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Hurricanes captain Conrad Smith is delighted his side was able to pull their 26-25 win out of the fire against the Blues, but knows a last gasp effort won't save them every week.

The International Rugby Board has had a fundamental shake-up of its refereeing structure. Most significantly its manager of referees, Paddy O'Brien, is to move from his present post to run Sevens referees, a job the IRB says is significant with Olympic participation in the offing.

The Waratahs have bounced back from a disappointing defeat to wrap up a come from behind 34-30 Super Rugby victory over the Sharks in Sydney on Saturday.

Saracens edged closer to a home Premiership semifinal when they beat Sale Sharks 45-9 at Edgeley Park on Friday.

Exeter remained on course for the Premiership title play-offs after claiming a dramatic 28-27 injury-time victory over Gloucester at Kingsholm.

Waratahs coach Michael Foley couldn't hide his relief that his team were able to come out on top in their narrow 34-30 victory over the Sharks in Sydney on Saturday.

Sale coach Tony Hanks parted company with the Aviva Premiership club on Saturday following the club's 45-9 thrashing against champions Saracens.

The Stormers remained the only unbeaten side in this year's Super Rugby competition with a tough 24-19 win over the Lions in Johannesburg on Saturday.

The Top 14 is now very much in the home straight and decisions about play-offs and relegations will be made. For those with a chance of making the play-offs and those in danger of relegation, these are desperate times.

England's Premiership Rugby will start an experiment this weekend, at the Gloucester vs Exeter Chiefs fixture that could lead to using the television match official in every premiership match next season.

After four brutal rounds of Super Rugby the injuries have started to take their toll and have influenced the complexion of a number of games on Saturday.

Cardiff Blues can confirm that flyhalf Jason Tovey will be joining the region for the 2012/13 season.

The Rebels, who showed incredible strength of character to end a 12-match losing streak and record their first win of the season, are confident they can kick on and avoid last place in the Super Rugby competition this year.

England and Harlequins scrumhalf Danny Care has been questioned about a sexual assault on a woman.

The Melbourne Rebels finally ended their long 12 match Super Rugby losing streak with a nail-biting 30-29 victory over the Western Force at AAMI Park on Friday.

The Reds, who haven't beaten the Bulls in Pretoria in more than a decade, appear to still have a major hangover from Super Rugby's biggest blow-out - a 3-92 loss at Loftus Versfeld in 2007.

Saracens centre Brad Barritt insists he will have no problems slipping seamlessly back into domestic action as the Men in Black ramp up their pursuit of a second straight Aviva Premiership crown against Sale on Friday.

All Blacks and Blues loose forward Jerome Kaino has signed a two-year deal with Japanese club Toyota, but hopes to be back in New Zealand to compete for a place at the 2015 World Cup.

European Rugby Cup, the organisers of the Heineken Cup and the Amlin Challenge Cup have announced the referees for the quarterfinals. The appointments of referees and their assistants are made by the ERC Match Officials Sub Committee in conjunction with the referee managers in each Union. Form in the competition is taken into account.

Series leaders New Zealand and closest rivals Fiji both got off to strong starts as the sixth leg of the Sevens World Series got underway in Hong Kong on Friday.

The season may be young but after a very promising start for all six KwaZulu-Natal schools participating in this year's Grey High School Rugby Festival in Port Elizabeth, it's little wonder that there is a great deal of optimism about in local schools rugby circles at the moment.

A try in the last minute from Hurricanes skipper Conrad Smith handed his team a dramatic 26-25 bonus-point victory over a stunned Blues side at Eden Park on Friday.

All the top seeds advanced safely through Day One at the Hong Kong leg of the IRB World Sevens Series on Friday.

The Blues' dismal Super Rugby season continued Friday when they conceded a last-minute try to hand New Zealand rivals the Hurricanes - a 26-25 win at Eden Park.

The first day of the 2012 Oakdale Rugby Festival, Thursday, 22 March, saw several sides registering impressive wins, but the real crunch matches come in the evening session.

The road to the 2015 Rugby World Cup in England will start not in one of the sport's heartlands but in the unlikely setting of Mexico City on Saturday.

Western Force Coach Richard Graham has praised his team's resolve, despite suffering back-to-back defeats to the Rebels.

Not even the return of legendary Irish midfielder Brian O'Driscoll could prevent Leinster's 20-match unbeaten run from coming to an end.

After skipping last week's Bet.co.za Super Rugby betting update, rugby365s Howie Kahn is back with a fresh amount in his betting balance.

This weekend two of South Africa's top rugby schools will be playing each other after a break of some years.

The first five years of his career may have been an injury-riddled period that raised questions about his future, but Springbok hooker Chiliboy Ralepelle is ready to show exactly what the hype was all about when he was a junior.

The Stormers pack has started the season with a bang and nobody is enjoying the ride more than No.8 Nick Koster who has made his longest streak of Super Rugby starts.

The former Chief Executive of one of the world's largest hotel chains has been appointed chairman of the tournament organising body for the 2015 World Cup in England.

Last year's World Cup in New Zealand is set to be the second most commercially successful edition of all time, the International Rugby Board said Thursday.

Waterkloof are again holding their rugby festival which is so popular, including schools from Cape Town, Bloemfontein, Uitenhage, Bethlehem, Tzaneen, Pietermaritzburg and Middelburg in Mpumalanga.

Both Stuart Lancaster and Nick Mallett were set to be interviewed for the post of England head coach on Thursday as the Rugby Football Union closed in on a permanent successor to Martin Johnson.

England hooker Dylan Hartley will face a disciplinary hearing in London next Tuesday, March 27, over allegations he bit Ireland flank Stephen Ferris.

New Zealand referee Bryce Lawrence has a hamstring problem and has withdrawn from active duty in Friday's match between the Blues and the Hurricanes.

After falling in the final moments to the Chiefs last Friday, the Brumbies have made just three changes for Saturday's clash with the Highlanders.

Highlanders coach Jamie Joseph has made five changes to his unbeaten team for their Round Five Super Rugby encounter with the Brumbies in Canberra on Saturday.

Wales forwards coach Robin McBryde signed a new contract on Thursday to remain part of Warren Gatland's backroom staff until the 2015 World Cup.

Ulster revealed on Thursday that back row forward Pedrie Wannenburg will leave the club at the end of this season..

Sharks coach John Plumtree has stuck with the majority of his side from last weekend, barring a few enforced changes through injury.

Toulon sporting director Bernard Laporte has been slapped with a Sixty-day ban by the French National Rugby League (LNR) for comments he made about the level of the refereeing during recent Top 14 games.

Gloucester are delighted to confirm that they have secured the signature of one of their brightest young prospects, England Under-20 back Ryan Mills.

The Lions have been forced to re-shuffle their side once again with injuries limiting coach John Mitchell's options for the clash with the Stormers on Saturday.

Reds playmaker Dallan Murphy will receive his first Super Rugby starting XV opportunity after being selected at flyhalf for Sunday's round five affair against the Bulls in Pretoria.

World Cup-winning Springbok utility back Francois Steyn will decide 'within the next week' whether or not to accept an offer from the Sharks to return to South Africa.

Grey College is on the road once again this weekend. By normal standards the 160km trip north to the town Virginia in the Free State would be regarded as a long journey.

The Rebels have opted to bring flyhalf Danny Cipriani back into the starting line-up to give James O'Connor a little more time and space at inside centre against the Force on Saturday.

The Sharks are ready to end a decade-long drought in Sydney when they tackle the Waratahs in a Super Rugby Round Five encounter on Saturday.

Eddie Jones is set to join up with his good friend Jake White again... at the Brumbies.

Moray Low is the latest high-profile international player to commit his future to Glasgow Warriors, signing a two-year contract extension that will tie him to the club until at least the end of May 2014.

Exeter Chiefs head coach Rob Baxter believes there is still more to come from Ignacio Mieres after the Argentine ace agreed a new contract with the Aviva Premiership club.

Lions mentor John Mitchell believes the spate of injuries affecting his side this year could ultimately be a blessing in disguise.

The only two unbeaten sides left in the Vodacom Cup South Section face off in Cape Town on Saturday, when Western Province host the EP Kings.

As anticipation grows in advance of ERC's quarterfinals weekend, a World Cup winner and a two-time Heineken Cup winner are among a number of high-profile players who have been nominated for registration for the knockout stages of the Heineken Cup and the Amlin Challenge Cup.

The SACS 1st XV beat Brackenfell 25-nil in the WP Schools Rugby Day at Newlands on Tuesday night.

Connacht's season has been given a massive boost with four players committing their futures to the club.

The excitement is building in Hong Kong as the 24 teams gear up for 'the most competitive ever' event on the World Series.

