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Planning is advancing for the inauguration of a new competition for top South African schools to start in 2021 with further development the following year.

SPOTLIGHT: @rugby365com law guru Paul Dobson analyses the laws around kicking the ball beyond the dead-ball line.

OPINION: The Stormers lead the way with three players in our Team of the Week for Round One of Super Rugby 2020.

The Six Nations has not just been about the senior team of each of the six countries. It has involved age-group teams as well, and since 2008 it has been an official competition run alongside the senior teams.

REACTION: Nigel Owens is renowned as a no-nonsense referee. He is equally brutal off the field.

Round 2 of Six Nations in three groups and Round 2 of Super Rugby will bring out the best in the best referees.

SUPER RUGBY SPOTLIGHT: There will be many battles across the park in the big north-south derby at Newlands on Saturday, perhaps none more intriguing than scrumhalf.

SIX NATIONS SPOTLIGHT: Scotland prop Allan Dell expects Eddie Jones to pick his words more wisely ahead of Saturday’s Calcutta Cup duel.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: In 2011, New Zealand travelled to the Under 20 World Championship in Italy with arguably the best age-grade rugby side in the history of the game.

SUPER RUGBY SPOTLIGHT: Springbok Jaco Kriel believes the 'hurt' of the humiliating loss to the Jaguares will help the Lions grow.

OPINION: The Six Nations is back and the opening round of competition saw an abundance of impressive individual performances from the 138 players involved.

OPINION: Former England flyhalf and media pundit Andy Goode has decided to give Eddie Jones some selection advice.

SIX NATIONS SPOTLIGHT: Wayne Pivac and Wales are a "nice marriage", but Ireland coach Andy Farrell says his side can disrupt their wedded bliss at Lansdowne Road on Saturday.

SQUAD ANNOUNCEMENT: England wing Anthony Watson has again been ruled out of Six Nations action after it was announced Wednesday he would miss this weekend's match away to Scotland with a calf injury.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Sharks coach Sean Everitt has named his team to take on the Highlanders at Forsyth Barr Stadium on Friday.

NEWS: James Ryan has signed a three-year IRFU  contract up to the end of the 2022/23 season.

DISCIPLINARY UPDATE: Sale Sharks centre Rohan Janse van Rensburg has been cleared to play for his Premiership side after appearing before an independent disciplinary panel.

NEWS: Worcester Warriors have thrown their support behind a campaign to raise funds for injured lock Michael Fatialofa.

SIX NATIONS SPOTLIGHT: Eddie Jones has branded Scotland “niggly” ahead of a Calcutta Cup showdown that will be missed by Manu Tuilagi.

REACTION: Those who live in glass houses ...

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Coach Aaron Mauger has selected six Highlander debutants in his team to play the Sharks in the season opener on Friday.

SIX NATIONS SPOTLIGHT: Ireland coach Andy Farrell says his side are brimming with confidence ahead of their match with Grand Slam holders Wales.

NEWS: Newlands will not get the farewell Cape Town fans wanted.

SIX NATIONS NEWS: Wales back Liam Williams is set to miss the games against Ireland and France this month.

SIX NATIONS SPOTLIGHT: South Africa-born back row forward Braam Steyn said he had been 'adopted' by Italy and denied any preferential treatment from new interim head coach Franco Smith.

SUPER RUGBY SPOTLIGHT: Stormers coach John Dobson says he hopes that 'cheap shots' doesn't become a trend in the game.

WATCH as Andy Goode eats humble pie after talking up England's chances of a Grand Slam.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Melbourne Rebels coach Dave Wessels has made several changes to his side that will take on Brumbies on Friday.

REACTION: The Lions are 'desperate' to bounce back from their worst start to a season in a decade.

In Round 1 of Rugby Europe's International Championship, Georgia, Spain and Portugal won. Spain's victory over Russia was all the more laudable for being played in Russia. Georgia and Portugal won at home.

NEWS: Israel Folau has begun training with his new teammates in the south of France as Catalans Dragons chairman Bernard Guasch prepares to face the music over the controversial signing.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Brumbies coach Dan McKellar has made one change to the matchday 23 for the side's round two Super Rugby clash against the Rebels on Friday at GIO Stadium.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: France have moved above Australia and into sixth place in the World Rugby Rankings after defeating England 24-17 at the Stade de France on Sunday.

INJURY UPDATE: The Stormers have paid a dear price for their shut-out of the Hurricanes in a spiteful opening round Super Rugby match.

INJURY UPDATE: INJURY UPDATE: The Blues will have an early test of their depth with three players receiving significant injuries during their opening defeat to Chiefs.

SQUAD ANNOUNCEMENT: Finn Russell has not been recalled to the Scotland squad for their Six Nations clash against England on Saturday.

OPINION: Galthie’s team of athletic, young Frenchman might have been light in experience but they made up for it with attacking accuracy, dynamism and aggression.

OPINION: Paris played host to the latest edition of ‘Le Crunch’ on Sunday afternoon, with a rejuvenated French side running out 24-17 victors in what is one of the most emotionally-charged rivalries in international rugby.

DISCIPLINARY NEWS: Sale Sharks centre Rohan Janse van Rensburg will face a disciplinary hearing over a dangerous tackle against Exeter Chiefs.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Caelan Doris will miss Ireland's crucial Six Nations clash with reigning Grand Slam champions Wales.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: It was an inauspicious start on Sunday for the coaching team of Eddie Jones, John Mitchell, Steve Borthwick, Matt Proudfoot and Simon Amor. 

INJURY UPDATE: Manu Tuilagi will miss England's Six Nations clash with Scotland next weekend because of a groin strain.

REACTION: The applause was so sonorous, you would have thought the Sharks had already won the game.

ROUND ONE WRAP: UP-Tuks started their 2020 Varsity Cup campaign on a winning note following their hard-fought 42-40 victory against NWU-Pukke on Monday.

INJURY UPDATE: The Chiefs have confirmed that they will have to cope without three All Blacks this week, with Damian McKenzie, Angus Ta’avao and Nepo Laulala all likely to miss the massive derby.

CONTRACT NEWS: The Brumbies shored up their midfield by extending the stay of a New Zealand-born star.

TRANSFER NEWS: It has been confirmed. Jaco Kriel is back at Ellis Park.

INJURY UPDATE: Ireland centre Garry Ringrose will miss the Six Nations matches against Wales and England.

OPINION: Liam Heagney rates the Ireland players after their 19-12 win over Scotland in the opening round of the Six Nations.

OPINION: Ian Cameron rates the Scotland players after the error-filled 12-19 loss to Ireland in their Six Nations opener.

This is what we learned from the three matches of the opening round of the 2020 Six Nations.

NEWS: The Bulls have confirmed that Alan Zondagh has stepped down as the union's Director of Rugby.

INJURY UPDATE: Two players have joined the Bulls' injury list ahead of their clash against the Stormers at Newlands on Saturday.

REACTION: The Stormers put down a massive marker with their 27-0 demolition of the Hurricanes on Saturday.

INJURY UPDATE: Wing Damian Penaud has been ruled out of rejuvenated France's Six Nations game against Italy this weekend.

SQUAD UPDATE: England head coach Eddie Jones has again opted to leave out in-form Harlequins No.8 Alex Dombrandt after announcing an updated Six Nations squad.

OPINION: Rhiannon Garth Jones rates the Welsh players after their 42-0 Six Nations shut-out of Italy.

NEWS: Former England captain Chris Robshaw has announced he will leave Harlequins at the end of the season after 16 years with the club.

REACTION: Cheetahs coach Hawies Fourie believes his team’s 45-0 whitewash of the Southern Kings on Saturday was the perfect build-up for their tough tour of Ireland and Wales.

Three matches, three close results - a summary of a good round of Women's Six Nations rugby to start 2020.

SIX NATIONS REACTION: Andy Farrell praised the grit the Ireland team showed securing his first win as head coach in the 19-12 Six Nations clash with Scotland on Saturday at Lansdowne Road.

SUPER RUGBY SPOTLIGHT: Waratahs forward Harry Johnson-Holmes says the Blues would do well not to underestimate their scrum, because he is set to play in an unfamiliar role.

SIX NATIONS REPORT: It was certainly the dawn of a new era as the new-look France side recorded an impressive 24-17 win over England on Sunday.

