Latest News
Law Discussion i - goal-line decisions
There is always a lot to talk about on the application of the laws of the game whenever we watch a game. This is so because of the complex nature of the laws and the complex nature of the game, both of which make huge demands on a human being who is a referee.
New Zealand
Women refs step up in NZ
History will be made in New Zealand this weekend when three women take to the field to officiate in the women?s national provincial championship final between Canterbury and Auckland in Christchurch.
News
Lions look to UJ's Minnie
Golden Lions flank - and former Varsity Cup star - Derick Minnie is not intimidated by the prospect of facing a Springbok-laden Sharks team in a decisive Currie Cup match in Durban on Saturday.
Koshuis
Nadoes the toast of the Green Mile
Favourites, the Steinhoff Tornadoes, did the job when they hammered Ikhaya 50-0 in the Steinhoff Rugby UCT Internal League Final, whilst last year's winners, the Cobras, beat the Wildboys to claim third spot in a closely-contested battle.
Latest News
Referees for November Tests
The International Rugby Board has announced the appointment of match officials to 35 matches to take place in the Northern Hemisphere from the end of October to the beginning of December 2009.
Maties
Bosch bolsters WP midfield
Varsity Cup-winning Maties centre Paul Bosch will make his first Currie Cup start for Western Province when they take on neighbours Boland at Newlands on Saturday.
Latest News
European refs for Rounds 1 & 2
The European Cup has announced the referees for the first two rounds of the Heineken Cup and the Amlin Challenge Cup which is the new name for European Challenge Cup.
News
Second time luckier at Ubumbo Festival?
The second-ever annual Ubumbo Rugby Festival will be taking place at the UCTRFC's Groote Schuur fields from Friday, October 2 until Saturday, October 3.
Koshuis
Koshuis Final time in Matie-land
Helshoogte and Dagbreek have qualified for the final of Stellenbosch's 2009 Steinhoff Residence Championships, after obtaining semifinal victories over Eendrag and Simonsberg, respectively.
Latest News
Baker faces ban for referee abuse
A number of misconduct hearings, along with a judicial hearing, will take place at the New Zealand Rugby Union (NZRU) offices in Wellington on Wednesday, following incidents in two separate games over the weekend.
Latest News
Referees to 4 October 2009
There is a Test this week, one of FIRA's matches and it is significant in that for the first time a Norwegian referee will referee a FIRA Test - Vincent Bouchet.
Latest News
Referees for first two HC rounds
The European Rugby Cup has announced the referee for the first two rounds of the Heineken Cup, starting on 9 October 2009.
Argentina
Results - 27 September
There was some international activity but mostly it was a domestic effort this weekend. In Sydney and Pretoria there were club champions crowned, and in South Africa provincial championships are building up top a climax.
News
Unlucky Pukke fall at final hurdle
FNB Pukke narrowly failed to defend their National Club Champs title; going down 34-36 to Cape side, Hamilton's, in Saturday's final at Loftus Versfeld.
Maties
Ruthless Maties win Cape Derby
FNB Maties finished their 2009 WP Super League season on a high by beating UCT's Ikey Tigers 36-13 at Groote Schuur on Friday night.
Latest News
Ulster shuffle the pack for Connacht
Ulster have made three changes to their pack for Friday's all-Irish Magners League battle with Connacht, while Paddy Wallace returns at centre to captain the side.
News
Joubert: 'Hamilton's the favourites'
Pukke coach Rudy Joubert believes his team will go into Saturday's Club Champs Final against Hamilton's as the underdogs.
News
Kickers the key to Club Champs glory?
Goalkickers look set to play a major role in the semifinals of the 2009 SAA National Club Champs, which resumes at the LC de Villiers stadium on the University of Pretoria's sport campus on Thursday.
News
Clinical Pukke win through to final
Varsity Cup teams, Pukke and Shimlas, will both be involved in finals at the 2009 SAA National Club Championships - Pukke in the main Cup Final and Shimlas in the Plate Final.
News
Ikey Tigers set for final hurrah
FNB UCT are preparing for Friday evening's WP Super League clash against Varsity Cup rivals, Stellenbosch, at Groote Schuur.
News
Currie Cup call-up for Muller
Young Ikey Tigers lock Martin Muller has been named on the Western Province bench for this weekend's Currie Cup clash against Griquas at Newlands.
Koshuis
Vishuis nommer een in Bloem
Die gewag is verby. Na 26 jaar is Vishuis weer Kovsies se voorste rugbyspan. Hulle het Vrydagaand die Steinhoff Kovsie Koshuisliga met 'n naelskraapse 15-11-sege in die eindstryd teen Heimat gewen.
News
Champs Pukke move into Last Four
Defending champions NWU-Pukke will play Springs and 2008 finalists College Rovers will face Hamilton's in the semifinals of the 2009 SAA Club Championships.
Maties
Maties to go out with a bang
FNB Maties coach Chean Roux intends on playing a running game when his charges travel to UCT on Friday for both teams' final WP Super League clashes of the season.
News
Pukke win, Shimlas beaten
Varsity Cup outfits, Pukke and Shimlas, got their Club Champs campaigns off to contrasting starts; with Pukke winning easily and Shimlas going down to giant-killers, Park, from Eastern Province.
Latest News
Referees to 27 September
There is almost an international breather this weekend after the intensity of the Tri-Nations. But all over the world there is frantic rugby happening and refrerees' seeing fair play.
News
Rampant Ikeys eye third place
The FNB Ikey Tigers continued their march towards third place on the WP Super League log with a 67-16 win at Kraaifontein on Saturday.
Latest News
Statistics - Tri-Nations ix
And so, like all good things, the 2009 Tri-Nations has come to an end and it did so with an All Black flourish, a big 33-6 win in Wellington.
Argentina
Jaguars for the Americas Championship
Argentina has chosen its newly formed team, the Jaguars, to take part in the Americas Rugby Championship with teams from Canada and the USA.
Koshuis
'Drom', Bastion dominate Baa-baas XV
The UJ Steinhoff International Barbarians team was announced on Wednesday evening, after an absorbing Steinhoff Koshuis League Final at the university.
Argentina
Global Results - 20 September
The Tri-Nations ended with a flourish in Wellington and New Zealand's best performance of the 2009 Tri-Nations, won by South Africa with New Zealand in second place and Australia third.
Koshuis
Bastion to wear the UJ Koshuis crown
Bastion managed to cling on to win a thrilling final 3-0 against Dromedaris on Wednesday night in UJ's Steinhoff Koshuis League - finishing the season as the only unbeaten team in the process.
Latest News
Law Discussion: the commentator's five
We have just five situations from the match last weekend when New Zealand played South Africa in Hamilton, five which the commentator queried.
Latest News
Scarlets change three for Munster clash
The Scarlets have made three changes to their starting team in preparation for the arrival of defending champions Munster in a Magners League clash on Saturday.
News
Tough assignment for Shimlas
As one of just two Varsity Cup teams in action, FNB Shimlas will have their work cut out in order to finish amongst the top sides at the 2009 National Club Championships.
Latest News
Byrne back for Ospreys
British and Irish Lions star Lee Byrne will make his return for the Ospreys against Leinster in Friday's Magners League clash at the Liberty Stadium.
Koshuis
Heimat die gunsteling, ondanks terugslag
'n Reuse terugslag het Heimat op die vooraand van die Steinhoff Kovsie Koshuisliga-eindstryd getref met die onttrekking van sy staatmaker-vleuel, Neethling Uys.
Latest News
Ferris returns for Edinburgh clash
Ulster will have British and Irish Lions loose forward Stephen Ferris back for their first Magners League home game of the season against Edinburgh on Friday.
News
Shimlas the 'underdogs', says coach
Jaco Swanepoel, the head coach of FNB Shimlas, believes his team will head into the 2009 SAA National Club Championships as underdogs. However, that tag could just suit the Men from Bloemfontein down to the ground...
Latest News
Law discussion: Commentators & laws
There is a culture of criticism of referees that is not entirely fair or productive. Listen to phone-in rugby programmes and read blogs and you soon realise that there is barely a single referee in the world who is anything but scorned - not even the best in the world.
Koshuis
Bastion en 'Drom' in UJ finale
Die manne van Bastion en Dromedaris het gekwalifiseer vir die finale van beide die eerste en tweede divisies van die 2009 UJ Steinhoff International Koshuisliga.
Latest News
Law discussion - penalty, try and count
The last minute of the thrilling match between Free State and Western Province produced a penalty try which gave the Free State a two-point victory. Inenvitably it was controversial. There was also much talk about the penalty count.
Koshuis
UJ Koshuis Final: Clash of the forwards
A hard and physical clash of the forwards can be expected during the UJ Steinhoff International Koshuis League Final in Johannesburg tonight when Bastion and Dromedaris battle it out to be crowned Koshuis League winners for 2009.
Maties
Steenkamp handed WP start
Highly-rated Stellenbosch lock De Kock Steenkamp, a member of the 2008 Varsity Cup-winning squad, has been named in the Western Province starting line-up for Friday's Currie Cup clash against the Leopards in Potchefstroom.
News
Refs for SA club champs
The National Club Championships in South Africa will take place in Pretoria from Sunday 20 September 2009 to Saturday 26 September 2009. There will be 16 teams taking part and eight referees have been appointed to the tournament.
Koshuis
Kovsies Koshuis: Dis Heimat teen...
Dis amptelik... Dis Vishuis teen Heimat in die Kovsies Steinhoff Koshuisliga-eindstryd.
News
Joubert: 'Club Champs a huge challenge'
FNB Pukke head coach Rudy Joubert would like his team to chase history at the SAA National Club Championships when the tournament gets underway at Tukkies on Sunday.
News
Champions Pukke reign supreme
Varsity Cup finalists, FNB Pukke, claimed yet another Pirates Grand Challenge title - beating FNB UJ 42-26 in a hard-fought final in Alberton on Saturday.
Latest News
Referees to 20 September
The Tri-Nations ends this year. The final match will not affect any silverware but it will be no less competitive for that. New Zealand against Australia is tough stuff. This week Craig Joubert of South Africa will referee the match.
News
Brave Ikeys denied in last second
FNB UCT suffered a heart-breaking last-second loss to new WP Super League champions, Hamilton's, at the Green Mile on Saturday.
Australia
Global Results - 13 September
They have it all. The Springboks have it all - World Cup, Lions series, Tri-Nations, Mandela Plate, Freedom Cup, the IRB Sevens Series - the lot. They are laden with silverware after their dramatic win in Hamilton on Saturday.
Latest News
Statistics: Tri-Nations viii
South Africa played its sixth Tri-Nations match for 2009 and beat New Zealand in Hamilton, the first time the two teams have met in Hamilton. This victory meant that they added the Tri-Nations to the Freedom Cup, the Mandela Plate, the British & Irish Lions series and the World Cup for a full house that brought with it No.1 status in the world.
Koshuis
Green Mile finals day draws nearer
The 2009 UCT Steinhoff Internal League is heading towards a thrilling climax, with finals day - on Wednesday, September 23 - just a little over a week away now.
News
Aussie Places v African Tribes - Answers
Answers to You Be The Ref - Aussie Places v African Tribes.
News
Ikeys to do Maties a favour?
The Ikey Tigers could do Varsity Cup rivals, FNB Maties, a huge favour when they play host to log leaders Hamilton's in WP Super League action at the Green Mile on Saturday afternoon.
News
You Be The Ref: Aussie Places v African Tribes
You be the Ref is back - a chance for each reader to test his/her knowledge of the laws of the game. After all, if you don't know the laws properly you cannot referee and if you don't know the laws properly, you cannot judge a referee.
Latest News
Smit speaks up for refs
Springbok captain John Smit, the most-capped international skipper of all-time, a man with a mature head, has spoken up for referees.
