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In the final episode of the year, Anton van Zyl shares his true feelings about the Cape Town Sevens and Currie Cup-winning captain Chris van Zyl joins the team in the hot seat.

VODCAST: The World Sevens Series makes its way to Cape Town and the Late Tackle team are so excited that they are giving away tickets to watch the fastest form of the game live!

VODCAST: The Late Tackle team of Howie Kahn, Anton van Zyl and Morgan Newman introduce their new panel show for RugbyPass.

VODCAST: Howie Kahn, Anton van Zyl and Morgan Newman bring a South African flavour to the market with a unique style of banter and some interesting points of view on a range of topics.

With 2017 nearly at its close and 2018 knocking on the door, Alex Shaw takes a look back at a memorable year of rugby by compiling his top 30 players of the last 12 months.

REACTION: New France coach Jacques Brunel said that his immediate ambition is to win the Six Nations and end the negative spiral which has enveloped the struggling national team.

NEWS: Leicester Tigers wing Jonny May is free to play, after it was found his red card in last weekend’s clash with Saracens was punishment enough.

PREMIERSHIP SPOTLIGHT: Francois de Klerk believes Sale's thrilling 32-9 win against Bath last weekend can serve as the ideal template for the club going into the second half of the campaign.

Praise and thanks to Hans Saestad. Again he has filled a hole in South Africa's rugby history.

NEWS: One of the worst-kept secrets of the year has been confirmed. France has sacked their coach.

NEWS: Bath has been fined £60,000, after admitting to having breached Premiership Rugby policies.

SPOTLIGHT: Take a look back at the year that was in this All Blacks 2017 Infographic.

INJURY UPDATE: Cardiff's Welsh international Gethin Jenkins will undergo X-rays, following a heavy collision during the Blues' tense Pro14 victory over the Dragons.

WATCH: It has been quite the year for the Scottish. The men in blue are currently one of the favourites to win the 2018 Six Nations and this videos show exactly why.

WATCH: In a bid to see which of the pair was faster, Sonny Bill Williams and Quade Cooper have had a race in the gym.

NEWS: All Black loose forward Adam Thomson is expected to make a full recovery, after being hospitalised in Japan last week.

OFF-SEASON SPOTLIGHT: Former All Black coach John Mitchell is confident that the new philosophy he’s instilled at the Bulls will reap rewards next year.

PRO14 MATCH REPORT: Josh Macleod's dramatic last-gasp score sent Scarlets back to the top of Conference B with a hard-fought Welsh derby victory over Ospreys.

PRO14 MATCH REPORT: Leinster moved to the top of Pool B with an impressive bonus-point win over Munster on Tuesday.

PRO14 MATCH REPORT: Cardiff Blues held off a ferocious Dragons fightback to take the bragging rights at Rodney Parade with a 22-17 success.

WATCH: Pau snatched victory from defending champions Clermont after replacement prop Beka Kakabadze lost his cool and effectively cost them the match.

NEWS: Samoan international centre Rey Lee-Lo signed a new long-term contract with the Cardiff Blues.

NEWS: The Sunwolves continued to add quality to their squad for 2018 by recruiting anther South African.

It's the last week of 2017. It's astonishing that it's over already, with its year's worth of ups and downs.

WATCH AS, With 2017 nearing an end, we look back at some of the highlights & most viewed media clips from the past year.

There was plenty drama in the an absolutely riveting 1872 Cup match, with Edinburgh prop Simon Berghan sent off for stamping on the head of Glasgow hooker Fraser Brown.

ON this day of celebration and sharing, we obtained top secret information from the North Pole - regarding the letters to Santa of several very influential men in the rugby world.

REACTION: Saracens head into Christmas with an unwanted monkey off their back, after ending their seven-match winless.

Playing their home games at We Three Kingsholm Stadium, under the guidance of Gary Five Gold Rings, the Premiership Christmas squad is revealed.

The rugby365 team want to wish a Merry Christmas to all our readers.

MATCH REPORT: Saracens' uncharacteristic winless run is finally over after securing their first win since October with victory over Leicester Tigers in a Christmas Eve feast.

FUNNY EXCHANGES: One of the enduring qualities of Twitter is that it can pitch average Joe Soaps sports fan into direct dialogues with people of varying degrees of fame, be it sporting or otherwise.

NEWS: The Welsh Rugby Union hopes to appoint Warren Gatland’s replacement in 2018, more than a year before the coach is scheduled to vacate his post.

WATCH the highlights and reaction from Round 11 of the Premiership on this Christmas weekend!

NEWS: Springbok prop Julian Redelinghuys has decided to call it a day and will exchange his playing boots for an educational role.

REACTION: Edinburgh coach Richard Cockerill said his team's last-gasp victory over Glasgow as one of the highlights of his career.

PREMIERSHIP REACTION: Johan Ackermann was frustrated as Gloucester's recent strong run ended in Coventry at the weekend, but refused to blame off-field distractions for their 24-49 defeat to Wasps.

TOP 14 WRAP: Bordeaux-Begles gave Jacques Brunel the perfect send off in what will likely be his final home match in charge before becoming France coach with a 29-19 win over La Rochelle.

PRO14 REPORT: Ultan Dillane helped himself to a double as Connacht produced a blistering performance to overwhelm Ulster in their inter-provincial encounter at the Sportsground, running out 44-16 winners.

PRO14 REPORT: Chris Dean's dramatic late try saw 14-man Edinburgh inflict a first domestic defeat of the season for Glasgow Warriors.

PREMIERSHIP WRAP: Wasps moved up to second position in the standings with an impressive demolition of an in-form Gloucester team in a 10-try thriller on Saturday.

Liston Ntshongwana, great forward and captain in his day, died in the week running up to Christmas 2017.

PRO14 REPORT: Angelo Esposito helped himself to a double as Benetton claimed the bragging rights with a 27-14 victory over 14-man Zebre at the Stadio Monigo.

WATCH when the match between AURILLAC and USM MONTAUBAN turns into a mass brawl.

NEWS: One charge of rape against Ulster centre Stuart Olding has been dropped ahead of trial.

REACTION: Nick Kennedy is determined for his side to bounce back from Friday's defeat at Worcester.

NEWS: Clermont have exercised an option to sign Loni Uhila for a second year.

NEWS: Worcester Warriors has appointed a former Springbok assistant coach to replace another former Bok assistant coach as the club's permanent Director of Rugby.

WATCH: Nothing declares you want to spend several weeks on the sidelines like head-butting an opponent.

YEAR-END SPOTLIGHT: New Zealand, led magnificently by playmaker Beauden Barrett, continue to lead the pack in their bid for an unprecedented third consecutive World Cup, although they were held to a drawn series by the British and Irish Lions.

PLAYER NEWS: The Sharks have retained the bulk of a very impressive squad by resigning a number of players this month.

REPORT: Racing 92 inaugurated their new indoor U Arena home in the western Parisian suburbs with a 23-19 victory over Toulouse.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: A string of coaching changes are afoot on New Zealand's South Island - with the troublesome Southland getting special attention.

TRANSFER NEWS: All Black centre George Moala has joined Clermont from Super Rugby team the Blues on a three-season deal.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: When you think All Blacks, ill-discipline isn’t the first thing to spring to mind.

REACTION: Jacques Brunel has made his mind up to leave Bordeaux-Begles and take over the France reins, one of his club players told AFP on Friday.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Jim Hamilton's career began and ended with memorable spells at Leicester Tigers and Saracens.

Ken Catchpole was regarded by many as the greatest scrumhalf in the world in his day.

MATCH REPORT: A Josh Adams-inspired Worcester Warriors moved 10 points clear of bottom club London Irish in the Premiership table with a 23-8 win at Sixways.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: New Zealand is widely recognised as the best in the world and has held the No.1 ranking for more than a decade. Now they also top another list.

TOP 14 ROUND 13: All Black superstar Dan Carter has failed to recover from a knee injury and will miss out as Racing 92 finally begin life at their glittering new home on Friday.

SPECULATION is rife that under-fire Guy Noves is doomed to become the first French coach axed before the end of his contract.

INJURY UPDATE: No.8 Nathan Hughes and wing Elliot Daly have been ruled out of the first half of England's Six Nations defence.

WATCH this is a compilation of some of the funniest rugby moments to grace the game in recent times.

LISTEN as Piet Heymans, spokesperson of the trade union Sport Employers Unite, explains why Western Province staff may go on strike.

There’s several school of thoughts on the old, rubbing in mistake, ironic back slapping etc that goes. Many don’t have much time for it.

NEWS: Reports coming out of France suggests that two former All Blacks are very much on the radar of French clubs as 2017 comes to a close.