Wales flank Dan Lydiate has been named as the official Six Nations Player of the Championship for 2012, following his impressive displays for the Grand Slam champions.

Danny Cipriani's return to the Premiership has been welcomed by Stuart Lancaster but the interim England coach warned the flyhalf he would face a tough fight to regain his Test place.

London Irish have signed Munster and Ireland scrumhalf Tomas O'Leary on a three-year deal.

Ireland hooker Jerry Flannery said Wednesday he was retiring from the game with immediate effect due to a back injury.

Harlequins centre Charlie Walker's feet have finally touched the ground in Hong Kong as he steps straight from the Under-20 Six Nations tournament into the IRB Sevens World Series with England.

Stuart Lancaster plans to use his interview for the England head coach's job to persuade the Rugby Football Union (RFU) to build a centre of excellence to develop promising young talent.

The European heavyweights drew their swords once more and renewed the historic rivalries in the Six Nations, and the rugby365.com team have identified the best talent from up north.

The Springbok team is anxious to do well in Hong Kong where the sixth leg of the Sevens World Series will be held from Friday.

Daniel Pienaar van Uitenhage, een van die groot kragte in skolerugby in die Oostelike Provinsie, sal baie besig wees in vanjaar se rugby seisoen.

The annual Glenwood High School Rugby Festival for Primary Schools will once again be held at the end of the first term, 23-25 March, 2012.

By beating Ireland 20-9 at Adams Park England ensured that they had retained the Under-20 Six Nations trophy.

Melbourne Rebels flyhalf Danny Cipriani has signed a three-year deal with Premiership side Sale Sharks in a bid to make the England team for the World Cup in 2015.

Former Perpignan general manager Jacques Delmas, sacked last November for "gross misconduct", is taking legal action against the club, sources close to the French Top 14 outfit said on Tuesday.

England forwards coach Graham Rowntree has praised Stuart Lancaster for dragging England "out of the gutter", explaining that he has restored the pride in the national team.

Legendary Wallaby openside flank George Smith will join Stade Francais until the end of the season, the French Top 14 club announced on Tuesday.

SARU reported a pre-tax profit of R24m in 2011 ? a year during which participation at the World Cup traditionally increases costs, while depressing the earning capacity of international rugby federations.

Northampton Saints have signed Bulls utility forward and former South African Under-20 captain Gerrit-Jan van Velze, a player they have targeted for some time.

Cardiff Blues scrumhalf Richie Rees will part ways with the Welsh club at the end of the current season and is currently considering various options for his future.

Newcastle Falcons players James Hall, Rob Vickers and Tai Tu'ifua appeared at an RFU disciplinary hearing on Monday following their citings arising from the match against the Harlequins at Kingston Park on March 2.

Astonishingly the Six Nations is already over and Wales rule with a Grand Slam. As one door shuts, another opens, for this coming weekend sees the very first qualifying match for the 2015 Rugby World Cup.

Northerns played against Sentraal from Bloemfontein in Kimberley and beat them 76-0.

The most-capped player and former Wallaby captain George Gregan will join the Board of the Australian Rugby Union, the ARU said Monday.

In the first FNB Classic Clash of 2012 Pretoria Boys High beat King Edward VII School 21-17 in Houghton, Johannesburg, on a lovely Saturday afternoon after a night of rain. They came from well behind to do so.

Kearsney had to dig deep to beat George Campbell, this after building up a healthy three-try 14-point lead inside of the opening 15 minutes of their game on Botha's Hill.

England hooker Dylan Hartley has been cited over biting allegations during last weekend's 30-9 Six Nations win over Ireland at Twickenham and could be banned for more than 24 weeks if found guilty.

Six Nations champions Wales will face World Cup holders New Zealand in one of four year-end Tests at the Millennium Stadium, the Welsh Rugby Union announced Monday.

Bath back row Andy Beattie is to retire with immediate effect, due to an ankle injury sustained in January.

The first round of the NuPower/Tuks series started this weekend with the titleholders, Waterkloof of Pretoria, kicking off with an impressive victory.

World Cup semifinalists Wales won their third Grand Slam in eight years when they took the Six Nations title at the weekend, a mark that stands comparison with their celebrated predecessors of the 1970s.

The St Andrew's College First XV played Framesby on Saturday, 17 March on a wet and slippery Somerset Field at the Graeme College Rugby Day. Framesby won 16-6.

Only five unbeaten teams remain after two rounds of the 2012 Vodacom Cup, with Griquas setting the marker in the North Section, while the EP Kings are ruling in the South.

Graeme College of Grahamstown held its 15th Rugby Day on Saturday, St Patrick's Day, again a grand occasion.

Despatch High School hosted a very successful Sports Festival over two days at the Despatch Central Sports fields.

Grand Slam winners Wales predictably lead the way in our Six Nations Team of the Tournament selection but they have plenty of competition with every team represented in our all-star XV.

Glenwood beat Michaelhouse 14-13 at Glenwood on a windy Saturday.

Head coach Jacques Brunel believes Italy are still on course to be challenging for the Six Nations by 2015 after a 13-6 victory over Scotland allowed them to avoid the wooden spoon.

"I know we're better than that," was Ireland coach Declan Kidney's verdict as a Six Nations Championship that promised so much for his side ended with a thumping 30-9 defeat by England at Twickenham.

South African born halfback Tobias Botes suffered a broken arm in Saturday's 13-6 win over Scotland at the Stadio Olimpico.

Schools rugby is almost in full swing. In Northvaal there was the Super-Reeks and the Nu Powerreeks. In the Eastern Cape there was the Graeme College Rugby Day. Many of the nation's top schools were in action and in Johannesburg there was the first Classic Clash of 2012, won by Pretoria Boys High.

Former Sharks and Springbok captain John Smit will be returning to Kings Park for one final swansong when he leads a World Invitational XV against his former team, the Sharks.

A dominant Queen's College ran in 11 tries at the Graeme Rugby Day to beat Muir College 75-3. Queen's led 40-3 at the break.

A youthful Wales team seized a third Grand Slam in eight seasons with a hard-fought 16-9 victory over France, delivering on the rich promise that first came to light at the World Cup.

The pride of George, Outeniqua, scored eight tries on their way to a landslide 52-6 win over hosts De Kuilen out at Kuils River on Saturday, 17 March.

Wales won their 11 Grand Slam, when the Dragons recorded a deserved 16-9 win over a game French outfit at the Millennium Stadium, in Cardiff, on Saturday.

Scotland coach has Andy Robinson dismissed any speculation regarding his future in the job after his team were handed the Six Nations Wooden Spoon by defeat to Italy in Rome on Saturday.

Jacques Brunel's first victory as Italian coach was particularly satisfying as the win over Scotland meant that the Azzurri avoided the Six Nations Wooden Spoon for the first time since 2007.

Wales coach Warren Gatland said that the overwhelming emotion after leading his side to their third Six Nations Grand Slam in eight seasons was relief rather than joy.

Nick Mallett all but gave up on becoming England's next permanent coach after they finished the Six Nations with a dominant 30-9 win over Ireland at Twickenham on Saturday.

England continued their resurgence under the guidance of stand-in coach Stuart Lancaster with an utterly commanding 30-9 thumping of Ireland at Twickenham on Saturday.

Italy handed Scotland the Six Nations wooden spoon when they beat them 13-6 in their final encounter of the 2012 season at Stadio Olimpico, in Rome, on Saturday.

Wales captain Sam Warburton said the fact that they had been made to work hard for their Six Nations victory over France had made the Grand Slam celebrations all the sweeter for his young team.

This is a great opportunity for Wales - a chance to add the Grand Slam to their Triple Crown but France are not going to be easy meat.

The 2012 Western Province Rugby Union Schools Day takes place at Newlands, the current home of the game in Cape Town, on Tuesday, 20 March (2012).

It's become an all too predictable feature of the Six Nations since Italy joined, but the Azzurri host Scotland in Rome on Saturday in a wooden spoon encounter.

This weekend marks the season starting point for both Hilton and Michaelhouse. Early indications are that both private schools will be a lot more competitive this season than they were back in 2011.

Johne Murphy, Duncan Williams, John Ryan, Marcus Horan and Sean Scanlon are the latest of the current Munster squad who have signed contract extensions.

Stuart Lancaster will try to strengthen his grip on the "dream job" of coaching England when they face Ireland in the climax of this season's Six Nations at Twickenham on Saturday.

Ireland captain Rory Best has said England remain the team to beat in the Six Nations as he looks to finish the tournament with a St Patrick's Day win over the old rivals at Twickenham on Saturday.

Scotland coach Andy Robinson believes his side can win their first match of this season's Six Nations - if they can improve their defence against Italy at the Stadio Olimpico on Saturday.

