SPOTLIGHT: Having grown up in the Border region, shared change rooms at Western Province and the Bulls Daisies, as well as with the Springbok Women at the World Cup and the BlitzBoks, one can almost expect Zintle Mpupha and Simamkele Namba to complete each other's sentences.
NEWS: The 2025/26 Top 14 season will run from September 6 until June 27, it was announced Wednesday, but features two weekend clashes with matches for the France national team.
NEWS: Tickets for the Springboks’ eagerly awaited return to home Test match action for the first time in almost ten months will go on sale for the July series on Friday, May 16, SA Rugby announced on Wednesday.
NEWS: Gloucester has confirmed the signing of Jack Mann from United Rugby Championship side Glasgow Warriors, ahead of the 2025/26 season.
SPOTLIGHT: Cricket’s loss has been rugby’s gain when young prodigy Riley Nortan opted to focus on the game with the oval ball instead of the cherry.
NEWS: Wales international prop Kemsley Mathias has become the latest home-grown player to commit to the Scarlets.
Stormers veteran Deon Fourie has made a call on his playing future following his latest injury setback.
INJURY UPDATE: Ireland has suffered a massive blow to their upcoming World Cup 2025 campaign
SPOTLIGHT: The South Africa Sevens’ 2025 season had it all: a rare home win in Cape Town, a losing final appearance in Vancouver, a fourth-place finish in Perth and some less flattering results in Dubai, Hong Kong and Singapore.
SPOTLIGHT: Madibaz coach David Manuel’s mantra of leaving the jersey in a better place will be tested in their Varsity Cup promotion-relegation match against UJ on Monday.
EXCLUSIVE: Former Western Province Rugby Football Union President Zelt Marais' hopes of having any say in the elections on Wednesday have been dealt a body blow.
STAT ATTACK: With Springbok legend Eben Etzebeth missing from the starting XV, the Sharks' forward Vincent Tshituka seems to have stepped up seamlessly.
NEWS: Bulls' upcoming United Rugby Championship Round 17 clash at home against Cardiff has had its kick-off times adjusted due to broadcasting schedule needs.
INJURY NEWS: France head coach Fabien Galthie will have to revisit his forward-driven strategy for South Africa and New Zealand, given the latest injury news.
WATCH as Springbok Siya Kolisi reveals what really drives him and his teammates.
SPOTLIGHT: Disgraced former Western Province Rugby Football Union president Zelt Marais' 10-year ban has been upheld by the South African Rugby Union, but who are the people still in the running for various positions that served since his disastrous presidency tenure?
SPOTLIGHT: The semifinals of the Champions Cup are just around the corner as the sport’s best prepare to battle it out for a place in Cardiff’s Finals.
PREVIEW: The action begins on Friday as the Blues host the Western Force in Auckland, both sides needing victory to keep in touch with the top six.
SPOTLIGHT: Paul Roos and DHS will be hard-pressed to maintain their winning runs when they travel to the Wildeklawer Festival this week, with Affies and Paarl Gym waiting in the wings.
TRANSFER NEWS: The Stormers' future is in good hands as a group of talented young players have committed to the franchise.
NEWS: Describing the role as "scary but exciting", incoming Wallabies coach Les Kiss is making no bold promises and admits Australia will need the rugby gods on their side to win the home World Cup in 2027.
NEWS: Northampton captain George Furbank is out of Saturday’s Champions Cup semifinal against Leinster.
NEWS: Former Wales international Jake Ball has signed for the Scarlets ahead of next season, reversing his decision to retire.
BREAKING NEWS: After months of public debate, the South African Rugby Union (SARU) has revealed the outcome regarding former Western Province Rugby Football Union President Zelt Marais' appeal against a 10-year ban.
The Japan Rugby League One tournament might not be very familiar to the South African public, but it has played a significant role in the Springboks' success.
NEWS: John Mitchell will remain England's head coach until June next year, regardless of how the Red Roses perform at the World Cup, according to the Rugby Football Union.
TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Former SA Under-18 lock and national age-group cricketer Riley Norton will captain the Junior Springboks against Argentina in the opening round of the Rugby Championship Under-20 at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium in Gqeberha on Thursday.
NEWS: The 2025 season has been a bit of a blur for Alicia Willemse thus far, but on Saturday in Los Angeles at the HSBC SVNS play-off, the 27-year-old playmaker will strive to be at her brightest and clearest of minds.
TRANSFER NEWS: Known for their ability to turn players into Springboks, the Cheetahs are working hard to add more names with their latest signings.
NEWS: Exeter announced that they have suspended coaches Rob Hunter and Ali Hepher "pending a full review" after their disastrous 17-79 loss to Gloucester.
NEWS: New Zealand Rugby (NZR) have announced the addition of Māori All Blacks and British and Irish Lions international Riki Flutey to the Black Ferns coaching group.
SPOTLIGHT: The Six Nations competition has provided the Springbok Women with much-needed information regarding their World Cup opposition.
NEWS: The Chiefs will be without centre Anton Lienert-Brown for the majority of the season after a collarbone injury.
NEWS: Blues wing Mark Tele’a has copped a three-match suspension for an ugly tackle.
NEWS: Rugby Australia will name the next Wallabies coach on Wednesday, an official said, with former Ireland assistant Les Kiss reportedly set to get the job.
APPOINTMENTS: The match officials for the Champions Cup and Challenge Cup semifinals have been confirmed.
NEWS: England has announced that Lee Blackett and Byron McGuigan will join Steve Borthwick’s coaching team for the upcoming tour to Argentina and the United States.
UPDATE: The canvassing and soliciting for votes at the WPRFU elections on Wednesday, April 30, is proliferating to unprecedented levels.
INJURY UPDATE: Leinster head coach Leo Cullen has issued an injury update ahead of his side's Champions Cup semifinal clash against Northampton Saints.
INJURY UPDATE: Edinburgh has issued an injury update ahead of their Challenge Cup semifinal against Bath.
LISTEN as Stormers captain Salmaan Moerat and Director of Rugby John Dobson talk about the way forward following their 56-5 United Rugby Championship Round 16 victory against Benetton.
OPINION: The Bulls, Sharks and Stormers head into the final stages of the URC with confidence and momentum following a series of statement wins in Glasgow, Belfast and Cape Town.
BREAKING NEWS: We’re back! After six years away from the scene, we’ve taken up the challenge once again to compile the official Top 30 Schoolboy 1st XV Rankings - and what a ride it’s been!
WRAP: Racing 92 ran in seven tries to seal a crushing 49-24 victory in the Paris derby against Stade Francais on Sunday, pushing their city rivals to the cusp of the Top 14 relegation zone.
MATCH REPORT: Gloucester scored 13 tries in a stunning 79-17 demolition of Exeter that kept them in the hunt for a place in the English Premiership play-offs on Sunday.
ROUND 16 WRAP: Springbok hooker Malcolm Marx's try and two assists helped the Spears heading into a strong position ahead of the JRLO play-offs
WATCH as Lions captain Jaco Visagie and head coach Ivan van Rooyen reveal the tactic that paid off in their 26-7 United Rugby Championship Round 16 victory over Connacht.
INJURY UPDATE: Stormers Director of Rugby John Dobson provided a bleak update on veteran prop Brok Harris' injury setback suffered in the Stormers' 56-5 United Rugby Championship Round 16 victory against Benetton.
SATURDAY WRAP: Fran McGhie’s try with the clock in the red clinched a dramatic 24-19 win for Scotland over Ireland in their final game of the 2025 Women’s Six Nations.
TRANSFER NEWS: South Africans pursuing sabbaticals in Japan have been a well-trodden path, and the latest Springbok ready to follow suit is Stormers flyhalf Manie Libbok.
WRAP: The Pumas broke Griquas’ remarkable unbeaten run in the SA Cup with a close-fought 39-35 win in Nelspruit on Friday evening to move to the top of the standings after Round Seven.
AUDIO: Sharks coach John Plumtree says a lot of work is still needed if his side wants to win the United Rugby Championship.
WATCH as Bulls Director of Rugby Jake White talks about the new 'Os du Randt' of the game.
READERS’ FORUM: Welcome to our LIVE coverage of the United Rugby Championship Round 16 encounter between Ulster and the Sharks at Ravenhill in Belfast.
MATCH REPORT: The Sharks made history in Belfast on Saturday to become the first South African team to win at Ravenhill Stadium.
SATURDAY WRAP: Scarlets celebrated victory over leaders Leinster for the first time since December 2018 with a 35-22 United Rugby Championship victory to keep their hopes of an end-of-season play-off spot alive.
WRAP: Runaway leaders Bath ruled out any chance of being overtaken by their Premiership rivals with a 55-19 bonus-point victory against Newcastle that secures top seeding in the play-offs.
MATCH REPORT: The Stormers sent a strong message in their Round 16 United Rugby Championship clash when they beat Benetton 56-5 in style in Cape Town on Saturday evening.
