England
England's referees complain over physical appearance feedback and criteria
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.
England
'I feel like a phoney': World Cup winner opens up on dementia in documentary
NEWS: Former England rugby star Steve Thompson says he feels like a "phoney" because he cannot remember being part of the 2003 World Cup-winning team.
Rugby World Cup
Bok women back forwards for France
WORLD CUP SPOTLIGHT: It was a case of “the road less travelled” for the Springbok Women when they made their return to international rugby in 2017, three years after their 2014 Rugby World Cup exit.
New Zealand
Another All Black decides his playing future
NEWS: New Zealand Rugby revealed some more contract news.
South Africa
Griquas dismantle youthful Bulls in Bloem
MATCH REPORT: The Griquas bounce back with a comfortable 41-7 win over the Bulls on Wednesday in Bloemfontein.
United Rugby Championship
Pink Bulls to face the Sharks
NEWS: The Bulls will be sporting their pink strip when they host the Sharks in a United Rugby Championship clash on October 30.
United Rugby Championship
Stormers getting their money's worth
IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Damian Willemse has taken his commitment to the Stormers to another level.
United Rugby Championship
Duhan Van der Merwe reveals his future plans
TRANSFER NEWS: Edinburgh announced that British & Irish Lions and Scotland star wing Duhan van der Merwe is returning to the capital on a long-term deal, subject to visa, medical and regulatory clearances.
Premiership
Worcester to be relegated: 'Darkest day for English rugby'
REACTION: The RFU revealed that Worcester Warriors are likely to be relegated from the Premiership.
Premiership
Handre Pollard: 'Don't see him as a decent fit for Leicester'
IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Former Scotland international Jim Hamilton has questioned the wisdom of Leicester Tigers shelling out a massive amount of money to sign Springboks flyhalf Handre Pollard.
Ireland
Pumas fight back but fall short against Irish
MATCH REPORT: Emerging Ireland recorded back-to-back victories on South African soil, beating the Pumas 28-24 on Wednesday.
News
URC Round Four - Teams and Predictions
FRIDAY PREVIEW: Former Springbok captain John Smit believes Edinburgh will be a "step too far" for the Lions in Round Four of the 2022/23 United Rugby Championship season.
News
Van der Merwe and Venter free to find new teams after court hearing
NEWS: Troubled Premiership club Worcester are braced for a player exodus after a company that holds their contracts was wound up at a court hearing on Wednesday.
News
Lions tweak winning formula for Edinburgh clash
TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Lions head coach Ivan van Rooyen has revealed his team to face Edinburgh in their United Rugby Championship Round Four clash in Scotland on Friday.
News
URC dominance not a guarantee of World Cup success
WATCH as World Cup-winning Springbok captain John Smit explains what impact the results of URC matches could have on the Springboks' World Cup campaign.
Laws & Referees
Barnes to set new record at Boks Test
NEWS: The officials for the Springboks’ four Tests in November have been confirmed.
News
Springbok Women coach reveals team for World Cup opener
TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: The Springbok Women's team to play France in their opening Pool C match of the Rugby World Cup in New Zealand has a familiar and experienced look to it.
News
Sharks have 'everything' they need to shock Leinster
SPOTLIGHT: Sharks loose forward Phepsi Buthelezi believes there is enough firepower in his touring squad to shock Irish giants Leinster in Dublin on Saturday.
England
England star to miss NZ and Bok clashes
NEWS: England will be without a key player for their November internationals.
Samoa
New eligibility rules: Samoa bring in All Blacks for November tour
SQUAD ANNOUNCEMENT: Samoa on Wednesday took advantage of World Rugby's new eligibility rules.
Ireland
Challenge Series - teams and predictions
MIDWEEK MADNESS: The Currie Cup champions, the Pumas, get their first taste of competitive rugby since winning the title in sensational fashion in Kimberley in June.
News
Message to SA teams: 'Hold your horses'
WATCH as World Cup-winning Springbok captain John Smit and Scottish legend John Barclay unpack South Africa's great start to URC Two.
News
'He’ll keep getting better': Former Bull ready to torment Sharks in Dublin
SPOTLIGHT: A player who used to torment them in the colours of a rival South African franchise might just prove to be one of the most formidable obstacles the Sharks need to overcome on Saturday.
France
France wing to miss end-of-year Tests
NEWS: France international Gabin Villiere is set for further ankle surgery which will rule the wing out of the Six Nations champions' November internationals.
England
Disease study: Rugby players face highly increased MND risk
SPOTLIGHT: Rugby chiefs must take urgent action to reduce head injuries after a study indicated that former international players are 15 times more likely to develop motor neurone disease.
News
CONFIRMED: Bulls to lose their captain
NEWS: There was some big transfer news coming out of Japan on Tuesday.
News
'We can cause an upset': Roos ready to run France ragged
SPOTLIGHT: The growth of the Springbok Women’s team over the last 12 months and their determined climb up the world rankings had many take notice of a potential new entry into the top ten of the world game.
Laws & Referees
URC Round Four - referee appointments
NEWS: The match officials appointments for the United Rugby Championship Round four fixtures have been confirmed.
England
England star opens up on concussion amid lawsuits
SPOTLIGHT: England flank Tom Curry believes Rugby Union has "come on leaps and bounds in terms of player safety" amid fears the sport's future is at stake from concussion.
News
The Pollard update the Bok coach did not want to hear
NEWS: Handre Pollard, the World Cup-winning Springbok flyhalf, is currently being assessed for his latest injury and the news is not good.
News
Stormers coach: 'We did not do justice to what must be a pillar'
SPOTLIGHT: Stormers head coach John Dobson is hoping to find solutions to a few problems during his team’s three-match United Rugby Championship tour.
New Zealand
Another Barrett signs on for more with All Blacks
NEWS: Jordie Barrett has officially put pen-to-paper on a new deal that will keep him in the capital, with the Hurricanes and New Zealand Rugby, through till the end of 2025.
News
Stormers leave key trio out of tour squad
TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: The Stormers have left three key players behind, as they headed off on a three-match United Rugby Championship tour to Italy and Wales.
News
Unbeaten Bulls leave injured stars behind
TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: The unbeaten Bulls departed for a three-match European trip on Monday without three stars.
South Africa
Erasmus reveals South Africa 'A' coaching team
NEWS: The South Africa 'A' coaching team has been revealed ahead of the Springboks' November tour.
South Africa
Boks reveal opponents for 2023 World Cup warm-up match
NEWS: The Springboks will face a Six Nations team ahead of their 2023 World Cup campaign in France.
News
Lions unpack Edinburgh threats on artificial turf
WATCH as Lions assistant coach Ricardo Loubscher and loose forward Francke Horn unpack the enormity of the challenge of facing Edinburgh on the Scottish team's home soil.
News
VIDEO: Lions sharpening their claws for big guns
WATCH as Lions coach Ivan van Rooyen unpacks his team's success during a two-match sweep on their tour of Wales.
News
'Inside information': Leinster boss wary of 'dangerous' Sharks coach
SPOTLIGHT: Leinster head coach Leo Cullen knows that the Sharks will be getting some "inside information" ahead of their clash in Dublin on Saturday.
News
PICTURES: Sharks finally get their enforcer
SPOTLIGHT: Springbok lock Eben Etzebeth has finally arrived in Durban and he went straight to the weights.
South Africa
Zelt man ends his term at WPPR
NEWS: Ruben Machelm, the interim CEO of Western Province Professional Rugby for the past year, has ended his association with the organisation.
News
Why Springbok Women prefer underdog status
SPOTLIGHT: The Springbok Women are perfectly happy to sail under the radar at the Rugby World Cup in New Zealand.
England
Wales & England double up on World Cup preparations
NEWS: Wales will face two former World Cup champions next year, as part of preparations for the 2023 tournament in France.
News
Highlanders spring a surprise with new attack coach
NEWS: The Highlanders have revealed their new attack coach ahead of the 2023 Super Rugby Pacific season.
Top 14
Perfect Jaminet boots Toulouse to victory over Montpellier
TOP 14 SUNDAY REPORT: Melvyn Jaminet enjoyed a 100 percent success rate with the boot to lead Toulouse to a 19-17 win over Montpellier on Sunday.
News
Reality bites for SA women
SPOTLIGHT: There was the usual chatter and small talk amongst the 12 captains at the women's World Cup at Eden Park in Auckland, during the official captain's photo of the showpiece.
News
The 'disgraceful' development in Worcester saga
UPDATE: Worcester Warriors have had to withdraw medical insurance from players at the behest of their insurance providers, further denting hopes of a rapid return to the field for the ailing club.
South Africa
VIDEO: The unwanted 'record' the Cheetahs set'
REACTION: Watch as Cheetahs coach Hawies Fourie explains why his team was forced to field three hookers at the weekend.
England
Injuries wreck Eddie Jones' plans
SQUAD UPDATE: England coach Eddie Jones has been forced to replace three players from a pre-season camp.
News
VIDEO: Jake White opens up about the new scourge on the game
SPOTLIGHT: World Rugby will have to revisit the decision to allow referees to arbitrarily decide when water breaks should be in the game.
News
Cardiff officials investigating 'appalling' player behaviour at pub
REACTION: Cardiff 'representatives' will meet with the management of a local pub on Monday, following some apparent 'appalling behaviour' by some players at the establishment over the weekend.
News
The rise of the Republic
ROUND THREE OVERVIEW: South African teams are dominating the opening rounds of the URC with all four franchises populating the top eight of the league table.
News
Quins finish off Saints
MATCH REPORT: Harlequins hooker Jack Musk scored two tries as his side recorded a bonus-point 35-29 victory at home to Northampton in the Premiership.
News
'It was a game-changer': Sharks coach opens up on Newport turnaround
SPOTLIGHT: Sharks head coach Sean Everitt praised his team's character for staying in the fight against the Dragons in Newport on Saturday.
News
Orie on Roos: 'The opponents are trying to get into his head'
REACTION: Evan Roos is one of the most exciting young players in South Africa, but his temperament has been under the spotlight.
Top 14
Leyds spoils Warrick Gelant's Racing 92 debut
TOP 14 SATURDAY WRAP: South Africa fullback Dillyn Leyds scored nine points from the tee as La Rochelle beat Racing92 24-19 to take over as leaders of the French Top 14 on Saturday.
New Zealand
New All Black addresses NRL rumours
SPOTLIGHT: Roger Tuivasa-Scheck has moved to end speculation he could return to the NRL from Rugby Union.
England
Eddie Jones' big warning for England hopefuls ahead of NZ and Bok clashes
SPOTLIGHT: Eddie Jones has told players looking to break into his England side to forget about a Test call-up if they fail to be wholly committed to defensive duties, despite the start of the new Premiership season featuring a blizzard of tries.
News
Munster maul Zebre for first win
MATCH REPORT: Munster's superior maul delivered their opening win of the season as they overcame Zebre Parma 21-5 in their United Rugby Championship Round Three match at Musgrave Park.
News
Bumbling Sharks leave it late to beat Dragons
MATCH REPORT: The Sharks recorded their second straight victory on their United Rugby Championship tour with a 20-19 win over the Dragons in a scrappy affair in Newport on Saturday.
News
Hartzenberg scores brace as Stormers see off Edinburgh
MATCH REPORT: The Stormers made it two wins from two matches in the 2022/2023 United Rugby Championship season after they recorded a 34-18 victory over Edinburgh in Cape Town on Saturday.
South Africa
Jurie Roux: Will he, or won't he?
REACTION: The Jurie Roux saga continues to garner banner headlines - most of which suggest his fate is sealed.
News
Benetton survives Scarlets scare
MATCH REPORT: Benetton held off a second-half Scarlets fightback to claim a 34-23 victory from their United Rugby Championship clash in Treviso.
News
Pollard injury headlines Saracens' rout of champions Tigers
SATURDAY WRAP: Handre Pollard limped off just 27 minutes into his Leicester debut, just five weeks after a knee injury prematurely ended his Rugby Championship campaign with the Springboks.
News
Ospreys outmuscle Warriors
MATCH REPORT: Keelan Giles scored a pair of tries as the Ospreys registered a 32-17 bonus-point victory over Glasgow Warriors in their United Rugby Championship[ Round Three match in Swansea on Saturday.
