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IN THE SPOTLIGHT: World Cup-winning Springboks have stripped down to their underwear in response to a challenge by scrumhalf Faf de Klerk for South African men to get screened for testicular cancer.

WORLD CUP SPOTLIGHT: England hope to have all bases covered should "cunning" South Africa coach Rassie Erasmus try to spring a tactical surprise in the World Cup final.

SPOTLIGHT: @rugby365com law guru Paul Dobson takes a look at the suggestion that the replacements lkaw should be changed!

OPINION: At just 20-years-old he turned the rugby world upside down in 2017 as an electric wing has always held the ambition to become a centre, where he played as a schoolboy at Auckland Grammar and in 2014 with New Zealand Schools.

OPINION: The Pro14 has become the latest domestic club competition acquired in part by private equity firm CVC, agreeing in principle to sell a 27 percent stake in a similar deal to the one struck with Premiership Rugby.

There were scouts again at the 2019 Craven Week, including those from Australia, France and England. Now 22 school boys are heading overseas on rugby contracts - three to Australia, one each to England and Ireland, two to Japan and a whopping 13 to France.

OPINION: The European Champions Cup returned this weekend to wake the Northern Hemisphere from its post-World Cup blues, and we have compiled our XV of the week from an entertaining opening round.

It is the second round of European Professional Club Rugby's top competitions amongst many other important matches, only one of which is south of the equator.

NEWS: The Springboks will face Scotland and Georgia in three home Tests as part of the Incoming Series match schedule.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: He rejected the chance to coach the All Blacks and now Dave Rennie is hoping to win over sceptical Wallabies fans with "high-octane" and "brutal" rugby.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: He’s become one of South Africa’s most lethal weapons on the World Rugby Sevens Series, but things haven’t panned out so smoothly for Seabelo Senatla in the XVs version of rugby.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Marcell Coetzee aims to put his double World Cup disappointment behind him by starring for the Springboks in their series against the British and Irish Lions in 2021.

PRE-SEASON BUILD-UP: The departure of World Cup-winning Springbok Damian de Allende and Dan Kriel has left the Stormers in a pickle.

TRANSFER NEWS: Argentina wing Ramiro Moyano has joined French side Toulon until the end of the season, the Top 14 club announced on Wednesday.

OPINION: Don’t count Saracens out but this could be Clermont or Leinster’s year for Champions Cup glory. Rugbypass pundit Andy Goode reports. 

NEWS: New Zealander Dave Rennie was tasked on Wednesday with resurrecting Australia's rugby team.

PLAYERS CHOICE AWARDS: Springboks star forward Pieter-Steph du Toit walked away with the coveted Players' Player of the year award.

NEWS: Saracens have been hit with a fresh fine for failing to attend a promotional event for the European Champions Cup in the wake of a salary cap scandal.

TRANSFER NEWS: Marty McKenzie, the former New Zealand Maori and U20s flyhalf, has put pen to paper and committed to the Ospreys to the end of the season.

REACTION: Newly appointed Australia coach Dave Rennie Wednesday said the All Blacks left it too late to secure his services.

NEWS: Springbok wing and World Cup winner Cheslin Kolbe has set his sights on playing for the BlitzBoks at the 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo.

REACTION: Joe Marler does not think there will be a split in Eddie Jones’ Six Nations England squad after Saracens accepted sanctions for salary cap breaches.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Incoming Chiefs coach Warren Gatland has pleaded to Premiership clubs in England to move the competition’s final in 2021. 

REACTION: Former Wallabies coach Alan Jones has called on Rugby Australia chairman Cameron Clyne to go immediately and leave key tasks like finding the next national coach to a new-look board.

NEWS: Danny Wilson will become the new head coach of Glasgow Warriors on a two-year deal ahead of next season.

NEWS: Connacht announced that Irish international scrumhalf Kieran Marmion has signed a three-year contract extension with Connacht up to the end of the 2022/23 season.

INJURY UPDATE: There was some more bad news for Wales ahead of the upcoming Six Nations.

TRANSFER NEWS: Exeter Chiefs have bolstered their squad with the signing of Argentinian prop Enrique Pieretto until the end of the season.

PRE-SEASON SPOTLIGHT: Watch as new Stormers coach John Dobson sits down for a wide-ranging chat about pre-season and the 2020 Super Rugby campaign.

NEWS: Scotland are set to be the first opponents of new world champions South Africa, with Tests in the Republic on July 4 and 11.

WATCH all the action from the third annual Players Choice Awards. 

SQUAD ANNOUNCEMENT: Wales head coach Wayne Pivac has named a 35-man squad to prepare for his first fixture in charge against the Barbarians at Principality Stadium on November 30.

NEWS: Another coach has dropped out of the All Blacks coaching race.

NEWS: The Stormers will have almost all of their stars available for the opening round of Super Rugby 2020.

NEWS: Former New Zealand Rugby CEO David Moffett believes Steve Hansen and his All Blacks coaching staff stayed on two years too long, and it cost them the World Cup.

NEWS: Rugby Australia chairman Cameron Clyne on Monday announced he will not stand for re-election in 2020, taking a parting swipe at the media after a difficult four years in charge.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Arguably rugby union top’s referee Nigel Owens has backed a radical law change proposal put forward by former England centre turned pundit, Jeremy Guscott.

NEWS: Saracens have revealed why they will not continue to fight the salary cap punishment.

MATCH REPORT: Northampton Saints’ fine first-half display was enough to secure a 25-14 victory over Lyon in the opening match in Champions Cup Pool 1.

NEWS: The Lions are in the process of bolstering their front row stocks ahead of the 2020 Super Rugby season.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: The match between Fiji and the Barbarians was an entertaining affair, to say the least with the men from the Pacific running out narrow victors in the end.

NEWS: In 2020, the Hurricanes will do everything in their power to land Jordie Barrett that legendary All Blacks fullback jersey.

SUPER RUGBY SPOTLIGHT: The arrival of the Super Signing Day for New Zealand’s franchises brings with it a sense of excitement and anticipation around the country for the upcoming season, and that was no different this week.

UPDATE: Premiership champions Saracens won't prolong the salary cap scandal as they are set to accept their punishment, the British media reports. 

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: There are laws in writing and laws in action, and sometimes words and actions are not in accord.

REACTION: England and Harlequins prop Joe Marler has caused a stir on social media by tweeting about required changes to the scrum laws following his side’s massive 21-53 defeat at the hands of Clermont.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Ireland legend Brian O’Driscoll has come to the defence of Springboks' image.

NEWS: Conor O’Shea’s stint in charge of Italy has officially ended

MATCH REPORT: It is clear that it's going to be a long Champions Cup season for titleholders Saracens.

MATCH REPORT: Two tries from South African World Cup winner Makazole Mapimpi were not enough as Fiji recorded their first win over the Barbarians in 49 years.

CHAMPIONS CUP REPORT: Munster were made to battle until the 85th minute before eventually securing all five points against a dogged Ospreys side in a 32-13 European Champions Cup Pool Four victory in Swansea.

NEWS: Wallabies centre Samu Kerevi has revealed he wants to play for Fiji at the next World Cup in France.

MATCH REPORT: Connacht Rugby got their Champions Cup Pool 5 campaign off to the perfect start with a 23-20 win over Montpellier at The Sportsground.

NEWS: A South Otago rugby player has been banned from playing the sport in New Zealand after punching a referee.

CHAMPIONS CUP REPORT: Clermont fired out a warning to the rest of their Champions Cup rivals as they overpowered Harlequins 53-21 in Pool Three at Parc des Sports Marcel Michelin.

NEWS: New Wales boss Wayne Pivac has confirmed Byron Hayward and Sam Warburton will join his coaching team as defence coach and technical advisor respectively.

CHAMPIONS CUP REPORT: Ireland centre Garry Ringrose bagged his first career hat-trick as Leinster set down a marker in Pool One with a 33-19 triumph over plucky Benetton.

TRANSFER NEWS: France international flyhalf Jules Plisson has joined La Rochelle from Stade Francais, the two clubs announced.

CHAMPIONS CUP REPORT: A clinical display of attacking rugby from Exeter Chiefs was enough to secure them all five points on the road against La Rochelle after a comfortable 31-12 win in Champions Cup Pool Two.

CHAMPIONS CUP REPORT: The European Champions Cup returned with a bang on Friday as Toulouse turned around a 9-20 half-time deficit to eventually defeat Gloucester 25-20 at Kingsholm Stadium.

