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NEWS: The Cheetahs believe the use of play-offs is the way forward to determine the South African teams participating in the Pro16.

PRO14 STATS SPOTLIGHT: Seasoned Springbok Marcell Coetzee stole the headlines in Round Six. He has been doing that the entire season.

SPOTLIGHT: A Springbok star opens up on his team's lack of Test match activity.

SPOTLIGHT: New Zealand's dramatic slide in standard is reflected in their drop on the World Rugby rankings.

SUPER RUGBY UNLOCKED SPOTLIGHT: Reader Sean Bagley entertains us with his weekly view of who the best performing players were.

SUPER RUGBY UNLOCKED: There is a desperate scramble for the Bulls and the Pumas to play their crucial Round Seven match - including moving it to Saturday.

CELEBRATION TIME: Jake White awoke the slumbering giant and on Saturday his team will lift a trophy to celebrate the accomplishment.

NO SARACENS: The dawn of a new Premiership season is upon us as we prepare for six compelling league fixtures this weekend.

WATCH at Ireland's South African-born loose forward CJ Stander responds to a suggestion his adopted country's forwards are 'soft'.

NEWS: Former Australia Rugby Union coach Michael Cheika, currently working with Argentina, will switch codes.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Bulls Director of Rugby Jake White wants his team to win the Super Rugby Unlocked title the "right way" on Saturday.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Wales have named three uncapped players in their starting XV to face Georgia at Parc y Scarlets on Saturday.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: England prop Joe Marler has urged any men struggling with mental health issues not to suffer in silence.

REACTION: The New Zealand media have gone into full meltdown mode and the fans are calling for blood.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Cheetahs could conclude their Super Rugby Unlocked campaign without captain Junior Pokomela.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Griquas coach Scott Mathie has made just one change to their starting XV for Saturday’s final Super Rugby Unlocked meeting with the Cheetahs.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Georgia coach Levan Maisashvili has named a new halfback pairing to face Wales in their Nations Cup fixture in Llanelli on Saturday.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Wallabies coach Dave Rennie has revealed his team to face Argentina in Round Four of this year's Tri-Nations.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT Eddie Jones has named his team for England's Nations Cup encounter with Ireland on Saturday.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Argentina coach Mario Ledesma knows how Michael Cheika feels as the former Wallabies mentor helps prepare the Pumas to beat Australia in the Tri-Nations.

REACTION: It took more than three days, but Western Province Rugby Football Union President Zelt Marais finally responded to a @rugby365 request for clarity.

NATIONS CUP SPOTLIGHT: George Ford has been passed fit by England to play against Ireland in Saturday's Nations Cup international at Twickenham.

NEWS: French rugby federation (FFR) president Bernard Laporte is being investigated over claims he benefitted from a fake job in exchange for favours, prosecutors told AFP on Wednesday.

REACTION: All Blacks skipper Sam Cane has hit back at critics questioning his leadership in the wake of last weekend's shock defeat by Argentina, accusing them of being ignorant about rugby.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Ross Byrne replaces injured Ireland captain Johnny Sexton at flyhalf in the starting line-up for their Nations Cup match with England at Twickenham on Saturday.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Springbok Warrick Gelant has been a ‘valuable’ asset for the Stormers during their Super Rugby Unlocked campaign.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: All Blacks great Wayne Smith has come out in defence of new All Blacks coach Ian Foster and captain Sam Cane.

TRANSFER NEWS: Cheeatsh lock JP Du Preez is set to become the latest player to swap South Africa for the Premiership side Sale Sharks.

SPOTLIGHT: World Cup winner Faf de Klerk has revealed for the first time how badly he was struck down by COVID-19 in October

WATCH: It's not every day that you get to score a hat-trick at Loftus Versfeld but Springbok and Stormers legend Breyton Paulse knows the feeling.

WATCH as All Blacks legend John Kirwan makes a rare and very historic announcement.

OPINION: Hell has frozen over, pigs are flying and there are a plethora of fat ladies between Mendoza and Buenos Aires singing because history was made on Saturday in Sydney

OPINION: Argentina sent shock waves around the world by giving the All Blacks a punch in the guts loss.

TRI-NATIONS SPOTLIGHT: Matt Philip is backing his "rugby nerd" teammate Reece Hodge to again deliver in the Wallabies No.10 jersey with another injury ruling James O'Connor out of Saturday's clash with Argentina in Newcastle.

NATIONS CUP SPOTLIGHT: Blair Kinghorn has insisted there is nothing lucky about Scotland's winning streak as they head into this weekend's Nations Cup clash with France.

NEWS: Group B in the Nations Cup has been plunged into chaos following the cancellation of a second match involving Fiji, this time Saturday’s fixture against Italy.

TRANSFER NEWS: Chiefs wing Solomon Alaimalo has signed a three-year deal with the Highlanders.

WATCH: Argentina has released a video montage of how their players had to prepare for the Tri-Nations.

WATCH: Springbok lock Lodewyk de Jager looks back to 2013 when they Cheetahs travelled to Sydney and came away with an unlikely victory.

NEWS: Jonathan Joseph could be in contention to face Ireland in Saturday's Nations Cup match.

NEWS: The Super Rugby Unlocked fixture between Bulls and Pumas will kick-off at 14.00 (local time) in Pretoria on Saturday.

NEWS: France will not have their fans cheering them on in the stadium in next year's Six Nations.

OPINION: On the surface, it was a 'kiss and made up' meeting. At least that is what the statement suggested.

NEWS: The Sharks’ match with the  Stormers in Durban on Saturday has been cancelled following positive tests among the Sharks’ tighthead props.

NEWS: The chairman of SANZAAR, Brett Impey, resigned Tuesday calling for the governing body of Southern Hemisphere rugby to throw open its membership to developing rugby nations worldwide.

REACTION: After the relentless work to get the South African domestic competition underway, it is certainly a very unprecedented manner to conclude proceedings.

TRI-NATIONS SPOTLIGHT: Larrikin Wallabies flank Ned Hanigan is treating Argentina as a serious threat in Saturday's Tri-Nations Test, adamant they won't arrive flat after a historic defeat of New Zealand last weekend.

NEWS: France have been awarded a bonus-point win following the cancellation of their Nations Cup match against Fiji.

SPOTLIGHT: The 24-year-old second-row forward has been chosen by head coach Andy Farrell to stand in for the injured Johnny Sexton.

NEWS: Having lost his job as Highlanders head coach following three years with New Zealand’s franchise, former All Black Aaron Mauger has quickly locked in a new gig with a team looming as one of Super Rugby’s newest additions.

NEWS: The grandson of England cricket great Ian Botham received his first call-up into the Wales rugby squad in dramatic style.

SPOTLIGHT: Ian Cameron looks into how South Africa's inactivity will affect the Springboks'No.1 world ranking.

NEWS: Head coach Lee Blackett and his backroom staff have been rewarded with new deals after guiding Wasps to the English Premiership final last season.

SPOTLIGHT: James Lowe made a try-scoring debut for Ireland in the victory over Wales but he says a tougher challenge awaits in Saturday's Nations Cup clash with England.

INTERVIEW: Billy Burns says he will not have a conflict of emotions if he runs out for Ireland against his native England in Saturday's year-end Nations Cup match.

REACTION: All teams should be equal in the COVID-19-affected Super Rugby Unlocked season.

PRO14 MONDAY WRAP: Seasoned Springbok Marcell Coetzee was in imperious form for his Irish Province Ulster on Monday.

SPOTLIGHT: The world champions South Africa surprised many last month when they announced their decision to withdraw from what would’ve been the Rugby Championship.

INJURY UPDATE: Bordeaux-Begles wing Geoffrey Cros has been ruled out for the remainder of the season. following a serious knee injury.

TRI-NATIONS RACE: The Wallabies won't take a backward step against Argentina as they hunt some silverware in the form of the Tri-Nations trophy.

NEWS: The All Blacks have confirmed the players who will leave their 38-man Tri-Nations squad to return to New Zealand on Monday.

