All News

WATCH as new Springbok coach Jacques Nienaber continues to explain what made the team so special in Japan last year.

BRAINTEASER: @rugby365com‘s quizmaster Paul Dobson has returned with another great challenge - 10 testing questions!

SPOTLIGHT: Rugby like any other sport is certainly a family affair.

SPOTLIGHT: During his time as a player, Namibian internationalist Jacques Burger earned himself a reputation as one of the hardest men to ever play the game.

WATCH as retired England and British & Irish Lions flyer Ugochukwu Monye chats to World Cup-winning Springbok Siyamthanda Kolisi.

TRANSFER NEWS: The Stormers have bolstered their backline with the signing of a Springbok fullback.

NEWS: Waratahs backline coach Chris Whitaker has sidestepped talks of another potential exodus of talent overseas despite the woes besetting Australian rugby.

TRANSFER NEWS: The Bulls have bolstered their lock stocks ahead of the new season.

NEWS: Pieter-Steph du Toit's playing future has been confirmed.

OPINION: @rugby365com contributor Codi Rinkwest has compiled the ultimate World XV - players who became coaches!

NEWS: The Sunwolves won't be a part of the rebooted Australian Super Rugby competition with time and logistics counting against them.

SPOTLIGHT: With the SA Rugby's 21 days clause a thing of the past. Here is a look at all the confirmed contract agreements.

NEWS: South African World Cup winner Bismarck Du Plessis penned a new two-year contract with Montpellier.

SPOTLIGHT: Dean Allen will be joining Jean de Villiers on a look back at his illustrious career in a fundraising effort for Rugby's Caring Hands.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: All Blacks and Hurricanes star Dane Coles believes there will be fewer All Blacks heading north in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.

WATCH as The Rugby Pod duo of Andy Goode and Jim Hamilton looks at Johan Ackermann’s surprise exit from Gloucester.

SPOTLIGHT: Take a look at how World Cup-winning teams fare at the start of their title defence in terms of the World Rugby Rankings.

REACTION: Despite being at the receiving end of another mass exodus, there will be no 'knee-jerk' reaction from Lions Rugby Company Chief Executive Officer Rudolph Straeuli.

SPOTLIGHT: Acclaimed @rugby365com writer Paul Dobson produces another of his bodacious baubles from the past - the story of a Springbok jersey that saw war and only victory.

The late Joost van der Westhuizen will always be a favourite in the hearts of many around the world but perhaps Francois de Klerk could be right up there to topple the 89-Test capped.

NEWS: Munster confirmed that Tyler Bleyendaal will retire from professional rugby with immediate effect.

INTERVIEW: Ireland star breaks silence on Racing's new signing.

NEWS: An unnamed Middle Eastern individual represented by former France wing Christophe Dominici said on Tuesday they want to buy second-tier French rugby club Beziers.

BRAINTEASER: @rugby365com's quizmaster Paul Dobson has returned with another multiple choice quiz - this time on World Cups. Surely you can now get 10 out of 10.

SPOTLIGHT: English rugby top clubs could be given the green light on Wednesday to start training again – something Sale Sharks have already done after breaking ranks with their Premiership rivals.

OPINION: The Pieter-Steph du Toit contract saga has evoked enormous reaction on both sides of the dialogue.

REACTION: The Cheetahs moved quickly to pour cold water on suggestions that they made little or no effort to keep talented players in Bloemfontein.

REACTION:  Six Nations officials have finally stuck their head above the parapet amid the Covid-19 crisis.

COVID-19: The World Cup-winning Springboks are hoping to 'cash in' on their scoreline against England in Yokohama last November.

NEWS: Three players have recommitted their playing futures with the Bulls.

NEWS: All Black star Scott Barrett has made a decision about his playing future.

As the legend goes, Naas Botha was not one who loved to tackle but we have found rare footage where not only does he do just that, he also saves a try in the process.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Rising star Joseph Dweba has lifted the lid on his time at the Cheetahs.

World Cup-winning flyhalf Handre Pollard is comfortably South Africa's highest-paid player in the world and there is little to no doubt about his ability when seeing what he is capable of.

OPINION: Alex Shaw takes a look at who will benefit from the recent Super Rugby transfers in Australia and South Africa.

INTERVIEW: Months of hard work culminated in a highlight for the Springbok squad of 2019 as Cheslin Kolbe’s try sealed victory in the World Cup final against England in Japan.

SPOTLIGHT: RugbyPass writer Ian Cameron takes a crack at finding the fastest players and their best times.

SPOTLIGHT: @rugby365com law guru Paul Dobson, in the fifth of this law discussion series, takes a look at aspects he feels should be changed and which should remain unchanged.

NEWS: Former New Zealand prop Ben Franks has been hired as scrum coach at Pro14 side Scarlets, the Welsh region announced on Monday.

REACTION: Reds coach Brad Thorn is reportedly 'livid' at the three Reds players who have been stood down by the Queensland Rugby Union after refusing to take short-term pay cuts.

TRANSFER NEWS: Southern Kings centre Howard Mnisi will be returning to the Cheetahs.

NEWS: Scotland back Ruaridh Jackson has announced that he will retire from rugby union at the end of the 2019/20 season, bringing the curtain down on a 14-year-career.

TRANSFER NEWS: France fullback Anthony Bouthier has extended his contract with Montpellier by two years until 2023, the top 14 club announced Monday.

SPOTLIGHT: Former All Blacks forwards coach Mike Cron has nominated Richie McCaw not only as the greatest player he’s ever coached – but the greatest of all time.

SPOTLIGHT: Beauden Barrett sets a new record in training.

NEWS: Wallabies forward Izack Rodda and two Queensland Reds teammates who refused to take a pay cut negotiated during the coronavirus shutdown were suspended.

ANALYSIS: Conor Wilson takes a look at the borrowed tactics that Eddie Jones' England side will employ to help them fight their way back to the top of the world rankings.

It's time to move to the midfield as Part Two of the ultimate Springbok series has a look at the men at the centre of it all - the inside and outside centre.

PREMIERSHIP SALARY CAP REPORT: 'No one within rugby has come out of this looking good.' In this one sentence is captured the true essence of the findings of Paul Myners.

SPOTLIGHT: @rugby365com law guru Paul Dobson, in the fourth of this law discussion series, takes a look at aspects he feels should be changed and which should remain unchanged.

SPOTLIGHT: Former All Blacks wing Nehe Milner-Skudder has revealed how difficult a decision it was to turn down the Hurricanes to join the Highlanders.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Western Force players could go from Australian rugby outcasts to Wallabies heroes within a year.

Rugby Union has had its fair share of flyers down the years and as the cliché goes, there’s no substitute for speed.

INTERVIEW: RugbyPass reporter Tom Vinicombe chats to Lima Sopoaga about his 10 years in Dunedin, the move to the United Kingdom and a possible return to New Zealand.

TRANSFER NEWS: New Zealand centre Francis Saili has joined Biarritz on a two-year deal from Harlequins, the French second-tier club said on Sunday.

Part One of this week's series of videos sees us look at five of the best fullbacks to don the number 15 Springbok jersey.

INTERVIEW: Only a few good men have the honour of having lifted the Webb Ellis Cup as a captain.

SPOTLIGHT: Melbourne Rebels will get back into Super Rugby training on Monday and hope to be back doing contact work early in the week as they build toward a July reboot.

NEWS: Japanese lock Hitoshi Ono, who won a record 98 caps for his country and played in the famous "Miracle of Brighton" 2015 World Cup win over the Springboks, announced his retirement on Monday.

REACTION: The Stormers, players and coaches alike, had big plans for a glorious farewell to Newlands.

