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OPINION: We bring you a list of the top 10 players in the world. Which members of the No.1-ranked South African team made it?

NEWS: The Bulls have managed to secure the services of one of South Africa's greatest scrumhalves.

CONTRACT NEWS: Wednesday turned out to be a very good news day for Munster, as Simon Zebo has escaped a ban following his United Rugby Championship red card.

OPINION: RugbyPass columnist and former England flyhalf Andy Goode has a very interesting take on what to expect in 2022.

RANKINGS REVIEW: The Springboks started and finished the year as the world's No.1 ranked team, but they had to endure a rocky road on their journey.

INJURY UPDATE: Munster have confirmed that Springbok centre Damian De Allende will remain on the sidelines for a number of weeks due to an abdominal injury

WATCH as new Sharks Currie Cup coach Etienne Fynn explains to @king365ed the reasoning behind working with one large squad for two different competitions and the prestige of the Currie Cup.

VIDEO: Rassie Erasmus is set to resume his duties as South Africa Director of Rugby this week and his daughters couldn't be happier.

SPOTLIGHT: Springbok prop Frans Malherbe has been ruled out of this weekend’s United Rugby Champions match against Bulls on Saturday.

INJURY NEWS: All Blacks star Beauden Barrett has revealed he is still struggling with concussion symptoms a month out from the kick-off of the inaugural Super Rugby Pacific season.

NEWS: Fijian Drua have rescheduled their home debut as the Australian-based outfit grapple with COVID-19 in two countries ahead of a maiden Super Rugby Pacific season.

REACTION: Western Province coach Jerome Paarwater has identified a few work-ons following his team's Currie Cup win over Lions on Saturday.

NEWS: Zebre have announced the appointment of Emiliano Bergamaschi as their new Head Coach.

NEWS: Gloucester Rugby announced that the club has signed Fijian international Albert Tuisue ahead of the 2022-23 season.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Despite their opening loss to the Cheetahs, Griquas coach Pieter Bergh has kept faith with the team for their Round Two trip to Durban.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Sharks coach Etienne Fynn has named a strong, experienced side to host Griquas in Round Two of the Currie Cup.

REACTION: Griquas have high ambitions, but they know that their obvious 'potential' will not automatically translate into success.

SIX NATIONS SPOTLIGHT: South Africa's leading referee Jaco Peyer has been appointed to officiate in the Six Nations Championship that kicks off on February 5.

CURRIE CUP REACTION: Lions coach Mziwakhe Nkosi believes his team’s lack of discipline played a huge part in their 36-48 defeat to the Western Province on Saturday.

MATCH REPORT: ASM Clermont Auvergne grind out a 25-19 victory over Sale Sharks in the Champions Cup on Sunday – keeping their hopes of qualifying for the knockout stage alive.

EUROPEAN CUP:  Leinster were absolutely ruthless, recording an 89-7 win over Montpellier in Dublin on Sunday.

EUROPEAN CUP REPORT: Louis Bielle-Biarrey starred on his Champions Cup debut as the Union Bordeaux-Begles fullback notched a hat-trick in their 45-10 win over Scarlets.

NEWS: All athletes who wish to compete in France will have to be vaccinated against Covid-19, government sources told AFP on Monday.

REACTION: Ireland midfielder Bundee Aki will hope that his tweeted apology will be enough to stave off a possible EPCR citing.

SPOTLIGHT: SA Rugby is reportedly set to reward South African-based players during the Springboks end-of-year tour.

WATCH as we bring you a collection of very special and skilful plays in the game.

EUROPEAN CUP REPORT: Wing Hosea Saumaki handed Leicester Tigers a dramatic 29-28 win at Connacht on Saturday, as he scored in the final play of the game.

CURRIE CUP MATCH REPORT: New recruit Angelo Davids scored a hat-trick of tries as Western Province got their campaign off to a winning start with a 48-36 triumph over the Lions in Cape Town.

SEVENS NEWS: Fiji on Saturday pulled out of next weekend's round of the World Rugby Sevens series in Spain after some players tested positive for Covid.

REACTION: Gert Smal promised the Bulls will be more of an attacking threat when they face the Western Province.

CURRIE CUP MATCH REPORT: The Cheetahs got their 2022 campaign off to a winning start, beating a gritty Griquas 30-20 in a scrappy affair in the season-opener in Bloemfontein.

CHALLENGE CUP WRAP: Toulon recorded a 34-23 victory at Worcester Warriors in the EPCR Challenge Cup on Saturday to make it two wins from two in Pool A.

MATCH REPORT: Bristol Bears overcame Stade Français Paris 28-17 in a breathless Champions Cup contest at Ashton Gate on Saturday.

EUROPEAN CUP REPORT: Fullback Michael Lowry scored a try brace as Ulster Rugby won 24-20 at Northampton Saints on Sunday to confirm their qualification for Champions Cup Round of 16.

READERS’ FORUM: Welcome to our live coverage of the European Cup Round Three match between Leinster and Montpellier in Dublin.

OPINION: Rugbypass contributor Jamie Horner looks at the key challenges facing the sport in 2022.

EUROPEAN CUP REPORT: Exeter Chiefs produced a scintillating second-half display as they thrashed Glasgow Warriors 52-17 on Saturday

EUROPEAN CUP REPORT: Three-time runners-up Racing 92 claimed a last 16 place as they beat the Ospreys 25-10 after the Welsh region deservedly led by two points at the break.

POST-MATCH REACTION: Coach Johann van Graan was proud of his Munster side after they came from behind to make it three wins from three in the Champions Cup.

SPOTLIGHT: Springbok World Cup star Pieter-Steph du Toit has been named to make his Japan Rugby League One debut for Verblitz this weekend.

SPOTLIGHT: The Varsity Cup, South Africa's premier university tournament, will return with a few new gimmicks next month.

CHALLENGE CUP WRAP: Centre George Wacokecoke scored a try in the last play of the game as Newcastle Falcons grabbed a dramatic 17-13 win at Biarritz Olympique on Friday.

EUROPEAN CUP WRAP: Marcus Smith set up three tries, scored one and booted a penalty with the last kick of the game Friday to give Harlequins a 36-33 victory in Cardiff.

EUROPEAN CUP REPORT: Lock Rémi Picquette scored a try brace as Stade Rochelais cruised to a 39-21 win over Bath on Saturday.

NEWS: Six Nations matches in Wales will be able to go ahead after the Welsh government announced on Friday it was easing coronavirus restrictions in the coming weeks.

EUROPEAN CUP REPORT: Wasps earned a fantastic 30-22 win over Stade Toulousain in the Champions Cup on Saturday.

NEWS: Northampton Saints Director of Rugby Chris Boyd will miss the next two matches, after being banned for referee abuse.

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

READERS’ FORUM: Welcome to our live coverage of the Currie Cup Round One encounter between Western Province and the Lions in Cape Town.

READERS’ FORUM: Welcome to our live coverage of the European Cup Round Three match between Wasps and Stade Toulousain in Coventry.

NEWS: Italy's most capped player Sergio Parisse will miss their two opening matches of this year's Six Nations as he recovers from a wrist issue.

NEWS: Edinburgh centre George Taylor said he had retired from Rugby Union at the age of 25 following a "history of head injuries".

MATCH REPORT:  The Bulls avenged last season Currie Cup opener to Pumas with a 33-19 victory at the Mbombela Stadium on Friday. 

SPOTLIGHT: Which teams impressed and which teams regressed during the 2021 Test season?

Super Rugby Pacific is still a month-and-a-half away from kick-off, but footy fans in the Asia-Pacific corner of the globe can get their rugby fix as early as this weekend.

NEWS: World Rugby has confirmed that the New Zealand Sevens team will no longer compete in the Spain legs of the World Series.

ROUND THREE PREVIEW: With the postponed Round two fixtures declared draws, this weekend's Champions Cup Round Three fixtures are vital.

