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REACTION: Springbok coach Jacques Nienaber is adamant that utility Frans Steyn is more than capable of being a victorious 'driver' of the team.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: New Glasgow Warriors coach Franco Smith believes that Northern Hemisphere teams need to up their physicality if they want to win on a regular basis in South Africa.

TRANSFER NEWS: Experienced Samoan international centre Alapati Leiua has signed with the Stormers for the new season.

SQUAD ANNOUNCEMENT: Argentina head coach Michael Cheika has named a 29-man squad to travel to South Africa for the final round of the Rugby Championship.

INJURY UPDATE: British and Irish Lions fullback Liam Williams will miss Wales' November Test series, including a clash with Australia, after injuring his collarbone.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Coach Jacques Nienaber has tweaked his team for the Rugby Championship decider between South Africa and Argentina.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: The Stormers will start the defence of their United Rugby Championship title sporting a couple of new faces and revamped backline.

REACTION: The Lions, South Africa's worst-performing team in the inaugural United Rugby Championship competition, are determined to make a better fist of it this season.

TEAM UPDATE: All Black captain Sam Cane could miss the pivotal Rugby Championship clash against Australia in Auckland at the weekend.

SQUAD ANNOUNCEMENT: The Sharks have revealed their 28-man touring squad for the United Rugby Championship three-week tour.

TRANSFER NEWS: Jack Debreczeni will rejoin Super Rugby after the playmaker signed with the Brumbies for the 2023 season.

NEWS: Australia’s last-gasp defeat to New Zealand in Melbourne last week has dropped them to a new low of ninth in the World Rugby Rankings.

TRANSFER TALK: Springboks hooker Malcolm Marx reportedly could be the next big name to head to France in search of a lucrative contract in the Top 14.

REACTION: The Springboks' backline has been given a little bit more freedom on attack, according to centre Damian De Allende.

SQUAD UPDATE: Coach Jacques Nienaber has recalled a couple of exciting backline players for the final round of South Africa's Rugby Championship campaign.

WRAP: Toulon edged Clermont 30-29 in the Top 14 in a game that marked the latest return of veteran France international Mathieu Bastareaud to Toulon.

REACTION: Five days after the dramatic Melbourne Test, Australian remains consumed by contentious calls in the Wallabies' 37-39 Bledisloe Cup loss to New Zealand.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: @leezil07 looks at the options available, should Damian Willemse be ruled out of the decisive final round of the Rugby Championship.

REACTION: Irish powerhouse Leinster was almost shocked by a South African-laden Zebre on Saturday, but had the highlight of Springbok Jason Jenkins making an impressive debut for the side.

TRANSFER TALK: The All Blacks are set to lose two of their most experienced players following the 2023 World Cup with Beauden Barrett and Nepo Laulala both reportedly weighing up deals with French clubs.

REACTION: The Springboks kept themselves in contention for the Rugby Championship with a hard-fought 36-20 win over Argentina following a turbulent week for the team.

WATCH as Bulls Director of Rugby Jake White speak about the imminent return of Springbok utility back Johan Goosen.

SPOTLIGHT: All Black scrumhalf Aaron Smith said that it was "very special" to host the Wallabies at Eden Park on Saturday with the chance to clinch the Rugby Championship title.

MATCH REPORT: United Rugby Championship finalist the Bulls opened their season with a 31-15 win over Lions on Saturday at Ellis Park.

MATCH REPORT: Ulster opened their United Rugby Championship season with a convincing 36-10 bonus point victory over Irish rivals Connacht at Ravenhill in Belfast.

REPORT: South Africa stormed to second of the Rugby Championship table with a five-try bonus point 36-20 victory over dogged Argentina in Buenos Aires on Saturday.

WATCH as Springbok coach Jacques Nienaber and captain Siyamthanda Kolisi react to reports on illicit drug use in the team.

MATCH REPORT: Jack Walsh held his nerve to convert a last-minute try from Rhys Davies and earn the Ospreys a 23-all draw in a pulsating United Rugby Championship derby against the Scarlets in Llanelli.

REACTION: Worcester Director of Rugby Steve Diamond said the cash-strapped club still faced an uncertain future after a gutsy 21-36 loss at home to Exeter in the English Premiership on Sunday.

SATURDAY WRAP: Flank Sam Underhill is set to miss England's year-end Tests because of a shoulder problem that requires surgery.

REPORT: Cash-strapped Worcester put their off-field problems to one side in a spirited display before losing 21-36 at home to Exeter in a Premiership clash on Sunday.

MATCH REPORT: Cardiff put down a big marker with a 20-13 win over Munster on Saturday at Cardiff Arms Park.

REACTION: While the Australian media has gone into a total meltdown of the Bledisloe Cup controversy, there is another very balanced take on the saga.

REACTION: All Black coach Ian Foster has stood by his post-match endorsement of the Bledisloe Cup time-wasting penalty.

MATCH REPORT: Leinster just about escaped with a bonus-point victory over Zebre Parma in the opening round of the United Rugby Championship at Stadio Sergio Lanfranchi on Saturday.

REACTION: The South African Rugby Union moved swiftly to squash rumours that 'several' Springboks have tested positive for the use of illicit drugs

URC REPORT: Benetton got their 2022/2023 United Rugby Championship campaign off to a perfect start with a 33-11 win over Glasgow Warriors in Treviso on Friday.

OPINION: South Africa stayed alive in the Rugby Championship with a hard-earned 36-20 win over Argentina in Buenos Aires on Saturday.

READERS’ FORUM: Welcome to our live coverage of the Round Five Rugby Championship Test between Argentina and South Africa in Buenos Aires

WATCH as new BlitzBok coach Sandile Ngcobo and his second in command Philip Snyman talk about how the team can become No.1 again.

NEWS: Springbok flyhalf Elton Jantjies and team dietician Zeenat Simjee have released statements addressing the allegations they are currently facing.

SPOTLIGHT: Springbok captain Siyamthanda Kolisi predicts a fierce breakdown battle in their must-win Rugby Championship clash against Argentina, as victory for either side will keep them in the hunt for the title.

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

WATCH as we bring you new evidence of the contentious call by French referee Mathieu Raynal to overturn a penalty awarded to Australian flyhalf Bernard Foley.

NEWS: Crisis-hit Worcester's English Premiership game against Exeter this weekend will go ahead as scheduled after the club met Friday's deadline to provide safety certification for matches at their Sixways Stadium.

REPORT: It’s been a long time between drinks for Wellington, but the Lions have finally ended their Ranfurly Shield drought with a 19-12 win over Hawke’s Bay in Napier.

REACTION: Staff at crisis-hit Premiership club Worcester have called for a change of ownership and expressed their anger over “continual broken promises” that have left their future in jeopardy.

REACTION: Bernard Foley, at the centre of a controversial ref call in the Bledisloe Cup loss, says the Wallabies must re-set and target a breakthrough win at Eden Park.

SATURDAY PREVIEW: The Bulls, beaten finalists last season, are looking to take their game up to a level where they will be crowned champions at the end of the 2022-23 United Rugby Championship season.

ONE-ON-ONE WITH MARK ALEXANDER: @king365ed sat down for an exclusive chat with the SARU kingpin about their trouble with WPRFU clubs and the Newlands saga.

NEWS: The Rugby Europe Championship is to expand the number of teams participating as part of an overhauled tournament format.

Clermont's Australia centre Irae Simone said lining up alongside former New Zealand midfielder George Moala for the club is "scary" before they head to Toulon in the Top 14 on Sunday.

RUGBY CHAMPIONSHIP, ROUND FIVE: Argentina are on the verge of an incredible feat should they secure a win over South Africa this Saturday in Buenos Aires.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: The Wallabies will sink to their worst-ever world ranking on the back of their dramatic loss to the All Blacks in Melbourne.

SPOTLIGHT: The Sharks have taken the next step in their evolution under the ownership of MVM Holdings.

REACTION: All Blacks head coach Ian Foster has thrown his support behind French referee Mathieu Raynal after his team edged the Wallabies 39-37 in a controversial Rugby Championship clash in Melbourne.

NEWS: The world's best players will return to Melbourne in an action-packed weekend of Super Rugby.

NEWS: Worcester Warriors face suspension from all competitions unless the financially-stricken English Premiership club meet Friday's deadline to provide safety certification for matches at their Sixways Stadium.

SPOTLIGHT: Stormers head coach John Dobson will have to make some key midfield decisions in the opening rounds of the new United Rugby Championship season.

REACTION: Wallabies head coach Dave Rennie was left stunned after his team had victory snatched away from them in their Rugby Championship encounter against the All Blacks in Melbourne on Thursday.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: The Bulls will go into their United Rugby Championship season-opening match against the Lions with a surprise selection at fullback.

