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Wayne Barnes has been appointed to referee England's Premiership Final at Twickenham on Saturday, 26 May 2012, when Harlequins play Leicester Tigers.

In the midst of so much unpleasantness on and next to rugby fields where schoolboys are playing, it is worth reading a letter sent to his school's community by Keith Richardson, the headmaster of Wynberg Boys' High.

After leading the table-topping Bulls into the closing minutes of last Friday's match, Waratahs coach Michael Foley has made four changes to the side in the hope of overcoming the second-placed Stormers.

After sticking with the same team in their last two outings the Western Force coaching panel has made six changes to the 22 man squad that will tackle the Rebels on Sunday.

Jonny Wilkinson will lead Toulon in their hunt for a first trophy in 20 years when they face French rivals Biarritz in the European Challenge Cup final at the Twickenham Stoop on Friday.

From neighbouring suburbs to the east of Pretoria the Afrikaans-medium, government school Menlopark meet the English-medium, prrivate school St Alban's in an FNB Classic Clash at Hoerskool Menlopark on Saturday.

Riaan Viljoen has returned to the Sharks team for their Super Rugby derby with the Cheetahs in Bloemfontein on Saturday.

The Crusaders experiment with Dan Carter at inside centre appears to have come to an end with the star flyhalf in the No.10 jersey for the clash with the Blues in Christchurch on Saturday.

With the European Cup, Pro12 and British & Irish Cup competitions all arriving at the Sportsground next season coach Eric Elwood has been busy extending Connacht's squad with quality imports.

Reds ace Liam Gill will lead a 28-man Australian Under-20 squad, who are going through final preparations begin for the 2012 IRB Junior World Championship in South Africa in June.

Wallaby coach Robbie Deans has warned his players not to underestimate lowly Scotland when the two countries meet in a mid-year Test next month.

On Saturday two of the top teams in South Africa, both neighbours down on the Border, meet on the rugby field, as they first did in 1891, match played with passion and intensity twice a year. Adding spice to this Saturday's match is that it is Dale's Reunion, and Old Dalians support their Reunions and the climax of the rugby match against old foe from up in the mountains.

The All Blacks loose trio have been a major strength for the World Champions and this season should be no different for the big black machine.

When Ho?rskool Eldoraigne moves across to Ho?rskool Zwartkop on Saturday it will be for another enthusiastic FNB Classic Clash.

It may be two Irish provinces fighting at the home of English rugby for European supremacy, but the spotlight will be on All Black Brad Thorn.

Lucky for some they say, but who will fortune favour in Round 13 of Super Rugby this season with the jostling for log positron beginning to heat up with pride and reputation on the line.

Stormers captain Jean de Villiers is happy with the winning mentality that his side have developed this season, but admits that they are still looking for the complete performance.

The South African College High School (SACS) take on Diocesan College (Bishops) on Saturday in one of the oldest schoolboy derbies in South Africa.

The flying Dutchman, wing Tim Visser, is one of five uncapped players named in Scotland's 28-strong playing squad for their mid-year tour to Australasia.

The 2011 Craven Week ended in Kimberley on Saturday, a high-scoring Craven Week in the benign weather of the week. It was crisp in the mornings but there was no sign of rain, just a bit of wind. What a harvest of points.

The International Rugby Board has bowed to pressure and extended the jurisdiction of Television Match Officials. This is one of several law amendments that will go on trial soon.

Steven Shingler has lost his appeal against an IRB ruling and will forever be only eligible to play for Wales.

Golden Lions Rugby Union President Kevin de Klerk says he remains optimistic over the union's participation in the Super Rugby competition.

Mercurial Queensland Reds playmaker Quade Cooper will become the latest Wallabies star to return to the team from injury, after being selected at flyhalf for Saturday's match against the struggling South African outfit, the Lions.

The Dale vs Selborne College rugby clash lived up to a typical derby day encounter between these two great schools that ground out a 10-9 win for Dale.

He has achieved success at the highest level and holds a few world records, but Morn? Steyn still gets excited every time he runs out for the Bulls.

Italian international Carlo del Fava is the latest acquisition to Newcastle Falcons, as the North East outfit step up their chase for new recruits ahead of the 2012-13 season.

Cheetahs coach Naka Drotske on Wednesday made one change to the side to meet the Sharks in their Super Rugby clash in Bloemfontein on Saturday.

Lions coach John Mitchell on Wednesday left his side unchanged for their Super Rugby clash against the defending champion Reds in Brisbane on Saturday.

Queen's College beat a gutsy Marlow outfit 23-9 in Cradock on Saturday afternoon.

SARU has welcomed the new compromise agreement between SANZAR and the IRB that will see financial compensation for national unions in World Cup years and a new kick-off date for the global showpiece.

We have some fuller results from some school matches and give them here.

Zack Holmes will make his run-on debut for the Brumbies this Friday in Wellington, when the West Australian flyer fills the No.10 jersey in his side's clash with the Hurricanes.

Stormers coach Allister Coetzee has confirmed that his attempts to sign Saracens loose forward Ernst Joubert amongst others as short-term injury cover were not successful.

