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The South African Rugby Unions has issued a warning to schools intending to tour abroad. Even here, there are rogues.

OPINION: Beauden Barrett’s signing with the Blues for 2020 and beyond has been hailed as a huge coup for a franchise that has underperformed for the better part of the last two decades.

OPINION: Andy Goode takes a look at the REAL legacy of now-retired Saracens boss Nigel Wray!

SPOTLIGHT: Like great performers leaving the stage one by one, the eye-watering list of Glasgow departures grows by the season.

WATCH as Toulon's collection of international stars entertain guests during New Year's revelry.

SPOTLIGHT: Since their loss to South Africa in the World Cup Final last month, England's 'pundits' have properly spat the dummy.

PRO14 REACTION: Cheetahs head coach Hawies Fourie felt his side were below par against Zebre and he warned that they needed to find their form to remain in contention for a possible play-off spot.

OPINION: It is the time of the year when people look back to the past and pick teams.

NEWS: The Brumbies are moving their Super Rugby training base to Newcastle.

TOP 14, SATURDAY WRAP: Wing Teddy Thomas staked a claim for inclusion in France's Six Nations squad in a try-scoring display in Racing 92's 27-19 victory over Clermont in the French Top 14 on Saturday.

REFEREE IN THE SPOTLIGHT: @rugby365com law guru Paul Dobson takes a look at an incident in a Top 14 match in France, when Bayonne played Brive.

PREMIERSHIP REPORT: Jonny May crossed for two tries as Leicester Tigers secured their second win of the season with a 31-18 bonus-point triumph over Bristol Bears.

PREMIERSHIP REPORT: Sam Hill scored two tries as Exeter Chiefs maintained their hot form with a six-try 45-28 victory away at London Irish.

PRO14 REPORT: Adam Warren's late try sealed a dramatic 25-18 victory for Dragons over Ospreys in an absorbing Welsh derby at Rodney Parade.

PREMIERSHIP REACTION: Worcester coach Alan Solomons said Saturday he had "massive concern" over Kiwi lock forward Michael Fatialofa who suffered a serious neck injury in his team's 5-62 English Premiership loss to Saracens.

PREMIERSHIP REPORT: Late heroics from Taqele Naiyaravoro rescued a 35-31 victory from the jaws of defeat for Northampton Saints as they claimed their first league win at the Ricoh Arena.

PREMIERSHIP REPORT: Gloucester cemented their place in the top three on the standings with a bonus-point 29-15 victory over local rivals Bath on Saturday.

PRO14 REPORT: Glasgow Warriors produced the perfect response to last week’s 1872 Cup disappointment by overcoming a battling Benetton side 38-19 in a pulsating encounter at the Stadio Monigo.

PREMIERSHIP REACTION:  Harlequins head of rugby Paul Gustard branded England prop Joe Marler’s actions “absolutely ridiculous”.

PRO14 REPORT: Lightning-fast wing Charlie Walker grabbed a double in Parma as Zebre got their second win of the season in swashbuckling style.

PRO14 REPORT: Ulster boosted their title credentials with a thrilling Round 10 win over Irish rivals Munster at the Kingspan.

PRO14 REPORT: Leinster's winning streak this season showed no signs of stopping, as they produced a sensational display with a 54-7 demolition of Connacht.

TRANSFER NEWS: Scotland lock Jonny Gray will leave Glasgow to join English Premiership club Exeter Chiefs at the end of the season.

PREMIERSHIP REPORT: Saracens bounced back from their defeat at Exeter last week to claim a precious bonus-point victory in their pursuit of survival after routing Worcester 62-5.

OPINION: Alex Shaw’s names his top 30 players of the year. Guess who is at No.1?

READERS’ FORUM: Welcome to the Pro14 Round 10 encounter between Leinster and Connacht at the RDS Arena.

READERS’ FORUM: Welcome to the Premiership Round Eight encounter between Saracens and Worcester Warriors at Allianz Park.

PRO14 REPORT: Scarlets produced a battling performance to edge Welsh rivals Cardiff Blues 16-14 on their own turf and leapfrog Munster – who lost at Ulster – at the top of the Conference B table.

PREMIERSHIP REPORT: Sale Sharks returned to winning ways in with a sensational 48-10 bonus-point victory against Harlequins at the AJ Bell stadium.

PRO14 REPORT: Edinburgh built on last weekend's 1872 Cup success with a nine-try (61-13) win over 13-man Southern Kings, who fought courageously on their first appearance since November.

NEWS: New Wales coach Wayne Pivac received a timely boost on the eve of the Six Nations tournament.

READERS’ FORUM: Welcome to the Pro14 Round 10 encounter between Ulster and Munster at the Kingspan Stadium.

NEWS: Josh Navidi has committed his long-term future to Cardiff Blues by signing a new four-year deal at the Arms Park.

DISCIPLINARY HEARING: Exeter and England prop Harry Williams was hit with a two-week ban on Thursday.

TWISTS AND TURNS: Exeter Chiefs ended 2019 top of the Premiership pile, but in the first round of the New Year it is anyone's guess as to which four teams will contest the semifinals in June.

PRO14 SPOTLIGHT: The two South African franchises will hit the ground running with matches that are of vital importance to both campaigns this weekend.

REACTION: Decorated veteran Jamie Roberts is both big enough and secure enough in his abilities to be able to take a pop at his himself.

NEW DAWN: We stand at the new decade's dawn and after counting up the numbers they show that Round Nine capped off the 2010s in serious style - with five sell-outs across six derby matches.

NEWS: Nigel Wray has retired as Chairman of Saracens with immediate effect.

CONTRACT NEWS: Leicester Tigers, still hovering in the relegation zone, have kicked off the New Year with the announcement of new contracts for George Ford, Ellis Genge, George Worth and Sam Aspland-Robinson.

TOP 14 PREVIEW: This weekend is the last round of matches before France's new coach Fabien Galthie names his squad on January 8 for the upcoming Six Nations.

TRANSFER NEWS: The exodus from Glasgow Warriors is gathering momentum.

And in this week we hit 2020, often such a desirable number. May all referees have 20/20 vision in this new year.

INJURY UPDATE: Surgery could put an end to Quin Roux's hopes of a Six Nations return.

INJURY UPDATE: World Cup-winning lock Lodewyk de Jager has made a remarkable recovery from shoulder surgery.

SPOTLIGHT: South Africa dominate a list of five nominees in contention to be named The Rugby Union Writers’ Club personality of the year for 2019.

SPOTLIGHT: Andy Goode takes a look at the changes to the game over the last 10 years!

SPOTLIGHT: Change the laws and you change the game. Add in ways of playing that are not laws and you have, perhaps, set the game on an unhappy road.

DISCIPLINARY DECISIONS: Munster team doctor Jamie Kearns and Sale Director of' Steve Diamond were both disciplined for recent transgressions in European competitions.

NEWS: The Ospreys and Allen Clarke have finally gone their separate ways after a month of behind the scenes legal wranglings.

CONTRACT NEWS: Scotland international back row Cornell du Preez has committed his future to Warriors until the end of the 2021/22 season.

TRANSFER NEWS: Rhys Webb is returning home to the Ospreys.

DISCIPLINARY UPDATE: A World Cup indiscretion has come back to haunt Samoan international Motu Matu’u.

TEAM NEWS: The Southern Kings head out yo Scotland on Tuesday, ahead of their Pro14 clash against Edinburgh at Murrayfield on Saturday, January 4.

NEWS: Former All Blacks coach Steve Hansen became Sir Stephen on Tuesday.

SPOTLIGHT: Wallaby Sitaleki Timani has been red-carded in his Top 14 clash for Clermont against Castres over the weekend after committing a bizarre retaliation.

REACTION: Exeter boss Rob Baxter said that the Chiefs could put their anger at Saracens’ salary cap breach behind them.

RESULT: Dan Carter has beaten out fellow All Black great Richie McCaw to be voted the player of the decade.

REACTION: Gloucester coach Johan Ackermann said he was both 'proud and frustrated' in equal measures, after his team's 26-33 loss to Northampton Saints.

REACTION: England prop Kyle Sinckler has no recollection of the World Cup Final, despite watching much of his side's defeat by South Africa from the sidelines.

INJURY UPDATE: England centre Henry Slade will miss the start of the Six Nations because of the ankle problem sustained on Premiership duty for Exeter.

