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SUPER RUGBY PRE-SEASON: The Bulls will again travel to Polokwane for a Super Rugby warm-up match in 2018, this time facing the Sharks at the Peter Mokaba Stadium on January 27 next year.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: All Blacks loose forward Sam Cane believes 2017 has been a big learning curve for the world champions, especially after their exploits in 2016.

TRANSFER NEWS: Scotland international lock Ben Toolis, who earned his sixth international cap against New Zealand at BT Murrayfield on Saturday, will be an Edinburgh player for at least the next two years.

TRANSFER NEWS: Brumbies have claimed the signature of lock Richie Arnold, twin brother of Rory, on a two-year deal that will keep him with the side until the end of the 2019 Super Rugby season.

VIDEO: Steven Prescott, of the 1014 team, chats with Blues team doctor Steven Kara about what exactly happens when a player leaves the field for an HIA (Head Injury Assessment).

TRANSFER NEWS: Maurice Longbottom who barnstormed onto the Rugby Sevens scene with an amazing performance at the Munich Sevens has committed to Rugby Australia and the Australian Sevens side until the 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games.

NEWS: Victorian hooker Jordan Uelese has committed to Australian Rugby until 2020, after the rising star was recognised for his breakout year with a new contract with Rugby Australia and the Melbourne Rebels.

REACTION: World Rugby dismissed "inaccurate" claims from Samoa's Prime Minister that the sport is bankrupt in the Pacific nation and the governing body interfered in coach selection.

NEWS: Australia coach Michael Cheika's conduct during his side's defeat to England at Twickenham is under investigation after he appeared to mouth an obscenity.

OPINION: England recorded their biggest win over Australia, so it comes as no surprise that English players dominate our Team of the Week for Week Two of the November Internationals.

NEWS: South Africa's narrow 18-17 win over France may have slightly settled their nerves,  but far from enough to climb any places.

INJURY UPDATE: Loose forward Pieter-Steph du Toit is set to regain his spot in the Springboks' matchday squad for Saturday's clash against Italy. 

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: The start of a new regime could not come at a better time for the Springboks.

SQUAD UPDATE: Saracens wing Sean Maitland and Glasgow Warriors hooker Fraser Brown were added to the Scotland squad ahead of this Saturday's match against Australia at Murrayfield.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Eddie Jones has hailed Danny Care as a creative maestro on a par with Arsenal footballer Alexis Sanchez after the England scrum-half inspired an impressive victory over old rivals Australia.

VIDEO: New Zealand already had Crockzilla [Wyatt Crockett] sent to the bin less than a minute earlier for a ridiculously cynical foul, and then this vile act happened.

TRANSFER NEWS: Glasgow Warriors have confirmed that flyhalf Finn Russell will leave the club at the end of the season.

INJURY UPDATE: Rieko Ioane and Luke Romano have been ruled out of New Zealand's final Test of the year against Wales on Saturday.

TRANSFER NEWS: South African utility back James Verity-Amm has signed a one-year contract with the Super Rugby franchise the Brumbies.

TRANSFER NEWS: Wellington skipper Brad Shields on Monday confirmed a move to Wasps in 2018, ending his All Black aspirations but opening the door to a potential switch to England for the 2019 World Cup.

REACTION: Louis Picamoles admitted France are fed up with losing after suffering a seventh reverse in 10 matches this year against South Africa in Paris.

TOP14 WRAP: Racing 92 staged a stirring second-half comeback to down Toulon 40-29 in a clash of Top 14 big-spenders, while Stade Francais held on to beat rock bottom Oyonnax on Sunday.

PREMIERSHIP WRAP: Exeter Chiefs leapfrogged Saracens at the top of the Premiership Rugby table after Jonny Hill's second-half double saw off Harlequins.

INJURY UPDATE: Liam Williams faces a race against time to prove his fitness for Wales' showdown against world champions New Zealand on Saturday.

INJURY UPDATE: Springbok captain Eben Etzebeth and hooker Malcolm Marx underwent X-rays to determine the severity of injuries sustained in Saturday’s 18-17 win over France in Paris.

REACTION: South Africa coach Allister Coetzee has shrugged off Handre Pollard's questionable kicking display and chose to pay tribute to the character of his "unbelievable" players.

REACTION: Scotland captain John Barclay was left rueing 'the one that got away' after his inspired side came close to a historic victory against New Zealand in a 22-17 defeat against the world champions.

OPINION: The All Black survived a scare against Scotland at Murrayfield, winning 22-17.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Japan coach Jamie Joseph hailed a performance of strength and application as his side overwhelmed Tonga 39-6 in southwest France on Saturday.

REACTION: Eddie Jones refused to entertain suggestions that England had been lucky after a 30-6 win over Australia.

REACTION: Wallabies head coach Michael Cheika refused to criticise referee Ben O’Keeffe and insisted there would be no excuses after his side were beaten 6-30 by England in a match packed with controversial incidents.

REACTION: Wales coach Warren Gatland denied there was an attempt to manipulate the rules after his team's lacklustre 13-6 victory over Georgia ended controversially.

OPINION: France surprised many by pushing South Africa as far as they did but came up agonisingly short, despite a late surge.

OPINION: The match never set the night alight but the Springboks did enough to ensure they bounced back to secure their first victory in the November international Test window.

NOVEMBER INTERNATIONAL REPORT: Fiji came close to beating an inexperienced Ireland team in a pulsating clash in Dublin on Saturday but the home side clung on for a sixth win a row.

PREMIERSHIP ROUND EIGHT WRAP: Bryce Heem's hat-trick earned Worcester Warriors their first Premiership win of the season while Christian Wade's double helped Wasps to six-try win over Newcastle Falcons.

OPINION: The Wallabies' good recent run of form came to an end at a very dreary Twickenham. 

OPINION: England blew the cobwebs and some of their lingering criticisms away with a 30-6 victory over Australia, their fifth over the Wallabies during the Eddie Jones tenure, in a game where the scoreline certainly flattered the home side.

NOVEMBER INTERNATIONAL REPORT: The French fought valiantly to steal a late victory but their efforts fell just short as the Springboks managed to hang on for an 18-17 victory in Paris.

MATCH REPORT: Wales were given a scare by Georgia on Saturday before clinging on to win 13-6 in a remarkable finish in Cardiff.

REPORT: It took an injury-time tackle from New Zealand flyhalf Beauden Barrett on Scotland's flying fullback Stuart Hogg to deny a dogged Scotland the chance of an historic victory against the All Blacks on Saturday.

MATCH REPORT: Argentina scored 17 unanswered points in the final 20 minutes on Saturday to beat Italy 31-15 in a November international in Florence.

MATCH REPORT: Elliot Daly scored the decisive try of the match as England beat Australia 30-6 at Twickenham on Saturday.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Australia will look to put the lessons of four successive defeats by England to good use when they meet their old rivals in Saturday's clash at Twickenham.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: England coach Eddie Jones has made no secret of wanting his side to "physically dominate" Australia at Twickenham on Saturday but the life-long cricket fan stopped short of a 'Bodyline' approach.

NOVEMBER INTERNATIONALS: Japan will use Saturday's game against Tonga to match up against bigger and stronger opponents on their difficult road to hosting the 2019 World Cup.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Australia captain Michael Hooper backed rising star Blake Enever to come good against England after the Brumbies lock's dramatic late call into the Wallabies' side for Saturday's clash at Twickenham.

