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Rugby's severest punishment of an infringement of the laws is a penalty try.

WATCH former Springbok and Saracens scrumhalf Neil de Kock sheds some light on those random trips while Scotland international Huw Jones takes us through his spectacular second try.

WATCH as the #RugbyLateTackle team brings in former international referee Jonathan Kaplan to get a different view on the controversies surrounding Television Match Officials in the modern game.

WATCH the #RugbyLateTackle team break down each South African Super Rugby franchise squad and identify players who they feel will make a massive impact this season.

WATCH as the #RugbyLateTackle team looks at what the immediate future holds for the Springboks now that Allister Coetzee has vacated his Head Coach position.

SUPER RUGBY REPORT: The Reds can celebrate their first win of the season, but they are a long way off the competition's pacesetters.

NEWS: New Zealand Rugby announced a partnership with English club Harlequins that could reportedly see star All Blacks on international sabbaticals playing for the London-based side.

SUPER RUGBY MATCH REPORT: The Blues' dry run against New Zealand opposition continues.

APPETISING SCHEDULE: There are some felicitous matches, with a few sub-plots that makes for a marathon of satisfactory games.

AS COLD AS ICE: The race for a place in the Aviva Premiership Rugby semi-finals and a spot in the European Rugby Champions Cup are heating up despite all parts of the country currently being affected due to the inclement weather.

ROUND FIVE: World Series leaders South Africa will have a massive target on their backs in the resort city in Nevada's Mojave Desert.

LISTEN as new Springbok coach Johan Erasmus explains what role the much-maligned Mzwandile Stick will play in the national team set-up.

SNOWED IN: Five of the seven Pro14 matches in Round 17 have been postponed due to adverse weather conditions.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: There are minimal changes to the Southern Kings starting XV for their Pro14 clash against the Dragons at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium on Friday.

NEWS: Golden Lions Under-21 Championship coach Bafana Nhleko has been added to a trimmed down Junior Springbok management team.

TRANSFER NEWS: The Worcester Warriors confirmed that Springbok centre Francois Venter will be joining the club on a two-year deal from Pro14 side the Cheetahs at the end of the European season this year.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Bulls head coach John Mitchell named an unchanged squad to face the Lions in their Super Rugby clash at Loftus Versfeld on Saturday.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Louis Schreuder will start at scrumhalf when the Sharks take on the Waratahs at Kings Park in Durban on Saturday.

NEWS: The Sharks have given new meaning to the phrase "media blackout" by asking journalists to give up their objectivity to support the Durban team.

SUPER RUGBY SPOTLIGHT: This past weekend Super Rugby went into overdrive, with 14 teams back in action for the first time in 2018 - after the South African conference kicked off proceedings the week before.

WEEKEND TEAMS: Super Rugby 2018 enters Round Three this weekend.

NEWS: Pro14 Rugby has confirmed that at least three matches have been postponed.

NEWS: England coach Eddie Jones vowed to never use public transport again after allegedly being subjected to physical and verbal abuse on a train journey following his side’s Six Nations defeat to Scotland.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: A new second-row combination and back row trio will take to Kings Park on Saturday when the Waratahs take on the Sharks in Durban.

NEWS: Johan Erasmus will spearhead the Springbok management team until the end of the 2023 World Cup.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: The Melbourne Rebels have made two changes to the matchday-23 for Saturday's game against the Sunwolves at Prince Chichibu Memorial Stadium in Tokyo, Japan.

NEWS: New Zealand Rugby (NZR) announced a record NZ$33 million profit ($23.8 million) Thursday on the back of last year's British and Irish Lions tour.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: The Crusaders have lost All Black loose forward Matt Todd to injury ahead of their clash against the Stormers in Christchurch on Saturday.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Dillyn Leyds will start at flyhalf in one of four changes to the Stormers starting line-up to face the Crusaders in Christchurch on Saturday.

SECOND CHANCES: Three of the four teams in Friday's matches will look to bounce back from opening-round losses.

The eight quarterfinals of European Professional Club Rugby (EPCR) will be played over the weekend of 30 March - 1 April 2018.

VEGAS SEVENS SPOTLIGHT: Blitzbok Siviwe Soyizwapi believes that the younger players keen to prove themselves keep the intensity high in the camp.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: England and Scotland will not face any further disciplinary actions for their players Six Nations pre-match altercations in the tunnel at Murrayfield.

SUPER RUGBY ROUND THREE SPOTLIGHT: As SuperRugby prepares to launch into Round Three it’s an excellent time to take a look at the hard numbers behind this weekend’s fixtures and ensure we all make sound decisions when lodging bets with the local bookie.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: The announcement of a successor to sacked Allister Coetzee as Springboks coach will be made Thursday in Johannesburg, a South African Rugby statement said.

TRANSFER NEWS: Warriors have announced that Australian flyhalf and Reds' journeyman Jono Lance will be returning to the Premiership club ahead of the 2018/19 season on a two-year contract.

SUPER RUGBY SPOTLIGHT: On the surface, Jesse Kriel looks unstoppable. Ben Smith takes a closer look!

The Six Nations has a week off but Europe's championship continues. The top match of this round is between the leading teams, Georgia and Spain after Spain's important victory over Romania in Madrid. Spain are well placed to qualify for the 2019 Rugby World Cup.

LISTEN as Lions coach Zacharia de Bruin explains to Jan de Koning why the Bulls are favourites for this week's trans-Jukskei derby.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Blues' Super Rugby season is not off to a good start and the latest news of Sonny Bill Williams just adds new pressure on coach Tana Umaga ahead of their crucial clash against Chiefs.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: The ever experienced Liam Messam returns to teh starting XV as one of three changes for the Chiefs' Super RUgby  mathc gainst against northern rivals the Blues at Eden Park in Auckland.

DISCIPLINARY UPDATE: Blues loose forward Antonio Kiri Kiri was suspended for one week by the Super Rugby judiciary over two disciplinary breaches during his side's loss to Highlanders.

TRANSFER NEWS: Jerome Kaino has called time on his All Blacks career by announcing he is set to move France at the end of the Super Rugby season.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENTS: Rory Arnold and Lachlan McCaffrey are the only two changes to the Brumbies starting XV for their showdown with the Reds at Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane.

LISTEN as rugby365's law guru Paul Dobson takes us inside the referees' sanctum and explains why they were correct with the penalty tries and yellow cards awarded this past weekend.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Wallabies coach Michael Cheika says he will likely quit if he fails to lead Australia to victory at the World Cup in Japan next year.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: The Reds have made two forced personnel changes to their starting XV for their first Super Rugby home game against the Brumbies on Friday.

INJURY UPDATE: Ireland centre Chris Farrell is likely to miss the rest of the Six Nations after suffering ligament damage in training, the Irish Rugby Football Union said on Tuesday.

SQUAD ANNOUNCEMENTS: A strong Springbok Sevens team will be in action as part of Team South Africa at the 2018 Gold Coast Commonwealth Games in Australia, where they will defend the title they won four years ago.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Lock Francois Mostert will start in the No.7 jersey when the Lions take on the Bulls at Loftus Versveld in Pretoria on Saturday.

NEWS: Eight players have committed their future with the Cheetahs until 2019.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Fortunes may have been won and lost in Las Vegas, but Springbok Sevens players Branco du Preez and Stedman Gans only have good memories of this iconic city.

INJURY UPDATE: Wales and Scarlets prop Wyn Jones will miss the remaining Six Nations fixtures due to a hamstring injury.

OPINION: There was some entertaining rugby on display in New Zealand in Round Two of Super Rugby.

DISCIPLINARY UPDATE: Reds lock Lukhan Tui has been suspended for three weeks following his side's 19-45 defeat to the Rebels.

VARSITY CUP ROUND FIVE WRAP: UP-Tuks' hopes of reclaiming the Varsity Cup took another dent after being handed their fourth-straight defeat as they fell to UCT-Ikeys at the Green Mile on Monday.

TRANSFER NEWS: Hurricanes utility forward Blade Thomson has confirmed he will join the Scarlets at the end of the Super Rugby season.

SUPER RUGBY SPOTLIGHT: All aboard the Aphiwe Dyantyi hype train, which is officially leaving the station.

RUGBY MEETS CRICKET: After their successful win over the Stormers last weekend, the Waratahs have opted to take a more relaxed approach for their match against Sharks.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: The Sharks have been working hard on their scrums ahead of their clash with the Waratahs at Kings Park in Durban on Saturday.

NEWS: France coach Jacques Brunel has kept faith in his squad that earned a first win in nine matches against Italy last weekend ahead of next week's crunch Six Nations encounter with England.

