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INTERVIEW: South Africa's Player of the Year Duane Vermeulen believes the astute management of Jake White took the Bulls from also-rans to leaders of the pack.

REACTION: The WPRFU has drawn the laager and launched a scathing attack on the media. Jan de Koning reports.

SPOTLIGHT: Jan de Koning takes a look at the job specifications for the position of CEO of WPPR and asks if the wording was done with a specific person in mind?

INTERVIEW: South Africa's Player of the Year Duane Vermeulen said it is vital that the Springboks have some 'international' competition before tackling the B&I Lions.

AWARDS: The winner of the SA Rugby Player of the Year Award has been revealed.

SIX NATIONS SPOTLIGHT: Johnny Sexton says Ireland must prevent his opposing flyhalf, Finn Russell, from producing his "full box of tricks".

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Wales head coach Wayne Pivac has made two changes for Saturday's Six Nations fixture against Italy in Rome.

WATCH as Springbok World Cup hero Cheslin Kolbe defies conventional play with a Houdini-like escape act in Toulouse’s win over Brive in the French Top 14.

REACTION: Despite a very pleasing performance by the young Bulls team, Director of Rugby Jake White admitted there are still one or two things that could do with some improvement.

REACTION: Stormers coach Rito Hlungwani opens up on his team's performance against Griquas in Kimberley.

SPOTLIGHT: France No. 8 Gregory Alldritt said on Tuesday the squad are happy to be back together at their Marcoussis training base after a Covid-19 outbreak caused the postponement of their Six Nations match with Scotland.

NEWS: The national junior rugby programme will resume in April after a one-year hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic, with the SA Rugby Academy set to kick off in Stellenbosch.

TEAM UPDATE: The Cheetahs have made some late changes to their matchday 23 that will face the Sharks in Bloemfontein on Wednesday.

NEWS: Ireland forwards coach Paul O'Connell believes Gregor Townsend has built the strongest Scotland team he will have faced as a player or coach as the teams prepare for their Six Nations clash on Sunday.

SPOTLIGHT: Super Rugby could finally have Pacific Island representation by next year according to New Zealand media reports.

NEWS: A player has been banned from all sport for four years following a first Anti-Doping Rule Violation (ADRV).

MATCH REPORT: The Bulls' powerful scrums and maul steered them to a 48-31 win over Pumas in Nelspruit on Tuesday.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: The Lions are putting extra plans in place should they be without the experienced Elton Jantjies going forward.

SPOTLIGHT: Jake White has opened up on possible selections ahead of the Pro16.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Head coach Tim Sampson has named a powerful starting XV to take on the Melbourne Rebels this Friday.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Melbourne Rebels’ head coach, Dave Wessels, has named an unchanged starting XV for Friday’s Super Rugby AU clash against the Western Force at HBF Stadium.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Tom Cusack will become the 18th captain of the Brumbies.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: The Queensland Reds have made two changes to their starting XV from their victory over Melbourne for Saturday’s clash against the Brumbies in Canberra.

TRANSFER NEWS: Edinburgh continued to fortify their forward pack for the forthcoming season.

NEWS: Holders Exeter Chiefs will welcome Lyon in the last 16 of the European Champions Cup next month after the draw was made by tournament organisers on Tuesday.

MATCH REPORT: The Stormers held on to secure a thrilling 38-32 to win over Griquas in Kimberley on Tuesday.

WEEK TWO: The coaches of South Africa's four Europe-bound franchises continue to live up to the name of the series - PREPARATION!

INTERVIEW: Former All Blacks hooker James Parsons believes Hurricanes wing Julian Savea has put himself back in line for a national call-up, four years after his last appearance for the All Blacks.

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

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

NEWS: The LA Giltinis have announced the signing of former Wallabies playmaker Matt Giteau. 

SPOTLIGHT: The Springbok Women had a visit from Springbok scrum coach Daan Human as they continue their preparations in Stellenbosch for the World Cup.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Peter de Villiers has revealed his Eastern Province Elephants team to face the Lions.

SPOTLIGHT: Starting French language lessons have made it tough for Brandon Paenga-Amosa not to focus on his impending Australian rugby departure.

TRANSFER NEWS: Leicester Tigers made a giant leap towards challenging Sale Sharks as the team with the most South Africans.

NEWS: Rugby Australia has approved plans to seek an injection of private equity.

REACTION: British and Irish Lions chiefs have denied they have already been assured of government money to underwrite a ‘home’ series against the Springboks.

NEWS: Ireland and Munster wing Keith Earls has become the latest senior player to extend his contract with the Irish Rugby Football Union.

SQUAD ANNOUNCEMENT: Ireland wing Jacob Stockdale has returned to Andy Farrell's squad for Sunday's Six Nations clash with Scotland after missing the opening three matches of the championship.

SIX NATIONS SPOTLIGHT: England boss Eddie Jones said his players have taken responsibility for the indiscipline that damaged their Six Nations title defence.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Lions have picked another host of young players to face the EP Elephants on Wednesday.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Cheetahs coach Hawies Fourie has named his team for the Preparation match against Sharks on Wednesday.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Bulls Director of Rugby Jake White has opted for continuity in selection.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: The Sharks name their side to face the Cheetahs in Bloemfontein on Wednesday in the second of the series of preparation matches.

WATCH as Stormers coach Rito Hlungwani and fullback Sergeal Petersen talk about their midweek outing against Griquas in Kimberley.

NEWS: It is one of the worst-kept secrets, but the Bulls have confirmed the departure of a star Springbok.

INJURY UPDATE: France fullback Thomas Ramos said he will miss the remainder of the Six Nations due to a calf injury he picked up while playing for Toulouse at the weekend.

TRANSFER NEWS: Another Wallaby has joined the Western Force squad, with Sitaleki Timani returning to the club as an injury replacement for the remainder of the season after leaving France for family reasons.

SQUAD ANNOUNCEMENT: Two big names were on Sunday included in France's 31-man training squad for the Six Nations match against England.

NEWS: The Sharks provided an update on their coach Sean Everitt.

PREMIERSHIP REPORT: Harlequins moved up to third in the Premiership standings after they beat Northampton Saints 37-19 at Twickenham Stoop on Sunday.

SUPER RUGBY AOTEAROA: The Crusaders made it two wins from two matches in Super Rugby Aotearoa 2021 after they thumped the Hurricanes 33-16 in Round Two on Sunday.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Griquas head coach Scott Mathie has revealed his team to face the Stormers in Kimberley on Tuesday.

REACTION: After blowing a second successive Super Rugby AU victory, Melbourne coach Dave Wessels has declared his team's failure to close out games "unacceptable".

DISCIPLINARY UPDATE: Three-week bans seem to be the norm for SANZAAR disciplinary committees.

NEWS: France suffered a big injury blow ahead of key Six Nations clashes.

ANALYSES: Each week of the Six Nations, former England Sevens international and broadcaster Rob Vickerman will shed light on a pivotal aspect of the weekend’s matches.

NEWS: Next month's much-heralded Western Province Rugby Football Union meeting is no longer about the election of a vice-president.

PRO14 SATURDAY WRAP: Holders Leinster booked their place in the Pro14 Final by securing a 38-19 bonus-point victory over their only challengers Ulster.

NEWS: A decision has been made on Rugby Australia’s (RA) audacious bid to host the 2021 British and Irish Lions tour.

INJURY UPDATE: Brumbies' dramatic 27-24 win over Melbourne Rebels has proven to be a costly victory for their pack. 

REACTION: Sale director of rugby Alex Sanderson hailed the “world-class” qualities of South Africa scrumhalf Faf De Klerk following his side’s victory over Newcastle.

NEWS: Saracens were stunned on their debut in the second tier of English rugby on Saturday with a 17-25 defeat to Cornish Pirates.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: The Pumas have made 10 changes to their starting XV for Tuesday's match against the Bulls in Nelspruit.

PREMIERSHIP SATURDAY WRAP:  Billy Twelvetrees’ late penalty gave 14-man Gloucester a nail-biting 20-19 victory at Wasps that lifted them off the bottom of the table.

