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WATCH as World Cup-winning Springbok captain Siyamthanda Kolisi explains that while sport is a 'unifying factor', it is not the solution to all of society's ills.

SPOTLIGHT: All Black legend Dan Carter believed he had a target on his jersey when he came up against one particular opponent. 

REACTION: Billy Vunipola has again courted controversy when he revealed how his religion prevents him, as a non-white player, from supporting the Black Lives Matter movement.

SPOTLIGHT: Western Province Rugby Union President Zelt Marais has backtracked and apologised for statements in an earlier media release.

STATISTICAL ANALYSIS: The Springbok-laden Sale Sharks team is desperate to get out of their slump and improve their play-off hopes.

BREAKING NEWS: South Africa Rugby has revealed the cost of a ticket to watch the world champion Springboks take on the British and Irish Lions next year.

INTERVIEW: Southern Kings interim coach Robbie Kempson chats to Jan de Koning about the best way forward for South African rugby.

SPOTLIGHT: Courtney Lawes sheds light on Dylan Hartley's relationship with England head coach Eddie Jones.

NEWS: New Zealand's coronavirus-delayed North v South Island rugby showdown will now take place in Wellington without spectators.

OPINION: @rugby365 columnist and two-time World Rugby Junior Championship winner Eugene Eloff looks at the latest Sturm und Drang of the game we so dearly love.

NEWS: Munster coach Johann van Graan received the news he was dreading on Tuesday.

REACTION: PRO14 officials have insisted their tournament hasn’t become the PRO13 following the announcement on Tuesday morning that Southern Kings were shutting up shop.

PREMIERSHIP WRAP: Sale Sharks got their season back on track with a 20-11 win over Wasps on Tuesday. 

REACTION: Sale Sharks wing Marland Yarde has condemned death threats received by some of his teammates, after a row erupted over their support for the Black Lives Matter movement.

TOP BILLING: Wayne Barnes is back in the middle for the first time since Premiership's restart, when he presides over the top-of-the-table clash between Bristol Bears and Exeter Chiefs on Tuesday.

NEWS: Ospreys and Wales wing George North has been banned for four games.

NEWS: New Zealand's Test schedule for the next July window has been revealed.

SPOTLIGHT: A month after being named New Zealand’s grubbiest player, All Blacks and Hurricanes hooker Dane Coles has opened up about some of the most notable on-field altercations he’s had with players from around the world.

CONTRACT NEWS: The Sharks continued locking in their high-profile internationals - including two Springboks.

NEWS: Waratahs have secured the signature of Tom Horton, with the talented young hooker putting pen-to-paper on a two-year deal.

BREAKING NEWS: The board of the Southern Kings has voluntarily withdrawn the team from participation in any planned domestic rugby competitions in 2020.

NEWS: Brumbies revealed that towering lock Cadeyrn Neville has re-signed with the club and Rugby Australia until at least the end of 2022.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Julian Savea returned to New Zealand earlier this year following a two-season stint in France and was promptly drafted into the Hurricanes Super Rugby Aotearoa squad.

NEWS: New Zealand's planned North-South match has stumbled into a new hurdle.

SPOTLIGHT: Former All Blacks captain Kieran Read has confirmed he will return to the Mitre 10 Cup this year after re-joining Counties Manukau.

SPOTLIGHT: While Springbok duo RG Snyman and Damian De Allende's Munster debut hogged all the headlines prior to the Pro14 restart, it was Edinburgh South African contingent that stole the show.

VIDEO: We're more accustomed to seeing George North on the receiving end of vicious tackles but he dealt one of his own when the Pro14 resumed.

VIDEO: BlitzBok stalwart Werner Kok and his Sharks teammates put on their dancing shoes to join in the craze of the Jerusalema Challenge.

OPINION: RugbyPass reporter By Finn Morton takes a look at Round Eight of Super Rugby AU and highlights the five stand-out players.

POST-MATCH REACTION: Munster paid a dear price for their 25-27 loss to Irish rivals Leinster in Dublin at the weekend.

WATCH as match officials make a questionable call when two players touch down simultaneously.

NEWS: French Top 14 club Lyon announced a positive coronavirus case in its squad less than two weeks before the start of the season.

SPOTLIGHT: The 2019-2020 Premiership season got back underway over the weekend and there were plenty of South Africans in action on the field.

NEWS: Argentina has suffered a blow to their preparations for the Rugby Championship.

REACTION: Sale Sharks director of rugby Steve Diamond has urged South Africa's Minister for Sports, Arts and Culture Nathi Mthethwa to focus on 'his own job'.

Wayne Barnes is back in the middle for the first time since Gallagher Premiership Rugby's restart when he presides over the top-of-the-table clash between Bristol Bears and Exeter Chiefs.

SPOTLIGHT: The question has to be asked: Have scrums become a 'boring' waste of time?

PRO14 MATCH REPORT: Semifinalists Ulster were pegged back in their pursuit of a first title since 2005/06.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: The Brumbies have all but locked in a home Super Rugby AU final.

PRO14 MATCH REPORT: Ashton Hewitt's last-gasp try broke 14-man Ospreys' hearts as Dragons snatched a dramatic 20-20 draw after George North saw red at the Liberty Stadium.

All Black Head Coach Ian Foster believes that with the improvement he's seen during Super Rugby AU Australian teams must be included in Super Rugby Trans-Tasman competition next year.

While the stocks of contracted players are looking healthy for New Zealand there are still some All Blacks without one.

With their whopping 38 - 11 win over the Waratahs the Brumbies have all but secured a home final for Super Rugby AU......or have they?

PRO14 MATCH REPORT: Leinster stretched their winning run to 22 matches with a thrilling 27-25 victory against rivals Munster in a game that went down to the wire.

SPOTLIGHT: Wellington is in the box seat to host the North versus South match after the Government denied exemptions for Auckland-based players and staff to travel next week.

NEWS: Clermont Auvergne have confirmed that a member of staff has tested positive for coronavirus with less than two weeks to go until the Top 14’s scheduled return.

PRO14 MATCH REPORT: Duhan van der Merwe’s moment of magic helped Edinburgh overcome Scottish rivals Glasgow Warriors to book their place in the PRO14 Final Series and seal the 1872 Cup for a third straight season with a 30-15 victory at BT Murrayfield.

PREMIERSHIP WRAP:  Following their shock win against Sale Sharks, Harlequins suffered a 24-38 defeat to Saracens on Saturday. 

PRO14 MATCH REPORT: Steff Evans sparkled as Scarlets ran in five tries to beat Cardiff Blues 32-12 as the PRO14 resumed in Wales.

SPOTLIGHT: He is a World Cup winner, but readily admits that he is nowhere near the player he wants to be.

SUPER RUGBY AU MATCH REPORT: The Brumbies booked their place in the play-offs with a 38-11 demolition of the Waratahs in Canberra on Saturday.

SPOTLIGHT: Springbok and Saracens prop Vincent Koch is relishing the challenge of facing his old team, the Stormers, in London.

NEWS: Just a week after the 'Rugby against Racism' slogan took centre stage of the Premiership competition, Pro14 has revealed how they will tackle the campaign.

PRO14 REPORT: Tommaso Boni and Jimmy Tuivaiti scored a try each as Zebre shocked rivals Benetton 17-13 in the first Pro14 match since March.

NEWS: Edinburgh's Pro14 game with Glasgow Warriors on August 28 will be the first rugby match in the United Kingdom since March to welcome spectators after the Scottish Government gave the green light.

TRANSFER NEWS: The Sharks have managed to retain the services of another key trio.

SUPER RUGBY AU MATCH REPORT: The Reds put their campaign firmly back on track with a bonus-point win over the hapless Western Force on the Gold Coast on Friday.

SPOTLIGHT: World Cup-winning Springbok Francois de Klerk has spoken out about those who doubted his abilities.

INTERVIEW: Former Blues and Scotland international Grayson Hart sheds light on the destructive phenomenon rugby players deal with.

