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INTERVIEW: @king365ed continues his interview series with Australian stalwarts Will Genia and Quade Cooper - with a solution on how to revive Super Rugby.

SPOTLIGHT: Being a World Cup winner has more benefits than just being able to lift a golden trophy.

SPOTLIGHT ON JAPAN: @king365ed sat down for a press conference with Japan-based Australian superstars Will Genia and Quade Cooper. What they said may have SANZAAR bosses choking on their cereal.

REACTION: Western Province Rugby Football Union President Zelt Marais has downplayed the role of Tony McKeever in the 'exploratory talks' in the Stade Français Paris saga.

INTERVIEW: Eastern Province Elephants coach Peter de Villiers spoke to @king365ed about the 'rude awakening' some of his players got in the recently completed Preparation Series.

INTERVIEW: World Rugby recently made two significant announcements, both that will benefit the Cape Town Stadium.

TRANSFER TALK: Bulls Director of Rugby Jake White has reportedly managed to secure the signature of Jacques du Plessis.

BREAKING NEWS: The much-vaunted Rainbow Cup may be put on the back-burner. Jan de Koning reports.

WATCH as the Stormers reveal their all-new home and away Rainbow Cup jerseys.

REACTION: The opening rounds of last year’s Super Rugby Aotearoa 2020 competition was characterised by exceptionally high penalty counts.

MATCH REPORT:  For the second Super Rugby Aotearoa match on the trot, a golden point was needed to separate the two sides.

TRANSFER TALK: Stormers may have found the solution to their back row problems ahead of the Rainbow Cup.

READERS’ FORUM: Welcome to our live coverage of the European Cup quarterfinal match between Bordeaux-Bègles and Racing 92 at Stade Chaban-Delmas.

NEWS: Separate reports this weekend suggest that British and Irish Lions coach Warren Gatland has been left short.

MATCH REPORT: Damian McKenzie's extra-time penalty helped Chiefs record a 26-23 win over the Highlanders on Saturday in Dunedin. 

SPOTLIGHT: Two-time British and Irish Lions captain Sam Warburton picks his starting flyhalf for the British and Irish Lions.

NEWS: A South African player has left his club with immediate effect.

EUROPEAN CUP MATCH REPORT: Four-time competition winners Leinster scored a comprehensive 34-22 win over the defending champions Exeter Chiefs at Sandy Park on Saturday.

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

OPINION: Warren Gatland opted for a 41-man British and Irish Lions squad to travel to New Zealand in 2017, but is going for a slimline 36-man squad to take on South Africa later this year.

CHALLENGE CUP WRAP: Harry Potter scored two tries as Leicester reached the European Challenge Cup semi-finals for a second successive season with a 39-15 win over Newcastle.

EUROPEAN CUP MATCH REPORT: Springbok wings Raymond Rhule and Dillyn Leyds scored half of La Rochelle's tries, as the French club advanced to the Champions Cup semifinals.

INTERVIEW: It may not be via the Rainbow Cup, but playing in Europe's Champions Cup remains a goal for South African teams.

READERS’ FORUM: Welcome to our live coverage of the European Cup quarterfinal match between Exeter Chiefs and Leinster at Sandy Park.

QUARTERFINALS: A Toulouse team powered by France international halfbacks Antoine Dupont and Romain Ntamack are capable of outwitting rival French giants Clermont.

SUPER RUGBY AU MATCH REPORT: The Queensland Reds have come from 0-12 down to beat the Brumbies 24-22 and seal a Final.

READERS’ FORUM: Welcome to our live coverage of the European Cup quarterfinal match between La Rochelle and Sale Sharks at Stade Marcel-Deflandre.

VARSITY CUP WRAP: Maties recorded their first victory, while NWU Eagles overturned a 16-point deficit to beat the UFS Shimlas 32-22 and wins for CUT, UP-Tuks and UCT in Round Two. 

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

NEW: The Highlanders are continuing to build for the future, retaining some of their most senior players.

CHALLENGE CUP REPORT: Bath Rugby cruised into the European Rugby Challenge Cup semi-finals with a 26-13 win over London Irish on Friday at The Rec.

QUARTERFINALS: Premiership rivals square-off in two of the four matches in the second-tier European competition's last-eight stages.

THE NEW GUY: Few probably knew who Connor Garden-Bachop was at the beginning of 2021 – let alone whether he was any good at rugby.

SPOTLIGHT: Slowly but surely the Premiership Rugby has become a home away from home for many South African players.

CHAMPIONS CUP SPOTLIGHT: Rob Baxter isn’t buying into the chatter that Exeter will be relinquishing their Champions Cup title into the hands of the French.

NEWS: The SA Rugby Academy players were beaming with excitement and enthusiasm on Friday as the squad returned to the training field in Stellenbosch for the first time in more than a year.

MATCH REPORT: Western Force have ground out an ugly 16-15 win over Melbourne Rebels to keep alive their hopes of a Super Rugby AU finals berth.

NEWS: The 2020/2021 Pro14 Dream Team has been unveiled.

INVESTIGATION: The well-documented colloquies between Stade Français Paris and the Western Province Rugby Football Union is off the table. Jan de Koning reports.

SPOTLIGHT: Now that the domestic Preparation Series is complete, South Africa's focus will be on the Rainbow Cup. Jan de Koning reports.

WATCH as former Stormers loose forward Jaco Coetzee arrives at his new side Bath.

NEWS: Springbok legend Kobus Wiese has reportedly been rushed to hospital after suffering a "massive heart attack".

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Crusaders head coach Scott Robertson has made several changes to his side to face the Hurricanes in Wellington on Sunday.

ALL OR NOTHING: The Western Force are approaching their Super Rugby AU match against Melbourne with a finals mentality, as the two bitter rivals scrap for the third play-off berth.

REACTION: World Cup-winning Springbok scrumhalf Francois de Klerk has broken his silence over the crunching tackle to his head from Jake Ball.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Hurricanes head coach Jason Holland has made six changes to his starting XV for the clash against the Crusaders on Sunday.

NEWS: Veteran Stormers lock Chris van Zyl has decided to walk off into the proverbial sunset.

NEWS: World Cup winner Tendai ‘Beast’ Mtawarira has become the latest Springbok to join world-renowned sports management agency Roc Nation Sports.

NEWS: Owen Farrell has been confirmed as Saracens captain on a permanent basis to fill the vacancy created by Brad Barritt's exit from the London club.

CHAMPIONS CUP SPOTLIGHT: Toulouse flyhalf Romain Ntamack knows that his team will have to be at their very best when they face Clermont Auvergne in their Champions Cup quarterfinal on Sunday.

NEWS: A Wallaby will return from France in July in a boost for the Wallabies and Melbourne, signing with the Super Rugby franchise through to the 2023 Rugby World Cup.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: The Chiefs return refreshed from their bye week to venture south this Saturday to take on the inform Highlanders at Forsyth Barr Stadium in Dunedin.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Highlanders head coach Tony Brown has made several changes to his side to play the resurgent Chiefs on Saturday in Dunedin.

REACTION: Veteran Springbok lock Lodewyk de Jager is clinging onto the hope of featuring for the World Cup champions against the British and Irish Lions later this year.

SPOTLIGHT: A pair of Super Rugby stars have weighed in on the debate on who should fill in for Sam Cane as All Blacks captain over the coming months.

SPOTLIGHT: Guess who Bernard Laporte described as the greatest player he ever coached?

VARSITY CUP SPOTLIGHT: The life-changing opportunity to play for UCT during the first-ever Varsity Cup in 2008 gave Kyle Brown’s burgeoning rugby career a big boost.

DISCIPLINARY UPDATE: Samoa international Jamie-Jerry Taulagi was hit with a 10-week suspension.

TRANSFER NEWS: The Bulls have bolstered their front row stock with a 'giant' from Durban.

NEWS: Munster head coach Johann van Graan provided an injury update on World Cup-winning Springbok lock RG Snyman.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Brumbies head coach Dan McKellar has revealed his team to face the Reds on Saturday.