Latest News
Spain: Fixtures for Division de Honor
Spain's Division de Honor starts on 13 September. The last round of play-offs is on 18 May 2010. Back in the top league after 16 years' absence is Gernika of the Basque country.
Latest News
CCMA rules against referee
The Commission for Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration (CCMA) has dismissed an application by former referee Deon van Blommenstein based on ?unfair dismissal? after the South African Rugby Union removed him from the national panel of referees.
Koshuis
Maroela rule at Tuks once again
If ever it was true that tries win matches, it was on Tuesday, September 8 when Maroela retained Tuks' Steinhoff Winter House League Championships title.
Second Phase
The view from the couch
rugby365 columnist John OConnor says this week the view reaches a level of whinging that is nearly supersonic, as we look at the superlative management of the game by the IRB (who couldn't arrange a sleepover in a morgue).
News
'Team VC' to learn in the USA
Varsity Cup Managing Director Duitser Bosman was one of 14 Varsity Cup role-players set to depart for the USA on Thursday night as part of a fact-finding mission ahead of the 2010 tournament.
Koshuis
All to play for in Kovsies league
A very interesting last round of matches awaits the Shimlas players and supporters in the Kovsies Steinhoff Koshuisliga, with only Heimat being assured of a place in the final at this stage.
Latest News
Stewart's solution to kicking plague
Dave Stewart, versatile Springbok back of the 1960s, was recently interviewed by John Maytham of the radio station Cape Talk and spoke of his solution to the kicking plaguing rugby at present. He makes four pints.
Maties
Boland have that Stellenbosch flavour
FNB Maties utility back Hayden Groepes will line up at fullback for the Boland Cavaliers this weekend - just one of a host of Stellenbosch stars tasked with getting the Wellington-based team's 2009 Currie Cup campaign back on track.
Latest News
The referees' strike
A few years ago Welsh referees went on strike for better compensation. The Golden Lions referees did the same last weekend, but for better - safer and less abusive - refereeing conditions.
News
Pukke v UJ in Grand Challenge Final
Varsity Cup teams, FNB Pukke and FNB UJ, advanced to the final of the 2009 Pirates Grand Challenge with semifinal wins over Impala and Pirates, respectively, on Tuesday evening.
News
'Relieved' Watt looking ahead to 2010
FNB TUT have retained their Varsity Cup status ahead of next year's tournament, after their second-leg promotion/relegation fixture against UKZN was called off.
Maties
Bosch gets another Currie Cup chance
FNB Maties centre Paul Bosch has replaced his club mate Morgan Newman in the Western Province squad for Saturday's Currie Cup meeting with the Cheetahs in Bloemfontein.
Latest News
Format change for Junior World Champs
The International Rugby Board has announced the dates, match schedule and pools for the IRB Junior World Championship in Argentina.
Latest News
Law Discussion - the caught kick
We here discuss some points of rugby law from incidents over the weekend, especially the award of the scrum after a kick is caught.
Second Phase
In defence of John Smit
rugby365.com guest columnist Howard Kahn cannot understand why so much criticism has been directed at Springbok captain John Smit after South Africa's 6-21 defeat at the hands of Australia last weekend.
Second Phase
The return of the scrum
rugby365 columnist Jon Harris, himself once a master in the dark art of front row play, tells us why he is celebrating the return of the scrum as a major skill set.
Koshuis
Finals build-up begins at TUT
With the 2009 rugby season coming to an end in some parts of South Africa, things are just starting to hot up in TUT's Steinhoff Koshuis League.
News
Golden Lions refs go on strike
All 10 Saturday's Pirates Grand Challenge semifinal matches in the Golden Lions' leagues, from first team to Under-19 team level, did not take place due to protest action by the appointed referees.
Latest News
Referees to 13 September
Nigel Owens of Wales has the big one this weekend at sold-out Waikato Stadium in Hamilton.
Koshuis
Awesome Heimat nail down final spot!
Heimat booked their place in the 2009 Kovsies Steinhoff Koshuisliga Final when they recorded a 22-10 win over Vishuis on Friday.
Koshuis
Maroela teen Onderstepoort op Tuks
Die eerste spanne van Maroela en Onderstepoort raak op Dinsdag, September 8 slaags in die eindronde van die Winterhuisliga, wat deur Steinhoff gebrog word.
Varsity Cup outfit, FNB UCT, suffered a heavy 21-51 WP Super League defeat at the hands of NNK at the Jan Burger Stadium in Parow on Friday.
Latest News
Statistics: Tri-Nations vii
What a difference a week and a few changes, includsing one of attitude, make. After being beaten by more than the score suggested in Perth Auistralia beat South Africa by more than the score suggested in Brisbane.
Australia
Global Results - 6 September
Australia came back in no uncertain terms when they walloped South Africa in Brisbane in Round 7 of the Tri-Nations. In the Celtic countries the Magners League started and in England the Premiership, both with surprises.
News
Gagiano to take on an Italian job
UCT's Varsity Cup skipper for the past two years, JJ Gagiano, will join up with Italian Super 10 club, The Roman Praetorians, on a two-month playing trial.
News
Tuks' Van Velze takes the lead
FNB Tuks loose forward Gerrit-Jan van Velze will captain the Blue Bulls Juniors in their Currie Cup Under-20 match against Western Province at Newlands on Saturday.
News
Pukke power up for semifinals
2009 Varsity Cup finalists, FNB Pukke, have named a powerful starting XV for Saturday's Pirates Grand Challenge semifinal meeting with Impala.
News
Impressive Ikeys win again
FNB UCT recovered from a slow start to claim an impressive 42-23 win over Villager's in the Western Province Super League.
News
Ikeys aiming for another five points
The Ikey Tigers, fresh off their 42-23 win over Villager's last week, will head into tonight's WP Super League clash against NNK hoping to make it four bonus point wins in a row.
NEWS
Final FNB Top 20 for 2009
After producing and studying a multitude of statistics, we come to the final FNB Top 20 for 2009 with, unsurprisingly, Grey College on top.
Koshuis
Armentum dethroned in Bloem
It's official - a new champion will be crowned in the Kovsies Steinhoff Koshuisliga on Friday, September 18.
News
UJ go down in dramatic finish
FNB UJ suffered a last-gasp defeat at the hands of a fired-up Impala team in Rustenberg on Saturday.
Maties
Maties fight on, but Vics lose
A rampant FNB Maties smashed NNK 72-18 on Saturday, but Hamilton's put one hand on the 2009 WP Super League trophy by beating Victorians - also at the weekend.
Second Phase
Take a bow Peter
rugby365 columnist Jon Harris doffs his cap to Springbok coach Peter de Villiers and highlights why he thinks it is time for the PdV-bashers to hang their heads in shame.
Latest News
Smart referees find BokSmart smart
BokSmart, SA Rugby?s National Rugby Safety Programme , is an initiative aimed at educating people for after rugby.
Latest News
Referees to 6 September
The Tri-Nations moves across the width of Australia, from Perth to Brisbane. This time Wayne Barnes of England is the man in the middle.
News
Pukke's 50-minute demolition
The table-topping FNB Pukke needed just 50 minutes to rack up a crushing 76-0 Grand Challenge win over Union on Friday night.
Latest News
Boks 'scrum down' with IRB boss
The Springboks' unhappy marriage with the International Rugby Board took an intriguing turn, as the South Africans have asked for an "explanation" about a string of puzzling rulings by New Zealand referee Bryce Lawrence in their 32-25 Tri-Nations win over Australia.
Latest News
Statistics: Tri-Nations vi
South Africa ran through Australia in Perth to win the first of their three overseas matches and in the process became the first team in the 2009 Tri-Nations to get a four-try bonus point.. We give some statistics in this match with some accumulated stats. The big surprise was the suddenly big penalty count against South Africa.
Argentina
Global Results - 30 August 2009
South Africa won in Perth - that is the biggest result of the weekend. But also Kenya won the Elgon Cup with a bigger win in the first round.
News
UJ choose for Impalas battle
FNB UJ head coach Hugo van As has rested a number of his first-choice players for Saturday's Pirates Grand Challenge clash against Impalas.
Maties
Stoffberg wings it for must-win Maties
FNB Maties head coach Chean Roux has selected veteran scrumhalf Henoe Stoffberg on the wing for Saturday's WP Super League clash against NNK.
News
Powerful Pukke top Pirates league
FNB Pukke ensured that they would end the 2009 season on top of the Pirates Grand Challenge log, after smashing Roodepoort 66-16 on Wednesday.
News
Ikeys gear up for 'massive' battle
Acting FNB UCT head coach Kevin Foote has announced a powerful starting line-up for Saturday's Southern Suburbs derby clash against Villager's.
News
Noordelikes first up for Pukke
NWU-Pukke will begin the defence of their SAA National Club Championships title against Noordelikes.
Latest News
IRB rules on ruck binding
In response to a request by the USA for clarity on the obligations of a player joining a ruck, the IRB has ruled that a player is required to bind on a team-mate if one is there or on an opponent if no team-mate is there.
Latest News
Roos resigns from refereeing
Test referee Willie Roos has resigned from refereeing with immediate effect. This follows abuse he suffered in Kimberley after the Currie Cup match between Griqualand West and the Blue Bulls, which the Blue Bulls won 25-24.
News
Lewis skips into Lions equation
Another Varsity Cup star has been called up for Currie Cup duty - with UJ fullback Earl Lewis the latest player set to take the step up for the Xerox Lions.
Koshuis
Oppierif, Bastion finish on a high
Wednesday night marked the end of the UJ Steinhoff Koshuis League's second round and Bastion again showed that they are the team to beat in this year's competition.
News
Deadly Ikeys thrash Kraaifontein
FNB UCT claimed a clinical 67-7 WP Super League victory over Kraaifontein at the Green Mile on Wednesday night.
News
Kraaifontein looming large for Ikeys
FNB UCT, who are currently without head coach John Dobson, face a tricky WP Super League encounter at the Green Mile on Wednesday night when they play host to Kraaifontein.
Maties
Steenkamp back in WP mix
De Kock Steenkamp, a member of the 2008 Varsity Cup-winning Maties team, has replaced injured Western Province lock Adriaan Fondse for Saturday's Currie Cup clash against the Sharks in Durban.
Koshuis
Just four teams left standing in Tuks' league
The 2008 Winter House League finalists, Maroela and Sonop, have both qualified for the 2009 Steinhoff Winter House semifinals which will take place at Tuks on Tuesday, September 1.
NEWS
FNB Top 20 - 25 August 2009
The big match was in Stellenbosch when a weakened Paul Roos side beat an even more weakened Grey College side by three kicks to one, Grey's first defeat since 2006.
News
Ikey Tigers bounce back strongly
FNB UCT bounced back from last weekend's home loss to 'Durbel' with a 34-17 bonus point win over Helderberg on Friday evening.
Koshuis
Big scores and close calls at the Green Mile
Last week's action on the Green Mile was tough and physical, something we have come to expect from the 2009 UCT Steinhoff Internal League. Cobras and Marquard both put up big scores, whilst the other games went down to the wire.
Latest News
Referees to 29 August 2009
The big focus of the rugby world this week will be on a match in Perth with Bryce Lawrence of New Zealand to referee it as the Tri-Nations sits on a knife edge.
Australia
Global Results - 23 August
There was a one-point thriller in Sydney as the highlight of this weekend's results.
Koshuis
Quarterfinal time at Tukkies
Onderstepoort and Boekenhout go into the quarterfinals of Tuks' Steinhoff Winter House League as the overwhelming favourites for championships honours.
Latest News
Statistics: Tri-Nations v
After a week's break the Tri-Nations resumed with a match in Sydney in which New Zealand beat Australia 19-18. We give some statistics in this match with some accumulated stats. Because of all the talk about kicking we give some statistics of kicking so far in the Tri-Nations..