Tonderai Chavhanga came off the bench to score a stunning - but late - second-half try as Newport beat Cardiff 18-14 for just their second win over their Welsh Pro 12 rivals in 11 meetings.

All the pressure will be on Grand Slam-seeking Wales when they meet France in their final Six Nations match on Saturday, French coach Philippe Saint-Andre said.

Wales had a chance to win the World Cup semifinal against France, but Leigh Halfpenny's last-gasp long-range penalty dipped heart-breakingly under the crossbar and Les Bleus stole home 9-8.

One of the most experienced campaigners in the Glasgow Warriors pack became the 15th leading player to sign a long-term contract extension with the club in recent months.

Ally Hogg is the latest player to have pledged his future to the ambitious Newcastle Falcons after signing a new three-year deal with the club.

The death of Welsh icon Mervyn Davies will further motivate Wales when they play France on Saturday with the Grand Slam up for grabs, according to attack coach Rob Howley.

Wales and British Lions legend Mervyn Davies has died after a long illness, the Welsh Rugby Union announced Friday.

England captain Chris Robshaw implicitly backed Stuart Lancaster to become the team's next full-time coach when he said he hoped the current set-up would "stick together" after the Six Nations.

Wellington Rugby has emerged from a challenging year, on and off the field, with its finances in the black.

Italy captain Sergio Parisse said on Friday that his team must sort out their line-outs if they are to have any chance of avoiding the wooden spoon in this year's Six Nations.

COSATU is concerned the City of Cape Town will enter into a "cosy" agreement with the Western Province Rugby Football Union on the Cape Town stadium, the trade union federation in the province said on Friday.

Of course, playing at home helps. You get more support than the visitors and you know the ground much better than they do. You also, it seems, get the bigger share of the penalties.

Gloucester have confirmed that the Tongan international back row forward Sione Kalamafoni will join the club from Nottingham next season.

Worcester Warriors have announced the signing of giant No.8 Semisi Taulava and powerhouse prop Rob O'Donnell from RFU Championship side Rotherham Titans.

She may be attempting to lure the Western Province Rugby Football Union away from its famous headquarters, but Cape Town Mayor Patricia de Lille still "loves" the iconic Newlands stadium.

Before the 2012 Super 15 kicked off, Lyndon Bray, SANZAR's referee boss, set targets aimed at speeding up the fastest of rugby in the world in two of its facets - the tackle and the scrum.

Former Springbok assistant coach Gary Gold believes appointing Heyneke Meyer as the new man at the helm of the South African team was a stroke of genius and expects him to have great success.

The Western Province Rugby Union and the City of Cape Town have enter into "formal talks" about the possibility of the WPRFU moving base from Newlands to the city's new stadium in Greenpoint.

Siyabonga Tom has been named the captain of the Glenwood First XV rugby team for 2012.

Stuart Lancaster has insisted his focus is solely on Ireland as the debate over whether he should become England's full-time coach intensifies.

Wales coach Warren Gatland has maligned France's decision to leave the Millennium Stadium's retractable roof open for Saturday's final Six Nations match.

It's the first FNB Classic Clash of 2012 - King Edward VII school of Johannesburg and Pretoria Boys High, both noble schools, each with a similar ethos.

French coach Philippe Saint-Andre has made five changes to his side to face unbeaten Wales on the final day of the Six Nations tournament in Cardiff on Saturday.

Wales hopes of winning the Six Nations Grand Slam were given a boost on Thursday after inspirational captain Sam Warburton was declared fit for this weekend's clash with France.

England have recalled wing David Strettle into their starting side for the Six Nations international against Ireland at Twickenham on Saturday.

Cameron Anthony, the son of renowned schoolboy coach Paul Anthony, will captain Pretoria Boys High School in Saturday's FNB Classic Clashes encounter against King Edward VII School of Johannesburg.

While tributes have been pouring in from all over the world for Kiwi rugby great Jock Hobbs, his son Michael's Blues teammates are determined to salute the legend through their actions on the field.

Dimitri Yachvili has refound his place as France scrumhalf for his team's final Six Nations match against Grand Slam-seeking Wales, insisting his team were ready for a "scrap".

Tournament favourites Wales dominate the final shortlist for the official 2012 Six Nations Player of the Championship.

Marlow Landbou is holding its 20th rugby festival for Under-13 teams from 23-28 March, with 34 teams from various parts of South Africa taking part.

Australian coach Michael O'Connor has made three changes to his squad to take on Fiji, France and Scotland at the Hong Kong leg of the IRB Sevens World Series.

The Scottish owner of top English Rugby Union club Sale Sharks is contemplating a bid for stricken Glasgow soccer giants Rangers - but only if no other viable offer emerges.

Leicester Tigers tighthead prop Martin Castrogiovanni returns to the Italy side for Saturday's crucial Six Nations finale against Scotland at the Stadio Olimpico.

England No.8 Phil Dowson is still in the running for Saturday's Six Nations clash against Ireland despite being knocked out in the closing stages of last weekend's 24-22 victory over France.

The match schedule for the IRB Junior World Championships has been announced with hosts South Africa set to get the showcase age grade event underway when they take on Ireland at the Danie Craven Stadium in Stellenbosch.

Scotland recalled centre Nick de Luca on Wednesday ahead of their Six Nations wooden spoon decider away to Italy in Rome on Saturday.

Former Harlequins coach Dean Richards will be Newcastle Falcons' Director of Rugby next season, after serving a three-year ban for his role in the "bloodgate" scandal, it was announced Wednesday.

The Otago Rugby Football Union has been bailed out again, saving them from liquidation.

England centre Brad Barritt is happy to wear a few more stitches if they are earned in the course of victory against Ireland at Twickenham on Saturday.

The match schedule for the 2012 IRB Junior World Championships has been announced with hosts South Africa set to get the showcase age-grade event underway when they take on Ireland at the Danie Craven Stadium in Stellenbosch.

Springbok coach Paul Treu has made three changes to his South African squad for the upcoming IRB Sevens World Series tournaments in Hong Kong and Tokyo.

Richie McCaw, who many have likened to a modern day Jock Hobbs, has paid his respects to the former All Blacks captain and Rugby Union chairman.

SARU have requested a re-scheduling of their planned presentation to SANZAR on an expansion of Super Rugby to 16 teams in 2013 in order to prepare more options for consideration.

John Dobson has turned his hand to writing and we have two copies of his book, The Year of the Gherkin, to give away.

Destructive Leinster flank Sean O'Brien has been given the all-clear for Ireland's Six Nations finale against England at Twickenham on St. Patrick's Day.

rugby365.com founder-turned-rugby-coach John Dobson has turned his hand to writing and we have two copies of his hilarious book, The Year of the Gherkin, to give away.

Italian rugby is indirectly being helped by the scandals surrounding football in the country, according to veteran national prop Andrea Lo Cicero.

The Six Nations reaches its end this weekend with lots of eyes on Cardiff where Wales have a chance of achieving the coveted Grand Slam. And the man to referee this huge match if Craig Joubert.

Following his loan spell with Premiership champions Saracens Irish scrumhalf Peter Stringer has signed with the Newcastle Falcons until the end of the season as they stell themselves for a relegation battle.

Scotland are making progress even if they are facing a wooden spoon decider after four losses in the ongoing Six Nations tournament, Scottish Rugby Union chief executive Mark Dodson has insisted.

Former Scotland wing and Edinburgh stalwart Simon Webster, whose contract was due to expire at the end of the season and has been plagued by injuries in recent seasons, has left the capital club by mutual consent.

Winning the Six Nations with one of the most inexperienced England squads in recent memory would not guarantee Stuart Lancaster the permanent job as coach.

After a long and illustrious career French lock Lionel Nallet is retiring from international rugby at the age of 35.

Wales are gunning for the Six Nations' Grand Slam next weekend against France, but a core part of their success lies far across Europe in a sub-zero medical unit in Poland.

Graeme College are holding their customary rugby day on St Patrick's Day, 17 March 2012 with a great array of Eastern Cape schools.

Stuart Lancaster may have been too modest to talk up his chances of landing the England coaching job full-time, but his two assistants were not after his inexperienced side beat France 24-22 in the Six Nations.

Michael "Jock" Hobbs, a leading figure in New Zealand rugby who helped secure his country's bid to host last year's World Cup, died aged 52 on Tuesday after a long battle with cancer, his family said.

There was not a lot of upset in Round 20 of France's Top 14, unless you consider disappointing Perpignan managing a draw with mighty Toulon. Biarritz eased their relegation anxieties with a win over Brive.

French coach Philippe Saint-Andre surveyed the ruins of his side's Six Nations title hopes after the 22-24 defeat by England and glumly admitted the only target remaining was to prevent Wales from landing the Grand Slam next weekend.

