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OPINION: South Africa suffered a narrow 11-12 defeat to England in London on Saturday.

OPINION: England got their November Test Series off to a good, albeit nerve-wracking, start with a 12-11 victory over South Africa at Twickenham.

OPINION: An inexperienced All Blacks side have emerged unscathed after a 69-31 victory over Japan at Ajinomoto Stadium in Tokyo.

REACTION: Warren Gatland has told Australia his Wales side will improve even further when they face the Wallabies in Cardiff next Saturday after launching their November campaign with a 21-10 victory at home to Scotland.

REACTION: The Springboks will have a lot of work to do ahead of their Test match against France in Paris next weekend.

NEWS: Two Springboks are amongst a group of five players nominated for the prestigious 2018 World Rugby Player of the Year Award.

REACTION: England coach Eddie Jones backed Owen Farrell to avoid being cited for a dangerous tackle that could rule him out of next week's clash with New Zealand.

INJURY UPDATE: Outside back Nehe Milner-Skudder is to miss the Māori All Blacks matches against Brazil and Chile after hurting his shoulder in Saturday’s All Blacks Test against Japan.

INJURY UPDATE: The Springboks could be without the services of star lock Eben Etzebeth for the rest of their European tour.

MATCH REPORT: Rising star Jordan Larmour scored a hat-trick as Six Nations champions Ireland outclassed Italy 54-7 in their November Series international at Soldier Field on Saturday.

NEWS: All Blacks wing Julian Savea has reportedly flipped his car in France after falling asleep at the wheel.

VIDEO: England's 12-11 win over South Africa might have only one try but it delivered some very controversial moments.

MATCH REPORT: Power and promise from the Maori All Blacks proved too much for the US Eagles who were beaten 22-59 at Chicago's Soldier Field on Saturday.

REACTION: A Jordie Barrett charge down may have been the biggest blunder in New Zealand’s emphatic win over Japan at the Ajinomoto Stadium in Tokyo, but head coach Steve Hansen wasn’t about to lay the blame on his fullback’s shoulder.

MATCH REPORT: England kicked off their November Test Series with a narrow 12-11 win over South Africa at Twickenham on Saturday.

NEWS: South Africa wing Cheslin Kolbe has signed a new contract with Toulouse keeping him at Stade Ernest-Wallon until 2023, the club announced on Sunday.

MATCH REPORT: Wales became the first winners of the Doddie Weir Cup as they beat Scotland 21-10 in Cardiff on Saturday.

MATCH REPORT: Flyhalf Richie Mo'unga sparked a second-string All Blacks side to a 69-31 victory over plucky Japan in Tokyo on Saturday.

TOP14 WRAP: Barnstorming All Blacks wing Julian Savea finally scored his first try for Toulon on Saturday as the three-time European champions ended a run of three successive defeats.

SQUAD UPDATE: Test veteran Tatafu Polota-Nau will link with the Wallabies in Wales ahead of their three-Test tour of Wales, Italy and England this month.

MATCH REPORT: A three-try burst midway through the first half guided Connacht to a comfortable 33-12 win against the Dragons in the PRO14.

MATCH REPORT: Ulster managed to record a 15-10 win over Benetton Rugby at the Stadio Monigo on Saturday.

Eben Etzebeth wants to be part of more "magic" with the Barbarians when he joins the world famous invitation side taking on Argentina on December 1.

TRANSFER NEWS: Springbok and Sharks utility back Curwin Bosch has signed a short-term deal a Japanese side Munakata Sanix Blues, the club confirmed.

NOVEMBER SPOTLIGHT: With just eight games remaining before the World Cup, the four-match year-end tour is crucial to South Africa's cause at Japan 2019.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Ash Dixon has been named as captain of the Maori All Blacks alongside 10 debutants for their match against USA in Chicago on Saturday.

NOVEMBER SPOTLIGHT: Ireland return to the scene of one of their greatest victories on Saturday, as the Six Nations champions face Italy at Chicago's Soldier Field in a one-off Test.

NOVEMBER TEST SPOTLIGHT: Warren Gatland has warned Wales to be "mentally on our game" when they meet Scotland after the build-up to Saturday's match was dominated by an off-the-field furore.

YEAR-END INTERNATIONALS: @rugby365com's acclaimed writer Paul Dobson takes a look at the opening match of South Africa's tour to Europe.

Ben Smith looks into the precarious financial position Australia finds itself in and what it would be left if South Africa exits from (SA)NZAAR.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Mike Ford admits it's humbling to help Germany's part-timers prepare for their once-in-a-lifetime chance to qualify for the 2019 Rugby World Cup.

REACTION: Ivan van Zyl will start just his second Test match after being named at scrumhalf for South Africa's opening November international against England at Twickenham.

REACTION: All Blacks coach Steve Hansen praised Dane Coles on Thursday after the inspirational hooker fought back from nearly a year on the sidelines to headline a second-string side against Japan.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Japan captain Michael Leitch said that the Brave Blossoms are capable of pulling off a shock victory over the mighty All Blacks.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: The International Rugby Players ‘Try of the Year 2018 have been announced ahead of the World Rugby awards on November 25.

PRO14 REPORT: Niko Matawalu sprang off the Glasgow Warriors bench to register a hat-trick of tries to help secure his side five points in a 29-20 away win at Ospreys.

PRO14 REPORT: Edinburgh weathered a resilient Scarlets performance to leapfrog their rivals into second place in Conference B with a bonus-point 31-21 win at Murrayfield.

WELSH-SCOTTISH MATCH-UPS: The return of the Pro14 was marked by a number of eye-catching results and thrilling finishes, none more so than Rory Scannell's match-winning penalty against Glasgow

INJURY UPDATE: England suffered a late injury blow ahead of the Test match against the Springboks at Twickenham on Saturday.

You can spend a week with the Barbarians in a documentary filmed around last November’s classic match against New Zealand at Twickenham Stadium.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Ireland revealed their team to play Italy at Soldier Field in Chicago on Saturday.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENTS: New Southern Kings recruit Stefan Ungerer will get a starting berth when the side takes on PRO14 defending champions, Leinster, in their Round 8 clash at the Nelson Mandela University’s Madibaz Stadium on Sunday.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENTS: Cheetahs have made one change to their starting XV for the Pro14 match against Munster on Sunday in Bloemfontein.

SUPER RUGBY SQUAD ANNOUNCEMENTS: Thirty-three new faces feature among the 190 professional players contracted by New Zealand's five FRANCHISES for the 2019 season.

OPINION: With the year-end internationals just days away, RugbyPass' Alex Shaw sat down and put together a current 'World XV'.

LISTEN as the @rugby365com team delve into the reasons behind the logistics of the @Springboks team announcement and how it depreciated the Currie Cup Final.

TRANSFER NEWS: Hisa Sasagi has signed for Saracens on a short-term deal.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Adapting to the Northern Hemisphere weather conditions will be a massive challenge for the Springboks says Bulls-bound loose forward Duane Vermeulen.

PROMOTION-RELEGATION REPORT: The Free State Cheetahs on Tuesday retained their spot in the 2019 Currie Cup Premier Division.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: England coach Eddie Jones made some significant changes to the team to face South Africa in the first Test of the year-end internationals, at Twickenham Stadium on Saturday.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Japan have tweaked their starting XV for Saturday's Test against the All Blacks in Tokyo on Saturday.

South Africa's Marius van der Westhuizen was recently dropped from World Rugby's elite panel of referees and the reason given in the media recently has suggested that his fitness has been called into question.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus made seven changes to the starting 15 for the team that will face England at Twickenham on Saturday.

INJURY UPDATE: South African hooker Bismarck du Plessis has joined Montpellier's growing list of casualties.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Every year November is accompanied with some moustaches all in the name of charity.

Great southern competitions have ended and now it is time for the November window to open a crack for Test rugby. It's not yet fully open but there are some matches on the go, including England vs South Africa, a match that first happened at Crystal Palace in 1906.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Wales have named two uncapped players in their 23-man squad for their opening November Test series clash against Scotland.

NEWS: Centre Jonathan Danty, back row Wenceslas Lauret and lock Sebastien Vahaamahina sat out France's public training session at Marcoussis.

TRANSFER NEWS: Zebre boosted their backline stocks with former England Under-20 centre Jamie Elliott.

DISCIPLINARY UPDATE: After weeks of dispute and confusion, England centre Alex Lozowski has been handed a four-week ban.