PREMIERSHIP MATCH REPORT: Second-half tries from Ollie Thorley and Tom Hudson ensured Gloucester keep their perfect home record intact with a remarkable come-from-behind 23-17 win over Saracens.

INJURY UPDATE: Scotland lock Tim Swinson will miss his country's Six Nations campaign after being ruled out for at least four months with a hand injury.

DISCIPLINARY UPDATE: Sale Sharks Director of Rugby Steve Diamond has been handed a six-week stadium ban after his feisty reaction after his side's 6-10 defeat to Exeter Chiefs.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: England and British & Irish Lions star Tom Croft has confirmed his retirement from professional rugby with immediate effect.

TRANSFER NEWS: Brumbies are delighted to announce the signing of South African born prop Mees Erasmus on an EPS [Extended Playing Squad] contract for 2018.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: South Africa captain Eben Etzebeth lauded the return of powerful back rower Duane Vermeulen for Saturday's international Test against France.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: England coach Eddie Jones has criticised Australia counterpart Michael Cheika for showing a lack of respect towards referee Ben O'Keeffe by trying to influence him through media comments rather than meet with him face-to-face.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: France will have revenge on their minds when they host South Africa in Paris on Saturday, according to captain Guilhem Guirado

TRANSFER NEWS: Scotland captain John Barclay is returning to his homeland after Edinburgh announced his arrival from Scarlets on a two-year contract.

TEAM UPDATE: Wallabies have been forced into a late change after Adam Coleman was ruled out with a thumb injury.

SEVENS SPOTLIGHT: With the Springbok Sevens team for the Dubai Sevens to be named in a weeks time, the competition for a spot can only enhance the side admits Chris Dry.

NEWS: The Sharks confirmed the appointment of Dick Muir to their coaching team ahead of the 2018 Super Rugby season.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: England wing Jonny May believes he's quicker than ever heading into Saturday's Cook Cup clash against Australia at Twickenham.

NOVEMBER INTERNATIONAL SEASON: Sonny Bill Williams confesses to being unaware that the All Blacks have never lost to Scotland but insists the back-to-back world champions are "on edge" as they prepare for a Test that falls on the 112th anniversary of the first match between the countries.

TOP 14, WEEK 10: Franck Azema, the coach of champions Clermont, has admitted to being annoyed at the rapid transfer of power towards Saturday's opponents Lyon.

NOVEMBER INTERNATIONAL SEASON: Italy coach Conor O'Shea named an unchanged side from last week's win over Fiji for this weekend's Test against Argentina in Florence.

NEWS: The parent body of Australia's Western Force went into voluntary administration on Friday over "financial constraints" after its vain attempt to save the team from being axed from Super Rugby.

NOVEMBER INTERNATIONAL SEASON: Eddie Jones has urged England to "physically dominate" Australia when the old rivals contest the Cook Cup at Twickenham on Saturday.

NOVEMBER INTERNATIONAL SEASON: For the second week South Africa will face one of the other contestants for the 2023 Rugby World Cup. 

REACTION: Australia did their best to turn the tables on an England side coached by Eddie Jones ahead of Saturday's clash at Twickenham by insisting their rivals are "spoilt" and tackle late.

REACTION: Eddie Jones wants a big performance from Owen Farrell on Saturday when England face an Australia side he labelled the "best in the world at the moment."

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: New Zealand's matchday 23 for their clash against Scotland features just two changes from the team which beat France 39-18 in Paris last weekend.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Chris Farrell makes his Test debut for Ireland in Saturday's one-off Test with Fiji.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: South Africa-born Cornell du Preez starts for Scotland for the first time against world champions New Zealand in Saturday's one-off Test at Murrayfield.

NEWS: Former South African schools player Jaco van der Walt, recently cit from the Golden Lions' roster, will Pro14 outfit Edinburgh.

IN THE SHADOW OF TEST RUGBY: Having heartily sunk their teeth into the Anglo-Welsh Cup over recent weeks, the Premiership clubs can now look forward to reacquainting themselves with league action.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: France coach Guy Noves said his players deserved a second chance.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Springbok coach Allister Coetzee has made 10 changes to the matchday 23 to face France in Paris on Saturday.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: England coach Eddie Jones asked for a 'full-strength' Australia and Wallaby rival Michael Cheika obliged.

OPINION: Traditionally, success in rugby has usually come from good player and coach development at all levels, underpinned by effective governance.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Dan Lydiate will captain Wales for a third time, as he leads his country in their first outing against Georgia in Cardiff on Saturday.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: England head coach Eddie Jones has made four changes to the side that defeated Argentina 21-8 for their clash against Australia at Twickenham on Saturday.

NEWS: Extra seats will be installed and 3000 additional tickets per day be made available for the previously sold-out Cape Town Sevens tournament, SA Rugby confirmed.

Amidst claims of underhanded dealings and rules having been broken, Jan de Koning, Eugene Eloff and Tauriq Ebrahim look at the shock decision to award the 2023 World Cup to France.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: What a difference a few months can make. Ben Smith puts Kurtley Beale on centre stage.

NEWS: The Melbourne Rebels have added an international quartet to their squad for the 2018 Super Rugby season.

OPINION: A very dusty Scotty Stevenson chats with Mils Muliaina about a wide range of topics, from the 2023 RWC hosting decision to Ronan O’Gara to the problems in Pacific Island rugby.

REACTION: Bernard Laporte twice fell short in coaching France to victory in the World Cup, but 10 years after his second semifinal defeat he delivered his country the right to host the sport's most prestigious tournament.

NEWS: A parliamentary inquiry said the Australian Rugby Union chose to axe Western Force from Super Rugby months before a review process was completed and a decision was announced.

WORLD CUP: New Zealand Rugby Union boss Steve Tew defended a shock decision to stage the 2023 World Cup in France.

REACTION: England scrum coach Neal Hatley said the decision to drop George Kruis ahead of this weekend's clash with Australia is proof of their "ridiculous riches" at lock.

WORLD CUP 2023 REACTION: The Irish Rugby Football Union (IRFU) has expressed its disappointment that it couldn’t count on Scotland and Wales during the 2023 World Cup bidding process.

VIDEO REACTION: Attacks by bid rivals France and Ireland over the past fortnight cost South Africa, as they lost out to France to host the 2023 World Cup.

REACTION: It seems that everyone was shocked with the World Cup 2023 outcome...expect France rugby icon Sebastien Chabal.

REACTION: World Rugby chairman Bill Beaumont denied being 'humiliated' after the global game voted against the recommendation and France won the right to stage the 2023 World Cup.

TRANSFER NEWS: Wasps hooker Tom Cruse has joined Ashley Johnson in signing a contract extension with the Premiership side.

REACTION: Shock and horror. That is the reaction when France won the right to host the tournament.

NEWS: France internationals Yoann Maestri and Jean-Marc Doussain will both quit Toulouse at the end of the season.

BREAKING NEWS: France have won the right to host World Cup 2023.

SQUAD ANNOUNCEMENT: Springboks scrumhalf Rudy Paige has been included in the Bulls Super Rugby 2018 squad despite speculations of an exit.

OPINION: All is not rosy in rugby right now. Bankruptcy, mismanagement, race issues and the structure of the game itself have created turmoil in some of rugby’s most storied outposts, to the point where the future of the game in those countries is genuinely in doubt.

