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England coach Stuart Lancaster kept his cool ahead of this coming Saturday's match against New Zealand.

Most of the fuss was about Morne Steyn's back spasms, but Patrick Lambie may well be the player to steal the Springbok spotlight this week.

Ireland will be without Keith Earls and Chris Henry in Saturday's Test against Australia in Dublin.

Round Two of the rugby365 November internationals prediction challenge shook things up in no uncertain terms.

Henley Hawks wing Richard Briggs has been suspended for two years by the Rugby Football Union for an anti-doping violation.

England play New Zealand at Twickenham, the big match of the weekend, and for the third time in three matches this month they have a South African referee.

England coach Stuart Lancaster has a potential front row crisis on his hands ahead of the Test against the All Blacks at Twickenham on Saturday.

Sharks fullback Louis Ludik says he took up an offer from French club Agen after being told he’s not in Heyneke Meyer’s Springbok plans.

The Springboks' victory over Wales on Saturday has slightly narrowed the gap between them and the All Blacks at the top of the IRB world rankings.

Two players have been cited for alleged foul play, following the weekend's round of Test matches.

Selecting a team from 10 internationals, some games not so 'international', is always a tough task.

The Springboks are confident that flyhalf Morne Steyn will be fit and available for the clash with Scotland at Murrayfield on Sunday.  

Wales coach Warren Gatland was left lamenting the disparity in differing regional rugby after seeing his team go down 24-15 to South Africa.

New Zealand coach Steve Hansen has said his side had learnt from last year's mistakes ahead of their much-anticipated rematch with England.

France captain Thierry Dusautoir admitted the search for a victory has become a desperate affair for Les Bleus.

Kings duo Rynier Bernardo and Shane Gates have both been called up to the Cheetahs wider training camp ahead of next year's Super Rugby season.

New Zealand-born England hooker Dylan Hartley is expecting 'payback' from the All Blacks when they meet at Twickenham on Saturday.

There is no doubt Dan Carter is one of the most celebrated players, but it appears he is no longer guaranteed a starting place in the All Black team.

The Maori All Blacks ran in four tries to one to defeat the USA 29-19 in Saturday’s second and final match of the North American tour.

All Black captain Richie McCaw added another accolade to his unrivalled résumé in the 26-19 win over France at the Stade de France on Saturday.

Wales have called up four players following the physically intense Test against the Springboks at the Millennium Stadium on Saturday.

Scotland coach Scott Johnson was struggling to evaluate his side’s win over Japan as he looked ahead to the sterner test South Africa will pose next Sunday.

Joe Schmidt admitted relief was his overwhelming emotion after leading Ireland to a 40-9 victory over Samoa in his first game in charge.

The Springboks attended the Premier League clash between Manchester United and Arsenal on Sunday.

The awe-inspiring Quade Cooper of old returned against Italy in Turin on Saturday to lead the Wallabies to a 50-20 rout.

All Black wing Charles Piutau announced himself on the international stage in the 26-19 victory over France in Paris on Saturday.

France have called up Frederic Michalak and Fulgence Ouedraogo for next weekend’s Test against Tonga.

Argentina coach Daniel Hourcade felt his team’s poor first-half performance cost them Saturday’s match against England at Twickenham.

Wales’ woes were compounded after their loss to the Springboks after confirmation that Jonathan Davies has been ruled out for the rest of the year.

England coach Stuart Lancaster knows his side will have to up their game when world champions New Zealand arrive at Twickenham seeking revenge.

First-choice Springbok flyhalf Morné Steyn could miss next weekend’s Test against Scotland due to a back injury.

Springbok coach Heyneke Meyer hailed his experienced campaigners for not buckling under pressure in their 24-15 victory over Wales on Saturday.

New Zealand were slightly off the standards they normally set for themselves, but still managed to hang tough and secure a win.

France, as they often do, threatened to upset New Zealand. In the end they lost 19-26. It was thrilling and entertaining.

New Zealand held on in the face of a strong French rally late in the second half to claim a thrilling 26-19 win in Paris on Saturday.

Wales will feel that with a bit of luck on their side, they could have recorded a second win over the Springboks at the Millennium Stadium on Saturday.

Ireland began the Joe Schmidt era with a convincing five-try, 40-9 victory over injury-stuck Samoa at Lansdowne Road on Saturday.

South Africa overcame two yellow cards and a number of questionable calls to beat Wales 24-15 in Cardiff on Saturday.

Georgia secured a scrappy 19-15 victory over Canada in their clash in Tbilisi on Saturday.

Argentina fought hard in the second half, but it was not enough to avoid a 31-12 defeat to England at Twickenham.

Scotland survived two second half scares to get their November Test campaign off to a winning start against a plucky Japanese side with a 42-17 victory.

The Springboks steamrolled Wales en route to a 24-15 win in Cardiff on Saturday as they reverted to their power-driven approach.

England were unconvincing in the second half, but still did enough to secure a 31-12 victory over Argentina at Twickenham.

England got their second big Southern Hemisphere scalp when they dispatched Argentina 31-12 at Twickenham on Saturday.

Australia produced probably their most emphatic performance under Ewen McKenzie to rout Italy 50-20 in Turin on Saturday.

We take a look at Wales' first-ever win over South Africa - in 1999!

Namibia came from behind to beat Zimbabwe 35-26 in Windhoek, in the opening match of the Triangular Tournament which also involves Kenya.

New Zealand will wear a specially designed white jersey with a red poppy on the sleeve when they tackle France in Paris on Saturday.

Italy have a historic first victory over a wounded Wallabies side in their sights on Saturday but remain wary of a backlash.

The last time Scotland faced Japan, at McDiarmid Park in Perth back in 2004, they racked up their first ever century of points.

Wales are backing scrumhalf Mike Phillips to produce a trademark big-match performance against South Africa on Saturday.

Johan Ackermann has extended his contract as head coach with the Golden Lions for a further two years.

Springbok captain Jean de Villiers has played down the presence of 11 successful British and Irish Lions in the Wales team.  

New Zealand coach Steve Hansen said he will be taking nothing for granted when his side tackle France in Paris on Saturday.

Scrumhalf Morgan Parra and flyhalf Remi Tales will form a new and interesting halfback pairing for France in Saturday's Test against New Zealand.

Danny Care will replace Ben Youngs on the England replacements’ bench for Saturday's Test against Argentina at Twickenham.

Wales are depending on the spirit that saw the B&I Lions record a series win over Australia in mid-year for their opening year-end Test against South Africa.

On Friday night in Windhoek Namibia plays Zimbabwe to start three days of international rugby, featuring Kenya, Zimbabwe and hosts Namibia.

Scrumhalf Kahn Fotuali'i has been chosen to captain Samoa for Saturday's encounter with Ireland in Dublin.

