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Toulon manager Bernard Laporte threatened to forfeit next weekend's Top 14 clash against Castres over concerns for his players' safety.

New Zealand paid a dear price for their 68-point rout of the United States, with two All Blacks ruled out of the remainder of the year-end tour.

England suffered a major setback ahead of their November Test campaign, with lock Joe Launchbury ruled out of all four internationals.

OPINION: A year out from the World Cup there are still a few key positions giving Springbok coach Heyneke Meyer headaches.

An emotional Scott Spedding thanked his parents for making sacrifices that has seen him earn his first call-up by his adopted country France.

Two tries from England international Delon Armitage helped French and European champions Toulon go top of the Top 14 table on Sunday.

Playing with the ball in hand brings joy to new Springbok call-up Nizaam Carr, but it is his toughness that has made him an outstanding feature.

NEWS: The Springboks arrived in Dublin on Sunday, at the start of the year-end tour, without star lock Eben Etzebeth.

Exeter Chiefs coach Rob Baxter says he is excited at what newcomer Byron McGuigan can bring to the party.

Bayonne's South African-born fullback Scott Spedding has been added to the injury-hit French squad for their November tests.

Barbarians coach John Kirwan reckons Australia should do everything they can to get wing Nick Cummins back from Japan.

Nick Cummins wants to spend some more time with the Barbarians, after starring in their thrilling 36-40 loss to Australia.

Louis Picamoles scored a try on his return to Top 14 action as Toulouse's revival continued with their fifth successive win in all competitions.

REACTION: The gulf between United States and New Zealand may be as wide as the Grand Canyon, but the potential is there for it to close rapidly.

POST-MATCH REACTION: Michael Cheika said the "real, physical business" was about to begin for his Australian team.

Namibian's national rugby team, coach and players cleaned up at the Namibian Sports Commission awards held in Windhoek at the weekend.

Paddy Butler's 77th-minute try broke Cardiff Blues' hearts as Munster came from behind late to record a 28-24 win at Cardiff Arms Park.

The All Blacks were ruthless in Chicago as they ran in 12 tries in a resounding 74-6 victory over the United States Eagles.

The Wallabies were forced to work hard for their 40-36 victory over the Barbarians in an entertaining clash at Twickenham on Saturday.

Highly-rated fullback Brice Dulin will play no part in France's November Tests after suffering a stress fracture of the leg.

Brisbane City have recorded a 37-26 victory over the Perth Spirit to be crowned the inaugural National Rugby Championship winners.

The Maori All Blacks put on a counter-attacking masterclass to hammer a brave but error-prone Japan side 61-21 at Noevir Stadium in Kobe on Saturday.

Although not selected in New Zealand coach Steve Hansen's original tour squad, Colin Slade remains on standby after the Barbarians match.

Conditions in the Northern Hemisphere may differ significantly from those at home but John McFarland believes they favoured the South African players.

Heyneke Meyer surprised Jaco Kriel with a call to inform him of his inclusion in the South African squad for the outgoing tour.

Ospreys pulled away in the second half to beat Connacht 26-11 and equal their best-ever start to a league season.

Springbok coach Heyneke Meyer has come under fire for not having a specialist No.13 in his squad ahead of their Northern Hemisphere tour.

Toulon second row forward, Romain Taofifenua, has been suspended for three weeks following an independent Disciplinary Hearing in Dublin on Thursday.

Gideon la Grange has brought the curtain down on his career after a short return stint in the Currie Cup for the Griquas.

We have two cracking games this weekend as the international teams take centre stage.

Both Stade Francais and Bordeaux-Begles could go top of the Top 14 in what promises to be an exciting affair in Paris on Saturday.  

John Smit has defined the role that Brendan Venter will play at the Sharks with the former Saracens man coming in once a week as a technical advisor.

Former Southland and All Black prop, Clarke Dermody has been unveiled as the Highlanders' scrum and assistant forwards' coach

The Queensland Reds will intensify their preparations for the 2015 Super Rugby season when they host the Melbourne Rebels in Cairns

The All Blacks' first visit to the United States in 34 years is set to shatter the rugby attendance record in America.

Kurtley Beale has been fined Aus$3000 over a mid-flight row linked to the resignations of coach Ewen McKenzie and a staff member.  

The Michael Cheika era begins for the Wallabies with a match against the Barbarians at Twickenham on Saturday as part of their year-end tour.

In a joint venture between the Australian Rugby Union and Queensland Rugby, Rohan Hoffman has been appointed the match officials development manager for Queensland.

INTERVIEW: rugby365 brings you the view of Springbok coach Heyneke Meyer on the co-operation with the national Sevens team.

Prop Ronan Loughney insists Connacht's new-found ruthless streak will allow them to overcome history and upset PRO12 leaders Ospreys on Friday.

Marius Jonker, one of the top referees in the world in his time, has decided refereed his last in the big arena of South African rugby.

Bath unveiled Sam Burgess as high-profile cross-code switch but have not made any promises about him walking into a starting berth.

EXCLUSIVE: Matt Hawkins, the former US Eagles player and coach, takes us inside the world of Sevens - exploring the statistics on the game a little more.

Making his 60th appearance in an Eagles shirt, Todd Clever will captain the side from No.6 alongside Scott Lavalla and Danny Barrett.

EXCLUSIVE: Join rugby365 as we take an in-depth look into a Sevens superstar that is on the road to realising his 15-man dream.

Wales flank Dan Lydiate will bring down the curtain on his largely unsuccessful spell at Racing Metro and return home before the end of the year.

All Black coach Steve Hansen is not devaluing the jersey, he is merely doing what is in the best interest of New Zealand's national pride.

Western Province will be losing an entire, highly rated, front row but they already have an exciting replacement trio lined up.

There will be no 'paternity leave' for two All Black players who are about to become fathers.

The Barbarians last outing against the Wallabies was also Victor Matfield's 'last game.'

Perth Spirit will travel to Ballymore Stadium to contest the inaugural National Rugby Championship against Brisbane City

Media and fans who suggests the rookies in the Springbok team will only hold tackle bags, could not be further from the truth if they tried.

The Maori All Blacks team to take on Japan in Kobe in the first match of its 2014 tour has been named and features 10 new caps.

Namibia’s national team, the Welwitchias, overcame Germany 58-20 in Windhoek on Wednesday as part of their preparation for the World Cup. 

NEWS: All Black coach Steve Hansen wasted no time in drafting code-hopper Sonny Bill Williams back into the national team.

NEWS: Matt Hodgson will captain  Australia in Saturday's opening match of the 2014 year-end tour, against the Barbarians at Twickenham.

Western Province captain Juan de Jongh will don the No.13 jersey for the Barbarians when they clash against Australia at Twickenham.

YEAR-END TOUR: Springbok coach Heyneke Meyer dismissed the notion that his 36-man tour squad is oversized and unpractical.

Ireland head coach Joe Schmidt is well aware of the challenge he faces against the 2007 World Champions.

Toulon lock Romain Taofifenua has been cited 'kicking' an opponent. You decide!

New Wallaby defence coach Nathan Grey believes Australia can turn around their disastrous 2014 campaign if they get it right in the top six inches.