REACTION: Italy interim coach Franco Smith has defended their right to be in the Six Nations championship despite 23 successive defeats in Europe’s elite competition.

SIX NATIONS SPOTLIGHT: France's South Africa-born lock Paul Willemse said on Sunday he was "scared" by the potential in the squad after opening their Six Nations campaign with a 24-17 victory over England in Paris.

SUPER RUGBY REPORT: The Jaguares showed why they are fancied to repeat last year's performance of reaching the Final.

AUSTRALIA SEVENS DAY TWO WRAP: Fiji were crowned Sydney Sevens champions after a narrow 12-10 win over BlitzBoks on Sunday. 

WATCH as veteran centre Nafi Tuitavake talks about the opportunity to move from New Zealand and play his rugby in South Africa.

INJURY UPDATE: A cheap shot from Hurricanes hooker Ricky Riccitelli may result in a lengthy lay-off from Stormers and Springbok captain Siyamthanda Kolisi.

SIX NATIONS REACTION: Stuart Hogg cursed himself for "the schoolboy error" which saw him drop the ball as he went to touch it down.

PRO14 MATCH REPORT: The Southern Kings talked a big game, with plenty of fighting talk in the build-up.

SIX NATIONS REPORT: Johnny Sexton scored all Ireland's points to give new coach Andy Farrell a 19-12 victory over Scotland in his first match in charge.

PRO14 SPOTLIGHT: @rugby365com law guru Paul Dobson takes a look at a contentious incident in last week's spiteful derby between the Southern Kings and Cheetahs.

PRO14 SPOTLIGHT: @rugby365com law guru Paul Dobson takes a look at a contentious incident in last week's spiteful derby between the Southern Kings and Cheetahs.

READERS’ FORUM: Welcome to the Six Nations Round One encounter between France and England in Paris.

SUPER RUGBY REACTION: Melbourne Rebels' bid to finally make the Super Rugby finals has started in rocky fashion, but they are refusing to panic following a loss to the Sunwolves.

SQUAD ANNOUNCEMENT: Sharks head coach Sean Everitt revealed the 27-man squad that will depart on a four-week Australasian tour.

NEWS: France wing Damian Penaud will miss this weekend's game with England due to a calf injury, the French Rugby Federation said on Saturday.

WATCH all the highlights from the opening weekend of Super Rugby.

MATCH REPORT: The reigning champions Crusaders opened their campaign with a comfortable 43-25 win over Waratahs in Nelson on Saturday.

READERS’ FORUM: Welcome to the Super Rugby Round One encounter between the Jaguares and Lions in Buenos Aires.

SIX NATIONS REPORT: Reigning Grand Slam champions Wales began their title defence with a 42-0 thrashing of Italy in Cardiff on Saturday.

MATCH REPORT: The Sunwolves started their final season with an impressive 36-27 win over Rebels on Saturday in Tokyo.

SUPER RUGBY REPORT: The Stormers managed to start John Dobson's coaching tenure with a bonus-point win over a very spiteful Hurricanes outfit.

SUPER RUGBY REPORT: The Sharks started their Super Rugby campaign with a hard-fought 23-15 win over the Bulls at Kings Park in Durban on Friday.

WATCH as Mark Alexander, President of the South African Rugby Union, gives his views on the make-up of the coach Springbok coaching panel and transformation at Super Rugby level.

REACTION: Jacques Nienaber may have the 'title', but Rassie Erasmus will still be the de facto head coach of the Springboks.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: The fear of losing his place in the Springbok team was the driving for behind Pieter-Steph du Toit's decision to stay in South Africa and not follow the cash to the north.

READERS’ FORUM: Welcome to the Six Nations Round One encounter between Ireland and Scotland in Dublin.

READERS’ FORUM: Welcome to the Pro14 catch-up encounter between the Cheetahs and Southern Kings in Bloemfontein.

TRANSFER NEWS: After numerous reports, Munster Rugby and the IRFU finally revealed that Damian de Allende and RG Snyman will join the province at the beginning of the 2020/21 season.

READERS’ FORUM: Welcome to the Six Nations encounter between Wales and Italy in Cardiff.

SIX NATIONS SPOTLIGHT: England attack coach Simon Amor said on Saturday he was prepared for the "wonderful threats" among France's three-quarters ahead of their opening game this weekend.

SIX NATIONS ROUND ONE: Eddie Jones has promised "absolute brutality" from England against France in Paris on Sunday.

READERS’ FORUM: Welcome to the Super Rugby Round One encounter between Crusaders and Waratahs in Nelson.

READERS’ FORUM: Welcome to the Super Rugby Round One encounter between the Stormers and Hurricanes in Cape Town.

SIX NATIONS SPOTLIGHT: England skipper Owen Farrell says the lost World Cup final is well behind him as he and his team warily eye a France side "capable of unlocking a game".

SIX NATIONS ROUND ONE: Ireland host Scotland in their opening Six Nations clash in Dublin on Saturday with both sides desperate to put a disappointing World Cup behind them.

SIX NATIONS ROUND ONE: New coach Wayne Pivac wants Wales to expand their attacking game but has urged fans to be patient when the reigning Grand Slam champions begin their Six Nations title defence against Italy.

SIX NATIONS SPOTLIGHT: Ireland must prevent Scotland's halfback partnership of Adam Hastings and Ali Price dictating play in Saturday's Six Nations clash in Dublin.

AUSTRALIA SEVENS DAY ONE WRAP: The Blitzboks are assured of top spot in Pool B after beating France and Argentina on the opening day of the Sydney Sevens that also saw hosts Australia, USA, England and Fiji go unbeaten.

ROUND NINE CATCH-UP MATCH: If last weekend’s South African derby was anything to go by, Pro14 supporters are in for a cracking game of rugby on Saturday as the Cheetahs and Southern Kings renew hostilities.

SUPER RUGBY REPORT: The Brumbies overcame a strong first half by the Reds to edge a scrappy Australia derby.

SUPER RUGBY REPORT: The Chiefs bounced back from a 14-point half-time deficit to start their campaign under new coach Warren Gatland withy a sensational 37-29 win over the Blues.

FINAL FLING: The Sunwolves start their final season in the SANZAAR playpen against the Rebels, as the tournament celebrates its 25th season in the professional era.

SUPER RUGBY SPOTLIGHT: The Hurricanes are ready for the physical challenge they will face when they take on the Stormers at Newlands on Saturday.

ROUND FOUR: The next leg of the World Sevens Series takes place at Parramatta’s Bankwest Stadium in Sydney on February 1-2.

NEWS: Some of rugby’s leading tier two nations could have a meaningful, competitive tournament to partake in by next year should World Rugby have its way in the coming months.

READERS’ FORUM: Welcome to the Super Rugby Round One encounter between Sharks and Bulls in Durban.

It used to be France's domain but this century Georgia have dominated. They are the reigning champions and it would be a surprise if they did not win the title again this year.

Rugby Australia has announced its match official panels to control top domestic rugby throughout Australia in 2020. Several top achievers are back.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: England head coach Eddie Jones has selected his side to play France in England’s opening match of the Six Nations in Paris on Sunday.

READERS’ FORUM: Welcome to the Super Rugby Round One encounter between Blues and Chiefs in Auckland.

SIX NATIONS SPOTLIGHT: The first Six Nations following a World Cup is often a time of renewal but the 2020 Championship has a particularly fresh feel ahead of this weekend's opening round.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Jaguares coach Gonzalo Quesada has named a very experienced team top host the Lions in the opening round of Super Rugby, in Buenos Aires on Saturday.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Italy interim coach Franco Smith has made some bold moves as he revealed his first squad for their opening Six Nations fixture against Wales on Saturday.

This is a massive day for world rugby - the start of two great international competitions - the Six Nations in Europe and SANZAAR's big Super Rugby involving the rugby of five continents.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Wales have named one uncapped player in their starting XV to kick off the 2020 Six Nations.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: New Lions coach Ivan van Rooyen has started to show his hand, ahead of the opening match of the Super Rugby season.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT Retired New Zealand Test referee Glen Jackson has been named as Sanzaar's first tackle technique review officer.

READERS’ FORUM: Welcome to the Super Rugby Round One encounter between Brumbies and the Reds in Canberra.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Wales and British and Irish Lions international Jamie Roberts will make his Stormers debut against the Hurricanes at Newlands on Saturday. 