CHAMPIONS CUP REPORT: Glasgow opened their Champions Cup Pool Two campaign with a hard-fought but deserved 13-7 victory over Sale at Scotstoun despite a late charge from the Sharks.

THREE-HORSE RACE: The battle for the next All Black head coach is down to just three contenders.

CHAMPIONS CUP REPORT: Former champions Ulster got off to a winning start in the European Champions Cup with scrumhalf John Cooney's late penalty securing a narrow 17-16 win at Bath on Saturday.

SPOTLIGHT: Twenty-four hours after announcing his retirement for a second time, World Cup winner Schalk Brits said that has isn’t completely finished with rugby just yet.

REACTION: It was clear that Johan Ackermann's Gloucester missed Springboks lock Franco Mostert during their 20-25 defeat to Toulouse on Friday.

SPOTLIGHT: Doping in Rugby Union is back in the spotlight, after former Wales coach Warren Gatland made some startling claims about his own suspicions.

READERS' FORUM: Welcome to the match between the Barbarians and Fiji at Twickenham.

CHAMPIONS CUP: Racing 92's New Zealand lock Dominic Bird says he is cautious of title holders Saracens' quality, despite the English side sending a weakened outfit to Paris for their tournament opener this weekend.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: As he prepares for life away from the All Blacks, departing New Zealand skipper Kieran Read has a lot to consider following his life after rugby.

CONTRACT NEWS: Three weeks out from the start of the All Blacks Sevens’ 2019/2020 season, coach Clark Laidlaw is putting the finishing touches on a 24-strong squad.

CONTRACT NEWS: The Reds and Rugby Australia have secured the services of versatile young forward Lukhan Salakaia-Loto until the end of 2022.

SPOTLIGHT: Two-time World Cup-winning Springbok Frans Steyn appears set to call time on his European club adventure.

The Southern Hemisphere lapses into warm aestivation while the north gathers momentum.

PREVIEW - BAABAAS V FIJI: In the wake of the serious and intense nature of the World Cup, the focus switches to some fun this week.

REACTION: Organisers of rugby's European Cup expressed concern on Wednesday that the 35-point English Premiership penalty handed to Saracens will affect the holders' appetite to defend their crown.

AWARDS: Marika Koroibete has signed off an outstanding 2019 season by claiming the John Eales Medal at Rugby Australia Awards in Sydney on Thursday.

WATCH as rugby referee Wayne Barnes gave a speech to the South African team and their supporters at a celebration dinner.

OPINION: South Africa is a groundbreaking team for many reasons. Ben Smith puts their World Cup win under the spotl;ight.

PRO14 SPOTLIGHT: A trip to Irish province Connacht at the end of the month will give the Southern Kings an opportunity to take what their coach Robbi Kempson regards as their next step in the Pro14.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: World Cup-winning Springbok forward Schalk Brits, 38, retired for the second time, and insisted there would not be another comeback.

DISCIPLINARY UPDATE: Paolo Odogwu of Wasps and Aled Brew of Bath have both been slapped with bans for foul play in the Premiership and will miss the opening rounds of European competition.

REACTION: Michael Cheika may be on the nose with disillusioned Wallabies fans but he's a hero to newly crowned John Eales medallist Marika Koroibete.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: British and Irish Lions head coach Warren Gatland has suggested that his squad to face world champions South Africa in 2021 could be loaded full of England players.

EURO SPOTLIGHT: Robert du Preez is hoping to follow Francois de Klerk’s lead and revive his own international career in Europe.

TRANSFER NEWS: The Brumbies have bolstered their player stocks.

NEWS: Scottish Rugby Union have agreed to pay their fine and settle the feud with World Rugby.

TRANSFER NEWS: The cash-strapped Stormers are still struggling to hold onto all their high-profile stars.

OPINION: The All Blacks are no longer World Cup holders after eight long years of dominance, both at the tournament and in between it with a 10-year run as the world’s number one side.

PREMIERSHIP SPOTLIGHT: Saracens’ alleged breach of the salary cap rules could come down the interpretation of one sentence in the 57-page ‘Salary Regulations’ document.

REACTION: England coach Eddie Jones is being 'haunted' every day by one big mistake he made before the World Cup Final.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: The Barbarians will field one of biggest midfield combinations in the world, when they host Fiji at Twickenham on Saturday.

NEWS: Reports in France on Wednesday suggest that 2015 World Cup-winner Nehe Milner-Skudder might never arrive in Toulon to take up the three-year contract agreed on last December.

NEWS: Former Springbok coach Heyneke Meyer's stint at French club Stade Francais has come to an abrupt end.

NEWS: Fiji lock Leone Nakarawa has been suspended by Racing 92 after returning from the World Cup two weeks' late, the French club said on Tuesday.

EURO SPOTLIGHT: Saracens Director of Rugby Mark McCall insists not everything is black and white regarding the club’s alleged breach of salary cap rules.

CHAMPIONS CUP SPOTLIGHT: The start of the new campaign is later than usual, but what a way to herald the return of Europe's elite club competition than with the visit of four-time winners Toulouse to Gloucester's Kingsholm Stadium stronghold on Friday.

Again in 2020, Hoërskool Diamantveld will host the Wildeklawer Rugby Tournament in Kimberley.

SPOTLIGHT: The Springboks' World Cup success in Japan has teed up a mouthwatering prospect for British and Irish Lions coach Warren Gatland.

EUROPEAN CUP SPOTLIGHT: Following their ignominious exit from the World Cup, Ireland's provinces will look to restore some pride and credibility this weekend.

SQUAD ANNOUNCEMENT: The Hurricanes have bolstered their backline stocks with a South African ahead of the 2020 Super Rugby season.

NEWS: Wales' former defence coach Shaun Edwards was named by new France coach Fabien Galthie as an integral part of his new look staff on Wednesday.

NEWS: Is seems like the Springboks' trophy celebration is still far from over.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Rassie Erasmus and Siya Kolisi capped a brilliant year for the Springboks by walking away with two coveted SA Sport Awards in Durban on Sunday.

INJURY UPDATE: Wales' star centre Jonathan Davies will miss the 2020 Six Nations.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Former Wales coach Warren Gatland confirmed Tuesday he has turned down an offer to apply for the All Blacks head coaching job.

WATCH as World Cup-winning Springbok captain Siyamthanda Kolisi implores South Africans to put their differences aside in the interest of the country.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: South Africa's most-capped flyhalf Morne Steyn revealed he looks forward to his 'new' semi-coaching role at the Bulls after playing his last game for Stade Francais.

NEWS: Hurricanes prop Toby Smith has announced he is retiring from rugby following issues with concussion.

WATCH as the Scarlets score an amazing try against Benetton in their 20-17 win at Parc y Scarlets this past weekend!!

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Former All Blacks assistant coach Wayne Smith has sent a warning to New Zealand Rugby (NZR) as the race to replace Steve Hansen gets underway.

OPINION: The Springboks are about to embark on a five-day trophy tour - a celebration of their momentous win in Japan.

WORLD CUP REACTION: Controversial Irish pundit Neil Francis has suggested putting an asterisk beside the Springboks’ win due to the proliferation of steroids in South African rugby.

BARBARIANS SQUAD ANNOUNCEMENT: While their teammates will be able to kick back and enjoy their World Cup success, three Springboks will head straight from their victory tour to Twickenham.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: England rugby coach Eddie Jones reportedly wants to coach in the National Rugby League (NRL).

REACTION: South Africa's victory tour hit a couple of unexpected snags on Monday - including a protest and a broken-down bus

REACTION: The Chiefs aren’t worried about Aaron Cruden’s recent injury history in the wake of his return to the Hamilton franchise.

NEWS: The World Cup could return to the Southern Hemisphere in the near future as Australia appears to lead the race as favourites to host the tournament in 2027.

SPRINGBOK SPOTLIGHT: Siyamthanda Kolisi and his World Cup-winning South African team have embarked on the fifth and final leg of their victory tour.

TOP 14, SUNDAY WRAP: Teddy Thomas scored a hat-trick as Racing 92 claimed the Parisian derby spoils with a 25-9 win at Stade Francais on Sunday, leaving the hosts rock bottom of the French Top 14 table.

NEWS: World Cup-winning Springbok forward, Francois Louw, has called time on an outstanding international career.

PREMIERSHIP REPORT: Bristol Bears scored a last-minute try to complete an incredible comeback to beat Exeter Chiefs 20-17 at Sandy Park.

PREMIERSHIP REACTION: Saracens director of rugby Mark McCall is prepared to sacrifice their chances of more European glory as he admitted this season’s priority was now avoiding relegation.

