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OPINION: I got a sense of deja vu in the wake of the South African 'A' side's defeat to an under-strength Munster side in Cork on Thursday.

INJURY UPDATE: Argentina captain Julian Montoya has been ruled out of Saturday's match against Wales with a rib injury, the Pumas have announced.

PREVIEW: Scotland will "throw the kitchen sink" at New Zealand as they go in search of a first win over the All Blacks.

SPOTLIGHT: We are set for another interesting weekend of end-of-year internationals and World Rugby has published a new batch of ranking permutations.

PREVIEW: England captain Owen Farrell has urged his side to shed their fear of failure when they try to revive their November campaign against Japan at Twickenham on Saturday.

PREVIEW: Michael Cheika may have orchestrated a famous win for Argentina at Twickenham, but the Pumas' Australian coach is adamant that his men are the underdogs against Wales.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Co-coaches Scott Robertson and Ronan O’Gara have named their Barbarians team for Sunday’s match versus an All Blacks XV in London.

NEWS: South Africa has been forced into a late change ahead of their year-end Test against France at Stade Vélodrome in Marseille on Saturday.

PREVIEW: Australia are already looking ahead to next year's Rugby World Cup as they prepare to face in-form Italy in their third end-of-year Test on Saturday.

NEWS: Ireland's governing body remains optimistic the country's four professional provinces won't fall victim to the financial crisis engulfing the English club game, despite forecasting turbulent times ahead.

WATCH as South Africa's Director of Rugby Rassie Erasmus unpacks the value of a year-end tour, especially with the World Cup just 10 months away.

PREVIEW: Ireland will be out to continue their winning streak when they host Fiji on Saturday in Dublin.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: All Blacks head coach Ian Foster has made seven changes to the side that will face Scotland on Sunday.

SPOTLIGHT: French prosecutors are scrutinising the use of company cars by the sacked former boss of the 2023 World Cup organisers as well as the ticketing system for the competition.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Finn Russell has been summoned straight back into Scotland's starting line-up to play New Zealand at Murrayfield on Sunday.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: All Blacks XV head coach Leon MacDonald has named a strong team to challenge the Barbarians in their closing match at Tottenham Spur Stadium this Sunday.

PREVIEW: France may be keen to play down their 'favourites' tag, but South Africa is a team in desperate need of some remodelling.

MATCH REPORT: Munster ended a 50-year wait to get their first win over a South African representative team.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Argentina named an unchanged side to play Wales in a year-end Test in Cardiff on Saturday.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Ireland named Tadhg Furlong to captain the team as they take on Fiji at Lansdowne Road Stadium on Saturday.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Dave Rennie has made 11 changes to his team for their encounter with Italy at Stadio Artemio Franchi, in Florence, on Saturday.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: France have revealed their team to face the Springboks on Saturday.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Monty Ioane will face his home country for the first time in his career after being selected for the Italy team taking on Australia in the Nations Series this weekend.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Eddie Jones has named the team for England’s match against Japan at Twickenham Stadium on Saturday.

One of the first things you learn on coaching courses is that there are certain prerequisites you need in a successful team.

OPINION: South Africa 'A' were given a lesson in team cohesion and determination by a second-string Munster team in Cork on Thursday.

READERS' FORUM: Welcome to our live coverage of the mid-week tour match between Munster and South Africa 'A' at Páirc Uí Chaoimh, in Cork.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: All Black scrumhalf TJ Perenara believes he’s “ready” to bring his unique approach to rugby back to the Test arena if called upon to play against Scotland.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Japan coach Jamie Joseph has announced the Brave Blossoms team to take on England at Twickenham on Saturday.

"Captain Grumpy" Allan Alaalatoa will lead the Wallabies for the first time after being rushed straight back in for Australia's spring tour clash with Italy in Florence.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Wales head coach Wayne Pivac had made three changes to the side that will take on Argentina on Saturday.

Regarded as the favourites for the 2023 World Cup, France has shown very few signs of weakness in the last year.

TRANSFER NEWS: Steven Kitshoff will continue playing for the Stormers for the rest of the 2022/23 season before heading to Ireland to join Ulster.

The Welsh Rugby Union and Principality Stadium are supporting South Wales Police’s appeal for witnesses to an incident which occurred during the Wales rugby match against New Zealand at Principality Stadium last weekend.

WATCH as seasoned Springbok Francois de Klerk explains to @king365ed the progress the Boks have made since 2018 and his face-off with French rival Antoine Dupont.

INTERVIEW: Stormers flyhalf Manie Libbok has an opportunity to showcase his talent on the international stage this Saturday when South Africa faces France.

Organisers of the 2023 Rugby World Cup in France said police raided their offices Wednesday as part of a legal probe into the management of the competition under former chief executive Claude Atcher.

PREVIEW: Favourites England will refuse to be intimidated by an anticipated sell-out crowd at Auckland's Eden Park on Saturday as they face hosts New Zealand in the women's World Cup Final.

MATCH OFFICIAL NEWS: French referee Mathieu Raynal has been handed a reprieve following the fallout from his controversial time-wasting penalty in the final minute of last September’s Rugby Championship match between the Wallabies and the All Blacks in Melbourne.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: All Blacks assistant coach Jason Ryan said that his team are “never satisfied” after a big win, as they prepare to take another step up against Scotland this weekend.

SQUAD ANNOUNCEMENT: England boss Eddie Jones has trimmed his 36-strong squad down to 25 and has included the fit-again Jamie George.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: The Munster team has been named for Thursday’s historic clash against South Africa 'A' at Páirc Uí Chaoimh.

MIDWEEK PREVIEW: It has been more than five decades since Munster had the opportunity to host a South African national team.

SPOTLIGHT: With an unbeaten record that stretches 18 Tests, the Wallabies have identified their clash with Italy in Florence this weekend as a dangerous game.

REACTION: Springboks head coach Jacques Nienaber has shed light on his bold team selection for Saturday's Test against France.

All Blacks back-row Ardie Savea has revealed the one thing he would love to change about rugby, predicting that the popularity of the sport should explode in the coming years.

INJURY NEWS: Highlanders and All Black scrumhalf Folau Fakatava has elected a non-operative approach initially for his injured knee.

OPINION: The world's No.1 ranked team, Ireland, are moving on from their gritty win over world champions South Africa to take on crowd-pleasing Fiji next Saturday while the Springboks face Six Nations Grand Slam champions France.

SPOTLIGHT: Eddie Jones has urged his England players to bounce back from Sunday's shock loss to Argentina, but says he will continue to use the November internationals to experiment with an eye on next year's World Cup.

INJURY UPDATE: England boss Eddie Jones will put Courtney Lawes' health first after hinting his captain will not return from a concussion during the current November Nations Series.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Former SA Under-20 flyhalf Manie Libbok has been included on the Springbok bench for Saturday’s Test against France in Marseille as head coach Jacques Nienaber named a team showing five changes and two positional switches from the side that ran out against Ireland last weekend.

SPOTLIGHT: Utility back Johan Goosen believes he is in the right mindset to fight for a spot in the Springbok team.

SPOTLIGHT: Having previously delivered under pressure against Italy, Wallabies scrumhalf Jake Gordon is relishing another crack in the No.9 jersey.

NEWS: England have appointed Brett Hodgson as defence coach to start after the Nation Series.

The Bulls confirmed that Walt Steenkamp will bid farewell to the franchise after two years.

SQUAD UPDATE: Finn Russell is back in the Scotland squad for Sunday's Test against New Zealand.

South Africa ‘A’ coach Mzwandile Stick has included 14 capped Springbok players in his match-day squad to face Munster at Pairc Ui Chaoimh in Cork on Thursday

SQUAD UPDATE: Scrumhalf Conor Murray has been ruled out of Ireland's remaining two November Test matches.

SQUAD UPDATE: France have called up 15 extra players ahead of their Test against South Africa, including a replacement for injured lock Killian Geraci.

SPOTLIGHT: South Africa 'A' coach Mzwandile Stick had some explaining to do after he revealed his team to face Munster on Thursday.

SPOTLIGHT: Prop Cyril Baille said France are "on alert" before facing world champions South Africa in Marseille on Saturday.

SPOTLIGHT: Springbok assistant coach Deon Davids is confident that he has world-class replacements for lock Lodewyk de Jager.

SQUAD UPDATE: All Blacks head coach Ian Foster has called up an experienced player from the All Blacks XV squad.

ENGLAND REACTION: Eddie Jones says England has no real, big, structural issues within their game after the heartbreaking 29-30 loss to Argentina.