NEWS: Gloucester's South African star Ruan Ackermann's holiday has nearly turned tragic.

SQUAD ANNOUNCEMENT: England head coach Eddie Jones has confirmed his 25-man squad that has travelled to Paris ahead of England’s Six Nations match against France on Sunday.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: The Sunwolves start their final season in Super Rugby with a host of South African discards - including two Springboks.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Melbourne Rebels coach Dave Wessels admits he considered walking away from the game after the bitter disappointment of last Super Rugby season.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Australian-born and Edinburgh No.8 Nick Haining will make his Test debut in a new-look Scotland side named to face Ireland in the opening round of the Six Nations in Dublin.

TRANSFER NEWS: Saracens hooker Joe Gray has returned to Harlequins to add depth and experience to the squad currently heaped with injuries.

TIME FOR CHANGE: Super Rugby launches its 25th season on Friday.

RUGBY CHAMPIONSHIP NEWS: Perth will host the World Champion Springboks in 2020.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Wallaby Matt To'omua will steer a largely new-look side when the Melbourne Rebels open their Super Rugby campaign against the Sunwolves in Fukuoka on Saturday.

In his playing days, Gert Kotzé was an extremely strong, silent prop, a man of stature.

INJURY UPDATE: France's New Zealand-born prop Atonio Uini has been called up ahead of the team's Six Nations opener against England on Sunday.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: New France coach Fabien Galthie on Thursday named nine survivors from the World Cup quarterfinal defeat to Wales.

PREDICTION TIME: It is time! You get to challenge the @rugby365com editorial staff.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: TJ Perenara and Jordie Barrett are set to start for the Hurricanes in their Super Rugby opener against the Stormers in Cape Town on Saturday.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Head coach Scott Robertson has named his Crusaders team to face the Waratahs at Trafalgar Park, and it includes two Super Rugby debutants.

WATCH as Stormers coach John Dobson talks about the assistance his team has been getting from the new Springbok coach Jacques Nienaber.

SPOTLIGHT: RugbyPass editor Ian Cameron reveals some shocking truths about the salary cap scandal involving Saracens.

SPOTLIGHT: Rugby chiefs signalled the start of the race for valuable ranking points on Wednesday.

The Varsity Cup again starts brightening Monday evenings on 3 February 2020. Like many other competitions and tournaments the Varsity Cup has become a laboratory for experimenting with the laws of the game, the players guinea pigs.

PRO14 SPOTLIGHT: Maintaining discipline will be a strong focus ahead what is expected to be another brutal clash between South African rivals the Cheetahs and Southern Kings.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: The Bulls have named a strong matchday squad for their Super Rugby season opener against the Sharks at Kings Park on Friday.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: New Chiefs coach Warren Gatland suffered a setback before the season has even started.

INJURY UPDATE: The Chiefs received some bad news ahead of the start of their Super Rugby campaign.

NEWS: Israel Folau will be heading to Europe.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: New Waratahs coach Rob Penney has declared complete confidence in his Super Rugby rookies.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Ireland scrumhalf Conor Murray was Tuesday selected ahead of John Cooney for the Six Nations opener against Scotland, while Caelan Doris will make his international debut.

SIX NATIONS SPOTLIGHT: The 2020 Six Nations Championship starts on Saturday with four of the teams under new management following last year's World Cup in Japan.

SIX NATIONS SPOTLIGHT: Europe's esteemed and historic championship gets underway this week. Josh Isaacson looks at some talking points.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Six players will make their debuts in an exciting Blues side.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Brumbies coach Dan McKellar has named four Super Rugby first-timers in the side that will take on the Reds in their Super Rugby opener on Friday at GIO Stadium.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: @rugby365com’s law guru Paul Dobson takes a look at an incident during the match between the Lions and Bulls at Soccer City in Soweto.

WATCH as Welsh legend Jamie Roberts steps off the training pitch and fronts up to the media to explain the reasons behind his decision to move to Newlands.

NEWS: Ed Griffiths has resigned as interim chief executive of disgraced Saracens with immediate effect, the English Premiership champions announced Tuesday.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Sharks head coach Sean Everitt has named his team to face the Bulls in their Super Rugby opener in Durban on Friday.

SUPER RUGBY INTERVIEW: Veteran Welsh international Jamie Roberts will make his Stormers debut at Newlands on Saturday.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Wallabies wing Henry Speight is one five players in line to debut for the Queensland Reds against his former team, the Brumbies, in Friday's Super Rugby season opener in Canberra.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Chiefs head coach Warren Gatland has named his side to face the Blues in their opening game of the 2020 Super Rugby season against the Blues at Eden Park.

TRANSFER NEWS: The Japanese international back Kotaro Matsushima, one of the revelations of the recent World Cup, will join Clermont on a two-year contract, the Top 14 club announced on Tuesday.

TRANSFER NEWS: Not only is veteran Springbok prop Jannie du Plessis in their Super Rugby tour squad, but the Lions have confirmed the signing of another seasoned player.

SUPER RUGBY SPOTLIGHT: The Hurricanes will have to brace themselves for a very powerful pack when they face the Stormers in their opening Super Rugby game at Newlands.

WATCH AS We gather up a host of familiar faces to discuss the Home Nations' chances in the upcoming Six Nations.

NEWS: Former Scotland rugby mentor Vern Cotter was announced Tuesday as the new Fiji coach.

NEWS: Former Saracens star Chris Ashton defended his decision to invest in a property with the club's owner Nigel Wray.

SUPER RUGBY SPOTLIGHT: The Lions will be something of an unknown factor when they front up to the Jaguares in their season opener on Saturday.

SUPER RUGBY SPOTLIGHT: Facing the formidable three-time defending Super Rugby champions the Crusaders first up might seem a scary prospect, but it's a challenge Waratahs prop Tom Robertson welcomes.

NEWS: The Brumbies have decided to take the Stormers back to the past.

SUPER RUGBY SPOTLIGHT: Running out in front of Brumbies fans may be nothing new to Henry Speight, who considers Canberra "home".

NEWS: Former Queensland Reds flyer Luke Morahan is making a late bid for selection in the Australian men's Sevens team for the Tokyo Olympics.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Springboks loose forward Marcell Coetzee has been nominated for the prestigious EPCR European Player of the Year 2020 award.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: The Saracens are reportedly in talks with world champions South Africa over a potential fixture next year at Allianz Park.

WATCH the best tackle from the 2018 Varsity Cup Final.

SQUAD UPDATE: Racing 92 hooker Camille Chat has been replaced by uncapped club teammate Teddy Baubigny in France's Six Nations squad after suffering a calf injury, the French Rugby Federation (FFR) announced on Monday.

SPOTLIGHT: Tom Vinicombe takes a look what it takes to be a modern All Black loose forward and who fits the bill in 2020.

SQUAD ANNOUNCEMENT: The Lions have revealed a 25-man squad for their Super Rugby opener against the Jaguares in Buenos Aires on Saturday.

SUPER RUGBY SPOTLIGHT: Izack Rodda wasn't sure what more he could've done to win the Queensland Reds captaincy this season.

NEWS: Worcester Warriors loose forward Caleb Montgomery has signed a two-year contract extension.

TRANSFER NEWS: Bristol Bears have announced the capture of British & Irish Lion Kyle Sinckler, who arrives on a two-year deal.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Incoming Wallabies coach Dave Rennie has given his tick of approval to the Melbourne Rebels' Super Rugby preparations ahead of their opening match on Saturday.

SEVENS SPOTLIGHT: The Springbok Sevens squad have their plans laid out as they prepare to tackle Argentina, Samoa and France in Pool B of the Sydney Sevens this weekend.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Former Ireland head coach Joe Schmidt has been linked to a move to Premiership side Bath.

PRO14 REACTION: An apoplectic Southern Kings coach Robbi Kempson suggested that the Cheetahs can expect some retribution in the their return match this week.

PRE-SEASON REPORT: The Sunwolves head into their final season of Super Rugby being on a hiding to nothing.

REACTION: South Africa's players and management staff will have to take a long, hard look at themselves in the mirror, following their horror show at the Hamilton leg of the Sevens World Series.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: @rugby365com's  Law guru Paul Dobson takes a look at an incident during the match between Stormers and Sharks at Soccer City in Soweto. 