SPOTLIGHT: The roster for the next three legs of the World Cup-winning Springboks' victory tour has been confirmed.

ANALYSIS: Ben Smith explains how the Springbok defence shut down England in the World Cup Final.

READERS' FORUM: Welcome to the Premiership Round Four encounter between Exeter Chiefs and the Bristol Bears at Sandy Park.

WATCH as Cape Town come out to part when the Springboks embarked on the fifth and final leg of World Cup victory tour.

TRANSFER NEWS: The Chiefs and New Zealand Rugby Union have announced that All Black flyhalf Aaron Cruden has signed with the Chiefs for 2020.

TRANSFER NEWS: England centre Joe Marchant is moving to New Zealand to spend a year playing for Blues.

OPINION: Andy Goode takes a look at the fall-out from the Saracens salary-cap saga and suggests it is the biggest controvery to hit the Premiership.

PREMIERSHIP REPORT: Saracens sent a strong message at the end of a tumultuous week when they thrashed Gloucester 21-12 at Kingsholm on Saturday.

NEWS:  South Africa's World Cup winner Cheslin Kolbe has been shortlisted for the French Top 14 player of the season award, the league announced on Wednesday.

PRO14 REPORT: Cardiff Blues ended their four-game losing streak, after tries in either half from Aled Summerhill and Josh Turnbull secured a 30-17 victory over the Cheetahs.

PRO14 REPORT: Ireland wing Andrew Conway returned from World Cup duty in stunning style as his second-half scorcher edged Munster past Ulster (22-16) in a gripping Irish derby.

PREMIERSHIP REPORT: A dominant display by Premiership new-boys London Irish delivered a valuable 36-11 bonus-point win over Leicester Tigers at the Madejski Stadium.

PRO14 REPORT: Scarlets kept up the pressure on Munster at the top of Conference B as flyhalf Dan Jones held his nerve to kick the winning penalty deep into the red.

PREMIERSHIP REPORT: Bath is off the bottom of the table after a stoic and resolute performance saw them down leaders Northampton Saints 22-13 at The Rec.

PREMIERSHIP REPORT: Jamie Shillcock’s second-half try powered Worcester Warriors to their second win of the season, with a 19-14 victory over Harlequins at The Stoop.

TOP 14 SATURDAY WRAP: France's World Cup stars shone on their return to the Top 14 as champions Toulouse convincingly beat Clermont 34-8 in a re-run of last season's Final on Saturday.

WORLD CUP SPOTLIGHT: It has been revealed by members of the England squad that the idea of advancing towards their opponents wasn’t formulated until "the night before"

PRO14 REPORT: Scott van Breda's 11-point haul from the tee helped the Southern Kings pick up their first-ever away win and first victory of this season.

PRO14 REPORT: George Horne struck a first-half double as Glasgow Warriors continued their resurgence with a dominant 31-7 bonus-point win over Zebre in Parma.

PREMIERSHIP REACTION: Wasps wing Paolo Odogwu has apologised for his behaviour in the aftermath of his red card for a kick to the face of former Sale Sharks teammate Rohan Van Rensburg.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: We profile 26 potential candidates to lead the All Blacks towards the 2023 World Cup in France.

READERS' FORUM: Welcome to the Pro14 Round Six encounter between Munster and Ulster in Limerick.

READERS' FORUM: Welcome to the Premiership Round Four encounter between Gloucester and Saracens at Kingsholm.

MATCH REPORT: Robert du Preez along with brother Dan were in fine form as they steered the Sale Sharks to a 28-18 victory over Wasps at the AJ Bell Stadium. 

SPOTLIGHT: As the hackneyed idiom states: "There are three kinds of lies: lies, damned lies, and statistics."

MATCH REPORT: Edinburgh Rugby ensured they got back to winning with a 20-7 win over Dragons in a cagey PRO14 affair at BT Murrayfield.

MATCH REPORT: Defending champions Leinster continued their exceptional start to the 2019/20PRO14 season as they produced a convincing 42-11 win over Connacht.

REACTION: The Chiefs have rebuffed Steve Hansen's critique of the Super Rugby contract that will allow new coach Warren Gatland to take a season off to coach the British and Irish Lions.

SEVENS NEWS: The Australian Men’s Sevens team has qualified for the 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games having defeated Samoa 19-12 in the Olympic Final of the Oceania Sevens Championship in Suva Fiji on Saturday.

NEWS: France international Mathieu Bastareaud said on Friday he is not joining New York's Rugby United just to go on 'holiday'.

REACTION: Retired Springbok prop Tendai Mtawarira is considering a stint abroad.

NEWS: There is "unhappiness and disappointment" in the Free State with the decision not to include the province in the Springboks' World Cup trophy tour.

PREMIERSHIP SPOTLIGHT: Johan Ackermann emits a wry smile. It was early July when Gloucester learned they would play Leicester away and Saracens at home in the weekends leading into the opening round European game versus Toulouse.

NEWS: The Six Nations countries have reportedly held talks with unions in the Southern Hemisphere to create a new world championship series.

PRO14 SPOTLIGHT: The Cheetahs will be hoping the artificial field in Cardiff this weekend will help them break their duck on their first European tour this season.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: After just three Premiership Rugby rounds this season is already shaping up to be another tight affair with every team having already tasted victory at least once already.

SUPER RUGBY NEWS: The Chiefs have announced the coaching team which will be joining head coach Warren Gatland for the 2020 Super Rugby season.

The great Rugby World Cup in Japan ended with a bang and top rugby shuffled off home. At home, rugby became bread-and-butter stuff as the clubs keep on going.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Five rounds…five wins - Leo Cullen’s Leinster have been simply superb at the start of the 2019-20 Pro14 season.

NEWS: Another Springbok has been left counting the cost of South Africa’s 32-12 World Cup win over England last Saturday in Yokohama.

SPOTLIGHT: The second leg of the Springboks' World Cup trophy tour will take place in Durban on Friday.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Johnny Sexton said the disappointment of Ireland exiting the World Cup at the quarter-final stage will remain with him and his teammates for the rest of their lives.

NEWS: Japan and England will face off in a two-Test series in July next year.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Munster Head coach Johann van Graan reveals he has no regrets after vacating his role as Springboks assistant coach two years ago.

NEWS: All Blacks midfielder Sonny Bill Williams has given thanks to the New Zealand rugby community and fans following the announcement that he will leave New Zealand to play overseas.

NEWS: Saracens chairman Nigel Wray has insisted the club's all-conquering team will not have to be ripped apart after being deducted 35 points and fined more than £5 million ($6 million) for breaching the English Premiership's salary cap.

NEWS: Scottish Rugby have been fined and have been told to write a 'meaningful apology'.

TOP 14, WEEK NINE: After a two-week hiatus to accommodate the end of the World Cup, rugby in France resumes this weekend with two stand-out games to kick off the second phase of the Top 14.

OPINION: The 2019 World Cup is over and now it is time to see who got selected in rugby365's Team of the Tournament.

NEWS: Northampton Saints have confirmed that Dylan Hartley has retired from professional rugby with immediate effect.

NEWS: Samoa coach Matt Parish will approach Sonny Bill Williams once his deal to return to rugby league with Toronto is complete to talk to him about representing the Pacific nation.

LISTEN as @King365ed and @LoffieEloff pay tribute to @rugbyworldcup-winning @Springboks captain #SiyaKolisi and coach Rassie Erasmus.

NEWS: Leone Nakarawa is reportedly facing the sack after failing to report for duty last week with Racing 92.

NEWS: World Cup-winning Springbok legend Tendai Mtawarira has announced his retirement from the international game.

REACTION: European rugby champions Saracens on Wednesday faced an angry call from rivals Exeter to be automatically relegated for breaching the English Premiership's £7 million ($9 million) salary cap over several seasons.

REACTION: Rassie Erasmus and Siyamthanda Kolisi hope the Springboks' World Cup triumph will go some way to assist in fixing a broken society.

SPOTLIGHT: The Springboks' World Cup trophy tour kicks off in Gauteng on Thursday.

BREAKING NEWS: European Champions Cup winners Saracens could face further sanctions after they failed to send any representatives to the launch of this year's tournament.

WORLD RANKINGS: Rassie Erasmus take a bow. Eighteen months after taking over as Springboks coach he has taken South Africa back to No.1.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Japan could be set for an invite into the Six Nations following their spectacular run to the World Cup quarter-finals, according to British media reports.

