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CURRIE CUP FINAL SPOTLIGHT: Leonard Solms spoke to Free State Cheetahs lock Sintu Manjezi, ahead of their encounter with the Golden Lions on Saturday.

Kumamoto is a coastal city in the middle of Kyushu with a chill vibe. Two of the most popular areas in Kumamoto are the shopping arcades of Shimotori and Kamitori.

OPINION: The Wallabies fought back to avoid a catastrophic result at the World Cup, needing two tries from hooker Tolu Latu to help see off Fiji 39-21 in Sapporo.

OPINION: Fiji got out the blocks quickly to race into an early lead, but a yellow card on the hour mark saw Australia escape with a 39-21 win in Sapporo on Saturday.

@rugby365com law guru Paul Dobson takes an authoritative view at what was a missed opportunity by officials to live up to pre-tournament promises!

WORLD CUP REPORT: Australia got their campaign off to a victorious start, but not before being given a massive fright by Fiji.

WORLD CUP REPORT: France produced some champagne rugby before almost losing the plot and having to survive a last-gasp penalty to pip Argentina 23-21 in their tournament opener on Saturday.

READERS' FORUM: Welcome to the World Cup pool match between France and Argentina in Tokyo.

It's here. Breath is held and then with a gasp the World Cup starts in Japan and rugby becomes hectic again, as we tumble from one great fixture to the next, with top referees to help the headlong action that lasts to November.

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

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Veteran lock Alun Wyn Jones will equal the Wales record for Test appearances and play his fourth World Cup after he was named on Saturday in a strong team to face Georgia.

NEWS: Kenya have appointed New Zealander Paul Feeney as the national technical director of rugby to oversee all forms of the game in the country.

When Siya Kolisi leads the Springboks out onto the field against the All Black in their World Cup opener on Saturday, it will be the crowning glory of an incredible journey.

SPOTLIGHT: In a historic first for the World Cup, 18 Olympians from nine nations are set to take to the field at Japan 2019.

SPOTLIGHT: Friday’s 2019 World Cup opener between hosts Japan and unfancied Russia is now less than 24 hours away, so it is time to unveil the power rankings of the 20 teams contending the tournament.

READERS' FORUM: Welcome to the World Cup pool match between New Zealand and South Africa in Yokohama City.

WORLD CUP POOL MATCH: Billy Vunipola knows he will be the cause of split loyalties when England open their 2019 World Cup campaign against Tonga in Sapporo on Sunday.

WORLD CUP POOL MATCH: It would be a huge surprise if either of these teams went on to the quarterfinals.

WORLD CUP POOL MATCH: All by itself, this would be a match to compel interest.

READERS' FORUM: Welcome to the World Cup pool match between hosts Japan and Russia, in Tokyo.

WORLD CUP SPOTLIGHT: Tonga's coach joked Friday that England star No.8 Billy Vunipola, who has Tongan parents, should switch back to his home nation when the teams meet at the Rugby World Cup on Sunday.

WORLD CUP SPOTLIGHT: The 2019 edition of the World Cup is being hailed as the most open ever, with several teams considered serious contenders.

WORLD CUP SPOTLIGHT: If there is one thing to be grateful for as the countdown to the Rugby World Cup moves from days to hours this week, it’s the fascinating and potentially decisive opening weekend that the schedule has delivered.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Jordan Larmour and Andrew Conway were promoted to Ireland's starting line-up Friday for their World Cup opener against Scotland.

WORLD CUP SPOTLIGHT: Japan could have been down to 14 men during their World Cup opener against Russia on Friday.

POOL B SPOTLIGHT: Rank outsiders Namibia hope Welsh coaches can help them end a 19-match losing streak since debuting in the Rugby World Cup 20 years ago.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Italy's Sergio Parisse will play a record-equalling fifth Rugby World Cup after being named on Friday in the team to face Namibia in their Pool B opener.

WORLD CUP POOL MATCH: Pumas coach Mario Ledesma and former France star Fabien Galthie, now in the Les Bleus coaching set-up, have a feisty personal history.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Record-breaking fly-half Kurt Morath will shoulder Tonga's hopes against England after coach Toutai Kefu announced a team stacked with English-based players for their World Cup opener.

TRANSFER NEWS: Scarlets have strengthened their squad for the start of the Pro14 season by signing lock Juandre Kruger and flyhalf Ryan Lamb on short-term deals.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Tjiuee Uanivi will captain Namibia in their Pool B match against Italy at Hanazono Rugby Stadium on Sunday.

MATCH REPORT: Japan open their World Cup with 30-10 win over Russia on Friday.

NEWS: Wallabies speedster Marika Koroibete has given the side a huge boost on the eve of their Rugby World Cup opener against Fiji by inking a new two-year contract extension to remain with Australian Rugby and the Melbourne Rebels through 2021.

REACTION: Wales forwards coach Robin McBryde says there has been a feeling of 'circling the wagons', following the Rob Howley affair.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Star backs Stuart Hogg and Finn Russell will lead Scotland's challenge against Celtic rivals Ireland, as coach Gregor Townsend named a side full of experience for Sunday's crunch Pool A encounter.

WORLD CUP POOL MATCH: Russia coach Lyn Jones said he had a cunning plan to ambush hosts Japan in tournament opener, revealing only that it involves a little mayhem.

WORLD CUP SPOTLIGHT: Michael Cheika has laughed off the minimum expectations of his boss that the Wallabies reach the World Cup Final, saying he long ago set his sights higher.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: England have paid Tonga the compliment of selecting their strongest available side for the teams' World Cup Pool C opener at the Sapporo Dome on Sunday.

WORLD CUP REACTION: England loose forward Tom Curry will have the chance to make a fresh study of Australia's celebrated 'Pooper' duo.

WORLD CUP POOL MATCH: Australia and Fiji will look to put their off-field worries aside with their World Cup opener in Sapporo on Saturday.

REACTION: All Blacks coach Steve Hansen warned South Africa's Rassie Erasmus to lay off referee Jerome Garces.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Crusaders backline general Ryan Crotty has been preferred to Sonny Bill Williams in New Zealand's starting XV.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Fiji coach John McKee named 12 players that ply their trade in foreign leagues to face Australia.

LISTEN as @King365ed and @LoffieEloff unpack the @rugbyworldcup sizzler between the @Springboks and @AllBlacks.

WATCH this collection of off-the-ball incidents by New Zealand in their last four matches!

OPINION: Following Joe Schmidt’s decision to select South African Jean Kleyn in Ireland’s World Cup squad, the issues of rugby’s international eligibility, residency, poaching and the concept of project players have all reared their heads once again.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Argentina have turned to mercurial Stade Francais flyhalf Nicolas Sanchez to pull the strings for Los Pumas' opening World Cup Pool C match against France on Saturday.

SEVENS SPOTLIGHT: Playing New Zealand, England and Australia on the opening day of the Oktoberfest Sevens in Munich on Saturday will be as tough a challenge as the South African sevens team can expect to face in the new season.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Namibia's defence coach has vowed to perform an All Black-style haka if his team manages to upset Six Nations side Italy in their Pool B encounter on Sunday.

Oita is a relaxed city that comes alive at night in the famous Miyako-machi district, a concentration of the best bars, hostess clubs and night clubs that Kyushu has to offer.

The Oita prefecture is located in the east of Kyushu and the capital Oita city will play home to two quarterfinals at the Rugby World Cup

WORLD CUP SPOTLIGHT: The All Blacks will have to cope with plenty of high balls in wet conditions when they face the Springboks in their World Cup opener in Yokohama on Saturday.

NEWS: Rugby is in the spotlight for the wrong reasons once again in South African sport.

OPINION: Rugbypass' writer Ben Smith looks at why Handre Pollard isn't in the conversation as the world's best flyhalf.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Premiership clubs are threatening legal action demanding Saracens are expelled from the tournament if they challenge any guilty verdict materialising from their alleged breach of the salary cap.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: All Blacks midfield combination might still be a puzzle, however, one thing is certain the side are always expected to win and win well says centre Anton Lienert-Brown.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: David Pocock will start alongside Australia captain Michael Hooper in the Wallabies' back row.