SUPER RUGBY AU: Replacement scrumhalf Ryan Lonergan landed a monster penalty three minutes after the full-time hooter sounded to give the Brumbies a 27-24 win over the Melbourne Rebels.

REPORT: Glasgow climbed back to fourth in Conference A after battling to a 31-20 PRO14 victory at Zebre.

WATCH as England captain Owen Farrell is caught doing exactly what he spat the dummy about after his team lost to Wales last week.

READERS’ FORUM: Welcome to our live coverage of the Super Rugby Aotearoa Round Two match between the Crusaders and Hurricanes in Christchurch.

NEWS: Edinburgh’s home PRO14 match against Benetton on Sunday has been postponed after a positive coronavirus test.

REACTION: Stormers head coach John Dobson has confirmed that he will be without one of his backline players for a lengthy period.

TOP 14 SATURDAY WRAP: A trio of France internationals including Romain Ntamack made their return from injuries to help guide league leaders Toulouse to a six-try 42-17 victory over Brive.

REACTION: The defiant Waratahs maintain they boast a "championship-winning" roster despite suffering yet another historic Super Rugby AU defeat.

TOP 14 REPORT: Alex Lozowski converted three late penalties as Montpellier fought back to beat visiting Clermont 22-16 on Friday and pull further away from the Top 14 danger zone.

PRO14 REPORT: Munster will contest their first Pro14 Final in four years after defeating closest challengers Connacht 20-17 at Thomond Park.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Outside backs Sergeal Petersen and Sihle Njezula come into the Stormers starting line-up for the preparation match against Griquas.

PREMIERSHIP FRIDAY WRAP: Sale powered into second place in the English Premiership after crushing Newcastle 31-16 at the AJ Bell Stadium on Friday.

SUPER RUGBY AOTEAROA REPORT: The Highlanders have bounced back in fine style with a 39-23 win over Chiefs on Friday.

NEWS: The draws for the knockout stages of the 2020/21 Champions Cup and Challenge Cup tournaments will take place in Lausanne, Switzerland next Tuesday, March 9.

REACTION: An internal investigation into the outbreak of Covid-19 within the France Six Nations squad has concluded that the health protocol was "well developed" and "respected" by the team, French Education Minister Jean-Michel Blanquer said on Friday.

WATCH as we bring you the ultimate coast-to-coast try in the Highlanders' come-from-behind 39-23 win over the Chiefs.

NEWS: Ireland and Leinster loosehead prop Cian Healy has become the latest player to sign a one-year extension to his IRFU contract up to the end of the 2021/22 season.

SPOTLIGHT: South African World Cup-winning wing Cheslin Kolbe said on Thursday he was happy to "play anywhere".

TOP 14 PREVIEW: France's COVID-hit Six Nations squad will receive a much-welcome boost.

REACTION: Wales have three scrumhalves who are "good to go" according to assistant coach Stephen Jones.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Jason Holland has made five changes to the Hurricanes' starting XV for their Round Two clash with the Crusaders this weekend.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Crusaders coach Scott Robertson has got some serious firepower back for his team's rescheduled Round Two Super Rugby Aotearoa match.

MATCH REPORT: The Western Force have heaped more misery on the NSW Waratahs with a hoodoo-busting 20-16 Super Rugby AU victory in Sydney.

FRIDAY DOUBLE-HEADER: We move into the second half of the season in the Premiership this weekend with six compelling fixtures.

PREVIEW: There are two blockbuster matches in Ireland in Round 14 which could determine the teams who will contest the Pro14 final.

NEWS: French rugby chief Bernard Laporte is to appear before two ministers on Friday as part of a probe into a Covid-19 outbreak among France's Six Nations squad.

NEWS: Fit-again Adam Hastings won’t be available to Scotland for their Six Nations matches against Ireland and Italy.

SPOTLIGHT: There are more important challenges ahead for some than the upcoming British and Irish Lions tour to South Africa.

SPOTLIGHT: It has been three decades since the Sharks won their first Currie Cup title and the architect of that win has now been honoured.

REACTION: Highlanders coach Tony Brown revealed the reason behind the decision to demote co-captain Aaron Smith to the bench.

READERS’ FORUM: Welcome to our live coverage of the Super Rugby Aotearoa Round Two match between the Chiefs and Highlanders in Hamilton.

NEWS: Wales suffered a setback ahead of their final two matches in the Six Nations.

SUNDAY FUNDAY: New Zealand fans will again flock to the stadium when the Crusaders host the Hurricanes on Sunday in Christchurch.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Faf de Klerk will captain Sale Sharks in the absence of Jono Ross.

SPOTLIGHT: Fractious WPRFU President Zelt Marais has become almost synonymous with controversy. Jan de Koning searches for reasons!

OPINION: In the opening round of Super Rugby Aotearoa for 2021, last year’s two most impressive teams flexed their muscles.

NEWS: The Cheetahs may not yet know what competition they will be playing in, but they certainly know which players they want on their books.

NEWS: Ireland and Munster backrow Peter O’Mahony has signed a two-year extension to his IRFU contract keeping him at Munster until 2023.

FILTHY AND DESPERATE: The Western Force are keen to break their Super Rugby duck, eyeing the Waratahs as their first scalp since their return from 'exile' last year.

SPOTLIGHT: Wallabies skipper Michael Hooper says his short-term move to Japan has proved "refreshing" and he is enjoying the chance to get to know former All Blacks captain Kieran Read.

NEWS: Steve Borthwick is firmly on Warren Gatland’s radar to potentially work with him for the British and Irish Lions.

TRANSFER NEWS: Harlequins announced that exciting young wing Louis Lynagh has signed a long-term contract extension with Harlequins.

SPOTLIGHT: The heat is on the NSW Waratahs following a horror start to the season, and they will be looking to bounce back in Friday's clash with the Western Force.

SPOTLIGHT: Watch as Stormers coach John Dobson speaks about some of the major concerns heading into the Rainbow Cup.

INJURY UPDATE: England forward Courtney Lawes could be out of action for up to 12 weeks following a chest injury.

WATCH as Munster and South Africa lock RG Snyman started running for the first time in nearly seven months this week as he steps up his recovery from an ACL injury.

NEWS: New Zealand Rugby (NZR) has announced the 2021 High Performance Referee Squad that will officiate all national competitions, including the Super Rugby Aotearoa season which kicked off last weekend.

NEWS: Castres' South African-born scrumhalf Rory Kockott has made a decision about his playing future.

NEWS: Top 14 officials in France have landed the jackpot for their league, securing a 17 percent increase in the value of TV rights.

NEWS: The Crusaders have become the first franchise to take advantage of New Zealand Rugby's new 'perpetuity' licences.

INJURY UPDATE: England coach Eddie Jones has called up Northampton Saints lock David Ribbans for the remaining Six Nations matches.

NEWS: Coach Fabien Galthie has been cleared of any wrongdoing before the French team's COVID outbreak, which forced the postponement of their Six Nations match.

UPDATE: The Lions paid a dear price for their 32-28 victory over the Pumas in their preparation match at Ellis Park last Friday.

NEWS: Rugby Football Union officials appear to just continue paying lip service, despite the outcry over the ongoing surge in red-card offences.

SPOTLIGHT: Cape Town Sevens will take on a new mantle after World Rugby announced that the popular event in the Mother City will be the final leg of a revamped and shortened World Rugby Sevens Series in 2021.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Highlanders coach Tony Brown has resisted making any major changes to his starting team to play the Chiefs in Hamilton on Friday.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Chiefs coach Clayton McMillan has named his first team to take on the Highlanders.

REACTION: Sharks are busy building something big.

BREAKING NEWS: The World Cup-winning Springboks will signal their return from international rugby exile by a warm-up match at home.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: SA Rugby recognised World Rugby’s decision to recommend the postponement of the 2021 Rugby World Cup to next year, saying although it is disappointing it was understandable and sensible.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Former Sharks loose forward Brynard Stander will lead the Western Force out as run-on captain this Friday against the NSW Waratahs at Bankwest Stadium in Western Sydney.

