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SPOTLIGHT: He is the man New Zealanders love to hate.

BRAINTEASER: @rugby365com's quizmaster Paul Dobson has returned, by popular demand, with another selection of arresting posers to test your rugby knowledge.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: When they hoisted the 2012 IRB Under-20 World Championship trophy at Newlands, the Junior Springboks were oblivious to what the future holds.

SPOTLIGHT: In Part two of his chat with Aerios Chief Executive Costas Constantinou, Jan de Koning looks back at where it all started and what rights WP Rugby held.

ONE-ON-ONE WITH ZELT MARAIS: Jan de Koning sat down for a factual discussion with Western Province Rugby Football Union President Zelt Marais.

SPOTLIGHT: The drop goal has always been an integral part of the identity of South African Rugby.

STAT ATTACK: A strong defensive game is a key addition to any team's arsenal when a mounting serious title challenge.

SPOTLIGHT: Jan de Koning chats to Aerios Chief Executive Costas Constantinou, to get the uncos on the looming court case.

SPOTLIGHT: June 24! 25 years ago went down in World Cup history as the day South Africa partied like never before. Rugbypass writer Liam Heagney reports 

TRANSFER NEWS: The Sharks have lost one of their players to the Southern Kings.

NEWS: World Rugby announced the cancellation of the remaining four tournaments of the Sevens World Series.

NEWS: Argentina international forward Marcos Kremer has signed a three-year deal with Stade Francais until 2023, the Top 14 club announced Tuesday.

There is much debate about which country has the best junior-level players, so we hope this video of South African schoolboys in action settles it.

World Cup-winning Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus – now Director of Rugby – in a very a frank discussion with players following their opening defeat to All Blacks.

NEWS: The Crusaders received some bad news ahead of their Super Rugby Aotearoa Round Four match against the Highlanders.

NEWS: The Waratahs are set to field one of their least experienced backlines in memory.

INJURY UPDATE: The Highlanders will be tasked with taking down the Crusaders this Saturday without their star playmaker

UPDATE: There will be no decision Tuesday by World Rugby on the thorny issue of how many international Tests can be played in November, an official said.

NEWS: Oupa Mohoje’s playing future has been revealed by his team.

TRANSFER NEWS: Worcester Warriors X-Factor wing Melani Nanai has signed a contract extension that will keep him at Sixways until at least 2023.

UPDATE: With a new deal safely tucked into his back pocket, Western Province Rugby Football Union President Zelt Marais must convince his constituents that they must vote in favour of 'change'.

NEWS: Carlos Spencer's time with the Hurricanes is over.

SPOTLIGHT: World Rugby will likely not rule on the thorny issue of how many international Tests can be played in November when its decision-making council meets on June 30, an official said Monday.

NEWS: Former Wallabies coach Michael Cheika was Monday linked with another top job.

SPOTLIGHT: World Cup-winning coach Jake White has embarked on the biggest modern-era spending splurge, as he seeks to make the Bulls a powerhouse again.

NEWS: There were some good news and some sad news when Saracens captain Brad Barritt revealed his playing future on Monday.

TRANSFER NEWS: Former Chiefs wing James Lowe has committed to a long-term goal of playing Test Rugby for Ireland by stating he will remain at Leinster for another three years.

WATCH as World Cup-winning former Springbok captain Francois Pienaar reveals the one big regret from his playing career.

REACTION: Calls for a new stadium in Christchurch have grown louder in the wake of the Crusaders’ ugly 18-13 win over the Chiefs at Orangetheory Stadium on Sunday.

INTERVIEW: Former All Blacks lock Jeremy Thrush believes the Western Force's raft of youngsters will blossom in Australia's new domestic rugby competition.

REACTION: The Highlanders are well-aware that they need to bounce back immediately to keep their 'title' dreams alive.

NEWS: The Rebels’ round two Super Rugby AU match against the Reds will not be played at AAMI Park after the Queensland government’s crackdown on Victorian sports teams.

REACTION: Gloucester has responded to the statement by London Irish in which the club threatened to sue the Cherry and Whites over the signing of new head coach George Skivington.

Everyone's attention was glued to the intense on-field action of the 2019 World Cup but you may have noticed some of these more light-hearted moments.

NEWS: Top 14 club presidents have voted unanimously to extend the international year-end Test window to five weeks.

SUPER RUGBY AOTEAROA MATCH REPORT: A quick one-two from fullback Will Jordan allowed the Crusaders to keep the Chiefs winless and pile pressure on coach Warren Gatland.

IN CONVERSATION WITH VICTOR MATFIELD: Peter de Villiers may not have been everyone's cup of tea as a Springbok coach, but he has certainly been the most entertaining of all the Bok mentors.

FLASHBACK: Rassie Erasmus is someone who does not enjoy the limelight and his time as Springbok head coach is evidence of this.

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

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

REACTION: British and Irish Lions coach Warren Gatland spat the dummy after yet another loss with the Chiefs.

REACTION: The Blues had to show real resolve as they hung on in desperation to edge a determined Highlanders in Auckland on Saturday, giving them a perfect three wins from three wins in the Super Rugby Aotearoa competition.

SUPER RUGBY AOTEAROA MATCH REPORT: The Blues remain the team to beat after three rounds of New Zealand's in-house competition.

TRANSFER NEWS: Springbok and Sharks wing Makazole Mapimpi is one of several South Africans that will join Johan Ackermann’s new team.

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

NEWS: The Ospreys announced Brock James has been appointed as their new Attack Coach.

WATCH as @rugby365com contributor Angus Opperman sits down for a chat with renowned flyhalf Demetri Catrakilis.

WATCH as we bring all the highlights from Week Three of Super Rugby Aotearoa.

Caleb Clarke has become the talk of the town with fans and pundits singing his praises since returning to the Blues' fold after spending the early part of the season plying his trade with the New Zealand Sevens team.

NEWS: English club Gloucester confirmed on Friday that eight players will be leaving the team

NEWS: Wales centre Nick Tompkins will play for Pro14 side Dragons on loan from Saracens for the 2020/21 season, it was announced on Friday.

TRANSFER NEWS: The Waratahs suffered two more body blows, just a week out from the start of Super Rugby AU.

SPOTLIGHT: With the coronavirus pandemic playing havoc with international rugby, organisers of the 2023 World Cup are prepared to rank teams on their form in 2019 for November's pool draw.

TRANSFER NEWS: England wing Jonny May has signed a new long-term deal with Gloucester, the English Premiership club said on Friday.

REACTION: Under-fire Western Province Rugby Football Union President Zelt Marais has dismissed suggestions that Newlands Stadium will go on action next week.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Crusaders head coach Scott Robertson has named his team to take on the Chiefs in Christchurch on Sunday.

INTERVIEW: World-class referee JP Doyle believes Springbok legend Bakkies Botha may have struggled to excel in today’s rugby world.

SPOTLIGHT: South Africa skipper Francois Pienaar receiving the World Cup from Nelson Mandela endured long after the 1995 final, but there were other headline makers at the tournament.

TACKLING BREAKDOWN CONCERNS: New Zealand is truly getting a head start on the rest of the world, as they come to grips with the new approach to tackle and breakdown laws.

NEWS: Western Force flank Chris Alcock says his fear of getting injured convinced him it was the right time to retire.

TRANSFERS NEWS: Jake White be very busy on the recruitment stage, but at the same time he is also offloading players surplus too requirements.

OPINION: While taking out the Super Rugby Aotearoa title with just six wins from eight matches is entirely possible, doing so with just five victories under the belt seems unlikely at best.

INTERVIEW: Wallabies prop James Slipper has called on players to lead Australian rugby out of the doldrums with better performances and a "winning mindset".

NEWS: Melbourne Rebels boss Baden Stephenson has doused any suggestion of a Super Rugby boycott from his players, guaranteeing they are all locked in for what could be more than a fortnight away from home to relaunch the season.

There have been many renditions of the South African National anthem that made supporters gleam with national pride but there have also been some renditions that were simply downright embarrassing.

