Countries
Jake White: Equity deal not enough to bring Boks back
SPOTLIGHT: Bulls Directory of Rugby Jake White believes SA Rugby's potential private equity deal with Ackerley Sports Group (ASG) won't be enough to lure top Springbok players back to South Africa.
Countries
VIDEO: Bakkies Botha v Matt Stevens - When a Bok sees red
SPOTLIGHT: South African rugby players are known for their brute strength, and when it comes to legendary Springbok Bakkies Botha that is nothing short of a fact.
Latest News
Bulls welcome back two Springboks
TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: The Bulls will have two of their World Cup-winning Springboks back for their Round 10 United Rugby Championship clash with the Lions at Ellis Park on Saturday.
Latest News
Lions lose star ahead of Bulls clash
TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: The Lions will be without Emmanuel Tshituka when they host the Bulls in Round 10 of the United Rugby Championship at Ellis Park on Saturday after crying off with an injury during training this week.
Currie Cup
Cheetahs lose their coach ahead of Challenge Cup play-offs
NEWS: The next chapter in Hawies Fourie's coaching career has been confirmed.
Latest News
Dobson rings the changes for Sharks showdown
TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Stormers head coach John Dobson has made a number of a changes to his team for Saturday's United Rugby Championship clash against the Sharks
Latest News
Sharks get a World Cup winner back for Stormers clash
TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Sharks head coach John Plumtree has revealed his team to face the Stormers in a United Rugby Championship Round 10 encounter in Durban on Saturday.
Countries
VIDEO: The Boks Office verdict on Scotland's late no-try drama
WATCH as the Boks Office crew discuss Scotland's disallowed try against France during the Six Nations Round Two clash.
Latest News
'A huge coup': Ackermann decides his playing future
NEWS: The speculation around Ruan Ackermann's playing future is finally over.
Latest News
URC, Round 10 - Teams and Predictions
FRIDAY PREVIEW: Munster head coach Graham Rowntree has unveiled a strong side for Friday's United Rugby Championship Round 10 clash away to Scarlets.
Latest News
Nohamba is doing it the 'French way'
SPOTLIGHT: The Bulls are busy putting plans in place to counter the threat posed by Lions star Sanele Nohamba.
Countries
An expert view on Boks' triumph in France
Pierre Dantin, a French professor specialising in high performance, decodes the Springboks' formula for glory at the 2023 World Cup in France.
Countries
Springboks go head-to-head as Japan League One returns
PREVIEW: The Japan League One returns with a bang as top-of-the-table Wild Knights take on Sungoliath on Saturday in Round Seven.
Latest News
'It's just a no-brainer': Jake explains Bulls' fullback signing
SPOTLIGHT: Bulls Director of Rugby Jake White says he didn’t have to think long and hard about keeping Devon Williams in Pretoria.
Countries
'Unanimously chosen': SA Rugby sheds light on potential private equity deal
SPOTLIGHT: SA Rugby has answered some key questions relating to the reported multi-million dollar investment deal that is up for consideration.
Latest News
URC State: Bulls' attack leading the way
The United Rugby Championship are reaching its halfway mark with all 16 teams having played the first nine of their 18 regular season matches.
Latest News
Sharks' URC woes: Why Lukhanyo Am has 'hope for the future'
SPOTLIGHT: Sharks captain Lukhanyo Am is hoping his side can carry their Challenge Cup form over to the United Rugby Championship as they prepare to face the Stormers at Kings Park on Saturday.
Latest News
VIDEO: Dobson - 'We are still paying the price'
SPOTLIGHT: Stormers head coach John Dobson admits that his squad can feel the pressure heading into a crucial period of derby matches in the United Rugby Championship.
Latest News
Bulls address 'bad habits' ahead of Lions showdown
SPOTLIGHT: The Bulls have not been idle during their two-week break but used the time to work on fixing the small mistakes and the bad habits that tend to seep into a season, says Stedman Gans.
Countries
Son of Wallaby legend gets shock Six Nations call-up
NEWS: Harlequins wing Louis Lynagh has been added to Gonzalo Quesada’s Italy squad this week as they prepare to face France in Lille in Round Three of the Six Nations.
Latest News
Plumtree's frustration grows as top Bok undergoes surgery
SPOTLIGHT: Sharks head coach John Plumtree has opened up on his frustration with injuries in his camp as they prepare to face the Stormers in their United Rugby Championship clash in Durban.
Countries
Powerhouse centre back in England squad ahead of Scotland clash
SQUAD UPDATE: Manu Tuilagi was recalled to England's 36-strong training squad on Wednesday ahead of their Six Nations match against oldest rivals Scotland.
Countries
Scotland should get over THAT call says Chalmers
NEWS: Craig Chalmers has warned Scotland against becoming consumed with anger over the manner of their dramatic Six Nations defeat by France.
Countries
VIDEO: Curry sheds light on car crash-like injury
WATCH as England flank Tom Curry reveals the extent of his injury that will see him miss this season's Six Nations.
Latest News
'He'll definitely be involved': Stormers' new signing ready for derby action
SPOTLIGHT: Stormers head coach John Dobson says his squad numbers are looking good as they enter a crucial period of matches over the next few weeks.
Latest News
Rebels CEO sacked as cash woes deepen
SPOTLIGHT: Melbourne's hopes of surviving beyond the 2024 Super Rugby Pacific season have been dealt a hammer blow with administrative staff and CEO Baden Stephenson axed by the financially stricken franchise.
Latest News
VIDEO: Asa on those big hits that 'really' gets him going
OPINION: It's those big hits that really gets him going, says Lions tighthead Asenathi Ntlabakanye - a big man who loves big collisions and especially sneaking up on those diminutive backline players.
Countries
Nienaber sheds light on Flannery's Bok past
SPOTLIGHT: Former Springbok head coach Jacques Nienaber knows first-hand the value that Jerry Flannery can add to the Springbok squad.
Currie Cup
REPORT: Nkosi set to get a rugby lifeline in SA
NEWS: Former Bulls and Sharks wing Sibusiso Nkosi will reportedly get a rugby lifeline with a South African franchise.
Countries
CONFIRMED: Sharks centre heads to Japan
TRANSFER NEWS: Sharks centre Rohan Janse van Rensburg has signed on the dotted line for his new team.
Latest News
URC, Round 10 - Referee Appointments
NEWS: The match officials appointments of the United Rugby Championship Round 10 fixtures have been confirmed.
Countries
Wales release injured prop from Six Nations squad
SQUAD UPDATE: Archie Griffin has been released from Wales' Six Nations squad, officials announced Tuesday.
Latest News
'An abrasive player': WP lose promising flank
TRANSFER NEWS: The Western Province have lost one of their most promising loose forwards, as Jarrod Taylor heads to Wales.
Latest News
Super Rugby tweaks offside rule to end 'kick tennis'
NEWS: A change in the Super Rugby Pacific offside rule has been approved to encourage teams to run the ball instead of engaging in a tedious game of "kick tennis".
Latest News
The state of URC as SA derbies take centre stage
SPOTLIGHT: The stakes are very high as the second half of the United Rugby Championship season resumes this weekend.
Argentina
World Rankings: France close gap on All Blacks, Boks remain top
NEWS: New Zealand's third-placed spot on the World Rugby Rankings is under huge threat after Round Two of the Six Nations.
Countries
The big Six Nations talking points of Round Two
SPOTLIGHT: Ireland stayed on course for successive Six Nations Grand Slams by routing Italy, France beat Scotland in a controversial finish and England came from behind to defeat Wales.
Countries
Doris looks to be the incumbent heir to Sexton
SPOTLIGHT: Caelan Doris, the son of psychotherapists and armed with a psychology degree, would appear to be ideal captain material for Ireland and as his status has grown, he has shown leadership over the sensitive issues of mental health and concussion.
Australia
The Springboks in Brisbane is a sad tale
SPOTLIGHT: With a torrid record in Brisbane through the years the Springboks face a daunting task when they take on the Wallabies at The Cauldron in August as part of the Rugby Championship.
Countries
Lynagh has sights on Italy as he moves to Benetton
NEWS: Louis Lynagh, the son of Australian rugby great Michael Lynagh, is to leave English Premiership club Harlequins for Benetton with the aim to represent Italy, the clubs announced on Monday.
Countries
Two Boks in, one out for Bulls this week
SPOTLIGHT: It is back to the salt mines for two World Cup-winning Springboks at the Bulls as they prepare for their United Rugby Championship clash with the Lions at Ellis Park this weekend.
Latest News
VIDEO: Bok kicks off his referee career
NEWS: Former Springbok scrumhalf Rudy Paige has officially started his career as a match official at the weekend.
Countries
England flyhalf questions Cheslin Kolbe-style charge down
George Ford has raised a huge concern for goalkickers following England's win over Wales in the Six Nations Round Two match.
Countries
The other side of Tony Brown
SPOTLIGHT: The Springboks can learn a lot from Tony Brown's "values".
Countries
Decent start but it gets tougher says Farrell
REACTION: Ireland head coach Andy Farrell is not getting carried away by his side having a maximum 10 points after impressive Six Nations wins over France and Italy saying "it gets tougher from here on in".
Countries
Player Ratings: Italy
Italy player ratings: Ireland may have made six changes but if you turn up in Dublin without your two best ball carriers and with replacements who lack the same impact then an upset is not on the cards.
Countries
Player Ratings: Ireland
Ireland player ratings: Although Andy Farrell made plenty of changes, it didn’t stop Ireland from making light work of a decent Italian side.
Countries
Ireland back at the top of the Six Nations table
MATCH REPORT: Ireland is back at the top of the Six Nations table after their 36-0 victory over Italy in the Second Round of the competition at Landsdowne Road on Sunday.
Countries
RECAP | Six Nations full match coverage
READERS' FORUM: Welcome to our LIVE coverage of the Six Nations Round Two encounter between Ireland and Italy.
Countries
'This is a team that stays in the fight'
REACTION: Steve Borthwick praised England's resilience as they "found a way to win" after coming from behind to beat Wales 16-14 in a tense Six Nations encounter at Twickenham on Saturday.
Countries
'We suffer together': Galthie on how France turned things around
REACTION: France coach Fabien Galthie hailed his players for battling through adversity in a 20-16 victory over Scotland on Saturday after a week of stinging criticism back home.
Countries
Scotland coach: 'The win was taken away'
REACTION: Scotland coach Gregor Townsend said he could not understand the decision not to award his side a try that would have beaten France with the final act of a controversial Six Nations clash on Saturday.
Countries
England edge Wales despite two yellow cards
MATCH REPORT: England overturned a nine-point half-time deficit to beat Wales 16-14 at Twickenham on Saturday to make it two wins out of two in the Six Nations.
Countries
Player Ratings: England
OPINION: Steve Borthwick pitched up at Twickenham looking to see his team win their opening two matches in the Six Nations for the first time since 2019 and draw a line under a poor run of form at rugby HQ where England had won just three of their last 10 home games. Player Ratings by Liam Heagney live from Twickenham.
Countries
Player Ratings: Wales
OPINION: A young Welsh side was asked to go to Twickenham and show some fight and that they did.
Countries
RECAP | Six Nations full match coverage
READERS' FORUM: Welcome to our LIVE coverage of the Six Nations Round Two encounter between Scotland and France, as well as England versus Wales.
Countries
Player Ratings: Scotland
OPINION: Scotland led for 69 minutes at Murrayfield but ultimately ended up rueing their failure to close out another tight contest, having prevailed by a point in Cardiff last week.
Countries
Late drama as France hang on to edge Scotland
SIX NATIONS REPORT: France held off Scotland for a scrappy 20-16 win at Murrayfield after a lengthy TMO call not to award the home side a try with the last action of the game.
Countries
Player Ratings: France
OPINION: After Fabien Galthie's side failed to deliver in Marseille, the scene was set for a French bounce back in Murrayfield against the Scots, who in contrast came off a skin-of-their-teeth win against Wales seven days previously.
Countries
Boks set for massive multi-million dollar cash injection
The Springbok brand could be taken to new heights with the news that the South African Rugby Union (SARU) is on the verge of completing a multi-million dollar investment with American sports company Ackerley Partners.
