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SPOTLIGHT: The Springboks are bracing themselves for a midfield battle of epic proportions when they come up against Scotland at Murrayfield on Sunday.

WATCH as former Springbok coach and now television analyst Nick Mallett reveals what makes Rassie Erasmus so special.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: New Zealand has opted for consistency and made two injury-enforced changes in the starting line-up from last week's outfit that defeated England at Twickenham. 

NEWS: Former Springbok and Namibia head coach Allister Coetzee has returned to South Africa to take up a new coaching position. 

SPOTLIGHT: Former England World Cup winner Jason Robinson backs Exeter Chiefs wing Immanuel Feyi-Waboso for the 2025 British and Irish Lions tour to Australia.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Ireland head coach Andy Farrell has named his troops that will face New Zealand at Lansdowne Road on Friday. 

SPOTLIGHT: Ireland, South Africa and New Zealand could all be ranked #1 in the world in a few days' time, adding another fascinating sub-plot to what should be a brilliant weekend of Test matches.

SQUAD ANNOUNCEMENTS: South Africa’s Women’s Sevens team will defend their Africa Women’s Seven's title in Ghana this weekend, coming up against Burkina Faso in their opening match, before taking on Zimbabwe and Tunisia in Pool A of the tournament.

Touted as one of South Africa's next women's rugby stars, Leigh Fortuin is more than eager to prove herself this weekend on the international stage.

JERSEY LAUNCH: The British & Irish Lions unveiled their new jersey ahead of the 2025 tour to Australia. 

SPOTLIGHT: There was a curious moment ahead of the All Blacks’ clash with the Springboks at the 2019 World Cup – one in which Rassie Erasmus, as only he could, went on a four-minute rant about how New Zealand had, for the last 10 years, won favourable treatment from referees as a result of their number one status.

INTERVIEW: Former captain Will Skelton is back in Wallaby gold and determined to exorcise the demons of a World Cup campaign that left him "hurt" in France.

NEWS: Scotland suffered a significant injury setback ahead of their year-end face-off with World Champions South Africa.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: England coach Steve Borthwick has named an unchanged side for their clash with Australia at Twickenham on Saturday.

INTERVIEW: It has been nearly a year since Daniel Johannes Vermeulen exchanged his playing gear for a coaching costume.

NEWS: England and Sale Sharks forward Jonny Hill will resume his playing career with Sale in early December despite originally facing a 20-week suspension at his Rugby Football Union (RFU) disciplinary hearing.

NEWS: Former Saracens and Namibia loose forward Jacques Burger has been appointed as the Welwitschias' Director of Rugby and will take the reigns from former Springbok head coach Allister Coetzee. 

SPOTLIGHT: The South Africa Women's Sevens squad will travel to Ghana on Wednesday well aware of the pressure the Africa Women's Sevens tournament will bring, alongside expectations for the team to perform in Accra on Saturday and Sunday.

NEWS: With a little under 300 days to go until Women’s World Cup 2025 kicks off in England and with more than 130,000 tickets already sold, fans can now apply for tickets across all matches in what promises to be the biggest celebration of women’s rugby.

WATCH as former Springbok coach Nick Mallett explains why he once turned down an offer to coach England.

STAT ATTACK: The upcoming clash between the World Champion Springboks and their 2023 World Cup opening clash opponents Scotland has all the ingredients to be a try fest when the two sides meet this Sunday at Murrayfield. 

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: One of the SVNS's most prolific players, Maddison Levi, has revealed that it would be "pretty special" to play in next year's World Cup for the Wallaroos.

SPOTLIGHT: Controversy magnet Eddie Jones can still somehow manage to be a topic of pre-match interest, even when he's not coaching England or Australia this weekend.

NEWS: Britain's Prince William played rugby with students and met young environmentalists Monday at the start of a visit to South Africa for the awards of his Earthshot Prize for solutions to climate change.

NEWS: Australia centre Samu Kerevi has defended Eddie Jones after claims the coach ruled by fear during his seven-year spell in charge of England.

NEWS: South Africa’s four United Rugby Championship fixtures for Round One have been confirmed for the weekend of February 8, 2025.

Former Scotland captain Stuart Hogg has admitted abusing his estranged wife over the course of five years.

SQUAD UPDATE: Giant France prop Uini Atonio has been added to the international squad despite suffering a calf injury, the French Rugby Federation announced on Monday.

NEWS: England and Sale Sharks forward Jonny Hill is due to appear before an independent disciplinary panel on Monday.

NEWS: New Zealand have significantly closed the gap on South Africa in the World Rugby Rankings after their win over England.

NEWS: SA Rugby has concluded a restructuring process that will ensure greater emphasis on participation at amateur level, as part of a wide-ranging reorganisation, with its impact already felt after changes in coaching teams and the creation of two new fit-for-purpose departments.

NEWS: Wilco Louw says the Springboks are in the right frame of mind going into the Outgoing Tour against Scotland next Sunday after a tough training camp in Jersey.

It is truly a case of 'hulle weet nie wat ons weet nie' when it comes to the Springboks' recent injury replacements.

NEWS: Rugby Australia announced the appointment of Liam Barry as head coach of the Australian Men’s Sevens team.

NEWS: Peter O’Mahony has joined Ireland’s training camp in Portugal after proving his fitness for Munster against an All Blacks XV on Saturday.

NEWS: The 20-year-old Asher Opoku-Fordjour will replace veteran prop Marler who announced his retirement from international rugby on Sunday ahead of their clash against Australia at Twickenham on Saturday.

NEWS: The All Blacks have brought in cover for the injured Codie Taylor and Beauden Barrett following their victory over England this weekend.

NEWS: New Zealand's rising star Wallace Sititi insisted there's "only one Ardie Savea" after impressing alongside his fellow forward in the All Blacks' thrilling 24-22 win over England.

NEWS: Former Australian and Leinster rugby player Rocky Elsom left Ireland after the Irish police officers arrived at his work and home to take him into custody.

SPOTLIGHT: Springbok flyhalf Jordan Hendrikse revealed there is a healthy internal competition for the No.10 jersey in the Springbok squad between himself, Manie Libbok and Handré Pollard. 

OPINION: With the United Rugby Championship on a month-long break for the November internationals, the Lions find themselves in their best ever URC position yet with six rounds into the competition. 

NEWS: England stalwart and legend Joe Marler has announced his retirement from international rugby on Sunday.

INJURY UPDATE: New Zealand stalwarts Beauden Barrett and Codie Taylor were ruled out of this coming weekend's Test against Ireland after sustaining head injuries in the 24-22 victory over England at Twickenham. 

Australia scrumhalf Tate McDermott revealed his team should use the next few weeks to stay ahead of the curve as they prepare for the Nations Series opener against England.

SPOTLIGHT: Uncapped Springbok squad member Cameron Hanekom has never had ambitions to represent Wales as he eyes a potential debut with the Springboks.

REACTION: Darcy Graham ran in half of Scotland's eight tries as the Dark Blues launched their November campaign with a 57-17 thrashing of Fiji at Murrayfield on Saturday.

MATCH REPORT: The All Blacks XV arrived at Thomond Park eager to show put their hands up for the New Zealand selectors against URC heavyweight side Munster. 

OPINION: Fiji paid the price for a sluggish start and ill-discipline as they fell to a record 17-57 defeat to Scotland at Murrayfield.

OPINION: Scotland launched their Nations Series campaign with an ultimately rousing eight-try victory over Fiji at Murrayfield after cutting loose in the final quarter.

MATCH REPORT: Scotland made a big statement, beating the Fiji 57-17 at the Murrayfield in Edinburgh on Saturday.

READERS’ FORUM: Welcome to our LIVE coverage of the international match between Scotland and Fiji at Murrayfield in Edinburgh.

REACTION: New Zealand wing Mark Tele'a scored the decisive try as the All Blacks came from behind to edge England 24-22 in a dramatic finish to their November international at Twickenham on Saturday.

OPINION: Ben Smith rates the New Zealand players after their hard-earned 24-22 win over England at Twickenham.

OPINION: Liam Heagney rates the England players after their heart-breaking 22-24 loss to New Zealand at Twickenham on Saturday.

MATCH REPORT: New Zealand started the European leg of their year-end campaign with a hard-fought 24-22 win over a willing England team at Twickenham on Saturday.

READERS’ FORUM: Welcome to our LIVE coverage of the international match between England and New Zealand at Twickenham in London.

NEWS: The Welsh Rugby Union has undertaken a new review into it's processes following recent contact negotiations with it's senior women's international squad. 

OPINION: World Cup-winning former Springbok coach Jake White runs the rule over South Africa's year-end opposition.

NEWS: Dragons head coach Dai Flanagan has vacated his position at the club following the club’s disappointing results in the first block of the United Rugby Championship.