READERS’ FORUM: Welcome to our LIVE coverage of the United Rugby Championship Round 16 encounter between the Stormers and Benetton in Cape Town.
READERS’ FORUM: Welcome to our LIVE coverage of the United Rugby Championship Round 16 encounter between the Lions and Connacht at Ellis Park.
MATCH REPORT: The Lions ended a five-match losing streak with a 26-7 win over Connacht in their encounter at Ellis Park on Saturday to keep their mathematical chance alive of reaching the URC play-offs.
WATCH as Sharks coach John Plumtree gives an update on Springbok scrumhalf Grant Williams ' ongoing neck problems.
WRAP: A comprehensive 34-15 win by Moana Pasifika has kept the side in the finals hunt after taking down the Fijian Drua.
REACTION: Alex Sanderson backed George Ford for British and Irish Lions selection after Sale Sharks climbed to second in the Premiership with a 25-7 home victory over play-off rivals Saracens.
NEWS: The United Rugby Championship provided clarity to the situation which led to uncontested scrums and the removal of a player during the Round 15 fixture between Munster and the Bulls on Saturday, April 19.
MATCH REPORT: Sale Sharks climbed to second in the Premiership with a 25-7 home victory over play-off rivals Saracens.
WATCH as Canan Moodie put in massive tackles on Sebastian Cancelliere and Jamie Dobie during the Bulls' famous win over Glasgow Warriors at the Scotstoun.
REACTION: Queensland Reds coach Les Kiss praised his team's "energy and effort" after they piled more misery on Super Rugby champions Blues with a convincing 35-21 win.
FRIDAY WRAP: Cardiff took a huge step towards a United Rugby Championship play-off spot with a hard-fought 26-21 victory over Munster at Arms Park.
READERS’ FORUM: Welcome to our LIVE coverage of the United Rugby Championship Round 16 encounter between Glasgow Warriors and the Bulls at Scotstoun.
MATCH REPORT: The Bulls put down a huge marker in the last match of a month-long European tour, beating defending champions Glasgow Warriors 26-19 in a brutal United Rugby Championship Round 16 match.
SATURDAY PREVIEWS: The Sharks are targeting a top-two finish in the United Rugby Championship and that requires winning their three remaining matches.
NEWS: The Welsh Rugby Union has announced that Dave Reddin has been appointed as its new Director of Rugby and Elite Performance.
ROUND SEVEN PREVIEW: Can the Pumas break Griquas' incredible unbeaten run in the SA Cup when the two top teams on the log- and last year’s finalists - clash in Nelspruit on Friday?
WRAP: The Chiefs have brushed aside an embarrassing defensive lapse to shrug off the Western Force and ensure they maintain the Super Rugby Pacific pace.
TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Lions coach Ivan van Rooyen has made a number of changes to his struggling team ahead of their United Rugby Championship Round 16 face-off with Irish province Connacht.
SQUAD ANNOUNCEMENT: The Springbok Women’s Sevens squad received a timely boost for their final, but most important tournament of the season, the HSBC SVNS Play-off in Los Angeles at the California State University, with the inclusion of dual Springbok Simamkele Namba.
TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: The Sharks made only two changes for their clash against Ulster at Ravenhill Stadium on Saturday evening in Round 16 of the United Rugby Championship.
TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: There is just one change to the Stormers starting line-up for their United Rugby Championship Round 16 encounter with Benetton at the Cape Town Stadium on Saturday.
NEWS: The Junior Springboks are in the final stages of their preparations for the Under 20 Rugby Championship, set to take place at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium in Gqeberha from May 1 to 11.
PREVIEW: Grey College will host Paarl Gym this Saturday in one of the biggest clashes of the season, while bragging rights will be up for grabs in local derbies staged across the country.
SQUAD ANNOUNCEMENT: The BlitzBoks called up three experienced heads ahead of their trip to Los Angeles for the HSBC SVNS World Championship 2025.
PREVIEW: England looks to make history with their 14th Grand Slam and 16th title since 2002, while France hopes to spoil the party at Twickenham.
UPDATE: Elections, especially in the game in South Africa, are notoriously unpredictable.
INJURY UPDATE: Stormers loose forward Deon Fourie posted a positive message from his hospital bed following his recent injury setback.
WATCH as Bulls loose forward Marcell Coetzee explains what makes Glasgow Warriors a difficult outfit to play against.
FRIDAY PREVIEWS: As we head into the final stretch of the United Rugby Championship, it is do or die for some sides in a play-off race that is wide open.
NEWS: Dragons, British and Irish Lions and Wales legend Dan Lydiate has announced his playing retirement from professional rugby at the end of this season.
TRANSFER NEWS: Edinburgh announced the signing of highly-rated Scottish qualified loosehead prop James Whitcombe from Leicester Tigers on a three-year deal.
SPOTLIGHT: World Cup-winning Springbok Andre Esterhuizen said Ulster will be 'desperate' when the two sides meet in Belfast in a United Rugby Championship URC face-off.
TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Bulls Director of Rugby Jake White has made a number of surprise selections ahead of his team's final match of their European tour.
NEWS: France will have another major rugby event on their shores, just weeks after revealing the heavy financial losses due to hosting the World Cup 2023.
ROUND 16 PREVIEW: Springbok hooker Malcolm Marx' try-scoring form will be key for his Spears side when they face Mie Heat on Saturday, whilst it's the battle of old friends when Wild Knights face Black Rams in the following Japan Rugby League One clash.
WATCH as Stormers fullback Warrick Gelant address the question around the Stormers' defensive woes against Connacht this past weekend.
NEWS: The world’s top players and match officials are uniting with World Rugby to take a powerful stand against online abuse, as the federation launches a groundbreaking protection service ahead of Women’s Rugby World Cup England 2025.
Having Maddison playing at this year's World Cup could be disastrous for the superstar, believes Mat Rogers, arguing that the sevens star is being "set up to fail".
SQUAD ANNOUNCEMENT: Black Ferns selectors have invited 49 players to attend the first training camp for 2025 held in Wellington between April 27-30 in the lead up to the Pacific Four Series (PAC4).
OPINION: @RugbyPass' New Zealand-based columnist Ben Smith asks how long can the Springboks keep dragging South Africa along, after another dismal failed season in Europe.
TRANSFER NEWS: Exeter Chiefs confirmed the signing of Wallabies centre Len Ikitau from the Brumbies ahead of the 2025/26 season.
SPOTLIGHT: The Junior Springboks assembled in Gqeberha on Wednesday to begin their preparations for the Rugby Championship U20, and according to head coach Kevin Foote, they are happy to be in the Eastern Cape for the tournament, which kicks off next week at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium.
SPOTLIGHT: With his current form, there’s no way the name Evan Roos wouldn’t be mentioned when talk turns to the Springbok No.8 jersey.
WATCH as Stormers Director of Rugby John Dobson gave his side a tongue lashing despite their 34-29 bonus point United Rugby Championship win over Connacht.
WATCH as Connacht caretaker coach Cullie Tucker explains what it will take for them to end their South African tour with a win.
WATCH as Springbok Women and Harlequins star Babalwa Latsha chats about her journey as the first African woman to play professional rugby.
NEWS: The match officials appointments of the United Rugby Championship Round 16 fixtures have been confirmed.
PREVIEW: The 2025 Super Rugby Pacific season is heating up with teams eager to secure home play-off spots.
WATCH as Stormers Director of Rugby John Dobson reveals his dream backline selection, with the side pushing for a top-eight finish in the United Rugby Championship.
NEWS: SA Rugby mourns the passing of Norman Mbiko, the last captain of the African Springboks and a former head coach of the BlitzBoks, who passed away in the early hours of Tuesday morning at the age of 79 after a long illness.
INJURY UPDATE: Leinster head coach Leo Cullen has issued an injury update ahead of their United Rugby Championship Round 16 away clash against Scarlets.
CONTRACT EXTENSION: Defending United Rugby Championship champions Glasgow Warriors announced the contract extension of Josh McKay until 2028 on Tuesday.
WATCH as Bulls loose forward Cameron Hanekom opens up on his mindset regarding injuries heading into the business end of the United Rugby Championship.
TRANSFER NEWS: The Cheetahs are have announced the acquisition of prop Tielman Nieuwoudt.
NEWS: Ben Youngs will retire from professional rugby at the conclusion of the 24/25 season.
WATCH as Stormers captain Salmaan Moerat and Director of Rugby John Dobson unpack the Stormers' desultory performance in a crucial URC win over Connacht at the weekend.
IN THE SPOTLIGHT: There is no doubt that Deon Fourie's absence on the field is a massive blow for the Stormers, but the franchise has not hit the panic button just yet.
VIDEO: Do the Lions need a revamp of their coaching staff? Hear what this Springbok has to say about it.
NEWS: Lions captain Francke Horn will miss the rest of the United Rugby Championship as well as his chances to stake a claim for that elusive No. 8 jersey in the Springbok squad.
