Ellis Park is a stadium that speaks to the heart of speedsters in any team and someone that is relishing the prospect of playing on the hard and fast pitch for the first time as a Springbok is Cheslin Kolbe.
SQUAD UPDATE: The Cheetahs have confirmed their player movements ahead of the 2023/2024 season.
TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Springbok No.8 Duane Vermeulen will lead a new-look Bok team in their final Rugby Championship match against Argentina at Ellis Park in Johannesburg on Saturday.
SPOTLIGHT: The saying 'no rain, no flowers' accurately depicts Springbok assistant coach, Deon Davids' view on the loss against New Zealand in the Rugby Championship in Auckland last weekend.
A more intense Wallabies outfit can be expected when they face the All Blacks in the final Rugby Championship clash at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on Saturday.
SPOTLIGHT: All Black centre Anton Lienert-Brown admitted that the last few seasons have been frustrating for him.
NEWS: Wallabies head coach Eddie Jones is reportedly planning to exploit a loophole in the overseas player selection rules to recall a former Australia test forward ahead of the upcoming World Cup.
OPINION: Former Springbok head coach Jake White shares his view on South Africa's defeat to the All Blacks in Auckland.
NEWS: World Rugby Chairman Bill Beaumont has reiterated his organisation’s commitment to have the next World Cup pool draw "as late as possible".
NEWS: Dai Young has left his role as Cardiff's Director of Rugby with immediate effect after an investigation into bullying allegations.
SPOTLIGHT: Test referees will be getting more support with their decision-making in Tests leading up to the World Cup in France.
SPOTLIGHT: The All Blacks will be out to get the balance right between testing new combinations ahead of the World Cup and showing respect to the Wallabies in their Rugby Championship Round Three clash in Melbourne on Saturday.
STATISTICAL UPDATE: The Springboks will be looking to continue their winning streak over Argentina when the two teams meet in the final round of the Rugby Championship in Johannesburg on Saturday.
SPOTLIGHT: Andrew Kellaway believes the cut-throat battle for World Cup spots hasn't changed the mindset of the Wallabies players as they hunt their first win of the year in Melbourne's Bledisloe Cup match.
EXCLUSIVE: The tempestuous Eastern Province Rugby Union's already bleak year took another turn for the worse.
SQUAD UPDATE: Head coach Steve Borthwick has revealed an updated England training squad.
SPOTLIGHT: There will be no sleepless nights in the Ireland camp ahead of a tough World Cup schedule in France.
STATISTICAL SPOTLIGHT: Some more key stats have emerged showing how well the All Blacks utilised the ball against the Springboks in Auckland.
NEWS: Springbok flyhalf Manie Libbok has turned down an opportunity to further his career in France and opted to extend his contract with the Stormers.
NEWS: Former Springboks coaches Matthew Proudfoot and Allister Coetzee have reportedly joined forces again and will be heading up Namibia’s 35-man squad for the World Cup.
PACIFIC NATIONS CUP ROUND ONE WRAP: Japan admitted they would have to toughen up mentally ahead of the World Cup after losing to Samoa on Saturday, following a first-half red card for veteran Michael Leitch
WATCH as World Cup-winning loosehead PROP Tendai Mtawarira shares some insights into the mindset of South Africa's colourful Director of Rugby Rassie Erasmus.
WATCH as Australia coach Eddie Jones explains how he is 'sifting' through the available talent to find the best Wallaby team.
WATCH as Springbok coach Jacques Nienaber speaks about the Ellis Park factor in their last home game ahead of the World Cup.
INTERVIEW: Tate McDermott said the Wallabies have licked their wounds, reviewed and "moved on bloody quickly" ahead of next weekend's Bledisloe Cup opener.
NEWS: Springbok captain Siyamthanda Kolisi and flyhalf Handré Pollard would not have to prove themselves after their recovery and could potentially go straight from injury into a World Cup game.
WATCH as Springbok Jessie Kriel unpacks the advantages of playing in Japan and how it benefitted his game.
NEWS: South Africa's best schoolboy rugby players will be able to test themselves against some of the best the Northern Hemisphere has to offer.
REACTION: Ireland's Jimmy O'Brien says distractions have been kept to a minimum during the disciplinary process involving captain Johnny Sexton.
NEWS: Australia and Japan will face each other more often as part of a wide-ranging deal announced Friday that lasts until 2029.
WATCH as Springbok coach Jacques Nienaber unpacks the plan for the Rugby Championship face-off against Argentina at Ellis Park.
PREVIEW: There are a couple of bing names in Samoa's matchday squad for their clash against Japan on Saturday.
TRANSFER NEWS: The Bulls have managed to lure another Springbok to Loftus Versfeld - despite the determined efforts of the Lions to lure him to Ellis Park.
TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Tom Wright and Reece Hodge have been dropped from the Wallabies' Bledisloe Cup squad as Eddie Jones turns to fit-again pair Jordan Petaia and Andrew Kellaway.
OPINION: @king365ed gives his take on what the Springbok 'A-Team' to tackle the All Blacks at Twickenham may look like.
SPOTLIGHT: The Welsh Rugby Union on Thursday revealed the home and alternate World Cup 2023 kit.
TRANSFER NEWS: Just a few days after the Bulls announced the departure of assistant coach Russell Winter, the franchise is set to lose another backroom staff member.
WATCH as @rugby365com revisits the Makazole Mapimpi story, as the late isiXhosa commentator Kaunda Ntunja so eloquently put it: 'The player who had come from the most hopeless situation in the history of the Springboks'.
TRANSFER NEWS: The Bulls family bids farewell to Springbok forward, Lizo Gqoboka who has yet to confirm his future club.
NEWS: Nigel Walker has been appointed as the Welsh Rugby Union's (WRU) first executive director of rugby.
REACTION: SA Rugby’s Director of Rugby Rassie Erasmus and Junior Springbok head coach Bafana Nhleko reacted enthusiastically to the announcement by SANZAAR that a new U20 Rugby Championship will kick off in 2024.
NEWS: Self-described "skinny rugby league winger" Les Kiss has been lured home in a coaching move that the Queensland Reds anticipate will have a halo effect on rugby in the country.
NEWS: SANZAAR has announced that an Under-20 version of the Rugby Championship will kick off in 2024.
NEWS UPDATE: Grieving Springboks Eben Etzebeth and Jaden Hendrikse will be available for South Africa when they tackle Argentina on July 29 in a Rugby Championship match.
The installation of the new pitch at the Cape Town Stadium has been met with pure excitement from the Stormers and fans.
NEWS: Les Kiss's confirmation as Queensland Reds coach is imminent while James O'Connor is also close to finalising his future at the Super Rugby outfit.
TEAM UPDATE: The Springbok squad will assemble in Pretoria on Wednesday, to resume their preparations for their final Rugby Championship match.
NEWS: Warren Gatland has named a 43-strong squad for Wales’ next warm-weather camp in Turkey ahead of their upcoming Rugby World Cup warm-up matches, a three-match schedule that commences against England in Cardiff on August 5.
NEWS: The British and Irish Lions will face a joint Australia-New Zealand side in an unofficial "fourth Test" on their 2025 tour, which will include matches against the Wallabies in Brisbane, Sydney and Melbourne, it was announced Wednesday.
PERMUTATIONS: South Africa's chances of claiming the Rugby Championship trophy are extremely slim following their defeat to New Zealand last weekend.
NEWS: Harlequins confirmed that England and British & Irish Lions flyhalf Marcus Smith has signed a contract extension with the club.
STATISTICAL SPOTLIGHT: Springbok fullback Willie le Roux has had his fair share of criticism over the last few years, but he has proven to be an asset on attack for the Springboks.
SPOTLIGHT: The Wallabies are confident they can plug the gaping hole left by a shattering shoulder injury to backline linchpin Len Ikitau.
TRANSFER NEWS: Glasgow Warriors have confirmed Logan Trotter has joined the franchise after spending last season with London Irish.
England has revealed the new home and alternate kits that will be worn at the World Cup in France.
NEWS: The World Rugby Sevens Series have undergone a revamped with the bold ambition of rugby growth across eight iconic cities.
NEWS: Premiership Rugby announced a blockbuster calendar of derbies and big games for the 2023/24 Premiership season.
OPINION: One of the big debates surrounding the Bok squad in recent seasons has been the coaching team's decision to use Damian Willemse in the flyhalf role.
All Black great Jeff Wilson has placed the spotlight on Quade Cooper after Australia's defeat to Argentina on Saturday.
SQUAD ANNOUNCEMENT: England head coach Steve Borthwick has trimmed his squad from 41 to 39 players as England step up their preparations for the 2023 World Cup in France.
REACTION: In a very detailed testimony South African referee Jaco Peyper has shared his account regarding the Johnny Sexton misconduct case.