PRO14 SPOTLIGHT: Munster, minus 24 frontline players, will face a vastly improved Cheetahs team in Bloemfontein on Sunday.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: World champions New Zealand on Thursday named two uncapped players among a second-string starting line-up for this weekend's Test with Japan in Tokyo.

REACTION: Springbok lock Franco Mostert will formally sign in at Gloucester on Thursday, but he won't feature in any of their teams at the weekend.

TRANSFER NEWS: Following Quade Cooper's contract, Wallaby prospect and former Reds utility back Campbell Magnay has also opted to sign a deal with the Melbourne Rebels for the 2019 Super Rugby season.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: England's Mike Brown has been dropped for the first time in the Eddie Jones era.

NEWS: Wayne Pivac will be leaving the Scarlets at the end of the season to take over as Wales head coach following the 2019 World Cup.

SPOTLIGHT: There is a good reason why New Zealand remains the leading light in the game. They always look for ways to improve and evolve.

TWICKENHAM SPOTLIGHT: Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus believes he will get some answers to pressing questions this week.

SQUAD ANNOUNCEMENTS: Junior Springbok coach Chean Roux invited two squads of 74 Under-19 and Under-18 players for assessment camps in Stellenbosch in November and January with an eye on preparing for next year’s World Rugby U20 Championship in Argentina.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Head Coach Gregor Townsend welcomed several experienced Scotland players back into the starting line-up for this Saturday’s opening November Test match against Wales at the Principality Stadium in Cardiff

NEWS: Wales Gethin Jenkins will bid farewell to his illustrious rugby career after this Sunday's PRO14 clash with Zebre at Cardiff Arms Park.

NOVEMBER TEST SPOTLIGHT: Johnny Sexton will again pull the strings when Ireland take on the All Blacks on November 16.

SQUAD UPDATE: France coach Jacques Brunel's priority might be the search for a consistent halfback partnership, however, the coach has been forced to switch his pack.

WATCH what is a very special moment for a group of Japanese children, as they go through some skills and drills with the #AllBlacks, it's even better to see the joy on all their faces

With news of Bernard Foley’s re-commitment to Rugby Australia, Wallabies fans can breathe a short sigh of relief.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: The Springboks could come up against a familiar face when they take on England at Twickenham on Saturday.

TRANSFER NEWS: Sale Sharks confirmed that they have signed flyhalf Robert Du Preez from South African team the Sharks.

OPINION: The Sharks are 2018 Currie Cup champions and their players dominate our Team of the Tournament.

CURRIE CUP REACTION: Poor line-out execution and questionable positional changes were the just some reasons why the Western Province failed to retain the Currie Cup.

NOVEMBER TEST SPOTLIGHT: England coach Eddie Jones has brought in former captain Will Carling as a leadership mentor in a bid to increase players’ pride in their country.

INTERNATIONAL SPOTLIGHT: Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus face a few interesting selection posers for the start of his team's year-end tour.

CURRIE CUP PROMOTION-RELEGATION: Coach Franco Smith has named the strongest possible team to defend the Free State Cheetahs' Currie Cup status.

NEWS: Ireland has been hit with injury blows over two of their most experienced backs.

SQUAD ANNOUNCEMENT: Kenya are hoping to clinch the final place at the 2019 Rugby World Cup in next month's playoff tournament, coach Ian Snook said.

INJURY UPDATE: The Southern Kings have been dealt a double blow on the back of the side's spirited 34-41 defeat to the Scarlets in last Friday's Pro14 Round Seven match at the Madibaz Stadium.

NOVEMBER SPOTLIGHT: Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus confirmed that Franco Mostert will not be considered for the match at Twickenham, which is the fourth meeting this year between the two countries.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: The All Blacks are getting a 'free ride' from referees says Wallabies legend, Phil Kearns

TRANSFER NEWS: Wallabies prop Allan Alaalatoa has extended his stay at the Brumbies for a further four years.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: New Zealand coach Steve Hansen has called for a four-month offseason to avoid player burnout.

OPINION: Two very different finals between the divisions with an exciting blowout in the first and a brutal tussle in the second.

TRANSFER NEWS: Saracens hooker Christopher Tolofua will return to his native France next season after signing a three-year deal with Toulon, the Top 14 club said on Monday.

NEWS: SA Rugby Under-21 Championship-winning Golden Lions coach, Bafana Nhleko, will join SA Rugby’s coaching ranks on a long-term basis as the Junior Springbok assistant coach after signing a four-year contract.

England has been battling a number of injury issues heading into the year-end internationals and their hopes of starting November well have taken another blow.

NEWS: France coach Jacques Brunel's priority for the November Test matches will be to find a consistent halfback partnership, he said on Monday.

SQUAD ANNOUNCEMENT: Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus was true to his promise, to include few Currie Cup final surprises in his year-end tour squad.

BLEDISLOE CUP REACTION: All Blacks coach Steve Hansen had little sympathy for Wallaby hooker Tolu Latu, who was sinned binned during their encounter match in Japan.

NEWS: New Zealand hooker Dane Coles is fighting fit for his return to the All Blacks side this weekend against Japan, but he has ruled out taking the captain's armband.

SQUAD ANNOUNCEMENT: Adam Ashley-Cooper is back with the Wallabies.

VIDEO: The Sharks have produced another song and dance to celebrate a successful weekend in Cape Town.

OPINION: Wallabies' 20-37 defeat to the All Blacks adds to extra pressure on the under-fire head coach Michael Chieka ahead of the November Test series.

NEWS: The Southern Kings welcomed the arrival of scrumhalf Stefan Ungerer and prop Nicolaas Oosthuizen on Monday.

TOP14 WRAP: Toulon's dreadful start to the season continued with a 9-13 loss at home to La Rochelle on Sunday which left them second-bottom in the Top 14, while Bordeaux brushed aside Lyon.

BLEDISLOE CUP REACTION: The Wallabies did not hide their disappointment after yet another loss to Trans-Tasman rival the All Blacks.

OPINION: All Blacks solidified their supremacy over their trans-Tasman rivals the Wallabies with an impressive 37-20 win in Japan.

SQUAD ANNOUNCEMENT: Ireland head coach Joe Schmidt has unveiled a 26-man squad that will travel to Chicago to take on Italy on Saturday.

After refereeing the Currie Cup Final at Newlands on Saturday, Jaco Peyper is to have another do-or-die match on Tuesday, the promotion/relegation in Bloemfontein between the Free State and the South Western Districts Eagles.

TRANSFER NEWS: All Blacks star Ben Smith is France-bound after the Rugby World Cup according to French media reports.

SQUAD UPDATE: Harlequins back James Lang has been added to the Scotland squad for the 2018 November Tests.

CURRIE CUP REPORT: The Sharks are the new champions of the domestic scene in South Africa, with one player claiming a unique double.

CURRIE CUP REACTION: The Sharks' Currie Cup win could only be a good omen for their 2019 Super Rugby campaign believes head coach Robert du Preez.

A game of skill, stamina, and strength, rugby might only have a big following in a few countries, but its worldwide appeal is still infectious.

CONFIRMED: The Bulls have finally managed to secure a high-profile player for their 2019 season.

TOP 14 WRAP: Greig Laidlaw kicked 16 points as Clermont thrashed reigning champions Castres 41-6 on Saturday.

MATCH REPORT: Japan fell just short of completing a late comeback against a star-studded world select side on Friday as the 2019 Rugby World Cup hosts went down 28-31.

WATCH as World champions New Zealand crush old foes Australia 37-20 in Japan on Saturday - to complete a 3-0 Bledisloe Cup series whitewash.

INJURY UPDATE: France will have to contest the upcoming November Tests without Morgan Parra, after the Clermont scrumhalf pulled out with a wrist injury.

DISCIPLINARY UPDATE: Saracens and England centre Alex Lozowski's prospects of playing against South Africa at Twickenham next weekend remained uncertain after he won one disciplinary appeal and lost another.

PRO14 REPORT: Cheetahs claimed their first win of the season, after a brace from Sibahle Maxwane helped his side overcome Cardiff Blues 21-10 in Bloemfontein.

REPORT: Rory Scannell's incredible last-gasp penalty completed a remarkable comeback for Munster in the Pro14's 2000th match.

REPORT: Leinster bounced back from their European Cup loss last week to stretch their lead at the top of the Pro14 Conference B.

CURRIE CUP FINAL SPOTLIGHT: Western Province are taking a big risk by playing Damian Willemse at No.12 in Saturday's Currie Cup Final at Newlands in Cape Town on Saturday.

WATCH as Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus talks about his plans with his overseas-based players on the year-end tour and addresses the Franco Mostert conundrum.