All Black captain Richie McCaw was put on ice, literally, as his team continue to take in the sights and sounds of Chicago.

Sharks flyhalf Tim Swiel has been announced Harlequins' the latest signing and will join the club as injury cover for Ben Botica.

Former Western Province scrumhalf Neil de Kock is relishing the prospect of facing his former side at Allianz Park next month.

England coach Stuart Lancaster said there would be no major changes to his side's strategy and tactics during next month's internationals.

The Hurricanes will have important old heads, mixed with a couple of significant returning players and the elevation of some exciting youth in 2015.

Powerful midfielder Robbie Fruean returns to the Crusaders from a five year absence after spending a year with the Chiefs.

Stade Français have signed Argentine prop Santiago Garcia Botta as medical cover for injured Heinke Van Der Merwe.

Jerome Kaino has been named the Blues' captain for the 2015 Super Rugby season.

Hosea Gear makes a welcomed return to New Zealand rugby by joining the Chiefs along side Sonny Bill Williams.  

The Highlanders have added 10 new players to thier Super Rugby squad including Marty Banks and South African Prop Ross Geldenhuys.

Luther Burrell is set to miss England's opening November international against world champions New Zealand because of a hand injury.

Craig Joubert is very much a wandering referee and this week he will be in Chicago when the USA play the All Blacks at the Soldiers Field, the home ground of gridiron club Chicago Bears.

Leicester Tigers have confirmed that backline coach Paul Burke has left the club.

Toulon second row forward Romain Taofifenua has been cited, following the European Champions Cup Round Two match against Ulster last Saturday, October 25.

Newport Gwent Dragons have signed Carmarthen Quins centre Rhys Williams on loan because of their midfield injury crisis.

INTERVIEW: Johan Ackermann may be in the infancy of his coaching career, but the grizzled former lock forward is already making great strides.

The one steals Christmas from little kids. The other wants to spoil Christmas for European players.

Former Springbok coach Peter de Villiers chatted to an online radio station about his thoughts on the 36-man Springbok squad.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: From 'villain' to hero in just one kick ... which he didn't even take. That, in brief, sums up Demetri Catrakilis' year.

The European Champions Cup inaugural season kicked off with some fantastic tries.

Paul James has signed a two-year deal with the Ospreys and will return to the Liberty Stadium in 2015 after three seasons in the Premiership with Bath.

All Blacks centre Conrad Smith expressed his excitement ahead of their historic match against the United States.

First they weren't, then they were and now they aren't going to Paul Roos's Rugby Day in March to celebrate the great Stellenbosch school's 150th Birthday.

Western Province hooker Tiaan Liebenberg has been forced to retire after being plagued by back injuries for some time now.

EXCLUSIVE: Nizaam Carr spoke to Tauriq Ebrahim about his inclusion in the Springbok squad for the year-end tour.

Inaugural Western Force squad member Pek Cowan has re-signed with the franchise for a further two seasons.

Wallaby scrumhalf Nick Phipps has insisted the Australian squad are not a bunch of sexists, following the Kurtley Beale saga.

Australian assistant coach Nathan Grey said there was still a chance that controversial back Kurtley Beale could yet feature on the year-end tour.

South African-born back row forward Antonie Claassen has been called up to France's three-day training camp.

The 2014 Currie Cup-winning Western Province squad will embark on a victory parade through Cape Town on Tuesday, October 28.

Seabelo Senatla, recently selected for the Springboks year-end tour, hopes he can learn enough from his idol, Bryan Habana, to emulate him.

The All Blacks, who arrived at the O'Hare Airport on Monday, will be the star attraction in Chicago this week - ahead of their Test against the United States.

The Currie Cup has drawn to a close with Western Province victorious, but who were the most impressive players in their position?

Head coach Vern Cotter added two players to Scotland’s November Tests' training squad in Newcastle.

BREAKING NEWS: Five newcomers and two returnees have been added to the bulk of the Springboks' Rugby Championship squad.

Harlequins came good when it really mattered to go top of Pool 2 after winning on the road at Adams Park.

The Kurtley Beale texting saga took another intriguing turn with the revelation that he lied about having previously sent the offensive message.

England coach Stuart Lancaster has added nine players to his squad for the November Tests, who will provide cover in case of injuries.

The recent Currie Cup Final between Province and the Lions was a showpiece of highly skilled rugby but for a certain flyhalf who was off colour.

Stephen Moore will remain with the Brumbies beyond the 2015 World Cup, after announcing a one-year contract extension on Monday.

The woman at the centre of the Kurtley Beale texting affair said she had been driven to near suicide by the scandal.

YEAR-END TOUR: Jan de Koning looks at some alternative selections for the Springboks ahead of their four-Test trip.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Jan de Koning goes inside the camp of the newly crowned Currie Cup champions, Western Province, for some insight.

REACTION: Jan de Koning reports from Newlands after Western Province edged the Golden Lions 19-16 in a gripping Currie Cup Final.

Seven penalties from Ian Madigan gave three-time European champions Leinster a 21-16 victory away at French side Castres on Sunday.

Brisbane City and Perth Spirit have booked their places in Australia's inaugural National Rugby Championship Final.

Wallaby James Horwill is reportedly on the verge of signing a big-money deal with English Premiership club Harlequins.

Glasgow Warriors head coach Gregor Townsend reckons their rearguard efforts can guide them into the European Champions Cup quarterfinals.

George North wrote himself into Northampton Saints' European record book by scoring a club-equalling four tries against Ospreys.

Scarlets star Aled Davies claimed victory over Leicester Tigers was all down to the way the side had played in Toulon a week earlier.

Richard Cockerill believes Leicester Tigers' 3-15 defeat against the Scarlets could be 'terminal' for his side's chances of reaching the play-offs.

All Black legend Dan carter feels he is ready to get back onto the Test stage, despite his limited game time this year.

Charlie Faumuina has missed the All Blacks' first day of training, ahead of their departure for the end-of-year tour.

Wasps confirmed that England international James Haskell is back home, having being discharged from hospital at the weekend.

The New Zealand Maori team was the big loser in the NPC Final at the weekend.

Wallaby star Kurtley Beale says he feels vindicated by the disciplinary process which saw him fined AU$45,000 (US$40,000).

WRAP: Toulon took a big step towards the European Champions Cup knockout stages with a solid 23-13 victory over Ulster.

Luther Burrell became the latest England centre to suffer a setback ahead of next month's international programme

Western Province have held on against a spirited Golden Lions outfit to lift the trophy 19-16 at Newlands on Saturday.

The Golden Lions came agonizingly close to winning their first Currie Cup since 2011 but they missed a final penalty to succumb to Western Province 19-16.

Western Province were crowned Currie Cup champions following a nailbiting 19-16 win against the Golden Lions at Newlands.

Welsh referee Nigel Owens delivers a brilliant quip during the Harlequins v Castres match.

REPORT: Taranaki are the new champions of New Zealand, beating Tasman 36-32 in a thrilling NPC Final in New Plymouth on Saturday.

