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Recently we published a tentative article on the history of the sin bin and sanctionary cards in rugby. Naas Ferreira, a Pretoria lawyer who was a provincial referee in the Seventies, tells the story of the first use of the sin bin on 10 April 1975.

We discuss some examples of the laws in action from the Test in Sydney and from three Currie Cup matches at the end of June.

Now that South Africa are using the television match official to check on the validity of tries, the matter of the forward pass has now become interesting.

Neither sin bins nor sanctionary cards go back a long time in rugby. In fact they are not even rugby ideas.

FIRA-AER has announced the fixtures for the 36 countries taking part in the seven divisions of the European Nations Cup for 2008-09.

The Tri-Nations is upon us, ELVs and all - the same ELVs as were used in the Super 14, which is why only SANZAR referees will referee Tri-Nations matches. Still the to-ing and fro-ing from law to law will test referees.

Griqualnd West send two teams to Craven Week, the Griqua team and Griquas Country Districts, which is the old North West Cape. The same is true of the Aacedmy sides.

The Pumas of Mpumalanga have chosen nine teams for SARU's various youth tournaments and competitions.

rugby365 columnist Robbie Fleck thinks Peter de Villiers and his Boks are facing some very unrealistic expectations at the moment...

The Griffons of Northern Free State have chosen five teams to attend the various weeks coming up soon.

There were two Tests this last weekend- New Zealand against England in Christchurch and South Africa against Italy at wet Newlands, both producing comfortable wins for the home sides.

Eric Darriere referees his first Final in the French Championship on Sunday, the newest in a line of referees stretching back, war breaks apart, to 1892.

The Golden Lions have announced their teams for the Craven Week, Academy Week and the Grant Khomo Week for Under-16s.

Eric Darriere of the Basque country has been appointed to referee the Final of France's Top 14 at Stade de France on Saturday, one of the biggest club matches in the world.

Lots of teams have not played as Bondedag took over in the north with the approach of Craven Week. So we shall record this Top 20 and then stay in abeyance until rugby gets going again next term.

South Western Districts has named the Young Eagles due to fly off to the Craven Week in Pretoria, the Academy Week in George and the Grant Khomo Week in Ermelo.

The big match of the weekend, the one that will attract the biggest crowd and the most attention, will be the Final of France's Top 14. France may be playing in Sydney but there will be more interest in the club match in Paris.

We give some statistics from two Test matches - New Zealand vs England in Christchurch and South Africa vs Italy in the rain at Newlands.

Bondedag for Northvaal teams due to go to Craven Week took place at the University of Johannesburg on Saturday and the Northern Unions sent a clear message to the rest of the country - that they are a force to be reckoned with. Even though a wise man may not make too much of the performances there was enough to cause excitement.

Boland have announced their teams for Craven Week and for the Academy Week.

Three IRB tournaments ended this weekend. In Wakes New Zealand won the inaugural Junior World Championship, in Chicago England Saxons won the Churchill Cup and in Romania Emerging South Africa - whatever that is - won the Nations Cup.

Emerging South Africa won the Nations Cup 2008 when they beat Romania ?? in the final match, thus remaining the only unbeaten side.

Former Springbok centre Robbie Fleck would like to see Frans Steyn play at inside centre - not flyhalf.

Canterbury are the new Air New Zealand Cup champions, after holding out in the face of a fierce second-half onslaught from the Wellington Lions in the Final on Saturday. To read the minute-by-minute action click here.

George Clancy of Limerick will be refereeing at Newlands on Saturday when South Africa play Italy in the midst of a wet Cape winter.

On Sunday, the Junior World Championship reaches its final day which will decide whether New Zealand or England end the tournament in Wales as the first-ever winner of the Junior World Championship.

There were two controversial incidents in Week two - one in Auckland and one in Pretoria. We shall discuss those plus some other incidents.

South Western Districts edged the Free State 31-25 in the coveted main match at the 45th Craven Week in Pretoria on Saturday. rugby365 brings you all the latest schools results and news from around the country.

South Africa did its long-weekending again with fewer matches than usual even though a holiday is approaching.

The teams are announced for the Craven Week for High Schools, the Academy Week and the Grant Khomo Week for Under-16s.

Nations Cup referees manager David McHugh has announced the referees and touch judges for the three matches in the third and final round of the six-nation tournament.

Bath Rugby club has announced that Luke Watson has signed a two-year contract starting after the end of the Currie Cup.

The whole world seems to be playing international rugby at the moment. And so referees are scattering to the four corners.

Springbok loose forward Joe van Niekerk has been handed the captain's armband for struggling Top 14 club Toulon, as coaches Tana Umaga and Aubin Hueber look to spur new life into the embattled side.

England Saxons and Scotland A meet in the Final of the 2008 Churchill Cup, and Simon McDowell of Ireland will be there to see fair play.

Do you know who refereed the first Super Rugby Final, or even when it was? rugby365 takes you back in time to see who made history!

We give some statistics from four Test matches - New Zealand vs England, Australia vs Ireland, South Africa vs Wales and Argentina vs Scotland.

Several Tests, five international competitions and a French Top 20 that at last reached an end. It was a busy weekend.

Mark Lawrence has had to withdraw from officiating at three Tests in the next three weeks because of a motor accident on Saturday night.

Peter Fitzgibbon of Ireland and Romain Poite of France will referee the semifinals of the Junior World Championship being played in Wales.

Willie Roos of South Africa has been in Japan to officiate in the International Rugby Board (IRB) Pacific Nations Cup tournament. It was going well till disaster struck.

The referees manager for the IRB Nations Cup, David McHugh has announced the appointments for Round 2 of the Tournament to be played on Sunday, 15 June 2008.

With the IRB Nations Cup approaching the midway point, the six teams are concentrating on the crucial second round matches on Sunday at the ?Arcul de Triumf? Stadium in the Romanian capital of Bucharest.

Miles Benjamin and Calum Clark come back into the England starting line-up for Saturday?s IRB Junior World Championship clash against Australia, a tough assignment for England.

Impressed with the Springboks' 43-17 thrashing of Wales in Bloemfontein, former Bok star Robbie Fleck wants to see more of the same this week...

After the first round of the IRB's Nations Cup being played in Bucharest, Italy A top the table.

The International Rugby Board's refereeing manager, Paddy O'Brien, has released the names of the match officials for Day 3 of the Junior World Championship taking place in Wales.

The IRB Nations Cup 2008 is back in Bucharest and kicks off on Wednesday, 11 June 2008, with six teams taking part.

The IRB's Nations Cup kicks off in Bucharest with three matches at Arcul de Triumf Stadium.

Italy A had a sweeping win over Russia but Emerging South Africa were not the first side to find the rugged Georgians a hard side to beat on a hot afternoon.

On the first Saturday in June there were three big Tests between teams from the North and teams from the South in the South. They give us food for thought and talk.

There is a slight change at the top where we reward Paarl Gim for their massive victory over Drostdy.

In the opening round of the Nations Cup in Bucharest, Pro Legoete of the Golden Lions Referees' Society has been appointed to referee the match between hosts Romania and Uruguay, thus becoming South Africa's newest Test referee.

The June Tests got under way in gruesome conditions in Wellington when New Zealand and Ireland avoided dying of exposure. Then we had sunny Bloemfontein and cheerful Rosario. We give the statistics of the three Tests.

rugby365 columnist Steve Farrell takes a look at the weekend's internationals and suggests a few changes to the Springbok team!

It's an ever bigger weekend of international rugby to keep the top referees of the world happily engaged.

The International Rugby Board's refereeing boss, Paddy O'Brien has made known the referees for the second round of matches in the Junior World Championship taking place in Wales.

Wayne Barnes of England has been appointed by the International Rugby Board to referee the Test between South Africa and Argentina in Johannesburg on 9 August. This is a top match in which the top-ranked team in the world will play the third-ranked team.

Because the Tri-Nations this year will be played under the experimental law variations, only SANZAR referees will referee the matches as they have had experience of the ELVs in the Super 14.

In the Final of the Junior World Championships, played in Wales, New Zealand were much too good for England, winning 38-3. New Zealand were certainly the best side at the tournament. rugby365 looks at all the action!

rugby365 columnist Robbie Fleck looks ahead to this weekend's first Test between the Springboks and Wales.

The IRB has appointed referees to the first day of its Junior World Championship which starts in Wales on 6 June 2008.

There are some changes this week as a wise trio sat down and weighs up the relative merits of schools 1st XVs in South Africa.

