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EXCLUSIVE: The new tackle laws which were trialled during the Under-20 World Championships will run the risk of taking away a crucial element of the game.

EXCLUSIVE: The Springboks have just come off a tough series against England and will now head straight back into their Super Rugby franchises, however, some players deserve a break.

EXCLUSIVE: As the game moves ever closer to becoming a year-long season, managing the number of matches the players are involved in becomes more important than ever.

EXCLUSIVE: Aled Walters' decision to leave Munster and join Rassie Erasmus as part of the Springbok coaching staff was a no-brainer as he holds the team in high regard.

EXCLUSIVE: Super Rugby referee Egon Seconds provides us with unique insight into what happens behind the scenes after each match he and his fellow referees are involved in.

EXCLUSIVE: Egon Seconds took to refereeing in 2014 but struggled with the transition from player to referee as he found himself joining the players in some of the on-field antics.

EXCLUSIVE: Much has been said around the recently trailed height of the tackle, with many suggesting that it will take away from a key component of the game.

EXCLUSIVE: Now that the dust has settled on what was a successful first outing for Rassie Erasmus, it was pleasing to see that the coach was not tempted to hand out free Springbok caps - especially in the dead rubber Test.

EXCLUSIVE: As the Springbok players disperse across the country to their various Super Rugby teams, they will now face a metal challenge of adjusting to the demands of Super Rugby.

EXCLUSIVE: The Springboks' defeat to England at Newlands has got some people worried about the lack of depth the country has in certain positions.

EXCLUSIVE: There were some solid performances for the Springboks in their series against England and some not-so-solid ones as well.

EXCLUSIVE: Duane Vermeulen made a highly successful return to the Springbok fold, a year after a poor showing that saw him lose his spot, proving that he remains one of the best loose forwards in the world.

EXCLUSIVE: Player management is not simply a case of resting players from matches as Springboks Head of High-Performance Aled Walters explains.

EXCLUSIVE: Rassie Erasmus made a successful start to his Springbok coaching tenure but all eyes are now on what progress will be made as the Rugby Championships draw nearer.

EXCLUSIVE: Leaving the comforts of home in Wales and shipping your family to South Africa is a daunting prospect in itself, however, the chance to work alongside Rassie Erasmus at international level was an opportunity Aled Walters could not pass up.

EXCLUSIVE: The rumour mill continues to grow stronger each day that Newlands Rugby Stadium will be no more and it seems to be a decision that will be welcomed by former players.

EXCLUSIVE: The current Super Rugby conference system may have been around for a few years but the format remains confusing to some former players.

EXCLUSIVE: The BlitzBoks have never won the Sevens World Cup and this year's edition of the competition brings a unique format.

EXCLUSIVE: The debate around whether or not Super Rugby remains relevant and interesting rages on, as it would seem that the final round robin matches did nothing to enhance the tournament's image.

EXCLUSIVE: The conveyor belt of South African-born players representing another country may soon have another name added the list.

EXCLUSIVE: A loyal Late Tackle viewer, Vincent Nortier posed an interesting question around the All Blacks' approach to the 10/12 interchangeability and whether or not that could work for the Springboks.

EXCLUSIVE: Heading to a foreign country to ply your trade will always be a tough task when you are not accustomed to playing most of your matches in wet weather, especially when joining a new club in the middle of the season.

READER'S OPINION: Dan Jardine responds to a fellow viewer's question regarding the All Blacks approach to interchangeable 10/12, which was posed on Late Tackle's Bulling Around with a Scarlet episode.

EXCLUSIVE: Soon-to-be Welsh qualified David Bulbring of the Scarlets lets us in on what it is like for a South African-born player trying to make a name for himself in a different country.

Super Rugby referee Egon Seconds jumps onto the couch and brings some unique insight into all things refereeing while bringing some humour to the panel.

EXCLUSIVE: Self-confessed Jesse Kriel look alike Aled Walters, the Springboks' Head of Athletic Performance, brings his Welsh charm and shares some funny stories about his time at Munster and the Springboks.

The conclusion of the June internationals has answered many questions about where the strength of the international game is but now the southern hemisphere weirdly heads back to Super Rugby.

VIDEO: How often do you get two real legends - like the World Rugby Player of the Century and the South African Player of the Century - on the same stage?

Now that we’re approaching the business end of the Super Rugby finals, the question we ask ourselves is how do players and coaches prepare their weekly plan and deal with expectations.

NEWS: 'Mistakenly' taking a weight loss product used by his wife, a Springbok has been banned for six months.

NEWS: Teboho Mohoje will be leading the Cheetahs in the 2018/19 Pro14 championships.

SUPER RUGBY SEMIFINAL: The Hurricanes will have to do what no other team before has achieved - win a play-off match in Christchurch.

SUPER RUGBY SEMIFINAL: The Lions continue to deny that their 2016 and 2017 failures in those finals are a driving force.

SUPER RUGBY SPOTLIGHT: The Crusaders will use their All Black-laden forward pack to limit the Hurricanes' opportunities out wide on Saturday.

SUPER RUGBY SPOTLIGHT: Over the years, the Crusaders and Hurricanes have provided Super Rugby with one of its greatest rivalries, showering fans with big hits, blockbusting runs and spectacular tries.

World Rugby CEO Brett Gosper has called for USA Rugby to make a “magnificent bid” to host a future Rugby World Cup following the success of the World Cup Sevens held in San Francisco.

Jeppe vs KES is always a special occasion, popular, intense and exciting. This time they meet at Jeppe in the return match of the season.

SUPER RUGBY SPOTLIGHT: The Waratahs will do everything in their power to avoid line-outs or scrums during the semifinal says Lions captain Warren Whiteley.

SUPER RUGBY SPOTLIGHT: They are commonly known as flyhalves, No.10s and in New Zealand first five-eighths. But more importantly, they are the playmakers of the team - the most pivotal players.

NEWS: The Wallabies squad will take on a Australian Super Rugby Selection next Friday at Leichhardt Oval in Sydney, as preparations ramp up ahead of the Bledisloe Cup opener.

SQUAD UPDATE: Lwazi Mvovo is one of eight players from the Sharks who have been added to the Springbok training squad.

Marlow leave their sheep farming in the valley of the Great Fish River and head southwest to the mixed farming of lovely Riversdale in the valley of the Sleeping Beauty.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: The Lions have 'supersized' their team for the Super Rugby semifinal showdown with the Waratahs on Saturday.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Waratahs coach Daryl Gibson has made just one change to his team for the Super Rugby semifinal encounter with the Lions.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Crusaders head coach Scott Robertson has made just one change to his starting XV for their Super Rugby semifinal against the Hurricanes in Christchurch.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: The Hurricanes have named an unchanged starting XV to head south for Saturday's Super Rugby semifinal against the Crusaders at Christchurch's AMI Stadium.

Grey College empty Bloemfontein and head down to the see for its meeting with Grey High School in PE. This year it's a Premier Interschools match and so televised.

NEWS: Powerhouse New Zealand prop Karl Tu'inufuake on Thursday capped his breakthrough season by signing a contract to stay with the All Blacks until 2021.

The @rugby365com team welcomes retired Welsh international Haldane Naude Luscombe on board, as they look at early retirements and @SuperRugby #semifinals.

SUPER RUGBY SPOTLIGHT: Being labelled the "best hooker in the world" is not something Malcolm Marx pays attention to.

SUPER RUGBY SPOTLIGHT: The Waratahs know they are facing an almighty challenge up front when they face the Lions in a Super Rugby semifinal on Saturday

SPOTLIGHT: Former All Blacks and Crusaders captain Richie McCaw gave coach Scott Robertson his thoughts on what the Crusaders must do to win their Super Rugby semi-final against the Hurricanes.

THE SHORT BALL: Do the Hurricanes have a chance? And should the Lions & Waratahs abandon their kicking boots this weekend?

NEWS: The legal height of a rugby tackle will be lowered next season during a trial aimed at cutting down on concussion and other injuries, rugby bosses announced on Wednesday.

NEWS: The Highlanders have responded to rumours thatWallaby flyhalf Quade Cooper heading to Dunedin to join the franchise.

UPDATE: Samoan rugby player Gordon Langkilde has been charged with assault following an off-the-field bust-up at the World Cup Sevens that left three Welsh players with injuries, police said Tuesday.