OPINION: It is no surprise that on-field success in rugby is in large part driven by the performance of the governing body and structures behind the national team.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Scotland captain John Barclay has warned his team not to be in awe of New Zealand.

INJURY UPDATE: Wales regular captain Sam Warburton revealed he does not expect to recover from injury in time to feature at the Six Nations next year.

LISTEN as assistant coach Franco Smith reveals the "immediate impact" the arrival of veteran loose forward Duane Vermeulen has had on the Springboks.

INJURY UPDATE: Wallabies could be forced to tweak their set-piece approach for their blockbuster Test match against England this weekend.

REPORT: New Zealand coach Steve Hansen felt he had plenty to pleased about, after his touring team's midweek mission.

TEAM NEWS: Saracens lock George Kruis's career appears to be at a crossroads.

Last Saturday, the second Saturday of November, was the start of the Autumn Tests in the Northern Hemisphere. All of the Six Nations countries were in action against teams from the south - exciting, interesting matches.

SUPER RUGBY NEWS: They may be arch rivals on the field, but the Stormers and Bulls join forces to make history next year.

DISCIPLINARY UPDATE: France flank Kevin Gourdon is free to play against the Springboks in Paris on Saturday.

NEWS:Dan Carter is expected to finish his playing career in Japan next year, according to French reports.

OPINION: Damn Springboks, you were so close. Everything was going well after the heroic loss to the All Blacks in Cape Town, then you go to Dublin and get hosed by the Irish.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Australia had a lot to celebrate after opening their November Test Series with a win over Wales.

VIDEO: With just under 10 minutes to play in their Test in Dublin, Ireland held a 17-3 lead over South Africa. What happned next decided the match.

TRANSFER NEWS: After picking up a number of scrumhalf injuries over the last month, Director of Rugby John Kingston has brought in the former New Zealand Under-20 international Jono Kitto with immediate effect.

INJURY UPDATE: Wales and Scarlets centre Jonathan Davies has been ruled out for up to six months after suffering a foot injury.

NEWS: One of South Africa's top senior advocates will be representing Cheeky Watson in his fraud and money laundering trial.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Australia scrumhalf Will Genia's performance will be the difference between victory and defeat on Saturday says England scrumhalf Danny Care.

WATCH as a careless medic causes Springbok Coenie Oosthuizen further pain in Dublin.

LISTEN as Springbok coach Allister Coetzee explains where his team went wrong against Ireland and what they can expect against France.

PREVIEW: The fog of war that has afflicted the race to host the 2023 Rugby World Cup will lift on Wednesday and is expected to reveal South Africa as outright victor to stage the quadrennial showpiece.

REACTION: Eddie Jones has said sorry for a foul-mouthed outburst during England's 21-8 victory over Argentina at Twickenham last weekend after being told off by his 93-year-old mother.

INJURY UPDATE: Scotland have called up prop forward Jon Welsh after losing three players to injury ahead of their clash with world champions New Zealand at Murrayfield on Saturday.

SQUAD UPDATE: Sebastien Taofifenua has been given a first call-up for France for Saturday's Test against South Africa after Raphaël Chaume was ruled out through injury, the France team said.

NOMINEES: Beauden Barrett could follow New Zealand great Richie McCaw in winning World Rugby's player of the year award two years in a row.

THE ULTIMATE ANALYSIS: The 1014 team reviews Scotland versus Samoa, England versus Argentina and Wales versus Australia.

THE ULTIMATE ANALYSIS: The 1014 team reviews Ireland versus South Africa and France versus New Zealand.

TRANSFER NEWS: Another Springbok who missed the cut for South Africa's year-end tour has been offered a contract in Europe.

It's more of the exciting same this week as the teams from last week get shuffled. Again there will be big, enthusiastic crowds. Again the referees will be on their toes. It is devoutly to be hoped that it will again be a controversy-free weekend.

OPINION: It has been a weekend of records - especially the Irish, who embarrassed the bumbling Springboks in Dublin.

TRANSFER NEWS: Wasps hooker Ashley Johnson has signed a contract extension with the club.

INJURY UPDATE: Saturday's 38-3 record win over South Africa has been accompanied by a number of casualties Ireland confirmed.

SQUAD UPDATE: Wales have bolstered their squad ahead of their clash against Georgia in Cardiff on Saturday.

TRANSFER NEWS: Australia centre Matt Toomua's new long-term deal with Leicester Tigers had officially ruled him out of the 2019 World Cup in Japan.

SQUAD UPDATE: Experienced No.8 Duane Vermeulen has been called up to the Springbok squad as replacement for Coenraad Oosthuizen who sustained a serious knee injury on Saturday in Dublin.

OPINION: Is this the worst Springbok team ever? This question, posed after the record loss to Ireland at the weekend, prompted me to do some digging.

DISCIPLINARY NEWS: France could continue the November Test Series without teh serveices of flank Kevin Gourdon.

NEWS: Australia and Ireland both improved their rating points in the World Rugby Rankings thanks to wins over Wales and South Africa but not enough to climb any places.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: All Blacks loose forward Liam Squire is keen to work himself back into the Test side when New Zealand take on a France XV side in Lyon on Tuesday.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Australia have some unfinished business to attend to in London this week according to hooker Tatafu Polota-Nau.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Mako Vunipola has told his England teammates they must raise their game against Australia otherwise the Wallabies will "take them apart".

WATCH: Pretty much everyone has put the boot into the Springboks performance against Ireland in Dublinb at the weekend - were they shipped 38 points, scoring just three.

Ireland and South Africa match may have seemed like a mismatch, but one area of the game which was most hotly contested was at scrumtime.

VIDEO: Soso Matiashvili. Remember the name. The Georgia fullback chased down a boot down field and it looked like all was lost. But he some how reaches it, with literally milimetres to spare.

REACTION: Australia's renaissance continued in Cardiff with a fourth consecutive win in a run of seven unbeaten and head coach Michael Cheika was not ruling out another triumph against England next weekend.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Hooker Dane Coles could be out of action for six months, after suffering ligament damage in New Zealand's 38-18 win over France at the weekend.

ACTION AND REACTION: England coach Eddie Jones said he hoped his native Australia would bring their "absolute best game" when the two sides meet at Twickenham on November 17.

REACTION: Ireland coach Joe Schmidt said it is not bad for the game if South Africa is knocked down the pecking order a bit.

REACTION: All Blacks coach Steve Hansen backed Sonny Bill Williams, despite an error against France that nearly cost his team dearly against France.

INJURY UPDATE: The Springboks' already limited front row resources were further reduced at the weekend.

REACTION: South Africa have to pick themselves up and restore their pride.

OPINION: New Zealand may have beaten France 38-18 in Paris, but coach Steve Hansen would not be happy with the second-half performance.

OPINION: The Wallabies have begun their European tour with a good 29-21 win over Wales following up their thumping of Japan last week. 

OPINION: Just when you thought it could not get any worse than a 0-57 defeat to New Zealand, the Springboks managed to prove the nation wrong.

OPINION: The Ireland's magnificent killer blow in the in the last 10 minutes made sure they extend the woeful Springboks winless run to five matches.

OPINION: England got their November Test Series off to a victorious start at Twickenham earlier today, defeating Argentina, 21-8, in a resilient but rusty performance.

MATCH REPORT: Ian McKinley kicked a penalty on his international debut as Italy got their November Test series off to a winning start with a 19-10 victory over Fiji in Sicily.

