All News

It was three from four for teams from the north, but the undoubted highlight of the Vodacom Cup quarterfinal round was the Blue Bulls' stunning last-gasp win over the Sharks XV in Durban on Saturday.

New Zealand have taken a step closer to a 10th Series title after beating England 29-14 in the Final at the Glasgow leg of the IRB Sevens World Series.

On August 18 Newlands will play host to an historic occasion. Not only will Argentina play at the world's oldest Test venue for the first time, they will officially enter the Southern Hemisphere Championship.

Northampton boss Jim Mallinder believes his side are running into their best form in time for next Saturday's Premiership semifinal visit to Harlequins.

Both of the sides in contention for the Sevens World Series crown, leaders New Zealand and challengers Fiji, went unbeaten on Day One of the Glasgow Sevens to top their pools and remain on a collision course.

Montpellier secured their place in the French Top 14 championship play-offs with a 21-16 win over Biarritz Friday, a result which leaves the Basque club sweating on their top flight survival.

Racing Metro all but booked their place in the Top 14 play-offs and condemned Stade Francais to missing out with a 19-13 victory over their bitter rivals at Stade de France on Saturday.

Harlequins secured top spot in the Premiership with a 24-10 win over Sale, and they will be joined in the semifinals by Leicester, Saracens and Northampton, who all scored convincing wins in the final round of action.

The Blues' horror run stretched to seven straight losses with a 19-35 Super Rugby defeat to the Hurricanes in Wellington on Friday, a game that again displayed all the worst traits of the bumbling Blues.

Springbok stalwart Schalk Burger will miss the June Tests against England after the Stormers confirmed that he will only return to action after the international break.

As we approach the final round of the Premiership, on Saturday 5 May, with all matches kicking off at 14.00 (13.00 GMT), to ensure the integrity of the competition there are a number of scenarios.

The Hurricanes showcased their ruthless attacking instincts against the battling Blues to record a 35-19 bonus-point victory over the Super Rugby bottom-feeders in Wellington on Friday.

Gloucester have boosted their threequarter resources for next season with the signing of Irish wing Shane Monahan from Championship side Rotherham.

Ulster flyhalf Ian Humphreys will play for London Irish next season after agreeing a three-year deal with the Premiership club it was confirmed on Friday.

The Pumas were too strong at home for the EP Kings team as they won their Vodacom Cup quarterfinal 30-19 (half-time 17-9) at Mbombela Stadium in Nelspruit on Friday.

It is the land of Sarie Marais, the Mooi River and mealie fields - and an FNB Classic Clash on Saturday when Pretoria Boys' High, who call themselves College, play HTS Potchefstroom.

It's Round 11 in the 2012 Super Rugby competition... So where has Howie Kahn put his money in the Bet.co.za betting challenge?

New Zealand and Fiji will continue their 'duel' for overall honours in the IRB Sevens World Series in the penultimate leg in Glasgow on Saturday and Sunday.

Gloucester have boosted their threequarter resources for next season with the signing of Irish wing Shane Monahan from Championship side Rotherham.

Ireland flank David Wallace has retired after failing to recover from the knee injury that ruled him out of last year's World Cup in New Zealand.

Springbok stalwart Schalk Burger will miss the June Tests against England after the Stormers confirmed that he will only return to action after the international break.

Cameron Anthony, the son of renowned schoolboy coach Paul Anthony, will captain Pretoria Boys High School in Saturday's FNB Classic Clashes encounter against Affies - an all-Pretoria affair.

Hoerskool Wolmaransstad captain Pieter Oosthuizen is a well-built tighthead prop who loves to scrum. But he also loves to run with the ball.

As we approach the final round of the Premiership, on Saturday 5 May, with all matches kicking off at 14.00 (13.00 GMT), to ensure the integrity of the competition there are a number of scenarios.

Afrikaanse Hoer Seunskool (Affies) have had a strong 2012 season, but their captain Pierre Schoeman believes they are capable of having a great year.

This Saturday Zweliyandila and Ntsonkotha meet in an FNB Classic Clash, a match that has been played as a Classic Clash since 2004, a match identified by the Border Rugby Union as representing the best of the township schools.

The Australian Sevens team will be looking to maintain the momentum they have built up recently in the penultimate round of the World Sevens Series in Glasgow this weekend.

Three Varsity Cup stars will make their debut for the Springbok Sevens rugby team at the Glasgow Sevens following confirmation of the team to play in the penultimate Sevens World Series tournament of the season.

Edinburgh's 'Flying Dutchman' Tim Visser has winged his way into the Pro12 Dream Team for the third year in a row as the leading try-scorer so far this season.

St Andrews captain Garrick Bowker is keen to see his team continue their recent run of form by clinching the FNB Classic Clash against Graeme College in Grahamstown.

Defending European Cup champions Leinster will be without the services of their Irish wing Luke Fitzgerald.

The penultimate round of Top 14 action will see all eyes turn to the French capital as the two Parisian clubs, Racing-Metro and Stade Francais, meet in a clash that could ensure the former's spot in the play-offs.

Renowned mental coach Tom Dawson-Squibb, a former columnist on rugby365.com, has launched Head Start TV - more of which will be featuring on this website in weeks to come.

New Springbok coach Heyneke Meyer's captain will remain a closely guarded secret till just days before the opening Test against England on June 9.

Exeter Chiefs head coach Rob Baxter is hopeful a big finale to the season could prove key in whether or not any of his squad make it onto England's tour to South Africa.

Daniel Pienaar have a strong captain - both physically and mentally - so it's hardly surprising that he is expecting a tough tussle up front when his team takes on Die Brandwag in their FNB Classic Clashes encounter this Saturday.

Cross a street and you have gone to the other school. Affies and Pretoria Boys High are that close, and they are good neighbours who will enjoy Saturday's FNB Classic Clash.

Despite a fairly extensive fixture list there is not that much to get the pulses racing in this weekend's Western Province and Boland programmes, while the South Western Districts teams begin with their exhaustive trials.

Graeme College captain Gordon-Wayne Plaatjies is hoping that his side will be able to bounce back from a disappointing start to the season when they take on old Grahamstown foes St Andrews this weekend.

Hoerskool Wolmaransstad will be going east for some 80 km to Hoerskool Schoonspruit in Klerksdorp for an FNB Classic Clash on Saturday.

Drostdy are one of the form teams in the Western Cape, yet captain Izak Burger is taking nothing for granted come Saturday's FNB Classic Clashes tussle against neighbours, Worcester Gim.

Worcester Gim captain Louis Carstens is a true leader - having captained his school's First XI in the summer and being a prefect too. He is the perfect man to skipper his team in Saturday's FNB Classic Clashes encounter against Drostdy.

Springbok coach Heyneke Meyer took a giant step towards completing his management team this week.

On Saturday Graeme College of Grahamstown go across town to St Andrew's for an FNB Classic Clash. It is one of South Africa's ancient schools games.

Former Welsh international Phil Davies has been appointed as Director of Rugby at the Cardiff Blues.

Seasoned Springbok Jean de Villiers, playing some of the best rugby of his career, is as determined as ever to be part of the national team set-up.

Hoerskool Schoonspruit captain Ruan Lombard has never lost a match against Hoerskool Wolmaransstad, and he intends to keep it that way when the sides meet in the FNB Classic Clash on Saturday.

The Golden Lions Rugby Union (GLRU) revealed on Thursday that they had reached a settlement with their former equity partner Guma Tac Group some time ago.

Bath revealed that promising young lock Scott Hobson has been forced to retire from the game through injury.

Die Brandwag's Riaan Esterhuizen played in the No.7 jersey in last year's FNB Classic Clash against Daniel Pienaar. This year he will captain his team from the inside centre position.

HTS Potchefstroom have made a great start to the season, having won five out of their seven games, and their skipper Falakie Phonosa is hoping the good times will continue against Potchefstroom Boys High this weekend.

Two of South Africa's very best rugby schools are in Uitenhage and on Saturday they meet in an FNB Classic Clash - Daniel Pienaar and Die Brandwag.

According to their captain Phakamani Maganga Potchefstroom Boys High will focus on using their considerable pace to outgun their rivals HTS Potchefstrrom when the two sides meet in their FNB Classic Clash this weekend.

Munster on Wednesday announced the appointment of New Zealander Rob Penney as head coach, subject to him securing a valid work permit.

The lovely Boland town of Worcester in the valley of the Breede amongst mountains at the start of the Karroo is host to the big rugby derby between HTS Drostdy and Worcester Gimnasium on Saturday. It will be a great occasion.

South Africa's new scrum guru, former French prop Pieter de Villiers, is under no illusion as to the enormity of the task awaiting him - despite the quality of the talent at his disposal.

Leah Berard of the USA has been appointed as one of nine match officials to take part in the IRB's Junior World Rugby Trophy (JWRT) to be played in Salt Lake City in the USA from 18-30 June.