INJURY UPDATE: The Wallabies' hopes of clinching a series against the British and Irish Lions have been boosted by the potential return of one of their veteran players.
A name that has been making the headlines for years will again vie for a spot at the World Cup.
STAT ATTACK: Bulls loose forward Marcell Coetzee broke a record he set himself in the 2021-22 United Rugby Championship season this past weekend against Munster.
SPOTLIGHT: Knowing there's no place like home, the high-flying Brumbies are hoping it's now all smooth sailing to an all-important Super Rugby Pacific top-two Finals berth.
SQUAD ANNOUNCEMENT: Including Sevens players in their squad can only benefit the Wallaroos as players eye the World Cup.
REACTION: France scrumhalf Nolann Le Garrec has become the butt of many jokes and attracted harsh criticism for his 'fake diving' in a Top 14 match at the weekend.
The Bulls should be lauded for a clean sweep of the Irish provinces, following the South African collective' largely inconsistent run across all tournaments.
STAT ATTACK: As the Bulls gear up for their grudge replay of last season’s United Rugby Championship Final, they face a team that tops the statistics in a plethora of areas.
SPOTLIGHT: Three teams have secured their place in the end of season United Rugby Championship play-offs, with Glasgow Warriors and Bulls having joined Leinster in booking their spots.
South Africa has been a name frequently associated with the World Cup 2035, but it seems that their hosting prospects just got a little bit more complicated.
SPOTLIGHT: The Western Force and Hurricanes both agree: being part of a golden-point draw is like kissing your sister, as calls grow for Super Rugby Pacific to give players more time to grind out a win.
WRAP: Argentina international Juan Cruz Mallia scored 17 points to guide Top 14 leaders Toulouse to a hard-fought 27-21 win over Stade Francais in Paris on Sunday.
MATCH REPORT: Stand-out forward Aoife Wafer crossed for two tries as Ireland ran out convincing 40-14 winners over Wales in the women's Six Nations Championships in Newport on Sunday.
MATCH REPORT: Leicester Tigers bolstered their bid to reach the English Premiership play-offs by routing Bristol 36-19 at Ashton Gate on Sunday.
WATCH as injured Lions captain Francke Horn gave an update on his injury and coach Ivan van Rooyen provided the usual excuses about a fifth successive loss.
WEEKEND WRAP: Bordeaux-Begles rested a dozen of the starters from last week's Champions Cup quarterfinal, but still eked out a 26-22 win at Pau to cement their grip on second in the Top 14.
REACTION: The Springbok Women’s commanding victory over Spain in Alicante on Saturday was a good start to their season, and according to a very pleased Swys de Bruin, the performance brought smiles to the faces of his coaching staff.
REACTION: The Bulls' win over Munster was a match of epic proportions, but April 25 is the red-letter day for Jake White and his troops.
REACTION: Western Force skipper Jeremy Williams admitted he had no idea of the extra-time rules after his team escaped with a pulsating 17-17 golden-point Super Rugby draw against the Hurricanes.
It will be a kick that the Bulls' rising young star Keagan Johannes will remember for the rest of his life.
MATCH REPORT: The Bulls managed to grind out a big win in Limerick by holding on to beat Munster 16-13 in their Round 15 United Rugby Championship clash.
WRAP: Leinster continued their United Rugby Championship dominance with a 41-17 victory over Ulster whilst there were also wins for Glasgow Warriors, Cardiff and Scarlets.
WATCH as Stormers Director of Rugby John Dobson gives his second horror injury update in a week.
MATCH REPORT: The Springbok Women started the 2025 season with a comprehensive 48-26 victory over Spain in Alicante on Saturday.
READERS’ FORUM: Welcome to our LIVE coverage of the United Rugby Championship Round 15 encounter between Munster and the Bulls at Thomond Park.
MATCH REPORT: The Stormers survived a plucky Connacht outfit to emerge victorious in their United Rugby Championship Round 15 clash at the Cape Town Stadium by 34-29.
READERS’ FORUM: Welcome to our LIVE coverage of the United Rugby Championship Round 15 encounter between the Stormers and Connacht at Cape Town Stadium.
REACTION: Sharks coach John Plumtree did not pull any punches after his side’s narrow last-gasp victory over Edinburgh on Friday.
MATCH REPORT: Benetton moved up to fifth position in the United Rugby Championship with their impressive 42-31 victory over the Lions at Ellis Park on Saturday.
READERS’ FORUM: Welcome to our LIVE coverage of the United Rugby Championship Round 15 encounter between the Lions and Benetton at Ellis Park.
SATURDAY WRAP: The Waratahs have lost to the Fijian Drua to extend their Super Rugby Pacific losing run away from home to nine matches, their worst streak since 1997.
OPINION: South African teams should focus more on luring back top coaches instead of overseas-based players.
MATCH REPORT: A Makazole Mapimpi try in the dying seconds secured the Sharks a vital 18-17 United Rugby Championship victory over Edinburgh on Friday.
MATCH REPORT: Northampton survived a late scare to snatch a narrow 35-34 victory over Newcastle at Kingston Park.
READERS’ FORUM: Welcome to our LIVE coverage of the United Rugby Championship Round 15 encounter between Edinburgh and the Sharks at Edinburgh Stadium.
NEWS: Wigan Warriors have signed rugby union winger Christian Wade on a short-term contract, with the ex-NFL running back set to join following the conclusion of the Premiership season with Gloucester, the English Super League champions said on Friday.
SATURDAY PREVIEWS: The final dash to the United Rugby Championship play-offs are going throw up some enthralling conditional probabilities in the next four weeks.
NEWS: SA Rugby mourns the passing of former Springbok hooker Gys Pitzer, who left an indelible mark on South African rugby with his dedication, skill, and passion for the game.
TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Bulls Director of Rugby Jake White is fielding his 'best available' selection, as they switch focus to the United Rugby Championship.
INJURY UPDATE: Stormers Director of Rugby John Dobson sheds light on Springbok tighthead prop Frans Malherbe's latest injury setback.
MATCH REPORT: Wallaby utility back James O’Connor slotted a late penalty to seal a hard-fought 25-22 win for the Crusaders.
PREVIEW: While the Springbok Women are in action against Spain, South Africa will have a nice preview of what to expect at the World Cup as Italy face France in the Six Nations.
TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: The Stormers Director of Rugby John Dobson has revealed his team to face Connacht at the Cape Town Stadium on Saturday.
FRIDAY PREVIEW: Roll up your sleeves because it is officially ‘moving weekend’ in Round 15 of the United Rugby Championship.
TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: The Lions return to Ellis Park after a horror trip to Europe that yielded no wins, as they hope to revive their faltering United Rugby Championship campaign.
NEWS: Despite there being no clarity on his appeal against a 10-year ban, controversial former WPRFU President Zelt Marais has been nominate for every single available position for the upcoming elections.
PREVIEW: Not only is the Springbok Women's first Test of the year, but its also a very significant occasion for long-serving captain Nolusindiso Booi when they take on Spain on Saturday.
STAT ATTACK: The Bulls will be up against a concerning record when they face Munster at Thomond Park on Saturday.
NEWS: France international fullback Brice Dulin, who won two Champions Cup titles with La Rochelle, announced on Thursday that he would be retiring from professional rugby at the end of the season in June.
WATCH as Stormers Director of Rugby John Dobson explains their approach to the crucial next four weeks of URC action.
STAT ATTACK: The return of Stormers lock JD Schickerling could be the key to turning their United Rugby Championship season around with four must-win games ahead.
TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: The Sharks have loaded their side with Springboks for their Round 15 United Rugby Championship clash with Edinburgh in Scotland’s cultural heart on Friday evening.
SQUAD ANNOUNCEMENT: Junior Springbok head coach Kevin Foote has named a competitive Junior Springbok squad consisting of 31 players for the 2025 edition of the Under 20 Rugby Championship.
Springbok scrumhalf Grant Williams’ unique ability could easily make him the best No. 9 in South Africa, according to Peter de Villiers.
SPOTLIGHT: Springbok head coach Rassie Erasmus has responded to Matt Williams' comments about Steven Kitshoff's neck injury.
SIGNING: The Cheetahs have announced the signing of one of South Africa's most exciting young backline talents, Ntokozo Makhaza.
OPINION: With the Springboks only in action later this year, we at Rugby365 decided to dabble in some friendly competition between the editorial and admin team.
NEWS: The British & Irish Lions have appointed Johnny Sexton as an assistant coach for the 2025 Series in Australia.
WATCH as Springbok and Stormers utility back Sasha Feinberg-Mngomezulu opens up on his injury struggles during the course of the 2024-25 season.
SPOTLIGHT: After a weekend of close calls and upsets, the Easter festivals in Johannesburg and at Kearsney should provide the leading schools – and one or two dark horses – with the chance to make a statement.
SPOTLIGHT: Benetton’s fullback Rhyno Smith is arguably one of the best non-international players on the scene.