Westville beat Glenwood 13-9 in front of a full house on Bowdens, their home-ground.

Coach Philippe Saint-Andre on Monday made six changes to his squad to take on Wales for the final day of the Six Nations tournament in Cardiff.

The victory of the England senior team over France may be a surprise; the victory of France Under-20 over England was a shock.

London Wasps flank Tom Rees has been forced to retire from the game with immediate effect following medical advice on a knee injury he picked up during a pre-season game last year.

In the very last minute of the Super Rugby match between the Bulls and the Blues, there was an incident after the try which has resulted in a citing. It is not that aspect that interests us but whether there should have been a penalty afterwards or not.

Scotland coach Andy Robinson told his side they'd have to do a "lot of work" if they wanted to beat fellow strugglers Italy and avoid the Six Nations wooden spoon after a damaging 32-14 defeat by Ireland.

Italy coach Jacques Brunel recalled hooker Fabio Ongaro to an enlarged 31-man squad on Sunday ahead of next Saturday's Six Nations finale against Scotland.

It may be boiling hot in a lot of the country but schools are already getting into rugby action.

It was hot in Kimberley on Saturday and Noord-Kaap proved too hot for Marlow of Cradock to handle, winning 44-8.

Scotland wing Lee Jones was making "good progress" following the head injury that forced him off the field against Ireland, team doctor James Robson said Sunday.

Returning centre Gabriel Pizarro helped Aironi to a shock 21-17 victory over Munster for their first win in four Pro12 matches - but the Italians remain rooted to the foot of the table.

England stunned hosts France with a thrilling 24-22 victory on Sunday to erase any hopes the French had of winning the Six Nations title.

Wales head coach Warren Gatland is planning a low-key week for his players as they aim to match the superstars of the Seventies by making it three Grand Slams in eight seasons against France next weekend.

Ireland coach Declan Kidney believes his team is heading in the right direction after a 32-14 win at home to Scotland set them up in style for their Six Nations finale against England.

France against England in rugby is the ultimate combat, said the England assistant coach Graham Rowntree on the eve of their Six Nations clash at the Stade de France.

England's surprise 24-22 Six Nations victory over France at the Stade France on Sunday was down to the players and not the coach, said a modest Stuart Lancaster.

Wales cruised to a comfortable 24-3 victory against a brave but outgunned Italian side who fought hard but were ultimately outclassed in their Six Nations clash in Cardiff on Saturday.

Ireland extended Scotland's winless streak by scoring four tries to record a convincing 32-14 Six Nations victory in a spirited match at Lansdowne Road on Saturday.

England wing David Strettle pulled out of the Six Nations clash with France on Saturday after suffering an injury, with his place in the starting XV going to Charlie Sharples.

Ireland extended Scotland's winless streak with a 32-14 Six Nations victory at Lansdowne Road on Saturday.

Wales coach Warren Gatland has dismissed suggestions that the pressure of the Grand Slam will have a negative impact on his young team when they square up to France next week.

Ireland coach Declan Kidney hopes history won't repeat itself when his side face Scotland in the Six Nations at Lansdowne Road on Saturday.

We preview three exciting schools matches in Durban this weekend.

Scotland coach Andy Robinson insists his side could end their losing streak when they face Ireland on Saturday as long as they cut out the individual errors that have proved so costly in recent times.

It's a big weekend with France playing England in Paris on Sunday. Of the matches for Round 20, the most likely to be closest are desperate Biarritz against Brive and weakened Toulouse against Castres.

England's interim head coach Stuart Lancaster insists speculation over his future will not affect his team's performance in Sunday's Six Nations clash with France.

Veteran French centre Aurelien Rougerie says he needs to shine against England in their Six Nations clash on Sunday after two successive poor performances put his place in the side in danger.

South Africa's former World Cup-winning coach Jake White has turned down a lucrative offer from England and will remain loyal to the Brumbies for the foreseeable future.

Ireland will get a glimpse of their future when they face Scotland without Brian O'Driscoll and Paul O'Connell at Lansdowne Road on Saturday.

Wales coach Warren Gatland must somehow keep a lid on simmering expectation ahead of Saturday's Six Nations clash against Italy at the Millennium Stadium.

Find out from rugby365.com's Howie Kahn as the Bet.co.za 2012 Super Rugby challenge heads into Round Three.

England coach Stuart Lancaster has named a completely unchanged starting line-up for the crunch Six Nations clash with France in Paris on Sunday.

It's more than just a rugby match, France versus England, in Franglais Le Crunch. It is a rugby match and it is also a clash of history and culture between two countries.

The opportunity to manage and operate a New Zealand-based Super Rugby team has received five expressions of interest according to the New Zealand Rugby Union.

Le Crunch this weekend has three parts to it - the seniors at Stade de France on Sunday, the Under-20 at Stade de la Rabine on Saturday and the Women. In the Under-20 match and the Women's match England are overwhelming favourites.

Wales have made a late change among their replacements for the Six Nations international against Italy in Cardiff on Saturday.

The Brumbies will have to go head-to-head with England's Rugby Football Union if they hope to retain the services of their World Cup-winning former Springbok coach.

London Irish has announced that former England attack coach Brian Smith has made a return to the club, having been appointed Director of Rugby.

There are changes to the referees appointed to Week 3 of Super Rugby. Ian Smith is injured and his place is taken by Angus Gardner in Brisbane.

Exeter Chiefs have added their first new face for the 2012/13 season with the capture of Ian Whitten from Pro12 outfit Ulster.

The IRB Regulations Committee Panel hearing the Steven Shingler eligibility case has determined that the player is tied to Wales in accordance with IRB Regulation 8 as it stands and therefore is ineligible to represent another Union.

Julien Dupuy gets a chance in Sunday's Six Nations clash with old rivals England to prove that the impression he is a lightweight is baseless.

Lions coach John Mitchell admits his side were not clinical enough against the Hurricanes, but that is something they are looking to rectify up against the Sharks in Super Rugby this weekend.

New Zealand rugby legend Jock Hobbs has returned to hospital and is in a critical condition after a deterioration of his leukaemia.

Ulster on Thursday confirmed that Mark Anscombe has been appointed as head coach from the 2012-13 season, on a two-year contract.

London Wasps revealed on Thursday the re-signing of scrumhalf Nic Berry, after another impressive season in the black and gold shirt.

SACS have chosen their 22-man squad for the Western Province Rugby Day at Newlands on Tuesday, 20 March and their tour to Port Elizabeth to play Grey High and Selborne College.

England have axed eight players - including Leicester star Toby Flood - from their Six Nations squad ahead of Sunday's Six Nations clash against France.

Ireland flank Sean O'Brien has been forced to withdraw from the Six Nations game against Scotland due to a skin infection on his foot, which has failed to recover as quickly as expected.

Exeter Chiefs flyhalf Gareth Steenson insists he and his teammates are gearing up for what he believes will be an "exciting" conclusion to the season for the Devon club.

England have named a 13-man squad, including two new players, for the next two legs of the IRB Sevens World Series in Hong Kong and Tokyo.

It really looks like wanderlust has grabbed the minds of the leading southern suburbs schools in the Cape.

Australian-born Italy flyhalf Kris Burton believes Wales have had things too easy in their three-game winning start to this season's Six Nations competition.

After last Friday's epic 26-20 away win over Ospreys, Glasgow Warriors continue to reward players who have stepped up and improved, announcing the contract extensions of two front row forward propelling the club's push for a Pro12 play-off place.

The 50th birthday celebrations will have started in earnest out at Windmeul with Boland Landbou recording a hard-fought but well-deserved 15-6 victory over hosts Augsburg Gym in Clanwilliam on Wednesday, 7 March.

The one pities his opposition tightheads! The other pities the fools!

Last season's Six Nations breakthrough star Fabio Semenzato will get his first start for Italy in this season's competition in place of the injured Edorado Gori against Wales at Cardiff's Millennium Stadium on Saturday.

Two of South Africa's most successful coaches - Nick Mallett and Jake White - could go head-to-head in the race for the England coaching job.

The fixtures for Thursday, 22 March, the opening day of the 2012 edition of the Oakdale Rugby Festival, have been announced.

Italy are hoping to put in a much improved performance in Cardiff this weekend as they face Six Nations favourites Wales at the Millennium Stadium.

Oakdale beat Tygerberg in the Cup Final of the @tlantic Sevens at NMMU University's George campus at Saasveld.

Six Nations side Italy will visit the United States for a June 23 match against the Eagles to be played at Houston.

Saracens' Namibian international loose forward Jacques Burger is to miss the rest of the season after suffering a knee injury, the club confirmed on Wednesday.