NEWS: Two former World Rugby Sevens Series winners will provide the core of the newly appointed Springbok Sevens management.

BREAKING NEWS: Bulls director of rugby, Jake White, has committed for a long-term stay at Loftus Versfeld with a contract extension that will see him at the helm of the side until 2027.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Argentina's Australian coach Michael Cheika made seven changes to his team announced on Thursday for the weekend clash with world champions South Africa in Buenos Aires.

RUGBY CHAMPS REPORT: The Wallabies' Bledisloe Cup drought has stretched to a 20th year after they suffered a heartbreaking 37-39 loss to the All Blacks in a drama-charged Test in Melbourne.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Lions coach Ivan van Rooyen has named his team for their United Rugby Championship season-opener.

SPOTLIGHT: Bulls backline coach Chris Rossouw has pinpointed some key areas his team will need to focus on for the 2022/2023 United Rugby Championship season.

WATCH as Springbok scrumhalf Francois de Klerk talks about 'parking' the box kick for the remainder of the Rugby Championship.

NEWS: The finalists for South Africa's Players' Player of the Year award have been named.

URC ROUND ONE: Edoardo Padovani has set his sights on Glasgow Warriors after Benetton clinched a dramatic late victory over Edinburgh in their final pre-season fixture.

NEWS: The Cheetahs have been forced to go 'local' for their Challenge Series, which gets underway later this month.

OPINION: The Wallabies hosted the All Blacks at Docklands Stadium in front of a sell-out Melbourne crowd on Thursday.

SQUAD ANNOUNCEMENT: The Ireland coaching group have named the 35 man squad that will travel to South Africa in late September to play in the Challenge Series.

OPINION: It was a true 80-minute encounter in Melbourne on Thursday with the All Blacks claiming a last-minute 39-37 win over the Wallabies.

READERS’ FORUM: Welcome to our live coverage of the Round Five Rugby Championship Test between Australia and New Zealand in Melbourne.

SPOTLIGHT: The World Schools Festival returns in 2022, with the best schools in the world will be taking each other on.

WATCH as seasoned Springbok Francois de Klerk opens up on possibly 'helping out' as a flyhalf and playing off the bench.

SPOTLIGHT: The Springboks will have the perfect opportunity to look at new talent for the No.10 jersey when they embark on their end-of-year tour in November.

SPOTLIGHT: Springbok head coach Jacques Nienaber admitted that a lack of consistency in selection this year may have resulted in his team not hitting specific targets.

RUGBY CHAMPIONSHIP, ROUND FIVE: James Slipper admits he's been surprised by the All Blacks' faltering form but the Wallabies skipper expects them to be at their bruising best for the Bledisloe Cup clash in Melbourne on Thursday.

SPOTLIGHT: The second season of the United Rugby Championship gets underway this coming weekend against the background of a dramatically changed global landscape in the game.

NEWS: The cancellation of Justin Bieber's concert means the Stormers will be able to play one of their opening United Rugby Championship games at Cape Town Stadium.

SPOTLIGHT: New Zealand legend Sean Fitzpatrick, who paid two visits to Buckingham Palace with the All Blacks, said the late Queen Elizabeth II taught him an invaluable piece of etiquette.

NEWS: As the Wallabies and All Blacks prepare to battle for the Bledisloe Cup, Japan is offering to be the peace-maker in the simmering Super Rugby stand-off between the trans-Tasman rivals.

SPOTLIGHT: With the Wallabies conceding 14.5 penalties a game in the Rugby Championship, skipper James Slipper says they need improved discipline against New Zealand.

NEWS: Worcester's co-owners agreed a deal to sell the financially-troubled English Premiership club on Tuesday as they moved closer to avoiding the threat of bankruptcy.

SPOTLIGHT: As we approach the two last rounds of the Rugby Championship, the trophy is anyone's to take.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Springbok head coach Jacques Nienaber has revealed his team for Saturday's clash against Argentina in Buenos Aires.

SPOTLIGHT: Describing him as the benchmark Test wing, Will Jordan knows he will have his hands full trying to contain Wallabies game-breaker Marika Koroibete in Thursday's Bledisloe Cup encounter.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: All Blacks head coach Ian Foster has revealed his team to face the Wallabies in Melbourne on Thursday.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Wallabies coach Dave Rennie has turned over almost half of his run-on side ahead of Thursday's Bledisloe Cup encounter against the All Blacks, with scrumhalf Nic White the highest profile casualty.

SPOTLIGHT: Elton Jantjies has appeared to respond to his latest off-field scandal with a cryptic social media post on Instagram.

REACTION: South Africa's Director of Rugby Rassie Erasmus has broken his silence on the allegations surrounding flyhalf Elton Jantjies.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Springbok assistant coach Deon Davids has backed Damian Willemse to alleviate any flyhalf concerns ahead of their penultimate Rugby Championship match against Argentina.

TRANSFER NEWS: After nine years playing overseas, Monty Ioane is returning to Australia.

SQUAD UPDATE: Springbok hooker Mbongeni Mbonambi joined the national squad in Buenos Aires on Monday after completing the initial stages of his recovery from the knee injury that sidelined him before the second Rugby Championship Test against New Zealand in Johannesburg last month.

NEWS: Argentina have been forced to switch the venue for Saturday’s Rugby Championship clash against South Africa from Jose Amalfitani Stadium in Buenos Aires because of the poor condition of the pitch

WATCH as we bring you five of the best tries from the inaugural United Rugby Championship season.

NEW JERSEY: Drawn from the Western Cape's rich art history and central role in the fabric of local communities, this season's Stormers jersey features an artistic flair in the design.

SPOTLIGHT: Australia's coaching staff have been working overtime to determine why they've struggled to win successive Tests this year as they prepare for the Bledisloe Cup clash in Melbourne on Thursday.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: A couple of South African rugby players have pinpointed why they prefer the United Rugby Championship over the Super Rugby.

The United Rugby Championship Round one clash between Cardiff and Munster has been rescheduled.

SPOTLIGHT: The Western Force are set to come up against a familiar face in November after they locked in two pre-season games against Israel Folau's Japanese side Urayasu D-Rocks.

TOP 14 REPORT: Toulouse climbed to the summit of the early Top 14 table with a 28-8 home victory over Toulon on Sunday, but saw France flyhalf Romain Ntamack limp off with an ankle injury.

REACTION: Two members of the Springbok touring squad have been sent home after reports of an extra-marital tryst between the duo.

SPOTLIGHT: Loose forward Vincent Tshituka has explained his decision to leave the Lions for a three-year contract with the Sharks in Durban.

DAY THREE WRAP: Olympic champions Fiji turned on a dazzling display to win the Sevens World Cup after emphatic victories against Australia and New Zealand at the Cape Town Stadium on Sunday.

OPINION: Elton Jantjies' untimely departure from the Springbok team has left coach Jacques Nienaber with limited options. Jan de Koning looks into his crystal ball.

REACTION: Worcester Director of Rugby Steve Diamond has revealed that a deal could be reached for an investor to buy the financially-stricken club in the next three days.

SPOTLIGHT: All Blacks coach Ian Foster has attributed the Rugby Championship's competitiveness to improvements made by the Michael Cheika-coached Argentines.

SPOTLIGHT: Springbok No.8 Jasper Wiese says his team will be out to get bonus points in their final two Rugby Championship clashes against Argentina.

TOP 14 SATURDAY WRAP: La Rochelle survived a late scare to edge Lyon 23-21 and take pole position in the Top 14 on Saturday with champions Montpellier bouncing back from their opening round defeat to beat Bordeaux-Begles.

INTERVIEW: The Wallabies will be aiming to make up for their 8-24 loss to South Africa when they host the All Blacks in Melbourne on Thursday.

PREMIERSHIP SATURDAY WRAP: Harlequins survived a scare to beat Newcastle 40-31 in Round One of the 2022/2023 Premiership season.

WATCH as prop Retshegofaditswe Nche talks about South Africa's plans for success on the two-Test trip to Argentina.

DAY TWO WRAP: Ireland produced a strong performance to knock the BlitzBoks out of the Sevens World Cup in Cape Town with a 24-14 win in their quarterfinal on Saturday.

DAY THREE WRAP: New Zealand will face Pacific rivals Fiji in the Final of the Sevens World Cup tournament in Cape Town on Sunday.

SPOTLIGHT: With no certainty to take on the All Blacks in the Bledisloe Cup clash in Melbourne on Thursday, Wallabies veteran Kurtley Beale says he will be ready if he gets the opportunity.

