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SPOTLIGHT: He is the man New Zealanders love to hate.

SPOTLIGHT: The unifying factor of winning a World Cup has once again been highlighted by South Africa claiming the Webb Ellis Cup for the third time.

BRAINTEASER: @rugby365com‘s quizmaster Paul Dobson has decided the last few were a bit 'too easy' and raised the bar with this one.

WATCH England coach Eddie Jones at his chirpiest best, including the ultimate put-down of New Zealand rugby.

PRO14 SPOTLIGHT: Munster may have had a disappointing European season, but they have secured two 'game changers' for when the sport resumes.

OPINION: @rugby365com contributor Angus Opperman produces another of his dulcet selections - this time spanning from 2010 to 2020.

NEWS: A few stars will be missing when Super Rugby Aotearoa gets underway this weekend.

IN CONVERSATION WITH BRYAN HABANA: The powers that be face some 'very tough decisions' about the direction the game is going in.

TRANSFER NEWS: England centre Alex Lozowski has joined the temporary Saracens exodus having signed a one-year deal with Montpellier, the French club announced on Monday.

SPOTLIGHT: BlitzBoks superstar Rosko Specman is set to become the latest player to be released from the Bulls.

SPOTLIGHT: Josh Raisey selects a team consisting of rugby stars who have had the most injury-plagued careers.

STAT ATTACK: The number of players leaving South Africa for greener pastures has been increasing over the years.

BREAKING NEWS: South Africa's teams will, hopefully, return to the play in August.

INJURY UPDATE: Springbok Jaco Kriel seems well on his way to make a full return to the field for the Lions when Super Rugby resumes in South Africa.

INTERVIEW: World Rugby's brains trust is ready to rip up the scrip and start over - culminating in a sensational new global calendar.

NEWS: The most celebrated Springbok Sevens player of his generation, Cecil Afrika, has ended his official BlitzBoks journey after 12 seasons of highlights and achievements.

SPOTLIGHT: @rugby365com's acclaimed writer Paul Dobson produces another of his entertaining stories about rugby during the war years.

SOCIAL SPOTLIGHT: South African players from the victorious 1995, 2007 and 2019 Rugby World Cup teams have all teamed up during the COVID-19 pandemic.

NEWS: World Rugby has announced details of the qualification process for Rugby World Cup 2023 in France.

SPOTLIGHT: Former Sunwolves coach Tony Brown has yet again revealed that South Africa Rugby is to blame for the Japanese-based franchise's Super Rugby demise.

NEWS: Fans will be allowed in unrestricted numbers when Super Rugby resumes in New Zealand this weekend.

SPOTLIGHT: New Zealand will get a head start on other countries when rugby resumes later this week.

TOUR SPOTLIGHT: British and Irish Lions coach Warren Gatland has dropped the heaviest hint yet that his mind might be made up about who will captain the tour next year.

NEWS: Former France skipper Jefferson Poirot announced his Test retirement on Sunday, aged 27, because of a lack of motivation after losing last October's World Cup quarterfinal.

SPOTLIGHT: Here is a team of foreign players who laced up for South African franchises.

NEWS: Pau has cut ties with an All Black after the player breached the Top 14 club's coronavirus-related rules about travel.

SPOTLIGHT: Alex McLeod takes a look at 10 All Blacks who came back to their homeland following stints abroad.

INTERVIEW: RugbyPass' Liam Heagney reports Saturday was the strangest of strange London Irish farewells for Topsy Ojo.

SPOTLIGHT: The Rugby Football Union has urged the British government to relax its rules on social distancing.

NEWS: The Springboks and Japan could be involved in a unique tournament in England in November.

There has been numerous tackles and fends, be it legal or illegal, that has led to players immediately dropping like a sack of potatoes. Some manage to walk away from it, albeit gingerly, while others need assistance getting off the field.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: @rugby365 reader and self-proclaimed "rugby fanatic extraordinaire", Neil Mac Ewan, provides a solution for South Africa's rugby drought.

OPINION: @rugby365com contributor Ryan Grant thinks he has found the perfect formula to select the ultimate Springbok XV.

INTERVIEW: Australian utility back Kurtley Beale would "love" to play in a fourth World Cup and plans to keep putting himself in contention for the Wallabies.

SPOTLIGHT: Less than a year since reaching the Super Rugby Final, Argentina's Jaguares face the risk of collapsing due to the coronavirus pandemic.

NEWS: France international Vincent Rattez has signed a three-year contract with Montpellier, the club confirmed Saturday, finalising his move from Top 14 rivals La Rochelle.

BRAINTEASER: @rugby365com's quizmaster Paul Dobson is back with another examination of your knowledge. This time it is the 1995 World Cup Final.

Acclaimed @rugby365com writer Paul Dobson takes us back once again to look at a rugby match between South Africans and New Zealanders that fooled the Nazis.

Hoërskool Monument of Krugersdorp, nicknamed Monnas, turns 100 in 2021 and has plans to celebrate this big birthday which include rugby, which is hardly surprising for a school whose rugby teams have achieved great things.

TRANSFER NEWS: Gonzalo Quesada is back in charge at Stade Francais.

TRANSFER NEWS: The Cheetahs have managed to lure a promising young South African centre from Montpellier to Bloemfontein.

INTERVIEW: Wallabies' prop Allan Alaalatoa believes a scrum clock might compromise the safety of players.

NEWS: Harlequins confirmed that Joe Marler has signed a contract extension with the Club

TRANSFER NEWS: The Sharks have lost the services of one of their props.

SPOTLIGHT: The recovery of Michael Fatialofa from a serious spinal injury has continued its inspiring progress, the Worcester Warriors player getting discharged from hospital five months after being struck down playing at Allianz Park.

NEWS: It never rains but it pours.

Maro Itoje has proven to be a thorn in the side of many of his opponents, however, this video proves that he is more of an annoying mosquito.

TRANSFER NEWS: Melbourne Rebels have boosted their side with two new signings.

SPOTLIGHT: With Super Rugby on hold due to the global Covid-19 pandemic, we look at the transfer hits of the season.

"If it weren't for rugby, I'd be taking food parcels, not giving them." These were the words of Siya Kolisi, Springbok captain and Stormers hero, as rugby's macho image softened and delivered well over a ton of food to the needy aged.

NEWS: New Wallabies coach Dave Rennie has voluntarily agreed to a 30 percent wage cut before starting his job as the code wrestles with the COVID-19 crisis.

TRANSFER NEWS: Relegated Saracens continue to leak talent ahead of the August restart of the Premiership.

NEWS: Premiership Rugby has picked a date for the resumption of the Premiership.

He's already lifted the Webb Ellis trophy and has claimed numerous other awards since leading the Springboks to their third World Cup.

The Corona Virus may have ended Japan's Top League prematurely but fans the world over has plenty to smile about as one of the greatest flyhalves to have ever played the game makes his Super Rugby comeback.

SPOTLIGHT: Jan de Koning shines the spotlight on what is at the heart of the latest developments in the aeonian Newlands Stadium saga.

TRANSFER NEWS: The fleet-footed South African speedster will be heading to England.

WATCH as Blue Bulls Rugby Union President Willem Strauss officially welcomes new Director of Rugby Jake White at Loftus Versfeld.

SPOTLIGHT: With little over a week to go until live rugby kicks off, Beauden Barrett has thrown a dash of spice into the mix of his first anticipated clash against the Hurricanes by recalling how he used to make younger brother Jordie cry in the backyard.

NEWS: Rugby Union has become the latest football code in Australia to effectively ensure their premier players won't have the option of dropping down a level.

REACTION: The Rugby Football Union's Performance Director Conor O'Shea urged the sport's bosses to use the enforced COVID-19 break to sort out the global calendar "once and for all".