The Samoa Rugby Union has dropped captain Mahonri Schwalger from the national side after his stinging criticism of the team management's conduct at last year's World Cup.

The might of the North and South clash on Friday evening in Kimberley in the 15th Vodacom Cup Final, when Griquas host Western Province.

The Dr EG Jansen High School first team rugby coach who shouldered the referee after a match and swore at him has apologised, the Beeld newspaper reported on Wednesday.

RugbyWA, the governing body of the Western Force, revealed that they are "well advanced" in their search for a head coach to replace Richard Graham - who was forced to resigned the role last month.

Stormers coach Allister Coetzee has made two changes, including a first Super Rugby start for Canadian import Jebb Sinclair, in the team to take on the Waratahs at Newlands on Saturday.

The Ireland management team have named seven uncapped player in the squad for their tour game against the Barbarians in Gloucester on Tuesday, May 29.

Western Province Vodacom Cup coach John Dobson has ever seen his team lose only once in two years, and this weekend in Kimberley they have the chance to bring some senior silverware back to Newlands for the first time in eleven years.

Our quest to identify the best options available to South Africa, Australia and New Zealand next month continues as we take a look at the different locks in the running for a call-up.

Leo Cullen knows first-hand the despair of being a losing Heineken Cup finalist at Twickenham ? and five years on the Leinster captain is wary of the threat Ulster ace Ruan Pienaar presents as the defending champions bid to make it three Heineken Cup crowns in four years.

While most pundits continue to debate who new Springbok coach Heyneke Meyer will pick at flyhalf next month, he is already pondering who his No.10 will be at the 2015 World Cup.

Twickenham is the place to be this weekend - at the Stoop where two French teams play and at Twickenham itself where two Irish teams play.

The Hurricanes have picked Samoa's World Cup flyhalf Tusi Pisi to wear the No.10 jersey against the Brumbies in Friday's Super Rugby clash in Wellington.

Italy captain Sergio Parisse will make his country's tour with hopes high he will recover from his thigh injury to be fit enough to play the second Test against Canada, the Italian rugby federation said on Tuesday.

Western Province Schools have chosen four trial teams to choose the Western Province Under-16 team to go to the Grant Khomo Week in Johannesburg in the first week of July.

England have drafted in four more players for their Killik Cup clash with the Barbarians at Twickenham before the team leaves for the tour of South Africa.

Wallabies coach Robbie Deans is under no illusions about the threat that Grand Slam champions Wales will pose in the three Test series in Australia next month.

The Rugby World Cup England is to host in 2015 will kick-off on the compromise date of September 18, the IRB announced.

The Bulls have recalled experienced midfielder Wynand Olivier, loose forward Dewald Potgieter and prop Dean Greyling for Saturday's Super Rugby clash against the Highlanders in Dunedin.

The second row is arguably the area that will cause the most concern for All Blacks selectors, with some of the tried and trusted stalwarts too long in the tooth to make an impact.

The youngest of the four Whitelock brothers, Luke, has admitted to being as surprised as anyone by his call-up to the 35-man All Blacks squad.

Sharks coach John Plumtree is breathing easier after his side entered the Super Rugby playoff positions for the first time this season, admitting he is happy that their destiny is now in their own hands.

Former Wallabies World Cup-winning captain Nick Farr-Jones has been confirmed as Chairman of New South Wales Rugby Union (NSWRU) by the Board at its May meeting.

As the finals weekend of the European club rugby season fast approaches, ERC have named a shortlist of five players who are in contention for the northern hemisphere's most prestigious individual accolade, ERC European Player of the Year 2012.

Star names from ten countries, including three Test cap centurions, feature in a 33-strong Barbarians squad for their three-match mid-year tour.

Wales caretaker coach Rob Howley says the Grand Slam champions must start beating Southern Hemisphere sides away from home if they are to emerge as a genuine force in international rugby.

Hoerskool Sentraal probably went into their FNB Classic Clash with Hoerskool Jim Fouche as underdogs. They came out of it with a comfortable 33-13 victory.

Newport Gwent Dragons have signed young outside backs Dan Evans and Tom Prydie in order to offset the loss of Aled Brew and Martyn Thomas.

It could be a blessing or a curse, but Australia's tight forward resources remain very limited. As is the case with the front row, the options for Wallaby coach Robbie Deans at are paper thin.

What was expected to be a close encounter between Piketberg and Schoonspruit of Malmesbury, Schoonspruit won their FNB Classic Clash 16-3 and more easily than the score suggests.

Former Gloucester player Andrew Stanley is returning to Kingsholm next season to take over the role of Academy Manager.

Former All Blacks, Fiji, Canterbury and Crusaders centre Tabai Matson has been appointed as the new head coach of the Canterbury NPC team.

There are changes to the FNB Top 20 again this week, especially after last week's top four teams met on Saturday.

World Cup-winning All Blacks coach Graham Henry has endorsed the first squad chosen by his successor, saying Steve Hansen has avoided the mistakes he made as a novice.

Bulls coach Frans Ludeke expects the Highlanders pack to offer his sides a fresh challenge in their effort to stay on top of the Super Rugby log.

