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Maties coach Chean Roux was obviously pleased with his team's fourth successive bonus point victory in the 2010 Varsity Cup - despite, once again, having to deal with inclement weather conditions.

Johny Stavrinou will referee his third Test this Saturday when Greece play Finland in FIRA-AER's Division 3. It's a long way from Durban for this Cypriot.

Steinhoff Patriot coach Johan Visser was understandably disappointed with his team's 15-42 loss to Steinhoff Maroela in their 2010 Steinhoff Koshuisrugby Championships opener on Monday - but more, so, because his players let themselves down.

FNB UJ's second away victory in the 2010 Varsity Cup has given Hugo Van As's charges a sporting chance of qualifying for the play-offs for the first time.

The Varsity Cup will put academics before pleasure for next month's top-of-the-log clash between the FNB Maties and FNB UCT in Stellenbosch; with the kick-off for that much-anticipated match moving from 6.30pm to 8.30pm.

Steinhoff Maroela het 'n goeie begin in die 2010 Steinhoff Koshuisliga nodig gehad, want 'ons moes van vooraf aan 'n span bou', het die afrigter, Paul van der Westhuizen, gisteraand na die klinkende oorwinning teen Patriot (FNB TUT) gese.

After the match between his Waratahs and the Stormers at Newlands on Saturday, Phil Waugh, captain of the Waratahs and an experienced flank forward, complained about the new application of the law because it ceased to allow a contest at the tackle. He has a point.

FNB Tuks se grootste uitdaging vandeesweek in die aanloop tot die Varsitybeker-wedstryd teen die FNB Maties Maandag in Stellenbosch, is 'om net op ons eie spel te bly fokus'.

It's another huge week with massive activity on the international front - Six Nations at various levels, FIRA-AER competitions, Super 14 and British & Irish Cup. Then the Vodacom Cup, an essentially South African competition starts this weekend with teams from Namibia and Argentina. The Namibian team is chosen from their national group who are playing in Namibia, calling themselves Welwitchias.

UCT head coach John Dobson was honest in the assessment of his team's unconvincing 25-19 Varsity Cup win over a fired-up FNB TUT Vikings team at Groote Schuur on Monday afternoon.

The FNB TUT Vikings' first win since March 2008, in the FNB Varsity Cup presented by Steinhoff International, is around the corner - according to head coach Alex de Kock.

The inclusion of Wesleigh Marais (pictured) and Stanley Twiname in the Steinhoff Maroela starting line-up will be a big morale-booster in their quest to start the 2010 Steinhoff Koshuisrugby Championships on a winning note.

Steinhoff Vishuis recorded a stunning 24-7 away win over Steinhoff Dagbreek in an exciting Steinhoff Koshuisrugby Championships clash in Stellenbosch on Monday.

The 2010 Steinhoff Koshuisrugby Championships kicks-off on Monday, February 22 and this year's tournament promises to be bigger and better than ever before.

2010 het aangebreek en so ook die jaarlikse Varsity Cup die kompetisie wat elke jaar die beste rugby koshuis in die land kroon.

FNB Tuks romped to a 63-36 Varsity Cup win over a hapless FNB NMMU side in Pretoria on Monday evening.

The unbeaten FNB UCT scrapped out a 25-19 Varsity Cup win over a fired-up and battling FNB TUT Vikings team in Cape Town on Monday.

'n Strafdoel in die doodsnikke deur WD Botha het Maandag aan Steinhoff Villagers (Puk) 'n naelskraapse sege oor Steinhoff Bastion (UJ) in die openingsronde van die 2010 Steinhoff Koshuisliga besorg.

The Steinhoff Tornadoes, UCT's representatives in the 2010 Steinhoff Koshuisrugby Championships, got their campaign off to a red-hot start with a comprehensive 38-21 win over a game Steinhoff Madibaz (NMMU) outfit.

The defending champion FNB Maties scored yet another bonus point victory in the 2010 Varsity Cup, but it was FNB UJ who caused the major shock of the fourth round of action by beating last year's losing finalists, FNB NMU-Pukke, in Potchefstroom.

The Churchill Cup makes a welcome return to the United States this year, once again stopping in the City of Glendale, Colorado, before making its East Coast debut at in Harrison, New Jersey.

FNB UJ beat last year's losing Varsity Cup finalists, NWU-Pukke, 23-22 in a nailbiting encounter in Potchefstroom on Monday.

The FNB Maties survived a small scare to beat FNB Shimlas 31-15 in Stellenbosch on Monday night - having trailed 14-15 at half-time.

FNB UJ and FNB Shimlas have announced some minor changes to their line-ups for Monday's Varsity Cup, Round Four action.

Steinhoff Bastion van die Universiteit van Johannesburg (UJ) weet hulle kan beter in die 2010 Steinhoff Koshuisliga. Vir die manne is tweede plek nie 'n opsie nie!

FNB Tuks head coach Freddie Grobler has made a late change to his team's starting XV for today's Varsity Cup match against NMMU in Pretoria. The change sees Gert Smith start at outside centre instead of Ernie Kruger.

Die verdedigende kampioen, FNB Maties, het nog 'n bonuspunt-oorwinning in die 2010 Varsitybeker-reeks behaal, maar dit was die FNB UJ wat die grootste opskudding van die vierde rondte gelewer het - deur verlede jaar se naaswenners, FNB NMU-Pukke, in Potchefstroom te klop.

Steinhoff Maroela began their 2010 Steinhoff Koshuisrugby Championships on a high note - beating Steinhoff Patriot 42-15 in Pretoria on Monday afternoon.

Coach John Dobson has been forced into making some late changes to the Ikeys starting line-up for Monday's Varsity Cup clash against TUT - one of which sees the introduction of centre Mark Esterhuizen on the bench.

As the positional debate continues to follow FNB Maties halfback Conrad Hoffmann during his fledgling rugby career, the Varsity Cup star does not actually mind where he starts for the defending champions.

As the south gets into its Super stride, so the north gets closer to making decisions for the immediate future, such things as play-offs at the top and relegation down below.

Die Steinhoff Villagers se bondgenoot in vanjaar se Steinhoff Koshuisliga, is hul ervare span.

Have you ever seen a Super 14 match like the one in Johannesburg? Mind you, have you ever seen any match like it? A team scored 65 and loses! It looks like a misprint. We give some statistics for the Week 2 matches.

Steinhoff Vishuis - hoping to pick up where fellow Free Staters Huis Armentum ended off in last year's Steinhoff Koshuisrugby Championships - have named their side for Monday's 2010 opener against Steinhoff Dagbreek.

Now in his third year of Varsity Cup rugby, UCT stalwart JJ Gagiano is better suited than most to comment on the success of this incredible student rugby tournament.

The Steinhoff NMMU Madibaz will travel to Cape Town for their opening 2010 Steinhoff Koshuisrugby Championships clash against UCT's, Steinhoff Tornadoes, on Monday.

Madibas head coach Kolie Brandt has moved his star inside back Willem Laubscher back to flyhalf - from inside centre - for Monday's Varsity Cup clash against FNB Tuks in Pretoria.

Andre van Zyl will lead Steinhoff Patriot into battle in their 2010 Steinhoff Koshuisrugby Championships opener against Steinhoff Maroela in Pretoria on Monday.

Vikings captain flanker Emile Verster was today cleared to play against UCT this coming Monday, despite being sent off in a Varsity Cup - and Pretoria Derby - clash against Tuks earlier this week.

Maties se indrukwekkende skakel Conrad Hoffmann speel van die beste rugby van sy loopbaan in vanjaar se Varsitybeker-toernooi, met Speler van die Wedstryd toekennings in die eerste twee rondtes. Hy se egter dat die beste beloning is die ongelooflike ondersteuning wat sy span van die toeskouers in Stellenbosch ontvang.

Stellenbosch student Cornel Nieuwoudt will lead Dagbreek into battle as they kick-off their 2010 Steinhoff Koshuisrugby Championships campaign against Steinhoff Vishuis (Shimlas).

All eyes will be on Potchefstroom and Pretoria on Monday night as the likes of Pukke, UJ and Tuks continue to chase the top two teams in the 2010 FNB Varsity Cup presented by Steinhoff International - the defending champion Maties and the Ikey Tigers.

Tuks and UJ will tackle their Varsity Cup fourth-round matches knowing full well that they have to better their current log positions in order to stay in the hunt for the play-offs in the 2010 FNB Varsity Cup presented by Steinhoff International.

FNB Pukke head coach Rudy Joubert has made two key changes to his team's front row after this week's 17-16 win over Shimlas; with BG Uys and Johan Coetzee named to start this coming Monday's clash against UJ in Potchefstroom (kick-off 6.30pm).

FNB UJ will field a rather new-look pack of forwards on Monday when they play the Pukke in an FNB Varsity Cup presented by Steinhoff International fixture.

Teenager James King will target a return to action in time to represent Wales at the IRB Junior World Championships in Argentina in mid-year, after being ruled out through injury for a period of up to 12 weeks.

FNB Tuks coach Freddie Grobler has made plenty of changes to his starting XV for Monday's FNB Varsity Cup presented by Steinhoff International clash against NMMU in Pretoria (kick-off 6.30pm).

The Steinhoff Nadoes have been hard at work on the touch-field for the last few weeks, getting fit, honing their skills and getting focused for the 2010 Steinhoff Koshuisrugby Championships campaign.

Boland referee Francois Veldsman will officiate the Round Four, Varsity Cup clash between the Maties and Shimlas in Stellenbosch this coming Monday.

The foremost thing the TUT Vikings will have in mind when they take on the Ikey Tigers on Monday, in the 2010 Varsity Cup, is to make the home team work for every point.

Stephan van der Merwe will make his first Varsity Cup start of the year, replacing Dabeon Draghoender, as the defending champion Maties get set to host FNB Shimlas in Stellenbosch on Monday night.

Wandile Mjekevu has all the worries of a regular Law student at UJ. However, he also happens to be a very talented rugby player who, just last weekend, made his Super 14 debut for the Lions.

Steinhoff Patriot, TUT's representatives in the 2010 Steinhoff Koshuisrugby Championships, are confident that they will do their university proud this season.

SANZAR's refereeing boss, Lyndon Bray of New Zealand, has removed Josh Noonan of New Zealand from his appointment as an assistant referee at Carisbrook on Friday night.