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

ROUND THREE, FRIDAY PREVIEW: We take a look at the two European Champions Cup fixtures on Friday.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Springbok Sevens playmaker Justin Geduld will return to the Sevens World Series for the first time in two years.

LET THE GAMES BEGIN: @king365ed looks at the opening weekend of South Africa's premier domestic competition, which is on the verge of becoming a development campaign.

INTERVIEW: South African prop Trevor Nyakane said he moved to French club Racing 92 because he needed a new "challenge" before a potential debut for his new side on Saturday.

INJURY UPDATE: Toulouse's World Rugby player of the year Antoine Dupont will miss this weekend's European Champions Cup game at Wasps with an unspecified injury.

SPOTLIGHT: South Africa World Cup-winning loosehead Tendai Mtawarira may have retired from international rugby more than two years ago, but he still appears to be in great shape.

NEWS: Lions and Springbok scrumhalf Ross Cronje has called time on his professional career.

NEWS: An England international arrested over the alleged rape of a teenager has been suspended by club side Sale.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Western Province will have a 'new' captain when they start their Currie Cup campaign against the Lions in Cape Town on Saturday.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: The Lions have unveiled their new Currie Cup captain, ahead of their Round One match against Western Province.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Griquas have named 12 players who will make their first appearance for the Kimberley-based outfit when they face the Cheetahs.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: The Cheetahs have gone 'experience heavy' for their opening match in the 2022 Currie Cup season.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Pumas coach Jimmy Stonehouse is eager to see how his 'new-look' team will shape up against what is expected to be the Bulls' URC combination.

REACTION: Bordeaux-Begles coach Christophe Urios said the decision by Euro Cup organisers to declare last month's postponed games as draws mean the competition is now "rubbish".

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Cornal Hendricks will captain a strong Bulls team in their opening match of the side's Currie Cup defence.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Western Province forward coach Lucas Floors has taken the Cape Town team's attitude to another level, according to flyhalf Tim Swiel.

NEWS: European tournament games involving British clubs in France this weekend look set to go ahead as planned.

SPOTLIGHT: Scottish rugby officials have exhaled a massive sigh of relief following the confirmation that they will be allowed to welcome a full capacity crowd to Murrayfield.

SPOTLIGHT: The latest acquisition by French outfit Racing 92, World Cup-winning Springbok Trevor Nyakane , took his first tentative steps in Paris this week.

DISCIPLINARY NEWS: Northampton Saints director of rugby Chris Boyd is set to face a disciplinary hearing for criticising the performance of referee Adam Leal in his team's loss to Saracens.

OPINION: The Springboks finished the season still holding World Rugby’s No.1 ranking, but were they the best team?

OPINION: With the World Cup in two years time, the big question is who are the contenders for the coveted title.

OPINION: The rugby season started with Covid-19 postponement and now it is ending on the same note.

NEWS: England rugby player – who cannot be named for legal reasons – has reportedly been arrested on the suspicion of raping a teenager last weekend.

SPOTLIGHT: It’s no secret that Australia’s Super Rugby franchises have struggled to foot it with their Kiwi counterparts in recent years, but the Brumbies are looking to change that in 2022.

NEWS: SA Rugby has revealed their kick-offs times and venues for the 2022 Currie Cup season.

INTERVIEW: The Lions have decided to 'split' their United Rugby Championship and Currie Cup squads.

SPOTLIGHT: No team has won more Currie Cup trophies than the Western Province.

NEWS: Fixtures originally postponed in the European Champions Cup and Challenge Cup last month have been declared draws, the tournament organisers announced on Tuesday.

NEWS: Bath has confirmed they will only fulfil their Champions Cup fixture against La Rochelle on Saturday if French travel restrictions are eased.

SPOTLIGHT: World Rugby has been urged to follow the lead of rugby league in the fight to reduce the effect of repeated head knocks.

NEWS: Harlequins announced that England number eight and fan favourite Alex Dombrandt has signed a new long-term deal with the Club

The Bulls have unveiled a skilled team of coaches that will oversee the defence of their Currie Cup title.

TRANSFER NEWS: Ireland international Simon Zebo has signed a new two-year contract to stay with Munster until the end of the 2023-24 season.

REACTION: Worcester Warriors head coach Jonathan Thomas believes there is “an issue with the law” after Scotland prop Rory Sutherland was sent off in his team 22-19 Premiership defeat at Bath.

Quarantine rules in France have left UK teams travelling there this weekend fearful that they could be left stranded following Champions and Challenge Cup matches.

Northampton Saints are reportedly set to promote from within to fill the vacancy created on Monday by the revelation that the highly-regarded Chris Boyd will head home to New Zealand at the end of the 2021/22 season in England.

SPOTLIGHT: Super Rugby Pacific expansion franchise Moana Pasifika have added two new coaches to its management staff just over a month out from the kick-off of the new competition.

REACTION: Former Ireland and Munster scrumhalf Peter Stringer believes Johann van Graan is not really committed to Munster's cause for the rest of the rest.

Kick tennis is a part of rugby that many spectators, and even players, do not necessarily like, but begrudgingly accept that it is part of the modern game.

PREMIERSHIP SUNDAY WRAP: Wasps ended Leicester's perfect start to the season with a 16-13 victory in the English Premiership on Sunday as Bath won for the first time this campaign by defeating 14-man Worcester.

Munster are reportedly in the market for a new centre.

NEWS: Premiership Rugby confirmed that London Irish have been awarded four match points and Bath two following the cancellation of their Premiership Round 12 game.

NEWS: Northampton is set to announce later this week that Chris Boyd is stepping down from his role as Saints Rugby Director.

URC REPORT: A gritty backs-to-the-wall effort saw Munster overcome Simon Zebo’s early sending-off to defeat Ulster 18-13 in the United Rugby Championship at Thomond Park.

SPOTLIGHT: On the global stage he was the ultimate Lions slayer. Now record-breaking Springbok and Bulls flyhalf Morne Steyn is ready to start putting back into the game.

TOP 14 WRAP: New Zealander Ben Botica kicked 12 points to send Castres to third place in the French Top 14 in Saturday's 15-9 home win over Stade Francais.

REACTION: Harlequins assistant coach Jerry Flannery has paid Andre Esterhuizen an awesome tribute after the out-of-favour Springboks midfielder produced a powerhouse display against Exeter.

SPOTLIGHT: Wasps boss Lee Blackett has voiced fears that the Premiership will lose some of its glamour as a result of reductions to the salary cap.

SPOTLIGHT: Controversial cross-code athlete Isreal Folau would be welcomed into Tonga's Test set-up in the lead-up to the 2023 World Cup reveals former captain Aleki Lutui.

PREMIERSHIP WRAP: Andre Esterhuizen delivered yet another incredible performance as his late converted try helped Harlequins secure a crucial 14-12 win over Exeter Chiefs on Saturday.

SPOTLIGHT: Toulon president Bernard Lemaître has labelled Springbok lock Eben Etzebeth as a 'handicap' due to the lock being expensive and often unavailable through injury and international commitments.

URC REPORT: Edinburgh shot to the top of the United Rugby Championship table after bagging four first-half tries against Cardiff Blues.

REACTION: Sale Sharks boss Alex Sanderson struggled to mask his frustration following a 15-32 Premiership defeat against Bristol Bears at Ashton Gate.

URC SPOTLIGHT: Fresh from the festive break, the Lions are hard at work on their preparations ahead of their first United Rugby Championship (URC) fixture.

NEWS: Toulon's game at home to La Rochelle in the Top 14 and the match between Toulouse and Montpellier, both scheduled for Sunday, have been called off due to Covid-19 outbreaks.

MATCH REPORT: Bristol Bears ended a run of four successive Premiership defeats as they continued Sale Sharks’ away-day blues by winning 32-15 at Ashton Gate.

NEWS: The organisers of the European Champions Cup said on Friday games in this season's pool stages later this month will take place as normal after receiving an exemption on travel rules from the French government.