Emotions will be running high when Ireland take on Samoa in Dublin on Saturday.

The IRB suspended New Zealand women's Sevens player Lavinia Gould for two years, following a positive test for a banned stimulant.

Todd Clever will lead the American charge when they face up to the New Zealand Maori in a one-off 'international' in Philadelphia on Saturday.

England will be out to make it two southern hemisphere scalps in a row when they take on Argentina at Twickenham on Saturday.

Paul Dobson makes his call on the Test between Six Nations champions Wales and South Africa at Cardiff's Millennium Stadium on Saturday.

A relatively experimental France side will have to get the better of New Zealand's most experienced pack ever.

Italy are cautiously optimistic, hoping for another big scalp. Australia are desperate for redemption.

Exeter Chiefs stalwart Tom Hayes retired from the professional game with immediate effect on Thursday.

Scotland will use the Test against Japan at Murrayfield on Saturday to get their structures in order ahead of next weekend’s clash with the Springboks.

Australian-born Luke McLean will line up against his countrymen after being named in the Italy starting XV for Saturday’s Test in Turin.

New Zealand coach Steve Hansen expects Ben Smith to go from strength to strength despite a difficult start to life in the All Black jersey.

Japan made three changes from the side beaten 54-6 by world champions in New Zealand in Tokyo last weekend.

Barn-storming Springbok flank Francois Louw bucked the trend by turning his back on his native South Africa.

Paul O'Connell has been named as Ireland captain, but will play off the bench in their one-off Test against Samoa in Dublin on Saturday.

SACS have a tough fixture list for 2014 with nowhere to hide in the tough Western Province Schools League.

Ospreys wing Eli Walker has been ruled out of Saturday's Test against South Africa due to injury.

With the November Tests in full swing, we are in for a blockbuster Saturday of international rugby. Catch the action LIVE right here.

St Stithians will again be holding its Easter Rugby Festival in 2014, as it has done since 1984. It is the oldest of all South Africa's Easter rugby festivals.

Wallaby coach Ewen McKenzie  believes referees are being unfair to his team and should not be penalising their misfiring scrum as often as they do.

England will field an all new front row in Saturday's international against Argentina at Twickenham.

French coach Philippe Saint-Andre took a big gamble when he named the inexperienced flyhalf Remi Tales to partner Morgan Parra at halfback.

Border schools have voiced their concern that they are being seen as rugby nurseries for schools in other parts of the country.

Wallaby forward Rob Simmons has been chosen at blindside flank in the only change made to the Australian starting line-up.

Pumas speedster Rosco Speckman was this week added to the Springbok Sevens training squad in Stellenbosch.

The haka may be the mythical war cry that NZ players chant before matches, but flank Liam Messam says the man who leads it is decided by looks.

If scrums collapse during Scotland's internationals against Japan, South Africa and Australia this month, maybe the front rows won't be to blame this time.

Pieter-Steph du Toit may be on the bench and could make his Test debut as a No.4, but he is being earmarked as a future Springbok No.5.

The most experienced team in All Blacks' history will face France this weekend, after New Zealand coach Steve Hansen recalled his big guns.

England's winning try against Australia at Twickenham has raised much discussion.

Springbok forwards Tendai Mtawarira and Eben Etzebeth will feature for the Barbarians against Fiji at Twickenham on November 30.

England forwards coach Graham Rowntree wants his pack to set the tone against Argentina on Saturday.

Worcester Warriors have bolstered their squad by signing former Tasman Makos centre Andy Symons and lock Shay Kerry.

Newcastle Falcons have signed Argentina international centre Gonzalo Tiesi until the end of the season.

Heyneke Meyer is confident Frans Malherbe will make a statement in his Springbok debut against Wales in Cardiff on Saturday.

Scotland skipper Kelly Brown believes there is no problem with his return to the side's captaincy, taking over from popular scrumhalf Greig Laidlaw.

Pat Lambie may not have played at fullback much this year, but he will be very familiar with the players around him at the Millenium Stadium on Saturday.

Ireland forwards coach John Plumtree has been fighting a race against time to get his pack ready for the year-end Tests.

We look at some stats regarding the Springbok team to play Wales on Saturday.

JP Pietersen and Jaque Fourie are back in the Springbok team to play Wales on Saturday, while Frans Malherbe will make his Test debut.

England prop Dan Cole hopes his hurt at not starting for the B&I Lions will spur him on as he prepares for the gruelling challenge of scrummaging against Argentina.

The Kings have called up 11 young players from the junior structures in the Eastern Cape into their training squad for 2014.  

Richie McCaw wants to be the skipper of the only All Blacks side that finished the year with a 100 percent win record.

Scotland coach Scott Johnson is confident the presence of successor Vern Cotter in the build-up to Saturday's opening November Test against Japan won't distract his side.

Wales captain Sam Warburton has insisted the appointment of Alain Rolland to referee their match against South Africa is no cause for alarm.

The spotlight may be on Eli Walker, but for captain Sam Warburton the match is about proving Wales they are genuine World Cup contenders.

Wallaby stalwart Benn Robinson is a driven man, driven by the desire to be No.1 again.

Gordon Tietjens has contracted four new players in his team for the next stage of the IRB Sevens World Series.

England forwards Geoff Parling and Alex Corbisiero have returned to full fitness and were named in a 27-man squad to prepare for Saturday’s Test against Argentina.

Daniel Hourcade on Tuesday announced his first matchday side as Pumas coach for Saturday’s Test against England at Twickenham.

Paul Treu will strive for more consistency in developing the Kenya Sevens team towards qualifying for the 2016 Rio Olympics.

The Southern Kings have confirmed the first round of Super Rugby friendlies to be played early next year.

Kelly Brown will captain Scotland against Japan at Murrayfield on Saturday.

Springbok flank Francois Louw is welcoming the challenge of facing Wales captain Sam Warburton on Saturday.

Wales defence coach Shaun Edwards has predicted this weekend's Test against South Africa will be "no place for the faint-hearted".  

England coach Stuart Lancaster ruled out wholesale changes for the Test against Argentina despite stinging criticism from Clive Woodward of the team's win over Australia.

The Wales starting line-up to face the Springboks at the Millenium Stadium in Cardiff on Saturday features 11 British and Irish Lions players.

Western Province flyer Cheslin Kolbe will only appear in court on an alleged drunk-driving charge in August next year after being stopped at a road block.

France may not play with much flair anymore, but the All Blacks are expecting a different kind of challenge in Paris this weekend.  

Former All Blacks flyhalf Andrew Mehrtens has been named as the new technical advisor for Sydney club Eastern Suburbs.

Despite an unconvincing performance against Australia, England centre Billy Twelvetrees will be given another opportunity to start against Argentina this weekend.  

A week after losing the captaincy, Wallabies lock James Horwill could find himself on the bench for the clash against Italy this weekend.  