DERBY DANCES: The Pro14 will make a big impact with a full slate of derby fixtures across Italy, Ireland, Scotland and Wales - which will all play out to the backdrop of the Christmas season.

WITH CHRISTMAS SPECIAL VIDEO: We are approaching the halfway stage in Premiership with just four points separating five teams near the top of the table, ensuring the picture could change completely over the course of the Christmas and New Year weekends.

NEWS: Ireland has won the big tug-of-war for the services of star loose forward Christiaan Stander.

NEWS: Ben Smith and Ash Dixon have been confirmed as the co-Captains for the Pulse Energy Highlanders for the second year running.

REACTION: They may be dealing with a host of boardroom issues, but the on-field future of Western Province is 'quite exciting'.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Waratahs backrower Jed Holloway says a greater focus on skills in the preseason is going to benefit every Australian Super Rugby franchise.

THE SHORT BALL: With Scotty Stevenson and Mils Muliaina going on holiday early, James McOnie, Melodie Robinson and Liam Napier step in to spread the footy cheer with The Off Season.

REACTION: There was relief allround as England centre Manu Tuilagi was cleared of making a dangerous tackle in his comeback game.

DISCIPLINARY UPDATE: Argentinian international Juan Imhoff was slapped with a five-week ban.

DISCIPLINARY UPDATE: Ireland coach Joe Schmidt heaved a massive sigh of relief with the news that one of his frontline props will be available for the start of the Six Nations - despite his poor disciplinary record.

NEWS: Jonny Gray has signed a new two-year contract with Glasgow.

Stan Pilecki, the son of Polish refugees to Australia, became one of the greats of Australian rugby.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Jonathan Sexton suffered yet another injury against Exeter last weekend which could potentially see him miss his sides upcoming interprovincial clash with Munster.

DISCIPLINARY UPDATE: England centre Manu Tuilagi has been cleared to play for Leicester Tigers against Saracens in a crucial Premiership match on Sunday.

PREMIERSHIP SPOTLIGHT: Sebastian De Chaves is relishing Friday's trip to Worcester Warriors, as London Irish look to get their campaign back on track with a victory.

REACTION: The troubled Western Province Rugby Union has been caught up in a case of racism.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Ulster’s clash with Harlequins last Friday put two flyhalves head-to-head in contrasting stages of their career. Ben Smith analyses their performances.

INJURY UPDATE: Wasps have sent England internationals Elliot Daly and Nathan Hughes for specialist evaluation after both suffered injuries in last Sunday's European Champions Cup win over La Rochelle.

INJURY UPDATE: Ireland captain Rory Best may miss the start of the Six Nations, but star flyhalf Johnny Sexton could play next  week already.

NEWS: Wales international Aled Brew has extended his stay with Bath, the Premiership club revealed.

In the very first rugby Test match ever played, there was a player born on Christmas Day.

NEWS: All Black great Dan Carter was fined just €1000 when he appeared in a French court on drink driving charges in October, according to recently released court documents AFP has seen.

REACTION: Premiership club Gloucester has come out in support of underfire coach Johan Ackermann and son Ruan.

Wayne Barnes, referee and barrister, will have refereed the most matches in England's Premiership, when he referees the match between Worcester Warriors and London Irish at Sixways on Friday, 213 December 2017.  

It's Christmas, and we wish peace to all referees - peace and joy to referees and players and spectators and administrators - and all of the rest of the world. May the Christmas spirit last forever.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Despite retiring from professional rugby, Todd Clever hasn’t hung up his boots just yet.

In their Champions Cup Round Four match at the weekend, Leinster came from behind to beat Exeter and remain at the top of Pool Three.

Things are not looking particularly good for England back row forward Sam Underhill.

Rugby Australia has announced the appointment of former player Mitch Chapman as the new head coach of Australia's referees.

NEWS: Gloucester's coach Johan Ackermann and his son Ruan have been caught up in a social media storm over an allegation of assault.

WATCH as the Brumbies go back to their roots with the design of their Super Rugby home and away jerseys during the 2018 Super Rugby competition.

Four-test All Black and Blues midfielder George Moala is on the verge of signing with current Top 14 champions Clermont Auvergne, French newspaper La Montagne reports.

Former Rugby League wing and Wallabies outside back Curtis Rona has signed a new two-year deal with the Waratahs and Wallabies

INJURY UPDATE: New Zealand international flyhalf Aaron Cruden will miss two to three weeks due to a knee injury.

NEWS: Veteran Welsh hooker Richard Hibbard will return, from Premiership outfit Gloucester,  home at the end of the present season.

WATCH as Springbok Willie le Roux puts in an amazing try-saving for Wasps against La Rochelle.

NEWS: Veteran French flyhalf Frederic Michalak said he would retire from the game at the end of the season.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: The European Champions Cup takes a break as we head to the Premiership and Pro14 for the Christmas season.

POST-MATCH REACTION: Saracens may be on an unprecedented losing streak, but Director of Rugby Mark McCall is backing them to successfully defend their title.

REACTION: Reports that another Lions Springbok is heading to Europe soon are not accurate.

WATCH as Saracens prop Vincent Koch has given us one of those special prop moments.

NEWS: Springbok flyhalf Pat Lambie is set to face his former Sharks teammates in Hong Kong in February.

ROUND FOUR: The European Champions Cup goes into the Christmas break after a bruising round of games across the continent this weekend.

OPINION: The European Champions Cup pools really began to take shape this week, as the 'double header' rounds, perhaps the most tactically interesting two-week slot in the competition, were wrapped up.

CHAMPIONS CUP REPORT: A 25-16 victory at Welford Road saw Munster seize control of European Rugby Champions Cup Pool 4 and leave Leicester's hope of reaching the quarter-finals in tatters.

CHAMPIONS CUP REPORT: Ospreys claimed second place in Champions Cup Pool 2 with their second bonus-point 32-15 win in a week over Northampton Saints.

CHAMPIONS CUP REPORT: A late penalty courtesy of fullback Scott Spedding made sure Clermont secure back-to-back victories over Champions Cup title holders Saracens.

CHAMPIONS CUP REPORT: Elliot Daly's brace of tries help Wasps brought La Rochelle's 100 percent record to an end in Champions Cup Pool 1 with an impressive 21-3 win to avenge last week's defeat at the Stade Marcel-Deflandre.

INJURY UPDATE: Glasgow Warriors' European Champions Cup campaign has been dealt another blow after their 26-36 defeat to Montpellier. 

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: All Black wing Julian Savea says he hasn’t closed the door on the possibility of playing Rugby League.

WATCH as referee JP Doyle get knocked down as Glasgow and Montpellier tear into each other like wild animals.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: After receiving a yellow card in Harlequins European Champions Cup match with Ulster in Ravenhill, Kyle Sinckler has reacted to a tirade of social media criticism.

INJURY UPDATE: New Zealand flyhalf Aaron Cruden suffered a knee injury during Montpellier's 36-26 European Champions Cup victory over Glasgow on Saturday.

CHAMPIONS CUP REPORT: Bath blew Pool Five in the European Rugby Champions Cup wide open with a rare 26-21 triumph over three-times European champions Toulon at The Recreation Ground in a memorable showdown in the English West Country.

CHAMPIONS CUP REPORT: Racing 92 revived their hopes of reaching the European Rugby Champions Cup quarterfinals with a crucial 29-7 bonus-point triumph over French Top 14 rivals Castres Olympique at the Stade Yves Du Manoir on Saturday.

CHAMPIONS CUP REPORT: Dreams of the European Rugby Champions Cup knockout stages remain alive for Scarlets following a comfortable 31-12 bonus-point victory against Benetton Rugby at the Stadio Comunale di Monigo on Saturday.

NEWS: Lions standout Jaco Kriel has been heavily linked with a move to Gloucester in the Premiership, according to reports.

CHAMPIONS CUP REPORT: Leinster tightened their grip on European Rugby Champions Cup Pool Three with a tense 22-17 triumph over Exeter Chiefs in a classic continental encounter at the Aviva Stadium on Saturday.

CHAMPIONS CUP REPORT: Benoit Paillaugue kept Montpellier afloat in the European Champions Cup with a match-winning performance in a 36-26 victory over Glasgow on Saturday.

INTERVIEW: Wales head coach Warren Gatland said he will look to coach in Super Rugby once his current contract comes to an end after the 2019 World Cup.

CHAMPIONS CUP REPORT: Ulster kept the dream of a European Rugby Champions Cup quarter-final berth alive with a 52-24 triumph over Harlequins a thrilling Friday encounter at the Kingspan Stadium.

TRANSFER SPOTLIGHT: Peter O'Mahony has signed a three-year contract with the IRFU which will see him continue with Munster until at least 2021.