READERS’ FORUM: Welcome to our coverage of the Super Rugby AU Round Eight encounter between the Brumbies and Waratahs in Canberra.

NEWS: New Zealand's much-anticipated North v South Island rugby match has been postponed.

NEWS: Crusaders coach Scott Robertson revealed Friday that he wants to join next year's British and Irish Lions tour to South Africa, after being overlooked for the All Blacks job.

SPOTLIGHT: While all the talk has focussed on a Pacific Island team-based joining Super Rugby’s replacement next year, it appears that a sixth New Zealand franchise is also a very real possibility.

PREMIERSHIP FRIDAY WRAP: Premiership leaders Exeter Chiefs proved to be too strong for a Springbok-laden Sale Sharks team at the AJ Bell Stadium on Friday.

WATCH as Bulls Director of Rugby and coach Jake White answers some pressing questions on team selection.

SOUTH AFRICAN FLAVOUR: Even without either of the South African teams in action, the competition's resumption will leave fans in the Republic with plenty to salivate over.

RACE TO THE PLAY-OFFS: A Springbok-laden Sale Sharks team will host Premiership leaders Exeter Chiefs.

READERS’ FORUM: Welcome to our coverage of the Super Rugby AU Round Eight encounter between the Western Force and the Reds on the Gold Coast.

INTERVIEW: Robbie Kempson is ready to 'step aside' and allow a new young coach to take over at the Southern Kings.

MIND GAMES: The trap was set but NSW coach Rob Penney refused to take the bait ahead of the Waratahs' Super Rugby AU grudge match against the Brumbies on Saturday.

VIDEO: With the Britsh and Irish Lions tour in less than a year, former Springboks coach Peter De Villiers shared a 'heartful' post-match speech following his team's win 11-year-ago.

TEAM UPDATE: Waratahs are on the road again in Round 8 of Super Rugby AU, as they travel to the nation's capital to take on the Brumbies.

TRANSFER NEWS: Chiefs lock Michael Allardice and utility back Tiaan Falcon have become the latest New Zealand players to head to Japan.

VIDEO: Josh Flook will make his Queensland Reds starting debut and after watching this highlights package, the future is most certainly bright for the former Australia Schools captain.

VIDEO: Harlequins loose forward Jack Clifford has been forced to retire from the game at the tender age of 27 following a shoulder injury and has opened up about it in a video posted by his club.

SPOTLIGHT: Quarantined Wayne Barnes hasn’t been the only high profile referee absent from duty for the opening two restart rounds of the Premiership – JP Doyle has also been nowhere to be seen.

CONTRACT NEWS: The Hurricanes have managed to retain the services of one of New Zealand's most creative backline players.

TRANSFER NEWS: Malcolm Marx's new home has been confirmed.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: The Waratahs are on the road again in Round Eight of Super Rugby AU, as they travel to the nation's capital to take on the Brumbies.

SPOTLIGHT: Warren Gatland's reputation has taken a battering after the Chiefs' horror show in Super Rugby Aotearoa.

REACTION: It was always going to be hot-blooded and predictably the first reaction from within the players' ranks was a charged response.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Brumbies coach Dan McKellar has made nine changes to the starting XV for Saturday's Round Eight Super Rugby AU blockbuster against arch-rivals the Waratahs at GIO Stadium.

SPOTLIGHT: Efforts by Stade Francais to pick up their stalled preparations for the new 2020/21 Top 14 season have been further delayed due to the severity of the positive coronavirus cases.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: The Queensland Reds have made one change to their starting XV for Friday's Super Rugby AU clash against the Force on the Gold Coast.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Head coach Tim Sampson has made two changes to the starting line-up as the Western Force prepare to take on the Queensland Reds at Cbus Super Stadium on Friday.

SPOTLIGHT: A Waratahs star has responded to a former SANZAAR boss' suggestion that the Brumbies should be one of two Australian teams cut from future competitions.

DISCIPLINARY UPDATE: Worcester Warriors fullback Melani Nanai appeared before a virtual independent disciplinary panel following his red-card against Gloucester.

In the latest RugbyPass podcast, the Blues' James Parsons and Brad Weber of the Chiefs give their thoughts on a New Zealand XV picked purely based on form.

INTERVIEW: Playing for Glasgow Warriors meant more to Rory Hughes than just a job. 

NEWS: Harlequins and England loose forward Jack Clifford has confirmed that he has been forced to retire through injury.

SPOTLIGHT: With a trophy haul that includes NRL titles, a Super Rugby championship and a Rugby World Cup, Brad Thorn knows the recipe for success.

NEWS: The final round of Super Rugby AU has been dubbed “Super Saturday” with back-to-back matches now set to decide which teams will advance to the finals.

REACTION: South Africa Rugby will not rush into any irrational or emotional response in the wake of the fall-out over the Black Lives Matter events in the Premiership at the weekend.

SPOTLIGHT: When the Pro14 restarts this week, there will be a distinct focus on the South African players in the competition.

UPDATE: The Premiership South African players' refusal to take a knee in support of Black Lives Matter before the opening round of matches, could have tremendous consequences in South Africa.

NEWS: A limit in the amount of non-European players in a squad has been lifted as part of a host of changes for the postponed knock-out stages of this season's European club competitions.

SPOTLIGHT: Evens after New Zealand's inaugural Super Rugby Aotearoa it is still unclear who will don the All Blacks No.10 jersey.

Commentators make the viewing experience that much better and when they're "in the zone" they can make any game better.

The rugby world continues to come alive as the Guinness PRO14 returns and joins the Premiership and Super Rugby AU in the spotlight.

TRANSFER NEWS: Wasps' French loose forward Thibaud Flament said he was not able to refuse the offer of joining Toulouse with the likes of double World Cup winner Jerome Kaino on their books.

NEWS: Another key player has extended his stay with the Sharks.

NEWS: Munster and Ireland’s Joey Carbery will remain in the wars for another indefinite period of time following the latest update from the Irish province on his ongoing injury lay-off.

SQUAD ANNOUNCEMENTS: The squads for the eagerly-awaited North v South match scheduled for Saturday, August 29 in New Zealand have been named.

SPOTLIGHT: The clock is ticking ever louder as powerbrokers squabble over ways to save Super Rugby, after the coronavirus pushed the once admired Southern Hemisphere competition to the verge of collapse.

NEWS: The Brumbies announced that livewire wing Tom Wright has re-signed with the franchise and Rugby Australia for the 2021 season.

TRANSFER NEWS: London Irish have announced that Dan Norton, the leading try-scorer of all time in the sevens format, has agreed to link up with the club on a short-term contract.

NEWS: New Zealand Rugby has announced it is working on contingency plans for the highly-anticipated North vs South clash that is scheduled to be held in Auckland next week.

Stephen Hoiles former Wallaby loose forward has thrown his cap in the ring with regard to retaining Michael Hooper as national captain.

RESTART SPOTLIGHT: The Premiership is back on Friday, after the COVID-19-enforced lockdown.

SUPER RUGBY AU REACTION: Western Force flyhalf Jono Lance says he's still annoyed at himself for the penalty miss that cost his side victory against the Melbourne Rebels late last month

STAT ATTACK: It is only a matter of time before Crusaders' young star Will Jordan puts on an All Black jersey.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: The Rainbow Nation of South Africa will not be witnessing a World Cup on home soil in the near future.

SPOTLIGHT: The Waratahs are looking to end their losing streak against the Brumbies on Saturday when they take them on at GIO Stadium.

SPOTLIGHT: The Premiership is back and has already caused a major controversy as a few players opted against taking a knee in support of Black Lives Matter before the opening round of matches.

SPOTLIGHT: The solicitous Southern Kings are voracious about another opportunity to test themselves against South Africa's Super powers.

After their defeat at the hands of Exeter Chiefs this last weekend new head coach of Leicester Tigers, Steve Borthwick, wants them to learn from every game.

NEWS: The RFU have confirmed that Worcester Warriors’ Melani Nanai will face a disciplinary hearing on Tuesday following his red card against Gloucester.