INJURY NEWS: Springbok centre Damian De Allende will not feature in Munster's crucial United Rugby Championship (URC) match against Ulster on Saturday.

NEWS: Toulon head coach Franck Azema said on Friday an unnamed squad member has been hospitalised after contracting coronavirus, two days before South African star Cheslin Kolbe's league debut for the club.

REPORT: Josh McKay scored his first Glasgow Warriors try as they earned a bonus point against the Ospreys with a dominant second-half display.

SPOTLIGHT: Playmaker Johan Goosen has a new role at the Bulls while he recovers from his knee injury.

SPOTLIGHT: Munster will be feeling the pressure after their shock loss to Connacht last weekend as they host Ulster in a mouth-watering Irish derby in the pick of this weekend’s United Rugby Championship fixtures.

NEWS: London Irish confirmed that Agustin Creevy has put pen to paper to extend his time with the Exiles.

INJURY UPDATE: France star Charles Ollivon is likely to miss the Six Nations, head coach Fabien Galthie has said.

NEWS: Springbok centre Jan Serfontein has extended his stay with French club Montpellier.

NEWS: Former Wallabies boss Michael Cheika is reportedly in the firing line over the arrest of former NRL star Blake Ferguson on the eve of the Japan Rugby League One season.

SPOTLIGHT: Sharks loose forward Dylan Richardson has opened up on his decision to represent Scotland on the international stage.

SPOTLIGHT: South Africa’s Director of Rugby Rassie Erasmus has rekindled his rivalry with 2003 World Cup-winning England coach Clive Woodward on Twitter.

NEWS: Former France flyhalf Camille Lopez is to leave Clermont for Bayonne on a two-year deal, with an option for a third, from next season, it was announced Friday.

TRANSFER NEWS: United Rugby Championship club Cardiff on Thursday announced the signing of Wales international fullback Liam Williams from Welsh rivals Scarlets.

WATCH as South Africa Director of Rugby Rassie Erasmus shares a story about Makazole Mapimpi's character.

SPOTLIGHT: Exeter Chiefs Director of Rugby Rob Baxter has suggested that the Six Nations should be played in one country.

SPOTLIGHT: Bulls prop Lizo Gqoboka is looking to bury the demons from 2021.

PREVIEW: Brive's Argentine wing Axel Muller said this week he wants to benefit from a recent eligibility rule change to be able to represent the United States at the 2023 Rugby World Cup.

SPOTLIGHT: Former Ireland skipper Keith Wood had read Munster the riot act, accusing them of playing a “turgid nonsense” style of rugby.

NEWS: South Africa sevens speedster Angelo Davids has signed a two-year contract with Western Province Professional Rugby.

NEWS: There seems to be little light at the end of the tunnel for the massively virus-affected United Rugby Championship.

NEWS: The showpiece opening game of Japan's new rugby union championship was scrapped Wednesday because of coronavirus cases, two days before it was due to take place at Tokyo's Olympic Stadium.

SPOTLIGHT: France head coach Fabien Galthie said on Tuesday that November's win over New Zealand gives his side "hope" of winning a title.

SPOTLIGHT: New Zealand superstar Sonny Bill Williams has revealed his sons would prefer playing for the Springboks instead of All Blacks.

INTERVIEW: Mziwakhe Nkosi will lead the Lions ahead of the 2022 Currie Cup campaign.

NEWS: Former Ireland scrumhalf Michael Bradley has been removed from his position as head coach of Zebre, the Italian rugby outfit announced on Tuesday.

SPOTLIGHT: Japan's rugby union season kicks off on Friday with big ambitions, tongue-twister team names and a rebrand that has left some fans wondering which version of the sport they will be watching.

SPOTLIGHT: Wales legend Shane Williams has revealed that at one time he "hated Welsh rugby and head coach Steve Hansen with a passion".

NEWS: Saracens revealed that loose forward Jackson Wray suffered a fractured skull during their weekend Premiership victory over Northampton.

TRANSFER TALK: Springboks legendary prop Os du Randt is reportedly set to join the coaching team of Russia.

NEWS: Blake Ferguson's arrest and subsequent sacking has sent his Japanese rugby club into damage control.

NEWS: Munster forwards coach Graham Rowntree has signed a two-year contract extension that will see him remain with the province until at least June 2024.

REACTION: Andre Esterhuizen is hoping to hear from Springbok head coach Jacques Nienaber in the near future.

SPOTLIGHT: Former Springbok assistant coach Gert Smal has officially started his tenure at the Bulls.

REACTION: Northampton Saints director of rugby Chris Boyd suggested referee Adam Leal “didn’t have enough nuts” to award a penalty at a crucial stage of a 6-30 Premiership defeat by Saracens.

SPOTLIGHT: Springbok legend Joel Stransky believes Handre Pollard is not enjoying his rugby with the Springboks.

REACTION: Munster head coach Johan van Graan has defended his players' commitment on the field after their 8-10 defeat to Connacht in Round Nine of the United Rugby Championship.

NEWS: Former Australia Rugby League international Blake Ferguson has been fired by his Japanese club without playing a game after being arrested in Tokyo on drug charges, the team said.

STAT ATTACK: The Springboks have plenty of talent when it comes to versatile forwards and it was on display in the Premiership on Saturday.

PREMIERSHIP WRAP: Springbok centre Andre Esterhuizen picked up another man-of-the-match award as Harlequins edged Gloucester 20-17 at Kingsholm on Sunday.

The Bulls turned back the clock to revisit "one of the best tries you will ever see".

SPOTLIGHT: The Japan Rugby Football Union is in talks with both the Six Nations and the Rugby Championship to ensure regular international games.

SPOTLIGHT: Eddie Jones has opened up about the rumours linking him to the British and Irish Lions job.

STAT ATTACK: Harlequins fullback Tyrone Green is one of the best players in the Premiership at the moment.

SPOTLIGHT: Wales star Dan Biggar fears playing the Six Nations behind closed doors could harm the champions' prospects of a successful title defence.

REPORT: Johnny McNicholl scored two tries in the final quarter to earn a 22-19 victory for the Scarlets over the Ospreys in a hard-fought Welsh derby in Llanelli.

URC REPORT: Bundee Aki’s first try of the season saw Connacht win a fiery United Rugby Championship contest as they edged out Munster 10-8 at the Sportsground.

PREMIERSHIP WRAP: Sale Sharks were triumphant in their first Premiership game since November as they powered past Wasps 26-18 for a bonus-point success at the AJ Bell Stadium.

NEWS: Bath’s Premiership match at London Irish on Monday has been called off after the club returned more positive Covid-19 test results.

TOP 14 WRAP: Italy wing Federico Mori scored the first double of his senior career as Bordeaux-Begles moved five points clear as leaders of the French Top 14 on Sunday with a 30-27 home win over Biarritz.

REACTION: Newcastle Falcons loose forward Carl Fearns is clearly not a fan of Springbok No.8 Jasper Wiese.

INTERVIEW: International referee Andrew Brace opens up about the impact of the Rassie Erasmus video on officials.

NEWS: England's 2022 Six Nations hopes received a significant boost on Friday.

WATCH as we bring you the list of the most drop goals in World Cup history.

TOP 14 PREVIEW: Champions Toulouse may be short of match practice due to their last two games being postponed but they travel to Clermont for Saturday's Top 14 clash boosted by several stars having committed to the club.

NEWS: In-form Montpellier's Top 14 clash with Toulon due to be played on Sunday has been called off owing to the latter having a surfeit of Covid-19 cases the French League (LNR) announced.

TOP 14 WRAP: Veteran flyhalf Camille Lopez kicked Clermont to a 16-13 home win over French Top 14 champions Toulouse on Saturday, to move into the play-off places.

NEWS: The Lions Rugby Company have secured the services of four Pumas players on a full-time basis.