WATCH as Bulls lock Ruan Nortje speaks about his side's upcoming United Rugby Championship clash against Munster and which areas they should focus on to get a winning result.
NEWS: Australia has complained to World Rugby about cashed-up French clubs "poaching" teenage talent, with chairman Daniel Herbert urging the global governing body to beef up its rules.
PREVIEW: The Crusaders will be looking to hold onto top spot in the Super Rugby Pacific standings as the tournament enters Round 10.
VIDEO: The Lions could be excused if they are experiencing déjà vu this season.
NEWS: Connacht has been dealt a significant blow ahead of their United Rugby Championship against the Stormers on Saturday.
TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Long-serving captain Nolusindiso Booi will become the first player to reach 50 Test caps for the Springbok Women when South Africa face Spain at Campo de Rugby Amorós Palao in Elche on Saturday.
EXCLUSIVE: In the dynamic and physically demanding world of rugby, the role of the coach extends far beyond the sidelines.
TRANSFER NEWS: Leinster have snapped up another high profile All Black ahead of their 2025-26 United Rugby Championship and Champions Cup campaigns.
NEWS: Wallabies great and two-time John Eales Medalist Nathan Sharpe has been named the new Rugby Australian President.
SQUAD UPDATE: Munster received a helping hand from fellow Irish province Leinster ahead of their United Rugby Championship Round 15 clash against the Bulls.
WATCH as Connacht Scrum & Contact Coach Colm 'Cullie' Tucker speak about the URC crunch encounter with the Stormers in Cape Town on Saturday.
NEWS: SANZAAR has confirmed that the second edition of the Rugby Championship Under 20 will take place in Gqeberha.
INTERVIEW: Robbie Fleck has praised Ntokozo Makhaza and his senior contingent in the wake of UCT’s drought-ending victory in the Varsity Cup.
SPOTLIGHT: Just like their male counterparts, the Springbok Women have established themselves as a formidable set-piece team with success in converting their dominance in those areas into points.
EXCLUSIVE: There is no denying that the departure of Sanele Nohamba left an indelible mark on the Lions.
WATCH as @king365ed sits down with Stormers Director of Rugby John Dobson to chat about his recent visit to French powerhouse Stade Toulousain and what insight he obtained.
NEWS: Ireland’s four provinces will have to contribute 40 percent of the cost of national player contracts from August 2026, the Irish Rugby Football Union has announced.
OPINION: The least consistent South African franchises find themselves in a do-or-die situation - and needing a favour or two from the other local teams - ahead of a crucial four-game stretch at home.
SPOTLIGHT: As the regular season draws to a close, the United Rugby Championship has released some intriguing stats that will certainly keep the Springbok camp happy.
NEWS: The appointments for the United Rugby Championship fixtures in Round 15 have been confirmed.
SPOTLIGHT: Sean Everitt will be out to make a huge statement by recording three wins in a row over South African opposition with his Edinburgh side.
SPOTLIGHT: Rugby Union has evolved on the field over the last few years and now it is time for fans to experience some changes in the stands.
WATCH as Stormers defence coach Norman Laker gives an update on the available talent ahead of a critical URC four-match home stretch.
WATCH as Cheslin Kolbe gives Malcolm Marx a taste of his own medicine during a Japan Rugby League One match over the weekend.
TRANFER TALK: The All Blacks are set to lose one of their star backs who opted to further his career in Japan.
WATCH as Bulls Director of Rugby Jake White talks about his side's aspirations following their Challenge Cup exit at the hands of Edinburgh at the weekend.
SQUAD ANNOUNCEMENT: Sharks head coach John Plumtree has revealed a powerful squad for their two-match tour in the United Rugby Championship.
SQUAD ANNOUNCEMENT: The Connacht coaching team has unveiled a 29-man tour squad for upcoming games against the Stormers and Lions in South Africa.
MATCH REPORT: UCT Ikeys finally broke their long Varsity Cup drought when they outplayed Maties on their way to a 44-21 win in the Final at the Danie Craven Stadium on Monday.
MATCH REPORT: Premiership leaders Bath ran in nine tries to secure a place in the Challenge Cup semifinals after beating Gloucester 61-26 at the Recreation Ground on Sunday evening.
MATCH REPORT: Toulouse edged a tense Champions Cup quarterfinal with a 21-18 victory over Toulon at Stade Mayol, booking a last-four clash with Bordeaux-Bègles.
MATCH REPORT: Italy got their first win of the Women's Six Nations with a 25-17 victory over Scotland, helped by an Aura Muzzo brace.
READERS’ FORUM: Welcome to our LIVE coverage of the Champions Cup quarterfinal between RC Toulon and Stade Toulousain at Stade Felix Mayol.
EXCLUSIVE: The Springbok jersey has become synonymous with pride, belonging, and unity in South Africa.
ROUND 15 WRAP: Springbok centres Damian de Allende and Jesse Kriel both stood out for their respective sides as fellow Bok Malcolm Marx extended his try-scoring feats in JRLO.
SPOTLIGHT: Blues flyhalf Beauden Barrett scored a try and kicked three conversions against Moana Pasifika to lift him to second place on the all-time list of Super Rugby points scorers.
REACTION: Bulls Director of Rugby Jake White highlighted the positives and negatives following his side's 28-34 Challenge Cup quarterfinal loss to Edinburgh on Saturday.
WRAP: With three round robin matches to go, the race for top four spots is heating up in the SA Cup
SATURDAY WRAP: Having gone down to 14 men after just 12 minutes, Racing 92 came from 5-21 down to edge past Connacht at The Sportsground.
READERS’ FORUM: Welcome to our LIVE coverage of the Champions Cup quarterfinal between Northampton Saints and Castres Olympique at Franklin's Gardens.
DAY TWO WRAP: Springbok Women's Sevens captain Mathrin Simmers heaped praised on her team after they closed out the last of three World Rugby HSBC Sevens Challenger tournaments, in Krakow, Poland, with their first victory in the trio of events.
MATCH REPORT: Northampton Saints kept English interest in Europe's Champions Cup alive with a dominant win over French rivals Castres Olympique at Franklin’s Gardens on Saturday.
SATURDAY WRAP: England flyhalf Zoe Harrison said her team had put their "foot on the throat" of Ireland in a 49-5 thrashing on Saturday to stay on track for a seventh straight Women's Six Nations title.
READERS’ FORUM: Welcome to our LIVE coverage of the Champions Cup quarterfinal between Union Bordeaux-Bègles and Munster at Stade Chaban-Delmas.
MATCH REPORT: Union Bordeaux-Bègles secured their place in the Champions Cup semifinals after they beat Munster 47-29 at Stade Chaban-Delmas.
MATCH REPORT: Leinster made another big European statement, whitewashing Glasgow Warriors in a Champions Cup quarterfinal - the second-successive week they did it to a top team.
MATCH REPORT: The Springbok Women outmuscled an England age-group side 50-17 in Marcoussis on Saturday, with a powerful scrum performance providing the foundation for a satisfactory win and end to their first week of touring France and Spain.
REACTION: Waratahs coach Dan McKellar said he was "very, very proud" after his team pulled off a stirring 21-14 Super Rugby win over the table-topping Waikato Chiefs.
MATCH REPORT: Scotland prop and former Bull Pierre Schoeman won a crucial last-minute penalty as Edinburgh beat the Bulls by 34-28 in the Challenge Cup quarterfinal.
READERS’ FORUM: Welcome to our LIVE coverage of the Challenge Cup quarterfinal between Edinburgh and the Bulls at Edinburgh Stadium.
NEWS UPDATE: Polemical former WPRFU President Zelt Marais will know in a matter of days what the outcome of his appeal against a 10-year ban is.
WRAP: The Blues have maintained their perfect record over neighbouring Moana Pasifika after a 36-17 win in Auckland.
REACTION: Waratahs coach Dan McKellar said he was "very, very proud" after his team pulled off a stirring 21-14 Super Rugby win over the table-topping Chiefs, with a rock-solid defence key to the victory.
PREVIEW: Les Bleues will be looking to maintain their 100% win record as they go on the hunt for their seventh Women’s Six Nations title.
VIDEO: The Bulls versus Edinburgh clash in their Challenge Cup quarterfinal on Saturday is not about Jake White and Sean Everitt, instead it is all about how the teams pitch up on match-day.
READERS’ FORUM: Welcome to our LIVE coverage of the Champions Cup quarterfinal between Leinster and Glasgow Warriors at Lansdowne Road.
PREVIEW: The latest chapter in Munster's storied relationship with the Champions Cup takes place on Saturday as the two-time champions head to Bordeaux-Begles in the quarterfinals.
MATCH REPORT: Varsity College sealed their perfect Varsity Cup promotion season as they became champions of the Shield got 2025.
NEWS: Newcastle Falcons' Director of Rugby, Steve Diamond, has received the outcome of his disciplinary hearing.
TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: There are a number of objectives for the South African women to reach when they face an England age-group team at Marcoussis in France on Saturday.