In what might otherwise have ended in a deadlock, flyhalf Cameron Wright proved to be the difference as Hilton recorded a gripping 13-6 victory over Kearsney on Gilfillan. Chief architect Wright scored all of his team's points - including a scintillating try.

Dan Bibby is set to win his first cap after being named in the England squad for this weekend's penultimate leg of the IRB Sevens World Series in Glasgow.

The winner of the 15th Vodacom Cup will be crowned in a few weeks' time, but this weekend quarterfinal action takes place in Kimberley, Nelspruit, Durban and Cape Town.

Zweliyandila captain Mente Abongile is feeling confident that his side will be able to continue their unbeaten run this year when they take on local rivals Ntsonkotha in their FNB Classic Clash just outside East London this weekend.

Three local members of the wider South African Under-20 squad were called up to the senior Springbok camp that started in Cape Town on Wednesday.

An older and wiser Danny Cipriani will link up with his new Sale teammates next month armed with a steely determination to start making headlines for all the right reasons.

London Irish revealed that they have signed the Super League and Catalan Dragons star Setaimata Sa on a three-year deal.

Edinburgh continued to power up their playing squad for next season with the signing of a pair of quality second row forwards, both on two-year deals.

Queensland Reds openside flank Liam Gill will lead the 28-man Australian Under-20 squad at the 2012 IRB Junior World Championships in South Africa in June.

There are changes this week again in our Top 20 in the wake of what happened at Wildeklawer. Paul Roos come back on top while Grey Bloem climb again after two strong wins.

The Oceania region qualification process for World Cup 2015 will kick-off with the Oceania Cup in 2013, the IRB and FORU announced.

Australian rugby legend Michael Lynagh's sight has been severely damaged by a stroke but he admits that he is lucky to be alive.

Former Scotland captain Chris Paterson will retire from rugby after Edinburgh's final match of the season on Saturday.

It's a big weekend for Stuart Berry and Andrew Lees this weekend, for they will be refereeing their very first Super Rugby matches, both having enjoyed gradual introduction, including the IRB Sevens Series.

England coach Stuart Lancaster wiill be without six key players including flank Tom Croft and lock Courtney Lawes for the tour of South Africa in June.

Tom Biggs and Mark McMillan have both extended their contracts with Premiership side Bath, seeing them stay until 2014 and 2013 respectively.

New Zealand coach Wayne Smith has turned down England's offer, while Mike Catt has been confirmed as the latest addition to Stuart Lancaster's coaching team for the tour to South Africa.

Australian rugby legend Michael Lynagh was released from hospital on Tuesday, two weeks after a stroke that at one stage saw him classed as critical.

England Under-20 coaches Rob Hunter and Nick Walshe have named their 28-man squad ahead of the 2012 IRB Junior World Championships in South Africa, as they aim to go one better than their runners-up place last year.

Star Wallabies utility back James O'Connor faces an anxious three-week wait to have scans on his lacerated liver which will determine whether he can play in the June Tests against Scotland and Wales.

The one knows the evils of hooking play. The other knows Dr Evil.

Leinster skipper Leo Cullen admits Sunday's thrilling Heineken Cup semifinal with Clermont Auvergne could have gone either way.

Frank Halai and Solomon King are back in the New Zealand team for the final two tournaments of the IRB Sevens World Series - in Glasgow (May 5 and 6) and London (May 12 and 13).

European Cup champions Leinster have ensured good continuity for the future by finalising 18 contract extensions and two new signings.

There's an old cliche about a match being 'a game of two halves'. Well, Monday, 30 April was a day of two halves at the Wynberg Rugby Festival: two matches in agreeable if heavily overcast weather, two in driving rain that by the end saw Hawthornden Field largely covered in water.

The New Zealand Under-20 coach Rob Penney has named a 28-man squad without any Super Rugby players to defend their IRB Junior World Championship in South Africa in June.

Clermont Auvergne coach Vern Cotter couldn't hide his disappointment after seeing his side's Heineken Cup dream come crashing down at the semifinal stages.

All roads are leading to London when both the 2012 Heineken Cup and Amlin Challenge Cup finals will be staged in close proximity over the space of 24 hours.

SA Rugby Referees have announced the referees for the knock-out stages of the Vodacom Cup - quarterfinals, semifinals and Final.

The Ospreys have hit good form recently with four consecutive wins vaulting them to second place on the Pro12 log, but centre Ashley Beck knows that the tough rugby starts now as they hunt for silverware.

Federico Martin Aramburu has vowed to bring down the curtain on his career with Pro12 success at Glasgow Warriors, after announcing that he is to retire from professional rugby at the end of the season.

Joe Schmidt admits he hasn't given the Heineken Cup Final a thought just yet after his side booked their Twickenham ticket with a stunning semifinal success against Clermont Auvergne.

It was a beautiful, sunny morning at Hoerskool Diamantveld in Kimberley for the second day of the Wildeklawer Super Schools tournament, and the rugby in the first, thrilling match matched the weather. It was a splendid match.

South Africa's new scrum guru, former French prop Pieter de Villiers, has spoken of the need for the right balance between experience and youthful exuberance when the Springboks tackle England in June.

The big interest in schools rugby at the is time of long weekend is in Kimberley where the Wildeklawer Super Schools Tournament is taking place at Hoerskool Diamantveld. And in the Cape Wynberg are hosting their cheerful festival.

Western Province, the Sharks XV (South Section), Griquas and the Pumas (North) will host the four Vodacom Cup quarterfinals next weekend after all of them finished the league phase of the competition with victories.

St Andrew's of Grahamstown came down to Rondebosch and, in a rivalry dating back to 1896, beat Bishops 19-16 at Bishops. This victory came after five successive wins by Bishops.

Holders Leinster set up the first all-Irish European Cup Final on Sunday with a thrilling 19-15 victory over French side Clermont in Bordeaux.

Former London Wasps and England Under-20 wing Mark Odejobi has been added to the England Sevens squad preparing for the final two legs of the Sevens World Series.

Former All Black captain and coach Sir Fred "the Needle" Allen died on Saturday aged 92, rugby officials said.

While the First XVs were in action at Hoerskool Diamantveld in Kimberley, the age-group teams had their own tournament.

South African scrumhalf Ruan Pienaar led 1999 champions Ulster into their first European Cup final in 13 years on Saturday as the Irish downed plucky Edinburgh 22-19 in the semifinals.

All four Cape sides recorded comfortable wins over their Gauteng opponents on Saturday, 28 April, the first day of the Wynberg Rugby Festival.

The prestigious Wildeklawer Super Schools Tournament kicked off before a big crowd at Hoerskool Diamantveld in Kimberley on Saturday, 28 April, 2012. And the very first match was a thriller.

The Tokyo-winning Australian team will have one last hit out before the final two rounds of the IRB Sevens World Series when they meet their New Zealand counterparts in Sydney on Sunday.

It's the 10th round of the 2012 Super Rugby tournament and it's a very happy - and victorious - Howie Kahn reporting back from the Bet.co.za betting challenge!

With fans from over 100 countries watching this weekend's action from Europe's premier club tournament on television, the games will be even more intensely monitored by supporters in North London and the west of Ireland as the results of the Heineken Cup semifinals in Dublin and Bordeaux could see a coveted place in next season's European Cup going to either London Wasps or Connacht.

KwaZulu-Natal's two representative teams at this year's prestigious Wildeklawer Skouspel will both have their work cut out for them when they take two of the Western Cape's finest teams on Day One.

Northwood School lived through the highs and lows of schoolboy rugby over the past week.

The Australian Rugby Union have decided to review its corportae covernance in an effort to make sure rugby union isn't left behind by rival codes.

Heyneke Meyer has hit his first major stumbling block since being appointed Springbok coach earlier this year, with the revelation of a public stand-off over how much money the players will be paid.

England have named former captain Andy Vilk and newcomer Dan Bibby in a 14-man squad preparing for the final two legs of the IRB Sevens World Series.

There are 18 teams taking part in the Wildeklawer Super Schools Invitation Tournament, hosted by Hoerskool Diamantveld in Kimberley from 27 to 30 April, 2012.

Edinburgh's improbable quest for European Cup glory continues when they face former champions Ulster in a semifinal at Dublin's Lansdowne Road on Saturday.

New Zealand and England are going head-to-head in a tug-o'-war over the services of respected former All Black backline coach Wayne Smith.

New Zealand's Wayne Smith admitted on Thursday he was considering an offer to take up a role in the England coaching set-up and would make up his mind by early next month.

Gloucester revealed on Thursday that Northampton Saints hooker Andy Long will be moving to Kingsholm for the 2012-13 season.

Scarlets Prop Iestyn Thomas has announced that he will retire from rugby at the end of this season after 10 seasons with his region.

Lyndon Bray, the Super Rugby tournament's head of refereeing, acknowledged that the referee erred in the lead-up to a Bulls' try in their match with the Brumbies which the Bulls won 36-34.

