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REACTION: South African Rugby Union President Mark Alexander has challenged his detractors to take their 'evidence' to the appropriate authorities.

WATCH as the Late Tackle team is joined by Joe Pietersen to pick his brain about why local players head overseas to ply their trade.

WATCH as the #RugbyLateTackle team looks at the current Springbok coaching conundrum and shares their opinions on what role Rassie Erasmus will play.

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.

INJURY UPDATE: The Bulls are turning to Swiss medical expertise to heal one of their star players.

The Lions Master Coach Rugby Factory launched its academy at Laerskool Kenmare in Krugersdorp and will launch it again at Laerskool Randhart in Alberton at 15.00. 

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Ireland have selected James Ryan at second row for their Six Nations opener against France in Paris on Saturday.

INJURY UPDATE: Springbok Sevens veteran Branco du Preez will join the team in New Zealand after injury struck yet again, ruling out potential debutant Muller du Plessis from the forthcoming tournament in Hamilton.

WATCH as the Short Ball team of Scotty Stevenson and Mils Muliaina debate the suggestion that all is not well in the All Black paradise.

SQUAD ANNOUNCEMENT: The Stormers have included a few of their Springbok stars in their squad for Saturday's pre-season clash against the Bulls at Boland Stadium in Wellington.

WORLD SERIES ROUND FOUR: The BlitzBoks will be looking to hold onto their lead at the top of the World Rugby Sevens Series standings in Hamilton this weekend.

SUPER RUGBY SPOTLIGHT: All Black legend Brad Thorn has taken the no-nonsense he was famed for as a player into his coaching career.

Rasta Rasivhenge of South Africa referees the first match and the last match of the Sevens at the Waikato Stadium in Hamilton, New Zealand. And when he referees that last match, between Argentina and New Zealand, it will his 250th match on World Rugby's Sevens Series.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Rudolph Snyman will start in the No.5 jersey when the Bulls take on the Stormers in a Super Rugby pre-season clash in Wellington on Saturday. 

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Teenager Matthieu Jalibert will make his France debut in the Six Nations against tournament favourites Ireland on Saturday.

SQUAD ANNOUNCEMENT: All Blacks Sevens coach Clark Laidlaw has made two changes to the team that finished in fifth place in Sydney for this weekend's Hamilton Sevens.

NEWS: All Black legend Daniel Carter has told the South China Morning Post he would be "silly not to have a look at" playing for Hong Kong in the Indo-Pacific League if it goes ahead.

NEWS: Japanese club Suntory Sungoliath has sacked Wallaby great George Smith, following his arrest over the alleged assault of a taxi driver.

SUPER RUGBY PRE-SEASON ACTION: The Blues will a test a number of new combinations in the pre-season clash against the Chiefs on Friday. 

NEWS: Brumbies duo Sam Carter and Christian Lealiifano will continue in the role of co-captains for the duration of the 2018 Super Rugby season.

NEWS: The Reds have gone with one of the most experienced players in Australian rugby to lead them in this year's Super Rugby season.

St Stithians College in Randburg will be hosting its 35th festival over the Easter Weekend.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Ulster confirmed that Les Kiss will be leaving his post as Director of Rugby by mutual consent.

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

Clive van Ryneveld, a man of great all-round abilities, has died in Cape Town after being in poor health for a long time.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Sharks coach Robert du Preez Snr has opted to name his son Robert Du Preez Jnr at flyhalf for their Super Rugby pre-season match against Racing 92 in Hong Kong.

TRANSFER NEWS: All Black and Crusaders wing Seta Tamanivalu has confirmed that he will be heading to France at the end of the Super Rugby season.

WATCH as the 1014 team looks at the 2018 Six Nations tournament.

NEWS: A French court sentenced Fijian player Waisea Nayacalevu to 120 hours of community service for an alcohol-fuelled punch-up outside a Paris nightclub.

SQUAD ANNOUNCEMENT: Cheetahs' Pro14 campaign received a huge boost with the return of regular captain Francois Venter.

WATCH as critics question Springbok Ruan Pienaar's time-wasting (running the clock) tactics during Montpellier's 30-29 win over Clermont at the weekend.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: South African-born No.8 Cornell Du Preez has been named in the starting XV for Scotland's opening Six Nations clash against Wales on Saturday.

SCHOOLS SPOTLIGHT: The annual Wynberg Sports Festival has been cancelled due to the ongoing drought in the Western Cape.

SUPER RUGBY SPOTLIGHT: New Brumbies coach Dan McKellar believes his team can behave like the animal they are named after.

SQUAD ANNOUNCEMENT: Australian Men’s Sevens coach Andy Friend has made three changes to his side ahead of the Hamilton Sevens this weekend in New Zealand

TRANSFER NEWS: England stalwart James Haskell has confirmed his depatrure from Premiership side Wasps at teh end of the season.

SIX NATIONS SPOTLIGHT: Players may be fitter, faster and stronger than ever before but away wins remain hard to come by in the championship.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Prosecutors have outlined the case against Ireland Rugby stars Paddy Jackson and Stuart Olding and two other men on the first day of their rape trial at Belfast Crown Court.

TRANSFER NEWS: After signing former playmakers Jono Lance and Ben Lucas, the Reds coach Brad Thorn has gone back to the past again to sign another former fullback in Aidan Toua to cover Michael Hunt’s absence.

PRE-SEASON OPENER: There is an air of excitement ahead of the defending champion Crusaders' pre-season outing against 2016 champions Hurricanes at Rugby Park in Greymouth on Friday.

TRANSFER NEWS: Scotland international Tim Visser signed a two-year contract renewal with the Premiership side the Harlequins.

SUPER RUGBY PRE-SEASON ACTION: All Black Ben Smith will make his long-awaited return to the field when the Highlanders host a new-look Waratahs side in Queenstown as preparations for the 2018 Super Rugby season.

NEWS: World champions New Zealand will play fierce rivals Australia in Japan later this year.

LISTEN as the rugby365 team gets an Irish opinion on the disconcerting public spat surrounding the Springbok coaching staff.

SUPER RUGBY PREVIEW 2018 - TEAM BY TEAM: In the eighth instalment of our 15-part build-up to the season we look at the Chiefs. It will be followed by the rest of the New Zealand teams and then the Australian conference.

Before each Six Nations match there is that joyous moment of patriotism as players sing their country's anthem.

TRANSFER NEWS: The French club that Charlie Ngatai will be heading to has finally been revealed.

INJURY UPDATE: France's depth in the No.2 jersey will be seriously tested when this year's Six Nations starts.

INJURY UPDATE: England boss Eddie Jones has received a major boost ahead of the Six Nations opener against Italy after three of his star players were passed fit.

SQUAD ANNOUNCEMENT: Head coach Swys de Bruin will be relying on a number of experienced campaigners to help the Lions go in search of that elusive Super Rugby title.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Along with their 0-29 Cup Final defeat to Australia in Syndey, the BLitzBoks also have to deal with the loss of regular captain Philip Snyman.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Worcester wing Josh Adams will make his Wales debut in Saturday's Six Nations opener against Scotland, with head coach Warren Gatland forced to juggle his resources because of injuries to key players.

TRANSFER NEWS: South African-born wing Dean Hammond has committed his future to Worcester Warriors by signing a new contract to remain at Sixways.

INSIDE THE SARU BOARDROOM: Jan de Koning delves into Springbok coach Allister Coetzee's  contemptuous letter to Jurie Roux, CEO of the South African Rugby Union.

TRANSFER NEWS: Gloucester head coach Johan Ackermann could be a vital component in the move of two Springboks and Lions stars to the Premiership side.

VARSITY CUP WRAP: NWU-Pukke got their Varsity Cup campaign off to the perfect start while Maties, Wits and Shimlas bagged victories of their own in a round that produced 27 tries.

UPDATE: All Blacks and Chiefs centre Charlie Ngatai confirmed that he will be heading to France at the end of this year's Super Rugby tournament.

REACTION: Hurricanes assistant John Plumtree will be named as Boyd's successor as head coach after the Northampton Saints confirmed Boyd had signed on as their Director of Rugby at the conclusion of this Super Rugby season.

