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REACTION: Jan de Koning continues to dig and ask questions over the aeonian and mutable Newlands redevelopment saga.

SPOTLIGHT: Western Province may not have been able to do much about his departure, but the loss of the value Cobus Wiese can add to a team was clearly illustrated the past fortnight.

WATCH as we bring some of the most amazing, uproarious and skilful scenes ever seen on the field.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Beauden Barrett has revealed his positional preference and how he’d ideally like to operate within the All Blacks next year.

READER'S VIEW: The opening round of South Africa's premier domestic competition had it all - intrigue, controversy and most of all an upset.

SPOTLIGHT: Depth, or rather the lack of it, will remain the biggest challenge for 'minnows' like the Pumas and Griquas.

SPOTLIGHT: Former Springbok assistant coach Alan Solomons explains how the influx of South African players in the Premiership is damaging the domestic game.

SPOTLIGHT: The Cheetahs plan to make a BIG announcement within the next three weeks.

THE FANS ARE BACK: Supporters are returning to Premiership Rugby this weekend with three of our clubs seeing fans back in the stands.

REACTION: World Cup-winning Springbok scrumhalf Herschel Jantjies has not been axed because of poor form. Jan de Koning reports!

ENDING THE BULL RUN: The Free State Cheetahs, the last and only team to beat them in the current season, will look to end the Blue Bulls' winning streak.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Crusaders coach Scott Robertson will 'likely' join the British and Irish Lions tour to South Africa in 2021.

SPOTLIGHT: Former Wallabies coach Michael Cheika revealed he still harboured ambitions to lead an international side.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Gregor Townsend believes the fact he can select Test debutant Jaco van der Walt as Scotland's fifth flyhalf of the end-of-year campaign is a sign of the Dark Blues' growing depth.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Bulls Director of Rugby Jake White has made several changes to his matchday squad for the Round Two Currie Cup encounter with the Free State Cheetahs in Pretoria on Saturday.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Head Coach Vern Cotter has named his Fiji team for their first and final Nations Cup match against Georgia on Sunday.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Lions coach Ivan van Rooyen made two changes to his team that will host Western Province at home at Ellis Park on Saturday.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: The Pumas have made a handful of changes for their Currie Cup Round two match against the Griquas.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Ireland captain Johnny Sexton returns to partner Conor Murray at scrumhalf as head coach Andy Farrell hopes to end a difficult first year in charge with a morale-boosting win over Scotland on Saturday.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Crusaders star Michael Alaalatoa will lead the Moana Pasifika against the Maori All Blacks in a historic match on Saturday in Hamilton.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Argentina's rugby union lifted the interim suspensions of skipper Pablo Matera and two other players.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Australia have changed their flyhalf ahead of their final Test for the year - a Tri-Nations encounter with Argentina in Sydney on Saturday.

NEWS: Experience and continuity run through the 2021 Super Rugby Aotearoa squads announced Wednesday, with just 26 rookies across New Zealand's five franchises and just nine player transfers.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Cheetahs coach Hawies Fourie is not afraid to thrust young players into the firing line.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Wales coach Wayne Pivac has made nine changes to the starting line-up for their final year-end Nations Cup game against Italy in Llanelli on Saturday.

SPOTLIGHT: Anthony Watson says England have multiple motivations to win the inaugural year-end Nations Cup when they face France at Twickenham on Sunday.

SPOTLIGHT: In the space of a year and a half, wing Gabin Villiere's career has taken him from the third-tier French Federale 1 to potentially winning the year-end Nations Cup on just his second Test appearance.

NEWS: The disputed red card of Blue Bulls prop Jacques van Rooyen will stand.

NEWS: World Rugby chief Brett Gosper is to step down in January to take up a new role as head of the NFL in Europe and the UK.

SPOTLIGHT: England boss Eddie Jones is confident rugby will emerge from a dull period dominated by defences after conceding it is currently a sport that excites only purists.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Cyril Velleman will earn a first start for Griquas in round two of the Currie Cup.

SPOTLIGHT: Ball-playing genius Lloyd Walker would love to see more adventurous play from the Wallabies in their final Test of the year against Argentina on Saturday.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Scotland centre Duncan Taylor admits it will be a waiting game to discover how much rugby he can play during the next two months.

INTERVIEW: Ireland captain Johnny Sexton says nothing motivates him more to carry on playing than being written off by the media and former players.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: There are less than 24 hours until fans across New Zealand will know who exactly has been named in their Super Rugby squads for the upcoming campaign next year.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: The Western Province backline has been shuffled for the Currie Cup encounter with the Lions in Johannesburg on Saturday.

REACTION: Former Argentina lock Patricio Albacete has defended his compatriots Pablo Matera following the revelation of historical tweets that were deemed offensive.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: The Maori All Blacks have named a strong side, featuring two capped All Blacks, to face off against Moana Pasifika in their historic clash at FMG Stadium Waikato in Hamilton on Saturday.

NEWS: The Highlanders have found themselves a new defence coach and he has a reputation for his brutal tackling.

SPOTLIGHT: The Springboks will travel to Edinburgh to face Scotland on November 13, 2021 as one of their end-of-year Tests in Europe next year.

INJURY UPDATE: Fresh from his vote of confidence from IRFU high-performance boss David Nucifora, Andy Farrell has been busy sifting through a lengthy Ireland medical list ahead of next Saturday’s third-place Nations Cup playoff versus Scotland.

SQUAD ANNOUNCEMENT: England have included Wasps hooker Alfie Barbeary in their squad for Sunday's Nations Cup final against France.

NEWS: KwaZulu-Natal Rugby Union (KZNRU) has revealed its new president at the organisation’s Extraordinary General Meeting (EGM).

SPOTLIGHT: World Rugby has put together rugby's most-capped team.

REACTION: Western Province appear to be faltering both on and off the field.

TRANSFER NEWS: The Chiefs confirmed the signing of flyhalf Bryn Gatland until 2023.

REACTION: The Irish Rugby Football Union would be "very supportive" of the four South African Super Rugby franchises competing in what would become a Pro16 tournament, IRFU Performance Director David Nucifora said.

NEWS: The Melbourne Rebels confirmed the signings of exciting prospects, Jeral Skelton and Ilikena Vudogo, for the upcoming 2021 Super Rugby season.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Andy Farrell's position as Ireland head coach is not under threat despite results in his first year in charge being an "average return", said Irish Rugby Football Union Performance Director David Nucifora.

NEWS: Argentina rugby skipper Pablo Matera said he was "deeply ashamed" as he was stripped of the captaincy and suspended along with two other players over racist tweets.

SPOTLIGHT: Lyon's 23-year-old scrumhalf Baptiste Couilloud will lead a weakened France side out against England at Twickenham for their year-end Nations Cup decider on Sunday.

REACTION: Moving Springbok Damian Willemse is an option, but Western Province may look at alternative choices as replacement for injured Springbok Warrick Gelant.

PRO14 MONDAY WRAP: It was a double Irish rout on Monday as Round Eight of the competition concluded.

TRANSFER NEWS: Bay of Plenty Steamers scrumhalf Luke Campbell will return home to Wellington for 2021 to take up a contract with the Hurricanes.

INJURY UPDATE: The Lions have suffered a cruel blow following their Currie Cup opener against the Griquas.

TRANSFER NEWS: Sale Sharks have boosted their playing squad with one of the tallest players in the game.

INJURY UPDATE: Springbok fullback Warrick Gelant looks set to ruled out of competing against the British and Irish Lions next year in South Africa.

OPINION: The All Blacks have all but won the Tri-Nations after defeating the Pumas 38-0 in Newcastle on Saturday.

OPINION: After recording victories over Georgia and Ireland, England wrapped up their pool stage journey at the Nations Cup with a laboured 24-13 win over Wales at Parc y Scarlets in Llanelli.

NEWS: All Black and Chiefs scrumhalf Brad Weber has re-signed with New Zealand Rugby (NZR) and the Chiefs for another year.

TRANSFER NEWS: The United States has emerged as the latest threat on Australia's Super Rugby stocks after Queensland Reds identical twins Ruan and JP Smith's exit to play in Los Angeles next year.

