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OPINION: Dismissing South Africa as a credible threat appears to have become a favourite pastime in Aotearoa.

WATCH as @king365ed chats to Western Province coach John Dobson about the alarming developments in what is meant to be South Africa's premier domestic competition-the Currie Cup.

SPOTLIGHT: Crusaders scrumhalf Bryn Hall says the All Blacks need to front up in two key areas of their game if they are to defeat the high-flying Springboks next month.

POST-SERIES RECAP: The British and Irish Lions won four of five warm-up matches, but lost the Test series one-two on a tour of South Africa - which finished this weekend.

REACTION: Former Springbok captain John Smit hailed a "colossal" effort by Siyamthanda Kolisi's current team, who backed up their 2019 World Cup triumph with a series win against the British and Irish Lions.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: New Zealand have made only one change to their starting line-up for the second Bledisloe Cup Test against Australia in Auckland on Saturday.

WATCH as veteran flyhalf Elton Jantjies talks about South Africa swiftly shifting focus from the British and Irish Lions to Argentina.

NEWS: World Rugby has approved a SANZAAR's request to use the 20-minute red card law trial in the 2021 Rugby Championship.

WATCH as South African coach Jacques Nienaber comes out swinging in defence of his team's successful, but contentious, game plan.

SPOTLIGHT: Desperate for their fair share of possession, the Wallabies have fired off a reminder to New Zealand referee Brendon Pickerill to keep the All Blacks in check at line-out time.

SPOTLIGHT: All Blacks great Sonny Bill Williams has put forward a radical plan to help fix the Wallabies and Rugby Union within Australia.

CURRIE CUP MATCH REPORT: The Cheetahs and Lions played to a 44-all draw in a 12-try thriller in Bloemfontein on Wednesday.

RUGBY CHAMPIONSHIP SPOTLIGHT: Argentina coach Mario Ledesma says his team is geared for two "very physical" matches against South Africa.

NEWS: There will only be two Currie Cup Round 10 clashes on Wednesday.

BREAKING NEWS: The world champion South African team were dealt a cruel injury blow this week.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Recalling Marika Koroibete for the Wallabies' must-win Bledisloe Cup clash with the All Blacks was a no-brainer for Dave Rennie.

SPOTLIGHT: RugbyPass columnist Paul Smith takes a look at possible candidates to replace Warren Gatland as B&I Lions coach for the 2025 trip to Australia.

READERS' FORUM: Welcome to our live coverage of the Currie Cup Round 10 match between the Cheetahs and Lions in Bloemfontein.

CURRIE CUP MATCH REPORT: The Bulls reclaimed first place on the standings, doing a demolition job on a hapless Griquyas team to win 56-33 at Loftus Versfeld on Wednesday.

THICK AND FAST: There is no rest for the wicked in the Currie Cup, as four of the six teams that played this weekend are in action again on Wednesday.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Springbok head coach Jacques Nienaber has revealed his team to face Argentina at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium.

OPINION: South Africa showed some true grit to come from behind at the break once again and beat the B&I Lions 19-16 in the third Test to win the series 2-1.

OPINION: It was a game that the Lions could and should have won, but crucially Warren Gatland’s men didn’t land a knockout blow and didn’t have an answer for the Springboks’ gutsy never-say-die resolve.

OPINION: Test rugby returned to Eden Park for the first time in 2021 when the All Blacks hosted the Wallabies in the opening Bledisloe Cup game of the season.

TEAM CHANGE: Due to pre-cautionary medical protocols, the Lions team to face the Cheetahs in Bloemfontein on Wednesday will be captained by Burger Odendaal.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: The Lions will get some Springbok muscle back for their Currie Cup clash against the Cheetahs on Wednesday.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Griquas coach Scott Mathie made a rash of changes for his team's Round Nine Currie Cup trip to Pretoria on Wednesday.

WATCH 10 minutes of AWESOME highlights from South Africa's 2-1 series win over the British and Iri8sh Lions.

WATCH as Nigel Owens unpacks the key and some contentious moments in the third and final Test between South Africa and the British and Irish Lions.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Jake White has revealed his Bulls team to face Griquas in Pretoria on Wednesday.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Pumas head coach Jimmy Stonehouse has revealed his team to face the Sharks in their Currie Cup Round 10 clash in Nelspruit on Wednesday.

SPOTLIGHT: Springbok hooker Malcolm Marx says he is ready to play through the physical pain as the Springboks get their Rugby Championship campaign underway this week.

SPOTLIGHT: All is seemingly forgiven with the Wallabies set to welcome back superstar Marika Koroibete for Saturday's do-or-die Bledisloe Cup clash with the All Blacks in Auckland.

OPINION: “The biggest match outside the World Cup final” was how Nigel Owens described third test between South Africa and the British and Irish Lions.

BLEDISLOE SPOTLIGHT: The All Blacks refuse to put the officials under the microscope following their first Bledisloe Cup match against Australia on Saturday.

SPOTLIGHT: Rugbypass writer Ben Smith dissects the Springboks' status following the series win over British and Irish Lions.

SPOTLIGHT: Springbok forwards coach Deon Davids said his team has quickly shifted their focus to the Rugby Championship after their 2-1 series triumph over the British and Irish Lions on Saturday.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Sharks head coach Sean Everitt has made a number of changes to his side for their Currie Cup Round 10 clash against the Pumas in Nelspruit on Wednesday.

REACTION: Alun Wyn Jones ended his British and Irish Lions career on an emotional note.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: The penny may have dropped with the Wallabies accepting nothing less than a polished 80-minute performance on Saturday will stop the All Blacks from retaining the Bledisloe Cup for an 18th-straight year.

WATCH as veteran flyhalf Morne Steyn reflects on repeating his heroics of 2009 at the weekend, when - 12 years later - he again kicked the series-winning penalty against the B&I Lions.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Cheetahs head coach Hawies Fourie has revealed his team to face the Lions in their Currie Cup Round 10 clash in Bloemfontein on Wednesday.

NEWS: Rugby Australia (RA) are reportedly eager to include Fiji and Tonga in the 2025 British and Irish Lions tour of Australia.

REACTION: The All Blacks have one hand on the Bledisloe Cup after their victory over the Wallabies at the weekend, but left Eden Park knowing their grip was not strong enough to be sure of taking the series.

B&I LIONS REACTION: Warren Gatland did his best to come across as a magnanimous loser, but could not resist the temptation to fire off a few 'excuses' for his team's series loss.

REACTION: Noah Lolesio says he "couldn't kick to save himself" in Australia's 33-25 Bledisloe Cup loss to New Zealand on Saturday.

REACTION: The Wallabies were once again losers at Eden Park but coach Dave Rennie saw signs of life in his side's 33-25 defeat to the All Blacks on Saturday.

CURRIE CUP REPORT: Western Province held on to beat the Cheetahs 40-39 after a strong second-half performance at Newlands on Saturday.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Former England and Bath prop David Flatman believes that the British & Irish Lions should consider dropping provincial games in favour of flying in international competition for future tours.

WATCH as the Springboks erupt into joyous celebrations after the full-time hooter had sounded at the Cape Town Stadium at the weekend.

SQUAD ANNOUNCEMENT: The Springboks arrived in Port Elizabeth on Sunday, gearing up for the next leg of their 2021 international campaign - the Rugby Championship.

BLEDISLOE CUP MATCH REPORT: New Zealand retained their winning run at Eden Park and a one-nil lead in the three-match series when they outscored Australia 33-25 on Saturday.

NEWS: Martin Gleeson will join the England senior coaching set-up as attack coach.

SPOTLIGHT: South Africa will immediately put the series victory over the British and Irish Lions behind them and shift their focus to the Rugby Championship.

REPORT:  The Sharks leapfrogged to the top of the Currie Cup log with an empathic 35-28 win over the Bulls at Kings Park on Friday.

WATCH as South African coach Jacques Nienaber speaks about the moment veteran flyhalf Morne Steyn kicked the series-winning penalty against the B&I Lions.

CURRIE CUP MATCH REPORT: The Lions ended their long losing streak when they held on against a fast-finishing Griquas team in a barren and warm Kimberley on Friday.

WATCH as retired referee Nigel Owens takes a look at some of the contentious decisions in the first Test between South Africa and the British and Irish Lions.