NEWS: Scotland forward Ryan Wilson has been cited for making contact with the eye of Nathan Hughes during Saturday's thrilling 25-13 victory over England, Six Nations authorities said on Monday.

INJURY UPDATES: The Bulls are sweating over the fitness of their captain, but the Lions are likely to have their best team on the field in their trans-Jukskei derby on Saturday.

NEWS: All Blacks and Crusaders prop Wyatt Crockett has announced his retirement.

NEWS: Wales will be the 'warm-up' match for South Africa, ahead of their June series against England.

France are the only unbeaten side after their whacking of Italy and England's defeat at the hands of the delighted Scots on a good day for Scottish rugby. But what a battle in Donnybrook!

SIX NATIONS SPOTLIGHT: While losing to Scotland for the first time in ten years will weigh heavily over the England squad, they now have to wait and see if Owen Farrell will face punishment for the scuffle in the tunnel before kick-off. We've got new footage of the incident. 

England and France are heading for a decider with yet more big wins in the Women's Six Nations.

SEVENS SPOTLIGHT: The Springbok Sevens team may have won three of the last five USA Sevens tournaments, but they will not be resting on their laurels this week as they start their defence of this title in the Sam Boyd Stadium in Las Vegas on Friday.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Scarlets' promising back-row forwars Jack Condy has been forced to retire due to a knee injury.

SUPER RUGBY WEEK TWO SPOTLIGHT: We take a quick look at who stepped up and who had a week to forget.

NEWS: Scotland's first win over England in 10 years has seen them climb up to fifth in the World Rugby Rankings.

OPINION: The 1014 team, in their unique way, takes a look at Week Three of the Six Nations.

SQUAD ANNOUNCEMENT: Celimpilo Gumede and Diego Appollis will add international experience to the SA Rugby Under-18 Sevens Academy squad for the Windhoek International 7s on March 9 and 10, where coach Marius Schoeman’s team will look to defend their title.

Banks Yantolo, the manager of SARU's referees, has sent out the playing times for rugby in primary and high schools in South Africa.

SIX NATIONS ROUND THREE: The Six Nations passed the halfway mark, as the runners and riders positioned themselves for their final push for success in the two rounds still to come.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Ireland and Leinster No.8 Jamie Heaslip has announced his decision to retire with immediate effect.

REACTION: Melbourne Rebels Head Coach Dave Wessels revealed that his side have plenty of room for improvement despite a record 45-19 win over the Queensland Reds at AAMI Park on Friday.

RUMOUR MILL: Sydney Roosters chairman Nick Politis has addressed rumours that Sonny Bill Williams was set to return to the NRL club in 2018.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Ospreys have identified Stormers head coach Robbie Fleck as the perfect replacement for Steve Tandy, according to various UK media outlets.

REACTION: England coach Eddie Jones was adamant all was far from lost for England following their shock Calcutta Cup defeat by Scotland.

OPINON: Former international referee Jonathan Kaplan added his voice to the growing concern around the current standards of the television match officials.

DICPLINARY NEWS: BLues flank Antonio Kiri Kiri will appear at a SANZAAR Judicial Committee Hearing after being cited for foul play during a Super Rugby match at the weekend.

INJURY UPDATE: The Stormers are sweating over the fitness of starting flyhalf Damian Willemse ahead of their clash against the Crusaders in Christchurch on Saturday.

NEWS: England and Scotland have been asked to explain a brief tunnel ruckus that erupted ahead of their Six Nations match in Edinburgh on Saturday.

TOP 14 WRAP: Ma'a Nonu scored a crucial late try as Toulon pulled off a 27-20 victory at previously high-flying La Rochelle on Sunday.

UPDATE: Queensland Reds skipper Scott Higginbotham will miss three weeks of Super Rugby following his red card early in his team's opening match against the Melbourne Rebels, SANZAAR said on Monday.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Wits could join Maties at the top of the table when the two sides clash at the Wits Stadium on Monday.

PREMIERSHIP SUNDAY WRAP: Telusa Veainu's fine solo try helped Leicester Tigers claim a bonus point 28-20 win over Saracens as the hosts missed out on the opportunity to go top of the Premiership table.

REACTION: Crusaders head coach Scott Robertson was satisfied with the way his side contained Chiefs star Damian McKenzie in their opening Super Rugby clash on Saturday.

PRO14 REPORT: The boot of Jarrod Evans proved the difference as Cardiff Blues won a war of attrition with Zebre to record their third win on the spin in the Pro14.

REACTION: The Waratahs will head to South Africa full of confidence after their tense 34-27 win over the Stormers in Sydney on Saturday.

REACTION: While disappointed with the result, Reds head coach Brad Thorn said he was pleased with the fight shown by his side in their 19-45 loss to the Melbourne Rebels.

REACTION: Lions head coach Swys de Bruin believes wing Aphiwe Dyantyi has the potential to achieve big things in the game with the right support.

REACTION: Bulls head coach John Mitchell believes his side's surprise 21-19 win over the Hurricanes is a good platform to build on for the rest of the Super Rugby tournament.

REACTION: The Stormers probably squandered their best opportunity to win on their Australasian tour in Super Rugby this year.

REACTION: Eddie Jones accepted the blame after England saw their hopes of another Six Nations title dented by a 13-25 defeat to Scotland.

REACTION: Finn Russell insisted there was nothing "risky" about his game after playing a key role in ending Scotland's decade-long wait for a victory over England at Murrayfield on Saturday.

INJURY UPDATE: French wing Teddy Thomas suffered an ankle injury in Racing 92's defeat to Pau on Saturday, just 11 days after he was axed from the national team for a boozy night out while on Six Nations duty.

REACTION: Ireland head coach Joe Schmidt has defended Johnny Sexton after his performance during Ireland’s 37-27 win over Wales.

OPINION: The 125th edition of the Calcutta Cup played out today and, with little surprise, it duly delivered a fascinating rugby spectacle.

PRO14 REPORT: A superb second-half performance from Scarlets gave them a 34-10, bonus-point victory over Ulster at Parc y Scarlets and gave defending champions some breathing room in the fight for a place in the play-offs.

OPINION: Huw Jones scored two tries to help Scotlan produced an historic win over England at the Murrayfield.

PRO14 REPORT: A second-half revival from Connacht saw the Irish side halt Benetton in their tracks and bring their five-game winning run to a close.

PRO14 REPORT: Sam Davies held his nerve to kick Ospreys to victory over the Cheetahs and keep alive their faint hopes of a play-off berth.

PREMIERSHIP WRAP: Exeter Chiefs reclaimed first place on the standings with a come-from-behind win over Northampton Saints on Saturday.

OPINION: A Jacob Stockdale intercept with the clock in the red wrapped up a 37-27 win for Joe Schmidt’s side, to keep them on track for the Grand Slam.

OPINION: Warren Gatland's 100th match in charge of Wales ended on a rather sour note.

SIX NATIONS MATCH REPORT: Scotland produced a huge upset to beat Six Nations champions England 25-13 at Murrayfield on Saturday.

SUPER RUGBY REPORT: The Bulls showed grit not seen in years to battle past the Hurricanes in a bruising encounter in Pretoria on Saturday.

SUPER RUGBY MATCH REPORT: The Lions moved to the top of the standings with an impressive seven-try demolition of the Jaguares at Ellis Park on Saturday.

SIX NATIONS MATCH REPORT: A late intept try by Jacob Stockdale made sure Ireland keep their Six Nations Grand Slam hopes alive with a pulsating 37-27 victory over Wales at Lansdowne Road on Saturday.

SUPER RUGBY REPORT: Bed Hanigan scored the winning try deep into referee's additional time, as the Waratahs stole the match from the Stormers.

SUPER RUGBY REPORT: Dour tries in the last quarter, including a penalty try, saw the Crusaders race away from the Chiefs in their opening match of the season.

DISCIPLINARY UPDATE: Three players will appear at SANZAAR hearings after Friday's Round Two matches in the Super Rugby competition.

THE CALCUTTA CUP: There are many great rivalries in the world of rugby union. As with most things in life, opinions vary from place to place when selecting the greatest of all rivalries.

SUPER RUGBY REPORT: The Brumbies held on in the face of a fierce, late charge by the Sunwolves to secure the win in their opening match of the season.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Scotland captain John Barclay feels England are "massive favourites" for Saturday’s Calcutta Cup clash at Murrayfield.

PRO14 REPORT: Edinburgh kept up the pressure at the top of Conference B in the Pro14 as Cameron Fenton secured a last-gasp score to seal 12-25 against the Dragons.