NEWS: France's key player has been ruled out of Sunday's Nations Cup match against Scotland, the coaching staff announced Monday.

NEWS: Ireland will be without some big names for their Nations Cup clash on Saturday.

REACTION: Stormers head coach John Dobson believes Damian Willemse was "magnificent" in his team's 30-13 win over the Cheetahs in Cape Town.

REACTION: Sharks head coach Sean Everitt praised his team's character after their narrow win over Griquas in Kimberley on Friday.

TOP 14 WRAP: Back row forward Sekou Macalou scored two tries as Stade Francais earned a bonus-point 35-13 victory over La Rochelle on Sunday.

OPINION: The Welsh came into the Nations Cup opener with Ireland at the Aviva Stadium desperately in need of a win, after five losses in a row

OPINION: Instead of hosting reigning world champions South Africa this weekend as was planned long ago, the second weekend of November 2020 for Ireland kicked off their campaign in the filler Nations Cup.

OPINION: One can only presume that the Italians watched the Pumas upset win over New Zealand earlier in the day, such was the ferocity of their performance in Florance.

OPINION: England got their Nations Cup up and running on Saturday afternoon with a comprehensive 40-0 win over Georgia, putting themselves in a strong position to make a run at the title over the coming weeks.

REACTION: The All Blacks have been savaged by the New Zealand news media after the three-times World champions suffered a shock first defeat to Argentina in Sydney on Saturday.

REACTION: Coach Mario Ledesma says stunning the All Blacks after a 35-year wait is his finest achievement.

PRO14 REPORT: Gavin Coombes crossed for a hat-trick as Munster eased past Ospreys 38-22 to preserve their unbeaten start to the 2020/21 Pro14 campaign.

REACTION: After an ill tempered live scrummaging session back in February of 2019 where the two nations packs came to blows England was out for redemption against Georgia.

REACTION: Cheetahs captain Junior Pokomela described Rosko Specman's try against the Stormers at Newlands on Saturday as "special".

REACTION: Reece Hodge talks about the Pumas historic win over the All Blacks and how impressed the Wallabies were with the Argentine defence.

REACTION: Eddie Jones warned England to get ready for their "most important game of the year" against a "cock-a-hoop Ireland" after they started the  Nations Cup with a 40-0 thrashing of Georgia at Twickenham on Saturday.

REACTION: The three-time world champions were widely expected to coast against a team they had not lost to once in their 29 previous encounters, but instead were embarrassed.

MATCH REPORT: The Stormers kept their Super Rugby Unlocked hopes alive with a 30-13 win over the Cheetahs on Saturday at Newlands.

READERS' FORUM: Welcome to our coverage of the Nations Cup Round One encounter between England and Georgia at Twickenham.

MATCH REPORT: Scarlets edged a hard-fought contest with Connacht 20-14 to claim their third win of the PRO14 season, triumphing in Galway for the first time since April 2017.

SOUTH AFRICAN FACTOR: Munster coach Johann van Graan will be hoping his team can shake off the rust after last week's postponement.

TRI-NATIONS REPORT: A courageous Argentina side made history on Saturday when they recorded a 25-15 win over the All Blacks in Sydney.

UPDATE: The long-awaited meeting between the Western Province Rugby Football Union (WPRFU) and American investment consortium, MVM Holdings was very 'productive' says Zelt Marais.

TOP14 WRAP: Ma'a Nonu maybe 38 years of age, but the former All Black centre showed glimpses of his former glittering past in an assured comeback for Toulon in their comprehensive 38-9 Top 14 victory over Agen on Saturday.

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

SUPER RUGBY UNLOCKED REPORT: Curwin Bosch landed an injury-time penalty from 40 metres out to sneak a one-point win for the Sharks over Griquas in Kimberley on Friday.

MATCH REPORT: Scotland open their Nations Cup with a hard-fought 28-17 win over Italy on Saturday.

REACTION: Wales's sixth successive defeat, a 9-32 hammering by Ireland in their Nations Cup opener, is a bitter pill to swallow, said coach Wayne Pivac.

READERS' FORUM: Welcome to our coverage of the Tri-Nations Round Three encounter between New Zealand and Argentina in Sydney.

MATCH REPORT: Jamie George scored a hat-trick as England record a 40-0 win over Georgia at Twickenham on Saturday.

REACTION: Disgraced Springbok Mahlatse “Chiliboy” Ralepelle's fight to clear his name may not be over yet.

WATCH as Springbok lock RG Snyman gives an update on his rehabilitation progress at Munster.

WATCH: It's one of those victories that are just too empathic to describe.

READERS' FORUM: Welcome to our coverage of the Nations Cup Round One encounter between Ireland and Wales in Dublin.

NEWS: Round Six of Super Rugby Unlocked has been hit by COVID-19.

SPOTLIGHT: In an era of instant gratification, a man with 'old school' values is advocating for the return of long tours.

NEWS: The 2020 Currie Cup season will officially kick off on the weekend of November 27/28, culminating in the final on January 23, 2021.

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

NATIONS CUP REPORT: Wales slipped to their sixth successive defeat on Friday as Ireland ran out convincing 32-9 winners in their opening year-end Nations Cup clash at Lansdowne Road.

NEWS: A Nations Cup match scheduled for Sunday has been postponed.

NATIONS CUP, ROUND ONE: England coach Eddie Jones insisted on Thursday his side's Nations Cup opener against Georgia will be "no tea party" despite being firm favourites to win at Twickenham on Saturday.

NEWS: Australia and New Zealand will play a Trans-Tasman Super Rugby competition next year with five teams from each country.

NATIONS CUP, ROUND ONE: Scotland star Hamish Watson believes his team is strong enough to win the Nations Cup.

TRANSFER NEWS: All Black centre Ma'a Nonu has been named as a starter for Toulon's Top 14 match against Agen on Saturday.

STORMERS FAREWELL: It is a significant moment that has arrived with little fanfare - the last time the Stormers will play at Newlands.

OPINION: For those who are superstitious, the date is not a good omen - Friday the 13th!

SUPER RUGBY UNLOCKED WEEK FIVE: @rugby365com reader Sean Bagley is back with his weekly contribution to your entertainment.

NEWS: Montpellier's international fullback Anthony Bouthier has been ruled out for around six weeks after badly twisting knee ligaments.

NEWS: New Zealand Rugby (NZR) has taken another step forward in progressing its desire to include Pasifika teams in future professional rugby competitions.

NEWS: The bankrupt Southern Kings' players are continuing to find employment abroad.

NEWS: Super Rugby AU Champion backrow Will Miller has announced his retirement from professional rugby with immediate effect after four years at the top-flight.

NEWS: Leicester Tigers announced the departure of Geordan Murphy from his role as Director of Rugby at the club.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: The Cheetahs are waiting for a late fitness call on two-time World Cup winner Frans Steyn, as they prepare to face the Stormers on Saturday.

WATCH: Springbok legend John Smit shares what went through his mind after that heart-breaking moment when the Bulls snatched the win from the Sharks in the final moments of the 2007 Super Rugby Final.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Fiji's new captain is the latest sports star to test positive for COVID-19, ahead of a Test match against France on Sunday.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Italy head coach Franco Smith has revealed his team to face Scotland in their Nations Cup opener on Saturday.

TEAM UPDATE: The Griquas'  already difficult Super Rugby Unlocked campaign suffered a devastating blow ahead of their clash against the Sharks on Friday.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Lions coach Ivan van Rooyen has made several changes to his side that will host the Pumas at Ellis Park on Saturday.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: There are five changes to the Stormers starting line-up for the Super Rugby Unlocked encounter with the Cheetahs at Newlands on Saturday.

TRI-NATIONS, ROUND THREE: A wounded All Blacks are desperate to restore pride against Argentina on Saturday after a shock loss to Australia.

ONGOING SAGA: D-Day for a decision on the proposed investment by American lawyer Marco V Masotti's consortium is fast approaching.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Eddie Jones has named his team for England’s first Nations Cup match against Georgia this weekend.