SQUAD UPDATE: Ireland received a double boost ahead of their World Cup opener against Scotland on Sunday

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: When Ireland lock Jean Kleyn packed his whole life into three bags and boarded a plane for Munster in 2016, he insists he left behind any ambitions of playing for South Africa.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Former Wales rugby captain Gareth Thomas has said that he would not have revealed his HIV diagnosis if a newspaper had not threatened to publish it.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Russia coach Lyn Jones has named his team for the Pool A match against Japan at Tokyo Stadium on Friday, September 20.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus has named his team to face the All Blacks in their World Cup opener in Yokohama on Saturday.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Australian loose forward Scott Higginbotham expects Wallabies' head coach Michael Cheika to pick both Michael Hooper and David Pocock among the back-row during the upcoming World Cup.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Toulouse young guns Romain Ntamack and Antoine Dupont will start at halfback as France plumped for youth for their opening Pool C match against Argentina on Saturday.

REACTION: Head coach Warren Gatland said the Wales team were "shocked" by the news of Rob Howley's alleged breach of World Rugby's betting and anti-corruption regulations.

WORLD CUP SPOTLIGHT: Stuart Hogg is ready for another solid defensive shift in their World Cup opener against Ireland.

TRANSFER NEWS: The Sharks have landed the signature of South Africa sevens star Werner Kok.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Japan coach Jamie Joseph has made a number of changes to his team to face Russia in their World Cup opener.

At night the coastal city of Fukuoka turns into a colourful, vibrant place where the bright lights reflect off the river to create colourful scenery.

The Fukuoka Prefecture on the island of Kyushu is the ninth most populated prefecture in Japan, and one of the nations most outstanding in terms of natural beauty and culture. Fukuoka is seen as a natural gateway prefecture to Kyushu for both commerce and visitors alike.

WORLD CUP SPOTLIGHT: Faf de Klerk is ready to do all he can to disrupt the All Blacks' game once again when the Springboks meet them in their World Cup opener in Yokohama on Saturday.

NEWS: Lock Izack Rodda has bucked the trend of several of his Wallabies teammates to commit his future to Australian rugby.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Fiji have spent two months honing ways to match Australia's breakdown prowess, believing that will be the key to unlocking a momentous upset win at the World Cup.

POOL C SPOTLIGHT: Aside from a glorious upset win over France in 2011, Tonga have failed to impress at the Rugby World Cup, but coach Toutai Kefu is intent on changing that in Japan.

POOL D SPOTLIGHT: In Uruguay, people say you'd have to be mad to play rugby, but despite a dearth of players the South American minnows have qualified for the World Cup in Japan.

NEWS: Wales assistant coach Rob Howley has been sent home from the Rugby World Cup just six days before the team is set to open their campaign in Japan.

TRANSFER NEWS: Sale Sharks announced the signing of Springbok and Bulls scrumhalf Embrose Papier on a three-month loan as cover during the Rugby World Cup.

POOL A SPOTLIGHT: Russia's rugby team squeaked in as a qualifier to the World Cup but has big dreams of winning a game in the tournament for the first time ever.

NEWS: The Six Nations has agreed to sell 15 percent of its commercial arm to Formula One's former owners CVC.

WORLD CUP SPOTLIGHT: The Springboks and All Blacks are taking their mind games to the next level ahead of their World Cup opener in Yokohama.

WORLD CUP SPOTLIGHT: Japan are learning to live with the pressure of being World Cup hosts as they prepare for their tournament curtain-raiser against Russia this week, flank Pieter Labuschagne said Tuesday.

WORLD CUP SPOTLIGHT: Argentina's flyhalf says the aerial battle will be a key factor in their crunch Pool C encounter with France.

WORLD CUP SPOTLIGHT: South African coaching guru Alan Solomons talks about the Springboks' chances at this year's World Cup.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT:  Calculated and cool are just some of the phrases used by All Blacks assistant coach Ian Foster ahead of their World Cup opener against the 'top quality' Springboks side.

WORLD CUP COUNTDOWN: To say the draw for the Rugby World Cup pool stage was unkind on Italy would be an understatement.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: South Africa forwards coach Matt Proudfoot has insisted that the Springboks are subject to “serious testing” in the wake of Aphiwe Dyantyi’s positive drugs test.

WORLD CUP SPOTLIGHT: Former France skipper Thierry Dusautoir enjoys a fabled World Cup history intertwined with New Zealand.

WATCH Thirty of the best Springboks tries against New Zealand.

NEWS: Fullback Rob Kearney is the latest injury concern for Ireland ahead of his team's World Cup opener against Scotland.

WORLD CUP SPOTLIGHT: Bring on the pain. This is the message of veteran lock Sam Whitelock.

WORLD CUP SPOTLIGHT: New Zealand versus South Africa is billed as an explosive and crucial tournament opener.

TRANSFER NEWS: The Sharks have confirmed signing of Retshegofaditswe 'Ox' Nché from the Free State Cheetahs.

World Rugby, formerly known as the International Rugby Board, is responsible for the Rugby World Cup about to start in Japan in all its facets from finances to fixtures and on to how the game is played. They have the duty of caring for the game, and that includes conduct in the playing of the game.

TRANSFER NEWS: Exeter Chiefs newcomer Jacques Vermeulen has spoken of his excitement at joining the Premiership club on a three-year deal.

WORLD CUP COUNTDOWN: Missing out on a Rugby World Cup start against Fiji will sting for most players in the Wallabies squad but there is a comfort blanket for hookers Tolu Latu and Folau Fainga'a.

WORLD CUP SPOTLIGHT: The All Blacks will be looking to take full advantage of the Springboks' risky defensive tactic when the two teams meet in their World Cup opener in Yokohama on Saturday.

WORLD CUP SPOTLIGHT: The Springboks Monday called on French referee Jerome Garces to treat them as equals during this weekend's opening Pool B blockbuster clash with defending champions New Zealand.

NEWS: Scotland international David Denton has retired from rugby due to concussion issues, saying Monday he did so with "mixed emotions."

WORLD CUP SPOTLIGHT: Australia scrumhalf Will Genia said he was happy to "fit in" where needed as the Wallabies centurion looks to end a storied career at the global showpiece.

INJURY UPDATE: A hamstring injury will keep one of Ireland's stars out of their opening World Cup game against Scotland.

NEWS: World Cup referees' boss Alain Rolland warned that officials would be more rigorous than ever in penalising high tackles in Japan.

WORLD CUP SPOTLIGHT: Rugby World Cup organisers have learned from a massive typhoon that smashed into Tokyo and disrupted some teams' arrivals.

WORLD CUP SPOTLIGHT: It's the new age World Cup which poses one of the sport's oldest questions - will a good big man beat a good little man?

SPOTLIGHT: Heard the one about the Irishman, Welshman and a Scotsman? It is a true story ...

TRANSFER NEWS: The Sharks have signed another player from Cape Town.

Club matches will go ahead this week with referees provided by the Western Province Referees' Society.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: There was a time when coaches were means of transport, and any humans labelled coaches in rugby union were regarded as tantamount to professionals.

WORLD CUP SPOTLIGHT: Joe Schmidt's dream of bowing out as Ireland coach after guiding them to their first Rugby World Cup semifinal is set to be dashed, Irish rugby great Tony Ward predicts.

WORLD CUP COUNTDOWN: Michael Cheika has described the Wallabies' lead-up to the Rugby World Cup as "perfect" but that has only muddied the selection waters for their opening Test against Fiji.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Joey Carbery is poised to complete an “incredible” recovery from ankle trouble in time for Ireland’s World Cup opener against Scotland.

NEWS: South Africa's national Sevens team has been bolstered by the return of a host of players from the 15-a-side code.

POOL D SPOTLIGHT: As a tier-two nation, Georgia is hoping the Rugby World Cup in Japan will bring it closer to its cherished dream of being part of rugby's top table.

POOL B SPOTLIGHT: After only just scraping into the World Cup via the backdoor, merely qualifying for the tournament will feel like a victory for Canada.

WORLD CUP COUNTDOWN: Leaner, meaner and better prepared than for their disastrous 2015 World Cup, England have the tools to capture rugby's top prize, hooker Jamie George warned Sunday.