SPOTLIGHT: Argentina have been rewarded for their 30-29 win over England at Twickenham on Sunday with a two-place rise in the World Rugby Men’s Rankings.

REACTION: Working with Lebanon in the Rugby League World Cup in the days leading up to the Pumas beating England 30-29 at Twickenham on Sunday has energized Argentina coach Michael Cheika.

SQUAD UPDATE: Hooker Jamie George has been named in the England squad to face Japan at Twickenham on Saturday despite initially being expected to miss the entire November campaign.

NEWS: The Wallabies have suffered a setback with the news that try scorer Lalakai Foketi has suffered a suspected leg fracture and will be returning home.

REPORT: Argentina ended a 10-match losing streak against England with a dramatic 30-29 victory in their November series opener at Twickenham on Sunday.

REACTION: New Zealand coach Ian Foster hailed Ardie Savea's performance as "icing on the cake" as the All Blacks crushed Wales 55-23 in a comprehensive eight tries to two victory in Cardiff.

WRAP: Australia clinched a thrilling final 20-17 to claim the Hong Kong Sevens crown and bring to an end Fiji’s dominance that had seen them take the last five titles in Hong Kong.

REACTION: Ireland captain Johnny Sexton said beating world champions South Africa on Saturday was "right up there" with other memorable victories but said he wants trophies to round off his career.

REACTION: South Africa's Director of Rugby Rassie Erasmus has tweeted about the ‘small margins’ in Ireland’s victory over South Africa on Saturday.

REACTION: Springbok coach Jacques Nienaber and captain Siya Kolisi rued a number of missed opportunities following their heart-breaking 16-19 defeat against Ireland in Dublin on Saturday.

SQUAD ANNOUNCEMENT: The Barbarians have named a star-studded panel of players for their upcoming match with an All Blacks XV at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Sunday.

NEWS: Wayne Smith says the Black Ferns have nothing to lose and will throw everything into their Rugby World Cup final against the "frightening" English next Saturday.

REPORT: Wing Damian Penaud scored in the 76th minute as France beat Australia 30-29 in Paris on Saturday.

REACTION: Springbok head coach Jacques Nienaber refused to blame his goal-kickers for Saturday's defeat to Ireland on Saturday.

OPINION: England’s November Test series is being billed as a dress rehearsal for the 2023 Rugby World Cup.

READERS' FORUM: Welcome to our live coverage of the Test between England and Argentina at Twickenham in London.

REPORT: Ireland, the number one ranked team in the world, edged world champions South Africa 19-16 in a thrilling Test at Lansdowne Road on Saturday for a 10th successive home win.

WRAP: Saracens remain unbeaten in the Premiership and remain well ahead of the rest after a convincing win over the Bristol Bears away from home on Saturday.

NEWS: The Blizboks crashed out of the Hong Kong Sevens when they were defeated 12-7 by Fiji in the quarter-final on Sunday.

WRAP: Italy recorded their fourth victory in five Tests with a thumping 49-17 win over Samoa on Saturday.

OPINION: The Springboks will be kicking themselves after they fell to a 16-19 defeat to Ireland in Dublin on Saturday.

REPORT: Ardie Savea delivered a back row masterclass to help New Zealand extend their winning streak over Wales to 33 matches with a comprehensive 55-23 victory at Cardiff's Millennium Stadium on Saturday.

OPINION: The Wallabies took on France in front of a boisterous Stade de France crowd.

READERS' FORUM: Welcome to our live coverage of the Test between France and Australia at Stade de France in Paris.

OPINION: Ireland player ratings live from Aviva Stadium: This was a humdinger to warm the Irish hearts. It was four years ago, just after the Springboks were shellacked on their last visit to Dublin, that Rassie Erasmus hatched his grand plan to return home from Munster and gloriously revive the World Cup-winning South Africa.

READERS' FORUM: Welcome to our live coverage of the Test between Ireland and South Africa at Lansdowne Road in Dublin.

SPOTLIGHT: Lebanon coach Michael Cheika says he's open to coaching the Cedars at the next Rugby League World Cup after bowing out to Australia.

REPORT: It was unconvincing, but Scotland got the job done and recorded their first win of this year's Autumn Nations campaign by beating Fiji 28-12 at Murrayfield on Saturday.

OPINION: Wales’ autumn campaign began with Wayne Pivac’s side playing a mildly off-colour All Blacks side – but an All Blacks side nonetheless. No matter the form of New Zealand, for Wales to put a score past them is always an uphill climb.

OPINION: The All Blacks travelled to Cardiff looking to kick off the European leg of their end-of-year tour on a positive note.

READERS' FORUM: Welcome to our live coverage of the Test between Wales and New Zealand in Cardiff.

INTERVIEW: No quarter will be asked, nor given when world No.1 Ireland hosts South Africa in what is set to be a brutal game of patience at Lansdowne Road in Dublin on Saturday.

SQUAD UPDATE: The Springbok management team have forced to bring in reinforcements for injured players.

INTERVIEW: Conor Murray admits he does not "really like the attention" he receives due to his stellar exploits for Ireland and Munster.

OPINION: Scotland bounced back from defeat to Australia a week ago to record their first win of this Autumn Nations Series campaign against a stubborn Fiji at Murrayfield.

INTERVIEW: England coach Eddie Jones lauded Owen Farrell's "unbelievable desire" to win after restoring the centre to the captaincy for Sunday's match against Argentina at Twickenham.

INTERVIEW: Australia captain James Slipper said on Friday his side will face world rugby's "form" team in France in Paris this weekend.

WRAP: The Blitzboks produced a disappointing performance on the second day of the Hong Kong Sevens as they suffered a 12-10 defeat to Great Britain and also lost to France 17-19.

THE BIG HOODOO: New Zealand will seek to extend their 32-match winning streak over Wales when the two sides clash at Cardiff's Millennium Stadium on Saturday.

NEWS: Exeter Chiefs have issued a statement clarifying their financial situation amid concerns regarding the loans they took to get the club through the pandemic.

PREVIEW: Fiji coach Vern Cotter is set to hand debuts to three players in their Test against his former side Scotland at Murrayfield on Saturday.

RWC SEMIFINALS WRAP: England and New Zealand won gripping semifinals in Auckland on Saturday to set up a women's Rugby World Cup decider between the two top-ranked teams.

SPOTLIGHT: There are plenty of ranking permutations for the internationals in the Northern Hemisphere this weekend.

WRAP: The Blitzboks, under the tutelage of new coaches Sandile Ngcobo and Philip Snyman, rang in their new era with a strong 21-0 win over Uruguay in their Pool B encounter of the Hong Kong Sevens on Friday.

PREVIEW: We get a delectable noisette of what the World Cup will be like, when Ireland host South Africa at Lansdowne Road on Saturday.

PREVIEW: Owen Farrell is adamant he will lead England on his own terms after being restored as captain for their November international opener against Argentina at Twickenham on Sunday.

TEAM UPDATE: Andy Farrell has been forced to tweak his Ireland matchday squad a day before his team's Test against the Springboks.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: A former Western Province player has been included in England's matchday squad for the clash against Argentina on Sunday.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Argentina have named a strong side to play England on Sunday as they go in search of a first win at Twickenham since 2006.

PREDICTION: Australia will have a mountain to climb against Six Nations champions France, rated by many as next year‘s World Cup favourites, when they meet at the Stade de France stadium in Paris on Saturday.

NEWS: Northampton Saints has announced that Dan Biggar will leave the club with immediate effect and not at the end of the season at the fly-half’s request.

NEWS: The Cheetahs have unveiled the new jersey they will wear when they make their debut in the European Challenge Cup next month.

NEWS: Former All Black Carlos Spencer’s son Payton has decided to follow in his famous fathers’ footsteps and signed a professional contract with New Zealand and Super Rugby franchise the Blues.

REACTION: Plans for a combined Wallabies-All Blacks 'superteam' to tackle the British & Irish Lions appear to have left Australia coach Dave Rennie somewhat underwhelmed.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Conor Murray will become the eighth Irish player to reach the 100 caps landmark when he starts against world champions South Africa in Saturday's Test match in Dublin.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Scotland coach Gregor Townsend made six changes to his starting line-up for his team's encounter with Fiji at Murrayfield on Saturday.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Flyhalf Romain Ntamack will start France's year-end opener with Australia this weekend despite last playing for his club in September.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Scrumhalf Aaron Smith was named in New Zealand's team to play Wales on Saturday, when he will surpass Dan Carter as the most capped back in All Blacks history.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Uncapped Dragons wing Rio Dyer faces a baptism of fire after being named in the Wales team to play New Zealand in Cardiff on Saturday.

