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The Lions started their return to Super Rugby with a runaway 52-14 win over the NWU Pukke team on Friday.

Two pupils of Muir College in Uitenhage , one in Grade 11 and one in Grade 12, went to Noord-Kaap in Kimberley on a rugby bursary, but did not stay long. They are a promising pair of centres.

London Wasps have moved to bring in experienced Australian scrumhalf Brett Sheehan until the end of the season.

The Cape Town 10s tournament has attracted several international and local legends, who will be participating in 2014.

The South African Rugby Union confirmed that a group of 17 players had been contracted for the Springboks 2014 campaign.

The business of poaching/attracting schoolboy rugby players has reached enormous proportions in the Falcons Rugby Union.

Wallaby flyhalf Quade Cooper is not about to give up his dream of making a success of both his rugby and boxing careers.

Wallaby coach Ewen McKenzie has backed the Brumbies to build on their appearance in the Super Rugby Final last season.

Ospreys revealed that Welsh star Alun Wyn Jones has committed his future to the region.

Sharks loose forward Marcell Coetzee aims to re-invent himself and establish himself as South Africa’s next top fetcher this season.

There is no doubt the Cheetahs are outright favourites for their pre-season Super Rugby outing against the Southern Kings on Saturday.

Edinburgh loose forward Cornell du Preez has avoided any further punishment for foul play after being called before an independent Disciplinary Hearing in Dublin on Thursday

Munster wing Keith Earls has been ruled out of Ireland's Six Nations campaign due to a knee injury he sustained against Edinburgh on Sunday.

Steve Borthwick will captain a strong Saracens side in Saturday's pre-season match against the Sharks at Allianz Stadium.

England International Christian Wade has signed a contract extension that will keep him in the black and gold of London Wasps.

Ireland No.8 Jamie Heaslip has signed a new three-year contract with the IRFU, which will see him remain at Leinster until at least June 2017.

Wales have suffered another setback with lock Ian Evans set to miss the Six Nations after being suspended for 12 weeks in Dublin on Thursday.

Wales fullback Leigh Halfpenny has confirmed that he will join French club Toulon from Cardiff Blues at the end of the season.

The trimmed 23-man French squad for the Six Nations opening round clash with England in Paris next weekend feature just nine backline players.

Wales coach Warren Gatland accepted the financial strength of French clubs is making it difficult to prevent players heading across the Channel.

The Springbok Sevens will be aiming for a third title in four years in Las Vegas in the fourth round of the IRB Sevens World Series this weekend.

The Bulls and Cheetahs will both feature new, and very different, looks this season.

Stuart Lancaster has insisted this season's Six Nations will not be a mere 'warm-up' ahead of next year's World Cup in England.

Scotland captain Kelly Brown is confident a once debilitating stammer will have no bearing on his ability to lead the side in this season's Six Nations.

France may have won the last four Six Nations following a B&I Lions tour, but coach Philippe Saint-Andre said that was no reason to expect similar success.

Tim Swiel will make his Sharks debut at flyhalf in the pre-season game against Premiership club Saracens at Allianz Stadium on Saturday.

Western Province and Stormers forward Michael Rhodes was cleared of further sanctions on Thursday.

Queensland Reds and Wallabies prop James Slipper is looking forward to the team’s first pre-season clash against the Chiefs in Toowoomba in three weeks.

The Cheetahs, like all Super Rugby teams, have a new playing strip for 2014.

The Lions have been forced into a late change of venue, ahead of their pre-season Super Rugby warm-up matches against the Leopards.

Springbok No.8 Duane Vermeulen wants to play a more prominent role with ball in hand for the Stormers in the 2014 Super Rugby season.

Before resuming their preparations for the Las Vegas leg of the IRB Sevens World Series, South Africa's national team went to school.

Brendan Venter's passion for coaching knows no bounds. His latest stop on a world-wide coaching tour is Port Elizabeth.

Dave Ewers wants to help Exeter Chiefs become a real force within the English game after he agreed a new two-year contract with the Premiership club.

Ireland captain Paul O'Connell says Brian O'Driscoll remains the standard bearer in the squad as he heads into his final Six Nations.

Springbok flank Marcell Coetzee has been withdrawn from the Sharks' touring party for Saturday’s pre-season clash against Saracens due to injury.

The IRB has approved has approved the use of a particular kind of goggles for those who have problems with their vision.

France captain Pascal Pape has hit out at a rash of high-profile foreign signings by Top 14 clubs, saying they were damaging the national side.

Scotland coach Scott Johnson said he would not lose sight of longer-term goals while trying to ensure the team remained competitive in the Six Nations.

Sam Warburton insisted the 'civil war' in Wales would not distract his side in their bid for an historic third successive Six Nations title.

Australia are set to face the giants of Sevens, New Zealand and Fiji, when the IRB World Series resumes in Las Vegas.

John Mitchell says that it is time to put his ego aside as he starts a new chapter of his coaching career with UKZN in the Varsity Shield.  

The Bulls may have the highest player turnover of all the franchises, but coach Frans Ludeke believes he still has the core of a successful team.

New Sharks captain Bismarck du Plessis will be counting on the support of his predecessor Keegan Daniel.

Queen's College, the great Queenstown school with great traditions and enthusiasm for sport, will play its rugby form March to August.

Springbok scrumhalf Ruan Pienaar tops the list of names forwarded for the European Cup Player of the Year awards.

Springbok Johan Goosen will start his comeback when he plays flyhalf for the Cheetahs against the Kings in a pre-season game on Saturday.

The Southern Kings will take to the field against the Cheetahs on Saturday with a mixture of experience and youth.

Stormers centre Juan de Jongh says it is imperative that they get this year's Super Rugby tournament off to a winning start.

The Cheetahs were made to work hard for their narrow 29-26 victory over the NMMU Madibaz in Port Elizabeth on Tuesday.

The Varsity Cup in 2014 will have three experiments which could, it is hoped, add a positive effect on rugby.

Keith Earls became the latest Ireland international to avoid the lure of foreign club rugby by signing a new contract with Munster.

English Premiership clubs will have an additional £500 000 to spend on players next season after agreeing an increase in the salary cap.  

Victor Matfield is not the only Springbok making a return after two years on the sidelines, with Schalk Burger also on a mission to get back to his best.

Lions coach Johan Ackermann named two 28-man sides to face the Leopards, in his team's first Super Rugby warm-up matches.

The Lions, more so than any other team this year, will be keen to trial their systems in Super Rugby's pre-season build-up. Jan de Koning reports.

Western Province and Stormers forward Michael Rhodes will appear before a South African Rugby Union judicial committee on Thursday.

The Springbok team arrived in Las Vegas, where they will defend their title at the United States leg of IRB's World Sevens Series.

Australia's best emerging talent will compete against national representative teams from Fiji, Japan, Samoa, Tonga and Argentina in the 2014 IRB Pacific Rugby Cup (PRC).

France coach Philippe Saint-Andre has admitted that the pressure is on his team to start winning after two poor Six Nations campaigns since he took over.