New Zealand
Tupaea targets World Cup return after knee surgery
REACTION: New Zealand centre Quinn Tupaea is targeting next year's World Cup as he begins a nine-month recovery from a knee injury sustained against Australia.
News
'That doesn’t happen': Edinburgh coach questions scrum decisions in Stormers clash
REACTION: Edinburgh head coach Mike Blair revealed his frustrations with the referee Frank Murphy’s scrum decisions in his side's 18-34 defeat to the Stormers in Cape Town on Saturday.
News
Finger pointing as Worcester crisis deepens
REACTION: The owners of English Premiership club Worcester hit out at both players and supporters as the crisis around the team intensified.
News
Unbeaten Bulls pay dear price ahead of Euro trip
INJURY UPDATE: The Bulls may have remained unbeaten in the United Rugby Championship, but they may well be without three stars on their European trip.
News
Dragons v Sharks RECAP | United Rugby Championship
READERS' FORUM: Welcome to our live coverage of the Round Three United Rugby Championship encounter between the Dragons and Sharks at Rodney Parade in Newport.
Premiership
Schoeman helps Falcons end Bristol's unbeaten run
REPORT: Bristol Bears suffered their first defeat of the Premiership season as they were outgunned by Newcastle Falcons 35-20 at Kingston Park on Friday.
South Africa
Cheetahs edge Bulls in scrappy affair
MATCH REPORT: The Cheetahs opened their Challenge Series campaign with a 17-14 win over the Bulls in a scrappy affair in Bloemfontein on Friday.
United Rugby Championship
Burger double helps Bulls beat Connacht
MATCH REPORT: The Bulls recorded their third consecutive United Rugby Championship win of the season, beating Connacht 28-14 at Loftus Versfeld on Friday.
Ireland
Irish rout Griquas in Bloem try feast
MATCH REPORT: The Emerging Ireland team proved far too strong for the beaten Currie Cup finalists Griquas.
News
Stormers v Edinburgh RECAP | United Rugby Championship
READERS' FORUM: Welcome to our live coverage of the Round Three United Rugby Championship encounter between the Stormers and Edinburgh in Cape Town.
News
Willemse reveals huge decision on his playing future
NEWS: There was some big news coming out of the Stormers camp on Friday.
United Rugby Championship
Lions stun Cardiff at Arms Park
MATCH REPORT: It was a very successful tour for the Lions as they secured back-to-back wins in Wales.
United Rugby Championship
Leinster put down big marker
MATCH REPORT: A dominant first half helped Leinster triumph 20-13 and go three wins from three in a top-of-the-table Irish derby clash with Ulster at a rain-swept Kingspan Stadium in Belfast.
South Africa
SA Players' Player of the Year revealed
NEWS: The winner of South Africa's Players’ Player of the Year award has been revealed.
Second Phase
The worst try-scoring dive ever?
WATCH as new Bulls recruit Chris Smit knocks himself out while in the process of scoring a try.
New Zealand
All Black may miss World Cup after dangerous play
NEWS: All Blacks centre Quinn Tupaea faces nine months out and may miss the World Cup with the knee injury he sustained in a cleanout by Australia's Darcy Swain.
Top 14
'Phenomenon' Niniashvili changing perceptions
TOP 14 PREVIEW: Ever since the end of the 1990s French rugby and the Top 14 has been littered with gnarly, aggressive Georgian forwards making mincemeat of opponents at set-pieces, but one 20-year-old back is helping change the image of the Lelos.
News
URC Round Three - Teams and Predictions
SATURDAY PREVIEW: Sharks head coach Sean Everitt knows that his team will be up against a different Dragons side on Saturday to the one they faced in Durban in April last season.
News
Cardiff v Lions RECAP | United Rugby Championship
READERS' FORUM: Welcome to our live coverage of the Round Three United Rugby Championship encounter between Cardiff and the Lions at Arms Park.
News
Bulls v Connacht RECAP | United Rugby Championship
READERS' FORUM: Welcome to our live coverage of the Round Three United Rugby Championship encounter between the Bulls and Connacht at Loftus Versfeld in Pretoria.
South Africa
SA Challenge Series - Teams and Predictions
BLOEMFONTEIN BATTLE: Friday has become a little bit more entertaining as the Challenge Series kicks off in Bloemfontein.
News
Aki learns his fate in cheap-shot ruling
NEWS: Ireland centre Bundee Aki is set to miss home Tests against world champions South Africa and Fiji.
News
Dobson outlines 'long' journey for beastly Dweba
INTERVIEW: Joseph Dweba is not everybody's cup of tea and has come in for some severe criticism in the wake of some underwhelming Springbok performances this year.
News
URC Round Three - teams and predictions
FRIDAY PREVIEW: Irish province Connacht won't have the infamous Galway Gale as an ally. They will certainly have to be content with the Pretoria passion on Friday.
News
Injuries force Sharks to change
TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: The Sharks know that the clash against the Dragons this Saturday, in their second tour match of this year's United Rugby Championship is going to be a challenge.
News
CONFIRMED: Stormers bring in big names for Edinburgh clash
TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Stormers head coach John Dobson has revealed his team to face Edinburgh in Cape Town on Saturday.
United Rugby Championship
SA teams' biggest URC threat
SPOTLIGHT: Friday's Irish Derby in Belfast could identify the main rival to the South African hopes of repeating last year’s trophy success in the United Rugby Championship.
News
Munster's Bok suffers new setback
INJURY UPDATE: World Cup-winning Springbok lock Rudolph Snyman's injury woes were compounded this week.
News
Women's World Cup set to smash attendance record
NEWS: The record attendance for a women's World Cup match is set to be broken.
Premiership
Worcester skipper urges teammates to seek 'Plan B'
REACTION: Worcester Warriors captain Ted Hill said on Wednesday that while "everyone wants everything to work out" at the English Premiership crisis club, his teammates will need a "Plan B" regarding their own futures amid the ongoing uncertainty over the team's future.
News
Baxter's plan to stop Premiership exodus
REACTION: Exeter Director of Rugby Rob Baxter said higher England match fees could help stop players leaving the Premiership for bigger salaries abroad.
New Zealand
McDonald to coach All Blacks XV in Europe
NEWS: Leon MacDonald has been announced as Head Coach of the All Blacks XV and will guide the team on a two-match end-of-year tour.
Ireland
Players sue Irish union in concussion case
NEWS: Three former players, including two Ireland internationals, have issued legal proceedings against the Irish Rugby Football Union that are reportedly related to alleged concussion injuries.
Premiership
England trio join Leicester Tigers
TRANSFER NEWS: Leicester Tigers have agreed deals with England stars Freddie Steward, George Martin and Jack van Poortvliet.
United Rugby Championship
Goosen gets pivot role as Boks boost Bulls
TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: As the rugby world braces itself for the third round of the United Rugby Championship, the Bulls get set to host a hungry Connacht team at Loftus Versfeld on Friday.
Super Rugby
World Rugby's bid to speed up game
NEWS: World Rugby will be watching closely after approving a host of new rules to be trialled at two Queensland Reds games.
South Africa
Pollard's injury update: 'The body is good'
INJURY UPDATE: Springbok flyhalf Handre Pollard has shared some positive news regarding his knee injury.
News
Freek Burger's handy hints for referees
OPINION: Respected and acclaimed former Test referee Freek Burger gives 101 hints that can help match officials deal with the current crisis in the game.
United Rugby Championship
Lions opt for continuity
TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: On the back of a morale-boosting 28-27 win against Ospreys in Swansea, the Lions take on Cardiff on Friday.
Laws & Referees
URC Round three - referee appointments
NEWS: The match officials appointments for the United Rugby Championship Round Three fixtures have been confirmed.
News
Star under the knife, as Stormers 'phase in' Boks
MEDICAL UPDATE: The Stormers paid a dear price for Irish international Bundee Aki's vicious and illegal cleanout of star back Seabelo Senatla's injury.
France
Kolbe tips northern giants as World Cup 'favourites'
NEWS: Bok superstar Cheslin Kolbe has opened up on who he thinks will be 'favourites' for the 2023 World Cup.
France
Major injury blow for World Cup hosts France
INJURY UPDATE: France centre Arthur Vincent will be sidelined for 'several months' after aggravating a left knee injury on his return to Top 14 action with French champions Montpellier.
News
Lions spoilt for choice in halfback department
SPOTLIGHT: Saturday's win over the Ospreys in Swansea was an example of the depth the Lions are building among their halfbacks.
Australia
Raynal on Bledisloe Cup decision: 'I take total responsibility for what I did'
SPOTLIGHT: Referee Mathieu Raynal said he took "100 percent responsibility" for the disputed decision at the end of this month's first Test between Australia and New Zealand.
United Rugby Championship
Nigel Owens headlines new URC appointments
NEWS: United Rugby Championship Head of Match Officials Tappe Henning has added a new element to the competition with the introduction of an independent referee selection panel.
News
'I want to do better things': Fassi opens up on his mission
SPOTLIGHT: Sharks star Aphelele Fassi is hoping he can grow his game this season and be a leader on the field as well.
News
Boks could boost Stormers for Edinburgh showdown
SPOTLIGHT: The Stormers could have a few more Boks back in their team for Saturday’s United Rugby Championship Round Three clash against Edinburgh at Cape Town Stadium
United Rugby Championship
Stormers star Dayimani ready to conduct another 'Circus act'
SPOTLIGHT: None celebrated winning the United Rugby Championship Grand Final more than Hacjivah Dayimani, and the rapid loose forward is determined for the Stormers to deliver a second successive title to the region.
News
Premiership club Worcester suspended from all competitions
NEWS: English Premiership side Worcester were suspended from all competitions by the Rugby Football Union on Monday after failing to meet a funding ultimatum.
United Rugby Championship
URC refs not perfect but close says Henning
IN THE SPOTLIGHT: The United Rugby Championship Head of Match Officials Tappe Henning is very pleased with his referees' performance.
Rugby World Cup
World Rankings: Boks rock-solid ahead of All Blacks
NEWS: While there were minimal changes to the World Rugby Rankings as a result of the final round of matches in the Rugby Championship, there was plenty of movement for the teams involved over the course of the six-week-long competition.
Rugby Championship
Rugby Champs stats: Los Pumas' vast improvement
STAT ATTACK: It was the closest tournament in several years with the title only being decided by the result of the last match of the season.
United Rugby Championship
White on young Bulls team: 'We will get better'
REACTION: Bulls Director of Rugby Jake White is extremely pleased with his inexperienced team's performance against Edinburgh on Saturday.
News
More 'belief' creeping into Lions squad after Swansea win
REACTION: Lions head coach says there is more "belief" creeping into his squad.
England
Former WP lock gets another England call-up ahead of November Tests
SQUAD ANNOUNCEMENT: Eddie Jones has named a 36-player England squad who will meet for a three-day training camp this weekend.
South Africa
Wiese: 'It’s a big task to fill Duane’s boots'
SPOTLIGHT: The Springboks might not have won the Rugby Championship, however they head into their year-end tour with a formidable No.8 - Jasper Wiese.
News
Stormers star sustains 'serious injury' due to Aki's shocker
REACTION: Stormers head coach John Dobson revealed that wing Seabelo Senatla is set to be out of action for a lengthy period after he sustained a "serious injury" in a dangerous cleanout from Connacht centre Bundee Aki.
News
Super Rugby bosses say no to Japan and USA
NEWS: Rugby Australia boss Andy Marinos has ruled out involvement by teams from Japan or the US in Super Rugby in the near future, saying fans want consistency in the competition.
Australia
'We've got limited availability': No Eden Park pain for Wallabies in 2023
SPOTLIGHT: After their latest Bledisloe Cup humiliation, the Wallabies can at least take heart that they won't lose at Eden Park in 2023, with the ground off limits thanks to the FIFA Women's World Cup.
England
Eddie Jones: 'We can't get messages on the field anymore'
SPOTLIGHT: With less than a year to go until the Rugby World Cup, England coach Eddie Jones is trying to formulate a group of players who can think for themselves.