NEWS: As the Nations Series gets underway this weekend when England hosts the All Blacks and Scotland take on Fiji, some teams can move up the World Rugby rankings.

SPOTLIGHT: Newly appointed Scotland captain Sione Tuipulotu credited his rise to skipper Scotland to putting his 'heart and soul' into the game after joining Glasgow Warriors three years ago. 

SPOTLIGHT: Springbok prop Thomas du Toit has shed light on his ability to switch between the loosehead and tighthead positions during matches. 

SPOTLIGHT: England scrumhalf Ben Spencer is set to finally make his first Test start against the All Blacks against New Zealand at Twickenham on Saturday after winning six Test caps off the bench in six years. 

NEWS: France international loose forward Oscar Jegou, who is still being prosecuted for an alleged rape charge in Argentina will make his return to the pitch this weekend after being named in La Rochelle's starting lineup to have Stade Francais in the Top 14. 

SPOTLIGHT: New Zealand captain Scott Barrett suggested that England prop Joe Marler has 'loaded the gun' ahead of the two side's clash at Twickenham this Saturday.

SPOTLIGHT: The return of RG Snyman and Franco Mostert is a huge boost to the Springboks' lock stocks ahead of their three-week end-of-year tour to Europe according to Springbok assistant coach Deon Davids.

NEWS: Ross van Reenen will vacate his office of CEO at the end of the month after the Free State Cheetahs (Pty) Ltd announced the parties have agreed to part ways amicably.

SPOTLIGHT: England prop Ellis Genge claims that a win for England over New Zealand will still rank as a landmark achievement despite the All Blacks' recent struggles.

NEWS: SA Rugby announced the addition of Melusi Mthethwa to the Junior Springbok coaching staff, with the former Shimlas assistant coach responsible for the backline and attack responsibilities of the SA Under-20 team.

SPOTLIGHT: Zimbabwe has produced some former greats like Tendai Mtawarira, Gary Teichmann, and David Pocock, and is determined to sneak into the spotlight as they have their sights set on the World Cup in Australia in 2027.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: As they begin preparations for their hunt for an unprecedented third successive SA Rugby Women’s Premier Division crown, the Bulls Daisies have returned to base to start their bold quest ahead of the new season.

WATCH as Springbok superstar Cheslin Kolbe joins the Behind The Ruck podcast to share some 'stepping tips'.

SOCIAL SPOTLIGHT: The South Africa Women's Sevens side gears up for the upcoming Africa Sevens tournament in Ghana.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Frankie Goldsbrough and Kohan Herbert have been honoured with starting debuts for the Reds' upcoming clash against the Wild Knights at Kumagaya Stadium on Monday. 

REACTION: England captain Jamie George said he "loved the history" of the haka after Test colleague Joe Marler urged New Zealand to ditch their pre-game ritual just days before the teams meet at Twickenham.

NEWS: Former Chiefs scrumhalf Haydn Thomas will replace Omar Mouneimne as defence coach of Exeter after his axing following their poor form in the Premiership.

NEWS: The Wellington Lions paid tribute and acknowledged the remarkable legacy of departing head coach Alando Soakai following their NPC title victory.

SPOTLIGHT: The highly-anticipated fixture between Scotland and Fiji could offer up a few surprises this Saturday at Murrayfield.

PREVIEW: England and New Zealand head into Saturday's clash at Twickenham with both sides having an added incentive for victory.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: The Western Force have made nine changes to their starting lineup for their final Japan-tour clash against Yokogawa Musashino Artemi stars and Tokyo Sankyu Phoenix on Saturday.

OPINION: Former referee Wayne Barnes has come out in support of the 20-minute red card while it is being trialed in the current Nations Series. 

SPOTLIGHT: The question surrounding which halfback combination the world champion Springboks will field command the most attention ahead of their three-Test European tour. 

TRANSFER NEWS: Flying high after bringing home the NPC title, Wellington fullback Tjay Clarke has signed with the Hurricanes for 2025.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Du’Plessis Kirifi will captain the All Blacks XV when they take on Munster on Saturday at Thomond Park in Ireland.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: World Rugby in collaboration with ChildFund Rugby announced the next phase of the Grassroots to Global Series on the road to the World Cup 2025.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Gregor Townsend has named his team to face Fiji in the first of Scotland's tear-end Tests at Murrayfield on Saturday.

REACTION: New Zealand coach Scott Robertson insisted the haka is part of "who we are".

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: New Zealand coach Scott Robertson made wholesale changes to his team for their Test against England at Twickenham on Saturday.

LISTEN as Quewin Nortje recalls his emotions when he walked into the BlitzBoks set-up a year ago, not quite knowing what to expect, but fully prepared to give it his best shot.

SPOTLIGHT: Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus is often portrayed as a polymath of the game - a wizard thinking outside the box.

SPOTLIGHT: Maro Itoje may be set to exceed World Cup-winning captain Martin Johnson's tally of 84 England caps against New Zealand at Twickenham on Saturday, but he also wants to match his fellow lock's trophy haul as well.

SPOTLIGHT: Without fuss or fanfare, the Wallabies have quietly set off for their most significant tour in almost a decade.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Fiji have named a matchday 23 for Saturday’s clash with Scotland exclusively drawn from Super Rugby outfit Fijian Drua.

SQUAD ANNOUNCEMENT: With a mixture of fresh talent, returning experience, and a new head coach at the wheel, Hurricanes Poua are gearing up to take the field for the fourth season of Super Rugby Aupiki.

REACTION: England provocateur Joe Marler has responded to the massive fall-out over his suggestion that the All Black haka should be 'binned'.

SPOTLIGHT: Preparation for the 2025 season of Super Rugby Aupiki will begin in a matter of weeks with the clubs unveiling their squads for the upcoming season.

LISTEN as Springbok assistant coach Mzwandile Stick reveals their plans ahead of the opening Test of the year-end series.

TEAM ANNOUNCMENT: Nompumelelo Mathe and Leigh Fortuin are in line to make their South Africa Women’s Sevens debuts next weekend after being named in the squad that will contest the Africa Women's Sevens tournament in Ghana on November 9 and 10.

REACTION: Wallaroos wing Maya Stewart has been crowned Player of the Year after an incredible 2024 season.

INTERVIEW: There's a story about Ben-Jason Dixon which tells you exactly how the giant flank navigates life.

NEWS: Australian Rugby's finest performers from the 2024 season were celebrated at the Rugby Australia Awards in Sydney on Wednesday.

SQUAD UPDATE: Wales head coach Warren Gatland has been forced to tweak his squad ahead of the end-of-year Tests.

SPOTLIGHT: The World Cup 2025 host England will face Australia, USA and Samoa at next year's prestigious event.

EXCLUSIVE: @king365ed sat down with Michael R. Yormark, President of Roc Nation Sports International, to get some insights on a key player in the Springbok squad.

SQUAD UPDATE: The All Blacks XV have made changes to their squad ahead of matches against Munster and Georgia in November.

VIDEO: England coach Steve Borthwick said Henry Slade was in "fantastic condition" after selecting the centre to start against New Zealand in Saturday's opening November international despite less than an hour of competitive action so far this season.

SPOTLIGHT: Joe Marler has stoked the fire ahead of Saturday's Test between England and New Zealand with his comments on the haka.

NEWS: New Zealand Rugby (NZR) is progressing a key programme of work with the goal to establish a financial framework that allows rugby in New Zealand to be sustainable for the future.

VIDEO: Ardie Savea has urged the All Blacks to embrace the challenge of playing England at Twickenham as he admitted the first few months under new coach Scott Robertson had been a “journey of growth”.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: England head coach Steve Borthwick has revealed his team to play the All Blacks at Twickenham Stadium on Saturday.

NEWS: Coach Graham Rowntree has decided to depart Munster after a horrid start to the season

SPOTLIGHT: Handre Pollard says the current crop of Springboks will need to work harder if they want to be labelled the greatest of all time.

SPOTLIGHT: Tommy Freeman hopes to leave a lasting impression upon Sevu Reece when England face New Zealand at Twickenham on Saturday.

WATCH as Stormers Director of Rugby John Dobson reveals his plans to salvage a season that has the potential to become a horror show.

AUDIO: Imagine a tranquil island surrounded by untouched bays, towering cliffs, and turquoise waters - the perfect holiday getaway. Then imagine the best team in the world having a week-long training camp there.

SPOTLIGHT: The Springboks will be getting into the swing of things over the next few days in Jersey as they get their preparations underway for their November Tests in the United Kingdom.

SQUAD UPDATE: Springbok head coach Rassie Erasmus has added another playmaker to his squad ahead of the November Tests.

JERSEY LAUNCH: Rugby Australia unveiled the new Wallabies jersey for The British & Irish Lions Series next year, marking the first time in 12 years that Australia will host the prestigious event.