TRANSFER NEWS: Versatile forward Ben Hyne has made a timely return to the Brumbies following the omission of the Sunwolves from the revamped Australian Super Rugby competition.

LAUGH SOME MORE: With the weekend on our doorstep, we thought we'd give you something to laugh about with some more Friday funnies, although some of these jokes are as bad as the ones told by professional players in the videos at the end of this story.

SPOTLIGHT: Jacob Stockdale has revealed the vile abuse he received on social media after the Ireland World Cup exit at the hands of the All Blacks last October.

FLASHBACK: We go back to 2012 when a giant of the game announced himself to the rugby world.

SPOTLIGHT: Bryan Habana said next year's tour will have an extra edge to it due to Warren Gatland's impressive record at the helm of the invitational side.

SPOTLIGHT: Rugby Australia has taken another step closer to League with some of their law trials.

NEWS: Semi Kunatani, a standout performer for the Fiji team that won gold at the 2016 Rio Olympics Games, has signed a two-year deal with Castres.

TRANSFER NEWS: Two-time All Blacks World Cup winner Dan Carter announced a shock Super Rugby comeback with the Blues on Thursday at the age of 38.

NEWS: Dual rugby international Sam Burgess called his former club coach Mike Ford a "snake" and accused him of "sabotage" as he opened up about England's disastrous 2015 World Cup.

SPOTLIGHT: Certainly not the way Springboks scrumhalf Cobus Reinach wanted to say goodbye.

NEWS: England World Cup outcast Ben Te’o is back in Rugby League for the remainder of the 2020 season in Australian.

SPOTLIGHT: South African Franco Smith said Wednesday he wanted to create a "new DNA" for Italian rugby as he was officially unveiled as the national side's head coach.

BREAKING NEWS: The protracted Newlands Stadium saga is about to get a dramatic new chapter.

SPOTLIGHT: When talking about Springbok flyhalf options the name Damian Willemse doesn't automatically appear.

SPOTLIGHT: SA Rugby will be well prepared for the global COVID-19 coronavirus financial aftermath says CEO Jurie Roux. 

Look away Springbok fans as those old scabs of the 2015 World Cup match against Japan is torn open thanks to Dan Stuart who watches the highlights for the first time and reacts to that dramatic match.

SPOTLIGHT: England head coach Eddie Jones has revealed the law changes he wants Rugby Union to introduce o help speed up the game.

SPOTLIGHT: Former South Africa wing and 2007 World Cup winner Bryan Habana said on Wednesday he would like to see a global calendar introduced for the sport.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: World Cup-winning Wallaby Matt Cockbain hopes Japan isn't lost to Super Rugby permanently.

NEWS: Former Blues midfielder Matt Johnson is battling for his life after open-heart surgery.

IN CONVERSATION WITH SCHALK BURGER: Watch as a 2007 World Cup winner shares the moment in an illustrious 86-Test career when a World Cup-winning captain asked him for an autograph.

SPOTLIGHT: It appears that the Covid-19 coronavirus pandemic might have been a blessing in disguise for New Zealand fans.

We've reached the final head-to-head in the opening sections of our Knockout Fan’s Vote World’s Best Captain competition as we wrap up this round with our final northern hemisphere captains.

DON'T MISS OUT: In the third of their series, the Chris Burger-Petro Jackson Players Fund will host the legend that is Bryan Habana.

NEWS: While there will be no such thing of an 'orange card', Super Rugby Aotearoa has introduced other ways to make the tournament 'safer and faster'.

SPOTLIGHT: Springbok legend James Small had a big target on his back when the British and Irish Lions toured South Africa in 1997.

NEWS: Italian rugby international Maxime Mbanda has earned one of Italy's highest awards for his work as a front-line volunteer in the fight against the coronavirus.

NEWS: Rugby Australia wants to establish a quarantine hub which enables it to exclusively host the Rugby Championship if the tournament is staged during the coronavirus pandemic.

NEWS: David Humphreys will leave his post as Gloucester director of rugby at the end of this month, the English Premiership club announced Tuesday.

NEWS: French rugby on Tuesday confirmed that it had abandoned hope of completing its coronavirus-interrupted club season.

NEWS: The governing board of Rugby Union's English Premiership said Tuesday it "unanimously supported" all 52 recommendations of a review into its salary cap rules following the Saracens scandal.

SPOTLIGHT: With the Top League season finished for 2020, there was a very real possibility that New Zealand fans could see a host of Japan-based players return home to play in a super-sized provincial competition kicking off in September.

OPINION: In just over a year’s time, the pride of British and Irish rugby will be boarding a plane and heading to South Africa.

As New Zealand prepares to get their franchise rugby up and running with Super Rugby Aotearoa starting on June 13, their provincial teams will also be looking forward to taking to the field again, with a few All Blacks adding some extra firepower to the Mitre 10 Cup.

OPINION: Erudite Springbok turned pundit Dawie Snyman is back with another of his elucidative and disporting columns.

The time has come to head to the northern hemisphere for Round Three of our Knockout Fan’s Vote World’s Best Captain competition after we wrapped up the southern hemisphere's semifinalists.

WATCH two legends of the game, Dan Carter and Johnny Sexton, sit down for a gabfest.

SPOTLIGHT: Jaguares midfielder Jeronimo de la Fuente revealed players have been told by the Argentine Rugby Union (UAR) that they are free to take up offers from offshore clubs.

REACTION: Rugby union referee Nigel Owens supports World Rugby’s proposal of introducing the ‘orange card’ – a radical new carding alternative that aims to clamp down on high tackles.

NEWS: Rugby chiefs in England on Tuesday gave provisional authorisation for Premiership and Championship clubs to return to non-contact training following the coronavirus shutdown.

INTERVIEW: Liam Heagney chats to former hooker Ethienne Reynecke, who bounced back from nearly being dead on three occasions in 2018 to become a South African MMA amateur champion.

On 13 June 2020, despite the worst efforts of coronavirus and its Covid-19, high-level rugby will start in New Zealand when Super Rugby Aotearoa kicks off at Forsyth Barr Stadium in Dunedin. And they will have a little of their own way of doing things.

England international Owen Farrell takes us on a trip down memory lane as he looks back to 2012 when he received the news that he will be making his international debut.

There were mixed views on the inclusion of a Japan-based team to join Super Rugby back in 2016 but since their participation and remarkable improvement since joining the competition, the Sunwolves have gained many fans the world over.

BREAKING NEWS: The Sunwolves as a franchise is no more. They have already played their last game.

We're kicking off our Knockout Fan's Vote World's Best Captain with a pair of southern hemisphere loose forwards who have changed the way their teams are viewed.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Former Wales assistant coach Rob Howley has revealed grief over his sister's death sparked the gambling spree that saw him sent home from the World Cup.

NEWS: English rugby’s top professional players are formulating a battle plan to head off attempts by the cash strapped Premiership clubs to retain the 25 percent pay cuts.

NEWS: Rugby Australia will shed one-third of its workforce as well as cut salaries as it looks to save $5.5 million in phase one of a brutal wholesale restructure announced on Monday.

We remain in the southern hemisphere for Round Two of our Knockout Fan’s Vote World’s Best Captain competition as we see whether you prefer a Wallaby or an All Black.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Reports on South Africa's future in Super Rugby will not be ending anytime soon.

NEWS: South African Franco Smith has been confirmed as head coach of Italy's rugby team, the Italian rugby federation (FIR) announced on Saturday.

NEWS: Scotland coach Gregor Townsend has welcomed moves to reduce the number of international windows in rugby union's calendar.

FLASHBACK: Frik du Preez is regarded by many South Africans as the greatest player ever.

Being on the receiving end of a superbly executed set-piece may knock the stuffing out of you but for the neutral, seeing a defence have no answer to an attacking move is something that will remain a memory for years to come.