Jean Cook, imported from the Bulls, has jumped ahead of Sevens Springbok Johannes Prinsloo in the Cheetahs loose forward queue.

For the 17th time Graeme College of Grahamstown will be holding its rugby day with a fine array of Eastern Cape Schools. The event will take place on Human Rights Day, Friday 21 March 2014.

St Andrew's College of Grahamstown starts its rugby season with trials on 8 March 2014 with its first match a week later.

New Zealand Rugby have confirmed an inaugural 2014 National Under-19 Tournament would be held in Taupo in September.

Edinburgh loose forward Cornell du Preez and Connacht duo Kieran Marmion and Nathan White have been cited for foul play.

The Cheetahs will put their most prized asset on ice till the Super Rugby season starts. Jan de Koning reports.

The IRB's Sevens Series gets going again, this time in Las Vegas, Nevada which may just be more famous for things other than rugby.

Sale Sharks have announced the signing of Scottish lock Nathan Hines from French club Clermont on a two-year deal.

England coach Stuart Lancaster has called for changes to the laws that would make the game more appealing to spectators ahead of the 2015 World Cup.

Toby Flood admitted on Monday he'd agonised over the end-of-season move to France that is set to terminate the flyhalf's England career.

Ryan Jones looks set to miss Wales' opening two Six Nations matches after he sustained a hamstring injury at the weekend.

Craig Gilroy and Simon Zebo have been added to the extended Ireland squad as the coaching team await the outcome of a scan on Keith Earls.

The European Cup set a new pool stage attendance record as quarterfinal qualification went down to the wire once again at the weekend.

The Varsity Cup moves into its seventh year of existence in 2014, with some new exciting innovations planned for this season.

Ireland captain Paul O'Connell has turned down a potentially lucrative move to France in order to sign a new two-year contract that will keep him at Munster.

Cardiff Blues confirmed the signing of Samoa international centre Isaia Tuifua.

Recently re-signed Edinburgh scrumhalf Sean Kennedy joined English Premiership side London Irish on a month-long loan.

Thomas Waldrom says he is "excited" by the challenge that lies ahead after he sealed a move to the Exeter Chiefs from Premiership rivals Leicester Tigers.

SARU will host a ground-breaking national coaching symposium, where ideas will be shared between coaches from junior to Bok level.

Maritzburg College, which celebrated its 150th birthday last year, at Collegeas forever been one of the most influential rugby schools in South Africa. Fittingly they play some of South Africa's top schools.

Can you spin a ball longer that Danny Care and Nick Evans?

Hilton start their short, ten-match rugby programme in Pietermaritzburg in March and end it at home with the second match against Midlands rivals.

The excitement in Grant Doorey's husky Australian voice was palpable, as the Blues backs ran through their attacking moves.

Having watched the past weekend's action unfold, Leinster coach Matt O'Connor was pleased with the European Cup quarterfinal draw.

Rudi Dames, the newly appointed Glenwood 1st XV Rugby Coach is no stranger to the Green Machine family. Rudi has been assistant coach of the Glenwood 1st XV rugby squad since 2003.

There is good reason for Jake White to be optimistic ahead of the Sharks' 2014 Super Rugby campaign.He spoke to Jan de Koning.

France's hopes of a successful Six Nations tournament have suffered a major blow with captain Thierry Dusautoir ruled out of the tournament through injury.

After a drama-packed final round of pool matches, the European Cup quarterfinal line-up was confirmed on Sunday - and what a heavyweight line-up it is.

Munster and Clermont clinched home European Cup quarterfinals as they raced to comfortable wins over Edinburgh and Racing Metro on Sunday.

Irish club Connacht are reportedly facing a crippling shortfall of €900,000 at the end of the current financial year.

English Premiership clubs will reportedly benefit from a 10 percent rise in the salary cap in an attempt to halt the exodus of players to France.

Wales captain Sam Warburton will reportedly sign a new central contract - a first of its kind - with the Wales Rugby Union.

The venues have been confirmed for Ireland's two-Test tour of Argentina in June.

Sale Sharks have announced that both Mark Cueto and Tom Brady have signed new deals with the club.

Exeter Chiefs head coach Rob Baxter hailed his side's character after they ended their European Cup campaign with a win over Cardiff Blues on Saturday.

French international threequarter Alexis Palisson is to leave Toulon apparently, because he has, apparently, become frustrated with his lack of game time which begs the question: How French are French sides?

Saracens Director of Rugby Mark McCall was delighted with his side's 11-try response to their defeat in Toulouse six days earlier.

Leicester Tigers boss Richard Cockerill talked of 'tiny margins' after his side narrowly missed out on a home quarterfinal in the European Cup.

Jonny Wilkinson was delighted to see Toulon emerge from Scotstoun with a victory that clinched a home European Cup quarterfinal for the reigning champions.

Ruan Pienaar says he's not worried about the fact that no team winning all pool matches have been able to go on and win the European Cup title.

Jackson Willison is the latest player to ink a lucrative contract with an overseas club, signing a two-year deal with Top 14 French outfit Grenoble.

Ulster edged a huge European Cup encounter with Leicester Tigers to ensure they finished top of Pool Five and secured a home quarterfinal.

Wales lock Ian Evans could miss at least part of the Six Nations after he was sent off for stamping.

Coach Jamie Joseph readily admits his Highlanders team will be filled with a bunch of 'no-name branded' players.

Auckland player Akira Ioane has had to withdraw from the team for the Las Vegas Sevens tournament.

Carel Greeff is the latest Varsity Cup product looking to leave his mark in Super Rugby. rugby365 reports.

Jan de Koning reports on the news that the Border Rugby Football Union is bankrupt and can't pay their staff salaries.

Leinster became the seventh team to qualify for the European Cup quarterfinals with their bonus point victory over the Ospreys to win Pool One.

It may have been a low-key pre-season outing, but the Cheetahs put all their attacking prowess on display to beat Shimlas 66-19 on Friday.

Pontypridd's Adam Thomas returns to the fray to captain Wale at the IRB World Series in Las Vegas.

Chris Robshaw has been re-appointed England captain for the 2014 Six Nations.

Shaun Sowerby, who played a Test as a Springbok in 2002 and  turned 35 last July, is set to retire from playing the game, but hopes to become a coach.

Sharks Director of Rugby Jake White spoke to Jan de Koning about the upcoming trip to Saracens and team selection for the season ahead.

Three-time European Cup winners Leinster and English giants Saracens will look to secure their places in the last eight.

All Black coach Steve Hansen has few shortcomings in his team, with finding a long-term replacement at hooker top of his priorities in 2014.

French wing Vincent Clerc will return after nine months out with a knee injury when Toulouse face Italian side Zebre in the European Cup on Saturday.

After being the first South African to join the Western Force, many of Sias Ebersohn's countrymen have now joined him the west.

Cheetahs assistant coach Hawies Fourie chatted to Jan de Koning about the most dramatic change in the team - the departure of Robert Ebersohn.

rugby365 law guru Paul Dobson takes a look at how the Pitch Side Concussion Assessment works.