Exeter Chiefs have added another new face to their ranks for the 2012/13 campaign with the acquisition of Will Chudley from Premiership rivals Newcastle Falcons.

The schoolboy rugby player who knocked a referee unconscious with a head-butt has been banned from playing for 10 years of which seven years are suspended, leaving him with an effective suspension of three years.

On Saturday of this long weekend, the Diocesan College of Rondebosch and St Andrew's College of Grahamstown meet - Bishops vs College, as has happened since 1896.

The final Springbok Planning Camp starts in Cape Town on Tuesday and Springbok coach Heyneke Meyer, after consulting with the national selectors, has invited 31 players to the camp.

Daniel Biggar, the Ospreys flyhalf was suspended for one week by a Pro12 disciplinary committee - after having accumulated three yellow cards in the competition to date.

After two Springbok planning camps in Pretoria, national rugby coach Heyneke Meyer says he can finally see a plan coming together ahead of the three-Test series against England in June.

Edinburgh have, for many, been the surprise package of the 17th Heineken Cup tournament, but although head coach Michael Bradley does not count himself among that number he believes his team march on as the underdogs yet again.

Springbok coach Heyneke Meyer says he might select a more inexperienced side for the England tour in June than he initially expected.

There is all to play for in the final round of the Vodacom Cup before the play-offs start, with only three teams - Griquas and Pumas in the North Section, and Western Province in the South - assured of their quarterfinal spots.

Opinion is divided over whether one-time lord of the locks Victor Matfield should come out of retirement and lead South Africa in a three-Test home series against England this June.

SARU announced on Wednesday the South African Under-20 squad to take part in the Junior World Chmapionship to be held in the Western Cape in June 2012.

Former Fijian captain Dominiko Waqaniburotu signed for Top 14 side Brive on Wednesday from New Zealand outfit Waikato.

Injured France flyhalf David Skrela has been ruled out of Clermont's European Cup semifinal against Irish province Leinster, the Top 14 side's coach Vern Cotter said Wednesday.

Piri Weepu's unshapely form may be a point of heated debate for most New Zealanders, but new All Black coach Steve Hansen does not see it as w eighty issue.

Blue Bulls flank Wian Liebenberg will lead a powerful South African Under-20 team at the IRB Junior World Championship in Cape Town.

Gonzalo Comacho of Exeter Chiefs has been suspended for three weeks for a spear tackle, following a Rugby Football Union disciplinary hearing.

Former Exiles flyhalf Shane Geraghty, will re-join London Irish from French Top 14 club Brive after signing a new two year deal with the Premiership club.

Sharks lock Pieter Steph du Toit, a member of the wider South African Under-20 squad, has been called up to the Springbok Planning Camp in Pretoria.

Former France captain Lionel Nallet is to join Sebastien Chabal at recently-relegated Lyon for next season, the club announced on Tuesday.

Five Premiership clubs are represented in the shortlist for the top honour of Player of the Season.

Clayton Blommetjies, the Tuks fullback who starred in this year's Varsity Cup success, has received a well-deserved call-up to the Springbok Sevens squad.

ASM Clermont Auvergne captain Aurelien Rougerie will be taking nothing for granted when he leads his team out for their historic Heineken Cup semifinal debut in Bordeaux on Sunday.

There are changes this week all right. There would be if 18 beats 1!

Former Springbok coach Peter de Villiers, in stark contrast to his players, still believes that New Zealand referee deliberately undermined his team in last year's World Cup quarterfinal.

The Australian Sevens team will prepare for the final two legs of the Sevens World Series by taking on New Zealand in a curtain raiser to the Super Rugby clash between the Waratahs and the Crusaders in Sydney on Sunday.

A poet called April the 'cruellest month'. For some it will be as the semifinals of Europe's competitions take place and inevitably there will be teams dropping out.

Australian coach Robbie Deans has made three new appointments to his coaching staff, ahead of mid-year Tests against Scotland and after the clean-out that followed last year's World Cup failure.

Exeter Chiefs have bolstered their ranks for the 2012/13 campaign by confirming the signing of Australian international Dean Mumm on a two-year deal.

Heineken Cup champions Leinster are unbeaten in their last 13 tournament matches, but they face a massive test against French standard bearers Clermont Auvergne in Bordeaux on Sunday - in attempting to take that run to 14 matches without defeat.

Leading try scorer Dan Norton has committed himself to England Sevens after signing a new deal with the national side.

Another one of Australia's star playmakers is in a race against time to be fit for the Wallabies' mid-year internationals in June.

The desire to prove their detractors wrong, rather than the expectations of home ground advantage, is what will drive South Africa's youngsters at the 2012 IRB Junior World Championships.

Alex Cuthbert showed his worth to the Cardiff Blues cause with a superb hat-trick to help down Edinburgh 38-13 in what might yet prove to be his final game at the Cardiff City Stadium.

Former Springbok coach Jake White says it would make sense for current South African mentor Heyneke Meyer to select retired lock Victor Matfield as his captain.

Northampton moved in to fourth place in the Aviva Premiership table thanks to two second half tries as they ended Exeter's run of four league wins in a row with an 18-15 victory at Sandy Park on Sunday.

Western Province clinched pole position in the South Section of the Vodacom Cup, but the North Section is still wide open with one round of league action to go.

Talented young Namibian lock forward Andre de Klerk has made history for all the wrong reasons.

Matthew Jarvis held his nerve to hand Connacht a last-gasp 19-16 Pro12 victory over Aironi on Saturday.

The South Africa Under-20 team wrapped a three-match series against the touring Argentina side with a 13-5 win in the third and final encounter at the Danie Craven Stadium, Stellenbosch, on Saturday.

French back row forward Sebastien Chabal signed a two-year deal with rock-bottom Lyon, insisting he was looking forward to his new career even if it meant playing in the second division.

Leicester made a devastating statement of intent ahead of the Premiership play-offs by coming from 13 points down to beat current leaders Harlequins 43-33.

World Cup-winning All Blacks coach Graham Henry has poked fun at the England team, describing its players in tongue-in-cheek comments as "a shambles" who should "self-destruct and start again".

Leinster ensured they would finish top of the Pro12 standings at the conclusion of the regular season, but Friday's spotlight belonged to Welsh legend Shane Williams.

Saracens clinched a place in the Premiership semifinals with a brutal 9-3 victory over Newcastle at Kingston Park.

England head coach Stuart Lancaster has flown to South Africa in an attempt to recruit New Zealand attack specialist Wayne Smith to his England coaching team.

One-time Springbok Pieter Dixon will also be leaving Bath at the end of the season.

French Top 14 title-chasers Toulon on Saturday confirmed they had signed international backs Frederic Michalak and Maxime Mermoz.

Technical troubles cost Howie Kahn in last weekend's Bet.co.za betting challenge, but he has gone for some brave picks this week as he looks to finish the second four-week block on a high.

An urban legend that says a pope dies whenever Wales wins Europe's rugby crown is gaining statistical ground, says a letter in the British Medical Journal (BMJ) on Friday.

Australian legend Michael Lynagh remained in a critical condition with swelling on the brain Friday, following a severe stroke doctors described as rare for someone his age.

London Irish have agreed to release England midfielder Shontayne Hape who will join French Top 14 side Montpellier at the start of next season.

The Bulls players have known this for years, but now players from other parts of South Africa are finding out what makes Heyneke Meyer such a great coach.

Exeter Chiefs wing Gonzalo Camacho has been cited for a dangerous tackle in the Aviva Premiership match against Worcester Warriors.

Springbok legend Victor Matfield has admitted that he wouldn't consider coming out of retirement for any coach, but Heyneke Meyer.

The match is 80-minutes long but the ball is not in play all of those 80 minutes. There are stoppages, and in fact the ball is rarely in play for even half the time.

Recently we looked at scrummaging and its improvement in 2012 Super Rugby, seeking, as it does, to have the ball in and out 70% of the time without an intervening stoppage.

The Welsh Rugby Union has appointed Rob Howley as caretaker head coach of Wales for the forthcoming internationals against the Barbarians and Australia.

A total of 45 players from the Bulls and Sharks have been invited to the second Springbok Planning Camp, which will be held in Pretoria next week.

Former Australia captain and World Cup winner Michael Lynagh was in a stable condition on Thursday after suffering a stroke, rugby officials said.

Peter de Villiers said he feels a bit "useless" now that he is unemployed and unwanted.

Springbok coach Heyneke Meyer says he is stunned by the attitude of the players after the first four-day Springbok planning camp in Pretoria.

Jaque Fourie has turned down the opportunity to play for the Springboks whilst contracted to Kobe Steel Kobelco Steelers as he would like to focus on performing for the Japanese club.

Sam Dube was appointed chairman of Western Province Rugby at a meeting of the board of WP Rugby.