MATCH REPORT & HIGHLIGHTS: Auckland have secured the NPC title with a dramatic 40-33 extra time victory over Canterbury at Eden Park.

NEUTRAL GROUND: The All Blacks have the chance to secure a 3-0 Bledisloe Cup clean sweep for 2018 when they take on Australia in Yokohama, Japan on Saturday.

TRANSFER NEWS: Springboks hooker Schalk Brits has finally confirmed that he signed a contract with the Stormers.

.MATCH REPORT: It was the same old trans-Tasman tale as the All Blacks marched to a 37-20 win over the Wallabies in Japan.

CURRIE CUP FINAL: The match marks the ninth time the sides battle it out for the title since 1984.

CURRIE CUP FINAL SPOTLIGHT: Sharks head coach Robert du Preez is banking on his loose forwards to help his team get a physical edge in Saturday's Currie Cup Final against Western Province.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Springbok wing Aphiwe Dyantyi has been nominated as one of three candidates for World Rugby’s Breakthrough Player of the Year Award for 2018.

MATCH REPORT & HIGHLIGHTS: Waikato have ensured their stay in the Championship was as short as possible with a thumping 36-13 win over Otago in the final to move back to the top tier NPC in 2019.

MENTAL BATTLE: Eddie Jones is claiming England will try and avoid too many damaging "collisions" with the Springboks at Twickenham on November 3.

NEWS: French rugby clubs are set to enter a bidding war in the new year in an attempt to lure All Black flyhalf Beauden Barrett following the Rugby World Cup in 2019.

PRO14 REPORT: Dan Evans went over with the final play of the game to give Ospreys a dramatic 22-17 win over Connacht at Morganstone Brewery Field.

TOP 14, WEEK EIGHT: Facing the team that toppled European champions Leinster won't impress Perpignan in France's Top 14 this weekend, Toulouse forwards coach William Servat warned.

PRO14 REPORT: Stuart McCloskey’s second-half double was enough to quell a Dragons fightback and secure a first Pro14 win in four for Ulster.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENTS: The Cheetahs are highly-motivated to get their first victory of the season when they face Cardiff Blues on their home ground in their PRO14 match.

PRO14 REPORT: Carlo Canna shone as Zebre roared back from a 13-point deficit to humble Edinburgh in Parma.

PRO14 REPORT: A much-changed Scarlets side came storming back in the second half against the Southern Kings to claim an impressive Pro14 win in Port Elizabeth.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Its seems like Wallabies head coach Michael Cheika is walking the similar path as Manchester United coach Jose Mourinho believes Steve Hansen.

WATCH as South African Rugby Union President Mark Alexander talks about transformation - from grassroots to the national team.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: The Rugby Football Union (RFU) could appoint an Englishman without any international experience as England head coach.

NEWS: Top 14 outfit Toulon will be parting ways with France captain Guilhem Guirado at the end of the season, the club's president Mourad Boudjellal said on Friday.

NEWS: Christian Wade, the third highest try-scorer in English Premiership history, announced his retirement from the sport at the age of 27 - amid rumours of a move to the NFL.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Yet another high-profile official has turned down an approach from the Blue Bulls Company.

BACK ON THE DOMESTIC SCENE: Two captivating rounds of European are now done and dusted as the Pro14 flies back into view this weekend with a full schedule of games.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Sharks head coach Robert du Preez has made two changes to his starting team for Saturday's Currie Cup Final in Cape Town on Saturday.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Western Province head coach John Dobson has opted to utilise Damian Willemse in the midfield for the Currie Cup final against the Sharks on Saturday.

TRANSFER NEWS: Newcastle Falcons have announced the signing of flank John Hardie.

NATIONAL PROVINCIAL CHAMPIONSHIP FINAL: Watch as Join Rikki chats to TJ Faiane and Mitchell Drummond ahead of this weekend's Premiership Grand Finale at Eden Park.

At Newlands on Saturday, there are three finals - Under-19, Under-21 and Currie Cup.  It is important to know how winners are determined in the event of a draw in any one of these finals.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENTS: While Southern Kings coach Deon Davids will be able to field a largely unchanged team, his Scarlets counterpart, Wayne Pivac, will be without 12 players - all on international duty.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Sonny Bill Williams was lined up to play his 50th Test on Saturday as the All Blacks named a strong team for the third Bledisloe Cup Test against Australia in Japan.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT:  The Wallabies have lost the services of one of their key players ahead of the final Bledisloe Cup Test of 2018.

Currie Cup Final! It is the Currie Cup Final this weekend in the 129-year-old competition, always a highlight in South African rugby.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Where there's smoke, there's fire. It is a verbalism that may well hold true for the latest grapevine dispatches surrounding the Bulls coaching saga.

In this #SpecialEdition @rugby365com welcomes back @pauldelport9 and @APetoors10 to look at the @TheCurrieCup #Final and year-end tour selections.

DISCIPLINARY UPDATE: New Zealander Jerome Kaino's appeal against his five-week suspension had been denied.

TRANSFER NEWS: Australian hooker John Ulugia will remain with Clermont for one more season after signing a one-year extension with the Top 14 club.

DISCIPLINARY NEWS: England centre Alex Lozowski will miss the opening November Test against Springboks following EPCR's decision to extend the suspension.

POOL DRAW: The South African Sevens team will get the start of the World Series title off to a tough start.

CURRIE CUP SPOTLIGHT: Jaco Peyper, a 38-year-old Bloemfontein lawyer, will be refereeing his fourth final on Saturday - the fourth out of 57 finals.

DOWN MEMORY LANE: Every final of the Currie Cup was special. Every one had stories that could be told about it. Every one had men who became heroes.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: The World XV that will play Japan this Friday has been named.

NEWS: The Blue Bulls Company confirmed that assistant coach Gary Botha has decided to pursue a career outside of rugby and will be leaving Loftus at the end of the junior season.

NEWS: Munster has managed to hold onto one of their star players.

England is planning a major overhaul - with the introduction of guaranteed in-season breaks - for players as part of the structure for the next three seasons.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: The Springboks are literally turning up the heat in their build-up to the year-end tour.

OPINION: A number of players rose to the occasion in last weekend's Currie Cup semifinals in Durban and Cape Town.

On this podcast, Scotty Stevenson & Mils Muliaina chat to Graham Henry about his thoughts of this generations players.

SQUAD ANNOUNCEMENT: Conor Murray's failure to play any rugby so far this season saw the scrumhalf omitted from the 42-man squad named by Ireland coach Joe Schmidt for the November Tests.

NEWS: The Free State Cheetahs will field their "strongest" and "best available" team in their promotion-relegation game against the South Western District Eagles.

NEWS: Prop Joe Moody has re-signed with the All Blacks and Crusaders until 2022, New Zealand Rugby said Thursday.

NEWS: The ECPR have rejected Saracens Alex Lozowski’s request to switch games in his recent two-week ban.

NEWS: Ulster revealed that Jean Deysel will retire from professional rugby, with immediate effect.

CURRIE CUP SPOTLIGHT: Western Province centre Ruhan Nel knows that his team will face a difficult task trying to contain the Sharks' danger men in the Currie Cup Final.

SUPER RUGBY NEWS: One of the most iconic sporting venues will provide a historic backdrop for three of the Waratahs' eight home matches in 2019.

BLEDISLOE CUP THREE: New Zealand's dominance is beginning to wear thin on Australian veteran Will Genia.

TRAINING CAMP UPDATE: Lionel Mapoe will join the Springbok training squad in Stellenbosch as injury cover for Lukhanyo Am.

DISCIPLINARY NEWS: Mercurial England flyhalf Danny Cipriani was handed a three-week ban.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: The diminutive Kolbe was always going to be up against the odds to establish a test career – it is all too easy to write him off based on his small physical stature.

SARU has announced the dates and venues of seven Youth Weeks in 2019 and  the initial fixtures  at four of the weeks.

SQUAD ANNOUNCEMENT: The Queensland Reds are pleased to confirm their squad for the 2019 Super Rugby season.

CURRIE CUP SPOTLIGHT: Sharks assistant coach Nick Easter said quite a few lessons were learned after his team's last meeting with Western Province.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: The British and Irish Lions appeared to be the biggest losers following Tuesday's announcement of a revamped English domestic season which confirmed the combined side face a shortened trip to South Africa in 2021.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: The mystery surrounding the status of Springbok lock Franco Mostert deepened on Sunday.

NEWS: Wales coach Warren Gatland has returned to New Zealand following the death of his father, the Welsh Rugby Union announced Tuesday.