SIX NATIONS SPOTLIGHT: Injuries during the Six Nations are one thing, but the fact they are a major talking point even before this season's edition kicks off highlights the increasingly brutal nature of professional Rugby Union.

SUPER RUGBY PREVIEW 2018 - TEAM BY TEAM: In the seventh instalment of our 15-part build-up to the season we look at the Hurricanes. It will be followed by the rest of the New Zealand teams and then the Australian conference.

INJURY UPDATE: Pre-season outings may be a vital part of any team's campaign, but they could also prove costly - especially if you play two matches on one day.

INJURY UPDATE: Scotland's Six Nations prospects were dealt a cruel blow, when they lost one of their key players to injury.

TRANSFER NEWS: Another successful New Zealand coach will depart his country to coach in the Northern Hemisphere.

SQUAD ANNOUNCEMENT: England head coach Eddie Jones has named a 36-man squad that will convene at Pennyhill Park ahead of the opening Six Nations match against Italy in Rome.

It's on this week. Six Nations start in three sections and the Sevens heads for Hamilton.

INJURY UPDATE: New Zealand international flyhalf Aaron Cruden will be out for up to a month with a torn thigh muscle, his club Montpellier said on Monday.

NEWS: Former Springboks coach Jake White is set to add to his strong South African contingent at Japanese side Toyota Verblitz.

REACTION: It must be the most used cliche in the game, to take 'positives' out of a defeat.

First there were two. Now there are six. For much of the time, there were five. These are the nations which have been playing annually in Europe, the elegant top dogs of European rugby.

INJURY UPDATE: Springbok Sevens captain Philip Snyman and the experienced Ruhan Nel have returned to South Africa following injuries sustained at the Sydney Sevens tournament last weekend.

UPDATE: Wallabies star Karmichael Hunt faced the Brisbane Magistrates Court on Monday for drug charges.

SPOTLIGHT ON TEAMS: Scotland's agonising defeat in the 2015 Rugby World Cup quarter-final brought them to a crossroads.

INJURY UPDATE: The Sharks suffered a big blow ahead of their 2018 Super Rugby campaign.

SPOTLIGHT ON TEAMS: Ireland had a disappointing Six Nations last year by their lofty standards. They inflicted the only defeat of Eddie Jones’ England tenure on the final day of the championship, to rescue what had been a poor campaign.

SUPER RUGBY NEWS: AJ Jacobs is the only new Super Rugby referee for 2018.

NEWS: It is being reported that two more All Blacks are set to make the switch to the Top 14.

SPOTLIGHT ON TEAMS: England come into the 2018 Six Nations bidding to win their third-straight championship, a feat that has not been achieved since France did so in 1988, albeit with Les Bleus sharing the title with Scotland and Wales in two of those three years.

NEWS: Willem Britz is one of two captains in the Sunwolves squad for the 2018 Super Rugby season.

SUPER RUGBY PREVIEW 2018 - TEAM BY TEAM: In the sixth instalment of our 15-part build-up to the season we look at the Crusaders. It will be followed by the rest of the New Zealand teams and then the Australian conference.

REACTION: Having broken a six-year Seven World Series drought, Australia believe they can now go on to achieve greater heights.

REACTION: Disappointment was the main sentiment in the South African camp in Sunday, despite the BlitzBoks moving back to the top of the Sevens World Series standings.

TOP 14 NEWS: All Blacks flyhalf Aaron Cruden suffered another setback in his injury-plagued Montpellier career on Sunday.

WATCH as South African flyhalf Elton Jantjies discusses his career development in Japan, his heroes and how the young Springboks are building towards 2019.

REACTION: As the saying goes: 'A new broom sweeps clean.' New Jaguares coach Mario Ledesma has made his first significant statement.

REACTION: Lions coach Swys de Bruin will show his hand on Monday, when he names his squad for the Super Rugby season.

WORLD CUP QUALIFIER: Uruguay stormed back from a 10-point first half deficit to defeat Canada 38-29 in a 2019 Rugby World Cup qualifying match in Vancouver.

SEVENS WORLD SERIES ROUND THREE WRAP: Australian managed to claim gold by whitewashing South Africa in Sydney on Sunday.

SEMIFINAL WRAP: South Africa and Australia will meet in the Final at the Sydney leg of the Sevens World Series.

SPOTLIGHT ON TEAMS: Coming into the 2018 Six Nations, there is a positivity around Wales’ chances that has been absent for the last two or three tournaments.

SIX NATIONS SPOTLIGHT: It appears the 'underdog' tag has become almost more popular than winning the championship.

QUARTERFINAL WRAP: Two massive upsets marked the start of the play-offs at the Sydney leg of the Sevens World Series.

TOP 14 WRAP: New Zealand international pair Jason Eaton and Tawera Kerr-Barlow helped send La Rochelle to the top of the French League with a 33-24 win over Brive on Saturday.

DEAR SARU: Springbok head coach Allister Coetzee has hit back at the South African Rugby Union with an explosive letter addressed to CEO Jurie Roux, according to reports.

SUPER RUGBY PRE-SEASON SPOTLIGHT: Sharks Makazole Mapimpi scored a brace tries in their 31-14 win over the Bulls at the Peter Mokaba Stadium in Polokwane.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Italy will play two Test matches against Japan in June, the Italian Rugby Federation confirmed.

SIX NATIONS SPOTLIGHT: The Irish rugby team are no longer satisfied with finishing second, the only thing that counts is winning the Six Nations, their star scrumhalf Conor Murray revealed.

SUPER RUGBY PRE-SEASON REPORT: Lions produced a superb 66-22 win over the Bulls in Johannesburg on Saturday.

Day 3 is the final day of World Rugby's men's Sevens series in Sydney. It is the day of knock-outs cruel and glorious. There is a lot at stake, at this event in itself and for the series.

SYDNEY SEVENS REACTION: Springboks Sevens head coach Neil Powell was pleased with his side's defence following wins over Spain and England, however, he is sweating over Rosko Specman's availability for the quarter-finals.

DAY TWO, ROUND THREE: Fiji finished on top of Pool A when they edged New Zealand 19-17 in the game of the weekend so far at the Sydney Sevens.

NEWS: All Black Adam Thomson remains at Tsukuba Memorial hospital in Tokyo, still unable to walk following his mystery illness more than a month after being struck with "excruciating pain".

DAY TWO, ROUND TWO: It was more of the same on Day Two of the Sydney Sevens with the big teams continuing their winning ways.

The excitement is building as we approach kick-off the Six Nations and the RugbyPass team was at the Hurlingham Club in London to meet the teams.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Ospreys opted to use forwards coach Allen Clarke as a temporary head coach after Steve Tandy's departure.

TRANSFER NEWS: Back row Guy Thompson has agreed on a move to Leicester Tigers from Wasps for the start of the 2018-19 season.

PRE-SEASON TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Sharks head coach Robert du Preez has named two teams for his side's Super Rugby pre-season clash against the Bulls at the Peter Mokaba Stadium in Polokwane.

SUPER RUGBY PREVIEW 2018 - TEAM BY TEAM: In the fifth instalment of our 15-part build-up to the season we look at the Jaguares. It will be followed by the New Zealand and Australian conferences.

WATCH as the 1014 team explore THE DNA for each Six Nations team. 

DAY ONE, ROUND ONE: There were some big wins on the opening day for the 2018 Sydney Sevens.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Not really what the world expected, but Japan have opted to blend its love of all things cute with its rich cultural heritage as inspiration for their interesting mascots for the 2019 Rugby World Cup.

In those innocent days before Adam ate the apple, there were no referees. Players played the way they should.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Super Rugby and World Cup winning coach Graham Henry is set to return to coaching in New Zealand.

TRANSFER NEWS: Japanese Super Rugby franchise the Sunwolves have added South African Pieter 'Lappies' Labuschagne to their pre-season training camp.

CONTRACT SPOTLIGHT: Forwards coach Matt Proudfoot has become the first member of the 2017 Springbok staff to talk publicly about his future.

AMERICAS RUGBY CHAMPIONSHIP: Canada will be aiming to extend their proud record of World Cup appearances on Saturday as the 2018 Americas Rugby Championship kicks off with a ticket to next year's tournament in Japan up for grabs.