NEWS: The former coach of English crisis club Wasps has joined the staff of Welsh regional side Scarlets for the rest of the season.

OPINION: Springbok Neil de Kock looks into his crystal ball ahead of the year-end Test between Ireland and South Africa at Lansdowne Road in Dublin.

INTERVIEW: Billy Vunipola has revealed how his determination to regain a place in the England team led him to reject the offer of lucrative corporate entertaining work at Twickenham.

SPOTLIGHT: A lot has changed since the last time the Boks faced Ireland in Dublin.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Dave Rennie is pledging to "pick and stick" after making another raft of changes for the Wallabies' November tour showdown with European kings France.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Stephen Varney will make his first start for Italy since the Six Nations after being named in the XV set to take on Samoa in a year-end Test this weekend.

NEWS: Following the Football Union's decisions to suspend Wasps and Worcester Warriors from the Premiership for the remainder of the season, both clubs cannot be included in Europe's Challenge Cup tournament for 2022-23.

INTERVIEW: USA head coach Gary Gold is covering all his bases ahead of the World Cup qualifying tournament in Dubai.

SPOTLIGHT: As the Springboks prepare for their tour opener in Ireland, the media in Ireland have been focussing on Rassie Erasmus' brief stint with Munster a few years ago.

PREVIEW: All-conquering England will be driven by the prospect of more women's World Cup glory when they face Canada before defending champions New Zealand look to end a losing run against France in the semifinals on Saturday.

SPOTLIGHT: Wales assistant coach Jonathan Humphreys says New Zealand remain a "massive threat" despite a rollercoaster year as the teams prepare for Saturday's clash in Cardiff.

THREE-DAY FEAST: The Hong Kong Sevens kicks off on Friday for the first time since the pandemic began, but COVID controls - including compulsory face masks - threaten to dampen the tournament's hard-partying atmosphere.

SPOTLIGHT: Rassie Erasmus is ready to take in the matchday excitement at the Aviva Stadium on Saturday when the Springboks take on Ireland in their November tour opener.

NEWS: Major League Rugby will add an expansion team in Chicago for the 2023 season, giving the circuit 12 clubs for next year, one fewer than last year.

INJURY UPDATE: Destructive prop Taniela Tupou will return to the Wallabies' starting side after Allan Alaalatoa was ruled out of Saturday's showdown with France in Paris.

SQUAD ANNOUNCEMENT: Owen Farrell is on course to start England's November opener against Argentina at Twickenham as he closes in on making a full recovery from concussion.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: All Blacks XV head coach Leon MacDonald has named a blend of experience and rising young talent to challenge Ireland 'A'.

OPINION: Ireland heads into their clash against the Springboks as clear favourites, but whether that tag holds too much weight to carry with them will soon be answered.

INTERVIEW: France will need all the brute strength they can muster when they host South Africa at Stade Vélodrome in Marseille next week.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: The Ireland coaching group have named the Ireland ‘A’ matchday squad that will take on the All Blacks XV at The RDS on Friday.

INJURY UPDATE: One of South Africa's World Cup winners will have to wait a little longer before he is fit enough to return to the rugby field.

NEWS: The Wallabies and All Blacks are in talks to form a joint team to face the British and Irish Lions in a one-off Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground in 2025, reports said Wednesday.

WATCH as Springbok coach Jacques Nienaber explains the impact the year-end tour can have on South Africa's World Cup campaign.

SPOTLIGHT: England coach Eddie Jones will be out to solve his selection jigsaw ahead of next year's World Cup when they embark on a four-match November program.

SPOTLIGHT: Hoping to impress against rugby powerhouse France, giant lock Will Skelton admits he has so far under-delivered in his Wallabies career.

SPOTLIGHT: The opening weekend of the November internationals will see Ireland host South Africa for the first time in five years but a contentious pre-match decision has already caused a firestorm.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Japan coach Jamie Joseph has named a 40-man squad for their year-end tour matches.

INJURY UPDATE: Edinburgh lock Jamie Hodgson has been called up to the Scotland squad after Sam Skinner withdrew through injury.

NEWS: Wales hooker Ken Owens is ready to return to Test rugby and might face New Zealand this weekend after an 11-month injury battle that left him doubting he would make it back to the international stage.

SPOTLIGHT: Variety will be key for Ireland in their clash against the Springboks in Dublin on Saturday.

INTERVIEW: Will Skelton has joined the touring Wallabies and his teammate Jed Holloway says the giant lock has undeniable strengths as they prepare to play France.

INTERVIEW: Ireland need to emulate their opponents this weekend South Africa and win the World Cup if they are to merit being called the best team in the world.

TEAM NEWS: The Bulls moved swiftly to plug the gap left by the departure of some key forwards.

WATCH as Springbok coach Jacques Nienaber unpacks the new role World Cup-winning magician Cheslin Kolbe will have in the national team against Ireland.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Cheslin Kolbe is back in the Springbok jersey in a new position when he makes a return to the Springbok team for the first time since July in a settled team to face the top-ranked team in the world, Ireland, at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin on Saturday.

NEWS: The All Blacks will have to make do without the services of their star lock Brodie Retallick following his red card against Japan, ruling him out of upcoming games against Wales and Scotland.

TEAM NEWS: With a fractured cheekbone ruling Sam Cane out of the All Blacks' European tour, Crusaders lock Sam Whitelock will take over as captain.

TEAM NEWS: The Bulls continue to bring back some Springbok muscle to Loftus Versfeld, after stints abroad.

NEWS: New Zealand Rugby will expand a trial for tackling below the chest to all community competition next year as part of efforts to minimise the risk of concussion in the sport.

WATCH what happened the last time Ireland and South Africa met in a Test.

NEWS: His Wales team is out to claim victory in South Africa in the United Rugby Championship, says coach Sam Davies.

NEWS: While the United Rugby Championship logs, both overall and the respective Shields, have a familiar look to them at the start of the November break for the international window, one team is the missing piece.

NEWS: Ireland coach Andy Farrell received the good news that several players who were struggling with injuries, have been cleared and were included in the squad ahead of games against the All Blacks XV at The RDS and the Springboks at Aviva Stadium this weekend.

SPOTLIGHT: The Siyamthanda Kolisi-captained world champions South Africa hope to extend a winning run over France and end losing streaks against Ireland and England when they tour Europe.

REACTION: The Bulls head into their November break sitting pretty in third place on the United Rugby Championship standings, looking as impressive as the team that reached the inaugural Final.

WATCH South Africa's Director of Rugby Rassie Erasmus explains what the future holds for veteran Duane Vermeulen, after he was left out of the year-end tour squad.

REACTION: Former Worcester Warriors head coach Steve Diamond has pulled out of an appearance on a television programme after it was revealed that his consortium is not the preferred bidder to buy Worcester Warriors.

REACTION: Branco du Preez, South Africa's most capped Blitzbok, says the world has not seen the best of the Springbok Sevens team in Hong Kong yet.

WATCH as South Africa's Director of Rugby Rassie Erasmus explains the reason behind Joseph Dweba's dramatic slide down the Springbok pecking order.

NEWS: Former All Black Ma’a Nonu is returning to Major League Rugby with the announcement by San Diego Legion that the 40-year-old has re-signed a new deal with the club for the 2023 season.

TEAM NEWS: Owen Farrell and Jonny May joined the England squad on Monday ahead of this weekend's year-end Tests opener against Argentina.

INJURY UPDATE: Two Springboks were left behind in South Africa, after suffering injuries in a United Rugby Championship match at the weekend.

MATCH REPORT: The Bulls cemented their place in the top four with a bonus-point (40-27) win over a willing Sharks team in an entertaining United Championship match at Loftus Versfeld Stadium, in Pretoria, on Sunday.

MATCH REPORT: Alex Goode produced a virtuoso performance to celebrate his entry into Saracens' history books, but it was Theo McFarland who did the most to ensure the occasion was marked by victory over Sale.

REACTION: Neil Powell, the new Director of Coaching at the Sharks, says the men from Durban missed too many opportunities and should have been more clinical in their 27-40 URC loss to the Bulls at Loftus Versfeld this past Sunday.

MATCH REPORT: Cardiff’s impressive United Rugby Championship run came to an abrupt halt as Edinburgh secured a deserved victory at the Arms Park.

REACTION: Scotland captain Jamie Ritchie took heart from his side's character following an agonising 16-15 loss to Australia in their year-end international opener at Murrayfield.