SPOTLIGHT: With the majority of the fixtures in Round Nine postponed, the United Rugby Championship faces major concerns.

STATS ATTACK:  A look at how rugby has evolved at a remarkably rapid rate.

NEWS: England received some good news ahead of their 2022 Six Nations campaign.

SPOTLIGHT: Former British & Irish Lions and England hooker Brian Moore has described Warren Gatland’s tactics against South Africa this year as a “mistake and an avoidable one at that.”

SPOTLIGHT: Following significant disruptions to recent rounds of the United Rugby Championship, three further fixtures have been called off ahead of the first weekend of the new year.

PICTURES: South African franchises have all picked where they left off following the Christmas break.

NEWS: Jasper Wiese will miss Leicester Tigers' next two games.

TRANSFER TALK: Anthony Watson’s time at Bath is coming to an end after it was revealed that the England wing is eager to turn over a new leaf at a new club.

NEWS: Argentina loose forward Guido Petti has signed a contract extension keeping him at Bordeaux-Begles until 2025, the French club announced on Thursday.

NEWS: Leicester confirmed they were cooperating with a Premiership Rugby investigation into historical image rights payments after meeting officials over a potential breach of salary-cap regulations.

NEWS: The Italian derby between Benetton and Zebre has become the latest United Rugby Championship fixture to be postponed due to Covid-19 cases.

TOP 14 WRAP: Montpellier maintained their Top 14 charge with a 27-12 away win and a bonus point at rock-bottom Biarritz on Monday.

NEWS: Scheduling for the URC up to Round 17 has been completed with adjustments made to cater for postponed and rescheduled fixtures

NEWS: Premiership Rugby confirmed that Newcastle Falcons have been awarded four match points and Sale Sharks two following the cancellation of their Premiership Round 11 game.

TRANSFER TALK: Springbok and Sharks flyhalf Curwin Bosch could soon ply his trade at English Premiership side Bath.

SPOTLIGHT: England prop Joe Marler had plenty of praise for South Africa's Director of Rugby Rassie Erasmus in a recent interview.

REACTION: Centre Andre Esterhuizen will definitely be a hard man to ignore when Jacques Nienaber selects his first Springbok squad in 2022.

REPORT: Harlequins move into third place in the English Premiership with a 41-27 win over Northampton Saints on Monday.

NEWS: The first leg of the 1872 Cup between Glasgow Warriors and Edinburgh, which was due to be played on Monday, has been postponed.

REACTION: Leicester head coach Steve Borthwick insists his Premiership leaders will be galvanised by the investigation into a potential salary cap breach at Welford Road.

Springbok superstar Duane Vermeulen took some time out to learn some Ulster slang.

SPOTLIGHT: Springbok superstar Duane Vermeulen still has a lot he wants to achieve on the rugby field.

SPOTLIGHT: Bulls have a history of producing some of the country’s best locks in South Africa.

PREMIERSHIP WRAP: Leicester Tigers extended their unbeaten record in the Premiership this season as the leaders snatched a thrilling 28-26 victory at Bristol Bears on Sunday.

SPOTLIGHT: Bullied by the Crusaders and overlooked by Wallabies selectors, there are many motivations for Queensland Reds players next season.

ANALYSES: Naysayers may scoff at the suggestion, but veteran loose forward Duane Vermeulen remains a formidable force that could be invaluable to the Springboks at the World Cup in France in 2023.

NEWS: England sevens great Ben Gollings has been appointed coach of Fiji's dual Olympic champion men's rugby sevens team.

NEWS: The English Premiership match between Newcastle and Sale on Sunday has been cancelled because of Covid-19 positives.

OPINION: @rugby365com contributor Angus Opperman looks at the depth of South Africa and New Zealand, with a view to a midweek game between their second-string teams in 2022.

SPOTLIGHT: Are two of the most prominent officials in South African rugby heading for another high-profile public stand-off?

URC ROUND EIGHT: The scheduled action-packed Christmas weekend suffered a major curveball with key derby clashes postponed due to Covid-19.

VIDEOS: The South African Rugby Legends Association sent a special message of support for Rassie Erasmus.

OPINION: RugbyPass writer Ben Smith dissects some worrying comments from the All Blacks' leadership.

SPOTLIGHT: Super Rugby Pacific is being billed as the world's best provincial competition. Yet, at least on prominent coach has pointed to a fatal flaw in its make-up.

SPOTLIGHT: Roc Nation Sports President Michael Yormark has called for drastic changes in South African sport, including rugby.

NEWS: Former BlitzBok star and utility back Cornal Hendricks has signed a contract extension with the Bulls.

NEWS: Former Springbok assistant coach Dick Muir has been appointed as Russia's new head coach.

NEWS: Ireland and Leinster Rugby have announced that Andrew Porter has signed an IRFU contract which will see him play his rugby in Ireland until at least July 2025.

TOP 14 PREVIEW: The resumption of the Top 14 immediately after Christmas has been disrupted by coronavirus as the league on Friday cancelled two games, including the one involving leaders Bordeaux Begles.

NEWS: Champions Toulouse's home game on Sunday with Stade Francais became the fourth Top 14 clash to be called off due to a surfeit of Covid-19 positive tests in the visiting club.

NEWS: England internationals Billy and Mako Vunipola have both signed new contracts at Saracens, it was announced Friday.

TRANSFER TALK: Sale Sharks face a tough battle to retain World Cup-winning Springbok lock Lood de Jager.

NEWS: The Super Rugby Pacific draw for next year has been revised to delay trans-Tasman travel for as long as possible and minimise potential disruption from Covid-19 restrictions.

NEWS: Cardiff's United Rugby Championship Round Eight clash against Scarlets on Sunday has been postponed due to Covid-19 cases.

SPOTLIGHT: It seems the Bulls are not ignoring the fact that they have issues in the front row.

REACTION: Lions head coach Ivan van Rooyen revealed he has no qualms regarding the latest rescheduling of fixtures announced by the United Rugby Championship (URC).

NEWS: There are five Springboks in World Rugby's Dream Team of the Year.

NEWS: Ulster's game against Irish rivals Connacht on Sunday has become the latest United Rugby Championship fixture this weekend to be postponed because of the coronavirus.

Whether it is a tongue-in-cheek video, a compliment or just a statement, the South Africa Director of Rugby Rassie Erasmus continues to take Twitter by storm.

NEWS: Ireland star Conor Murray has made a decision on his playing future.

NEWS: Stuart Hogg has responded to reports on his playing future.

URC REPORT: Benetton confirmed their current superiority over Italian rivals Zebre Parma with a dominant 39-14 United Rugby Championship victory at Stadio Sergio Lanfranchi.

URC ROUND EIGHT: The festive fare in the United Rugby Championship starts on Christmas Eve, Friday, with the Italian derby between Zebre and Benetton, the visitors from Treviso, in Parma.

OPINION: The major talking point and concern among All Blacks supporters is the man in the driver seat, Ian Foster.

SPOTLIGHT: England head coach Eddie Jones has two very different ratings for Rassie Erasmus' infamous 62-minute video.

NEWS: Another United Rugby Championship Round Eight clash has been postponed due to Covid-19 cases.

SPOTLIGHT: Damian McKenzie wants to stake his claim for the All Blacks' No.10 shirt

NEWS: French international flank Kevin Gourdon has had to end his playing career at 31 following the discovery of a heart problem, his club La Rochelle said on Tuesday.

STATS ATTACK:  The United Rugby Championship team have taken look back over the last 12 months of URC and Pro14 to see which players have stood out using the URC StatMaster expected points (xp) metric.

REACTION: Cardiff Rugby Director of Rugby Dai Young revealed it will “take a bit of convincing” to return to South Africa.

NEWS: Spanish rugby international Kawa Leauma has died after an accidental fall following a match against the Netherlands in Amsterdam, the national rugby federation announced on Tuesday.