Maties
Maties show Hamilton's who's boss
Varsity Cup champions, FNB Maties, recorded a convincing 27-13 win over Hamilton's in WP Super League action on Friday.
Maties
Maties power up for Hamilton's
FNB Maties head coach Chean Roux has assembled a powerful starting line-up for Friday evening's top-of-the-table WP Super League clash at Hamilton's.
Maties
Bax and co. remain in WP U21 mix
A host of Varsity Cup stars from Stellenbosch and UCT have once again been named in the Western Province Under-21 team for Saturday's Currie Cup clash against the Lions at Newlands.
News
TUT take early advantage
FNB TUT claimed a crushing 55-27 win over the University of KwaZulu-Natal in Tshwane on Wednesday evening - a result that puts them in pole position in terms of staying in the Varsity Cup competition next year.
Canada
England Women clinch Nations Cup
In the last round of the Women's Nations Cup played in Ontario, Canada, England defeated South Africa 25-0 and won a bonus point, so remaining undefeated. England will retain the title they won in 2008.
News
Ikeys stars to join Mighty Elephants
Star FNB UCT forwards, Michael Passaportis and Enoch Panya, have been snapped up by the Mighty Elephants for the remainder of the 2009 Currie Cup First Division season.
Koshuis
'Drom' to finish on a high
It is Week Nine in the UJ Steinhoff Koshuis League and we can, again, expect fireworks in Johannesburg tonight when Afslaan face Oppierif and Dromedaris meet Kanniedood in first division action.
Maties
Engelbrecht returns as a Lion
Former FNB UCT star Pieter Engelbrecht will return to Newlands as a Lions player in this weekend's Currie Cup match between Western Province and the Golden Lions.
Koshuis
Wet weather greets UCT Internal League
UCT's Internal League - brought to you by Steinhoff International - will once again be on display this week in what will most likely be another wet and muddy affair.
Koshuis
Armentum verloor weer in Koshuisliga
'n Drie in die doodsnikke Vrydagaand deur Francois Crous (binnesenter) het Heimat 'n 24-23 Steinhoff Koshuisliga sege oor Armentum besorg.
Latest News
IRB moves on uncontested scrums
The International Rugby Board has taken a leaf out of the French book in an effort to counter the problem of uncontested scrums, which are sometimes used as a tactic by teams whose scrum, is in trouble.
Koshuis
Bastion still unbeaten in Jo'burg
Dromedaris and Bastion played quality rugby on Wednesday night in UJ's Steinhoff Koshuis League, with both sides recording huge victories - Dromedaris won 26-5 against Afslaan and Bastion beat Oppierif 41-0.
News
More double trouble in 2010 opener
The fixtures for the 2010 Varsity Cup have been announced, with two double headers set to open the third-ever Varsity Cup tournament on Monday, February 1.
News
TUT eyeing Varsity Cup safety
FNB TUT coach Jimmy Watt is hoping that his team's form in the recently-completed Carlton Cup will be enough to help them qualify for the 2010 Varsity Cup competition.
NEWS
FNB Top 20 - 18 August 2009
One thing is now abundantly clear - Grey College are far and away the Number 1 school in the FNB Top 20. The other 19 are probably all pretty close, one able to beat the other on any given day, but Grey are exceptional.
Koshuis
Onderstepoort, Boekenhout standing tall
Onderstepoort and Boekenhout are still the two teams to beat in Tuks' Winter Hostel League, sponsored by Steinhoff International.
Maties
Powerful Maties subdue SK
Double Varsity Cup winners, FNB Maties, showed their class with a convincing 36-15 win over SK Walmers in WP Super League action at the weekend.
Latest News
Referees to 23 August
There is Tri-Nations action again this weekend with Jonathan Kaplan in action in Sydney. The Women's Nations Cup comes to an end in Ontario. The two great North Island teams meet in a Ranfurly Shield match.
News
Off-colour UCT lose at home
An under-strength Ikey Tigers team suffered a shock 18-25 WP Super League loss to 'Durbel' at Groote Schuur on Saturday.
Latest News
Referee Roos attacked
At the end of the match between the Blue Bulls and Griquas in Kimberley, the referee, Willie Roos, became the object of a spectator's wrath - apparently - after the Blue Bulls won the match 25-24 in the last minute.
Koshuis
Kovsies Koshuis aksie vuurwarm!
Aksie in Kovsies se rugby-koshuisliga is nou vuurwarm en het ook baie aansien gekry met die universiteit se spelers wat nou vir hul Steinhoff Koshuisspanne in aksie is.
Australia
Global results - 16 August 2009
Kenya and Uganda share a mountain and have a cup named after it, the CAR Under-19 tournament ended and the Women's Nations Cup played itself out. In France the mighty Top 14 got going.
News
Bobbies deny Tuks... just
Varsity Cup semifinalists, FNB Tukkies, narrowly missed out on qualifying for the 2009 National Club Championships - meaning just two Varsity Cup teams, Pukke and Shimlas, have made it into the Club Champs.
Koshuis
Rain greets UCT's Internal League
The new semester's Steinhoff Internal League action got underway at UCT last week with several big encounters and some great rugby.
Maties
VC stars headline WP U21 team
A host of Maties and UCT Varsity Cup stars have been named in the Western Province Under-21 team for Saturday's clash against Boland in Wellington.
Latest News
Zim head for JWRT
In the Final of the Confederation of African Rugby's Under-19 tournament in Nairobi Zimbabwe smashed Namibia to qualify for nest year's International Rugby Board's Junior World Rugby Trophy (JWRT).
NEWS
FNB Top 20 - 11 August 2009
The number of matches is shrinking fast but still both the Greys, Glenwood, Waterkloof, Outeniqua, Selborne Die Brandwag, Bishops, Die Brandwag, AHS Kroonstad, Boland Landbou, Dr EG Jansen, Drostdy, Goudveld, Ben Vorster, Centurion, and Framesby were all in action.
Maties
Engelbrecht set for WP chance
Varsity Cup-winning FNB Maties outside back, JJ Engelbrecht, has been named on the Western Province bench for Saturday's Currie Cup clash against the Boland Cavaliers in Wellington.
News
Turner's chance to become a 'Hero'
Former Varsity Cup star Mathew Turner has been named in the invitational Help for Heroes squad ahead of Saturday's season-opening Middlesex Sevens tournament at Twickenham in London.
The International Rugby Board has a committee, referred to as Designated Members, whose task it is to keep an eye on the Laws of the Game, the IRB's basic task. From time to time the Designated Members give rulings on aspects of the law which may not be clear. These rulings are requested by national bodies.
Canada
WNC: South Africa surprise France
On the opening day of the Women?s Nations Cup at Appleby College in Ontario, Canada, South Africa, not one of the powers in women's rugby, surprised France who managed only a last-gasp 17-all draw while England cruised home 36-7 against the USA.
Latest News
Referees to 16 August 2009
Kenya and Uganda share a mountain and have a cup named after it, the CAR Under-19 tournament ends and the Women's Nations Cup starts.
Koshuis
Heimat maak hul stemme dik
Heimat het met sy sege Donderdagaand oor Vishuis 'n ondubbelsinnige boodskap aan die ander rugbyspanne in die Kovsies' Steinhoff Koshuisliga gestuur.
Second Phase
Disgraceful system should be cited
rugby365 editor Jan de Koning feels it is time to 'cite' the citing officials for their grossly inconsistent behaviour, following the ludicrous decision not to take any further action against Wallaby flyhalf Matt Giteau.
School Profiles
HOERSKOOL NOORD-KAAP
We profile Hoerskool Noord-Kaap of Kimberley.
Latest News
Statistics: Tri-Nations iv
South Africa played Australia at Newlands and won 29-17 in a Tri-Nations match. We give some statistics in this match.
News
Lewis does the damage - again
UJ fullback Earl Lewis scored another hat-trick of tries as the SA Universities recorded a 59-3 win over the Collegiate All-American team in a Tri-Nations curtain-raiser at Newlands on Saturday afternoon.
News
Saracens enjoy good hit-out against UCT
Brendan Venter's Saracens were well tested by UCT's Ikey Tigers in a pre-season clash at the Green Mile on Friday evening.
News
Sarries power up for Ikeys game
Saracens head coach Brendan Venter has selected a powerful starting line-up for his team's friendly match against UCT at Groote Schuur on Friday night - a team that includes current England captain Steve Borthwick.
Maties
Roux changes six for American rematch
Chean Roux, the SA Universities' head coach, has made six changes to his team's starting line-up for Saturday's second clash against the Collegiate All-Americans at Newlands.
Australia
Global Results - 9 August 2009
The big result was at Newlands as South Africa completed a hat-trick of home Tri-Nations victories.
News
Ikey Tigers censured for USSA no-show
The University of Cape Town RFC, aka the FNB Ikey Tigers, were Friday censured by the Varsity Cup for their failure to take part in the 2009 USSA Rugby Week, which was recently held at the University of Johannesburg.
News
UCT win in Stellenbosch
The Ikey Tigers bounced back from last week's loss to SK Walmers by claiming a well-deserved 33-20 WP Super League victory over a tough Victorians team in Stellenbosch on Wednesday evening.
News
Open clubs eyeing Varsity Cup scalps
It has been eight years since a non-university team won the National Club Championships, but the open teams are determined to beat the Varsity Cup teams to the silverware in 2009.
Koshuis
Onderstepoort lay down a marker
Onderstepoort remains new firm favourites to claim championships honours in Tuks' 2009 Winter Hostel League - sponsored by Steinhoff International.
News
Lewis, SA Universities turn it on
UJ fullback Earl Lewis scored a hat-trick of tries as the SA Universities romped to a 72-14 victory over a committed Collegiate All-Americans team at the Danie Craven Stadium in Stellenbosch on Wednesday evening.
Second Phase
The view from the couch
This week John OConnor's view takes in the two Tri-Nations tests between South Africa and the Land of the Wrong White Crowd, and includes a valiant attempt at perspective ? very difficult to do when you are bouncing up and down on the couch like a kid who has seen Christmas.
Koshuis
Vishuis, Heimat headline Kovsies clashes
A mouth-watering top-of-the-log clash will kick-start this weekend's action in the Kovsies' Steinhoff Koshuisliga.
Koshuis
Afslaan bounce back
Afslaan managed a convincing win over Kanniedood in Monday night's Steinhoff Koshuis League action at the University of Johannesburg, while the boys from Bastion remained undefeated in the first division.
NEWS
FNB Top 20 - 4 August 2009
There were some big matches this weekend. In Pretoria Glenwood played Affies, in Bloemfontein the two Greys met, Goudveld in Welkom and in Paarl there was that Interschools to beat all Interschools. The results of these matches have had a great effect on our FNB Top 20 for this week.
News
De Kock up for Ikeys challenge
Former Maties scrumhalf Neil de Kock will return to Cape Town - and the Green Mile - this Friday night eager to resume hostilities against the Ikey Tigers; only this time in the colours of top English Premiership club, Saracens.
News
Rosslee to start in late SA Uni changes
The SA Universities team has been forced into some late changes - one in the starting XV and a further two on the bench - ahead of Wednesday evening's match against the Collegiate All-Americans in Stellenbosch (kick-off 9pm).
Koshuis
'Drom' wil bordjies verhang
Die vonke gaan spat in die Steinhoff Koshuisliga by UJ wanneer die manne van Bastion, huidige voorlopers in die kompetisie, weer vanaand kragte meet met Dromedaris.
News
Tuks make it three in a row
A third consecutive Carlton Cup Final for FNB Tukkies, but alas no clean sweep on the cards like in 2008.
News
Pukke make it five from five
2009 Varsity Cup finalists, FNB Pukke, claimed another Intervarsity win over FNB Shimlas; winning 20-6 at Olen Park on Saturday.
