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SPOTLIGHT: With 14 months having passed since their World Cup 2019 victory over England, Faf de Klerk admits he cannot wait to run out in a Springbok jersey again.

STAT ATTACK: Two Boks dominated the overall stats at the completion of this year’s regulation matches in the Currie Cup.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: The Currie Cup semi-finals are scheduled to be contested at Loftus Versfeld and Newlands.

SPOTLIGHT: A British and Irish Lions legend has weighed in on the uncertainty surrounding this year’s British and Irish Lions Tour to South Africa.

WATCH as Peter de Villiers talks about the players in the EP Elephants squad and the upcoming Franchise Cup.

CURRIE CUP SPOTLIGHT: Siya Kolisi's playing future has been under the spotlight ever since the Sharks' partnership with MVM Holdings was officially unveiled.

NEWS: The Sharks have done what Western Province could not.

CURRIE SPOTLIGHT: Jake White reflects on how far his team has come since he took over.

SPOTLIGHT: Clive Woodward has tabled his wishlist should the tour go ahead, devising a strategic plan to flummox the Springboks in his latest column for Daily Mail UK.

TOP14 PREVIEW: South African lock Ryno Pieterse said he is happy the "rollercoaster" experience of his first few months at Castres is over ahead of travelling to fellow Top 14 strugglers Montpellier on Sunday.

READERS' VIEW: The final pool round of the Currie Cup season is over and now it is time for the readers to vote for their Team of the Week.

NEWS: The final two rounds of group matches in the European Champions and Challenge Cups will be cancelled.

NEW APPOINTMENT: Former Saracens boss Brendan Venter believes Alex Sanderson, who is set to be named Sale Sharks’ new director of rugby, is a “brilliant” choice and uniquely equipped to get the best out of the club’s 11 strong contingent of South African players.

NEW RUGBY DIRECTOR: Six Nations Rugby announced the appointment of Julie Paterson as Director of Rugby.

REACTION: Wallabies prop Tom Robertson concedes he was unhappy at the NSW Waratahs last year, and has described his move to the Western Force as like a breath of fresh air.

NEWS: Liam Williams will miss Wales's Six Nations opener against Ireland next month after receiving a three-game ban for his red card in Scarlets' Pro14 loss to Cardiff Blues.

CURRIE CUP SPOTLIGHT: Can the Lions cause an upset at Loftus Versfeld?

POSITIVE TESTS: Japan's Top League rugby was put on hold after scores of players tested positive for the coronavirus, the latest setback for sport in the country just six months before the Tokyo Olympics.

CURRIE CUP SPOTLIGHT: Western Province are leaving no stone unturned ahead of their semifinal against the Sharks.

NEWS: COVID-19 again threatens to disrupt the home-and-away season.

FIXTURES: Exeter director of rugby Rob Baxter wants the English and European champions to make the most of an unexpected two-week break despite wanting to fill the gap with Premiership fixtures.

NEWS: The Western Force's Argentine contingent has been cut by one.

CURRIE CUP SPOTLIGHT: Sharks head coach Sean Everitt has answered some questions concerning the readiness of his squad,

INJURY: Record-breaking Wales captain Alun Wyn Jones is making good progress in his recovery from a knee injury ahead of next month's start of the Six Nations, according to his Ospreys coach Toby Booth.

NEWS: Harlequins and England wing Chris Ashton is unhappy.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Japan is fast becoming the epicentre of world rugby with former Wallabies coach Robbie Deans declaring the Top League the "new destination of choice" because of its unique, back-to-the-future model and the country's wholesome lifestyle.

NEWS: It's the news that teams have been waiting to hear

SPOTLIGHT: Free State Cheetahs Managing Director Harold Verster does not want the rugby community to forget how SA Rugby has treated the union in 2020.

Are the Six Nations greedy or just short-sighted when it comes to the plight of the Pacific Nations?

DISCIPLINARY UPDATE: Bristol prop Kyle Sinckler has been banned for two weeks and will miss the start of England’s Six Nations campaign on February 6 at home to Scotland.

LIONS TOUR: A petition has been created online to postpone the British and Irish Lions tour of South Africa to 2022 and avoid the series being moved to the United Kingdom and Ireland. Rising Covid-19 cases in South Africa, in conjunction with a new variant of the virus, have made it unlikely that the world champions will host the Lions as planned this year.

NEWS: Toulon are looking to bolster their squad with some big names again.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: New Zealand Rugby’s negotiations with US private equity firm Silver Lake are advancing, with reports suggesting a minority stake of up to 15 percent could soon be sold off.

WARATAHS ROSTER: The NSW Waratahs have unveiled their full roster ahead of the start of the Super Rugby AU competition, with a changing of the guard seeing some fresh talent come into the squad.

NEWS: Controversial cross-code athlete Israel Folau has been linked – albeit tenuously – with a move back to Rugby Union.

REACTION: PRO14 and the Top 14 in France have announced a raft of rescheduled league fixtures after it was confirmed that this month’s planned two rounds of European matches have been postponed. 

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Bizarre scenes played out in France’s second-tier Pro D2 on Friday when a player was red-carded for celebrating his side’s win by lifting the referee into the air.

REACTION: Pumas hope their Currie Cup campaign proved that they belong in SA Rugby’s new Franchise Cup competition.

NEWS: A mouth-watering clash has been scrapped.

NEW FOCUS: The final month of an unprecedented year has seen Cobus Wiese face the shock exit of Steve Diamond, Sale Shark’s director of rugby, suffer three successive defeats and experience snow for the first time in his life.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Bulls and Lions will meet in the first of the two Currie Cup semi-finals on Saturday, January 23, as SA Rugby announced the kick-off times on Tuesday.

NEWS: European Champions Cup and Challenge Cup have been suspended after the French government said the Covid-19 pandemic made it too risky for French teams to play, organisers said Monday.

LIFE PROGRAMME: On the pitch, Saracens have become one of the giants of European rugby. Off it, they are using their powerful platform to prepare prisoners for life after release.

SCHEDULE RETAINED: England's Premiership ruby union clubs will take a two-week, mid-season break, organisers said after it was announced earlier Monday that both the European Champions Cup and Challenge Cup tournaments were being suspended because of coronavirus concerns raised by French authorities.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: French sports minister Roxana Maracineanu said on Tuesday she needs further "guarantees" from other governments to allow France to face Ireland and England in the upcoming Six Nations.

NEW CHALLENGE: He went from freezing conditions in Ireland to bench pressing his own hotel bed in Brisbane, but Irish rugby legend Rob Kearney was all smiles when he finally met his new Western Force teammates in Perth on Tuesday.

UPDATE: Bristol Bears prop Kyle Sinckler will appear before an online independent disciplinary panel on Tuesday.

NEW COMPETITION: The contrasting weather conditions to which the sides in the different hemispheres must adapt will provide interesting tactical challenges to coaches when the upcoming Rainbow Cup tournament kicks off in April.

SELECTION: Racing 92's exciting young wing Donovan Taofifenua was one of three uncapped players named by France coach Fabien Galthie on Monday in his squad of 37 to prepare for this year's Six Nations which is due to begin next month.

TRANSFER: England stalwart Mike Brown is set to swap London for Newcastle, with the fullback set to link back up with former Harlequins head coach Dean Richards at the Falcons.

NEWS: The Tongan Rugby Union have announced a new chief executive as part of the union’s plans to improve governance and administrative leadership in the coming years.

TRANSFER TALK: Francois Hougaard could be the latest Springbok to be lured back to South Africa by Jake White’s  Bulls franchise.

After having an awful season with the Chiefs finishing last in Super Rugby Aotearoa what happens to Warren Gatland if the B&I Lions tour to South Africa later this year is cancelled?

MATCH REPORT: The Pumas recorded a rare and historic 44-14 victory over table-topping Bulls on Sunday.

TOP 14: Record 20-time champions Toulouse ran in seven tries in a 48-24 demolition of old rivals Stade Francais on Sunday to take pole position in the French Top 14.

SPOTLIGHT: British and Irish Lions legend Ian McGeechan opens up on who he will pick for the B&I Lions tour to South Africa.

REACTION: Bristol Bears prop Kyle Sinckler has issued a Twitter apology after a comment he made to referee Karl Dickson during his side’s victory over Exeter Chiefs was widely criticised.