Countries
Ireland v Italy - teams and prediction
ROUND TWO PREVIEW: Ireland hopes to edge closer to a historic successive Six Nations Grand Slam when they host Italy at Lansdowne Road on Sunday after laying down a marker in their thumping of France last week.
Countries
Steyn out of France clash
TEAM UPDATE: There is a late change to Scotland's starting XV for Saturday's Six Nations clash against France in Edinburgh.
Latest News
Waratahs humbled as Reds, Brumbies notch trial wins
SUPER RUGBY PRE-SEASON WRAP: The Waratahs have some headaches as the Super Rugby Pacific season approaches after they were steamrolled by the Queensland Reds in a trial game two weeks out from a Round-One rematch.
Countries
Springbok's No.1 spot not in jeopardy
OPINION: South Africa will remain at the top of the world rankings and not even a victory by Ireland this weekend can help them overtake the World Cup-winning Springboks.
Countries
Chiefs survive late surge to win in Tokyo
REVIEW: The Chiefs survived a late scare from the Spears to end The Cross Border Rugby successfully after a 35-30 win over the current Japan Rugby League One champions in Tokyo on Saturday.
Latest News
Crusaders end tour on high against Bristol
MATCH REPORT: The Crusaders ended their tour of the Northern hemisphere as part of their pre-season warm-up games for Super Rugby with a 31-14 victory over Bristol Bears at Ashton Gate on Friday night.
Countries
England still learning how to live without Farrell says Ford
NEWS: England are still learning how to live without Owen Farrell as they begin a new era under Jamie George, according to playmaker George Ford.
Australia
Wallabies star Beale not guilty of sexual assault
NEWS: Over two weeks, a trial has heard graphic and intimate details of the night Kurtley Beale was accused of raping a woman in the bathroom of a Sydney pub.
Countries
Key player returns for Italy
TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Italy head coach Gonzalo Quesada has made four changes to his side that will take on Ireland in the Round Two match of the Six Nations at Lansdowne Road on Sunday.
Countries
New captain for Ireland
TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Head coach Andy Farrell has named his Ireland team to face Italy in Round Two of the Six Nations at Lansdowne Road on Sunday.
Australia
Boks to face Schmidt's Wallabies twice in Australia
NEWS: Joe Schmidt will get his reign as Wallabies coach underway against Wales in Sydney, their 2024 home schedule showed Friday, with Australia also hosting world champions South Africa twice this year.
Countries
England v Wales - teams and prediction
ROUND TWO PREVIEW: England captain Jamie George is happy to let patriotic pride fuel his side when they face Wales in the Six Nations at Twickenham on Saturday.
Countries
Scotland v France - teams and predictions
ROUND TWO PREVIEW: France heads to Edinburgh this weekend with a bruised ego, a head coach under the cosh, and a point to prove in the Second Round of the Six Nations against Scotland.
Countries
VIDEO: Boks to get a 'different dimension'
WATCH as the Boks Office crew share their views on the Springboks' big coaching announcement this week.
Latest News
More Cheetahs stars join Ospreys in 'win-win situation'
TRANSFER NEWS: As part of our rugby partnership, three Cheetahs players will join the Ospreys on a short-term loan to reinforce the squad over the coming weeks.
Countries
Boks' golden chance at Rugby Champs
OPINION: @rugby365com contributor Angus Opperman dissects the Springboks' state after reaching the pinnacle of rugby.
Countries
Spotlight on Dupont's understudy
SPOTLIGHT: A lot of pressure was on France scrumhalf Maxime Lucu even before the start of this year's Six Nations as Antoine Dupont's heir apparent, but it has ramped up another gear before he starts Saturday's round two trip to Scotland.
Countries
Italy suffer another blow
INJURY UPDATE: Flank Lorenzo Cannone will miss Italy's second match of the Six Nations against Ireland with a leg injury, the Italian rugby federation announced Thursday.
Countries
VIDEO: 'He is copying a Bok style of defence'
WATCH as the Boks Office crew try to wrap their heads around Felix Jones' role within Steve Borthwick's England coaching group.
Countries
Beyond 80: A look at England's Bok approach
WATCH as former Ireland and Leinster hooker and analysis guru Bernard Jackman dissects England's defensive structure under Felix Jones in RugbyPass TV's Beyond 80
Countries
More SA players get a crack at Super Rugby opposition
CROSS-BORDER PREVIEW: Last Sunday’s convincing victory by the Wild Knights against the Chiefs has set the Cross-Border Rugby series alight ahead of its second weekend, with the Chiefs looking to respond against the Spears.
Countries
Darge makes timely comeback to face France
TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Scotland coach Gregor Townsend made three changes to the side that will host France in the second round of the Six Nations at Murrayfield on Saturday.
Countries
Borthwick reveals his hand for Wales clash
TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: England named an unchanged team for the first time in over four years on Thursday when coach Steve Borthwick announced his side to play Wales in the Six Nations.
Latest News
Why Simelane is the perfect fit for Stormers
SPOTLIGHT: Stormers star Hacjivah Dayimani is confident that his best friend Wandisile Simelane will excel in Cape Town.
Countries
France reveal Willemse's replacement for Scotland clash
TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Head coach Fabien Galthie resisted making sweeping changes to the France side for Saturday's Six Nations match against Scotland.
Countries
'Very appealing': New Bok assistant on rekindling Rassie connection
SPOTLIGHT: New Springbok assistant coach Jerry Flannery could not pass up the chance of working with Rassie Erasmus again.
Countries
Rising SA star making waves in Ireland U20 side
SPOTLIGHT: South African centre Wilhelm de Klerk has entrenched himself in Ireland where he has worked his way into the Under-20 Six Nations team while he will also be in action in South Africa during the World U20 Championships in June.
Latest News
VIDEO: Who is the strongest Bull?
WATCH as a few of the Bulls stars reveal who they think is the strongest player in their squad.
Latest News
'A real bummer': Crusaders suffer huge Halfpenny blow
NEWS: British and Irish Lions fullback Leigh Halfpenny is expected to miss most of the Super Rugby season with a chest injury, the Crusaders said on Thursday.
Australia
Wallabies reveal their best player after dismal year
NEWS: Barnstorming Brumbies loose forward Rob Valetini has won the John Eales medal, crowned as Australian rugby's men's Player of the Year
Countries
'No fear' attitude key against England says King
NEWS: Wales assistant coach Alex King has demanded a "no fear" approach in their Six Nations clash against England at Twickenham on Saturday.
Countries
Davies called up to Wales squad as cover for injured flank
NEWS: Wales flank James Botham has been released from the Six Nations squad due to a knee injury, the Welsh Rugby Union said on Tuesday.
Latest News
Franco Smith locks in his first signing of the new season
TRANSFER NEWS: Patrick Schickerling has become Glasgow Warriors’ first new signing ahead of the 2024/25 campaign, after the prop agreed to make the move to Scotstoun from Exeter Chiefs.
Countries
Key player returns as Gatland rings the changes for England clash
TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: George North was recalled by Wales as Warren Gatland made wholesale changes to his side for Saturday's Six Nations match against England at Twickenham.
Latest News
The world's best U20 teams head to SA again
NEWS: South Africa will play host to World Rugby’s Under-20 Championship for the second consecutive year when it takes place in the Western Cape from June 29 to July 19 this year.
Countries
Springboks' coaching team confirmed
Rassie Erasmus – the mastermind behind the Springboks’ back-to-back Rugby World Cup titles of 2019 and 2023 – has returned to the role of head coach for the next four years, following the departure of Jacques Nienaber to Leinster.
Countries
All Black great credits Schimidt's role at World Cup
NEWS: All Blacks great Dane Coles credits Joe Schmidt for steering New Zealand to the World Cup final and says his appointment as Wallabies coach is a win for Australia and world rugby.
Countries
Willemse learns his fate after Marseille red card
DISCIPLINARY UPDATE: France lock Paul Willemse received a suspension for a red card in the defeat to Ireland in the opening round of this season's Six Nations.
Latest News
The why behind Deon Fourie's drive at 37
SPOTLIGHT: Deon Fourie’s second stint as a Stormer has been a resounding success in every sense.
Latest News
Springbok star back in training
NEWS: Springbok World Cup winning lock RG Snyman returned to full team training with Munster this week after recovering from a chest/shoulder injury sustained in the World Cup final.
Latest News
Bok commits to Van Graan's Bath
NEWS: Louis Schreuder has signed a new contract that will extend his stay with Bath until 2025.
Countries
BREAKING: World Rugby announces referee change for Six Nations
BREAKING: An ongoing injury has ruled out referee Pierre Brousset for this Sunday’s Six Nations encounter between Ireland and Italy in Dublin.
Countries
WORLD RANKINGS: Ireland close gap on Boks in a big way
NEWS: South Africa's lead at the top of World Rugby's Rankings has been reduced after Round One of this season's Six Nations.
Latest News
SA lock extends contract with French club after 150th cap
NEWS: South African lock Nico Janse van Rensburg celebrated his 150th cap for Montpellier last weekend by extending his contract with the French outfit for another two years.
Countries
Scotland add more names to growing injury list
SQUAD ANNOUNCEMENT: Scotland suffered a double injury blow with the news that Luke Crosbie and Richie Gray have been ruled out of the Six Nations tournament.
Countries
Rassie Erasmus reveals his graphic injuries
SPOTLIGHT: South Africa's Director of Rugby Rassie Erasmus shared graphic images of the injuries he sustained in a "freak accident" last month.
Countries
'He is not a great man manager': Honeymoon over for Galthie
SPOTLIGHT: France head coach Fabien Galthie has enjoyed a long honeymoon but for the first time since he took over after the 2019 World Cup, there are rumblings about his stewardship following the 17-38 thumping by Ireland in the Six Nations.
Countries
SA Rugby's latest vow to women's rugby
NEWS: Increasing the number of girls playing rugby and finding more women rugby coaches and referees, were high on the agenda at SA Rugby's recent two-day Community Rugby Workshop.
Countries
'No thoughts' on Boks as France battle 'resentment and bitterness'
SPOTLIGHT: Assistant coach William Servat admitted Monday that France would carry the "scars" of their Six Nations defeat by Ireland in Marseille into their next game against Scotland in Edinburgh at the weekend.
Countries
Nervy wait for France and red-carded Willemse
DISCIPLINARY NEWS: France could be without one of their key figures as the South African-born lock Paul Willemse faces a lengthy suspension.
Countries
Italy lose key player ahead of Ireland clash
INJURY UPDATE: Italy will take on Ireland on Sunday in the Six Nations without one of their most influential players.
Countries
Scotland set for double boost ahead of France battle
Rory Darge and Grant Gilchrist look set for Test match return when Scotland continue their Six Nations campaign against France at Murrayfield.
Countries
The big talking points from Round One of Six Nations
SPOTLIGHT: Ireland launched their bid for successive Grand Slams with an impressive triumph away to France, sparking an exciting first round of Six Nations action as England edged out Italy and Scotland survived a thrilling fightback by Wales to end along wait for a win in Cardiff.
Countries
Boks taste victory over Super Rugby opponents
CROSS BORDER WRAP: The Wild Knights created history, becoming the first corporate club from Japan to defeat a Super Rugby Pacific side, after a comprehensive 38-14 win over the Chiefs in Sunday's second match of Cross-Border Rugby at Kumagaya.
Latest News
All Black sheds light on 'friendly fire' leading to broken jaw
REACTION: Blues captain Patrick Tuipulotu said Monday he expects to be sidelined for around 10 weeks with a broken jaw, missing the start of the Super Rugby Pacific season this month.
Countries
England skipper's bold Six Nations statement
SPOTLIGHT: England captain Jamie George said he doesn't want anyone in the squad who doubts that the Red Roses can win this year's Six Nations title.
Countries
Key player missing from England squad for Wales clash
SQUAD ANNOUNCEMENT: England head coach Steve Borthwick has revealed a 36-man squad for their Six Nations Round Two clash against Wales at Twickenham this coming Saturday.
British & Irish Lions
'The King' of Welsh rugby dies at 79
NEWS: Barry John, known as the "King" of Welsh rugby during a golden era and arguably the sport's first superstar, has died. He was 79.
Countries
Gatland: 'I think I've got to apologise'
REACTION: Wales coach Warren Gatland believes his side can travel to Twickenham with renewed confidence after a stunning rally in an agonising defeat by Scotland that featured the "worst 40 minutes" of his lengthy coaching career.