A surprising number of top rugby players were involved in the South African War that ended with the Treaty of Vereeniging in 1902. Included in their number are two Irishmen awarded the Victoria Cross.

NEWS: There was some good news for South Africa's professional rugby players and teams.

SPOTLIGHT: @rugby365com's acclaimed writer Paul Dobson has produced another one of his beguiling compositions about the game from yesteryear.

OPINION: Throughout 2016 and 2017, the All Blacks set out on a demolition path, piling up record winning margins over Australia under Michael Cheika and South Africa under Allister Coetzee in The Rugby Championship.

SPOTLIGHT: In just over a fortnight the landscape of rugby could change forever at the summit for a revolutionary global calendar.

SPOTLIGHT: The increase in the weight of professional rugby players over the past 30 years is well documented, with some positions seeing staggering rises.

TRANSFER NEWS: Australian back Izaia Perese signed for French Top 14 club Bayonne on Saturday, despite being released by Rugby League side the Brisbane Broncos over a drugs charge.

TRANSFER NEWS: The Stormers have confirmed the departure of two more promising youngsters to rival teams.

INTERVIEW: Incoming Wallabies coach Dave Rennie has urged Rugby Australian's warring factions to stop airing their differences in public.

SPOTLIGHT: Acclaimed @rugby365com writer Paul Dobson takes a look at players who played one Test only for South Africa and names his best XV!

TRANSFER NEWS: The Bulls will be reuniting another set of Kriel brothers at Loftus Versfeld.

BRAINTEASER: @rugby365com‘s quizmaster Paul Dobson has responded to a request from a reader and provided us with 10 law questions!

TRANSFER NEWS: The Bulls confirmed that flyhalf Manie Libbok has decided to continue his career in Durban with the Sharks after five years of dedicated service to the Bulls. 

TRANSFER NEWS: Connacht Rugby confirmed that 12 players will depart the club next month at the end of their respective contracts.

NEWS: Wales will not be adopting any of the approved optional law trials which are designed to provide unions with COVID-19 transmission risk reduction options if required.

TRANSFER NEWS: A power struggle, in the wake of Johan Ackermann's departure, could see more Gloucester players head for the exit for - with at least one set to return to Ellis Park.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: All Blacks lock Brodie Retallick has revealed why he turned down a return to the Chiefs.

FLASHBACK: Refereeing mistakes are a common occurrence in rugby.

YESTERDAY'S HEROES: Down the years there have been many occasions when one player had an enormous influence on the outcome of a major Final. Jan de Koning looks at who he regards as the player that had the single biggest influence on a game?

OPINION: @rugby365 columnist and two-time World Rugby Junior Championship winner Eugene Eloff takes a look at the impact of the proposed law trials.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Hurricanes wing Kobus van Wyk still has some hope of playing for the Springboks one day.

EXCLUSIVE: The Lions Rugby Company is leaving no stone unturned in an effort to stop the talent drain from Ellis Park.

NEWS: The World Rugby Executive Committee has approved 10 optional law trials which are designed to provide unions with COVID-19 transmission risk reduction options if required.

TRANSFER NEWS: The Brumbies are confident of holding on to the bulk of their Super Rugby players, while a number of Melbourne Rebels are contemplating their futures.

NEWS: World Rugby has dismissed an idea for a major international tournament to be held in England next year.

REACTION: As he embarks on a new chapter in his life, Joey Mongalo bids a very emotional farewell to the Lions.

With the rugby world frustrated by the continued suspension of the sport globally, the transfer window has been working overtime as players look to secure their futures.

LAUGH A LITTLE: We could all use a little laugh every now and then, so we bring some funny - and some not so funny - jokes about our favourite sports.

TRANSFER NEWS: The Saracens exodus has been gaining momentum as another England forward heads for the exit door.

SPOTLIGHT: PRO14 boss Martin Anayi has revealed that expansion in South Africa will be a 'key part' for the competition's future.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Wallaby loose forward Pete Samu doesn't know why he fell out of favour with coach Michael Cheika before last year's World Cup.

TRANSFER NEWS: Bulls Director of Rugby Jake White confirmed his senior coaching group, completing the managerial overhaul he started in March.

NEWS: South African Rugby World Cup winner Cheslin Kolbe's Toulouse announced on Wednesday their squad will take a pay cut of up to 15 percent for next season.

NEWS: New Zealand Rugby has confirmed they won’t be following World Rugby’s proposal to ban scrum resets, team huddles and upright tackles when Super Rugby Aotearoa kicks off next month.

NEWS: Western Force owner Andrew Forrest has confirmed the franchise will return to Super Rugby as part of the condensed season to start in July. However, he is insisting on a restructuring of Rugby Australia.

The match went down in the books of history as the biggest-ever win for the famous Barbarians, as they went to Twickenham to deliver a hurting on England in May 2018.

The Paarl Boys' High loosehead prop, Abraham Reyneke, is off to the Sharks in 2021. He is expected to be there for two years.

REACTION: The Lions are making a concerted and tenacious effort to retain the services of World Cup-winning hooker Malcolm Marx.

What happens when you cross a bodybuilder with rugby? An absolutely hilarious outcome that will prove once and for all that brawn alone holds no water in this beautiful game.

SUPER RUGBY SPOTLIGHT: "I've got a horrible feeling that this cacophony is going to have some sway."

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Reds coach Brad Thorn says he's never had an argument with Izack Rodda, denying reports of a rift between the two.

SPOTLIGHT: A proposed World Cup-style tournament could force South Africa to reconsider their plans to host the British and Irish Lions in 2021.

NEWS: One-cap All Blacks prospect Braydon Ennor has re-committed to New Zealand Rugby and the Crusaders on a deal that will see him stay in New Zealand until 2023.

WATCH as England lock Maro Itoje opens up about the hurt of England being destroyed by South Africa in the World Cup Final in Yokohama in Japan last November.

IN CONVERSATION WITH JEAN DE VILLIERS: The imminent move from Newlands to the Cape Town Stadium has evoked strong emotions.

SPOTLIGHT: With live rugby put on hold, Super Rugby gives a rundown of the fast starters over the last five years.

As the world gets ready to welcome some live Super Rugby action, we take a look at what can be expected from the Hurricanes when Super Rugby Aotearoa gets underway in June.

TRANSFER NEWS: The Cheetahs may be struggling to keep some big names locked in, but they are also doing Stirling work in plugging the gaps elsewhere.

SPOTLIGHT: The announcement that CVC Capital has teamed up with the Pro14 may just speed up South Africa's reported move to the Northern Hemisphere and finally kill off the SANZAAR alliance.

TRANSFER NEWS: Saracens confirmed that Welsh international scrumhalf Aled Davies has agreed to join the Premiership club.

SPOTLIGHT: Wallabies and NSW Waratahs veteran Karmichael Hunt says a trans-Tasman Super Rugby competition makes the most sense and he'd love to be a part of it next year.

"It's ridiculous, we might as well play touch rugby if that’s what they’re suggesting" - those are words of Blues head coach Leon McDonald, that are being echoed around the world.

COVID-19 NEWS: The proverbial pot of gold at the end of the French rainbow may be no more!

TRANSFER NEWS: Jake White's recruitment in Pretoria has gone into overdrive.

SPOTLIGHT: Blues head coach Leon MacDonald has dismissed law change proposals from World Rugby’s medical group in a bid to prevent the spread of coronavirus once the game is back up and running again.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: England coach Eddie Jones revealed that he wants to coach test rugby from the sidelines like the football managers.

REACTION: The Cheetahs may feel that they have grounds for winning a case, but it appears they have little chance of retaining the loyalty of talented utility forward Sintu Manjezi.

TRANSFER NEWS: Bulls continues to bolster their side with the latest signing of a 22-year-old Stormers prodigy.

WATCH as new Springbok coach Jacques Nienaber continues to explain what made the team so special in Japan last year.