The closing series of pool matches in Europe's premier club tournament has its customary intrigue.

Waratahs coach Michael Cheika warns Israel Folau faces a challenging second year in Rugby Union despite his dream debut season last year.

The Night Series hosted and organised by Hoërskool Port Natal  and sponsored by Geldenhuys Broers Bedryf, a tyre firm, starts on 31 January 2014. It has been a popular way to get the school rugby season going. The series was started in Pinetown in 2000 and moved to Port Natal in 2008.

Quade Cooper says he’s flattered to be considered a candidate for the Australian captaincy and will look to continue where he left off last season.

MyPlayers Rights Management, which is responsible for the management of the collective interests of South African players, has appointed Louis von Zeuner as chairman.

New Zealand-born prop Rodney Ah You has expressed his delight after being included in the extended 44-man Ireland squad for the upcoming Six Nations.

Ireland flank Sean O'Brien has resisted the lure of French giants Toulon and signed a new contract with Leinster, the Irish Rugby Football Union announced.

A new, in-depth training programme called ClubWise has been launched by SARU to up-skill rugby club administrators to sustain and grow the game at grassroots level.

Wallaby centre Christian Lealiifano is working towards returning to full fitness to take on the Waratahs in the Brumbies’ Round Five clash on March 15.

Jake White may have departed, but the Brumbies will still have a strong South African influence in 2014.

Bismarck du Plessis, the world's best hooker, has been named captain of the Sharks for the 2014 Super Rugby season.

The ARU received 41 Expressions of Interest from across the country for this year's National Rugby Championship.

New Zealand will be without the services of star playmaker Tomasi Cama at the fourth leg of the IRB Sevens World Series in Las Vegas.

There is just a hint of a ceasefire in the long-standing war of words between the Welsh Rugby Union and the country's four regional teams.

World Cup-winning coach Jake White delivering a telling message at a recent Sharks coaching conference at Kings Park.

Springbok veteran Schalk Burger is spoiling to make his long awaited Super Rugby return for the Stormers after a two-year injury-enforced absence.

Cheslin Kolbe’s Super Rugby debut has been pushed back after the rising star suffered a serious knee injury during a Stormers training session on Tuesday.

In the wake of the Victor Matfield mania, rugby365 writer Paul Dobson suggests the only criterion should be: is he the best man for the job?

Uncapped 23-year-old Edinburgh wing Dougie Fife was named in a senior Scotland squad for the first time - ahead of the Six Nations next month.

The Sharks will use their trip to Saracens later this month test the dept of the squad ahead of the Super Rugby season.

Springbok and Bath flank Francois Louw is convinced his side can maintain their challenge on multiple fronts - even with some of their leading lights set for international duty.

Senior Springboks Jean de Villiers and Schalk Burger will head up the Stormers' leadership group in the 2014 Super Rugby season.

Former Maties hooker Rob Herring was named in Ireland's Six Nations squad alongside South African-born Ulster teammate Robbie Diack.  

James Gaskell and Henry Thomas will both leave Sale Sharks at the end of the current season.

South African coach Neil Powell named an experienced team to defend their IRB Sevens World Series tournament title at Las Vegas next weekend.

It may seem a pretty obvious statement, but Rebels lock Hugh Pyle is determined to finally realise his national aspirations.

Scottish chiefs are optimistic they are getting the better of parasites that have spoilt the once pristine Murrayfield pitch in time for the Six Nations.

France coach Philippe Saint-Andre vowed to banish a "difficult" 2013 to history and make this year one of "effectiveness" from his team.

The Currie Cup debate took an intriguing twist with a suggestion that pre-season play-offs should determine who play in the Premier Division.

Ever wondered what a Sevens Bok is up to when not traveling the globe?

South African-born loose forward Robbie Diack has been included in a 44-man Ireland squad for the forthcoming Six Nations.

Star hooker Kristian Dacey has put pen to paper on a new long-term contract to remain at Cardiff Blues.

London Wasps have announced that six players have signed contract extensions with the English club.

The BlitzBokke on Tuesday received a favourable draw for the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games, which gets underway on July 23.

Wales head coach Warren Gatland has named an experienced 32-man squad to defend the Six Nations title as his side look to create history in 2014.

International referee Nigel Owens was left "shaken" but not seriously hurt after a motorway accident on Monday.

After weeks of speculation Gloucester have finaly confirmed that England flyhalf Freddie Burns will leave the club at the end of this season.

The Cheetahs have suffered a major blow with the news that openside flank Heinrich Brüssow will undergo surgery on an injured toe which will rule him out for three months.  

Doubt has been cast over reports linking Springbok and Stormers outside back Gio Aplon to French clubs.

All Blacks flank Steven Luatua has apologised for his involvement in a controversial video..  

Scrumhalf Will Genia says that the Wallabies captaincy is the furthest thing from his mind as he prepares for another Super Rugby season with the Reds.

Despite their difficult financial situation, Fiji will definitely still take part in the Wellington Sevens tournament next month.  

Wales fullback Leigh Halfpenny was named the player of the year for 2013 by the British-based Rugby Union Writers' Club on Monday.  

Injury concerns are threatening to overshadow Wales coach Warren Gatland's Six Nations squad announcement on Tuesday.  

After ending seven lean years in 2013, the Cheetahs are ready to raise the Super Rugby bar. Jan de Koning chatted to Hawies Fourie.

Why on earth is this in the rugby union law book? Is it there just to ensure that the laws of the game are too complex for even the best human minds?

Fiji Sevens coach Ben Ryan has named an exciting 17-man training squad ahead of the fourth and fifth rounds of the IRB Sevens World Series.

Wales wing George North has found his try-scoring form once again after he dealt the Ospreys a heavy European Cup blow on Sunday afternoon.

Director of Rugby Lyn Jones has confirmed that fullback Dan Evans will not be offered a new Newport Gwent Dragons contract.

Professional players and coaches in England will take part in a compulsory concussion education programme before the start of next season.  

The Blues' high-profile Rugby League recruit Benji Marshall will take time to convert to Rugby Union.

The SARU Sevens Academy's victory at the Sevens Premier League tournament in George on Sunday capped a remarkable seven weeks in which they won three tournaments.

Mike Ellery is back in action for England at the fourth leg of the IRB Sevens World Series in Las Vegas later this month.

This is the last round of the pool matches in the European Cup and the Challenge Cup and the British & Irish Cup.

Graham Henry speaks about the Blues' pre-season preparations.

The Blues have withdrawn Culum Retallick from their squad for the upcoming Super Rugby season.

The Western Force will host two pre-season fixtures in Perth this year.

Eighteen European Cup clubs are still in contention for silverware, following a pulsating weekend of Round Five action.

Lions coach Johan Ackermann spoke, exclusively, to Jan de Koning about the changes to his squad ahead of the 2014 Super Rugby season.

More than most referees Jonathan Kaplan, born in Durban, educated in Johannesburg and living in Cape Town has been a member of referees' societies - six in all.