TRANSFER SPOTLIGHT: Ireland tighthead prop Tadhg Furlong has signed a three-year IRFU contract to remain at Leinster up to June 2021.

TRANSFER NEWS: Academy product Stan South has extended his time with the Premiership side the Harlequins.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Japan's national rugby team can boost ticket sales for the 2019 World Cup if they carry their fine recent form into next year, organisers said Friday.

NEWS: SA Rugby will only confirm their decision on Allister Coetzee's future in the new year. 

NEWS: The Sunwolves announced that the Super Rugby match against the Melbourne Rebels is now to be played in Tokyo.

CHAMPIONS CUP SPOTLIGHT: Leinster may be building towards a tilt at a first European Champions Cup title since 2012 but scrum coach John Fogarty is wary of an Exeter reaction in Dublin on Saturday.

TRANSFER NEWS: Australian loose forward Tala Gray has signed a deal to join Stade Francais from next season, the French Top 14 side announced on Thursday.

NEWS: Wasps have confirmed the signing of current Cardiff Blues head coach Danny Wilson and Nottingham Rugby head coach Ian Costello, both are set to arrive in Coventry during pre-season to complement the coaching talent already in place.  

INJURY UPDATE: Saracens lock Maro Itoje will be available for the start of England's Six Nations title defence after his club said he faces a maximum of four more weeks of rehabilitation.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: After a tough weekend last time out in the European Champions Cup, Harlequins are the first of the Premiership sides looking to turn the tables in Round Four.

NEWS: The Lions have confirmed that defence and assistant coach JP Ferreira will join Irish Province Munster.

AWARDS: The Black Ferns dominated the New Zealand Rugby Awards on Thursday. 

TRANSFER NEWS: The Melbourne Rebels have accepted a request from Gloucester to grant hooker James Hanson an early release from his Super Rugby contract.

UPDATE: Lyon wing Timilai Rokoduru has been suspended for seven weeks for a dangerous tackle against Toulouse last week in the European Challenge Cup, the organisers announced on Wednesday.

INJURY UPDATE: The Crusaders' injury list continues to grow ahead of the 2018 Super Rugby season.

WATCH: The 1014 team pick their 2017 World XV and examine three nominations in each position. 

DISCIPLINARY UPDATE: Glasgow Warriors hooker George Turner has been handed a four-week suspension following his yellow card during his side's European Championship clash.

The biggest interest this weekend will - weather permitting - be in the three competitions of European Professional Club Rugby - the Champions Cup, the Challenge Cup and the Continental Shield.

World Rugby has made known the match officials for the Six Nations early in 2018.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Phil Thomson will take over as Chairman of the Brumbies board following Rob Kennedy’s decision to step down from the position at the Annual General Meeting.

TRANSFER NEWS: Michael Ruru is the latest former Western Force player to switch to the Rebels, the franchise confirmed.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Allister Coetzee looks set to learn his fate this week as SA Rugby’s executive council meet to conduct a review of the Springboks 2017 season.

NEWS: A new five-team women's competition will kick-off early next year, Rugby Australia confirmed, building on the fast-growing momentum for female sports throughout the country.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Rugby Australia has signalled its intent to secure the hosting rights for the 2027 Rugby World Cup and 2021 Women’s Rugby World Cup.

INJURY UPDATE: All Blacks captain Kieran Read will miss the start of next year's Super Rugby season as he undergoes surgery to fix a back problem, the Crusaders confirmed.

INJURY UPDATE: Wales forward Taulupe Faletau could miss the whole of the Six Nations after English Premiership side Bath said on Tuesday he had suffered medial knee ligament damage.

REACTION: Saracens Director of Rugby Mark McCall says the European champions have given themselves six weeks to save their season after crashing to their sixth successive defeat.

INJURY UPDATE: South African flank Wiaan Liebenberg is set for a three-month spell on the sidelines as he needs an operation on a broken wrist, his French club Montpellier said on Tuesday.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Northampton Saints confirmed that director of rugby Jim Mallinder will leave his position at the Premiership club with immediate effect.

INJURY UPDATE: The Springbok Sevens team will be without their most experienced player for the remainder of the World Rugby Sevens Series after Chris Dry was ruled out due to a knee injury.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: The Scottish Rugby Union (SRU) are now favourites to buy the financially challenged Worcester Warriors – according to reports.

WATCH as Siyamthanda best known as 'Siya' Kolisi reflects on his inspirational journey from Eastern Cape township to Springboks player of the year nominee.

WATCH as the 1014 team - in Part two - explores how the Six Nations teams developed during the November Tests Series.

INJURY UPDATE: Tonga international Telusa Veainu faces several months out of action after suffering a double fracture of the jaw in his club Leicester's European Champions Cup defeat to Munster.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: First, the Black Ferns claimed the World Rugby's Team of the year awards and now New Zealander Raelene Castle has become the first woman to be appointed Chief Executive Officer of Rugby Australia.

CHAMPIONS CUP REPORT: Alivereti Raka scored a hat-trick of tries as French champions Clermont ran defending two-time European titleholders Saracens ragged in a 46-14 hammering on Monday - the most points they have conceded in European competition.

SYDNEY SEVENS: The reigning Sydney Champions the Blitzboks have been drawn with England in Pool C.

REACTION: All Blacks Sevens did it the hard way but claimed their first World Sevens tournament in South Africa since 2012.

NEWS:The Springboks' Rugby Championship home fixtures for 2018 were confirmed on Monday with matches scheduled for Pretoria, Durban and Port Elizabeth in the 22nd edition of the Southern Hemisphere championship.

REACTION: Blitzboks head coach Neil Powell admitted his side failed to 'implement the systems' after claiming the bronze in the Cape Town leg. 

SUPER RUGBY PRE-SEASON: The Stormers have bolstered their squad further ahead of the 2018 Super Rugby season.

WATCH: Castres walked away with a 16-13 victory against Racing 92 in their Round Three European Cup fixture on Saturday. 

WATCH: Joe Ravouvou is a big guy, especially for Sevens. Yet 105kg wing had no right to score this try, no matter how big and strong he is.

NEWS: A match between fierce rivals Waratahs and the Queensland Reds will be played at the Sydney Cricket Ground next year for the first time since 1983, organisers said Monday.

CHAMPIONS CUP REPORT: Leinster took charge of European Rugby Champions Cup Pool Three on Sunday courtesy of Jack Conan's bullocking late try which gave them an 18-8 success over Exeter Chiefs.

DAY TWO, FINALS WRAP: New Zealand were crowned 2017 Cape Town Sevens champions when they hammered Argentina 38-14 in their Cup Final on Sunday.

CHAMPIONS CUP REPORT: Ulster boosted their bid for a place in the last eight of the European Rugby Champions Cup with a hard earned 17-5 win win over Harlequins in near blizzard conditions at Twickenham Stoop. 

CHAMPIONS CUP REPORT: Fijian flank Levani Botia scored a brace of tries to help La Rochelle cement their place atop Pool One of the European Champions Cup with a thrilling 49-29 victory over Wasps on Sunday.

DAY TWO, SEMIFINALS WRAP: New Zealand advanced to the Cup Final at the Cape Town Sevens when they beat the BlitzBoks in the semifinals on Sunday.

NEWS: The much-anticipated European Champions Cup match between Saracens and Clermont was postponed Sunday because of poor weather.

DAY TWO, QUARTERFINALS WRAP: The BlitzBoks staged a second-half fightback to beat Fiji 31-26 in their Cup quarterfinal on Sunday.

It's Day 2 of the 2017-18 Sevens Series at Cape Town. The day of the big knock-out which will lead to the final and the champions for this leg.

WHAT'S IN A NAME? The All Blacks went 13-1-2 this year. Pretty good right? Not if you’re actually a New Zealander it seems, with questions being asked if the cracks are starting to show in the world champion's armour.

EUROPEAN CHAMPIONS CUP REPORT: Ospreys collected their first European Rugby Champions Cup win of the campaign on Saturday with a 43-32 success over Northampton Saints at Franklin's Gardens in an enthralling continental showdown.

EUROPEAN CHAMPIONS CUP REPORT: Castres Olympique fought from behind to defeat Top 14 rivals Racing 92 and move top of European Rugby Champions Cup Pool 4 with a 16-13 triumph at the Stade Pierre Fabre on Saturday.

EUROPEAN CHAMPIONS CUP REPORT: Munster Rugby picked up a crucial bonus point victory against Leicester Tigers on Saturday.

EUROPEAN CHAMPIONS CUP REPORT: Three-times European Rugby champions RC Toulon left it late to claim a 24-20 triumph over Bath Rugby to take control of Champions Cup Pool 5 at the Stade Felix Mayol on Saturday.