UCT's 2009 Steinhoff Internal League winners, the Steinhoff Tornadoes, will be playing in their first-ever Steinhoff Koshuisrugby Championships on Monday afternoon.

Tim Whitehead and Marcel Brache have been reunited at centre for FNB UCT ahead of Monday's meeting with the TUT Vikings in Cape Town (kick-off 4.30pm).

Die Shimla-rugbyspan is aansienlik versterk vir Maandag se FNB Varsitybeker aangebied deur Steinhoff International wedstryd. Hulle pak, natuurlik, dan die tweemalige kampioen, Maties, in die Eikestad om 7.30nm.

The tackle is such a big issue at the moment - the burning issue in rugby. But then it has been a burning issue for many years and looks likely to remain so.

Theuns Kotze, puik heelagter van die Pukke, het Maandag teen Shimlas gewys hoekom hy as een van die vorm heelagters in die Varsitybeker beskou word.

Although Steinhoff Bastion are a complete unknown factor for Pukke's number one koshuis team, Steinhoff Villagers, they are not too worried ahead of their 2010 Steinhoff Koshuisrugby Championships fixture.

Jan Earle, the coach of the Steinhoff Vishuis team, believes his 'boytjies' are now a better team than the one that won the Kovsies Koshuisliga last year.

We have now had six matches in two rounds of Six Nations and seven matches in a round of Super 14. It is interesting to see how the scrums are going at a time when much effort has gone into eradicating the resetting of scrums.

Die 16-17 nederlaag Maandag teen Pukke het 'n baie bitter smaak in Jaco Swanepoel, Shimla-breier, se mond gelaat.

The 2010 Super 14 has kicked off with, as seems usual, more concentration on the application of existing laws. The Big Four are under the spotlight - tackle, scrum, obstruction and offside ahead of kicks.

Hy word eers op 3 Junie 20 jaar oud, maar Justin van Staden is sy melkbaard ten spyt reeds 'n voorbeeld vir baie ander, meer senior spelers oor hoe om die grootheid van die oomblik te hanteer.

The Maties could be without Dabeon Draghoender, after he picked up a knee injury during Monday night's 43-10 Varsity Cup win over UJ in Johannesburg.

The FNB TUT Vikings are still not the wiser as to the fate - and availability - of their captain, Emile Verster, who was sent off in Monday's 30-42 Varsity Cup loss to neighbours, Tuks.

Die kans dat FNB Tuks die eerste keer die seisoen 'n onveranderde vyftiental in die veld sal stoot, is skraal.

In Murraystraat 93, Brooklyn, is daar gisteraand tot laat feesgevier nadat Sonop die eerste keer in drie probeerslae daarin geslaag het om Steinhoff-Tuks se Uitklop-koshuisliga te wen.

The Madibas are still in good spirits, according to skipper Lusu Booi, despite suffering heavy defeats in the first three rounds of the 2010 FNB Varsity Cup presented by Steinhoff International.

They are not invincible, but it will nevertheless take an extreme effort to stop the Maties in the 2010 Varsity Cup - according to FNB UJ head coach Hugo van As.

Freddie Grobler, FNB Tuks se hooafrigter, het gemengde gevoelens oor sy span se vertoning teen die FNB TUT Vikings gisteraand.

South African referee, Stu Berry went from the IRB Sevens tournament in Wellington, New Zealand, to the IRB Sevens tournament in Las Vegas, Nevada, a particularly good tournament for him. He writes.

What happens if a match is abandoned? It can happen if lights fail or if weather becomes threatening.

Whilst pleased with his side's 65-9 Varsity Cup win over NMMU, UCT coach John Dobson was even happier with 'other' aspects of the Ikeys' performance.

TUT will know the fate of their captain on Wednesday only - at the earliest - after Emile Verster was sent off in injury-time in their FNB Varsity Cup presented by Steinhoff International fixture against Tuks on Monday.

There is an hiatus on the Test match scene but there are many other hectic clashes in North and South - enough to keep referees sharp.

Up-and-coming South African referee Stu Berry was one of eight referees at the IRB Sevens in Las Vegas, Nevada, and he was the one chosen to referee the Final of the Cup.

Die groot vraag wat moreaand (16 Februarie) beantwoord sal word, is of Sonop sy lank bekerdroogte kan breek nadat hy in 2007 (finaal), 2008 (semi-finaal) en verlede jaar (finaal) nog elke keer in die pylvak van Steinhoff se Tuks-uitklopliga gestruikel het.

FNB Maties romped to a 43-10 Varsity Cup win over UJ in a rainy Johannesburg on Monday evening.

FNB Tuks were forced to dig deep for a 42-30 win over FNB TUT Vikings in a thrill-a-minute Varsity Cup fixture played in Tshwane on Monday afternoon.

Defending champions, the FNB Maties, and their Western Cape rivals, the Ikey Tigers, are now the only remaining unbeaten sides in the 2010 FNB Varsity Cup presented by Steinhoff International, at the conclusion of Round Three of this exciting competition.

The Ikey Tigers were too good for FNB NMMU in their Monte Taljaard Trophy match in a windy PE on Monday evening, with the fired-up visitors winning 65-9.

He has a full season of rock-hard Carlton League rugby on his 'Rugby CV' - but Tuks' third scrumhalf of the season, Zylon McGaffen, still has the proverbial butterflies in his stomach as an unwanted 'ally' on the day of his Varsity Cup debut.

Today's UCT v NMMU Varsity Cup fixture, as was the case last year, will once again honour the late Monte Taljaard - the talented UCT flanker who was killed in a car accident in 2008. However, for head coach John Dobson and his young charges, this is no different to any other week at the Ikey Tigers.

There was dram in the second round of the Six Nations with that miraculous burst of scoring at Millennium stadium that gave Wales 17 points in the last four minutes, a great performance by France and a sterling performance by Italy.

FNB UJ and FNB Shimlas have made a few late changes to their starting line-ups for today's Round Three, Varsity Cup action.

NWU-Pukke bounced back from last week's disappointing loss to secure a hard-earned 17-16 home win over Shimlas in their FNB Varsity Cup match presented by Steinhoff International on Monday evening.

In Round 2 Wales beat Scotland in a thriller, France's were too good for Ireland and England just managed to spare their blushes against Italy. We give some statistics from the matches. You would be surprised which team passed least.

There are three Six Nations competitions - the senior men, the Under-20s and the women, but at this time there are other international matches, taken seriously by those who play and those who organise.

Russia's victory over Spain in Madrid has almost guaranteed them a place the final tournament of the World Cup for the first time.

Hy is gedoop Johannes Gerhardus en sy ouers noem hom Johan, maar vir die res is hy bekend as Boom. Hierdie 21-jarige losvoorspeler het verlede Maandag in 'n FNB Varsitybeker-wedstryd, aangebied deur Steinhoff Internasionaal, vier keer agter die doellyn gaan kuier; wat 'n gesamentlike Varsitybeker-rekord is.

Maties prop Lourens Adriaanse is not your average front row forward. But that is not to say he does not do - on the field - what all front rowers should! Off the field, however, it is a different story.

Ikeys captain Stu Commins believes that UCT are well-suited to cope with the windy conditions in PE, as they prepare to travel to the 'Windy City' to take on NMMU this Monday (kick-off 6.30pm).

Die beseringspook het vandeesweek behoorlik amok onder die NWU se FNB Pukke gesaai en vyf veranderinge moes aan die beginspan aangebring word.

FNB UJ head coach Hugo van As believes the Bulls' emphatic win in the 2009 Super 14 Final was the closest to 80 minutes of total brilliance SA rugby has seen in many years.

FNB NMMU flyhalf Willem Laubscher admits that the first two weeks of the Varsity Cup have been 'a struggle' for the Madibas, but he is still loving every minute of playing in such a great competition.

UJ flyhalf Andre Smith believes the Varsity Cup has given its players a sneak peak into the lives of fully professional rugby players.

Aluzant Munnik will line up at flyhalf for NMMU in Monday's Varsity Cup and Monte Taljaard Trophy clash in PE.

Apart from the matches in the Six Nations competitions, there are also other internationals art around this time.

The big fish this time for the Russian Bear is in Madrid where they play Spain on Saturday. Victory would take them very close to New Zealand in 2011 for the top two teams in the European Nations Cup qualify for the World Cup without further ado and the third-placed side has a chance through repechage.

John Dobson has made a few changes to the Ikeys' starting line-up for the Monte Taljaard Trophy match at the Xerox NMMU Stadium in Port Elizabeth on Monday.

Last year the Shimlas were hardly ever able to name an unchanged team, but things seems to be changing in the 2010 edition of the FNB Varsity Cup presented by Steinhoff International.

The TUT Vikings coaching staff on Friday morning had to take the 'painful decision' to not include seasoned flanker Athi Mtya in their starting line-up for Monday's all-Pretoria Varsity Cup clash against Tuks.

The timing of Jaco Snyman's recovery from concussion could not have been more convenient as he may well be one of his team's major trump cards in Monday's FNB Varsity Cup match presented by Steinhoff International against the Maties.

FNB Maties head coach Chean Roux believes the quality of opposition in the 2010 Varsity Cup is the best he has seen in the history of this three-year competition.

It might just be Round Three of the 2010 Varsity Cup, but already we are faced with some crucial matches this week - many of which will affect the overall standings in this competition.

Die Universiteit van Johannesburg (UJ) se Bastion Manskoshuis begin Maandag, Februarie 22 op die Fanie du Toit sportsgronde in Potchefstroom hul aanslag op die 2010 Steinhoff Koshuisliga-titel.

It could be blessing in disguise that TUT have archrivals Tuks as their next opponents in the Varsity Cup.

Steinhoff Vishuis is oorgehaal om nie net mededingend in die 2010 Steinhoff Koshuisliga te wees nie, maar om die titel te buit.

Coach Chean Roux has handed the Maties' No.10 shirt to Conrad Hoffmann in the absence of Hayden Groepes. The defending champions will, of course, play UJ in Johannesburg on Monday evening.

A frustrating day at the office. This, in short, is how NWU-Pukke coach Rudy Joubert felt after Monday's 11-18 Varsity Cup loss to the Ikey Tigers in Cape Town.