SPOTLIGHT: Sharks head coach John Plumtree says there is no escaping the reality of players switching teams.

SPOTLIGHT: Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii has revealed Israel Folau as an idol and inspiration as he pledges to tackle head-on the pressure and expectation of being Australian rugby's most prized signing in more than a decade.

OPINION: Use the words ‘equity deal’ in the rugby space these days, and everyone thinks of SA Rugby, Ackerley Sports Group (ASG), and billions of Rands.

NEWS: New Zealand Rugby (NZR) has confirmed support for Brett Robinson as the candidate for chairman of World Rugby.

SPOTLIGHT: The new-era Wallabies are refusing to make any bold promises or predictions as they embrace the challenge of only their third Grand Slam tour in 40 years.

SPOTLIGHT: Scotland coach Gregor Townsend has had three weeks of 'prime time' analyses of South African's top players, ahead of their much-anticipated rematch with the Springboks on November 10.

NEWS: France suffered a brutal blow with the news that flyhalf Romain Ntamack will miss the entire Nations Series due to injury.

REACTION: The Sharks are clearly a different team when all their top Springboks are available and everyone knows it.

MATCH REPORT: Italy wing Ange Capuozzo bagged a hat-trick of tries as Toulouse moved back to the top of the Top 14 with a 57-5 demolition of Toulon on Sunday.

SPOTLIGHT: Rassie Erasmus’ management of the uncapped Cameron Hanekom and a large group of loose forwards will be a big talking point over the course of the tour to the United Kingdom, writes Jon Cardinelli.

REACTION: Lions head coach Ivan van Rooyen said there was a lot to be proud of after his side ended their three-match United Rugby Championship tour in Dublin on Saturday.

NEWS: Australia will face the All Blacks in Perth next year with Rugby Championship matches against Argentina locked in for Sydney and the northern city of Townsville.

Bath flank Ted Hill, Sale Sharks flyhalf George Ford and Northampton lock Alex Coles have been added to England’s 36-player squad.

NEWS UPDATE: South Africa's injury situation appears to be approaching crisis proportions.

MATCH REPORT: Henry Slade proved his fitness ahead of England’s year-end Tests opener against New Zealand but could not prevent Exeter from suffering a 19-36 Premiership loss to Harlequins.

ÒPINION: The Lions’ unbeaten start to the URC season came to an abrupt end at the weekend, as they suffered a 6-24 loss to Leinster in Dublin.

OPINION: Ian Cameron rates the Leinster players after their 24-6 win over the Lions in a top-of-the-table United Rugby Championship clash in Dublin.

NEWS: England rugby coach Steve Borthwick announced that 17 players had been awarded enhanced "Elite Player Squad" (EPS) contracts, giving him greater control over his top stars.

TOP 14 WRAP: Racing 92 Director of Rugby Stuart Lancaster said on Saturday former England captain Owen Farrell "was sorry" for receiving his second yellow card of the season in the 30-23 French Top 14 victory over Perpignan.

SQUAD UPDATE: Springbok head coach Rassie Erasmus has added another Bull to his squad following the withdrawal of utility back Damian Willemse due to a groin injury.

SATURDAY PREMIERSHIP WRAP: Bath head coach Johan van Graan praised Thomas du Toit's continuous impact after Bath thrashed Sale by 40-13 to go top of the Premiership table.

MATCH REPORT: Connacht were just too good for the Dragons as they recorded a 31-7 win in the United Rugby Championship.

MATCH REPORT: A heroic fightback saw Cardiff rally to grab a memorable 21-19 win against Ulster in the United Rugby Championship on Saturday evening.

MATCH REPORT: Ospreys moved off the bottom of the United Rugby Championship table with a hard-fought 22-13 victory over Edinburgh in Bridgend.

MATCH REPORT: Leinster were made to work hard for their 24-6 win over the Lions in their United Rugby Championship Round Six clash in Dublin on Saturday.

READERS’ FORUM: Welcome to our LIVE coverage of the United Rugby Championship Round Six encounter between Leinster and the Lions in Dublin.

MATCH REPORT: The Sharks outmuscled Munster 41-24 in Round Six of the United Rugby Championship as their Springboks once again brought the goods in Durban on Saturday.

READERS’ FORUM: Welcome to our LIVE coverage of the United Rugby Championship Round Six encounter between the Sharks and Munster at Kings Park in Durban.

MATCH REPORT: The Stormers suffered their third defeat in five games after they went down 17-28 to the Glasgow Warriors in Stellenbosch on Saturday.

MATCH REPORT: The All Blacks crushed Eddie Jones's Japan 64-19 in a one-off Test on Saturday, running in 10 tries in a routine victory despite a sleepy start and a tougher second half.

INJURY UPDATE: Springbok head coach Rassie Erasmus could be forced to tweak his Bok squad again ahead of the end-of-year tour.

READERS’ FORUM: Welcome to our LIVE coverage of the United Rugby Championship Round Six encounter between the Stormers and Glasgow Warriors at the Danie Craven Stadium in Stellenbosch.

MATCH REPORT: The Bulls sneaked a victory in the dying minutes of their Round Six United Rugby Championship match as they beat Benetton 17-15 thanks to a conversion by David Kriel.

WATCH as Bulls Director of Rugby Jake White reacts to his team's scrappy win in Treviso on Friday.

READERS’ FORUM: Welcome to our LIVE coverage of the Test match between Japan and New Zealand in Yokohama.

MATCH REPORT: A comeback by Bristol Bears saw them move to the top of the Premiership with a bonus-point victory over defending champions Northampton Saints.

MATCH REPORT: Scarlets continued their impressive form in the United Rugby Championship (URC) with a bonus-point 30-8 win over Zebre in Round Six at Parc y Scarlets in Llanelli.

READERS’ FORUM: Welcome to our LIVE coverage of the United Rugby Championship Round Six encounter between Benneton and the Bulls.

NEWS: The Bulls have been forced to make three changes to their Round Six matchday line-up against Benetton after overnight illness struck the camp in Italy.

NEWS: World Rugby has confirmed the three candidates who will contest the election for the chair of World Rugby to replace Sir Bill Beaumont at the interim council meeting in Dublin on November 14.

NEWS: Overnight figures from the first four rounds of the United Rugby Championship has indicated yet another increase in broadcast audiences for the league. 

WATCH as the Behind the Ruck crew - co-hosts Springboks Rudy Paige and Juan de Jongh - sit down with defending URC Champion coach Franco Smith.

SATURDAY PREVIEW: There are only two unbeaten teams left in the 2024/2025 United Rugby Championship season, and they will meet in Dublin on Saturday.

FRIDAY PREVIEW: The Bulls will have their minds firmly set on returning to winning ways in their third tour game, against Benetton at Stadio Monigo, before the competition breaks until late November.

NEWS: French investigating magistrates have ordered ordered two alleged suspects to be tried for the murder of former Argentina international Federico Martin Aramburu following a shooting in 2022.

SQUAD UPDATE: Springbok head coach Rassie Erasmus has tweaked his squad ahead of the November Tests.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Stormers Director of Rugby John Dobson has revealed his team for Saturday's United Rugby Championship Round Six clash against the Glasgow Warriors.

NEWS: SA Rugby thanked and applauded Lynne Cantwell for her highly successful contribution to the national women's rugby programme, which blossomed under her guidance since 2021, prior to her return to her native Ireland.

SPOTLIGHT: Sharks head coach John Plumtree expects Siya Kolisi to be more dangerous with ball in hand when he runs out in the No.8 jersey against Munster on Saturday.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Lions head coach Ivan van Rooyen has revealed his team for Saturday's top-of-the-table clash against Leinster in Dublin.

NEWS: The Springbok Women's Sevens side were handed a challenging draw for the Africa Women's Sevens tournament which takes place in Ghana. 

PREVIEW: Struggling 14-time Top 14 champions Stade Francais will host Clermont on Saturday low on confidence on the back of their worst start to a season in five years while Toulouse face Toulon in front of a sold-out crowd.

SPOTLIGHT: New All Blacks captain Patrick Tuipulotu said he's determined not to become the first New Zealand skipper to suffer defeat at the hands of Japan. 

PREVIEW: Loose forward Kazuki Himeno makes his return to Japan's starting line-up for the first time since the 2023 World Cup ahead of Japan's clash with New Zealand in Yokohama.

NEWS: Former Stormers flyhalf Tim Swiel has joined Saracens on a short-term deal.

SPOTLIGHT: Veteran loose forward Marcell Coetzee still has that fire in his belly to prove his worth in the Bulls squad.