TRANSFER NEWS: The Bulls confirmed that assistant coach, Russell Winter will leave the franchise to join the Japanese side, the Kubota Spears.
SPOTLIGHT: The All Blacks just missed out on moving to second spot in World Rugby's rankings.
IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Grant Williams has handed the Springboks' management a nice headache after two rounds of the Rugby Championship season.
Wallabies head coach Eddie Jones could not contain his frustration as his side suffered a last-minute 31-34 defeat to Argentina in Sydney on Saturday.
REACTION: Saturday's defeat to the All Blacks might have been the wake-up call the Springboks needed ahead of this year's World Cup in France.
SPOTLIGHT: All Blacks coach Ian Foster has said the side will continue monitoring Will Jordan's migraines after the wing's dazzling display against South Africa on Saturday.
NEWS: Johnny Sexton has willl be miss some of Ireland's games after receiving a ban for his behaviour towards Jaco Peyper.
NEWS: The Māori All Blacks will play two matches against the Japan XV as part of the Challenge Cup 2024.
OPINION: Rugbypass writer Ben Smith shares his view on the All Blacks' Rugby Championship Round Two victory over the Springboks.
STATISTICAL SPOTLIGHT: The All Blacks outplayed the Springboks at Mount Smart Stadium in Auckland on Saturday and the statistics will show a clear picture of this.
OPINION: Los Pumas certainly enjoy playing in Parramatta, beating the All Blacks in 2020 and remaining unbeaten against the Wallabies after a draw that year and a deserved 34-31 win on Saturday to close the second round in the 2023 Rugby Championship.
INJURY UPDATE: Wallabies centre Len Ikitau faces a race against the clock to be fit for the World Cup after scans on Sunday revealed he suffered a fractured shoulder in their defeat to Argentina.
REACTION: A defiant Eddie Jones maintains Australia can win this year's World Cup despite facing the very real prospect of arriving in France without a victory in 2023.
REACTION: South Africa's Director of Rugby Johan Erasmus took to social media to share his views of the Boks' defeat to the All Blacks in Auckland on Saturday.
REACTION: Springbok prop Steven Kitshoff says his team will have to find ways to slow the All Blacks' ball down before their next meeting at Twickenham in August before the World Cup.
REACTION: Argentina coach Michael Cheika was buoyed by a "landmark" upset of his home nation Australia, but the wily veteran sees more hard yards before the upcoming World Cup.
REACTION: Springbok head coach Jacques Nienaber said it was always going to be hard for his team to recover after their slow start against the All Blacks in Auckland.
REACTION: Springbok coach Jacques Nienaber says the split-squad strategy should not be blamed for his team's defeat to the All Blacks in Round Two of the Rugby Championship in Auckland.
REACTION: Australia coach Eddie Jones insisted Saturday that his team can turn the corner by the time they meet the All Blacks in a fortnight after slumping to the second straight defeat of his reign.
MATCH REPORT: The All Blacks put one hand on the Rugby Championship trophy with 35-20 win over the Springboks on Saturday at the Mount Smart Stadium in Auckland.
OPINION: The All Blacks went one step closer to securing the Rugby Championship with a 35-20 win over the Springboks at Mt Smart Stadium in Auckland.
REACTION: All Black head coach Ian Foster says the way his team dealt with the Boks' 'Bomb Squad' was one of the most encouraging aspects of their win in Auckland.
OPINION: The Wallabies have fallen to their second defeat in as many Tests under new coach Eddie Jones, with the men in gold losing to Argentina 31-34 in Sydney.
READERS’ FORUM: Welcome to our LIVE coverage of the Rugby Championship Round Two encounter between Australia and Argentina in the Western Sydney stadium.
REPORT: Argentina clocked back-to-back victories over the Wallabies for the first time Saturday in a stirring 34-31 win to ramp up pressure on Australia coach Eddie Jones.
OPINION: Against an utterly sublime All Black team, the Springboks struggled to stamp their authority with a host of poor performances in the 20-35 loss in Auckland on Saturday.
READERS’ FORUM: Welcome to our LIVE coverage of the Rugby Championship Round Two encounter between New Zealand and South Africa at the Mount Smart Stadium in Auckland.
WRAP DAY FIVE: France was crowned Under-20 champions after overpowering Ireland 50-14 in the World Championships final at Athlone on Friday.
PREVIEW: It's Round Two of the 2023 Rugby Championship and World Rugby has revealed the ranking permutations for this weekend's matches.
REACTION: Springbok assistant coach Mzwandile Stick says Eben Etzebeth's decision to play against the All Blacks is a way of honouring his late father.
RUGBY CHAMPIONSHIP, ROUND TWO: Australia and Argentina are in desperate need of a victory when they meet on Saturday in Sydney.
RUGBY CHAMPIONSHIP, ROUND TWO: Springbok assistant coach Mzwandile Stick says history has not been part of the conversation in the Bok camp ahead of their clash against the All Blacks in Auckland.
NEWS: Suspended Australia star Kurtley Beale will stand trial in January accused of sexually assaulting a woman after an alleged incident at a Sydney pub.
REPORT: Tonga made a big statement with a historic 27-21 over a star-studded Australia A side in Friday’s international fixture at Teufaiva Stadium.
NEWS: Thomas Perenara, the first player to reach 150 games for the Hurricanes has recommitted to the franchise and New Zealand Rugby for a further two years.
NEWS: Eben Etzebeth will lead the Springboks against New Zealand on Saturday in Auckland despite the death of his father.
NEWS: The decision from Ireland captain Johnny Sexton's disciplinary hearing with European Professional Club Rugby held on Thursday is expected "in the coming days"
PREVIEW: Head coach Richie Murphy has named his Ireland matchday squad for Friday's World Rugby Under-20 Championship Final against France at Athlone Stadium in Cape Town.
JERSEY LAUNCH: Ireland officially released their World Cup kit on Thursday and a lot of fans are not happy about it.
WATCH as Springbok coach Jacques Nienaber unpacks the process to decide who will take the kicks at goal for the Springboks
FIXTURES: The Bulls and Stormers will be up against two of Europe's heavyweights in the opening round of the 2023/2024 Champions Cup.
SPOTLIGHT: The Springboks will line-up for Round Two of the Rugby Championship against the All Blacks in Auckland on Saturday with an unblemished record under the current coaching staff of Jacques Nienaber and Johan Erasmus on New Zealand soil.
NEWS: Springbok captain Eben Etzebeth’s father Harry sadly passed away on Tuesday evening.
PREVIEW: Japan head coach Jamie Joseph has revealed his Brave Blossoms team to take on the All Blacks XV this Saturday at Egao Kenko Stadium in Kumamot.
TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Eddie Jones demanded that Australia "roll up their sleeves" as he made five changes to his starting team to face Argentina after being thrashed by South Africa in his first game in charge.
TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Argentina head coach Michael Cheika has revealed his team to face Australia in Round Two of the Rugby Championship in Sydney on Saturday.
TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: New Zealand head coach Ian Foster brought in Will Jordan as part of five changes to his starting line-up for Saturday's Rugby Championship showdown with South Africa in Auckland.
NEWS: JJ Theron (SA Schools) and Imaani Pemba (SA Schools ‘A’) will captain their respective sides when the teams meet at the Boland Stadium in Wellington on Thursday, while there was also an injury-enforced change on the bench of the ‘A’ team.
WATCH as seasoned Springbok Albertus Stephanus Smith talks about facing off against All Black star Ardie Savea.
NEWS: Tributes have started to pour in for Nick Koster who has passed away at the age of 34.
SPOTLIGHT: Quade Cooper is confronting his demons head on as he prepares to tackle Argentina for the first time since suffering a devastating leg injury.
WATCH as Springboks Malcolm Marx and Francois de Klerk sing the praises of retired teammate François Philippus Lodewyk Steyn.
SPOTLIGHT: For Crusaders scrumhalf Bryn Hall admitted that he got it wrong by underestimating the Springboks ahead of their Rugby Championship opener against the Wallabies in Pretoria last weekend.
SPOTLIGHT: All Black forwards coach Jason Ryan says no stone is being left unturned as his side prepares for a mammoth battle against the world's best pack of forwards.
NEWS: Wales flyhalf Rhys Patchell has signed a one-year deal to play for New Zealand rugby franchise the Highlanders in 2024, it was announced Wednesday.
NEWS: New Zealand tight-head prop Nepo Laulala will join Toulouse next season, the French Top 14 champions said on Tuesday.
NEWS: Two-time World Cup-winning Springbok Frans Steyn has announced his retirement - with immediate effect.
SPOTLIGHT: Annemie Bester looks at the career of Springbok captain Eben Etzebeth and what his teammates say about him.
WATCH as Springbok coach Jacques Nienaber talks about his expectations for the new halfback combination in the Auckland crunch.
