IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Former England and Bath prop David Flatman believes that the British & Irish Lions should consider dropping provincial games in favour of flying in international competition for future tours.
OPINION: Rugbypass writer Ben Smith dissects Springboks' 17-22 defeat to British and Irish Lions in the opening Test match on Saturday.
OPINION: The game is the ultimate humbler.
OPINION: It was a tense Test match that delivered on physicality, but failed in the spectacle department. Ian Cameron rates the British and Irish players.
OPINION: South Africa failed to maintain the first-half intensity and got blown away by the British and Irish Lions in the first Test in Cape Town on Saturday.
REACTION: British and Irish Lions coach Warren Gatland fired the first verbal salvo, but South Africa's Director of Rugby Rassie Erasmus fired back with a more sardonic obiter dictum.
REACTION: Francios de Klerk vowed that Springboks would show more fire after their disappointing 17-22 defeat to the British & Irish Lions in the opening Test in Cape Town on Saturday.
REACTION: Currie Cup officials have come under the microscope following Cheetahs’ defeat to the Sharks on Saturday.
MATCH REPORT: Western Province powered to a 37-23 win over the Pumas in Currie Cup action in Nelspruit on Sunday.
REACTION: British and Irish Lions coach Warren Gatland has said that he is "pleased with the officials" after the tourists secured victory over South Africa in Cape Town.
WATCH as South African coach Jacques Nienaber unpacks his team's 17-22 loss to the British and Irish Lions in the first Test in Cape Town.
SQUAD ANNOUNCEMENT: The Wallabies have turned to former Queensland playmaker Duncan Paia'aua with coach Dave Rennie unable to call in any players from NSW or Victoria due to border restrictions.
MATCH REPORT: The British and Irish Lions struck a crucial early blow in the three-match Test series with an impressive come-from-behind 22-17 win over South Africa in Cape Town on Saturday.
READERS’ FORUM: Welcome to our live coverage of the Currie Cup Round Seven encounter between the Bulls and Lions at Loftus Versfeld.
PREVIEW: Fiji gets the defence of their Olympic Sevens title underway against Games hosts Japan on Monday.
TOP SPOT: It’s tough at the top.
NEWS: The All Blacks are reportedly set to play in Washington DC for the first time ever in a test match that is expected to earn New Zealand Rugby [NZR] millions in revenue.
WATCH as we recap all the drama from the opening contest in the three-Test series between South Africa and the British and Irish Lions in Cape Town at the weekend.
IN THE SPOTLIGHT: The Wallabies face playing two consecutive Bledisloe Cup Tests in New Zealand before taking on the All Blacks in Perth in a condensed Test schedule to accommodate COVID-19 travel restrictions.
OPINION: The Stormers put up a good fight in the opening 25 minutes of their game against the British and Irish Lions before the difference in class began to show.
OPINION: An error-ridden first half and game opponents slowed down the Lions in the first half, but the Stormers eventually blew themselves out.
NEWS: John Mitchell has quit his role as England’s defence coach.
REACTION: Harlequins have said that they are "disgusted by racist comments" made about flyhalf Marcus Smith during a recent rugby podcast discussing the British and Irish Lions tour.
CURRIE CUP MATCH REPORT: The Sharks left Bloemfontein with a full house of five league points, after outmuscling the Cheetahs in a spiteful Round Seven fixture.
SPOTLIGHT: The southern hemisphere's showpiece Rugby Championship and Bledisloe Cup matches were in jeopardy Friday after Australia's latest Covid-19 outbreak popped its trans-Tasman travel bubble with New Zealand.
IN THE SPOTLIGHT: The Springboks are 'definitely' joining the Six Nations over the coming years, according to the chief executive of the Sharks.
WATCH as Springbok captain Siyamthanda Kolisi speaks about their desire to give a battered country hope for a brighter future.
READERS’ FORUM: Welcome to our live coverage of the first Test between South Africa and British and Irish Lions at the Cape Town Stadium.
Loosehead prop, Wyn Jones (Scarlets, Wales), has been ruled out of this evening’s first Test against South Africa with a minor shoulder injury picked up in training on Thursday.
READERS’ FORUM: Welcome to our live coverage of the Currie Cup Round Seven encounter between the Cheetahs and Sharks in Bloemfontein.
WATCH as seasoned British and Irish Lions centre Robbie Henshaw opens about the first Test against South Africa on Saturday.
WATCH as South African assistant coach Mzwandile Stick fronts up to the media and explains Rassie Erasmus's new role in the Springbok team.
WORLD CUP QUALIFIER: Despite having to use 17 new Test players, Tonga were still far too strong for the Cook Islands in a World Cup qualifier.
TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: The Lions have named their team to face the Bulls at Loftus Versfeld on Sunday.
SPOTLIGHT: Springbok utility forward Rynhardt Elstadt has opened up about his heavy workload in training ahead of the first Test against the British and Irish Lions on Saturday.
TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Hooker Scarra Ntubeni has returned from the Springbok camp and moves into the starting lineup as Western Province head to Nelspruit to face the Pumas on Sunday.
TRANSFER NEWS: Star wing Marika Koroibete is officially leaving Australia, after signing with Japan's Wild Knights.
SECONDS OUT, ROUND ONE: To milk that iconic phrase of American master of ceremonies Michael Buffer: 'Let's Get Ready To Rumble!!!'
TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Cheetahs coach Hawies Fourie has named his team to face the Sharks on Saturday in Bloemfontein.
REACTION: The British and Irish Lions coaching staff spat the dummy over a late change to the match officials for the three-match series.
NEWS: Former Scotland captain and scrumhalf Mike Blair is returning to his old club Edinburgh as head coach, the Pro14 side announced on Friday.
INSIDE THE B&I LIONS CAMP: @rugby365com reports on the latest developments in the build-up to the first Test, at the Cape Town Stadium on Saturday.
REACTION: Cheetahs captain Ruan Pienaar admitted the hard work has officially started for his team from Bloemfontein.
IN THE SPOTLIGHT: A new study that shows playing elite rugby could lead to changes in brain structure according to players’ chief Damian Hopley.
REACTION: Griquas' belief is helping them grind out results this season revealed head coach Scott Mathie.
TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Bulls director of rugby, Jake White, has selected a strong side that will face the Lions on their return to action in the Currie Cup on Sunday, July 25.
WATCH as B&I Lions coach Warren Gatland talks about the contrasting styles of wings Duhan van der Merwe and Cheslin Kolbe in the first Test.
WATCH as Western Province coach John Dobson chats to Jan de Koning about the status of the Currie Cup and suggests possible changes.
TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Sharks and central rivals, Cheetahs, will meet in Bloemfontein on Saturday after a protracted delay in the Currie Cup action.
SPOTLIGHT: Springbok centre Damian de Allende said he is lucky to be involved in the British and Irish Lions series after a fire pit accident in early June.
WATCH as British and Irish Lions coach Warren Gatland talks about his meeting with match officials to get 'clarity' on their interpretation of key issues.
TRANSFER NEWS: Waratahs have confirmed that versatile lock Jed Holloway has signed a two-year contract to return home to NSW and be part of the side’s 2022 campaign.
CURRIE CUP MATCH REPORT: The Cheetahs put their campaign firmly back on track with a bonus-point 38-21 win over Western Province in Bloemfontein on Wednesday.
SPOTLIGHT: Springbok hooker Bongi Mbonambi says negative comments surrounding the Springboks' preparedness is only giving his team extra motivation.
NEWS: Holders Toulouse were grouped with their two former final opponents in the European Champions Cup group stages draw on Wednesday.
REACTION: The headlines centred around returning captain Alun Wyn Jones, but Warren Gatland feels there is more to it. @king365ed brings you the reaction from the B&I Lions camp.
TRANSFER NEWS: Western Force confirmed that Harry Lloyd return to the club from Brumbies on a one-year deal.
TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: British and Irish Lions coach Warren Gatland has named his side for the first Test against the Springboks at Cape Town Stadium on Saturday.
TRANSFER NEWS: The Brumbies confirmed the return of Brumby #143 Jesse Mogg for the next two seasons, after six years playing in France.