RANKINGS: As we resume after the midwinter break with the excitement of Craven Week and the announcement of the SA Schools side, the resumption of the rugby season sees two changes at the top of the Top 20.

James Starke, tough flank who played for Stellenbosch, Maties and the Springboks, died in frail care in Stellenbosch on Wednesday morning. He was 87. He had been in ill health for quite some time.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Securing a win over the Crusaders at Christchurch is a daunting nearly impossible task.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: A move from SANZAAR to Europe could be a good thing for South African Super Rugby franchises revealed Springboks legend Schalk Burger.

OPINION: The opening round of play-offs produced a number of eye-catching performances in New Zealand, Australia and South Africa.

NEWS: Schalk Brits, who recently retired from professional rugby, may be in line for a quick return to the game, with Netwerk24 reporting that he could be set to join the Bulls next season.

On Saturday Oakdale of Riversdale went to Paarl and beat Paarl Boys' High for the first time since 2002. It was a great occasion for coach Malan du Plessis and his players.

It's semifinal time as Super Rugby rushes toward's the season's end.

We have published the results of school vs school in all teams in the order in which we received them with the source of the results first in the heading.

On Saturday the rugby club hosted Marlow from Cradock.

SUPER RUGBY SPOTLIGHT: Former All Black wing Jeff Wilson was not impressed with what he saw from the Waratahs in their 30-23 Super Rugby quarterfinal win against the Highlanders.

SUPER RUGBY SPOTLIGHT: The Crusaders may be red-hot favourites to win their ninth title, but the Hurricanes won't be overawed in Christchurch on Saturday.

NEWS: An investigation initiated by MedSafe into the operation of the website Clenbuterol New Zealand has meant that three more New Zealand rugby players have been banned for doping.

REACTION: The Melbourne Rebels have confirmed that Hunter Paisami has been charged following an incident outside a Melbourne nightclub early on Sunday morning

INJURY UPDATE: The Lions received a timely boost, ahead of their Super Rugby semifinal encounter with the Waratahs.

SUPER RUGBY SPOTLIGHT: It is one-all this year between the Crusaders and Hurricanes. On Saturday they get to 'settle the matter' in a Super Rugby play-off match.

SPOTLIGHT: The fixtures for the PRO14 Conferences will remain unchanged for the upcoming season to ensure a balance of fixtures for all teams across the initial two seasons following expansion.

NEWS: The Blue Bulls have turned to a former coach to take charge of their Currie Cup team.

WATCH as Waratahs assistant coach Simon Cron explains how they will defy the odds when they meet the Lions in a Super Rugby semifinal encounter at Ellis Park on Saturday.

SUPER RUGBY SPOTLIGHT: Renowned New Zealand pundit Scotty Stevenson has made his call on who will be in the Final this year.

When Framesby went to Grey for their annual fixture, the first half was a competition, the second was not as Grey scored 29 points before Framesby got any.

TRANSFER NEWS: Johan Ackermann has managed to lure another South African player to the Premiership side Gloucester.

NEWS: The Super Rugby franchise the Melbourne Rebels made the headlines again as two of their young players have been accused of attacking a man from behind in the early hours of Sunday.

REACTION: World Rugby chiefs have declared the "brutal" knockout format of the World Cup Sevens a success but coaches have urged officials to think twice before using the same system more widely.

Schools are back from winter holidays and many schools are allowed to play some more rugby. In fact there are many significant matches on the go.

REACTION: Springbok hooker Malcolm Marx produced another outstanding performance in the Lions' 40-23 Super Rugby quarterfinal win over the Jaguares on Saturday.

POST-TOURNAMENT REACTION: World Rugby and Californian police are investigating a tunnel altercation that left a Wales Sevens player unable to play in the rest of the World Cup.

Grown men don't cry, but there must have been strong men who felt tears well at the news that Cliffie Etzebeth had died in a motor accident on Sunday afternoon.

REACTION: Jaguares head coach Mario Ledesma said his team made life very easy for the Lions in the first half of their Super Rugby quarterfinal in Johannesburg.

TRANSFER NEWS: Romania star Mihaita Lazar will join Top 14 side Grenoble from Castres.

FINAL DAY WRAP: New Zealand became the first team in history to win back-to-back World Cup Sevens crowns. And they did it twice.

REACTION: The Crusaders are set to get another All Black back for their Super Rugby semifinal against the Hurricanes in Christchurch next weekend.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: World rugby chiefs have warned that Sam Warburton's premature retirement from the sport is a "red flag" and say that players may need to adjust gruelling training regimes to protect their careers in future.

REACTION: The Waratahs have plenty of things to fix ahead of their Super Rugby semifinal against the Lions in Johannesburg next weekend.

Graeme College of Grahamstown had a tough rugby day against Pearson High in Port Elizabeth, where the honours were shared across the board.

SUPER RUGBY SPOTLIGHT: The line-up for the 2018 quarterfinals have been confirmed. We also bring you the video highlights for all the quarterfinal matches.

SUPER RUGBY REPORT: The Lions booked their semi-final spot with a comfortable 40-23 win over the Jaguares at Ellis Park on Saturday.

Hoërskool Waterkloof hosted Jeppe High School for Boys in Pretoria on Saturday. Jeppe won 41-26.

After a successful tour to Zimbabwe, the South African College High School (SACS), travelled up the N1 to Wellington with renewed hope after a disappointing second term.

Hoërskool Outeniqua went from George to Paarl to play Paarl Gim in a Premier Interschools match, and a tough time they had of it.

SAN FRANCISCO, DAY TWO WRAP: Fiji stormed into the semifinals of the World Cup Sevens on Saturday with a scintillating display as holders New Zealand survived a scare to stumble into the last four.

REVIEW: Colin Cooper’s first season in charge of the Chiefs was a real test of character.

SUPER RUGBY MATCH REPORT: Waratahs advanced to the semifinals with a sensational 30-23 win over the Highlanders in Sydney on Saturday.

SUPER RUGBY REPORT: The Crusaders advanced to the Super Rugby semifinals after they beat the Sharks 40-10 in their quarterfinal in Christchurch on Saturday.

SPOTLIGHT: The toxic environment in the boardroom, that is sullying the Stormers brand, has been overtaken by the coaching spat that erupted this week.

Lopeti Timani has opened up about his alleged attack by Melbourne Rebels teammate Amanaki Mafi in Dunedin.

NEWS: Two English players who died on tour in Sri Lanka had been sold heroin according evidence given at a magistrates’ court in Colombo.

SUPER RUGBY MATCH REPORT: Hurricanes advance to the semi-finals with a hard-fought 32-31 win over the Chiefs on Friday.

SAN FRANCISCO, DAY ONE WRAP: The BlitzBoks advanced to the last eight of the main draw at Rugby World Cup Sevens after they beat Ireland 45-7 in the Round of 16.

SUPER RUGBY QUARTERFINAL: History will be made at Ellis Park on Saturday afternoon.

SPOTLIGHT: Waratahs coach Daryl Gibson has admitted he may not have signed up to lead the side three years ago if he knew what he was getting himself into.

SUPER RUGBY QUARTERFINAL: The Highlanders are playing for more than just a place in the semifinals.

SUPER RUGBY QUARTERFINAL: The bookmakers have given the Sharks a 20-point start. It is a reflection of the expectations for the match.

SUPER RUGBY SPOTLIGHT: The Sharks can't afford to sit back and rely on defence in their Super Rugby quarterfinal clash against the Crusaders

SAN FRANCISCO: South Africa captain Philip Snyman said his team will need to hit the ground running as they launch their quest to claim a first World Cup Sevens crown in San Francisco on Friday.

Proud Jeppe go to Pretoria to meet proud Waterkloof on Saturday. It is always a tough match.

They are two of the top teams in the land - Paarl Boys' High and Hoër Landbouskool Oakdale of Riversdale - and they meet in Paarl on Saturday. It could just be the match of the day.

NEWS: All is not well in the Stormers camp.

A New Zealand man has been banned from all forms of rugby for five years after he was charged with assault following a sideline incident at a senior club match in Oamaru last weekend.

INJURY UPDATE: The Wallabies will be short on quality centres heading into this year's Rugby Championship.

Rugby in the Eastern Province has many rivalries of all sorts based on differences.

The 30 players have been announced to represent SA Schools in an international series with England, Wales and France next month.

