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OPINION: Another round of Super Rugby has come and gone and it's time for @rugby365com's famous Team of the Week.

WATCH as a player gets smashed after too much showboating at the Border School Rugby Day over the weekend.

WATCH as World Cup-winning Springbok Eben Etzebeth opens up about life in the French Riviera.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT:  @rugby365com's  Law guru Paul Dobson takes a look at a contentious incident during the Hurricanes win over the Chiefs on Friday.  

If the plans go ahead, Newlands will close down as a field of dreams at the end of this season and today's schoolboys will be the last schoolboys to play at the great ground, a home to many generations of rugby men.

OPINION: New Zealand Rugby’s announcement of the All Black XV on Monday brought with it plenty of intrigue nationwide. Alex McLeod plays selector and reveals what the team could look like!

OPINION: Former England flyhalf Andy Goode and current England coach Eddie Jones are never short of an opinion.

WATCH as we compare South African superstar Cheslin Kolbe and Australian counterpart Kalyn Ponga - both incredibly athletic players!

SPOTLIGHT: @rugby365com's law guru Paul Dobson gets stuck into some refereeing decision which not have been to everybody's liking.

MATCH REPORT: The Crusaders have overcome a resolute Sunwolves in Saturday's relocated Super Rugby match in Brisbane.

REACTION: Chiefs boss Warren Gatland has called into question two calls made by referee Jaco Peyper which impacted his side’s 24-27 injury-time defeat to the Hurricanes in Hamilton on Friday.

BREAKING NEWS: Wales' Guinness Six Nations clash with Scotland in Cardiff on Saturday has been postponed.

READERS' FORUM: Welcome to our coverage of the Super Rugby Round Seven encounter between the Reds and Bulls in Brisbane.

NEWS: George North slammed the social media trolls who aim online abuse at Wales rugby union players.

NEWS: The Super Rugby season was in serious doubt Saturday after New Zealand ordered everyone entering the country to self-isolate for 14 days in a bid to slow the spread of coronavirus.

NEWS: The French Top 14 rugby championship has been suspended due to coronavirus worries, the National Rugby League (LNR) said on Friday.

MATCH REPORT:  The Blues showed what a threat they can be as they recorded a comfortable 43-10 win over a hapless Lions side in Auckland on Saturday.

NEWS: Another World Cup-winning Springbok has decided to pack away his boots and walk off into the sunset.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Brumbies coach Dan McKellar has recalled James Slipper, Joe Powell and Andy Muirhead to the starting side for Sunday’s clash with fierce rivals the NSW Waratahs at GIO Stadium.

BREAKING NEWS: SA Rugby announced the cancellation of international events featuring the Junior Springboks on Friday.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Waratahs boss Rob Penney has welcomed back three key players to his side ahead of a must-win Australian derby clash against the Brumbies in Canberra on Sunday.

TEAM UPDATE: Waratahs were forced to make two late changes to their squad to face the Brumbies on Sunday.

NEWS: Fans will be locked out of all Super Rugby games in Australia following this weekend's fixtures.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: There will be no love lost between the Sharks and Stormers when they take to the field on Saturday.

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

NEWS: SANZAAR has taken the unprecedented step of playing a game behind closed doors, as a response to the ever-growing threat of the coronavirus.

NEWS: World Rugby has taken the decision to postpone the women's Sevens Challenger Series tournament that was due to be played in Stellenbosch on March 28 and 29.

REACTION: Maverick England prop Joe Marler has gone into hiding on social media.

There will be 38 teams playing enterprising rugby at Paarl Gim on Saturday, 21 March 2020.

PREVIEW: The scheduled 'Super Saturday' finale of the 2020 Six Nations Championship will now see just the match between Wales and Scotland going ahead after the coronavirus pandemic ripped up sporting schedules around the world.

All three of Rugby Europe's International Championship matches have been postponed.

NEWS: The RFU have released a statement in the aftermath of Eddie Jones’ comments regarding the referee following the Six Nations match between England and Wales last weekend.

DISCIPLINARY UPDATE: Six Nations has delivered its verdict on the disciplinary hearings of three England players - Manu Tuilagi, Courtney Lawes and Joe Marler.

SUPER RUGBY REPORT: Jordie Barrett kicked a penalty five minutes into injury time to secure the Hurricanes a 27-24 win in a brutal arm-wrestle in Hamilton on Friday.

The corona virus is disrupting Six Nations Rugby with seven postponed matches out of nine in this last round. This includes decisive matches, amongst them deciding who will be the winner of the senior men's competition.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Whether at fullback, wing or evens flyhalf having Cheslin Kolbe in your side it's an absolute dream.

PREVIEW: If you mention teams like the Bulls, Lions, Highlanders and Waratahs you wouldn't normally associate them with exiguous performances.

WATCH as Leon MacDonald joins The Breakdown panel to give an inside look at the Blues camp in 2020.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Ash Dixon will lead the Highlanders team to face the Jaguares on Saturday.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: The Stormers have made several changes for their coastal Super Rugby clash against the Sharks in Durban on Saturday.

NEWS: The Welsh Rugby Union has confirmed that Saturday's Six Nations clash with Scotland in Cardiff will go ahead as planned.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Sharks coach Sean Everitt named an unchanged from last week as they prepare for Saturday’s Super Rugby showdown with the Stormers at Jonsson Kings Park on Saturday.

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

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Head coach Gregor Townsend named three changes to the starting Scotland team for this Saturday’s Six Nations finale against Wales in Cardiff.

NEWS: The current PRO14 season has been suspended in response to the evolving Coronavirus outbreak.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: England scrumhalf Danny Care believes Alun Wyn Jones’ post-match protest at having his testicles grabbed by Joe Marler was motivated by Wales losing at Twickenham.

The main match at the two-day rugby festival in Porterville on the Western Cape's Weskus is between Paarl Boys' High and Hoërskool Monument of Krugersdorp - Boishaai vs Monnas, two of South Africa's top rugby schools.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Lions head coach Ivan van Rooyen has revealed his team to face the Blues in Auckland on Saturday.

DISCIPLINARY UPDATE: France prop Mohamed Haouas has learnt his fate, following the costly punch in the team's Six Nations loss to Scotland.

Wales Under-20 host Scotland Under-20, and that is the only Six Nations Under-20 match that will be played on this, the final weekend of Under-20 Six Nations.

SUPER RUGBY SPOTLIGHT: The Lions team of 2020 is a pale shadow to the sides that reached three consecutive finals in 2016, 2017 and 2018.

ROUND SEVEN: The Chiefs, buoyed by their second-half shut-out of the Waratahs last week, will look to put their stake down in one of two crucial conference matches at the weekend.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Sale Sharks coach Steve Diamond mounted a staunch defence to those who critic the club's strong South African contingent.

All three of the weekend's matches in the Women's Six Nations have been postponed.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Wales captain Alun Wyn Jones will equal the world record for Test appearances in Cardiff on Saturday.

OPINION: Having a player's eligibility captured will be a big talking point going forward after the unveiling of the new All Blacks XV.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Blues head coach Leon MacDonald has named his team to face the Lions in their Super Rugby Round Seven encounter in Auckland.

A disciplinary process has ruled that Connacht's Peter Robb is free to play following the red card he received against Southern Kings in Round 13 of the PRO14.

Warriors have decided to use to the Premiership match against Harlequins as a day of fundraising for Michael Fatialofa after the lock suffered serious neck injuries against Saracens earlier this year.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: The Queensland Reds have made six changes to their starting XV for Saturday’s Super Rugby clash against the Bulls at Suncorp Stadium.

SUPER RUGBY SPOTLIGHT: The Sharks are confident they can expose the Stormers' weaknesses in their Round Seven showdown at Kings Park on Saturday.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: The Sunwolves have revealed their team to face the Crusaders in Brisbane on Saturday.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Crusaders head coach Scott Robertson has made a number of changes to his team to face the Sunwolves in Brisbane on Saturday.