939 days! When Grey College kicks off its 2012 season on 17 March, that's how long it would have been since the Springbok rugby factory operating out of Bloemfontein last tasted defeat on a rugby field - 939 days!

Mirco Bergamasco has sprung to the defence of under-fire Italy kickers Kris Burton and Tobias Botes claiming the pair have been unfairly criticised.

Ulster hooker Rory Best will captain Ireland in their Six Nations international against Scotland at Lansdowne Road in Dublin on Saturday.

Julien Dupuy and Lionel Beauxis will pair up for France for the first time since 2009, after coach Philippe Saint-Andre named his team Wednesday to face England in the Six Nations.

The Pampas XV from Argentina, the defending champions, will get the 2012 Vodacom Cup season - the 15th since its inception in 1998 - underway on Friday when they host the EP Kings in Stellenbosch.

England coach Stuart Lancaster was slammed by Leicester counterpart Matt O'Connor on Wednesday over his treatment of halfbacks Ben Youngs and Toby Flood.

Leinster on Wednesday revealed the arrival of New Zealand World Cup winning second row Brad Thorn, on a three-month contract.

Gloucester flyhalf Tim Taylor has signed a new contract with the Premiership club that will keep him at Kingsholm for the next two years.

Wales captain Sam Warburton will miss the Six Nations match against Italy through injury and will be replaced as skipper by Gethin Jenkins for the match at the Millennium Stadium on Saturday.

Benetton Treviso loose forward Manoa Vosawai has been given a one-week ban after having accumulated three yellow cards in the Pro12 this season.

NWU-Pukke wing Joe Seerane and flank Siya Mdaka joined the Springbok Sevens training squad in Stellenbosch on Tuesday as the Blitzbokke try to plug the gaps left by an assortment of injuries to several regulars.

Former England captain Lewis Moody has decided to retire from all rugby with immediate effect following his most recent injury.

Ireland suffered a double injury blow when it was announced that captain Paul O'Connell and scrumhalf Conor Murray will miss the last two Six Nations matches through injury.

Sarel Cilliers High School of Glencoe in Northern KwaZulu-Natal are holding their remarkable Rugby Festival this weekend.

Nick de Luca was recalled by Scotland on Tuesday to face Ireland in Saturday's Six Nations international in Dublin.

The Border Schools Day will take place at the Border Rugby Stadium at the weekend. There will be matches on Friday afternoon and on Saturday.

England have called up scrumhalf Karl Dickson to join his younger brother and fellow No.9 Lee in their Six Nations training squad for next Sunday's match against France after Joe Simpson dislocated a shoulder at the weekend.

Irish wing Tommy Bowe will return to play in Ireland next season with Ulster it was confirmed on Tuesday.

Again it has been suggested that the scope of the television match official's ability to advise referees should increase. This time the case in point was a try awarded to the Bulls' prop Dean Greyling in their match with the Cheetahs in Bloemfontein on Saturday.

Ireland will have to get over their disappointment at coming so close to only their third win in Paris in 30 years and ready themselves for next Saturday's Six Nations clash with Scotland, said coach Declan Kidney.

Gloucester revealed on Monday that England international No.8 Ben Morgan will be moving to Kingsholm from the Scarlets for the 2012-13 season.

Autumn is here. Leaves are turning, acorns are dropping, whistles are being blown and there are the urgent cries of schools rugby. It has started and these are our first results.

Three of the major players on the KwaZulu-Natal schools rugby front have made significant new coaching appointments ahead of the 2012 rugby season.

At Hoerskool Fichardtpark's Rugby Day in Bloemfontein on Saturday, Noord-Kaap of Kimberley beat Voortrekker of Bethlehem 33-7.

Westville dotted down three times during the second half on their way to recording a 19-0 away victory against Damelin Night Series Champions George Campbell.

It's the penultimate week of the Six Nations with France needing a win if they are to win the championship. In South Africa the Vodacom Cup gets going.

France coach Philippe Saint-Andre and his players agree that unless they stop giving their opponents double digit leads their hopes of the Six Nations title could be ended by defending champions England next Sunday.

London Irish revealed that Declan Danaher has committed to the club until 2014, after signing a two-year contract extension.

Springbok Stefan Terblanche has extended his stay with Ulster for a further two months, until end of April.

Discarded England scrumhalf Danny Care's international career has almost certainly come to an end, after he was involved in another alcohol-fuelled incident at the weekend.

Harlequins have expressed their support for errant scrumhalf Danny Care, despite the England No.9 third alcohol-fuelled indiscretion in as many months.

Tournament hosts, the Zimbabwean Cheetahs pleased a roaring home crowd by defeating the SA Buffaloes 24-14 in the Cup Final of the Zimbabwe International Sevens tournament on Sunday.

The Ospreys announced on Monday that Welsh international loosehead prop Ryan Bevington has signed a new two-year contract, in the week where he made his 50th appearance for his home region.

France are to keep faith with the same squad for their next Six Nations match with England, after this weekend's battling draw against Ireland, coach Philippe Saint-Andre said on Monday.

Luke Charteris officially joined the Wales Six Nations training squad on Monday, making him available for selection for the Round Four home clash with Italy at the Millennium Stadium on Saturday.

RFU chief executive Ian Ritchie is adamant he won't be rushed into appointing a new England head coach and will delay the process if necessary in order to get his man.

Two first-half tries from Tommy Bowe meant that France had to fight back to salvage a 17-17 draw with Ireland in their Six Nations clash in Paris on Sunday.

Happy 29th Birthday to Springbok centre Jaque Fourie - a member of the 2007-World Cup winning Bok team.

Leicester kept themselves firmly in the Premiership play-off zone by comprehensively beating Gloucester whilst Saracens moved closer to Harlequins with victory over Northampton Saints.

France coach Philippe Saint-Andre said the 17-17 draw with Ireland, which dashed the hosts' hopes of the Six Nations Grand Slam, felt more like a defeat.

Munster climbed to second in the Pro12 table after securing a 24-14 win over Newport Gwent Dragons at Rodney Parade on Saturday.

Australian-born lock Joshua Furno was called-up by Italy coach Jacques Brunel on Saturday, as a replacement for his Aironi clubmate Carlo del Fava for the remaining Six Nations games against Wales and Scotland.

John Kirwan was told by headhunters for the England coaching job that he was out of contention because the Italy and Japan sides he led were not major rugby teams.

Exeter kept pressing for a place in next season's Heineken Cup, as they completed a league double over Sale Sharks to move up to fifth place on the Premiership standings.

The pre-tournament favourites, the South African Academy, finished unbeaten after Day One of the inaugural Zimbabwe international Sevens tournament.

With permission from the International Rugby Board, referees are allowed to use a white card in this year's Super 15, and it is being used.

Jon Welsh and Colin Shaw profited from a superb Glasgow forwards display to help the Warriors cement their place in the Pro 12 play-off places with a rare 20-26 victory at the Ospreys.

Nick Evans rescued Aviva Premiership pacesetters Harlequins from a shock defeat against Newcastle in a 9-9 draw at Kingston Park.

France and Ireland will at last lock horns at the Stade de France on Sunday with the hosts being warned that they must start with a bang if they are to keep alive their dreams of a Grand Slam.

Ireland captain Paul O'Connell said on Saturday he would love to taste victory for the first time in his stellar career in Paris against the French when they meet in their Six Nations clash on Sunday.

The South African Academy team, coached and managed by Marius Schoeman, will be out to use their greater physical presence to win some silverware at the inaugural Zimbabwean Sevens in Harare on Saturday and Sunday.

London Wasps forwards Tinus du Plessis and James Cannon were handed contract extensions by Director of Rugby Dai Young, as he continues to shape his squad for next season.

The Otago Rugby Football Union (ORFU), once one of the pillars of the sport in New Zealand, put off immediate liquidation Friday and revealed the existence of a possible lifeline.

France are playing this weekend and so are the Top 14 clubs, much to their chagrin. They missed out earlier for the Ireland match when it was frozen off and now miss put again when the postponed match happens. With just seven rounds to go, the clubs are getting testy as some try to end in the top six and others try avoid the bottom two.

Howie Kahn has been asked to take part in a Super Rugby betting challenge, in conjunction with Bet.co.za and he made a pretty good start after Week One. He reports back - ahead of Week Two - for rugby365...

Referee Glen Jackson has tweaked a calf muscle and will be unable to officiate the Australian Super Rugby derby between the Reds and the Force at the Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane on Saturday.

There will be some extra needle in this encounter, not just because it is critical to the cause of both teams, but because of the manner in which it was called off last month.

Australian Rugby Union (ARU) chief executive John O'Neill was appointed to the 2015 Rugby World Cup board on Thursday, as was Wales Rugby Union (WRU) chairman David Pickering.