SPOTLIGHT: Springbok wing Makazole Mapimpi said he was glad he got the opportunity to right some wrongs against the Wallabies in Sydney last weekend.

SUNDAY WRAP: Wales star Louis Rees-Zammit sparked a spectacular second-half fightback as Gloucester launched their Premiership campaign with a 27-21 victory over Wasps at Kingsholm.

MATCH REPORT: The Sharks put down an important marker when they beat the defending-champion Stormers 21-12 in a United Rugby Championship pre-season outing in Port Elizabeth on Friday.

SPOTLIGHT: Lawrence Dallaglio believes the gap with the Southern Hemisphere has never been narrower to offer European nations hope a year out from the Rugby World Cup.

SQUAD ANNOUNCEMENT: Argentina head coach Michael Cheika has revealed his squad for their upcoming Tests against the Springboks in the Rugby Championship.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Bordeaux coach Christophe Urios has hailed the immediate impact of their Congolese signing Madosh Tambwe.

REACTION: The Springbok Sevens team will be looking for a more dominant performance on defence when they take on Ireland in the quarter-finals of World Cup Sevens at the Cape Town Stadium on Saturday.

DAY ONE WRAP: There were some shocking results on the opening day of the 2022 World Cup Sevens in Cape Town.

SPOTLIGHT: Japan thrilled fans with their swashbuckling style at the 2019 Rugby World Cup but head coach Jamie Joseph believes it would be "pointless" to play the same way at next year's tournament.

LISTEN as @king365ed and acclaimed radio anchor John Maytham go head-to-head over the much-publicized Jurie Roux saga.

SPOTLIGHT: Canan Moodie's performance in Sydney is causing a stir in New Zealand.

SPOTLIGHT: Ned Lester looks at they key factors in the Trans-Tasman battle between Australia and New Zealand in the next fortnight.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENTS: The Stormers and the Sharks have revealed their teams for Friday's pre-season clash.

SPOTLIGHT: World Rugby chief executive Alan Gilpin says he is "confident" about fan safety with one year to go to the Rugby World Cup in France despite the security issues surrounding May's Champions League final held in Paris.

JERSEY LAUNCH: The Bulls have revealed their 2022/2023 home and alternative kit just a week ahead of the opening round of the United Rugby Championship.

JERSEY LAUNCH: The Sharks have unveiled their brand new jersey ahead of their 2022/23 United Rugby Championship campaign.

SPOTLIGHT: The Springboks got back to business on the training field in Buenos Aires to prepare for the big task of attempting to win their two remaining Rugby Championship matches.

SPOTLIGHT: Life does not always deliver a fairy tale ending and Neil Powell has experienced enough highs and lows in 15 years of Sevens to realise that.

SPOTLIGHT: Wallabies legend David Campese says the current state of Rugby Union is "a joke".

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: South Africa sevens coach Neil Powell confirmed his squad of 12 players with two players set to miss the historical 2022 World Cup Sevens at Cape Town Stadium.

URC BUILD-UP: Ulster could have a big boost for their trip to South Africa in October.

SPOTLIGHT Will Genia says young No.10 Noah Lolesio must be held accountable after the performance in Sydney ‘failed to fire a shot’.

With an anticipated record-breaking crowd of more than 150 000 fans set to create an unforgettable atmosphere in an iconic venue, Rugby World Cup Sevens 2022 aims to set new standards in Cape Town this weekend.

FEATURE: Mohed Altrad's appearance in the dock marks another remarkable chapter in the never-dull life of a man who turned up in Montpellier from Syria in 1970 without a penny or a word of French.

SQUAD ANNOUNCEMENT: Wallabies head coach Dave Rennie has revealed his squad for their Bledisloe Tests against the All Blacks.

NEWS: Bath Rugby have named Ben Spencer as club captain for the 2022/23 season.

REACTION: France midfielder Virimi Vakatawa has explained the reason why retired from playing rugby with immediate effect at the age of 30.

NEWS: Top New Zealand broadcaster and former Tonga international, Willie Los’e, has died in Cape Town.

He did not know what the question was going to be when he saw an incoming call from Springbok Sevens coach Neil Powell, but Cecil Africa instinctively knew the answer.

NEWS: Harlequins CEO Laurie Dalrymple has responded via Twitter to a report on the extent of the club’s debt, saying it is “factually inaccurate.”

SPOTLIGHT: Those already celebrating the 'demise' and 'departure' of Jurie Roux should calm down.

STATISTICAL REVIEW: Siyamthanda Kolisi produced arguably the most influential performance of his Springbok career in South Africa's 24-8 demolition of the Wallabies in Sydney this past weekend.

SEVENS SQUAD ANNOUNCEMENT: Australia’s World Rugby Sevens Series Champion teams have confirmed their squads for the Rugby World Cup Sevens in Cape Town.

INTERVIEW: Few things excite a South African Sevens player more than running out onto the pitch at Cape Town Stadium to the cheer of thousands upon thousands of passionate supporters.

OPINION: New Zealand is slowly working its way back towards the top of the world rankings and one man is credited with the revival.

BREAKING NEWS: Racing 92 announced on Monday that France centre Virimi Vakatawa has been banned from playing in France.

TRANSFER NEWS: Bulls have acquired the services of loose-forward, Marco van Staden, who will make a much-anticipated return to Loftus Versfeld.

NEWS: Round four of the Rugby Championship was ‘bounce back day’ with New Zealand and South Africa both overturning their defeats to Argentina and Australia the previous week in emphatic style.

SPOTLIGHT: Bernard Laporte, the president of the French Rugby Federation, has served as a player, coach and even a minister, overcoming controversy and setbacks to become one of the most powerful figures in the sport.

NEWS: Bernard Laporte, a towering figure in French rugby, goes on trial on Wednesday on charges of corruption and influence-peddling.

OPINION: @king365ed delves into the statistics to see what parts of the Springbok game is not working in @SanzarTRC.

The magic from the Los Pumas history-making victory in Christchurch, the first on New Zealand soil, couldn’t be replicated a second time as the All Blacks ran rampant in a 53-3 win in Hamilton.

OPINION: RugbyPass scribe Ben Smith looks back at the reasons for South Africa's emphatic win over Australia at the weekend and what the rest of the Rugby Championship holds.

REACTION: Springbok utility back Damian Willemse had plenty of praise for Elton Jantjies after Saturday's 24-8 victory over the Wallabies in Sydney on Saturday.

Game-breaking All Black Ardie Savea will miss next week’s Bledisloe Cup match in Melbourne in a reprieve for the Wallabies as they seek to break a 20-year drought.

REACTION: As Wallabies fans piled out of the Sydney Football Stadium after watching their side's 8-24 defeat to South Africa, James Slipper gathered his troops and addressed them.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: The Springboks are bracing themselves for a challenging test against Argentina on September 17.

REACTION: New Zealand forwards coach Jason Ryan Sunday called for consistency after the 53-3 thrashing of Argentina, saying it should not take a setback to fire up the All Blacks.

TOP 14 REPORT: Toulouse opened their Top 14 campaign on Sunday with a 26-25 victory at Bordeaux-Begles as the hosts missed three consecutive late penalties.

WATCH as Eben Etzebeth and Allan Alaalatoa enjoy a beer together after Springboks'  24-8 win over Wallabies in Sydney on Saturday. 

SPOTLIGHT: The All Blacks got their Rugby Championship title challenge back on track with a 53-3 thrashing of Argentina on Saturday.

SQUAD ANNOUNCEMENT: New Zealand Under-19 head coach Mark Hammett has selected his squad to embark on a tour to South Africa later this month.

RUGBY CHAMPIONSHIP REPORT:  The Springboks produced a ruthless performance to end their almost decade-long drought in Sydney, beating the Wallabies 24-8 on Saturday.

There is a pledge that needs to be made by all new Springbok players.

MATCH REPORT: New Zealand beat Argentina 53-3 in their Rugby Championship Test in Hamilton on Saturday, scoring seven unanswered tries in an emphatic display to avenge last week's shock loss to the Pumas.

REACTION: Wallabies coach Dave Rennie admits his side missed a golden opportunity to put one hand on the Rugby Championship trophy, brutalised 24-8 by South Africa in Sydney.

REACTION: Canan Moodie has been making headlines throughout the week and he certainly delivered on Saturday.

OPINION: The Springboks bounced back from their defeat in Adelaide with a morale-boosting 24-8 win over the Wallabies in Sydney.

SPOTLIGHT: Saturday’s Rugby Championship encounter in Sydney had a feisty denouement when a mass scuffle that had Eben Etzebeth and Allan Alaalatoa at its heart broke out.

La Rochelle walked away with the honours in the headline fixture on the opening day of the Top 14 season on Saturday with the European champions downing Top 14 titleholders Montpellier 26-22.

