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Kiwi lock Hoani Macdonald has been released from hospital after recovering from a shock heart attack during the NPC semifinal last week.

Discarded Wallaby loose forward Scott Higginbotham said Monday he was finding it hard to deal with missing the team's European tour.

Outspoken Australian flyhalf Quade Cooper is desperate to play for the Wallabies again despite his controversial comments about the team environment.

Problem gambler Willie Ripia has been named in the Maori side for their short tour to the United Kingdom, 10 months after quitting the Force after being caught stealing from his teammates.

All Black coach Steve Hansen on Monday named uncapped scrumhalf Tawera Kerr-Barlow and fellow rookie Dane Coles in his 32-man squad.

Juan de Jongh showed more than a few different moves at Kings Park on Saturday.

Harlequins moved to the top of the English Premiership on Sunday after a fortuitous last-minute try from Tom Casson gave them a 31-28 win over London Irish.

The selection of Schalk Brits ahead of Deon Fourie for the Springboks’ end-of-year tour is as baffling as it is surprising.

Springbok coach Heyneke Meyer is planning on laying the foundations for success in the 2015 World Cup on the upcoming tour of Europe.

Springbok coach Heyneke Meyer has recalled two European-based forwards and included five uncapped players in his squad to tour Europe.

Western Province coach Allister Coetzee believes his team’s unlikely Currie Cup triumph in Durban on Saturday was “written in the stars.”

Sharks coach John Plumtree was left frustrated with the way his team was shut down by Western Province in the Currie Cup Final.

The Blues have snapped up Chiefs centre Jackson Willison to fill the void left by Ma'a Nonu's controversial exit to the Highlanders.

The world champion All Blacks have been boosted by a number of key players committing their futures to New Zealand rugby.

Former All Blacks centre Sonny Bill Williams is confident that he will be fit to fight South African Francois Botha in a heavyweight boxing match next month after suffering a shoulder injury.

Fumiaki Tanaka will become the first Japanese to join a team in the Super Rugby competition next year after landing a deal with the Highlanders.

Leinster served up a 59-22 bonus point win over the Cardiff Blues at the RDS on Saturday, as Treviso toppled the Glasgow Warriors.

Freddie Burns showed England what they will be missing with a superb display in Gloucester's 27-21 win over Leicester.

Home ground  advantage was not enough for the Sharks to return to the summit of Currie Cup rugby on Saturday.

England pair Dylan Hartley and Courtney Lawes face a nervous wait to discover if they will be fit for the November Tests after suffering knee injuries in Northampton's 16-6 defeat against Saracens on Saturday.

WP coach Allister Coetzee believes that the defining feature of his team's Currie Cup victory was their character under pressure.

Western Province claimed their first Currie Cup since 2001 with a gritty 25-18 victory over the Sharks in a tense final at Kings Park on Saturday.

Western Province overcame the odds as they secured a tense 25-18 victory over the Sharks in Durban on Saturday to end an 11-year Currie Cup trophy drought.

The Blue Bulls beat Western Province 22-13 to take the Under-21 Final for 2012. They were the stronger side on the day.

All Black star Sonny Bill Williams injured his shoulder on Saturday playing for the Panasonic White Knights in Japan.

Although there was little doubt that the Cheetahs would retain their Currie Cup status, captain Robert Ebersohn admits that he is relieved.

Western Province beat the Blue Bulls 22-18 in the Final to take the Under-19 Cup for 2012.

Canterbury secured their fifth consecutive National Provincial Championship with a 31-18 victory over Auckland in Christchurch.

Former England star Andy Goode scored a try and booted 13 points as Worcester inflicted more misery on winless Sale with a 23-16 victory at Sixways on Friday.

Ruan Pienaar scored 21 points playing at flyhalf as unbeaten Ulster secured a 46-19 away Pro12 victory against the Dragons on Friday.

The first of the trilogy of Finals kicks off at noon at Kings Park -the Under-19 Finals between Blue Bulls and Western Province.

Wales tighthead prop Adam Jones has been ruled out of his country's November internationals due to a knee injury.

The Cheetahs secured their place in the Currie Cup next year by beating a 14-man Kings side 16-6 in a rainy Port Elizabeth on Friday.

Wales legend Shane Williams is considering extending his career in Japan for a second year.

The main curtainraiser to the Currie Cup Final is the Under-21 Final between the Blue Bulls and Western Province. It is probably a match that the Blue Bulls would expect to win.

Outspoken Wallaby flyhalf Quade Cooper will be called to account for his criticism of the Australian set-up at a code-of-conduct hearing on Wednesday.

For ebullient Alec Fortuin from Citrusdal in the Western Cape, it is the experience of a lifetime to go to the Currie Cup Final and in Durban nogal

England skills coach Mike Catt wants his players to evolve into multi-skilled All Black hybrids. 

England clubs may withdraw from negotiations in Dublin next week to resolve the structure of the European Cup after being excluded from a meeting of key European stakeholders in Paris.

It is Currie Cup Final time, while there is also Round Two of the promotion-relegation series.

England-based wing David Lemi will captain a Samoa squad including six new caps on its three-match rugby tour to Europe next month.

Wellington Lions head coach Chris Boyd has been announced as the new mentor of the New Zealand Under-20 team.

New Zealand Rugby Union (NZRU) boss Steve Tew on Friday said there had been "lessons learned" from Ma'a Nonu's controversial move from the Blues to the Highlanders.

The Currie Cup Final in Durban on Saturday offers Patrick Lambie a timely chance to prove he should be the Springbok flyhalf.

Those hoping to see some fresh faces on Sunday when Heyneke Meyer reveals his Bok squad, to tour Europe next month, are likely to be disappointed.

View from the Couch continues with Part Three of the comparison between SA and NZ rugby.

Western Province will have to produce something special if they are to prevent Sharks captain Keegan Daniel from lifting the Currie Cup on Saturday.

The Kings will need to scale their own version of Everest if they are to gain anything from their encounter with the Cheetahs.

The International Rugby Board has inducted brothers Richard and Kennedy Tsimba, two of Zimbabwe’s finest sportsmen, into the IRB Hall of Fame.

Australian utility back Matt Giteau on Thursday revealed he has signed a contract extension with French club Toulon.

After two emphatic European victories Worcestor Warriors will be keen to give their home crowd something to cheer about in the Premiership against Sale Sharks on Friday.

The focus turns once again to the Pro12 this weekend, with Ulster leading the table courtesy of their unbeaten run so far this season.

Western Province and the Sharks (a.k.a Natal) have met five times in Currie Cup Finals.

France and Toulouse will have to make do without hooker Christopher Tolofua after he received a six-week ban on Thursday.

NZRPA chief Rob Nichol has called for a review of the current judiciary system after another striking incident on All Black captain Richie McCaw.

Western Province captain Deon Fourie has made a dramatic about turn on his decision to join French club Toulon.

Utility forward James Craig on Thursday signed a new contract with the Northampton Saints.

Clermont return to Top 14 action on the weekend eager to extend their long-standing unbeaten home record.

The Sharks have entered the world of mobile technology through their mascot, Sharkie!