DAY ONE, ROUND THREE WRAP: The Blitzboks kept their perfect record intact after a win over Kenya in their final match on Saturday.

EUROPEAN CHAMPIONS CUP REPORT: Scarlets kept their hopes of reaching the Champions Cup knockout stages with a 33-28 victory over Benetton Treviso in a tumultuous affair at Parc y Scarlets on Saturday.

NEWS: England star Chris Ashton says he is delighted to have quit the English Premiership for French Top 14 giants Toulon, escaping the negative remarks that plagued him at home.

DAY ONE, ROUND TWO WRAP: Blitzboks star Seabelo Senatla reached his 200th try milestone in his side's 31-5 win over France.

INJURY UPDATE: Semesa Rokoduguni could miss England’s 2018 Six Nations campaign after Bath confirmed the wing is set to undergo shoulder surgery.

DAY ONE, ROUND ONE WRAP: Blitzboks star Seabolo Senatla produced a phenomenal performance in his side's first match on Day one at the Cape Town Stadium on Saturday.

TRANSFER NEWS: Tonga international and former Chiefs prop Ben Tameifuna has signed a two-year contract extension with Racing 92, the French Top 14 club announced.

CHAMPIONS CUP REPORT: Montpellier kept their hopes of qualifying for the knock stages alive when they bagged a crucial 29-22 bonus-point win against Glasgow Warriors in Glasgow on Friday.

INJURY UPDATE: British and Irish Lions captain Sam Warburton will miss the Six Nations after the Welsh Rugby Union announced on Friday he had undergone knee surgery.

NEWS: SA Rugby on Friday announced that the Mpumalanga and Griqualand West Rugby Unions had been identified as the preferred candidates to assume places in inter-continental competitions, should opportunities arise.

SQUAD ANNOUNCEMENT: The Australian Men's Sevens team will be aiming to improve on their fifth-placed finish in the Dubai Sevens last weekend with the side striving to take a spot in the top four.

NEWS: Macauley Cook is the latest player to pledge his future to Cardiff Blues with a new long-term contract at the Arms Park.

TRANSFER NEWS: Head coach Bernard Jackman has confirmed Jordan Williams will become the latest player to return to Wales to join the Dragons ahead of the 2018/19 campaign on a two-year contract.

The Sevens series is about to hit Cape Town and well over a hundred thousand people are going to enjoy the party at Cape Town Stadium.

JERSEY LAUNCH: The Sharks have joined the party by releasing their new jerseys for the 2018 Super Rugby season.

JERSEY LAUNCH: The Stormers have taken another bold step into the future with the launch of the 2018 home and away jersey without an apparel sponsor. 

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Director of Rugby Mark McCall brushed aside Saracens' five-match losing streak as the European champions prepare to host last year's beaten finalists Clermont this weekend.

WORLD CUP SPOTLIGHT: A fairytale run to the 2019 World Cup quarterfinals by hosts Japan would give a massive lift to a "ground-breaking" tournament, the country's organising chief told AFP.

WORLD SERIES ROUND TWO: Experience and then some - that is the statistical reality of the Springbok Sevens team, who will start the Cape Town Sevens this weekend as the most experienced BlitzBok team ever. 

NEWS: The Lions have unveiled their jerseys for the 2018 Super Rugby season.

TRANSFER NEWS: Former Lions forward Armand 'Akker' van der Merwe has signed a two-year contract extension with the South African franchise the Sharks.

DISCIPLINARY UPDATE: French coaches Fabien Galthie and Christophe Urios, who "behaved like children" were given a four-week touchline ban over a physical altercation between the pair when their sides met two weeks ago.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: The Defending Champions England Sevens head coach Simon Amor has made two changes to his side for the upcoming Cape Town Sevens on December 9 and 10.

EUROPEAN SPOTLIGHT: European heavyweights will be vying for supremacy when the Champions Cup returns with the top two clubs in each pool kicking off the key back-to-back fixtures.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: After France's disastrous showing in their November internationals, the European Champions Cup restarts - with Montpellier's trip to Glasgow - as detractors debate the cause of the national team's malaise.

NEWS: Cardiff Blues can confirm Lloyd Williams has committed his future to the region by signing a new contract.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: 2017 will be remembered as a year of controversy for a lot of things, and rugby was no different. Jamie Wall looks at the moments on and off the field that made for an interesting season.

NEWS: Is the South African Rugby Union set to reduce the Currie Cup to junk status?

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Ruan Ackermann has been in fine form for Gloucester in the 2017/18 Premiership season so far.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: World Rugby's project of simplifying the laws of the game will come to fruition on January 1, 2018 when its Simplified Law Book becomes available.

INJURY UPDATE: Leicester's Ellis Genge faces a race against time to be fit for the Six Nations after the England prop was ruled out for two months.

SQUAD ANNOUNCEMENT: Springbok Sevens coach Neil Powell has named an unchanged squad for the highly anticipated Cape Town Sevens. 

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Reports emerging have put a figure on how much Christiaan Johan 'CJ' Stander was being offered – at least initially – by the IRFU in their ongoing efforts to keep him in Ireland.

TRANSFER NEWS: Argentinian international prop Lucas Noguera has joined Bath Rugby, the Premiership club confirmed.

NEWS: Former Western Force skipper Matt Hodgson says ‘unreasonable demands’ from Rugby Australia have forced the  Indo-Pacific Rugby Championship to slowdown.

TRANSFER NEWS: Ulster Rugby confirmed that Ireland flank Jordi Murphy will join the Pro14 side next summer on a two-year deal from Leinster.

REACTION: Australia utility back Kurtley Beale believes his good mate Quade Cooper will return more determined after being axed from the Reds Super Rugby squad.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: South African and Lions flank Albertus 'Kwagga' Smith was awarded for his amazing performance in the Barbarians jersey.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: All Blacks flyhalf, and World Rugby's player of the year for the past two years, Beauden Barrett finished the international year with another credit – most points by any player.

WATCH as the Blitzboks in collaboration with the Cape Town Philharmonic Orchestra presents an enticing performance ahead of a thrilling Sevens weekend.

TRANSFER NEWS: The young, dynamic trio of Josh Bayliss, Tom Ellis, and Elliott Stooke have all extended their contracts with Bath.

NEWS: English Premiership club Bath has been charged for releasing star loose forward Taulupe Faletau to Wales outside of the international window.

It's quiet now without Tests, which do not recrudesce till 2018, but this week the Sevens caravan moves down to Cape Town, and Europe's Champions Cup, Challenge Cup and B&I Cup come back to life.

NEWS: Varsity Cup and Varsity Shield will introduce a new Power Play rule to the tournament in 2018.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: The BlitzBoks will be using last year's loss to England in the Cup Final at the Cape Town Sevens as motivation when they take to the field at Cape Town Stadium.

INJURY UPDATE: Alex Waller sustained a broken forearm during last Friday's clash with Newcastle Falcons at Franklin's Gardens.

REACTION: France's rugby federation said on Tuesday it was "delighted" that President Bernard Laporte's alleged favouritism case has been passed to the public prosecutor.

INJURY UPDATE: Top 14 leaders La Rochelle have suffered a hammerblow with news that barnstorming Fijian No.8 Jone Qovu will be sidelined for several months with ruptured knee ligaments.

TRANSFER NEWS: Wasps captain and England lock Joe Launchbury has signed a contract extension with the Premiership side.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: The always outspoken Mourad Boudjellal has started a new column and already has taken aim at one player, Dan Carter.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: England lock Maro Itoje is in doubt for the Six Nations campaign due to an injury according to reports.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: French rugby supremo Bernard Laporte could find himself in legal hot water after the French sports ministry transferred a report on alleged favouritism to the public prosecutor.

WORLD U20 CHAMPIONSHIP: The Junior Springboks have been drawn to face hosts France in Pool C of the 2018 World Rugby Under-20 Championship.

TRANSFER NEWS: Ospreys Rugby confirmed the signing of Welsh international scrumhalf Aled Davies.

WATCH as the 1014 Rugby team takes a look at the match between Wales and South Africa in Cardiff.

WATCH as the 1014 team - in Part one - explores how the Southern Hemisphere and some Tier 2 teams developed through the November Tests Series.

INJURY UPDATE: Montpellier flank Wiaan Liebenberg is out of Friday's European Champions Cup clash with Glasgow due to a wrist injury, the French club confirmed.

WATCH Blitzboks star Seabelo Senatla literally stepping any opposition – no matter the size, strength or space!

INTERVIEW: Springbok Sevens talisman Rosko Specman can’t wait for the Cape Town Sevens to kick off on Saturday, as the BlitzBoks rate their home tournament as a special highlight in the season. 