SPOTLIGHT: England coach Eddie Jones is braced for a gruelling encounter when his side go in search of year-end Nations Cup glory at Twickenham.

REACTION: A deeply disappointed Andy Farrell labelled Ireland's performance as "not good enough" after their 23-10 win over Georgia in the Nations Cup at Lansdowne Road on Sunday.

OPINION: Never had Wales been such heavy underdogs going into a home game against bitter rivals England, and the questions how would they react to the scale of the defensive edifice facing them at the Parc Y Scarlets.

OPINION: The RugbyPass Form XV has plenty of new faces this week - consisting of five French players, four English, and two players each from Argentina, Australia and Wales. 

PRO14 SUNDAY WRAP: Glasgow Warriors ended their four-match losing streak with a hard-fought 19-10 win over Cardiff Blues at Rodney Parade.

NATIONS CUP REPORT: Ireland secured a Nations Cup play-off against Scotland next weekend with an edgy 23-10 victory over a tenacious Georgia at Lansdowne Road on Sunday.

CURRIE CUP REACTION: Western Province head coach John Dobson and captain Siya Kolisi admitted that poor decisions were made on the field during their 20-22 loss to the Bulls on Saturday.

TRI-NATIONS SPOTLIGHT: James O'Connor has lauded an "almost magnetic" understanding between young centres Jordan Petaia and Hunter Paisami as the Wallabies prepare for their final Test of the year, against Argentina in Sydney on Saturday.

CURRIE CUP REACTION: Jake White expressed his disappointment with the decision-making process which led to his team being reduced to 14 men in their match against Western Province

SPOTLIGHT: Jerome Kaino left New Zealand with some big boots to fill - has Akira Ioane eventually solved the headache for All Black selectors and filled them?

REACTION: All Blacks coach Ian Foster was a relieved man on Sunday after New Zealand restored order by thumping Argentina.

MATCH REPORT: A three-try blitz helped France convincingly beat Italy 36-5 in Paris to top Group B.

TOP14 WRAP: South African World Cup winner Cheslin Kolbe scored in his first game since mid-October as Toulouse hammered bottom side Agen 63-18 on Saturday in the French Top 14.

REACTION: England head coach Eddie Jones was relieved that there was no repeat of last years "Psycho" horror movie drama where they succumbed to Wales 21-13 after taking a seven point lead into the second half.

MATCH REPORT: Bulls continue their winning streak with a 22-20 win over Western Province at Newlands on Saturday - despite being down to fourteen men.

MATCH REPORT: Henry Slade and Mako Vunipola scored a try each as England battled past Wales to secure top spot in Group A and cement their place in the finals.

TRICKY TEST: Ulster face a tough challenge to the unbeaten run they have enjoyed in the early stages of the Pro14 season, when they travel to Edinburgh for a repeat of last year's semifinal on Monday.

PREMIERSHIP REPORT: London Irish’s historic homecoming to London was one to remember.

TRI-NATIONS REPORT: The All Blacks crushed Argentina on Saturday as they roared back from two straight defeats to all but win the Tri-Nations title.

PREMIERSHIP SATURDAY WRAP: Billy Twelvetrees scored 20 points as a superb second-half performance from Gloucester secured a 40-24 victory over Premiership rivals Wasps at Kingsholm.

READERS' FORUM: Welcome to our coverage of the Currie Cup Round One match between Western Province and the Blue Bulls at Newlands.

READERS' FORUM: Welcome to our coverage of the Nations Cup Round Three encounter between Wales and England in Llanelli.

READERS' FORUM: Welcome to our coverage of the Currie Cup Round One match between Griquas and the Golden Lions in Kimberley.

The Wallabies face the daunting task of having to score more than a century of points against Argentina to win the Tri-Nations.

NORTH-SOUTH DERBY: One swallow does not a summer make. However, Daniel Johannes Vermeulen is a factor worth taking note of.

NATIONS CUP, ROUND THREE: Billy Burns' ability to direct Ireland's play in his first Test start against Georgia should not be in doubt given the fearless manner he showed in dealing with his father as a teenage referee.

MATCH UPDATE:  The Lions were awarded the match points after their Currie Cup game against Griquas in Kimberley was called off on Saturday.

READERS' FORUM: Welcome to our coverage of the Tri-Nations Round Five match between Argentina and New Zealand in Newcastle.

REACTION: The Cheetahs are banking on a more hearty and infrangible run when the defending Currie Cup champions return from this week's bye.

NEWS: The Blue Bulls Company confirmed that they have reached a mutual settlement agreement with one of their Springboks.

NOTHING ELSE MATTERS: It is with acknowledgement to the American heavy metal band Metallica that I document the build-up to the opening round of South Africa's premier domestic competition.

CURRIE CUP MATCH REPORT: The Sharks moved to the top of the standings, for at least 24 hours, after a bonus-point demolition of a hapless Pumas team in Durban on Friday.

NEWS: The Cheetahs believe the use of play-offs is the way forward to determine the South African teams participating in the Pro16.

NATIONS CUP, ROUND THREE: England and Wales have been playing against each other for 139 years but Saturday's Nations Cup match marks a new chapter in one of international rugby union's oldest rivalries.

WATCH as the late Paul Dobson takes us back to the days of Newlands as a venue of glory and grandeur.

New Zealand captain Sam Cane laid an All Blacks No.10 jersey emblazoned with Diego Maradona's name in the centre circle ahead of their match against Argentina.

TRI-NATIONS, ROUND FIVE: NZ can't bear to think about a rare third straight defeat as the Pumas look to "do it for Diego" in Saturday's crunch match in Newcastle.

SPOTLIGHT: Nigel Owens has said Rugby Union "saved" his life as he prepares to become the first referee to take charge of 100 Tests.

NATIONS CUP, ROUND THREE:  Italy will be out to cause an upset when they face France in Round three of the Nations Cup on Saturday.

WATCH as Western Province coach John Dobson gives his solution to the negative impact COVID-19-enforced cancellations could have on the Currie Cup competition.

NEW STADIUM: After a compelling kick-off to Premiership Rugby last weekend it’s now time for Round 2 and a celebration in west London as London Irish move into their new stadium, the 39th venue to host a Premiership Rugby fixture.

PREMIERSHIP REPORT: Newcastle Falcons stole a sensational victory over northern rivals Sale Sharks, Toby Flood scoring with the last play in Friday's Kingston Park clash.

NEWS: The Brumbies have added a familiar face to their coaching team.

READERS’ FORUM: Welcome to our coverage of the Currie Cup match between the Sharks and the Pumas in Durban.

NEWS: A New Zealand found himself in hot water in Europe.

TEAM UPDATE: The Pumas have made some late changes to their team for Friday's Currie Cup clash against the Sharks in Durban.

REACTION: Diego Maradona epitomised what it meant to wear the Argentina jersey.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: The Lions have named their side for the Currie Cup opener against the Griquas.

PRO14 STATS SPOTLIGHT: Seasoned Springbok Marcell Coetzee stole the headlines in Round Six. He has been doing that the entire season.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: The Bulls have named their side for the opening Currie Cup clash against Western Province at Newlands on Saturday.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: England will have a new pivot when they face Wales at Parc y Scarlets on Saturday.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Captain Alun Wyn Jones returns to Wales' starting line-up to face England at Parc y Scarlets on Saturday.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Siya Kolisi will captain Western Province in their opening  Currie Cup encounter against the Blue Bulls at Newlands on Saturday.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: France head coach Fabien Galthie handed back-row Sekou Macalou a first cap since 2017 as he was forced to make 13 changes to his team to host Italy in the Nations Cup this weekend.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Griquas coach Scott Mathie has made a few changes to his team for their opening match in the Currie Cup leg of South Africa's domestic competition.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Coach Ian Foster made three changes to his forward pack Thursday to face a new-look Argentina on Saturday.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Pumas coach Jimmy Stonehouse has made several changes to his team for their opening match of the Currie Cup[ half of the domestic season.

SPOTLIGHT: Young Wallabies back row forward Harry Wilson says being Test captain leading into the 2023 World Cup isn't on his radar.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Ireland named a much-changed team for the Round Three Nations Cup encounter with Georgia in Dublin on Sunday.