Afrikaanse Hoër Seunskool, Affies to everybody,  will bring 25 rugby teams over the Drakensberg and down to Pietermaritzburg to play Maritzburg College.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: The Lions have made two changes to the side that will face the Jaguares in a Super Rugby quarterfinal at Ellis Park on Saturday.

KES - King Edward XII School - go up to Pretoria to play Pretoria Boys High, a regular fixture.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: The Jaguares have made wholesale changes to the side for their first-ever quarterfinal match against the Lions on Saturday.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Crusaders head coach Scott Robertson has revealed his team to face the Sharks in their Super Rugby quarterfinal in Christchurch on Saturday.

WATCH as Lions sensation Aphiwe Odwa Dyantyi talks about his team's Super Rugby quarterfinal showdown with the Jaguares at Ellis Park on Saturday.

TRANSFER NEWS: Chiefs coach Colin Cooper refused to deny or confirm a potential reunion with former All Blacks midfielder Ma’a Nonu.

SUPER RUGBY QUARTERFINAL: Last Friday they showed us just how entertaining the competition can be - producing an eight-try thriller. On Friday we get another chance to see two of the most exciting teams in the competition going head-to-head.

SACS leave their genteel leafy suburb and head for Boland Landbou's farm between Paarl and Wellington. It is a tough journey.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Sharks head coach Robert du Preez has revealed his team to face the Crusaders in their Super Rugby quarterfinal in Christchurch on Saturday.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: The next generation of schoolboys are ready to don the green and gold and add their names to a long list, many of whom went on to represent the senior side.

The Rugby World Cup Sevens starts in San Francisco, California, on Friday, 20 July 2018.

This year it's Hoërskool Outeniqua's turn to travel the 370 km west to Paarl Gimnasium for their annual rugby match, a Premier Interschools Match, a meeting of two great schools.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: The Waratahs have made one change to their starting XV for their Super Rugby quarterfinal clash against the Highlanders in Sydney on Saturday.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Highlanders head coach Aaron Mauger has named his strongest side to take on the Waratahs in Sydney in their quarterfinal clash on Saturday.

SEVENS SPOTLIGHT: Fijian Sevens legend Waisele Serevi is confident his nation will take home Sevens Rugby World Cup in San Francisco.

SUPER RUGBY SPOTLIGHT: Reds centre Samu Kerevi and Rebels hooker Anaru Rangi have claimed the top prize at their respective franchises.

REACTION: Real Madrid star Gareth Bale joined the tributes to Wales great Sam Warburton, who called time on his career.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: The Chiefs are ready to fire again this Friday, when they take the field against the Hurricanes the Super Rugby quarterfinal.

NEWS: Cardiff Blues, Wales and British & Irish Lion flank Sam Warburton has called timed on his illustrious career.

LISTEN as the @rugby365com team - @LoffieEloff & @King365ed - welcomes former Baby Bok and Irish international Richard Strauss to this week's discussion.

TRANSFER NEWS: Rebels seem to have found the perfect replacement to fill the void left by Amanaki Mafi.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: The Highlanders' decision to rest key players ahead of the quarterfinal could have dire consequences says Waratahs forward coach Simon Cron.

DISCIPLINARY UPDATE: The Jaguares can breathe a sigh of relief after captain Pablo Matera has been cleared to feature in the side's quarter-final clash against the Lions this weekend.

SEVENS SPOTLIGHT: Werner Kok admits BlitzBoks still need to 'tweak' their defence ahead of the World Cup in San Francisco.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Hurricanes coach Chris Boyd has named a largely settled squad for Friday's highly anticipated Super Rugby quarterfinal against the Chiefs.

INJURY UPDATE: England and Leicester Tigers prop Ellis Genge will miss the November Test series and start of the Premiership due to a knee injury.

NEWS UPDATE: Gruesome photos have revealed the extent of Melbourne Rebels player Lopeti Timani’s injuries after being involved in an altercation with teammate Amanaki Mafi in Dunedin.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus continues to invest heavily in the young talent of the country.

The Hoërskool Swartland's Winter Festival for 1st XVs in Malmesbury, was played on Thursday, 12 July 2018 and Saturday 14 July 2018. There was a festival at Hoërskool Brackenfell for Under-16, Under- 15 and Under-14 teams.

It seems like last year an endless supply of cross-field kicks fuelled the Hurricanes attack, led by Beauden Barrett.

SUPER RUGBY SPOTLIGHT: Early this year - late January and early February - the @#rugby365 team took a punt and predicted what the tournament standings would look like.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Wallabies and Waratahs fullback Israel Folau sidestepped any discussion concerning his future at the Sydney Super Rugby franchise.

OPINION: The Crusaders ended the regular season of Super Rugby with another masterful display of rugby against the Blues in Christchurch.

INJURY UPDATE: The Lions' pursuit of claiming the Super Rugby title have taken a huge blow.

SUPER RUGBY SPOTLIGHT: It has increasingly become an odd competition.

SUPER RUGBY SPOTLIGHT: The Crusaders have been preparing to face the Sharks even before this year's Super Rugby's quarterfinalists were finalised.

DISCIPLINARY UPDATE: The Rebels have handed out some unwanted parting gifts to two brawling players - Amanaki Mafi and Lopeti Timani.

The influx of playing personnel from the west saw the Rebels instantly become one of the favourites in the Australian conference this season. Along with rising coach Dave Wessels, this new Force-Rebels outfit immediately looked better on paper.

There are three big international events this weekend - the two Sevens World Cups in sunny San Francisco and the quarter-finals of Super Rugby in Australia, New Zealand and South Africa as teams seek to knock opponents out.

SUPER RUGBY SPOTLIGHT: The Lions, having won the South African conference for the third year running, but they know the real work starts now.

WRAP: Western Province XV and Border secured their unbeaten status on the final day of the 2018 Craven Week with comfortable victories over the Blue Bulls and Free State, respectively.

DISCIPLINARY NEWS: Toulon's controversial president Mourad Boudjellal has been fined for his public outburst related to Toulon skipper Mathieu Bastareaud's ban for a homophobic slur.

World Rugby has released a feature-length documentary on Waisale Serevi.

@rugby365com law guru Paul Dobson gives us his view on SANZAAR's general report of officiating in Super Rugby.

NEWS: SANZAAR Chief Executive Officer Andy Marinos admits that current Television Match Official system is not working.

SUPER RUGBY SPOTLIGHT: The Melbourne Rebels will have been furious when the Jaguares fielded a virtual reserve side in a 10-20 defeat to the Sharks in Durban.

REACTION: The Blue Bulls Company are gearing up for a massive court case, after it came to light that they are being sued for ZAR45-million by a former player.

TRANSFER NEWS: Chiefs centre Johnny Fa’auli seem to have bid farewell to New Zealand on a very unpleasant note.

UPDATE: Melbourne Rebels forward Amanaki Mafi was granted bail after being charged with assaulting teammate Lopeti Timani, reports said Monday.

TRANSFER NEWS: Former Hurricanes utility back James Marshall is returning to the franchise for the 2019 Super Rugby season.

SUPER RUGBY SPOTLIGHT: The Chiefs were told to improve their focus heading into the play-offs after developing a worrying habit of tailing off in games.

REACTION: John Mitchell eager to reassess the Bulls 'recruitment process' ahead of next year season.

REACTION: The Sharks are certainly not heading to Christchurch to lose says captain Ruan Botha.

In the main match on the last Day of the Academy Week played at Paarl Gim on 14 July, Western Province raced to its biggest score of the week in beating Free State 73-0, Free State who till then had been unbeaten.

INJURY UPDATE: The Crusaders may have to take on the Sharks without Kieran Read and Ryan Crotty.

TRANSFER NEWS: The Cheetahs have bolstered their centre stocks ahead of the new Pro14 season.

NEWS: The All Blacks retained two of their top talents Monday when Ardie Savea and Jordie Barrett agreed to stay with the world champions for their Rugby World Cup defence in Japan next year.

NEWS: The Blues moved to provide under-fire head coach Tana Umaga with more support Monday after another disappointing Super Rugby season, appointing the experienced Tom Coventry as his assistant.

DISCIPLINARY NEWS: Sunwolves forward Ed Quirk and Reds forward Caleb Timu were both suspended for two weeks by Super Rugby's governing body over separate incidents during a controversial Brisbane match last week.

DISCIPLINARY UPDATE: Chiefs centre Johnathan Fa’auli has been handed a six-week suspension following his side's 28-24 win over the Hurricanes.