NEWS: Fiji's Olympic medallist rugby sevens teams will be rewarded with a "million-dollar package", the nation's prime minister announced Friday as he hailed them as heroes.

MATCH REPORT: History repeated itself as Morne Steyn kicked a late penalty to give South Africa a 19-16 win over the British and Irish Lions in Cape Town on Saturday and a 2-1 series triumph.

READERS' FORUM: Welcome to our live coverage of the decisive third Test between South Africa and the British and Irish Lions at the Cape Town Stadium.

SPOTLIGHT: Springbok captain Siya Kolisi says Morne Steyn has been a valuable member of the squad, even though he has not featured in the first two Tests against the B&I Lions.

OPINION: After a heated and very public discord during the week, it could be argued that this second Test hype exceeded the first for pre-match hype, but again it was an ugly affair.

READERS' FORUM: Welcome to our live coverage of the Currie Cup Round Nine encounter between Western Province and the Cheetahs at Newlands.

OPINION: The Springboks rebounded in impressive fashion at Cape Town Stadium on Saturday, beating the British & Irish Lions 27-9 to draw level in the Lions Series.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Regular captain Ernst van Rhyn is back in the starting lineup and will lead Western Province when they host the Cheetahs in a Currie Cup clash at Newlands on Saturday.

SPOTLIGHT: South Africa's playing style has often been ridiculed as outdated, but when they execute it well it wins them titles.

READERS' FORUM: Welcome to our live coverage of the Bledisloe Cup match between New Zealand and Australia at Eden Park in Auckland.

BLEDISLOE CUP ONE: The All Blacks will not only be defending the Bledisloe Cup when they face the Wallabies on Saturday, but looking to preserve an unbeaten run at Auckland's Eden Park.

SPOTLIGHT: Springbok assistant coach Mzwandile Stick has responded to claims that his players were deliberately trying to slow the game down during the second Test in the Lions series.

THE DECIDER: With the B&I Lions making a number of changes, Springbok coach Jacques Nienaber knows that his team will have to adapt quickly if they are going to win the series.

READERS' FORUM: Welcome to our live coverage of the Currie Cup Round Nine encounter between the Sharks and Bulls at Kings Park.

SPOTLIGHT: British and Irish Lions attack coach Gregor Townsend has hinted that his team will be looking to run the Springboks ragged in the third Test in Cape Town on Saturday.

BATTLE FOR TOP SPOT: With the countdown to the Currie Cup playoffs having started, the Lions and Cheetahs will realise the importance of winning on the road this weekend.

INTERVIEW: The All Blacks have wrapped up preparation for Saturday's Test against the Wallabies with a gruelling training session that cost them back-up scrumhalf Finlay Christie.

READERS' FORUM: Welcome to our live coverage of the Currie Cup Round Nine encounter between Griquas and the Lions in Kimberley.

SPOTLIGHT: Springbok prop Trevor Nyakane admitted that it was a challenge making the switch from tighthead to loosehead in the scrum in the B&I Lions series.

NEWS: Springbok lock Rudolph Snyman as left the Springbok camp to return to Limerick where he will continue his rehabilitation.

SPOTLIGHT: The Springboks and British and Irish Lions head into the series decider in Cape Town on Saturday with several points of difference.

NEWS: World Rugby has confirmed the match official appointments for this weekend’s Bledisloe Cup match between New Zealand and Australia and the opening three rounds of the Rugby Championship.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: All Blacks coach Ian Foster has opted for Damian McKenzie at fullback over Beauden Barrett for Saturday's Bledisloe Cup opener against the Wallabies in Auckland.

SPOTLIGHT: The Wallabies have landed in Auckland ahead of Saturday's Bledisloe Cup opener but are dodging Eden Park until the decider.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Wallabies coach Dave Rennie has named an all-new back three for Saturday's Bledisloe Cup opener against the All Blacks at Eden Park,

PRE-MATCH SPOTLIGHT: Jordan Petaia will make his first run-on appearance for the Wallabies in New Zealand on Saturday as Australia chases an end to years of Bledisloe woe.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Bulls Director of Rugby Jake White has revealed his team to face the Sharks in Durban on Friday.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: The Cheetahs team to face Western Province in a Currie Cup Round Eight match at Newlands on Saturday shows several changes.

SPOTLIGHT: British and Irish Lions coach Warren Gatland has suggested extra time should be allowed in Saturday’s decisive third Test against South Africa.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: The high-flying Griquas team has made some adjustments to their backline ahead of the Round Eight Currie Cup showdown with the Lions.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Lions head coach Ivan van Rooyen has made eight changes to his starting line-up that will travel to Kimberley when they face the Griquas in a Currie Cup encounter on Friday.

SPOTLIGHT: Prop Frans Malherbe says the Springbok pack is getting better with each week they are together.

UPDATE: Rassie Erasmus may find himself in heaps of trouble, however, he has managed to shed light on the unspoken issues of World Rugby.

SPOTLIGHT: Sharks head coach Sean Everitt says flyhalf Lionel Cronje has an important role in helping develop the next generation of stars in Durban.

SPOTLIGHT: Springbok scrumhalf Cobus Reinach says the understanding between himself and Handre Pollard is one that Boks can rely on.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: British and Irish Lions coach Warren Gatland said he would be speaking to the referees about ensuring a faster tempo to this weekend's series-deciding third Test against South Africa in Cape Town.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Sharks head coach Sean Everitt has revealed his team to face the Bulls in a Currie Cup Round Nine clash in Durban on Friday.

NEWS: The Wallabies have revealed that three of their players will not be considered for selection in this Saturday’s opening Bledisloe Cup Test match after a breach of team protocol.

SPOTLIGHT: Springbok head coach Jacques Nienaber has explained his decision to pick Morne Steyn as the replacement flyhalf for Saturday's third Test against the British and Irish Lions on Saturday.

SPOTLIGHT: Springbok head coach Jacques Nienaber says he is confident Franco Mostert will excel in the No.7 role in the third Test against the British and Irish Lions on Saturday.

SPOTLIGHT: Wallabies props James Slipper and Allan Ala'alatoa have set Australia the task of dominating the scrum when it comes up against the All Blacks at Eden Park on Saturday.

NEWS: Brumbies coach Dan McKellar will leave his post at the end of the 2022 Super Rugby season in what shapes as a major step towards him becoming the next Wallabies coach.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Damian de Allende’s performances in the last two Tests has made him a target.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Springbok head coach Jacques Nienaber has revealed his team to face the British and Irish Lions in the third Test in Cape Town on Saturday.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: It seems like World Rugby could find themselves in an ugly legal battle following the citing of SA Director of Rugby Rassie Erasmus.

INJURY UPDATE: The Lions depth at loose forward will be tested after an injury setback to Vincent Tshituka.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: British & Irish Lions Head Coach, Warren Gatland, has made six changes to the starting XV which lost to the Springboks last Saturday in Cape Town.

DISCIPLINARY UPDATE: Western Province hooker Scarra Ntubeni is free to face the Cheetahs.

NEWS: The All Blacks will play back-to-back Tests against the Wallabies in Auckland and forfeit hosting Tests against Argentina.

SPOTLIGHT: British and Irish Lions coach Warren Gatland said he was "disappointed" with a World Rugby statement which linked the Lions to disciplinary action against South African director of Rugby Rassie Erasmus.

WATCH as British and Irish Lions prop Kyle Sinckler appears to sink his teeth into the arm of South African lock Franco Mostert.

WATCH as retired referee Nigel Owens takes a look at some of the most contentious decisions in the second Test between South Africa and the British and Irish Lions.

FROM THE BOKS CAMP: South Africa have proven that seven days can make a huge difference.

SPOTLIGHT: Former All Blacks coach Graham Henry has branded the British and Irish Lions Test series against the Springboks as "a hard watch" as he called on the Lions to produce "some attacking flair" to save the series.

DISCIPLINARY UPDATE: British and Irish Lions forward Kyle Sinckler was found not guilty of biting by an independent judicial hearing on Tuesday and can play in the series decider against South Africa in Cape Town this weekend.