FNB Tuks kroon aanstaande Woensdag (Februarie 17) 'n nuwe kampioen in Steinhoff se koshuis-uitklopliga, nadat Maroela se heerskappy gisteraand (Februarie 10) oplaas beeindig is.

Freddie Grobler has been forced to make three more changes to the FNB Tuks line-up for Monday's Varsity Cup - and Pretoria Derby - match against the FNB TUT Vikings.

Ex-Bok great Hennie Le Roux - an NMMU Old Boy - has praised the Varsity Cup, labelling the tournament a 'wonderful platform' for young players to showcase their abilities.

FNB Tuks will have a 'no-nonsense' approach in their must-win Varsity Cup match against their Pretoria neighbours, the FNB TUT Vikings, on Monday.

Provincial side Griquas have included a host of Varsity Cup stars in their team for a pre-season friendly against the SWD Eagles in Oudtshoorn on Wednesday.

Western Cape Premier Helen Zille was an eager spectator at Monday's UCT v Pukke Varsity Cup match, with Ikey Tigers head coach John Dobson labelling her an 'inspiration' afterwards.

Na 'n teleurstellende 2009 Steinhoff Koshuisliga-kompetisie vir die NWU-Pukke se Over de Voor, is die hoofafrigter van Steinhoff Villagers vasbeslote om dinge vanjaar om te swaai in Potchefstroom.

Conrad Hoffmann, wat verlede jaar genoem is as 'n moontlike langtermyn-oplossing vir Westelike Provinsie in die No.10 trui, gaan waarskynlik nou vir die tweemalige kampioen Maties op losskakel uitdraf in Maandag se FNB Varsitybeker aangebied deur Steinhoff International aksie.

Referees are to be present at Super 14 media conferences after matches this, according to Lyndon Bray, SANZAR's referee coordinator and the manager of New Zealand's top referees.

The South African U20s conceded their second defeat on their two week tour to France after going down 13-3 to a French Selection XV in Paris on Tuesday evening.

Six Nations hurries along and Super 14 bursts out. It is a hectic time. And then Portugal play Georgia, perhaps their last hope of qualifying for New Zealand. Match officials a rushing hither and thither.

The South African Under-20 team containing 14 changes will line-up to take on a French Selection XV in an international friendly in Paris on Tuesday.

Tiaan Jonker will referee next week's big Varsity Cup battle between the Pukke and Shimlas in Potchefstroom.

UCT vice-captain Stu Commins was understandably elated with his side's 18-11 Varsity Cup win over Pukke on Monday, but he believes it is all a step in the right direction in terms of maintaining the necessary consistency required to win this tough tournament.

The Steinhoff Tornadoes opened their 2010 pre-season with a win against Magic Lions.

Anders as wat die geval na verlede week se wedstryd teen die Universiteit van Kaapstad was, is die Shimlas breier Jaco Swanepoel vandeesweek baie tevrede met sy span se vertoning teen NMMU.

FNB UJ's biggest challenge in the coming week will be to close the gap between brilliance and mediocrity, according to head coach Hugo van As.

Swak dissipline is FNB Tuks se grootste enkele tekortkoming en die rede waarom die Universiteit van Pretoria steeds na sy eerste Varsitybeker-sege van die 2010 seisoen soek, meen Blikkies Groenewald, tegniese direkteur van TuksRugby.

UCT head coach John Dobson has elected to move two of his Stormers squad members - who started against Shimlas last week - onto the bench for this afternoon's Varsity Cup clash with NWU-Pukke at Groote Schuur's Green Mile (kick-off 4.30pm, live on SS1).

It took a last-minute penalty by UJ flyhalf Andre Smith to tie up the scores at 34-34, as nine tries and a see-sawing scoreline by Tukkies and UJ did the 2010 Varsity Cup competition full justice at Tukkies Athletics Stadium on Monday night.

FNB Maties remained in first place on the Varsity Cup log after yet another exciting Monday night's worth action - but UJ, Shimlas and UCT all made their presence felt at the top of the standings at the completion of Round Two.

Connoisseurs of the game should not be disheartened by the many penalties awarded in the first round of the 2010 Varsity Cup.

FNB Maties romped to an emphatic 62-0 Varsity Cup win over an outclassed TUT Vikings outfit at Stellenbosch's Danie Craven Stadium on Monday evening.

The Ikey Tigers beat NWU-Pukke 18-11 in a hard-fought and very physical Varsity Cup match in Cape Town on Monday.

The fixtures for the 2010 Steinhoff Koshuisrugby Championships have been announced; with eight university residences once again set to fight it out for the title of South Africa's best koshuis team!

We give some statistics from the matches in the first round of the Six nations - tight matches rather than matches of creativity and adventure.

SANZAR has made known the referees appointed to the first five rounds of the Super 14. They include Steve Walsh, making his comeback to refereeing as an Australian referee.

Russia's victory over Portugal in the European Nations Cup, edges them closer to a first appearance at the final round of the Rugby World Cup, this time in New Zealand in 2011.

FNB Shimlas recorded their first victory in the 2010 Varsity Cup when they smashed NMMU 54-5 in Bloemfontein on Monday evening.

Three teams have made late changes to their 23-man matchday squads ahead of today's Round Two Varsity Cup clashes - the most notable being that of FNB UJ who have drafted in star fullback Earl Lewis from the bench.

The NMMU Madibas will make the trip to Bloemfontein to face up to the Shimlas on Monday, knowing full well that they have a tough ask in countering the physical Free Staters - especially at the breakdown.

Great ceremonies but not great rugby marked the start of the Six Nations for 2010. Perhaps the most significant result of the weekend was Russia's victory over Portugal making the Russian participation in the World Cup in 2011 likely rather than possible.

History or statistics may well not win matches, but the superstitious amongst us will nevertheless insist that UJ has a distinct psychological advantage over Tuks even before these two neighbouring universities' actual clash on Monday.

FNB Maties, the back-to-back Varsity Cup champions, defended their Premier League title at the Castle Cape Town Tens, beating Hamilton's 19-12 in a physical final on Sunday.

We tracked down in-form Pukke scrumhalf Andries Mahoney to find out more about the man who scored a hat-trick of tries against Tukkies last Monday.

The Danie Craven Stadium in beautiful Stellenbosch, home of the FNB Maties, has one of the most scenic settings in world rugby.

The Nadoes have - over the years - scouted far and wide for talent, but how lucky for them when they came across Damion 'Dutchie' Stander standing aside the training field with a beer in hand one day...

Justin van Staden will replace injured left-wing Aaron Denenga in the FNB Tuks starting line-up for Monday's Varsity Cup meeting with FNB UJ in Pretoria.

Die twee klipharde opwarmwedstryde teen die SWD Arende kan FNB Tuks van groot waarde in hul Varsitybeker-kragmeting teen FNB UJ wees.

The second round of the 2010 Varsity Cup gets underway this Monday and two matches - in particular - will be worth keeping an eye on.

Much has been made of the emphasis on the tackler's obligation to release the tackled player. For many it is seen as a new law. But is it.

Pukke have announced two changes to their starting line-up for Monday's mouth-watering Varsity Cup match-up against the Ikey Tigers in Cape Town.

A winning Varsity Cup team deserves a full vote of confidence, according to FNB UJ head coach Hugo van As.

TUT have named their side to take on the 'Blue Bulls-esque' Maties next Monday, according to Vikings assistant coach Jimmy Watt

The European Nations Cup - "Six Nations B" - is played over two years, and this is the second year. There is a lot at stake for the six sides.

The strict application of law in four key areas has seen a decline in the number of reset scrums and kicks in general play, as well as an increase in tries - according to Andre Watson, SA Rugby's Manager of Referees.

Maties boss Chean Roux has - as promised - re-jigged his forwards pack ahead of his team's Varsity Cup meeting with FNB TUT in Stellenbosch on Monday evening (kick-off 7.30pm).

Andre Watson, South Africa's manager of referees and the leading referee in the world at one stage, has come to the defence of the application of the law which stresses the release of the tackled player by the tackler. He has done so in the face of media queries after the first round of the Varsity Cup.

Ons moes gewen het, eerder as om gelykop te speel. So se Jaco Swanepoel, afrigter van die Shimlas oor Maandag.

Experienced utility back Pete Haw has been named on the left-wing for the Ikey Tigers for Monday afternoon's Varsity Cup grudge match against FNB NWU-Pukke at the Green Mile in Cape Town.

FNB Shimlas head coach Jaco Swanepoel has named an unchanged matchday 23 for Monday's Varsity Cup game against NMMU in Bloemfontein.

FNB NMMU head coach Kolie Brandt has juggled his team's loose trio ahead of Monday's Varsity Cup clash against FNB Shimlas at Xerox Shimlas Park (kick-off 6.30pm).

With just over 100 days to go until the IRB Junior World Rugby Trophy 2010 kicks off, the International Rugby Board (IRB) has announced the Pools and Match Schedule for the key age grade tournament at a launch in Moscow.

The FNB Maties will once again be without injured skipper Cameron Peverett when they host the TUT Vikings in a Round Two Varsity Cup fixture in Stellenbosch.

Whilst praising the Varsity Cup for helping Eastern Cape rugby, NMMU coach Kolie Brandt believes South African rugby has a responsibility to do more to promote rugby in the region.

Scrumhalf Lohan Jacobs and flank Lean Schwartz said on Wednesday that the players selected for the SA U20 squad will be aiming to impress the national selectors with outstanding performances during their two week tour to France.

Injuries will force Tuks head coach Freddie Grobler to include at least three new faces in his starting line-up for Monday's Varsity Cup match against UJ.

John Dobson was disappointed with UCT's 30-30 draw against the Shimlas in Varsity Cup action this past Monday, but the Ikeys coach is already hard at work in a bid to rectify his team's errors ahead of next week.

Jimmy Watt believes the TUT Vikings lost their 2010 Varsity Cup opener in the first 15 minutes - when half-hearted defence led directly to two soft tries for FNB UJ.

Injuries to flanker Warwick Tecklenberg and winger Aaron Denenga will force Tuks coach Freddie Grobler to change his starting line-up for next week's Varsity Cup meeting with UJ.

Ondanks 'n goeie 35-24-sege oor Tukkies in Maandagaand se Varsitybeker-wedstryd was die NWU-Pukke se breier nie heeltemal tevrede nie.

At the National Referees' course at Newlands and the provincial Referees' course at Hartebeesthoek in January, scrumming dominated discussion of law application. Scrumming is one of the Big Four along with Tackle, Offside and Maul.

