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OPINION: @rugby365 columnist and two-time World Rugby Junior Championship winner Eugene Eloff looks at the latest Sturm und Drang of the game we so dearly love.

SPOTLIGHT: The solicitous Southern Kings are voracious about another opportunity to test themselves against South Africa's Super powers.

SPOTLIGHT: Jan de Koning looks at the polemical issue of private equity in South Africa and speaks to one of the most authoritative and au courant officials in the industry.

STAT ATTACK: Robert du Preez received plenty of criticism when he was playing in South Africa.

WATCH as Stormers coach John Dobson gives some insight into the vexed issued of South Africa's proposed move to the Northern Hemisphere.

VIDEO: For the first time since adding his name on the list of 50 former players and coaches who supported their cricketing counterparts, former Springbok coach Peter de Villiers has broken his silence.

WATCH as Springboks centurion Tendai Mtawarira gives his take on the polemical Black Live Matter saga.

SPOTLIGHT: All Blacks great Brad Thorn is calling for unification between New Zealand and Australia as the Trans-Tasman debate about the future of Super Rugby rages on.

SPOTLIGHT: Billy Vunipola is understood to have been a disruptive voice at some meetings during and before last year's World Cup.

NEWS: There is some disbelief at the punishment handed down to Montpellier.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Wallabies head coach Dave Rennie is looking to bolster his coaching team with a South African.

REACTION: Matt Toomua wants to wear the Wallaby No.10 jersey, but says he's happy to play inside centre if that's what's best for the Melbourne's Super Rugby AU charge.

SUPER RUGBY AU MATCH REPORT: The Waratahs have humbled the Reds 45-12 to breathe fresh life into their campaign.

SUPER RUGBY AOTEAROA MATCH REPORT: The Hurricanes kept alive their title hopes with a bonus-point win over the Chiefs in Wellington on Saturday.

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

NEWS: Premiership club Exeter Chiefs’ famous Tomahawk Chant is set to be axed from their fake crowd noise as rugby restarts in England.

SUPER RUGBY AU MATCH REPORT: The Melbourne Rebels ended the Brumbies' unbeaten run with an impressive and dominant performance in Sydney on Friday.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Warren Gatland said Friday he would be prepared to coach the Chiefs for free next year if COVID-19 forced the cancellation of the British and Irish Lions' tour to South Africa.

NEWS: England’s Rugby Football Union (RFU) is reportedly set to drop its sevens programme as it tries to cope with the financial impact of COVID-19.

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

INTERVIEW: Wallaby coach Dave Rennie will take a leaf out of the Springboks' book when it comes to European-based players.

SPOTLIGHT: With the South African season in limbo, Stormers have been spending their ‘non-contact’ training sessions perfecting other features of their play.

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

NEWS: Chief executive Mark Dodson revealed that Scottish Rugby Union (SRU) looks to offset losses of around £18million this year.

IN CONVERSATION WITH STEFAN TERBLANCHE: "Today's structure becomes tomorrow's fish-and-chips wrapper."

INTERVIEW: Wallaby coach Dave Rennie has spoken out about the concept of a Trans-Tasman Super Rugby competition.

BREAKING NEWS: SA Rugby Chief Executive Officer Jurie Roux welcomed the news from the South African government that rugby has been given the green light to return to the playing field.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: The Highlanders have revealed their team for their Super Rugby Aotearoa Round Nine clash against the Crusaders in Christchurch.

THOSE STILL IN THE RUNNING: The Highlanders hold the key to the hopes of the Hurricanes and Blues catching the Crusaders.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: The Crusaders will play their last home game of the 2020 Super Rugby Aotearoa competition in front of a sold-out crowd on Sunday.

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

Back in 1997, British and Irish Lions forwards coach Jim Telfer got into a verbal 'discussion' with a Springboks fan before 'Karen' felt the need to add her two cents to the verbal exchange.

NEWS: The Bulls will have some extra speed out wide for the upcoming 2020 Currie Cup season.

The Chiefs fans are readying themselves to sing their own version of the Highlanders' famous 'Waisake Naholo' as his younger brother Kiniviliame Naholo is set to make his debut for the struggling side.

NEWS: A swathe of Stade Francais players have tested positive for coronavirus after a training camp in Nice.

STATS ATTACK: The last decade of Super Rugby has seen a steady rise in victories by away teams and a marked increase from the competition’s early years.

TRANSFER NEWS: Harlequins have brought in a South African prop.

NEWS: New Zealand Rugby and the Hurricanes have secured contract extensions for major local talents, Peter Umaga-Jensen and Asafo Aumua.

VENGEANCE: Waratahs scrumhalf Jake Gordon says NSW wants vengeance for their round one loss to the Reds.

SPOTLIGHT: Ireland coach Andy Farrell has urged his players to be fearless in pursuit of Six Nations glory, saying the title remains "there to be won".

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: The Chiefs kick off their final Super Rugby Aotearoa match for 2020 when they take on the Hurricanes in Wellington on Saturday.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: The Hurricanes have revealed their team to face the Chiefs in Wellington on Saturday.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Munster could be without the services of Springboks duo RG Snyman and Damian De Allende at the start of 2020/21 Champions Cup season if Rugby Championship proceeds.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: The Melbourne Rebels have revealed their team to face the Brumbies on Friday.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Following a week off for the bye, Rob Penney has named a largely unchanged starting lineup to take on the Reds for the second time this Super Rugby AU season.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: The Queensland Reds have made one change to their starting XV for Saturday’s Super Rugby AU fixture against the Waratahs in Sydney.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Brumbies coach Dan McKellar has made two changes to the starting side for Friday's round six Super Rugby fixture against the Melbourne Rebels at Leichhardt Oval.

NEWS: Six Nations confirmed the schedule of postponed matches for the 2020 Six Nations Championship.

International referees, administrators and commentators shared their heartfelt tributes to the late Paul Dobson - a man who touched the hearts and lives of everyone he came into contact with.

SPOTLIGHT: Australian rugby risks becoming a "third tier" sport if it fails to win hosting rights for the 2027 World Cup, two-time tournament winner Phil Kearns said Wednesday.

UPDATE: Premiership Rugby has confirmed that the latest round of PCR Covid-19 tests have returned two positive results.

NEWS: The Blue Bulls Company have confirmed the coaching management of the Blue Bulls U21 as they gear up in anticipation of defending their SA Rugby U21 Championship crown if and when the season resumes.

APPOINTMENTS: We are well and truly in the business end of New Zealand's Super Rugby Aotearoa while Super Rugby Australia has reached the mid-point of their competition.

The Royal Marines Fitness Test is a gruelling challenge that will push anyone to their breaking points and Namibian International Lesley Klim has posted a video of him taking on the challenge and passing it with flying colours.

SPOTLIGHT: Graham Henry opens up on his time as Wales head coach.

OPINION: Tom Vinicombe looks at why a trans-Tasman competition could be another failed venture.

NEWS: All Blacks and Hurricanes star Jordie Barrett has made a decision.

SPOTLIGHT: The scrapping of Super Rugby hasn't dimmed the fierce NSW-Queensland rivalry as the Waratahs promise to "take no prisoners" in a desperate bid to remain relevant in 2020.

SPOTLIGHT: Questions have been raised over the selection of the groups.

SPOTLIGHT: British and Irish Lions coach Warren Gatland is looking to recruit some big names to help him knock over the Springboks in their 2021 tour.

SPOTLIGHT: Northampton renaissance prop Francois van Wyk is on the Red Rose trail and has put England’s stable of looseheads firmly in his crosshairs.