REACTION: As the chants of happy birthday rang out across Murrayfield, Michael Hooper was all smiles after making a successful return to the Test arena.

NEWS: The All Blacks were forced to bring in reinforcements after they lost two big names ahead of their matches in the United Kingdom.

REACTION: The introduction of the Stormers' bench players proved to be a game-changer in their United Rugby Championship clash against the Lions at Ellis Park on Saturday.

Maritzburg College recently honoured former Springbok great Philip Nel by naming the new First Aid facility on Goldstones as the "Philip Nel Pavilion".

TOP 14 SATURDAY WRAP: Spurned by Scotland he may be, but Finn Russell again proved his worth to his French paymasters by kicking Racing 92 past Brive in the Top 14 on Saturday.

REACTION: Scotland coach Gregor Townsend said flyhalf Blair Kinghorn would be a better player for all the disappointment of his crucial missed penalty against Wallabies on Saturday.

NEWS: New Zealand lock Brodie Retallick will know on Tuesday if his year-end tour is over.

REACTION: Lions head coach Ivan van Rooyen believes poor execution played a big part in his team's second-half collapse against the Stormers at Ellis Park on Saturday.

MATCH REPORT: Jack Carty'.s second-half drop-goal proved just enough for Connacht to edge out Ospreys 22-19 in an entertaining clash in Swansea.

MATCH REPORT: Flyhalf Blair Kinghorn missed a last-minute penalty, as Scotland failed to continue a six-year winning streak against Australia.

READERS' FORUM: Welcome to our live coverage of the Round Seven United Rugby Championship encounter between the Bulls and Sharks at Loftus Versfeld in Pretoria.

MATCH REPORT: The Stormers bounced back from a disappointing European tour to record a much-needed win over the Lions in their United Rugby Championship Round Seven encounter at Ellis ark on Saturday.

WRAP: England international Ugo Monye has slammed the standard of big-decision officiating in the Premiership after London Irish were robbed of victory at the death at Harlequins on Saturday.

OPINION: The Wallabies got their five-match tour off to an ideal start, as they fought for a tough 16-15 win over Scotland at Murrayfield.

MATCH REPORT: Munster's second-half comeback was not enough as provincial rivals Ulster edged them 15-14 to win at Thomond Park for the first time since May 2014.

QUARTERFINAL SUNDAY WRAP: England and Canada made easy work of their quarterfinals at the Women's Rugby World Cup in Auckland on Sunday, ensuring the world's top four ranked teams will contest the semifinals.

REACTION: Coach Ian Foster said the All Blacks need to keep their heads during their Northern Hemisphere tour after being made to sweat for their 38-31 win over Japan in Tokyo on Saturday.

MATCH REPORT: The Dragons' revival continued in emphatic fashion at Rodney Parade with a five-try 47-7 victory over Zebre in Parma.

INJURY UPDATE: England captain Courtney Lawes is still suffering symptoms after suffering a head injury five weeks ago, Northampton boss Phil Dowson has revealed.

SPOTLIGHT: England prop Mako Vunipola believes their series win in Australia has pointed the way to a successful World Cup push.

REACTION: Japan head coach Jamie Joseph said teams are not scared of the All Blacks any more after his side pushed them all the way before losing 31-38 in Tokyo on Saturday.

MATCH REPORT: Leinster made it seven wins from seven in their first block of United Rugby Championship fixtures by beating the Scarlets 35-5 in Llanelli.

OPINION: Daniel Gallan rates the Scotland players after their 15-16 loss to Australia at Murrayfield on Saturday!

REACTION: All Blacks head coach Ian Foster believes that rustiness played a big part in their unconvincing Northern Hemisphere tour opener against Japan in Tokyo on Saturday.

SPOTLIGHT: Antoine Dupont admitted that the World Cup his country will host next year looms large, but insisted the focus was on continuing his side's fine form that has seen them notch up 10 straight wins.

MATCH REPORT: Gloucester reeled off a fourth successive Premiership victory and climbed to third in the table after beating Exeter 38-22 at Kingsholm.

MATCH REPORT: Glasgow were convincing winners in a 37-0 bonus-point victory over a disappointingly flat Benetton at Scotstoun, despite being without their Scotland contingent.

READERS' FORUM: Welcome to our live coverage of the Test between Scotland and Australia at Murrayfield in Edinburgh.

READERS' FORUM: Welcome to our live coverage of the Round Seven United Rugby Championship encounter between the Lions and the Stormers at Ellis Park in Johannesburg.

MATCH REPORT: The All Blacks were made to work hard for a 38-31 win over Japan in Tokyo on Saturday as they kicked off their Northern Hemisphere tour.

NEWS: English giants Wasps are to be relegated from the Premiership after entering administration.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Keiran Crowley announced a 34-man squad for Italy's three Test matches in the upcoming year-end Tests.

PREVIEW: On Sunday, Australia will become the latest team to attempt to end England's record winning run when they meet at Waitakere Stadium in Auckland.

QUARTERFINAL SATURDAY WRAP: Wing Portia Woodman became the most prolific try-scorer in women's Rugby World Cup history as New Zealand crushed Wales 55-3 in their quarterfinal on Saturday.

OPINION: The All Blacks travelled to Tokyo to take on Japan in the first match of their Northern tour and were met by a plucky Brave Blossoms side that never gave up.

READERS' FORUM: Welcome to our live coverage of the Test between Japan and New Zealand in Tokyo.

PREVIEW: Australia head into their European tour opener against Scotland at Murrayfield on Saturday with coach Dave Rennie urging the Wallabies to be "far more clinical" than in last year's corresponding fixture.

PREVIEW: All Blacks head coach Ian Foster said that his players were ready to show that their troubles were behind them as they kick off their Northern Hemisphere tour on Saturday against Japan.

WATCH as World Cup-winning former Springbok captain gives his view on the Springbok flyhalf dilemma.

NEWS: Willem Strauss, more affectionately and casually referred to as ‘Mnr Pres’ by those within the walls at Loftus Versfeld, was once again entrusted with president reigns of the Blue Bulls Rugby Union for another four-year term.

Financially stricken Worcester might be saved from administration by its former director Steve Diamond but the road back to the English Premiership might take four years.

WATCH as South Africa's Director of Rugby Rassie Erasmus reveals the dramatic turn of events that resulted in a surprise call-up for Cornal Hendricks to the SA 'A' team.

NEWS: Springbok prop Vincent Koch has found a new club ten days after he was among the 167 players and staff made redundant after Wasps fell into administration.

SATURDAY AND SUNDAY PREVIEW: The South African derbies will take centre stage this weekend ahead of the break for the end-of-year international window.

SPOTLIGHT: Head coach Gregor Townsend said on Thursday the "door was open" for playmaker Finn Russell after naming Blair Kinghorn at flyhalf for Scotland's end-of-year international opener at home to Australia this weekend.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Bulls Director of Rugby Jake White has revealed his team for their United Rugby Championship Round Seven clash against the Sharks in Pretoria on Sunday.

Tim Mikkelson’s return to the All Blacks Sevens team for the Hong Kong Sevens next week has been postponed after suffering an achilles injury in training.

SQUAD ANNOUNCEMENTS: The Springbok management team have revealed the Bok and South Africa 'A' squads for their upcoming November tour.

WATCH as Springbok coach Jacques Nienaber and South Africa's Director of Rugby Rassie Erasmus unpack the selection decision surrounding the flyhalf position.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Lions head coach Ivan van Rooyen has revealed his team to face the Stormers in a United Rugby Championship Round Seven clash in Johannesburg on Saturday.

FRIDAY PREVIEW: Glasgow Warriors are ready to put a disruptive period behind them when they face Benetton in Round Seven of this season's United Rugby Championship.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Stormers coach John Dobson has made eight changes to the starting line-up for their United Rugby Championship clash with the Lions in Johannesburg on Saturday as five Springboks are unavailable for the South African derby.

The Springbok Sevens team for the opening tournament of the 2023 World Rugby Sevens Series has a familiar look to it, with several players who missed out on the Rugby World Cup Sevens included for the trip to Hong Kong.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Sharks head coach Sean Everitt has revealed his team to face the Bulls in a United Rugby Championship Round Seven clash in Pretoria on Sunday.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Late bloomer Jock Campbell is set to make his debut for Australia from the bench when they face Scotland in their tour opener on Saturday.

All Blacks coach Ian Foster said he is disappointed that their scheduled game against Japan in Tokyo will clash with that of the Black Ferns’ quarterfinal match against Wales on Saturday.