OPINION: Despite the game between Ireland and Italy being called off, the fourth round of the Six Nations still offered up a veritable feast of international rugby in its two surviving fixtures.

Junior Springbok coach Chean Roux opted for continuity in selection when naming the SA Rugby Academy squad on Wednesday, with 27 of the 45 players having featured in the SA Under-19 team last season, while 37 of them attended the SA Rugby alignment camps last month.

NEWS: Veteran prop James Slipper has signed a new two-year extension with Rugby Australia and the Brumbies, to remain in the nation’s capital until at least the end of 2022.

NO REGRETS: Stormers coach John Dobson admitted he will have conflicting emotions at Kings Park in Durban on Saturday.

NEWS: Cardiff Blues fullback Rhun Williams has been forced to retire after failing to recover from the neck injury sustained against Zebre two years ago.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Bulls head coach Pote Human has revealed his team to face the Reds in their Super Rugby Round Seven encounter in Brisbane on Saturday.

NEWS: Rugby Australia has issued a statement following the news that a Super Rugby spectator at last weekend's Melbourne Rebels game tested positive for coronavirus.

SUPER RUGBY SPOTLIGHT: There is a lot more riding on Saturday's Kings Park showdown between the Sharks and Stormers than a mere four league points.

TRANSFER NEWS: The Lions, currently on an Australasian Super Rugby tour, have lost the services of yet another senior player.

DISCIPLINARY UPDATE: The SANZAAR Foul Play Review Committee accepted a guilty plea from Jaguares hooker Santiago Socino.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Chiefs head coach Warren Gatland has only made two changes to his starting XV to take to the field for Friday’s New Zealand derby against the Hurricanes.

SIX NATIONS ANALYSIS: We look at three points to take away from a rejuvenated France, who, after a decade of disappointing results, beat England, Italy and Wales before losing in Scotland.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Dane Coles has been named in the Hurricanes’ starting line-up for the first time this year, as the team gets set to take on the Chiefs in Hamilton.

NEWS: All Round 14 and 15 Pro14 fixtures involving Benetton and Zebre have now been postponed due to restrictions enforced by the Italian government that will prevent the teams from travelling.

OPINION: Scotland may have been assisted by a moment of madness from the French, but they will celebrate a rare win over Les Bleus.

WATCH as World Cup-winning Springbok Cheslin Kolbe shares a message with the Stormers ahead of their Super Rugby crunch match with the Sharks.

SUPER RUGBY SPOTLIGHT: The Reds are set to get a key player back for their clash against the Bulls in Brisbane.

SUPER RUGBY SPOTLIGHT: Not even a record-breaking loss to the Chiefs can break the Waratahs' spirit.

SUPER RUGBY SPOTLIGHT: All Black flyhalf Beauden Barrett has the perfect match in mind to make his debut for the Blues this season.

SIX NATIONS NEWS: Les Bleus team manager Raphael Ibanez confirmed that prop Mohamed Haouas will go in front of a disciplinary panel in London on Wednesday.

NEWS: France team manager Raphael Ibanez has asked the Six Nations to look into Scotland's Nick Haining allegedly gouging Mohamed Haouas in the weekend's loss at Murrayfield.

DISCIPLINARY NEWS: Joe Marler has been cited after grabbing Wales captain Alun Wyn Jones by the genitals in England's 33-30 Six Nations win at Twickenham, tournament organisers said on Monday.

SQUAD ANNOUNCEMENT: Bulls coach Pote Human named his touring for their four-week tour of Australasia.

The annual Barthés Trophy tournament for Under-20 teams has been postponed because of fears for problems caused by the corona virus

OPINION: France’s Six Nations Grand Slam bid ground to a halt on Sunday, as they fell to a 28-17 loss to a fired-up Scottish side at Murrayfield.

OPINION: The conclusion of the 2020 Six Nations tournament might currently be uncertain but the importance of an England versus Wales fixture is never in doubt

OPINION: England wrapped up their Six Nations spring campaign with a 33-30 win over Wales at Twickenham.

WATCH as Andy Goode and Jim Hamilton unpack all things Joe Marler, after some questionable behaviour in England's powerful display against Wales.

NEWS: European Professional Club Rugby (EPCR) have issued a statement ahead of April’s Champions Cup and Challenge Cup quarter-finals, as sporting fixtures across Europe continue to be affected by the spread of the coronavirus.

NEWS: Springbok captain Siya Kolisi will lead a delegation of World Cup 2019 squad the Eastern Cape on Wednesday and Thursday as the second instalment of Trophy Visits across South Africa kicks off this week.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: France's home Six Nations match against Ireland on Saturday has been postponed due to the coronavirus, according to multiple sources on Monday.

SUPER RUGBY REACTION: The Sharks’ winning streak has set the perfect platform for an enticing coastal derby against the Stormers this weekend.

NEWS: The Japan Rugby Football Union said Monday it would scrap three rounds of matches after a player was arrested on suspicion of using drugs, insisting the cancellations had nothing to do with coronavirus.

NEWS: World Cup-winning former Springbok coach Jake White has an important meeting in Pretoria on Monday.

SIX NATIONS REACTION: Lock Paul Willemse said France were "still in the mix" for the Six Nations title despite Sunday's 17-28 loss at Scotland ending their hopes of a first Grand Slam since 2010.

DAY TWO WRAP: New Zealand beat Australia 17-14 to win the Vancouver Sevens Sunday and solidify their lead in the World Rugby Sevens Series.

NEWS: Centre Anton Lienert-Brown has signed a contract extension keeping him with the All Blacks until the 2023 World Cup, New Zealand Rugby announced Monday.

Schools rugby is still well under way, though there are many who believe it is still summer, a season in which cricket is played. Many prefer to use all of the winter for rugby.

It's early march but already schools are playing rugby. This match between Kearsney College of Botha's Hill outside Durban and Northwood High of Durban North was played at beautiful Kearsney.

DISCIPLINARY UPDATE: Santiago Socino of the Jaguares has been cited for foul play during a Super Rugby match at the weekend.

REACTION: The Stormers will regather on Monday, after their weekend bye, to the headlines that there is a staff strike looming at their headquarters.

OPINION: Five rounds into the Super Rugby season and new Springbok coach Jacques Nienaber has a few intriguing puzzles to solve.

WATCH as World Cup-winning Springbok coach - now Director of Rugby - delivers another classic ahead of South Africa's triumph in Japan last year.

NEWS: New Zealand Rugby (NZR) has announced that a new high performance team will assemble this year and undertake a mini tour of Northern Hemisphere venues.

DISCIPLINARY UPDATE: One-time All Black Tyrel Lomax has pleaded guilty to a foul play charge.

INJURY UPDATE: The idiom suggests you 'add insult to injury'. For the Lions it is the antipodean.

REACTION: Shock and horror. Those were the overriding emotions in the wake of Scotland's 28-17 Six Nations win over France on Sunday.

SIX NATIONS MATCH REPORT: A red card to prop Mohamed Haouas late in the first half played a massive role in Scotland's 28-17 upset win over France in Edinburgh on Sunday.

REACTION: Fedup Waratahs fans have taken to social media to voice their displeasure in the 51-14 thumping at the hands of the Chiefs - suggesting Israel Folau should return.

REACTION: Alun Wyn Jones said he hopes World Rugby will act against England prop Joe Marler.

SPOTLIGHT: Brumbies loosehead prop James Slipper has played at three World Cups but believes his best rugby is ahead him.

In the second last round of Rugby Europe's International Championship, sometimes nicknamed the Six Nations B, Georgia look set fair for taking the title again.

REACTION: England coach Eddie Jones slammed referee Ben O'Keeffe for the "bizarre" sending off Manu Tuilagi late in a 33-30 win over Wales in the Six Nations at Twickenham on Saturday that clinched the Triple Crown.

REACTION: Two former internationals - Gareth Thomas and Andy Goode - went toe-to-toe in a social media spat over England prop Marler disgusting act to grab a fellow player's testicles.

DAY ONE WRAP: Hosts Canada raised the roof of BC Place in Vancouver - Round Six of the Sevens World Series.