PRO14 REPORT: Ciaran Frawley put in a scintillating performance as Leinster strengthened their grip at the top of Conference B with a 10-try 64-7 victory over the Southern Kings.

PRO14 REPORT: Munster refused to stand on ceremony as they ensured that Rob Harley's record-breaking Glasgow Warriors appearance ended in defeat.

SIX NATIONS REPORT: Mathieu Bastareaud celebrated his return to the France side following a three-week ban for a homophobic slur with a try in Friday's 34-17 Six Nations victory over Italy.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Fears over the fitness of Ireland's star flyhalf Johnny Sexton ahead of Saturday's Six Nations clash with Wales have been allayed by Irish skipper Rory Best.

TRANSFER NEWS: South African flyhalf Morne Steyn will leave Stade Francais to join Brive at the end of this season, according to a source at his new club.

NEWS: Harlequins announced contract extensions for Academy graduates Archie White and Josh Ibuanokpe, and former Gloucester prop Josh McNulty.

UPDATE: Wasps centre Gaby Lovobalavu was this week suspended for four matches by an independent disciplinary panel.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Cheetahs have kept their changes to a minimum as they seek continuity for the Pro14 fixture against Ospreys at the Liberty Stadium.

TRANSFER NEWS: Samoan wing Sinoti Sinoti will be thrilling Newcastle Falcons fans beyond the end of this season after the star agreed on a contract extension to remain at Kingston Park Stadium.

WATCH as England wing Anthony Watson says his added muscle mass hasn’t affected his speed and says he’s happy to stay at his new weight.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Ireland star Donncha O’Callaghan believes more needs to be done to protect players from the dangers of concussion.

NEWS: In a historic event, the boards of Rugby Victoria (RV) and Melbourne Rebels came together to unanimously vote in support of the constitutional change to usher in a new era for Victorian rugby.

TEAM UPDATE: Bulls fullback Warrick Gelant has been pulled out of the side on the eve of their Super Rugby match against Hurricanes on Saturday. 

Since 2006, Irish clubs and Scottish clubs have picked an international team and played each other. Since 2011, they have played for the Dalriada Cup.

SUPER RUGBY REPORT: The new-look Rebels took full advantage of being a man up for 70 minutes to rout an indisciplined Reds team in Melbourne on Friday.

SIX NATIONS, ROUND THREE: Winning may not be everything in sport, but as far as England coach Eddie Jones is concerned it sure beats being "entertaining".

SUPER RUGBY REPORT: The Highlanders gave their new coach, Aaron Mauger, a winning start.

SIX NATIONS ROUND THREE: Warren Gatland's 100th Test in charge of Wales will taste doubly sweet if it delivers victory over Ireland in what former Irish star Shane Horgan labels the "grudge match of the Six Nations"

The only teams who have won two out of two so far are England and France. They could well be comfortable winners  this weekend, saving the final decision for their meeting in Grenoble on 10 March 2018, in Round 4.

SIX NATIONS ROUND THREE: Mathieu Bastareaud knows he's been given a few chances in his life and at the age of 29 the burly centre has no intention of letting this one go.

WALL-TO-WALL: Strap yourself in. There are 12 hours of uninterrupted action on the first full Saturday of the season.

This week the big contest will probably be in Donnybrook - a great place for a scrap - when Ireland play Wales. It could well decide who comes third in the 2018 Under-20 Six Nations.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Andrew Porter will have to fill the sizeable boots of British and Irish Lions star Tadgh Furlong when he makes his first Six Nations start against Wales at Lansdowne Road on Saturday.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Jaguares coach Mario Ledesma has made two changes to his team for their Super Rugby Round Two encounter with the Lions at Ellis Park on Saturday.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: There were a few changes made by Southern Kings head coach Deon Davids when he named his team to take on Leinster in a Pro14 championship clash on Friday.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: London Irish host in-form Worcester Warriors in the first game of a Sunday Premiership double-header, before Leicester Tigers travel to league-leaders Saracens.

RATINGS PREVIEW: It may have been a rather one-sided match-up in recent years, but there is still something very special about a Calcutta Cup clash between Scotland and England, especially one played at Murrayfield.

SUPER RUGBY SPOTLIGHT: One of the beauties of the New Zealand derbies is that we get head-to-head All Blacks trials in several positions.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: After a weekend of great drama in the Pro14 the battle to reach the Final Series has reached a fierce intensity.

SQUAD ANNOUNCEMENT: The experienced Philip Snyman is back from injury to lead the Springbok Sevens' next weekend in Las Vegas when they contest Round Five of the World Rugby Sevens Series.

TRANSFER NEWS: Warriors have signed South African Scott van Breda on a one-year deal.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: The Lions team to face the Jaguares in a Super Rugby match at Ellis Park on Saturday shows two changes.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Bulls coach John Mitchell named four Springboks in his starting team for their Super Rugby opener against the Hurricanes.

SEVENS WORLD SERIES:  Australian coach Andy Friend has made three changes to his side ahead of the Las Vegas tournament next weekend.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Nathan Hughes (Wasps) returns to the side at No.8 for the first time this year following a knee injury he picked up in December.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Three new caps have been included in the starting XV for the Hurricanes, as they prepare to kick off their Super Rugby season against the Bulls at Loftus Versfeld on Saturday.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Four players will make their Waratahs Super Rugby debuts against the Stormers in Sydney on Saturday.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Pieter-Steph du Toit and Sarel Marais both return from injury for the Stormers' encounter with the Waratahs in Sydney on Saturday.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Chiefs head coach Colin Cooper has selected a physical and experienced line-up for Saturday's clash against the Crusaders in Christchurch.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Crusaders head coach Scott Robertson has named a strong starting XV for the New Zealand derby match against the Chiefs, including nine All Blacks with 281 test caps between them.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: South Africans Pieter Labuschagne and Grant Hattingh will both make their Sunwolves debut against the Brumbies in Tokyo on Saturday.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: The Brumbies have announced a strong side for their first fixture of the 2018 Super Rugby season as they prepare to face the Sunwolves in a chilly Tokyo on Saturday. 

NEWS: Multiple media outlets in France are now reporting that Johan Goosen has been bought out of his Racing 92 contract by Montpellier in an unprecedented mega deal.

REACTION: Finn Russell's place in the Scotland Six Nations team was "never in doubt".

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Maxime Mbanda will make his first start in this year's Six Nations as Italy coach Conor O'Shea made three changes for Friday's clash against France in Marseille.

THE REAL DEAL: Last week was an appetiser. The competition starts for real this week.

TRANSFER NEWS: Warriors confirmed that back-row Alafoti Faosiliva has signed a one-year contract extension to keep him at Sixways.

OPINION: Super Rugby’s coaching carousel has come to a stop for now, with nine teams – almost two-thirds of the competition – featuring a new man at the helm.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Scotland coach Gregor Townsend opted for continuity after naming an unchanged starting XV for Saturday's Six Nations showdown with England at BT Murrayfield.

WATCH as Former Springbok coach Peter de Villiers - now the mentor of Zimbabwe - lashes out as only he can. How we have missed his eccentric media briefings.

SUPER RUGBY SPOTLIGHT: The Lions believe they are still way off the pace, despite starting their 2018 campaign with a win

PREMIERSHIP NEWS:  Gloucester coach Johan Ackermann and his son Ruan will face no action from the police over an alleged nightclub assault.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Mathieu Bastareaud made his return to the France Six Nations team to face Italy named by coach Jacques Brunel on Wednesday following a three-week ban for using a homophobic slur.

BEYOND THE GAME: Tributes are pouring in after a Doncaster Knights prop tragically died during a training session yesterday.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Blues coach Tana Umaga has named Bryn Gatland at flyhalf for his side's Super Rugby match against the Highlanders on Friday.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: New Highlanders coach Aaron Mauger has made only one change to his starting XV for their first Super Rugby match against the Blues in Round two.

PREDICTION TIME: The rugby365 team steps into murky waters of the prediction world as the Super Rugby season gets into full swing.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Reds head coach Brad Thorn will hope that his modifications during the off-season will pay off as his side welcome back Izack Rodda and Eto Nabuli into the starting XV for a trip to Melbourne Rebels.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Finally, Wallabies scrumhalf Will Genia will make his much-anticipated start for the Rebels in their Super Rugby clash against the Reds in Round two.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Wales head coach Warren Gatland says nullifying the threat of halfback stars Johnny Sexton and Conor Murray is key to victory in Saturday's Six Nations clash in Dublin.

INJURY UPDATE: Scans confirmed that Sharks loose forward Daniel du Preez has a shoulder ligament tear.