February is a dreary month in the north, a hot, bright month in the South, and it starts, in north and south, with a rugby bang. Its first day is of great importance in the rugby calendar - the start of Six Nations in the North and the start of Super Rugby in the South. Divan Uys is not involved in either but it remains an important date in his refereeing career.

INJURY UPDATE: The Brumbies suffered a massive setback ahead of the start of the 2020 Super Rugby season.

SEVENS NEWS: New Zealand has shelved plans to transfer its round of the Sevens World Series to Fiji next year.

PRO14 REACTION: Cheetahs coach Hawies Fourie said he hoped the 'spiteful' nature of this past weekend's game will not spill over into their return fixture.

PREMIERSHIP REPORT: Sale Sharks survived a late fightback as they secured a narrow 22-19 victory over Premiership leaders Exeter Chiefs.

PREMIERSHIP MATCH REPORT: Harlequins handed a relegated Saracens team their biggest defeat in four years at Twickenham Stoop on Sunday.

TOP 14 WRAP: Lyon rebounded from a disappointing European campaign to beat third-place Toulon 27-12 on Saturday to jump to first place, at least for a day.

TOP 14 WRAP: Thomas Ramos, who was released from France's Six Nations squad this week, scored 12 points as his Toulouse side stopped Bordeaux-Begles from returning to the summit with a 22-14 victory on Sunday.

SUPER RUGBY SPOTLIGHT: Reds coach Brad Thorn has encouraged his young backline to continue their enterprising approach to the game as they target a play-off spot.

WELLING DAY TWO WRAP: South Africa's dramatic slide down the Sevens World Series rankings continued, as New Zealand won the third leg of the global circuit on Sunday.

PRO14 REPORT: Rhyno Smith broke Southern Kings hearts in Port Elizabeth with two late tries that sealed a captivating 31-30 comeback victory in the South African derby.

READERS’ FORUM: Welcome to the Premiership Round Nine encounter between Harlequins and Saracens at Twickenham Stoop.

PREMIERSHIP REPORT: Tom Homer scored two tries as Bath boosted their Premiership semifinal prospects with a narrow 13-10 win against Leicester Tigers.

PREMIERSHIP REPORT: A late Dan Robson try saw Wasps edge Worcester Warriors 30-26 at Sixways to claim their third Premiership victory of the season.

PREMIERSHIP REPORT: The Bristol Bears outplayed Gloucester on their way to a 34-16 win at Ashton Gate on Saturday.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: The Hurricanes have named a squad of 27 players that will travel to South Africa and Argentina for the start of the 2020 Super Rugby campaign.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Here are the issues the crisis-engulfed club will have to face going forward.

NEWS: World Cup-winning Springbok Eben Etzebeth's infamous Langebaan incident is set to return to the Equality Court.

NEW ZEALAND SEVENS DAY ONE WRAP: England are assured of top spot in Pool B at the Hamilton leg of the World Series.

WATCH all the highlights from Round Two of the 2020 Japanese Top League.

READERS’ FORUM: Welcome to the Premiership Round Nine encounter between Exeter Chiefs and Sale Sharks at Sandy Park.

READERS’ FORUM: Welcome to the Pro14 catch-up encounter between the Southern Kings and Cheetahs in Port Elizabeth.

CHAMPIONS CUP SPOTLIGHT: The European Champions Cup field is down to eight.

NEWS: New Saracens Chief Executive Edward Griffiths has denied working as a cricket agent, following claims he has been reported to the England and Wales Cricket Board.

REACTION: Queensland Reds have beaten the NSW Waratahs 28-19 in the sides' final hit-outs before the Super Rugby season begins next weekend.

REACTION: A disappointing trial loss to Queensland has ensured a busy week for Waratahs coach Rob Penney ahead of their Super Rugby season opener against the Crusaders.

BREAKING NEWS: The worst-kept secret in South African rugby has been confirmed.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: England's Ollie Thorley says coach Eddie Jones has talked about his determination to avoid a dip in form after the heartache of defeat in the World Cup final ahead of their Six Nations opener.

INJURY UPDATE: Cardiff Blues wing Owen Lane has been released from Wales’ Six Nations squad following a “significant” hamstring injury sustained in training.

NEWS: World Rugby chairman Bill Beaumont has confirmed he will run for a second term in charge of the global game's governing body.

MATCH REPORT: Dave Porecki’s late try gave London Irish a dramatic victory over 14-man Northampton Saints at Franklin’s Gardens.

REACTION: Northampton Saints Director of Rugby Chris Boyd was unhappy with a number of issues after his side missed the chance to go top of the Premiership following a 20-16 defeat against London Irish.

SQUAD UPDATE: Worcester Warriors flyhalf Duncan Weir has been added to the Scotland squad ahead of the national team’s Six Nations opener against Ireland in Dublin.

READERS’ FORUM: Welcome to the Premiership Round Nine encounter between Northampton Saints and London Irish at Franklin’s Gardens.

PLAYER OF THE YEAR: Pieter-Steph du Toit capped off phenomenal 2019 season when he added the prestigious SA Rugby Player of the Year award to his World Rugby Player of the Year accolade.

ROUND EIGHT CATCH-UP MATCH: The Pro14 is back this weekend with the first of the South African derbies in what could prove to be crucial matches in the race for the Final Series.

MATCH REPORT: The defending champion Crusaders put down an impressive pre-season marked when they thrashed the Highlanders 41-7.

SQUAD ANNOUNCEMENT: Stormers Head Coach John Dobson has confirmed the 45-man squad for their 2020 Super Rugby campaign.

PRE-SEASON REPORT: The Blues edged the Hurricanes 29-28 in their Super Rugby pre-season encounter at Onewa Domain in Takapuna.

TOP 14, WEEK 14: France's Top 14 makes a brief reappearance this weekend between the European Champions Cup and the Six Nations.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Premiership Rugby is back with six compelling Round nine fixtures this weekend, kicking-off at Franklin’s Garden where Northampton Saints entertain London Irish.

TRANSFER NEWS: It is not exactly a secret, but Premiership outfit Harlequins have signed a Springbok.

SPOTLIGHT: Just before the 2020 Super Rugby season kicks off on January 31, franchises have organised a few matches to familiarized themselves with the competitive nature of the competition.

SUPER RUGBY SPOTLIGHT: Sharks head coach Sean Everitt does not want "lack of leadership" to be a topic that comes up during his team's Super Rugby campaign in 2020.

MATCH REPORT: The Queensland Reds have defeated the New South Wales Waratahs 28-19 in Dalby in their final pre-season hit-out ahead of the 2020 Super Rugby season.

ROUND THREE: The first World Sevens Series tournament of this Olympic year will take place in Hamilton, New Zealand on Saturday and Sunday - January 25 and 26.

REACTION: Discredited former Saracens boss Nigel Wray has spoken out after the release of the full report on the club's salary cap breaches.

SQUAD ANNOUNCEMENT: Bulls head coach, Pote Human, has selected his 40 man squad that will do duty in this year’s Super Rugby.

MEDICAL UPDATE: Worcester Warriors lock Michael Fatialofa is "making good progress" as the New Zealander recovers from spinal surgery.

SIX NATIONS NEWS: Scotland flyhalf Finn Russell will miss the Six Nations opener against Ireland after being sent home from their training base on Thursday for a "breach of team protocol".

NEWS: The Sharks are set to lose one of their Springbok centres at the end of the Super Rugby season.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: After outcry from rugby fans and professionals alike, the content of the comprehensive report outlining Saracens’ salary cap breaches has finally been revealed.

MATCH REPORT: The Brumbies lost 157 Test caps in the off-season, without making any major signings, but they didn't miss a beat in a Super Rugby trial against the Melbourne Rebels.

SIX NATIONS SPOTLIGHT: Ireland coach Andy Farrell said Wednesday that he believes Eddie Jones will use the Saracens' salary cap scandal to "galvanise" England in the upcoming Six Nations Championship.

WATCH as former Springboks captain Warren Whiteley tries to shed light on his never-ending knee injury and his new role at the Lions.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Highlanders coach Aaron Mauger has challenged the players to make the most of the final opportunity to stake claims for starting spots.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: The Hurricanes have named a 32-man squad to take on the Blues in Auckland this Friday.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: The Blues will have their final pre-season outing at North Harbour on Friday ahead of the Super Rugby season.