Super Rugby teams will step up their preparations for the upcoming season and shake off some rust in pre-season friendlies in the coming weeks.

England coach Stuart Lancaster is thrilled to welcome South African-born centre Brad Barritt back from injury ahead of the Six Nations.

Toulouse triumphed 21-11 over Saracens in their key European Cup Pool Three clash at Stade Ernest Wallon on Sunday to book their place in the quarterfinals.

Stuart Lancaster is adamant that the four new faces in England’s 35-man Six Nations squad can contribute to the 2015 World Cup.

Samurai beat giant-killers the Unlimited Titans 33-17 in the Cup Final on Sunday to secure back-to-back George Premier League Sevens titles.

Both sides were left feeling frustrated after Connacht beat Zebre 20-3 on Saturday night.

Leicester's unshakeable team spirit was at the heart of their bonus-point triumph at Treviso on Saturday, according to fullback Matthew Tait.

Clermont may have celebrated skipper Aurelien Rougerie's 50th European Cup outing with a 16-13 triumph at Harlequins on Saturday, but they don't want to stop there.

A heroic defensive effort saw Edinburgh ease to victory over Perpignan in their European Cup clash at Murrayfield on Saturday night.

A young Wellington side edged out Auckland 26-17 in the men’s Final of the National Sevens in Rotorua on Sunday to take out the title for the first time since 2002.

Cash-strapped Fiji pledged on Sunday to be back on side with the IRB in four months after its World Cup plans were hit when all financial aid was cut.

Fiji is facing the biggest crisis in it history, after the International Rugby Board pulled the financial plug on the Pacific Island nation.

For the seventh time Kearsney College plays host to its prestigious Easter Festival, again attracting several top schools.

The Wildeklawer tournament has become the most influential of the tournaments with its ability to attract a large number of top schools.

Defending champions Toulon and French rivals Clermont both secured places in the quarterfinals of the European Cup.

The star-studded Samurai and Kenyan teams cruised through Day One at the George Premier League Sevens tournament on Saturday.

Ulster head coach Mark Anscombe will be calling for a much more disciplined approach from his side when they travel to Welford Road next weekend.

Simon Easterby described his Scarlets' side's 19-13 win in Paris as "neither perfect nor pretty" but he was delighted to see it end a run of six successive defeats.

Sale Sharks took a step closer to the quarterfinals of the European Challenge Cup, but victory was over-shadowed by a serious injury to Worcester's Paul Warwick.

Ulster's Springbok Ruan Pienaar has set his sights on next weekend's European Cup clash with Leicester Tigers - a decisive Pool Five match.

This year South Africa's representative at the Sanix Rugby Youth Invitational tournament will be Paarl Boys' High.

Rumours that World Cup-winning Springbok Victor Matfield will come out of retirement has resurfaced.

Sale Sharks owners Brian Kennedy and Ian Blackhurst revealed that Gordon McKie has agreed to join the club as Chairman with immediate effect.

Yet again Glenwood High School of Durban as a cock-a-block fixture list for 2014 and yet again they are fearless in whom they play.

Afrikaanse Hoer Seunskool of Pretoria, known usually as Affies, is one of the top rugby schools in South Africa and has been so for many years.

Hoërskool Stellenberg/Stellenberg High Schools, founded in 1986,  is a dual medium school in Cape Town's Northern Suburbs, claiming to be the biggest school of its  kind in South Africa - and it has rugby ambitions.

Hoërskool Bellville was founded in 1937 and until 1994 was near Bellville station. Then it moved up the hill to smart new buildings and a view of Bellville.

Ulster beat Montpellier 27-16, but failed to grab a crucial fourth try which would have guaranteed them a European Cup quarterfinal place.

Boland Landbou, the small agricultural school near Paarl, each year produces astonishing teams from its small number of pupils. This year their first match in the Western Province is against Bishops in Rondebosch

The start to the season is disjointed because of long weekends but it does tun to 30 August 2014. The first fixture is on 12 April, the next on 10 May. It's not ideal and there are other excuses for not playing.

Exeter Chiefs back Jack Nowell has admitted he was "amazed" to hear that he has been named in Stuart Lancaster's England Six Nations squad.

The Stormers have joined the queue in Port Elizabeth to make use of the Southern Kings' talent pool.

The Eastern Province Kings may be keen, but they are a long way off from securing the services of Gary Gold.

Brive are now heavy favourites to qualify for the Challenge Cup quarterfinals from Pool Three after they edged out Newcastle Falcons at Kingston Park.

Toby Flood's decision to pursue a club career in France effectively cost him his England place.

Toulon coach Bernard Laporte has blasted French referee Laurent Cardona as "hopeless" and "completely incompetent".

The Cheetahs will head off the beaten track during their pre-season build-up, as they look to improve on last year's sixth-place finish in Super Rugby.

Versatile back Mirco Bergamasco was named in Italy's pre-Six Nations 30-man squad.

It is crunch time in Europe's premier club tournament, as we enter Round Five of the Euro Cup.

Forwards Declan Fitzpatrick and Stephen Ferris have agreed new contracts with Ulster and the IRFU.

George Ford was on Thursday included in a 30-man England Senior Elite Players Squad ahead of the Six Nations.

The world's best hooker, Bismarck du Plessis, is among 12 Springboks named in a provisional Sharks squad to play Saracens at Allianz Park.

Quade Cooper’s remarkable return could culminate with him becoming the next Wallaby captain after Ben Mowen’s shock decision to quit Australian rugby.

Edinburgh are confident that South African signing Carl Bezuidenhout can make the step up to the European Cup if called upon this week.

Springbok legend Breyton Paulse is looking for opportunities in coaching and will use th the Sevens tournament in George as a vehicle to showcase his talents.

The Waratahs will have a full contingent of Wallabies on deck when they run out at home for the first time in 2014.

The cash-strapped Fiji Rugby Union are struggling to pay the salary of high-profile Sevens coach Ben Ryan.

All Black wing Zac Guildford has signed a three-year contract with French club Clermont Auvergne.

Toby Flood's 60-cap England career could come to an end on Thursday when Stuart Lancaster names his initial elite player squad ahead of this season's Six Nations.

The Western Force have once again dipped into the South African market, announcing the signing of Sharks loose forward Brynard Stander.

Lions coach Johan Ackermann spoke to Jan de Koning about his team's build-up ahead of their return to Super Rugby.

Wallaby captain Ben Mowen said he will quit Australia and move to France later this year, ruling him out of the 2015 World Cup.

Wales scrumhalf Mike Phillips looks set to make his home debut for Racing Metro against his first professional side when the Scarlets head to Paris this Friday.

The International Rugby Board have announced they will not support a European competition that is not approved by all the national unions concerned.

Exeter Chiefs head coach Rob Baxter has confirmed that tighthead prop Hoani Tui is to leave the Premiership club at the end of the season.

Newport Gwent Dragons on Wednesday confirmed the signing of British and Irish Lions fullback Lee Byrne and Welsh international wing Aled Brew.