This is the first FNB Top 20 of 2012, and it is produced with great trepidation after lots of thought, head-scratching and debate.

Former Wallabies captain Michael Lynagh has been admitted to a Brisbane hospital after suffering a stroke, Australian media reported on Wednesday.

The next few weeks of Vodacom Cup action have taken on a new dimension following the announcement of the midweek matches during the England tour in June.

Experienced Cardiff Blues lock Deiniol Jones has been forced to retire from all rugby due to recurring shoulder injuries.

Veteran Bath tighthead prop Duncan Bell will retire from the game at the end of the season, after representing the English Premiership club over 200 times over nine years.

Gloucester head coach Bryan Redpath has offered his resignation which has been accepted by the club's board with immediate effect, leaving the Cherry and Whites without a boss.

Scotland will be aiming to bounce back from a disappointing Six Nations campaign which saw them finish with the wooden spoon, when they go on their three-Test mid-year tour and tackle Australia, Fiji and Samoa.

All Blacks and Highlanders scrumhalf Jimmy Cowan will quit New Zealand rugby later this year to play for English Premiership club Gloucester.

England will play midweek tour matches in Kimberley and Potchefstroom during their three Test series against the Springboks in June, the South African Rugby Union (SARU) confirmed on Monday.

The South African Under-20 Invitational XV, mostly of Under-19 players, drew 23-23 with the Argentinian Under-20 team at the Mark?tter Stadium in Stellenbosch late on Tuesday afternoon.

Edinburgh celebrated a major signing coup, announcing that All-Black Ben Atiga will join the side next season from Super Rugby side Highlanders on a two-year contract.

The European Rugby Cup (ERC), the body which is responsible for the running of the Heineken Cup and the Amlin Challenge Cup, has appointed referees to the semifinals of each of those competitions.

Highly-rated New Zealand back Ben Botica has signed a two-year contract with Harlequins and will join the English club for the start of the 2012/13 season.

World Cup-winning Springbok flyhalf Butch James has decided to retire from Test rugby with immediate effect, but will continue to play for the Lions.

England fullback Delon Armitage will leave London Irish at the end of the season after signing a two-year contract with French glamour club Toulon.

Baby Boks coach Dawie Theron has named a completely new side including a number of Under-19 players to take on Argentina Under-20 in Stellenbosch on Tuesday.

There are two lots of matches that double as qualifiers for the 2015 Rugby World Cup., one lot in the East and the other out west, all with match officials doing their best for the game.

Having helped guide the club out of the Championship and into the Premiership for the first time ever in 2010, Exeter Chiefs skipper Tom Hayes is relishing the chance to create more milestones in the club's history.

The International Rugby Board has a subcommittee of the Rugby Committee, named the Designated members. They are the watchdogs of the laws of the game and national bodies from time to time ask them questions, to which they give clarifications/rulings which have the force of law. This one is from the French Federation and is about grounding in in-goal (law 22). The clarification is dated 10 April 2012.

Springbok lock Alistair Hargreaves has signed a contract with Saracens and will join the English Premiership champions for the start of the 2012/13 season.

Victor Matfield as a short-term captain may be the talking point, but new Springbok coach Heyneke Meyer has a number of other exiled veterans in his sights.

English schoolboy Jonathon Spelman has been suspended for 21 months for an anti-doping violation after admitting to taking a number of prohibited substances.

Pierre Berbizier was assured on Sunday that he would be retained as Sporting Director of Top 14 side Racing-Metro for next season by club president Jacky Lorenzetti.

Five-time champions Biarritz remained in a French Top 14 relegation dog-fight at the weekend, after fellow strugglers Bayonne clinched a 24-19 victory.

They were made to work for it but Ben Morgan's second-half try keeps Scarlets' hopes of securing a Pro12 semifinal spot alive as they downed Aironi 26-23 at Stadio Zaffanella.

The Boland Cavaliers won a nail-biting Vodacom Cup match against the Sharks XV in Malmesbury as only one team remains unbeaten this season, after the Golden Lions were too good for Griquas in Kimberley.

The appointment of former Springbok captain and loose forward Rassie Erasmus as General Manager: High Performance Teams at the South African Rugby Union was made with a long term objective in view.

New Springbok coach Heyneke Meyer may be cleaning out at Loftus Versfeld to fill up the national team's backroom staff, but all is not lost for the Bulls.

The South African Rugby Union on Sunday confirmed the appointment of former Springbok loose forward Rassie Erasmus into a senior management position at the organisation.

Cardiff Blues have signed Fijian international prop forward Campese Ma'afu and 24-year-old blindside flank Robin Copeland from Rotherham, ahead of the new season.

Stuart Hogg's hat-trick was in vain as Glasgow relinquished ground to Pro12 play-off rivals Munster in a thrilling 35-29 victory by the defending champions.

The Baby Boks ran in seven tries in their 51-19 demolition of Argentina Under-20 in a fiery encounter at the Markotter Stadium in Stellenbosch on Saturday,

England captain Chris Robshaw got on the scoresheet as Harlequins wrapped up their place in the Premiership semifinals with a 33-17 win over Wasps on Saturday.

Worcester Warriors have secured the services of former England international and Sale Sharks lock Dean Schofield who will join them from French giants Toulon at the end of the season.

New Zealand's Wayne Smith on Friday claimed he has yet to be contacted by the Rugby Football Union about filling the vacant England backs coaching job.

Flyhalf Dan Biggar is set to reach another major milestone this weekend, when he will become the youngest Ospreys player ever to reach 100 caps for the region.

SARU announced on Friday that an agreement has been reached which allows them to negotiate with four coaches employed by the Blue Bulls, with coach Heyneke Meyer's support staff set to be revealed on Sunday.

Ronan O'Gara has called on Munster to launch a worldwide search for their next coach with Tony McGahan set to leave to join Australia at the close of the Pro12 season.

Leinster stormed to an eight-try demolition of Edinburgh at the RDS on Friday, cruising to a 54-13 victory to book a home semifinal in the Pro12 competition.

Rob Miller's try eight minutes from full-time sealed a dramatic 16-9 triumph over Bath to boost Sale Sharks' chances of qualifying for the Heineken Cup.

Cardiff revealed on Thursday that John Yapp and Richie Rees will leave the Blues at the end of the season to join Edinburgh

Preparations for Japan's staging of World Cup 2019 have been further boosted after the International Rugby Board announced that the 2012 IRB Pacific Nations Cup will be hosted by the Japan.

Springbok coach Heyneke Meyer will hold three planning camps during the next six weeks as part of his preperations for the upcoming Test series against England in June.

Saracens coach Andy Farrell has turned down the chance to be a permanent member of the England coaching staff in favour of staying with Saracens.

Exeter Chiefs lock Peter Short has confirmed his immediate retirement from the professional game due to injury.

Ulster's All Black prop John Afoa has been suspended for four weeks, following a disciplinary hearing in Dublin on Thursday.

The French Rugby Federation are to appeal the 60-day ban imposed on Toulon Sporting Director Bernard Laporte by the National Rugby League (LNR), the Top 14 club confirmed on Thursday.

The Jantjies family have another Baby Bok - Altonio Jantjies following in the footsteps of Springbok brother Elton when he became a member of South Africa's Under-20 team on Thursday.

London Wasps back row John Hart has been forced to retire from all rugby following injury.

Veteran Wales flyhalf Stephen Jones will leave the Scarlets at the end of the season after many years of loyal service, to take up a new challenge with London Wasps in the English Premiership.

Wales hooker Lloyd Burns has been forced to retire from rugby with a neck injury that has left him with a damaged aorta and possibly needing heart surgery, according to his club Newport-Gwent Dragons.

Springbok and Cheetahs loose forward Ashley Johnson has signed with English Premiership side London Wasps and will join the club in time for the start of the new season in September.

Wales coach Warren Gatland suffered multiple fractures to his feet after falling from a ladder at his home in New Zealand, the Wales Rugby Union confirmed on Wednesday.

The two most successful teams in the history of the Vodacom Cup, Griquas and the Golden Lions, clash in a crucial North Section match in Kimberley on Saturday.

Scotland scrumhalf Mike Blair is set to leave Edinburgh at the end of the season after a ten-year spell with the capital club.

Ulster's All Black tighthead prop John Afoa has been cited for a dangerous tackle made in the European Cup quarterfinal against Munster on Sunday.

Edinburgh's physical dimension will be boosted with the signing of Georgia No.8 Dimitri Basilaia from Valence d'Agen.

Springbok Sevens coach Paul Treu has added five Varsity Rugby players to his training group for the last two tournaments of the Sevens World Series in Glasgow and London, while two more new faces will join them next Monday.

Following the decision by Wycombe District Council last July to withdraw its support for a new Sporting Village and Stadium for London Wasps, the club has been searching for new investment and subsequently new owners.