REACTION: Waratahs head coach Daryl Gibson has urged his side to complete one mission at a time after their defeat to the Brumbies on Saturday.

In the last match of the 2018 Craven Week, played at Paarl Boys' High on 14 July 2018, Western Province beat the Kwa-Zulu Natal's Sharks 47-8.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: All Blacks and Hurricanes flyhalf Beauden Barrett weighed in after another pair of q questionable red cards were dished out.

SUPER RUGBY SPOTLIGHT: The line-up for the 2018 quarterfinals have been confirmed. We also bring you the video highlights for all the Round 19 matches.

TRANSFER NEWS: All Black Israel Dagg has agreed to join Japanese side Canon Eagle.

NEWS: Rebels' already heartbreaking Super Rugby season received an extra blow following the incident between teammates Amanaki Mafi and Lopeti Timani.

Samoa has qualified for the Rugby World Cup after leaving it late to beat Germany 33-42 in the second leg of their World Cup qualifier in Fritz-Grunebaum-Sportpark in Heidelberg this afternoon.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: PRO14 champions Leinster have seen some key men depart over the summer, while there has been plenty of rebuilding at the Ospreys, Dragons and Ulster, as they look to bounce back from disappointing seasons.

SUPER RUGBY REPORT: The Lions demolished the Bulls in clinical fashion to ensure they will finish second on the tournament standings.

SUPER RUGBY REPORT: The Sharks managed to sneak into the play-offs and will head to Christchurch next week, where they will play the table-topping Crusaders in Christchurch in the quarterfinals.

SUPER RUGBY REPORT: The Waratahs' second-place finish is under huge threat after their defeat to the Brumbies on Saturday.

SUPER RUGBY REPORT: Crusaders wing George Bridge scored a hat-trick of tries as his side record a comfortable 54-17 win over the struggling Blues.

SUPER RUGBY MATCH REPORT: The Highlanders' 43-37 win over the Rebels just enhance the Sharks' chances of reaching the quarter-finals.

REACTION: Hurricanes head coach Chris Boyd slammed Chiefs centre Johnny Fa'auli's sickening act of foul play during their encounter in Hamilton Friday.

TRANSFER NEWS: Lions flank Albertus 'Kwagga' Smith has agreed to join the Japanese club Yamaha Júbilo.

SUPER RUGBY REPORT: The Reds beat the Sunwolves 48-27 in Brisbane on Friday, a game marred by questionable calls and controversial refereeing incidents.

SUPER RUGBY REPORT: The Chiefs will have to travel to Wellington next week, despite an impressive win over the Hurricanes on Friday.

The last day of the 2018 Craven Week was a good day for Western Province Schools.

NEWS: Ulster seem to have identified a perfect replacement for All Black Charles Piutau.

SPOTLIGHT: Reds head coach Brad Thorn's past has shaped his tough anti-drug stance.

NOWHERE TO HIDE: Call it a last-chance saloon, but some team's in Saturday's matches face near impossible tasks to realise their slim play-off hopes.

In the first four matches of the 2018 Currie Cup, played at Paarl Boys' High's Brug Street ground, five teams have won both of their matches - Boland, Border, Sharks, Western Province and Western Province XV.

Jaco Kotze of the Free State Referees' Society will referee the final (= last) match of the 2018 Craven Week when Western Province play the Sharks at Paarl Boys' High ground in Brug Street on Saturday, 14 July 2018.

One apt analogy for the hapless Blues franchise could be that of a very frustrating puzzle.

In 1971, for the first time, two Craven Week teams, chosen as the best performers on the first four days of the week, were chosen to play in the final match of the Craven Week. On Saturday 14 July 2018, that match will be played between Kwa-Zulu Natal and Western Province.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: The Sharks received some bad news ahead of their clash with the Jaguares on Saturday.

The coming Premiership season looks set to be a competitive one, with almost all the teams in the division bringing in a wealth of talent who will hope to make an instant impact.

SUPER RUGBY SPOTLIGHT: Outgoing Hurricanes coach Chris Boyd added his voice to criticism of Super Rugby's unloved conference system as his side face a play-off showdown with Chiefs.

NEWS: Christian Lealiifano might be uncertain about his future plans, however, Brumbies head coach Dan McKellar is confident the flyhalf will remain at the Super Rugby franchise in 2019.

TRANSFER NEWS: Australian Sevens captain Lewis Holland has committed to the Sevens program, despite numerous interest from Super Rugby franchises.

WRAP: The well-used field was soggy and heavy, and yet the two teams played as if it were a dry, firm field with tries the only objective, as Kwa-Zulu Natal's Sharks beat the Grey College's Free State 29-20.

The final day of the Academy Week will be Saturday, 14 July 2018. All 28 teams will be in action on that day when the matches will be played at Paarl Gimnasium.

LAST HOORAH: Two teams are playing in their last game of the season, with nothing but pride on. Two teams are playing with plenty of the line as the head into the play-offs after the regular season.

LISTEN as @King365ed & @LoffieEloff look at the final round of @SuperRugby league action, before the play-offs.

The 2018 Rugby Championship starts in Sydney on 18 August and ends in Japan on 27 October. The referee to blow the whistle to start the championship is Jaco Peyper.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Springbok wing Courtnall Skosan will start in his first Super Rugby match of the season when the Lions host the Bulls at Ellis Park on Saturday.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: The Jaguares have revealed a much-changed team from the team that lost to the Bulls for their final league phase match against the Sharks in Durban.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: The Highlanders will be without a number of their star players for Saturday's Super Rugby clash against the Melbourne Rebels on Saturday.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: The Bulls coach John Micthell is forced to field a new halfback partnership following Handre Pollard's injury.

SEVENS SQUAD ANNOUNCEMENT: Kenya Sevens head coach Innocent Simiyu has named the squad that will take part in the 2018 Rugby World Cup Sevens from July 20-22 in San Francisco.

The reigning champions are showing no signs of slowing down, after blowing away the Highlanders, one of only two teams to beat them this year, 45-22 in the second Southern Derby last weekend.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Brumbies head coach Dan McKellar has made two changes to the starting XV for the trip to Sydney to tackle the Waratahs this weekend.

WATCH as the Lions' Springbok scrumhalf Ross Cronje explains why he has decided to stay at 'home' in Johannesburg for at least another two years.

SQUAD ANNOUNCEMENT: Australian Sevens coach Tim Walsh has named a settled squad with Lewis Holland set to lead the side at AT&T Park in San Francisco.

A late-season surge has the Brumbies in 10th spot and 3rd in the Australian conference heading into the final round, but it is a case of too little too late for Dan McKellar's men.

SUPER RUGBY SPOTLIGHT: Sharks fullback Curwin Bosch believes his team is well-suited to handle the pressure in their final Super Rugby round-robin game against the Jaguares in Durban.

WRAP: There are more ways than one of playing a rugby match. Here we had an enthralling match and a 13-5 victory for Western Province over the Golden Lions.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: The Melbourne Rebels have made four changes to their starting XV as they aim to secure the franchise’s first-ever Super Rugby finals when they face the Highlanders in Dunedin on Saturday.

SQUAD ANNOUNCEMENT: Springbok Sevens coach Neil Powell has revealed his squad for the Rugby World Cup Sevens in San Francisco next weekend.

Despite interest from other rugby clubs, Retshegofaditswe Nche last week decided to extend his contract with the Toyota Cheetahs.

We go back to the Junior World Championship of 2011 to see the talent that was on display and ask if this is perhaps the greatest age-grade team ever?

WATCH as Edinburgh-bound Bulls prop Pierre Schoeman explain how they plan to cope with the Lions' highly rated pack.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Waratahs head coach Daryl Gibson has named an unchanged line-up to face the Brumbies in the final regular Super Rugby match at Allianz Stadium on Saturday.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: The Blues will aim to give long-serving star Jerome Kaino a fitting send-off in his final game for the franchise when they take on the champion Crusaders in his last Super Rugby clash.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Crusaders head coach Scott Robertson has named a side to face the Blues featuring six changes to the starting line-up, from the team that took the field against the Highlanders on Friday.

OPINION: Ngani Laumape produced the most eye-catching performance in Round 18 of Super Rugby.

Former South African wing Ashwin Willemse, who stormed off a live TV show alleging he was a victim of racism from fellow pundits, said he was taking his complaint to the country's human rights commission.