World Cup-winning Springbok Johann Muller will decide soon whether to hang up his boots or continue playing.

Fijian star Samisoni Viriviri confirmed he had signed with French club Montpellier and will switch to the Top 14 side in June.

Three members of the Springbok team have been included in the SA Sevens Academy team for the George Sevens Premier League tournament.

Saracens have named a powerful 23-man squad for the historic north-south clash against the Sharks of South Africa.

Scarlets wing Mike Poole is recovering well and has returned home after a third operation to stabilise a serious neck injury.

French flyhalf Jonathan Wisniewski is closing in on a move to Grenoble next season, a source close to the club said.

Ireland hooker Rory Best could make a quicker than forecast return after being included in Ulster's squad for their European Cup tie against Montpellier.

It is nothing more than a few distant murmurs at the moment, but there are already dissenting voices over the influx of South Africans at Edinburgh.

Lalakai Foketi has signed as a full-time member of the 2014 Rebels squad.

Win a copy of Dan Retief's 'Springboks and The Holy Grail'

Clermont received fresh injury concerns on Tuesday ahead of Saturday's crunch clash with Harlequins as Regan King and Damien Chouly were both ruled out.

Some things don't change in the European Cup. On January 7, 1996, Guy Noves was preparing Toulouse to take on Cardiff in the inaugural European Cup Final.

Joe Launchbury believes England will be tough to beat if they begin the Six Nations with the same intensity they showed against New Zealand in November.

Injured prop Euan Murray is unlikely to return to full fitness in time to play a role in Scotland’s Six Nations campaign.

Eastern Province Kings stalwart Siyabonga Mangweni has moved across from the field of play to the coaching staff.

Wales Sevens head coach Paul John has announced he will join Cardiff Blues as backs coach.

Toulouse skipper Thierry Dusautoir reckons last Saturday's win over ASM Clermont Auvergne will stand them in good stead for their return to European Cup action.

Toulon may rue the decision to move Saturday's vital European Cup Pool Two encounter with Cardiff Blues from the Stade Felix Mayol.

The defending champion Chiefs have been forced to look beyond their extended Super Rugby squad to cover for injuries during pre-season.

Clermont's European Cup hopes have been hit by the news that captain Julien Bonnaire has fractured his arm, the French Top 14 leaders said.

The journey is not quite complete yet, but Wallaby Stephen Hoiles could return to Super Rugby after two frustrating years on the sidelines.

The IRB has introduced, with immediate effect, a change to its scrumming procedure, eliminating the referee's verbal 'Yes, Nine' call.

The Blues will make a call on injured lock Culum Retallick's future in the side within the next two days.

Captain James Horwill returned to training with the Reds this week, as the team continues to prepare for the 2014 Super Rugby season.

rugby365 looks at how teams qualify for the Euro Cup play-offs and how deadlocks will be broken!

Qualification for the knockout stage of Europe's premier club tournament is on the line. rugby365 takes a look at all six pools.

Samoan legend Brian Lima has resigned as defence coach of his country's national team after his arrest for assault on his former wife.

Ulster hooker Rory Best may make a surprise return to action in his side's massive European Cup clash with Montpellier this weekend.

Cardiff Blues have been hit with a heavy blow after flyhalf Rhys Patchell was ruled out for up to four months due to a knee injury.

Chris Robshaw has played down the significance of England’s injury concerns and is confident that strength in depth can see his side to a successful Six Nations campaign.

Towering lock Adam Coleman is determined to make a name for himself and play a dominant enforcer role for the Western Force in the 2014 Super Rugby season.

France coach Philippe Saint-André produced a surprise when he left out Toulon flyhalfFrédéric Michalak from his Six Nations squad.

As summer settles warmly down south and cricket provides most interest, wet and wind do their best to disrupt the North as rugby seeks to fight the wild weather off so that the European competitions can be played this week and next.

Saracens boss Mark McCall was full of praise for 'brilliant' Brad Barritt as the England centre made his first start in four months at the weekend.

Defending champions at the George Sevens Premier League tournament, Samurai, put down an early marker ahead of this week's rescheduled event.

Harlequins boss Conor O'Shea is convinced his side is ready for two mouth-watering matches in the European Cup.

Four-time European champions Toulouse remained unbeatable at their Ernest-Wallon fortress this league season with a 19-12 victory over Top 14 leaders Clermont.

Pat McCabe may have fractured his neck twice in 14 months, but he is not about to tone down his abrasive style.

Bath coach Mike Ford admitted a draw felt like a loss after his team came agonisingly close to their first win at Welford Road in over a decade.

Owen Williams' last-gasp conversion was just wide and that meant it finished honours even in a pulsating Premiership clash between Leicester Tigers and Bath.

The Brumbies have joined the growing queue to sign up Japanese talent for Super Rugby.

Saracens boss Mark McCall was left beaming after watching his table-toppers demolish Gloucester 29-8 at Kingsholm.

Edinburgh coach Alan Solomons bolstered his playing ranks by luring another player away from his former team, the Southern Kings.

Wallaby James O'Connor is hot property in Europe, but it has been confirmed he will return home to Australia next January.

Leinster needed a late Gordon D'Arcy score to tie up a 16-8 victory at the Sportsground in an intensely-fought battle with Connacht.

Toulon's outspoken President, Mourad Boudjellal, wondered if coach Bernard Laporte return to training after their latest loss.

Ospreys forwards coach Chris Gibbes insists the result was all that mattered from their Pro12 victory over Scarlets on Friday.

Munster head coach Rob Penney believes Ruan Pienaar was the difference after the Pro12 leaders were downed by provincial rivals Ulster.

Saracens ended a miserable run of results at Kingsholm as Mark McCall's men continued their irresistible form at the top of the Premiership.

The crisis in Wales, over the European Cup stand-off, deepened on Saturday.

Northampton Saints Director of Rugby Jim Mallinder admitted his side were showing their title credentials for all to see.

Sale Sharks Director of Rugby Steve Diamond was full of praise for his side's workmanlike performance.

Iconic French forward Sebastien Chabal was handed a three-week suspension for a punch that knocked out Agen's Marc Giraud, his club Lyon revealed.

George North and Dylan Hartley scored second-half tries as Northampton Saints marched to the top of the Premiership with victory over Harlequins.

Ruan Pienaar's supreme kicking display was the backbone to a scintillating Ulster victory as they overcame Irish rivals Munster by 29-19.

We bring your a picture gallery from the Proteas v Boks festive cricket match at Newlands.

Faf du Plessis lead the Proteas to a 14-run victory over the Springboks in their festival match at Newlands on Friday.

Despite reports elsewhere announcing a move to Newport Gwent Dragons, Sam Lewis has committed his future to the Ospreys.

Leicester Tigers have stood behind their Director of Rugby and his cheating claims.

The Eastern Province Kings have stemmed the tide of departures with the news that they have secured the services of a Cheetah.