Second Phase
The Class of 2009 ... a special collection
rugby365 editor Jan de Koning goes back into the archives to find a team that compares with John Smit's class of 2009. He has to go back a few decades to find it.
News
Van der Wal to lead SA Universities
Pukke No.8 Willem van der Wal will captain the SA Universities team in their two matches against the Collegiate All-Americans - this coming Wednesday and Saturday.
News
Ikeys lose a tight one at 'The Track'
The Ikey Tigers suffered a disappointing 11-16 WP Super League loss to SK Walmers on Saturday.
Maties
Maties smash Helderberg
FNB Maties continued on their winning ways by claiming a huge 69-5 victory over WP Super League strugglers, Helderberg, on Saturday.
Latest News
Referees to 9 August 2009
The Tri-Nations charges ahead, this time at Newlands with the Wallabies to play the Springboks. The same trio of referees will be in action for the third week.
Latest News
Statistics: Tri-Nations iii
South Africa played New Zealand in Durban and won 31-19 in a Tri-Nations match. Again the All Blacks were generous in defeat and the South African camp sober in victory. We give some statistics in this match.
Australia
Global Results - 2 August 2009
For the second Saturday in succession the Springboks were too strong for the All Blacks in the third Tri-Nations match of 2009. It is the main news as the Air New Zealand Cup gets underway and in France there are warm-up matches as the short break for the players seeps away.
News
Referees' watchers and coaches
SA referees has made known its committees which assess, coach and select referees for 2009. Amongst those on panels are eight with Test experience.
News
Varsity Cup boost for SA Universities side
The South African Universities team has been handed a welcome shot in the arm, with the news that they will be sponsored by the Varsity Cup for their two matches against a Collegiate side from America.
News
Cheetahs krag vir Shimlas teen Pukke?
Die Shimla-rugbyspan het drie Cheetahs Curriebeker-spelers nadergetrek om hom vir Saterdag se 67ste intervarsity-kragmeting teen die Pukke te versterk.
News
Bok hooker to scrum down for Ikeys
Western Province and Springbok hooker Hanyani Shimange will pack down in the FNB UCT front row when the Cape Town-based students take on SK Walmers at 'The Track' on Saturday.
Maties
Varsity Cup-aansporing vir SA Universiteite
Die Suid-Afikaanse Universiteitespan het 'n baie welkome inspuiting ontvang met die nuus dat hulle deur Varsity Cup geborg word vir hul twee wedstryde teen 'n kollegiale span van die VSA.
News
Pukke, Shimlas to headline 'Champs
Clubs from ten of South Africa's 14 unions - two of which are top Varsity Cup teams - have already qualified for the National Club Championships to be held at Loftus Versfeld in Pretoria from September 20-26.
News
Burch's chance to show his mettle
The SWD Eagles have made another shrewd signing - in the rather large shape of Ikey Tigers star Jody Burch.
News
Italian job for UCT coach
FNB UCT head coach John Dobson, one of the country's most promising coaches, has been handed a top coaching job in Italy.
Koshuis
Bastion in pole position
Both of Bastion's teams faced Afslaan in Monday night's Steinhoff Koshuis League matches at the University of Johannesburg (UJ).
Koshuis
Koshuis champions show their class
Steinhoff Koshuisrugby champions Armentum on Friday grabbed a crucial 34-15 win over the University of the Free State Under-19 team in the Kovsies Steinhoff Koshuisliga.
Maties
Maties dominate SA Universities squad
Eight FNB Maties players have been named in a 25-man SA Universities squad for a series of matches against a touring American student team in early August.
Koshuis
Boekenhout unbeaten at Tuks
The first round matches in the Top Eight phase of Tuks' Steinhoff Winter League played on Tuesday, July 28 saw Boekenhout emerging as the only unbeaten side.
Latest News
Walsh referees again
Steve Walsh, one of the world's top referees, is back in action, this time in Australia.
Maties
Another WP start for De Jongh
FNB Maties centre Juan de Jongh has retained his place in the Western Province team for Friday night's Currie Cup clash against the Leopards.
News
Tuks' Van Velze looking Bullish
Talented FNB Tuks loose forward Gerrit-Jan van Velze has been handed a first-ever Currie Cup start for the Blue Bulls when they host Boland at Loftus Versfeld on Friday evening. (Kick-off 7pm.)
NEWS
FNB Top 20 - 28 July 2009
This is the first FNB Top 20 of the third term. In several parts many teams have stopped playing. There are still competitions on the go and the southern part of the country carries on enjoying rugby football.
News
Mayende - the newest Currie Cup ref
Sindile Mayende of Durban will referee his first Premier Division Currie Cup match's at Newlands this Friday evening when Western Province play the Leopards. Refereeing has been a wonderland for the young man from Alice who came to refereeing by accident.
Second Phase
Manuel changes portfolio and allegiance
rugby365 columnist Jon Harris takes a look at the decision to allow Trevor Manuel to hand over the Springbok jerseys at a team function last Friday. He asks if this was a masterstroke or political posturing?
News
Shimlas stars lead Bok charge
No less than five former Shimlas were part of the Springbok team that got the better of the All Blacks in Tri-Nations action at Bloemfontein's Vodacom Park this past Saturday.
News
Friday-night glory for UJ
FNB UJ flexed their muscles against Witsies in Pirates Grand Challenge action on Friday night; beating them 60-10.
Argentina
Global results - 26 July 2009
There was the second round of the Tri-Nations, this time in Bloemfontein, there was the Sevens at the World Games in Taiwan and there was an African tournament in Botswana.
Latest News
Referees to 2 August 2009
The Tri-Nations is the main focus of this weekend's rugby and again it will be that massive rivalry, All Black vs Springboks, and this time Nigel Owens of Wales will be the referee.
Latest News
Statistics: Tri-Nations ii
South Africa played New Zealand in Bloemfontein and won 28-19 in a Tri-Nations match. In contrast to some Graeme Henry, the All Black coach, was gracious in defeat, acknowledging that the Springboks had deserved their victory. We give some statistics in this match of remarkably few stoppages.
Second Phase
The view from the couch
On any given Saturday afternoon I know I will be on a couch. Mostly it is my couch. It could also be the couch of a mate, so long as his fridge is well stocked and his family well trained. But whoever the owner of said couch may be; it is the view from the couch that is all important.
News
Ikey Tigers go into camp
It's high performance all the way this weekend for FNB UCT as they hit the Rugby Performance Centre in Riebeek West to gear up for the second half of the 2009 WP Super League season.
Maties
Maties back in action
FNB Maties, the reigning Varsity Cup champions, will get their 2009 WP Super League campaign underway this weekend when they host Kraaifontein in Stellenbosch.
Latest News
Law Discussion: Tip Tackle Debate
On Monday in the wake of three red cards at Craven week which in effect destroyed the chances of three teams, we discussed the possibility of allowing a team to replace a player sent off while he is subject to disciplinary procedures afterwards. Now readers have their say.
Koshuis
Oppierif snatch first Koshuis win
UJ's Steinhoff Koshuis League got off to a slow start on Wednesday night after the semester break.
News
VC teams set to dominate Club Champs
Varsity Cup teams are once again set to dominate at the National Club Championships, which - this year - will take place at Loftus Versfeld in late September.
Koshuis
Bastion chase unbeaten record
It's all systems go on Wednesday night at UJ when the Steinhoff Koshuis League teams take to the field again after a well-deserved holiday.
Koshuis
Kovsies League commences on Friday
Action in the Kovsies Steinhoff Koshuisliga commences on Friday after a near two-month break.
Koshuis
Slegte begin for Maroela
Maroela het Donderdag, Julie 23 sy eerste nederlaag van die seisoen in Tuks se winter-huiseliga gely toe hy oortuigend met 21-3 deur Onderstepoort geklop is.
Koshuis
UCT Internal League set to resume
The Varsty break is almost at its end in Cape Town which means its back to business for all of the teams in UCT's Steinhoff Rugby Internal League.
Latest News
Referees for 26 July
Tri-Nations moves across the Indian Ocean to Bloemfontein, and the All Blacks come carrying their Bledisloe Cup victory of the first round.
Koshuis
Top Tuks teams set for battle
Boekenhout and Sonop, the two undefeated teams in Section Y of Tukkies' Steinhoff Winter Hostel League, cross swords on Wednesday, July 22 at LC de Villiers D.
News
Tuks juggernaut powers ahead
FNB Tukkies recorded yet another convincing win in the 2009 Carlton League - beating Silver Valke 27-7 on Friday evening.
School Profiles
HOERSKOOL KROONSTAD
We profile Hoerskool Kroonstad.
News
Ikeys to face top English club
Top Varsity Cup side, FNB UCT, will play host to English club Saracens in a series of valuable pre-season fixtures for the highly-rated London-based outfit.
Latest News
Statistics: First Tri-Nations
New Zealand and Australia opened the Tri-Nations at Eden Park on Saturday in a match which doubled as the first Bledisloe Cup match of the year. We give some statistics of the match.
Craven Week
Law Discussion: Tipping red
South Africa has just finished its splendid Craven Week in East London - matches played by provincial Under-18 teams in an excellent spirit and yet three matches were greatly affected by red cards for "tip tackles".
Australia
Global Results - 19 July
Tri-Nations started in Auckland when New Zealand came from behind to beat Australia. The All Blacks were not the only winners.
Law Discussions
Statistics: Lions vs South Africa, Test 3
Having won the two Tests South Africa was well and truly beaten in the third Test and in fact was flattered by the final score. We give some statistics from the match.
Law Discussions
Statistics: Lions vs Springboks, Test 2
Having won the first Test in Durban, South Africa made the series safe with a come-from-behind victory at Loftus Versfeld on Saturday, as Morne Steyn made up for the poor goal-kicking earlier in the match. We have the match statistics.
Craven Week
SA Schools Team announced
The South African Schools Rugby Association (SAFRA), on Saturday announced the SA Schools team that will participate in friendlies against Italy and England in August.
Craven Week
Province snatch last-gasp win
What a shock! You had to look at the scoreboard for confirmation that Western
Province had beaten Free State 19-17 in the last match of the 2009 Craven Week in
East London. It seemed that Free State had had the match sewn up.
Craven Week
CW: The final round-up
Saturday has come at Craven Week 2009 in East London, and that means all the
teams are in action starting with the high-scoring "breakfast" game between Namibia
and Zimbabwe.
Craven Week
CW: Main matches - 1971-2009
Playing the main match at Craven Week is prestigious. To some it is a Final of sorts
but it is not. We give some results of main matches.
Craven Week
CW: Sehlako to referee last match
Archie Sehlako of Natal has been appointed to referee the last match of the 2009 Craven Week, between Free State and Western Province.
News
Two new Currie Cup referees
Joey Salmans and Stuart Berry will be refereeing their very first Currie Cup matches this weekend - memorable occasions for each of them.
Craven Week
South African Schools Players (1974-2008)
The first South African Schools team was chosen in 1974 and went to Europe on tour. Each year the side gets chosen, as it will be on Saturday night at the end of Craven Week 2009.
Fiji
Samoan blow for Pacific Alliance
Samoa has split from the Pacific Islands Alliance, likely spelling an end to the Pacific Islanders team which plays tests against top nations.
Koshuis
Tuks Koshuis League trio start well
Tuks teams, Maroela (Group X), Sonop and Boekenhout (both Group Y), had little trouble in shedding the vacation blues in Steinhoff Koshuis League action on Tuesday.
Craven Week
Free State win splendidly
Playing with their customary confidence and skill, Free State won this prestige match 32-13 against the Blue Bulls on the fourth day of the Craven Week in East London. The victory and the size of it were both deserved.
Craven Week
CW: Results Day 4
The big match on Day 4 was between unbeaten Free State and unbeaten Blue Bulls which the confident Free Staters won handsomely.