TOP14, ROUND 15: New Zealander Vern Cotter won't be able to enjoy his return to Clermont this weekend as he bids to solve Montpellier's dire away form which he likened to playing in "flip-flops".

SQUAD ANNOUNCEMENT: Injured wing Leonardo Sarto was out but young prop Marco Riccioni moved closer to his first cap as Conor O'Shea named his 31-man Italian Six Nations squad.

INJURY UPDATE: Rhys Webb may have played his last match for Wales as he joined a growing injury list with a knee problem that threatens to rule the scrumhalf out of the entire Six Nations Championship.

SUPER RUGBY PREVIEW 2018 - TEAM BY TEAM: In the fourth instalment of our 15-part build-up to the season we look at the Bulls. It will be followed by the last of the teams in the South African conference - then the other conferences.

INTERVIEW: BlitzBok captain Philip Snyman will play his 50th World Rugby Sevens Series tournament in Sydney this weekend, but that is only the tip iceberg for the 30-year-old in 2018.

SQUAD ANNOUNCEMENT: Prop Coenraad Oosthuizen has been included in the Sharks' 2018 Super Rugby squad, despite the probability that he will be out of action for the entire tournament.

NEWS: The Saracens loose forward Schalk Burger has been suspended for one week following an independent Disciplinary Hearing in London.

LISTEN as Eugene Eloff and Jan de Koning, in the first episode of 2018, tackle the South African Rugby Union over their lack of transparency.

NEWS: Rob Baxter says he is expecting both Sam Hill and James Short to get even better over the next two years after the duo both agreed terms on new deals with the Exeter Chiefs.

Sevens are back in action in Sydney this week and for men and women.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Ireland legend Ronan O'Gara said he noticed the Crusaders from a young age, admiring their culture and style play.

OPINION: As news surfaced that Duane Vermeulen could return to South Africa in the near future, the #RugbyLateTackle team - more specifically Morgan Newman - makes an argument for central contracting in the country.

WORLD SERIES ROUND THREE: Are South Africa one-season wonders? Did the bubble burst in Cape Town in December?

ANALYSIS: Wasps have uncovered a magic combination this year with flyhalf Danny Cipriani and Springbok fullback Willie Le Roux.

SIX NATIONS SPOTLIGHT: Two days spent with Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has given Scotland's rugby coach Gregor Townsend some ideas which could help him guide his country to their first ever Six Nations title.

SIX NATIONS REACTION: England are the team everyone else always wants to beat - and coach Eddie Jones would not have it any other way.

NEWLANDS SAGA: All is fair in love and war. This certainly holds true for combative Aerios boss Costas Constantinou.

SUPER RUGBY PRE-SEASON TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Lions centre Howard Mnisi will make his long-awaited return against the Bulls on Saturday.

SUPER RUGBY PREVIEW 2018 - TEAM BY TEAM: In the third instalment of our 15-part build-up to the season we look at the Sharks. It will be followed by the rest of the teams in the South African conference - then the other conferences.

INJURY UPDATE: Wales wing Liam Williams could not only miss the macth against Scotland, but could be out for the entire Six Nations, according to reports.

SIX NATIONS SPOTLIGHT: England captain Dylan Hartley said "injuries were the nature of the beast" as his side prepared to begin the defence of their Six Nations title with 15 players missing.

INJURY UPDATE: Kings captain Michael Willemse will be available for their Europe trip after a minor injury scare.

SUPER RUGBY PRE-SEASON TEAM ANNOUNCEMENTS: In an acute move, Bulls head coach John Mitchell has opted to rest his top stars for the two pre-season matches against Sharks and Lions on Saturday.

WATCH as British & Irish Lion and England international lock Geoff Parling, in his first media conference in Australia, expresses his excitement on playing Super Rugby.

NEWS: While the South African Rugby Union is playing smoke and mirrors over the national coaching set-up, an unwanted former Springbok coach is set to take charge of their neighbours, Zimbabwe.

SQUAD UPDATE: Australian Sevens forward Simon Kennewell has been ruled out of the Sydney7s following a heartbreaking knee injury at training.

Sevens are back in action in Sydney this week and for men and women.

INJURY UPDATE: England's fitness problems ahead of the Six Nations intensified Tuesday after prop Kyle Sinckler had to leave the squad's training camp in Portugal.

INJURY UPDATE: Lions wing Courtnall Skosan is set to be out of action for a lengthy period with a knee injury.  

SUPER RUGBY PREVIEW 2018 - TEAM BY TEAM: In the second instalment of our 15-part build-up to the season we look at the Stormers. It will be followed by the rest of the teams in the South African conference - then the other conferences.

SYDNEY SEVENS SPOTLIGHT: The South Africa Sevens side need to get the basics right from the start if they want to retain the number one spot revealed speedsters Rosco Specman and Seabelo Senatla.

NEWS: Players from eight different clubs and all three European professional leagues are among the 15 nominees for the EPCR European Player of the Year 2018 award.

NEWS: Police were searching the headquarters of the French Rugby Federation on Tuesday as part of an investigation into suspicions of favouritism concerning supremo Bernard Laporte, a source close to the case told AFP.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: The Bulls may be stronger and fitter in 2018, but head coach John Mitchell believes his side still has a long way to go before they become real contenders for the Super Rugby title.

VIDEO: Scotty Stevenson and Mils Muliaina reveal the All Blacks' controversial plans during Super Rugby,

INJURY UPDATE: England suffered another injury setback ahead of this year's Six Nations tournament.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Did the South Africa Rugby Union give a subtle hint that former backline coach Mzwandile Stick might return to the Bok set-up?

WATCH: BlitzBoks and Lions star Albertus 'Kwagga' Smith will be looking to build on an impressive 2017 season and hopefully earn a spot in the Springboks squad in 2018.

SQUAD ANNOUNCEMENT: Australian Men's Sevens coach Andy Friend has made two changes to his side ahead of the Sydney Sevens this weekend at Allianz Stadium kicking off on Australia Day. 

SUPER RUGBY NEWS: The Highlanders will move their traditional annual fixture from Invercargill to Fiji in 2018, meeting the Chiefs in Suva on June 30.

REACTION: The absence of Springbok scrumhalf Rudy Paige has been the talking point of the Bulls' squad announcement and coach John Mitchell pulled no punches when he explained his decision.

INJURY UPDATE: Having earned a recall to the France squad for the first time in two years, Morgan Parra is now out of the Six Nations opener against Ireland with a knee injury.

WATCH as Springbok Heinrich Brüssow, in his first interview since arriving at Northampton Saints, expresses his excitement about playing in Europe.

SUPER RUGBY SQUAD ANNOUNCEMENT: The Bulls' new coach, John Mitchell, has opted for a practice that is common in his home country of New Zealand.

IN THE SEVENS SPOTLIGHT: Defending champions South Africa are looking to be even more dangerous on attack.

WATCH as, with one simple admission, JP Doyle earns both the players respect and that of the watching public.

SQUAD UPDATE: Munster prop James Cronin has been added to the Ireland squad ahead of the 2018 Six Nations.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Pro14 side Ospreys head coach Steve Tandy will be leaving his position with immediate effect, the region confirmed.

REACTION: Springbok assistant coach Franco Smith has drawn a veil of silence over his future with the national team.

SUPER RUGBY PREVIEW 2018 - TEAM BY TEAM: In the first instalment of our 15-part build-up to the season we look at the Lions. It will be followed by the rest of the teams in the South African conference - then the other conferences.

TRANSFER NEWS: All Black flyhalf Stephen Donald was set to join Ulster, however, the move has hit a massive iceberg.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: The pool stage of the Champions Cup came to a thrilling conclusion this past weekend, as 14 teams bade to join Leinster in the knockout rounds.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Willie Le Roux contributed with a five-pointer as Wasps 26-7 bonus point win ended Ulster's hopes of reaching the knock-out stages.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Some of the girls wear hijabs, others are barefoot and the sandy pitch is marked out in charcoal. But the 14 players could be Ghana's rugby stars of the future.