NEWS: Italian URC club Benetton have revealed their contract with Monty Ioane has been terminated by mutual agreement just months after the Test wing agreed to an extension.

Former South Africa prop and La Rochelle scrum coach Gurthro Steenkamp says his side are starting from "zero" as the new French Top 14 campaign begins this Saturday, despite winning last season's European Champions Cup.

REACTION: After landing on the wrong side of a 53-3 pasting in Hamilton, Pumas loose forward Pablo Matera appeared to let out some of his frustrations on All Blacks hooker Dane Coles during the post-match formalities.

OPINION: The Wallabies hosted South Africa at the newly renovated Allianz Stadium in front of a sell-out crowd.

SPOTLIGHT: The battle between Canan Moodie and Marika Koroibete out wide is one of the more interesting sub-plots in Saturday's Rugby Championship Round Four Test.

REACTION: Petulant Australia scrumhalf Nic White would have thought that by Friday the heat would have lowered on him over his theatrics in Adelaide last week.

READERS’ FORUM: Welcome to our live coverage of the Round Four Rugby Championship Test between Australia and South Africa in Sydney.

READERS’ FORUM: Welcome to our live coverage of the Round Four Rugby Championship Test between New Zealand and Argentina in Hamilton.

RUGBY CHAMPIONSHIP ROUND FOUR: New Zealand will need to play without fear against Argentina in Hamilton on Saturday to avenge their shock defeat last weekend and prevent the humiliation of losing a fourth successive home Test.

NEWLANDS UPDATE: The South African Rugby Union has balked at 'requests' from a growing number of clubs to terminate the administration of the Western Province Rugby Football Union.

PRE-SEASON REPORT: The defending-champion Stormers scored 14 tries on their way to a convincing 94-7 win against the South Western Districts Eagles in a URC warm-up match in George on Friday.

NEWS UPDATE: A coordinated social media video campaign on Friday highlighted that the Worcester players and staff remain unpaid.

REPORT: The Sharks edged the Lions 45-43 in a United Rugby Championship pre-season thriller at Ellis Park on Friday.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Australia head coach Dave Rennie has confirmed that regular captain Michael Hooper will not return for the rest of the Rugby Championship season.

RUGBY CHAMPIONSHIP ROUND FOUR: Springbok captain Siyamthanda Kolisi says he understands the frustration in South Africa after his team's inconsistent performances this year.

SQUAD ANNOUNCEMENT: Neil Powell has revealed his squad for the Rugby World Cup Sevens in Cape Town.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: The All Blacks need more variation in their game given their ball-in-hand "mentality" is being exploited by opposition teams, says scrumhalf Aaron Smith.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENTS: The Lions, the worst of the South African teams in last season's United Rugby Championship, will introduce some of their new recruits in a pre-season encounter with the Sharks.

SQUAD ANNOUNCEMENT: Japan head coach Jamie Joseph on Friday named a mammoth 52-man preliminary squad to face New Zealand, England and France.

FEATURE: The Bulls will have an effective weapon in their arsenal when they begin their 2022/23 United Rugby Championship campaign against an old foe – the Lions.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Flank Junior Pokomela will captain a Stormers XV in a pre-season friendly against the South Western Districts Eagles in George on Friday.

Jake White shared his views on the current state of Test rugby and its effect on Jacques Nienaber ad Ian Foster.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Wallabies coach Dave Rennie insists his side has what it takes to back up last weekend's Rugby Championship win against South Africa with another victory on Saturday.

RANKINGS PREVIEW: New Zealand face a new world ranking low if they are beaten for the second successive Saturday at home by Argentina.

WATCH as veteran utility forward Deon Fourie talks about the much-maligned role of a hooker in the Springbok set-up.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Argentina coach Michael Cheika on Thursday laughed off suggestions his in-form team are favourites to notch another win over New Zealand in this weekend's Rugby Championship Test at Hamilton.

NEWS: Worcester Warriors boss Steve Diamond has tweeted confirmation that all his players have been paid and that their Premiership season will begin as planned away to London Irish on September 10.

REACTION: South Africa's Director of Rugby Rassie Erasmus dismissed a 'Fake News' report of a Springbok player who apparently 'urinated' at training.

SPOTLIGHT: The need to capitalise on the opportunities they create has been the focal point for the Springboks ahead of the Rugby Championship Round Four match against the Wallabies on Saturday.

NEWS: The Cheetahs will have international opposition in the build-up to their return to European competition.

Pressure is mounting on the Springboks ahead of their encounter with the Wallabies in Sydney on Saturday.

NEWS: Crisis-hit club Worcester has cancelled their pre-season match against Glasgow on Friday in a further sign of the problems that threaten the team's participation in the upcoming English Premiership season.

SPOTLIGHT: The United Rugby Championship title holders, the Stormers, named a 39-man training squad for a pre-season road trip.

WATCH as Wallaby assistant coach Scott Wisemantel talks about the reasons why his team has the wood over the Springboks Down Under.

WATCH as Springbok coach Jacques Nienaber explains the reasoning behind the selection of uncapped flyer Canan Moodie for the Rugby Championship crunch match against the Wallabies.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: All Blacks coach Ian Foster took a dig at critics who "want blood" as he defended naming an unchanged team on Thursday for the Rugby Championship Test against Argentina in Hamilton.

French international full-back Brice Dulin has signed a new two-year contract extension which will keep him at La Rochelle until 2025.

INTERVIEW: Wallaby assistant coach Scott Wisemantel is encouraging flyhalf Noah Lolesio to increase his assertiveness as he looks to pin down the No.10 jumper.

INJURY UPDATE: Springbok flyhalf Handre Pollard and centre Lukhanyo Am will return to their clubs for further medical assessments after being ruled out of Saturday’s Rugby Championship clash against Australia in Sydney.

WATCH as Springbok coach Jacques Nienaber explains the absence of Joseph Dweba and the inclusion of Deon Fourie in the matchday 23.

NEWS: Glasgow's new captain has been revealed ahead of the 2022/2023 season.

SPOTLIGHT: Playmaker Beauden Barrett has provided an update on his fitness ahead of the All Blacks' second clash against Argentina.

WATCH as we bring you a collection of the quickest players in the world of rugby scoring some blistering tries!

INTERVIEW: Wallaby flank Jed Holloway says fixing his side's line-out will be crucial if they're to make it back-to-back wins against South Africa in Sydney.

NEWS: A Springbok scrumhalf has made a decision on his playing future.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Springbok head coach Jacques Nienaber has revealed his team for their Rugby Championship Round Four clash against the Wallabies in Sydney on Saturday.

NEWS: France centre Gael Fickou has been ruled out for four to five weeks because of injury and will miss the start of Racing 92's new campaign, the Top 14 side announced on Tuesday.

NEWS: The chief executive of the 2023 Rugby World Cup, Claude Atcher, was suspended on Monday by French sports minister Amelie Oudea-Castera.

WATCH as Springbok coach Jacques Nienaber unpacks the role Damian Willemse will have in his first start as a Test flyhalf.

NEWS: Zach Mercer had given himself a chance to be involved in England's squad for next year's Rugby World Cup by agreeing to join Premiership side Gloucester ahead of the 2023/24 season.

INTERVIEW: Wallaby flank Jed Holloway says Rugby Australia would be wise to chase star NRL teen Joseph Suaalii if it will help win the 2027 World Cup.

SPOTLIGHT: The All Blacks are feeling pressure from all sides to rebound after their shock home defeat to Argentina but are not far away from producing a winning performance, according to embattled captain Sam Cane.

SPOTLIGHT: Springbok prop Steven Kitshoff on Monday produced a thinly disguised dig at the Wallabies' under-handed tactics.

NEWS: Leinster centre Conor O'Brien has announced his retirement from the game with immediate effect, due to injury.

SPOTLIGHT: A returning veteran is set to give the All Blacks a boost for their second clash against Argentina in Hamilton.

SPOTLIGHT: Springbok assistant coach Deon Davids and prop Steven Kitshoff defended their team's game plan after a horror show against the Wallabies in Adelaide.

SPOTLIGHT: Wallabies utility back Reece Hodge is predicting a fierce response from the Springboks in Sydney.

REACTION: South African Sevens coach Neil Powell would be forgiven if he wanted to block from his mind his squad's performance at the weekend's Los Angeles leg of the World Series.

SPOTLIGHT: Less than two weeks after a ringing endorsement from New Zealand Rugby (NZR), All Blacks coach Ian Foster is under renewed pressure following a third successive home loss this season.

WRAP: Australia captured a first-ever World Sevens Series crown with a third-place finish at the season-ending Los Angeles tournament.