MATCH REPORT: The Springbok Women Sevens have qualified for the HSBC SVNS Playoff in Los Angeles with two victories in their first two pool games on a very cold day in Krakow, Poland in the final World Rugby HSBC Sevens Challenger tournament on Friday.
PREVIEW: The Bulls are flying the South African flag in the Challenge Cup on Saturday as they stake a claim for a semifinal spot after booking their quarterfinal berth against Edinburgh at the Hive Stadium in the Scottish capital.
TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: The Bulls will be led by a familiar name in their EPCR Challenge Cup quarterfinal clash against Edinburgh.
FRIDAY WRAP: The Crusaders have survived a nervy last quarter to hold on for a 31-24 win over the Hurricanes in Wellington, while the Waratahs upset the Chiefs to boost their play-off ambitions.
ROUND SIX PREVIEW: A few teams will be looking to stay in touch with the SA Cup pacesetters this weekend.
SPOTLIGHT: It is a Challenge Cup quarterfinal, a second tier competition in Europe. However, it has a distinct South African flavour - a rivalry between two well-travelled coaches.
Springbok Elrigh Louw might not be on the field in 2025, but the loose forward is eager to take on a new role while he mends from injury.
NEWS: Newcastle director of rugby Steve Diamond is to face a disciplinary hearing on Friday for alleged verbal abuse towards match officials.
NEWS: Stormers prop and sometimes captain Neethling Fouché has lost his appeal against a ban.
TRANSFER NEWS: Scotland international Dave Cherry has signed a two-year contract with Top 14 strugglers Vannes, the French club confirmed on Thursday.
PREVIEW: The Champions Cup quarterfinal round kick off with a heavy South African influence in the Dublin showdown between Leinster and the Glasgow Warriors.
ROUND 15 PREVIEW: The Springboks have been dealt a significant blow after a stalwart confirmed the end of his season following an injury he sustained in the JRLO.
DISCIPLINARY UPDATE: Munster received a major boost ahead of their big Champions Cup quarterfinal against Union Bordeaux-Bègles in France on Saturday.
PREVIEW: The captains of the eight women’s and men’s teams gathered near Henryk Reyman Munical Stadium, on Thursday against the backdrop of one of Krakow’s iconic tram’s which proudly displayed promotion of the tournament.
SPOTLIGHT: Waratahs head coach Dan McKellar ruled himself out of the running to take over from Wallabies coach Joe Schmidt, saying on Thursday he was "not in the mix".
SPOTLIGHT: Bulls wing Stravino Jacobs has opened up about his injury struggles and his potential 4G pitch 'debut' in Saturday's Challenge Cup quarterfinal against Edinburgh.
SPOTLIGHT: Edinburgh will be fighting fire with fire when they come up against the Bulls in their Challenge Cup quarterfinal on Saturday.
INTERVIEW: The man with 'knees like crystal' is willing to play through the pain barrier at a critical time of the season.
RESEARCH: @king365ed uncovers some of the biggest challenges facing the equity partners of South Africa's 'international' franchises.
TRANSFER NEWS: The Sharks are set to lose one of their senior players ahead of next season.
BREAKING NEWS: The Welsh Rugby Union (WRU) has taken control of Cardiff after the club's legal entity was placed temporarily into administration by its directors.
NEWS: Jack Crowley’s Munster future is secure after the Ireland international put pen to paper on a new contract.
INTERVIEW: The UCT Ikeys will persist with their expansive approach when they go hunting for a first Varsity Cup title in 11 years at the Danie Craven Stadium next Monday.
SPOTLIGHT: Springboks head coach Rassie Erasmus is living his best life with the news that his highly controversial 7-1 bench split tactic will continue to cause havoc, thanks to World Rugby’s latest comments.
SPOTLIGHT: Rugby Australia CEO Phil Waugh has indicated he is open to the next Wallaby coach holding a Super Rugby Pacific job.
SPOTLIGHT: Malcolm Marx did not mince his words when he explained Rassie Erasmus’ impact on the Springboks.
NEWS: The seven-a-side version of the game, having undergone several dramatic changes in recent years, looks set for another shake-up.
INJURY UPDATE: Queensland's hopes of maintaining their spot in the top four have been dealt a huge double blow with Wallaby skipper Harry Wilson and Filipo Daugunu both cut down by injury.
NEWS: World Rugby chair Brett Robinson paid tribute on Tuesday to the late Noboru Mashimo, hailing him as "a visionary" who played a central role in bringing the World Cup to Japan.
WATCH as injured Stormers star Ruhan Nel gives us a peak into a training session.
N THE SPOTLIGHT: There were smiles all around for the Springbok Women after a productive hit-out with their French counterparts on Tuesday afternoon in Marcoussis.
PREVIEW: There will be some some intersting match-ups in the latest round of the 2025 Super Rugby Pacific season.
Just a day after Wales legend Dan Biggar announced his retirement, Welsh Rugby has been rocked by another shocking revelation.
UPDATE: "Major failures" in the French government's oversight of the 2023 World Cup led to heavy financial losses.
TRANSFER NEWS: Italian loosehead prop Danilo Fischetti will join Northampton Saints ahead of the 2025/26 season, the club announced on Tuesday.
VIDEO 'Whatever the team needs' - Jan-Hendrik Wessels explains matter of factly on the tricky switch in the front row.
Tall, tough, physical, confrontational, and powerful.
NEWS: Glasgow Warriors' South African loose forward Henco Venter has been informed of the outcome of his disciplinary hearing.
SPOTLIGHT: Milestone man Angus Bell has revealed he contemplated hanging up his boots as he endured the despair of a recurring toe injury that threatened to end the Wallaby prop's career.
SPOTLIGHT: New Zealand flyhalf Aaron Cruden believes France will pose a serious threat to the All Blacks in July despite sending a depleted outfit for this year's three-Test tour.
IN THE SPOTLIGHT: The Super Rugby Pacific tournament organisers have released data which indicated this year's edition is faster and more exciting than ever, thanks to some innovative law amendments.
The South Africa Women’s Sevens team arrived in Poland late on Monday, determined to keep their momentum from the opening two legs of the World Rugby HSBC Sevens Challenger Series that was played in Cape Town early last month.
UPDATE: European Professional Club Rugby {EPCR] has received a citing complaint against Glasgow Warriors No.8 Henco Venter.
OPINION: @rugby365com columnist @jon_cardinelli unpacks the Bulls' gruelling schedule in the business end of the season.
WRAP: It is an all-Cape Final in the 2025 edition of the Varsity Cup.
REACTION: Despite their 21-34 Challenge Cup defeat to Lyon, Sharks defence coach Joe Mongalo put the result into perspective.
SPOTLIGHT: Bulls loose forward Marcell Coetzee has revealed the reason for his side's recent surge in form.
NEWS: European Professional Club Rugby [EPCR] has confirmed the match official appointments for these high-stakes encounters on the road to the Cardiff 2025 Finals.
SQUAD UPDATE: Leinster head coach Leo Cullen has issued an injury update ahead of Friday's Champions Cup quarterfinal clash with Glasgow Warriors at Lansdowne Road.
NEWS: Following a highly-competitive Round of 16 weekend, European Professional Club Rugby confirmed the dates, venues, kick-off times for the Champions Cup and Challenge quarterfinal matches.
OPINION: With whispers of a change in the Lions' management structures, @king365ed looks at what must be the worst coaching record in the once proud franchise's history.
SQUAD ANNOUNCEMENT: New Head Coach Milton Haig has announced a talented 31-man 2025 New Zealand Under 20s squad for The Rugby Championship Under 20 tournament in South Africa in May.
NEWS: One of Glasgow Warriors' stalwart could be in big trouble after Leicester Tigers accused him of foul play in their Champions Cup Round of 16 tie on Saturday.
NEWS: A 112-time capped Wales international has called time on his career.
READERS’ FORUM: Welcome to our LIVE coverage of the Champions Cup Round of 16 encounter between Stade Toulousain and Sale Sharks at Stadium de Toulouse.
SUNDAY WRAP: Defending champions Stade Toulousain overcame a slow start to power into the Champions Cup quarterfinals and send a statement about their European intent.
SINGAPORE DAY TWO WRAP: South Africa will end the league phase of the HSBC SVNS season in fourth place, but their dramatic slide has continued.
MATCH REPORT: The Sharks paid the price for sending an inferior squad to France.
MATCH REPORT: Ospreys won the Welsh derby, beating compatriots Scarlets 36-14 in Swansea on Sunday, to book their place in the Challenge Cup quarterfinals.
READERS’ FORUM: Welcome to our LIVE coverage of the Champions Cup Round of 16 encounter between Lyon Olympique Universitaire and the Sharks at Matmut Stadium de Gerland.
SPOTLIGHT: After 17 hours, the Springbok Women finally settled at their base in Marcoussis, and the travel discomforts and fatigue were soon forgotten and turned into hugs and laughs when France-based Senazo Mcatshulwa joined up with her teammates at the National Rugby Centre outside Paris.