WATCH as the 1014 team explore the MVP (Most Valuable Player) for each Six Nations team.

What better way to start the new year than with a bit of fantasy rugby.

WATCH as the 1014 team ask some serious questions about the global game.

NEWS: The Scarlets may be forced to give up home ground advantage for their European Champions Cup match against La Rochelle.

NEWS: The Queensland Reds have added further experience to their backline for the 2018 Super Rugby season, with the signing of Jono Lance.

REACTION: Stormers head coach Robbie Fleck is not worried about the depth in his squad as Super Rugby draws near.

PRO14 REACTION: Southern Kings head coach Deon Davids revealed that he was frustrated with his team's second successive derby defeat to South African rivals the Cheetahs.

ONLY A FEW SURVIVED: The Champions Cup quarter-finals have been confirmed with title holders Saracens heading to Dublin to take on top seed Leinster.

CHAMPIONS CUP REPORT: Munster scored six tries as they defeated Castres Olympique 48-3 to top European Rugby Champions Cup Pool 4 and clinch a home quarter-final at Thomond Park.

CHAMPIONS CUP REPORT: La Rochelle marked their debut in the European Rugby Champions Cup by topping Pool 1 and qualifying for the quarter-finals with a hard-fought 16-7 home win over Harlequins.

CHAMPIONS CUP REPORT: Wasps ended Ulster's hopes of qualifying for the quarter-finals in the pouring rain at the Ricoh Arena with a 26-7 bonus-point win on Sunday.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Club captain Jack Yeandle heads up a list of four Exeter Chiefs players who have penned new deals with the Premiership champions.

CHAMPIONS CUP REPORT: French heavyweights Racing 92 progressed to the quarter-finals with a 23-20 win over Leicester Tigers in a nail-biting affair.

WATCH how Referee Wayne Barnes reprimands New Zealand's  Ma'a Nonu during Toulon's 27-30 defeat to Scarlets.

INJURY UPDATE: David Pocock's return to Super Rugby has been put on hold after he underwent surgery on Saturday.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Australian international Christian Lealiifano certainly has had plenty of challenges in his life.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: England could be heading to Georgia midway through this year's Six Nations campaign to improve their forward play.

VIDEO: Cheetahs loosehead prop Retshegofaditswe Nché showed he has a plenty of gas, getting on the end of a chip over the top against the Southern Kings.

EUROPEAN CHAMPIONS CUP REPORT: Bath raced in seven tries in a 47-28 victory over Benetton, as they made a spirited effort to reach the quarterfinals.

EUROPEAN CHAMPIONS CUP REPORT: Scarlets advanced to the quarterfinals with a 30-27 win over Toulon in a thrilling arm-wrestle.

EUROPEAN CHAMPIONS CUP REPORT: Leinster finished top of Pool Three with a 100 percent record and top seeding in the quarterfinals as they knocked Montpellier out of the competition.

EUROPEAN CHAMPIONS CUP REPORT: Glasgow Warriors ripped the heart out of Exeter Chiefs' quarterfinal quest with a sensational display of running rugby, claiming a 28-21 win at Scotstoun on Saturday.

SUPER RUGBY PRE-SEASON REPORT: The Stormers scored 11 unanswered tries in their dominant 77-0 victory against SWD Eagles in George on Saturday.

EUROPEAN CHAMPIONS CUP REPORT: Saracens kept alive their play-off chances with an emphatic 62-14 demolition of fellow Premiership outfit Northampton Saints.

PRO14 REPORT: The Cheetahs closed the gap on Munster in Pool A, with a comprehensive 45-24 drubbing of the Southern Kings in Bloemfontein on Saturday.

EUROPEAN CHALLENGE CUP REPORT: Adam Radwan scored his second hat-trick against Enisei in a week as Newcastle Falcons finished their Pool One campaign with a 100 percent record.

WATCH: Super Rugby reverts to a 15-team format in 2018.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Judging by their player signings over the last few months, the Melbourne Rebels should be no pushovers like they were in previous seasons.

NEWS: Wales and Scotland will launch their end-of-year Test campaign when they meet for the inaugural Doddie Weir Cup in Cardiff in November.

CHALLENGE CUP REPORT: Pau claimed a Challenge Cup home quarter-final with a splendid 34-24 win over Gloucester Rugby in Pool three at Kingsholm Stadium.

INJURY UPDATE: England No.8 Billy Vunipola will definatley miss the entire Six Nations due to an broken arm, according to his club Saracens.

TRANSFER NEWS: England and Saracens wing Nathan Earle has signed a contract with Harlequins and will join the south-west London club at the end of the season.

TRANSFER NEWS: Young Argentina prop Facundo Gigena joined English Premiership side Leicester Tigers.

INJURY UPDATE: Wales flyhalf Rhys Priestland is set to miss a huge portion of the Six Nations due to an injury, adding to head coach Warren Gatland's selection headaches.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Wasps coach Dai Young hinted that the return of Nizaam Carr to the Premiership side is not 'totally' far-fetched.

EUROPEAN CHAMPIONS CUP, ROUND SIX: Saracens will be relying on their eight-strong England contingent to drag the title-holders out of a hole at home to Northampton this weekend.

NEWS: Former Springbok coach Heyneke Meyer will fulfill one of his dreams when the inaugural World Schools Festival gets underway in Paarl in April.

REACTION: Eddie Jones believes the uncapped pair of Lewis Boyce and Alec Hepburn have what it takes to succeed in the demanding role of an international loosehead prop.

WATCH: England’s Jonny Wilkinson showed his tremendous potential back in 1999 when playing against Scotland in the Six Nations.

NEWS: The Ospreys announced that Adam Beard has committed his future to the region, signing a new two-year contract to stay at the Liberty Stadium.

Chiefs flanker Liam Messam has signed a two-year deal with Toulon and will join the French club after the Super Rugby season.

THE APPETIZER:  The 2018 Super Rugby is upon us and teams have all entered their last few weeks of preparation with a number of exciting pre-season matches.

SUPER RUGBY TRANSFER NEWS: Reds utility Ben Lucas, who was apart of their championship-winning season in 2011, is back at Ballymore for a second stint with the side.

SUPER RUGBY PRE-SEASON: Not only does he have to deal with constant raids on his player resources, but Lions coach Swys de Bruin needs to carefully manage his charges in 2018.

PRO14 SPOTLIGHT: After last weekend's first-ever South African Derby in the Pro14 the Cheetahs will host the Southern Kings in Bloemfontein to complete their back-to-back fixtures. 

INJURY UPDATE: All Blacks captain Kieran Read will be sidelined for several months through injury.

ONE LAST CHANCE: It promises to be a tension-packed weekend in what many regard is perhaps the most hotly contest season.

REACTION: James Haskell has been left to rue his colourful disciplinary record.

INJURY UPDATE: La Rochelle's Top 14 campaign were dealt a cruel blow.

REACTION: Eddie Jones joked his England side "might as well not turn up" to the Six Nations Championship after injuries and suspensions left the reigning champions without 13 players ahead of next month's tournament opener against Italy.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: The return of captain Michael Willemse at hooker was the most noteworthy change made to the Southern Kings starting XV by head coach Deon Davids for the Pro14 clash against the Cheetahs in Bloemfontein on Saturday.

NEWS: Harlequins announced contract extensions for Director of Rugby John Kingston, head coach Mark Mapletoft and forwards coach Graham Rowntree.

INJURY UPDATE: The Sharks will be without one of their star players for this year's Super Rugby season.

NEWS: Both Mitch Lees and Ian Whitten have committed their futures to the Exeter Chiefs.

AWARDS: Centre Francois Venter scooped the top prize at the Cheetahs' awards ceremony on Wednesday.

SQUAD ANNOUNCEMENT: England head coach Eddie Jones has selected eight uncapped players in his 35-man squad ahead of their first match of the Six Nations against Italy in Rome.

RUMOUR MILL: Andy Goode and Big Jim Hamilton reveals what Springbok Duane Vermeulen said when asked how things are at Toulon.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Brumbies prop Allan Alaalatoa believes Christian Lealiifano will return to a leadership role within the Brumbies campp when he returns from Ulster.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: It is often said that Jonah Lomu changed the game in more ways than one.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Eddie Jones could be the man to coach the British and Irish Lions for their South African Tour in 2021.