SPOTLIGHT: Former Wallabies Pat Howard and Nathan Sharpe and ex-Olympic rower Bo Hansen will make up a panel to review the Wallabies World Cup flop.

PRO14 NEWS: The Southern Kings have flown in replacements ahead of their final Pro14 tour game against the Ospreys on Saturday.

TRANSFER NEWS: England centre Manu Tuilagi is another star targeted by Toronto Wolfpack as Canadian league club close in on Sonny Bill Williams deal, Rugbypass reports.

WORLD CUP SPOTLIGHT: Here are five of the stand-out players at the tournament, which was won by South Africa.

NEWS: Springboks World Cup winners Lukhanyo Am, Makazole Mapimpi, Tendai Mtawarira and Herschel Jantjies have been added to the Barbarians squad.

NEWS: New Zealand Rugby bosses have ruled out a foreign coach for the All Blacks, revealing they have asked 26 New Zealanders to apply including Jamie Joseph.

TRANSFER NEWS: Springbok and World Cup winner Cobus Reinach could become the latest South African that signs a very lucrative deal with Montpellier.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Leading lights of the world game were on hand in Cardiff today for the official launch of the 2019/20  Champions Cup and Challenge Cup tournaments and to celebrate the start of the 25th anniversary season of Europe’s premier club rugby competition.

NEWS: All Blacks fullback Beauden Barrett appears to have endorsed Ian Foster’s bid to become the next head coach.

BREAKING NEWS: The first batch of the victorious Springboks arrived back in South Africa on Tuesday.

SPOTLIGHT: Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus described his team's 20-week journey to Japan and back as only positives.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: As South Africa are still reveling in their World Cup triumph, in the coming weeks Director of Rugby Rassie Erasmus faces yet another grueling task.

REACTION: Saracens boss Nigel Wray has promised to fight the heavy-handed treatment handed down to his club.

THE AFTERMATH: England coach Eddie Jones arrived back in London on Monday giving little away about his future as the Rugby Football Union prepared to start its World Cup debrief.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: World Rugby chairman Bill Beaumont has lauded Japan 2019 as "probably the greatest Rugby World Cup".

INJURY UPDATE: Lodewyk de Jager, the World Cup-winning Springbok lock, is facing shoulder surgery that will delay his debut for Sale Sharks for up to four months.

TRANSFER NEWS: Two Springboks are set to move north to Ireland.

TRANSFER NEWS: Brumbies announced that Wallabies backrower Pete Samu has signed an early two-year extension to his Rugby Australia and Brumbies contract to continue with the club’s Super Rugby journey to 2022.

TROPHY TOUR DETAILS: The South African World Cup-winning squad and coaches will arrive in Johannesburg from Japan on Tuesday and Wednesday.

WORLD CUP SPOTLIGHT: The 2019 tournament has made stars of many young players.

NEWS: He's already lured a "Jack of all trades" and Australian men's rugby sevens coach Tim Walsh says there's definitely time for more to join ahead of Tokyo's Olympics next year.

NEWS: Waratahs Cameron Clark has exercised an option in his contract to extend his stay at Daceyville for a further season.

NEWS: Two-time World Cup winner Sonny Bill Williams is close to finalising his return to Rugby League with Super League debutants Toronto Wolfpack, according to British media reports.

WATCH as James Haskell, John Smit and Mike Tindall chat about facing the Haka.

SQUAD ANNOUNCEMENT: The Brumbies have finalised their 2020 squad with 37 players named to take part in the 25th season of Super Rugby action.

BREAKING NEWS: English and European champions Saracens status as a Premiership club is under threat.

VIDEO AND PICTURE ANALYSIS: Cheslin Kolbe put the seal on South Africa's famous 32-12 World Cup win over England on Yokohama at the weekend.

PREMIERSHIP SPOTLIGHT: Saracens are facing the very real possibility of a mandatory 35-point deduction this season.

OPINION: South Africa overpowered England 32-12 with a brutally effective forward display to win their third World Cup in Yokohama on Saturday.

PREMIERSHIP REPORT: A late Harry Williams try proved enough for Exeter Chiefs to come from behind and down a spirited Worcester Warriors side 24-20 at Sixways on Sunday.

OPINION: Despite owning the tag of favourites coming into the game, there was nothing England could do to stop the power and precision of South Africa in Yokohama.

WORLD CUP SPOTLIGHT: A breakthrough performance from the hosts, a huge typhoon and a dressing-down for referees.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: England boss Eddie Jones has hit out at "negativity" over his side's performance after they were smashed 12-32 by South Africa in the World Cup final.

REACTION: A few England players were in no mood to celebrate as they quickly removed their runners-up medals after their defeat to South Africa in the World Cup final.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: England are set to begin talks with coach Eddie Jones about the prospect of the Australian leading them at the 2023 World Cup in France when the beaten finalists return home from Japan.

WORLD CUP REACTION: South Africa's World Cup victory is about far more than rugby, Springboks legend Bryan Habana said following their thumping 32-12 win over England on Saturday in Japan.

PREMIERSHIP WRAP: Second-half tries from Brad Shields and Dan Robson saw Wasps edge out Bath 30-22, earning their first win of the season in  Premiership Rugby.

NEWS: South Africa won the three main awards from World Rugby on Sunday.

At a splendid dinner at The Prince Park Towers in Tokyo on Sunday, 3 November 2019, World Rugby named Wayne Barnes of England the 2019 Referee of the Year.

NEWS: The Waratahs have secured the signature of highly-rated Junior Wallaby, Pat Tafa for the 2020 Super Rugby season.

NEWS: The Stormers and Western Province will have a new home in 2021.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: An emotional Makazole Mapimpi said he had come a "long way" after the wing became the first South African to score a Rugby World Cup final try during the Springboks' 32-12 triumph over England on Saturday.

WORLD CUP REACTION: South Africa's victory over England may have been based on a no-nonsense defensive game plan, but No.8 Duane Vermeulen said two stunning tries showed they are also capable of producing "circus act" rugby.

OPINION:  Wales lacked the fizz to match New Zealand in the match that no-one wanted.

OPINION: It was the match that nobody wanted to play and nobody was too interested in the result.

WATCH as we stream live from Japan the World Rugby awards for 2019!

REACTION: Australia's Director of Rugby Scott Johnson is already thinking about the 2023 World Cup in France.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Unlike in previous World Cup’s, the All Blacks’ latest loss has been handled remarkably well by the wider public, according to New Zealand media reports.

REACTION: England coach Eddie Jones was at a loss to explain a crushing 12-32 World Cup final defeat by South Africa as he admitted his team were "caught short" on Saturday.

WORLD CUP FINAL REPORT: South Africa made history by becoming the first team to win the tournament after losing a pool match.

WORLD CUP REACTION: Outgoing New Zealand coach Steve Hansen said the pain his team had suffered at the World Cup would make them a "little bit more dangerous".

PRO14 WRAP: Scarlets bounced back from last weekend’s disappointment at Edinburgh to battle past a defiant Cheetahs and continue their impressive start to the PRO14 season.

READERS' FORUM: Welcome to the World Cup Final between England and South Africa in Yokohama.

PREMIERSHIP FRIDAY WRAP: Early Premiership pacesetters Northampton Saints blew Harlequins away to secure a third win in as many league matches.

PRO14 FRIDAY WRAP: Eight-try Glasgow Warriors got their Pro14 season firmly up and running with a thumping 50-0 victory over winless Southern Kings at Scotstoun.

WATCH as Springboks supporters all around South Africa celebrate yet another wonderful moment in the nation's history.

The oldest Easter Rugby Festival for schools is the St Stithians Festival, which started in 1984. It has made known its fixtures for next year's festival on 9-13 April 2020.

The final of the 2019 Rugby World Cup to be played in Yokohama, Japan, will absorb the interest of the rugby world this weekend, and all referees and other sensible people would want to wish Jérôme Garcès the best of matches.

WATCH as we go into the dressing room to see how South Africa celebrated its World Cup win!

WORLD CUP FINAL BUILD-UP: England face the daunting task of trying to match or even improve upon their stunning win over New Zealand when they face South Africa.

WORLD CUP SPOTLIGHT: If ever a man was destined to captain a team, it surely was Owen Farrell.

WORLD CUP SPOTLIGHT: Siyamthanda Kolisi carries the weight of the 'Rainbow Nation' on his shoulders, as the first black captain of the Springboks at Test level.

WORLD CUP SPOTLIGHT: We look at three key head-to-head contests as England look to lift the Webb Ellis Cup for a second time and South Africa a third.

