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Francois Hougaard's spectacular score in South Africa's win over New Zealand in the Rugby Championship is the Try of the Year.

BREAKING NEWS: South African captain Jean de Villiers is once again doubtful for a World Cup after yet another dreadful injury.

Australia were handed their second successive defeat by a Northern Hemisphere side when they went down 17-26 to England at Twickenham.

Wales have claimed the gigantic scalp of the Springboks for the second time ever with a 12-6 victory in Cardiff on Saturday.

An excellent defensive display saw England run out 26-17 victors over Australia at Twickenham.

The Springboks have fallen to their second ever loss to Wales at the millennium stadium in a scrappy 6-12 defeat.  

REPORT: Wales recorded only their second-ever win over South Africa in a Test match, winning 12-6 in an error-riddled arm-wrestle in Cardiff.

MATCH REPORT: A try in both halves from Ben Morgan helped England claim a well-deserved 26-17 victory over Australia at Twickenham.

Rugby League convert Sam Burgess made his highly-anticipated Rugby Union debut for Bath in a comprehensive 25-6 victory over Harlequins.

On a night that had been billed as a one-man show, it was a solid team performance from Bath Rugby that eventually produced a bonus-point 25-6 win over Harlequins at the Recreation Ground.

A last minute missed conversion by Ulsters' Ian Humphreys handed Munster a dramatic 21-20 victory over Ulster and moved them above their rivals in the Pro12 table.

Wales centre Jamie Roberts insisted he was ready for more of the same 'car-crash' tactics against South Africa on Saturday.

Two people have been banned from Twickenham for two years after being found to have aimed homophobic abuse at referee Nigel Owens.

South Africa need no extra motivation to raise themselves for Saturday's season-ending Test match against Wales.

Wales' key playmaker, Lee Williams, is among the four changes for the next two rounds of the Sevens World Series in Dubai and South Africa.

England captain Chris Robshaw is an "absolute pest" according to Australia counterpart and fellow openside flank Michael Hooper.

Former Ireland great Jack Kyle has died at the age of 88, his family announced on Friday.

Canada's Ray Barkwill has been suspended for nine weeks for making contact with an opponent's eye area during his team's match against Romania.

Reigning French and European champions Toulon tackle their "Painful Gulch" rivals Clermont in the big game of the French Top 14 this weekend.

England's clash with Australia at Twickenham on Saturday may be a 'preview' of their World Cup pool fixture in just under a year's time.

Want to get the experience of a match day in Dublin?

The International window might be over but there are still two mouth-watering matches to look forward to.

PRE-SEASON: For long the bastion of a structured approach to rugby, the Bulls are flirting with an attacking mindset.

The Western Force will celebrate its 10th season in Super Rugby by returning one of the club's favourite sons, Tai McIsaac, to its coaching staff.

England and Australia will both be desperate to end the year on a high when they meet at Twickenham on Saturday.

Sam Burgess is in line to make an earlier than expected rugby union debut after being named on the bench for Bath's Premiership encounter with Harlequins.    

Veteran Fiji wing Rupeni Caucaunibuca, who has put an end to his eight-year stay in France, wants to play Sevens in Sri Lanka.

Jan de Koning takes a look at the final Test match of the year, when Wales hosts South Africa at Cardiff's Millennium Stadium.

EXCLUSIVE: Rob Brink continues the expedition to World Cup 2015, giving us his views on consistent selections and finding a winning momentum.

EXCLUSIVE: Matt Hawkins, rugby365's specialist Sevens columnist, talks about he regards as the new world of transparency.

PREVIEW: Round Nine of the Pro12 kicks off with a mouth-watering Irish derby on Friday.

SELECTION TIME: Aussieboer, a regular rugby365 reader, names his World XV to take on an Alien selection from outer space.

European Professional Club Rugby have announced the referees for Rounds 3 & 4 of the European Cup and the Challenge Cupth

Wales coach Warren Gatland has denied he was under extra pressure as his team sought an elusive win over a Southern Hemisphere side.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT:  rugby365 asks why there are no French-based players in the Bok team, while Wales have five in their matchday squad.

JJ Engelbrecht has failed to make the cut for the BlitzBokke who named their squad for the Dubai Sevens tournament.

Golden Lions scrumhalf Ross Cronje has been called up to Springboks tour squad as replacement for Rudy Paige.

Wales have made three changes to their side to face South Africa, with Gethin Jenkins, Scott Baldwin and Liam Williams all coming into the starting XV.

Billy Twelvetrees has been handed his first start of the 2014 Internationals against Australia with Owen Farrell reverting to the bench.  

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: rugby365 brings you an interview with injured Springbok Flip van der Merwe, after his most recent mishap.

Former Fiji wing Rupeni Caucaunibuca has ended his unhappy second stint with French second division side Agen by mutual consent.

Referee abuser Elliot Daly has been hit with a three-week ban.

The Pacific islands may yet get a taste of Super Rugby, with the Crusaders considering shifting their home match against the Hurricanes to Fiji next year.

England captain Chris Robshaw is in no doubt that England's November international series will be judged a failure if they lose to Australia.

BREAKING NEWS: Centre Jaque Fourie has joined fellow World Cup winner Bakkies Botha in the retirement village.

NEWS: Sean McMahon returns to the Australian starting XV in one of three changes ahead of their final year-end Test, against England on Saturday.

Andy Farrell has demanded England use dogged industry to stop them at the source and impose their own game during Saturday's game.

Springbok and Ulster scrumhalf Ruan Pienaar is edging closer to recovering from a knee injury.

Hosts Italy take on South Africa and current champions England play Japan on the first day of next year's Under-20 world championship, on June 2.

INTERVIEW: Patrick Lambie has a golden opportunity to steal a march on his main rivals in the race for the Springbok No.10 jersey at the World Cup.

The drums are beating for two discarded All Blacks to be recalled as the world's No.1 side remains bugged by a dearth of talent at scrumhalf.

England Sevens captain Tom Mitchell returns to the team for the second leg of the World Sevens Series in Dubai in December.

VIDEO NASTIES: Shaun Edwards has hit back angrily at the suggestion that Wales head coach Warren Gatland is under pressure.

Here are some interesting stats and facts ahead of the Springboks' Cardiff Test.

BREAKING NEWS: Heyneke Meyer has made eight changes to the team for South Africa's last Test of the year - against Wales in Cardiff on Saturday.

Ospreys and Wales prop Nicky Smith is set to undergo surgery after suffering a significant pectoral tear in Wales' 16-34 loss to New Zealand.

Australia prop James Slipper said his side want to end England's dreams of World Cup glory on home soil next year as payback for 2003.

New Zealand lock and World Rugby Player of the Year, Brodie Retallick, has been nominated for the Kelvin R Tremain Memorial Player of the Year award.

Samoan players are disputing the claims of their prime minister that a dispute with their national rugby union has been resolved.

The Australian Rugby Union revealed that the AU$45,000 fine paid by Kurtley Beale is going to a charity.

England forwards coach Graham Rowntree said Australian captain Michael Hooper would receive "special attention" in Saturday's clash.