NEWS: An Argentinian star has been forced to retire from rugby on medical advice due to a head injury.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: With just two rounds remaining, South African teams and fans finally get a chance to see the Super Rugby Unlcoekc trophy their battling for.

NEWS: South African Rugby president Mark Alexander has slammed some of the seven Super Rugby Unlocked outfits for fielding too many white players in starting line-ups.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: The Sharks have confirmed that one of their senior players has tested positive for COVID-19.

NATIONS CUP, ROUND ONE: The brand new four-round Nations Cup kicks off with an enticing fixture between Ireland and Wales in Dublin on Friday.

NEWS: Two members of the Fiji squad preparing to face France on Sunday have tested positive for COVID-19.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: All Blacks coach Ian Foster has wielded the axe ahead of Saturday's Tri Nations Test against Argentina.

TRI-NATIONS SPOTLIGHT: Wallaby coach Dave Rennie says Rugby League convert Suliasi Vunivalu won't play in the current tournament.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: The controversial view of former All Blacks wing John Kirwan regarding last Saturday’s Bledisloe Cup red cards has sparked a veritable storm online.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Georgia have named their team to face England in their Nations Cup opener at Twickenham.

UPDATE: Disgraced Springbok Mahlatse “Chiliboy” Ralepelle, lost his appeal against an eight-year doping ban.  

EURO FOCUS: The year-end Nations Cup starts on Friday when Ireland face Wales in Dublin.

NEWS: Lewis Ludlam has been named Northampton Saints’ co-captain for the 2020/21 season by Director of Rugby Chris Boyd, and will lead the squad alongside Alex Waller this term.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Argentina will face New Zealand in their first meeting of the Tri-Nations on Saturday – the first test for the Argentineans since last year’s World Cup.

STAT ATTACK: Defensive steel is a key winning metric in any premier rugby competition and Super Rugby Unlocked is no different.

NATIONS CUP BUILD-UP: England forwards coach Matt Proudfoot has insisted history will be irrelevant when the Six Nations champions face Georgia in their Nations Cup opener at Twickenham on Saturday.

REACTION: New Zealand Rugby says it is “incredibly disappointed” in All Blacks star Ardie Savea’s refusal to wear a mouthguard.

REACTION: Scotland is going to build on the momentum created by a successful Six Nations campaign, said head coach Gregor Townsend.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Wales coach Wayne Pivac made just the one change to his starting side, as he looks to end a run of five straight defeats.

NEW ZEALAND DISCIPLINARY UPDATE: Hawke's Bay's Sona Taumalolo has been suspended for three weeks.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Griquas will face the Sharks with a reshuffled team in Friday's Super Rugby Unlocked Round Six encounter in Kimberley.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Scotland boss Gregor Townsend has made four changes to his XV for Saturday’s Nations Cup match away to Italy in Florence.

NATIONS CUP SPOTLIGHT: England defence coach John Mitchell will continue dressing up as the opposition as Georgia enter the sights of Eddie Jones’ Six Nations champions.

TRANSFER NEWS: Cheetahs prop Luan de Bruin has been released from his contract to take up other opportunities abroad.

SPOTLIGHT: Ireland outcast Simon Zebo has wished James Lowe the best when the New Zealander makes his Test debut on Friday for his adopted country after recently qualifying under the three-year residency rule.

NEWS: The Sharks' build-up to their Super Rugby Unlocked Round Six match against Griquas has been given an unexpected hurdle.

REACTION: Former Australia wing Drew Mitchell has offered his take on the decision by Dave Rennie to call recent union convert Suliasi Vunivalu into the Wallabies squad for the remainder of the Tri-Nations.

MEDICAL UPDATE: Stormers defence coach Norman Laker is confident the team has adequate cover for injury setbacks.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: The Sharks loose forward Phepsi Buthelezi has revealed where his team will target Griquas’ attack during their Super Rugby Unlocked encounter.

PRE-MATCH BUILD-UP: England defence coach John Mitchell said Tuesday that the Six Nations champions need to be "adaptable".

NATIONS CUP PREVIEW: The newly-formed year-end series start with Ireland facing Wales in Dublin on Friday.

SUPER RUGBY AOTEAROA PRE-SEASON: Temuka will host the annual Farmlands Cup encounter between the Crusaders and Highlanders on February 12.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: New Zealand-born James Lowe will make his Test debut for Ireland just weeks after becoming eligible in Friday's Nations Cup opener with Wales.

WORLD RANKINGS UPDATE: There is some benefit for South Africa sitting on the sidelines.

TRI-NATIONS SPOTLIGHT: The All Blacks played down calls for changes to rugby's red-card system.

DISCIPLINARY UPDATE: All Black prop Ofa Tu'ungafasi has been given the verdict in his foul play disciplinary hearing.

REACTION: What initially appeared to be a minor 'speed bump' may turn out to be a near insurmountable hurdle for the Cheetahs.

REACTION: New Zealand-born Wales rugby coach Wayne Pivac says he has not held any discussions over his future despite a run of five successive defeats.

OPINION: Nations Cup is finally here and with it, the beginning of the new international season and a fresh crop of youngsters to watch as they forge careers for themselves in the Test arena.

SPOTLIGHT: Ireland captain Johnny Sexton says Friday's opening Nations Cup clash with Wales will be between two sides that are "hurting" after bruising defeats in their final Six Nations encounters.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: New Zealand Rugby (NZR) has announced the draw for Super Rugby Aotearoa 2021 with 10 weeks of derby matches.

TRI-NATIONS SQUAD NEWS: NRL premiership-winning star Suliasi Vunivalu will get his first taste of the Wallabies when he joins their training camp in the NSW Hunter Valley on Wednesday.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: The 2021 Super Rugby AU season draw has been confirmed with 22 games over 12 action-packed weekends.

CONTRACT NEWS: The Western Force is continuing to reinforce its young Western Australian talent stocks.

NEWS: Lachlan Swinton's participation in the Tri-Nations is over.

PRO14 MONDAY WRAP: Ulster maintained their unbeaten start to the Pro14 season with a scintillating six-try 40-15 victory over Glasgow Warriors at Kingspan Stadium.

SPOTLIGHT: Wales boss Wayne Pivac has taken full responsibility for the decision to part ways with defence coach Byron Hayward just days before the start of the Nations Cup.

SPOTLIGHT: Georgia captain Merab Sharikadze once played at Twickenham alongside England's Jonny Hill and Ellis Genge at college level.

INJURY UPDATE: The Lions' spotty season was dealt another cruel blow on Monday.

REACTION: The Bulls are in the driving seat to win the Super Rugby Unlocked title and Marco van Staden has played a key role in getting them into that position.

OPINION: One week is a long time in test rugby.

OPINION: After a draw and two solid wins, everyone expected the All Blacks to record another crushing victory over the Wallabies in Brisbane on Saturday.

OPINION: Finding the right captain for your team is a unique challenge that faces every coach. Jake White gives us an insight into his thoughts.

REACTION: The All Blacks aren't looking for excuses after their shock Bledisloe Cup loss.

TOP 14, SUNDAY WRAP: Bottom of the table Agen lost 16-19 at home to Lyon on Sunday in the French Top 14 in their first game since sacking their coach.

SPOTLIGHT: A hard-fought 24-22 win by the Wallabies over the All Blacks in Brisbane put life into what remains of the Tri-Nations.

REACTION: Stormers head coach John Dobson can finally breathe a sigh of relief after his team’s 39-6 win over Griquas on Saturday.

SPOTLIGHT: Rugby greats have called for red cards to be dumped after Saturday's Bledisloe Cup Test in Brisbane was marred by both sides being reduced to 14 men for most of the game.

PRO14 SUNDAY WRAP: Leinster remain yet to drop a point in the PRO14 this season after overcoming Ospreys 26-7 at the Liberty Stadium.

NEWS: Wales defence coach Byron Hayward has left his role with immediate effect just five days before Wayne Pivac's side start their Nations Cup campaign against Ireland.

REACTION: All Blacks coach Ian Foster says his team need to be smarter and calmer when "provoked" by the opposition.