CURRIE CUP NEWS: Jaco Peyper will referee his fourth Currie Cup Final in seven seasons when Western Province host the Sharks at Newlands in Cape Town on Saturday.

INJURY UPDATE: Centre Wesley Fofana and forward Bernard Le Roux will miss France's upcoming November internationals through injury, with Yoann Huget and Felix Lambey called up as replacements.

CURRIE CUP SPOTLIGHT: Josh Stander was excellent in the No.10 jersey for Western Province in the league phase of the Currie Cup and he probably should have started in the semifinal against the Blue Bulls.

BLEDISLOE CUP THREE: Consistency is the new buzzword in the Australia camp, as they build up towards their encounter with New Zealand in the International Stadium, Yokohama, on Saturday.

NEWS: Wallabies and Waratahs star fullback Israel Folau has signed a new deal with the teams that will run through 2022, Fairfax media reported Wednesday.

Wales have called up an extra player as cover for Rhys Patchell for the November Internationals.

INJURY UPDATE: With Michael Willemse sidelined due to injury the Southern Kings were forced to announced a new captain for their Pro14 match against Scarlets on Friday, October 26.

NEWS: The Melbourne Rebels have finally confirmed the signing of Wallaby flyhalf Quade Cooper.

With Joe Schmidt’s Ireland contract set to run out at the end of the 2019 World Cup, there has been much speculation over his future.

The semi-finals began on Friday night with Tasman repelling Canterbury's advances with some stonewall defence.

UPDATE: Bath's controversial plea to have their European Champions Cup tie against Toulouse replayed has been rejected, officials announced Tuesday.

BLEDISLOE CUP SPOTLIGHT: New Zealand will be aiming to inflict a Bledisloe Cup whitewash on struggling Australia and lay down a marker for next year's World Cup when the fierce trans-Tasman rivals face off in Japan at the weekend.

UPDATE: Danny Cipriani is to face a disciplinary hearing in Paris on Wednesday after being sent off in Gloucester's European Champions Cup loss away to Munster last weekend.

INJURY UPDATE: Western Province lost another scrumhalf to injury ahead of their Currie Cup Final against the Sharks at Newlands on Saturday.

Jaco Peyper is not new to the final, as it is his fourth, but it is always a huge honour for anybody appointed to this match.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Wallaby flyhalf Quade Cooper has finally broken the silence following his exile from the Queensland Reds courtesy of Brad Thorn.

The November window is open for women as well as men in the North. Altogether 15 women's Tests will be played in that time.

CURRIE CUP REACTION: The Sharks nearly paid a heavy price for their second-half lapse during their 33-24 Currie Cup semifinal win against the Golden Lions at Kings Park on Saturday.

NEWS: A former England No.8 known for his try-scoring antics and an ‘oldschool’ physique has hung up his boots in his native New Zealand.

WATCH as Blue Bulls Currie Cup coach Pote Human attempts to clear up the confusion surrounding the appointment of a new Super Rugby mentor.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: The Jack Goodhue and Sonny Bill Williams midfield combination has been temporarily put on hold, with illness set to keep Goodhue out until the All Blacks play England next month.

The Scarlets, minus the internationals who link up with Wales, head to South Africa in readiness for Friday's clash, against Southern Kings, as the focus returns to the Pro14.

Former Wales captain and hooker Matthew Rees has opened up about the ill-fated appointment of former Hurricanes coach Mark Hammett at the Cardiff Blues in his new book, Matthew Rees: Reasons2Smile.

SQUAD NEWS: Aside from Springboks captain Adriaan Strauss and World Cup winners Andy Ellis and Ma’a Nonu, head coach Robbie Dean has included three current All Blacks in the World XV squad.

VIDEO: The Sharks' changing room is a very strange place.

CHAMPIONS CUP REACTION: Gloucester coach Johan Ackermann said he believes the game has lost 'empathy' in the wake of the sport's latest controversial red card decision.

CURRIE CUP REACTION: Defending champions Western Province are ready to 'raise the bar' one more time to go back-to-back.

REACTION: A case of too many blue shirts may have caused some red faces among European rugby chiefs following an extraordinary kit clash during Cardiff's Champions Cup match against Glasgow on Sunday.

REACTION: European rugby chiefs have said they will apologise to Cardiff and Glasgow over the extraordinary kit clash that marred Sunday's Champions Cup clash in the Welsh capital.

Former Munster and Irish utility back Simon Zebo has taken to Twitter to issue a public apology to fullback Michael Lowry after taunting him during the act of scoring a try in Racing’s 44-12 win over Ulster.

CHAMPIONS CUP REPORT: Four-time European Cup winners Toulouse dealt a setback to Leinster's Leinster's reign as Euro kings when the French side that came out on top with a 28-27 at Stade Ernest Wallon.

CHAMPIONS CUP REPORT: Glasgow Warriors bounced back from a defeat to Saracens last week to claim a bonus-point victory away to Cardiff Blues in their Pool Three encounter.

CURRIE CUP REPORT: The Sharks survived a second-half fightback from the Golden Lions to win their semifinal 33-24 and advance to this year's Currie Cup Final.

A new potential suitor has emerged as talks of Beauden Barrett’s post World Cup future heat up.

CURRIE CUP REPORT: It took extra time to separate Western Province and the Blue Bulls in an epic Currie Cup semifinal at Newlands in Cape Town on Saturday.

It is unheard of in the modern game. Spectators not being charged to attend a major domestic Final.

CHAMPIONS CUP REPORT: Wasps’ fought back from being 7-21 down at half-time to claim a 35-35 draw at the Ricoh Arena against Premiership rivals Bath.

CHAMPIONS CUP REPORT: Two-time champions Saracens comfortably beat Lyon 29-10 at Allianz Park to put themselves in the driving seat of Pool Three in the Champions Cup.

WATCH as Springbok captain Siyamthanda Kolisi is awarded an Honours Blazer at his former school - Grey High in Port Elizabeth.

NEWS: The South African Rugby Union has taken the drastic measure of suspending a union, because of its dire financial situation.

CHAMPIONS CUP REPORT: Edinburgh put in a blistering performance to defeat Toulon 40-14 at Murrayfield in a Champions Cup Pool Five.

SQUAD ANNOUNCEMENT: South Africa received a timely boost, ahead of the Springboks' year-end tour.

NEWS: Wallaby coach Michael Cheika has a new headache ahead of Australia's year-end tour - starting with the third Bledisloe Cup clash against New Zealand in Japan.

CHAMPIONS CUP REPORT: Castres Olympique pulled off a famous win at the Stade Pierre-Fabre, as they beat Exeter Chiefs 29-25 after playing almost half the match with 14 men.

CHAMPIONS CUP REPORT: Newcastle Falcons flank Callum Chick scored an 89th minute try as they defeated Montpellier 23-20 in a bruising Pool Five clash at Kingston Park.

NATIONAL PROVINCIAL CHAMPIONSHIP WRAP: Auckland will host Canterbury next Saturday for the first time in a provincial Final, after a professional 38-17 Premiership semifinal victory over Wellington at Eden Park.

CHAMPIONS CUP REACTION: Barnstorming Manu Tuilagi reminded England coach Eddie Jones of his abilities, as two-time winners Leicester reignited their title bid with a 45-27 win over Scarlets on Friday.

CHAMPIONS CUP NEWS: Bath have taken the unprecedented step of writing to European Champions Cup organisers calling for their 20-22 pool defeat by Toulouse to be replayed because of "negligence" by the match officials.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Eddie Jones hopes Owen Farrell and Dylan Hartley can follow the example of Australia greats George Gregan and John Eales after naming the pair as England's co-captains for the November internationals at Twickenham.

NEWS: England and Wasps wing Christian Wade has decided to pursue an American football career in the NFL.

WATCH as a Western Province fan entertains the players with his own brand of commentating.

CHAMPIONS CUP REPORT: Munster ran in five tries as they defeated Gloucester 36-22 in a thrilling Champions Cup Pool Two clash at Thomond Park.

CURRIE CUP SPOTLIGHT: Western Province head coach John Dobson is expecting the Blue Bulls to show some improvement in the scrums in their Currie Cup semifinal at Newlands on Saturday.

CHAMPIONS CUP REPORT: The 2017/18 Champions Cup finalists Racing 92 put on an attacking masterclass to defeat Ulster 44-12 in a Pool Four clash at the Paris La Defense Arena.