Top 14
Clermont beat La Rochelle as Leyds takes pivot role
WRAP: Australia centre Irae Simone scored his first Top 14 try as Clermont beat La Rochelle 22-13 at home on Sunday.
News
CONFIRMED: Lancaster to leave Leinster
NEWS: Leinster's former England head coach Stuart Lancaster has been appointed Racing 92 boss for next season, the Irish province announced on Monday.
United Rugby Championship
Hard work awaits Sharks
REACTION: It was an inauspicious United Rugby Championship opener on Friday for the Sharks.
Australia
Rennie on Test Rugby: 'Messy, not a great product'
SPOTLIGHT: Wallabies coach Dave Rennie has made a very blunt assessment of the state of Test match officials following his team's 14-40 defeat to All Blacks on Saturday.
South Africa
'Rassie’s absence has put a lot of pressure on Jacques'
SPOTLIGHT: Controversial former Springbok head coach Rassie Erasmus is likely to be back with the team on their end-of-year Northern Hemisphere tour as a lengthy ban from attending matches comes to an end.
Premiership
Exeter Chiefs snatch late win against Harlequins
MATCH REPORT: Exeter snatched a second successive home win with the last play of the game to thwart Harlequins’ stunning second-half comeback.
United Rugby Championship
Dragons stun Munster
MATCH REPORT: Dragons claimed their first United Rugby Championship win of the season after hitting back to beat Munster 23-17 at home.
South Africa
Nienaber: 'Hats off to Frans'
SPOTLIGHT: After using 34 players in this year's Rugby Championship, Springbok head coach Jacques Nienaber believes that some questions have been answered over position depth.
New Zealand
'It's been a very different journey': All Blacks defy doubters to reign again
REACTION: It was not too long ago when the bell tolled for All Blacks coach Ian Foster.
South Africa
'We got near our goal': Kolisi dissects Rugby Championship campaign
REACTION: Springbok captain Siya Kolisi has defended his team's game plan once again after they fell short in their bid to win the Rugby Championship title.
Australia
Wallabies' injury crisis reaches new levels ahead of Euro tour
REACTION: Second best in all areas by their own admission, the Wallabies must now regroup from another Eden Park shellacking to take on the might of European rugby.
Argentina
'We need respect': Cheika blasts referee after defeat to Boks
REACTION: Argentina head coach Michael Cheika has revealed his frustrations with the refereeing decisions in his team's 21-38 defeat to the Boks in Durban.
Top 14
Durban-born Tedder boots Perpignan to victory over Toulon
TOP 14 SATURDAY WRAP: South African flyhalf Tristan Tedder kicked 14 points as Perpignan claimed their first win of the Top 14 season with a 19-13 victory over Toulon on Saturday.
Argentina
Boks fall short in Rugby Championship title bid
RUGBY CHAMPS REPORT: The All Blacks have claimed the Rugby Championship title once again after the Springboks failed to meet their targets in their final-round match against Argentina on Saturday.
News
Duhan helps crisis club Worcester crush Newcastle
PREMIERSHIP SATURDAY WRAP: Worcester director of rugby Steve Diamond revealed his players held a vote over whether to go ahead with Saturday's match against Newcastle.
News
Cooney stars as Ulster beat Scarlets in 12-try thriller
MATCH REPORT: Scrumhalf John Cooney scored 30 points as Ulster beat Scarlets 55-39 in a 12-try thriller at Parc y Scarlets.
News
Lions bounce back to upset Ospreys in Swansea
MATCH REPORT: The Lions got their URC tour off to a winning start when they edged the Ospreys 28-27 in a thriller in Swansea on Saturday.
Australia
All Blacks sink ill-disciplined Wallabies at Eden Park
REPORT: The All Blacks kept their hopes of bagging the Rugby Championship title, beating the Wallabies 40-14 at Eden Park on Saturday.
New Zealand
Another bizarre referee call leaves fans irate
SOCIAL REACTION: A contentious try by veteran second row Sam Whitelock has left many fans scratching their heads after the All Blacks defeated the Wallabies in Auckland on Saturday.
News
Super Rugby introduces 'rivalry' match-ups for new season
NEWS: Three "rivalry" match-ups for each team are a feature of the 2023 Super Rugby Pacific draw announced on Sunday.
United Rugby Championship
Steyn saves Bulls' blushes against Edinburgh
REPORT: A late Morne Steyn penalty handed the Bulls a dramatic 33-31 win against Edinburgh at Loftus Versfeld on Saturday.
News
Ospreys v Lions RECAP | United Rugby Championship
READERS’ FORUM: Welcome to our live coverage of the Round Two United Rugby Championship encounter between the Ospreys and the Lions in Swansea.
OPINION
Player Ratings: Bittersweet for Boks
OPINION: The Springboks ended their Rugby Championship with a hard-fought 38-21 win over the Los Pumas at Kings Park on Saturday.
News
Aki sees red as Stormers see off Connacht
MATCH REPORT: The Stormers started their United Rugby Championship title defence with a 38-15 bonus-point win over Connacht in Stellenbosch on Saturday.
South Africa
South Africa v Argentina RECAP | The Rugby Championship
READERS’ FORUM: Welcome to our live coverage of the Round Six Rugby Championship Test between South Africa and Argentina at Kings Park in Durban.
News
Bulls v Edinburgh RECAP | United Rugby Championship
READERS’ FORUM: Welcome to our live coverage of the Round Two United Rugby Championship encounter between the Bulls and Edinburgh at Loftus Versfeld in Pretoria.
News
Stormers v Connacht RECAP | United Rugby Championship
READERS’ FORUM: Welcome to our live coverage of the Round Two United Rugby Championship encounter between the Stormers and Connacht at the Danie Craven stadium in Stellenbosch.
News
Sharks survive Zebre scare
MATCH REPORT: The Sharks managed to hold on for a nailbiting 42-37 United Rugby Championship win over Zebre in Parma on Friday.
News
URC Round Two - teams and predictions
SATURDAY PREVIEW: Stormers coach John Dobson readily admits his team has a MASSIVE target on their proverbial backs.
OPINION
Player Ratings: The Slippery slope
OPINION: The Wallabies have fallen to a sizeable loss at Eden Park, suffering a 14-40 defeat at the hands of their arch-rivals, the All Blacks.
Australia
New Zealand v Australia RECAP | The Rugby Championship
READERS’ FORUM: Welcome to our live coverage of the Round Six Rugby Championship Test between New Zealand and Australia at Eden Park in Auckland.
OPINION
Player Ratings: One hand on the Trophy
OPINION: Following a controversial finish in Melbourne, the All Blacks and Wallabies both entered their Eden Park rematch with a point to prove.
Australia
New Zealand v Australia - Teams and Predictions
RUGBY CHAMPIONSHIP, ROUND SIX: New Zealand can put one hand on the Rugby Championship trophy with victory against Australia at their Eden Park fortress on Saturday.
France
Racing eyeing Leinster coach Lancaster
NEWS: French Top 14 side Racing 92 confirmed on Thursday they have held talks with Leinster's senior coach Stuart Lancaster about joining the club next season.
News
Cash-strapped Wasps sting Bath
MATCH REPORT: Wasps managed to put fears of financial ruin to one side for 80 minutes at least with a 39-31 win at Bath in the English Premiership on Friday.
News
Franco Smith's Warriors run riot in Glasgow
MATCH REPORT: Glasgow Warriors bounced back from their opening-round defeat to Benetton with a 52-24 bonus-point victory over Cardiff at Scotstoun.
News
Sheehan feasts in Leinster rout
MATCH REPORT: Ireland hooker Dan Sheehan helped himself to four tries as Leinster had little trouble in beating Benetton 42-10 in the United Rugby Championship at the RDS.
News
Zebre v Sharks RECAP | United Rugby Championship
READERS’ FORUM: Welcome to our live coverage of the Round Two United Rugby Championship encounter between Zebre and the Sharks in Parma.
South Africa
Springbok Women's big responsibility in New Zealand
IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Springbok Women prop Babalwa Latsha does not take the huge responsibility of having to represent South Africa at the 2021 World Cup lightly.
News
Bulls to unleash Goosen against Edinburgh
TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Bulls Director of Rugby Jake White has revealed his team to face Edinburgh in Pretoria on Saturday.
South Africa
Bakkies: 'Agh please cappy, just one more'
WATCH the day Springbok hard man Bakkie Botha his captain for just 'one more' chance to lay into an opponent.
News
URC Round Two - teams and predictions
FRIDAY PREVIEW: @king365ed looks at the intriguing start to Round Two of the @URCOfficial, as some South African teams hit the road.
News
Louw opens up on decision to leave Sharks
SPOTLIGHT: Marius Louw believes his knowledge of the game has been steadily increasing since he arrived in Johannesburg a few months ago.
United Rugby Championship
Munster centre stood down due to French rape case
NEWS: Ireland midfielder Chris Farrell has been stood down with immediate effect by Munster after the Bordeaux Court of Appeal confirmed on Thursday he had been charged with the alleged non-prevention of crime in the Grenoble rugby club rape case.
Top 14
'I have massive shoes to fill': All Blacks centre opens up on Racing 92 move
TOP 14 PREVIEW: New Zealand centre Francis Saili says he has "massive shoes to fill" as Virimi Vakatawa's replacement at Racing 92 before Saturday’s Top 14 trip to Toulouse.
News
'Important members': Bulls reveal latest contract decisions
NEWS: Some of the Bulls' stars have made decisions regarding their playing futures.
News
Hartzenberg takes centre stage for Stormers in Stellenbosch
TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Stormers head coach John Dobson has revealed his team to face Connacht in their URC opener on Saturday.
News
The key metrics that shows why URC has surpassed Super Rugby
WATCH AS United Rugby Championship CEO Martin Anayi unpacks the success of the first season and the attraction of South African teams.
News
Premiership ownership just a 'black hole'
REACTION: Bristol owner Steve Lansdown said on Thursday that investing in English club rugby amounts to putting money into a "black hole" as Premiership sides Wasps and Worcester struggle to stay afloat.
News
VIDEO: The first round is on Jake White ...
WATCH as Bulls Director of Rugby makes a very generous and unique offer to fans at the United Rugby Championship encounter between his team and Edinburgh Loftus Versfeld on Saturday.
Argentina
South Africa v Argentina - Teams and Prediction
RUGBY CHAMPIONSHIP, ROUND SIX: The 2022 edition of the Rugby Championship has been an intriguing one and it will go down to the wire in Durban on Saturday.
Australia
Wallabies coach fires back at Rieko Ioane over haka 'disrespect' sledge
SPOTLIGHT: Dave Rennie has lit the fuse ahead of the Rugby Championship finale.
South Africa
South Africa v Argentina - tale of the tape
STATISTICAL ANALYSES: @king365ed crunches the numbers ahead of the decisive Round Six Rugby Championship encounter between the Springboks and Los Pumas.
News
Stormers coach hints at eye-catching midfield combos for new season
SPOTLIGHT: Stormers head coach John Dobson is hoping Alapati Leiua will help him solve some midfield puzzles in the 2022/2023 season.
Australia
All Blacks lose their captain as Jordie takes centre stage
TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Sam Whitelock will captain New Zealand against Australia for this weekend's pivotal Rugby Championship clash in Auckland with Sam Cane ruled out as the All Blacks rung the changes Thursday.
Argentina
Cheika brings in 2015 hero for final Bok clash
TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Argentina head coach Michael Cheika has revealed his team for Saturday's Rugby Championship finale against the Springboks in Durban.
Australia
Rennie shuffles pack for All Blacks clash
TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Wallabies head coach Dave Rennie has revealed his team to face the All Blacks in Saturday's Rugby Championship Round Six clash in Auckland.
South Africa
The 'external noise' that is troubling the Boks
INTERVIEW: South Africa's coach Jacques Nienaber has taken a not-so-subtle dig at media hacks that have looked to stir trouble for his team.
Australia
World Rugby 'agrees' with Wallabies over refereeing concerns
REACTION: Wallabies head coach Dave Rennie says World Rugby admitted that a crunch time-wasting call in the opening Bledisloe Cup loss was wrong.