NEWS: Rugby Australia confirmed that they have launched an internal investigation after there were allegations of bad behaviour from the Australian Men’s Sevens team on their flight home from the Tokyo Olympics

TOUR SPOTLIGHT: RugbyPass columnist Ben Smith takes a look at what the B&I Lions can use to win the decisive third Test against the Springboks.

FROM THE BOKS CAMP: Whether Springboks talisman Duane Vermeulen will feature in the third Test against the British and Irish Lions remains to be seen.

NEWS: South Africa's Director of Rugby Rassie Erasmus and SA Rugby will face a misconduct hearing.

WATCH as Springbok coach Jacques Nienaber explains why he considered giving his win bonus to the players.

SPOTLIGHT: The rugby world is watching a high-stakes series of test rugby play out over in South Africa that, according to All Blacks head coach Ian Foster, has descended into low-risk rugby where teams “are afraid” to play.

REACTION: Warren Gatland is guaranteed to make changes to the British and Irish Lions team for the decisive third Test against South Africa.

NEWS: British and Irish Lions prop Kyle Sinckler is the only player from the second Test set to face a disciplinary hearing after being cited for biting.

SPOTLIGHT: Wallabies playmaker Matt To'omua says Australia will tap into the "ignorance of youth" after being scheduled to play two trans-Tasman clashes at their graveyard venue in Auckland.

BLEDISLOE SPOTLIGHT: Wallabies utility back Reece Hodge is hoping the smarts of Quade Cooper will help end Australia's 19-year Bledisloe Cup hoodoo.

SQUAD UPDATE: Sharks scrumhalf Jaden Hendrikse has been called up to the Springbok squad.

REACTION: Springbok assistant coach Deon Davids dismissed the notion that the three-Test series between South Africa and the British and Irish Lions is a 'bad advert' for the game.

NEWS: The Springboks received a big boost on Sunday ahead of their series decider against the British and Irish Lions next weekend.

REACTION: Bulls Director of Rugby Jake White said flyhalf Johan Goosen is a "super general" after his team's 34-13 win over Western Province on Friday.

REACTION: Springbok prop Steven Kitshoff had plenty of praise for teammate Trevor Nyakane after the 32-year-old's performance at loosehead prop in the second half of the second Test against the B&I Lions

WATCH as we recap all the drama from the second Test in the three-Test series between South Africa and the British and Irish Lions in Cape Town.

OPINION: Rugbypass writer Ben Smith dissects Springboks' 17-22 defeat to British and Irish Lions in the opening Test match on Saturday.

OPINION: The game is the ultimate humbler.

SQUAD UPDATE: Springbok coach Jacques Nienaber named three new additions to the national squad on Monday, with Rosko Specman, Dan du Preez and Johan Grobbelaar called up to join the Boks in Cape Town.

REACTION: Springbok head coach Jacques Nienaber said the impact off the bench proved to be the difference in the second Test against the British and Irish Lions on Saturday.

REACTION: Sharks head coach Sean Everitt is concerned about his team's "mental approach" in games after they suffered a 27-37 defeat to Griquas in Durban on Saturday.

REACTION: British and Irish Lions head coach Warren Gatland said he won't be commenting on refereeing decisions after his team's defeat to the Springboks in the second Test on Saturday.

REACTION: While the Springboks will be celebrating their 27-9 victory over the British and Irish Lions in the second Test, there will also be some concern for star loose forward Pieter-Steph du Toit.

REACTION: South African fans have accused Stuart Hogg of biting South Africa fullback Willie Le Roux on the arm during a scuffle between the pair.

MATCH REPORT: Griquas made a massive statement with a comprehensive 37-27 win over the Sharks at Kings Park Stadium on Saturday. 

MATCH REPORT: Makazole Mapimpi and Lukhanyo Am scored second-half tries as the Springboks beat the British & Irish Lions 27-9 to win the second Test at the Cape Town Stadium and level the series.

REACTION: British and Irish Lions fullback Stuart Hogg said he was not involved in any act of foul play in Saturday's second Test against the Springboks.

SPOTLIGHT: Wallabies scrumhalf Nic White has issued a warning to the All Blacks a week out from their opening Bledisloe Cup clash of the year at Eden Park next Saturday.

OPINION: RugbyPass columnist and former England flyhalf Andy Goode has an interesting take on the RassieGate saga.

WATCH as Bulls Director of Rugby Jake White reveals exactly when World Cup-winning Springbok Duane Vermeulen will be back on the pitch.

REACTION: Western Province head coach John Dobson said it was always going to be an impossible task to beat a powerful Bulls team with just 14 men on the field.

CURRIE CUP MATCH REPORT: The Bulls overcame a sluggish start to overpower Western Province and move to the top of the standings - at least for the next 24 hours.

NEWS: Rugby Canada sacked one of its coaches on Friday over a series of social media posts that were critical of the women's Sevens performance at the 2021 Tokyo Olympics.

CURRIE CUP MATCH REPORT: The Pumas scored 26 points in 20 minutes to record their second win over the Lions this season.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Rugby Australia has condemned the commentary from South African Director of Rugby Rassie Erasmus surrounding the performance of Nic Berry.

TRANSFER NEWS: Springbok flyhalf Elton Jantjies will be heading to Japan again after signing a deal to play for the NTT Docomo Red Hurricanes.

WATCH Springboks assistant coach Mzwandile Stick adds his voice to the RassieGate saga.

OPINION: It was a tense Test match that delivered on physicality, but failed in the spectacle department. Ian Cameron rates the British and Irish players.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Springboks captain Siya Kolisi has finally addressed SA Director of Rugby Rassie Erasmus' comment regarding referee Nic Berry.

OPINION: South Africa failed to maintain the first-half intensity and got blown away by the British and Irish Lions in the first Test in Cape Town on Saturday.

READERS' FORUM: Welcome to our live coverage of the second Test between South Africa and British and Irish Lions at the Cape Town Stadium.

READERS' FORUM: Welcome to our live coverage of the Currie Cup Round Eight encounter between the Sharks and Griquas at Kings Park.

LIONS SERIES, ROUND TWO: A very dysfunctional week have added extra drama to an already crucial second Test match between South Africa and British Irish Lions on Saturday.

SPOTLIGHT: British and Irish Lions forwards coach Robin McBryde is confident his team will be able to handle the Springboks' 'bomb squad' in the second Test in Cape Town.

REACTION: British and Irish Lions forwards coach Robin McBryde says Rassie Erasmus' hour-long video rant was just a "sideshow" ahead of the second Test against the Springboks on Saturday.

WATCH as B&I Lions captain Alun Wyn Jones responds to media questions about the Rassie Erasmus saga.

READERS' FORUM: Welcome to our live coverage of the Currie Cup Round Eight encounter between Western Province and the Bulls at Newlands.

REACTION: World Rugby released a short statement following Rassie Erasmus' 62-minute video in which he strongly criticises the refereeing in last Saturday's first Test against the British and Irish Lions.

READERS' FORUM: Welcome to our live coverage of the Currie Cup Round Eight encounter between the Lions and Pumas at Ellis Park.

WATCH as South Africa's Director of Rugby Rassie Erasmus, in an hour-long video, unpacks the reasons for his decision to no longer stay quiet about refereeing decisions.

NORTH-SOUTH DERBY: Three big games are scheduled for the weekend, including a North/South derby at Newlands in Cape Town.

INTERVIEW: Western Province will get two more chances to say farewell to Newlands, when they host the Bulls and Cheetahs in the next two weekends.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Sharks will welcome the high-riding Griquas to Kings Park this Saturday for the second-round clash in this year’s Currie Cup competition.

REACTION: Springbok supporters are ready to start a 'crowdfund' campaign, should South Africa's Director of Rugby Rassie Erasmus be sanctioned by World Rugby.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Pumas head coach Jimmy Stonehouse has made six changes to his starting XV for Friday's Currie Cup clash against the Lions in Johannesburg.

SPOTLIGHT: The IRFU has outlined a bleak forecast for the organisation if there isn’t a meaningful return of fans to the Aviva Stadium for major Test matches.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Western Province head coach John Dobson has revealed his team to face the Bulls on Friday.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Damian Willemse’s role in the Springboks has again raised a few eyebrows.

SPOTLIGHT: Ben Smith takes a look at the tactics South Africa and the B&I Lions could employ in the second Test.