SPOTLIGHT: Springbok coach Jacques Nienaber is confident Albertus Smith will rise to the challenge in the first Test against the B&I Lions on Saturday.
WATCH as assistant coach Neil Jenkins and wing Anthony Watson speak about the South African players they have to pay special attention to.
NEWS: France wing Gabin Villiere is to undergo surgery on an ankle injury suffered in this month's second Test win over Australia, his club Toulon announced on Tuesday.
READERS’ FORUM: Welcome to our live coverage of the Currie Cup Round Six encounter between the Cheetahs and Western Province in Bloemfontein.
NEWS: An All Black star has made a decision on his playing future.
BREAKING NEWS: SA Rugby and the British & Irish Lions confirmed that an agreement had been reached to conclude the Test series in Cape Town.
CURRIE CUP REPORT: Wing Eduan Keyter scored four tries as Griquas beat the Lions 41-31 in their Currie Cup Round Six encounter at Ellis Park on Wednesday.
NEWS: England has confirmed their year-end Tests, which include a rematch with World Cup champions South Africa.
THE RETURN: Cheetahs head coach Hawies Fourie has questioned the Currie Cup's integrity.
IN THE SPOTLIGHT: The Lions tour in South Africa has reached its business end.
SPOTLIGHT: France head Fabien Galthie said on Tuesday he had half a dozen options to replace regular skipper Charles Ollivon, who will miss the November Tests with a serious knee injury.
SPOTLIGHT: While KwaZulu-Natal has been devastated by the recent civil unrest, the outpouring of generosity and the commitment to work together to rebuild the province has been nothing short of inspirational.
REACTION: Springbok coach Jacques Nienaber has explained his decision to start Trevor Nyakane and Ox Nche ahead of Steven Kitshoff and Frans Malherbe in his Bok team.
WATCH as B&I Lions coach Warren Gatland explains to @king365ed what they are expecting from the Springboks in the first Test in Cape Town on Saturday.
TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Springbok head coach Jacques Nienaber has revealed his team to face the British and Irish Lions in the first Test in Cape Town on Saturday.
TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Lions head coach Ivan van Rooyen has made several changes to the side that will host Griquas at Ellis Park on Wednesday.
TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Cheetahs head coach Hawies Fourie has revealed his team to face Western Province in a Currie Cup match in Bloemfontein on Wednesday.
TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Western Province head coach John Dobson has named his team to face the Cheetahs on Wednesday.
SPOTLIGHT: Springbok flyhalf Handre Pollard said he is not bothered by negative comments surrounding the Springboks' game plan.
SPOTLIGHT: New Zealand have been training to play with 14 men ahead of Tests against Australia to prepare for the loss of red-carded players.
NEWS: Key loose forwards Liam Wright and Angus Scott-Young have both signed contract extensions with the Queensland Reds.
NEWS: Another Currie Cup match in Durban has been cancelled.
IN THE SPOTLIGHT: The British and Irish Lions assistant coach Steve Tandy believes his team have enough firepower to handle Springboks scrumhalf Francois De Klerk.
SPOTLIGHT: Springbok assistant coach Mzwandile Stick said there are several suitable candidates for the Bok captaincy.
REACTION: Stormers head coach John Dobson has pin-pointed British and Irish Lions' vulnerable areas following their match on Saturday.
NEWS: Former England hooker Richard Cockerill stepped down as boss of Pro14 side Edinburgh on Monday to "pursue other opportunities".
TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: The Griquas team to take on the Lions on Wednesday shows just one change to the starting XV.
WATCH as we recap the first Test of the 2009 British and Irish Lions tour - a dramatic series opener.
SQUAD ANNOUNCEMENT: Veteran scrumhalf TJ Perenara was welcomed back into the All Blacks squad named Monday for the upcoming Rugby Championship.
WATCH as we bring you some tasty titbits ahead of the three-Test series between South Africa and the British and Irish Lions.
SPOTLIGHT: Star wing Marika Koroibete is free to play for the Wallabies in the Bledisloe Cup and Rugby Championship after escaping suspension for an alleged high tackle.
SPOTLIGHT: Alex Shaw takes a look at some possible bolters in the B&I Lions side, ahead of the first Test against South Africa.
REACTION: There is no reason for Springbok coach Jacques Nienaber to reach for the panic button after South Africa 'A' lost to the Bulls at the weekend.
REACTION: While it might already be one-nil to the Springboks after this past week’s unofficial fourth Test victory by South Africa 'A', one legend isn’t so convinced by his former team.
OLYMPIC NEWS: Springbok Sevens coach Neil Powell has been admitted to an isolation facility in Kagoshima, after he tested positive for COVID-19 on Saturday.
REACTION: New Zealand coach Ian Foster belives his team is on track to regain the No.1 world ranking, even if tyere are some concerns over the team.
WATCH as Springbok coach Jacques Nienaber unpacks his team's 14-17 loss to the Bulls in Cape Town on Saturday and looks ahead to the Test series against the B&I Lions.
REACTION: The Lions wrapped up their pre-series preparations with a 49-3 win over the Stormers, as coach Warren Gatland got a final look at some Test candidates.
TOUR SPOTLIGHT: Springbok coach Jacques Nienaber was playing his cards close to his chest, but he dropped a few subtle hits that the starting XV is close to being a done deal.
REACTION: Dave Rennie has unloaded on France for milking penalties after Australia played one man down for 75 minutes to beat Les Bleus 33-30 and claim their Test rugby series 2-1.
REACTION: French coach Fabien Galthie said his side's thrilling three-match tour of Australia showed the depth of the game in France - heading into the 2023 World Cup to be played on home soil.
REACTION: The Wallabies' defiant 33-30 win over France is being earmarked as a pivotal moment for Dave Rennie's youthful squad.
WATCH as Springboks coach Jacques Nienaber explains the COVID-19 return to play protocols and the prospects of players currently in isolation being named for next week's opening Test.
MATCH REPORT: The British and Irish Lions ran in seven tries on their way to a convincing 49-3 win over the Stormers in Cape Town on Saturday.
MATCH REPORT: The Bulls gave the Springbok camp plenty to think about after they beat South Africa 'A' 17-14 in a scrappy match at Cape Town Stadium on Saturday.
MATCH REPORT: Argentina overpowered a new-look Wales 33-11 in the second Test at Cardiff on Saturday.
NEWS: Levan Maisashvili, the Georgia coach, is in a Johannesburg hospital in severe condition after contracting COVID-19.
MATCH REPORT: It required 260 minutes, but Australia finally got the better of a depleted French team to claim their Test series 2-1.
DISCIPLINARY UPDATE: Wallaby coach Dave Rennie spat the dummy over the red card, but wing Marika Koroibete will have to front up to a disciplinary hearing anyway.
MATCH REPORT: New Zealand cruised to a 60-13 win over a willing Fijian team in Hamilton on Saturday.
MATCH REPORT: Manu Samoa have qualified for the 2023 World Cup after dispatching Tonga in a 37-15 victory in Hamilton on Saturday.
TRANSFER NEWS: The Sharks have said goodbye to one of their locks.
REACTION: The Springbok team, as a collective, has spoken out about the ongoing violence in South Africa.
SPOTLIGHT: The Springbok Sevens squad have been cleared to continue their journey to Kagoshima City, where they will have a final preparation camp prior to the Tokyo Olympic Games.
OPINION: The Wallabies came agonisingly close to securing a series-clinching victory against the French at AAMI Stadium in Melbourne, however were narrowly defeated 26-28 in an enthralling encounter.
OPINION: The British and Irish Lions got a wake-up call when they face a strong South Africa 'A' team on Wednesday.
READERS’ FORUM: Welcome to our live coverage of the tour match between the Stormers and the British and Irish Lions in Cape Town.
NEWS: England's Lewis Ludlow has been banned for four games for foul play in his team's 70-14 victory over Canada.
BREAKING NEWS: The Currie Cup match between the Lions and Cheetahs - scheduled for Ellis Park this weekend - has been cancelled as a result of concerns over the ongoing violence in South Africa.
WATCH as British and Irish Lions coach Warren Gatland fires the first verbal shots in the war of words ahead of the three-Test series against South Africa.