MATCH REPORT: Munster knocked over two-time Champions Cup winners La Rochelle by one point to book their place in the quarterfinals.
ROUND 14 WRAP: Springbok star Kurt-Lee Arendse has handed South Africa head coach Rassie Erasmus a big worry with his injury scare in Japan League One.
WRAP: The Cheetahs defeated the Griffons in a crucial SA Cup fixture in Bloemfontein on Saturday, putting them back in top-four contention.
MATCH REPORT: The Bulls booked their Challenge Cup quarterfinal spot against Edinburgh with a 32-22 victory over Bayonne.
WATCH as Bulls Director of Rugby Jake White reveals his plan for a two-pronged attack on European competitions.
MATCH REPORT: Leinster booked their spot in the Champions Cup quarterfinals after they pummelled Harlequins 62-0 at Croke Park on Saturday.
REACTION: Franco Smith praised his Glasgow players as they overwhelmed Leicester Tigers to book a Champions Cup quarterfinal tie away to Leinster.
SATURDAY WRAP: Gloucester produced a solid performance to advance to the Challenge Cup quarterfinals, beating Montpellier 24-17 at the GGL Stadium.
REACTION: Under fire Lions coach Ivan van Rooyen is adamant his team can still qualify for the URC play-offs, despite a horror run of poor form.
MATCH REPORT: United Rugby Championship holders Glasgow Warriors smashed Leicester Tigers to book a Champions Cup quarterfinal showdown against Leinster.
MATCH REPORT: Fourteen-man Castres edged Benetton 39-37 to set-up a tie with English side Northampton, the 2000 winners, in the Champions Cup quarterfinals.
READERS’ FORUM: Welcome to our LIVE coverage of the Champions Cup Round of 16 encounter between Leinster and Harlequins at Croke Park.
DAY ONE WRAP: Zander Reynders waited for the perfect opportunity to score his first try for South Africa Sevens, as the BlitzBoks bounced back from a disappointing start in Singapore to beat HSBC SVNS series leaders Argentina in their final pool game on Saturday.
MATCH REPORT: Argentina No.8 Facundo Isa scored three times on his 150th club appearance as Toulon fought back to beat a much-changed Saracens 72-42 in an open encounter on Saturday to reach the Champions Cup quarterfinals.
WRAP: Moana Pasifika recorded their second consecutive win, beating the Waratahs 45-28 in Auckland.
READERS’ FORUM: Welcome to our LIVE coverage of the Challenge Cup Round of 16 encounter between Aviron Bayonnais and the Bulls at Stade Jean Dauger.
REACTION: Chiefs coach Clayton McMillan has confirmed star Test flanker Wallace Sititi is set to return for the Super Rugby leaders "within the next month".
NEWS: Wallabies flyhalf Noah Lolesio has signed a one-season overseas club contract in 2026, putting his selection at risk for this year's series against the British and Irish Lions.
MATCH REPORT: The Lions' Challenge Cup campaign came to an end on Friday with a 12-24 defeat to Edinburgh in their Round of 16 clash in Scotland.
MATCH REPORT: In-form England wing Tommy Freeman scored three times as Northampton Saints hammered Clermont 46-24 on Friday to reach the Champions Cup quarterfinals.
SEMIFINALS WRAP: The finalists of Varsity Shield 2025 have been decided, with Varsity College set to face Madibaz on April 11.
MATCH REPORT: A seven-try rout helped Bath progress into the European Challenge Cup quarterfinals with a 49-24 victory at Section Paloise.
Springbok fullback Willie le Roux has made a call on his playing future after several interest from overseas clubs.
READERS’ FORUM: Welcome to our LIVE coverage of the Challenge Cup Round of 16 encounter between Edinburgh and the Lions at Edinburgh Stadium.
NEWS: The Stormers will be without one of their powerhouse forwards for the some key United Rugby Championship matches.
NEWS: The Stormers released a statement regarding rumours of the double World Cup winner being linked to overseas sides.
NEWS: The Western Province Rugby Football Union will hold it's first elections in years on April 30.
SATURDAY & SUNDAY PREVIEWS: South Africa faces another bleak weekend on the field, as their two top teams face French power houses in the Challenge Cup's Round of 16 .
SATURDAY & SUNDAY PREVIEW: The absence of South African teams in this weekend’s Champions Cup Round of 16 should not be mistaken for insignificance.
SPOTLIGHT: The BlitzBoks will look to bounce back from their disappointing ninth-place finish in Hong Kong.
ROUND FIVE PREVIEW: A big Free State derby between the Cheetahs and Griffons is one of the stand-out games in the fifth round of the SA Cup, with several other intriguing matches lined up as the race for the top four qualification positions for the Currie Cup heats up.
SQUAD ANNOUNCEMENT: Two uncapped players in Patience Mokone and Vianca Boer has been included in the Springbok Women’s Sevens squad to travel to Poland on Sunday.
MATCH REPORT: The Chiefs have jumped the Reds into Super Rugby Pacific's top spot, overcoming "heroic" defence to clinch a torrid battle 27-15 at their Hamilton fortress.
SPOTLIGHT: Springbok World Cup winner Jean Kleyn speaks about the frustrating, injury-riddled 2024 season he endured.
NEWS: Scotland’s July tour plans for 2025 have been confirmed.
NEWS: Highly rated French back-rower Patrick Tuifua has signed for Toulon on a three-year deal despite interest from New Zealand, the Top 14 club said on Thursday.
FRIDAY PREVIEW: Despite a difficult couple of weeks, Northampton Saints will not be weighed down by the occasion against Clermont, according to centre Fraser Dingwall.
FRIDAY PREVIEW: It is a consolation prize for losing your place at the top table, but Europe's Challenge Cup still carries with it a certain amount of 'prestige'.
CONTRACT EXTENSION: Scarlets’ Wales loose forward Taine Plumtree has become the latest player to commit his future to the club.
SPOTLIGHT: Former Wallaby centre Tim Horan backed a Super Rugby coach to succeed current Australia head coach Joe Schmidt.
NEWS: Former Scotland captain and British & Irish Lions hooker Frank Laidlaw has died at the age of 84, the Scottish Rugby has announced.
SPOTLIGHT: Jordan Petaia is charting new ground for Australians in the NFL after being head-hunted by the Los Angeles Chargers as a potential tight end.
NEWS: Worcester Warriors will return to professional rugby next season.
ROUND 14 PREVIEW: Springbok teammates Kwagga Smith and Kurt-Lee Arendse are set to face off in what is a crucial clash for their respective sides.
NEWS: Exeter Chiefs have signed young Australian hooker Julian Heaven from the Waratahs ahead of the 2025/26 season.
WATCH as Cheetahs Director of Rugby and SA Cup coach Frans Steyn explains why the franchise is on the brink of closing its doors.
WATCH as Springbok and Stormers flyhalf Manie Libbok gives fans a glimpse into his journey back to the playing field.
SPOTLIGHT: The Bulls are bracing themselves for a "hostile environment" in their Challenge Cup Round of 16 clash against Bayonne in France on Saturday.
NEWS: Bill Sweeney has reportedly told Rugby Football Union members the recent move to oust him as chief executive took a personal toll but claimed he is ready to move ahead with a mandate for reform.
PREVIEW: The Singapore National Stadium will host the exciting climax to the regular season of HSBC SVNS 2025 on April 5 and 6 as the League Winners will be crowned.
SPOTLIGHT: Madibaz prop Imibongo Mvuleni will have a front row seat when his team put everything on the line against University of the Western Cape to win a spot in the Varsity Shield Final.
NEWS: So trusting is Tate McDermott in his forward pack that even a wet night in Hamilton might not convince the Queensland captain to bet against them.
SQUAD ANNOUNCEMENT: Utility forward Faith Tshauke and hooker Xolelwa Diliza have been named in the 32-player Springbok Women squad to travel to France and Spain for a short tour, with the Bulls Daisies duo earning first national call-ups.
SPOTLIGHT: The Bulls will be looking to give England star Manu Tuilagi a taste of his own medicine in their Challenge Cup Round of 16 tie against Bayonnais in France on Saturday.
NEWS: Wes Goosen is set to become Scottish-qualified just in time for the next World Cup after agreeing a new two-year contract with Edinburgh.
Former Springbok centre Robbie Fleck believes the Stormers should take some lessons from United Rugby Championship counterparts Leinster.
TRANSFER NEWS: Dragons RFC have announced the signing of Wales international back row forward Thomas Young.
SPOTLIGHT: In a massive step in preparation for the World Cup 2025, the Springbok Women have lined up some incredible Tests against Canada and the Black Ferns XV.
WATCH as Lions Springbok Morné van den Berg speaks to @king365ed about the 'pain' of their humiliating loss to Glasgow Warriors last week and how they want to turn it around against another Scottish out.
INJURY UPDATE: Australia sevens captain Isabella Nasser has undergone surgery for a finger injury and will miss this weekend's world series round in Singapore.