WORLD CUP REACTION: Warren Gatland bowed out as Wales coach with a 17-40 loss to his native New Zealand in the World Cup third-place play-off, expressing his hope that the team he coached for 12 years would not return to the "doldrums".

WORLD CUP FINAL SPOTLIGHT: When England and South Africa face off in Yokohama on Saturday, it will be the latest chapter in a history of classic encounters on the game's biggest stage.

WORLD CUP FINAL BUILD-UP: The encounter between England and South Africa is likely to be come down to a shoot-out between the kickers' "golden boots" rather than "brilliant tries".

In Paris in 2007, South Africa played England in the final of the Rugby World Cup and won 15-6. In Yokohama in 2019, South Africa are again playing England in the final of the Rugby World Cup.

READERS' FORUM: Welcome to the World Cup third-place play-off match between New Zealand and Wales in Tokyo.

NEWS: Glasgow head coach Dave Rennie has been approached in relation to the upcoming vacancy of New Zealand manager.

NEWS: World Rugby has announced the shortlist for the prestigious Player of the Year awards for 2019.

ANALYSIS: South African players dominated a number of statistics after round four of the PRO14 Rugby Championship.

REACTION: World Rugby has announced the shortlist of players for the 2019 Player of the Year award and there are some major omissions.

WORLD CUP FINAL: This is it - the ninth rugby Final and perhaps the greatest of them all.

The ninth Rugby World Cup Final will be played in Japan at the weekend. Just to refresh the memory of finals past, we have given some details the first eight of these dramatic matches.

NEWS: Australia announced that Test Rugby will return to the Sydney Cricket Ground for the first time since 1986 when Australia takes on Ireland in 2020.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: As the plot thickens in the Pro14 last weekend confirmed a number of things for us: Leinster are going to take some stopping in defence of their title, Dragons are onto something this season and Conference B is going to chop and change all season long.

WORLD CUP MATCH REPORT: Departing All Black Ben Smith scored two tries late in the first half to help New Zealand win third place.

WORLD CUP FINAL BUILD-UP: There have been eight Finals since the tournament began in 1987.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: After two rounds of Premiership play remarkably only two sides – Northampton Saints and Gloucester – are unbeaten, suggesting we are set for another incredibly close league campaign.

WATCH as French referee Jérôme Garcès speaks about being appointed to referee the World Cup Final between England and South Africa.

WORLD CUP SPOTLIGHT: When Rassie Erasmus was first appointed South Africa coach in early 2018, the first call he made was to his most trusted right-hand man, defence coach Jacques Nienaber.

WORLD CUP SPOTLIGHT: As one of the hottest properties in Rugby Union, South Africa's Cheslin Kolbe has made his mark as a free-roaming wing with lightning footwork and a sprinter's acceleration.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: It was a mixed bag last weekend for the rugby world, as the unbridled intensity of England’s win over the All Blacks in the World Cup semi-final fizzled into the tedium of a kicking battle 24 hours later in South Africa’s win over Wales.

NEWS: The nominees for the World Rugby Team and Coach of the Year 2019 accolades have been revealed.

NEWS: Cheetahs centre Dries Swanepoel has been banned for three weeks following his team's 22-24 defeat to Connacht Rugby on October 26.

WORLD CUP FINAL BUILD-UP: Frans Steyn is South Africa's cool and collected super-sub, according to coach Rassie Erasmus.

WORLD CUP THIRD-PLACE PLAY-OFF: Highly respected Kiwi coaches Steve Hansen and Warren Gatland will bow out of the international game after Friday.

WORLD CUP TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: England coach Eddie Jones has named his team to play South Africa in the Final on Saturday.

LISTEN as @King365ed and @LoffieEloff welcome former @Springboks flyhalf @APetoors10 - the trio unpacking the @rugbyworldcup Final.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: New Zealand legend Kieran Read wants to sign off with a drop goal when he leads out the All Blacks for the last time - but fears his leg might fall off.

WORLD CUP SPOTLIGHT: Wales coach Warren Gatland joked Wednesday that a drinking game should settle third place at the World Cup as he prepares his disappointed players to face New Zealand.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: England go head to head with South Africa in Yokohama on Saturday with the World Cup trophy on the line – but where will the game be won and lost?

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: England have been fined for crossing the halfway line in their response to New Zealand's haka before last week's World Cup semifinal.

NEWS: There has been a complete reshuffle of the pecking order after the World Cup semifinals.

WATCH a video that debunks the myth that the Springboks are always on the wrong side of refereeing calls.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Eddie Jones's coaching career is set to come full circle when his England side face South Africa in Saturday's World Cup final in Yokohama.

WORLD CUP SPOTLIGHT: England coach Eddie Jones has urged his side to "play with no fear" against South Africa in the World Cup Final, despite the Springboks' history of physical intimidation.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Rassie Erasmus has led South Africa from the depths of despair to the World Cup final, his coaching ethos built around handing the Springboks back their role as one of the sport's traditional powerhouses.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: The Lions will finalise their coaching structures in the next week reveals newly appointed head coach Ivan van Rooyen.

NEWS: A nightclub has filed a criminal complaint against Uruguay rugby players after they allegedly caused thousands of dollars damage on a night out during the World Cup, its lawyer said Thursday.

TRANSFER NEWS: Worcester Warriors midfielder Scott van Breda has joined the Southern Kings squad on loan for the remainder of their tour.

WORLD CUP SPOTLIGHT: It wasn't much of a spectacle, but it had a hugely tense finish as South Africa slotted a penalty with four minutes to go to break Welsh hearts and book a Final showdown with England.

WORLD CUP REACTION: England have been fined for crossing the halfway line during New Zealand's haka after they formed a provocative V-shaped formation.

NEWS: The Lions have revealed their Super Rugby coach for the 2020 season,

WORLD CUP TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: South African coach Rassie Erasmus has named his team for the Final match of the global showpiece - against England on Saturday.

NEWS: Three countries are represented in the nominees for the World Rugby Breakthrough Player of the Year 2019 award.

OPINION: Springboks ‘ 19-16 win over Wales was far from the explosive seminal we witnessed between England and All Blacks.

OPINION: It was as unrelentingly physical and kick-dominated as we knew it would be.

WORLD CUP FINAL SPOTLIGHT: England might have dethroned reigning world champions New Zealand, however, it will take a lot more to overpower South Africa's pack.

WORLD CUP SPOTLIGHT: England fullback Elliot Daly expects South Africa to give "X-factor" wing Cheslin Kolbe "as much ball as possible".

The contenders for the International Rugby Players (IRP) Try of the Year 2019 have been revealed.

WORLD CUP SPOTLIGHT: England's legendary World Cup-winner Jonny Wilkinson has warned against getting embroiled in a tight "arm-wrestle" against a "smothering" South Africa side in Saturday's final.

WORLD CUP SPOTLIGHT: The Springboks will need all their best players available if they are to knock over England in Saturday's World Cup Final.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Once the dust settles from the All Blacks’ 19-7 loss to England, attention will turn to finding a successor to the departing Steve Hansen.

WORLD CUP FINAL SPOTLIGHT: Springbok scrumhalf Faf de Klerk and flank Francois Louw will come up against players they know all too well in the World Cup final - England's "kamikaze kids" Tom Curry and Sam Underhill.

NEWS: All Blacks star Sonny Bill Williams is reportedly weighing up a bold offer from Canada's Toronto Wolfpack that would make him the highest-paid player in both Rugby League and Rugby Union.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: New Zealand coach Steve Hansen aimed a cheeky dig at Wales on Wednesday when he said this week's third-place play-off would be like a Final for the Six Nations champions.

WORLD CUP FINAL BUILD-UP: England can win a title if they repeat "the intensity and precision" they showed in the 19-7 semifinal victory over New Zealand.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Wales coach Warren Gatland has made nine changes to the team to play New Zealand in the World Cup third-place play-off match on Friday.

NEWS: Munster defence coach JP Ferreira has extended his contract for a further two years and will remain with the province until June 2022.

SEVENS NEWS: South Africa's Cape Town will host the next World Cup Sevens in 2022.

WORLD CUP SPOTLIGHT: For any Springboks threatening to bully their way to the Rugby World Cup title, England's Billy Vunipola has a simple message: "Bring it on."

WORLD CUP SPOTLIGHT: South Africa might have been criticised for their dull tactics at the World Cup, but coach Rassie Erasmus has promised more of the same in the final against England on Saturday.