SPOTLIGHT: The Argentine Rugby Union have confirmed that Marcelo Loffreda is leaving his position as Buenos Aires Rugby Union Game Director, to take over as the new sports manager for the Los Pumas.

SPOTLIGHT: South Africa sevens coach Neil Powell believes his squad’s return to training will not only boost the players on a physical level, but also a mental boost as they prepare for their return to their Stellenbosch Academy of Sport base next week.

SPOTLIGHT: Jan de Koning digs deeper into the demise of the once-proud Falcons Rugby Union - or Eastern Transvaal, as it was known in the amateur era.

TRANSFER NEWS: A Pro14 star has signed for an English club.

INTERVIEW: All Blacks captain Sam Cane has received a glowing endorsement from his Super Rugby peers.

SPOTLIGHT: Some ominous words for Brumbies' next opponents.

SPOTLIGHT: Still stinging from their last-minute loss to the Brumbies, the Queensland Reds are intent on taking out their frustration on the wounded NSW Waratahs on Saturday.

TRANSFER NEWS: His decision to depart the country before the lockdown kicked in allowed a former Stormers player to sign a new contract.

SPOTLIGHT: Australian rugby star Israel Folau was at the centre of fresh controversy on Sunday when he opted against taking a knee at the Super League opener.

SPOTLIGHT: Michael Pulman takes a closer look at why the Chiefs are not just winless, but have failed dismally on attack.

NEWS: Leinster's hopes of ending Saracens' reign as European champions were dealt a huge blow on Monday.

REACTION: All Blacks scrumhalf Aaron Smith has been in sublime form in Super Rugby Aotearoa but his actions have come under the microscope after ‘pulling a hollywood’.

NEWS: Western Province Rugby Football Union President Zelt Marais has revealed that plans are afoot to 'transform' the board of directors, following what he labelled 'treasonous' behaviour of some officials.

OPINION: Finn Morton looks at the top five performers from Round five of the Super Rugby Australia.

Former Scotland international Jim Hamilton has picked a British and Irish Lions XV he believes will beat the Springboks in 2021 and it excludes Welsh captain Alun Wyn Jones.

SPOTLIGHT: Alex McLeod looks at the top five performers from Round Eight of Super Rugby Aotearoa.

TRANSFER NEWS: Harlequins confirmed that a deal been finalised that will see Gabriel Ibitoye leave the Club with immediate effect to join French Top14 club, Agen.

Eben Etzebeth has been cleared of all racism and assault charges following an internal investigation by former judge Johann vd Westhuizen....or has he?

TRANSFER NEWS: Gloucester confirmed that Japan-bound Franco Marais will return to Kingsholm until the end of the season.

NEWS: South American Six Nations to take place in Uruguay during September featuring the Pumas, Uruguay, Brazil and Chile.

REACTION: Brumbies captain Allan Alaalatoa was full of praise for his match-winning youngster Mack Hansen.

REACTION: Queensland are stewing that poor discipline cost them a win over the Brumbies with Liam Wright saying it's a focus for their Super Rugby AU clash with the Waratahs.

WATCH as Crusaders utility back Will Jordan demonstrated his mercurial skills against the Chiefs on Saturday with a ridiculous touch-saver in Hamilton.

REACTION: Crusaders coach Scott Robertson has come out in staunch defence of referee Ben O’Keeffe following his side's  32-19 win over the Chiefs on Saturday.

SPOTLIGHT: Fresh reports emerged that New Zealand Rugby has drafted three options for a new trans-Tasman competition to replace Super Rugby in 2021.

New footage has emerged of the shortest brawl in New Zealand's Super Rugby Aotearoa between Highlanders scrumhalf Aaron Smith and his Chiefs counterpart Brad Weber.

SPOTLIGHT ON PAUL DOBSON: Every now and then you get the privilege to be in the presence of greatness.

SPOTLIGHT: More pressure has been heaped on British and Irish Lions coach Warren Gatland after his Chiefs side slumped to a record-breaking eighth defeat in a row in Super Rugby Aotearoa.

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

SPOTLIGHT: Dewi Morris, who was born in Wales, reflects on his family being abused by his own Welsh countrymen because he chose to play for England.

SUPER RUGBY AU: Brumbies replacement Mack Hansen converted a penalty at the death to help his team edge the Reds 22-20 in Canberra on Saturday.

NEWS: There’s been a setback for the resumption of rugby in France, with news that three players at Top 14 side LOU Rugby have tested positive for COVID-19.

WATCH as we bring you all the highlights from the past weekend’s matches!

BREAKING NEWS: South African Rugby was dealt another body blow on Friday, with news that a group of players will not receive salaries for July.

NEWS: Former national Sevens team mentor Paul Treu has a new coaching job.

SUPER RUGBY AOTEAROA REPORT: The Chiefs still without a win in Super Rugby Aotearoa after they slumped to a 19-32 defeat to the Crusaders in Hamilton on Saturday.

SUPER RUGBY AOTEAROA REPORT: The Blues recorded their fifth win in Super Rugby Aotearoa when they beat the Highlanders 32-21 in Dunedin on Sunday.

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

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

INJURY UPDATE: The Bulls suffered an injury setback on the eve of South Africa's return to play.

TRANSFER NEWS: Some big names have confirmed their new teams on Friday.

MATCH REPORT: Melbourne made no mistake with their second crack at Super Time, edging the Western Force 25-20 in their grudge match at Leichhardt Oval on Friday.

UPSETTING THE APPLECART: The Chiefs and Highlanders are not just 'making up the numbers' at this late stage of the tournament.

TRANSFER NEWS: A Wallaby veteran explains why it's the right time for him to move to the north.

SPOTLIGHT: Stormers coach John Dobson has opened up about the 'terrible' balancing act and challenges of coaching as South African teams finally emerge from the COVID-19-enforced lockdown.

BREAKING NEWS: International rugby is set to resume in October after the World Rugby Council approved a temporary 2020 calendar following the disruption caused by coronavirus, it was announced on Thursday.

TRANSFER NEWS: The Sharks are about to lose the services of one of their most senior players.

REACTION: World Rugby doubled its international window for the November Tests, despite the opposition of the English and French Leagues.

TRANSFER NEWS: The Hurricanes announced the contract extension of emerging talent, Du’Plessis Kirifi, until 2023.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: The Blues have announced their team to face the Highlanders in Dunedin on Sunday.

READERS' FORUM: Welcome to our coverage of the Super Rugby AU Round Five encounter between the Western Force v Melbourne Rebels in Sydney.

Our go-to source for unique video content has come up with an amazing list of the Greatest All-Time XV to have ever graced the international stage.

NEWS: Another South African union faces financial ruin as a result of the COVID-19-enforced lockdown.

TRANSFER NEWS: London Irish confirmed the signing of former Ealing Trailfinders hooker Matt Cornish.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Chiefs head coach Warren Gatland has made a handful of changes to his twenty-three for their clash against the Crusaders at Waikato Stadium.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: The Gordon Hunter Memorial Trophy is at stake this Sunday as Super Rugby Aotearoa heads into its last three rounds.

UPDATE: English Premiership club Exeter have revealed they will retain their Chiefs branding but will ditch their club mascot after complaints about its "harmful imagery".

SPOTLIGHT: While Fiji have always been blessed with players of outstanding potential, the upcoming Vern Cotter era could be when the island nation really stake their claim to be a global superpower of the game thanks to an exceptional coaching group.