CONTRACT NEWS: The Lions may be going through a rough patch on the playing field, but that does not mean Ellis Park is not an attractive destination for talented young players.

SPOTLIGHT: Sharks loosehead prop Ntuthuko Mchunu says his teammate Ox Nche has been an inspiring figure for him this year.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Lions head coach Ivan van Rooyen has revealed his team to face the Pumas at Ellis Park on Friday.

SPOTLIGHT: Clive Woodward has fired back at Rassie Erasmus, declaring that the behaviour of British and Irish Lions coach Warren Gatland has been statesmanlike.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Bulls Director of Rugby, Jake White, has opted for consistency ahead of the Currie Cup clash against Western Province.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Springboks head coach Jacques Nienaber admitted he made a crucial tactical mistake during the opening Test match against the British and Irish Lions.

SPOTLIGHT: Western Force prop Tom Robertson has revealed he called Wallabies coach Dave Rennie after missing out on selection for the series against France.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Griquas head coach Scott Mathie has made two changes two his team for their Currie Cup clash against the Sharks in Durban on Saturday.

CURRIE CUP SPOTLIGHT: While one Lions team is riding the crest of the wave, another Lions team is desperate to get off the basement after another mauling.

NEWS: New Zealand Rugby confirmed a deal Wednesday for a petrochemical giant to sponsor the All Blacks. 

WATCH: The latest comments by South Africa's  Director of Rugby Rassie Erasmus may just have added fuel to the fire in an already bizarre off-field saga.

WATCH as British and Irish Lions coach Warren Gatland talks about 'shutting the door' on a Springbok comeback and what he expects from their hosts in the crucial second Test.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Wallabies lock Izack Rodda has no regrets about his decision to walk out on the Queensland Reds last year to play in France.

TRANSFER NEWS: Edinburgh have announced the signing of Argentinian internationals Emiliano Boffelli and Ramiro Moyano, subject to visa and medical.

NEWS UPDATE: New Zealand has dropped Shannon Frizell from the first Test squad to play Australia.

REACTION: British and Irish Lions coach Warren Gatland fired the first verbal salvo, but South Africa's Director of Rugby Rassie Erasmus fired back with a more sardonic obiter dictum.

WATCH as B&I Lions prop Mako Vunipola defends himself against claims he acted 'reckless and dangerously' when hefting South African wing Cheslin Kolbe like a rag doll.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Springbok prop Steven Kitshoff will earn his 50th Test cap at the Cape Town Stadium on Saturday in the second Test of the Lions Series, with Jasper Wiese named at No 8 in this crucial clash between South Africa and the British & Irish Lions.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: British and & Irish Lions coach Warren Gatland has made three changes to the starting XV which beat the Springboks last Saturday.

SPOTLIGHT: Fiji defended their Olympic rugby sevens title with an entertaining 27-12 victory over New Zealand at the Tokyo Stadium on Wednesday.

NEWS: Citing economic reasons, Jacinda Ardern's government has ticked off a border exemption to allow the Wallabies and All Blacks to contest the Bledisloe Cup.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Scrummaging on the Cape Town Stadium pitch is extremely 'difficult' reveals Springboks prop Steven Kitshoff.

NEWS: The NSW Waratahs have secured the signature of flyhalf Ben Donaldson for another two years, keeping him until 2023.

SPOTLIGHT: All amateur and club rugby, currently suspended across the country due to COVID regulations, will resume revealed SA Rugby.

SOCIAL MEDIA STORM: The British and Irish Lions have resisted the temptation to engage South Africa's Director of Rugby Rassie Erasmus in a social media spat.

NEWS: New Zealand will return to the United States for the first time since losing to Ireland in 2016 - when they face the United States in Washington.

QUARTER FINAL WRAP: The Blitzboks crashed out of medal contention at the Olympic Games in Tokyo after they lost their quarter-final to Argentina by 19-14 at Tokyo Stadium on Tuesday.

REACTION: The British and Irish Lions readily admit that there will be a massive 'backlash' from South Africa in the remainder of the Test series.

OPINION: World Cup-winning former England coach Clive Woodward has suggested Rassie Erasmus has gone from water boy to class clown.

WATCH as we look back to the second Test from the 2009 series between South Africa and the British and Irish Lions - regarded as one of the most brutal matches ever.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: It seems like Western Province will have another chance to bid farewell to Newlands.

MEDICAL UPDATE: The British and Irish Lions will not be flying in a replacement prop, despite the injury concerns over loosehead Wyn Jones.

NEWS: The Springboks' two matches against Argentina this year will be played at the same venue.

SPOTLIGHT: Springbok forward coach Deon Davids said the forwards' inability to lay a solid foundation in the second half was the starting point of South Africa's downfall.

DAY ONE WRAP: Wins over Ireland and Kenya pushed South Africa to the top of Pool C at the Rugby Sevens tournament at the 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo on Monday.

TRANSFER NEWS: Griquas flyer Eduan Keyter is one of three new players that will join the Sharks ahead of the United Rugby Championship (URC), which starts in September.

NEWS: All Black loose forward Shannon Frizell, who is in the squad due to play Australia next month, appeared in court Tuesday charged with assault - following a nightclub incident in the southern city of Dunedin.

BREAKING NEWS: The All Blacks' Rugby Championship matches with Argentina are heading for Australia amid a Test schedule shake-up caused by new border rules.

REACTION: Francios de Klerk vowed that Springboks would show more fire after their disappointing 17-22 defeat to the British & Irish Lions in the opening Test in Cape Town on Saturday.

REACTION: Currie Cup officials have come under the microscope following Cheetahs’ defeat to the Sharks on Saturday.

NEWS: Mercurial flyhalf Quade Cooper may have been denied Australian citizenship but he is wanted by the Wallabies with a surprise recall to the side for the first time in four years.

MATCH REPORT:  The Bulls continued their winning run with a bonus-point 40-21 victory over the Lions at Loftus Versfeld on Sunday. 

MATCH REPORT: Western Province powered to a 37-23 win over the Pumas in Currie Cup action in Nelspruit on Sunday.

REACTION: British and Irish Lions coach Warren Gatland has said that he is "pleased with the officials" after the tourists secured victory over South Africa in Cape Town.

WATCH as South African coach Jacques Nienaber unpacks his team's 17-22 loss to the British and Irish Lions in the first Test in Cape Town.

SQUAD ANNOUNCEMENT: The Wallabies have turned to former Queensland playmaker Duncan Paia'aua with coach Dave Rennie unable to call in any players from NSW or Victoria due to border restrictions.

MATCH REPORT: The British and Irish Lions struck a crucial early blow in the three-match Test series with an impressive come-from-behind 22-17 win over South Africa in Cape Town on Saturday.

READERS’ FORUM: Welcome to our live coverage of the Currie Cup Round Seven encounter between the Bulls and Lions at Loftus Versfeld.

PREVIEW: Fiji gets the defence of their Olympic Sevens title underway against Games hosts Japan on Monday.

TOP SPOT: It’s tough at the top.

NEWS: The All Blacks are reportedly set to play in Washington DC for the first time ever in a test match that is expected to earn New Zealand Rugby [NZR] millions in revenue.

WATCH as we recap all the drama from the opening contest in the three-Test series between South Africa and the British and Irish Lions in Cape Town at the weekend.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: The Wallabies face playing two consecutive Bledisloe Cup Tests in New Zealand before taking on the All Blacks in Perth in a condensed Test schedule to accommodate COVID-19 travel restrictions.

OPINION: The Stormers put up a good fight in the opening 25 minutes of their game against the British and Irish Lions before the difference in class began to show.

OPINION: An error-ridden first half and game opponents slowed down the Lions in the first half, but the Stormers eventually blew themselves out.

NEWS: John Mitchell has quit his role as England’s defence coach.

REACTION: Harlequins have said that they are "disgusted by racist comments" made about flyhalf Marcus Smith during a recent rugby podcast discussing the British and Irish Lions tour.

CURRIE CUP MATCH REPORT: The Sharks left Bloemfontein with a full house of five league points, after outmuscling the Cheetahs in a spiteful Round Seven fixture.