As we reported last month, the International Rugby Board is determined that rugby football should be refereed accepting to the Laws of the Game.

Injuries have upset the balance of Robbie Fleck's Bok selection, but the rugby365 columnist takes a look at the make-up of his Bok midfield this week...

We had two finals over the weekend, Super 14 and Guinness Premiership. There are some things to talk about.

Big Tests are with us again as the Northern Hemisphere heads south, no doubt with teams labelled weakened.

In Christchurch Crusaders beat Waratahs in the Super 14 Final and in London Wasps beat Leicester Tigers. We bring some statistics from each match.

Selborne and Queen's contribute the majority of players to the Border Craven Week side.

There we have it, the Super 14 is over and we have a 'new' champion - as the Crusaders reclaimed the title from the Bulls. We also have a new champion in our 'readers versus staff' prediction game - but we knew that last week already.

England's Management Board is acting cautiously in the introduction of experimental law variations (ELVs) into your rugby in England.

SANZAR (South Africa, New Zealand and Australia Rugby) has underlined its commitment to the Experimental Law Variations (ELVs) by agreeing on special Tri-Nations ELVs to showcase the best of the game's new laws.

rugby365 columnist Steve Farrell takes a look at a weekend that saw several farewells - including the likes of Lawrence Dallaglio and Robbie Deans. However, he says it is Dallaglio's singing that has impressed him most!

Two huge Finals - one at Twickenham when more than 81 000 spectators pitched up and one at AMI Stadium in Christchurch when 26 000 filled the ground.

As the first Test against Wales draws nearer, Robbie Fleck continues to be impressed by new Bok coach Peter de Villiers.

In the first match of the 2008 South American Championship (Campeonato Sudamericano de Mayores), Argentina hop across the River Plate to Montevideo and play Uruguay at Estadio Charrua on Saturday.

The ranking of the Top 20 schools 1st XVs in South Africa is back.

The Free State selectors have named their provisional teams for the respective rugby weeks coming up this school?s holiday. The teams will play against their opposite teams from the Griffons on 7 June at Grey College in Bloemfontein.

There have not been many Finals to England's Premiership - just five of them and only three referees have refereed the Final.

There is literally one last throw of the dice for those who are hoping to improve on their positions in the 'readers versus staff' Super 14 prediction game.

It's the 16th Super rugby Final this weekend and Mark Lawrence is the ninth referee to referee it.

Variety is the spice of life; unpredictability is the spice of sport. Has the tackle knocked the stuffing out of variety, unpredictability?

Tense times don't end. This weekend it's the Final of England's Premiership and the Final of the Super 14. Big Saturday.

On Saturday there was all the tension of the Super 14 semifinals, two matches which were far more one-sided than anticipated. We give some statistics, a wider scope of them than during the round robin weeks.

It is official! Johan Greyling is the new prediction champion. With one week to go and only four points on offer in the Final - between the Crusaders and Waratahs - on Saturday, nobody can catch him anymore in our 'readers versus staff' prediction game.

Europe has three winners, the Pacific has a winner, SANZAR has finalists, there was a new Sevens winner. It was a big weekend.

Mark Lawrence of South Africa will referee the 2008 Super 14 in Christchurch between the Crusaders and the Waratahs.

Aoife MacCarthy of Ireland has been appointed to referee the Final of the Women's European Championship which comes to an end on Saturday, 24 May.

In a classic case of ?poacher turned gamekeeper?, former Brisbane club rugby firebrand Darren Rees will take charge of his first Premier Rugby game as referee when Wests take on GPS at Sylvan Road tomorrow.

The Laws of the Game believe that they are complete and state that they are, but the International Rugby Board, which formulates the laws gives explanations of how a law should be applied. This explanation is called a ruling.

A disciplinary hearing of the Free State Rugby Union (FSRU) heard the case of a player charged with assaulting and racially abusing a referee and suspended him for two years. Referees are up in arms about the lightness of the sentence.

The seven-match weekends in Super 14 are over, but still there are law issues to discuss.

This week, rugby365s Robbie Fleck looks at Peter de Villiers's first Bok training squad and also the Super 14 semifinals...

Following the meeting of its Council, the International Rugby Board has sent out an instruction to referees, calling for greater compliance in refereeing the tackle/ruck and the feed into the scrum.

Last week we discussed the matter of the time to end the match. It provoked two responses, one from Peter Shortell of Cheltenham and one from Mark Lawrence of Standerton. We give both here.

We're into the home straight now - both on terms of the Super 14 competition and our 'readers versus staff prediction competition'. With so little time (read so few games) left, only a total blow-out will stop Johan Greyling from a famous victory.

Whew! It's come to an abrupt end and ten teams are having an idle time this week end while four launch themselves yet again into tense and demanding battle. We give our statistics for Week 14 with some total for all 14 weeks with teams which have done most singled out.

Heineken and European Challenge Finals, Pacific Rugby Cup Final, Super 14 semifinals - it's a big weekend coming.

It has been a weekend of ups and downs for our experts in the 'readers versus staff' Super 14 prediction game, but one man is making a determined late charge.

Wayne Barnes will referee the Final of the English Premiership between Leicester Tigers, the holders, and London Wasps, two of the best teams at winning trophies.

SANZAR has announced the referees for the Super 14 semifinals - Stuart Dickinson and Bryce Lawrence.

Referees in the South Western Districts will not referee club matches this weekend or next weekend in the hope that the incidence of violence against referees will cease.

Saving the best wine till last? In the last round of the 2008 Super 14 four referees will officiate who have a total of one Super 14 rugby match amongst them and that one was in 2007.

It is astonishing how the Super 14 has rushed to its end. There is just one ordinary week to go and still we have points of law to discuss from the fascinating competition.

It is that time of the week again, when we venture out into the dangerous arena of Super 14 predictions. However, this week there is a difference - the last weekend with a full round of league matches, seven opportunities for points.

The ELVs are due to change in South Africa on 1 June. Andre Watson, South Africa's manager of referees, has written down a ten-point checklist in point form. There are changes.

rugby365s Robbie Fleck looks ahead to an exciting last weekend of Super 14 league action and also reveals his semifinal predictions.

rugby365 editor Jan de Koning feels it is time to 'cite' the citing officials for their grossly inconsistent behaviour, following the ludicrous decision not to take any further action against Wallaby flyhalf Matt Giteau.

Francois Veldsman has been appointed to referee the final of the Vodacom Cup between the Blue Bulls and the Free State at Loftus Versfeld in Pretoria on Friday and then when the Bulls and the Cheetahs meet in the Super 14 the next day. It is his biggest appointment so far in an seven-year refereeing career.

Fiji, Samoa and Japan are among the leading beneficiaries of increased development grants announced Tuesday by the International Rugby Board (IRB).

It's crunch time for teams now and so it is also crunch time for referees. Decisions can now be crucial.

With one week of the league part of Super 14 left, things are exciting. Again we give statistics for the weekend, including some accumulative statistics which tell which tell how many tries teams have scored, how many penalties and free kicks conceded and how many disciplinary problems they have had.

The Premiership in England and the Magners League ended the league part, Ireland had a final, things got more heated in France's Top 10 with a shock for Toulouse, the Super 14 has six teams on the fence between success and failure - it was a tense time.

It was a rough weekend for some of our experts in the 'readers versus staff' prediction game, but like the teams it was at the bottom end of the table where the real surprises came.

The Leones of Spain beat the Lobos of Portugal 21-17 in Madrid on Saturday, that ending their European Nations Cup as top dogs of the Iberian Peninsula.

Saracens have announced that Springbok Brendan Venter will replace Eddie Jones as head guru when the Australian steps down as Director of Rugby in July this year.Jan de Koning speaks to Sharks captain Johann Muller | SA's five S14 squads

Spain and Portugal bring down the curtain on the European Nations Cup Division 1 (Six Nations B) when they meet in Madrid on Saturday. This after the competition has run its two-year course.

rugby365 columnist, and former Springbok centre, Robbie Fleck hopes the Experimental Law Variations will catch on around the world - after all, it could only benefit the game and its global appeal.

Geoff Miller, one of the great historians and statisticians of the rugby world, has written down some titbits about New Zealand's provincial competition as the final..

Nigel Owens, Wales's top referee, will take charge of the Final of the Heineken Cup on 24 May - when Munster meet Toulouse in Cardiff. It is the 13th Heineken Cup Final.

There are still lots of law things to talk about in each week of the Super 14, and Week 12 is no exception.