Stormers forwards coach Matt Proudfoot expects a physical challenge from the Waratahs, who he believes play a very South African brand of rugby with their pack of forwards.

SANZAR have announced the referees appointed to Super Rugby in Weeks 13 and 14, the last two weeks before the recess for June Tests.

Former Springbok coach Peter de Villiers said on Monday he had no knowledge of Sport Minister Fikile Mbalula earmarking him for a rugby developmental role at grass root level.

With this term's prearranged out-weekend for the Paarl, Wellington and Worcester schools on 18 May, now might be a good time to sit back and reflect on a very busy start to the 2012 Western Cape rugby season.

Reigning Super Rugby champions the Queensland Reds are taking elite-level rugby to the Sunshine Coast, following the announcement of a mid-season exhibition game against New Zealand's Hurricanes at Stockland Stadium on Friday June 15.

New Zealand Sevens coach Gordon Tietjens has been inducted into the IRB Hall of Fame after his team sealed their tenth Sevens World Series title in 13 years at Twickenham on Sunday.

New All Blacks coach Steve Hansen remained loyal to several out-of-form All Blacks and tapped nine promising newcomers in naming a training squad of 35 players.

Three of the Bulls' key players have been ruled out till the latter stages of the Super Rugby season - after the inbound tests against England in June - team doctor Org Strauss confirmed.

Kearsney pulled off an upset when they came from behind to defeat Glenwood at fortress Dixons Field in a thrilling encounter. They ran out winners 20-14.

They have been written off for the better part of the season, but on Sunday the Reds made their most emphatic statement of intent this year.

Ulster second row Dan Tuohy has already locked horns with Brad Thorn on the international stage and is relishing the prospect of going toe-to-toe with the 2011 World Cup winner again.

Leicester captain Geordan Murphy acclaimed teenage match-winner George Ford after he helped secure Tigers' eighth successive Premiership Final appearance at Twickenham.

Dan Carter remains New Zealand's premier pivot and will not be starting at centre for the All Blacks next month.

Wales caretaker head coach Rob Howley today named four uncapped players in a 38-man squad for the Barbarians match at the Millennium Stadium on Saturday, June 2, before embarking on a three-Test tour of Australia.

Try-scoring prop Joe Marler was hailed as a "unique talent" after his man-of-the-match performance in Harlequins' Premiership semifinal victory over Northampton on Saturday.

New Zealand playmaker Tomasi Cama was named IRB Sevens Player of the Year shortly after his team lifted their tenth World Sevens Series title at Twickenham on Sunday.

Cardiff Blues have further bolstered their front row resources by signing Irish-qualified Ulster hooker Andy Kyriacou on a two year contract ahead of the new season.

England coach Stuart Lancaster has done his homework and believes he has the formula to end his team's seven-match losing streak against the Springboks when they tour South Africa next month.

The Melbourne Rebels are rumoured to be courting Scott Higginbotham, as the Reds No.8 is regarded as the ideal replacement for Gareth Delve.

Dr EG Jansen, one of South Africa's top rugby schools, lost a match, after which EG Jansen's assistant coach charged into the referee from behind. Strong action against the coach is expected.

A determined Kirkwood side hosted Muir on the weekend resulting in a narrow victory for the visiting Muir 28-21. Kirkwood led 13-7 at the break though the boot of their flyhalf.

Six Nations Grand Slam champions Wales will play the Brumbies in a mid-week game on their tour of Australia next month.

The Stormers may be struggling to score tries, but coach Allister Coetzee believes his team is not too far away from producing a vastly improved attacking display.

Newcastle Falcons have completed the signing of former Scotland international lock Scott MacLeod who will add some grunt to their tight five from the start of next season.

Italy coach Jacques Brunel on Monday named seven new caps in a 30-strong squad for a tour that comprises Test matches against Argentina, Canada and the United States.

The Bulls moved to the top of a very congested Super Rugby table, with their depth ensuring the three-time champions could overcome a number of potentially crippling injuries.

The Rugby Lions of Sarel Cilliers High School have just returned from Zimbabwe where they enjoyed roaring success in the 14th annual Cottco Rugby Festival hosted by Prince Edward School in Harare.

South African sports minister Fikile Mbalula has confirmed that former Springbok coach Peter de Villiers will be involved in setting up development projects aimed at stimulating grassroots rugby.

Saterdag, 12 Mei was 'n rooi letter dag op die almanak vir Secunda inwoners. Dit was die eerste keer in ses jaar dat die twee buur skole, Hoerskool Secunda en Hoerskool Oosterland mekaar weer op die rugby veld gepak het.

Last Friday, there appeared in the Bulletin, a Tzaneen newspaper, news of the action to be taken by the Limpopo branch of the Blue Bulls Referees' Society in the event of abuse, even of the verbal kind.

The Cheetahs have signed prop Ross Geldenhuys from the Lions as a replacement for WP Nel in this year's Currie Cup.

Western Province Schools have chose four trial teams and some players to be included in later trials.

Dublin is in line for a major economic boost next year when the Irish capital becomes the epicentre of European club rugby with the staging of both the Heineken Cup and Amlin Challenge Cup finals in May 2013.