Ellis Genge could be the ace in Eddie Jones’ deck of cards for the England captaincy while Courtney Lawes and Owen Farrell are recovering from the concussions sustained on club duty.

SPOTLIGHT: Marcell Coetzee is confident the Bulls will have a strong leadership group when he is away in Japan.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Scotland head coach Gregor Townsend has revealed his team for their end-of-year opener against Australia at Murrayfield on Saturday.

Flyhalf Jean-Luc Du Plessis has left a lot of tongues wagging as he was spotted training with the Stormers on Wednesday.

INTERVIEW: United Rugby Championship boss Martin Anayi has hailed the rise of the underdog amid a much more competitive league so far this season.

Ex-Wallaby Jack Dempsey is well on his way to facing his old team as he seems to be recovering well from a rib injury and could make his debut for Scotland against Australia at Murrayfield.

SPOTLIGHT: Sharks prop Ntuthuko Mchunu admitted that it was a big shock when they were not allowed to build on their momentum against Ulster last weekend.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Fullback Stephen Perofeta and centre Roger Tuivasa-Sheck will start a Test for the first time when the All Blacks play Japan in Tokyo on Saturday in the opening match of their Northern Hemisphere tour.

SPOTLIGHT: The Springbok coaching team expressed their satisfaction as a group of players wrapped up their three-day training camp in Stellenbosch on Wednesday.

South Africa’s Aimee Barrett-Theron has been appointed to officiate the quarterfinal of the Rugby World Cup between host nation New Zealand and Wales on Saturday at Northland Events Centre in Whangārei.

SQUAD ANNOUNCEMENTS: New Zealand's five Super Rugby franchises have revealed their squads ahead of the 2023 Super Rugby Pacific season.

SQUAD UPDATE: The All Blacks XV have called in an additional six players to join the squad, ahead of their inaugural Northern Tour against Ireland 'A' and Barbarians.

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

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Japan head coach Jamie Joseph has revealed his team for Saturday's Test against the All Blacks in Tokyo.

Having started their rugby careers together in the under-10s, Wallabies wing Andrew Kellaway admits it will be strange to line up against new Scotland recruit Jack Dempsey.

WATCH as Martin Anayi explains how the URC can avoid the financial strife that is bedevilling the Premiership.

SPOTLIGHT: Leaders in New Zealand have slammed New Zealand Rugby for "disgraceful" scheduling that will see the All Blacks and Black Ferns matches clash this weekend.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: The Lions are ready to unload their pepped-up frustrations on the Stormers.

REACTION: Blue Bulls Rugby Union President Willem Strauss did not hold back his excitement about Wilco Louw's move to Pretoria next year.

INTERVIEW: Ireland coach Andy Farrell said he had yet to rule out any of his squad's injured players from next week's November opener against world champions South Africa.

SPOTLIGHT: One of the All Blacks' veterans flew to Japan on Wednesday as a late addition to the New Zealand tour squad after revealing his delayed departure had been the result of jumping around with his children on a trampoline.

WATCH as URC CEO Martin Anayi makes a startling suggestion that Ulster and Glasgow Warriors brought the bugs with them that caused the postponement of their games in South Africa.

WATCH as South Africa's Director of Rugby Rassie Erasmus explains where the women are in the national pecking order and what the future holds for the female game.

AWARDS: All The winners at the Western Province Rugby Awards Ceremony have been revealed.

TEAM NEWS: Justin Tipuric will captain Wales in their November international campaign.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Australia flank Michael Hooper said on Monday he was "excited" to be back with the squad after missing six games earlier this year due to the "rollercoaster" nature of Test rugby.

Italy second-row forward Sara Tounesi was banned for 12 matches for biting an opponent in the women's Rugby World Cup in New Zealand on Tuesday.

WATCH as Stormers coach John Dobson tactfully sidesteps questions about another debatable day at the office for match officials.

WATCH AS Bulls Director of Rugby Jake White unpacks his team's tour of Europe and talks about the crucial Round Seven encounter with a 'well-rested' Sharks team.

SQUAD UPDATE: England coach Eddie Jones faces a huge injury crisis ahead of the Nations Series.

NEWS: South Africa will line up against New Zealand at Twickenham in England for only the second time ever when they clash in a Rugby World Cup warm-up fixture on August 25.

NEWS: World player of the year Antoine Dupont will captain France in the three November Tests, the French Rugby Federation announced on Monday.

Recalled centre Anton Lienert-Brown said that the All Blacks will not take Japan lightly when they meet in Tokyo this weekend, insisting they were now "a feared opponent".

INJURY UPDATE: Veteran lock forward Brodie Retallick shrugged off disruption to the start of the All Blacks' Northern Hemisphere tour.

INJURY UPDATE: Ireland head coach Andy Farrell has been left counting the cost after the United Rugby Championship Irish derby between Leinster and Munster on Saturday at the Aviva Stadium.

REACTION: Irish province Ulster stoutly defended their decision to call off their scheduled Round Six United Rugby Championship match with the Sharks at the weekend.

REACTION: It had to happen eventually. Cardiff is the team that ended an amazing 16-game unbeaten run by the Stormers.

NEWS: Springbok wing Sbu Nkosi was reportedly sent home early from the Bulls' tour for breaking team protocols.

MATCH REPORT: Flying wing Rio Dyer scored two tries as Dragons won a thrilling Welsh derby with a 32-25 United Rugby Championship victory over Ospreys at Rodney Parade.

NEWS: The Bulls are strengthening their front five with the acquisition of tighthead Wilco Louw, who is set to leave Harlequins next July.

REACTION: The Stormers rolled out some of their big guns, but it was brain that won over brawn at Arms Park at the weekend.

INJURY UPDATE: France has lost three key players on the eve of their year-end campaign, which includes meeting the World Cup champion Springboks.

SUNDAY WRAP: England turned on the power to rout South Africa 75-0 in Auckland on Sunday and set up a quarter-final against Australia as the last eight line-up was decided at the women's Rugby World Cup.

TEAM UPDATE: Springbok coach Jacques Nienaber has moved swiftly to bolster his flyhalf resources.

The Springbok Women were outplayed and outwitted by a better England team, who showed why they are undefeated for close to four years now and who exposed the lack of experience of the South African side in pressure situations.

SATURDAY WRAP: Alex Goode fired leaders Saracens to a sixth successive Premiership victory as his penalty with the game’s final kick edged out Exeter 22-20 at Sandy Park.

MATCH REPORT: Forgotten Wales flyhalf Rhys Priestland kicked six penalties to help Cardiff seal a famous 30-24 win over the Stormers at Arms Park on Saturday.

MATCH REPORT: Marcus Smith starred with 24 points as Harlequins shattered Sale Sharks' unbeaten start to the English Premiership season with a 29-13 victory on Sunday.

MATCH REPORT: Leinster claimed a 27-13 victory over Munster in a hard-fought United Rugby Championship[ Irish derby in Dublin on Saturday.

SARTURDAY WRAP: Flyhalf Finn Russell said on Saturday it was a "good" thing he had been omitted from Scotland's year-end Tests squad after guiding his club Racing 92 to a 38-81 win over Montpellier in the Top 14.

MATCH REPORT: Edinburgh were 38-19 victors over Zebre in Parma on Saturday, but faced a stern second-half test from their hosts despite MJ Pelser's first-half red card.

REACTION: Sharks boss Marco Masotti has blasted United Rugby Championship officials on Twitter before quickly deleting the post, following the cancellations of two Round Six games at the weekend.

REACTION: Cheetahs head coach Hawies Fourie believes his team has to undergo a major transformation for their demanding task in this season's European Challenge Cup.

SQUAD UPDATE: The All Blacks have been forced to make changes to their squad ahead of their departure to Tokyo on Saturday.

SATURDAY WRAP: France, New Zealand and Australia all booked their spots in the quarterfinal of the World Cup in fine style.

INJURY UPDATE: The Bulls have paid a dear price for their impressive performance in Treviso on Friday.

URC REPORT: The Bulls produced a strong second-half performance to beat Benetton 44-22 in their final tour match in Treviso on Friday.

PREMIERSHIP REPORT: Wing Jonny May suffered a suspected dislocated elbow in Gloucester's 22-21 victory over London Irish on Friday and is now a major doubt for England's November internationals.

CHALLENGE SERIES WRAP: The Cheetahs ended their 2022 Challenge Series campaign with a 27-20 win over Griquas in Bloemfontein on Friday.