It's the 47th Edition of the South African Rugby Annual and again quite the best of any country's rugby annual. 

Six Nations are back in action as they reach half-way. Six different levels are in action.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Wales head coach Warren Gatland has named Dan Biggar at flyhalf for the Six Nations match against Ireland in Dublin.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Stormers assistant coach Russell Winter is expecting Sikhumbuzo Notshe to reach new heights after his stint with the Springbok Sevens team.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: England will use battery powered heated track suits to help their replacements combat the cold against Scotland in Saturday's Six Nations clash at Murrayfield.

INJURY UPDATE: Southern Kings' centre Harlon Klaasen has returned to South Africa due to an injury.

OPINION: There were only two games in Round One of Super Rugby, which means only there were four teams to pick from for our first Team of the Week.

VARSITY CUP, ROUND FOUR WRAP: Fresh from a defeat, NWU-Pukke made sure they gave the Fanie du Toit faithful something to celebrate with a narrow 18-15 win over UJ.

INJURY UPDATE: Wales have received a timely boost ahead of their Six Nations clash with Ireland after the whole squad, including Dan Biggar, Leigh Halfpenny and Taulupe Faletau, was passed fit.

UPDATE: A French appeals court acquitted Australia international prop Salesi Ma'afu of a conviction for assault, his lawyer said on Monday.

NEWS: Outspoken Toulon President Mourad Boudjellal will face a European disciplinary hearing after blasting authorities over their "morality" in the wake of Mathieu Bastareaud's citing for using a homophobic slur.

TEAM UPDATE: With no new injuries, Bulls coach John Mitchell is likely to field a very familiar team in their opening match of the Super Rugby season.

Rugby365 law guru Paul Dobson looks at Kwagga Smith's try against the Sharks in the opening round of Super Rugby and sides with referee Glen Jackson on his call.

SUPER RUGBY REACTION: The Stormers believe touring early in the season is the perfect remedy for any ills in the team

WATCH all the SUPER RUGBY Round One highlights - the tries and best moments.

SUPER rugby spotlight: John Tabaiwalu Fakavale Matson is a familiar face in Christchurch. However, this week the 'welcome' might not be so friendly.

INJURY UPDATE: Garry Ringrose has joined the Ireland squad ahead of their Six Nations clash against Wales at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin on Saturday.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Fiji star wing Nemani Nadolo has urged SANZAAR to introduce a Pacific Island team to the competition.

SQUAD ANNOUNCEMENT: Junior Springboks coach Chean Roux has named his squad for four training camps and a UK tour planned as preparations for the World Rugby U20 Championship – in the south of France from May 30 to June 17.

INJURY UPDATE: The Reds have been dealt a devestating blow as star wing Izaia Perese will be sidelined until early April.

NEWS: Chiefs stars Sam Cane and Charlie Ngatai have been named as co-captains for the 2018 Super Rugby season.

TRANSFER NEWS: All Blacks great Jerome Kaino’s long-heralded move to France is set to go ahead in the next few weeks, according to New Zealand media outlets.

NEWS: England No.8 Thomas Waldrom will be heading back to the Southern Hemisphere.

INJURY UPDATE: The Melbourne Rebels will have Wallabies Adam Coleman and Will Genia fit for their opening Super Rugby clash against the Reds at AAMI Park on Friday.

SQUAD ANNOUNCEMENT: Nathan Hughes has been named in the England squad for the Six Nations clash with Scotland on Saturday after recovering from a knee injury.

NEWS: Wallabies and Queensland Reds star Karmichael Hunt avoided conviction Monday when a cocaine charge against him was dropped, although he admitted possession of a restricted prescription drug.

TOP 14 WRAP: Racing92 scored three tries in the first half and held off a second-half fightback by La Rochelle to win 19-12 and leapfrog into second place.

SUPER RUGBY REACTION: When seasoned coaches Johan Ackermann and JP Ferreira left the Lions, the naysayers and sceptics started writing the Lions' obituary.

PRO14 MATCH REPORT: Benetton set a club record of five consecutive wins with a 18-15 victory over Dragons at Rodney Parade.

PREMIERSHIP MATCH REPORT: Marcus Watson scored the crucial try as Wasps secured a tight victory against Exeter Chiefs.

SUPER RUGBY REACTION: The Sharks have a couple of injury concerns, but a lack of patience is a bigger problem for coach Robert du Preez.

SQUAD ANNOUNCEMENT: The Stormers received a timely boost, just hours ahead of flying out for a three-match Super Rugby tour of Australasia.

SUPER RUGBY REACTION: The Jaguares require a serious attitude adjustment or their lack of discipline will continue to cost them.

SUPER RUGBY SPOTLIGHT: Last season’s competition saw the likes of Rieko Ioane burst onto the scene for the Blues.

SUPER RUGBY SPOTLIGHT: In December, SANZAAR held a camp in Stellenbosch to discuss the management of the coming season.

SCHOOL FESTIVAL: It's summer in South Africa, but already rugby is on the go. 

THE BURNING QUESTION: Can anybody end the unbeaten run of the University of Stellenbosch?

INJURY UPDATE: The Waratahs forwards are ready to take on the Stormers' monstrous pack, despite injury concerns up front.

AMERICAS RUGBY CHAMPIONSHIP WRAP: Former Chicago Bears NFL player Paul Lasike scored a try on debut as the United States maintained their 100 percent start to the competition.

TOP 14 SATURDAY WRAP: Chris Ashton scored his second hat-trick of the season as Toulon romped to a 43-5 victory over Stade Francais in the French Top 14 on Saturday.

PRO14 REPORT: Jarrod Evans' composure from the kicking tee gave Cardiff blues an impressive 25-18 win over Munster at Cardiff Arms Park, as the hosts weathered an Irish storm.

PRO14 REPORT: All Blacks star James Lowe scored two tries as Leinster moved clear at the top of Conference B with a 20-13 win over Scarlets at the RDS Arena.

PREMIERSHIP REPORT: Northampton Saints produced a superb second-half fightback at Franklin’s Gardens with three second-half tries seeing off London Irish for a 25-17 win.

PREMIERSHIP REPORT: Worcester Warriors claim the local bragging rights with a 25-15 victory over Gloucester at Sixways. 

INJURY UPDATE: The Stormers will head off on their three-match Australasian tour on Sunday without their Springbok hooker.

PREMIERSHIP REPORT: Matt Toomua scored 23 points as Leicester Tigers kept alive their hopes of a 14th consecutive appearance in the semi-finals with a 33-18 win over Harlequins.

SUPER RUGBY REPORT: The Lions got off to a winning start in this year's Super Rugby tournament with a 26-19 victory over the Sharks at Ellis Park on Saturday.

SUPER RUGBY REPORT: The Stormers survived a strong Jaguares fightback in the second half to record a 28-20 win at Newlands in Round One of Super Rugby.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: New All Blacks sensation Asafo Aumua has been left out of the Hurricanes squad to tour South Africa and Argentina – pushing back a potential Super Rugby debut until at least week three.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: The man in charge of the 1995 World Cup final referee recalled the "extraordinary transformation" in South Africa after receiving a public honour from Britain's Queen Elizabeth II for his services to rugby.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Scotland WP Nel has returned to training ahead of next week's Calcutta Cup clash with reigning champions England at Murrayfield.

PREMIERSHIP REPORT: Newcastle Falcons completed the double over Bath for the first time in 20 years with an impressive bonus-point victory at Kingston Park.

PREMIERSHIP REPORT: Mark McCall's Saracens moved to the summit of the table as they won a tight contest against Sale Sharks thanks to an opportunist try from Liam Williams.

PRO14 REPORT: Zebre ended Connacht's three-game unbeaten run in all competitions with a courageous display at the Sportsground.

PRO14 REPORT: Duncan Weir struck a last-minute drop-goal to kick Edinburgh to a dramatic 17-16 victory over Ulster and move them up to third in Conference B.

PRO14 REPORT: Two second-half penalty tries proved crucial as Ospreys denied Southern Kings a first-ever win at the Liberty Stadium.

PRO14 REPORT: Glasgow Warriors continued to put daylight between themselves and their rivals in Pool A.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: With moves to the Northern Hemisphere confirmed for the likes of Brad Shields, Lima Sopoaga, Charlie Ngatai and Seta Tamanivalu, amongst others, in recent months, it has clearly prompted the New Zealand Rugby Union to act.

NEWS: Six Nations top try-scorer Teddy Thomas has paid for his role in France's infamous night out in Edinburgh by losing the ethics bonus given by his club Racing 92.