READERS’ FORUM: Welcome to our live coverage of the warm-up match between South Africa 'A' and the Bulls in Cape Town.
READERS’ FORUM: Welcome to our live coverage of the third and decisive Test between Australia and France in Brisbane.
LAST CHANCE: For one team it is a 'once-in-a-lifetime' opportunity, for the other, it is a final chance to fine-tune ahead of the Test series.
TEAM UPDATE: France second row Cyril Cazeaux has been ruled out of this weekend's Test series decider with Australia due to an ankle injury, the French Rugby Federation said on Friday.
TIME TO SHINE: Jacques Nienaber and Jake White have revealed their teams for Saturday's South Africa 'A' v Bulls match in Cape Town.
READERS’ FORUM: Welcome to our live coverage of the second Test between New Zealand and Fiji in Hamilton.
THE DECIDER: Wales have made seven changes for their International decider against Argentina at Principality Stadium on Saturday.
TOUR SPOTLIGHT: British and Irish Lions fullback Stuart Hogg knows all about setbacks and overcoming them.
THIRD TEST: It is being played out in the shadow of the British and Lions tour of South Africa. Yet, it has been every bit as dramatic as the four-yearly event taking place 11,000 kilometres to the West.
TRANSFER NEWS: Gloucester Rugby announced that Ben Meehan will link up with the Cherry and Whites ahead of the 2021-22 season.
SPOTLIGHT: Stormers head coach John Dobson opens up on Rassie Erasmus' request.
THE SECOND TEST: All Blacks captain Sam Whitelock underlined "effort" as key for the team to rebuild respect in the second Test against Fiji in Hamilton on Saturday.
TRANSFER NEWS: Gloucester confirmed the signing of Namibia international back row forward Wian Conradie.
REACTION: British and Irish Lions coach Warren Gatland claimed 'victory' from his team's 13-17 loss to South Africa in Cape Town on Wednesday.
TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: British & Irish Lions head coach Warren Gatland has named his team to play the Stormers at Cape Town Stadium on Saturday.
WATCH as South Africa's Director of Rugby and 'water boy' extraordinaire Rassie Erasmus talks about the Springboks' final warm-up match ahead of the British and Irish Lions series and injuries in the team.
TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Stormers head coach John Dobson has revealed his team to face the British and Irish Lions on Saturday.
TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: France coach Fabien Galthie recalled dangerous wing Teddy Thomas among seven changes for the final Test against Australia after their breakthrough win in Melbourne.
INJURY UPDATE: Ardie Savea has revealed an internal struggle during the early stages of rehabbing a serious knee injury.
TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Australia coach Dave Rennie made eight changes Thursday to his starting line-up for the third Test against France, confident the new-look team can clinch the decider.
TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Richie Mo'unga has been restored as flyhalf and the loose forwards have been revamped as a chastened All Blacks look to make an emphatic statement in the second Test against Fiji.
REACTION: Director of Rugby Rassie Erasmus has set the bar for South Africa 'A' following their 17-13 win over the British & Irish Lions in Cape Town on Wednesday.
TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Leone Nakarawa has been given more responsibility as he will lead the Fiji against the All Blacks in their final test match on Saturday in Hamilton.
NEWS: SA Rugby announced on Wednesday that two Currie Cup Premier Division matches this weekend will be cancelled.
MATCH REPORT: South Africa 'A' survived two yellow cards to claim a narrow 17-13 win over the British and Irish Lions on Wednesday at Cape Town Stadium.
SQUAD UPDATE: Ireland star Ronan Kelleher has been called up to The British & Irish Lions touring party.
UPDATE: The Bulls have reportedly arrived in Cape Town to help provide some opposition for the Springboks this weekend.
SPOTLIGHT: The British & Irish Lions head coach, Warren Gatland has confirmed that Tour captain Alun Wyn Jones will return to the Lions touring party in South Africa.
NEWS: World Rugby announced on Wednesday five law trials which will start next month, including a so-called "50/22" kicking adaptation.
NEWS: South Africa Sevens team have gone into quarantine after landing in Tokyo ahead of the Olympic Games.
NEWS: President of the Eastern Province Rugby Union Andre Rademan has passed away after a battle with COVID-19.
REACTION: Dave Rennie is set to bring in fresh faces for the deciding Test against France to inject "some key energy" with skipper Michael Hooper admitting "it sucks" losing to Les Bleus.
SPOTLIGHT: Stormers assistant coach Dawie Snyman believes his players have put the disappointment of losing to Griquas last week firmly behind them.
OPINION: A Springbok-laden South Africa 'A' team brought the intensity when they faced the British and Irish Lions on Wednesday.
OPINION: For the Sharks, it was a chance to right the wrongs in what was the second encounter against the British and Irish Lions.
OPINION: The withdrawal of Finn Russell and Maro Itoje just 90 minutes before kick-off may have rattled the British and Irish Lions.
READERS’ FORUM: Welcome to our live coverage of the tour match between South Africa A and British & Irish Lions in Cape Town.
SPOTLIGHT: British and Irish Lions kicking coach Neil Jenkins knows all too well how influential Springbok flyhalf Morne Steyn can be for his team.
SPOTLIGHT: British and Irish Lions hooker Ken Owens says there has been a shift in mentality in the Lions' camp since they arrived in Cape Town.
REACTION: The Springboks' management team is working hard at a plan to get in some valuable game time before the British and Irish Lions test series.
NEWS: The Springboks will face the Wallabies at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG) in the 2021 Rugby Championship.
THE FOURTH TEST: Wednesday's fixture against Britsh and Irish Lions might be regarded as the fourth unofficial test.
IN THE SPOTLIGHT: All Blacks great John Kirwan has called for Fiji and Japan to be included in this year’s edition of the Rugby Championship.
MATCH REPORT: France made history in Australia by beating the Wallabies 28-26 for the first time in 31 years.
OPINION: The All Blacks survived a big scare from Fiji as they scored 26 unanswered points in the final quarter of an hour to secure a 57-23 win.
NEWS: Wallabies star Quade Cooper has opened up on his struggles to become an Australian citizen.
WATCH as Rassie Erasmus and Warren Gatland talk about the possibility that two legends of the game could make dramatic comebacks.
WATCH as the spotlight is shone on Albertus Smith, who played at No.8 for the Springboks against Georgia.
It has been one of the more eventful weeks on a Lions Tour in recent history.
REACTION: B&I Lions coach Warren Gatland dismissed a request from the Springboks to allow the SA A team to replace the Stormers as opposition.
NEWS: World Rugby announced on Wednesday the introduction of an independent panel to oversee Test players' returns to action after suffering head injuries.
NEWS: Bristol Bears have been handed the honour of kicking off the new Premiership season, hosting promoted Saracens.
NEWS: Sharks scrumhalf Jaden Hendrikse received a ban for his red card against the British and Irish Lions this past Saturday.
IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Former British & Irish Lions flyhalf Ronan O’Gara appears to be backing England stand-off Owen Farrell for the hotly contested 10 jersey after criticising Dan Biggar’s performance against the Sharks.
INJURY UPDATE: The Lions are playing a waiting game, as they step up preparations for their Currie Cup encounter with the Cheetahs at Ellis Park on Saturday.
TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Springbok coach Jacques Nienaber named 18 Rugby World Cup winners in a strong South Africa ‘A’ team captained by Lukhanyo Am for their clash with the British & Irish Lions in a Lions Series match at Cape Town Stadium on Wednesday.
TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: British and Irish Lions coach Warren Gatland has named his team to play South Africa 'A' at Cape Town Stadium on Wednesday.
IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Wednesday’s match between South Africa A and British and Irish Lions is certainly a preview of the 'official' Lions Test series.
READERS’ FORUM: Welcome to our live coverage of the second Test between Australia and France in Melbourne.
TRANSFER TALK: Former Highlanders boss Aaron Mauger is reportedly set to be confirmed as the inaugural Moana Pasifika head coach.
SECOND TEST: Wallaby coach Dave Rennie has cautioned a new-look France they will meet a sharper, faster Australia on Tuesday.