Connor Murray admitted it was a battle not to get bored with all the kicking in his side's 14-3 European Rugby Champions Cup win over Saracens.

Saracens Director of Rugby Mark McCall felt Rhys Gill's yellow card had been crucial in his side's 14-3 defeat to Munster at Thomond Park.

Munster made the most of a yellow card given to Saracens prop Rhys Gill as they defeated last season's losing finalists 14-3.

BREAKING NEWS: New Wallaby coach Michael Cheika has laid down the law, blocking Kurtley Beale's return to the Wallabies.

Saracens were beaten 14-3 by Munster on a wet and blustery Friday in Limerick where a late yellow card played a big part in the outcome.

INTERVIEW: New Director of Rugby Gary Gold said that leading the Sharks was beyond his wildest dreams.

Brisbane City have booked a spot in the inaugural National Rugby Championship final following a 32-26 win over the NSW Country Eagles.

The Wallabies left Friday for a five-match European tour, relishing the chance to escape the dramas and turmoil that have swamped them in Australia.

UPDATED: Disgraced utility back Kurtley Beale has been fined, but will rejoin the Wallaby team at the weekend.

Jan de Koning looks at one of the key aspects of the Currie Cup Final between Western Province and the Lions - refereeing at scrum-time.

The Manawatu Turbos claimed the Championship Cup after defeating Hawke’s Bay 32-24 to gain promotion to the 2015 Premiership division.

Get ready for the biggest match in provincial rugby: The Currie Cup Final!

OPINION: Acclaimed writer Paul Dobson sits down to pick his best Currie Cupo team of all time. It is a fun thing to do.

Lizo Gqoboka's rise to stardom has been meteoric, only picking up the game five years ago after turning his back on it to be part of the choir.

Singapore presented an attractive bid in the hope of becoming Super Rugby's 18th team but fell short at the final hurdle after SANZAR decided to award it to Japan.

Bath owner Bruce Craig is plotting their return to the glory years that saw them crowned champions of Europe in 1998.

Japan is the preferred option over Singapore to expand the Super Rugby competition in 2016, NZRU CEO Steve Tew said

NEWS: The Sharks have made two key appointments - Gary Gold as Director of Rugby and Brendan Venter as Technical Director.

There is an unusual air of anticipation ahead of the 2014 Currie Cup Final, between Western Province and the Golden Lions.

Abie Malan, rugby man and farmer, died from complications following knee replacement surgery. His death has come as a shock.

Toulouse captain Thierry Dusautoir is hoping his eight-year spell at the club climaxes with another European Cup trophy.

EXCLUSIVE: Matt Hawkins, the former US Eagles player and coach, takes us inside the world of Sevens - looking at how stats give a team its identity!

Organisers are bracing themselves for having to disappoint thousands of fans despite nearly a million tickets being purchased for next year's World Cup.

Three new caps have been included in the Namibian national side to face Germany in Windhoek on October 29.

Japan has all but secured their place in Super Rugby from 2016. According to reports Singapore has effectively thrown in the towel.

ASM Clermont Auvergne player Julien Bardy has been suspended for five weeks, following a disciplinary hearing in Dublin on Thursday.

Wallabies and fullback Israel Folau has been handed the ultimate honour in Australia, after being named the John Eales Medallist for 2014.

The last time the Lions won the Currie Cup was 2011. Five of those players will feature at Newlands on Saturday, but the majority in the WP jersey.

Western Province coach Allister Coetzee has kept the changes to a minimum for the Currie Cup Final clash against the Golden Lions at Newlands.

Golden Lions coach Johan Ackermann has placed his faith in the same starting XV who demolished the Sharks 50-20 to reach the 2014 Currie Cup Final.

Victor Matfield believes that the home nations have a shot at winning the World Cup as the Springboks gear up to face the likes of England and Ireland. 

Consistency rather than "flash stuff" has been the guiding principle behind England coach Stuart Lancaster's selections at flyhalf.

Wallaby coach Michael Cheika has made no secret of the fact that he wants to retain the services of polemical star Kurtley Beale.

Thirty-five players have been chosen for the US national team's tour next month - which features a Test against New Zealand.

EXCLUSIVE: Former Springbok assistant coach Gary Gold is set to return to South Africa, to take up a top job at the Sharks.

Italy captain Sergio Parisse believes winning the first of a three-match Test series, against Samoa next month, is "crucial".

Kenyan coach Paul Treu has broken his silence over the doping allegations raised against him, his coaching staff and the Kenyan Sevens team.

The pressure was on young men to go off and fight in the horrible World War 1 which began a hundred years ago this year. We look at the effect on one South African school.

Avoid falling into the trap of playing finals football. This is the message ahead of the Currie Cup Final between WP and the Lions on Saturday.

The world's oldest schools match recently celebrated it's 150th anniversary.

Saracens wing Chris Ashton has been dropped from Stuart Lancaster's England squad for the November internationals.

REACTION: Never short of passion, new Wallaby coach Michael Cheika said there won't be wholesale changes to the way Australia play.

Golden Lions captain Warren Whiteley believes his side needs to be clinical if they are to walk away from Newlands as the 2014 Currie Cup champions.

Wasps captain James Haskell was set to remain under observation in hospital after suffering what was thought to be a viral infection.

Argentina head coach Daniel Hourcade has added five new players to the squad that will be touring the Northern Hemisphere in November.

Captaining France to their first-ever World Cup trophy in England next year would set the seal on flank Thierry Dusautoir's stellar career he said.

All referees who have refereed a Currie Cup Final will say that it was a, if not the, highlight of their refereeing career.

Former Wales flyhalf Gareth Davies has been elected as the new Chairman of the Welsh Rugby Union.

The Highlanders have added Tasman flyhalf Marty Banks, experienced lock Alex Ainley and Taranaki flyer Waisake Naholo to their 2015 Super Rugby squad.

OPINION: Acclaimed writer and historian Paul Dobson takes a look at the sad decline of the quality of spectators at the iconic Newlands stadium.

Springbok captain Jean De Villiers knowsthe ultimate goal is ensuring all the systems and details are in place for the World Cup.

Kurtley Beale will have to wait a few more days before he will know if his Australian international career has formally come to an end.

The Australian Rugby Union on Wednesday confirmed that Michael Cheika is the new Wallaby coach, ahead of a tough European tour.

Ireland coach Joe Schmidt included five uncapped players in a 37-man squad for next month's international programme.

Sharks coach Brad Macleod-Henderson said despite not winning a trophy this season, the overall outlook was still positive for the Durban franchise.

Craig Joubert is one of 26 referees to referee a Currie Cup Final since the first one in 1939.

It's a Final week - finals in South Africa and New Zealand. There is a semifinal in Australia's new competition. It is all exciting stuff with pressures on match officials, especially Craig Joubert and Glen Jackson.

INTERVIEW: The Lions may have outscored WP in the try-count, but it is the latter who rely more on their X-factor players.

The Golden Lions are famed for their set-piece power, but it is the pace of their forwards that could trouble Western Province more.

KRU Chairman Mwangi Muthee has stated that the local Anti-Doping Taskforce committee cobbled together fallacious information.