Richard Kahui has suffered yet another heartbreaking injury, after the powerful centre dislocated his shoulder during the Chiefs' 42-27 defeats to the Reds on Sunday.

Wales Under-20 coach and Newport Gwent Dragons forwards coach, Danny Wilson will join the Scarlets' coaching set-up next season.

The South African College High School (SACS) produced a quality performance against their highly-ranked visitors from Paarl Boishaai. SACS led 7-5 at half-time before losing 19-10.

Former Waratahs utility back Peter Hewat has joined the Brumbies and will take part in the team's surge towards the finals subject to insurance clearance.

Leinster head coach Joe Schmidt admitted his side's 19-15 Pro 12 playoff win over Glasgow had left him with a number of worrying injuries to tackle as their double chase comes to a head.

A wonderful display of committed rugby saw Rondebosch almost pull off what would have been a well-merited win against Boland Landbou out at Windmeul on Saturday. The Farmers, however, eventually did just enough to run out 34-24 winners after leading 12-7 at the break.

Affies of Pretoria beat Grey of Bloemfontein 35-29 in an FNB Classic Clash played in Pretoria on Saturday afternoon. It was a wonderful match, played at great speed and intensity.

The Cheetahs took heart from their fighting second half performance on Saturday but left Newlands with yet another losing bonus point and an all too familiar sense of frustration.

Cheetahs loose forward Ashley Johnson and Stormers hooker Deon Fourie have been issued with off-field yellow cards for their parts in the brawl that broke out between the Cheetahs and Stormers on Saturday's clash at Newlands.

A Mat Turner try seconds after the final hooter gave England a dramatic 19-17 victory over South Africa in their Plate semifinal clash of the London Sevens at Twickenham on Sunday.

The Fijians stormed to the London title to cap a season of achievement for them, matching New Zealand's three Cup titles and underlining just how tight things are at the top of the Sevens game.

Departing coach Sean Lineen insists the future is bright for Glasgow Warriors after their narrow 19-15 defeat to Leinster in the Pro12 semifinals.

Sharks coach John Plumtree refused to get carried away after watching his side produce their best performance of the Super Rugby season thus far when they blew away the Force in Durban on Saturday.

Indications are that the Lions' Super Rugby franchise will run aground at the end of yet another dismal season, but head coach John Mitchell is not about to 'jump ship'.

There were big matches this weekend - as there seem to be every weekend. Three of them were FNB Classic Clashes. Two of the matches were broadcast on national TV. And all over the country there were boys playing rugby with enthusiasm cheered on by schoolmasters, parents and friends. It's a wonderful contribution to the health and happiness of the nation.

The Stormers may have churned out another win against the Cheetahs at Newlands on Saturday, but they were by no means satisfied with the way they went about it.

The defending champion Reds pulled off a thrilling 42-27 victory over the Chiefs in a wild try-fest in Brisbane on Sunday to keep the Queensland side's playoff hopes alive.

Reds fullback Luke Morahan has been issued with an off-field yellow card for his tip-tackle on Chiefs centre Sonny Bill Williams during the Reds 42-27 victory over the Chiefs on Sunday.

Reds coach Ewen McKenzie has stressed the need for variety in the gameplan, as simply running at every opportunity will get you into trouble at Super Rugby level.

Stormers coach Allister Coetzee has confirmed that impressive No.8 Nizaam Carr has been ruled out for the balance of the season, with a torn ACL in his right knee.

RWC Limited and the Rugby Union of Russia have announced that World Cup Sevens 2013 will take place in Moscow from June 28 to 30.

David Kearney's second-half try ensured that Leinster will have the chance to become the first team to do the European and domestic double since Wasps in 2004 as they beat Glasgow 19-15 at the RDS.

Teenager George Ford drove Leicester into a remarkable eighth successive Premiership Final as Tigers ended Saracens' reign as English champions.

Western Province advanced to the Final of the Vodacom Cup by beating the Pumas 33-20 in their semifinal at Newlands in Cape Town on Saturday.

It was a beautiful autumn day in the beautiful Boland town of Paarl on Saturday when Paul Roos took the short journey from Stellenbosch to play Paarl Gim, two of the very best schoolboy teams in South Africa in action and shown to the nation on television in the new Premier Interschools initiative under the direction of the former Springbok captain, Tiaan Strauss.

The Hurricanes snatched a 26-20 victory over the Highlanders with a Julian Savea try sealing the outcome in the dying minutes of their Super Rugby clash on Saturday.

The Ireland squads for the game against the Barbarians and the mid-year tour to New Zealand, to be named in the coming weeks, received a timely boost with the news that forwards coach Gert Smal is fully fit to travel.

The Hurricanes put the cat among the pigeons in the New Zealand conference when they edged the Highlanders 26-20 in a Super Rugby arm-wrestle in Dunedin on Saturday.

The Rebels produced the upset of the season when they beat the seven-time champion Crusaders in their first Super Rugby encounter, beating them 28-19 in Melbourne on Saturday.

The Rebels claimed their greatest victory in their short history with a 28-19 upset of the seven-time Super Rugby champion Crusaders in Melbourne on Saturday.

Spain won two pool matches on day one of the London leg to take their place for the first time in the Cup quarterfinals of an IRB Sevens Series event.