INTERVIEW: New Eastern Province Elephants coach Peter de Villiers has never been scared to speak his mind. Jan de Koning listened as he named his first EP team.

INJURY UPDATE: Brumbies prop James Slipper will miss the Super Rugby AU clash with Melbourne after a training mishap left the veteran Wallaby in a knee brace.

SPOTLIGHT: The Bulls will not restrict themselves to just one approach when they eventually start their European campaign.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Stormers has become the second South African team to adopt the new coaching rotation policy during their 'Preparation series'. 

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: The Waratahs host their first home match of the season, taking on the Western Force at one of the country’s premier venues, Bankwest Stadium.

SPOTLIGHT: Defending Six Nations champions England have slipped to fourth place in the World Rugby Men’s Rankings after their defeat to Wales.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Melbourne Rebels Head Coach, Dave Wessels has made four changes to his side for Saturday’s Round three clash against the Brumbies at GIO Stadium.

NEWS: France's participation in the Six Nations hangs in the balance.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Stalwart prop, Scott Sio will make his first appearance in his 10th Super Rugby season as the only change to Dan McKellar's starting side for Saturday's clash against the Melbourne Rebels at GIO Stadium.

NEWS: Ireland and Leinster captain Johnny Sexton has signed a one-year contract extension with the Irish Rugby Football Union.

NEWS: New Zealand rugby managed to keep one of their most prized assets.

SPOTLIGHT: @rugby365com contributor Philip Bendon takes a look at the main talking points from Round Three of the Six Nations - including the latest refereeing blunders.

SPOTLIGHT: French referee Pascal Gauzere has admitted he made two errors in Wales' controversial Six Nations win over England on Saturday.

NEWS: SA Rugby announced on Monday that coaches, parents and players from schools across the country will be invited to a series of webinars as preparations step up a gear for a return to action later in the year.

SPOTLIGHT: The list of nominations for the SA Rugby Player of the Year Awards for 2020 has a distinct blue tinge to it.

INJURY UPDATE: Powerhouse England centre Manu Tuilagi has taken up salsa dancing as part of his bid to recover from an Achilles injury.

WATCH as Super Rugby Aotearoa referee Ben O’Keeffe admits he should have yellow-carded Crusaders prop Joe Moody.

WATCH: There was an uncomfortable interview with Owen Farrell following his side’s 24-40 loss to Wales in the Six Nations.

REACTION: The Eastern Province Elephants suffered a major setback.

SQUAD UPDATE: The Ireland coaching group will retain a 23-man group for the two-day mini-camp on Thursday and Friday.

INTERVIEW: The Waratahs appear set for a season of doom and gloom after two heavy losses, but the Western Force will be on guard for a fierce backlash on Friday.

NEWS: A spike in COVID-19 cases in Auckland has resulted in a fixture change for Super Rugby Aotearoa.

REACTION: French rugby chief Bernard Laporte confirmed that national coach Fabien Galthie had left the Six Nations secure bubble to watch his son play a game, but that his job was not in danger.

SIX NATIONS REACTION: England coach Eddie Jones tried to make his frustration clear while refusing to criticise referee Pascal Gauzere following the reigning Six Nations champions' 24-40 loss away to Wales on Saturday.

OPINION: The inevitable came to pass in Rome, Ireland getting their expected Six Nations win over Italy.

OPINION: In what was a game that will be remembered as much for the refereeing decisions as it will for the rugby that was played.

OPINION: Few would have called this setup going into Round Three of the Six Nations.

SIX NATIONS REACTION: Coach Franco Smith predicted it could take eight years for the young Italy side he is building to be able to compete at the highest level in rugby.

MATCH REPORT: The Sharks put in a strong second-half performance to beat Griquas 35-10 in Durban on Sunday.

MATCH REPORT: The Bulls ran in 12 tries to beat the Eastern Province Elephants 87-10 at Loftus Versfeld on Sunday.

REACTION: The Waratahs have thrown their support behind embattled coach Rob Penney following two record losses to start the 2021 Super Rugby AU season.

SIX NATIONS REACTION: Wales coach Wayne Pivac promised no let-up from his side after a decisive 40-24 win over England in Cardiff on Saturday secured the Triple Crown.

REACTION: Waratahs coach Rob Penney said his team are "shattered" and he is prepared to stand down if it is decided he is not the right man to lead the side.

PREMIERSHIP REPORT: Bath delivered a resilient display to record a 23-22 win against an in-form Northampton Saints at Franklin's Gardens on Sunday.

NEWS: Italy prop Cherif Traore is facing surgery after breaking his right arm during his side's bruising Six Nations loss to Ireland, the Italian rugby federation (FIR) said Sunday.

NEWS: Reds prop Feao Fotuaika has been banned for three weeks.

TOP 14 SATURDAY WRAP: Toulouse inflicted La Rochelle's first home loss in the Top 14 in two years on Saturday with a 14-11 victory which allowed them to claim pole position in the table.

READERS’ FORUM: Welcome to our coverage of South Africa's Preparation series match between the Bulls and Eastern Province Elephants at Loftus Versfeld.

PRO14 REPORT: Scotland international Adam Hastings was sent off as Glasgow Warriors lost 21-40 at reigning Pro14 champions Leinster.

MATCH REPORT: Sevens sensation Rosko Specman scored a hat-trick as the Cheetahs came from behind, twice, to beat the Stormers.

SIX NATIONS MATCH REPORT: Wales beat England 40-24 in Cardiff on Saturday to win the Triple Crown.

INJURY UPDATE: The Crusaders are waiting on the return of scan results before they know the full extent of the injury of an All Black star.

READERS’ FORUM: Welcome to our live scoring of South Africa's Preparation series match between the Sharks and Griquas at Kings Park.

NEWS: It's not just players the Sharks are signing.

PREMIERSHIP WRAP: Bristol extended their advantage at the top of the Premiership to six points with a hard-fought 17-3 win over a spirited Leicester at Ashton Gate.

SIX NATIONS MATCH REPORT: Ireland got their first win this campaign with a 48-10 victory over Italy as the hosts fell to their 30th consecutive defeat in the tournament.

PRO14 WRAP: Scarlets boosted their hopes of clinching a place in next season's Champions Cup while severely denting Edinburgh's own chances by claiming a 27-25 victory at Murrayfield.

REF WATCH: What would a weekend of rugby be without a couple of contentious refereeing decisions?

SUPER RUGBY AU MATCH REPORT: The Brumbies scored nine tries to humiliate the Waratahs 61-10 in their Super Rugby AU match in Canberra on Saturday.

SUPER RUGBY AOTEAROA REPORT: Ardie Savea's 100th game for the Hurricanes ended in defeat as the Blues recorded a 31-16  victory in Wellington on Saturday.

TRANSFER NEWS: Bulls Director of Rugby Jake White has already plugged the gap left by the departure of Springbok scrumhalf Ivan van Zyl.

PREMIERSHIP REPORT: Exeter hooker Jack Yeandle became the latest player to be shown a red card in the English Premiership as the reigning champions suffered a 20-25 loss away to Sale on Friday.

NEWS: World Rugby and the France 2023 Organising Committee have announced the much-anticipated match schedule for Rugby World Cup 2023.

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

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

PRO14 FRIDAY WRAP: Munster spoiled Cardiff Blues’ return to the Arms Park with a hard-fought 20-11 victory to maintain a nine-point lead at the top of the Pro’s Conference B.

ANALYSIS: @rugby365com contributor Philip Bendon takes a look at the numbers and what it says about the decline of the Irish game.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: World Cup winner Lood de Jager believes switching the British and Irish Lions tour from South Africa to the United Kingdom will certainly a 'unique' phenomenon.

SPOTLIGHT: The 2021 Super Rugby Aotearoa season is just days away from kick-off. Alex McLeod brings you a 'Hype XV' - players expected to light up the competition.

SPOTLIGHT: Don't expect to see Springbok captain Siyamthanda Kolisi in action in South Africa's Preparation Series - which gets underway this week.