The falling scrum has been an increasing worry to rugby's law-makers and others, spectators for example. For one thing every scrum that falls is dangerous.

Cardiff Blues centre Gavin Evans has signed a two year contract extension with the Welsh region, who will welcome the midfield boost following the injury to Jamie Roberts and the departure of Gavin Henson.

Clermont Auvergne coach Vern Cotter said there was more to the absence of English clubs from the semifinals of European competition than a salary cap after his side thrashed Saracens.

The one is a top motivator for Wales. The other a top hostage negotiator.

Bath first team coach, Martin Haag, will leave the Premiership club at the end of this season when his current contract expires.

Clermont Auvergne flyhalf Brock James has admitted the French side have placed an emphasis on the Heineken Cup this season and it paid off on Sunday, as they beat Saracens 22-3 to reach their first semifinal.

Easter is over, now, but rugby rumbles on unabated. In Europe the pursuit of trophies (and the avoidance of relegation) hots up and in SANZAR lands Super Rugby is as passionate as ever. And in the Philippines there is a tournament which is part of qualifying for the 2015 Rugby World Cup. And everywhere there are determined referees.

The 20th Mauritz Hansen Rugby Week, in which 90 teams take part in five categories, was spoilt this year by the action of one player - a member of the Hans Strijdom school team from Mookgophong (Naboomspruit) in Limpopo. The schoolboy player, already guilty of foul play, assaulted the referee and knocked him unconscious.

Ulster captain Johann Muller put much of side's impressive European Cup quarterfinal victory over Munster down to lessons learned over the past year.

There will be no fear in the Edinburgh camp when they take a step into the unknown and play their first European Cup semifinal, and they have pledged to play with freedom to cause another upset.

Replacement flyhalf Brock James starred for Clermont as they qualified for their first European Cup semifinal by beating Saracens 22-3 in London on Sunday.

Ulster stunned Irish rivals Munster, beating them 22-16 in their European Cup quarterfinal at Thomond Park on Sunday - the hosts' first home defeat in any quarterfinal in all competitions.

Cardiff Blues head coach Gareth Baber admitted his side were 'outclassed' by champions Leinster who handed them a crushing 34-3 defeat in their European Cup quarterfinal on Saturday.

Edinburgh gave Scottish rugby a much-needed boost on Saturday as they became the first club from Scotland to reach the Heinken Cup semifinals with a stunning 19-14 upset of four-time champions Toulouse.

Aironi, one of Italy's two franchises in the Pro12 competition, have had their license revoked on financial grounds and will not compete next season in the tournament.

Holders Leinster Rugby laid down a marker as they cruised into the Heineken Cup last four once again with a hugely impressive 34-3 victory over the Cardiff Blues at Dublin's Aviva Stadium.

Where has Howie Kahn put his money this weekend in the Bet.co.za Super Rugby betting challenge?

Connacht revealed that legendary flank Ray Ofisa will depart from the Irish province at the end of the season.

Tommy Bowe will undergo surgery to cure an ongoing medical issue on Friday, ruling him out of the remainder of the current season - including Ireland's trip to New Zealand in June.

The Worcester Warriors have put their trust in defence coach Phil Larder, who has signed a new contract to stay at Sixways.

Australian Adrian Thompson has been appointed head coach of the Samoa national team, the Samoa Rugby Union (SRU) announced on Thursday.

Hurricanes and Taranaki prop Michael Bent has signed a contract to join Irish side Leinster at the end of the NPC later this year.

With the Heineken Cup and Amlin Challenge Cup knockout stages set to dominate the European landscape this weekend, the clubs who qualify for the last four of European club rugby's elite tournament will play the semifinal matches at Dublin's Aviva Stadium, and at either Twickenham Stadium or Stade Chaban-Delmas in Bordeaux.

Leinster are bidding to become only the second club to win back-to-back Heineken Cup titles - but forwards coach Jono Gibbes insists they are looking no further ahead than Saturday?s quarterfinal showdown with Cardiff Blues at a packed Aviva Stadium.

Fresh from delivering a Pro 12 Man of the Match performance in the 31-3 win over Cardiff Blues, Alex Dunbar has signed a two-year contract extension with Glasgow Warriors.

SARU have thrown their weight behind the Baby Boks, doing everything they can to ensure that South Africa take their rightful place at the helm of international junior rugby in the future.

South African Under-20 coach Dawie Theron has named an extended training squad for a camp in April to be followed by matches against Argentina in preparation for the Junior World Championships in June.

Bath revealed on Wednesday that Director of Rugby Ian McGeechan will be leaving the club at the end of this season, which coincides with the end of his two-year contract.

The South African Rugby Union on Wednesday named an extended group of players to attend the SA Under-20 training camp from 10 to 23 April in Cape Town.

John Smit made his Heineken Cup debut for Clermont and now South Africa's 2007 World Cup-winning captain is poised to face his former club when Saracens go head-to-head with Clermont in their much anticipated quarterfinal clash at Vicarage Road on Sunday.

Sevens legend Gordon Tietjens will coach New Zealand at the 2016 Rio de Janeiro Olympics after signing a four-year contract extension.

The European Cup and Challenge Cup tournaments for the 2012/13 season will kick off on October 11, organisers announced on Wednesday.

English Premiership club Sale Sharks revealed on Wednesday that they will move to the new City of Salford Stadium next season.

Perpignan's relegation battle suffered a blow on Wednesday as influential flank Jean-Pierre Perez was suspended for 20 days - which will see him miss Top 14 games against leaders Toulouse and Stade Francais.

Long-serving Chiefs coach Ian Foster has been named as All Blacks assistant coach to back newly-appointed head coach Steve Hansen in a re-organisation at the helm of the world champion side.

Happy 34th Birthday to former Springbok captain John Smit.

The one plays for the Springboks and the Stormers. The other led the Antz rebellion.

Destructive Welsh inside centre Jamie Roberts has been ruled out of action for six months with a knee injury which means that he will miss the rest of the domestic season and the tour to Australia in June.

Western Province Rugby Union have appointed Thelo Wakefield as Acting President in the absence of Tobie Titus who has taken up a position as a member of the Executive Council of SARU.

USA Eagles coach Mike Tolkin, has confirmed that hard-hitting loose forward Todd Clever will remain captain and will lead the team in its three Test matches in June against Canada, Georgia, and Italy.

Toulouse have won the Heineken Cup a record four times ? and Luke Burgess has already discovered just how special European club rugby's premier tournament is to the French giants.

Brive fullback Julien Caminati has been suspended by the French rugby federation after testing positive for cannabis in a random drugs test.

London Wasps centre Riki Flutey will leave the English club at the end of the season to move his family back to New Zealand.

The three divisions of the Under-18 European Championship head for semifinals this week after the first round over the weekend.

Edinburgh will write a new chapter into Heineken Cup history when they clash with Toulouse at Murrayfield in the opening Heineken Cup quarterfinal on Saturday.

Welsh international Gavin Henson had his Cardiff Blues contract torn up over his drunken behaviour at the weekend.

Melbourne Rebels wing Cooper Vuna has been banned for two weeks, after being found guilty of a spear tackle in his side's 12-43 Super Rugby loss to the Highlanders.

Former Brumbies and Waratahs scrumhalf Josh Holmes could be called in as emergency cover for the injury plagued Western Force squad.

A SANZAR Judicial Hearing has found Western Force lock Phoenix Battye not guilty of a spear tackle during the 45-19 Super Rugby victory over the Reds on Saturday.

Clermont scrumhalf and first choice goal-kicker Morgan Parra is doubtful for his side's Heineken Cup quarterfinal showdown against Saracens on Sunday.

It's the oldest Easter Festival of them all - the Saints Easter Rugby Festival in Randburg.

Former Highlander Mike Delany could be about to join his old team, who are in desperate need of a new flyhalf for the remainder of the Super Rugby season.

Exeter Chiefs wing Gonzalo Camacho is aiming to become only the second player in Amlin Challenge Cup history to win back-to-back titles ? and once again break the hearts of Stade Fran?ais supporters.

The Bulls, hoping to bounce back from their heartbreaking three-point (17-20) loss to the table-topping Stormers at the weekend, have a couple of injury issues to content with.

Griquas edged the Pumas in a one-point thriller in Witbank to remain the only unbeaten team in the North Section of the Vodacom Cup, while Western Province, also undefeated, still lead the southern pack.

Easter time has also meant tournament time, a testimony to South Africa's enthusiasm for rugby and the devotion of those who run the game in schools. Here were have the fixtures for five festivals in one document.

Bulls coach Frans Ludeke does not regard it as a crisis yet, but he is certainly keen to have a look at the reasons for his team's ongoing scrum issues.

Tokyo's first IRB World Sevens Series tournament in a decade was distinctly lacking in fun and pompom girls, but was good preparation for the 2019 World Cup, the International Rugby Board chief said Monday.