INTERVIEW: Stormers coach John Dobson was in an incredulous mood on Monday as he fronted up to the media in a video-conference call.

NEWS: Gloucester will reportedly be losing another South African.

TRANSFER NEWS: More top players are moving to the Land of the Rising Sun.

SPOTLIGHT: Dean Allen will be joining Springbok legend Schalk Burger as they look back at his illustrious career in a fundraising effort for Rugby's Caring Hands.

NEWS: South African Rugby World Cup winner Cheslin Kolbe's Toulouse announced on Monday their players had returned to the club's facilities for medical tests after more than two months away.

INTERVIEW: Rugbypass reporter Jamie Lyall chats to Springboks Jesse Kriel about his World Cup injury and his move to Japan.

Here at rugby365, we have brought you many lookalikes over the years and we've brought it back after coming across a Salford Red Devils wing who has some resemblance to the 2018 African Footballer of the Year.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Former Welsh international Shane Williams revealed the 'absolute monster' which left him 'petrified' of an off-field meeting.

REACTION: The manner of their exits is disappointing but Queensland Reds captain Liam Wright can see a silver lining in the departure of rebel trio Izack Rodda, Harry Hockings and Isaac Lucas.

Some of the best players in the world are not immune to having themselves look a bit silly compliments of some of the best side steps the game has ever seen.

ANALYSIS: Rugbypass writer Conor Wilson discusses why Clive Woodward's attacking plans from 2003 are vitally important to this new era of defensive dominance.

BRAINTEASER: @rugby365com‘s quizmaster Paul Dobson has returned with another great challenge - 10 testing questions!

SPOTLIGHT: Reece Hodge is looking to learn some secrets of the Fijians after linking with their former strength and conditioning guru John Pryor, who has come on board with the Wallabies.

SPOTLIGHT: Wallabies' 2019 World Cup campaign was horrendous and one man who took most of the flak for the dismal display was Micheal Cheika.

SPOTLIGHT: Former Gloucester player had no qualms in revealing who he regards as 'worst' coach ever.

NEWS: Some of South Africa's World Cup winners will be back on the field in a matter of weeks.

WATCH as we bring you the debuts of two of the game's most recognisable prop forwards - Tendai Mtawarira and Joe Marler.

SPOTLIGHT: Defeated World Rugby chairman candidate Agustin Pichot has made a shocking claim.

WATCH as veteran England prop Joe Marler answers a series of quickfire questions - that shows the most amusing side of the burly front row forward.

SPOTLIGHT: Rugby like any other sport is certainly a family affair.

REACTION: Rugby Australia's rogue players - Izack Rodda, Harry Hockings and Isaac Lucas - may struggle to find that proverbial 'pot of gold' at the end of the rainbow.

SPOTLIGHT: World Rugby is reportedly considering dramatic law changes as a way to get the sport running again after the Covid-19 pandemic.

SPOTLIGHT: Rugby union's Pro14 is preparing for a return to action in late August, with plans unveiled for matches between the four Irish provinces.

REACTION: World Rugby's desperate attempt to save some sort of season has been met with harsh criticism.

NEWS: Former Kenyan Sevens star Allan Makaka has died following a road traffic accident, the Kenyan Rugby Union have confirmed.

SPOTLIGHT: Rugby Australia hasn’t ruled out the prospect of the Sunwolves partaking in the new domestic Super Rugby competition, which is set to be confirmed in the coming days.

WATCH as All Black Andrew Mehrtens joins to chorus of voices for a change to Super Rugby - including the possibility of cutting the umbilical cord with South Africa.

TRANSFERS NEWS: The Bulls continued to rebuild their playing and coaching rosters amid the national #lockdown.

NEWS: World Rugby issued a statement welcoming the recent talks between the Six Nations and SANZAAR on the formation of an 'aligned' global season.

NEWS: Rugby's Pro14 announced on Friday it had agreed to sell a 28 percent stake in the five-nation league to CVC Capital Partners as the private equity firm expands its investment into the sport.

SPOTLIGHT: SANZAAR and Six Nations have been working vigorously to deliver an 'aligned' global season.

UPDATE: Rugby Australia on Saturday tore up the contracts for Wallabies lock Izack Rodda and two of his former Queensland Reds teammates after they refused to take a pandemic-enforced pay cut.

REACTION: The near- bankrupt Rugby Australia could be heading for another costly court battle - which may finally push the organisation over the edge.

NEWS: Scotland lock Tim Swinson will retire at the end of the season, Glasgow Warriors announced on Friday.

WATCH what makes Springboks and Stormers Pieter-Steph du Toit the best in the business.

REACTION: Crusaders star Sam Whitelock have finally shared his true feelings about the All Blacks captain's announcement.

SPOTLIGHT: During his time as a player, Namibian internationalist Jacques Burger earned himself a reputation as one of the hardest men to ever play the game.

WATCH as retired England and British & Irish Lions flyer Ugochukwu Monye chats to World Cup-winning Springbok Siyamthanda Kolisi.

REACTION: The Stormers managed to escape SA Rugby's infamous 21-day clause with only some minor chinks in their armour.

TRANSFER RUMOURS: The Lions are facing another raid on the player resources, just a week after a mass exodus.

NEWS: Former Sharks flyhalf Garth April has signed a deal with Japanese Top League club Shimizu Blue Sharks.

TRANSFER NEWS: The Stormers have bolstered their backline with the signing of a Springbok fullback.

UPDATE: English Premiership rugby clubs are set to be sidelined from training for at least two more weeks, officials announced Thursday.

NEWS: Waratahs backline coach Chris Whitaker has sidestepped talks of another potential exodus of talent overseas despite the woes besetting Australian rugby.

TRANSFER NEWS: The Bulls have bolstered their lock stocks ahead of the new season.

NEWS: Pieter-Steph du Toit's playing future has been confirmed.

OPINION: @rugby365com contributor Codi Rinkwest has compiled the ultimate World XV - players who became coaches!

There's no doubt that Duane Vermeulen is one of the best players to have ever donned the No.8 Springbok jersey, but it would seem as though he isn't the greatest.

NEWS: The Sunwolves won't be a part of the rebooted Australian Super Rugby competition with time and logistics counting against them.

NEWS: Wallabies forward Izack Rodda and two teammates are parting ways with the Queensland Reds, after they were suspended for refusing a pandemic-prompted pay cut.

SPOTLIGHT: With the SA Rugby's 21 days clause a thing of the past. Here is a look at all the confirmed contract agreements.

NEWS: South African World Cup winner Bismarck Du Plessis penned a new two-year contract with Montpellier.

SPOTLIGHT: Dean Allen will be joining Jean de Villiers on a look back at his illustrious career in a fundraising effort for Rugby's Caring Hands.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: All Blacks and Hurricanes star Dane Coles believes there will be fewer All Blacks heading north in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.

WATCH as The Rugby Pod duo of Andy Goode and Jim Hamilton looks at Johan Ackermann’s surprise exit from Gloucester.

As the news broke of World Cup winner Warrick Gelant moving back to the Cape after leaving the Bulls, we thought we'd remind you about that time he literally kicked some sense into a teammate.

SPOTLIGHT: Take a look at how World Cup-winning teams fare at the start of their title defence in terms of the World Rugby Rankings.

REACTION: Despite being at the receiving end of another mass exodus, there will be no 'knee-jerk' reaction from Lions Rugby Company Chief Executive Officer Rudolph Straeuli.

SPOTLIGHT: Acclaimed @rugby365com writer Paul Dobson produces another of his bodacious baubles from the past - the story of a Springbok jersey that saw war and only victory.

The late Joost van der Westhuizen will always be a favourite in the hearts of many around the world but perhaps Francois de Klerk could be right up there to topple the 89-Test capped.

NEWS: Munster confirmed that Tyler Bleyendaal will retire from professional rugby with immediate effect.