MATCH REPORT: Samoa couldn't end a troubled week with a memorable victory, but the Pacific Islanders went down fighting in their thrilling 38-44 loss against Scotland on Saturday.

MATCH REPORT: New Zealand wracked up their 2000th international try and threatened to hand France a sound thrashing before a second-half rally limited them to a 38-18 win in Paris on Saturday.

MATCH REPORT: Ireland recorded their biggest win over South Africa on Saturday with a 38-3 hammering at Lansdowne Road.

MATCH REPORT: Australia racked up a 13th straight victory over Wales with a 29-21 win in Cardiff on Saturday.

MATCH REPORT: England opened their November Test Series with a win, but it was not the kind of performance expected from a side, who occupies the second spot on the World Rugby Rankings.

NRC MATCH REPORT: Queensland Country have won their first NRC title after defeating Canberra Vikings 42-28 in an electrifying match at Viking Park, in front of a fired-up crowd of more than three thousand people.

On Day 2 of the Oceania Sevens, being held in Suva, Fiji, the home side delighted fans by beating New Zealand 26-0 in the final while New Zealand's women won their final by beating Australia 12-5.

REACTION: Ireland's bid to host the 2023 Rugby World Cup has been "holed" but not sunk by the report which placed them third of the three bids, Philip Browne, the IRFU Chief, told AFP in an interview.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: History means England will always be a prized scalp for their opponents but captain Dylan Hartley accepts their revival under coach Eddie Jones has made the Red Rose an even more inviting target.

LISTEN as coach Allister Coetzee explains why Elton Jantjies is a better option than Handré Pollard at flyhalf for the Springboks.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: England's Elliot Daly has insisted there is a perfectly rational explanation for a quicker than expected return from injury that has seen him nicknamed 'Lazarus' by his teammates.  

CAPTAIN'S MEDIA BRIEFING: Ireland skipper Rory Best is expecting a real test of his side's mettle on Saturday.

WATCH as the 1014 team examine the relevance of the 2017 November Tests in the build-up to the 2019 World Cup.

THE BIG DEBATE: South Africa is still the preferred bidder to host the 2023 World Cup, after officials said they had "addressed in full "clarification requests" from rivals Ireland and France.

NRC GRAND FINAL: The nation’s capital is set for a thrilling Final with the Canberra Vikings and Queensland Country both chasing their first NRC premiership.

NOVEMBER INTERNATIONAL SEASON: Warren Gatland is banking on increased finesse behind the scrum to help end Wales' desperate run of defeats by Australia when the two sides meet at Cardiff's Principality Stadium on Saturday.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: All Blacks head coach Steve Hansen tipped flying wing Rieko Ioane to demonstrate to French fans on Saturday just why he's ousted Julian Savea from New Zealand's starting XV.

CLEANING UP: The Australia Rugby Union has undergone a huge transformation after the Super Rugby axing of the Western Force.

REACTION: New Zealand-born Bundee Aki is fully entitled to play for Ireland, insists Irish flank Peter O'Mahony.

The Oceania Sevens, for men's and women's teams kicks off in the National Stadium in Suva, Fiji, on Friday.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Eddie Jones is banking on his racehorse trainer-style "gut feel" paying dividends against Argentina at Twickenham on Saturday after leaving out both Owen Farrell and Maro Itoje for England's end-of-year Test series opener.

INJURY UPDATE: England rising star Tom Curry will miss the whole of the November international programme with a wrist injury, the Rugby Football Union announced.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Irishman Ian McKinley is moving on from being known as the 'Goggle Guy' to making his debut for Italy against Fiji in Sicily on Saturday - nearly eight years after losing the sight in his left eye.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Scotland coach Gregor Townsend has told his side to prepare for a typically proud Samoa at Murrayfield on Saturday regardless of the financial meltdown that has engulfed the Pacific islanders. 

NOVEMBER INTERNATIONAL SEASON: Four days after this match, 39 votes will decide where the 2023 World Cup will take place.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: New Zealand Prop Nepo Laulala will have something to prove when he lines up against France on Saturday after being told last year that he would never play rugby again.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Argentina will match strength with strength when they take on England at Twickenham on Saturday.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Darryl Marfo is set to make his international debut after he was named in Scotland's starting side to play Samoa at Murrayfield on Saturday.

TRANSFER NEWS: English Premiership club Leicester announced the signing of Australian hooker Tatafu Polota-Nau on a two-and-a-half year contract.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Elton Jantjies has held onto the Springboks' No.10 jersey for Saturday's Test against Ireland on Saturday.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: New Zealand-born Bundee Aki makes his Test debut for adopted country Ireland on Saturday in their one-off Test with South Africa after coach Joe Schmidt unveiled his starting XV.

Here are the nominations for World Rugby's Try of the Year. Which is your favourite?

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Mathieu Bastareaud returned to the starting XV after a two-year absence as France coach Guy Noves picked four uncapped players to face New Zealand in Paris on Saturday.

Egon was slow to start playing and then raced ahead on a glittering path. He was reluctant to start refereeing and then flashed into international prominence in no time.

REACTION: World Rugby CEO Brett Gosper has once again defended the 2023 World Cup bidding review process as "robust and fair" following criticism from Ireland and France.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Wallabies coach Michael Cheika has made three changes to his starting XV ahead of the Test against Wales in Cardiff on Saturday.

VIDEO: No, that isn't a typo. On 6 November 2009 Leicester Tigers really did take on and defeat then-World Champions South Africa in an exhibition match at Welford Road.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Wales coach Warren Gatland gave home debuts to three players when he announced his side to play Australia in Cardiff on Saturday.

RUGBY365: Jan de Koning and Ian Cameron go head-to-head over Ireland's virulent letter to World Rugby in the #2023 World Cup bid.

TRANSFER NEWS: Wing Anthony Volmink will be joining the Southern Kings on loan with immediate effect from the Golden Lions whilst centre Jarryd Sage will leave the Port Elizabeth side.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: England will be without stars Owen Farrell and Maro Itoje for their clash against Argentina at Twickenham on Saturday.

YEAR-END TOUR: South African rugby is in the headlines for all the wrong reasons - the contentious 2023 World Cup bid.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Maori All Blacks head coach Clayton McMillan has made four changes to the run-on side with two players to make their debut against the French Barbarians.

INJURY UPDATE: England centre Manu Tuilagi revealed that he had consulted a witch doctor in his native Samoa in a desperate attempt to cure the long-standing injury problems which have plagued his career.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: World Rugby said it will look at the game's governance in Samoa after administrators in the Pacific nation admitted they were bankrupt and could not pay their bills.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: All Blacks coach Steve Hansen has called up the cavalry for Saturday's clash with a depleted France in Paris with Kieran Read returning to lead the strongest available New Zealand side. 

INJURY UPDATE: France's injury woes ahead of Saturday's Test match against the All Blacks continued.

ANGRY OUTCRY: If South African Rugby Union CEO Jurie Roux had hoped for an ethical and moral race he was sadly mistaken.

LISTEN as veteran South African prop Tendai Mtawarira talks about taking on one of the stars of the British and Irish Lions.

Normally we would never condone this sort of behaviour but we have also watched Ricky Januarie dish out similar offences and as the old adage goes, if you are going to give it you have to be able to take it too.

INJURY UPDATE: Ireland forward coach Simon Easterby is keeping a close eye on his loose forwards after another setback.

WATCH as The 1014 team share their unique analysis of Pool D for the 2019 World Cup with our readers.