England will be without prolific centre Manu Tuilagi for at least the opening November Test  after suffering a recurrence of a groin injury.

Singapore's National Stadium suffered fresh embarrassment when the Maori All Blacks scrapped their match over the poor state of its pitch.

The EPCR has received a citing complaint against Clermont Auvergne replacement loose forward, Julien Bardy.

The Barbarians completed their squad with the addition of 11 more players including the South African duo of Juan de Jongh and Sarel Pretorius.

Wales head coach Warren Gatland has named an experienced 34-man squad for the forthcoming November Tests which features just one uncapped player.

SARU's Academy Programme continued to flourish in its second year of operation as part of the Strategic Transformation Plan.

The Springboks will look to maintain their high standards and success rate in the November Tests when they travel to the Northern Hemisphere.

The Springboks will be without the services of Bulls duo Callie Visage and Marcel van der Merwe going into the November Test series

The race for office bragging rights has intensified as MdV takes the lead.

Claims by a former employee that the Sharks have bigger tax headaches than those which led to her dismissal have no basis, according to Stephen Saad.

The Maori All Blacks squad to take on Japan next month was named in Wellington and features 11 new caps.

Australian media are reporting that Waratahs coach Michael Cheika has accepted an ARU's offer to coach the Wallabies.

Golden Lions coach Johan Ackermann is set to name a virtually unchanged team for the Currie Cup Final encounter with Western Province.

Western Province are still sweating over the fitness of stars Nizaam Carr and Jaco Taute, ahead of their Currie Cup Final.

New Zealand international centre Anthony Tuitavake will be out of action for up to five weeks.

BREAKING NEWS: Former South African Sevens coach Paul Treu has been caught up in a doping scandal in Kenya.

The Springboks' preparations for the November Tests got underway in the blistering Stellenbosch heat on Monday.

Craig Joubert, arguably the best referee in the world, will take charge of the Currie Cup Final between Western Province and the Golden Lions.

The Lions and WP have been the best teams throughout the Currie Cup and deservedly go through to the Final thanks to their shining stars.

Head coach Vern Cotter today named Edinburgh lock Grant Gilchrist as captain of a 33-man Scotland squad selected for the November Tests.  

Schalk Brits sustained a knee ligament injury playing for Saracens in their European Champions Cup game at home to Clermont Auvergne.

YSTERS VAN DIE VERLEDE: Dit was die jaar van die rebelle - op en van die veld af. Maar dit was ook 'n jaar van opwindende, liplek-lekker rugby.

BLAST FROM THE PAST: It was the year of the rebels - both on and off the field. But it was also a year of exciting, intriguingly good rugby.

The 2015 Craven Week will be hosted at the Markötter Fields at Paul Roos Gymnasium as part of the school’s 150-year anniversary celebrations.

David Strettle has queried whether England are going about selecting their wings in the right way ahead of squad announcment.

Karmichael Hunt is looking forward to pairing his exciting brand of ball running with school-mate Quade Cooper's mercurial playing style.  

It has been reported that Michael Cheika is in talks with the ARU with regards to accepting the recently vacated Wallabies' head coaching post.

The United States will be able to select leading players based in Britain, France and Japan in their team to play New Zealand.

NEWS: New Zealand welcomed back superstars Dan Carter and Sonny Bill Williams for next month's Northern Hemisphere tour.

Reigning two-time champions Toulon began the defence of their European Cup crown with a rugged 28-18 victory over a spirited Scarlets on Sunday.

Montpellier announced the signing of Australian Ben Lucas Sunday as medical cover for injured France international flyhalf Francois Trinh-Duc.  

Senior figures within Welsh rugby paid tribute to Stuart Gallacher after it was announced Sunday that the former Scarlets chief executive had died aged 68.

The Springbok selectors have invited eight more players to join the squad at their training camp in Stellenbosch.

Bath boss Mike Ford admits Saturday's opening European Cup battering by Glasgow Warriors was tough to take.

Although happy with his team's win against the Bulls, WP coach Allister Coetzee knows the Lions will pose a completely different challenge.

Golden Lions captain Warren Whiteley says coach Johan Ackermann has encouraged the team to 'express themselves' and play their natural game.

Blue Bulls coach Frans Ludeke stood by his decision to play Handre Pollard at inside centre in the Currie Cup semifinal at Newlands.

Australian Rugby Union chief Bill Pulver says he has no idea who is available to coach the Wallabies following Ewen McKenzie's surprise resignation.

Wallabies skipper Michael Hooper denied reports that coach Ewen McKenzie was forced out because of a lack of support from the players.

MATCH REPORT: Western Province recorded their third win of the season over the Blue Bulls as they advanced to the Currie Cup Final.

Ian Keatley's last-gasp drop-goal saw Munster snatch a 27-26 win at Sale Sharks on Saturday in the European Champions Cup.

MATCH REPORT: The Golden Lions produced another exhilarating performance to race past the Sharks and into the Currie Cup Final.

Ewen McKenzie said there was a 'bunch of reasons' but refused to go into details after he sensationally quit following a narrow loss to the All Blacks.

BREAKING NEWS: The Australian Rugby Union revealed that Ewen McKenzie has resigned as Wallaby coach.

The Wallabies suffered a heartbreaking blow as they succumbed to the All Blacks 29-28 after the final hooter in Brisbane on Saturday.

The All Blacks showed why they are the No.1 team in the world by pipping the Wallabies 29-28 in Brisbane on Saturday.

MATCH REPORT: New Zealand left it late, but managed to beat Australia 29-28 in a thrilling Bledisloe Cup Test in Brisbane on Saturday.

Taranaki will host Tasman in the NPC Premiership Final in New Plymouth next Saturday.

All Black Nick Evans and new dad Danny Care starred as Harlequins got the revamped European Champions Cup season underway.

All Black Nick Evans kicked 20 points as he lead Harlequins to a historic 25-9 win over Castres Olympique in the new European Champions Cup.

South African lock Francois van der Merwe has signed a three-year contract extension with Racing-Metro.

The Griffons held their nerve in a tense First Division Final against the Falcons at the North West Stadium in Welkom on Friday, to record a 23-21 victory.

EXCLUSIVE: Springbok flyhalf Handré Pollard has all the physical and mental attributes to make a seamless and successful shift to inside centre.

All Black flyhalf Beauden Barrett looks to be fine to take his place in the team to play the Wallabies on Saturday, after taking a knock to the leg in training.

 Ryno Barnes was cleared of wrongdoing after receiving a red card against the Blue Bulls for allegedly verbally abusing the referee.  

Graham Henry has called the current Wallaby team poorer than the one he last faced, and defeated, in the 2011 World Cup.

Hawke's Bay had to survive a determined Northland fightback before claiming their place in the Championship final with a 26-21 win.

On this weekend there are three finals and six semifinals. In each of those nine matches there must be a winner. But what happens in the case of a draw?

The Sydney prop who scored Rugby Union's first ever 'own try' says he's still a bit stunned by the refereeing howler that's gone viral around the world.

Is the most bizarre TMO call and first Rugby Union own-try ever?

Toulon chief Morad Boudjellal is looking set to act on his threats to change the IRB rules in a court battle over payments to players on test duty.