Argentina captain Juan Manuel Leguizamon has denied there are splits in the Pumas camp ahead of this weekend's Twickenham Test against England.

James O'Connor was reportedly seen meeting with Toulon owner Mourad Boudjellal 24 hours after making his London Irish debut.

England closed in on the Springboks on the IRB World Rankings after their 20-13 win over Australia at Twickenham on Saturday.

Utility back Keith Earls has been ruled out of Ireland’s Test against Samoa on Saturday with a knee injury.

Loose forward Juan Manuel Leguizamón will captain the Pumas in their November internationals.

RagingBull has taken the early lead in the rugby365 November internationals prediction challenge.

Tests galore this week. The North-South Tests gain momentum and the are European Nations Cup matches and World Cup Qualifiers. It's a busy time for the world's top referees.

Western Province confirmed that one of their players was arrested on suspicion that his blood alcohol content exceeded the legal limit.

The Springboks know that accuracy will be key against a balanced and settled Wales team at the Millenium Stadium in Cardiff this weekend.

Springbok coach Heyneke Meyer will use the match against Scotland at Murrayfield next week to take a look at a few different combinations.  

One is a celebrated actor and the other has won all his accolades on rugby field.

We only had two big games to select from, but we still produced an impressive array of talent in our famous weekly selection.

Scrumhalf Mike Phillips is determined to notch his first victory over the Springboks for Wales at the Millenium Stadium this weekend.

Joshua Strauss is famed for his beard, but this is something special!

France should throw caution to the wind when they play world champions New Zealand in their one-off Test match next Saturday.

The Australian media savaged the "woeful" Wallabies on Monday, after England exposed their inadequacies on the first match of their European tour.

England coach Stuart Lancaster has called up Junior World Championship-winning fullback Anthony Watson ahead of the clash with Argentina at Twickenham this weekend.

Rugby football is a game of consequences. There was an incident at the touchline in Twickenham that had consequences.

The New Zealand Maori team suffered a double blow in the wake of their impressive win in the opening match of their North American tour.

Charlie Hodgson was instrumental as Saracens got back to winning ways against Newcastle Falcons at Allianz Park.

England coach Stuart Lancaster is feeling confident after his side launched their end of year campaign with a win over Australia.

Springbok captain Jean de Villiers said that his team is focused solely on their match against Wales this weekend.  

Chiefs coach Dave Rennie believes the real Sonny Bill Williams is the 'total opposite' to how he is portrayed in the media.

Despite slumping to their eighth defeat this year, Wallabies coach Ewen McKenzie insists they are not far from being competitive.

The All Blacks have managed the introduction of young players carefully as they build towards their World Cup defence in 2015.

Scrum expert Balie Swart believes the new scrum laws will give the big Bok pack an edge on their European tour.

The Leopards took top honours at the annual SARU Interprovincial Sevens competition at GWK Park in Kimberley on Saturday.  

Glasgow continued their 100 percent away-day start to the Pro12 season.

Ewen McKenzie was left thinking of what might have been, after two controversial tries sparked England to a 20-13 win over Australia.

Harlequins condemned Leicester Tigers to their third Premiership defeat of the season when they prevailed 23-16 at Welford Road on Saturday.

England coach Stuart Lancaster believes his team is maturing and their win over Australia is a game they would have lost 12 months ago.

Australia captain Ben Mowen threw in the towel and admitted his team was not up to standard at Twickenham on Saturday.

Australia's hopes of a Grand Slam went up in smoke at Twickenham on Saturday as they slumped to a 20-13 defeat against England.

England had to come from behind to take the Cook Cup off Australia at Twickenham on Saturday.  

England killed off any hopes Australia had of a year-end grand slam when they beat the Wallabies 20-13 at Twickenham on Saturday.

The Stormers confirmed on Saturday that Argentinean lock Manuel Carizza will move to Cape Town after his country's November tour.

Cardiff Blues captain and former Welsh skipper Matthew Rees is continuing his battle with cancer.

All Black coach Steve Hansen declared himself "reasonably happy" with a eight-try rout of Japan.

Springbok coach Heyneke Meyer was as guarded as always, but he did not rule out the possibility of recalling another World Cup winner.

The Sharks have swooped to secure the services of talented Western Province Under-21 flyhalf Tim Swiel.

It was a rout, as was expected, with New Zealand scoring a 54-6 win over Japan in their Test in Tokyo on Saturday.

Second-half tries from Aaron Dundon and Noel Reid handed reigning Pro12 champions Leinster a 23-19 victory over Newport Gwent Dragons.

Replacement Horacio Agulla sealed a comfortable 21-6 victory for Bath.

Five players will make their debut for a strong Maori team to play Canada in Toronto on Sunday.

After almost a two year's absence from the Springbok team, veteran centre Jaque Fourie said he felt like a kid again.

With little less than two years to the World Cup, Heyneke Meyer will use the year-end tour to identify players who excel in European conditions.

Rudolf Straeuli's move from the Sharks to take up a position with the Golden Lions has been confirmed.  

England coach Stuart Lancaster has said his side will launch a "defining year" when they face Australia at Twickenham on Saturday.

It may only be his second Test as captain of the Wallabies, but Ben Mowen is not a toddler that needs his hand held.

All Black captain Richie McCaw is not concerned about the number on his back, but rather the quality of the performance.

When Quade Cooper runs out as Wallaby vice-captain, the knowledge that he is an example to his brothers will help him in his new role.

The disciplinary hearing of Western Province forward Michael Rhodes has been postponed - for the third time this week.

This week Bakkies Botha returned to the Springbok team and very soon his long-time second row partner Victor Matfield may be back on the playing field as well.

One of the worst-kept secrets in Super Rugby has been confirmed -  Laurie Fisher and Stephen Larkham will take over from Jake White at the Brumbies.

Australia will be aiming to continue their strong recent form against England when the two sides go head-to-head at Twickenham on Saturday.

All Black selector Grant Fox believes that player welfare is about far more than just a central contracting system.

Bath and Worcester appear to be two clubs heading in different directions, but Matt Garvey is urging his teammates to ignore the table.

The result appear such a foregone conclusion that Saturday's Test between Japan and New Zealand is more about individuals.

Quade Cooper has admitted he'd been rendered "speechless" when Australia coach Ewen McKenzie named him as vice-captain for the Wallabies.

Wales assistant coach Rob Howley feels scrumhalf Mike Phillips stands a "realistic" chance of playing at the 2015 World Cup.

Scrumhalf Morgan Parra will be available to face New Zealand in France's opening November Test.

Dave Ellis has linked up with the coaching team at Connacht as the new skills coach on a one-year deal.

A fired up Jaque Fourie regards the Springboks’ end-of-year-tour of Europe as the first step of his journey to the 2015 World Cup.