INJURY UPDATE: The Sharks have revealed the full extent of Daniel du Preez's injury.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Chiefs head coach Colin Cooper has revealed his team for their final round robin match of the 2018 Super Rugby season.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: The Hurricanes have made minimal changes to their starting XV for their last Super Rugby round-robin match against the Chiefs in Hamilton on Friday.

On Day 4, Thursday 12 July 2018, there will be five Craven Week matches and seven Academy Week matches. The appointments of match officials to the 12 matches have been made known.

The first group of four Craven Week teams has now played two matches each - on Days 1 and 3.

Of the teams that have played on Days 1 and 3 of the Academy Week, Namibia, Valke, Zimbabwe and Western Province are unbeaten.

TRANSFER NEWS: Samu Manoa is the latest star player to put pen to paper at Cardiff Blues as John Mulvihill adds further international quality to his squad.

TRANSFER NEWS: Connacht announced the signing of back row Colby Fainga’a from Australian Super Rugby side the Melbourne Rebels.

NEWS: Harlequins skills coach Colin Osbourne has left the club after over 20 years at the club.

This is the last round of Super Rugby league system. It will decide who is heading for knock-outs. There are still some crucial encounters to decide who goes on to the quarterfinals. Some have already booked their places and some have resigned themselves to ending their Sup Rugby involvement.

After all the goodwill generated by Thorn around re-building culture at Ballymore, no matter what way you look at it, the Reds sit in an all too familiar position with one round remaining.

The Crusaders has unveiled their best player for 2018, at an awards ceremony in Christchurch.

London Irish have made promotion intentions clear with the signing of Springbok prop Pat Cilliers.

WRAP: What a turnaround! Down 7-15 at half-time and lucky to be behind by so little as they hung on with their fingernails in the face of the aggressive Blue Bulls, Free State became a new force in the second half and ended 38-21 winners.

WATCH as we bring you highlights from two great flyhalves, Beauden Barrett and Damien McKenzie, and then let us know who your choice is for All Black flyhalf.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: The Reds have made two changes to the starting team which defeated the Melbourne Rebels last week, as they prepare for their last match of the 2018 Super Rugby season against the Sunwolves.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: The Sunwolves have made seven changes to their team for their clash against the Reds on Friday.

NEWS: Western Province Rugby Football Union Vice President, Gerald Njengele, has been cleared of all charges of racism following an appeal.

EXCLUSIVE: You would think that the Deputy President of the sports National body would know the achievements of the various national teams but not DP of the South African Rugby Union.

Being chosen for the Craven Week is much excitement and pleasure for all who are chosen. It's an acknowledgement of class.

The Academy Week, for teams not quite of Craven Week standard, is being played at Paarl Boys' High's ground in Brug Street, the same venue as for the Craven Week.

SQUAD ANNOUNCEMENT: All Blacks Sevens coach Clark Laidlaw has revealed his squad for the 2018 Rugby World Cup Sevens in San Francisco, USA.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: The flyhalf also known as the 'first five-eighth' in New Zealand and the 'outhalf' in Ireland, is possibly the most pivotal position on the rugby pitch.

The match officials have been appointed to Day 3 of both Craven Week and the Academy Week, both being play on the grounds of Paarl Boys' High in Brug Street, part of Boys' High's 150th birthday celebrations.

The Craven Week reached Day 2 on Tuesday, 10 July 2018, which means that all 18 teams have now been in action.

SEVENS SPOTLIGHT: The Springbok Sevens squad assembled in Mossel Bay on Sunday for a final training camp before departure to San Francisco, where the Rugby World Cup Sevens tournament will be played at AT&T Park from 20-22 July.

REACTION: Blues fullback Michael Collins won't be leaving the Blues anytime soon.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: England coach Simon Amor has named the 12 players who will represent their country at the Sevens World Cup in San Francisco from July 20 to 22.

INJURY UPDATE: The Bulls have one injury concern after their 43-34 win over the Jaguares in Pretoria last weekend.

NEWS: Former Springbok and Cheetahs fullback Johan Goosen finally addressed the manner in which he left Racing 92.

INJURY UPDATE: The Chiefs refuse to risk Sam Cane or Damian McKenzie in its pursuit of claiming a home quarterfinal clash.

NEWS: Wayne Pivac will coach Wales when fellow New Zealander Warren Gatland's 12-year tenure comes to an end following the 2019 Rugby World Cup, the Wales Rugby Union announced Monday.

WRAP: The Golden Lions' superior workrate saw them pull away from Eastern Province in the second half to record a 44-25 victory on the opening day of the 2018 Craven Week in Paarl.

TRANSFER NEWS: With flyhalves Danny Cipriani and Owen Williams making their way to Gloucester, flyhalf Billy Burns has opted to take his services to Ulster.

REACTION: The Sharks will prepare for their decisive Super Rugby Round 19 encounter with the Jaguares without the services of two of their most influential players.

REACTION: The Bulls may have done the Lions a massive favour by beating the Jaguares at the weekend, but there will be no favours handed out at Ellis Park this coming weekend.

SUPER RUGBY SPOTLIGHT: The Melbourne Rebels are looking to returning Wallabies Will Genia and Adam Coleman as reinforcements for their high-stakes visit to Dunedin.

REACTION: It is believed Newlands has been put up as 'security' for outstanding debts, as the future of the iconic stadium remains shrouded in uncertainty.

SUPER RUGBY SPOTLIGHT: The Waratahs have mixed emotions as their wrecking ball Taqele Naiyaravoro blazes away in a record-breaking season as the Tahs tune up for the Super Rugby play-offs.

OPINION: Ben Smith looks at the consequences of two of Super Rugby's best and most exciting teams going head-to-head on consecutive weekends.

NEWS: The Welsh Rugby Union are set to reveal their new Kiwi coach this week.

Exeter Chiefs prop Carl Rimmer has retired after suffering a stroke during a training session in January.

REACTION: The fall-out over game-changing red card decisions escalated at the weekend, as two New Zealand coach asked for a rethink.

ANALYSIS: Koinonia Halafungani Laumape, who spent a few years in rival code Rugby League, has been in sensational form since he returned to Rugby Union from his stint with the Auckland-based New Zealand Warriors.

SQUAD ANNOUNCEMENT: Zimbabwe tighthead prop Farai Mudariki will head to the Premiership after signing a contract with Worcester Warriors.

WATCH as former Bulls loose forward Jono Ross talks about being named as Sale Sharks' captain for the 2018-19 Premiership season.

SPOTLIGHT: Following Sale’s blockbuster signing of Chris Ashton and with most clubs starting pre-season already RugbyPass looks at the top-10 Premiership signings for the 2018/19 season.

WORLD CUP QUALIFYING WRAP: Zimbabwe, after a week in which they slept on the streets of Tunisia in protest against their hosts, failed to deliver on the field.

Forwards and defence coach of Saracens, Alex Sanderson, said that while the club is welcoming back their former winger David Strettle from his time in France, Sale-bound Chris Ashton was “too expensive” for the Premiership champions.

NEWS: The schedule for the men's World Rugby Sevens Series 2018/19 was confirmed on Friday.

The Academy Week for Under-18 Provincial teams, Craven Week's little brother, starts at Paarl Boys' High on Monday, 9 July 2018. The fixtures for the first two days have been drawn up.

The appointments of match officials fro the first two days of both Craven Week and the Academy Week have been made known.

Bristol Bears' Mark Tainton had a brief spell as interim coach of the side and so was well placed to help Pat Lam snare one of world rugby's best openside flankers to their ranks ahead of their new season in the top flight.

The fixtures for the first two days of the 2018 Craven Week being played at Paarl Boys' High's Brug Street field, are laid down.

LIVE NOW: Welcome to the Super Rugby Round 18 match between the Stormers and Sharks in Cape Town.

SUPER RUGBY REPORT: The Bulls did fellow South African franchises, the Lions and Sharks, by ending the Jaguares' impressive winning streak.

SUPER RUGBY SPOTLIGHT: Stormers head coach Robbie Fleck is not too concerned about his future, despite his team's poor season.

TRANSFER NEWS: Australia international scrumhalf Nick Frisby has joined Glasgow Warriors on a two-year deal ahead of the new season, subject to visa and medical.

MATCH REPORT: The Waratahs secured top spot in the Australian conference when they hammered the Sunwolves 77-25 in Sydney on Saturday.y.