SPOTLIGHT: One of the Sharks’ Springbok stars says they are committed to defending their Challenge Cup title after exiting the Champions Cup, but they need to get past powerhouse Lyon away from home first.
NEWS: The IRFU announced the appointment of their coaching team for the two-Test series against Georgia in Tbilisi and Portugal in Lisbon this July.
SPOTLIGHT: The BlitzBoks will not be enjoying the sights and sounds of Singapore this week.
INTERVIEW: Mzwandile Stick is an enigma, but only for those who have never taken the time out to get to know him.
PREVIEW: The Super Rugby Pacific Round Eight promises to be full of action with some name stars returning for the ten franchises.
NEWS: Lyon will be without a few big names when they face the Sharks in their Challenge Cup Round of 16 tie at the Stade de Gerland on Sunday.
NEWS: A New Zealand Super Rugby outfit is struggling to make ends meet due to various factors.
WRAP: The Western Cape powerhouses, Grey College as well as the leading KwaZulu-Natal teams claimed significant wins in the festivals staged at Paul Roos and Grey High over the past week.
SPOTLIGHT: Shimlas coach André Tredoux says his charges are relishing their underdog status ahead of another Varsity Cup semifinal showdown with Maties.
STAT ATTACK: @king365ed crunches the numbers to reveal why the Lions have become the URC's biggest 'flop'.
SPOTLIGHT: Pierre Schoeman will not allow the possibility of British and Irish Lions involvement this year to distract him from helping Edinburgh enjoy a strong finish to the season.
INJURY UPDATE: Edinburgh's latest injury update on Duhan van der Merwe has left British and Irish Lions head coach Andy Farrell with a dilemma.
TRANSFER NEWS: A familiar face will be running out in Pumas colours again.
IN THE SPOTLIGHT: After seven years without European rugby's most coveted prize and four Final defeats in the last six seasons, Leinster could snap their Champions Cup drought, thanks to the influence of Springboks and All Blacks stars.
NEWS: The votes have been counted and the 2025 Six Nations Player of the Championship is from France.
OPINION: Springbok head coach Rassie Erasmus capped 12 new Springboks in 2024 and might add a few more in 2025 and beyond.
WRAP: The round-robin stages of the Varsity Cup have ended and the semifinalists have been decided in dramatic fashion as defending champs UFS showed their pedigree by beating Tuks in Pretoria.
NEWS: The Queensland Reds will welcome back a smattering of Test talent for their top-of-the-table clash with the Chiefs, but won't rush Liam Wright back from his latest shoulder issue.
OPINION: @rugby365com columnist @jon_cardinelli unpacks the Sharks biggest problems as they head into the @ChallengeCup_ Round of 16.
NEWS: New Zealand Rugby stated it had reached a settlement with Ineos, the British chemicals giant, after earlier this year accusing the company of walking away from a sponsorship deal.
NEWS: Some radical changes have taken place within @rugby365com's structures in the last 24 hours.
NEWS: The Lions may well be at the start of another mass player exodus.
VIDEO: The Bulls have found the ideal stand-in flyhalf in Keagan Johannes, and it comes at the right time as the business end of competitions are looming.
NEWS: Edinburgh are still waiting to learn the extent of Duhan van der Merwe’s ankle injury and whether it will affect his potential British and Irish Lions involvement later this year.
SQUAD UPDATE: The BlitzBoks have tweaked their squad to replace the injured duo of Quewin Nortje and Hong Kong debutant Gino Cupido respectively.
"A very good big one beating a very good small one."
NEWS: Max Jorgensen will undergo surgery on his injury ankle with the exciting young Waratahs speedster unlikely to feature again this Super Rugby Pacific season.
The All Blacks have received a major boost as one of their star playmakers have signed on the dotted line until 2029.
WEEKEND WRAP: Paarl Interschools rivals Boys High and Gim laid down the marker against their respective northern opponents in the North-South Schools festival.
MATCH REPORT: Ireland claimed their first victory over Italy since 2022 with a 54-12 win at the Stadio Sergio Lanfranchi in Parma in the 2025 Six Nations.
MATCH REPORT: Saracens were rewarded for putting their English Premiership play-off bid ahead of the club's European ambitions as they beat Leicester 29-22 at Welford Road on Sunday.
WATCH: Max Deegan and try-scorer Henry McErlean could not let an opportunity to celebrate Leinster’s United Rugby Chmaphons win over the Sharks at Kings Park slip when they dived into a pitchside fan pool.
ROUND 13 WRAP: Bok hooker Malcolm Marx scored his 30th Spears try whilst a remarkable hat-trick in the final 10 minutes by Shannon Frizell and a pair of tries from fellow New Zealand-born lock Jacob Pierce powered Brave Lupus Tokyo to a 59-21 win over Mie Heat at Hokkaido on Sunday, confirming a spot in this year’s Japan Rugby League One play-offs.
Watched by fellow students in colourful blazers, the cream of South African schools' rugby talent gathered in Stellenbosch this weekend to display their skills.
DAY THREE WRAP: New Zealand women and Argentina men claimed the HSBC Hong Kong Sevens titles to back up their victories in Vancouver last month and extend their leads in the HSBC SVNS 2025 standings
REACTION: Bath boss Johann van Graan said he felt "chuffed" after his side cemented their position as English Premiership leaders by defeating Harlequins 47-28 on Saturday.
REACTION: The Lions' head coach, Ivan van Rooyen, acknowledges that the Glasgow Warriors were simply on a different level at Scotstoun on Saturday.
WRAP: Griquas and the Pumas continued their winning runs in the SA Cup to remain unbeaten after four rounds, while the Cheetahs and Boland secured important victories on Saturday to remain in the race to the semifinals.
SPOTLIGHT: John Plumtree admitted that the Sharks were their own worst enemies in their United Rugby Championship Round 14 clash against Leinster at Kings Park.
VIDEO: As the Bulls head into their Challenge Cup Round of 16 play-off against Bayonne in France, bonus points are out of the window, and knock-out rugby is on the cards for their four-week tour ahead.
TOP 14 WRAP: Veteran 42-year-old New Zealand centre Ma'a Nonu made history on Saturday when he became the oldest man to play in the French Top 14.
LISTEN as a bitterly disappointed Stormers Director of Rugby John Dobson expresses his frustrations with the lack of discipline in their costly URC loss to Ulster.
WRAP: Leaders Bath maintained their imperious form in the Premiership with a 47-28 victory over Harlequins in front of another sell-out crowd at the Recreation Ground.
MATCH REPORT: Tomas Albornoz scored 15 points, including a 76th-minute penalty, as Benetton sneaked back into the United Rugby Championship top eight.
READERS’ FORUM: Welcome to our LIVE coverage of the United Rugby Championship Round 14 encounter between Glasgow Warriors and the Lions at Scotstoun Stadium.
MATCH REPORT: Springbok Franco Smith taught Ivan van Rooyen a harsh lesson in coaching and tactics at Scotstoun in Glasgow on Saturday.
MATCH REPORT: The Bulls were in a ruthless mood at Loftus Versfeld, beating Zebre 63-24 in the United Rugby Championship Round 14 match on Saturday.
MATCH REPORT: Leinster ended their South African tour with a gritty 10-7 win over the Sharks in Durban on Saturday.
READERS’ FORUM: Welcome to our LIVE coverage of the United Rugby Championship Round 14 encounter between the Sharks and Leinster in Durban.
MATCH REPORT: England continued their Six Nations dominance, beating Wales 67-12 at the Principality Stadium on Saturday.
MATCH REPORT: Scarlets kept their end-of-season play-off hopes alive with a 38-22 bonus-point win over Ospreys in a pulsating Welsh derby.
MATCH REPORT: Jakkie Cilliers scored a hat-trick of tries as Bulls Daisies claimed a remarkable 46-31 win over Western Province in the Women's Premier Division Final.
MATCH REPORT: Jack Crowley scored 15 points as Munster overcame Connacht 30-24 at MacHale Park despite Alex Nankivell’s red card.
MATCH REPORT: France claimed a clinical 38-15 win over Scotland in a sunny La Rochelle in round two of the 2025 Women's Six Nations
READERS’ FORUM: Welcome to our LIVE coverage of the United Rugby Championship Round 14 encounter between the Bulls and Zebre Parma in Pretoria.
MATCH REPORT: Ulster cemented their place in the top five of the United Rugby Championship with a hard-fought 38-34 win over the Stormers on Friday at Belfast.
DAY TWO WRAP: The BlitzBoks crashed out of title contention in Hong Kong yet again after a 7-17 pool defeat to New Zealand on Saturday meant they failed to qualify for the quarterfinals for the first time in this season's HSBC SVNS.
INJURY UPDATE: Speedy Australian Test back Max Jorgensen will spend a lengthy period on the sidelines after suffering an ankle injury during a heavy defeat for the Waratahs.