TRANSFER NEWS: Waratahs have secured the services of Jack Whetton on a two-year deal, with the second-row joining Rob Penney’s squad for the 2021 Super Rugby season.

NATIONS CUP: England forwards coach Matt Proudfoot said Joe Marler is in contention to face Wales this weekend for what would be the prop's first Test since he was banned for grabbing the testicles of the opponents' captain Alun Wyn Jones.

CURRIE CUP SPOTLIGHT: Western Province is looking forward to getting their own back when they host the Blue Bulls at Newlands on Saturday.

FOCUS: The mighty All Blacks have seemed almost invincible in recent years, but back-to-back defeats have left their new coach and captain under fire.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Jeremy Ward will lead the Sharks in their Currie Cup campaign opener when they welcome the Pumas to Kings Park on Friday.

TRI-NATIONS SPOTLIGHT: The Wallabies have high hopes for youngster Hunter Paisami emerging as a “triple threat” as he develops his test game.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: The Argentina team named Thursday to play New Zealand in a Tri-Nations Test in Newcastle, north of Sydney, on Saturday.

STATS ATTACK: The All Blacks must improve in one crucial area if they are to avoid a third straight loss against the Pumas on Saturday, says former All Black and Maori All Blacks coach Tabai Matson.

NATIONS CUP SPOTLIGHT: Veteran wing Nemani Nadolo has provided a fascinating insight into quarantine life with the Fiji squad in France.

INJURY UPDATE: England centre Ollie Lawrence will miss Saturday's year-end Nations Cup clash against Wales due to a hip injury.

NATIONS CUP NEWS: Jaco van der Walt is the latest South African to join the Scotland squad.

INJURY UPDATE: Western Province received a timely boost ahead of their big north-south derby with the Blue Bulls on Saturday.

NATIONS CUP SPOTLIGHT: Stand-in Ireland captain James Ryan has pleaded with his country's rugby fans to be patient after disappointing defeats to France and England.

INTERVIEW: The Sharks, like the other six teams in the 2020-21 version, are shifting their focus to South Africa's most prized domestic championship.

SPOTLIGHT: Ma’a Nonu and Sergio Parisse were forced to restrain a Toulon teammate after his remonstrations with the referee saw him place his hands on the official.

WATCH: Springbok legend Jean de Villiers goes on a trip down memory lane to 2009 when he scored what was one of the best tries of that Super Rugby season.

INJURY UPDATE: Wales, who finally ended a long losing streak last week, suffered an injury setback.

TRI-NATIONS SPOTLIGHT: The crestfallen Wallabies have undertaken a new intensive match review process, seeking "nuggets of gold" as they look to rebound from their disappointing 15-15 Tri-Nations draw with Argentina.

OPINION: Alex Shaw has compiled his player ratings for Argentina after their 15-all draw with Australia.

NEWS: France centre Virimi Vakatawa has extended his contract with Racing 92, the Top 14 club announced on Tuesday, without giving more details.

OPINION: Finn Morton  rates the Australian players after their 15-all Tri-Nations Round Four draw with Argentina.

SPOTLIGHT: Fitness or fatigue won't be factors as the Pumas bid to turn the Tri-Nations upside down.

TRI-NATIONS SPOTLIGHT: All Blacks coach Ian Foster has turned to unusual coaching methods to help his team bounce back from their consecutive defeats. 

R.I.P.: Former international Christophe Dominici, who was found dead at the age of 48 in a park near Paris on Tuesday, was undoubtedly one of the legends of modern French rugby.

SQUAD ANNOUNCEMENT: Māori All Blacks Head Coach Clayton McMillan named eight new caps in a 24-strong squad to prepare for a one-off match against Moana Pasifika at FMG Stadium Waikato in Hamilton.

NEWS: World Rugby has finally reacted to criticism of its World Cup bid process by agreeing that the hosts for the 2027 and 2031 tournaments will be decided by an open electronic vote.

TRANSFER NEWS: Argentina wing Bautista Delguy will join French team Bordeaux-Begles as an emergency replacement after the Pumas finish their Rugby Championship fixtures, the Top 14 club confirmed.

TRANSFER NEWS: The teenage son of Australian great Michael Lynagh has been snapped up by the Queensland Reds after he drew comparisons with his father when playing in England.

NEWS: French international Christophe Dominici has been found dead at the age of 48 in a park near Paris, police said Tuesday.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Spectators are set to return to sports venues next month as coronavirus restrictions are eased in areas with lower infection rates in England.

PRO14 REPORT: Munster claimed their first win at Scotstoun since 2016 as they overcame Glasgow Warriors 27-13 to continue their unbeaten start to the campaign.

NEWS: Scrumhalf Baptiste Serin will replace Charles Ollivon as France captain against Italy, the French Rugby Federation (FFR) announced on Monday.

SPOTLIGHT: The Sharks' reserves will be tested to the full, as the Currie Cup half of South Africa's revamped domestic season gets underway.

OPINION: After comfortably dispatching Georgia in their Nations Cup opener, England recorded their second victory over Ireland in the calendar year with an 18-7 win at Twickenham on Saturday.

OPINION: This was another sobering fixture for Ireland against England, the fourth in a row – and the second under Andy Farrell – where they just repeatedly ran into a white wall and suffered the frustratingly bruising consequences.

SQUAD ANNOUNCEMENT: The colours of Pacific nations Fiji, Samoa and Tonga will come together under the first-ever Moana Pasifika squad named by head coach Tana Umaga.

INJURY UPDATE: Ireland has issued a squad update following their year-end Nations Cup loss to England last weekend.

SPOTLIGHT: Eddie Jones is a well-known cricket fan but the England rugby coach has been looking to Premier League football champions Liverpool in a quest to improve his Six Nations kings.

SPOTLIGHT: The All Blacks want to silence their "haters".

Wales beat Georgia 18-0 in dour conditions scoring two tries in the process. Here's how RugbyPass rated the indivivual players

NEWS: A star has reaffirmed his commitment to the Waratahs.

SQUAD ANNOUNCEMENT: Eddie Jones has named a 35-man England squad ahead of their Nations Cup fixture against Wales in Llanelli

OBIT: Former Wales and British and Irish Lions prop Ray Prosser, who enjoyed a highly successful coaching career with Pontypool, has died at the age of 93.

REACTION: Maro Itoje wants England to make more of their dominance after an 18-7 win over Ireland in the year-end Nations Cup at Twickenham at the weekend.

REACTION: The day of their departure from Newlands is fast approaching, but the last big North-South derby at the famed venue will take place this week.

REACTION: Scotland captain Stuart Hogg admitted he had made a "schoolboy error" after a failure to find touch denied his side the chance of a dramatic draw against France at Murrayfield on Sunday.

SPOTLIGHT: Argentina has developed an unwanted reputation - as the new 'bullies' of the game.

NEWS: Bulls have two of the Cheetahs' top players on their wishlist for next year's Pro16.

PRO14 SUNDAY WRAP: Scott Penny snapped up two tries during Leinster's 40-5 win over Cardiff Blues at the RDS.

PREMIERSHIP REPORT: Tom Willis' try two minutes from time proved just enough for Wasps to deprive severely-depleted Bristol of a remarkable victory in their season opener.

NATIONS CUP REPORT: Virimi Vakatawa scored the only try of the match as France beat Scotland 22-15 in a year-end Nations Cup international at Murrayfield on Sunday.

REACTION: Wales coach Wayne Pivac, after an 18-0 win over Georgia, has shifted his attention to a high-flying England team.

With the COVID-19 pandemic wreaking havoc with the South African economy SA Rugby has been forced to approach World Rugby for a loan.

REACTION: Australian coach Dave Rennie says his players appeared to get bored, after blowing a chance to beat a stoic Argentina.

In their quest to win the Rugby Championship for the first time since 2015 Wallaby Nic White suggests that a draw in the upcoming match between New Zealand and Argentina could be the best result for Australia.

REACTION: England wing Jonny May said he had been running on instinct after scoring a stunning solo try in an 18-7 year-end Nations Cup win over Ireland at the weekend.