MATCH REPORT: Wasps restarted their Premiership campaign with a dramatic 34-21 win over Northampton Saints at the Franklin’s Gardens.

SPOTLIGHT: All Blacks Lima Sopoaga and Owen Franks have found the English conditions a struggle to adapt to since moving from New Zealand

REACTION: Few people expected the Highlanders to enjoy much success in Super Rugby Aotearoa.

All Black prop Ben Franks believes he can make Welshman Samson Lee strong again and a great addition to the Welsh pack.

SPOTLIGHT: Has Jordie Barrett's phenomenal season in Super Rugby Aotearoa propelled him into the lead in the race to fill the no.15 jumper for the All Blacks?

INJURY UPDATE: Scans have cleared Melbourne Rebels playmaker Matt Toomua of a neck injury after his side's costly 19-3 loss to Queensland Reds.

South Africa's Cabous Eloff got hearts racing in Australia compliments of a wardrobe malfunction while Samoa's Melani Nanai's return to the playing field lasted less than 20 minutes.

TRANSFER NEWS: Sharks have announced that several first-team players have committed their futures to the franchise by signing contract extensions.

PREMIERSHIP REPORT: A penalty try four minutes from time saw the Bears snatch a dramatic 16-12 victory over Saracens, as the Premiership returned to a rain-soaked Ashton Gate for the first time since March.

PREMIERSHIP REPORT: Exeter Chiefs extended their lead at the top of the Premiership standings with a 26-13 win against Leicester Tigers at Sandy Park on Saturday.

WATCH as we take a look at all the highlights from the Super Rugby Aotearoa Round 10 and Super Rugby Australia Round Seven.

MATCH REPORTS: The Reds have taken a huge step towards the finals with a 19-3 bonus-point win over the Melbourne Rebels on Saturday.

READERS’ FORUM: Welcome to our coverage of the Super Rugby AU Round Seven encounter between the Reds and Melbourne Rebels in Brisbane.

The return of the Premiership will see Twickenham have a special artwork on the field as World Cup winner Francois de Klerk is one of three players to have their faces painted on the field.

SPOTLIGHT: Dylan Hartley compared coach Eddie Jones's regime to "brutal dance marathons in the Great Depression of the 1920s."

PREMIERSHIP REPORT: Melani Nanai’s sending off proved decisive and costly for Worcester Warriors as they went down 15-44 to Gloucester at home on Saturday.

The Reds are starting to believe they could go all the way in Super Rugby AU according the scrumhalf Tate McDermott.

NEWS: Former Scotland captain John Barclay announced his retirement as a player on Saturday saying he is "eternally proud" to have skippered both his country and Welsh region the Scarlets.

Young Waratahs star Will Harrisons continues to put in exemplary performances at flyhalf and seems to have caught the attention of Wallabies head coach Dave Rennie

PREMIERSHIP REPORT: Harlequins marked the return of the English Premiership after the coronavirus lockdown with a shock 16-10 win over a Springbok-laden Sale on Friday.

TRANSFER TALK: Bath reportedly are making a concerted bid to woo World Cup winner Handre Pollard into their fold!

REACTION: Crusaders coach Scott Robertson has offered an emotional apology to renowned Otaki carver Bill Doyle after his side's 'inappropriate' abuse of the Super Rugby Aotearoa trophy.

MATCH REPORT: The Highlanders bid farewell to the Super Rugby Aotearoa season in fine style.

MATCH REPORT: The NSW Waratahs have made a statement about their Super Rugby AU title intentions, taking down the Western Force 28-8 on Friday. 

PREMIERSHIP REPORT: Bath beat London Irish 34-17 on a soggy field at the Rec on Saturday.

READERS’ FORUM: Welcome to our coverage of the Super Rugby Aotearoa Round 10 encounter between the Highlanders and Hurricanes in Dunedin.

NEWS: The final match of Super Rugby Aotearoa has been cancelled, and now it looks like New Zealand’s highly anticipated North Island v South Island clash will also be impacted by the resurgence of COVID-19 in Auckland.

NEWS: The Super Rugby Aotearoa match between the Blues and Crusaders which was due to be played at Auckland's Eden Park on Sunday is officially off, confirmed New Zealand Rugby. 

NEWS: The latest results from the Premiership's COVID-19 screening programme makes for worrying reading.

NEWS: On the eve of the Premiership’s resumption, Bristol Bears announced that 33 first-team players have committed their futures to the club by signing contract extensions.

DISCIPLINARY UPDATE: Hurricanes wing Kobus van Wyk was suspended for three weeks on Friday, ruling him out of the final round of Super Rugby Aotearoa.

SPOTLIGHT: While most South African professional rugby players are eager to return to the pitch in September, Springbok wing Aphiwe Dyantyi faces a career-defining battle.

BACK ON THE PITCH: The coronavirus pandemic has posed enormous challenges for clubs and leagues worldwide but for high-flying Bristol Bears it has been a "wonderful opportunity".

UNCERTAIN TIMES: The New Zealand rugby community is waiting with bated breath for the speech of Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern on Friday.

NEWS: PRO14 side Munster have issued a medical update after one of their academy players tested positive for coronavirus.

HOST WITH THE MOST: Australia has received another boost in their bid to host the 2027 World Cup, with World Rugby set to announce the next two men’s and women’s tournament hosts at the same time.

England utility back Jack Nowell goes against the clock to put his skills and physical conditioning to the test in a brutal obstacle course, designed to test every facet of his game.

SQUAD ANNOUNCEMENT: France head coach Fabien Galthie' has selected sevens star Virimi Vakatawa as his no.13 in the midfield for France's upcoming clash with England.

READERS’ FORUM: Welcome to our coverage of the Super Rugby AU Round Seven encounter between the Western Force and the Waratahs on the Gold Coast.

SPOTLIGHT: Jan de Koning looks at the polemical issue of private equity in South Africa and speaks to one of the most authoritative and au courant officials in the industry.

NEWS: The Premiership returns to action this week, with the #BLM slogan front and centre of the competition's first round of action since March.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Highlanders co-captains will bring up special milestones against the Hurricanes on Saturday.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Jordan Petaia will return to the wing while Tate McDermott and Fraser McReight are back in the Queensland Reds’ starting side.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Melbourne Rebels head coach Dave Wessels has rewarded his chargers for their victory over the table-topping Brumbies.

NEWS: There is only one thing on the players' minds.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Captain Ian Prior will make his return from injury when the Western Force take on the Waratahs on the Gold Coast this Friday.

BULLSEYE: They may be winless but there's no chance of the Western Force ambushing the Waratahs in Friday's Super Rugby AU clash on the Gold Coast.

STAT ATTACK: Robert du Preez received plenty of criticism when he was playing in South Africa.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: NSW Waratahs will head to the Gold Coast this Friday to take on the Western Force in Round 7 of Super Rugby AU.

SPOTLIGHT: South Africa's World Cup-winning scrumhalf Cobus Reinach hopes playing alongside Test flyhalf Handre Pollard at Montpellier will help him claim a starting Springboks place.

NEWS: Premiership Rugby on Wednesday revealed the results of their latest weekly round of COVID-19 testing.

NEWS: New Zealand Rugby is hopeful that one of their two scheduled Super Rugby Aotearoa final round matches can be played after the NZ government's latest COVID-19 announcement.

NEWS: Bath has hired a former England assistant as their new head coach on Thursday.

NEWS: There could be a bright future for Australian rugby after all.

BREAKING NEWS: Director of Rugby Jake White has revealed his captain for the Currie Cup competition.

The Blues' James Parsons and Crusaders' Bryn Hall would love to see the likes of Owen Farrell and Maro Itoje turn out in Super Rugby, the pair revealed on RugbyPass' podcast when host Ross Karl posed the question.

NEWS: The 2019/2020 Premiership season will get back underway this weekend and Harlequins will have to get back into action without their new Springbok signings.

INTERVIEW: The unfancied Melbourne Rebels say they are eyeing the Super Rugby AU title after upsetting the previously unbeaten Brumbies.