REACTION: Social media has been busy reviewing Jake Ball's tackle on Sale Sharks' Faf de Klerk, and retired Test referee Nigel Owens had his say on it as well.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Reds coach Brad Thorn has revealed his team for Saturday’s top-of-the-table clash against the Brumbies at Suncorp Stadium.

NEWS: The World Cup champion Springboks' preparations for the forthcoming international season will move up a gear in the next fortnight.

INJURY UPDATE: The Highlanders suffered a massive mid-season blow with the news that their star scrumhalf is injured.

CONTRACT NEWS: Veteran Springbok utility back Willie le Roux has extended his stay with the Japanese club Verblitz.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Melbourne Rebels coach Dave Wessels has made five changes to the side to face a fresh Western Force in Round Eight of the Super Rugby AU competition.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: The Western Force travel to Melbourne this week as they take on the Rebels in a Round Eight Super Rugby AU clash on Friday.

NEWS: The Stormers have secured the services of one of the country's top wings.

SPOTLIGHT: Tonga coach Toutai Kefu has revealed controversial former Wallabies star Israel Folau has expressed interest in returning to Rugby Union to play for the Pacific Island nation.

NEWS: Confirmation of a travel bubble gave Super Rugby Trans-Tasman new life.

SPOTLIGHT: Ireland legend Keith Wood has criticised Munster’s decision to sign another Springbok, saying it sends the wrong message to young rugby players who aspire to play for the province.

NEW: A SANZAAR Judicial Committee Hearing has found Brumbies flank Tom Cusack guilty after he was issued with a red card during a Super Rugby match at the weekend.

NEWS: Leinster will not be getting a late injury boost ahead of their Champions Cup match with Exeter Chiefs, with a number of their first-choice stars confirmed as "unavailable for selection".

SPOTLIGHT: Western Force lock Sitaleki Timani says it was a big surprise to be brought back into the Wallabies frame, and he's aiming to make the most of it.

INTERVIEW: Highlanders star Josh Ioane will be available to play for his side again when they face the Chiefs in Dunedin this Saturday.

NEWS: Will Miller has interrupted daily milking on his farm to answer an SOS from the injury-hit Brumbies as they push toward back-to-back Super Rugby AU titles.

SPOTLIGHT: Sale Sharks star Faf de Klerk could have been seriously injured after a brutal clothesline tackle in his team's Champions Cup tie against Scarlets.

NEWS: Australian players are turning their backs on the Wallabies to pledge their allegiance to Japan.

WATCH as we bring you all the highlights from Round One of the 2021 Varsity Cup tournament - played in a bio-bubble in Pretoria.

VARSITY CUP WRAP: UCT Ikeys and the NWU Eagles kicked off their 2021 Varsity Cup campaigns with impressive wins at Tuks Stadium on Monday, while UWC and Shimlas played to a thrilling draw.

NEWS: The referee appointments for the Champions Cup and Challenge Cup quarter-final matches have been announced following a meeting of EPCR’s Match Officials Selection Committee.

SPOTLIGHT: In-form flank Tim Anstee hopes to fulfil both his Olympic and Wallabies dreams this year, but his first goal is to guide the Western Force to the Super Rugby AU finals.

SPOTLIGHT: Michael Cheika says the time isn’t right for him to return to Super Rugby to coach the winless Waratahs.

NEWS: The revelation that World Cup-winning Springbok hooker Mbongeni Mbonambi is set to join the Roc Nation stable will no doubt cause a stir.

WATCH as Munster's Irish international Christiaan Stander speaks out in the wake of his final game before walking off into the proverbial sunset.

EUROPEAN CUP MATCH REPORT: Sale Sharks put in a dominant display to dismantle Scarlets in a 57-14 win over the Welsh region in Llanelli on Sunday.

SPOTLIGHT: Wallabies and Melbourne veteran Matt Toomua says an additional round of Super Rugby AU should be a last resort.

SPOTLIGHT: As New Zealand Rugby look to cash in on a controversial private equity deal, a left-field potential All Blacks jersey sponsor has emerged – at least according to reports in France.

INJURY UPDATE: World Cup-winning Springbok lock Lodewyk de Jager is in a race against time to be fit for the visit by the British and Irish Lions.

VARSITY CUP WRAP: CUT Ixias and UP-Tuks emerged victorious on the opening day of the 2021 Varsity Cup at Tuks Stadium.

EUROPEAN CUP MATCH REPORT: Replacement hooker Joseph Dweba scored a crucial try 10 minutes from time as Bordeaux-Begles scored a 36-17 win over Bristol Bears.

EUROPEAN CUP MATCH REPORT: Racing 92 put in a stunning display of attacking rugby to defeat Edinburgh Rugby 56-3 on Sunday and secure a spot in the Champions Cup quarterfinals.

REACTION: Mike Brown has revealed why he will leave Harlequins at the end of the season and join Newcastle Falcons.

WATCH why Springbok star and World Cup hero Cheslin Kolbe has gone viral after Toulouse’s Champions Cup win over Munster.

SPOTLIGHT: Jasper Wiese has been one of Leicester Tigers' top players this season and he provided more proof of that in his team's Challenge Cup play-off against Connacht.

MATCH REPORT: Defending champions Exeter Chiefs thumped Lyon 47-25 at Sandy Park on Saturday to advance to the quarterfinals of the Champions Cup.

CHAMPIONS CUP REPORT: Two late tries from star scrumhalf Antoine Dupont helped Toulouse beat Munster 40-33 in their Champions Cup last 16 match at Thomond Park on Saturday.

CHALLENGE CUP WRAP: Benetton advanced to the quarterfinals of the European Challenge Cup with a 29-16 win over Top 14 side Agen at the Stadio Comunale di Monigo.

FIXTURES: European Professional Club Rugby (EPCR) announced the exact dates and kick-off times of the Champions Cup and Challenge Cup quarter-finals which will be played next weekend.

WATCH a highlights pack of the Bulls' latest recruit - Springbok Marcell Coetzee.

SUPER RUGBY AOTEAROA MATCH REPORT: The Blues bounced back from successive defeats to beat the Hurricanes in a grueling match in Auckland on Saturday.

READERS’ FORUM: Welcome to our live coverage of the European Cup Last 16 match between Bordeaux-Bègles and Bristol Bears at Stade Chaban-Delmas.

SUPER RUGBY AU MATCH REPORT: The unbeaten Reds have outplayed the Rebels to bank a 44-19 win, with prop Taniela Tupou collecting a try double.

UPDATE: Leinster will progress to the European Champions Cup quarter-finals following their cancelled match against Toulon.

CHALLENGE CUP WRAP: Curtis Rona's last-gasp try stole 14-man London Irish a dramatic 41-35 victory over Cardiff Blues.

MATCH REPORT: La Rochelle proved too strong for Gloucester Rugby in their Champions Cup Round of 16 clash, eventually running out 27-16 winners at Kingsholm.

REACTION: A New Zealand television presenter has publicly apologised for using a mock Asian accent when referring to the Highlanders' Japanese international Kazuki Himeno.

STAT ATTACK: The loose forwards clearly had a ball during the 2021 Preparation Series.

SPOTLIGHT: A Springbok star and an All Black great hope Super Rugby hasn't seen the last of South Africa's involvement in the competition.

NEWS: Harlequins confirmed that fullback Mike Brown will leave the club at the end of the season

READERS’ FORUM: Welcome to our live coverage of the European Cup Last 16 match between Exeter Chiefs and Lyon at Sandy Park.

READERS’ FORUM: Welcome to our live coverage of the European Cup Last 16 match between Munster and Toulouse at Thomond Park.

SUPER RUGBY AOTEAROA MATCH REPORT: The Highlanders overcame a week of high drama to end the Crusaders' unbeaten run in the New Zealand's domestic competition.

CHAMPIONS CUP REPORT: A late try by Kotaro Matsushima and a conversion by Camille Lopez helped Clermont edge Wasps 27-25 in their Champions Cup last 16 match at the Ricoh Arena.