MATCH REPORT: Damian McKenzie orchestrated a 24-19 victory for the Chiefs over a hard-finishing Brumbies in Hamilton on Saturday, to keep their hopes of a Super Rugby home quarterfinal alive..

MATCH REPORT: Powerful "Mini Bus" Ngani Laumape drove the Hurricanes to a 42-24 Super Rugby win over the Blues on Saturday to all but ensure them a home quarterfinal.

NEWS: Wallabies and Reds utility back Karmicheal Hunt will make his return to rugby alongside fellow Reds' discard Quade Cooper.

NEWS: The Cheetahs made an important signing ahead of their second season in the Pro14.

NEWS: Daryl Gibson is set to sign a new contract with the Waratahs.

SUPER RUGBY REPORT: The Crusaders put down a big marker by sealing top spot in the standings with more than a week to go in the league stages.

SUPER RUGBY REPORT: The Reds upstaged the Rebels in Brisbane on Friday, to cause havoc in the Australian conference.

NEWS: The Maori All Blacks will head to South America in November.

SUPER RUGBY SPOTLIGHT: The Reds, for the fifth successive year, are stuck outside the top 10.

DESPERATE DERBIES: With just two rounds of league action remaining, there are some intriguing match-ups this Saturday - including a couple of crucial domestic derbies.

For the sixth successive year, Western Province won the main match on the final day of the Under-13 Craven Week played at Hoërskool Diamantveld. They were the only unbeaten team at the tournament.

A RUGBY365 DOCUMENTARY: Newlands was once the pride of South African rugby. It is still the oldest, active, Test ground. However, it may soon be consigned to the history books.

TRANSFER NEWS: The signing of Scottish international scrumhalf Henry Pyrgos has brought a proven "winner" to Edinburgh, head coach Richard Cockerill said.

Free State won Friday's final match of the Grant Khomo Rugby Week at Hoërskool Diamantveld in Kimberley.

Scotty Stevenson and & Mils Muliaina talk about the incident when Blues hooker James Parsons denied a SANZAAR statement that claimed he received an apology from Owen Franks.

SUPER RUGBY SPOTLIGHT: Another Super Rugby season is near completion and again the Stormers are left to wonder when will it be their year?

The new Gallagher Premiership fixtures are only out, but already they’re causing a problem for Bristol Bears.

NEWS: Naas Botha will return to the SuperSport studio for the first time since the Ashwin Willemse incident on May 19.

REACTION: The Tunisian rugby federation criticised the Zimbabwean national team for unsporting behaviour after they slept on the street in protest at the hotel in which they were put up.

The Blue Bulls and Free State will meet in the final Under-16 Grant Khomo Week match as both teams' unbeaten run is put to the test.

Going into the day three five times were unbeaten - three who had won both of their matches - Boland, Eastern Province and Western Province - and two who had drawn one - the Blue Bulls and South Western Districts.

FIXTURES REVEALED: Newly-promoted Bristol Bears have been handed the honour of opening the Premiership season on August 31.

Boland and Western Province will meet in the final match of the Under-13 Craven Week on Friday, July 6.

REBELS WITH A CAUSE: The battle for play-off places is heating up with only two rounds left of the league phase.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Sharks head coach Robert du Preez reveals his team to take on the Stormers in Cape Town.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: The Springboks captain Siyamthanda Kolisi will miss the Stormers' final Super Rugby match against the Sharks on Saturday.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: The Bulls head coach John Micthell named an unchanged starting XV to face the Jaguares at Loftus Versfeld on Saturday

Wednesday, July 4, is Day Two of the Grant Khomo Week at Hoërskool Diamantveld in Kimberley, and again giant-slayers Border are in action, this time against the Blue Bulls.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Hurricanes captain Brad Shields will return to the starting XV for his 100th Super Rugby match against the Blues at Westpac Stadium on Saturday

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: The Brumbies travel to FMG Stadium in Waikato this weekend to face the Chiefs hoping to make it four wins a row after defeating the Bulls, Sunwolves and Hurricanes in their last three outings.

SUPER RUGBY SPOTLIGHT: The Stormers' desperation to end their season on a winning note could prove to be problematic for the Sharks in their quest for a Super Rugby play-off berth.

SUPER RUGBY SPOTLIGHT: The Lions, on the brink of failing to make the Super Rugby play-offs for the first time since 2015, remain adamant their future looks bright.

INJURY UPDATE: The Highlanders have just been hit with a massive front row blow ahead of Friday's big South Island derby with the Crusaders.

LISTEN as @King365ed, @LoffieEloff, @wynandclaass & @Tauriq365 try to make sense of the hodgepodge of mediocrity that was evident in @SuperRugby this past weekend.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: The return of Israel Folau at fullback is the only change to the Waratahs' starting line-up for Saturday's Super Rugby match against the Sunwolves at Allianz Stadium.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Jerome Kaino will become the second most capped Blues player when he starts in Saturday’s Super Rugby clash against the Hurricanes in Wellington.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Chiefs head coach Colin Cooper has tweaked his team for their Super Rugby Round 18 clash against the Brumbies at the FMG Stadium in Hamilton.

By the end of the second day of the Under-16 Grant Khomo Week, there were four unbeaten sides - Blue Bulls, Eastern Province, Free State and Valke.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: The Sunwolves have made six changes to their starting team for Saturday's clash against the Waratahs in Sydney.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: The Crusaders starting XV to face the Highlanders on Friday features the return of eight players from All Blacks duty, and the highly anticipated return of No.8 Kieran Read from injury.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: All Black loose forward Liam Squire has been bracketed with Elliot Dixon for Friday's big South Island derby clash with the Crusaders.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: The SANZAAR joint venture partners met in Singapore for a 'very productive' meeting on the future of the Super Rugby competitions.

TRANSFER NEWS: Chris Ashton signed for Sale on Tuesday in a hammerblow for Toulon, where the free-running wing/fullback enjoyed an outstanding season last year.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: The Melbourne Rebels have made three changes to their starting XV ahead of their crucial clash against the Queensland Reds at Suncorp Stadium on Friday.

NEWS: Teams in the French professional rugby leagues of the Top 14 and Pro D2 might be able to field 12 replacements per match next season, up from the current eight.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: The Reds will welcome back Test lock Izack Rodda to their starting line-up for their clash against the Melbourne Rebels in Brisbane.

INJURY UPDATE: The Sharks will be without one of their key players for their final two league phase matches of the Super Rugby season.

NEWS: Zimbabwe rugby players along with former Springbok head coach Peter De Villiers were forced to sleep on the streets of Tunisia in preparation for their World Cup qualifier.

There is second round of a World Cup qualifier in Hong Kong, Super Rugby reaches its penultimate round this week and there are semifinals in the SuperSport Challenge in South Africa.

Tuesday, July 3, was the second day of the Under-13 Craven Week being played at Hoërskool Diamantveld in Kimberley where five teams are still unbeaten.

Here is a look at the highest paid players in the 2017/2018 season.

OPINION: Super Rugby is back after the June international break and so is rugby365's Team of the Week.

INJURY UPDATE: Holding onto to the number one spot of the South African Conference just got more challenging for the Lions.

TRANSFER NEWS: Cardiff Blues have added further depth to their backline with the signing of Jason Harries from Edinburgh.

TRANSFER NEWS: Pro14 team Ulster announced that Ireland forwards coach Simon Easterby will be drafted in to help prepare the club for the new season.

INJURY UPDATE: The Stormers have two players back in their squad ahead of their clash against the Sharks at Newlands. 

NEWS: Rieko and Akira Ioane have both verbally agreed to stay with the struggling Blues after this year's Super Rugby season

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: The Rebels' Super Rugby match against the Reds could pave the way to an inaugural finals berth for the Melbourne franchise.

NEWS: The Crusaders will welcome the Highlanders to the Wyatt Crockett Stadium on Friday.

INJURY UPDATE: The Bulls, out of the play-off running, can still play an important role in the Super Rugby competition.

REACTION: Brumbies coach Dan McKellar has called for referees to clamp down on "really dangerous" deliberate neck rolls on his star Wallabies flank David Pocock.

NEWS: Just seven weeks after retiring, former All Black centre Conrad Smith has already taken up a coaching job at French club Pau.

The Grant Khomo Week for Under-16 provincial teams starts at Hoërskool Diamantveld in Kimberley on Monday, 2 July 2018.