READERS' FORUM: Welcome to our live coverage of the Round Six United Rugby Championship encounter between Cardiff and the Stormers ay Arms Park.

URC REPORT: Mack Hansen hunted down a Jack Carty kick for Connacht’s fifth and final try in a runaway 36-14 victory over the Scarlets at the Sportsground.

SATURDAY PREVIEW: if the spotlight was not already firmly on the defending champions, the cancellation of two of the Saturday matches means the Stormers certainly take centre stage.

BREAKING NEWS: The Round Six fixtures between the Sharks and Ulster, as well as the Lions versus Glasgow Warriors, have been postponed.

REACTION: Elton Jantjies says he "supports" the decision not to include him in the Bok squad for the upcoming November tour.

REACTION: Manu Samoa coach Seilala Mapusua believes New Zealand’s selection of Moana Pasifika’s Super Rugby Pacific centre Levi Aumua proves the All Blacks can still cherry-pick players who are qualified for Islands nations.

FEATURE: After five rounds we take a look at the top performers in the United Rugby Championship.

NEWS: Former England rugby captain Chris Robshaw on Friday announced his retirement following a succession of injuries.

No player has landed more crucial kicks over the past fifteen years than Bulls and Springbok flyhalf Morne Steyn.

SQUAD UPDATE: It seems like the England captain's armband is likely to be handed to Owen Farrell following RFU's latest news.

WORLD CUP SPOTLIGHT: The remaining five places in the quarter-finals, as well as the seedings for the knockout phase, will be decided in Whangārei and Auckland this weekend.

INTERVIEW: Newly appointed interim assistant coach Laurie Fisher has made it clear he won't tolerate mediocrity from the Wallabies on the five-Test year-end tour of Europe.

READERS' FORUM: Welcome to our live coverage of the Round Six United Rugby Championship encounter between Benetton and the Bulls in Treviso.

SPOTLIGHT: The Bulls' Director of Rugby Jake White has called for "patience and understanding" when it comes to Johan Goosen's form.

FRIDAY PREVIEW: The Bulls will be desperate to bounce back from two away defeats as they enter their final tour game against the seventh-placed Benetton in Italy.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Lions coach Ivan van Rooyen has made a couple of changes to his team for their United Rugby Championship Round Six encounter with the dangerous Glasgow Warriors outfit.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Tighthead prop Frans Malherbe will become the most-capped Stormers player when he runs out at Cardiff Arms Park on Saturday.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Springbok Women coach Stanley Raubenheimer made wholesale changes to his matchday squad to face England in their final Rugby World Cup Pool C clash.

PREVIEW: Former South Africa Under-20 captain Jeremy Ward said he is "finding his feet" at Stade Francais less than a month after arriving in France before hosting Brive in the Top 14 on Saturday.

NEWS: France head coach Fabien Galthié received some good news on Thursday.

INJURY UPDATE: South Africa's flyhalf crisis took a turn for the worse, with another seasoned player ruled out of the year-end tour.

TRANSFER NEWS: Griquas have managed to lure one of the Cheetahs' biggest diamonds to Kimberley.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Thomas du Toit will lead an experienced Sharks side against a strong Ulster team who will visit Kings Park for Saturday's United Rugby Championship showdown.

PREVIEW: Canterbury, South Canterbury and Mid Canterbury will all compete for national provincial titles this weekend.

FRIDAY NIGHT LIGHTS: The Cheetahs have one last chance in a competitive match before their debut in the European Challenge Cup in December and they are determined to make the most of the opportunity.

NEWS: Brodie McAlister has re-signed with the Crusaders, adding depth and maturity to an already strong 2023 line- up.

SPOTLIGHT: Springbok legend Jean de Villiers believes a lack of game-plan options is the main reason for the Boks falling short in their Rugby Championship title bid.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Springbok management won’t convince anyone to don the Green and Gold against their will.

NEWS: Waratahs wing Mark Nawaqanitawase hopes to make the most of his surprise Wallabies call-up after cutting short his holidays to join the year-end tour squad.

NEWS: Eddie Jones' England side will face the current world No.1 ranked team Ireland in a key warm-up clash planned for before the 2023 World Cup.

BREAKING NEWS: Stormers prop Sazi Sandi had his red card and ban overturned and is free to play.

INTERVIEW: The Lions may be sitting pretty in fifth place on the United Rugby Championship table, but there is one bleak blot on their record they need to remove.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Bulls Director of Rugby Jake White has revealed his team for their final tour match against Benetton in Treviso on Friday.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Racing 92 flyhalf Finn Russell has been left out of the Scotland squad for the year-end Tests, while Jamie Ritchie takes over the captaincy.

SPOTLIGHT: Sharks loose forward Siya Kolisi has been impressed by Neil Powell's work ethic on and off the field at the Sharks.

SQUAD ANNOUNCEMENT: Ireland head coach Andy Farrell has named a 37-man squad for their upcoming November Tests against world champions South Africa, Fiji and Australia in Dublin.

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

INTERVIEW: Skipper James Slipper says the Wallabies are treating the five-Test year-end tour of Europe like a mini World Cup ahead of next year's global showpiece.

SPOTLIGHT: Wales boss Wayne Pivac believes that New Zealand's blistering finish to the Rugby Championship makes them a "dangerous animal" ahead of their Northern Hemisphere tour.

NEWS: Another All Blacks star has made a decision about his playing future with the World Cup under a year away.

SPOTLIGHT: The addition of South African teams has made Irish rugby stronger, not only on the field but in the boardroom as well.

Springboks management confirmed that Elton Jantjies will miss the end-of-year tour in November.

NEWS: Glasgow Warriors received some good news ahead of their United Rugby Championship Round Six clash against the Lions in Johannesburg on Saturday.

SQUAD UPDATE: Bordeaux-Begles' uncapped No.8 Bastien Vergnes-Taillefer was called up to replace Jordan Joseph in Fabien Galthie's 42-man France squad for the November Tests.

SQUAD ANNOUNCEMENT: Dan Biggar has been left out of Wales' end-of-year squad with a knee injury but Leigh Halfpenny, Ken Owens and Justin Tipuric are back on international duty after more than a year away.

SPOTLIGHT: Springbok legend Jean de Villiers believes the flyhalf position is a "big red flag" for the Springboks ahead of their Tests in Europe next month.

SPOTLIGHT: The pain of their last-minute defeat to Fiji still lingers, but the Springbok Women have changed track in mindset and focus and are now getting ready for the biggest challenge of their careers.

SPOTLIGHT: Stormers forwards coach Rito Hlungwani is hoping referees will be more aware of what is going on when it comes to mauling.

NEWS: The Springboks will begin their preparations for the Outgoing Tour to the Northern Hemisphere on Sunday with a three-day training camp in Stellenbosch, where 26 players are set to assemble.

NEWS: France head coach Fabien Galthie has revealed his squad for the upcoming November Tests.

SPOTLIGHT: After a thrilling win over the Lions in Johannesburg, Ulster will now be heading into their match against a star-studded Sharks outfit full of confidence.

Returning to the European stage is set to be a very demanding challenge for the Cheetahs.

NEWS: All Blacks loose forward Ardie Savea will get a taste of rugby outside of New Zealand.

The story of where it all went wrong for Wasps

NEWS: Former Wasps centre Ross Neal has retired due to concussion at the age of 26 it has been confirmed by his club.

SPOTLIGHT: Wallabies head coach Dave Rennie has explained some of his selections for his team's upcoming end-of-year tour.

SPOTLIGHT: Libbie Janse van Rensburg has opened up on her contributions and that defeat to Fiji.

TRANSFER NEWS: Gloucester Rugby announced the arrivals of Alex Hearle, Seb Atkinson and Finn Theobald-Thomas from Worcester Warriors.

NEWS: English rugby giants Wasps were Monday placed into administration -with all the players made redundant - and now face relegation from the English Premiership.

TOP 14 REPORT: European champions La Rochelle notched up a bonus-point 32-5 win over Toulon to move into second in the Top 14 on Sunday.

SQUAD ANNOUNCEMENT: England head coach Eddie Jones has revealed his squad for the upcoming November internationals.

INJURY UPDATE: Three Ireland internationals have been ruled out in Andy Farrell’s plans for the Nations Series this November. 

REACTION:  Lions head coach Ivan van Rooyen has shed light on the unwanted United Rugby Championship home record his side is building.

SPOTLIGHT: Rugby Football Union chief executive Bill Sweeney has thrown the organisation's support behind a 10-team Premiership to help solve the financial crisis in the English top flight.