In the wake of the announcement of the 2023/24 United Rugby Championship fixture list, we take an in-depth look at the process behind setting up the calendar.
NEWS: With 102 days until the new United Rugby Championship season kicks off the league can confirm its fixture schedule in full for the 2023/24 campaign.
Here is a full list of the 2023/24 United Rugby Championship fixture.
TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Springbok lock Eben Etzebeth will make a notable return from a shoulder injury as the captain of the team to face New Zealand in the second Rugby Championship Test in Auckland on Saturday.
NEWS: Premiership Rugby have confirmed the new look ten-team league will get underway on Friday, October 13, which is only two weeks before the Rugby World Cup final.
WATCH as Springbok coach Jacques Nienaber talks about the benefits of his selection balancing act.
NEWS: Carl Hayman, who played 45 tests for the All Blacks between 2001 and 2007, was rushed to hospital in a helicopter on Tuesday after being left ‘seriously injured and confused’ in a cycling accident.
INJURY UPDATE: All Blacks will be out to field the most competitive side when they take on the Springboks in the Rugby Championship Round Two match on Saturday.
NEWS: Some will say they're clutching at straws but the Wallabies have found a silver lining to their 43-12 Rugby Championship mauling at the hands of Springboks.
TRANSFER NEWS: Stormers are set to lose another key player.
WATCH as seasoned Springbok Daniel Johannes Vermeulen unpacks the real reason for the success of South Africa's back three.
INJURY UPDATE: Australia flank Tom Hooper could miss Saturday's Rugby Championship Round Two match against Argentina.
All bets are off when the All Blacks and Springboks resume their rivalry this weekend.
REACTION: The fact that they can still earn a podium position at the 2023 Under-20 World Championship by beating England in the bronze final on Friday will be a huge motivating factor for the Junior Springboks in the next couple of days as they prepare with the knowledge that some silverware can justify the hard work and effort of the squad.
WATCH as Springbok assistant coach Deon Davids previews the Round Two Rugby Championship face-off against the All Blacks.
NEWS: New Zealand captain Sam Cane has apologised for tripping a pitch invader after their 41-12 Rugby Championship win over Argentina.
REACTION: Eddie Jones' second stint as Wallabies head coach has kicked off in disastrous fashion.
WATCH as Daniel Johannes Vermeulen talks about what the future holds for him.
DAY FOUR WRAP: Ireland knocked hosts South Africa out in the semifinals of the World Rugby Under-20 tournament at the Athlone Stadium near Cape Town on Sunday.
BREAKING NEWS: Fprmer Scotland captain Stuart Hogg announced his retirement from the game with immediate effect on Sunday just months before the World Cup.
REACTION: Coach Eddie Jones said he endured "a long day at the office" in Pretoria after a disastrous start to his second stint in charge of the Wallabies.
REACTION: The Springboks are not allowing themselves to get carried away after their incredible 43-12 win over Australia on Saturday at Loftus Versfeld.
WATCH as the Junior Springboks will become the first South African team to play in the new strip when they face Ireland on Sunday.
REACTION: New Zealand head coach Ian Foster says a showdown with the in-form Springboks is a challenge his All Blacks need following their 41-12 thumping of Argentina in Mendoza on Saturday in the Rugby Championship.
OPINION: The Wallabies’ new era under coach Eddie Jones has begun with a disappointing 12-43 loss to defending world champions South Africa at Loftus Versfeld in Pretoria.
OPINION: The 12-41 loss was a huge shock to an Argentine side of which much more was expected.
OPINION: The All Blacks kicked off the 2023 Rugby Championship campaign with an impressive 41-12 win over Argentina in Mendoza after a first-half blitz saw the visitors up by 31-0 at the half.
MATCH REPORT: New Zealand got their Rugby Championship campaign off to a flying start, recording a 41-12 win over Argentina on Saturday in Mendoza.
REACTION: Springbok assistant coach Mzwandile Stick said a number of players have played themselves into contention for next weekend’s Test against the All Blacks after thumping the Wallabies on Saturday.
SQUAD UPDATE: After a big win against the Wallabies, Springbok coach Jacques Nienaber named a group of 21 players to join their teammates in New Zealand for next week’s second Rugby Championship outing against the All Blacks in Auckland.
OPINION: The Boks sent a warning to future opponents in a World Cup year with a strong performance against the Wallabies in their Rugby Championship opener in Pretoria on Saturday
MATCH REPORT: The Springboks made a big statement, beating the Wallabies 43-12 in the Rugby Championship opener at Loftus Versfeld on Saturday.
READERS’ FORUM: Welcome to our LIVE coverage of the Rugby Championship Round One encounter between South Africa and Australia at Loftus Versfeld in Pretoria.
MATCH REPORT: The All Blacks XV started their Japanese tour with a comfortable 38-6 victory over a Japan XV in Tokyo.
SQUAD ANNOUNCEMENTS: The SA Schools selectors named two squads of 23 players each to represent the SA Schools and SA Schools ‘A’ teams at the conclusion of the Under-18 Craven Week in George.
RUGBY CHAMPIONSHIP, ROUND ONE: The Springboks take their first steps in 2023 when they host Australia at Loftus on Saturday with new captain Duane Vermeulen leading them in the challenge to keep their unbeaten record in Pretoria against the Wallabies intact.
SATURDAY WRAP: Western Province and Eastern Province claimed victories on Saturday to finish their respective campaigns unbeaten at the Under-18 Craven Week at Outeniqua Park in George.
OPINION: The altitude topic has been thrown around a lot this week with some (read one particular rugby writer in New Zealand) saying the altitude is not an ally of the Springboks, while others still maintain it is a very real thing.
NEWS: Springbok assistant coach Mzwandile Stick says Wallaby coach Eddie Jones can take players to dark places to get the best out of them and that is why the visitors will be an unknown factor for the Springboks in their opening Rugby Championship game at Loftus on Saturday.
SPOTLIGHT: The saying ‘one man’s loss is another man’s gain’ can sum up Marco van Stadens’ season when Springbok captain Siyamthanda Kolisi got injured.
RUGBY CHAMPIONSHIP, ROUND ONE: One of the big talking points after Ian Foster revealed this week has been the selection at flyhalf.
NEWS: Wallabies forwards coordinator Neal Hatley reckons there is no harder place in the world to test their forwards than against the Springboks at altitude in Pretoria on Saturday.
PREVIEW: The hosts South Africa will take on a very motivated Ireland side in the first semifinal of the World Rugby Under-20 Championship on Sunday, July 9.
NEWS: Former Wales and British and Irish Lions captain Alun Wyn Jones will play for Top 14 side Toulon as cover during this year's World Cup, the French team said on Friday.
OPINION: This weekend’s Test between South Africa and Australia at Loftus Versfeld is a tough one to call writes former Springboks head coach Jake White.
SPOTLIGHT: It's Round One of the 2023 Rugby Championship and World Rugby has revealed the ranking permutations ahead of this weekend's matches.
REACTION: Axed from the controversial Mzansi Challenge on political grounds, Tel Aviv Heat came within a whisker of facing South African teams in Europe.
NEWS: European Professional Club Rugby (EPCR) unveiled the two invited teams for the 2023/2024 Challenge Cup season.
TRANSFER TALK: Rookie Wallabies flyhalf Noah Lolesio is poised to walk out on Australian Rugby after being overlooked by new head coach Eddie Jones.
READERS’ FORUM: Welcome to our LIVE coverage of the Rugby Championship Round One encounter between Argentina and New Zealand at Estadio Malvinas Argentinas in Mendoza.
DAY FOUR WRAP: The Blue Bulls will face Western Province in the main match of the Craven Week in George on Saturday.
WATCH as Australia coach Eddie Jones produces a few classic quips in the build-up to the Rugby Championship opener against South Africa in Pretoria on Saturday.
TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: All Black coach Ian Foster has unveiled his first team of the year, naming one debutant to face Argentina in the opening round of the Rugby Championship in Mendoza.
TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Argentina head coach Michael Cheika has revealed his team for Saturday's Rugby Championship Round One clash against the All Blacks in Mendoza.
INTERVIEW: Jean Kleyn is a unique story, with a variety of shades of green in his journey.
SPOTLIGHT: Veteran All Black lock Brodie Retallick says the Pumas have become a different beast over the last few years.
SPOTLIGHT: International fans can look forward to five weekends of fixtures, featuring each of the Six Nations and Rugby Championship unions, when the Nations Series kicks off on Saturday, July 29.
REACTION: Veteran Wallaby prop James Slipper looks set to lead Australia against South Africa at Loftus Versfeld on Saturday, despite what he described as a "challenging week".
NEWS: Jamie Joseph has announced plans to step down as Japan's head coach.
TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: A few All Blacks fringe players have a chance to fight for a World Cup spot when All Blacks XV take on Japan XV at Chichibunomiya Rugby Stadium in Tokyo on Saturday, July 8.
TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Australian coach Eddie Jones has named four debutants as the side looks to create history with their first-ever win against South Africa in Pretoria on Saturday.
NEWS: Wallaby co-captain James Slipper is in doubt for their opening Rugby Championship Test against South Africa after suffering a knee injury at training.
WATCH as Springbok coach Jacques Nienaber and Director of Rugby Johan Erasmus unpack the reasons for making Duane Vermeulen captain.
TRANSFER NEWS: Former Australia lock Adam Coleman will join Bordeaux-Begles after this year's World Cup where he is set to feature for Tonga, the French club announced.
DAY THREE WRAP: Eastern Province and Western Province maintained their unbeaten records, while there were wins for the hosts, South Western Districts, and Free State on the third day of the SA Rugby Under-18 Craven Week at Outeniqua Park in George.
WATCH as loose forward Rob Valetini and back Reece Hodge speak about the influence Eddie Jones is having on the team in his second stint as Wallaby coach.
REACTION: Junior Springbok head coach Bafana Nhleko said the tough route into the semifinals of the World Rugby Under-20 Championship will benefit his squad going into Sunday's play-off encounter against Ireland.
NEWS: Leinster have confirmed Guy Easterby as its new Chief Operating Officer (COO).
WATCH as Springbok coach Jacques Nienaber and Director of Rugby Johan Erasmus explain the science behind the use of a six-two split on the bench.
TEAM UPDATE: Springbok coach Jacques Nienaber was forced to make a change to his team for their opening Rugby Championship Test against the Wallabies in Pretoria on Saturday.
WATCH as veteran Wallaby Reece Hodge speaks about the importance of the kicking game against the Springboks at Loftus Versfeld.
SQUAD ANNOUNCEMENT: Veterans Bernard Foley and James O'Connor will get a chance to push for World Cup selection after being named in the Australia 'A' squad to face Tonga next month.
NEWS: All Blacks legend Tana Umaga has been named as the next head coach of Super Rugby Pacific side Moana Pasifika.
PREVIEW: A shortened Rugby Championship - to accommodate the World Cup - starts on Saturday with Southern Hemisphere teams honing their plans ahead of the showpiece tournament in France.
TRANSFER NEWS: The 2024 Highlanders team continues to take shape with the announcement of three additional players.
BREAKING: South Africa will feature a brand-spanking new Springbok kit when they tackle Australia in the opening match of the Rugby Championship in Pretoria on Saturday.
ROUND THREE WRAP: South Africa secured their spot in the semifinals of the World Rugby Under-20 Championship after a gritty 24-16 win over Argentina in their final pool game at Athlone Stadium in Cape Town.
DAY TWO WRAP: The Leopards, Griffons, Golden Lions and Blue Bulls recorded big wins on Day Two of the SA Under-18 Craven Week at Outeniqua Park in George.
TRANSFER NEWS: Springbok fullback Willie le Roux will be playing in the United Rugby Championship next season.
WATCH as South Africa's Director of Rugby Johan Erasmus speaks about the injury concerns ahead of the Springbok team's season-opener.
TRANSFER NEWS: Blue Bulls Company CEO Edgar Rathbone says Armand van der Merwe's experience will be a great addition to the squad as the Pretoria franchise continues to "evolve".
WATCH as seasoned prop Allan Alaalatoa explains how they are going to calm the nerves of players who have never faced a hostile Loftus Versfeld crowd before.
TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Experienced No 8 Duane Vermeulen will lead the Springboks for the third time in their opening Castle Lager Rugby Championship clash against Australia at Loftus Versfeld on Saturday.
SQUAD UPDATE: Wales head coach Warren Gatland has bolstered his squad.
WATCH as seasoned Springbok Marvin Orie speaks about how to deal with the Wallaby 'giants'.
STATISTICAL UPDATE: As the well-versed idiom goes: 'There are Lies, damned lies, and statistics'.
SPOTLIGHT: All Black flyhalf Richie Mo'unga says his team can't afford to be "one-dimensional" when they face Argentina in their Rugby Championship Round One opener in Mendoza on Saturday.
REACTION: The Ireland team looks set to fulfil its fixture in Round Three of the World Rugby Under-20 championship on Tuesday - despite a double tragedy hitting the team.
DAY ONE WRAP: Boland, Eastern Province, the Sharks and Western Province claimed important wins on Day One of the SA Under-18 Craven Week at Outeniqua Park in George.
WATCH Wallaby veteran Allan Alaalatoa speak about the challenge of facing the Springboks at Loftus Versfeld - a venue where Australia has never won against South Africa.
WATCH as seasoned Springbok midfielder Andre Esterhuizen talks about facing the Wallabies at Loftus Versfeld in the opening round of the Rugby Championship.
PREVIEW: Hosts South Africa has drafted in some serious muscle as they hope to salvage their campaign in the World Rugby Under-20 championship.
NEWS: Wallaby Phil Kearns has been appointed as a Director on the Board of the Local Operating Company (LOC) for Australia’s World Cup preparations in 2027 and 2029.
NEWS: The Blues on Monday named former Scotland and Fiji national coach Vern Cotter the new head coach of the Super Rugby Pacific side on a two-season deal.
WATCH as Springbok captain Siyamthanda Kolisi gives yet another update on the progress of his rehabilitation from knee surgery.
SPOTLIGHT: Damian McKenzie is the X-factor in the All Black squad for the World Cup, that enigma of a player that is produced once in a decade.
NEWS: The Craven Week kicks off in George at Outeniqua Park this week showcasing the best of this years’ Under-18 talent on offer.
OPINION: New Zealand-based scribe Ben Smith is partaking in his favourite pass time - bagging the Boks!
NEWS: Western Province has reportedly signed promising young Matie captain and flyhalf Jurie Matthee to bolster their playmaker options.
NEWS: Johan Walters, great Western Province center, has died.
NEWS: The Dragons have struck a deal to return to private ownership this summer, thus ending the six years of Welsh Rugby Union (WRU) control.
NEWS: The inclement weather conditions in Cape Town has forced World Rugby to make a venue change for the World Under-20 Championship for the remainder of the tournament.
NEWS: Disgraced French prop Mohamed Haouas will play for second tier Biarritz next season after he and Top 14 outfit Clermont came to a severance agreement, according to French media on Saturday.
OPINION: @king365ed takes a stab at splitting the Springbok squad - much like coach Jacques Nienaber will do this week.
NEWS UPDATE: More details have emerged of the proposed new two-tier competition between the Six Nations and SANZAAR countries.
INJURY UPDATE: All Black coach Ian Foster revealed that two injury replacements will travel to Argentina for next weekend's Test in Mendoza.
TRANSFER NEWS: The Bulls ramped up their off-season recruitment drive this week, with a Springbok the latest on their wishlist.
NEWS: The game's major stakeholders took a big step in the right direction at a meeting in London this week - where they met to discuss the future global calendar.
NEWS UPDATE: French prop Mohamed Haouas on Friday received his second prison sentence in two months.
NEWS: The Springbok management is watching the Under-20 World Cup taking place in South Africa closely to identify the next generation of Springboks, says SA’s Director of Rugby Johan Erasmus.
SQUAD ANNOUNCEMENT: England head coach Steve Borthwick has named his official training squad for the 2023 World Cup which kicks off in France in September.
WATCH as Springbok coach Jacques Nienaber unpacks how he can utilise four very contrasting flyhalves in the national team.
INTERVIEW: Liam Heagney chats to South African Under-20 flyhalf Jean Smith to find out more about the Baby Bok No.10.
REACTION: Junior Spingbok head coach Bafana Nhleko and captain Paul de Villiers believe that the Junior Boks can bounce back from the defeat to Italy to qualify for the Under-20 World Championship semifinals.
DISCIPLINARY UPDATE: Ireland's star Johnny Sexton's dream World Cup farewell hangs in the balance following a misconduct complaint lodged by the European Professional Club Rugby.
SPOTLIGHT: Springbok hooker Bongi Mbonambi reflects on how far the Springboks have come the last four years and how boring life would be if no-one had expectations of them.
WATCH Wallaby coach Eddie Jones talking about beating the Springboks in the Rugby Championship opener at Loftus Versfeld.
REACTION: The emotional outcry suggested a major crime had been committed. However, it happened to be no more than an oversight or miscalculation by Western Province officials.
WORLD CUP WRAP: Ireland finally recorded a victory, beating Australia in Round Two of the Under-20 World Championship.
SPOTLIGHT: World Rugby is reportedly set to introduce a review system for upgrading yellow cards to red cards during matches at the World Cup this year.