SUPER RUGBY PREVIEW 2020 – TEAM BY TEAM: There are good reasons why bookmakers are listing the Sharks as rank outsiders - with long odds of 34-1.

SUPER RUGBY PREVIEW 2020 – TEAM BY TEAM: After a couple of seasons of mediocrity, not much is expected from the Stormers in 2020.

TRANSFER NEWS: The Waratahs have made another addition to their Super Rugby squad, securing the signature of damaging outside-back, Siosifa Lisala on a one-year deal.

NEWS: Premiership Rugby said on Wednesday it would release a report into Saracens' breaches of the league's salary cap rules after the club said they were keen for it to be published in full.

WATCH as Andy Goode and Brendan Venter get into a heated debate over Saracens salary scandal.

SUPER RUGBY PREVIEW 2020 – TEAM BY TEAM: Something borrowed, something blue, something old and very little new…

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Southern Kings coach Robbi Kempson believes this weekend’s PRO14 derby match against the Cheetahs in Port Elizabeth is the ideal opportunity for his side to draw a line in the sand and show how much they have improved over the past six months.

This week there is the lull before the storm - a time of expectant tumult, the week before Six Nations starts in Europe, the week before Super Rugby bursts out on four continents.

OPINION: When Richie Mo’unga helped guide the Crusaders to their third Super Rugby title on the trot in 2019, Mo’unga Mania hit its peak.

TRANSFER NEWS: Scotland international lock Ben Toolis has today extended his stay in the capital after penning a new deal with Edinburgh Rugby.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Four 2019 Junior Springbok from the Under20 World Championship Cup players and another 10 who travelled to Georgia with the SA U19 team in December were included in a 19-man squad invited to the first of four SA Rugby Academy alignment camps in Stellenbosch in February.

=TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Michael Hooper has stepped down as skipper of the Waratahs just over a week from the start of the new Super Rugby season, but said he still wants to lead the Wallabies.

SUPER RUGBY NEWS: The Queensland Reds are reeling after try-scoring machine Filipo Daugunu copped a five-match ban for a dangerous tackle.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: The Queensland Reds have announced a 26-man squad for their second pre-season fixture against the Waratahs in Dalby on Friday.

NEWS: Bulls scrum coach  Daan Human has been appointed as the new Springbok scrum coach.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Rugby Football Union chief executive Bill Sweeney has refused to rule out the possibility of allowing England to select Saracens players who move abroad following the salary cap scandal.

SQUAD ANNOUNCEMENTS: Brumbies coach Dan McKellar has announced the two squads that will play in Super Rugby pre-season trials against the Melbourne Rebels in Albury on Thursday.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: In preparation for the new Super Rugby season, Beauden Barrett has been working on his kicking game with acclaimed elite performance coach Dave Alred.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: The Crusaders will play their final pre-season fixture this Friday in Wanaka, when they take on the Highlanders in the annual Farmlands Cup fixture between the two sides.

PRO14 SPOTLIGHT: Cheetahs captain Tian Meyer believes the pressure is on his side ahead of this weekend’s Pro14 derby against the Kings to return to the standards they have set themselves as a team.

SUPER RUGBY NEWS: All Black lock Patrick Tuipulotu has been confirmed as captain of the Blues for the 2020 Super Rugby competition.

SUPER RUGBY PREVIEW 2020 – TEAM BY TEAM: It is a new season and, as is traditional, the year is met by baroque hopefulness and idealism.

SQUAD ANNOUNCEMENT: Springbok centre Lukhanyo Am will captain the Sharks during the 2020 Super Rugby competition.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: New Wallabies coach Dave Rennie has been officially welcomed and will start meeting the nation's Super Rugby teams from Wednesday, on a whistle-stop tour of the country.

TRANSFER NEWS: Former France coach Philippe Saint-Andre will take over from Vern Cotter as director of rugby at Montpellier, the French Top 14 team announced on Tuesday.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: World Sevens Series has become synonymous with all-out action, tries galore, big hits and watching some of the premier athletes in the game trying to outrun each other - all at breath-taking speeds.

TRANSFER NEWS: Steve Borthwick is to join Leicester Tigers as head coach with Geordan Murphy appointed to the role of director of rugby.

SUPER RUGBY NEWS: Wallabies outside back Dane Haylett-Petty will captain Melbourne Rebels again as the Victorian club strives for a first Super Rugby finals spot.

SPOTLIGHT: On the eve of the start of a new Super Rugby season, Ben Smith takes a look at the declining interest in the game.

TRANSFER NEWS: Saracens' demotion from the Premiership could have an unexpected spin-off for one South African franchise.

DISCIPLINARY UPDATE: Saracens Will Skelton has been suspended for four weeks following his red card in the 27-24 win over Racing 92 in their European Champions Cup pool match last Sunday.

NEWS: Wallabies tighthead prop and self-described "joker" Allan Alaalatoa has vowed not to change after being named the Brumbies captain for 2020 Super Rugby season.

SIX NATIONS SPOTLIGHT: Eddie Jones hopes a "long debrief" will allow England to focus firmly on the Six Nations.

NEWS: Ali Price has followed up his Man of the Match performance against Sale Sharks on Saturday by signing a new two-year contract with Glasgow Warriors.

REACTION: England coach Eddie Jones was in a high-spirited mood as he addressed the media on Monday.

REACTION: Although his side suffered a pre-season defeat to Stormers, Sharks coach Sean Everitt was left very content in Soweto on Sunday.

INJURY UPDATE: The Bulls received a timely boost ahead of the start of the Super Rugby season.

REACTION: It seems like Stormers head coach John Dobson will have to rethink his 'explosive power-based game' tactic for the upcoming Super Rugby season.

NEWS: Cheetah Kicking and Skills Coach Albert Keuris is another South African mentor that will join Italy ahead of the Six Nations.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Rugby Australia have declared they “are going to go heavy” in pursuing former Wallabies lock Will Skelton in the wake of the Saracens salary cap scandal.

INJURY UPDATE: Gloucester head coach Johan Ackermann hopes the injury Louis Rees-Zammit picked up during his side’s 14-35 defeat at Toulouse is minor enough to allow him to contribute for Wales at the Six Nations.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: England coach Eddie Jones has named his 34-man squad for the 2020 Six Nations.

NEWS: SANZAAR has announced the names of the 12 referees who will referee Super Rugby in 2020. They have axed two referees from 2019.

INJURY UPDATE: The Lions suffered a massive pre-season setback, following their 35-40 loss to the Bulls in a pre-season outing in Soweto this past Sunday.

NEWS: England has revealed more changes to the coaching set-up under Eddie Jones, including a Rugby League import.

INJURY UPDATE: England are set to be without the services of star loose forward Billy Vunipola for a substantial portion of the Six Nations.

CHAMPIONS CUP REPORT: Toulouse rounded off the Champions Cup pool stages with a commanding 35-14 win over Gloucester, securing a home quarterfinal in the process.

PRE-SEASON REPORT: A late Cornal Hendricks try helped the Bulls edge the Lions 40-35 in an entertaining pre-season encounter in Soweto on Sunday.

CHAMPIONS CUP REPORT: Saracens came out 27-24 victors over Racing 92 in an epic Champions Cup Pool Four clash at Allianz Park on Sunday.

PRE-SEASON REPORT: The Stormers edged the Sharks 21-19 in a pre-season encounter in Soweto on Sunday.

NEWS: Saracens have broken their silence after Premiership Rugby's decision to automatically relegate the club for breaching the salary cap.

INJURY UPDATE: The Hurricanes could have star loose forward Ardie Savea back from his significant knee injury earlier than expected.

CHAMPIONS CUP REPORT: Montpellier won a see-saw encounter with Connacht 35-29 at the Stadium as these two sides bowed out of this season’s Champions Cup by producing a thriller.

CHAMPIONS CUP REPORT: Munster may have failed to qualify for the Champions Cup quarterfinals but they finished this season’s campaign in style with a 33-6 bonus-point victory over winless Ospreys in Pool Four.

READERS’ FORUM: Welcome to the European Cup Round Six encounter between Toulouse and Gloucester at Stade Ernest Wallon.

READERS’ FORUM: Welcome to the European Cup Round Six encounter between Saracens and Racing 92 Allianz Park.