SATURDAY WRAP: Moana Pasifika stunned the Crusaders for a 45-29 win in Christchurch for one of the biggest upsets of the year, whilst the Reds' narrow victory over the Western Force saw them claim top spot on the Super Rugby table.
The 2026 Varsity Cup will see a new team enter the ranks.
MATCH REPORT: Tom Roebuck scored twice as Sale Sharks secured a thrilling 27-24 bonus-point win over defending champions Northampton Saints, which boosted their play-off hopes.
WATCH as Stormers Director of Rugby John Dobson explains why Springbok playmaker Manie Libbok will not be rushed back.
MATCH REPORT: Edinburgh enhanced their United Rugby Championship play-off aspirations with a bonus-point 38-5 win over Dragons at Edinburgh Stadium.
READERS’ FORUM: Welcome to our LIVE coverage of the United Rugby Championship Round 14 encounter between Ulster and the Stormers in Belfast.
DAY ONE WRAP: South Africa continue to be the 'Jekyll-and-Hyde' team of the HSBC SVNS World Series.
SPOTLIGHT: Stormers superstar Damian Willemse is the latest Springbok to be linked with a high-profile move away from Cape Town.
PREVIEW: It all boils down to this weekend, where one team will be crowned the 2025 Women's Premier Division champion.
PREVIEW: England, tournament favourites continue their campaign in the Women's Six Nations with a Round Two clash against Wales in Cardiff on Saturday.
SATURDAY PREVIEWS: With just five rounds left to play, the Race to the Eight in the United Rugby Championship is poised to deliver the most unpredictable battle for the playoffs in the competition’s history.
TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: The Bulls’ captain Ruan Nortje makes his timely return to action this weekend.
WRAP: The Hurricanes and Brumbies both made huge statements in Super Rugby's Round Seven.
TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Ruan Venter will run out in his 50th game for the Lions in one of their sternest tests to date when they face the Glasgow Warriors at the Scotstoun Stadium on Saturday.
NEWS: The Rugby Football Union's tumultuous boardroom room battles took another intriguing twist.
NEWS: Scotland forwards coach John Dalziel will lean heavily on Gregor Townsend’s experience as he prepares to go into “a brand new world” after earning a surprise call to join Andy Farrell’s British and Irish Lions backroom team.
FRIDAY PREVIEWS: The race to the United Rugby Championship play-offs resumes at a maddening pace, as Round 14 gets underway with two intriguing Friday matches.
NEWS: Former Stormers hooker Scarra Ntubeni will be available for the Sharks during their European Challenge Cup campaign.
ROUND 13 PREVIEW: Springbok flyer Kurt-Lee Arendse and lock Franco Mostert are missing their respective Japan Rugby League One clashes this weekend.
LISTEN as Sharks coach John Plumtree sings lyrically about one of his former All Black stars set to face the Sharks in Durban on Saturday.
SPOTLIGHT: The Sharks face their sternest test when they host the table-topping Leinster at home this weekend.
NEWS: The Cheetahs dropped a sizeable bombshell by naming a Stormers player in their SA Cup starting line-up against Eastern Province.
WATCH as Stormers forwards coach Rito Hlungwani speaks about his side's objectives and what makes Ulster different from their Irish compatriots.
ROUND FOUR PREVIEW: The Griffons and Griquas’ unbeaten status will be on the line when they clash in a highly anticipated SA Cup match in Welkom on Saturday afternoon, when all five Round Four encounters kick-off at 15.00.
TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: The Stormers have made six changes to the starting line-up for the United Rugby Championship Round 14 encounter with Ulster.
TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: The Sharks host Leinster in one of their biggest tests of the United Rugby Championship this season, looking to continue to make fortress Kings Park a tough place to visit.
Leinster has announced that they have secured the services of a Springbok stalwart on Thursday.
SPOTLIGHT: The Springbok Sevens team are ready to let the ‘Gino’ out of the bottle when they face Uruguay, Australia and New Zealand in their pool at the HSBC Hong Kong Sevens, which moves to a new venue this year, the 50,000-seater Kai Tak Stadium.
SPOTLIGHT: This weekend is a perfect chance for Bulls Daisies to make Gauteng proud as they look to complete a three-peat in the Women's Premier Division.
NEWS: The Bulls have been dealt a hefty blow ahead of their Round 14 United Rugby Championship clash against Zebre.
PREVIEW: The highly anticipated HSBC Hong Kong Sevens is set to mark the beginning of a new era at the impressive new Kai Tak Stadium from March 28-30.
REACTION: British and Irish Lions coach Andy Farrell is "open-minded" when it comes to selecting France-based players, including son Owen, for the upcoming tour of Australia.
DISCIPLINARY NEWS: Scotland No.8 Evie Gallagher will miss her team's Six Nations encounter against France on Saturday.
IN THE SPOTLIGHT: With less than six months to go until World Cup 2025, all four Home Unions – RFU, WRU, Scottish Rugby, IRFU – are continuing to work together to grow the women and girls’ game, thanks to the Impact ’25 programme and UK Sport.
PREVIEW: Many of South Africa's leading schools will be in action at the Noord-Suid (north-south) tournament at Paul Roos this weekend.
WATCH as Sharks lock Jason Jenkins speaks about their upcoming clash against table-topping Leinster and what they expect from the Irish giants.
NEWS: The Irish Rugby Football Union revealed that forwards coach Paul O’Connell will take charge of Ireland on an interim basis for their July tour matches against Georgia and Portugal.
NEWS: British and Irish Lions coach Andy Farrell said Wednesday that 75 players are still in contention for the tour of Australia just weeks before he names his squad.
NEWS: The Six Nations Council has a new President.
NEWS: Springbok Sevens head coach Philip Snyman had a candle and cupcake for his 38th birthday, but BlitzBok captain Selvyn Davids could celebrate his 31st more dramatically.
NEWS: The British & Irish Lions confirmed three key appointments to coach Andy Farrell's backroom team.
SPOTLIGHT: The Lions will need to conjure up something special if they want to upset Franco Smith's Glasgow side at Scotstoun Stadium.
WATCH as Sharks lock Jason Jenkins provides insight into what makes Leinster such a successful outfit.
WATCH as Ulster captain and lock Alan O'Connor explains what the Stormers can expect when they arrive at Ravenhill Stadium in Belfast, Northern Ireland, on Friday.
WATCH as David Kriel recalls his shaking hands, composing himself and slotting the match winning kick against Leinster at Loftus last Saturday.
PREVIEW: The Waratahs have parked their drought-breaking victory over the Brumbies as they chase an even more hoodoo-busting win in Wellington.
SPOTLIGHT: The Shimlas head into the final round of the Varsity Cup needing a win against Tuks to advance to the play-offs, while Wits require a miracle to avoid relegation.
WATCH as Bulls prop Mornay Smith recounts the moment the Bulls knew they had the game against Leinster in the palm of their hands if they could muster a scrum penalty against the log leaders.
NEWS: Harlequins director of rugby Billy Millard is to leave the club at the end of the season, the English Premiership side announced Tuesday, with reports suggesting he could take on a similar role with Wales.
WATCH as Stormers prop Sazi Sandi talks about his experience under the wing of three experienced teammates.
RECAP: Not as smooth sailing as their fellow finalist, the Western Province Women have undergone a tricky journey to the Women's Premier Division Final.
LISTEN as Blitzboks Ryan Oosthuisen and Zain Davids reflected on their return to where they made their debuts for the Springbok Sevens side.
WRAP: With just one round remaining until the semifinals, the Varsity Cup 2025 season took another dramatic turn after UP-Tuks stunned Maties at Danie Craven Stadium on Monday to go top of the log.
WATCH as Stormers Director of Rugby John Dobson talks about his team's crazy run-in to the URC play-offs.
NEWS: Leinster head coach Leo Cullen is keeping his cards close to his chest once again as his team prepares for their United Rugby Championship Round 14 match against the Sharks in Durban.
NEWS: Fijian Drua prop Mesake Doge has been cited for dangerous play in a ruck following his side's 15-52 defeat to the Western Force at Perth Rectangular Stadium on Sunday.
NEWS: Hailing Max Jorgensen as an athletic freak, attack coach Mike Catt has warned the Waratahs' Super Rugby Pacific rivals that his side is only just warming up.
NEWS: The match officials appointments for the United Rugby Championship Round 14 fixtures have been confirmed.
SPOTLIGHT: Springbok fullback Willie le Roux has caused some panic amongst Bulls supporters on Monday.
TRANSFER NEWS: After days of speculation, South African loose forward Jacques Vermeulen revealed his future plans.
SPOTLIGHT: In the latest episode of his podcast, Springbok head coach Rassie Erasmus revealed why he left South Africa for a coaching gig with Munster in 2016.
RECAP: Just two months ago, the Bulls Daisies started their Women's Premier Division title defence, with one goal in mind... the THREE-PEAT.
OPINION: The Bulls, Lions and Sharks may need to sacrifice their European Challenge Cup title ambitions in order to realise their grander United Rugby Championship and Champions Cup goals.