SPOTLIGHT: Scotland flank Hamish Watson has been named Six Nations Player of the Championship by fans after winning the biggest ever vote for the award.

SUPER RUGBY AU MATCH REPORT: Former title-winning coach Michael Cheika has watched on as the Waratahs lost a thriller to the Brumbies in Sydney on Friday.

REACTION: Ardie Savea has slammed New Zealand's media over the treatment of All Black flyhalf Josh Ioane and five other Highlanders players.

NEWS: Former Wallaby back row forward Toutai Kefu has been reappointed as coach of the Tongan team until the 2023 Rugby World Cup in France.

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

GAME FOR OLD-TIMES: Toulouse coach Ugo Mola took a colourful swipe at the state of the modern game in the run-up to Saturday's clash with Munster.

NEWS: Leinster's European Champions Cup last 16 match with Toulon on Friday has been cancelled.

JERSEY LAUNCH: Sharks will don a new kit for the inaugural Rainbow Cup.

DISCIPLINARY NEWS: All Black midfielder Ma’a Nonu will miss Friday’s Champions Cup Round of 16 match at Leicester.

SPOTLIGHT: World Rugby is going on a massive drive to tackle the problem of head injuries.

NEWS: It's the news the All Blacks and their fans did not want to hear.

NEWS: Schools and club rugby received a massive boost on Thursday as SA Rugby granted permission for the players to return to the field in April following a one-year hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: South African trio Chris Cloete, Brok Harris and Marcell Coetzee have all been awarded for their impressive Pro14 seasons.

MIRACLE WIN: Waratahs maintain they can pull off a sporting miracle and break their season duck in one of the Super Rugby AU club's most turbulent weeks in history.

SPOTLIGHT: Falling just short in their first meeting, Melbourne feel they've now got more "arrows in their quiver" as they attempt to deliver Queensland's first Super Rugby AU defeat.

NEWS: Pieter-Steph du Toit was set to put pen to paper for Munster before the Irish Rugby Football Union (IRFU) stepped in.

SPOTLIGHT: Ulster and Springbok No.8 Marcell Coetzee has been voted in as the PRO14 Player’s Player of the Season for 2020/21.

STAT ATTACK: Scotland wing Duhan van der Merwe was one of the best players in the Six Nations this year and the statistics will back that up.

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

REACTION: The Springboks will use the Rainbow Cup to prepare for the arrival of the British and Irish Lions in July.

SPOTLIGHT: South Africa Rugby president Mark Alexander believes they have a strong case for the "safe return of supporters" when they present new proposals to the government next week.

WINGING IT: Having bided his time on the sidelines, George Bridge is finally ready for a run with the Crusaders and will make his return to first-class action against the Highlanders.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Hurricanes centurion Julian Savea has been recalled to the starting XV for Saturday’s Super Rugby Aotearoa match against the Blues at Eden Park.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: The Blues are amped and ready to ensure that the Easter break will be no holiday for the visiting Hurricanes.

UPDATE: The Western Province Rugby Football Union's off-field and boardroom drama just got elevated to the next level. Jan de Koning reports.

SPOTLIGHT: The statistics are in and Rassie Erasmus is a happy man.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: The Welsh Rugby Union has confirmed that Wales coach Wayne Pivac has signed a contract extension through to the 2023 World Cup.

NEWS: South Africa Rugby said they still planned to host the British and Irish Lions this year, despite the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic.

SPOTLIGHT: Bulls, Lions, Sharks and Stormers’ first foray into Europe has been confirmed with the news that the Rainbow Cup will kick-off on the weekend of April 24, with fixtures for the first three rounds now established.

SPOTLIGHT: Feast your eyes on some of the greatest hand-offs in World Cup history.

INJURY UPDATE: South Africa forward Rynhardt Elstadt will miss Toulouse's European Champions Cup last 16 visit to Munster this weekend after updated rules from the tournament organisers, the French club's coach Ugo Mola said on Wednesday.

NEWS: The two European finals will be moved from Marseille for a second straight year due to the coronavirus pandemic, European Professional Club Rugby announced on Wednesday.

NEWS: Gloucester Rugby confirmed that Santiago Socino has signed a new deal with the Cherry & Whites.

NEWS: Tony Brown says he and the franchise as a whole are "disappointed” to have dropped one-test All Blacks pivot Josh Ioane and five other players from this week’s side.

NEWS: New Zealand are looking to co-host this year's Rugby Championship with a Southern Hemisphere partner.

NEWS: Toulouse will be without a key player when they face Munster in the Champions Cup last 16.

NEWS: The Ospreys announced Wales U20s scrumhalf Harri Morgan has signed a new deal to stay at the Liberty Stadium.

TRANSFER NEWS:  Following confirmation of CJ Stander’s upcoming retirement, Munster have opted to bring in another Springbok.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Crusaders head coach Scott Robertson says New Zealand Rugby’s [NZR] deal with private equity giants Silver Lake could play a decisive role in his coaching future.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: The Crusaders are refreshed from the bye and preparing to host the Highlanders Christchurch this Easter weekend.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: The Queensland Reds have made four changes to their starting XV for Saturday’s match against the Rebels in Melbourne.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Melbourne Rebels head coach, Dave Wessels, has made five changes ahead of his team's Round Seven blockbuster against the first-placed Queensland Reds at AAMI Park.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Wallabies wing Tom Wright will make his first appearance this year, overcoming a knee injury to start for the Brumbies in their clash with traditional rivals the Waratahs in Sydney on Friday.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: The Waratahs have named their team to face the Brumbies in Round Seven of Super Rugby AU.

NEWS: Stormers have managed to lock in one of their experienced Springboks.

REACTION: World Rugby’s rankings system has come under fire this week as England moved to third in the world despite their dismal Six Nations.

NEWS: Toulon's double Rugby World Cup winner Ma'a Nonu has had his disciplinary hearing for elbowing Lyon's Jean-Marc Doussain moved forward due to this weekend's European Champions Cup last 16.

NEWS: The last PRO14 final reinforced a message that had probably already been received loud and clear by South African teams - Leinster will be the team to beat in the Rainbow Cup.

NEWS: New Zealand Rugby chief executive Mark Robinson expressed confidence Tuesday that a "transformational" private equity deal would proceed, despite reservations expressed by top All Blacks.

WATCH as Sale Sharks fullback Luke James received a questionable yellow card for a high tackle against Wasps during Saturday’s Premiership clash.

SPOTLIGHT: Former All Blacks coach Wayne Smith has hit out at the current state of rugby in New Zealand, labelling the way in which Kiwi teams play as "robotic" and "predictable".

NEWS: World Rugby has announced eye-tracking technology will be trialled to help with the detection of concussions in the sport.

NEWS: Bordeaux-Begles' Argentina wing Bautista Delguy is set to be out until early May with a hamstring injury.

SPOTLIGHT: Fiji head coach Vern Cotter believes the introduction of Fijian Drua and Moana Pasifika to the Super Rugby competition from 2022 can help halt the drain of rugby talent from the Pacific Islands nations.

DISCIPLINARY UPDATE: England lock Charlie Ewels will miss his club’s European Challenge Cup round of 16 match at Zebre in Italy this Friday.

RUDE OR JUST THE RULES: The Bulls have sought clarity over how they must 'interact' with referees.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Former England head coach Sir Clive Woodward has endorsed a New Zealand coach as a potential successor to Eddie Jones in the English top job.

TRANSFER NEWS: Munster and the Bulls are in a tug-o'-war over the services of a Springbok lock.

DISCIPLINARY UPDATE: Scotland's Finn Russell has been suspended for three weeks, after striking France's Brice Dulin with his arm in last week's Six Nations game.

NEWS: Australian hooker Tolu Latu "was involved in a traffic accident causing material damage on Sunday" in Paris.

NEWS: An extraordinary Six Nations 2021 came to a thrilling conclusion in Paris on Friday with a last-gasp 27-23 win for Scotland over title-chasing France.

REACTION: Rebuilding the reputation and culture of NSW Rugby will come before the appointment of a new coach, Waratahs boss Paul Doorn says.