POOL C SPOTLIGHT: The US Eagles have never come close to threatening an upset in seven previous visits to the Rugby World Cup, and the odds of bucking that trend in Japan are stacked against them.

TOP 14 WRAP: Flyhalf Anthony Belleau scored 22 points as Toulon claimed their second victory of the Top 14 season on Sunday by staving off a late Racing 92 comeback to win 32-29.

NEWS: Former Wales and British and Irish Lions rugby captain Gareth Thomas revealed on Sunday he was blackmailed prior to publicly announcing he is HIV positive.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: All Blacks dismissed the speculations that Sonny Bill Williams may be ruled out of the World Cup due to injury.

NEWS: Wallabies wing Jack Maddocks has been drafted into Australia's Sevens squad for a tournament in Germany, but remains on standby for the World Cup in Japan, officials said on Sunday.

INTERVIEW: Chester Williams, the Springbok icon who died last weekend, was hailed as a "pioneer" Saturday at his funeral service by Rugby World Cup-winning captain Francois Pienaar.

WORLD CUP COUNTDOWN: Rassie Erasmus' Boks are capable of writing their own history.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Hot or cool, dry or wet; the Springboks are ready for anything Japan’s conditions could throw at them.

TRANSFER NEWS: Brumbies announced the signing of prop forward Shambeckler Vui for the 2020 Super Rugby season.

TRANSFER NEWS: Western Province head coach John Dobson has lost the services of another promising youngster namely Michael Kumbirai.

WORLD CUP SPOTLIGHT: England captain Owen Farrell said Saturday that memories of the team's horror World Cup four years ago will be a driving force as they seek redemption in Japan.

POOL A SPOTLIGHT: Samoa coach Steve Jackson is so determined to avoid the off-field issues that have previously plagued the Pacific islanders that he called in Japanese cultural experts to advise his players when to cover up their tattoos during the World Cup.

POOL B SPOTLIGHT: The All Blacks are confident they can win an unprecedented third straight title in Japan, even if they have to shift one of the team's star players from his favoured position to do it.

WATCH as Springboks star Cheslin Kolbe talks about his journey to the Rugby World Cup.

INJURY UPDATE: France centre Wesley Fofana remains a doubt for France's World Cup opener.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: As a member of the South Africa team that won the 1995 World Cup and was later immortalised in the Clint Eastwood film "Invictus", Mark Andrews is already assured of a place in rugby history.

NEWS: Ireland’s World Cup ambitions have suffered a potentially grievous injury blow just over a week before they commence their campaign in Japan against Scotland.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Former Springboks captain Victor Matfield believes there are only three teams capable of winning all three of their knockout matches to win this month’s World Cup in Japan.

WORLD CUP SPOTLIGHT: All the teams have already arrived in Japan, ahead of the global showpiece. However, their travelling is far from over.

SQUAD UPDATE: The All Blacks' World Cup campaign suffered its first setback on Friday

NEWS: World Rugby has announced that six legends of the game will be inducted into the World Rugby Hall of Fame in 2019.

WORLD CUP SPOTLIGHT: France captain Guilhem Guirado said he was unsure whether he would skipper the side in their crucial tournament opener against Argentina next week.

WORLD CUP SPOTLIGHT: Just a week out from the start of the global showpiece, we take a slightly different look at the event - who are the biggest scorers off the field!

TRANSFER NEWS: Sharks have managed to secure the signature of Maties playmaker Jordan Chait ahead of the 2020 Super Rugby season.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Wallabies coach Michael Cheika has said he was personally threatened by fans after vowing not to select Israel Folau over his "disrespectful" social media comments.

TRANSFER NEWS: Loose forward Henco Venter will join the Sharks from Pro14 side Cheetahs.

WORLD CUP NEWS: Adam Beard and Cory Hill face a race against time to prove their fitness for Wales' opener against Georgia.

WORLD CUP SPOTLIGHT: The Springboks are in a very good space ahead of their crunch World Cup opener against the All Blacks next weekend.

WATCH what happened in the days before TMOs and citings - when All Black Ian Jones landed a punch on Springbok Kobus Wiese in the 1995 World Cup Final.

NEWS: The Ranfurly Shield holders Otago will supply two more players to the Highlanders for 2020 and a third will commit for three years from 2021.

WORLD CUP SPOTLIGHT: Conor Wilson discusses Manu Tuilagi's role in open play at 13, and how this positioning has shown how England intend to use him in open phase play.

POOL B SPOTLIGHT: Siya Kolisi dreams of becoming the first black Springboks skipper to lift the Webb Ellis Cup and complete the remarkable transformation of the team from 'a dark place to a good space'.

POOL C SPOTLIGHT: Preparation has been the keyword for France who has seen a new head coach and a pair of consultants arrive among their staff ahead of the global showpiece.

POOL A SPOTLIGHT: Japan coach Jamie Joseph admits his side can no longer fly under the radar, but has warned that his super-fit players will run teams ragged at the global showpiece.

WORLD CUP SPOTLIGHT: Triple Wallabies World Cup representative Drew Mitchell has called for veteran Adam Ashley-Cooper to start on the wing for Australia at the World Cup.

REACTION: The South African Rugby Union responded to the puerile rant by former Springbok coach Peter de Villiers.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: With 15 Saracens players competing for various nations at the World Cup the Londoners’ squad depth will be tested at the start of the English domestic season.

TOP 14, WEEK FOUR: Australia loose forward Scott Higginbotham says joining Bordeaux-Begles, unbeaten in the French Top 14 so far this season, was 'fate' ahead of hosting Stade Francais on Saturday.

TRANSFER NEWS: Just a days after signing Lions wing Madosh Tambwe, the Sharks revealed yet another star who will join the Durban franchise.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Danny Cipriani reveals the person behind his ability to bounce back from disappointments.

NEWS: The Melbourne Rebels have formed an alliance with Japanese club Kintetsu that will see them exchange players and coaches over the next two years.

TRANSFER NEWS: Wallabies flyhalf Bernard Foley will join Japanese Top League side Kubota Spears after the World Cup.

TRANSFER NEWS: Edinburgh have completed the signing of Scottish-born lock Sam Thomson, subject to medical.

It is the calm before the storm. There is not a great deal of activity on the rugby front this week as players huddle together in their teams before the World Cup storm breaks the week after this.

SPOTLIGHT: New Zealand is the ones accused of sucking up the best players from the Pacific Islands and making them into winning All Blacks.

SEASON LAUNCH: Ireland’s reputation took a huge hit at Twickenham last month, their national team trounced by England by a record score in a World Cup warm-up, but Irishness was to the fore for far more respectable reasons at the same London stadium on Wednesday.

NEWS: Newly-appointed Cheetah coach Hawies Fourie will join the team a bit later than he initially would have due to illness.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Legendary flank George Smith wants Wallabies coach Michael Cheika to persist with his recent back row combination, even if it means putting David Pocock on the bench.

POOL D SPOTLIGHT: Fiji has always possessed an abundance of attacking flair.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Former Bok coach Peter de Villiers will not be supporting the Springboks during this year's World Cup.

WORLD CUP SPOTLIGHT: This World Cup is shaping up to be the closest ever, with no team emerging as a clear favourite.

WORLD CUP SPOTLIGHT: Champions New Zealand underwent a punishing World Cup training session in Japan on Wednesday before promising to come out firing against South Africa in their blockbuster tournament opener.

LISTEN as @King365ed and @LoffieEloff unpack the 2020 @SuperRugby, after the fixtures for next year was released.

POOL A SPOTLIGHT: Over the last four years, rugby in Ireland has boomed with Joe Schmidt's side winning a Six Nations Grand Slam and twice knocking over the All Blacks.

OPINION: It took us a few days, but now that the dust has settled we can finally unveil @rugby365com's famous selection!

WORLD CUP SPOTLIGHT: A number of great players of the recent past and present take their leave after this year's World Cup.

POOL C SPOTLIGHT: England travels to Japan after four years of a rollercoaster ride with coach Eddie Jones as genuine contenders.

WATCH as we bring you some of the most epic foot races the game has seen.

Chester Williams, readily smiling, always polite and friendly, always diffident with his head slightly to one side despite his status as a hero, has died, and for the second time this year there has been an upwelling of emotion in South Africa and beyond at the death of a rugby hero.