Gloucester flank Andy Hazell has been suspended for 14 weeks following a disciplinary hearing in Dublin on Thursday.

The Free State Cheetahs are determined to land a knock-out blow of note when they travel to Port Elizabeth on Friday to take on the EP Kings.

England coach Stuart Lancaster recalled a couple of big guns for his team's year-end Tests against the three Southern Hemisphere powerhouses.

Juan de Jongh knows that he needs to step up and show some leadership against a polished Sharks midfield combination at Kings Park this weekend.

Ireland coach Declan Kidney stood his ground in the face of criticism over his selection of South African hooker Richardt Strauss for the year-end Tests.

Wales have called on Scarlets prop Samson Lee to train with their squad preparing for the year-end Tests as cover for Ospreys tighthead Adam Jones.

Villainous Wallaby loose forward Scott Higginbotham has been dropped from the team's European tour.

Recently I received a brief to choose my best Currie Cup side of all time. It is a fun thing to do.

Sharks coach John Plumtree has named a Springbok-laden starting XV for Saturday’s Currie Cup Final against Western Province.

Captain JC Janse van Rensburg and utility back Lionel Mapoe were the big winners at the annual Golden Lions Rugby Union Players Award ceremony on Wednesday evening.

A frank Eddie Jones vented his frustration over Japan’s rugby development structure as he announced his 30-man squad for next month's tour of Europe.

Bath on Wednesday confirmed one of the worst-kept secrets - Nick Koster will join Francois Louw in England.

Having surpised themselves by opening their campaign with a victory over Western Province the Sharks want to end the Currie Cup in the same way.

The rise of young Springbok lock Eben Etzebeth was confirmed on Wednesday when he was nominated in three categories for the SARU awards.

The Lions will be one of the first teams to get a crack at the side that replaced them as a Super Rugby franchise, the Southern Kings.

The South African Rugby Union (SARU) has named 20 players to attend the second SA Sevens Under-17 training camp in preparation for the team’s participation at the Australian Youth Olympics in January in Sydney.

Damian de Allende's selection for the Currie Cup Final was a surprise for most, but not WP U21 coach John Dobson who expects him to shine at Kings Park.

Hoërskool Tygerberg of Parow in Cape Town's Northern Suburbs, could have as many as six players in the finals in Durban on Saturday.

In 2001 Nic Groom, aged 11, had a photo taken with his future WP & Stormers backline coach Robbie Fleck.

Ireland coach Declan Kidney wasted no time in calling up former Cheetahs hooker Richardt Strauss into the squad that will face SA next month.

The surprise selection of Damian de Allende is the only change to the Western Province team for Saturday's  Currie Cup Final against the Sharks.

Reports that Durban's purpose-built Moses Mabhida Stadium is running at a loss, have sparked renewed talks of the Sharks having to bale out the city's white elephant.

Scotland coach Andy Robinson has named seven uncapped players in his 34-man squad for training next week.

The Currie Cup is named after a man and was from the beginning a sponsor's trophy.

The Currie Cup is named after a man and was from the beginning a sponsor's trophy.

The Currie Cup is named after a man and was from the beginning a sponsor's trophy.

Veteran midfielder Gonzalo Tiesi has been recalled to the Argentinean squad for their year-end tour of Europe.

The Cheetahs will limp into PE on Friday with a changed team for their return match against the Kings in their promotion-relegation series.

It is 'unfair' to judge the Southern Kings' prospects for Super Rugby in 2013 based on the promotion-relegation series against the Free State Cheetahs.

Jaco Peyper, a referee enjoying a golden season, with referee his first Currie Cup Final in Durban on Saturday, one of 26 referees to referee a Final since the first Final in 1939.

Southland lock’s Hoani MacDonald's heart attack has sent a strong reminder to clubs and teams at grassroots level.

Western Province's toughest task in the Currie Cup Final this weekend will be to deal with the Sharks' dynamism.

Toulouse hooker Christopher Tolofua faces possible suspension after being shown red during Saturday’s European Cup clash with Treviso.

Darron Nell will captain an injury-hit EP Kings side in the second leg of their promotion/relegation play-off with the Cheetahs in Port Elizabeth on Friday.

Blue Bulls flyhalf Morne Steyn has been suspended for one week after being found guilty of foul play by a SARU Judicial Officer on Tuesday.

Bulls captain Pierre Spies has oficially extended his contract with the Pretoria franchise, and will remain at Loftus Versveld until Novermber 2015.

Sharks captain Keegan Daniel is desperate get his hands on some silverware this weekend after suffering consecutive finals defeats as skipper.

In the last of the @lantic Sevens Series tournaments at schools, Kempton Park beat the hosts Monnas in the Final to win.

Sharks CEO Brian van Zyl has defended the price of tickets for the Currie Cup Final.  

Springbok flank Jacques Potgieter will undergo surgery on a troublesome groin injury which will rule him out of action for the rest of the year.

Crusaders outside back Sean Maitland, who qualifies to play for Scotland, has become the latest southern hemisphere star to sign for Glasgow Warriors.

Don't you admire the enthusiasm of South Africa's rugby teachers? Here we are gearing up for end-of-year exams and they are in an advanced stage of preparing next year's Festivals.

South African flank Gerhard Vosloo will be out of action for up to two months after sustaining a stress fracture of the pelvis, his French club side Clermont announced on Tuesday.

London Wasps boss David Young will coach the Barbarians against the British and Irish Lions in Hong Kong next June, in only the second-ever game between the sides.

The big match is the Final of the Currie Cup, a competition that has been going since 1892. The referee for this occasion is Jaco Peyper, the 26th referee to referee a Currie Cup Final.

John Mitchell is poised to take control of the Sale Sharks once he cuts ties with the Lions, and has a special plan for Danny Cipriani.

The Sharks believe that their superior balance between attack and defence has given them the edge over their opposition this season.

ARU CEO John O'Neill has dismissed as "insulting and ill-informed" claims by All Blacks coach Steve Hansen that Australia is stealing New Zealand players.

The Cheetahs started preparations for round two of their battle with the Kings facing a new injury crisis.

The one plays alongside two props. The other starred alongside Will Smith.

The one plays for the Stormers, the other is the god of storms.

Wallaby legend Stephen Larkham has been inducted into the Sport Australia Hall of Fame for his contribution to Rugby Union.

Former Super Rugby-winning Chiefs prop Sona Taumalolo has been included in a 35-man Tonga squad for their tour to Europe.

With more rain expected at Kings Park this weekend Western Province coach Allister Coetzee has a few cunning plans to deal with the wet conditions.

The Sharks are seemingly peaking at the perfect time as they prepare to play host to Western Province in Saturday’s Currie Cup Final.

The Kings will hope that a few of their more senior players return for the second match in the promotion-relegation series against the Cheetahs on Friday.

Given their comprehensive drubbing of the Blue Bulls, it is not surprising that the Sharks dominate out weekly selection.

While there were a few players on the sidelines on Monday, there are no new injury concerns for Western Province ahead of the Currie Cup final this weekend.

Blue Bulls flyhalf Morne Steyn and prop Morne Mellett have both been cited for incidents of foul play in the Currie Cup semifinal against the Sharks.