Wales centre Jamie Roberts is "touch and go" for the Six Nations match with Italy in Cardiff a week on Saturday, according to skills coach Neil Jenkins.

Duncan Jones has been ruled out of action for a lengthy period, after suffering a knee injury in last Friday's Pro12 defeat to Ulster.

London Wasps have added to their midfield options for next season with the signing of 27-year-old Lee Thomas from French Top 14 side Lyon.

France fullback Maxime Medard is set to be out of action for up to nine months, he revealed on his Twitter account, after suffering a serious knee injury in last Sunday's 23-17 Six Nations win over Scotland.

International Sevens will return to Zimbabwean soil after a lengthy lay-off, when the country hosts an array of teams this weekend, March 3 and 4, at the Harare Sports Club.

Veteran Franch flank Julien Bonnaire always puts in a performance meriting 8 out of 10 according to rugby manager Jo Maso, but how long can he go on for?

Stuart Lancaster's future with England will be decided before the end of his Six Nations 'audition', new Rugby Football Union (RFU) Chief Executive Ian Ritchie said Thursday.

London Irish's Tongan international Chris Hala'ufia was given a potentially season-ending ban on Thursday after being served with an 11-week suspension for a dangerous tackle during a European Cup game.

It may only be the end of February, but the 2012 rugby season has already kicked off down south.

England suffered a new Six Nations setback with the news that lock Courtney Lawes could be sidelined for the remainder of the Six Nations due to a shin injury.

Cardiff Blues hooker Rhys Thomas will leave the Welsh side at the end of the season to join former coach Dai Young at London Wasps.

Fullback Clement Poitrenaud and flank Julien Bonnaire have been drafted into the French side to play Ireland in the Six Nations at the Stade de France on Sunday.

Worcester Warriors have added to their backline resources by signing powerful Scotland international wing Nikki Walker from Pro12 giants Ospreys.

Treviso substitute Gonzalo Garcia has been slapped with a one-week ban for foul play against Scarlets last week.

Scarlets and Wales centre Jonathan Davies has extended his contract to stay at Parc y Scarlets for the next two seasons as part of the region's ambition to retain core Welsh players within their squad.

Leicester Tigers have agreed new contract terms with England Under-20 captain George Ford, young lock Ed Slater and England international Anthony Allen.

Gloucester skipper Luke Narraway has become the latest English player to head to France after agreeing a two-year deal with Perpignan.

The underfire Western Province Rugby Football Union has a powerful backer for their decision to retain Newlands as their home base.

It may sound like the start of an old joke but an Englishman, an Irishman, a Scotsman and a Welshman could all have an input into the serious business of selecting the next permanent England rugby coach.

Abrasive French loose forward Imanol Harinordoquy is not content with his performances so far in the Six Nations and is determined to return to his top level against Ireland at the Stade de France on Sunday.

Despite several minor injuries Ireland coach Declan Kidney has named an unchanged side for the re-arranged Six Nations international against France in Paris on Sunday.

The Scottish Rugby Union have confirmed that wing Rory Lamont will be sidelined for up to four months with a broken leg he sustained in the Six Nations loss to France.

At the freezing cold Spartak Stadium in Alushta on the Black Sea, Spain beat Ukraine 41-6 in a European Nations, Division One match on Saturday.

Edinburgh have signed exciting South African-born 22-year-old Northampton Saints utility back Greig Tonks who will add considerably to the backline arsenal at Murrayfield.

Connacht have signed Pro12 all-time leading points scorer and former Scotland international flyhalf Dan Parks on a two-year deal from Welsh side Cardiff Blues.

Glenwood played Mendoza, which turned out to be the last match of their tour. After the match they set off on a four-hour flight for the Iguacu Falls on the Iguazu River which is a tributary of the Parana.

Hoerskool Ferrum of Newcastle goes up over the Drakensberg to Secunda in Mpumalanga, from coal town to coal town, with sport in mind, the start of winter sports.

With several teams hopping aboard as recently as mid-February, the organisers of the 2012 Copytype Tony Stoops Rugby Festival can announce the fixtures for the opening round on Friday, 23 March and Saturday, 24 March.

George Campbell are the Durban Night Series champions for 2012 with a narrow win over hosts Port Natal.

This weekend roughly 5,000 boys and girls from 55 schools will be taking part in the 11th Clover Sports Day at Hoerskool Fichardtpark. There will be netball, hockey, golf, shooting, chess, tennis and, of course, rugby.

Springbok Sevens captain, Kyle Brown, is one of several players who might miss the next two Sevens World Series tournaments in Hong Kong and Japan because of injury.

Over the Easter Weekend King Edward VII School of Houghton, Johannesburg is holding its Easter Festival with six matches on each of Maundy Thursday, Holy Saturday and Easter Monday.

French coach Philippe Saint-Andre believes his side cannot afford to let Ireland take the initiative on Sunday because there will be no way back unlike against Scotland.

Italy coach Jacques Brunel has recalled prop Martin Castrogiovanni, one of four changes to his squad for the remaining Six Nations games against Wales and Scotland.

In the fourth @lantic Sevens Series tournament, played in Kimberley, Diamantveld were comfortable winners in the final of the cup.

The fifth tournament in the popular @lantic 7s series for high schools takes place on Saturday, 3 March at Saasveld Forestry College in George.

Hoerskool Vryburg again hosts its annual sports day on 3 March 2012. The main match, between Vryburg and Wolmaransstad, is part of the Puk 16 Series.

Scotland coach Andy Robinson insisted he has no intention of resigning, after overseeing yet another defeat - as his side went down 17-23 to France in the Six Nations at Murrayfield on Sunday.

The Otago Rugby Union will be placed in liquidation on Friday, potentially winding up one of New Zealand's strongest provincial teams - which has produced 156 All Blacks in 131 years.

Fullback Maxime Medard will miss France's Six Nations match against Ireland at the Stade de France on Sunday, due to the knee injury he sustained in the 23-17 win over Scotland at the weekend.

In the Six Nations Under-20, England again won convincingly, scoring six tries to none against Wales, and this weekend they play Italy.

Scotland wing Rory Lamont had surgery in hospital in Edinburgh on Monday after suffering a fracture to his leg during Sunday's Six Nations loss to France at Murrayfield.

Wales hooker Huw Bennett said Monday he is to leave Ospreys and play for French top flight side Lyon next season.

France coach Philippe Saint-Andre is confident it won't be long before Scotland beat a "fantastic team" after seeing his side given a scare in the Six Nations at Murrayfield.

Former Wallaby coach Eddie Jones vowed Monday to bring his attacking style of rugby to Japan's national team, the day after piloting Suntory Sungoliath to the country's top club title.

The Six Nations matches this weekend are catch-ups from matches postponed because of freezing weather. Dave Pearson, who had to postpone the match at Stade de France, gets his chance again.

England interim coach Stuart Lancaster said he was heartened by his team's display even as they slipped to the first defeat of his reign when losing 19-12 to Wales in the Six Nations at Twickenham.

Newport Gwent Dragons needed a last-gasp penalty try, converted by replacement Lewis Robling, to escape Aironi with a 10-9 Pro 12 win which keeps their slim European ambitions alive.

Replacement Ben Nutley shattered London Irish in the last seconds to give Northampton a 30-23 Aviva Premiership victory of the season at Reading's Madejski Stadium.

France were clinical and precise in their 23-17 victory against Scotland, who produced a brave attacking effort at Murrayfield in the Six Nations on Sunday.

Wales centre Jamie Roberts was left facing a battle to remain fit for the rest of the Six Nations after suffering a knee injury in a dramatic 19-12 win away to England at Twickenham here on Saturday.

Rugby World Cup-winning All Blacks coach Graham Henry may take legal action after lighthearted comments he made at a fundraising dinner on Thursday were reported by New Zealand media.

Warren Gatland was left contemplating the prospect of another Grand Slam after seeing his side edge England in a thrilling Six Nations Championship clash at Twickenham.

The wife of former All Blacks winger Jonah Lomu says the ailing rugby star is again in hospital receiving treatment for kidney failure.

England's David Strettle said officials should have given him the benefit of any doubt after he had a 'try' disallowed by the video referee in the closing seconds of a dramatic Six Nations loss to Wales.

Two tries from fullback Ross Chisholm were not enough to help stuttering Harlequins as the Premiership leaders slumped to a 29-23 defeat at Gloucester on Saturday.

Isa Nacewa kicked a late penalty to salvage a tense 10-10 draw for Pro12 leaders Leinster against a determined Glasgow Warriors outfit.

Saracens were beaten 16-11 in the Premiership on Friday, as Worcester Warriors came from behind to clinch the victory at Sixways.

