All News

Ireland were unable to push on after an impressive first forty minutes as they succumbed 16-12 to South Africa in Dublin on Saturday.

South Africa, coming back from nine points down, scored a 16-12 win over Ireland in the opening round of internationals in the November Test window.

The Fijian Rugby Federation made a formal complaint to their French counterparts over star lock Jone Qovu withdrawing from their year-end test squad.

Italy warmed up for the visit of two rugby heavyweights in the coming weeks with an unconvincing 28-23 win over a feisty Tonga side in Brescia on Saturday.

England launched their European year-end series with a commanding 54-12 win over Fiji at Twickenham on Saturday.

Argentina got their November campaign off to the perfect start, a 26-12 win over the Six Nations champions Wales.

The Six Nations and Grand Slam champions Wales got their November campaign off to a disappointing start - a 12-26 loss to Argentina.

Jean de Villiers’ Springboks secured their maiden away win as they came from behind to beat Ireland 16-12 in Dublin on Saturday.

Two second-half tries gave Argentina a convincing 26-12 victory over Six Nations champions Wales at the Millenium Stadium in Cardiff on Saturday.

Samoa put together a polished performance on Friday, running in five tries to emphatically defeat Canada 42-12 at Parc Eirias in Colwyn Bay.  

CJ van der Linde will start at loosehead prop for South Africa against Ireland in Dublin on Saturday.

New Zealand coach Steve Hansen is looking forward to seeing how his much-changed side fare against Scotland.

After being persuaded to switch from centre to hooker by Heyneke Meyer three years ago, Tom Youngs is preparing to make his England debut on Saturday.

France take on Australia on Saturday with just one week of preparation but including the vital backbone of the team that shone in their last outing against Argentina.  

Australia's impressive run of form over France will have no bearing when the two sides come face-to-face at the Stade de France on Saturday, according to Wallabies captain Nathan Sharpe.

Springbok captain Jean de Villiers is confident that the 'classy' Pat Lambie will handle the pressure of steering the Bok ship in Dublin on Saturday.

Former Hurricanes and All Black lock Bryn Evans has re-signed with English Premiership club London Irish for a further two seasons.  

It is reportedly "business as usual" for Lions coach John Mitchell, who will formally report for duty on Monday.

The South African Rugby Union have formally approached the minister of sport to get clearance for England-based prop Brian Mujati.

It is crunch time on the Tests stage, with the first round of internationals in the Novem,ber window.

Second row forward Yoann Maestri has been forced to withdraw from the French XV to face Australia on Saturday with lumbago.

The build-up to the clash between Scotland and New Zealand took an ugly turn when a Kiwi journalist was blocked from the home team's press conference.

Saturday in Dublin cousin will go head to head against cousin. There are many cases of sibling rivalry.

Italy coach Jacques Brunel insists his players' minds are not on New Zealand and Australia as they begin their year-end Test series.

England coach Stuart Lancaster hopes his decision to field his most inexperienced Test team yet against Fiji at Twickenham will reap a reward come the 2015 World Cup.

Australia will bid to stretch their winning run over a youthful France side to a record-equalling six successive matches since 2008 on Saturday.

Paul O'Connell is not there. That is significant for the leadership and heroic determination of the Munsterman mean heaps to Ireland.

All Black coach Steve Hansen has made wholesale changes to the New Zealand team to face Scotland on Sunday.

Two nations threatening to shake-up the world order face each other when Wales welcome Argentina to Cardiff's Millennium Stadium on Saturday.

Italian coach Jacques Brunel insisted he was not thinking about the formidable challenges of New Zealand and Australia.

Jamie Roberts has insisted he wants to continue his Wales career despite potentially jeopardising his Test prospects.

Scotland are set to face the wrath of an All Black side out for retribution after having being denied a historic milestone when the teams collide at Murrayfield on Sunday.

Defending champions SA were drawn alongside hosts France, England and the US for the IRB Junior World Championship 2013.

All Black flank Adam Thomson is not about to rush into a decision regarding his playing future.

Richardt Strauss says being selected to make his Irish debut on Saturday supersedes the fact that it will come against his countrymen.

Interim Wales head coach Rob Howley has told his country's growing number of overseas-based players their careers could suffer if they remain with foreign clubs.

Argentina veteran Felipe Contepomi is ready to go up against the man he has labelled Rugby Union's "Everest".

There will be a family 'feud' in Dublin on Saturday when cousins Richard Strauss and Adriaan Strauss confront each other for the first time in a Test.

Australia's National Rugby League (NRL) on Thursday blocked Danny Buderus’s move to the Brumbies as their tackling coach.

The IRB insisted it was prepared to impose "significant sanctions" if it found examples of players being prevented from representing their country.

International backs George Pisi and Vasily Artemyev have re-signed with the Northampton Saints.

Mercurial Toulon playmaker Frederic Michalak's stop-start international career received a further boost when he was named ahead of Francois Trinh-Duc.

Italy have called up Treviso centre Andrea Pratichetti to replace injured Gonzalo Canale for the Tests against New Zealand and Australia.

Namibia are going into battle against Zimbabwe on Saturday with a young side. The team has nine new caps, six in the starting line-up.

Tom Youngs is set to complete a remarkable transformation in his career after being named to make his Test debut at Twickenham on Saturday.

Wales and Lions centre Jamie Roberts will join Racing Metro from the Cardiff Blues at the end of the season.

Francois Louw will turn down offers from South African teams and opt for a contract extension at Bath.

Samoa beat Canada in 1999 and, the last time the two teams met, in 2000, but this time Canada have a good chance of winning in North Wales.

John Mitchell has been 'requested' to report for duty at the Golden Lions Rugby Union headquarters in Johannesburg on Friday.

Waratahs prop Sekope Kepu and lock Kane Douglas will get their first starting spots in the Australian team when the Wallabies tackle France on Saturday.

Former South African Sevens captain Jonathan Mokuena has become the first player to publicly speak out against suspended Lions coach John Mitchell.

Italian centre Gonzalo Canale has torn muscles in his right thigh and will miss all three his country's upcoming Tests.

The ANC have accused Springbok coach Heyneke Meyer of being 'reluctant' to select black players who deserved a place in the national team.

A triangular rugby tournament had been organised  for this weekend in Windhoek with Spain, Zimbabwe and Namibia taking part.

Bok coach Heyneke Meyer said Morné Steyn's selection on the bench ahead of Elton Jantjies is an 'insurance policy'.

Richard de Carpentier has earned a contract with Worcester Warriors after impressing during his time on trial at the club.

Ireland will have to make do without veteran lock Paul O'Connell when they take on South Africa in Dublin on Saturday.

Scotland coach Andy Robinson knows his charges will face the ultimate challenge on Sunday but believes the All Blacks are far from invincible.

Exciting young forward Joe Launchbury has signed a contract extension that will keep him at London Wasps until 2015.

Saturday's Test will be the 21st between South Africa and Ireland.

Scrumhalf Taniela Moa will skipper Tonga in their crucial clash with Italy in Brescia on Saturday.

Ireland are convinced that if they take a leaf out of the All Black book they will beat South Africa in Dublin on Saturday.

