand’s Black Ferns for the first time on South African soil.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: The Bulls are leaving no stone unturned as they roll out a powerhouse matchday squad to take on Champions Cup holders Union Bordeaux Bègles in a blockbuster Round One showdown at Loftus Versfeld.

FRIDAY PREVIEW: Europe’s premier club competition gets underway this week, with the crème de la crème set to take the field in Round One of the Champions Cup.

SPOTLIGHT: Springbok head coach Rassie Erasmus shared his insight regarding a Junior Springbok player who is eligible for England selection. 

DISCIPLINARY UPDATE: Springbok lock Eben Etzebeth has learnt his fate following an eye-gouging incident on Wales' Alex Mann.

REACTION: South Africa are willing to 'take a few shots' on their way to winning an unprecedented third-successive World Cup.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Springbok prop Ntuthuko Mchunu will make his Stormers debut in the Champions Cup opener against Bayonne on Friday evening.

SPOTLIGHT: New Zealand captain Scott Barrett on Thursday said that the All Blacks had no fear of potentially meeting South Africa in the 2027 World Cup quarterfinals but admitted they must peak at the right time.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Uncapped utility backline player Nabo Sokoyi has been included in the South Africa Sevens squad for the HSBC SVNS Cape Town at Cape Town Stadium, where the Blitzboks will aim to defend their crown in the second round of the season.

PREVIEW: The HSBC SVNS arrives in Cape Town this weekend on December 6 and 7 as the world’s top Sevens teams continue their campaign following an action-packed opening round in Dubai.

REACTION: Hong Kong China coach Logan Asplin called it "a dream come true" after the Rugby World Cup 2027 draw pitted the Asian debutants with New Zealand and hosts Australia on Wednesday.

REACTION: South Africa may have a relatively 'easy' pool when they defend their title at the 2027 World Cup, but coach Rassie Erasmus had a few words of caution.

SPOTLIGHT: Wallaby captain Harry Wilson revealed which team the tournament hosts would love to face in the opening match of the global showpiece and relishes the prospect of facing the defending world champion Springboks in the quarterfinals.

NEWS: The Springboks have been drawn in Pool B with three European opponents for Rugby World Cup 2027 in Australia.

SPOTLIGHT: Following an exceptional 2025 international rugby season, MyPlayers unveiled the nominees for the highly anticipated Players' Player of the Year Awards.

SPOTLIGHT: Zander Reynders’ debut for the BlitzBoks a year ago at the HSBC SVNS Cape Town was a surreal experience, and to return to DHL Stadium, where it all started, was a reminder of how blessed his rugby career has been since.

DISCIPLINARY UPDATE: Springbok lock Eben Etzebeth will have to wait a bit longer to learn his fate following his red card for his alleged eye gouge on Wales' Alex Mann. 

WATCH as Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus gives an insight into his plans for 2026, a year that will see his team face mostly Tier One opposition.

NEWS: Former Springbok wing Hendrik Jacobus 'Hennie' van Zyl passed away on Monday at the age of 89.

SPOTLIGHT: Senior Leinster coach Jacques Nienaber responded to comments made in an interview regarding a possible return to the Springboks.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: The Stormers will have to keep a close eye on former teammate Herschel Jantjies when they face French side Bayonne in their Champions Cup opener on Friday night.

SPOTLIGHT: Springbok legend Eben Etzebeth is in scorching hot water following his moment of madness for an eye gouge on Wales flanker Alex Mann in Cardiff last weekend. 

TRANSFER NEWS: English club Sale Sharks have brought in some serious speed from South Africa.

EXPLAINER: The Rugby Cup 2027 Draw will take place on Wednesday and the format will be explained below.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Stormers defence coach Norman Laker has revealed that the Cape Town franchise has received a significant pack boost ahead of their Champions Cup opener against Bayonne on Friday night.

REACTION: Bulls head coach Johan Ackermann pinpointed the potential turning point where things went south for his team in their 33-43 loss to the Lions at Loftus Versfeld. 

For Springbok scrumhalf Cobus Reinach, every match is more than just 80 minutes of rugby - it’s a tribute.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: The Springboks wrapped up their November Test Series in emphatic fashion with a dominant 73-0 demolition of Wales.

NEWS: The match ball design for the Men’s Rugby World Cup 2027 in Australia has been unveiled.

SOCIAL SPOTLIGHT: The 2025 Test season isn't even cold yet, but Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus has already shifted his focus to his first task in 2026.

SPOTLIGHT: President of SA Rugby Mark Alexander congratulated the Springboks on Monday for an outstanding 2025 season.

SPOTLIGHT: The BlitzBoks are determined to "right the wrongs" when they run out in Cape Town.

WATCH as Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus gives a brutally honest assessment of star flyhalf Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu's game.

INJURY UPDATE: The Bulls will be without at least two players, including a Springbok, for their Champions Cup opener against defending champions Bordeaux at Loftus Versfeld. 

SUNDAY WRAP: Pau moved back up to second in the Top 14 with a 53-33 win over La Rochelle on Sunday after the visitors lost flyhalf Antoine Hastoy to the fastest ever red card in the competition.

REACTION: Bath boss Johann van Graan compared Henry Arundell to South Africa great Bryan Habana after the England wing scored two key tries for the reigning Prem champions in a come-from-behind 36-29 win away to Saracens on Sunday that took them three points clear at the top of the table.

OPINION: Rugby365 columnist Jon Cardinelli dissects the Springboks' attacking progression over the years.

CARDIFF, WALES: Springbok head coach Rassie Erasmus has reflected on his team's unbeaten five-week tour that ended with a record win in Cardiff.