SPOTLIGHT: The Bulls' spending spree might be far from over as new director Jake White hinted at more signing in the future.

SPOTLIGHT: Brumbies coach Dan McKellar has hit out at the instant-star syndrome enveloping Australian rugby, saying the best Wallabies players will earn their stripes the hard way.

NEWS: Leinster and Munster have both produced zero positive results for Covid-19 following the latest round of PCR testing.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Crusaders stalwart Sam Whitelock is set to become the seventh player to bring up his 150th game for the team, when he takes the field in Hamilton on Saturday.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: The Western Force will welcome back regular skipper Ian Prior and employ an exciting new centre combination when they face the Melbourne Rebels.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Queensland young gun Jordan Petaia will return for the Super Rugby AU top-of-the-table clash with the Brumbies on Saturday.

GRUDGE MATCH: For the fans it's the ultimate grudge match, but Western Force players will do their best to keep emotions in check when they take on the Melbourne Rebels at Leichhardt Oval on Friday.

INTERVIEW: World Rugby chairman Sir Bill Beaumont has thrown his support behind the inclusion of a Pacific Island team in Super Rugby, saying the team could even be funded by the rugby governing body.

UPDATE: Four Premiership rugby players have tested positive for Covid-19 in the latest round of coronavirus testing.

REACTION: Western Province Rugby Football Union President Zelt Marais confirmed they have an equity offer on the table, but said it is early days yet.

NEWS: All Black Andy Haden - a towering lock credited with helping drag Rugby Union into the professional era - died aged 69 on Wednesday after battling cancer, New Zealand Rugby said.

SPOTLIGHT: Rugby minnows Russia have surprisingly entered the race to host the 2027 World Cup after Argentina dropped out of the contest that Australia are favourites to win.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Brumbies coach Dan McKellar has made just the one change to the starting XV for the top of the table clash against the Queensland Reds at GIO Stadium on Saturday.

The Crusaders mic'd up their Head Strength & Conditioning Coach, Simon Thomas, during their top of the table clash against the Blues during Super Rugby Aotearoa.

England and Saracens lock Maro Itoje was recorded visibly uninterested in putting in a high-intensity training as he laboured through a tackle bag session.

NEWS: Two of the most popular Sevens tournaments on the world circuit has been cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

TRANSFER NEWS: Sale Sharks may be loading up on South Africans. However, Premiership rivals London Irish prefer to raid Australian resources.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Melbourne Rebels coach Dave Wessels has revealed his team to face the Western Force on Friday.

TRANSFER NEWS: Cross-code superstar Sonny Bill Williams confirmed Wednesday that he will return to Australia's NRL with the Sydney Roosters.

SPOTLIGHT: Western Force fullback Jack McGregor is enjoying his second stint in Super Rugby after his career had stalled after joining Melbourne as a teenager.

#BLM REACTION: South African Rugby is willing to have the 'difficult and uncomfortable conversations' and is ready to tackle abstruse issues head-on.

PRO14 SPOTLIGHT: Playing in Europe may not always be a proverbial 'bed of roses'.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: New Zealand Rugby’s referees boss Bryce Lawrence is urging players to show more respect for those who hold the whistle.

SPOTLIGHT: Exeter Chiefs are set to discuss a potential rebrand of the club at a board meeting this week.

NEWS: Scotland will get the chance to avenge their defeat by 2019 World Cup hosts Japan.

SPOTLIGHT: Reds captain Liam Wright reckons his team are on the cusp of ending a losing record against the Brumbies in Canberra that stretches back six seasons.

INJURY UPDATE: The Chiefs' horrendous Super Rugby Aotearoa campaign has been handed another blow with news of wing Solomon Alaimalo.

NEWS: The format for a new eight-team tournament in the Northern Hemisphere has been revealed.

RUGBY CHAMPIONSHIP SPOTLIGHT: The Springboks' participation in the proposed New Zealand-based rugby championship is not guaranteed.

TRANSFER NEWS: Harlequins announced the signing of former Scotland U20 tighthead prop Mak Wilson

OPINION: Hamish Bidwell looks at why there is still suspicion over Ian Foster's appointment as All Blacks head coach.

NEWS: Saracens have managed to hold onto another key player.

SPOTLIGHT: Until last year it was one of their key strength. Now New Zealand suddenly finds their resources stretched thin.

REACTION: Warren Gatland is struggling with Super Rugby's playing style.

WATCH as World Cup-winning Springbok captain Siyamthanda Kolisi breaks his silence about the Black Live Matter saga.

NEWS: The Hurricanes have brought in some much-needed firepower after Ngani Laumape's injury.

REACTION: All Black and Chiefs centre Anton Lienert-Brown could not contain his frustrations following his side's 17-21 loss to the Blues.

While South Africa's schools' rugby season was cut short just as the pre-season matches were in full swing, their New Zealand counterparts are in the thick of their season and All Blacks legend Ben Smith was spotted at a traditional First XV clash.

REACTION: The competition is but a month old and already the Brumbies captain Allan Alaalatoa has admitted how the ' tough'  encounters are taking its toll on the Australian stars.   

SPOTLIGHT: England coach Eddie Jones has some interesting views on the 'Swing Low, Sweet Chariot' saga, which he shared on a podcast this week.

SPOTLIGHT: Alex McLeod looks at the top five performers from Round Seven of Super Rugby Aotearoa.

REACTION: The Western Force's return to Super Rugby has been a bit of a damp squib, one that raised more questions about their future.

SPOTLIGHT: With the international calendar still very much in limbo, SA Rugby has entertained the idea of a State of Origin three-match series.

Wail, O cypress, for the cedar has fallen.

Former England captain Lawrence Dellaglio claims the British & Irish Lions' 1997 tour to South Africa was the best experience of his life despite it being one of the most brutal tours he has been involved in.

SPOTLIGHT: England coach Eddie Jones feels there is more to Joe Marler than just the 'class clown' that people perceive him to be.

SPOTLIGHT: Former Springboks captain Mahlatse Ralepelle has indicated that his appeal on his eight-year ban for substance abuse is based on 'multiple inaccuracies' during the testing process.

WATCH as we bring you all the highlights from the past weekend’s matches!

SPOTLIGHT: New Wallaby coach Dave Rennie will have a few tough decisions to make in the build-up to this year's revamped Rugby Championships.

INJURY UPDATE: The Hurricanes shocked Super Rugby Aotearoa on Saturday with a tense 34-32 victory over the Crusaders to end a four-year, 36-match winning streak by the reigning Super Rugby champions in Christchurch.

REACTION: Rebels coach Dave Wessels has slammed talk the franchise doesn't belong in a downsized competition.

MATCH REPORT: The Blues returned to winning ways with a hard-fought 21-17 win over the Chiefs at Eden Park in Auckland.

MATCH REPORT: The Crusaders' 36-game unbeaten streak at home has finally ended on Saturday. 

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

READERS' FORUM: Welcome to our coverage of the Super Rugby AU Round Four encounter between the Western Force and the Brumbies in Sydney.

TRANSFER NEWS: The Blue Bulls Company confirmed that 27-year-old Clinton Swart will join the Bulls effective immediately.

SPOTLIGHT: Seems like next year's proposed Trans-Tasman Super Rugby competition has already been abandoned.

MATCH REPORT: The Brumbies have returned to the top of the Super Rugby AU ladder with a 24-0 bonus-point win over the Western Force in Sydney.

STOPPING THE JUGGERNAUT: One team is undefeated and another is winless. These are the contrasts ahead of a gripping round as the competition heads into the home straight.