R.I.P. Follow the memorial service of the late Springbok Chester Williams.

TRANSFER NEWS: The Sharks confirmed the signing of another young star from the Lions.

TRANSFER NEWS: Super Rugby loosehead Aki Seiuli has signed a two-year contract with Glasgow Warriors, subject to visa and medical.

SQUAD ANNOUNCEMENT: Neil Powell named a strong and experienced South African side to travel to Germany next week for the Oktoberfest Sevens in Munich on September 21-22.

SQUAD UPDATE: Loose forward Jamie Ritchie will leave Edinburgh on Thursday to join the Scotland squad for Rugby World Cup 2019 in Japan.

WORLD CUP SPOTLIGHT: Former captain Phil Kearns believes Bernard Foley shades Christian Lealiifano as the ideal Wallabies flyhalf at the Rugby World Cup.

NEWS: Premiership Rugby will introduce a new player-welfare initiative for the 2019-20 season

WORLD CUP SPOTLIGHT: From a Test match point-scoring stalwart to a World Cup winner, from an Olympic champion to an emblematic leader who transcends sport as well as a fresh-faced rookie.

NEWS: England’s journey to the first stop of their World Cup campaign in Japan has taken much longer than expected as a result of the devastation caused by Typhoon Faxai, which has claimed at least three lives.

POOL D SPOTLIGHT: Wales head to the global showpiece with genuine title aspirations after Warren Gatland's side spent two weeks in late-August as the globally top-ranked team.

@rugby365com's Law guru Paul Dobson takes a look at the repeat infringement offence that took place during place during the Springboks' win over Japan on Friday

TRANSFER NEWS: Brumbies Academy product Issak Fines has returned to the franchise with the scrumhalf signing a deal for the 2020 Super Rugby season.

WORLD CUP SPOTLIGHT: All Blacks want to run teams ragged in the heat.

TRANSFER NEWS: The Sharks have confirmed the first of nine new signings ahead of the 2020 Super Rugby season.

REACTION: Steve Hansen has faced a backlash following his decision to take Ryan Crotty off for the final 15 minutes of the All Blacks’ game against Tonga at the weekend and play with 14 men.

WORLD CUP SPOTLIGHT: German band Alphaville may have released the song more than three decades ago, but the Springboks are doing their own 'cover version'.

NEWS: SANZAAR has announced the match schedule for the 2020 Super Rugby season.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Georgia will not win the 2019 World Cup. Of that we can be certain. But according to their English forwards coach Graham Rowntree, the Lelos intend to leave their mark on this year's edition.

INJURY UPDATE: Samoa scrumhalf Scott Malolua's Rugby World Cup dream was cruelly dashed.

SQUAD ANNOUNCEMENT: Northampton Saints confirmed that Alex Waller and Teimana Harrison will co-captain the squad for the 2019/20 season.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: All Blacks head coach Steve Hansen reminded his squad that they are in Japan to make history and win the World Cup.

REACTION: Former Ireland international Alan Quinlan has hit out at Warren Gatland’s ‘condescending and insulting’ comments.

WORLD CUP SPOTLIGHT: Former captain Stephen Moore believes the Wallabies' chances at the global showpiece will again swing on how tightly they can bond under Michael Cheika.

POOL D SPOTLIGHT: Australian rugby has endured a turbulent year overshadowed by superstar Israel Folau's controversial sacking and looming legal battle, with officials hoping the World Cup will divert attention back to the game.

POOL B SPOTLIGHT: Conor O'Shea's Italy face a herculean task to avoid another early Rugby World Cup flop heading into a tough Pool B that includes reigning champions New Zealand and South Africa.

POOL A SPOTLIGHT: Scotland coach Gregor Townsend believes he has his strongest squad in his two-year tenure but if they are to shine at the World Cup then Finn Russell will have to be at his sparkling best.

POOL C SPOTLIGHT: Argentina head to the Rugby World Cup relying heavily on the tried and tested, with their squad made up almost entirely of the Jaguares side that reached the final of the southern hemisphere's Super Rugby tournament.

WORLD CUP SPOTLIGHT: Ireland and South Africa are the 'biggest movers' on the rankings, just a fortnight out from the World Cup.

WORLD CUP SPOTLIGHT: Joe Schmidt is too canny to set targets publicly.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: We look at the 'what ifs' should a typhoon hit the World Cup in Japan!

TRANSFER NEWS: Munster and the Irish Rugby Football Union revealed the short-term signing of Australian forward Jed Holloway.

World Rugby has refuted claims by All Blacks head coach Steve Hansen that it isn’t doing enough for Pacific Island nations.

NEWS: New Zealand Rugby named former All Blacks centre Mark Robinson as its new Chief Executive.

SQUAD UPDATE: Scotland loose forward Magnus Bradbury has been handed a seat on the plane to the Rugby World Cup in Japan after teammate Jamie Ritchie suffered a facial injury.

CURRIE CUP REACTION: Outgoing Free State Cheetahs coach Franco Smith says his team's Currie Cup triumph was an important stepping stone to greater things.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Teams arriving in Japan for the upcoming World Cup are well aware of the hot and humid conditions that await them during the country's typhoon season.

OPINION: The Free State Cheetahs were forced to hang on desperately in the end, but in reality, they were much better than the final 31-28 scoreline suggest.

OPINION: The scoreline suggests it was a close call and three late tries by the Golden Lions did make it close on the scoreboard.

OPINION: Few would have given a battered, bruised and broken Ireland much hope of turning around their World Cup warm-up series after they humiliatingly limped away from Twickenham on August 24.

OPINION: Wales wrapped up their Rugby World Cup preparations on Saturday afternoon in Dublin, as they fell to a 10-19 defeat to Ireland.

NEWS: The Wallabies' departure to Japan for this month's World Cup has been delayed by the typhoon set to lash the country.

INJURY UPDATE: Samoa were sweating on injuries to captain Jack Lam and young scrumhalf Scott Malolua Sunday after a credible showing against the Wallabies in their final World Cup warm-up.

REACTION: All Blacks coach Steve Hansen has laid blame for the plight of Pacific Island rugby on the unwillingness of World Rugby to stand up to the Six Nations and institute a global season.

OPINION: The All Blacks beat Tonga 92-7 in expectedly convincing fashion at Waikato Stadium in Hamilton in both team’s final World Cup warm-up match.

WATCH as we bring you the 50 most memorable moments in the history of the World Cup.

TOP 14, SATURDAY WRAP: Lyon beat Toulon at the Stade Felix Mayol for the first time on Saturday with a 20-6 victory that moves them above Bordeaux-Begles.

OPINION:  England finished up their World Cup preparations on Friday evening, beating Italy 37-0 at St James’ Park in Newcastle.

MATCH REPORT: Martin Iosefo scored what proved to be the winning try as the USA rallied to beat Canada 20-15 in the final tuneup for both teams ahead of the 2019 Rugby World Cup.

REACTION: Ireland coach Joe Schmidt said New Zealand are the firm favourites for the World Cup.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: The All Blacks will draw directly from the peaks-and-troughs blueprint of 2015 when they set out to claim the Webb Ellis Cup for a record fourth time.

REACTION: Golden Lions captain Ross Cronje believes the Free State Cheetahs will be a force in the 2019/2020 Pro14 season.

REACTION: Warren Gatland declared himself 'pretty pleased' with the how Wales was placed for the World Cup.

After two days of the Marius Sevens played at Paarl Gim, Paarl Boys' High won the Under-17 Sevens while Paarl Gim ran out winners in the Under-15 Division.

CURRIE CUP FINAL REPORT: The Free State Cheetahs held on in the face of a fast-charging Golden Lions team to be crowned 2019 Currie Cup champions.

INJURY UPDATE: The Springboks have revealed the extent of Trevor Nyakane's injury.

REACTION: Wallaby coach Michael Cheika says his players can't wait for the World Cup to start after they wrapped up their Test preparations with a win over Samoa.

REACTION: The All Blacks declared themselves ready for their record World Cup triple crown bid Saturday after a thumping 92-7 victory over Tonga in Hamilton.

MATCH REPORT: Ireland gave notice of their World Cup potential with a 19-10 win over Wales in a World Cup warm-up match in Dublin on Saturday.