Wilson Whineray, great man and great All Black captain, died in Auckland on  Monday at the age of 77.

Star centre Jamie Roberts has been named in a 35-man Wales squad for the Tests against Argentina, Samoa, New Zealand and Australia at the Millennium Stadium next month.

Jaco Peyper, who has been having a glorious refereeing year, has been appointed to referee the Currie Cup Final of 2012.

Southland player Hoani MacDonald will be moved out of Middlemore Hospital's intensive care unit.

Ulster captain Johann Muller suffered a hand injury in last Friday's 19-6 European Cup win over Glasgow at Scotstoun.

Scott Higginbotham has been handed a two-week suspension for striking Richie McCaw and will miss the Tests against France and England next month.

The Wallabies have reacted with indignation and outrage over claims that Australia are just 'poaching' New Zealand players instead of developing their own.

On Saturday, the Golden Lions played the Western Province in Johannesburg. Early in the match there was an incident which may be worthy of mention - a yellow-card incident.

The re-launch of the Western Force has been enhanced with the recruitment of former Wallabies lock/flank Hugh McMeniman for the 2013 Super Rugby season.

Western Province coach Allister Coetzee believes his team has finally shed the unwanted tag as 'tournament chokers'.

Western Province fans had three very good reasons to celebrate at the weekend.

France captain Thierry Dusautoir will be out for up to six weeks after injuring his knee in European Cup action for Toulouse.

The Lions may be out of the Currie Cup and stripped of their Super Rugby status, but they are not an extinct species.

Toulon laboured past the Cardiff Blues in European Cup action on Sunday, as Munster ran out comfortable victors over pointless Edinburgh.

Bulls coach Pine Pienaar and captain Dewald Potgieter bemoaned the team's poor performance and lack of discipline.

Wasps top Pool Three following their 59-12 bonus point win over debutants Mogliano on Sunday.

It was confirmed at the Annual General Meeting of the Wales Rugby Union (WRU) that Welsh rugby enjoyed a record year.

Sharks coach John Plumtree hailed 2012 as a year he will never forget, after his team reached their third consecutive Final.

The contrasting styles of coastal rivals the Sharks and Western Province will make for an especially intriguing Currie Cup Final at Kings Park on Saturday.

WP coach Allister Coetzee moved swiftly to dispel suggestions that his team will launch into premature celebrations.

Seven All Blacks have been made available for selection to their home provinces for this weekend's NPC finals.

New Zealand player Hoani MacDonald is emerging from an induced coma, after his shock collapse during a NPC semifinal.

The Wallabies expect star flank David Pocock to be available for next month's European tour.

Ian Humphreys helped to cement London Irish's position at the top of the Europe Challenge Cup Pool One.

New Zealand players and officials were fuming over the "cheap shot" of Australian loose forward Scott Higginbotham on Richie McCaw.

Defending champions Leinster made it two from two with a victory over Scarlets in European Cup action on Saturday.

Western Province advanced to the 2012 Currie Cup Final when they edged a willing Lions team 21-16 in their semifinal in Johannesburg on Saturday.

The Sharks ensured they will host the 2012 Currie Cup Final, when they beat the Blue Bulls 20-3 in their semifinal in a wet Durban on Saturday.

Wallaby forward Scott Higginbotham has been cited for two offences in Australia's 18-all draw with New Zealand in Brisbane on Saturday.

The EP Kings find themselves in a deep, dark tunnel after their 14-53 hammering at the hands of the Free State Cheetahs in Bloemfontein on Friday.

The Free State Cheetahs are confident of retaining their place in the Currie Cup competition.

Wallaby captain Nathan Sharpe spearheaded Australia’s gutsy performance to hold the All Blacks to a draw in Brisbane on Saturday.

Dan Carter missed a drop-goal attempt six minutes after the final siren as the Wallabies ended the All Blacks' winning run.

Australia ended New Zealand's amazing run of victories when the two sides played to a thrilling 18-all draw in their Bledisloe Cup Test on Saturday.

All Black No.8 Kieran Read underlined his status as the best eighthman in world rugby in Saturday’s Bledisloe Cup clash in Brisbane.

A prominent New Zealand player, Hoani MacDonald, who has played in Australia and Wales, collapsed with a suspected heart attack in a NPC match on Saturday.

Ulster claimed their second win in two European Cup outings this season with a gritty 19-8 win at Glasgow.

The EP Kings were given a huge reality check when the Cheetahs smashed them 53-14 in the first of their two promotion-relegation matches.

Cecil Afrika underwent minor surgery on Thursday to repair damage to his knee after he sustained an injury at the Gold Coast Sevens last week.

Wales' four regions have turned down an offer to contract their Welsh international players centrally.

We have a weekend full of drama, starting with a promotion-relegation match on Friday.

Fiji Warriors celebrated their successful IRB Pacific Rugby Cup defence with a last-gasp 42-34 win over Samoa A on Monday.

Former Australia coach John Connolly says Quade Cooper should be banned for a year for his "unforgivable" lambasting of the Wallabies.

All Black coach Steve Hansen says they face a tough test in Brisbane on Saturday as the Wallabies are a ‘dangerous animal’ at Suncorp Stadium.

The dates for National Weeks in 2013, including the Under-18 Craven Week have been adjusted.

Western Province are hoping that Golden Lions coach Johan Ackermann's decision to rest his frontline players last week backfires in their semifinal.

Clermont Auvergne lock, Nathan Hines has been suspended for six weeks for stamping on Scarlets wing Morgan Stoddart in their European Cup clash last week.

Toulon face Cardiff Blues in the second round of the European Cup on Sunday a revamped side from the one that lost the Challenge Cup final to the Welsh region three seasons ago.  

Wallabies skipper Nathan Sharpe knows that his team will have to produce their best performance all year if they are to end the All Blacks' winning streak this weekend.

It is the third Bledisloe Cup match of 2012 when Australia play New Zealand at Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane - not that the cup is really up for grabs.

View from the Couch continues with Part Two of the comparison between SA and NZ rugby.

Francois Louw's last-gasp try secured a vital 27-22 Challenge Cup away win for Bath at Agen on Thursday.

The Golden Lions are aiming to score their fifth consecutive Currie Cup win over Western Province.

Durban has a habit of pitching the proverbial curve-ball when it comes to play-off time.

Eben Etzebeth played his first match for WP, after playing for South Africa in Test matches.  Unusual but not unique.

Saracens will be playing at "home" in Brussels against Racing-Metro in an intriguing second round of European Cup action this weekend.

The Kings will look to take their first step towards national vindication when they face the Cheetahs in Bloemfontein on Friday night.

Western Province may have lost the services of two of their most seasoned forwards, but they still have enough firepower to account for the Golden Lions.

Wallaby utility back James O'Connor has ruled himself out of Australia's end-of-year tour to Europe.

Scarlets wing Morgan Stoddart will face no further punishment after he was issued a red card during Saturday’s European Cup match against Clermont.

On Saturday New Zealand and Australia again play a Bledisloe Cup, the third this year. But who/what/where was/is Bledisloe?

The Sharks dominated the Currie Cup awards for October. John Plumtree and Cobus Reinach were named as the coach and player of the month respectively.