James Slipper the head of the Wallaby scrum wants to improve on Australia's winning percentage against the All Blacks.

Australian winger Tom Wright had a dream debut against the All Blacks scoring in just the 2nd minute of the game

REACTION: It was far from pretty, however, Sharks coach Sean Everitt managed to find a positive following his team’s 19-13 win over the Cheetahs.

DISCIPLINARY NEWS: Wallabies flank Lachlan Swinton and All Blacks prop Ofa Tu’ungafasi will face a disciplinary hearing on Monday. 

REACTION: Coach Dave Rennie insisted he wouldn't be getting carried away after the Wallabies stunned the All Blacks, but admitted to being excited by where he might take his new-look team.

SUPER RUGBY UNLOCKED MATCH REPORT: The Bulls cement their place at the top of the standings with a thrilling win over the Lions in Johannesburg on Saturday.

NEWS: France received some good news ahead of their Nations Cup opener.

MORE POSTPONEMENTS: Round Five of the Pro14 promises excitement and drama with four more matches set for the weekend.

REACTION: All Black coach Ian Foster said it was too soon to comment on the red card given in his team's loss to the Wallabies.

MEDICAL UPDATE: Anthony Watson has been ruled out of England's year-end Nations Cup opener against Georgia next weekend because of an ankle injury.

TOP 14 WRAP: Two-time World Cup winner Jerome Kaino added to French Top 14 giants Toulouse's woes on Saturday.

NEWLANDS SPOTLIGHT: Fractious Western Province Professional Rugby Chairman Ebrahim Rasool would have you believe the 'Cape Of Storms' is actually a rugby safe haven.

WATCH as we bring you highlights from the array of international and domestic action at the weekend.

MATCH REPORT: Red and yellow cards were at the fore of the fourth and final Bledisloe Cup encounter between Australia and New Zealand on Saturday. 

SUPER RUGBY UNLOCKED REPORT: The Sharks moved up to second in the Super Rugby Unlocked standings after they edged the Cheetahs 19-13 in their Round Five encounter.

SUPER RUGBY UNLOCKED MATCH REPORT: The Stormers finally got some value out of their Springbok stars, as they routed a hapless Griquas 39-6 in Kimberley on Saturday.

READERS’ FORUM: Welcome to our coverage of the Super Rugby Unlocked Round Five encounter between the Lions and Bulls at Ellis Park.

READERS’ FORUM: Welcome to our coverage of the Super Rugby Unlocked Round Five encounter between Griquas and the Stormers in Kimberley.

OPINION: The Bulls manufactured yet another scintillating performance which saw them cement their spot at the top.

NEWS: South Africa Rugby World Cup winner Cheslin Kolbe has been ruled out of action with a hip problem, his Toulouse club said on Friday.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: The Springboks’ memorable 2019 World Cup victory continue to inspire South Africans.

READERS’ FORUM: Welcome to our coverage of the Bledisloe Cup match between Australia and New Zealand in Brisbane.

BLEDISLOE CUP FOUR: Mighty New Zealand have vowed to lift their game even further in the fourth and final Bledisloe Cup Test on Saturday, in an ominous sign for Australia after their record drubbing last week.

INJURY UPDATE: The All Blacks have been dealt a late blow just hours before Bledisloe Cup IV kick-off, with lock Patrick Tuipulotu ruled out of the match due to illness.

READERS’ FORUM: Welcome to our coverage of the Super Rugby Unlocked Round Five encounter between the Sharks and Cheetahs at Kings Park.

REACTION: Wallabies captain Michael Hooper is desperate to prove last week's horror Bledisloe Cup loss is not a true reflection of the void between the sides.

REHABILITATION PROGRESS: World Cup-winning Springbok flyhalf Handre Pollard has taken to social media to give an update on his knee injury.

SPOTLIGHT: Kanaloa Pasifika have threatened cash-strapped New Zealand Rugby (NZR) with legal action should they not be included in next year’s revamped Super Rugby competition.

REACTION: New Zealand see an opportunity to 'exploit' Australia's new flyhalf Reece Hodge and plan to ask questions of him in Saturday's final Bledisloe Cup match.

TEAM UPDATE: The Cheetahs were forced into a late change just hours ahead of the crucial Super Rugby unlocked encounter with the Sharks.

NEWS: Silas Nkanunu, a former president of the South African Rugby Union, chairman of SANZAR and briefly vice-chairman of the International Rugby Board (IRB, now World Rugby) has died at the age of 87.

WATCH: A newly released video allows us to go behind the scenes and see how Rassie Erasmus and the Springboks practised the now infamous 'Move' that the Springboks used in the 2019 World Cup Final against England.

WATCH: The final episode of the Springboks' World Cup-winning documentary - Chasing the Sun - brought South Africa to tears with a remarkable story about wing Makazole Mapimpi.

NEWS: The Top 14 rugby match between Montpellier and Stade Francais scheduled for Saturday has been postponed after "new cases" of Covid-19 were detected in the home team, the French league (LNR) announced.

NEWS: Two Pro14 fixture of Dragons have been postponed following a Covid-19 outbreak.

NEWS: Leicester have stopped all training and closed the club's training ground with fewer than two weeks until the start of the new English Premiership season following a coronavirus outbreak, the Midlands club announced Thursday.

NO ROOM TO HIDE: The Cheetahs return from an unplanned two-week hiatus and enter a critical fortnight in their drive for glory.

SPOTLIGHT: Johnny Sexton and Andy Farrell said they had drawn a line under the Ireland captain's petulant reaction to being taken off in last Saturday's Six Nations defeat by France.

SUPER RUGBY UNLOCKED SPOTLIGHT: When the Sharks host the Cheetahs in Durban on Friday, most of the spotlight will be on the collective.

NEWS: Scotland recalled Saracens wing Sean Maitland to their squad for the upcoming Nations Cup campaign.

SPOTLIGHT: Antoine Dupont Crowned 2020 Six Nations Player of the Championship.

BLEDISLOE CUP FOUR: Wallaby skipper Michael Hooper admitted his team were in a "dark" place this week after being thrashed by the All Blacks.

NEWS: New Zealand Rugby is in discussions with private equity investors after the COVID-19 pandemic slashed the union's cash reserves.

NEWS: Harlequins have revealed their new club captain ahead of the 2020/21 Premiership and Champions Cup campaigns

NEWS: Aphiwe Dyantyi's doping hearing has ended after two days of testimonies by expert witnesses and closing arguments.

SQUAD ANNOUNCEMENT: Andy Farrell has named his Ireland squad for the upcoming Nations Cup.

TRANSFER NEWS: The Western Force has added to their strong Australian backline contingent, with flyhalf Jake McIntyre joining the club on a two-year contract from French Top 14 side ASM Clermont Auvergne.

REACTION: James Lowe once described the thought of ending up playing for Ireland as a "weird prospect".

SPOTLIGHT: Since the first official All Blacks side took to the field when they toured New South Wales back in 1884, a total of 1190 players have come through the ranks to don the famous black jersey.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: The Bulls have made just one change to their team for the Trans-Jukskei derby with the Lions.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Lions receive a major boost as Burger Odendaal returns to the starting XV for the Super Rugby Unlocked encounter against the Bulls. 

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: The Stormers have lost another Springbok star on the eve of their Super Rugby Unlocked match against the Griquas.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Griquas have revealed their team to face the Stormers in Kimberley on Saturday.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: England might have been crowned 2020 Six Nations champions but it is the rise of France that caught the world's attention.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Wallabies coach Dave Rennie has revealed his team to face the All Blacks in Brisbane on Saturday.

BLEDISLOE FOUR: The Wallabies are taking heart from Queensland's against-the-odds State of Origin win over NSW as they prepare for one last shot at the All Blacks in 2020.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: The All Blacks have revealed their team for their final Bledisloe Cup clash against the Wallabies.

INTERVIEW: The Cheetahs have been left with the unenviable task of having to beat the Sharks and Stormers away if they are to achieve their goal of winning Super Rugby Unlocked.