READERS’ FORUM: Welcome to the Super Rugby pre-season encounter between the Lions and Bulls in Soweto.

SUPER RUGBY SPOTLIGHT: New Chiefs head coach Warren Gatland won't be thinking too much about his team's 19-26 loss to the Blues in a pre-season match on Friday.

TRANSFER NEWS: The Bulls have finally announced that Tonga centre Nafi Tuitavake will join the Super Rugby franchise.

MATCH REPORT: Exeter Chiefs secured a Champions Cup home quarter-final after a dominant 33-14 win over La Rochelle at Sandy Park on Saturday.

MATCH REPORT: A stirring second-half display saw Ulster make sure of progress to the knockout stages of the Champions Cup but winless Bath made them work hard for their 22-15 success in Belfast.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: European and English champions Saracens are to be relegated at the end of the season due to breaching the salary cap, Premiership Rugby announced on Saturday.

SUPER RUGBY PRE-SEASON: They may be World Cup winners and superstars, but the Stormers' Springboks have their feet firmly planted on the ground.

MATCH REPORT: Glasgow Warriors kept themselves in the hunt for a place in the quarter-finals of the Champions Cup with a runaway 45-7 win over Sale Sharks.

CHAMPIONS CUP REPORT: Northampton kept alive their hopes of qualifying for the knockout stages of the Champions Cup with a dramatic 36-24 win over Lyon at the Matmut Stadium.

MATCH REPORT: Clermont Auvergne were made to dig deep as they saw off Harlequins 26-19 to top Champions Cup Pool 3.

MATCH REPORT: Leinster duly clinched top seeding and a home quarter-final in the Champions Cup by securing a 100 percent record in Pool 1 with an 18-0 victory over a battling Benetton side in Treviso.

READERS’ FORUM: Welcome to the Super Rugby pre-season encounter between the Sharks and Stormers in Soweto.

SUPER RUGBY PRE-SEASON: South African teams need to have a 're-think' about how they approach the SANZAAR tournament.

PRE-SEASON: The Crusaders recorded an impressive 40-19 win over the Hurricanes in their Super Rugby pre-season match in Ashburton on Saturday.

REACTION: Saracens have reiterated they will do whatever is "reasonably required" to prove they are operating within the salary cap for the current season.

READERS’ FORUM: Welcome to the European Cup Round Six encounter between Exeter Chiefs and La Rochelle at Sandy Park.

PRE-SEASON REPORT: The Jaguares got their preparations underway for this year's Super Rugby tournament with a convincing 66-3 win over a Georgia XV side in Mar del Plata on Friday.

READERS’ FORUM: Welcome to the European Cup Round Six encounter between Ulster and Bath at Kingspan Stadium.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: New Stormers recruit Jamie Roberts made it clear that still be available to play for Wales if they need him.

READERS’ FORUM: Welcome to the European Cup Round Six encounter between Lyon andNorthampton Saints at Matmut Stadium de Gerland.

PRE-SEASON REPORT: The Blues survived a second-half fightback from the Chiefs to record a 26-19 victory in their pre-season match in Waihi.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: The Brumbies are confident they can clinch another Australian conference title despite losing five Wallabies in the Super Rugby off-season.

WARM-UP MATCH REPORT: The Southern Kings gave the star-studded Stormers a timely wake-up call.

PRE-SEASON REPORT: Filipo Daugunu crossed five times as the Queensland Reds feasted in a Super Rugby trial game mismatch against Melbourne on Friday.

SUPER RUGBY PRE-SEASON REPORT: A three-try blitz midway through the second half helped the Bulls claim victory in the first of two matches against the Lions this weekend.

SQUAD ANNOUNCEMENT: England Sevens acting head coach James Rodwell has named his maiden 13-player travelling squad for the World Sevens Series tournament in Hamilton, New Zealand on January 25-26.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Following the exodus of the powerful pack, Sharks are in dire need of a new attacking option for the upcoming Super Rugby season.

WATCH as now-retired Springbok Schalk Brits speaks about the emotion of bringing back the Webb Ellis Cup to South Africa and the dramatic scenes that unfolded.

SQUAD ANNOUNCEMENT: Still searching for consistency, Australian sevens coach Tim Walsh has sprung a leadership change just six months out from the Olympic Games.

NEWS: Defending champions Saracens could be relegated from the English Premiership if they fail to adhere to the division's salary cap this season, according to a report.

SUPER RUGBY PRE-SEASON REPORT: For the second successive week the Sharks demolished the Russian national team.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Sharks coach Sean Everitt wasted no time in rushing his Springboks back for their Super Sunday pre-season outing.

LAST CHANCE SALOON: The Six Nations looms large on the horizon, but first we turn our attention to the European Champions Cup.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: After months after speculation, Springboks Warren Whiteley has finally been confirmed as the Lions' line-out coach for the 2020 Super Rugby season.

On Saturday, 18 January 2020, the final of the  Coppa Italia will be played in the northern Italian town of Rovigo between Rovigo and Petrarca of Padua.

TRANSFER NEWS: Scotland lock Richie Gray is to return to the club where he began his career Glasgow Warriors after a successful spell in France in what is head coach Danny Wilson's first signing.

TRANSFER NEWS: The worst-kept secret in Cape Town has been confirmed.

PRE-SEASON REPORT: A youthful Waratahs side have overcome a horror start to beat the Highlanders 40-21 in a Super Rugby pre-season match at Leichhardt Oval in Sydney.

SPOTLIGHT: As the European Cup pool stage reaches its climax this weekend, we bring you a pool by pool breakdown of what’s at stake.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: The Hurricanes coaching staff have named a 34-man squad to take on the Crusaders in Ashburton this Saturday.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Stormers will conclude their pre-season fixtures this weekend as they face the Southern Kings in Knysna on Friday and the Sharks in Soweto on SuperHero Sunday.

TRANSFER NEWS: Following last week’s announcement of Sam Underhill, Jack Walker and Max Wright putting pen to paper on long-term contracts, Bath confirmed the re-signing of homegrown loose forward, Tom Ellis on a new two-year deal.

SUPER RUGBY NEWS: Chiefs head coach Warren Gatland revealed that loose forward Sam Cane will captain the Chiefs for the upcoming Super Rugby season.

REACTION: Wales boss Wayne Pivac has hailed Gloucester wing Louis Rees-Zammit as "a great finisher" after handing the 18-year-old a Six Nations call-up.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: The New Zealand coach Clark Laidlaw has changed up his team for the next leg of the World Sevens Series, on home turf in Hamilton next week.

NEWS: Harlequins announced that back-row forward Alex Dombrandt has extended his contract, following two successful years at the club.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Former BlitzBok star Vuyo Zangqa will coach of the Southern Kings, as they face the Stormers in a warm-up match in Knysna on Friday.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: The Reds have announced a 28-man squad for their opening pre-season fixture against the Melbourne Rebels in Gladstone on Friday.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: The Crusaders will kick off 2020 with their first pre-season game this Saturday, as they prepare to meet the Hurricanes in Ashburton.

SQUAD ANNOUNCEMENT: The Highlanders will travel with a squad of 28 to play the Waratahs in Sydney on Friday, in the first of two pre-season games for the Dunedin side.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Bulls have announced their matchday team for their #SuperHeroSunday clash with the Lions.

VIDEO: @rugby365com law guru Paul Dobson looks at some Cheslin Kolbe 'magic' and analyses if his actions were legal!

NEWS: The "high tackle technique warning" will be trialled during Super Rugby this year as World Rugby aims to improve player safety.

NEWS: Siyamthanda Kolisi and his Springbok team are up for yet another award.

DISCIPLINARY UPDATE: Saracens prop Rhys Carre has had an eventful Wednesday of wildly different emotions.

Its the last round of pool matches in the Heineken Cup and the Challenge cup. After this come the quarterfinals in April.

SIX NATIONS TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: New Wales coach Wayne Pivac has named his first squad - which features 38 players, including five who are uncapped.

SIX NATIONS NEWS: New Ireland coach Andy Farrell has named a 35-man squad - including a surprise as captain - for the 2020 Championships.

TRANSFER NEWS: World Cup winner Isaia Toeava will leave French Top 14 club Clermont at the end of the season, the former New Zealand full-back said on Wednesday.

SQUAD ANNOUNCEMENT: Stuart Hogg has been named Scotland captain for the 2020 Six Nations.