England have named an unchanged match 23 for Saturday’s International against Australia with the inside centre spot still keenly contested.

Welsh defensive coach Shaun Edwards has bad memories of what Willie le Roux did to them in June and is wary of the Springboks' threats.

Chris Henry has had an operation to repair a defect on his heart wall after a temporary blockage was discovered in a small blood vessel in his brain.

Former Chiefs hooker Hika Elliot will re-join the Chiefs as a pre-season replacement for Nathan Harris 

Graham Rowntree believes Australia will have a few surprises at set-piece time in order to cover up their perceived weakness.  

European champions Toulon announced Tuesday the signing of Argentina hooker Matias Cortese as medical cover for injured South African Craig Burden.

John Lacey of Ireland is continuing his remarkable progress in the top refereeing world, this time appointed to the match at Millennium Stadium.

The Sharks have recruited specialist New Zealand attacking coach, Brad Mooar to help with their attacking flair for their Super Rugby campaign.

Blair Cowan has committed his long term future to London Irish by penning a new deal that will keep him with the Club until 2018.

Cardiff Blues' new signing Gareth Anscombe is keen to impress Wales coach Warren Gatland and force his way into the Six Nations squad.

A strong SA Sevens Academy squad has been selected to participate in International invitational tournaments in Harare and Dubai.

Pat Lambie has said that there has been a healthy rivalry going on between the four flyhalves that were included in the year-end tour squad.

England fullback Mike Brown says that the hosts will not be kicking the ball at Israel Folau too often at Twickenham on Saturday.  

Aussieboer, 'n gereelde rugby365 leser, verduidelik waarom hy meen Duane Vermeulen is tans die No.8 met die beste vorm op die planeet.

The Free State Union have launched an urgent investigation into the naming rights and trademark of the 'Cheetahs' name and emblem.

Coenie Oosthuizen and Trevor Nyakane have received high praise from coach Johann van Graan for more than just their scrummaging.

Troubled Wallaby Kurtley Beale says his redemption mission is still a work in progress, promising to learn from past mistakes.

Wales have been left with a hefty casualty count that could affect selection plans for Saturday's year-end Test series finale against South Africa.

Ireland will played the Barbarians at Thomond Park, Limerick on Thursday, May 28, next year.

TEAM UPDATE: England coach Stuart Lancaster confirmed that George Ford will stay at flyhalf for Saturday's clash against Australia.

Wasps back Elliot Daly has been cited for alleged verbal abuse of a referee.

Warren Whiteley and Jannie du Plessis are the only members of the current Springbok tour squad who will not be available to face Wales in Cardiff.

Jonathan Kaplan says that the emphasis on decisions being 'clear and obvious' is dangerous as it means that some forward passes are not being called.

EXCLUSIVE: It was a meeting of much debate and little consensus, but we managed to finally produce rugby365's famous weekly selection.

A selection of Springboks will take on the Proteas in a T20 match at the Wanderers stadium in Johannesburg on December 5 for the Nelson Mandela Legacy Cup.

Australia’s 23-26 loss to Ireland on Saturday has seen the Wallabies slip another place to fifth - equalling their lowest ever position.

Stuart Lancaster has recalled 34 players to prepare for Saturday’s International against Australia at Twickenham.

Australian men's Sevens head coach Geraint John has named his 12-man squad that will travel to Asia for the Dubai Sevens in December.

Scarlets' four-point victory over Glasgow was a vital step forward in their top four campaign, as things hotten up in the Pro12 competition table.

INTERVIEW: Twelve months ago the Springbok talent cupboard looked bare - with a dearth of back-up in several key positions.

A small reminder of why Bakkies Botha will go down in history as one of the toughest enforcers in world Rugby

Crusaders assistant coach Aaron Mauger has accepted the head coach role with his old Leicester Tigers club.

Four clips that are sure to make you swell up with pride for this great game of rugby

Argentina produced a tactical masterclass to beat France 18-13 at the Stade de France in Paris at the weekend.

REACTION: England coach Stuart Lancaster is faced with a difficult decision - whether to start George Ford or Owen Farrell at No.10.

Jan de Koning chatted to Rudy Paige about his unexpected call-up to the Springbok team for their final match of the year-end tour.

EP affiliated clubs from as far afield as Graaff Reinet and Cradock have sent a message of support for the current executive.  

Jayden Hayward missed a late penalty as Treviso missed the chance to win for the first time this season drawing 24-24 with Leinster.

James Wilson scored twice as Northampton Saints returned to the top of the Premiership table, after fending off Saracens.

Seabelo Senatla has been released from the Springbok touring squad at the request of the Springbok Sevens.

Georgia managed to get back to winning ways after stumbling against Ireland as they defeated the Brave Blossoms 35-24 in Tbilisi.

Almost 10 years to the day since taking over the All Blacks captain's armband, Richie McCaw was key to a resounding victory over Wales.

Ireland coach Joe Schmidt underwent an operation to have his appendix removed on Saturday night just hours after victory over Australia.

Greig Laidlaw pledged that his side would not be getting "carried away" ahead of the Six Nations and Rugby World Cup next year.  

Heyneke Meyer expressed confidence in the latest crop of Springboks after Bakkies Botha's decision to retire.

In 2015 the Varsity Cup matches which are broadcast on television, will bring back the white card allowing a referee review.

New Zealand coach Steve Hansen has clearly marked his team's challenge - winning an unprecedented back-to-back World Cup in 2015.

Ireland captain Paul O'Connell insists that their first double over South Africa and Australia does not guarantee a successful World Cup.

Wales coach Warren Gatland insisted that his team did not lack self-belief against the SANZAR nations.

England coach Stuart Lancaster told his side they should be wary of a "hurting" Australia in next weekend's November finale at Twickenham.

New Zealand lock Brodie Retallick has been named the World Rugby Player of the Year 2014 by an independent panel.

World Rugby, which used to be called the International Rugby Board, has announced its major awards for 2014 and, unsurprisingly, New Zealand dominate.

Argentina added another French scalp to their list, the Pumas winning 18-13 in dramatic fashion at the Stade de France, in Paris, on Saturday.

A wonder try from Henry Thomas helped lift Bath to second place in the Premiership table

England pulled away from Samoa in the second half to record a scrappy 28-9 victory at Twickenham on Saturday.

Wales surrendered a narrow second half lead to go down 16-34 to New Zealand at the Millennium Stadium in Cardiff.

REPORT: New Zealand, scoring four tries in a brutal final quarter, beat Wales 34-16 in Cardiff on Saturday to cement their No.1 ranking.

New Zealand put in a massive second half effort to overcome a plucky Welsh side 36-16 at the Millennium Stadium in Cardiff.

Canada have dropped the final game of their year-end tour to Romania in a tryless 9-18 defeat.

Ireland have defeated two Southern Hemisphere giants in their year-end tour with a tight 26-23 victory over the Wallabies.

An exciting match has seen the Australians entertain, but not win as they went down by the smallest margin against Ireland 26-23.