The best memories are the good ones, the ones that stay with us even if the edge of their details becomes blurred.

The top-of-the-table clash at Thomond Park between Munster and Ospreys on Saturday headlines Round Seven of the Pro12.

Ben Alexander has said nothing will erase the memory of Australia's third Test defeat by the British and Irish Lions in July.

The November internationals commence this weekend with matches in Tokyo and London. Catch the action LIVE right here.

The precinct around Loftus Versfeld will undergo a major facelift over the next two years.

Veteran lock Alun Wyn Jones said Wales' upcoming clash with South Africa promises to be a fast, frenetic encounter.

Joel Tomkins will make his England debut in Saturday's international against Australia at Twickenham Stadium.

New Zealand may be fielding an experimental side, but that does not mean they are planning to "go easy" on Japan in their one-off Test.

Wales captain Sam Warburton has backed teammate Mike Phillips to bounce back from his sacking by Bayonne.

IRB supremo Bernard Lapasset has again warned English and French clubs about their attempt to form a breakaway European competition.

SANZAR announced the Super Rugby referees for 2014, with Marius van der Westhuizen of South Africa one of two new members on the panel.

Sharks' back Patrick Lambie was delighted by the turnout of fans in the streets of Durban on Wednesday to celebrate their Currie Cup success.

James Horwill has been axed as Wallaby captain amid a radical leadership overhaul ahead of the Test against England.

Glasgow Warriors scrumhalf Nikola Matawalu has been cleared on a charge of biting an opponent.

Japan were given a timely boost ahead of their one-off Test against the world's top-ranked side, New Zealand, in Tokyo on Saturday.

The Wallabies were dealt a cruel blow with lock Rob Simmons ruled out the Test against England at Twickenham on Saturday.

Springbok tighthead Jannie du Plessis has been ruled out of the November Tests because of injury.

Captain Sergio Parisse and prop Martin Castrogiovanni headline Italy's squad for the November Tests.

Munster scrumhalf Conor Murray's citing for an alleged incident of foul play has been upheld.

The All Blacks have named four uncapped players in their matchday squad for the historic Test in Tokyo on Saturday

The disciplinary hearing for WP forward Michael Rhodes has been postponed until Friday.

Jimmy Stonehouse is not just a celebrated coach, he can put a few idols performers to shame!

A familiar question hangs in the air ahead of the start of this year's November internationals - who can defeat New Zealand?

In the Currie Cup Final, Lwazi Mvovo of the Sharks went over for a try. All that Mvovo did was clearly correct but the try was disallowed.

Wallaby scrumhalf Will Genia has said there was "nothing better" for an Australian than playing England at Twickenham.

Wales Sevens head coach Paul John has challenged his side to be more consistent as preparations begin for the second leg of the IRB Series in Dubai at the end of November.  

One is a daredevil and allround Jackass, the other entertains on the rugby field.

New Zealand's Super Rugby squads will feature 22 rookies and bright new-look jerseys.

Star Blues recruit Benji Marshall has admitted that he is nervous about making the transition from rugby league to union in Super Rugby next year.

Australia's Will Genia believes the hardline approach of coach Ewen McKenzie will see the "most disciplined" Wallaby side.

Frederic Michalak looks set to be called up to the France squad for their Test against New Zealand, according to coach Philippe Saint-Andre.

England lock Geoff Parling has been ruled out of Saturday's opening November international against Australia at Twickenham with concussion.

All Black wing Ben Smith and loose forward Nasi Manu will lead the Highlanders in 2014 as co-captains.

Colin Slade will return to the Crusaders next year as one of five new players in the 2014 squad.

It is interesting to see coaches squabbling about who is the underdog, although it is by no means a new phenomenon.

Loose forward Luke Braid will has been appointed Blues captain for the 2014 Super Rugby season.

Mils Muliaina is poised to make a shock return to Super Rugby next year after being included in the Chiefs squad.

Eight new faces have been named in the Hurricanes squad for the 2014 Super Rugby season.

Edinburgh wing Tim Visser will miss Scotland’s November Tests after being ruled out for around three to four months with a leg injury.

World Cup-winning Springbok prop Balie Swart believes the year-end tour is the perfect time to give the frontline Bok props a rest to explore other options.  

London Irish confirmed that the club has signed Australian international James O'Connor on a short-term deal until the end of the season.

England prop Alex Corbisiero has been ruled out of his side's opening November Test against Australia at Twickenham on Saturday.

France and Toulouse No.8 Louis Picamoles has been ruled out of a French training camp due to heavy bruising.

Wales scrumhalf Mike Phillips said he would be taking legal action against Bayonne after confirming he'd been sacked by the French Top 14 club.

England flyhalf Jonny Wilkinson has married his long-term live-in girlfriend Shelley Jenkins in a private ceremony.

Bakkies Botha's recall to the Bok team has been preceded by his favourite pass-time - hunting.

Derek Asbun, a member of the University of Cape Town Varsity Cup squad, will feature on the American national team roster.

Argentina will be without their captain Juan Martin Fernandez Lobbe on their upcoming European tour after he injured himself playing for Toulon.

The disciplinary hearing for Western Province forward Michael Rhodes, scheduled to take place on Tuesday, has been postponed until Thursday.

SARU president Oregan Hoskins is confident provincial unions will come to an agreement to expand the Currie Cup from six to eight teams in 2014.

SARU president Oregan Hoskins is adamant that there will be six South African teams in Super Rugby from 2016 no matter what.  

November starts with great feasts - All Saints, All Souls and lots of Tests.

Ireland coach Joe Schmidt has added four players to his squad as injury cover for the November internationals.

The world champion All Blacks arrived in Tokyo on Monday for their first Test match against Japan on Japanese soil and vowed to take nothing for granted.

Stuart Lancaster expects the contact area to go a long way towards deciding an extremely tough Test against Australia this Saturday.

Western Province hooker Siyabonga Ntubeni is on cloud nine after his surprise inclusion in the Springbok squad for the end-of-tour to Europe.

Heyneke Meyer named his 32-man squad for South Africa's year-end tour and as always there is plenty to debate.

Jaque Fourie and Bakkies Botha, as well as four uncapped players, form part of the 32-man Springbok squad for South Africa's year-end tour.

It required some considerable debate, but our esteemed panel of 'selectors' came up with what we believe to be the best team.

One team lost their first match of the season. The other team lost their last match of the season. Guess who are the champions?

Brendan Venter may be moving on after a brief stint that lasted barely three months, but he will leave a lasting legacy in Durban.

Western Province forward Michael Rhodes has been cited for a dangerous tackle in the Currie Cup Final against the Sharks at Newlands.

Wallabies captain James Horwill wants his forward pack to make a big statement on their year-end tour of Europe.