INTERVIEW: The current product being dished up to audiences isn't pleasant.

MATCH REPORT: Harlequins and London Irish delivered the first draw of the season during a pulsating London derby at The Stoop.

SIX NATIONS: French rugby federation president Bernard Laporte remains optimistic that the Six Nations will go ahead as scheduled despite the COVID-19 crisis.

With Manu Tuilagi's earliest projected return from injury being touted as April/May, will he be fit enough to be selected for the B&I Lions tour of South Africa in July?

CURRIE CUP REPORT: The Cheetahs ended their Currie Cup campaign with a hard-fought 22-18 win over Griquas in Kimberley on Saturday.

NEWS: The French government has recommended rugby clubs postpone upcoming European Cup matches with British teams due to the new COVID-19 variant.

Not only did Wales and B&I Lions player Liam Williams get red carded for charging into a ruck head first, he then decided to compound that by chirping ref Craig Evans as he left the field

TRANSFER TALK: Bath Rugby’s young back row Zach Mercer has signed with French club Montpellier - ending his future chances of playing for England in the process.

TOP 14 WRAP: Former France coach Philippe Saint-Andre said it was a blow to the squad's morale to lose his second game in charge of Top 14 strugglers Montpellier on Sunday. 

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: The Lions have revealed their team to face the Pumas in Nelspruit on Saturday.

READERS' FORUM: Welcome to our coverage of the Currie Cup Round Seven encounter between the Pumas and the Bulls in Nelspruit.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Perhaps the biggest losers from the relatively sudden reformating of Super Rugby are Argentina and, more specifically, the Jaguares.

Scarlets were reduced to 14 men when Liam Williams was red carded battled manfully but Cardiff Blues just proved a little too strong for them in the end

WATCH as former England front row Brian Moore sat down with Jim Hamilton to discuss the state of rugby in the modern era.

NEWS: COVID-19 precautionary measures have triggered the adjustment of the Currie Cup play-off dates.

PRO14 REPORT: Ospreys edged a cagey Welsh derby with Dragons 28-20 to earn their first win at Rodney Parade in four visits and remain unbeaten in 2021.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: The Bulls have named a youthful matchday squad that will face the Pumas in their final regular-season Currie Cup match at the Mbombela Stadium in Nelspruit on Sunday.

Georgian lock Lasha Jaiani has signed up with English Pro14 club Wasps and is available with immediate effect.

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

PRO14 REPORT: In a tense all Italian affair Zebre came out the winners 22-18 giving them bragging rights with back to back wins over local rivals Benetton

FINAL ROUND: It is the final pool round of the Currie Cup season and there are just two games.

PREMIERSHIP SATURDAY WRAP: Bristol Bears delivered an outstanding performance on both sides of the ball to beat Exeter Chiefs 20-7 at Sandy Park for the second season running.

NEWS: World Rugby is to introduce a fit and proper person's test for elected officials.

PRO14 REPORT: Munster returned to winning ways in the Pro14 after they recorded a 10-16 victory over Connacht at the Sportsground in Galway.

PRO14 REPORT: Triple-defending champions Leinster bounced back from their first defeat in 27 Championship games with a 24-12 win over  Ulster.

PREMIERSHIP FRIDAY WRAP: Sale Sharks secured their second consecutive Premiership victory under interim head coach Paul Deacon with a battling 20-13 triumph over Worcester Warriors at the AJ Bell Stadium.

UPDATE: Springbok Aphiwe Dyantyi has reportedly opted to appeal his four-year doping ban.

BATTLE OF THE FAFS: The Christmas and New Year festivities may be over, but there is sure to be plenty of joy and cheer on offer throughout five mouth-watering Premiership Rugby battles in Round 6.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Pumas head coach, Jimmy Stonehouse, opted for consistency in selection for their final Currie Cup match of the season.

WATCH some of rugby's most hilarious moments.

PREVIEW: The PRO14 completes its three-week stint between European breaks with six more matches this weekend, including two re-arranged games from Round 9.

NEWS: Sale will be without one of their Boks for the next few weeks.

POSTPONEMENT: The crunch Top 14 match between Racing 92 and leaders La Rochelle on Sunday was postponed indefinitely following further positive cases of Covid-19 at La Rochelle.

READERS' VIEW: The votes have been counted and the readers' Currie Cup Team of the Week for Round Six has been revealed.

NEWS: The Waratahs have bolstered their backline stocks with the signing of former Brisbane NRL star Izaia Perese for the 2021 Super Rugby season.

HEAD INJURIES: The French Rugby Federation (FFR) announced on Thursday it will trial the use of coloured bibs in training sessions among amateur clubs in an attempt to reduce the risk of head injuries.

COVID-19: Premiership Rugby said Thursday there had been a drop in the number of positive coronavirus cases in the top flight of English club rugby union following its latest round of testing.

SPOTLIGHT: The ever-evolving Western Province Rugby Football Union financial saga is about to get another new and intriguing chapter. Jan de Koning reports.

COACHES: Former Cardiff Blues boss Dai Young has returned as the interim Director of Rugby after coach John Mulvihill left his position as head coach with "immediate effect due to personal reasons", the Welsh capital club announced Thursday.

CURRIE CUP REACTION: Lions head coach Ivan van Rooyen is a frustrated man after his side missed a golden opportunity to secure a home seminal in this season's Currie Cup campaign.

TOP 14: La Rochelle's Kiwi head coach Jono Gibbes said recent hammerings at Racing 92 will serve as motivation for Saturday's Top 14 match in Paris.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Western Province have shifted their focus to ensure they are at their best in the Currie Cup semifinal against the Sharks.

NEWS: Ireland coach Andy Farrell has added a very iconic figure to his coaching staff following an inconsistent first calendar year. 

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Griquas head coach, Scott Mathie, made two changes to his backline and two to his pack for their final Currie Cup clash of the season, against the Cheetahs in Kimberley.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Beauden Barrett set his sights on reclaiming the All Blacks' number 10 jersey Wednesday as he prepares to begin a stint in Japan, which is battling a coronavirus surge.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Cheetahs head coach Hawies Fourie has revealed his team to face Griquas in their final-round Currie Cup clash in Kimberley on Saturday.

BREAKING NEWS: The final round Currie Cup match between Western Province and the Sharks has been cancelled in line with COVID-19 protocols.

NEW MEASURES: English Premiership rugby is to ban players from taking ice baths and engaging in face-to-face try celebrations in a bid to restrict the spread of the coronavirus.

TOP 14: Philippe Saint-Andre saw his first game in charge of floundering Montpellier end in a 24-20 defeat by Lyon on Wednesday but the former France coach vowed to keep the team in the elite Top 14 even if it meant surviving on "three, four hours sleep".

READERS' FORUM: Welcome to our coverage of the Currie Cup Round Five encounter between the Bulls and Lions in Pretoria.

SQUAD ANNOUNCEMENT: Brumbies have confirmed their squad for the 2021 Super Rugby Season, with 28 of the club’s 2020 title squad returning next year.

NEWS: Mark Alexander, the President of SA Rugby, has paid tribute to the hugely influential role Mluleki George played in the normalisation of South African sports and politics.

INTERVIEW: Jan de Koning asked probing questions about Western Province's future income streams. Watch as Ebrahim Rasool answers.

INJURY: Clermont's French international backrow forward Alexandre Lapandry will be sidelined for a further two months, the Top 14 club announced Tuesday.

MATCH REPORT: The Bulls cemented their place at the top of the Currie Cup table with a 22-15 win over the Lions at Loftus Versfeld on Wednesday.

CANCELLED: Premiership Rugby confirmed that Northampton Saints’ Premiership Rugby match against Leicester Tigers, scheduled for Saturday, has been called off.

TRAINING: The Brumbies have proven their commitment to winning back-to-back Super Rugby AU titles with some players skipping Christmas with their families to ensure they didn't miss training.

MIDWEEK BRUISER: Wednesday's match will set the tone for a high-octane final stretch as the pool stage concludes this week and the top teams battle it out for home semifinals.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: The Western Province camp believes that Newlands deserves to host one last Currie Cup semifinal.