SPOTLIGHT: Springbok head coach Jacques Nienaber says "the base is now in place" for his team to hit the ground running when the Rugby Championship starts next week.
TRANSFER NEWS: The Bulls have unveiled three new signings as they look to build a formidable squad ahead of the 2023/2024 season.
WATCH this hilarious collection of clips, as the Springboks struggle to stick to the script during their preparations for the Rugby Championship.
TRANSFER NEWS: Former Hurricanes centre Matt Proctor has signed with the Melbourne Rebels on a two-year Super Rugby Pacific deal, replacing departing Wallaby utility Reece Hodge.
UPDATE: The Crusaders have confirmed that they will embark on their first-ever international tour next year.
CONTRACT NEWS: The Highlanders have announced the signing of several young players for 2024.
INTERVIEW: Playmaker Carter Gordon isn't shying away from the prospect of making his debut when the Wallabies travel to South Africa to start the Rugby Championship.
TRANSFER NEWS: True to his word, Pumas coach James Stonehouse moved quickly to plug the gaps as a result of the annual exodus from Nelspruit.
NEWS: Stravino Jacobs, known as the Bulls' Rocket Man, has extended his contract which will see him remain at the franchise until June of 2027.
SPOTLIGHT: The Junior Springboks plan to deliver an energetic effort at Paarl Gymnasium on Thursday, where they will take on Italy in their second Pool C match of the 2023 Under-20 World Championship.
WATCH as South Africa's Director of Rugby Johan Erasmus gives his take on the latest chapter in the protracted Sibusiso Nkosi saga.
NEWS: The ‘Eddie Jones’ mind games have already begun ahead of the big Rugby Championship Test against the Springboks at Loftus next weekend, but nothing would surprise SA’s Director of Rugby Johan Erasmus.
Following a stellar season in Super Rugby Pacific, there was no fairytale finish for the Chiefs in last weekend’s decider. But not long after the full-time siren had sounded, another twist came as a surprise to reporters.
SPOTLIGHT: All Black legend Dan Carter says the favourites tag means very little when the World Cup starts.
INTERVIEW: Annemie Bester spoke to Springbok Andre Pretorius about his time in Japan and what can be expected of them at the World Cup!
PREVIEW: The Under-20 World Championship will resume with Round Two on Thursday after an action-pack Round One.
TRANSFER NEWS: Scarlets announced the signing of Welsh-qualified forward Taine Plumtree ahead of the 2023-24 season.
INJURY UPDATE: South Africa's Director of Rugby Johan Erasmus has provided an update on the injured players in the Bok camp as the start of the Rugby Championship draws nearer.
SPOTLIGHT: Will Skelton admits he's yet to realise his potential in a Wallabies jersey, but he thinks that will all change with better knowledge of how to use his massive frame and some rare time in camp.
NEWS: Lock Samuel Whitelock is a doubt for the All Blacks' Rugby Championship opener against Argentina after playing through an achilles injury in the Super Rugby Pacific Final.
NEWS: New Zealand has unveiled the All Blacks' World Cup kit.
NEWS: A small group of Springbok players will travel to New Zealand before the Test against Australia with the balance of the group earmarked for the Test in Auckland, around 15 or so, set to leave after the Australia Test on 8 July at Loftus Versfeld.
OPINION: It would be a travesty to see one of South Africa's most talented wings fall victim to mental illness writes @rugby365com contributor Angus Opperman.
TRANSFER NEWS: Springbok back Warrick Gelant has bid farewell to Racing 92.
NEWS: One of New Zealand's centres is set to miss at least the first two games of the Rugby Championship next month after being hit with a three-week ban on Tuesday.
NEWS: Two legendary rugby teams, both crowned champions in 2023, will face each other next year when the Crusaders and Munster meet in Ireland.
NEWS: A request by Top 14 club Clermont to cancel the employment contract of Mohamed Haouas, who was last month convicted of hitting his wife, was dismissed by a French industrial tribunal on Monday.
NEWS: Sibusiso Nkosi's time in Pretoria has come to an end.
SQUAD ANNOUNCEMENT: Wales head coach Warren Gatland has confirmed 47 players in his updated training squad for World Cup 2023.
NEWS: New Zealand Rugby (NZR) has come out in support of referee Ben O'Keeffe and the comments he made following the Super Rugby Pacifika final on Saturday.
OPINION: France and Ireland have garnered plenty of attention when the favourites tag has been thrown around leading up to this year's World Cup, but those teams should be shaking in their boots with the Springboks on their side of the draw.
NEWS: Rookie Wallabies Josh Kemeny and Dylan Pietsch have opened up about the tag of ‘utility’ which coach Eddie Jones sprung on them, saying it caught both of them off guard.
SQUAD ANNOUNCEMENT: England star Billy Vunipola underwent a minor surgical procedure on his injured knee.
REACTION: The opportunity to captain his nation at a World Cup looms as the greatest honour of James Slipper's sometimes-turbulent career, but the veteran prop insists his only focus is helping the Wallabies seize an opportunity to create history.
WATCH as Cheetahs coach Hawies Fourie reveals the Super Rugby challenge that awaits the Currie Cup champions later this year.
WATCH as Pumas coach James Stonehouse explains to @king365ed how his team will cope with another post-season exodus.
REACTION: There were good moments and some not-so-good moments for South Africa Under-20 in their 33-23 win over Georgia at the weekend.
REACTION: Newly-crowned First Division champions Boland could soon be in the 'big leagues' - financially.
NEWS: Toulouse's Australian lock Emmanuel Meafou will not be eligible to represent France before the end of 2023, meaning he will miss out on the Rugby World Cup.
REACTION: Sam Whitelock expects to have some explaining to do to All Blacks coach Ian Foster after helping the Crusaders win the Super Rugby Pacific Final despite an ankle knock.
REACTION: Michael Hooper has regained the Wallabies captaincy and will welcome the challenge for game time posed by in-form flank Fraser McReight.
WATCH as Australian coach Eddie Jones unpacks his decision about the Wallaby captaincy.
WRAP DAY ONE: South Africa kicked off their World Under 20 Championship with a winning start when they disposed of Georgia 33-23 in Stellenbosch on Saturday.
OPINION: @king365ed rates the Cheetahs players after their 25-17 win over the Pumas in the Currie Cup Final in Bloemfontein on Saturday.
MATCH REPORT: Cheetahs playmaker Ruan Pienaar sent the ball hurling into the stands as his team romped to Currie Cup victory after defeating the Pumas in the final in Bloemfontein on Saturday.
OPINION: @king365ed rates the Pumas players after their 17-25 loss to the Cheetahs in the Currie Cup Final in Bloemfontein on Saturday.
READERS’ FORUM: Welcome to our LIVE coverage of the Currie Cup Final face-off between the Cheetahs and Pumas in Bloemfontein.
SPOTLIGHT: @king365ed looks at one of the more intriguing sideshows in the Currie Cup Final at the Free State Stadium on Saturday.
MATCH REPORT: The Crusaders claimed a seventh straight title with a 25-20 win over the Chiefs in the Super Rugby Pacific Final Saturday.
REACTION: World Rugby's decision to clear Ireland lock Jean Kleyn to represent South Africa is a huge boost for the Springboks.
TRANSFER NEWS: The Springboks' post-World Cup exodus appears to be gathering momentum.
INTERVIEW: Ahead of this year's World Cup, Jack Dempsey's decision to swap a Wallaby jersey for a Scottish jumper has finally been accepted by his father.
NEWS: It is very likely that former Irish international lock Jean Kleyn will make his debut for the Springboks next month after being cleared for Bok selection under new eligibility rules.
PREVIEW: Pumas coach Jimmy Stonehouse promised that he will have a 'few tricks up his sleeve' when they face the Cheetahs in the Currie Cup Final in Bloemfontein on Saturday.
SATURDAY PREVIEW: Champion France kicks off their campaign in defence of the World Rugby Under-20 title against Japan on the first day of the Championship while hosts South Africa will tackle Georgia in their opening game in Stellenbosch on Saturday.
TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: The Cheetahs host the Pumas in the Currie Cup Final in Bloemfontein on Saturday in what will be their 16th Final, but will do so without their experienced prop Schalk Ferreira.
TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Pumas coach Jimmy Stonehouse has gone with the tried and tested combination for the third consecutive week when he picked his side to defend their Currie Cup title in the Final against the Cheetahs in Bloemfontein on Saturday.
REACTION: He may not have won any silverware, but Sharks Currie Cup coach Joey Mongalo believes he has impacted on the lives of many in his first season as a head coach.
SPOTLIGHT: Saturday's Super Rugby Pacific final clash between the Chiefs and Crusaders spells the end for some players and coaches.
WATCH Wallaby coach Eddie Jones explains how he plans to beat the Springboks at altitude.