TRANSFER NEWS: Sharks have confirmed that Springbok centre Francois Venter will join the Durban franchise.

PREMIERSHIP REPORT: Leicester Tigers moved up to fifth in the Premiership standings after they recorded a 27-19 win over Harlequins at Twickenham Stoop on Sunday.

REACTION: Bulls Director of Rugby Jake White once again preferred to focus on the positives after his team produced another poor performance in this season's United Rugby Championship.

SQUAD ANNOUNCEMENT: Veteran flank Michael Hooper was included in Australia's squad Sunday for their five-Test tour of Europe after pulling out of the Rugby Championship with "mindset" issues.

WRAP: The weekend ended on a thrilling note when Fiji scored a try in the final minute to upset South Africa 21-17 to secure their first win in tournament history.

TOP 14 WRAP: Australian lock Richie Arnold scored on his return from a one-month ban as leaders Toulouse hammered Brive 45-7 in the French Top 14 on Saturday.

REACTION: Sharks head coach Sean Everitt says Bok lock Eben Etzebeth thoroughly deserved his man-of-the-match award after Saturday's 40-12 win over Glasgow Warriors in Durban.

URC REPORT: The Bulls suffered their second straight defeat on their United Rugby Championship tour.

MATCH REPORT: Duhan van der Merwe scored two tries on his return to Edinburgh colours as the Scottish club triumphed 53-8 over Benetton.

MATCH REPORT: Ulster have snuffed out a spirited Lions fightback to secure a crucial 39-37 win at Ellis Park on Saturday. 

URC REPORT: Scarlets claimed their first win of the United Rugby Championship season after a 36-12 home success over Zebre Parma.

PREMIERSHIP SATURDAY WRAP: Northampton Saints held off a Newcastle Falcons fightback to secure a nerve-jangling 32-31 win at cinch Stadium at Franklin's Gardens.

MATCH REPORT: Cardiff continued their impressive record against the Dragons by taking their winning run in the fixture to 15 matches with a 31-14 bonus-point victory at the Arms Park.

MATCH REPORT:  Springbok lock Eben Etzebeth kicked off his Sharks career in fine fashion, helping the Durban franchise record a 40-12 win over Glasgow Warriors on Saturday. 

MATCH REPORT: Veteran flyhalf Stephen Myler kicked a late conversion to snatch a draw for hosts Ospreys against the defending-champion Stormers in filthy conditions in Swansea on Friday.

SPOTLIGHT: Bulls Director of Rugby Jake White loves players who can perform more than one role on the field and Wandisile Simelane is his next big project.

REACTION: Stormers head coach John Dobson believes his team produced a satisfactory performance in filthy conditions against Ospreys in Swansea on Friday.

MATCH REPORT: Ciaran Frawley's 76th-minute penalty ensured Leinster beat Connacht 10-0 at the Sportsground to make it five wins from five this season.

READERS' FORUM: Welcome to our live coverage of the Round Five United Rugby Championship encounter between Munster and the Bulls at Thomond Park in Limerick.

MATCH REPORT: Sale Sharks moved to the top of the Premiership table courtesy of their bonus-point win over London Irish.

SATURDAY PREVIEW: Saturday is set to be another big day for three of South Africa's four URC teams.

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

READERS' FORUM: Welcome to our live coverage of the Round Five United Rugby Championship encounter between the Lions and Ulster at Ellis Park in Johannesburg.

SPOTLIGHT: Sharks head coach Sean Everitt has confirmed that Rohan Janse van Rensburg has received a suspension for foul play.

NEWS: Glasgow Warriors arrived in South Africa for a two-match tour without their coach.

WATCH as the high tackle on Steven Kitshoff goes unpunished.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT:  Bulls Director of Rugby Jake White has made a couple of changes to the side that will take on Munster on Saturday in Limerick. 

MATCH REPORT: The Cheetahs produced a second-half rout the beat the touring United States Falcons 53-25 in their Challenge Series clash in Bloemfontein on Friday.

WORLD CUP WRAP: England cemented their status as favourites for the Women's Rugby World Cup but were pushed all the way in a 13-7 win over France in New Zealand on Saturday.

TOP 14 PREVIEW: Toulon centre Duncan Paia'aua said team-mate and former La Rochelle flyhalf Ihaia West is helping his new outfit to "get the jump on" his former side before they meet in the French Top 14 on Sunday.

TRANSFER NEWS: Another big name heads to Montpellier.

READERS' FORUM: Welcome to our live coverage of the Round Five United Rugby Championship encounter between Ospreys and Stormers in Swansea.

WATCH as B&I Lions legend Jamie Roberts and Springbok legend Breyton Paulse unpack South Africa's success in the URC.

WATCH as Stormers coach John Dobson responds to rumours that World Cup-winning Springbok prop Steven Kitshoff and Baby Bok captain Sacha Mngomezulu are on the wish lists of European teams.

REACTION: Premiership Rugby and the Rugby Football Union have issued a joint statement on Thursday after Wasps became the latest club to be suspended.

FRIDAY FRENZY: 'On paper, the hardest game on tour for us!'

SPOTLIGHT: Jaden Hendrikse is confident he will be playing alongside his brother, Jordan, in a Springbok team one day.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Lions head coach Ivan van Rooyen has made five changes to his starting team for Saturday's United Rugby Championship Round Five clash against Ulster in Johannesburg.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Springbok Women coach Stanley Raubenheimer retained his starting XV for their second Rugby World Cup clash in New Zealand.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Sharks head coach Sean Everitt has revealed a strong matchday squad for Saturday's United Rugby Championship Round Five clash against Glasgow in Durban.

SPOTLIGHT: South Africa is a factory when it comes to producing talented midfielders and Henco van Wyk is another one off the production line.

FRIDAY FRENZY: Cheetahs coach Hawies Fourie is looking at the 'bigger picture' as he fields a much-changed team in his side's third match in the Challenge Series.

WORLD CUP SPOTLIGHT: New Zealand, Wales, Canada, Italy, England and France put their unbeaten starts on the line in Auckland and Whangārei this weekend.

FEATURE: Cheetahs coach Hawies Fourie and American counterpart Gary Gold open up about the mouthwatering scrap between two midfield monsters in Bloemfontein on Friday.

SPOTLIGHT: In the wake of the theatrical revelation that another English club is about to go under, the human cost of the cash crunch has escaped the spotlight.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Leolin Zas will make his return to the Stormers' starting line-up for the United Rugby Championship encounter with Ospreys in Swansea on Friday.

INTERVIEW: Ospreys boss Toby Booth has been speaking about the challenge of matching the standards set by the South African sides in the United Championship as he prepares to take on the Stormers.

SPOTLIGHT: Eddie Jones is determined for his long-standing association with the World Cup to continue beyond the conclusion of his England coaching tenure next year.

BREAKING NEWS: England's Premiership is facing a worrying crisis, with a second club kicked out of the competition as a result of growing financial concerns.

INTERVIEW: Faced with a high-riding Lions side this coming weekend in the United Rugby Championship, Ulster will arrive in Johannesburg brimming with confidence.

SPOTLIGHT: Sharks flyhalf Henry Chamberlain is hoping the Bok coaches are keeping a close eye on him.

SPOTLIGHT: Flyhalf Chris Smith is the Bulls' go-to guy at No.10 in the Vodacom United Rugby Championship, and he's done so steadily, and almost stealthily.

SPOTLIGHT: Paul Delport has broken his silence on the state of women's rugby in South Africa.

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

BREAKING NEWS: Wasps have become the latest club to fall prey to the cash crunch bedevilling the Premiership.

SPOTLIGHT: Springbok scrumhalf Jaden Hendrikse believes the returning Springboks could be the catalysts to take the Sharks to the next level over the next few weeks.

SQUAD ANNOUNCEMENT: The Ulster coaching team have named the squad that will travel to South Africa to play the Lions and Sharks over the next two weekends in the United Rugby Championship.

NEWS: Paul Delport has decided to step down as the Springbok Women’s Sevens coach following the Rugby World Cup Sevens in Cape Town last month, where South Africa finished 14th overall.

NEWS: The Highlanders' coaching group for the upcoming Super Rugby Pacific season has found its missing piece.

SPOTLIGHT: For long-time supporters of top Irish provincial team Munster a glance at the current United Rugby Championship log must be both an unusual and depressing experience.

NEWS: The chief executive of the 2023 Rugby World Cup, Claude Atcher, was removed from his position Tuesday by tournament organisers after he was suspended in August by France's sports minister due to "alarming managerial practices".