Countries
VIDEO: 'It will be an amazing coup if the Boks get that right'
WATCH as the Boks Office crew – Hanyani Shimange and Jean de Villiers, with guests Schalk Brits and Brad Barritt - talk about the rumours that All Black and Highlanders legend Tony Brown could be added to the Springbok coaching staff.
Countries
Player Ratings: Wales
Wales player ratings: There’s no other way to say it. This was truly a game of two halves. Wales were dreadful in the first. Arguably their worst 40 minute performance under Warren Gatland throughout his multiple tenures. They couldn’t pass, catch or kick with any authority. They were throwing their toys and coughing up penalties. They should have been buried.
Countries
Player Ratings: Scotland
OPINION: Scotland player ratings: Having lost their last 11 matches in Cardiff, including nine in the Championship, since 2002, Scotland finally ended that miserable sequence with a 27-26 victory at the Principality Stadium.
Countries
Italy deny England a bonus-point win
REPORT: England were forced to come from behind to secure a hard-fought 27-24 win over Italy in the Six Nations Round One match in Rome on Saturday.
Countries
RECAP | Six Nations full match coverage
READERS’ FORUM: Welcome to our LIVE coverage of the Six Nations Round One encounter between Italy and England, as well as Wales versus Scotland.
Countries
Dupont breaks silence on France's Six Nations disaster
SPOTLIGHT: Scrumhalf Antoine Dupont's latest statement is certainly not what France supporters would like to hear following their heavy Six Nations opening defeat to Ireland.
Countries
Relieved Scotland's minor concern ahead of France showdown
REACTION: Scotland coach Gregor Townsend was a relieved man on Saturday after his side's hopes of a first win in Cardiff in 22 years were almost scuppered by another dramatic slump in the Welsh capital.
Countries
England boss on new era post Farrell
REACTION: Head coach Steve Borthwick praised the impact England's debutants made in their tight 27-24 Six Nations win over Italy which ended a long-standing opening day hoodoo.
Latest News
Munster edge Crusaders in URC versus Super Rugby battle
REPORT: Munster managed to hold on for a nailbiting 21-19 win over the Crusaders to win the Clash of Champions in Cork on Saturday.
Countries
'We're sick of getting close and not winning'
REACTION: The Italians could not contain their disappointment with the narrow 24-27 defeat to England in the Six Nations opener in Rome.
Countries
Scotland rewrite history books in Cardiff
MATCH REPORT: Scotland pulled a hat out of the bag and hung on for dear life to win their opening Six Nations Round One encounter by 27-26 over Wales in Cardiff on Saturday.
Countries
'Bad choices': French media's brutal assessment of Dupont's replacement
REACTION: The fight for the Six Nations title is not over, France coach Fabien Galthie has insisted, despite watching his team crash to the heaviest defeat since he took charge in 2019.
Countries
Player Ratings: England
OPINION: A nervous, close-run thing on the scoreboard for England wasn’t in the script for this Six Nations round-one encounter. Player Ratings by Liam Heagney live from Stadio Olimpico.
Countries
Player Ratings: Italy
OPINION: Italy started their Six Nations campaign with a loss, but there are plenty of positives that new head coach Gonzalo Quesada can take from the performance in Rome.
Latest News
Why Boks are 'safe' at No.1
SPOTLIGHT: South Africa's position at the top of the World Rugby rankings will be safe for a while.
Countries
Breaking: England add to their injury list
TEAM UPDATE: England suffered another injury blow just hours ahead of the start of their 2024 Six Nations campaign.
Latest News
Rebels make a 'statement' on the field after tough week
SUPER RUGBY TRIAL WRAP: The Melbourne Rebels have put aside their off-field woes to post a 38-12 victory over the Waratahs in their first hit-out of the year.
Countries
Tuilagi dynasty still going strong with latest wrecking ball
SPOTLIGHT: The latest wrecking ball from the Tuilagi rugby dynasty was unleashed Friday, giant teenage lock Posolo making his debut for France in a 17-38 defeat to Ireland, and quickly maintaining the family's fearsome reputation.
Countries
'I don't think it gets any better'
REACTION: Ireland coach Andy Farrell said his team's 38-17 thrashing of France gave them invaluable momentum in their bid to defend their Six Nations title.
Countries
Player Ratings: France
OPINION: In a match that laid bare the stark disparities between expectations and reality, France found themselves uncharacteristically lackluster, a shadow of the formidable force they were in 2023. A man down for much of the contest, France eventually buckled completely.
Countries
Player Ratings: Ireland
OPINION: Ireland, while not at their absolute best, capitalized on a French shortfall, managing to secure a decisive 38-17 bonus victory over their hosts in Marseille.
Countries
Write Wales off at your peril
INTERVIEW: "Don't write us off" was the message from Adam Beard as a new-look Wales prepared to open their Six Nations Championship campaign against Scotland in Cardiff on Saturday.
Countries
Ireland makes strong statement against 14-man France
MATCH REPORT: Ireland started the defence of their Six Nations and Grand Slam titles with a massive statement against France in Marseille on Friday.
Countries
RECAP | Six Nations full match coverage
READERS’ FORUM: Welcome to our LIVE coverage of the Six Nations Round One encounter between France and Ireland in Marseille.
Latest News
VIDEO: Exposing the vile abuse of match officials
WATCH as retired South African referee Jaco Peyper - in the ground-documentary Whistleblowers - speaks about the abuse his children experienced at school, because people disliked how he refereed matches.
Latest News
Wales v Scotland - teams and prediction
ROUND ONE PREVIEW: Warren Gatland urged a new-look Wales to "go out there with no fear" when they launch their Six Nations Championship campaign at home to a Scotland side desperate to end a 22-year losing streak in Cardiff.
Latest News
Bok puts homecoming on ice
TRANSFER TALK: Forgotten Springbok centre Jan Serfontain has opted to extend his contract with Montpellier amid rumours of an exit.
Countries
VIDEO: Which players will make great MMA fighters?
WATCH as the Boks Office crew - Hanyani Shimange and Jean de Villiers, with guests Schalk Brits and Brad Barritt - attempt to find the next Dricus du Plessis in the rugby ranks.
Countries
Italy v England - teams and prediction
ROUND ONE PREVIEW: Jamie George and Gonzalo Quesada are hoping to lead England and Italy into new eras as the countries face off in Saturday's Six Nations opener in Rome.
Countries
UPDATE: Italy star to miss England clash
TEAM NEWS: Ange Capuozzo will miss Italy's Six Nations opener with England with gastroenteritis, the Italian rugby federation announced on Friday.
Countries
USA Eagles appoint head coach
NEWS: Scott Lawrence was named head coach of the USA Eagles on Thursday, removing the interim tag under which he served in the role for the past year, USA Rugby announced.
Countries
STAT ATTACK: How Libbok transformed into the all-round threat
In his 50 games for the Stormers thus far, flyhalf Manie Libbok has kept scoreboard operators everywhere busy with some prolific points-scoring.
Countries
France v Ireland - teams and prediction
ROUND ONE PREVIEW: The focus is firmly on the crucial opening match of the Six Nations - with two teams looking to put the disappointment of World Cup quarterfinal exits behind them.
Latest News
Northampton Saints break silence on Saudi investment
REACTION: Northampton Saints have issued a statement following speculation that four Premiership clubs are in discussions to receive millions of pounds worth of investment from Saudi Arabia Public Investment Fund (PIF).
Countries
Strong SA presence in Scotland's back three for Cardiff trip
TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Head coach Gregor Townsend has named his Scotland matchday squad to face Wales at the Millennium Stadium in Cardiff for the opening round of this year’s Six Nations.
Countries
Borthwick reveals his playmaker and uncapped players for Italy clash
TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: England head coach Steve Borthwick has revealed his team to play Italy in their opening game of the 2024 Six Nations at Stadio Olimpico on Saturday.
Countries
Super Rugby audition as Japan clubs host Chiefs and Blues
PREVIEW: The Cross-Border Rugby competition between leading clubs from Japan Rugby League One and Super Rugby Pacific kicks off on Saturday when the five-time Japanese champions Suntory Sungoliath battle the three-time Super Rugby champions the Blues.
Countries
Quesada shifts his star player for England showdown
TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Ange Capuozzo will start on the right wing in Italy's Six Nations opener with England in Rome on Saturday, as Gonzalo Quesada makes his debut as Azzurri coach.
Countries
Wales star out of Scotland clash as Gatland starts new era
TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Wales head coach Warren Gatland has revealed his team to face Scotland in their Six Nations opener.
European Cup
EPCR stamping saga ends with a suspension
DISCIPLINARY UPDATE: Bristol Bears lock Josh Caulfield has finally learned his fate after facing a couple of hearings this week.
Countries
Marco van Staden: From scrumhalf to World Cup glory
Wearing the Green and Gold is a dream any South African rugby player is determined to turn into reality - and for Marco van Staden that journey was filled with loads of challenges.
Latest News
Familair faces in SA Academy squad as U20 Rugby Champs draws nearer
SQUAD ANNOUNCEMENT: Four capped Junior Springboks are amongst a group of 35 players who will attend this year’s SA Rugby Academy Programme to continue preparations for the international season.
Countries
New WPRFU administrator walks into firestorm
NEWS: Peter Jooste, the new administrator of the Western Province Rugby Football Union, will walk straight into a firestorm.
Countries
VIDEO: Siya reveals his 'most underrated' Springboks
WATCH as double World Cup-winning Springbok captain Siya Kolisi reveals who he feels are the most underrated players in the team.
Countries
Former Stormer ready to be centre of attention in Six Nations
SPOTLIGHT: Scotland centre Huw Jones aims to carry on from where he left off when the 2024 Six Nations Championship gets underway this weekend.
Countries
'A sobering moment': England playmaker hangs up his boots
NEWS: England flyhalf Danny Cipriani confirmed his retirement from Rugby Union on Wednesday in a "sobering but also freeing moment".
Countries
Rassie gives his take on new tackle law
REACTION: Rassie Erasmus, the mastermind behind the Springboks' back-to-back World Cup victories, has given his take on the debated new tackle law.
Countries
VIDEO: Razor speaks about Springboks and other first-season hurdles
WATCH as new All Black coach Scott Robertson speaks about the two-match tour to South Africa and his other first-season hurdles.
Latest News
Bulls get surprise visitor at training
SPOTLIGHT: The Bulls, in preparation for crucial back-to-back United Rugby Championship derbies, had a surprise visitor at training on Tuesday.
European Cup
Cape Town misses out as EPCR reveals Euro Finals venues
NEWS: South African fans will have to wait a few years to host a European Champions Cup and Challenge Cup Finals as EPCR announced the venues for the 2025 and 2026 editions of the tournaments.
Latest News
Farrell names team for Six Nations opener
TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Peter O’Mahony will lead Ireland when they face France in their Six Nations opener against France in Marseilles on Friday.
Countries
France to employ Boks' blueprint for Six Nations opener
TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: France head coach Fabien Galthie has named his team to face Ireland in the Six Nations opener in Marseille.
Latest News
Bok still the #GOAT of URC
STAT ATTACK: Steven Kitshoff’s arrival at Ulster has grabbed the headlines and the World Cup-winning Springbok is certainly making his mark.
Latest News
England suffers another injury setback
NEWS: England has been hit by another setback ahead of their Six Nations opener against Italy after concerns emerged surrounding the fitness of scrumhalf Alex Mitchell.
Countries
'Global figure': England star reveals his future plans
NEWS: Saracens announced that Maro Itoje has signed a new long-term contract at the club.
Countries
Alarm bells for England as Italy reconstructs
INTERVIEW: Italy head into the Six Nations as rank outsiders following a dismal World Cup.
Latest News
Former England flank to captain Hurricanes
NEWS: Former England flank Brad Shields was on Wednesday named captain of the Hurricanes for the 2024 Super Rugby season in the absence of Ardie Savea.
Latest News
REVEALED: The derby numbers that really matter
SPOTLIGHT: The United Rugby Championship is delicately poised for South African teams at the halfway stage - with the overall standings and Shield positions painting two contrasting pictures.
Latest News
'He's doing a lot more': Bok star set for early return from injury
NEWS: One of South Africa's top players could return to action sooner than expected.