It is that time of the week again, when we venture out into the dangerous arena of Super 14 predictions. Johan Greyling still dominates first place, whilem the race for second place is heating up.

The Elite Rugby Department of the RFU has announced two new appointments to its Referee Unit under the management of Ed Morrison. Two new trainee full-time officials, Greg Garner and JP Doyle take up their new posts on 1 September 2008.

Andre Watson, South Africa's manager of referees, has issued a statement on the Laws of the Game to be played for the rest of the year in South Africa, mainly as a result of the global introduction of experimental law variations from 1 August.

Mike Titcomb, a top club and Test rugby referee who served on the international panel for 10 years, has died at the age of 75.

There are matches in which tough decisions will be made at this time. There are finals and teams rushing towards finals. It is a tense time for players and referees.

The pressures on teams are great as the Super 14 nears the semifinal stage - and so is the pressure on referees and their decisions. We give some statistics from Week 12 and at the end are some totals - most tries, most penalties, most free kicks, that sort of thing.

There are just two rounds of the Super 14 left, two vital rounds for the players and the referees.

'Blades' and Chowgaps Inglis headed down to the Varsity Cup Final a few Mondays ago; they got interviews with Francois Pienaar, Kurt 'Kaptein' Darren, Chean Roux - and more! Click HERE to see their video...

Johan Greyling remains firm favourite to win the 'readers versus staff' prediction game, after a weekend of surprises, but it is the race for second place that took a dramatic turn.

rugby365 columnist Robbie Fleck tries his hand as a Springbok selector, whilst also looking ahead at Round 12 of the Super 14.

Will there ever be a rugby match when there is nothing in the laws to discuss? We have been doing this week after week and there still are more topics to discuss than space and energy allow. This week is no different after Week 11 of the Super 14.

The International Rugby Board (IRB) Council have announced that it had approved a global trial of Experimental Law Variations (ELVs) for a 12-month period starting on August 1. ELVs - is it a better game? LIVE COVERAGE!

It is that time of the week again, when we venture out into the dangerous arena of Super 14 predictions. With Johan Greyling the runaway leader in our 'readers versus staff' prediction competition, the real race is now for second place.

The inaugural Asian Five nations kicked off last weekend when Japan beat Korea in Korea and Hong Kong beat the Arabian Gulf in the United Arab Emirates. This weekend the fifth country goes into action when Kazakhstan visits Hong Kong.

The pressure on the players and the coaches and, therefore, the referees is mounting especially for the ambitious sides.

The International Rugby Board has announced its appointment of referees to Tests and other international matches under its aegis in May, June and July.

Paddy O'Brien, the International Rugby Board's manager of referees, has announced the new panels for international referees which show some radical changes.

We are back to seven Super matches as the frantic rush to the knock-out stages grips the Super 14 in a fever.

Uruguay have been crowned the inaugural IRB Junior World Rugby Trophy champions after coming from behind to beat host nation Chile 20-8 in the final at the Stade Francais Club in Santiago on Sunday.

Johan Greyling looks unstoppable as he march towards his maiden win in our 'readers versus staff' prediction game, taking a 12-point lead into the last three weeks.

There were the tense Heineken Cup semis and tense matches in the Super 14. There was also a start to the Asian Five Nations while European Nations Cup rugby reached a climax.

Chile and Uruguay will contest the inaugural International Rugby Board (IRB) Junior World Trophy Final in Santiago, after overcoming Romania and Georgia at the Stade Francais Club to finish top of their respective pools on Wednesday.

Alain Rolland of Ireland, appointed to the Heineken Cup semifinal between London Irish and Toulouse has been forced through injury to withdraw.

This week, rugby365s Robbie Fleck looks at the recent performances of the Stormers and Sharks - SA's Super 14 hopefuls!

Ian Smith of Australia is a new referee in Super 14 this year. On Saturday he will referee his second Super 14 match, in historic Kimberley.

The Sharks played the Brumbies in Canberra and found the second half, in the words of their captain, a nightmare when they could not see eye to eye with the referee and the referee could not see eye to eye with them.

It is that time of the week again, when we venture out into the dangerous arena of Super 14 predictions. After last week's setbacks for the leaders, the last few weeks may just become very interesting at the top.

The Super 14 is rushing to its business end and emotions run higher. But these are the calm waters of statistics of the weekend's six matches. These include totals.

The Heineken Cup semifinals are upon us this weekend. European Nations Cup matches are in the process of deciding winners and promotion/relegation. While some things end a brand new competition is starting the Asian Five Nations with matches in Japan and the Arabian Gulf.

The weekend of upsets on the field - which saw both the Crusaders and Sharks lose their unbeaten records - also made an impact on the standings in our 'readers versus staff' prediction game.

On the second day of the Junior World Rugby Trophy being played in Santiago, Chile, the teams which won on Day 1 won on Day 2 as well.

Life is getting crucial in many parts of the world as Europe's competitions get near the time for watershed decisions and the Super 14 hots up.

Argentinian star Felipe Contepomi kicked a perfect six-from-six, but it still was not enough to prevent Connacht from scoring a major upset, a 19-18 win over defending champions Leinster, in their Magners League fixture on Sunday.

There was nothing this week like the explosion of controversy and anger that was set off by the final whistle in Wellington last week, but there are still incidents to discuss - just to keep our laws sharp.

Bernd Gabbei of Germany, the man in charge of referees at the World Junior Trophy being played in Santiago, Chile, has named the referees for the second round of the championship.

It is that time of the week again, when we venture out into the dangerous arena of Super 14 predictions. After last week's mixed bag by our resident 'experts', there are a few 'players' with plenty of ground to make up!

rugby365 columnist Robbie Fleck tells us why he feels the Super 14 is value for money and who will be the top four!

The International Rugby Board's World Junior Trophy kicked off in Santiago, Chile, on Tuesday with wins for Romania, Chile, Georgia and Uruguay.

The European Rugby Cup has announced the referees appointed to the semifinals of the Heineken Cup and the European Challenge Cup.

It is becoming a bit of a 'one-horse race' in our "readers versus staff" prediction game, with Johan Greyling now the runaway leader with just five weeks remaining.

The Ospreys won at Twickenham and Georgia won at Krasnoyarsk. The Ospreys have a trophy and Georgia are close to one.

The European Nations Cup matches are picking up as spring thaws the cold. The Super 14 and several competitions in Europe are hotting up as crunch time draws nearer. And the 2011 World Cup gets under way - on the Cayman Islands.

Eight countries are taking part in the World Junior Rugby Trophy which kicks off in Santiago on 15 April.

We give some statistics from Round Nine of the Super 14, including some totals from the nine rounds which enable you to see who has scored most tries, who has concecded the most penalties and free kicks and who has the worst disciplinary record.

UCT were the winners in the Varsity Cup awards, despite their heart-breaking last minute loss to Maties in the Final.

As northern hemisphere countries show concern about the experimental law variations Ed Morrison, the former Test referee, has issued a warning about their possible detrimental effect on grassroots rugby.

SANZAR has announced the referees to referee Weeks 10-12 of the Super 14. Ian Smith of Australia will make his overseas Super 14 debut in Kimberley. His first Super 14 match will be in Round 9.

We have already discussed the unhappy ending to the match in Wellington but there are some other matters as well that are worthy of discussion.

rugby365 columnist Robbie Fleck this week tells us why he feels the Crusaders will remain unbeaten throughout the Super 14!

Who will guard the guards - and who will pay them? The International Rugby Board is to consider taking over the employment of referees.

It is that time of the week again, when we venture out into the dangerous arena of Super 14 predictions. After last week's shockers by our resident 'experts', we are hoping for a big weekend!

This is the second instalment of a particularly long law discussion on Week 8 of the Super 14.

Over the past weekend there were six Super 14 matches played with experimental law variations and four Heineken Cup quarterfinals played without experimental law variations. We look at some statistics from the two.

There is a big one in Russia this weekend - one which will decide the fate of the 2007-08 European Nations Cup. And there's a big club confrontation at Twickenham.

At the final of the Varsities Cup between the University of Stellenbosch and the University of Cape Town an experiment was made with a white card.

The Heineken Cup quarterfinals bustled in for two hectic days when the snow stayed away and rugby was possible. We give some statistics from the four matches.

The International Rugby Board has announced the four referees for its Pacific Nations Cup which will be played in June.

The Emerging Springboks will be back to defend their title at the International Rugby Board (IRB) Nations Cup tournament in Romania in June this year.