Blue Bulls fans can rest assured - Springbok Pierre Spies is not about to depart from their beloved Jacaranda city.

Springbok Jean Deysel will win his 50 Currie Cup cap for the Sharks in Saturday's semifinal, when they host the Blue Bulls in Durban.

The all-conquering New Zealand All Blacks will equal the most number of consecutive wins by a major Test playing nation if they down Australia.

Michael Cheika has made another change to the Waratahs' coaching structure.

Bordeaux-Beglès' Fijian back row forward Sisa Koyamaibole has been banned for three months for biting an opponent last week.

Recently we spoke about the need for clear law to avoid private or regional interpretations in the application of law. If this is needed at the top end of refereeing, how much more so must it be needed lower down?

The laws of a game are what makes a game distinct from any other game. The laws are the essence of the game and as they are expressed in words, the words are important. An important quality of the words is clarity.

All Black legend Brad Thorn will return to New Zealand next year. He has signed a one-year contract with the Highlanders.

Prop Ben Alexander has become the latest Australian player to be ruled out by injury, when he withdrew from the Wallaby.

Springbok lock Eben Etzebeth, was presented with the WP Forward of the Year and the WP Players' Player of the Year Award on Wednesday.

Sharks captain Keegan Daniel says his team won’t let an opportunity to host the Currie Cup Final slip through their fingers this weekend.

All Black hooker Keven Mealamu will earn his 100th Test cap in the Bledisloe Cup Test in Brisbane on Saturday.

Wasps lock Richard Birkett, who made his 250th appearance for the club last season, has been forced to retire from rugby as a result of a neck injury.

Springbok flank Francois Louw is eagerly anticipating his return to action against Agen in France on Thursday.

Deon Fourie will have a crucial role to play for Western Province against the Lions this weekend, and not just because he has taken the captaincy back.

A good deed will come full circle next month when two Graeme College pupils wing their way to Britain next month to take part in a rugby exchange programme.

Most teams tend to become more conservative in play-offs, but the Golden Lions have no such plans in the Currie Cup semifinal on Saturday.

Cheetahs coach Naka Drotské received some good news as he revealed the team to tackle the Eastern Province Kings in the first of two promotion-relegation matches.

"Freakish" Injuries to Andries Bekker and Tiaan Liebenberg have left the Boks even thinner on resources for the year-end tour of Europe.

Springbok captain Jean de Villiers has become the third Western Province international this week to be ruled out of their Currie Cup semifinal.

Ma'a Nonu's decision to leave the Blues for the Highlanders has caused more than just a minor stir in New Zealand.

Blue Bulls coach Pine Pienaar made no changes to the side that beat the Golden Lions last week, for their Currie Cup semifinal clash against the Sharks.

Crusaders assistant coach Daryl Gibson has quit suddenly, saying he doesn't want to be solely a defence coach next year.

 One of South African's great servants George Davids died at his home in Gelvan Park, Port Elizabeth on Monday.

Cobus Grobbelaar, one of the true Transvaal and Lions legends, has decided to call it a day.

New Waratahs coach Michael Cheika showed he's all about hard work, on Wednesday sending the squad on a gruelling running session up the South Coogee Steps.

Edinburgh duo Greig Laidlaw and Tim Visser face a race against time to be fit for Sunday's European Cup tie against Munster.

The Ospreys have bolstered their front row depth with the signing of versatile front row forward Dimitri Arhip.

Wallaby scrumhalf Will Genia could become the latest high-profile player to take up an offer to play in Japan.

Two players will face disciplinary hearings on Thursday following the opening round of the European Cup at the weekend.

Sharks coach John Plumtree’s healthy selection dilemma is causing him sleepless nights ahead of the weekend’s Currie Cup play-offs.

Glasgow Warriors have signed Argentina tighthead prop German Araoz on a three-month contract as vital front row cover.  

Centre Wayne Stevens will lead the EP Kings in the first leg of their promotion/relegation play-off with the Cheetahs in Bloemfontein on Friday.

Bryce Lawrence, who was the target of much anger after his refereeing of the World Cup quarterfinal last year, has decided to retire from active refereeing.

France coach Philippe Saint-Andre has called up eight uncapped players for his 33-strong squad to prepare for November's Test matches against Australia, Argentina and Samoa.

Lions coach Johan Ackermann has made 11 changes to his starting XV to face Western Province in their Currie Cup semifinal clash in Johannesburg on Saturday.

Free State Rugby Union President Lyndsey Mould is determined to solve the 'problems' that saw the Cheetahs finish with the Currie Cup Wooden Spoon.

Wallabies flank David Pocock is not confident that he will recover from his knee injury in time to tour Europe next month.

The Blue Bulls are determined to overcome the odds and rain on the Sharks parade on Saturday.

The All Blacks are confident that the possible absence of coach Steve Hansen will not affect their preparations for the Bledisloe Cup clash with Australia this weekend.

All Blacks loose forward Chris Masoe was voted Top 14 player of the year by his fellow players on Monday.  

All Blacks centre Ma'a Nonu plans to switch to the Highlanders for the 2013 Super Rugby season, ending his one-year stint with the Auckland Blues.

Seasoned Wallabies Adam Ashley-Cooper and Wycliff Palu will return to the Australian side for the Test against New Zealand this weekend.

Lions coach Johan Ackermann had his worst fears realised when a player he wanted to hold back last week was injured.

Ireland captain Brian O’Driscoll fancies a Super Rugby stint before he retires, with the Waratahs favourites to secure his signature.

With captain Luke Watson already sidelined the EP Kings may also have to do without the experienced Darron Nell against the Cheetahs this weekend.

Free State Cheetahs assistant coach Hawies Fourie admitted there is concern over Springbok prop Coenie Oosthuizen's best assets - his neck and back.

After a disappointing start to the IRB Sevens World Series, defending Dubai Sevens champions England will face another tough task in Round Two.

WP coach Allister Coetzee shared some interesting thoughts on his selection recipe on Monday.

Hoërskool Garsfontein, who recently won the Sevens in Pretoria which they hosted, have this time won the Cup in Kempton Park, just beating the Rooibulle of Middelburg in the Final of this, the 14th @lantic Sevens Series of 16 in 2012..

Sharks coach John Plumtree has some interesting selection posers ahead of his team's Currie Cup semifinal against the Blue Bulls at Kings Park.

Griquas player Jannie Boshoff will appear before SARU judicial officer Jannie Lubbe in Bloemfontein on Tuesday.

Wallabies wing Digby Ioane has been ruled out of the Bledisloe Cup clash with the All Blacks in Brisbane this weekend due to a knee injury.

Although the trophy cabinet is already full All Blacks assistant coach Ian Foster is not worried about his side lacking motivation this weekend.

Western Province will have to do without injured Springbok tight forwards Andries Bekker and Tiaan Liebenberg in their semifinal against the Lions this weekend.

The three teams that recorded convincing victories in the final round of Currie Cup league action have been rewarded in our latest weekly offerings.

Wallabies coach Robbie Deans has said that instead of being intimidated by the All Blacks, his side are relishing the challenge of ending their unbeaten run.