There's an action-packed weekend to look forward to with the third Bledisloe Cup match and Currie Cup semifinal action.

The Golden Lions will be looking to topple the defending champions at home as a first step to Currie Cup glory that they last tasted in 2011, over the Sharks.

Toulon head coach Bernard Laporte has ruled out a move by England flank Steffon Armitage to English Premiership side Bath.

An exciting new chapter in the rich history of European Professional Club Rugby will be written in the inaugural European Champions Cup.

TRANS-TASMAN DERBY: Off-field distractions are overshadowing the build-up to Saturday's Bledisloe Cup clash in Brisbane

The All Blacks were given a big scare ahead of their Test against the Wallabies on Saturday.

Western Province and the Blue Bulls took very different routes to the Currie Cup semifinal at Newlands on Saturday.

Blue Bulls captain Deon Stegmann says they are ready for a brutal forward battle against in the Currie Cup semifinal clash against Western Province.

On this weekend there are three finals and six semifinals. In each of those nine matches there must be a winner. But what happens in the case of a draw?

Western Province know that they are not likely to beat the Blue Bulls at Newlands on Saturday if they allow the visitors to dominate up front.

EXCLUSIVE: The season is officially under way and Matt Hawkins, the former US Eagles player, captain and coach, takes us inside the world of Sevens!

Racing-Metro have opened the door for a potential departure of Wales flank Dan Lydiate, although the club has as yet received no proposals from other clubs.

France international flyhalf Remi Tales has been stripped of the captaincy at 2013 Top 14 champions Castres, who have endured a disastrous start to the current campaign.

Jonny Wilkinson has revealed that he retired at the end of last season because he'd simply had enough of the training needed to be a top level star in the game.

We bring you highlights of the opening round of the Americas Championship.

South Africa were dealt a considerable blow when utility player Stephan Dippenaar was ruled out of action for up to 12 weeks.

Springbok flyhalf Handré Pollard will play at inside centre when the Blue Bulls take on Western Province in the Currie Cup semifinals in Cape Town on Saturday.

The Sharks may have a psychological boost over the Lions having beaten them this season already, but for Marnitz Boshoff the past does not play a part.

The All Blacks are fearing a backlash from the beleaguered Wallabies in this weekend's final Bledisloe Cup Test.

Western Province coach Allister Coetzee has recalled all his big guns for Saturday's Currie Cup semifinal against the Blue Bulls at Newlands.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Aaron Cruden may be paying a very dear prize for his booze binge in the latter stages of the Rugby Championship.

The Sharks received a timely boost ahead of their Currie Cup semifinal encounter with the Golden Lions in Johannesburg on Saturday.

Golden Lions coach Johan Ackermann has opted largely for consistency in his starting team but has bolstered his loose forwards on the bench

BLAST FROM THE PAST: Tension does not abate this weekend as an exciting Currie Cup season goes into the semifinals and the unpredictable.

Naka Drotske has named his extended 55-man squad for the Cheetahs' 2015 Super Rugby season with his marque signing being french based Joe Pietersen.

Dan Carter's attempt to return to the playing field has suffered yet another setback.

It is official. World Cup-winning coach Jake White will act as technical adviser to Tonga during their year-end tour.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: The fall-out from the Kurtley Beale texting saga is continuing to snowball at an alarming rate.

The Hurricanes roster is starting to fill up as the Super Rugby pre'-season draws near.

The Chiefs added two more players to their squad for 2015, with the signing of Tasman wing Bryce Heem and Auckland loose forward Sean Polwart.

New Zealand made five changes to the starting line-up for the Test against Australia, but could find no room for disgraced flyhalf Aaron Cruden.

Ulster lock Alan O'Connor has been slapped with a three-week foul-play ban, following the Pro12 encounter with Glasgow last Saturday.

NEWS: Four players have been added to the Springbok squad for their training camp in Stellenbosch next week.

Griquas hooker Ryno Barnes will appear before a SARU disciplinary committee on Thursday.

INTERVIEW: Golden Lions coach Johan Ackermann last week took a calculated risk, an 'experiment' that will reap rich rewards for some time to come.

Europe's new competitions start with weekend with Nigel Owens to get the European Cup started on Friday while the Challenge Cup starts on Thursday with Ian Davies to referee.

We bring you video highlights of the knock-out stages of the Gold Coast tournament.

Western Province assistant coach Robbie Fleck has lauded the efforts of his young backline following their vast improvement.

Montpellier forwards coach Mario Ledesma believes he has a pack of forwards capable of taking on any team in Europe - starting with Toulouse.

Wales coach Warren Gatland fired an early shot at the All Blacks' World Cup defence, suggesting the New Zealanders may be hampered by their weak pool.

The Griffons and Falcons will meet in the Final for the first time in the history of the First Division competition in Welkom on Friday.

Springbok No.8 Duane Vermeulen and the Commonwealth Games gold medal winning SA Sevens team have been nominated for major awards.

Former World Cup-winning coach Eddie Jones has thrown his weight behind Jake White to replace Ewen McKenzie.

The Hurricanes are taking Super Rugby back to the country with a pre-season game in Eketahuna.

The Golden Lions Rugby Union has slapped a hefty ban on a player for 'blatant disrespect' of a match official.

Chiefs prop Ben Tameifuna's dream of representing New Zealand is all but over after he made his intention clear to play for Tonga.

Some of the Welsh stars who flocked to France for far bigger pay packets are keen to return home, claimed Wales coach Warren Gatland.

Saracens loose forward Jacques Burger will captain Namibia against Canada on November 7 - the first of three matches on their year-end tour.

Bath head coach Mike Ford says Steffon Armitage is not likely to join the club with negotiations between the two parties stalling.

Sharks utility back Sibusiso Sithole believes the Golden Lions are favourites to win their semifinal encounter.

Golden Lions flyhalf Elton Jantjies is enjoying life at Japanese club Shining Arcs, as he has been given a pivotal role in the team.

Sharks assistant coach Sean Everitt believes their improvement this season has been down to their ability to learn quickly from their mistakes.    

Western Province are full of confidence ahead of their semifinal but assistant coach Robbie Fleck has insisted they are far from being complacent.

Springbok flyhalf Marnitz Boshoff is set to join the Barbarians when they take on the Wallabies at Twickenham on November 1.

Amid the scandal rocking the Wallaby team Quade Cooper has said that Australia can beat the All Blacks if they fix their attitudes.

Clermont Auvergne have a grudge re-match with Saracens at the Allianz Park to look forward to in the opening round of the European Cup, although skipper Damien Chouly isn't looking to labour the point.

Steffon Armitage has been linked with a shock move back to England in order to play in next year's World Cup after looking like he may play for France.

Western Province coach Allister Coetzee has all but confirmed his team to take on the Bulls even with a multitude of options available to him.

Racing Metro skipper Dimitri Szarsewski may be out of action for a month, but he is still getting excited about his side's European Cup home clash with English champions Northampton Saints.

The Australian Rugby Union is rejecting reports it is preparing to replace Ewen McKenzie as Wallabies coach.