NEWS: New dates have been announced for the postponed knockout stage matches in the 2019/20 Champions Cup and Challenge Cup.

UPDATE: Lawyers are beginning to play an increasingly bigger role in the developments of the aeonian Newlands Stadium saga.

NEWS: Talks are underway to stage a historic cross-code rugby international match between New Zealand's All Blacks and Australia's Kangaroos, it was revealed Thursday.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Chiefs head coach Warren Gatland has named his side to challenge the Crusaders in Christchurch on Sunday.

NEWS: The Melbourne Rebels will relocate to Canberra from this coming Friday in a bid to ensure player safety as they step up preparations for the Super Rugby AU season amidst a COVID-19 outbreak in Victoria.

TRANSFER NEWS: Blues coach Leon MacDonald has revealed his team to face the Highlanders at Eden Park on Saturday.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Fresh off the bye and a first-round win against the Chiefs, head coach Aaron Mauger has resisted making too many changes to the Highlanders team to play the Blues.

NEWS: The plan to have South Africa's teams return to play in August has just been boosted with more positive news out of the South African Rugby camp.

TRANSFER NEWS: Jake White has lured another player to Loftus Versfeld.

NEWS: As that bromidic idiom goes: 'It never rains but it pours.' At Newlands that certainly rings true.

NEWS: Cobus Wiese can only make his way to new club Sale in England once he passes an English test.

NEWS: Glasgow Warriors have announced that Leone Nakarawa, will remain at Scotstoun until 2021, subject to visa.

SPOTLIGHT: @rugby365com law guru Paul Dobson sinks his teeth into another juicy debate, following Round Two of Super Rugby Aotearoa.

TRANSFER NEWS: Cheetahs coach Hawies Fourie has lured a familiar name back to Bloemfontein.

Since Jake White took over the Director of Rugby role at the Bulls, he has been on a signing spree and their potential new-look lock pairing could be the new Victor Matfield/Bakkies Botha combination the Franchise has been looking for.

REACTION: Rugby Football Union chief executive Bill Sweeney has said he will no longer sing 'Swing Low, Sweet Chariot' as the body reviews the song's use by England fans.

SPOTLIGHT: @rugby365com’s law guru Paul Dobson takes a look at the officiating during the Super Rugby Aotearoa Round Two match between Hurricanes and Crusaders. 

NEWS: The Crusaders confirmed the extent of their captain's injury on Wednesday.

SPOTLIGHT: Rugby Australia's push for closer ties with New Zealand has extended to potentially offering the Kiwis pool matches in its bid to host the 2027  World Cup.

TRANSFER NEWS: Leicester Tigers have signed English-qualified, versatile back Harry Potter from Super Rugby side the Melbourne Rebels.

SPOTLIGHT: Former Wallabies prop Greg Holmes admits he was considering retirement before being lured to the Western Force for a fairytale Australian homecoming.

SPOTLIGHT: The chief executive of World Rugby believes the sport can, at last, get to grips with the longstanding problem of a global calendar, just days out from a seemingly key vote.

OPINION: Erudite Springbok turned pundit Dawie Snyman is back with another of his elucidating and disporting columns.

TRANSFER NEWS: The Bulls have signed a "powerhouse" lock to bolster their pack.

SPOTLIGHT: One tablet a day is all it takes for former Wales player Gareth Thomas to know that he cannot transmit HIV in any way.

TRANSFER NEWS: Argentina forward Guido Petti has joined Bordeaux-Begles, the Top 14 club announced on Tuesday.

INJURY UPDATE: Chiefs head coach Warren Gatland received some bad news regarding one of his star players.

NEWS: The Highlanders will lose one of their coaches at the end of the season.

INTERVIEW: Veteran Western Force rugby hooker Heath Tessmann has likened himself to a trusty FJ Cruiser as he gears up for the team's assault against their Australian rivals.

INTERVIEW: The 2019 World Cup has left a "huge legacy" in Japan and its success should embolden countries such as the United States to bid for future events, says World Rugby CEO Brett Gosper.

The day will always be remembered for the impact it had on bringing together a nation, as the Francois Pienaar-led Springboks lifted the Webb Ellis trophy for the first time in South Africa's history.

NEWS: Australian utility back Kurtley Beale has opened up about his early release from his Waratahs contract.

INJURY UPDATE: The Blues' winning campaign just took a huge injury blow with the news of loose forward Tom Robinson.

INJURY UPDATE: All Blacks duo Josh Ioane and Nehe Milner-Skudder have been ruled unavailable for the Highlanders’ clash against the Blues at Eden Park in Auckland this week.

BREAKING NEWS: South African Rugby has been forced, for a second time, to step in and assume 'management control' of the Southern Kings.

SPOTLIGHT: @rugby365com's law guru Paul Dobson takes a look at the officiating during the Super Rugby Aotearoa Round Two match between Chiefs and the Blues.

INJURY UPDATE: Munster players returned to training on Monday for their first on-field training session since March.

INTERVIEW: Former Scotland assistant coach Jason O’Halloran believed that spending £400 000 on a decent-level Super Rugby player is utter 'madness'.

SPOTLIGHT: Former England captain Chris Robshaw wants to help inspire a new generation of American players.

TRANSFER NEWS: Cheetahs finally revealed the news that BlitzBoks stalwart, Rosko Specman, will make a return to the Cheetahs after signing a two-year contract at the franchise.

IN CONVERSATION WITH THE CLASS OF '95: Next Wednesday, June 24, will be the Silver jubilee of one of the greatest days in South African rugby.

SPOTLIGHT: Incoming Wallaby coach Dave Rennie hopes to harness more of Australian's overseas talent without completely abandoning the Giteau Law.

It was an incident that would cement Duncan McRae as one of the biggest thugs the game has seen after he completely tore into a hapless Ronan O'Gara in 2001.

NEWS: Scotland international hooker George Turner has put pen to paper and signed a two-year contract extension with Glasgow Warriors ahead of the 2020/21 season.

SPOTLIGHT: While New Zealand and Australia have both settled on plans for the domestic 2020 season, which was originally turned on its head due to the coronavirus pandemic, there’s still much to be decided for 2021.

SPOTLIGHT: Newly appointed Wallaby coach Dave Rennie on Monday revealed the areas he believes they need to improve in, in order for Australia to challenge top teams.

SPOTLIGHT: Former Australia rugby coach Michael Cheika has played down links with the vacant job at English Premiership side Gloucester, saying he is still searching for the right opportunity.

MATCH REPORT: The Crusaders got their Super Rugby Aotearoa campaign off to a perfect start with a 39-25 win over the Hurricanes in Wellington on Sunday.

NEWS: South Africa Director of Rugby Rassie Erasmus underwent chemotherapy for a serious condition in 2019.

SPOTLIGHT: John Philip Botha was the ultimate enforcer and inflicted his version of 'discipline' on opponents for more than a decade.

REACTION: Crusaders head coach Scott Robertson revealed some grim news after his team's 39-25 victory over the Hurricanes on Sunday.

STAT ATTACK: @rugby365com writer Leezil Hendricks looks at a record that has stood the test of time - almost three decades and six World Cup tournaments.

STAT ATTACK: South African locks are famed for their brutality and the physical nature of their game. However, there is at least one that has the skills to compare with the best backs.

NEWS: Wallabies star Kurtley Beale has reportedly requested an early release from his Waratahs contract and wants out of Australia's new Super Rugby competition.

SUPER RUGBY AOTEAROA: The high penalty count in the opening weekend of Super Rugby Aotearoa was expected.

NEWS: The Brumbies star Blake Enever has been granted a release on compassionate family grounds effective immediately.

SPOTLIGHT: American football player Marquette King has sparked controversy after claiming he would “dominate” rugby if he played the sport.

There is no better sound that hits you in the feelings than a capacity crowd belting out their country's national anthem and because we're missing it, we thought we'd share some insane national anthems from years gone by.

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

WATCH as World Cup-winning teammates Handre Pollard and Lodewyk de Jager go head-to-head on social media.

SPOTLIGHT: Springbok star Francois Louw said goodbye to the game on Saturday.