TRANSFER NEWS: Ireland utility back Andrew Conway has signed a contract extension with Munster Rugby and the IRFU.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Queensland Rugby Union Chairman Damien Frawley believes the appointment of Brad Thorn as Reds head coach will not only benefit Super Rugby but also the financial stature of the franchise.

WATCH as Wallaby flank Michael Hooper shows how fast he is during Waratahs's Pre-season win over Melbourne Rebels.

TOP14, ROUND 16: France's beleaguered rugby team will relish the chance to escape the spotlight this weekend as the Six Nations takes a break and the battle for Top 14 play-off berths resumes.

INJURY UPDATE: Welsh centre Jonathan Davies' season is now over in what is a body blow for Scarlets and Welsh rugby at large.

TRANSFER NEWS: New Zealand rugby has won the battle to sign cross-code star Etene Nanai-Seturo after the league club Warriors opted to release the youngster to the 15-man code.

OPINION: As we near the start of the highly anticipated Super Rugby season, the #RugbyLateTackle team identifies South African players who they feel will make a big impact for their franchise.

SEARCHING FOR ENTERTAINMENT: It is another new start - not because it is a new season, but there is an attempt to revive an ailing competition.

SQUAD ANNOUNCEMENT: Nine new Hurricanes have been included in the squad to prepare for their opening two matches of the Super Rugby season.

SQUAD ANNOUNCEMENT: The Melbourne Rebels have finalised their squad for the 2018 Super Rugby season following Thursday's final pre-season trial match.

REACTION: Not many teams can afford to lose two internationals locks and still feel they have a second row capable of coping with the demands of Super Rugby.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: With just seven rounds left to go in the Pro14 Round 15 promises plenty of fiery competition as six of the seven fixtures are in-Conference clashes. 

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: The Southern Kings have made one change to their starting XV for their clash against Ospreys in Wales on Friday.

DOWN TO THE WIRE: As the Premership hit Round 15 the race to teh semi-final has been impossible to call.

INJURY UPDATE: Experienced France scrumhalf Morgan Parra will miss the whole of the Six Nations as he needs a knee operation, his club Clermont said on Thursday.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Four players are set to make their Stormers debut in the Super Rugby season-opener against the Jaguares at Newlands on Saturday.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Niel Marais will start in the No.10 jersey when the Cheetahs take on the Glasgow Warriors in Glasgow on Friday.

PRE-SEASON REPORT: The Waratahs have claimed a 47-5 victory over the Melbourne Rebels at Brookvale Oval in Sydney in the final trial match ahead of the 2018 Super Rugby season.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Warren Whiteley is back to lead the Lions for their opening Super Rugby match against the Sharks at Ellis Park on Saturday.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Robert du Preez junior and Makazole Mapimpi will both make their Sharks debuts in Super Rugby against the Lions at Ellis Park on Saturday.

PRE-SEASON REPORT: Highlanders centre Matt Faddes scored a first-half hat-trick in his team's 42-26 win over the Crusaders in a Super Rugby pre-season clash in Waimumu on Thursday.

SANZAAR has sent out sightly adapted procedures for dealing with head injury assessments (HIA) for Super Rugby in 2018.

PART ONE: Reds head coach Brad Thorn has revealed his decision to dump mercurial playmaker Quade Cooper was due in part because he ‘struggled’ in attack, game management and defence last season.

WATCH the footage of England’s scrummaging session with Georgia, which emerged following the run out between the two sides in London.

UPDATE: Six Nations Rugby has produced a statement on two incidents of Head Injury Assessments in the match between France and Ireland on 3 February 2018.

SUPER RUGBY SPOTLIGHT: Super Rugby's latest incarnation kicks off this weekend with event boss Andy Marinos vowing the slimmed-down tournament will deliver a "competitive and compelling" spectacle to end years of criticism.

PRE-SEASON REPORT: The Hurricanes have ended their pre-season campaign with a  26-14 win over the Blues in Auckland on Thursday.

REACTION: French rugby chiefs have launched "an internal investigation" which could recommend "sanctions" after a number of players were accused of "inappropriate behaviour" while in Scotland for last weekend's Six Nations clash

Defeat at Murrayfield, their second in two matches hurt France, and some may have sought solace in the evening activities of Edinburgh.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Concussion has ended the career of another professional rugby player, this time in Super Rugby.

OPINION: The demise of the once astral and luminous Currie Cup races towards us, as selfish union and personal interest seems to condemn this once great tournament to the scrap heap of South African Rugby.

World Rugby has issued a comprehensive document to clarify some aspects of Law relating to games which revert to uncontested scrums. It is about what happens when a team of 23 players has a front-row player carded. It could suffer more as a result.

EXCLUSIVE: When Michele Campagnaro underwent anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction of the left knee in September last year they suggested he could be sidelined for nine months.

TRANSFER NEWS: Wales internationals Ashley Beck has confirmed that he has signed for Premiership side Worcester Warriors for next season.

TRANSFER NEWS: England prop Kieran Brookes will be leaving Premiership side Northampton Saints at the end of the season.

SUPER RUGBY PRE-SEASON REPORT: Chiefs' scrumhalf Brad Weber scored a hat-trick of tries during his side's hard-fought 38-26 win over the Brumbies at the Sunshine Coast Stadium in Kawana.

IN THE SUPER RUGBY SPOTLIGHT: It often happens that promising rugby players take up a cricket career after school. Joey Mongalo is the polar opposite.

INJURY UPDATE: The Springbok Sevens' depth will seriously be tested as they will be without playmaker Justin Geduld for the next two World Rugby Sevens tournaments in Las Vegas and Vancouver.

SUPER RUGBY PRE-SEASON: Crusaders coach Scott Robertson has included nine All Blacks in his starting XV for their final match of the pre-season Highlanders.

SUPER RUGBY PRE-SEASON: Reds head coach Brad Thorn has handed Jono Lance his first start at flyhalf for their final pre-season match against Fiji Warriors on Thursday.

NEWS: It has flown under the radar for some, but there is finally new 'developments' in the Jurie Roux versus University of Stellenbosch saga.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Wallaby scrumhalf Will Genia will miss the Rebels' final Super Rugby trial against the Waratahs due to a back injury.

SUPER RUGBY PRE-SEASON: The Blues have brought in their All Blacks for their final pre-season match against the Hurricanes ahead of the start of the Super Rugby Championship.

DISCIPLINARY UPDATE: England centre Kyle Eastmond has been suspended for six weeks for two dangerous tackles during Wasps' win over Harlequins.

REACTION: Eddie Jones accused World Rugby of indulging in "retrospective refereeing" after the governing body said a mistake had been made in failing to award Wales a try during England's 12-6 Six Nations win at Twickenham.

LISTEN to the rugby365 team, as they chat to Franco Smith about his decision to turn his back on the Springbok coaching job.

When Jaco Peyper blows his whistle at Newlands at 15.00, he will start 2018 Super Rugby.

REACTION: rugby365 law expert Paul Dobson first pointed it out and World Rugby agrees: The TMO in the England versus Wales game got it badly wrong.

TRANSFER NEWS: Scotland international forward Cornell du Preez will be joining the Worcester Warriors ahead of the 2018/19 campaign on a two-year deal.

SQUAD ANNOUNCEMENT: Flanks Renato Giammarioli and Giovanni Licata return to Italy's 30-man squad named Tuesday by coach Conor O'Shea ahead of Italy's third Six Nations clash against France on February 23.

NEWS: Wales internationals Jonathan Davies, Gareth Davies and Jake Ball have all signed national dual contracts with the Scarlets and Welsh Rugby Union in a bid to prevent them being lured by clubs in England and France.

NEWS: Northampton Saints have just confirmed the signing of wing Taqele Naiyaravoro from the Waratahs.

UPDATE: Eight France players who went out in Edinburgh after the Six Nations loss to Scotland on Sunday were omitted from the squad announced on Tuesday for the next game, against Italy.

COMPETITION TIME! We're giving away 3 pairs of tickets to the Aviva Premiership game: Leicester Tigers v. Harlequins on Saturday 17th  February courtesy of LeoVegas.

INJURY UPDATE: Wales wing Alex Cuthbert has been released from the Six Nations squad after suffering a knee injury.

SUPER RUGBY SPOTLIGHT: There may be a bit more kicking from the Lions than usual when they host the Sharks in Johannesburg on Saturday.

Cancer has again fatally struck the Botha family. This time it is father Darius who has died.

AUDIO: Assistant coaches Paul Treu and Paul Feeney have both been given new roles at the Stormers.