Tension does not abate this weekend as an exciting Currie Cup season goes into the semifinals and the unpredictable. We look at semifinals down the years.

Kurtley Beale may have taken Quade Cooper's flyhalf spot, but he is still hopeful of seeing the controversial plamaker back in the Wallabies squad.

In Brisbane there is the last of the Bledisloe Cup matches - a fixture though New Zealand have already won it. In New Zealand and South Africa it is semifinal time and in Europe all those competitions bustle into their second round.

The GLRU hope to wrap up the unpleasant coaching saga involving former All Black coach John Mitchell before the end of the month.

Four-time champions Toulouse cruised past Leicester 23-9 in the torrential rain on Sunday in a battle of European Cup heavyweights.

The new logo on the All Blacks jersey could have been even bigger.

Wallabies wing Digby Ioane is still recovering from a knee injury and may miss the  Bledisloe Cup clash with New Zealand this weekend.

Although they lost their semifinal to eventual champions Fiji, Blitzbokke coach Paul Treu was encouraged by his team's efforts at the Gold Coast.

England’s Chris Cracknell and Mathew Turner both face spells out of the game after sustaining injuries on the first day of the Gold Coast Sevens.

Cheetahs coach Naka Drotske has urged his side to prove they belong in the Currie Cup when they take on the EP Kings in the next fortnight.

Despite fielding a weakened side against the Bulls, the Golden Lions were struck by injuries to Lionel Mapoe and Deon van Rensburg.

Although relieved at sneaking into the play-offs, the Blue Bulls are determined to keep their focus ahead of their clash with the Sharks.

Western Province need their Boks to make the difference when they attempt to turn the Currie Cup tide against the Lions on Saturday.

Fiji defeated New Zealand 32-14 in the Cup final of the Gold Coast Sevens to successfully defend their title and claim the first Cup of the World Series.

Sailosi Tagicakibau led the charge as London Irish made light work of Bordeaux-Begles in Pool One of the European Challenge Cup.

Defending champions Leinster struggled past debutants Exeter in a scrappy 9-6 victory in their European Cup opener on Saturday.

The Blue Bulls secured themselves a place in the Currie Cup semifinals when they ran rampant against the Golden Lions, winning 50-29 in Johannesburg.

Springbok prop Coenie Oosthuizen's injury woes took another turn when he suffered a fresh setback at Newlands on Saturday.

Western Province eased into the Currie Cup play-offs with a commanding 36-15 win over a pitiful Free State Cheetahs team in Cape Town on  Saturday.

The Eastern Province Kings ended an unbeaten season when they edged the Pumas 26-25 in a thrilling First Division Final in Port Elizabeth on Saturday.

John Plumtree sang the praises of returning Springbok back Patrick Lambie, after he played a key role in helping the Sharks finish top of the Currie Cup log.

South Africa recorded one of their most emphatic wins ever over New Zealand on the IRB Sevens World Series.

All Black fans have reacted angrily to the NZRU's decision to sell commercial space on the front of the team's jersey.

The previously injured trio of Wycliff Palu, Sekope Kepu and Drew Mitchell return to the Australian squad.

Bayonne began their challenge for Amlin Challenge Cup glory with a 71-7 thrashing of Mogliano.

Ruan Pienaar grabbed a late bonus-point try for Ulster in their 41-17 European Cup victory over Castres on Friday.  

Italy coach Jacques Brunel on Friday included two new faces as he named a 30-man squad for upcoming international rugby Tests against Tonga, New Zealand and Australia.

The Sharks secured top spot in the Currie Cup standings with a comprehensive 42-3 victory over a sloppy Griquas side at Kings Park.

Wallaby Luke Morahan has been confirmed in the Australia squad for the opening round of the IRB Sevens World Series.

With a 14th series about to begin this weekend at the Gold Coast Sevens, a very different All Black Sevens squad is looking to kick-start their defence.

We bring you all the drama from the weekend's Currie Cup action LIVE here!

At a recent in Johannesburg just before the Soweto Test meeting of the IRB match official selection committee affirmed its commitment to the “Big Five”.

More consistency is the key for England as they prepare to kick off the IRB Sevens World Series on the Gold Coast in Queensland.

The IRB has now made known a protocol for the two match officials on the side of the field who monitor the coming and going of players during a match.

Australia on Friday won the right to host the world gay rugby championships in Sydney in 2014, with organisers hoping the event will help address homophobia in sport.

Veteran lock Jason Eaton, scrumhalf Chris Smylie and new recruit James Marshall have all signed with the Hurricanes for 2013.

New Zealand's World Cup-winning All Blacks will emblazon a sponsor's logo on their jerseys for only the second time in their 107-year history.

Following the confusion about the use of substitutes/replacements in the Pretoria Test when South Africa played Australia, the IRB has clarified the relevant law and issued a protocol for those in charge of the coming and going of players during a match.

For the second time in the past year Cape Town had the door shut on them when it seemed the city would host a European Cup game involving Saracens.

Australian Rugby Union CEO John O'Neill will stand down at the end of the month, the ARU said on Friday.

Jason Jaftha has been appointed to referee the Final of the First Division of the Currie Cup - Eastern Province Kings vs Pumas.

The new order of setting a scrum will apply at the IRB's Gold Coast Sevens over the weekend.

View from the Couch this week begins the promised analysis how rugby is run in SA and NZ

Jaco Taute may be seen as a 'utility back' in the Springbok set-up, but he has been guaranteed a starting spot in his preferred position of fullback at the Stormers.

The European club season got underway on Thursday when Gloucester won a tight tussle with Mont de Marsan in the Challenge Cup.

The result of the revamped strength-versus-strength Currie Cup competition is there for all to see!

The Biltzbokke are determined to secure a good kick-off to the new Sevens World Series at the Gold Coast Sevens this weekend.

Leinster will target an unprecedented hat-trick of back-to-back European Cup titles when the showpiece club tournament gets underway on Friday.

Ospreys backline coach Gruff Rees says he has immense respect for Italian club Treviso ahead of the teams’ Heineken Cup opener on Friday night.

Wallaby coach Robbie Deans believes their clash against a Wales team at the ‘peak of its powers’ will be the greatest challenge of their end-of-year tour.

The Eastern Province Kings will face the Pumas in the First Division Final on Saturday knowing.

A new-look Fiji side will be determined to defend their Gold Coast Sevens title at the first of nine rounds on the 2012/13 IRB Sevens World Series this weekend.

France and Bayonne prop Renaud Boyoud has received a 30-day ban for "brutality" during his club match against Toulouse in Top 14 action.

There are several fresh faces on the appointments of referees to the November Tests involving Northern Hemisphere countries.

Veteran Springbok Butch James will lead a severely depleted Golden Lions team into battle against the Blue Bulls in Johannesburg on Saturday.

The most important step SARU can take to bridge the gap between the Springboks and the All Blacks is to review the current contracting system.

Former England captain Bill Beaumont was on Wednesday elected as chairman of the Six Nations Council.

Talented youngsters Matt Lucas, Sam Lane, Jed Holloway and Luke Holmes have joined the Waratahs.

Suggestions that other franchises will be able to freely plunder the Lions' resources have been dismissed by the union's bosses.