REACTION: British Prime Minister Boris Johnson on Friday weighed in on the 'Swing Low, Sweet Chariot' controversy.

REACTION: Two crucial shots at goal from Beauden Barrett late in the match saw the Blues pull off a rare 24-12 victory over the  Chiefs in Hamilton on Saturday.

BRAINTEASER: @rugby365com‘s quizmaster Paul Dobson has returned with another tricky test of your rugby knowledge.

NEWS: Premiership play-off-chasing Sale has been deal a double off-field blow.

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

SPOTLIGHT: Tom Jones’ ode to heartbreak 'Delilah'could be the latest rugby anthem to face the chop after calls on Twitter to have it banned from Welsh grounds.

TRANSFER NEWS: Wallabies lock Will Skelton will depart the club at the end of the month after four fantastic years as a Saracen.

SPOTLIGHT: The unfamiliarity with the new player in the Newlands Stadium saga has raised many eyebrows, more so the circumspection of the owners of Any Side Investments.

FRIDAY FEATURE: The Blues' Super Rugby Aotearoa campaign certainly got off a good start with an impressive 30-20 win over Hurricanes.

REACTION: Pacific Rugby Players Welfare chief executive Dan Leo has expressed concern over World Rugby’s governance review.

MATCH REPORT: The Blues made it two wins from two matches in Super Rugby Aotearoa after they beat the Chiefs 24-12 in Hamilton on Saturday.

NEWS: Australia's Super Rugby AU will not only be behind New Zealand's Super Rugby Aotearoa‎ in playing quality, but also in crowd numbers.

INTERVIEW: Melbourne Rebels attack coach Shaun Berne says the Brumbies deserve favouritism for the new Super Rugby AU competition but he's interested to see which team embraces the rule changes best.

NEWS: Following an eight-year professional career the Harlequins hooker Max Crumpton will retire with immediate effect.

INTERVIEW: Prized Western Force recruit Kyle Godwin hopes his early move back to Australia can help reignite his Wallabies career.

SPOTLIGHT: @rugby365com's law guru Paul Dobson takes a look at the officiating during the Super Rugby Aotearoa match between Blues and Hurricanes. 

NEWS: The RFU is looking into the singing of 'Swing Low, Sweet Chariot' by England fans amid suggestions many supporters are unaware of its origins as a song about American slavery.

THE CRUSADE STARTS AGAIN: The 10-time Super Rugby champions and pre-season favourites the Crusaders enter the race this week.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Two changes have been made to the Hurricanes starting line-up set to face the Crusaders at Sky Stadium this Sunday.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: The Crusaders are set to play their first match of the competition after sitting out Round One with a bye.

SPOTLIGHT: One of the real hard men in green and gold and the first person to represent South Africa in 50 Tests, Mark Andrews has revealed what brought him to tears.

WATCH as new All Blacks captain Sam Cane shares his thoughts on lockdown, the team's famous regeneration and the pressures and privileges of keeping the squad on top.

BREAKING NEWS: The Newlands Stadium saga took yet another intriguing new turn when court papers were filed against both SA Rugby and the Western Province Rugby Football Union.

SPOTLIGHT: Cheetahs and Southern Kings continue to work closely with SA Rugby in the coming months after the announcement of the provisional PRO14 schedule.

NEWS: Baptiste Serin has set his sights on more game time for France after having played just 16 minutes in four Six Nations matches before the tournament was put on hold.

LAUGH A LITTLE: There are numerous classic one-liners that will have your belly aching and we have done our best to provide that for you.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Chiefs head coach Warren Gatland has named his team to face an in-form Blues in Round Two of Super Rugby Aotearoa in Hamilton on Saturday.

Every country has its own way of countering the All Blacks' haka but no crowd does it better than an 80 000 capacity Twickenham, however, that may never happen again.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: The Blues unveiled a potent loose trio for their clash against the Chiefs.

NEWS: The Southern Kings are looking for a new flyhalf, ahead of the revamped Currie Cup competition.

SPOTLIGHT: Warren Gatland has insisted he isn’t sitting in Hamilton plotting how to become the All Blacks coach.

INTERVIEW: Lewis Holland says his end destination was always to play Super Rugby but he's making an early pit-stop at Melbourne Rebels before next year's delayed Tokyo Olympics.

SPOTLIGHT: The Welsh Rugby Union said Wednesday they were seeking to secure a loan that would keep the professional game alive in Wales amid the "financial shock" of the coronavirus.

NEWS: The Lions have a new name to fill the gap left by the departure of Edgar Rathbone.

NEWS: World Rugby has launched a governance review led by former British sports minister Hugh Robertson, the organisation said Wednesday.

SPOTLIGHT: Two of South Africa's World Cup winners have been tied down by Sale Sharks for 'next three or four years' after all the squad members agreed to take permanent pay cuts.

Bryn Gatland's late drop goal that sealed an opening round Super Rugby Aotearoa victory for the Highlanders over the Chiefs, has cost him a spot in his father's will - Warren Gatland has revealed.

The world was in stitches after the Hurricanes' Dane Coles pulled the Blues' Beauden Barrett into a try celebration but this wasn't the first time this type of celebration has happened - just ask Aaron Cruden.

NEWS: Italy's 119-cap veteran Alessandro Zanni and New Zealand-born lock Dean Budd both announced their retirement from international rugby on Tuesday.

REACTION: Rugby Australia is in a state of 'civil war', with one acrimonious public spat after the other.

Ben O'Keeffe and Brendon Pickerill are the referees   to the two matches in Super Rugby Aotearoa, Round 2. If Round 1 is anything to go by, they will be energetic occasions watched by enthusiastic spectators at the ground and round the world - two islands of normalcy in an abnormal world.

TRANSFER NEWS: With rugby in France beginning to pick up the pace again following the coronavirus cancellation of the 2019/20 season, Lyon have officially confirmed six new signings – including Izack Rodda. 

NEWS: The Newlands Stadium saga took yet another, intriguing, new twist this week.

SPOTLIGHT: Chiefs flyhalf Aaron Cruden is well aware of the threat posed by having double pivots on the field.

SPOTLIGHT: Wallabies scrumhalf Nic White's patience will be tested as he awaits his Australian rugby return.

REACTION: European club chiefs insist they are not blocking moves to thrash out a new global calendar season and believe World Rugby has failed to recognise the potential massive losses the Northern Hemisphere game faces without an agreed new structure.

SPOTLIGHT: Eddie Jones has revealed the media warfare strategy he unleashed in an effort to destabilise the All Blacks before the 2019 Rugby World Cup semifinal.

SPOTLIGHT: Former England captain Chris Robshaw will extend his career with a move to San Diego Legion, the 2019 Major League Rugby runners-up, once he sees out the currently suspended Premiership campaign with Harlequins.

SPOTLIGHT: It is the hot potato South African Rugby embraced and passed the 'test' with flying colours.

OPINION: That was a performance to remember for Otere Black – and it was a long time coming.

INTERVIEW: Israel Dagg Israel Dagg tried to make sense of New Zealand players' extreme dislike for the most successful franchise in the competition’s history, Crusaders.

NEWS: Kalyn Ponga has officially ditched his ambition of becoming an All Black after he re-signed with the NRL club Newcastle Knights.

NEWS: PRO14 have provisionally planned to finish its suspended 2019/20 season. 

NEWS: The World Rugby Council will vote on creating an adjusted international window from October of this year, where Tests and club games can be completed.

SPOTLIGHT: @rugby365's law guru Paul Dobson makes sense of the high penalty count during the Highlanders' 28-27 win over Chiefs.

SPOTLIGHT: Wallaby playmaker Christian Lealiifano has been training in Canberra ahead of his return to Japan and dolloping out some wise advice.

SPOTLIGHT: Rugby Australia announced Tuesday that it had recruited heavy-hitters from business and politics, including former prime minister John Howard, to boost its bid for the 2027 World Cup.

It's not often that the camera is focused on the coach's box during a game but when it is, they never fail to give us great moments. Like these coaches absolutely losing their minds at their players.