TRANSFER NEWS: Worcester Warriors Director of Rugby Gary Gold has swooped to bring in the South African hooker Kurt Haupt on a short-term deal.

rugby365's law guru, Paul Dobson, takes a look at how referees make up the laws as they go along. This may ruffle a few feathers!

SQUAD ANNOUNCEMENT: England wings Elliot Daly and Jonny May are in contention for the Test against Argentina this weekend despite injury scares.

With tough challenges coming up in the November internationals, former South Africa stalwart Fourie du Preez hopes to see the Springboks back on top at some point in the next two years - after falling short again in the Rugby Championship.

PODCAST: Scotty Stevenson and Mils Muliaina discuss the upcoming France versus New Zealand Test, and get a double dose of All Blacks on the phone - Colin Slade calls in from Pau, while Wyatt Crockett pauses his Paris dinner for a chat.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Sale Sharks Director of Rugby Steve Diamond's rowdy reaction after the 6-10 defeat to Exeter Chiefs landed the coach a date with the disciplinary panel.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: France wing Yoann Huget on Tuesday rated his side's chances of upsetting the world champion All Blacks at just "10 percent" ahead of Saturday's showdown in Paris.  

The Test window is now flung open wide. In fact Tests dominate this week's appointments. Excitement is high and referees will be on their toes.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: The All Blacks have been left scrapping for food and the best seats on the team bus as the old heads of the world champion outfit are forced to accommodate a raft of young guns.

NEWS: Stade Francais centre Jonathan Danty has come into the French B squad to play New Zealand, taking the place of Gael Fickou who has moved up to the first team.

European Professional Club Rugby has named the referees for Rounds 3 & 4 of its Champions Cup and its Challenge Cup, and in Round 5 there is an historic appointment.

REACTION: French rugby chief Bernard Laporte has raised the stakes in a bitter war of words over the destiny of the 2023 World Cup on Tuesday by saying the sport risks being seen as weak over doping.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: There is a strong case for Handre Pollard to wear the Springboks' No.10 jersey for their tour opener against Ireland in Dublin on Saturday.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: England and Wales latest forward pack session has given Wallaby prop Scott Sio a clear indication of their focal point for Saturday's Test. 

SQUAD UPDATE: Highlanders and Canterbury loose forward Luke Whitelock has been called into the All Blacks squad as cover for Jerome Kaino.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Despite Argentina's ill-discipline, lack of composure and erratic goal-kicking, England prop Dan Cole believes Los Pumas' forward pack makes them formidable opponents.

REACTION: The Sharks have hit back at a report suggesting there is unrest in their camp over coach Robert du Preez's decision not to pick hooker Mahlatse 'Chiliboy' Ralepelle for the latter stages of the Currie Cup.

INJURY UPDATE: Young All Blacks star Rieko Ioane is over a bout of mumps and will be fit to play France next Saturday, New Zealand rugby officials told AFP.

REACTION: Scotland skills coach Mike Blair says the loss of the country's most-capped player Ross Ford is a major blow.

INJURY UPDATE: Wales could be without a number oif key players when their year-end campaign gets underway.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: The All Blacks, keen to avoid a repeat of being taken "to the wire" in last year's narrow 24-19 victory over France, expect nothing but the very best from the home team when they meet again in Paris on Saturday.

OPINION: The beginning of the year-end internationals proper are now just days away, as the Southern Hemisphere’s elite round off their seasons by taking on the best the Northern Hemisphere has to offer.

WATCH: It was meant to be a 'secret' session behind closed doors, but the cameras were rolling.

INJURY REPORT: The Southern Kings will be without their regular captain Michael Willemse until January next year.

SQUAD ANNOUNCEMENT: Munster great Donncha O'Callaghan has accepted the Barbarians' invitation to return to Thomond Park to face Tonga on Friday.

IN THE YEAR-END SPOTLIGHT: Coach Allister Coetzee is faced with a midfield conundrum this week, ahead of the Test against Ireland.

INJURY UPDATE: Springbok coach Allister Coetzee said he is happy to have a fully fit squad to choose from for the Springboks' year-end tour opener against Ireland in Dublin on Saturday.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: The Springbok Sevens squad received a massive boost with the inclusion of Western Province loose forward, Sikhumbuzo Notshe.

TRANSFER NEWS: Wales options at scrumhalf increased after Rhodri Williams inks a deal with the Dragons.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Amidst the escalating public spat surrounding the 2023 World Cup bidding process, there looms a massive Test this week.

TRANSFER NEWS: The Sharks have announced another big signing ahead of the upcoming 2018 Super Rugby season.

REACTION: An emotional Johan Erasmus said goodbye to Munster over the weekend before he heads back to South Africa to take up the post of SA Rugby's Director of Rugby.

Rugby football is about defence and attack. Win one of those and you are on the way to victory; win both and you will win, as Western Province proved true in the last rounds of the Currie Cup.

SQUAD ANNOUNCEMENT: England head coach Eddie Jones has called up 33 players ahead of England’s first Test of the Test Series against Argentina on Saturday.

INJURY UPDATE: All Black wing Rieko Ioane could miss Saturday's Test against France after it was revealed that he has mumps.

UPDATE: Mining magnate Andrew Forrest's ambitious Indo Pacific Rugby Championship will clash with Super Rugby when it kicks off in 2019, meaning it is likely to be missing Australia's top stars.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Indiscipline, poor conditioning, lack of composure, erratic goal-kicking and struggling set pieces are among the reasons why Argentina have lost eight of nine Tests this season.

TOP 14 WRAP: South African centre Francois Steyn and Fiji wing Nemani Nadolo grabbed two tries apiece as coach Vern Cotter masterminded Montpellier's 28-24 win over his former club Clermont on Sunday.

SQUAD UPDATE: France coach Guy Noves summoned Toulouse centre Gael Fickou to replace injured Remi Lamerat on Sunday for the November Tests with world champions New Zealand looming next weekend.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Springboks captain Eben Etzebeth knows that his side's results on their end-of-year tour to Europe will determine if 2017 has been a success or not.

REACTION: Young talent Reece Hodge proved once again what an important player he is in the Wallabies squad.

REACTION: New Zealand coach Steve Hansen praised the "composure" shown by an experimental All Blacks side after they came from behind to launch their tour of Europe with a 31-22 win over the Barbarians at Twickenham.

REACTION: Flamboyant Toulon owner Mourad Boudjellal on Saturday likened his flying backs to the cutting edge of 21st century PlayStation technology but claimed his forwards were struggling to master 1980's Atari games.

INSIDE THE DRESSING ROOM: Watch as the players speak and the Barbarians do a special haka.

TOP 14 WRAP: French Top 14 leaders Lyon slumped to a first home defeat this season as title rivals La Rochelle clinched a rain-swept Top 14 battle of attrition 19-15 on Saturday.

PRO14 REPORT: Cardiff Blues got back to winning ways on Saturday with a comprehensive five-try, 37-8 win over Italian side Zebre.

REACTION: New Zealand coach Steve Hansen suggested referee Nigel Owens had not been as "focused" as he would have been for a Test match.

PRO14 REPORT: Blair Kinghorn inspired Edinburgh to a fifth straight victory in all competitions, as they grabbed a try bonus point at the death in their 37-10 win over Ospreys.

PRO14 MATCH REPORT: Connacht outsmarted a naive Cheetahs team to secure a 23-15 win at a wet Sportsground, in Galway, on Saturday.