Craven Week
Kicks give EP CD close win
Eastern Province Country Districts beat Boland 25-18 in the second match of the fourth day of Craven Week. The sides each scored three tries. The boot of Hanlo Louw made the difference.
Craven Week
KZN stutter to beat depleted Academy
On the fourth day of the Craven Week again a side played most of the game with a man short and KwaZulu Natal beat SA Academy 23-0, but it was not a convincing win.
Craven Week
Leopards win spoilt match
For the second time on the fourth day, and for the third time at this Craven Week, a player was issued a red card for a tip tackle. This time the team punished was Limpopo and this time the Leopards won 26-11.
Craven Week
CW: WP-Free State in big match
The fixtures for the final day of the 2009 Craven Week have been made known. The prestige match on the final day will be between Free State and Western Province.
News
Bulls call for Tukkies' Roos
Precocious FNB Tuks flyhalf JC Roos has been handed a call-up to the Blue Bulls' bench for Saturday's massive Currie Cup Round Two clash against Western Province at Loftus Versfeld.
Craven Week
Zimbabwe in one-sided win
Zimbabwe beat Border Country Districts 41-0 on the fourth day of Craven Week action, but the difference between the two sides was even greater than that. It was the most one-sided match at Craven Week up till then.
Craven Week
Griffons run to victory
In the first match of the fourth day of the 46th Craven Week, the Griffons beat the South African Learners with Special Educational Needs 36-13, and thoroughly deserved the victory as they ran and ran.
Craven Week
Pumas thrill the crowds
The Pumas scored five unanswered tries in a thrilling second half performance to beat the Valke 37-10, scoring some spectacular tries on the way to a crushing victory on Day 3 of the 2009 Craven Week.
Latest News
Wanted: More Referees in SA
South African Rugby Union (SARU) manager of referees Andre Watson said on Wednesday that promising young South African referees had an outstanding chance of officiating at the highest level once they had taken up the whistle.
Craven Week
WP survive Lions fightback
Western Province survived a spirited fightback from the Golden Lions to secure a narrow 26-21 win over their Northern rivals, in the final game of Day 3 of the 2009 Craven Week at the Border Rugby Union Stadium.
Craven Week
Border win another nailbiter
After winning in the last play on the first day, Border once again found themselves on the right side of a tightly contested match, beating Griquas 17-15 in a nailbiting encounter on Day 3 of the 2009 Craven Week in East London.
Craven Week
EP out-muscle Griquas CD
Eastern Province bounced back from their loss on Day 1 with a commanding 40-20 win over Griquas Country Districts in the second game of the third day of the 2009 Craven Week in East London
Maties
Maties' Hanekom to lead WP U21
Maties forward Morne Hanekom has been named - along with a host of other Varsity Cup stars - in the Western Province Under-21 team.
Craven Week
Hat-trick hero seals SWD win
A hat-trick by Ruwayne Beekman earned his SWD 'Jong Arende' team a comprehensive 41-5 victory over Namibia in the first game of Day 3 of the 2009 Craven Week in East London on Wednesday.
Craven Week
CW: Results & Fixtures, Day 3 and after
Day 3, a strength vs strength day at least in theory, still produced three runaway wins but it also produced yet another thriller for Border and a top-class match when Western Province met the Golden Lions.
Craven Week
CW: Results & Fixtures, Day 2 and after
The big clash on Day 2 was between the Free State and KwaZulu Natal which the Free State won, setting them up to meet the Blue Bulls on Thursday.
News
Tuks win another VC 'derby'
FNB Tuks put one over fellow Varsity Cup team, TUT, in Carlton League action at the weekend.
Craven Week
Free State arrive late
The scores were level with eight minutes to play when the Free State scored the try which won the match 22-15 on the second day of the 2009 Craven Week.
Craven Week
Limpopo much too good
Limpopo beat the Griffons 47-13 on the second day of Craven Week in East London. The scoreline did not flatter the boys from the far north of South Africa.
Craven Week
Academy romps to victory
The South African Academy team beat Zimbabwe 44-17 on the second day of Craven Week in East London. Zimbabwe emerged from the match with much credit and admiration.
News
Gagiano and co. lose to Canada
The USA Eagles, with UCT's Varsity Cup skipper JJ Gagiano once again in the mix, suffered a big loss to neighbours Canada in RWC qualifying action on Saturday - handing the Canucks an immediate place at the 2011 World Cup.
Craven Week
Great try wins for Leopards
The Leopards came from behind to beat the promising Eastern Province Country Districts side 27-20 in the second match of the second day of the Craven Week in East London.
Craven Week
Eager Border CD win
In the opening match of Day 2 at Craven week the Border Country Districts, who lost all three matches at the 2008 Craven Week, beat the Craven Week newcomers, the South African Learners with Special Educational Needs (SA LSEN) 17-5, scoring all their points in the wind-assisted first half.
Craven Week
Griquas CD edge Namibia at the death
Griquas Country Districts scored in the closing minutes to earn a 13-11 win over Namibia, despite defending for much of the opening match of the 2009 Craven Week in East London.
Craven Week
Griquas hold off plucky Pumas
Griquas held off a determined Pumas side to secure a 31-22 victory in an entertaining encounter on the opening day of the 2009 Craven Week at the Border Rugby Union Stadium on Monday.
Craven Week
Red card blues for Boland
The Blue Bulls beat Boland 52-0 on the second day of the 46th Craven Week, being
played in East London, a match marred by a red card.
Craven Week
Lions overpower SWD
A dominant forward pack and the accurate boot of fullback Garth April earned the Golden Lions a well-deserved 34-6 victory of the SWD 'Jong Arende' in a Day 1 Craven Week encounter on Monday afternoon.
Latest News
Referees for 19 July
Tri-Nations starts in Auckland in a competition which seems wide open for all three nations this year with Craig Joubert to get it going.
Craven Week
WP show their class
Western Province sent out an early warning to their Craven Week rivals, with an emphatic 49-15 win over a valiant Eastern Province side on Day 1 of the 2009 Craven Week in East London on Monday.
Craven Week
Border win in breathtaking finish
Border produced a breathtaking finish to the opening day of the 2009 Craven Week, scoring a spectacular try in the final play to beat the Valke 15-10 in front of their home crowd in the last game on Day 1.
Craven Week
CW: Results and Fixtures, Day 1 and after
Monday, 13 July, was the start of the 2009 Craven Week with outstanding performances from Western Province and the Golden Lions and a thrilling finish between the home side and the Valke.
Australia
Global Results - 12 July 2009
After losing the first leg of their Rugby World Cup qualifier for 2011, Canada roared back with a big win to qualify. In Apia there was a one-sided first-leg qualifier which may well make the second leg silly.
Craven Week
Craven Week in history
Craven Week, the greatest schoolboy rugby tournament in the world, seems to have been around forever. But like all things, it had a birth.
Second Phase
The view from the couch
John OConnor shares with us his thoughts on rugby, as the British and Irish Lions tour postmortems continue. John is not a full-time columnist, but he does have a unique way of getting his point across.
Craven Week
Craven Week teams, 2009
The Craven Week opens at the Border Rugby Union Ground in East London on Monday, 13 July and runs till 18 July. There will surely be some great players to come out of these well-prepared sides.
Watch the Wimbledon men's final, an epic battle, and there you will see challenges about whether the ball was in nor out, and they use hawk-eye. Watch the cricket between Sri Lanka and Pakistan and there will be referrals to the match referee via television replays. Rugby does it, too. In fact it did it before cricket or tennis.
Canada
Women U20: Nations Cup starts
In the openening roiund of the Women's Under-20 Nations Cup the defending champions England started off with a big 45-0 win over Canada at Brunel University in West London.
Craven Week
Craven Week referees
Craven Week in East London from 13 to 18 July 2009 gives opportunities for players to reveal their talents. It is also a great opportunity for referees to show their potential.
Craven Week
Craven Week Fixtures, Days 1 & 2
The Craven Week opens in East London on Monday, 13 July 2009. The fixtures for the first two days are confirmed.
School Profiles
HOERSKOOL MERENSKY
We profile Hoerskool Merensky of Tzaneen.
News
Ikeys hooker on trial with Lions
Talented Ikey Tigers hooker Dayne Jans has been handed a trial with the Golden Lions.
Latest News
Jackson scores big with his whistle
New Zealand-born Saracens flyhalf Glen Jackson has been recruited to join New Zealand's professional referee ranks, the New Zealand Rugby Union announced on Friday.Henry stays on for 2011 World Cup | Deans' latest innovation revealed
News
Tuks' Jackson handed Lions start
Former FNB Tuks flyer Johan Jackson has been named in the Golden Lions' starting line-up for Saturday's Currie Cup clash against the Blue Bulls.
Koshuis
Die Kovsies Koshuisliga so ver
Terwyl Kovsie-studente nog op vakansie is, het www.varsitycup.co.za die eerste kwartaal se aksie in die Kovsies Steinhoff Koshuisliga in oenskou geneem.
School Profiles
DUINEVELD HIGH SCHOOL
We profile Duineveld from Upington.
School Profiles
HOERSKOOL BEN VORSTER
We profile Hoerskool Ben Vorster of Tzaneen.
News
Shimlas eyeing Intervarsity battle
Exciting Varsity Cup outfit, FNB Shimlas, won't be lacking any motivation for their most important clash of the season on August 1 when they travel to Potchefstroom to tackle Pukke in the 69th Intervarsity clash between the two old rivals.
News
Pukke crowned Sassu champions
Varsity Cup finalists, FNB Pukke, picked up some silverware when they beat FNB UJ in the final of the 2009 South African Student Sports Union (Sassu) tournament in Johannesburg on Friday evening.
Maties
Newman named in Currie Cup mix
Stellenbosch Varsity Cup ace Morgan Newman has been named in the Western Province line-up for Saturday's Currie Cup opener against the defending champion Sharks at Newlands.
School Profiles
ST ALBAN'S COLLEGE
We profile St Alban's College of Pretoria.
School Profiles
HOERSKOOL MENLO PARK
We profile Hoerskool Menlo Park of Pretoria.
News
Calder keeps her eye on the ball
varsitycup.co.za caught up with World Cup-winning 'eye coach' Sherylle Calder, who was part of UCT's 2009 Varsity Cup management team.
News
Eagles in crucial qualifying win
The USA Eagles, with UCT ace JJ Gagiano in their midst, have taken a 1-0 lead in their 2011 Rugby World Cup qualifying matches against neighbours, Canada.
Latest News
Referees to 12 July 2009
Lions gone, Tri-Nations coming and the Currie Cup starts as South Africa's provinces go in search of the Holy Grail which Donald Currie sent out to South Africa in 1891.
Second Phase
On the flipside
Former rugby365 staffer Chris Waldburger, now part of the general populace but still very keen on his rugby, takes a very different look at the Springboks' performance against the British and Irish Lions. In fact, you could say he is on the flipside of the coin!
Australia
Global Results - 5 July 2009
The Lions avoided a whitewash in the most emphatic way, playing with determination and skill and giving the Springboks a hiding in Johannesburg.
Latest News
Statistics: Lions vs South Africa iii
Having won the two Tests South Africa was well and truly beaten in the third Test and in fact was flattered by the final score. We give some statistics from the match.
Canada
US Eagles take the lead in WC qualifier
The United States captured the opening match of a two-leg World Cup qualifier, by beating Canada 12-6 at Blackbaud Stadium on Saturday.
News
JJ set for RWC qualifier
UCT's Varsity Cup captain, JJ Gagiano, has been named on the bench for the USA Eagles' Rugby World Cup qualifying match against Canada at Blackbaud Stadium - in Charleston - on Saturday.
Latest News
Eye-gouging suspensions
Sergio Parisse and Schalk Burger were both found guilty this weekend and suspended for eye-gouging. They are not the only ones in recent times.