News
Another Premiership club in danger of financial ruin
NEWS: Wasps are the latest English Premiership club in danger of financial ruin after revealing their intention to appoint an administrator.
News
Lions ring the changes for tour opener
TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: The Lions have made a number of changes for the opening match of their United Rugby Championship tour.
Australia
Wallabies lock learns his fate after ending Tupaea's season
NEWS: Australia's Darcy Swain has received a lengthy ban for the incident that left New Zealand's Quinn Tupaea with a bad knee injury.
South Africa
Springboks wary of Los Pumas' 'dirty work'
SPOTLIGHT: Despite getting the better of their opponents in Buenos Aires, the Springboks are taking nothing for granted ahead of their rematch with Argentina in the final round of the Rugby Championship in Durban.
News
'Injured' Sharks add some Bok muscle for season-opener
TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: The Sharks have bulked up with some Springbok muscle for their opening match of the United Rugby Championship season - against a much-improved Zebre on Friday.
South Africa
Springbok Women squad for World Cup in NZ named
SQUAD ANNOUNCEMENT: Nolusindiso Booi will lead the Springbok Women to New Zealand in what will be a third Rugby World Cup for the South African captain and lock.
News
RFU threatens cash-strapped Warriors with suspension
UPDATE: Cash-strapped Worcester Warriors' participation in the Premiership has been cast into doubt.
News
URC Round Two - referee appointments
NEWS: The match official appointments for the United Championship Round Two fixtures have been confirmed.
Australia
'We need to channel that frustration': Raynal returns for Auckland Test
SPOTLIGHT: The Wallabies have no issue with French referee Mathieu Raynal officiating their rematch with the All Blacks even as they still fume from late decisions in their opening Bledisloe Cup defeat.
News
Bulls hooker to become a Malcolm Marx 2.0?
SPOTLIGHT: It took hooker Jan-Hendrik Wessels just 15 minutes to announce himself in the 2022/23 United Rugby Championship in what was a powerful statement against the Lions.
South Africa
Stupendous Steyn
IN THE SPOTLIGHT: @king365ed delves into the archives to highlight the amazing journey of Springbok flyhalf Francois Philippus Lodewyk Steyn.
South Africa
Why Frans Steyn and not Elton Jantjies
REACTION: Springbok coach Jacques Nienaber is adamant that utility Frans Steyn is more than capable of being a victorious 'driver' of the team.
News
Stormers slugger spearheads golden generation
SPOTLIGHT: The unsung hero of last season’s title win, Andre-Hugo Venter has all the ability to establish himself as a regular in the Stormers' starting line-up in the 2022-23 United Rugby Championship.
Australia
Australia 'A' loaded with Wallabies for Japan tour
SQUAD ANNOUNCEMENT: Australia 'A' coach Jason Gilmore has confirmed a 34-man squad for the upcoming three-match tour against Japan XV in Japan.
News
Bulls eye 'hot payback' for Edinburgh
INTERVIEW: Edinburgh, loaded with Scottish internationals and a South African physicality, can expect a 'hot' welcome at Loftus Versfeld on Saturday.
United Rugby Championship
Franco Smith: How to beat the SA teams
IN THE SPOTLIGHT: New Glasgow Warriors coach Franco Smith believes that Northern Hemisphere teams need to up their physicality if they want to win on a regular basis in South Africa.
South Africa
Cheetahs reveal their new captain
NEWS: Veteran Springbok Ruan Pienaar has stepped down as captain of the Cheetahs.
France
French chief facing jail time?
NEWS UPDATE: French prosecutors on Tuesday demanded prison time for Bernard Laporte, a towering figure in French rugby.
United Rugby Championship
Stormers sign Samoan to solve midfield problems
TRANSFER NEWS: Experienced Samoan international centre Alapati Leiua has signed with the Stormers for the new season.
Argentina
Los Pumas beef up pack for Boks trip
SQUAD ANNOUNCEMENT: Argentina head coach Michael Cheika has named a 29-man squad to travel to South Africa for the final round of the Rugby Championship.
News
Wales suffer fullback blow in URC opener
INJURY UPDATE: British and Irish Lions fullback Liam Williams will miss Wales' November Test series, including a clash with Australia, after injuring his collarbone.
South Africa
Bok coach tweaks team for decider
TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Coach Jacques Nienaber has tweaked his team for the Rugby Championship decider between South Africa and Argentina.
News
Blommetjies has a 'specific role' in new-look Stormers backline
IN THE SPOTLIGHT: The Stormers will start the defence of their United Rugby Championship title sporting a couple of new faces and revamped backline.
News
Discipline illuminated as Lions head offshore
REACTION: The Lions, South Africa's worst-performing team in the inaugural United Rugby Championship competition, are determined to make a better fist of it this season.
Australia
Cane not the All Blacks' only headache
TEAM UPDATE: All Black captain Sam Cane could miss the pivotal Rugby Championship clash against Australia in Auckland at the weekend.
United Rugby Championship
Injuries force Sharks into surprise flyhalf selection
SQUAD ANNOUNCEMENT: The Sharks have revealed their 28-man touring squad for the United Rugby Championship three-week tour.
Super Rugby
Former Chiefs playmaker joins Brumbies
TRANSFER NEWS: Jack Debreczeni will rejoin Super Rugby after the playmaker signed with the Brumbies for the 2023 season.
Rugby World Cup
World Rankings: Wallabies fall to ninth
NEWS: Australia’s last-gasp defeat to New Zealand in Melbourne last week has dropped them to a new low of ninth in the World Rugby Rankings.
South Africa
Report: Malcolm Marx a wanted man in France
TRANSFER TALK: Springboks hooker Malcolm Marx reportedly could be the next big name to head to France in search of a lucrative contract in the Top 14.
South Africa
Bok backline creating new identity for themselves
REACTION: The Springboks' backline has been given a little bit more freedom on attack, according to centre Damian De Allende.
South Africa
Nienaber recalls two and gives flyhalf update
SQUAD UPDATE: Coach Jacques Nienaber has recalled a couple of exciting backline players for the final round of South Africa's Rugby Championship campaign.
France
Bastareaud is back ... as a No.8
WRAP: Toulon edged Clermont 30-29 in the Top 14 in a game that marked the latest return of veteran France international Mathieu Bastareaud to Toulon.
Australia
Wobbly Wallabies file official complaint with World Rugby
REACTION: Five days after the dramatic Melbourne Test, Australian remains consumed by contentious calls in the Wallabies' 37-39 Bledisloe Cup loss to New Zealand.
South Africa
The options if Willemse is ruled out
IN THE SPOTLIGHT: @leezil07 looks at the options available, should Damian Willemse be ruled out of the decisive final round of the Rugby Championship.
News
Jenkins sends message to Bok coaches
REACTION: Irish powerhouse Leinster was almost shocked by a South African-laden Zebre on Saturday, but had the highlight of Springbok Jason Jenkins making an impressive debut for the side.
New Zealand
Beauden Barrett linked to French club
TRANSFER TALK: The All Blacks are set to lose two of their most experienced players following the 2023 World Cup with Beauden Barrett and Nepo Laulala both reportedly weighing up deals with French clubs.
South Africa
Kolisi: 'We want to win the Rugby Championship'
REACTION: The Springboks kept themselves in contention for the Rugby Championship with a hard-fought 36-20 win over Argentina following a turbulent week for the team.
News
White opens up about Goosen's World Cup goal
WATCH as Bulls Director of Rugby Jake White speak about the imminent return of Springbok utility back Johan Goosen.
Australia
'It's massive, it's a final'
SPOTLIGHT: All Black scrumhalf Aaron Smith said that it was "very special" to host the Wallabies at Eden Park on Saturday with the chance to clinch the Rugby Championship title.
United Rugby Championship
Smith steers Bulls to win over Lions
MATCH REPORT: United Rugby Championship finalist the Bulls opened their season with a 31-15 win over Lions on Saturday at Ellis Park.
News
Ulster routs Connacht in Irish derby
MATCH REPORT: Ulster opened their United Rugby Championship season with a convincing 36-10 bonus point victory over Irish rivals Connacht at Ravenhill in Belfast.
South Africa
Marx brace fires Boks past Los Pumas
REPORT: South Africa stormed to second of the Rugby Championship table with a five-try bonus point 36-20 victory over dogged Argentina in Buenos Aires on Saturday.
South Africa
VIDEO: Bok team 'stunned' by media speculation of drug abuse
WATCH as Springbok coach Jacques Nienaber and captain Siyamthanda Kolisi react to reports on illicit drug use in the team.
News
Ospreys and Scarlets in dramatic draw
MATCH REPORT: Jack Walsh held his nerve to convert a last-minute try from Rhys Davies and earn the Ospreys a 23-all draw in a pulsating United Rugby Championship derby against the Scarlets in Llanelli.
News
Worcester still faces 'uncertain future'
REACTION: Worcester Director of Rugby Steve Diamond said the cash-strapped club still faced an uncertain future after a gutsy 21-36 loss at home to Exeter in the English Premiership on Sunday.
News
Injury concerns for England ahead of Bok visit
SATURDAY WRAP: Flank Sam Underhill is set to miss England's year-end Tests because of a shoulder problem that requires surgery.
News
Warriors take another blow
REPORT: Cash-strapped Worcester put their off-field problems to one side in a spirited display before losing 21-36 at home to Exeter in a Premiership clash on Sunday.
United Rugby Championship
Cardiff make a big URC statement
MATCH REPORT: Cardiff put down a big marker with a 20-13 win over Munster on Saturday at Cardiff Arms Park.
Australia
Nigel Owens' take on Bledisloe Cup controversy
REACTION: While the Australian media has gone into a total meltdown of the Bledisloe Cup controversy, there is another very balanced take on the saga.
Australia
Foster has another dig at 'slow' Aussies
REACTION: All Black coach Ian Foster has stood by his post-match endorsement of the Bledisloe Cup time-wasting penalty.
United Rugby Championship
Bok scores as Leinster survive Zebre scare
MATCH REPORT: Leinster just about escaped with a bonus-point victory over Zebre Parma in the opening round of the United Rugby Championship at Stadio Sergio Lanfranchi on Saturday.
South Africa
'No evidence' of failed Bok drug tests
REACTION: The South African Rugby Union moved swiftly to squash rumours that 'several' Springboks have tested positive for the use of illicit drugs
News
Glasgow's Franco Smith era begins with defeat to Benetton
URC REPORT: Benetton got their 2022/2023 United Rugby Championship campaign off to a perfect start with a 33-11 win over Glasgow Warriors in Treviso on Friday.
South Africa
Player ratings: Butcherly Boks
OPINION: South Africa stayed alive in the Rugby Championship with a hard-earned 36-20 win over Argentina in Buenos Aires on Saturday.
South Africa
Argentina v South Africa RECAP | The Rugby Championship
READERS’ FORUM: Welcome to our live coverage of the Round Five Rugby Championship Test between Argentina and South Africa in Buenos Aires
News
VIDEO: BlitzBoks must be 'consistent' and 'hungry' again
WATCH as new BlitzBok coach Sandile Ngcobo and his second in command Philip Snyman talk about how the team can become No.1 again.
South Africa
'Untruths and half-truths': Jantjies addresses affair allegations in statement
NEWS: Springbok flyhalf Elton Jantjies and team dietician Zeenat Simjee have released statements addressing the allegations they are currently facing.
South Africa
Kolisi's big breakdown warning ahead of Buenos Aires Test
SPOTLIGHT: Springbok captain Siyamthanda Kolisi predicts a fierce breakdown battle in their must-win Rugby Championship clash against Argentina, as victory for either side will keep them in the hunt for the title.
News
Lions v Bulls RECAP | United Rugby Championship
READERS’ FORUM: Welcome to our live coverage of the Round One United Rugby Championship encounter between the Lions and Bulls at Ellis Park in Johannesburg.
Australia
Raynal v Foley: New evidence about #THAT call
WATCH as we bring you new evidence of the contentious call by French referee Mathieu Raynal to overturn a penalty awarded to Australian flyhalf Bernard Foley.