INJURY UPDATE: Flyhalf Luke McAlister faces two months on the sidelines with a fractured hand, further plunging Clermont into a halfback injury crisis less than a week away from their crunch Champions Cup clash with Saracens

NEWS: Kenya fired its national Rugby Union coach Jerome Paarwater on Monday after five years in charge during which he came close to leading the country to a maiden World Cup appearance.

TRANSFER NEWS: Montpellier have signed South African prop Justin Ackerman as cover for the injured Antoine Guillamon, the club announced on Monday.

CHAMPIONS CUP: A dramatic weekend of domestic competition has set up the European Rugby Champions Cup doubleheaders in Rounds 3 and 4 perfectly, with thrills aplenty possible from first to last.

NEWS: The Springboks will end 2017 where they started it, in sixth place in the World Rugby Rankings after falling one place on the back of their loss to Wales in Cardiff.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Gloucester confirmed that Coaches Jonny Bell and Tim Taylor have agreed on new contracts with the club, extending their respective stays at Kingsholm and providing stability in the coaching team over the seasons to come.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Powerhouse Edinburgh centre Robbie Fruean is set to call time on his career on medical grounds – according to reports.

NEWS: Springbok and Lions hooker Malcolm Marx leads the nominations for the SA Rugby Player of the Year 2017 awards with three, closely followed by four players who bagged two nominations each.

CAPE TOWN SEVENS: Dubai champions South Africa will play in Pool A at the Cape Town Sevens against Kenya, France and Russia as they aim to make it two tournament wins in a row. 

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Reds coach Brad Thorn has been cleaning out the closet, first Quade Cooper and now another Wallaby discard is on his way out.

WATCH: Cheetahs wing Craig Barry shows what real speed looks like. Imagine trying to tackle this at altitude.

SQUAD ANNOUNCEMENT: The new coach of Japan's Sunwolves Super Rugby side said he was targeting a top-five finish next season, despite the team being on the wrong end of multiple hidings in recent years.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Momentum is growing among All Blacks to lobby World Rugby to allow them to represent the Pacific Island nations of their heritage.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Nobody was left in any doubt about which team sits atop the world rugby pecking order, New Zealand's clinical finishing and robust defence in their November campaign once again proving they are streets ahead of their rivals.

TOP 14 WRAP: Defending champions Clermont shipped four tries yet still managed to scrape a 35-26 home win over Agen in France's Top 14 on Sunday ahead of a challenging European double header with Saracens.

PREMIERSHIP MATCH REPORT: A last-minute try for Tim Visser gave Harlequins a dramatic 20-19 win over Saracens as the European Champions suffered a fifth straight defeat in all competitions.

SUPER RUGBY SPOTLIGHT: The CEO of Lions Rugby Company Rudolf Straeuli has announced his coaching structure for 2018, and it seems as if JP Ferriera is on his way out.

IN THE SPOTLIGT: Munster head coach Johann van Graan is understood to be in talks with Lions defence coach JP Ferreira to join the team in Limerick.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Springboks flank Siya Kolisi profusely defended under-firing Allister Coetzee's role as head coach, claiming that he is fitting of the position.

TOP 14 WRAP: La Rochelle won their top-of-the-table duel with Montpellier 26-14 at home on Saturday to depose the visitors at the head of the French Top 14.

SEVENS REACTION: Blitzboks coach Niel Powell praised his players for their success in  Dubai, but revealed there is a minor glitch that needs sorting ahead of the Cape Town leg.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Wallaby pivot Quade Cooper will not get any game time under Queensland Reds new Super Rugby coach Brad Thorn, according to reports.

REACTION: Warren Gatland expressed his "relief" after seeing his Wales team sucked into an arm wrestle before edging South Africa 24-22 on Saturday.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Allister Coetzee has passionately defended his record as South Africa head coach following reports Saturday’s 22-24 defeat to Wales would be his last match at the helm.

PREMIERSHIP SATURDAY WRAP: Kearnan Myall popped up at the death to earn Wasps a 32-25 win over Leicester Tigers in a Premiership thriller at the Ricoh Arena.

PRO14 REPORT: Ian Keatley was near-perfect from the tee as Munster claimed a 36-10 win over Ospreys in their bid to reach the top of Conference A.

OPINION: The Springboks produced another below average performance when they lost 22-24 to Wales on Saturday.

OPINION: Hadleigh Parkes proved that it is never too late to make your international debut.  

PRO14 REPORT: James Lowe's debut double helped power Leinster to an impressive away victory over Benetton, keeping up the pressure on Scarlets at the top of Conference B.

PRO14 REPORT: Craig Barry bagged a brace as the Cheetahs racked up their second successive home victory in the Pro14 by besting the Scarlets at the Free State Stadium.

PRO14 REPORT: Zebre secured just their third win of the Pro14 season as tries from Johan Meyer and Giovanbattista Venditti saw off Connacht 24-10.

DUBAI SEVENS, FINALS WRAP: The BlitzBoks put in a powerful performance to beat New Zealand 24-12 in their Cup Final at the Dubai Sevens on Saturday.

MATCH REPORT: The Springboks ended the year on a poor note when they went down 22-24 to a Wales side missing a number of key players in Cardiff on Saturday.

DAY TWO, SEMIFINALS WRAP: The BlitzBoks will face New Zealand in the Cup Final at the Dubai Sevens on Saturday. 

DAY TWO, QUARTERFINALS WRAP: The BlitzBoks will face Fiji in the Cup semifinals at the Dubai Sevens.

PREMIERSHIP FRIDAY WRAP: Nili Latu scored from the final play of the game to help Newcastle Falcons earn a fine 24-22 win against Northampton Saints at Franklin’s Gardens.

PRO14 MATCH REPORT: Glasgow Warriors maintained their perfect record and secured their tenth successive PRO14 win with a 40-16 victory over Cardiff Blues at Scotstoun.

PRO14 MATCH REPORT: Christian Lealiifano’s dramatic last-gasp try ensured Ulster left the Dragons with a share of the spoils in a pulsating 32-32 encounter at Rodney Parade.

DAY ONE, ROUND THREE WRAP: The Blitzboks 28-0 victory over Canada concluded a perfect day for the World Sevens Series  Champions.

TRANSFER NEWS: Samoan flyhalf Tim Nanai-Williams has signed a three year contract with Clermont, the French Top 14 champions announced.  

In the final of the Women's Sevens in Dubai on Friday 1 December 2017, Australia b eat the USA 34-0.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: The Springboks play their last match of the season on Saturday against Wales in Cardiff, but captain Eben Etzebeth said his side will not need any extra motivation for the clash in the Principality Stadium.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENTS: Scrumhalf Herschel Jantjies has been named on the Scarlets' bench for their Pro14 clash against the Cheetahs in Bloemfontein on Saturday.

DAY ONE, ROUND TWO WRAP: BlitzBoks star Seabelo Senatla dazzled in his side's second match on Day One at the Dubai Sevens on Friday.

NEWS: The Springboks will host England in three Tests in Johannesburg, Bloemfontein and Cape Town during the three-Test series next June.

I was wrong when we discussed the similarities and differences in the treatment of a ball knocked over threw in-goal boundaries.

PRO14 MATCH REPORT: Sam Hidalgo-Clyne scored a hat-trick off the bench as Edinburgh Rugby secured an impressive 48-21 victory against Southern Kings in South Africa.

DAY ONE, ROUND ONE WRAP: The BlitzBoks were made to work hard for their 19-10 win against Uganda on the opening day of the Dubai Sevens tournament.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Injury-hit Wales' decision to play a fourth Test outside the international release window was a "balancing act", coach Warren Gatland said ahead of Saturday's match against South Africa.

TOP 14, WEEK 12: France's Top 14 might kick off at Saturday lunchtime, but Montpellier's trip to La Rochelle will determine who is top at the end of the weekend.

NEWS: Scrumhalf Augustine Pulu will captain the Blues in the 2018 Super Rugby Championship.

REVEALED: Good news for everyone stuck for gift ideas this Christmas – the new range of Kiwi Super Rugby jerseys have come out.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: This will go down in history as a Test between Wales and South Africa, the 33rd since the first in 1906. It will become a part of the list of Tests, many of them heroic encounters. And yet the teams will not be the best available to the two countries.

Of the 12 teams, three ended the pool sections with three wins in three matches - Australia, Canada and New Zealand.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: There will be an added intensity in the fight for match points in Round 10 of the Pro14 this weekend as six of the seven fixtures are in-Conference clashes. 

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: The South African team to face Wales in their year-end tour finale in Cardiff on Saturday shows 11 changes.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENTS: Edinburgh coach Richard Cockerill welcomed back six members of Scotland's successful Test squad for the Pro14 encounter with the Southern Kings in Port Elizabeth on Friday.