NEWS: The saga of the Puma flyhalf and the Wales team in search of his services, is back on track and the South African playmaker is seemingly on his way to Cardiff next season after all.
NEWS: Springbok Derick Hougaard has emerged from a coma after 11 days.
WATCH as Cheetahs coach Hawies Fourie explains how two-time World Cup winner Frans Steyn feels about his prospect of making the team bus to France.
WATCH as Springbok captain Siyamthanda Kolisi talks about his ongoing rehabilitation after knee surgery.
TRANSFER NEWS: Saracens announced the signing of Ollie Hoskins on a two-year deal.
TRANSFER NEWS: Harlequins have confirmed the signing of London Irish prop Lovejoy Chawatama.
PREVIEW: The Crusaders aim to secure a seventh straight Super Rugby title and a triumphant swansong for talismanic All Blacks-coach-to-be Scott Robertson this Saturday.
TRANSFER NEWS: Rory Jennings has become Newcastle Falcons’ latest signing, joining the Kingston Park club on a two-year deal.
NEWS: The first ever Test match between England and Japan to be played in Japan will be held next year, the Rugby Football Union (RFU) and Japan Rugby Football Union (JRFU) have announced in a historic occasion for the two nations.
NEWS: Juan Imhoff, recalled by Argentina after being left out in 2019, is sure that the Rugby World Cup in his adopted home of France is "bound to be magnificent".
NEWS: He would be forgiven if his heart pumps orange on Saturday when the Cheetahs and Pumas run out for the final of the Currie Cup in the Bloemfontein stadium on Saturday.
REACTION: The Lions head coach Ivan van Rooyen predicted some attractive attacking rugby following the Challenge Cup draw.
NEWS: The Griquas will be very busy during the off-season as they not only seek a new forwards coach but also have to find a replacement for X-factor wing Rosko Specman.
INTERVIEW: Ten months after rupturing his Achilles, veteran flyhalf Quade Cooper is ready to make his second Wallabies comeback in the lead up to the World Cup.
NEWS: The pool draws for the 2023-24 European Cup and Challenge Cup competitions have been made.
SQUAD ANNOUNCEMENT: France head coach Fabien Galthie has a revealed 42-man preliminary squad for the World Cup on Wednesday.
WATCH as South Africa's Director of Rugby Johan Erasmus talks about the pressure on the Springboks, heading into the World Cup as defending champions.
Toulouse clinched a 22nd French title over the past weekend following a stunning last-minute try from Romain Ntamack.
NEWS: The exodus of elsh internationals is gathering momentum.
SPOTLIGHT: After two months of preparing in Stellenbosch, the Junior Springboks are more than prepared for their opening World Rugby Under-20 Championship match against unpredictable Georgia.
WATCH as Springbok coach Jacques Nienaber reveals where a recalled Elton Jantjies sits in the No.10 pecking order in the national team.
REACTION: An off-the-cuff remark by New Zealand-based journalist Ben Smith has caused a social media firestorm - with some severe push-back by South African supporters.
SPOTLIGHT: In a mighty boost to Australia's World Cup hopes, Taniela Tupou is on target for a return in the Wallabies' first Test of the year in South Africa.
INTERVIEW: Wily Pumas coach Jimmy Stonehouse has elevated his team's status to 'major' ahead of the Currie Cup Final.
NEWS: Nigel Owens may not be available, but the Springboks have the next best on board.
WATCH as Cheetahs coach Hawies Fourie unpacks the value of the veteran Springbok that signed for another year.
SPOTLIGHT: The Pumas are a mere 'infant' when compared to the rich Currie Cup history of the Cheetahs. One union was founded in 1895, the other almost a century later in 1969.
SPOTLIGHT: All Blacks head coach Ian Foster is confident he has the players to win the Rugby Championship and the World Cup this year.
NEWS: SA Rugby, in consultation with the local organising committee, have decided to move the 2023 Craven Week for Under-18 boys to Outeniqua Park in George.
NEWS: The match officials for the Currie Cup Final and First Division Final, in Bloemfontein and Wellington on Saturday, have been confirmed.
TRANSFER NEWS: Bath head coach Johann van Graan has added Andy Robinson and Stevie Scott to his coaching team for the 2023/24 season.
REACTION: New Zealand Warriors coach Andrew Webster has poured cold water on speculation that All Blacks centre Roger Tuivasa-Sheck could be in line for a shock early recall to the National Rugby League club.
SPOTLIGHT: Convinced Australia has the talent to win the World Cup, new forwards coach Neal Hatley has welcomed the Wallabies' daunting trip to Pretoria as the perfect season starter.
INTERVIEW: Japan veteran Michael Leitch said he believes his team can win this year's World Cup, claiming they have the best side the country has produced.
SPOTLIGHT: Sharks coach Joey Mongalo says his team's 2023 Currie Cup campaign provided him with some valuable lessons going forward in his coaching career.
SPOTLIGHT: Japan flyhalf Lee Seung-sin said Monday he wants to blaze a trail for his country's ethnic Korean population by playing at this year's Rugby World Cup.
IN THE SPOTLIGHT: SA Rugby President Mark Alexander paid tribute to World Cup-winning brothers, Jannie and Bismarck du Plessis, both of whom have retired from rugby following careers spanning 20 years and thanked them for their loyal service to rugby.
NEWS: Deborah Griffin is set to make history in 2025 and become the Rugby Football Union’s first female president.
SQUAD ANNOUNCEMENT: England’s second Rugby World Cup preparation camp in Brighton sees Steve Borthwick name an increased 38-player training squad.
REACTION: The Cheetahs are on a mission to get their revenge against the Pumas when the two sides meet in the Currie Cup Final on Saturday.
INTERVIEW: @king365ed sat down with Michael R. Yormark, President of Roc Nation Sports International, to unpack the financial challenges facing England's Premiership competition.
REACTION: Pumas head coach Jimmy Stonehouse says his team's determination to prove their worth in South Africa was the motivating factor in their Currie Cup semifinal win over the Sharks in Durban.
SPOTLIGHT: Former England wing Ugo Monye has refused to be taken in by the hype surrounding the No.1 ranked Ireland ahead of the Rugby World Cup.
REACTION: After Toulouse's star-studded side beat La Rochelle to claim a 22nd French Top 14 title, the club's host of internationals were ready to shift their sights to the Rugby World Cup.
SQUAD ANNOUNCEMENT: Samoa’s World Cup training squad for the upcoming World Cup 2023 has been announced by head coach Seilala Mapusua.
REACTION: Frustration took its toll on the Bulls during their Currie Cup 10-39 semifinal defeat to the Cheetahs on Saturday, says backline coach Hugo van As.
REACTION: Sharks coach Joey Mongalo is taking full responsibility for his team's Currie Cup semifinal loss to the Pumas in Durban on Saturday.
SQUAD ANNOUNCEMENT: All Blacks head coach Ian Foster has revealed his squad for the upcoming Rugby Championship.
SPOTLIGHT: Chiefs coach Clayton McMillan concedes the Crusaders are in "phenomenal" form but believes his side has good reason to take confidence into the Super Rugby Pacific Final.
TOP 14 FINAL REPORT: Romain Ntamack scored a superb late try as Toulouse beat La Rochelle 29-26 in the French Top 14 Final on Saturday to claim a record-extending 22nd domestic crown.
SPOTLIGHT: Rudolph Snyman has developed into an experienced lock in his time with Munster and is back in the Springbok squad together with his teammate and friend Jean Kleyn.
CURRIE CUP REPORT: The Pumas will face the Cheetahs in next weekend's Currie Cup Final in Bloemfontein.
READERS’ FORUM: Welcome to our LIVE coverage of the Currie Cup semifinal encounter between the Sharks and Pumas at the Kings Park Stadium in Durban.
READERS’ FORUM: Welcome to our LIVE coverage of the Currie Cup semifinal encounter between the Cheetahs and Bulls in Bloemfontein.
MATCH REPORT: The Cheetahs booked a spot in the Currie Cup Final with a 39-10 win over the Bulls in Bloemfontein on Saturday.
Former Springbok flyhalf Derick Hougaard has been in a coma for a week, his former girlfriend confirmed.
SUPER RUGBY REPORT: The Chiefs ended the Brumbies' Super Rugby Pacific season with a 19-6 semifinal win in Hamilton.
REACTION: All Blacks-bound coach Leon MacDonald admits the Blues were no match for the Crusaders after seeing his side handed a 52-15 Super Rugby Pacific semifinal thrashing in Christchurch.
TRANSFER NEWS: Bristol Bears have signed former London Irish centre Benhard Janse van Rensburg.
STATISTICAL SPOTLIGHT: The dust is still settling on this season's United Rugby Championship and teams will be in the boardrooms reviewing their campaigns.