DON’T MISS OUT: In the fifth of their series, the Chris Burger-Petro Jackson Players Fund will host several of the legends from the Class of 1995.

SPOTLIGHT: Jan de Koning reveals yet another new twist in the interminable and Byzantine Newlands Stadium saga.

NEWS: The French Federation streamlined its third division, creating a single pool of 14 teams in the hope it offers clubs the chance to get on a proper footing before venturing into the professional leagues.

NEWS: English club Gloucester are in search of a top coach to take over at Kingsholm.

NEWS: The Blues sealed their win in the opening round of Super Rugby Aotearoa with the signing of a key player.

TRANSFER NEWS: The Highlanders have bolstered their squad with a Wallaby.

NEWS: The Bulls have secured the services of one of the country's top coaches.

INJURY UPDATE: The early frontrunners, the Blues, have paid a dear price for their victorious start to Super Rugby Aotearoa.

NEWS: Japan rugby star Kenki Fukuoka, dubbed a "Ferrari" for his sheer pace at last year's World Cup, has pulled out of the running for next year's Olympics to focus on becoming a doctor.

IN CONVERSATION WITH BARNEY THE BARFLY: John William Smit is a World Cup-winning Springbok captain, but has named one of the most unlikely players as the best captain he played under.

NEWS: Waratahs have secured Junior Wallabies coach Jason Gilmore as defence coach for the Australian Super Rugby season.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Stakeholders across rugby meet on Monday as the first steps towards revising the sport's calendar are made, while a senior figure in the French game has warned against too much change.

NEWS: Another organisation in Europe may on the verge of a bitter row following media reports of the Irish Rugby Football Union's plans to implement a 20 percent pay cuts.

TRANSFER NEWS: American prop Titi Lamositele has quit Saracens to join Montpellier on a three-year deal, the Top 14 club announced Sunday.

OPINION: Ryan Grant, a @rugby365com contributor and one-time Blues academy recruit, takes a look at two of the most astute acquisitions and how they will impact on Super Rugby Aotearoa.

FLASHBACK: We go back to 2013 to revisit a famous tackle on an All Black legend.

Springbok captain Siya Kolisi has claimed the title of rugby365 Knockout Fan’s Vote World’s Best Captain, beating Wales' Alun Wyn Jones in the final.

The global pandemic has robbed the sports world of witnessing the "Ferrari" unleash his incredible speed at the Olympic Games, set to take place in Japan in 2021.

TRANSFER NEWS: The Queensland Rugby Union has agreed to release St.George Queensland Reds winger Henry Speight to French Rugby club Biarritz Olympique Pays Basque on a three-year deal.

SUPER RUGBY REPORT: All Blacks star Beauden Barrett had a very successful Blues debut as his new side secured a comfortable 30-20 win over Hurricanes on Sunday.

REACTION: The man behind the review of the Premiership's salary cap has warned English Rugby Union about being dragged into a players' strike.

If you missed rugby's return with the opening round of Super Rugby Aotearoa, then you would not have seen two fantastic games that made it seem as though the sport's break did not happen.

READERS' FORUM: Join the discussion of our live blogging of the Round One match of Super Rugby Aotearoa - when the Blues host the Hurricanes in Auckland.

STAT ATTACK: The Springboks are blessed with some great scrumhalves in their prime at the moment.

It seems that the much-anticipated documentary "Chasing the Sun" - which outlines the Springboks' 2019 World Cup victory in Japan is nearing completion as Director of Rugby Rassie Erasmus released some more never-before-seen footage over the past few days.

SPOTLIGHT: Referee Nigel Owens has singled out one particular Law variation that he believes could open up the game.

SPOTLIGHT: Dual-code legend Mat Rogers has declared Eddie Jones would be a revelation as an NRL coach and is certain his former Wallabies mentor would take the jump to rugby league in his stride.

SUPER RUGBY REPORT: An impressive drop goal by Bryn Gatland made sure the Highlanders secure a dramatic 28-27 win over the Chiefs on Saturday.

REACTION: If the pre-match family get-together was 'awkward', imagine what the post-match meeting was going to be like.

WATCH as All Blacks hooker Dane Coles scored an epic try for the Hurricanes on Sunday in the opening round of Super Rugby Aotearoa.

TRANSFER NEWS: The Bulls have bolstered their squad with another former Stormers player.

READERS' FORUM: Join the discussion of our live blogging of the opening match of Super Rugby Aotearoa - when the Highlanders host the Chiefs in Dunedin.

NEWS: A bitter row between English Premiership rugby clubs and the players' union over a salary cap reduction deepened on Friday, with both sides firing accusations against each other.

SPOTLIGHT: Rugby Australia agreed Friday to test new rules in its domestic Super Rugby competition in a bid to liven up the game.

SPOTLIGHT: The unifying factor of winning a World Cup has once again been highlighted by South Africa claiming the Webb Ellis Cup for the third time.

TRANSFER NEWS: Livewire South African scrumhalf Cobus Reinach has signed a three-year contract with Montpellier, the Top 14 club announced Friday.

REACTION: More than 20,000 fans witnessed the Highlanders edge a 28-27 thriller against the Chiefs on Saturday, as New Zealand welcomed the return of live sport after the coronavirus.

NEWS: Bulls revealed that wing Cornal Hendricks has re-signed with the Pretoria franchise. 

NEWS: New Zealander Paul Feeney has quit his role as Kenya's technical director, citing uncertainty over the coronavirus situation and the need to be with his family, the country's rugby union said in a statement Friday.

NEWS: Western Force coach Tim Sampson is adamant his team will be competitive in Australia’s new rugby competition, and he’ll be helped by two former Wallabies.

Just when you thought you've seen it all in the game - be it on the field or during interviews - up pops these moments that will have you scratching your head.

WATCH as the Highlanders snatched a last-gasp 28-27 win over the Chiefs in Saturday's inaugural Super Rugby Aotearoa game.

BRAINTEASER: @rugby365com‘s quizmaster Paul Dobson has decided the last few were a bit 'too easy' and raised the bar with this one.

NEWS: The Waratahs suffered a setback on the eve of their return to the playing field.

WATCH England coach Eddie Jones at his chirpiest best, including the ultimate put-down of New Zealand rugby.

NEWS: It is the worst news possible for any player.

NEWS: Jeff Blackett will become RFU President on August, 1 2020, taking over from Peter Wheeler.

INTERVIEW: The World Champion Springboks will be at a distinct disadvantage should they face New Zealand and Australia in a revamped Rugby Championship later this year.

NEWS: Toulon president Bernard Lemaitre unveiled a five-year plan for the three-time European champions to once again become "the stand-out club in France, Europe and the world".

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Hurricanes coach Jason Holland described it as his 'toughest selection in a long time', but he named a powerful team to tackle the Blues in the opening round of Super Rugby Aotearoa.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Blues coach Leon MacDonald has had a tough selection job to decide his team for the opening match of the Super Rugby Aotearoa.

LET THE GAMES BEGIN: Super Rugby makes a comeback in New Zealand this weekend, with full crowds allowed in a major landmark for professional sport's emergence from the coronavirus shutdown.

PRO14 SPOTLIGHT: Munster may have had a disappointing European season, but they have secured two 'game changers' for when the sport resumes.

Faizel Adam, a schoolmaster and the coach to schoolboy teams in the Western Province, died at the age of 50 on Wednesday 12 June 2020, his birthday. An asthma sufferer, he contracted the dreaded Covid-9 disease and was in intensive care at Mediclinic Cape Gate in Brackenfell for five weeks before his much mourned death. He was diagnosed with Covid-9 on 9 May 2020.

OPINION: An in-depth look at how Super Rugby Aotearoa's new golden point rule could backfire. Rugbypass analyst Tom Vinicombe delves in.

TRANSFER NEWS: Australian flyhalf Jono Lance will not be joining Edinburgh.

REACTION: Reds coach Brad Thorn admits he was gutted by the departures of Izack Rodda, Harry Hockings and Isaac Lucas from the Super Rugby franchise.