REACTION: The lure of the Springbok captaincy is not the only reason behind the decision of veteran Springbok Duane Vermeulen's to return to South Africa.

SQUAD ANNOUNCEMENT: Jordan Larmour has been handed a first Ireland call-up after the Leinster full-back was named on Wednesday in Joe Schmidt's Six Nations squad.

INJURY UPDATE: Springbok captain Eben Etzebeth is in a race against time to be fit for the June Tests against England.

DISCIPLINARY UPDATE: Wasps flank James Haskell's hopes of featuring in England's Six Nations campaign was dealt a harsh blow on Wednesday.

DISCIPLINARY UPDATE: French and Toulon centre Mathieu Bastareaud has escaped with no more than a slap on the wrist for his vile outburst.

SIX NATIONS SPOTLIGHT: Wales and Scotland both named their respective squads on Wednesday, and with Gatland’s line-up having a noticeable number of players currently nursing injuries, we took a look at the injury concerns of all four home nations.

SQUAD ANNOUNCEMENT: Despite being embroiled in a homophobia storm, burly centre Mathieu Bastareaud was included in France coach Jacques Brunel's Six Nations squad.

SQUAD ANNOUNCEMENT: Springbok Sevens coach Neil Powell has included Stormers loose forward Sikhumbuzo Notshe to the squad for the next two Sevens Series tournaments in Sydney and in Hamilton.

TRANSFER NEWS: The Cheetahs have bolstered their forward stock with the signing of Golden Lions' lock JP du Preez.

TRANSFER NEWS: Scotland international hooker George Turner has signed a two-year contract with Glasgow Warriors.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Eddie Jones has signed a contract extention which will se him stay in England until August 2021.

TRANSFER NEWS: Bath have made sure they bagged the services of powerful wing Cooper Vuna until the end of the season.

EXCLUSIVE: The cash-strapped Blue Bulls Company (Pty) Ltd has been dragged to court in a labour dispute.

FAREWELL: Springbok Andries Bekker has officially confirmed his retirement from rugby.

SQUAD ANNOUNCMENT: All Blacks Sevens Coach Clark Laidlaw has included 18-year-old Caleb Clarke -son of former All Black Eroni Clarke - in his squad for the Sydney Sevens. 

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Australia flank George Smith has been arrested by the Tokyo Police, according to Japanese Media.

NEWS: European Professional Club Rugby (EPCR) is currently carrying out an investigation into comments made by Toulon President Mourad Boudjellal when he defended Mathieu Bastareaud.

REACTION: France coach Jacques Brunel on Tuesday defended centre Mathieu Bastareaud, who faces a hearing on Wednesday over homophobic insults and could be suspended for the Six Nations. 

NEWS: The Bulls and the Stormers will no longer be playing a Super Rugby pre-season match in Los Angeles.

It's the last round of pool play in Rugby Europe's club competitions. The next stage will be the cruel knock-outs.

NEWS: Yet another French team is looking for a new coach.

PRO14 SPOTLIGHT: The Cheetahs need to dramatically cut down on the number of penalties and resultant yellow cards if they are to progress to the play-offs.

SQUAD ANNOUNCEMENT: Simon Amor has named an experienced squad for the Sydney Sevens which takes place on January 26-28.

SQUAD ANNOUNCEMENT: The uncapped duo of Worcester wing Josh Adams and Scarlets flank James Davies were included in a Wales squad for the first time as coach Warren Gatland on Tuesday named 39 players for the Six Nations.

SQUAD ANNOUNCEMENT: Scotland have been boosted by the return of several experienced players, absent from recent campaigns, for their upcoming Six Nations campaign.

REACTION: The Eastern Province Rugby Union have drawn a veil of secrecy over the surprise visit of German millionaire Hans-Peter Wild's flash visit to Port Elizabeth at weekend.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Australia international Henry Speight has revealed that the option of plying his trade in Europe is tempting.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Jan de Koning chatted to Lions coach Swys de Bruin about a pre-season that sees the team bereft of a chunk of their frontline players.

NEWS: Wallaby scrumhalf Nick Frisby will be heading to France after he was told he was no longer needed by the Reds.

NEWS: Karmichael Hunt's prospects of remaining in Australian Rugby look tied to the outcome of his court hearing later this month. 

WATCH: England No.8 Billy Vunipola is set to miss this year's Six Nations after scans confirmed that he had fractured his forearm in a Champions Cup tie against Ospreys.

NEWS: Ireland captain Rory Best is eager to conclude contract talks before the Six Nations gets underway.

NEWS: The Bulls' Super Rugby pre-season preparations were dealt a blow with the news that they have a new addition to the long-term injury list.

NEWS: Former Australian Men's Sevens captain Ed Jenkins has been forced to retire from the game as he battles a shoulder injury.

DISCIPLINARY NEWS: Mathieu Bastareaud and James Haskell will discover their fate on Wednesday, after being cited for incidents during European Champions Cup matches at the weekend.

NEWS: London Irish have confirmed that it is considering a number of offers of 'investment' in the Premiership club.

EUROPEAN CHAMPIONS CUP ROUND FIVE: It has been an interesting and intriguing week, to say the least. And one competition's players dominate!

REACTION: Saracens will have to improve drastically at scrum-time if they are to have any chance of making the Champions Cup play-offs 

NEWS: Gareth Steenson has spoken of his delight after putting pen to paper on a new two-year deal with the Exeter Chiefs.

INJURY UPDATE: The Southern Kings are sweating over the fitness of flyhalf Oliver Zono.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Former Sharks scrumhalf Cobus Reinach was one the try-scorers during Northampton Saints European Champions win over Clermont Auvergne.

NEWS: The SA Rugby Sevens Academy ended their two week South American trip on a perfect note by winning the Sudamericarugby Sevens tournament in Vina del Mar, Chile.

NEWS: Duane Vermeulen is set to return to South Africa at the end of the current European season.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Australia's Super Rugby teams can play a vital role in lifting the game after a tumultuous 2017 season, says new Rugby Australia CEO Raelene Castle.

REACTION: Toulon centre Mathieu Bastareaud has issued an apology after appearing to utter a "homophobic" insult at an opponent in Sunday's 36-0 European Champions Cup victory over Treviso.

WATCH: Mathieu Bastareaud could be in a lot of trouble.

CHAMPIONS CUP REPORT: Leicester Tigers were soundly beaten on their first trip to the Stade Pierre Fabre in the battle of the bottom two in European Rugby Champions Cup Pool Four.

CHAMPIONS CUP REPORT: Racing 92 edged a pulsating first ever European match at the brand new U Arena but Munster's losing bonus point keeps them top of Champions Cup Pool Four.

CHAMPIONS CUP REPORT: Toulon set up a mouth-watering Pool Five finale against Scarlets as they picked up what could be a crucial bonus point against Benetton.

INJURY UPDATE: Billy Vunipola is set to miss England's Six Nations campaign after Saracens announced on Sunday that he had suffered a fractured forearm, dealing a huge blow to England coach Eddie Jones' plans.

CHAMPIONS CUP REPORT: Leinster have secured a home European Champions Cup quarterfinal after they thrashed Glasgow Warriors 55-19 in Ireland on Sunday.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: The latest Simon Zebo comments emerging from France have put even more distance between him and Joe Schmidt's Ireland team, although the Cork native still apparently wants to be involved in Ireland Six Nations plans.

WATCH: Suntory Sungoliath and Panasonic Wild Knights battle it out for Japanese bragging rights.

EURO CHALLENGE CUP WRAP: Connacht overturned a 10-point half-time deficit to qualify for the Challenge Cup quarterfinals with a 24-24 draw at Worcester Warriors on Saturday.

SIX NATIONS SPOTLIGHT: England were handed a double Six Nations headache on Saturday after European Champions Cup action saw flank James Haskell red-carded and No.8 Billy Vunipola suffer another injury setback.

WATCH as Wasps and England flank James Haskell is red-carded for a horrific high tackle on former Wales centre, Jamie Roberts, in their clash with Harlequins at the Stoop on Saturday.