TOP14 WRAP: Fullback Gaetan Germain scored 25 points as Bayonne notched up an invaluable 35-29 victory over Toulon in the Top 14 on Saturday.

MATCH REPORT: The Cheetahs concluded their Super Rugby Unlocked campaign with a 28-9 win over the Griquas on Saturday at Bloemfontein.

MATCH REPORT: The Bulls have been crowned Super Rugby Unlocked champions with a 21-5 win over Pumas on Saturday.

READERS' FORUM: Welcome to our coverage of the Round Two Nations Cup encounter between Scotland and France at Murrayfield.

THICK AND FAST: The action is coming thick and fast in the Pro14 as this weekend sees five more games take place over two days, with spectacular tries and bucket loads of drama guaranteed.

WATCH: The 2010 Super 14 Final remains a vivid memory for Bulls and Springbok legend Victor Matfield, as the Pretoria-based franchise took the final to the Orlando Stadium in Soweto.

WATCH as we bring you highlights for all the weekend's major matches!

NEWS: The Western Province Rugby Board has been strengthened by the inclusion of two new Directors.

PREMIERSHIP FRIDAY WRAP: Sale Sharks started their 2020/2021 Premiership campaign with a 32-23 win over Northampton Saints at the AJ Bell Stadium on Friday.

MATCH REPORT: Two superb Jonny May tries set England on their way to an 18-7 win over Ireland at Twickenham as Eddie Jones’ side continued their unbeaten start to the Nations Cup.

READERS' FORUM: Welcome to our coverage of the Round Two Nations Cup encounter between England and Ireland at Twickenham.

READERS' FORUM: Welcome to our coverage of the Round Seven Super Rugby Unlocked match between the Bulls and Pumas at Loftus Versveld.

TRI-NATIONS MATCH REPORT: Argentina came from nine points down to earn a 15-all draw with Australia and remain unbeaten.

READERS' FORUM: Welcome to our coverage of the Round Seven Super Rugby Unlocked match between the Cheetahs and Griquas in Bloemfontein.

PREMIERSHIP SATURDAY WRAP: Steve Borthwick’s first full season in charge of Leicester got off to a cracking start with a 38-15 try bonus point victory over Gloucester in their Premiership opener at Welford Road.

MATCH REPORT: Louis Rees-Zammit and Rhys Webb both crossed for tries as Wales ended their six-game losing streak with an 18-0 win over a stubborn Georgia side at Parc y Scarlets.

SPOTLIGHT: A Springbok star opens up on his team's lack of Test match activity.

SPOTLIGHT: New Zealand's dramatic slide in standard is reflected in their drop on the World Rugby rankings.

NEWS: Organisers of the year-end Nations Cup announced the cancellation of yet another match.

NATIONS CUP ROUND TWO: Gregor Townsend says Scotland will need to be "close to their best" if they are to beat France on Sunday.

NEWS: England can expect the Irish to battle to the final whistle of Saturday'sNations Cup match at Twickenham.

SUPER RUGBY UNLOCKED SPOTLIGHT: Reader Sean Bagley entertains us with his weekly view of who the best performing players were.

SUPER RUGBY UNLOCKED: There is a desperate scramble for the Bulls and the Pumas to play their crucial Round Seven match - including moving it to Saturday.

NATIONS CUP, ROUND TWO: Eddie Jones has questioned whether Ireland can back up a convincing win over Wales with another dominant display against England at Twickenham on Saturday.

CELEBRATION TIME: Jake White awoke the slumbering giant and on Saturday his team will lift a trophy to celebrate the accomplishment.

READERS' FORUM: Welcome to our coverage of the Round Four Tri-Nations encounter between Argentina and Australia in Newcastle, Sydney.

CHEIKA FACTOR: Former Wallaby coach Michael Cheika could come back to haunt his old team on Saturday.

NATIONS CUP, ROUND TWO: Wayne Pivac has labelled Wales "our own worst enemies" as his struggling side look to end a damaging losing streak with a victory over Georgia on Saturday.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Gregor Townsend says Scotland will need to be "close to their best" if they are to beat France on Sunday.

NEWS: Premiership Rugby have introduced a new points system for its clubs should Covid-19 force matches be cancelled this season.

NO SARACENS: The dawn of a new Premiership season is upon us as we prepare for six compelling league fixtures this weekend.

NEWS: Northampton Saints confirmed that Director of Rugby, Chris Boyd, has signed a contract extension to keep him at the Club until at least the end of the 2021/22 season.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Exciting Bordeaux-Begles flyhalf Matthieu Jalibert returns to the France team that takes on Scotland at Murrayfield in the Nations Cup, coach Fabien Galthie announced Friday.

WATCH at Ireland's South African-born loose forward CJ Stander responds to a suggestion his adopted country's forwards are 'soft'.

SPOTLIGHT: The Springboks Women will face England, France and debutantes Fiji in Pool C of the 2021 Women's World Cup in New Zealand.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Pumas made seven changes for their final Super Rugby Unlocked fixture against the Bulls in Pretoria on Saturday.

NEWS: Premiership Rugby Chief Executive Darren Childs said he was optimistic fans could return before the end of the 2020/21 season.

NEWS: Former Australia Rugby Union coach Michael Cheika, currently working with Argentina, will switch codes.

INJURY UPDATE: The Cheetahs were forced into a late change ahead of their final Super Rugby Unlocked match.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Bulls Director of Rugby Jake White wants his team to win the Super Rugby Unlocked title the "right way" on Saturday.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Wales have named three uncapped players in their starting XV to face Georgia at Parc y Scarlets on Saturday.

NEWS: The Hurricanes announced the signing of young utility back, Ruben Love, for the next three years.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: England prop Joe Marler has urged any men struggling with mental health issues not to suffer in silence.

REACTION: The New Zealand media have gone into full meltdown mode and the fans are calling for blood.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Cheetahs could conclude their Super Rugby Unlocked campaign without captain Junior Pokomela.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Griquas coach Scott Mathie has made just one change to their starting XV for Saturday’s final Super Rugby Unlocked meeting with the Cheetahs.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Georgia coach Levan Maisashvili has named a new halfback pairing to face Wales in their Nations Cup fixture in Llanelli on Saturday.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Wallabies coach Dave Rennie has revealed his team to face Argentina in Round Four of this year's Tri-Nations.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT Eddie Jones has named his team for England's Nations Cup encounter with Ireland on Saturday.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Argentina coach Mario Ledesma knows how Michael Cheika feels as the former Wallabies mentor helps prepare the Pumas to beat Australia in the Tri-Nations.

REACTION: It took more than three days, but Western Province Rugby Football Union President Zelt Marais finally responded to a @rugby365 request for clarity.

NATIONS CUP SPOTLIGHT: George Ford has been passed fit by England to play against Ireland in Saturday's Nations Cup international at Twickenham.

NEWS: French rugby federation (FFR) president Bernard Laporte is being investigated over claims he benefitted from a fake job in exchange for favours, prosecutors told AFP on Wednesday.

REACTION: All Blacks skipper Sam Cane has hit back at critics questioning his leadership in the wake of last weekend's shock defeat by Argentina, accusing them of being ignorant about rugby.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Ross Byrne replaces injured Ireland captain Johnny Sexton at flyhalf in the starting line-up for their Nations Cup match with England at Twickenham on Saturday.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Springbok Warrick Gelant has been a ‘valuable’ asset for the Stormers during their Super Rugby Unlocked campaign.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: All Blacks great Wayne Smith has come out in defence of new All Blacks coach Ian Foster and captain Sam Cane.

TRANSFER NEWS: Cheeatsh lock JP Du Preez is set to become the latest player to swap South Africa for the Premiership side Sale Sharks.

SPOTLIGHT: World Cup winner Faf de Klerk has revealed for the first time how badly he was struck down by COVID-19 in October

WATCH: It's not every day that you get to score a hat-trick at Loftus Versfeld but Springbok and Stormers legend Breyton Paulse knows the feeling.

WATCH as All Blacks legend John Kirwan makes a rare and very historic announcement.

OPINION: Hell has frozen over, pigs are flying and there are a plethora of fat ladies between Mendoza and Buenos Aires singing because history was made on Saturday in Sydney

OPINION: Argentina sent shock waves around the world by giving the All Blacks a punch in the guts loss.