BRAINTEASER: @rugby365com‘s quizmaster Paul Dobson has produced what must surely be his easiest quiz yet. But can you finally get 10 out of 10?

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Italian rugby fans have voted for the 'ideal' Italy XV of the Six Nations, with just three current players making the cut.

SPOTLIGHT: Has the game in Australia ever been in a bigger mess than it is right now?

TRANSFER NEWS: The Sharks have, for the most part, managed to hold off the raids from cash-flush Japanese clubs.

FROM CLINICIAN TO COACH: Watch this insightful discussion with newly appointed Springbok coach Jacques Nienaber.

NEWS: The Stormers and WP Rugby have confirmed that three players have submitted a contract termination notice before the May 14 deadline.

INTERVIEW: Rugby Australia Chairman-elect Hamish McLennan expects to run a lean organisation and wants to see the game get a bit quicker.

SPOTLIGHT: South African Rugby on Friday unveiled their 'survival plan' in the wake of the debilitating COVID-19-enforced lockdown.

TRANSFER NEWS: On a day that their Trans-Jukskei neighbours announced the departure of several key players, the Bulls continued their trend of luring players back from abroad.

REACTION:  All Black Ben Smith has responded to the rumours that he could be looking to make a return for the Highlanders after the French Top 14 season was cut short.

TRANSFER NEWS: SA Rugby's 21-day clause has struck at the heart of the Lions, who lost one of their World Cup stars.

NEWS: English club Gloucester confirmed the departure of head coach Johan Ackermann.

NEWS: Australian international Liam Gill has left Top 14 rugby side Lyon after three seasons, the French club announced on Friday.

SPOTLIGHT: @rugby365com law guru Paul Dobson, in the third of this law discussion series, takes a look at aspects he feels should be changed and which should remain unchanged.

NEWS: The programme of international rugby matches during the 2020 July window has been postponed.

SUPER RUGBY SPOTLIGHT: Will he stay or will he go? This is the obfuscatory question surrounding World Rugby Player of the Year Pieter-Steph du Toit.

INTERVIEW: Gregor Townsend hopes words of wisdom from acrobatic display team the Red Arrows will help Scotland become high-flyers when international Rugby Union resumes following the COVID-19 outbreak.

PREMIERSHIP SALARY CAP REPORT: Clubs could be stripped of their titles and suspended.

NEWS: Discussions to keep Japan involved in any form of Super Rugby next year have been held between competition organisers.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: After months of turmoil, it seems like Rugby Australia are finally heading in the right direction.

TRANSFER NEWS: Sale Sharks added to their growing contingent of South African players when they beat Saracens in the race for the signature of a Stormers star.

NEWS: Rugby Australia on Friday named former TV executive Hamish McLennan as director and chairman-elect to lead the sport through a crisis deepened by the coronavirus pandemic.

TOUR SPOTLIGHT: With the Lions tour to South Africa just over 12 months away, Warren Gatland's choices at No.10-No.12 are starting to surface. Ben Smith looks at the option!

NEWS: Australian star Israel Folau turned down a return to Rugby Union with Montpellier to stay with Rugby League side Catalans Dragons.

NEWS: The European Champions Cup tournament could be extended to include 24 teams next season as an "exceptional" move in response to the coronavirus.

REACTION: Scotland coach Gregor Townsend wants flyhalf Finn Russell to make himself available for Test rugby again after their relationship broke down during the Six Nations.

NEWS: Toulon has lost the services of one of there star players.

NEWS: Rugby Australia is hoping Thursday’s World Rugby executive meeting will outline firm details of financial assistance for struggling nations.

SPOTLIGHT: In the midst of the global COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic, a few players have had a rude awakening to how 'ruthless' professional sport.

TRANSFER NEWS: Bulls confirm the signing of Springbok utility back Gio Aplon.

SPOTLIGHT: Gloucester head coach Johan Ackermann is set to exit the Premiership club, according to reports.

NEWS: Tries in Rugby Union can no longer be scored by grounding the ball against the post protector, World Rugby announced on Tuesday.

WATCH as Ciarán Kennedy takes a look at those occasions when normally well-behaved players completely lose control of their sense.

SPOTLIGHT: The group of ten Wallabies captains who expressed concern about how the game was being run before Rugby Australia CEO Raelene Castle resigned last month have sent another letter to acting chairman Paul McLean.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Stormers head coach John Dobson is confident he will not get any transfer shocks ahead of the close of SA Rugby's escape clause.

South Africans, it seems have a great capacity for social kindness, and in this case the people being kind include famous rugby players.

NEWS: Asian based group Y11 Sports & Media have taken a "multi-million" majority share of the Ospreys.

REACTION: His departure is not news, but the Bulls have formally bid farewell to the first player to take up the 21-day option to cancel his contract.

SPOTLIGHT: The Western Force will have to sign off on new participation conditions if they are to play in the revised Australian version of Super Rugby.

NEWS: The French Top 14's wealthiest side Stade Francais has been forced to cut its budget.

SPOTLIGHT: The suspended Premiership season has been given the go-ahead to take a big first step in preparations to conclude the currently suspended 2019/20 campaign.

TRANSFER NEWS: Bordeaux-Begles have confirmed the signing of two formidable forwards for next season, the French Top 14 club said on Tuesday.

SPOTLIGHT: @rugby365com law guru Paul Dobson, in the second of his series, takes a look at which laws he feels should be changed and which should remain unchanged.

STAT ATTACK: When it comes to top performers in the pack, look no further than the South Africans.

NEWS: Agustin Pichot is to resign from the World Rugby Council following his narrow defeat to Bill Beaumont for the chairmanship of the sport's governing body, he announced on Wednesday.

NEWS: Financial constraints have left the Blues and Crusaders without confirmed home venues as New Zealand Super Rugby sides prepare for the new Kiwi domestic competition.

SPOTLIGHT: Kurtley Beale’s impending move to French rugby could become the norm for the cash-strapped code.

STAT ATTACK: The Sharks have been a joy to watch in open play this season and young star Aphelele Fassi has played a big role in that resurgence.

NEWS: Nehe Milner-Skudder has confirmed his return.

NEWS: One of the Stormers' Springboks could have played his final game for the franchise.

SPOTLIGHT: It seems like the financial saga and internal political problems at the Southern Kings are still far from being resolved.

FEATURE: You never get a second chance to make a first impression.

Every so often players push their luck with the referee a little bit too far, which prompts the referee to make his voice heard.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: When one is involved in sport, nicknames become the norm.

SPOTLIGHT: Acclaimed @rugby365com writer Paul Dobson – in the fifth and final episode of his series of great matches at Newlands – takes a look at the opening match of the 1995 World Cup – between South Africa and Australia.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: There is one All Blacks coach who Eddie Jones could not stand.

NEWS: English rugby chiefs have insisted their Premiership clubs will have a role to play in delivering a post-lockdown playing schedule.

NEWS: While the Chiefs have failed in a bid to bring All Black lock Brodie Retallick into the squad for the upcoming Super Rugby Aotearoa competition, there’s been success on other fronts.

NEWS: The Crusaders have confirmed a massive boost for the hastily altered 2020 campaign with veteran test lock Sam Whitelock returning to the squad.

There may just be something better than getting your name on the try-scorers list - getting to celebrate the try you've scored.

BRAINTEASER: @rugby365com‘s quizmaster Paul Dobson has caved in and made it easier for the readers - by finally giving them a multiple-choice quiz!

TRANSFER NEWS: He’s the state's equal most-capped player at Super Rugby level, and it’s been confirmed Kurtley Beale won't be returning to the NSW Waratahs beyond the 2020 season.