OPINION: South Africa exacted revenge for the infamous loss to Japan four years ago, when the Springboks demolished the Cherry Blossoms 41-7 in Kumagaya on Friday.

OPINION: World Cup hosts Japan were given a timely reminder that raw emotion alone won't guarantee them success.

READERS' FORUM: Welcome to the Currie Final between the Free State Cheetahs and Golden Lions in Bloemfontein.

INJURY UPDATE: England will be without two of their stars for the first couple of group games.

MATCH REPORT: A largely second-string Australia scored the win they wanted Saturday to ensure their World Cup campaign begins on a high, but their 15-34 beating of Samoa was less than convincing.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Former Wales and British and Irish Lions captain Sam Warburton believes top-level rugby players are at risk of death unless more is done to make the game safer.

MATCH REPORT: The All Blacks wrapped up their World Cup preparations with a runaway 92-7 victory against Tonga as George Bridge scored four times in the 14-try romp in Hamilton on Saturday.

MATCH REPORT: The Pumas retained their place in the Currie Cup Premier Division in 2020 as they raced away in the second half against the Griffons for a 49-5 victory at the Mbombela Stadium in Nelspruit on Friday.

MATCH REPORT: Wing Bautista Delguy scored four quick tries in a second-half blitz as Argentina thumped Sydney club side Randwick 74-0 in their final World Cup warm-up game on Saturday.

REACTION: The sudden death of legend Chester Williams has shocked the rugby fraternity.

REACTION: A shocked Springbok squad awoke to the news of the passing of Chester William.

MATCH REPORT: England ran in four tries to beat Italy 37-0 in both sides’ final World Cup warm-up game at St. James’ Park.

MATCH REPORT:  Scotland concluded their World Cup preparations with a 36-9 win over Georgia on Friday.

READERS' FORUM: Welcome to the World Cup warm-up match between Ireland and Wales in Dublin.

WORLD RANKINGS: On Saturday, Ireland take on Wales for the second weekend in a row with both teams knowing they're in with a chance of overhauling New Zealand at the top of the World Rugby Men's Rankings.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Legendary 1995 World Cup-winning Springbok wing Chester Williams passed on Friday at the age of 49.

READERS' FORUM: Welcome to the World Cup warm-up match between New Zealand and Tonga in Hamilton.

MATCH REPORT: South Africa truly buried the ghost of Brighton, as they smashed Japan 41-7 in a World Cup warm-up match in Kumagaya on Friday.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Captain Rory Best recalls how as a young boy the "rickety row of wooden seats" he, his father and others were sitting on at Lansdowne Road flipped up and broke as the home fans celebrated an Ireland try against Australia in the 1991 Rugby World Cup.

More than 120 of the top Under-16 and Under-17 players in the country will assemble in the Western Cape for two week-long Elite Player Development (Elite Player Development) camps, from Sunday 22 September to Saturday 28 September, in line with SA Rugby’s development pathway to groom them for the future.

READERS' FORUM: Welcome to the World Cup warm-up match between England and Italy in Newcastle.

Club matches will go ahead this week with referees provided by the Western Province Referees' Society.

READERS' FORUM: Welcome to the World Cup warm-up match between Scotland and Georgia in Edinburgh.

TOP 14, WEEK THREE: Toulouse, who have started the defence of their French title with two away losses, will seek a first win of the season at home to another Top 14 heavyweight Racing 92, on Sunday.

CURRIE CUP FINAL: A gripping cat fight is set to play out at the Free State Stadium in Bloemfontein on Saturday when the Free State Cheetahs host the Golden Lions in the Currie Cup Final.

WORLD CUP WARM-UP: Ireland head coach Joe Schmidt and captain Rory Best will experience their last taste of a home rugby Test match on Saturday against Wales and Andy Farrell says he hopes the players produce a performance worthy of the occasion.

OPINION: After careful scrutiny, we have produced the following list after taking into consideration results and the calibre of opposition.

WORLD CUP WARM-UP: Australia on Saturday head into their final game before leaving for Japan.

WORLD CUP SPOTLIGHT: Alex McLeod runs the rule over those players that will miss out on the global showpiece - from injury-enforced absences to some real selection shockers.

WATCH as entertainer Leon Schuster unveils his latest Springbok 'anthem'.

READERS' FORUM: Welcome to the World Cup warm-up match between Japan and South Africa in Kumagaya.

Shaun Veldsman, one of the big achievers amongst South Africa's referees has decided to call is quits on his involvement in refereeing. His has been a long and glorious career. But he will be 53 next month and decided that "it was time - a time to leave on my terms and to give another an opportunity to achieve great things".

REACTION: After Saracens secured the signing of Damian Willemse yesterday as a medical joker, the deal has been seen as one that benefits everyone involved.

WORLD CUP WARM-UP: The All Blacks play their final World Cup warm-up against Tonga on Saturday with coach Steve Hansen looking for a defence-busting performance from the reigning champions.

WORLD CUP SPOTLIGHT: Expectations are that South Africa will be on a mission for revenge. However, Springbok skipper Siyamthanda Kolisi expects the Brave Blossoms to turn up the heat.

WORLD CUP WARM-UP MATCH: Canada and the United States go head to head in their final outing before the global showpiece in Japan.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Free State Cheetahs coach Franco Smith made just one change to his team for his last game in charge.

WORLD CUP WARM-UP: England and Italy's preparations for the global showpiece will be taken up a notch on Friday.

NEWS: Another Wallabies star has announced his retirement from Test rugby.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Argentina coach Mario Ledesma is hoping their stopover in Sydney will help acclimatise his squad and overcome jetlag, leaving the Pumas in prime condition to tackle the World Cup.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Ireland captain Rory Best will win his 120th cap on his last appearance in a World Cup warm-up match in Dublin on Saturday.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Since all-time legend Dan Carter vacated the 10 jersey for the All Blacks following the 2015 Rugby World Cup, basically one man has followed in his footsteps.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: The man who orchestrated one of Australia's most grim Test rugby defeats will return to haunt them after Tusi Pisi was named Samoa's flyhalf for Saturday's Test in Sydney.

TRANSFER NEWS: Stade Francais have announced the arrival of Scotland international Josh Strauss as a medical joker for at least a three-month period.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Hooker Siua Maile was named Thursday to make his debut for Tonga against the All Blacks this weekend.

WORLD CUP WARM-UP: Japan is the only country that has a 100 percent success record against South Africa's Springboks.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Former England captain Chris Robshaw is tipping either the nation of which he played 66 times for or South Africa to win the World Cup ahead of the All Blacks.

The third Marius Schoeman Sevens Festival will take place at Paarl Gim on Friday and Saturday, 6 and 7 September 2019.

LISTEN @King365ed and @LoffieEloff unpacks the @Springboks team to face @JRFURugby in their final @WorldRugby warm-up match.

NEWS: Griquas wasted little time in replacing departed coach Brent Janse van Rensburg.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Golden Lions head coach Ivan van Rooyen has named his team to face the Free State Cheetahs in this year's Currie Cup Final in Bloemfontein.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Wales have named a team showing 15 changes for Saturday’s final World Cup preparation game against Ireland in Dublin with captain Alun Wyn Jones returning to the starting line-up.

CURRIE CUP PROMOTION-RELEGATION: The Pumas and Griffons will know their fate on Friday, as they battle it out at the Mbombela Stadium in Nelspruit.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Wallabies coach Michael Cheika Thursday said he was expecting a fast and physical game from Samoa at the weekend, with places in his World Cup starting side up for grabs.

WORLD CUP SPOTLIGHT: On the even of their final warm-up match, against North American rivals the United States, Malcolm Anderson looks at Canada's prospects at the global showpiece.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: The All Blacks named a revamped side Thursday for their final World Cup warm-up against Tonga.

SPOTLIGHT: Rugby lovers in countries like South Africa, Australia, New Zealand, England, and others are spoilt.

OPINION: And then there were two.

TRANSFER NEWS: Edinburgh secured the signature of South African back row Ruan Steenkamp on a short-term deal from Super Rugby side Bulls.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Wallabies flank David Pocock will captain Australia on his return from injury in Saturday’s Test against Samoa at Bankwest Stadium in Western Sydney.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: England coach Eddie Jones named a mix and match side to play Italy in a World Cup warm-up match at St James' Park in Newcastle on Friday.