IN THE SPOTLIGHT: The Springboks and the British & Irish Lions' arrival in Cape Town has been accompanied by cold and wet weather conditions.
REACTION: The Cheetahs will be hoping their narrow 17-16 Currie Cup win over the Pumas on Friday will be the start of something big.
REACTION: Sharks head coach Sean Everitt says the red card shown to scrumhalf Jaden Hendrikse in Saturday's match against the British and Irish Lions will be a "learning experience".
NEWS: Ireland will host New Zealand in November for the first time at Lansdowne Road since their historic 16-9 home victory against them in 2018.
NEWS: The Springboks will resume training on Sunday in preparation for the Lions Series.
REACTION: The All Blacks have pinpointed areas of their game in need of urgent attention following an untidy performance against Fiji.
OPINION: Ian Cameron rates the British and Irish player after their 54-7 rout of the Sharks at Ellis Park on Wednesday.
SPOTLIGHT: British and Irish Lions head coach Warren Gatland gave an update on Finn Russell's injury after his team's win against the Sharks on Saturday.
NEWS: A Springbok wing has announced his retirement from rugby.
NEWS: The Fiji rugby team chose not to wear jerseys bearing a pro-vaccination message during Saturday's Test against New Zealand because of objections from some players.
REACTION: British and Irish Lions coach Warren Gatland said the past seven days had been one of the most challenging periods of his coaching career.
TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Australia elevated strapping prop Taniela Tupou to the starting line-up Sunday for the second Test against France.
WATCH as Stormers coach John Dobson unpacks the work awaiting for his team ahead of their much-anticipated clash with the British and Irish Lions next week.
MATCH REPORT: The British and Irish Lions made it back-to-back wins over the Sharks but only after coming from behind twice in a thrilling end-to-end encounter in Pretoria.
MATCH REPORT: Hooker Ronan Kelleher scored four tries in Ireland's 71-10 win over the United States at the Aviva Stadium on Saturday.
SQUAD UPDATE: The British & Irish Lions head coach, Warren Gatland has called up Marcus Smith as injury cover for Finn Russell.
TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: France coach Fabien Galthie made five changes to his team for the second Test against Australia at Melbourne.
REPORT: Marcus Smith piloted England’s 70-14 rout of Canada – unaware he had been called up to the British and Irish Lions tour of South Africa.
MATCH REPORT: Wales had to settle for a draw against 14-man Argentina after a tense Principality Stadium encounter finished 20-20.
MATCH REPORT: A rattled All Blacks struggled to put away an under-prepared Fiji in Dunedin on Saturday but four tries by Dane Coles in the second half resulted in a flattering 57-23 scoreline.
SPOTLIGHT: The Wallabies are set to be at full strength for the second Test against France in Melbourne on Tuesday as they look to wrap up the series with a second victory.
MATCH REPORT: Centre Henry Taefu scored a try among 20 points as Samoa beat Tonga 42-13 in the first match of a two-leg Rugby World Cup qualifying series.
OPINION: The Sharks would have learned one very valuable lesson - they are way off the pace they need to be if they hope to compete internationally.
NEWS: The British and Irish Lions tour seems destined for a dramatic shift to Cape Town. Jan de Koning reports.
INJURY UPDATE: British and Irish Lions will be without two of their key players for the match against the Sharks at Loftus Versfeld on Saturday.
NEWS: Montpellier announced the signing of promising Italy flyhalf Paolo Garbisi on a two-year contract from Treviso.
OPINION: The Johannesburg-based Lions were outclassed from start to finish in an entertaining game that saw the British and Irish Lions run riot.
OPINION: Ian Cameron rates the British and Irish Lions after their 56-14 mauling of the Johannesburg-based Lions.
READERS’ FORUM: Welcome to our live coverage of the third match of the British and Irish Lions tour of South Africa - when they face the Sharks at Loftus Versfeld.
REACTION: Griquas blew the Currie Cup race wide open following their win over the Western Province on Wednesday.
INJURY UPDATE: Bath lock Josh McNally has become the sixth player injured in England’s notoriously brutal training environment.
THE REMATCH: The Sharks will be seeking redemption when they come up against the British and Irish Lions for the second time in three days.
WATCH as British and Irish Lions boss Ben Calveley maps out the way forward that will ensure the tour goes ahead and the Test series is completed as planned.
CURRIE CUP MATCH REPORT: The Cheetahs won their first match of the season, when they edged the Pumas 17-16 in a nail biter in Bloemfontein on Friday.
NEWS: Scotland's Test match against Georgia in Tbilisi on July 17 has been cancelled after the hosts reported six positive Covid-19 cases in camp while in South Africa this week.
WATCH as Western Province coach John Dobson reveals the shocking news of seasoned prop Alistair Vermaak's potential career-ending injury.
READERS’ FORUM: Welcome to our live coverage of the opening Test between New Zealand and Fiji in Dunedin.
TRANSFER NEWS: A playmaker has called time on his career in New Zealand by signing a deal to join Japanese club Kamaishi Seawaves next year.
IN THE SPOTLIGHT: All Blacks head coach Ian Foster has defended his team’s lineup to face Fiji this week after being asked whether the Fijian heritage of some of his players led to their selection for Saturday’s test in Dunedin.
WATCH Springbok superstar Cheslin Kolbe talks about his epic drop-goal in the Top 14 final for Toulouse against La Rochelle.
TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: British and Irish Lions coach Warren Gatland named his team to play Sharks for this Saturday's match at Loftus Versfeld in Pretoria.
TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Sharks head coach Sean Everitt has revealed his team for their rematch with the British and Irish Lions at Loftus Versfeld on Saturday.
WATCH as Sharks coach Sean Everitt unpacks his team's 7-54 loss to the British and Irish Lions and what 'lessons' they have learnt from the experience.
NEWS: The British & Irish Lions will play back-to-back matches against the Sharks.
NEWS: Newly-promoted Top 14 outfit Biarritz have signed Argentina international scrumhalf Tomas Cubelli on a two-year deal, the club announced on Friday.
SPOTLIGHT: England rugby coach Eddie Jones admitted he is taking ideas from Gareth Southgate after he led England's football team to the Euro 2020 Final against Italy.
SHAKY START: The Cheetahs will be looking for a morale-boosting win against the Pumas on Friday after a shaky start to their Currie Cup campaign.
NORTH V SOUTH: Wales have made three changes for the first of two Tests against Argentina at Principality Stadium on Saturday.
FROM CRISIS TO CAPTAIN: All Blacks scrumhalf Aaron Smith admits it is "a little bit scary" how his once turbulent life has turned around, and at 32 he will captain New Zealand in the first Test against Fiji in Dunedin on Saturday.
NEW FACES: There are eight uncapped players in Ireland's matchday 23 to face the USA in Dublin on Saturday.
IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Eddie Jones has named his side for England’s match against Canada at Twickenham Stadium on Saturday on July 10.
REACTION: British and Irish Lions coach Warren Gatland 'honestly' believes the Test series against the world champion Springboks will go head.
NEWS: Heyneke Meyer gets a Director of Rugby role in the United States.
TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: All Blacks head coach Ian Foster has revealed his team to face Fiji in Dunedin on Saturday.
NEWS: Crusaders coach Scott Robertson confirmed he is staying with the top Super Rugby side until 2024, having made it clear he wants the most sought-after job of handling the All Blacks.
MATCH REPORT: The British and Irish Lions fired off another warning to the Springboks, as they dismissed the Sharks with consummate ease.
SPOTLIGHT: Marika Koroibete has revealed he missed the birth of his third son in order to play for the Wallabies in their opening Test against France on Wednesday.
RUMBLE IN NELSPRUIT: Griquas will have their work cut out for them if they want to build on last weekend’s impressive victory over the Cheetahs.
CURRIE CUP REPORT: The Pumas moved up to second in the Currie Cup standings after a thrilling 26-22 over Griquas in Nelspruit on Friday.
NEWS: SA Rugby confirmed on Wednesday that the planned second Test match between the Springboks and Georgia had been cancelled because of COVID-19 infections in both camps.