NEWS: Cross-code star Suliasi Vunivalu has been linked with a move back to the NRL and is reportedly considering quitting rugby union halfway through his two-year deal with the Reds.

NEWS: Sunday's United Rugby Championship Round Eight clash between Ospreys and the Dragons has been postponed due to Covid-19 cases.

TRANSFER NEWS: Scotland centre Nick Grigg will leave Glasgow at the end of this year after agreeing on an early release from his contract to join Japanese club NTT Docomo Red Hurricanes.

REACTION: Leicester Tigers boss Steve Borthwick says Cyle Brink has been an important part of his squad, despite the injuries he suffered.

SPOTLIGHT: Springbok centre Damian de Allende produced an outstanding performance for Munster in their 19-13 win over Castres in a Champions Cup Round Two match on Saturday.

TRANSFER NEWS: The Bulls have bolstered their back-row stocks.

NEWS: Scotland lock Sam Skinner admits it's with a heavy heart that he will be calling time on his Exeter Chiefs career at the end of the current campaign.

NEWS: Italy great Sergio Parisse, who is set to retire from rugby at the end of the season, will be recalled for the Six Nations if he has recovered sufficiently from his recent wrist injury.

TRANSFER TALK: The Sharks are reportedly eager to lure the Du Preez twins, Jean-Luc and Daniel, back to South Africa.

NEWS: The Ligue Nationale de Rugby (LNR) in France are reportedly set to reduce the salary cap in French rugby.

REACTION: Springbok superstar Cheslin Kolbe is grateful to be back on the rugby field after a lengthy injury lay-off.

WATCH as World Cup-winning Springbok Cheslin Kolbe makes his debut for Toulon.

SPOTLIGHT: It's that time of the year again when we start to reflect on the rugby season.

NEWS: Ospreys hooker Ifan Phillips on Sunday revealed he needed his leg amputated after a motorbike accident earlier in December.

WATCH as Scotland's Stuart Hogg takes on South African Willie le Roux to find out which of them can make the longest spiral kick!

INTERVIEW: NZ Rugby Chief Executive Mark Robinson is adamant Trans-Tasman rugby will go ahead in 2022 despite the growing threat of the Omicron virus.

OPINION: Alex McLeod takes a look at the brightest young talent on display this year and only one Springbok makes the cut!

MATCH REPORT: Leicester Tigers recorded their second win in two Champions Cup games this season as they toiled to a 29-23 win over Connacht at Welford Road on Sunday.

TRANSFER NEWS: Sale Sharks announced that British and Irish Lions and England lock Jonny Hill has signed a long-term contract to join the club ahead of the 2022/23 Premiership season.

MATCH REPORT: Munster flyhalf Ben Healy kicked 14 points for the Irish province as they outlasted a stubborn Castres Olympique side in a 19-13 Champions Cup Pool B victory.

EURO CUP REPORT: Harlequins made it two wins from two in the Champions Cup as they ran in six tries to beat a fearless Cardiff side 43-17 at Twickenham Stoop on Saturday.

NEWS: Former BlitzBok star Vuyo Zangqa is Russia's new Sevens head coach.

EURO CUP REPORT: Flyhalf Ross Thompson kicked 15 points as Glasgow Warriors battled to an excellent 22-7 win over Exeter Chiefs in the Champions Cup at Scotstoun Stadium on Saturday.

WATCH as Werner Kok took some time out to give his new teammate Ben Tapuai a lesson in South African lingo.

CHALLENGE CUP WRAP: Springbok superstar Cheslin Kolbe started his Toulon journey with a win in the European Challenge Cup on Friday.

OPINION: Former England flyhalf Andy Goode takes a look at the complicated roster issues presented to organisers of the European Cup.

EURO CUP REPORT: Ulster survived a last-quarter fightback by visiting Northampton to win 27-22 and start their Champions Cup campaign with two victories.

SPOTLIGHT: Former World Rugby CEO Brett Gosper has revealed his one regret from his long stint in charge of the game’s governing body.

DISCIPLINARY UPDATE: Controversial referee Romain Poite was wrong in issuing a red card against England international Brad Shields.

BREAKING NEWS: This weekend's European Champions Cup and Challenge Cup matches between teams from the UK and France have been postponed.

INTERVIEW: Watch as World Cup-winning Springbok loose forward Duane Vermeulen gives his first interview since joining Ulster.

NEWS: Wallaby great David Pocock announced Friday he is moving into politics, launching a bid to reach the Australian Senate in next year's general election.

OPINION: The Stormers' search for a suitable replacement for departed Springbok stalwart Mbongeni Mbonambi has rattled a few cages.

NEWS: A familiar face will be in the Hurricanes' colours when the new Super Rugby Pacific tournament starts in February.

REACTION: Bath Director of Rugby Stuart Hooper has spoken for the first time since the English club confirmed the appointment of Munster boss Johann van Graan.

WATCH as we bring you some of the best moments of former Springbok No.8 Pierre Spies - a freakish athlete if there ever was one!

NEWS: Springbok wing Cheslin Kolbe is set to make his Toulon debut on Friday, 112 days after it was confirmed he had agreed to a shock transfer from Toulouse.

NEWS: Several players have extended their contracts with the Sharks.

NEWS: Friday's European Champions Cup Round Two clash between Montpellier and Leinster has been called off due to new positive Covid cases.

TRANSFER NEWS: England prop Ellis Genge will return to the Bristol Bears next season after five years with Leicester.

BREAKING NEWS: Another French club received five free points in the European Cup, as COVID threatens to wreak havoc.

DISCIPLINARY UPDATE: Bath wing Will Muir has been banned for four weeks.

INTERVIEW: Quality competition is contributing to the gradual growth of the Bulls team, says scrumhalf, Embrose Papier.

NEWS: England will face the two leading teams on the world rankings at Twickenham next year.

NEWS: Former Auckland, Blues and Tonga player Taniela Moa has passed away at age of 36 leading to tributes from his former teams.

ROUND TWO FRIDAY PREVIEWS: There will only be one European Champions Cup clash on Friday.

SPOTLIGHT: With the Currie Cup and the United Rugby Championship both on the go in January, it will be all systems go for both the Stormers and Western Province.

INTERVIEW: Experienced Argentina wing Juan Imhoff says he is unlikely to feature for his country any time soon after withdrawing from this season's November internationals due to coronavirus restrictions.

BREAKING NEWS: Former Springbok assistant coach Johann van Graan's next gig has been confirmed

TRANSFER NEWS: England prop Ellis Genge announced on Wednesday that he will leave Premiership leaders Leicester Tigers at the end of this season.

NEWS: All Black, Crusaders and Canterbury hooker Codie Taylor has become the latest top player to recommit long term to New Zealand Rugby.

SPOTLIGHT: New Zealand Rugby chief executive Mark Robinson is adamant trans-Tasman matches will go ahead in 2022 despite the growing threat of the Omicron virus.

DISCIPLINARY UPDATE: Wasps' England loose forward Brad Shields has been banned for a month.

CHALLENGE CUP DISCIPLINARY UPDATE: A citing complaint against the Section Paloise second row Daniel Ramsay has been dismissed.

NEWS: EPCR confirmed that Saracens has recorded a significant number of positive tests for COVID-19 among their playing squad.

WATCH as we bring you a collection of some of the best hits from past games between South Africa and New Zealand.

NEWS: Bordeaux-Begles' France flyhalf Francois Trinh-Duc said in an interview published on Wednesday he will retire at the end of the season.

PODCAST: Former England international Andy Goode has outlined his fury with Romain Poite.

NEWS: The Sharks have revealed their new Currie Cup coaching team.

INTERVIEW: Crusaders coach Scott Robertson has provided an update on Richie Mo’unga’s availability for the beginning of next year’s Super Rugby Pacific campaign.

NEWS: A South African has been added to Bath's coaching team.

SPOTLIGHT: The inaugural Japan Rugby League One competition kicks off on January 7, with the big money on offer attracting stars from around the world.