READERS’ FORUM: Welcome to our coverage of the Super Rugby Aotearoa Round One match between the Hurricanes and Blues in Wellington.

READERS’ FORUM: Welcome to our score updates of the Preparation match between the Lions and the Pumas at Ellis Park.

MATCH REPORT: Tiaan Swanepoel made a big statement as he steered the Lions to a 32-28 win over the Pumas on Friday.

SUPER RUGBY AU MATCH REPORT: Hooker Alex Mafi scored two tries as the Reds came from behind to steal a late winner against the Rebels in Brisbane on Friday.

NEWS: England's Six Nations title defence suffered a setback on Friday.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Sharks head coach Sean Everitt has revealed his team to face Griquas in a preparation match at Kings Park in Durban on Sunday.

SUPER RUGBY AOTEAROA MATCH REPORT: The defending-champion Crusaders send a strong message to their rivals - they are still the team to beat.

TURNING BACK THE CLOCK: The name says it all. It is an opportunity for South African teams to prepare, with the move to the Northern Hemisphere in mind.

SIX NATIONS, ROUND THREE: Wales coach Wayne Pivac has insisted England "remain the team to beat" as his side head into Saturday's clash against the Six Nations champions in Cardiff on the brink of a Triple Crown.

SIX NATIONS, ROUND THREE: Flyhalf Paolo Garbisi has urged Italy to seize the day on Saturday to end their Six Nations drought against an Irish side who have lost their opening two games.

JERSEY LAUNCH: The Bulls have unveiled their 2021 kit.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: The Bulls will take to the field sporting a team that is dominated by the next generation of stars.

NEWS: Toulouse said on Friday that South African World Cup winner Cheslin Kolbe will start in the unfamiliar position of flyhalf for their top-of-the-table clash with La Rochelle.

TRANSFER NEWS: The Cheetahs' 30-plus club is growing, following the addition of another veteran Springbok. Jan de Koning reports.

TAKING A BACKSEAT: The Premiership's Round 11 kicks off on Friday to the backdrop of an increasingly intriguing Six Nations tournament.

PREVIEW: Six more matches take place in the Pro14 this weekend as the race to compete in the March 27 final and next season’s European competition continues.

UPDATE: A decision has finally emerged from the Zander Fagerson appeal hearing that was held on Tuesday.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Italy coach France Smith made no changes to his starting line-up named Thursday for this weekend's Six Nations game against Ireland in Rome.

READERS’ FORUM: Welcome to our coverage of the Super Rugby Aotearoa, Round One, encounter between the Highlanders and Crusaders in Dunedin.

NEWS: SA Rugby Director of Rugby Rassie Erasmus has addressed issues raised after the 2020 season.

THE RETURN OF THE MACK: And just like that Super Rugby Aotearoa is back for its second edition and it all kicks off in Dunedin on Friday, with the Highlanders hosting the Crusaders.

BREAKING NEWS: The on-again-off-again France versus Scotland match has been postponed.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Eddie Jones has made two changes to his England team to play Wales in a Six Nations Round Three match in Cardiff on Saturday.

DISCIPLINARY UPDATE: The Premiership independent disciplinary panel has revealed the verdict on three hearings after the red card mayhem during Leicester Tigers and Wasps match last weekend.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: The Ireland coaching group have made seven changes to the side for their Six Nations Round Three clash against Italy in Rome.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: The Cheetahs got plenty of experience back for their historic first-ever encounter with the Stormers at the Cape Town Stadium.

THE BEST OF ENEMIES: Noah Lolesio and Will Harrison weren’t even born when the fuse was lit on the fractious rivalry between the Brumbies and NSW Waratahs.

WATCH as Stormers coach John Dobson speaks about his options to fill the leadership vacancy left by departed Springbok captain Siyamthanda Kolisi.

REACTIONS: England forwards coach Matt Proudfoot has insisted all is well within the Six Nations champions' squad after cricket great Ian Botham said they "don't look a happy camp".

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: George North is set to win his 100th Wales cap after being named in coach Wayne Pivac's starting XV to face England in Saturday's Six Nations international at Cardiff.

SPOTLIGHT: A proposal that would see Fiji enter a franchise into Super Rugby in 2022 has taken a major step forward, the Fijian Rugby Union have confirmed.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Ardie Savea’s first game as captain of the Hurricanes, will also be his 100th cap for the side when they take on the Blues in Wellington on Saturday.

SPOTLIGHT: Rugby's crown jewels are in the sights of investors seeking to exploit the untapped potential of the market as struggling governing bodies try to replenish their coffers.

NEWS: The French rugby federation on Thursday reported another player had tested positive for coronavirus ahead of their Six Nations match against Scotland.

INTERVIEW: England forwards coach Matt Proudfoot has warned his side to brace themselves for a bruising battle up front as he looks to improve his own record against Wales.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Three debutants and nine All Blacks are included in the Blues line-up to travel to Wellington for Saturday’s first round of Super Rugby Aotearoa against the Hurricanes.

UPDATE: Jan de Koning brings you the latest on the ever-evolving Newlands and WPRFU saga.

WHISTLE WATCH: Referee Nigel Owens has said that "something needs to change", after a spate of red cards in the Premiership this weekend.

NEWS: The European Champions Cup and Challenge Cup tournaments will both feature a Round of 16.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: The Crusaders have named a near full-strength team to face the Highlanders in the Super Rugby Aotearoa season-opener at Forsyth Barr Stadium in Dunedin on Friday.

TRANSFER NEWS: Worcester Warrior have announced the signing of England international scrumhalf Willi Heinz for the 2021/22 season.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: The Lions, much like the Bulls did last month, might regret giving the bulk of their youngsters a run on Friday.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Canberra product Connal McInerney is set to start for the Brumbies when they take on the NSW Waratahs.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: The Stormers have named the team for their preparation game against the Cheetahs at Cape Town Stadium on Saturday.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Waratahs head coach Rob Penney has made four changes to his starting XV, with injuries and suspension disrupting the team after their loss to the Reds.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: New Eastern Province Elephants coach Peter de Villiers said his chosen captain 'ticks most of the boxes'.

WATCH as retired referee Nigel Owens goes through viewers' questions once again.

NEWS: Gloucester Rugby announced that Australian flank Jordy Reid has signed a new contract with the Cherry & Whites.

NEWS: The Six Nations match between France and Scotland will go ahead this weekend as planned despite an outbreak of coronavirus cases in the home camp, tournament organisers said on Wednesday.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Melbourne's Matt To'omua says the Rebels were initially upset they can't return home for another two weeks, but are getting on with preparations to face the Reds.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: The Highlanders have sprung a playmaking surprise for the Super Rugby Aotearoa season-opener against the Crusaders in Dunedin on Friday.

The British and Irish Lions versus South Africa tour seems more likely to happen in the United Kingdom after South Africa Minister of Sports, Arts and Culture Nathi Mthethwa's big admission.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: The Queensland Reds have made just the one change to their starting XV for Friday's Super Rugby AU clash against the Melbourne Rebels in Brisbane.

NEWS: Two-time World Cup winner Conrad Smith has left his role as head of player development with French Top 14 side Pau having returned home to New Zealand, the club announced on Tuesday.

NEWS: The coronavirus-affected France Six Nations camp reported no further positive tests ahead of Wednesday's decision on the fate of their game against Scotland this weekend.

REACTION: Sharks CEO Eduard Coetzee addressed rumours linking Springbok wing Cheslin Kolbe and England lock Maro Itoje with the Durban-based side.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: The Lions will be under new management during their preparation matches.

SPOTLIGHT: The Rugby Australia chief executive Andy Marinos admitted that any chance of South Africa returning to Super Rugby is slim to none.

SPOTLIGHT: Johnny Sexton is certain Ireland are heading in the right direction and will arrive at the 2023 World Cup in peak form, even if he is unsure he will last until then.

SPOTLIGHT: England coach Eddie Jones along with captain Owen Farrell have again come under scrutiny ahead of the Six Nations clash against Wales.