News
Engelbrecht on Lions bench
New Golden Lions signing and UCT Varsity Cup star, Pieter Engelbrecht, has been named on the bench for Friday evening's compulsory Currie Cup friendly against the Griffons at the North West Stadium in Welkom.
Latest News
Referees to 5 July 2009
There is the last Test in the tough series between South Africa and Lions which will take centre stage with Stuart Dickinson to referee it. It would be a great mercy if it were just a sporting occasion.
Second Phase
Peter de Villiers: 'I'm a God-given talent'
rugby365's Jan de Koning takes a look at the strained relationship between Springbok coach Peter de Villiers and the media, as well as his often used muddled and synesthetic metaphors.
Craven Week
South Western Districts choose schools teams
South Western Districts have chosen their teams for Craven Week, the Academy Week and the Grant Khomo Week.
Craven Week
Border CD for Craven Week
Border Country Districts have chosen their team for the Craven Week, this year in East London starting on 13 July.
Latest News
Namibia win home qualifier
The Welwitschias of Namibia beat the Elephants of Cote d?Ivoire 54-14 at Hage Geingob Rugby Stadium in Windhoek on Saturday to move a step closer to qualifying for the World Cup in New Zealand 2011. This was a second-round match after the teams had drawn 13-all in Abidjan, an unpleasant match.
Australia
Global Results - 28 June 2009
The series winner for the Lions tour has been decided in a tough encounter in Pretoria when 16 points were scored in the last 10 minutes.
News
Groot kans vir Shimlas
'n Gulde geleentheid wink vandeesweek vir die Shimla-rugbyspan om verlore aansien te herwin.
Craven Week
Strong Border side for Craven Week
Border have 10 players back from the side that went to Craven Week in 2008.
Craven Week
Limpopo's school teams
Limpopo has announced its school teams for the 2009 Craven and Academy Weeks, with Ben Vorster and Merensky well represented.
Maties
Varsity Cup recruits bolster Boland
A host of Varsity Cup players have been named in the Boland squad for Friday's Currie Cup friendly against the Mighty Elephants in Port Elizabeth.
Craven Week
The most at Craven Week
There are no prizes for guessing which school has most players going to Craven Week but we shall see who comes second, third and so on.
News
Refs for SA National Weeks
SA Referees have announced the referees appointed to various national weeks in South Africa, which, in the case of schools, start with the beginning of the mid-year holidays. The one which gets most prominence is the Craven Week which starts on the second week of July.
Craven Week
Valke choose three teams
The Valke have announced three Under-18 teams for the upcoming Craven and Academy Weeks.
News
Tuks captain earns his wings
FNB Tuks skipper Johan de Bruin has signed a contract with the Valke and will captain the Brakpan-based outfit in the 2009 Currie Cup First Division.
News
Job done for rampant UJ
FNB UJ romped to an impressive 67-13 win over Roodepoort on Thursday night; a result which sees the Varsity Cup side continue its impressive march up the Grand Challenge log.
Craven Week
Griffons pick school teams
The Northern Free State Griffons have announced their school sides for the 2009 Craven, Academy and Grant Khomo Weeks.
Latest News
Statistics: Lions vs Emerging Springboks
In the rain, hail and wind the Lions and the Emerging Springboks drew with a try when time was up and a conversion from touch as the rain made it as hard as possible for Willem de Waal.
Craven Week
Namibian schoolboy teams
Namibia have chosen their four teams for Craven Weeks, Academy Week and Grant Khomo Week.
Craven Week
Griquas pick both Craven Week teams
Griquas have announced two teams for both the Craven and Academy weeks, with a Central team representing Kimberley and surrounds, as well a Country Districts team.
News
Title glory for Shimlas
FNB Shimlas, having twice recently lost in the final of the City League, are the 2009 champions of Free State!
News
Tuks rack up another biggie
FNB Tuks recorded yet another resounding Carlton League victory at the weekend, beating Eersterust 91-0.
News
UJ eyeing first place
FNB UJ could move into first place on the Grand Challenge log should they defeat Roodepoort this evening.
News
'VC' Boks go down in Sevens final
The Emerging Springboks Sevens squad - with three Varsity Cup stars in its ranks - went down in the final of the annual Safari Sevens in Kenya at the weekend.
NEWS
FNB Top 20 - 23 June 2009
Most schools are not playing at present, what with Craven Week trials and exams, though some of those who do best at exams actually play at this time. Still there have been some interesting results.
Craven Week
Zimbabwe choose for Craven Week
Zimbabwe have announced their team to take part in the 2009 Craven Week in East London, starting on 13 July.
Latest News
Referees to 28 June
The big Tests this weekend are those in Sydney and Pretoria with Dave Pearson and Christophe Berdos as the men in the middle.
France
Scotland A win Nations Cup
Scotland A beat France A to win the IRB's Nations Cup in Bucharest on Sunday.
Argentina
Global Results - 21 June 2009
There were some big results this weekend - in the Wellington wet, in warm Durban and in slippery Tokyo where the Junior World Champions were decided.
Craven Week
Leopards schools teams
The Leopards have announced their teams to play at Craven Week and at the Academy Week.
Craven Week
Golden Lions schools teams
The Golden Lions have chosen their teams for the Craven Week, Academy Week, NWU-Puk Week and the Grant Khomo Week. Not surprisingly Monnas and KES feature p[riminently.
Latest News
Statistics: Lions vs South Africa
South Africa won the first Test in Durban on Saturday. Up 26-7, they put on all their replacements, and Ole and nearly lost as the Lions came roaring back proudly.
Craven Week
KZN schools teams
The KwaZulu Natal teams for the Craven Week, Academy Week and Grant Khomo Week have been announced. Not surprisingly Glenwood are well represented.
Craven Week
Boland's school sides
After trials and trial matches with Western Province, Boland has announced its four teams - for Craven Week, The Academy Week, the Grant Khomo Week and the Under-13 Craven Week.
Latest News
JWC: Refs for Final day
The IRB has announced the appointment of referees for the Final day, including the championship Final which will refereed by James Jones of Wales.
News
Boland sign Puk lock Le Roux
FNB Pukke lock Grant le Roux has signed a one-and-a-half year contract with the Boland Cavaliers, making him the umpteenth Varsity Cup player to move into a full-time professional set-up.
Fiji
Junior ABs, Samoa victorious
Wing Hosea Gear starred with three tries as a slick Junior All Blacks outfit beat disjointed Fiji 45-17 in the Pacific Nations Cup in Lautoka on Thursday.
Latest News
Cheetah signs for Bourgoin
Centre Piet van Zyl has signed a two-year contract with Bourgoin in France's Top 14.
Latest News
Statistics: Lions vs Southern Kings
The Lions beat the weakened Southern Kings team in the first sporting match ever played at the brand new Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium in Port Elizabeth. We give some match stats.
France
Jutge hangs up his whistle
France's top referee Joel Jutge has given up the battle against injury and has decided to quit active refereeing and go into administration.
Latest News
FNB Top 20 - 16 June 2009
There were few matches this last, long weekend, but we have rewarded teams that have particularly done well - Waterkloof, Monument, Selborne and Boland Landbou.
Latest News
Wet Abidjan tough for Namibians
The Namib is a desert and it was tough for the Namibians in sopping wet Abidjan when they played and eventually drew 13-all with Cote d?Ivoire in a qualifier for the 2011 World Cup.
News
UCT made to work by NNK
FNB UCT, playing their final Super League match of the first half of the season, recorded a hard-fought 22-19 win over a determined NNK side at the Green Mile on Friday evening.
Latest News
Referees to 21 June 2009
There are competitions and tour matches and much of interest to referees as the top men swan around the world. The big match will be in Durban with Bryce Lawrence to referee it. Then in Wellington France have a chance to win a series in New Zealand, as they did in 1994. Marius Joubert will be the man in the middle for that one.
Latest News
Statistics: Lions vs Western Province
The Lions beat the weakened Western Province team at a partially filled Newlands on Saturday with a penalty four minutes from time. We give some match stats.
Argentina
Global Results - 14 June
It's testing time and a test which the All Blacks failed at the House of Pain and which the dilapidated Italian team passed in defeat.
News
VC trio named in Sevens squad
Three Varsity Cup players - one from FNB UJ and two from FNB UCT - have been named in the 12-man Emerging Springboks Sevens squad to compete in a tournament in Kenya this week.
France
IRB Nations Cup starts
The IRB's Nations Cup kicked off in Bucharest on Fridayt with voictories fopr France A, Scotland A and hosts Romania.
News
Ikeys gear up for one more
The Ikey Tigers will be looking to finish the first half of their 2009 WP Super League season on a high when they take on NNK at the Green Mile on Friday evening (kick-off 6.30pm).
School Profiles
HTS SASOLBURG
HTS Sasolburg School Profile
Fiji
Junior All Blacks dominate landscape
The return of the Junior All Blacks to the Pacific Nations Cup tournament this year will ensure the other four teams will be fighting for second place.
Maties
WP go Maroon, Blue & White
The Western Province team to take on the touring British & Irish Lions side in Cape Town this weekend has a distinct Varsity Cup look to it.
News
Gagiano handed first US start
Varsity Cup players continue to break new ground on a daily basis, with UCT captain JJ Gagiano the latest star player to take yet another step up in the rugby world.
Latest News
Top refs in NZ get six new men
New Zealand referees' High Performance Referee Team is thrilled to announce the inclusion of six new referees.
Latest News
FNB Top 20 - 9 June 2009
KES suffered their first defeat of the year, which cost them a few places in that close part of the Top 20. In fact the whole of the Top 20 is close.
Koshuis
A frantic time at the Green Mile
The past few weeks have been the most frenetic of any student's lives this year, as UCT's Steinhoff Internal League drew to a close and exams started in earnest.
News
Tuks crush Brits - again
FNB Tuks recorded their second big win of the 2009 Carlton League season over Brits, with the 2008 and 2009 Varsity Cup semifinalists racking up over 100 points on Saturday.
News
Try time for UCT's Gagiano
UCT's JJ Gagiano celebrated his fifth international cap for the USA Eagles by scoring his first Test try in a one-off clash against Six Nations side, Wales, in Chicago on Saturday.
Craven Week
EP choose provincial sides
Eastern Province have chosen five teams to go to national weeks - two teams for Craven Week, two for the Academy Week and one for the Grant Khomo Week for Under-16 teams.
News
Hundred-up for ruthless TUT
FNB TUT scored a 117-3 win over Eersterus in Carlton League action at the weekend.
Latest News
Referees to 14 June
The Lions' tour moves on and Test matches break out all over the world while it is all quiet on matches below Test level.
Craven Week
WP pick Craven Week team
The WP Craven Week team has been announced and includes six Paul Roos players, including scrumhalf Rick Schroeder, who will captain the team.
Maties
Maties, Ikeys players star for WP
Stellenbosch scrumhalf Conrad Hoffmann led the charge with a hat-trick of tries, as the Maties and Ikeys-heavy Western Province side smashed the Mighty Elephants in a pre-Currie Cup warm-up match in Port Elizabeth on Saturday.
Maties
Roux: 'Varsity Cup remains the ultimate'
varsitycup.co.za caught up with FNB Maties head coach Chean Roux, to get his views after Stellenbosch missed out on qualifying for the 2009 National Club Championships.
Latest News
Statistics - B&I Lions vs Cheetahs
Good sides manage to win even when they are not playing so well. The Lions started off this match like a house on fire and contrived to win almost by default as the Cheetahs missed kicks at goal. We give some statistics.
Argentina
Global Results - 7 June
France has a champion, the Lions travel on unbeaten and the Junior World Championship gets under way.
Argentina
Saxons, Canada in pole position
Canada and England Saxons are in pole position after the opening pool rounds of the 2009 Churchill Cup.
News
Gagiano on USA Eagles bench
UCT's Varsity Cup captain, JJ Gagiano, has been named on the USA Eagles bench for Saturday's one-off Test against Wales in Chicago.