NEWS: Hosting the European Championship Cup and Challenge Cup proved to be very beneficial for the city of Newcastle.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Coach Jamie Joseph insisted that World Cup hosts Japan will have no fear going into their final warm-up against revenge-seeking South Africa.

WORLD CUP SPOTLIGHT: Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus wants his team selection to send a 'strong' message about the respect they have for Japan.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Conor O’Shea has made 11 changes to his Italy team to face England this Friday in Newcastle following last weekend’s loss to France in Paris.

REACTION: Ireland coach Joe Schmidt has slammed Agustin Pichot's criticism of his decision to select Jean Kleyn instead of Devin Toner in his World Cup squad.

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

WORLD CUP WARM-UP: Glasgow Warriors back row Ryan Wilson will captain Scotland for the first time in the national team’s final Test match against Georgia at BT Murrayfield Stadium this Friday.

SQUAD ANNOUNCEMENT: Two players with strong South African links have been axed from Scotland's World Cup squad.

SQUAD ANNOUNCEMENT: South African-born and Glasgow Warriors wing DTH Van der Merwe will appear in his fourth World Cup after being named in Canada's 31-man squad.

WORLD CUP SPOTLIGHT: With Japan set to host South Africa in a warm-up match in Kumagaya City on Friday, we feel it is worth revisiting the greatest moment in the Brave Blossoms' history.

INJURY UPDATE: Henry Slade faces the prospect of entering the World Cup without any game time in the bank after failing to train at England’s camp in Treviso on Tuesday.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Last year Faf de Klerk’s defensive role was compared to that of an NFL free safety, all about disguise, surprise, and pressure, roaming freely around the secondary or blitzing off the edge to cause disruption.

NEWS: New Zealand are back on top of the World Rugby Men's Rankings following Wales' defeat to Ireland at the Principality Stadium in Cardiff.

REACTION: South Africa is determined not to repeat the blunders of four years ago.

NEWS: Western Province hooker Chad Solomons has joined the Southern Kings in Namibia on a one-match loan.

CURRIE CUP SPOTLIGHT: After more than a decade and 200 first-class matches, Jacobus Petrus Adriaanse is ready to call time on his career.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: The Wallabies' training camp in Noumea for the World Cup has been anything but an island holiday, according to inside back Matt Toomua.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: The amount of talent and overpowering potential that sensational All Blacks wing Rieko Ioane possesses is no secret to anyone.

There are several warm-up matches with the air of unreality that goes with them but there is a match in Bloemfontein that is thoroughly real - the final of the 2019 Currie Cup in a competition which has run since 1889.

This is a crunch weekend in South African rugby, enormously so with five matches that will produce final results of great moment.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Eyebrows were raised earlier this year when co-investments between Saracens owner Nigel Wray and current and former Saracens players were found to exist.

NEWS: Damian Willemse will be playing Premiership rugby.

SQUAD UPDATE: France head coach Jacques Brunel dropped lock Felix Lambey and prop Dany Priso from his final Rugby World Cup squad on Tuesday.

NEWS: World Rugby has announced an amendment to the Television Match Official (TMO) protocol.

SQUAD ANNOUNCEMENT: Georgia's leading try-scorer Mamuka Gorgodze was included in his country's squad for the Rugby World Cup, more than two years after announcing his international retirement.

NEWS: The Sharks have revealed their 2020 coaching team and a new role for Gary Teichmann.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus revealed the matchday squad to face Japan in their final World Cup warm-up game in Kumagaya on Friday.

WORLD CUP SPOTLIGHT: New Zealand will enter the 2019 tournament as favourites - maybe not by a huge margin, but the shortest odds will definitely be on the All Blacks taking out the competition for the third time in a row.

WATCH this unique preview of the 2019 World Cup - including what makes a winning model based on trends from previous winners.

INJURY UPDATE: England's Jack Nowell has suffered a setback ahead of the World Cup after having his appendix removed.

SQUAD ANNOUNCEMENT: Phil Davies has named a 31-man Namibia squad with an abundance of Rugby World Cup experience for the upcoming tournament in Japan.

SQUAD ANNOUNCEMENT: Fiji head coach John McKee has finalised his 31-man squad for this month’s World Cup in Japan by omitting one player from his original 32-man side.

SQUAD ANNOUNCEMENT: Tonga announced their squad for the World Cup on Monday with coach Toutai Kefu declaring "we're not there to be merely making up the numbers."

SQUAD ANNOUNCEMENT: The Ireland coaching group have named the 31 man squad that will travel to Japan on the September 11 to compete at Rugby World Cup 2019.

NEWS: A Wallabies veteran will hang up his Test boots after this year's World Cup in Japan.

WORLD CUP COUNTDOWN: Experienced Italy lock Dean Budd said facing England on Friday in their final Rugby World Cup warm-up Test will be a massive ask after last week's "slap in the face" defeat to France.

TRANSFER NEWS: Lizo Gqoboka is relishing the challenge of playing in the French Top 14.

TRANSFER NEWS: Jacques du Toit revealed that he will leave the Cheetahs at the end of the Currie Cup season.

NEWS: Oliver Kebble has signed a two-year extension to his Glasgow Warriors contract, which was due to expire next year.

WORLD CUP SPOTLIGHT: South Africa's final warm-up match, against Japan in Kumagaya on Friday, is a potential banana skin.

REACTION: Warren Gatland says Wales are among seven teams who have a genuine chance of winning the World Cup.

REACTION: "The Western Province Rugby Football Union has backed the decision of the WP Referees Society not to officiate any club games this weekend.

SPOTLIGHT: Few teams in Europe will feel as big a World Cup pinch as Saracens are about to experience, as the reigning Premiership champions about to lose more players to the international tournament in Japan than any of their domestic rivals.

REACTION: The Golden Lions will have to raise the bar considerably when they face the Free State Cheetahs in the Currie Cup Final.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Stuart Barnes says New Zealand are "cynical cheats" when it comes to their approach to the breakdowns.

Marius van der Westhuizen of Western Province has been appointed to referee the final of the 2019 Currie Cup.

REACTION: The Free State Cheetahs will look to give long-standing coach Franco Smith the perfect parting gift - a Currie Cup title.

OPINION: Wales were unable to pile further misery on an Ireland squad licking their wounds at the Principality Stadium on Saturday, as they fell to a 17-22 defeat on home soil.

OPINION: Hapless as the records tumbled for all the wrong reasons in London last weekend, Ireland badly needed to bounce back against the Welsh in Cardiff and they ultimately did despite a frantic finish to a match that ended 22-17 in their favour. 

SQUAD ANNOUNCEMENT: Cory Hill was selected for Wales' 31-man World Cup squad, despite suffering from a leg fracture.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: World Rugby vice president Agustin Pichot has joined the chorus of criticism surrounding the world rankings system, which saw New Zealand lose its decade-long spell at No. 1 to Wales a fortnight ago.

Uruguay's coach, Esteban Meneses, has announced his squad of 31 Teros for the 2019 Rugby World Cup in Japan. There are 12 players who have been to a Rugby World Cup previously.

REACTION: Warren Gatland believes Wales will go a "long way" at the World Cup and are capable of beating anyone to give him a winning farewell.

REACTION: Ireland head coach Joe Schmidt hopes he gets the balance of his squad right for the World Cup admitting he failed to do so four years ago.

TOP 14 WRAP: Young France flyhalf Matthieu Jalibert scored 19 points as Union Bordeaux-Begles beat Toulon 34-12 on Saturday.

REPORT: Flyhalf Finn Russell starred as Scotland hammered Georgia 44-10 in a Rugby World Cup warm-up Test in Tbilisi on Saturday.

CURRIE CUP MATCH REPORT: The Free State Cheetahs will host the Golden Lions in the Final in Bloemfontein next week.

TOP 14 WRAP: French champions Toulouse lost for a second straight weekend, as they were beaten 22-12 by last year's losing semifinalists Lyon on Sunday.