INTERVIEW: Ireland star breaks silence on Racing's new signing.

NEWS: An unnamed Middle Eastern individual represented by former France wing Christophe Dominici said on Tuesday they want to buy second-tier French rugby club Beziers.

BRAINTEASER: @rugby365com's quizmaster Paul Dobson has returned with another multiple choice quiz - this time on World Cups. Surely you can now get 10 out of 10.

SPOTLIGHT: English rugby top clubs could be given the green light on Wednesday to start training again – something Sale Sharks have already done after breaking ranks with their Premiership rivals.

OPINION: The Pieter-Steph du Toit contract saga has evoked enormous reaction on both sides of the dialogue.

REACTION: The Cheetahs moved quickly to pour cold water on suggestions that they made little or no effort to keep talented players in Bloemfontein.

REACTION:  Six Nations officials have finally stuck their head above the parapet amid the Covid-19 crisis.

COVID-19: The World Cup-winning Springboks are hoping to 'cash in' on their scoreline against England in Yokohama last November.

NEWS: Three players have recommitted their playing futures with the Bulls.

NEWS: All Black star Scott Barrett has made a decision about his playing future.

As the legend goes, Naas Botha was not one who loved to tackle but we have found rare footage where not only does he do just that, he also saves a try in the process.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Rising star Joseph Dweba has lifted the lid on his time at the Cheetahs.

World Cup-winning flyhalf Handre Pollard is comfortably South Africa's highest-paid player in the world and there is little to no doubt about his ability when seeing what he is capable of.

OPINION: Alex Shaw takes a look at who will benefit from the recent Super Rugby transfers in Australia and South Africa.

INTERVIEW: Months of hard work culminated in a highlight for the Springbok squad of 2019 as Cheslin Kolbe’s try sealed victory in the World Cup final against England in Japan.

SPOTLIGHT: RugbyPass writer Ian Cameron takes a crack at finding the fastest players and their best times.

SPOTLIGHT: @rugby365com law guru Paul Dobson, in the fifth of this law discussion series, takes a look at aspects he feels should be changed and which should remain unchanged.

NEWS: Former New Zealand prop Ben Franks has been hired as scrum coach at Pro14 side Scarlets, the Welsh region announced on Monday.

REACTION: Reds coach Brad Thorn is reportedly 'livid' at the three Reds players who have been stood down by the Queensland Rugby Union after refusing to take short-term pay cuts.

TRANSFER NEWS: Southern Kings centre Howard Mnisi will be returning to the Cheetahs.

NEWS: Scotland back Ruaridh Jackson has announced that he will retire from rugby union at the end of the 2019/20 season, bringing the curtain down on a 14-year-career.

TRANSFER NEWS: France fullback Anthony Bouthier has extended his contract with Montpellier by two years until 2023, the top 14 club announced Monday.

SPOTLIGHT: Former All Blacks forwards coach Mike Cron has nominated Richie McCaw not only as the greatest player he’s ever coached – but the greatest of all time.

SPOTLIGHT: Beauden Barrett sets a new record in training.

NEWS: Wallabies forward Izack Rodda and two Queensland Reds teammates who refused to take a pay cut negotiated during the coronavirus shutdown were suspended.

ANALYSIS: Conor Wilson takes a look at the borrowed tactics that Eddie Jones' England side will employ to help them fight their way back to the top of the world rankings.

It's time to move to the midfield as Part Two of the ultimate Springbok series has a look at the men at the centre of it all - the inside and outside centre.

PREMIERSHIP SALARY CAP REPORT: 'No one within rugby has come out of this looking good.' In this one sentence is captured the true essence of the findings of Paul Myners.

SPOTLIGHT: @rugby365com law guru Paul Dobson, in the fourth of this law discussion series, takes a look at aspects he feels should be changed and which should remain unchanged.

SPOTLIGHT: Former All Blacks wing Nehe Milner-Skudder has revealed how difficult a decision it was to turn down the Hurricanes to join the Highlanders.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Western Force players could go from Australian rugby outcasts to Wallabies heroes within a year.

Rugby Union has had its fair share of flyers down the years and as the cliché goes, there’s no substitute for speed.

INTERVIEW: RugbyPass reporter Tom Vinicombe chats to Lima Sopoaga about his 10 years in Dunedin, the move to the United Kingdom and a possible return to New Zealand.

TRANSFER NEWS: New Zealand centre Francis Saili has joined Biarritz on a two-year deal from Harlequins, the French second-tier club said on Sunday.

Part One of this week's series of videos sees us look at five of the best fullbacks to don the number 15 Springbok jersey.

INTERVIEW: Only a few good men have the honour of having lifted the Webb Ellis Cup as a captain.

SPOTLIGHT: Melbourne Rebels will get back into Super Rugby training on Monday and hope to be back doing contact work early in the week as they build toward a July reboot.

NEWS: Japanese lock Hitoshi Ono, who won a record 98 caps for his country and played in the famous "Miracle of Brighton" 2015 World Cup win over the Springboks, announced his retirement on Monday.

REACTION: The Stormers, players and coaches alike, had big plans for a glorious farewell to Newlands.

BRAINTEASER: @rugby365com‘s quizmaster Paul Dobson has produced what must surely be his easiest quiz yet. But can you finally get 10 out of 10?

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Italian rugby fans have voted for the 'ideal' Italy XV of the Six Nations, with just three current players making the cut.

SPOTLIGHT: Has the game in Australia ever been in a bigger mess than it is right now?

TRANSFER NEWS: The Sharks have, for the most part, managed to hold off the raids from cash-flush Japanese clubs.

FROM CLINICIAN TO COACH: Watch this insightful discussion with newly appointed Springbok coach Jacques Nienaber.

NEWS: The Stormers and WP Rugby have confirmed that three players have submitted a contract termination notice before the May 14 deadline.

INTERVIEW: Rugby Australia Chairman-elect Hamish McLennan expects to run a lean organisation and wants to see the game get a bit quicker.

SPOTLIGHT: South African Rugby on Friday unveiled their 'survival plan' in the wake of the debilitating COVID-19-enforced lockdown.

TRANSFER NEWS: On a day that their Trans-Jukskei neighbours announced the departure of several key players, the Bulls continued their trend of luring players back from abroad.

REACTION:  All Black Ben Smith has responded to the rumours that he could be looking to make a return for the Highlanders after the French Top 14 season was cut short.

TRANSFER NEWS: SA Rugby's 21-day clause has struck at the heart of the Lions, who lost one of their World Cup stars.

NEWS: English club Gloucester confirmed the departure of head coach Johan Ackermann.

NEWS: Australian international Liam Gill has left Top 14 rugby side Lyon after three seasons, the French club announced on Friday.

SPOTLIGHT: @rugby365com law guru Paul Dobson, in the third of this law discussion series, takes a look at aspects he feels should be changed and which should remain unchanged.

NEWS: The programme of international rugby matches during the 2020 July window has been postponed.

SUPER RUGBY SPOTLIGHT: Will he stay or will he go? This is the obfuscatory question surrounding World Rugby Player of the Year Pieter-Steph du Toit.

INTERVIEW: Gregor Townsend hopes words of wisdom from acrobatic display team the Red Arrows will help Scotland become high-flyers when international Rugby Union resumes following the COVID-19 outbreak.

PREMIERSHIP SALARY CAP REPORT: Clubs could be stripped of their titles and suspended.

NEWS: Discussions to keep Japan involved in any form of Super Rugby next year have been held between competition organisers.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: After months of turmoil, it seems like Rugby Australia are finally heading in the right direction.

TRANSFER NEWS: Sale Sharks added to their growing contingent of South African players when they beat Saracens in the race for the signature of a Stormers star.