Nathan Sharpe has agreed to postpone his retirement again, after a mayday call from Robbie Deans to keep going for the four-Test tour of Europe.

England Sevens coach Ben Ryan reports from Australia on the eve of the Sevens World Series which starts on the Gold Coast this Saturday.

Edinburgh on Wednesday secured the services of one the country’s leading young talents on a new two-year deal.

Veteran prop Gethin Jenkins has warned that Wales’ unbeaten home record of 2012 will not be given up lightly.

The only returning Springbok in the Sharks' starting line-up against the Griquas on Friday will be Pat Lambie who has been named at flyhalf.

The Australian Rugby Union is desperate to convince veteran lock Nathan Sharpe to 'postpone' his retirement for a third time this year.

Western Province coach Allister Coetzee has admitted that his decision to play all his Boks this weekend was motivated primarily by the threat of relegation.  

Griquas coach Pote Human was forced to change his victorious team for the Currie Cup encounter with the Sharks on Friday.

Western Province coach Allister Coetzee brought back all his Springboks for Saturday's must-win Currie Cup clash against the Free State Cheetahs at Newlands.

Blue Bulls coach Pine Pienaar named all his returning Springboks in the matchday 22 for Saturday's crucial Currie Cup clash against the Lions in Johannesburg.

The Rebels have appointed four senior former Wallabies and foundation Rebels players to their off field staff for 2013.

The Hurricanes have revealed  that 18-year-old Ardie Savea will join older brother Julian in the Super Rugby ranks next season.

Fifty of the best young rugby players in South Africa concluded an intense week of elite coaching in Paarl on Saturday, starting their pathway to becoming fully fledged professional rugby players.

The @lantic Sevens series for schools moves to Hoërskool Kempton Park on Saturday, 13 October. It is the 14th of 16 tournaments.

The Highlanders have signed two 'young guns' from the domestic competition.

Rugby is a school in Warwickshire, England. It gave its name to a game they played, a game that, to many, is best played at schools. But why did they play it?

Rugby is a school in Warwickshire, England. It gave its name to a game they played, a game that, to many, is best played at schools. But why did they play it?

The NZRUput on public display all the trophies in the All Blacks' bulging trophy cabinet.

Springbok prop Coenie Oosthuizen returns to the Free State Cheetahs team for their decisive Currie Cup encounter with Western Province at Newlands in Cape Town on Saturday.

The Lions continue to confound critics who predicted a 'mass exodus' and expected the Johannesburg-based franchise to collapse in a heap of misery.

Griquas, the Cinderella team of the Currie Cup competition, will hope to continue their giant killing act when they take on the Sharks.

The Lions will not be short on first class competition when they play in a Super Rugby promotion-relegation game after the conclusion of the 2013 season.

England’s South African-born speedster Mat Turner is happy to be a marked man going into the start of the Sevens World Series.

England Rugby 2015 has announced the long list of 17 potential match venues for consideration to host the 48 Rugby World Cup 2015 matches.

Argentina lock Tomás Vallejos hit the ground running when he joined his Scarlets teammates at training at Parc y Scarlets on Tuesday.

There will be no rest for Ruan Pienaar after the Springbok scrumhalf was on Tuesday included in a 27-man Ulster squad ahead of the opening round of the Heineken Cup this weekend.

Having had under an hour of game-time since the Super Rugby Final, Pat Lambie cannot wait to get a full game against Griquas on Friday.

Wales international scrumhalf Mike Phillips has had his suspension for "intolerable" behaviour lifted by his French club Bayonne.

Richie McCaw has revealed that he was in constant pain during the World Cup last year.

Sharks wing JP Pietersen is anxious to get back to full match-fitness as soon as possible with the knock-out phase of the Currie Cup approaching.

The Bulls have rallied around out-of-form Bok flyhalf Morné Steyn, whom they believe will soon show his 'true class'.

Springbok flyhalf Johan Goosen will undergo knee surgery on Tuesday which will rule him out of action for the rest of the year.

All Blacks captain Richie McCaw has admitted that he regrets letting his on-field feud with Quade Cooper last year become personal.

Negotiations over a new deal for the European Cup and Challenge competitions from the 2014/15 season will continue in Dublin later this month after a "comprehensive" meeting in Rome on Monday.

Australian Schools turned it on to beat New Zealand Schools 16-14 at Auckland Grammar School on Saturday.

Golden Lions coach Johan Ackermann may hold back some of his big guns when they go into battle against the Blue Bulls.

Sharks coach John Plumtree was encouraged by his team's performance against the Cheetahs, but has urged them to raise the bar even higher this weekend.

South African utility forward Danie Rossouw has signed for French Top 14 club Toulon, according to club president Mourad Boudjellal.

Western Province coach Allister Coetzee is set to include all seven of his returning Springboks in the team for the clash with the Cheetahs on Saturday.

Springbok flyhalf Johan Goosen's injured knee may require surgery which would rule him out of action for the rest of the year.

The unexpected return of the Springboks will add another dimension to an intriguing final round of fixtures in the Currie Cup this weekend.

Europe bursts out with lots of international matches this weekend - the Heineken Cup, the Amlin Cup and the British & Irish Cup.

Griquas retained their place in the Currie Cup play-off race by toppling the defending champions and they were richly rewarded in our weekly selection.

There was good news for Blue Bulls coach Pine Pienaar on Monday with all players returning from the Springboks squad declared fit and available to play the Golden Lions on Saturday.

Leicester Tigers were left surprised and disappointed by the decision not to include Welford Road among potential venues for the World Cup in England in 2015.  

The All Blacks swept all before them in the inaugural Rugby Championship, so it is no surprise that they dominate our Team of the Tournament.

The weakened Wallabies pulled off one of Australian's most courageous triumphs in defeating Argentina at intimidating Rosario, newspapers said Monday.

The All Blacks have applauded the off field yellow card handed down to lock Brodie Retallick as a 'good decision'.

The Western Force have recruited former Bath head coach Steve Meehan to their coaching staff for next year's Super Rugby season.

Celebrated All Black and Kangaroo star Brad Thorn could be playing in New Zealand as early as next year.

The defending champion Chiefs have thrown Blues discard Gareth Anscombe a Super Rugby lifeline

SANZAR will raise with the Argentine Rugby Union the issue of lasers targeting Australia's kickers during the Test against the Pumas.

Losses are never easy to deal with, especially with a team like Western Province that boasts such high standards.

Believe it or not, all six teams can still qualify for the Currie Cup play-offs.

The Rugby Championship-winning All Blacks are currently on a 16-match winning streak.

Charlie Hodgson went from villain to hero as he recovered from a shaky start to score all of Saracens' points.

Cheetahs captain Robert Ebersohn hopes the return of the Boks to the domestic scene will help his team turn around their season.

Suspended Lions coach John Mitchell has been linked with a return to the Sale Sharks.

Sharks captain Keegan Daniel has lauded his side for their effort after they climbed to the top of the standings.

The defending champion Golden Lions bemoaned their unfortunate slump, which saw them lose 21-37 to Griquas.

Kurtley Beale quelled the Wallabies’ flyhalf concerns with a polished performance against the Pumas in Rosario on Saturday.