SPOTLIGHT: The Cape Town SVNS draw puts New Zealand against hosts South Africa on Day One, while the Black Ferns Sevens will face the side that defeated them in Dubai, USA.

OPINION: The Springboks wrapped up their November Test Series in emphatic style, crushing Wales 73-0 in Cardiff on Saturday.

REACTION: The BlitzBok Women's ‘A’ side will return from Dubai on Monday, more mature, more experienced and with their coach Cecil Afrika, a happy man.

MATCH REPORT: Springbok prop Thomas du Toit and Henry Arundell sent Saracens crashing to defeat as Bath emerged from the international break with a 36-29 victory that propelled them two points clear the top of the Prem.

DAY TWO WRAP: New Zealand's men and women's teams both claimed gold in their respective Finals against Trans-Tasman rivals Australia at the Dubai SVNS, whilst the BlitzBoks clinched fifth place.

REACTION: Stormers Director of Rugby revealed that one of his team's pre-planned tactics paid off in their heroic 27-21 comeback victory over Munster in Round Six of the United Rugby Championship. 

SPOTLIGHT: Wales head coach Steve Tandy believes Saturday's 0-73 result against the Springboks can’t take away from his team's progress.

REACTION: Lions head coach Ivan van Rooyen knows that he faces a tricky juggling act over the next few weeks.

MATCH REPORT: Connacht defeated the Sharks by 44-17 in the United Rugby Championship at Dexcom Stadium, adding more misery to the Durbanites' woeful season. 

SATURDAY WRAP: France star Antoine Dupont made a triumphant return to rugby after eight months out injured as Toulouse cruised to a 48-24 bonus-point victory over Racing 92 on Saturday to move five points clear in the French Top 14.

MATCH REPORT: The Stormers scored 21 unanswered points in the second half to secure their first win at Thomond Park against Munster by 27-21. 

CARDIFF, WALES: Another Test on tour, another red card for a Springbok lock, and head coach Rassie Erasmus conceded “the optics weren’t great”.

WRAP: Edinburgh picked up a third win in the United Rugby Championship after they came from behind to beat Ospreys 19-17.

READERS’ FORUM: Welcome to our LIVE coverage of the United Rugby Championships Round Six encounter between Connacht and the Sharks in Galway.

WRAP: Northampton Saints suffered their first Premiership defeat of the season, going down 12-46 to Bristol Bears at Ashton Gate.

READERS’ FORUM: Welcome to our LIVE coverage of the United Rugby Championships Round Six encounter between Munster and the Stormers in Limerick.

MATCH REPORT: The Springboks ended their Nations Series campaign in emphatic fashion with a 73-0 win over Wales in Cardiff on Saturday.

DAY ONE WRAP: The BlitzBoks will play no part in the Cup semifinals at the Dubai SVNS.

OPINION: Given the gap between these sides in terms of talent, it was hard to rate these Wales players too harshly – even with a 73-0 scoreline.

READERS’ FORUM: Welcome to our LIVE coverage of the Nations Series encounter between Wales and South Africa in Cardiff.

New Zealand’s top rugby talent - across Super Rugby, international teams, sevens and age-grade competitions - has been recognised in the final slate of nominees for the 2024 New Zealand Rugby Award. 

FRIDAY WRAP: Geoff Parling made a winning return to Kingston Park on Friday as his Leicester side extended Newcastle's losing start to the English Prem season with a 39-17 victory.

MATCH REPORT: The Lions have climbed above the Bulls into seventh place in the United Rugby Championship standings after they recorded a 43-33 victory in Saturday's Jukskei Derby in Pretoria.

READERS’ FORUM: Welcome to our LIVE coverage of the United Rugby Championship Round Six encounter between the Bulls and the Lions in Pretoria.

Springbok scrumhalf Cobus Reinach reaches a long-awaited milestone on Saturday as he earns his 50th Test cap against Wales at the Principality Stadium 11 years after making his debut.

SPOTLIGHT: Bulls (Northern Transvaal)  and Springbok legend Frik du Preez reached a milestone age of 90 years on November 28.

SPOTLIGHT: There's an old saying that says 'you make your own luck in life' and that rings true for Stormers debutant Dylan Maart. 

FRIDAY WRAP: Ulster peeled off 35 unanswered second-half points as they turned a slender deficit at the break into a comprehensive 47-13 victory over Benetton.

ANALYSIS: Jan de Koning does another deep dive into the World Cup numbers that many pseudo-pundits choose to ignore.

CARDIFF, WALES: Rassie Erasmus has witnessed both extremes of the Wales-South Africa history, from the record drubbing the Boks handed out in 1998 to the stunning Welsh redemption victory just a year later.

CARDIFF, WALES: Springbok skipper Siya Kolisi says the Sharks are out of excuses - it’s time for the players to take ownership and raise their standards.

SATURDAY PREVIEW: Brace yourself, the United Rugby Championship is back, and Saturday's action kicks off with a banger between the Bulls and Lions at Loftus Versfeld. 

With only 25 players that arrived in Cardiff for the showdown against Wales this weekend, Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus’s hand was forced in picking a 7-1 bench.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: United Rugby Championship action returns this week after a month-long international break, with the Sharks taking on Connacht in Galway, Ireland, on Saturday.

SPOTLIGHT: The BlitzBoks are raring to go in their quest to clinch their eighth Dubai SVNS title in 10 seasons.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Wing Dylan Maart will make his Stormers debut in the table-topping United Rugby Championship clash against Munster in Limerick on Saturday.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: The Bulls received a timely boost with the return of Elrich Louw, while head coach Johan Ackermann also provided an update on Springbok loose forward Cameron Hanekom.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: The Lions make the journey to Pretoria for Round 6 of the United Rugby Championship, where they will take on the Bulls at Loftus Versfeld on Saturday.