England were second on the log, Wales bottom. England were playing at home, Wales away. England score four tries to two. But England did not have the boot of Sam Costeloe and Wales won. It was the shock of the tournament this season.

OPINION: Respected rugby wizard Alan Zondagh has made some more thoughtful suggestions of changes to the Laws of Rugby Football.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Being a professional athlete is a challenging journey and can be lonely.

SUPER RUGBY REPORT: The Bulls recorded their first win of the season when they smashed the Highlanders 38-13 in Pretoria on Saturday.

PREMIERSHIP MATCH REPORT: A Luke Morahan first-half double ensured Bristol Bears claimed their fifth Premiership win on the bounce with a 28-15 triumph over Harlequins at Ashton Gate.

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

PREMIERSHIP REPORT: Four tries in a clinical first-half display helped in-form Wasps see off Gloucester 39-22 at the Ricoh Arena.

SUPER RUGBY REPORT: The Sharks climbed to the top of the overall Super Rugby standings when they beat the Jaguares 33-19 in Durban on Saturday.

WATCH as Jaguares replacement hooker Santiago Socino delivers a vicious stamp on the head of Sharks counterpart in their Super Rugby encounter in Durban at the weekend.

WATCH as we bring you all them highlights from the main matches of the past weekend!

SIX NATIONS REPORT: England beat Wales 33-30 at Twickenham on Saturday to win the Triple Crown and keep alive their Six Nations title hopes in a match that ended with them down to 13 men.

PREMIERSHIP REPORT: Exeter Chiefs continue to lead the way at the top of the Premiership table after a rampant display at Sandy Park which saw them run in eight tries against Bath for a 57-20 win.

NEWS: Former Wales centre Matthew J Watkins has died at the age of 41 from cancer, it was announced on Saturday.

PREMIERSHIP REPORT: Alex Lewington helped himself to a double against his former club as Saracens overcame Leicester Tigers 24-13 at Allianz Park.

SUPER RUGBY REPORT: The Rebels recorded their first-ever win over the Lions in their Round Six outing in Melbourne on Saturday.

SUPER RUGBY REPORT: The Hurricanes were made to pay dearly for their lack of discipline, as the Blues won a scrappy all-New Zealand derby 24-15 in Wellington on Saturday.

SIX NATIONS ROUND FOUR: France coach Fabien Galthie says his side are "on alert" against complacency as they travel to Scotland on Sunday.

INJURY UPDATE: The Crusaders could be without star fullback David Havili for some time.

The only match in the 2020 Women's Six Nations that was played was the one at The Stoop between England and Wales and that was a one-sided affair.

REACTION: Waratahs coach Rob Penney slammed his players after an abysmal second-half performance against the Chiefs on Friday which saw them lose 14-51.

READERS' FORUM: Welcome to our coverage of the Six Nations Round Four encounter between England and Wales at Twickenham.

READERS' FORUM: Welcome to our coverage of the Super Rugby Round Six encounter between the Bulls and Highlanders at Loftus Versfeld.

MATCH REPORT: Springbok Lood de Jager’s Premiership debut ended in delight as Sale Sharks maRched to a conformable 39-0 win over London Irish.

PRO14 REPORT: An outstanding Benetton Rugby performance at Rodney Parade kept their Finals Series hopes alive as they secure a 37-25  bonus-point win over Dragons.

MATCH REPORT: Northampton Saints put an end to their four-game losing streak in Premiership Rugby with a hard-fought 16-10 victory over Worcester Warriors at Sixways Stadium.

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

NEWS: Former French coach Philippe Saint-Andre was named as director of rugby at Top 14 side Montpellier. 

PRO14 SPOTLIGHT: They have only one win to show for their efforts so far this season and the early part of this year appears to have been a step backwards from where they were at the end of 2019.

TRANSFER TALK: The Waratahs are set for a major blow as reports emerge that that veteran utility back Kurtley Beale is close to signing a deal in France.

On the weekend of Friday 13 and Saturday 14 March 2020, the Porterville Bull Festival will take place with lots of exciting schoolboy rugby.

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

In the 25th edition of the Women's Six Nations, England, the title-holders, look set fair for their 16th championship victory with a Grand Slam a distinct possibility.

WORLD SERIES ROUND SIX: New Zealand and South Africa will continue their ding-dong battle at the top of the standings at BC Place stadium on Saturday and Sunday.

SIX NATIONS SPOTLIGHT: Nick Tompkins is preparing himself for a "surreal" experience when he takes the field for Wales international at Twickenham on Saturday having once been an England Under-20 international.

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

SUPER RUGBY REPORT: The Chiefs turned a half-time deficit into a comprehensive bonus-point win over the Waratahs in Wollongong on Friday.

WATCH as a group of 'overzealous' Bulls fans get into a sideline ruck(us) - with some humorous commentary.

OPINION: Alan Zondgh is a great thinker on the great game and he is concerned about the game and its future.

SIX NATIONS ROUND FOUR: Manu Tuilagi will hope to get England off to another speedy start when they face Wales in the Six Nations Championship at Twickenham on Saturday.

SUPER RUGBY REPORT: The Crusaders moved to joint first on the standings after a hard-earned 24-20 win over the Reds in Christchurch on Saturday.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Scotland coach Gregor Townsend has made three changes to his team for Sunday's Six Nations Test against France in Edinburgh.

In the second last round of Rugby Europe's International Championship, sometimes nicknamed the Six Nations B, Georgia look fair to taking the title again.

TRANSFER NEWS: Gloucester has revealed the replacement they have signed for the now departed Springbok loose forward Jaco Kriel.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: With just ten points separating second and ninth in the Premiership Rugby table, the Round 13 fixtures promise to throw up more twists and turns.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Wing Damian Penaud will return from injury to replace Teddy Thomas for France's Six Nations visit to Scotland this weekend, head coach Fabien Galthie announced on Friday.

SIX NATIONS SPOTLIGHT: England coach Eddie Jones has some interesting views ahead of his team's encounter with their United Kingdom neighbours.

SPOTLIGHT: World Rugby is poised to remove the rule that allows a player to score a try by bringing the ball into contact with the foam pad surrounding the base of the posts.

Ireland, already assured of wearing the Triple Crown, are beat placed to win this year's Under-20 Six Nations and are the only country which can win the Grand Slam.

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

TRANSFER NEWS: The signing of South African schoolboy players has gone into overdrive.

SUPER RUGBY REPORT: The Brumbies moved to the top of the Super Rugby standings, at least for a few hours.

NEWS: The deadly Coronavirus outbreak appears to have claimed another match.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: George Ford has no problem accepting there are things that are "more critical than us playing in a rugby game" after the coronavirus forced the postponement of England's Six Nations finale away to Italy.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Wales made four changes to their starting XV to play England at Twickenham on Saturday.

CROWDED AT THE TOP: Two South African teams are sitting pretty at the top of the standings, but by the end of the round they may well have been overtaken by New Zealand franchises.

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

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: England coach Eddie Jones has named his 23-man squad to play Wales in the fourth round of the Six Nations at Twickenham Stadium on Saturday.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: From "dreaming" of playing on sun-drenched fields to feeling like "headless chickens" in exile, Scottish players have enjoyed colourful careers in France.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Sibusiso Nkosi is one of a handful of changes to the Sharks team that has been named for Saturday’s Super Rugby clash with the Jaguares in Durban.

Referees get more flak when they are right than when they are wrong. Here we look at  two cases of getting something wrong but still avoiding any criticism.

OPINION: It was a blues Monday in Cape Town. Not only did they lose one of their key forward to injury, but their unbeaten record lay shattered on the Newlands turf.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Lions head coach Ivan van Rooyen has made three changes to his starting team for Saturday's Super Rugby Round Six clash against the Melbourne Rebels.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Joe Marler has revealed that England have been encouraged to use the scrum as an attacking weapon by the man who plotted their downfall in last year's World Cup final.