WORLD CUP REACTION: Eddie Jones has responded in typically sharp fashion after Wales coach Warren Gatland questioned whether England had played their World Cup final a week early.

WORLD CUP NEWS: World Rugby has announced that France's Jérôme Garcès will referee the World Cup 2019 Final between England and South Africa.

WORLD CUP SPOTLIGHT: New Zealand icon Sonny Bill Williams said Monday that the All Blacks players needed "bulletproof vests" during a brutal analysis of their devastating 7-19 World Cup semifinal defeat by England.

REACTION: South Africa's Faf de Klerk may have been the smallest man on the pitch but that did not stop the scrumhalf making his presence felt during the Springboks 19-16 win over Wales.

INJURY UPDATE: Southern Kings were dealt a massive blow when they lost their kingpin and flyhalf Demetri Catrakilis to injury during Saturday’s PRO14 Rugby defeat at the hands of Italian side Benetton.

OPINION: It was the match many were billing as the ‘true final’ and it certainly didn’t disappoint.

REACTION: The World Cup final between England and South Africa will not be won by an expansive gameplan and "wonderful tries", Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus said after his side battled to a 19-16 semi-final victory over Wales on Sunday.

Jérôme Garcès of France has been appointed to referee the Final of the 2019 Rugby World Cup between England and South Africa in Yokohama on Saturday, 2 November 2019.

REACTION: Wales coach Warren Gatland has already begun plotting his revenge after his side's hopes of reaching a first World Cup final were dashed by South Africa in Yokohama on Sunday.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Rugby Australia are being urged to bring back Eddie Jones after the Australian coach engineered another historic World Cup triumph.

MATCH REPORT: A late Handre Pollard penalty gave South Africa a nailbiting 19-16 victory over Wales in the Rugby World Cup semi-final in Yokohama on Sunday.

OPINION: England booked the fourth World Cup final in their history on Saturday in Yokohama, as they beat reigning champions New Zealand, 19-7, in the semi-final.

There will be 62 teams playing 31 matches at thee Graeme College Rugby Day on Saturday, 14 March 2020.

Captain Owen Farrell said England didn't want to take a backwards step against New Zealand's haka after they challenged the war dance ahead of their World Cup semifinal victory.

Coach Chean Roux has been forced to make three changes to the squad of players he is taking to Georgia next month. The Sharks require the three for Super Rugby duty.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Steve Hansen may have failed in his quest to deliver New Zealand a third consecutive World Cup, but he will step down having cemented his place in All Blacks history as one of the most successful rugby union coaches of all time.

WORLD CUP REACTION: The Springboks have done it again. Much like they did in 1995 and 2007, the team has united a nation behind them.

PREMIERSHIP REPORT: Saracens beat Leicester Tigers 24-10 at Welford Road Stadium in what was the latter's first home game of the Premiership campaign.

INJURY UPDATE: England have called up Saracens scrumhalf Ben Spencer as emergency cover for next week's World Cup final after Willi Heinz was ruled out with a hamstring injury.

READERS' FORUM: Welcome to the World Cup semifinal match between South Africa and Wales in Yokohama.

WORLD CUP SPOTLIGHT: Warren Gatland will bow out from his 12-year stint as Wales coach having earned the respect of the sport's powerhouses, but never reaching a World Cup Final.

WORLD CUP REACTION: All Blacks coach Steve Hansen turned on a reporter after what he branded as a 'pretty average' question directed at New Zealand captain Kieran Read.

WORLD CUP REACTION: Towering lock Maro Itoje warned England the job wasn't done yet after he inspired a stunning World Cup semifinal victory over New Zealand with a man-of-the-match performance.

WORLD CUP REACTION: The All Blacks' World Cup semifinal defeat stunned New Zealand on Saturday as dreams of a third consecutive crown were crushed by a superior England side.

NEWS: The Wallabies will face Ireland and the All Blacks at Brisbane's Suncorp Stadium next year, Rugby Australia has announced.

WATCH all the weekend's World Cup semifinal highlights

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Among those participating at a third World Cup in Japan is a woman who never dared dream that she might one day have a chance of lifting the Webb Ellis Cup.

WORLD CUP SPOTLIGHT: Wales and South Africa clash on Sunday in a blockbuster World Cup semifinal between the Six Nations champions and Rugby Championship title-holders.

WORLD CUP REACTION: Springbok captain Siya Kolisi believes his team is well-equipped to handle the pressure in their World Cup semifinal against Wales on Sunday.

WORLD CUP SPOTLIGHT: Stats are like puppets, reach deep enough and you can make them say anything. Here's what they say about game plans for the semifinals.

Ridiculous! That is what many rugby voices are shouting in protest against the suspension of Jaco Peyper, one of the referees at the Rugby World Cup in Japan.

PRO14 SATURDAY WRAP: Tom Farrell’s last-gasp try ended the Cheetahs’ unbeaten start to the Pro14 season in a tense match that included six tries and a red card in Galway.

WORLD CUP SPOTLIGHT: South Africa wing Makazole Mapimpi's rugby journey started in a poor rural area, passed through family tragedy and his "very special story" now extends to a World Cup semifinal against Wales.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Former All Blacks flyhalf Dan Carter has shared an insight into his headspace leading into the 2015 World Cup knockout matches on the eve of New Zealand’s World Cup semi-final clash with England.

WORLD CUP SPOTLIGHT: Wales are hoping the experience of "must-win" Test rugby in their squad will make the difference for the Six Nations champions when they take on South Africa.

WORLD CUP SEMIFINAL: This match is business. In all knock-out matches, there is a chasm between victory and defeat.

REACTION: England coach Eddie Jones paid tribute to his side's defensive effort as they stunned defending champions New Zealand 19-7 to reach the World Cup final on Saturday.

PREMIERSHIP WRAP: Sale Sharks bounced back from opening weekend disappointment to hammer in six tries as they eased past London Irish 41-7 at the Madejski Stadium.

PRO14 WRAP: Munster nudged their noses ahead in Conference B, as Arno Botha struck late in a bonus-point win over Ospreys.

PREMIERSHIP REPORT: Bath edged out Exeter Chiefs with a 13-10 victory on a soggy night at the Recreation Ground.

WORLD CUP SEMIFINAL BUILD-UP: Springbok flyhalf Handre Pollard has warned South Africa against falling into the trap laid by a "suffocating" Wales ahead of Sunday's showdown in Yokohama.

WORLD CUP SEMIFINAL SPOTLIGHT: The semifinal between South Africa and Wales is set to be a 'kicking fest' believes head coach Warren Gatland.

WORLD CUP SEMIFINAL BUILD-UP: Wales scrumhalf Gareth Davies said that the Six Nations champions had a score to settle with South Africa.

WORLD CUP SEMIFINAL BUILD-UP: Ex-World Cup-winning coach Sir Clive Woodward has offered England a comprehensive plan to dethrone the All Blacks in Yokohama on Saturday.

MATCH REPORT: England produced an outstanding performance to shock defending champions New Zealand 19-7 in a pulsating World Cup semi-final in Yokohama on Saturday.

WORLD CUP SPOTLIGHT: England and New Zealand clash on Saturday in a blockbuster World Cup semifinal between the top two teams in the global rankings.

WORLD CUP SPOTLIGHT: South Africa and Wales will meet in Sunday's semifinal in Yokohama.

READERS' FORUM: Welcome to the World Cup semifinal match between New Zealand and England in Yokohama.

WOLRD CUP SEMIFINALS: England coach Eddie Jones heads into a World Cup semifinal against New Zealand taking inspiration from legendary football manager Alex Ferguson.

WORLD CUP SPOTLIGHT: The 'coaching' part of his job title may disappear, but don't expect Rassie Erasmus to go sit behind a desk.

WORLD CUP SEMIFINAL BUILD-UP: Recalled England flyhalf George Ford is adamant they were willing to "embrace the pressure" against the world champions.

NEWS: Glasgow Warriors head coach Dave Rennie is all but confirmed as the next Wallabies head coach.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Round Four of the PRO14 returns in style this weekend after a much-storied previous round where the undefeated Championship sides were whittled down to three.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: After the closest set of opening round matches for almost a decade, we now move to Round two of Premiership Rugby which starts with another rip-roaring west country derby, this time Bath hosting the Exeter Chiefs.

WORLD CUP SPOTLIGHT: England lock Courtney Lawes is confident the All Blacks will know exactly who England's players are come the end of their World Cup semifinal on Saturday.