TRI-NATIONS SPOTLIGHT: Matt Philip is backing his "rugby nerd" teammate Reece Hodge to again deliver in the Wallabies No.10 jersey with another injury ruling James O'Connor out of Saturday's clash with Argentina in Newcastle.

NATIONS CUP SPOTLIGHT: Blair Kinghorn has insisted there is nothing lucky about Scotland's winning streak as they head into this weekend's Nations Cup clash with France.

NEWS: Group B in the Nations Cup has been plunged into chaos following the cancellation of a second match involving Fiji, this time Saturday’s fixture against Italy.

TRANSFER NEWS: Chiefs wing Solomon Alaimalo has signed a three-year deal with the Highlanders.

WATCH: Argentina has released a video montage of how their players had to prepare for the Tri-Nations.

WATCH: Springbok lock Lodewyk de Jager looks back to 2013 when they Cheetahs travelled to Sydney and came away with an unlikely victory.

NEWS: Jonathan Joseph could be in contention to face Ireland in Saturday's Nations Cup match.

NEWS: The Super Rugby Unlocked fixture between Bulls and Pumas will kick-off at 14.00 (local time) in Pretoria on Saturday.

NEWS: France will not have their fans cheering them on in the stadium in next year's Six Nations.

OPINION: On the surface, it was a 'kiss and made up' meeting. At least that is what the statement suggested.

NEWS: The Sharks’ match with the  Stormers in Durban on Saturday has been cancelled following positive tests among the Sharks’ tighthead props.

NEWS: The chairman of SANZAAR, Brett Impey, resigned Tuesday calling for the governing body of Southern Hemisphere rugby to throw open its membership to developing rugby nations worldwide.

REACTION: After the relentless work to get the South African domestic competition underway, it is certainly a very unprecedented manner to conclude proceedings.

TRI-NATIONS SPOTLIGHT: Larrikin Wallabies flank Ned Hanigan is treating Argentina as a serious threat in Saturday's Tri-Nations Test, adamant they won't arrive flat after a historic defeat of New Zealand last weekend.

NEWS: France have been awarded a bonus-point win following the cancellation of their Nations Cup match against Fiji.

SPOTLIGHT: The 24-year-old second-row forward has been chosen by head coach Andy Farrell to stand in for the injured Johnny Sexton.

NEWS: Having lost his job as Highlanders head coach following three years with New Zealand’s franchise, former All Black Aaron Mauger has quickly locked in a new gig with a team looming as one of Super Rugby’s newest additions.

NEWS: The grandson of England cricket great Ian Botham received his first call-up into the Wales rugby squad in dramatic style.

SPOTLIGHT: Ian Cameron looks into how South Africa's inactivity will affect the Springboks'No.1 world ranking.

NEWS: Head coach Lee Blackett and his backroom staff have been rewarded with new deals after guiding Wasps to the English Premiership final last season.

SPOTLIGHT: James Lowe made a try-scoring debut for Ireland in the victory over Wales but he says a tougher challenge awaits in Saturday's Nations Cup clash with England.

INTERVIEW: Billy Burns says he will not have a conflict of emotions if he runs out for Ireland against his native England in Saturday's year-end Nations Cup match.

REACTION: All teams should be equal in the COVID-19-affected Super Rugby Unlocked season.

PRO14 MONDAY WRAP: Seasoned Springbok Marcell Coetzee was in imperious form for his Irish Province Ulster on Monday.

SPOTLIGHT: The world champions South Africa surprised many last month when they announced their decision to withdraw from what would’ve been the Rugby Championship.

INJURY UPDATE: Bordeaux-Begles wing Geoffrey Cros has been ruled out for the remainder of the season. following a serious knee injury.

TRI-NATIONS RACE: The Wallabies won't take a backward step against Argentina as they hunt some silverware in the form of the Tri-Nations trophy.

NEWS: The All Blacks have confirmed the players who will leave their 38-man Tri-Nations squad to return to New Zealand on Monday.

NEWS: France's key player has been ruled out of Sunday's Nations Cup match against Scotland, the coaching staff announced Monday.

NEWS: Ireland will be without some big names for their Nations Cup clash on Saturday.

REACTION: Stormers head coach John Dobson believes Damian Willemse was "magnificent" in his team's 30-13 win over the Cheetahs in Cape Town.

REACTION: Sharks head coach Sean Everitt praised his team's character after their narrow win over Griquas in Kimberley on Friday.

TOP 14 WRAP: Back row forward Sekou Macalou scored two tries as Stade Francais earned a bonus-point 35-13 victory over La Rochelle on Sunday.

OPINION: The Welsh came into the Nations Cup opener with Ireland at the Aviva Stadium desperately in need of a win, after five losses in a row

OPINION: Instead of hosting reigning world champions South Africa this weekend as was planned long ago, the second weekend of November 2020 for Ireland kicked off their campaign in the filler Nations Cup.

OPINION: One can only presume that the Italians watched the Pumas upset win over New Zealand earlier in the day, such was the ferocity of their performance in Florance.

OPINION: England got their Nations Cup up and running on Saturday afternoon with a comprehensive 40-0 win over Georgia, putting themselves in a strong position to make a run at the title over the coming weeks.

REACTION: The All Blacks have been savaged by the New Zealand news media after the three-times World champions suffered a shock first defeat to Argentina in Sydney on Saturday.

REACTION: Coach Mario Ledesma says stunning the All Blacks after a 35-year wait is his finest achievement.

PRO14 REPORT: Gavin Coombes crossed for a hat-trick as Munster eased past Ospreys 38-22 to preserve their unbeaten start to the 2020/21 Pro14 campaign.

REACTION: After an ill tempered live scrummaging session back in February of 2019 where the two nations packs came to blows England was out for redemption against Georgia.

REACTION: Cheetahs captain Junior Pokomela described Rosko Specman's try against the Stormers at Newlands on Saturday as "special".

REACTION: Reece Hodge talks about the Pumas historic win over the All Blacks and how impressed the Wallabies were with the Argentine defence.

REACTION: Eddie Jones warned England to get ready for their "most important game of the year" against a "cock-a-hoop Ireland" after they started the  Nations Cup with a 40-0 thrashing of Georgia at Twickenham on Saturday.

REACTION: The three-time world champions were widely expected to coast against a team they had not lost to once in their 29 previous encounters, but instead were embarrassed.

MATCH REPORT: The Stormers kept their Super Rugby Unlocked hopes alive with a 30-13 win over the Cheetahs on Saturday at Newlands.

READERS' FORUM: Welcome to our coverage of the Nations Cup Round One encounter between England and Georgia at Twickenham.

MATCH REPORT: Scarlets edged a hard-fought contest with Connacht 20-14 to claim their third win of the PRO14 season, triumphing in Galway for the first time since April 2017.

SOUTH AFRICAN FACTOR: Munster coach Johann van Graan will be hoping his team can shake off the rust after last week's postponement.

TRI-NATIONS REPORT: A courageous Argentina side made history on Saturday when they recorded a 25-15 win over the All Blacks in Sydney.

UPDATE: The long-awaited meeting between the Western Province Rugby Football Union (WPRFU) and American investment consortium, MVM Holdings was very 'productive' says Zelt Marais.

TOP14 WRAP: Ma'a Nonu maybe 38 years of age, but the former All Black centre showed glimpses of his former glittering past in an assured comeback for Toulon in their comprehensive 38-9 Top 14 victory over Agen on Saturday.

READERS' FORUM: Welcome to our coverage of the Super Rugby Unlocked Round Six encounter between the Stormers and Cheetahs at Newlands.

SUPER RUGBY UNLOCKED REPORT: Curwin Bosch landed an injury-time penalty from 40 metres out to sneak a one-point win for the Sharks over Griquas in Kimberley on Friday.

MATCH REPORT: Scotland open their Nations Cup with a hard-fought 28-17 win over Italy on Saturday.

REACTION: Wales's sixth successive defeat, a 9-32 hammering by Ireland in their Nations Cup opener, is a bitter pill to swallow, said coach Wayne Pivac.