Wallabies flyhalf Quade Cooper will return from a lengthy injury lay-off from the bench when Australia tackle New Zealand in Brisbane on Saturday.

The Golden Lions, already boasting one of the most impressive lose forward combinations, may receive a further boost this week.

Leinster prop Marty Moore will miss Ireland's forthcoming Tests after being ruled out of action for 12 weeks.

Edinburgh No.8 Cornell Du Preez underwent succesful surgery at the Royal Infirmary at the weekend.

South African referee Rasta Rasivhenge has left South African shores and will be based in Brisbane, with the approval of SA Referees.

A SARU judicial officer has rejected a complaint that the Falcons fielded an ineligible player in their First Division semifinal against the Leopards

Morgan Parra will be out of action for up to six weeks after the Clermont star suffered a fractured bone in his shoulder against La Rochelle,

Toulouse coach Guy Novesse has commenced preparations for his side's opening European Cup game against Montpellier on Sunday.

History will be made when the condensed Rugby Championship kicks off next year as the Pumas take on New Zealand in the first game.

Europe has been placed on high alert after Toulon made it clear their eyes are firmly set on claiming the treble.

Australia should not expect New Zealand to 'go easy' on them in their times of turmoil. In fact the All Blacks are ready to 'belt' the Wallabies.

The Golden Lions get rewarded for finishishing the round robin stages of the Currie Cup competition with an emphatic destruction of the Cheetahs.

Western Province will welcome the return of flyers Cheslin Kolbe, Seabelo Senatla and Justin Geduld to their squad.

We bring you VIDEO highlights of the knock-out stages of the Gold Coast tournament, the opening leg of the 2014/15 IRB Sevens World Series!

ARU boss Bill Pulver gave his support to besieged Wallabies coach Ewen McKenzie before this weekend's Bledisloe Cup Test against the All Blacks.

There has been some steady improvement made by the Rugby365 team.

While Burger Odendaal is definitely out for the Currie Cup play-offs, Piet van Zyl will be given until Thursday to recover from an ankle sprain.

Senior Wallabies continued to back Kurtley Beale on Monday despite more revelations about offensive text messages.

The Kurtley Beale saga took an intriguing new twist on Monday, with details of the infamous text messages leaked to the media.

Tonga have added former Springboks coach Jake White to their backroom staff for the year-end tour to Asia and Europe. 

Whilst SARU have made some good calls recently, there is no doubt that there is still room for improvement in terms of player management.

Wasps' early second-half onslaught proved vital as they survived Bath Rugby's fightback to securea 29-22 victory

Ospreys produced a blistering first-half to beat Cardiff Blues and ensure their return to the top of the PRO12 table.

Allister Coetzee is happy with Saturday's performance despite a 28-20 loss against the Sharks with a second-string team.

Top 14: France flyhalf François Trinh-Duc underwent a successful operation on his broken leg

The defending NPC Cup champions halted a three-match losing streak to defeat Taranaki 26-23 after it looked all locked up

Adam Ashley-Cooper will leave the Australian Rugby Union after next year's World Cup to play club rugby in Europe

Carlos Spencer said he was proud of his team after they registered their first win in the Currie Cup this season by beating the Pumas 26-25.

Reaction: The Sharks put in a determined second-half performance to stretch their winning streak to four matches after defeating WP 28-20

DAY TWO WRAP: Fiji defeated Samoa 31-24 in final of the Gold Coast Sevens to win round one of the World Series.

The Bulls suffered a serious injury blow in their 46-12 victory over the Griquas with Burger Odendaal leaving the field clutching his arm.

Gordon Tietjens says Sonny Bill Williams wants to play at the 2016 Olympics but first the All Blacks have to qualify for the Rio tournament.

Michael Hooper has said Kurtley Beale should not be sacked and has called for a squad honesty session to dispel talk of team disunity.

Stade Francais won bragging rights in the Parisian derby battle with Racing-Metro, running out 23-19 victors in a tight, niggly Top 14 match on Saturday.

Two tries from Australian wing Blair Connor helped Bordeaux-Begles to a stunning 59-7 thrashing of Castres on Saturday.

Second-half tries from Irish internationals Craig Gilroy and Tommy Bowe inflicted a first defeat of the season on Glasgow Warriors.

Uruguay became the 20th and last team to qualify for the 2015  World Cup in England when they beat Russia 36-27.

Mark McCall tipped man-of-the-match Brad Barritt for an England re-call in November, after Saracens held firm to beat Gloucester at Allianz Park.

MATCH REPORT: The Blues Bulls warmed up for the Currie Cup play-offs with an impressive second-half rout of Griquas on Saturday.

MATCH REPORT: The Sharks were made to work hard, but will go into the Currie Cup semifinals on the back of a four-match winning streak.

MATCH REPORT: The Lions secured themselves home ground advantage in the Currie Cup semifinals with an 47-7 win over the Cheetahs.

Southland came ever so close to snatching the Ranfurly Shield off Hawke's Bay in the final challenge of 2014.

Gaetan Germain's missed conversion with a minute left cost Brive their first French Top 14 away win since February 2012 as Grenoble limped over the line 26-25.

Leicester Tigers coach Richard Cockerill slammed "rubbish" criticism of the club after they ended a run of three straight Premiership defeats.

DAY ONE WRAP: New Zealand, Argentina, Fiji and South Africa all impressed on the opening day of the Gold Coast Sevens.

John Kirwan will be picking the "cream of the Southern Hemisphere talent" when he coaches the Barbarians against Australia.  

BREAKING NEWS: Wallabies Business Manager Di Patston has left the Australian Rugby Union, after resigning late on Friday.

Benetton Treviso bagged their first point of the PRO12 season but they couldn't make it four as Craig Ronaldson's boot edged Connacht to a 9-6 victory.

Blaine Scully got Leicester Tigers off to a flying start as they kicked a three-match losing run in the Premiership with a 22-16 victory over Harlequins.

The Kings managed to hold on for their first win in the last round of the Currie Cup as they beat the Pumas 26-25

High-flying Manawatu punished an untidy Otago side to claim a hard-fought 38-25 victory on Friday.

Uruguay host Russia in the final qualifier for the 2015 World Cup on Saturday, with the winners to be parachuted into the toughest pool.

The Golden Lions will go into 'play-off mode' when they host the Free State Cheetahs in their final Currie Cup league match in Johannesburg on Saturday.

De Kock Steenkamp has been ruled out of action until 2015 after seeing a specialist for his Achilles tendon injury which, fortunately, won't require surgery.

Top 14: Capital pride will be at stake when Stade Francais take on cross-Paris rivals Racing-Metro, while table-toppers Toulon host struggling Toulouse.

The All Blacks drafted promising scrumhalf Augustine Pulu into the squad for next week's Bledisloe Cup Test against Australia.

BREAKING NEWS: Australia coach Ewen McKenzie denied having an affair with business manager Di Patston as a feud took an unexpected twist.

Mercurial flyhalf Quade Cooper earned a recall to the Australia set-up, but Kurtley Beale was sidelined as he awaits a hearing.

After a shaky start to their Currie Cup season, Blue Bulls coach Frans Ludeke believes his side has reached top form.