SIX NATIONS BUILD-UP: England defence coach John Mitchell said the recent spate of red cards must not deter players from making dominant tackles as they prepare to take on Wales in the Six Nations.

INJURY UPDATE: Italy flyhalf Tommaso Allan has been ruled out of Saturday's Six Nations game against Ireland in Rome, the Italian rugby federation (FIR) confirmed on Tuesday.

NEWS: Another Springbok has decided to head north and join the influx of South Africans in the Premiership.

NEWS: 'The Lions received a timely boost ahead of the start of South Africa's 'preparations series' matches this coming weekend.

NEWS UPDATE: France's COVID-hit Six Nations squad reported no new cases from the latest batch of tests conducted late Monday.

INJURY UPDATE: Brumbies playmaker Noah Lolesio won't write off the depleted NSW Waratahs when they head to Canberra for Saturday's Super Rugby AU clash.

NEWS: There will be some changes at the 2023 Rugby World Cup in France.

SPOTLIGHT: The news of the Stormers move from Newlands to Cape Town Stadium has been a highly publicized topic. 

SPOTLIGHT: Ireland attack coach Mike Catt said criticism of the team's lack of cutting edge was justified as they seek their first win of the 2021 Six Nations campaign against Italy.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: In the wake of All Blacks great Dan Carter's retirement on Saturday, here is a look at some of his career highlights.

NEWS: A Cheetahs player has opened up on his move to English club Saracens.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: A short look at the PRO14 clubs the South African teams will face during the “Rainbow Cup” competition later this year

NEWS: The Chiefs have confirmed that scrumhalf Brad Weber will join All Blacks captain Sam Cane as co-captain of the Chiefs for 2021.

REACTION: Western Province Rugby Football Union President Zelt Marais has been forced to withdraw all his comments regarding the infamous Newlands saga and all other WPRFU negotiations.

WATCH as Super Rugby Aotearoa players reveal what rugby means to them in an emotional two-minute video.

WATCH as Sharks Chief Executive Officer Eduard Coetzee addresses the vexed issue of transformation.

SPOTLIGHT: The first round of Japan's Top League was full of action with Springboks, Wallabies and All Blacks stars stealing the show.

UPDATE: France will find out on Wednesday if this weekend's Six Nations clash with Scotland will go ahead after captain Charles Ollivon was among five players to be ruled out after testing positive for Covid-19.

NEWS: Franck Azema will step down as head coach of Clermont at the end of the season, the Top 14 club announced on Monday, in order to take up the same role at Montpellier.

SUPER RUGBY AU: James O'Connor is working another dimension into his game that involves NRL wing Suliasi Vunivalu.

NEWS: A former England rugby star Sam Burgess was arrested in Australia on Monday, local media reported.

UPDATE: France captain Charles Ollivon was among five players on Monday ruled out of this weekend's Six Nations clash against Scotland after testing positive for Covid-19.

SUPER RUGBY AU: The Waratahs are bracing for life without key players as coach Rob Penney called for less "toilet seat moments" in Saturday's Super Rugby AU clash with the Brumbies.

SQUAD UPDATE: Ireland coach Andy Farrell rushed back some big names ahead of his team's trip to Rome and a crucial clash with Italy.

PRE-SEASON SPOTLIGHT: Super Rugby Aotearoa will trial two new laws for the 2021 season and it looks like there'll be more than a few teething issues.

SQUAD UPDATE: England coach Eddie Jones has been forced to call up an injury replacement ahead of the Round Three Six Nations encounter with Wales.

PREMIERSHIP REPORT: Paddy Jackson completed a late conversion as London Irish staged a remarkable fightback to secure a 34-all draw with leaders Bristol.

NEWS: The Jaguares have become the unfortunate collateral damage of the disbanding of the Super Rugby enterprise.

NEWS: France scrumhalf Antoine Dupont was omitted from the squad to face Scotland in the Six Nations as COVID-19 cases continued to multiply in the camp.

NEWS: Waratah centre Izaia Perese has been suspended for three weeks after a reckless tip tackle on Hunter Paisami.

NEWS: Rugby Australia CEO Andy Marinos is desperately trying to come up with options to ensure the Trans-Tasman Competition goes ahead.

After Dillon Lewis was ruled out for the rest of the Six Nations Tournament with a neck injury the promising young Sale Sharks prop WillGriff John is in line to win his first cap.

TOP 14 WRAP: Hapless French side Agen slumped to their 16th successive defeat on Saturday with a 19-39 loss to Montpellier.

PRO 14 CONFERENCE B WRAP: Edinburgh's Champions Cup bid suffered another blow as they were overpowered 22-10 by Munster at Murrayfield on Saturday.

SQUAD UPDATE: Bath back row forward Josh Bayliss has been called up to the Scotland squad.

NEWS: Ulster, the Bulls and Springboks will be sweating over the extent of Marcell Coetzee's injury for the 48 hours.

PRO14 SATURDAY WRAP: Scarlets kept alive their hopes of qualifying for next season's Champions Cup with a comprehensive 41-17 bonus-point victory over Benetton in Llanelli.

SPOTLIGHT: Top League chairman Osamu Ota has thrown his support behind the concept of a Club World Cup with the aim of Japanese clubs stamping their mark on the global rugby scene.

SIX NATIONS NEWS: Covid-19 continued to spread through France's Six Nations squad on Saturday after prop Mohamed Haouas and wing Gabin Villiere followed scrumhalf Antoine Dupont and coach Fabien Galthie in testing positive.

OPINION: As the Super Rugby Aotearoa, Super Rugby AU and Super Rugby Trans-Tasman competitions inch closer to kick-off, a panel of RugbyPass writers have taken it upon themselves to rank the best players across New Zealand and Australia in each position.

REACTION: Mark Alexander, President of SA Rugby, paid tribute to former SA Schools captain Muzilikazi “Muzi” Manyike, who sadly passed away recently.

PREMIERSHIP SATURDAY WRAP: Exeter Chiefs suffered their second home Premiership defeat of the season after Joe Simmonds failed to take a last-minute conversion against Northampton Saints.

UPDATE: Premiership Rugby confirmed that Worcester Warriors have been awarded four match points and Newcastle Falcons two following the cancellation of their Round Ten match, which was due to be played on Saturday.

SPOTLIGHT: Jan de Koning unpacks the details of the ballyhooed transfer fee saga that saw World Cup-winning Springbok captain Siyamthanda Kolisi join the Sharks this week.

BREAKING NEWS: One of the greatest players of all time has retired - after nearly two decades on the professional circuit.

TOP 14 REPORT: Racing 92 coach Laurent Travers said Argentina wing Emiliano Boffelli still needs to settle into life in France.

NEWS: France's best player has tested positive for Covid-19, just over a week from his team's next Six Nations match against Scotland, the French Rugby Federation announced on Friday.

PRO14 WRAP: Leinster stretched their lead at the top of Conference A to five points with a 35-29 win at Dragons.

PREMIERSHIP MATCH REPORT: Bath secured a late win against local rivals Gloucester, as Rhys Priestland slotted a 48-metre penalty in the 78th minute.

UPDATE: SA Rugby announced on Friday that they will be broadcasting all 16 preparation fixtures live when the local rugby season kicks off next weekend.

WATCH as we bring you the highlights of the opening round of Super Rugby AU 2021.

WATCH as we pay tribute to legendary Springbok Joost van der Westhuizen on the day he would have turned 50.

NEWS: Wales prop Dillon Lewis will play no part in this year's Six Nations Championship after being released from coach Wayne Pivac's squad.

SPOTLIGHT: The BlitzBoks got very good value in their first hit-out of 2021.

SUPER RUGBY AU MATCH REPORT: The defending-champion Brumbies got their campaign off to a flyer with an impressive 27-11 win over the Western Force in Perth on Friday.

NEWS: The Western Province Professional Rugby board has appointed two additional independent directors.

TRANSFER NEWS: The Blue Bulls Company announces the signing of the electrifying quick Madosh Tambwe effective immediately.