CHAMPIONS CUP REPORT: Ospreys and defending champions Saracens played to a 15-all draw in dramatic fashion at the Liberty Stadium on Saturday.

CHAMPIONS CUP REPORT: Harlequins rallied from 12-28 down to steal a sensational 33-28 triumph over Wasps at the Twickenham Stoop on Saturday.

NEWS: More New Zealand rugby players are set to be banned for doping offences – NZ Rugby general manager Neil Sorensen has revealed.

CHAMPIONS CUP REPORT: Exeter Chiefs breathed life in their campaign with a dominant 41-10 win over Montpellier at Sandy Park.

CHAMPIONS CUP REPORT: Northampton Saints opened the Pool Two back door with a 34-21 bonus-point win over Clermont Auvergne at Franklin's Gardens on Saturday.

PRO14 REPORT: Nico Lee scored a hat-trick as the Cheetahs raced to a 45-21 win in a first-ever South African derby in this European competition.

EUROPEAN CHAMPIONS CUP REPORT: Ulster pulled off one of the biggest upsets of the season when they beat French giants La Rochelle 20-13 at a packed Kingspan Stadium on Saturday.

EURO CHALLENGE CUP WRAP: Solomoni Rasolea's dramatic 77th-minute try helped Edinburgh clinch a place in the European Challenge Cup quarterfinals with a stunning 34-33 victory over Stade Francais.

In the life of a professional rugby player, there’s still a long way to go before the first weekend in February when the Six Nations commences.

WATCH: As the European Champions Cup reaches a crucial stage and with Super Rugby on the horizon, we bring you the 10 best teams on the planet - as rated by BsporTV !

JERSEY LAUNCH: The Bulls will be unrecognisable in their away jersey in this season's Super Rugby tournament.

CHAMPIONS CUP REPORT: Scarlets gave a scintillating attacking display to win 35-17 at Bath on Friday and vault to the top of Pool Five in the European Champions Cup.

INJURY UPDATE: The Stormers may be without the services of one of their key players for most - if not all - of the Super Rugby season.

A 125kg Japanese tighthead demonstrates the massive impact a prop can make, even as a sub.

WATCH as Aspell-Moara wreaks violent havoc for Ishikawa against other schools in Japan.

LISTEN as talented flyhalf Inny-Christian Radebe explains to Jan de Koning why he may be forced to look abroad for employment.

Dr Geoffrey Vaughan, AO, who played for the Wallabies six times in 1958, died at the age of 84.

REACTION: Waratahs scrumhalf Nick Phipps does not share the view that Israel Folau is about to go code-hopping again.

For the first time, women referees have been included in New Zealand's top panels - two in the National Squad and Four in the Wider Training Group.

OPINION: For a long time now, English rugby has been the king of the castle.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: A fit-again Billy Vunipola will look to drag Saracens away from the abyss when the reigning European champions travel to Ospreys on Saturday.

INJURY UPDATE: Teenage wing Samuel Ezeala is "doing very well" following his shocking KO last Sunday, his Clermont coach Franck Azema said on Thursday.

INJURY UPDATE: Ross Moriarty delivered some welcome good news for Wales coach Warren Gatland ahead of the Six Nations.

QUALIFICATION ON THE LINE: Holders Saracens are among the heavyweights fighting for their European lives when the pool stage concludes over the next two weekends - with coveted quarterfinal places on the line.

BACK-TO-BACK DERBIES: The Cheetahs have promised to bounce back in emphatic style when they meet the Southern Kings in Port Elizabeth on Saturday.

NEWS: Teenage star Marcus Smith's impressive performances in his maiden Premiership season has earned him a first senior professional contract, his club Harlequins announced on Thursday.

NEWS: Canadian coach Jamie Cudmore has quit Oyonnax with immediate effect over a "disagreement", the French Top 14 basement boys said on Thursday.

NEWS: The drain on South Africa's age-group resources by clubs and franchises in Europe gained more momentum this week.

WATCH: BlitzBoks star Albertus 'Kwagga' Smith went into beast mode during his side's training camp in Stellenbosch.

WATCH: The 'Run It Straight Challenge' has been around on social media for a while now, originating with Rugby League fans in Australia.

NEWS: One of Ireland's most highly-rated trainers has declined an offer to join the Springbok coaching staff.

TRANSFER NEWS: The Stormers have increased their flyhalf stocks ahead of this year's upcoming Super Rugby season.

VIDEO: David Flatman is back with his picks for round 13 of the 2017/18 Premiership season.

PREMIERSHIP PLAYER OF THE MONTH: Worcester Warriors wing Josh Adams has been named the best performer for December.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Scrumhalf Will Genia said new Melbourne Rebels head coach David Wessels reminds him of Eddie Jones.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Lima Sopoaga is the latest All Black to make the decision to leave New Zealand and join English Premiership side Wasps on a two-year deal.

NEWS: One of the most talented players in Argentina, unwanted by the Jaguares franchise, is being chased by Premiership and Pro14 teams.

TRANSFER NEWS: England international wing Matt Banahan will bring his 12-year association with Bath to an end in the close season.

WATCH as Ma’ama Vaipulu is sent off in the 63rd minute of his sides 3-30 loss to Agen at the weekend.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Springbok Rohan Janse van Rensburg's stay in England will soon come to an end.

INJURY UPDATE: The Cheetahs were dealt a triple blow, as they stepped up preparations for the back-to-back Pro14 encounters with the Southern Kings.

NEWS: Australia's Super Rugby players were handed a pay rise and squad sizes were expanded to up to 40 players as part of a new collective bargaining agreement announced on Wednesday.

NEWS: Two New Zealand representatives are among four players suspended for doping offences, NZ Rugby said in a statement.

HOT OFF THE PRESS: The English Premiership has swooped on another frontline All Black with Lima Sopoaga set to announce he has signed with Wasps for the northern 2018/2019 season.

DISCIPLINARY UPDATE: Defending Six Nations champions England will be without prop Joe Marler for at least the opening two matches of the tournament.

It's European competition again - the Champions Cup and the Challenge Cup. And there is just one PRO14 match.

NEWS: Scarlets confirmed that scrumhalf Jonathan Evans has signed a new deal keeping him at the Scarlets.

SQUAD ANNOUNCEMENT: Alessandro Zanni is in line to earn his 100th cap for Italy and Jake Polledri received his first call as coach Conor O'Shea named his 34-man Six Nations training squad on Tuesday.

INJURY UPDATE: Wales and Ospreys star Dan Lydiate will undergo surgery this week on the bicep injury he suffered in the New Year’s Eve win at the Dragons in the Pro14.

Ok, it's an academy by another name but it is a new venture for the Golden Lions - a Master Coach Rugby Factory with an impressive staff to make it really work.

WATCH: You know it's bad when a sheet is put up so the crowd can't see the medics working on you.  

TRANSFER NEWS: Dragons are pleased to announce that Worcester Warriors forward Huw Taylor will join the region next season on a two-year deal.

NEWS: Cardiff Blues confirmed that Nick Williams has signed a new contract to extend his stay in the Welsh capital.

TRANSFER NEWS: William Tupou is one of three additions to the Sunwolves' Super Rugby squad for the upcoming Super Rugby season.

NEWS: England head coach Eddie Jones is currently on a reconnaissance mission in South Africa to help his side prepare for their three-Test series against the Springboks in June.

NEWS: Another key member of Munster's backroom staff is set to join Johan 'Rassie' Erasmus in South Africa.

INJURY UPDATE: Cheetahs coach Rory Duncan has a tricky midfield poser to solve ahead of their back-to-back Pro14 encounters with the Southern Kings.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: New recruit Rob Simmons will be looking to help lift the Waratahs after a poor 2017 Super Rugby season.

INJURY UPDATE: The Bulls returned to Super Rugby pre-season training on Monday, with a host of players still on the sidelines.

NEWS: There will be another chapter written in the colourful disciplinary history of England prop Joe Marler.

WATCH AS Connacht lock Quinn Roux receives a yellow card for this tip tackle on Munster’s Keith Earls during their Pro14 Irish derby match at the weekend.