STATS AND FACTS: Jan de Koning takes a look at the facts and fiction surrounding the bad boys of the game!

REACTION: The Western Force say they have yet to receive a formal invitation to compete in Rugby Australia's mooted domestic competition scheduled to start in July.

NEWS: The coronavirus-postponed Champions Cup final could now be held on October 17 in Marseille.

SPOTLIGHT: Brumbies coach Dan McKellar thinks a play-off series is the sensible way to conclude a modified Super Rugby competition.

TOP 14 SPOTLIGHT: Only one South African made the Dream Team - the best players of all time in France's premiers club competition.

Hard, physical contact is all in a day's work for the enforcers of the game and there is nothing better than seeing them smash into each other.

LAW DISCUSSION: @rugby365com law guru Paul Dobson is going to take a look at which laws he feels should be changed and which should remain unchanged.

SPOTLIGHT: Rugby Australia are considering some innovations for their mooted Super Rugby competition they are looking at starting in early July.

PRO14 SPOTLIGHT: The South African teams' participation in the European competition has been thrown into doubt, as officials continue to scramble for a way to restart the game.

TRANSFER NEWS: The Cheetahs continued bolstering their squad by luring a talented you player from the Pumas to Bloemfontein.

SPOTLIGHT: New Zealand's Super Rugby teams will launch a domestic competition next month after the government eased strict COVID-19 lockdown restrictions, officials said Monday.

SPOTLIGHT: Some of rugby’s global stars could soon find themselves playing in the United States.

NEWS: An former Saracens player has filed a lawsuit against the Premiership club, a club doctor and a teammate following what he alleges was a career-ending injury suffered in a Budapest bar.

There are times in a game when all you can do is wonder if you genuinely just saw what you think you did.

SUPER RUGBY SPOTLIGHT: Wallaby prop Scott Sio has offered his qualified support for a scrum clock to be trialled during a planned domestic competition in Australia.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: England forwards coach Matt Proudfoot revealed that working with head coach Eddie Jones had been an "eye-opener" and a marked change from his time under Springboks boss Rassie Erasmus

TRANSFER NEWS: Bath Rugby’s Chris Cook is to head to West Country rivals Bristol Bears at the end of the 2019/20 season, after 11 seasons with the Blue, Black and White.

NEWS: Experienced prop Brok Harris has signed a new contract to extend his time with Dragons into a seventh season.

NEWS: Top 14 club Montpellier confirmed that French international back Benjamin Fall was leaving the club.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: John Mitchell believes some good may come for Rugby Union from the coronavirus if it creates "greater professionalism".

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Aaron Cruden talks about his time in France and his move back to New Zealand.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Ian McGeechan has backed a radical plan to introduce no contact rugby at amateur level to allow clubs to get back playing amid the pandemic.

The world of rugby is blessed with an abundance of speedsters and sometimes we are blessed to witness some of the fastest players going at it in a foot race.

NEWS: Toulon coach Patrice Collazo said Rhys Webb had been disloyal after the Wales scrumhalf was sacked by the French club in January.

REACTION: Interim CEO Rob Clarke is making big inroads at Rugby Australia after less than a week in the job, earning praise from Super Rugby franchises.

OPINION: Re-elected World Rugby chairman Sir Bill Beaumont and his newly elected board have their work cut out for them.  Rugbypass' writer Nick Turnbull reports. 

REACTION: Leicester Tigers’ incoming head of physical performance Aled Walters has been described as "one of or if not the best in the business" by Springbok centre Jesse Kriel.

INTERVIEW: Springboks Rugby legend Bryan Habana speaks to Jim Hamilton about the 2009 Lions Tour second test match.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Part of rugby’s glory days, would-be Rugby Australia chief executive Matt Carroll says he’s “sad” for the ailing state of the game.

SPOTLIGHT: More evidence emerged as to why South Africa ruled the roost at the World Cup in Japan last year.

SPOTLIGHT: Italy's Ian McKinley defended the Azzurri's dire Six Nations record as the Irish-born flyhalf's inspiring return to elite rugby after being blinded in one eye has been turned into a documentary film.

There may not be any Premiership matches taking place but the competition has given us numerous light-hearted moments that will give your abdominals quite a workout.

OPINION: The All Blacks will be plotting the path to France over the next four years, with a primary goal of arresting back power from the Springboks.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Wallabies hooker Jordan Uelese admits he's a little "jealous" of his NRL counterparts with no rugby to be played until at least July.

WATCH as Bill Beaumont makes a bold pledge to change the game in his second term.

BREAKING: The Blue Bulls Company revealed that Edgar Rathbone will be taking over the reins as Chief Executive Officer of the company.

REACTION: The side effects of the COVID-19-enforced lockdown have been the spread of some wild rumours.

OPINION: With Sam Cane given the captaincy role, Alex McLeod looks at the potential make-up of the All Blacks' back row.

BRAINTEASER: @rugby365com's quizmaster Paul Dobson is back with some great questions about World Cups and other fascinating facts!

SPOTLIGHT: Australia's Super Rugby franchises are eyeing a May 18 training restart with a seven-week build-up to a five-team domestic competition with no Trans-Tasman play-offs.

Individual brilliance can be a rare moment that would make you look twice and ask yourself "How did he do that?".

SPOTLIGHT: The grande dame that is the Newlands stadium may already have hosted her last-ever rugby match. Acclaimed @rugby365com writer Paul Dobson – in the fourth of his series – looks at the Currie Cup Final of 1986 - when Goggie van Heerden stole the limelight.

NEWS: Western Province are securing their future by investing in their youth.

SUPER RUGBY SPOTLIGHT: The Stormers have no idea when they will take to the field again, but they have found some creative ways of being 'rugby ready'.

LISTEN as Southern Kings board Chairman Loyiso Dotwana talks to Jan de Koning about the censurable salary saga and the internal politics doing serious damage to the franchise.

SPOTLIGHT: Saracens have been forced to apologise for the behaviour of England star Billy Vunipola.

STAT ATTACK: There is one Springbok player who probably should have more Test caps to his name.

NEWS: Defeated election candidate Agustin Pichot is reportedly set to quit World Rugby following his loss to Bill Beaumont in the race to be chairman.

TRANSFER NEWS: Former New Zealand flyhalf Colin Slade will leave French Top 14 outfit Pau to join Japanese side Dynaboars. 

SPOTLIGHT: Eight months have passed since Wesley Fofana hastily departed the 2019 World Cup in Japan, heading for home following France’s opening round win over Argentina, a match he didn’t feature in.

NEWS: Super Rugby in New Zealand is poised to resume when the country relaxes its COVID-19 lockdown.

Sit back and enjoy this compilation of the most opportunist tries to ever be scored.

Listen as Aled Walters chats about his journey as the Springboks Head of Athletic Performance.

NEWS: French rugby chiefs decided not to make a decision over which clubs will feature in next season's European Cup events.

NEWS: As the economic pinch of coronavirus continues to make itself felt, New Zealand Rugby is reportedly set to let go of 50 percent of their 180 full-time staff.

NEWS: Former Brumbies and Melbourne Rebels chief executive Rob Clarke has been appointed interim CEO of Rugby Australia.

Every now and then, the referee finds himself - quite literally - in the thick of it all. Whether it's being shoved by a defending player, being pulled into a ruck or being inadvertently tackled.

SPOTLIGHT: The grande dame that is the Newlands stadium may already have hosted her last-ever rugby match. Acclaimed @rugby365com writer Paul Dobson – in the third of his series – takes a look at five of the greatest occasions at the venue.