TOP 14 WRAP: Toulouse held on for a topsy-turvy 38-37 victory over Bordeaux-Begles.

REACTION: World Rugby chiefs hit back after French federation boss Bernard Laporte criticised the technical report for the 2023 World Cup amid an escalating war of words between the bidders.

REPORT: New Zealand won and entertaining match 31-22 against an inventive Barbarians team at Twickenham on Saturday.

INJURY UPDATE: France coach Guy Noves received more bad news on Saturday as his mounting injury crisis deepened.

WATCH THE HIGHLIGHTS: Japan captain Michael Leitch admitted his team was out of their depth in their 30-63 loss to Australia in Yokohama on Saturday.

PRO14 REPORT: Irish outfit Ulster required two converted tries in the last 10 minutes to edge ahead of a willing South Kings team.

DANCE KINGS: As the Barbarians limber up for their clash with the All Blacks at the weekend, RugbyPass’s Jim Hamilton turned up at the training ground to get the low down with one of World Rugby’s most enigmatic invitational teams.

REPORT: There was allround approval for the New Zealand Maori team, after their opening match of their year-end campaign.

REPORT: Australia had no trouble in disposing of Japan, winning 63-30 in a 12-try encounter in Yokohama on Saturday.

WORLD CUP 2023 REACTION: Exactly what South African Rugby Union CEO Jurie Roux did not want, the French have done.

PRO14 MATCH REPORT: JJ Hanrahan put in a masterful performance to guide Munster to a 49-6 bonus point victory over the Dragons at Irish Independent Park.

PRO14 MATCH REPORT: Dan Jones emerged the victor in the battle of the flyhalves at Parc y Scarlets, scoring 15 points to Ian McKinley's eight to claim a win for the hosts.

PRO14 MATCH REPORT: Niko Matawalu's incredible individual performance paved the way for an eighth successive victory for Glasgow Warriors, after an exhilarating win over Leinster.

DISCIPLINARY UPDATE: All Black scrumhalf Aaron Smith has again escaped with a slap on the wrist following his highly publicised airport toilet tryst.

SQUAD ANNOUNCEMENT: Struggling Argentina have named a 32-man squad packed with familiar faces for "difficult" Tests in England, Italy and Ireland during November.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: All Black legend Dan Carter has hinted what the future may hold for him.

INJURY UPDATE: It never rains, but it pours. This adage certainly rings true for one New Zealander.

TRANSFER NEWS: Stade Francais confirmed Friday the signing of an Argentine international prop.

CONFIRMED: It may not exactly be a state secret, but the first two big off-season signings by the Sharks have been confirmed.

RUGBY WORLD CUP 2019:  Has England gone from joint-favourites to fourth- or fifth-placed favourites overnight?

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENTS: Southern Kings coach Deon Davids made three changes to his side for the historic match against Ulster on Saturday.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Cheetahs coach Rory Duncan has made a few modification to his side for their first encounter against Connacht.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Wallabies hooker Tatafu Polota-Nau said he may be forced to look for an overseas club after failing to attract a Super Rugby contract in Australia following the axing of Western Force.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: New Zealand have no qualms accepting "compliments" from England coach Eddie Jones, the world champions head coach Steve Hansen said.

LISTEN as coach Allister Coetzee explains why Curwin Bosch is the right option for the Springboks' year-end tour.

TRANSFER NEWS: The Melbourne Rebels have strengthened their squad ahead of the 2018 Super Rugby season with the addition of experienced brothers Dane and Ross Haylett-Petty for the next two years.

TRANSFER NEWS: Just a few days after announcing their playing squad for 2018 the Highlanders have now completed their coaching team with the appointment of Cory Brown to the High-Performance coaching role.

BROTHERLY RIVALRY: The selection of Hurricanes wing Julian Savea has given the contest between the Barbarians and New Zealand an intriguing twist.

PODCAST: The rugby365 team talks about what role the Ireland versus South Africa game in Dublin on November 11 will play in the voting process to decide who hosts the 2023 World Cup.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Wallabies star Reece Hodge will be a marked man when his side takes on Japan in Yokohama on Saturday.

WORLD CUP 2023 REACTION: Irish chiefs reiterated their desire to compete for the right to host the tournemnt.

BLOCKBUSTER: The biggest ever crowd is expected for a 15-a-side match at BC Place - as Canada take on the Maori All Blacks on Friday.

JUST BEFORE THE BREAK: Competition is rife around the Pro14 this season and as Round Eight approaches there are plenty of teams whose ambitions to reach the Championship Final on May 26 in Dublin appear on track.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: The encounter between the Barbarians and New Zealand at Twickenham on Saturday has been turned into an All Black trial.

REACTION: New Zealand coach Steve Hansen reacts to the news that his team will face South Africa in their opening game in Japan.

VIDEO REACTION: rugby365 brings you reaction from a number of coaches, after the release of the schedule for the 2019 World Cup.

NEWS: Prop Coenraad Oosthuizen scooped the top award at the Sharks' award ceremony in Durban.

OPINION: It may seem like a small thing, but the scheduling of fixtures at the Rugby World Cup can be the difference between qualifying for the knockout phases or facing a humbling group stage exit.

WATCH as The 1014 team share their unique analysis of Pool C for the 2019 World Cup with our readers.

WATCH as The 1014 team share their unique analysis of Pool B for the 2019 World Cup with our readers.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: The Maori All Blacks have included eight new caps in their side for their clash against Canada.

WORLD CUP 2019 REACTION: South Africa may have been drawn to face New Zealand in the opening match of the 2019 World Cup, but they remain confident they can go all the way.

WORLD CUP 2019: New Zealand will begin their quest for a third successive Rugby World Cup title with a heavyweight clash against South Africa at the 2019 tournament in Japan.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Wallabies coach Michael Cheika has been forced to reshuffle his backline ahead of Saturday afternoon's clash with Japan in Yokohama.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Beauden Barrett will captain the All Blacks for the first time when they take on the Barbarians at Twickenham on Saturday.

NEWS: The Lions have released a host of players, including some of their Currie Cup regulars.

VIDEO: The rugby365 team talks about how the iconic Kings Park stadium will become a 'car park' and get an Irish view on the World Cup 2023 bid process.

SQUAD ANNOUNCEMENT: Italy coach Conor O'Shea on Wednesday named five uncapped players in a 31-man squad for the November Tests.

INJURY UPDATE: France's problems mounted up, as they were forced into making more changes ahead of their year-end Tests.

VIDEO: Racing 92 beat Bordeaux 29-13 in a Top 14 match, despite finishing the game with just 12 men.

INJURY UPDATE: Wales coach Warren Gatland has been forced into making another change to his team fir the year-end internationals.

SQUAD ANNOUCNEMENT: A familiar face returns to the Chiefs set-up after a stint with the the Super Rugby Championship the Crusaders.

INJURY UPDATE: Ospreys wing Keelan Giles could be sidelined for a lengthy period due to a knee injury.

Scotty Stevenson and Mils Muliaina are back again on the Short Ball and getting emotional while talking to Corey Flynn about his 17-year career and life after rugby.

TRANSFER NEWS: Sale Sharks have confirmed that they have signed England wing Marland Yarde from Harlequins.

SQUAD ANNOUNCEMENT: Australia prop Toby Smith along with three rookies are just some of the new 11 faces in the Hurricanes' set-up for the 2018 season.