SPOTLIGHT: Only one team will remain unbeaten in the United Rugby Championship when Munster hosts the Stormers at Thomond Park this weekend.

PREVIEW: The HSBC SVNS kicks off this weekend with a bold new format, ushering in a fresh era for the sport.

INJURY UPDATE: French giants Toulouse could soon be boosted by the return of superstar Antoine Dupont after a lengthy injury lay-off.

TRANSFER NEWS: The Wallaroos have confirmed that they have signed another four rookies as an extended squad prepares to assemble for a training camp in Sydney on Sunday.

ONE-ON-ONE: Jan de Koning sat down with the Dolphins NRL team's South African schoolboy recruit Kaleb Holmes.

PREVIEW: The final match of the Nations Series promises a thunderous climax as Wales welcome the reigning world and Rugby Championship champions, South Africa, to Cardiff.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Former South Africa winger Stefan Terblanche said it is of utmost importance that Rassie Erasmus remains at the Springboks as the World Cup 2027 is slowly approaching.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Springbok head coach Rassie Erasmus has unveiled his matchday squad for Saturday's final Nations Series clash against Wales in Cardiff.

FRIDAY PREVIEW: Juarno Augustus will be out to prove his worth once again when Ulster face Benetton in Belfast on Friday.

SQUAD ANNOUNCEMENT: Cheetahs head coach Frans Steyn believes his team will cope in difficult conditions with Jaco van der Walt in the playmaker role.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Almost 10 months to the day since he last played, Elrigh Louw will pull on the famous Bulls jersey against the Lions in this weekend’s United Rugby Championship showdown at Loftus Versfeld.

NEWS: Ireland lock James Ryan had learned his fate for his dangerous hit on Springbok Malcolm Marx in their 13-24 loss to the world champions this past weekend in Dublin.

When Wales host South Africa at the Principality Stadium on Saturday, it will be the 44th meeting between the sides, a rivalry dating back to 1906.

OPINION: When looking back at last weekend’s feast of rugby, you can’t get past the game in Dublin.

The Springboks rolled into Cardiff stripped of stars but hunting one last statement on their end-of-year tour.

SPOTLIGHT: Incoming Wallabies coach Les Kiss will launch his tenure against Eddie Jones' Japan with Australia's 14-Test schedule in 2026 unveiled.

SPOTLIGHT: Following a tough start to their United Rugby Championship campaign, the Sharks are refreshed and ready to revive their season against Connacht this weekend, according to Springbok flanker Vincent Tshituka. 

EXLCUSIVE: The Springbok Women are only getting bigger, better, and stronger after their historic 2025 World Cup campaign - so says scrum coach Laurian Johannes-Haupt.

NEWS: One of the Red Roses 2025 World Cup winners has called time on her playing career.

SPOTLIGHT: Jurie Matthee has spent the last couple of years competing with two of South Africa’s brightest stars in Manie Libbok and Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu.

The Springboks may be nearing the end of a taxing tour, but the ever-tenacious Morne van den Berg isn't finished yet.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Head coach Steve Tandy has named the Wales team to face South Africa on Saturday in their fourth and final Nations Series match this November at Principality Stadium.

NEWS: The British and Irish Lions released a statement regarding the controversial R360 competition.

SPOTLIGHT: It will be almost four years to the day when a bright-eyed 21-year-old Shilton van Wyk ran onto the pitch at The Sevens Stadium in Dubai, representing the BlitzBoks for the first time on the international stage.

SQUAD ANNOUNCEMENT: The Bulls have unveiled a powerful 39-man squad for this year’s European Champions Cup - a group loaded with experience and firepower.

SPOTLIGHT: The United Rugby Championship resumes this weekend, and so will the local rivalries starting on Saturday when the Bulls host the Lions at Loftus Versfeld. 

SOCIAL SPOTLIGHT: World Rugby is getting fans fully in the World Cup 2027 spirit with a playful new campaign teaser to celebrate the passion, pride and unity that rugby inspires across nations.

NEWS: The match officials appointments for the United Rugby Championship Round 6 fixtures have been confirmed.

SPOTLIGHT: The selection of Spears hooker Malcolm Marx as the 2025 World Rugby Player of the Year last weekend has continued the strong association Japan has enjoyed with the prestigious award.

Daan Human, the scrum doctor, is the driving force behind the Boks’ dominance, blending dry humour with unrivalled knowledge in shaping elite props.

SPOTLIGHT: Rugby Australia has given their verdict regarding Wallaby head coach Joe Schmidt's future following a dismal 2025 record with the national team.

OPINION: Jan de Koning dissects the Springboks' main year-end Tests and explicates his selections for the A-Team!

NEWS: The Golden Lions Rugby Union announced the results of their recent Executive elections.

SPOTLIGHT: EPCR has confirmed the team of match officials who will oversee the Round One and Two matches in the 2025/26 Champions Cup.

SQUAD ANNOUNCEMENT: Sharks head coach John Plumtree has unveiled his touring squad for ahead of their trip to Galway.

SPOTLIGHT: The Welsh Rugby Union clarified the reason why they'll host the Springboks outside World Rugby's Test window despite the national team's struggles.

SPOTLIGHT: The Springboks have confirmed that 12 players, including the World Rugby Men’s Player of the Year Malcolm Marx, will not feature in the final Test of the 2025 season against Wales on Saturday.

TOUR DIARY, WEEK FOUR: In the land of the Vikings, it was South Africa’s own Viking, RG Snyman, who marked his 50th Test in perfect fashion - celebrating the milestone with a win over Ireland at his old stomping ground, the Aviva Stadium.

TRANSFER NEWS: The Bulls bolstered their flyhalf stocks with the acquisition of a Lions playmaker.