VARSITY CUP, ROUND THREE WRAP: Reigning Varsity Cup Champions UP-Tuks suffered their third consecutive defeat in Round three.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Brumbies coach Dan McKellar has named a strong team to take on New Zealand outfit the Chiefs in the club’s final trial match at the Sunshine Coast Stadium in Kawana.

INJURY UPDATE: Sam Simmonds could miss England's upcoming Six Nations international away to Scotland after being omitted from the squad selected for this week's training camp in London.

NEWS: Hurricanes prop Reggie Goodes has been forced to retire from rugby due to a continuing series of concussions.

INJURY UPDATE: The Bulls received some good news in the wake of their pre-season victory over the Jaguares at the weekend.

UPDATE: The French team's flight back from Edinburgh, following their Six Nations defeat by Scotland at the weekend', was delayed on Monday.

As expected only the match in Russia between Spain and Russia was close. Georgia a big one and Romania a huge one.

SIX NATIONS ROUND TWO: It was a weekend of high drama, controversy and - most of all - entertaining rugby.

INJURY UPDATE: Ireland's Robbie Henshaw will miss the remainder of the Six Nations due to a shoulder injury, the Ireland medical team confirmed.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: French players have been detained by Scotland authorities, after their 26-32 defeat to Scotland this past Sunday.

We were wrong. The closest match was that between Ireland and Italy in Dublin.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Wasps confirmed that Danny Cipriani will leave the club when his contract expires at the end of the season.

BEWARE: As if Jordie Barrett’s skill set and athletic ability weren’t enough, the twice-capped All Blacks phenom has been ‘bulking up’ ahead of Super Rugby.

SUPER RUGBY PREVIEW 2018 - TEAM-BY-TEAM:  In the 15th and final instalment of our build-up to the season we look at the only non-Australian team in the Aussie pool - the Sunwolves.

Nick Shehadie, who meant an enormous amount to rugby in Australia and indeed in the world, died peacefully on Sunday night, 11 February 2012, surrounded by his family - rugby player, captain, administrator, business man and a politician who was Lord Mayor of Sydney.

OPINION: After the embarrassing 7-34 loss to Wales in Cardiff, Scotland reorganised and produced a hard-fought 32-26 win over France.

rugby365 law guru Paul Dobson looks at the most contentious incident of the weekend - in the Six Nations match between England and Wales.

WATCH as the 1014 team review Week Two of the 2018 Six Nations.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: The Stormers' flyhalf spot has been a revolving door in the last few seasons. 

OPINION: France suffered their second consecutive Six Nations defeat after going down to Scotland at the Murrayfield.

TRANSFER NEWS: The Sunwolves have bolstered their backline stocks with the signing of Jason Emery.

In the women's Six Nations, England are the team to beat  for those whose ambition includes winning the championship.

PREMIERSHIP MATCH REPORT: Thomas Young scored two tries as 14-man Wasps produced a stunning 44-22 win over Harlequins at the Stoop.

PRO14 MATCH REPORT: Monty Ioane scored a sensational hat-trick as Benetton Rugby earned a bonus point 22-12 over reigning PRO14 champions Scarlets.

SIX NATIONS MATCH REPORT: Six second-half penalties by Greig Laidlaw earned Scotland a hard-fought 32-26 victory against France, kick-starting their Six Nations campaign after their crushing 34-7 loss to Wales in Cardiff.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Maties will look to record three consecutive wins when they host the current-title holders UP-Tuks at Danie Craven Stadium.

AMERICAS RUGBY CHAMPIONSHIP WRAP: The United States scored 15 unanswered points in the second-half for a 29-10 victory over Canada in the Americas Rugby Championship.

SIX NATIONS REACTION: After playing both teams, Italy captain Sergio Parisse believes Ireland can end England's run of two successive Six Nations titles.

INJURY UPDATE: Ireland dished out a 56-19 Six Nations thrashing to Italy in Dublin on Saturday, but Joe Schmidt’s side face an anxious wait after Tadhg Furlong and Robbie Henshaw were taken off injured.

SIX NATIONS REACTION: England coach Eddie Jones praised his side's "courage" after they saw off Wales 12-6 at a rainswept Twickenham to preserve an unbeaten start to their Six Nations title defence.

PRE-SEASON REPORT: Bulls coach John Mitchell says he has his 'best 23' mapped out for their opening match of the 2018 Super Rugby season.

REACTION: Wales coach Warren Gatland claims he could not understand why Gareth Anscombe was denied a try in the 6-12 Six Nations defeat to England at Twickenham.

PRO14 MATCH REPORT: Sam Arnold's double helped Munster to a five-try victory over Zebre and strengthen their hold on second in the Conference A table.

OPINION: After all the entertainment of the pre-match press conferences over the past week, England and Wales finally met on Saturday, with England edging a tense 12-6 win at Twickenham.

OPINION: Wales became stronger the later the game went on, but still lost 6-12 top England in  a thrilling Six Nations encounter at a rain-swept Twickenham on Saturday.

OPINION: Ireland picked up their second win of the Six Nations with a comprehensive 56-19 win over Italy.

PRO14 REPORT: The Cheetahs suffered their sixth defeat of the 2017/2018 Pro14 season when they went down 20-25 to the Cardiff Blues in Cardiff on Saturday.

PREMIERSHIP SATURDAY WRAP: Two first-half penalties from Chris Pennell saw Worcester Warriors make history by claiming their first-ever Premiership win over Exeter Chiefs.

SIX NATIONS REPORT: England held on in the face of a strong finish by Wales to go two-from-two.

OPINION: Italy are on course for the wooden spoon in this year's Six Nations tournament.

SIX NATIONS REPORT: Ireland showed Italy exactly how much ground they have to make up to be competitive in the Test arena.

DAY TWO WRAP: The Blues are the 2018 Brisbane 10s Champions.

NEWS: Worcester Warriors have managed to retain the services of their World Cup-winning Springbok.

TRANSFER NEWS: Reds coach Brad Thorn has continued his aggressive off-season recruiting, this time heading to Canberra - as he looks to turn the B Brisbane-based franchise into a competitive unit.

PREMIERSHIP MATCH REPORT: Freddie Burns kicked 17 points as Bath Rugby earned a 32-9 win over Northampton Saints to move themselves up to third in the Premiership Rugby table.

PRO14 REPORT: Glasgow Warriors extended their lead at the top of the PRO14 but only by two points as the Dragons held them to a 15-all draw.

PRO14 REPORT: Connacht are up to fourth place in Conference A of the Pro14 after an 26-15 victory over Ospreys in Galway.

PRO14 REPORT: Mark Bennett’s late try helped Edinburgh snatch a dramatic 29-24 victory in a nine-try tussle with Leinster at Myreside.

PRO14 REPORT: Craig Gilroy scored a hat-trick as Ulster got off to a fine start under head coach Jono Gibbes with a 59-10 win over Souther Kings.

SIX NATIONS SPOTLIGHT: Irish youngster Jordan Larmour possesses the character to handle Test rugby and the weight of expectation his sublime talents have attracted, Ireland captain Rory Best said.

SIX NATIONS SPOTLIGHT: Wales captain Alun Wyn Jones said he would have a word with his 'Uncle Eddie' following the England coach's attempts to rile his side ahead of their Six Nations clash at Twickenham on Saturday.

The home sides this week were the away sides last week when Wales, France and England won. England look the team to beat, though Wales look strong.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: The Cheetahs have been boosted by the return of Springbok centre Francois Venter for their Pro14 clash against the Cardiff Blues on Saturday.

DAY ONE WRAP: It is regarded as a young man's game, but the old heads will have an influential say as the tournament heads into finals day on Saturday.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Veteran Lionel Beauxis was France coach Jacques Brunel's surprise inclusion in the starting XV he named to face Scotland in the Six Nations on Sunday, six years since his last cap.

NEWS: It came as no surprise when the winner of the SA Rugby Player of the Year award was named on Friday.

SIX NATIONS ROUND TWO: Scotland coach Gregor Townsend will use all of the experience he gained during his five years as a player in France to get inside the heads of 'Les Bleus' this weekend.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Australian rugby will be boosted by David Pocock's return both on and off the field in 2018.

Rugby Europe's International Championship starts this weekend.

REACTION: Rugby Australia Chief Raelene Castle on Friday says Quade Cooper's contract situation was not "perfect", as the dumped playmaker prepares to play club games on a Super Rugby salary this season.

SIX NATIONS ROUND TWO: Two of the unbeaten teams in this season's Six Nations go head to head when champions England meet Wales at Twickenham on Saturday.