UCT's Orientation Week kicked-off last week and with the 2010 Steinhoff Koshuisrugby Championships - and the Varsity Cup - around the corner, the Nadoes saw this as a brilliant opportunity to raise awareness of these great tournaments.

The Australians are making a big fuss about the possible introduction of a two-referee system in Super Rugby, but it is a systems that has long been in use in South Africa.

Coach Hugo van As was satisfied with the result of UJ's opening Varsity Cup match against the FNB TUT Vikings, but not with the way in which his team executed their gameplan.

Pukke showed they mean business in the 2010 Varsity Cup, after claiming a 35-24 victory over Tukkies on Monday evening.

The Six Nations breaks out this weekend and there are more than just the senior men's teams involved. There is also the second year of the European Nations Cup. Top referees are busy.

An injury-time penalty by Ikeys replacement Doug Mallett earned his side a 30-30 draw against FNB Shimlas in the opening match of the 2010 Varsity Cup in Port Elizabeth on Monday.

UWC were once again too strong for Fort Hare in their annual Varsity Cup curtain-raiser, with the Cape side winning 33-6 at a windy Xerox NMMU Stadium in Port Elizabeth on Monday afternoon.

FNB UJ began their 2010 Varsity Cup campaign with a 28-14 bonus-point victory over TUT in Pretoria on Monday.

FNB Maties, the back-to-back Varsity Cup champions, started their 2010 campaign with a ruthless 68-20 victory over a spirited FNB NMMU team in Port Elizabeth on Monday.

Last year's finalists, Maties and Pukke, showed they mean business in the 2010 Varsity Cup; with both of them securing bonus point wins on Monday.

UWC and Fort Hare, who will be playing in a Varsity Cup curtain-raiser on Monday afternoon, have named their starting line-ups for what should be an entertaining match.

The ultra-competitive 2010 Varsity Cup officially gets underway on Monday, but there will also be plenty of competition off the field thanks to SuperBru's Varsity Cup competition.

Maties prop Lourens Adriaanse will captain the defending champions in their Varsity Cup opener against NMMU on Monday - prompting the big man to suggest that the brains are, indeed, well and truly in the front row.

The Varsity Cup will break even more ground this year, with the 2010 tournament set to feature time-outs - an opportunity for the players to take in some liquid refreshments, but also to allow the coaches onto the field to chat to their players.

There were cup finals in Ireland and Japan, serious competitions in five of the six nations and warm-ups south of the equator. Portugal, who resume their FIRA-AER competition with the hope of World Cup qualification had a warm-up match against England Students.

To achieve a better (more entertaining) game SANZAR referees and assistant referees will be focussing on freeing up the ball and creating clarity around rulings at the tackle area and at scrum-time in this year's Super 14 competition.

Every now and again, usually before some important, high-profile tournament, the is talk about changing laws or emphasising some application of laws. This year, just when the Super 14 gets under way it is the Big Four, especially the tackle, especially what the tackler gets up to.

The factor of the unknown, as it the case with most the opening matches of the Varsity Cup, can be good or bad, according to FNB UJ head coach Hugo van As.

The experience of loose forward Emile Verster made him a logical choice as the FNB TUT Vikings' new captain for the 2010 FNB Varsity Cup competition presented by Steinhoff International.

It will be a special day in the Marais household on Monday when Wesleigh and Donnovan become the first siblings to represent Tuks in the FNB Varsity Cup competition presented by Steinhoff International.

FNB Maties have named a host of WP squad members in their starting line-up for Monday's Varsity Cup opener against NMMU.

Monday's Varsity Cup double header fixtures at FNB Tuks' LC de Villiers Stadium have been moved to the adjacent Tukkies Athletics Stadium because of problems with the playing surface.

FNB Pukke, the losing finalists in last year's Varsity Cup, have picked a new-look side for Monday's tricky tournament opener against Tuks in Pretoria (kick-off 6.30pm).

The third installment of the Varsity Cup kicks-off at two venues this coming Monday (February 1); with double headers in Port Elizabeth and Pretoria set to get the South African rugby season off to a cracking start.

John Dobson has selected a very experienced starting line-up for UCT's Varsity Cup opener against Shimlas in Port Elizabeth this coming Monday.

FNB NMMU coach Kolie Brandt has selected his side for Monday's Varsity Cup opener against the defending champion Maties, with scrumhalf Lusu Booi leading his charges into battle.

Five former Blue Bulls U19 players have been included in the TUT squad for their 2010 Varsity Cup opener against UJ.

FNB UJ head coach Hugo van As has little doubt that he will field a 'stabilised team' against TUT when the teams clash in the opening round of the 2010 Varsity Cup.

Madibas skipper and scrumhalf Lusu Booi is relishing the responsibility of leading his NMMU side in this year's Varsity Cup.

FNB Tuks head coach Freddie Grobler has chosen 12 new 'caps' for his team's 2010 Varsity Cup opener against Pukke this Monday.

Nick Fenton-Wells will lead the Ikey Tigers in the 2010 Varsity Cup - an opportunity which he describes as a 'huge honour'.

Clinton de Klerk, UJ's new Varsity Cup captain, believes the highly-competitive nature of this tournament makes a game-by-game approach 'non-negotiable'.

New TUT Vikings captain - and loose forward - Emile Verster's playmaking skills are not his only attribute.

Throughout the rugby world there are misgivings about citing and the consistency in citing. SANZAR is now taking steps to try to achieve greater consistency and to eliminate the ongoing suspicion that nationality leads to citing bias.

Those who have been to Newlands for the two matches in the tri-series will have seen the referees, Jonathan Kaplan and Mark Lawrence, wearing bands around their heads, needing only a feather to look like Redskin braves.

The headline of this story could just be TUT's war-cry for the 2010 FNB Varsity Cup presented by Steinhoff International.

Met die uitsondering van vyf spelers, gaan die beste beskikbare Shimla-span Maandag die Universiteit van Kaapstad (UK) in die openingsronde van die 2010 FNB Varsitybeker aangebied deur Steinhoff International aandurf.

The special panel of referees for the Varsity Cup enjoyed a camp up at Hartebeesthoek recently to prepare them for the popular series. The referees for February have been appointed.

Vishuis will represent Shimlas at the 2010 Steinhoff Koshuisrugby Championships - no doubt hoping to emulate Huis Armentum's dominance of this competition of last season.

SANZAR coaches and referees have accepted joint responsibility at the tackle and the scrums in order to produce a faster, more attractive game.

The referees for Round One of the 2010 Varsity Cup have been announced, with Ben Crouse set to officiate the first match of the third Varsity Cup tournament - between Shimlas and UCT in Port Elizabeth.

varsitycup.co.za caught up with new Varsity Cup Chairman Jurie Roux to find out more about him as a person... and also about his plans for the 2010 tournament and beyond.

Skroef Fourie is no doubt still the taste of Bastion - after his penalty goal in last year's Steinhoff Koshuis Final at the University of Johannesburg (UJ) helped his team into the 2010 Steinhoff Koshuisrugby championships.

Steinhoff Dagbreek will take over from Majuba as Stellenbosch's representatives in the 2010 Steinhoff Koshuisrugby championships.

UJ head coach Hugo van As refuses to make any predictions ahead of his team's 2010 Varsity Cup campaign.

Coach John Dobson declared himself 'satisfied' with UCT's final hit-out against Boland on Monday evening - despite the double Varsity Cup semifinalists going down 12-14 at the Green Mile.

During the SA Referees course at Newlands, attended by the top 11 referees in South Africa plus the people who assess them and the people who select them, applying laws to the Big Four were discussed - the Tackle, the Scrum, Offside and the Maul & Obstruction.

In just the second rugby Test between the two countries Russia smashed Namibia 30-15 in the Hage Geingob Stadium in Windhoek, through there was only one try's difference between the two teams.

Maroela will return to the Steinhoff Koshuisrugby championships this year as Tukkies' representatives.

Time flies. The first month of the new year is at an end after two hectic weekends of European action and the SANZAR teams are preparing for battle which commences next month. And referees on high alert.

We caught up with new Stormers coaches Matt Proudfoot and Robbie Fleck to find out how the Varsity Cup benefited - and fast-tracked - their respective coaching careers!

FNB TUT Vikings forwards coach Jimmy Watt is confident that his charges are better prepared for the 2010 Varsity Cup than they were for last year's tournament - where they had the dubious honour of collecting the Wooden Spoon.

No, not the referee. For the second time this season in the UK, there has been a case of 16 men playing for the same team for a brief while during a match.

rugby365.com columnist Keith Moore pays his tribute to the voice of rugby, Bill McLaren.

After this crunch weekend, the European Rugby Cup is able to produce the quarterfinalists for both the Heineken Cup and the Amlin Challenge Cup.

With the 2010 Varsity Cup just over a week away now, we introduce the eight players that will be captaining their respective universities this coming season.

FNB Tukkies lost 10-36 to Currie Cup side, the Eagles, in a Varsity Cup pre-season clash in George on Friday.

Last year's Varsity Cup finalists, FNB Pukke, claimed a 40-36 pre-season victory over the Griffons in Welkom on Saturday evening.

It was 'mission accomplished' for FNB Maties head coach Chean Roux - despite the students losing 26-59 to a WP Invitation XV at Newlands on Saturday.

The Pumas scored a convincing 35-12 win over UJ in a lively Varsity Cup pre-season encounter in Witbank on Friday night.

With the 2010 Varsity Cup a little over a week away, the NWU-Pukke - the losing finalists in 2009 - will play their one and only practice match on Saturday.

With the Varsity Cup set to employ 23-man playing squads in the 2010 season, they will also be working hand-in-hand with South Africa's referees - off the field - in order to establish a strong working relationship.

FNB Maties coach Chean Roux will be using tomorrow's friendly against a WP XV as a 'final trial' for his squad ahead of the 2010 FNB Varsity Cup presented by Steinhoff International.

We have seen what the referees watch and who watches the referee. What happens after that?

As they prepare for the European Nations Cup and a possible place in the Rugby World Cup, Russia have been spending their time in Southern Africa, mostly in Pretoria but this weekend they go west to play Namibia in the Hage Geingob Stadium in Windhoek on Saturday afternoon.