NEWS: Covid-hit Bayonne's Top 14 match against Toulon, scheduled for Friday, has been postponed because of coronavirus infections.

TIME-CHANGE: The kick-off time for the seventh round Currie Cup fixture between Western Province and the Sharks in Cape Town on Saturday has been changed.

REACTION: Flyhalf Ian Madigan revealed the Ulster squad's response when Marcell Coetzee announced that he was heading back to South Africa to play for the Bulls.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: The Lions coach Ivan van Rooyen has named his team to face the Bulls at Loftus on Wednesday.

TRANSFER: Gloucester Rugby has confirmed the signing on Andrew Davidson from Edinburgh ahead of the 2021-22 season.

TRANSFER NEWS: Worcester Warriors have recruited Scotland international wing Duhan van der Merwe from Edinburgh as their first major signing for the 2021/22 season.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: After a rejuvenation of sorts in 2020, the Blues will have to reinvent themselves again in the coming Super Rugby Aotearoa season, having lost star recruit Beauden Barrett to Japan for the year.

REACTION: Lions coach Ivan van Rooyen is not taking any chances against the table-topping Bulls on Wednesday.

DISCIPLINARY NEWS: Sale Sharks Dan Du Preez finds himself in heaps of trouble following his moment of madness against Gloucester on Saturday.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Bulls Director of Rugby Jake White has finalised his team for Wednesday's Currie Cup clash against the Lions.

SOCIAL BUZZ: With major doubt being cast over the viability of the British and Irish Lions to South Africa, an alternative suggestion has been gaining legs in Europe.

COACH DEPARTURE: Crusaders and Canterbury Assistant Coach Mark Jones has confirmed he will not return to Christchurch ahead of the Crusaders 2021 Super Rugby season, and will instead take up the position of Senior Assistant Coach with English club, Worcester Warriors.

ON SCHEDULE: Tournament organisers said Monday they still expected the 2021 Six Nations Championship to go ahead as scheduled in February and March despite the rising number of coronavirus cases in Britain, Ireland and the rest of Europe.

READERS' VIEW: Round Six of the Currie Cup is done and dusted and now it's time for the readers to vote for their team of the week.

SPOTLIGHT: Bulls Director of Rugby Jake White has opened up on his personal battle with COVID-19 and the friends he lost to the virus.

SQUAD ANNOUNCEMENT: Bulls Director of Rugby, Jake White, has named an extended squad in preparation for the Currie Cup clash against the Lions at Loftus Versfeld on Wednesday.

SPOTLIGHT: The EPCR have held a meeting to discuss their Covid-19 protocols, hot on the heels of rumblings from France suggesting a number of Top 14 clubs are not entirely satisfied with the status quo in relation to controlling the virus.

NEWS: The Bulls have created a new role in their coaching team, which the franchise described as "another first in South African Rugby".

NEW APPOINTMENT: Former WA rugby union representative Tony Lewis will look to emulate the success of New Zealand’s champion province, the Tasman Mako, in developing talented young players after being appointed the new Chief Executive Officer of the Western Force.

TRANSFER NEWS: Tight-head prop Jon Welsh has returned to Newcastle Falcons – signing up until the end of the season.

REACTION: Sale Sharks number eight Daniel du Preez, along with officials, has come under scrutiny for a dangerous tackle made on Gloucester’s Chris Harris during Saturday’s Premiership clash.

NEWS: France coach Fabien Galthie will have a 37-man squad for the upcoming Six Nations after an agreement between the French Rugby Federation (FFR) and the league (LNR), sources told AFP on Monday.

CURRIE CUP REACTION: Cheetahs head coach Hawies Fourie has questioned the penalty decision for an off-the-ball incident in the second half of their crucial clash against Western Province.

CURRIE CUP REACTION: John Dobson believes the game of rugby has become more like "trench warfare", and he used his team's match against the Cheetahs as an example.

CURRIE CUP REACTION: Two-time World Cup winner Francois Steyn battled to hold back the tears after the Cheetahs' defeat to Western Province in Bloemfontein on Saturday.

POINTS AWARDED: Premiership Rugby confirmed that that Northampton Saints have been awarded four points and London Irish two following the cancellation of their Premiership Rugby Round Five match.

CANCELLATION: French rugby club Bayonne, affected by the new coronavirus variant that was recently detected in Britain, announced Sunday they would not play their two final pool games of the European Challenge Cup, against Leicester and Zebre on January 15 and 22.

TOP 14 WRAP Stade Francais notched up a bonus-point, six-try 51-21 demolition of 14-man Brive to move into fourth spot in the Top 14 on Sunday.

CURRIE CUP SPOTLIGHT: The Sharks had a point to prove.

PREMIERSHIP REPORT: Leicester Tigers kicked off a new year with a 36-31 win over Bath at Mattioli Woods Welford Road on Sunday in Round Five of the Premiership season.

REACTION: Toulon coach Patrice Collazo admitted there was "zero positive" from his team's 18-31 defeat to Bordeaux in the French Top 14 on Saturday.

CURRIE CUP REPORT: Á late penalty kick from Tim Swiel helped Western Province edge the Cheetahs 31-29 in Bloemfontein on Saturday.

CURRIE CUP REPORT: The Sharks thumped Griquas 47-19 in their Currie Cup Round Six match in Durban on Saturday.

COACH: Former France coach Philippe Saint-Andre on Sunday took over as head coach of Montpellier after the Top 14 club sacked Xavier Garbajosa.

REACTION: British and Irish Lions Managing Director Ben Calveley has opened up on the upcoming tour to South Africa.

In a scintillating match with 4 tries apiece Connacht ran out the winners by 35-24. It was the Jack Carty show with two tries, three penalties and three conversions that made the difference.

TOP 14, SATURDAY WRAP: Hooker Pierre Bourgarit scored a hat-trick of first-half tries as La Rochelle crushed rock-bottom Agen 43-13 on Saturday to bolster their French Top 14 title hopes.

CURRIE CUP REPORT: The Lions recorded a valuable 33-25 win over the Pumas in their Currie Cup Round Six match in Nelspruit on Saturday.

PREMIERSHIP SATURDAY WRAP: A late try from the returning Josh Beaumont helped Sale seal a 22-19 win over Gloucester at Kingsholm on Saturday.

PRO14 REPORT: Two first-half tries were enough for Ulster to seal a 15-10 derby triumph over Munster.

PRO14 REPORT: Edinburgh held on grimly to edge past Glasgow Warriors 10-7 at the death with a lone penalty kick from South African born flyhalf Jaco van der Walt being the difference.

PRO14 REPORT: A Luca Bigi brace helped Zebre begin 2021 in style as they saw off Italian rivals Benetton 24-15 in a hard-fought derby in Treviso.

READERS' FORUM: Welcome to our coverage of the Currie Cup Round Six encounter between the Sharks and Griquas in Durban.

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

READERS' FORUM: Welcome to our coverage of the Currie Cup Round Six encounter between the Pumas and Lions in Nelspruit.

PREMIERSHIP REPORT: Newcastle Falcons tasted Premiership defeat for their first time this season, falling to last year’s semifinalists Bristol Bears 17-29 at Ashton Gate on Friday.

READERS' VIEW: With all the votes in, players from the Cheetahs dominate the rugby365 readers' Team of the Week for Round Five.

INJURIES: Scotland suffered a triple Six Nations injury blow on Thursday when Glasgow's Fraser Brown, George Horne and Alex Allan were all ruled out of the tournament.

PRO14 REPORT: Cardiff Blues’ first visit to the Cardiff City Stadium since April 2012 ended in defeat, as Ospreys emerged 17-3 victors after a hard-fought New Year’s Day battle in the Welsh capital.

PRO14 REPORT: Second-half tries from Sione Kalamafoni and Sam Costelow inspired Scarlets to their sixth successive win over Welsh regions.

PREVIEW: Springbok loose-forward Marcell Coetzee is expected back from injury to bolster Ulster in Saturday’s plum PRO14 derby against Munster at the Kingspan Stadium in Belfast.

NEWS: The British and Irish Lions tour to South Africa is in serious danger of not going ahead this year due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

PREVIEW: The 2020/2021 season enters Round Five this weekend with only four matches.