NEWS: The final category of the World Rugby Awards 2025 has been revealed on Tuesday, celebrating the Men’s 15s Dream Team of the Year.

SPOTLIGHT: Stormers attack coach Dawie Snyman clarified the availability of their Springbok players who formed part of the national team's November tour ahead of their away clash against Munster. 

NEWS: Several key players were spotted at Munster's first training session of the week ahead of their crunch United Rugby Championship clash against the Stormers in Limerick on Saturday.

SPOTLIGHT: Six tournament victories out of eight played is no mean feat, but for Ryan Oosthuizen, another go at glory at the Dubai SVNS tournament this weekend could not come quick enough.

SQUAD ANNOUNCEMENT: Wales have confirmed a 30-player training squad ahead of their final Nations Series clash against world champions South Africa on November 29 in Cardiff.

REACTION: Gregor Townsend has questioned a sense of "entitlement" among some Scotland rugby supporters following another disappointing campaign that has led to fresh scrutiny of the head coach's position.

UPDATE: Argentina fullback Juan Cruz Mallia sustained an anterior cruciate ligament injury to his right knee in the loss to England, the team said on Monday.

NEWS: A group of 53 players from 34 high schools in 12 different provincial unions have been invited to SA Rugby’s Under-18 Elite Player Development (EPD) camp for girls, after which the squad will be trimmed down to 26 players who will prepare for two matches against a U18 team from the Netherlands.

SQUAD ANNOUNCEMENT: Springbok Women trio have been named in the BlitzBoks Women 'A' squad that will feature in the International Invitational tournament of the Emirates Dubai Sevens this weekend.

SPOTLIGHT: Springbok centre Jesse Kriel dismissed any notion that their final tour match against a struggling Wales outfit will be a walk in the park. 

REACTION: Andy Farrell stopped short of calling Ireland’s 13-24 loss to the Springboks shambolic, but the Ireland head coach didn’t hesitate to brand the chaotic contest as one of the strangest he’s ever seen.

NEWS: The South African Rugby Union has taken the next step in ensuring that the conveyor belt of talent is running smoothly in the country.

SPOTLIGHT: Japan coach Eddie Jones believes Japan can reach the semifinals of the 2027 World Cup, but urged his players to improve themselves to achieve that goal.

OPINION: Rugby365 columnist Jon Cardinelli takes a look at a powerful Springbok weapon that destroyed the Irish in Dublin over the weekend.

OPINION: Rassie Erasmus' Springboks finally broke their drought in Ireland, defeating the hosts 24-13 at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin.

REACTION: Argentina coach Felipe Contepomi labelled Tom Curry a "bully" after accusing the England forward of shoving and swearing at him during a tunnel bust-up following a 23-27 loss at Twickenham on Sunday.

OPINION: Felipe Contepomi’s Los Pumas produced a patchy but spirited performance in Twickenham as they tried to keep pace with an England side who controlled long stretches of the contest before closing out a 27-23 win.

OPINION: England ended their Nations Series in style on Sunday, beating Argentina 27-23 at Twickenham’s Allianz Stadium.

READERS’ FORUM: Welcome to our LIVE coverage of the Nations Series encounter between England and Argentina in London.

MATCH REPORT: England claimed their 11th consecutive win, narrowly edging Argentina 27-23 in a thrilling contest at Allianz Stadium, Twickenham, on Sunday.

MATCH REPORT: Scotland closed out their Nations Series with a comfortable 56-0 victory over an ill-disciplined Tonga side on Sunday at Murrayfield in Edinburgh.

REACTION: Crestfallen captain Harry Wilson has apologised to disillusioned fans after the Wallabies ended a disastrous spring tour with a damaging 33-48 loss to France in Paris.

REACTION: New Zealand coach Scott Robertson heaped praise on a reshuffled All Blacks side that rode out a Welsh storm to emerge dominant 52-26 victors in Cardiff on Saturday.

The Springbok team broke into a playful “He’ll be coming round the corner, Malcolm Marx” chant as Victor Matfield handed Marx his World Rugby Player of the Year award after the historic win over Ireland at the Aviva Stadium.

SPOTLIGHT: England are determined to avoid being undone by the kind of Argentina counter-attack that stunned Scotland when they face the Pumas at Twickenham on Sunday.

OPINION: A long and brutal 15 Test campaign for the Wallabies that included a British and Irish Lions tour has concluded with a defeat at the hands of France in Paris.

OPINION: France clinched a second November win on Saturday, vanquishing a Wallabies challenge 48-33 to give Fabien Galthié breathing space heading into the new year.

MATCH REPORT: Italy closed out their 2025 Nations Series campaign with their second win in three matches after beating Chile 34-19 in Genoa.

Erasmus brushed off the wave of cards, calling it typical of the Springbok experience following their 24–13 victory.

READERS’ FORUM: Welcome to our LIVE coverage of the Nations Series encounter between Ireland and South Africa in Dublin.

MATCH REPORT: France wrapped up their Nations Series campaign on a high, defeating Australia 48-33 at the Stade de France on Saturday.

READERS’ FORUM: Welcome to our LIVE coverage of the Nations Series encounter between France and Australia in Saint-Denis.

NEWS: Springbok hooker Malcolm Marx has been crowned World Rugby Men's Player of the Year.

MATCH REPORT: The Springboks recorded their first win in Dublin in 13 years after a drama-filled encounter against Ireland at the Aviva Stadium on Saturday.

PREVIEW: England will be hoping to finish their Nations Series campaign undefeated when they host Argentina at Twickenham on Saturday.

OPINION: It’s a credit to Ireland’s tenacity and guts that they stayed in this one as long as they did, but this match felt at times like watching a drowning man desperately trying to keep his head above water as wave after wave threatened to pull him below the surface.