It's Easter tide, for some a time for extra religious observance, for some an extra long weekend and for some time to hunt for eggs. For Europe's competitions the things are getting hotter.

SANZAR and Game Manager, Lyndon Bray, have confirmed the appointments of match officials for Week Seven (5 April to 7 April) through to Week Ten (27 April to 29 April).

World Cup-winning Springbok Francois Steyn is returning to his home country, South Africa, after a three-year sojourn in France.

Following a weekend of brutal arm-wrestles and blow-outs, we have a very handy spread our weekly selection.

Leicester Tigers scrumhalf Ben Youngs has been suspended for one week after pleading guilty to striking London Irish's Jamie Gibson with his knee.

We are calling on you, the readers, to give us your selections for the form players in each position in each of the conferences, and this week we want to know who the best coach was as well.

Krugersdorp High School once again looks forward to a cracker Easter Festival with teams coming from in and around Southern Africa.

Paarl Gimnasium's three-day Under-16 tournament got underway on Saturday with three one-point victories.

Controversial Welsh centre Gavin Henson has apologised for drinking and "behaving inappropriately" on a team flight.

A last-minute penalty from halfway by Elliot Daly gave Wasps a 26-24 win over Gloucester and four vital points in their battle against relegation from the Aviva Premiership.

Stormers' captain Jean de Villiers was very happy that his team's plan had come together to enable them to achieve their fiercely contested 20-17 win over the Bulls at Newlands on Saturday.

Brumbies flyhalf Matt Toomua has been ruled out for the remainder of the Super Rugby season with a serious knee injury sustained during the 29-26 defeat to the Sharks on Saturday.

Western Force lock Phoenix Battye has been cited for alleged foul play during the Super Rugby match against the Reds on Saturday.

Noord-Kaap scored a try in the last minute to beat Oakdale by a single point in their match on Day 2 of the Puk Skouspel.

Lions coach John Mitchell has grumbled about his side's second-half performance in their 23-13 Super Rugby defeat to the Crusaders at Ellis Park on Saturday.

Stormers' head coach Allister Coetzee believes his players' physicality was the deciding factor in the team's 20-17 victory over the Bulls at Newlands on Saturday.

There are lots of results this week, mainly because of tournaments all over the country. One really should praise and thank the many schoolmasters who organise tournaments and organise to go to tournaments in their holiday time.

Paarl Boys' High's three-day Under-15 Tournament started on Saturday.

Australia defeated Samoa 28-26 in dramatic fashion the final of the Tokyo Sevens to become the fifth Cup winners in the Sevens World Series 2011/12.

Die jaarlikse Ho?rskool Waterkloof Sportfees het Saterdag afgeskop. Daar neem altesaam 17 rugbyspanne van regoor die land aan die fees deel. Dit fees vind nog Maandag die 2de en Woensdag die 4de April plaas.

Bulls coach Frans Ludeke and captain Pierre Spies believe that the Stormers deserved to win their fiercely contested South African derby match at Newlands on Saturday.

The Sharks held off a late charge from the Brumbies for their first Super Rugby win in Canberra in 14 years on Saturday - a 29-26 triumph.

Saracens chief executive Edward Griffiths has called on English rugby chiefs to bring a quick conclusion to talks over the future of the club's head coach Andy Farrell.

Springbok prop Deon Carstens has been added to the Stormers' 26-man squad for their four-match Australasian tour.

The Cheetahs showcased their impressive attacking skills to run in six tries on their way to a 47-38 victory over the Hurricanes in a sensational display of running rugby in Wellington on Saturday.

The Chiefs recovered from a strong opening salvo by the Waratahs to run away with a comprehensive 30-13 win in their Super Rugby clash on Saturday.

Leinster secured the double over fierce rivals Munster in their gritty 18-9 victory at Thomond Park to secure their place at the top of the Pro12.

England caused the big upset in the pool stages on the opening day at the Tokyo leg of the IRB Sevens World Series.

The Reds ended their taxing tour with a whimper as they went down 45-19 in Perth to a gritty Western Force team who simply never let the defending Super Rugby champions into the game.

Leicester Tigers ran in seven tries as they recorded a 43-13 bonus-point victory over Worcester Warriors at Welford Road on Friday.

IRB Chairman Bernard Lapasset believes that Tokyo's hosting of a Sevens World Series event this weekend will have long-term benefits for the sport's growth in Japan and throughout Asia.

Ulster kept up the pressure in the race for Pro12 play-off places as they completed a 45-7 bonus-point victory over Aironi at Ravenhill.

Premiership leaders Harlequins cemented their place at the top of the table when they held on to defeat London rivals Saracens in front of a world record club crowd of 83,761 fans at Wembley on Saturday.

The Sharks showed great character to secure a valuable 29-26 bonus-point victory over a determined Brumbies outfit in their hard-fought clash in Canberra on Saturday.

The Crusaders were made to work hard, but they turned on the class when it mattered to record a 23-13 victory over the Lions in Johannesburg on Saturday.

The defending champion Reds will make a timely return to their home ground in Brisbane next Friday, after a disastrous three-match tour of South Africa and Australia.

The Stormers left it late but they did just enough to hold off a tough Bulls team and claim a tense 20-17 victory in their physically intense South African derby at Newlands on Saturday.

The Chiefs weathered a stern first-half test and ultimately made better use of their opportunities to beat the Waratahs 30-13 in their entertaining clash in Hamilton on Saturday.

The Cardiff Blues have dropped a bomb with the news that they have slapped a ban on the utility back Gavin Henson.

The Cheetahs upset the Wellington Hurricanes 47-38 in a helter-skelter 10-try Super Rugby thriller on Saturday to record their first-ever win in New Zealand.

Crusaders coach Todd Blackadder admitted to being frustrated with his team's lack of accuracy in their hard-fought victory over the Lions in Johannesburg on Saturday.

The rugby365.com readers have spoken and we have collated the form players in each position in the different conferences, with a few surprise packages thrown up in each of the teams.

When the Stormers play the Bulls there is no additional sideshows needed to spice up the encounter. Just the history between these two great outfits takes care of the pre-match hype.

The Rebels may pay a dear price for their lack of discipline in the 12-43 defeat against the Highlanders in Invercargill on Friday.

After grabbing his first Ospreys try in last weeks win over Leinster in Dublin, new recruit George Stowers is targeting second place and a home tie in the end of season play-offs.

Another massive Super Rugby Saturday wraps up with four intriguing match-ups bringing things to a close. We take a closer look at the action.

Northampton Saints flank Calum Clark was banned for 32 weeks on Thursday after pleading guilty to hyperextending the right arm of an opponent.

The rugby365.com team love to have a laugh or two and we will continue to call on our readers to help us out with captions for five of our favourite pictures from the week.

Newcastle Falcons have been boosted by the news that 30-year-old hooker Rob Vickers has signed a new two-year deal.

The Highlanders turned up the heat in the second half as they scored 31 unanswered points to secure a 43-12 hammering of the Rebels in Invercargill on Friday.

Lions coach John Mitchell was able to recall a few of his senior players, ahead of their Super Rugby encounter with the Crusaders in Johannesburg on Saturday.

New Zealand-based lawyer Fred Amoa has been appointed chief executive of the Samoa Rugby Union, taking over from Peter Schuster who held the role since 2007.

Former South Africa and Italy rugby coach Nick Mallett on Thursday congratulated Stuart Lancaster on his appointment as England's permanent head coach.

The Melbourne Rebels were unable to secure consecutive wins as the Highlanders steam-rolled over them with a 43-12 hammering highlighted by an Adam Thomson hat-trick in Invercargill on Friday.

Caylib Rees Oosthuizen may be a Lion cub in rugby parlance, but in a season where many young guns are stepping up he is already far more than just the new kid on the block.

There is growing media speculation that former Stormers Director of Coaching Rassie Erasmus will be named as High Performance manager for the South African Rugby Union (SARU).

The FIRA-AER Under-18 European Championship started in Europe with the eight Elite Division sides in action. England and France enjoyed impressive victories.

Sevens' upward trajectory will tilt a little higher this weekend when Tokyo joins the IRB World Series, further expanding the sport's reach before the 2016 Olympics and the 2019 World Cup in Japan.

Playing the Crusaders is a prospect most teams would loathe, but it is a challenge Lions coach John Mitchell looks forward to ahead of his side's clash against the New Zealand giants in Johannesburg on Saturday.

Stuart Lancaster outlined his vision for England to win the 2015 World Cup on home soil after being appointed as the team's new permanent head coach.

Scotland coach Andy Robinson is to continue in the job despite a disastrous Six Nations campaign which ended in a humiliating whitewash, it was confirmed on Thursday.

Follow rugby365s Howie Kahn in the latest Bet.co.za Super Rugby betting update!

Saracens confirmed Friday that talks with the Rugby Football Union were under way concerning the future of assistant England coach Andy Farrell.