News
Crisis club Worcester meet RFU deadline to avoid ban
NEWS: Crisis-hit Worcester's English Premiership game against Exeter this weekend will go ahead as scheduled after the club met Friday's deadline to provide safety certification for matches at their Sixways Stadium.
New Zealand
Ranfurly Shield has a new home
REPORT: It’s been a long time between drinks for Wellington, but the Lions have finally ended their Ranfurly Shield drought with a 19-12 win over Hawke’s Bay in Napier.
News
Warriors hit out at 'continual broken promises'
REACTION: Staff at crisis-hit Premiership club Worcester have called for a change of ownership and expressed their anger over “continual broken promises” that have left their future in jeopardy.
Australia
Foley on what the ref said to him before controversial call
REACTION: Bernard Foley, at the centre of a controversial ref call in the Bledisloe Cup loss, says the Wallabies must re-set and target a breakthrough win at Eden Park.
News
URC Round One - teams and predictions
SATURDAY PREVIEW: The Bulls, beaten finalists last season, are looking to take their game up to a level where they will be crowned champions at the end of the 2022-23 United Rugby Championship season.
South Africa
WPRFU: SARU boss not frazzled by club walk-out
ONE-ON-ONE WITH MARK ALEXANDER: @king365ed sat down for an exclusive chat with the SARU kingpin about their trouble with WPRFU clubs and the Newlands saga.
Georgia
Rugby Europe Championship undergoes massive shake-up
NEWS: The Rugby Europe Championship is to expand the number of teams participating as part of an overhauled tournament format.
Top 14
Wallaby and All Black take centre stage against Toulon
Clermont's Australia centre Irae Simone said lining up alongside former New Zealand midfielder George Moala for the club is "scary" before they head to Toulon in the Top 14 on Sunday.
South Africa
Argentina v South Africa - Teams and Prediction
RUGBY CHAMPIONSHIP, ROUND FIVE: Argentina are on the verge of an incredible feat should they secure a win over South Africa this Saturday in Buenos Aires.
Australia
More misery for Wallabies
IN THE SPOTLIGHT: The Wallabies will sink to their worst-ever world ranking on the back of their dramatic loss to the All Blacks in Melbourne.
News
'Fear the Fin': Sharks get a new logo and slogan
SPOTLIGHT: The Sharks have taken the next step in their evolution under the ownership of MVM Holdings.
New Zealand
'It was very clear cut': Wallabies get no sympathy from All Blacks coach
REACTION: All Blacks head coach Ian Foster has thrown his support behind French referee Mathieu Raynal after his team edged the Wallabies 39-37 in a controversial Rugby Championship clash in Melbourne.
News
Melbourne gets another #BIG dosage of Aussies versus Kiwis
NEWS: The world's best players will return to Melbourne in an action-packed weekend of Super Rugby.
Premiership
Premiership Club crisis: Worcester given deadline
NEWS: Worcester Warriors face suspension from all competitions unless the financially-stricken English Premiership club meet Friday's deadline to provide safety certification for matches at their Sixways Stadium.
News
Stormers' midfield depth to be seriously tested
SPOTLIGHT: Stormers head coach John Dobson will have to make some key midfield decisions in the opening rounds of the new United Rugby Championship season.
Australia
'I haven’t seen a decision like that': French ref stuns Wallabies coach
REACTION: Wallabies head coach Dave Rennie was left stunned after his team had victory snatched away from them in their Rugby Championship encounter against the All Blacks in Melbourne on Thursday.
News
Jake White pulls a 'Simelane out the hat'
TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: The Bulls will go into their United Rugby Championship season-opening match against the Lions with a surprise selection at fullback.
News
BlitzBoks reveal their new coaches as Powell era ends
NEWS: Two former World Rugby Sevens Series winners will provide the core of the newly appointed Springbok Sevens management.
United Rugby Championship
VIDEO: Jake White reveals his future plans
BREAKING NEWS: Bulls director of rugby, Jake White, has committed for a long-term stay at Loftus Versfeld with a contract extension that will see him at the helm of the side until 2027.
Argentina
Cheika makes big changes for Bok clash
TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Argentina's Australian coach Michael Cheika made seven changes to his team announced on Thursday for the weekend clash with world champions South Africa in Buenos Aires.
Australia
All Blacks and referee break Wallabies' hearts in controversial thriller
RUGBY CHAMPS REPORT: The Wallabies' Bledisloe Cup drought has stretched to a 20th year after they suffered a heartbreaking 37-39 loss to the All Blacks in a drama-charged Test in Melbourne.
News
Lions reveal 'new' URC team
TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Lions coach Ivan van Rooyen has named his team for their United Rugby Championship season-opener.
News
Bulls reveal change in plan to conquer Europe
SPOTLIGHT: Bulls backline coach Chris Rossouw has pinpointed some key areas his team will need to focus on for the 2022/2023 United Rugby Championship season.
South Africa
Bonus point-chasing Boks not ready to park the box kick
WATCH as Springbok scrumhalf Francois de Klerk talks about 'parking' the box kick for the remainder of the Rugby Championship.
South Africa
SA players reveal who they really rate
NEWS: The finalists for South Africa's Players' Player of the Year award have been named.
News
Benetton v Glasgow Warriors - teams and predictions
URC ROUND ONE: Edoardo Padovani has set his sights on Glasgow Warriors after Benetton clinched a dramatic late victory over Edinburgh in their final pre-season fixture.
South Africa
Bulls replace Italy in Cheetahs' Challenge Series
NEWS: The Cheetahs have been forced to go 'local' for their Challenge Series, which gets underway later this month.
Australia
Player ratings: Heartbreak for Wallabies
OPINION: The Wallabies hosted the All Blacks at Docklands Stadium in front of a sell-out Melbourne crowd on Thursday.
Ireland
Ireland reveal squad for trip to South Africa
SQUAD ANNOUNCEMENT: The Ireland coaching group have named the 35 man squad that will travel to South Africa in late September to play in the Challenge Series.
New Zealand
Player Ratings: The great escape
OPINION: It was a true 80-minute encounter in Melbourne on Thursday with the All Blacks claiming a last-minute 39-37 win over the Wallabies.
Australia
Australia v New Zealand RECAP| The Rugby Championship
READERS’ FORUM: Welcome to our live coverage of the Round Five Rugby Championship Test between Australia and New Zealand in Melbourne.
NEWS
Are South African schools still the best?
SPOTLIGHT: The World Schools Festival returns in 2022, with the best schools in the world will be taking each other on.
South Africa
Faf on being a flyhalf
WATCH as seasoned Springbok Francois de Klerk opens up on possibly 'helping out' as a flyhalf and playing off the bench.
South Africa
Bok coach provides bleak update on injured stars
SPOTLIGHT: The Springboks will have the perfect opportunity to look at new talent for the No.10 jersey when they embark on their end-of-year tour in November.
South Africa
Boks battling to 'tick boxes' ahead of World Cup
SPOTLIGHT: Springbok head coach Jacques Nienaber admitted that a lack of consistency in selection this year may have resulted in his team not hitting specific targets.
Australia
Australia v New Zealand - Teams and Prediction
RUGBY CHAMPIONSHIP, ROUND FIVE: James Slipper admits he's been surprised by the All Blacks' faltering form but the Wallabies skipper expects them to be at their bruising best for the Bledisloe Cup clash in Melbourne on Thursday.
News
The impact of URC on the global game
SPOTLIGHT: The second season of the United Rugby Championship gets underway this coming weekend against the background of a dramatically changed global landscape in the game.
News
Cape Town Stadium: Bieber out, URC in
NEWS: The cancellation of Justin Bieber's concert means the Stormers will be able to play one of their opening United Rugby Championship games at Cape Town Stadium.
New Zealand
The valuable 'lesson' All Blacks skipper learnt from the queen
SPOTLIGHT: New Zealand legend Sean Fitzpatrick, who paid two visits to Buckingham Palace with the All Blacks, said the late Queen Elizabeth II taught him an invaluable piece of etiquette.
News
Japan to play 'peace-maker' in Trans-Tasman Super Rugby stand-off
NEWS: As the Wallabies and All Blacks prepare to battle for the Bledisloe Cup, Japan is offering to be the peace-maker in the simmering Super Rugby stand-off between the trans-Tasman rivals.
Australia
When your captain is the most penalised player ...
SPOTLIGHT: With the Wallabies conceding 14.5 penalties a game in the Rugby Championship, skipper James Slipper says they need improved discipline against New Zealand.
News
Worcester's owners strike deal to sell crisis club
NEWS: Worcester's co-owners agreed a deal to sell the financially-troubled English Premiership club on Tuesday as they moved closer to avoiding the threat of bankruptcy.
South Africa
Marx versus Montoya: 'It’s going to be tough'
SPOTLIGHT: As we approach the two last rounds of the Rugby Championship, the trophy is anyone's to take.
South Africa
Nienaber tweaks Bok bench for Los Pumas clash
TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Springbok head coach Jacques Nienaber has revealed his team for Saturday's clash against Argentina in Buenos Aires.
Australia
Koroibete is the benchmark says All Blacks wing
SPOTLIGHT: Describing him as the benchmark Test wing, Will Jordan knows he will have his hands full trying to contain Wallabies game-breaker Marika Koroibete in Thursday's Bledisloe Cup encounter.
Australia
Foster reveals Ardie Savea's replacement for Wallabies clash
TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: All Blacks head coach Ian Foster has revealed his team to face the Wallabies in Melbourne on Thursday.
Australia
Wallabies coach wields axe for All Blacks clash
TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Wallabies coach Dave Rennie has turned over almost half of his run-on side ahead of Thursday's Bledisloe Cup encounter against the All Blacks, with scrumhalf Nic White the highest profile casualty.
South Africa
Elton Jantjies' cryptic response to affair allegations
SPOTLIGHT: Elton Jantjies has appeared to respond to his latest off-field scandal with a cryptic social media post on Instagram.
South Africa
'Suffering and damage': Rassie has his say on Jantjies saga
REACTION: South Africa's Director of Rugby Rassie Erasmus has broken his silence on the allegations surrounding flyhalf Elton Jantjies.
South Africa
Boks downplay flyhalf concerns amid scandal
IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Springbok assistant coach Deon Davids has backed Damian Willemse to alleviate any flyhalf concerns ahead of their penultimate Rugby Championship match against Argentina.
Super Rugby
Ioane joins Rebels
TRANSFER NEWS: After nine years playing overseas, Monty Ioane is returning to Australia.
South Africa
Boks beef up pack for Los Pumas
SQUAD UPDATE: Springbok hooker Mbongeni Mbonambi joined the national squad in Buenos Aires on Monday after completing the initial stages of his recovery from the knee injury that sidelined him before the second Rugby Championship Test against New Zealand in Johannesburg last month.
Argentina
New venue for Boks' Test against Los Pumas
NEWS: Argentina have been forced to switch the venue for Saturday’s Rugby Championship clash against South Africa from Jose Amalfitani Stadium in Buenos Aires because of the poor condition of the pitch
Second Phase
VIDEO: Five of the best
WATCH as we bring you five of the best tries from the inaugural United Rugby Championship season.
United Rugby Championship
VIDEO: URC champions Stormers reveal their new kit
NEW JERSEY: Drawn from the Western Cape's rich art history and central role in the fabric of local communities, this season's Stormers jersey features an artistic flair in the design.
Australia
'We've struggled' : Wallabies scratching their heads over dip in form
SPOTLIGHT: Australia's coaching staff have been working overtime to determine why they've struggled to win successive Tests this year as they prepare for the Bledisloe Cup clash in Melbourne on Thursday.
United Rugby Championship
Why South African players favour URC over Super Rugby
IN THE SPOTLIGHT: A couple of South African rugby players have pinpointed why they prefer the United Rugby Championship over the Super Rugby.
United Rugby Championship
Cardiff v Munster URC opener postponed
The United Rugby Championship Round one clash between Cardiff and Munster has been rescheduled.
News
Force to confront Israel Folau's Japanese team
SPOTLIGHT: The Western Force are set to come up against a familiar face in November after they locked in two pre-season games against Israel Folau's Japanese side Urayasu D-Rocks.