NEWS: Melbourne will happily re-sign star NRL wing Suliasi Vunivalu should his switch to rugby union fall through.

NEWS: Premiership club Sale Sharks have revealed ambitious plans to eventually return to their spiritual hometown in the Greater Manchester area.

NEWS: Australia's new domestic competition is set to launch on July 3 and there's a chance Western Force could host some games in Perth.

REACTION: Premiership clubs could face a major backlash, including legal action, after the latest developments around the salary cap saga.

TRANSFER NEWS: Wasps confirmed the departure of three players, including one of their Springboks.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Chiefs head coach Warren Gatland has named his side to take on the Highlanders for their Super Rugby Aotearoa season opener in Dunedin on Saturday.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Highlanders head coach Aaron Mauger has revealed his team to face the Chiefs in the Super Rugby Aotearoa season opener on Saturday.

SPOTLIGHT: Scotland Rugby Union (SRU) chief executive Mark Dodson is hopeful crowds will gather at BT Murrayfield to watch Scotland in the internationals after a date was set for a return to club training.

NEWS: Super Rugby is gathering momentum again after Rugby Australia confirmed it's five teams that will compete in the revised Super Rugby competition.

NEWS: Bordeaux-Begles' long-serving Australian wing Blair Connor on Wednesday announced his retirement from the sport, at the age of 31, and immediately turned his focus to his other passion: surfing.

STATE OF THE GAME: The future of SANZAAR remains uncertain, even though 'good faith' negotiations are ongoing.

NEWS: Western Force captain Ian Prior is confident his team will not be a pushover in Australia's new rugby competition.

Back in 1995 at South Africa's first participation and hosting of the World Cup, June 11 marked quarterfinals day as New Zealand took on Scotland and Australia were up against England in what proved to be two high-quality matches.

Ashley Johnson made this great hit on Bryan Habana back in 2016 that absolutely floored the Springbok legend.

Quade Cooper has once again displayed why he is the most innovative and skilful player on the planet and quite possibly to have ever stepped onto the field by posting a video that has gathered more than 20000 views on Instagram.

OPINION: @rugby365com contributor Angus Opperman produces another of his dulcet selections - this time spanning from 2010 to 2020.

NEWS: South Africa's Rugby World Cup winner Handre Pollard's French side Montpellier announced on Tuesday their players and coaches will take a salary cut.

NEWS: The Chiefs are battling with injuries ahead of the start of Super Rugby Aotearoa.

SUPER RUGBY AOTEAROA SPOTLIGHT: When the Hurricanes roll out against the Blues at Eden Park on Sunday, expect plenty of fireworks from both sides, writes Alex McLeod.

Chris van Rooyen, who played for Transvaal for 10 seasons, died in Milnerton, Cape Town, on 9 June 2020 after contracting COVID-19.

NEWS: A few stars will be missing when Super Rugby Aotearoa gets underway this weekend.

On this day 15 years ago, France secured their spot in the 1995 World Cup with a 36-12 victory over Ireland, but coach Pierre Berbizier wasn't entirely satisfied with their performance, claiming "we are capable of playing champagne rugby, but we are still trying to get the cork out."

It feels so good to be able to list appointments of referees to matches on the coming weekend. It feels as if normalcy is near at half.

NEWS: Harlequins captain Chris Robshaw has signed a contract extension that will cover the end of a season delayed by the coronavirus, the English Premiership club said Tuesday.

NEWS: La Rochelle's Australian back-row forward could receive a suspended six-month prison sentence for "violence with a weapon".

IN CONVERSATION WITH BRYAN HABANA: The powers that be face some 'very tough decisions' about the direction the game is going in.

TRANSFER NEWS: England centre Alex Lozowski has joined the temporary Saracens exodus having signed a one-year deal with Montpellier, the French club announced on Monday.

TRANSFER NEWS: The Melbourne Rebels have stocked up on some serious Sevens speed ahead of the Super Rugby AU getting underway next month.

NEWS: The Bulls are set to bolster their coaching ranks at all levels under new Director of Rugby Jake White.

SPOTLIGHT: BlitzBoks superstar Rosko Specman is set to become the latest player to be released from the Bulls.

SPOTLIGHT: Josh Raisey selects a team consisting of rugby stars who have had the most injury-plagued careers.

STAT ATTACK: The number of players leaving South Africa for greener pastures has been increasing over the years.

BREAKING NEWS: South Africa's teams will, hopefully, return to the play in August.

INJURY UPDATE: Springbok Jaco Kriel seems well on his way to make a full return to the field for the Lions when Super Rugby resumes in South Africa.

INTERVIEW: World Rugby's brains trust is ready to rip up the scrip and start over - culminating in a sensational new global calendar.

NEWS: The most celebrated Springbok Sevens player of his generation, Cecil Afrika, has ended his official BlitzBoks journey after 12 seasons of highlights and achievements.

SPOTLIGHT: @rugby365com's acclaimed writer Paul Dobson produces another of his entertaining stories about rugby during the war years.

He tips the scale at 117kgs and stands 1.93 metres tall, so why would Lopeti Timani resort to "violence with a weapon"?

SOCIAL SPOTLIGHT: South African players from the victorious 1995, 2007 and 2019 Rugby World Cup teams have all teamed up during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Natal defeated Northern Transvaal in the 1990 Currie Cup final but it was the prediction of Naas Botha following that defeat that paved the way for him to make many more bold predictions for years to come.

NEWS: World Rugby has announced details of the qualification process for Rugby World Cup 2023 in France.

DON'T MISS OUT: In the fourth of their series, the Chris Burger-Petro Jackson Players Fund will host the legend that is John Smit.

SPOTLIGHT: Former Sunwolves coach Tony Brown has yet again revealed that South Africa Rugby is to blame for the Japanese-based franchise's Super Rugby demise.

NEWS: The Blue Bulls Company and Blue Bulls Rugby Union have establishing a 'relief fund' - aimed at assisting employees and those that serve in club and community rugby.

NEWS: Fans will be allowed in unrestricted numbers when Super Rugby resumes in New Zealand this weekend.

SPOTLIGHT: New Zealand will get a head start on other countries when rugby resumes later this week.

TOUR SPOTLIGHT: British and Irish Lions coach Warren Gatland has dropped the heaviest hint yet that his mind might be made up about who will captain the tour next year.

NEWS: Former France skipper Jefferson Poirot announced his Test retirement on Sunday, aged 27, because of a lack of motivation after losing last October's World Cup quarterfinal.

SPOTLIGHT: Here is a team of foreign players who laced up for South African franchises.

NEWS: Pau has cut ties with an All Black after the player breached the Top 14 club's coronavirus-related rules about travel.

SPOTLIGHT: Alex McLeod takes a look at 10 All Blacks who came back to their homeland following stints abroad.

INTERVIEW: RugbyPass' Liam Heagney reports Saturday was the strangest of strange London Irish farewells for Topsy Ojo.

SPOTLIGHT: The Rugby Football Union has urged the British government to relax its rules on social distancing.

NEWS: The Springboks and Japan could be involved in a unique tournament in England in November.

There has been numerous tackles and fends, be it legal or illegal, that has led to players immediately dropping like a sack of potatoes. Some manage to walk away from it, albeit gingerly, while others need assistance getting off the field.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: @rugby365 reader and self-proclaimed "rugby fanatic extraordinaire", Neil Mac Ewan, provides a solution for South Africa's rugby drought.

OPINION: @rugby365com contributor Ryan Grant thinks he has found the perfect formula to select the ultimate Springbok XV.

INTERVIEW: Australian utility back Kurtley Beale would "love" to play in a fourth World Cup and plans to keep putting himself in contention for the Wallabies.

SPOTLIGHT: Less than a year since reaching the Super Rugby Final, Argentina's Jaguares face the risk of collapsing due to the coronavirus pandemic.

NEWS: France international Vincent Rattez has signed a three-year contract with Montpellier, the club confirmed Saturday, finalising his move from Top 14 rivals La Rochelle.