Toulouse will be hoping their impregnable home form holds up when they host Top 14 leaders and title favourites Clermont at the Stade Ernest-Wallon on Saturday.

Worcester Warriors scored a coup by signing of Welsh international Andries Pretorius.

Rebel Cadeyrn Neville can't help but feel encouraged by a squad that appears to be clicking ahead of the 2014 Super Rugby season.

Jan de Koning, following renewed debate over the vexed issue of using overseas-based players, selects home v away Bok XVs.

French international Sebastien Chabal faces a lengthy ban for throwing a hefty punch.

Wales looks set to be without Jonathan Davies for most, if not all, of the Six Nations.

The Welsh Rugby Union has made a dramatic about-turn in their stand-off with the four regions.

The arrival of 2014 coincides with the second half of the English Premiership competition, which kicks off this weekend.

Damian Welch said his decision to stay with Exeter Chiefs was effectively a "no-brainer" after he sealed a new two-year deal at the Premiership club.

Connacht's Andrew Browne looks set to win his 100th cap for the province this weekend.

England wing James Simpson-Daniel is one of five players to have extended their contracts at Gloucester.

The mystery surrounding Leigh Halfpenny 's reported move to Toulon in France deepened on Thursday.

Northampton Saints wing Jamie Elliott admits he is playing the best rugby of his young career at the moment.

Director of Rugby Phil Davies turned his attention to the massive European challenge against Toulon, after Cardiff Blues beat Newport Gwent Dragons on Wednesay.

Glasgow Warriors and Edinburgh's Pro12 clash has been postponed after a pitch inspection at Scotstoun.

Loose forward Sam Lewis has committed himself to Newport Gwent Dragons by signing a two-year contract with the men of Gwent.

Dave Foley is determined to make his mark on Munster this season despite competition for places rife at the Pro12 leaders.

Leigh Halfpenny's reliable boot yet again helped propel Cardiff Blues to victory as they brought an end to a four-match winless streak.

Toulon president Mourad Boudjellal is confident that Castres Olympique scrumhalf Rory Kockott will be with the club next season.

The stand-off and public spat between the Welsh Rugby Union and the four domestic regions is threatening to turn nasty.

Prop Alasdair Dickinson has become the latest Scotland internationalist to extend his Edinburgh contract to 2016.

The festive fixtures continue as return local derbies take place in Scotland, Wales and Italy during the Pro12's Round 12.

As 2013 comes to an end, Jan de Koning reflects on some of the game's more ignoble characters.

Gloucester confirmed that flank Akapusi Qera will leave the club at the end of the year to take up a contract with French Top 14 side Toulouse.

Hanno Dirksen said the players are looking forward to heading home to the Liberty Stadium this weekend.

Glasgow Warriors back Sean Maitland is urging the Scottish side to reverse a run of three straight home defeats when they face Edinburgh at Scotstoun.

Former Southern Kings assistant coach Brad Mooar will take over the head coaching role for Southland in next year's NPC.

British and Irish Lions fullback Leigh Halfpenny has become the latest high-profile Welsh player to be linked to the growing exodus to France.

A Happy New Year to all match officials - referees and all others who help to make matches run well.

rugby365 brings you one of our most popular interviews of 2013!

Back row forward Sean O'Brien is in danger of missing Ireland's entire Six Nations campaign, as he requires surgery on the dislocated left shoulder.

Carl Bezuidenhout, who helped the Pumas regain their Currie Cup status, has become the latest SA player to join Alan Solomons at Edinburgh.

The Liberty Stadium is getting ready to welcome what should be the biggest Ospreys crowd of the season on Friday.

The George Sevens Premier League tournament has received a major boost ahead of its revised date in January.

Exeter Chiefs may not have finished 2013 as they would have hoped, but already skipper Dean Mumm is aiming to start the New Year with a bang.

London Wasps have signed winger James Short from Saracens on a loan deal for the remainder of the season.

Gloucester Director of Rugby Nigel Davies insists his side can breathe a little easier after pulling further away from the bottom of the Premiership.

Michael de Vries takes a look at five promising young South African players who could set the Super Rugby stage alight in 2014.

Clermont racked up a 70th straight home win and extended their lead at the top of the French Top 14.

The European Cup stand-off has not even taken a break over the festive season, with new reports of 'cash offers' to lure clubs to the breakaway group.

The one is an American actor that made it big on the silver screen, while the other is a superstar that entertains us on the rugby fields.

Billy Twelvetrees demonstrated his versatility as Gloucester put daylight between themselves and the foot of the Premiership table.

Harlequins may have let a bonus point slip against Exeter Chiefs despite a flurry of chances, but Director of Rugby Conor O'Shea insists his side's commanding performance more than makes up for it.

rugby365 brings you a collection of the weekend's Premiership action!

Bath head coach Mike Ford believes Northampton Saints and Saracens are in a league of their own after watching his side blitzed by the former.

Dean Ryan was left cursing a mad 30 minutes that saw the game slip away from Worcester Warriors as Saracens cemented their spot atop the Premiership.

Leicester Tiger' argumentative boss Richard Cockerill  is likely to land himself in hot water after yet another unreserved and  contentious public outburst.

Australia wing Digby Ioane will make his much-anticipated Stade Francais debut against Perpignan on Sunday.

Four tries in 20 first-half minutes blew Worcester Warriors away as Saracens ensured they enter 2014 as the Premiership leaders.

Leinster moved to second on the Pro12 standings, with a 19-6 win over Ulster in an all-Irish derby on Saturday.

Munster head coach Rob Penney was full of praise for flyhalf JJ Hanrahan, who scored all the points in his side's Pro12 victory over Connacht on Friday.

Newcastle Falcons might have ended their try drought against London Wasps but it failed to bring a smile to Dean Richards face.

Jonathan Sexton's departure started a trickle, but Jamie Heaslip could open the floodgates of a European exodus from Ireland.

French Top 14 leaders Clermont could rack up a 70th successive home match without defeat when they tackle Oyonnax on Sunday.

London Wasps had too much of a sting for Newcastle Falcons, beating the home team 17-12 at Kingston Park on Friday.

JJ Hanrahan scored all of Munsters points in a 22-16 Pro12 victory over Connacht.

France centre Florian Fritz is set to miss at least three Six Nations games after suffering an arm injury when falling off his motorbike, his club Toulouse said on Friday.

They say you should beware a wounded animal, and Ed Slater insists that is definitely the case for Sale Sharks this weekend as Leicester Tigers bid to bounce back in style.

As New Zealand prepares to host the 2014 edition of the IRB Junior World Championship, the country's juniors will be aching to get their hands back on a trophy they must have come to see as their own.

Carlin Isles, a 24-year-old United States Sevens wing, has signed a practice squad receiver contract with the NFL's Detroit Lions.

London Irish remain hopeful that their World Cup-winning Springbok tighthead prop CJ van der Linde will recover from a calf injury in time to make his debut at home to Gloucester on Sunday.

Australian bad boy Jame O'Connor has some important decisions to make, which could impact on his Wallaby future.