BREAKING NEWS: South African Rugby has revealed what the future holds and where they will play.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Sharks coach Sean Everitt has revealed his team to face the Cheetahs in their Super Rugby Unlocked clash on Friday.

NEWS: A double Rugby World Cup winner will have to wait for his second Toulon stint as he is in a seven-day quarantine, the French club's backs coach, Julien Dupuy, said on Wednesday.

NEWS: A Pro14 match involving Benetton has been postponed for the second successive weekend due to COVID-19.

WORLD RANKINGS NEWS: There were some significant changes to the world rankings, following the weekend's internationals.

OPINION: Mike Rehu rates the New Zealand players after their record 43-5 win over Australia in Bledisloe Cup Three this weekend.

PRE-MATCH BUILD-UP: The Stormers are determined to address their defensive frailties, after a horror start to the season.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: The Cheetahs have revealed their team for their Super Rugby Unlocked Round Five clash against the Sharks in Durban on Friday.

BLEDISLOE FOUR: Dave Rennie’s sides have never shied away from contact in the past.

SPOTLIGHT: By his own assessment, he is just the man to transform the Wallabies scrum into a "weapon".

BLEDISLOE FOUR: Australia has lost only one of the last four Tests against New Zealand in Brisbane, a fact that has not escaped the All Blacks.

NEWS: Raelene Castle was appointed New Zealand's top sports administrator on Wednesday.

NEWS: NEWS: Scotland have suffered a major double setback on Wednesday.

SPOTLIGHT: The Sharks have 'turned the corner' after a slow start to their Super Rugby Unlocked season.

SPOTLIGHT: Relegated Saracens could earn promotion to the 2021/22 Premiership without kicking a Championship ball.

BLEDISLOE FOUR: It must be hard for the All Blacks to keep a straight face when they continually talk about the Wallabies' "fear factor" after years of Trans-Tasman beltings.

NEWS: Several new recruitments reported for duty at the Cheetahs, ahead of their important Super Rugby Unlocked clash against the Sharks on Friday.

NEWS: Sonny Bill Williams and several other former National Rugby League players are free agents after Toronto Wolfpack were kicked out of next year's Super League competition.

An England star produced a comical response to Cheslin Kolbe's social media post celebrating one year since the Springboks won the World Cup Final.

SUPER RUGBY UNLOCKED SPOTLIGHT: Stormers coach John Dobson has hinted the time to make some tough decisions has arrived.

WATCH: While the XVs game is back in full force, the Sevens circuit remains in limbo for the time being, so while we all miss the shorter, more explosive format, here are some of the best sidesteps to feast your eyes on.

BLEDISLOE FOUR SPOTLIGHT: New Zealand is planning to make changes to their team for their encounter with Australia in Brisbane, where the Wallabies will be out to regain some respect.

NEWS: Fiji are set to get a key player back from injury for their Nations Cup opener against France.

SPOTLIGHT: World Rugby would welcome a bid by the United States to host the 2027 or 2031 World Cups as "there is no commercial market like the United States".

BLEDISLOE FOUR SPOTLIGHT: Australia's 100-gamer James Slipper says Saturday's last clash of the year against New Zealand is anything but a dead rubber, despite the series being lost.

REACTION: Lions centre Wandisile Simelane received huge praise from his captain and coach after his performance against Griquas in Round Four of Super Rugby Unlocked.

OPINION: Liam Heagney rates the England players after their successfull trip to Rome!

OPINION: Liam Heagney rates the Ireland players after they failed miserably in Paris against a classy French team.

SQUAD UPDATE: France coach Fabien Galthie kept faith with the majority of the squad that beat Ireland as he named a 28-man group for the Nations opener against Fiji.

NEWS: The financial fallout for rugby from the coronavirus pandemic has been "devastating" with World Rugby effectively operating like a "central bank", the governing body's CEO Brett Gosper said on Monday.

MATCH REPORT: Leinster went back above Ulster at the top of Conference A after continuing their unbeaten start with a 32-19 win over Glasgow Warriors.

MATCH REPORT: Antonio Rizzi scored 18 points as Zebre secured their first win of the PRO14 season by overcoming an off-colour Ospreys 23-17 in Parma.

REPORT: Ulster made it four wins from four in the 2020/21  PRO14 campaign as they battled past Cardiff Blues 11-7 in a hard-fought encounter at Rodney Parade.

SPOTLIGHT: Retired Wallaby forward Dan Palmer became the first Australian Rugby Union international to come out as gay on Friday.

WATCH: The Springboks' 2019 World Cup-winning documentary - Chasing the Sun - came to a tear-jerking end with the premiering of the fifth and final episode.

SPOTLIGHT: It may have been the longest Championship in history but the 2020 Six Nations delivered an enthralling tournament that saw England claim the title.

NEWS: The IRFU have been handed a significant financial boost after being allocated €18 million in emergency funding by the Irish Government.

SIX NATIONS SPOTLIGHT: England may have consigned some of the "trauma" of last year's World Cup final defeat to the history books by winning the 2020 Six Nations.

NEWS: The Nations Cup organisers have a major worry as the Covid-19 Coronavirus hits the Fiji training camp.

REACTION: The dominant pack and the educated boot of Morné Steyn are getting plenty of accolades.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: He's honoured by comparisons to Adam Ashley-Cooper but utility ace Reece Hodge craves a return to the Wallabies starting line-up, and it could happen this Saturday.

REACTION: Stormers coach John Dobson said his team can't use the ongoing boardroom drama as an excuse for their poor performances.

REACTION: England captain Owen Farrell quickly set his sights on a year-end Nations Cup triumph, just moments after his side won the Six Nations Championship on Saturday.

REACTION: All Black skipper Sam Cane is excited about where his new-look team can go after a dazzling masterclass against a "diabolical" Wallabies sent a chilling warning to world rugby.

OPINION: Finn Morton rates the Australian players after their record 5-43 loss to New Zealand in the third Bledisloe Cup Test at the weekend.

PRO14 SUNDAY WRAP: Munster continues to set the pace at the top of Conference B after delivering a clinical performance to best Dragons 28-16 at Rodney Parade.

REACTION: France just missed out on their first Six Nations title in a decade, despite a home win over Ireland.

REACTION: All Blacks hooker Codie Taylor says he was surprised to see one of the Wallabies' best players on the bench.

REACTION: The Wallabies admit they slipped to unacceptably poor standards in the weekend's embarrassing 5-43 Bledisloe Cup loss to the All Blacks in Sydney.

INJURY UPDATE: France flank Francois Cros, a key cog in Fabien Galthie's resurgent side, sustained a fracture of the second metatarsal in his right foot in the 35-27 Six Nations victory over Ireland.

TOP 14 NEWS: Christophe Laussucq was sacked as manager of Agen on Sunday, a day after a humiliating 5-71 5 capitulation to Bordeaux-Begles.

WATCH as we bring you highlights from the array of international and domestic action at the weekend.

COVID-19 STRIKES AGAIN: The Pro14 returns for Round Four this weekend, but the dreaded COVID-19 has struck again.

SIX NATIONS REPORT: England claimed the Six Nations title for a seventh time on Saturday after France failed to score enough points in their 35-27 win over Ireland in Paris.

SUPER RUGBY UNLOCKED: The Bulls stormed to a 39-6 win over the Stormers in a Super Rugby Unlocked match that was abandoned after 64 minutes due to lightning.

SIX NATIONS REPORT: Ben Youngs touched down twice as five-try England beat Italy 34-5 in Rome.

SIX NATIONS REPORT: Scotland finally ended their long wait for a win against Wales on Welsh soil with a 14-10 success in their Six Nations Championship finale at Llanelli on Saturday.

REACTION: Wallaby captain Michael Hooper admitted his team failed to stick to the pre-match plan, resulting in their heaviest defeat to the All Blacks.

MATCH REPORT: The Bledisloe Cup will remain in New Zealand for at least another year.