REACTION: Eastern Province Rugby Union President Andre Rademan described the Southern Kings salary saga as "unacceptable".

INTERVIEW: Two-time World Cup winner Francois Steyn has become the latest superstar to urge the Springboks to align with the Northern Hemisphere.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Here are five of the greatest captains who helped forge the legacy of the All Blacks.

RETURN TO PLAY SPOTLIGHT: Exactly how many people does it require to stage a match behind closed doors?

NEWS: Aled Walters' new team has been revealed.

SPOTLIGHT: Gert Peens is not exactly a household name in South African rugby folklore. Jan de Koning looks at his colourful career, which includes more than 400 first-class games for 12 different clubs

SPOTLIGHT: As the rugby fraternity prepares itself for a global alignment on the international scene, All Blacks veteran Sam Whitelock has revealed he would like to see that extended to club rugby.

NEWS: A top Rugby Australia official tipped to become the troubled organisation's next chairman resigned Wednesday.

SPOTLIGHT: The grande dame that is the Newlands stadium may already have hosted her last-ever rugby match. Paul Dobson continues his series of five great occasions at the stadium.

There have been times when we witnessed unusual moments that we sat with our mouths wide open, wondering has just happened.

NEWS: On Wednesday Top 14 presidents will meet to decide which French clubs will play in next season's European Champions Cup.

OPINION: Ben Smith explains why the appointment of Sam Cane as All Black captain might indicate the sun is slowly setting on Sam Whitelock’s international career.

SPOTLIGHT: In recent weeks, a lot of attention has been shifted to the British and Irish Lions 2021 tour to South Africa.

NEWS: The English game is stumbling from one crisis to the other, at a time when 'catastrophic' financial losses are predicted.

NEWS: All Blacks loose forward and Chiefs Captain Sam Cane has been named as the new Captain of the All Blacks.

LISTEN as retired referee Craig Joubert reminisces about his exchange with Wallaby legend George Gregan, in his first match.

Some of these haymakers - featuring Eben Etsebeth, Bakkies Botha, Manu Tuilagi and Faf de Klerk - will make the likes of Muhammad Ali and Mike Tyson proud. 

NEWS: Rugby Football Union (RFU) chief executive Bill Sweeney warned of the "catastrophic" impact coronavirus could have on the sport if the professional game cannot return in the next year.

NEWS: Leicester Tigers have revealed a long list of players who will be leaving the club at the end of the season as the Premiership side prepare for life under incoming head coach Steve Borthwick.

SPOTLIGHT: There have been countless players who have left fans scratching their heads as to why they have not played for their country more. Josh Raisey selected a team of players he felt deserved more Test caps:

SPOTLIGHT: The grande dame That is the Newlands stadium may already have hosted its last-ever rugby match. Acclaimed @rugby365com writer Paul Dobson - in the first of a series - takes a look at five of the greatest occasions at the venue.

FOCUS ON THE LAWS: Erudite Springbok turned pundit Dawie Snyman is shining the spotlight on referees once again - this time about the capricious manner in which they apply breakdown laws.

WATCH as South Africa's Director of Rugby Rassie Erasmus delivers another classic speech.

NEWS: SA Rugby and Ghana Rugby reached a ground-breaking agreement to boost player welfare.

OPINION: Former two-time Junior World Cup-winning coach and Director of Elite Sport Mentorship Eugene Eloff is back with another cracking column for @rugby365com's readers.

SPOTLIGHT: Newly-elected World Rugby vice-chairman Bernard Laporte has urged defeated chairman candidate Agustin Pichot not to walk away from the sport following his tight election defeat.

REACTION: SA Rugby has moved swiftly to dismiss claims that the 2021 British and Irish Lions tour is in danger of being called off.

REACTION: New Zealand Rugby chairman Brent Impey says rugby in the Southern Hemisphere could be 'gone' if Bill Beaumont doesn't implement changes in his second term as World Rugby's boss.

NEWS: The World Champion Springboks have lost the services of their fitness guru.

TRANSFER NEWS: The Free State Cheetahs continue to bolster their ranks during this COVID-19-enforced lockdown period.

REACTION: SANZAAR has poured cold water on suggestion that South Africa will be shut out of future tournaments.

BREAKING NEWS: Springboks flank Pieter-Steph du Toit has not been offered any contractual deal from Top14 club Montpellier.

We're continuing to bring you some of the best tries ever scored, so sit back and enjoy. To make this list, the decibel metre needs to be off the chart.

SPOTLIGHT: The revolutionary World Nations Championship, involving the top tier of 12 teams in a global competition, is now right back on the agenda.

SPOTLIGHT: The Southern Kings players have not received their salaries for the month of April.

BRAINTEASER: John Gardener, a Rhodes scholar and rugby fanatic, has produced a crossword-style examination of your rugby knowledge.

SPOTLIGHT: Alex Shaw takes out his crystal ball and attempts to predict what the future holds for South African rugby.

WATCH as English backrow forward Carl Fearns revealed some bizarre footage after he revealed he was leaving Lyon after five years.

SPOTLIGHT: Rassie Erasmus, South Africa's Director of Rugby, believes that the Springboks now have the blueprint to retain their No.1 ranking.

SPOTLIGHT: A return to play document has been sent by Rugby Australia to the federal government, though it's unlikely the game will restart before July.

NEWS: The Bulls' new Director of Rugby Jake White has lured his first big name back to Loftus Versfeld.

REACTION: It was with some considerable disdain that so-called 'experts' reacted to @rugby365com's recent warning of a 'feeding frenzy' on World Cup Springboks.

REACTION: Bill Beaumont has promised 'global reform' during his second term as World Rugby Chairman.

Sit back and watch a collection of some of the greatest tries ever scored - including some amazing end-to-end tries.

SPOTLIGHT: Officials in the Eastern Cape will be watching developments in Pretoria with a keen eye.

INTERVIEW: If one person truly knows what it takes to beat the British and Irish Lions that is Springboks stalwart Tendai Mtawarira.

SPOTLIGHT: Mental health has always been an unspoken topic in rugby and amid the COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic it can become a tragedy.

SPOTLIGHT: New Zealand may have dominated Super Rugby for the last decade, but South African forwards proved to be the best 'travellers'.

REACTION: Former England captain Bill Beaumont was re-elected as World Rugby chairman on Saturday and immediately came under pressure to have the "courage" to make the big decisions.

SPOTLIGHT: In 2019, South Africa entered the World Cup final as underdogs.

SPOTLIGHT: Wales head coach Wayne Pivac has called for rugby's two hemispheres to align to form one global season.

NEWS: Wales scrumhalf Rhys Webb said on Thursday he was frozen out by Toulon's hierarchy, leaving him feeling bitter about his departure from the French club earlier this year.

BREAKING NEWS: The Bulls have lost the services of coach Pote Human with immediate effect.

When he had finished playing Boy Louw became a referee. As a player he went about with a Rugby Law Book in his pocket, believing that you played better if you knew the laws better. And straight after he had stopped playing, he joined the Western Province Referees; Society.

NEWS: Wallabies veterans Michael Hooper and Matt Toomua are set to meet with some of New Zealand’s top players next week to explore scenarios for trans-Tasman fixtures to be held later this year.

BREAKING NEWS: The powerbase of World Rugby will stay in the Northern Hemisphere!

NEWS: Cheetahs Strength and Conditioning Coach Quintin Kruger will be leaving the side at the end of May 2020 for a new career opportunity.

VIEW FROM DOWN UNDER: Dirk Baigent, an Austria-based reader, has penned an intriguing and thought-provoking column on five solutions how to make the proposed Nations Championship and global calendar work.