REACTION: South African Rugby President Mark Alexander has made an astonishing admission in the wake of a Black Lives Matter 'uprising' within the domestic game.

INTERVIEW: The Cheetahs and Southern Kings may be 'shut out' for now, but they are certainly not on Pro14's trash heap.

NEWS: New Zealand rugby superstar Sonny Bill Williams is on the verge of a shock return to the Sydney Roosters

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

READERS' FORUM: Welcome to our coverage of the Super Rugby AU Round Four encounter between the Waratahs and Melbourne Rebels in Sydney.

REACTION: The French rugby federation (FFR) has threatened to take legal action after a report accused World Rugby and the federations of allowing backroom deals in the vote for a new chairman and corruption. 

NEWS: The French Rugby Federation (FFR) said Friday they are sticking to their plan to play six year-end international matches.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Stormers and Saracens have announced their intention to play a high-profile game which would see the two teams face each other at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in 2021.

REACTION: Premiership Rugby bosses have criticised World Rugby’s “unilateral decision” to stage extra Test matches in December.

NEWS: South African World Cup-winning lock forward Eben Etzebeth on Thursday penned a new deal with Toulon, keeping him at the French Top 14 side until 2024, the club announced.

SUPER RUGBY AU REPORT: The Melbourne Rebels recorded their first win in Super Rugby AU when they upset the Waratahs 29-10 in Sydney on Friday.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Two Blues players – Blake Gibson and Beauden Barrett – will make key appearances in Sunday’s Super Rugby Aotearoa match against the Chiefs at Eden Park.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: The Chiefs will head up State Highway One to challenge the Blues at Eden Park on Sunday in Round Seven of Super Rugby Aotearoa.

NEWS: Gloucester's new defence coach has been revealed.

Rugby Australia and the NRL are currently in a tug of war to land the signature of 16-year-old prodigy Joseph Suaalii and this video proves why these parties are ready to fight it out.

Bishops have paid tribute to the late Paul Dobson with a moving tribute video as he will be laid to rest on 24 July 2020 in a private requiem.

TOUCH OF CLASS: All Blacks World Cup-winner Richard Kahui could finally take to the field when the Western Force face the Brumbies on Saturday.

TRANSFER NEWS: Nick Easter will be Newcastle Falcons’ defence coach following the club’s promotion back into the Premiership - former England No.8 returning to his homeland after a successful spell coaching in South Africa.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Despite the huge uncertainty, the Stormers will have a full-strength squad when rugby in South Africa eventually returns.

NEWS: The Fiji Rugby Union announced controversial chairman Francis Kean's departure on Thursday and also revealed the Pacific islanders were hoping to join Europe's Six Nations competition.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: New Leicester flyhalf Zack Henry is hoping to inspire young non-white rugby players by proving colour should be not a factor when coaches are deciding what roles to hand out on the pitch.

TRANSFER NEWS: Leicester Tigers have added another South African to their squad.

BREAKING NEWS: World Rugby has confirmed the date for the revamped international calendar for this year - including the Rugby Championships, Six Nations and other Tests.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Powerhouse wing Solomone Kata will suit up for the Brumbies for the first time in Super Rugby AU when the side takes on the Western Force at Leichhardt Oval on Saturday.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: The Western Force will rely on the leadership of an All Black veteran when they face the Brumbies in Super Rugby AU Round Four.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Hurricanes head coach Jason Holland has revealed his team to face the Crusaders in Christchurch on Saturday.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Crusaders head coach Scott Robertson has named his team to play the Hurricanes in Christchurch on Saturday.

NEWS: Clermont president Eric de Cromieres has died of cancer at the age of 66, the French Top 14 club announced on Thursday.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Victorian lock Trevor Hosea has rocketed into the Melbourne Rebels starting XV ahead of their Round Four match up against bitter rivals the NSW Waratahs.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: The Waratahs will host the Melbourne Rebels at the Sydney Cricket Ground in Round Four of Super Rugby AU this Friday.

TRANSFER NEWS: Jake White has bolstered his Bulls squad once again with a new signing.

Wiehan van der Riet, who goes by the name of 'rocketfoot' posted a video onto his social media pages where he slots a placekick from around 80 metres.

NEWS: A Wallabies young gun has blown full-time on Super Rugby as we know it, saying he'd welcome the cutting of South Africa and Argentina.

NEWS: Just two players tested positive for coronavirus in the latest round of tests in Premiership rugby.

NEWS: Rassie Erasmus' World Cup-winning coaching panel is set to lose another member.

NEWS: Fixtures for the return of the Pro14 from August 21 has been confirmed.

REACTION: The public spat between New Zealand and Australia over the possibility of a Trans-Tasman competition next year took a nasty turn.

BATTLE OF THE AGES: There have been a couple of ideas going around on how SA Rugby can formulate rugby matches involving the country's best talent later this year.

SPOTLIGHT: Given the delay in return to training, not only is South Africa continuing to lose ground to New Zealand and Australia, an in-house competition seems most likely.

REACTION: More New Zealand players have expressed their disappointment at plans to drop South African teams from Super Rugby next year.

NEWS: New calls have gone out for a review into World Rugby's election process in April this year.

NEWS: World Rugby have dismissed damaging claims by the Pacific Rugby Players Welfare (PRPW).

NEWS: The game in New Zealand will be bolstered by a returning All Black.

BREAKING NEWS: South Africa will not host any Test matches this year.

INTERVIEW: Wallaby forward Pek Cowan says it would be "crazy" not to consider having a Japanese team in a revamped Australian Super Rugby competition.

NEWS: The Crusaders have suffered a big injury blow.

RIP: The English Rugby Football Union on Tuesday paid tribute to Grand Slam winner Mike Slemen, who has died at the age of 69.

In 2018, we sat down with the late Paul Dobson for a Newlands Stadium history lesson as he spoke about the demise of what was once a paragon of success.

NEWS: The Brumbies will have to play the rest of Super Rugby AU without their key playmaker.

IN CONVERSATION WITH JAKE WHITE: It has been a decade since the Bulls last won any first-class silverware and they have become the butt of many jokes.

IN CONVERSATION WITH JAKE WHITE: The talent drain from South Africa stretches well beyond just the players.

NEWS: Rugby Australia is poised to pull off a mighty coup and win the million-dollar tug-of-war for the services of teenage whiz Joseph Suaalii.

SPOTLIGHT: World Cup-winning Springbok Schalk Brits believes the future of South African rugby lies in Europe after New Zealand said there was no room for sides from the republic in Super Rugby.

REACTION: Cash-strapped Rugby Australia (RA) has denied splashing out AUS$3 million to nab teenage whiz Joseph Suaalii from under the noses of the NRL.

TRANSFER NEWS: Leicester Tigers have bolstered their team with a South African wing.

REACTION: New Zealand referees boss Bryce Lawrence admitted that the match officials got it wrong when they disallowed Damian McKenzie's try in the Chiefs' thrilling loss to the Highlanders in Hamilton on Sunday.

NEWS: The South African rugby fraternity has suffered a major blow with the news of Kaunda Ntunja, who passed away at the age of 38 on Monday.

SPOTLIGHT: As the uncertainty over the Super Rugby competition continues, a Japanese executive has expressed his eagerness for Japan to stay involved in the Southern Hemisphere club game.

SPOTLIGHT: Waratahs assistant coach Chris Whitaker believes their heart-breaking loss to the Brumbies will ultimately help, not hinder, their Super Rugby AU campaign.

NEWS: New Wallabies coach Dave Rennie has hinted he may not have a long-term future with Australia.