REPORT: Wales head coach Warren Gatland lost his last home Test in Cardiff as Ireland bounced back from their thrashing by England last week to edge the hosts 22-17 at the Principality Stadium on Saturday.

MATCH REPORT: The Golden Lions booked a spot in the Currie Cup final with a 34-19 win over the Griquas at Ellis Park on Saturday.

WORLD CUP WARM-UP MATCH REPORT: Fiji tuned up for the global showpiece with a hard-fought win over Tonga at Auckland's Eden Park on Saturday.

WORLD CUP SPOTLIGHT: Following cameo displays at the last two tournaments, veteran back Sonny Bill Williams is poised to play a central role in Japan for the All Blacks.

WORLD CUP WARM-UP MATCH REPORT: Manu Samoa were thoroughly tested as they continue to build towards the global showpiece.

WATCH as we bring you the highlights of the Currie Cup semifinals at the weekend.

SQUAD ANNOUNCEMENT: Veteran back Tusi Pisi will represent Samoa at a third World Cup, while uncapped prop Michael Alaalatoa completes a family storyline in Japan.

WORLD CUP SPOTLIGHT: New Zealand's ageing squad could be their biggest downfall, even though experience is vital at the global showpiece.

READERS' FORUM: Welcome to the Currie Cup semifinal between the Free State Cheetahs and the Sharks in Durban.

NEWS: Springboks wing Aphiwe Dyantyi's B-sample has tested positive for "performance-enhancing substances"

MATCH REPORT: Wing Yoann Huget starred as France thumped Italy 47-19 in their final Rugby World Cup warm-up Test on Friday.

READERS' FORUM: Welcome to the World Cup warm-up match between Wales and Ireland in Cardiff.

READERS' FORUM: Welcome to the Currie Cup semifinal between the Golden Lions and Griquas at Ellis Park, Johannesburg.

@rugby365com's Law guru Paul Dobson takes a look at the highly disputed moment during England's win over Ireland

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Kwagga Smith fulfilled another dream when his name was read out during the Springboks' World Cup squad announcement in Johannesburg.

MATCH REPORT: The Jaguares XV claimedSouth Africa's First Division title with a hard-fought 27-14 win over the Griffons in Potchefstroom on Friday.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: The Premiership will continue to be a 12-team league with promotion and relegation in the 2019/20 season.

REACTION: There was a dramatic twist in the ongoing saga involving veteran Springbok lock Eben Etzebeth and a brawl in Langebaan.

TOP 14, WEEK TWO: Australian flyhalf Zack Holmes says he is comfortable with becoming one of Toulouse's most experienced squad members.

CURRIE CUP SEMIFINAL: The match in Johannesburg will mark the second week in a row the Golden Lions and Griquas meet after they crossed paths in the final round in Kimberley last week.

CURRIE CUP SEMIFINAL: In Bloemfontein, the Free State Cheetahs will go in search of their first Final berth since 2016, while the Sharks will have their sights on their third consecutive appearance in the Final.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: The Free State Cheetahs were dealt a cruel blow on the eve of their Currie Cup semifinal encounter with the Sharks.

WORLD CUP WARM-UP: Wales and Ireland move into the stage of their preparations for the global showpiece when they face off in Cardiff on Saturday.

The Springbok team has been announced. Alleluia! South Africa's millions are behind them as Francois Pienaar said memorably in 1995 when he received the trophy from President Nelson Mandela.

WORLD CUP WARM-UP: Scotland coach Gregor Townsend made 10 changes to the side that boosted their preparations with victory over France last weekend for the trip to Georgia on Saturday.

Ten teams will battle it out in two sections in the new format of the SA Rugby Under-19 Championship, which will be hosted in Paarl and Johannesburg respectively over one week in September 2019.

REACTION: Springbok captain Siya Kolisi has wasted no time in setting the record straight, following the publication of a book.

REACTION: In the wake of the Springboks' Aphiwe Dyantyi testing positive for anabolic steroids, there has been a clear split in opinion amongst fans.

OPINION: And then there were four.

WOLRD CUP WARM-UP: Namibia will face South African Pro14 side the Southern Kings as part of their World Cup preparation on Saturday at the Hage Geingob Stadium in Windhoek.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Ireland head coach Joe Schmidt has made a few changes to the side that will face Wales on Saturday.

LISTEN as @King365ed and @LoffieEloff unpacks the @Springboks @rugbyworldcup squad and what they believe will be Rassie Erasmus' starting XV.

REACTION: Ireland scrumhalf Conor Murray says Felix Jones will be an influential presence in the Springbok squad.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Wales have named two uncapped players in their side to face Ireland in Cardiff on Saturday with prop Rhys Carre and wing Owen Lane both set to make their international debuts.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Golden Lions head coach Ivan van Rooyen has revealed his team to face Griquas in their Currie Cup semifinal in Johannesburg.

WORLD CUP WARM-UP: France are expecting a very difficult challenge when they meet Italy in France on Friday.

SQUAD ANNOUNCEMENT: Japan head coach Jamie Joseph has named his 2019 World Cup squad.

WATCH: Two of the best try-saving tackles you are likely to see. But which was better?

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Frans Steyn believes Rassie Erasmus has enough 'superstars' in his squad to mount a serious challenge for the World Cup title.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Griquas coach Brent Janse van Rensburg made three changes to his team to tackle the Lions in a Currie Cup semifinal at Ellis Park on Saturday.

NEWS: Griquas head coach Brent Janse van Rensburg will leave the Currie Cup side at the end of the season.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Sharks coach Sean Everitt has made only one change to the side that will take on the Free State Cheetahs in Bloemfontein in Saturday’s Currie Cup semi-final.

Rasta Rasivhenge is not taking part in World Rugby's Sevens Series in 2019-20. That he was included in the first release by World Rugby, was a clerical error.

TRANSFER NEWS: The Highlanders have recruited four players for the 2020 season.

PASIFIKA CHALLENGE: Fiji coach John McKee has named an experienced side to take on Tonga at Eden Park in Auckland, New Zealand, on Saturday.

REACTION: Not seeing Western Province and Blue Bulls' names in the semi-finals fixture list is a very rare occasion.

NEWS: England's record win over Ireland lifts them up to third in the World Rugby Men's Rankings.

Because of increased abuse, the Western Province Referees' Society has, with regret, decided that it will not provide referees for club matches in the Western Province until such time as adequate steps are taken against those guilty of abuse, physical or verbal.

NEWS: England wing Jack Nowell's hopes of making the Rugby World Cup are "touch and go" according to his Director of Rugby at Exeter Rob Baxter.

There are more match practices for teams going to the World Cup.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Italy coach Conor O'Shea warned the Azzurri were looking to build on their rout of Russia as he made three changes to his side for Friday's World Cup warm-up against France in Paris.

NEWS: Sacked rugby star Israel Folau has broadened his legal case against Rugby Australia, arguing his dismissal over controversial comments was "an unreasonable restraint of trade" because it stopped him playing the sport.

REACTION: One of the most pressing concerns to All Blacks fans over the past few weeks has been whether the injured Brodie Retallick would make the World Cup next month.

REACTION: After 108 tests, Owen Franks’ tenure as the All Blacks’ incumbent tighthead prop has come to an abrupt end.

NEWS: Rassie Erasmus completed his Rugby World Cup coaching team on Wednesday with the confirmed appointment of defence consultant Felix Jones.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Veteran Sekope Kepu is proud of the increasing diversity of the Wallabies, with around half of Australia's Rugby World Cup squad of Polynesian and Pacific Island heritage.

SQUAD UPDATE: England will keep a close eye on one of their stars over the next few days.

INJURY UPDATE: World Cup selection bolter Jordan Petaia will return early from the Wallabies camp in New Caledonia.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: The Free State Cheetahs and Golden Lions will host the Currie Cup semifinals after the pool stages came to a dramatic close.

CURRIE CUP SPOTLIGHT: Sharks head coach Sean Everitt expects to see young star Aphelele Fassi in a Springbok jersey in the near future.

NEWS: Eben Etzebeth said he was given the all-clear by police following allegations that he was involved an unsavoury incident in Langebaan at the weekend.

SQUAD ANNOUNCEMENT: The Queensland Rugby Union (QRU) has confirmed the Queensland Reds playing squad for the 2020 Super Rugby season.