NEWS: Former Bayonne president Alain Afflelou has recounted the October 2013 sacking of Mike Phillips.

WATCH  the highlights reel of Springboks duo Cheslin Kolbe and Faf de Klerk shows size does not matter.

OPINION: Fresh from looking over the wing position and what makes for the prototype player, Alex Shaw's series attempting to build the perfect rugby player wraps up with an examination of the fullback position.

SUPER RUGBY SPOTLIGHT: The Stormers, like all teams, may not be able to have group sessions. However, they are going to great lengths to be an improved version when they do eventually return.

BRAINTEASER: @rugby365com's oracle Paul Dobson has come up with some real pearlers in the latest quiz. Can you get the 'royal flush'?

NEWS: More than a month after all rugby across New Zealand was postponed indefinitely, fans were still struggling to get ticket refunds for a game originally scheduled for this weekend.

SPOTLIGHT: Wallabies great Tim Horan has called for Pacific Island nations to be part of a new-look Super Rugby model, with their teams based out of cities in Australia and New Zealand.

NEWS: World Rugby's Chairman election has sparked yet another controversy, following reports that the announcement of the result has been brought forward.

UPDATE: French rugby authorities and club presidents reached agreement Thursday to cancel the 2019-2020 season and concentrate on ensuring the 2020-2021 campaign starts in September.

SPOTLIGHT: The World Rugby chairmanship election has further widened the gap between Northern and Southern Hemisphere.

NEWS: Things are not looking good financially for New Zealand Rugby.

NEWS: NMMU-Madibaz has been promoted to the Varsity Cup.

SPOTLIGHT: Steve Hansen has spoken out about the referee mistake that may have cost the All Blacks a chance at a series victory over the British and Irish Lions in 2017.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Wales coach Wayne Pivac said his players would "relish the opportunity" to play several Tests in quick succession.

REACTION: Mike Friday, the United States Sevens coach, warned Dan Leo not to use the sport as a political football.

SPOTLIGHT: Acclaimed @rugby365com writer Paul Dobson regale us with tales of Western Province and Springbok legend Boy Louw.

LISTEN as Stormers forwards coach Rito Hlungwani opens up about the challenges they face during the national lockdown - including a possible player exodus.

STAT ATTACK: There are a lot of talented and exciting players that never got the opportunity to play for their national team.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: New Zealander Dave Rennie said he was "gutted" at Raelene Castle's departure.

WATCH as All Blacks Jack Goodhue and Richie Mo'unga join #WeAreCanterbury's George Berry on this video chat.

A hilarious look at some of the funniest moments of the 2020 Six Nations campaign.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: The highest-paid rugby players in the world has been revealed.

INTERVIEW: Tom Vinicombe chatted to All Black Lima Sopoaga on why he left New Zealand in 2018 and forfeited the chance to play at a Rugby World Cup

OPINION: There is this trend to muster out the more senior members of the rugby community because they are regarded as 'superfluous'.

SPOTLIGHT: Players' Union boss Justin Harrison says a meeting between disgruntled former Test captains and a Rugby Australia board member wasn't about producing a magic cure.

NEWS: England prop Ellis Genge is aiming to set up a new players' union to "shake up the rugby scene" because he is dissatisfied with the way the issue of pay cuts was been handled during the coronavirus pandemic.

NEWS: Rugby’s position at the Olympic Games could be lost in the wake of the Francis Kean saga that has rocked the current World Rugby elections.

INTERVIEW: When people describe a player as 100 percent captaincy material, Francois Pienaar perfectly fits the mould, on and off the field.

NEWS: Rugby Europe has announced that they are supporting Bill Beaumont in his bid for re-election as World Rugby chairman.

NEWS: French rugby clubs were poised to declare their season over as they met on Wednesday to discuss their response to the country's latest coronavirus restrictions.

NEWS: New Zealand Rugby (NZR) and the five NZ Super Rugby franchises are undertaking a review of New Zealand’s Super Rugby model.

Have a look at a compilation of the biggest and heaviest players from around the world.

THE high demand for some 'real' rugby during these testing times moved the @rugby365com team to produce an equally amusing alternative - a virtual Tri-Nations tournament!

BRAINTEASER: @rugby365com's oracle Paul Dobson has outdone himself - gifting you a few answers. Can you finally wear the badge of honour?

NEWS: It is being widely rumoured that Scotland international Sean Maitland is to set to leave Premiership side Saracens and make a return to former club Glasgow Warriors.

NEWS: Japanese club Canon Eagles confirmed that Allister Coetzee has left his role as head coach.

NEWS: Professional football, rugby and other sports in France cannot resume until September, because of coronavirus restrictions, Prime Minister Edouard Philippe said on Tuesday.

TRANSFER NEWS: Johnny Kotze will be heading to Japan after the Bulls accepted his transfer request, according to South African media reports.

NEWS: This Wallaby veteran is reportedly out of Dave Rennie's plans.

Keke Morabe is one of South African rugby's promising rugby teenagers, the subject of much interest to rugby unions in South Africa.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: The bench press continues to occupy a uniquely macho seat in the pantheon of weight training disciplines, and professional rugby players are by no means immune.

NEWS: The extent of the bullying Raelene Castle was receiving during her time as Rugby Australia's CEO is being revealed.

A compilation of the most aggressive and feared players to have ever played the game. Who else do you think should make this list?

OPINION: We now come to the penultimate article in Alex Shaw's series attempting to build the perfect rugby player, with an examination of the wing position.

LISTEN as Welsh legend Maxwell Boyce reads this heavenly poem that captures the tone, the space and time in a way only he can.

SPOTLIGHT: Some are just born to lead.

NEWS: Midfielder Johnny Kotze and Super Rugby franchise the Bulls will not part ways just yet, his agency revealed.

You can never predict what some players will do with ball-in-hand. Here is a collection of some of the most outrageous skills.

DISCIPLINARY UPDATE: Controversial England prop Joe Marler will produce one of the game's 'great escapes'.

WATCH as three-times Super Rugby-winning coach Scott Robertson explains why he would like to coach World Cup-winning Springbok captain Siyamthanda Kolisi.

OPINION: @rugby365com editor Jan de Koning takes a look at what must be one of the most mind-boggling clauses ever imposed on Springbok players.

NEWS: Frustrated Premiership players are considering setting up a breakaway player union due to dissatisfaction over how the Rugby Players’ Association have acted during the coronavirus pandemic.

They've always said that rugby is played by gentlemen and this montage proves why.

SPOTLIGHT: A representative of the Rugby Australia board and the unhappy group of former Wallabies captains are set to meet next week.

Watch some of the most incredible and jaw-dropping long-range kicks of all time. Make sure you watch until the end to see some schoolboys kicking it long.

NEWS: There could be a huge twist in the race to become World Rugby chairman.

DISCIPLINARY UPDATE: Montpellier prop Mohamed Haouas, who picked up a three-week ban for punching in France's Six Nations match against Scotland, will be deemed to have served his sentence during the coronavirus lockdown.

BRAINTEASER: @rugby365com's oracle Paul Dobson keeps easing up on the adversity of the challenge, but can you actually pass the 50 percent mark?

REACTION: Gloucester Rugby revealed they are considering legal proceeding after they were effectively stiffed by a Springbok centre Rohan Janse Van Rensburg.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Usually studying a Super Rugby game plan at this time of year, Matt Toomua is instead helping plot a return to play in two months time.

NEWS: The Blue Bulls Company announced that its Chief Executive Officer Alfons Meyer will be leaving the company.

There are 3 Springboks in this Top 10 players of 2020 compilation. Are they in the correct spots though? Watch to see who else made the list.