NEWS: South African flyhalf Tian Schoeman has left Premiership club Newcastle Falcons by “mutual consent”.
NEWS: Gonzalo Quesada will become the first Argentinian to coach Italy after he was named to replace Kieran Crowley after the Rugby World Cup, the Italian federation announced Friday.
TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Bulls Director of Rugby Jake White has made four changes to his matchday 23 for Saturday's Currie Cup semifinal against the Cheetahs in Bloemfontein.
SEMIFINAL PREVIEW: Cheetahs head coach Hawies Fourie knows that his team can't afford another slow start against the Bulls when they meet in Saturday's Currie Cup semifinal in Bloemfontein.
CURRIE CUP, SEMIFINAL: It will be a case of student versus master when the Sharks host the Pumas at the Kings Park Stadium on Saturday.
SPOTLIGHT: Springbok coach Jacques Nienaber has provided an update after his squad wrapped up their first week of a three-week training camp in Pretoria.
NEWS: Wales and British and Irish Lions full-back Liam Williams has become the latest victim as Cardiff offloads their high earners amid the club's' £2m budget cut for next season.
TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Cheetahs head coach Hawies Fourie has made one change to his starting XV for Saturday's Currie Cup semifinal against the Bulls at the Free State Stadium in Bloemfontein.
SUPER RUGBY REPORT: The Crusaders have once again dashed the Blues' title hopes by dominating their Auckland-based rivals in a 52-15 win in the first Super Rugby Pacific semifinal.
SPOTLIGHT: French rugby giants Toulouse meet La Rochelle in the Top 14 in Paris on Saturday with the Champions Cup holders looking to claim a double after May's continental success.
INTERVIEW: Two different Springbok captains and two different teams will be used against Australia and New Zealand in the Rugby Championship in July.
TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Pumas coach Jimmy Stonehouse has opted for an unchanged match 23 for the Currie Cup semifinals against the Sharks in Durban on Saturday.
NEWS: Kieran Crowley will leave his role as Italy head coach after the World Cup later this year, despite the New Zealand coach's wish to extend his contract.
BREAKING NEWS: The Eastern Province Rugby Union President, Maasdorp Cannon, has been suspended for two years.
TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Sharks head coach Joey Mongalo has revealed his team to face the Pumas in Saturday's Currie Cup semifinal in Durban.
BREAKING NEWS: A spate of injuries among Springbok flyhalves has led to the call-up to the Rugby Championship training squad of cover at No.10.
NEWS: The Bulls received a boost ahead of their Currie Cup semifinal against the Cheetahs with the news that Elrigh Louw's red card has been rescinded.
NEWS: Patrick Arlettaz will take over as France attack coach following the World Cup, the French Rugby Federation announced on Thursday.
NEWS: Northampton have acquired the services of a second player from London Irish with the announcement that Tom Pearson will be following Chunya Munga Premiership club.
NEWS: Premiership Rugby confirmed the launch of the newly-formed Sporting Commission to help transform and strengthen its governance.
NEWS: South Africa's Director of Rugby, Rassie Erasmus, hopes Aphiwe Dyantyi can one day be picked for the Springboks again.
SPOTLIGHT: Three Wallabies and five All Blacks make Tonga's squad its best ever and will give the Pacific nation a "massive X-factor" at the Rugby World Cup, coach Toutai Kefu has said.
PREVIEW: An injury-hit Crusaders team missing All Black forwards Sam Whitelock and Ethan Blackadder are anticipating a bruising encounter when they host the Blues in the Super Rugby Pacific semifinal on Friday.
OPINION: Annemie Bester talks about the 'elephant in the room' - why the Lions no longer produce Springboks!
SPOTLIGHT: Bulls utility back Johan Goosen wants television match officials to get more involved in the kicking side of things.
NEWS: Suspended Wallabies playmaker Kurtley Beale said Thursday "the truth will come out" after he pleaded not guilty to sexually assaulting a woman at a Sydney pub, reports said.
REACTION: SANSAAR was left with egg on its collective face over false claims by Rugby Australia and current SANZAAR Chairman Hamish McLennan.
NEWS: The Springboks almost lost the opportunity to make Jean Kleyn a Springbok because they voted against World Rugby's proposed change of Regulation 8.
NEWS: South Africa only have one fit flyhalf training in the build-up to the Rugby Championship.
SPOTLIGHT: Warren Gatland says he would not have returned for a second spell as Wales coach had he known the full extent of the problems plaguing Welsh rugby.
NEWS: Following a spectacularly successful season the European competitions will show dramatic changes to its formats for the 2023-24 seasons.
NEWS: The French Rugby Federation (FFR) announced it had appointed Florian Grill as its new president on Wednesday less than three months out from hosting the Rugby World Cup.
SPOTLIGHT: ‘It's not how you start but how you end.'
OP0INION: @king365ed put on his thinking cap and selected a 'Springbok' team of players who did not make the Rugby Championship training squad!
SQUAD ANNOUNCEMENT: Experienced Wallabies lock Adam Coleman was named in Tonga's squad Wednesday alongside former Australia teammate Israel Folau for Tests next month in the build-up to the World Cup.
SPOTLIGHT: Scott Robertson has backed his injury-hit Crusaders to "rise to the occasion" against the Blues after losing Ethan Blackadder and lock Zach Gallagher for Friday's Super Rugby Pacific semifinal.
REACTION: Lyon's former New Zealand flyhalf Lima Sopoaga said on Tuesday coach Xavier Garbajosa's departure from the French club should have come earlier.
NEWS: Former England prop Paul Rendall has died aged 69, it was announced Tuesday.
WATCH as Cheetahs coach Hawies Fourie tells @king365ed about his plans for the Currie Cup semifinal face-off against the Bulls.
TRANSFER NEWS: Springbok Aphiwe Dyantyi will make his long-awaited return to the rugby scene - sporting a Sharks jersey.
NEWS: Sharks captain Reniel Hugo says new recruit Aphiwe Dyantyi has learnt his lesson and will join the Durbanites on a clean slate.
SEASON REVIEW: The Griffons will be a much more competitive outfit next season says head coach Jacques Juries.
NEWS: Lions prop Sithembiso Sithole might very well be the Stormers’ answer to replacing Springbok Steven Kitshoff.
REACTION: John Dobson admitted that navigating between the Stormers’ United Rugby Championship and the Western Province’s Currie Cup season was 'not ideal' for the franchise.
NEWS: The Highlanders revealed the 'new' owners to join current co-owners Peter Kean, Shane Drummond and the regional provincial unions - Otago, Southland and North Otago.
SQUAD ANNOUNCEMENT: Steve Borthwick has named a 28-player training squad for England’s first World Cup preparation camp at the England Rugby Performance Centre, Pennyhill Park.
NEWS: Lyon axed Xavier Garbajosa as coach after a season marked by tensions with the squad.
WATCH as backline coach Hugo van As unpacks the Bulls' loss to the Cheetahs at the weekend and their rematch in the Currie Cup semifinal this coming Saturday.
INTERVIEW: @king365ed sat down with Michael R. Yormark, President of Roc Nation Sports International, to unpack the reasons behind the decision of Springbok Cheslin Kolbe to sign with Japanese outfit @sungoliath.
NEWS: The two Currie Cup semifinals will all take place on Saturday in Bloemfontein and Durban.
The Stormers have finally bid farewell to former Junior Springbok captain Ernst van Rhyn in a moving social media post.
NEWS UPDATE: Ireland captain Johnny Sexton could miss a substantial portion of his country's build-up to the World Cup.
INTERVIEW: Japan coach Jamie Joseph believes his team's "unorthodox" style can make life difficult for England at the World Cup.
NEWS: England coach Steve Borthwick is expected to announce the England training squad on Monday and two shock selections are on the cards.
NEWS: Wales lock Corey Hill has opted to pursue a club contract outside of Wales and has become the latest player to withdraw from the Wales World Cup training squad.
REACTION: The Bulls’ Currie Cup semifinal spot was accompanied by a hefty price.
REACTION: Cheetahs coach Hawies Fourie reckons his side is peaking at the right time going into their semifinal week after their vital fight-back victory over the Bulls at Loftus the past weekend.
CURRIE CUP REPORT: Western Province ended their Currie Cup campaign on high note after they smashed the Sharks 44-5 at Cape Town Stadium on Saturday.
REACTION: Despite the thrashing at the hands of Western Province over the weekend, Sharks head coach Joey Mongalo was adamant that the 5-44 loss in the last round of the Currie Cup in Cape Town would not hurt his team as they prepare for their home semifinal against the Pumas.
TRANSFER TALK: Union Bordeaux-Bègles could be one of the first clubs to swoop on the carcass of London Irish, with reports in France suggesting a Wallaby lock could be the first prize landed.