Michael de Vries takes a look at the five rookies he felt made the biggest impact in 2013.

Not only is Liam Messam one of the best players, he is also a down to earth community member!

Stuart Hogg's second-half score dished out a Boxing Day sucker punch to Edinburgh in their Pro12 encounter with Glasgow Warriors.

Gone are the days the Premiership had to navigate the perils of the British weather, thanks to the continued success of its MacLeod pitch-covering system.

He was described during the year-end internationals as simply keeping the England No.13 shirt warm for the injured Manu Tuilagi, but Saracens' Joel Tomkins has very different ideas.

Round 11 of Premiership stars some fascinating encounters the length and breadth of the country.

The Rebels have seen a number of talented local players join their training ranks over the course of the 2013 pre-season.

Edinburgh received a big boost, as lock Grant Gilchrist became the latest Scotland internationalist to extend his contract at the club until 2016.

rugby365's esteemed writer and historian Paul Dobson takes a look at the evolution of the scrum down the years.

Glasgow Warriors have received a major boost ahead of Thursday's 1872 Cup derby match with Edinburgh.

The traditional festive season local derbies are set to take centre stage as the Pro12 Round 11 provides an exciting escape from turkey and TV.

Australia love their code-hoppers and, some, now believe they have a player that can be the best of them all.

rugby365 would like to wish all our Christian readers all the peace, joy, and love of the season!

Newcastle Falcons have landed Samoan wing Sinoti Sinoti ahead of this Friday's Premiership showdown with London Wasps at Kingston Park.

Northampton Saints announced that five first team backs have put pen to paper on new contracts to stay at Franklin's Gardens.

Prop Ben Moon said last Saturday's 16-3 victory over Newcastle Falcons has given the Exeter Chiefs the ideal lift heading into this weekend's crunch Premiership encounter with Harlequins.

Sale Sharks have been handed a massive early Christmas boost with the news that five key players have agreed new deals with the club.

Canada became the first to emerge from the global qualification process to book their place at World Cup 2015.

rugby365 looks back at the Springboks' performances in 2013 to see if there has been any progress in year two under coach Heyneke Meyer.

We take a look back at the 2013 IRB world rankings.

Scotland lock Alastair Kellock will miss the Six Nations after undergoing surgery for an arm injury.

London Irish forward Chris Hala'ufia has been handed a four-week suspension for a dangerous tackle against Sale last week.

Richard Graham is determined to see the Reds return to the innovative and entertaining game that saw them win a Super Rugby title in 2011.

Glasgow Warriors will have to be at their very best to claim derby victory over an in-form Edinburgh, according to head coach Gregor Townsend.

We bring you all the refereeing appointments for this week.

Irish flyhalf Gareth Steenson admitted it was important for the Exeter Chiefs to rediscover their winning formula ahead of what is a crucial festive period for the club in the Premiership.

European Cup legend Leo Cullen, the only man to lead a team to three tournament titles, will quit playing at the end of the season to become the new forwards coach at Leinster.

Northampton Saints revealed the signing of Samoan international fullback Fa'atoina Autagavaia.

Sonny Bill Williams will return to Rugby Union in 2015, but some pundits wonder if he will be able to adapt to the Sevens version.

Disgraced Australian back James O'Connor is poised to join French Top 14 side Toulon next season, according to reports in France.

We have handed out our awards, now it is your turn!

The year was full of spectacular moments and performances. We name and shame the best and worst in rugby365's Awards.

Gloucester ended their five-match Premiership losing run by creeping past winless Worcester Warriors at Kingsholm.  

The International Rugby Board has announced the referee appointments for the Women’s Six Nations Championship 2014.

Northampton Saints director of rugby Jim Mallinder sang the praises of his defence after they battled to out a tight 17-15 victory over London Wasps.

Bath will get the chance to prove they belong at the top of the table with their next three games against Premiership title contenders.  

Much of Jonathan Kaplan's career was spent around the globe, and many of his refereeing colleagues have sent in their tributes to him.

Dan Biggar admits he had to dig deep to produce a man-of-the-match performance in guiding Ospreys to a win amid blustery conditions at Cardiff Blues.

They may have moved up to second in the PRO12 with victory over Zebre but Ulster coach Mark Anscombe believes his side were lucky.

Clermont racked-up their 69th consecutive home win with a 35-6 romp past Biarritz to maintain their four-point lead in the Top 14.

England flyhalf Toby Flood's move from Leicester Tigers to Toulouse will put his place in the World Cup squad in jeopardy.  

Ronan O'Mahony's last-gasp try ensured Munster remain top of the PRO12 after they came from behind to defeat Scarlets in a pulsating game at Musgrave Park.

Saracens demonstrated their title credentials with a crushing 49-10 defeat of Leicester, but Owen Farrell was stretchered off.

As a Premiership stalwart Scott Lawson's taken a few bumps and scrapes over the years - but the hooker is fit and flourishing at Newcastle Falcons.

Edinburgh loose forward Cornell Du Preez played a lead role in claiming the scalp of defending PRO12 champions Leinster on Friday.

Glasgow Warriors will have to wait to return to winning ways after their clash against Treviso on Friday was postponed due to a waterlogged pitch.  

Sale boss Steve Diamond believes Danny Cipriani will eventually receive an England recall if he continues his outstanding form.

The Blues have been dealt a blow before the season has begun, with experienced lock Culum Retallick ruled out of action for six months.

A Justin Tipuric try and the boot of Dan Biggar helped Ospreys to a 22-19 victory over Cardiff Blues.

Tries from Tom Brady and David Seymour saw Sale Sharks overcome London Irish 15-3 at the AJ Bell Stadium on Friday.

Australian Schools won two of their three matches in Ireland to end their tour of the UK and Ireland with a 50% result.

Hawke’s Bay fans are set to further enhance their rugby fix in 2014, with the Hurricanes announcing a match against the Bulls at McLean Park.

Top 14 giants Racing-Metro and Perpignan find themselves under pressure as the second half of the season gets under way this weekend.

Rugby historian Paul Dobson looks at brothers who have played Test rugby over the years and picks a few teams.

Eastern Province coach David Maidza, who coached both the Vodacom Cup and First Division team this year, has taken over as NMMU Madibaz coach.

Australia is to introduce a new competition for representative senior sides and will also introduce two youth tournaments, starting in February.

Jean de Villiers' captaincy skills will be put to a new test when he leads a Springbok XI in their 20 over match against the Proteas.

The Sharks have unveiled their jersey for the 2014 Super Rugby season.

Sebastien Chabal faces a lengthy ban for throwing a hefty punch during Lyon's second division game against Agen last weekend.

The New Zealand Rugby Union have confirmed that cross-code star Sonny Bill Williams has signed with the Chiefs for 2015.

Rounds 5 and 6 of Europe's two competitions are the last rounds before the knock-outs They are thus crunch rounds for many clubs, which referees should enjoy..

Clermont Auvergne flank Julien Bonnaire escaped further punishment for foul play in a European Cup match against Scarlets.