OPINION: Retired Springbok Dawie Snyman has penned a perspicacious and enlightening column for @rugby365com, making bodacious suggestions - including 'yellow cards' for match officials.

OPINION: Following on from the examination of the inside centre position in Alex Shaw's series looking at building the perfect rugby player, we now move on to their midfield partners, the outside centre position.

DISCIPLINARY UPDATE: Springbok centre Rohan Janse van Rensburg has been fined and slapped with a ban for signing with two clubs.

REACTION: Rugby Australia's chairman complained Friday that the "dark forces" of online criticism had made life miserable for the organisation's first female CEO.

SPOTLIGHT: When, or if, rugby resumes one can surely expect a more 'involved' Stormers backline says assistant coach Dawie Snyman.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Former All Blacks coach Steve Hansen has spoken of the personal tragedy that helped drive him to Rugby World Cup success.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Bill Beaumont has promised to make international Rugby Union less of a 'closed shop' should he be re-elected as chairman of World Rugby.

NEWS: Clive Woodward has issued a ten-point plan to save rugby and reinforced the credentials of Agustin Pichot ahead of votes being cast next Sunday in the World Rugby chairman election.

WATCH as British and Irish Lions coach Warren Gatland talks about what makes a trip to South Africa a better option than travelling to New Zealand or Australia.

STAT ATTACK: Former Stormers centre Huw Jones produced Super Rugby's best individual performance of the decade.

WATCH as we take a trip down memory lane to bring you all the best of Joost van der Westhuizen at the Bulls.

SPOTLIGHT: Cheetahs coach Hawies Fourie admitted it is a 'challenge' to continue coaching during the COVID-19-enforced lockdown.

REACTION: Rugby Australia may claim she was the victim of 'bullies', but Raelene Castle's critics are not letting up.

SPOTLIGHT: Super Rugby's recent troubling record has various stakeholders longing for change.

NEWS: Rugby Australia chief executive officer Raelene Castle has resigned on Thursday in the latest twist in one of the code's most dramatic weeks.

OPINION: @rugby365com contributor Angus Opperman believes he has a solution to SANZAAR's Super Rugby conundrum.

NEWS: French rugby's plans to finish its current club season with a late play-off at the end of the European summer drew criticism from the president of reigning champions Toulouse.

INJURY UPDATE: It still remains very unclear when Springboks and Stormers flank Pieter-Steph du Toit will return to action from his injury.

Newport Rugby Club's Rodney Parade ground, first used for rugby in 1879, is now to be used as a testing ground in the fight against coronavirus.

Each year South African Rugby produces a South African book of the Laws of the Game. It's not a different text from World Rugby's text, but it has South African photographs.

SPOTLIGHT: RugbyPass columnist Ben Smith takes a look at how the Wallabies can benefit from the successful Springbok model.

Pro14 SPOTLIGHT: There may be no players from the Cheetahs or Southern Kings, but at least one Springbok is in line to make the Team of the Season.

OPINION: The latest in Alex Shaw‘s series looking at the make-up of the perfect rugby player shines a spotlight on the inside centre position.

SPOTLIGHT:  Ten years after head-butting All Black Jimmy Cowan, Bakkies Botha has claimed he would do the exact same thing.

INTERVIEW: He survived a tragic car accident and now is fully determined to shine in Scotland, Rugbypass writer Jamie Lyall interviews Jordan Venter.

TOP 14 NEWS: There will be no professional Rugby Union played in France before at least the end of August.

SPOTLIGHT: South Africa Rugby proposed revamped domestic competition kick-off date on June 5 seems more unrealistic now than ever. 

REACTION: Four former Wallabies captains have spoken out against a call by their counterparts to overhaul the leadership of Rugby Australia.

Just look at the impact on these players' bodies when they are tackled. It's so much fun to see players getting handed off or tackled hard, especially if it's payback.

BRAINTEASER: @rugby365com‘s oracle Paul Dobson has promised to make it easier. This will test your general knowledge.

BRAINTEASER: @rugby365com‘s oracle Paul Dobson has decided to test the readers' Test match knowledge.

NEWS: If any PRO14 rugby goes head in Ireland prior to September, it is likely to be behind closed doors.

INTERVIEW: Former Wallaby captain Phil Kearns says the financial backing and business smarts are there to revive the code if change occurs in head office.

SPOTLIGHT: RugbyPass analyst Ben Smith takes a look at one of the key aspects that could secure the British and Lions success in South Africa on their 2021 tour.

NEWS: The Blues and Chiefs have joined the Crusaders in making staff redundancies as the New Zealand franchises continue to grapple with the financial effects of the coronavirus.

CONTRACT NEWS: Argentina utility back Ramiro Moyano has signed a two-year contract extension with Toulon.

INTERVIEW: All Black lock Sam Whitelock has raised the prospect of rekindling New Zealand's historic North Island versus South Island derby if this year's Test schedule is cancelled.

OPINION: It’s been 17 years since Australia last hosted rugby’s blue-ribbon event in the form of the World Cup. 

UPDATE: South African Rugby announced on Tuesday huge budget cuts and the cancellation of several events in an attempt to combat the impact of the coronavirus pandemic.

REACTION: World Cup hero Nick Farr-Jones is thought to be behind a no-confidence letter delivered to Rugby Australia and signed by 11 former Wallabies captains.

NEWS: The Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium in Port Elizabeth and home of the Southern Kings has been identified as one of the COVID-19 quarantine sites in South Africa.

BREAKING NEWS: Fiji Rugby Union chairman and convicted killer Francis Kean has stood down amid accusations of homophobia and discrimination.

TRANSFER NEWS: Following Springboks Cobus Reinach's exit, Northampton Saints have signed Tom James from Doncaster Knights ahead of the 2020/21 Premiership season.

SPOTLIGHT: Rugby could return in the form of an Australian Super Rugby league in July, more than a month after the NRL's proposed May 28 resumption.

NEWS: The Crusaders have succumbed to the financial pressure caused by the coronavirus pandemic.

NEWS: European Professional Club Rugby have confirmed that an Ireland international has tested positive for two banned substances.

OPINION: The Cheetahs, much like the Southern Kings, can't be blamed for feeling like a proverbial stepchild in South African rugby.

Watch as we bring you some of the biggest tackles and hand-offs from around the world.

SPOTLIGHT: Leezil Hendricks takes a look at South Africa's new wunderkind.

NEWS: Ireland Rory Best believes that the COVID-19 suspension could be an opportunity for European nations to boost their chances at winning the World Cup.

On the afternoon of Tuesday, 21 April 2020, South African Rugby announced officially that all youth weeks for 2020 have been cancelled.

OPINION: The latest in Alex Shaw's series looking at the make-up of the perfect rugby player shines a spotlight on the flyhalf position.

Nigel Owens is one of the most respected referees in the world. Here's a compilation of some of the reasons why many look forward to seeing and hearing what he comes up with.

WATCH as England coach Eddie Jones calculates the challenges facing rugby after the global COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic.

NEWS: Rugby Australia boss Raelene Castle will resume broadcast deal talks after they were put on hold during the code's coronavirus-enforced shutdown.

WATCH incredible footage of a young 18-year-old Jonah Lomu in action during an All Blacks trial match way back in 1994.

REACTION: The Pacific Rugby Players Welfare group has made fresh allegations against Fiji's rugby boss and criticised his bid for a spot on World Rugby's executive committee.

Rugby Australia CEO Raelene Castle is treading carefully, but says efforts to resume with Tests and club rugby against New Zealand make "a lot of sense".

NEWS: World Rugby chairman candidate Agustin Pichot would take the British and Irish Lions to a global stage if he is elected.