The question of who runs European club rugby remains the major sticking point, after both sides in the 'breakaway' row moved closer on a raft of other issues.

Bath hooker Rob Webber and Sale prop Henry Thomas have both been added to the England squad as injury cover.

James O'Connor is expected to make a decision on his future in the "next 24 or 48 hours", according to London Irish coach Brian Smith.

Western Province are the Under-21 champions of South Africa after their 30-23 win over the Blue Bulls in the main curtainraiser at Newlands to the 2013 Currie Cup Final.

 England prop Alex Corbisiero has stressed fears for his long-term future are misplaced.

Christian Wade scored the only try of the game as London Wasps ensured that Leicester Tigers' miserable record at Adams Park continues.

At the weekend they were fierce rivals, but very soon they will team up to don the Green and Gold of South Africa.

Discipline and defence. Those were the key aspects mentioned in the build-up to the Currie Cup Final.

The premier of KwaZulu-Natal Senzo Mchunu paid tribute to the Sharks team after they won the Currie Cup.

The spotlight was placed on the Sharks' kicking game, but their defence was just as critical to success in the Final.

Marius held on in the final round to win the rugby365 Currie Cup prediction challenge.

Western Province coach Allister Coetzee admitted his team was tactically outmaneuvered by the Sharks in the Currie Cup Final.

Ma'a Nonu, the talented All Black everybody loves to hate, feels he is just misunderstood.

Star flyhalf Dan Carter is expected to start in New Zealand's Test against Japan in Tokyo on Saturday.

Toulouse reclaimed top spot in France after maintaining their unbeaten home record at the weekend by beating European champions Toulon 13-12.

Welsh international scrumhalf Mike Phillips has been sacked by French club Bayonne after being accused of turning up drunk at a training session.

Wellington prop Jeff Toomaga-Allen has been called into the All Black squad for the Test against Japan on Saturday.

Leinster needed a late penalty try to see of a spirited Connacht side at the RDS, with the visitors coming within three minutes of a famous victory.  

A dream season came to a tragic end for Western Province as they slipped to a 19-33 defeat to the Sharks in the Currie Cup Final at Newlands on Saturday.

Saracens suffered their first loss against the season as Northampton Saints claimed a 41-20 bonus-point victory at Franklin's Gardens.

The Sharks powered to an emphatic 33-19 win over Western Province at Newlands on Saturday to be crowned Currie Cup champions.

The Sharks exacted the ultimate revenge on Western Province as they romped to a 33-19 victory in Saturday’s Currie Cup Final at Newlands.

Despite being relegated after losing to the Pumas in Nelspruit, Griquas are hopeful of remaining in the Currie Cup next year.

Samoan fullback James So'oialo has been released from his Connacht contract on compassionate grounds by the club and the Ireland Rugby Football Union.

Pumas coach Jimmy Stonehouse says hard work lies ahead for his team following their re-entry into the Currie Cup.

Toby Faletau could miss Wales’ November internationals after being hospitalised with a neck injury on Friday.

Wallabies coach Ewen McKenzie is targeting a clean sweep of five victories on their upcoming European tour.

Canterbury secured a sixth straight NPC title with a 29-13 win over Wellington on Saturday.  

George Ford kicked all the points as Bath hung on for a nail-biting 15-13 victory over West Country rivals Gloucester at the Rec.

Munster ended Glasgow's 100 percent record at the summit of the Pro12 competition.

The Pumas will play in the Currie Cup Premier Division in 2014, after winning promotion with a 33-15 demolition of Griquas in Nelspruit on Friday.

The Kenya Rugby Union would meet with its Sevens team to explain why players' salaries had been "delayed" soon after the recruitment of South African Paul Treu.

Cavalieri No.8 Giacomo Bernini has been suspended for five weeks following an independent disciplinary hearing on Thursday.

Bayonne have denied reports that they have terminated Welsh scrumhalf Mike Phillips' contract after he attended a training session drunk.

On Saturday at Newlands, referee Jonathan Kaplan will take a coin from his pocket in the presence of Deon Fourie and Keegan Daniel.

The Tasman Makos held off a determined Hawke’s Bay attack to win the NPC Championship Final 26–25 at Nelson’s Trafalgar Park.

The first NPC Final was in 1992 with the great Dave Bishops to referee it. He did so twice and then was followed by his schoolmate Colin Hawke who was followed by Paddy O'Brien, making the Final almost a South Island preserve for referees.

All Black Julian Savea, the face of an anti-domestic violence campaign in New Zealand, apologised after escaping conviction on a charge of assaulting his former partner.

Jan de Koning takes a look at who the possible bolters could be when the Springbok team for the year-end tour is named on Monday.

Will Saturday's NPC Premiership Final at the Westpac Stadium in Wellington be the end of an era for Canterbury and the start of a new era for Wellington?

Sir Donald Currie could not have imagined in his wildest dreams what his donation to South Africa, the majestic golden trophy, would evolve into.

European packs will have to deal with Springbok openside flank Francois Louw for a few more years to come.

It has the factitious appearance of a cease-fire, but will the latest declaration in the Euro war be a lasting peace?

The spotlight may be on the Currie Cup Final at Newlands on Saturday, but 24 hours earlier two teams will be in a desperate duel for Premier Division status.

Japan head coach Eddie Jones was released from the intensive care unit on Friday but will remain in a general ward for the foreseeable future.

Brumbies flank David Pocock is in the final stages of his rehab programme having recovered from a knee reconstruction that ruled him out of the majority of 2013.

Springbok flank Francois Louw is back for Bath's big West Country derby with Gloucester at the Recreation Ground on Friday.

Pro12 log leaders Glasgow Warriors face second-placed Munster in a tantalising top-of-the-table clash at Scotstoun on Friday.

The Pumas may have been 'competitive' last week, but feel they have plenty to prove in the return leg of their promotion-relegation series against Griquas.

It is the Currie Cup Final between WP and the Sharks at Newlands, as well as the second leg promotion-relegation game between the Pumas and Griquas.

Wallaby and Waratahs flank Michael Hooper was on Thursday crowned the 2013 John Eales Medallist and Australia’s Choice Wallaby of the Year in Sydney.

CURRIE CUP FINAL: Western Province will not fall prey to the disease that tripped up the Sharks last year.

The Sharks have been bolstered by the return to fitness of three of their Springboks for Saturday’s Currie Cup Final against Western Province.

The 'house full' signs are up at Newlands ahead of Saturday's Currie Cup Final between Western Province and the Sharks.

All referees who have refereed a Currie Cup Final will say that it was a, if not the, highlight of their refereeing career, even those who have refereed Test matches. And Jonathan Kaplan has the last say.

England coach Stuart Lancaster backed Chris Robshaw to bounce back from the disappointment of missing out on the B&I Lions tour.

Reigning European champions Toulon will not compete in any breakaway tournament proposed by English and French clubs.