SPOTLIGHT: The southern hemisphere's showpiece Rugby Championship and Bledisloe Cup matches were in jeopardy Friday after Australia's latest Covid-19 outbreak popped its trans-Tasman travel bubble with New Zealand.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: The Springboks are 'definitely' joining the Six Nations over the coming years, according to the chief executive of the Sharks.

WATCH as Springbok captain Siyamthanda Kolisi speaks about their desire to give a battered country hope for a brighter future.

READERS’ FORUM: Welcome to our live coverage of the first Test between South Africa and British and Irish Lions at the Cape Town Stadium.

Loosehead prop, Wyn Jones (Scarlets, Wales), has been ruled out of this evening’s first Test against South Africa with a minor shoulder injury picked up in training on Thursday.

READERS’ FORUM: Welcome to our live coverage of the Currie Cup Round Seven encounter between the Cheetahs and Sharks in Bloemfontein.

WATCH as seasoned British and Irish Lions centre Robbie Henshaw opens about the first Test against South Africa on Saturday.

WATCH as South African assistant coach Mzwandile Stick fronts up to the media and explains Rassie Erasmus's new role in the Springbok team.

WORLD CUP QUALIFIER: Despite having to use 17 new Test players, Tonga were still far too strong for the Cook Islands in a World Cup qualifier.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: The Lions have named their team to face the Bulls at Loftus Versfeld on Sunday.

SPOTLIGHT: Springbok utility forward Rynhardt Elstadt has opened up about his heavy workload in training ahead of the first Test against the British and Irish Lions on Saturday.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Hooker Scarra Ntubeni has returned from the Springbok camp and moves into the starting lineup as Western Province head to Nelspruit to face the Pumas on Sunday.

TRANSFER NEWS: Star wing Marika Koroibete is officially leaving Australia, after signing with Japan's Wild Knights.

SECONDS OUT, ROUND ONE: To milk that iconic phrase of American master of ceremonies Michael Buffer: 'Let's Get Ready To Rumble!!!'

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Cheetahs coach Hawies Fourie has named his team to face the Sharks on Saturday in Bloemfontein.

REACTION: The British and Irish Lions coaching staff spat the dummy over a late change to the match officials for the three-match series.

NEWS: Former Scotland captain and scrumhalf Mike Blair is returning to his old club Edinburgh as head coach, the Pro14 side announced on Friday.

INSIDE THE B&I LIONS CAMP: @rugby365com reports on the latest developments in the build-up to the first Test, at the Cape Town Stadium on Saturday.

REACTION: Cheetahs captain Ruan Pienaar admitted the hard work has officially started for his team from Bloemfontein.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: A new study that shows playing elite rugby could lead to changes in brain structure according to players’ chief Damian Hopley.

REACTION: Griquas' belief is helping them grind out results this season revealed head coach  Scott Mathie.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Bulls director of rugby, Jake White, has selected a strong side that will face the Lions on their return to action in the Currie Cup on Sunday, July 25.

WATCH as B&I Lions coach Warren Gatland talks about the contrasting styles of wings Duhan van der Merwe and Cheslin Kolbe in the first Test.

WATCH as Western Province coach John Dobson chats to Jan de Koning about the status of the Currie Cup and suggests possible changes.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Sharks and central rivals, Cheetahs, will meet in Bloemfontein on Saturday after a protracted delay in the Currie Cup action.

SPOTLIGHT: Springbok centre Damian de Allende said he is lucky to be involved in the British and Irish Lions series after a fire pit accident in early June.

WATCH as British and Irish Lions coach Warren Gatland talks about his meeting with match officials to get 'clarity' on their interpretation of key issues.

TRANSFER NEWS: Waratahs have confirmed that versatile lock Jed Holloway has signed a two-year contract to return home to NSW and be part of the side’s 2022 campaign.

CURRIE CUP MATCH REPORT: The Cheetahs put their campaign firmly back on track with a bonus-point 38-21 win over Western Province in Bloemfontein on Wednesday.

SPOTLIGHT: Springbok hooker Bongi Mbonambi says negative comments surrounding the Springboks' preparedness is only giving his team extra motivation.

NEWS: Holders Toulouse were grouped with their two former final opponents in the European Champions Cup group stages draw on Wednesday.

REACTION: The headlines centred around returning captain Alun Wyn Jones, but Warren Gatland feels there is more to it. @king365ed brings you the reaction from the B&I Lions camp.

TRANSFER NEWS: Western Force confirmed that Harry Lloyd return to the club from Brumbies on a one-year deal.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: British and Irish Lions coach Warren Gatland has named his side for the first Test against the Springboks at Cape Town Stadium on Saturday.

TRANSFER NEWS: The Brumbies confirmed the return of Brumby #143 Jesse Mogg for the next two seasons, after six years playing in France.

SPOTLIGHT: Springbok coach Jacques Nienaber is confident Albertus Smith will rise to the challenge in the first Test against the B&I Lions on Saturday.

WATCH as assistant coach Neil Jenkins and wing Anthony Watson speak about the South African players they have to pay special attention to.

NEWS: France wing Gabin Villiere is to undergo surgery on an ankle injury suffered in this month's second Test win over Australia, his club Toulon announced on Tuesday.

READERS’ FORUM: Welcome to our live coverage of the Currie Cup Round Six encounter between the Cheetahs and Western Province in Bloemfontein.

NEWS: An All Black star has made a decision on his playing future.

BREAKING NEWS: SA Rugby and the British & Irish Lions confirmed that an agreement had been reached to conclude the Test series in Cape Town.

CURRIE CUP REPORT: Wing Eduan Keyter scored four tries as Griquas beat the Lions 41-31 in their Currie Cup Round Six encounter at Ellis Park on Wednesday.

NEWS: England has confirmed their year-end Tests, which include a rematch with World Cup champions South Africa.

THE RETURN: Cheetahs head coach Hawies Fourie has questioned the Currie Cup's integrity.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: The Lions tour in South Africa has reached its business end.

SPOTLIGHT: France head Fabien Galthie said on Tuesday he had half a dozen options to replace regular skipper Charles Ollivon, who will miss the November Tests with a serious knee injury.

SPOTLIGHT: While KwaZulu-Natal has been devastated by the recent civil unrest, the outpouring of generosity and the commitment to work together to rebuild the province has been nothing short of inspirational.

REACTION: Springbok coach Jacques Nienaber has explained his decision to start Trevor Nyakane and Ox Nche ahead of Steven Kitshoff and Frans Malherbe in his Bok team.

WATCH as B&I Lions coach Warren Gatland explains to @king365ed what they are expecting from the Springboks in the first Test in Cape Town on Saturday.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Springbok head coach Jacques Nienaber has revealed his team to face the British and Irish Lions in the first Test in Cape Town on Saturday.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Lions head coach Ivan van Rooyen has made several changes to the side that will host Griquas at Ellis Park on Wednesday.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Cheetahs head coach Hawies Fourie has revealed his team to face Western Province in a Currie Cup match in Bloemfontein on Wednesday.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Western Province head coach John Dobson has named his team to face the Cheetahs on Wednesday. 

SPOTLIGHT: Springbok flyhalf Handre Pollard said he is not bothered by negative comments surrounding the Springboks' game plan.

SPOTLIGHT: New Zealand have been training to play with 14 men ahead of Tests against Australia to prepare for the loss of red-carded players.

NEWS: Key loose forwards Liam Wright and Angus Scott-Young have both signed contract extensions with the Queensland Reds.

NEWS: Another Currie Cup match in Durban has been cancelled.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: The British and Irish Lions assistant coach Steve Tandy believes his team have enough firepower to handle Springboks scrumhalf Francois De Klerk.

SPOTLIGHT: Springbok assistant coach Mzwandile Stick said there are several suitable candidates for the Bok captaincy.

REACTION: Stormers head coach John Dobson has pin-pointed British and Irish Lions' vulnerable areas following their match on Saturday.

NEWS: Former England hooker Richard Cockerill stepped down as boss of Pro14 side Edinburgh on Monday to "pursue other opportunities".

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: The Griquas team to take on the Lions on Wednesday shows just one change to the starting XV.

WATCH as we recap the first Test of the 2009 British and Irish Lions tour - a dramatic series opener.

SQUAD ANNOUNCEMENT: Veteran scrumhalf TJ Perenara was welcomed back into the All Blacks squad named Monday for the upcoming Rugby Championship.