Ireland did just enough to secure a tense 26-23 victory over Australia in an entertaining clash in Dublin on Saturday.

Scotland settled a two-year-old score with a convincing 37-12 victory against Tonga on the plastic pitch at Kilmarnock Rugby Park.

OPINION: South Africa will know they have a lot of room for improvement, but they will also celebrate the impact of the replacement.

BREAKING: Springbok lock and World Cup winner Bakkies Botha has announced his immediate retirement from international rugby.

OPINION: Italy made life unpleasant for South Africa, but ultimately came up well short - losing 6-22 in Padua on Saturday.

MATCH REPORT: South Africa produced a late score to ease past Italy, winning 22-6 at Stadio Euganeo, in Padua, on Saturday.

Japan take on Georgia on Sunday with a side that shows four changes and two positional switches from the team that started last week's 18-13 win over Romania.

England forwards coach Graham Rowntree said the side had been "beating themselves up" ahead of Saturday's clash against Samoa.

Two tries from centre Darren Cave ensured Ulster triumphed in a war of attrition with Ospreys, who lost for the first time in the Pro12 this season.

Harlequins Director of Conor O'Shea admits his side did not play to their standards as they fell to a disappointing Premiership defeat at home to Sale Sharks.

INTERVIEW: rugby365 brings you the final views from the Italian and South African camps ahead of their Test encounter in Padua on Saturday.

MATCH REPORT: Fiji overcame two yellow cards and a strong second-half surge by the United States to secure a hard-fought 20-14 win.

Wallabies skipper Michael Hooper wants his side to pick up were they left off against Wales two weeks ago against Ireland on Saturday.

France remain vigilant ahead of Saturday's clash with Argentina despite victories over Fiji and Australia, captain Thierry Dusautoir said on Friday.

A victory over Australia on Saturday would give Six Nations champions Ireland their first clean sweep in the November Tests since 2006.  

The Waratahs are to play in a World Club Championship game against French giants Toulon just a week before their Super Rugby title defence kicks off.

Japan coach Eddie Jones said the inclusion of a Tokyo-based team in Super Rugby will give the Asian champions a boost before the country hosts the 2019 World Cup.

New Zealand coach Steve Hansen's withering first take on a teenage Richie McCaw was that he was "not a natural athlete".

It's the final BIG weekend of Internationals and we bring you five matches live!

Canadian coach Kieran Crowley made three changes to his starting XV for Saturday's Test against Romania in Bucharest, a game that closes out 2014 and the year-end tour.

The Bulls were dealt a cruel blow just days into their pre-season, with confirmation that Springbok Flip van der Merwe is set to miss the start of the 2015 season.

EXCLUSIVE: Matt Hawkins, rugby365's specialist Sevens columnist, turn the spotlight to a new look and revamped IRB World Series.

Of all of Scotland's defeats in recent years, Tonga remains the low point.

The sideshows have unfortunately overshadowed the build-up to what should be an intriguing match between England and Samoa.

Paul Dobson looks at the match when the Springboks travel from circumspect, understated England to spontaneous, exuberant Italy.

Wales are hopefully heading for a crescendo when they host "red-letter" World Cup champions New Zealand on Saturday.

EXCLUSIVE: Rob Brink continues the expedition to World Cup 2015, giving us his views on what the Springbok loose trio might look like.

PREVIEW: Whilst the Southern Hemisphere sides continue their tours of Europe, the Pro12 competition returns to action.

Fiji and the United States will look to get a major psychological blow in ahead of the World Cup, when they go head-to-head on Friday.

All Blacks coach Steve Hansen said that he has every confidence in Beauden Barrett's ability to dictate matters at the Millenium Stadium.

Michael Cheika says he does not know if he is the best person to put Kurtley Beale on the right path but he is certainly not his social worker.

There will be two different reason for these two power-houses to attempt to defeat each other on Saturday - retribution and progress

Samoa's Census Johnston is set to win his 50th international cap this weekend after being named in the side to play England at Twickenham on Saturday.

Having dismissed rumours that they are trying to sign Duane Vermeulen, Bath have criticised agents for repeatedly linking their players to the club.

Australia bad boy, Kurtley Beale has been included in the Wallabies' 23-man match day squad for their match against Ireland in Dublin on Saturday.

France coach Philippe Saint-Andre might finally have found his pair of halfbacks in Sebastien Tillous-Borde and Camille Lopez.

Six Nations champions, Ireland have made two changes to their starting line-up for their match against Australia at Lansdowne Road on Saturday.

Wasps' Springbok flank Ashley Johnson believes his side can take the next step and win a game on the road against Exeter Chiefs this weekend.

Italy coach Jacques Brunel has selected Fijian-born flank Samuela Vunisa in the only change to the team to face the Springboks on Saturday.

Argentinean head coach Daniel Hourcade has made four changes to his starting XV for their final November Test against France in Paris on Saturday.

Head coach Vern Cotter has made four injury-enforced changes to Scotland starting XV that will play Tonga in Saturday's historic Test match in Kilmarnock.

SANZAR's Executive Committee has formally approved the inclusion of Japanese and Argentinean Unions into Super Rugby from 2016.

Rudy Paige and Marnitz Boshoff have been called up to the Springbok squad for the last week of their year-end tour in Cardiff next week.

Rising star Teddy Thomas has been dropped for Saturday's Test against Argentina in Paris for missing a training session.

The Springboks played Italy in a Test for the first time in 1995, but rugby contact between the two countries goes back much further than that.

England coach Stuart Lancaster said there was no question of Owen Farrell continuing to gain selection because his father is assistant coach.

The Springboks played Italy in a Test for the first time in 1995 when they were reigning as World Champions. They won the match 40-21, and since then have played Italy 10 times.

USA captain Todd Clever will make a welcome return to the starting XV when the Eagles conclude their November tour against Fiji in Vannes, France on Saturday.

Senior All Blacks publicly backed Samoa's players over a dispute with the SRU and Prime Minister Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi.

Namibia has made four changes and a positional switch ahead of their clash with Portugal from the starting XV that lost 13-17 to Canada two weeks ago.

NEWS: Wing Henry Speight will finally make his Test debut for Australia, against Ireland in Dublin on Saturday.

Richie McCaw will become the first player to captain the All Blacks in 100 Tests when he leads New Zealand against Wales on Saturday.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Martín Leandro Castrogiovanni is the ultimate test for any prop hoping to make his mark on the international stage.

FEATURE: Springbok tries by Francois Hougaard and Cornal Hendricks were among the contenders for the Try of the Year 2014.

NEWS: George Ford will make his first Test start for England in Saturday's international against Samoa at Twickenham.

Tommaso Allan and Robert Barbieri have been released by Italy ahead of this weekend's Test against South Africa.

Montpellier forwards coach Mario Ledesma has resigned following the Top 14 club's poor start to the season, club president Mohed Altrad announced.

France coach Philippe Saint-Andre finally seems to have settled on a halfback combination, but he continues to tinker elsewhere in his team.

Jamie Heaslip says he is ready to face his old coach Michael Cheika when the Leinster man, and the Irish, face off against Australia.