A youthful Maori front row has just got younger, with Hawke's Bay hooker Ash Dixon replacing the injured Corey Flynn.

Highlanders coach Jamie Joseph has been forced to apologise on behalf of the franchise for a failed marketing campaign.

The Welsh Rugby Union made a dramatic intervention in the row over the future of the European Cup competition.

Pote Human will bid Kimberley farewell after three years, but he hopes to leave Griquas with the perfect parting gift.

Gloucester flank Akapusi Qera has been named as captain of Fiji for the upcoming international series.

Pumas lock Patricio Albacete fired back at Santiago Phelan after the former Argentina coach cited divisions within the squad as the reason for his resignation.

Chris Robshaw has retained the England captaincy for the November internationals, coach Stuart Lancaster announced on Wednesday.

Welsh referee Nigel Owens will become the firstmatch  official to make 100 Celtic League appearances when he takes charge of Friday night's Welsh derby between the Ospreys and the Dragons at The Liberty Stadium in Swansea.

The Kenya Rugby Union on Wednesday confirmed the appointment of South African coach Paul Treu as head coach of the Kenya Sevens side.

There is a frequently belief that rugby teaches many lessons in life. Here it is teaching many lessons in a school.

There is a frequently belief that rugby teaches many lessons in life. Here it is teaching many lessons in a school.

The Sharks, determined to add to their six Currie Cup titles, have earmarked two key areas of the game that will help them achieve their goal.

Western Province and the Sharks have met six times in Finals of the Currie Cup. WP have won four times, the Sharks twice.

Western Province are not about to employ turtle tactics, by withdrawing into their shells at Newlands on Saturday.

Playing at home always is an advantage. Of the 52 Currie Cup Finals so far. Four have been drawn and the visiting teams have won 20 times.

New Ireland coach Joe Schmidt has named three uncapped players in his first squad for next month's Tests against Samoa, Australia and New Zealand.

Western Province skipper Deon Fourie has been passed fit and will lead an unchanged side in the Currie Cup Final at Newlands on Saturday.  

The four Welsh regions have thrown their support behind an Anglo-French push to revamp European club rugby next season.  

Pay cuts and salary caps have become a reality for Australia's top players, as the country looks to arrest its crumbling economic situation.

Former Argentina captain Agustin Pichot is hopeful that new Pumas coach Daniel Hourcade will take the team through to the 2015 World Cup.  

The first Currie Cup Final was played in 1939, at Newlands when Transvaal beat Western Province. We look back at past finals.

Fallen Wallaby James O'Connor said he plans to play in England and not take up a Super Rugby contract with Perth-based Western Force.

Many dream about the moment, but few ever get to experience it.

Martiens Louw and Robbie Barnard, hooker and prop, who played together for Transvaal and South Africa, have died just over a week apart.

Provincial rugby organised in a competition in New Zealand is relatively young, starting in 1976 with finals dating back only to 1992

Pumas coach Jimmy Stonehouse made six changes to his team for the Currie Cup promotion-relegation Round Two match against Griquas on Friday.

Daniel Hourcade is the frontrunner to be named Pumas interim coach after the unexpected resignation of Santiago Phelan on Tuesday.

Five players at English Premiership clubs have tested positive for recreational drug use during the 2012/13 season.

Bayonne have opted not to release the outcome of their disciplinary action against Wales scrumhalf Mike Phillips, Stephen Brett and Dwayne Haare.

Stuart Lancaster has released 10 players back to their clubs after two days of England’s training camp in Leeds in preparation for the November internationals.

Scotland coach Scott Johnson has included five uncapped players in a 41-strong squad for a training camp in Glasgow next week ahead of the November Tests.

Wales coach Warren Gatland has named controversial scrumhalf Mike Phillips in a 35-man squad for next month's Tests against South Africa, Argentina, Tonga and Australia.

The South African Rugby Board was founded in 1889 with a twofold task - to standardise the laws within South Africa and to establish a provincial competition.

Veteran Sharks flank Jacques Botes says that his team is relishing their status as underdogs ahead of the Currie Cup Final at Newlands this weekend.

The Sharks have evolved into a team using a kicking game to choke the life out of the opposition.

Cardiff Blues club captain Matthew Rees is to have an enforced spell away from rugby as he will undergo testicular surgery.  

Superior conditioning and clever player management were major contributing factors to Western Province's unbeaten Currie Cup run.

Griquas coach Pote Human has shuffled his loose trio for the crucial promotion/relegation play-off with the Pumas in Nelspruit on Friday.  

Hurricanes centre Tim Bateman has been named as the Maori All Black captain for their upcoming tour of North America.  

Jonathan Kaplan is one of 26 referees to referee a Currie Cup Final since the first one in 1939. This Final between Western Province and Sharks at Newlands will be his sixth Final.

Hooker Bismarck du Plessis is free to play for the Sharks in the Currie Cup Final at Newlands after being found not guilty of stamping.

This incident from a match between London Irish and Saracens at Twickenham shows that that there is always something in rugby you have not seen before.

New Waratahs recruits Kurtley Beale and Nick Phipps, along with defensive coach Nathan Grey, will take on their old team the Melbourne Rebels in their first trial match for 2014.

South African scrumhalf Conrad Hoffman and flyhalf Lionel Cronje have both signed two-year contracts with the Brumbies.  

Argentina coach Santiago Phelan has announced his resignation, leaving the Pumas looking for a coach for their upcoming European tour.

New Zealand Rugby (NZR) and the Blues have confirmed that All Blacks midfielder Ma'a Nonu has signed with NZR and the Blues for 2014 and 2015.

South African scrumhalf Rory Kockott was voted Top 14 player of last season by his fellow professionals at an awards ceremony in Paris on Monday.

The Sharks should not be surprised if Western Province players all grow an extra set of legs and arms this week.

It's a big weekend this in South Africa and New Zealand. It's Final time.

Wales and British and Irish Lions scrumhalf Mike Phillips faces a heavy punishment from his Top 14 side Bayonne after turning up at training drunk.

The selection pool was a bit more shallow than usual, but two teams deservedly dominate our famous weekly selection.

Springbok centre Jaque Fourie has signed a new two-year deal with Japanese club Kolbe Steelers that allows him to play Test rugby.

The Blue Bulls and Golden Lions ensured that the Under-19 provincial championship Final would be a Gauteng derby at Newlands on Saturday.

A repeat of last season's semifinal matches will get next year's FNB Varsity Cup presented by Steinhoff International underway on February 3.

Jonathan Kaplan has been appointed to referee the Currie Cup Final between Western Province and the Sharks at Newlands on Saturday.

Western Province and the Blue Bulls this past weekend booked their places in the Under-21 provincial championship Final.