Ouch! Yes, that is all we can say about the past weekend's results in our 'readers versus staff' prediction showdown.

There was grievous upset at the final whistle at Westpac Stadium in Wellington on Saturday evening and huge controversy.

The universities of Cape Town (Ikeys) and Stellenbosch (Maties) will resume their intense rivalry, which has been going for almost a century, when they meet in the FNB Varsity Cup Final at the Danie Craven Stadium in Stellenbosch on Monday.

For Week 8, when only one South African team played at home, we give statistics of getting possession and we give some totals. There are no marks for guessing which team has the worst disciplinary record!

Consistency is such a watchword when it comes to refereeing. Is it sometimes perceived to lose out to personal feelings?

rugby365 columnist Robbie Fleck gives us his views on one of the most amazing comebacks and his weekly S14 predictions!

SANZAR has announced the referees for the first four rounds of Super 14, but Steve Walsh of New Zealand has been omitted.

Tony Spreadbury of England will referee the first match of the 2011 Rugby World Cup and he will do so in the Cayman Islands.

There has been a lot to talk about this weekend and still there is more. Rugby365.com has been doing this since 2000 and we have not once run out of things to talk about!

Chile will host the first International Rugby Board Junior World Rugby Trophy from 15-27 April 2008, and the IRB has announced the referees for the tournament.

The International Rugby Board has announced the referees for its new competition, the Junior World Championship.

It is that time of the week again, when we venture out into the dangerous arena of Super 14 predictions. After last week's impressive performances by our resident 'experts', we are hoping for another big weekend!

Peter Shortell of Cheltenham ran a straw poll on the experimental law variations - a poll of two dozen people.

Respected rugby365 writer Paul Dobson has a few interesting questions for discarded rugby boss Mike Stofile!

Some poets hailed April as the start of the spring. One saw it as the "cruellest month". For some players it will be a great month, for others cruel. We hope that for all referees it will be a wonderful month as European activities rush closer to their climax.

The Sharks had 16 players on the field during their match against the Reds, and the Reds are up in arms. rugby365's law guru takes a look at this contentious issue!

The first ever FNB Varsity Cup Final will be an all-Cape affair, after first the University of Cape Town (UCT) and then Stellenbosch (Maties) won their matches in dramatic fashion in the semifinals on Monday.

Johan Greyling has opened a handy three-point lead at the top of our Super 14 'readers versus staff prediction game' at the halfway stage of the tournament.

There were some big results this weekend, in Toulouse, Welford Road and Perth for example but also in other places. The number of results is growing as the hemispheres overlap.

We give statistics which are really about possession, mostly getting it. We shall discuss several issues regarding the laws in action. There are totals which tell which team has scored the most tries, which has conceded the most penalties and the most free kicks, and whose discipline is worst.

It was the last minute of the match between the Blues and the Stormers and the scores were tied at 14-all when the referee penalised big Sireli Naqelevuki of the Stormers for being off-side.

Kyle Brown has been a Sevens Springbok for a few short months, yet he already finds himself on the cusp of something really special.

rugby365 columnist Robbie Fleck reviews the FNB Varsity Cup Festival in George and gives his weekly S14 predictions!

sport365 columnist and former Springbok Robbie Fleck has a lot to talk about this week - from Peter de Villiers's contractual issues, to his UCT side's superb performances in the FNB Varsity Cup.

sport365 columnist Robbie Fleck is man enough to admit when he gets something wrong. This week, the former Springbok centre doffs his cap to the Experimental Law Variations (ELVs) and to those teams that have adapted to the changes. If you're a Bulls fan - turn away now.

Former Springbok centre Robbie Fleck looks back at UCT's superb Varsity Cup triumph during the week, whilst also touching on the Bulls' Super 14 woes and the farcical judicial systems that govern South African and SANZAR rugby. It's not yet Friday and what a week it's been!

The International Rugby Board (IRB) has announced the appointment of the match officials for the inaugural Junior World Trophy. A panel of seven referees and a specialist touch judge has been selected for the tournament, which is being held in Santiago, Chile, from April 15 to 27.

It is that time of the week again, when we venture out into the dangerous arena of Super 14 predictions. After last week's mixed results by our resident 'experts', we are hoping for a big weekend!

It's comparatively quiet at this Eastertide but only comparatively as rugby gathers its breath. But in the Far East there is rugby's biggest party - the Hong Kong Sevens.

Johan Greyling has opened up some space between himself and the chasing bunch at the top in our Super 14 'readers versus staff prediction game'.

There are law matters to talk about after Week 6 of the Super 14. There are also other matters, related matters, which are not an edifying part of rugby football.

The weather was good and there was a thriller in Johannesburg. We give some statistics from the six matches.

France again won the European Under-18 championship under the aegis of AER-FIRA when they beat Ireland in the Final. At Twickenham the finalists of the EDF Energy Cup.

At the AER-FIRA European Under-18 Championship coming to an end in Northern Italy, Belgium won Group B and Switzerland Group C on Good Friday.

The European Rugby Cup has announced the referees for the quarterfinals in both the Heineken Cup and the European Challenge Cup.

There were six matches in Week 5, plenty of action, lots of tries and, ineluctably, law matters to discuss.

It came with a bang, rushed along and ended with a joyous outburst in Cardiff - for Wales at least. We still have some mundane law topics to talk about.

Keith Lawrence, the man who manages New Zealand's top referees, is moving to the International Rugby Board, still working with top referees.

It is that time of the week again, when we venture out into the dangerous arena of Super 14 predictions. After last week's round of shockers by our resident 'experts', we are hoping for some more accuracy this week!

The Six Nations ended on a high note. No doubt the better weather made a difference. We give some statistics.

We give statistics for the six matches played in Week 5 of the Super 14. There are also some weekly totals which tell you which team has scored the most tries, conceded the most penalties and free kicks and had the most trouble for unacceptable behaviour.

It's Easter time. The leaves are turning, many people are praying,. some are going on holiday and rugby breaks out around the country, but especially in Gauteng.

The Welsh revival under Warren Gatland continued, with their 29-12 defeat of France at the Millennium Stadium not only securing the Six Nations Grand Slam, but also saw them move a one place up in the latest International Rugby Board (IRB) World Rankings to sixth - at the expense of Les Bleus.

The FIRA-AER Under-18 European Championship started on Saturday in Northern Italy with big wins for the big countries.

The Six Nations had had its climax and after a brief catching of breath referes are at it again as rugby carries on at this Eastertide.

SANZAR have announced the referees appointed to referee the thee weeks of Supoer 14 rugby starting Week 7.

The Canberra Times reports that the Brumbies coach, Laurie Fisher, has sent a written complain to the Australian Rugby Union about the performance of Willie Roos, the South African Super 14 referee.

On a weekend of low scoring - that is in our Super 14 'readers versus staff prediction game' - the big movers were Steve Farrell and Rudolf Mehl.

rugby365's law guru looks at the decision not to allow Bismarck du Plessis back onto the field after he had gone off bleeding. Was it a bad decision?

In the programme All Out Rugby on South African television it was stated that the referee had made a bad decision when Bismarck du Plessis was not allowed onto the field after he had gone off bleeding from a cut above his right eye. Was it a bad decision?

It's a big day in Cardiff on Saturday. A big day for the teams, a big day for their supporters and for rugby watchers all around the world. It's also a big day for Marius Jonker of South Africa, and he is looking forward to it.

There are always laws to discuss when we get a chance to see them in action - as we have been doing for some seven years now. There are some incidents from Week 4 of the Super 14 that are worth mentioning.

HM Stanley explored Africa and is labelled intrepid. Colin Stanley is off on an expedition to Russia at this stormy time and is labelled a referee.

We have already given statistics. Now we talk about some points of law from Round 4 of the Six Nations.

It is that time of the week again, when we venture out into the dangerous arena of Super 14 predictions. The one burning question remains: 'Can the chasing pack catch leaders Johan Greyling and John Granger?'

Again we give some statistics from the seven matches played in the Super 14, Week 4 with totals which tell us Crusaders have scored the most tries and conceded the most free kicks, the Hurricanes have been most penalised and the Bulls have been in most hot water.

The Six Nations comes to an end and the man to blow the final whistle is Marius Jonker of South Africa, the final match and the one that will decide the winner then Wales play France in Cardiff. What a wonderful appointment for the man from Zululand.

The weather in Europe was terrible and the Six Nations rugby did little to lift the gloom, not even in sunny Dublin.