France
Ntamack injury mars Toulouse's win over Toulon
TOP 14 REPORT: Toulouse climbed to the summit of the early Top 14 table with a 28-8 home victory over Toulon on Sunday, but saw France flyhalf Romain Ntamack limp off with an ankle injury.
South Africa
Boks send two home after reports of guest house 'tryst'
REACTION: Two members of the Springbok touring squad have been sent home after reports of an extra-marital tryst between the duo.
News
'There is just more pressure': Tshituka explains move to Sharks
SPOTLIGHT: Loose forward Vincent Tshituka has explained his decision to leave the Lions for a three-year contract with the Sharks in Durban.
News
Fiji dazzles to claim third World Crown
DAY THREE WRAP: Olympic champions Fiji turned on a dazzling display to win the Sevens World Cup after emphatic victories against Australia and New Zealand at the Cape Town Stadium on Sunday.
South Africa
The guaranteed Springbok selections
OPINION: Elton Jantjies' untimely departure from the Springbok team has left coach Jacques Nienaber with limited options. Jan de Koning looks into his crystal ball.
News
Worcester produces more action off the field than on it
REACTION: Worcester Director of Rugby Steve Diamond has revealed that a deal could be reached for an investor to buy the financially-stricken club in the next three days.
Australia
'It is definitely unusual': Rugby Championship's competitiveness explained
SPOTLIGHT: All Blacks coach Ian Foster has attributed the Rugby Championship's competitiveness to improvements made by the Michael Cheika-coached Argentines.
South Africa
Boks need bonus points says star forward
SPOTLIGHT: Springbok No.8 Jasper Wiese says his team will be out to get bonus points in their final two Rugby Championship clashes against Argentina.
Top 14
Leyds scores again to help La Rochelle go top in France
TOP 14 SATURDAY WRAP: La Rochelle survived a late scare to edge Lyon 23-21 and take pole position in the Top 14 on Saturday with champions Montpellier bouncing back from their opening round defeat to beat Bordeaux-Begles.
Australia
Wallabies opt for brawn over brains against All Blacks
INTERVIEW: The Wallabies will be aiming to make up for their 8-24 loss to South Africa when they host the All Blacks in Melbourne on Thursday.
News
SA duo help Harlequins edge Newcastle in thriller
PREMIERSHIP SATURDAY WRAP: Harlequins survived a scare to beat Newcastle 40-31 in Round One of the 2022/2023 Premiership season.
South Africa
Boks have 'slow poison' plan for Los Pumas
WATCH as prop Retshegofaditswe Nche talks about South Africa's plans for success on the two-Test trip to Argentina.
News
Bumbling BlitzBoks crash out of World Cup Sevens
DAY TWO WRAP: Ireland produced a strong performance to knock the BlitzBoks out of the Sevens World Cup in Cape Town with a 24-14 win in their quarterfinal on Saturday.
News
New Zealand's v Fiji in Final, as BlitzBoks choke again and again
DAY THREE WRAP: New Zealand will face Pacific rivals Fiji in the Final of the Sevens World Cup tournament in Cape Town on Sunday.
Australia
Beale sends warning to All Blacks ahead of Bledisloe Cup clash
SPOTLIGHT: With no certainty to take on the All Blacks in the Bledisloe Cup clash in Melbourne on Thursday, Wallabies veteran Kurtley Beale says he will be ready if he gets the opportunity.
South Africa
Mapimpi opens up on that revenge try in Sydney
SPOTLIGHT: Springbok wing Makazole Mapimpi said he was glad he got the opportunity to right some wrongs against the Wallabies in Sydney last weekend.
News
Wasps' South African import not enough top stop Gloucester comeback
SUNDAY WRAP: Wales star Louis Rees-Zammit sparked a spectacular second-half fightback as Gloucester launched their Premiership campaign with a 27-21 victory over Wasps at Kingsholm.
News
Sharks put down pre-season marker
MATCH REPORT: The Sharks put down an important marker when they beat the defending-champion Stormers 21-12 in a United Rugby Championship pre-season outing in Port Elizabeth on Friday.
Argentina
'They've all got a chance': Northern Hemisphere backed for World Cup glory
SPOTLIGHT: Lawrence Dallaglio believes the gap with the Southern Hemisphere has never been narrower to offer European nations hope a year out from the Rugby World Cup.
Argentina
Los Pumas get big names back for Bok Tests
SQUAD ANNOUNCEMENT: Argentina head coach Michael Cheika has revealed his squad for their upcoming Tests against the Springboks in the Rugby Championship.
Top 14
Madosh Tambwe: The pearl of Bordeaux
IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Bordeaux coach Christophe Urios has hailed the immediate impact of their Congolese signing Madosh Tambwe.
Sevens
BlitzBok captain reveals problem area ahead of World Cup Sevens quarterfinal
REACTION: The Springbok Sevens team will be looking for a more dominant performance on defence when they take on Ireland in the quarter-finals of World Cup Sevens at the Cape Town Stadium on Saturday.
Sevens
World Cup Sevens: Ireland set up date with BlitzBoks
DAY ONE WRAP: There were some shocking results on the opening day of the 2022 World Cup Sevens in Cape Town.
Japan
'It's pointless': Japan to ditch daredevil style for 2023 World Cup
SPOTLIGHT: Japan thrilled fans with their swashbuckling style at the 2019 Rugby World Cup but head coach Jamie Joseph believes it would be "pointless" to play the same way at next year's tournament.
South Africa
Jurie Roux: Both sides of the coin
LISTEN as @king365ed and acclaimed radio anchor John Maytham go head-to-head over the much-publicized Jurie Roux saga.
South Africa
'He’s a bit of a freak': Kiwis open up on Moodie's Bok debut
SPOTLIGHT: Canan Moodie's performance in Sydney is causing a stir in New Zealand.
Australia
The winning formula for Trans-Tasman showdown
SPOTLIGHT: Ned Lester looks at they key factors in the Trans-Tasman battle between Australia and New Zealand in the next fortnight.
News
Sharks to unleash Rohan against new-look Stormers
TEAM ANNOUNCEMENTS: The Stormers and the Sharks have revealed their teams for Friday's pre-season clash.
News
World Rugby to learn from Champions League fiasco
SPOTLIGHT: World Rugby chief executive Alan Gilpin says he is "confident" about fan safety with one year to go to the Rugby World Cup in France despite the security issues surrounding May's Champions League final held in Paris.
News
VIDEO: Bulls reveal new kit
JERSEY LAUNCH: The Bulls have revealed their 2022/2023 home and alternative kit just a week ahead of the opening round of the United Rugby Championship.
News
VIDEO: Sharks unveil new jersey
JERSEY LAUNCH: The Sharks have unveiled their brand new jersey ahead of their 2022/23 United Rugby Championship campaign.
South Africa
Nienaber outlines Boks' plan in Argentina
SPOTLIGHT: The Springboks got back to business on the training field in Buenos Aires to prepare for the big task of attempting to win their two remaining Rugby Championship matches.
News
'He changed my life around': BlitzBoks to go all out for Powell
SPOTLIGHT: Life does not always deliver a fairy tale ending and Neil Powell has experienced enough highs and lows in 15 years of Sevens to realise that.
Australia
'They think it's about them': Referees get slammed...again
SPOTLIGHT: Wallabies legend David Campese says the current state of Rugby Union is "a joke".
Sevens
Oosthuizen axed as Powell trims BlitzBok squad
TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: South Africa sevens coach Neil Powell confirmed his squad of 12 players with two players set to miss the historical 2022 World Cup Sevens at Cape Town Stadium.
News
Ireland star eyes SA trip for comeback
URC BUILD-UP: Ulster could have a big boost for their trip to South Africa in October.
Australia
Wallabies legend slams young playmaker after loss to Boks
SPOTLIGHT Will Genia says young No.10 Noah Lolesio must be held accountable after the performance in Sydney ‘failed to fire a shot’.
Sevens
Preview: World Cup Sevens
With an anticipated record-breaking crowd of more than 150 000 fans set to create an unforgettable atmosphere in an iconic venue, Rugby World Cup Sevens 2022 aims to set new standards in Cape Town this weekend.
Top 14
How a 'child of the desert' climbed to the top of French rugby
FEATURE: Mohed Altrad's appearance in the dock marks another remarkable chapter in the never-dull life of a man who turned up in Montpellier from Syria in 1970 without a penny or a word of French.
Australia
Wallabies bring in a veteran for All Blacks Tests
SQUAD ANNOUNCEMENT: Wallabies head coach Dave Rennie has revealed his squad for their Bledisloe Tests against the All Blacks.
Premiership
Van Graan reveals his Bath captain for the season
NEWS: Bath Rugby have named Ben Spencer as club captain for the 2022/23 season.
France
France star opens up about shock retirement
REACTION: France midfielder Virimi Vakatawa has explained the reason why retired from playing rugby with immediate effect at the age of 30.
News
Top Kiwi commentator dies in Cape Town
NEWS: Top New Zealand broadcaster and former Tonga international, Willie Los’e, has died in Cape Town.
Sevens
'My country called and I had to answer': Afrika on return to BlitzBoks
He did not know what the question was going to be when he saw an incoming call from Springbok Sevens coach Neil Powell, but Cecil Africa instinctively knew the answer.
Premiership
Harlequins CEO shuts down 'factually inaccurate' debt reports
NEWS: Harlequins CEO Laurie Dalrymple has responded via Twitter to a report on the extent of the club’s debt, saying it is “factually inaccurate.”
South Africa
Jurie Roux: Don't pop the champagne corks yet
SPOTLIGHT: Those already celebrating the 'demise' and 'departure' of Jurie Roux should calm down.
South Africa
Kolisi's conversion from 'wing forward' to openside flank
STATISTICAL REVIEW: Siyamthanda Kolisi produced arguably the most influential performance of his Springbok career in South Africa's 24-8 demolition of the Wallabies in Sydney this past weekend.
Sevens
World Sevens series Champs Australia unchanged for Cape Town
SEVENS SQUAD ANNOUNCEMENT: Australia’s World Rugby Sevens Series Champion teams have confirmed their squads for the Rugby World Cup Sevens in Cape Town.
News
The format that favours the BlitzBoks
INTERVIEW: Few things excite a South African Sevens player more than running out onto the pitch at Cape Town Stadium to the cheer of thousands upon thousands of passionate supporters.
New Zealand
The man raising the bar for resurgent All Blacks
OPINION: New Zealand is slowly working its way back towards the top of the world rankings and one man is credited with the revival.
France
French star banned over 'medical condition'
BREAKING NEWS: Racing 92 announced on Monday that France centre Virimi Vakatawa has been banned from playing in France.
United Rugby Championship
'A phenomenal player': Bulls get star flank back
TRANSFER NEWS: Bulls have acquired the services of loose-forward, Marco van Staden, who will make a much-anticipated return to Loftus Versfeld.
Rugby World Cup
World Rankings: All Blacks close gap on Boks
NEWS: Round four of the Rugby Championship was ‘bounce back day’ with New Zealand and South Africa both overturning their defeats to Argentina and Australia the previous week in emphatic style.
France
Laporte: The man who relishes challenges
SPOTLIGHT: Bernard Laporte, the president of the French Rugby Federation, has served as a player, coach and even a minister, overcoming controversy and setbacks to become one of the most powerful figures in the sport.
France
Laporte's graft trial opens
NEWS: Bernard Laporte, a towering figure in French rugby, goes on trial on Wednesday on charges of corruption and influence-peddling.
South Africa
The stats that will concern Boks the most
OPINION: @king365ed delves into the statistics to see what parts of the Springbok game is not working in @SanzarTRC.
Argentina
Where it went wrong for Los Pumas
The magic from the Los Pumas history-making victory in Christchurch, the first on New Zealand soil, couldn’t be replicated a second time as the All Blacks ran rampant in a 53-3 win in Hamilton.
South Africa
When you awake the beast in the Boks
OPINION: RugbyPass scribe Ben Smith looks back at the reasons for South Africa's emphatic win over Australia at the weekend and what the rest of the Rugby Championship holds.