A Namibian team will compete in next year's Vodacom Cup competition, it was announced on Wednesday.

Gawie Visagie, one of the most popular Springboks ever, died in Durban after a long battle against cancer. He was 59.

The Springbok starting team to face Italy in Padova on Saturday shows four changes from the side which beat England at Twickenham.

Bath head coach Mike Ford has said the club are not in the market for Springbok loose forward Duane Vermeulen.  

Waratahs captain Dave Dennis revealed that he went to America to speed up the rehabilitation program, following a knee injury.

John McKee has made seven changes to the Fiji run on team that will play against USA this weekend.

Englishman Liam Dunseath has a deeper look at some of the problems in the England team.

INTERVIEW: Francois Louw says he had been carrying "for years" an underlying neck problem that forced him to have surgery in September.

Wales are one of the few international teams to successfully pull off a 15 man line-out drive

Juan Imhoff says he is looking forward to lining up opposite club teammate Teddy Thomas when his country tackles France in Paris.

Dan Lydiate was one of 12 players offered a new national dual contract by the WRU which will ensure that he plays his club rugby in the country.

They may have be known for their verbal jousts, but Clive Woodward said he had enjoyed a friendly relationship with Wallaby rival Eddie Jones.

Native New Zealander turned Wales coach Warren Gatland said no-one would be prouder if his side ended their 61-year losing streak against the All Blacks.

Edinburgh confirmed on Tuesday that due to personal reasons Omar Mouneimne has had to leave the Pro12 outfit to return to South Africa.

England coach Stuart Lancaster made three changes to his matchday squad to face Samoa on Saturday, as he looks to end a five-match losing streak.

Campese Ma'afu was suspended for a week for being sent off for two yellow-card offenses in the 17-13 loss to Wales.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Springbok breakdown consultant Richie Gray believes games are mostly won and lost in the 'top two inches'.

Promising junior players Marvin Orie and Joshua Stander have both extended their Bulls' contacts until October 2016.

rugby365 and Rate the Ref columnist Jonathan Kaplan takes a look at issues referees may face leading up to the World Cup in respect of the maul

Wales have named an experienced side to face New Zealand on Saturday with Jonathan Davies the only personnel change to the team that lost against Australia.

Sonny Bill Williams has a reputation as a serial code-hopper, who also dabbles in boxing. However, it appears his first love remains the All Blacks.

Cardiff Blues have signed of Argentina international Joaquin Tuculet.

INTERVIEW: Wales's George North is in no doubt of the challenge posed by New Zealand's "exceptional" Julian Savea this weekend.

The Italian team was given a clean bill of health ahead of their encounter with South Africa at Stadio Euganeo in Padua on Saturday.

The South African Rugby Referees' Association (SARRA), which manages the appointment of referees in the schools game in association with SARU, has changed its policy slightly on appointments to high-profile schools matches.

England coach Stuart Lancaster is set to make changes for this Saturday's match against Samoa and it seems his midfield will require more shuffling.

Stars from the women's game rubbed shoulders with greats JPR Williams and Michael Lynagh as the first female inductees into the IRB's Hall of Fame were announced.  

The IRB has come forward and admitted that although the Twickenham crisis has been averted, there is no long term solution in play for Samoa's issues with its administration.

Australian badboy Kurtley Beale is a welcome late addition, and not a distraction, to the Wallabies squad claims Quade Cooper.

All Black great Sean Fitzpatrick said England would continue to struggle against Southern Hemisphere teams until their players are centrally contracted.

Argentina lost their way following last month's historic 21-17 victory over Australia in the Rugby Championship, wing Juan Imhoff admitted.

Ireland's Chris Henry missed the recent win over South Africa with a brain injury, rather than a migraine.

Luther Burrell is in contention to face Samoa at Twickenham on Saturday, after being named in the group preparing for the Test.

It is Jaco Peyper's turn to be at Twickenham this week, while Glen Jackson has the big one in Dublin.

Johan Goosen is ready to emerge from obscurity and stake a claim to be once again a regular member of the Springbok squad.

It was an interesting weekend on the international stage and rugby365's famous weekly selection reflects the dramatic turnaround from last week.

Sharks CEO John Smit has confirmed the arrival of Samoan and former EP Kings wing Pat Perez to the Sharks.

Defeats for England and Australia have seen Ireland equal their highest ever position of third in the latest IRB World Rankings.

Samoa team manager Sami Leoti has ruled out any possibility of strike action for Saturday's Test against England at Twickenham.

The Sharks have gained the services of departing Kings defence coach Michael Horak who terminated his contract in Port Elizabeth.

There were similar incidents in two of the weekend's Test matches with different outcomes. They were, note, similar but not the same.

The Springboks have two main injury concerns following their bruising 31-28 victory over England at Twickenham on Saturday.

TOERPLAN: Jan de Koning kyk in sy glas-bal en vra of Heyneke Meyer dalk nie die week 'n paar hase uit die hoed gaan pluk nie.

TOUR SPOTLIGHT: Jan de Koning looks into his crystal ball and asks if Heyneke Meyer will perhaps pull a few proverbial rabbits from the hat this week.

Willem Alberts shows us what he gets up to in the gym when no one is watching.

New Zealand will be without forward Victor Vito for the final match of their Northern Hemisphere tour after he returned home through injury.

Dylan Hartley has denied stamping on Duane Vermeulen in England's narrow loss against the Springboks which earned him a yellow card.

Samoa's game with England may be in jeopardy again as the SRU continues to snub its players over grievances with their governance.

Prop forwards Quintin Esterhuyzen and Shaun de Preez have been called up as replacements to join the Namibian team in Portugal.

Eastern Province Rugby has confirmed the signing of Blue Bulls flyhalf Tony Jantjies, ahead of the 2015 season.

Six Nations champions Ireland's hopes of completing a clean sweep of the November tests faces a very tough challenge in the shape of Australia.

Georgia's New Zealand coach Milton Haig rued what he called amateur night', after his team suffered a humiliating 7-49 loss to Ireland at the weekend.

Christian Wade and Ashley Johnson bagged themselves a hat-trick apiece as Wasps saw off London Welsh 71-7.

An impressive second-half showing from Ireland saw them beat Georgia 49-7 at the Aviva Stadium on Sunday.

Golden Lions prop Ruan Dreyer has been called up to the Springbok squad as injury cover for Jannie du Plessis. 

The Samoan players met with the International Rugby Players Association on Saturday in order to move forwards past the strife between them and the SRU.

Mark Bennett has been ruled out of Scotland's final year-end international against Tonga next weekend.

Wales' narrow 17-13 victory over Fiji on Saturday was "disappointing and frustrating", according to coach Warren Gatland.

France coach Philippe Saint-Andre insisted the best side won after their 29-26 victory over Australia on Saturday.  

Scotland head coach Vern Cotter insists his men will learn valuable lessons from their brave defeat to New Zealand.

All Blacks flyhalf Dan Carter was unimpressed by his scratchy return in the No.10 shirt against Scotland.

Clive Woodward criticised the absence of "real footballers" in the Red Rose back division after their 31-28 loss to South Africa.  