Griquas coach Pote Human hopes his side can overcome one last hurdle as they target a place in the Currie Cup semifinals.

Francois Hougaard has become the latest victim of the utility player tag, leaving his Springbok future in jeopardy.

Laser beams were shone at Australian kickers Mike Harris and Kurtley Beale during a gutsy 25-19 triumph over Argentina.

Springbok coach Heyneke Meyer admitted that while his team improved, they are still a distant third.

The Eastern Province Kings will play the Pumas for the right to be called First Division champions.

All Black captain Richie McCaw admitted Sunday that the bruise below his left eye came from teammate Owen Franks.

Australia managed to end their Rugby Championship campaign on a winning note, but the 25-19 triumph.

All Blacks lock Brodie Retallick has been issued with an off-field yellow card for his dangerous tackle on Adries Bekker.

All Blacks coach Steve Hansen issued an ominous warning when he said that the runaway Rugby Championship winners can improve.

Brian O'Driscoll's try proved to be the difference as Leinster got back to winning ways by holding on for a 30-21 PRO12 win against a battling Munster.

Argentina ended their debut in the Rugby Championship on a disappointing note, a 19-25 loss to Australia in Rosario.

The Wallabies did just enough to record a 25-19 victory over the Pumas in a scrappy match in Rosario on Saturday.

All Blacks captain Richie McCaw praised his team's composure in their victory over the Springboks in Soweto on Saturday.

Jason Shoemark's second-half double saw Exeter Chiefs make it two defeats on the spin for reigning Premiership champions Harlequins on Saturday.

Springbok captain Jean de Villiers admitted that his team have 'a long way to go' before they can seriously challenge the All Blacks.

The Sharks moved to the top of the Currie Cup standings with a 37-30 bonus-point victory over the Cheetahs in Bloemfontein on Saturday.

The All Blacks outplayed the Springboks in Soweto on Saturday to hand skipper Richie McCaw an unprecedented 100th Test victory.

The All Blacks made it 16 consecutive Test victories by beating the Springboks 32-16 in a dominant performance in Soweto on Saturday.

Griquas showed great character to secure a season double over the Golden Lions with a 37-21 victory in a sweltering Kimberley on Saturday.

The Springboks were given a reality check by a vastly superior All Black outfit in Soweto on Saturday.

Blue Bulls coach Pine Pienaar knows that his team have to take every chance they get if they want to win the Currie Cup, even if it does not please the fans.

Ben Youngs' try on his Premiership return heaped more misery on Sale Sharks as Leicester Tigers came from behind to claim a win 20-8 at Salford City Stadium.

Dan Biggar's 24-point haul maintained the Ospreys' Pro12 charge at the expense of lowly Zebre, whom they beat 34-16  on Friday.

The Blue Bulls kept their Currie Cup play-off hopes alive with a deserved 26-13 win over Western Province in Pretoria on Friday.

Free State beat the Valke in the high-scoring Final of the @lantic Provincial Sevens played at  LC de Villiers Stadium in Pretoria on Friday.

We bring all the weekend's Rugby Championship and Currie Cup drama LIVE right here. It is just a click away!

The South African Rugby Union have effectively shut the door on the Southern Kings' drive to field more than two overseas players in their Super Rugby squad.

The team of 22 Springboks to play the All Blacks in Soweto on Saturday has seven Old Boys of Grey College in Bloemfontein. And yet it is not a record!

President of the Border Rugby Union, Buntu Ondala was attacked by a group of unhappy players at a tournament in Tsholomnqa.

All Black fullback Israel Dagg will on Saturday return to the scene where he announced himself on the global stage two years ago.

Leinster coach Joe Schmidt has signed a one-year extension with the European champions that will keep him in Dublin until the end of the 2013/14 campaign.

Although the pressure is on as the play-offs approach, Western Province will not abandon their more attacking approach in the Currie Cup.  

After weeks of silence, two Wallabies have aired their views on the controversy surrounding outspoken flyhalf Quade Cooper.

The Springboks will be out to erase the scars of 2010 when they take on an All Black team chasing history in Soweto on Saturday.  

The Kings may have acted prematurely when they unveiled Bandise Maku as one of their big pre-season coups.

France will be without influential backs David Marty and Alexis Palisson for their year-end Tests against Australia, Argentina and Samoa.

Argentina will have their last and best chance to record their first Rugby Championship win when they take on Australia in Rosario.

It will be far from a dead rubber when the greatest rivalry in international rugby is reignited in Soweto on Saturday.

Seasoned Springbok lock Andries Bekker is confident that South Africa's youthful forwards can mature into one of the best packs in world rugby.

View from the Couch this week reminisces on the All Black/Bok rivalry.

It would be stating the all too obvious to say South Africa's premier domestic competition, the Currie Cup, has reached the business end.

Wing Mark Cueto admits it is easy for Sale Sharks to get bogged down with the negatives of their start to the Premiership season.

Argentina coach Santiago Phelan has named an unchanged starting line-up for Saturday's Rugby Championship clash with Australia in Rosario.

In what will be the final round of Pro12 games before the start of the European competitions, Ulster sit one point clear at the top of the table with a game in hand.

The Cheetahs have a challenging run-in to the Currie Cup play-offs and it will require of them to remain 'switched on' for a full 80 minutes in each game.

Former England flyhalf Jonny Wilkinson is eyeing one last tour with the British and Irish Lions.

Wallaby wing Digby Ioane is determined to run the Pumas ragged this weekend after his stuttering performance against the Springboks.

WP put up a proverbial 'cricket score' the last time they played the Blue Bulls. In their return match on Friday, the Bulls will be satisfied with a soccer score.

The race for First Division honours reaches the do-or-die stage on Friday when the best four teams in this year's expanded eight-team competition meet in the semifinals.

The Cheetahs have found a suitable replacement for Western Force-bound flyhalf Sias Ebersohn.

The All Blacks may be unbeaten this year and on a 15-match winning streak, but the Springboks have a plan to halt the wave in Soweto on Saturday.

Coach Paul Treu has included two new caps in his 12-man Springbok Sevens squad for round one of the Sevens World Series at the Gold Coast on 13 and 14 October in Australia.

Golden Lions coach Johan Ackermann wants his team to play their rugby in Griquas' territory as they seek revenge in Kimberley this weekend.

Force wing Nick Cummins will become the 11th new cap, and the 38th player to represent Australia in what is the 10th Test of a challenging year.

The Blue Bulls may be in the midst of one of their worst Currie Cup seasons in decades, but a trip to Loftus Versfeld remains a huge challenge.

The Sharks will welcome back Springbok flyer JP Pietersen when they travel to Bloemfontein to take on the Free State Cheetahs in a Currie Cup crunch match.

Rookie flyhalf Johan Goosen will be South Africa's first-choice goal-kicker against New Zealand in Soweto on Saturday.

It's not quite the murder of a Scottish king, but it does open the Laws of the Game and commonsense to mockery.

New Zealand have made two changes to their starting XV for the final round Rugby Championship Test against South Africa in Soweto on Saturday.

Newport Gwent Dragons No. 8 Toby Faletau's return to form will provide a welcome boost to Wales following the loss of Dan Lydiate.