READERS' FORUM: Welcome to our coverage of the Tri-Nations Round Three encounter between New Zealand and Argentina in Sydney.

MATCH REPORT: Jamie George scored a hat-trick as England record a 40-0 win over Georgia at Twickenham on Saturday.

REACTION: Disgraced Springbok Mahlatse “Chiliboy” Ralepelle's fight to clear his name may not be over yet.

WATCH as Springbok lock RG Snyman gives an update on his rehabilitation progress at Munster.

WATCH: It's one of those victories that are just too empathic to describe.

READERS' FORUM: Welcome to our coverage of the Nations Cup Round One encounter between Ireland and Wales in Dublin.

NEWS: Round Six of Super Rugby Unlocked has been hit by COVID-19.

SPOTLIGHT: In an era of instant gratification, a man with 'old school' values is advocating for the return of long tours.

NEWS: The 2020 Currie Cup season will officially kick off on the weekend of November 27/28, culminating in the final on January 23, 2021.

READERS' FORUM: Welcome to our coverage of the Super Rugby Unlocked Round Six encounter between Griquas and the Sharks in Kimberley.

NATIONS CUP REPORT: Wales slipped to their sixth successive defeat on Friday as Ireland ran out convincing 32-9 winners in their opening year-end Nations Cup clash at Lansdowne Road.

NEWS: A Nations Cup match scheduled for Sunday has been postponed.

NATIONS CUP, ROUND ONE: England coach Eddie Jones insisted on Thursday his side's Nations Cup opener against Georgia will be "no tea party" despite being firm favourites to win at Twickenham on Saturday.

NEWS: Australia and New Zealand will play a Trans-Tasman Super Rugby competition next year with five teams from each country.

NATIONS CUP, ROUND ONE: Scotland star Hamish Watson believes his team is strong enough to win the Nations Cup.

TRANSFER NEWS: All Black centre Ma'a Nonu has been named as a starter for Toulon's Top 14 match against Agen on Saturday.

STORMERS FAREWELL: It is a significant moment that has arrived with little fanfare - the last time the Stormers will play at Newlands.

OPINION: For those who are superstitious, the date is not a good omen - Friday the 13th!

SUPER RUGBY UNLOCKED WEEK FIVE: @rugby365com reader Sean Bagley is back with his weekly contribution to your entertainment.

NEWS: Montpellier's international fullback Anthony Bouthier has been ruled out for around six weeks after badly twisting knee ligaments.

NEWS: New Zealand Rugby (NZR) has taken another step forward in progressing its desire to include Pasifika teams in future professional rugby competitions.

NEWS: The bankrupt Southern Kings' players are continuing to find employment abroad.

NEWS: Super Rugby AU Champion backrow Will Miller has announced his retirement from professional rugby with immediate effect after four years at the top-flight.

NEWS: Leicester Tigers announced the departure of Geordan Murphy from his role as Director of Rugby at the club.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: The Cheetahs are waiting for a late fitness call on two-time World Cup winner Frans Steyn, as they prepare to face the Stormers on Saturday.

WATCH: Springbok legend John Smit shares what went through his mind after that heart-breaking moment when the Bulls snatched the win from the Sharks in the final moments of the 2007 Super Rugby Final.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Fiji's new captain is the latest sports star to test positive for COVID-19, ahead of a Test match against France on Sunday.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Italy head coach Franco Smith has revealed his team to face Scotland in their Nations Cup opener on Saturday.

TEAM UPDATE: The Griquas'  already difficult Super Rugby Unlocked campaign suffered a devastating blow ahead of their clash against the Sharks on Friday.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Lions coach Ivan van Rooyen has made several changes to his side that will host the Pumas at Ellis Park on Saturday.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: There are five changes to the Stormers starting line-up for the Super Rugby Unlocked encounter with the Cheetahs at Newlands on Saturday.

TRI-NATIONS, ROUND THREE: A wounded All Blacks are desperate to restore pride against Argentina on Saturday after a shock loss to Australia.

ONGOING SAGA: D-Day for a decision on the proposed investment by American lawyer Marco V Masotti's consortium is fast approaching.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Eddie Jones has named his team for England’s first Nations Cup match against Georgia this weekend.

NEWS: An Argentinian star has been forced to retire from rugby on medical advice due to a head injury.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: With just two rounds remaining, South African teams and fans finally get a chance to see the Super Rugby Unlcoekc trophy their battling for.

NEWS: South African Rugby president Mark Alexander has slammed some of the seven Super Rugby Unlocked outfits for fielding too many white players in starting line-ups.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: The Sharks have confirmed that one of their senior players has tested positive for COVID-19.

NATIONS CUP, ROUND ONE: The brand new four-round Nations Cup kicks off with an enticing fixture between Ireland and Wales in Dublin on Friday.

NEWS: Two members of the Fiji squad preparing to face France on Sunday have tested positive for COVID-19.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: All Blacks coach Ian Foster has wielded the axe ahead of Saturday's Tri Nations Test against Argentina.

TRI-NATIONS SPOTLIGHT: Wallaby coach Dave Rennie says Rugby League convert Suliasi Vunivalu won't play in the current tournament.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: The controversial view of former All Blacks wing John Kirwan regarding last Saturday’s Bledisloe Cup red cards has sparked a veritable storm online.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Georgia have named their team to face England in their Nations Cup opener at Twickenham.

UPDATE: Disgraced Springbok Mahlatse “Chiliboy” Ralepelle, lost his appeal against an eight-year doping ban.  

EURO FOCUS: The year-end Nations Cup starts on Friday when Ireland face Wales in Dublin.

NEWS: Lewis Ludlam has been named Northampton Saints’ co-captain for the 2020/21 season by Director of Rugby Chris Boyd, and will lead the squad alongside Alex Waller this term.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Argentina will face New Zealand in their first meeting of the Tri-Nations on Saturday – the first test for the Argentineans since last year’s World Cup.

STAT ATTACK: Defensive steel is a key winning metric in any premier rugby competition and Super Rugby Unlocked is no different.

NATIONS CUP BUILD-UP: England forwards coach Matt Proudfoot has insisted history will be irrelevant when the Six Nations champions face Georgia in their Nations Cup opener at Twickenham on Saturday.

REACTION: New Zealand Rugby says it is “incredibly disappointed” in All Blacks star Ardie Savea’s refusal to wear a mouthguard.

REACTION: Scotland is going to build on the momentum created by a successful Six Nations campaign, said head coach Gregor Townsend.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Wales coach Wayne Pivac made just the one change to his starting side, as he looks to end a run of five straight defeats.

NEW ZEALAND DISCIPLINARY UPDATE: Hawke's Bay's Sona Taumalolo has been suspended for three weeks.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Griquas will face the Sharks with a reshuffled team in Friday's Super Rugby Unlocked Round Six encounter in Kimberley.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Scotland boss Gregor Townsend has made four changes to his XV for Saturday’s Nations Cup match away to Italy in Florence.

NATIONS CUP SPOTLIGHT: England defence coach John Mitchell will continue dressing up as the opposition as Georgia enter the sights of Eddie Jones’ Six Nations champions.

TRANSFER NEWS: Cheetahs prop Luan de Bruin has been released from his contract to take up other opportunities abroad.

SPOTLIGHT: Ireland outcast Simon Zebo has wished James Lowe the best when the New Zealander makes his Test debut on Friday for his adopted country after recently qualifying under the three-year residency rule.

NEWS: The Sharks' build-up to their Super Rugby Unlocked Round Six match against Griquas has been given an unexpected hurdle.

REACTION: Former Australia wing Drew Mitchell has offered his take on the decision by Dave Rennie to call recent union convert Suliasi Vunivalu into the Wallabies squad for the remainder of the Tri-Nations.

MEDICAL UPDATE: Stormers defence coach Norman Laker is confident the team has adequate cover for injury setbacks.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: The Sharks loose forward Phepsi Buthelezi has revealed where his team will target Griquas’ attack during their Super Rugby Unlocked encounter.

PRE-MATCH BUILD-UP: England defence coach John Mitchell said Tuesday that the Six Nations champions need to be "adaptable".