REACTION: Struggling New Zealand must defy the 'All Black DNA' of all-out attack and play a more conservative game.

OPINION: @rugby365com contributor @AngyboyJ looks at what went wrong in Adelaide this week - given that the Springbok management is unable or unwilling to provide any answers.

WATCH as loose forward Albertus Smith and centre Lukhanyo Am talk about the Springboks' effort in a losing cause against the Wallabies.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Springbok head coach Jacques Nienaber has opted to steer clear of criticising the referee's decisions following his team's defeat to the Wallabies.

REACTION: Australia scrumhalf Nic White found himself in the headlines for all the wrong reasons after his team's win over the Springboks.

REACTION: South African Siyamthanda Kolisi and coach Jacques Nienaber both spoke of the need for some 'serious introspection' after their 17-25 loss Australia in Adelaide on Saturday.

REACTION: Coach Dave Rennie has challenged the Wallabies to back up their barnstorming Rugby Championship win over South Africa when they take on the world champions again next week.

REACTION: The All Blacks coach Ian Foster remains adamant his team will 'iron out' their shortcomings following the defeat to the Los Pumas on Saturday. 

WRAP: The South African Under-18 team maintained their status as the only unbeaten team in SA Rugby’s U18 International Series when they beat England by 44-41 in a nail-biting final match of the campaign at Paarl Gimnasium on Saturday.

MATCH REPORT: Argentina made history Saturday with a stunning 25-18 Rugby Championship win over New Zealand in Christchurch.

DAY ONE WRAP: The destination of the World Rugby Sevens Series 2022 title remains in the balance after leaders South Africa failed to make it through to the Cup quarter-finals after a pulsating day one in Los Angeles.

REACTION: Argentina coach Michael Cheika has hit back at New Zealand after they accused the Los Pumas of bending the rules during their historic 25-18 Rugby Championship win in Christchurch on Saturday.

REACTION: Australian scrumhalf Nic White was very fortunate that celebrated former referee Nigel Owens was not in charge of the Wallabies' win over the Springboks at the weekend.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: South Africa will try to complete a World Rugby Sevens Series title run this weekend at the season-ending Los Angeles Sevens but three rivals have other ideas.

OPINION: Jan de Koning rates the South African players after the Springboks' 17-25 loss to the Wallabies in Adelaide.

OPINION: Jack O'Rourke rates the Australian players after their impressive 25-17 Rugby Championship Round Three win over South Africa in Adelaide.

SPOTLIGHT: The unloved Christchurch Stadium creaks back into use on Saturday, with All Blacks veteran Sam Whitelock delivering a heartfelt reminder of why Test rugby should be played in Christchurch.

OPINION: An untidy test match in pristine Christchurch conditions wrapped up with the visiting Argentinians securing their first-ever victory on New Zealand soil, as well as reaffirming their position atop the Rugby Championship leaderboard.

REPORT:  South Africa's hopes of snapping a nine-year winless streak on Australian soil were shattered Saturday with a bruising 17-25 Rugby Championship defeat to the Wallabies at Adelaide Oval.

OPINION: Tom Vinicombe rates the New Zealand players after their shock 18-25 loss to Argentina in a Rugby Championship Round Three match in Christchurch!

READERS’ FORUM: Welcome to our live coverage of the Round Three Rugby Championship Test between New Zealand and Argentina in Christchurch.

OPINION: Former Springbok scrumhalf Neil de Kock breaks down the Springboks' selection policy

Argentina are already riding high atop The Rugby Championship standings and are now setting their sights on a historic first win over the All Blacks on New Zealand soil on Saturday.

READERS' FORUM: Welcome to our live coverage of Australia versus South Africa Rugby Championship Round Three match.

RUGBY CHAMPIONSHIP ROUND THREE: Jacques Nienaber has never beaten Australia Down Under as a member of the Springbok management. Jan de Koning previews the Round Three Test!

RUGBY CHAMPIONSHIP ROUND THREE: Jacques Nienaber has never beaten Australia Down Under as a member of the Springbok management. Jan de Koning previews the Round Three Test!

CAPTAIN'S INTERVIEW: Springbok skipper Siyamthanda Kolisi emphasised the importance of good discipline and remaining focused for the full 80 minutes.

REACTION: The bold plan by All Black Tawera Kerr-Barlow to switch allegiance to the Wallabies has been welcomed by Australian coach Dave Rennie.

RANKINGS PREVIEW: There is a lot to play for in Round Three of the 2022 Rugby Championship.

SPOTLIGHT: @king365ed takes a look at the physical and social decay that is threatening to turn Newlands Stadium and its precinct into a worthless white elephant.

TRANSFER NEWS: Former Junior Springboks captain Jeremy Ward will join Top 14 club Stade Francais from the Sharks.

SPOTLIGHT: The Springbok veteran Frans Steyn is perplexed with his team's losing streak against the Wallabies in Australia.

SPOTLIGHT: Wallabies head coach Dave Rennie had a strong message for Taniela Tupou ahead of the clash against the Springboks in Adelaide in Round Three of the Rugby Championship.

INTERVIEW: Captain James Slipper said on Friday that it was crucial for the Wallabies to put South Africa under pressure from the off.

FEATURE: The Bulls secured a gem when they signed talented utility back, Wandisile Simelane, as part of their arsenal going into the 2022/23 season.

This Saturday's Rugby Championship match against the Wallabies would serve as an ideal time for Springbok flyhalf Elton Jantjies to turn around his fortunes.

SEVENS SPOTLIGHT: There are few things as pleasing on the eye as Muller du Plessis in full flight, but for a huge chunk of the 2022 season, that privilege was not one the Blitzboks fans could enjoy.

NEWS: Another midweek game has been added to the Springboks’ itinerary for their November tour.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Reece Hodge was recalled to start at fullback to deal with an expected aerial assault from world champions South Africa on Saturday as Australia coach Dave Rennie rang the changes.

NEWS: The Stormers will play some home games in Stellenbosch and Gqeberha during their United Rugby Championship title defence this season.

SPOTLIGHT: The South African Under-18 teams are aiming for improved performances when they wrap up the U18 International Series against the visiting sides from England and France in Paarl on Saturday.

SPOTLIGHT: Rugby's big men have found a vocal supporter in an unlikely place after pint-sized Wallabies back Andrew Kellaway shot down the notion of a scrum clock for Super Rugby Pacific.

REACTION: New Zealand coach Ian Foster said Thursday "it doesn't feel right" that Tawera Kerr-Barlow could play for Australia.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: The Springboks' famous 'Bomb squad' has not lost its assertiveness despite a five-three bench split, according to prop Vincent Koch.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Argentina coach Michael Cheika on Thursday unveiled a bulked-up backline as he made three starting changes to his team to face New Zealand in their Rugby Championship Test in Christchurch on Saturday.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: The All Blacks have revealed their team to face Argentina in Christchurch on Saturday.

TRANSFER NEWS: BlitzBok star Muller du Plessis will return to the Sharks, the franchise announced.

NEWS: An innovative deal could see a Wallaby flank head to South Africa.

SPOTLIGHT: All Blacks World Cup winner Tawera Kerr-Barlow has reiterated his desire to change allegiance and play for the Wallabies.

SPOTLIGHT: Captain Sam Cane says the All Blacks must prove their stunning win over South Africa in Johannesburg was no fluke as they prepare for back-to-back home Tests against Argentina.

SPOTLIGHT: The Wallabies are backing one of their young talents to produce the goods against the Springboks in Adelaide.

WATCH as Wallaby prop Allan Alaalatoa and outside back Andrew Kellaway preview the Australia versus South Africa Rugby Championship showdown in Adelaide on Saturday.

SPOTLIGHT: Warrick Gelant is relishing the opportunity to show a different side of his game against the Wallabies in Adelaide on Saturday.

SPOTLIGHT: Former Leinster and Blues utility back Isa Nacewa has described exactly what new All Black assistant coach Joe Schmidt will bring to the role.

INTERVIEW: Chris Jones chats to former Premiership CEO Mark Evans about 'financial stability' in the game.

WRAP: The South African Under-18 team is the only unbeaten team left in the international series.

WATCH as Springbok coach Jacques Nienaber explains why a lack of game time since May will not be a problem for Frans Steyn.

SPOTLIGHT: The final act of the previous Sevens World Series tournament in Los Angeles was Sako Makata scoring a sudden death try to seal a remarkable victory for South Africa over Fiji in the tournament Final.

SPOTLIGHT: While much of the focus has been on the problems in Joseph Dweba's Ellis Park performance, Springbok forwards coach Deon Davids preferred to look on the brighter side of things.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Coach Tony Roques has named his England squad for the final leg of the World Sevens Series in Los Angeles.