WATCH as we bring you a timely reminder of just how brutal the 2021 series between South Africa and the British & Irish Lions could be.

NEWS: Senior players will take a significant pay cut after Rugby Australia and the Rugby Union Players' Association finally reached a resolution on an interim pay deal.

SPOTLIGHT: Gary Gold, the vastly experienced United States coach knows all about rugby's world-wide cash crisis.

WATCH as Kobus Wiese, the 1995 World Cup-winning Springbok lock, speaks about one of the game's most infamous punches.

WATCH as the Blue Bulls Company's new Director of Rugby gives and update on his plans to revive the ailing franchise.

NEWS: World Rugby’s election has taken yet another turn into the abyss as governing body are launching an investigating into convicted killer Fiji Rugby chairman Francis Kean. 

FLASHBACK: In a world without rugby, one has plenty of time for reflection and now we go back to 2009 when a South African stalwart was robbed of the highest accolade.

NEWS: South African Rugby Union Chief Executive Officer Jurie Roux is a 'hot commodity' in World Rugby.

REACTION: World Rugby chairman Bill Beaumont believes the "spirit of collaboration" the sport has witnessed in response to the coronavirus pandemic will lead to a new international calendar.

UPDATE: Springboks hooker Malcolm Marx remains optimistic despite being stuck in Japan during the coronavirus lockdown.

UPDATE: Planning can shift to a potential season resumption once drawn-out player pay-cut talks are finalised as expected on Monday.

WATCH as Stormers centre Jamie Roberts gives an update on how things are going on his side of the world.

NEWS: Twickenham has become the latest major sports stadium in Britain to be given a role in the fight against the coronavirus.

TRANSFER NEWS: French centre Mathieu Bastareaud has joined Lyon from American outfit Rugby United New York on a two-year deal, the Top 14 club said on Saturday.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Former All Blacks head coach Steve Hansen believes the top unions in rugby need to work together to secure the game's future.

OPINION: If the COVID-19 outbreak hadn't brought Super Rugby - and every other sporting competition worldwide - to a standstill, the Sunwolves would have got the farewell they deserved.

SOCIAL MEDIA SPOTLIGHT: Numerous Springbok stars have joined a campaign in South Africa to show support for frontline workers fighting COVID-19.

Watch as we count down the Top 10 fastest players of all time. It is undeniable that speed is one of the most important aspects of the game and these players have more gas than the average wing!

NEWS: Former World Under-20 champion Paul Jordaan announced his retirement from rugby at the age of 28.

NEWS: The Premiership could be poised to play host to a number of Australia’s leading international players on short-term deals next season.

SPOTLIGHT: Celebrated @rugby365com writer Paul Dobson takes a look at the remarkable history of lines on the rugby field!

SPOTLIGHT: Bill Beaumont believes it is a “distinct possibility” the international rugby calendar could be scrapped this year because of the coronavirus pandemic.

NEWS: All Blacks legend Dan Carter has played his last game in the Top League after taking to Instagram to admit his two-season stint in Japan is over due to the campaign-ending coronavirus outbreak.

NEWS: Wayne Pivac has revealed three players in his Wales squad were struck down by the coronavirus but have since successfully recovered.

OPINION: After concluding the forwards, Alex Shaw’s series looking at building the perfect rugby player moves to the backline - starting with an examination of what goes into making the prototype scrumhalf.

OPINION: The Southern Kings are arguably the most changed team in Super Rugby history - during both their formal stints.

SPOTLIGHT: While SA Rugby is relentlessly formulating plans to get a domestic season underway, they have to be vigilant not to neglect the women’s game.

It's almost inevitable that tempers will flare and punches will be thrown on the field. Here we look at some fights and furious moments from 2019/2020.

SPOTLIGHT: The irony of the vote to determine the next World Rugby chairman is the often-maligned Tier Two nations hold the balance of power to shape the game's future.

SPOTLIGHT: World Rugby's election has taken a murky turn with the support by France of executive committee candidate Francis Keen, a convicted killer.

BRAINTEASER: @rugby365com's oracle Paul Dobson has decided to 'ease up', after complains that the quizzes were 'too difficult' for the readers.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Dan Biggar has outlined the reasons why he is more than happy to keep testing himself in the Premiership rather than return to the PRO14.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Bans are something that receives a lot of attention these days in rugby, particularly due to how arbitrary and inconsistent they can be.

OPINION: We come to the final position in the pack in Alex Shaw's series looking at building the perfect rugby player.

When thinking about an enforcer on the rugby field, John "Bakkies" Botha is the industry standard. Let's relive some of his wildest moments.

No Craven Week Under-18, no Academy Week, no LSEN Craven Week, no Grant Khomo Week, no Girls Under-18 Week, no Girls Under-16 Week, no Under-13 Craven Week - it looks as if they are set to be officially cancelled, victims for 2020 of the coronavirus.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: SANZAAR has selected a South African Super Rugby team of the decade based on statistics.

NEWS: He may not be the most popular player, but England captain Owen Farrell showed what a team man he can be.

NEWS: One of rugby football's most famous grounds, Cardiff Arms Park, has been converted into a hospital to help in the fight against the coronavirus.

Paul Bayvel, who played scrumhalf for Transvaal (now the Golden Lions) and South Africa, has died at his home in Hout Bay. He was 71 years of age.

NEWS: The All Blacks accepted a pay freeze on Thursday as NZ's players' association said it was preparing for the nightmare scenario of no more professional rugby this year.

REACTION: The election promises will fly thick and fast in the next few weeks - in the build-up to the face-off between Bill Beaumont and Agustin Pichot.

NEWS: Champions Saracens have asked all employees earning over £75,000 (US$94,000) to defer payment of their salaries until the start of the 2020/21 season.

SPOTLIGHT: Agustín Pichot has made his first, bold, move ahead of next month's World Rugby elections.

REACTION: The big guns of the game looks set to move swiftly to claim their portion of World Rugby Chairman Bill Beaumont's relief fund.

There's nothing quite like picking off a pass and racing away to score for your team. Here are some of the great intercept tries by some of the best players to have played the game.

BOK RANKINGS: The Springboks picked up another World Cup title not too long ago and there has been a lot of debate about where Rassie Erasmus' team is ranked amongst the best in the modern era.

INTERVIEW: SANZAAR Chief Executive Andy Marinos talks about what plans are in place for the resumption and Super Rugby and the Rugby Championship.

NEWS: French giants Toulouse have unveiled a revised format for the 2020/21 Champions Cup.

NEWS: Clermont chief Eric de Cromieres suggested on Tuesday the Top 14 season was over.

NEWS: World Rugby has confirmed the nominations for the positions of Chairman and Vice-Chairman.

SPOTLIGHT: Cash-strapped Rugby Australia is set to benefit from a World Rugby relief fund, while the Wallabies could face a compressed 13 Test-schedule through a proposed revision of the international calendar.

SPOTLIGHT: A try-scoring machine

Watch as we get some entertainment from the men tasked to make key decisions during a match. There's some funny chats and some solid hits on the referees. 

NEWS: Rugby in New Zealand has received a NZ$7.3 million boost from the nation’s government under its wage subsidy scheme.

OPINION: The players the Springboks simply cannot be without for the British & Irish Lions tour.

ANALYSIS: Conor Wilson takes a closer look at the Springboks' edge defence and the play that cost England in the Final.

SPOTLIGHT: SANZAAR has relentlessly been working to ensure both this year's Super Rugby and the Rugby Championship will go ahead.

INTERVIEW: Rugby Australia has drafted a number of models for potentially rescheduled domestic and Test matches as they prepare for a 'worst-case scenario'.