NATIONS CUP PREVIEW: The newly-formed year-end series start with Ireland facing Wales in Dublin on Friday.

SUPER RUGBY AOTEAROA PRE-SEASON: Temuka will host the annual Farmlands Cup encounter between the Crusaders and Highlanders on February 12.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: New Zealand-born James Lowe will make his Test debut for Ireland just weeks after becoming eligible in Friday's Nations Cup opener with Wales.

WORLD RANKINGS UPDATE: There is some benefit for South Africa sitting on the sidelines.

TRI-NATIONS SPOTLIGHT: The All Blacks played down calls for changes to rugby's red-card system.

DISCIPLINARY UPDATE: All Black prop Ofa Tu'ungafasi has been given the verdict in his foul play disciplinary hearing.

REACTION: What initially appeared to be a minor 'speed bump' may turn out to be a near insurmountable hurdle for the Cheetahs.

REACTION: New Zealand-born Wales rugby coach Wayne Pivac says he has not held any discussions over his future despite a run of five successive defeats.

OPINION: Nations Cup is finally here and with it, the beginning of the new international season and a fresh crop of youngsters to watch as they forge careers for themselves in the Test arena.

SPOTLIGHT: Ireland captain Johnny Sexton says Friday's opening Nations Cup clash with Wales will be between two sides that are "hurting" after bruising defeats in their final Six Nations encounters.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: New Zealand Rugby (NZR) has announced the draw for Super Rugby Aotearoa 2021 with 10 weeks of derby matches.

TRI-NATIONS SQUAD NEWS: NRL premiership-winning star Suliasi Vunivalu will get his first taste of the Wallabies when he joins their training camp in the NSW Hunter Valley on Wednesday.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: The 2021 Super Rugby AU season draw has been confirmed with 22 games over 12 action-packed weekends.

CONTRACT NEWS: The Western Force is continuing to reinforce its young Western Australian talent stocks.

NEWS: Lachlan Swinton's participation in the Tri-Nations is over.

PRO14 MONDAY WRAP: Ulster maintained their unbeaten start to the Pro14 season with a scintillating six-try 40-15 victory over Glasgow Warriors at Kingspan Stadium.

SPOTLIGHT: Wales boss Wayne Pivac has taken full responsibility for the decision to part ways with defence coach Byron Hayward just days before the start of the Nations Cup.

SPOTLIGHT: Georgia captain Merab Sharikadze once played at Twickenham alongside England's Jonny Hill and Ellis Genge at college level.

INJURY UPDATE: The Lions' spotty season was dealt another cruel blow on Monday.

REACTION: The Bulls are in the driving seat to win the Super Rugby Unlocked title and Marco van Staden has played a key role in getting them into that position.

OPINION: One week is a long time in test rugby.

OPINION: After a draw and two solid wins, everyone expected the All Blacks to record another crushing victory over the Wallabies in Brisbane on Saturday.

OPINION: Finding the right captain for your team is a unique challenge that faces every coach. Jake White gives us an insight into his thoughts.

REACTION: The All Blacks aren't looking for excuses after their shock Bledisloe Cup loss.

TOP 14, SUNDAY WRAP: Bottom of the table Agen lost 16-19 at home to Lyon on Sunday in the French Top 14 in their first game since sacking their coach.

SPOTLIGHT: A hard-fought 24-22 win by the Wallabies over the All Blacks in Brisbane put life into what remains of the Tri-Nations.

REACTION: Stormers head coach John Dobson can finally breathe a sigh of relief after his team’s 39-6 win over Griquas on Saturday.

SPOTLIGHT: Rugby greats have called for red cards to be dumped after Saturday's Bledisloe Cup Test in Brisbane was marred by both sides being reduced to 14 men for most of the game.

PRO14 SUNDAY WRAP: Leinster remain yet to drop a point in the PRO14 this season after overcoming Ospreys 26-7 at the Liberty Stadium.

NEWS: Wales defence coach Byron Hayward has left his role with immediate effect just five days before Wayne Pivac's side start their Nations Cup campaign against Ireland.

REACTION: All Blacks coach Ian Foster says his team need to be smarter and calmer when "provoked" by the opposition.

James Slipper the head of the Wallaby scrum wants to improve on Australia's winning percentage against the All Blacks.

Australian winger Tom Wright had a dream debut against the All Blacks scoring in just the 2nd minute of the game

REACTION: It was far from pretty, however, Sharks coach Sean Everitt managed to find a positive following his team’s 19-13 win over the Cheetahs.

DISCIPLINARY NEWS: Wallabies flank Lachlan Swinton and All Blacks prop Ofa Tu’ungafasi will face a disciplinary hearing on Monday. 

REACTION: Coach Dave Rennie insisted he wouldn't be getting carried away after the Wallabies stunned the All Blacks, but admitted to being excited by where he might take his new-look team.

SUPER RUGBY UNLOCKED MATCH REPORT: The Bulls cement their place at the top of the standings with a thrilling win over the Lions in Johannesburg on Saturday.

NEWS: France received some good news ahead of their Nations Cup opener.

MORE POSTPONEMENTS: Round Five of the Pro14 promises excitement and drama with four more matches set for the weekend.

REACTION: All Black coach Ian Foster said it was too soon to comment on the red card given in his team's loss to the Wallabies.

MEDICAL UPDATE: Anthony Watson has been ruled out of England's year-end Nations Cup opener against Georgia next weekend because of an ankle injury.

TOP 14 WRAP: Two-time World Cup winner Jerome Kaino added to French Top 14 giants Toulouse's woes on Saturday.

WATCH as we bring you highlights from the array of international and domestic action at the weekend.

MATCH REPORT: Red and yellow cards were at the fore of the fourth and final Bledisloe Cup encounter between Australia and New Zealand on Saturday. 

SUPER RUGBY UNLOCKED REPORT: The Sharks moved up to second in the Super Rugby Unlocked standings after they edged the Cheetahs 19-13 in their Round Five encounter.

SUPER RUGBY UNLOCKED MATCH REPORT: The Stormers finally got some value out of their Springbok stars, as they routed a hapless Griquas 39-6 in Kimberley on Saturday.

READERS’ FORUM: Welcome to our coverage of the Super Rugby Unlocked Round Five encounter between the Lions and Bulls at Ellis Park.

READERS’ FORUM: Welcome to our coverage of the Super Rugby Unlocked Round Five encounter between Griquas and the Stormers in Kimberley.

NEWS: South Africa Rugby World Cup winner Cheslin Kolbe has been ruled out of action with a hip problem, his Toulouse club said on Friday.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: The Springboks’ memorable 2019 World Cup victory continue to inspire South Africans.

READERS’ FORUM: Welcome to our coverage of the Bledisloe Cup match between Australia and New Zealand in Brisbane.

BLEDISLOE CUP FOUR: Mighty New Zealand have vowed to lift their game even further in the fourth and final Bledisloe Cup Test on Saturday, in an ominous sign for Australia after their record drubbing last week.

INJURY UPDATE: The All Blacks have been dealt a late blow just hours before Bledisloe Cup IV kick-off, with lock Patrick Tuipulotu ruled out of the match due to illness.

READERS’ FORUM: Welcome to our coverage of the Super Rugby Unlocked Round Five encounter between the Sharks and Cheetahs at Kings Park.

REACTION: Wallabies captain Michael Hooper is desperate to prove last week's horror Bledisloe Cup loss is not a true reflection of the void between the sides.

REHABILITATION PROGRESS: World Cup-winning Springbok flyhalf Handre Pollard has taken to social media to give an update on his knee injury.

SPOTLIGHT: Kanaloa Pasifika have threatened cash-strapped New Zealand Rugby (NZR) with legal action should they not be included in next year’s revamped Super Rugby competition.

REACTION: New Zealand see an opportunity to 'exploit' Australia's new flyhalf Reece Hodge and plan to ask questions of him in Saturday's final Bledisloe Cup match.

TEAM UPDATE: The Cheetahs were forced into a late change just hours ahead of the crucial Super Rugby unlocked encounter with the Sharks.

NEWS: Silas Nkanunu, a former president of the South African Rugby Union, chairman of SANZAR and briefly vice-chairman of the International Rugby Board (IRB, now World Rugby) has died at the age of 87.