DEVELOPING NEWS: Suspended WPRFU executive member Junaid Moerat launched a scathing attack on President Zelt Marais and close confidant Tony McKeever.

CONTRACT NEWS: Bristol Bears have confirmed that John Afoa has put pen to paper on a new one-year extension with the club.

NEWS: Italy Ian McKinley has announced his retirement from rugby, pulling down the curtain on the second act of his remarkable career.

NEWS: The Highlanders have been hit with an injury blow as Liam Squire has been ruled out for the remainder of the Super Rugby Aotearoa season.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: The president of the French Rugby Federation Bernard Laporte told AFP on Monday that he was "confident" that France's tour to Australia in July would go ahead as planned, stressing that "there is no Plan B"

INJURY UPDATE: Ulster suffered a cruel blow ahead of the Irish province’s Challenge Cup meeting with Harlequins on Sunday. 

TRANSFER NEWS: Munster flyhalf JJ Hanrahan will join Clermont at the end of the season, the French Top 14 club announced on Monday.

REACTION: Sharks head coach Sean Everitt was pleased with Siya Kolisi's contribution in a 45-12 win over the Bulls in Durban on Friday.

REACTION: The Stormers have had their fair share of problems with the flyhalf position over the years, but that could all change soon with some exciting youngsters coming through.

INJURY UPDATE: Queensland Reds trump card Suliasi Vunivalu could be out of action until the Super Rugby AU finals after injuring his hamstring in Saturday's win over the NSW Waratahs.

MATCH REPORT: The Cheetahs thrashed the Eastern Province Elephants 71-12 in Bloemfontein on Sunday.

PREMIERSHIP REPORT: Flyhalf George Ford helped Leicester Tigers beat Newcastle Falcons 26-12 in a physical Premiership encounter at Welford Road on Sunday.

NEWS: The Waratahs have decided to part ways with head coach Rob Penney, effective immediately, with the coach informed of the decision early on Sunday.

SPOTLIGHT: Gregor Townsend says Scotland have proved they can be serious contenders for international titles after adding France to their list of away conquests in the Six Nations.

SPOTLIGHT: Head coach Wayne Pivac said that Wales are "not the finished product" despite winning the Six Nations title.

SQUAD ANNOUNCEMENT: The Waratahs woes have been reflected in Wallabies coach Dave Rennie's selection of a 40-man national squad for next month's camp with just four players included.

PRO14 REPORT: The Dragons ended their Pro14 season in style with a narrow 24-17 victory over a depleted Edinburgh at the Principality Stadium.

WATCH as Bulls Director of Rugby Jake White produces the ultimate 'put-down' of a journalist.

REACTION: Scotland flank Jamie Ritchie said France's pre-match boasts about winning the Six Nations was "fuel to the fire" as they won in Paris for the first time since 1999 on Friday.

MATCH REPORT: Leinster won a fourth consecutive PRO14 title with a 16-6 victory over Munster in the final.

OPINION: A first win on French soil this century is reward enough for Scotland after an imperfect but gutsy win for Gregor Townsend’s men.

MATCH REPORT: The Stormers recorded a comprehensive 44-12 win over the Lions in their final Preparations Series match on Saturday.

TOP 14 WRAP: South Africa's Johan Goosen made just his second appearance during Montpellier's 29-16 win over Toulouse on Saturday. 

PREMIERSHIP WRAP: Sale Sharks survived four yellow cards to claim a narrow 20-19 win over Wasps on Saturday. 

MATCH REPORT: The Griquas recorded a narrow 23-22 win over the Pumas on Saturday in Kimberley.

SUPER RUGBY REPORT: Fullback Damian McKenzie scored a try in the final minute to help the Chiefs edge the Blues 15-12 in a Super Rugby Aotearoa thriller on Saturday.

REACTION: France coach Fabien Galthie said the Six Nations was like a "boxing fight" after they missed out on the title following Friday's home defeat to Scotland.

SUPER RUGBY AU REPORT: The Queensland juggernaut shows no signs of slowing.

READERS’ FORUM: Welcome to our live coverage of the Pro14 Final between Leinster and Munster in Dublin.

SIX NATIONS MATCH REPORT: South African-born wing Duhan van der Merwe scored a double as Scotland beat France to hand Wales the title.

READERS’ FORUM: Welcome to our live coverage of the South African Preparation match between the Stormers and the Lions in Cape Town.

READERS’ FORUM: Welcome to our live scoring of the South African Preparation match between Griquas and Pumas in Kimberley.

PREMIERSHIP MATCH REPORT: Gloucester recorded only their fourth Premiership victory of the season as they saw off champions Exeter 34-18 at Kingsholm.

MATCH REPORT: The Hurricanes broke their Super Rugby Aotearoa 2021 duck with an impressive 30-19 win over the Highlander on Friday.

SPOTLIGHT: Former Test referee Nigel Owens has opened up about the behaviour of players after a number of red cards in this year's Six Nations.

SPOTLIGHT: Wayne Pivac experienced more than most head coaches in his first year in charge of Wales before winning the Six Nations.

MATCH REPORT: The Brumbies have bounced back in style with a thumping 42-14 victory over the Western Force in their Super Rugby AU clash in Canberra.

MATCH REPORT: The Sharks produced a first-half try-feast to score a comprehensive 45-12 win over the Bulls in their South African Preparation Series outing on Friday.

READERS’ FORUM: Welcome to our live coverage of the Super Rugby Aotearoa Round Five encounter between the Chiefs and Blues in Hamilton.

LAST CHANCE: South Africa's four Europe-bound franchises will use this weekend for their final 'experiments'. Jan de Koning reports,

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: There are a number of changes to the Stormers team for their final preparation game against the Lions at Cape Town Stadium on Saturday.

INJURY UPDATE: Bulls Director of Rugby Jake White has revealed that a bout of COVID is the cause of talented young lock Walt Steenkamp's heart condition.

REACTION: World Cup-winning Springbok captain Siyamthanda Kolisi will be required to play an 'unfamiliar' role at Kings Park on Friday.

SPOTLIGHT: Captain Salmaan Moerat has revealed the impact Springbok lock Marvin Orie has had on the Stormers squad since he arrived from the Lions.

READERS’ FORUM: Welcome to our live coverage of the Six Nations decider between France and Scotland in Paris.

NEWS: Japan needs to join a regular international competition if they are to achieve their ambitious goal of winning the Rugby World Cup, the country's union chief said Friday.

Pro14 FINAL: Munster go into Saturday's grand finale against Leinster as underdogs.

READERS’ FORUM: Welcome to our live coverage of the South African Preparation match between the Sharks and Bulls in Durban.

REACTION: Pacific Rugby Players Welfare chief executive Dan Leo has questioned rugby’s residency rules after Ireland No.8 CJ Stander announced his shock retirement at the end of this season.

NEWS: There are some changes in the World Rugby Men’s Rankings after the latest round of fixtures in the Six Nations and Rugby Europe Championship.

PREVIEW: The business end of the season is upon us and where better to start Round 15 than with a West Country cracker on Friday.

MCKENZIE FACTOR: After last week's performance, there were numerous calls for Chiefs coach Clayton McMillan to shift Damian McKenzie from fullback into the No.10 jersey.

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

SPOTLIGHT: Neil Back has urged Twickenham to keep faith with embattled head coach Eddie Jones in the belief he is best equipped to lead England out of their slump.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Cheetahs head coach Hawies Fourie has revealed his team to face the Eastern Province Kings in Bloemfontein on Sunday.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Lions coach Ivan van Rooyen continued with his experimentation.

CONTRACT NEWS: The Stormers have taken another giant leap towards securing their future.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Peter de Villiers has revealed his team to face the Cheetahs in Bloemfontein on Sunday.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: The Griquas have made minor changes to their starting XV for their Preparations Series match against the Pumas.

SPOTLIGHT: Scotland captain Stuart Hogg said on Thursday he has been annoyed by France talking about their title hopes before this weekend's Six Nations decider in Paris.