SPOTLIGHT: Upcoming URC opponents the Stormers and Glasgow Warriors joined forces to give back to the community of Kylemore in the Western Cape on Tuesday ahead of the two side's upcoming clash in Stellenbosch this weekend.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Bulls Director of Rugby Jake White has revealed his team to face Benetton in Friday's United Rugby Championship clash in Treviso.

WATCH as Sharks and Springbok fullback Aphelele Fassi speaks about the competition for places in the national team on the year-end tour.

VIDEO: Lions scrumhalf Morne van den Berg is relishing the opportunity to face the best that Leinster can bring on Saturday rather than hope they rest some of their big names.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Sharks head coach John Plumtree has revealed his team to face Munster in Saturday's United Rugby Championship Round Six clash in Durban.

NEWS: Two of New Zealand's brightest young stars are among those named in the Black Ferns Sevens contracted squad for 2025. 

WATCH as Munster coach Graham Rowntree deconstructs his team's URC Round Six crunch face-off with the Springbok-laden Sharks.

NEWS: Star scrumhalf Antoine Dupont was named in the France squad for November internationals against Japan, New Zealand and Argentina.

NEWS: Gregor Townsend said Sione Tuipulotu was the "right man" to lead Scotland after appointing the Glasgow centre as his new skipper ahead of the November Tests.

SQUAD ANNOUNCEMENT: Caelan Doris will captain Andy Farrell's 35-man Ireland squad announced Wednesday for November internationals against New Zealand, Argentina, Fiji, and Australia.

NEWS: Springbok Women utility forward Sinzaso Mcatshulwa is looking forward to her stint at French club Lille Métropole RC Villeneuvois and departed South Africa with a clear objective - to improve as a player and grow as a person.

NEWS: Arguably the greatest women’s rugby player in history, Portia Woodman-Wickliffe has retired from international rugby - but she's not done yet.

NEWS: Marika Koroibete's Wallabies future has been plunged into further doubt, with coach Joe Schmidt refusing to guarantee the winger would return to the Australian team.

OPINION: The Springboks have the depth to deploy two different starting XVs against Scotland and England and mitigate the challenge of playing two Tests in the space of six days.

OPINION: Are the Lions on the threshold of repeating their Super Rugby glory days, when they were the dominant South African team in Super Rugby?

UPDATE: The United Rugby Championship disciplinary panel has given an explanation for rescinding another red card.

SQUAD ANNOUNCEMENT: The South African Rugby Union announced a group of 48 players to attend the first Under-19 Academy camp.

NEWS: The match officials appointments of the United Rugby Championship Round Six fixtures have been confirmed.

WATCH as the Bulls' stand-in leader Reinhardt Ludwig explains how he handles the challenges of having the captaincy bestowed upon him.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Four World Cup winners will make a welcome return to the Springbok squad for the year-end tour in November.

NEWS: The Springbok Women will play Brazil in their opening match of the 2025 World Cup in England, facing their Pool D opponents for the first time at Franklin’s Gardens in Northampton on Sunday August 24.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii has been named in the Wallabies squad for the year-end tour, less than a month after playing his final NRL game for the Sydney Roosters.

NEWS: New Zealand Rugby has lost one of its biggest names with commercial boss Craig Fenton abruptly announcing his imminent departure.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Patrick Tuipulotu was on Tuesday named All Blacks captain for the first time as they prepare to face Japan in Yokohama.

NEWS: The unbeaten Lions encountered an unexpected obstacle as they headed to Ireland for a Round Six United Rugby Championship face-off with Leinster.

SQUAD UPDATE: Leinster head coach Leo Cullen has issued a squad update ahead of the side's United Rugby Championship Round Six match against the Lions In Dublin.

NEWS UPDATE: For the second-successive week in the United Rugby Championship the Bulls had a red card rescinded.

SPOTLIGHT: The All Blacks will be wary of Japan's "flair" under Eddie Jones when the two sides meet in Yokohama on Saturday.

SQUAD ANNOUNCEMENT: Wales head coach Warren Gatland has named a 35-player squad to come into camp on October 28 to begin preparations for the Nations Series.

REACTION: Stormers Director of Rugby John Dobson praised his side's defensive efforts as they broke their Munster hoodoo in the United Rugby Championship with a 34-19 victory at the Cape Town Stadium on Saturday. 

SPOTLIGHT: The Stormes are getting more firepower back as they prepare to face Glasgow Warriors in Stellenbosch in Round Six of the United Rugby Championship.

FEATURE: The Springboks' missing link, back from injury, is set to be one of several additions when the year-end squad is named on Tuesday.

SPOTLIGHT: Bulls Director of Rugby Jake White says his team will need to develop a killer instinct if they want to end their tour with a win against Benetton in Treviso.

AUDIO: The Sharks welcomed back Springbok captain Siya Kolisi with open arms and his positivity has already rubbed off on his coach John Plumtree.

SQUAD: Munster will be without one of their most experienced players when they face the Sharks in Durban on Saturday.

VIDEO: The Lions are setting their sights on the 'best team in the world' as they get ready to head to Dublin to face the mighty Leinster in Round Six of the United Rugby Championship.

MATCH REPORT: La Rochelle bounced back after last week's heavy defeat to Bayonne with a 32-22 win over Bordeaux-Begles, pulling Ronan O'Gara's side up to third in the Top 14 table on Sunday.

MATCH REPORT: Leinster made it back-to-back interprovincial wins as the United Rugby Championship leaders overcame Connacht 33-12 in Galway.

MATCH REPORT: Handre Pollard scored 14 points as Leicester overturned an 8-19 half-time deficit to claim a 29-26 victory against Gloucester in a thrilling game.

REACTION: Glasgow Warriors head coach Franco Smith highlighted the positives he took after his side's 24-28 defeat to the Sharks in the United Rugby Championship at Kings Park. 

SPOTLIGHT: Stormers Director of Rugby John Dobson has confirmed that they have Sharks and Springbok prop Ntuthuko Mchunu on their radar amid their mini loosehead prop crisis.

NEWS: Gloucester announced that scrumhalf Stephen Varney will leave the club with immediate effect.

MATCH REPORT: Naka Bulle beat Northam Rhinos 22-19 in Pretoria on Saturday to successfully defend their Gold Cup title, thanks to a successful fightback in the second stanza.

MATCH REPORT: Benetton’s strong second-half performance proved too much for Dragons as the Italians picked up a valuable five points in a 31-21 win at Rodney Parade.

WRAP: Fiji centre Sireli Maqala scored his sixth try of the season as Bayonne beat Racing 92 32-15 at home in the French Top 14 on Saturday.

MATCH REPORT: Edinburgh claimed a second victory of the season in the United Rugby Championship as they got the better of a hard-fought contest with Cardiff 27-8.

SATURDAY WRAP: Alex Lozowski booted a penalty with the final kick of the game as Saracens claimed a thrilling 37-35 victory in the English Premiership over Bristol to go top of the table.

READERS’ FORUM: Welcome to our LIVE coverage of the United Rugby Championship Round Five encounter between the Stormers and Munster in Cape Town.

MATCH REPORT: Double World Cup winner Damian Willemse scored 14 points - including a crucial late dropgoal - as the Stormers scored their first United Rugby Championship win over Munster.

MATCH REPORT: The Sharks are back to winning ways after a quality performance to beat the United Rugby Champions, the Glasgow Warriors 28-22 in Durban on Saturday.

READERS’ FORUM: Welcome to our LIVE coverage of the United Rugby Championship Round Five encounter between the Sharks and Glasgow Warriors at Kings Park in Durban.

NEWS: Florian Grill was re-elected President of the French federation on Saturday, surviving a nightmarish year of off-field dramas.

READERS’ FORUM: Welcome to our LIVE coverage of the United Rugby Championship Round Five encounter between Zebre and the Lions in Parma.

MATCH REPORT: The Lions retained their unbeaten start to the United Rugby Championship - edging Zebre by a single point in monsoon-like conditions in Parma on Saturday.

REACTION: Scarlets head coach Dwayne Peel paid tribute to a squad effort following their upset 23-22 victory over the Bulls at Parc y Scarlets in the United Rugby Championship on Friday.

SPOTLIGHT: Bulls Director of Rugby Jake White is preparing to defend one of his players again as another disciplinary hearing looms.

SPOTLIGHT: All Black scrumhalf Cam Roigard has highlighted 'back to back performances' as New Zealand's greatest challenge ahead of the side's Northern Tour. 

MATCH REPORT: The Bulls suffered their first defeat in this season's United Rugby Championship after they went down 22-23 to the Scarlets in Llanelli on Friday.

MATCH REPORT: Ulster made it consecutive home bonus-point victories in the United Rugby Championship with a 36-12 win over Ospreys.

PREMIERSHIP SATURDAY WRAP: Newcastle earned their first Premiership victory in over a year after beating fellow strugglers Exeter 24-18 at Kingston Park.