SQUAD ANNOUNCEMENT: Springbok Sevens coach Neil Powell swopped the roles of Mfundo Ndhlovu and JC Pretorius for this weekend's Canada Sevens.

DOUBLE-HEADER: The Sunwolves fans might feel shortchanged, but the relocation of two of their team's games has left us with an unexpected spin-off.

The Six Nations is great for the rugby played and also for the ceremonies around the matches. These ceremonies include those moments of proud emotion when the anthems are sung.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Highlanders have named a very experienced side to face the Bulls at Loftus Versfeld on Saturday.

SPOTLIGHT: Tom Vinicombe reveals how the Crusaders continue to nurture the best athletes in the world.

REACTION: Reports of South Africa's departure from - and the demise of SANZAAR - are nothing more than premature 'rumours'.

The Six Nations with its strong traditions is back in action this week with a round to go and France in line for a Grand Slam/Chelem.

SCHOOLS SPOTLIGHT: The 2020 World Schools Festival has been cancelled due to global concerns over the coronavirus.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: The Melbourne Rebels have named an unchanged matchday squad to tackle the Lions at AAMI Park on Saturday.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: The Blues will call on their depth after a short week and long trek from South Africa to take on the Hurricanes in Wellington on Saturday.

ROUND 11 CATCH-UP MATCH: With a fortnight’s break until Round 14 of the Championship the silver lining of this week is the rearranged clash between the Dragons and Benetton.

SIX NATIONS SPOTLIGHT: France continue their quest for a first Grand Slam in a decade this weekend despite concerns the coronavirus could wreck the closing rounds of the 2020 Six Nations Championship.

DISCIPLINARY UPDATE: Exeter Chiefs utility back Ollie Devoto has been slapped with a four-week ban for a high tackle.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: The prestigious  South African school Glenwood Preparatory School have issued an apology after fielding overage players to play in their 2018 and 2019 rugby squads.

SQUAD ANNOUNCEMENT: Australia Sevens team has been named for round six of the World Sevens Series in Vancouver this weekend.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Bulls head coach Pote Human has revealed his team to take on the Highlanders in Pretoria on Saturday.

SUPER RUGBY SPOTLIGHT: The Lions are preparing for a physical onslaught when they face the Rebels in Melbourne on Saturday.

NEWS: Japan cancelled the Tokyo Olympics' rugby test event on Wednesday in the latest disruption caused by the new coronavirus.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Rugby Union internationals between England and Wales are often passionate and fiercely-contested affairs.

TRANSFER NEWS: English wing Chris Ashton has found a new club following his departure from Sale Sharks.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: It seems like the Stormers' backline woes have forced them to bring in some world-class expertise in the shape of World Cup winner Cheslin Kolbe.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: World Rugby Chairman Bill Beaumont has praised "hugely encouraging" player welfare results from World Cup 2019.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Chiefs head coach Warren Gatland has made several changes to his starting XV to challenge the Waratahs in Wollongong on Friday.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Vince Aso will play his 50th game for the Hurricanes as they get ready to face the Blues in Wellington on Saturday.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: The Sunwolves have made wholesale changes to their team to face the Brumbies in Wollongong on Friday.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Crusaders head coach Scott Robertson has named his team to face the Reds in Christchurch on Friday.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Brumbies coach Dan McKellar has named Ryan Lonergan for his first career start when his side clashes with the Sunwolves in Wollongong on Friday.

WATCH as The Breakdown team delves deep into the recent McKinsey Review and analyse Super Rugby.

NEWS: Saracens confirmed that Mako Vunipola has been training with Premiership club amid Coronavirus fears.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Seems like SANZAAR is pulling out all the stops to prevent South Africa from exiting the Rugby Championship. 

INJURY UPDATE: Wales flyhalf Dan Biggar is "ticking all the boxes" in his bid to be fit for Saturday's Six Nations match with England, according to Sam Warburton.

INJURY UPDATE: Springboks and Stormers flank Pieter-Steph du Toit reportedly underwent a second surgery on Monday.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: The Queensland Reds have made three changes to their starting XV for Friday’s clash against the Crusaders in Christchurch.

SQUAD ANNOUNCEMENT: Eddie Jones has released seven players from his squad ahead of Saturday’s Six Nations clash with Wales.

SUPER RUGBY SPOTLIGHT: Melbourne Rebels lock Matt Philip believes the Lions will present a different challenge to the Highlanders.

NEWS: Will Skelton has confirmed that he won’t be returning to Australia in the wake of Saracens’ salary cap scandal.

INJURY UPDATE: The Lions have confirmed that loose forward Vincent Tshituka will undergo surgery on his injured ankle on Wednesday.

NEWS: All Blacks legend Sir John Kirwan has urged Kalyn Ponga not to sign a new contract with Newcastle if he wants to play for New Zealand at the 2023 Rugby World Cup.

INJURY UPDATE: The winless Bulls are searching for answers after their fourth-successive loss - which sees them rooted to the bottom of the Super Rugby standings.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: The Waratahs will play out of Wollongong for the first time in their history, hosting the Chiefs at WIN Stadium on Friday.

SIX NATIONS UPDATE: The Six Nations organisers on Monday gave an update on the tournament's status.

SUPER RUGBY REACTION: Stormers head coach John Dobson said he was "extremely disappointed" with his team's performance against the Blues at Newlands on Saturday.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Scotland assistant coach Danny Wilson hopes the fact Finn Russell has helped provide some background information about France to Gregor Townsend is a sign that the end of the flyhalf's exile from Test rugby union is now in sight.

PREMIERSHIP SPOTLIGHT: Liam Heagney speaks to Lewis Moody about Leicester Tigers' form and the personalised abuse that is blighting the game.

REACTION: Too many wasted opportunities and errors that cost them potential momentum was the by now all too familiar complaint that South African coaches shared after a disappointing round for the local teams in PRO14 Rugby.

INJURY UPDATE: Ireland flyhalf Joey Carbery’s injury-hit season is officially over.

SPOTLIGHT: @rugby365 law guru Paul Dobson looks at two contentious yellow cards from last weekend.

SPOTLIGHT: @rugby365com's law guru Paul Dobson looks at a contentious incident from the past weekend's Super Rugby.

SPOTLIGHT: Brumbies coach Dan McKellar is happy to 'double-dip' - as Australian mentor Dave Rennie looks to employ him as an apprentice.

TRANSFER NEWS: Leicester Tigers have announced that Nemani Nadolo will join the club ahead of the 2020/21 season.

SQUAD ANNOUNCEMENT: Highlanders captain James Lentjes will play no further part in his side’s Super Rugby campaign after the horrific ankle injury he suffered against the Rebels on Friday.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: The Queensland Reds' missed opportunities are putting Liam Wright's leadership qualities to the test but the first-year captain is holding firm ahead of one of Super Rugby's most daunting assignments.

NEWS: The Super Rugby Round Seven clash between the Blues and Lions in Auckland has been moved to an earlier kick-off time.

SQUAD ANNOUNCEMENT: England have received some major good news ahead of Saturday’s Six Nations match against Wales at Twickenham.

NEWS: Springbok and Stormers star Pieter-Steph du Toit will be out of action for a lengthy period.

NEWS: England back Chris Ashton and Sale Sharks set to part ways with immediate effect.

INJURY UPDATE: Racing 92 hooker Camille Chat was recalled to the French squad Monday preparing for the Six Nations clash against Scotland along with uncapped Toulouse prop Clement Castets.

SIX NATIONS REACTION: The future of the 2020 Six Nations Championship is set to be decided at a meeting in Paris on Monday.

NEWS: Exiled flyhalf Finn Russell will play no part in the rest of Scotland’s Six Nations campaign but talks have begun over his reintegration into the squad for their tour of South Africa and New Zealand.

PRO14 REPORT: Connacht beat a sloppy Southern Kings team 29-19 in Port Elizabeth on Sunday, despite the visitors being down to 14 men for most of the match.

SUPER RUGBY SPOTLIGHT: Sharks head coach Sean Everitt praised his team's fighting spirit after ending their Australasian tour with a hard-fought 33-23 win over the Reds in Brisbane.