Australia coach Michael Cheika said his players need to train harder and more consistently if they are to avoid another poor display.

All Blacks coach Steve Hansen had no regrets about risking defeat against Scotland by fielding an experimental young side at Murrayfield.

Stuart Lancaster insisted there would be no panic after Saturday's 31-28 loss to South Africa at Twickenham made it five straight defeats.

South Africa coach Heyneke Meyer said his side had played "World Cup-winning rugby" after seeing off 2015 tournament hosts England 31-28.

The Wallabies showed good fighting spirit to end within striking distance of France, but they were flattered by the scoreline.

Despite only winning by three points, France were much the better side against the Wallabies in Paris.

Bath continued their good start to the Premiership season as they swept aside second-bottom Newcastle Falcons.

France proved too strong for the Wallabies as they secured a tense 29-26 victory in Paris on Saturday.

OPINION: New Zealand won, not convincingly, but it is still a win. Maybe the final scoreline, 24-16, at Murrayfield flattered them.

OPINION: Scotland once again came close, but ultimately still came up short. They lost 16-24 to New Zealand at Murrayfield on Saturday.

Tonga was victorious 40-12 as power came to the fore in the second half against USA, with three tries in the third quarter the difference.

REPORT: New Zealand scored a late try to secure a 24-16 win over a brave Scotland team in their one-off international in Edinburgh on Saturday.

Japan fullback Ayumu Goromaru scored six penalties to give his team a far from convincing 18-13 victory over Romania.

England have fallen just short to another Southern Hemisphere giant as they succumbed 28-31 to the Springboks.

The Springboks were able to bounce back against the English after a poor showing against Ireland to grind out a 31-28 victory.

MATCH REPORT: Wales hung on in desperate fashion to beat Fiji 17-13 in a snorefest at the Millennium Stadium in Cardiff on Saturday.

The Springboks were forced to work hard for a tough 31-28 victory over England in a physical battle at Twickenham on Saturday.

NEWS: The Eastern Province Kings have terminated Samoan wing Paul Perez's contract with immediate effect.

Italy captain Sergio Parisse said that his side hope to take advantage of their extra day of rest ahead of the clash with the Springboks.

Richie McCaw maintained the All Blacks were taking Scotland seriously despite their unusual team selection for their clash at Murrayfield.

Recalled Kurtley Beale admitted he feared his Wallaby career might have been over following the latest saga in his off-field troubles.

A Thomas Waldrom double capped a stunning Exeter Chiefs performance as they dispatched Premiership champions Northampton Saints at Franklin's Gardens.

Samoa put its off-field concerns to one side to bounce back from defeat against Italy and beat Canada 23-13 on Friday.

Argentina battled back in the second half to claim a tight 20-18 victory over Italy in Genova on Friday.

The Springboks are wary of a much improved England and know their unbeaten run against the Red Rose counts for nothing.

Ireland have made 13 changes to the team that defeated the Springboks in Dublin last weekend for when they face Georgia on Sunday.

Controversial back Kurtley Beale will join the Wallabies on their European tour to reboot his international career, a report said Friday.

Three former All Blacks and current NPC coaches will lead the 2015 New Zealand Under-20 IRB Junior World Championship campaign.

All Black flyhalf Dan Carter said he had conquered his own doubts to regain his place in the New Zealand starting line-up.

Samoa Prime Minister Tuilaepa Sa'ilele Malielegaoi blasted players who threatened to boycott next week's Test against England as "little brats".

South African rugby owes England a huge debt of gratitude.

Golden Lions  hooker Robbie Coetzee will undergo surgery in Durban on Friday, in order to reduce the pain in his neck.

We have another exciting weekend of International matches ahead of us.

It is clear that 2015 is closer than we feel it should be, for already we have fixtures for Kearney at Easter, Paul Roos' 150th celebration in March and Graeme's Rugby Day, and now we can add the prestigious Wildeklawer Super Schools Tournament to the list.

The USA Eagles will be captained by Scott LaValla on Saturday in the penultimate test for the USA against Tonga at Kingsholm Stadium.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: John Smit and Martin Corry debate the chances of England and South Africa ahead of Saturday's Twickenham clash.

Japan head into their clash with Romania with a 10-Test unbeaten streak which has seen them rise to ninth in the world rankings.

A new look Welsh side will look to recover after succumbing to the Wallabies last weekend when they face Fiji at the Millennium Stadium on Saturday.

A settled and confident Scotland side will be aiming for their first-ever win against the All Blacks when they meet at Murrayfield on Saturday.

Paul Dobson, in his extraordinary and accomplished way, looks at the big Twickenham Test - between England and South Africa.

EXCLUSIVE: Rob Brink continues the expedition to World Cup 2015, looking at what awaits the Boks at Twickenham and glances back at Dublin.

EXCLUSIVE: Matt Hawkins, rugby365's specialist Sevens columnist, turn the spotlight back on the teams and their identities.

Australia coach Michael Cheika is not worried about conceding tries against France at the Stade de France in Paris on Saturday.

While Samoa will be looking to put their recent internal spats behind them, Canada will look to build on last week's impressive win over Namibia.

Heavy rains in recent days in the flood-hit city of Genoa have forced the rescheduling of the Test between Italy and Argentina.

Dean Mumm doesn't expect international call-ups to hit Northampton Saints too hard as Exeter Chiefs prepare to visit Franklin's Gardens on Friday.

Injured Springbok loose forward Francois Louw says he will have 'divided loyalties' when South Africa play England at Twickenham.

The Honey Badger is put to the test when he has to complete some famous lines.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Australia are evolving under new coach Michael Cheika, but it is 'baby steps' for Michael Hooper and his teammates.

Head coach Vern Cotter has shown faith in his winning Scotland formula for this Saturday’s visit of world champions New Zealand to Murrayfield Stadium.

The RFU has launched an investigation into alleged homophobic abuse of Nigel Owens by a group of supporters during Englnad match at Twickenham last Saturday.

All Black captain Richie McCaw will start at blindside flank against Scotland on Saturday, a temporary move according to coach Steve Hansen - or is it?

Bulls coach Frans Ludeke announced his provisional training squad for the 2015 Super Rugby competition which includes 18 Springboks.

Anthony Watson will start his first international for England in Saturday’s clash against South Africa at Twickenham.

France have stuck true to their winning formula by naming the same starting team that defeated Fiji 40-15 last weekend for their clash with Australia.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: England captain Chris Robshaw is adamant that they can end an 11-match winless streak against South Africa.

Loose forward Tinus du Plessis will miss Namibia’s match against the French Barbarians after failing to recover from a calf strain.

INTERVIEW: South Africa wing Bryan Habana said England deserve more respect than they have been getting and are a real World Cup threat.

Intervention by the IRB and a players association has averted the threat of Samoan players taking strike action and refusing to play England next week.

Wallabies prop Sekope Kepu will play his milestone 50th Test for Australia when they take on France at Stade de France on Saturday.

NEWS: James Parsons will cap off a whirlwind call-up to the All Blacks, after he was named in the starting XV to play Scotland.