READERS’ FORUM: Welcome to our LIVE coverage of the United Rugby Championship Round Five encounter between the Scarlets and Bulls in Llanelli.

SATURDAY PREVIEW: It would be an over-simplification to suggest it is a 'Test', but the sheer number of internationals has elevated the Shark Tank showdown to well beyond just a United Rugby Championship league encounter.

SPOTLIGHT: The 2024 Nations Series will kick-off on Saturday, November 2 offering fans a month of blockbuster international action. 

NEWS: Ireland came out and shared Six Nations rival France's views on World Rugby's permanent adoption of a 20-minute red rard. 

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: The Lions will be hoping to continue their unbeaten run when they face off against Zebre in a United Rugby Championship Round Five encounter at Stadio Sergio Lanfranchi, in Parma, on Saturday.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: The Stormers has named a 6/2 bench split in favour of the forwards, with Springbok scrumhalf Herschel Jantjies making his return off the bench in their United Rugby Championship Round Five clash against Munster. 

NEWS: Connacht lock Josh Murphy has learned his fate following a 71st minute Red Card for a dangerous collision with Ulster's James McCormick. 

WATCH as Sharks coach John Plumtree explains what makes the most capped Springbok Eben Etzebeth the 'ultimate' captain and how he can reach the next World Cup - Australia 2027.

SPOTLIGHT: Wallaroos head coach Jo Yapp shared her thoughts regarding her side's pool draw ahead of the 2025 World Cup in England. 

PREVIEW: Toulouse utility back Blair Kinghorn is totally unfazed regarding teammate Antoine Dupont's return ahead of Toulouse's Top 14 trip to Pau. 

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: @king365ed goes behind the scenes to uncover what has contributed to the Springbok revival of Aphelele Onke Okuhle Fassi.

NEWS: Wales scrumhalf Gareth Davies announced his retirement from international rugby on Friday, just four days after veteran centre Jonathan Davies also called it quits.

SQUAD ANNOUNCEMENT: Tommaso Allan will return to international duty for Italy after an eight-month absence following his selection on Thursday in coach Gonzalo Quesada's 34-man squad for the Nations Series.

NEWS: The four pools for the Women’s World Cup in 2025 in England have been confirmed.

STAT ATTACK: It is a repeat of the thrilling 2022-23 United Rugby Championship Final and a stark reminder that Munster has the wood over South African teams.

FRIDAY PREVIEW: The Bulls will be out to flex their muscles on the road again when they face the Scarlets in Llanelli on Friday.

SPOTLIGHT: Bulls Director of Rugby Jake White believes the United Rugby Championship is heading in the right direction after David Kriel's red card against the Ospreys was rescinded.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Bulls Director of Rugby Jake White has named a team that shows nine changes for the United Rugby Championship Round Five match against Scarlets in Llanelli on Friday.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: The Sharks team to play Glasgow Warriors in a United Rugby Championship Round Five encounter at Kings Park on Saturday has been bolstered by the return of a number of Springboks.

OPINION: The masterclass against the Ospreys served as a timely reminder of why Willie le Roux remains an asset to the Springboks whether he starts at fullback or not.

SPOTLIGHT: Glasgow Warriors scrumhalf George Horne says their victory over the Bulls in last season's URC Final in Pretoria will help the squad's confidence levels on their tour in South Africa.

LATEST: The South African Rugby Union has finally run out of patience with troublous former Western Province Rugby Football Union President Zelt Marais.

NEWS: World champions South Africa will host Italy in a two-Test series next year.

REACTION: The South African Rugby Union remains determined to 'forge ahead' with negotiations for an equity deal with the Ackerley Sports Group.

NEWS: The South African Rugby Union has postponed a planned Special General Meeting to consider a proposal to conclude a private equity investment in the sport's commercial rights.

SQUAD ANNOUNCEMENT: Alex Mitchell and George Ford were the notable injury absentees from Steve Borthwick's 36-man England squad named on Wednesday for November games against New Zealand, Australia, South Africa and Japan.

LISTEN as Stormers attack coach Dawie Snyman gives an injury update that will be of concern to the Springbok coaches.

NEWS: The Bulls' David Kriel has been cleared of any wrongdoing after a disciplinary committee overturned the red card he received last weekend.

NEWS: Rugby union has been adept at law trials for decades, but the proposition to bring 20-minute red cards into the game was a point of disagreement between leading players on Tuesday.

VIDEO: Kurt-Lee Arendse took his fine form for the Springboks straight into the United Rugby Championship for the Bulls as they remain unbeaten in the tournament.

NEWS: The All Blacks have made three forced changes to their touring squad for the 2024 Challenge Cup match against Japan and the Northern Tour.

NEWS: SA Rugby is currently dancing like a cat on a hot plate as it seems the equite deal with Ackerley Sports group (ASG) is in jeopardy and not supported by all the union members as previously reported by the mother body.

SQUAD ANNOUNCEMENT: Jean Kleyn is back in South Africa for Munster's United Rugby Championship match in Round Five on Saturday.

NEWS: Paul Gustard, who was last month linked with a return to the England set up, has been appointed the new head coach of Stade Francais, the struggling Top 14 side announced on Tuesday.

NEWS: Bulls centre Lionel Mapoe has announced his retirement from rugby and thanked the Bulls for his journey in the blue jersey as he gets ready to lace up and climb into the boxing ring.

Lions utility back Richard Kriel will face his former team, Zebre in the United Rugby Championship this weekend after a lengthy lay-off due to an operation on his shoulder.

SPOTLIGHT: The match officials appointments of the United Rugby Championship Round Five fixtures have been confirmed.  

NEWS: Former Wallabies skipper Rocky Elsom on Tuesday called his conviction for misuse of corporate assets at French rugby club Narbonne "a clear perversion of justice" after an international warrant was issued for his arrest.

REACTION: The Springbok Women have a barrier that needs crossing if they want to contest the World Cup next year in England.

SPOTLIGHT: Edinburgh head coach Sean Everitt revealed the United Rugby Championship team are "desperate" to keep Duhan van der Merwe amid transfer rumours.

WATCH as we bring you all the WXV highlights of Round Three.

NEWS: USA sevens legend and former American football player, Perry Baker has called it a day on his rugby career.

NEWS: A short stint in New Zealand has given Waratah’s playmaker Tane Edmed a timely confidence boost as he chases his dream of pulling on a Wallabies jersey.

NEWS: Veteran Scotland international Richie Gray will end off his time with Glasgow Warriors on their upcoming trip to South Africa before joining his new Japanese club.

NEWS: Argentina flank Pablo Matera will miss next month's Test against Italy after a disciplinary committee suspended him for two weeks for receiving a red card against South Africa.

NEWS: The Springbok Women will know who they will face in the World Cup in England next year when the pool draw takes place on Thursday, October 17.

NEWS: Defending champions Naka Bulle beat Helderberg on Saturday to secure home-ground advantage for the Gold Cup final, while the Northam Rhinos outlasted College Rovers to book their place in the decider.

OPINION: It is portrayed as an 'incredible occasion'. Ireland are, rightfully so, proud of the record-breaking United Rugby Championship derby between Leinster and Munster at Croke Park.

NEWS: England confirmed their coaching team ahead of the November Test series.

WATCH: Aside from being a double World Cup-winning captain Siya Kolisi has also become an incredible ally to the women's game.

NEWS: Fresh off his NRL season with the Sydney Roosters, big-money rugby recruit Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii is putting his hand up for game time on the Wallabies' upcoming UK tour.

MATCH REPORT: The Lions were way off their best, but managed to hang on for an important win and retain their unbeaten start to the United Rugby Championship season.

REACTION: Sharks coach John Plumtree singled out 'not being clinical enough' as the main reason for their 10-38 loss to Benetton in the United Rugby Championship at the weekend.

SPOTLIGHT: Munster head coach Graham Rowntree is targeting another "productive" trip to South Africa after receiving a reality check against Leinster in Round Four of the United Rugby Championship.

SQUAD ANNOUNCEMENT: The Western Force has named the 28-player squad for the upcoming women’s three-game tour of Japan ahead of the team’s departure on Wednesday.

WATCH as Bulls Director of Rugby Jake White speaks about his post-match reaction to the hard-earned 29-19 win over the Ospreys, following a chaotic second half in Swansea.

NEWS: Wales and British Lions centre Jonathan Davies has announced his retirement, bringing the curtain down on a career which brought 96 caps and two Six Nations Grand Slams.

MATCH REPORT: Harlequins ended Saracens' 100 percent record in this season's Premiership by defeating their London rivals 17-10 in a bruising encounter at the Twickenham Stoop.

READERS’ FORUM: Welcome to our LIVE coverage of the United Rugby Championship Round Four encounter between the Dragons and Lions at Rodney Parade in Newport.