TEAM UPDATE: Scotland No.8 Matt Fagerson has been ruled out of their final Six Nations match with title hopefuls France on Friday due to an ankle injury said head coach Gregor Townsend.

SPOTLIGHT: Wales may be reduced to the role of onlookers as they wait to see if they are crowned Six Nations champions, but one Welshman could yet have a key role in the outcome of Friday's title-decider.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT:  The Springboks captain Siya Kolisi has been named in the Sharks' starting XV for Friday's Preparations match against  Bulls.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Coach Dave Rennie appears resigned to losing his best player, Marika Koroibete, with cashed-up overseas competitions increasingly the biggest threat to the success of the Wallabies.

NEWS: A lengthy nine-week ban has been handed down to Newcastle player Mateo Carreras following his citing for intentional contact with the eye of Wasps’ Josh Bassett.

SIX NATIONS PREVIEW: The best defence of the past two editions of the Six Nations stands between France and a first title in more than a decade as a depleted Scotland head to Paris on Friday.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Bulls Director of Rugby, Jake White, continues rotating his squad as he named the group that will travel to face the Sharks.

TRANSFER NEWS: Danny Cipriani will join Bath Rugby in May on an extended one-year contract, to include the completion of the 2020/21 season.

BOUNCE BACK: Brumbies scrumhalf Nic White says they've been stewing on their first Super Rugby AU loss and are eager to "right some wrongs" against the Western Force on Friday.

REACTION: World Rugby received widespread support for backing plans to include two Pacific island teams in Super Rugby.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Head coach Leon MacDonald has revealed his Blues team to face the Chiefs in Hamilton.

NEWS: Chiefs head coach Clayton McMillan has named his Chiefs team to face the Blues on home soil following their 35-29 win over the Hurricanes last weekend.

INTERVIEW: Even though it is no more than a pre-season match, the Sharks are amped for the arrival of the champion Bulls in Durban on Friday.

MEDICAL REPORT: The Bulls have provided an extensive update on several of their injured stars.

SPOTLIGHT: New Rugby Australia boss Andy Marinos is urging powerbrokers to "get on the front foot" as he pushes to host the entire Rugby Championship later this year.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: The Stormers coach John Dobson has been forced to address yet another transfer rumour about one of his Springboks.

JUDICIAL HEARING NEWS: Blues prop Ofa Tuungafasi has escaped sanction for his ruck clearance in the loss to the Crusaders last week.

REACTION: The performance of England coach Eddie Jones will be subjected to a "brutally honest analysis" as part of a review into the holders' dire Six Nations performance.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Lock Bernard Le Roux returns to France's starting side in five changes for this week's Six Nations decider with Scotland in Paris, head coach Fabien Galthie announced on Wednesday.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Head Coach Gregor Townsend has made four changes to his starting XV for Scotland’s final Six Nations match against France at Stade de France, Paris, on Friday.

SQUAD ANNOUNCEMENT: Pumas coach Jimmy Stonehouse has tweaked his team for their trip to Kimberley on Saturday.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT:  World Rugby announced on Wednesday it will help fund two domestic Pacific Island teams' potential inclusion in Super Rugby.

DISCIPLINARY UPDATE: Paul Willemse will miss France's Six Nations title-decider against Scotland in Paris on Friday.

SPOTLIGHT: A new "game-changing" saliva test could provide quicker and more accurate treatment of concussion in rugby union.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Queensland Reds have made four changes to their starting XV for Saturday’s away match against the Waratahs in Sydney.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Waratahs head coach Rob Penney has made seven changes to his starting team to face the  Reds in Round 6 of Super Rugby AU.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: The Western Force face second-placed Super Rugby AU side the Brumbies on Friday at GIO Stadium in Canberra.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Wallaby James Slipper is set to return to the Brumbies starting team at tighthead prop, with Nic White named to lead the side against the Western Force this Friday at GIO Stadium.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Highlanders coach Tony Brown has sprung a playmaking surprise for their upcoming clash against the Hurricanes in Dunedin on Friday.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: The winless Hurricanes received a timely boost ahead of their trip to Dunedin on Friday.

DISCIPLINARY UPDATE: Matt Banahan of Gloucester Rugby and Kobus Van Wyk of Leicester Tigers each appeared before an online independent disciplinary panel.

OPINION: For the past four seasons, Richie Mo’unga has been one of, if not the best performer at Super Rugby level. Why can't he replicate that at Test level?

NEWS: Former England international Dan Scarbrough had joined a legal case against authorities over their alleged failure to protect players from the risks of concussion.

WATCH as we bring you three contentious incident from the past weekend's Six Nations. Two resulted in bans and in one there was no action.

WATCH as Ireland's now retired South African-born loose forward Christiaan Stander speaks after his final game for his adopted country.

DISCIPLINARY UPDATE: Ireland midfielder Bundee Aki have been banned for four matches, following his red card in last Saturday’s Six Nations win over England in Dublin.

TOP 14 NEWS: Former Toulouse boss Rene Bouscatel said he will "fight tooth and nail" to defend French clubs, after being elected French rugby league.

SPOTLIGHT: Exeter Chiefs Director of Rugby Rob Baxter has distanced himself from media speculation that he is the next England coach in waiting.

OPINION: Warren Gatland will now have a fairly good idea of who is going to be in his British and Irish Lions squad later this year. Josh Raisey looks at his options.

SPOTLIGHT: Queensland Reds inside centre Hunter Paisami has a baby on the way but it wasn't the only reason he ran with a spring in his step on Saturday.

TRANSFER NEWS: Leicester Tigers confirmed Freddie Burns back to the club ahead of the 2021/22 season.

REACTION: Sharks head coach Sean Everitt could not resist talking about some of his youngsters after their match against the Lions, especially the explosive Ntuthuko Mchunu.

DISCIPLINARY UPDATE: Blues replacement hooker Kurt Eklund has been handed a ban after his reckless illegal tackle during the defeat to Crusaders.

CONTRACT NEWS: Highlanders lock Pari Pari Parkinson has opted against leaving Dunedin and instead extended his contract for one more year.

PRO14 WRAP: Scarlets edged Cardiff Blues in the race for a much sought-after European spot.

NEWS: South Africa is set to get an unexpected boost, with a report that the British and Irish Lions tour will go ahead as originally planned.

REACTION: Lions head coach Ivan van Rooyen said his team's processes are more important than the final score in the preparation series.

VIDEO: Sam Smith looks at an incident in the Blues versus Crusaders Super Rugby Aotearoa match that is causing a stir in New Zealand.

SIX NATIONS REACTION: Ireland head coach Andy Farrell says his players can use their Six Nations victory against England as a "reference point" for future success.

ANALYSIS: Eddie Jones' future as England coach is in the spotlight after a woeful Six Nations campaign.

NEWS: Harlequins announced that club captain Stephan Lewies has signed a new long-term contract.

OPINION: Andy Farrell called for a 'statement' performance in the lead-up to this Six Nations finale.

OPINION: Ian Cameron rates the Welsh players after their agonisingly close loss to France!

DISCIPLINARY UPDATE: France second row forward Paul Willemse and Ireland centre Bundee Aki have been given a date for their disciplinary hearings.

NEWS: Two Blues players have been cited for foul play during the Blues' 27-43 loss to the Crusaders at Eden Park on Sunday.

SUPER AU SPOTLIGHT: As if they didn't have enough problems, now the Waratahs' training base has been flooded.

SQUAD UPDATE: Sean Maitland has been dropped from the 29-man Scotland squad preparing to face France in Friday's Six Nations finale.

REACTION: The Bulls Director of rugby Jake White has urged his team to be more mindful of the rugby laws.

REACTION: France coach Fabien Galthie accused Wales of specialising in getting opposition players sent off after Paul Willemse received a red card in the Six Nations match between the two sides in Paris.

REACTION: The Stormers No.8 Juarno Augustus has been urged to take the 'good with the bad' after his team's 29-34 defeat to the Bulls at Loftus Versfeld on Friday. 

REACTION: There has been a mass outcry against England bad boy Ellis Genge, following what appears to be a deliberate act of foul play.