PRO14 NEWS: The Cheetahs named a powerful squad for their first match of 2020.

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

REACTION: New Zealand rugby fans reacted furiously Sunday after All Blacks star Jordie Barrett was reportedly kicked out of the Melbourne Cricket Ground by security staff during the Black Caps' second Test against Australia.

COMPLETELY FALSE: World Cup-winning Springbok lock Eben Etzebeth has finally spoken out about the infamous Langebaan incident.

TOP 14 WRAP: South Africa's World Cup winner Handre Pollard's first try in the French premier competition was not enough to secure his club a win.

PREMIERSHIP REACTION: Leicester Tigers coach Geordan Murphy saluted his struggling side's determination, as they came from 14 points down to draw 30-all with Harlequins in front of a 75,000 crowd at Twickenham on Saturday.

TRANSFER NEWS: Wales scrumhalf Rhys Webb will leave Top 14 side Toulon at the end of the season due to personal reasons.

TOP 14 WRAP: Argentina wing Santiago Cordero scored two tries as Bordeaux-Begles regained first place in the French premier competition, with a 27-23 victory at Pau on Sunday.

PREMIERSHIP REPORT: Exeter Chiefs took revenge on arch-rivals Saracens in their first meeting since the salary-cap scandal broke.

PRO14 REPORT: Leinster’s flying campaign continued on Derby Day in Round Nine, with a 13-6 victory at the home of Munster in the latest instalment of the old rivalry.

READERS' FORUM: Welcome to the Premiership Round Seven encounter between Exeter Chiefs and Saracens at Sandy Park.

PREMIERSHIP REPORT: Louis-Rees Zammit scored a brilliant hat-trick, but it was not enough to prevent Gloucester from going down to a Springbok-inspired Northampton Saints.

PREMIERSHIP REPORT: Duncan Weir's contribution of 13 points at Sixways proved crucial as Worcester Warriors beat 14-men London Irish 20-6.

PRO14 REPORT: The 1872 Cup numbers for this season now read one apiece, after one of the best matches in its history was edged 29-19 by a superb Edinburgh performance on home turf.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Faf de Klerk guided South Africa to World Cup glory in Japan, with the hosts setting the tournament alight with an unexpected run to the quarterfinals.

PREMIERSHIP REPORT: Rhys Priestland went on a one-man crusade to ensure that Bath beat Sale Sharks by a whisker, 16-14.

PREMIERSHIP REPORT: Leicester Tigers came from 14 points down in the second half to draw 30-all with Harlequins in the Big Game 12.

NEWS: Young All Black superstar Jordie Barrett has found himself on the wrong side of the law for a second time.

PRO14 REPORT: Kieran Crowley’s Benetton fought back from an early red card to Nacho Brex to deliver a compelling six-try (36-25) win over Italian rivals Zebre.

The laws are not always easy to apply and that includes the act of scoring a try, the most important occurrence in a rugby match, the game's crowning glory.

PRO14 REPORT: Dan McFarland's Ulster bounced back from defeat to Leinster with an impressive 35-3, five-try victory over Connacht in Belfast.

NEWS: Young All Black superstar Jordie Barrett has found himself on the wrong side of the law for a second time.

PREMIERSHIP REPORT: Bristol missed a chance to go top, as Springbok Nizaam Carr's last-minute try gave Wasps a 26-21 win at Ashton Gate on Friday.

And Wednesday is Christmas Day, the world's big family day and we should like to wish the whole Rugby family a Happy and a Blessed Christmas, a day of peace to all people of good will - including players, coaches, administrators and all match officials, in the hope that this generosity will extend into the future.

TRANSFER NEWS: Scottish Rugby announced two key appointments to their coaching team ahead of the 2020 Six Nations.

TRANSFER NEWS: Rugby Australia has moved another step closer to finalising its new-look Wallabies coaching team,

TRANSFER NEWS: The Waratahs confirmed that defence coach Steve Tandy will depart the organisation to take up a role overseas.

PRO14 REPORT: Ryan Conbeer and Steff Evans both scored twice as Scarlets ran in six tries without reply against an injury-hit Ospreys at Parc Y Scarlets.

PRO14 REPORT: Cardiff Blues made it four straight victories, as they edged past Dragons (16-12) at Cardiff Arms Park.

TRANSFER NEWS: Scarlets received a belated Christmas gift, with the news that one of their favourite sons is returning home.

NEWS: High-scoring French international fullback Thomas Ramos has extended his stay with Top 14 champions, Toulouse, until 2023.

Pro14 SPOTLIGHT: The Southern Kings could be set to surprise people when they return to action from a mid-season recess early in the new year.

Pro14 SPOTLIGHT: Saturday's top of the conferences clash between Munster and Leinster at Thomond Park takes centre stage in the post-Christmas week.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Mark Alexander’s hopes of getting the Springboks coaching roles filled by the end of 2019 appear to have been dashed due to an agent involved in negotiations reportedly being away on holiday.

BRAGGING RIGHTS: The derbies certainly delivered in Round Eight, as five of the six went down to the final play.

VIDEO: Francois de Klerk is known by many as a small, attractive shetland of a man who is coincidentally very good at rugby.

THE RACE IS ON: In the final battles of 2019 there is just five points separating the top half of the table, with plenty of twists and turns expected over the festive season.

SPOTLIGHT: Raelene Castle has been Chief Executive of Rugby Australia for only two years. Yet, she has put her stamp firmly on one of the most disappointing decades in the game.

TRANSFER NEWS: It is not exactly a secret that New Zealand wanted his services. Now they have him!

NEWS: Injury will prolong England loose forward Brad Shields’ absence from the international arena'

REACTION: World Rugby insists controversial changes to the Sevens World Series format will not be revoked.

REACTION: There has evidently been no World Cup hangover for South African lock Eben Etzebeth.

REACTION: Joey Mongalo will look to rebuild his life and coaching career, after being cleared on a charge of indecent assault.

SIX NATIONS SPOTLIGHT: New Ireland coach Andy Farrell has insisted that Rob Kearney’s international career is not over following his exclusion from a 45-man mini training camp in Dublin.

DISCIPLINARY UPDATE: The maverick Munster medic at the centre of the incident which sparked a 30-man brawl in Saracens’ European Cup win over the Irish province earlier this month is set for a hearing.

DISCIPLINARY UPDATE: The New Zealand Rugby Union is beginning to show 'zero tolerance' towards off-field violence by players.

UPDATE: Livewire Lyon scrumhalf Baptiste Couilloud has been ruled out of action for six weeks with a shoulder injury, coach Pierre Mignoni said Monday.

REACTION: Retired dual international Wendell Sailor continues to support the Australian national anthem, despite suggestions that the words are 'offensive' to indigenous people.

CONTRACT NEWS: Shane Lewis-Hughes has celebrated a man-of-the-match performance in Cardiff Blues' Pro14 derby victory over the Ospreys with a new long-term contract.

PRO14 SPOTLIGHT: Hard fought derby wins for Johann van Graan's Munster side and defending champions Leinster set up a mouth-watering clash this coming weekend.

TOP 14 WRAP: All Black wing Ben Smith was sent off on his Pau debut as his team went down 18-21 to strugglers Stade Francais on Sunday.

SPOTLIGHT: Two All Blacks legends will go head-to-head in the final of World Rugby’s fan-voted player of the decade award.

TOP 14 REPORT: World Cup-winning Springbok Eben Etzebeth had a far more successful French debut than his South African teammate Handre Pollard.

WATCH as we bring you some of the fanciest feet that the World Cup had to offer, as we were treated to some spectacular action out wide.

PREMIERSHIP REPORT: Bath powered to a 38-10 victory away to London Irish as they recorded their first away win of the season.

PREMIERSHIP REACTION: Leicester’s head coach Geordan Murphy explained an incident with a fan in the stand at the end of a frustrating game was an apology for his use of bad language.

TOP 14 WRAP: South African World Cup winner Handre Pollard wasted eight points from the boot on his French debut, as Montpellier lost 25-29 at Racing 92.

PRO14 REPORT: A late try from George Turner earned Glasgow Warriors bragging rights.

It's Christmas 2019, a beautiful island of peace in a hurried world, "But at my back I always hear/Time's winged chariot hurrying near." And it's 2020 already and announcements about the referees for the end of Europe's pool matches.