WATCH as we bring you some tasty titbits ahead of the three-Test series between South Africa and the British and Irish Lions.

SPOTLIGHT: Star wing Marika Koroibete is free to play for the Wallabies in the Bledisloe Cup and Rugby Championship after escaping suspension for an alleged high tackle.

SPOTLIGHT: Alex Shaw takes a look at some possible bolters in the B&I Lions side, ahead of the first Test against South Africa.

REACTION: There is no reason for Springbok coach Jacques Nienaber to reach for the panic button after South Africa 'A' lost to the Bulls at the weekend.

REACTION: While it might already be one-nil to the Springboks after this past week’s unofficial fourth Test victory by South Africa 'A', one legend isn’t so convinced by his former team.

OLYMPIC NEWS: Springbok Sevens coach Neil Powell has been admitted to an isolation facility in Kagoshima, after he tested positive for COVID-19 on Saturday.

REACTION: New Zealand coach Ian Foster belives his team is on track to regain the No.1 world ranking, even if tyere are some concerns over the team.

WATCH as Springbok coach Jacques Nienaber unpacks his team's 14-17 loss to the Bulls in Cape Town on Saturday and looks ahead to the Test series against the B&I Lions.

REACTION: The Lions wrapped up their pre-series preparations with a 49-3 win over the Stormers, as coach Warren Gatland got a final look at some Test candidates.

TOUR SPOTLIGHT: Springbok coach Jacques Nienaber was playing his cards close to his chest, but he dropped a few subtle hits that the starting XV is close to being a done deal.

REACTION: Dave Rennie has unloaded on France for milking penalties after Australia played one man down for 75 minutes to beat Les Bleus 33-30 and claim their Test rugby series 2-1.

REACTION: French coach Fabien Galthie said his side's thrilling three-match tour of Australia showed the depth of the game in France - heading into the 2023 World Cup to be played on home soil.

REACTION: The Wallabies' defiant 33-30 win over France is being earmarked as a pivotal moment for Dave Rennie's youthful squad.

WATCH as Springboks coach Jacques Nienaber explains the COVID-19 return to play protocols and the prospects of players currently in isolation being named for next week's opening Test.

MATCH REPORT: The British and Irish Lions ran in seven tries on their way to a convincing 49-3 win over the Stormers in Cape Town on Saturday.

MATCH REPORT: The Bulls gave the Springbok camp plenty to think about after they beat South Africa 'A' 17-14 in a scrappy match at Cape Town Stadium on Saturday.

MATCH REPORT: Argentina overpowered a new-look Wales 33-11 in the second Test at Cardiff on Saturday.

NEWS: Levan Maisashvili, the Georgia coach, is in a Johannesburg hospital in severe condition after contracting COVID-19.

MATCH REPORT: It required 260 minutes, but Australia finally got the better of a depleted French team to claim their Test series 2-1.

DISCIPLINARY UPDATE: Wallaby coach Dave Rennie spat the dummy over the red card, but wing Marika Koroibete will have to front up to a disciplinary hearing anyway.

MATCH REPORT: New Zealand cruised to a 60-13 win over a willing Fijian team in Hamilton on Saturday.

MATCH REPORT: Manu Samoa have qualified for the 2023 World Cup after dispatching Tonga in a 37-15 victory in Hamilton on Saturday.

TRANSFER NEWS: The Sharks have said goodbye to one of their locks.

REACTION: The Springbok team, as a collective, has spoken out about the ongoing violence in South Africa.

SPOTLIGHT: The Springbok Sevens squad have been cleared to continue their journey to Kagoshima City, where they will have a final preparation camp prior to the Tokyo Olympic Games.

OPINION: The Wallabies came agonisingly close to securing a series-clinching victory against the French at AAMI Stadium in Melbourne, however were narrowly defeated 26-28 in an enthralling encounter.

OPINION: The British and Irish Lions got a wake-up call when they face a strong South Africa 'A' team on Wednesday.

READERS’ FORUM: Welcome to our live coverage of the tour match between the Stormers and the British and Irish Lions in Cape Town.

NEWS: England's Lewis Ludlow has been banned for four games for foul play in his team's 70-14 victory over Canada.

BREAKING NEWS: The Currie Cup match between the Lions and Cheetahs - scheduled for Ellis Park this weekend - has been cancelled as a result of concerns over the ongoing violence in South Africa.

WATCH as British and Irish Lions coach Warren Gatland fires the first verbal shots in the war of words ahead of the three-Test series against South Africa.

READERS’ FORUM: Welcome to our live coverage of the warm-up match between South Africa 'A' and the Bulls in Cape Town.

READERS’ FORUM: Welcome to our live coverage of the third and decisive Test between Australia and France in Brisbane.

LAST CHANCE: For one team it is a 'once-in-a-lifetime' opportunity, for the other, it is a final chance to fine-tune ahead of the Test series.

TEAM UPDATE: France second row Cyril Cazeaux has been ruled out of this weekend's Test series decider with Australia due to an ankle injury, the French Rugby Federation said on Friday.

TIME TO SHINE: Jacques Nienaber and Jake White have revealed their teams for Saturday's South Africa 'A' v Bulls match in Cape Town.

READERS’ FORUM: Welcome to our live coverage of the second Test between New Zealand and Fiji in Hamilton.

THE DECIDER: Wales have made seven changes for their International decider against Argentina at Principality Stadium on Saturday.

TOUR SPOTLIGHT: British and Irish Lions fullback Stuart Hogg knows all about setbacks and overcoming them.

THIRD TEST: It is being played out in the shadow of the British and Lions tour of South Africa. Yet, it has been every bit as dramatic as the four-yearly event taking place 11,000 kilometres to the West.

TRANSFER NEWS: Gloucester Rugby announced that Ben Meehan will link up with the Cherry and Whites ahead of the 2021-22 season.

SPOTLIGHT: Stormers head coach John Dobson opens up on Rassie Erasmus' request.

THE SECOND TEST: All Blacks captain Sam Whitelock underlined "effort" as key for the team to rebuild respect in the second Test against Fiji in Hamilton on Saturday.

TRANSFER NEWS: Gloucester confirmed the signing of Namibia international back row forward Wian Conradie.

REACTION: British and Irish Lions coach Warren Gatland claimed 'victory' from his team's 13-17 loss to South Africa in Cape Town on Wednesday.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: British & Irish Lions head coach Warren Gatland has named his team to play the Stormers at Cape Town Stadium on Saturday.

WATCH as South Africa's Director of Rugby and 'water boy' extraordinaire Rassie Erasmus talks about the Springboks' final warm-up match ahead of the British and Irish Lions series and injuries in the team.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Stormers head coach John Dobson has revealed his team to face the British and Irish Lions on Saturday.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: France coach Fabien Galthie recalled dangerous wing Teddy Thomas among seven changes for the final Test against Australia after their breakthrough win in Melbourne.

INJURY UPDATE: Ardie Savea has revealed an internal struggle during the early stages of rehabbing a serious knee injury.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Australia coach Dave Rennie made eight changes Thursday to his starting line-up for the third Test against France, confident the new-look team can clinch the decider.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Richie Mo'unga has been restored as flyhalf and the loose forwards have been revamped as a chastened All Blacks look to make an emphatic statement in the second Test against Fiji.

REACTION: Director of Rugby Rassie Erasmus has set the bar for South Africa 'A' following their 17-13 win over the British & Irish Lions in Cape Town on Wednesday.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Leone Nakarawa has been given more responsibility as he will lead the Fiji against the All Blacks in their final test match on Saturday in Hamilton.

NEWS: SA Rugby announced on Wednesday that two Currie Cup Premier Division matches this weekend will be cancelled.

MATCH REPORT:  South Africa 'A' survived two yellow cards to claim a narrow 17-13 win over the British and Irish Lions on Wednesday at Cape Town Stadium.

SQUAD UPDATE: Ireland star Ronan Kelleher has been called up to The British & Irish Lions touring party.

UPDATE: The Bulls have reportedly arrived in Cape Town to help provide some opposition for the Springboks this weekend.

SPOTLIGHT: The British & Irish Lions head coach, Warren Gatland has confirmed that Tour captain Alun Wyn Jones will return to the Lions touring party in South Africa.