WATCH as former Ireland captain Brian O’Driscoll takes to the pitch once again - this time for a gruelling training session with the England Sevens squad.

NEWS: Brumbies coach Dan McKellar unveiled his squad for the forthcoming Super Rugby season, with nine new faces featuring - including returning Wallaby David Pocock.

HEARD IT THROUGH THE GRAPEVINE: Despite his somewhat comical denial this week, it is becoming obvious there is some truth to the suggestion that Allister Coetzee is about to walk the plank.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Wales have made five changes for their clash against South Africa in Cardiff on Saturday. 

LISTEN as Jan de Koning, Tauriq Ebrahim and Eugene Eloff analyse the Springboks' 2017 form and ask some pointed questions.

WORLD SERIES ROUND ONE: Defending champions South Africa promised to 'raise the bar' when the 2017/18 series get underway on Friday.

WATCH: Toulouse back Cheslin Kolbe gave glimpses of his footwork against Lyon on the weekend in the French Top 14.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Having seemingly taken inspiration from their Rugby League cousins, the Tongan Rugby Union team are looking to acquire the services of a couple of All Blacks for the 2019 World Cup.

MIDLANDS DERBY: A mere six points separate five teams at the top of Premiership  Rugby so we are in for another unpredictable and unforgettable round of the competition this weekend.

NEWS: Wales centre Scott Williams is to leave Pro14 side Scarlets and join Welsh regional rivals the Ospreys on a three-year deal starting from the 2018-19 season.

NEWS: Edinburgh and Scotland's New Zealand-born flank John Hardie has been handed a three-month suspension for gross misconduct.

The Bulls have unveiled their home kit for 2018, which is aimed at celebrating the Blue Bulls Rugby Union's 80 year anniversary.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Some players push the envelope too much and for one player this has earned him an unwanted record.

WATCH as Wales captain Alun Wyn Jones - along with teammates - tries to unravel the lekker South African lingo.

TRANSFER NEWS: Ireland internationals Luke Marshall, Rob Herring and Kieran Treadwell have signed three-year contract extensions with Ulster Rugby, which will keep them at Kingspan Stadium until 2021.

OFF THE FIELD: Fiji rugby stars Josaia Raisuqe and Waisea Nayacalevu went on trial in France over a drunken brawl outside a Paris nightspot, with Raisuqe answering charges of sexual assault.

OPINION: The year-end Internationals dominated headlines in recent weeks, so for this month’s Watchability Rankings, RugbyPass cast their net a little wider.

TRANSFER NEWS: Northampton Saints announced that a duo of Saints - Alex Waller and Mikey Haywood - have re-signed with the club.

INJURY UPDATE: English centre Matthew Hopper ruptured a knee ligament as Oyonnax drew with Clermont at the weekend and is unlikely to play again this season, the club confrimed.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: The Melbourne Rebels, led by new Head Coach Dave Wessels, has undergone a serious revitalisation with a refresh of the club’s rugby department and playing squad, including the recent recruitment of Wallabies vice-captain Will Genia and Adam Coleman.

SEVENS SPOTLIGHT: The South Africa Rugby Sevens Academy team in recent years not only produced commendable results in the International Invitational section of the Dubai Sevens, they also provided a solid supply of capable players to the Springbok Sevens set-up.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Munster head coach Johann van Graan is facing the prospect of losing the service of  CJ Stander and Peter O’Mahony leaving Ireland.

REACTION: World Rugby’s move to ban wording on players’ wrist tape has received widespread criticism - this time from leading administrators after players aired their grievances.

DISCIPLINARY UPDATE: Harlequins flank James Chisholm has been handed a three-week suspension for a tip-tackle.

THE SHORT BALL: This week Scotty Stevenson and Mils Muliaina are joined by All Black and current Blues captain James Parsons.

SQUAD ANNOUNCEMENT: Former Stormers and Brumbies prop Jean-Pierre (JP) Smith is one of 10 new signing named in the Queensland Reds squad for the 2018 Super Rugby season.

TRANSFER NEWS: Scotland flyhalf Finn Russell will replace Dan Carter at Racing 92 next summer, the club confirmed on their website as the player visited Paris.

The November Test window is shut now with just a crack open to let Wales play South Africa. It has been a fascinating month with much to interest those who are keen to watch the laws in action.

NEWS: The secrecy surrounding the removal of a liquidator from the Western Province bankruptcy saga has cast an even darker cloud over the entire process.

SEVENS SPOTLIGHT: After a memorable 2017 so far, Ruhan Nel has his sights set on winning more trophies over the next few months.  

DISCIPLINARY NEWS: Ater a rollercoaster season in the Australian season to top it all off, prop Sekope Kepu has been given a three-week ban.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Fans might still be recovering from some huge shocks in Round Nine of the Premiership, but before you know it Round 10 will be upon us and a tantalising midlands derby awaits.

WATCH as the 1014 team - in Part two - takes a look at more matches from Week Three of the November Internationals.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Forget concussions, financial troubles in Pacific Island rugby and figuring out how to pick a World Cup host without pissing everyone off – World Rugby have shown clearly where their priorities are by apparently banning players writing on the tape on their arms.

NEWS: Wales appears to be more successful that South Africa in the annual year-end tug-of war with European clubs.

WATCH: This is quite simply one of the worst things you will ever see on a rugby pitch.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Three New Zealand coaches are believed to be shortlisted to succeed Warren Gatland as Wales coach after the 2019 Rugby World Cup.

Same sort of teams, similar incidents but different referees and different outcomes. It makes you wonder. rugby365's law guru, Paul Dobson, looks at both cases.

WATCH: After more than 14 000 votes were cast, Joaquín Tuculet's score for Argentina in the first test against England in June was named the IRPA (International Rugby Players' Association) Try of the Year 2017.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Thomas du Toit is set to become one of the heaviest Springboks ever after he was called in to provide front-row cover this week.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Rieko Ioane, the World Breakthrough Player of the Year award winner, has expressed a desire to return to the position he played as a schoolboy, and in large part for the Blues this year.

SEVENS SPOTLIGHT: Springbok Sevens forward Albertus 'Kwagga' Smith is not only determined to add another successful stint with the BlitzBoks to his already impressive rugby CV, he also wants to improve his skill set as a player.

OPINION: The final round of November internationals have come and gone and so we deliver the last our famous weekly selections for the year.

INJURY UPDATE: Springbok hooker Malcolm Marx and flank Siyamthanda Kolisi will return to the training field on Monday as the team begins their preparations for the last November tour match against Wales in Cardiff on Saturday.

NEWS: Ireland have replaced Australia in third place in the World Rugby Rankings thanks to the Wallabies' heavy defeat at the hands of Scotland at Murrayfield. 

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Toulon's troubles in the Top14 grew deeper on Saturday afternoon as the French giants lost 20-19 to Castres at the Stade Pierre-Antoine, yet that was not what had people talking after the game.

WATCH: Time has run out for authorities to cite All Black captain Sam Whitelock for this 47th minute incident involving Wales prop Tomas Francis.

TRANSFER NEWS: Head Coach Bernard Jackman has secured the marquee signing of British & Irish Lions and Wales star Ross Moriarty on a two-year deal with the Dragons.

WATCH all the highlights from Round Nine of the Premiership, which saw the mighty Saracens fall again.

WATCH all the highlights from Round Nine of the Pro14, which saw a number of interesting reults.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Black Ferns' success at the World Rugby Awards in Monaco is proof of the massive strides the women's game are taking.

WATCH as the 1014 team takes a look at Week Three of the November Internationals.

Man, that was a long one. The All Blacks played their 15th and last test match of 2017 over the weekend, a 33-18 win over Wales in Cardiff.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: All Blacks legend Dan Carter will be an instant hit in Japan after joining Top League club Kobelco Steelers next summer, a senior team official confirmed.

NEWS: Tests will return to Australia's Gold Coast next year as the Wallabies host Argentina, with Sydney and Brisbane the other Rugby Championship venues announced Monday.  

WORLD RUGBY AWARDS: Beauden Barrett emulated New Zealand great Richie McCaw when the All Blacks flyhalf won World Rugby's Player of the Year award for a second straight year on Sunday.

OPINION: The All Blacks closed out their year in Cardiff with an entertaining 33-18 win over Wales.

TOP 14 SUNDAY WRAP: Racing 92 swept aside Montpellier 26-0 to give the French Top 14 leaders' title aspirations a major reality check on Sunday.

REACTION: Clive Woodward believes a "versatile" England are on course to challenge for the 2019 World Cup under coach Eddie Jones.