Springbok coach Heyneke Meyer is expecting the true character of his side to be revealed when they face a 'desperate' Ireland side on Saturday.

Pat Lambie was named to start at flyhalf when the South Africa face Ireland in the opening Test of the year-end tour in Dublin on Saturday.

England's forwards coach Graham Rowntree has delivered the ultimate ultimatum to the team: It is time to deliver for England in the year-end Tests.

Australia's Super Rugby teams could be severely depleted, at least for part of the 2013 competition, if Wallaby coach Robbie Deans gets his way.

Matt Giteau opted to sign a new contract with Toulon because he realised with Robbie Deans as national coach he had no chance of a Wallabies recall.

England duo Graham Rowntree and Andy Farrell will join the British and Irish Lions on their tour of Australia next year if coach Warren Gatland wants them.

The tallest trees catch the most wind. This adage is very apt for Springbok coach Heyneke Meyer and a maxim that he is all too familiar with.

Argentina have recalled veteran centre Felipe Contepomi to their starting XV to play Wales in a one-off international at Cardiff's Millennium Stadium on Saturday.

London Wasps lock Joe Launchbury is set to make his England debut after being included in a 23-man squad for the Test against Fiji on Saturday.

Ireland received a double boost on Tuesday with the news that Paul O’Connell and Cian Healy should be ready to face to Springboks on Saturday.

Australian flank David Pocock may miss out on Saturday's Test with France because coach Robbie Deans wants to give him more time to recover from a knee operation.

International and South African Super Rugby stars will be on show in the inaugural Premier 7sPL in George in December.

Springbok wing JP Pietersen is raring to return to Test rugby this weekend after missing the inaugural Rugby Championship through injury.

Ospreys tighthead prop Aaron Jarvis will make his Test debut in place of the injured Adam Jones when the Six Nations champions face Argentina on Saturday.

The 2015 World Cup in England risks being devalued should European clubs prevent internationals from Fiji and other Pacific nations taking part.

The Springboks took part in a scrum study conducted by the IRB in conjunction with the University of Bath in Dublin on Tuesday.  

Scotland lock Richie Gray was included in the starting XV to face world champions New Zealand at Murrayfield on Sunday, subject to passing a fitness test on an ankle injury.

SARU has been nominated in five categories for the Sport Industry Awards.

Wallabies coach Robbie Deans is anxiously awaiting the results on fitness reports of four crucial players ahead of their clash with France this weekend.

Experienced Fiji prop Deacon Manu will lead his country in their Test against England at Twickenham on Saturday, team officials have announced.

It is a strange contest, but it almost appears as if Ireland and South Africa are competing to see who can have the most frontline stars on the sideline.

The All Blacks believe that they can extend their formidable record in Europe by keeping it simple and playing to their strengths.

Argentina lock Tomas Vallejos hopes the Pumas renowned scrummaging power will prove decisive when they face a weakened Wales front row on Saturday.

England wing Chris Ashton has been told it is vital he keeps his discipline by coach Stuart Lancaster after being ruled out of Saturday's match against Fiji through suspension.

Gloucester have confirmed that flank Akapusi Qera has linked up with the Fijian national squad ahead of Saturday’s international against England.

Glasgow Warriors prop Gordon Reid was drafted into the Scotland squad on Monday as preparations intensify for Sunday’s Test against New Zealand at Murrayfield.

Springbok coach Heyneke Meyer on Monday said the tour of Europe will be the final opportunity for players to cement their places in the squad.

France coach Philippe Saint-Andre has revealed that he is looking for new leaders to emerge in his team from the November internationals.

Ireland-based prop Heinke van der Merwe has been shortlisted as a possible replacement in the Springbok squad for the year-end tour.

Wales flank Ryan Jones has been ruled out of the clash with Argentina this weekend due to a shoulder injury.

EXCLUSIVE: Despite claims to the contrary, John Mitchell has been looking at 'prospective employment' abroad.

Scarlets are hopeful that new South African tighthead prop Jacobie Adriaanse will make a big impact for them during the November international window.

In the 16th and final round of the @lantic Sevens Series, Garsfontein of Pretoria, the host school, put in a powerful finish to win the tournament, in the process dethroning the previous winners, Hoërskool Tygerberg.

London Wasps lock Joe Launchbury has been called into the England camp as temporary injury cover for Tom Palmer (calf).

All Blacks coach Steve Hansen has singled out Six Nations champions Wales as the biggest scalp for his team on their year-end tour.

The Southern Kings appear to have given up on their pursuit of foreign imports, while also confirming that they are in talks with another Springbok.

Jason went to the land of the Colchi in search of the golden fleece. Jason Jaftha is off to the land of the Namibians in search of the golden whistle - his very first Test match.

All Blacks hooker and Test centurion Keven Mealamu believes that he can stretch his Test career to the World Cup in 2015.

Tests break out in the Northern Hemisphere this weekend - lots of them and one down Montevideo way as well. That means lots of chances for referees and Glen Jackson of New Zealand will be refereeing his very first Test

Baby Bok coach Dawie Theron made his first move in defending the Junior World Championship title by naming an extended training squad for the 2013 IRB tournament, to be played in France.

The John Mitchell versus GLRU saga has taken another intriguing twist, with Mitchell claiming he wants to continue coaching in Johannesburg.

Novice prop Yannick Forestier and lock Jocelino Suta have been called up to the France 23-man squad to face Australia on Saturday at Stade de France.

Former Hurricanes inside back Jayden Hayward has signed with the Western Force as part of a revamped backline ahead of next season.

Eli Walker scored a decisive second-half try as Ospreys came from behind to beat Leinster 19-10 in the Pro12.

Alistair Hargreaves scored Saracens' sole try, as they claimed a share of the lead on the English Premiership table.

England on Sunday called up Freddie Burns and Billy Twelvetrees to their training squad ahead of Saturday’s Test against Fiji at Twickenham.

Springbok prop CJ van der Linde said upon the team’s arrival in Dublin on Sunday that an enlarged bench will add an extra dimension to the year-end tour.

Raymond Kofi Rhule may be one of the hottest properties on the South African scene, but the teenager won't be rushed into Test rugby.

New Kings recruit Bandise Maku feels it is vital that the Super Rugby rookies get a few victories under the belt early in their inaugural campaign.

Veteran Welsh forward Alun Wyn Jones has revealed that 'setting the record straight' is very much part of their motivation.

With plenty of scope for movement among the 12 direct qualifiers for the 2015 World Cup, the Springboks can ill-afford to drop a match on tour.

The Blue Bulls Rugby Union is mourning the loss of one of its own, following the tragic death of promising under-21 forward Nico van Vuuren.

Exeter Chiefs' veteran New Zealand prop Chris Budgen revealed a touching try-scoring tribute to his premature twin sons.

The Irish team suffered another blow when it was confirmed that Stephen Ferris has been ruled out of action for at least two weeks with an ankle injury.

Welsh rugby is set to light up the skies when Wales face Samoa.

Harlequins Director of Rugby Conor O'Shea praised his second string players.

The race is on to find a stand-in captain for the All Blacks on New Zealand's year-end tour.