NEWS: World Rugby announced on Wednesday five law trials which will start next month, including a so-called "50/22" kicking adaptation.

NEWS: South Africa Sevens team have gone into quarantine after landing in Tokyo ahead of the Olympic Games.

NEWS: President of the Eastern Province Rugby Union Andre Rademan has passed away after a battle with COVID-19.

REACTION: Dave Rennie is set to bring in fresh faces for the deciding Test against France to inject "some key energy" with skipper Michael Hooper admitting "it sucks" losing to Les Bleus.

SPOTLIGHT: Stormers assistant coach Dawie Snyman believes his players have put the disappointment of losing to Griquas last week firmly behind them.

OPINION: A Springbok-laden South Africa 'A' team brought the intensity when they faced the British and Irish Lions on Wednesday.

OPINION: For the Sharks, it was a chance to right the wrongs in what was the second encounter against the British and Irish Lions.

OPINION: The withdrawal of Finn Russell and Maro Itoje just 90 minutes before kick-off may have rattled the British and Irish Lions.

READERS’ FORUM: Welcome to our live coverage of the tour match between South Africa A and British & Irish Lions in Cape Town.

SPOTLIGHT: British and Irish Lions kicking coach Neil Jenkins knows all too well how influential Springbok flyhalf Morne Steyn can be for his team.

SPOTLIGHT: British and Irish Lions hooker Ken Owens says there has been a shift in mentality in the Lions' camp since they arrived in Cape Town.

REACTION: The Springboks' management team is working hard at a plan to get in some valuable game time before the British and Irish Lions test series.

NEWS: The Springboks will face the Wallabies at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG) in the 2021 Rugby Championship.

THE FOURTH TEST: Wednesday's fixture against Britsh and Irish Lions might be regarded as the fourth unofficial test.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: All Blacks great John Kirwan has called for Fiji and Japan to be included in this year’s edition of the Rugby Championship.

MATCH REPORT: France made history in Australia by beating the Wallabies 28-26 for the first time in 31 years. 

OPINION: The All Blacks survived a big scare from Fiji as they scored 26 unanswered points in the final quarter of an hour to secure a 57-23 win.

NEWS: Wallabies star Quade Cooper has opened up on his struggles to become an Australian citizen.

WATCH as Rassie Erasmus and Warren Gatland talk about the possibility that two legends of the game could make dramatic comebacks.

WATCH as the spotlight is shone on Albertus Smith, who played at No.8 for the Springboks against Georgia.

It has been one of the more eventful weeks on a Lions Tour in recent history.

REACTION: B&I Lions coach Warren Gatland dismissed a request from the Springboks to allow the SA A team to replace the Stormers as opposition.

NEWS: World Rugby announced on Wednesday the introduction of an independent panel to oversee Test players' returns to action after suffering head injuries.

NEWS: Bristol Bears have been handed the honour of kicking off the new Premiership season, hosting promoted Saracens.

NEWS: Sharks scrumhalf Jaden Hendrikse received a ban for his red card against the British and Irish Lions this past Saturday.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Former British & Irish Lions flyhalf Ronan O’Gara appears to be backing England stand-off Owen Farrell for the hotly contested 10 jersey after criticising Dan Biggar’s performance against the Sharks.

INJURY UPDATE: The Lions are playing a waiting game, as they step up preparations for their Currie Cup encounter with the Cheetahs at Ellis Park on Saturday.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Springbok coach Jacques Nienaber named 18 Rugby World Cup winners in a strong South Africa ‘A’ team captained by Lukhanyo Am for their clash with the British & Irish Lions in a  Lions Series match at Cape Town Stadium on Wednesday.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: British and Irish Lions coach Warren Gatland has named his team to play South Africa 'A' at Cape Town Stadium on Wednesday.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Wednesday’s match between South Africa A and British and Irish Lions is certainly a preview of the 'official' Lions Test series.

READERS’ FORUM: Welcome to our live coverage of the second Test between Australia and France in Melbourne.

TRANSFER TALK: Former Highlanders boss Aaron Mauger is reportedly set to be confirmed as the inaugural Moana Pasifika head coach.

SECOND TEST: Wallaby coach Dave Rennie has cautioned a new-look France they will meet a sharper, faster Australia on Tuesday.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: The Springboks and the British & Irish Lions' arrival in Cape Town has been accompanied by cold and wet weather conditions.

REACTION: The Cheetahs will be hoping their narrow 17-16 Currie Cup win over the Pumas on Friday will be the start of something big.

REACTION: Sharks head coach Sean Everitt says the red card shown to scrumhalf Jaden Hendrikse in Saturday's match against the British and Irish Lions will be a "learning experience".

NEWS: Ireland will host New Zealand in November for the first time at Lansdowne Road since their historic 16-9 home victory against them in 2018.

NEWS: The Springboks will resume training on Sunday in preparation for the Lions Series.

REACTION: The All Blacks have pinpointed areas of their game in need of urgent attention following an untidy performance against Fiji.

OPINION: Ian Cameron rates the British and Irish player after their 54-7 rout of the Sharks at Ellis Park on Wednesday.

SPOTLIGHT: British and Irish Lions head coach Warren Gatland gave an update on Finn Russell's injury after his team's win against the Sharks on Saturday.

NEWS: A Springbok wing has announced his retirement from rugby.

NEWS: The Fiji rugby team chose not to wear jerseys bearing a pro-vaccination message during Saturday's Test against New Zealand because of objections from some players.

REACTION: British and Irish Lions coach Warren Gatland said the past seven days had been one of the most challenging periods of his coaching career.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Australia elevated strapping prop Taniela Tupou to the starting line-up Sunday for the second Test against France.

WATCH as Stormers coach John Dobson unpacks the work awaiting for his team ahead of their much-anticipated clash with the British and Irish Lions next week.

MATCH REPORT: The British and Irish Lions made it back-to-back wins over the Sharks but only after coming from behind twice in a thrilling end-to-end encounter in Pretoria.

MATCH REPORT: Hooker Ronan Kelleher scored four tries in Ireland's 71-10 win over the United States at the Aviva Stadium on Saturday.

SQUAD UPDATE: The British & Irish Lions head coach, Warren Gatland has called up Marcus Smith as injury cover for Finn Russell.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: France coach Fabien Galthie made five changes to his team for the second Test against Australia at Melbourne.

REPORT: Marcus Smith piloted England’s 70-14 rout of Canada – unaware he had been called up to the British and Irish Lions tour of South Africa.

MATCH REPORT: Wales had to settle for a draw against 14-man Argentina after a tense Principality Stadium encounter finished 20-20.

MATCH REPORT: A rattled All Blacks struggled to put away an under-prepared Fiji in Dunedin on Saturday but four tries by Dane Coles in the second half resulted in a flattering 57-23 scoreline.

SPOTLIGHT: The Wallabies are set to be at full strength for the second Test against France in Melbourne on Tuesday as they look to wrap up the series with a second victory.

MATCH REPORT: Centre Henry Taefu scored a try among 20 points as Samoa beat Tonga 42-13 in the first match of a two-leg Rugby World Cup qualifying series.

OPINION: The Sharks would have learned one very valuable lesson - they are way off the pace they need to be if they hope to compete internationally.

NEWS: The British and Irish Lions tour seems destined for a dramatic shift to Cape Town. Jan de Koning reports.

INJURY UPDATE: British and Irish Lions will be without two of their key players for the match against the Sharks at Loftus Versfeld on Saturday.

NEWS: Montpellier announced the signing of promising Italy flyhalf Paolo Garbisi on a two-year contract from Treviso.

READERS’ FORUM: Welcome to our live coverage of the third match of the British and Irish Lions tour of South Africa - when they face the Sharks at Loftus Versfeld.

REACTION: Griquas blew the Currie Cup race wide open following their win over the Western Province on Wednesday.

INJURY UPDATE: Bath lock Josh McNally has become the sixth player injured in England’s notoriously brutal training environment.

THE REMATCH: The Sharks will be seeking redemption when they come up against the British and Irish Lions for the second time in three days.

WATCH as British and Irish Lions boss Ben Calveley maps out the way forward that will ensure the tour goes ahead and the Test series is completed as planned.

CURRIE CUP MATCH REPORT: The Cheetahs won their first match of the season, when they edged the Pumas 17-16 in a nail biter in Bloemfontein on Friday.