SQUAD ANNOUNCEMENT: The Blues have secured some exciting new additions to boost a settled core of proven performers for their 2018 Super Rugby Championship campaign.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Rugby could be to blame for South Africa's lack of gold medals at next year's Commonwealth Games.

VIDEO: Two iconic stadiums will miss out on the action if South Africa wins the bid to host the tournament. Jan de Koning reports.

TRANSFER NEWS:  With Sergeal Petersen and Raymond Rhule well on their way to Western Province, Cheetahs managed to fill the void with two new exciting signings.

SQUAD ANNOUNCEMENT: Highlanders have named their 38-man squad for the 2018 Investec Super Rugby season, including 30 players returning from the 2017 team.

SQUAD ANNOUNCEMENT: The Crusaders head coach Scott Robertson has named seven new players in his 38-man squad for the Super Rugby season.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Julian Savea said he was "very excited" about the challenge of facing his native New Zealand and younger brother Ardie for the Barbarians at Twickenham this weekend.

REACTION: Wales head coach Warren Gatland hopes that next Monday's joint training session between his forwards and England's scrum goes well and leads to similar initiatives in the future. 

VIDEO REACTION: The South African Rugby Union will not stoop to underhanded tactics to ward off last-ditch bids by France and Ireland in the race to host the World Cup.

INJURY UPDATE: Irish Connacht are battling with injuries ahead of their clash against the Cheetahs on Saturday.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Winning away from home in Europe will be vital for the Springboks' progression, especially as the 2019 World Cup draws nearer.

REACTION: Ireland's hopes of hosting the Rugby World Cup 2023 has taken mamoth knock after World Rugby board rcommended South Africa.

After a noisy climax the rugby fields in South Africa and New Zealand have fallen silent as the focus moves north.

CONFIRMED: The Rugby World Cup Limited Board has unanimously recommended to the World Rugby Council the selection of South Africa as Rugby World Cup 2023 host.

TRANSFER NEWS: The South African David Ribbans has re-signed with Northampton Saint on a new deal that will keep him at the Premiership side until 2020.

SQUAD UPDATE: The Springboks have called up Ruan Botha as a replacement for the injured Jean-Luc du Preez, who suffered a fractured ankle in Saturday's Currie Cup Final in Durban.

OPINION: The rugby365 team takes one final stab at identifying the Currie Cup season's nest players.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: On the eve of the Chiefs squad announcement, head coach Colin Cooper has named a highly experienced coaching team to prepare his men for their 2018 Super Rugby title hunt.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: All Blacks scrumhalf Aaron Smith said it will be strange to come up against Julian Savea in Saturday's clash against the Barbarians at Twickenham.

INJURY UPDATE: Bath wing Semesa Rokoduguni has been called up by England head coach Eddie Jones and will join the squad at their training camp in Portugal.

SQUAD ANNOUNCEMNENT: A player that is regarded as not good enough for Springbok selection has found favour with the famous Barbarians club.

LISTEN as Allister Coetzee explains why continuity, rather than experimentation, is key ahead of South Africa's year-end tour.

SEVENS PLAYER OF THE YEAR: World Rugby has revealed the shortlist for the Sevens Player of the Year.

INJURY UPDATE: SA Rugby confirmed on Monday that loose forward Jean-Luc du Preez will miss the Springboks' upcoming European Tour.

BIG HIT: He maybe 35-year-old but veteran Wycliff Palu still remembers how to hit.

NPC SPOTLIGHT: After action-packed National Provincial Cup, it comes as no surprise that Canterbury dominate rugby365's team of the tournament selections. Columnist Richard Neal reports.

REACTION: A revitalised Gloucester will be put to the test when they face the Premiership leaders Saracens at Kingsholm on Friday, November 17.

RugbyPass’s Jim Hamilton has made a bold claim heading into the November international period, saying that England currently would have the wood on the World Champion All Blacks.

WHAT THE COACHES SAY: It is a debate that has been raging for weeks and the hysteria will continue well into next month's year-end Tests.

SEVENS SPOTLIGHT: Springbok Sevens coach, Neil Powell, was a pretty pleased man after the International Sevens tournament in Stellenbosch on Sunday.

TRANSFER NEWS: English Premiership club  Wasps have signed Springboks and Western Province loose forward Nizaam Carr on a three-month contract as injury cover.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: In the absence of regular skipper Kieran Read, All Blacks head coach Steve Hansen has given the captaincy responsibility to the formidable Beauden Barrett.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Rumours are circulating All Blacks wing Julian Savea has signed for the Premiership side the Harlequins after being overlooked by coach Steve Hansen. 

SQUAD UPDATE: The Maori All Blacks have selected Sean Paranihi and Shaun Stevenson to complete their 2017 northern tour squad.

TOP 14 WRAP: La Rochelle took their impressive European form into the Top 14 on Sunday, maintaining their undefeated home record with a 37-21 win over Toulouse despite being reduced to 14 men.

REACTION: Western Province coach John Dobson praised his side's commanding scrum display during their 33-21 win over the Sharks.

PREMIERSHIP WRAP: Owen Williams proved ice runs through his veins as he nailed an 88th-minute conversion to hand Gloucester Rugby the West Country bragging rights at Bath Rugby.

INJURY UPDATE: Injuries sustained in Wasps’ Premiership clash with Northampton Saints yesterday have knocked two England players out of Eddie Jones November Tests squad.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Warren Gatland hinted on Sunday that he would be open to leading the British and Irish Lions on their tour of South Africa in 2021 just two weeks after ruling out another stint in charge.

INJURY UPDATE: Aside from their 13-43 loss to Glasgow Warriors on Friday, Southern Kings head coach Deon Davids has to add additional injury casualties to their already long list.

SQUAD ANNOUNCEMENT: Springbok head coach Allister Coetzee has included four uncapped players in his 34-man squad for their upcoming Test Series in Europe.

REACTION: Curwin Bosch's selection in the Springbok team has once again raised eyebrows - especially because of his suspect defence.

TOP 14 WRAP: Toulon enjoyed a six-try 41-24 win over Brive on Saturday in a bizarre French Top 14 clash which saw their rock-bottom visitors struggle through part of the match with four players in the sin bin.

SQUAD ANNOUNCEMENT: Wallabies coach Michael Cheika has confirmed his 32-man squad for the upcoming Tour of Japan and the United Kingdom.

PRO14 REPORT: Scarlets extended their unbeaten home run in the Pro14 with a 30-17 bonus point victory over Cardiff Blues at Parc y Scarlets on Saturday.

PRO14 REPORT: Leinster earned derby-day bragging rights with a hard-fought win away at Ulster to leapfrog them into second place in Conference B.

PREMIERSHIP SATURDAY WRAP: Wasps were victorious at Northampton Saints' Franklin's Gardens fortress, as Christian Wade and Josh Bassett led the way in an impressive display of attacking rugby.

PRO14 REPORT: Dougie Fife crossed twice in the second half as Edinburgh gained their revenge on Benetton with a 24-13 win at the Stadio Monigo

PRO14 REPORT: A last-gasp penalty kick from Fred Zeilinga ensured the Cheetahs left Italy with a narrow 24-23 victory over Zebre on Saturday.

MATCH REPORT: Western Province put in a powerful performance up front to beat the Sharks 33-21 in their Currie Cup Final in Durban on Saturday.

INJURY UPDATE: Australia have lost a key player ahead of their year-end tour, following a disputed 31-28 win over the Barbarians on Saturday.