SUPER RUGBY UNLOCKED: The Sharks bounced back from their defeat to the Bulls last week when they hammered the Pumas 42-19 in Nelspruit on Saturday.

SUPER RUGBY UNLOCKED: The Lions recorded their first win of the Super Rugby Unlocked season when they thumped Griquas 61-31 in Johannesburg on Friday.

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

SPOTLIGHT: Ireland believes the team has a "cracking opportunity" to win the Six Nations.

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

READERS’ FORUM: Welcome to our coverage of the Super Rugby Unlocked Round Four encounter between the Bulls and Stormers at Loftus Versfeld.

REPORT: The Blue Bulls scored two tries in the last three minutes to retain their South African Under-21 title.

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

REACTION: England rugby coach Eddie Jones says the game has become a laughing stock with the cancellation of the Barbarians match.

READERS’ FORUM: Welcome to our coverage of the Super Rugby Unlocked Round Four encounter between the Lions and Griquas at Ellis Park.

SIX NATIONS, ROUND FIVE: Ireland's Johnny Sexton and Conor Murray have been the benchmark for many as the standout halfback partnership, but on Saturday they will face a challenge to that mantle.

READERS’ FORUM: Welcome to our coverage of the Super Rugby Unlocked Round Four encounter between the Pumas and Sharks in Nelspruit.

BIG NORTH-SOUTH DERBY: "This match is one of the highlights on the South African rugby calendar."

SIX NATIONS, ROUND FIVE: Eddie Jones has urged his players to revive Rugby Union's reputation when they bid for the Six Nations Championship title away to Italy.

SPOTLIGHT: This weekend's 'Super Saturday', the last round of the 2020 Six Nations, sees three teams still in with a chance of winning the title.

READERS’ FORUM: Welcome to our coverage of the Bledisloe Cup and Tri-Nations match between Australia and New Zealand in Sydney.

OPINION: It has been three weeks since the Super Rugby Unlocked kicked off and there is some amazing talent on show.

SUPER RUGBY UNLOCKED SPOTLIGHT: South Africa should take a leaf out of New Zealand's book in how they referee the breakdown.

PRE-MATCH INTERVIEW: The spotlight will be on Wallaby debutants Noah Lolesio and Irae Simone in Saturday's Bledisloe Cup clash.

SIX NATIONS, ROUND FIVE: Saturday's opening Six Nations Round Five fixture between Wales and Scotland may have no bearing on the title but is not without significance.

LEAKED NEWS: Super Rugby teams from New Zealand and Australia are likely to play each other in crossover matches next season, according to Otago CEO Roger Clark.

REACTION: Wales greats Gareth Edwards and Phil Bennett led the tributes to JJ Williams following the death of their "sensational" former teammate at the age of 72.

REACTION: The Lions are confident that there never was a COVID-19 outbreak at the franchise, despite the postponement of last week's match against the Cheetahs.

NEWS: Fiji centre Jale Vatubua has withdrawn from the squad for the year-end Nations Cup.

PRE-MATCH INTERVIEW: Rookie Test flyhalf Noah Lolesio and inside centre Irae Simone are the first untried Wallaby midfield pairing to debut against the All Blacks since 1947.

BLEDISLOE CUP THREE: New Zealand hasn't had to wrap up the Bledisloe Cup on Australian soil in 11 years.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Jimmy Stonehouse can never be accused of being conservative.

BREAKING NEWS: Thirteen Barbarians players have been charged with conduct prejudicial to the interests of the union or the game.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Scotland will have one of their most skilful players back for the all-Celtic Six Nations clash with Wales on Saturday.

SPOTLIGHT: British and Irish Lions coach Warren Gatland says he is surprised by world champions South Africa's decision to withdraw from the Rugby Championship.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Italy coach Franco Smith made just one change to the side thrashed by Ireland at the weekend.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: The Ireland coaching team have named their matchday squad for the final game of the 2020 Six Nations as Ireland face France in Paris this Saturday.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: France have revealed their team to face Ireland in Saturday's Six Nations decider.

NEWS: Jaco Kriel has been withdrawn from the Lions side to take on Griquas at Ellis Park on Friday.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: The Bulls have beefed up their pack for the big North-South derby, when they host the Stormers at Loftus Versfeld on Saturday.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Loosehead prop Steven Kitshoff will captain the Stormers in their Super Rugby Unlocked encounter with the Bulls at Loftus Versfeld on Saturday.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Welsh captain Alun Wyn Jones will set a new record for Test caps of 149 when he leads out his team in Llanelli for the Six Nations match with Scotland on Saturday.

NEWS: Wales great JJ Williams, a lethal finisher who became an emblematic figure of the golden era of Welsh rugby in the 1970s, has died at the age of 72.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: A Sharks side boasting some new faces travel to Mbombela Stadium to take on the Pumas in an important Super Rugby Unlocked clash on Saturday.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Coach Ian Foster has warned that his All Blacks team need to match Australia's do-or-die mindset in Saturday's Bledisloe Cup Test or risk a repeat of their Perth trouncing.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Eddie Jones has named his team for England's key Six Nations tie against Italy on Saturday.

SPOTLIGHT: British and Irish Lions boss Warren Gatland has insisted that old age will be no impediment on the tour to South Africa next year.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Wallabies coach Dave Rennie gambled with four rookies in his squad for their must-win clash against the All Blacks in Sydney this weekend.

SPOTLIGHT: Cian Healy has been a DJ, an artist and turned his hand to knife-making which makes his feat of reaching the 100-cap landmark for Ireland even more praiseworthy.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: The Lions welcome back some experienced players for their Super Rugby Unlocked clash against Griquas on Friday.

NEWS: The holders, Exeter Chiefs, will play against Toulouse and Glasgow Warriors in the pool stage of the 2020/21 Champions Cup following the tournament Pool Draw.

SQUAD UPDATE: Northampton scrumhalf Alex Mitchell has been drafted into England's Six Nations squad for Saturday's clash with Italy.

NEWS: South Africa Rugby Union are seeking answers following the news of a young rugby player's death after a serious injury amid COVID-19 suspension.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Griquas coach Scott Mathie has named a much-changed team for their next Super Rugby Unlocked encounter, against the Lions in Johannesburg on Friday.

SPOTLIGHT: The Wallabies are desperate to "smash" the All Blacks.

UPDATE: SA Rugby released a statement regarding the Lions v Griquas in Johannesburg on Friday.

TRANSFER NEWS: Former All Blacks Head Coach Steve Hansen will be joining the National Rugby League (NRL) side teh Canterbury Bulldogs.

STAT ATTACK: We are only two games into Super Rugby Unlocked, but the Cheetahs and their players are already making some big statements with their performances on the field.

SPOTLIGHT: Argentina's build-up for the Tri-Nations has been hellish, with months of coronavirus bubbles and lockdowns, players testing positive for COVID-19.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Warren Gatland believes his 2021 British & Irish Lions will look the part in South Africa after the unveiling of the tour jersey.

NEWS: Bayonne's Top 14 match against Toulon on Friday was postponed by the LNR.

SPOTLIGHT: Sharks captain Lukhanyo Am knows that his team will have a lot to work on ahead of their Super Rugby Unlocked Round Four encounter with the Pumas in Nelspruit.

NEWS: Rugby Australia referee and a long-time servant of the game, George Ayoub, has decided to call time on his long career as a Match Official. 

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Brumbies and Wallabies prop Scott Sio believes a Super Rugby game in Samoa could break through the red tape constricting Pacific Island rugby.

DISCIPLINARY UPDATE: South African-born lock Bernard le Roux will be available for France's final Six Nations clash against Ireland on Saturday.

NEWS: Former England captain Chris Robshaw and his Barbarians teammates who broke coronavirus protocols will not face a police investigation, London's Metropolitan force announced on Tuesday.

WATCH: The much-anticipated Springbok documentary, Chasing the Sun, is reaching its conclusion but not before we take you inside the Springboks' changeroom before their quarterfinal match against Japan.

WATCH: Jake White takes us on a trip down memory lane as he remembers the Super Rugby game between the Sharks and Crusaders in Christchurch.