TRANSFER NEWS: Harlequins have announced the signing of a South African loosehead prop.

SUPER RUGBY AOTEAROA, ROUND SIX: Alex McLeod looks at the top five performers from round six of Super Rugby Aotearoa.

TRANSFER NEWS: Saracens have signed an experienced Argentinian.

INTERVIEW: South African World Cup winners Damian de Allende and Rudolph Snyman bring certain championship qualities Munster would like to instil in the team.

IN CONVERSATION WITH TENDAI MTAWARIRA: In part two of his engaging chat the Springbok World Cup winner opens up about some very personal issues in his life.

WATCH as we bring you all the highlights from the past weekend's matches!

REACTION: An unbeaten start to Super Rugby AU sees the Reds sit atop the ladder after three rounds, just one point ahead of the title-favourite Brumbies.

SPOTLIGHT: @rugby365com contributor Yolulwe Qoshe sat down with veteran prop Schalk Ferreira to chat about the recent upheavals in Port Elizabeth and the Southern Kings' future.

REACTION: The Waratahs have conceded they need to improve their discipline, but say penalties are a source of frustration after their Super Rugby AU loss to the Brumbies.

WATCH as SA Rugby Director of Rugby Rassie Erasmus delivers a speech ahead of his team's crucial World Cup pool match against Italy during last year's World Cup.

Returning to play against your former team is never an easy prospect, especially when those whose hearts you had won over, have now made a 180 degree turn in their feelings towards you - some even going as far as calling you a traitor.

SPOTLIGHT: Most of these players are set to bolster South Africa's teams significantly over the next few seasons.

VIDEO: There were eight wonderful tries in the Hurricanes' hard-earned 29-27 win over the Blues in Wellington in a Super Rugby Aotearoa encounter on Saturday.

SUPER RUGBY AU MATCH REPORT: The Brumbies extended their two-year winning record over the Waratahs with a hard-earned 24-23 victory in a thrilling match in Sydney on Saturday.

REACTION: It was two starkly contrasting post-match reactions, after a dramatic 82nd-minute try by Sio Tomkinson capped a thrilling second-half Highlanders fightback in Hamilton on Sunday.

SUPER RUGBY AOTEAROA MATCH REPORT: The Hurricanes almost certainly ended the Blues' title hopes with a hard-earned 29-27 win in Wellington on Saturday.

REACTION: Hurricanes centre Ngani Laumape fired off a broadside at his critics.

NEWS: South African teams finally know when they can start preparations for a planned domestic competition.

REACTION: South Africa was well aware that New Zealand was planning a future without one of its main SANZAAR partners.

SUPER RUGBY AOTEAROA MATCH REPORT: The Highlanders produced one of the most impressive comeback in recent memory to stun the Chiefs in Hamilton on Sunday.

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

REACTION: Rugby Australia said it would be "madness" for any Pacific Island team in a New Zealand-led revamp of Super Rugby to be based in Auckland.

REACTION: Wallabies and Reds ace James O'Connor says he's kicking better than ever thanks to his work with English guru Dave Alred, who had rebuilt his technique.

TRANSFER: The Bulls have confirmed that another player will be leaving to join the Lions.

READERS' FORUM: Welcome to our coverage of the Super Rugby AU Round Three encounter between the Waratahs and the Brumbies in Sydney.

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

INTERVIEW: Lionel Mapoe spent his 32nd birthday cramming his belongings into boxes, filling bags with clothes and wrangling with his two young children as they revelled in the mayhem of the family’s Paris apartment.

NEWS: RFU has banned an English club rugby player for two years for an anti-doping rule violation.

BREAKING NEWS: New Zealand Rugby revealed plans to drop South African and Argentinean teams from Super Rugby next year.

NEWS: Saracens will have a powerful team in the second-tier Championship.

RESCHEDULED ROSTER: Defending champions Saracens are away at Irish giants Leinster in the opening game of the 2019/20 European Champions Cup play-offs.

SPOTLIGHT: Eddie Jones has admitted he cannot predict the impact of the coronavirus on his England team, downplaying the significance of his own pay cut at a time of huge uncertainty for global rugby.

SUPER RUGBY AU MATCH REPORT: The Reds remained unbeaten and cemented their place at the top of the standings with a hard-earned 31-24 win over the Western Force in Brisbane on Friday.

INTERVIEW: Reds coach Brad Thorn feels the standard of Super Rugby AU teams will soon be on par with those in New Zealand.

READERS' FORUM: Welcome to our coverage of the Super Rugby AU Round Three encounter between the Reds and Western Force in Brisbane.

NEWS: Southern Hemisphere governing body SANZAAR announced plans Thursday to hold this year's Rugby Championship in New Zealand.

CONTRACT NEWS: Saracens may already have been relegated, but they continue to retain the services of some of their most high-profile players.

STATISTICAL LOOK AT SUPER RUGBY: Jan de Koning unpacks the statistics after four rounds of New Zealand's new domestic competition.

SPOTLIGHT: Former Springboks captain Mahlatse 'Chiliboy' Ralepelle's latest eight-year doping ban has again shined a light on the ugly reality of the sporting code.

REACTION: Hopes for a cross-code blockbuster between the All Blacks and Australia's Kangaroos faded Thursday.

BIG BARRETT BATTLE: The four teams in the chasing pack are being given a chance to close the gap on the pace-setting Crusaders this week.

In the wake of the New Zealand Rugby Union announcing their intention to drop South Africa and Argentina from Super Rugby next season, we take a look at some of the most unforgettable matches between the franchises of the two countries.

NEWS: SA Rugby and the British & Irish Lions have confirmed the schedule for the 2021 tour to South Africa.

RETURN OF A STALWART: When Greg Holmes left the Queensland Reds in 2015, the prop never envisaged he'd have to face a team he'd formed a lifelong bond with.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: The Highlanders have revealed their team to face the Chiefs in a Super Rugby Aotearoa Round Six clash in Hamilton on Sunday.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: The Blues have revealed their team to face the Hurricanes in Wellington on Saturday.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Chiefs head coach Warren Gatland has made a raft of changes to his matchday squad for their Super Rugby Aotearoa Round Six clash against the Highlanders in Hamilton.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: The Hurricanes have revealed their team to face the Blues in a blockbuster clash.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: The Western Force have revealed their team to face the Reds.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Wallaby Tom Banks has been named to start for the Brumbies in their blockbuster showdown against arch-rivals the NSW Waratahs at ANZ Stadium on Saturday.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Waratahs will take on the Brumbies at ANZ Stadium this Saturday in Round 3 of Super Rugby AU.

SPOTLIGHT: Forty-nine South African rugby coaches, former players and administrators expressed their support for Proteas fast bowler Lungi Ngidi and the Black Lives Matter movement.

TRANSFER NEWS: Ireland flyhalf Noel Reid has signed a two-year contract with Agen a week after leaving Leicester Tigers having rejected a salary amendment.

NEWS: South African teams and their players will take an important step next week in their bid to get rugby going again in South Africa.

NEWS: Seven players have tested positive for coronavirus in the latest round of across the league testing ahead of next month’s planned restart of the 2019/20 Premiership season.

TRANSFER NEWS: The Lions continue to bolster their side with another Bulls player.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Queensland Reds have made three changes to their starting side for Friday’s clash against the Western Force at Suncorp Stadium.

NEWS: Three Sharks players have tested positive for the COVID-19 Conrovirus.

NEWS: Saracens announced that England international Elliot Daly has committed his long-term future to the club.