REACTION: The Western Force's cohesion is growing by the week, and prop Tom Robertson is confident they can upset the Brumbies in Canberra.

NEWS: Gloucester's Matt Banahan and Leicester's Kobus Van Wyk will each appear before an online independent disciplinary panel on Tuesday.

NEWS: France centre Gael Fickou will leave Stade Francais at the end of the season to join local rivals Racing 92.

MATCH REPORT: Sam Davies kicked 16 points as Dragons pulled off a morale-boosting 26-17 victory over Glasgow Warriors at the Principality Stadium.

PREMIERSHIP WRAP: Sales Sharks recorded a 41-13 win over London Irish at the AJ Bell on Sunday.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: France denied Wales a Grand Slam and kept their Six Nations title hopes alive with a dramatic 32-30 win in Paris on Saturday.

INJURY UPDATE: France flyhalf Matthieu Jalibert said Sunday he was out of the Six Nations decider against Scotland after suffering a blow to the head in the victory over Wales.

INTERVIEW: Sir Clive Woodward, the World Cup-winning coach, has called on Twickenham chiefs to ask Eddie Jones to explain why England have “gone backwards at a rate of knots” following the heavy loss to Ireland.

MATCH REPORT:  Crusaders kept their flawless record intact with a 43-27 win over the Blues on Sunday at Eden Park. 

REACTION: Maro Itoje insists Eddie Jones does not deserve the blame for England's Six Nations flop because the players are responsible for the dismal campaign.

SIX NATIONS MATCH REPORT: France stayed alive in the championship with an amazing come-from-behind win over Wales in a bizarre game in Paris on Saturday.

MATCH REPORT: Young fullback Tiaan Swanepoel kicked an injury-time penalty to secure the Lions a thrilling 43-40 win over the Sharks at Ellis Park on Saturday.

WATCH as Stormers No.8 Juarno Augustus commits the cardinal sin - losing the ball in the act of scoring a match-winning try.

PREVIEW: History will be made this weekend when Round 16 of PRO14 action sees Hollie Davidson take charge of the match between Munster and Benetton on Friday.

PREMIERSHIP WRAP: Exeter Chiefs closed the gap on Premiership leaders Bristol Bears with a seven-try victory over visiting Leicester Tigers.

SIX NATIONS MATCH REPORT: Scotland thrashed Italy 52-10 in their international at Murrayfield on Saturday.

MATCH REPORT: The Chiefs finally have a Super Rugby Aotearoa win.

REACTION: Wasps coach Lee Blackett defended the television match official's decision to avoid intervening in an eye-gouging incident.

SUPER RUGBY AU REPORT: The Reds had to battle right to the very end before overcoming a committed Western Force outfit 26-19 at the Suncorp Stadium on Saturday.

MATCH REPORT: The Bulls edged the Stormers 34-29 in a hard-fought match in Pretoria.

OPINION: England arrived in Dublin favourites to make it five wins from five against the Irish and exit the Six Nations on a high.

PRO14 FRIDAY WRAP: Alex McHenry, Keynan Knox, Roman Salanoa and Ben Healy all collected their first senior tries in Munster’s 31-17 bonus-point win over Benetton in the final round of the PRO14 at Thomond Park.

READERS’ FORUM: Welcome to our live coverage of the Super Rugby Aotearoa Round Four match between the Blues and Crusaders at Eden Park.

PREMIERSHIP REPORT: Brad Shields and Tom West scored second-half tries as Wasps came from behind to claim a 20-18 win over Newcastle Falcons.

SIX NATIONS MATCH REPORT: Ireland, reduced to 13 men at the end, beat England 32-18 to end a run of four successive defeats by their opponents.

READERS’ FORUM: Welcome to our live coverage of the Six Nations Round Five match between France and Wales in Paris.

SPOTLIGHT: 'Truth is stranger than fiction, but it is because fiction is obliged to stick to possibilities; truth isn't.'

OPINION: Campbell Burnes gives us his considerable view on why Super Rugby Aotearoa is leaving the Six Nations for dead.

MATCH REPORT: Flyhalf Eddie Fouché scored all the Pumas' points in a 22-15 win over the Cheetahs in Nelspruit on Friday.

NEWS: One of Scotland's stars will be available for next weekend's potential Six Nations title decider with France.

READERS’ FORUM: Welcome to our live coverage of the Six Nations Round Five match between Ireland and England in Dublin.

READERS’ FORUM: Welcome to our live coverage of the South African Preparations Series match between the Lions and Sharks at Ellis Park.

SPOTLIGHT: Wales captain Alun Wyn Jones said on Friday the goal for this weekend's trip to France was to claim a maiden Six Nations Grand Slam for coach Wayne Pivac.

WHISTLE WATCH returns, as Nigel Owens takes us through the world of rugby through a referee’s eyes.

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

READERS’ FORUM: Welcome to our live coverage of the South African preparation match between the Bulls and Stormers at Loftus Versfeld.

SPOTLIGHT: Sharks coach Sean Everitt has explained former Springbok assistant coach Brendan Venter's role with the team.

BIG NORTH-SOUTH DERBY: South Africa's Europe-bound franchises are finally starting to filter in some of the big names. Jan de Koning reports.

GRAND SLAM: Wales head to Paris on Saturday 80 minutes away from a Six Nations Grand Slam but face a deeply talented France side with title aspirations of their own.

NEWS: European Professional Club Rugby (EPCR) have admitted that they are continuing the review the feasibility of staging the final of the European competition in Marseille, the chosen venue for the 2021 tournament.

SURVIVAL: Scotland coach Gregor Townsend has no doubt, perennial strugglers, Italy should keep their place in the Six Nations Championship ahead of this weekend's match at Murrayfield.

NORTH-SOUTH DERBY: It is not often that the big North Island versus South Island clash has some gloss taken off by a losing streak.

SIX NATIONS ROUND FIVE: Ireland host England in their final Six Nations match on Saturday with both sides hoping to end on a high note after mixed campaigns.

PREVIEW: The 2020/2021 Premiership season enter's Round 14 this weekend with some interesting fixtures.

NEWS: The delayed Six Nations international between France and Scotland in Paris will be played on March 26, tournament organisers said Thursday.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: The Crusaders have made some minor alterations for their crunch Super Rugby Aotearoa match against Blues on Sunday.

NEWS: Former England dual rugby international Sam Burgess had a conviction for intimidating his ex-father-in-law overturned Friday, Australian media reported.

REACTION: New Zealand's National Referee Manager Bryce Lawrence has fronted up following the referees' round three review.

NEWS: Wins over France and Scotland have seen England and Ireland both improve their position in the World Rugby Men’s Rankings.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Coach Leon MacDonald has selected an experienced and largely unchanged Blues team to host the Crusaders at Eden Park on Sunday.

SUPER RUGBY AU MATCH REPORT: The Rebels celebrated their first game in Melbourne in over a year with a crushing 33-14 victory over the winless Waratahs.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: France coach Fabien Galthie named an unchanged side on Thursday to host Wales in a potential Six Nations Grand Slam decider.

NEWS: England’s Wayne Barnes, will be in charge of a major clash in the Champions Cup Round of 16 when two former tournament winners, Munster Rugby and Toulouse, go head-to-head on Saturday, April 3.

INJURY UPDATE: The Cheetahs have been forced into a late change ahead of their Preparation match against the Pumas in Nelspruit on Friday.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Wales have made one change for their Six Nations finale against France on Saturday.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Scotland coach Gregor Townsend has made seven changes to his starting XV for the Six Nations match against Italy at Murrayfield on Saturday.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: England has made just one change to their team to play Ireland in Dublin on Saturday.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: James Lowe has been dropped entirely from Ireland’s matchday squad as Andy Farrell makes six changes to the starting fifteen that beat Scotland in last weekend’s Six Nations.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Bulls Director of Rugby Jake White has brought out some heavy hitters for his team's encounter with the Stormers in Pretoria on Friday.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Springboks flyhalf Elton Jantjies will lead an experienced Lions team when they host the Sharks in their second home game of the Preparation Series on Saturday.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Sharks head coach Sean Everitt has made a number of changes to his side for their clash against the Lions in Johannesburg on Saturday.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Italy coach Franco Smith has made four changes to his starting line-up for Saturday's Six Nations finale against Scotland in Edinburgh.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Cheetahs coach Hawies Fourie has named his team for the Preparation match against Pumas on Friday in Nelspruit.