SPOTLIGHT: Argentina’s head coach Michael Cheika has weighed in on Ian Foster’s ‘tough’ position with the All Blacks with an interesting perspective.

INTERVIEW: Quade Cooper expects James O'Connor to rediscover his best form and force his way back into the Wallabies side before next year's World Cup.

RUGBY CHAMPIONSHIP SPOTLIGHT: Returning Wallaby playmaker Bernard Foley says he's been inspired by fellow veteran Quade Cooper, who made a huge impact in his Test recall.

UPDATE: Worcester's owners have released a statement amid widespread rumours that the club will go into administration.

WATCH this collection of the greatest moments between two of the game's greatest nations - Australia and South Africa.

NEWS: One of the United Rugby Championship's teams revealed a number of structural changes to their coaching team ahead of the 2022/23 season.

SPOTLIGHT: The Rugby Championship resume this coming weekend, with Australia hosting South Africa in Adelaide in the opening match of Round Three.

WATCH as Jacques Nienaber explains his Springbok selection 'philosophy' for the Rugby Championship showdown with the Wallabies.

SQUAD UPDATE: One of the All Blacks' top midfielders has suffered another setback.

NEWS: The South African Rugby Union issued an urgent warning to supporters to beware of online websites claiming to have World Cup Sevens tickets for sale.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Springbok head coach Jacques Nienaber has revealed his team for their Rugby Championship Round Three clash against the Wallabies in Adelaide on Saturday.

NEWS: Axed All Black forwards coach John Plumtree has found himself in a new role just weeks after he got his marching orders from New Zealand Rugby.

OPINION: RugbyPass scribe Ben Smith takes a critical look at Australia's prospects against South Africa in the next fortnight.

REACTION: The two South African Under-18 teams know which buttons to push as they prepare for the next round of matches in the international series.

WATCH as coach Jacques Nienaber takes the blame for the errors that cost South Africa a win over New Zealand in the recent Rugby Championship encounter at Ellis Park.

NEWS: The Wallabies have added veteran Laurie Fisher to their coaching staff as an interim assistant after defence coach Matt Taylor departed.

NEWS: Springbok superstar Cheslin Kolbe has reportedly said no to the opportunity of re-joining the Stormers.

SPOTLIGHT: Geoffrey Sella, the son of the legendary Philippe Sella who retired from professional rugby after a series of debilitating concussions, has spoken about his long-term fears for Ireland veteran Johnny Sexton.

STAT ATTACK: There has been a debate going on about South Africa's No.8 options heading into the 2023 World Cup.

OPINION: Given South Africa's perilous position, don't expect Springbok coach Jacques Nienaber to 'experiment' too much Down Under. Jan de Koning selects his team!

NEWS: Premiership strugglers Worcester are poised to go into administration as early as Monday amid reports that the tax bill owed to HM Revenue and Customs is as high as £6 million.

UPDATE: The Springboks immediately got down to business after they landed in Adelaide.

INJURY UPDATE: Springboks second row RG Snyman will miss the start of Munster’s United Rugby Championship season it has been revealed.

INTERVIEW: The pleas of a handful of experienced All Blacks combined with the appointment of Joe Schmidt to his coaching staff possibly saved Ian Foster’s job according to rugby writer Gregor Paul.

NEWS: Richie McCaw will play a major role in the future of the game in New Zealand.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: The clean sweep over Spain in the Winter Women's Series and five wins in their six matches for the year was just reward to the Springbok Women and showed the processes designed to prepare them for the Rugby World Cup in October is bearing fruit.

INTERNATIONAL SERIES, WRAP: The SA Under-18 side got off to a winning start in the U18 International Series with an impressive 40-24 triumph over England at Paarl Gymnasium in Paarl on Friday.

WATCH as we bring you a unique interview after the South Africa Under-18 'A' team's game against France U18 this weekend.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: The South African Sevens squad to contest the Los Angeles leg of the World Series next weekend have a familiar look to it.

NEWS: The Wallabies have suffered a big blow ahead of their two Tests against the Springboks.

NEWS: The Springboks will have to tweak their preparations ahead of their clash against the Wallabies in Adelaide.

WATCH as Wallaby coach Dave Rennie fronts up to the media ahead of their back-to-back Rugby Championship Tests against the Springboks.

SPOTLIGHT: Phumzile Maqondwana has an inspiring rugby story and now he is starting a new chapter with the Bulls.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: New Zealand Sevens stalwart Kurt Baker will run out in the black jersey for the 50th time in Los Angeles next weekend.

SPOTLIGHT: The delayed departure of the World Cup title-holders South Africa is just one of several posers facing the Jacques Nienaber-coached team.

SPOTLIGHT: With just over a year until the Rugby World Cup in France, All Blacks coach Ian Foster has been given the vote of confidence despite poor results.

UPDATE: The process to have the Newlands rugby stadium sold in a 'sealed bid' has been put on hold.

TRANSFER NEWS: Former UCT lock Gary Porter has returned to Cape Town to join the Stormers squad ahead of the new season.

NEWS: Worcester Warriors have been served with a winding-up petition over an unpaid tax bill just weeks before the start of the new Premiership 2022/23 season in England.

NEWS: The Sharks are reportedly set to lose the services of centre Jeremy Ward as another exit rumour makes an appearance.

STATS: Helped by their appearance in the United Rugby Championship Grand Final, the Stormers were the most viewed team in the tournament.

SPOTLIGHT: South Africa will have to end a nearly decade-long drought if they are to keep their Rugby Championship dream alive.

TRANSFER NEWS: Bulls squad just received another boost as they announced their latest addition versatile backline player, Christiaan Smit.

TRANSFER NEWS: Exeter Chiefs have bolstered their front-row options ahead of the new 2022/23 season with the signing of experienced Australian international Scott Sio.

NEWS: South African back row forward Hanro Liebenberg has been appointed Leicester Tigers club captain.

TRANSFER NEWS: Waratahs announced the signing of loosehead prop Tom Lambert on a two-year deal, bolstering the team’s front row stocks ahead of their 2023 Super Rugby Pacific campaign.

SQUAD ANNOUNCEMENT: James O'Connor has paid the price for the Wallabies' horror show against Argentina, dumped from the Rugby Championship squad with Bernard Foley recalled after a three-year absence.

NEWS: Ian Foster will coach the All Blacks through to next year's World Cup, New Zealand Rugby said on Wednesday, giving him a vote of confidence despite recent poor performances.

NEWS: Zachary Porthen and Camden Schoeman, who led the SA Schools teams last month, will again wear the captain’s armbands when the two SA Under-18 sides open the U18 International Series against England and France in Paarl on Friday.

REACTION: New Zealand Rugby Chief Executive Mark Robinson made all the right noises, but that has not stopped suggestions that successful Crusaders coach Scott Robertson may be heading abroad.

REACTION: Former New Zealand Rugby CEO David Moffett has doubled down on last month’s criticism of current NZR boss Mark Robinson.

SPOTLIGHT: Coordinated international research is vital to boost understanding of the link between brain injuries in people playing sport and the development of dementia, a report said on Tuesday.

SQUAD ANNOUNCEMENT: Springbok coach Jacques Nienaber on Monday named a 34-man squad for their Australian leg of the Rugby Championship.

STAT ATTACK: Lukhanyo Am was undoubtedly the star of the show in South Africa's 23-35 defeat to the All Blacks at Ellis Park.

OPINION: RugbyPass writer Ben Smith questions South Africa's selections ahead of next year's World Cup in France.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Springbok prop Frans Malherbe pinpointed where it went wrong for his team during the defeat to the All Blacks.

SPOTLIGHT: The Springboks could be up against some familiar faces in Australia.

WATCH as Springbok legend Schalk Burger reveals an interesting incident involving Jean De Villiers.

NEWS: Fan favourites Ashley Johnson has returned to Wasps as their new Senior Academy Forwards Transition Coach following Richard Beck’s decision to step down from his role due to personal reasons.

NEWS: Former Western Force coach Tim Sampson has landed a new gig after being appointed as an assistant coach at the Melbourne Rebels.

SPOTLIGHT: A new sponsor, rubbing shoulders with the Springboks and playing on the same field on the same day as the Rugby World Cup champions have given the Springbok Women a massive boost in their confidence and contributed significantly to their 44-5 victory over Spain in Johannesburg on Saturday.

SOCIAL SPOTLIGHT: Despite what many neutrals saw as an exceptional refereeing performance – Springboks fans and even a former player were not happy with Luke Pearce in the wake of their shock defeat to the All Blacks in Johannesburg on Saturday.