SPOTLIGHT: New Zealand Rugby is not in a charitable mood as they get ready to confirm their proposed model for a Trans-Tasman competition.

Sir Ian McGeechan embodies what it means to represent the British & Irish Lions, having represented the team on two tours, while coaching them on five occasions.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: European clubs are struggling to compete with the power of Japan in the transfer market.

NEWS: World Rugby are on the lookout for a new referees chief.

SPOTLIGHT: The New Zealand public and wider global rugby community may have fallen in love with the concept of Super Rugby Aotearoa, but two of the competition’s star players have described the competition as unsustainable.

TRANSFER NEWS: Gloucester have confirmed the signing of Argentine lock Matias Alemanno as they bid to fill the void left by a several South Africans including head coach Johan Ackermann.

TRANSFER NEWS: The Lions have bolstered their backline stocks once again.

NEWS: Another England star pledged his future to Saracens despite their impending relegation to the second-tier Championship for salary cap breaches.

NEWS: An Italian international has brought the curtain down on his playing career.

TRANSFER NEWS: The Western Force have bolstered their backline with an All Black.

NEWS: Otere Black’s playmaking partnership with Beauden Barrett may have failed to fire for the Blues against the Crusaders on Saturday, but that hasn’t dampened the flyhalf’s outlook on his backline dynamic with the All Blacks star.

AERIOS IN THE SPOTLIGHT: "The South African Rugby Union needs to act as a responsible governing body."

NEWS: It seems like the Premiership's plan to complete their 2019/20 season is in full swing.

The Blues have released an epic training video that sees Beauden Barrett, Dan Carter and Rieko Ioane compete in a kicking competition for the ultimate prize of free coffee for a week - made by the losers of course.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Hulking prop Pone Fa'amausili thanks his Rugby League roots for the barnstorming runs which are making him a cult figure at the Melbourne Rebels.

NEWS: The Waratahs have locked in the location of their final two home games in Super Rugby AU, while also confirming a fixture swap with the Melbourne Rebels in Round Four.

WATCH as World Cup-winning Springbok Schalk Brits is another player who urges South Africa to align with the Northern Hemisphere.

NEWS: Irish rugby players earning more than 25 000 euros per year have agreed to a 10 percent salary reduction for the second half of 2020.

SPOTLIGHT: Munster has confirmed that Springbok Damian de Allende is on track to feature for the province in next month’s Pro14 fixtures.

NEWS: Two Western Province players have tested positive for COVID-19.

TRANSFER NEWS: The Lions have once again raided their northern neighbours, the Bulls, for resources.

NEWS: A proposed takeover of second-tier club Beziers by an unknown UAE-based investor has failed after French rugby's financial watchdog (DNACG) refused to validate the deal on Monday.

TRANSFER NEWS: England centre Manu Tuilagi has confirmed his next career move.

SPOTLIGHT: Queensland skipper Liam Wright has backed calls by his Rebels opposite Matt Toomua for changes to decide Super Rugby AU extra time

THE LAW OF CHOICES AND DECISIONS: @rugby365 columnist and two-time World Rugby Junior Championship winner Eugene Eloff gives some sage advice to young players and coaches.

SUPER RUGBY AOTEAROA, ROUND FIVE: Alex McLeod looks at the five top performers from round five of Super Rugby Aotearoa.

Sergio Parisse, former Italy captain and one of the best No.8s the game has ever seen, has revealed that there is nothing he would change about his international career.

SPOTLIGHT: The struggles of Queensland's NRL sides have not gone unnoticed by the state's Super Rugby team, who have spied a chance to win over their own long-suffering fans and perhaps attract a few more to the 15-man code.

REACTION: It is business as usual at Ellis Park, despite four positive cases for COVID-19 at the Lions.

REACTION: Steve Hansen says New Zealand Rugby should not crumble under Australia's pressure.

SPOTLIGHT: The Waratahs coach says it's unfair to compare his team's Super Rugby AU match with the enthralling Super Rugby Aotearoa showdown also played on Saturday.

WATCH as we bring two videos - one from New Zealand and one from Australia - which shows the difference in class of the competitions between the two countries.

TRANSFER NEWS: The Jaguares lost another big name.

TRANSFER NEWS: Gloucester have confirmed the signing of giant prop Logovi’i Mulipola who joins the Cherry and Whites on a short-term deal.

NEWS: Former England fullback Nick Abendanon has signed a two-year deal with second-tier Vannes three months after saying he was retiring, the French club said.

NEWS: One of South Africa's World Cup-winning Springbok players had to undergo an emergency appendectomy at the weekend.

REACTION: The Western Force say their strong Super Rugby AU performance against the Waratahs wasn't about proving a point.

SUPER RUGBY AOTEAROA REPORT: The Hurricanes recorded a crucial 17-11 win over the Highlanders in their Super Rugby Aotearoa Round Five match in Wellington on Sunday.

Crusaders flyhalf Richie Mo’unga produced a moment of magic which helped turn the tide during his team's blockbuster clash against the Blues.

TRANSFER NEWS: Sale Sharks have reportedly won the race to sign England centre Manu Tuilagi.

TRANSFER NEWS: Springboks centre Lionel Mapoe has signed a one-year contract with French club Nice.

There is a version of rugby played in Italy where brawls and off-the-ball scuffles are part and parcel of the game.

SUPER RUGBY AU REPORT: The Waratahs overturned a 14-point deficit to beat a plucky Western Force side 23-14 in Sydney on Saturday.

SPOTLIGHT: Kanaloa Hawaii could be one of the teams to join the possible Trans-Tasman Super Rugby tournament in 2021.

MATCH REPORT: A strong performance in the final 20 minutes saw the Crusaders beat the Blues 26-15 in a thrilling top-of-the-table game in Christchurch on Saturday.

WATCH as we bring you all the highlights from week two of the Super Rugby AU and week five of Super Rugby Aotearoa.

REACTION: An innovation to inject extra life into Australian Super Rugby got the thumbs up from players and coaches

Damian McKenzie had it all as a schoolboy rugby player, all of which made him a five-star flyhalf prospect for Christ’s College in Christchurch.

READERS' FORUM: Welcome to our coverage of the Super Rugby AU Round Two encounter between the Waratahs and Western Force in Sydney.

REACTION: A bit of a wet one - half happy, half not happy. That, in a nutshell, sums up the post-match reaction after the Melbourne Rebels and Reds played out a Super Rugby AU stalemate.

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

NEWS: The English Premiership will restart on August 14 and the opening match will be a cracker.

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

REACTION: Rugby Australia chairman Hamish McLennan has hit back at New Zealand Rugby.

READERS' FORUM: Welcome to our coverage of the Super Rugby AU Round Two encounter between the Rebels and Reds in Sydney.

NEWS: There will be no way back at Welford Road for England international.

It's been a long time since the rugby world was this excited about a Crusaders-Blues encounter and many Crusaders fans still remember what Carlos Spencer did to them back in 2004.

BIG NORTH-SOUTH DERBY: Some rugby rivalries are just bigger than most. In South Africa in is Cape Town versus Pretoria. In New Zealand it is Christchurch against Auckland.

OPINION: A look at five of the most intriguing signings made by Premiership clubs in 2020.

REACTION: The much-publicised Super Rugby 'partnership' between New Zealand and Australia has hit it's first rough patch.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: The Hurricanes have named their team to face the Highlanders in Round Five of Super Rugby Aotearoa.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: The Highlanders have stayed largely with the team that has played in the first three matches of Super Rugby Aotearoa for their upcoming clash against the Hurricanes.