CURRIE CUP REPORT: The Griquas recorded a nail-biting 30-28 win over the Western Province at Cape Town Stadium on Wednesday.
REACTION: Tate McDermott's Test-turning cameo has given Wallabies coach Dave Rennie "food for thought" as he promises to pick his strongest team for next Tuesday's rematch with France.
MATCH REPORT: Noah Lolesio slotted penalty three minutes into referee's additional time to secure a thrilling 23-21 win for Australia over France in the first of three Tests.
RAINBOW CUP DREAM TEAM: Champions Benetton has put one over the Bulls again.
OPINION: World Rugby needs to do more than just paying lip service to their claims that they want to grow the game globally.
REACTION: Western Province head coach John Dobson confirmed that Salmaan Moerat faces a lengthy injury lay-off.
TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Fiji named two-Test scrumhalf Simione Kuruvoli to start against the All Blacks in Dunedin on Saturday.
SPOTLIGHT: Despite only starting to enter his peak years of professional rugby, Otere Black has called time on his career in New Zealand and is set to head to Japan following the NPC.
OPINION: Ireland got back to action 15 weeks after they finished the Six Nations with a resounding flourish. Liam Heagney rates the Irish players!
OPINION: After a 20-month absence from the international game, the Springboks were a bit rusty in their 40-9 win over Georgia.
BREAKING NEWS: Junaid Moerat has won the first round in his protracted battle with Western Province Rugby Football Union President Zelt Marais.
READERS’ FORUM: Welcome to our live coverage of the second match of the British and Irish Lions tour of South Africa.
NEWS: The tour match between the Sharks and the British and Irish Lions will go ahead on Wednesday.
BREAKING NEWS: The British and Irish Lions confirmed that a member of its management team has tested positive for COVID-19.
REACTION: Bulls Rugby Chief Executive Officer Edgar Rathbone has come to the defence of SA Rugby following the latest COVID-19 havoc.
REACTION: The British and Irish Lions are happy to accept Georgia as opposition, should the third-wave COVID-19 surge force the cancellation of matches.
NEWS: Jack Kenningham has withdrawn from the England squad after being contacted and advised to isolate by the NHS COVID-19 app.
TRANSFER NEWS: Harlequins announced the signing of Scotland international Huw Jones ahead of the 2021/22 season
STRANGE TIMES: The Sharks head up to Johannesburg to face the British and Irish Lions in a mid-week tour match.
READERS’ FORUM: Welcome to our live coverage of the first of three Tests matches between Australia and France - this one in Brisbane.
WATCH as British and Irish Lions coach Warren Gatland talks about the prospect of Pieter-Steph du Toit playing at lock in the Test series.
BREAKING NEWS: The British & Irish Lions’ Lions Series match against the Bulls on Saturday has been postponed with a view to rescheduling or to accommodate an alternative opponent.
WATCH as British and Irish Lions coach Warren Gatland speaks about his selection options ahead of the three-Test series against South Africa.
INJURY UPDATE: Max Malins has been ruled out of the England squad for the Test against Canada on Saturday at Twickenham.
IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Fiji's players are drawing inspiration from their virus-hit homeland as they prepare to face the All Blacks in Dunedin this weekend, wing Nemani Nadolo said Tuesday.
TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Western Province have received a major boost ahead of their Currie Cup match against Griquas on Wednesday.
SEVENS SQUAD ANNOUNCEMENT: Olympic bronze medallist Justin Geduld has been included in Team South Africa’s Sevens squad for the 2021 Tokyo Olympics.
WATCH as the Johannesburg-based Lions coach Ivan van Rooyen unpacks the lessons learned from his team's 56-14 mauling at the hands of the British and Irish Lions at the weekend.
TOP DOG: Western Province will look to consolidate their spot at the top of the Currie Cup standings this week as the competition starts to pick up steam, and with no unbeaten teams remaining.
SPOTLIGHT: Sharks head coach Sean Everitt says his team will be relying heavily on Curwin Bosch's experience and game management when they face the British and Irish Lions.
SPOTLIGHT: The Wallabies will look to tap into the recent France experience of lock Matt Philip when they host Les Bleus at Suncorp Stadium on Wednesday.
BREAKING NEWS: The second Test between South Africa and Georgia, scheduled for Ellis Park on Friday, is in serious doubt.
LET THE GAMES BEGIN: Wallaby skipper Michael Hooper is under no illusion that his side has their work cut out against a young French team.
NEWS: The Springboks' preparations have been disrupted by Covid-19 again.
IN THE SPOTLIGHT: As the British & Irish test series with the Springboks approaches, memories of the brutal second test from 2009 in Pretoria have been relived and scrutinised by players and pundits alike.
INJURY UPDATE: The Johannesburg-based Lions received a timely boost, just days after they were mauled by the British and Irish Lions.
TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Sharks head coach Sean Everitt has revealed his team to face the British and Irish Lions in Johannesburg on Wednesday.
TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: British and Irish Lions coach Warren Gatland has named three 'rookies' for his team's second match on their tour of South Africa.
TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: The Griquas have made several changes to the starting XV for their Currie Cup encounter against Western Province on Wednesday.
REACTION: New Zealand coach Ian Foster has rejected any suggestion of an unwarranted mismatch after the All Blacks put a century of points on a hapless Tonga, saying Saturday's Test was not about the scoreline.
IN THE SPOTLIGHT: It is certainly not the news the Springboks camp want to hear regarding their second row options.
TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Wallabies head coach Dave Rennie has revealed his team to face France on Wednesday.
WATCH as three legends of the game - Fourie du Preez, Schalk Burger and Jean de Villiers exchange some tall tales and good laughs.
NEWS: Israel Folau has signed with Japanese Top League side NTT Communications Shining Arcs in a fresh twist after his recent attempts to resurrect his Rugby League career in Queensland.
MATCH REPORT: The race to qualify for Rugby World Cup 2023 threw out some incredible upsets in Africa this week.
IN THE SPOTLIGHT: It was not a perfect performance from the Springboks, but it was a perfect debut for Aphelele Fassi.
REACTION: British and Irish Lions coach Warren Gatland has issued a warning to South Africa ahead of the start of their three-Test series later this month.
IN THE SPOTLIGHT: As long as he is on the field, he is a happy man.
MATCH REPORT: Joe Cokanasiga toasted his first Test in 22 months with a smart brace as England overcame the USA 43-29 at Twickenham.
REACTION: Springboks lock Franco Mostert admitted there are a couple of kinks to iron out before the World Cup Champs can pose a real threat to the British and Irish Lions.
INTERVIEW: @king365ed chats to Lions Rugby Company CEO Rudolf Straeuli and Pieter Burger, Managing Director of Ellis Park Stadium (Pty) Ltd, about the financial status of the franchise.
OPINION: Rugbypass contributor Paul Smith takes a closer look at the officiating during the British and Irish Lions win over Johannesburg-based Lions on Saturday.
MATCH REPORT: The expected slaughter happened at Ellis Park on Saturday, when the touring British and Irish Lions feasted on their outclassed opposition.
MATCH REPORT: Ireland got revenge for their World Cup loss when they beat Japan 39-31 in Dublin on Saturday.
MATCH REPORT: New Zealand kicked off their Test season in sublime fashion, beating Tonga 102-0 at Mt Smart Stadium in Auckland.
POST-MATCH REACTION: Watch as Springbok coach Jacques Nienaber runs the rule over his team, after their 40-9 win over Georgia in Pretoria.
TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Former France captain and current team manager Raphael Ibanez admitted two weeks in quarantine had hurt their chances.
NEWS: Players red-carded for high tackles are set to be sent back to tackling school – according to a new protocol from World Rugby.
MATCH REPORT: The Springboks put in a scrappy performance on their way to a 40-9 victory over Georgia in Pretoria on Friday.
REACTION: Eddie Jones has batted away a damning tweet by Michael Lynagh about his son, Louis, and England.
REACTION: The Junior Springboks' triumph in the Under-20 international series at Newlands on Saturday was a pleasing reward.
MATCH REPORT: Milestone man Leigh Halfpenny's knee injury has soured Wales' 68-12 rugby Test win over Canada.