Following a series of well-contested matches, the teams in the Mzwandile Mali Schools Rugby Tournament have been whittled down to the last seven title hopefuls.

The Eastern Cape’s top rugby schools will square off against a powerful group of opponents from outside its borders in a fascinating mix of fixtures in the Standard Bank Grey High Rugby Festival on 21 and 23 March 2020.

WATCH as we bring you all the Super Rugby Round Five highlights!

PREMIERSHIP REPORT: Bristol Bears resisted a second-half fightback from Bath to claim their first Premiership victory at the Rec in 14 years and go third in the league.

TOP 14 WRAP: Two Ben Botica penalties helped French Top 14 leaders Bordeaux-Begles to a 26-24 victory over Castres, for whom Rory Kockott missed a late conversion that would have tied an entertaining match.

DAY TWO WRAP: South Africa staged an incredible comeback to win the Los Angeles leg of the Sevens World Series.

SUPER RUGBY NEWS: Queensland Reds playmaker James O'Connor is facing an injury lay-off after rolling his ankle in a 10-point loss to the Sharks on Saturday.

DAY ONE WRAP: The BlitzBoks will face the USA in their quarterfinal at the Los Angeles Sevens on Sunday.

TRANSFER NEWS: Springbok star Duane Vermuelen will be heading back to Pretoria.

INJURY UPDATE: Dan Biggar joined Wales' already lengthy casualty list ahead of their Six Nations clash with England at Twickenham after the star flyhalf suffered a knee injury playing for Northampton.

MATCH REPORT: Sam Davies last-gasp penalty earned Dragons their first victory over Cheetahs in a narrow 13-10 win on Saturday.

MATCH REPORT: The Bulls' horrendous losing streak continues as they suffered a 24-39 defeat to the Jaguares at Loftus Versfeld on Saturday.

READERS' FORUM: Welcome to our coverage of the Premiership Round 12 encounter between Bath and Bristol Bears at the Recreation Ground.

MATCH REPORT: The Blues halted Stormers' unbeaten run with an outstanding 33-14  victory at Newlands on Saturday.

WRAP: Finn Russell handed out another taster of what Scotland are missing as he helped guide Racing 92 to a 49-0 thrashing of La Rochelle in Top 14 action on Saturday.

PREMIERSHIP REPORT: Wasps came from behind to seal a 36-26 bonus point win in an entertaining topsy turvy encounter with London Irish.

READERS' FORUM: Welcome to our coverage of the Pro14 Round 13 encounter between the Southern Kings and Connacht in Port Elizabeth.

MATCH REPORT: Northampton Saints lost their fourth successive Premiership Rugby match for the first time since April 2018 as they were defeated 21-27 by Saracens at Franklin’s Gardens.

SQUAD UPDATE: The Lions have confirmed that Vincent Tshituka will see a surgeon on Monday to determine the extent of his ankle injury.

READERS' FORUM: Welcome to our coverage of the Pro14 Round 13 encounter between the Dragons and Cheetahs at Rodney Parade.

MATCH REPORT: Munster's Gavin Coombes stepped off the bench to grab a late double that helped his side secure a 29-10 over Scarlets at the top of Conference B.

MATCH REPORT: Two second-half penalties from Johnny McPhillips saw Leicester Tigers record a 14-8 win over Worcester Warriors.

MATCH REPORT: Harlequins edged past Exeter Chiefs for a 34-30 thrilling win at Twickenham Stoop after a late penalty try secured a memorable triumph.

READERS' FORUM: Welcome to our coverage of the Premiership Round 12 encounter between Northampton Saints and Saracens at Franklin’s Gardens.

SUPER RUGBY REPORT: The Sharks ended their Australasian tour on a high when they beat the Reds 33-23 in Brisbane on Saturday.

REACTION: A mature playmaking effort from Waratahs youngster Will Harrison has drawn praise from his coach and a vastly more experienced opponent.

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

WATCH as Ireland coach Andy Farrell and captain Johnny Sexton fronts up to the media after a training session.

READERS' FORUM: Welcome to our coverage of the Super Rugby Round Five encounter between the Bulls and Jaguares at Loftus Versfeld.

INJURY UPDATE: The Lions have lost a player to injury after their first game on tour.

SUPER RUGBY: Wing Kobus van Wyk scored a hat-trick as the Hurricanes smashed the Sunwolves 62-15 in Napier on Saturday.

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

SUPER RUGBY REPORT: The Waratahs recorded their first win of the season when they beat the Lions 29-17 in Parramatta.

PREMIERSHIP MATCH REPORT: Sale Sharks moved into second place on the standings, after winning a scrappy affair, beating Gloucester 23-17 at a muddy Kingsholm on Friday.

WORLD SERIES ROUND FIVE: The global circus returns to Los Angeles this weekend for two days of non-stop action.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Australia and Waratahs flank Michael Hooper revealed he has "no regrets" about his handling of the Israel Folau controversy last year.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: New Zealand Rugby's plans to radically change the landscape of the sport in the country has commenced.

TOP14, WEEK 17: Bordeaux-Begles' Australia back-row Scott Higginbotham says he has no complaints about the start of the season, with his club leading the French Top 14 table.

PRO14 MATCH REPORT: Young lock Ryan Baird and wing Dave Kearney enjoyed a magical game at the RDS with both scoring hat-tricks.

CODED MESSAGES: The build-up to Round Five has been dominated by off-field dramas - from possible code-hopping to games called off as a result of the Corona virus.

PRO14 MATCH REPORT: George Taylor's first-half try helped Edinburgh edge past Cardiff Blues and maintain their lead at the top of Conference B.

NEWS: Wallabies legend Drew Mitchell remembers clearly the moment he decided to hang up his boots.

SUPER RUGBY REPORT: The Melbourne Rebels produced their best performance of the season so far when they beat the Highlanders 28-22 in Dunedin on Friday.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: As Conference A gets a little bit tighter, three teams look to be detaching themselves in Conference B heading into Round 13.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Well passed the halfway mark in the 2019-20 season and again it is extraordinarily tight at the top with just eight points separating the teams in second and ninth as the race for the Premiership Rugby semi-finals heats up.

UPDATE: Australia will host two Super Rugby home games of the Sunwolves after they were relocated from Japan on Friday due to fears over the deadly coronavirus epidemic.

OPINION: After four rounds there is only one unbeaten team left in the tournament.

OPINION: The Six Nations returned from its bye week on Saturday with Round Three of the 2020 campaign, as teams at opposing ends of the table contested games of varying quality.

Two PRO14 matches in Italy have been postponed - Zebre vs Ospreys and Benetton vs Ulster. Northern Italy is concerned about the coronavirus which has caused deaths in the area.

SQUAD UPDATE: An ankle injury to Springbok Sevens forward Impi Visser has ruled him out of the Los Angeles Sevens in Carson this weekend and he will be replaced by the experienced Chris Dry.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: More than 140 years of provincial pride will once again take centre stage this August with the 2020 Mitre 10 Cup and Heartland Championship draws being announced by New Zealand Rugby.

READERS' FORUM: Welcome to our coverage of the Super Rugby Round Five encounter between the Waratahs and Lions in Parramatta, Western Sydney.

PRO14 SPOTLIGHT: Southern Kings coach Robbi Kempson is preparing to shake up his selection for Sunday's clash with Irish province Connacht in Port Elizabeth.

NEWS: Clayton McMillan has been appointed as interim head coach of the Chiefs for next year’s Super Rugby campaign.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: There are two changes in the tight five for the Stormers' encounter with the Blues at Newlands on Saturday.

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

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Sharks Sean Everitt has made a number of changes to his team for their Super Rugby Round Five encounter with the Reds.