TRANSFER NEWS: The Lions confirmed on Thursday that they will be getting a Bok back from England.

MATCH REPORT: The Queensland Reds and Melbourne Rebels have played out an 18-18 draw in professional rugby's historic first golden-point extra-time finish.

UPDATE: The Western Province Rugby Football Union is adamant they now control their own destiny, after taking the next step in the redevelopment process of the Newlands Stadium.

NEWS: Premiership grounds such as The Rec, Welford Road and Kingsholm will all be in use for next month’s Premiership restart following a five-month layoff.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Crusaders head coach Scott Robertson has made few changes to his side for their top-of-the-table encounter against the Blues in Christchurch on Saturday.

NEWS: Marseille has lost the privilege to host two of Europe's major rugby finals.

NEWS: Saracens have held onto one of their stars despite being demoted from the Premiership for repeated salary cap breaches and move north of the border.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Melbourne Rebels coach Dave Wessels has made just one change to his matchday 23 for their clash against the Reds.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: The Blues have named a powerful team for their top-of-the-table match against the Crusaders in Christchurch on Saturday.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Reds coach Brad Thorn unveils his team to face the Melbourne Rebels.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: The Waratahs have named their team for their all-important Round Two Super Rugby AU encounter with the Western Force.

IN CONVERSATION WITH TENDAI MTAWARIRA: The Sharks will be able to rely on the expertise of a true legend to bring the next batch of front row forwards through.

IN CONVERSATION WITH VICTOR MATFIELD: South Africa has some amazing coaching talent - as three World Cup victories can attest to.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: The Western Force will rely on continuity and experience for their first match back in Super Rugby since 2017.

FORCEFUL RETURN: After getting the Super Rugby boot in 2017, the Western Force make their return with a vengeance.

SPOTLIGHT: SANZAAR's South African CEO Andy Marinos is protesting forcefully, but another report emerged that New Zealand should 'dump' South Africa in exchange for a Trans-Tasman deal.

NEWS: Preparations for the mid-August restart of the Premiership suffered a blow on Wednesday when it was revealed that six players recently tested for Covid-19 returned positive results for the virus.

No supporter was able to see what a player's off-the-ball work rate is like while watching the match from the comfort of their couch, however, that has now changed.

NEWS: Some of South Africa’s World Cup winners will be back on the field on September 5.

NEWS: The French Top 14 will reduce its world-leading salary cap gradually over the next four years due to the impact of the coronavirus pandemic, Castres president Pierre-Yves Revol told AFP.

INTERVIEW: Coach Dave Rennie is unruffled by his separation from the Wallabies as he solidifies plans to promote youth and spurn off-shore players to get immediate results.

TRANSFER NEWS: Pro14 side Connacht have manege to secure the signatures of rising South hemisphere stars.

TRANSFER NEWS: Leicester Tigers have agreed a new deal with international Jaco Taute.

SPOTLIGHT: The Reds have been warned not to use a gruelling travel schedule as an excuse for their Super Rugby AU clash with the Melbourne Rebels in Sydney.

SUPER RUGBY AOTEAROA SPOTLIGHT: It was once the most intense and fierce battle in New Zealand. Then it lost its lustre.

INJURY UPDATE: The Highlanders head to Wellington this week for a date with the revitalised Hurricanes, minus one of their key players.

CONTRACT UPDATE: The Lions have made some key signings in the past week, as they start building towards the possible return of the game in South Africa.

TRANSFER NEWS: Waratahs have secured the signature of Dave Porecki for Super Rugby AU.

INTERVIEW: Northampton Saints’ new signing Shaun Adendorff would like to leave a legacy at Franklin’s Gardens when he arrives this season.

SPOTLIGHT: New results from an anonymous poll conducted among current New Zealand Super Rugby stars has revealed who is the worst Super Rugby referee. 

NEWS: NSW Rugby Union (NSWRU) has revealed their new president at the organisation’s Annual General Meeting (AGM). 

PREMIERSHIP NEWS: Cobus Wiese remains on the Sale Sharks' team list, while he awaits an opportunity to pass an English test.

REACTION: Six Nations have issued a statement following recent speculation surrounding the status of its negotiations with CVC Capital Partners.

New Zealand's Super Rugby stars anonymously voted Glen Jackson as the worst Super Rugby referee, however, it is no secret who South Africans will vote for.

NEWS: Bernard Laporte told AFP on Tuesday he will run for re-election as French Rugby Federation (FFR) president later this year.

SPOTLIGHT: SANZAAR bosses haven’t given up on staging a full Rugby Championship this year and say it could unfold inside an Australian eastern seaboard bubble.

NEWS: After 36 appearances and 19 tries for Leinster, wing Barry Daly has announced his retirement from the game.

SPOTLIGHT: Finn Morton takes a look at the top five players from Round one of the Super Rugby Australia. 

NEWS: South African Gerbrandt Grobler is reportedly the latest player to leave Gloucester.

OPINION: Many fans believe Chiefs' winless streak is all thanks to Warren Gatland. However, Campbell Burnes looks at the other contributing factors.

NEWS: Leicester Tigers have agreed a new deal with back row Hanro Liebenberg.

TRANSFER NEWS: French international wing Remy Grosso has signed a one-year contract with Lyon, where he started his career, the club said on Tuesday.

NEWS: An English club has bolstered their coaching team with a South African.

NEWS: New Zealand's top rugby players are not happy with the new All Blacks coaching set-up.

NEWS: The rising star's future has been decided.

NEWS: Waratahs are focused on improving their discipline as they prepare to face a Western Force side they admit they "don't know too much about".

Since the start of Super Rugby Aotearoa, there have been a few "new" faces who have emerged as front runners to run out in the All Blacks jersey in the very near future.

NEWS: Worcester Warriors lock Michael Fatialofa is reportedly facing an enormous medical bill.

NEWS: Hurricanes lock Scott Scrafton has been found 'guilty' of intentional offending in his team's 25-18 win over the Chiefs at the weekend.

NEWS: Exciting young wing Mark Telea, who is half South African and half Samoan,  has extended his time at the Blues for at least another two years.

SPOTLIGHT: He can feel the hype but Brumbies young gun Noah Lolesio is doing his best to stay cool after emerging as a genuine contender for the Wallabies' No.10 jumper.

NEWS: Former Scotland skipper Greig Laidlaw has a new team.

NEWS: One of the Western Force's most senior players will sit out the team's long-awaited return to Australia's top-tier competition - Super Rugby AU.

SPOTLIGHT: Alex McLeod takes a look at the frontrunners in Super Rugby Aotearoa and the top five players from the past weekend.

REACTION: Making sense of the Newlands Stadium developments in recent weeks has been difficult enough, without having to take into consideration the myriad of sideshows.

NEWS: World Rugby vice-chairman Bernard Laporte has revealed that CVC will acquire a 14.5 percent stake in the Six Nations.

SPOTLIGHT: The Highlanders final 20-40 scoreline loss to the Crusaders at home didn’t reflect the quality of the effort shown by the home side.

NEWS: The English Rugby Football Union has announced plans to slash a quarter of its staff as part of sweeping measures to cope with the devastating financial fallout from the coronavirus pandemic.

The Wallabies have not had a constant, dynamic halfback pairing since the golden days of George Gregan and Stephen Larkham...until now.

REACTION: The Brumbies say they're indebted to the Melbourne Rebels for enabling the smooth, if unusual, take-off of the new Super Rugby AU competition.