NEWS: Michael Cheika has the full backing of Rugby Australia through to the World Cup next year, Chairman Cameron Clyne said Friday, easing pressure on the beleaguered Wallabies coach.

NEWS: French Top 14 side Toulouse have appealed the five-week suspension handed to New Zealander Jerome Kaino for a dangerous tackle on Bath player Jamie Roberts.

CHAMPIONS CUP REPORT: Leicester Tigers ended a run of five consecutive Champions Cup defeats with a 45-27 bonus-point victory over Scarlets at Welford Road on Friday.

NEWS: Francois Louw’s future at Bath Rugby seems anything but clear, with the club admitting they’ve yet to make a decision on the Springbok.

CHAMPIONS CUP SPOTLIGHT: Barn-storming France centre Mathieu Bastareaud makes a welcome return for three-time champions Toulon when the struggling Top 14 giants bid to resurrect their faltering season.

EURO GIANTS GO HEAD-TO-HEAD: Toulouse and Leinster, the two most successful clubs in the history of European club rugby with eight elite titles and 318 tournament matches between them, will meet this weekend in a heavyweight clash.

CURRIE CUP SEMIFINAL: At Kings Park, the Sharks will be determined to build on their 37-21 victory against the Golden Lions in a repeat of this match in the pool stages, but they will be wary of underestimating the visitors.

CURRIE CUP SEMIFINAL: In Cape Town, defending champions Western Province will have their sights set on earning their first home final since 2014 when they face the Blue Bulls in their semifinal at Newlands.

REACTION: Michael Cheika defended the Wallabies coaching team after a miserable season as he prepared for another tough assignment against the All Blacks next week in Japan.

NEWS: David Pocock has capped his stellar return to international rugby by claiming the John Eales Medal at the 2018 Rugby Australia Awards at Randwick Racecourse on Friday.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Munster head Johann Van Graan is expecting Gloucester Danni Cipriani to be the difference between victory and defeat when the two sides meet on Saturday.

SQUAD ANNOUNCEMENT: England head coach Eddie Jones has named a 36-man squad to prepare for their opening November clash against the Springboks.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Springboks flyhalf Elton Jantjies has urge SA Rugby to pay more attention to the Currie Cup.

NEWS: Lions defence coach Joey Mongalo's court case got underway in Sydney this week.

TRANSFER NEWS: South African and former Southern Kings flank Chris Cloete opted to extend his deal with Irish Pro14 side Munster.

NATIONAL PROVINCIAL CHAMPIONSHIP REPORT: For the 10th time in 11 years Canterbury will contest the Final of New Zealand's premier domestic crown - after coming from 6-13 down at half-time to beat Tasman 21-16 in Nelson.

REACTION: Fiji wing Alivereti Raka and South African lock Paul Willemse were thwarted in their attempts to be included in France's November Test squad on Wednesday after they were told they need to wait until they have their French passports in their hands.

NEWS: Northampton Saints announced that Courtney Lawes has extended his contract with the club.

NEWS: Malakai Fekitoa is set for a sensational switch to the Premiership, with Wasps to land the All Blacks centre according to reports

SQUAD ANNOUNCEMENT: Head coach Gregor Townsend named three uncapped players in a 40-man Scotland squad for the 2018 November Tests.

EXCLUSIVE: Springbok captain Siya Kolisi grew up watching the late Solomzi "Solly" Tyibilika in Zwide and was motivated by the ex-Springbok to be an inspiration to that area.

CURRIE CUP SPOTLIGHT: The completion regulations for the Currie Cup and other SARU competitions are written down but may well be filed away and remain pretty well unknown.

REACTION: Danny Cipriani was labelled England's "third-choice flyhalf" by coach Eddie Jones as he explained why he had left the in-form playmaker out of his squad.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Sharks coach Robert du Preez made a couple of significant changes to his team for their Currie Cup semifinal showdown with the Golden Lions in Durban on Saturday.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: The Golden Lions have a number of Springboks back for their Currie Cup semifinal showdown with the Sharks in Durban on Saturday.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Blue Bulls coach Pote Human made a number of changes ahead of the Currie Cup semifinal encounter with Western Province at Newlands on Saturday.

SQUAD ANNOUNCEMENT: Three uncapped players were named Thursday in the Wallabies squad to face the All Blacks in next week's third Bledisloe Cup Test in Japan, where Sekope Kepu is set to make his 100th appearance

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: There are four changes and a positional switch to the Western Province starting line-up for the Currie Cup semifinal against the Blue Bulls at Newlands on Saturday.

The Currie Cup in South Africa has reached the semifinal stage with Marius van der Westhuizen and Egon Seconds to referee them. Division 1 has reached a final with Cwengile Jadezweni to referee it.

LISTEN as the @rugby365com team looks at some of the strangest rugby games to take place.

CURRIE CUP SPOTLIGHT: Sharks centre Jeremy Ward says the combination of Robert du Preez at No.12 and Curwin Bosch at No.10 gave the Sharks a 'new dimension' on attack against Griquas.

NEWS: The Waratahs will play three Super Rugby matches in Western Sydney in 2019.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: There are only a few minutes to play. Toulouse are leading Bath by two points - 22-20 and then Freddy Burns blows a golden opportunity to win the match.

NEWS: The Wallabies' experienced flyhalf Bernard Foley has rebuffed foreign offers and opted to stay in Australia ahead of next year's Rugby World Cup.

NEWS: The Cheetahs have added two new players to their squad.

DISCIPLINARY UPDATE: Saracens centre Alex Lozowski has been suspended for two weeks which is good news for England.

UPDATE: Injury-hit England's problems intensified Thursday when Wasps No.8 Nathan Hughes was given an extended six-week ban, missing three November Tests, after slamming a disciplinary hearing as a "joke" on Twitter.

YOUTH OLYMPICS REACTION: South African Under-18 Sevens coach Marius Schoeman said his charges will take valuable lessons from the Youth Olympic Games in Argentina where they went down in the bronze playoff on Monday.

CURRIE CUP NEWS: The Golden Lions are set to be boosted by the return of two Springboks to their matchday squad for their Currie Cup semifinal against the Sharks in Durban on Saturday.

NEWS: Former Highlanders captain Nasi Manu has been diagnosed with testicular cancer.

SQUAD ANNOUNCEMENT: France coach Jacques Brunel has summoned debutant Demba Bamba and recalled Louis Picamoles to his squad announced Wednesday for November Tests against South Africa, Argentina and Fiji.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Western Province head coach John Dobson is sitting with a few selection conundrums any coach would love to have.

INJURY UPDATE: England were dealt a further injury blow ahead of their November Test series against South Africa, Australia and New Zealand.

SQUAD ANNOUNCEMENT: Wales have named two uncapped players in their 37-man squad for the forthcoming November international series.

NEWS: Experienced Super Rugby trainer Phil Healey has been named to join the Blues with coaches Tana Umaga, Tom Coventry and Leon Macdonald.

INJURY UPDATE: Former captain Chris Robshaw has been ruled out of England's November Tests after undergoing knee surgery.

TRANSFER NEWS: Australia legend George Smith has signed a contract extension with Bristol, the English Premiership side announced.

DISCIPLINARY UPDATE: Two-time World Cup winner Jerome Kaino was handed a five-week suspension on Wednesday for a dangerous playing for Toulouse in last week's European Champions Cup clash against Bath.

OPINION: Players from Western Province and the Sharks dominate our Currie Cup Team of the Week for Round Eight.

NEWS: Hopes of Pacific Island Super Rugby team seem to be dwindling as World League negotiations put a cloud over the future of Super Rugby.

EXCLUSIVE: Springbok captain Siya Kolisi took some of his free time to speak about the Springbok revival and his softer side that not many get to see.

SQUAD ANNOUNCEMENT: The chance to pick Akira Ioane came as a surprise to NZ Maori head coach Clayton McMillan

INJURY UPDATE: The Blue Bulls were dealt another cruel blow in the build-up to their trip to Cape Town this week.

NEWS: Connacht and the IRFU announced that Ireland international Quinn Roux has signed a two-year contract extension up to the end of the 2020-21 season.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: The number of Anti-Doping Rule Violations at schoolboy level is "alarming".

NEWS: Backline stars Damian de Allende and Sergeal Petersen both claimed two awards at the 2018 WPRFU Awards evening.

NEWS: The Queensland Reds back row has been bolstered by flank Adam Korczyk putting pen to paper to remain at Ballymore next season.

NEWS: The Blue Bulls Rugby Union's coaching 'short-list' has just become even shorter.