REACTION: AJ MacGinty, the United States Eagles No.10, is waiting to discover how seriously he damaged his knee helping defeat Harlequins 30-29 in a Premiership match at the weekend.

TRANSFER NEWS: A failed medical exam appears to have left talented flyhalf Inny-Christian Radebe without a franchise for 2018.

INJURY UPDATE: Teenage Clermont wing Samuel Ezeala was all smiles and gave the thumbs up from his hospital bed on Monday following a sickening concussion suffered against Racing 92 on Sunday.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: After the last round before teams head back into Europe, we have a look at all the Round 13 highlights and the stats - which tell a story all of its own.

PRO14 INJURY UPDATE: Regular captain Michael Willemse might return to the Southern Kings for their back-to-back derby encounters with the Cheetahs.

NEWS: The SA Rugby Sevens Academy showed great determination and character in Uruguay on Sunday to claim the Punta del Este tournament on the Sudamericarugby Sevens series despite only having nine players available for the Final.

UPDATE: Leinster have launched an investigation after fans had to be moved from a section of the grandstand at the RDS Arena during the Pro14 clash against Ulster.

TOP 14, SUNDAY WRAP: Defending French Top 14 champions Clermont slumped to an eight-try, 6-58 rout at the hands of Racing 92 on Sunday in a game overshadowed by a horror injury suffered by debutant teenage wing Samuel Ezeala. 

PREMIERSHIP MATCH REPORT: Alex Goode scored twice as Saracens produced  38-15 bonus-point win over Wasps in a pulsating contest to move within five points of league leaders Exeter Chiefs.

PREMIERSHIP MATCH REPORT: Sparkling first-half scores from Sinoti Sinoti, Vereniki Goneva and Kyle Cooper inspired Newcastle Falcons to  28-20 win over table-toppers Exeter Chiefs.

TRANSFER NEWS: Ulster Rugby have confirmed that they have signed a new flyhalf, but are as of yet to name the player.

WATCH as Gloucester head coach Johan Ackermann feels his side's ill-discipline and controversial referee decisions gifted Northampton Saints a win.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Joe Marler's recent reckless outburst against Sale Sharks could see the England forward miss a chunk of the Six Nations campaign.

TOP 14 WRAP: Montpellier gained a precious bonus point as they beat Stade Francais to retake first place in the Top 14 from La Rochelle, who drew at last-place Oyonnax.

PRO14 MATCH REPORT: A man-of-the-match performance from George Horne helped Glasgow Warriors to a 12th victory of the season.

PRO14 MATCH REPORT: Dan Biggar showed off his kicking prowess to set up three tries in the Ospreys' 29-28 derby win over the Cardiff Blues in a thrilling Guinness PRO14 encounter.

PRO14 MATCH REPORT: Munster demolished a very poor Connacht team, winning 39-13 in their Irish derby on Saturday.

PREMIERSHIP MATCH REPORT: A late Francois de Klerk penalty gave Sale Sharks a 30-29 victory over Harlequins in a pulsating clash at the AJ Bell stadium.

PREMIERSHIP MATCH REPORT: Manu Tuilagi marked his 100th appearance in a Leicester Tigers shirt with a try as his side earned a 19-15 win at Welford Road over London Irish.

PREMIERSHIP MATCH REPORT: A controversial penalty try at the death helped Northampton Saints end a seven-match losing streak.

PRO14 MATCH REPORT: Leinster made a big statement about their European credentials as their ran six tries past Ulster in a one-sided Irish derby.

PRO14 MATCH REPORT: Benetton produced a stunning second half to beat the Cheetahs 27-21 in their Round 13 match in Treviso on Saturday.

OPINION: Currently, the Springboks have a 30-cap ruling for South African-born players who ply their rugby overseas, making anyone with less than 30 Test caps ineligible to become a Bok.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Using data collected over the past number of seasons by sports agency Esportif Intelligence, an interesting picture begins to develop on the key positions in Europes three major leagues.

PREMIERSHIP MATCH REPORT: Six-try Bath Rugby delivered a dominant performance at Sixways to down Worcester Warriors and arrest a run of three Premiership Rugby defeats.

PRO14 MATCH REPORT: Rhys Patchell was at the heart of everything the Scarlets did as the reigning PRO14 champions put in a blistering seven-try showing to dispatch Welsh rivals the Dragons in style.

PRO14 MATCH REPORT: Edinburgh recorded their eighth win of the season with a 37-7 bonus-point victory over the South African side the Southern Kings.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: England's Six Nations campaign has been given a boost with the return of star duo Maro Itoje and Billy Vunipola.

SCHOOL SPOTLIGHT: The sixth annual Jeppe High School for Boys Rhino Rugby Under-16 Rugby Festival will take place from March 29 to April 2.

INJURY UPDATE: Scotland  will be without Zander Fagerson for the bulk of the Six Nations after the prop suffered a foot injury.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Springbok centre Francois Venter returns from international duty to lead the Cheetahs in their first match of 2018.

There's never a dull moment when Austin Healey is tossing around opinions.

Glasgow Warriors centre Nick Grigg was playing for Petone club in Wellington, New Zealand - where he was born and raised - before uploading a YouTube video that would change his life.

IN THE SUPER RUGBY SPOTLIGHT: Beauden Barrett is unquestionably the most dangerous 10 in world rugby.

TOP 14 ROUND 15: Having bid adieu to Jacques Brunel, Bordeaux-Begles promptly turned a new page by replacing the new France coach with little-known Englishman Rory Teague, who takes on Lyon on Saturday in his first ever match as head coach not just in the Top 14, but in any professional league.

IN THE PRO14 SPOTLIGHT: Ospreys and Wales hooker Scott Baldwin says getting bitten by a Lions in South Africa was the catalyst for his improved form in recent months.

OPINION: As the new year gets underway former England utility back Andy Goode looks ahead to what the next 12 months might bring, as well as reflect on the past year.

NEWS: Englishman Rory Teague was named as coach of Bordeaux-Begles after the departure of Jacques Brunel to the France national team.

NEWS: Wasps Director of Rugby Dai Young has signed a long-term contract extension with the English Premiership club, ending speculation that he could be in line for the Wales job.

CRUNCH TIME: Reigning champions Exeter Chiefs may be ten points clear at the top of the table but a mere three points cover the next four clubs, as we head into the last round of Premiership Rugby before two rounds of Europe Champions Cup.

RETURN OF THE NEWCOMERS: The Pro14 has plenty of storylines to offer in Round 13, with more Welsh and Irish derbies on the fixture list.

NEWS: The Bulls, in the midst of a retrenchment process, have lost a Springbok to Premiership strugglers London Irish.

The Crusaders have reaped the rewards of their success in 2017 - the eight-time champions finding themselves in a healthy financial position.

WATCH: This tackle, that took place in Spain recently, has caused a large amount of debate on social media.

WATCH: They’re calling it one of the most perfect flyhalf performances of all time.

NEWS: Semi Radradra belatedly returned to training with Top 14 Toulon on Wednesday, amid rumours that he will walk out on the club at the end of the season.

INJURY UPDATE: Bath's hopes of ending a three-match losing streak in the Premiership was dealt a cruel blow.

Leinster flank Josh van der Flier made an incredible 34 tackles against Connacht and in doing so broke the Pro14 record for tackles made in a single game.

DISCIPLINARY UPDATE: Sammy Arnold's red-card tackle has cost him and Munster dearly.

European Professional Rugby has made 40 referee appointments to Rounds 5 and 6 of the Champions Cup and the Challenge Cup.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Former France players Julien Bonnaire, Sebastien Bruno and Jean-Baptiste Elissalde were unveiled as new coach Jacques Brunel's three assistants.

INJURY UPDATE: Wales wing George North could miss the Six Nations opener after suffering another knee injury.

Again this weekend the battles are in the English Premiership, Top 14 and PRO14 where the South African teams are shaking off their aestivation and plunging into the cold.

NEWS: A Spartans Rugby Football Club player has been handed a four-year ban for the use of anabolic steroids.

TRANSFER NEWS: English Premiership side Saracens bolstered their scrumhalf stocks with the signing of Australian Nic Stirzaker on a three-month deal.