PREMIERSHIP SUNDAY WRAP: Prop Moray Low scored the winning try as Exeter Chiefs extended their lead over Saracens at the top of the Premiership table with a 20-18 win at Allianz Park.

REACTION: Wales skipper Alun Wyn Jones says his team must channel their frustration at having lost to New Zealand into trying to post an unprecedented second successive victory over South Africa next weekend.

REACTION: "We've pretty much hit bottom," Mathieu Bastareaud, the French centre said after Les Bleus ended their November internationals with a 23-23 draw against Japan.

PRO14 REPORT: Alex Wootton crossed for a double as Munster were made to fight hard against Zebre before claiming a first win of Johann van Graan's reign.

PRO14 REPORT: George Horne was the star of the show as he helped Glasgow Warriors preserve their perfect start to the season with a comfortable 47-6 victory away to Ospreys.

SQUAD UPDATE: Thomas du Toit has been called up to provide front row cover for the Springboks and is set to join the tour squad on Monday in Cardiff, Wales.

PRO14 REPORT: Dan Jones inspired defending Pro14 champions Scarlets as they overcame a spirited Southern Kings in South Africa to keep themselves top of the tree in Conference B.

REACTION: Springboks head coach Allister Coetzee was pleased with his side's performance up front in difficult conditions against Italy in Padua on Saturday.

TOP 14 SATURDAY WRAP: Three-time European champions Toulon's struggles continued in the Top 14 as they lost 19-20 at Castres on Saturday while champions Clermont were held at Oyonnax.

UPDATE: A New Zealand rugby drugs cheat has refused to name star players on steroids despite being offered a reduction on his six-year playing ban if he did, according to a report Sunday.

REACTION: The Six Nations tournament next year will not be used for experimenting with fresh faces ahead of the 2019 World Cup, said Ireland head coach Joe Schmidt.

REACTION: England coach Eddie Jones has challenged his side to make Six Nations history next year after they ended 2017 with a 48-14 victory over Samoa at Twickenham.

REACTION: Australia head coach Michael Cheika insisted that prop Sekope Kepu's red card was no excuse for the record 24-53 hammering the Wallabies suffered in their final tour match to Scotland, but told his squad that they needed to improve their "mindset".

REACTION: Japan are "disappointed" but happy with their progress after coming within a missed conversion of causing a huge upset by beating France on French soil, forward Wimpie Van der Walt said.

REACTION: Italy's normally talkative Irish coach Conor O'Shea conceded he was speechless after South Africa ran in five tries to crush Italy 35-6 and avenge last year's historic defeat.

REACTION: All Black wing sensation Rieko Ioane was hailed as a phenomenon by coach Steve Hansen after a man-of-the-match two-try performance in a thrilling 33-18 victory over Wales on Saturday.

REPORT: Japan held France to a 23-23 draw in their final November international at U Arena in Paris on Saturday, with the hosts lucky to avoid a sixth straight defeat.

OPINION: England wrapped up their year-end series with a 48-14 victory over an outclassed Samoa side at Twickenham, securing their third win from as many games in the month of November.

PREMIERSHIP WRAP: Worcester Warriors claimed their first-ever win against Leicester Tigers at Welford Road to make it back to back Premiership Rugby victories.

OPINION: Jacob Stockdale will get the accolades, but it was clear Ireland had too much class for Argentina in the 28-19 win in their one-off Test at Lansdowne Road on Saturday.

OPINION: Italy dominated possession and territory, but still got outplayed by an impressive South African team in Padua on Saturday.

OPINION: The Wallabies have ended their November Test series with a heavy 24-53 defeat to Scotland at Murrayfield.

MATCH REPORT: Elliot Daly scored two tries as a much-changed England ended the year with a comfortable if scrappy 48-14 win over Samoa at Twickenham on Saturday.

OPINION: South Africa produced their best performance of the year-end tour to score an emphatic 35-6 win over Italy in Padua on Saturday.

MATCH REPORT: Jacob Stockdale's brace of tries spurred Ireland to a  28-19 win over Argentina at  Lansdowne Road on Saturday.

REPORT: New Zealand scored three second-half tries to secure a 33-18 win over an impressive Wales team in Cardiff on Saturday.

TRANSFER NEWS: New Zealand's Dan Carter will leave French Top 14 outfit Racing 92 and sign a two-year contract with Japanese club Kobelco Steelers at the end of the season, French media reported.

MATCH REPORT: South Africa had no trouble in disposing if Italy in Padua on Saturday, winning 35-6 in a rain-soaked encounter.

MATCH REPORT: Scotland closed their November campaign in style with a record 53-24 win over Australia at the Murrayfield on Saturday.

VIDEO: Johann Van Graan is just coming to the end of his first week as the head coach of Munster and has now given his first interview since joining the province.

VIDEO: Clayton Blommetjies put in this excellent grubber kick for Craig Barry in the 27th minute en route to their side's 33-13 Pro14 victory over Edinburgh.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: New Zealand Rugby CEO Steve Tew has confirmed that the All Black head coaching job will be discussed at their December board meeting.

NOVEMBER SPOTLIGHT: Chris Robshaw returns to England's openside flank berth against Samoa at Twickenham on Saturday with a renewed understanding of the highs and lows of international Rugby Union.

NOVEMBER SPOTLIGHT: Cian Healy has established a reputation as a DJ and turned his hand to painting, but the grizzled Irish prop is delighted he has not had to take them up yet full-time.

PREMIERSHIP REPORT: Henry Purdy was the star of the show as Gloucester made it four Premiership wins on the spin with an impressive 29-7 victory at Newcastle Falcons on Friday.

PRO14 REPORT: Leinster powered away from the Dragons on Friday, scoring eight tries and 54 unanswered points to stay hot on the heels of Scarlets at the top of Conference B.  

PRO14 REPORT: Cardiff Blues were forced to battle hard to hold on for a topsy-turvy Pro14 victory that sees them leapfrog Connacht in Conference A.

IN THE PADUA SPOTLIGHT: Mbongeni Mbonambi is not everybody's cup of tea, but Springbok coach Allister Coetzee believes he will prove his detractors wrong.

PRO14 REPORT: Ulster's most-capped player Andrew Trimble stole his side the narrowest of victories right at the death, as the Irish province just edged out Benetton at the Kingspan.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Australia will have an added incentive to beat Scotland as they aim to send hooker Stephen Moore into retirement with a victory at Murrayfield on Saturday.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Samuel Whitelock has no desire for family history to repeat itself when he captains world champions New Zealand against Wales on Saturday.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Samoa coach Titimaea Tafua hopes his side can produce a stirring display against England at Twickenham on Saturday as they bid to revive their fortunes both on and off the field.

PRO14 REPORT: The Cheetahs recorded a 33-13 bonus-point win over Edinburgh in their Pro14 clash in Bloemfontein on Friday.

Lesego Legoete, whom everybody knows as Pro, was crowned as the Golden Lions Rugby Union top referee at a gala function in Midrand on Thursday evening.

South African referees have made their panels known, and for the first time ever a woman is on the top panel of nine referees - Aimee Barrett-Theron.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Ireland captain Rory Best believes the squad who line-up against Argentina on Saturday is in a "stronger place" than it was when the Pumas dashed their World Cup hopes in 2015.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Japan coach Jamie Joseph has made just one change to his team for Saturday's Test match against France following last week's win over Tonga.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: The All Blacks remain unfazed by the loss of talismanic skipper Kieran Read for the side's season-ending Test against Wales on Saturday, according to playmaker Beauden Barrett.

SEVENS SQUAD ANNOUNCEMENT: Simon Amor has named an experienced England Sevens side for the opening tournament of the 2017/18 World Rugby Sevens Series in Dubai on December 1-2.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENTS: The Southern Kings side have undergone a number of changes for their clash against Scarlets in Round nine of Pro14 on November 26

SQUAD ANNOUNCEMENT: Springbok Sevens coach Neil Powell welcomed back BlitzBoks regulars Kyle Brown, Albertus Smith, Justin Geduld and Seabelo Senatla to his squad for the Dubai tournament on December 1 and 2.

Watch as the 1014 Rugby team previews Week Three of the November Internationals.

TEAM UPDATE: Head Coach Gregor Townsend has made an injury-enforced change to the Scotland team to face Australia at Murrayfield.

TOP14, WEEK 11: Montpellier face a test of their title credentials this weekend against 2016 champions Racing 92, according to wing Benjamin Fall.

TRANSFER NEWS: After working alongside Dave Wessels at the Western Force, Joe Barakat has signed with the Melbourne Rebels as an assistant coach for the 2018 Super Rugby season.

SEVENS SQUAD ANNOUNCEMENT: Australian Men’s Sevens team has been named for the HSBC Sevens World Series leg in Dubai with the latest signings to the team, Maurice Longbottom and Ben O’Donnell to earn their first Australian Sevens caps.