As if making his first Test start, against France at Murrayfield on Sunday, wasn't enough for Scotland's Stuart Hogg to deal with, this week he also discovered he's related to George Best.

Ireland got their first win of this season's Six Nations at Lansdowne Road in Dublin on Saturday, beating a hapless Italy 42-10.

France may be overwhelming favourites as they get set for a Six Nations match away to Scotland in Edinburgh on Sunday, but the World Cup finalists remain cautious about their trip to Murrayfield.

Wales coach Warren Gatland praised a "potentially outstanding" side after seeing the World Cup semifinalists come from behind to beat England 19-12 on Saturday and win the Triple Crown.

Wales won the Triple Crown at Twickenham on Saturday, after beating previously unbeaten England 19-12 in their Six Nations match.

Ireland coach Declan Kidney refused to get carried away by Ireland's 42-10 victory over Italy at Lansdowne Road on Saturday to claim their first win of this year's Six Nations tournament and end a run of three successive home defeats.

One would expect England to continue to win well with only Ireland looking likely to dethrone them in the next round of Under-20 Six Nations action.

Welsh international Jonathan Spratt has signed a two-year contract extension with London Irish.

England centre Manu Tuilagi is looking forward to doing what he does best against Wales in their Six Nations clash at Twickenham on Saturday - smashing into the opposition.

Worcester Warriors revealed on Friday that No.8 Adam Balding will leave the club with immediate effect.

Ireland's postponed Six Nations match in Paris gave players the chance to rest aching bodies, and with the ultra-physical Italians in Dublin on Saturday, skipper Paul O'Connell is happy to take the lone positive from the French farce.

Ospreys lock James Goode has completed a loan move to Premiership side Newcastle Falcons until the end of the current season.

Former All Blacks wing Doug Howlett has signed a contract extension with Irish province Munster until the end of season 2012/2013.

England interim coach Stuart Lancaster's faith in one of the most inexperienced Red Rose sides of recent times will be put to the test when they face a seasoned Wales team in the Six Nations at Twickenham.

Scotland will be desperate to secure their first victory of the Six Nations when they take on a formidable French outfit in their clash at Murrayfield on Sunday.

Wales hooker Ken Owens may be making his first Test start against England in the Six Nations this weekend but as far as he's concerned he's not even the best player in his family.

England captain Chris Robshaw expects a "much improved" attacking display when his side face Wales in the Six Nations at Twickenham on Saturday.

Irish provinces Munster and Ulster headlined the results on Friday, as victories over Cardiff Blues and Ospreys respectively took them closer to the Pro12 play-offs.

Ireland forwards coach Gert Smal has been unwell and won't be present at this weekend's Six Nations match against Italy in Dublin on Saturday, or for the rest of the tournament.

Wales defence coach Shaun Edwards reckons England's Owen Farrell will cope just fine with the responsibility of playing at flyhalf in a Six Nations international at Twickenham on Saturday.

Port Natal, where rugby has been played with enthusiasm for nearly a century, now play rugby in the second and third term.

Paul Dobson takes a look at what can be expected from referees when the Super Rugby season gets underway on Friday.

As always Monnas have a long and full season in 2012, willing as they are to play as much as possible.

Veteran flyhalf Stephen Jones will take the place of James Hook on the Wales bench for the Six Nations international against England, after the Perpignan back was ruled out with chicken pox.

Interim coach Stuart Lancaster is confident one of the most inexperienced England teams in championship history will avoid stage fright when they face Wales in the Six Nations at Twickenham.

Owen Farrell has insisted he will be able to shoulder the burden of being England's flyhalf when he makes his first Twickenham start for his country against Wales in the Six Nations on Saturday.

Gloucester have revealed that Australian international hooker Huia Edmonds has signed for the club.

Scotland coach Andy Robinson has insisted Stuart Hogg will have the "freedom to play" when the teenage fullback makes his first Test start against France in the Six Nations at Murrayfield on Sunday.

Coach Stuart Lancaster has made four personnel changes to the England starting line-up for Saturday's crunch Six Nations match against Wales at Twickenham.

South African stars Schalk Brits and Matt Stevens have both extended their contracts with English Premiership club Saracens.

Veteran France lock Pascal Pape dismissed Six Nations opponents Scotland's poor record over the past few years and said he anticipated a really tough match at Murrayfield on Sunday.

Matt Torrance, born in Durban and schooled at Glenwood, will start for Scotland Under-20 at Netherdale in Galashiels on Friday night.

England fullback Ben Foden is relishing the build-up to this year's "crunch" Six Nations match against Wales at Twickenham on Saturday.

Italy coach Jacques Brunel says Italy must stop Ireland dictating the tempo of their Six Nations clash if they are to come away from Dublin with a positive result on Saturday.

Wales prop Adam Jones has insisted the World Cup semifinalists are ignoring suggestions they could bully England physically when the teams meet in the Six Nations at Twickenham on Saturday.

Scotland and Edinburgh wing Lee Jones has capped a breakthrough season with an extended deal that will keep him at the Murrayfield club until 2014, something he describes as "a dream come true".

London Irish have added some vital beef and versatility to their forward pack by signing Ospreys loose forward Tom Smith on a two year deal.

Italy flank Mauro Bergamasco has been banned for a month after being cited for dangerous play during the Celtic League clash with Ospreys on February 17, and will miss the rest of the 2012 Six Nations.

Former Stormers hardman Adriaan Fondse, who now plays for English Premiership Newcastle Falcons, has been handed a one-week ban for foul play.

France scrumhalf Morgan Parra insists the World Cup finalists would not be taking Scotland for granted on Sunday, despite their hosts losing their first two Six Nations matches.

South African-born Tobias Botes will make his first start for Italy against Ireland in the Six Nations in Dublin on Saturday - one of four changes to the Azzurri team.

Leicester lock Geoff Parling is expected to start for England in Saturday's Six Nations clash against Wales, after Tom Palmer was dropped from the squad.

English Premiership champions Saracens have announced contract extensions for the England duo of Owen Farrell and Mouritz Botha as well as loose forward Ernst Joubert who qualifies for England this year.

Grey High School of Port Elizabeth has issued the revised and final fixtures for its Festival on 24-30 March 2012. There are great schools playing.

Northampton Saints have invested in the future by giving contract extensions to three young players - prop Tom Mercey, wing Anders Mogensen and hooker Ross McMillan.

Underfire Scotland coach Andy Robinson has made four changes in personnel for Sunday's crucial Six Nations clash with France at Murrayfield.

Glasgow Warriors have secured the services of Newcastle Falcons lock Tim Swinson who will move to the Scotstoun-based club at the end of the season.

France named an unchanged line-up for the Six Nations match with Scotland in Edinburgh on Sunday, looking to get their campaign back on track after the fiasco of the Ireland game.

Scotland hooker Scott Lawson is to leave Premiership side Gloucester at the end of this season, the club confirmed on Tuesday.

Australian-born utility back Luke McLean says Italy must try to combat Ireland's spoiling tactics if they are to emerge victorious from Saturday's Six Nations match in Dublin.

Wales captain Sam Warburton has recovered from a thigh injury and will return to lead his team's Triple Crown Six Nations clash with England at Twickenham this weekend.

Wales and British and Irish Lions loosehead prop Gethin Jenkins has confirmed he will leave Cardiff Blues next season to take up a contract with French club Toulon.

Ireland named an unchanged side here Tuesday for this weekend's Six Nations clash with Italy at Lansdowne Road.

It is rare that the result of a rugby match is changed and the score radically changed. It has just happened in the LV= Cup.

Happy 41st Birthday to Joost van der Westhuizen, the 1995 World Cup-winning Springbok scrumhalf.

Stormers coach Allister Coetzee said both the management team and players are 'a very happy and settled group'.

As the maxim goes: 'It never rains but it pours.' This certainly rings true for the South African Rugby Union.

Glasgow Warriors have boosted their forward pack for next season by signing powerful 29-year-old Tongan No.8 Viliami Ma'afu who will join the Scotstoun club from Japanese outfit Mitsubishi.

Panasonic Wild Knights had two tries' help from Jaque Fourie in their surprise victory over Toshiba Brave Lupus in the semifinal of the Japan's Top League to clinch a spot in Sunday's Final against Suntory Sungoliath at Tokyo's Chichibu Stadium.

Glenwood have played their third match on their Argentinian tour in leafy Mendoza down below the Andes. Sean Erasmus, the Glenwood coach, reports.

Unbeaten George Campbell and hosts Port Natal finished in log positions one and two respectively and have as a result progressed to the Night Series Final to be played on Friday, 24 February.