The arrival of New Zealander Michael Bent in Ireland this week caused a big stir in the Emerald Isle.

South Africa arrive in Dublin amidst a deepening mystery surrounding the 32nd squad member for their year-end tour.

Harlequins put an end to Gloucester's fine run of form to remain top of the Premiership as the reigning champions secured a 28-25 victory at Twickenham Stoop.

Danie Poolman scored a try on his home debut as Connacht recorded their third PRO12 victory of the season with an 18-3 win over Treviso in treacherous conditions at The Sportsground.

Schalk Brits has admitted that he thought his international career was over before receiving a surprise Bok call-up last week.

The Sharks powered to a convincing 29-14 victory over Eastern Province to claim the SARU Interprovincial Sevens at Loftus Versfeld on Saturday.

The All Blacks believe that the trial laws will suit their high-paced game as they look to defend a proud record in Europe.

Wallabies coach Robbie Deans is expecting France to 'play out of their skins' when the two countries do battle on Armistice weekend in Paris.

Toulouse and Argentina lock Patricio Albacete needs surgery on an eye-socket injury and will be out of action for a month.

Danny Cipriani celebrated his birthday in fine style, as he guided Sale Sharks to their first Premiership win of the season.

Springbok scrumhalf Ruan Pienaar, playing at flyhalf for Ulster, led the Irish province to a 45-20 Pro12 victory.

Ospreys stalwart Damian Karauna is packing his bags and heading home to New Zealand.

Yet another team from KwaZulu-Natal looks set to reach a major Final.

Rio Olympic organizers said they will have to scrap their original plan to stage rugby matches at the Sao Januario Stadium in 2016.

Springbok captain Jean de Villiers may be under an injury cloud, but he is adamant it won't be a burden to the team.

The Sharks have welcomed the Lions pair of flyhalf Butch James and lock Franco van der Merwe into a settled squad ahead of the 2013 Super Rugby season.

Wales interim head coach Rob Howley says his squad is making great progress in their Polish training camp.

Ospreys centre Ashley Beck says the upcoming Test window is a ‘massive’ opportunity for youngsters to make a name for themselves on the provincial front.

Although crowd numbers in the Currie Cup have dropped, the television numbers are up.

Ireland will don a new black alternate jersey for the first time against South Africa at the Aviva Stadium next Saturday.

SARU held its lavish Awards banquet at the Execujet Hangar at Cape Town International Airport on Thursday night, and both referees awards went to Jaco Peyper.

The USA Eagles will take on Russia and Tonga in Wales before facing Romania in Bucharest on their year-end tour.

Connacht have strengthened their front row options with the news that Ronan Loughney and Brett Wilkinson have both committed to the club until 2015.

Bryan Habana became one of the most celebrated players in SA, but he was quick to deflect praise.

Although they are not chasing the world record for consecutive Test wins any more, the All Blacks will have plenty to play for on their year-end tour.

Jonny Wilkinson inspired Toulon to a fraught 24-19 win at home over Stade Francais in French Top 14 action on Thursday, the England international responsible for all his club's points.

Bok coach Heyneke Meyer admitted the call-up of Euro-based players is the result of the success of an earlier 'experiment'.

The All Blacks kick off their 2013 home schedule with a rerun of last year's World Cup final as they host France at the same venue in June.

Springbok wing Bryan Habana was on Thursday named South African Rugby Player of the Year for the third time.

It will be a bottom-of-the-table clash when Sale Sharks take on London Irish to kick off the Premiership action on Friday.

Bulls coach Frans Ludeke welcomed the confirmation that Lionel Mapoe and Callie Visagie will be on loan to the Pretoria side for the 2013 Super Rugby season.

Lock star James Percival on Thursday committed his future to Worcester Warriors after signing a new long-term contract at the Sixways club.

Table topping Ulster welcome Edinburgh to Ravenhill in one of three Pro12 games Friday.

Fit-again Berrick Barnes believes he will have to battle his way back into the Wallaby team off the bench on the upcoming European tour.

The GLRU are locked in renewed discussion with lawyers, after the unpleasant John Mitchell saga took an intriguing new twist this week.

It was a case of close but no cigar for the Durban-based Sharks in 2012 as assistant coach Grant Bashford assesses the season.

Former All Black flyhalf Nick Evans will conclude his career in England after signing a new three-year contract with Harlequins.

While there were other offers on the table, Bandise Maku feels the Kings offer him the best prospect of fulfilling the ambition of adding to his Springbok cap.

Having had a taste of international rugby, Wales fullback Liam Williams is determined to get game time in the November Tests.

The British and Irish Lions are sweating on the fitness of a number of key candidates for their tour to Australia next year.

Wallaby captain Nathan Sharpe continued his remarkable swansong season by winning the John Eales Medal.

Three players will be in a straight 'shoot-out' to fill one remaining flyhalf spot in the Springbok squad from next year onwards.

Quade Cooper will have to wait to learn if he has been forgiven by Wallaby coach Robbie Deans, but there is plenty of support for the puerile player.

England wing Chris Ashton has been suspended for the start of his country's November Tests.

Springbok team doctor Craig Roberts is certainly a straight-talking man.

The Sale Sharks on Wednesday confirmed the roles of John Mitchell and Bryan Redpath.

Ulster have strengthened their long-term front row options with the news that Callum Black and Rob Herring have signed contract extensions.

New Edinburgh signing Izak van der Westhuizen declared himself fit and raring to go on his arrival from South Africa on Wednesday.

Bath coach Gary Gold has backed Springbok coach Heyneke Meyer’s selection of European-based players for the year-end internationals.

Heyneke Meyer has faced his share of criticism in his short tenure as a Test coach, especially as he only has a 44 percent success rate.

An expected move abroad is seemingly the reason behind All Black loose forward Adam Thomson's omission from the 2013 Highlanders Super Rugby squad.

The mounting injury count has forced Springbok coach Heyneke Meyer to place Wasps lock Marco Wentzel on standby for South Africa's year-end tour.

Scotland coach Andy Robinson has named Saracens loose forward Kelly Brown as captain for the November Tests, starting against world champions New Zealand.

Wales loose forward Ryan Jones is an injury doubt for his side's opening November international against Argentina after being sent home with a shoulder problem.

England wing Chris Ashton could be suspended for the start of his country's November Tests after he was asked to appear at a disciplinary hearing on Wednesday.

France captain Pascal Pape has admitted that he faces a taxing month in replacing injured first choice skipper Thierry Dusautoir for the three November Test matches.

Cheetahs lock Carl Wegner will play in the French Top 14 for Stade Francais for the next two years, after which he intends on returning to Bloemfontein.

There were four teams in the two Currie Cup semifinals this year, and an Old Dalian in each team.

The New Zealand Super Rugby franchises have announced their squads for the 2013 season, with some high-profile movements setting up another competitive conference.

The Western Province Rugby Union has moved quickly to clarify an incident on their open-topped bus tour of Cape Town in which players gave money to supporters.

All Blacks star Sonny Bill Williams underwent surgery for a chest injury on Wednesday, which has ended his hopes of fighting South African heavyweight Francois Botha next month.

Controversial Wallabies flyhalf Quade Cooper has been fined a total of $60,000 for his critical comments about the Australian squad.