The Cheetahs may be bottom of the South African conference standings and also well down on the global table, but they could complete their most successful Super Rugby tour this coming Saturday.

The FIRA-AER Under-18 European Rugby Championship for the Justin Bridou Trophy starts in Madrid on Friday, 30 March with 24 countries taking part.

The Lions may be outside the top 10 on the standings, and one from four in the win column, but they believe they are close to turning the corner.

The Oakdale Rugby Festival ended on Monday, 26 March with surprise package Stellenbosch High School the only side to maintain a 100% record.

It's really beginning to look as if Stellenberg, located in the leafy lanes up Durban Road in the northern suburbs of Cape Town, suffer from that rare ailment, away-game mania.

Stormers forwards coach Matt Proudfoot couldn't help but express his admiration for the way Bulls' play their rugby and knows his team will need to be at their best to stay unbeaten in Super Rugby this season.

The Chiefs, who are currently sitting on the top of the New Zealand conference and second on the Super Rugby table and are ready to tackle the Waratahs on Saturday.

There are some great sides at the Puk Skole-skouspel which starts in Potchefstroom on Thursday.

After becoming the latest Ospreys centurion at the weekend, Ian Evans says he's looking forward to taking advantage of the perks of being a senior player at the region.

Paarl Boys' High hosts its eighth Under-15 Rugby Festival, up from eight schools in 2005 to 20 in 2012.

Three of the biggest names in the game will be in action in an international Sevens tournament, the 7'sPL, in George in December.

The experienced Paul Delport did not pass his late fitness test and will therefore not play for the Springbok Sevens at the Japan Sevens in Tokyo, which starts on Saturday.

There is nowhere to hide in Super Rugby as some of the sides in Round Six must test the depth of the squads as the gruelling Southern Hemisphere competition is packed full of surprises at every turn.

It is official. Stuart Lancaster is the new head coach of England, after his appointment was confirmed at a media conference staged by the Rugby Football Union on Thursday.

Fiji's victory in the Hong Kong tournament last weekend moved them to within two points of their opponents in the Cup Final, New Zealand, at the top of the current IRB Sevens World Series standings.

World Cup-winner Ben Cohen insisted England had made a mistake after announcing Stuart Lancaster as their new full-time head coach on Thursday.

A strong contingent of schools was in action on Day 1 of the Puk Skole-skouspel which kicked off in Potchefstroom on Thursday.

With a number of pressing issues facing South African rugby, it is unlikely that the SA Rugby Union (SARU) will resolve two of the most important concerns at its annual general meeting in Cape Town on Friday.

The Brumbies have re-shuffled their front row for the clash with the Sharks in Canberra on Saturday, with Ruaidhri Murphy coming into the side for his first start at loosehead.

It is bad news for his legions of Cape Town fans, but Sonny Bill Williams is not going to join the Stormers anytime soon.

Dale, who again have a strong side this year, go to Kearsney for the Eastern Festival where they will play strong sides in Paul Roos, Westville and Glenwood, all of whom they have played before.

England scrumhalf Ben Youngs has been suspended for one week by Premiership club Leicester after he was cited for allegedly striking an opponent during the Premiership win away to London Irish.

Fearless Dirkie Uys once again successfully punched well above their weight on Wednesday, 28 March, the third day of the Copytype Ricoh Tony Stoops Rugby Festival, to beat Port Elizabeth's imposing Pearson 26-12.

Stuart Lancaster has been appointed head coach of England by the Rugby Football Union following his impressive work as interim boss during the Six Nations.

The Western Force is determined to make the most of a month long run at home starting with the reigning champion Reds on Saturday.

All Black scrumhalf Jimmy Cowan revealed that his agent is 'on the prowl' for a contract abroad.

The clash at Newlands against a red-hot Bulls team this weekend will be the perfect opportunity for the Stormers to prove that they have progressed from last year and have the ability to win when the pressure is on.

The Vodacom Cup is putting a smile on the face of South Africa Under-20 coach Dawie Theron, as a number of players in the reckoning for the Junior World Championship later this year, are getting valuable game time.

Shane Horgan, a member of Ireland's so-called "golden generation", has retired with immediate effect due to a longstanding knee injury, his provincial side, Leinster, said Wednesday.

Influential Springbok playmaker Cecil Afrika is on his way home to undergo treatment on his injured right knee and will miss the Japan leg of the IRB Sevens World Series in Tokyo this coming weekend.

Grey High, who have been so dominant at their festival in Port Elizabeth, just squeaked home against Maritzburg College on the final day of the festival.

Gloucester have bolstered their outside backs stocks for next season with the signing of fullback Martyn Thomas from the Newport Gwent Dragons.

Two of the Rebels' high-profile imports, James O'Connor and Kurtley Beale, return from injury to take their places in the starting XV that will face the Highlanders in Invercargill on Saturday.

Legendary prop Tevita Taumoepeau will continue packing down for the Worcestor Warriors after the Tongan star signed a new deal at Sixways.

Cheetahs coach Naka Drotsk? wasted no time in drafting in his two frontline props, Coenie Oosthuizen and WP Nel, as they head to Wellington for a Super Rugby showdown with the Hurricanes.

Harold Verster, the MD of Free State Cheetahs (Pty) Ltd and the Central Cheetahs (Pty) Ltd, has decided to go toe-to-toe with a political heavyweight in the province.

Reds openside flank Liam Gill earns his second starting opportunity of 2012, while outside back Joel Rapana will make his Queensland provincial debut at outside centre in Saturday's Round Six Super Rugby clash against the Western Force in Perth.

As banal as it sounds, the stale, moth-eaten apothegm still rings true: 'Defence wins you championships.'

The goal-kicking of scrumhalf Brendan McKibbin continue to keep South African import Sarel Pretorius on the bench, as the Waratahs prepare for their Super Rugby clash with the Chiefs on Saturday.

Under-fire Blues coach Pat Lam has been forced to backtrack on earlier claims about the unfairness of the judicial system.

Stormers coach Allister Coetzee has beefed up his pack for their Super Rugby north-south derby with the Bulls at Newlands on Saturday by naming the physical Rynhardt Elstadt on the flank.

Bulls coach Frans Ludeke has named an unchanged starting XV for the Super Rugby derby encounter with the Stormers at Newland on Saturday.

Big Samoan loose forward Ofisa Treviranus has signed a contract extension with London Irish that will keep him at the Premiership club until 2014.

Maurie Fa'asavalu of the Harlequins and Leicester Tigers scrumhalf Ben Youngs have both been cited for incidents that occured during Premiership matches last weekend.

Italy has chosen the intimidating 72,000-seat Stadio Olimpico in Rome to host their Test clash with world champions New Zealand on November 17 this year.

National Under-20 coach Dawie Theron is delighted with the experience his players are gaining at senior level in the build-up to the IRB Junior World Championship in Cape Town in June.

Chris Noakes have been entrusted with the pivotal No.10 jersey for the Highlanders, when they tackle the Rebels in a Super Rugby encounter in Invercargill on Friday.

Karl Lowe will make his first Super Rugby start in almost two years when the Hurricanes host the Cheetahs in Wellington on Saturday.

The Grey High School Rugby Festival end4ed in Port Elizabeth on Wednesday 28 March. It was a great fesitival, the opening day's rain notwithstanding.

The Sharks will welcome back a number of seasoned players for their Super Rugby encounter with the Brumbies on Saturday, but they have lost a key playmaker.

The Brumbies have shown good character in a solid start to the season to top the Australian conference, but lock Leon Power believes it will mean nothing unless they can beat the Sharks this weekend.

Sam Edgerley's persistence and switch of positions have paid off as he prepares to make a long-awaited England debut in the next leg of the IRB Sevens World Series in Tokyo.

SANZAR has announced changes to the match officials for six of the seven Super Rugby matches to be played in Week Six.

Edinburgh have been bolstered by the news that Ross Rennie and Nick De Luca, two of the club's most prominent players, have signed contract extensions.

The inclusion of Dan Carter is one of four changes to the Crusaders team to play the Lions in a Super Rugby match in Johannesburg on Saturday.

Bath have confirmed that Austrailian midfielder Matt Carraro will leave the Premiership club at the end of the season.

A team of players with championship hopes relished practicing on the beach, away from their impoverished township in southeastern South Africa.

The Bulls will be without the services of two of their star forwards when they travel to Newlands on Saturday for a Super Rugby derby showdown with the Stormers.

Hurricanes coach Mark Hammett has warned that although the Cheetahs may not have started the season with a bang, they are a crafty team who have shown refreshing adaptability and cannot be written off.

As things get heated in Europe's club competitions, the Super 15 is well in its stride. Craig Joubert will tell you that refereeing can be a ticket to see the world.

In what must be one of the most astonishing upsets in schoolboy rugby down south in recent years, tiny Dirkie Uys beat fading giants Tygerberg 21-17 on Monday, 26 March - Day Two of the Copytype Ricoh Tony Stoops Rugby Festival, at Hoerskool President.