OPINION: All Blacks captain Kieran Read maybe propagating the removal of Super Rugby's conference system, but it actually benefits New Zealand rugby.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Wallaby and Waratahs fullback Israel Folau urged World Rugby to provide a 'bit more clarity' around the aerial contest.

INJURY UPDATE: Reds centre Samu Kerevi's Super Rugby season has come to an abrupt end due to a ruptured bicep.

INJURY UPDATE: Two Crusaders players have been ruled out of the remainder of the Super Rugby competition through injuries.

The first day of the Grant Khomo Week for Under-16 provincial teams, produced the first surprise of the week.

Along with the Grant Khomo Week, the Under-13 Craven Week starts at Hoërskool Diamantveld in Kimberley on Monday. 2 July 2018.

There were eight matches on Day 1 of the Under-13 Craven Week being played in cold Kimberley at Hoërskool Diamantveld.

REACTION: Sharks head coach Robert du Preez hailed his team's second-half fightback against the Lions at Kings Park on Saturday.

SUPER RUGBY SPOTLIGHT: All Blacks and Crusaders captain Kieran Read wants the Super Rugby conference system to be axed.

REACTION: Chris Boyd summed it up as "the worst 40 minutes of football we’ve played in four years" after the Hurricanes had just lost their third straight match, the first time under his watch that has happened.

INJURY UPDATE: Perhaps the time has come for injury-prone All Black midfielder Sonny Bill Williams to step away from the game.

MATCH REPORT: The Jaguares have recorded their first win over the Stormers with an impressive 25-14 victory in Buenos Aires on Saturday.

SUPER RUGBY REPORT: The Sunwolves recorded historic back-to-back victories over the Pretoria-based Bulls, following on their 21-20 victory over the Bulls in Tokyo last year. This time the Sunwolves won 42-37, outscoring the Bulls by six tries to four in a match in which the lead changed hands four times.

TRANSFER NEWS: Wasps confirm that Georgian international front row Zurabi Zhvania will join the club ahead of the 2018/19 season.

SUPER RUGBY MATCH REPORT: Sharks kept their Super Rugby play-off hopes alive with a 31-24 win over the Lions on Saturday in Durban.

DISCIPLINARY NEWS: Hurricanes duo Julian Savea and Gareth Evans have been issued warnings for foul during their team's 12-24 defeat to the Brumbies in Canberra.

LISTEN as the @rugby365com team delves into suggestions @lospumas players threw matches to get rid of their coach and @wynandclaass tells us about the time when players confronted the @Springboks coach.

SUPER RUGBY REPORT: The Brumbies ended a 20-match losing streak to New Zealand teams to put themselves back in the play-off race.

SUPER RUGBY REPORT: The Chiefs put down a big marker in Suva on Saturday, beating the Highlanders in a 10-try thriller.

REACTION: Lions head coach Swys de Bruin says they will fight to stay on top of the South African Conference log after they went down 24-31 to the Sharks in Durban on Saturday.

NEWS: Former All Black utility back Luke McAlister finally shut down speculations that he is heading to the Pro14.

REACTION: Reds head coach Brad Thorn joined the chorus of criticism levelled at officials this year.

MATCH REPORT: Hong Kong won the first leg of their home and away series against the Cook Islands 26-3 in Rarotonga Saturday to move a step closer to a berth in next year's World Cup in Japan.

SUPER RUGBY SPOTLIGHT: With the June internationals out of the way, it's time for the Southern Hemisphere's premier rugby competition to resume.

MATCH REPORT: Debutant Dalmus Chituyi scored two crucial tries at the death to help Kenya beat Zimbabwe 45-36 in a dramatic Rugby World Cup qualifier in Nairobi on Saturday.

This week the Short Ball team brought James McOnie off the bench to join Mils Muliaina in the studio.

TRANSFER NEWS: Crusaders loose forward Jordan Taufua has decided to turn down the opportunity to play for Japanese club Sagamihara Dynaboars.

After Jerome Kaino’s whiffed conversion in his final game at Eden Park this past Friday, we decided to compile a few memorable ‘big man’ kicks, for better or worse.

SUPER RUGBY SPOTLIGHT: Elton Jantjies, one of those players the fans love to hate, is not the type of person that will succumb to a bit of criticism.

REPORT: Ed Fidow bagged a hat-trick of tries as Samoa moved a step closer to qualifying for the 2019 World Cup when they thrashed Germany 66-15 in Apia on Saturday, snapping a two-year losing streak.

TRANSFER NEWS: Wallabies scrumhalf Joe Powell has committed his future to Australian Rugby, re-signing with Rugby Australia and the Brumbies until the end of 2020.

PACIFIC THRILLER: With just three rounds remaining before the play-offs, there are a significant number of domestic derbies that will have a decisive influence on the final pool standings.

REACTION: Wallabies fullback Israel Folau's wife Maria Folau has called out World Rugby after her husband's one-match suspension for dangerous play was upheld

INJURY UPDATE: There is still some uncertainty about when Eben Etzebeth will return to the playing field.

Eugene de Villiers, the operations manager of SARU's referees' department has sent out the regulations for the knock-out matches of the SuperSport Rugby Challenge which start with the four quarterfinals this weekend.

SUPER RUGBY MATCH REPORT: Bernard Foley scored the match-winning try nine minutes from time, as the Waratahs stole a march on the Rebels in the race to top the Australian conference.

SUPER RUGBY MATCH REPORT: The Blues gave All Black veteran Jerome Kaino the perfect send-off.

Paarl Boys' High played host to the first World Schools Festival in South Africa in March-April this year. There will be a second festival, organised by the same organisers, on 25-30 March 2019, hosted this time by Paul Roos Gymnasium in Stellenbosch.

In the LSEN Craven Week being played at the Isak Steyl Stadium in Vanderbijlpark, hosts Valke met Western Province in the choice match on the third and final day, and the home side won 24-12. They are entitled to consider themselves the top team in this year's tournament.

SUPER RUGBY SPOTLIGHT: There will be a host of Springboks on display when the Sharks welcome the Lions to Kings Park for a crucial Super Rugby clash on Saturday.

DISCIPLINARY UPDATE: The Waratahs were dealt a critical blow on the eve of their decisive Super Rugby showdown with the Rebels.

What should the referee have done?

PRO 14 SPOTLIGHT: Terming anything ‘the best’ is usually subjective. It’s a matter of opinion, to be debated and discussed. And yet, the phrase ‘Leinster are the best team in Europe’ is just an indisputable fact.

TRANSFER NEWS: Duane Vermeulen's new team has been revealed on Thursday.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Warren Whiteley will captain the Lions when they face the Sharks in Durban on Saturday.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Nine Springboks who were involved in the June Tests against Wales and England will feature for the Stormers against the Jaguares in Buenos Aires on Saturday.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Sharks head coach Robert du Preez has had no hesitation in throwing his Springbok players back into action for their crucial Super Rugby clash against the Lions at Kings Park on Saturday.

AUSSIE DECIDER: The competition - resuming after the June international break - start of with a couple of delectable Friday matches.

In the SA Rugby Girls Under-18 Week, being played at Jeppe High School for Boys, four teams have now won each of their two matches -Border, Border Country Districts , Western Province and Eastern Province.

The competition at the SA Rugby Girls Under-16 Week intensified at Jeppe High School in Johannesburg on Tuesday in a thrilling day’s play as Western Province, Eastern Province, Limpopo and the Pumas registered their second round of victories to remain unbeaten going into Friday’s final round.

INJURY UPDATE: Scotland forward Tim Swinson is set to be sidelined for six months with a leg injury, his Glasgow club side announced Thursday.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Highlanders head coach Aaron Mauger has named a strong side to take on the Chiefs in Fiji.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: The Bulls will travel to the Singapore National Stadium for their Super Rugby clash against the Sunwolves with a number of new faces as well as a new captain in flyhalf Handre Pollard this weekend.

NEWS: The Sharks will play their first-ever match at the Moses Mabhida stadium, in Durban, next month.

ALL BLACK SPOTLIGHT: All Black captain Kieran Read is finally back on the playing field.

LISTEN to Lions captain and Springbok No.8 Warren Whiteley, as he fronted up to the media this week, where he spoke about his future and the mass exodus at the union.

There are two qualifying matches for the 2019 Rugby World Cup, one in Apia, the other in Raratonga.