Bad weather in Europe and disappointingly drab Six Nations rugby. Great weather in Perth and a brilliant Super 14 match.

It remains extremely close at the top of the standings in our Super 14 'readers versus staff prediction game'.

Two matches in the FNB Varsity Cup take place on Saturday, as the race for play-off places begins to hot up.

The Oaks of Romania meet the Lobos of Portugal in a European Nations Cup match in Bucharest on Saturday.

Simon McDowell of Ireland has been appointed to the European Nations Cup match between Romania and Portugal in Bucharest.

Jean-Pierre Pellaprat of France, a mature referee, will be heading from Provence to Krasnodar in the south of Russia to referee the match between the Bears of Russia and the Leones of Spain, an important match for the Russians who have ambitions to win the European Nations Cup for the first time.

There are some points of law for us to discuss, one a most important one because it is at the soul of refereeing.

French scrummaging was once feared. In this Six Nations, France's scrumming has been the weakest, and some people are blaming foreign influence.

We venture out into the dangerous arena of predictions again this week, as the chasing bunch try to catch leaders John Granger and Johan Greyling.

Andre Watson, SA's manager of referees, has produced some statistics to see how the ELVs have affected the Super 14!

Six Nations is heading for a massive amount of interest at Croke Park with Wayne Barnes of England to see fair play between the unbeaten Welsh and the still hopeful Irish.

Portuguese internationals David Penalva and Christian Spachuck are set to join bottom-placed French championship club Auch next season from Second Division tailenders Blagnac, it was revealed on Monday.

In their important European Nations Cup match Russia stayed on line to challenge Georgia by beating Portugal 41-26 in Lisbon on Saturday.

Johan Greyling has managed to close the gap on John Granger and the two are tied at the top in our 'readers versus staff prediction game'. They both have 26 points out of a possible 42 after three weeks.

See how the mighty are fallen. It happened to Toulouse for the first time in the Top 14 and it happened to Gloucester. And oit happened to the Bulls who are the Super 14 champions. And it happened to the Ospreys, a.k.a. Wales,

Again we give some statistics from the seven matches played in the Super 14, Week 3.

The Bears of Russia meet the Wolves of Portugal at the Dinamo Stadium in Krasnodar on Saturday in a Division 1 match of the European Nations Cup, a vital encounter to Russian ambitions.

It was a hectic weekend with Six Nations and Super 14 catching most of the headlines. Two of the matches produced big scores and even the Paris match ended with a distinct gap between the two scores. We shall take a few incidents from the match to use for law discussions.

The FNB Varsity Cup - just two weeks old has attracted the attention of South African Sevens coach Paul Treu.

Can Johan Greyling reclaim the lead from John Granger or will anybody else sneak ahead? We bring you the Week Three 'visions' in our 'readers versus editorial staff' predictions showdown.

The ELVs run along in Week 2 and take a lot of the interest but we have also other points of law to discuss this week.

Big wins for Wales and Ireland and a tough victory for England in Paris - their second win there in a few months and again a surprise but again well earned. We give some statistics from the three matches.

WELCOME BACK to rugby365.com's live coverage of Super Rugby which moves into Round Six this weekend.

We give some statistics of getting and using of possession in the second week of Super 14. The Crusaders and the Blues have scored the most tries while the Stormers are the most punished side in Super 14.

The year is racing on - two months down already and ten to go, and all of them packed with rugby activity with referees whizzing all over the place. This weekend is a bit of a breather before the Six nations gets going again.

Willie Roos, the South African Super 14 referee, has come in for much criticism from Stormers' supporters but Andre Watson, South Africa's manager of referees, insists that he did nothing wrong in the Schalk Burger incident.

Defending champion John Granger has sneaked into the lead after Week Two of the 'readers versus writers' Super 14 prediction game.

Two matches in the FNB Varsity Cup competition will be played on Saturday.

It's a busy weekend for players, spectators and referees. Six Nations and attendant matches, European Nations Cup, Super 14 - the whole lot. Referees will be flying all over the place.

The Super 14 has come upon us and most of the law concentration has been on the Experimental Law Variations as introduced into the Super 214 as the International Rugby Board keeps examining the possible effect on the game before introducing changes in November.

Andre Watson, SARU?s Manager of Referees, has a look at some statistics regarding the ELVs and comments on them!

A team of three Scots is moving on Lisbon to act as match officials in the European Nations Cup match between Portugal and Georgia, the Lobos against the Lelos with the Lelos expected to win.

Johan Greyling's lead is under threat in Week Two of our 'readers versus editorial staff' predictions showdown. Will he hold on?Email us your predictions!

2012 Six Nations standings.

In the first match of the inaugural FNB Varsity Cup, the NWU-Pukke triumphed 23-17 against a spirited Ikey Tigers team at the University of Cape Town (UCT) on Monday.

Johan Greyling has upset the formbook and has taken an early lead after Week One of our readers versus editorial staff prediction game.

A National Recruitment Campaign that aims to boost the ranks of amateur rugby referees in South Africa over the next few years has been launched by the SA Rugby Referees' Society.

A National Recruitment Campaign that aims to boost the ranks of amateur rugby referees in South Africa over the next few years has been launched by the SA Rugby Referees' Society.

The Ligue Nationale de Rugby (LNR) is on a collision course with its European counterpart after opting to reduced a suspension handed down to Alexandre Audebert.

Bruno Bessot grew up with rugby - 'bathed' in rugby from babyhood, he says. Now he is off to Lisbon to referee the European Nations Cup match between Portugal and Czech Republic.

There is an extra frisson of interest as the Super 14 draws nearer as there are new laws to consider with the curtailed use of Experimental Law Variations.

There is an extra frisson of interest as the Super 14 draws nearer as there are new laws to consider with the curtailed use of Experimental Law Variations.

Bruno Bessot grew up with rugby - 'bathed' in rugby from babyhood, he says. Now he is off to Lisbon to referee the European Nations Cup match between Portugal and Czech Republic.

John Granger has won his head-to-head Super 14 prediction battle with rugby365 editor Jan de Koning for the past two years, making this knowledgeable reader the undisputed champion.

Three Six Nations matches in Round 2 and lots to talk about, as Wales beat Scotland 30-15, France just beat Ireland 26-21 and England just beat Italy 23-19.

Tigers hooker George Chuter is the latest international to sign a new contract with the 2006/07 Double-winners.

Three Six Nations matches in Round 2 and lots to talk about, as Wales beat Scotland 30-15, France just beat Ireland 26-21 and England just beat Italy 23-19.

There was a penalty try awarded against France on Saturday which, unlike the TMO's decision to advise that Shane Williams had scored a try, evoked no critical outcry, but it bears thinking about.

There was a penalty try awarded against France on Saturday which, unlike the TMO's decision to advise that Shane Williams had scored a try, evoked no critical outcry, but it bears thinking about.

The television match official advised the referee that a try had been scored, and the coach of the losing team was up in arms about it.

Again two exciting Six Nations matches with great fightbacks in Paris and Rome. Again we give some stats about getting and using possession from the three matches.

Again two exciting Six Nations matches with great fightbacks in Paris and Rome. Again we give some stats about getting and using possession from the three matches.

The Craven Week for High Schools is at Affies in Pretoria on 6-12 July 2008. The fixtures for the first two days are known.

The Craven Week for High Schools is at Affies in Pretoria on 6-12 July 2008. The fixtures for the first two days are known.

The television match official advised the referee that a try had been scored, and the coach of the losing team was up in arms about it.

The SANZAR war breaks out - the Super 14 with an additional onus on the referees in the form of the new Experimental Law Variations. .

The new Experimental Law Variations (ELVs) will be implemented in schools rugby this year. Andre Watson and his helpers have sent out information about the laws, including the full text of the primary schools variations, incorporating the ELVs where applicable.

The new Experimental Law Variations (ELVs) will be implemented in schools rugby this year. Andre Watson and his helpers have sent out information about the laws, including the full text of the primary schools variations, incorporating the ELVs where applicable.

Three interesting matches started the 2008 Six Nations. They were interesting in themselves and for referees there were matters interesting enough to be discussed.

Three interesting matches started the 2008 Six Nations. They were interesting in themselves and for referees there were matters interesting enough to be discussed.

When Scotland played France in Edinburgh there was a headbutt which has provoked some questions from readers, enough to suggest a separate discussion on the matter.

Neil Ballard of Cardiff is off to Tblissi, the capital of Georgia to referee a European Nations Cup match between great rivals Georgia and Romania, and he is looking forward to it.