WATCH: Jesse Kriel has inspired his Canon Eagles side to a 40-32 win over Yamaha Jubilo in the latest round of the Japan Top League, but a gruesome injury soured his day somewhat.

CONTRACT NEWS: The Stormers have managed to retain the services of one of their Springbok hookers.

CONTRACT NEWS: The Highlanders have secured some quality depth at scrumhalf.

NEWS: Alan Gilpin has been appointed as the new Chief Executive of World Rugby.

MATCH REPORT: Griquas added the proverbial insult to injury when they whitewashed a hopelessly outclassed Eastern Province Elephants in Port Elizabeth on Wednesday.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Hurricanes debutant Orbyn Leger will start at flyhalf against the Chiefs, with Jackson Garden-Bachop unavailable due to the injury sustained against the Crusaders.

WORLD'S BEST: Reece Hodge says Melbourne's backs need to match the form of their wing Marika Koroibete, whom he says sits among the world's best rugby players.

SPOTLIGHT: England is increasingly confident that centre Henry Slade will be fit for their Six Nations finale away to Ireland on Saturday.

WATCH as new Stormers captain Salmaan Moerat speaks to the media about the responsibility of leading the big Trek north. Jan de Koning reports.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Former Junior Springbok prop Marné Coetzee is set to make a return for the Pumas after missing the entire 2020 season due to injury when they face the Cheetahs in Nelspruit on Friday.

WATCH as utility back Marco Jansen van Vuren speaks about his decision to cross the Jukskei - from Johannesburg to Pretoria

TRANSFER NEWS: Francois Hougaard has put pen to paper for a new team.

SIX NATIONS SPOTLIGHT: Flank Peter O'Mahony says his three-game ban following a red card in the opening Six Nations match against Wales will not change his physical approach.

SIX NATIONS SPOTLIGHT: Assistant coach Jonathan Humphreys believes Wales will face "one of the best teams in the world" when they target Grand Slam glory in the Six Nations.

NEWS: One of New Zealand's top rugby players has decided his future.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Chiefs head coach Clayton McMillan has named his Chiefs team to hunt down the Hurricanes for their first win of their Super Rugby Aotearoa campaign.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Lock Salmaan Moerat will captain the Stormers in their preparation match against the Bulls in Pretoria on Friday.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Western Force coach Tim Sampson made three changes to the starting XV, as the Perth-based franchise prepares to battle the undefeated Reds.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: While most high-flying stars are heading for the exit door, Damian Willemse opted to stay in Cape Town.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Melbourne Rebels coach Dave Wessels has made four changes ahead of the team's Round Five Super Rugby AU clash against the Waratahs.

SPOTLIGHT: France forwards coach Williams Servat said his side must be wary of a "selfless" Grand Slam-chasing Wales this weekend.

NEWS: Western Province Professional Rugby (WPPR) revealed the man that will be in charge of tasks until a permanent CEO is in place.

REACTION: Johnny Sexton says he was shocked to learn about teammate CJ Stander's decision to retire.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: The Waratahs have named their team to face the Melbourne Rebels in Round Five of Super Rugby AU.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: The Queensland Reds have made just the one change to their starting XV for Saturday’s home match against the Western Force Force at Suncorp Stadium.

SPOTLIGHT: Sharks captain Lukhanyo Am believes the big names in the squad will feel the pressure ahead of the next few games.

UPDATE: The full extent of the Lions' injury crisis was revealed on Tuesday, with the front row beginning to look arid.

INTERVIEW: Western Force prop Greg Holmes will notch his 150th Super Rugby game in Saturday's clash with the Reds.

NEWS: Exeter Chiefs will continue the defence of their Champions Cup title when they host Lyon at Sandy Park on Saturday, April 3.

FIRST-TIME WINNER: Two winless teams go head-to-head on Wednesday in a rescheduled match with a lot more at stake than you would expect of such lowly outfits.

NEWS: The most successful export from South African rugby, Christiaan Johan Stander, is finally going to hang up his boots.

SPOTLIGHT: Queensland Reds captain James O'Connor has fond memories of his time as a teenage tearaway at the Western Force but he'll be doing no favours for his former team in Saturday's Super Rugby AU clash.

SPOTLIGHT: The All Blacks selection puzzle hasn’t become any clearer after the opening few weeks of the Super Rugby Aotearoa season.

TRANSFER NEWS: Japan's Top League clubs are busy zoning in on England's star players.

NEWS: The final chapter of the Pro14 will take place on March 27 where defending champions Leinster will face Munster at the RDS Arena with a 17:00 (GMT) kick-off time.

TRANSFER NEWS: One of Australia's biggest names is heading to the Western Force.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Stormers coach John Dobson has addressed the latest Pieter-Steph du Toit transfer rumours.

NEWS: The Lions said goodbye to one of their top players.

SQUAD UPDATE: James Ryan and Garry Ringrose have been ruled out of Ireland's final Six Nations clash against England in Dublin.

INJURY UPDATE: Scotland star Finn Russell is set to be sidelined during the Six Nations match against Italy. 

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: The Eastern Province Elephants coach Peter de Villiers has named his team to face the Griquas in the Preparation Series match on Wednesday.

OPINION: The Italy fixture is fast becoming each weekend’s foregone conclusion, but Wayne Pivac named a strong side as they pursue a Six Nations Grand Slam.

OPINION: Le Crunch found two teams on the opposite side of the Six Nations momentum charts.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Griquas made seven changes to their starting team to face Eastern Province in their preparation series match at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium on Wednesday.

REACTION: Despite Ireland’s confidence-boosting Six Nations win over Scotland at Murrayfield, wing James Lowe is once again in the crosshairs of critics.

INJURY UPDATE: Italian lock Marco Lazzaroni will miss the remainder of the Six Nations in order to have an operation on his left arm, the Italian rugby federation announced on Monday.

NEWS: Two players have returned to France's Six Nations squad after recovering from Covid-19, the French Rugby Federation (FFR) announced on Monday.

REFEREE WATCH: Rugbypass contributor Paul Smith takes a closer look at the officiating during the Six Nations Round four clashes. 

INJURY UPDATE: Crusaders' 39-17 win over the Chiefs in Christchurch on Saturday has been accompanied with a major setback.

WATCH as Ireland's giant prop forward Tadhg Furlong steps two opponents like a fleet-footed back!

SPOTLIGHT: Maro Itoje believes he can still "thread the needle" that will see him retain his aggressive style of play while staying on the right side of referees.

OPINION: The pace and brutality of the game were right up there in what was a bitterly close contest between two desperate sides. Ian Cameron rates the Irish players.

OPINION: Scotland’s winless run against Ireland extended to six matches as the visitors recorded a 27 – 24 win Gavin Harper rates the Scottish players.

REACTION: Ireland captain Johnny Sexton says he wants to round off the Six Nations campaign by beating England.

TRANSFER TALK: World Player of the Year Pieter Steph du Toit is set to cash in with a stint in Japan, according to reports coming out of South Africa.

REACTION: Richie Mo’unga has now settled the debate as to who is New Zealand's best flyhalf.

REACTION: England coach Eddie Jones said his side had stolen a march on 2023 World Cup hosts France after Maro Itoje's late try sealed a come-from-behind 23-20 win over Les Bleus in the Six Nations at the weekend.

PRO14 MATCH REPORT: Cardiff Blues kept alive their hopes of Champions Cup qualification after fighting back to beat strugglers Benetton 29-14 in Italy.

PREMIERSHIP MATCH REPORT: London Irish produced a backs-to-the-wall defensive display to clinch victory over Worcester Warriors on Sunday.

REACTION: Wales coach Wayne Pivac warned his side were expecting a "different proposition" against France next weekend.