TOP 14: Former New Zealand sevens international Ben Lam said he has found his feet at Bordeaux-Begles, aided by a growing taste for the signature French food speciality of foie gras.

FRANCHISES: Top English club Saracens is hoping to organise matches against South Africa’s top four franchises that will be playing in the PRO14’s Rainbow Cup.

BREAKING NEWS: The first, critical, steps in securing the financial sustainability of the game in the Western Cape was taken at the weekend. Jan de Koning reports.

NEW YEAR'S RESOLUTION: Every point counts with five teams still in the running for semifinal places.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Sharks head coach Sean Everitt has once again had to implement changes to the team ahead of their clash against Griquas on Saturday.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Cheetahs head coach Hawies Fourie has revealed his team to face Western Province in their crucial Currie Cup Round Six match in Bloemfontein on Saturday.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Pumas coach Jimmy Stonehouse made seven changes to his matchday squad for their Currie Cup fixture against the Lions in Nelspruit.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Griquas head coach Scott Mathie has made one change to his side for their clash against the Sharks.

NEWS: France received some bad news on Wednesday.

TRANSFER: Argentine back-rower Rodrigo Bruni, who played in the Pumas' stunning triumph over the All Blacks last month, on Wednesday signed a deal to play for French second-tier outfit Vannes.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Western Province head coach John Dobson has revealed his team to face the Cheetahs in Bloemfontein on Saturday.

INJURY: Rob Baxter has allayed fears that Stuart Hogg is a major Six Nations doubt for Scotland after Gregor Townsend’s Test level skipper limped out of last Saturday’s Premiership win by Exeter over Gloucester at Sandy Park.

CANCELLATION: The French Rugby top-flight game between Bayonne and Pau scheduled for Saturday has been cancelled after a series of positive Covid tests.

HEARING: Ahsee Tuala of Northampton Saints appeared before an online independent disciplinary panel on Tuesday, following a citing in the match between Northampton Saints and Worcester Warriors on Saturday 26 December.

WATCH as All Black great Beauden Barrett rocks the fans just moments after stepping into the Japanese club circuit for the first time.

CURRIE CUP SPOTLIGHT: Western Province hooker Bongi Mbonambi believes the Cheetahs will try and run his team ragged in their crucial Round Six encounter in Bloemfontein on Saturday.

CURRIE CUP SPOTLIGHT: The Cheetahs will be looking to build on their win against the Sharks when they face Western Province in a crucial Round Six encounter in Bloemfontein on Saturday.

RETURN: Scarlets and Wales second row Jake Ball will be heading back to Australia at the end of the season.

WATCH as Springbok coach Jacques Nienaber talks about the World Cup draw, announced on Monday. Jan de Koning reports.

WATCH as we bring you the new Springbok jersey that will be worn against the British and Irish Lions in 2021.

LOCKDOWN: The adjusted lockdown regulations announced on Monday night have led to yet another change in this season’s Currie Cup fixtures.

NEWS: Premiership Rugby confirmed that Harlequins' Premiership match against Worcester Warriors, scheduled for New Year's Day, has been called off.

DISCIPLINE: Pablo Matera must complete an educational course before he can play again for the Pumas or resume the Test captaincy, the Argentina Rugby Union (UAR) has announced.

RETIREMENT: Former France centre Mathieu Bastareaud will miss the rest of the Top 14 season with a knee injury, the Lyon player announced on Monday.

TRANSFER NEWS: Bulls Director of Rugby Jake White has opened up on his team's new signing.

INTERVIEW: The past weekend’s Currie Cup matches brought more realism for the Cheetahs’ play-off chances and kept Western Province on course after both secured home victories against the Sharks and Griquas respectively.

INJURIES: The Lions have provided an injury update on some of their players.

NEWS: Western Province coach John Dobson was reluctant to give details, but the source of his captain's COVID-19 contact has been confirmed.

NEWS: Premiership Rugby have announced how points will be awarded for the Newcastle Falcons v Leicester Tigers and Bath v London Irish games which were cancelled over the weekend.

REACTION: The competition logjam means the final fortnight of league action is going to make for an intriguing and brutal run into the Currie Cup play-offs.

READERS' VIEW: It is that time of the week again. You get to vote for your team of the week.

TOP 14: La Rochelle beat Montpellier 22-9 on Sunday to maintain their Top 14 lead despite playing an hour with 14 men,  but the two teams immediately below both picked up bonus points to gain ground.

NEWS: France's star playmaker faces a race against time after suffering a horror injury.

IN THE NEWS: Mr Mark Alexander, president of SA Rugby, has expressed his condolences to the family of the late Mr Ivan Pekeur, the Boland Rugby Union president, who passed away during the early hours on Sunday morning.

PRO14 MATCH REPORT: Ulster staged a superb second-half fightback to beat Connacht 32-19 and claim their first win in Galway for more than five years.

PREMIERSHIP MATCH REPORT: Tries from Charlie Atkinson and Tom Cruse, plus a perfect kicking display from All Black Lima Sopoaga secured victory for Wasps.

CURRIE CUP MATCH REPORT: The Cheetahs put their campaign back on track with an impressive bonus-point win over a decidedly unimpressive Sharks team in Bloemfontein on Sunday.

NEWS: Ulster unveiled the plans for back row forward Marcell Coetzee to return home to South Africa and play for the Bulls.

PRO14 MATCH REPORT: Angus O'Brien's late try propelled Scarlets to a comeback Derby Day victory over Ospreys at a windswept Parc y Scarlets.

CURRIE CUP MATCH REPORT: Western Province moved to second place on the standings, at least for the next 24 hours.

WATCH as we bring you some of the game's biggest and fiercest scrums.

REACTION: World Cup-winning Springbok captain Siyamthanda Kolisi will miss Western Province's crucial trip to Bloemfontein this week.

REACTION: Exeter's Director of Rugby Rob Baxter hailed his players' gritty 28-20 win against Gloucester after they were unable to train together for a fortnight.

PREMIERSHIP SATURDAY WRAP: Bristol Bears kept the pressure on leaders Exeter Chiefs as Round Four got underway.

TRANSFER NEWS: The Bulls may just have let the cat out the bag with their latest teaser.

NEWS: The Pro14 have scrapped another Christmas derby due to the pandemic.

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

REACTION: The Executive Council of South African Rugby has declined to react to the reports of the arbitration involving Jurie Roux and his former employer, Stellenbosch University at this stage.

REFEREES: South Africa’s two leading referees, Jaco Peyper and Marius van der Westhuizen, are the only two referees officials from  the Southern Hemisphere appointed to officiate in the Six-Nations Championship that kicks off in February.

READERS' VIEW: The Lions, the form team of the Currie Cup, got an overwhelming vote of confidence from the @rugby365com readers.

OPINION: Josh Raisey takes a stab at naming his alternative team of the decade!

PRO14 MATCH REPORT: Cardiff Blues won a turgid Boxing Day derby against the Dragons, running out 13-12 victors at Rodney Parade.

BEARS CHALLENGE: After the lost matches at Kingston Park and The Recreation Ground, the weekend kicks off at Stoop Memorial Ground.

READERS’ FORUM: Welcome to our coverage of the Currie Cup Round Five encounter between Western Province and Griquas at Newlands.

REACTION: The Sharks will field a team in Bloemfontein on Sunday, come what may!

BOXING DAY BATTLE: Rugby on December 26. It has been a source of much banter in the last couple of months, but what is going to happen at Newlands on Saturday will be no joke.

DERBY WEEKEND: The expected humdinger and standout match in this weekend's Pro14 fixtures, between Munster and defending champions Leinster at Limerick on Saturday has been postponed.

TRANSFER: Gloucester has announced the signing of Seb Nagle-Taylor on a permanent contract with the Club for the 2021-22 season.

TOP 14 PREVIEW: Toulon coach Patrice Collazo said New Zealand centres Ma'a Nonu and Isaia Toeava are "at ease" with each other.

DISCIPLINARY UPDATE: The European Cup disciplinary committee has revealed the verdict on two hearings - both the result of Round Two matches.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Sharks coach Sean Everitt made four changes to his side take on the Cheetahs in Bloemfontein in a Currie Cup Round Five clash on Sunday.

REACTION: Ciarán Kennedy chatted to six experts from the Celtic Nations to get their view on South Africa's participation in the Pro16.