South Africa
The Jantjies factor behind Willemse's growth
REACTION: Springbok utility back Damian Willemse had plenty of praise for Elton Jantjies after Saturday's 24-8 victory over the Wallabies in Sydney on Saturday.
New Zealand
All Blacks forced to revamp loose trio
Game-breaking All Black Ardie Savea will miss next week’s Bledisloe Cup match in Melbourne in a reprieve for the Wallabies as they seek to break a 20-year drought.
Australia
'This one has to hurt a lot': Wallabies face brutal truth after defeat to Boks
REACTION: As Wallabies fans piled out of the Sydney Football Stadium after watching their side's 8-24 defeat to South Africa, James Slipper gathered his troops and addressed them.
South Africa
Kolisi on Los Pumas: 'They are going to be tough'
IN THE SPOTLIGHT: The Springboks are bracing themselves for a challenging test against Argentina on September 17.
New Zealand
Calls for consistency from All Blacks
REACTION: New Zealand forwards coach Jason Ryan Sunday called for consistency after the 53-3 thrashing of Argentina, saying it should not take a setback to fire up the All Blacks.
Top 14
Tambwe double not enough as Toulouse edge Bordeaux
TOP 14 REPORT: Toulouse opened their Top 14 campaign on Sunday with a 26-25 victory at Bordeaux-Begles as the hosts missed three consecutive late penalties.
Australia
VIDEO: Eben and Allan show the true spirit of rugby
WATCH as Eben Etzebeth and Allan Alaalatoa enjoy a beer together after Springboks' 24-8 win over Wallabies in Sydney on Saturday.
New Zealand
VIDEO: All Black coaching team far from a united front
SPOTLIGHT: The All Blacks got their Rugby Championship title challenge back on track with a 53-3 thrashing of Argentina on Saturday.
Under-20 World Cup
Springbok's son selected for All Blacks U19 squad
SQUAD ANNOUNCEMENT: New Zealand Under-19 head coach Mark Hammett has selected his squad to embark on a tour to South Africa later this month.
South Africa
Boks end their drought Down Under
RUGBY CHAMPIONSHIP REPORT: The Springboks produced a ruthless performance to end their almost decade-long drought in Sydney, beating the Wallabies 24-8 on Saturday.
South Africa
VIDEO: A pledge and a bright future
There is a pledge that needs to be made by all new Springbok players.
Argentina
All Blacks annihilate Pumas in Hamilton
MATCH REPORT: New Zealand beat Argentina 53-3 in their Rugby Championship Test in Hamilton on Saturday, scoring seven unanswered tries in an emphatic display to avenge last week's shock loss to the Pumas.
Australia
Rennie: Springboks 'are very good at strangling us'
REACTION: Wallabies coach Dave Rennie admits his side missed a golden opportunity to put one hand on the Rugby Championship trophy, brutalised 24-8 by South Africa in Sydney.
South Africa
Moodie answered some World Cup questions says Bok boss
REACTION: Canan Moodie has been making headlines throughout the week and he certainly delivered on Saturday.
South Africa
Player ratings: A great response
OPINION: The Springboks bounced back from their defeat in Adelaide with a morale-boosting 24-8 win over the Wallabies in Sydney.
South Africa
VIDEO: Eben tries to scare the living daylights out of Wallaby prop
SPOTLIGHT: Saturday’s Rugby Championship encounter in Sydney had a feisty denouement when a mass scuffle that had Eben Etzebeth and Allan Alaalatoa at its heart broke out.
Top 14
Leyds stars for La Rochelle
La Rochelle walked away with the honours in the headline fixture on the opening day of the Top 14 season on Saturday with the European champions downing Top 14 titleholders Montpellier 26-22.
United Rugby Championship
Italy wing quits due to mental health issues
NEWS: Italian URC club Benetton have revealed their contract with Monty Ioane has been terminated by mutual agreement just months after the Test wing agreed to an extension.
Top 14
Preview: 'Everybody is coming for us'
Former South Africa prop and La Rochelle scrum coach Gurthro Steenkamp says his side are starting from "zero" as the new French Top 14 campaign begins this Saturday, despite winning last season's European Champions Cup.
Argentina
VIDEO: Los Pumas star refuses to shake All Black hooker's hand
REACTION: After landing on the wrong side of a 53-3 pasting in Hamilton, Pumas loose forward Pablo Matera appeared to let out some of his frustrations on All Blacks hooker Dane Coles during the post-match formalities.
OPINION
Player Ratings: Hot and Cold Wallabies
OPINION: The Wallabies hosted South Africa at the newly renovated Allianz Stadium in front of a sell-out crowd.
South Africa
'I’m not worried about him at all': Moodie v Koroibete takes centre stage
SPOTLIGHT: The battle between Canan Moodie and Marika Koroibete out wide is one of the more interesting sub-plots in Saturday's Rugby Championship Round Four Test.
South Africa
Nigel Owens to Nic White: Where are your rugby values?
REACTION: Petulant Australia scrumhalf Nic White would have thought that by Friday the heat would have lowered on him over his theatrics in Adelaide last week.
South Africa
Australia v South Africa RECAP | The Rugby Championship
READERS’ FORUM: Welcome to our live coverage of the Round Four Rugby Championship Test between Australia and South Africa in Sydney.
Argentina
New Zealand v Argentina RECAP | The Rugby Championship
READERS’ FORUM: Welcome to our live coverage of the Round Four Rugby Championship Test between New Zealand and Argentina in Hamilton.
New Zealand
New Zealand v Argentina - Teams and Prediction
RUGBY CHAMPIONSHIP ROUND FOUR: New Zealand will need to play without fear against Argentina in Hamilton on Saturday to avenge their shock defeat last weekend and prevent the humiliation of losing a fourth successive home Test.
South Africa
SARU reins in WPRFU's rebellious clubs
NEWLANDS UPDATE: The South African Rugby Union has balked at 'requests' from a growing number of clubs to terminate the administration of the Western Province Rugby Football Union.
News
Champion Stormers run riot in warm-up
PRE-SEASON REPORT: The defending-champion Stormers scored 14 tries on their way to a convincing 94-7 win against the South Western Districts Eagles in a URC warm-up match in George on Friday.
News
Unpaid and homeless: The Warriors' plight
NEWS UPDATE: A coordinated social media video campaign on Friday highlighted that the Worcester players and staff remain unpaid.
News
Sharks edge Lions in pre-season thriller
REPORT: The Sharks edged the Lions 45-43 in a United Rugby Championship pre-season thriller at Ellis Park on Friday.
Australia
Wallabies provide latest update on Michael Hooper
IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Australia head coach Dave Rennie has confirmed that regular captain Michael Hooper will not return for the rest of the Rugby Championship season.
Australia
Australia v South Africa - Teams and Prediction
RUGBY CHAMPIONSHIP ROUND FOUR: Springbok captain Siyamthanda Kolisi says he understands the frustration in South Africa after his team's inconsistent performances this year.
News
BlitzBoks spring major selection surprise for World Cup
SQUAD ANNOUNCEMENT: Neil Powell has revealed his squad for the Rugby World Cup Sevens in Cape Town.
New Zealand
All Blacks too one-dimensional says Aaron Smith
IN THE SPOTLIGHT: The All Blacks need more variation in their game given their ball-in-hand "mentality" is being exploited by opposition teams, says scrumhalf Aaron Smith.
News
Lions & Sharks introduce 'new' talent for pre-season showdown
TEAM ANNOUNCEMENTS: The Lions, the worst of the South African teams in last season's United Rugby Championship, will introduce some of their new recruits in a pre-season encounter with the Sharks.
Japan
Joseph reveals huge Japan squad with eye on World Cup
SQUAD ANNOUNCEMENT: Japan head coach Jamie Joseph on Friday named a mammoth 52-man preliminary squad to face New Zealand, England and France.
United Rugby Championship
Vermaak's warning to Lions ahead of URC
FEATURE: The Bulls will have an effective weapon in their arsenal when they begin their 2022/23 United Rugby Championship campaign against an old foe – the Lions.
News
Stormers rush new recruits in
TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Flank Junior Pokomela will captain a Stormers XV in a pre-season friendly against the South Western Districts Eagles in George on Friday.
OPINION
Jake White: 'The pressure will build on Nienaber'
Jake White shared his views on the current state of Test rugby and its effect on Jacques Nienaber ad Ian Foster.
Australia
Wallabies unchanged for Boks
TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Wallabies coach Dave Rennie insists his side has what it takes to back up last weekend's Rugby Championship win against South Africa with another victory on Saturday.
Argentina
Ranking Permutations for Round four of Rugby Champs
RANKINGS PREVIEW: New Zealand face a new world ranking low if they are beaten for the second successive Saturday at home by Argentina.
South Africa
VIDEO: There's more to being a hooker than just throwing in at the line-outs
WATCH as veteran utility forward Deon Fourie talks about the much-maligned role of a hooker in the Springbok set-up.
Argentina
Los Pumas switch it up for All Blacks Test
TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Argentina coach Michael Cheika on Thursday laughed off suggestions his in-form team are favourites to notch another win over New Zealand in this weekend's Rugby Championship Test at Hamilton.
News
Warriors stay alive, as salaries are paid
NEWS: Worcester Warriors boss Steve Diamond has tweeted confirmation that all his players have been paid and that their Premiership season will begin as planned away to London Irish on September 10.
South Africa
Rassie dismisses 'Fake News' urinating report
REACTION: South Africa's Director of Rugby Rassie Erasmus dismissed a 'Fake News' report of a Springbok player who apparently 'urinated' at training.
South Africa
Boks are not an 'outcome-based' team
SPOTLIGHT: The need to capitalise on the opportunities they create has been the focal point for the Springboks ahead of the Rugby Championship Round Four match against the Wallabies on Saturday.
News
International warm-up for Cheetahs ahead of Euro return
NEWS: The Cheetahs will have international opposition in the build-up to their return to European competition.
South Africa
Lucky No.13 ready to take centre stage
Pressure is mounting on the Springboks ahead of their encounter with the Wallabies in Sydney on Saturday.
News
Cash-strapped Worcester cancel Glasgow friendly
NEWS: Crisis-hit club Worcester has cancelled their pre-season match against Glasgow on Friday in a further sign of the problems that threaten the team's participation in the upcoming English Premiership season.
News
URC champions hit the pre-season road
SPOTLIGHT: The United Rugby Championship title holders, the Stormers, named a 39-man training squad for a pre-season road trip.
Australia
The 'intricacies' Wallabies don't want to talk about after humbling Boks
WATCH as Wallaby assistant coach Scott Wisemantel talks about the reasons why his team has the wood over the Springboks Down Under.
South Africa
VIDEO: Mood(ie) Boks have a 'mature' solution
WATCH as Springbok coach Jacques Nienaber explains the reasoning behind the selection of uncapped flyer Canan Moodie for the Rugby Championship crunch match against the Wallabies.
New Zealand
Retallick returns on the bench as Foster sticks to his plan
TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: All Blacks coach Ian Foster took a dig at critics who "want blood" as he defended naming an unchanged team on Thursday for the Rugby Championship Test against Argentina in Hamilton.
France
The Brice is right for La Rochelle
French international full-back Brice Dulin has signed a new two-year contract extension which will keep him at La Rochelle until 2025.
Australia
No more Mr Nice Guy for Noah
INTERVIEW: Wallaby assistant coach Scott Wisemantel is encouraging flyhalf Noah Lolesio to increase his assertiveness as he looks to pin down the No.10 jumper.
South Africa
The true extent of Boks' injury crisis
INJURY UPDATE: Springbok flyhalf Handre Pollard and centre Lukhanyo Am will return to their clubs for further medical assessments after being ruled out of Saturday’s Rugby Championship clash against Australia in Sydney.
South Africa
VIDEO: Dweba 'work-ons' opened the door for Fourie
WATCH as Springbok coach Jacques Nienaber explains the absence of Joseph Dweba and the inclusion of Deon Fourie in the matchday 23.
News
Steyn to lead Glasgow Warriors in 2022/2023 season
NEWS: Glasgow's new captain has been revealed ahead of the 2022/2023 season.