INTERVIEW: In three weeks' time some players will have played themselves into, and others out of, the Springbok World Cup selection frame.

The IRB has announced the shortlist for the prestigious World Rugby Player of the Year Award, with the winner set to be revealed at their nation’s final match of 2014.

Australia's last visit to Paris left the team with a decidedly unpleasant feeling, an emotion they hope to avoid at Stade de France on Saturday.

World Cup winners JP Pietersen and Schalk Burger will start Saturday's second Test in the year-end tour against England at Twickenham.

Crusaders wing Nemani Nadolo will take his place at inside centre for Fiji when they face off against Wales in Cardiff on Saturday.

Graeme College of Grahamstown has produced its interesting list of fixtures for its Rugby Day on 28 March 2015.

John McFarland has picked up a number of weaknesses that the Irish exploited and he will be looking to patch them up for England.

Dominate the collisions and get some big hits in at the tackle. That is Scotland's recipe for success against New Zealand at Murrayfield.

Daniel Carter is expected to return to the match day squad for their clash with Scotland as he continues to work his way back from a broken leg.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Wales coach Warren Gatland has hit out at the supporters who booed flyhalf Rhys Priestland.

NEWS: Semesa Rokoduguni is out of the England team for their clash with South Africa at Twickenham Stadium on Saturday.

Argentina will be without their captain Agustín Creevy for the clash with Italy after the hooker sustained a thigh injury.

JJ Engelbrecht  and the crop of new additions who joined the Springbok Sevens training squad in Stellenbosch have slotted in well.

The All Black forwards will be looking for an improvement when they face Scotland after a lacklustre performance against England.

One is the Keeper of the Keys ​at Hogwarts. The other is the Keeper of the Pies at Wales

Two All Black legends and some USA Eagles show the general public what rugby is all about!

Duane Vermeulen has called for the younger members of the team to quickly absorb the Twickenham atmosphere as they prepare to take on England.

Wales have made eight personnel changes to their side to face Fiji on Saturday, with Gethin Jenkins returning to the starting line-up to lead the side.

The Sharks have signed talented loose-forward Renaldo Bothma from the Pumas on a two-year Super Rugby contract.

Luke Braid is looking forward to having a big Super Rugby season with the Auckland Blues before he heads to France.

Mike Phillips is determined to make the Wales No.9 shirt his own again after being dropped to the bench against Australia.

The Blue Bulls Company has granted loose forward Jono Ross an early release from his contract, to allow the player the opportunity to join  Stade Francais.

INTERVIEW: England prop Joe Marler has urged the 2015 World Cup hosts to channel the frustration when they face South Africa.

The Brumbies have signed Sydney University Premiership winner James Dargaville for the 2015 Super Rugby season.

There are more Tests in this, the third, week of November's 'window' - the main ones at Twickenham and Stade de France.

England coach Stuart Lancaster said he was "optimistic" that Courtney Lawes and Dylan Hartley will face South Africa.

OPINION: It was a weekend of interesting results and that is reflected in @rugby365com's famous  weekly selection!

Hooker Bongi Mbonambi and props Vincent Koch and Wilco Louw gave a good account of themselves and have slotted in perfectly to Western Province's playing pattern.

INTERVIEW: South Africa, after a solid session of introspection, realised they need to do what works for them and not worry too much about the opposition.

New Zealand Luke Braid is set to join fellow countryman Jayden Spence, after the flank penned a two-year deal with French Top 14 side Bordeaux .

Australia have returned to third in the latest IRB World Rankings after recording a 10th successive victory over Wales.

Scotland coach, New Zealander Vern Cotter, has urged his players to embrace playing against the best team in the world.

The Pool draw for the 2015 edition of SARU’s flagship national tournament,  the Community Cup, was confirmed on Monday.

Western Province centre Pat Howard is set to join Munster Rugby on a three-month contract.

Wallaby coach Michael Cheika knows that June's three-nil whitewash of France will have little bearing on their-end encounter in Paris on Saturday.

Namibia have named an exciting squad for their second match of the November tour to take on the French Barbarians in Toulon on Friday.

EXCLUSIVE: rugby365 and Rate the Ref columnist Jonathan Kaplan looks at two yellow card decisions this weekend which lacked common sense.

The Queensland Reds have signed 17-year-old centre Campbell Magnay, the youngest player in the inaugural season of the NRC.

It has been successfully trialled in South Africa and now All Black coach Steve Hansen wants the Varsity Cup initiative to be used worldwide.

France have "revenge" on their minds ahead of Saturday's international Test against Australia.

All Blacks centre Conrad Smith will skip Saturday's Test against Scotland so he can return home to deal with a family matter.

REACTION: England captain Chris Robshaw said his team will look to take their frustrations out on South Africa.

Australia's scrum reputation took another beating at the weekend, but new coach Michael Cheika believes there is a simple remedy.

Versatile New Zealander back Jayden Spence is to join Bordeaux-Begles as cover, the French Top 14 outfit said Sunday.

Gloucester flyhalf James Hook has been called up to the Welsh squad for their next two matches of November Tests.

Castres climbed off the bottom of the French Top 14 with a 22-14 win over champions Toulon.

Flank Yannick Nyanga will replace his Toulouse clubmate Yacouba Camara in France's squad.

English Premiership outfit Saracens outclassed the Currie Cup champions, Western Province on Sunday.

Ireland have paid a dear price for their impressive demolition of South Africa in Dublin at the weekend.

MEDIA: Ireland coach Joe Schmidt woke up to headlines singing his praises after he masterminded a 29-15 win over SA.

Although his side suffered their fifth consecutive defeat to the All Blacks, Stuart Lancaster feels his side is not far off the world's best team.

The USA Eagles bounced back from their heavy defeat to the All Blacks with a 27-17 victory over Romania in Bucharest on Saturday.  

Wales captain Sam Warburton insists that it is just a question of when, and not if, they beat a leading southern hemisphere side.

All Blacks coach Steve Hansen dismissed as "baloney" suggestions his side had gained any advantage by beating England at Twickenham.

Ireland's victory over South Africa atoned for the disappointment of losing to the All Blacks in the final minute last year, said coach Joe Schmidt.

Springbok captain Jean de Villiers said that his side have to cut out the basic errors that plagued them against Ireland if they are to bounce back.

Springbok coach Heyneke Meyer said that defeat to Ireland taught them some valuable lessons about what it takes to win in Europe.

REACTION: Australia coach Michael Cheika insisted defeat by Wales never crossed his mind, despite his side trailing in the final eight minutes.

REACTION: New Zealand coach Steve Hansen blasted the use of television replays after his world champions beat England 24-21.

Teddy Thomas scored a hat-trick on his France debut as South African-born Scott Spedding also shone on his first appearance for Les Bleus.

Tauriq Ebrahim rates the Springbok players after their 15-29 loss to Ireland in Dublin on Saturday.

OPINION: Tauriq Ebrahim rates the Ireland players after their 29-15 win over South Africa in Dublin on Saturday.