DISCIPLINARY UPDATE: Paul Gabrillagues will only miss France's opening game at the Rugby World Cup.

SQUAD ANNOUNCEMENT: All Blacks head coach Steve Hansen unveils his World Cup squad.

SQUAD UPDATE: Glasgow Warriors forward Tim Swinson has been invited to train with Scotland’s wider squad for Rugby World Cup 2019 as cover for Sam Skinner, who has been ruled out through injury.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Wing Alivereti Raka was dropped from France's side to face Italy this weekend in their final warm-up Test ahead of the Rugby World Cup, head coach Jacques Brunel announced on Tuesday.

SPOTLIGHT: The Western Province Rugby Union is on the brink of sealing a deal that could end its long-standing cash crunch.

MATCH REPORT: The Southern Kings came within four minutes of a major scalp as they went down narrowly to Georgia in a pre-season clash in Tbilisi.

REACTION: The public are talking and the bookmakers are shortening the odds on the Springboks.

NEWS: Rassie Erasmus has been on the lookout for a new man to take charge of the side’s offence.

NEWS: Raelene Castle insists her organisation is committed to developing and promoting local coaches despite suggestions three of the nation's plum posts could next year be occupied by New Zealanders.

NEWS: Rugby Australia boss Raelene Castle says the national body will review the overseas-player eligibility rule, a move which may yet allow blockbusting centre Samu Kerevi to continue playing for the Wallabies.

REACTION: Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus has backed the version of seasoned lock Eben Etzebeth in the infamous Langebaan brawl.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: All Blacks head coach Steve Hansen will name a 31-strong squad for Japan in the confines of the Eden Park changing rooms on Wednesday.

NEWS: Widely respected coach Chris Gibbes has joined the Hurricanes on a two-year deal as an assistant coach.

NEWS: The All Blacks are set to bring in some more muscle for the World Cup.

READERS' FORUM: Welcome to the LIVE STREAMING of the Springbok World Cup squad announcement.

NEWS: Will Skelton has made a decision about his playing future

TRANSFER NEWS: Toulon have bolstered their squad by signing a Springbok prop.

NEWS: A further five players have re-committed to the Queensland Reds ahead of the 2020 Super Rugby season.

As we build towards the naming of the Springbok squad for the World Cup, we felt the need to revive a very popular, previously published alternative XV.

REACTION: Owen Farrell reflected on England’s crushing 57-15 victory over Ireland that saw records tumble at Twickenham by declaring the best is yet to come.

OPINION: Having named their strongest line-up yet in the 2019 Rugby World Cup warm-up games, England were rewarded with a 57-15 victory over a strong Ireland side.

OPINION: The days of Twickenham annihilation and embarrassment by a massive scoreboard were supposed to be a thing of the past for Ireland.

REACTION: The Golden Lions will have to fix some tactical issues ahead of their semifinal match against the Griquas says head coach Ivan van Rooyen.

INJURY UPDATE: Scotland's hard-fought win over France has been accompanied with an extended injury list.

TOP14 REPORT: Australia international Peter Betham had a hand in all of Clermont's tries on Sunday as last season's Top 14 runners up began their campaign with a 28-10 victory over La Rochelle.

NEWS: Springbok and Western Province hooker Scarra Ntubeni took to social media to defend his character following his team's Currie Cup match against Free State Cheetahs in Bloemfontein.

REACTION: The South African Rugby Union has reacted swiftly to calls from a political group for Springbok lock Eben Etzebeth to be axed and arrested for assault.

REACTION: A shocked Joe Schmidt said there was a malaise about his Ireland team that was routed 15-57 by England in their Rugby World Cup warm-up Test on Saturday.

WATCH as Springbok Jaco Kriel tells Gloucester Rugby TV that he feels like a different player, as he prepares for a big 2019-20 season.

INJURY UPDATE: When the World Cup rolls around in a few weeks there will inevitably be injuries.

WORLD CUP SPOTLIGHT: They have become a fixture at Springbok Tests. They are loud and jovial.

CURRIE CUP REPORT: The Sharks beat a 14-man Blue Bulls team 48-40 at Loftus Versfeld in Pretoria on Saturday.

NEWS: Springbok and Stormers lock Eben Etzebeth has been accused of racially abusing and attacking a man in Cape Town.

NEWS: Springbok wing Aphiwe Dyantyi has tested positive for a banned substance.

In the dying seconds of the final of the Villager Sevens, Paarl Boys High started running from their own goal-line and raced down the field for the try which beat Bishops by two points.

MATCH REPORT: Joe Cokanasiga scored twice as England laid down a warning to their Rugby World Cup rivals with an astonishing 57-15 trouncing of Ireland at Twickenham on Saturday.

OPINION: Andy Goode, a RugbyPass pundit and former England flyhalf, explains why England might be moving backwards.

NEWS: Vaea Fifita’s dream of making the All Blacks’ 2019 Rugby World Cup squad is in jeopardy after being a late scratch from Wellington’s National Provincial Cup game with a knee injury.

READERS' FORUM: Welcome to the Currie Cup Round Seven encounter between the Blue Bulls and Sharks in Pretoria.

WATCH as we bring you all the highlights from the weekend's Currie Cup matches.

MATCH REPORT: The Free State Cheetahs have secured the top spot on the Currie Cup log after a thrilling 38-33 win over Western Province in their final-round clash in Bloemfontein.

MATCH REPORT: Chris Harris's converted second-half try gave Scotland their first win in six Tests as they beat France 17-14 in a Rugby World Cup warm-up Test at Murrayfield on Saturday.

TEAM UPDATE: Joe Marchant has replaced Jonathan Joseph on the replacements bench for England's Rugby World Cup warm-up Test with Ireland at Twickenham on Saturday.

TOP 14, SATURDAY WRAP: We take a look at all the results in the French Top 14 on Saturday.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: For the second time in the space of a week, there could be a new name at the top of the World Rugby's Rankings once they are officially updated on Monday.

OPINION: When the World Cup pools were first announced way back in 2017, it was hard to get too excited about the flagship competition which was still almost two years away.

WORLD CUP SPOTLIGHT: Michael Hooper has warned Australia's opponents that the Wallabies are about to benefit from the return of a fit and motivated David Pocock.

TRANSFER NEWS: The mass exodus of senior players from the Bulls have an additional member.

CURRIE CUP REPORT: The Golden Lions secured a home semifinal with a thrilling 27-26 win over Griquas in Kimberley on Saturday.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Joe Cokanasiga performed Fiji’s traditional Cibi war dance at the 2015 World Cup’s opening night, all the while thinking he would never play in the global spectacle.

READERS' FORUM: Welcome to the Currie Cup Round Seven encounter between the Free State Cheetahs and Western Province in Bloemfontein.

READERS' FORUM: Welcome to the World Cup warm-up match between England and Ireland in London.

FIXTURES: Saracens will begin the defence of their title with a mouthwatering Champions Cup clash against Racing 92 at Paris La Défense Arena on Sunday, November 17.

NEWS: Scottish Rugby has appointed Jim Mallinder as its new Performance Director.

READERS' FORUM: Welcome to the Currie Cup Round Seven encounter between Griquas and the Golden Lions in Kimberley.

INJURY UPDATE: Centre Wesley Fofana has been ruled out of France's Rugby World Cup warm-up Test with Scotland this weekend.

NEWS: The Free State Cheetahs have an ally when it comes to the development of their players.

REACTION: Belief will be the fuel the Wallabies feed on in the World Cup, according to returning back row star David Pocock.

WORLD CUP WARM-UP: With just under a month to go until the World Cup, England and Ireland are stepping up their preparations when they face-off at Twickenham on Saturday.

WORLD CUP WARM-UP: Scotland and France are in Edinburgh as Scotland look to avenge their Championship defeat in round three earlier this year to Les Bleus.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: The pool stages of the Currie Cup Premier Division will reach a dramatic conclusion on Saturday.

SQUAD ANNOUNCEMENT: Michael Cheika unveils his Wallabies World Cup squad.

TOP 14, WEEK ONE: New Zealand loose forward Victor Vito said it will be tough to begin the new French Top 14 season without four of his La Rochelle teammates who will be away on Rugby World Cup duty.