NEWS: Joe Schmidt was named as an All Blacks selector Tuesday, but will not take up the role until after his former team Ireland tour New Zealand next year.

NEWS: Munster head coach Johann van Graan has finally revealed his decision on his coaching future.

NEWS: France's South African-born lock has made a decision on his playing future.

SPOTLIGHT: Argentina star Pablo Matera has opened up on his "challenging" move to Christchurch ahead of next year's Super Rugby Pacific campaign.

NEWS: Hunter Paisami has shunned overseas offers to extend his contract with Rugby Australia and the Queensland Reds in a boost for the Wallabies' 2023 World Cup aspirations.

WATCH as one of South Africa's most prized assets makes his first appearance on the training field in four months.

REACTION: Ulster captain Alan O'Connor had plenty of praise for Springbok superstar Duane Vermeulen after the Irish side's upset win over Clermont Auvergne in the Champions Cup.

REACTION: The IRFU hit back at a group of over 60 female players who have penned a withering letter to the Irish government, complaining about the national union.

SPOTLIGHT: Some of New Zealand's leading players revealed they are 'keen' on exploring alternatives to playing in their own country.

NEWS: This week's Champions Cup match between Montpellier and Leinster is in doubt after the French club announced that a fifth member of their set-up had tested positive for Covid-19.

NEWS: Leinster postponed training until Tuesday ahead of this week's European Champions Cup visit to Montpellier, while the Irish province wait for their latest COVID-19 test results.

NEWS: SA Rugby's unexpected profit of ZAR21 million was reportedly the reason for a heated argument between South Africa's bosses on Friday.

NEWS: NZ Rugby issued a directive for all 15-a-side community competitions to require COVID-19 vaccination certificates, as part of participation in 2022.

NEWS: The All Blacks are set to venture into new territory when the 2022 Rugby Championship comes around.

EURO CUP REPORT: Tries from Rohan Janse van Rensburg and Jean-Luc du Preez helped Sale beat Ospreys on Sunday.

NEWS: One of the world's best coaches is set to get an important role with the All Blacks.

OPINION: The RugbyPass duo of Jamie Lyall and Owain Jones picked a team from the players they thought were the most impressive in November.

EURO CUP REPORT: Harlequins survived a late rally from Castres Olympique as they picked up an important 20-18 win in the opening round of the Champions Cup at Stade Pierre Fabre on Saturday.

EURO CUP REPORT: Munster scored four tries on their way to a 35-14 victory over Wasps in Coventry.

EURO CUP REPORT: Last season’s Champions Cup finalists Stade Rochelais fought to a 20-13 win over Glasgow Warriors at Stade Marcel Deflandre in their opening game of the 2021/22 campaign on Sunday.

WATCH as Springbok legend Frik du Preez addresses a crowd and produces some real rugby pearlers.

NEWLANDS UPDATE: They may have failed with their 'vote of no confidence', but Cape Town clubs are once again rounding up on controversial WPRFU President Zelt Marais.

EURO CUP REPORT: Connacht captain Jack Carty produced a hat-trick of assists and kicked six points as Andy Friend’s side beat Stade Français Paris 36-9 in the Champions Cup on Sunday

EURO CUP REPORT: Exeter Chiefs lock Jonny Gray notched a second-half hat-trick as the 2020 Champions Cup winners routed Montpellier 42-6 at Sandy Park.

CHALLENGE CUP WRAP: Saracens got their Challenge Cup campaign underway with a shock 18-21 loss to Edinburgh in London.

REPORT: Four-time European champions Leinster kicked off their Champions Cup Pool A campaign as they eased to a 45-20 win over Bath in Dublin on Saturday.

EUROPEAN REPORT: France scrumhalf Antoine Dupont celebrated being named World Player of the Year with a try as Toulouse won 39-7 at Cardiff in the Champions Cup on Saturday.

EUROPEAN REPORT: A 77th-minute penalty from Leicester Tigers flyhalf George Ford was ultimately the deciding factor in a 16-13 win over Union Bordeaux-Begles.

EUROPEAN REPORT: Ulster produced an impressive display to win 29-23 against ASM Clermont Auvergne on Saturday.

NEWS: The Currie Cup will kick off next month, with a seven-team Premier Division, following an online meeting of the SARU General Council.

EURO CUP MATCH REPORT: Racing 92 overwhelmed Northampton 45-14 in the opening match of the Champions Cup season.

CHALLENGE CUP WRAP: French club Lyon and Premiership outfit Newcastle Falcons got their European season off to winning starts.

LISTEN as England coach Eddie Jones unpacks South Africa's ability to successfully defend their World Cup title in 2023.

NEWS: The World Rugby men's and women's 15-a-side Player of the Year have been announced.

NEWS: All Black Ngani Laumape on Friday became the latest player to express interest in turning out for Tonga, the country of his heritage, following a relaxation in World Rugby player eligibility rules.

NEWS: SA Rugby Chief Executive Jurie Roux has lost his appeal and is now responsible to personally pay back more than ZAR37-million to the University of Stellenbosch.

AWARDS: The five finalists for South Africa's Player of the Year have been revealed.

NEWS: Scott Johnson will leave his role as Rugby Australia's Director of Rugby at the end of the year, while Sevens coaches Tim Walsh and John Manenti will swap jobs.

TRANSFER NEWS: Wasps have bolstered their pack with one of the world's best props.

SPOTLIGHT: It seems Steve Borthwick is everything Handre Pollard wants in a coach.

COMPETITION TIME: Want to get the ultimate stocking stuffer for someone? Here's your chance.

NEWS: Another All Black has decided to extend his contract in New Zealand, re-signing with New Zealand Rugby through to 2024.

PREVIEW ROUND ONE: Former New Zealand prop Charlie Faumuina expects to face a "willing" Cardiff side in the European Champions Cup on Saturday.

SPOTLIGHT: John Mitchell has finally broken his silence on why he surprisingly quit working for Eddie Jones’ national team.

NEWS: Argentina's Marcos Moneta has been crowned World Rugby's Men's Sevens Player of the Year.

NEWS: Western Province have revealed their coaching team for the upcoming Currie Cup campaign.

WATCH as the Bulls' new Currie Cup coach dishes out his own version of 'justice'.

SPOTLIGHT: The Bulls will not be making drastic changes in terms of their scrums.

REACTION: Ousted Western Province Rugby Football Union (WPRFU) president Zelt Marais has lashed out at the South African Rugby Union (SARU) in a letter.

UPDATE: It appears 'stability' is finally descending on the Newlands boardroom, after nearly two years of chaotic and destructive infighting.

SPOTLIGHT: Lions head coach Ivan van Rooyen says Vincent Tshituka's growth as a player has been 'positive'.

NEWS: The All Blacks left no stone unturned in their team reviews.

NEWS: Tappe Henning has been appointed Head of Match Officials for the United Rugby Championship.

NEWS: Garry Ringrose will be "an influential figure over the coming years" for both Leinster and Ireland said Irish Rugby Football Union's (IRFU) High Performance Director David Nucifora.

NEWS: A Wallaby has signed a contract extension keeping him at Bordeaux-Begles until 2024.

REACTION: World Cup-winning Springbok flyhalf Handre Pollard has turned down bigger offers to join leading English Premiership club Leicester Tigers.

WATCH as Bulls Director of Rugby Jake White explains how they will overcome the challenging start to their United Rugby Championship campaign.

SPOTLIGHT: World Rugby has revealed the winners of two more categories of their global awards.

NEWS: The European Cup has suffered its first cancellation as a result of a COVID-19 outbreak.

TRANSFER NEWS: Edinburgh confirmed that teenage centre Jordan Venter has joined English Premiership side Bath with immediate effect.

NEWS: English Premiership leaders Leicester announced the signing of South Africa World Cup-winning flyhalf Handre Pollard.