RUGBY CHAMPIONSHIP NEWS: Argentina have named a 46-man squad in preparation of this year's Rugby Championship as training restarts following a five-month hiatus.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: The Hurricanes have revealed their team to face the Highlanders in Dunedin.

NEWS: Saracens confirmed that long-serving club man Alex Goode has extended his contract until 2023.

WATCH as Stormers coach John Dobson gives some insight into the vexed issued of South Africa's proposed move to the Northern Hemisphere.

NEWS: A former midfielder has been unveiled as the new head coach of Manu Samoa.

VIDEO: For the first time since adding his name on the list of 50 former players and coaches who supported their cricketing counterparts, former Springbok coach Peter de Villiers has broken his silence.

NEWS: The brand-new Super Rugby Aotearoa trophy needs urgent repairs after it was dropped and damaged during the Crusaders' title celebrations.

INTERVIEW: Leinster coach Stuart Lancaster has spoken out for the first time about reports linking him to the British and Irish Lions tour to South Africa.

NEWS: Hopes that French rugby could quickly ramp up and begin to accommodate large crowds were dealt a blow on Tuesday.

REACTION: Wallaby hooker Jordan Uelese says he hopes the 2021 Super Rugby format is decided upon sooner rather than later so players can secure their future.

SPOTLIGHT: Highlanders assistant coach Tony Brown believes Super Rugby Aotearoa is the way forward for New Zealand Rugby.

NEWS: Ireland could be without a big name when the 2020 Six Nations resumes in October.

Kaplan and Pollack selected to lead MLR in the USA in it's bid to produce top quality referees.

The Crusaders are Super Rugby Aotearoa champions, the Brumbies have been beaten and Premiership Rugby is back!

TRANSFER NEWS: World Cup-winning Springboks centre Lukhanyo Am has signed a contract extension with Super Rugby side Sharks.

TRANSFER NEWS: London Irish has managed to secure the signature of one of the game's most capped internationals.

Before the British and Irish Lions' Tour of New Zealand, coach Warren Gatland brought in a musical director to teach his players various lyrics of songs chosen by the players themselves.

SPOTLIGHT: Former Bulls prop Pierre Schoeman will be able to represent Scotland much sooner than expected.

NEWS: The annual Highlanders awards were held on Monday, at the start of the final week of the Super Rugby Aotearoa competition.

BREAKING NEWS: The conclusion of New Zealand's successful Super Rugby has been cast in doubt because of a surge in COVID-19 cases.

REACTION: The Crusaders' win over the Highlanders at the weekend has reignited the debate around the quality of major competitions in the Northern and Southern Hemisphere.

NEWS: The Hurricanes' South African wing Kobus van Wyk will have a few sleepless nights this week.

NEWS: A player has been sacked after being under the influence of alcohol in a car crash.

TRANSFER NEWS: Springbok Albertus 'Kwagga' Smith has agreed to a new deal with Japan-based club Yamaha Jubilo.

SPOTLIGHT: Even the most stable clubs in the Premiership are beginning to feel the cash crunch and running into the red.

WATCH as Springboks centurion Tendai Mtawarira gives his take on the polemical Black Live Matter saga.

SPOTLIGHT: Former Ireland head coach Joe Schmidt is being lined up for a high profile position with World Rugby. 

SPOTLIGHT: RugbyPass reporter Jamie Lyall speaks to a Scottish-qualified, 203-centimetre Nigerian teenager lumbering around the paddocks of South Africa.

REACTION: The Crusaders claimed New Zealand's Super Rugby title with a game to spare, but coach Scott Robertson did not produce his customary post-title breakdance routine.

NEWS: Duane Vermeulen gets caught out by cyber hackers and threatened with blackmail.

SPOTLIGHT: Having clinched the Super Rugby Aotearoa title with a round to spare, don’t expect the Crusaders to front up against the Blues with a full-strength team in the final round of action this Sunday.

REACTION: Stade Francais have been forced to cancel their next friendly with Brive due to a significant proportion of their club testing positive for COVID-19.

OPINION: Alex McLeod looks at the top five performers from Round nine of Super Rugby Aotearoa.

OPINION: Finn Morton looks at the top five performers from Round six of the Super Rugby Australia.

INTERVIEW: Reds skipper Liam Wright says his team will quickly move past their disappointing Super Rugby AU loss to the Waratahs and look to take down Melbourne.

NEWS: Rugby Australia will go to market with a new broadcast package that includes new competitions and has given New Zealand a deadline for a trans-Tasman deal.

SPOTLIGHT: England coach Eddie Jones has spoken about his plans for players from relegated club Saracens.

NEWS: Sam Cane, floored by a collision with Jordie Barrett's knee, has revealed the extent of his injuury.

Kobus van Wyk cited by commission for foul play - to appear before Foul Play Review Committee before leaving for his new club Leicester Tigers.

SUPER RUGBY AOTEAROA MATCH REPORT: The Crusaders were crowned champions of New Zealand's domestic competition after a second-half blitz took the wind out of the Highlanders' proverbial sails.

All Black Sevu Reece and Blues winger Mark Telea have been snaffled by Tasman to play for them in this years Mitre 10 Cup

SPOTLIGHT: All Blacks great Brad Thorn is calling for unification between New Zealand and Australia as the Trans-Tasman debate about the future of Super Rugby rages on.

SPOTLIGHT: Billy Vunipola is understood to have been a disruptive voice at some meetings during and before last year's World Cup.

WATCH as we bring you all the highlights form the weekend's Super Rugby action in New Zealand and Australia.

NEWS: There is some disbelief at the punishment handed down to Montpellier.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Wallabies head coach Dave Rennie is looking to bolster his coaching team with a South African.

REACTION: After a woeful start to the year, the Waratahs are suddenly back in the mix for the Super Rugby AU play-offs.

REACTION: Matt Toomua wants to wear the Wallaby No.10 jersey, but says he's happy to play inside centre if that's what's best for the Melbourne's Super Rugby AU charge.

SUPER RUGBY AU MATCH REPORT: The Waratahs have humbled the Reds 45-12 to breathe fresh life into their campaign.

SUPER RUGBY AOTEAROA MATCH REPORT: The Hurricanes kept alive their title hopes with a bonus-point win over the Chiefs in Wellington on Saturday.

READERS' FORUM: Welcome to our coverage of the Super Rugby Aotearoa Round Nine encounter between the Crusaders and Highlanders in Christchurch.

NEWS: Premiership club Exeter Chiefs’ famous Tomahawk Chant is set to be axed from their fake crowd noise as rugby restarts in England.

SUPER RUGBY AU MATCH REPORT: The Melbourne Rebels ended the Brumbies' unbeaten run with an impressive and dominant performance in Sydney on Friday.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Warren Gatland said Friday he would be prepared to coach the Chiefs for free next year if COVID-19 forced the cancellation of the British and Irish Lions' tour to South Africa.

NEWS: England’s Rugby Football Union (RFU) is reportedly set to drop its sevens programme as it tries to cope with the financial impact of COVID-19.

READERS' FORUM: Welcome to our coverage of the Super Rugby Aotearoa Round Nine encounter between the Hurricanes and Chiefs in Wellington.

INTERVIEW: Wallaby coach Dave Rennie will take a leaf out of the Springboks' book when it comes to European-based players.

SPOTLIGHT: With the South African season in limbo, Stormers have been spending their ‘non-contact’ training sessions perfecting other features of their play.

READERS' FORUM: Welcome to our coverage of the Super Rugby AU Round Six encounter between the Waratahs and the Reds in Sydney.

NEWS: Chief executive Mark Dodson revealed that Scottish Rugby Union (SRU) looks to offset losses of around £18million this year.

IN CONVERSATION WITH STEFAN TERBLANCHE: "Today's structure becomes tomorrow's fish-and-chips wrapper."

INTERVIEW: Wallaby coach Dave Rennie has spoken out about the concept of a Trans-Tasman Super Rugby competition.