Harlequins reached their first Premiership Final with a nail-biting 25-23 victory over Northampton, sealed four minutes from time when Joe Marler was driven over for a converted try.

The Stormers cemented their place in the top six of the Super Rugby standings with a fortuitous 16-14 win over the Cheetahs in a brutal arm-wrestle at Newlands on Saturday.

The Sharks managed to work their way into the top six on the Super Rugby standings after a 53-11, seven-tries-to-one victory over the hapless Western Force in Durban on Saturday.

It's Round 12 in the 2012 Super Rugby competition... Follow rugby365s Howie Kahn's latest exploits in the Bet.co.za betting challenge.

Griquas secured a home final as they beat the Blue Bulls 30-17 in their Vodacom Cup semifinal in Kimberley on Friday.

Scotland's rugby tour of the South Pacific was cut from four matches to three after the New South Wales Waratahs withdrew from a scheduled fixture on June 10 in Sydney.

Highlanders coach Jamie Joseph has named Andrew Hore as captain of the team to face the Hurricanes in their Super Rugby showdown in Dunedin on Saturday.

The Waratahs received a timely boost ahead of their two-match tour of South Africa.

England coach Stuart Lancaster has warned scrumhalf Danny Care he is "treading a very fine line" following his recall to the Test squad for next month's tour of South Africa.

They had to battle right until the end but a late try from tighthead prop Werner Kruger gave the Bulls a dramatic 27-24 victory over the Waratahs in Sydney on Friday.

Prop Pierre Schoeman will captain Afrikaanse Hoer Seunskool (Affies) in Saturday's home FNB Classic Clashes encounter against Grey College from Bloemfontein.

Grey College captain Pieter Jordaan will be a key man for his team when they travel to Pretoria to take on Affies in their FNB Classic Clashes encounter on Saturday afternoon.

The Souther Kings will play in the 2013 Super Rugby tournament. That is a fact! However, they have no guarantee of participation in this SANZAR showpiece beyond next year.

South African back Scott Spedding is set to join French Top 14 side Bayonne on a two-year contract from Brive, a club currently on the brink of relegation from France's top flight.

John Plumtree concedes his Sharks side are already playing catch-up and admits that victory over the Force in Durban on Saturday is essential if they want to make the Super Rugby playoffs.

The Stormers clash with the Cheetahs in Cape Town on Saturday is a yin versus yang approach with a great defence to be tested by an exciting attack.

The Chiefs, who remain at the top of the Super Rugby competition, have brought back a number of their frontline stars to play the defending-champion Reds in Brisbane this Sunday.

South Africa will be determined to bounce back at Twickenham this coming weekend when they compete at the London tournament, the final leg of the 2011/12 IRB Sevens World Series.

There was a time when the Sevens game was seen mainly as a "bit of fun" and, at elite level, a handy way of giving potential Test players in 'proper' 15-a-side rugby international experience.

Tighthead prop Werner Kruger may have scored the match-winning try in the final minutes, but it was defence that won the day as the Bulls recorded a 27-24 Super Rugby win over the ailing Waratahs in Sydney on Friday.

England have called newcomer Jeff Williams and former captain Andy Vilk into their squad for this weekend's London Sevens.

Tiaan Strauss, the former Springbok captain is the general manager of Megapro Marketing and they have just announced their broadcast coverage of South Africa's top rugby schools matches in a series referred to as Premier Interschools.

Reds prop Ben Daley and flank Beau Robinson return from one-week injury lay-offs to regain their places in the matchday squad set to play the Super Rugby competition leading Chiefs in Brisbane on Sunday.

One coach from each of the 12 English Premiership clubs will be travelling to New York at the end of May to play a key role in the development and promotion of rugby in the USA.

Bulls flanker Deon Stegmann has suffered a cruel blow with a broken arm sustained in his side's 27-24 win over the Waratahs in Sydney on Friday.

The Blues' torrid run of defeats finally came to an end as they tamed the Lions 25-3 on Friday, a win that made outgoing coach Pat Lam very proud.

Shane Williams' Ospreys swansong continues after the Welsh region romped past defending champions Munster 45-10 and into the Pro12 Final.

England coach Stuart Lancaster has told banned hooker Dylan Hartley he can forget about resuming his Test career in South Africa if he can't be trusted on the field.

A clear-cut leader in the race to be crowned KwaZulu-Natal's unofficial top team is yet to emerge. Heading into this weekend four schools, namely Glenwood, Maritzburg College, Michaelhouse and Westville are still considered to be joint leaders.

The Highlanders' England loose forward James Haskell has had his suspension for punching extended from three weeks to four weeks.

The Blues ended an eight-week losing streak when they smashed a pitiful Lions team 25-3 at Eden Park, in Auckland, on Friday.

With time running out for teams to make a charge and secure a place in the play-offs there should be some hard-hitting Super Rugby action in store this weekend, we take a look at the match-ups.

Cheetahs backline coach Hawies Fourie has conjured up a few cunning plans to find a way through the Stormers' watertight defence at Newlands in Cape Town on Saturday.