NEWS: Rugby Australia on Friday named former TV executive Hamish McLennan as director and chairman-elect to lead the sport through a crisis deepened by the coronavirus pandemic.

TOUR SPOTLIGHT: With the Lions tour to South Africa just over 12 months away, Warren Gatland's choices at No.10-No.12 are starting to surface. Ben Smith looks at the option!

NEWS: Australian star Israel Folau turned down a return to Rugby Union with Montpellier to stay with Rugby League side Catalans Dragons.

NEWS: The European Champions Cup tournament could be extended to include 24 teams next season as an "exceptional" move in response to the coronavirus.

REACTION: Scotland coach Gregor Townsend wants flyhalf Finn Russell to make himself available for Test rugby again after their relationship broke down during the Six Nations.

NEWS: Toulon has lost the services of one of there star players.

NEWS: Rugby Australia is hoping Thursday’s World Rugby executive meeting will outline firm details of financial assistance for struggling nations.

SPOTLIGHT: In the midst of the global COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic, a few players have had a rude awakening to how 'ruthless' professional sport.

TRANSFER NEWS: Bulls confirm the signing of Springbok utility back Gio Aplon.

SPOTLIGHT: Gloucester head coach Johan Ackermann is set to exit the Premiership club, according to reports.

NEWS: Tries in Rugby Union can no longer be scored by grounding the ball against the post protector, World Rugby announced on Tuesday.

WATCH as Ciarán Kennedy takes a look at those occasions when normally well-behaved players completely lose control of their sense.

SPOTLIGHT: The group of ten Wallabies captains who expressed concern about how the game was being run before Rugby Australia CEO Raelene Castle resigned last month have sent another letter to acting chairman Paul McLean.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Stormers head coach John Dobson is confident he will not get any transfer shocks ahead of the close of SA Rugby's escape clause.

South Africans, it seems have a great capacity for social kindness, and in this case the people being kind include famous rugby players.

NEWS: Asian based group Y11 Sports & Media have taken a "multi-million" majority share of the Ospreys.

REACTION: His departure is not news, but the Bulls have formally bid farewell to the first player to take up the 21-day option to cancel his contract.

SPOTLIGHT: The Western Force will have to sign off on new participation conditions if they are to play in the revised Australian version of Super Rugby.

NEWS: The French Top 14's wealthiest side Stade Francais has been forced to cut its budget.

SPOTLIGHT: The suspended Premiership season has been given the go-ahead to take a big first step in preparations to conclude the currently suspended 2019/20 campaign.

TRANSFER NEWS: Bordeaux-Begles have confirmed the signing of two formidable forwards for next season, the French Top 14 club said on Tuesday.

SPOTLIGHT: @rugby365com law guru Paul Dobson, in the second of his series, takes a look at which laws he feels should be changed and which should remain unchanged.

STAT ATTACK: When it comes to top performers in the pack, look no further than the South Africans.

NEWS: Agustin Pichot is to resign from the World Rugby Council following his narrow defeat to Bill Beaumont for the chairmanship of the sport's governing body, he announced on Wednesday.

NEWS: Financial constraints have left the Blues and Crusaders without confirmed home venues as New Zealand Super Rugby sides prepare for the new Kiwi domestic competition.

SPOTLIGHT: Kurtley Beale’s impending move to French rugby could become the norm for the cash-strapped code.

STAT ATTACK: The Sharks have been a joy to watch in open play this season and young star Aphelele Fassi has played a big role in that resurgence.

NEWS: Nehe Milner-Skudder has confirmed his return.

NEWS: One of the Stormers' Springboks could have played his final game for the franchise.

SPOTLIGHT: It seems like the financial saga and internal political problems at the Southern Kings are still far from being resolved.

FEATURE: You never get a second chance to make a first impression.

Every so often players push their luck with the referee a little bit too far, which prompts the referee to make his voice heard.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: When one is involved in sport, nicknames become the norm.

SPOTLIGHT: Acclaimed @rugby365com writer Paul Dobson – in the fifth and final episode of his series of great matches at Newlands – takes a look at the opening match of the 1995 World Cup – between South Africa and Australia.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: There is one All Blacks coach who Eddie Jones could not stand.

NEWS: English rugby chiefs have insisted their Premiership clubs will have a role to play in delivering a post-lockdown playing schedule.

NEWS: While the Chiefs have failed in a bid to bring All Black lock Brodie Retallick into the squad for the upcoming Super Rugby Aotearoa competition, there’s been success on other fronts.

NEWS: The Crusaders have confirmed a massive boost for the hastily altered 2020 campaign with veteran test lock Sam Whitelock returning to the squad.

There may just be something better than getting your name on the try-scorers list - getting to celebrate the try you've scored.

BRAINTEASER: @rugby365com‘s quizmaster Paul Dobson has caved in and made it easier for the readers - by finally giving them a multiple-choice quiz!

TRANSFER NEWS: He’s the state's equal most-capped player at Super Rugby level, and it’s been confirmed Kurtley Beale won't be returning to the NSW Waratahs beyond the 2020 season.

STATS AND FACTS: Jan de Koning takes a look at the facts and fiction surrounding the bad boys of the game!

REACTION: The Western Force say they have yet to receive a formal invitation to compete in Rugby Australia's mooted domestic competition scheduled to start in July.

NEWS: The coronavirus-postponed Champions Cup final could now be held on October 17 in Marseille.

SPOTLIGHT: Brumbies coach Dan McKellar thinks a play-off series is the sensible way to conclude a modified Super Rugby competition.

TOP 14 SPOTLIGHT: Only one South African made the Dream Team - the best players of all time in France's premiers club competition.

Hard, physical contact is all in a day's work for the enforcers of the game and there is nothing better than seeing them smash into each other.

LAW DISCUSSION: @rugby365com law guru Paul Dobson is going to take a look at which laws he feels should be changed and which should remain unchanged.

SPOTLIGHT: Rugby Australia are considering some innovations for their mooted Super Rugby competition they are looking at starting in early July.

PRO14 SPOTLIGHT: The South African teams' participation in the European competition has been thrown into doubt, as officials continue to scramble for a way to restart the game.

TRANSFER NEWS: The Cheetahs continued bolstering their squad by luring a talented you player from the Pumas to Bloemfontein.

SPOTLIGHT: New Zealand's Super Rugby teams will launch a domestic competition next month after the government eased strict COVID-19 lockdown restrictions, officials said Monday.

SPOTLIGHT: Some of rugby’s global stars could soon find themselves playing in the United States.

NEWS: An former Saracens player has filed a lawsuit against the Premiership club, a club doctor and a teammate following what he alleges was a career-ending injury suffered in a Budapest bar.

There are times in a game when all you can do is wonder if you genuinely just saw what you think you did.

SUPER RUGBY SPOTLIGHT: Wallaby prop Scott Sio has offered his qualified support for a scrum clock to be trialled during a planned domestic competition in Australia.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: England forwards coach Matt Proudfoot revealed that working with head coach Eddie Jones had been an "eye-opener" and a marked change from his time under Springboks boss Rassie Erasmus

TRANSFER NEWS: Bath Rugby’s Chris Cook is to head to West Country rivals Bristol Bears at the end of the 2019/20 season, after 11 seasons with the Blue, Black and White.

NEWS: Experienced prop Brok Harris has signed a new contract to extend his time with Dragons into a seventh season.

NEWS: Top 14 club Montpellier confirmed that French international back Benjamin Fall was leaving the club.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: John Mitchell believes some good may come for Rugby Union from the coronavirus if it creates "greater professionalism".

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Aaron Cruden talks about his time in France and his move back to New Zealand.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Ian McGeechan has backed a radical plan to introduce no contact rugby at amateur level to allow clubs to get back playing amid the pandemic.

The world of rugby is blessed with an abundance of speedsters and sometimes we are blessed to witness some of the fastest players going at it in a foot race.