WATCH as @WorldRugby7s reveals the best players from the second leg of the World Series - in Dubai at the weekend.

SPOTLIGHT: The design plans for the Crusaders’ future home ground, the Canterbury Multi-Use Arena, has been revealed by the Christchurch City Council.

WATCH as Lions coach Ivan van Rooyen talks about his team's dramatic turnaround after a barren Currie Cup campaign.

NEWS: World Rugby has revealed the winner of the men's Try of the Year award.

NEWS: Sam Cane has made a decision on his playing future.

SPOTLIGHT: Sharks have been growing depth in key positions over the last year and the No.10 spot has become one of the most promising in that regard.

NEWS: Munster head coach Johann van Graan could be heading to England.

JERSEY LAUNCH: New Zealand's five Super Rugby franchises have revealed their new jerseys for next year's inaugural Super Rugby Pacific competition.

REACTION: The Stormers are not just disappointed in their performance, but also frustrated that they have to wait a month to rectify the matter.

WATCH as Bulls Director of Rugby Jake White unpacks his team's 16-30 loss to the Sharks in Durban at the weekend.

REACTION: A reward of ZAR100,000 has been offered for "information leading to the recovery of Werner Kok's BlitzBok jerseys," after the South African was robbed last week.

NEWS: EPCR officials have shut the door on the suggestion that some of this weekend’s games could be rearranged to help clubs hit by South Africa’s COVID-19 outbreak.

PREMIERSHIP MATCH REPORT: George Ford kicked 11 points to maintain Leicester's unbeaten start to the season by winning a titanic struggle with the reigning champions.

REACTION: Lions coach Ivan van Rooyen praised his team's character after their victory over the Stormers in Cape Town on Saturday.

OPINION: Retired Springbok scrumhalf Neil de Kock takes a look at how South African will fair without Director of Rugby Johan 'Rassie' Erasmus.

WATCH as a couple of referees bring out their best chirps to put seasoned players in their place in the United Rugby Championship at the weekend.

REACTION: Springbok Sevens coach Neil Powell and captain Siviwe Soyizwapi both praised the character of the team.

TRANSFER NEWS: Flyhalf Ihaia West has signed for Toulon on a three year contract from Top 14 rivals La Rochelle, his new club confirmed on Sunday.

REACTION: Former Fiji Sevens coach Peni Veidreyaki explained why he felt the double Olympic Champions failed in Dubai.

REACTION: Sharks coach Sean Everitt said he was "very happy" with per performance and impact his returning Springboks had on the team in Friday's impressive 30-16 win over the Bulls.

MATCH REPORT: Glasgow Warriors bounced back after last weekend's frustrating away loss to Benetton by producing their sharpest performance of the Danny Wilson era.

NEWS: The United Rugby Championship (URC) have released a statement after a chaotic week.

URC MATCH REPORT: Ospreys flyhalf Stephen Myler kicked 14 points to steer his side to a hard-fought 19-13 victory over Ulster in Swansea.

URC MATCH REPORT: The Stormers’ first home game in the United Rugby Championship was a depressing one as they were outplayed by the Lions.

DAY TWO WRAP: The impressive JC Pretorius scored the winning try for the Springbok Sevens to defeat Australia 10-7 in a thrilling World Rugby Sevens Series final in Dubai on Saturday.

URC MATCH REPORT: Leinster overcame a fast-starting Connacht to claim a 47-19 United Rugby Championship derby win at the RDS Arena.

REACTION: Stormers head coach John Dobson hopes the United Rugby Championship can continue as planned in the new year after disruptions to Round Six and Seven.

PREMIERSHIP REPORT: Gloucester finally ended a run of five straight English Premiership defeats by arch-rivals Bristol with a 27-10 derby victory at Kingsholm on Friday.

WATCH as we bring you a bizarre bit of play in the Blitzboks' clash with Japan at the Dubai Sevens on Friday.

REACTION: Stormers captain Salmaan Moerat has addressed reports linking him to a move up north.

URC MATCH REPORT: Bulls coach Jake White's pre-match prediction proved to be prophetic, as the Springbok-laden Sharks beat his team 30-16 on Durban on Friday.

NEWS: The Bulls have revealed their coach for next year's Currie Cup campaign.

PREMIERSHIP WRAP: South African duo Juarno Augustus and Courtnall Skosan were on fire for Northampton Saints.

URC REPORT: Blair Kinghorn was at the heart of the action as in-form Edinburgh moved up to second in the United Rugby Championship with a bonus-point 24-10 victory against Benetton.

NEWS: Sharks speedster Werner Kok has asked fans for help after he revealed that all his Springbok Sevens jerseys were stolen from a storage facility in Cape Town.

READERS’ FORUM: Welcome to our live coverage of the United Rugby Championship Round Seven match between the Stormers and Lions in Cape Town.

DAY ONE WRAP: Fiji missed out on a place in the Cup play-offs in the second round of the Dubai leg of the World Series.

NEWS: The SA Rugby match official panels for 2022 were confirmed on Friday.

TRANSFER NEWS: Glasgow Warriors have signed a giant.

NEWS: ECC organisers said teams will be allowed to add as many new players as they wish to their squads for this season's competition.

SPRINGBOK TRIAL: The Springboks won't play for another seven months, but there will be some interesting head-to-head battles when the SA teams re-enter the URC.

TOP 14 PREVIEW: Australia lock Kane Douglas said second-placed Bordeaux-Begles will have to be defensively sound when they host champions and leaders Toulouse on Saturday.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Stormers head coach John Dobson has revealed his team to face the Lions in their Round Seven United Rugby Championship clash in Cape Town.

NEWS: Wallabies star Quade Cooper has revealed he will take his citizenship test, finally allowing him to "officially call Australia home".

READERS’ FORUM: Welcome to our live coverage of the United Rugby Championship Round Seven match between the Sharks and Bulls at Kings Park.

SPOTLIGHT: South Africa is going to continue losing talented players to cash-flush teams abroad unless there is a dramatic change in strategy.

DISCIPLINARY UPDATE: Argentinian bad boy Tomas Lavanini won’t play again until 2022 after he copped a hefty ban from World Rugby.

NEWS: New Zealand Rugby has revealed the nominees for their annual awards event.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: The Lions will have more to play for than just points on the table when they face the Stormers in Cape Town on Saturday.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Sharks head coach Sean Everitt has revealed a powerful team to face the Bulls in their United Rugby Championship clash on Friday.

REACTION: Sharks head coach Sean Everitt has explained Lukhanyo Am's positional switch for their United Rugby Championship clash against the Bulls in Durban on Friday.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Bulls Director of Rugby Jake White has revealed his team to face the Sharks in their United Rugby Rugby Championship encounter in Durban on Friday.

WORLD SERIES ROUND TWO: The World Rugby Sevens Series continues with a second Dubai Sevens event on December 3-4 as fans return to The Sevens Stadium.

NEWS: The Bulls officially said goodbye to one of their Springboks on Wednesday.

NEWS: The Highlanders have added three players as temporary replacements to cover for their All Blacks.

NEWS: The Sharks' friendly against Saracens in London has been cancelled.

SPOTLIGHT: The Bulls are wary of the task that awaits them in Durban against the Sharks on Friday.

NEWS: Springbok flyhalf Handre Pollard has reportedly turned down a big-money move to Japan.

INTERVIEW: Lions captain Burger Odendaal chats to @king365ed about his team's top to Cape Town for a URC encounter with the Stormers.

SPOTLIGHT: Bulls hooker Johan Grobbelaar will be out to produce some impressive performances in the United Rugby Championship and ultimately make a return to the national set-up.

NEWS: World Rugby has announced 10 optional law variations for the global community game, which are designed to increase player welfare and accessibility.

NEWS: Wallabies star Tom Banks is back in training with the Brumbies ahead of next year’s inaugural Super Rugby Pacific campaign following an injury lay-off. Alex McLeod reports.