WATCH: A newly released video allows us to go behind the scenes and see how Rassie Erasmus and the Springboks practised the now infamous 'Move' that the Springboks used in the 2019 World Cup Final against England.

WATCH: The final episode of the Springboks' World Cup-winning documentary - Chasing the Sun - brought South Africa to tears with a remarkable story about wing Makazole Mapimpi.

NEWS: The Top 14 rugby match between Montpellier and Stade Francais scheduled for Saturday has been postponed after "new cases" of Covid-19 were detected in the home team, the French league (LNR) announced.

NEWS: Two Pro14 fixture of Dragons have been postponed following a Covid-19 outbreak.

NEWS: Leicester have stopped all training and closed the club's training ground with fewer than two weeks until the start of the new English Premiership season following a coronavirus outbreak, the Midlands club announced Thursday.

NO ROOM TO HIDE: The Cheetahs return from an unplanned two-week hiatus and enter a critical fortnight in their drive for glory.

SPOTLIGHT: Johnny Sexton and Andy Farrell said they had drawn a line under the Ireland captain's petulant reaction to being taken off in last Saturday's Six Nations defeat by France.

SUPER RUGBY UNLOCKED SPOTLIGHT: When the Sharks host the Cheetahs in Durban on Friday, most of the spotlight will be on the collective.

NEWS: Scotland recalled Saracens wing Sean Maitland to their squad for the upcoming Nations Cup campaign.

SPOTLIGHT: Antoine Dupont Crowned 2020 Six Nations Player of the Championship.

BLEDISLOE CUP FOUR: Wallaby skipper Michael Hooper admitted his team were in a "dark" place this week after being thrashed by the All Blacks.

NEWS: New Zealand Rugby is in discussions with private equity investors after the COVID-19 pandemic slashed the union's cash reserves.

NEWS: Harlequins have revealed their new club captain ahead of the 2020/21 Premiership and Champions Cup campaigns

NEWS: Aphiwe Dyantyi's doping hearing has ended after two days of testimonies by expert witnesses and closing arguments.

SQUAD ANNOUNCEMENT: Andy Farrell has named his Ireland squad for the upcoming Nations Cup.

TRANSFER NEWS: The Western Force has added to their strong Australian backline contingent, with flyhalf Jake McIntyre joining the club on a two-year contract from French Top 14 side ASM Clermont Auvergne.

REACTION: James Lowe once described the thought of ending up playing for Ireland as a "weird prospect".

SPOTLIGHT: Since the first official All Blacks side took to the field when they toured New South Wales back in 1884, a total of 1190 players have come through the ranks to don the famous black jersey.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: The Bulls have made just one change to their team for the Trans-Jukskei derby with the Lions.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Lions receive a major boost as Burger Odendaal returns to the starting XV for the Super Rugby Unlocked encounter against the Bulls. 

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: The Stormers have lost another Springbok star on the eve of their Super Rugby Unlocked match against the Griquas.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Griquas have revealed their team to face the Stormers in Kimberley on Saturday.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: England might have been crowned 2020 Six Nations champions but it is the rise of France that caught the world's attention.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Wallabies coach Dave Rennie has revealed his team to face the All Blacks in Brisbane on Saturday.

BLEDISLOE FOUR: The Wallabies are taking heart from Queensland's against-the-odds State of Origin win over NSW as they prepare for one last shot at the All Blacks in 2020.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: The All Blacks have revealed their team for their final Bledisloe Cup clash against the Wallabies.

INTERVIEW: The Cheetahs have been left with the unenviable task of having to beat the Sharks and Stormers away if they are to achieve their goal of winning Super Rugby Unlocked.

BREAKING NEWS: South African Rugby has revealed what the future holds and where they will play.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Sharks coach Sean Everitt has revealed his team to face the Cheetahs in their Super Rugby Unlocked clash on Friday.

NEWS: A double Rugby World Cup winner will have to wait for his second Toulon stint as he is in a seven-day quarantine, the French club's backs coach, Julien Dupuy, said on Wednesday.

NEWS: A Pro14 match involving Benetton has been postponed for the second successive weekend due to COVID-19.

WORLD RANKINGS NEWS: There were some significant changes to the world rankings, following the weekend's internationals.

PRE-MATCH BUILD-UP: The Stormers are determined to address their defensive frailties, after a horror start to the season.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: The Cheetahs have revealed their team for their Super Rugby Unlocked Round Five clash against the Sharks in Durban on Friday.

BLEDISLOE FOUR: Dave Rennie’s sides have never shied away from contact in the past.

SPOTLIGHT: By his own assessment, he is just the man to transform the Wallabies scrum into a "weapon".

BLEDISLOE FOUR: Australia has lost only one of the last four Tests against New Zealand in Brisbane, a fact that has not escaped the All Blacks.

NEWS: Raelene Castle was appointed New Zealand's top sports administrator on Wednesday.

NEWS: NEWS: Scotland have suffered a major double setback on Wednesday.

SPOTLIGHT: The Sharks have 'turned the corner' after a slow start to their Super Rugby Unlocked season.

SPOTLIGHT: Relegated Saracens could earn promotion to the 2021/22 Premiership without kicking a Championship ball.

BLEDISLOE FOUR: It must be hard for the All Blacks to keep a straight face when they continually talk about the Wallabies' "fear factor" after years of Trans-Tasman beltings.

NEWS: Several new recruitments reported for duty at the Cheetahs, ahead of their important Super Rugby Unlocked clash against the Sharks on Friday.

NEWS: Sonny Bill Williams and several other former National Rugby League players are free agents after Toronto Wolfpack were kicked out of next year's Super League competition.

An England star produced a comical response to Cheslin Kolbe's social media post celebrating one year since the Springboks won the World Cup Final.

SUPER RUGBY UNLOCKED SPOTLIGHT: Stormers coach John Dobson has hinted the time to make some tough decisions has arrived.

WATCH: While the XVs game is back in full force, the Sevens circuit remains in limbo for the time being, so while we all miss the shorter, more explosive format, here are some of the best sidesteps to feast your eyes on.

BLEDISLOE FOUR SPOTLIGHT: New Zealand is planning to make changes to their team for their encounter with Australia in Brisbane, where the Wallabies will be out to regain some respect.

NEWS: Fiji are set to get a key player back from injury for their Nations Cup opener against France.

SPOTLIGHT: World Rugby would welcome a bid by the United States to host the 2027 or 2031 World Cups as "there is no commercial market like the United States".

BLEDISLOE FOUR SPOTLIGHT: Australia's 100-gamer James Slipper says Saturday's last clash of the year against New Zealand is anything but a dead rubber, despite the series being lost.

REACTION: Lions centre Wandisile Simelane received huge praise from his captain and coach after his performance against Griquas in Round Four of Super Rugby Unlocked.

SQUAD UPDATE: France coach Fabien Galthie kept faith with the majority of the squad that beat Ireland as he named a 28-man group for the Nations opener against Fiji.

NEWS: The financial fallout for rugby from the coronavirus pandemic has been "devastating" with World Rugby effectively operating like a "central bank", the governing body's CEO Brett Gosper said on Monday.

MATCH REPORT: Leinster went back above Ulster at the top of Conference A after continuing their unbeaten start with a 32-19 win over Glasgow Warriors.

MATCH REPORT: Antonio Rizzi scored 18 points as Zebre secured their first win of the PRO14 season by overcoming an off-colour Ospreys 23-17 in Parma.

REPORT: Ulster made it four wins from four in the 2020/21  PRO14 campaign as they battled past Cardiff Blues 11-7 in a hard-fought encounter at Rodney Parade.

WATCH: The Springboks' 2019 World Cup-winning documentary - Chasing the Sun - came to a tear-jerking end with the premiering of the fifth and final episode.

SPOTLIGHT: It may have been the longest Championship in history but the 2020 Six Nations delivered an enthralling tournament that saw England claim the title.

NEWS: The IRFU have been handed a significant financial boost after being allocated €18 million in emergency funding by the Irish Government.

NEWS: The Nations Cup organisers have a major worry as the Covid-19 Coronavirus hits the Fiji training camp.