NEWS: One of South Africa's fastest players has signed with the Sharks until 2022.

SUPER RUGBY AU MATCH REPORT: The Reds got their 2021 campaign off to an impressive start - with a record score in a 41-7 bonus-point win over the Waratahs.

TOP14 PREVIEW: Agen president Jean-Francois Fonteneau said this season is a "write-off" as his side look to avoid a record 16th straight defeat to start a French Top 14 campaign by hosting fellow strugglers Montpellier on Saturday.

REACTION: World Cup-winning Springbok captain Siyamthanda Kolisi has opened up about his impending departure from Newlands.

SPOTLIGHT: Ireland coach Andy Farrell said he refused to take bottom-of-the-table Italy lightly and considered next week's Six Nations game "a dangerous match."

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: The Crusaders travel north for their rescheduled pre-season fixture against the Blues and Chiefs on Saturday.

PREVIEW: With the Six Nations taking a week off, the spotlight is firmly on Round 10 of the Premiership and there are five enticing matches.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Utility back Damian McKenzie has been named to start in the Chiefs' final warm-up of the year.

WATCH as the double-champion Bulls' technical analyst John-William Meyer answers fans' questions.

NEWS: Edinburgh and Scotland prop Willem  Nel has signed a new two-year contract.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: The Blues will have eight of their 10 All Blacks from 2020 available this weekend, when they face the Chiefs and Crusaders in a game-of-three-halves in Cambridge.

PREVIEW: Whether it is the race for a place in the final, a Champions Cup berth or simply pride, the remaining rounds of the campaign promise plenty of twists and turns.

INJURY UPDATE: George North has been given the "green light" to win his 100th Wales cap against England in next week's Six Nations international in Cardiff.

TRANSFER NEWS: Springbok lock Marvin Orie has signed with Western Province Rugby and will join the Stormers training squad in their preparations for the 2021 season.

PRE-SEASON REPORT: The Highlanders ended their pre-season campaign with a 35-12 win over he Hurricanes in Alexander on Friday.

REACTION: World Rugby has issued a response to the letter written by Progressive Rugby, a new lobby group spearheaded by retired England international James Haskell.

SPOTLIGHT: Coach Andy Farrell said he "embraces" the pressure he is under after Ireland lost their opening two Six Nations matches for the first time.

TRANSFER NEWS: One of South Africa’s rising stars is set to head north.

NEWS: The Bok lock has now had three surgeries on his shoulders and the latest injury came during a match at Leicester last season.

WATCH as Sharks CEO Eduard Coetzee addresses the captaincy debate after the high-profile signing of Springboks captain Siya Kolisi.

LONG WAIT IS OVER: Australia's revved up domestic competition kicks off Friday, with rule tweaks designed to encourage more expansive play.

NEWS: The first organised Sevens hit-outs of 2021 bring a huge sense of anticipation and relief as all involved are very keen to measure the progress they have made thus far this year.

REACTION: Siya Kolisi said he was attracted to Durban by the Sharks’ vision of success.

THE LATEST: British and Irish Lions officials will meet on Thursday to discuss the proposal from Rugby Australia to host the series versus South Africa.

SQUAD ANNOUNCEMENT: France have brought in Demba Bamba has part of the three changes to their 31-strong Six Nations squad.

TRANSFER NEWS: Glasgow Warriors have pulled off a major transfer coup ahead of the 2021/22 season.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: The Crusaders will play a rescheduled pre-season game this weekend, with the Chiefs announcing that they will host both the Crusaders and Blues in a game of three halves on Saturday, February 20 at Hautapu Sports in Cambridge.

TRANSFER NEWS: Wales flyhalf Rhys Priestland will join Cardiff Blues for next season, the Pro14 side announced.

NEWS: Another positive test brings to three the number of positive Covid-19 cases in the France camp.

WATCH Springboks duo Steven Kitshoff and Bongi Mbonambi share their scrummaging expertise with the South Africa Women side.

NEWS: The Bulls have suffered a big blow ahead of the upcoming ‘Preparation Series’ and Rainbow Cup.

WATCH as we bring you all the highlight from the weekend's Six Nations round two action.

SIX NATIONS SPOTLIGHT: Eddie Jones gives a reason behind England's lack of aggression at the start of their Six Nations title defence.

NEWS: Premiership Rugby can confirm that Newcastle Falcons’ Premiership Rugby match against Worcester Warriors, scheduled for Saturday, February 20, has been called off.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENTS: Four All Blacks will make their first appearances for the Hurricanes this year after being named to start against the Highlanders in their final pre-season match in Alexandra on Friday.

N THE SPOTLIGHT: Jack Cornelsen’s father Greg made rugby history for the Wallabies but, as he prepares for a fourth season in Japan, the 26-year-old forward is eyeing a Test jersey of a different colour.

TRANSFER NEWS: The next stage in Siya Kolisi’s rugby journey has started.

UPDATE: Scotland prop Zander Fagerson will miss the remainder of the Six Nations.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: The Western Force will debut five players in Friday’s blockbuster season opener against the reigning champion Brumbies.

NEWS: France's preparations for their Six Nations Round Three match have been disrupted by this latest development.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Waratahs will travel to Suncorp Stadium this Friday to kick-off Super Rugby AU, taking on the Queensland Reds.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Queensland Reds head coach Brad Thorn has named his first team of the 2021 Super Rugby AU season for Friday’s season opener against the Waratahs at Suncorp Stadium.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Brumbies coach Dan McKellar will unleash Wallabies squad member Len Ikitau at outside centre in the side's opening round of Super Rugby AU against the Western Force in Perth on Friday.

NEWS: Former South Africa Schools captain and rising rugby star Muzi Manyike has passed away after going missing in November 2020.

TRANSFER NEWS: Pro14 outfit Dragons have become the latest European club to benefit from the Super Rugby demise of Argentine franchise Jaguares.

SIX NATIONS SPOTLIGHT: Andy Farrell had a message for his backline ahead of the remainder of a 2021 Six Nations Championship that has started so badly for his side.

OPINION: They say forwards win rugby matches but this was maybe a case of Ireland’s backs being unable to capitalise on their pack’s dominance.

OPINION: Scotland were unable to back up their Calcutta Cup win last weekend as they fell to Wales at Murrayfield.

OPINION: You sensed Wales came to Scotland with their tails up but little did they know they would they once again benefit from another red card dismissal.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: New Zealand’s five Super Rugby teams will play another round of Super Rugby Aotearoa if the planned Super Rugby Trans-Tasman competition can’t get underway later this year.

NEWS UPDATE: Attempts by the Stormers to lure a world-class flyhalf to Cape Town may prove fruitless.

SPOTLIGHT: Nobody has taken ownership of the Wallabies' No.15 position since Israel Folau's departure from rugby two years ago.

NEWS: High-profile Queensland Reds recruit Suliasi Vunivalu has been dropped just days out from his would-be Super Rugby AU debut.

NEWS: Grand Slam hopefuls France have suffered a setback in their preparations for their round three match of the Six Nations versus Scotland on February 28.

REACTION: Scotland flank Hamish Watson has backtracked on comments he made in the immediate aftermath of Scotland’s loss to Wales at the weekend.

NEWS: Another narrow victory against 14-man opponents has led to Wales moving up one place in the World Rugby Men’s Rankings for the second consecutive week.

SIX NATIONS SPOTLIGHT: Flyhalf Matthieu Jalibert said he was wary of Scotland's "ultra-dangerous" Finn Russell after Sunday's win at Ireland kept France on course for a Grand Slam.

REACTION: England flank Jack Willis has vowed to "come back a better and stronger" player following the sickening knee injury he suffered against Italy.

TRANSFER TALK:  In the wake of Siya Kolisi's departure from the Stormers, the South African transfer market has been in a frenzy.

SUPER RUGBY AU BUILD-UP: Brumbies backrow Tom Cusack hopes the Western Force's star-studded line-up are still ironing out some kinks when his side heads west for Friday's Super Rugby AU opener.