MATCH REPORT: The Hurricanes recorded their first Super Rugby Aotearoa win with a 25-18 win over the Chiefs.

VIDEO: Hurricanes fullback Jordie Barrett has done it again.

NEWS: Steve Diamond, the Sale Sharks director of rugby, has denied opening talks with Leicester’s Manu Tuilagi, but revealed the club does have room in their salary cap for the England centre.

REACTION: Watch as All Black flyhalf Dan Carter speaks about his first game in New Zealand since 2015.

REACTION: Scott Robertson gave his team a powerful half-time message that saw them turn a deficit into victory.

TRANSFER NEWS: The Cheetahs confirmed that wing Rabz Mazwane will join Super Rugby franchise the Lions.

NEWS: The French rugby union federation (FFR) on Saturday approved a budget for the 2020/21 season showing a €5.6-million (US$6.3-million) deficit as it scrambles to aid clubs hit by the coronavirus pandemic.

The Brumbies have picked up where they left off pre-shutdown to post a thrilling 31-23 Super Rugby AU win over the Melbourne Rebels in Canberra.

SPOTLIGHT: Sale Sharks and Bristol Bears are ‘chasing hard’ for the signature of Leicester Tigers centre Manu Tuilagi.

MATCH REPORT: The Crusaders kept their perfect Super Rugby Aotearoa record intact with a hard-fought 40-20 win over the Highlanders at the Forsyth Barr Stadium.

DISCIPLINARY NEWS: Hurricanes lock Scott Scrafton will face a disciplinary hearing on Monday after has received a Red Card for foul play during a Super Rugby match against Chiefs.

NEWS: The Springboks have revealed the replacement for Aled Walters.

WATCH as we bring all the highlights from week one of the Super Rugby AU and week four of Super Rugby Aotearoa.

NEWS: A new five-person board has been confirmed to oversee the Southern Kings affairs.

The All Blacks' Sonny Bill Williams was all the rage in 2010 when he switched from League to Union for his offloading skills but a recent video shows that there may be a new offload king on the international rugby scene.

READERS’ FORUM: Welcome to our coverage of the Super Rugby AU Round One encounter between the Brumbies and Melbourne Rebels in Canberra.

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

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

NEWS: All Black legend Dan Carter turned out for his childhood club in rural New Zealand Saturday to test his fitness ahead of a hoped-for return to Super Rugby Aotearoa.

REACTION: Former Springboks captain Mahlatse Ralepelle will most likely be 'advised' by his legal counsel to appeal his eight-year ban.

NEWS: Premiership clubs have been given the green light to move to stage two of returning to training from Monday.

NEWS: Israel Folau will be staying in France for at least another season after signing a new contract with the Catalan Dragons.

NEWS: An England star's Test career could be over if he opts to move overseas

SUPER RUGBY AU MATCH REPORT: The Reds ended an 11-game, seven-year losing run against the Waratahs, overcoming a second-half fightback to win by six points.

TRANSFER NEWS: Blues playmaker Beauden Barrett has confirmed he will play in Japan during his playing sabbatical break away from New Zealand next year.

SPOTLIGHT: Super Rugby AU will be a series of 'trials' for places in the Wallaby team later this year.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Chiefs head coach Warren Gatland has made five changes for the Super Rugby Aotearoa clash against the Hurricanes.

BACK TO THE FUTURE: New Zealand was the envy of the world for three weeks, as they became the first professional competition to restart with spectators.

READERS’ FORUM: Welcome to our coverage of the Super Rugby AU Round One encounter between the Reds and Waratahs in Brisbane.

NEWS: Former Springbok forward Ashley Johnson has joined English club, Birmingham Moseley, as a player-coach.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Jordie Barrett will make his return to Super Rugby Aotearoa, as the Hurricanes get set for a clash against the Chiefs in Hamilton this Sunday.

TRANSFER NEWS: Former Wallabies flyhalf Mike Harris on Thursday penned a two-year deal with Pau after just two seasons in Japan with the Toshiba Brave Lupus, the French Top 14 side announced.

SPOTLIGHT: New Zealand Rugby has rekindled the historic North Island versus South Island match as uncertainty remains over the sport's coronavirus-affected international calendar.

REACTION: England prop Kyle Sinckler has candidly revealed why he opted to exit Harlequins and joined Bristol Bears.

NEWS: A Springbok's career is officially over.

TRANSFER NEWS: The Hurricanes backline is set to be bolstered with the signing of a new flyhalf.

TRANSFER TALK: Fresh reports suggest that All Black and Blues superstar back Beauden Barrett has agreed to a lucrative deal to play for Suntory Sungoliath in Japan.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Crusaders head coach Scott Robertson has made five changes to his starting side and one positional change for their clash against the Highlanders in Dunedin.

NEWS: Saracens revealed Alex Lewington has signed a new deal to keep him at the club until at least 2022.

NEWS: The Welsh Rugby Union have announced they will provide an additional fund to help clubs returning to action following the coronavirus lockdown.

TRIALS FOR RENNIE: Super Rugby resumes in Australia this week after a near four-month coronavirus hibernation with new Wallabies coach Dave Rennie watching closely as he ponders his first line-up.

TRANSFER NEWS: Western Force have signed former Wallabies Pek Cowan and Nick Frisby before the launch of Australia's new domestic rugby competition.

NEWS: Michael Cheika Thursday called on Australia's director of rugby Scott Johnson take a back seat and trust new Wallabies coach Dave Rennie to "be the boss".

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Injuries have opened the door for four players to make their Melbourne Rebels debut against the Brumbies

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Local product Mack Hansen will get his first start for the Brumbies in Saturday's opening-round Super Rugby AU clash with the Melbourne Rebels in Canberra.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: A refresh for the front row and injuries have had an impact on Aaron Maugers’ team to play the Crusaders in the South Island clash on Saturday.

BREAKING NEWS: Zelt Marais has managed to get his 'new' development deal for the Newlands stadium pushed through.

We've previously shared a video that shows the immense strength and power that South African schoolboys posses and now here's the other side of the coin - sheer speed.

REACTION: England and Northampton Saints forward Lewis Ludlam says he does not believe supporters should be banned from singing 'Swing Low, Sweet Chariot'.

UPDATE: UPDATE: One of England's biggest rugby names has left Leicester after failing to agree a new contract on reduced terms, the English Premiership club said Wednesday.

NEWS: Northampton Saints have announced that employees at the club will take a 12-month salary reduction, following recent discussions.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Waratahs head coach Rob Penney has named a squad full of young talent to take on the Reds.

REACTION: Leicester Tigers could face a legal backlash from a group of players stood down on Wednesday.

NEWS: Australian rugby players will return on 70 percent of their original wage when Super Rugby AU kicks off on Friday after an agreement was reached on Wednesday.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: The Reds have revealed their team to face the Waratahs in Brisbane on Friday.

PREMIERSHIP NEWS: Northampton Saints has confirmed the club's first-team squad list for the remainder of the 19/20 season and the duration of the 20/21 season.

TRANSFER NEWS: The exodus from relegated English club Saracens continues.

NEWS: There has been a major new development in the story surrounding Exeter Chiefs and it’s branding.

NEWS: Northampton Saints have managed to sign another 19 first-team players - including some of the biggest names in the game.

REACTION: Stade Francais coach Gonzalo Quesada said the struggling, big-spending Parisian club were launching a "new cycle" aiming for a place in the top six in the French league by 2022.

When Super Rugby AU kicks off on Friday, all eyes will be on Reds loose forward Fraser McReight after being touted as the heir to David Pocock.