NEWS: The Wallabies will wear an indigenous-themed jersey when they face England at Twickenham next month, the first time they have donned the kit overseas in tribute to the role Aborigines play in rugby.

NEWS: Luke Jones will be returning to the Melbourne Rebels in 2019 for two seasons, following a two-year spell in France with Bordeaux.

INJURY UPDATE: Montpellier pair Nemani Nadolo and Henry Immelman have been sidelined for several weeks after respective injury setbacks, the French Top 14 club announced Tuesday.

CURRIE CUP SPOTLIGHT: The Blue Bulls can expect a more determined and ruthless Western Province outfit when they go head-to-head in the semifinal at Newlands on Saturday.

NEWS: The Brumbies have added young prop Vunipola Fifita to their 2019 Super Rugby squad, completing their 39-man roster for the new season which will begin on Friday, February 15 against the Rebels at GIO Stadium.

INJURY UPDATE: La Rochelle's Australian forward Lopeti Timani will be out for at least six months after rupturing knee ligaments in the European Challenge Cup, the Top 14 club said on Tuesday.

NEWS: The True nature of England coach Eddie Jones' injury concerns were revealed on Monday.

REACTION: The Sharks have been in fine form with only one Currie Cup defeat en route to the semifinals.

SQUAD ANNOUNCEMENT: Stand-out Top 14 wings Semi Radradra and Josua Tuisova headline Fiji's 30-man squad named Tuesday for November Tests against Scotland, Uruguay and France.

NEWS: Scotland not only have to rely on a new scrumhalf, the side will also be without lock Richie Gray for the November Test Series.

It's time for the Currie Cup semifinals this weekend - at Kings Park and Newlands.

DISCIPLINARY UPDATE: Former All Blacks loose forward Jerome Kaino has been cited following his side Toulouse's win over Bath.

OPINION: The 2018/19 Champions Cup opened up on Friday in emphatic fashion, with reigning champions Leinster putting Wasps to the sword in Dublin, in a landslide 52-3 victory.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: All Black coach Steve Hansen produced a real bolter when he named the replacement for injured loose forward Sam Cane.

NPC SUNDAY WRAP: With only two weeks to play in the domestic season, finalists and semifinalists have been confirmed across New Zealand's National Provincial Cup.

OPINION: The final round of the regular season threw up some trying weather for teams to navigate one of the most stressful weeks of the competition.

REACTION: Saracens were left counting the cost of a hard-fought victory in Glasgow on Sunday and England coach Eddie Jones, about to name his squad for the November Tests, might share their pain.

CHAMPIONS CUP REACTION: Bath fullback Freddie Burns apologised after a showboating blunder cost his team a winning try as Toulouse claimed a 22-20 victory in the European Champions Cup on Saturday.

CURRIE CUP REACTION: Blue Bulls coach Pote Human was left scratching his head after his team's horror show in a 40-minute game against Western Province at Loftus Versfeld on Saturday.

NEWS: Springbok coach and SA Rugby Director of Rugby Rassie Erasmus is part of a four-man committee tasked with appointing the new Bulls coach.

NEWS: Wallabies forward Lukhan Tui has made a decision ahead of the upcoming November tour.

Sam Warlow introduces new All Black Dalton Papali'i to the world - at least those who have not seen him in action for Auckland in the National Provincial Championship.

CURRIE CUP REACTION: Western Province head coach John Dobson said his team will not be complacent as they head into this year's Currie Cup play-offs.

CHAMPIONS CUP REPORT: Newcastle Falcons pulled off one of the biggest shocks in European rugby history to beat RC Toulon at Stade Mayol 26-25 in the opening round of the Champions Cup.

CHAMPIONS CUP REPORT: The 2018 Challenge Cup winners Cardiff Blues continued their superb form on the road as they defeated Champions Cup debutants Lyon 30-21 at Matmut Stadium de Gerland.

CHAMPIONS CUP REPORT: A shocking blunder by fullback Freddie Burns has cost Bath their opening game of the European Champions Cup against Toulouse at the Rec.

CHAMPIONS CUP REPORT: Mike Rhodes scored the sole Saracens try as the two-time Champions Cup winners defeated Glasgow Warriors 13-3 at Scotstoun Stadium.

CHAMPIONS CUP REPORT: Exeter Chiefs and Munster Rugby’s Pool 2 match finished in a 10-all draw, after a thrilling contest between the two sides at Sandy Park.

EXCLUSIVE: Former All Blacks flyhalf, Stephen Donald, opens up about the toughest opponents he faced during his International and Super Rugby career.

CHAMPIONS CUP REPORT: Montpellier overcame a late scare to defeat Edinburgh Rugby 21-15 at the Altrad Stadium.

CHAMPIONS CUP REPORT: An impressive inspired second-half performance gave Ulster Rugby a convincing 24-10 win over two-time European champions Leicester Tigers at the Kingspan Stadium.

CURRIE CUP REPORT: The Golden Lions eased into the play-offs with a bonus-point 33-21 win over the Pumas in Nelspruit on Friday.

CHAMPIONS CUP REPORT: 2018 Champions Cup finalists Racing 92 took a 14-13 away victory from Llanelli thanks to a late penalty try in their Pool 4 opener against Scarlets.

CHAMPIONS CUP REPORT: Gloucester returned to Europe’s elite club competition after five years out, by beating Top 14 champions Castres Olympique 19-14 at a wet and windy Kingsholm Stadium.

NPC SATURDAY WRAP: The Otago Razorbacks have written another dramatic chapter in the long history of the Ranfurly Shield with a tense 23-19 victory over Waikato in Hamilton.

NEWS: The Blue Bulls Rugby Union are still looking for a new CEO, but at least they have certainty about their President.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Rassie Erasmus, Michael Cheika, Warren Gatland and even Steve Hansen all have plans to use the November Test window as preparation for the World Cup, however, England coach Eddie Jones refuse to follow the stream.

CHAMPIONS CUP REPORT: Leinster sent a strong message to the rest of Europe: 'You want the title? Come and get it.'

CURRIE CUP SPOTLIGHT: Blue Bulls head coach Pote Human said his decision to select Ivan van Zyl ahead of Embrose Papier in his team to face Western Province was based on experience.

CURRIE CUP REPORT: The Sharks' amplified their superiority with a comfortable 41-11 win over the Griquas on Saturday.

RUMOUR MILL: This week there were some very interesting rumours coming from the hosts Jim Hamilton and Andy Goode.

CURRIE CUP MATCH: Western Province upheld their unbeaten record with a 34-7 win over the Blue Bulls at Loftus Versfeld in Pretoria

New Zealand international Dane Coles made his long-awaited return from injury for Wellington in the NPC on Friday.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: The Western Province Rugby Football Union clubs will go to the polls in November and their choice appears to be as simple as Turkeys voting for Christmas.

INJURY UPDATE: England and Wasps second row Joe Launchbury will miss the November Test Series after undergoing knee surgery.

MATCH REPORT & HIGHLIGHTS: Wellington put the full stop on Taranaki's season of misery, dooming them to relegation to the NPC next season, as a result of their 34-10 win at Yarrow Stadium in New Plymouth.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: The investigation into the protracted stand-off between Stormers assistant coach Paul Treu and his colleagues appears to be coming to a head.

REACTION: Gloucester coach Johan Ackermann is confident he will have Springbok lock Franco Mostert in his camp early next month.

NEWS: Former Springboks and Bulls hooker Adriaan Strauss will captain the World XV for their match against Japan on October 26 at Osaka's Hanazono Rugby Stadium.

CHALLENGE CUP REPORT: Byron McGuigan scored a hat-trick as Sale Sharks came through a hot-tempered European Challenge Cup opener at Perpignan with a 41-24 triumph.

NEW BEGINNINGS: Leinster kick off the defence of their European Champions Cup title with a tricky home tie against Wasps on Friday.

OPINION: The dust has hardly settled on the Rugby Championship and already we are turning our attention to the year-end internationals.

UPDATE: It is likely that Nathan Hughes will now spend significantly longer on the sidelines as a result of a Tweet.

World Rugby has announced the referees for their Sevens Series for men and women.

FINAL ROUND SCRAMBLE: The scramble for play-off spots and the remaining home semifinal will reach fever pitch this weekend as the pool stages of the Currie Cup comes to a dramatic conclusion in the presence of several returning Springboks.

EXCLUSIVE: The dust has settled on the Rugby Championships and while initial thoughts were that the All Blacks would walk the competition, those thoughts are now a thing of the past as the Springboks proved to be worthy opponents.