PREVIEW: Gregor Townsend insisted Friday he had no intention of stepping down as Scotland coach despite mounting criticism following last weekend's dramatic loss to Argentina.

MATCH REPORT: A dominant second-half display saw New Zealand overcome a brave but ill-disciplined Wales side 26-52.

OPINION: The All Blacks have finished their end-of-year tour in 2025 with a 52-26 victory over a struggling, and understrength Wales side in Cardiff.

OPINION: Wales were unable to register their first win over the All Blacks in 72 years, falling 26-52 in Cardiff.

READERS’ FORUM: Welcome to our LIVE coverage of the Nations Series encounter between Wales and New Zealand in Cardiff.

The Springboks won't dial back their trademark aggressive defence, captain Siya Kolisi promised.

Felix Jones is widely seen by players and fellow Springbok coaches as an exceptional figure whose influence has lifted the entire squad.

WATCH: Legendary Test referee Nigel Owens has offered detailed insight into the red-card controversies that have overshadowed South Africa’s otherwise flawless Nations Series tour.

DUBLIN, IRELAND: It was inevitable that red cards would dominate the conversation following the Springbok team announcement on Thursday, and this time head coach Rassie Erasmus offered a full breakdown of the entire process from start to finish.

A lunch meeting this week between former Springbok coach Jacques Nienaber and Rassie Erasmus quickly sparked talk from both men that a reunion could be on the horizon.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Argentina recalled flyhalf Thomas Albornoz for their Nations Series international against England at Allianz Stadium.

INJURY UPDATE: England were forced into a late change on Friday to their starting side to play against Argentina at Twickenham.

SPOTLIGHT: Ireland captain Caelan Doris said Saturday's Nations Series Test against world champions South Africa is not an end-of-year friendly but a match with "a lot on the line".

SPOTLIGHT: The All Blacks might be sitting pretty as the world's second-ranked team, but coach Scott Robertson finds himself under intense scrutiny from the rugby-mad New Zealand public and its exacting demands.

SPOTLIGHT: Wallaby captain Harry Wilson expressed his sympathy for an injured teammate ahead of their Nations Series game against France in Paris.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Scotland head coach Gregor Townsend has made a raft of changes to his matchday squad for Sunday's Nations Series match against Tonga.

PREVIEW: A week on from England scuppering their Grand Slam aspirations, New Zealand will bid to bounce back with a season-ending victory over struggling Wales in Cardiff on Saturday.

TEAM UPDATE: Wales's hopes of a much-needed morale-boosting victory over New Zealand in the Nations Series Test suffered a blow with experienced back row forward Aaron Wainwright ruled out on Friday.

PREVIEW: South Africa touched down in Dublin this week with the weight of history on their shoulders, as Ireland prepare for another shot at toppling the reigning world champions at the Aviva Stadium.

SPOTLIGHT: Wales take on New Zealand on Saturday and world champions South Africa a week later in full knowledge that a victory over either would be a monumental upset.

PREVIEW: Out-of-sorts France welcome out-of-form Australia to Paris in the Nations Series on Saturday with both sides mired in sticky patches.

TEAM UPDATE: The Wallabies have been dealt a double injury blow on the eve of their Nations Series clash with France at Stade de France.

SQUAD ANNOUNCEMENT: Eleven players who were part of their season-ending HSBC SVNS World Championship victory in Los Angeles in May will be part of the Springbok Sevens squad for the 2026 SVNS season opener in Dubai next weekend.

SPOTLIGHT: Springbok Women head coach Swys de Bruin expressed his satisfaction after a wider training squad completed a first alignment camp for the 2026 season in Stellenbosch on Friday.

DISCIPLINARY UPDATE: Springbok lock Lood de Jager has lost another battle after he was sent off in South Africa's second tour match against France.

DUBLIN, IRELAND: Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu will face another test of character when he runs out at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin on Saturday.

PREVIEW: Italy and Chile will face off for the first time in history when these sides meet at the Stadio Luigi Ferraris in Genoa for the final round of the Nations Series.

NEWS: World Rugby has published the permutations for this week’s matches in the Nations Series and November internationals in Europe.

INTERVIEW: Former hooker Bernard Jackman was brutally honest in his assessment of Ireland ahead of Saturday's Nations Series clash against the Springboks in Dublin.

TRANSFER NEWS: Stormers Director of Rugby John Dobson believes he has the perfect cover option for the injured Seabelo Senatla.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Springbok head coach Rassie Erasmus has recalled a number of big guns for Saturday's Nations Series showdown against Ireland.

NEWS: The Lions have been dealt a significant setback with the announcement that hooker Jaco Visagie is retiring from professional rugby due to injury.

Head Coach Andy Farrell has named his Ireland MatchDay Squad for Saturday’s final Quilter Nations Series clash against South Africa at a sold-out Aviva Stadium..

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Prop Angus Bell and inside centre Len Ikitau will play their 50th Tests for the Wallabies on Saturday night against France in Paris.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Scott Robertson has unveiled his matchday squad for Saturday's Nations Series clash against Wales in Cardiff.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Experienced centre Gael Fickou returns for France against Australia in the Nations Series in Paris this weekend, having been overlooked for the win over Fiji, head coach Fabien Galthie announced on Thursday.

DUBLIN, IRELAND: As the Springboks march through their end-of-year tour, one question seems to follow them from country to country: How do they keep doing it?

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Flank Harri Deaves will make his debut for Wales against New Zealand on Saturday as one of five changes to the side that beat Japan last week.

SPOTLIGHT: Ireland's improvement in the Nations Series since their defeat to New Zealand in Chicago puts them in good stead to topple the Springboks, according to assistant coach Simon Easterby.