NOVEMBER INTERNATIONAL SEASON: There is a cruel irony in financial firm Old Mutual Wealth being the sponsor for Saturday's match between England and Samoa at Twickenham.

TRANSFER NEWS: Wallabies back Karmichael Hunt has re-signed until the end of 2019, after putting pen to paper on a two year deal with Rugby Australia and the Queensland Reds.

NOVEMBER INTERNATIONAL SEASON: Retiring hooker Stephen Moore has warned the wounded Wallabies they will face a "tough test" against an increasingly confident Scotland in their European tour finale in Edinburgh on Saturday.

NOVEMBER INTERNATIONAL SEASON: Revenge will not be on Ireland's minds when they face Argentina on Saturday at Lansdowne Road.

NOVEMBER INTERNATIONAL SEASON: Warren Gatland renews the Lions rivalry with the All Blacks when he comes face-to-face with Steve Hansen as Wales host New Zealand on Saturday and bid to buck a 29-match losing streak dating back to 1953.

NOVEMBER INTERNATIONAL SEASON: rugby365's acclaimed writer Paul Dobson gives us his unique insights into the Test between Italy and South Africa on Saturday.

RACE HOTTING UP: After Round Eight produced more thrilling rugby and a total of 44 tries, the Pro14 resumes this weekend.

DISCIPLINARY UPDATE: Australia coach Michael Cheika has avoided punishment, after being investigated over allegations of a foul-mouthed rant.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Captain Kieran Read will miss the All Blacks' final match of the year - against Wales on Saturday.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Flank Giovanni Licata will make his first start for Italy against South Africa in Padova on Saturday.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Wallaby coach Michael Cheika has named Stephen Moore to start in what will be his 129th, and final, Test of a professional career that has spanned 15 years.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: An injury to Robbie Henshaw has obliged Ireland head coach Joe Schmidt to select an inexperienced centre pairing for Saturday's Test against Argentina at Lansdowne Road.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: France coach Guy Noves has changed six of his seven backs for Saturday's international Test match against Japan.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Bongi Mbonambi will make his first start for the Springboks against Italy in Padova on Saturday.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENTS: The Cheetahs will see a number of familiar faces when they host Edinburgh in a Pro14 Round Nine match in Bloemfontein on Friday.

THE SHORT BALL: Scotty Stevenson and Mils Muliaina discuss the fact that while you might hear about a Scottish B-Team, or a Welsh B-Team, you’d never hear it spoken of an All Blacks Test side.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Coach Warren Gatland has recalled his big guns for the one-off Test match against world champions New Zealand on Saturday in a bid to break a losing streak that dates back to 1953.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Eddie Jones has surprised with the captaincy when he named his squad to play Samoa in the final Test of year-end internationals on Saturday.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Right now, one player more than ever symbolises the exciting brand of rugby that the All Blacks are known for.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Samoa's players have vowed to continue doing their country proud on the field, despite the ongoing financial drama playing itself out in the boardroom.

NEWS: French Rugby Federation (FFR) President Bernard Laporte said he will stand for re-election in 2020, but that it would be his last candidacy.

NEWS: Wallabies lock Adam Coleman signed a deal to join the Melbourne Rebels and stay with the Australian national team for the 2019 World Cup.

INTERVIEW: It has been a meteoric rise for Wilco Louw and the young prop hopes to raise the bar significantly against Italy on Saturday.

NEWS: German rugby has been thrown into chaos after the men's national team decided to go on strike.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Japan coach Jamie Joseph says he's happy to sacrifice ranking points in order to better prepare the Brave Blossoms to compete at the World Cup they're hosting in two years' time.

TRANSFER NEWS: New Zealand international Luke McAlister has joined Clermont from Toulon on loan as injury cover.

TOP 14 SPOTLIGHT: Controversial Toulon president Mourad Boudjellal fumed that his team would stop playing on Sundays unless the French league pays them compensation.

TRANSFER NEWS: George North will leave English Premiership side Northampton at the end of the season and return to Wales on a national dual contract.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Hooker Ken Owens says Wales will need to be "alive for 80 minutes" when they tackle the All Blacks on Saturday, bidding to end more than 60 years of hurt.

REACTION: Scotland coach Gregor Townsend said the national side could suffer if players continue to move abroad.

REACTION: Scarlets' newest arrival, Australian lock Steve Cummins, on Tuesday headed to South Africa with his fellow teammates.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Gloucester Rugby’s comeback victory over Saracens and Exeter Chiefs’ ascent to the summit were just some of the highlights of Round Eight.

Referees Claire Hodnett and Joy Neville will both make history in men's matches this weekend.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Scotland coach Gregor Townsend has made four changes to the side that lost narrowly to the All Blacks for the match against Australia this weekend.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: The All Blacks immaculate record over Wales is not the main priority on the visitors' agenda revealed lock Sam Whitelock.

INTERVIEW: Springbok Rohan Janse van Rensburg speaks about the excitement of playing in the Premiership and what his expectations are.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Wales defence coach Shaun Edwards admits he has one of the toughest jobs in sport this week as he attempts to devise a plan which will shut down the New Zealand attack.

IN THE PADOVA SPOTLIGHT: Italy won't have the wile of Brendan Venter in their corner this time around, but they still believe they have the beating of South Africa.

TRANSFER NEWS: Ronan O'Gara will leave French Top 14 side Racing 92 to take up a coaching role at the Crusaders in New Zealand.

SQUAD ANNOUNCEMENT: Coach Clark Laidlaw has announced Scott Curry and Tim Mikkelson will co-captain the New Zealand Sevens team.

TRANSFER NEWS: Brumbies have signed former Wests Tigers and Western Force wing Chance Peni on a two-year deal for the 2018 Super Rugby season.

OPINION: Scotty Stevenson reunites with a very tanned Mils Muliaina to discuss why Warren Gatland is misunderstood, Michael Cheika is misunderstood, and pretty much every coach is misunderstood.

INTERVIEW: The 1014 team interview Avan Lee the CEO of Hurricanes Rugby in New Zealand.

PADOVA POWER PLAY: South Africa were forced to change their training routine, but it may well come as a blessing in disguise.

TRANSFER NEWS: Rob Miller is the latest player to put pen to paper on a new deal with Premiership side the Wasps.

DISCIPLINARY NEWS: Australia international and former Waratahs centre Rob Horne has been suspended following Northampton Saints 15-30 defeat to Worcester Warriors.

VIDEO: rugby365's law guru Paul Dobson looks at the controversial final minutes of the Wales versus Georgia Test, after many pundits suggested Wales may have cheated.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Veteran centre Jamie Roberts is in contention for a Wales recall against world champions New Zealand in Cardiff on Saturday as the Welsh aim for their first win over the All Blacks since 1953. 

UPDATE: Australia coach Michael Cheika was left waiting to find out if he will be punished for his conduct during the Wallabies' 6-30 defeat by England last week, as officials confirmed a disciplinary probe was still ongoing.

UPDATE: New Zealand forward Ardie Savea has been put into isolation at the All Blacks' training base after contracting mumps, it was announced Tuesday.

SQUAD ANNOUNCEMENT: Scrumhalf Mike Phillips has agreed to come out of retirement to help his former club Scarlets.

NEWS: Australia veteran Stephen Moore is to retire from all competitive Rugby Union following the Wallabies' tour finale against Scotland this weekend, the Queensland hooker announced Tuesday.

INJURY UPDATE: Nathan Hughes has been ruled out of England's concluding November international against Samoa with a knee injury.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: The complex labyrinth of specious and discombobulating statements has further added to the disputable reputation of Western Province Rugby Football Union officials.

TRANSFER NEWS: Edinburgh have secured the signature of former Blues playmaker Simon Hickey from Bordeaux Bègles on a two-year deal.

VIDEO: Kenya has uncovered a schoolboy prodigy - Jeff Mutuku.

LISTEN as coach Allister Coetzee reveals what South Africa can expect from Italy when the two teams meet on Saturday.

INJURY UPDATE: Wales will be without the services of backline pair Liam Williams and Alex Cuthbert for their Test match against the All Blacks.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Marius Goosen is currently helping Italy plot another victory over the Springboks ahead of their showdown in Padova on Saturday.

TRANSFER NEWS: Following last week’s raft of re-signings, two more London Irish stars put pen to paper on new deals with the Premiership Rugby club.

OPINION: The 1014 team again does excellent work as they review the past weekend's major international matches.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Warren Gatland has urged Wales to be wary of New Zealand's 'X-factor' instead of his sideshow with counterpart Steve Hansen.

For the most part the international window starts to close this weekend.