Montpellier and Fiji winger Nemani Nadolo will have an extended period on the sidelines to have knee surgery.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Wasps received some great news ahead of their Champions Cup opener against defending champions Leinster Rugby.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: It seems like it won't be long until the rugby fraternity finally see who is the best between the Northern hemisphere and Southern hemisphere countries thanks to the new "league of nations".

IN THE NEWS: Springboks head coach Rassie Erasmus has included Schalk in his Barbarians side.

LISTEN as the @rugby365com team unpacks final round of the @SanzarTRC and look towards the year-end tour selections.

EXCLUSIVE: Stephen Donald who famously kicked New Zealand to the 2011 World Cup title after joining the squad before the semi-finals, believes the Springboks are back.

NPC REPORT: The Tasman Mako will have their home Premiership semifinal after a professional 29-0 shutout of the Hawke’s Bay Magpies at Nelson’s Trafalgar Park.

REACTION: The Blue Bulls Company’s search for a new Chief Executive Officer continues.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Western Province head coach John Dobson has revealed his team to face the Blue Bulls in Pretoria.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: The Pumas will have a new captain when they take on the Golden Lions in Nelspruit on Friday.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Blue Bulls coach Pote Human has named four returning Springboks for their big north-south Currie Cup crunch match - but it is at scrumhalf where he made the most interesting selection.

DISCIPLINARY UPDATE: Gloucester Lewis Ludlow has been handed a four-week suspension for stamping and trampling Wasps' Elliot Daly.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Golden Lions coach Ivan van Rooyen wasted no time in calling up a couple of returning Springboks.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Sharks head coach Robert du Preez has made a number of changes to his team to face Griquas in Kimberley on Saturday.

DISCIPLINARY UPDATE: Highlanders and Canterbury prop Daniel Lienert-Brown received five-week suspensions for headbutting an opposition.

NEWS: The Queensland Reds have continued to bolster their coaching staff for 2019 with the appointment of Peter Ryan as defence coach.

INJURY UPDATE: New Zealand hooker Dane Coles is set to make his long-awaited return following months on the sidelines due to an injury.

OPINION: South Africa may have closed the gap, dramatically, but the 2018 Rugby Championship was still a one-horse race.

UPDATE: Nathan Hughes will have to wait a week to find out if he can play in any of England's November internationals.

World Rugby has announced the referees appointed to the 45 international matches to be played in November - 45 matches, 90 teams, 2070 players. It is time to watch great action from players and smart action from match officials.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: The Griquas have made three changes to the starting XV for Saturday's Currie Cup match against the Sharks.

UPDATE: Ulster flank Matthew Rea has been banned for four weeks.

NEWS: Thirteen Springboks who were part of the squad for the last two Tests in the Rugby Championship, against Australia and New Zealand, were released for Currie Cup duty.

NEWS: Adam Ashley-Cooper could play at a fourth World Cup with the Wallabies.

TRANSFER NEWS: Bulls and former Stormers utility back Johnny Kotze has signed a short-term deal with Pro14 team Ospreys.

CONTRACTING NEWS: The Blue Bulls Company finally confirmed the news that has been in the media headlines for some time. BlitzBok Rosko Specman has been signed until 2020.

TRANSFER NEWS: Despite interest from various high-profile clubs, one of the world’s best scrumhalves Conor Murray has opted to remain in Ireland.

INJURY UPDATE: The Southern Kings returned home from their 5-28 defeat to Benetton in Treviso, with an additional three injury concerns.

SQUAD ANNOUNCEMENT: South African-born Johan Meyer and New Zealander Jimmy Tuivaiti were called up by Italy rugby coach Conor O'Shea for the first time ahead of upcoming November Internationals.

EXCLUSIVE: World Cup-winning All Blacks flyhalf Stephen Donald shares his thoughts on the Rugby Championships and more specifically, the Springboks.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Munster Rugby head coach Johann van Graan believes the European Champions Cup is "quite possibly" the biggest competition in the world after the Rugby World Cup.

NPC MATCH REPORT: Auckland is back atop the standings after a comfortable 56-8 victory over winless Southland in Invercargill.

NEWS: Under-fire Michael Cheika is contemplating whether to exclude Leicester Tiger duo Matt Toomua and Tatafu Polota-Nau from his November Test Series squad.

OPINION: Ben Smith takes a look at the question of who should take over injured Sam Cane's mantle as the All Black openside flank.

NEWS: Bristol Bears have identified All Black loose forward Victor Vito as a perfect acquisition to Pat Lam's Premiership team.

INJURY UPDATE: Montpellier's South African playmaker Johan Goosen will be out of action for "at least two months".

NEWS: Benetton Treviso and Zebre Rugby have secured their future in the PRO14 until at least 2023.

INJURY UPDATE: Australia prop Tom Robertson will undergo surgery next week after scans confirmed he has ruptured the anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee.

REACTION: The omission of a young Welsh star from Warren Gatland’s 60-man pre-Rugby World Cup year gathering has caused quite the stir.

Theuns Briers, a great Springbok wing in his playing days has died at just over 89 years of age.

INJURY UPDATE: Blue Bulls fans may have to wait a little bit longer to see Paul 'Tier' Schoeman in action.

INJURY UPDATE: Wales will be without one of their key players during the November Internationals.

INJURY UPDATE: Marland Yarde’s hopes of breaking into the England squad for the 2019 Rugby World Cup have suffered a major setback.

REACTION: Wasps Director of Rugby Dai Young speaks about what the future holds for Springbok fullback Willie le Roux at the Premiership club.

NEWS: The Golden Lions may have been boosted by the arrival of a quartet of Springboks, but injuries remain a major stumbling block.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Former Junior Springbok an Lions scrumhalf, Marco Jansen van Vuren has joined the South Africa Rugby Sevens Academy.

CHAMPIONS CUP SPOTLIGHT: Gloucester coach Johan Ackermann feels Gloucester is ready to go to the next level in Europe.

TRANSFER NEWS: Glasgow Warriors have signed Petrus du Plessis from London Irish on a deal until the end of the season.

INJURY UPDATE: New Zealand's impressive 32-30 win over South Africa was accompanied with a massive injury blow.

OPINION: The Premiership called time on its first block of fixtures of the season this past weekend, as all 12 teams now turn their attention to European competition for the next two weeks.

All Black Liam Messam was red-carded in Toulon’s loss to Montpellier in the Top 14 after this cheap shot on centre Yvan Reilhac.

RUGBY CHAMPIONSHIP REACTION: South Africa coach Rassie Erasmus believes his team can win the 2019 Rugby World Cup in Japan after their dramatic 30-32 loss to New Zealand in Pretoria Saturday.

CURRIE CUP SPOTLIGHT: Western Province will look to build on their momentum when they head to Loftus Versfeld to take on the Blue Bulls in the final round of the league phase of this year's Currie Cup.

TRANSFER NEWS: Sale Sharks have signed former Wasps loosehead prop Tom Bristow from Narbonne.

WATCH as England prospect and Harlequins flyhalf Marcus Smith's missed penalty produced a remarkable try for teammate Joe Marchant.

THIS WEEK'S VIDEO HIGHLIGHTS: In a truly incredible round of rugby, the NPC placings are almost set for 2018.

NEWS: There is no change to the positions of the leading nations in the World Rugby Rankings after this weekend’s final round of The Rugby Championship.

ANALYSIS: This one will be painful for the Springboks to watch back.

MATCH REPORT: Springbok centre Francois Venter bagged a try as Worcester Warriors secured a comfortable 52-7 win over newcomers Bristol Bears.

TOP 14 WRAP: A serious ankle injury suffered by South Africa flyhalf Johan Goosen put a dampener on Montpellier's 29-17 French Top 14 win over Toulon on Sunday.

NEWS: England forward Nathan Hughes could miss all of England's November internationals after being cited for foul play.

RUGBY CHAMPIONSHIP SPOTLIGHT: Micheal Cheika's second-half spray handed Australia the inspiration to record an impressive win over Argentina.

NEWS: A Disciplinary Panel will meet in Edinburgh on Wednesday to consider the red-card decision against flank Matthew Rea of Ulster which occurred against Connacht on Friday.

REACTION: All Blacks captain Kieran Read said his team had to "dig deep" to win a Rugby Championship thriller against South Africa in Pretoria Saturday.

OPINION: Australia produced a stunning second-half comeback to finish their campaign on a high note - a 45-34 win over Argentina in Salta on Saturday.

OPINION: South Africa conceded a 17-point lead to lose 30-32 to New Zealand at Loftus Versfeld on Saturday.