REACTION: Brad Thorn wants a “little break” and the Queensland Reds’ coach has probably earned it after signing off from 30 consecutive years in rugby with a gut-wrenching Super Rugby Pacific quarterfinal loss to the Chiefs.
SPOTLIGHT: If everything goes as planned, Ireland lock Jean Kleyn could switch international allegiance after he was selected to join the Springboks Rugby Championship training squad.
REACTION: Wallabies scrumhalf Nic White declared the Brumbies would "throw the kitchen sink" at the Chiefs when they fly the flag for Australia in the Super Rugby Pacific semifinals.
TOP 14 REPORT: European champions La Rochelle beat Bordeaux-Begles 24-13 in the second semifinal of the Top 14 play-offs on Saturday and will face Toulouse in the final next week.
READERS’ FORUM: Welcome to our LIVE coverage of the Currie Cup Round 14 encounter between the Bulls and Cheetahs at Loftus Versfeld in Pretoria.
READERS’ FORUM: Welcome to our LIVE coverage of the Currie Cup Round 14 encounter between Western Province and the Sharks in Cape Town.
CURRIE CUP REPORT: The Bulls have managed to book the final spot in this season's Currie Cup semifinals despite going down 27-31 to the Cheetahs in a thrilling final-round clash at Loftus Versfeld on Saturday.
INTERVIEW: Pumas coach Jimmy Stonehouse has pleaded with the South African Rugby Union to make a more concerted effort to invest in smaller unions.
SATURDAY WRAP: A Suliasi Vunivalu double got the Reds within reach of a historic Super Rugby victory, but Damian McKenzie sealed a quarterfinal win for the Chiefs.
TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Springbok coach Jacques Nienaber named a Rugby Championship training squad of 40 players.
REPORT: Toulouse gave a demonstration of power with a comprehensive 41-14 rout of Racing 92 to reach the Top 14 Final for the third time in four years.
SATURDAY PREVIEW: There is only one place remaining in the Currie Cup semifinals.
NEWS: The Bristol Bears have been handed a spot in next season's Champions Cup following the suspension of London Irish.
MATCH REPORT: The Lions kept their Currie Cup semifinal hopes alive with a hard-fought 39-22 win over the Griffons on Friday.
CURRIE CUP REPORT: The Pumas secured their spot in this season's Currie Cup play-offs with a hard-fought 27-17 win over Griquas in the final round in Kimberley on Friday.
READERS’ FORUM: Welcome to our LIVE coverage of the Currie Cup Round 14 encounter between the Griffons and the Lions in Welkom.
READERS’ FORUM: Welcome to our LIVE coverage of the Currie Cup Round 14 encounter between the Griquas and the Pumas in Kimberley.
NEWS: The Western Province Rugby Football Union (WPRFU) is on the brink of finding an equity partner, SA Rugby announced on Friday.
TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: The Sharks will be seeking another character-driven performance in the Currie Cup on Saturday, when they host Western Province in the final round of the pool stages.
TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Bulls Director of Rugby Jake White has revealed his team for their crunch Currie Cup Round 14 clash against the Cheetahs at Loftus Versfeld on Saturday.
TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Cheetahs coach Hawies Fourie has been forced into leaving his star playmaker behind when they left Bloemfontein, en route to Pretoria, on Friday.
TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: There are six changes to the Western Province starting line-up for the coastal Currie Cup clash against the Sharks at Cape Town Stadium on Saturday.
MATCH REPORT: The Waratahs' Super Rugby Pacific season has come to an end in the quarterfinals for the second straight year after a heavy loss to the Blues in Auckland.
PREVIEW: The Brumbies will host the Hurricanes in a Super Rugby Pacific quarterfinal, where two potent attacks will look to keep their seasons alive.
SPOTLIGHT: The Reds won't lean too heavily on their upset defeat of the Chiefs when the sides meet again in a Super Rugby Pacific quarter-final in Hamilton.
SPOTLIGHT: The Springboks could add another impeccable record to their rich history when they defend their World Cup title in France later this year.
TOP 14 PREVIEW: Racing 92's Argentina wing Juan Imhoff says he wants to make the most of Friday's Top 14 semifinal against Toulouse to put his hand up for World Cup selection later this year.
NEWS: James Slipper is on track to become the all-time most-capped Wallabies player after extending his contract with Rugby Australia and the Brumbies for another two years.
TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Lions head coach Mziwakhe Nkosi has made a few changes to his starting team as they aim to finish as high as possible in the Currie Cup standings.
FRIDAY PREVIEW: Five teams will compete for the last two playoff spots in the final round of the Currie Cup this weekend.
NEWS: Simon Raiwalui has named a 45-strong Rugby World Cup training squad which include 23 Fijian Dura players, 13 from the French Top 14, five from the English Premiership, and one each from the French Pro D2, the United Rugby Championship, Japan’s League one and Super Rugby.
NEWS: All Blacks winger Leicester Fainga'anuku will join French club Toulon later this year, his New Zealand side the Canterbury Crusaders said Thursday.
SPOTLIGHT: Joey Mongalo sees himself as part of a bigger picture emerging in South African rugby.
IN THE SPOTLIGHT: The Western Province have no choice but to empty the tank when they host the Sharks at Cape Town on Saturday.
NEWS: The Melbourne Rebels have officially confirmed Wallabies lock Lukhan Salakaia-Loto has signed with the Super Rugby Pacific team until the end of 2025.
NEWS: The next chapter in Cheslin Kolbe's career has been confirmed.
NEWS: The model for professional rugby in the UK seems to be inherently broken with London Irish being the latest victim of the financial crisis gripping the Premiership.
TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: The Pumas have made five changes to their starting XV that will face the Griquas on Friday.
NEWS: France head coach Fabien Galthie said on Wednesday that tight-head prop Mohamed Haouas will not be picked for this year's World Cup after being convicted of hitting his wife.
SPOTLIGHT: Bulls flank Marcell Coetzee has admitted that his chances of making Springboks' World Cup squad are slim.
SPOTLIGHT: Former Springbok wing JP Pietersen wants to give John Plumtree some selection headaches over the next few seasons.
UPDATE: London Irish filed for administration on Wednesday following their suspension from all club competitions over a failure to provide financial assurances.
TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Griquas head coach Pieter Bergh has revealed his team for their crucial final-round Currie Cup clash against the Pumas in Kimberley.
NEWS: Springbok Stefan Terblanche has been named part of the disciplinary officials for the upcoming World Cup in France.
The Stormers have finally addressed the rumour mill surrounding the transfer deal with superstar Cheslin Kolbe.
SPOTLIGHT: Growing up in the small town of Mamre in the Western Cape, Keagan Johannes looked up to a player like Ruan Pienaar as the ideal scrumhalf.
INTERVIEW: Daniel Johannes 'Duane' Vermeulen has one mission before he bids farewell to the beautiful game.
NEWS: Rugby Australia and the Waratahs announced the re-signing of Lalakai Foketi until the end of 2025.
OPINION: The Springboks will likely send an ‘A’ team to New Zealand with a split squad strategy in this year’s Rugby Championship for one very specific reason.
SPOTLIGHT: Phil Waugh has set the lofty goal of taking Australia to the top of world rugby in all four formats of the game after being formally ushered in as Rugby Australia's new CEO.
NEWS: The Super Rugby Pacific tournament has confirmed the eight teams that have qualified for the quarter-finals and the matches that will be played this weekend.
NEWS: London Irish will not participate in any league next season after the club failed to prove they have the finances to continue operating, England's Rugby Football Union (RFU) announced on Tuesday.
NEWS: New Zealand scrum-half Brad Weber will join Stade Francais next season, the French Top 14 side announced on Tuesday.
NEWS: British and Irish Lion and Scotland international prop Allan Dell has extended his contract with the the Glasgow Warriors for the 2023/24.
SPOTLIGHT: Ben-Jason Dixon has established himself as an important cog in the Stormers' engine room this season and his growth as a player will put the Capetonians in good stead heading into the 2023/2024 season.
SPOTLIGHT: Morné Steyn versus Ruan Pienaar is on the cards when the Bulls host the Cheetahs in the Currie Cup crunch match at Loftus on Saturday.
WATCH as the Bulls Currie Cup team's defence and breakdown coach, Sean Everitt, speaks about the key aspects of their game ahead of their crunch encounter with the Cheetahs.
REACTION: The South African Rugby Union has labeled the latest report of a stabbing in a domestic club match as a 'disgrace' and 'unacceptable'.
NEWS: Barely two years after being sacked by the Waratahs, Rob Penney has landed firmly on his feet as coach of the champion Crusaders.
NEWS: Jordi Viljoen, son of former Springbok scrumhalf, Roelof “Joggie” Viljoen, has been included in the New Zealand Under 20 squad for the World Rugby U20 Championship taking place in South African later this month.