Scotland captain Ross Ford says they have started working on a plan to upset the All Blacks at Murrayfield on November 11.

Connacht coach Eric Elwood is to leave his position at the end of the season.

After their great escape on the Gold Coast, Wallaby forwards coach Andrew Blades says Australia will earn the right to go wide against the Pumas on Saturday.

A reinvigorated Ruan Pienaar is ready to step out of Fourie du Preez‘s shadow and make the Springbok number nine jersey his own.

The Southern Kings have sent a formal request to the Lions to speak to their players about joining the Eastern Cape franchise next year.

The Australians cried foul when the referee's ruling on replacements reduced their team to just 14 men.

Golden Lions mentor Johan Ackermann and flyhalf Elton Jantjies have been named as the Currie Cup Coach of the Month and Player of the Month for September.

Bok coach Heyneke Meyer has yet to make a call on his first-choice goal-kicker, but he expects an 80 percent strike rate against the All Blacks.

The Griquas will be without injured prop Janro van Niekerk and flank Wesley Wilkins for their clash with the Golden Lions in Kimberley on Saturday.

Free State Cheetahs coach Naka Drotske has shifted lock Francois Uys to flank for their match with the Sharks in Bloemfontein this weekend.

Springbok coach Heyneke Meyer on Wednesday named the same starting line-up for Saturday's Test in the Rugby Championship against New Zealand.

The Golden Lions have had to shuffle their backline for their Currie Cup encounter with Griquas in Kimberley on Saturday.

Injury-prone Stormers loose forward Nick Koster is on the verge of joining Springbok flank Francois Louw at Bath in England.

Wales flank Dan Lydiate could make an appearance in the Six Nations, club coach Darren Edwards said after the Dragons forward underwent successful surgery on a broken ankle.

The Cheetahs have been dealt a major blow with the news that Heinrich Brüssow will undergo shoulder surgery that will sideline him for six months.

A picture is worth a thousand words...

Elton Jantjies may not have signed on the dotted line yet, but two other big-name Lions players will feature ion the Stormers squad in 2013.

The Australian Rugby Union confirmed the Wallabies would undertake a four-Test year-end tour to Europe during November and December.

The Under-13 interprovincial tournament was played at Curro College in Pretoria on Tuesday. Western Province won the main trophy.

The Sale Sharks received good and bad news regarding forwards Andy Powell and Tom Brady who were cited after Saturday’s clash with Bath.

Wales forward coach Robin McBryde is backing Argentina to beat Australia in Rosario this weekend.

Retired New Zealand flyhalf Carlos Spencer believes the Springboks will be no match for the All Blacks in Soweto on Saturday.

Leicester flank Tom Croft will not push for a place in the England squad for the end-of-year Tests in November.

The All Blacks expect the Springboks to play with more width in their return Rugby Championship clash in Soweto on Saturday.

Griquas did nobody any favours when they beat the Golden Lions in Johannesburg just over a month ago.

Fiji coaching director Franck Boivert is fuming after two backline players picked French club rugby over national duty.

Springbok prop Coenie Oosthuizen has been cleared to play after an examination by a neurosurgeon in Durban on Tuesday.

London Wasps prop Tim Payne has been suspended for two weeks after pleading guilty to a charge of striking with the knee during the Premiership match against Northampton Saints.

For the second time on their five-match tour to Fiji and New Zealand, the Australian schools side was beaten. This time, in the third match of their tour,  the New Zealand Barbarians beat them 24-5 at Sacred Heart College in Auckland.

Reports that Springbok Elton Jantjies has signed with the Stormers are not only premature, they may be well wide of the mark.

Although much of the focus has been on the backline, the most important selection Heyneke Meyer has made has been to recall Francois Louw.

Springbok wing JP Pietersen returned to training with the Sharks this week and could make his return from a hand injury against the Cheetahs in Bloemfontein on Saturday.  

WP have been dealt another blow, with a recurring rib cartilage injury likely to rule Rynhardt Elstadt out for the rest of the season.

Springbok wing Bjorn Basson has been included in the starting line-up for the Blue Bulls' clash with Western Province in Pretoria on Friday.

Springbok kicking consultant Louis Koen is convinced that Morne Steyn's Test career is not over and has backed the flyhalf to boot his critics into touch.

Although the Wallabies' injury woes have improved slightly, there is still a question mark over who will play at fullback against Argentina this weekend.

Sharks hooker Pieter Dixon will not be punished further for kicking Blue Bulls flank Arno Botha in the face in Durban on Friday night.

WP coach Allister Coetzee cracked the whip to ensure his team does not drop out of the Currie Cup play-off race.

The dreaded loose forward injury curse has struck the Free State Cheetahs' Springbok flank Heinrich Brüssow again.

Bok coach Heyneke Meyer believes that his players are beginning to understand what he wants from them.

Lions back Lionel Mapoe's career stalled almost before it started. On Monday it unexpectedly got a boost.

Argentina have injury concerns of their own ahead of their clash with Australia in Rosario this weekend.

With the Rugby Championship trophy in the bag, the All Blacks have set their sights on the Springboks.

The All Blacks believe the Pumas can pounce on a wounded Wallaby side and record their maiden Rugby Championship win in Rosario this weekend.

The Australian Rugby Union will wait until the conclusion of the Rugby Championship to address the Quade Cooper saga.

The Blue Bulls will be able to call on the services of three additional Springboks for their Currie Cup crunch match against Western Province in Pretoria on Friday.

Harlequins lock George Merrick has signed a two-year contract extension that will keep him with the West London club until the end of the 2014-15 season.

Sale Sharks duo Andy Powell and Tom Brady are to appear at an RFU disciplinary hearing in Leeds on Tuesday following Saturday’s Premiership match at Bath.

The Lions have responded to the exodus of players from Johannesburg by signing Bulls flank Warwick Tecklenburg on a two-year contract.

The new Rugby Championship ends this weekend. In fact as a competition it ended last weekend with New Zealand the winners. But South Africa and Australia would prefer to come second and Argentina would prefer not to come last.

Young Springbok prop Coenie Oosthuizen's career has been cast into doubt after it was confirmed that there is renewed concern over his neck injury.

London Wasps' Tim Payne is to appear at an RFU disciplinary hearing on Tuesday after being cited following Friday's Premiership match against Northampton Saints.

London Wasps scrumhalf Nic Berry has been forced into retirement following a series of concussions.

With just two rounds of league action remaining the first team has booked a spot in the Currie Cup play-offs.

South Africa's emphatic win over Australia caused a stir on the IRB World rankings.

The Rugby Championship may have already been decided, but judging by our Team of the Week the clash in Soweto this weekend should still be a classic.

The Golden Lions cemented their place at the top of the Currie Cup standings and were rewarded in our weekly selection.

NZRU Chairman Mike Eagle and board director Gerard van Tilborg have been mugged in Argentina.

The Australian media said Monday coach Robbie Deans's future was on the line after the Wallabies' shambolic loss to the Springboks.

Saracens flyhalf Owen Farrell scored all of his side's points to condemn Harlequins to their first Premeirship defeat this season.