NEWS: South African hooker Kurt Haupt, seen as no more than a journeyman and a fringe player in his country of birth, has impressed enough to earn an extended stay in the Premiership.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: England coach Eddie Jones believes the evolution of defensive structures will play a key role in the build-up to the 2019 World Cup.

REACTION: Japan-based Samoan Test star Eliota Fuimaono-Sapolu has made an astonishing claim that cocaine use is rife in the sport.

INJURY UPDATE: Wales flank Dan Lydiate will miss part of the forthcoming Six Nations tournament after suffering a bicep injury.

NEWS: The South Africa Rugby Union's Director of Rugby, Rassie Erasmus, has made his first significant appointment of his new term.

SQUAD ANNOUNCEMENT: The Cheetahs bolstered their team with the inclusion of three Springboks, ahead of their trip to Italy.

 World Rugby's new law book has come into being with the New Year 2018. It is a great achievement, of which World Rugby deserves to be proud.

NEWS: The Blue Bulls Company, already under pressure because of their precarious financial position, was dealt another blow this week.

PREMIERSHIP SPOTLIGHT: It has been a frustrating festive period for London Irish.

The year 2018 is set to deliver more fantastic rugby action. And while there is no B&I Lions tour or a World Cup to look forward to, it will nonetheless be another enthralling, entertaining and intriguing 12 months.

This is an odd one. Thirty-seven minutes into this Scottish derby between Glasgow Warriors and Edinburgh at the weekend, the announcement could be heard: "Ladies & Gentlemen, in the interest of safety this building must be evacuated."

Toulouse scored a try in the corner against Toulon, or at least they that is how it first appears. However there’s a fairly blatant knock in the lead up, so after awarding the try, the ref resorts to the TMO.

NEWS: Hallam Amos is a doubt for the start of Wales' Six Nations campaign after suffering an ankle injury.

REACTION: Munster Director of Rugby Johann van Graan admitted his own team's lack of discipline is what cost them most.

PRO14 REPORT: Ulster came back from 0-17 down at half-time to score a sensational 24-17 win over Munster on Monday.

SQUAD ANNOUNCEMENT: Eddie Jones has been forced to remove five players from the England training squad due to injuries sustained over the weekend.

SQUAD ANNOUNCEMENT: The Southern Kings may be refreshed after a month-long break, but they will return to Pro14 action without a number of key players.

PRO14 MATCH REPORT: Max Deegan and Luke McGrath scored tries as Leinster survived a monumental late onslaught by a spirited Connacht in a tense New Year's Day clash at the RDS Arena.

NEWS: It is not new or unique, but Semi Radradra has done it again.

Rugby analysis website Rugby Vision have released their list of the 58 best 'club' sides in the world for 2017 - according to statistics.

WRAP: Castres beat defending champions Clermont 31-27 in a tense final Top 14 match of the year on Sunday to stay firmly in the race in France.

PRO14 MATCH REPORT:  Ospreys ended 2017 in style with a commanding 22-9 away win over the Dragons at Rodney Parade.

MATCH REPORT: Rhys Patchell’s try against his former club saw reigning Pro14 champions Scarlets sign off a successful 2017 with 14-11 victory over Welsh rivals Cardiff Blues.

MATCH REPORT: Gareth Steenson capped his 150th Premiership appearance with points aplenty from the boot as Exeter Chiefs went 10 points clear with an emphatic 30-6 victory over Leicester Tigers.

REACTION: Glasgow Warriors coach Dave Rennie was delighted with his side's confrontational approach in their 17-0 Pro14 victory over Edinburgh.

VIDEO: Here is a compilation of some of the best tries scored in the 2017 Super Rugby Season.

REACTION:  Director of Rugby Mark McCall said that his side looked like a 'really good team' despite what he describes as a patchy performance in a six-try win over Worcester Warriors.

We see out 2017 with a look at some of the most successful long-range attempts at goal in recent times!

REACTION: `The plaudits went, rightfully so, to match-winner Billy Twelvetrees. However, Gloucester coach Johan Ackermann reserved special praise for a couple of Springboks in the Sale Sharks team.

REACTION: Wallaby and Reds back Karmichael Hunt was stood down from any rugby activities, after he was charged with drug possession.

TOP 14 WRAP: La Rochelle bounced back from successive defeats as they retook first place in France by crushing struggling Agen 47-6  on Saturday.

PRO14 MATCH REPORT: Finn Russell's boot was the difference as Glasgow Warriors battled to victory over Edinburgh in the second leg of the 1872 Cup at Scotstoun, avenging last week's shock loss in the capital.

PREMIERSHIP MATCH REPORT: Alex Tait's brace guided Newcastle Falcons to a third straight Premiership victory as they humbled London Irish.

PREMIERSHIP MATCH REPORT: Danny Care's double helped Harlequins to a huge win over Northampton Saints at a packed-out Twickenham for Big Game 10.

PREMIERSHIP MATCH REPORT: Jackson Wray and Nathan Earle both bagged try doubles as Saracens ran in six tries in a 46-31 success over Worcester Warriors at Allianz Park.

PREMIERSHIP MATCH REPORT: Billy Twelvetrees kicked two crucial penalties in the final quarter to give Gloucester a crucial 20-16 win over Sale Sharks at Kingsholm in Saturday.

PRO14 MATCH REPORT: Dean Budd's late try helped Benetton Rugby to complete the double over Italian rivals Zebre, with a hard-fought win in Parma.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: England coach Eddie Jones draws strength from the fact he has always been considered an outsider, from his days growing up in Australia to his years of success in rugby.

WATCH: Football (or soccer) tends to get a lot of complaints hurled at it from rugby fans.

WATCH: The rugby rumour mill has gone into overdrive throughout the month of December, with speculation mounting over numerous players.

NEWS: The Australian Rugby Union has launched an investigation, following reports that a high-profile international player was arrested, reportedly for possessing drugs.

PREMIERSHIP REPORT: A brace from Marcus Watson helped Wasps make it six wins in a row in a nine-try thriller against Bath.

Ronnie Bauser was a man of Kimberley. He was born there, went to school there, lived there and died there, and was intensely loyal to the place.

INJURY UPDATE: French international centre Wesley Fofana has been hit by a new injury blow and will miss the next three months, ruling him out of the Six Nations.

OPINION: It is fair to say that 2017 delivered its fair share of exciting rugby prospects.

SQUAD ANNOUNCEMENT: Leicester centre Manu Tuilagi was missing from England's 34-man 6 Nations training squad announced Friday.

WATCH as Conor Murray reached new heights against Leinster - literally.

SUPER RUGBY SPOTLIGHT: Each passing week it seems there are signs Quade to the Blues will actually happen.

TOP 14, ROUND 14: New France coach Jacques Brunel will make his Bordeaux-Begles farewell with a visit to Stade Francais on Saturday.

THE YEAR THAT WAS: It was not exactly the annus horribilis that 2016 was, but 2017 had its share of apocalyptic events. Jan de Koning shines the spotlight on South African rugby.

NEWS: Sacked France coach Guy Noves has been summoned to answer a charge of serious misconduct by the French rugby federation.

DISCIPLINARY UPDATES: Scotland prop Simon Berghan dealt a blow to his country's hopes of beating Wales in their Six Nations opener on February 3 in Cardiff.

ON THE REBOUND: An epic Round of Christmas Derby action has left fans craving for more after 84,960 people turned out to witness the tribal rivalries in full force.

YEAR-END FEAST: The festive fixtures come thick and fast and the weekend's action is undoubtedly highlighted by the mouth-watering Big Game 10 at Twickenham Stadium.

TRANSFER NEWS: Edinburgh have signed Samoan prop Jordan Lay ahead of Saturday's highly anticipated 1872 Cup second leg against Glasgow Warriors.

TRANSFER NEWS: Worcester Warriors have completed the signing of lock Anton Bresler from Edinburgh - with immediate effect.

WATCH this footage, released by the Australian Rugby Union, of one of the most devastating female players in the game.

Former All Black flanker Steven Luatua is enjoying life at Bristol, the 26-year-old indicating he would like to stay on.