SIX NATIONS ROUND TWO: Ireland host Italy in the Six Nations on Saturday with the hosts seeking to make it two wins from two after Johnny Sexton's dramatic overtime drop goal sealed a 15-13 win over France last Saturday.

THE RETURN OF THE MACK: Premiership Rugby is back with a bang this weekend with the first of four consecutive rounds of League action kicking off at the Recreation Ground where Northampton Saints are the visitors.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Italy continues to rely on South African imports to be competitive in the international arena.

NEWS: One of Allister Coetzee's assistants is lost to the Springboks.

INJURY UPDATE: The Stormers are in for a tough start in this year's Super Rugby tournament.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: The Pro14 returns with its first full slate of games since December with fixtures playing out across Italy, Ireland, Scotland and Wales. 

France and England had comfortable wins in  Round 1 while Wales only just got home against Scotland.

SQUAD ANNOUNCEMENT: Stormers coach Robbie Fleck stuck with the tried and tested when he named his leadership group for the 2018 Super Rugby season.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Joe Schmidt has changed up his loose forwards for Ireland's Round Two Six Nations encounter with Italy.

SIX NATIONS SPOTLIGHT: England coach Eddie Jones is renowned for his trickery and it seems Wales are in for some special treatment.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENTS: Ulster and the Southern Kings are taking very different approaches to their Pro14 encounter at Kingspan Stadium on Friday.

SIX NATIONS SPOTLIGHT: After both recording comfortable victories in the opening round, England and Wales meet at Twickenham on Saturday.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Scotland head coach Gregor Townsend has made six changes to the starting Scotland side for this Sunday's Six Nations match against France at Murrayfield Stadium.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: The Bulls will have a new captain when they host the Jaguares in a Super Rugby pre-season outing at Loftus Versfeld on Saturday.

GLOBAL SHOWCASE: All 12 of the squads that will take part in the men's elite competition have been confirmed and there are some big names.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: England head coach Eddie Jones has made two changes to the starting line-up that beat Italy 46-15 for their clash against Wales at Twickenham on Saturday.

Kearsney of Kwa-Zulu Natal in its splendid setting up at Botha's Hill, has launched its prestigious Easter Festival for this year, its 11th such festival though it seems to have been around forever. There will be 12 teams taking part from seven different regions in South Africa.

SUPER RUGBY PREVIEW 2018 - TEAM-BY-TEAM:  In the 14th instalment of our 15-part build-up to the season we look at the next Australian team - the Rebels.

Argentina captain Agustin Creevy gives us his top five hookers in world rugby. Do you agree?

NEWS: Billionaire Andrew Forrest is pushing ahead with plans for the Indo-Pacific Rugby Championship regardless of Rugby Australia's approval. The six-team League will go ahead one way or another in 2019.

SIX NATIONS SPOTLIGHT: Former British and Irish Lions roommates Maro Itoje and Alun Wyn Jones will become fierce opponents when England face Wales in the Six Nations on Saturday.

SIX NATIONS SPOTLIGHT: Scotland wing Sean Maitland is in no doubt about the importance of Sunday's Six Nations clash against France, labelling the Murrayfield match a "must-win" game for both sides.

INJURY UPDATE: There was a mixed bag on the news front for the Sharks, as they prepare for the opening round of Super Rugby.

rugby365's law guru Paul Dobson looks at an interesting incident involving Springbok Francois de Klerk and two yellow cards.

Yet another thrilling chapter in the history of the Six Nations Championship was written in Paris last Saturday, when Ireland’s Johnny Sexton landed a dramatic late drop-goal to give his side a 15-13 victory over hosts France.

INJURY UPDATE: The Waratahs have a new injury concern ahead of the 2018 Super Rugby season.

SUPER RUGBY SPOTLIGHT: Wallaby star Kurtley Beale has come to the defence of discarded Reds flyhalf Quade Cooper.

WATCH as a Georgian rugby match squabble looks to have ended, then escalates massively.

WATCH as Gloucester's successful South African coach Johan Ackermann speaks about being ignored in his own country.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Wales coach Warren Gatland believes under the guidance of  Eddie Jones the British and Irish Lions can record a clean sweep in the 'the easiest' tour to South Africa in 2021.

SUPER RUGBY PREVIEW 2018 - TEAM-BY-TEAM:  In the 13th instalment of our 15-part build-up to the season we look at the next Australian team - the Waratahs.

THE NEW ERA: Former Springboks coach Peter de Villiers has been named the new head coach of Zimbabwe, according to local media reports.

When Nigel Owens refereed the Six Nations match between France and Ireland last Saturday, he broke two records.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Munster head coach Johann van Graan has denied that bringing in two South Africa teenagers is detrimental to the development of local-born Irish players.

SQUAD ANNOUNCEMENT: Italy coach Conor O'Shea trimmed back his Six Nations squad to 26 players ahead of their second tournament game against Ireland in Dublin on Saturday.

LISTEN as Leezil Hendricks attends a media briefing with South African Rugby Union Director of Rugby and new Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus - his first public appearance since returning from Ireland.

FEATURE: The Brisbane 10s take place on Friday and Saturday. Don't miss a single minute!

NEWS: Italy like to add a South African flavour to their coaching staff. They like it so much they have signed one until 2020.

It's Round 2 of the Six Nations for seniors, women and Under-20s. It would be wonderful if it was as classy and exciting as Round 1 - but without the controversy of Paris.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Wales head coach Warren Gatland has decided not to change a winning recipe ahead of their Six Nations clash against England at Twickenham on Saturday. 

WOMEN'S UPDATE: Paul Delport's appointment as South Africa Women's Sevens coach has done wonders for the team.

VARSITY CUP, ROUND TWO WRAP: Maties have firmly established themselves as a title contender after bagging their second successive bonus point victory of the competition.

Watch as the 1014 team review Week One of the 2018 Six Nations. 

INJURY UPDATE: Ben Youngs has now been ruled out for the remainder of England's Six Nations campaign after suffering a knee injury in the champions' opening victory against Italy.

SUPER RUGBY PREVIEW 2018 - TEAM-BY-TEAM:  In the 12th instalment of our 15-part build-up to the season we look at the next Australian team - the Reds.

SQUAD ANNOUNCEMENT: Jaguares coach Mario Ledesma added young prop Javier Diaz to his 29-man squad for their two Super Rugby matches in South Africa.

INJURY UPDATE: Byron McGuigan will miss Scotland's Six Nations clash with France on Sunday after suffering a hamstring injury.

REACTION: Sharks head coach Robert du Preez is pleased with the progress his team has made during the pre-season.

NEWS: Wallaby lock Adam Coleman will captain the Melbourne Rebels in this year's Super Rugby tournament.

NEWS: The South Kings have been dealt a cruel blow ahead of their three-match Pro14 tour.

INJURY UPDATE: The Bulls' form may be improving, but the Pretoria franchise has a new headache.

INJURY UPDATE: England coach Eddie Jones has been forced to call up reinforcements, as injury struck hard in the opening round of the Six Nations.

The Six Nations have released a fresh update regarding their review of two HIA incidents during the Ireland versus France match last Saturday.

SIX NATIONS ROUND ONE: It was an interesting weekend, with at least one surprise - the margin of Wales' win over Scotland.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: A new Under-19 league will be kicking off in Bloemfontein this week.

Ashleigh Murray is 22 and she is going places. This time it is to Hong Kong in April, her first expedition abroad to referee rugby.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Wales move above Scotland in the World Rugby Rankings following Saturday's result in the Six Nations.

HAMILTON SEVENS REACTION: BlitzBok captain Kyle Brown refused to make any excuses for his side's performance in Hamilton last weekend.

INJURY UPDATE: The Irish Rugby Football Union (IRFU) has confirmed Josh van der Flier will be sidelined for the rest of the 2017-18 season after suffering a serious knee ligament injury in his country's Six Nations victory over France.

In Round 1 of the Women's Six Nations, France, at home, and England, away, had big wins while Wales, at home, got a win by the skin of their teeth.    

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Springbok hooker Malcolm Marx walked away with four accolades at the Lions award ceremony for 2017.

REACTION: Eddie Jones feels England have unearthed a "great discovery" in the shape of Sam Simmonds after his outstanding Six Nations debut in a 46-15 drubbing of Italy.

In Round 1 of the Women's Six Nations, France, at home, and England, away, had big wins while Wales, at home, got a win by the skin of their teeth.

TRANSFER NEWS: New Zealander Thomas Waldrom confirmed he will leave the Exeter Chiefs at the end of the current 2017/18 season.

INJURY UPDATE: Blues flyhalf Stephen Perofeta is set to miss his team's Super Rugby opener due to a broken bone in his hand, according to reports.