The high-flying Nadoes have bolstered their squad for the upcoming 2010 Steinhoff Koshuisrugby Championships with a few mean and fit looking players, but none meaner than Brennan Kevin Wright.

South Africa's top eleven referees plus assessors, TMOs and selectors met at Newlands in Cape Town for two days at the end of last week.

With the 2010 Varsity Cup less than two weeks away now, we caught up with the eight head coaches of South Africa's top rugby universities to find out more about their pre-season training, their ambitions and the law experiments this season...

Test referees Jonathan Kaplan, Marius Jonker, Mark Lawrence and Craig Joubert, and the rest of the members of the SA referees? National Panel received their BokSmart certification after attending one of the National Rugby Safety Programmes? courses in Cape Town last week.

The USA Rugby Referees National Panel Development Group announced today the introduction of an unique approach to evaluating and developing referees called The GAME System.

The Varsity Cup has never been scared of experimentation. From setting the trends off the field with a unique marketing strategy, to taking over Monday nights for two months of the year and, more crucially, allowing the use of the much talked about white card in the 2008 final.

Die Tuks-slot Erich 'Perd' van der Westhuizen sal ses maande nie kan rugby speeel nie, nadat hy sy heup in die opwarmwedstryd teen Rusland - verlede week - ontrwig het.

Former UCT fullback James Richards has been elected as the new captain of Cambridge University Rugby Union Football Club.

The 2010 Steinhoff Koshuis Championships is just around the corner and UCT's Nadoes - a legendary team which was first started in the late 1990s - are hoping to make the Cape Town university's presence felt this coming season!

Today's proposed pre-season friendly between UCT's Varsity Cup squad and WP's Vodacom Cup team has been called off.

The Varsity Cup will embark on a campaign this coming season to help players and supporters become even prouder of their country, in what is shaping up as a massive sporting year in South Africa.

Jaco Swanepoel, Shimlas-afrigter, hoop om na Dinsdag se oefeningswedstryd teen die Universiteit van Johannesburg (UJ) op Kroonstad meer antwoorde op 'n klompie vrae te kry.

Law changes have made clear how far the ball must travel at a quick throw-in from touch.

With the FNB Varsity Cup presented by Steinhoff International set to employ 23-man playing squads in the 2010 season, as part of an experimentation with SA Rugby, the country's top student rugby tournament will also be working hand-in-hand with South Africa's referees - off the field - in order to establish a strong working relationship.

Quis custodiet ipsos custodes - Who will guard the guards. Ancient Roman Juvenal asked the question and he was not even thinking about rugby referees, but it is a question often asked in a rugby context - who is going to referee the referees?

After the departure of coach John Williams, Namibia has appointed a new coach in Johan Diergaardt and he has chosen his first team for a Test against Russia in the Hage Geingob stadium in Windhoek on 23 January.

Maties centre Juan de Jongh, the first Bok Varsity Cup product, has paid tribute to the tournament for his rapid rise to rugby prominence.

The European competitions are reaching a stage when decisions will be made and there were surprises this weekend, including the massive defeat the Saints inflicted on Perpignan, the reigning champions of France.

It is the crunch round of the European compositions this weekend and the Heineken Cup and the Amlin Challenge Cup reach the end of the pool stages and decide who is qualified for the knock-out stages.

Two double-headers - in Port Elizabeth and Pretoria - will help launch the 2010 Varsity Cup, as the third edition of this exciting student rugby tournament gets underway on Monday, February 1.

The third chapter of the FNB Varsity Cup presented by Steinhoff International will kick-off on Monday, February 1 and the organising committee and sponsors are urging the rugby public and various university supporters to 'Back your Boytjies' in 2010!

South African Referees is to experiment with the use of on-field referees as television match officials.

The Varsity Cup will be launching a big cancer awareness drive in 2010, with the introduction of the 'Pink Shorts' campaign in this year's tournament.

FNB Ikey Tigers head coach John Dobson was a happy man, despite his side's 3-21 loss to the Stormers in a lively pre-season encounter in Riebeek West on Saturday morning.

Verlede jaar moes Jaco Swanepoel, hoofafrigter van FNB Shimlas, toesien hoe 'n swak begin sy span se aanslag op die FNB Varsitybeker, aangebied deur Steinhoff International, in die wiele ry. Vanjaar is die breier van die Kovsies vasbeslote om nie daardie fout te herhaal nie.

The International Rugby Board has announced the names of the 12 referees to officiate at the Junior World Rugby Trophy to be held in Moscow on 18-30 May 2010.

FNB NMMU head coach Kolie Brandt is hoping that the notorious Port Elizabeth wind dies down before the opening day of Varsity Cup action in PE on Monday, February 1.

FNB UCT head coach John Dobson has announced a strong team - including a host of new faces - for Saturday's pre-season friendly clash against the Stormers in Riebeek West.

South African referees expect to see fewer reset scrums as a result of more accurate applications of the scrummaging laws this season, said SA Referees manager Andre Watson on Friday.

FNB Tuks' 2010 pre-season preparations are in full swing, with the double Varsity Cup semifinalists already playing two warm-up matches at the LC de Villiers Stadium on Wednesday night.

NWU-Pukke se hoofafrigter, Rudy Joubert, hoop dat sy nuwelinge sal opmaak vir die verliese wat die Potchefstroomse Varsitybekerspan in die afseisoen gely het.

Ed Morrison, the Head of Elite Referees' Development in England, spoke recently about English refereeing in to top divisions, following the accusations of incompetence levelled at them by Brendan Venter, the Saracens' coach.

The University of Cape Town will get their 2010 Varsity Cup preparations underway when they take on the Stormers in a warm-up match in Riebeek West this Saturday (kick-off 10am).

Back-to-back Varsity Cup champions, FNB Maties, will be playing just one warm-up match ahead of the 2010 FNB Varsity Cup presented by Steinhoff International - against Super 14 side, the Stormers.

An even greater emphasis on pre-season training that saw teams train until December 18 and restart this year, will ensure the 2010 Varsity Cup will start off on February 1 at an even higher standard than last year.

Ikey Tigers head coach John Dobson has returned from his coaching sojourn in Italy wiser, but also hungrier for success ahead of the 2010 FNB Varsity Cup presented by Steinhoff International.

The International Rugby Board has produced a slightly changed protocol for the technical zone, the area where non-playing team officials must be if they are within the playing enclosure.

A friend asked on Friday how many things a referee has to watch in a match, and it seemed a good idea to find out.

European matches break out again for the top sides - Heineken Cup and Amlin Challenge Cup with lots of referees hoping that the weather will improve.

Sin novedad. There is nothing much to report as the weather took over so much of the weekend's rugby as England completed with the North Pole for cold. Not even sunny Spain got off scot free. Japan got through it all.

The Tigers moved to the top of the 2009/10 Guinness Premiership table after yet another powerful scrummaging display from the defending champions helped them to a superb 34-8 bonus point win over Wasps at a cold Welford Road on Saturday. All your GP news...

Outstanding England and B&I Lions forward Tom Croft has been named on the Leicester Tigers bench for Saturday's Guinness Premiership tussle with old foes London Wasps at Welford Road. Irish v Warriors match called off | Snow rest for the wicked...

The European Cup (ERC) has announced the referees for the final two rounds of pool matches in the 2009-10 Heineken Cup and the Amlin Challenge Cup.

It's the new year in the frozen north and the sweltering south. There is much celebrating and in the north there is also some rugby, and so some incidents to discuss. The incidents are from two matches in England's Premiership - Sale Sharks against Harlequins in Manchester and London Wasps against Newcastle Falcons. But first there is a matter of balls.

Already the new year is into its second week and as the season turns the bend matches became more important for both the ambitious and the desperate. Pressure on referees increases. After this there are two more rounds of European competition.

As we enter the new year, rugby365.com decided it is worth having a look back at some of the game's more insane moments - those little flare-ups that entertained us.

Since the 2007 World Cup nine of the top 10 countries have changed coaches, with New Zealand's Graham Henry the only leading mentor to retain his job. rugby365.com has decided to take a look at how all these new coaches have progressed.

Wasn't the crowd at Twickenham wonderful on Sunday? Over 76 000 spectators a record for England's Premiership, getting close to what Stade Francais get at Stade de France. And it was a match that ended with great excitement, three tries in the last 12 minutes for a 21-20 result.

rugby365 has always been a fan of young talent and with the new year comes some new hopes - we pick out the five young stars from around the planet who we are expecting big things from in 2010. Tens join Cape Town Stadium Festival

The year has come and go. Fireworks are going off, people are singing and hugging, and 2010 is upon us. Soon, it too, will be gone with all its rush and with its thousands of rugby matches around the world, all refereed by somebody. We hope it is a happy New Year for all in rugby, including the match officials. Wouldn't it be wonderful if there were not one wrong decision, not one complaint!

Bath Rugby bounced back to form in the Guinness Premiership with a determined 24-8 West Country Derby victory over Gloucester at The Recreation Ground on Sunday afternoon. Four-try Leicester Tigers triumph | Mallinder praises Saints forwards | News!

London Wasps edged out Harlequins 21-20 in a thrilling Guinness Premiership encounter at Twickenham on Sunday.

Cardiff Blues smashed the Newport Gwent Dragons 42-13 in Magners League action at the Cardiff City Stadium on Sunday - despite the visitors holding a commanding 13-3 half-time lead.

England flanker Lewis Moody celebrated his first home outing as Leicester Tigers captain by scoring one of his team's four tries in their 32-6 Guinness Premiership win over Sale Sharks at Welford Road on Sunday.

Northampton Saints fullback Ben Foden produced two moments of individual brilliance to help his side record a welcome 26-6 Guinness Premiership win over Worcester Warriors at Sixways on Saturday. GP Preview: Round 11 | GP team news HERE! | Other news

Two tries from prop Paul James proved decisive as the Ospreys made it four wins in-a-row in all competitions with a 21-14 Magners League and Boxing Day Derby win over the Llanelli Scarlets on Saturday.

A star-studded Leinster team - with No.15 Rob Kearney leading the way - overpowered Ulster 15-3 in their all-Ireland Magners League Derby at the RDS on Saturday evening... Report: Munster maul Connacht | Ospreys also win | ML Preview: Round Nine...

The Scarlets have named their 22-man squad to face the Ospreys in the two teams' Magners League fixture on Boxing Day - in front of a sell-out crowd at Parc y Scarlets.