NEWS: Harlequins can confirm that Toby Booth will leave the Club at the end of the 2019/20 season to become Head Coach at Ospreys.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Jaguares head coach Gonzalo Quesada has made a number of changes to his team to face the Bulls in Pretoria on Saturday

NEWS: Tonga is confirmed as the fourth opponent England will host at Twickenham during the 2020 November Internationals.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Sunwolves coach Naoya Okubo reached for the panic button after his team's humiliating 5-64 loss to the Reds last week.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: The Blues have opted for a very experienced midfield combination for their Super Rugby clash against the unbeaten Stormers.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: The Hurricanes have named their team to face the Sunwolves in Napier on Saturday.

UPDATE: The Brumbies' Super Rugby match against the Sunwolves scheduled for early next month in Osaka is set to be relocated due to the coronavirus.

BASEMENT BATTLE: Friday's two matches involve four desperate teams - all based between 10th and 15th on the standings.

REACTION: An explosive new report revealed exactly how the Israel Folau saga tore the Wallaby team apart.

WATCH how an early celebration leads to the most ridiculous finish to a match ever!

TRANSFER NEWS: Siale Piutau has signed a one-year contract extension at Bristol Bears, the club announced.

NEWS: Grand Slam-seeking France are up to fifth in the World Rugby Men's Rankings, their highest position for nearly six years, following their 27-23 win over Wales in Cardiff.

NEWS: The Secretary of State for Health and Social Care Matt Hancock has addressed the upcoming England fixture against Italy in the Six Nations amid fears of the spread of the coronavirus.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: New Zealand’s traditional post-World Cup exodus saw a number of experienced heads relocate off-shore at the end of 2019.

TRANSFER NEWS: Worcester Warriors’ United States international hooker Joe Taufete’e is to join French Top 14 club Lyon at the end of the current season.

NEWS: Former Toulon President Mourad Boudjellal has won his defamation case against EPCR.

TRANSFER NEWS: Fijian wing Timoci Nagusa has quit Montpellier, where he has been since 2010 and with whom he was under contract until June.

NEWS: The Coronavirus has claimed the first game of rugby.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Sharks are ready to test another aspect of their game-plan when they face the Reds in Brisbane on Saturday.

SQUAD ANNOUNCEMENT: England head coach Eddie Jones has recalled 25 players to his squad as they prepare for Six Nations match against Wales at Twickenham Stadium on Saturday.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Tongan centre Nafi Tuitavake has been named in the Bulls starting line-up for the Super Rugby clash against the Jaguares on Saturday.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Queensland Reds coach Brad Thorn is backing the depth in his squad to deliver back-to-back wins.

SUPER RUGBY SPOTLIGHT: The in-form Sharks will provide the Reds with a litmus test at on Saturday.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: It took a simple gesture after a game in France to turn Springbok Uzair Cassiem from just another PRO14 Rugby import player into a fan favourite.

NEWS: Private equity investment group CVC is moving closer to completing a deal to acquire a 14 percent stake in the Six Nations, according to reports.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Lions coach Ivan van Rooyen has made a number of changes to his team for the opening match of their Australasian tour.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Waratahs coach Rob Penney has made a couple of changes to his winless team for their Super Rugby showdown with the Lions.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Melbourne have regained Wallabies playmaker Matt Toomua as they look to get their Super Rugby season back on track against the Highlanders in Dunedin on Friday.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Highlanders return to their home stadium to play the Melbourne Rebels with a side that has remained largely unchanged over the first three matches.

WATCH as the New Zealand panel analyse round four of Super Rugby and the Stormers' prospects.

SUPER RUGBY SPOTLIGHT: The Blues are far more menacing than their recent past suggest and their 2020 form means they are a real peril to the Stormers.

SQUAD ANNOUNCEMENT: France have chosen a 28-man training squad to prepare later this week for their Six Nations match away to Scotland.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Super Rugby matches involving the Tokyo-based Sunwolves are at risk of cancellation due to outbreak of the coronavirus in Japan.

SQUAD ANNOUNCEMENT: SQUAD ANNOUNCEMENT: Ireland prop Cian Healy will miss the final two rounds of this season's Six Nations. 

Lance Sendin of Hoërskool Hugenote in Wellington returns to coach the SA Schools team in 2020 and Wessel du Plessis of Grey College in Bloemfontein is the new coach for the SA Schools A team.

NEWS: Australia and La Rochelle loose forward Lopeti Timani is due in court on charges stemming from an incident when he threw a bottle at a nightclub bouncer.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: It is not uncommon for the match officials to be on the receiving end of tirades from unhappy coaches, players and fans after a match, usually a loss.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Ireland's Six Nations rugby match with Italy in Dublin next month should be cancelled due to the coronavirus epidemic, the health minister said Tuesday.

NEWS: Springboks flank Albertus Smith could return to Super Rugby franchise the  Lions.

INJURY UPDATE: England are likely to be without Mako Vunipola for the next stage of their Six Nations title push, according to boss Eddie Jones.

TRANSFER NEWS: Ulster revealed that All Black scrumhalf Alby Mathewson has signed a one-year contract which will see him join the province in July 2020.

Born in 2008, the Tony Stoops Rugby Festival turns 13 this year. In 2008, eight teams took part. On the opening day, Saturday, 21 March 2020, there will be 36 teams in this flexible festival of fun.

INJURY UPDATE: The Chiefs have been dealt a double injury blow as two of their All Blacks are set for lengthy stints on the sideline.

INJURY UPDATE: The Bulls have one new injury concern after their narrow defeat against the Blues at Loftus Versfeld in Round Four of Super Rugby.

SUPER RUGBY REACTION: The Stormers' famed defence is set to face a stern examination when they host the Blues at Newlands on Saturday.

INJURY UPDATE: Wales' already wobbling campaign suffered another cruel blow on Tuesday.

SUPER RUGBY SPOTLIGHT: The Waratahs may be desperate to end their losing start to the season, but they are not about to copy the Lions blueprint and rush a number of veterans back into the team.

NEWS: All Black Ben Franks will retire from professional rugby at the end of the 2019/20 season, English Premiership club Northampton announced on Monday.

NEWS: The French rugby federation said Monday it had opened an investigation into allegations that racist insults were used during a third division match in which seven red cards were issued.

NEWS: All Blacks star Ardie Savea has revealed he wants to play in Australia's National Rugby League and would consider a switch to the 13-man game as soon as next year.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: The Hurricanes have refused to dwell on recent comments made by star loose forward Ardie Savea regarding a potential code switch to rugby league.

TRANSFER NEWS: Wales international Liam Williams will leave Saracence and join Scarlets with immediate effect.

OPINION: England head coach Eddie Jones was rewarded with a fairly emphatic display from his side in their 24-12 win over Ireland at Twickenham on Sunday.

OPINION: Les Bleus first away game was always going to be a major litmus test for Fabien Gathie’s young side. Ian Cameron rates the French players!

OPINION: As pointed out this week by Russ Petty on Twitter, the team that leads at half-time nearly always wins this fixture, and this game was all but over by the 40-minute mark.

OPINION: It was the third thrilling game for the neutral and a nailbiter for fans in a row between these two teams and, finally, France came out on top. Rhiannon Garth Jones rates the Welsh players!

SEVENS SPOTLIGHT: A new route to the USA, a change in format and a new venue for the fifth tournament of the World Rugby Sevens Series mean an extra day of preparation for the Springbok Sevens team.

REACTION: Pote Human is another coach questioning a referee's crucial decisions after the Bulls 21-23 defeat to the Blues on Saturday.

MATCH REPORT: Scarlets kept up the pace in the top three of Conference B with a36-17 won over an improved  Southern Kings.

MATCH REPORT: England ended Ireland's hopes of a Grand Slam in this season's Six Nations with a 24-12 win at Twickenham on Sunday.

One and Two were neck and neck, One a nose ahead but after Round 3's clash One has pulled into a clear lead in the Under-20 Six Nations for 2020. And One did it on Two's ground.

WATCH as we bring you highlights from all the main fixtures this past weekend.

In Round 3 of the Women's Six Nations, France thrashed Wales and England's continue to dominate but the sad news was the postponement of Italy's match against Scotland.

There were two shock results in the third round of Rugby Europe's International Championship, leaving Georgia out on their own at the top of the log.