Loose forward Alexandre Lapandry has been called up by France coach Philippe Saint-Andre for the first of the three November Tests in place of the injured flank Wenceslas Lauret.  

Sale Sharks chief executive Steve Diamond has revealed that he will take charge of the team for the rest of the season, after Bryan Redpath was removed from his post as director of rugby.

Western Province ended an 11-year wait for Currie Cup glory when they beat the Sharks 25-18 in the Final at Kings Park last Saturday.

The tournament to crown the @lantic Schools Sevens champion of South Africa will take place on Friday 2 November and Saturday 3 November at Hoërskool Garsfontein in Pretoria.

It was on Tuesday announced that proposed format changes for the European and Challenge Cup competitions will be evaluated in detail.

Matthew Rees has backed Wales’s young tighthead trio to fill the boots of Ospreys cornerstone Adam Jones during the year-end internationals.

Harlequins centre Matt Hopper has signed a two-year contract extension with the current Premiership champions.

Ireland captain Brian O'Driscoll and hooker Rory Best have both been ruled out of the year-end internationals due to injury.

England coach Stuart Lancaster on Tuesday announced that Chris Robshaw will captain the side in their end-of-year internationals.

The All Blacks are set to blood a new captain on their four-match end-of-year tour to Europe.

The Australian Rugby Union (ARU) has finalised a review of their corporate structures in an attempt to grow the game in Australia.

Destructive Wales centre Jamie Roberts has joined his teammates at a training camp in Poland after recovering fully from his knee injury.

Sports minister Fikile Mbalula has commended SARU for taking the lead in fast-tracking transformation in the sport.  

After a drought of 11 years, the Currie Cup trophy toured Cape Town on Tuesday.    

Argentina lock Manuel Carizza has signed with Top 14 club Racing Metro as medical cover following injuries suffered by New Zealander Johnny Leo'o.

Elton Jantjies believes that his loan season with the Stormers will provide the perfect environment to take his game to the next level.

Just before the Nomber Tests there is lots to keep referees out of mischief.

South Africa's Olympic boss, Gideon Sam, has called on rugby unions and role players in the sport to make transformation a top priority.

France's national soccer and rugby coaches, Didier Deschamps and Philippe Saint-Andre, have painted a contrasting picture of their players.

Paul Treu's South African Sevens team has been bolstered by the addition of a number of Currie Cup stars.

Johan Ackermann was expected to be a shoe-in to replace John Mitchell as Lions head coach, but he may have some competition.

An unprecedented seven-game losing streak at the start of the season has cost Bryan Redpath his job as Sale Sharks' Director of Rugby.

The proposed boxing showdown between SAs former world heavyweight champion Francois Botha and All Black superstar Sonny Bill Williams may be put on ice.

UAE Rugby will team up with the South African-based Super Rugby franchise the Sharks.

French club Perpignan have agreed to release lock Luke Charteris for Wales’ clash with the Wallabies at the Millennium Stadium on December 1.

Seven players have been called up to the Ireland training squad after a bruising weekend of Pro12 action that also claimed Irish captain Brian O'Driscoll as a casualty.

South African rugby’s worst kept secret was confirmed on Monday.  

The Springboks received a timely boost on Monday with the news that vice-captain Adriaan Strauss is fit to tour with the squad to Europe.

There are some possible alterations to the Laws of the Game that may be used in the November Tests.

Western Province claimed South Africa's most prized trophy, the Currie Cup, but it was not enough to dominate our famous Team of the Tournament.

Football giants Kaizer Chiefs have assembled an experienced Sevens team to compete in the inaugural Premier League tournament in George in December.

New Waratahs coach Michael Cheika has handed the final spot in his squad for next season to rookie club flyhalf Ben Volavola.  

Springbok forwards Francois Louw and Adriaan Strauss will both undergo fitness tests on Monday before being cleared to join Heyneke Meyer's squad.

New Brumbies recruit Etienne Oosthuizen has made no secret of his ambitions to represent Australia in the Test arena.

Dane Coles believes that his All Blacks call-up came as a result of tightening up his game and focusing on the core roles of being a hooker.

The Australian conference champions, the Reds, have bolstered their squad by adding former Brumbies and Rebels prop Jono Owen to the roster for 2013.

Kiwi lock Hoani Macdonald has been released from hospital after recovering from a shock heart attack during the NPC semifinal last week.

Discarded Wallaby loose forward Scott Higginbotham said Monday he was finding it hard to deal with missing the team's European tour.

Outspoken Australian flyhalf Quade Cooper is desperate to play for the Wallabies again despite his controversial comments about the team environment.

Problem gambler Willie Ripia has been named in the Maori side for their short tour to the United Kingdom, 10 months after quitting the Force after being caught stealing from his teammates.

All Black coach Steve Hansen on Monday named uncapped scrumhalf Tawera Kerr-Barlow and fellow rookie Dane Coles in his 32-man squad.

Juan de Jongh showed more than a few different moves at Kings Park on Saturday.

Harlequins moved to the top of the English Premiership on Sunday after a fortuitous last-minute try from Tom Casson gave them a 31-28 win over London Irish.

The selection of Schalk Brits ahead of Deon Fourie for the Springboks’ end-of-year tour is as baffling as it is surprising.

Springbok coach Heyneke Meyer is planning on laying the foundations for success in the 2015 World Cup on the upcoming tour of Europe.

Springbok coach Heyneke Meyer has recalled two European-based forwards and included five uncapped players in his squad to tour Europe.

Western Province coach Allister Coetzee believes his team’s unlikely Currie Cup triumph in Durban on Saturday was “written in the stars.”

Sharks coach John Plumtree was left frustrated with the way his team was shut down by Western Province in the Currie Cup Final.

The Blues have snapped up Chiefs centre Jackson Willison to fill the void left by Ma'a Nonu's controversial exit to the Highlanders.

The world champion All Blacks have been boosted by a number of key players committing their futures to New Zealand rugby.

Former All Blacks centre Sonny Bill Williams is confident that he will be fit to fight South African Francois Botha in a heavyweight boxing match next month after suffering a shoulder injury.

Fumiaki Tanaka will become the first Japanese to join a team in the Super Rugby competition next year after landing a deal with the Highlanders.

Leinster served up a 59-22 bonus point win over the Cardiff Blues at the RDS on Saturday, as Treviso toppled the Glasgow Warriors.

Freddie Burns showed England what they will be missing with a superb display in Gloucester's 27-21 win over Leicester.

Home ground  advantage was not enough for the Sharks to return to the summit of Currie Cup rugby on Saturday.

England pair Dylan Hartley and Courtney Lawes face a nervous wait to discover if they will be fit for the November Tests after suffering knee injuries in Northampton's 16-6 defeat against Saracens on Saturday.

WP coach Allister Coetzee believes that the defining feature of his team's Currie Cup victory was their character under pressure.

Western Province claimed their first Currie Cup since 2001 with a gritty 25-18 victory over the Sharks in a tense final at Kings Park on Saturday.

Western Province overcame the odds as they secured a tense 25-18 victory over the Sharks in Durban on Saturday to end an 11-year Currie Cup trophy drought.