PREMIERSHIP REPORT: Saracens made a big statement about their survival in the top flight.

PREMIERSHIP REPORT: Don Armand's try double helped Exeter Chiefs continue their recent dominance over Leicester Tigers with a comeback 31-22 bonus-point victory at Welford Road.

PRO14 REPORT: Munster rule the roost at the top of Conference B, after they held on to claim a 19-14 win away at Connacht.

NEWS: South Africa's domestic competitions are set for an influx of more foreign teams.

PREMIERSHIP REPORT: Sale Sharks held strong in defence and continued their remarkable record against Northampton Saints at the AJ Bell Stadium with a well-deserved 22-10 victory.

PRO14 REPORT: A Jason Tovey penalty ensured Cardiff Blues claimed their first win in Swansea since 2005 as they overcame Ospreys 19-16 in their opening Welsh derby dust-up at the Liberty Stadium.

OPINION: This past weekend brought the final round of Champions Cup action for 2019 and a particularly competitive form XV.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Former All Blacks coach Sir Graham Henry has taken a few swipes at New Zealand Rugby as they enter a new era.

SPOTLIGHT: England and Leicester centre Manu Tuilagi talks about all things British and Irish Lions, including their prospects in South African in 2021.

PREMIERSHIP REPORT: Harlequins recovered from a 17-point deficit to inflict a fifth defeat of the season on Wasps - winning 28-22 in a thriller at the Ricoh Arena.

READERS' FORUM: Welcome to the Premiership Round Six encounter between London Irish and Bath the Madejski Stadium.

PRO14 REPORT: A late Sam Davies drop-goal kicked Dragons to a memorable 22-20 derby day victory over Scarlets at a rain-soaked Rodney Parade.

SUPER RUGBY SPOTLIGHT: The Blues are optimistic. It is December, after all, and not a shot has been fired.

PREMIERSHIP REACTION: Louis Rees-Zammit is the latest name to light up the domestic stage.

The world knows Christmas Day. It is probably the best-known date on the calendar, which gives happenings on Christmas day an added meaning. That includes birth and death.

READERS' FORUM: Welcome to the Pro14 Round Eight encounter between Glasgow Warriors and Edinburgh at the Scotstoun Stadium.

READERS' FORUM: Welcome to the Premiership Round Six encounter between Saracens and Bristol Bears at Allianz Park.

PRO14 REPORT: Leinster won a whirlwind encounter against Ulster to extend their unbeaten start to the season and Conference A hegemony at the RDS Arena.

PREMIERSHIP REPORT: Louis Rees-Zammit scored a stunning second-half brace as Gloucester ran in five tries in 20 minutes to claim a bonus-point victory against Worcester Warriors at Kingsholm.

SUPER RUGBY NEWS: The Reds highlighted the importance and strength of the franchise's pathway.

YEAR-END SPOTLIGHT: New Zealand, just displaced as the top-ranked team after a decade at No.1, needs a bigger say in how the game is run.

SPOTLIGHT: Former England captain Chris Robshawspeaks about what the future holds for him.

SALARY CAP SPOTLIGHT: Premiership Rugby has announced it is in discussions with Saracens over the 'additional measures' needed for the double winners to prove they are operating within regulations for the current season.

SPOTLIGHT: Fixing the game in Australia will require more, much more, than just a cursory 'band-aid'.

TOP 14 PREVIEW: South Africa's World Cup winners Eben Etzebeth and Handre Pollard are expected to make their French Top 14 bows this weekend for Toulon and Montpellier.

SPOTLIGHT: Unsurprisingly, four All Blacks have made it to the last four of the fans’ vote for the World Rugby player of the decade.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: It would be charitable to describe the public’s reaction to Ian Foster’s appointment as head coach of the All Blacks as lukewarm.

IT'S DERBY TIME: After two more rounds of European action, the Pro14 returns this weekend with six derbies across four countries.

REACTION: New head coach Ian Foster is working hard on the final piece of the All Black puzzle, but it is what he already has that excites him.

REACTION: John Plumtree is adamant his successor will be able to take the Hurricanes to the next level.

READERS' FORUM: Welcome to the Pro14 Round Eight encounter between Leinster and Ulster at the RDS.

Most get ready for Christmas. A few have to get ready for a match, a serious match not just one to work up an appetite for Christmas delights.

LOCAL IS LEKKER: The Premiership returns with three consecutive weekends of rip-roaring action - starting with a Christmas cracker of a Round Six.

NEWS: Greig Laidlaw, who captained the Scotland team a record 39 times, announced his retirement from Test rugby.

NEWS: France flank Alexandre Lapandry has extended his contract with Clermont by three years to 2023, the Top 14 giants announced Friday.

NEWS: The Brumbies have announced a profit for the third consecutive year.

NEWS: Former France back row forward Ibrahim Diarra has died at the age of 36, following a heart attack.

SPOTLIGHT: World Cup-winning Springbok Handre Pollard is set to make his Montpellier debut this Saturday.

NEWS: World Cup-winning Springbok prop Tendai Mtawarira has decided to continue playing, but in the fledgeling United States Major League Rugby competition.

COACHING SPOTLIGHT: England's top Rugby Union official has said the example of South Africa's World Cup-winning supremo Rassie Erasmus means they can avoid rushing into a decision on Eddie Jones.

NEWS: Newly appointed New Zealand head coach Ian Foster unveiled the bulk of his coaching team, revealing what must be the worst kept secret in the whole process.

REACTION: Wallaby flank Lopeti Timani says he has struggled with his mental health since being the victim of an attack by former Melbourne Rebels teammate Amanaki Mafi in New Zealand.

SPOTLIGHT: Pro14 side Scarlets appeared to be resigned to losing their head coach Brad Mooar to Ian Foster’s All Blacks coaching team.

NEWS: An English club player has been slapped with a four-year, after testing positive with three different metabolites in his system.

REACTION: Wallaby stalwart Reece Hodge speaks about leaving the Michael Cheika era behind and embracing Dave Rennie's time as national team coach.

REACTION: Former Wales assistant coach Rob Howley on Tuesday issued a public apology after being banned from rugby over a breach of betting rules as he "battled demons" following his sister's death.

NEWS: World Cup-winning captain Siya Kolisi is one of eight Springboks who have signed contract extensions with Western Province Rugby and will play for the Stormers in 2020 and beyond.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: As reunions come, Ruan Pienaar’s first match back in Belfast since his 2017 exit couldn’t be more perfectly timed.

NEWS: England are prepared to bide their time over a possible contract extension for coach Eddie Jones

AWARDS: Two-time winner of the SA Rugby Player of the Year Award Pieter-Steph du Toit has again been nominated for the top prize. 

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Former All Blacks captain Richie McCaw would like to see a stop-clock introduced to rugby during scrum time in a bid to prevent time-wasting.

SUPER RUGBY SPOTLIGHT: The departure of John Plumtree from the Hurricanes, after just one season as head coach, seems a fait accompli.

NEWS: Former Samoa forward Joe Tekori celebrated his 36th birthday by signing a two-year contract extension with Toulouse on Tuesday, the French Top 14 title holders announced.

NEWS: Japan loose forward Amanaki Mafi has avoided a conviction for attacking a former teammate Lopeti Timani.

SQUAD ANNOUNCEMENT: The Sunwolves have added six new players to their squad for the 2020 Super Rugby season.

WATCH as we bring you the seven best players from the Cape Town leg of the Sevens World Series.

The Bible has the Book of Wisdom; rugby football has the Craven Stories, a distillation of one of the greatest South Africans and most probably the greatest rugby man who ever lived.

NEWS: Former Wales assistant coach Rob Howley received a lengthy ban for breaching betting rules.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: If you’ve been watching the last five weekends of rugby, you could be forgiven for thinking someone changed the northern hemisphere’s premier club tournament from the European Champions Cup, to the Franco-Irish Champions Cup.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: All Black Sonny Bill Williams is reportedly eyeing a return to international rugby league but it might not be in the familiar black jersey.

SEVENS REACTION: Springbok Sevens coach Neil Powell lamented two missed opportunities in their final against New Zealand at the Cape Town Stadium on Sunday.

SQUAD ANNOUNCEMENT: New Ireland head coach Andy Farrell has named a 45-man squad for his first camp since succeeding Joe Schmidt.