BRAINTEASER: @rugby365com's quizmaster Paul Dobson is back with another examination of your knowledge. This time it is the 1995 World Cup Final.

Acclaimed @rugby365com writer Paul Dobson takes us back once again to look at a rugby match between South Africans and New Zealanders that fooled the Nazis.

Hoërskool Monument of Krugersdorp, nicknamed Monnas, turns 100 in 2021 and has plans to celebrate this big birthday which include rugby, which is hardly surprising for a school whose rugby teams have achieved great things.

TRANSFER NEWS: Gonzalo Quesada is back in charge at Stade Francais.

TRANSFER NEWS: The Cheetahs have managed to lure a promising young South African centre from Montpellier to Bloemfontein.

INTERVIEW: Wallabies' prop Allan Alaalatoa believes a scrum clock might compromise the safety of players.

NEWS: Harlequins confirmed that Joe Marler has signed a contract extension with the Club

TRANSFER NEWS: The Sharks have lost the services of one of their props.

SPOTLIGHT: The recovery of Michael Fatialofa from a serious spinal injury has continued its inspiring progress, the Worcester Warriors player getting discharged from hospital five months after being struck down playing at Allianz Park.

NEWS: It never rains but it pours.

Maro Itoje has proven to be a thorn in the side of many of his opponents, however, this video proves that he is more of an annoying mosquito.

TRANSFER NEWS: Melbourne Rebels have boosted their side with two new signings.

SPOTLIGHT: With Super Rugby on hold due to the global Covid-19 pandemic, we look at the transfer hits of the season.

"If it weren't for rugby, I'd be taking food parcels, not giving them." These were the words of Siya Kolisi, Springbok captain and Stormers hero, as rugby's macho image softened and delivered well over a ton of food to the needy aged.

NEWS: New Wallabies coach Dave Rennie has voluntarily agreed to a 30 percent wage cut before starting his job as the code wrestles with the COVID-19 crisis.

TRANSFER NEWS: Relegated Saracens continue to leak talent ahead of the August restart of the Premiership.

NEWS: Premiership Rugby has picked a date for the resumption of the Premiership.

He's already lifted the Webb Ellis trophy and has claimed numerous other awards since leading the Springboks to their third World Cup.

The Corona Virus may have ended Japan's Top League prematurely but fans the world over has plenty to smile about as one of the greatest flyhalves to have ever played the game makes his Super Rugby comeback.

SPOTLIGHT: Jan de Koning shines the spotlight on what is at the heart of the latest developments in the aeonian Newlands Stadium saga.

TRANSFER NEWS: The fleet-footed South African speedster will be heading to England.

WATCH as Blue Bulls Rugby Union President Willem Strauss officially welcomes new Director of Rugby Jake White at Loftus Versfeld.

SPOTLIGHT: With little over a week to go until live rugby kicks off, Beauden Barrett has thrown a dash of spice into the mix of his first anticipated clash against the Hurricanes by recalling how he used to make younger brother Jordie cry in the backyard.

NEWS: Rugby Union has become the latest football code in Australia to effectively ensure their premier players won't have the option of dropping down a level.

REACTION: The Rugby Football Union's Performance Director Conor O'Shea urged the sport's bosses to use the enforced COVID-19 break to sort out the global calendar "once and for all".

TRANSFER NEWS: Versatile forward Ben Hyne has made a timely return to the Brumbies following the omission of the Sunwolves from the revamped Australian Super Rugby competition.

LAUGH SOME MORE: With the weekend on our doorstep, we thought we'd give you something to laugh about with some more Friday funnies, although some of these jokes are as bad as the ones told by professional players in the videos at the end of this story.

SPOTLIGHT: Jacob Stockdale has revealed the vile abuse he received on social media after the Ireland World Cup exit at the hands of the All Blacks last October.

FLASHBACK: We go back to 2012 when a giant of the game announced himself to the rugby world.

SPOTLIGHT: Bryan Habana said next year's tour will have an extra edge to it due to Warren Gatland's impressive record at the helm of the invitational side.

SPOTLIGHT: Rugby Australia has taken another step closer to League with some of their law trials.

NEWS: Semi Kunatani, a standout performer for the Fiji team that won gold at the 2016 Rio Olympics Games, has signed a two-year deal with Castres.

TRANSFER NEWS: Two-time All Blacks World Cup winner Dan Carter announced a shock Super Rugby comeback with the Blues on Thursday at the age of 38.

NEWS: Dual rugby international Sam Burgess called his former club coach Mike Ford a "snake" and accused him of "sabotage" as he opened up about England's disastrous 2015 World Cup.

SPOTLIGHT: Certainly not the way Springboks scrumhalf Cobus Reinach wanted to say goodbye.

NEWS: England World Cup outcast Ben Te’o is back in Rugby League for the remainder of the 2020 season in Australian.

SPOTLIGHT: South African Franco Smith said Wednesday he wanted to create a "new DNA" for Italian rugby as he was officially unveiled as the national side's head coach.

BREAKING NEWS: The protracted Newlands Stadium saga is about to get a dramatic new chapter.

SPOTLIGHT: When talking about Springbok flyhalf options the name Damian Willemse doesn't automatically appear.

SPOTLIGHT: SA Rugby will be well prepared for the global COVID-19 coronavirus financial aftermath says CEO Jurie Roux. 

Look away Springbok fans as those old scabs of the 2015 World Cup match against Japan is torn open thanks to Dan Stuart who watches the highlights for the first time and reacts to that dramatic match.

SPOTLIGHT: England head coach Eddie Jones has revealed the law changes he wants Rugby Union to introduce o help speed up the game.

SPOTLIGHT: Former South Africa wing and 2007 World Cup winner Bryan Habana said on Wednesday he would like to see a global calendar introduced for the sport.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: World Cup-winning Wallaby Matt Cockbain hopes Japan isn't lost to Super Rugby permanently.

NEWS: Former Blues midfielder Matt Johnson is battling for his life after open-heart surgery.

IN CONVERSATION WITH SCHALK BURGER: Watch as a 2007 World Cup winner shares the moment in an illustrious 86-Test career when a World Cup-winning captain asked him for an autograph.

SPOTLIGHT: It appears that the Covid-19 coronavirus pandemic might have been a blessing in disguise for New Zealand fans.

We've reached the final head-to-head in the opening sections of our Knockout Fan’s Vote World’s Best Captain competition as we wrap up this round with our final northern hemisphere captains.

DON'T MISS OUT: In the third of their series, the Chris Burger-Petro Jackson Players Fund will host the legend that is Bryan Habana.

NEWS: While there will be no such thing of an 'orange card', Super Rugby Aotearoa has introduced other ways to make the tournament 'safer and faster'.

SPOTLIGHT: Springbok legend James Small had a big target on his back when the British and Irish Lions toured South Africa in 1997.

NEWS: Italian rugby international Maxime Mbanda has earned one of Italy's highest awards for his work as a front-line volunteer in the fight against the coronavirus.

NEWS: Rugby Australia wants to establish a quarantine hub which enables it to exclusively host the Rugby Championship if the tournament is staged during the coronavirus pandemic.

NEWS: David Humphreys will leave his post as Gloucester director of rugby at the end of this month, the English Premiership club announced Tuesday.

NEWS: French rugby on Tuesday confirmed that it had abandoned hope of completing its coronavirus-interrupted club season.

NEWS: The governing board of Rugby Union's English Premiership said Tuesday it "unanimously supported" all 52 recommendations of a review into its salary cap rules following the Saracens scandal.

SPOTLIGHT: With the Top League season finished for 2020, there was a very real possibility that New Zealand fans could see a host of Japan-based players return home to play in a super-sized provincial competition kicking off in September.

OPINION: In just over a year’s time, the pride of British and Irish rugby will be boarding a plane and heading to South Africa.

As New Zealand prepares to get their franchise rugby up and running with Super Rugby Aotearoa starting on June 13, their provincial teams will also be looking forward to taking to the field again, with a few All Blacks adding some extra firepower to the Mitre 10 Cup.

OPINION: Erudite Springbok turned pundit Dawie Snyman is back with another of his elucidative and disporting columns.