The Blue Bulls beat Western Province 22-13 to take the Under-21 Final for 2012. They were the stronger side on the day.

All Black star Sonny Bill Williams injured his shoulder on Saturday playing for the Panasonic White Knights in Japan.

Although there was little doubt that the Cheetahs would retain their Currie Cup status, captain Robert Ebersohn admits that he is relieved.

Western Province beat the Blue Bulls 22-18 in the Final to take the Under-19 Cup for 2012.

Canterbury secured their fifth consecutive National Provincial Championship with a 31-18 victory over Auckland in Christchurch.

Former England star Andy Goode scored a try and booted 13 points as Worcester inflicted more misery on winless Sale with a 23-16 victory at Sixways on Friday.

Ruan Pienaar scored 21 points playing at flyhalf as unbeaten Ulster secured a 46-19 away Pro12 victory against the Dragons on Friday.

The first of the trilogy of Finals kicks off at noon at Kings Park -the Under-19 Finals between Blue Bulls and Western Province.

Wales tighthead prop Adam Jones has been ruled out of his country's November internationals due to a knee injury.

The Cheetahs secured their place in the Currie Cup next year by beating a 14-man Kings side 16-6 in a rainy Port Elizabeth on Friday.

Wales legend Shane Williams is considering extending his career in Japan for a second year.

The main curtainraiser to the Currie Cup Final is the Under-21 Final between the Blue Bulls and Western Province. It is probably a match that the Blue Bulls would expect to win.

Outspoken Wallaby flyhalf Quade Cooper will be called to account for his criticism of the Australian set-up at a code-of-conduct hearing on Wednesday.

For ebullient Alec Fortuin from Citrusdal in the Western Cape, it is the experience of a lifetime to go to the Currie Cup Final and in Durban nogal

England skills coach Mike Catt wants his players to evolve into multi-skilled All Black hybrids. 

England clubs may withdraw from negotiations in Dublin next week to resolve the structure of the European Cup after being excluded from a meeting of key European stakeholders in Paris.

It is Currie Cup Final time, while there is also Round Two of the promotion-relegation series.

England-based wing David Lemi will captain a Samoa squad including six new caps on its three-match rugby tour to Europe next month.

Wellington Lions head coach Chris Boyd has been announced as the new mentor of the New Zealand Under-20 team.

New Zealand Rugby Union (NZRU) boss Steve Tew on Friday said there had been "lessons learned" from Ma'a Nonu's controversial move from the Blues to the Highlanders.

The Currie Cup Final in Durban on Saturday offers Patrick Lambie a timely chance to prove he should be the Springbok flyhalf.

Those hoping to see some fresh faces on Sunday when Heyneke Meyer reveals his Bok squad, to tour Europe next month, are likely to be disappointed.

View from the Couch continues with Part Three of the comparison between SA and NZ rugby.

Western Province will have to produce something special if they are to prevent Sharks captain Keegan Daniel from lifting the Currie Cup on Saturday.

The Kings will need to scale their own version of Everest if they are to gain anything from their encounter with the Cheetahs.

The International Rugby Board has inducted brothers Richard and Kennedy Tsimba, two of Zimbabwe’s finest sportsmen, into the IRB Hall of Fame.

Australian utility back Matt Giteau on Thursday revealed he has signed a contract extension with French club Toulon.

After two emphatic European victories Worcestor Warriors will be keen to give their home crowd something to cheer about in the Premiership against Sale Sharks on Friday.

The focus turns once again to the Pro12 this weekend, with Ulster leading the table courtesy of their unbeaten run so far this season.

Western Province and the Sharks (a.k.a Natal) have met five times in Currie Cup Finals.

France and Toulouse will have to make do without hooker Christopher Tolofua after he received a six-week ban on Thursday.

NZRPA chief Rob Nichol has called for a review of the current judiciary system after another striking incident on All Black captain Richie McCaw.

Western Province captain Deon Fourie has made a dramatic about turn on his decision to join French club Toulon.

Utility forward James Craig on Thursday signed a new contract with the Northampton Saints.

Clermont return to Top 14 action on the weekend eager to extend their long-standing unbeaten home record.

The Sharks have entered the world of mobile technology through their mascot, Sharkie!

Gloucester flank Andy Hazell has been suspended for 14 weeks following a disciplinary hearing in Dublin on Thursday.

The Free State Cheetahs are determined to land a knock-out blow of note when they travel to Port Elizabeth on Friday to take on the EP Kings.

England coach Stuart Lancaster recalled a couple of big guns for his team's year-end Tests against the three Southern Hemisphere powerhouses.

Juan de Jongh knows that he needs to step up and show some leadership against a polished Sharks midfield combination at Kings Park this weekend.

Ireland coach Declan Kidney stood his ground in the face of criticism over his selection of South African hooker Richardt Strauss for the year-end Tests.

Wales have called on Scarlets prop Samson Lee to train with their squad preparing for the year-end Tests as cover for Ospreys tighthead Adam Jones.

Villainous Wallaby loose forward Scott Higginbotham has been dropped from the team's European tour.

Recently I received a brief to choose my best Currie Cup side of all time. It is a fun thing to do.

Sharks coach John Plumtree has named a Springbok-laden starting XV for Saturday’s Currie Cup Final against Western Province.

Captain JC Janse van Rensburg and utility back Lionel Mapoe were the big winners at the annual Golden Lions Rugby Union Players Award ceremony on Wednesday evening.

A frank Eddie Jones vented his frustration over Japan’s rugby development structure as he announced his 30-man squad for next month's tour of Europe.

Bath on Wednesday confirmed one of the worst-kept secrets - Nick Koster will join Francois Louw in England.

Having surpised themselves by opening their campaign with a victory over Western Province the Sharks want to end the Currie Cup in the same way.

The rise of young Springbok lock Eben Etzebeth was confirmed on Wednesday when he was nominated in three categories for the SARU awards.

The Lions will be one of the first teams to get a crack at the side that replaced them as a Super Rugby franchise, the Southern Kings.

The South African Rugby Union (SARU) has named 20 players to attend the second SA Sevens Under-17 training camp in preparation for the team’s participation at the Australian Youth Olympics in January in Sydney.

Damian de Allende's selection for the Currie Cup Final was a surprise for most, but not WP U21 coach John Dobson who expects him to shine at Kings Park.

Hoërskool Tygerberg of Parow in Cape Town's Northern Suburbs, could have as many as six players in the finals in Durban on Saturday.

In 2001 Nic Groom, aged 11, had a photo taken with his future WP & Stormers backline coach Robbie Fleck.

Ireland coach Declan Kidney wasted no time in calling up former Cheetahs hooker Richardt Strauss into the squad that will face SA next month.

The surprise selection of Damian de Allende is the only change to the Western Province team for Saturday's  Currie Cup Final against the Sharks.

Reports that Durban's purpose-built Moses Mabhida Stadium is running at a loss, have sparked renewed talks of the Sharks having to bale out the city's white elephant.

The Currie Cup is named after a man and was from the beginning a sponsor's trophy.

Scotland coach Andy Robinson has named seven uncapped players in his 34-man squad for training next week.