Stormers coach Allister Coetzee has reportedly turned down an offer to join Springbok coach Heyneke Meyer's coaching staff and is set to announce a contract extension with the Western Province Rugby Union.

While no preferred party has yet been selected, English Premiership club Wasps is confident that the process of finding a new owner is now nearing conclusion.

At the Stade Battandier-Lukowiak in La Voulte in southeastern France, France beat Italy 19-15 in a match postponed from 3 February in Bourgoin.

Wales have called Ospreys forwards Alun Wyn Jones and Richard Hibbard into their Six Nations training squad.

A bicep injury to Bath hooker Lee Mears has resulted in an England call-up for Harlequins' Chris Brooker who will join coach Stuart Lancaster's squad ahead of the Six Nations clash with Wales this weekend.

Glenwood have two teams playing in Argentina. Their coach, Sean Erasmus, again sends reports of their cheerful progress.

Leicester boss Richard Cockerill said he was glad he wasn't in England coach Stuart Lancaster's position after Toby Flood and Manu Tuilagi staked claims for Test recalls in a 20-19 win over Saracens.

As expected France were tough opponents for England Under-18 and could have drawn the match with the last kick of the game.

Imagine this: your favourite sports team is losing a match... and, as a result, your pre-match bet is not looking too flash either. Well, leading South African sports betting website, Bet.co.za, could have a solution for you.

Super Rugby starts. Chris Pollock of New Zealand blows the first whistle to start the first match of Week One. And in Europe the Six Nations and the European Nations Cup are again in action. It is, you may say, a busy weekend.

In the third @lantic Sevens Series for schools, Hentie Cilliers of Virginia won the Cup in a thrilling final against Bethlehem Voortrekker. They scored just one point more in a high-scoring final.

French coach Philippe Saint-Andre believes that next weekend's Six Nations clash against Scotland will be a pivotal moment in his first tournament as the national handler.

English flyhalf Jonny Wilkinson was ruled out for up to three weeks on Saturday after injuring his knee and ankle in Toulon's 19-19 French Top 14 draw with Stade Francais.

Leicester skipper Geordan Murphy ended Saracens' unbeaten home record clinching a dramatic 20-19 victory with a sensational drop-goal with the last kick of their gripping Premiership game.

The Australian Super Rugby conference is, by a long stretch, the easiest of the three. No matter how you spin it, the Rebels and Western Force are soft touches and almost certainly walking bonus points.

It is Super Rugby time once more and with the South African squads fairly evenly balanced each team will be keen to improve on last season, we take a look at their prospects in the conference.

Harlequins boss Conor O'Shea praised his side's ability to win ugly after the league leaders maintained their place at the summit of the Premiership table with a hard-fought win over Worcester.

There has been plenty of player movement amongst the New Zealand franchises, which should make the conference particularly intriguing this season.

England scrumhalf Ben Youngs concedes he needs to revert to his natural game with Lee Dickson threatening to take his place for Six Nations clash with Wales at Twickenham.

Wales assistant coach Neil Jenkins knows his side are flying in the face of history when they head to Twickenham next weekend, but the former flyhalf is confident his side are more than ready for their Triple Crown decider.

Desperate Perpignan beat desperate Biarritz 25-6 in a desperate Top 14 match in Perpignan on Friday night.

Wales will arrive at Twickenham believing that they can defeat England and claim the Triple Crown, according to centre Jamie Roberts.

Leinster centre Fergus McFadden returned to club form with a bang to kick a last-minute penalty and secure his side's 12th successive Pro 12 victory with a nervy 16-13 triumph over the Scarlets.

In Round 18 of France's Top 14, in a dramatic last minute Toulon won themselves a draw with Stade Francais at Stade de France.

On-fire wing Simon Zebo's two tries made sure Munster wouldn't be denied in Italy this weekend as they exacted revenge for last season's loss and picked up a bonus point by defeating Treviso 35-14 in the Pro 12.

A 14-man Newcastle Falcons side gave their survival hopes a major boost with a much needed 19-10 triumph over London Irish in the Aviva Premiership on Saturday.

Former USA Eagles defensive coach Mike Tolkin has made the step up to replace Eddie O' Sullivan as head coach of the American national team.

Some more big decisions are being made this weekend - who will be in contention for top six and who will be in danger of relegation.

Newport Gwent Dragons can confirm that wing Aled Brew is set to leave the region at the end of the season for an undisclosed European Club.

The Blitzbokke will square up to World Series leaders New Zealand, current Sevens World Cup holders Wales and the USA in their tough pool at the Hong Kong Sevens.

Suggestions that the days of iconic stadiums like Newlands and Kings Park are numbered are purely 'rumour mongering'.

Former All Blacks assistant coach Wayne Smith ruled himself out of the running as England coach on Thursday, saying the job sounded more suited to a public relations manager than a rugby mentor.

Gordon D'Arcy believes Ireland must turn the Aviva Stadium into a fortress if they're to claim a first Six Nations crown since 2009.

We salute the 'Pretty in Purple: Valentine's Day special' winners - who will now each be receiving a new Bulls 'away' jersey.

Fullback Chris Pennell has become the latest player to pledge his future to Worcester Warriors, after having signed a new contract with the club.

Connacht have secured the services of Munster tighthead prop Peter Borlase, who will join the club on loan with immediate effect.

Northampton Saints have revealed that Christian Day was staying at Franklin's Gardens, after having signed a new contract with the club.

Manu Tuilagi has insisted there will be no repeat of his ferry-jumping exploits at the World Cup now he has been recalled into the England squad.

Former Highlanders centre Jason Shoemark has agreed a new two-year deal with the Exeter Chiefs, and is intent on helping the fifth-placed Chiefs climb further up the Premiership standings.

Exeter Chiefs head coach Rob Baxter has spoken of his delight after two of his more senior stars committed themselves to the Premiership club for the next two years.

We salute the 'Pretty in Purple: Valentine's Day special' winners - who will now each be receiving a new Bulls 'away' jersey.

Northampton Saints Director of Rugby Jim Mallinder has become the latest eligible cadidate to rule himself out of the running to become the next permanent England coach.

A new set of sport safety regulations could be the financial ruin of two of South Africa's iconic rugby stadia - Newlands and Kings Park.

Sale director of sport Steve Diamond was hit with a lengthy 18-week touchline ban on Wednesday for verbally abusing Test referee Wayne Barnes during an English Premiership match last month.

Flyhalf Ignacio Mieres believes it is vital that Exeter Chiefs use last weekend's home win over Leicester Tigers as the springboard for a crucial month ahead for the Devon club.

England No.8 Nick Easter has committed his rugby future to Harlequins by signing a three year contract that will keep him with the London club until the end of the 2014/15 season.

Ireland coach Declan Kidney is still fuming at the decision by Six Nations organizers to reset the match against France for Sunday March 4.

An exciting new Sevens tournament, named 7'sPL, will hit Outeniqua Park, George on December 14 and 15 this year.

Disgruntled France and Ireland fans have until February 24 to claim their money back for tickets to the Six Nations match that was postponed from last weekend to March 4.

Chris Robshaw has been confirmed as captain of England for the rest of the Six Nations by coach Stuart Lancaster after steering the team to gritty wins in their first two matches.

Cheetahs tighthead prop WP Nel has signed a three-year contract with Scottish Pro12 outfit Edinburgh and will join the capital club at the end of the Super Rugby season.

Crisis-hit Top 14 club Racing-Metro have further shuffled their backroom staff, bringing in Didier Retiere as forwards coach in place of Philippe Berbizier, brother of director of rugby Pierre.

Former Ospreys loose forward Steve Tandy has been appointed as head coach of the Welsh region following the departure of Sean Holley and will take charge of team affairs immediately.

Teenage Welsh star George North is undergoing "intense rehab" in a bid to be fit for the Triple Crown Chasers' Six Nations match away to England in a fortnight, the Welsh Rugby Union said Wednesday.

France have named an unchanged 23-strong squad for the Six Nations game against Scotland at Murrayfield on February 26.

Northampton Saints have announced that utility forward Samu Manoa has joined the lengthening list of players to have committed themselves to the club for three more years.

France hooker William Servat will take over as Toulouse forwards coach next season to replace former clubmate Yannick Bru who is now with the France national team, according to club president Jean-Rene Bouscatel.

The one is the Wallabies' best fullback. The other is Napoleon Dynamite's best mate.

One of the most famous representative teams in world rugby is to challenge Wales at the Millennium Stadium for the second time in a year.

Scotland flank Alasdair Strokosch could miss the rest of the Six Nations with a fractured hand.

England lock Tom Palmer is to return to London Wasps next season on a two-year deal.

Samoan winger David Lemi has left Glasgow Warriors to join English side Worcester Warriors from the start of next season.