NEWS: France international fullback Djibril Camara has been put on sick leave until the end of the season, Bayonne announced on Tuesday, effectively ending his association with the Top 14 club.

SPOTLIGHT: Star All Blacks playmaker Beauden Barrett wanted to get something off his chest.

SPOTLIGHT: Lock Lukhan Salakaia-Loto dismissed suggestions the Wallabies were intimidated by the All Blacks' confrontational style, saying they would laugh off such antics in the third Bledisloe Cup Test in Sydney this weekend.

INJURY UPDATE: Flyhalf Matthieu Jalibert has replaced injured wing Teddy Thomas in France's squad for Saturday's potential Six Nations title decider against Ireland, the French Rugby Federation (FFR) announced.

SPOTLIGHT: Eddie Jones likened England newcomer Jacob Umaga to a trainee sushi chef ahead of the Wasps flyhalf's possible Test debut against Italy in Rome this weekend.

NEWS: A key player has been ruled out of Scotland's Six Nations Championship finale away to Wales on Saturday.

INJURY UPDATE: World Rugby's Player of the Year Pieter-Steph du Toit is unlikely to feature in a match this year.

COVID-19 UPDATE: Tuesday looms large as an important day in the immediate future of the COVID-19-hit Lions.

NEWS: Queensland Reds coach Brad Thorn gets emotional when reflecting on the rise of his teenage talents into Wallabies.

PRO14 MATCH REPORT: Munster ran in five tries to beat a valiant Cardiff Blues 38-27 in a thrilling encounter at Thomond Park.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Footage has revealed that France lock Bernard Le Roux got away with a cheap shot during his team’s win over Wales on Saturday.

BLEDISLOE THREE: All Blacks wing Caleb Clarke is taking a relaxed approach to the Sydney Test as Australia attempts to keep the series alive.

NEWS: France's Mohamed Haouas will be questioned by a criminal court for an alleged robbery of a tobacconist.

NEWS: The Western Force announced the signing of Australian international Sevens star Tim Anstee on a two-year deal.

NEWS: Wales will play all three of their year-end Nations Cup home games at Llanelli's Parc y Scarlets.

SIX NATIONS SPOTLIGHT: Eddie Jones said his experience as a coach meant he had refused to be riled by the extraordinary cancellation of England's match with the Barbarians.

REACTION: Exeter Chairman Tony Rowe warned "greedy" England against expanding the international programme following his side's memorable double-winning season.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Duhan Van Der Merwe aims to keep improving as an international player now he has got his “nervous and emotional” Scotland debut out of the way.

SQUAD ANNOUNCEMENT: Eddie Jones has named a 36-player squad for his England side’s autumn tournament fixtures.

BLEDISLOE THREE: James O'Connor believes No.10 is his best position but that may not prevent him being shifted to the centres for the Wallabies' next Test.

REACTION: Director of Rugby and coach Jake White is hopeful that the Bulls are at the 'turning point' of their Super Rugby unlocked season.

TOP14 SUNDAY WRAP: New Zealand scrumhalf Tawera Kerr-Barlow crossed the line but La Rochelle failed to take over as leaders of the French Top 14 despite Sunday's 20-6 home win against Bordeaux-Begles.

SIX NATIONS SPOTLIGHT: Ireland flank Peter O'Mahony said it will be business as usual while he tries to secure his place in the starting side for this weekend's potential title-decider away to France.

REACTION: Friday’s defeat to the Stormers is certainly a bitter pill to swallow for Pumas.

DISCIPLINARY UPDATE: France lock Bernard Le Roux finds himself in heaps of trouble following his moment of madness against Wales on Saturday.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Following the birth of his second child, All Blacks No.8 Ardie Savea has remained in New Zealand while the rest of the squad have travelled to Australia in preparation for next weekend’s Bledisloe Cup clash.

MATCH REPORT: Ulster continued their victorious start to the 2020/21 PRO14 season as they cruised past Dragons 40-17 at the Kingspan Stadium.

UNDER-21 WRAP: Golden Lions will meet the Blue Bulls in the final of the SA Rugby U21 Championship at Ellis Park on Friday, October 30.

INJURY UPDATE: Ireland revealed that Garry Ringrose has been ruled out of the remainder of the international window with a facial injury.

BLEDISLOE SPOTLIGHT: All Blacks No.8 Ardie Savea and prop Nepo Laulala are on paternity leave and will miss the third Bledisloe Cup Test against Australia next weekend, coach Ian Foster has said.

Johnny Sexton believes that Ireland are capable of a four try bonus point win in Paris against the French next weekend to take the Six Nations title.

INJURY UPDATE: Jack Nowell ruled himself out of England's Six Nations finale against Italy next weekend.

Overlooked Australian World Cup no. 8 Isi Naisarani has been recalled by the Wallabies and is to join their training camp.

BREAKING NEWS: The Lions have confirmed that nine players have been ruled out of their encounter with the Cheetahs as a result of the COVID-19 outbreak in the team.

SUPER RUGBY UNLOCKED REPORT: The Bulls climbed to the top of the Super Rugby Unlocked standings after they thumped the Sharks 41-14 in Pretoria.

MATCH REPORT: Connacht claimed just their second away win since November with 37-26 victory in Edinburgh.

NEWS: Ireland will be without one of their stars for their final Six Nations clash with France.

MATCH REPORT: France scrumhalf Antoine Dupont scored twice in his side's 38-21 victory over Wales on Saturday in Paris ahead of next weekend's final round of the Six Nations.

PREMIERSHIP FINAL REPORT: Exeter completed an English and European double as they beat Wasps 19-13 in a tense Premiership Final at a rainswept Twickenham on Saturday.

MONDAY NIGHT LIGHTS: PRO14 rugby returns with a bang after a week absent of captivating Championship action, as each of the 12 contesting teams continue their bid for glory while the Conference tables gradually take shape.

BREAKING NEWS: Super Rugby Unlocked match between Lions and Cheetahs scheduled for Ellis Park this afternoon has been called off in line with COVID-19 protocols.

SIX NATIONS REPORT: Ireland climbed to the top of the Six Nations standings ahead of the final round after they hammered Italy 50-17 in Dublin.

REACTION: For the second week in a row, the Stormers had to rely on their own ‘bomb squad’ for a hard-fought 42-37 win over the Pumas on Friday.

READERS’ FORUM: Welcome to our coverage of the Super Rugby Unlocked Round Three encounter between the Bulls and Sharks in Pretoria.

READERS’ FORUM: Welcome to our coverage of the Premiership[ Final; between Exeter Chiefs and Wasps in London.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: A former All Black has leapt to Ian Foster’s defence after the New Zealand boss fell under heavy criticism in the opening stages of his tenure at the helm of the national side.

READERS’ FORUM: Welcome to our coverage of the Six Nations Round Four, catch-up match between Ireland and Italy in Dublin.

REACTION: England's match against the Barbarians this weekend has been cancelled after a fresh breach of coronavirus rules by Barbarians players came to light.

TOP 14 SATURDAY WRAP: Toulouse, deprived of their French internationals and of inspiration, on Saturday lost at home for the first time in more than two years as they fell 7-16 to Lyon in the Top 14.

NEWS: Wasps' front row has been hit hard by the COVID-19 outbreak that threatened their involvement in Saturday's Premiership Final against newly-crowned European champions Exeter.

MATCH REPORT: Scotland overpowered Georgia 48-7 as Finn Russell's Test exile came to an end at Murrayfield on Friday.

PRO14 REPORT: Ospreys came from behind to secure their first victory over Glasgow Warriors since February 2017 at a soaking Liberty Stadium.

SUPER RUGBY UNLOCKED REPORT: The Stormers snatched a 78th-minute winner against the Pumas, the second consecutive week they burgled victory.

NEWS: Wallabies head coach Dave Rennie has explained his team's decision to not take a knee ahead of the third Bledisloe Cup Test in Sydney on October 31 against New Zealand.