STAT ATTACK: Harlequins' South African stars played a big role in their thrilling Premiership Final win over Exeter Chiefs at Twickenham on Saturday.
WATCH as World Cup-winning Springbok Bryan Habana unpacks the forthcoming series between South Africa and the British and Irish Lions. @king365ed reports.
READERS’ FORUM: Welcome to our live coverage of the opening tour match between the Johannesburg-based Lions and the British and Irish Lions at Ellis Park.
SECONDS OUT, ROUND ONE: The much-anticipated British and Irish Lions tour finally gets off the ground at Ellis Park on Saturday.
SPOTLIGHT: Springbok loose forward Kwagga Smith has been trying to raise his game to try and emulate one of his role models.
NEWS: The British and Irish Lions may be willing to take a 'shortcut' in the hope of getting injured captain Alun Wyn Jones back on tour in South Africa.
READERS’ FORUM: Welcome to our live coverage of the Test between Ireland and Japan at Lansdowne Road in Dublin.
MATCH REPORT: Demonstrating superior playing depth, and discipline, the Maori All Blacks celebrated their 125th international match with a convincing 38-21 win over Manu Samoa at Mt Smart Stadium on Saturday.
SPOTLIGHT: Eddie Jones has named an England starting XV to take on the USA this Sunday containing just two of the starters that flopped in their last outing 15 weeks ago.
INJURY UPDATE: Mystery surrounds the make-up of the Wallabies side to face France in their Brisbane series opener on Wednesday as scrumhalf Jake Gordon makes a late push to wear the No. 9 jersey.
RECLAIMING TOP SPOT: New Zealand have warned Tonga they will be shown no mercy in Auckland on Saturday, with the once world-dominant All Blacks marking the Test as the start of their quest to return to the top.
READERS’ FORUM: Welcome to our live coverage of the Test between New Zealand and Tonga at Mt Smart in Auckland.
WATCH as Ivan van Rooyen talks about his discussions with Springbok coach Jacques Nienaber ahead of the opening match of the British and Irish Lions tour.
READERS’ FORUM: Welcome to our live coverage of the Test between South Africa and Georgia at Loftus Versfeld, Pretoria.
TRANSFER NEWS: Harlequins confirmed that Tabai Matson will join the Club ahead of the 2021/22 season, leading the Premiership champions coaching contingent
SPOTLIGHT: Springbok captain Siya Kolisi says there won't be changes to the Boks' winning formula as they get the Test season underway against Georgia.
SPOTLIGHT: The Wallabies feel a recent taste of New Zealand rugby has set them up well for the test series against France, which opens next Wednesday in Brisbane.
WATCH as the Springbok players extend a special welcome top the British and Irish Lions - in several of the country's 11 languages.
REACTION: Sharks head coach Sean Everitt has pinpointed what went wrong during his side's 31-32 narrow defeat to Western Province.
NEWS: Scotland have been forced to call off their Test match against Romania later this month due to several positive Covid-19 tests being returned in the camp.
SPOTLIGHT: The final match of the U20 International Series between South Africa and Argentina at Newlands will mean more than just a result to the Junior Springboks, according to Bobby Alexander, who returns to the starting team at scrumhalf after missing two matches.
SPOTLIGHT: British and Irish Lions coach Warren has shed light on his flyhalf selection for the upcoming test against Johannesburg Lions.
SPOTLIGHT: Rugby Australia is waiting to learn if fans will be allowed at the first Test against France in Brisbane on Wednesday.
FIRST TEST: Springbok head coach Jacques Nienaber knows that it won't be a walk in the park when his team comes up against Georgia in the first of two Tests on Friday.
TRANSFER NEWS: A talented player is returning to his roots by signing a long-term contract with Western Province.
SHOULDER-TO-SHOULDER: With eight players in the British and Ireish Lions tour sqiad, it is not exactly Ireland's frontline selection.
REACTION: The Western Province's 32-31 win over the Sharks has been accompanied by an injury blow.
MT SMART DOUBLE HEADER: The New Zealand Māori and Samoa coaches named their teams for their encounter in Auckland on Saturday.
OPINION: Ian Cameron rates the British and Irish Lions players after their 28-10 win over Japan in Edinburgh.
TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Lions coach Ivan van Rooyen has opted to push some of the younger players into the frontline against the British and Irish Lions on Saturday.
TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Coach Warren Gatland surprised when he named his team for the opening match of the tour - against the Johannesburg-based Lions at Ellis Park on Saturday.
SPOTLIGHT: Springbok loosehead prop Retshegofaditswe Nché is ready to cement his place in the Springbok squad ahead of the British and Irish Lions series.
TOUR SPOTLIGHT: king365ed looks at the British and Irish Lions' tour opener against their namesakes at Ellis Park on Saturday.
CURRIE CUP MATCH REPORT: Flyhalf Tim Swiel kicked a penalty with three minutes remaining to secure the win that sent Western Province to the top of the standings.
NEWS: Homegrown Western Force prop Kieran Longbottom has paid tribute to the Perth-based franchise after announcing his retirement from rugby.
WATCH as veteran Georgian prop Nikoloz Khatiashvili chats to @king365ed about his team's encounter with the Springboks in Pretoria on Friday.
NEWS: Taking 25 years to achieve his dream job, incoming Waratahs coach Darren Coleman wants his Super Rugby team to show the same passion and resilience.
REACTION: The Cheetahs are going through one of their more challenging periods in their illustrious 125-year history, but are adamant they will emerge to restore their pride.
TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: New Zealand coach Ian Foster will rely on a number of new recruits as he look to bounce back from last year's under- performing start to his tenure.
TRANSFER NEWS: Ahead of their Super Rugby success run - 2016, 2017 and 2018 - the Lions had managed to lure a host of players from Pretoria to Johannesburg.
TRANSFER NEWS: London Irish continue to dip into the South African market to bolster their playing roster.
WATCH as British and Irish Lions captain Conor Murray speaks about the insights he has on the Springboks, after spending some time with their coaching staff.
SPOTLIGHT: It has been an agonising 19 months, but on Friday the World Champion Springboks will return from COVID-enforced exile to start a marathon season.
SPOTLIGHT: Springbok scrumhalf Cobus Reinach says playing overseas has helped him get out of his "comfort zone".
NEWS: South African Kevin Foote will take charge of the Melbourne Rebels on a permanent basis.
TRANSFER NEWS: Ealing Trailfinders have signed South African loosehead prop Dylan Smith and two of his former Lions teammates ahead of the 2021/22 season.
TRANSFER NEWS: One of Australia's most experienced players will be heading to France.
REACTION: Springbok flyhalf Handre Pollard is physically and mentally ready for Test rugby after battling a knee injury for most of the past season.
READERS' FORUM: Welcome to our live coverage of the Currie Cup Round Three encounter between Western Province and the Sharks in Cape Town.
CAPE OF STORMS: The cold fronts that hit Cape Town this week will play a significant role in this Currie Cup Round Three fixture between Western Province and the Sharks.
REACTION: Officials from both camps were coy over suggestions that there could be a dramatic late schedule change for the British and Irish Lions' tour of South Africa.
TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Tonga have revealed their team to face the All Blacks at Mount Smart Stadium in Auckland.
BREAKING NEWS: Premiership Rugby has welcomed the vote, at a meeting of the Rugby Football Union council, in favour of expansion.
SPOTLIGHT: Will Genia will likely be remembered as one of Australia’s greatest ever scrumhalves. He previews the new Wallaby season.
TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Three players will make their Springbok debuts against Georgia on Friday.
TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Georgia coach Levan Maisashvili named a settled matchday 23 for Friday's Test against the Springboks in Pretoria.
NEWS: SA Rugby commended its 14 member unions for proactively halting all forms of club and amateur rugby in the wake of the current third wave of the COVID pandemic.
REACTION: Springbok head coach Jacques Nienaber said No.8 Jasper Wiese forced his way into Friday's matchday squad against Georgia after his performances in England.
SPOTLIGHT: Sharks head coach Sean Everitt believes Curwin Bosch still has plenty of opportunities to prove his worth to the Springbok coaches.
TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: There are five changes to the Western Province team that will take on the Sharks at Cape Town Stadium on Wednesday.
TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Wales have named five uncapped players in their squad to face Canada on Saturday as Leigh Halfpenny makes his 100th Test appearance.
WATCH as Houston SaberCats captain Luke Beauchamp asks for his own player to be sent off after learning that he swore at the referee.
INJURY UPDATE: The Wallabies have been forced to tweak their squad after they lost another veteran to injury,
INTERVIEW: The touring British and Irish Lions opted to focus on the game, despite the COVID-19 scare that appeared in the Springbok camp at the weekend.
NEWS: The Currie Cup match between the Cheetahs and Bulls, scheduled for Bloemfontein on Wednesday, has been cancelled in line with COVID-19 protocols.
SQUAD ANNOUNCEMENT: Eddie Jones has named his final squad for England’s two upcoming Test matches.
REACTION: The appointment of Ireland scrumhalf Conor Murray as British and Irish Lions captain may have surprised some pundits.
BREAKING NEWS: The Springboks will immediately resume their preparations for the forthcoming Tests against Georgia after feedback received from the Lions Series Medical Advisory Group.
SPOTLIGHT: Following the conclusion of the domestic seasons in England and France, EPCR confirmed the format and qualifiers for the 2021/22 Champions Cup as Europe’s elite club tournament is set to return with a highly competitive schedule of 71 matches.
NEWS: The South African government has confirmed that the British and Irish Lions series will go ahead, despite the country moving to level four lockdown.
TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Sharks head coach Sean Everitt has revealed his team to face Western Province in their Currie Cup Round Three clash in Cape Town on Wednesday.
WATCH as we bring you the ultimate trailer ahead of the three-Test series between South Africa and the British and Irish Lions.
SPOTLIGHT: The Sevens pools have been confirmed for the Tokyo 2020 Olympics which kick-off at Tokyo Stadium on July 26.
TRANSFER NEWS: London Irish have completed the signing of Benhard Janse van Rensburg.
SQUAD UPDATE: Wales have been forced to call up four players into their mid-year internationals training squad after Warren Gatland dipped into their playing pool over the weekend.
SQUAD ANNOUNCEMENT: The Lions have revealed their squad to face British and Irish Lions on Saturday.
BREAKING NEWS: The Springboks cancelled Sunday's planned training session in Johannesburg as a precautionary measure.
REACTION: Conor Murray said he had been taken aback to be named as the new captain of the British and Irish Lions.
SPOTLIGHT: The Conor Murray-captained British and Irish Lions, as well as Georgia, arrive this week in Johannesburg, a city swamped by a COVID-19 third wave.
TRANSFER NEWS: Bulls confirmed that Nizaam Carr has decided to return to the Premiership.
NEWS: Rugby Australia has confirmed the first Test of the 2021 series against France will have a new venue.
TOUR SPOTLIGHT: The British and Irish Lions will land in South Africa on Monday to start an eight-match, three-Test tour of the Republic.
B&I LIONS TOUR SPOTLIGHT: South Africa wing Cheslin Kolbe ays he is relishing the prospect of facing the British and Irish Lions' "unbelievable" Duhan van der Merwe next month.
OPINION: Tom Vinicombe takes a look at the incredible depth New Zealand has and selects a backup XV.
WATCH as Bulls Director of Rugby Jake White speaks about the possibility that veteran back Gio Aplon's career may have come to an end at Loftus Versfeld on Friday.
TRANSFER NEWS: The Chiefs franchise have confirmed Lachlan Boshier will be heading offshore to Japan.
PREMIERSHIP REPORT: Harlequins edged out holders Exeter Chiefs 40-38 in a dramatic English Premiership Final at Twickenham on Saturday.
SPOTLIGHT: Buoyed by the capacity State of Origin crowd in Brisbane, Rugby Australia is hopeful the opening Wallabies-France Test can enjoy the same freedoms.
CURRIE CUP REPORT: Griquas climbed off the bottom of the Currie Cup standings with a 31-10 win over the Cheetahs in Kimberley on Saturday.
VIDEO: There is nothing he can't do.
TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Henco van Wyk will be the only Junior Springbok to earn a consecutive start when the South Africans take on Georgia at Markötter Stadium in Stellenbosch.
NEWS: The British and Irish Lions have revealed their new captain after Alun Wyn Jones was ruled out of the tour of South Africa by a dislocated shoulder.
SPOTLIGHT: After a 20-month absence from the international game, the Springboks are feeling the pain in training ahead of their first Test against Georgia next week.
NEWS: Scotland's 'A' international clash with England on Sunday has been called off, Scottish Rugby announced, due to three positive COVID-19 tests in their camp.
MATCH REPORT: A rusty Samoa suffered a setback at the start of their preparations for next month's World Cup qualifiers against Tonga.
MATCH REPORT: The British and Irish Lions beat Japan 28-10 at Murrayfield on Saturday in the curtain-raiser to their tour of South Africa but victory was overshadowed by captain Alun Wyn Jones' injury.
IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Duhan van der Merwe has vowed to ignore any social media outrage as he prepares to make his British and Irish Lions debut against Japan at Murrayfield.
NEWS: British and Irish Lions head coach Warren Gatland has confirmed that captain Alun Wyn Jones has been ruled out of the team's tour to South Africa with a dislocated shoulder.
READERS' FORUM: Welcome to our live coverage of the Premiership Final between Exeter Chiefs and Harlequins at Twickenham.
SPOTLIGHT: South Africa wing Cheslin Kolbe kicked the first drop goal of his career for Toulouse as they beat La Rochelle 18-8 at the Stade de France on Friday.
MATCH REPORT: The Bulls bounced back with a hard-fought 32-27 win over the Pumas on Friday at Loftus Versfeld.
READERS' FORUM: Welcome to our live coverage of the historic encounter between the British and Irish Lions and Japan at Murrayfield.
NEWS: The Sharks have announced a new coaching structure ahead of their participation in the United Rugby Championship later this year.
NEWS: Former Springbok coach Allister Coetzee has been appointed as the new head coach of Namibia's national team.
EXETER CHIEFS v HARLEQUINS: After one of the most entertaining seasons in the history of the Premiership, it all comes down to one final match at Twickenham Stadium to decide the champions of England.
NEWS: Australia's series-opening Test against France will be shifted out of Sydney due to a COVID-19 lockdown of the nation's biggest city.
NEWS: The All Blacks' midfield stocks suffered another blow.
NEWS: Former France flyhalf Frederic Michalak has joined Les Bleus' coaching set-up for the tour to Australia.
SPOTLIGHT: Jan Nathaniël du Plessis, a World Cup winner and an acclaimed prop with 70 Test caps for South Africa, is salivating at the prospect of getting a second crack at the British and Irish Lions.
WATCH as Springbok star and World Rugby Player of the Year 2019 opens up about the horror injury that almost ended his career.
READERS' FORUM: Welcome to our live coverage of the Currie Cup Round Two encounter between the Bulls and Pumas at Loftus Versfeld.
TRIAL RUN: They have been trying hard to sell it as the real deal, but in essence it is a 'curtain raiser' for the eight-match tour to South Africa.
NEWS: Fiji lock Leone Nakarawa has joined Toulon after failing a medical examination with Irish province Ulster.
SQUAD ANNOUNCEMENT: Olympic bronze medallists Justin Geduld and Dylan Sage have been included in the 17-man preliminary Sevens squad.
FEELING BULLISH: Round Two of the Currie Cup continues this weekend after a thrilling midweek game between the Lions and Western Province.
IN THE SPOTLIGHT: World Rugby will introduce two controversial new rules to test matches for the latter half of the season, according to reports out of Australia.
TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Griquas coach Scott Mathie has been forced to name a new captain for his team's Round Two Currie Cup outing.
TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Cheetahs coach Hawies Fourie has named a team with 13 players that will make their Currie Cup debut for the Bloemfontein outfit, against Griquas in Kimberley on Saturday.
REACTION: England coach Eddie Jones said he expects Manu Tuilagi to return in "very good condition" next season despite the centre's latest injury setback.
SPOTLIGHT: British and Irish Lions give a sneak peek inside the camp as they prepare for the ultimate tour to South Africa.
TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Bulls Director of Rugby Jake White has added some serious muscle to his team for the Currie Cup Round Two clash against the Pumas in Pretoria on Friday.
TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Pumas coach Jimmy Stonehouse has been forced to tweak his victorious team for the trip to Pretoria on Friday.
SPOTLIGHT: Springbok assistant coach Deon Davids says Duhan van der Merwe will be a "handful" during the British and Irish Lions series.
TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Japan boss Jamie Joseph placed his faith in his 2019 World Cup heroes Thursday, as he named an experienced team to face the B&I Lions in Edinburgh.
PREVIEW: All Black legend Jerome Kaino will make his final bow from professional rugby union when he leads Toulouse against La Rochelle in the final of the French Top 14.
TEAM UPDATE: British and Irish Lions head coach Warren Gatland has been forced to make another change to his team ahead of their clash against Japan at Murrayfield.
NO FANS: The Māori All Blacks will host Manu Samoa at Sky Stadium in Wellington on Saturday, June 26 as they kick off the Test season in New Zealand.
NEWS: England Rugby has appointed John Mitchell as head coach of England A in their one-off game this weekend.
SPOTLIGHT: Dave Rennie will have no hesitation backing his youth policy once again as the Wallabies battle a worrying injury toll heading into next month's three-Test series with France.
TRANSFER NEWS: Experienced loose forward Blake Gibson is heading to the capital after signing with the Hurricanes for the 2022 Super Rugby season.
WATCH as British and Irish Lions head coach Warren Gatland speaks about his tactical dilemma ahead of the one-off Test against Japan and the trip to South Africa.
CURRIE CUP REPORT: The Lions have held off the fast-finishing Western Province for a 38-32 win at Ellis Park on Wednesday.
SPOTLIGHT: There was some good news for Bok fans on Wednesday.
NEWS: Irish Rugby Union reveals that Leinster Academy manager Noel McNamara has been appointed to a senior coaching role with a South African franchise.
NEWS: The Highlanders have announced that four players from their 2021 squad have played their finals games for the team.
REACTION: They are learning the ropes of playing at the international level and mistakes are inevitable.
TEAM UPDATE: Britsh ad Irish Lions coach Warren Gatland has been forced to change his squad to take on Japan at Murrayfield Stadium on Saturday.
NEWS: The Wallabies have lost a key player to injury ahead of their three-Test series against France.
SPOTLIGHT: Six Nations Rugby has announced the kick-off times for the 2022 season.
SPOTLIGHT: Owen Farrell may be on the bench for the B&I Lions warm-up match against Japan, but Warren Gatland expects him to be a key figure in the combined side's upcoming tour of South Africa.
SPOTLIGHT: The Wallabies are making everyday count with coaches awarding votes they plan to use toward selection for next month’s France Test series.
READERS' FORUM: Welcome to our live coverage of the Currie Cup Round Two encounter between the Lions and Western Province at Ellis Park.
ELLIS PARK SHOWDOWN: The Lions and Western Province have revealed their teams for Wednesday's Currie Cup Round Two encounter in Johannesburg.
SPOTLIGHT: Springboks coach Jacques Nienaber has insisted the Bulls' defeat to Benetton does not serve as a prelude for the upcoming Test series against British and Irish Lions.
SPOTLIGHT: Western Province assistant coach Dawie Snyman shed light on the squad's selection.
WATCH as British and Irish Lions utility forward Iain Henderson talks about the absence of spectators on their tour of South Africa.
SPOTLIGHT: Springboks lock Franco Mostert predicted a very intense and physical second row battle against 'world-class' British and Irish Lions.
OPINION: The first All Blacks squad of the year has been named for next month’s Test series against Tonga and Fiji, and there is no shortage of talking points about the side.
SQUAD ANNOUNCEMENT: Eddie Jones has named an updated 36-player England squad as they continue preparations for their July series of fixtures.
NEWS: The Western Force confirmed that club stalwarts Marcel Brache and Chris Heiberg are moving onto the next chapter of their careers.
INJURY PRICE: The Pumas have paid a dear price for their impressive 39-10 demolition of the Lions last Friday.
SPOTLIGHT: The Wallabies are making everyday count with coaches awarding votes they plan to use toward selection for next month's France Test series.
NEWS: French international flyhalf Romain Ntamack has been ruled out of the Top 14 Final.
SPOTLIGHT: Rampaging Japan rugby star Kazuki Himeno on Tuesday pleaded to be let loose against the British and Irish Lions this weekend - just days after crossing the globe to join the team.
IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Springbok wing Cheslin Kolbe is likely to miss the first Test match against Georgia, head coach Jacques Nienaber revealed.
NEWS: French club La Rochelle had some good news for their fans on Tuesday.
NEWS: A BlitzBok has been ruled out of Olympic Games contention following an ankle injury that will require surgery.
MEDIA SPOTLIGHT: The prospect of South Africa joining the Six Nations has resurfaced.
TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: British & Irish Lions head coach Warren Gatland has named his side to take on Japan at Murrayfield Stadium on Saturday.
DISCIPLINARY UPDATE: Leicester Tigers hooker Tom Youngs will be obliged to referee at least two community matches for his role in the ugly scenes at the end of the Bristol Bears, Leicester Tigers’ game nine days ago.
WATCH as British and Irish Lions defence coach Steve Tandy explains how they will use the Japan Test to prepare for the trip to South Africa.
SOCIAL REACTION: The South African champion Bulls have been outclassed 35-8 by Italian club Benetton in the final of the Rainbow Cup in Treviso in a shock upset that has stunned the rugby world.
SQUAD ANNOUNCEMENT: The All Blacks selectors, Head Coach Ian Foster, assistant coach John Plumtree and former All Black Grant Fox, have named the squad for the 2021 Tests Series against Fiji and Tonga.
INJURY UPDATE: The Lions have suffered another massive setback in the wake of the embarrassing loss at the weekend.
SQUAD UPDATE: Manu Tuilagi has withdrawn from the England squad after picking up an injury during Sale Sharks’ Premiership semifinal.
TRANSFER NEWS: Perpignan, freshly-promoted to the Top 14, on Monday announced three signings including veteran Argentine scrumhalf Martin Landajo.
TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Junior Springbok coach Bafana Nhleko made some significant changes to his matchday squad against Argentina in round two of the U20 International Series in Stellenbosch on Wednesday.
SPOTLIGHT: The scrums are emerging as one of the key contests in the forthcoming British and Irish Lions Test series against South Africa.
REACTION: Triumphant Benetton skipper Dewald Duvenhage, a former Stormers scrumhalf, indicated that his side was fairly confident going into the historic Rainbow Cup Final.
REACTION: Western Province coach John Dobson was not pleased with certain aspects of his team's performance in their 48-24 win over the Bulls.
REACTION: Bulls Director of Rugby Jake White admitted that his team looked "inexperienced" in their Rainbow Cup Final in Italy on Saturday.
REACTION: Bulls captain Marcell Coetzee apologised to his team's fans after their Rainbow Cup Final defeat to Benetton on Saturday.
NEWS: Saracens sealed their return to the English Premiership as they clinched promotion from the Championship with a 57-15 rout of Ealing on Sunday.
NEWS: Four long-term stalwarts of the Blues have finished their careers with the Auckland franchise following Saturday’s 23-15 win over the Highlanders.
TOP 14 REPORT: In a repeat of the European Champions Cup final, Toulouse will meet La Rochelle in France's Top 14 final after seeing off Bordeaux-Begles 24-21 in Lille on Saturday.
MATCH REPORT: Champions Exeter Chiefs reached their sixth successive Premiership final and will play Harlequins at Twickenham after beating Sale Sharks 40-30 in an absorbing play-off.
IN THE SPOTLIGHT: France are the most dangerous side in Europe, with almost as much depth in their squad as the All Blacks, Australia's rugby director warned ahead of their Test series next month.
SQUAD ANNOUNCEMENT: Combining necessity with World Cup planning, France coach Fabien Galthie opted for youth on Sunday as he filled out his 42-man squad for a three-Test July series in Australia.