The Currie Cup is named after a man and was from the beginning a sponsor's trophy.

The Currie Cup is named after a man and was from the beginning a sponsor's trophy.

Veteran midfielder Gonzalo Tiesi has been recalled to the Argentinean squad for their year-end tour of Europe.

The Cheetahs will limp into PE on Friday with a changed team for their return match against the Kings in their promotion-relegation series.

It is 'unfair' to judge the Southern Kings' prospects for Super Rugby in 2013 based on the promotion-relegation series against the Free State Cheetahs.

Jaco Peyper, a referee enjoying a golden season, with referee his first Currie Cup Final in Durban on Saturday, one of 26 referees to referee a Final since the first Final in 1939.

Southland lock’s Hoani MacDonald's heart attack has sent a strong reminder to clubs and teams at grassroots level.

Western Province's toughest task in the Currie Cup Final this weekend will be to deal with the Sharks' dynamism.

Toulouse hooker Christopher Tolofua faces possible suspension after being shown red during Saturday’s European Cup clash with Treviso.

Darron Nell will captain an injury-hit EP Kings side in the second leg of their promotion/relegation play-off with the Cheetahs in Port Elizabeth on Friday.

Blue Bulls flyhalf Morne Steyn has been suspended for one week after being found guilty of foul play by a SARU Judicial Officer on Tuesday.

Bulls captain Pierre Spies has oficially extended his contract with the Pretoria franchise, and will remain at Loftus Versveld until Novermber 2015.

Sharks CEO Brian van Zyl has defended the price of tickets for the Currie Cup Final.  

In the last of the @lantic Sevens Series tournaments at schools, Kempton Park beat the hosts Monnas in the Final to win.

Sharks captain Keegan Daniel is desperate get his hands on some silverware this weekend after suffering consecutive finals defeats as skipper.

Springbok flank Jacques Potgieter will undergo surgery on a troublesome groin injury which will rule him out of action for the rest of the year.

Crusaders outside back Sean Maitland, who qualifies to play for Scotland, has become the latest southern hemisphere star to sign for Glasgow Warriors.

Don't you admire the enthusiasm of South Africa's rugby teachers? Here we are gearing up for end-of-year exams and they are in an advanced stage of preparing next year's Festivals.

South African flank Gerhard Vosloo will be out of action for up to two months after sustaining a stress fracture of the pelvis, his French club side Clermont announced on Tuesday.

London Wasps boss David Young will coach the Barbarians against the British and Irish Lions in Hong Kong next June, in only the second-ever game between the sides.

The big match is the Final of the Currie Cup, a competition that has been going since 1892. The referee for this occasion is Jaco Peyper, the 26th referee to referee a Currie Cup Final.

John Mitchell is poised to take control of the Sale Sharks once he cuts ties with the Lions, and has a special plan for Danny Cipriani.

The Sharks believe that their superior balance between attack and defence has given them the edge over their opposition this season.

ARU CEO John O'Neill has dismissed as "insulting and ill-informed" claims by All Blacks coach Steve Hansen that Australia is stealing New Zealand players.

The Cheetahs started preparations for round two of their battle with the Kings facing a new injury crisis.

The one plays alongside two props. The other starred alongside Will Smith.

The one plays for the Stormers, the other is the god of storms.

Wallaby legend Stephen Larkham has been inducted into the Sport Australia Hall of Fame for his contribution to Rugby Union.

Former Super Rugby-winning Chiefs prop Sona Taumalolo has been included in a 35-man Tonga squad for their tour to Europe.

With more rain expected at Kings Park this weekend Western Province coach Allister Coetzee has a few cunning plans to deal with the wet conditions.

The Sharks are seemingly peaking at the perfect time as they prepare to play host to Western Province in Saturday’s Currie Cup Final.

The Kings will hope that a few of their more senior players return for the second match in the promotion-relegation series against the Cheetahs on Friday.

Given their comprehensive drubbing of the Blue Bulls, it is not surprising that the Sharks dominate out weekly selection.

While there were a few players on the sidelines on Monday, there are no new injury concerns for Western Province ahead of the Currie Cup final this weekend.

Blue Bulls flyhalf Morne Steyn and prop Morne Mellett have both been cited for incidents of foul play in the Currie Cup semifinal against the Sharks.

Wilson Whineray, great man and great All Black captain, died in Auckland on  Monday at the age of 77.

Star centre Jamie Roberts has been named in a 35-man Wales squad for the Tests against Argentina, Samoa, New Zealand and Australia at the Millennium Stadium next month.

Jaco Peyper, who has been having a glorious refereeing year, has been appointed to referee the Currie Cup Final of 2012.

Southland player Hoani MacDonald will be moved out of Middlemore Hospital's intensive care unit.

Ulster captain Johann Muller suffered a hand injury in last Friday's 19-6 European Cup win over Glasgow at Scotstoun.

Scott Higginbotham has been handed a two-week suspension for striking Richie McCaw and will miss the Tests against France and England next month.

The Wallabies have reacted with indignation and outrage over claims that Australia are just 'poaching' New Zealand players instead of developing their own.

On Saturday, the Golden Lions played the Western Province in Johannesburg. Early in the match there was an incident which may be worthy of mention - a yellow-card incident.

The re-launch of the Western Force has been enhanced with the recruitment of former Wallabies lock/flank Hugh McMeniman for the 2013 Super Rugby season.

Western Province fans had three very good reasons to celebrate at the weekend.

Western Province coach Allister Coetzee believes his team has finally shed the unwanted tag as 'tournament chokers'.

France captain Thierry Dusautoir will be out for up to six weeks after injuring his knee in European Cup action for Toulouse.

The Lions may be out of the Currie Cup and stripped of their Super Rugby status, but they are not an extinct species.

Toulon laboured past the Cardiff Blues in European Cup action on Sunday, as Munster ran out comfortable victors over pointless Edinburgh.

Bulls coach Pine Pienaar and captain Dewald Potgieter bemoaned the team's poor performance and lack of discipline.

Wasps top Pool Three following their 59-12 bonus point win over debutants Mogliano on Sunday.

It was confirmed at the Annual General Meeting of the Wales Rugby Union (WRU) that Welsh rugby enjoyed a record year.

Sharks coach John Plumtree hailed 2012 as a year he will never forget, after his team reached their third consecutive Final.

The contrasting styles of coastal rivals the Sharks and Western Province will make for an especially intriguing Currie Cup Final at Kings Park on Saturday.

WP coach Allister Coetzee moved swiftly to dispel suggestions that his team will launch into premature celebrations.

Seven All Blacks have been made available for selection to their home provinces for this weekend's NPC finals.

New Zealand player Hoani MacDonald is emerging from an induced coma, after his shock collapse during a NPC semifinal.

The Wallabies expect star flank David Pocock to be available for next month's European tour.

Ian Humphreys helped to cement London Irish's position at the top of the Europe Challenge Cup Pool One.

New Zealand players and officials were fuming over the "cheap shot" of Australian loose forward Scott Higginbotham on Richie McCaw.

Defending champions Leinster made it two from two with a victory over Scarlets in European Cup action on Saturday.