Latest News
STAT ATTACK: SA players show Premiership how it's done...again
SPOTLIGHT: The Springbok coaches would have been happy with what they saw from a couple of South African players in the Premiership this past weekend.
Countries
England suffer big playmaker blow ahead of Six Nations opener
NEWS: England have suffered a major blow ahead of their Six Nations opener against Italy as Marcus Smith was ruled out of Saturday's clash with a calf injury.
Countries
The best man to nurture young England talent
INTERVIEW: Jamie George's 'lighter touch' is better suited to captaining an inexperienced England Six Nations squad than the more 'abrasive' manner of Owen Farrell, said former Test lock Courtney Lawes.
Latest News
CONFIRMED: Cash-strapped Super Rugby franchise enters administration
NEWS: Rugby Australia is working with the debt-ridden Melbourne Rebels to ensure they field a team in this year's Super Rugby Pacific competition but has offered no guarantees beyond that.
Latest News
VIDEO: 'It's not all doom and gloom' for Jake White
REACTION: Despite shooting themselves in the foot on several occasions against the Lions, Jake White believes his Bulls team were also "unlucky" not to have won more comfortably.
Australia
Cooper shuts down Wallabies comeback
SPOTLIGHT: Quade Cooper might have played his last game for the Wallabies, the flyhalf admitted.
Australia
Rugby star recorded apologising to rape accuser
NEWS: Rugby star Kurtley Beale told a woman he allegedly raped he "misread the whole situation" and profusely apologised to her, in a secretly taped phone call.
Latest News
All Blacks loose forward to captain Chiefs
NEWS: New Zealand loose forward Luke Jacobson will captain the Chiefs in 2024, the Super Rugby franchise announced Tuesday, with All Blacks skipper Sam Cane currently in Japan.
Australia
VIDEO: Eddie Jones' cattle prod threat to Wallaby players
WATCH as former Wallaby head coach Eddie Jones is caught threatening his players with a cattle prod during last year's World Cup in France.
Countries
VIDEO: Six Nations redemption after World Cup 'flops'
TOURNAMENT PREVIEW: Ireland will start their bid for a historic back-to-back Six Nations Grand Slam when they take on France in Marseille in the tournament's mouth-watering opening match on Friday.
Latest News
Scotland lose one of their 'South African imports'
INJURY UPDATE: Scotland has lost some of its South African beef, ahead of their Six Nations opener.
Countries
VIDEO: 'He is just misunderstood'
WATCH an exclusive interview with double World Cup-winning Springbok captain Siya Kolisi on the Big Jim Show.
Latest News
VIDEO: 'See you at Ellis Park'
WATCH as Lions captain Marius Louw and coach Ivan van Rooyen look forward to the next two crucial rounds of the United Rugby Championship.
European Cup
New twist in stamping saga as EPCR launches appeal
DISCIPLINARY UPDATE: European Professional Club Rugby (EPCR) is appealing the decision of an independent disciplinary committee to overturn the red card which was issued to the Bristol Bears player Josh Caulfield.
Latest News
VIDEO: Bonus point kings on the losing end again
REACTION: The Lions have become the bonus point kings in the United Rugby Championship with the most of all the teams, despite losing five out of their nine outings.
Countries
Sexton shadow hangs over Irish title defence
SPOTLIGHT: Ireland's hopes of successfully defending their Six Nations title hinge on filling the "massive gap" left by Johnny Sexton's decision to retire after their World Cup quarterfinal loss to New Zealand.
Latest News
VIDEO: Jake White on why Bulls are their own worst enemy
REACTION: Bulls Director of Rugby Jake White questioned his team's game management in their United Rugby Championship clash against the Lions in Pretoria on Saturday.
Latest News
Ackermann scores as Gloucester sends Sharks into a slump
MATCH REPORT: Gloucester coach George Skivington was happy to end a 'painful' run of nine Premiership defeats with their bonus-point 32-20 win over Sale Sharks.
Countries
Rassie in hospital after 'freak accident'
NEWS: South Africa's Director of Rugby Rassie Erasmus is currently recovering in hospital after suffering chemical burns.
Latest News
Lions miss chance to snatch victory at the death in Pretoria
URC REPORT: The Bulls climbed to fourth in the United Rugby Championship standings with a thrilling 30-28 win over the Lions in their Round Nine clash in Pretoria on Saturday.
Latest News
Baby steps for SA women
REACTION: The improvement shown by the South African women's Sevens team in Perth will give the coaching staff and players a confidence boost for the next two HSBC SVNS tournaments.
Latest News
BlitzBoks realise the 'realities' of SVNS
REACTION: South Africa finished their HSBC SVNS Perth campaign on a high note by outplaying France 24-5 to finish the tournament in fifth place.
Latest News
'There's plenty of choices at No.10'
SPOTLIGHT: Tom Lynagh is battling a back niggle but the No.10 says he's learnt to be more competitive as he fights for a spot in Les Kiss's Queensland Reds starting side.
Latest News
Loftus helps set a new URC attendance record
NEWS: Over 146,000 fans have helped the United Rugby Championship to break its all-time single-round attendance record for the second time in three weeks.
Countries
Scotland suffers injury scare in Top 14 drama
SATURDAY WRAP: Scotland scrumhalf Ben White handed coach Gregor Townsend an injury scare on Saturday before next weekend's opening round in the Six Nations.
Latest News
Perth SVNS, Day Three - Women, Historic win by Ireland
WRAP: Welcome to our coverage of the women's matches on Day Three of the Perth SVNS, Round Three of the World Series.
Latest News
Perth SVNS, Day Three - Men, Los Pumas stretches their lead
WRAP: Welcome to our coverage of the men's matches on Day Three of the Perth SVNS, Round Three of the World Series.
Latest News
RECAP: URC & Premiership full match coverage
READERS' FORUM: Welcome to our LIVE coverage of all this weekend's action in the United Rugby Champion and Premiership competitions.
Latest News
Saints book No.1 ranking
SATURDAY WRAP: Northampton Saints' bonus-point 38-13 victory over winless Newcastle Falcons ensured they will remain top of the Premiership standings heading into the Six Nations break.
Countries
REVEALED: Boks' venue for historic match against Portugal
NEWS: Bloemfontein has been confirmed as the venue when the Springboks face Portugal in the historic first Test between the nations on Saturday, July 20.
Latest News
VIDEO: 'He needs to play' - White expresses concerns over rest period
SPOTLIGHT: Bulls Director of Rugby Jake White has weighed in on the compulsory rest period debate has he expressed some concerns on development of one of his star players.
Latest News
A next generation of Boks to face Portugal
OPINION: It's been confirmed that one of the surprise packages of World Cup 2023, Portugal will play a one off Test against the back-to-back world champion Springboks in Bloemfontein.
Countries
South African fullback breaks Rams' hearts
WRAP: There was plenty of drama in Round Six of the Japan Rugby League One.
Countries
VIDEO: What the OIG and Hot Stepper are up to
EXCLUSIVE: Watch as @king365ed sits down for a ONE-ON-ONE with Michael Yormark, President of Roc Nation Sports International, to talk about two of the most iconic figures in South African sport.
Latest News
Bulls v Lions - Teams and Prediction
URC ROUND NINE CATCH-UP MATCH: Bulls Director of Rugby Jake White admits that the Lions' style of play could make life difficult for his team in their United Rugby Championship clash in Pretoria.
Latest News
Perth SVNS, Day Two - Men
WRAP: Welcome to our coverage of the men's matches on Day Two of the Perth SVNS, Round Three of the World Series.
Latest News
Perth SVNS, Day Two - Women
WRAP: Welcome to our coverage of the women's matches on Day Two of the Perth SVNS, Round Three of the World Series.
Latest News
Life-threatening condition forces promising Lions prop to retire
BREAKING NEWS: A career-ending medical condition has forced talented loosehead prop Rhynardt Rijnsburger to retire, Lions confirmed on Friday.
Latest News
Perth SVNS, Day One - Men
WRAP: Welcome to our coverage of the men's matches on Day One of the Perth SVNS, Round Three of the World Series.
Latest News
Nohamba gets pivotal role for Bulls showdown
TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Lions head coach Ivan van Rooyen has revealed his team for their Uniited Rugby Championship Round Nine catch-up match against the Bulls in Pretoria on Saturday.
Latest News
Perth SVNS, Day One - Women
WRAP: Welcome to our coverage of the women's matches on Day One of the Perth SVNS, Round Three of the World Series.
Countries
Former Bull added to England squad
TEAM UPDATE: Steve Borthwick’s Six Nations preparations have suffered another hiccup as Nick Isiekwe has become the fourth player to drop out of the England squad this week ahead of the February 3 campaign opener away to Italy.
Latest News
Bok boost for Bulls
TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: The Bulls have named Springbok Marco van Staden in their starting XV to face the Lions in their United Rugby Championship Round Nine match at Loftus Versfeld on Saturday.
Latest News
The busy 'N1 highway' between Loftus and The Den
OPINION: A big local derby is on the cards this weekend, when the Bulls host the Lions in a United Rugby Championship catch-up match at Loftus Versfeld.
Latest News
Super Rugby franchise responds to 'voluntary administration' reports
NEWS: The Melbourne Rebels insist they haven't entered voluntary administration but the move is potentially on the table for the financially-stricken Super Rugby Pacific franchise.
Latest News
VIDEO: Whistleblowers - a peek into the life of a World Cup ref
WATCH THE official trailer for Whistleblowers, a ground-breaking film documenting the lives and experiences of the World Rugby match officials at the World Cup - including now retired South African referee Jaco Peyper.
Countries
Another big name added to Bok injury list
NEWS: One of South Africa's top loose forwards will be in a race against time to be fit for the Springboks' internationals against Ireland and Portugal in July.
Latest News
Racing 92 reaping rewards from Bok captain's presence
PREVIEW: Racing 92's South African Tristan Tedder welcomes former club Toulouse in the French Top 14 on Sunday with Siya Kolisi offering words of wisdom for the playmaker in his eighth season in France.
Countries
Scotland lock to miss Six Nations opener against Wales
NEWS: Grant Gilchrist is set to miss Scotland's Six Nations opener away to Wales on February 3 after receiving a one-week suspension while on club duty.
Countries
Eddie set for Twickenham return
NEWS: England will face Japan at Twickenham in November in their fourth and final 2024 Nations Series international, the Rugby Football Union announced Thursday.
European Cup
Mixed bag for SA's Challenge Cup bad boys
DISCIPLINARY NEWS: The Cheetahs have been dealt another blow as wing Daniel Kasende was handed a suspension following his team's 28-29 Challenge Cup defeat to Oyonnax in Round Four.
Countries
'Really disappointed': More Boks on the sidelines after surgeries
NEWS: A few more Springboks have been added to the injury list.
European Cup
Challenge Cup: Dates and Kick-offs confirmed
NEWS: Following a tense conclusion to the pool stage last weekend when eight of the nine matches counted either for qualification or ranking, EPCR announced the dates, venues and kick-off times of the Challenge Cup Round of 16 fixtures.
Latest News
VIDEO: It will get 'personal' in a steamy Loftus cauldron
WATCH as Bulls captain Marcell Coetzee explains what his team is expecting when the Lions arrive at Loftus Versfeld for a URC catch-up game on Saturday.
European Cup
Champions Cup: Dates and kick-offs confirmed
NEWS: For the first time in history the Bulls will host a Champions Cup Round of 16 match at Loftus Versfeld.
Countries
Barrett v Mo'unga showdown in Japan
PREVIEW: All Blacks teammates Beauden Barrett and Richie Mo'unga will go head-to-head when Toyota Verblitz take high-flying Brave Lupus in Round Six of Japan League One.
Latest News
VIDEO: The truth about the Jordan Hendrikse transfer rumours
WATCH as @king365ed goes ONE-ON-ONE with Michael Yormark, President of Roc Nation Sports International, to get to the truth about the Jordan Hendrikse transfer saga.
Countries
Russell sheds light on relationship with Townsend after 'bust-up'
SPOTLIGHT: Finn Russell believes his appointment as Scotland co-captain for the upcoming Six Nations is proof of how a once strained relationship with head coach Gregor Townsend has been repaired.
Latest News
VIDEO: The 'tough' conversations the Lions had this week
WATCH as Lions captain Marius Louw speaks to @king365ed about a demoralizing loss and an inadequate European performance last week, ahead of their Trans-Jukskei URC derby with the Bulls.