NEWS: Glasgow Warriors Assistant Coach Jason O’Halloran will leave the club at the end of the season.

NEWS: Centre George Taylor has committed his future to Edinburgh after signing a contract extension with the capital club.

NEWS: Tournament organisers European Professional Club Rugby (EPCR) have confirmed they will probe a mass brawl during Saracens' 15-6 Champions Cup victory over Munster.

WATCH ten of the best tries during the 2019 World Cup in Japan.

NEWS: Steve Hansen has urged fans to get behind new All Blacks coach Ian Foster.

CHAMPIONS CUP NEWS: South African wing Cheslin Kolbe, who played a major role in the Springboks' World Cup triumph, suffered a rib injury in Toulouse's European Champions Cup win against Montpellier on Saturday.

OPINION: There are a number of attributes required to become a professional flyhalf.

REACTION: England hooker Jamie George was the target of an alleged taunt by Munster’s chief medic which sparked a giant brawl during Saracens 15-6 victory.

WATCH all the highlights from all three days at the Cape Town Sevens.

MATCH REPORT: A last-gasp Robin Copeland try made sure Connacht bagged a hard-fought 27-24 Champions Cup victory over Gloucester on Saturday.

NEWS: New Zealand Rugby is still interested in seeing the Rugby Championship expanded in the future.

MATCH REPORT: Glasgow Warriors’ chances of reaching the Champions Cup quarter-finals are hanging by a thread after they suffered a 7-12 defeat to La Rochelle in grizzly conditions at Scotstoun.

DAY THREE WRAP: New Zealand edged hosts South Africa 7-5 in the Cup Final of the Cape Town Sevens on Sunday.

NEWS: The Scarlets have issued a statement confirming that the All Blacks have made an approach over their head coach Brad Mooar.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: There is certainly no love lost between Lions new recruit Roelof Smit and his former Super Rugby side the Bulls.

CHAMPIONS CUP REPORT: ASM Clermont Auvergne ran in eight tries as they closed up on Champions Cup Pool Three leaders Ulster with a 52-26 bonus-point win over Bath.

MATCH REPORT: Saracens defeated Munster Rugby 15-6 on Saturday in Champions Cup Pool 4 to give their hopes of defending their crown a much-needed boost.

CHAMPIONS CUP REPORT: Brothers Sam and Joe Simmonds scored 21 of Exeter's points as they took a step towards a place in the European Champions Cup quarterfinals on Sunday with an 35-10 home victory over Sale.

MATCH REPORT: Leinster were at their blistering best as they scored seven tries in a 50-21 Champions Cup Pool 1 win over Northampton Saints at the Aviva Stadium on Saturday night.

CHAMPIONS CUP REACTION: Leinster head coach Leo Cullen had mixed feelings about his side’s seven-try performance despite a comprehensive 50-21 bonus point victory over Northampton in the Champions Cup.

MATCH REPORT: Toulouse made it four wins from four but had to wait until the dying seconds to clinch a 26-18 success over Montpellier in Pool 5 of the Champions Cup at the Altrad Stadium.

DAY TWO WRAP: South Africa, New Zealand, France, Ireland and Kenya finished the pool stages of the Cape Town Sevens 2019 unbeaten to march into the Cup quarter-finals in style.

REACTION: Blitzboks forward JC Pretorius credited the defensive effort of the squad as crucial in their seven-try romp over Japan in their Pool A opener at the Cape Town Sevens on Friday.

MATCH REPORT: Benetton snatched their first win in Pool 1 of the Champions Cup after Marco Lazzaroni’s dramatic try edged them to a thrilling 25-22 win over Lyon in Treviso.

INJURY UPDATE: Leinster head coach Leo Cullen managed to ease Ireland's supporters worry with some good news regarding their star flyhalf Johnny Sexton.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: For Siya Kolisi, who led South Africa to World Cup victory, the praise and prizes keep pouring down, but, he insists: "I'm still Siya."

OPINION: It’s the news every Chiefs fan has been hoping for: Damian McKenzie will be fit for the opening match of the Super Rugby season.

It's Sevens time in Cape Town - big party time with rugby as the excuse. Rugby needs referees and the referees have also had a chance to enjoy summer days at the fairest Cape in the whole circumference of the globe, as Sir Francis Drake, pirate, described it in 1579.

CHAMPIONS CUP REPORT: Ulster remained top of Champions Cup Pool Three after a commanding 34-10 victory over Harlequins on Friday, with scrumhalf John Cooney scoring 19 points in the win at Twickenham Stoop.

DAY ONE WRAP: Hosts South Africa, the winners in Dubai, and beaten finalists New Zealand both started with comfortable wins on Day One of the Cape Town Sevens.

REACTION: Crusaders head coach Scott Robertson broke his silence after losing out on the All Blacks coaching job.

NEWS: New Zealand Rugby could be left to fork out a large financial sum to bring together Ian Foster’s coaching group in the wake of his announcement as the next boss of the All Blacks.

SUPER RUGBY SPOTLIGHT: Springbok prop Jannie du Plessis is hoping he can add some real value to the Lions' Super Rugby campaign in 2020.

NEWS: One of France's rising stars, Matthieu Jalibert, has extended his contract with Bordeaux-Begles for two years until 2023, the Top 14 club announced on Thursday.

READERS’ FORUM: Welcome to the European Cup Round Four match between Harlequins and Ulster at Twickenham Stoop, Twickenham.

CHAMPIONS CUP: Toulouse's South African loose forward Rynhardt Elstadt says clinching a place in the European Champions Cup quarterfinals is on the squad's mind ahead of facing Montpellier this weekend

CHAMPIONS CUP REPORT: Racing 92 continue to set the pace at the top of Pool Four in the Champions Cup as they saw off a late Ospreys rally to clinch a 40-27 success at the Paris La Défense Arena.

FIRST TIME FOR EVERYTHING: This year’s tournament will be the first time that Cape Town will be hosting both the men’s and women’s competitions from Friday, December 13 to Sunday, December 15.

NEWS: Rugby Australia has announced key appointments to the Wallabies staff, including Scott Wisemantel as an assistant to Dave Rennie on a four-year deal.

SUPER RUGBY NEWS: The coaching team that will work alongside Stormers head coach John Dobson in the 2020 Super Rugby season has been confirmed.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Chiefs assistant coach Tabai Matson has revealed what may see the odds swing in favour of Scott Robertson in the All Blacks coaching race.

SQUAD ANNOUNCEMENT: Springbok Sevens coach Neil Powell named an unchanged tournament squad for the Cape Town Sevens, which kicks off on Friday at the Cape Town Stadium.

NEWS: High-flying Exeter Chiefs have handed Rob Baxter and three of his staff contract extensions taking through to 2023.

World Rugby moves its Sevens party from Dubai to Cape Town this week, and in European Professional club Rugby we have the repeat of last week's matches but at the "other" venue.

NEWS: Wasps’ Alex Rieder has been advised to retire from professional rugby on medical grounds.

NEWS: The Highlanders have named James Lentjes as their new captain for the upcoming 2020 Super Rugby season

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Ian Foster pledged to restore the All Blacks' aura of invincibility and is tasked with rebuilding the three-time world champions after a disappointing World Cup.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Warren Gatland has left a tremendous legacy however its time for new Wales coach Wayne Pivac to build on it says, captain Alun-Wyn Jones.

NEWS: Scotland's Tommy Seymour has retired from international rugby, the Glasgow wing announced on Wednesday.

OPINION: This weekend played host to Round Three of the Champions Cup, the beginning of the vitally important December back-to-back games

THE AFTERMATH: Thousands of flag-waving rugby fans cheered Japan's national team at a celebratory parade in Tokyo on Wednesday, hailing the Brave Blossoms' best-ever World Cup performance.

AWARDS: Ardie Savea collected three awards at this year’s NZ Rugby Awards in Auckland.

NEWS: Ian Foster has been appointed the new Head Coach of the All Blacks, New Zealand Rugby (NZR) has announced on Wednesday.

NEWS: A string of high-profile sports and entertainment events have been cancelled or postponed due to massive democracy protests.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Schalk Brits believes England will be the "perfect fit" for Matthew Proudfoot.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Stormers head coach John Dobson has urged SANZAAR to bring back the Super 12.

TRANSFER NEWS: Star Fijian lock Leone Nakarawa is reportedly on the verge of a sensational return to his former club Glasgow Warriors, according to French media.