Jim Hamilton (Gloucester) and David Paice (London Irish) were both suspended for seven weeks at an RFU disciplinary hearing on Thursday.

Jim Fouche captain JG Linde knows that nothing short of total commitment will be good enough when his side square up to local rivals Sentraal on Saturday.

Former Harlequins coach Dean Richards said on Thursday that he was ready to move on despite admitting "huge regret" over the Bloodgate scandal that rocked English rugby.

Wales hooker Huw Bennett has signed for two years with relegated Top 14 side Lyon, the French club confirmed on Thursday.

There is enough beef in All Blacks front row stocks to make them formidable up front again this year, starting with their June Test series against Ireland.

Hoerskool Sentraal plays host to Hoerskool Jim Fouche in the week's FNB Classic Clash at Sentraal on Saturday.

Melbourne Rebels coach Damien Hill has included English flank Michael Lipman in an effort to counter Richie McCaw in the clash against the Crusaders on Saturday.

Ulster on Thursday confirmed that Simon Danielli has decided to retire from the game due to a back injury which has plagued the wing throughout this last season.

Saturday may have brought the curtain down on Exeter's second season in the Aviva Premiership, but Chiefs head coach Rob Baxter is already hard at work planning for the 2012/13 campaign.

After trials last weekend SWD has chosen its teams for the Craven Week, the Academy Week and the Grant Khomo Week.

Last week's Western Cape fare appeared relatively unappetising, even if it did toss up a couple of major surprises.

The FNB Classic Clash up the West Coast when Schoonspruit of Malmesbury play Piketberg could just be a wonderful and intriguing occasion.

England's Mark Odejobi has been ruled out of the London leg of the IRB Sevens World Series, after sustaining a broken bone in a foot.

Sharks coach John Plumtree stuck with the recipe that gave him a workmanlike win over the Highlanders last week, for this Saturday's Super Rugby visit by the Western Force.

The Celtic nations will have their moment in the spotlight when the Pro12 play-offs get underway on Friday - with Ospreys hosting Munster and defending champions Leinster hosting the Glasgow Warriors a day later.

England coach Stuart Lancaster has recalled troublesome scrumhalf Danny Care and New Zealand-based loose forward James Haskell for next month's five-match tour of South Africa.

Piketburg captain Werner Louwrens knows that his team will have to dig deep when they come up against Hoerskool Schoonspruit in their FNB Classic Clash this weekend.

There is no doubt that Hoerskool Schoonspruit captain Ludio Williams is the star of his team, but he will need some staunch support when they take on Piketburg on Saturday.

Paarl Gim have just usurped Paul Roos's top spot on the FNB Top 20 and here they are playing each other in Paarl on Saturday, one of the top school matches in South Africa this weekend.

Reach the Plate Final. That is the absolute minimum requirement for New Zealand as they chase their 10th IRB Sevens World Series title.

Australia's front row stock have been threadbare for many years now, with only the occasional world class performance.

Basement dwellers the Blues and Lions get things started in Round Twelve of Super Rugby in another weekend filled with bumper to bumper rugby action to keep you on the edge of your seat.

The rash of injuries that besieged the hapless Lions may have contributed to their dismal results, but there is another equally critical factor - their sloppy starts.

England's showpiece tournament, the Premiership, is into the play-offs and four of the giants of the competition will go head-to-head on Saturday.

The Bulls and Waratahs have both made significant alterations to their midfields for their Super Rugby showdown in Sydney on Friday.

With the June Test matches rapidly approaching we have taken a closer look at the candidates for selection from South Africa, New Zealand and Australia, starting with the big boys in the front row.

This Saturday unbeaten Dale come up against rivals, Selborne College of East London.

The Western Force have named an unchanged line-up to attack the Sharks in Durban on Saturday with the side eager to finish their South African tour with a win.

Sentraal skipper Dirk van Niekerk knows that it will take a big effort up front if his team is to emerge victorious in their FNB Classic Clash with Jim Fouche.

The Premiership spotlight may be on semifinals - involving Harlequins versus Northampton Saints and Leicester Tigers against Saracens - but there is another equally significant battle going on.

Here we have a clash of two top South African rugby schools - Afrikaanse Hoer Seunskool of Pretoria and Grey College of Bloemfontein. They are both doing exceptionally well this year.

Rocky Elsom will lead the Waratahs for the second time when the side takes on the Bulls in Sydney on Friday.

Harlequins back row forward Chris Robshaw was named Premiership Player of the Season at the Aviva Awards ceremony in London.

Western Province or the Pumas will be making history on Saturday when one of them qualifies for the Vodacom Cup Final in a weeks' time.

South African-born prop Reg Goodes will make his first Super Rugby start when he runs out for the Hurricanes in their Round 12 encounter be with the Highlanders in Dunedin on Saturday.

In an FNB Classic Clash played in Dou Location near East London on Saturday, Zweliyandila ran out 24-13 over rivals Ntsonkotha. This is Zweliyandila's third successive win.

The groin injury continuing to trouble Dan Carter may see the All Blacks ace relieved of kicking duties and shunted from flyhalf to inside centre, All Blacks coach Steve Hansen suggested Wednesday.