Latest News
Perth SVNS preview
ROUND THREE: The 24 SVNS teams - men and women - are ready to turn up the heat in Round Three of the World Series in Perth this weekend.
Australia
Another rising rugby star headhunted by NFL scouts
TRANSFER TALK: It seems like another top rugby star might be heading the USA, as the Australia utility back Jordan Petaia is attracting interest from the National Football League (NFL).
European Cup
'Glad I retired': Nigel Owens has his say on overturned red card
REACTION: Retired referee Nigel Owens has questioned the decision to overturn the red card handed to Bristol lock Josh Caulfield.
European Cup
Northampton hooker banned after Munster red card
DISCIPLINARY NEWS: Northampton hooker Curtis Langdon has been banned for four weeks following his red card in a European Champions Cup win away to Irish province Munster last weekend.
European Cup
Cheetahs flyer learns his fate after Challenge Cup red card
DISCIPLINARY NEWS: Cheetahs wing Munier Hartzenberg received a suspension for his red card in his team's 28-29 Challange Cup defeat to Oyonnax last weekend.
Currie Cup
Former Bok fullback to help Eagles soar
NEWS: The South Western Districts Eagles will have a former Springbok fullback in charge of their team.
Latest News
The real reason why Wallaby star was burning himself out
SPOTLIGHT: James O'Connor was burning himself out trying to prove he'd shed his reputation as rugby's bad boy.
European Cup
Powell reveals the real heroes of Newport win
REACTION: Sharks Director of Rugby Neil Powell made it clear that it was his big bruisers in the pack that laid the foundation for his team's success against the Dragons.
Countries
Springbok stars to take centre stage as Japan clubs host Chiefs and Blues
NEWS: Japan Rugby League One chairman Genichi Tamatsuka has hailed next week’s kick-off in The Cross-Border rugby competition between Japan and New Zealand as a new era for relations between the countries at club level.
European Cup
OPINION: The attitude that impacted SA teams' altitude
STAT ATTACK: As that hackneyed proverb goes: 'Defence is an indication of a team's attitude.'
European Cup
Unlucky Cheetahs set sight on Round of 16
The Cheetahs concluded the Challenge Cup pool stage on a very sour note at the weekend.
Countries
England suffer triple Six Nations blow
INJURY NEWS: England head coach Steve Borthwick has been forced to make three changes to his 2024 Six Nations squad.
Countries
SA Rugby warns against FAKE Springboks Test tickets
Rugby supporters have been cautioned about purchasing fake match-day tickets from fraudulent websites.
European Cup
The final call on Bristol lock's highly debated head stamp red card
DISCPLINARY NEWS: The Bristol Bears second row Josh Caulfield had his red card overturned following an independent Disciplinary Hearing.
European Cup
Lions' Ellis Park capitulation shrouded in 'negatives'
REACTION: Lions captain Marius Louw says the negatives outweighed the positives in the final quarter of their Challenge Cup pool match against the Ospreys at Ellis Park on Sunday.
Countries
How former Bok staff member silenced England dressing room
INTERVIEW: England coach Steve Borthwick explained how a former member of Jacques Nienaber's coaching staff silenced their dressing room.
Latest News
VIDEO: Another Leyds added to the international fold
The first time it was just a text message of ‘maybe’, but when Tristan Leyds got the confirmation that he was in the BlitzBoks team to play in this weekend's inaugural HSBC SVNS tournament in Perth, he video-called older brother Dillyn to share the good news.
Countries
Gatland's offer to Rees-Zammit after NFL move
REACTION: Wales coach Warren Gatland said he was ready to keep the door open for Louis Rees-Zammit's return to rugby should his American football stint prove short-lived.
Countries
George talks about captaincy and Farrell's departure
REACTION: Jamie George said "pressure is a privilege" as he prepared to take over as England captain despite seeing the strain the position placed on close friend Owen Farrell.
Countries
REVEALED: What convinced O'Mahony not to retire
INTERVIEW: Peter O'Mahony is glad he dismissed thoughts about retiring from the international game after Ireland's World Cup quarterfinal defeat.
Countries
Farrell joins Siya in France
NEWS: England flyhalf Owen Farrell will join Racing 92 on a two-year deal from next season.
Countries
Big blow for France as star limps out of Six Nations contention
NEWS: France's forward stocks suffered a big blow ahead of this year's Six Nations.
European Cup
Champions Cup: Bulls and Stormers to face familiar foes in last 16
NEWS: The Bulls and Stormers will face familiar French opposition in the last 16 of this season's Champions Cup.
European Cup
VIDEO: The terrifying travel itinerary confronting the Bulls
WATCH as Bulls Director of Rugby Jake White explicates the troubling travel schedule they will face after booking 'home ground' advantage in Europe's Round of 16.
European Cup
Challenge Cup last 16 fixtures: Sharks rewarded for being top seeds
NEWS: The Sharks will be the only South African side with home advantage in the last 16 of the Challenge Cup.
Latest News
VIDEO: Why Reds are doubling up on captains again
INTERVIEW: The Queensland Reds are sticking with their leadership set-up, with Tate McDermott and Liam Wright to captain the side again in 2024.
Australia
VIDEO: Giving the Wallabies the Kiss of life
WATCH as Reds coach Les Kiss explains why new Wallaby boss Joe Schmidt is an ideal candidate for the role.
European Cup
Navigating 'club rugby on steroids' is tough says White
REACTION: Jake White, the Bull’s Director of Rugby, says the Champions Cup is club rugby on steroids but navigating the challenges to compete against the best teams out there takes its toll.
European Cup
Sharks slay Dragons in the rain
CHALLENGE CUP REPORT: The Sharks ended the Dragons' Challenge Cup campaign with a 29-9 win in wet and windy conditions in Newport on Sunday.
European Cup
RECAP: Champions Cup & Challenge Cup full match coverage
READERS' FORUM: Welcome to our LIVE coverage of all this weekend's action in Europe's two main competitions - the Champions Cup and Challenge Cup.
European Cup
Maiden victory in EPCR for Aviron Bayonnais
MATCH REPORT: In a thrilling final Champions Cup pool match, Aviron Bayonnais secured a maiden win in EPCR’s leading competition against Exeter Chiefs.
European Cup
Ospreys fight back to upset Lions in Challenge Cup
CHALLENGE CUP REPORT: The Lions ended their Challenge Cup pool phase with a 28-38 defeat to the Ospreys at Ellis Park on Sunday.
European Cup
Stade Toulousain confirm top spot
MATCH REPORT: In an enthralling game, Stade Toulousain confirmed top spot in Pool 2 with a 31-19 win over Bath.
Countries
Scotland unveil co-captains for Six Nations
NEWS: Flyhalf Finn Russell and flank Rory Darge have been named co-captains for Scotland ahead of the 2024 Six Nations, Scottish Rugby announced in a statement on Sunday.
European Cup
Win over Sale keeps Stade Rochelais' title defense alive
MATCH REPORT: Stade Rochelais demonstrated exactly why they are the Champions Cup holders with a strong 37-24 win against Sale Sharks at the Salford Community Stadium.
European Cup
Johnson the hero as Newcastle see off Perpignan
CHALLENGE CUP REPORT: Flyhalf Louie Johnson kicked 22 points as Newcastle Falcons picked up their first EPCR Challenge Cup victory of the season, beating Perpignan 32-23.
European Cup
RECAP: Champions Cup & Challenge Cup full match coverage
READERS' FORUM: Welcome to our LIVE coverage of all this weekend's action in Europe's two main competitions - the Champions Cup and Challenge Cup.
European Cup
EXPLAINED: How Stormers' Boks will be rested
REACTION: The Stormers will not be able to rely on their World Cup-winning Springboks for the crunch derby with the Sharks next month.
European Cup
Brace by Saracens lock secures European progress
MATCH REPORT: Saracens lock Maro Itoje scored a crucial brace of tries as the three-time winners of EPCR’s leading competition qualified for the knockout stage of this year’s Champions Cup.
European Cup
Stormers scrum Stade Français into submission amidst farcical scenes
MATCH REPORT: The Stormers not only confirmed their place in the Champions Cup Round Of 16, but they also ensure they will host the game when Europe's premier competition reaches the play-offs in April.
European Cup
Fourteen-man Northampton Saints stun Munster in Limerick
CHAMPIONS CUP: Northampton Saints demonstrated a never-say-die attitude as they came from behind to defeat Munster 26-23 despite playing most of the game with 14 men.
European Cup
Kolisi scores as Racing 92 thump Cardiff for play-off spot
CHAMPIONS CUP REPORT: Racing 92 qualified for the Champions Cup Round of 16 with a bonus-point 48-26 win against Cardiff.
Countries
SA's best ref calls it a day
NEWS: South Africa's top referee Jaco Peyper has decided to hang up his whistle.
European Cup
Leinster maul Tigers to book home ground advantage
MATCH REPORT: Caelan Doris was the hero for Leinster, scoring their fourth try to secure a bonus point and home advantage in the knockout stage after a 27-10 win over Leicester Tigers.
European Cup
Fourteen-man Cheetahs show grit to secure crucial bonus points
CHALLENGE CUP REPORT: The Cheetahs suffered a heartbreaking 27-28 defeat to Oyonnax in their final Challenge Cup pool match.
European Cup
Benetton seal a home play-off
CHALLENGE CUP REPORT: Tomas Albornoz led Benetton to a fine victory in the EPCR Challenge Cup, beating Montpellier Herault Rugby 27-19.
European Cup
Pau book play-off spot in one-point thriller
CHALLENGE CUP MATCH REPORT: A missed 78th-minute conversion by Zebre Parma’s Geronimo Prisciantelli was the difference between success and defeat for the United Rugby Championship side as they fell to a 27-28 loss to Section Paloise at Stade du Hameau in the Challenge Cup on Saturday.
European Cup
Bulls edge Bordeaux in Loftus scrap
MATCH REPORT: The Bulls booked their place in the Champions Cup Round of 16, but not before enduring an almighty scrap with French powerhouse Bordeaux-Begles.
European Cup
Bok in beast mode as Harlequins smash Ulster
MATCH REPORT: Harlequins boosted their hopes of earning a home tie for the Round of 16 with a 47-19 win over Ulster in Round Four of the Champions Cup on Saturday.
European Cup
Clermont outplay Black Lion in Tbilisi
CHALLENGE CUP REPORT: Clermont Auvergne secured home advantage in the Round of 16 of the Challenge Cup with a bonus-point win over Black Lion.
Countries
Lood continues strong comeback after illness
JAPAN LEAGUE ONE WRAP: The Robbie Deans-coached Wild Knights continued their dominance in Japan as they romped to a 70-12 win over the Heat on Saturday.
European Cup
RECAP: Champions Cup & Challenge Cup full match coverage
READERS' FORUM: Welcome to our LIVE coverage of all this weekend's action in Europe's two main competitions - the Champions Cup and Challenge Cup.
European Cup
Edinburgh's South African imports star in Euro winner
FRIDAY WRAP: Pierre Schoeman starred as Edinburgh sealed their place in the knockout stage of the Challenge Cup with a bonus point win, beating Pool Three's bottom side Scarlets 31-19 in Wales.
European Cup
Champions Cup, Round Four - teams and predictions
SATURDAY & SUNDAY PREVIEWS: Deon Fourie will return to a city of which he has fond memories, Paris, but it is on a very different missions.
European Cup
Jones stars in Warrior's victory over Toulon
MATCH REPORT: Centre Huw Jones was the key as Glasgow Warriors defeated Toulon 29-5 to qualify for the Champions Cup Round of 16.
European Cup
Connacht stuns Bears and move up in pool
MATCH REPORT: It was a disappointing return to Dexcom Stadium for Pat Lam as Connacht ended their eight-match losing run with a 27-10 demolition of his Bristol Bears in the Challenge Cup.
European Cup
VIDEO: How Jan-Hendrik is paying his 'school fees'
WATCH as Bulls Director of Rugby Jake White explains how they are 'grooming' rookie Jan-Hendrik Wessels to be the next Springbok great in the front row.
Countries
'Best strike of my life' - Pollard on that famous #RWC semifinal kick
WATCH as Jim Hamiton chats to Springbok flyhalf Handre Pollard during a small snippet of his Big Jim Show on RugbyPass TV.