The Worcester Warriors' very own 'Pocket Rocket', inside centre Sam Tuitupou, has been named in the No.12 shirt for Saturday's Guinness Premiership match against the travelling Northampton Saints.

Fit-again England fullback Delon Armitage has been restored to the London Irish starting line-up for Sunday's mouth-watering Guinness Premiership clash against Saracens at the Madejski Stadium.

Gloucester Rugby have been handed a huge boost ahead of Sunday's West Country Derby clash against Bath Rugby, with All Blacks prop Greg Somerville named to start at No.3 in this crucial Guinness Premiership fixture at The Rec.

Sale Sharks Director of Rugby Kingsley Jones has - surprisingly - opted to rest his two England backs backs, Mathew Tait and Mark Cueto, for Sunday's Guinness Premiership trip to Welford Road. Cipriani back at No.10 | Crane demands intensity | More GP news

Powerhouse Cardiff Blues winger Tom James has recovered from his groin injury and has been named in the No.11 shirt for Sunday's Magners League clash with the Newport Gwent Dragons.

England's top teams head back into Guinness Premiership mode, after a brief Heineken Cup hiatus, with a host of mouth-watering fixtures on the cards this Boxing Day weekend... All your GP team news... right here | Preview: Magners League, Round Nine

After two weeks of Heineken Cup action, the Celtic teams return to the Magners League as we move into Round Nine of what has been - up till now - a very intriguing season. We preview Round Nine's action! Magners League team news... | GP Preview...

Leinster coach Michael Cheika has unveiled a star-studded Leinster outfit for Saturday's Magners League meeting with Ulster at Dublin's RDS.

London Wasps went to play Sale Sharks at Edgeley Park in Stockport on November 27 in a Guinness Premiership match - refereed by the experienced David Rose. London Wasps said the pitch was dangerous and refused to play. There was an inquiry by the Premier Rugby Ltd (PRL) which found that it was the referee's fault. Now there has been a supplementary statement from the RFU.

Glasgow Warriors head coach Sean Lineen has called for a rousing team performance, whilst also issuing a rallying call to the Scottish public ahead of the first leg of the Greaves Sports 1872 Cup at Firhill on Sunday.

Newcastle Falcons boss Steve Bates will welcome back a host of stars for Sunday's Guinness Premiership clash at Kingston Park, when the Falcons play host to northern rivals Leeds Carnegie.

We managed to, again, intercept a few letters bound for Santa Claus!

Does the dangerous play occur only in open play? Is it dealt with only if the victim in injured? Surely neither of those can be correct, not if we believe that the Laws of the Game apply equally to all, but then watch three incidents in the match between Perpignan and Munster.

Springbok prop CJ van der Linde will miss Leinster's all-Ireland Magners League clash against Ulster at the RDS this weekend because of a calf muscle injury.

It's a pity one cannot red-card the weather. It would have helped this past weekend when matches froze. Didn't you admire Edinburgh and Bath in the ran/sleet/snow at Murrayfield, just for the way they tried to play constructive rugby in the freezing muck.

It's Christmas time with all its good cheer. It's cold in Europe but, despite the good cheer and the freezing weather, some rugby will try to be played, and so there will be referees out there in their thermals, careful of the danger of excesses.

Maties utility forward Jonathan Adendorf will play for the South African Vipers Sevens team in a warm-up tournament in Mar del Plata, Argentina, early next year.

Ten of the world's top women referees will officiate at the 2010 Women's World Cup in England in August-September. It is the sixth Women's World Cup and the Final will be played at Twickenham on 5 September.

It happens. Even in professional rugby it happens. Plymouth Albion, a club playing in The Championship, the second tier of professional rugby in England, has to face a disciplinary hearing on a charge of having 16 players on the field.

The Six Nations Committee has made known the fixtures for the Under-20 Six Nations, which fall in the same country and over the same weekend as the senior Six Nations fixtures. It is a wonderful opportunity for the countries to prepare for the Junior World Championship.

There have been several citings after Round 3 of the Heineken Cup and European Rugby has announced the dates and venues for each of the hearings plus the judicial officer who will chair the hearing. Guillaume Ribes was sent off while playing for Brive and is not cited but will automatically attend a hearing.

There was a lot of excitement in Round Three of the Heineken Cup with some splendid rugby when, as the sun shone, there was greater emphasis on running with the ball than kicking it.

European rugby cause to the reverse venues, brave fixturing as there is the danger of carrying on where the previous week's unpleasantries left off but if there is a carry on of so many of the pleasantries of constructive rugby from the week just past it will be a wonderful lead-up to Christmas, an early Christmas present.

New Zealand carried on winning at the Sevens in George and Europe's matches were in full swing, not without suprises.

UCT old boy James Richards scored a crucial try to help Cambridge record a hard-fought 31-27 victory over Oxford in the 128th Varsity match at Twickenham on Thursday.

KwaZulu Natal referees' Society have just elected a new president - Andre Lourens who unseated Ian Wedderburn.

At the General Meeting of 30 November, the Blue Bulls Rugby Referees' Society elected Gerhard Roodt as its new chairman to replace Oscar Somers who was no longer available.

The SA Rugby Annual 2010 - the official and definitive record of one of the most successful seasons in the history of South African rugby - will go on sale before Christmas for the first time in its 39-year-history.

Former UCT star James Richards has been named at fullback for Cambridge ahead of the 128th Varsity match against Oxford this Thursday.

There is another burst of European activity, the next Sevens Series and Hong Kong are on tour as they preparer for the Asian World Cup qualifiers, and play Netherlands and Czech Republic as well as Germany,

The IRB World Sevens Series for 2009-10 kicked off with great crowds and lots of fun in Dubai. New Zealand were full value for their win.

The designated Members of the IRB's Rugby Committee have, in response to a request from Scotland, given a ruling on the possibility of obstruction when a team hopes to form a maul.

The International Rugby Board's primary function is the Laws of the Game. Laws are changed only occasionally, usually now just after World Cups but in the meantime clarification of laws is made by way of "rulings", one of which was changed recently.

There are some differences between the Laws for Sevens rugby and the ordinary 15-man game. We note some in brief.

Hoewel die 2009-rugbyjaar nie as een van FNB Shimlas se bestes die afgelope dekade beskou sal word nie, het hulle minstens nou twee bekers in die trofeekas.

SANZAR has announced the eight Super 14 referees for the 2010 Super 14. Half of them are South Africans.

A move by New Zealand to ease the game's eligibility regulations to allow mainly Pacific Islands players to switch national allegiance late in their careers has been rejected by the International Rugby Board.

Edinburgh head coach Rob Moffat has freshened up his starting line-up for the Magners League trip to Scarlets on Friday by making five changes including appointing Chris Paterson as captain.

What no Tests! It is strange after the hectic days of November. But there are the All Blacks and Barbarians at Twickenham. And in Dubai there are the first of the IRB's 2009-10 Sevens Series. And the Magners League actually squeezes a round in. Some of those who were refereeing Tests in front of massive crowds are now back at the clubs.

Balie Swart, the former Springboks forwards coach, is to join SA referees as a selector and adviser.

The International Rugby Board Council has announced details of the Law amendment process which will shape the evaluation of the Laws and whether there is a need for any change following Rugby World Cup 2011 in New Zealand.

The Varsity Cup looks set to produce its first Rugby World Cup player, after JJ Gagiano and his USA Eagles team qualified for the 2011 World Cup which is to be held in New Zealand.

There was foul weather and there were two great matches - in Cardiff and, above all, in Marseille. We give some statistics from each of the matches.

Namibia beat Tunisia 22-10 at the Hein Geigob Stadium in Windhoek on Saturday to win the Africa Cup and to book their fourth trip to the final round of the Rugby World Cup, this time in New Zealand in 2011.

Fiji went to Romania for the first time on Saturday and beat the Oaks 29-18 at Stadionul Arcul de Triumf.

After two defeats in Japan's, Canada beat Russia in their historic encounter in the rain at Swangard Stadium in Burnaby, British Columbia on Saturday.

Tonga kept Portugal from scoring in the second half and won 24-19 at Estadio Universitario in Lisboa on Saturday, the Pacific Islanders' first win on their tour.

The November Test window closes with an exciting win for Ireland at Croke Park and a magnificent win for New Zealand in Marseille. Australia got their dazzle back and Namibia got their tickets to New Zealand in 2011.

Tonga of the South Pacific play Portugal of the North Atlantic for the first time ever at Estadio Universitario in Lisbon on Saturday

For the first time ever Canada and Russia will meet in a rugby Test when the two sides play at Swangard Stadium, Burnaby in British Columbia on Saturday.

The Flying Fijians fly to Bucharest to play Romania on Saturday, hoping no doubt for a better result than the first two on their tour.

At the at Hein Geigob Stadium in Windhoek on Saturday Namibia play Tunisia in the second leg of the Africa Cup Final which has serious implications. The winner will go directly to New Zealand in 2011 for the final round of the World Cup.

TUT will have a new look in 2010 - just in time for the third edition of the Varsity Cup tournament.

Springbok coach Peter de Villiers has expressed "satisfaction" after his meeting in Dublin on Wednesday with the International Rugby Board's Manager of Referees, Paddy O'Brien.

The British Columbia Bears beat Russia 38-16 British Columbia vs Russia at Bear Mountain Stadium, Langford, British Columbia, on Wednesday, not a great start for the Russians on their first-ever trip to Canada.

Before the November Tests started the top refereeing people gathered in London and had a lot to say about the scrums. After the first full week of November, there was much miserable controversy about scrums after New Zealand suffered in Milan. That produced greater refereeing awareness in the second week.

There was a lot of upset after the Italians shattered the All Black scrum in Milan and public suggestions from on high that the referee had got it wrong and needed to go on a scrumming course.

There were six matches this weekend with a surprising result in Edinburgh which was determined by the last kick of the match. The other results were pretty well expected on a weekend of difficult weather in Europe.

After losing to Canada in Dijon on Wednesday, France turned it about and beat Canada 22-0 in Stade de France on Saturday in a curtainraiser to the Test between France and Samoa. It was the first women's international ever at Stade de France.

International Rugby Board Referee Manager Paddy O'Brien has issued an apology to Stuart Dickinson and the Australian Rugby Union for public comments he made regarding Dickinson?s officiating of the Italy vs New Zealand match on 14 November.