A quick glance at the calendar confirmed it was not April 1. So reports from Canberra that Jake White wants to lure Stephen Larkham out of retirement have to be taken seriously.

Harlequins scrumhalf Danny Care said on Wednesday that he has stopped drinking in a bid to revive his faltering England career.

Stormers skipper Jean de Villiers is back this weekend to lead a first-choice backline against the Cheetahs, and the Bok veteran has called for his side to "go to the next level" in front of the Newlands faithful.

London Irish announced on Wednesday that Wales's defence coach, Shaun Edwards, will be joining the London Irish coaching team.

World Cup-winning All Black captain Richie McCaw will lead the Crusaders for the first time this year, when they head to Melbourne to face the Rebels on Saturday.

Worcester Warriors confirmed the signing of hugely talented and versatile Fiji international back Josh Matavesi from French giants Racing Metro.

Tony Woodcock has lost his race to overcome a calf strain in time for Friday's Super Rugby basement battle with the Lions - as more injuries continue to plague the beleaguered Blues.

Canadian loose forward Jebb Sinclair has been loaned by English Premiership outfit London Irish to the Stormers as loose forward cover.

South Africa's premier poacher, Heinrich Br?ssow, will be playing in his 50th Super Rugby match when the Cheetahs take on the Stormers at Newlands on Saturday.

The European Rugby Cup (ERC) has announced that Nigel Owens will be refereeing his third Heineken Cup Final at Twickenham on 19 May 2012.

The Blues franchise heaped even more pressure on embattled coach Pat Lam by revealing that they are going to put his job up to tender.

Injured Springbok Sevens players Okkie Kruger and Stephan Dippenaar have returned home from Britain while veteran Neil Powell has made the journey in the opposite direction to join up with the Blitzbokke in London.

After joining the Western Force on a short term contract which was extended to include the remainder of the 2012 Super Rugby season David Harvey has re-signed with the club for a further year.

Munster have been dealt a massive blow ahead of their Pro 12 semifinal clash with Ospreys, with the news that Paul O'Connell won't be fit.

This is the final Top 20 for 2011 which takes into account the whole season, rather than each week's performances.

Lions centre Doppies la Grange has signed a two-year contract with Italian outfit Benetton Treviso and will join the Pro12 side at the end of June.

The Stormers are intent on capitalising on their consistent start to the season by upping the intensity over the next month, starting at Newlands on Saturday when they take on the Cheetahs.

Edinburgh have signed talented 22-year-old Worcester Warriors outside back Mike Penn on a one-year contract.

Former Springbok forwards coach Gary Gold has officially been unveiled as the new head coach of English Premiership side Bath.

The Blues have re-signed three of their key players, as Charlie Faumuina, Luke Braid and Tom McCartney have all agreed contract extensions with the Auckland franchise.

Sharks centre Tim Whitehead says he is relishing the freedom given to attack with his new team in comparison to the style of play at his previous side, the Stormers.

Some of rugby's biggest stars such as Quade Cooper and Sonny Bill Williams have been signed up for the new Sevens Premier League tournament to be held in George in December.

Stade Francais hooker Dimitri Szarzewski will be playing for cross-town rivals Racing-Metro as of next season.

There have been some queries about an incident in the Queen's-Grey match last Saturday. It may be a good idea to look at what the law says.

Leopards Chief Executive Eugene Hare will join the Blue Bulls Rugby Union on June 15 to head up the amateur part of the union.

This weekend Glenwood played Northwood at home. It was a great day for Glenwood rugby and all the teams played exceptionally well making their school proud.

It was a wonderful day's rugby at HTS Potchefstroom for the FNB Classic Clash between the Tech and Potchefstroom Boys High, which the latter won 26-14.

Sharks coach John Plumtree believes that now is the time for his team to stand up and be counted, and with a string of wins in May the Durban side will be in the hunt for the Super Rugby play-offs.

Wales caretaker coach Rob Howley has revealed that inspirational skipper Sam Warburton will be fit to lead the Grand Slam winners on their tour of Australia in June.

There are changes again in this year's rollercoaster season, some of them really hard to make.

Unlike many of his All Blacks teammates Hurricanes star Cory Jane has shown so signs of a World Cup hangover, and is one of the form players in Super Rugby this season.

The IRB Sevens Series ends in Twickenham, there are knockout matches in the Pro 12 and the English Premiership and the last dramatic rounds for France's competitions. It is a nerve-wracking time for many.

Bulls coach Frans Ludeke has been forced to make four changes to his starting line-up for the clash against the Waratahs at the Sydney Football Stadium on Friday.

A SANZAR Judicial Hearing has found Cheetahs lock Andries Ferreira not guilty of dangerous play in the clash with the Force in Bloemfontein last week.

In their FNB Classic Clash in perfect weather in Grahamstown on Saturday, St Andrew's College beat their neighbours Graeme College 10-6 in a match of just one try.

Scrumhalf Chris Pilgrim has become the latest player to pledge his future to relegation-threatened Newcastle Falcons after signing an extension to his contract.

Springbok scrumhalf Fourie du Preez has committed himself to seeing out his contract with Japanese champions Suntory Sungoliath but he has also declared himself available for Test duty with the Springboks.