The Sharks will continue sweating over the availability of the Du Plessis brothers, prop Jannie and hooker Bismarck.

A few Springboks coached more than 170 schoolboys and 50 school and club coaches during a coaching session in Queenstown in the Eastern Cape last Thursday.

Western Province may be forced to change their captain and highly successful loose forward combination for the Currie Cup Final.

rugby365 and DHL Express Africa are giving our loyal readers a chance to win a signed Springbok jersey.

rugby365 & Zebra Press gives you a chance to win another wonderful read!

Paul Treu has confirmed that he is in talks with the Kenyan Rugby Union to become their Sevens coach, but there is nothing formal.

It is  not official yet, but All Black coach Steve Hansen's comments lend credence to reports that Ma'a Nonu will play for the Blues next year.

Wallabies flyhalf Quade Cooper believes that his team are 'heading in the right direction' under new coach Ewen McKenzie ahead of their year-end tour.

All Blacks coach Steve Hansen is demanding even higher performance levels on their year-end tour as they look to make it an unbeaten season.

A couple of months ago, in the final fixture of the school year, Dale Junior School's Under 13A team beat Bishops 13A by 50 points to 5.    

Springbok Sevens assistant coach Vuyo Zangqa will not renew his contract and will be stepping down from his current position with the South African team.

Sebastiaan Reinhardt, the principal of Paarl Gim from 1992 to 2008 whose noemnaam was Basjan, died suddenly of a heart attack in the early hours of Saturday morning, 19 October 2013,  in Dwarskersbos on the West Coast where he and his wife were on holiday. He had turned 65 the day before he died.

Northampton Saints bounced back from an opening defeat by Castres to beat Ospreys 27-16 on Sunday in their second European Cup pool match.

Bismarck du Plessis was cited for stamping on an opponent in the  Currie Cup semifinal against the Cheetahs in Durban.  

Cheetahs coach Naka Drotske said that his team's semifinal loss to the Sharks can be put down to a few crucial lapses.  

Western Province are looking to get through the Currie Cup unbeaten for the first time since 1936 when they host the final next week.

Sharks coach Brad Macleod-Henderson admitted that travelling to Newlands for the Currie Cup Final is a 'daunting task'.

The rugby365 Currie Cup prediction challenge will go down to the wire next weekend.

Lions coach Johan Ackermann says that unless someone gives them a lot of money he will not be doing any recruiting ahead of Super Rugby.

All Blacks No.8 Kieran Read is looking forward to taking care of some unfinished business at Twickenham next month.

There are four new All Blacks in New Zealand's squad for their year-end tour to Japan and Europe.

Newlands in Cape Town will host three big finals next Saturday!

Springbok Willie le Roux played a leading role as Griquas snatched a 21-19 win over Pumas in the first leg of a Currie Cup promotion-relegation play-off.

Substitute Gareth Davies scored a try three minutes from time to give Cardiff a famous 19-15 win over champions Toulon in the European Cup.

The Sharks will travel to Newlands next week to face Western Province in the 2013 Currie Cup Final.

Western Province not only retained their unbeaten status, but will host a Currie Cup Final for the first time in 12 years.

The First Division champions, the Pumas, know what they need to do if they want to play in the Currie Cup Premier Division next year.

Griquas coach Pote Human has admitted much work still needs to be done by his side before they face the Pumas next week.

Flank Sam Cane's outstanding performance underlined the depth of the All Blacks squad and showed what the future holds for New Zealand.

Wallaby scrumhalf Will Genia took nothing but positives from marking his 50th Test with yet another loss to the All Blacks.

Canterbury kept alive their hopes of a sixth successive NPC title by overwhelming Auckland 56-26 in their semifinal in Christchurch.

France were dealt a blow ahead of their tough November Test programme with news that key Clermont prop Thomas Domingo will be out for a month.

All Black Byron Kelleher will appear before a French court on a drink-driving charge, after allegedly being four times over the legal limit.

New Zealand remained unbeaten in 2013 when they beat Australia 41-33 in an entertaining Bledisloe Cup fixture in Dunedin on Saturday.

Toulouse edged Saracens in a thrilling European Cup clash in front of 61,000 at Wembley Stadium.  

A last-minute try by Marnus Schoeman saw Griquas claim a 21-19 victory over the Pumas in Kimberley on Friday.  

Jake White insists that he feels no guilt about walking out on the Brumbies and taking up a role as the Sharks Director of Rugby.

Stand a chance to win a signed Springbok jersey!

The two best hookers in the world will go head-to-head in the most delectable sideshow of the weekend's action.

Japan head coach Eddie Jones will miss the upcoming game against the All Blacks, following a stroke which has left him with mobility difficulties.

Clermont scrumhalf Morgan Parra is to appeal the four-week ban he received for violent play.

Abe Davids, brother of Boland Rugby Union President Francois Davids, has been appointed head coach of the senior team.

All Black Ma'a Nonu appeared to be on his way back to Blues following a year-long stand-off with the franchise.

Wellington won through to the NPC Final in style, with a comprehensive 41-10 victory over Ranfurly Shield holders Counties Manukau.

All Black veterans Tom Donnelly and Tony Woodcock will be playing for the Blues next year.

Will young Etienne Oosthuizen play for the Sharks or the Lions in Super Rugby next year?

Super Rugby's back-to-back champions, the Chiefs have signed Mils Muliaina and Robbie Fruean to complete their squad for the 2014 season.

The All Blacks go into their clash with the Wallabies in Dunedin on Saturday as overwhelming favourites despite losing influential captain Richie McCaw.

Durban always throws up something unexpected for  big matches, especially for major play-offs.

Outright favourites and with everything to lose, defending Currie Cup champions Western Province will be the team under pressure.

New Zealand play Australia in the third Bledisloe Cup match of 2013 in Dunedin on Saturday, not that it will have any bearing on the destination of the huge cup.

While four teams are gearing for the main prize, the coveted Currie Cup, two other sides are in a desperate scrap for their very survival.

Scarlets prop Samson Lee and Bordeaux-Bègles lock Adam Jaulhac have been slapped with bans.

The second round of the European Cup will kick off in style in front of a massive crowd at Wembley Stadium on Friday.

The Free State Cheetahs have made a late change to their team for the Currie Cup semifinal showdown with the Sharks in Durban on Saturday.

It is Currie Cup semifinal time and we have the third and final Bledisloe Cup Test this weekend. It is all LIVE right here!

England Rugby Union coach Stuart Lancaster is looking forward to picking the brains of soccer counterpart Roy Hodgson.

Wallaby coach Ewen McKenzie has challenged his players to reproduce the sparkling form they showed in their demolition of Argentina.

Clermont wing Naipolioni Nalaga has been cleared to play for his club in their European Cup Round Two match on Sunday.

There are domestic semifinals in SA and NZ, but which is the priciest?