The Argentina Jaguars beat Portugal 24-13 in Lisbon on Saturday.

The Test window in the north closes this weekend but before it does there are some exciting matches in prospect.

Japan won the second Test against Canada 27-6 (four tries to nil) in Tokyo on Saturday, a harder match than the first Saturday and demanding a great defensive effort of the Japanese.

rugby365.com columnist Jon Harris takes a closer look at the John Smit conundrum - prop or hooker. He believes Peter de Villiers will have to admit he was wrong.

The USA Eagles duly won the second leg of their Americas Rugby World Cup Qualifier, beating Uruguay 27-6 (four tries to none) at Broward County Regional Park in Lauderhill, Florida on Saturday, thereby booking a direct passage to New Zealand.

Some big results, including the surprise at Murrayfield, the World Cup qualifier in Florida and the surprise in the second match at Twickenham.

Worcester Warriors and Bath played the a dull 12-all draw in their Guinness Premiership encounter at Sixways on Friday.

Italy A beat the much weakened Georgia team 8-7 at Stadio Bruseschi in Palmanova, near Udine, on Friday night.

Scotland A scored five tries to one in beating Tonga 38-7 at Netherdale in Galashiels on Friday night.

Georgia, fresh from their triumph over the Argentina Jaguars, now take on Italy A on Friday night at Palmanova in northeastern Italy.

This is a crunch match. The winner of this World Cup Qualifier will go to the 2011 Rugby World Cup in New Zealand. The loser goes into repechage.

The International Rugby Board's refereeing boss, New Zealander Paddy O'Brien, has come under fire for his extraordinary attack on Australian referee Stuart Dickinson - a move which is now viewed with suspicion Down Under.

Centre Jamie Roberts scored two of the Cardiff Blues' seven tries on Sunday afternoon as they recorded an impressive 45-20 victory over Harlequins, booking themselves a place in the Amlin Challenge Cup.

Sale Sharks threatened to ruin the party for Toulouse but in the end, thanks to a 19-13 win away from home at Edgeley Park, the French giants secured themselves a home Heineken Cup quarterfinal draw.

They were made to work for it but eventually, with a strong second half performance, Biarritz stormed to a 41-20 win over Glasgow in their Heineken Cup, Pool Two, clash on Sunday - securing themselves a home quarterfinal spot.

A hat-trick of tries from Fijian flank Akapusi Qera helped Gloucester end their Heineken Cup campaign on a high in Wales - recording a 32-23 victory over the Dragons in their Pool Two clash on Sunday afternoon.

Munster have qualified as top seeds for the 2009/10 Heineken Cup quarter-finals and will face Northampton Saints in a rematch of Round 6 battle

A red card for Bath lock Danny Grewcock cost the English side dearly on Saturday night - with Steve Meehan's men struggling to stay with Ulster in their Heineken Cup encounter at the Recreation Ground, going down 28-10 in the end.

An unbelievably dramatic finish to Saturday's Round Six, Pool Six, clash between Leinster and London Irish saw the two teams draw, 11-all, and the Exiles knocked out of the 2009/10 Heineken Cup.

Edinburgh ended off their 2009/10 Heineken Cup campaign with a hard-fought 9-7 victory over Stade Francais at Murrayfield on Saturday afternoon.

Clermont secured their spot at the top of Pool Three with a bonus point win over Viadana in Italy on Saturday afternoon, running in eight tries to record a 59-20 victory.

A simply brilliant Heineken Cup Pool Six match at the Liberty Stadium on Saturday afternoon saw the Ospreys record a dramatic 17-12 win over Leicester and secure themselves a spot in the quarterfinals of the European competition.

The Scarlets got the job done in Brive on Saturday night, recording a tight 20-17 victory over the Top 14 team in their Round Six, Pool Six, Heineken Cup clash.

British and Irish Lions duo Stephen Jones and Matthew Rees return to the Scarlets squad this weekend, as the region faces Brive this Saturday in the final round of its pool six games in the Heineken Cup.

Two of the most exciting wings in England return to action for London Irish just in time for their must-win Heineken Cup, Pool Six clash with Leinster at Twickenham.

Recalled French star Mathieu Bastareaud has been named on the benchs for Stade Francais big Heineken Cup clash with Edinburgh this Saturday.

Bath have named a strong lineup for Saturday's Heineken Cup Cup clash with Ulster - reaffirming their determination not to finish their European campaign without a win.

James Hook has a chance to stake a claim for a starting spot in Warren Gatland?s Six Nations side after being named at inside center for the Ospreys in their must win encounter with Leicester at the Liberty Stadium on Saturday.

Clermont head to Italy needing, expecting and determined to get a five point haul against Viadana.

Perpignan have named a far more first-choice looking side for this weekend 'revenge-seeking' Heineken Cup clash with Treviso at the Stade Aime Giral.

'We're ready' - that's the mantra coming out of Northampton this week as they prepare to take on Munster in a must win Heineken Cup clash at Thomond Park on Friday night.

Leinster and Ireland star Brian O'Driscoll scored a try in the last minutes of the match to help the Irish Province earn a bonus-point from their 27-10 Heineken Cup victory over Brive on Saturday night.

Toulouse secured their qualification for the quarterfinals of the Heineken Cup this season with an impressive, bonus-point, 33-21 victory over Harlequins in France on Sunday evening.

A stunning second half display from the Northampton Saints saw them score four-tries and hammer an understrength Perpignan 34-0 at Franklin's Gardens to keep their Heineken Cup hopes very much alive.

Two tries each from flank Rob McCusker and centre Jonathan Davies helped the Scarlets to derail London Irish's Heineken Cup plans and record a 31-22 victory at the Parc y Scarlets on Sunday afternoon.

Leicester kept their hopes of a quarterfinal spot alive on Saturday with a comprehensive 47-8 win over Viadana at Welford Road.

Two tries from right wing Julien Arias helped Stade Francais to record a vital 15-13 victory over Bath in Paris on Saturday afternoon in their Heineken Cup Pool Four clash.

Bryan Redpath's Gloucester brought Biarritz's unbeaten Heineken Cup run to a crashing end on Saturday with the Cherry and Whites recording an impressive 23-8 win over the Pool Two high-flyers.

Star flyhalf Brock James scored 17 points for Clermont Auvergne on Saturday evening as they recorded a hard-fought, but impressive, 27-7 victory over the Ospreys in their crucial Heineken Cup, Pool Three, clash.

The Cardiff Blues produced a strong display on Saturday afternoon to record a good 36-19 win over the Sale Sharks in their Heineken Cup encounter at the Cardiff City Stadium.

Munster were full of running on Saturday night, outclassing Treviso 44-7 in their Heineken Cup Pool One clash in Italy and, as a result, have kept themselves in pole position for a spot in the Heineken Cup quarterfinals.

Stade Francais have named Scotland fullback Hugo Southwell at scrumhalf, alongside flyhalf Ignacio Mieres, for this weekend's Heineken Cup clash with Bath in Paris.

Cardiff Blues take on Sale Sharks in the Heineken Cup with both teams needing a win to have a chance of progressing to the quarter-final stages.

Ospreys Head Coach Sean Holley knows very well how stiff a test a trip to Clermont is, labeling his sides opponents this weekend as 'one of the leading sides in Europe.'

Shane Horgan will become the first Leinster player to reach the 75 Heineken Cup appearance landmark and the wing is named in a back-line which features six Ireland internationals for the visit of the French side.

Sam Vesty makes his first starting appearance of the season for Leicester Tigers in Saturday's Heineken Cup tie against Viadana at Welford Road.

Head Coach Bryan Redpath makes four changes to his Gloucester Rugby starting line up as his side return to Heineken Cup action with Biarritz the visitors to Kingsholm on Saturday.

England have announced their revised Under-20 Elite Player Squad for this season's major tournaments.

Bouncing back from their recent double defeat to Glasgow Warriors, two-try Edinburgh got the better of Cardiff Blues by 21-12 at Murrayfield on Saturday - in the only Magners League match to survive the severe cold snap this weekend.

Munster head coach Tony McGahan has named a powerful starting line-up for Sunday evening's Magners League clash against the Llanelli Scarlets, with B&I Lions prop John Hayes the only regular missing from the Irish team's matchday squad.

London Irish head coach Toby Booth has made six changes - one of which is positional - to his side's starting line-up for Saturday's Guinness Premiership clash against the Worcester Warriors at Sixways (kick-off 2pm).

The Cardiff Blues travel to Scotland on Saturday to take on Edinburgh in the Magners League knowing that they must get some points if they are to have a chance of finishing in a play-off spot this season.

Leinster and Glasgow have been given the all-clear for this weekend's clash in Dublin - a huge top-of-the-table Magners League fixture set to take place at the RDS.

With unsafe stadium conditions forcing all of Friday night's matches to be cancelled, we had just two Magners League encounters remaining on the schedule for us to look forward to this coming weekend - one on Saturday and one on Sunday. One of those matches, however, was also called off at the 11th hour.

The torrid weather in the United Kingdom has wreaked havoc with this weekend's Guinness Premiership fixture list with four of the six scheduled matches having been cancelled because of safety concerns.

Newcastle claimed their first ever win at Adams Park and got 2010 off to the best possible start with a scrappy, but well-earned, 12-6 win over London Wasps in their Guinness Premiership clash on Sunday evening.

In a statement released on Sunday, the Rugby Football Union voiced their great disappointment at the post-match comments made by Saracens head coach Brendan Venter about the referee in his sides Premiership defeat to Leicester.

Leicester handed Saracens their second defeat of the current Guinness Premiership season, and in as many weeks, with a hard fought 22-15 victory at Vicarage Road on Saturday afternoon.

Two first-half tries from Simon Danielli helped Ulster to record a much needed 15-10 win over Munster in their all-Irish clash at Ravenhill on Saturday evening.

Five penalties from flyhalf Nicky Little helped Bath edge out Leeds 20-15 in the Premiership?s basement-battle on Saturday afternoon at Headingley.

Enjoying their first win on Edinburgh soil since 2000, 22-15, Glasgow Warriors scored the only two tries in Saturday's 1872 Cup decider as they maintained their grip on the Magners League's top spot.