WORLD CUP SEMIFINAL BUILD-UP: All Blacks coach Steve Hansen dismissed England counterpart Eddie Jones' spying claims as a "clickbait distraction".

NEWS: England coach Eddie Jones backed his Wallabies counterpart Michael Cheika to "rise again" on Thursday after masterminding the World Cup quarter-final defeat that brought his five-year tenure to a close.

WORLD CUP SPOTLIGHT: Billionaire mining magnate Andrew Forrest has blamed the leadership of Rugby Australia for the Wallabies' failings at the recent World Cup.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Springboks head coach Rassie Erasmus reveals his team to face Wales in their World Cup semifinal on Sunday.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: England have recalled George Ford at flyhalf for their World Cup semifinal against New Zealand, coach Eddie Jones announced Thursday.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Defending champions New Zealand have made one change to their side to play England in Saturday's World Cup semifinal, a match coach Steve Hansen hoped would be one "for the ages".

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Warren Gatland has made three changes to his Wales team to face the Springboks in their World Cup semifinal on Sunday.

WORLD CUP SPOTLIGHT: England face reigning champions New Zealand in a World Cup semifinal in Yokohama on Saturday.

WORLD CUP SPOTLIGHT: Hadleigh Parkes' circuitous route to a shoo-in as Wales' inside centre passed via a season in South Africa, a season the Kiwi said was spent on safari and sunbathing.

INJURY UPDATE: Wales fullback Liam Williams out of Sunday’s World Cup semi-final against South Africa – according to reports.

WORLD CUP ANALYSIS: The has been unprecedented in various ways. What might the semifinals hold, then?

Listen as @King365ed and @LoffieEloff unpack all the drama around the @rugbyworldcup semifinals.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: One of the world's most prolific flank David Pocock may turn to politics following his retirement.

WORLD CUP DISCIPLINARY UPDATE: France lock Sebastien Vahaamahina, who retired from Test rugby after being sent off in the quarterfinal loss to Wales, was suspended for six weeks.

WORLD CUP SPOTLIGHT: Wales represent a clear and present danger to South Africa's title hopes when the sides go head-to-head in the semifinal in Yokohama on Sunday.

WORLD CUP SPOTLIGHT: If England is to make it to their fourth Final on Saturday, they going to need to turn in their best performance of the tournament.

NEW DEVELOPMENT: Michael Cheika first lifted the lid on his broken relationship with Rugby Australia bosses, after confirming he will quit as Wallabies coach at the end of the year.

NEWS: Veteran Springbok Heinrich Brüssow has announced his retirement with immediate effect.

Watches as former England rugby star-turned MMA fighter James Haskell blows up at World Rugby over their handling of the Jaco Peyper saga.

WORLD CUP SPOTLIGHT: South Africa and Wales will face off in the semifinal on Sunday. Can you remember the last time they went head-to-head at the global showpiece?

Damian de Allende of South Africa thought he had scored a try - and so did millions of South African supporters.

WORLD CUP SPOTLIGHT: Wales will be sending out their best players to face the Boks even if they are still injured.

PRO14 SPOTLIGHT: The Cheetahs will take a more measured approach on their three-match tour.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Japan's Rugby Football Union will seek to keep Jamie Joseph as coach after he took the Brave Blossoms to a historic World Cup quarter-final at home, its president said Thursday.

WORLD CUP SPOTLIGHT: Scrumhalf Ben Youngs is hoping to add to his family's impressive record against the All Blacks when England take on New Zealand in a World Cup semifinal on Saturday.

WORLD CUP SPOTLIGHT: Joe Marler was taken aback on Tuesday when reminded at a media conference that he personally hasn’t beaten New Zealand in any of the five matches he has featured against them.

WORLD CUP SPOTLIGHT: Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus embraced transformation with such vigour that he has moved well beyond the 50 percent 'target' set for him and his team.

WORLD CUP SPOTLIGHT: New Zealand coach Steve Hansen is predicting a "mighty clash" in this weekend's heavyweight semifinal with England.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Duane Vermeulen believes South Africa have to nullify Wales’ “talisman” Alun Wyn Jones’ lineout threat if they want to secure a spot in the final.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: The top four nations in the World Rankings will contest the World Cup 2019 semi-finals after South Africa climbed one place to fourth on the back of ending the dreams of host Japan.

Semifinals have always been the cutting edge of Rugby World Cups. Win and it's such a relief to be in the final. Lose and you are in the most unwanted match of the World Cup - the third-place playoff. We recall the semifinals from 1987 on.

WORLD CUP REACTION: Following the decision not to consider Jaco Peyper as a referee the semifinals this weekend for a picture taken with Welsh fans, World Rugby have received some heavy criticism from fans on social media.

WORLD CUP SPOTLIGHT: Former New Zealand boss turned England defence coach John Mitchell has suggested the All Blacks may have been spying on their opponents ahead of Saturday's World Cup semifinal.

WORLD CUP SPOTLIGHT: Springbok wing Cheslin Kolbe has the lightning pace and physical build reminiscent of England's World Cup winner Jason Robinson.

Once there were 20; now there are four. And suddenly, with a thump, we are down to the last four matches of the 2019 Rugby World Cup, a wonderfully colourful and joyous rugby jamboree while 16 teams have gone home.

The 2019/2020 Premiership season kicked off this past weekend and there were a number of standout performers.

NEWS: A new high-performance centre for the Wasps is set to be created in Henley-in-Arden after the sale of a 13-acre site close to the town.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Michael Cheika says the Wallabies' next coach should "definitely" be Australian.

SEVENS SPOTLIGHT: Experience alone will not get the BlitzBoks over the advantage line or put points on the board.

WORLD CUP NEWS: All Blacks captain Kieran Read skipped training on Tuesday ahead of their World Cup semifinal.

WORLD CUP SPOTLIGHT: England coach Eddie Jones believes his squad's training session at the World Cup on Tuesday was filmed by someone in a nearby apartment block.

ANALYSIS: There was a marked difference in what happened at the scrums in the first two quarterfinals of the 2019 World Cup.

WORLD CUP SPOTLIGHT: Wallabies captain Michael Hooper defended Australia's outgoing coach as he led his crestfallen team back home on Tuesday.

OPINION: The Springboks' pack performed like a well-oiled machine against Japan and it laid the foundation for their 26-3 quarterfinal win.

WORLD CUP NEWS: Wales have revealed Josh Navidi's replacement

WORLD CUP NEWS: World Rugby has announced the match officials for the World Cup 2019 semifinals at International Stadium Yokohama this weekend.

WORLD CUP REACTION: The mystery surrounding the Springboks' different jerseys in the quarterfinal win over Japan has been solved.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Wales are very aware of the challenge South Africa pose and what they are capable of says head coach Warren Gatland.

NEWS: Pau's two-time World Cup winner Colin Slade will be rested for three months after suffering a third concussion in the space of a year in accordance with Top 14 rules, the French club said on Monday.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Eddie Jones believes England have the weapons to upset New Zealand in this weekend's World Cup semifinal - as long as his players are not dazzled by the All Blacks' stardust.

OPINION: Japan put up a big fight in the first half against the Springboks, but in the end, the Springboks' power up front proved to be too much.

OPINION: Throughout this tournament, Wales have backed their defence against broken field brilliance but this felt like a defensive effort too far.

SPOTLIGHT: If it depended on the size of his smile, Seabelo Senatla would have had to pay for oversize luggage when the BlitzBoks boarded a flight to London.

NEWS: France lock Sebastien Vahaamahina announced his international retirement on Monday after being sent off in the World Cup quarter-final defeat to Wales.

WORLD CUP SPOTLIGHT: New Zealand lock Brodie Retallick said the All Blacks would have to be "on their game" in the semifinal against England.

TRANSFER NEWS: Springboks and Lions lock Marvin Orie is set to join Welsh PRO14 side Ospreys.

NEWS: Hugh Sinclair, who notched his 100th appearance in the Shute Shield in 2019, has put pen-to-paper on a two-year deal.

SPOTLIGHT: Former skipper Andrew Slack says an independent review should come before Rugby Australia rushes to replace Wallaby coach Michael Cheika.

WORLD CUP REACTION: Wales won't be celebrating anything until they win the tournament.

REACTION: Rugby Australia Chief Executive Raelene Castle says she already has a list of targets to be the new Wallaby coach.

INJURY UPDATE: Wales loose forward Josh Navidi has been ruled out of the World Cup with a hamstring injury.

REACTION: World Cup referee Jaco Peyper has sparked anger after posing for a photo with Wales fans in which he appeared to mimic the elbow that led to Sebastien Vahaamahina's quarter-final red card.