Wallaby wing Nick Cummins has become the latest player to buck the trend of taking up lucrative Northern Hemisphere contracts.

One of the key sub-plots to Saturday's Currie Cup semifinal at Newlands will be the duel between the two flyhalves.

On Saturday New Zealand and Australia are again in a match, theoretically for the Bledisloe Cup. Theoretically because the destiny of the Cup in 2013 is decided. But who/what/where was/is Bledisloe?

The return of Springbok Elton Jantjies is one of seven changes to the Golden Lions team for the Currie Cup semifinal showdown with WP.

Currie Cup semifinal time, in the words of Springbok prop Coenie Oosthuizen, is always an "amazing challenge".

What is a kick? It sounds such a simple question, but it is not.

Saturday will be a special occasion for Waratahs wing Peter Betham, as he makes his Test debut for Australia against New Zealand.

Jan de Koning asks if there is still a need for promotion-relegation games if the format Currie Cup competition could be decided in the boardroom?

France scrumhalf Morgan Parra has been suspended for four weeks for punching.

Saracens have added further international quality to their squad with the signing of Argentina centre Marcelo Bosch.

Wallaby players are expected to accept pay cuts to help the Australian Rugby Union from going broke.

Wales star Justin Tipuric, ahead of next month’s Test against the Springboks, says Francois Louw is one of the best players he's come up against.

The All Blacks have tweaked their backline for the Bledisloe Cup clash against the Wallabies at Forsyth Barr Stadium on Saturday.

In a dramatic about turn Free State Cheetahs prop Schalk van der Merwe has been cleared to resume playing.

Allister Coetzee knows that with so much quality and experience at his disposal, his side could not be in a better position ahead of the play-offs.

Pumas coach Jimmy Stonehouse beefed up his scrum ahead of the first match in their Currie Cup promotion-relegation series against Griquas.

Springbok centre Jan Serfontein will start for the Blue Bulls Under-21 side in their semifinal against the Sharks at Loftus Versfeld on Saturday.

Free State Cheetahs prop Schalk van der Merwe will have to wait until Thursday to hear if he faces ban.

The Free State Cheetahs have made just one change to their starting line-up for their Currie Cup semifinal against the Sharks at Kings Park on Saturday.

England coach Stuart Lancaster responded to a midfield injury crisis by including a trio of uncappped centres in his squad.

Jean de Villiers will start at outside centre for Western Province in Saturday's Currie Cup semifinal meeting with the Golden Lions at Newlands.

The return of World Cup-winning Springbok utility back Frans Steyn was made formal on Wednesday.

Japan coach Eddie Jones has been hospitalised with signs of a minor stroke ahead of his squad's Test against the All Blacks November 2.

It is Absa Currie Cup semifinal time and you can be part of it!

Rudolf Straeuli's reported shift from Kings Park to Ellis Park is not a done deal yet, but there are plenty of good reasons why it will happen.

The Bulls appear to be stemming the tide of senior players departing Pretoria, with a senior Bok headlining the latest list of contract extensions.

Two-Test Springbok flyhalf Elton Jantjies could make an unexpected return to Newlands.

The BiltzBokke have been drawn into a tough pool for the Dubai Sevens, the second round of the IRB Sevens World Series on November 29-30.

Ireland scrumhalf Paul Marshall has signed a new three-year contract extension with Ulster that will keep him at Ravenhill until 2017.

Clermont vice-president Jean-Marc Lhermet is furious over the citing of Napolioni Nalaga following the opening round of the European Cup.

Cheetahs prop Schalk van der Merwe’s disciplinary hearing, scheduled to take place on Tuesday, has been postponed until Wednesday.

Marius Jonker and Marius van der Westhuizen will referee the two Currie Cup semifinals.

World Cup-winning Springbok utility back Frans Steyn will make a dramatic return to the playing field on Saturday.

Munster head coach Rob Penney and lock Donnacha Ryan insist the 'embarrassment' of defeat to Edinburgh will spur them on against Gloucester this weekend.

According to flank Julian Salvi, the Leicester Tigers will be going all-out for a bonus-point win over Treviso this weekend.  

Springbok wing Willie le Roux will start for Griquas in their promotion/relegation play-off against the Pumas in Kimberley on Friday.  

Western Province scrumhalf Ricky Schroeder is heading to Johannesburg after signing a two-year deal with the Lions.  

All Blacks coach Steve Hansen looks set to use the final Bledisloe Cup Test to have a look at some different backline options.  

In New Zealand there is the Bledisloe Cup match. In South Africa it is Currie Cup semifinal time, with lots of excitement as the grand old competition builds to a climax.

Waratahs coach Michael Cheika says that his team are aiming for a top two finish and their first Super Rugby title next season.  

Wallabies wings Joe Tomane and Chris Feauai-Sautia are the latest backline players to have been ruled out of Saturday's Test against the All Blacks due to injury.  

The Golden Lions on Saturday claimed the remaining home semifinal in the Under-19 provincial championship in style.

Western Province coach Allister Coetzee insists they won’t underestimate the Golden Lions in Saturday’s semifinal at Newlands.

Western Province coach Allister Coetzee regards the perceived captaincy conundrum that he is faced with as a positive.

The Blue Bulls at the weekend booked an invaluable home semifinal in the Under-21 provincial championship.

Toulon skipper Chris Masoe singled out European Cup debutant Ali Williams for special praise after his side kicked-off the defence of their European title.

Record-breaking South Africa wing Bryan Habana is predicting an epic battle when the Springboks take on Wales in Cardiff in November.

Leinster skipper Jamie Heaslip warned his side they have "still got a lot to work on" despite picking up four points on the road against the Ospreys.

Free State Cheetahs prop Schalk van der Merwe will appear before a South African Rugby Union judicial committee on Tuesday.

Only one team missed out as we sat down to name our famous Weekly selection and it is not surprising it is the side who's season is over.

The Wallabies said they will not be abandoning fallen star James O'Connor as he battles to rehabilitate his stalled career.

Former Reds flank Jarrad Butler has joined the Brumbies and will look to challenge for a spot in their starting line-up next season.  

It took until Sunday's closing round robin match to confirm the last of the NPC semifinalist.

Wallaby goal-kicker Christian Leali'ifano has been ruled out of Saturday's Bledisloe Cup Test against New Zealand with an ankle injury.

South Africa hooker Craig Burden has been signed by European champions Toulon as cover for the injured Sebastien Bruno.

Toulon kicked-off the defence of their European Cup crown with half-a-dozen tries, but they also found out that qualifying from Pool Two isn't going to be easy.

Cross-code superstar Sonny Bill Williams will return to rugby union in 2015 after completing a second season with the Sydney Roosters.

Despite losing at home to Western Province, the Sharks remain upbeat ahead of their home semifinal against the Cheetahs.