NEWS: Toulon coach Patrice Collazo said Rhys Webb had been disloyal after the Wales scrumhalf was sacked by the French club in January.

REACTION: Interim CEO Rob Clarke is making big inroads at Rugby Australia after less than a week in the job, earning praise from Super Rugby franchises.

OPINION: Re-elected World Rugby chairman Sir Bill Beaumont and his newly elected board have their work cut out for them.  Rugbypass' writer Nick Turnbull reports. 

REACTION: Leicester Tigers’ incoming head of physical performance Aled Walters has been described as "one of or if not the best in the business" by Springbok centre Jesse Kriel.

INTERVIEW: Springboks Rugby legend Bryan Habana speaks to Jim Hamilton about the 2009 Lions Tour second test match.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Part of rugby’s glory days, would-be Rugby Australia chief executive Matt Carroll says he’s “sad” for the ailing state of the game.

SPOTLIGHT: More evidence emerged as to why South Africa ruled the roost at the World Cup in Japan last year.

SPOTLIGHT: Italy's Ian McKinley defended the Azzurri's dire Six Nations record as the Irish-born flyhalf's inspiring return to elite rugby after being blinded in one eye has been turned into a documentary film.

There may not be any Premiership matches taking place but the competition has given us numerous light-hearted moments that will give your abdominals quite a workout.

OPINION: The All Blacks will be plotting the path to France over the next four years, with a primary goal of arresting back power from the Springboks.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Wallabies hooker Jordan Uelese admits he's a little "jealous" of his NRL counterparts with no rugby to be played until at least July.

WATCH as Bill Beaumont makes a bold pledge to change the game in his second term.

BREAKING: The Blue Bulls Company revealed that Edgar Rathbone will be taking over the reins as Chief Executive Officer of the company.

REACTION: The side effects of the COVID-19-enforced lockdown have been the spread of some wild rumours.

OPINION: With Sam Cane given the captaincy role, Alex McLeod looks at the potential make-up of the All Blacks' back row.

BRAINTEASER: @rugby365com's quizmaster Paul Dobson is back with some great questions about World Cups and other fascinating facts!

SPOTLIGHT: Australia's Super Rugby franchises are eyeing a May 18 training restart with a seven-week build-up to a five-team domestic competition with no Trans-Tasman play-offs.

Individual brilliance can be a rare moment that would make you look twice and ask yourself "How did he do that?".

SPOTLIGHT: The grande dame that is the Newlands stadium may already have hosted her last-ever rugby match. Acclaimed @rugby365com writer Paul Dobson – in the fourth of his series – looks at the Currie Cup Final of 1986 - when Goggie van Heerden stole the limelight.

NEWS: Western Province are securing their future by investing in their youth.

SUPER RUGBY SPOTLIGHT: The Stormers have no idea when they will take to the field again, but they have found some creative ways of being 'rugby ready'.

LISTEN as Southern Kings board Chairman Loyiso Dotwana talks to Jan de Koning about the censurable salary saga and the internal politics doing serious damage to the franchise.

SPOTLIGHT: Saracens have been forced to apologise for the behaviour of England star Billy Vunipola.

STAT ATTACK: There is one Springbok player who probably should have more Test caps to his name.

NEWS: Defeated election candidate Agustin Pichot is reportedly set to quit World Rugby following his loss to Bill Beaumont in the race to be chairman.

TRANSFER NEWS: Former New Zealand flyhalf Colin Slade will leave French Top 14 outfit Pau to join Japanese side Dynaboars. 

SPOTLIGHT: Eight months have passed since Wesley Fofana hastily departed the 2019 World Cup in Japan, heading for home following France’s opening round win over Argentina, a match he didn’t feature in.

NEWS: Super Rugby in New Zealand is poised to resume when the country relaxes its COVID-19 lockdown.

Sit back and enjoy this compilation of the most opportunist tries to ever be scored.

Listen as Aled Walters chats about his journey as the Springboks Head of Athletic Performance.

NEWS: French rugby chiefs decided not to make a decision over which clubs will feature in next season's European Cup events.

NEWS: As the economic pinch of coronavirus continues to make itself felt, New Zealand Rugby is reportedly set to let go of 50 percent of their 180 full-time staff.

NEWS: Former Brumbies and Melbourne Rebels chief executive Rob Clarke has been appointed interim CEO of Rugby Australia.

Every now and then, the referee finds himself - quite literally - in the thick of it all. Whether it's being shoved by a defending player, being pulled into a ruck or being inadvertently tackled.

SPOTLIGHT: The grande dame that is the Newlands stadium may already have hosted her last-ever rugby match. Acclaimed @rugby365com writer Paul Dobson – in the third of his series – takes a look at five of the greatest occasions at the venue.

REACTION: Eastern Province Rugby Union President Andre Rademan described the Southern Kings salary saga as "unacceptable".

INTERVIEW: Two-time World Cup winner Francois Steyn has become the latest superstar to urge the Springboks to align with the Northern Hemisphere.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Here are five of the greatest captains who helped forge the legacy of the All Blacks.

RETURN TO PLAY SPOTLIGHT: Exactly how many people does it require to stage a match behind closed doors?

NEWS: Aled Walters' new team has been revealed.

SPOTLIGHT: Gert Peens is not exactly a household name in South African rugby folklore. Jan de Koning looks at his colourful career, which includes more than 400 first-class games for 12 different clubs

SPOTLIGHT: As the rugby fraternity prepares itself for a global alignment on the international scene, All Blacks veteran Sam Whitelock has revealed he would like to see that extended to club rugby.

NEWS: A top Rugby Australia official tipped to become the troubled organisation's next chairman resigned Wednesday.

SPOTLIGHT: The grande dame that is the Newlands stadium may already have hosted her last-ever rugby match. Paul Dobson continues his series of five great occasions at the stadium.

There have been times when we witnessed unusual moments that we sat with our mouths wide open, wondering has just happened.

NEWS: On Wednesday Top 14 presidents will meet to decide which French clubs will play in next season's European Champions Cup.

OPINION: Ben Smith explains why the appointment of Sam Cane as All Black captain might indicate the sun is slowly setting on Sam Whitelock’s international career.

SPOTLIGHT: In recent weeks, a lot of attention has been shifted to the British and Irish Lions 2021 tour to South Africa.

NEWS: The English game is stumbling from one crisis to the other, at a time when 'catastrophic' financial losses are predicted.

NEWS: All Blacks loose forward and Chiefs Captain Sam Cane has been named as the new Captain of the All Blacks.

LISTEN as retired referee Craig Joubert reminisces about his exchange with Wallaby legend George Gregan, in his first match.

Some of these haymakers - featuring Eben Etsebeth, Bakkies Botha, Manu Tuilagi and Faf de Klerk - will make the likes of Muhammad Ali and Mike Tyson proud. 

NEWS: Rugby Football Union (RFU) chief executive Bill Sweeney warned of the "catastrophic" impact coronavirus could have on the sport if the professional game cannot return in the next year.

NEWS: Leicester Tigers have revealed a long list of players who will be leaving the club at the end of the season as the Premiership side prepare for life under incoming head coach Steve Borthwick.

SPOTLIGHT: There have been countless players who have left fans scratching their heads as to why they have not played for their country more. Josh Raisey selected a team of players he felt deserved more Test caps:

SPOTLIGHT: The grande dame That is the Newlands stadium may already have hosted its last-ever rugby match. Acclaimed @rugby365com writer Paul Dobson - in the first of a series - takes a look at five of the greatest occasions at the venue.

FOCUS ON THE LAWS: Erudite Springbok turned pundit Dawie Snyman is shining the spotlight on referees once again - this time about the capricious manner in which they apply breakdown laws.

WATCH as South Africa's Director of Rugby Rassie Erasmus delivers another classic speech.