BREAKING NEWS: SA Rugby Chief Executive Officer Jurie Roux welcomed the news from the South African government that rugby has been given the green light to return to the playing field.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: The Highlanders have revealed their team for their Super Rugby Aotearoa Round Nine clash against the Crusaders in Christchurch.

THOSE STILL IN THE RUNNING: The Highlanders hold the key to the hopes of the Hurricanes and Blues catching the Crusaders.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: The Crusaders will play their last home game of the 2020 Super Rugby Aotearoa competition in front of a sold-out crowd on Sunday.

READERS' FORUM: Welcome to our coverage of the Super Rugby AU Round Six encounter between the Melbourne Rebels and Brumbies in Sydney.

Back in 1997, British and Irish Lions forwards coach Jim Telfer got into a verbal 'discussion' with a Springboks fan before 'Karen' felt the need to add her two cents to the verbal exchange.

NEWS: The Bulls will have some extra speed out wide for the upcoming 2020 Currie Cup season.

The Chiefs fans are readying themselves to sing their own version of the Highlanders' famous 'Waisake Naholo' as his younger brother Kiniviliame Naholo is set to make his debut for the struggling side.

NEWS: A swathe of Stade Francais players have tested positive for coronavirus after a training camp in Nice.

STATS ATTACK: The last decade of Super Rugby has seen a steady rise in victories by away teams and a marked increase from the competition’s early years.

TRANSFER NEWS: Harlequins have brought in a South African prop.

NEWS: New Zealand Rugby and the Hurricanes have secured contract extensions for major local talents, Peter Umaga-Jensen and Asafo Aumua.

VENGEANCE: Waratahs scrumhalf Jake Gordon says NSW wants vengeance for their round one loss to the Reds.

SPOTLIGHT: Ireland coach Andy Farrell has urged his players to be fearless in pursuit of Six Nations glory, saying the title remains "there to be won".

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: The Chiefs kick off their final Super Rugby Aotearoa match for 2020 when they take on the Hurricanes in Wellington on Saturday.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: The Hurricanes have revealed their team to face the Chiefs in Wellington on Saturday.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Munster could be without the services of Springboks duo RG Snyman and Damian De Allende at the start of 2020/21 Champions Cup season if Rugby Championship proceeds.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: The Melbourne Rebels have revealed their team to face the Brumbies on Friday.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Following a week off for the bye, Rob Penney has named a largely unchanged starting lineup to take on the Reds for the second time this Super Rugby AU season.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: The Queensland Reds have made one change to their starting XV for Saturday’s Super Rugby AU fixture against the Waratahs in Sydney.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Brumbies coach Dan McKellar has made two changes to the starting side for Friday's round six Super Rugby fixture against the Melbourne Rebels at Leichhardt Oval.

NEWS: Six Nations confirmed the schedule of postponed matches for the 2020 Six Nations Championship.

International referees, administrators and commentators shared their heartfelt tributes to the late Paul Dobson - a man who touched the hearts and lives of everyone he came into contact with.

SPOTLIGHT: Australian rugby risks becoming a "third tier" sport if it fails to win hosting rights for the 2027 World Cup, two-time tournament winner Phil Kearns said Wednesday.

UPDATE: Premiership Rugby has confirmed that the latest round of PCR Covid-19 tests have returned two positive results.

NEWS: The Blue Bulls Company have confirmed the coaching management of the Blue Bulls U21 as they gear up in anticipation of defending their SA Rugby U21 Championship crown if and when the season resumes.

APPOINTMENTS: We are well and truly in the business end of New Zealand's Super Rugby Aotearoa while Super Rugby Australia has reached the mid-point of their competition.

The Royal Marines Fitness Test is a gruelling challenge that will push anyone to their breaking points and Namibian International Lesley Klim has posted a video of him taking on the challenge and passing it with flying colours.

SPOTLIGHT: Graham Henry opens up on his time as Wales head coach.

OPINION: Tom Vinicombe looks at why a trans-Tasman competition could be another failed venture.

NEWS: All Blacks and Hurricanes star Jordie Barrett has made a decision.

SPOTLIGHT: The scrapping of Super Rugby hasn't dimmed the fierce NSW-Queensland rivalry as the Waratahs promise to "take no prisoners" in a desperate bid to remain relevant in 2020.

SPOTLIGHT: Questions have been raised over the selection of the groups.

SPOTLIGHT: British and Irish Lions coach Warren Gatland is looking to recruit some big names to help him knock over the Springboks in their 2021 tour.

SPOTLIGHT: Northampton renaissance prop Francois van Wyk is on the Red Rose trail and has put England’s stable of looseheads firmly in his crosshairs.

SPOTLIGHT: The Argentine Rugby Union have confirmed that Marcelo Loffreda is leaving his position as Buenos Aires Rugby Union Game Director, to take over as the new sports manager for the Los Pumas.

SPOTLIGHT: South Africa sevens coach Neil Powell believes his squad’s return to training will not only boost the players on a physical level, but also a mental boost as they prepare for their return to their Stellenbosch Academy of Sport base next week.

SPOTLIGHT: Jan de Koning digs deeper into the demise of the once-proud Falcons Rugby Union - or Eastern Transvaal, as it was known in the amateur era.

TRANSFER NEWS: A Pro14 star has signed for an English club.

INTERVIEW: All Blacks captain Sam Cane has received a glowing endorsement from his Super Rugby peers.

SPOTLIGHT: Some ominous words for Brumbies' next opponents.

SPOTLIGHT: Still stinging from their last-minute loss to the Brumbies, the Queensland Reds are intent on taking out their frustration on the wounded NSW Waratahs on Saturday.

TRANSFER NEWS: His decision to depart the country before the lockdown kicked in allowed a former Stormers player to sign a new contract.

SPOTLIGHT: Australian rugby star Israel Folau was at the centre of fresh controversy on Sunday when he opted against taking a knee at the Super League opener.

SPOTLIGHT: Michael Pulman takes a closer look at why the Chiefs are not just winless, but have failed dismally on attack.

NEWS: Leinster's hopes of ending Saracens' reign as European champions were dealt a huge blow on Monday.

REACTION: All Blacks scrumhalf Aaron Smith has been in sublime form in Super Rugby Aotearoa but his actions have come under the microscope after ‘pulling a hollywood’.

NEWS: Western Province Rugby Football Union President Zelt Marais has revealed that plans are afoot to 'transform' the board of directors, following what he labelled 'treasonous' behaviour of some officials.

OPINION: Finn Morton looks at the top five performers from Round five of the Super Rugby Australia.

Former Scotland international Jim Hamilton has picked a British and Irish Lions XV he believes will beat the Springboks in 2021 and it excludes Welsh captain Alun Wyn Jones.

SPOTLIGHT: Alex McLeod looks at the top five performers from Round Eight of Super Rugby Aotearoa.

TRANSFER NEWS: Harlequins confirmed that a deal been finalised that will see Gabriel Ibitoye leave the Club with immediate effect to join French Top14 club, Agen.

Eben Etzebeth has been cleared of all racism and assault charges following an internal investigation by former judge Johann vd Westhuizen....or has he?

TRANSFER NEWS: Gloucester confirmed that Japan-bound Franco Marais will return to Kingsholm until the end of the season.

NEWS: South American Six Nations to take place in Uruguay during September featuring the Pumas, Uruguay, Brazil and Chile.

REACTION: Brumbies captain Allan Alaalatoa was full of praise for his match-winning youngster Mack Hansen.

REACTION: Queensland are stewing that poor discipline cost them a win over the Brumbies with Liam Wright saying it's a focus for their Super Rugby AU clash with the Waratahs.

WATCH as Crusaders utility back Will Jordan demonstrated his mercurial skills against the Chiefs on Saturday with a ridiculous touch-saver in Hamilton.

REACTION: Crusaders coach Scott Robertson has come out in staunch defence of referee Ben O’Keeffe following his side's  32-19 win over the Chiefs on Saturday.