BREAKING NEWS: Pro14's return to action was dealt a blow by a COVID-19 outbreak in the Leinster camp.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Cheetahs coach Hawies Fourie has been forced into making changes, yet again, for his team's Currie Cup Round Five encounter with the Sharks.

COACHING: When Steve Hansen’s contract as All Blacks head coach came to an end following the 2019 Rugby World Cup in Japan, New Zealand Rugby reached out to 26 candidates they considered viable options who could have a role to play in the post-Hansen era.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Griquas flank Gideon van der Merwe has recovered from injury and was named in a reshuffled starting XV.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Western Province has been boosted by the return of a number of key players for their Currie Cup encounter with Griquas at Newlands on Boxing Day.

SPOTLIGHT: One in five professional players in England suffered concussion during the 2018-19 season.

BREAKING NEWS: The name for the new, expanded, competition that South Africa's franchises will play in has been revealed.

SPOTLIGHT: Cheetahs coach Hawies Fourie used the word 'composure' to describe this past weekend's drought-breaking Currie Cup win over the Pumas.

REACTION: Bulls CEO Edgar Rathbone moved swiftly to dispel the suggestion that his franchise is being favoured in the Currie Cup fixture rescheduling. Jan de Koning reports.

COACHING: When Scott Robertson called time on his playing career in New Zealand, the maverick loose forward headed offshore in search of new challenges. Now, as one of the most respected coaches in world rugby, Robertson could be set to do the same at the end of 2021.

IN THE NEWS: Montpellier Hérault looks set to wield their considerable financial clout in the transfer markets with reports that they are to fill a Bismarck du Plessis void in the team with a like for like replacement.

CONTRACT NEWS: Birthday boy David Havili has inked a new contract with the Crusaders which will keep him in New Zealand until the end of 2023.

BREAKING NEWS: Leicester's English Premiership match at Newcastle on December 26 has been cancelled because of a COVID-19 outbreak in the Tigers squad.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Nigel Owens speaks about the highs and lows of his career - including coming out and saving a young boy's life!

NEWS: London Irish's Premiership match with Bath on Saturday has been cancelled.

BREAKING NEWS: Experienced administrator and former player Andy Marinos has been appointed as Rugby Australia's new chief executive officer.

IN THE NEWS: Mr Arthob Petersen, who held the post of Springbok manager on three separate occasions and was a powerhouse on the Boland rugby scene, has been fondly remembered following his untimely death from the effects of the COVID-19 virus.

TRANSFER NEWS: Argentina back Emiliano Boffelli has signed for Racing 92 and will join in January, subject to a medical.

TOP 14: Brive clawed themselves back from a 15-point half-time deficit to win 25-24 at Castres on Tuesday in a Top 14 match postponed from the weekend of October 10 by a coronavirus outbreak.

INSIGHT: It was that 'moment of magic' so many coaches talk about. The one incident that wins a game.

INJURY UPDATE: Western Province, desperate to stray in the Currie Cup play-off race, received a timely boost on Monday. Jan de Koning reports.

CLUB NEWS: Saracens’ season in the Greene King IPA Championship will not begin until March 6 but the club is looking to set up a separate competition to keep players fit in the lead-up to their shortened season.

NEWS: All Black forward Jerome Kaino, a double World Cup winner who plays for Toulouse, told French radio on Tuesday that he planned to retire at the end of the season.

BREAKING NEWS: The kick-off dates of two Currie Cup matches have been moved to combat the threat of COVID-19 infection.

REACTION: Argentina captain Pablo Matera said he was just "an immature boy" when he posted tweets deemed to be racist and which saw him briefly suspended from the Pumas team earlier this month.

TRANSFERS: Newcastle Falcons has completed the signing of Argentina flanker Santiago Grondona and Argentina 7s wing Mateo Carreras.

REACTION: For more than a century the Currie Cup has been a testing ground for South African talent and a great source of entertainment.

WATCH as we bring you some of the best genius passes and offloads in the game.

IN THE NEWS: Former England captain Nigel Melville has been announced as the new Chairman of the Premiership Rugby Investor Board which represents the clubs at Premiership Rugby.

NEWS: The Reds will play a pre-season match in Japan next December after forming an alliance with Japanese Top League powerhouse Wild Knights.

NEWS: Ten former Rugby League players will reportedly take action against the sport's England authorities over concussion-related health issues.

TRANSFER NEWS: Bath have dipped into the Scottish market to replenish its playing stocks.

READERS' VIEW: It is that time of the week again. You get to vote for your team of the week.

REACTION: Since the start of the Currie Cup half of the revamped domestic season, the Lions have beaten all-comers.

REACTION: It was a game that gave a group of South Africans bragging rights over another bunch of Saffas.

IN THE NEWS: Formidable Argentina international, Nahuel Tetaz Chaparro, is set to join Bristol Bears on a short-term deal in January 2021.

EUROPEAN CUP MATCH REPORT: Racing 92 ran in seven tries as they proved much too good for Harlequins at Twickenham Stoop on Sunday.

COVID-19 REACTION: Toulon are considering appealing the decision to award the Scarlets a 28-0 European Champions Cup victory.

SPOTLIGHT: Serial code-hopper Sonny Bill Williams has reflected on being the first All Black to be red-carded in 50 years during the British and Irish Lions tour in 2017.

CHALLENGE CUP SATURDAY WRAP: George North produced a dramatic late score as Ospreys beat Worcester Warriors in Round Two in an enthralling eight-try game at the Sixways Stadium.

EUROPEAN CUP MATCH REPORT: Sale sharks threw away a 12-0 lead at the break through rank indiscipline to allow Edinburgh to sneak it 16-15 at the end.

EUROPEAN CUP MATCH REPORT: An 85th minute try from George Barton gave Gloucester a dramatic 38-34 win over Ulster in a classic Champions Cup encounter at Kingsholm Stadium.

CURRIE CUP MATCH REPORT: The Lions made a massive statement with a comprehensive 27-12 win over the Sharks in a Round Four encounter at Ellis Park on Saturday.

REACTION: Johann Van Graan’s Munster men became only the second side to earn a Champions Cup triumph at Stade Marcel Michelin.

NEWS: Toulon has informed European officials that the club will not be fulfilling their Champions Cup, Round Two fixture against Scarlets.

EUROPEAN CUP MATCH REPORT: Bristol Bears secured all five points to get their Champions Cup campaign back on track with a 27-18 win over Connacht.

EUROPEAN CUP MATCH REPORT: A hat-trick of tries from wing Santiago Cordero was the catalyst for Bordeaux Begles as they demolished Dragons 47-8 at the Stade Chaban-Delmas.

SPOTLIGHT: When the All Blacks next take on the Springboks, the game won’t really start on a Saturday.

READERS’ FORUM: Welcome to our coverage of the European Cup Round Two encounter between Harlequins and Racing 92 at Twickenham Stoop.

OPINION: The votes are in. You, the readers, have spoken and here is your Team of the Week - after the third week of Currie Cup action.

EUROPEAN CUP REPORT: Alfie Barbeary bagged two tries and Star of the Match award as Wasps cruised to a 33-14 win over 14-man Montpellier in Coventry on Friday.

WATCH as a group of doctors explain what happens inside the brain of a player when he/she gets concussed.

WATCH as we bring you the highlights from the main matches at the weekend-Currie Cup Round Four and European Cup Round Two.

EUROPEAN CUP MATCH REPORT: Munster pulled out all the stops in the second half to come back from a 28-9 deficit at one stage to win the match in thrilling style 39-31

REACTION: Academics at British universities has called dramatic for government intervention in the escalating head injury saga.

CURRIE CUP MATCH REPORT: The Cheetahs won their first match in the second half of the season, when they beat a willing Pumas team 35-31 in Nelspruit on Friday.

CHALLENGE CUP WRAP: Carlo Canna kicked a penalty with a minute left on the clock to hand Zebre victory in a tense encounter against Brive on Friday.

REACTION: The Bulls - coaches, staff and players alike - will have a few sleepless nights after the COVID-19 outbreak in the camp. Jan de Koning reports.