DISPLICANRY UPDATE: Munster loose forward Arno Botha has been suspended for three weeks following an independent Disciplinary Hearing in London on Wednesday.

NEWS: Munster's Arno Botha will face a disciplinary hearing on Wednesday after he was sent off during his team's 10-3 win over Saracens in the Champions Cup last Saturday.

TRANSFER NEWS: Another flying Fijian has re-committed with Brad Thorn’s Reds until 2023.

PRO14 SPOTLIGHT: Cheetahs coach Hawies Fourie is banking on the second half of the Pro14 competition to help seal a lucrative play-off place.

REACTION: Colleagues say new All Blacks coach Ian Foster possesses "a real rugby brain" and believe he will have no problem emerging from predecessor Steve Hansen's considerable shadow.

World Rugby has announced the match officials for the women's Six Nations in 2020.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Renowned kicking coach Vlok Cilliers will be helping France take their game to the next level in 2020.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Russia’s involvement in the 2023 Rugby World Cup has been thrown into serious doubt following a new ban for doping offenses.

INJURY UPDATE: The Super Rugby season for new Highlander Connor-Garden Bachop is over before it starts.

SEVENS NEWS: Hacjivah Dayimani has been withdrawn from the Springbok Sevens squad for this weekend's Cape Town Sevens.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Hacjivah Dayimani plans well for most things in life, so it was not that unexpected when his phone rang and he received the message to join the Blitzbok squad for the Cape Town Sevens.

AWARDS: The Springbok trio of Pieter-Steph du Toit, Herschel Jantjies and Dillyn Leyds walked away with the top accolades at the WPRFU awards on Tuesday.

TRANSFER NEWS: Worcester Warriors loosehead prop Ethan Waller has described his decision to sign a two-year contract extension as one of the easiest he has had to make.

NEWS: Former Parramatta NRL Rugby League forward Tepai Moeroa is trying to establish himself as a centre with the Waratahs Super Rugby team.

SIX NATIONS SPOTLIGHT: South African referee Jaco Peyper will take charge of the clash between England and Ireland at Twickenham on Sunday, February 23.

NEWS: In an unorthodox move, Canterbury Rugby Football Union (CRFU) has announced the appointment of co-coaches to lead the Canterbury Mitre 10 Cup side from 2020.

NEWS: Chiefs hooker Liam Polwart has announced he is retiring from rugby following issues with concussion.

NEWS: Jacques Nienaber is set to be named Springbok head coach later this month.

INJURY UPDATE: Ireland could be without star flyhalf Johnny Sexton for during their Six Nations campaign.

CHAMPIONS CUP REPORT: France's Romain Ntamack scored twice as Rugby World Cup winner Cheslin Kolbe made his Toulouse return in a 23-9 over Montpellier.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: We look at five key stages in Folau's colourful and controversial career.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Rugby Australia has played down one of its most tumultuous years, and reassured that Raelene Castle's role as Chief executive is under no threat.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Fresh from their triumph in Dubai, the BlitzBoks have another tricky challenge this weekend in Cape Town.

NEWS: A new era for the All Blacks will kick off at Auckland’s Eden Park in 2020 in the first of six home Test matches for a new-look All Blacks coaching team.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Ardie Savea has been voted the best All Black of 2019 by his fellow players.

NEWS: The Springboks could be without Matt Proudfoot's services next season.

DAY THREE WRAP: The BlitzBoks put in a clinal performance to beat New Zealand 15-0 in the Cup Final of the Dubai Sevens on Saturday.

CHAMPIONS CUP REPORT: John Cooney kicked a nerveless 79th-minute penalty to give Ulster a dramatic 25-24 victory over Harlequins in the Champions Cup Pool Three on Saturday.

NEWS: Southern Kings director of rugby Robbi Kempson will continue performing the role of head coach to the Eastern Cape team until the end of the current Pro14 season.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: South Africa's Cheslin Kolbe returns to Toulouse for the first time since his World Cup-winning heroics with teammates relieved "to have him with us rather than against us".

CHAMPIONS CUP REPORT: Exeter Chiefs had to dig deep to see off a determined Sale Sharks side and clinch a 22-20 win at the AJ Bell Stadium in Champions Cup Pool Two on Sunday.

CHAMPIONS CUP REPORT: Racing 92 continue to set the pace at the top of Pool Four of the European Champions Cup with a 40-19 victory over the winless Ospreys in Swansea.

CHAMPIONS CUP REPORT: Gloucester collected all five points as they were too strong for Connachtin a 26-19 Champions Cup Pool Five victory on Sunday at Kingsholm Stadium.

READERS’ FORUM: Welcome to the European Cup Round Three match between Munster and Saracens at Thomond Park in Limerick.

REACTION: The way the Springboks Sevens team came together over the three days of the Dubai Sevens contributed to their performances and resulted in them winning the tournament,

CHAMPIONS CUP REPORT: Glasgow Warriors lived up to their name as they fought back magnificently from a 6-18 deficit to score a dramatic 27-24 Champions Cup victory against La Rochelle at Stade Marcel Deflandre on Saturday.

NEWS: France's opponents for November 2020 has been revealed.

CHAMPIONS CUP REPORT: Leinster laid down a Champions Cup marker on Saturday in Pool One as they scored seven tries in a 43-16 win over Northampton Saints at Franklin’s Gardens.

SEVENS NEWS: Wallaby Sean McMahon will join the Australian Men’s Sevens team for Round Two of the Sevens World Series in Cape Town

CHAMPIONS CUP REPORT: Lyon cruised to their first-ever win in the Champions Cup at Matmut Stadium de Gerland on Saturday after eight successive defeats in the competition.

CHAMPIONS CUP REPORT: Coach Mark McCall made nine changes as Saracens' hopes of defending their European Champions Cup title were dealt a blow after a 3-10 defeat at Munster on Saturday.

NEWS: Fijian star Leone Nakawara could be heading to a Super Rugby team.

READERS’ FORUM: Welcome to the European Cup Round Three match between Ulster and Harlequins at Kingspan Stadium in Belfast.

READERS’ FORUM: Welcome to the European Cup Round Three match between Northampton Saints and Leinster at Franklin’s Gardens.

DAY THREE: It is day three of the 2019 Dubai Sevens with the tournament entering the knockout stage.

NEWS: The Super Rugby franchise the Bulls have been approached by former Wallabies back Israel Folau's camp.

CHAMPIONS CUP REPORT: Clermont Auvergne got their Pool 3 campaign back on track with a convincing 34-17 bonus-point win over Bath on Friday at The Rec - with two tries from debutant Samuel Ezeala.

DAY TWO WRAP: Fiji have missed out on the Cup quarter-finals for the first time in the 21-year history of the  World Rugby Sevens Series round in Dubai.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Scott Robertson is set for his moment of truth in his quest to become the next All Blacks head coach.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Former Wallabies playmaker Quade Cooper has revealed his ambitions to play rugby league alongside long-time friend and ex-All Blacks star Sonny Bill Williams.

CHAMPIONS CUP: Clermont fullback Nick Abendanon is looking forward to what he calls a "special" return to the Recreation Ground to face old side Bath in the European Champions Cup this weekend.

NEWS: Racing 92 announced on Friday they had sacked Fijian Olympic gold medallist Leone Nakarawa.

TRANSFER NEWS: Double All Blacks World Cup winner Jerome Kaino has agreed a contract extension taking him through to June 2021.

LEGEND: Ockie Oosthuizen, a fine South African, died after a battle against colon cancer. The strong former Springbok prop won a battle against a heart problem but the cancer was too much.

DAY ONE WRAP: There were some big wins and some shaky wins for the big guns on the opening day of the 2019 Dubai Sevens on Thursday.

PRO14 SPOTLIGHT: The Cheetahs are enjoying some downtime as their Pro14 campaign takes a break over the Christmas period but for the Southern Kings the need for them to pick up some momentum means the next month will be business as usual.

NEWS: Worcester Warriors lock Anton Bresler has become the latest player to commit his future to the club by signing a contract extension.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Some of the top rugby playing schools and major role players came together during the past few months to negotiate the birth of arguably the most competitive schoolboy rugby challenge in the world.

TRANSFER NEWS: Exeter Chiefs have moved to strengthen their options at hooker by agreeing a loan move for former Sharks forward Kyle Cooper.