The time has come to head to the northern hemisphere for Round Three of our Knockout Fan’s Vote World’s Best Captain competition after we wrapped up the southern hemisphere's semifinalists.

WATCH two legends of the game, Dan Carter and Johnny Sexton, sit down for a gabfest.

SPOTLIGHT: Jaguares midfielder Jeronimo de la Fuente revealed players have been told by the Argentine Rugby Union (UAR) that they are free to take up offers from offshore clubs.

REACTION: Rugby union referee Nigel Owens supports World Rugby’s proposal of introducing the ‘orange card’ – a radical new carding alternative that aims to clamp down on high tackles.

NEWS: Rugby chiefs in England on Tuesday gave provisional authorisation for Premiership and Championship clubs to return to non-contact training following the coronavirus shutdown.

INTERVIEW: Liam Heagney chats to former hooker Ethienne Reynecke, who bounced back from nearly being dead on three occasions in 2018 to become a South African MMA amateur champion.

On 13 June 2020, despite the worst efforts of coronavirus and its Covid-19, high-level rugby will start in New Zealand when Super Rugby Aotearoa kicks off at Forsyth Barr Stadium in Dunedin. And they will have a little of their own way of doing things.

England international Owen Farrell takes us on a trip down memory lane as he looks back to 2012 when he received the news that he will be making his international debut.

There were mixed views on the inclusion of a Japan-based team to join Super Rugby back in 2016 but since their participation and remarkable improvement since joining the competition, the Sunwolves have gained many fans the world over.

BREAKING NEWS: The Sunwolves as a franchise is no more. They have already played their last game.

We're kicking off our Knockout Fan's Vote World's Best Captain with a pair of southern hemisphere loose forwards who have changed the way their teams are viewed.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Former Wales assistant coach Rob Howley has revealed grief over his sister's death sparked the gambling spree that saw him sent home from the World Cup.

NEWS: English rugby’s top professional players are formulating a battle plan to head off attempts by the cash strapped Premiership clubs to retain the 25 percent pay cuts.

NEWS: Rugby Australia will shed one-third of its workforce as well as cut salaries as it looks to save $5.5 million in phase one of a brutal wholesale restructure announced on Monday.

We remain in the southern hemisphere for Round Two of our Knockout Fan’s Vote World’s Best Captain competition as we see whether you prefer a Wallaby or an All Black.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Reports on South Africa's future in Super Rugby will not be ending anytime soon.

NEWS: South African Franco Smith has been confirmed as head coach of Italy's rugby team, the Italian rugby federation (FIR) announced on Saturday.

NEWS: Scotland coach Gregor Townsend has welcomed moves to reduce the number of international windows in rugby union's calendar.

FLASHBACK: Frik du Preez is regarded by many South Africans as the greatest player ever.

Being on the receiving end of a superbly executed set-piece may knock the stuffing out of you but for the neutral, seeing a defence have no answer to an attacking move is something that will remain a memory for years to come.

A surprising number of top rugby players were involved in the South African War that ended with the Treaty of Vereeniging in 1902. Included in their number are two Irishmen awarded the Victoria Cross.

NEWS: There was some good news for South Africa's professional rugby players and teams.

SPOTLIGHT: @rugby365com's acclaimed writer Paul Dobson has produced another one of his beguiling compositions about the game from yesteryear.

OPINION: Throughout 2016 and 2017, the All Blacks set out on a demolition path, piling up record winning margins over Australia under Michael Cheika and South Africa under Allister Coetzee in The Rugby Championship.

SPOTLIGHT: In just over a fortnight the landscape of rugby could change forever at the summit for a revolutionary global calendar.

SPOTLIGHT: The increase in the weight of professional rugby players over the past 30 years is well documented, with some positions seeing staggering rises.

TRANSFER NEWS: Australian back Izaia Perese signed for French Top 14 club Bayonne on Saturday, despite being released by Rugby League side the Brisbane Broncos over a drugs charge.

TRANSFER NEWS: The Stormers have confirmed the departure of two more promising youngsters to rival teams.

INTERVIEW: Incoming Wallabies coach Dave Rennie has urged Rugby Australian's warring factions to stop airing their differences in public.

SPOTLIGHT: Acclaimed @rugby365com writer Paul Dobson takes a look at players who played one Test only for South Africa and names his best XV!

TRANSFER NEWS: The Bulls will be reuniting another set of Kriel brothers at Loftus Versfeld.

BRAINTEASER: @rugby365com‘s quizmaster Paul Dobson has responded to a request from a reader and provided us with 10 law questions!

TRANSFER NEWS: The Bulls confirmed that flyhalf Manie Libbok has decided to continue his career in Durban with the Sharks after five years of dedicated service to the Bulls. 

TRANSFER NEWS: Connacht Rugby confirmed that 12 players will depart the club next month at the end of their respective contracts.

NEWS: Wales will not be adopting any of the approved optional law trials which are designed to provide unions with COVID-19 transmission risk reduction options if required.

TRANSFER NEWS: A power struggle, in the wake of Johan Ackermann's departure, could see more Gloucester players head for the exit for - with at least one set to return to Ellis Park.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: All Blacks lock Brodie Retallick has revealed why he turned down a return to the Chiefs.

FLASHBACK: Refereeing mistakes are a common occurrence in rugby.

YESTERDAY'S HEROES: Down the years there have been many occasions when one player had an enormous influence on the outcome of a major Final. Jan de Koning looks at who he regards as the player that had the single biggest influence on a game?

OPINION: @rugby365 columnist and two-time World Rugby Junior Championship winner Eugene Eloff takes a look at the impact of the proposed law trials.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Hurricanes wing Kobus van Wyk still has some hope of playing for the Springboks one day.

EXCLUSIVE: The Lions Rugby Company is leaving no stone unturned in an effort to stop the talent drain from Ellis Park.

NEWS: The World Rugby Executive Committee has approved 10 optional law trials which are designed to provide unions with COVID-19 transmission risk reduction options if required.

TRANSFER NEWS: The Brumbies are confident of holding on to the bulk of their Super Rugby players, while a number of Melbourne Rebels are contemplating their futures.

NEWS: World Rugby has dismissed an idea for a major international tournament to be held in England next year.

REACTION: As he embarks on a new chapter in his life, Joey Mongalo bids a very emotional farewell to the Lions.

With the rugby world frustrated by the continued suspension of the sport globally, the transfer window has been working overtime as players look to secure their futures.

LAUGH A LITTLE: We could all use a little laugh every now and then, so we bring some funny - and some not so funny - jokes about our favourite sports.

TRANSFER NEWS: The Saracens exodus has been gaining momentum as another England forward heads for the exit door.

SPOTLIGHT: PRO14 boss Martin Anayi has revealed that expansion in South Africa will be a 'key part' for the competition's future.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Wallaby loose forward Pete Samu doesn't know why he fell out of favour with coach Michael Cheika before last year's World Cup.

TRANSFER NEWS: Bulls Director of Rugby Jake White confirmed his senior coaching group, completing the managerial overhaul he started in March.

NEWS: South African Rugby World Cup winner Cheslin Kolbe's Toulouse announced on Wednesday their squad will take a pay cut of up to 15 percent for next season.

NEWS: New Zealand Rugby has confirmed they won’t be following World Rugby’s proposal to ban scrum resets, team huddles and upright tackles when Super Rugby Aotearoa kicks off next month.

NEWS: Western Force owner Andrew Forrest has confirmed the franchise will return to Super Rugby as part of the condensed season to start in July. However, he is insisting on a restructuring of Rugby Australia.

The match went down in the books of history as the biggest-ever win for the famous Barbarians, as they went to Twickenham to deliver a hurting on England in May 2018.

The Paarl Boys' High loosehead prop, Abraham Reyneke, is off to the Sharks in 2021. He is expected to be there for two years.

REACTION: The Lions are making a concerted and tenacious effort to retain the services of World Cup-winning hooker Malcolm Marx.

What happens when you cross a bodybuilder with rugby? An absolutely hilarious outcome that will prove once and for all that brawn alone holds no water in this beautiful game.