WATCH as Stormers Director of Rugby John Dobson explains his plans for the way forward, after another humbling URC loss.

WRAP: Spain wrapped up the WXV 3 title and World Cup 2025 qualification with a nail-biting 10-8 victory against Fiji in the United Arab Emirates.

REACTION: The Wallaroos claimed their first major piece of silverware when they recorded a 31-22 victory over Scotland at Athlone Stadium.

WRAP: France scrumhalf Antoine Dupont made an impressive return to the Top 14 on Saturday by scoring a quickfire hat-trick of tries. 

REACTION: It was a heartbreaking defeat for the Springbok Women, who have shown tremendous progress throughout the WXV 2 tournament.

WRAP: England were forced to dig deep to retain their WXV 1 title with a 21-12 victory against hosts Canada at BC Place.

MATCH REPORT: The Western Force concluded their three-match South African tour with a last-gasp 34-33 victory over a WP XV outfit at the Markotter Stadium in Stellenbosch on Saturday. 

MATCH REPORT: It was a typical Irish derby - plenty of passion and drama.

MATCH REPORT: The Bulls held on for a 29-19 win over the Ospreys after a chaotic second half in Swansea.

PREMIERSHIP SATURDAY WRAP: Leicester made it three wins from four Premiership games under Michael Cheika as they defeated East Midlands rivals Northampton 24-8 at Welford Road.

READERS’ FORUM: Welcome to our LIVE coverage of the United Rugby Championship Round Four encounter between Ospreys and the Bulls in Swansea.

MATCH REPORT: Leinster showed why they are the United Rugby Championship pacesetters with a convincing 26-12 bonus-point win over Munster at Croke Park.

MATCH REPORT: Scarlets produced a stunning defensive display to claim their first United Rugby Championship win of the season by beating Cardiff 25-19 in the capital.

MATCH REPORT: Edinburgh bounced back from last week's massive hammering at the hands of a South African team to dish out some pain of their own to visitors from the Republic.

READERS’ FORUM: Welcome to our LIVE coverage of the United Rugby Championship Round Four encounter between Edinburgh and Stormers in the Scottish capital.

SPOTLIGHT: Considering the competition for back-row spots in the Springboks set-up, you would imagine it must be pretty daunting for an uncapped player with international ambitions.

MATCH REPORT: Australia inflicted a first-ever WXV 2 defeat on Scotland to secure the second-level title with a thrilling 31-22 victory at Athlone Sports Stadium.

READERS’ FORUM: Welcome to our LIVE coverage of the United Rugby Championship Round Four encounter between Benetton and the Sharks in Treviso.

MATCH REPORT: Benetton recorded their first win of the 2024/2025 United Rugby Championship season with a 38-10 win over a sloppy Sharks team in Treviso on Saturday.

MATCH REPORT: South Africa's dream of a tournament win in WXV Two ended in misery on Saturday.

PREVIEW: South Africa's four franchises are on the road as the United Rugby Championship enters its fourth week of the 2024/2025 season.

NEWS: An international arrest warrant was issued on Friday against former Wallaby captain Rocky Elsom.

PREVIEW: France Olympic gold medallist Antoine Dupont will make his first appearance in the 2024/5 Top 14 on Saturday against Clermont.

WATCH: If Swys de Bruin has his way, the Springbok Women will certainly be one of the contenders at next year's World Cup in England.

SPOTLIGHT: A strong finish for the Springbok Women against Italy in their final WXV 2 match at Athlone Stadium in Cape Town on Saturday will justify the hard work during the season and keep the squad’s upward momentum going.

WRAP: Ireland took advantage of USA indiscipline to come from behind and wrap up their WXV1 campaign with a 26-14 win in Vancouver.

MATCH REPORT: Sale Sharks moved to second-place on the Premiership table following their 43-10 victory over Newcastle Falcons at the Selford Community Stadium on Friday. 

MATCH REPORT: Defending United Rugby Championship champions Glasgow Warriors bagged their third win a row following a 33-3 victory over Zebre on Friday. 

MATCH REPORT: The Wales Women ended their WXV 2 campaign on a high note, beating Japan Women 19-10 at Athlone Stadium on Friday.

NEWS: Nigel Owens, the game’s best-known former match official, is not a fan of the proposed law changes World Rugby announced and tested this year.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Bulls Director of Rugby Jake White has revealed his team to face Ospreys in their first tour match of the 2024/2025 United Rugby Championship season.

Mark Alexander, President of the South African Rugby Union (SARU), has thanked the member unions for the outcomes of the recent engagements with provincial rugby leadership during a national roadshow discussing a proposed equity transaction.

VIDEO: Bulls utility back Canan Moodie has spoken out about all the hype about playing centre and switching around in the backline.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: There are six changes to the Stormers starting line-up for their United Rugby Championship clash with Edinburgh in Scotland on Saturday.

NEWS: South Africa Women can climb on the World Rugby rankings when they take on Italy in Round Three of the WXV 2 in Cape Town.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Lions head coach Ivan van Rooyen has revealed his team to face the Dragons in their United Rugby Championship Round Four clash in Newport on Sunday.

NEWS: The match officials have been confirmed for the international window in November with 30 referees from 12 nations to take charge of the 36 tests and five other matches featuring representative teams.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: The Western Force has made a host of changes for Saturday’s third spring series game against the Western Province XV in Stellenbosch.

NEWS: English club Bath announced that Jacques du Plessis has left the club due to "personal reasons"

SPOTLIGHT: Sharks head coach John Plumtree says it will be a challenge to integrate more Springboks into his squad over the next couple of weeks.

NEWS: The All Blacks have revealed that Tamati Ellison has joined their coaching team in a permanent role.

SPOTLIGHT: We know him as Rabz Maxwana - the Lions player who just became the leading try scorer in the United Rugby Championship.

PREVIEW: It seems like a fitting finale as the hosts Canada take on defending champions England for the WXV 1 title on Saturday.

SPOTLIGHT: Former England captain Owen Farrell played down talk of a place on next year's British and Irish Lions tour to Australia, saying he was "busy trying to settle in" at his new club Racing 92.

WATCH as coach Sean Everitt explains how his team will bounce back from last week's humbling loss to the Lions and bounce back against the Stormers.

NEWS: Premiership Rugby CEO Simon Massie-Taylor has poured cold water on proposals for a British and Irish or Anglo-Welsh league.

FRIDAY PREVIEW: All eyes turn to Round Four of the United Rugby Championship, starting when Glasgow Warriors host Zebre at the Scotstoun Stadium in the only Friday game.

PREVIEW: This weekend's WXV 2 action is set for a pulsating conclusion as three teams are in contention for the title.

PREVIEW: As the final round of the WXV 3 in the United Arab Emirates heats up, the team that has one hand on the trophy and one foot in England for the World Cup in 2025, is Spain.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: South Africa's women national team coach Swys de Bruin has been forced into making changes for the side's final outing in the WXV Two tournament.

SPOTLIGHT: History will be made at Croke Park on Saturday when the United Rugby Championship showdown between Leinster and Munster is played out in front of a new record league attendance.

INTERVIEW: Springbok Women utility back Byhandre Dolf has taken her role in the ‘Bomb squad’ with absolute pride.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Sharks head coach John Plumtree has revealed his team for their United Rugby Championship Round Four clash against Benetton in Treviso on Saturday.

REACTION: Rugby Australia will launch a counterclaim, slamming the Rebels' attempts to "shift the blame" a day after the axed franchise filed for AU$30 million in damages.

Libbie Janse van Rensburg is still making history as a player, but the Springbok Women's flyhalf is already being tapped up for a different role in rugby.

OPINION: The @rugby365com team sat down and put on their selection hats on, to decide the best-of-the-best from the just completed Rugby Championship.

SPOTLIGHT: As the NPC play-offs get underway, 14 players from the All Blacks squad announced this week will be available to represent their teams in the quarterfinals.

MATCH REPORT: Emerging Ireland finished their tour of South Africa unbeaten, after teaching the Cheetahs another valuable lesson in Bloemfontein on Wednesday.

SPOTLIGHT: The value of the Junior Springbok Women playing three tough matches in the African Under-20 Women’s Series will be realised in coming seasons when the top U20 players progress to the senior ranks, both at provincial and national levels.

NEWS: England Under-20 coach Mark Mapletoft will take charge of the England 'A' squad against Australia 'A' during the year-end season.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Pressure is building on Wales Women as they take on Japan in the final round of the WVX 2 on Friday.

SQUAD ANNOUNCEMENT: Bulls Director of Rugby Jake White has revealed a 34-man squad for a three-match tour in the United Rugby Championship.

SPOTLIGHT: Lions flank JC Pretorius says getting out of his comfort zone has been key to his growth on the field

WATCH as we bring you all the WXV highlights of Round Two.