WATCH as BlitzBoks superstar Rosko Specman steps his way past several Kenyan defenders fora crucial try at the Dubai Sevens tournament.

REACTION: Israel Folau said Wednesday he had been "vindicated" after a surprise settlement with Rugby Australia ended the former Wallaby's divisive, multi-million dollar lawsuit.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Premiership Rugby reconfirmed they won’t move forward the date for their 2021 final to accommodate Warren Gatland’s preparations for the Lions’ tour to South Africa.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: England coach Eddie Jones believes Rugby Australia should drop the ‘Giteau Law’ threshold from 60-caps to 40-caps.

THE MILESTONE: Celebrating its 50th anniversary this year, the Dubai Rugby Sevens kicks off on December 5 and will bring together 20 teams from across the globe for three days of non-stop sevens.

WATCH as World Cup-winning Springbok captain Siyamthanda Kolisi speaks about the moment he met legendary Liverpool manager Jürgen Klopp.

Christmas is coming, and there is lots of noise about it, but, it seems, as the noise level rises, the sound of whistles goes softer. There are no Tests for seniors, men or women, but there is the Sevens series which starts in Dubai for the new season.

NEWS: Former Scotland rugby union captain John Barclay announced his retirement from Test rugby on Wednesday.

NEWS: The Dragons confirmed that prop Jack Cosgrove has retired from professional rugby on medical grounds with immediate effect.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Northampton Saints head coach Chris Boyd is not ready to let one of his coaches go and join England's backroom staff.

REACTION: Australia insisted Thursday it did not back down by settling its feud with Israel Folau over his sacking for controversial comments, while all-but ruling him out from playing Super Rugby again.

NEWS: Charles Piutau will extend his stay at Ashton Gate until 2022, Bristol Bears revealed.

Ockie Oosthuizen, a fine South African, died after a battle against colon cancer. The strong former Springbok prop won a battle against a heart problem but the cancer was too much.

CHAMPIONS CUP SPOTLIGHT: Gloucester head coach Johann Ackermann is desperate to get his club's season back on track when they face Connacht in their Champions Cup Round Three fixture on Sunday.

DISCIPLINARY UPDATE: Sale Sharks will be without the services of Springbok Jean-Luc Du Preez after he was suspended for three weeks.

AWARDS: Sharks and Springbok try-scoring hero, Makazole Mapimpi, was the big winner at the annual Sharks Player of the Year. Awards

NEWS: The Bulls revealed their captain for 2020 Super Rugby season.

OPINION: The 2020 Super Rugby season is not shaping up as an easy one for Hurricanes supporters.

TOP 14 NEWS: Toulon's crop of off-season signings are slowly making their way to the south of France.

NEWS: The British & Irish Lions could make history on an eight-game tour of South Africa in 2021.

NEWS: Northampton Saints confirmed the signing of Fijian international hooker Sam Matavesi with immediate effect.

TRANSFER NEWS: South Africa international centre Francois Venter has committed his future to Worcester Warriors for two more years.

INJURY UPDATE: The Crusaders have announced they won’t have their full contingency available when the 2020 season kicks off.

NEWS: Rugby Australia and Israel Folau reached a settlement Wednesday that will end the former Wallaby's multi-million dollar lawsuit over his sacking for controversial comments.

TRANSFER NEWS: Welsh strugglers Ospreys arrived at training on Tuesday to a greeted by a temporary presence of 2005 Wales Grand Slam winner Mike Ruddock.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: It seems like Rugby Australia can not keep a low profile when it comes to drama.  

UPDATE: Mediation between Rugby Australia and fallen star Israel Folau ended without agreement on Monday, but talks will continue on Wednesday. 

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Exactly one month after South Africa won the World Cup, recently retired hooker Schalk Brits has described the "craziest month" of his life.

SEVENS SPOTLIGHT: He might have accumulated heaps of experienced during Super Rugby and Currie Cup season, but Dylan Sage admitted it was still tough to get back in the BliitzBoks set up and start playing again.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Crusaders scrumhalf Bryn Hall has caused a massive uproar after he labelled Jack Goodhue a ‘Jew’.

NEWS: Toulon's Mourad Boudjellal has sold his controlling share in the French Top 14 club but, under the terms of the deal revealed on Monday, remains the club president.

NEWS: Edinburgh have been handed a huge boost ahead of this Friday’s Challenge Cup match against Wasps with the re-signing of loosehead prop, Pierre Schoeman.

NEWS: Outgoing All Blacks head coach Steve Hansen has confirmed his next career move.

TRANSFER NEWS: Rugby Australia announced the signing of Melbourne Storm Premiership-winning wing Suliasi Vunivalu on a two-year contract from 2021.

TRANSFER NEWS: Wasps flyhalf Lima Sopoaga has responded to reports that he’s leaving Wasps at the end of the season.

NEWS: Rugby Australia said they hoped to reach a "sensible" settlement as they met Monday with fallen star Israel Folau.

SPOTLIGHT: Coaching rugby is a privilege, not a right!

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: New Zealand Rugby has announced the finalists for the upcoming national rugby awards, along with a couple of tweaks to the categories.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: The New Zealand Super Rugby franchises will take to the field in 2020 with entirely new kits, with all five sides having revealed their new home jerseys for the 2020 season over the weekend.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Former All Blacks wing Nehe Milner-Skudder has opened up about going into “dark places” in what he described as “one of the toughest years” of his life.

REACTION: Sale Sharks director of rugby Steve Diamond criticised the red card his forward Jean-Luc Du Preez was given during the team's 13-20 defeat to Worcester Warriors.  

NEWS: The Sunwolves will be getting some help during next year's Super Rugby tournament.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Wallabies loose forward David Pocock has weighed in on the latest development in the Israel Folau saga.

PREMIERSHIP REACTION: London Irish Director of Rugby Declan Kidney said his team displayed "bucket loads of attitude" as they carved out a 27-27 draw against second-placed Bristol in the English Premiership on Sunday.

MATCH REPORT: A last-gasp Stephen Myler penalty broke Bristol Bears' hearts and salvaged a 27-all draw in an entertaining battle at Ashton Gate.

SEVENS SPOTLIGHT: South Africa Sevens coach Neil Powell has revealed he will make use of every player during the Dubai Sevens tournament.

MATCH REPORT: Alex Dombrandt's second-half try and the boot of Marcus Smith handed Harlequins a 23-19 win in a topsy-turvy encounter against Gloucester Rugby.

MATCH REPORT: Wales held on for an entertaining 43-33 win over the Barbarians in the final 'international' of the year.

INJURY UPDATE: All Blacks loose forward Ardie Savea has revealed he will miss the majority of the 2020 Super Rugby season.

NEWS: World Cup-winning Springbok Eben Etzebeth arrived at Toulon this week, only to hear that the club is up for sale.

TOP14 WRAP: Reigning champions Toulouse jumped to fourth in the Top 14 with a 45-10 victory over Bayonne, who finished with 13 men, on Sunday

READERS' FORUM: Welcome to the Premiership Round Five match between Bristol Bears and London Irish at Ashton Gate.

PRO14 REPORT: John Porch scored two tries as Connacht moved to within a point of Conference B leaders Munster with a hard-fought 24-12 victory against the Southern Kings.

PRO14 REPORT: The Cheetahs recorded their first away with of the season, as they held on for an 18-13 win in a dramatic finish against the hapless Ospreys at The Gnoll on Saturday.

WATCH as Springbok Faf de Klerk showed why he is such a valuable player to his Premiership side Sale Sharks.

POST-WORLD CUP SPOTLIGHT: Choosing a successor to Rassie Erasmus as head coach is one of several pressing issues for the Springboks.

PREMIERSHIP REPORT: Matt Proctor crossed for a double on debut, as Northampton Saints crushed their East Midlands rivals Leicester Tigers to move top of the standings.

PRO14 REPORT: Super-sub Jason Harries came on to break Benetton hearts with an injury-time try that secured a comeback five-point win for Cardiff Blues.

TOP14 WRAP: Montpellier romped to a five-try bonus-point triumph over French leaders Lyon on Saturday.

READERS' FORUM: Welcome to the Premiership Round Five match between Northampton Saints and Leicester Tigers at Franklin’s Gardens.