Western Province advanced to the 2012 Currie Cup Final when they edged a willing Lions team 21-16 in their semifinal in Johannesburg on Saturday.

The Sharks ensured they will host the 2012 Currie Cup Final, when they beat the Blue Bulls 20-3 in their semifinal in a wet Durban on Saturday.

Wallaby forward Scott Higginbotham has been cited for two offences in Australia's 18-all draw with New Zealand in Brisbane on Saturday.

The EP Kings find themselves in a deep, dark tunnel after their 14-53 hammering at the hands of the Free State Cheetahs in Bloemfontein on Friday.

The Free State Cheetahs are confident of retaining their place in the Currie Cup competition.

Wallaby captain Nathan Sharpe spearheaded Australia’s gutsy performance to hold the All Blacks to a draw in Brisbane on Saturday.

Dan Carter missed a drop-goal attempt six minutes after the final siren as the Wallabies ended the All Blacks' winning run.

Australia ended New Zealand's amazing run of victories when the two sides played to a thrilling 18-all draw in their Bledisloe Cup Test on Saturday.

All Black No.8 Kieran Read underlined his status as the best eighthman in world rugby in Saturday’s Bledisloe Cup clash in Brisbane.

A prominent New Zealand player, Hoani MacDonald, who has played in Australia and Wales, collapsed with a suspected heart attack in a NPC match on Saturday.

Ulster claimed their second win in two European Cup outings this season with a gritty 19-8 win at Glasgow.

The EP Kings were given a huge reality check when the Cheetahs smashed them 53-14 in the first of their two promotion-relegation matches.

Cecil Afrika underwent minor surgery on Thursday to repair damage to his knee after he sustained an injury at the Gold Coast Sevens last week.

Wales' four regions have turned down an offer to contract their Welsh international players centrally.

We have a weekend full of drama, starting with a promotion-relegation match on Friday.

Fiji Warriors celebrated their successful IRB Pacific Rugby Cup defence with a last-gasp 42-34 win over Samoa A on Monday.

Former Australia coach John Connolly says Quade Cooper should be banned for a year for his "unforgivable" lambasting of the Wallabies.

All Black coach Steve Hansen says they face a tough test in Brisbane on Saturday as the Wallabies are a ‘dangerous animal’ at Suncorp Stadium.

The dates for National Weeks in 2013, including the Under-18 Craven Week have been adjusted.

Western Province are hoping that Golden Lions coach Johan Ackermann's decision to rest his frontline players last week backfires in their semifinal.

Clermont Auvergne lock, Nathan Hines has been suspended for six weeks for stamping on Scarlets wing Morgan Stoddart in their European Cup clash last week.

Toulon face Cardiff Blues in the second round of the European Cup on Sunday a revamped side from the one that lost the Challenge Cup final to the Welsh region three seasons ago.  

Wallabies skipper Nathan Sharpe knows that his team will have to produce their best performance all year if they are to end the All Blacks' winning streak this weekend.

It is the third Bledisloe Cup match of 2012 when Australia play New Zealand at Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane - not that the cup is really up for grabs.

View from the Couch continues with Part Two of the comparison between SA and NZ rugby.

Francois Louw's last-gasp try secured a vital 27-22 Challenge Cup away win for Bath at Agen on Thursday.

The Golden Lions are aiming to score their fifth consecutive Currie Cup win over Western Province.

Durban has a habit of pitching the proverbial curve-ball when it comes to play-off time.

Eben Etzebeth played his first match for WP, after playing for South Africa in Test matches.  Unusual but not unique.

Saracens will be playing at "home" in Brussels against Racing-Metro in an intriguing second round of European Cup action this weekend.

The Kings will look to take their first step towards national vindication when they face the Cheetahs in Bloemfontein on Friday night.

Western Province may have lost the services of two of their most seasoned forwards, but they still have enough firepower to account for the Golden Lions.

Wallaby utility back James O'Connor has ruled himself out of Australia's end-of-year tour to Europe.

Scarlets wing Morgan Stoddart will face no further punishment after he was issued a red card during Saturday’s European Cup match against Clermont.

On Saturday New Zealand and Australia again play a Bledisloe Cup, the third this year. But who/what/where was/is Bledisloe?

The Sharks dominated the Currie Cup awards for October. John Plumtree and Cobus Reinach were named as the coach and player of the month respectively.

Blue Bulls fans can rest assured - Springbok Pierre Spies is not about to depart from their beloved Jacaranda city.

Springbok Jean Deysel will win his 50 Currie Cup cap for the Sharks in Saturday's semifinal, when they host the Blue Bulls in Durban.

The all-conquering New Zealand All Blacks will equal the most number of consecutive wins by a major Test playing nation if they down Australia.

Michael Cheika has made another change to the Waratahs' coaching structure.

Bordeaux-Beglès' Fijian back row forward Sisa Koyamaibole has been banned for three months for biting an opponent last week.

Recently we spoke about the need for clear law to avoid private or regional interpretations in the application of law. If this is needed at the top end of refereeing, how much more so must it be needed lower down?

The laws of a game are what makes a game distinct from any other game. The laws are the essence of the game and as they are expressed in words, the words are important. An important quality of the words is clarity.

All Black legend Brad Thorn will return to New Zealand next year. He has signed a one-year contract with the Highlanders.

Prop Ben Alexander has become the latest Australian player to be ruled out by injury, when he withdrew from the Wallaby.

Springbok lock Eben Etzebeth, was presented with the WP Forward of the Year and the WP Players' Player of the Year Award on Wednesday.

Sharks captain Keegan Daniel says his team won’t let an opportunity to host the Currie Cup Final slip through their fingers this weekend.

All Black hooker Keven Mealamu will earn his 100th Test cap in the Bledisloe Cup Test in Brisbane on Saturday.

Wasps lock Richard Birkett, who made his 250th appearance for the club last season, has been forced to retire from rugby as a result of a neck injury.

Springbok flank Francois Louw is eagerly anticipating his return to action against Agen in France on Thursday.

Deon Fourie will have a crucial role to play for Western Province against the Lions this weekend, and not just because he has taken the captaincy back.

A good deed will come full circle next month when two Graeme College pupils wing their way to Britain next month to take part in a rugby exchange programme.

Most teams tend to become more conservative in play-offs, but the Golden Lions have no such plans in the Currie Cup semifinal on Saturday.

Cheetahs coach Naka Drotské received some good news as he revealed the team to tackle the Eastern Province Kings in the first of two promotion-relegation matches.

"Freakish" Injuries to Andries Bekker and Tiaan Liebenberg have left the Boks even thinner on resources for the year-end tour of Europe.

Springbok captain Jean de Villiers has become the third Western Province international this week to be ruled out of their Currie Cup semifinal.

Ma'a Nonu's decision to leave the Blues for the Highlanders has caused more than just a minor stir in New Zealand.

Blue Bulls coach Pine Pienaar made no changes to the side that beat the Golden Lions last week, for their Currie Cup semifinal clash against the Sharks.

 One of South African's great servants George Davids died at his home in Gelvan Park, Port Elizabeth on Monday.

Crusaders assistant coach Daryl Gibson has quit suddenly, saying he doesn't want to be solely a defence coach next year.