The All Blacks’ collapse against England at Twickenham has not only ended their hopes of a Grand Slam but also ignited fierce criticism from former greats, placing head coach Scott Robertson firmly in the line of fire.

OPINION: Ireland and South Africa have a storied rivalry dating back to 1906. Jan de Koning looks at five classic clashes!

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: England head coach Steve Borthwick has named his team to play Argentina at Allianz Stadium on Sunday, November 23.

NEWS: The HSBC SVNS Series is coming to the Big Apple on March 14-15.

TRANSFER NEWS: One of Samoa's key players will leave the French Top 14 for the United Rugby Championship soon.

DISCIPLINARY UPDATE: Springbok utility forward Franco Mostert has learnt his fate following his red card against Italy in Turin this past weekend.

SPOTLIGHT: The cream of the crop has been nominated in their respective categories of the 2025 World Rugby Awards.

SPOTLIGHT: Ireland legend Keith Wood believes Rassie Erasmus' innovations has "pushed the laws" and it could lay the foundation for the game's next stage of evolution.

SPOTLIGHT: Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii has downplayed the Wallabies' alarming form slump with the star centre believing dips are "part of the process" as they build toward the 2027 World Cup.

INJURY UPDATE: England will be without three of their stalwarts for their upcoming Nations Series clash against Los Pumas.

Daan Human, with his iconic bucket, may be the mastermind behind the Springboks’ back-to-back World Cup-winning scrum, but on the women’s side, there is an equally influential figure driving standards: Laurian Johannes-Haupt.

Springbok prop Thomas du Toit is among the many South Africans based overseas who know Irish conditions inside out.

Saturday’s Dublin showdown between Ireland and South Africa just got even more intense, with the teams not scheduled to face each other again until November 2026.

WRAP: On an incredible night at The Sevens Stadium in Dubai, Samoa dug deep to tie 13-13 with Belgium and book their 10th straight World Cup appearance at RWC 2027.

DISCIPLINARY UPDATE: Wales will be without the services of one of their most experienced outside backs ahead of their Nations Series matches against New Zealand and South Africa.

He never imagined he’d reach his 50th Test in a Springbok jersey after so many years on the sidelines, and the chance to do it in Ireland - against a host of his Leinster teammates - makes the occasion all the more special for lock RG Snyman.

TOUR DIARY, WEEK THREE: The Italy week was interesting to say the least.

SPOTLIGHT: One of Ireland's most experienced backs had his say on the Springboks ahead of his side's huge clash against the world champions. 

SPOTLIGHT: Returning to France, where he was part of the Wallabies' 2023 World Cup horror show, Tom Hooper could be forgiven for feeling a sense of deja vu.

DUBLIN, IRELAND: Last Saturday, Springbok youngsters Canan Moodie and Ethan Hooker were thrown into the deep end, lining up against one of Italy’s dangerous midfield pairings in Turin.

NEWS: Black Ferns co-captain Ruahei Demant will spend four months with the Bristol Bears in England before returning home ahead of next year’s Pacific Four Series in New Zealand.

NEWS: The Wallaroos have been boosted by the retention of five experienced players on new Rugby Australia contracts for the 2026 season.

Springbok assistant coach Mzwandile Stick says the Boks are taking the brunt of recent refereeing decisions, expressing his frustration before Saturday’s vital showdown with Ireland at the Aviva Stadium.

OPINION: Rugby365 columnist Jon Cardinelli believes goal-kicking could be an important factor when the Springboks face Ireland in Dublin this weekend.

UPDATE: Ireland's pack will be significantly boosted for their Nations Series showdown against the Springboks in Dublin on Saturday.

NEWS: The Springboks will aim to finish 2026 as the top Test side on the planet in the new Nations Championship tournament. 

SPOTLIGHT: The Springboks are in a good space ahead of the 2027 World Cup draw, but could find themselves in a tricky pool as things stand in the world rankings. 

PREVIEW: The World Cup dream is over for Namibia and Brazil, but all eyes will be on Samoa v Belgium with the winner qualifying for RWC 2027.

NEWS: New Zealand Women's team will be led by a new coach in 2026.

SQUAD UPDATE: Springbok head coach Rassie Erasmus has added a double World Cup winner and rising international prop as the team prepares for their final two clashes of the Outgoing Tour, against Ireland and Wales.

NEWS: The New Zealand Rugby (NZR) Board has confirmed Professor Dame Farah Palmer as its third representative on the World Rugby Council.

Springbok fullback Damian Willemse will remember the battle of Turin not for his man-of-the-match display, but for how a 14-man Bok side once again dug deep to claim a gritty win.

SPOTLIGHT: The Springbok Women’s Sevens confirmed their standing as the best team on the continent after they outplayed hosts and main contenders, Kenya, in the Rugby Africa Women’s Sevens Cup Final in Nairobi on Sunday.

MATCH REPORT: Argentina staged an astonishing rally as they came from 0-21 behind to beat Scotland 33-24 in a Nations Series international at Murrayfield on Sunday.

NEWS: Centre Pierre-Louis Barassi and flank Paul Boudehent, injured in the win over Fiji, will miss next week's Test against Australia, after being left out of France's 42-man squad on Sunday.

REACTION: Maro Itoje said England had achieved something "special" after a 33-19 win over New Zealand at Twickenham on Saturday secured a rare Red Rose defeat of the All Blacks.

READERS’ FORUM: Welcome to our LIVE coverage of the Nations Series encounter between Scotland and Argentina in Edinburgh.

Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus cut a frustrated figure as he tried to process yet another red card for a lock after the Boks’ 32–14 win over Italy in Turin.