European Cup
Challenge Cup, Round Four - Teams and Predictions
SATURDAY AND SUNDAY PREVIEW: The Sharks and Cheetahs will be looking to follow in the Lions' footsteps and secure their place the Round of 16.
Australia
VIDEO: Joe Schmidt makes vow to Wallabies as contract details emerge
SPOTLIGHT: Former Ireland coach Joe Schmidt vowed to "get Australia up and running" after being named as the new Wallabies boss, replacing Eddie Jones.
European Cup
Sharks tweak their big guns for Dragons clash
TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: The Sharks will head into their Challenge Cup Round Four match against the Dragons in Newport with a few changes to their matchday squad.
European Cup
Lions set to unleash a Stormer against Ospreys
TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Lions head coach Ivan van Rooyen has revealed his team for their final Challenge Cup Pool match against the Ospreys at Ellis Park on Sunday.
European Cup
The Sharks' firm response to Boeta rumours
REACTION: The Sharks are standing firm in the face of another raid on their resources.
European Cup
Willemse on the move again
TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Manie Libbok will play his 50th Stormers game in the Champions Cup clash with Stade Francais in Paris on Saturday.
European Cup
Cheetahs forced to change for Oyonnax showdown
TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: After suffering a defeat against PAU in Amsterdam, the Cheetahs travelled to France this week for Round Four of the Challenge Cup.
European Cup
What Bulls and Stormers require to reach play-offs
EURO SPOTLIGHT: Eight teams have already booked their places in the Champions Cup's Round of 16. However, for the two South African entrants there is plenty to play for in the final round of league action..
European Cup
VIDEO: Jake White makes brave calls as Bulls await Bordeaux in decider
WATCH as Bulls Director of Rugby Jake White explains some of his more interesting selections in the team to face Bordeaux in a Champions Cup Round Four decider!
Latest News
BlitzBoks head to Perth with some big names missing
SQUAD ANNOUNCEMENT: BlitzBoks head coach Sandile Ngcobo has made several changes to the squad that will travel to Australia on Saturday for the inaugural HSBC SVNS tournament in Perth.
Latest News
Steve Diamond returns to the Premiership
NEWS: Newcastle Falcons have announced the appointment of Steve Diamond as consultant director of rugby.
European Cup
VIDEO: Cheetahs battle the ice as two players head home
SPOTLIGHT: The Cheetahs' preparations for their final Challenge Cup pool match against Oyonnax in France suffered a bit of a setback this week.
Countries
Why Galthie picked Alldritt over Ollivon as France captain
REACTION: France head coach Fabien Galthie had some explaining to do when it came to his captaincy decision for the Six Nations.
European Cup
VIDEO: Bulls speedster makes intentions clear on playing future
Bulls flyer Devon Williams would love to see out his career in Pretoria but his loan agreement from the Pumas are currently under negotiation.
Countries
BREAKING! The end of Elton Jantjies
NEWS: Springbok Elton Jantjies' rugby career has taken another hit following his suspension for a banned substance.
Countries
Georgia start new RWC cycle with a big name in charge
NEWS: Former England hooker and forwards coach Richard Cockerill has been appointed head coach of Georgia and their domestic side Black Lion.
Countries
Former England youth star to join Rees-Zammit in USA
NEWS: Former England Under-20 star Harry Mallinder will be joining Louis Rees-Zammit in the United States of America.
Latest News
Jaco Peyper removed from Six Nations match
NEWS: World Rugby has confirmed a change to the match official appointments for the Six Nations 2024 match between Italy and Scotland on March 9.
Countries
SARU reacts to Jantjies ban
REACTION: The South African Rugby Union (SARU) has broken its silence in the aftermath of Springbok flyhalf Elton Jantjies' ban.
European Cup
Champions Cup, Round Four - teams and predictions
FRIDAY PREVIEW: Kyle Steyn leads a classy Glasgow Warriors outfit in their Champions Cup Round Four fixture against Toulon on Friday with 11 internationals in the line-up.
Australia
Unveiling of Wallabies' new Kiwi coach imminent
NEWS: Australia will be unveiling their new head coach in the coming days.
European Cup
How Bulls are reaching a more 'holistic level'
SPOTLIGHT: As the Bulls target play-off spots in both the United Rugby Championship and Champions Cup, the decision by Director of Rugby Jake White at the start of this season to find a new "edge in high performance" seems to be paying off on all fronts.
European Cup
Challenge Cup, Round four - teams and predictions
FRIDAY PREVIEW: South African coach Sean Everitt has given his team a mandate when Edinburgh take on Scarlets in the Challenge Cup Round Four match on Friday.
Countries
VIDEO: 'I'd probably get killed for saying that back home'
WATCH as Bulls Director of Rugby Jake White gives his take on the suggestion that South Africa should join the Six Nations.
Countries
Japan league interrupted by visiting Super Rugby teams
Two visiting Super Rugby teams will interrupt the Japan Rugby League One resulting in a split round which sees only three matches being played this weekend.
Countries
Farrell reveals his flyhalf options for Six Nations
TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Ireland coach Andy Farrell has named a 34-player Ireland squad for the upcoming Six Nations.
European Cup
VIDEO: Bulls give Wilco Louw update
NEWS: Bulls Director of Rugby, Jake White, has revealed the extent of seasoned Springbok Wilco Louw's shoulder injury.
Latest News
HSBC SVNS Cape Town's success hands LA fans a Friday Night Special
NEWS: The Los Angeles leg of this season’s HSBC SVNS series has been extended to include a ‘Friday Night Lights’ experience after the great success in Dubai and Cape Town.
Countries
Borthwick on his new captain: 'He's got a fantastic understanding of the game'
REACTION: Jamie George "accepted with huge gratitude and enthusiasm" the offer from head coach Steve Borthwick to captain England in the upcoming Six Nations.
Countries
France names Dupont's replacement as captain
NEWS: France coach Fabien Galthié has name the replacement as captain in place of Antoine Dupont.
European Cup
Wales centre cops massive ban for dangerous tackle
NEWS: Scarlets centre Johnny Williams has been handed a six-week ban for a dangerous tackle during the Challenge Cup match against Clermont.
European Cup
VIDEO: Taking the coach out the box?
SPOTLIGHT: Seeing a coach on the sidelines is a very rare occurrence when it comes to high-profile leagues like the United Rugby Championship, Challenge Cup or Champions Cup.
European Cup
VIDEO: Sharks reveal dramatic recovery of Bok stars
NEWS: The Sharks revealed that they will be able to call on the services of a couple of World Cup-winning Springboks sooner than expected.
Countries
'A true leader': England star reveals future plans
NEWS: Saracens confirmed that Jamie George has signed a new two-year contract at the club.
Countries
Borthwick reveals his new England captain
TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: England coach Steve Borthwick has named a 36-player training squad for the forthcoming 2024 Six Nations championship.
Countries
VIDEO: Welsh star gives up Rugby Union to play Gridiron
NEWS: Louis Rees-Zammit made the shock decision to leave Gloucester with immediate effect, as the Wales Rugby Union star "pursues his dream" of a career in American Football.
European Cup
VIDEO: 'We made the road a bit more difficult for ourselves'
WATCH as Cheetahs coach Hawies Fourie chats to @king365ed about the road ahead in Europe after a bad day at the office.
Countries
Scotland pick England prop in Six Nations squad
TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Scotland have named England prop Alec Hepburn in their squad for the forthcoming Six Nations tournament.
Countries
The South African-born player that is on Azzurri's radar
TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: New Italy coach Gonzalo Quesada named five new faces in his preliminary 34-man squad for the Six Nations, which begins next month.
Countries
France lock cleared of 'racism' in 2020 attack
NEWS: France lock Bastien Chalureau was cleared of carrying out a racially motivated attack on two men, but his six-month suspended prison sentence for the violent incident remains in place.
European Cup
Departure of Sharks centre imminent
NEWS: Sharks centre Rohan Janse van Rensburg is set to join France outfit Bordeaux.
News
VIDEO: How Sharks plan to 'sneak' in through Europe's back door
WATCH as Sharks Director of Rugby Neil Powell chats to @king365ed about the way forward in Europe for the franchise.
European Cup
VIDEO: The Bulls' surprise choice as their Euro 'home ground'
WATCH as Bulls Director of Rugby Jake White explains why they have chosen a venue in England to play a potential Champions Cup semifinal.
European Cup
VIDEO: Stormers to bring the heat to Paris' big freeze
WATCH as Labeeb Levy, the Stormers skills coach and performance analyst, speak about the challenging trip to Paris and a crunch encounter with Stade Français.
Countries
Siya Kolisi reveals the other side of Owen Farrell
England flyhalf Owen Farrell received a major endorsement from double World Cup-winning captain Siya Kolisi.
British & Irish Lions
Historic first-ever Women's British and Irish Lions tour announced
NEWS: New Zealand will host the first ever British & Irish Lions women’s tour in 2027
European Cup
The 'massive' positive Lions took out of Euro loss
REACTION: The Lions will head into their final Challenge Cup league match this coming Sunday with a European play-off spot safely tucked away.
European Cup
Europe's bad boys in hot water ... again
Two No. 8’s have been cited for foul play in the Champions Cup and could face sanctions while one player in the Challenge Cup is also in hot water.
Countries
New boss Jones to reinvent Japan with AI
Japan's new head coach Eddie Jones has identified the big area his team need to work on to excel on the world stage.
European Cup
Stats put Dayimani in elite class
STAT ATTACK: The fleet-footed Hacjivah Dayimani continues to build a strong case for a Springboks call-up.
News
The state of SA franchises as Euro knock-outs take shape
All five South African franchises are on the verge of an incredible historic feat in the European Cup competitions.
Countries
Irish pioneer makes shocking career move
NEWS: One of Ireland's top referees has opted to call it a day at the end of the season.
News
VIDEO: Stormers boss - 'Odds are still in our favour'
The Stormers head coach John Dobson was very pleased with the five log points following his team's 31-24 Champions Cup win over Sale Sharks on Saturday.
News
Bordeaux sends warning to Bulls with Saracens rout
MATCH REPORT: Damian Penaud cemented his position as one of the best players in Europe.
News
Stade Rochelais routs toothless Tigers
MATCH REPORT: Two-time defending Investec Champions Cup winners Stade Rochelais showcased their title credentials with a 45-12 mauling of Leicester Tigers in Sunday's Pool Four meeting at the Stade Marcel Deflandre.
News
Bath seals play-off spot with epic comeback against Racing 92
MATCH REPORT: Will Muir’s 71st minute try capped off a stunning 14-point comeback from Bath, to secure their spot in the Champions Cup Round of 16 with a 29-25 win over Racing 92 at The Rec on Sunday.
News
VIDEO: How 'Dirty Ice' added to Sale Sharks' troubles
It seems like everything that could go wrong for the Sales Sharks, essentially did go wrong during the week of their Round Three Champions Cup match against the Stormers in Cape Town.
News
Pau blitz Cheetahs to keep Euro dream alive
MATCH REPORT: Section Paloise kept their European dream alive by beating an uncharacteristically indisciplined Cheetahs team 33-20 in a Challenge Cup Round Three match in Amsterdam on Sunday.
News
Cheetahs v Section Paloise RECAP | Challenge Cup
READERS’ FORUM: Welcome to our LIVE coverage of the Challenge Cup Round Three encounter between the Cheetahs and Section Paloise the NRCA Stadium in Amsterdam.
Japan
Kolbe's try helps Sungoliath down Kwagga's Blue Revs
JAPAN LEAGUE ONE WRAP: Springboks and All Blacks featured heavily in Saturday’s action in Japan Rugby League One when Blue Revs faced Suntory Sungoliath in the day’s big fixture.
News
Dupont stars as Toulouse end Ulster's winning run
MATCH REPORT: Antoine Dupont was in extraordinary form as he inspired Stade Toulousain to a 48-24 victory over Ulster in Round Three of the Champions Cup in Belfast.
News
Bok helps Harlequins keep play-off hopes alive
MATCH REPORT: It was a brilliant bonus point win for Harlequins in Pool Two of the Champions Cup as they travelled to Cardiff and ran out 54-15 winners in their Round Three match.