NEWS: Both Pro14 fixtures set to take place in Italy this weekend have been postponed.

OPINION: Gregor Townsend’s men came into the Wooden Spoon decider knowing a win was a must. Ian Cameron rates the Scotland players!

WATCH as the Pro14 match between Connacht and Edinburgh descends into chaos as referee struggles to control brawling players.

WATCH as twitter explodes over the petulant behaviour of England captain Owen Farrell in his team's 24-12 win over Ireland in their Six Nations showdown at the weekend.

REACTION: Stormers head coach John Dobson has huge praise for his team's performance on Saturday.

REACTION: Wayne Pivac felt the big refereeing decisions went against Wales as France claimed a first Six Nations win in Cardiff for 10 years to stay on course for Grand Slam glory.

SPOTLIGHT: James O'Connor admits he wasn't ready to handle being Australia's flyhalf the last time he wore the No.10 jersey for the Wallabies but he is now.

MATCH REPORT: Cardiff Blues came back from being 19-7 down to secure a 34-24 victory against Benetton Rugby in the PRO14.

PREMIERSHIP REPORT: Exeter Chiefs ran in eight tries as they thumped Northampton Saints 57-7 at Sandy Park to stretch their lead at the top of the Premiership Rugby table.

SIX NATIONS REACTION: Andy Farrell said he should take a look at himself and whether Ireland's dream of the Grand Slam disappeared in a 12-24 defeat to England on Sunday.

INJURY UPDATE: France prop Cyril Baille announced on Sunday that he will miss the Grand Slam-chasing side's final two Six Nations matches with a right shoulder injury.

MATCH REPORT: The Reds recorded their first win of the season with a bonus-point 64-5 win over the Sunwolves on Saturday.

NEWS: Rugby Australia named former Wallaby Paul McLean as temporary chairman Monday, edging out his predecessor Cameron Clyne early amid tense talks on a new broadcast rights deal.

MATCH REPORT: Bristol Bears jumped into the top four at the half-way stage of the Premiership Rugby season after recording a 13-10 win over a resilient Worcester Warriors side at Ashton Gate.

WATCH as South Africa's Director of Rugby Rassie Erasmus produces another video classic.

SUPER RUGBY REPORT: Flyhalf Otere Black slotted a late penalty to earn the Blues a 23-21 win at Loftus Versfeld on Saturday.

READERS' FORUM: Welcome to our coverage of the Pro14 Round 12 encounter between Scarlets and the Southern Kings at in Llanelli.

SPOTLIGHT: Tom Vinicombe takes a look at the value Dane Coles brings to the All Blacks, even though he may sometimes cross the line.

PRO14 MATCH REPORT: Ulster cemented second place in Conference A with a scrappy 20-10 win over a willing Cheetahs team on Saturday.

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

PRO14 MATCH REPORT: Hooker Grant Stewart bagged a brace to help Glasgow Warriors outgun Dragons in a bonus-point win at Scotstoun.

READERS' FORUM: Welcome to our coverage of the Premiership Round 11 encounter between Exeter Chiefs and Northampton Saints at Sandy Park.

SIX NATIONS MATCH REPORT: Scotland got their first win of the tournament on Saturday, with a 17-0 win over Italy in Rome.

PREMIERSHIP MATCH REPORT: Bath won their third game in a row to move into the top four, downing Harlequins 19-12 at the Rec.

SUPER RUGBY NEWS: South African referees have been labelled a 'joke' and the chief executives of the Australian franchises have called for an inquiry into refereeing.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Grinning ear-to-ear after orchestrating Queensland Reds' record Super Rugby haul, James O'Connor says he's finally made his mind up about where he wants to play.

SUPER RUGBY REPORT: The Stormers maintained their winning start to the season, but conceded their first points of the season at Newlands.

REACTION: England's Rugby Football Union has scaled back plans that would have slashed the budgets of second-tier clubs by 50 percent next season, after their initial proposals sparked a furious reaction.

SIX NATIONS REPORT: Romain Ntamack guided France to a thrilling 27-23 victory over Wales on Saturday to keep their hopes of a Grand Slam alive.

WATCH a very different take on the past weekend's Super Rugby action.

READERS' FORUM: Welcome to our coverage of the Pro14 Round 12 encounter between Ulster and the Cheetahs ast the Kingspan Stadium.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: England Test star Danny Cipriani revealed on Friday he once tried to buy a gun to kill himself in an emotional video posted on Instagram.

PREMIERSHIP REPORT: Ollie Hassell-Collins proved a one-man bonus-point, notching four tries as London Irish beat Gloucester.

PREMIERSHIP REPORT: Lee Blackett registered his first win as Wasps interim head coach with a stunning victory over Saracens, winning 60-10 at the Ricoh Arena.

READERS' FORUM: Welcome to our coverage of the Six Nations Round Three encounter between Wales and France in Cardiff.

READERS' FORUM: Welcome to our coverage of the Super Round Four encounter between the Bulls and Blues at Loftus Versfeld.

READERS' FORUM: Welcome to our coverage of the Six Nations Round Three encounter between Italy and Scotland in Rome.

PRO14 REPORT: Munster ran in three second-half tries to secure a comfortable 28-0 win over Zebre in Milan.

MATCH REPORT: There was certainly no aftermath of a mumps outbreak as Brumbies produced an outstanding 26-14 win over Chiefs in Hamilton.

READERS’ FORUM: Welcome to our coverage of the Super Round Four encounter between the Stormers and Jaguares at Newlands.

PREMIERSHIP REPORT: Marland Yarde’s hat-trick helped Sale to a 36-3 bonus-point win over Leicester to go second in the Premiership standings.

MATCH REPORT: The Sharks got back to winning ways with a 36-24 win over the Rebels on Saturday in Ballarat.

SPOTLIGHT: @rugby365com's law guru Paul Dobson looks at two incidents and reveals whether the referee got it wrong or right.

WATCH what has been described as a boxing match interspersed with some rugby after seven red cards were shown.

READERS’ FORUM: Welcome to our coverage of the Super Round Four encounter between the Chiefs and Brumbies in Hamilton.

READERS’ FORUM: Welcome to our coverage of the Super Round Four encounter between the Rebels and Sharks in Ballarat.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Elliot Daly has no qualms about returning to fullback when England face Grand Slam-chasing Ireland in a pivotal Six Nations clash at Twickenham on Sunday.

READERS’ FORUM: Welcome to our coverage of the Premiership Round 11 encounter between Wasps and Saracens at the Ricoh Arena.

SUPER RUGBY SPOTLIGHT: The Stormers will be out to suffocate the Jaguares when the two teams meet in their Super Rugby Round Four encounter at Newlands.

SIX NATIONS ROUND THREE: Ireland coach Andy Farrell once joked his son Owen never beat him at anything, even tiddlywinks.

CROSS-CONFERENCE RAIDS: Despite the significance of the BIG match at Newlands, the bulk of Saturday's encounters are between miles and continents apart.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Southern Kings No.8 Elrigh Louw will make a return when the side takes on Scarlets in a PRO14 Round 12 encounter at Parc y Scarlets in Llanelli on Sunday, February 23.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Former Ulsterman, Ruan Pienaar returns to Kingspan Stadium when he leads the Cheetahs onto the field.

PRO14 REPORT: Edinburgh stretched their lead at the top of the Pro14 Conference B after decisively defeating Connacht 41-14 at Murrayfield.

SIX NATIONS ROUND THREE: Franco Smith can smell blood as the new Italy coach prepares for this first home game in the Stadio Olimpico on Saturday against a weakened Scotland in the Six Nations.

PRO14 REPORT: There was Gnoll way through for the Ospreys in Neath on Friday as Leinster remained at the very top of Conference A with a record-breaking start of 12 wins from 12 after their 21-13 victory.

NEWS: All Blacks prop Tim Perry has called time on his career reportedly 'without any fanfare or fuss'.

SIX NATIONS ROUND THREE: Wales have opted for experience in their bid to derail Six Nations table-toppers France and stay alive in the tournament.