Cobus Grobbelaar, one of the true Transvaal and Lions legends, has decided to call it a day.

New Waratahs coach Michael Cheika showed he's all about hard work, on Wednesday sending the squad on a gruelling running session up the South Coogee Steps.

Edinburgh duo Greig Laidlaw and Tim Visser face a race against time to be fit for Sunday's European Cup tie against Munster.

The Ospreys have bolstered their front row depth with the signing of versatile front row forward Dimitri Arhip.

Wallaby scrumhalf Will Genia could become the latest high-profile player to take up an offer to play in Japan.

Two players will face disciplinary hearings on Thursday following the opening round of the European Cup at the weekend.

Sharks coach John Plumtree’s healthy selection dilemma is causing him sleepless nights ahead of the weekend’s Currie Cup play-offs.

Glasgow Warriors have signed Argentina tighthead prop German Araoz on a three-month contract as vital front row cover.  

Centre Wayne Stevens will lead the EP Kings in the first leg of their promotion/relegation play-off with the Cheetahs in Bloemfontein on Friday.

Bryce Lawrence, who was the target of much anger after his refereeing of the World Cup quarterfinal last year, has decided to retire from active refereeing.

France coach Philippe Saint-Andre has called up eight uncapped players for his 33-strong squad to prepare for November's Test matches against Australia, Argentina and Samoa.

Lions coach Johan Ackermann has made 11 changes to his starting XV to face Western Province in their Currie Cup semifinal clash in Johannesburg on Saturday.

Free State Rugby Union President Lyndsey Mould is determined to solve the 'problems' that saw the Cheetahs finish with the Currie Cup Wooden Spoon.

Wallabies flank David Pocock is not confident that he will recover from his knee injury in time to tour Europe next month.

The Blue Bulls are determined to overcome the odds and rain on the Sharks parade on Saturday.

The All Blacks are confident that the possible absence of coach Steve Hansen will not affect their preparations for the Bledisloe Cup clash with Australia this weekend.

All Blacks loose forward Chris Masoe was voted Top 14 player of the year by his fellow players on Monday.  

All Blacks centre Ma'a Nonu plans to switch to the Highlanders for the 2013 Super Rugby season, ending his one-year stint with the Auckland Blues.

Seasoned Wallabies Adam Ashley-Cooper and Wycliff Palu will return to the Australian side for the Test against New Zealand this weekend.

Lions coach Johan Ackermann had his worst fears realised when a player he wanted to hold back last week was injured.

Ireland captain Brian O’Driscoll fancies a Super Rugby stint before he retires, with the Waratahs favourites to secure his signature.

With captain Luke Watson already sidelined the EP Kings may also have to do without the experienced Darron Nell against the Cheetahs this weekend.

Free State Cheetahs assistant coach Hawies Fourie admitted there is concern over Springbok prop Coenie Oosthuizen's best assets - his neck and back.

After a disappointing start to the IRB Sevens World Series, defending Dubai Sevens champions England will face another tough task in Round Two.

WP coach Allister Coetzee shared some interesting thoughts on his selection recipe on Monday.

Hoërskool Garsfontein, who recently won the Sevens in Pretoria which they hosted, have this time won the Cup in Kempton Park, just beating the Rooibulle of Middelburg in the Final of this, the 14th @lantic Sevens Series of 16 in 2012..

Sharks coach John Plumtree has some interesting selection posers ahead of his team's Currie Cup semifinal against the Blue Bulls at Kings Park.

Griquas player Jannie Boshoff will appear before SARU judicial officer Jannie Lubbe in Bloemfontein on Tuesday.

Wallabies wing Digby Ioane has been ruled out of the Bledisloe Cup clash with the All Blacks in Brisbane this weekend due to a knee injury.

Although the trophy cabinet is already full All Blacks assistant coach Ian Foster is not worried about his side lacking motivation this weekend.

Western Province will have to do without injured Springbok tight forwards Andries Bekker and Tiaan Liebenberg in their semifinal against the Lions this weekend.

The three teams that recorded convincing victories in the final round of Currie Cup league action have been rewarded in our latest weekly offerings.

Wallabies coach Robbie Deans has said that instead of being intimidated by the All Blacks, his side are relishing the challenge of ending their unbeaten run.

Tension does not abate this weekend as an exciting Currie Cup season goes into the semifinals and the unpredictable. We look at semifinals down the years.

Kurtley Beale may have taken Quade Cooper's flyhalf spot, but he is still hopeful of seeing the controversial plamaker back in the Wallabies squad.

In Brisbane there is the last of the Bledisloe Cup matches - a fixture though New Zealand have already won it. In New Zealand and South Africa it is semifinal time and in Europe all those competitions bustle into their second round.

The GLRU hope to wrap up the unpleasant coaching saga involving former All Black coach John Mitchell before the end of the month.

Four-time champions Toulouse cruised past Leicester 23-9 in the torrential rain on Sunday in a battle of European Cup heavyweights.

The new logo on the All Blacks jersey could have been even bigger.

Wallabies wing Digby Ioane is still recovering from a knee injury and may miss the  Bledisloe Cup clash with New Zealand this weekend.

Although they lost their semifinal to eventual champions Fiji, Blitzbokke coach Paul Treu was encouraged by his team's efforts at the Gold Coast.

England’s Chris Cracknell and Mathew Turner both face spells out of the game after sustaining injuries on the first day of the Gold Coast Sevens.

Cheetahs coach Naka Drotske has urged his side to prove they belong in the Currie Cup when they take on the EP Kings in the next fortnight.

Despite fielding a weakened side against the Bulls, the Golden Lions were struck by injuries to Lionel Mapoe and Deon van Rensburg.

Although relieved at sneaking into the play-offs, the Blue Bulls are determined to keep their focus ahead of their clash with the Sharks.

Western Province need their Boks to make the difference when they attempt to turn the Currie Cup tide against the Lions on Saturday.

Fiji defeated New Zealand 32-14 in the Cup final of the Gold Coast Sevens to successfully defend their title and claim the first Cup of the World Series.

Sailosi Tagicakibau led the charge as London Irish made light work of Bordeaux-Begles in Pool One of the European Challenge Cup.

Defending champions Leinster struggled past debutants Exeter in a scrappy 9-6 victory in their European Cup opener on Saturday.

The Blue Bulls secured themselves a place in the Currie Cup semifinals when they ran rampant against the Golden Lions, winning 50-29 in Johannesburg.

Springbok prop Coenie Oosthuizen's injury woes took another turn when he suffered a fresh setback at Newlands on Saturday.

Western Province eased into the Currie Cup play-offs with a commanding 36-15 win over a pitiful Free State Cheetahs team in Cape Town on  Saturday.

The Eastern Province Kings ended an unbeaten season when they edged the Pumas 26-25 in a thrilling First Division Final in Port Elizabeth on Saturday.

John Plumtree sang the praises of returning Springbok back Patrick Lambie, after he played a key role in helping the Sharks finish top of the Currie Cup log.

South Africa recorded one of their most emphatic wins ever over New Zealand on the IRB Sevens World Series.

All Black fans have reacted angrily to the NZRU's decision to sell commercial space on the front of the team's jersey.