A late try from English second row David Attwood helped Gloucester to salvage a 13-all draw from their Guinness Premiership clash with the Worcester Warriors at Kingsholm on Saturday afternoon.

Northampton left it late but, as the final whistle sounded, the Saints were on the right side of the scoreline - edging out Premiership rivals 24-22 at Franklin's Gardens on Saturday thanks to a last minute try from Chris Ashton.

Soane Tonga'uiha will become the latest Saints centurion when he runs out with his Northampton teammates on Saturday afternoon for their very important Round 12 game against London Irish.

The Ospreys, temporarily at least, moved to the top of the Magners League table on Friday night thanks to an impressive 26-0 derby victory over the Cardiff Blues at the Liberty Stadium.

After the glitz, glamour, record crowd and disappointment at the narrow defeat to Wasps at Twickenham last weekend, Quins head back up the M6 to face Sale for the third time in four weeks.

Gloucester Rugby Head Coach Bryan Redpath has responded to last Sunday's Guinness Premiership defeat at local rivals Bath Rugby by making five changes to his starting line up for the visit of the Worcester Warriors to Kingsholm on Saturday.

Munster coach Tony Mcgahan has made six changes, two of those positional, for the trip to Belfast on Saturday as the defending Magners League champions clash with Ulster at Ravenhill.

Louis Deacon returns to captain Leicester Tigers for the trip to face Guinness Premiership leaders Saracens at Vicarage Road on Saturday.

Leeds Carnegie have made two changes to the side that beat Newcastle Falcons for this Saturday's big Guinness Premiership clash with Bath at Headingley Carnegie.

Ospreys boss Scott Johnson says his team is focused on moving 'up to the next level' this weekend when they face Cardiff at the Liberty Stadium.

London Irish fought back from 10-16 down at half-time to became the first Guinness Premiership side to beat Saracens this season - winning 23-19 at the Madejski Stadium on Sunday. Bath win at last! | Four-try Leicester triumph | Mallinder praises forwards

Scotland flyhalf Dan Parks - who has been in the news this week, with talk of a possible transfer to Cardiff - kicked Glasgow to a 25-12 Magners League win over Edinburgh at the Firhill Arena on Sunday. Munster power ahead | Leinster edge Ulster | More ML!

There's been more than enough on-and-off the field issues that kept the rugby world buzzing and we took a closer look at some of these issues and what we'd like to see in 2010. Other features: rugby365s Annual Awards and Matches of the Year...

Leeds Carnegie claimed a valuable 16-15 Guinness Premiership away win over Newcastle Falcons at Kingston Park on Sunday - a victory that could, well, save their bacon come the end of the season.

Two-times European champions, Munster, smashed Connacht 35-3 in their all-Ireland Magners League clash at Thomond Park on Boxing Day.

We look back at some of the finest tries this past rugby year...

Enigmatic London Wasps and England flyhalf Danny Cipriani has been handed the ideal Christmas present - he will start in the No.10 shirt for Wasps in their Guinness Premiership clash against Harlequins on Sunday.

Veteran Ireland and B&I Lions flyhalf Ronan O'Gara will captain Munster in Saturday night's crucial Magners League match-up with fellow Irish team, Connacht, at Thomond Park.

Professional sport is often full of scandals and drama and, in 2009, rugby was certainly no exception. The rugby365 team was there covering them all and now picks out the five biggest scandals of the past 12 months. Rugby world accept 'Alfie's' story

There were, of course, great matches this year. If the side you were ardent about won, the match was all the greater.

The exhibition match at Twickenham a few weeks ago brought the curtain down on another blockbuster international season. Looking back on the year, rugby365 brings you a collection of some of the biggest winners and losers!

In rugby - as with all team sports - the nicknames come from teammates and the fans. rugby365 columnist Keith Moore takes a look at some peculiar nicknames in the game.

It has been a long season for the players in 2009 but there have been some pretty incredible moments in the Six Nations, the Lions series, the Tri-Nations and numerous domestic tournaments to keep us interested!

Six Nations Grand Slam winners Ireland and Tri-Nations champions South Africa headline the prestigious rugby365.com Team of the Year selections.

rugby365 has worked hard in 2009 to bring their readers the best in news, reports and interviews - looking back now at the year, we select seven of our favourite exclusive interviews which we feel really stood out.

SARU has confirmed that teams representing Argentina and Namibia will compete in the 2010 Vodacom Cup competition. while there's talks around the possibility of the Southern Kings appearing in the Celtic League. Mallett: 'Why South still rules the roost'

With the Invictus premier now just a couple of days away now, rugby365.com spoke to former Springbok captain and World Cup winner Francois Pienaar about the Clint Eastwood-directed Hollywood blockbuster.

The Newport-Gwent Dragons scored a comprehensive four-try 30-9 victory over in-form Irish Province Leinster at Rodney Parade on Sunday evening.

A first half brace from Welsh wing Tom James set up the Cardiff Blues to secure their 'must-win' victory over Magners League strugglers Connacht at the Cardiff City Stadium on Sunday afternoon.

Tries from Paul Sackey and Steve Kefu, along with 14 points from the boot of flyhalf Dave Walder, helped London Wasps to an important 24-22 victory over the Leicester Tigers in their Guinness Premiership clash on Sunday afternoon.

Inspirational centre Seilala Mapusua returns from international duty to start for London Irish in their Guinness Premiership home match with Worcester Warriors at Madejski Stadium on Saturday.

Munster's James Coughlan who captained the side in their two British & Irish Cup victories will anchor the Munster pack in the Magners League game against Ospreys at the Liberty Stadium on Saturday.

Harlequins survived a brave second half fightback from bottom of the log Leeds Carnegie on Friday night - holding on to record a narrow 30-27 victory over Neil Back's determined outfit at Headingley.

Northampton's Director of Rugby, Jim Mallinder, has paid tribute to Jon Clarke, who, when he runs out with the Saints on Saturday tomorrow's Guinness Premiership Round 10 match against Bath, will reach one hundred appearances for the Northampton Saints first team.

England star Mark Cueto has failed a late fitness test and will miss this weekend's big Guinness Premiership clash with Saracens at Vicarage Road.

Six penalties from flyhalf Dan Parks and a late Thom Evans try was enough to help potential title-challengers Glasgow Warriors to a 25-13 win over Ulster at Ravenhill on Friday night.

Rob Moffat?s Edinburgh Gunners side scored two second half tries to edge themselves to a 17-16 victory over the Scarlets in their Friday night Magners League clash at the Parc y Scarlets.

Ulster Rugby Head Coach Brian McLaughlin has named Tom Court, Timoci Nagusa and Simon Danielli, who replaces Andrew Trimble on the wing, all in his starting XV for this weekend's clash with the Warriors.

Argentinean prop Juan Gomez is the only change to the Leeds Carnegie side for this Friday's clash with Harlequins at Headingley Carnegie.

The entertainment and rugby worlds are united this week - waiting with baited breathe to see exactly what Clint Eastwood, Matt Damon and Morgan Freeman have install for us with their new movie, Invictus.

The Magners League is back in full swing this weekend with an exciting round of fixtures snuck in before a couple week's of European action. rugby365 previews all the action from the Celtic competition...

With two European weekend's just ahead all the Guinness Premiership teams will be hoping to start building some good festive-time momentum with a win this weekend. rugby365 previews all the action...

Potential England wing Chris Ashton scored three tries for Northampton on Friday night as they cruised to an impressive 28-8 victory over Newcastle at Kingston Park.

Harlequins star Nick Evans scored 20 points as John Kingston's men recorded a 35-29 victory over Gloucester at the Twickenham Stoop on Saturday.

Saracens remained undefeated, but were held to a stalemate on Friday night at the Sixways Stadium - drawing 12-all with Worcester with both sides landing four penalties.

London Irish recorded a fairly comfortable 16-0 over Bath at the Recreation Ground on Saturday with flyhalf Ryan Lamb scoring all of his sides points.

London Wasps have come under heavy criticism after opting out of Friday night's Guinness Premiership match with Sale just minutes before it was due to kick-off.

Veteran playmaker Mike Catt will make his first start of the new season this weekend as London Irish travel to the Rec to face Bath in the Guinness Premiership.

Danny Care and Ugo Monye have both return to the Harlequins lineup for this weekend's big clash with Gloucester at the Twickenham Stoop.

Neil Back has named his squad, including 19-year-old flyhalf Joe Ford, for his big return to Welford Road this weekend as his troops tackle the Tigers.

England pair Simon Shaw and Tim Payne have returned to bolster London Wasps' pack as they head to Edgeley Park for their Friday Guinness Premiership clash with Sale Sharks.

Hooker Chris Fortey is set to join the exclusive '200 Club' in the Guinness Premiership when Worcester Warriors entertain table topping Saracens at Sixways Stadium on Friday evening.

Newcastle Falcons have made just one change to their side for Friday night's Guinness Premiership visit of Northampton Saints to Kingston Park.

The autumn international season has just one more round of fixtures to run and our attention is once again being quickly drawn to the Guinness Premiership with Round Nine's fixtures serving up a couple exciting battles.

London Irish slipped to their first Guinness Premiership defeat since the opening day of the season against battling Newcastle at a blustery Madejski Stadium on Sunday.

Carl Fearns touched down with six minutes remaining to complete a remarkable second-half fightback from Sale and deny bottom club Leeds a first-ever win over their northern foes.

Springbok flyhalf Derick Hougaard kicked 17 points for Saracens on Sunday as they recorded an invaluable 22-6 victory over rivals London Wasps at Vicarage Road and ensured they remained unbeaten in the league.

Northampton maintained their unbeaten home record with a 26-17 win over Harlequins in an enterprising game which saw the return of Tom Williams for the first time since his 'Bloodgate' ban.

Director of Rugby Jim Mallinder says that Northampton Saints face a tricky game ion Saturday when they welcome Harlequins to Franklin's Gardens in Round 8 of the 2009/10 Guinness Premiership.

Club captain Bob Casey returns to lead London Irish in Sunday's home Guinness Premiership match with Newcastle Falcons.

Sale Sharks' captain Dean Schofield will be making his 150th Premiership appearance when he leads his team out at Headingley on Sunday afternoon to face Leeds Carnegie.

Wasps stalwart Mark Van Gisbergen will make his 200th appearance in black and gold this weekend as Wasps travel to Vicarage Road to take on the Springbok-conqueroring Saracens.