EUROPEAN CHAMPIONS CUP MATCH REPORT: Leinster proved far too strong for bottom dwellers Northampton Saints cruising to a 35-19 win at the RDS Arena.

NEWS: Super Rugby veteran Angus Cottrell has become the latest Australian-based player to sign with United States franchise LA Giltinis.

READERS’ FORUM: Welcome to our coverage of the Currie Cup Round Four encounter between the Lions and Sharks at Ellis Park.

READERS’ FORUM: Welcome to our coverage of the European Cup Round Two encounter between Gloucester and Ulster at Kingsholm.

Former England player Austin Healey has launched a withering attack on Danny Cipriani just days after the maverick flyhalff surprisingly quit Gloucester with immediate effect just 19 months after he was voted the Premiership players’ player of the year.

BREAKING NEWS: All Blacks captain Sam Cane admitted he's concerned about his future health after a series of concussions, as World Rugby faces a lawsuit from ex-players with dementia and other problems.

REACTION: World Rugby chairman Bill Beaumont said he was "saddened" by the plight of former players suffering from concussion-related health problems after six more ex-professionals joined a lawsuit against the sport's authorities.

NEWS: Wales captain Alun Wyn Jones faces a race against time to be fit for the Six Nations, with Ospreys head coach Toby Booth predicting on Thursday that he could be out for at least 10 weeks.

SIGNING: Gloucester  has confirmed that England international hooker Jack Singleton has penned a permanent deal to remain at Kingsholm.

AGM: The Brumbies announced an A$468,484 (R5,2 million) loss after a difficult year for sporting franchises across the globe at their Annual General Meeting on Thursday evening.

COVID-19 CHAOS: The Champions Cup has been thrown into chaos.

READERS’ FORUM: Welcome to our coverage of the Currie Cup Round Four encounter between the Pumas and Cheetahs in Nelspruit.

LEVEL PLAYING FIELD: The playing field has been levelled, almost, as South Africa's premier domestic moves closer to the home stretch.

NEWS: Toulon has pulled out of their European Champions Cup match against Scarlets, scheduled for Friday.

REACTION: Sport Employees Unite (SEU), the representative trade union of non-playing staff in rugby, welcomed the announcement by the Western Province Professional Rugby Board to make changes to its governance and leadership in the company.

REACTION: Western Province Rugby Football Union President Zelt Marais is looking for 'trustworthy' partners that "respect confidentiality". Jan de Koning reports!

WATCH as World Cup-winning Springbok Eben Etzebeth gets into it with one of his teammates in a warm-up.

BREAKING NEWS: The COVID-19 pandemic has claimed another game in South Africa.

REACTION: Toulouse's Australian lock Rory Arnold admitted he was feeling "underdone" after this Sunday's eagerly awaited European Champions Cup semi-final rerun against Exeter Chiefs was cancelled due to a Covid-19 outbreak at the English club.

REACTION:  World Rugby, the Rugby Football Union and the Welsh Rugby Union have issued a joint statement in response to a class-action lawsuit over the escalating concussion saga.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Sharks coach Sean Everitt has made a few changes to his side for their Currie Cup Round Four encounter with the Lions.

SPOTLIGHT: The Cheetahs are set to enter a new 'international' competition next year that will give them a pathway back into Europe.

REACTION: The importance of player welfare remains a priority, which is why Springbok Sevens coach Neil Powell has endorsed the decision by World Rugby to move the World Rugby Sevens Series tournaments in Singapore and Hong Kong next year, despite the fact that it will leave teams short on match time before the Olympic Games in Tokyo in July.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Consistency is key for Lions coach Ivan van Rooyen.

NEWS: Hong Kong's famous rugby sevens tournament was postponed from next April to November on Thursday over continuing COVID-19 uncertainty after it was scrapped altogether this year.

NEWS: Argentina wing Santiago Cordero has signed a two-year contract extension with Bordeaux-Begles, the French side said on Thursday.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Pumas coach Jimmy Stonehouse made a handful of changes to his team, ahead of the Currie Cup Round Four encounter with the Cheetahs.

UPDATE: Retired England and Wales rugby union internationals are among six former players suffering from concussion-related health problems to have joined a lawsuit against the game.

DISCIPLINARY UPDATE: Testicle-grabbing Stade Francais flank Charlie Rorke has been given a proverbial slap on the wrist - a two-week ban.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Cheetahs coach Hawies Fourie has made a host of changes to his team ahead of their Currie Cup Round Four encounter with the Pumas in Nelspruit on Friday.

REACTION: The Rugby Football Union Chief Executive Bill Sweeney stands accused of being 'disingenuous'.

BREAKING NEWS: Two matches in Round Two of the Champions Cup have been cancelled as a result of a COVID-19 outbreak.

All Blacks captain Sam Cane has received the top honour at the 2020 Rugby Awards, claiming the Kelvin R Tremain Memorial award for overall Player of the Year after also picking up the All Black of the Year title.

INTERVIEW: It may be crunch time as the run-in to the Currie Cup play-offs approaches, but the Bulls' coach Jake White is sticking to his guns.

SPOTLIGHT: Expect a tough battle when the Sharks travel to Ellis Park this weekend for their Currie Cup match against the Lions.

INTERVIEW: Every Currie Cup side has its own goals, and with their play-off chances gone the Pumas have changed their focus.

OPINION: Tom Vinicombe looks at how history is repeating itself and what impact it could have on New Zealand's prospects at the 2023 World Cup.

TRANSFER: Gloucester's latest signing comes after impressive performances in the recent Autumn Nations Cup.

REACTION: A pragmatic Jake White remains upbeat about the Bulls' Currie Cup chances despite their loss to the Sharks this past weekend.

DISCIPLINARY UPDATE: Stade Francais back row forward Charlie Rorke has been cited by Challenge Cup organisers.

BREAKING NEWS: Danny Cipriani has left English Premiership club Gloucester after falling out of favour this season.

NEWS: Japanese rugby star Ayumu Goromaru announced his retirement on Wednesday.

WATCH as New Zealander utility back Baden Kerr from Counties Manukau makes the most incredible kick ever.

REACTION: The Southern Kings are dead. Long live the Mighty Elephants. Jan de Koning reports!

REACTION: New Zealand coach Ian Foster said facing hosts France in a mouthwatering 2023 World Cup pool game will be "special".

NEWS: The Rugby Football Union has cleared England coach Eddie Jones to continue in his role as consultant for Japan's Sungoliath club.

NEWS: England World Cup winner Steve Thompson is among a group of former internationals planning legal action against authorities over brain injuries.

REACTION: The Western Province Rugby Football Union is willing to fight tooth and nail to retain their most prized asset. Jan de Koning reports.

CONFIRMED: The South African Institute for Drug-Free Sport released details of disgraced Springbok wing Aphiwe Dyantyi's doping ban.

REACTION: Sharks coach Sean Everitt believes his team is beginning to hit the right notes, as the Currie Cup heads towards the home stretch.

SPOTLIGHT: Coach Hawies Fourie’s concern remains that his team’s most pressing problem has not been rectified.

NEWS: All of Australia and New Zealand's Super Rugby outfits will play in one location over one weekend as part of next year's Trans-Tasman competition.

REACTION: Japan rugby coach Jamie Joseph is relishing a 2023 World Cup reunion with 'Miracle of Brighton' architect Eddie Jones.

EUROPEAN CUP MATCH REPORT: Defending champions Exeter Chiefs got off to the perfect start in the Champions Cup.

VOTE NOW: Round Three of the Currie Cup produced some interesting results, which will make for some interesting selections in the Team of the Week.

EUROPEAN CUP REPORT: Munster scored two second-half tries to secure a 21-7 Champions Cup win over Harlequins.

NEWS: Wallaby captain Michael Hooper won his third John Eales Medal, narrowly pipping last year's winner Marika Koroibete for the top honour.

EUROPEAN CUP REPORT: Racing 92 were made to battle all the way against Connacht in a 26-22 Champions Cup win in Paris on Sunday.

BREAKING NEWS: Defending champions South Africa will have two Six Nations teams in their pool at the 2023 World Cup.

REACTION: South Africa will have a massive challenge when they defend their title at the 2023 World Cup.

POST-MATCH: Toulon's World Cup-winning Springbok lock Eben Etzebeth suffered a worrying head injury in Toulon's impressive 26-14 win over Sale Sharks.