SQUAD ANNOUNCEMENT: Stedman Gans will captain the Springbok Sevens squad to Hamilton and Sydney for the third and fourth tournaments of the World Rugby Sevens Series, taking over the captaincy armband from the injured Siviwe Soyizwapi.

NEWS: The Hurricanes announced the captaincy for the 2020 Super Rugby season will be shared between TJ Perenara and Dane Coles.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Karmichael Hunt is happy to take on more responsibility as he prepares to lead the Waratahs after his first "decent" Super Rugby pre-season in several years.

OPINION: England’s World Cup-winning coach Clive Woodward has called for incumbent English boss Eddie Jones to stage a trial match before finalising his Six Nations squad later this month.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: There has been a sizable backlash in the Scottish rugby community after the staggering salaries paid to Scottish Rugby Union executives has been made public.

NEWS: Northampton Saints have confirmed that scrumhalf Cobus Reinach will leave at the conclusion of this season.

NEWS: Former Wallabies captain Ben Mowen has joined the Junior Wallabies 2020 program, as he pursues a coaching career in the national set-up.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: The Sharks XV will take on the Russian national side in a pre-season warm-up match at Kings Park on Friday.

NEWS: Former NSW and Australia Rugby League representative Phil Bailey wants the Waratahs to display more aggression and dominant tackling in their defence.

NEWS: South Africa's World Cup-winning captain Siya Kolisi was voted the 2019 Rugby Writers' personality of the year.

WATCH as the Rugby Pod gets stuck into the 2020-21 rumour mill.

WATCH as World Cup-winning Springbok captain Siyamthanda Kolisi speaks about leading the Stormers in their last season at Newlands.

DISCIPLINARY UPDATE: Southern Kings prop Pieter Scholtz has been handed a four-week suspension for a dangerous tackle. 

WATCH as we went behind the scenes with one of the most iconic clubs in the world, as they prepared for a clash with Wales in Cardiff.

NEWS: The future stars will converge on Italy for the 13th edition of the World Rugby U20 Championship from June 28 to July 18.

NEWS: England head coach Eddie Jones has appointed Matt Proudfoot and Simon Amor as his new assistant coaches.

SUPER RUGBY SPOTLIGHT: Journeyman and new Waratahs hooker Robbie Abel expects to be a calming voice to the youngsters on the team.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: PRO14 side the Southern Kings will get an opportunity to test their depth against a near Super Rugby strength squad when the Eastern Cape franchise clashes with the Stormers in a friendly in Knysna on Friday.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Angus Blyth is simultaneously learning the finer points of rugby and still getting schooled in the gym by his Queensland Reds coach Brad Thorn.

TEAM NEWS: Stormers coach John Dobson is keeping his cards close to his chest as to the make-up of his teams for their final two pre-season outings.

SUPER RUGBY SPOTLIGHT: It is the BIG question in New Zealand. Will Aaron Cruden be recalled to the All Blacks, now that he is back in New Zealand?

SUPER RUGBY PREVIEW 2020: It’s understandable why the Highlanders will be written off by many pundits heading into new Super Rugby season.

TRANSFER NEWS: Former Junior Springbok Duhan van der Merwe has taken a step closer to getting a Scotland call-up after his decision to extend his contract with Edinburgh.

SQUAD ANNOUNCEMENT: Italy legend Sergio Parisse was not named in the 35-man squad unveiled on Monday for the Six Nations tournament with Alberto Sgarbi recalled after six years and three newcomers included.

TRANSFER NEWS:  Former All Blacks loose forward Adam Thomson has capped off a miraculous late-career recovery as he signs for the Chiefs.

SUPER RUGBY SPOTLIGHT: The Brumbies are poised to again dominate the Australian conference of Super Rugby and have the potential go at least one step further and make the tournament’s final in 2020.

NEWS: Welsh utility back James Hook is to retire from rugby at the end of the season and initially focus on writing children's books, he said on Monday.

SUPER RUGBY SPOTLIGHT: Melbourne Rebels recruit Andrew Kellaway says he's disappointed by the departure of Jack Maddocks even if it helps him break into their line-up.

NEWS: Louis Rees-Zammit, considered one of the hottest prospects in Rugby Union, has been rewarded for his strong form with a long-term contract by English Premiership side Gloucester.

OPINION: Andy Goode gives his view on the latest developments surrounding the Saracens salary-cap saga.

PRE-SEASON SPOTLIGHT: World Cup-winning Springbok captain Siyamthanda Kolisi will lead an array of stars out at Soccer City in Soweto next Sunday.

NEWS: Crusaders continue their link with the Northern Hemisphere.

SUPER RUGBY SPOTLIGHT: Waratahs stalwart Jed Hollway says their new-look squad must build on the legacy left by a host of departing stars and drive new standards.

CHAMPIONS CUP REACTION: Racing 92's South African-born France international Antonie Claassen said his side need to keep their feet on the ground despite reaching a fifth Champions Cup quarterfinal in six season

NEWS: Paul Zacks will be stepping down as Western Province Rugby Group CEO on January 31.

NEWS: Henry Hadfield, of Fylde RFC, has been banned from all sport for two years for an anti-doping rule violation.

POST-MATCH REACTION: Munster coach Johann Van Graan admitted Racing 92's late sucker punch was a bitter pill to swallow, as his team's Champions Cup hopes were all but ended.

REACTION: Ulster head coach Dan McFarland believes his side let slip a golden opportunity to win in France as they slipped to a 13-29 defeat to Clermont Auvergne.

REACTION: Western Province and Stormers boss Paul Zacks has dismissed a report that he has departed the franchise.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Exeter’s thrilling 31-all draw at Scotstoun ended on a high when Stuart Hogg’s 60-metre last gasp penalty kick hit the crossbar, coming so close to snatching an away win.

COACH'S COMMENT: The Southern King and Stormers will be out to test their respective squad depth, when they take each other on in a friendly encounter in Knysna on Friday, January 17.

EUROPEAN CUP REPORT: Leinster collected another bonus-point success in Pool One.

EUROPEAN CUP REPORT: Northampton Saints survived a tremendous Benetton effort to stay on course for the quarterfinals - with a 33-20 victory at Franklin's Gardens.

EUROPEAN CUP REPORT: Northampton Saints survived a tremendous Benetton effort to stay on course for the quarterfinals.

MATCH REPORT: Gloucester kept their Champions Cup quarter-final hopes alive with a 29-6 bonus-point win over Montpellier in Pool 5 on Saturday at Kingsholm.

CHALLENGE CUP WRAP: Toulon came from behind to beat Scarlets - and progress from Pool Two to the quarterfinals.

READERS’ FORUM: Welcome to the European Cup Round Five encounter between Racing 92 and Munster at the Paris La defence Arena.

SUPER RUGBY SPOTLIGHT: Tom Vinicombe takes a look at some of the key changes faced by the 10-time champion Crusaders, ahead of the 2020 season.

READERS’ FORUM: Welcome to the European Cup Round Five encounter between Leinster and Lyon the RDS Arena.

WATCH as Andy Goode and Jim Hamilton discuss what the future holds for Saracens after Nigel Wrays decision to leave the club.

PRE-SEASON REPORT: The Stormers secured hard-fought wins over CPUT, UCT, and Maties, however, fell short against their provincial side Western Province.

MATCH REPORT: Four-time winners Toulouse qualified for the Champions Cup quarter-finals with a 21-7 win over Connacht on Saturday.

REACTION: New Sharks coach Sean Everitt was 'pleased' with his team's first hit-out of the year.

MATCH REPORT: Exeter Chiefs secured a spot in the Champions Cup quarter-finals after a thrilling 31-31 draw with Glasgow Warriors at Scotstoun.

READERS’ FORUM: Welcome to the European Cup Round Five encounter between Glasgow Warriors and Exeter Chiefs at the Scotstoun Stadium.

PRE-SEASON REPORT: Jade Stighling scored a hat-trick as the Bulls gave early notice of their intentions in the 2020 Super Rugby season.

MATCH REPORT: ASM Clermont Auvergne put in a terrific second-half display to defeat Ulster Rugby 29-13 and secure a Champions Cup quarter-final spot.

MATCH REPORT: Defending Champions Saracens kept their quarter-final hopes alive with a 22-15 win over Ospreys at the Liberty Stadium.