REPORT: Scotland produced their best performance of the year to demolish a lacklustre Argentina, winning 41-31 on Saturday.

The Springboks suffered their first loss in Europe under Heyneke Meyer as Ireland beat them 29-15 in Dublin on Saturday.

OPINION: Jan de Koning rates the New Zealand players after their 24-21 win over England at Tiwckenham on Saturday.

New Zealand-born flyhalf Kelly Haimona kicked 14 points to inspire Italy to a hard-fought 24-13 victory over Samoa on Saturday.

Wales fought hard at the Millenium Stadium, but went down once again as their losing streak against the Wallabies extended to 10 matches.

OPINION: Jan de Koning rates the England players after their 21-24 loss to New Zealand at Twickenham on Saturday

The Wallabies showed good composure under pressure to seal a tough 33-28 victory over Wales at the Millenium Stadium.

REPORT: New Zealand produced their traditional second-half rally to beat a willing England 24-21 at a wet Twickenham on Saturday.

The Wallabies were forced to work hard for their tough 33-28 victory over Wales at the Millenium Stadium on Saturday.

Japan came within two minutes of stunning the Maori All Blacks, as the 'Brave Blossoms' were caught by a sucker punch.

American back row forward Samu Manoa will join Top 14 side Toulon next season, club president Mourad Boudjellal confirmed on Saturday.

New Zealand's Maori team left it late, but sneaked in at the death to record a 20-18 win over Japan in Tokyo on Saturday.

Brive claimed their first French Top 14 away victory since February 2012 when they defeated Montpellier 25-10 on Friday.

COMMENT: South Africa captain Jean de Villiers says he is under no illusions about the task facing them against Ireland.

Namibian fullback Chrysander Botha has been reunited with his teammates in Abergele,Wales, late on Friday.

New Zealand captain Richie McCaw said they are motivated by the memory of what happened to them at Twickenham two years ago.

Quade Cooper was the unlucky one to loose out when Australian coach Michael Cheika's axe came down on the bench.

Canada hung on in the face of a late second-half charge by Namibia to record a 17-13 win in their Test on Friday.

Six Nations champions Ireland must be mentally up for the challenge they face against an in-form South African side on Saturday.

Western Province hooker Siyabonga Ntubeni has been called up to the South African touring squad in place of the injured Robbie Coetzee.

Parliament has discussed draft amendments for improved testing and sanctioning of school pupils in an attempt to eliminate the used of performance-enhancing drugs.

Australia will seek to stretch their winning streak over Wales to 10 matches when the two teams clash in a World Cup pool rehearsal.

New Zealand flyhalf Aaron Cruden is determined to make the most of his opportunity against England after being dropped.

Jared Payne showed his laid-back side when the utility back reflected on people who question his commitment to the Irish national side.

Young New Zealand backs Albert Nikoro and Tino Nemani have signed for Australian Super Rugby franchise the Western Force.

The freedom to entertain. That is what awaits Currie Cup champions Western Province when they take on Premiership runners-up Saracens.

We have a bumper weekend of International matches as the Southern Hemisphere looks to dominate their Northern counterparts.

Louis Stanfill will earn his 50th cap for the Unites States when they face Romania in Bucharest on Saturday.

Philippe Saint-Andre will find himself under increasing pressure if his foreign imports do not shine against Fiji in a Test match in Marseille on Saturday.

Coach Jacques Brunel is hoping a reinforced Italy get reacquainted with their promising 2013 form when they host  an "organised" Samoa in Ascoli on Saturday.

@rugby365com previews the Test between Wales and Australia in Cardiff on Saturday, a game of contrasts.

Paul Dobson, in his unique way, looks at the Test between Ireland and South Africa - the start of the year-end season for both.

Argentina coach Daniel Hourcade is wary of the influence of his opposite number when they take on Scotland at Murrayfield on Saturday.

EXCLUSIVE: Rob Brink, a member of the victorious 1995 Bok World Cup squad, brings us his first contribution since joining the rugby365 team.

EXCLUSIVE: Matt Hawkins, the former US Eagles player and coach, takes us inside the world of Sevens - looking at the next leg of the IRB World Series.

With less than one year to go until the World Cup Canada and Namibia go head-to-head in what is the start of a vital trial run for both.

The All Blacks will be looking for their fourth victory over England this year when the two sides meet at Twickenham on Saturday.

Argentinean coach Daniel Hourcade named a team of contrasts to face Scotland in the opening match of their year-end tour.

Wales great Shane Williams has announced he will retire from all forms of rugby at the end of this season.

The Gray brothers, Richie and Jonny, were named in Scotland's second row for Saturday's Test against Argentina in Edinburgh.

Fijian coach John McKee named a powerful side to take on France in their first Test match for the November tour, in Marseille on Saturday.

New Zealand-born Jared Payne will make his Test debut for Ireland against the Springboks in Dublin as part of a new centre pairing.

Racing Metro backline coach Laurent Labit has been handed a 15-week ban for his disparaging comments against the referee in his side's loss against Stade Francais.

INTERVIEW: Ireland assistant coach Les Kiss insists 20-year-old flyhalf Handré Pollard holds the key to sparking South Africa's attack.

Kieran Crowley has made a number of changes to his Canadian team to face fellow World Cup qualifier Namibia.

The naysayers will come out in a chorus to air their disapproval, but Springbok coach Heyneke Meyer is standing by prop Coenie Oosthuizen.

British Army lance corporal and Bath wing Semesa Rokoduguni will make his England debut against New Zealand at Twickenham on Saturday. 

New recruit Adam Thomson met some of his future Reds teammates at Twickenham.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Wales lock Jake Ball will hope to prove to Wallabies that his decision to turn his back on Australia was the right one.

REACTION: Dan Carter is often one of the first names written down in any New Zealand team. Not so for All Blacks coach Steve Hansen.

VIDEO: The game between the Leicester Tigers and the Barbarians at Welford Road on Tuesday provided much to cheer about.

NEWS: Sonny Bill Williams and Aaron Cruden have been reunited, this time in the New Zealand team to play Sonny Bill Williams England.

NEWS: Sean McMahon capped a remarkable year with selection in the Australian team to take on Wales in Cardiff on Saturday.

New Zealand flyhalf Dan Carter expects outstanding wing Julian Savea to maintain his "red hot" form when they face England at Twickenham.

Two former Welsh internationals have been drafted into the Namibian backroom staff as support on their Northern Hemisphere tour.

The SA Rugby Referees' Association has made known the panels for 2015. There are changes.

Leicester Tigers are planning a ground-breaking trip to the United States next year, including a fixture against the best home-based players.

The Eastern Province Kings have announced their pre-season training squad following their return to training after a lackluster 2014 Currie Cup campaign.

England believe they have the muscle-power to unsettle the New Zealand pack and lay the platform for a rare win over the All Blacks.

Saracens have named a powerful 23-man squad for the north-south clash against Western Province at Allianz Park on Sunday.

South African-born fullback Scott Spedding will make his international debut when he runs out for France against Fiji in Marseille on Saturday.