DISCIPLINARY UPDATE: Fullback Israel Folau is set to miss the Waratahs' crucial Super Rugby match against Rebels on Friday after being handed a one-match ban.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: The Sharks face a challenging path to the playoffs, with their first make or break moment being the must-win clash against the Lions this weekend says, captain Ruan Botha.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: The Bulls will be forgiven if they feel they are in a South African derby when they face the Sunwolves in Singapore on Saturday.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: The chiefs have revealed an exciting team for their clash against the Highlanders in Suva, Fiji.

Austin van Heerden played just one Test for the South African Coloured Rugby Board and was the captain of his team in that Test.

NEWS: New Zealand, always keen to lead the way, have a plan to break into the United States market.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Experienced scrumhalf Thomas Perenara will lead the Hurricanes on Saturday in their crucial Super Rugby match against the Brumbies at GIO Stadium in Canberra.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Brumbies head coach Dan McKellar has made four changes to the pack for the visit of New Zealand powerhouse the Hurricanes to GIO Stadium, Canberra this Saturday.

JUNE ANALYSIS: The June internationals have come and gone. Jan de Koning looks for pointers to what we can expect at the World Cup in Japan next year.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: The Blues welcome back All Blacks Rieko Ioane and Ofa Tuungafasi for Friday’s Super Rugby clash against the Reds on Friday.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Wallabies flyhalf Bernard Foley will captain the NSW Waratahs in a top of the table Super Rugby derby against Australian Conference rivals the Melbourne Rebels on Friday.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: The Melbourne Rebels have made two changes to the starting XV as they prepare to restart their rugby season with a top-of-the-Conference clash against the NSW Waratahs at AAMI Park on Friday.

TRANSFER NEWS: England lock Dave Attwood has signed a new deal with Premiership side Bath.

The matches on Day 3 of the Independent Schools Rugby Festival started in the early Grahamstown morning.

The SA Rugby Girls Under-18 Week kicked off on an action-packed note at Jeppe High School for Boys in Johannesburg on Tuesday.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Reds have included several Wallabies for the SUper RUgby fixture against the Blues at Eden Park in Auckland.

TRANSFER NEWS: Fijian back row forward Nemani Nagusa has become Newcastle Falcons’ latest signing ahead of the 2018-19 season.

NEWS: Adriaan Strauss has officially announced that he will be retiring from all forms of the game at the end of the 2018 Super Rugby season, following a sterling 14-year rugby career.

TRANSFER NEWS: Another Lions star has confirmed his move north to Europe.

INJURY UPDATE: The Hurricanes have a number of injury concerns ahead of their Super Rugby clash against the Brumbies in Canberra on Friday.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Japan rugby coach Jamie Joseph said his team were capable of making history by reaching the quarter-finals at next year's World Cup.

REACTION: Red Rose great Jeremy Guscott has warned coach Eddie Jones "will have to change his ways if England are going to have a chance of winning the World Cup next year".

The LSEN (Learners with Special Education Needs) Craven Week delivered another thrilling round of the competition at the Isak Steyl Stadium in Vanderbijlpark.

NEWS: Brumbies wing Chance Peni's Super Rugby season is over before it even started.

NEWS: Tony Brown has taken over the head coaching role at the Sunwolves for the remainder of the 2018 Super Rugby season.

INJURY UPDATE: The Rebels' Super Rugby fixture against Waratahs just got more challenging as captain Adam Coleman joins scrumhalf Will Genia on the sidelines.

NEWS: Samoa's Prime Minister has fired stinging criticism at the national Rugby Union team, saying they "have no guts", while also rubbishing Germany ahead of their crunch Rugby World Cup qualifier in Apia on Saturday.

UPDATE: Former Springbok Ashwin Willemse's hopes of having some big names in his 'team' in his racism stand-off with pay-TV station SuperSport has been dashed.

VIDEO: Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus plans to 'manage' his players in the next six weeks, ahead of the Rugby Championship.

TRANSFER NEWS: Just weeks after Argentina head coach Daniel Hourcade announced his resignation from the national side, backs coach Felipe COntepomi is also jumping ship.

A young, inexperienced St Andrew's College 1st XV has played two games thus far at the Independent Schools Rugby Festival at Kingswood College.

NEWS: Former Springbok flank Pedrie Wannenburg has finally announced his retirement from professional rugby.

INJURY UPDATE: The Bulls, desperate to salvage some pride at the end of a failed Super Rugby campaign, have been dealt a series of crippling injury blows.

NEWS: The Crusaders received some great news after the Christchurch City Council has opted to bring forth its funding for the Multi-Use Arena.

NEWS: Wigan boss Shaun Wane is to leave Rugby League for a position as high performance coach with the Scottish Rugby Union.

WORLD RANKINGS: After avoiding a 3-0 series whitewash at the hands of hosts South Africa with a 25-10 win in the third and final test at Newlands, England have moved up to fourth place in the World Rugby Rankings.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: England could be scouting for a new head coach ahead of the 2019 Rugby World Cup in Japan.

Go behind the scenes with Super Rugby referee Jaco Peyper as he tells us how he prepares for the huge demands faced as one of the game’s best.

INJURY UPDATE: The Waratahs will be without their captain for the final few rounds of the 2018 Super Rugby season.

REACTION: Kenyan sports minister Rashid Echesa ordered for the reinstatement of national Sevens coach Innocent Simiyu following his sacking this week.

OPINION: Opposition beware. Scott Barrett has officially arrived and he is here to ruin your night.

NEWS: Crusaders vice-captain Matt Todd has re-committed to the franchise for the 2019 season.

REACTION: England head coach Eddie Jones believes the Springboks are serious contenders for the World Cup in 2019.

REACTION: Johnny Sexton underlined his importance to Ireland as he was again their match-winner in Saturday's dramatic 20-16 triumph in Sydney.

DEVELOPING NEWS: The Ashwin Willemse saga is a festering boil in desperate need of being lanced.

SCHOOLS SPOTLIGHT: The Blue Bulls Rugby Union have revealed who will represent the Union at the upcoming Youth Weeks.

In the LSEN Craven Week at Isak Steyl Stadium in Vanderbijlpark, it was a good day for the Valke.

The first match on Day 2 of the Independent Schools Rugby Festival being played at Kingswood College in Grahamstown, may just end up being the outstanding match of the tournament.

In the main games of the day in the SA Rugby Girls Under-16 Week at Jeppe High School in Johannesburg, a missed conversion by the Sharks on the stroke of full-time saw Western Province pip them 20-19, while Border scored a try in the dying seconds against South Western Districts to secure a 22-20 victory.

REACTION: Flyhalf Elton Jantjies proved once again that he is a liability at Test level for the Springboks.

DISCIPLINARY UPDATE: World Rugby has given grumpy Austraian coach Michel Cheika another reason to moan.

REACTION: Injured England loose forward Billy Vunipola has been told to 'get his head in a good place' after yet another injury setback.

NEWS: Scarlets Team Manager Mark Taylor will leave the region, with immediate effect, for personal reasons.

WATCH as Damian McKenzie puts on display his true qualities as a flyhalf.

OPINION: The June international window has come to a dramatic climax, with plenty of controversies and many more highlights.

REACTION: The upcoming Rugby Championship will give Bok head coach Rassie Erasmus to Test a few other players in the all-important No.8 role.

WATCH when former Wallaby hooker Phil Kearns raised the ire of Irish people the world over following bizarre comments made during the Australia Ireland match in Sydney.

REPORT: Namibia scored 18 tries to humiliate Tunisia 118-0 in a 2019 Rugby World Cup Africa qualifier over weekend while Kenya upset Morocco 28-24 in another second-round match.

REACTION: Flyhalf Adam Hastings, a son of Scotland rugby legend Gavin, was among a trio hailed by coach Gregor Townsend Sunday after a 44-15 thrashing of Argentina in a one-off Test.

REACTION: England flyhalf Danny Cipriani has played down his role in the magical try that ensured victory over South Africa this weekend and ended a six-match losing streak.

REACTION: England head coach Eddie Jones hailed his team's composure after they beat the Boks 25-10 at Newlands on Saturday.

REACTION: On November 17 the world's two top-ranked teams, New Zealand and Ireland, will go head-to-head in Dublin in one of the most anticipated games ahead of next year's World Cup.

JUNE SPOTLIGHT: Watch all the post-match reaction and see what the numbers say about England's 25-10 win over South Africa at Newlands at the weekend.

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa sent a message of goodwill to the Springboks before their third and final Test against England at the weekend.