SPOTLIGHT: Alun Lawrence is proof that a lot can happen in 12 months in the life of a professional player.

NEWS: The Melbourne Rebels are seeking "significant damages" from Rugby Australia in a lawsuit launched after the franchise was dissolved by the governing body.

NEWS: The United Rugby Championship revealed that the Round Eight Glasgow Warriors versus Edinburgh game will now be played at Hampden Park.

SPOTLIGHT: Lions assistant coach Julian Redelinghuys says it’s sad to see flyhalf Kade Wolhuter on the sidelines again after the young gun produced some eye-catching performances in the No.10 jersey.

INTERVIEW: Springbok Women No.8 Aseza Hele believes her team's newfound belief and guts will secure a rare win over Italy on Saturday.

NEWS: World Rugby proposed a series of changes to its laws including reducing the impact of the red card, "aimed at enhancing both fan and player experience".

NEWS: Former Ireland rugby international Brendan Mullin went on trial in Dublin on Tuesday accused of stealing more than 500,000 euros (R9.6m)  from a bank as well as deception, and furnishing false information.

VIDEO: Utility forward Cobus Wiese made the move to the Bulls three months ago in a desperate attempt to catch the eye of the Springbok selectors and maybe wear the Green and Gold with his older brother Jasper.

NEWS: Former Australia captain Will Skelton says he is keen to feature for the Wallabies in November having spoken to head coach Joe Schmidt.

PREVIEW: The Cheetahs on Wednesday get a last chance to 'measure themselves' against quality opposition, as they go into the final phase of their preparation for their next European campaign.

SPOTLIGHT: Despite all the ups and downs and the physical and mental toll it takes, rugby remains the job Josh van der Flier will choose over and over again.

WATCH as South African women received a timely boost ahead of the final round of WXV 2 action in Cape Town.

NEWS: The match officials appointments of the United Rugby Championship Round Four fixtures have been confirmed.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: The Lions revealed an alarming injury list ahead of the first leg of their European tour.

NEWS: While Semi Radradra’s future with Lyon is in doubt it is rumoured that Fijian Drua’s Iosefo Masi will be joining the Top 14 club.

WRAP: College Rovers and Naka Bulle claimed big victories this past weekend to secure home ground advantage for the Gold Cup, national club championship, semifinals.

REACTION: Leicester Tigers head coach Michael Cheika said he felt unwanted in the Premiership after he received a two-match ban for disrespecting a matchday doctor.

REACTION: French federation President Florian Grill said an overhaul of the system of discipline is needed after a mid-year tour of Argentina was overshadowed by claims of attempted rape and racism.

SPOTLIGHT: Sharks utility back Ethan Hooker has shed light on how he found the transition from centre to wing ahead of the Sharks URC' clash against Benetton this weekend.

SPOTLIGHT: Swys de Bruin’s Bok Women will be a whole different story when they face Italy in the final round of the WXV 2 in Cape Town on Saturday.

SPOTLIGHT: World Cup-winning Springbok wing Kurt Lee Arendse believes playing in Japan will make him a better player.

OPINION: Rassie Erasmus will take a strong Springbok squad to the Northern Hemisphere next month, while leaving another group of potential world-beaters at home.

SPOTLIGHT: The Springbok Women may still have a mathematical chance of finishing top of the WXV 2 standings on Saturday. 

SPOTLIGHT: The Stormers are happy with their 36-5 victory over Zebre, but are wary of a 'quality' Edinburgh challenge that awaits them this weekend.

SQUAD ANNOUNCEMENT: Ten players with All Blacks experience have been named in the All Blacks XV squad, ahead of their two-match northern tour against Munster and Georgia next month.

NEWS: Olympic Sevens gold medallist Antoine Dupont has returned to club training on Monday following a post-Olympic holiday. 

NEWS: South Africa Women have dropped one spot after their narrow 26-33 defeat to Australia Women on Saturday.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Junior Springbok Women’s coach Flash Malinga has announced a new-look side for their final clash in the African U20 Women’s Series, on Tuesday against Uganda in Stellenbosch.

NEWS: England has confirmed that Kevin Sinfield will continue his involvement with the senior men's national side.

It has been a whirlwind ride for the Springbok Women's team, who have been constantly punching above their weight in this year's WXV 2 tournament.

NEWS: The British and Irish Lions announced the details of a new player agreement which will see the selected players for the 2025 tour to Australia benefit from a profit share model for the first time.

NEWS: Following their 29-24 victory over the Western Force in Bloemfontein, three Emerging Ireland squad members will be released to return to their respective provinces. 

SPOTLIGHT: Western Force captain Reed Prinsep is determined to make up for his side's loss to Emerging Ireland in their final fixture against Western Province XV in Stellenbosch on Saturday. 

SQUAD ANNOUNCEMENT: All Blacks head coach Scott Robertson has named a nearly unchanged squad from the Rugby Championship for their 2024 Northern Tour.

WATCH as two -time World Cup-winning Springbok Rudolph Gerhardus Snyman speak about his return to the playing field his debut for Leinster.

REACTION: The Lions will depart on a month-long, five-match road trip this week as they look to build on their unbeaten start in the United Rugby Championship.

MATCH REPORT: England back row forward Ben Earl scored two tries as Saracens made it three wins from three in the Premiership this season with a 29-14 victory over Exeter Chiefs on Sunday to move top of the table.

MATCH REPORT: The Cheetahs bounced back from this past Wednesday's loss to the Western Force to record an impressive 45-21 win over the Griffons.

REACTION: Springbok Women's physicality was extremely challenging combat says Wallaroos coach Jo Yapp after the WXV 2 clash at Athlone Stadium in Cape Town.

SPOTLIGHT: @rugby365com contributor Ryan Grant takes a look at the state of the global game.

REACTION: It was a battle of epic proportions as Springbok Women almost salvaged a draw against the Wallaroos in the WXV 2 Round Two fixture at the Athlone Stadium in Cape Town.

SPOTLIGHT: The Stormers will be going all out to achieve their tour objective when they head to Edinburgh in the coming days.

WATCH: The support shown by Springbok captain Siya Kolisi has been incredible for his female counterparts says South Africa Women Performance coach Swys de Bruin.

REACTION: Sharks head coach John Plumtree will have his work cut out for him as his players continue to shoot themselves in the foot

SATURDAY WRAP: Canada’s Women’s team defeated Ireland 21-8 in their second match of the tournament at Willoughby Stadium.

VIDEO: Canan Moodie put up an immaculate display of centre play against Ulster on Saturday and there is no reason why the Bulls utility cannot grab the No. 13 Springbok jersey.

TOP 14 SATURDAY WRAP: France lock Hugo Auradou was described as being "serene" by Pau head coach Sebastien Piqueronies on Saturday despite being whistled off the pitch in his first match since being accused of rape in Argentina

MATCH REPORT: The Stormers recorded their first victory in the United Rugby Championship on tour this season with a resounding 36-5 win over Zebre in Parma. 

WRAP: Samoa and Spain are in the driver seat for Women's World Cup 2025 qualification following Round Two of WXV 3 2024 in the United Arab Emirates. 

REPORT: Munster have put last weekend's shock defeat to Zebre behind them by securing a 23-0 bonus-point win over Ospreys at a rain and wind-swept Musgrave Park.

READERS’ FORUM: Welcome to our LIVE coverage of the United Rugby Championship Round Three encounter between Zebre and the Stormers in Parma.

PREMIERSHIP SATURDAY WRAP: Bristol boss Pat Lam underlined Harry Randall's England credentials after the scrumhalf inspired a 36-26 win over Bath to send his team to the top of the English Premiership on Saturday.

MATCH REPORT: Australia Women hung on to beat the Springbok Women by 33-26 in WXV 2 at the Athlone Stadium in Cape Town.

MATCH REPORT: The Bulls put on a dominating display as they thrashed Ulster in the United Rugby Championship by 47-21 at Loftus Versfeld. 

MATCH REPORT: The Lions made it two wins in a row in this season's United Rugby Championship after they thumped Edinburgh 55-21 in their Round Three clash at Ellis Park on Saturday.

MATCH REPORT: Replacement hooker Fez Mbatha scored a try in the 85th-minute as the Sharks edged the Dragons 33-30 in a tense United Rugby Championship Round Three clash in Newport on Saturday.

MATCH REPORT: Leinster took a 28-0 lead into the break which was enough to see them home against Benetton by 35-5 at the Stadio Monigo. 

READERS’ FORUM: Welcome to our LIVE coverage of the United Rugby Championship Round Three encounter between the Dragons and Sharks at Rodney Parade in Newport.

WATCH as Stormers Director of Rugby John Dobson gives another update on injured Springbok flyhalf Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu.