Wales fullback Leigh Halfpenny said he was excited to be finally able to make his Toulon debut, following his switch from Cardiff Blues in the off-season.

At the end of the first half, the score was 0-0 after Free State had missed three penalty kicks at goal, Western Province won.

EXCLUSIVE: Matt Hawkins, the former United States Eagles player, captain and coach, takes us inside the world of Sevens!

Thursday was the last day of the Under-15 Iqhawe Tournament at City Park in Cape Town, ending with the main match between Western Province and Free State and followed by awards and lots of thanks.

Leicester boss Richard Cockerill is not to blame for the injury-hit Tigers early season struggles according to sidelined skipper Ed Slater.

Ed Morrison, one of rugby's great referees and England's former refereeing boss, is back. PRO12 Rugby has appointed him as a refereeing consultant.

Leinster captain Jamie Heaslip admits they won't be celebrating a third straight title in May if last Saturday's performance becomes a habit this Pro12 season.

Springbok Sevens veteran Frankie Horne will reach yet another milestone - his 69th tournament.

It is the final round of the Currie Cup before the play-offs and there is a number of cracking games in store

The Currie Cup teams will have one last chance to fight for the remaining home semifinal and semifinal berth in the competition this weekend.

It is the opening match of the IRB's Sevens Series in Gold Coast, Australia, this weekend. The appointments of match officials for Day 1 are made known.

Neil Powell admitted the team’s preparations for the tournament have not been ideal, however, he cautioned his team will be primed to challenge.

INTERVIEW: Western Province flyhalf Kurt Coleman will hope to avoid the milestone blues when he make his 50th appearance for the union.

Blue Bulls coach Frans Ludeke has opted to play Springbok star Handré Pollard from the bench in their Currie Cup crunch match with Griquas on Saturday.

After nine straight defeats, the Kings are desperate to end their return to the Currie Cup on a high when they host the Pumas in Port Elizabeth on Friday.

Seasoned prop Brok Harris will captain Western Province in their final Currie Cup league match, against the Sharks at Newlands on Saturday.

The Sharks will be bolstered by the return of Cobus Reinach who featured for the Springboks in the Rugby Championship.

The Lions have been bolstered by the return of Springbok Warren Whiteley as Johan Ackermann looks to solidify his loose trio when they take on the Cheetahs.

The Golden Lions will turn back the clock once more when they tackle the Free State Cheetahs in a Currie Cup crunch match on Saturday.

The Gold Coast Sevens serves as the start of the qualification process for Sevens’ debut at the Olympic Games in Rio, Brazil in 2016.

All Blacks veteran Dan Carter's comeback has been further delayed, as he struggles to overcome his latest injury setbacks.

Former All Black David Hill will join the coaching team at the Blues for the forthcoming Super Rugby season.

Western Province have reacted quickly to a drunken episode in Bloemfontein at the weekend, following their 34-29 victory over the Cheetahs.

The Highlanders sign off 2014 with a wrap of what happened behind the scenes.

BREAKING NEWS: Troubled Wallaby Kurtley Beale faces new allegations of having breached the players' code of conduct.

New Zealand-born Kelly Haimona and Fijian Samuela Vunisa are among three uncapped players in a 30-man Italy squad.

Bath coach Mike Ford told cross-code convert Sam Burgess to take all the time he needs before joining up with the English Premiership Rugby Union club.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: The race to become the 18th Super Rugby franchise in 2016 took an intriguing twist on Wednesday.

Twelve matches, 49 tries, plenty of drama and heaps of entertainment. It is time for rugby365's famous Rugby Championship kudos.

As seems often the case Western Province will play the match on the final day of the Iqhawe Tournament for the pupils of lesser-known rugby schools, being played at City Park in Cape Town.

Itembelihle of New Brighton in Port Elizabeth played in the KZN Development Tournament in Glencoe and won all of their matches against regional teams.

Wasps captain James Haskell has insisted the English Premiership side had little choice but to move to Coventry.

The second Iqhawe Tournament has been taking place at City Park in Cape Town this week.

South African Sevens coach Neil Powell hopes his team can kick on from their Commonwealth Games success earlier this year.

Cheetahs coach Rory Duncan wasted no time in rushing back all his available Springboks for the must-win Currie Cup encounter with the Lions.

Griquas have been forced to make a number of changes ahead of their crucial encounter with the Blue Bulls, in the final round of Currie Cup league matches.

The latest episode of the Sonny Bill Williams show got into full swing at Pukekohe on Wednesday.

Ulster revealed that Neil Doak has been appointed as the Irish province's new head coach, with immediate effect, until at least 2017.

The Highlanders revealed that Japanese international Fumiaki Tanaka will be returning to play for the Dunedin-based franchise in 2015.

World Cup-winning All Black back row forward Adam Thomson has become the latest high-profile signing by the Reds.

Western Province on Tuesday won the SARU Under-18 Sevens competition at Hoërskool Monument in Krugersdorp by defeating South Western Districts 31-24 in a thrilling final to cap off an exciting tournament.

The International Rugby Board has appointed referees for the November Tests, starting on November 1 and ending on November 29.

Western Province and Stormers loose forward Nizaam Carr was the big winner at the WP Rugby Awards Evening on Tuesday.

 Wasps will be moving to Coventry after the city Council voted on Tuesday to sell the club their controlling interest for £30-million pounds.

Canterbury and Crusaders midfield back Adam Whitelock will switch to Top 14 side Bayonne from Canterbury at the end of October.

Jimmy Stonehouse made two injury enforced changes to the starting team to take on the Eastern Province Kings.

Sharks wing Lwazi Mvovo believes a shift in mindset has been key to their dramatic turnaround as momentum begins to build in Durban.

INTERVIEW: The EP Kings could be at the receiving end of a Pumas backlash in their Currie Cup encounter in Port Elizabeth on Friday.

Injuries to props CJ van der Linde and Charles Marais have forced the EP Kings to field a new-look front row when they take on the Pumas.

Western Province have been gradually improving their scrummaging performances during the Currie Cup and Assistant Coach Mat Proudfoot believes it is due to the players taking responsibility.

One is a little man between two big guys and the other a big guy between even bigger guys!

The Sharks, undefeated in a run of four matches, have enjoyed a run of continuity and momentum that bodes well.  

The ARU's integrity unit is looking to finalise its investigation into the incident involving Kurtley Beale and Di Patston.

Anthem butchers come and go, but where does this Argentinean tenor rate?

De Kock Steenkamp will see specialists this week to discover the extent of an Achilles injury sustained in training for the Ospreys.

New Zealand have added two fresh faces to their side to play the opening tournament of the Sevens World Series at the Gold Coast in Australia.

Sonny Bill Williams will make his second return to rugby union from the bench after being named among the replacements for Counties Manukau.

Western Province will be aiming to win the Currie Cup and then to become the first South African provincial side to beat Saracens in London.

Reports of Morne Steyn being released from his contract with French Top 14 club Stade Francais are pure speculation.

WP have wrapped up a home semifinal regardless of this weekend's result which means there could be a number of selection surprises.