SUPER RUGBY AOTEAROA MATCH REPORT: The Blues continued to enhance their claim as the only real threat to the Crusaders' dominance.

REACTION: Losing Brumbies coach Dan McKellar says the result doesn't matter after the Reds' Super Rugby AU win had fans gushing again for the spectacle.

PRO14 WRAP: Edinburgh's Nathan Chamberlain converted his own last-minute try to rescue a 15-14 victory from the jaws of defeat against 14-man Connacht at the Sportsground.

NEWS: Melbourne Rebels will be without one of their stars for the next three weeks.

SPOTLIGHT: Here are some highs and lows from the sporting career of New Zealand's Sonny Bill Williams.

SPOTLIGHT: WPRFU officials are presenting a seemingly united front, but it appears nothing could be further from the truth.

PREMIERSHIP SATURDAY WRAP: Northampton Saints edged Sale Sharks 17-14 at Franklin's Gardens on Saturday.

SIX NATIONS MATCH REPORT: Ireland ended Scotland's championship hopes with a 27-24 victory at Murrayfield in a thrilling encounter on Sunday.

WATCH as Crusaders flyer Leicester Fainga'anuku shows extraordinary athleticism to score what could early contender for try of the year.

SIX NATIONS REPORT: Maro Itoje's try four minutes from time saw England dash France's hopes of a Grand Slam with a 23-20 victory in the Six Nations at Twickenham on Saturday.

READERS’ FORUM: Welcome to our live coverage of the Six Nations Round Four encounter between Scotland and Ireland in Edinburgh.

SIX NATIONS REPORT: Wales moved one step closer to the Six Nations title after they thumped Italy 48-7 in Round Four in Rome on Saturday.

SUPER RUGBY AU MATCH REPORT: Jordan Petaia scored a stunning late try as the Reds snatched a 40-38 win over the Brumbies in Canberra.

PRO14 WRAP: Joey Carbery looks to be finding form at just the right time after impressing in Munster’s 28-10 bonus-point win over Scarlets at Thomond Park.

REACTION: Captain Charles Ollivon said he was confident about France's hopes of winning the Six Nations despite the weekend's late defeat to England.

PREMIERSHIP MATCH REPORT: Leaders Bristol made light of their injury problems with a long-awaited 37-20 win over Wasps on Friday.

READERS’ FORUM: Welcome to our live coverage of the Super Rugby Aotearoa Round Three encounter between the Blues and Highlanders in Auckland.

AWARDS: For the first time in the Bulls' history two players have been named the franchise's  Player of the Year award.

BREAKING NEWS: Western Province have managed to beat the Bulls to the signature of a highly sought-after World Cup-winning Springbok.

READERS’ FORUM: Welcome to our live coverage of the Six Nations Round Four encounter between England and France in London.

SUPER RUGBY AOTEAROA MATCH REPORT: The Crusaders were a class apart as they cruised past a hapless Chiefs team in Christchurch on Saturday.

NEWS: Duane Vermeulen has added more accolades to his already stacked deck of awards.

SIX NATIONS SPOTLIGHT: Johnny Sexton remains Ireland's undisputed first-choice flyhalf at the grand old age of 35.

STEEP CLIMB: Scotland coach Gregor Townsend is bracing for three Six Nations matches in three weeks.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Struggling England have turned up the heat on referee Andrew Brace ahead of this Saturday’s Six Nations round four showdown with France at Twickenham.

WATCH as Duane Vermeulen, the two-time SA Rugby Player of the Year and Players' Player of the Year, explains how he keeps going at the age of 34.

READERS’ FORUM: Welcome to our live coverage of the Super Rugby Aotearoa Round Three encounter between the Crusaders and Chiefs in Christchurch.

SOUTH AFRICAN INFLUENCE: While Super Rugby Aotearoa has thrilled fans globally, there is no doubt that there’s less diversity in the competition.

SIX NATIONS, ROUND FOUR: Franco Smith's Italy take on Six Nations leaders Wales in Rome on Saturday not only trying to avoid a 31st consecutive loss but with questions over their future in the tournament.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Head coach Gregor Townsend has made four changes to his starting line-up to face Ireland.

SUPER RUGBY AU MATCH REPORT: The Melbourne Rebels held on for a narrow win over the Western Force in a bizarre, drama-filled match in Perth on Friday.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: The Blues have promoted two of their All Blacks props to their starting side to face the Highlanders.

SIX NATIONS, ROUND FOUR: Six Nations title-contenders France are ready for an "immense challenge" when they go in search of their first win over England at Twickenham in 16 years on Saturday.

FRIDAY NIGHT LIGHTS: Bristol Bears, six-point leaders, open up Round 13, entertaining last season's runners-up, Wasps on Friday.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: The Highlanders have chopped and changed from their side that defeated the Chiefs in Hamilton last Friday.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: There are three changes to Ireland's starting XV for their Six Nations Round Four clash against Scotland.

NEWS: Two leading coaches - Jason Holland and Chris Gibbes - have extended their contracts with the Hurricanes and New Zealand Rugby through to the end of 2023.

REACTION: The Cheetahs may have escaped with a 'W' and there are many positives. However, the team also still has too many 'soft moments'.

SUPER RUGBY AU SPOTLIGHT: Reds coach Brad Thorn is looking for improvements from his star-studded backline as they face the Brumbies in a battle of the unbeaten sides.

PREVIEW: With this season’s two finalists already determined in PRO14, attention will now turn to the Champions Cup qualification, with a host of games set to determine the entries into next season’s European competitions.

REACTION: Remember the name Ntuthuko Mchunu. He may just be the next 'Beast' to come out of Durban.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Eddie Jones has revealed his England team to face France at Twickenham on Saturday.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Italy coach Franco Smith has made five changes to his starting line-up for Saturday's match against Six Nations leaders Wales in Rome.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Head coach Fabien Galthié has revealed his France team to face England at Twickenham on Saturday.

SPOTLIGHT: Six Nations Rugby has agreed to sell a stake in the tournament to private equity firm CVC Capital Partners in a five-year deal.

NEWS: Dual-code superstar Sonny Bill Williams announced his retirement from rugby Thursday but the New Zealander isn't giving up on sport.

SPOTLIGHT: Brad Thorn has been riled by the prospect of Izack Rodda's Australian rugby return less than a year after he left the Queensland Reds over a pay dispute.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: England star-prop Mako Vunipola has given his reaction to last Saturday’s shock debut defeat for Saracens in the Championship.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Chiefs head coach Clayton McMillan has named his Chiefs team to challenge the Crusaders in their second game of this year’s Super Rugby Aotearoa competition.

MATCH REPORT: A late penalty kick from Francois Steyn helped the Cheetahs edge the Sharks 39-38 in a thrilling match in Bloemfontein on Wednesday.

MATCH REPORT: Red and yellow cards were at the fore of the Preparations match between EP Elephants and Lions on Wednesday.

NO BAD BLOOD: Halfway through the Super Rugby AU season and both Round 4 fixtures are carrying plenty of weight as all eyes will be on Perth and Canberra this weekend.

WATCH as former Wales number eight Andy Powell put in a brutal no-arms tackle on Springboks loose forward Duane Vermeulen.

NEWS: The Western Province Rugby Football Union (WPRFU)  has confirmed that  Ronald Bantom has been elected the Union's Vice President. 

SIX NATIONS SPOTLIGHT: England's Ben Youngs says he will be going up against the "best scrumhalf in the world" should he face Frenchman Antoine Dupont in the Six Nations on Saturday.

READERS’ FORUM: Welcome to our live coverage of the South African Preparation match between the Cheetahs and Sharks in Bloemfontein.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: The Crusaders are back at home again on Saturday, where they will host the Chiefs in Round Three of Super Rugby Aotearoa 2021.

READERS’ FORUM: Welcome to our live coverage of the South African Preparation match between the Eastern Province Elephants and Lions in Port Elizabeth.

NEWS: SA Rugby announced that club rugby, from Under-19 level upwards, will be permitted to move to contact training