A knee injury to Lions inside centre Alwyn Hollenbach has forced coach John Mitchell to shuffle his midfield for the basement scrap with the Blues in Auckland on Friday.

New Springbok coach Heyneke Meyer was a satisfied man after the completion of three successful planning camps over a three-week period.

An unusually green and warm Queenstown welcomed Grey PE this past weekend for their annual derby clash against their old foes Queen's College, culminating in the First XV clash on the Recreation Ground.

It is indeed an interesting mix in our weekly Super Rugby selection, as the second half of season starts to gather pace.

The Stormers have moved quickly to resolve issues regarding the payment of their players, who have reportedly raised concerns over their remuneration in comparison to other franchises.

Munster could be without stalwarts Paul O'Connell and Damien Varley, who are rated unlikely to feature in the Pro 12 semifinal clash with Ospreys on Friday.

New Zealand, who took a giant stride towards the IRB Sevens World Series title at the weekend, will have a relative easy pool run in the series decider this coming weekend.

The Melbourne Rebels players have expressed their admiration for the Crusaders and were more than generous in their flattery for the seven-times Super Rugby champions.

Former Springbok forwards coach Gary Gold is set to take up a new post as Director of Rugby at English Premiership side Bath, with an announcement expected to be made on Tuesday.

The new contracting regime in Australian rugby coupled with a Super Rugby salary cap has left several high profile players floating in limbo.

Tim Visser followed up his inclusion in the Pro12 Dream Team by being named as winner of the tournament's ?Players' Player of the Year' award.

It was a lovely day in Worcester on Saturday when Worcester Gim came across to HTS Drostdy for an exciting FNB Classic Clash that ended in a 15-all draw after a score just before the end.

The vultures are circling, hoping to pick off the carcass of a decaying Bulls team. However, the three-time champions' coach is adamant they are not ready for the slaughterhouse just yet.

A sense of unfinished business at Test level has kept Wycliff Palu in Australia until the end of 2013.

The Blues have a chance to move off the bottom of the table this weekend, but their coach Pat Lam believes that the Lions will be just as desperate after having experienced similar difficulties this season.

Some kind schools have sent in their results from matches beyond the 1st XV. Feel free to send yours too!

New Zealand stars Tomasi Cama and Frank Halai and South African-born Engand speedster Mat Turner have all been nominated for the IRB Sevens Player of the Year Award.

Stormers coach Allister Coetzee has denied rumours circulating in the media that Peter Grant and Francois Louw have signed contracts for next season and insists his team is focused on rugby.

Afgelope Saterdag was die afskop van die Mpumalanga groot skole rugby liga. Hoerskool Generaal Hertzog het gasheer gespeel vir Hoerskool Secunda.

WP and Namibian international openside flank Rohan Kitshoff is one of a number of players that have signed with French Top 14 side Bordeaux-Begles for next season.

Visiting Union High ran in five tries to Muir's three taking the game 41-15. Union High was leading 20-5 at the break.

Op Vrydag 4 Mei en Saterdag 5 Mei het die FNB Classic Clash tussen Hoerskool Schoonspruit en Hoerskool Wolmaranstad plaasgevind.

Paul Treu's Springbok team will have to go back to the drawing board after being handed one of their biggest defeats in history at the Glasgow leg of the IRB Sevens World Series at the weekend.

Saracens Director of Rugby Mark McCall praise his side's second-half performance after they saw off Exeter 40-22.

After leading by a tenuous 17-16 margin at the break, Boland Landbou surged into top gear in the latter stages of their home match against SACS to run out 43-21 winners.

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

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

Leinster, Ospreys, Munster and Glasgow all finished the regular season on a winning note to secure their spots in the Pro12 semifinals.

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

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

London Irish Director of Rugby Brian Smith believes that the club will have plenty of representation on England's mid-year tour to South Africa.

In a thrilling FNB Classic Clash played at HTS Daniel Pienaar in Uitenhage, the home side just beat Die Brandwag 28-23 when they scored in the last minute.

Leicester Director of Rugby Richard Cockerill expects England halfbacks Toby Flood and Ben Youngs to be fit for next Saturday's Premiership semi-final against Saracens.

Sale Chief Executive Steve Diamond said that the English players at the club have national ambitions after the Premiership Round 22 loss to Harlequins.

Affies secured bragging rights in the 108th interschools match against their close neighbours Pretoria Boys High on Saturday after securing a 34-11 win on their home ground. The hosts were 27-6 up at half-time in this FNB Classic Clash.

Gary Gold admitted he had "very mixed emotions" after his Newcastle team were left facing Premiership relegation despite beating Wasps at Adams Park.

Hoerskool Waterkloof het twee spanne in die stryd om 1ste plek in die NuPower Tuks kompetisie gehad. Waterkloof se 1ste span het Centurion aangevat en Klofies se Tornados (Torries) het teen die Hoer Tegniese Skool Middelburg se tweede span gespeel.

There are shocks again this week, none greater than the defeat of the top-ranked side by one nowhere near the rankings. But then it reiterates what we have been saying - that there are many strong schools in South Africa and there is not one that is invincible.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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