News
VIDEO: Bulls sweating over Bok prop's injury
WATCH as Bulls Director of Rugby Jake White speaks about the shoulder injury of Springbok prop Wilco Louw.
News
Montpellier v Lions RECAP | Challenge Cup
READERS’ FORUM: Welcome to our LIVE coverage of the Challenge Cup Round Three encounter between Montpellier and the Lions at Stade Yves-du-Manoir.
News
Montpellier rise to No.1 after edging willing Lions
MATCH REPORT: Montpellier climbed to the summit of the Challenge Cup's Pool Two, following their hard-earned 13-3 over a willing Lions team in a Round Three match at Stade Yves-du-Manoir on Saturday.
European Cup
Munster claim bonus point win in France
MATCH REPORT: Jack Crowley stated his case for the starting flyhalf spot in Ireland’s Six Nations team with an impressive performance at the heart of Munster’s 29-18 win over Toulon in the Champions Cup.
European Cup
Leinster thump Stade to earn knockout spot
MATCH REPORT: Leinster confirmed their spot in the Champions Cup Round of 16 with a composed victory over Stade Francais in Round Three of the Champions Cup, wing Jordan Larmour and No. 8 Caelen Doris both getting braces.
Latest News
Jackson boots Lyon to victory
MATCH REPORT: A brace from Thaakir Abrahams and the reliable boot of Paddy Jackson was the difference as Pool 1 high-flyers Lyon came through a tough test courtesy of Connacht, triumphing 34-20 in Round 3 of the Champions Cup.
European Cup
Brace for Zas as Stormers edge Sale
MATCH REPORT: A brace by Leolin Zas and some magic by Man of the Match Hacjivah Dayimani helped the Stormers to a valuable 31-24 victory over the Sale Sharks in the Champions Cup in Cape Town on Saturday.
News
Gloucester come from behind to edge Edinburgh
MATCH REPORT: The boot of flyhalf Adam Hastings secured a big win for Gloucester over Edinburgh, confirming their spot in the Challenge Cup Round of 16.
News
Stormers v Sale Sharks RECAP | Champions Cup
READERS’ FORUM: Welcome to our LIVE coverage of the Champions Cup Round Three encounter between the Stormers and Sale Sharks in Cape Town.
News
Castres too strong for Black Lion
MATCH REPORT: Castres Olympique secured their position in the Pool Three standings with a 28-6 win over Black Lion in the Challenge Cup.
European Cup
Exeter fight back for dramatic win
MATCH REPORT: Exeter Chiefs centre Henry Slade kicked the winning points for his side once again in yet another comeback win for the Premiership side in the Champions Cup.
News
Zebre gets a rare win in Europe
MATCH REPORT: A brace from Simone Gesi helped Zebre Parma defeat the Dragons 20-17 in their EPCR Challenge Cup Round 3 match in Italy.
European Cup
Bulls stamp their authority with massive victory
MATCH REPORT: The Bulls recorded their biggest ever victory in the Champions Cup and kept their hopes of the last 16 alive after their convincing 31-17 victory over the Bristol Bears on Saturday evening.
News
Bristol Bears v Bulls RECAP | Champions Cup
READERS’ FORUM: Welcome to our LIVE coverage of the Champions Cup Round Three encounter between the Bristol Bears and Bulls at Ashton Gate.
News
Clermont closes in on Euro play-offs
MATCH REPORT: Flyhalf Anthony Belleau and wing Alivereti Raka both scored braces as Clermont Auvergne defeated 14-man Scarlets 38-17 in a Challenge Cup Round Three match.
News
Sharks v Oyonnax RECAP | Challenge Cup
READERS’ FORUM: Welcome to our LIVE coverage of the Challenge Cup Round Three encounter between the Sharks and Oyonnax at Kings Park in Durban.
News
Sharks keep their Euro dream alive
MATCH REPORT: The Sharks booked their place in the Challenge Cup's Round of 16 with a 38-7 bonus-point win over French outfit Oyonnax at Kings Park on Saturday.
News
'Loved my time here': Edinburgh coach Everitt reveals his future plans
NEWS: Sean Everitt penned a new two-year extension with Edinburgh as the club’s head coach.
News
Six Nations' latest innovation to combat head injuries
NEWS: The Six Nations confirmed that players will use mouthguard technology designed to help identify the need for head injury assessments in the upcoming tournament.
Latest News
Champions Cup, Round Three - Teams and Predictions
SATURDAY PREVIEW: As the last two rounds of the Champions Cup pool stage approach, the question of who will qualify for the knockout stage has grown in importance which makes this weekend’s encounters vital.
News
Ospreys beat Perpignan for knockout spot
REPORT: Fullback Iestyn Hopkins scored either side of half-time as Ospreys recorded an important 25-3 win against USAP to secure their progression into the EPCR Challenge Cup knockout stage.
News
Benetton march into the Round of 16
MATCH REPORT: Benetton scored eight as they secured passage to the EPCR Challenge Cup Round of 16 with a 57-18 victory over Newcastle Falcons.
News
Challenge Cup, Round Three - teams and predictions
SATURDAY AND SUNDAY PREVIEWS: @king365ed looks at the Round Three action in Europe!
News
Saints book play-off spot with statement win over Bayonne
MATCH REPORT: Northampton Saints became the first team to qualify for the Champions Cup Round of 16 with a 61-14 mauling of Aviron Bayonnais.
Latest News
Utility back Immelman has a whole bag of tricks
SPOTLIGHT: Utility Bulls back Henry Immelman has pace to burn, a booming kicking boot and to top it off, he stands 1.89 m tall.
England
England prop's shock retirement
NEWS: England prop Mako Vunipola announced his retirement from the international game on Friday.
France
Dupont slammed for comments after World Cup exit
NEWS: Joel Jutge, World Rugby’s head of match officials, has slammed France captain Antoine Dupont for the remarks he made following his team’s exit from the World Cup.
News
Sharks make bold Eben move for Challenge Cup showdown
TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: The Sharks host Oyonnax at Kings Park in the Round Three EPCR Challenge Cup clash on Saturday.
News
Breaking boundaries as Cheetahs gear up for historic sold-out clash
TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: The Cheetahs head coach Hawies Fourie made four changes as his side gear up for their historic match in Amsterdam.
News
Bulls' squad depth to be tested in Bristol
TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: The Bulls have made their intentions clear ahead of their Champions Cup clash with the Bristol Bears at Ashton Gate on Saturday.
News
VIDEO: Plumtree heads back to New Zealand
WATCH as Sharks coach John Plumtree explains why he is returning to New Zealand.
Latest News
Clash of the unbeaten when Lions face Montpellier
TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: The Lions will meet their match when they come face to face with Montpellier in a clash of two unbeaten Challenge Cup records this season in France on Saturday evening.
European Cup
Dobson shuffles backline for big Sale clash
TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: The Stormers side to host the Sale Sharks in the Third Round of the Championship Cup see the return of Courtnall Skosan and Herschel Jantjies in Cape Town on Saturday.
News
The go-to attacking weapon that's taking over URC
SPOTLIGHT: It may not be everyone’s cup of tea, but there’s no doubting just what a potent weapon the driving lineout maul is in the United Rugby Championship (URC).
European Cup
Northampton Saints v Bayonne - teams and prediction
PREVIEW: Northampton Saints welcome Bayonne to Franklin Gardens in the Champions Cup on Friday.
European Cup
The start of the French Champions Cup crisis?
SPOTLIGHT: Two French clubs top the statistics at the halfway point of the pool phase of the Champions Cup.
News
Rugby match moves to accommodate cricket in Pretoria
UPDATE: The kick-off time for the United Rugby Championship Round Nine match between the Bulls and Lions on January 27 has been moved to an earlier time slot.
News
VIDEO: How Dayimani will smash through the Bok ceiling
WATCH as Stormers loose forward Hacjivah Graham Dayimani explains how he will stake his claim on a Springbok jersey.
Sevens
Sevens debut still on the back-burner for Hooper
NEWS: Michael Hooper will not make his Australia rugby sevens debut in Perth as expected, with the former Wallaby's first outing delayed in a hit to his Olympic aspirations.
Australia
B&I Lions: Farrell already 'talking' to Gatland
REACTION: Ireland boss Andy Farrell said being named the coach of the British and Irish Lions for the 2025 tour of Australia "means the world".
News
VIDEO: The Sharks' Rubicon moment
WATCH as seasoned utility back Werner Kok chats to @king365ed about how the Sharks can turn their season around.
News
Challenge Cup, Round Three - teams and predictions
FRIDAY PREVIEW: It is a battle for survival in Friday's Challenge Cup Pool Two matches.
Ireland
New coach of British and Irish Lions confirmed
NEWS: Andy Farrell is expected to be named British and Irish Lions head coach for the 2025 tour to Australia on Thursday.
England
Andy Farrell's appointment confirmed
NEWS: Andy Farrell has been appointed as the new coach of the British & Irish Lions for the 2025 Tour to Australia.
Japan
Japan league marks return of Springbok lock
PREVIEW: The Japan Rugby League One Round Five marks the return of Springbok lock Lood de Jager this weekend.
Second Phase
Boks post Jacques Nienaber and other 2024 predictions
OPINION: @leezil07 takes out her crystal ball and makes some bold predictions for 2024!
Sevens
BlitzBoks drawn with log leaders for Perth SVNS
NEWS: The South African BlitzBoks have been drawn in Pool A with log leaders Argentina together with Canada and Spain for the Third Round of the HSBC SVNS that kicks off in Perth on January 26.
News
STAT ATTACK: What price on a South Africa win in Europe?
EURO SPOTLIGHT: South African teams are in their second season at Europe's top table - the Champions Cup. What is the price on either the Bulls or Stormers going all the way.
News
VIDEO: Bulls ready to storm Bears' bastion
WATCH as young Bulls loose forward Celimpilo Gumede speaks about the crucial European Cup Round Three face-off against the Bristol Bears at Ashton Gate.
News
Why Lions are sending their 'reserves' to Montpellier
INTERVIEW: The Lions have their sights firmly set on a place in the United Rugby Championship play-offs.
United Rugby Championship
Three-game suspension for Connacht's Ralston
NEWS: Connacht’s Byron Ralston has been suspended for three games following a citing in the United Rugby Championship for the game against Munster on New Year’s Day.
News
VIDEO: The intricacies of the Stormers' scrum post Kitshoff
SPOTLIGHT: The Stormers forward coach Rito Hlungwani has shed light on the key factors behind his side’s scrum dominance.
European Cup
Stormers flyhalf to make his Lions debut?
NEWS: Jaco Visagie is back at the helm as captain of the Lions when they face Montpellier in Round Three of the Challenge Cup in France on Saturday.
Fiji
Fiji lock jailed for sexual assault
NEWS: Fiji lock Api Ratuniyarawa was jailed for nearly three years on Tuesday for sexually assaulting three teenagers in a bar days before he was due to play for the Barbarians in Cardiff last year.
European Cup
VIDEO: White on Boks and vital Bristol game
NEWS: Jake White, Director of Rugby at the Bulls, revealed their Springboks are still on leave as part of their obligatory resting period.
South Africa
Boks rally behind Dricus du Plessis
WATCH as Springboks stars show their support for South Africa’s Dricus du Plessis, as he prepares to challenge the USA’s Sean Strickland for the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) middleweight title.
Wales
Tributes pour in for B&I Lions legend
NEWS: Rugby paid tribute to one of the sport's greatest ever players after former Wales and British and Irish Lions fullback JPR Williams died at the age of 74.
News
Munster have little luck with Springbok locks
INJURY UPDATE: The Springboks and Munster sustained a fresh injury blow after Jean Kleyn has been ruled out for the rest of the season.
New Zealand
VIDEO: Razor to take a leaf out of Rassie's Book
SPOTLIGHT: New All Blacks coach Scott Robertson said Tuesday he was pressing New Zealand Rugby to change its sacrosanct rule banning overseas-based players from Test selection, saying he wanted to pick from the best available.
News
Van Graan happy with 'healthy squad' ahead of Champions Cup challenge
REACTION: Johann van Graan has told Bath to prepare for a "massive challenge" in January featuring European Champions Cup games against French giants Racing 92 and Toulouse.