We shall, as in the past give some statistics from the three Six Nations matches on the weekend, mainly about getting possession.

Former Springbok centre Robbie Fleck has thrown his weight behind the inaugural FNB Varsity Cup - a new university rugby tournament that is set to take South African rugby by storm when it starts in two weeks' time.

We shall, as in the past give some statistics from the three Six Nations matches on the weekend, mainly about getting possession.

University rugby in South Africa is set to take on a whole new dimension with the advent of the FNB Varsity Cup which kicks-off, nationwide, on Monday, February 18.

The first round of the Six Nations was filled with drama and already the second week is upon us. Alain Rolland will referee a Six Nations match for the second week in succession

Paul Honiss, appointed to referee the Six Nations match between Scotland and France at Murrayfield on Sunday, has had to withdraw because of a serious family illness. He has had to return to New Zealand.

We have incidents from three matches to discuss this week: Sale vs Harlequins, Auch vs Toulouse and Saracens vs Bath - all enthusiastic matches, won by Sale, Toulouse and Saracens.

We have incidents from three matches to discuss this week: Sale vs Harlequins, Auch vs Toulouse and Saracens vs Bath - all enthusiastic matches, won by Sale, Toulouse and Saracens.

It's here! The Six Nations is here and the world's eyes are on great rugby - and the referees. Everybody who is normal hopes that there is not a single refereeing controversy, in fact that the name of referee is never mentioned.

It's here! The Six Nations is here and the world's eyes are on great rugby - and the referees. Everybody who is normal hopes that there is not a single refereeing controversy, in fact that the name of referee is never mentioned.

The much-anticipated Experimental Law Variations (ELVs) that will be trialled in the Super 14 this year got a preliminary pass mark from coaches and officials.

The SANZAR nations (South Africa, New Zealand and Australia) had their first real glance at the much-anticipated Experimental Law Variations (ELVs) that will be applied in the Super 14 this year and they got a preliminary pass mark.

The Experimental Law Variations will be used in the Super 14 in curtailed form and in all South Africa's domestic rugby in their full form. We try to make them easier to understand.

The Experimental Law Variations (ELVs) will be used in the Super 14 in curtailed form and in all South Africa's domestic rugby in their full form. We try to make them easier to understand.

It's here! The Six Nations is here and the world's eyes are on great rugby - and the referees. Everybody who is normal hopes that there is not a single refereeing controversy, in fact that the name of referee is never mentioned.

It's here! The Six Nations is here and the world's eyes are on great rugby - and the referees. Everybody who is normal hopes that there is not a single refereeing controversy, in fact that the name of referee is never mentioned.

The SANZAR countries (South Africa New Zealand and Australia) have issued a game management plan for managing the new Experimental Law Variations (ELVs) in Super 14.

The Heineken Cup ended with a sudden bang this weekend, solving all sorts of problems - joy for some, hopes dashed for others. It was a wet weekend and a watershed one.

sport365 columnist Robbie Fleck is a happy man this week, having spent a few days playing rugby in Bangkok, before returning home to find out that his young UCT side smashed Tukkies in an FNB Varsity Cup fixture. Can life get better for Fleckie?

Springbok centre Robbie Fleck looks back at Round One of the 2008 Super 14 and the FNB Varsity Cup - matches that will forever be remembered by the introduction of the already infamous Experimental Law Variations (ELVs). And, of course, he also makes his predictions for Round Two of the Super 14.

Picking up from last week's in-depth Super 14 tournament preview, former Springbok centre and sport365 columnist Robbie Fleck looks ahead to the opening weekend of southern hemisphere action with his game-by-game picks. Also, Fleckie also gives us the inside track on UCT's preparations for the inaugural FNB Varsity Cup!

Former Springbok centre and sport365 columnist Robbie Fleck is very excited ahead of the 2008 rugby season - for two reasons; the Varsity Cup and the Super 14.

This is a relatively quiet weekend for referees before the Six Nations gets under way.

sport365 columnist Robbie Fleck got a lot of feedback from our readers last week after his column on the appointment of new Bok coach Peter de Villiers. He continues in the same vein this week...

South Africa's top ten referees met at the Nature Reserve at Hartebeesthoek for their annual; pre-season course, which included, this year, instruction and discussion of the Experimental Law Variations which will be introduced partly to the Super 14 and fully into all domestic rugby in South Africa.

Referee Chris White is injured and has been replaced by Jonathan Kaplan for the opening match of the 2008 Six Nations. It is one of recent changes to the match officials.

England will follow up on the silver medal they pocketed at the World Cup with some proper silverware, or so says our man Andrew Baldock...

Eleven of the top referees in South Africa, led by Andre Watson, South Africa's Referee Manager, and Tappe Henning a referees' selector at the International Rugby Board, have been studying the Experimental Law Variations (ELVs) which they will start using soon.

Former Springbok centre Robbie Fleck returns to your screens this week, with sport365s star columnist giving his views on the appointment of Peter de Villiers as the newest Bok coach.

January is already rushing away as we finish Round 6 of Europe's championships with law matters to discuss from five Heineken Cup matches.

Mark Lawrence is doing an omega-alpha act. He blew the final whistle on the Currie Cup and now will blow the whistle in Christchurch to start the Super 14 for which the match officials have been appointed to the first six weeks.

Malcolm Changleng, Scotland's only full-time referee, has decided to go back to teaching, whence he came.

The selection of the England squad for the forthcoming the Six Nations has sent our readers a-scribbling. Here are some of your views...

Andre Watson, South Africa's refereeing manager, has announced, with excitement, that South African has received a dispensation from the International Rugby Board (IRB) to adopt the complete set of Experimental Law Variations (ELVs), the so-called Stellenbosch Laws.

The Australian Rugby Union has a confidential report on the effect of the Experimental Law Variations after their use in the Australian Rugby Championship.

We have three matches to extract some law situations this weekend - Biarritz vs Montauban, Bath vs Gloucester and Harlequins vs Leicester Tigers.

2012 Super Rugby standings.

The news that Lawrence Dallaglio has played his last game for England has divided our readership. Whilst many reckon that big 'Lol' should be immortalised in cast iron, an equal number believes that the Wasps stalwart should be jailed for years of "cheating". Here are some of your views...

The dramatic year of 2007 has come to an end, and it played itself out with rugby, which means that we have some law points to talk about.

As 2007 draws to a close we are left to reflect on a superb year of rugby. A year that saw South Africa crowned as World Champions, Wasps claim a third Heineken Cup and the Bulls triumph in a thrilling Super 14 Final.

Yet another year is upon us with its hopes and promises. For referees it is another year in which they hope for praiseful assessors, co-operative players, understanding coaches, appreciative administrators, knowledgeable commentators and polite crowds - all leading to meteoric rises and top class appointments. Here are some top class appointments.

2007 was a memorable year for rugby in only its twelfth year of full professionalism.

We have a few short incidents from the English Premiership matches between Bristol and Wasps and between Sale and Leicester and the Top 14 match between Toulouse and Clermont Auvergne., all intense, closely contested matches.

If Santa Claus could bring the referees a stocking, what would be in it? We have found a dozen to take us through the 12 days.

London Wasps camped on the Bristol line . It was an epic siege, ended only when a penalty try effected the breakthrough Wasps sought.

It is a season of goodwill, which does not preclude playing rugby, but there is just a little of it in figgy, icy Britain, and there are referees in the ice and the fog. No too much plum duff for them.

Expect Brian Ashton to crack on at a fair old pace following his reappointment as England head coach, says Andrew Baldock.

rugby365s Paul Dobson looks at the protracted Springbok coaching saga, as the world champion Boks get set to embark on life without a coach - making them the only World Cup team without a man in charge!

The weather was better and some of the rugby so thrilling, especially when London Wasps and Clermont Auvergne played their return match. Inevitably we have some law points to talk about.

Christmas is getting seriously close now and the number of matches is winding down. In Caledonia stern and cold there will be no matches this weekend. The referee with the toughest job this weekend may just be Eric Derriere up on the edge of the Massif Central.

Stuart Dickinson, one of only a dozen referees chosen to referee at the 2007 Rugby World Cup, has published his diary - life from a referee's perspective and it contains one chapter that could be a part of rugby's history and rugby's planning.

South Africa has made application to the International Rugby Board for leave to introduce the Experimental Law Variations applicable in the Super 14 to all rugby in South Africa from 1 January 2008.