SPOTLIGHT: Fresh reports emerged that New Zealand Rugby has drafted three options for a new trans-Tasman competition to replace Super Rugby in 2021.

New footage has emerged of the shortest brawl in New Zealand's Super Rugby Aotearoa between Highlanders scrumhalf Aaron Smith and his Chiefs counterpart Brad Weber.

SPOTLIGHT ON PAUL DOBSON: Every now and then you get the privilege to be in the presence of greatness.

SPOTLIGHT: More pressure has been heaped on British and Irish Lions coach Warren Gatland after his Chiefs side slumped to a record-breaking eighth defeat in a row in Super Rugby Aotearoa.

READERS' FORUM: Welcome to our coverage of the Super Rugby Aotearoa Round Eight encounter between the Highlanders and Blues in Dunedin.

SPOTLIGHT: Dewi Morris, who was born in Wales, reflects on his family being abused by his own Welsh countrymen because he chose to play for England.

SUPER RUGBY AU: Brumbies replacement Mack Hansen converted a penalty at the death to help his team edge the Reds 22-20 in Canberra on Saturday.

NEWS: There’s been a setback for the resumption of rugby in France, with news that three players at Top 14 side LOU Rugby have tested positive for COVID-19.

WATCH as we bring you all the highlights from the past weekend’s matches!

BREAKING NEWS: South African Rugby was dealt another body blow on Friday, with news that a group of players will not receive salaries for July.

NEWS: Former national Sevens team mentor Paul Treu has a new coaching job.

SUPER RUGBY AOTEAROA REPORT: The Chiefs still without a win in Super Rugby Aotearoa after they slumped to a 19-32 defeat to the Crusaders in Hamilton on Saturday.

SUPER RUGBY AOTEAROA REPORT: The Blues recorded their fifth win in Super Rugby Aotearoa when they beat the Highlanders 32-21 in Dunedin on Sunday.

READERS' FORUM: Welcome to our coverage of the Super Rugby AU Round Five encounter between the Brumbies and Reds in Canberra.

READERS' FORUM: Welcome to our coverage of the Super Rugby Aotearoa Round Eight encounter between the Chiefs and the Crusaders in Hamilton.

INJURY UPDATE: The Bulls suffered an injury setback on the eve of South Africa's return to play.

TRANSFER NEWS: Some big names have confirmed their new teams on Friday.

MATCH REPORT: Melbourne made no mistake with their second crack at Super Time, edging the Western Force 25-20 in their grudge match at Leichhardt Oval on Friday.

UPSETTING THE APPLECART: The Chiefs and Highlanders are not just 'making up the numbers' at this late stage of the tournament.

TRANSFER NEWS: A Wallaby veteran explains why it's the right time for him to move to the north.

SPOTLIGHT: Stormers coach John Dobson has opened up about the 'terrible' balancing act and challenges of coaching as South African teams finally emerge from the COVID-19-enforced lockdown.

BREAKING NEWS: International rugby is set to resume in October after the World Rugby Council approved a temporary 2020 calendar following the disruption caused by coronavirus, it was announced on Thursday.

TRANSFER NEWS: The Sharks are about to lose the services of one of their most senior players.

REACTION: World Rugby doubled its international window for the November Tests, despite the opposition of the English and French Leagues.

TRANSFER NEWS: The Hurricanes announced the contract extension of emerging talent, Du’Plessis Kirifi, until 2023.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: The Blues have announced their team to face the Highlanders in Dunedin on Sunday.

READERS' FORUM: Welcome to our coverage of the Super Rugby AU Round Five encounter between the Western Force v Melbourne Rebels in Sydney.

Our go-to source for unique video content has come up with an amazing list of the Greatest All-Time XV to have ever graced the international stage.

NEWS: Another South African union faces financial ruin as a result of the COVID-19-enforced lockdown.

TRANSFER NEWS: London Irish confirmed the signing of former Ealing Trailfinders hooker Matt Cornish.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Chiefs head coach Warren Gatland has made a handful of changes to his twenty-three for their clash against the Crusaders at Waikato Stadium.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: The Gordon Hunter Memorial Trophy is at stake this Sunday as Super Rugby Aotearoa heads into its last three rounds.

UPDATE: English Premiership club Exeter have revealed they will retain their Chiefs branding but will ditch their club mascot after complaints about its "harmful imagery".

SPOTLIGHT: While Fiji have always been blessed with players of outstanding potential, the upcoming Vern Cotter era could be when the island nation really stake their claim to be a global superpower of the game thanks to an exceptional coaching group.

SPOTLIGHT: The Bulls' spending spree might be far from over as new director Jake White hinted at more signing in the future.

SPOTLIGHT: Brumbies coach Dan McKellar has hit out at the instant-star syndrome enveloping Australian rugby, saying the best Wallabies players will earn their stripes the hard way.

NEWS: Leinster and Munster have both produced zero positive results for Covid-19 following the latest round of PCR testing.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Crusaders stalwart Sam Whitelock is set to become the seventh player to bring up his 150th game for the team, when he takes the field in Hamilton on Saturday.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: The Western Force will welcome back regular skipper Ian Prior and employ an exciting new centre combination when they face the Melbourne Rebels.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Queensland young gun Jordan Petaia will return for the Super Rugby AU top-of-the-table clash with the Brumbies on Saturday.

GRUDGE MATCH: For the fans it's the ultimate grudge match, but Western Force players will do their best to keep emotions in check when they take on the Melbourne Rebels at Leichhardt Oval on Friday.

INTERVIEW: World Rugby chairman Sir Bill Beaumont has thrown his support behind the inclusion of a Pacific Island team in Super Rugby, saying the team could even be funded by the rugby governing body.

UPDATE: Four Premiership rugby players have tested positive for Covid-19 in the latest round of coronavirus testing.

REACTION: Western Province Rugby Football Union President Zelt Marais confirmed they have an equity offer on the table, but said it is early days yet.

NEWS: All Black Andy Haden - a towering lock credited with helping drag Rugby Union into the professional era - died aged 69 on Wednesday after battling cancer, New Zealand Rugby said.

SPOTLIGHT: Rugby minnows Russia have surprisingly entered the race to host the 2027 World Cup after Argentina dropped out of the contest that Australia are favourites to win.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Brumbies coach Dan McKellar has made just the one change to the starting XV for the top of the table clash against the Queensland Reds at GIO Stadium on Saturday.

The Crusaders mic'd up their Head Strength & Conditioning Coach, Simon Thomas, during their top of the table clash against the Blues during Super Rugby Aotearoa.

England and Saracens lock Maro Itoje was recorded visibly uninterested in putting in a high-intensity training as he laboured through a tackle bag session.

NEWS: Two of the most popular Sevens tournaments on the world circuit has been cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

TRANSFER NEWS: Sale Sharks may be loading up on South Africans. However, Premiership rivals London Irish prefer to raid Australian resources.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Melbourne Rebels coach Dave Wessels has revealed his team to face the Western Force on Friday.

TRANSFER NEWS: Cross-code superstar Sonny Bill Williams confirmed Wednesday that he will return to Australia's NRL with the Sydney Roosters.

SPOTLIGHT: Western Force fullback Jack McGregor is enjoying his second stint in Super Rugby after his career had stalled after joining Melbourne as a teenager.

#BLM REACTION: South African Rugby is willing to have the 'difficult and uncomfortable conversations' and is ready to tackle abstruse issues head-on.

PRO14 SPOTLIGHT: Playing in Europe may not always be a proverbial 'bed of roses'.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: New Zealand Rugby’s referees boss Bryce Lawrence is urging players to show more respect for those who hold the whistle.

SPOTLIGHT: Exeter Chiefs are set to discuss a potential rebrand of the club at a board meeting this week.

NEWS: Scotland will get the chance to avenge their defeat by 2019 World Cup hosts Japan.

SPOTLIGHT: Reds captain Liam Wright reckons his team are on the cusp of ending a losing record against the Brumbies in Canberra that stretches back six seasons.