WATCH as Bulls Director of Rugby Jake White reveals why one of his frontline props ended up in hospital.

READERS’ FORUM: Welcome to our LIVE coverage of the United Rugby Championship Round Three encounter between the Bulls and Ulster at Loftus Versfeld in Pretoria.

MATCH REPORT: Scotland Women edged Japan Women by 19-13 in Round Two of WXV 2 at Athlone Stadium in Cape Town.

READERS’ FORUM: Welcome to our LIVE coverage of the United Rugby Championship Round Three encounter between the Lions and Edinburgh at Ellis Park in Johannesburg.

PREVIEW: The Cheetahs will field a new-look team when Round Two of the Challenge Series takes place on Sunday.

SPOTLIGHT: Australia Women's team is on high alert for hosts South Africa as the unbeaten teams prepare for a crucial clash in the WXV2 tournament in Cape Town this weekend.

WATCH Springbok captain Siya Kolisi has urged fans to support the South Africa Women when they take on Australia at Athlone Stadium on Saturday.

NEWS: South Africa could soon be following in New Zealand's footsteps when it comes to the commercial side of the game.

INTERVIEW: As she is cementing herself as one of the leading coaches in women's rugby, Springbok Women scrum coach Laurian Johannes-Haupt hopes to inspire more women to get involved and grow the sport.

FRIDAY WRAP: English Premiership champions Northampton Saints fought back after a sluggish first half to beat visiting Harlequins 33-29.

MATCH REPORT: Cardiff’s unbeaten start to the United Rugby Championship season came to an end as Glasgow edged an enthralling encounter to rack up a 52-36 bonus-point victory.

SATURDAY PREVIEW: The Bulls and Lions have gone 'full metal jacket' and named the bulk of their Springboks, while the Stormers and Sharks were more 'economical' with the return of their internationals.

MATCH REPORT: Italy Women produced an incredible defensive display and secured a narrow 8-5 win over Wales Women at Ahtlone Stadium on Friday

SQUAD ANNOUNCEMENT: England head coach Steve Borthwick has named a 36-player squad for a three-day training camp ahead of the upcoming November Tests.

NEWS: Springbok lock RG Snyman will return to the playing field this weekend.

NEWS: New Zealand Rugby (NZR) Chair Patsy Reddy has confirmed that she will not be standing for re-appointment to the NZR Board.

NEWS: French international rugby player Hugo Auradou, who along with another player is accused of raping a woman in Argentina, will start a match for Pau on Saturday, the top-flight club said.

SPOTLIGHT: Jacques Nienaber has revealed that he had to work on his communication with Leinster's players.

PREVIEW: It is the clash of the titans when WXV 1 continues this Saturday in Canada.

SPOTLIGHT: England head coach Steve Borthwick received a playmaker boost ahead of his side's end-of-year Tests.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Stormers head coach John Dobson has revealed his team to face Zebre Parma in Italy on Saturday.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: The Bulls have picked their strongest team in four years to face Ulster in Round Three of the Rugby Championship at Loftus Versfeld on Saturday.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: The return of two Springboks and a BlitzBok headlines the Lions team for their Round Three United Rugby Championship face-off with Edinburgh at Ellis Park on Satgurday.

PREVIEW: In the first of two United Rugby Championship Round Three games taking place on Friday, Scarlets host Connacht while Cardiff plays at home against the title holders Glasgow Warriors.

PREVIEW: Experienced Fiji hooker Sam Matavesi has demanded "change" in his country's Rugby Union set-up, as he settles into life at French Top 14 club Lyon before heading to La Rochelle on Saturday.

INTERVIEW: Wallaroos flyhalf Faitala Moleka braces herself for a tough task when they take on the Springbok Women on Saturday at the Athlone Stadium.

NEWS: South Africa Women will have to produce a mammoth performance against Australia if they want to put pressure on the top 10 teams in the world.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Two sets of brothers will run out for the Sharks in Saturday’s second United Rugby Championship game on the road when they meet Dragons in Newport, Wales.

NEWS: An Australia XV squad will travel to the United Kingdom in November for matches against Bristol Bears and England A.

PREVIEW: This weekend's WXV 2 action kicks off on Friday at the Athlone Stadium with a Wales versus Italy battle.

SPOTLIGHT: The battle for spots for the 2025 World Cup is heating up in the WXV 3.

AUDIO: Edwill van der Merwe’s road back to the Springboks starts this weekend in the United Rugby Championship against Edinburgh and the star wing says he has picked himself up before and will do so again.

TRANSFER NEWS: Wallaby star James O'Connor has extended his Super Rugby Pacific career by shifting to New Zealand and signing a one-year deal with the Crusaders.

SPOTLIGHT: Now that the Rugby Championship is done and dusted, the Springboks will turn their attention to the end-of-year tour and Rassie Erasmus will have a lot to ponder when it comes to selections.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Lusanda Dumke will lead the Springbok Women into battle on Saturday when they take on Australia at Athlone Stadium in Cape Town in the second round of WXV 2.

VIDEO: The Bulls’ utility back David Kriel will play any position if he gets the opportunity to represent the Springboks, even lock.

NEWS: The New Zealand Rugby Union is seeking more information from the global governing body World Rugby after France opted to exclude some national players from next year’s Test against the All Blacks.

SPOTLIGHT: The Junior Springbok Women will focus on getting more of the fundamentals right when they face the San Clemente Rhinos in their second African Under-20 Women’s Series clash in Stellenbosch on Friday.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Wallaroos coach Jo Yapp has named her side for the upcoming clash against South Africa at Athlone Stadium in Cape Town on Saturday.

ROUND ONE WRAP: The Cheetahs were given a harsh reality check when an impressive Western Force team dismissed them 34-24 in the opening Round of the Challenge Series in Bloemfontein on Wednesday.

NEWS: Sixteen members of the All Blacks Rugby Championship squad will represent their provincial unions in the final round-robin stage of the NPC this weekend.

VIDEO: For newly-capped Springbok Johan Grobbelaar, his performance in the United Rugby Championship for the Bulls will determine his future with the national side.

SPOTLIGHT: Leinster coach Jacques Nienaber has dubbed the United Rugby Championship a "beautiful competition" as he surveys the scene from the top of the table.

NEWS: Leicester Tigers coach Michael Cheika has been banned for his behaviour during a Premiership match at the weekend.

NEWS: Weeks after retiring from Los Pumas, the former Argentine captain Agustin Creevy has signed to play in the United Rugby Championship (URC) for Italian team Benetton.

WATCH as John Dave Schickerling talks about his return to the Stormers, after three seasons in Japan.

WATCH as World Cup winner Deon Fourie talks about his battle with a long-term injury in the latest episode of Boks Office.

VIDEO: As the euphoria of South Africa winning the Rugby Championship title dies down, plans are being made for the end-of-year tour.

NEWS: Rugby Australia has decided to dump another team based in Melbourne

NEWS: Karim Ghezal has been axed as head coach of Stade Francais, paying for his team's poor start to the Top 14 season, the French club announced.

NEWS: James O'Connor is in talks with the Crusaders about extending his Super Rugby Pacific career in a potentially groundbreaking trans-Tasman move.

NEWS: Clayton McMillan has been announced as head coach of the All Blacks XV and will lead the team on a two-match northern tour.

INJURY UPDATE: Ulster will be without one of their key players when they face the Bulls in their United Rugby Championship Round Three clash in Pretoria on Saturday.

INJURY UPDATE: Springbok Women fullback Libbie Janse van Rensburg is in a race against time to be fit for South Africa's WXV 2 match against Australia in Cape Town.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: There is very little doubt that the Springbok Women face one of their toughest assignments this weekend.

WATCH as Lions backline Ricardo Loubscher gives an update on injured and fit again players in the squad.

WATCH as the Boks Office crew share their views on Manie Libbok after his impressive performance against Argentina at Mbombela Stadium.

PREVIEW - ROUND ONE: The Cheetahs' mantra for 2024 has been 'development' and it will again be the theme at the Challenge Series that starts in Bloemfontein on Wednesday.

NEWS: The Rugby Football Union revealed that Leicester Tigers head coach Michael Cheika will be facing a disciplinary panel on Tuesday.

VIDEO: Bulls utility back Boeta Chamberlain has the support of his new teammates to call the shots and play his natural game.

NEWS: The match officials appointments of the United Rugby Championship Round Three fixtures have been confirmed.

VIDEO The nostalgia of her roots in Zimbabwe has been a welcome surprise for Wallaroos centre Georgie Friedrichs who is enjoying Cape Town with her teammates during the WXV2 series.

SPOTLIGHT: Jacques Nienaber has outlined the boxes RG Snyman needs to tick before getting the "all clear" for his return to the playing field for Leinster

WATCH as we bring you all the WXV highlights of Round One.