REACTION: Bath boss Stuart Hooper has moved to play down an injury scare surrounding England star Anthony Watson.

READERS’ FORUM: Welcome to the European Cup Round Five encounter between Clermont Auvergne and Ulster Stade Marcel-Michelin.

PREVIEW: With the Southern Hemisphere’s sights firmly locked on the upcoming Super Rugby season, it’s easy to forget that one of the world’s most star-studded leagues is just days away from commencing.

Cheslin Kolbe has grabbed the limelight yet again with another moment of magic in the Champions Cup.

OPINION: The Hurricanes finished their 2019 season with another semi-final defeat to the Crusaders, their second straight season-ender in Christchurch.

I have a nightmare that I wish to swap for a dream, a death wish that I want to swap for a wishlist, so that I can exchange my fears for rugby's future with more of the joy and excitement that has filled my life since reaching the age of reason.

SUPER RUGBY SPOTLIGHT: The Stormers' game plan for the upcoming Super Rugby tournament will be a "very simple" one.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: The 2020 Varsity Cup, fortunately, will have no law changes however, this year's fixtures will have a later kick-off times.

INJURY UPDATE: Sale flyhalf AJ MacGinty has been ruled out for up to four months, after dislocating his shoulder in Friday’s 30-23 European Cup pool defeat to La Rochelle.

NEWS: England loose forward Sam Underhill has signed a new deal with the Premiership side Bath.

PRE-SEASON REPORT: The Sharks hammered Russia 64-14 in a pre-season friendly in Durban on Friday.

NEWS: Wales will face Japan and New Zealand in three test matches as part of their 2020 June Tour.

CHAMPIONS CUP REPORT: Harlequins came out on top against Bath 25-19 in a highly entertaining Pool Three match that resulted in three tries apiece.

NEWS: Olly Robinson has reaffirmed his commitment to Cardiff Blues with a new long-term deal at the Arms Park.

CHAMPIONS CUP REPORT: La Rochelle scrumhalf Tawera Kerr-Barlow put in a terrific performance as the French side defeated Sale Sharks 30-23 on Friday at Stade Marcel Deflandre.

EURO SPOTLIGHT:  Eddie Jones believes Sale flank Ben Curry, twin brother of Tom, could become an international scrumhalf.

NEWS: Northampton Saints confirmed that Mikey Haywood has signed a contract extension.

READERS’ FORUM: Welcome to the European Cup Round Five encounter between La Rochelle and Sale Sharks at Stade Marcel Deflandre.

REACTION: Charles Ollivon, named captain of the French team, "is not a miracle worker" but "someone who works hard," his club coach said on Thursday.

NEWS: Top New Zealand referee Glen Jackson announced Friday he was giving up the job, just months after being overlooked for a role at the World Cup.

NEWS: Saracens have revealed Nigel Wray's successor.

IN THE HOME STRAIGHT: French Top 14 giants Racing 92 and Toulouse can clinch quarterfinal spots with victories over Irish opposition this weekend.

It's the second last round of pool matches in the European Professional Club Rugby's competitions. That's where Europe's big clubs are.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Bulls coach Pote Human has opted for a 'mix-and-match' approach for the team's pre-season opener.

SUPER RUGBY SPOTLIGHT: The Reds will be without star man Samu Kerevi this season, but in James O'Connor and Jordan Petaia boast an alternative route to success.

INJURY UPDATE: The Highlanders suffered a setback before their season even had a chance to get off the ground.

SQUAD ANNOUNCEMENT: A 28-man Stormers squad will get a thorough work-out against four different teams at Florida Park in Ravensmead on Saturday.

TRANSFER NEWS: The Waratahs have received a big boost ahead of the Super Rugby season.

DISCIPLINARY UPDATE: Northampton wing Tom Collins has been dealt a two-week suspension, following his sending off in last weekend's Premiership win over Wasps.

REACTION: Wales scrumhalf Rhys Webb, who was already told he would never play for Toulon again, had his freeze-out confirmed Thursday.

NEWS UPDATE: The latest casualty in the ongoing Saracens salary cap saga has been revealed.

CHAMPIONS CUP SPOTLIGHT: As the Champions Cup takes centre stage again this weekend, we look at what's at stake in each pool.

LISTEN as Ellis Genge speaks to the Rugby Pod in a brilliantly candid call.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: New France coach Fabien Galthie said his squad for the upcoming Six Nations was assembled with a view towards the World Cup on home soil in 2023.

INJURY UPDATE: Munster has confirmed Joey Carbery will definitely miss the entire Six Nations campaign with Ireland.

PRO14 DISCIPLINARY UPDATE: Dragons prop Brok Harris has been banned for two weeks.

SUPER RUGBY NEWS: The Sharks will prepare for this season's Super Rugby tournament with two matches against Russia.

CONTRACT NEWS: Edinburgh have continued to strengthen their squad ahead of next season with the re-signing of Scotland international prop Rory Sutherland.

SQAUD ANNOUNCEMENT: Toulon's relatively inexperienced back-row Charles Ollivon was named as France captain as new head coach Fabien Galthie unveiled a revamped 42-man Six Nations squad featuring a remarkable 19 uncapped players.

SUPER RUGBY SPOTLIGHT: There are several questions to be answered by the New South Wales Waratahs of 2020.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Brendan Venter and Schalk Brits share their thoughts on the looming job and pay cuts at Saracens.

CHAMPIONS CUP SPOTLIGHT: Exeter Chiefs have tasted success on the domestic front. Now they are keen on replicating it on as more global scale.

NEWS: Italy legend Sergio Parisse has revealed that he will play his final Test for his country on home soil during this year's Six Nations tournament.

NEWS: He's only 22, but new Queensland Reds captain Liam Wright has the smarts, skill and respect to lead his team back to the Super Rugby finals, says coach Brad Thorn.

TRANSFER NEWS: Worcester Warriors have signed flyhalf Billy Searle from Wasps on a two-year contract from the start of the 2020/21 season.

UPDATE: English Premiership club Worcester announced on Tuesday that lock Michael Fatialofa had undergone successful surgery to relieve pressure on his spinal cord.

SUPER RUGBY NEWS: The Stormers will get the preparations for their 2020 Super Rugby campaign underway at Florida Park in Ravensmead on Saturday against some of the best young talent in the Western Cape.

NEWS: Saracens hope to minimise the distress caused by any possible player departures enforced by their breach of salary cap regulations by focusing on their older stars or those near the end of their contract.

INJURY UPDATE: Ireland new head coach Andy Farrell seems to have a flyhalf crisis ahead of the Six Nations with both Johnny Sexton and Joey Carbery sidelined with injuries.

SUPER RUGBY NEWS: Elusive Wallabies utility Jack Maddocks could become the Waratahs' fullback in a player swap deal with the Melbourne Rebels ahead of the Super Rugby season.

TRANSFER NEWS: The Sunwolves have once again dipped into the offshore player market.

NEWS: Edward Griffiths, the new Saracens chief executive, has told the club’s high-profile squad some players may have to leave or face salary cuts to prove they are operating within the Premiership salary cap this season.

NEWS: Scotland international loose forward Magnus Bradbury has become the latest player to commit his future to Edinburgh after today putting pen-to-paper on a new deal.

NEWS: Brumbies coach Dan McKellar says there will be no excuses come round one of Super Rugby, despite bushfires throwing their pre-season into disarray.

NEWS: Reports suggest England head coach Eddie Jones is in hot pursuit of Gloucester wing Louis Rees-Zammit, the Welsh wing star that’s breaking Premiership try-scoring records.

NEWS: Northampton Saints announced the appointment of Ian Vass as their defence coach.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: All Blacks star Julian Savea has lifted the lid on what competition he prefers out of Super Rugby and the Top 14.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Super Rugby's early start might have loads of critics, however, SANZAAR's decision has somehow found one supporter.

NEWS: Wales scrumhalf Rhys Webb will no longer feature for French Top 14 side Toulon after club owner Bernard Lemaitre hit out at the "dishonest" attitude surrounding the player's return home.

SPOTLIGHT: Welsh rugby icon Alun Wyn Jones has turned on senior Ospreys management in a no-holds-barred press conference at the Liberty Stadium in Swansea.

World Cup-winning back row Duane Vermeulen is now a household name in World Rugby.