Latest News
JWC: Referees for first two days
The International Rugby Board's Junior World Championship for Under-20 teams kicks off in Japan on Friday. The referees for the first two rounds have been announced.
The French Rugby Federation asked the International Rugby Board for a ruling on the timing of the final whistle.
News
IRB ruling on simultaneous grounding
South Africa asked the International Rugby Board for a ruling when two contradictory actions occur at the same time in in-goal.
Latest News
Statistics - B&I Lions vs Local Lions
The B&I Lions demolished the Xerox Lions/Golden Lions at CocaCola Park in Johannesburg on Wednesday evening. We give some statistics from that match.
News
Important law ruling
On 11 May 2009 the international Rugby Board gave a ruling on play at the tackle, which is important and makes sense. It allows a player who started an action legally to complete that action.
Latest News
Referees in French Finals
Jean-Pierre Matheu has been appointed to referee the Final of France's Top 14 at Stade de France on Saturday night, the first Final of his career. He is the latest in a long line of referees, stretching back, war breaks apart, to 1892.
Maties
WP turn to Varsity Cup stars
A host of Varsity Cup stars - including SA XV centre Morgan Newman - have been named in the Vodacom Western Province team for a pre-Currie Cup friendly in Port Elizabeth this Saturday.
Argentina
Drowning in Denver but training goes on
Torrential rain in the Mile High City, Denver, on Tuesday did not dampen the Georgia national team's preparations for the fast-approaching Churchill Cup.
Maties
VC trio in Sevens training squad
Three Varsity Cup players have been named in a 16-man Emerging Sevens Training squad that will attend a training camp in Stellenbosch from June 10-13.
Latest News
Referees to 7 June
The excitement is in South Africa and France this weekend as the Lions' tour gathers momentum and the French Championship Final is played at Stade de France.
NEWS
FNB Top 20 - 2 June 2009
It seems that being second on the FNB Top 20 is the most vulnerable position of all. This year Paul Roos, Affies, Paarl Boys' High and Outeniqua have all been there and dropped down. Last weekend second-placed Paul Roos were the ones to come unstuck.
Maties
Maties grab five points
FNB Maties bounced back from their home loss to Hamilton's last week to claim a bonus point win against a determined SK Walmers side on Saturday.
Koshuis
Hertzog IS die span om te klop!
JBM Hertzog se eerste rugbyspan het Vrydagaand gewys hulle is die span om in vanjaar se Steinhoff Koshuisliga te klop.
News
Tuks too hot to handle
FNB Tuks recorded a crushing 94-0 Carlton League win over a hapless Eersterust team; confirming their place at the 2009 National Club Championships, which - of course - they will be hosting in September.
News
UJ too strong for Raiders
The University of Johannesburg were simply too strong for Raiders in their Grand Challenge fixture on Saturday.
News
Heartbreak for plucky Ikey Tigers
FNB UCT very nearly caused a shock at the weekend before eventually being denied what would have been a well-deserved WP Super League win over Hamilton's in Green Point.
Koshuis
Steinhoff se 'Baa-baas' plan
'n Nuwe inisiatief deur Steinhoff-Internasionaal om koshuisrugby nog meer glans te gee is onlangs begin.
News
Q&A with Pukke No.8 Willem van der Wal
www.varsitycup.co.za caught up with FNB Pukke captain and star No.8 Willem van der Wal and asked him ten questions.
Argentina
Global Results - 31 May 2009
The huge match was the Super 14 Final at a packed Loftus Versfeld in Pretoria which broke all sorts of records. And in Italy Benetton Treviso became the champions for the 14th time.
Latest News
Carraro returns for Botha's farewell
Bath star Matt Banahan is back on the wing this weekend as Australian centre Matt Carraro returns to the starting lineup as Steve Meehan's men head for the Stoop.
News
New No.10's face-off at Edgeley Park
Chris Malone will make his first start for London Irish in Friday night's Guinness Premiership match at Edgeley Park, whilst usual fullback Nick MacLeod will start at No.10 for the home side.
Latest News
Back row boost for Ulster
Ulster Head Coach Brian McLaughlin has named his playing 22 for this Friday's visit of the Scarlets to Ravenhill.
Latest News
Croft and Gear set to start at Welford Road
New Zealand international Rico Gear will make his first start of the new season this weekend as the Worcester Warriors travel to take on a Leicester Tigers side featuring Lions star Tom Croft.
Latest News
Two Tagicakibau tries see Irish home
Sailosi Tagicakibau was at it again this weekend, scoring two tries for London Irish as they handed London Wasps their first defeat of the season - winning their Guinness Premiership encounter 28-16 on Sunday.
Latest News
Unbeaten Saracens march on
Brendan Venter's Saracens continued their fantastic start to the new Guinness Premiership season with a 19-16 win over Gloucester at Vicarage Road on Sunday afternoon.
Latest News
Williams stars in Munster success
A second half hat-trick of tries from former Auckland Blues No.8 Nick Williams helped Munster to a comfortable 27-3 victory over Paul Turner's Newport-Gwent Dragons on Sunday evening.
Latest News
Little between Bath and Leicester
A dramatic final ten minutes at the Recreation Ground on Saturday evening saw Bath and the Leicester Tigers end their fourth round Guinness Premiership clash with the scores level at 20-all.
Latest News
Ruddock's Warriors stun Sale
Mike Ruddock's Worcester side made a big statement of intent on Saturday afternoon with a 24-18 Guinness Premiership victory over Kingsley Jones' Sale Sharks side.
Latest News
Geraghty guides Northampton home
Northampton handed Leeds their third straight defeat in the Guinness Premiership on Saturday, scoring four tries on their way to winning the Franklin's Gardens fixture 30-10.
Latest News
Cardiff survive late Scarlets fightback
The Cardiff Blues secured their first win of the new season on Saturday evening - holding on to beat the Scarlets 19-15 despite two tries from the visitors in the final ten minutes of the match.
Latest News
Sexton steals the win for Leinster
A last minutes drop goal from replacement Jonny Sexton dramatically ended Edinburgh unbeaten start to the new season and handed Leinster a massive moral-boosting victory on Saturday night at Murrayfield.
News
Preview: Magners League, Round Four
rugby365 previews the 4th round of the Magners League with the arrival of Jean de Villiers and the clash between Edinburgh and Leinster just two aspects of the action to look forward too.
Latest News
First starts for O'Gara and O'Callaghan
Springbok Jean de Villiers has been named on the bench for this Sunday's Magners League clash with the Dragons while British and Irish Lions captain Paul O'Connell remains sidelined with a slight hamstring strain.
Latest News
Honours even at Kingston Park
Newcastle and Harlequins are both still looking for their first wins of the new season after the visitors snatched a late draw on Friday night when the two teams clashed in their round four Premiership match at Kingston Park.
Latest News
Ulster's derby demolition job complete
Ulster stormed to a bonus-point victory over Irish rivals Connacht on Friday night thanks to fifteen points from flyhalf Ian Humphreys.
Latest News
Second half brace sees Ospreys home
Two second half tries from wings Tommy Bowe and Nikki Walker helped the Ospreys to come from behind and secure a much needed 26-16 Magners League victory over the Glasgow Warriors.
Latest News
Preview: Premiership, Round Four
Can London Wasps and Saracens remain unbeaten? Is this weekend the one which finally sees a little life from Harlequins and Leeds? rugby365 previews all the upcoming Guinness Premiership action...
Latest News
Cardiff just 'have to do a lot better'
Cardiff Blues centre Tom Shanklin will finally return to action this weekend against the Scarlets - the first time the unfortunate Lion will take the field since dislocating his shoulder playing against the Dragons in May.
Latest News
Ospreys wary of Warriors at Firhill
New signing Dave McCall will return to the Magners League stage on Friday when he pulls on a Glasgow jersey for the first time in the competition for this weekend's showdown with the under-fire Ospreys.
Second Phase
What's in it for the Argies?
SANZAR has offered Argentina a conditional place in the Tri Nations in 2012. rugby365 columnist Keith Moore takes a look at what a place in the Tri-Nations will mean for the South Americans.
News
Hodgson's back at the helm for Sale
Sale Sharks star Charlie Hodgson will finally return to the starting lineup this weekend after missing the previous two matches due to stubbing his toe in the opening round encounter with Leicester Tigers.
News
'We'll have to work hard for every point'
Leeds Carnegie have made four changes to their team in an attempt to improve their fortunes as they head to the Northampton Saints this weekend for their Guinness Premiership Fourth round encounter.
News
Bath keen to deliver against Leicester
Following a morale boosting win at Edgeley Park last Friday, Bath host Leicester Tigers this weekend to see if they can get on a role and propel themselves up the Premiership table.
News
'Raging bull' Vickery returns to action
Wasps' prop Phil Vickery returns to club colours this Sunday as the men in black and gold travel to the Madejski facing London Irish in what promises to be a huge clash between two of the capitals sides.
News
Falcons boosted by returning trio
Newcastle Falcons have received a triple fitness boost ahead of Friday's Guinness Premiership visit of Harlequins to Kingston Park.
Second Phase
Old crocks or young bucks?
John Smit's all-conquering team has silenced many critics, having won every conceivable trophy available to them in the last two years.
News
Doran-Jones starts at Saracens
New signing, prop Paul Doran-Jones, will make his full Premiership debut for Gloucester Rugby when they take on a Steve Borthwick led Saracens side at Vicarage Road on Sunday afternoon.
Latest News
Captain Blair returns for Edinburgh
Mike Blair will make his first start of the new Magners League season against European champions, Leinster, at Murrayfield on Saturday.
News
Tri-Nations: Brickbats and bouquets
The 2009 Tri-Nations has come to pass and like all good critics should, rugby365 also sat in judgment. Yes, it is time for our annual awards.
Latest News
Unbeaten Wasps win against Worcester
In-form English wing Tom Varndell was on the scorecard once again on Sunday as London Wasps overcame Worcester 23-3 in their Guinness Premiership clash at Adams Park.
Latest News
Irish thump Carnegie at Headingley
London Irish starlet Adam Thompstone scored an impressive hat-trick of tries on Sunday afternoon as the potential Guinness Premiership title challengers thumped Leeds Carnegie 56-7 at Headingley.
Latest News
Tryless Tigers win at Welford Road
Leicester secured a 15-6 win over Newcastle in their first match in front of the new Caterpillar Stand at Welford Road but both side's inability to score tries continued to plague them on Saturday night.
Latest News
Carraro's brace helps Bath bounce back
Bath kickstarted their season at the third attempt on Friday evening with a hard-fought 25-12 win over the Sale Sharks - recording their first Guinness Premiership victory at Edgeley Park in six years.
Latest News
Saracens march on with a win at Quins
Seventeen points from the boot of Derrick Hougaard helped Saracens to maintain their perfect start to the new season at the Stoop on Saturday, edging out Harlequins 22-9 in their Guinness Premiership clash.
Latest News
Northampton Saints rule at Kingsholm
Jim Mallinder's Northampton Saints confirmed their status as potential playoff finishes in the Guinness Premiership with an impressive 27-14 win over Gloucester at Kingsholm on Saturday afternoon.
Latest News
Munster snatch victory from the Scarlets
A try at the death from Denis Hurley, his second of the night, helped Munster to come from behind to record a dramatic 22-20 victory over the Scarlets at the Parc y Scarlets on Saturday night.
Latest News
Godman helps Gunners stay on top
A 72nd minutes drop goal from flyhalf Phil Godman helped Edinburgh to narrow 16-13 victory over Ulster at Ravenhill on Friday night in their Magners League clash.
Latest News
Dragons blast past the Warriors
Paul Turner's Dragons provided the biggest upset of all out of Friday nights action, scoring four tries on their way to thumping the Glasgow Warriors 30-19 at Rodney Parade.