News
Munster reveals 'shock exit' of star player
TRANSFER NEWS: Munster confirmed that Joey Carbery has made the decision to depart the province for a new playing opportunity outside of Ireland at the end of the current campaign.
News
VIDEO: Oupa to 'revive' his career in Amsterdam?
WATCH as Cheetahs coach Hawies Fourie chats to @king365ed about the selection of forgotten Springbok Oupa Mohoje in their tour squad for a two-match trip to Europe.
News
'We have a few big problems'
REACTION: The Sharks will head into the second half of their European campaign desperate to turn around an abortive season, but acknowledging there are challenges.
Ireland
Ireland suffer massive Six Nations blow
INJURY NEWS: Ireland have suffered a major injury blow with wing Mack Hansen being ruled out of the Six Nations tournament.
OPINION
Springboks’ fall from grace and other bold predictions for 2024
OPINION: Rugbypass writer Finn Morton makes some bold predictions for 2024.
News
SA teams gear up for Euro Cup action
SPOTLIGHT: The five South African franchises return to European Cup action this weekend.
News
EPCR referee appointments - Rounds Three and Four
NEWS: The match official appointments have been confirmed for the return of EPCR's tournaments - with qualification for the knockout stages on the line.
Premiership
De Glanville double helps Bath edge Gloucester
MATCH REPORT: Bath claimed a 17-10 victory in the Premiership over Gloucester with a try double from Tom de Glanville at the Recreation Ground on Sunday.
News
Why the Lions' whole was greater than the sum of the Sharks' parts
REACTION: With licence to an often misquoted Aristotle phrase, first recorded some 2370-odd years ago: "The Lions' whole was greater than the sum of the Sharks' parts."
Latest News
Saracens hopeful of keeping Farrell
NEWS: Saracens boss Mark McCall said the Premiership champions would do everything in their power to keep Owen Farrell after the England captain was linked with a move to French club Racing 92.
Japan
Springboks add to the spoils in Japan
WRAP: Springboks Cheslin Koble and Kwagga Smith were on the list of scorers in the Japan Rugby League One for their respective teams over the weekend, ensuring victories for the Blue Revs and Suntory Sungolaith.
European Cup
Racing sweeps to victory with five-try boost
NEWS: Top 14 leaders Racing 92 ran in five tries to edge Castres 34-30 on Saturday and will hope the victory will deliver a first win in the Champions Cup next weekend.
England
Groundbreaking new England contracts explained
NEWS: England have yet to finalise the details of their ‘hybrid contracts’ but coach Steve Borthwick has revealed that setting players’ workload when on club duty will not be among his powers.
News
Sharks face tighthead crisis after another injury
Sharks face tighthead crisis after another injury
News
Kings Park helps break attendance record
NEWS: Another new record has been set by the United Rugby Championship, with the league setting an all-time high for single-round attendance.
News
Leicester loss and Farrell reports floor Saracens
SATURDAY WRAP: Saracens' torrid weekend that began with revelations over Owen Farrell's possible move to Racing 92 continued with a 19-10 Premiership defeat at Leicester.
News
Sharks v Lions RECAP | URC
READERS’ FORUM: Welcome to our LIVE coverage of the United Rugby Championship Round Eight encounter between the Sharks and Lions at Kings Park in Durban.
News
Lions end their Durban drought
MATCH REPORT: The Lions ended a near seven-year drought in Durban, producing a second-half comeback to snatch a crucial 20-18 United Rugby Championship win over the Sharks.
Australia
Quade Cooper's inglorious comeback
REPORT: Wallaby World Cup reject Quade Cooper's comeback in Japan has ended with a yellow card and a 27-point battering for his Kintetsu Liners.
News
Bok scores as Quins move to the top
FRIDAY WRAP: Harlequins moved to the top of the Premiership with a bonus-point 24-3 victory over bottom-of-the-table Newcastle at Kingston Park.
News
VIDEO: Plumtree reveals real reason behind Kiwi 'powerlifter' signing for Sharks
WATCH as Sharks coach John Plumtree explains to @king365ed the real reason behind his decision to sign Kiwi power lifter Joel Hintz.
News
What the numbers reveal about KLA
STAT ATTACK: Kurt-Lee Arendse has become one of the most prolific players in the world.
News
It's Pollard versus Farrell in Premiership face-off
TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Leicester Tigers decided to stick with their new Springboks-like tactic of a replacement split of six forwards and just two backs when they play host to Saracens on Saturday in the Premiership.
England
Owen Farrell: Has he signed, or not?
REACTION: Denials and more denials! That is what followed reports that England captain Owen Farrell has or is going to sign for French club Racing 92.
South Africa
The local guys are not always the right guys, says Nienaber
SPOTLIGHT: Former Springbok coach Jacques Nienaber believes that having South African players plying their trade overseas, helps the country in their quest to be the best in the world.
News
Sharks v Lions - teams and prediction
PREVIEW: @king365ed chats to the Sharks and Lions camps ahead of their URC Round Eight catch-up match in Durban on Saturday.
Japan
Bok returns from injury that dashed World Cup dream
SPOTLIGHT: Springbok lock Lood de Jager finally makes his long-awaited return after a lengthy lay-off due to injury.
News
Dobson to put Simelane on the 'Libbok trajectory'
IN THE SPOTLIGHT: The Stormers are slowly becoming the designated franchise to rejuvenate players' careers and passion for the game.
News
Major boost as Etzebeth returns for Lions showdown
TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: The Sharks host the Lions in the two teams’ opening match of the year when they meet in Round Eight of the United Rugby Championship at Kings Park on Saturday.
News
Nohamba gets pivot role against former team
TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: The Lions have named their team that will face the Sharks in the United Rugby Championship Round Eight clash on Saturday at Kings Park.
News
Empty Ellis Park: Burger reveals his 'battle plan'
ONE-ON-ONE INTERVIEW: The views and reports of a desolate Ellis Park is well documented, with the accompanying freak-outs.
England
Six Nations England's 'foundation' after World Cup, says Borthwick
NEWS: Steve Borthwick is confident that England will head into the Six Nations with the right "foundation" after their run to the World Cup semifinals.
England
Bok assistant now England's defence coach
NEWS: England finally revealed how double World Cup winner Felix Jones will fit in their coaching set-up.
News
VIDEO: 'Sharks in a much better space'
WATCH a Springbok utility Grant Williams chats to @king365ed about the URC crunch encounter with the Lions in Durban on Saturday.
News
Scarra Ntubeni - A real Stormer
PROFILE: It was a fitting farewell to 2023 for Stormers hooker Scarra Ntubeni as he made his 100th appearance for the Cape Town team in the victory over Sharks.
United Rugby Championship
One more rodeo in Durban before URC takes a break
Aside from a couple of games in South Africa, the United Rugby Championship will be taking a break with Round 10 coming up in mid-February.
News
'No worries' as Dupont adapts to SVNS
SPOTLIGHT: France sevens coach Jerome Daret revealed he "no worries" about Antoine Dupont's ability to convert to the abbreviated game in time for this summer's Paris Olympics
England
England part ways with RPA after 20 years
NEWS: The England team have ended their 20-year relationship with their union, the Rugby Players Association.
Premiership
Banned Vunipola still available for Six Nations opener
NEWS: Saracen's Mako Vunipola received a red card for dangerous tackling, contrary to World Rugby Law 9.13, during the Premiership game against Newcastle Falcons on December 30.
United Rugby Championship
Umaga will stay in Italy for next two years
NEWS: Flyhalf Jacob Umaga has signed a new deal with United Rugby Championship outfit Benetton, keeping him in Italy until 2026.
News
VIDEO: Lions reach for 'reset' button as vital Euro leg looms
WATCH as @king365ed talks to assistant coach Ricardo Loubscher and captain Marius Louw about a monstrous month of fixtures awaiting them at the start of 2024.
United Rugby Championship
Springbok's talk inspires Ulster's fighting spirit
REACTION: Ulster’s remarkable win against Leinster in the United Rugby Championship New Year’s match has raised eyebrows among teams in the Championship, but it isn’t surprising to hear that much of the galvanising spirit came after a serious talk from their Springbok acquisition Steven Kitshoff.
News
The blueprint on exploiting Jacques Nienaber's rush defence
SPOTLIGHT: Ulster head coach Dan McFarland shared his insights on exploiting Leinster's rush defence led by Jacques Nienaber.
Premiership
Bristol Bears land world-class signing
NEWS: Fijian sensation Viliame Mata will join Bristol Bears from Edinburgh ahead of the 2024/25 season, the club confirmed.
Second Phase
OPINION: 'Look at the scoreboard'
REVIEW 2023: @king365ed looks back at the year that was - the historic World Cup win by South Africa and other great events, like the European Cup, URC and Currie Cup.
News
Dupont to start his Olympic journey
NEWS: French captain and scrumhalf Antoine Dupont is expected at his first preparatory day for the Paris Olympics rugby Sevens event.
News
STAT ATTACK: The South Africans that are rocking the Premiership
EURO SPOTLIGHT: @rugby365com continues to track the performances of South African players in the Premiership and it is not just the World Cup winners that are rocking it in England.
News
England forward commits to Saints
NEWS: England international Alex Coles has penned a new contract to remain at Northampton Saints.
News
'Tough one to take': Van Der Merwe rues missed chances in 1872 Cup battle
REACTION: Edinburgh's win over Glasgow Warriors was not enough to claim the 1872 Cup on Sunday, leaving star-wing Duhan van der Merwe a little disappointed.
South Africa
Near perfect stats confirm it: Marx is the best
SPOTLIGHT: There is no denying that Malcolm Marx is probably the best hooker in the world and the latest statistics just published by OptaJonny confirms it yet again.
Argentina
World Rankings: The winners and losers of 2023
SPOTLIGHT: With all 48 matches counting towards the World Rugby Rankings and carrying double points, World Cup 2023 was always going to have the potential to shake things up, and so it proved.
News
Dragons' win sees Sharks move to the bottom
MATCH REPORT: Scarlets flyhalf Sam Costelow missed two late kicks at goal to allow Dragons to move off the bottom of the United Rugby Championship table with a 13-12 win at a rain-sodden Rodney Parade.
News
Ulster hold on for famous win over Leinster
MATCH REPORT: Ulster started 2024 with a bang by beating United Rugby Championship leaders Leinster 22-21 for their only their third win in 22 visits to the RDS Arena.
News
Giles double helps Ospreys to derby victory
MATCH REPORT: Keelan Giles scored a pair of tries as Ospreys secured a 27-21 bonus-point victory over Cardiff in Bridgend on Monday.
News
Connacht grinds down Munster at a soaking wet Sportsground
MATCH REPORT: JJ Hanrahan's right boot ensured Connacht ended a run of five defeats in all competitions as injury-ravaged Munster went down 9-22 at the Sportsground.
News
Stormers avert crisis in centre swap with Bulls
TRANSFER NEWS: The Stormers will avert a midfield crisis in an exchange deal with the Bulls.
News
Van Graan has no regrets, despite costly loss
REACTION: Johann van Graan insisted he had no qualms about fielding a second-string team after a 22-35 loss at Leicester meant Bath missed the chance to end 2023 top of the English Premiership table.
Second Phase
FULL MATCH REPLAY: All the World Cup Final drama
SPECIAL DELIVERY: As the New Year dawns, South Africa’s historic double World Cup victory is still fresh in the memory. We have a special treat for fans worldwide.
News
Leicester Tigers deny Bath the top spot
MATCH REPORT: Leicester Tigers have claimed a 35-22 bonus-point win over Bath on New Year’s Eve in front of a sell-out crowd at Welford Road.
News
VIDEO: John Plumtree - 'You can't buy a rugby team'
SPOTLIGHT: Sharks head coach John Plumtree admits things will become tricky over the next couple of months when his Bok players go into a compulsory rest period.
News
URC, Round Nine - Teams and Predictions
MONDAY PREVIEW: Plenty of fireworks can be expected as the new year of rugby gets underway with double derby clashes in Ireland and Wales.
News
VIDEO: Stormers suffer another big blow as they search for 'fizz'
SPOTLIGHT: Just when they thought that some of their midfield woes were over, the Stormers suffered another mammoth blow.
Second Phase
FULL MATCH REPLAYS: All the World Cup drama
As the year ends and South Africa’s historic double World Cup victory is still fresh in the memory, fans worldwide are in for a treat.