NEWS: The Blues have cancelled their pre-season clash against the Crusaders at Eden Park this Saturday in the wake of three new COVID-19 community cases in Auckland.

NEWS: Clermont announced the squad had returned to training in small groups after COVID-19 cases caused the postponement of the Top 14 game at Agen.

OPINION: After the horrors of the Calcutta Cup a week previous, England and Eddie Jones righted the ship with a solid 41-18 win over Italy at Twickenham.

SPOTLIGHT: We look at three things we learned from the second round of the 2021 Six Nations Championship.

REACTION: Kyle Sinckler was just grateful to be back playing for England as coach Eddie Jones suggested he could be the world's best tighthead prop.

REACTION: Ireland let a victory slip away head coach Andy Farrell said after France secured their first win in Dublin since 2011 with a 15-13 victory this past Sunday.

SUPER RUGBY AU BUILD-UP: Western Force coach Tim Sampson says his team are still hurting over last season's winless campaign, declaring the franchise has a point to prove this year.

NEWS: French Top 14 club Bayonne announced the arrival of Samoa back row forward Afa Amosa.

REACTION: Former rugby referee Nigel Owens has taken aim at England captain Owen Farrell in a passionate column written in the Daily Mail UK.

NEWS: Siya Kolisi is no longer a Western Province player.

REACTION: Furious Hamish Watson hit out at referee Matthew Carley for sending off prop Zander Fagerson.

REACTION: Italy flank Sebastian Negri has apologised after his tackle left England's Jack Willis contemplating the prospect of a lengthy spell on the sidelines.

SIX NATIONS REPORT: France enjoyed their first Six Nations win in Dublin since 2011 with a 15-13 victory over Ireland on Sunday.

REACTION: Wales captain Alun Wyn Jones said the character the team displayed to beat Scotland in a thrilling Six Nations clash showed they "still had pride in the jersey".

PREMIERSHIP REPORT: Wasps edged Worcester Warriors 17-13 in their Premiership Round Nine match at Sixways on Sunday.

NEWS: James O'Connor admits he experienced "quite an emotional moment" when coach Brad Thorn told him he will captain the Queensland Reds.

NEWS: Premiership Rugby confirmed that Northampton Saints have been awarded four match points and Newcastle Falcons two following the cancellation of their Premiership Round Nine match.

TOP 14 SATURDAY WRAP: Argentina flyhalf Benjamin Urdapilleta set a new individual points record for the Top 14.

PREMIERSHIP SATURDAY WRAP: Springbok Andre Esterhuizen scored a try to help Harlequins secure a 37-24 won over Leicester Tigers.

REACTION: The Sharks are not willing to pay a transfer fee to obtain the services of World Cup-winning Springbok captain Siyamthanda Kolisi.

MATCH REPORT:  Two tries from Louis Rees-Zammit inspired Wales to their second successive win in the Six Nations as they defeated 14-man Scotland 25-24 in a thrilling encounter at Murrayfield on Saturday.

TRANSFER NEWS: Glasgow Warriors confirmed that Australian loose forward Jack Dempsey is heading to Scotstoun ahead of the 2021/22 campaign.

SPOTLIGHT: SANZAAR confirmed the addition of new law variations for the Super Rugby AU and Super Rugby Aotearoa tournaments that kick-off in the next few weeks.

MATCH REPORT: England beat Italy 41-18 in a Six Nations international at Twickenham on Saturday.

NEWS: SA Rugby has rejigged coaching roles in the Rugby Department.

READERS’ FORUM: Welcome to the Six Nations Round Two encounter between Ireland and France in Dublin.

NEWS: The Round 11 PRO14 fixture between Glasgow Warriors and Benetton Rugby has been postponed due to persisting severe weather conditions.

SIX NATIONS, ROUND TWO: Billy Burns can erase the disappointment of his final kick in Ireland's 16-21 loss to Wales and show he is the natural successor to Johnny Sexton.

OPINION: We take a look at the top 10 flyhalves on display ahead of the start of the Super Rugby Aotearoa, Super Rugby AU and Super Rugby Trans-Tasman competitions.

READERS’ FORUM: Welcome to the Six Nations Round Two encounter between Scotland and Wales at Murrayfield.

READERS’ FORUM: Welcome to the Six Nations Round Two encounter between England and Italy at Twickenham.

NEWS: SA Rugby announced the kick-off of the 2021 season with a number of preparation fixtures for eight provincial teams.

WATCH as Western Province Rugby Football Union President Zelt Marais talks to @rugby365com contributor Angus Opperman.

PRE-SEASON REPORT: The Chiefs have returned from last year’s winless Super Rugby Aotearoa campaign with two first-up pre-season victories over the Blues and Hurricanes in Upper Hutt on Saturday.

SPOTLIGHT: World Cup-winning former Springbok coach and Bulls Director of Rugby Jake White gives us an insight into what it takes to make it at the top.

PREMIERSHIP FRIDAY WRAP: It wasn't to be for Sale on Alex Sanderson's first outing as Director of Rugby at the AJ Bell Stadium.

PRE-MATCH BUILD-UP: Scotland captain Stuart Hogg has insisted last week's landmark win over England will "count for nothing" if they fail to beat Wales.

PRE-MATCH BUILD-UP: Alun Wyn Jones wants to see a sharper cutting edge from Wales when they face Scotland in the Six Nations at Murrayfield on Saturday.

PRE-MATCH BUILD-UP: Elliot Daly is adamant England can put their shock defeat by Scotland behind them as they seek to get their Six Nations title defence back on track.

WATCH as the Bulls set up their amiable Springbok prop Trevor Nyakane with the ultimate prank.

BREAKING NEWS: The Rugby Football Union council approved a decision that there will be no relegation from the Premiership into the Championship at the end of the 2020-21 season.

TOP 14 REPORT: Toulouse overcame the absence of several France internationals to ease Pau aside 31-9 for an eighth consecutive Top 14 win to consolidate their lead at the summit.

SIX NATIONS, ROUND TWO: Scotland host Wales in the Six Nations on Saturday, a week after both made winning starts with victories over 2020 champions England and Ireland respectively.

PRE-MATCH BUILD-UP: Italy coach Franco Smith has urged his side to lay the foundations for long-term success rather than simply concentrate on ending their woeful Six Nations run at "any cost".

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: The Ireland coaching group have named the side that will face France in Round Two of the 2021 Six Nations Championship in Dublin.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: There are two changes in France's starting XV for their clash against Ireland in the Six Nations in Dublin.

SIX NATIONS, ROUND TWO: Eddie Jones may be something of a self-confessed "mad chemist" but he has avoided any wacky experiments as England look to revive their Six Nations title defence against Italy at Twickenham on Saturday.

NEWS: Premiership Rugby confirmed that Newcastle Falcons’ Premiership Rugby match against Northampton Saints, scheduled for Saturday, February 13 has been called off.

PRE-SEASON REPORT: The Crusaders edged the Highlanders 28-26 after a massive second-half comeback at Temuka Rugby Football Club on Friday.

NEWS: The Springbok Sevens team will not participate in the Madrid Sevens tournaments at Campo UCM Central later this month after the national government of Spain extended their COVID-19 related travel restrictions on a number of countries, including South Africa.

NEWS: Political firebrand and former Eastern Province Rugby Union deputy president Bantwini Matika has appeared in court, after being arrested for fraud.

IN THE NEWS: Ardie Savea has been named as captain of the Hurricanes for the 2021 Super Rugby Aotearoa season.

NEWS: Anthony Watson has spoken out in support of England rugby players who have been criticised on social media for taking a knee before last week's Six Nations loss at home to Scotland.

SIX NATIONS SPOTLIGHT: Mention the name Antoine Dupont and the response is the same from teammates and opponents alike - the jaws drop, the eyes light up and the plaudits flow.

BOTTLENECK AT THE TOP: As we head into Round Nine of the championship we have eight 20-somethings in the league.