REACTION: Beleaguered coach Joe Schmidt has been left admitting ruefully that the best Australian on the pitch in the Wallabies' latest calamitous defeat was playing in Irish green.

REACTION: Ireland's record win over Australia is a "brilliant launchpad" for their upcoming Nations Series fixture against back-to-back world champions South Africa, revealed loose forward Jack Conan.

MATCH REPORT: France blew an early 21-point lead to defeat Fiji by 34-21 at the Stade Atlantique in the Nations Series. 

OPINION: Australia-born fullback Mack Hansen received Player of the Match honours after starring in Ireland’s 46-19 Nations Series win over the Wallabies in Dublin.

OPINION: Ireland showed that there’s still plenty of bite left in the old dog yet, looking every bit the better side for the majority of this 46-19 win over the Wallabies, who quite frankly look knackered.

MATCH REPORT: Australia-born Mack Hansen's hat-trick of tries inside half an hour of the first half inspired Ireland to a 46-19 victory over Australia in Dublin on Saturday in their Nations Series Test.

READERS’ FORUM: Welcome to our LIVE coverage of the Nations Series encounter between Ireland and Australia in Dublin.

READERS’ FORUM: Welcome to our LIVE coverage of the Nations Series encounter between France and Fiji in Bordeaux.

MATCH REPORT: Jarrod Evans's penalty with the last kick of the match gave Wales a 24-23 victory in their Nations Series Test over Japan on Saturday, denying the valiant visitors their first ever win in Cardiff.

MATCH REPORT: England continued their remarkable winning run, securing their 10th consecutive victory with a 33-19 triumph over New Zealand at Allianz Park, Twickenham, on Saturday.

MATCH REPORT: A Springbok team playing with 14 players for 68 minutes showed great class and composure to defeat Italy by 32-14 at the Allianz Stadium in Turin.

WRAP: South Africa Women's sevens scored 17 tries and conceded none on day one of the Rugby Africa Women's Sevens Cup in Nairobi on Saturday, easing past Mauritius (68-0) and Zimbabwe (47-0) to secure a quarterfinal berth against Ghana on Sunday.

OPINION: The impact of coach Lee Blackett on England’s attack was clearly seen in this match with George Ford expertly pulling the tactical strings and Ollie Lawrence showing his power as a ball carrier.

OPINION: England stunned the All Blacks 33–19 in a charged Twickenham, overturning a half-time deficit with a ruthless second-half surge.

READERS’ FORUM: Welcome to our LIVE coverage of the Nations Series encounter between England and New Zealand in London.

OPINION: A lack of control and execution undermined Italy’s high-risk approach in the wet as Gonzalo Quesada’s side fell 14–32 to a 14-man South Africa in Turin.

OPINION: The Springboks showed true grit to beat Italy in Turin on Saturday.

READERS’ FORUM: Welcome to our LIVE coverage of the Nations Series encounter between Italy and South Africa in Turin.

REACTION: Junior Springbok coach Kevin Foote and captain Riley Norton both lauded the fighting spirit of the SA U19 Academy team, who beat Ireland in their last tour match in Cork on Friday evening.

Springbok captain Siya Kolisi says hooker Johan Grobbelaar has fully earned his first start against Italy on Saturday.

INSIGHTS: The pundits are making South Africa outright favourites when they travel to Torino (Turin in English) to face off against Italy for the third time this year.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: George Ford insisted on Friday that England won't lack self-belief when they go in search of a rare win over New Zealand at Twickenham.

PREVIEW: Australia may have lost five of their last six Tests but they could cause an upset in Saturday's international in Dublin against an Ireland side who are "rather flat and lack a cutting edge", former Irish fullback Hugo MacNeill told AFP.

SQUAD ANNOUNCEMENT: Springbok Women head coach Swys de Bruin and his coaching assistants invited a group of 42 players to a week-long alignment camp in the Western Cape, with the players arriving at the Stellenbosch Academy of Sport on Sunday.

SPOTLIGHT: Returning France captain Gregory Alldritt on Friday said he was the only one to blame after being dropped by coach Fabien Galthie for last weekend's humbling loss to South Africa.

PREVIEW: Scotland head coach Gregor Townsend wasn’t his side to build on the positive aspects of their 17-25 defeat to All Blacks when they Argentina at Murrayfield on Sunday.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Los Pumas head coach Felipe Contepomi made five changes to the starting line-up that thrashed Wales in Cardiff last week, ahead of their clash against Scotland in the Nations Series.

REPORT: The South African Under-19 Academy side defeated Ireland U20 by 32-22 in their international match at Musgrave Park in Cork on Friday to finish their short European tour on a positive note.

PREVIEW: Maro Itoje believes England can emulate one of their best performances when they face New Zealand at Twickenham on Saturday.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Darcy Graham is set to step out in a Scotland jersey for the 50th time this weekend, against Argentina, in the third match of the Nations Series.

TRANSFER NEWS: The Sharks acquired the services of a Test international centre to replace Japan-bound Springbok Lukhanyo Am.

PREVIEW: Fabien Galthie's wounded Six Nations champions France host Fiji in the Nations Series on Saturday, looking to get over last weekend's humbling loss to four-time Rugby World Cup winners South Africa.

NEWS: With the World Cup 2027 pool draw just around the corner, there will be a bigger spotlight on the rankings during the next few weekends of rugby

One of the Stormers' most promising players has made a bold decision on his playing future

PREVIEW: Nairobi is set to become the stage for one of the most consequential tournaments as 12 teams will compete for the Africa Women’s Sevens title and a spot in World Rugby’s HSBC SVNS Series Division Three.

CONTRACT EXTENSION: The Bulls continued their re-signing spree with another player committing to further his career at Loftus Versfeld.