The Highlanders' progress this season is in danger of being halted by a sudden flood of injuries to key players.

In every Super Rugby season there is a host of new talent on show as the next generation of starlets either sink or swim in the southern hemisphere's brutal competition.

New All Blacks coach Steve Hansen says New Zealand's top rugby players are not suffering an emotional letdown after last year's World Cup victory despite some rusty performances at the start of the new season.

Rondebosch manager Gustaf Pienaar reports back from his team's tour of Wales.

Connacht have further bolstered their loose forward stocks with the signing of Ulster flank Willie Faloon who signed a two-year contract with the Pro12 outfit.

John Barclay has thrown his weight behind Glasgow Warriors by signing a contract extension that will keep the Scotland openside flank with the Scotstoun side for at least one more season.

Sharks coach John Plumtree has called for his team to make a big step up in defence against the Brumbies this weekend, after a disappointing second-half display against the Waratahs last week.

Ospreys hooker Huw Bennett looks set to miss the rest of the season after it was confirmed that he will undergo surgery on his Achilles tendon.

The Waratahs currently have five players with serious injuries, who are all at various stages of their rehabilitation and unavailable for Super Rugby action.

Lions coach John Mitchell's injury nightmare just went from bad to worse before their clash with the Crusaders. Or, as they say: 'It never rains, but it pours.'

The Melbourne Rebels will welcome back their star signings James O'Connor and Kurtley Beale for the tough trip to play the Highlanders in Dunedin.

Brumbies openside flank Michael Hooper took a couple of weeks to earn a spot in Jake White's starting XV, but the youngster is now being tipped for high honours by his coach.

Domestic derbies don't come much bigger than the traditional north-south battle, the Bulls versus Stormers - an encounter often equated to Test rugby.

Intimidating 24-year-old Sale Sharks centre Luther Burrell will be playing his rugby at Franklin's Gardens next season after signing with the Northampton Saints.

England hooker Dylan Hartley has been banned for eight weeks after being found guilty of biting Ireland flank Stephen Ferris in their Six Nations showdown at Twickenham.

On the final day of the Grey Rugby Festival in Port Elizabeth, the hosts again turned in a great performance in beating Marlow while SACS, whom Grey walloped on Saturday, had an excellent win over Selborne.

Again there were tense encounters between strong sides at the Grey Rugby Festival in Port Elizabeth. It was the second day of the festival on Monday, 26 March.

Cheetahs coach Naka Drotsk? is sweating the fitness of two of his props, as injuries are threatening to derail them ahead of their final tour match against the Hurricanes on Saturday.

The Stormers know what to expect from the Bulls when the two sides clash in their Super Rugby match in Cape Town on Saturday, according to head coach Allister Coetzee.

No fewer than 70 boys have been selected to join the Sharks Academy from the past four Easter Rugby Festivals hosted by Kearsney College, with three of these players also already having progressed to the SA Sevens and the Sharks senior squads.

In the final game of day one of the Grey High School Rugby Festival, SACS from Cape Town came up against the hosts, Grey High and the hosts ran out 32-12 winners.

Former Hurricane Piri Weepu has shouldered the blame for the Blues' defeat to the Wellington side after crucial lapses in defence from the versatile halfback saw his new team lose in heartbreaking fashion at Eden Park.

Leicester coach Richard Cockerill was far from satisfied after seeing his side snatch a 41-32 victory away to London Irish on Sunday, as the Tigers moved into third place in the English Premiership.

The Sharks received a timely boost as they look to steady a rocky ship on the overseas leg of their Super Rugby campaign.

Warren Gatland has been offered the British & Irish Lions' coaching job for next year's tour of Australia, according to a UK media report.

It was a thrilling end to the six-year waiting period as Affies and Waterkloof confirmed that schools rugby in South Africa has wealth of talent.

There is no doubt that the Bulls win over the Reds will stand out for obvious reasons and it is also not surprising that they dominate our weekly Super Rugby selection.

The Reds, reeling from a string of injury setbacks, have called up Cape Town schooled playmaker Sam Lane ahead of their Super Rugby encounter with the Western Force on Saturday.

Sevens is coming out of the shadow of the more high-profile 15-a-side game as the stakes are raised ahead of the 2016 Rio de Janeiro Olympics, say some of the sport's top coaches and players.

Parktown Boys' High School, a state school of some 800 learners drawn from diverse areas on the edge of Johannesburg's Braamfontein business district whose feeder areas include Westcliff and Parkview, is hosting its 29th Under-14 rugby festival.

In a bid to identify the form players in their position within each conference, we are asking you, the readers, to have your say by voting for your favourites.

Fiji won the Hong Kong Sevens on Sunday in a tight match against New Zealand 35-28 that takes them just two points off top spot in the overall standings for the World Series title.

The Annual Glenwood Rugby Festival for Primary Schools took place at the School from 23 to 25 March, 2012.

The Crusaders have not only managed to put their campaign back on track, they are heading to South Africa confident they can start a winning streak that will make them championship contenders.

The Bulls have allowed themselves very little time for back-slapping, following their 53-point demolition of the defending champion Reds.

Holidays have hit many schools with tournaments all over the place and more to come. And there was the big Pretoria results.

Fiji took a giant step towards a second title with a 35-28 win over New Zealand in the Final of the Hong Kong leg of IRB Sevens World Series on Sunday.

A record crowd for a rugby match in Mexico saw the home team comfortably dispatch Jamaica 68-14 to open their NACRA Caribbean Championship account.

A large appreciative crowd braved the heat to see Kimberley's mighty Noord-Kaap turn in a fine second-half performance to beat local hopefuls Tygerberg 33-13.

They may be the only unbeaten team in the competition and sitting pretty at the top of the standings, but the Stormers are far from satisfied.

The home team needed two tries by tireless No.8 Jandr? Rudolph to subdue a very game Augsburg Gym side 10-6 on the second day of the Oakdale Rugby Festival on Saturday, 24 March.

England scrumhalf Danny Care received a vote of confidence from Harlequins chief Conor O'Shea after helping his team return to the top of the Premiership table with a 14-6 win over Bath.

All Black ace Dan Carter emerged from his first game since his World Cup-ending injury unscathed at the weekend, orchestrating crucial touches to the Crusaders' 28-21 Super Rugby win over the Cheetahs.

New Zealand's two most prominent World Cup winners, captain Richie McCaw and flyhalf Dan Carter, may soon head to play in Italy.

The Grey High School Rugby Festival kicked off early on Saturday morning in wet and rainy weather with a number of high-profile rugby schools from around the country clashing heads in some mouth-watering encounters.

The Queensland Reds, who endured a disappointing end to their two-game Super Rugby tour of South Africa, will hope to put their campaign back on track when they meet the Western Force in Perth in Saturday.

It was the first day of the Grey High Schools Rugby Festival in rain-drenched Port Elizabeth on Saturday with top schools playing interesting matches.

Brad Barritt may have played for South Africa at age-group level and represented the Emerging Springboks, but now he is proudly English and ready to tackle the Boks.

Leicester moved up to third in the Premiership table by winning a thrilling encounter 41-32 against London Irish at the Madejski Stadium.

Paarl Gimnasium will be hosting their 20th annual Under-16 tournament from 31 March to 4 April 2012.

Saturday, 24 March, was the opening day of the popular Grey High Schools Rugby Festival. Unfortunately the weather was not kind, as Port Elizabeth, not long ago a drought area, suffered a deluge which affected two of the matches.

South Africa may have paid a dear price for their 28-0 victory over England in Hong Kong on Sunday.

Replacement Tommy O'Donnell's try 12 minutes from time was enough to keep Munster's Pro12 play-off ambitions on track with a 20-16 win over Connacht in Galway.

Western Province had to dig deep to stay unbeaten in the South Section of the Vodacom Cup, while the Blue Bulls got their first win of the season in the North, where the Pumas still lead the way.

The Brumbies created a shock in Super Rugby Round Five with a 33-26 victory over the Highlanders in Canberra to hand the Otago side their first defeat of the season.

Defending champions New Zealand, Fiji and Samoa all sailed through the pool stages of the Hong Kong leg of the IRB World Sevens Series unbeaten on Day Two.

The Crusaders were able to mark their first match at the new Christchurch Stadium with a hard fought 28-21 victory over the Cheetahs in another cracking Super Rugby match on Saturday.

The IRB's new selection committee of Lyndon Bray, Tappe Henning, Donal Courtney and Brian Campsall with Paddy O'Brien as the manager and John Jeffrey as the chairman from the IRB's council has made the appointments of referees to international matches in June. Amongst them is Jaco Peyper, newly chosen to the IRB's top panel which has been reduced from 10 to eight.

Brumbies coach Jake White believes his team's impressive 33-26 win over the Highlanders in Canberra on Saturday is the best result so far this season.