INJURY UPDATE: The Chiefs' horrendous Super Rugby Aotearoa campaign has been handed another blow with news of wing Solomon Alaimalo.

NEWS: The format for a new eight-team tournament in the Northern Hemisphere has been revealed.

RUGBY CHAMPIONSHIP SPOTLIGHT: The Springboks' participation in the proposed New Zealand-based rugby championship is not guaranteed.

TRANSFER NEWS: Harlequins announced the signing of former Scotland U20 tighthead prop Mak Wilson

OPINION: Hamish Bidwell looks at why there is still suspicion over Ian Foster's appointment as All Blacks head coach.

NEWS: Saracens have managed to hold onto another key player.

SPOTLIGHT: Until last year it was one of their key strength. Now New Zealand suddenly finds their resources stretched thin.

REACTION: Warren Gatland is struggling with Super Rugby's playing style.

WATCH as World Cup-winning Springbok captain Siyamthanda Kolisi breaks his silence about the Black Live Matter saga.

NEWS: The Hurricanes have brought in some much-needed firepower after Ngani Laumape's injury.

REACTION: All Black and Chiefs centre Anton Lienert-Brown could not contain his frustrations following his side's 17-21 loss to the Blues.

While South Africa's schools' rugby season was cut short just as the pre-season matches were in full swing, their New Zealand counterparts are in the thick of their season and All Blacks legend Ben Smith was spotted at a traditional First XV clash.

REACTION: The competition is but a month old and already the Brumbies captain Allan Alaalatoa has admitted how the ' tough'  encounters are taking its toll on the Australian stars.   

SPOTLIGHT: England coach Eddie Jones has some interesting views on the 'Swing Low, Sweet Chariot' saga, which he shared on a podcast this week.

SPOTLIGHT: Alex McLeod looks at the top five performers from Round Seven of Super Rugby Aotearoa.

REACTION: The Western Force's return to Super Rugby has been a bit of a damp squib, one that raised more questions about their future.

SPOTLIGHT: With the international calendar still very much in limbo, SA Rugby has entertained the idea of a State of Origin three-match series.

Wail, O cypress, for the cedar has fallen.

Former England captain Lawrence Dellaglio claims the British & Irish Lions' 1997 tour to South Africa was the best experience of his life despite it being one of the most brutal tours he has been involved in.

SPOTLIGHT: England coach Eddie Jones feels there is more to Joe Marler than just the 'class clown' that people perceive him to be.

SPOTLIGHT: Former Springboks captain Mahlatse Ralepelle has indicated that his appeal on his eight-year ban for substance abuse is based on 'multiple inaccuracies' during the testing process.

WATCH as we bring you all the highlights from the past weekend’s matches!

SPOTLIGHT: New Wallaby coach Dave Rennie will have a few tough decisions to make in the build-up to this year's revamped Rugby Championships.

INJURY UPDATE: The Hurricanes shocked Super Rugby Aotearoa on Saturday with a tense 34-32 victory over the Crusaders to end a four-year, 36-match winning streak by the reigning Super Rugby champions in Christchurch.

REACTION: Rebels coach Dave Wessels has slammed talk the franchise doesn't belong in a downsized competition.

MATCH REPORT: The Blues returned to winning ways with a hard-fought 21-17 win over the Chiefs at Eden Park in Auckland.

MATCH REPORT: The Crusaders' 36-game unbeaten streak at home has finally ended on Saturday. 

READERS' FORUM: Welcome to our coverage of the Super Rugby Aotearoa Round Seven encounter between the Blues and Chiefs in Auckland.

READERS' FORUM: Welcome to our coverage of the Super Rugby AU Round Four encounter between the Western Force and the Brumbies in Sydney.

TRANSFER NEWS: The Blue Bulls Company confirmed that 27-year-old Clinton Swart will join the Bulls effective immediately.

SPOTLIGHT: Seems like next year's proposed Trans-Tasman Super Rugby competition has already been abandoned.

MATCH REPORT: The Brumbies have returned to the top of the Super Rugby AU ladder with a 24-0 bonus-point win over the Western Force in Sydney.

STOPPING THE JUGGERNAUT: One team is undefeated and another is winless. These are the contrasts ahead of a gripping round as the competition heads into the home straight.

INTERVIEW: The Cheetahs and Southern Kings may be 'shut out' for now, but they are certainly not on Pro14's trash heap.

NEWS: New Zealand rugby superstar Sonny Bill Williams is on the verge of a shock return to the Sydney Roosters

READERS' FORUM: Welcome to our coverage of the Super Rugby Aotearoa Round Seven encounter between the Crusaders and Hurricanes in Christchurch.

READERS' FORUM: Welcome to our coverage of the Super Rugby AU Round Four encounter between the Waratahs and Melbourne Rebels in Sydney.

REACTION: The French rugby federation (FFR) has threatened to take legal action after a report accused World Rugby and the federations of allowing backroom deals in the vote for a new chairman and corruption. 

NEWS: The French Rugby Federation (FFR) said Friday they are sticking to their plan to play six year-end international matches.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Stormers and Saracens have announced their intention to play a high-profile game which would see the two teams face each other at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in 2021.

REACTION: Premiership Rugby bosses have criticised World Rugby’s “unilateral decision” to stage extra Test matches in December.

NEWS: South African World Cup-winning lock forward Eben Etzebeth on Thursday penned a new deal with Toulon, keeping him at the French Top 14 side until 2024, the club announced.

SUPER RUGBY AU REPORT: The Melbourne Rebels recorded their first win in Super Rugby AU when they upset the Waratahs 29-10 in Sydney on Friday.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Two Blues players – Blake Gibson and Beauden Barrett – will make key appearances in Sunday’s Super Rugby Aotearoa match against the Chiefs at Eden Park.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: The Chiefs will head up State Highway One to challenge the Blues at Eden Park on Sunday in Round Seven of Super Rugby Aotearoa.

NEWS: Gloucester's new defence coach has been revealed.

Rugby Australia and the NRL are currently in a tug of war to land the signature of 16-year-old prodigy Joseph Suaalii and this video proves why these parties are ready to fight it out.

Bishops have paid tribute to the late Paul Dobson with a moving tribute video as he will be laid to rest on 24 July 2020 in a private requiem.

TOUCH OF CLASS: All Blacks World Cup-winner Richard Kahui could finally take to the field when the Western Force face the Brumbies on Saturday.

TRANSFER NEWS: Nick Easter will be Newcastle Falcons’ defence coach following the club’s promotion back into the Premiership - former England No.8 returning to his homeland after a successful spell coaching in South Africa.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Despite the huge uncertainty, the Stormers will have a full-strength squad when rugby in South Africa eventually returns.

NEWS: The Fiji Rugby Union announced controversial chairman Francis Kean's departure on Thursday and also revealed the Pacific islanders were hoping to join Europe's Six Nations competition.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: New Leicester flyhalf Zack Henry is hoping to inspire young non-white rugby players by proving colour should be not a factor when coaches are deciding what roles to hand out on the pitch.

TRANSFER NEWS: Leicester Tigers have added another South African to their squad.

BREAKING NEWS: World Rugby has confirmed the date for the revamped international calendar for this year - including the Rugby Championships, Six Nations and other Tests.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Powerhouse wing Solomone Kata will suit up for the Brumbies for the first time in Super Rugby AU when the side takes on the Western Force at Leichhardt Oval on Saturday.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: The Western Force will rely on the leadership of an All Black veteran when they face the Brumbies in Super Rugby AU Round Four.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Hurricanes head coach Jason Holland has revealed his team to face the Crusaders in Christchurch on Saturday.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Crusaders head coach Scott Robertson has named his team to play the Hurricanes in Christchurch on Saturday.

NEWS: Clermont president Eric de Cromieres has died of cancer at the age of 66, the French Top 14 club announced on Thursday.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Victorian lock Trevor Hosea has rocketed into the Melbourne Rebels starting XV ahead of their Round Four match up against bitter rivals the NSW Waratahs.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: The Waratahs will host the Melbourne Rebels at the Sydney Cricket Ground in Round Four of Super Rugby AU this Friday.