BREAKING NEWS: Springbok coach Heyneke Meyer named the same starting line-up that beat New Zealand to face Ireland.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: South Africa has added an expansive dimension to their game that makes them far more dangerous.

South African-born Scott Spedding gets very emotional after his French call-up.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Israel Folau is adamant he still knows his way to the tryline, despite his recent 'dry' run.

INTERVIEW: Wales do not have a mental block against Australia, despite being on a nine-match losing streak against the Wallabies.

Jacques Botes marked his final game with a try and conversion as the Barbarians dazzled to beat Leicester Tigers 59-26 in a 13-try feast.

New Zealand's build-up to their Test encounter with England on Saturday has not gone as smoothly as they would have hoped.

Uncapped Semesa Rokoduguni is among 23 players retained by England coach Stuart Lancaster for Saturday's Test against New Zealand.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Hostility in France towards the number of foreign-born players lining up to play for Les Bleus is "deeply troubling".

Ruan Pienaar has been ruled out of the year-end tour because of a knee ligament injury and he will be replaced by Jano Vermaak.

Victor Matfield has stated his admiration for Irish captain and lock Paul O'Connell who he believes has an insight into how he runs the line-out.

England's second row resources for Saturday's match against New Zealand could be further depleted by the possible unavailability of Dave Attwood.

Western Province hooker Siyabonga Ntubeni is looking forward to testing himself in new conditions when the Currie Cup champions face up to Saracens.

The BlitzBokke have received a boost with Springbok centre JJ Engelbrecht and Baby Bok fullback Cheslin Kolbe joining the training group.

The opening round of the 2015 Varsity Cup season will feature replays of both the 2014 semifinals. 

Experienced Scotland scrumhalf Greig Laidlaw will lead his country into this Saturday's Test match against Argentina at Murrayfield.

Welsh wing George North has been named alongside Jamie Roberts in the midfield for Wales' clash against Australia.

Saracens have signed former Blue Bulls hooker Brett Sharman from Bath until the end of the season.

The final of the Top 14 elite league in France will be held in Barcelona's Nou Camp, the home of Barcelona FC, at the end of the 2015-2016 season.

COMING SOON: rugby365 will soon add another name to our already impressive list of award-winning contributors.

Tests! Tests galore. The invasion of the North is in full swing this weekend with all of the top ten nations on the IRB's ranking list in action, in fact 19 of the top 20.

Johan Goosen, who has been called into the Springbok squad as cover for Willie le Roux at fullback, is hoping he can emulate the wily Le Roux.

Jacques Burger will captain a new look Namibian starting line-up will face Canada on Friday in Colwyn Bay, Wales

Sharks veteran loose forward Jacques Botes will play his last game, after 13 years as a professional, when he dons the No.8 Barbarians jersey.

Irish scrumhalf Conor Murray has said that the Springboks present a great danger when Francois Hougaard and Handre Pollard are at the helm.

The shocking underfoot conditions that made matches at the Millennium Stadium an unpleasant experience may be something of the past.

NEWS: Wales flank Dan Lydiate is set to face Australia in Saturday's Test, despite his lack of game-time this season.

INJURY UPDATE: Colin Slade, the ultimate yo-yo of the game in New Zealand, is back with the All Blacks.

England have the resources to ride out a raft of injuries to key players ahead of Tests against the might of the Southern Hemisphere.

South Africa will have no concerns if wet-weather specialist Ruan Pienaar is ruled out of their one-off Test against Ireland in Dublin on Saturday.

Bulls hooker Mbongeni Mbonambi and Pumas prop Vincent Koch are among the newcomers in the Western Province squad for a short tour to England.

Johnny Sexton looks set to make a full recovery in time to face the Springboks, after suffering a thigh injury in Racing Metro’s match against Oyonnax.

The one leaves crowds in stitches. The other's boxing stint left opponent's with stitches.

Ryan Grant has been invited to train with Scotland for year-end Tests, as an injury replacement for Edinburgh's Allan Dell.

Experienced scrumhalf Ruan Pienaar will know on Tuesday if he will continue to be part of South Africa's year-end tour.

Singapore clinched a four-year deal to host a leg of the IRB Sevens World Series at its state-of-the-art new National Stadium.

In a rare moment for US television, a rugby test match was played on primetime television and the viewer reaction was priceless.

London Welsh have secured the services of Rowland Phillips as the defence coach in an attempt to stop the flow of tries against them.

FEATURE: Fiji coach John McKee believes the Pacific islanders could spring a surprise at next year's World Cup.

The Maori All Blacks deliver a powerful compilation of hakas before their match against Japan

Clermont wing Napolioni Nalaga will miss Fiji's November Tests against France, Wales and the United States due to family reasons, Fiji coach John McKee told AFP.

Paul Dobson pays his and rugby365's respects to the late Tinus Linee, who passed away on Monday after a brave battle with MND.

The All Blacks were mistakenly described by one of Chicago's largest newspapers, The Sun-Times, as a "legendary Aussie team"

The 2014 instalment of the Currie Cup brought us an exciting and unique showcase of provincial rugby which deserves some recognition.

FEATURE: We look ahead to the Southern Hemisphere's annual invasion of the Northern Hemisphere - for the end-of-year Tests.

EXCLUSIVE: MATT HAWKINS, RUGBY365'S SPECIALIST SEVENS COLUMNIST, TALKS ABOUT HE REGARDS AS THE NEW WORLD OF TRANSPARENCY.

EXCLUSIVE: ROB BRINK CONTINUES THE EXPEDITION TO WORLD CUP 2015, GIVING US HIS VIEWS ON CONSISTENT SELECTIONS AND FINDING A WINNING MOMENTUM.  

EXCLUSIVE: MATT HAWKINS, RUGBY365'S SPECIALIST SEVENS COLUMNIST, TURN THE SPOTLIGHT TO A NEW LOOK AND REVAMPED IRB WORLD SERIES.

EXCLUSIVE: ROB BRINK CONTINUES THE EXPEDITION TO WORLD CUP 2015, LOOKING AT WHAT AWAITS THE BOKS AT TWICKENHAM AND GLANCES BACK AT DUBLIN.

EXCLUSIVE: ROB BRINK CONTINUES THE EXPEDITION TO WORLD CUP 2015, LOOKING AT WHAT AWAITS THE BOKS AT TWICKENHAM AND GLANCES BACK AT DUBLIN.

EXCLUSIVE: MATT HAWKINS, RUGBY365'S SPECIALIST SEVENS COLUMNIST, TURN THE SPOTLIGHT BACK ON THE TEAMS AND THEIR IDENTITIES.

EXCLUSIVE: ROB BRINK CONTINUES THE EXPEDITION TO WORLD CUP 2015, GIVING US HIS VIEWS ON WHAT THE SPRINGBOK LOOSE TRIO MIGHT LOOK LIKE.

EXCLUSIVE: MATT HAWKINS, THE FORMER US EAGLES PLAYER AND COACH, TAKES US INSIDE THE WORLD OF SEVENS - LOOKING AT THE NEXT LEG OF THE IRB WORLD SERIES.