TRANSFER NEWS: Gloucester is delighted to confirm the availability of Argentine international Santiago Carreras until the end of the 2020-21 season.

Wasps head coach Lee Blackett not impressed with European rugby bosses with being kept in the dark until the last minute about Dragons players testing for COVID-19

READERS' FORUM: Follow live and debate the draw for the 2023 World Cup in France!

NEWS: One of the darkest periods in the Bulls' storied history came to a head on Friday.

REACTION: There was a zip in the Lions team that hasn't been seen for some time, especially on the attack. Jan de Koning reports!

EUROPEAN CHAMPIONS CUP REPORT: Leinster's quest for a fifth European star got off to the perfect start on Saturday.

CURRIE CUP MATCH REPORT: The Lions scored a bonus-point win over the Cheetahs on Saturday, to put them back in the race for a top-two finish.

REPORT: Troubled Springbok Aphiwe Dyantyi has been informed of his punishment for doping according to South African media.

READERS’ FORUM: Welcome to our coverage of the European Cup Round One match between Munster and Harlequins at Thomond Park.

EUROPEAN CHAMPIONS CUP MATCH REPORT: Late tries from forwards Jack Willis and Thomas Young punctuated a 24-8 victory for Wasps against Dragons.

NEWS: French Rugby Federation President and World Rugby vice-chairman Bernard Laporte said he expects the investment in the Six Nations by a private equity firm to be concluded by next month.

READERS’ FORUM: Welcome to our coverage of the European Cup Round One match between Exeter Chiefs and Glasgow Warriors at Sandy Park.

EUROPEAN CHAMPIONS CUP REPORT: Scarlets won a breathtaking encounter against Bath 23-19 in the opening round at The Rec on Saturday.

Toulon took an easy win over the embattled Sale Sharks who lost their director of rugby Steve Diamond at the beginning of the week.

EUROPEAN CUP MATCH REPORT: Lyon laid down a Champions Cup marker on Sunday as they ran in eight tries in a 55-10 win over Gloucester.

Clermont came to Ashton Gate Stadium, the home of the Bristol Bears and put on an attacking masterclass outscoring the home side 7 tries to 5 to win the match 51-38

VIDEO: South Africa's World Cup winner Cheslin Kolbe said he was stunned by his own ability.

OPINION: The @rugby365com readers wanted to have a vote and got their wish. They were rather Bullish when selecting their Currie Cup Round Two Team of the Week.

WATCH: There have been some highly controversial tries scored over the years and we thought we'd relive some of them.

WATCH as veteran World Cup-winning Springbok Duane Vermeulen comes up with a classic chirp in the wake of two contentious yellow cards.

CURRIE CUP MATCH REPORT: Western Province put their campaign back on track with a bonus-point win over the Pumas at Newlands on Friday.

CURRIE CUP MATCH REPORT: The Sharks closed the gaps on the table-topping Bulls with an impressive win in a hot and humid Durban on Saturday.

NEWS: Discarded Wallaby Karmichael Hunt is eyeing up a potential return to the NRL.

READERS’ FORUM: Welcome to our coverage of the European Cup Round One match between Toulon and the Sale Sharks at Stade Felix-Mayol.

CHALLENGE CUP WRAP: An 80th minute try from Antonie Erbani secured a 24-20 victory for Pau against Worcester Warriors in the opening round on Saturday.

EUROPEAN CUP MATCH REPORT: La Rochelle kicked off their Champions Cup campaign with a gritty 13-8 win over Edinburgh at Murrayfield.

CHALLENGE CUP WRAP: Three tries in the final 20 minutes helped Leicester to a bonus-point win over Brive in their opening match of the campaign.

SPOTLIGHT: New Zealand and South Africa dominated the awards at World Rugby's virtual prize giving on Monday.

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

EUROPEAN CUP REPORT: A remarkable 74th minute try from Argentine wing Santiago Cordero gave Bordeaux-Begles a pivotal away success in the opening Champions Cup match of the season.

NEWS: Nigel Owens, world rugby's most capped referee, has brought his 17-year international career to an end.

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

BREAKING NEWS: Just hours after the announcement that Flyt is going to claim damages, the WPRFU has been told that their American partners are walking away. Jan de Koning reports!

SPOTLIGHT: Without serious change in the game, rugby will suffer a dementia "epidemic" among former professional players, says the lawyer representing players who have suffered.

NEWS: The All Blacks are likely to play Australia and Italy three times next year if NZ Rugby's fixture wish list comes off.

REACTION: Ulster coach Dan McFarland bemoaned his side’s wasted opportunities and the conceding of “soft tries” after they opened their Champions Cup campaign with a 29-22 home defeat to Toulouse.

EUROPEAN CUP REPORT: South Africa's World Cup-winning superstar Cheslin Kolbe scored twice as Toulouse started their campaign with a 29-22 victory at Ulster on Friday.

SPOTLIGHT: World Cup winner Schalk Brits believes Matt Proudfoot’s inside information on the Springboks could have a massive influence on the three-Test series.

A TASTE OF THINGS TO COME: There will be no shortage of South African interest when the Champions Cup gets underway this weekend.

AWARDS: Queensland prop Taniela Tupou has won his second Australian Super Rugby player of the year award, continuing the Reds' recent dominance of the award.

READERS’ FORUM: Welcome to our coverage of the Currie Cup Round Three encounter between Western Province and the Pumas at Newlands.

INJURY UPDATE: Wales captain Alun Wyn Jones faces an absence of "weeks not days" after being injured on international duty in the year-end Nations Cup.

CRUNCH TIME: There may still be five rounds, including this week, remaining. However, this could be season-defining for some teams.

CONTRACT NEWS: cotland head coach Gregor Townsend has signed a two-year contract extension that will take him up to the 2023 World Cup.

CURRIE CUP SPOTLIGHT: As that old adage goes: 'Where there's smoke, there's fire.'

NEWS: The top-of-the-table Currie Cup showdown between the Sharks and Bulls have a new kick-off time.

SPOTLIGHT: Former Ireland and Munster scrumhalf Peter Stringer says there is “no doubt” the Pro14 needs to expand to include the South African Super Rugby franchises.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Bulls coach Jake White has brought back some serious beef ahead of his team's top-of-the-table Currie Cup encounter with the Sharks.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: The Lions made three changes to their starting line-up for the Currie Cup match against the Cheetahs in Bloemfontein on Saturday.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: The Sharks received a timely boost ahead of their Currie Cup Round Three encounter with the Bulls at Kings Park on Saturday.

HEAD INJURY SPOTLIGHT: Rugby Players' Association chief Damian Hopley says training methods need to be addressed "very quickly".

BREAKING NEWS: The Flyt marriage with the Western Province Rugby Football Union is officially on the rocks.

SPOTLIGHT: The Sharks are determined to enhance their growing reputation as an impenetrable force in Durban.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Cheetahs coach Hawies Fourie was forced to change his team ahead of their Currie Cup Round Three outing against the Lions in Bloemfontein on Saturday.

DISCIPLINARY UPDATE: Harlequins have suffered a massive blow ahead of their European Cup Round One encounter with Munster in Limerick on Sunday.

NEWS: Pau coaches Nicolas Godignon and Frederic Manca paid the price for six successive defeats when they were sacked on Wednesday, the French Top 14 club announced.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Tiaan Botes, who celebrated his 19th birthday on Monday, will have the task of guiding the Pumas backs against Western Province at Newlands on Friday.

OPINION: Josh Raisey names his British and Irish Lions form XV, based on the year-end Nations Cup performances.

REACTION: English Premiership club Bristol is to make a formal complaint to World Rugby over Fiji's injury management of their star player Semi Radradra.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: There are seven changes to the Western Province team for the Currie Cup encounter with the Pumas at Newlands on Friday.

NEWS: Japan rugby star Ayumu Goromaru who enjoyed cult status after leading his country to a historic World Cup win over South Africa, will retire at the end of the 2021 domestic season.

WATCH as we relive the head butt from Bakkies Botha on Jimmy Cowan that ended in a 9 week ban for Botha

Retired veteran referee Jonathan Kaplan analyses the weekend’s Currie Cup calls, controversies and more.