After Round 2, England and Ireland are locked at the top of the Women's Six Nations log, and on Saturday afternoon in Doncaster, South Yorkshire, England and Ireland lock horns in a match to decide who is sole log leader.

On Saturday, 22 February 2020, the third round of Rugby Europe's National Championship takes place for the 18th time. Expectations are that Georgia will win it for the 12th time.

SUPER RUGBY SPOTLIGHT: Waratahs captain Rob Simmons insists his team will "stay connected" as they bid to recover from their worst ever start to a season.

SIX NATIONS REACTION: England coach Eddie Jones apologised to a reporter who he suggested could not tell half-Asians apart in a barbed answer to a question on Thursday.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Hot on the heels of Round 11 comes a weekend of matches that will take us past the mid-way point of the campaign, and matters are intensifying as the Final Series draws ever closer.

TRANSFER NEWS: Stade Francais have signed French fullback Alexis Palisson as cover for injured Springbok Ruan Combrinck until the end of the Top 14 season.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: After a short break  Premiership Rugby returned with aplomb last weekend – and the rip-roaring action looks set to continue with Round 11.

TEAM UPDATE: Ireland lock Iain Henderson has been ruled out of this weekend's Six Nations international against England because of family reasons.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: England coach Eddie Jones named his 23-man squad to play Ireland in the third round of the Six Nations at Twickenham Stadium on Sunday.

SQUAD ANNOUNCEMENT: Australian Sevens squad has been named with schoolboy prodigy Angus Bell and Stu Dunbar named in the touring squad for the Los Angeles leg of the Series.

SQUAD ANNOUNCEMENT: The Lions have named their 26-man squad for their four-week Australiasia tour.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Eddie Jones was forced to apologise after making a bizarre remark about racism that has invited renewed scrutiny of his England regime.

SQUAD ANNOUNCEMENT: All Blacks Sevens Co-Captain Tim Mikkelson will run out for his 90th tournament at next week’s Los Angeles Sevens, surpassing DJ Forbes as the most capped New Zealand Sevens player.

SUPER RUGBY REPORT: The Crusaders stretched their unbeaten home record to 33 matches when they dismissed an error-prone Highlanders team in Christchurch on Friday.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Stormers coach John Dobson has made four changes to his team for their Super Rugby Round Four encounter with the Jaguares at Newlands on Saturday.

Six Nations action is back in its four competitions which make for wonderful watching and  PRO14 and Super Rugby are also in full swing.

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

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENTS: Wales have made two changes to their starting XV to face France in Cardiff on Saturday

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Italy coach Franco Smith has named an unchanged side to face Scotland in the Six Nations on Saturday in Rome.

Ireland and England have each won both their matches in the 2020 Under-20 Six Nations, but Ireland top the log because they have two bonus points to England's one. And Ireland and England meet in Round 3 and they do so in England.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Sharks head coach Sean Everitt has named his team to face the Melbourne Rebels on Saturday.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: A rejuvenated France have stormed to the top of the Six Nations table after impressive performances collectively and individually, none more so than the South African-born second-row pair of Bernard Le Roux and Paul Willemse.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Melbourne Rebels coach Dave Wessels has revealed his Round Four side to face the Sharks in Ballarat this Saturday.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Barnstorming centre Virimi Vakatawa has handed France a massive boost after being named in the team to play Wales in the Six Nations on Saturday.

SIX NATIONS SPOTLIGHT: Grand Slam-chasing France will go in search of their first Six Nations win in Cardiff for a decade with Welsh accusations they are "cheats" ringing in their ears.

SUPER RUGBY ROUND FOUR: The Crusaders have turned to the 'legends of the past' in their build-up to this southern derby.

WATCH  a clip from some insane trucks in games from the 1980s.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: The Sunwolves have made several changes to their starting XV for the Super Rugby clash against the Reds on Saturday.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Brumbies coach Dan McKellar has made three changes to the starting side ahead of their match against the Chiefs at FMG Stadium in Waikato on Saturday.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: The Jaguares made eight changes to their team for Saturday's crucial Round Four Super Rugby encounter with the Stormers.

YEAR-END NEWS: Wales will host three of the Southern Hemisphere's big guns in their November Tests.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Ireland coach Andy Farrell has named the matchday 23 to travel to London to take on England at Twickenham in a Six Nations crunch match on Sunday.

NEWS: New Zealander Vern Cotter is leaving his position as Montpellier's Director of Rugby three months early before starting his post as Fiji head coach, the French club announced on Wednesday.

SIX NATIONS SPOTLIGHT: Manu Tuilagi and fellow centre Henry Slade could figure in the England team to play Ireland.

WATCH as Sharks Chief Executive Officer Eduard Coetzee reveals the new family-friendly area in memory of the late legendary World Cup-winning Springbok James Small.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Head coach Gregor Townsend today named three changes to the starting Scotland team to face Italy at the Stadio Olimpico in Rome this Saturday.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: The winless Bulls have named a virtually unchanged team for their Super Rugby Round Four encounter with the Blues.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: The Queensland Reds have announced an unchanged starting XV for their first home match of 2020 against the Sunwolves at Suncorp Stadium on Saturday.

SQUAD UPDATE: The Sharks' flyhalf stocks will be a little thin over the next few weeks.

NEWS: The mysterious disease that struck down a number of Brumbies players and management members has been revealed.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Chiefs head coach Warren Gatland has made a raft of changes to his side named to face the Brumbies in Hamilton.

NEWS: Jordan Petaia will miss the rest of the Super Rugby season with scans confirming the Wallabies' centre will need surgery on his dislocated shoulder.

SUPER RUGBY SPOTLIGHT: The Lions are making the most of their early-season break, using this week's bye to reduce the crippling effect of travel fatigue.

SUPER RUGBY SPOTLIGHT: Stormers coach John Dobson is expecting an "epic" clash against the Jaguares at Newlands on Saturday.

SQUAD ANNOUNCEMENT: BlitzBok coach Neil Powell made three changes to his squad for the Los Angeles Sevens.

NEWS: England prop Mako Vunipola has been ruled out of Sunday's Six Nations clash with Ireland for family reasons.

NEWS: New Zealand Rugby (NZR) has announced an inaugural national club rugby competition, scheduled to kick off in May this year.

SUPER RUGBY SPOTLIGHT: The Brumbies face a monumental task against the Chiefs on Saturday, where they plan to break a hoodoo by unleashing a former star against the competition leaders.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: The Crusaders will play their first home game in Christchurch this Friday when they host the Highlanders.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: The Highlanders have retained most of last week’s team to play the Crusaders in Christchurch on Friday.

DISCIPLINARY UPDATE: Leicester Tigers captain Tom Youngs has been slapped with a ban for punching.

WATCH AS Former Ireland international Darren Cave joins Andy Goode and Jim Hamilton in the studio.

PRO14 SPOTLIGHT: Springbok flank Arno Botha dreams of a recall to the national team, ahead the July Tests.

NEWS: Following discussions with the club last week, Wasps confirmed that Dai Young will be leaving his post as Director of Rugby.

NEWS: Wales have called Cardiff Blues back Hallam Amos into their Six Nations squad ahead of Saturday’s Round Three match at home to France.

NEWS: Coach Warren Gatland has revealed the British and Irish Lions are weighing up three potential opponents for a warm-up game before 2021’s tour to South Africa.

TRANSFER NEWS: New Zealand wing Ben Lam, currently playing for Super Rugby side Hurricanes, has signed for Top 14 club Bordeaux-Begles for the next two seasons, the French club announced Tuesday.

A referee has things he must do in applying the laws of the game. He must signal a score, stop play when the ball is dead, act on a score, act on a score and protect players from harm when he can. To help him he has a whistle, a set of signals and, higher up the refereeing ladder, he has help from others, such assistant referees, a TMO, a timekeeper and those who regulate the coming and going of players.

WATCH as Andy Goode and Jim Hamilton analyse the Six Nations crunch encounter between Ireland and England.