SPOTLIGHT: Ian Foster appears to have the backing of his players as New Zealand Rugby gears up to make a decision on the head coach's future.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: As well as the arrival of some star names from outside the United Rugby Championship ahead of the new season, there has been plenty of movement between the South African teams.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Even though the Springboks suffered a 23-35 defeat at the hands of the All Blacks, one man who has gripped the attention of the rugby fraternity is Lukhanyo Am.

REACTION: Michael Cheika’s Argentina proved too strong for the Wallabies in San Juan on Saturday, taking a 48-17 victory in their second match of the Rugby Championship.

SPOTLIGHT: Before this year’s Rugby Championship kicked off it was widely predicted to be the most open yet and after two rounds that appears to be the case.

REACTION: Springbok head coach Jacques Nienaber was pressed for answers after his decision to start Joseph Dweba and Duane Vermeulen against the All Blacks backfired in a 23-35 defeat in Johannesburg.

REACTION: New Zealand Rugby on Sunday refused to endorse Ian Foster's position as All Blacks' head coach despite their triumphant 35-23 win over the Springboks in Johannesburg.

REACTION: Springboks great Bryan Habana has offered his take on the two Rugby Championship Test matches that were shared one-all between New Zealand and South Africa.

REACTION: Wallabies head coach Dave Rennie admitted that his team was not up to standard in their record loss to Argentina in San Juan on Saturday.

REACTION: All Blacks coach Ian Foster has called criticism of his team selections "insulting" after New Zealand ended a dismal run with a 35-23 win over hosts South Africa at their Ellis Park stronghold in Johannesburg.

REACTION: Springbok captain Siyamthanda Kolisi made a very honest admission following his team's defeat to the All Blacks on Saturday at Ellis Park. 

SPOTLIGHT: All Blacks captain Sam Cane praised his team's character after their victory over the Springboks in Johannesburg on Saturday.

MATCH REPORT: Argentina gained revenge on Australia for last week's defeat with a seven-try bonus point 48-17 victory in the Rugby Championship on Saturday.

MATCH REPORT: The All Blacks have silenced some of their critics with a 35-23 win over the Springboks at Ellis Park in Johannesburg on Saturday.

NEWS: World Rugby chief executive Alan Gilpin has reportedly suggested that the number of former players involved in a concussion lawsuit is smaller than the public figure of almost 200.

REACTION: The Springboks might need to rethink their six-two bench split after it was placed under pressure once again with an early backline injury in Saturday's Round Two Rugby Championship clash against New Zealand.

SPOTLIGHT: SA Rugby president Mark Alexander revealed plans to include two South African teams in a new women's United Rugby Champions (URC) tournament that's set to be a game-changer.

SPOTLIGHT: With two ageing playmakers on board for next year's Rugby World Cup, the Wallabies will look to fast-track some youngsters after Dave Rennie admitted that flyhalf was a position of concern.

RANKINGS PREVIEW: The Springboks will have a chance to move up in World Rugby's Rankings this weekend.

TEAM UPDATE: Australia's hopes of back-to-back Rugby Championship wins over Argentina have suffered a major setback.

SPOTLIGHT: Jamie Lyall chats to South African coach Franco Smith about his career path and his team, the Glasgow Warriors.

READERS’ FORUM: Welcome to our live coverage of the Rugby Championship Round Two clash between Argentina and Australia in San Juan.

RUGBY CHAMPS BUILD-UP: It would take nothing but a top-drawer effort to beat New Zealand according to Springbok assistant coach Mzwandile Stick and captain Siyamthanda Kolisi.

OPINION: The Springboks failed to record back-to-back wins over the All Blacks on Saturday.

OPINION: The All Blacks arrived at Ellis Park in Johannesburg looking to avenge last week’s 10-26 loss without any semblance of form to call on.

READERS’ FORUM: Welcome to our live coverage of the Rugby Championship Round Two clash between South Africa and New Zealand in Johannesburg.

RUGBY CHAMPIONSHIP, ROUND TWO: Despite his team's dismal form, All Blacks head coach Ian Foster said it was foolish to rule his team out of contention for the Rugby Championship title.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: All Blacks flyhalf Beauden Barrett feared the worst after landing head-first from a terrible mid-air challenge against South Africa but says the team will continue to be courageous under the Springboks' high ball.

RUGBY CHAMPIONSHIP ROUND TWO: Argentina need to improve up front if they are to avoid another defeat against Australia in the Rugby Championship in San Juan on Saturday, according to their coach Michael Cheika.

Wallaby Matt Toomua says the current restrictions on the number of overseas based players for the national side have affected his career planning.

Former Springbok coach and current Bulls Director of Rugby Jake White shared his views on the All Blacks in a very insightful opinion piece.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Veteran James O'Connor will start at flyhalf among a raft of changes to the Wallabies following another disrupted build-up ahead of their second Rugby Championship Test against Argentina.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Argentina have made four changes to their team to take on Australia in their second Rugby Championship clash after losing the first last weekend as the Wallabies stormed back late in the game.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: All Blacks should expect another effective kicking game from the Springboks says World Cup-winning wing Makazole Mapimpi.

SPOTLIGHT: The Springboks have a hero that packs a punch when he is needed.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: All Blacks head coach Ian Foster has named his side for the second Rugby Championship Test against South Africa at Ellis Park Stadium in Johannesburg.

For most of the Springbok Women who will run out at Ellis Park on Saturday against Spain, it will be a historic first in the iconic stadium.

NEWS: The All Blacks will face Japan en route to their northern hemisphere tour in November.

SPOTLIGHT: New Zealand captain Sam Cane insists the All Blacks can cope with the pressure of facing South Africa in Johannesburg on Saturday as the visitors seek to sidestep a fourth straight defeat this year.

TEAM UPDATE: The Springboks have been forced to tweak the team they announced on Tuesday.

SPOTLIGHT: Springbok centre Damian de Allende is expecting the All Blacks to use the conditions at Ellis Park to their advantage in Round Two of this year's Rugby Championship.

NEWS: A former Springbok centre was assaulted at a nightclub outside Mbombela on Saturday after watching the Test between South Africa and New Zealand.

WATCH as All Black great Kieran Read reflects on one of the toughest Tests he played against Springboks at Ellis Park.

SPOTLIGHT: Reece Hodge is ready to hand over the No.10 jersey for the second Test in Argentina.

SPOTLIGHT: New Zealand wing Julian Savea has jumped to the defence of Ian Foster, stating that he is ashamed of how the coach is currently being treated by the New Zealand media.

REACTION: With years of international experience behind him, nobody is more prepared for New Zealand's redemption onslaught than Springbok star Duane Vermeulen.

NEWS: England head coach Eddie Jones was reprimanded by his employers at the Rugby Football Union (RFU) on Tuesday for criticising what he saw as the English game's reliance on the private school system.

NEWS: Former Wales rugby union captain Gareth Thomas has been accused of 'deceptively' transmitting the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) to a former partner.

OPINION: Hamish Bidwell takes a look at the current crop of New Zealand players and the bleak future that lies ahead.

SPOTLIGHT: While the All Blacks were well and truly accounted for on Saturday, going down 10-26 against the Springboks in Mbombela, flyhalf Richie Mo’unga is confident his side have the means necessary to get the best of their opposition in their rematch this weekend.

OPINION: Frankie Deges has his say on everything that is wrong with Argentina at the moment.

The Wallabies won’t celebrate their victory over Argentina too much, instead they are firmly focused on gearing up to face Los Pumas in the second test in San Juan.

NEWS: Irish Rugby announced on Wednesday that transgender players will be barred from competing in women's matches for the forthcoming campaign, falling in line with the latest guidelines from World Rugby.

Teammate Nic White says he has no doubt about the ability of Wallabies playmaker Quade Cooper to return from a ruptured Achilles injury in time for next year’s Rugby World Cup.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Springbok coach Jacques Nienaber made five changes to his starting lineup for their second Rugby Championship clash against New Zealand in Johannesburg on Saturday.

TRANSFER NEWS: Powerhouse Fijian international Nemani Nadolo has rejoined the NSW Waratahs ahead of the 2023 Super Rugby Pacific season, 12 years after his first stint.

SPOTLIGHT: Springbok assistant coach Deon Davids praised his team's fearlessness in the aerial battles in their 26-10 win over the All Blacks in Round One of the Rugby Championship.

SPOTLIGHT: Former Springbok loose forward Schalk Burger has offered his thoughts on the All Blacks back row contingent following the 26-10 defeat in Mbombela.

SPOTLIGHT: Springbok assistant coach Deon David had some big news for the media and fans on Monday.

NEWS: Springbok utility back Kurt-Lee Arendse got the book thrown at him for his red card.