Pro14 REPORT: Two tries inside five minutes from Cian Kelleher helped Leinster past Glasgow Warriors in a compelling re-run of last year's Final.

READERS' FORUM: Welcome to the Pro14 Round Seven match between Glasgow Warriors and Leinster at Scotstoun Stadium.

PRO14 REPORT: Zebre ran in five tries against Dragons as the Italians ended their 20-game winless run and secured their first victory of the season at Rodney Parade.

PREMIERSHIP REPORT: Owen Farrell enjoyed a winning return for Saracens as he kicked the defending Premiership champions to victory over Bath.

PRO14 REPORT: Dan McFarland’s Ulster made it five wins from seven in Conference A with a bonus-point 29-5 hammering of Scarlets at Kingspan Stadium.

PRO14 REPORT: Eroni Sau’s second-half try proved the difference as Edinburgh edged Munster 18-16 in Cork.

PRO14 SPOTLIGHT: Struggling Ospreys held a media conference on Friday aimed at clarifying the confusion surrounding the Welsh club over whether Allen Clarke is still with them or has been sacked as coach.

NEWS: Conor O’Shea will join the Rugby Football Union (RFU) as Director of Performance Rugby next year.

PREMIERSHIP REPORT: Perry Humphreys and Ashley Beck both crossed as Worcester Warriors battled to their third win of the season against 14-man Sale Sharks.

READERS' FORUM: Welcome to the Premiership Round Five match between Bath and Saracens at the Recreation Ground.

PREMIERSHIP REPORT: Exeter Chiefs carried their European form into Premiership action as they ran in five scores for a bonus-point triumph over Wasps.

NEWS: New Zealand's Crusaders announced Friday that the team will retain its name but change its logo after a review sparked by the deadly mosque shootings in its home city of Christchurch in March.

SUPER RUGBY SPOTLIGHT: Kurtley Beale could not only solve Waratahs' flyhalf saga but could also be the answer to Wallabies' No.10 debate.

REACTION: The rumour mill has switched to overdrive on the future of Saracens owner Nigel Wray at the European and Premiership champions.

CONTRACT EXTENSION: The Irish Rugby Football Union and Connacht have confirmed that Bundee Aki has signed a three-year contract extension.

SPOTLIGHT: Tony Brown has revealed that he had no fear in turning down a position with the All Blacks.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Eben Etzebeth said he was looking forward to his "European adventure" and wanted to be a "part of history" when he faced the media for the first time on Friday.

SPOTLIGHT: Springbok superstar Francois de Klerk is confident he can take his game to the next level.

There was a unique occurrence this past week. International matches were cancelled because of measles.

This is a gem of a book. It is Hans Saestad's 11th book on episodes in South African that do not have a written book of their own. The short tours of the Sixties now have a book all right, a book of high quality. It is a beautiful book with all the care that story and statistics demand.

REACTION: Springbok Robbi Kempson has no time for critics trying to blemish South Africa’s recent World Cup triumph.

CELEBRATION DAY: Wayne Pivac goes under the white-hot scrutiny of coaching Wales when his new team takes on Warren Gatland's Barbarians on Saturday in Cardiff.

SUPER RUGBY NEWS: South Africa's Super Heroes day has been moved to Johannesburg.

WATCH as former England captain Dylan Hartley reveals the roles and responsibilities that he undertook under the watchful eye of Eddie Jones.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: After a two-week European break, the Premiership Rugby is back with a thriller as Saracens head to the Rec to go head-to-head with Bath Rugby on Friday.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: A fortnight of European action is in the rear-view mirror and we return to the Pro14 for one week in what could be a crucial Round Seven when all is said and done.

LISTEN as All Black scrumhalf Aaron Smith talks about the review in the wake of New Zealand's semifinal at the World Cup.

NEWS: The USA have long been touted a sleeping giant of international rugby, but it appears that off-field issues could cut the nation off at the knees before it amounts to anything.

SPOTLIGHT: Conor Wilson takes a look at how parts of the modern games is 'borrowed' from the realy years of the Brumbies.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: The Barbarians have revealed their team to face Wales in Cardiff on Saturday.

TRANSFER NEWS: Wasps confirmed that Ross Neal will be leaving the club to move to the United States.

TOP14 SPOTLIGHT: South Africa's World Cup winner Cheslin Kolbe plans to keep his feet on the ground as he is set to return to action with club Toulouse in the Top14 this weekend.

OPINION: It was a weekend of consolidation in the Champions Cup, as a number of teams backed up impressive wins in Round One, with similar results a week later.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Siviwe Soyizwapi will lead a vastly experienced Springboks squad, featuring a number of returning veterans at the Dubai leg of the Sevens World Series.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Head coach Wayne Pivac has named his first Wales side to face the Barbarians in Cardiff on Saturday.

UPDATE: The protracted Eben Etzebeth saga has been thrust back into the spotlight.

TRANSFER NEWS: The Lions are continuing to bolster their ranks with senior Springboks returning from France.

WATCH a classic replay of 'Cheslin Kolbe' stepping 'Owen Farrell' just as he did in the World Cup Final!

TRANSFER NEWS: Ted Hill, regarded as one of the brightest back row talents in English rugby has committed his future to Worcester Warriors until the end of the 2021/22 season.

SUPER RUGBY SPOTLIGHT: How much of a role new coach Warren Gatland had in the Chiefs’ recruitment process for the upcoming season is anyone’s guess.

NEWS UPDATE: Israel Folau increased his demand for compensation against Rugby Australia.

UPDATE: Saracens are to invite auditors to examine details of how they are currently operating under the Premiership £7million salary cap.

DISCIPLINARY UPDATE: La Rochelle hooker Pierre Bourgarit got away with no more than the proverbial 'slap on the wrist' for eye-gouging!

The SA Rugby Match Official Panels for 2020 were confirmed on Thursday, with 27 referees named on the National Panel, including Aimee Barrett-Theron, who handled two First Division Currie Cup fixtures earlier in the year.

PRO14 SPOTLIGHT: The start of the next four-year cycle, building up to the 2023 World Cup in France, will see new coaches come to the fore.

INJURY UPDATE: Southern Kings loose forward CJ Velleman remains positive despite his latest injury setback.

INJURY UPDATE: Italian lock Dean Budd has undergone surgery on a fractured hand.

TRANSFER NEWS: Semi Radradra is to sensationally join Bristol Bears, defying widespread reports he was set to return to the National Rugby League.

TRANSFER NEWS: Mount Maunganui lock Aaron Carroll has been added to the Blues roster for the 2020 Super Rugby competition.

NEWS: Junior Springbok assistant coach Bafana Nhleko said they had set clear goals on what they wanted to achieve from the tour and that they were excited to see the players in action.

NEWS: Wallabies hooker Folau Fainga’a has put pen to paper on a contract extension to see him remain with the Brumbies and Rugby Australia until the end of 2022.

NEWS: England star Anthony Watson suffered a knee injury in Bath's 9-15 defeat to Harlequins in the Champions Cup on Saturday.

NEWS: Rugby Australia chief Raelene Castle felt compelled to write a letter of apology over the behaviour of the Wallabies squad at the World Cup, according to media reports.

SPOTLIGHT: Retired All Black Andrew Mehrtens suspects New Zealand will regret the fact that the Wallabies will benefit from Dave Rennie's intelligence.

SQUAD ANNOUNCEMENT: The Sunwolves have released the first batch of names for 2020, their final season in Super Rugby.

NEWS: World Cup winner Cheslin Kolbe capped off an impressive year clinching the Top 14 player of the season award.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: The All Blacks coaching role is a “poisoned chalice”.

OPINION: In South Africa, if you want advice, you light a braai fire! If you want criticism, you select a team, especially a Springbok team.

SPOTLIGHT: Schoolboy sprint star Edward Osei-Nketia has blown away New Zealand Rugby bosses in his first venture into Sevens, at a camp in Auckland.

NEWS: Northampton Saints announced that Scotland international Rory Hutchinson has extended his contract at Franklin’s Gardens.

DISCIPLINARY NEWS: Montpellier lock Jacques du Plessis faces a disciplinary hearing after being sent off during his team's 30-27 win over Gloucester on Sunday.

TRANSFER NEWS: The Lions have confirmed that Springbok Jannie du Plessis has joined the franchise for the upcoming Super Rugby season.