OPINION: The Sharks, the pace-setting team in the now-suspended SANZAAR showpiece, must rate as the most successful team never to have won Super Rugby.

TRANSFER TALK: Australian Jono Lance is reportedly in ‘advanced talks’ about a switch from the Premiership to the PRO14.

SPOTLIGHT: Former British and Irish Lions captain Willie John McBride has lambasted Warren Gatland’s proposal for the Lions to face the All Blacks in a one-off match prior to their 2021 tour of South Africa.

SPOTLIGHT: Vice-chairman Augustin Pichot has made is very clear that World Rugby won’t hand any financial relief to cash-strapped SANZAAR nations.

NEWS: This year's Rugby Championship could be hosted in one country.

RUGBY FROM THE BUNKERS: Former two-time Junior World Cup-winning coach and Director of Elite Sport Mentorship Eugene Eloff is back with another jim-dandy column for @rugby365com‘s readers.

BRAINTEASER: @rugby365com‘s oracle Paul Dobson has dug into the representative archives to make it 'easier' for the readers.

Springboks James "Bullet" Dalton and Keith Andrews sit down over a cold one to chat about The Battle of Tucuman. As you will see, there was no such thing as handbags back then.

NEWS: Scotland's top-earning rugby players have been asked to take a pay cut amid fears of £12 million ($15 million) losses due to the coronavirus pandemic.

NEWS: The 2021 British and Irish Lions tour to South Africa has suddenly taken on even more financial importance for SA Rugby.

NEWS: Rugby Australia and the players' union are inching closer to an agreement on an interim pay deal, but at least one Super Rugby team received some pay relief on Tuesday.

SPOTLIGHT: Former Argentina scrumhalf Agustin Pichot has been formulating new ideas to modify the landscape of World Rugby.

NEWS: A leading French rugby official has issued a chilling warning about the financial impact of COVID-19.

NEWS: An anticipated Easter resolution to the pay talks between Rugby Australia and the players' union hasn't happened.

SPOTLIGHT: Bill Beaumont has pledged an independent review of World Rugby’s governance after being challenged in his bid to remain as chairman.

NEWS: This England international is retiring due to a lack of an opportunity to prove his quality.

WATCH as Springbok Gcobani Bobo and a few friends delve into the best Super Rugby format.

SPOTLIGHT: It was obvious that there would have been - as there is every four years - a massive clean-out (or exodus) of top players after a World Cup year.

OPINION: The latest in Alex Shaw’s series looking at the make-up of the perfect rugby player shines a spotlight on the blindside flank position.

TRANSFER NEWS: Two-time World Cup-winning Springbok Francois Steyn has signed a deal with Pro14 side Cheetahs.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Former Springbok loose forward Joe van Niekerk claims that rugby should stop punishing players who take recreational drugs.

Watch Pierre Spies do what he does best - be destructive. Here are some of his most dangerous carries.

OPINION: Head coach Eddie Jones has suggested as little as 40 percent of the current crop of England players will be on hand for the World Cup in France in 2023.

SPOTLIGHT: When the Lions returned to Super Rugby in 2014, they introduced a new group of 'no-name brand' players to the game in South Africa.

BRAINTEASER: @rugby365com‘s oracle Paul Dobson has dug into the World archives to make it 'easier' for the readers.

SPOTLIGHT: South Africa Rugby has reportedly formulated a radically modified schedule to save the season following suspension due to the COVID-19.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Aside from  Nigel Owens of Wales, Jaco Peyper of South Africa is another top-flight referee not yet ready to hang up his whistles.

SPOTLIGHT: Wallabies legend Tim Horan has offered up his five-point plan to save Australian rugby.

NEWS: One of the more outspoken and open governing figures from recent times, Argentina’s Agustin Pichot, has announced a bid to run for World Rugby chairman.

WATCH as we go back down memory lane to revisit one of the darkest days of SA Rugby.

NEWS: Rugby Australia (RA) chief executive Raelene Castle has responded to suggestions that incoming Wallabies boss Dave Rennie will abandon ship.

NEWS: Former England coach Clive Woodward has asked serious questions about the RFU’s recent decision to award Eddie Jones a contract extension.

NEWS: The stalemate between Rugby Australia (RA) and the players' association (RUPA) over wage negotiations continue, with the two parties failing to reach an agreement on Saturday.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: A former Springbok looks back at the nightmare that was Kamp Staaldraad.

TRANSFER NEWS: Gloucester revealed that Jonny May will be rejoining the Club from July 1st.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Wales referee Nigel Owens makes a U-turn as he postponed retirement from top-flight refereeing.

WATCH as Quade Cooper causes another stir with his seemingly limitless passing ability.

WATCH as one man selects his ultimate "isolation XV" in a very unique way.

OPINION: The latest in Alex Shaw's series looking at the make-up of the perfect rugby player shines a spotlight on the openside flank position.

NEWS: South African Rugby Players Organisation unanimously voted to collectively pursue further negotiations with other stakeholders amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

NEWS: Bristol centre Will Hurrell retired on Friday after suffering a probable stroke following an English Premiership match earlier this season.

NEWS: Italian rugby bosses on Friday agreed to voluntary cuts in salaries and payments for senior federation members.

NEWS: England’s historic tour of Japan may be pushed back three months to October if their two tests in July are cancelled due to coronavirus.

NEWS: Rob Penney has been stood down without pay according to Australian media reports.

NEWS: Wasps confirmed that current interim Head Coach, Lee Blackett, has been appointed as the club’s full-time Head Coach.

SPOTLIGHT: Whatever new competition World Rugby and other organisations are drafting make sure it's a fan-friendly experience says former Wales coach Warren Gatland.

BRAINTEASER: @rugby365com's oracle Paul Dobson has dug into the archives for some really testing questions.

NEWS: Australian rugby needs to be selfish and take a hard look at its involvement in Super Rugby, says former Wallabies skipper Stephen Moore.

SPOTLIGHT: With props and hookers now in the books, Alex Shaw's series now moves on to the locks, arguably the position that has seen the largest evolution of all in the modern era.

WATCH as Stormers team up with various artists and local celebrities to record a tribute video of Johnny Clegg's 'The Crossing'.

NEWS: Australian players are set to take some of the biggest coronavirus induced pay cuts in the game.

NEWS: Welsh Rugby Union becomes the latest organisation in Europe to implement pay cuts.

NEWS: One of England's top teams is set to order their Springboks back north as a Premiership completion plan will be unveiled.

NEWS: European Professional Club Rugby (EPCR) chairman Simon Halliday has expressed annoyance at being blindsided by Bernard Laporte’s idea to set up a Club World Cup.

SPOTLIGHT: Rugby Australia boss Raelene Castle has promised to take another 15 percent pay cut in a bid to break the deadlock in talks with the country's players.

TRANSFER NEWS: South African Jannes Kirsten has signed a contract extension with Premiership leaders Exeter Chiefs.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: South Africa head coach Jacques Nienaber is not allowing COVID-19 pandemic to disrupt his plans of keeping Springboks on top of world rugby.

NEWS: Wales midfielder Jamie Roberts is putting the Super Rugby season suspension to good use by volunteering to help the National Health Service (NHS) during the coronavirus pandemic.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: There are just some wins that are so much sweeter.

Cometh the moment, cometh the man. Here are 15 of the most memorable kicks to have been witnessed on the playing field.

NEWS: English Premiership chiefs on Wednesday indefinitely suspended the 2019/20 season due to the coronavirus pandemic but said they were committed to finishing the campaign.

Sit back and watch some of the funniest rugby bloopers to have ever happened on a rugby field.