SUPER RUGBY SPOTLIGHT: "I've got a horrible feeling that this cacophony is going to have some sway."

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Reds coach Brad Thorn says he's never had an argument with Izack Rodda, denying reports of a rift between the two.

SPOTLIGHT: A proposed World Cup-style tournament could force South Africa to reconsider their plans to host the British and Irish Lions in 2021.

NEWS: One-cap All Blacks prospect Braydon Ennor has re-committed to New Zealand Rugby and the Crusaders on a deal that will see him stay in New Zealand until 2023.

WATCH as England lock Maro Itoje opens up about the hurt of England being destroyed by South Africa in the World Cup Final in Yokohama in Japan last November.

IN CONVERSATION WITH JEAN DE VILLIERS: The imminent move from Newlands to the Cape Town Stadium has evoked strong emotions.

SPOTLIGHT: With live rugby put on hold, Super Rugby gives a rundown of the fast starters over the last five years.

As the world gets ready to welcome some live Super Rugby action, we take a look at what can be expected from the Hurricanes when Super Rugby Aotearoa gets underway in June.

TRANSFER NEWS: The Cheetahs may be struggling to keep some big names locked in, but they are also doing Stirling work in plugging the gaps elsewhere.

SPOTLIGHT: The announcement that CVC Capital has teamed up with the Pro14 may just speed up South Africa's reported move to the Northern Hemisphere and finally kill off the SANZAAR alliance.

TRANSFER NEWS: Saracens confirmed that Welsh international scrumhalf Aled Davies has agreed to join the Premiership club.

SPOTLIGHT: Wallabies and NSW Waratahs veteran Karmichael Hunt says a trans-Tasman Super Rugby competition makes the most sense and he'd love to be a part of it next year.

"It's ridiculous, we might as well play touch rugby if that’s what they’re suggesting" - those are words of Blues head coach Leon McDonald, that are being echoed around the world.

COVID-19 NEWS: The proverbial pot of gold at the end of the French rainbow may be no more!

TRANSFER NEWS: Jake White's recruitment in Pretoria has gone into overdrive.

SPOTLIGHT: Blues head coach Leon MacDonald has dismissed law change proposals from World Rugby’s medical group in a bid to prevent the spread of coronavirus once the game is back up and running again.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: England coach Eddie Jones revealed that he wants to coach test rugby from the sidelines like the football managers.

REACTION: The Cheetahs may feel that they have grounds for winning a case, but it appears they have little chance of retaining the loyalty of talented utility forward Sintu Manjezi.

TRANSFER NEWS: Bulls continues to bolster their side with the latest signing of a 22-year-old Stormers prodigy.

INTERVIEW: Stormers coach John Dobson was in an incredulous mood on Monday as he fronted up to the media in a video-conference call.

NEWS: Gloucester will reportedly be losing another South African.

TRANSFER NEWS: More top players are moving to the Land of the Rising Sun.

SPOTLIGHT: Dean Allen will be joining Springbok legend Schalk Burger as they look back at his illustrious career in a fundraising effort for Rugby's Caring Hands.

NEWS: South African Rugby World Cup winner Cheslin Kolbe's Toulouse announced on Monday their players had returned to the club's facilities for medical tests after more than two months away.

INTERVIEW: Rugbypass reporter Jamie Lyall chats to Springboks Jesse Kriel about his World Cup injury and his move to Japan.

Here at rugby365, we have brought you many lookalikes over the years and we've brought it back after coming across a Salford Red Devils wing who has some resemblance to the 2018 African Footballer of the Year.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Former Welsh international Shane Williams revealed the 'absolute monster' which left him 'petrified' of an off-field meeting.

REACTION: The manner of their exits is disappointing but Queensland Reds captain Liam Wright can see a silver lining in the departure of rebel trio Izack Rodda, Harry Hockings and Isaac Lucas.

Some of the best players in the world are not immune to having themselves look a bit silly compliments of some of the best side steps the game has ever seen.

ANALYSIS: Rugbypass writer Conor Wilson discusses why Clive Woodward's attacking plans from 2003 are vitally important to this new era of defensive dominance.

SPOTLIGHT: Reece Hodge is looking to learn some secrets of the Fijians after linking with their former strength and conditioning guru John Pryor, who has come on board with the Wallabies.

SPOTLIGHT: Wallabies' 2019 World Cup campaign was horrendous and one man who took most of the flak for the dismal display was Micheal Cheika.

SPOTLIGHT: Former Gloucester player had no qualms in revealing who he regards as 'worst' coach ever.

NEWS: Some of South Africa's World Cup winners will be back on the field in a matter of weeks.

WATCH as we bring you the debuts of two of the game's most recognisable prop forwards - Tendai Mtawarira and Joe Marler.

SPOTLIGHT: Defeated World Rugby chairman candidate Agustin Pichot has made a shocking claim.

WATCH as veteran England prop Joe Marler answers a series of quickfire questions - that shows the most amusing side of the burly front row forward.

REACTION: Rugby Australia's rogue players - Izack Rodda, Harry Hockings and Isaac Lucas - may struggle to find that proverbial 'pot of gold' at the end of the rainbow.

SPOTLIGHT: World Rugby is reportedly considering dramatic law changes as a way to get the sport running again after the Covid-19 pandemic.

SPOTLIGHT: Rugby union's Pro14 is preparing for a return to action in late August, with plans unveiled for matches between the four Irish provinces.

REACTION: World Rugby's desperate attempt to save some sort of season has been met with harsh criticism.

NEWS: Former Kenyan Sevens star Allan Makaka has died following a road traffic accident, the Kenyan Rugby Union have confirmed.

SPOTLIGHT: Rugby Australia hasn’t ruled out the prospect of the Sunwolves partaking in the new domestic Super Rugby competition, which is set to be confirmed in the coming days.

WATCH as All Black Andrew Mehrtens joins to chorus of voices for a change to Super Rugby - including the possibility of cutting the umbilical cord with South Africa.

TRANSFERS NEWS: The Bulls continued to rebuild their playing and coaching rosters amid the national #lockdown.

NEWS: World Rugby issued a statement welcoming the recent talks between the Six Nations and SANZAAR on the formation of an 'aligned' global season.

NEWS: Rugby's Pro14 announced on Friday it had agreed to sell a 28 percent stake in the five-nation league to CVC Capital Partners as the private equity firm expands its investment into the sport.

SPOTLIGHT: SANZAAR and Six Nations have been working vigorously to deliver an 'aligned' global season.

UPDATE: Rugby Australia on Saturday tore up the contracts for Wallabies lock Izack Rodda and two of his former Queensland Reds teammates after they refused to take a pandemic-enforced pay cut.

REACTION: The near- bankrupt Rugby Australia could be heading for another costly court battle - which may finally push the organisation over the edge.

NEWS: Scotland lock Tim Swinson will retire at the end of the season, Glasgow Warriors announced on Friday.

WATCH what makes Springboks and Stormers Pieter-Steph du Toit the best in the business.

REACTION: Crusaders star Sam Whitelock have finally shared his true feelings about the All Blacks captain's announcement.

REACTION: The Stormers managed to escape SA Rugby's infamous 21-day clause with only some minor chinks in their armour.

TRANSFER RUMOURS: The Lions are facing another raid on the player resources, just a week after a mass exodus.

NEWS: Former Sharks flyhalf Garth April has signed a deal with Japanese Top League club Shimizu Blue Sharks.

UPDATE: English Premiership rugby clubs are set to be sidelined from training for at least two more weeks, officials announced Thursday.

There's no doubt that Duane Vermeulen is one of the best players to have ever donned the No.8 Springbok jersey, but it would seem as though he isn't the greatest.

NEWS: Wallabies forward Izack Rodda and two teammates are parting ways with the Queensland Reds, after they were suspended for refusing a pandemic-prompted pay cut.

As the news broke of World Cup winner Warrick Gelant moving back to the Cape after leaving the Bulls, we thought we'd remind you about that time he literally kicked some sense into a teammate.