The focus returns once again to the PRO12 after two weeks of European competition, with Irish Provinces  topping three of the six European Cup Pools.

It will be the Premiership leaders against the defending champions when Saracens host Leicester at Allianz Park for the first time on Saturday.  

Sharks Director of Rugby Jake White has given an enthusiastic thumbs-up to his team’s Super Rugby draw for next season.

Wallabies lock Dean Mumm has admitted it was an “easy decision” to extend his stay with Exeter Chiefs for a further two years.

Rugby fans have spoken, and their World XV of the Year differs dramatically from the combination picked last week by international players.

George North's appearance for Wales against Australia outside the IRB's international window has cost Northampton a £60,000 fine.

Samoan rugby legend Brian Lima faces criminal charges after allegedly assaulting his ex-wife in public last week.

After an intense three weeks of pre-season training, the Stormers will take a break before picking things up in January.

Much of Jonathan Kaplan's time and refereeing was spent in many lands around the globe, and many of his refereeing colleagues have sent in their tributes to him.

Jonathan Kaplan is not stopping refereeing, but he will no longer be refereeing Test or provincial matches, and South African referees have paid tribute.

The fixtures for Round Five and Six of the European Cup have been announced.

Wales coach Warren Gatland believes that his contract extension will give his side a better chance of winning the World Cup in 2015.

London Irish flank Declan Danaher believes that the recent takeover of the Premiership side signals a bright future.

Western Province Rugby said farewell to a long-serving administrator at the end of November 2013, with Theo Kleynhans stepping down from his role as the GM of Youth Rugby.

Paul Dobson reflects on the tough task of picking the best fullback in the world this year, a position with much competition.

Oxford University scrumhalf Sam Egerton was suspended for 15 weeks when he appeared before RFU disciplinary panel.

South African prop Schalk Ferreira has been offered a three-year extension to his contract by French rugby giants Toulouse.

England international fullback Delon Armitage has signed a two-year extension to his Toulon contract, tying him to the Top 14 club until 2016.

Ireland hooker Rory Best has signed a new two-year contract with Ulster, the Irish club announced on Tuesday.

Northampton Saints have announced that five forwards have signed new contracts to stay at Franklin's Gardens for the foreseeable future.

Thomas Waldrom insists Leicester Tigers will not get ahead of themselves in the battle for European Cup progress.

Utility back Ronnie Cooke walked away with three top awards at the Eastern Province rugby year-end awards function.

Northampton Saints have announced that American forward Cam Dolan is joining the club, while Russian wing Vasily Artemyev is leaving.

Clermont Auvergne flank Julien Bonnaire has been cited for foul play following the European Cup match against Scarlets on Saturday.

Retired All Blacks hooker has reportedly been approached by Irish side Munster to sign with them for the rest of the season.

Versatile Force prop Kieran Longbottom will operate exclusively on the tighthead side of the scrum next season.

The Waratahs will hit the road in preparation for the 2014 Super Rugby season with their three pre-season matches locked in-place.

Warren Gatland's new contract as Wales coach will not stop him from taking charge of the British and Irish Lions in 2017.

Blues Rugby League convert Benji Marshall is counting on the guidance of Graham Henry as he prepares for Super Rugby.

Belgium are on tour to Hong Kong and play two matches this week, one on the Mainland and one on Hong Kong Island. For the rest there are appointments to club matches as Christmas approaches.

Warren Gatland has extended his contract as Wales coach until the 2019 World Cup in Japan.

Richard Cockerill praised the spirit of the Leicester Tigers who notched their first win in France for seven years on Sunday.

Regional Rugby Wales have requested an Independent Public Enquiry regarding the distribution of funds in Welsh rugby.  

Leinster star Ian Madigan is worried that his side's home defeat to Northampton Saints could cost them a home quarterfinal.

Wales and British and Irish Lions hooker Richard Hibbard is the latest player to leave Wales after signing for Gloucester.

Nigel Davies doesn't think all is lost for his Gloucester side in the European Cup despite their 16-10 home defeat against Edinburgh.

Edinburgh head coach Alan Solomons praised his side's herculean defensive effort for bringing to an end a five match losing streak on the road in Europe.

Francois Pienaar had a special relationship with Nelson Mandela.

Following a memorable international season, we acknowledge the leading players of 2013 in our annual Team of the Year.

A last-minute converted try by centre Niki Goneva saw Leicester Tigers escape the Stade Yves-du-Manoir with a pulsating 15-14 win on Sunday.

The All Blacks towered above the rest in a dominant 2013 campaign. Coach Steve Hansen, however, insists there's plenty of room for improvement.

WP star Tim Swiel says the prospect of being coached by World Cup-winning Springbok coach Jake White was key in his decision to join the Sharks.

Saracens Director of Rugby Mark McCall believes hooker Jamie George is closing in on an England Saxons call-up after another eye-catching performance on Saturday.

Exeter Chiefs boss Rob Baxter pledges his side will go flat out in their final two European Cup pool matches despite losing back-to-back games against Toulon.

Munster skipper Peter O'Mahony claims it took a 'special performance' from a 'special team’ to bring his side back from the dead in Perpignan on Saturday.

Toulon Director of Rugby Bernard Laporte rates the 32-20 win over Exeter Chiefs on Saturday as "our fullest game in the last two months."

Northampton Saints skipper Dylan Hartley says his side notched up one of the biggest revenge missions in the history of the European Cup on Saturday.

Fijian loose forward Akapusi Qera will join four-time European champions Toulouse from Premiership club Gloucester in the new year.

All Black star Sonny Bill Williams has been stripped of his boxing belts and slammed for his “rude” attitude.

Northampton Saints kept their hopes of qualifying for the knock-out phase of the European Cup alive with a 18-9 victory over Leinster.

Perpignan's French international flyhalf Camille Lopez has been ruled out for the rest of the season.  

Sale Sharks director of rugby Steve Diamond insists England would be foolish to continue to overlook Danny Cipriani.

Cardiff Blues boss Phil Davies declared his side's win over Glasgow Warriors as "a great win for the Blues region and for rugby in Wales as well."

Wallabies coach Ewen McKenzie is not concerned by the possibility that the Waratahs may play Israel Folau at centre next year.

Toulon president Mourad Boudjellal says he is trying to sign Wales fullback Leigh Halfpenny but has ruled out a move for Sam Warburton.

Toulon president Mourad Boudjellal says he will need to buy two players to replace Jonny Wilkinson if he retires at the end of the season.

Ospreys dealt Castres a blow as they claimed the first win of their European Cup campaign, a 21-12 victory, over the French champions on Friday.

The Bulls have named a squad of 37 players to assemble in early January in Pretoria for a training camp to be held at Sun City.

Cross-over matches between premiership and championship teams in the 2014 season of the NPC have been confirmed.

The exodus in Port Elizabeth continues with confirmation that Southern Kings coach Matt Sexton will leave the union and return to New Zealand this month.

Springbok Sevens stars Seabelo Senatla and Cecil Afrika have extended their national contracts until December 2016.