This weekend there is a World Cup qualifier in Montevideo, the second and decisive leg between Uruguay and Russia and two competitions get going - CONSUR's South American C Championship and the Americas Championship for national A/B teams.

Western Province will be sweating over the fitness of Springbok Jaco Taute ahead of their final Currie Cup league match.

OPINION: It is that time of the year again, when our selectors sit down to name rugby365's famous Rugby Championship selection.

Sharks' centre, Paul Jordaan will be out of action for approximately six months after undergoing surgery for a fracture dislocation on his hip.

Unsurprisingly the Bulls gave the Pumas a bit of a hiding, but more surprisingly the Sharks beat the Lions and as such these teams have the big representation.

The Lions suffered a major set back in their push for the Currie Cup trophy with Nicolaas Hanekom out for the remainder of the season.

Flyhalf Handré Pollard is one of the South African heroes of the weekend's win over New Zealand that will return to Currie Cup duty.

Rumours have been circulating that former Springbok coach Peter de Villiers may be in line as Technical Director at the Zimbabwe Rugby Union.

The South African rugby community is backing ground-breaking new research that might help players in coping with the stresses of a professional career.

World Cup 2015 hosts England have moved up to third in the latest IRB world rankings as a result of Argentina's historic win over Australia.

Newcastle Falcons Director of Rugby Dean Richards was a happy man as the north-east side ended a run of 20 straight league games without a win.

OPINION: Darryn Pollock delves into what makes rugby such a special game at the highest level in comparison to other sports.

There has been massive movement in the Rugby365 SuperBru pool.

Pressure is building on coach Ewen McKenzie after the Wallabies' loss to Argentina was described as ill-disciplined and dispirited.

The referees have been appointed to the brand new European Champions and Challenge Cup. Tow Welshmen get the competitions going - Ian Davies in the Challenge Cup and Nigel Owens in the Champions Cup.

New Zealand have started the hunt for a new scrumhalf who will travel with the side to the Northern Hemisphere after Tawera Kerr-Barlow suffered a crippling injury.

New Zealand media dismissed the All Blacks' loss to South Africa as a "minor blip", which confirmed the Boks will be their major threat at the World Cup.

Geraint John has named an extended 13-man squad that will represent Australian at the Gold Coast Sevens this week.

OPINION: Jake White's departure from the Sharks resulted in far flung rumours - across the globe - of his next role. Darryn Pollock gives his view!

Two tries from Tommy Seymour were the highlight as Glasgow Warriors returned to the top of the PRO12 table with a 40-23 victory over Treviso in Italy.

Noah Cato's late try handed Newcastle Falcons their first win in 21 Premiership games as they defeated Exeter Chiefs 29-24 at Kingston Park.

While Duane Vermeulen has been compared to Thor, the two Springbok flyhalves could both now claim to have superhero alter egos.

The Springboks will face Wales at the Millenium Stadium without any of their overseas-based players as the match falls outside the international window.

While Argentina celebrated victory, Australia flyhalf Bernard Foley lashed out at laser beamers after fluffing a simple penalty in Mendoza.

Argentina dedicated their first Rugby Championship victory after 16 losses and a draw over three seasons to former star Agustin Pichot.

Wallabies coach Ewen McKenzie refused to blame off-field distractions for his team's defeat to the Pumas in Mendoza.

Griquas coach Hawies Fourie wants his side to end their season on a high when they face the Blue Bulls at Loftus Versfeld next week.

Free State Cheetahs captain Torsten van Jaarsveld said that the manner of their defeat to Western Province was quite familiar.

Although his side have already secured a home semifinal, Western Province skipper Juan de Jongh does not want to surrender any momentum.

All Black coach Steve Hansen suffered his first defeat against the Springboks, but admitted that the hosts deserved the win at Ellis Park.

Springbok coach Heyneke Meyer was a satisfied man after his side 'ticked the box' of beating the All Blacks at Ellis Park.  

There was an obvious South African flavour in French Top 14 as a number of players from the Republic got onto the scoresheet.

OPINION: Jan de Koning rates the Australian players after their shocking 17-21 loss to Argentina.

OPINION: Jan de Koning rates the Argentinean players after their historic 21-17 win over Australia in Mendoza on Saturday.

MATCH REPORT: Argentina finally secured their first Rugby Championship win, after three years of trying.

New Zealand coach Steve Hansen said that the late penalty awarded to South Africa which cost his team a 22-match unbeaten record was a fair decision.

South African coach Heyneke Meyer described the 27-25 win over New Zealand as one of the best matches in which he had been involved.

In the final match of the inaugural Jock Hobbs Memorial Tournament for provincial schools teams, Wellington beat Canterbury 32-21 to win the tournament and the Graham Mourie Cup

Ian Keatley scored 21 points as Munster held off a second half comeback from rivals Leinster to claim a 34-23 win.

Harlequins returned to winning ways as Marland Yarde grabbed his first two Premiership tries for the club in a bonus-point 52-0 shut-out of London Welsh.

The All Blacks record undefeated run has finally come to an end as the Springboks dealt them a 25-27 defeat at Ellis Park.

The Springboks managed to topple the mighty All Blacks at Ellis Park with a entertaining 27-25 victory on Saturday.

The Springboks have finally managed to end the All Blacks' impressive unbeaten record with a 27-25 victory.

After a great fightback by the Australian Schools team the New Zealand Secondary Schools team finished strongly and won 34-24 in Wellington, New Zealand.

Griquas remain in the fight for Currie Cup survival after beating the Eastern Province Kings 45-25 in their match at GWK Park.

Western Province remain the front runners in this year's Currie Cup competition after beating the Free State Cheetahs 34-29.

Tasman heaped further frustration on Canterbury when claiming a first NPC Cup win in Christchurch 38-10 to go to the head of the table.

Jonny Wilkinson admits he is willing to lend his expertise to England's World Cup challenge as he moves into coaching.

Brad MacLeod-Henderson felt the growing 'gees' in his squad played a key role in helping to overcome the Lions  in Durban.

Australian star Matt Giteau led French and European champions Toulon to a scrappy, bad-tempered 21-18 win over Oyonnax.

Ospreys made it five wins from five games so far in the Pro12, as they picked up a less than comfortable victory over second-bottom Zebre.

Jonathan Joseph and Kyle Eastmond combined as Bath moved to the top of the Premiership table with an impressive win over Saracens.

EXCLUSIVE: MATT HAWKINS, THE FORMER US EAGLES PLAYER AND COACH, TAKES US INSIDE THE WORLD OF SEVENS - EXPLORING THE STATISTICS ON THE GAME A LITTLE MORE.

EXCLUSIVE: MATT HAWKINS, THE FORMER US EAGLES PLAYER AND COACH, TAKES US INSIDE THE WORLD OF SEVENS - LOOKING AT HOW STATS GIVE A TEAM ITS IDENTITY!

EXCLUSIVE: THE SEASON IS OFFICIALLY UNDER WAY AND MATT HAWKINS, THE FORMER US EAGLES PLAYER, CAPTAIN AND COACH, TAKES US INSIDE THE WORLD OF SEVENS!