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Stormers flyhalf Manie Libbok has addressed recent speculation about his Springbok prospects.

NEWS: Twins Jean-Luc and Dan du Preez have both made big contract decisions.

TRANSFER NEWS: Saracens announced the signing of Tom Howe and Andrew Kitchener on short-term deals.

WATCH AS Bulls backs coach Chris Rossouw speaks about last week's loss to Glasgow and facing Munster in Limerick this week.

It’s been Marco Bortolami’s lifelong dream to work as a mechanic for Ferrari, but right now it’s his Benetton team that he has firing on all cylinders.

WATCH as Cheetahs coach Hawies Fourie calls out Emerging Ireland over their gamesmanship.

NEWS: Former Wallabies coach Michael Cheika is determined not to lose focus as a potential clash looms between his two national coaching roles across both codes of rugby.

WATCH as World Cup-winning former Springbok captain John Smit unpacks the way to get the best out of the Sharks' suite of Stirling stars.

WATCH as Bulls Director of Rugby Jake White unpacks the way forward, after his team's first loss of the season.

SQUAD UPDATE: Springbok duo Herschel Jantjies and Damian Willemse will return to South Africa following the Stormers' win over Zebre at the weekend.

WATCH as Stormers coach John Dobson explains what he has in mind for South Africa Under-20 captain Sacha Mngomezulu this season.

Sharks wing Thaakir Abrahams produced a stunning individual effort with a wow factor reminiscent of fellow countryman and Springboks star Cheslin Kolbe in the Sharks' 34-54 defeat to Leinster.

MATCH REPORT: The Emerging Irish team completed their short tour of South African unbeaten, edging a willing Cheetahs outfit 21-14 in Bloemfontein on Sunday.

SUNDAY WRAP: Saracens continued their unbeaten start to the Premiership season with a comprehensive 34-14 victory at Newcastle.

REACTION: Love him, or hate him, Johnny Sexton is world-class.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Sale Sharks have appointed their first-ever mental health lead, becoming the first Premiership club to officially partner up with the mental health movement.

MATCH REPORT: Impressive Benetton beat the Dragons 34-14 to climb into fourth place in the United Rugby Championship.

WORLD CUP WRAP: Keira Bevan landed a penalty in the 85th minute to seal a dramatic 18-15 win for Wales over Scotland at the women's Rugby World Cup, while Canada and Italy also tasted victory in Whangarei on Sunday.

The Springbok Women had a good review of their match against France last Saturday, analysed and digested the statistics, and are now ready to focus on Fiji, their second opponent in World Cup in New Zealand.

REACTION: Sharks coach Sean Everitt was searching for positives after his team's humbling loss to Leinster at the weekend.

Blues lock Patrick Tuipulotu will captain the inaugural All Blacks XV squad selected for two matches against Ireland A and the Barbarians next month.

MATCH REPORT: Franco Smith made a big statement against the Jake White-coached Bulls, as Glasgow Warriors recorded a commanding 35-21 win in their United Rugby Championship Round Four encounter on Saturday.

TRANSFER TALK: Ulster have confirmed that they will be recruiting a prop 'that is a proven winner on the biggest stage'.

WATCH as Lions centre Henco van Wyk shows he is made for international rugby.

MATCH REPORT: The Stormers kept their flawless United Rugby Championship start intact with a hard-fought 37-20 bonus point win over Zebre on Saturday in Parma. 

SATURDAY WRAP: Raffi Quirke came off the bench to fire Sale Sharks to an impressive 26-16 victory against English Premiership champions Leicester on Saturday.

MATCH REPORT: Ulster cruised past Ospreys with a 47-17 victory in their United Rugby Championship Round Four clash at Ravenhill Stadium.

SQUAD ANNOUNCEMENT: New Zealand coach Ian Foster is sticking with the players who won the Rugby Championship and restored some pride to the wounded All Blacks, saying they "deserve" selection in the squad named on Sunday to tour the northern hemisphere.

MATCH REPORT: Cardiff picked up their first win since Round One, as they beat the Scarlets 16-10 in a United Rugby Championship Round Four encounter Llanelli on Saturday.

MATCH REPORT: The Currie Cup champions, the Pumas, edged Western Province 27-20 in a thrilling match in the Challenge Series in Bloemfontein on Sunday.

MATCH REPORT:  Leinster surged clear after half-time to emerge with a 54-34 bonus-point victory from their thrilling encounter with the Sharks in Dublin.

Toulon head coach Franck Azema said Cheslin Kolbe is a "driving force" for the team after the South Africa wing made a try-scoring return from injury in Saturday's 47-0 French Top 14 hammering of Brive.

INJURY UPDATE: One of the Bulls' most talented and exciting players will miss the Springboks' year-end tour through injury.

WATCH as Stormers coach John Dobson vents his frustration over what he described as an 'inconsistent' three-week ban handed out to prop Sazi Sandi.

SUNDAY FUNDAY: The Cheetahs will host unbeaten Emerging Ireland in the Challenge Series on Sunday.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Retired Welsh referee Nigel Owens has revealed why he recently accepted an invitation from United Rugby Championship referees boss Tappe Henning to become part of the four-strong independent referee selection panel.

REACTION: Worcester Warriors' player Harri Doel said on Friday he was "gutted" to hear the English side has been liquidated this week and his contract had been terminated.

READERS' FORUM: Welcome to our live coverage of the Round Four United Rugby Championship encounter between Glasgow Warriors and the Bulls.

WORLD CUP WRAP: Big wins for England, France and New Zealand on Day one of the World Cup.

READERS' FORUM: Welcome to our live coverage of the Round Four United Rugby Championship encounter between Leinster and the Sharks at the RDS in Dublin.

PREMIERSHIP REPORT: Exeter Chiefs powered to a 50-14 win over Bristol Bears at Ashton Gate on Friday.

SPOTLIGHT: Rugby Australia might walk away from their Super Rugby partnership after the governing body was left disappointed with New Zealand Rugby, according to reports. 

URC REPORT: Connacht crowned their first appearance on the Sportsground’s new 4G pitch with a dogged 20-11 United Rugby Championship derby win over Munster.

READERS' FORUM: Welcome to our live coverage of the Round Four United Rugby Championship encounter between Zebre and the Stormers in Parma.

WATCH as Lions coach Ivan van Rooyen talks about his team's three-match URC sweep of Wales and Scotland.

NEWS: Sharks will be the first of the South African clubs in action when Harlequins travel to Durban in the Champions Cup.

URC REPORT: The Lions ended their three-match United Rugby Championship tour unbeaten with a thrilling 22-19 win over Edinburgh on Friday.

SATURDAY PREVIEW: Victory over Leinster in Dublin never comes easy, even more so if you attempt such a feat at the RDS.

DISCIPLINARY NEWS: The disciplinary decision on Sazi Sandi's act of foul play has been revealed.

TRANSFER TALK: Top French club Toulon have reportedly shown keen interest in signing the Springbok flyhalf Elton Jantjies.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Bulls Director of Rugby Jake White has named a very young front row to face off against a grizzled Glasgow Warriors at the Scotstoun Stadium on Saturday.

READERS' FORUM: Welcome to our live coverage of the Round Four United Rugby Championship encounter between Edinburgh and the Lions in the Scottish capital.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Stormers coach John Dobson has made a number of changes, including a 'new' captain, for their United Rugby Championship encounter with Zebre at the Stadio Lanfranchi, in Parma, on Saturday.

WORLD CUP SPOTLIGHT: The World Cup opening match day at Eden Park on October 8 has officially sold out, with a record crowd set to fill New Zealand’s iconic national stadium.

TRANSFER NEWS: New Zealand loosehead prop Karl Tu'inukuafe has officially been unveiled as a Montpellier player.

NEWS: Ten referees in England have raised concerns in an external RFU investigation about potential barriers to progression and feedback provided to them based on body size, weight or shape.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: The Sharks take an almost unchanged line-up into Saturday's United Rugby Championship clash against Leinster, as they look to finish their three-match European tour on a high.

TOP 14 PREVIEW: Raymond Rhule says having a "special bond" with fellow Springbok Dillyn Leyds has allowed the pair to blossom at La Rochelle, before Saturday's trip to Bayonne.

TRANSFER NEWS: Northampton Saints confirmed that veteran flyhalf Dan Biggar will leave the club at the end of the 2022/23 season.

UPDATE: Worcester were suspended from the English Premiership and Premiership Rugby Cup for the rest of this season on Thursday and will be relegated from the top flight after plunging into a financial crisis.