NEWS: The All Blacks are set to take 51 players on tour.

RUGBY CHAMPIONSHIP REACTION: The Springboks replacements’ lack of impact during their agonising defeat to the All Blacks has raised a few concerns.

PREMIERSHIP WRAP: A powerful finish from Rohan Janse van Rensburg was the icing on the cake as Sale Sharks lifted themselves off the bottom of the Premiership table with a scrappy win over Newcastle Falcons.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Wallaby coach Michael Cheika will have the chance to defend himself and present his future plans for the national team in front of the Rugby Australia board.

RUGBY CHAMPIONSHIP REPORT: Australia came back from a 24-point deficit to beat Argentina 45-34 in Salta on Saturday.

PRO14 SATURDAY WRAP: The South African teams' losing streak continued at the weekend.

Jurassic Park star Sam Neill has signed a deal to star in a film about Japan’s improbable World Cup 2015 victory over South Africa.

NPC SUNDAY WRAP: Bay of Plenty has snapped a six-game losing streak in dramatic style with a 26-22 win over the Southland Stags in Invercargill.

The All Blacks charged back from 17 points down to pick up a massive comeback victory 32-30 in Pretoria and conclude their Rugby Championship campaign.

RUGBY CHAMPIONSHIP REPORT: New Zealand extended their almost five-decade-long winning streak over South Africa at Loftus Versfeld.

A converted try in the last play of the Springboks final Rugby Championship match with the All Blacks in Pretoria shattered a South African dream of a double win over the World Champions.

PRO14 FRIDAY WRAP: Bill Mata and Jamie Ritchie scored late as Edinburgh Rugby secured a second home win in a week as they saw off the Cheetahs 37-21 in a thrilling battle at Murrayfield.

PREMIERSHIP REPORT: Gareth Steenson kicked his way past 1500 Premiership points as Exeter Chiefs overcame Bath 39-24 at The Rec with a dominant second-half performance.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Former Australian golden boy James O'Connor has expressed he has no desire to bid farewell to his Wallabies career.

RUGBY CHAMPIONSHIP BUILD-UP: Win or lose Australia will be foolish to part ways with Michael Cheika says Argentina head coach Mario Ledesma.

EXCLUSIVE: Springbok Schalk Burger's character on and off the field is what has elevated the loose forward to the status of legend.

FINANCIAL SPOTLIGHT: The South African Rugby Union admitted on Friday they are in a stand-off with five of their provinces over money.

Trying to speak things into existence can be seen as having unwavering faith or complete delusion depending on how you look at it.

RUGBY CHAMPIONSHIP BUILD-UP: Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus ensured veteran loose forward Francois Louw will feel the heat when South Africa host New Zealand in Pretoria on Saturday.

RUGBY CHAMPIONSHIP BUILD-UP: All Blacks captain Kieran Read is expecting the final Rugby Championship Test against South Africa in Pretoria will go right down to the wire.

TOP14, WEEK SEVEN: Triple European champions Toulon travel to last season's table-toppers Montpellier on Sunday struggling to score tries and win games but at least attempting to see the funny side.

NPC SATURDAY WRAP: An impressive 71-28 win against Northland has just about booked Waikato a home Championship semifinal, while the Taniwha are also into the semis courtesy of a tryscoring bonus point.

RUGBY CHAMPIONSHIP ROUND SIX: Desperate Australia coach Michael Cheika remained defiant ahead of their clash against Argentina Saturday that could decide his fate.

RUGBY CHAMPIONSHIP ROUND SIX: The game has that growling rivalry back - South Africa versus New Zealand.

RUGBY CHAMPIONSHIP REACTION: It was once labelled the 'Battle of the Giants' and that is exactly what it will be in Pretoria on Saturday.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: New Zealand are out for revenge when they confront arch-rivals South Africa Saturday in a Rugby Championship final-round 'dead rubber' in Pretoria.

RETURN OF THE PRODIGAL SON: This weekend the Premiership Player of the month for September Danny Cipriani will head to his old stomping ground when Gloucester travel to Wasps on Saturday, October 6.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: The Southern Kings Head Coach, Deon Davids, has made three changes to his starting XV that will be taking on Benetton in Round 6 of the PRO14 at Stadio Monigo in Treviso on Saturday.

DERBY DAY: Round Five brought the first set of derby matches this season and, as ever, we were not left disappointed on another weekend of thrilling rugby.

TRANSFER NEWS: The Sunwolves seem to be very busy ahead of the new Super Rugby season.

TEAM UPDATE: Wallabies coach Michael Cheika has made confirmed a five-three split on the bench ahead of Australia’s Test against Argentina in Salta on Saturday.

Wallabies prop Tom Robertson may be out of Australia’s Rugby World Cup plans after suffering a knee injury in Argentina.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Simplicity will help Wallabies alleviate some of their line-out problems says lock, Adam Coleman.

NEWS UPDATE: Italian club Zebre have sacked their Italian international prop Sami Panico.

NPC MATCH REPORT & HIGHLIGHTS: Two tries in three minutes at the three-quarter mark propelled Hawke's Bay to a comprehensive 45–17 win over neighbours Manawatu in their NPC game at McLean Park in Napier on Friday.

NEWS: Mario Galarza has opted to leave Premiership side Gloucester with immediate effect.

RUGBY CHAMPIONSHIP SPOTLIGHT: Handré Pollard and his Blue Bulls teammates will experience the thrill of a sell-out Loftus Versfeld for the first time in their careers.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Embattled Australia have recalled flyhalf Bernard Foley and shifted Kurtley Beale to centre for their final Rugby Championship match in Argentina Saturday.

DISCIPLINARY UPDATES: The Pro14 officials handed out a couple of bans on Wednesday, as they crack down on foul play.

LISTEN to a very special edition of the #podcast as the @rugby365com team is joined by Alejandro Cristian Moreno, a retired Argentine and Italian international prop.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus has made three significant changes ahead of their Rugby Championship encounter with the All Black in Pretoria on Saturday.

EXCLUSIVE: Schalk Burger's contract with Saracens comes to an end in June 2019 but the loose forward has still not closed the door on adding to his 86 Springbok caps.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Argentina welcomes back Ramiro Moyano, but must do without fellow wing Bautista Delguy when they host Australia Saturday in a Rugby Championship final-round Test in Salta.

Mark McCall has revealed Saracens want Wallaby lock Will Skelton to sign a new contract that would continue his self-imposed international exile.

NEWS: It’s not panic. Toulon, 11th in the Top 14 after the first six weeks of the season, have found two of the five players they are – quickly, but definitely not frantically – looking to recruit.

SCHOOLS SPOTLIGHT: Eastern Province took top honours in the Iqhawe Week at the Bill Jardine Stadium in Johannesburg on Thursday as they defeated the Golden Lions 18-10 in a competitive final match, which brought down the curtain on an exciting 2018 tournament.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Cheetahs coach Franco Smith has made a rash of changes to his team to take on Edinburgh in a Pro14 encounter at Murrayfield on Friday.

NEWS: Gloucester flyhalf Danny Cipriani was named Premiership Rugby Player of the Month for September 2018.

Referees having ‘on the run’ chats with the TMO could become a thing of the past if new trial Laws are adopted.

UPDATE: Waikato wing Sevu Reece has officially lost his contract with Pro14 Irish side Connacht.

With the opening round of the European Champions Cup creeping ever closer, the 20 competing teams have all now submitted their initial 41-man squads for the tournament.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Steve Hansen has revealed his New Zealand team named to play South Africa in the sixth and final round of the Rugby Championship in Pretoria on Saturday.

NPC REPORT: Auckland returns to the top of the NPC Premiership standings – and retains the Fred Lucas Memorial Trophy – after a 29-24 win in windy Wellington.

Fifteen schools are taking part in the School Sevens Championship to take place at the Pirates RFC in Greenside, Johannesburg from 5 to 6 October 2018.

INJURY UPDATE: Exeter Chiefs and England forward Sam Simmonds may not feature in next year's World Cup after being ruled out for six to nine months due to a knee injury.

EXCLUSIVE: Saracens tend to go through a slump during the international season in November and it with that in mind that they have focussed on making a fast start to their Premiership season.

EXCLUSIVE: Springbok legend Schalk Burger, who has been recovering from a lengthy injury layoff, took some time out to chat about all things Springboks, his career and a fun story or two.

NEWS: Former England international Simon Halliday has been re-appointed independent chairman of European Professional Club Rugby (EPCR) until the end of the 2020-2021 season, the organisation announced Wednesday.