TRANSFER NEWS: Jake White has bolstered his Bulls squad once again with a new signing.

Wiehan van der Riet, who goes by the name of 'rocketfoot' posted a video onto his social media pages where he slots a placekick from around 80 metres.

NEWS: A Wallabies young gun has blown full-time on Super Rugby as we know it, saying he'd welcome the cutting of South Africa and Argentina.

NEWS: Just two players tested positive for coronavirus in the latest round of tests in Premiership rugby.

NEWS: Rassie Erasmus' World Cup-winning coaching panel is set to lose another member.

NEWS: Fixtures for the return of the Pro14 from August 21 has been confirmed.

REACTION: The public spat between New Zealand and Australia over the possibility of a Trans-Tasman competition next year took a nasty turn.

REACTION: More New Zealand players have expressed their disappointment at plans to drop South African teams from Super Rugby next year.

NEWS: New calls have gone out for a review into World Rugby's election process in April this year.

NEWS: World Rugby have dismissed damaging claims by the Pacific Rugby Players Welfare (PRPW).

NEWS: The game in New Zealand will be bolstered by a returning All Black.

BREAKING NEWS: South Africa will not host any Test matches this year.

INTERVIEW: Wallaby forward Pek Cowan says it would be "crazy" not to consider having a Japanese team in a revamped Australian Super Rugby competition.

NEWS: The Crusaders have suffered a big injury blow.

RIP: The English Rugby Football Union on Tuesday paid tribute to Grand Slam winner Mike Slemen, who has died at the age of 69.

In 2018, we sat down with the late Paul Dobson for a Newlands Stadium history lesson as he spoke about the demise of what was once a paragon of success.

NEWS: The Brumbies will have to play the rest of Super Rugby AU without their key playmaker.

IN CONVERSATION WITH JAKE WHITE: The talent drain from South Africa stretches well beyond just the players.

NEWS: Rugby Australia is poised to pull off a mighty coup and win the million-dollar tug-of-war for the services of teenage whiz Joseph Suaalii.

SPOTLIGHT: World Cup-winning Springbok Schalk Brits believes the future of South African rugby lies in Europe after New Zealand said there was no room for sides from the republic in Super Rugby.

REACTION: Cash-strapped Rugby Australia (RA) has denied splashing out AUS$3 million to nab teenage whiz Joseph Suaalii from under the noses of the NRL.

TRANSFER NEWS: Leicester Tigers have bolstered their team with a South African wing.

REACTION: New Zealand referees boss Bryce Lawrence admitted that the match officials got it wrong when they disallowed Damian McKenzie's try in the Chiefs' thrilling loss to the Highlanders in Hamilton on Sunday.

NEWS: The South African rugby fraternity has suffered a major blow with the news of Kaunda Ntunja, who passed away at the age of 38 on Monday.

SPOTLIGHT: As the uncertainty over the Super Rugby competition continues, a Japanese executive has expressed his eagerness for Japan to stay involved in the Southern Hemisphere club game.

SPOTLIGHT: Waratahs assistant coach Chris Whitaker believes their heart-breaking loss to the Brumbies will ultimately help, not hinder, their Super Rugby AU campaign.

NEWS: New Wallabies coach Dave Rennie has hinted he may not have a long-term future with Australia.

TRANSFER NEWS: Harlequins have announced the signing of a South African loosehead prop.

SUPER RUGBY AOTEAROA, ROUND SIX: Alex McLeod looks at the top five performers from round six of Super Rugby Aotearoa.

TRANSFER NEWS: Saracens have signed an experienced Argentinian.

INTERVIEW: South African World Cup winners Damian de Allende and Rudolph Snyman bring certain championship qualities Munster would like to instil in the team.

WATCH as we bring you all the highlights from the past weekend's matches!

REACTION: An unbeaten start to Super Rugby AU sees the Reds sit atop the ladder after three rounds, just one point ahead of the title-favourite Brumbies.

REACTION: The Waratahs have conceded they need to improve their discipline, but say penalties are a source of frustration after their Super Rugby AU loss to the Brumbies.

WATCH as SA Rugby Director of Rugby Rassie Erasmus delivers a speech ahead of his team's crucial World Cup pool match against Italy during last year's World Cup.

Returning to play against your former team is never an easy prospect, especially when those whose hearts you had won over, have now made a 180 degree turn in their feelings towards you - some even going as far as calling you a traitor.

SPOTLIGHT: Most of these players are set to bolster South Africa's teams significantly over the next few seasons.

VIDEO: There were eight wonderful tries in the Hurricanes' hard-earned 29-27 win over the Blues in Wellington in a Super Rugby Aotearoa encounter on Saturday.

SUPER RUGBY AU MATCH REPORT: The Brumbies extended their two-year winning record over the Waratahs with a hard-earned 24-23 victory in a thrilling match in Sydney on Saturday.

REACTION: It was two starkly contrasting post-match reactions, after a dramatic 82nd-minute try by Sio Tomkinson capped a thrilling second-half Highlanders fightback in Hamilton on Sunday.

SUPER RUGBY AOTEAROA MATCH REPORT: The Hurricanes almost certainly ended the Blues' title hopes with a hard-earned 29-27 win in Wellington on Saturday.

REACTION: Hurricanes centre Ngani Laumape fired off a broadside at his critics.

NEWS: South African teams finally know when they can start preparations for a planned domestic competition.

REACTION: South Africa was well aware that New Zealand was planning a future without one of its main SANZAAR partners.

SUPER RUGBY AOTEAROA MATCH REPORT: The Highlanders produced one of the most impressive comeback in recent memory to stun the Chiefs in Hamilton on Sunday.

READERS' FORUM: Welcome to our coverage of the Super Rugby Aotearoa Round Six encounter between the Chiefs and Highlanders in Hamilton.

REACTION: Rugby Australia said it would be "madness" for any Pacific Island team in a New Zealand-led revamp of Super Rugby to be based in Auckland.

REACTION: Wallabies and Reds ace James O'Connor says he's kicking better than ever thanks to his work with English guru Dave Alred, who had rebuilt his technique.

TRANSFER: The Bulls have confirmed that another player will be leaving to join the Lions.

READERS' FORUM: Welcome to our coverage of the Super Rugby AU Round Three encounter between the Waratahs and the Brumbies in Sydney.

READERS' FORUM: Welcome to our coverage of the Super Rugby Aotearoa Round Six encounter between the Hurricanes and Blues in Wellington.

INTERVIEW: Lionel Mapoe spent his 32nd birthday cramming his belongings into boxes, filling bags with clothes and wrangling with his two young children as they revelled in the mayhem of the family’s Paris apartment.

NEWS: RFU has banned an English club rugby player for two years for an anti-doping rule violation.

BREAKING NEWS: New Zealand Rugby revealed plans to drop South African and Argentinean teams from Super Rugby next year.

NEWS: Saracens will have a powerful team in the second-tier Championship.

SUPER RUGBY AU MATCH REPORT: The Reds remained unbeaten and cemented their place at the top of the standings with a hard-earned 31-24 win over the Western Force in Brisbane on Friday.

INTERVIEW: Reds coach Brad Thorn feels the standard of Super Rugby AU teams will soon be on par with those in New Zealand.

READERS' FORUM: Welcome to our coverage of the Super Rugby AU Round Three encounter between the Reds and Western Force in Brisbane.

BIG BARRETT BATTLE: The four teams in the chasing pack are being given a chance to close the gap on the pace-setting Crusaders this week.

In the wake of the New Zealand Rugby Union announcing their intention to drop South Africa and Argentina from Super Rugby next season, we take a look at some of the most unforgettable matches between the franchises of the two countries.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: The Highlanders have revealed their team to face the Chiefs in a Super Rugby Aotearoa Round Six clash in Hamilton on Sunday.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Chiefs head coach Warren Gatland has made a raft of changes to his matchday squad for their Super Rugby Aotearoa Round Six clash against the Highlanders in Hamilton.