WORLD CUP REACTION: South Africa coach Rassie Erasmus admitted his team was "very nervous" leading only 5-3 at half-time against Japan in Sunday's quarterfinal.

OPINION: A game defined by Sebastien Vahaamahina’s inexplicable elbow to Wales’ Aaron Wainwright.

PREMIERSHIP REPORT: Newly-promoted London Irish are back in the Premiership with a huge bang after overcoming Wasps 29-26 in an exhilarating match at the Ricoh Arena.

WORLD CUP SPOTLIGHT: Scrumhalf Faf de Klerk led a tackling blitzkrieg to help South Africa snuff out Japan's chance to show off the pace they had to burn out wide in a 26-3 World Cup quarterfinal victory on Sunday.

WORLD CUP REPORT: The Springboks booked their place in the World Cup semifinals with a 26-3 win over Japan in their quarterfinal on Sunday.

WORLD CUP REACTION: South African referee Jaco Peyper has sparked anger, after posing for a photo with Wales fans in which he appeared to mimic the elbow that led to Sebastien Vahaamahina's quarterfinal red card.

WORLD CUP NEWS: Wallabies coach Michael Cheika quit Sunday after their humiliating World Cup quarterfinal exit against England.

INJURY UPDATE: England "expect" Jack Nowell will be available as a member of a fully fit squad for their World Cup semi-final against New Zealand in Yokohama on Saturday following the wing's hamstring injury.

Watch all the past weekend's World Cup quarterfinal highlights!

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: The Sharks have revealed that the much-loved Patrick Lambie, will be making a return to Jonsson Kings Park.

NEWS: Promising New Zealand school-boy star, 17-year-old Jacob Kneepkens has signed with the All Blacks Sevens for two years.

OPINION: So, Ireland’s glass ceiling remains unbroken.

WORLD CUP REPORT: Wales edged 14-man France 20-19 in a cliffhanger quarterfinal to reach the last four of the Rugby World Cup on Sunday.

WORLD CUP REACTION: Japan coach Jamie Joseph insisted rugby in the country was in a "good place" despite his team's 3-26 defeat by South Africa that saw them exit the World Cup at the quarterfinal stage.

READERS' FORUM: Welcome to the World Cup quarterfinal match between hosts Japan and South Africa in Tokyo.

READERS' FORUM: Welcome to the World Cup quarterfinal match between Wales and France.

WORLD CUP REACTION: Wales coach Warren Gatland challenged his players to write history after dodging a bullet in a pulsating World Cup quarterfinal against 14-man France.

WORLD CUP REACTION: Australian rugby has been "plunged back into the darkness" by their "humiliating" quarterfinal World Cup exit, domestic media said Sunday, with calls for coach Michael Cheika to be quickly replaced.

WORLD CUP REACTION: New Zealand coach Steve Hansen hailed his team's stunning 46-14 quarterfinal demolition of Ireland on Saturday as a victory for a winning mentality and a disciplined pack of forwards.

WORLD CUP REACTION: England coach Eddie Jones toasted "runaway rhino" Kyle Sinckler, after the rampaging prop scored his first international try in Saturday's 40-16 quarterfinal rout of Australia.

TOP 14 REPORT: League leaders Lyon lost for the first time in the French Top 14 season suffering an 18-24 defeat at Clermont where flyhalf Jake McIntyre kicked all the home side's points in heavy rain.

WORLD CUP REACTION: Modern greats David Pocock and Will Genia are among eight players departing the Wallabies on a dismal note to take up offshore club contracts next year.

OPINION: England extended their winning streak over Australia to seven games on Saturday, as the age-old rivals met in Oita and England booked their place in the Rugby World Cup semifinals.

WORLD CUP ANALYSIS: If Ireland versus New Zealand was a battle between Johnny Sexton and Beauden Barrett, the current and former World Players of the Year, the All Blacks playmaker was the undisputed winner.

INJURY UPDATE: The All Blacks will be without one of their players for their World Cup semifinal against England next weekend.

WORLD CUP REACTION: Eddie Jones warned England to prepare for a "better samurai around the corner".

OPINION: New Zealand has disposed of Ireland 46-14 to get their World Cup play-off campaign off to a successful start.

PREMIERSHIP WRAP: James Grayson landed a late penalty as Northampton stunned champions Saracens in the Premiership opener at Allianz Park.

OPINION: The scoreboard doesn’t do justice to this Australia performance, with two England tries against the run of play doing a disservice to the Wallabies on-field performance.

WORLD CUP SPOTLIGHT: How much does experience matter - if it matters at all?

WORLD CUP NEWS: Wales suffered a late setback.

TOP 14 WRAP: Fiji wing Timoci Nagusa celebrated his 200th Montpellier game by scoring in a 33-22 victory over French champions Toulouse on Saturday.

WORLD CUP MATCH REPORT: Aaron Smith scored two early tries to start a rout that saw New Zealand beat Ireland 46-14 in their quarterfinal showdown in Tokyo on Saturday.

READERS' FORUM: Welcome to the World Cup pool match between New Zealand and Ireland in Tokyo.

WORLD CUP REPORT: Wing Jonny May scored two tries in three first-half minutes as England beat Australia 40-16 on Saturday to become the first team to reach the Rugby World Cup semifinals.

READERS' FORUM: Welcome to the World Cup pool match between England and Australia in Outa.

UPDATE: Israel Folau has told a conservative Christian conference he would 'absolutely' repeat the social media post that led to his sacking.

NEWS: The cash-strapped Western Province Rugby Football Union is heading back to courts in the latest episode of its ongoing battle.

BREAKING NEWS: Troubled former Lions coach and Springbok assistant Swys de Bruin wasted no time in moving on.

MATCH REPORT: Bristol secured the West Country bragging rights over Bath with a thumping 43-16 win before a record Ashton Gate crowd.

WORLD CUP SPOTLIGHT: South Africa need to surprise the World Cup hosts this weekend with variety if they are to win their quarterfinal clash in Tokyo on Sunday, believes former captain Jean de Villiers.

WORLD CUP SPOTLIGHT: Three head-to-heads for the World Cup quarterfinal between Wales and France in Oita on Sunday.

WORLD CUP SPOTLIGHT: Three head-to-heads for the World Cup quarterfinal between hosts Japan and South Africa in Tokyo on Sunday.

WORLD CUP SPOTLIGHT: That Japan are preparing for the biggest match in their history, a World Cup quarter-final showdown against South Africa on Sunday, is a testament of their rapid improvement over the past five years.

WORLD CUP SPOTLIGHT: Ireland flyhalf Johnny Sexton happily stuck to his pre-match routine ahead of the quarterfinal with defending champions New Zealand.

NEWS: England will welcome three big Southern Hemisphere teams in November 2020.

WORLD CUP QUARTERFINAL SPOTLIGHT: South Africa can make amends for a dismal episode four years ago against Japan by eliminating the hosts at this tournament.

REACTION: France coach Jacques Brunel has expressed his surprise at the presence of Dan Biggar in Wales' line-up for Sunday's World Cup quarter-final.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: France head coach Jacques Brunel has named his team for their World Cup quarterfinal against Wales on Sunday.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Wales head coach Warren Gatland has revealed his team to face France in their World Cup quarterfinal on Sunday.

WORLD CUP QUARTERFINAL: Rival coaches Eddie Jones and Michael Cheika have both sprung selection surprises heading into a "do or die" World Cup quarterfinal between England and Australia but there are sound reasons behind their dramatic decisions.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Japan coach Jamie Joseph made one injury-enforced change to his starting XV for Sunday's World Cup quarterfinal against South Africa.

WORLD CUP QUARTERFINAL: Defending champions New Zealand are ready to conquer their nerves and seize the slightest opportunity when they take on Ireland on Saturday.

WORLD CUP SPOTLIGHT: Australian playmaker Matt To'omua has sledged a few of England's players.

WORLD CUP QUARTERFINAL: This may just be the biggest occasion in the global showcase's history.

WORLD CUP QUARTERFINAL: France will need to raise their game "two or three times over" to beat Wales on Sunday.

NEW BEGINNINGS: The 2019-20 Premiership season explodes into life this Friday when a sell-out crowd heads to Ashton Gate as Bristol Bears open their campaign at home to Bath.

NEWS: Former Springboks coach Heyneke Meyer received a vote of confidence from Stade Francais owner Hans-Peter Wild on Thursday despite the Paris giants sitting rock bottom of the French Top 14.