There always is the fun of talking about the laws and their application after matches. One hopes that the changes will not make the game so bland that there is nothing to talk about!

Ed Morrison will take over from Colin High as England's manager of elite referees when High retires in June 2008.

In the South American Championship Argentina play Chile at Estadio de San Martin in San Juan on Saturday evening.

The SANZAR countries have left the cornerpost where it was but depowered it somewhat for the Experimental Law Variations to be introduced into the Super 14 in February.

They have, it seems, not gone the whole proposed hog for line-out changes in the Experimental Law Variations to be introduced in the Super 14 in February.

The Experimental Law Variations to be introduced into the Super 14 in two months' time affect the scrums.

We shall look at each of the affected laws - tackle, touch and line-out, scrum and in-goal and try to adapt the present law to see what changes could be made in the Experimental Law Variations to be introduced into the Super 14 in two months' time.

The meeting of SANZAR top brass, coaches and referees have produced a document on the application of the experimental law variations which will be used during the Super 14 in 2008. This application has gone out as a Game Management Action Plan.

There is a lot of concentration on the introduction of a curtailed version of the Stellenbosch Laws but we are staying in the present with incidents from three matches during the first weekend of December.

SANZAR has adopted part of the experimental law variations (ELVs) for use in Australia, New Zealand and South Africa, specifically during the Super 14. What SANZAR will apply is NOT the full ELV proposal before the International Rugby Board.

Spectators and fans will witness a quicker and more "exciting" brand of rugby, following a decision by the South African, New Zealand and Australian Rugby Unions (SANZAR) to adopt a range of the Experimental Law Variations (ELVs) for the Super 14 competition.

SA Referees has announced new panels for its top referees for 2008, slightly smaller panels at the top.

The International Rugby Board (IRB) has announced that the Rugby World Cup 2011 tournament in New Zealand will comprise 20 teams.

We have a few short incidents from an England's Premiership match to discuss this week.

Australia has made available its national panels of referees, and it includes one from Western Australia and another from Northern Territory.

We shall do this week's law discussion in two sections - taking incidents from the Wales-South Africa match in Cardiff and then from two matches in England's Premiership.

The IRB Sevens Series kicks off in Dubai this weekend before moving down to George in the Southern Cape.

South Africa beat Wales 34-12 at Millennium Stadium on Saturday. We give some of the statistics of the Test.

The International Rugby Board (IRB) will placed two of the most contentious issues on the table at their 'global playing season' forum in Woking, England, next week.

There are five matches again this week in the Heineken Cup which have given us aspects of the laws to talk about.

SANZAR, the ruling body for Tri-Nations and Super 14 tournaments, will ultimately make the final call on whether the some if any of the Experimental Law Variations (ELVs) are implemented in the 2008 Super 14 season.

The top rugby players in South Africa gave a tick of approval to the top referees in South Africa.

The residue of the Springbok team which won the World Cup will play against the rebuilding Welsh team at Millennium Stadium this weekend. Chris White of England, one of the world's most experienced referees, will referee.

Rulings - periodic expansions of an aspect of the game's laws - are not a good idea but they happen from time to time. It is hoped than when the next law changes take place all rulings are scrapped because they are redundant.

The International Rugby Board, whose first obligation, is to determine the laws of the game, the way the game is played, has clarified one aspect of dangerous tackling - the high tackle.

Alan Zondagh has reopened his Rugby Performance Centre (RPC) with better facilities than ever and including a school for referees under the guidance of Freek Burger.

The flags are waving around Europe again as fans support their teams in the Heineken Cup. Players strive with sinew and muscle, and in the midst of it there is the lone referee, trying to help them all succeed in their endeavours.

Europe's great competitions go on with all the zest and the great pleasure of seeing top player meeting top player.

rugby365's decorated and respected writer Paul Dobson tells us exactly how ugly an animal South African rugby has become, despite the glory of winning a second World Cup!

The Rugby Football Union and the Rugby Football Union for Women are preparing the "next generation of world class female referees" by identifying them and putting them on a specifically-designed programme.

Paddy O'Brien, the IRB's man in charge of referees is in favour of extending the scope of the television match official. In fact he would not like the status quo to remain.

There have been experimental law variations (ELVs) that have been tested, following the first experiments and proposals made in Stellenbosch. Now it seems that the rugby world is on the brink of big changes to the laws that may in fact be implemented in the Super 14.

South African referees have suspended two touch judges, Deon van Blommestein and Louis Mzomba, after a wrong decision in the Currie Cup semi-final between the Blue Bulls and the Cheetahs in Bloemfontein.

This weekend the European Nations Cup resumes, part of a competition stretching over two years. The match officials in Bucharest are Scots.

At the end of the World Cup, there were the big ten. The Six Nations, the Tri-Nations, and the rugby 'island of Argentina.

Standings

The European Cup have announced the refereses for the first four rounds of the 2007-08 Heineken Cup. Alain Rolland, the referee at the World Cup Final, will referee in Round 1.

There is no rest for rugby referees, no time to put feet up and dose in the sun. So we have referees at many levels for this week as the Northern Hemisphere takes over.

Mark Lawrence will referee his first Currie Cup Final in Bloemfontein on Saturday, the 23rd referee to referee a Currie Cup Final. But then there have been only 46 finals.

The whole of South Africa is proud of the performance of the Springboks in winning the World Cup. Imagine how extra proud of them are the schools they went to, the teachers who taught them, the coaches who coached them.

It was not so much the Springboks that needed South African President Thabo Mbeki's support at the World Cup Final in Paris last Saturday, but rather it was Mbeki who needed the support of the World Champions, writes Rugby365's Siyabonga Mchunu.

The World Cup has come and rushed to its end. This weekend their are still matches, including the Currie Cup Final in Bloemfontein.

Three days ago South Africa beat England 15-6 to win the Rugby World Cup. Three days later we are still enjoying reading what you have to say about the game's events.

The final match of the 2007 Rugby World Cup has come and gone. Statistics of the match can be interesting. Those we give here tell how possession was used.

It was just two minutes into the second half when Mark Cueto dived over in the corner for what he maintained was a try.

After 48 matches we come to the last Law Discussion of the 2007 Rugby World Cup. We have some incidents to talk about from the 3rd-place match and from the final. And then we can all go on holiday.

It seems not even the mother of all hangovers after South Africa's Rugby World Cup victory over England last night could prevent the mails from flooding - we salute you!

It's hard to believe that it's all over - the 2007 Rugby World Cup with all the expectation, then the ups and downs and then the tension of the final in which South Africa beat England 15-6. We give some statistics for the match.

The match between Argentina and France for the bronze medal, the second last match of the 2007 World Cup, produced a result which confounds statistics. Those we give here tell how possession was used.

The Bronze Medal match reaffirmed Argentina's hold over France as they ran out winners 34-10 to take the Bronze medal. We give some statistics from the match.

Tony Spreadbury, one of the most recognisable referees in world rugby, has decided to end his international refereeing career.

Paul Honiss of New Zealand will become the world's most capped Test referee when he referees the 3rd-place play-off at Parc des Prince on Friday night. He breaks Derek Bevan's record of 44 Tests.

skysports.com's Tony Curtis tells us why defending champions England must win Saturday's World Cup final against South Africa.

rugby365's John Dobson tells us why the Springboks must and will triumph over England in Saturday's World Cup final in Paris!

Paddy O'Brien, the International Rugby Board's manager, has admitted that match officials made mistakes when France beat New Zealand in the World Cup quarter-final and that those mistakes were tough on New Zealand but continues to claim that the did not "cost" new Zealand the match.

Whether this is altruism or a just a gloat is for you to decide, but we thought we'd bring you a taste of Paris as the Final looms.

There were two semi-finals at the World Cup in which England beat France and South Africa beat Argentina. We have some points of law to talk about.

The semi-finals rushed pass us in great tension as four teams fought for two places. Twenty had become eight, then four and now two.

Alain Rolland becomes just the fifth referee to referee a Rugby World Cup final on Saturday, and he is excited. He told us so.

Who would have predicted it? Perhaps not even the wisest old rugby owl, but England are through to defend their title in the Rugby World Cup against South Africa in Paris this Saturday.

The world is on tiptoe as it waits for the 2007 World Cup Final with Alain Rolland to referee it. He will have Joel Jutge and Paul Honiss on the touch lines, Stuart Dickinson up in the TMO's box and Michel Lamoulie to check up on him

South Africa scored first and last and won the second 2007 Rugby World Cup semi-final 37-13. We give some statistics from the match.