NEWS: Scotland's Test match against Georgia in Tbilisi on July 17 has been cancelled after the hosts reported six positive Covid-19 cases in camp while in South Africa this week.

WATCH as Western Province coach John Dobson reveals the shocking news of seasoned prop Alistair Vermaak's potential career-ending injury.

READERS’ FORUM: Welcome to our live coverage of the opening Test between New Zealand and Fiji in Dunedin.

TRANSFER NEWS: A playmaker has called time on his career in New Zealand by signing a deal to join Japanese club Kamaishi Seawaves next year.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: All Blacks head coach Ian Foster has defended his team’s lineup to face Fiji this week after being asked whether the Fijian heritage of some of his players led to their selection for Saturday’s test in Dunedin.

WATCH Springbok superstar Cheslin Kolbe talks about his epic drop-goal in the Top 14 final for Toulouse against La Rochelle.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: British and Irish Lions coach Warren Gatland named his team to play Sharks for this Saturday's match at Loftus Versfeld in Pretoria.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Sharks head coach Sean Everitt has revealed his team for their rematch with the British and Irish Lions at Loftus Versfeld on Saturday.

WATCH as Sharks coach Sean Everitt unpacks his team's 7-54 loss to the British and Irish Lions and what 'lessons' they have learnt from the experience.

NEWS: The British & Irish Lions will play back-to-back matches against the Sharks.

NEWS: Newly-promoted Top 14 outfit Biarritz have signed Argentina international scrumhalf Tomas Cubelli on a two-year deal, the club announced on Friday.

SPOTLIGHT: England rugby coach Eddie Jones admitted he is taking ideas from Gareth Southgate after he led England's football team to the Euro 2020 Final against Italy.

SHAKY START: The Cheetahs will be looking for a morale-boosting win against the Pumas on Friday after a shaky start to their Currie Cup campaign.

NORTH V SOUTH: Wales have made three changes for the first of two Tests against Argentina at Principality Stadium on Saturday.

FROM CRISIS TO CAPTAIN: All Blacks scrumhalf Aaron Smith admits it is "a little bit scary" how his once turbulent life has turned around, and at 32 he will captain New Zealand in the first Test against Fiji in Dunedin on Saturday.

NEW FACES: There are eight uncapped players in Ireland's matchday 23 to face the USA in Dublin on Saturday.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Eddie Jones has named his side for England’s match against Canada at Twickenham Stadium on Saturday on July 10.

REACTION: British and Irish Lions coach Warren Gatland 'honestly' believes the Test series against the world champion Springboks will go head.

NEWS: Heyneke Meyer gets a Director of Rugby role in the United States.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: All Blacks head coach Ian Foster has revealed his team to face Fiji in Dunedin on Saturday.

NEWS: Crusaders coach Scott Robertson confirmed he is staying with the top Super Rugby side until 2024, having made it clear he wants the most sought-after job of handling the All Blacks.

MATCH REPORT: The British and Irish Lions fired off another warning to the Springboks, as they dismissed the Sharks with consummate ease.

SPOTLIGHT: Marika Koroibete has revealed he missed the birth of his third son in order to play for the Wallabies in their opening Test against France on Wednesday.

NEWS: SA Rugby confirmed on Wednesday that the planned second Test match between the Springboks and Georgia had been cancelled because of COVID-19 infections in both camps.

CURRIE CUP REPORT: The Griquas recorded a nail-biting 30-28 win over the Western Province at Cape Town Stadium on Wednesday.

REACTION: Tate McDermott's Test-turning cameo has given Wallabies coach Dave Rennie "food for thought" as he promises to pick his strongest team for next Tuesday's rematch with France.

MATCH REPORT: Noah Lolesio slotted penalty three minutes into referee's additional time to secure a thrilling 23-21 win for Australia over France in the first of three Tests.

RAINBOW CUP DREAM TEAM: Champions Benetton has put one over the Bulls again.

OPINION: World Rugby needs to do more than just paying lip service to their claims that they want to grow the game globally.

REACTION: Western Province head coach John Dobson confirmed that Salmaan Moerat faces a lengthy injury lay-off. 

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Fiji named two-Test scrumhalf Simione Kuruvoli to start against the All Blacks in Dunedin on Saturday.

SPOTLIGHT: Despite only starting to enter his peak years of professional rugby, Otere Black has called time on his career in New Zealand and is set to head to Japan following the NPC.

READERS’ FORUM: Welcome to our live coverage of the second match of the British and Irish Lions tour of South Africa.

NEWS: The tour match between the Sharks and the British and Irish Lions will go ahead on Wednesday.

BREAKING NEWS: The British and Irish Lions confirmed that a member of its management team has tested positive for COVID-19.

REACTION: Bulls Rugby Chief Executive Officer Edgar Rathbone has come to the defence of SA Rugby following the latest COVID-19 havoc. 

REACTION: The British and Irish Lions are happy to accept Georgia as opposition, should the third-wave COVID-19 surge force the cancellation of matches.

NEWS: Jack Kenningham has withdrawn from the England squad after being contacted and advised to isolate by the NHS COVID-19 app.

TRANSFER NEWS: Harlequins announced the signing of Scotland international Huw Jones ahead of the 2021/22 season

STRANGE TIMES: The Sharks head up to Johannesburg to face the British and Irish Lions in a mid-week tour match.

READERS’ FORUM: Welcome to our live coverage of the first of three Tests matches between Australia and France - this one in Brisbane.

WATCH as British and Irish Lions coach Warren Gatland talks about the prospect of Pieter-Steph du Toit playing at lock in the Test series.

BREAKING NEWS: The British & Irish Lions’ Lions Series match against the Bulls on Saturday has been postponed with a view to rescheduling or to accommodate an alternative opponent.

WATCH as British and Irish Lions coach Warren Gatland speaks about his selection options ahead of the three-Test series against South Africa.

INJURY UPDATE: Max Malins has been ruled out of the England squad for the Test against Canada on Saturday at Twickenham.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Fiji's players are drawing inspiration from their virus-hit homeland as they prepare to face the All Blacks in Dunedin this weekend, wing Nemani Nadolo said Tuesday.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Western Province have received a major boost ahead of their Currie Cup match against Griquas on Wednesday. 

SEVENS SQUAD ANNOUNCEMENT: Olympic bronze medallist Justin Geduld has been included in Team South Africa’s Sevens squad for the 2021 Tokyo Olympics.

WATCH as the Johannesburg-based Lions coach Ivan van Rooyen unpacks the lessons learned from his team's 56-14 mauling at the hands of the British and Irish Lions at the weekend.

TOP DOG: Western Province will look to consolidate their spot at the top of the Currie Cup standings this week as the competition starts to pick up steam, and with no unbeaten teams remaining.

SPOTLIGHT: Sharks head coach Sean Everitt says his team will be relying heavily on Curwin Bosch's experience and game management when they face the British and Irish Lions.

SPOTLIGHT: The Wallabies will look to tap into the recent France experience of lock Matt Philip when they host Les Bleus at Suncorp Stadium on Wednesday.

BREAKING NEWS: The second Test between South Africa and Georgia, scheduled for Ellis Park on Friday, is in serious doubt.

LET THE GAMES BEGIN: Wallaby skipper Michael Hooper is under no illusion that his side has their work cut out against a young French team.

NEWS: The Springboks' preparations have been disrupted by Covid-19 again.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: As the British & Irish test series with the Springboks approaches, memories of the brutal second test from 2009 in Pretoria have been relived and scrutinised by players and pundits alike.

INJURY UPDATE: The Johannesburg-based Lions received a timely boost, just days after they were mauled by the British and Irish Lions.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Sharks head coach Sean Everitt has revealed his team to face the British and Irish Lions in Johannesburg on Wednesday.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: British and Irish Lions coach Warren Gatland has named three 'rookies' for his team's second match on their tour of South Africa.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: The Griquas have made several changes to the starting XV for their Currie Cup encounter against Western Province on Wednesday.

NEWS: Israel Folau has signed with Japanese Top League side NTT Communications Shining Arcs in a fresh twist after his recent attempts to resurrect his Rugby League career in Queensland.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: As long as he is on the field, he is a happy man.