NEWS: SA Rugby and Ghana Rugby reached a ground-breaking agreement to boost player welfare.

OPINION: Former two-time Junior World Cup-winning coach and Director of Elite Sport Mentorship Eugene Eloff is back with another cracking column for @rugby365com's readers.

SPOTLIGHT: Newly-elected World Rugby vice-chairman Bernard Laporte has urged defeated chairman candidate Agustin Pichot not to walk away from the sport following his tight election defeat.

REACTION: SA Rugby has moved swiftly to dismiss claims that the 2021 British and Irish Lions tour is in danger of being called off.

REACTION: New Zealand Rugby chairman Brent Impey says rugby in the Southern Hemisphere could be 'gone' if Bill Beaumont doesn't implement changes in his second term as World Rugby's boss.

NEWS: The World Champion Springboks have lost the services of their fitness guru.

TRANSFER NEWS: The Free State Cheetahs continue to bolster their ranks during this COVID-19-enforced lockdown period.

REACTION: SANZAAR has poured cold water on suggestion that South Africa will be shut out of future tournaments.

BREAKING NEWS: Springboks flank Pieter-Steph du Toit has not been offered any contractual deal from Top14 club Montpellier.

We're continuing to bring you some of the best tries ever scored, so sit back and enjoy. To make this list, the decibel metre needs to be off the chart.

SPOTLIGHT: The revolutionary World Nations Championship, involving the top tier of 12 teams in a global competition, is now right back on the agenda.

SPOTLIGHT: The Southern Kings players have not received their salaries for the month of April.

BRAINTEASER: John Gardener, a Rhodes scholar and rugby fanatic, has produced a crossword-style examination of your rugby knowledge.

SPOTLIGHT: Alex Shaw takes out his crystal ball and attempts to predict what the future holds for South African rugby.

WATCH as English backrow forward Carl Fearns revealed some bizarre footage after he revealed he was leaving Lyon after five years.

SPOTLIGHT: Rassie Erasmus, South Africa's Director of Rugby, believes that the Springboks now have the blueprint to retain their No.1 ranking.

SPOTLIGHT: A return to play document has been sent by Rugby Australia to the federal government, though it's unlikely the game will restart before July.

NEWS: The Bulls' new Director of Rugby Jake White has lured his first big name back to Loftus Versfeld.

REACTION: It was with some considerable disdain that so-called 'experts' reacted to @rugby365com's recent warning of a 'feeding frenzy' on World Cup Springboks.

REACTION: Bill Beaumont has promised 'global reform' during his second term as World Rugby Chairman.

Sit back and watch a collection of some of the greatest tries ever scored - including some amazing end-to-end tries.

SPOTLIGHT: Officials in the Eastern Cape will be watching developments in Pretoria with a keen eye.

INTERVIEW: If one person truly knows what it takes to beat the British and Irish Lions that is Springboks stalwart Tendai Mtawarira.

SPOTLIGHT: Mental health has always been an unspoken topic in rugby and amid the COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic it can become a tragedy.

SPOTLIGHT: New Zealand may have dominated Super Rugby for the last decade, but South African forwards proved to be the best 'travellers'.

REACTION: Former England captain Bill Beaumont was re-elected as World Rugby chairman on Saturday and immediately came under pressure to have the "courage" to make the big decisions.

SPOTLIGHT: In 2019, South Africa entered the World Cup final as underdogs.

SPOTLIGHT: Wales head coach Wayne Pivac has called for rugby's two hemispheres to align to form one global season.

NEWS: Wales scrumhalf Rhys Webb said on Thursday he was frozen out by Toulon's hierarchy, leaving him feeling bitter about his departure from the French club earlier this year.

BREAKING NEWS: The Bulls have lost the services of coach Pote Human with immediate effect.

When he had finished playing Boy Louw became a referee. As a player he went about with a Rugby Law Book in his pocket, believing that you played better if you knew the laws better. And straight after he had stopped playing, he joined the Western Province Referees; Society.

NEWS: Wallabies veterans Michael Hooper and Matt Toomua are set to meet with some of New Zealand’s top players next week to explore scenarios for trans-Tasman fixtures to be held later this year.

BREAKING NEWS: The powerbase of World Rugby will stay in the Northern Hemisphere!

NEWS: Cheetahs Strength and Conditioning Coach Quintin Kruger will be leaving the side at the end of May 2020 for a new career opportunity.

NEWS: Former Bayonne president Alain Afflelou has recounted the October 2013 sacking of Mike Phillips.

WATCH  the highlights reel of Springboks duo Cheslin Kolbe and Faf de Klerk shows size does not matter.

SUPER RUGBY SPOTLIGHT: The Stormers, like all teams, may not be able to have group sessions. However, they are going to great lengths to be an improved version when they do eventually return.

NEWS: More than a month after all rugby across New Zealand was postponed indefinitely, fans were still struggling to get ticket refunds for a game originally scheduled for this weekend.

SPOTLIGHT: Wallabies great Tim Horan has called for Pacific Island nations to be part of a new-look Super Rugby model, with their teams based out of cities in Australia and New Zealand.

NEWS: World Rugby's Chairman election has sparked yet another controversy, following reports that the announcement of the result has been brought forward.

UPDATE: French rugby authorities and club presidents reached agreement Thursday to cancel the 2019-2020 season and concentrate on ensuring the 2020-2021 campaign starts in September.

SPOTLIGHT: The World Rugby chairmanship election has further widened the gap between Northern and Southern Hemisphere.

NEWS: Things are not looking good financially for New Zealand Rugby.

NEWS: NMMU-Madibaz has been promoted to the Varsity Cup.

SPOTLIGHT: Steve Hansen has spoken out about the referee mistake that may have cost the All Blacks a chance at a series victory over the British and Irish Lions in 2017.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Wales coach Wayne Pivac said his players would "relish the opportunity" to play several Tests in quick succession.

REACTION: Mike Friday, the United States Sevens coach, warned Dan Leo not to use the sport as a political football.

SPOTLIGHT: Acclaimed @rugby365com writer Paul Dobson regale us with tales of Western Province and Springbok legend Boy Louw.

LISTEN as Stormers forwards coach Rito Hlungwani opens up about the challenges they face during the national lockdown - including a possible player exodus.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: New Zealander Dave Rennie said he was "gutted" at Raelene Castle's departure.

WATCH as All Blacks Jack Goodhue and Richie Mo'unga join #WeAreCanterbury's George Berry on this video chat.

A hilarious look at some of the funniest moments of the 2020 Six Nations campaign.

INTERVIEW: Tom Vinicombe chatted to All Black Lima Sopoaga on why he left New Zealand in 2018 and forfeited the chance to play at a Rugby World Cup

SPOTLIGHT: Players' Union boss Justin Harrison says a meeting between disgruntled former Test captains and a Rugby Australia board member wasn't about producing a magic cure.

NEWS: England prop Ellis Genge is aiming to set up a new players' union to "shake up the rugby scene" because he is dissatisfied with the way the issue of pay cuts was been handled during the coronavirus pandemic.

NEWS: Rugby’s position at the Olympic Games could be lost in the wake of the Francis Kean saga that has rocked the current World Rugby elections.

NEWS: French rugby clubs were poised to declare their season over as they met on Wednesday to discuss their response to the country's latest coronavirus restrictions.

Have a look at a compilation of the biggest and heaviest players from around the world.

NEWS: Japanese club Canon Eagles confirmed that Allister Coetzee has left his role as head coach.

NEWS: Professional football, rugby and other sports in France cannot resume until September, because of coronavirus restrictions, Prime Minister Edouard Philippe said on Tuesday.

A compilation of the most aggressive and feared players to have ever played the game. Who else do you think should make this list?

LISTEN as Welsh legend Maxwell Boyce reads this heavenly poem that captures the tone, the space and time in a way only he can.