PRO14 WRAP: Dan Sheehan enjoyed a dream debut, scoring two tries and assisting another, as Leinster made it 22 victories on the spin.

NEWS: The Irish Rugby Football Union announced a €35.7-million (US$42 million) deficit for the 2019/20 season on Friday as Chief Executive Philip Browne warned of "drastic cuts" if fans cannot return soon.

EXETER V WASPS: Exeter will hope the shackles are off when they bid to become just the fourth English club to complete a domestic and European double-winning season.

A video has emerged of one of the two nights out Barbarians players enjoyed this week, which led to the cancellation of Sunday's match at Twickenham with England.

WATCH: In the latest episode of Couch Commentary, Springbok legend Bryan Habana makes a remarkable admission of a record he holds that he doesn't really like.

SPOTLIGHT: Argentina's fate as a Rugby Championship nation is uncertain and the Jaguares' slot in Super Rugby is at risk, Pumas coach Mario Ledesma admitted Friday.

SIX NATIONS, ROUND FOUR: Ireland are determined to lift the mood of a country that is back in coronavirus lockdown by delivering a bonus-point win over Italy on Saturday that would lift them to the top of the Six Nations table.

NATIONS CUP WARM-UP: France head coach Fabien Galthie denied there will be any negative impact after off-field problems between the country's federation and league ahead of hosting Wales in a warm-up Test on Saturday.

NEWS: Former Wallabies captain David Pocock has called time on his professional rugby career after 15 years.

BREAKING NEWS: The COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in the cancellation of one of the first international match since the game's return.

READERS’ FORUM: Welcome to our coverage of the Super Rugby Unlocked Round Three encounter between the Pumas and Stormers in Nelspruit.

NEWS: The Western Force has finalised its coaching team for 2021 with former Fiji national team head coach John McKee joining the club as an assistant coach.

FULL METAL JACKET: It was a week of high drama - with the COVID-19 saga at Ellis Park, which had a knock-on effect in the Stormers camp.

NEWS: Argentina have postponed their friendly against the Waratahs after a host of their players complained of niggling muscle injuries.

TRANSFER NEWS: Edinburgh have bolstered their options in the second row with the signing of an experienced South African lock.

NATIONS CUP WARM-UP: Gregor Townsend believes Scotland are set to welcome back an improved Finn Russell, with the flyhalf's year-long test exile about to end.

TRANSFER NEWS: All Black Julian Savea has signed with the Hurricanes for the 2021 season.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Flyhalf Paolo Garbisi will earn his first Italy cap in Saturday's rescheduled Six Nations clash against Ireland behind closed doors in Dublin.

NEWS: England's match against the Barbarians at Twickenham on Sunday could be called off following a breach of coronavirus protocols by the invitational side, the Rugby Football Union revealed.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Bulls Director of Rugby Jake White has added some extra Springbok beef to his pack for the Super Rugby Unlocked Round Three encounter with the Sharks.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Cheetahs will be facing the Lions in the third round of their Super Rugby Unlocked campaign on Saturday at Ellis Park in Johannesburg.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Wales head coach Wayne Pivac has named his first squad in seven months as Wales kick off their end-of-year campaign in Paris against France on Saturday.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: France revealed their team to face Wales in Paris on Saturday.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Sharks coach Sean Everitt has named a vastly different team from the pre-season outing when they return to Loftus Versfeld on Saturday.

SPOTLIGHT: One of England's top coaches says the greater issue for Rugby Union is remaining afloat amid the coronavirus pandemic.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Springboks flyhalf Elton Jantjies has been ruled out of the Super Rugby Unlocked clash with the Cheetahs on Saturday.

NEWS: An English club rugby player has been banned from all sports for four years.

SPOTLIGHT: A World Cup-winning captain believes the Wallabies will lose fans if they decide to take a knee in support of the Black Lives Matter movement.

TRANSFER NEWS: Cheetahs have revealed that Khutha Mchunu and Hencus van Wyk will join the Bloemfontein side.

REACTION: South Africa's new domestic competition, Super Rugby Unlocked, has been cast under a cloud of uncertainty as a result of a COVID-19 outbreak.

SPOTLIGHT: Yet another South African scrumhalf is making waves with his performances on the field.

SPOTLIGHT: Owen Farrell is undertaking additional tackling practice as England’s captain prepares for his first match since serving a five-week suspension for a dangerous challenge.

TRANSFER NEWS: The Waratahs has signed Sam Caird ahead of the 2021 Super Rugby season.

REACTION: The British and Irish Lions hope fans will be able to cheer them on in South Africa next year.

SPOTLIGHT: Rugby Australia says millions of dollars in much-needed revenue has been lost because of South Africa's withdrawal from the Rugby Championship.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Scotland’s opening game of their end-of-year campaign will mark a series of firsts as head coach Gregor Townsend’s side play Georgia at Murrayfield on Friday.

INJURY UPDATE: England coach Eddie Jones has called up some reinforcements for Sunday's non-cap international against the Barbarians.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: South African born wing Duhan van der Merwe will make his debut against Georgia on Friday as he looks forward to an extended test career.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: The Stormers have revealed their team for their Super Rugby Unlocked encounter against the Pumas in Nelspruit on Friday.

TRANSFER NEWS: The Blues will have another All Black in their squad next year.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Ireland coach Andy Farrell is not holding back in the build-up to the rescheduled Six Nations match against Italy on Saturday.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: The Pumas have added some considerable experience to their front row for the visit of the Springbok-laded Stormers team on Friday.

SUPER RUGBY UNLOCKED SPOTLIGHT: The Bulls put down a marker at Loftus Versfeld in the SuperFan Saturday pre-season outing last month.

NEWS: Argentina coach Mario Ledesma is out of isolation and on the training ground in Sydney with his Wallaby 'spy' among his support staff.

NEWS: Liam Williams is set to play for the Scarlets on Friday as the Wales fullback bids to be fit for next week's delayed Six Nations international at home to Scotland.

BREAKING NEWS: The Lions versus Cheetahs Super Rugby Unlocked Round Three match will go ahead on Saturday, despite an outbreak of COVID-19 cases at Ellis Park.

NEWS: World Rugby has announced the match official appointments for the Tri-Nations 2020, which kicks off in Australia on October 31.

NEWS: The British and Irish Lions will host a 'Test' match against Japan at Murrayfield Stadium on Saturday 26 June 2021 for the Lions 1888 Cup.

INJURY UPDATE: The Wallabies have been dealt a significant injury blow.

SIX NATIONS SPOTLIGHT: Johnny Sexton says Ireland must not let their sense of duty to raise the country's spirits weigh them down.

NEWS: There will be no controversial ending to the 2019/2020 Premiership season.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: England coach Eddie Jones has named a 32-player squad for this weekend's encounter with the Barbarians.

NEWS: Italy loose forward Maxime Mbanda on Tuesday received one of the country's highest awards for his efforts as a front-line volunteer in the fight against the coronavirus.

SQUAD ANNOUNCEMENT: The All Blacks squad which will travel to Australia for the Tri-Nations tournament, has been named, with two new players called into the squad as cover.

REACTION: Within a matter of hours after Tony Brown was unveiled as Highlanders coach for the next two seasons, he has revealed his player wishlist.

SIX NATIONS SPOTLIGHT: Jacob Stockdale made a bold statement as Ireland prepares to return to action this weekend.

TRANSFER NEWS: A Bulls discard has returned to Bloemfontein to help 'coach' the Cheetahs.

INJURY UPDATE: Cheetahs will have to conclude their Super Rugby Unlocked without talisman and captain Ruan Pienaar.

NEWS: The Highlanders have officially unveiled their new head coach.

INJURY UPDATE: The Bulls have provided an update on Gio Aplon and the worst has been confirmed.

PREMIERSHIP FINAL SPOTLIGHT: Wasps' place in Saturday's Premiership final against European champions Exeter is in serious doubt after the club recorded four more positive coronavirus tests.

TRANSFER NEWS: The Waratahs revealed that Tom Staniforth will depart the franchise, as he takes up an opportunity overseas in 2021.