NEWS: The majority of Munster's squad has left Cape Town after a "difficult time" in South Africa.

INTERVIEW: The Stormers are set to get some serious Springbok muscle back when they host the Lions in Cape Town on Saturday.

NEWS: Ulster's latest recruit from South Africa won't be featuring for the Irish province this week.

TRANSFER NEWS: Another World Cup-winning Springbok will continue his career in France.

WATCH as Cheetahs coach Hawies Fourie chats to @king365ed about the November challenge series and the progress they made.

NEWS UPDATE: The Cardiff team plans to depart Cape Town on Thursday, after the Welsh franchise secured a charter flight and quarantine accommodation in England.

NEWS: All Black loose forward Ardie Savea has signed a four-year deal with New Zealand Rugby, which will keep him in Aotearoa through to the end of the 2025 season.

NEWS: The rugby public did not think Eben Etzebeth was the best player during the 2021 end-of-year series.

NEWS: There is some good news for South African rugby fans on Monday.

NEWS: Former France captain Mathieu Bastareaud said he will think about his future after suffering two serious knee injuries last weekend.

NEWS UPDATE: The Munster squad remains stranded on Cape Town, following the outbreak of more positive COVID tests.

OPINION: @king365ed attempts to unpack the head-scratching decision to cancel the weekend's URC Round Six matches, leaving the South African teams in the lurch.

INJURY UPDATE: The South African Sevens team was dealt a double blow after wining the opening tournament of the 2021-22 World Series in Dubai at the weekend.

NEWS: Former British and Irish Lions coach Warren Gatland received a new coaching job.

SPOTLIGHT: It seems Rassie Erasmus wants to get a lot off his chest and he wants to share it with the public.

WATCH as Cheetahs coach Hawies Fourie talks about the two-time World Cup winner that is a 'ball boy' in Bloemfontein.

SPOTLIGHT: The All Blacks disappointing end to the 2021 season after 15 Tests has added pressure on the side after their disrupted 2020 season also ended in unconvincing fashion with three wins from six Tests.

SPOTLIGHT: One of the Springboks' stars has been recognised for his performances during the end-of-year series

SPOTLIGHT: Once again there is a lot of uncertainty surrounding the game of rugby in South Africa, which could mean derby matches are on the cards again.

NEWS: Munster will not be heading home on Sunday due to a positive Covid-19 case in their squad.

UPDATE: The majority of Munster's squad have been given the green light to return to Ireland.

REACTION: BlitzBoks coach Neil Powell praised his team for delivering improved performances when it mattered on the second day of the Dubai Sevens.

WATCH as retired Springboks Jean de Villiers and Schalk Burger have a bit of fun at the expense of 2019 World Cup winner Willie le Roux.

WATCH as we bring you a couple of bizarre kicks from years gone by - one in Ireland and one in New Zealand.

NEWS: Three Wallabies players are reportedly among six confirmed coronavirus cases that forced the abandonment of the Barbarians rugby international against Samoa.

PREMIERSHIP WRAP: Ben White's try proved decisive as London Irish picked up just their second win this season with a 22-19 victory at champions Harlequins on Saturday.

MATCH REPORT: Flyhalf Leonardo Marin sunk Glasgow Warriors with a dramatic last-gasp penalty as Benetton claimed a 19-18 United Rugby Championship victory.

INJURY UPDATE: South Africa's World Cup-winning lock Eben Etzebeth will spend the next three months on the sidelines.

BREAKING NEWS: Another high-profile game has fallen prey to the latest outbreak of the COVID virus.

PREMIERSHIP REPORT: Saracens returned to Premiership action in style as they registered a hard-fought 25-14 win over Sale Sharks in London.

NEWS UPDATE: The four teams stuck in South Africa, following the dramatic events of Friday, are working hard to find a way to return home.

DAY TWO WRAP: The BlitzBoks won every match and set a new record winning-run on their way to glory in Dubai.

OPINION: A look at World Rugby’s refreshed eligibility laws impact on tier two nations.

NEWS: There will be no United Rugby Championship action in South Africa this year.

NEWS: World Rugby has slapped Wallabies back row Rob Valetini with a three-match suspension for his dangerous tackle on Welsh lock Adam Beard.

BREAKING NEWS: Wallaby coach Dave Rennie has 'apologised' for his refereeing rant last week.

REPORT: Connacht’s admirable sense of adventure at the wind and rain-lashed Sportsground was rewarded with a 46-18 bonus-point win over the Ospreys.

PREMIERSHIP WRAP: Bath produced their best display of the season but still suffered an eighth successive English Premiership rugby defeat as they lost 23-16 to Exeter on Friday.

MATCH REPORT: The Cheetahs completed their November campaign with an impressive 54-5 rout of Romania's champion Baia Mare club team on Friday.

SPOTLIGHT: South Africa have a lot of work to do ahead of the defence of their Rugby World Cup title in France in 2023, but have solid foundations to build from, their coach Jacques Nienaber told AFP.

NEWS: The Cheetahs are a step closer to participating in a new competition after a successful conference in Bloemfontein.

TWICKENHAM SHOWDOWN: The Barbarians and Samoa have finalised their matchday squads for the clash at Twickenham on Saturday.

NEWS: SA Rugby and Rassie Erasmus will no longer lodge an appeal against the sanctions imposed by the Judicial Committee after their misconduct hearing.

SPOTLIGHT: How Rugby Australia tweaks the Giteau Law will shape the Wallabies' path to the 2023 World Cup after a yo-yoing Test season offered a peek over both sides of the fence.

NEWS: Super Rugby Pacific organisers are considering contingency plans in the wake of the New Zealand government's latest announcement on travel restrictions.

DAY ONE WRAP: South Africa lived up to their favourites tag with a perfect start to their bid for glory on the opening day of the Dubai Sevens.

INJURY UPDATE: France hooker Julien Marchand will be out for several weeks after sustaining a fractured costal cartilage, his club Toulouse announced Friday.

REACTION: Rugby Australia boss Andy Marinos has promised the sport's chance to reset and prosper won't be missed after the country all but landed the hosting rights for the 2027 World Cup.

INTERVIEW: The Lions are currently running two squads - one focusing on the United Rugby Championship and one geared towards the Currie Cup early next year.

NEWS: Round Six of the United Rugby Championship has been thrown into chaos after some teams have made it known they are trying to leave South Africa ahead of their scheduled fixtures.

REACTION: New eligibility rules passed by World Rugby could open the way for the controversial Israel Folau to make his return to the international game with Tonga.

SPOTLIGHT: Loose forward Elrigh Louw is ready to build on his impressive performances this year when the Bulls come up against Irish giants Munster at Loftus Versfeld on Saturday.

WORLD SERIES ROUND ONE: The global sevens series returns with an action pack weekend in Dubai.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Lions head coach Ivan van Rooyen has revealed his team for their United Rugby Championship Round Six clash against Cardiff in Johannesburg on Sunday.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Cheetahs ahead coach Hawies Fourie has revealed his team to face Baie Mare from Romania on Friday.

NEWS: Wallabies legend Stephen Larkham was Thursday appointed head coach of the Brumbies for the 2023 and 2024 Super Rugby Pacific seasons, handing in his notice at Munster.

PREVIEW: Connacht and the Ospreys will be looking to build on their impressive Round Five victories when they meet in Galway on Friday.

PREVIEW: The Cheetahs are determined to finish off their November campaign on a high, but face a tricky European opponent that will provide them with a very different test.

NEWS: England's governing Rugby Football Union (RFU) revealed Wednesday that revenue for the financial year 2020/21 stood at £120 million ($160 million, 143 million euros) less than pre-coronavirus forecasts.

NEWS: An Ireland and Leinster star has signed a new three-year IRFU contract up to the end of the 2024/25 season.

NEWS: Wales captain Alun Wyn Jones will need a second shoulder operation after being injured on international duty last month, the veteran lock's club side said.