SQUAD UPDATE: The Springboks have brought in cover for the suspended Kurt-Lee Arendse.

Nick Turnbull rates the Australian players after their win over Argentina in Mendoza.

NEWS: The All Blacks' 10-26 defeat to South Africa in Mbombela on Saturday has cost them a place in the World Rugby Men’s rankings.

SPOTLIGHT: The Springboks need to work equally hard as they prepare for the second Test against the All Blacks in Johannesburg this weekend revealed Malcolm Marx.

REACTION: A ruptured Achilles tendon to Quade Cooper has soured Australia's Rugby Championship defeat of Argentina on Saturday and could put the veteran playmaker in doubt to feature at next year's World Cup.

SPOTLIGHT: Wallabies veteran Quade Cooper is preparing for the long road to recovery after going down with a serious Achilles tendon injury in Australia's hard-fought 41-26 Rugby Championship win over Argentina.

INJURY UPDATE: All Blacks head coach Ian Foster is set to have some selection headaches ahead of his team's second clash in South Africa against the Boks.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Springbok coach Jacques Nienaber has predicted a long and prosperous international future for rookie wing Kurt-Lee Arendse.

MATCH REPORT: Australia scrapped to a 41-26 Rugby Championship victory over Argentina, but it has come at a cost, losing Quade Cooper to a leg injury.

WATCH as All Black coach Ian Foster and captain Sam Cane front up to the media after their loss to the Springboks in Nelspruit at the weekend, a post-match briefing that is causing a meltdown in New Zealand.

REPORT: The Springboks opened their Rugby Championship campaign in fine style, beating the All Blacks 26-10 at the Mbombela Stadium on Saturday.

UPDATE: The kick-off times for all 18 rounds of the 2022/2023 United Rugby Championship season has been confirmed.

REACTION: In a country already in the throes of a sporting crisis, the All Blacks' one-sided loss to the Springboks in Nelspruit has ratcheted up the temperature in New Zealand another notch this weekend.

REACTION: All Blacks scrumhalf Aaron Smith and head coach Ian Foster have questioned the tactics used by the Springboks in the aerial contest zone in the wake of their 10-26 defeat in South Africa.

READERS’ FORUM: Welcome to our live coverage of the First Round Rugby Championship Test between Argentina and Australia in Mendoza.

WATCH this collection of photographs, capture by Johan Orton, when South Africa dismantle New Zealand in Nelspruit at the weekend.

READERS’ FORUM: Welcome to our live coverage of the First Round Rugby Championship Test between South Africa and New Zealand in Nelspruit.

REACTION: South Africa coach Jacques Nienaber believes his team can raise the bar considerably, despite beating New Zealand 26-10 in their Rugby Championship opener in Nelspruit on Saturday,.

REACTION: New Zealand coach Ian Foster is facing fresh calls to step down, after his side's latest loss.

OPINION: Jan de Koning rates the South African players after their 26-10 demolition of New Zealand in Nelspruit on Saturday.

OPINION: Tom Vinicombe rates the New Zealand players after their 10-26 loss to South Africa in Nelspruit on Saturday.

SQUAD NEWS: Wallabies captain Michael Hooper has withdrawn from Saturday's Test against Argentina and will be returning to Australia due to personal reasons.

REACTION: Coach Dave Rennie has revealed skipper Michael Hooper had masked his feelings in the lead-up to his shock withdrawal from the Wallabies' Rugby Championship Test against Argentina 24 hours before kick-off.

SPOTLIGHT: One of the most open-looking Rugby Championship tournaments gets underway this weekend.

SPOTLIGHT: Assistant coach Mzwandile Stick and captain Siyamthanda Kolisi both brushed off suggestions that the Springboks are "favourites" going into their Rugby Championship opener.

OPINION: It wasn’t long ago that Samisoni Taukei’aho couldn’t deliver a ball into the lineout to save himself.

RUGBY CHAMPIONSHIP, ROUND ONE: New Zealand coach Ian Foster is fighting to save his job while South African counterpart Jacques Nienaber is battling to silence critics ahead of a Rugby Championship showdown between the arch foes on Saturday.

RUGBY CHAMPIONSHIP ROUND ONE: Argentina's Australian coach Michael Cheika is expecting a tough battle up front in the Pumas' Rugby Championship opener against the Wallabies in Mendoza on Saturday.

OPINION: New Zealand coach Ian Foster and captain and loose forward Sam Cane are under severe pressure ahead of a Rugby Championship clash with arch foes South Africa on Saturday after four losses in five Tests.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Two South African Under-18 sides, consisting of 26 players each, have been named to take on their age-group counterparts from France and England in a four-team International Series in Paarl later this month.

WATCH as All Black coach Ian Foster chats to @king365ed and previews the two-Test Rugby Championship series between New Zealand and South Africa.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Wallaby coach Dave Rennie has named his team for the opening round of the Rugby Championship, when they face Argentina in Mendoza on Saturday.

CONTRACT NEWS: Centre Cornel Smit and hooker Andre-Hugo Venter are the latest talented young players to sign contract extensions with the Stormers.

INTERVIEW: Retired All Black Stephen Donald has said that he has ‘no issue’ with the recall of Springbok scrumhalf Faf de Klerk as his selection could favour the All Blacks.

REACTION: Wallabies coach Dave Rennie has defended the decision to allow Samu Kerevi to play Sevens in the Commonwealth Games despite injury now ending his year.

SQUAD UPDATE: Wallabies head coach Dave Rennie has another headache ahead of his team's Rugby Championship opener.

SPOTLIGHT: Springbok head coach Jacques Nienaber refused to speculate on what is going on inside the All Blacks camp, but he does understand the pressure that comes with defeats.

SPOTLIGHT: South Africa host New Zealand in the opening match of the 2022 Rugby championship. We bring you the 'Tale of the Tape in the battle of the giants.

TRANSFER NEWS: The Stormers will start the defence of their United Rugby Championship title without one of their key midfield players.

TRANSFER NEWS: The Western Force has won the race to secure Queensland Reds playmaker Hamish Stewart on a two-year Super Rugby Pacific deal.

OPINION: New Zealand-based RugbyPass scribe Ben Smith says the Springboks suffer from 'split personality disorder'.

SPOTLIGHT: Springbok head coach Jacques Nienaber has explained his decision to give the No.14 jersey to Kurt-Lee Arendse for Saturday's Rugby Championship opener against New Zealand in Nelspruit.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Argentina head coach Michael Cheika has revealed his team for their 2022 Rugby Championship opener against Australia in Mendoza on Saturday.

SPOTLIGHT: Still reeling from the long-term loss of Samu Kerevi, the Wallabies are vowing to embrace the next man up mentality ahead of their opening Rugby Championship Test against Argentina.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: All Blacks head coach Ian Foster has unveiled the matchday 23 for their opening Rugby Championship Test against South Africa at Mbombela Stadium.

SPOTLIGHT: Former Springboks midfielder Jean de Villiers revealed why Jacques Nienaber’s squad could deliver a 2-0 series win over the wounded All Blacks.

PREVIEW: A new era of New Zealand's National Provincial Championship kicks off in Palmerston North this Friday.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: The Rugby Championship opener in Nelspruit could serve as a perfect opportunity for Faf De Klerk to retain his title as No.1 scrumhalf in South Africa.

NEWS: Seven Junior Springboks, including captain Sacha Mngomezulu, have signed contract extensions with Western Province Rugby.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Springbok coach Jacques Nienaber made three changes to his starting team that ran out for their final Test against Wales for their opening Rugby Championship fixture against New Zealand in Nelspruit on Saturday.

WATCH as we bring you a very different build-up to the opening Rugby Championship, South Africa versus New Zealand, in Nelspruit on Saturday.

SPOTLIGHT: All Blacks speedster Rieko Ioane has hinted that his team are becoming a much tighter unit ahead of their opening Rugby Championship match against the Boks in Nelspruit

NEWS: The Blue Bulls Company hosted a glamorous awards ceremony on Wednesday.

NEWS: Samu Kerevi's Commonwealth Games Sevens cameo has backfired.

SPOTLIGHT: New Zealand captain Sam Cane believes there is "not a whole lot" they need to improve to get back into top form after four losses in their last five Tests.

SPOTLIGHT: World Rugby has vowed to 'not stand still' on the issue of player welfare amid claims that playing the sport has caused brain damage.

NEWS: The Brumbies have confirmed their coaching group for the 2023 Super Rugby Pacific season with returning head coach Stephen Larkham.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: The Springboks and All Blacks will add a new chapter to their intense rivalry this weekend at the Mbombela Stadium in Nelspruit.

NEWS: Franco Smith will be heading to the United Rugby Championship.