Yet another close affair in the knock-out rounds of the 2007 Rugby World Cup - a gripping match with England taking the lead with just six minutes left. We give some statistics of the match, mostly about getting possession.

The four quarter-finals in the 2007 Rugby World Cup were tense affairs and there are things to talk about scrums - apart from the obvious ones.

Former Springbok centre Robbie Fleck believes the 2007 Rugby World Cup is there for South Africa's taking, but they need to learn from the demise of Australia and New Zealand in order to get past Argentina this week and secure a place in the final on October 20.

There was enormous upset in New Zealand and the New Zealand diaspora about certain aspects of the refereeing in Saturday's quarter-final between New Zealand and France which France won 20-18. We shall talk about this.

Chris White starts the 2008 Six Nations at Croke Park in Dublin, according to the list of appointments sent out by the International Rugby.

All eyes will be on the two World Cup semi-finals, to be refereed by Jonathan Kaplan and Steve Walsh. But there are also other matches of crucial importance.

Whilst the world is getting carried away with New Zealand's exit at the hand of World Cup hosts France at the weekend, one must not forget the 'other' upset that took place just hours beforehand in Marseilles.

Mark Lawrence will referee his first Currie Cup Final on 27 October 2007, JC Fortuin and Craig Joubert the semi-finals.

Despite the complaints about excessive pressure on players, South Africa will be playing two more matches when November runs into December. As the world runs to Christmas, Chris White and Christophe Berdos will referee the matches.

The tense, testing quarter-finals of the Rugby World Cup have come and gone, leaving a trail of incrimination behind one of them.

There has been a torrent of criticism, much of it abusive, in the wake of New Zealand's RWC exit - much of it aimed at referee Wayne Barnes.

The All Blacks, favourites to lift the Webb Ellis trophy at the Rugby World Cup in France, will have to wait yet another four long years to do so after crashing out 18-20 to Les Bleus over the weekend.

In defeat, someone always has to take the blame. In this case it's All Blacks coach Graham Henry after his side crashed out of the Rugby World Cup with a shock 18-20 defeat to hosts France at the Millennium Stadium in Cardiff on Saturday.

Alain Rolland of Ireland becomes the fifth referee in the history of the World Cup to be appointed to referee the Final.

There were two quarter-finals on the Sunday - South Africa vs Fiji in Marseille and Argentina vs Scotland in Paris, both exciting matches. We give some statistics.

There were two quarter-finals on the Saturday - Australia vs England in Marseilles and France vs New Zealand in Cardiff. We give some statistics from these two thrillers.

The USA Rugby Referee and Laws Selection Committee has chosen the 2007-2008 National Panel Referees and National Focus Group referees.

Italy's top referee, Carlo Damasco of Naples, was at the World Cup as one of the 16 referees from around the world acting as touch judges and TMOs. He had one huge decision and nearly made a different one.

Former Springbok centre and sport365 columnist Robbie Fleck believes the Boks are well on track for a Rugby World Cup Final place, but complacency could be their greatest enemy during the knockout stages of the tournament.

For each match we have given some statistics and ended listing things like sanctionary cards, penalties, tries, stoppages, and so on.

An abundance of rugby news has exploded this past week at the World Cup and it was no surprise that you had a fair amount of opinions to get off your chest.

Naturally there is speculation about the appointment of a referee to the World Cup Final - a rare honour for a referee.

Alan Lewis, Alain Rolland, Wayne Barnes and Joel Jutge have been appointed to referee the four quarter-final matches at the 2007 Rugby World Cup.

Naturally there is speculation about the appointment of a referee to the World Cup Final - a rare honour for a referee.

Alan Lewis, Alain Rolland, Wayne Barnes and Joel Jutge have been appointed to referee the four quarter-final matches at the 2007 Rugby World Cup.

The Pool matches in the 2007 Rugby World Cup rushed to a close with a dramatic final weekend where the futures of eight teams were decided. We discuss some law issues from Days 16-19, the last bit of the pool matches.

We have statistics from the day's three matches - France vs Georgia, Argentina vs Ireland and South Africa vs the USA.

Two more quarter-finalists were decided, both in thrillers when Fiji just beat Wales and Scotland just beat Italy. We have some statistics from the four matches on this day.

Quarter-finals or home - that was the choice for England and Tonga. Eventually Ebngl;and were the ones to go to the quarters in an intriguing match in the Paris rain. We have some statistics.

The IRB has announced the referees appointed to its eight tournaments in 2007-08. They include referees from Romania and Fiji.

With all the talk of anti-Springbok conspiracy theories doing their rounds in France this week, former Bok centre and sport365 columnist Robbie Fleck has a simple theory of his own - nobody is out to get us!

Paddy O'Brien, the IRB's manager of referees, has spoken out about the timekeeping controversy which followed the match between Canada and Japan refereed by Jonathan Kaplan.

There were first wins for two teams in their final match of the 2007 Rugby World Cup. Samoa beat the USA and Georgia beat Namibia. We give stats from both matches.

There were two matches with exciting finishes on Day 15 of the World Cup in France - and a fair bit of controversy in the first one.

There were two matches thrilling matches on this day - Canada and Japan drew when Japan scored a try in injury time and converted from far out. In the other match Romania came from behind to win when they scored a try with eight minutes to play.. We give some stats.

There were three matches on this day on which South Africa battled to beat Tonga 30-25, England eventually beat Samoa 42-22 and Argentina were too good for Namibia whom they beat 63-3

There are vital matches in the World Cup this week. the lower end there are teams striving for one win to take home. At the top there are ambitious teams wanting to go on.

The match in Cardiff between Wales and Japan produced a big (72-18) win for Wales but the try of the tournament so far by Japan. We give some match stats.

The big match was Friday's night's in Paris when France and Ireland met in emotional conflict. But there were others, too, to give us incidents which help us brush up on our laws.

Despite a below par performance for much of the Pool C match, New Zealand still managed to push aside a Scotland second-string outfit 40-0 in a less than convincing Rugby World Cup performance in Edinburgh on Sunday.

There were two matches on this day - two on one-sided matches in which Australia beat Fiji 55-12 and New Zealand beat Scotland 40-0.

This was the big crunch match at Stade de France when France beat Ireland 25-3.

There were three matches on this day on which South Africa battled to beat Tonga 30-25, England eventually beat Samoa 42-22 and Argentina were too good for Namibia whom they beat 63-3

There are five big matches in the Rugby World Cup this weekend, and the men to referee them are Chris White, Wayne Barnes, Alan Lewis, Nigel Owens and Marius Jonker.

Celtic Rugby has made a change to the way it appoints referees, no longer requiring referees to be unattached or neutral.

The match in Cardiff between Wales and Japan produced a big (72-18) win for wales but the try of the tournament so far by Japan. We give some match stats.

Scotland beat Romania 42-0 at Murrayfield and then Italy beat Portugal at Parc des Princes in Paris. Here are the important points of law.

Former Springbok centre and sport365 columnist Robbie Fleck gives us his exclusive and in-depth analysis on South Africa's Rugby World Cup campaign - including the Boks' 36-0 win over England at the weekend.

It is the start of the third round of matches in which Italy battled to beat Portugal, scoring two tries in the last eight minutes for a 31-5 victory. Here are some statistics from the match.

Lots of things happen at the World Cup and there are lots of law points from the most complicated game on earth.

Silence is not always golden. There's an aura of mistrust around the officiating which, in some instances, is exacerbated by silence.

There was just one match on Day 9 of the 2007 Rugby World Cup - Scotland against Romania at Murrayfield, not an exhilarating match. We give some statistics of the match.

The World Cup rolls on with another crunch match on Friday evening. It is a vital one for France, who have been beaten, and for Ireland, who have been battling.

It was not the first tough call for the television match official during the World Cup but then that is why they are there - to help with the tough calls, like whether to award Canada a try or penalise them.

The days started with two thrillers when Fiji beat Canada, which was perhaps a surprise, and Tonga beat Samoa, which was a surprise. After all Canada had done well in defeat against Wales and Samoa had done well in defeat against South Africa. The match between Namibia and France was a mismatch, made more so when Namibia were reduced to 14 men.

There were three matches on Saturday - New Zealand's romp against the brave Portuguese who sing their anthem with more gusto than anybody else, Australia's important win over Wales and the luck of the bewildered Irish against the ardent Georgians.

This was a big match in the context of the World Cup 2007, England, the World Champions, against South Africa, former World Champions. We give some match statistics here.