Latest News
Blues continue for struggling Cardiff
Cardiff's poor start to the season continued on Friday night as they slumped to their third straight Magners League defeat at the hands of Connacht - going down 18-16 at the Sportsground.
News
Preview: Premiership, Round Three
The Premiership table is slowly starting to take shape after two rounds of the new season but there are a couple unexpected names propping up the log... can Quins and Bath turn their fortunes around this weekend? rugby365 preivews all the GP action...
Latest News
Sexton's boot beats the Ospreys
The Ospreys suffered their second consecutive defeat at the Liberty Stadiums on Friday night as they crashed to a disappointing 18-11 loss at the hands of Leinster in their Magners League clash.
News
Pukke to defend Club Champs title?
Defending champions FNB Pukke will be aiming for a fourth title in six years when the 35th annual National Club Championships kicks-off this coming Sunday, September 20, at the LC de Villiers sports grounds on the University of Pretoria's Sport Campus.
News
Preview: Magners League, Round Three
It's an odd Magners League weekend but with four of the five matches being played on Friday night it can mean only one thing? It's going to be one hell of a Friday night. rugby365 previews all the Magners League Round Three action...
News
Sackey returns to face the Warriors
England wing Paul Sackey will make a welcomed return to action this this Sunday as Wasps run out on home turf for the first time this season when they face Worcester.
News
Warriors ring the changes
Glasgow Warriors head coach, Sean Lineen, has this week made six changes to his successful starting XV for this weekend's Magners League clash with the Dragons.
News
Tigers out to 'earn the right to win'
Leicester Tigers will run out in front of a capacity 24,000 crowd for the first home game of the season on Saturday with a team showing four changes since last weekend's win at Harlequins.
News
Roberts returns to face Connacht
Cardiff Blues boss Dai Young has named Lions star Jamie Roberts in his starting team for the first time this season but has opted to once again keep new signing Sam Norton-Knight on the bench.
News
Booth expects a tough test at Leeds
Leeds Carnegie have made five changes to the side that lost to Worcester last Friday for the visit of last season's Guinness Premiership runners up London Irish to Headingley Carnegie this Sunday.
News
The 'volcano' returns for Gloucester
Gloucester Rugby Head Coach Bryan Redpath has welcomed back Lesley Vainikolo and Peter Buxton for the first time this season as they prepare to host Northampton at Kingsholm.
News
Meehan expects a kicking battle
The last seven clashes between the two sides in the Guinness Premiership have all been won by the home side on the day, whilst Bath's only Premiership win at Edgeley Park came on their first ever visit in September 2003.
News
So'oialo starts for Harlequins
After a hard fought battle against Leicester Tigers at the Stoop, Quins return to their home ground for the second time in two weeks, where they take on Saracens in a local derby on Saturday afternoon.
Latest News
Scarlets fall at the Firhill Arena
Scotland flyhalf Dan Parks kicked fourteen points for the Warriors as they overcame the Scarlets 19-11 and remained unbeaten after two rounds of the new Magners League season.
Latest News
Bonus-point win for the Irish
London Irish scored four tries on their way to thumping Gloucester 40-10 in a heated battle at the Madejski Stadium on Sunday afternoon - a game which saw six yellow cards dished out in total.
Latest News
It ends all even at Kingston Park
Newcastle had to settle for a second successive draw at the start of the new Guinness Premiership season as two late Lee Thomas penalties earned Sale a share of the spoils on a blustery day at Kingston Park.
Latest News
Staunton punishes Harlequins
Five penalties from new flyhalf Jeremy Staunton were enough for the Leicester Tigers to secure a tight 15-9 victory over Harlequins at the Twickenham Stoop on Saturday afternoon.
Latest News
Ulster upset the Ospreys
Two tries from Scottish international Simon Danielli helped Ulster to a surprising 20-16 victory over the Ospreys at the Liberty Stadium on Saturday night - their first win of the new campaign.
Latest News
Leinster ease past the Dragons
Young flyhalf Jonny Sexton scored 12 points for Leinster as they recorded their first win of the new season with a 23-14 victory overthe Newport-Gwent Dragons on Saturday evening.
Latest News
New flyers fire Wasps to victory
A resurgent Tom Varndell scored two tries for the London Wasps on Saturday afternoon at the Recreation Ground help his side to a big victory; making it two wins in a row to start the new season for Tony Hanks' men.
Latest News
A 'home' win at Wembley for Sarries
New Zealand star Glen Jackson was the hero for Saracens once again on Saturday - kicking 14 points for the 'home' side as they recorded a 19-14 win over Northampton in the first-ever rugby match played on the Wembley turf.
News
Levi in for Falcons; Sheridan for Sale
Newcastle Falcons have made three changes for Sunday's Guinness Premiership visit of Sale Sharks to Kingston Park.
Latest News
Manning steers Munster home
Munster recorded their first win of the new Magners League campaign on Friday night with a 24-13 win over the Cardiff Blues at Thomond Park.
News
Preview: Magners League, Round Two
After an opening round full of surprises, the rugby365 team does their best to put the pieces together and preview the fast approaching second weekend of exciting Magners League action.
News
Preview: Premiership, Round Two
What an opening weekend of Guinness Premiership action! Thankfully though we don't have to wait too long for the next installment - rugby365 previews all this weekend's upcoming action.
Latest News
Edinburgh simply outclass Connacht
Edinburgh ran in eight tries on Friday night on their way to overpowering a disappointing Connacht 62-13 at Murrayfield.
Latest News
Worcester's Walker takes control
Off-season recruit Willie Walker was the chief destroyer on Friday night, adding 17 points with his boot to help the Warriors to an important 27-7 victory over Leeds Carnegie at the Sixways Stadium.
Latest News
Impressive Dragons face Leinster
Mike Ross, Shaun Berne and David Kearney will all make home debuts for Leinster this weekend as the Irish province welcome the Dragons to the RDS.
News
Davidson: Ulster are up for 'big ask'
A 'star-studded' Ospreys side will welcome a much changed Brian McLaughlin Ulster team to the Liberty Stadium this weekend for their second round Magners League clash.
Latest News
'Glasgow's going to be a tough one'
Scarlets wing Sean Lamont is hoping to keep his strong start at his new team going this weekend as the Welsh region travel to take on Glasgow on Sunday evening.
News
Worsley returns for trip to the Rec
British and Irish Lions flank Joe Worsley will be back in action this weekend, making his first start of the new season for London Wasps as they travel to The Rec to take on Bath.
News
Stars return for Quins trip
Leicester Tigers will welcome back two of their 2009 British and Irish Lions tourists, Harry Ellis and Tom Croft, for this Saturday's trip to the Stoop.
News
Morgan and Molenaar in the mix
England fullback Olly Morgan will make his first appearance of the season for Gloucester Rugby at the Madejski Stadium against London Irish on Sunday whilst centre Tim Molenaar is also set to make his full debut.
News
Quinlan returns to face the Blues
Both teams will be looking to bounce back after disappointing opening round defeats on Friday night as Dai Young's troops travel to Thomond Park to face the reigning Magners League champions, Munster.
News
Connacht could face Edinburgh's Lions
Ross Ford has been named amongst Edinburgh's replacements for Friday's Magners League match against Connacht at Murrayfield but his fellow British and Irish Lions tourist Mike Blair is rated doubtful after suffering from a throat infection.
Latest News
Golden Lions refs go on strike
All 10 Saturday's Pirates Grand Challenge semifinal matches in the Golden Lions' leagues, from first team to Under-19 team level, did not take place due to protest action by the appointed referees.
Fixtures & Results
IRB Sevens Results 2008/09
All the Results for the IRB Sevens 2008/09 Season
Tables - Logs
Magners League Table 2008/09
Magners League Table 2008/09
Latest News
Samoa, Tonga joins Suva Festival
The Suva Rugby Union have announced that the rugby unions of both Samoa and Tonga have accepted invitations to send 7s teams to the Suva Rugby Festival in January 2010.
News
Pukke's Dumond becomes a Leopard
The Leopards have included star FNB Pukke flyhalf Cecil Dumond in their team for Friday's Currie Cup fixture against the Blue Bulls at Loftus Versfeld.
Latest News
SA Schools outclass Italy
The South African Schools team on Tuesday comprehensively outclassed their Italy Schools opponents 86-3 at the GWK Park in Kimberley.
Second Phase
Role reversal for the Bulls and WP
Saturday saw a somewhat frustrating game of rugby for the die-hard Western Province fan in their loss to the Blue Bulls, writes rugby365 columnist Jon Harris.
Argentina
New tournament to unite America
The International Rugby Board has established the Americas Rugby Championship, which will unite ugby in North and South America in a high performance sub-international structure for the first time.
Second Phase
rugby365?s World XV
With the international season well underway we decided to look at some of the international individuals who stood out during the mid-year Tests.
Canada
Canada secures World Cup spot
Playing with only 14 players for three-quarters of the match, the U.S. Men?s National Rugby Team struggled to stick to its pattern and fell to the Canadians, 41-18, in the second game of their home-and-away Rugby World Cup Qualifying series in Edmonton on Saturday.
Fixtures & Results
IRB Sevens Fixtures 2009/10
All the fixtures and tournament winners from the 2008/09 IRB Sevens Series.
Australia
Aussies target Baby Blacks star
There is significant interest from Australian Super 14 sides for New Zealand's IRB Junior Player of the Year, Aaron Cruden, which could in turn lead to him playing for the Wallabies rather than the All Blacks.
Australia
League eyes SA schoolboy talent
Australian National Rugby League club Sydney Roosters has signed South African teenager JP du Plessis on a three-year contract, while they are also heading to the Craven Week (SA's premier schoolboy tournament) in search of promising youngsters.
Latest News
JWC sets new benchmark
The recently completed Junior World Championship 2009 in Japan has been hailed a success by the International Rugby Board as its set a new benchmark for attendance, while leaving a lasting legacy for Rugby in Japan.
Latest News
Guildford tragedy at JWC final
New Zealand Under 20 wing, Zac Guildford, experienced a major family tragedy after his father, Robert, passed away at the final of the International Rugby Board Junior World Championships in Tokyo on Sunday.
Georgia
Eagles snap losing streak
The USA Men?s National Rugby Team won its first test match of the season and snapped its six-game losing streak by beating Georgia 31-13 at Dick?s Sporting Goods Park in Commerce City on Sunday.
Latest News
Cruden crowned IRB 'Junior of the Year'
New Zealand Captain Aaron Cruden has been named the International Rugby Board Junior Player of the Year 2009, the second of the prestigious IRB Awards in association to be presented this year.
Argentina
Canada on the brink of history
Canada will achieve its highest ever finish in the seven years of the Churchill Cup regardless of the result against Argentina Jaguars at Dick's Sporting Goods Park on Sunday.
Georgia
Denver's Eagles eye home win
Denver Barbarians John Van Der Giessen and Nic Johnson can propel USA Eagles up the world rankings when they play Georgia in Sunday's Churchill Cup Test at Dick's Sporting Goods Park.
Fiji
Fiji too strong for Tonga
Fiji ended a three-year losing streak against Pacific neighbor Tonga when it won its opening match in rugby's Pacific Nations Cup 36-22 on Saturday in the Tongan capital.
Canada
Preview: Ireland A vs. Canada
Ulster scrumhalf Isaac Boss will captain the Ireland A team in their opening game of the Churchill Cup against Canada at Glendale, Colorado on Wednesday.
Second Phase
Time for a SANZAR XV
With British & Irish Lions fever high in South Africa, rugby365 columnist Ebrahim Moerat takes a look at a possible SANZAR selection to rival the tourists.
Second Phase
Tours will stump the slump
With all the hype surrounding the arrival of the British & Irish Lions, rugby365 columnist Ebrahim Moerat believes it's time to re-introduce a lost tradition...International Rugby Tours.