PREVIEW: Louis Rees-Zammit will make his first Wales start since the 2023 World Cup in Saturday's clash with Japan in Cardiff after coach Steve Tandy said he was "ready to return".

WRAP: Samoa ended Namibia's streak of competing in seven consecutive World Cups after defeating the Welwitschias 26-8 in the RWC Final Qualification Tournament.

With two solid wins behind them, South Africa reach the halfway point of their Nations Series tour as they face Italy at Turin’s Allianz Stadium — only the second rugby match ever played at the home of football giants Juventus.

Springbok lock Lood de Jager will stay with the touring squad to assist in preparations for the upcoming Tests, particularly next weekend’s clash against Ireland.

Few would’ve imagined a Springbok team without Malcolm Marx — yet that’s the case for Saturday’s clash with Italy in Turin.

SQUAD ANNOUNCEMENT: A daunting challenge awaits the BlitzBok Women in the Rugby Africa Women’s Sevens Cup in Kenya this weekend.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Fiji head coach Mick Byrne announced on Thursday an unchanged starting line-up for this weekend's Nations Series game against France in Bordeaux.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Ireland's Mack Hansen will make a first Test start at fullback against his native Australia on Saturday, with Sam Prendergast recalled at flyhalf to face the Wallabies in Dublin.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: All Blacks head coach Scott Robertson has unveiled his team to face England in London on Saturday.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Veteran playmaker James O'Connor has been called on to take the reins of the ailing Wallabies.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Springbok head coach Rassie Erasmus named a new-look starting team for the Outgoing Tour Test against Italy at the Allianz Stadium in Turin on Saturday afternoon.

SPOTLIGHT: Fin Baxter believes a "selfless' approach holds the key to England's hopes of a rare win over New Zealand when they face the All Blacks at Twickenham on Saturday.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Italy head coach Gonzalo Quesada has made just one change to his starting XV for their Nations Series showdown against the Springboks.

Handré Pollard will make his first tour start when the Springboks face Italy in Turin on Saturday, with his role in the national setup still key ahead of the next World Cup.

NEWS: The Bulls are laying solid foundations for their future after announcing a slew of significant contract extensions for eight of their most promising young talents.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: France will have a returning player donning the captain's armband this weekend.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Wales Head coach Steve Tandy has named his team to play Japan on Saturday in their second Nations Series match at Principality Stadium.

The Springboks won’t underestimate Italy after lessons learned from their earlier clashes this year.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Junior Springbok head coach Kevin Foote has made wholesale rotational changes to the SA Under-19 Academy matchday squad for Friday’s clash with Ireland U19 in Cork.

SOCIAL SPOTLIGHT: The Bulls and Sharks engaged in a bit of light-hearted banter ahead of their United Rugby Championship clash on November 29. 

OPINION: To appropriate that famous 1989 song by Tina Turner: 'They are Simply the Best'.

Flamboyant try scorer Edwill van der Merwe is set for his first run on the Springboks’ Nations Cup tour when they take on Italy at the Allianz Stadium in Turin this weekend.

NEWS: Scotland are increasingly confident senior players Finn Russell and Zander Fagerson will be fit to face Argentina with the duo "training fully" ahead of Sunday's international against the Pumas at Murrayfield.

SPOTLIGHT: England's top professional Rugby Union clubs saw their combined debt grow last season while none of the ten sides made a profit for a third year running, an independent study revealed on Wednesday.

DISCIPLINARY UPDATE: Springbok lock Lood de Jager will play no further part in South Africa's Nations Series campaign.

OPINION: As the old saying goes - one man's loss is another man's gain.

CONTRACT EXTENSION: Benetton secured the services of one of their most influential playmakers on a long-term basis.

NEWS: The Bulls’ most promising players, Springboks Jan-Hendrik Wessels and Cameron Hanekom,  have extended their contracts with the Pretoria franchise.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Italy forward Federico Ruzza has urged his side to sharpen their focus and play with greater precision when they take on South Africa in Turin this Saturday.

After the Springboks’ emphatic win over France, captain Siya Kolisi used the post-match press conference to thank coach Rassie Erasmus for his impact.

NEWS: The Wallaroos announced the retention of key forwards Michaela Leonard, Kaitlan Leaney, Brianna Hoy and Ashley Fernandez for the 2026 international season.

SPOTLIGHT: After two defeats from as many games in their Nations Series tour, the Wallabies are looking to one of their experienced playmakers to salvage their end-of-year campaign.

DEEP DIVE: Let me say, from the outset, I do not believe there is a 'machination' against South Africa.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: England men’s head coach Steve Borthwick has named his team to play New Zealand at Allianz Stadium on Saturday.

Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus is set to shake things up for Saturday’s Test against Italy, with Ethan Hooker in line for his first start at centre.

SPOTLIGHT: The Wallabies maintain there's still "enough petrol in the tank" as Joe Schmidt's side face the grim prospect of ending one of the most gruelling seasons on record with a first winless four-Test tour of Europe in almost 70 years.

Scoring a try as a flanker is no easier than doing so as a centre - in a maul, everything has to align perfectly for it to come off, explains the world's only hybrid player Andre Esterhuizen.

Wales have suffered a major setback with the latest news of captain Jack Morgan.

NEWS: The All Blacks will have to make some big selection decisions in the coming days ahead of their big showdown against England on Saturday.

SPOTLIGHT: She made her debut for her country at the Rugby Africa Women’s Sevens Cup tournament in Ghana last year and scored a try on debut, but that was just the beginning of the season’s highlights for BlitzBoks Women forward, Leigh Fortuin.

TOUR DIARY, WEEK TWO: Paris may be the city of love, but there was none of it in the air ahead of the Springboks’ fiery clash with France.