SUPER RUGBY PREVIEW 2018 - TEAM-BY-TEAM:  In the 11th instalment of our 15-part build-up to the season we look at the first of the Australian teams - the Brumbies.

INJURY UPDATE: Eddie Jones revealed Ben Youngs is unlikely to be fit to face Wales next weekend after sustaining what appeared to be a serious knee injury early in England’s Six Nations win over Italy.

WATCH the incredible 41 phases of play that ended with Johnny Sexton's dramatic late drop goal in Paris.

INJURY UPDATE: The Stormers have a new injury concern ahead of the start of Super Rugby next week.

This discussion is prompted by an incident late in the match between Ireland and France, when a player was helped from the field with an injured knee which was claimed to be a possible head injury.

OPINION: England got their 2018 Six Nations campaign underway with a resounding away win in Rome, although they were made to work hard for 60 minutes by an Italian side that was not afraid to play against the reining champions.

OPINION: Italy showed glimpses of improvement in the first half of their 15-46 loss to England, but they still have a long way to go to be considered a real threat in the Six Nations.

UPDATE: Following Saturday's Ireland France clash in Paris, the Six Nations have addressed the controversy around the circumstances in which two France players were subject to HIA protocols, despite no clear head injuries having been sustained.

SIX NATIONS MATCH REPORT: England got their 2018 Six Nations campaign off to a perfect start with a 46-15 win over Italy in Rome on Sunday.

INJURY UPDATE: Talented young France scrumhalf Antoine Dupont's season is over due to a knee injury suffered against Ireland, national team coach Jacques Brunel told AFP on Sunday.

NEWS: Giant Fijian wing Nemani Nadolo has revealed that he was racially abused in front of family members while on a night out following a Top 14 match.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Maties will be feeling confident going into their clash with Shimlas after their season opener against UJ.

REPORT: The United States launched their defence of the Americas Rugby Championship with a dramatic 17-10 triumph over Argentina XV on Saturday at StubHub Center in Los Angeles.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: The Springboks have been sliding down a rabbit hole for the last two years. However, newly appointed Director of Rugby Rassie Erasmus believes they will soon dig their way out. 

DAY TWO, FINALS: Fiji edged the BlitzBoks 24-17 in an epic Cup Final at the Hamilton Sevens on Sunday.

WATCH as Scotland coach Gregor Townsend blasts his team for their 7-34 loss to Wales on the opening day of the Six Nations on Saturday.

DAY TWO, SEMIFINALS: The BlitzBoks will face Fiji in the Cup Final at the Hamilton Sevens on Sunday.

REACTION: Ireland head coach Joe Schmidt was lost for words as his 'inspirational' side somehow dug out a late 15-13 victory over France at Stade de France courtesy of a Johnny Sexton drop goal.

MATCH REPORT: Uruguay came from behind to defeat Canada 32-31 in Montevideo and qualify for next year's World Cup in Japan.

DAY TWO, QUARTERFINALS: The BlitzBoks advanced to the Cup semifinals at the Hamilton Sevens with a comfortable 22-0 victory over Scotland in the last eight.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Questions have been raised following France’s loss to Ireland in Paris, after doubt was cast over the home side’s insistence that two players were in need of Head Injury Assessments.

REACTION: John Barclay was rendered “speechless” by Scotland’s error-strewn display as they began their 2018 Six Nations campaign with a 34-7 hammering at the hands of Wales.

Day 2 of World Rugby's Sevens Series taking place in Hamilton on the North Island of New Zealand is taken up with knock-out matches when happiness can suddenly turn to grief, despair to hope.

WATCH AS Warren Gatland picked up his 50th win as Wales head coach with a bonus point 34-7 victory over Scotland in the Natwest 6 Nations on Saturday.

SUPER RUGBY PRE-SEASON REPORT: There was no separating the Stormers and the Bulls in an entertaining pre-season encounter in Wellington.

SIX NATIONS MATCH REPORT: Ireland captain Johnny Sexton slotted a 45-metre drop-goal, four minutes into referee's additional time, to secure a thrilling two-point win over France.

SIX NATIONS MATCH REPORT: Wales defied all pre-tournament odds and predictions to shatter Scotland's dreams in the opening match of the season.

SIX NATIONS SPOTLIGHT: England coach Eddie Jones wants Ben Te'o to lead a "brutal and absolutely ruthless" effort when his side launches their Six Nations title defence against Italy in Rome on Sunday.

SUPER RUGBY PRE-SEASON REPORT: The Rebels came into the match with huge expectations and much hype, after their massive raid on the discarded Western Force resources.

SUPER RUGBY PRE-SEASON REPORT: The Sharks put down another impressive marked in their build-up to the 2018 season.

DAY ONE, ROUND THREE: New Zealand finished on top of Pool C when they edged Argentina 17-12 in a thrilling game at the Hamilton Sevens.

Day one

DAY ONE, ROUND TWO: It was not massive margins however the big teams continued to secure routine victories in Round two of the Hamilton Sevens.

DAY ONE, ROUND ONE: There were some shaky wins in the opening Round of the 2018 Hamilton Sevens.

Apart from the senior teams from the Six Countries, there are also other Six Nations match - the Women's Six Nations and the Under-20 Six Nations, and they are highly competitive matches.

SIX NATIONS SPOTLIGHT: Wales' team is dominated with Scarlets players, but that doesn't mean head coach Warren Gatland will change his style of play. 

SIX NATIONS SPOTLIGHT: The last time France captain Guilhem Guirado teamed up with new head coach Jacques Brunel they helped Perpignan win the French Top 14 title.

SIX NATIONS SPOTLIGHT: Captain Rory Best has urged his Ireland team not to lose the winning habit when they take on France in their Six Nations opener in Paris on Saturday.

The Six Nations started in 2000 with the introduction of newboys Italy.

SUPER RUGBY PRE-SEASON: For the majority of the South African teams, the start of the season is just two weeks away.

SQUAD ANNOUNCEMENT: There were few surprises when Southern Kings head coach Deon Davids today named his 28-man squad for the team's upcoming three-match tour of Europe. 

SIX NATIONS ROUND ONE: Coach Conor O'Shea insists the groundwork is being laid to break the cycle of defeat as Italy prepare to avoid another mauling against champions England in Rome this weekend.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Ben Te'o will make his first England appearance in nearly a year after being selected at outside centre in the defending champions' Six Nations opener against Italy in Rome on Sunday.

NEWS: The South African Rugby Union and Allister Coetzee have parted ways with immediate effect.

SUPER RUGBY PRE-SEASON REPORT: Waratahs suffered a 29-55 defeat to the Highlanders in cold conditions in Queenstown.

EXCLUSIVE: Having just returned to training, following surgery in July 2017, Springbok Bryan Habana revealed to the #RugbyLateTackle team that he is contemplating his future as his Toulon contract reaches its end.

SANZAAR has announced that the recent amendments to the Laws of the Game will apply to its competitions - Super rugby and the Rugby Championship..

SUPER RUGBY PRE-SEASON REPORT: Hurricanes sent out a stern warning with their impressive 43-22 win over Champions Crusaders on Friday.

Your favourite site has linked with #RugbyLateTackle and the Cape Town 10s, to bring you behind the scenes coverage of the event.

SIX NATIONS ROUND ONE: Injuries have deprived Wales of several experienced internationals, however Warren Gatland hope the Scarlets' winning formula can rub off when they welcome a resurgent Scotland to Cardiff for their Six Nations opener on Saturday.

SIX NATIONS ROUND ONE: France will host the World Cup in five years' time and coach Jacques Brunel appeared to have one eye on that objective with his team selection for the season-opening clash against Ireland on Saturday.

SUPER RUGBY PRE-SEASON REPORT: Young gun Waimana Riedlinger-Kapa's double help Blues record an easy 45-19 win over the Chiefs in their pre-season match.

There is something really grand about the Six Nations stadiums - the perfect carpet of grass, the meticulous markings, crowds joyous and passionate and the perfect ceremonies. But then it goes back longer than any other international competition in rugby, way back to 1871.

SUPER RUGBY PREVIEW 2018 - TEAM BY TEAM: In the 10th instalment of our 15-part build-up to the season we look at the last of the New Zealand teams, the Blues. It will be followed by the Australian conference.

INJURY UPDATE: Ospreys hooker Scott Baldwin has been released from Wales' Six Nations squad due to a foot injury sustained in training.

SQUAD ANNOUNCEMENT: Simon Amor has made two changes to the England Sevens side that will play in the New Zealand leg of the Sevens World Series in Hamilton on Saturday and Sunday.