Argentina
The big Beauden Barrett update NZ have been waiting for
SPOTLIGHT: Playmaker Beauden Barrett has provided an update on his fitness ahead of the All Blacks' second clash against Argentina.
Second Phase
Fabulously fast: Blitzing the opposition
WATCH as we bring you a collection of the quickest players in the world of rugby scoring some blistering tries!
Australia
Wallabies worry about wobbly line-outs
INTERVIEW: Wallaby flank Jed Holloway says fixing his side's line-out will be crucial if they're to make it back-to-back wins against South Africa in Sydney.
News
Bok scrumhalf signs new deal with Premiership club
NEWS: A Springbok scrumhalf has made a decision on his playing future.
South Africa
Injuries galore as young gun headlines Bok team for Sydney clash
TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Springbok head coach Jacques Nienaber has revealed his team for their Rugby Championship Round Four clash against the Wallabies in Sydney on Saturday.
Top 14
France centre suffers big setback
NEWS: France centre Gael Fickou has been ruled out for four to five weeks because of injury and will miss the start of Racing 92's new campaign, the Top 14 side announced on Tuesday.
France
'Deep social malaise': World Cup boss suspended by French sports minister
NEWS: The chief executive of the 2023 Rugby World Cup, Claude Atcher, was suspended on Monday by French sports minister Amelie Oudea-Castera.
South Africa
VIDEO: Willemse has the freedom to produce his 'circus tricks'
WATCH as Springbok coach Jacques Nienaber unpacks the role Damian Willemse will have in his first start as a Test flyhalf.
News
Montpellier star in World Cup frame with 2023 Gloucester move
NEWS: Zach Mercer had given himself a chance to be involved in England's squad for next year's Rugby World Cup by agreeing to join Premiership side Gloucester ahead of the 2023/24 season.
Australia
Why Wallabies should pursue another League convert
INTERVIEW: Wallaby flank Jed Holloway says Rugby Australia would be wise to chase star NRL teen Joseph Suaalii if it will help win the 2027 World Cup.
Argentina
'Heaps of pressure': All Blacks captain reveals the way forward
SPOTLIGHT: The All Blacks are feeling pressure from all sides to rebound after their shock home defeat to Argentina but are not far away from producing a winning performance, according to embattled captain Sam Cane.
South Africa
'We never look for shortcuts': Bok star's subtle dig at Wallabies
SPOTLIGHT: Springbok prop Steven Kitshoff on Monday produced a thinly disguised dig at the Wallabies' under-handed tactics.
News
Injury ends another player's career
NEWS: Leinster centre Conor O'Brien has announced his retirement from the game with immediate effect, due to injury.
Argentina
'The body is good': A star is primed to help rescue the All Blacks
SPOTLIGHT: A returning veteran is set to give the All Blacks a boost for their second clash against Argentina in Hamilton.
South Africa
Is the Boks' main weapon becoming a dud?
SPOTLIGHT: Springbok assistant coach Deon Davids and prop Steven Kitshoff defended their team's game plan after a horror show against the Wallabies in Adelaide.
Australia
'Fire in their belly': Wallaby star's warning ahead of second Bok clash
SPOTLIGHT: Wallabies utility back Reece Hodge is predicting a fierce response from the Springboks in Sydney.
News
Powell sees light at the end of dark LA tunnel
REACTION: South African Sevens coach Neil Powell would be forgiven if he wanted to block from his mind his squad's performance at the weekend's Los Angeles leg of the World Series.
Argentina
Hamilton could be 'the end of the line' for Foster
SPOTLIGHT: Less than two weeks after a ringing endorsement from New Zealand Rugby (NZR), All Blacks coach Ian Foster is under renewed pressure following a third successive home loss this season.
News
Aussie win World Series, as BlitzBoks choke
WRAP: Australia captured a first-ever World Sevens Series crown with a third-place finish at the season-ending Los Angeles tournament.
Argentina
Running game not working for All Blacks anymore
REACTION: Struggling New Zealand must defy the 'All Black DNA' of all-out attack and play a more conservative game.
Second Phase
The best kept secret: Boks' Plan B
OPINION: @rugby365com contributor @AngyboyJ looks at what went wrong in Adelaide this week - given that the Springbok management is unable or unwilling to provide any answers.
South Africa
Bok loss: 'It was not through a lack of effort'
WATCH as loose forward Albertus Smith and centre Lukhanyo Am talk about the Springboks' effort in a losing cause against the Wallabies.
South Africa
No ref-bashing from the Boks camp
IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Springbok head coach Jacques Nienaber has opted to steer clear of criticising the referee's decisions following his team's defeat to the Wallabies.
Australia
'A disgrace to the game of rugby'
REACTION: Australia scrumhalf Nic White found himself in the headlines for all the wrong reasons after his team's win over the Springboks.
South Africa
Nienaber at a loss for words after another horror show
REACTION: South African Siyamthanda Kolisi and coach Jacques Nienaber both spoke of the need for some 'serious introspection' after their 17-25 loss Australia in Adelaide on Saturday.
Australia
The reason behind Wallabies' win over Boks
REACTION: Coach Dave Rennie has challenged the Wallabies to back up their barnstorming Rugby Championship win over South Africa when they take on the world champions again next week.
New Zealand
'We got stuck in one mode': Foster highlights All Blacks' shortcomings
REACTION: The All Blacks coach Ian Foster remains adamant his team will 'iron out' their shortcomings following the defeat to the Los Pumas on Saturday.
Schools
SA U18 remain unbeaten as SA U18 'A' stumble
WRAP: The South African Under-18 team maintained their status as the only unbeaten team in SA Rugby’s U18 International Series when they beat England by 44-41 in a nail-biting final match of the campaign at Paarl Gimnasium on Saturday.
Argentina
Los Pumas cement top spot with historic win over All Blacks
MATCH REPORT: Argentina made history Saturday with a stunning 25-18 Rugby Championship win over New Zealand in Christchurch.
Sevens
LA Sevens: BlitzBoks fail miserably
DAY ONE WRAP: The destination of the World Rugby Sevens Series 2022 title remains in the balance after leaders South Africa failed to make it through to the Cup quarter-finals after a pulsating day one in Los Angeles.
Argentina
Cheika snipes back at Foster's illegal play jibe
REACTION: Argentina coach Michael Cheika has hit back at New Zealand after they accused the Los Pumas of bending the rules during their historic 25-18 Rugby Championship win in Christchurch on Saturday.
Second Phase
Nigel Owens' take on Faf's fake yellow card
REACTION: Australian scrumhalf Nic White was very fortunate that celebrated former referee Nigel Owens was not in charge of the Wallabies' win over the Springboks at the weekend.
Sevens
Preview: Los Angeles Sevens
IN THE SPOTLIGHT: South Africa will try to complete a World Rugby Sevens Series title run this weekend at the season-ending Los Angeles Sevens but three rivals have other ideas.
South Africa
Player ratings: BlunderBoks go backward
OPINION: Jan de Koning rates the South African players after the Springboks' 17-25 loss to the Wallabies in Adelaide.
Australia
Player ratings: Pure Aussie gold Down Under
OPINION: Jack O'Rourke rates the Australian players after their impressive 25-17 Rugby Championship Round Three win over South Africa in Adelaide.
New Zealand
Unloved Christchurch stadium creaks into life for All Blacks Test
SPOTLIGHT: The unloved Christchurch Stadium creaks back into use on Saturday, with All Blacks veteran Sam Whitelock delivering a heartfelt reminder of why Test rugby should be played in Christchurch.
Argentina
Player Ratings: History makers
OPINION: An untidy test match in pristine Christchurch conditions wrapped up with the visiting Argentinians securing their first-ever victory on New Zealand soil, as well as reaffirming their position atop the Rugby Championship leaderboard.
South Africa
Boks' drought continues Down Under
REPORT: South Africa's hopes of snapping a nine-year winless streak on Australian soil were shattered Saturday with a bruising 17-25 Rugby Championship defeat to the Wallabies at Adelaide Oval.
Argentina
Player ratings: Dark days
OPINION: Tom Vinicombe rates the New Zealand players after their shock 18-25 loss to Argentina in a Rugby Championship Round Three match in Christchurch!
Argentina
All Blacks v Los Pumas RECAP | The Rugby Championship
READERS’ FORUM: Welcome to our live coverage of the Round Three Rugby Championship Test between New Zealand and Argentina in Christchurch.
South Africa
Bok fans can't see the bigger picture
OPINION: Former Springbok scrumhalf Neil de Kock breaks down the Springboks' selection policy
New Zealand
New Zealand v Argentina - Teams and Prediction
Argentina are already riding high atop The Rugby Championship standings and are now setting their sights on a historic first win over the All Blacks on New Zealand soil on Saturday.
Australia
Wallabies v Springboks RECAP | The Rugby Championship
READERS' FORUM: Welcome to our live coverage of Australia versus South Africa Rugby Championship Round Three match.
News
Australia v South Africa - teams and predictions copy
RUGBY CHAMPIONSHIP ROUND THREE: Jacques Nienaber has never beaten Australia Down Under as a member of the Springbok management. Jan de Koning previews the Round Three Test!
South Africa
Australia v South Africa - teams and predictions
RUGBY CHAMPIONSHIP ROUND THREE: Jacques Nienaber has never beaten Australia Down Under as a member of the Springbok management. Jan de Koning previews the Round Three Test!
South Africa
VIDEO: Springboks put on notice over discipline
CAPTAIN'S INTERVIEW: Springbok skipper Siyamthanda Kolisi emphasised the importance of good discipline and remaining focused for the full 80 minutes.
Australia
Wallabies coach has his say on All Black's bold plan
REACTION: The bold plan by All Black Tawera Kerr-Barlow to switch allegiance to the Wallabies has been welcomed by Australian coach Dave Rennie.
Argentina
Ranking permutations for Round Three of Rugby Champs
RANKINGS PREVIEW: There is a lot to play for in Round Three of the 2022 Rugby Championship.
South Africa
Newlands: Heritage site or derelict white elephant?
SPOTLIGHT: @king365ed takes a look at the physical and social decay that is threatening to turn Newlands Stadium and its precinct into a worthless white elephant.
United Rugby Championship
'Can’t wait to get started': Sharks centre confirms move to France
TRANSFER NEWS: Former Junior Springboks captain Jeremy Ward will join Top 14 club Stade Francais from the Sharks.
South Africa
Drought down under baffles Springbok
SPOTLIGHT: The Springbok veteran Frans Steyn is perplexed with his team's losing streak against the Wallabies in Australia.
Australia
'We need more': Tupou gets extra motivation to bully Boks
SPOTLIGHT: Wallabies head coach Dave Rennie had a strong message for Taniela Tupou ahead of the clash against the Springboks in Adelaide in Round Three of the Rugby Championship.
Australia
Wallabies ready to blitz Boks
INTERVIEW: Captain James Slipper said on Friday that it was crucial for the Wallabies to put South Africa under pressure from the off.
United Rugby Championship
Reason behind Simelane's move from Lions to Bulls
FEATURE: The Bulls secured a gem when they signed talented utility back, Wandisile Simelane, as part of their arsenal going into the 2022/23 season.
Australia
Wallabies make six changes for Bok clash
TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Reece Hodge was recalled to start at fullback to deal with an expected aerial assault from world champions South Africa on Saturday as Australia coach Dave Rennie rang the changes.
NEWS
SA U18s hope to sign off in style
SPOTLIGHT: The South African Under-18 teams are aiming for improved performances when they wrap up the U18 International Series against the visiting sides from England and France in Paarl on Saturday.
Australia
'Doesn't feel right': Foster opens up on All Black's potential Wallabies move
REACTION: New Zealand coach Ian Foster said Thursday "it doesn't feel right" that Tawera Kerr-Barlow could play for Australia.
Argentina
Argentina beef up backline for All Blacks Test
TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Argentina coach Michael Cheika on Thursday unveiled a bulked-up backline as he made three starting changes to his team to face New Zealand in their Rugby Championship Test in Christchurch on Saturday.
Argentina
All Blacks bring in uncapped playmaker for Los Pumas Test
TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: The All Blacks have revealed their team to face Argentina in Christchurch on Saturday.