REACTION: Eddie Jones has forecast Ollie Lawrence will become a "great" player for England despite dropping the Worcester centre for the Six Nations clash at home to Italy.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: The British and Irish Lions are committed to producing a 'traditional tour' of South Africa says chairperson Jason Leonard.

NEWS: An England star has received a two-week ban for a breach of Covid-19 regulations, the Rugby Football Union announced on Thursday.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Scotland will aim to build on their historic winning start to the 2021 Six Nations this weekend when they face Wales at BT Murrayfield on Saturday,  February 13.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Wales named their side to take on Scotland in a Six Nations Round Two outing in Edinburgh on Saturday.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: England head coach Eddie Jones has revealed his team to face Italy in Round Two of Six Nations 2021 on Saturday.

NEWS: SA Rugby has given the green light to all amateur rugby - schools, clubs and associations - to resume with non-contact training.

SOCIAL SPOTLIGHT: France Antoine Dupont is slowly but surely establishing himself as one of the best scrumhalves in the World and even Aaron Smith could not deny it.

REACTION: Ireland captain Johnny Sexton said his priority is his three children and wife and not playing through injury ahead of Sunday's Six Nations match with France.

NEWS: A Round Seven Pro14 fixture has been postponed due to a frozen pitch.

NEWS: The double domestic champion Bulls are dominating the nominations for the 2020 'Players Choice Awards'.

SPOTLIGHT: A player has opened up on his team's struggles in France.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Zebre centre Carlo Canna comes into the Italy starting line-up for this weekend's Six Nations match against England.

NEWS: The Brumbies have issued an update on head coach Dan McKellar's future.

REACTION: Ireland captain Johnny Sexton angrily hit back at a French neurologist who used to treat him, branding remarks about his concussion record "inaccurate and highly inappropriate".

OPINION: Ireland opened their Six Nations campaign with a 16-21 defeat to Wales in Cardiff. Liam Heagney rates the Ireland players.

OPINION: Wales ended a poor run for coach Wayne Pivac, with a 21-16 win in Cardiff. Ian Cameron rates the Wales players!

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Eddie Jones has launched a strenuous defence of the under-fire England skipper Owen Farrell.

NEWS: Romain Ntamack and Thomas Ramos have returned to training with Toulouse after missing out on France's Six Nations squad with injuries.

SQUAD UPDATE: Wales coach Wayne Pivac has drafted in three replacements ahead of his team's Six Nations crunch match with Scotland.

NEWS: Harlequins announced that homegrown flyhalf Marcus Smith has signed a long-term contract extension with the Club

CONTRACT NEWS: London Irish confirmed that Agustin Creevy has penned a new deal to extend his time at the Exiles.

INTERVIEW: 'It is not how hard you fall, but how quickly you get up.' It is a well-used slogan in sport and for Muller du Plessis, this is true in many ways.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Peter O'Mahony's red card for a reckless tackle in Ireland's Six Nations opener against Wales thrust the topic of head injuries in rugby back to the top of the agenda.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENTS: The Highlanders and Crusaders will give a first glimpse of their 2021 talent when they go head-to-head in the Farmlands Cup pre-season outing.

DISCIPLINARY UPDATE: Ireland flank Peter O'Mahony was Tuesday banned for three matches after being sent off for a "reckless" tackle in the Six Nations defeat to Wales at the weekend.

WATCH as Springboks scrumhalf Cobus Reinach scores one of his classic tries during the Montpellier's win pver Stade Francais.

TRANSFER NEWS: Edinburgh Rugby announced the signing of Cheetahs loosehead prop, Boan Venter, who joins the club with immediate effect.

INTERVIEW: All Black star Brodie Retallick has opened up about his plans for the future and dropped a retirement bomb.

TRANSFER TALK: Stormers captain Siya Kolisi is reportedly heading to the Sharks.

INJURY UPDATE: Andy Farrell says his Ireland side showed enough spirit in defeat against Wales to convince him they can become just the fourth side to win the Six Nations after losing their opening game.

SQUAD UPDATE: England coach Eddie Jones has made two changes to his 28-man squad to face Italy next Saturday in round two of the Six Nations.

REACTION: Scotland scrumhalf Ali Price has urged his side to use their Six Nations success against England as the springboard for a morale-boosting campaign amid the COVID-19 lockdown.

SUPER RUGBY AU REPORT: The defending-champion Brumbies were given a proper workout by the Western Force in Canberra on Tuesday.

SQUAD ANNOUNCEMENT: The Cheetahs provided an official squad update on Monday with their new players.

INJURY UPDATE: Wales head coach Wayne Pivac's first major victory of his reign has come at a rather hefty price.

TRANSFER NEWS: Griquas confirmed the signing of former Sharks scrumhalf Stefan Ungerer.

SPOTLIGHT: There are some changes in World Rugby's Men's Rankings.

DISCIPLINARY UPDATE: Ireland's Peter O’Mahony will appear before an online disciplinary panel on Tuesday.

WATCH as we bring you the nominations for try of the round in Week One of the Six Nations.

OPINION: The Six Nations tournament before a British and Irish Lions tour is often the final audition players to win over the selectors.

OPINION: Wales rugby captain Alun Wyn Jones was sporting a shiner this past weekend courtesy of teammate Jake Ball after the pair presumably squared off in some manner of a fight behind the scenes.

REACTION: Former England head coach Clive Woodward has issued his former side a scathing rebuke in the wake of their defeat to Scotland on Saturday.

REACTION: The Scottish Rugby Union has backed its players who did not kneel before the Six Nations win over England, insisting it supports the fight against racism.

REACTION: Scotland try-scorer Duhan van der Merwe hopes their memorable Six Nations victory over England at Twickenham has inspired the nation.

NEWS: Australia's most-capped prop Sekope Kepu is terminating his contract with London Irish due to personal reasons, the English Premiership club said on Monday.

CONTRACT NEWS: Leicester Tigers have swung the proverbial axe at Welford Road, parting company with two international forwards mid-season.

REACTION: Wales captain Alun Wyn Jones said Sunday's 21-16 Six Nations victory over an Ireland side down to 14 men for more than an hour showed "character".

NEWS: Italy have lost a midfielder ahead of their Six Nations clash against England.

REACTION: Tim Horan has endorsed emerging Wallabies back-rower Fraser McReight to fill the void if the 21-year-old is called on to replace the injured Liam Wright as Queensland Reds captain this year.

REACTION: Italy head coach Franco Smith rued the mistakes which cost his side in their Round One defeat against France but was pleased to see evidence of his side’s talent with ball in hand.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENTS: Brumbies coach Dan McKellar and Western Force counterpart Tim Sampson named their teams for the pre-season Super Rugby AU outing in Canberra on Tuesday.

TRANSFER TALK: Springboks Francois Hougaard's return to South Africa has just hit another speedbump.

NEWS: Queensland Reds captain Liam Wright is set for at least 10 weeks on the sideline due to an ankle injury.

Mike Brown, former England wing and fullback writes in his column in the Daily Mail he believes it's high time Eddie Jones drops Owen Farrell.

TOP 14, SUNDAY WRAP: La Rochelle centre Jeremy Sinzelle praised double Rugby World Cup winner Victor Vito who scored on his injury return in Sunday's 22-26 loss at Racing 92 in the French Top 14.

SIX NATIONS REPORT:  Wales beat an Ireland side that played with 14 men for over an hour 21-16 in a gripping Six Nations contest in Cardiff on Sunday.

Exeter Chiefs held on in freezing conditions to beat Newcastle Falcons 15-9 in a low scoring match at Kingston Park Stadium with Falcons recording their first bonus point of the season.

INJURY UPDATE: The Brumbies confirmed Tom Wright has been ruled out for the start of the Super Rugby AU season.

Ireland's flyhalf and captain Johnny Sexton refuses to be as brash as Eddie Jones who stated he wants England to become the “greatest team that ever played rugby”

READERS’ FORUM: Welcome to our coverage of the Six Nations Round One encounter between Wales and Ireland in Cardiff.

Fiji head coach Gareth Baber has both squad injuries and illness headaches to contend with before the upcoming Olympic Games in Tokyo