REACTION: The Springboks had their 'bomb squad'. The Lions have a booming boot to go with their bench.

NEWS: The Waratahs and Reds will go head to head in Narrabri, northern New South Wales, in a pre-season face-off in February.

BREAKING NEWS: England will finally get their chance for revenge against South Africa!

INJURY UPDATE: The Sharks have returned from their bye a fitter and healthier squad.

WATCH: World Cup-winner Eben Etzebeth made a 100kg opponent look like a ragdoll while turning out for his French-based club Toulon.

DISCIPLINARY NEWS: Former England captain Chris Robshaw was among 13 Barbarians players suspended on Tuesday after breaching coronavirus protocols.

NEWS: Sale Sharks revealed that Steve Diamond has left the club with immediate effect due to personal reasons.

TRANSFER NEWS: The exodus of Springbok players to Europe is not showing any signs of slowing down.

OPINION: It was by no means perfect.

OPINION: Eddie Jones and his England team wrapped up their Nations Cup campaign with a fortuitous win against France.

CURRIE CUP SPOTLIGHT: Jan de Koning takes a look at the road to the play-offs, with five round of absorbing and riveting action remaining.

REACTION: England coach Eddie Jones said critics of their style were being "disrespectful" to his players.

SPOTLIGHT: All Black coach Ian Foster speaks out about his first season in charge, the challenges and the haters.

REACTION: SANZAAR says a centralised Rugby Championship is a possibility following the success of the Tri-Nations hosted by Australia and won by New Zealand.

REACTION: Video replays circulating online are calling into question the nature of England’s crucial late try, which forced their Nations Cup Final into sudden-death extra time with France.

INJURY UPDATE: Winless Western Province went from five concussions to just one.

NATIONS CUP SPOTLIGHT: The year-end competition ended in dramatic fashion, when Owen Farrell's penalty saw England beat France 22-19 - 15 minutes into sudden-death extra-time - to win Sunday's final at Twickenham.

CHAMPIONS CUP SPOTLIGHT: The fascinating prospect of two Springbok giants going head-to-head in the opening round of Europe's Champions Cup is in doubt.

WATCH as we bring you the World Rugby 2020 awards - including the Team of the Decade!

TOP 14 WRAP: Stade Francais and Toulon paid a fitting tribute to their former player Christophe Dominici.

REACTION: Owen Farrell admitted it was "my fault" that England needed sudden-death extra-time to see off a third-string France team 22-19 on Sunday.

CURRIE CUP TEAM OF THE WEEK: Following an intriguing Round Two of the Currie Cup, we give you a chance to vote for your favourite player.

NEWS:The Sharks have managed to retain the services of one of the biggest players.

PREMIERSHIP REPORT: Not even Springbok Andre Esterhuizen’s dismissal in the 45th minute could stop Harlequins from a 34-24 victory over Gloucester.

REACTION: The rousing success of Rugby Australia's move to have the Wallabies sing an Indigenous version of the national anthem could lead to permanent change.

TRANSFER NEWS: The Western Force has added more World Cup and Tri-Nations experience to the squad for 2021.

Sale Sharks score 8 unanswered points in the second half to beat London Irish 21-13

DISCIPLINARY NEWS: Wallaby bad boy Lukahan Salakaia-Loto has been banned for 'four weeks'.

REACTION: Frustrated Wallabies coach Dave Rennie blasted his team's "dumb errors" after another erratic and ill-disciplined performance against Argentina.

NATIONS CUP REPORT: England won the silverware, but France won the accolades.

SPOTLIGHT: Eddie Jones will be delighted if England supply the bulk of the squad for next year's British and Irish Lions tour of South Africa.

REACTION: Western Province, apart from being winless in the Currie Cup and in a tight race to make the play-offs, suffered some cruel injury setbacks.

The Bulls kept their winning streak intact with an impressive 40-13 win over  the Cheetahs on Saturday. 

WATCH as we bring you all the drama from the weekend's main international and domestic matches!

MATCH REPORT: A last-gasp penalty kick by Tiaan Swanepoel handed Lions a narrow 22-19 win over the Western Province on Saturday.

MATCH REPORT: A brace from Keith Earls ensured Ireland finished 2020 on a high as they came from behind to defeat Scotland 31-16 and secure third place in the inaugural Nations Cup.

Wales held on to beat a spirited Italy 38-18 in their final match of the Autumn Nations Cup.

NATIONS CUP FINAL: The inaugural year-end tournament finishes with England facing fellow pool winners France in a Twickenham showdown on Sunday in front of 2,000 spectators.

TRI-NATIONS MATCH REPORT: Australian and Argentina played to their second consecutive draw of the competition in a very wet Parramatta on Saturday.

Wallaby Lukhan Salakaia-Loto is to appear before the citing commissioner on Monday 7th for a dangerous tackle after being sent off with a red card in Saturday's match against Argentina.

REACTION: Wayne Pivac insisted Wales would be in contention for the 2021 Six Nations title.

REACTION: Former England wing Ugo Monye has accused Argentina's Rugby Union of being more concerned about protecting captain Pablo Matera than dealing with racism.

NATIONS CUP FINAL: The inaugural year-end tournament finishes with England facing fellow pool winners France in a Twickenham showdown on Sunday in front of 2,000 spectators.

TEAM UPDATE: Ellis Genge has been drafted into the starting XV for England’s final International of the year against France.

PREMIERSHIP, SATURDAY WRAP:  Bath overcame the early loss of two key players to pick up their first win of the Premiership season with a 33-17 demolition of Worcester at Sixways.

REPORT: As the Maori All Blacks and Moana Pasifika laid down their challenges ahead of their clash in Hamilton, the passion that would be on display was clear to see.

READERS' FORUM: Welcome to our coverage of the Currie Cup Round Two match between the Lions and Western Province at Ellis Park.

READERS' FORUM: Welcome to our coverage of the Nations Cup third-place play-off match between Ireland and Scotland in Dublin.

READERS' FORUM: Welcome to our coverage of the Currie Cup Round Two match between the Blue Bulls and Free State Cheetahs at Loftus Versfeld.

It was the Nemani Nadolo show as Fiji ended a difficult Nations Cup with a 38-24 win over Georgia.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Around 400 people congregated in Hyeres on Friday for the funeral of former France wing Christophe Dominici.

READERS' FORUM: Welcome to our coverage of the Tri-Nations Round Six match between Australia and Argentina in Sydney.

READERS' FORUM: Welcome to our coverage of the Currie Cup Round Two encounter between the Pumas and Griquas in Nelspruit.

REACTION: England coach Eddie Jones hopes to put the pain of last year's World Cup Final defeat to good use when his side face France.

MATCH REPORT:  Jimmy Stonehouse's Pumas held out in the face of a determined and desperate Griquas side to win the Currie Cup Round two match on Friday. 

NATIONS CUP, ROUND FOUR: Andy Farrell and Gregor Townsend will both hope to end a difficult year with a win when their respective sides Ireland and Scotland meet on Saturday.

BREAKING NEWS: Former Springbok coach Peter de Villiers has a new gig.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Eddie Jones has named his England team to face France in the Final of the Nations Cup tournament this weekend.

MATCH REPORT: A last-minute penalty kick by Sam Bedlow made sure Bristol Bears record a narrow 18-17 win over Northampton Saints on Friday. 

REACTION: The Highlanders are a classic example of how some great players can't convert their class into coaching success.

SPOTLIGHT:Exactly what role All Black legend Dan Carter will play at the Blues next year remains unclear.

NATIONS CUP, PLAYOFFS: Wales aim to bounce back from defeat to England last weekend and end the calendar year on a high when they welcome Italy to Llanelli on Saturday.

REACTION: Coach Gregor Townsend said on Thursday he has no qualms over Jaco van der Walt becoming Scotland's latest South Africa-born international.

TRI-NATIONS ROUND SIX: Australia skipper Michael Hooper called for "a complete performance" in the final Test of the year against a weakened Argentina.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Wing Alivereti Raka is among six changes named by coach Fabien Galthie on Friday for this weekend's year-end Nations Cup Final with England.

SPOTLIGHT: Alex McLeod takes a look at the five biggest posers facing New Zealand's Super Rugby franchises in 2021.