NEWS: Wallaby Jack Maddocks will put his Test rugby career on hold as he chases Olympic glory with the Australian Sevens team.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Australia and New Zealand must separate from South Africa and Argentina and push into Asia says All Blacks legend Andrew Mehrtens.

SPOTLIGHT: A club match in the seventh tier of the English rugby pyramid wouldn’t normally attract nationwide headlines.

NEWS: Wasps announced that Academy graduate Jacob Umaga has signed a new first-team deal.

TRANSFER NEWS: Northampton Saints defence coach Alan Dickens has been appointed as England's Under-20 head coach.

REACTION: The log-jam they are wedged into in Conference A and the quality of teams they are competing with means that the Cheetahs will see it as a non-negotiable that they have to start picking up away wins in order to sustain any kind of PRO14 challenge.

NEWS: Cardiff Blues have confirmed that Willis Halaholo suffered an acute anterior cruciate ligament injury during last Saturday’s European Challenge Cup clash with Leicester Tigers.

NEWS: Melbourne will stage a Bledisloe Cup Test next year for the first time in a decade.

NEWS: Scott Wisemantel appears ever closer to joining the Wallabies fold after ending his 18-month stint as England's attack coach.

WATCH as Springbok World Cup winner Cheslin Kolbe puts on display his full array of sublime skills ... in two videos!

REACTION: Gloucester coach Johan Ackerman accused Montpellier of illegal scrummaging.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Eddie Jones is facing a battle with new Australian head coach Dave Rennie to hold onto attack specialist Scott Wisemantel, who has proved to be a key member of his England management team.

REACTION: Reports of a possible 'influx' of international stars to the Stormers has been greatly exaggerated.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Matt Toomua is putting his hand up to wear the Wallabies No.10 jersey in 2020 after the departures of a swag of veteran Test playmakers.

CHAMPIONS CUP REPORT: Sale Sharks had to battle to secure a 25-15 win over a determined La Rochelle at the AJ Bell Stadium on Sunday.

REACTION: As the proverb goes: It never rains but it pours!

NEWS: Junior Springbok coach Chean Roux, who will guide the South Africa Under-19 team on a two-match tour to Georgia, said they were looking forward to the challenge in Tbilisi, with the players and coaching staff set to benefit from the experience.

CHAMPIONS CUP REPORT: Munster and Racing 92 fought out a tremendous 21-21 draw in a dramatic Champions Cup Pool Four clash at Thomond Park on Saturday.

SPOTLIGHT: New Zealand's foremost academy is looking for accomplished, aspiring and ambitious players from around the globe to join them for their next intake.

CHAMPIONS CUP REPORT: Leinster remain top of Champions Cup Pool One after a gritty 13-6 victory over Lyon on Saturday at Matmut Stadium de Gerland.

CHAMPIONS CUP REPORT: Exeter gave a stirring second half show to wipe out a three-point deficit and run-out comfortable 34-18 winners over injury hit Glasgow in Pool Two of the Champions Cup.

NEWS: The Waratahs have secured the services of Karmichael Hunt for the 2020 Super Rugby season, with the dual international to play his second season in sky blue.

CHAMPIONS CUP REPORT: Harlequins got their first win in Pool Three of the Champions Cup largely due to the boot of flyhalf Marcus Smith in a 15-9 triumph over Bath.

CHAMPIONS CUP REPORT: Saracens picked up all five points as they cruised to a 44-3 win over Ospreys in their Champions Cup Pool Four match on Saturday.

CHAMPIONS CUP REPORT: Montpellier, reduced to 14 men for a large chunk of the second half, held out for a crucial 30-27 win against a hard-running Gloucester at the GGL Stadium on Sunday.

CHAMPIONS CUP REPORT: Toulouse bagged a late try to secure a 32-17 bonus-point victory over brave Connacht in Pool Five of a riveting Champions Cup clash at Stade Ernest-Wallon.

REACTION: Harlequins’ boss Paul Gustard praised Joe Marler’s “street-savviness” as the England prop returned to help his club defeat Bath in a Champions Cup Round Two match.

CHAMPIONS CUP REPORT: Dan Biggar’s nerveless penalty deep into added time settled a fabulously hectic game in Champions Cup Pool One as Northampton Saints snatched a drama-packed 35-32 victory at Benetton.

READERS' FORUM: Welcome to the European Cup Round Two match between Munster and Racing 92 at Thomond Park, Limerick.

READERS' FORUM: Welcome to the European Cup Round Two match between Lyon and Leinster at the Matmut Stadium de Gerland, in Lyon.

READERS' FORUM: Welcome to the European Cup Round Two match between Saracens and Ospreys at Allianz Park.

CHAMPIONS CUP REPORT: Scrumhalf John Cooney guided Ulster to a 18-13 victory over Clermont in the European Champions Cup in testing conditions in Belfast on Friday.

NEWS: South Africa wing Aphiwe Dyantyi's ''heart is at peace" following his suspension after failing a drug test.

NEWS: New Zealand Rugby has revealed the names of six emerging Sevens stars selected after the national development camp.

NEWS: The Blue Bulls Company has taken the bold step to bring on board the owner of Mamelodi Sundowns football club.

SQUAD ANNOUNCEMENT: The Melbourne Rebels have confirmed their full playing squad for the 2020 Super Rugby season.

REACTION: A massive culture change will have to be part of the new landscape if New Zealander Dave Rennie is to turn the Wallabies from losers into winners.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: The Southern Kings have named a 25-man touring group that will leave Port Elizabeth early next week for Galway, Ireland.

PRO14 SPOTLIGHT: Cheetahs coach Hawies Fourie is preparing his players for their fixture in the Northern Hemisphere by dipping balls in water.

PRE-SEASON BUILD-UP: It may not be the universally most popular tactics, but the Stormers will play to their strengths in 2020.

CHAMPIONS CUP: Lyon's New Zealand centre Charlie Ngatai says hosting record four-time winners Leinster in the Champions Cup on Sunday will be "massive" for the inexperienced club.

REACTION: World Cup-winning captains John Eales and Nick Farr-Jones are among those supporting the new International Rugby Academy of Australia.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Noting that sport was like business, rugby great Michael Lynagh has implored Australia's doubting fans to get behind the Wallabies new Kiwi coach.

REACTION: The All Blacks’ loss of Tony Brown as a potential coaching candidate has become the Highlanders’ gain.

NEWS: Semi Radradra is reportedly willing to take a AUS$2 million pay cut to join South Sydney Rabbitohs in Australia's National Rugby League.

NEWS: The career of former Springbok skipper Warren Whiteley may be over at 32 - according to reports.

NEWS: In the midst of a self-confessed "rebuild phase", Rugby Australia will review its so-called "Giteau Law" after pledging to usher in an exciting new era for the Wallabies.

NEWS: Another South African has been appointed as coach of the Italian national team.

NEWS: Springbok prop Jannie du Plessis has made a mid-season exit from Montpellier in the Top 14.

TOP 14 NEWS: French club Montpellier have had their €400,000 (US$442,511) fine for salary cap infringements removed by the French Rugby Federation's appeals commission.

SPOTLIGHT: A surprising reason for Devin Toner’s controversial World Cup omission has been revealed in Joe Schmidt’s new autobiography.

NEWS: It’s becoming an alarmingly regular occurrence now for Chiefs players to find their playing time cut short due to concussion.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Saracens boss Mark McCall said he is 100 percent behind his stars playing for England in the upcoming Six Nations.

DISCIPLINARY NEWS: Cheetahs loose forward, Jasper Wiese, will not be touring with the team to Wales next week for their PRO14 round seven clash against the Ospreys in Wales.

NEWS: Former Scotland captain Tom Smith has revealed he is battling stage four colorectal cancer.

NEWS: The Super Rugby season hasn't even started yet, and the New Zealand franchise the Blues already find themselves in a pickle. 

PRO14 UPDATE: The Southern Kings are hoping that their try-grabbing former Junior Springbok wing Yaw Penxe will be ready to play their next Pro14 match against Connacht, but they are not banking on it.

MATCH REPORT: The Barbarians recorded a 47-22 victory over Brazil in Sao Paulo on Wednesday.

SPOTLIGHT: The Rugby Pod give their reaction to the news that Saracens will not appeal the 35 point deduction that they were given in light of breaching salary cap regulations.

WATCH as we bring you some of the most momentous plays by South African forwards at the World Cup.