WATCH as Barbarians coach Alan Jones does what every other coach in the world wants to do, but simply can't - he gave the referee a piece of his mind.

Cecil Moss - Doc to many - died on the evening of 27 October 2017 after undergoing surgery. He was 92.

CUP FINAL MATCH REPORT: Richie Mo'unga scored a record 25 points as Canterbury claimed yet another National Provincial Championship title.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: New Zealand's new government has moved swiftly to target pay equality in Rugby Union.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Sharks coach Robert du Preez knows that his side will have to shut down his son in Saturday's Currie Cup Final against Western Province in Durban.

REPORT: It required two yellow cards in the final 10 minutes for Australia to edge the Barbarians in Sydney on Saturday.

VIDEO: Watch as Wellington won the right to return to return to the New Zealand National Provincial Championship Premiership division.

MATCH REPORT: Ederes Arendse's hat-trick made sure Griquas secure a hard-fought 59-26 win over the Griffons in their Currie Cup promotion-relegation macth in Kimberley on Friday.

PREMIERSHIP REPORT: Lachlan Turner scored the only try of the match as Exeter Chiefs moved top of the Premiership Rugby table with a hard-fought 10-6 win against Sale Sharks.

PRO14 REPORT: Tom Farrell’s fine solo score after Andrew Conway’s red card breathed new life into Connacht’s PRO14 campaign with a dramatic 20-16 victory over Munster.

PRO14 REPORT: The Ospreys got their season back on track with a 28-14 bonus-point victory over the Dragons to record their first win in eight games.

INJURY UPDATE: With the November Tests in less than two weeks, France have recieved some good news.

PRO14 REPORT: Glasgow Warriors marched to a seventh victory after they handed the Southern Kings a 43-13 beating on Friday.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENTS: The Cheetahs travelled to Italy this week - to take on Zebre in Round Seven of the Pro14 championship - with a new flyhalf.

NEWS: Prop Joe Marler will be available for the second match of England's year-end Test series after the expiry date of his three-week suspension for striking was brought forward.

CURRIE CUP FINAL: Western Province coach John Dobson knows that his side will have to keep their discipline in check and play in the right areas if they are to get the better of the Sharks in Saturday's Currie Cup Final at Kings Park.

Here’s why Scotty Stevenson thinks New Zealand's National Provincial Championship is tougher than England's Premiership.

WATCH as The 1014 team share their unique analysis of Pool A for the 2019 World Cup[ with our readers.

TOP 14, ROUND EIGHT: Reigning champions Clermont host Stade Francais on Saturday, looking to get their Top 14 title defence back on track after rediscovering their best form in the European Champions Cup.

OPINION: On Sunday Allister Coetzee wil name his team for the Springboks' year-end tour.  What will be the biggest suprise?

WATCH THE FULL MEDIA BRIEFING: Mining magnate Andrew Forrest said his six-team Indo Pacific Rugby Championship could be up and running by late next year following talks with the Australian Rugby Union.

CELEBRATING RUGBY: Israel Folau, named Australian's best player, will put his sublime talents on display one more time on Saturday.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: England coach Eddie Jones insisted his focus was firmly fixed on the 2019 World Cup in Japan as he urged his side to learn from reigning champions New Zealand.

CURRIE CUP FINAL: The Currie Cup Premier Division will reach an epic conclusion at Kings Park in Durban on Saturday when the Sharks host Western Province in their seventh Currie Cup Final since 1984.

NEWS: Another leading All Black has committed his long-term future to New Zealand.

WATCH as French giants Toulon unveils their latest signing from New Zealand.

Since 1889 men have been refereeing South Africa's interprovincial matches. 128 Years later Jaco Peyper has the plum match of the year.

BACK FROM EURO ACTION: Derby fixtures and intriguing battles in Italy are all on the cards for the Pro14 this weekend.

SQUAD ANNOUNCEMENT: Ireland head coach Joe Schmidt has called up New Zealand-born centre Bundee Aki for the upcoming November internationals.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: The number of lineout steals is the poor cousin in rugby analytics.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: There were instant call-ups for recent signings Martin du Toit and Mzamo Majola when Southern Kings head coach Deon Davids earlier today named his squad to take on Glasgow Warriors in a Pro14 clash on Friday.

NEWS: Coach Allister Coetzee was given a scare this week, as it was hinted that he may have to select yet another new captain - for South Africa's year-end tour.

There are six women's Tests in Europe in November - in Spain, England and Scotland. Referees have been announced for the first six matches.

There are six women's Tests in Europe in November - in Spain, England and Scotland. Referees have been announced for the first six matches.

This past Monday was a pretty special time for four players across New Zealand, as NZ Rugby Union Chairman Brent Impey announced the All Black squad for next month’s tour to France, Wales and Scotland.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: There are five changes to the Western Province starting line-up for the Currie Cup Final against the Sharks in Durban on Saturday.

LISTEN as the Sharks' Springbok loose forward Jean-Luc du Preez talks about the sibling rivalry ahead of the Currie Cup Final.

BACK WITH A VENGEANCE: After an intriguing opening two rounds of European action, the Premiership returns with a bang as the exciting 2017/18 campaign gets back underway.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Sharks head coach Robert du Preez has made just one change to his starting XV for their Currie Cup Final clash against Western Province at Kings Park on Saturday.

SQUAD ANNOUNCEMENT: Veteran Wasps loose forward James Haskell was left out of England's squad announced by coach Eddie Jones on Thursday for next month's three internationals at Twickenham.

NEWS: Napier will host a Hurricanes home match in 2018 when the Sharks make an historic Super Rugby visit to McLean Park.  

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Conor O'Shea believes he has found the right mix of youth and experience as Italy look for a breakthrough in three November tests against Southern Hemisphere sides to build towards the 2019 World Cup.

NEWS: Young prop Tom Robertson has pledged his future to Australian Rugby, re-signing with the ARU and the Waratahs until the end of 2020.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Star fullback Israel Folau was named to play on the wing Thursday in the Australia team to face the Barbarians this weekend, with Nick Phipps captaining the side.

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

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: South Africa have recalled a couple of veterans for their first warm-up tournament ahead of the 2017-18 Sevens World Series.

It is that time of the year when two teams go head-to-head in the Final of the oldest and one of the most prestigious domestic competitions.

SQUAD ANNOUNCEMENT: France recalled the biggest centre in the world for their one-off Test against New Zealand next month.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Imagine the humiliation of being told 'sports' like pole dancing, foot golf, dodgeball and kettlebell lifting is better than you.

OPINION: Soon Allister Coetzee will name his team for the year-end tour. rugby365 selects an alternative team from players based abroad. Who do you think will win?

DISCIPLINARY UPDATE: Seems like England head coach Eddie Jones' mission to scout for a stand-in captain has been halted ahead of the November Test Series. 

TRANSFER NEWS: Scrumhalf Ben Spencer has signed a new deal with Saracens which will see him remain at Allianz Park until 2020.

WATCH: Meetings are always an important place for everyone involved to learn and develop. Unless Siri thinks of other ideas...

INJURY UPDATE: A Springbok's hopes of playing for the famous Barbarians club has been shattered through injury.

FEATURE: The Currie Cup is named after a man and was from the beginning a sponsor's trophy. Paul Dobson takes a walk back in time!

TRANSFER NEWS: Northampton Saints has announced that Harry Mallinder has signed a contract extension at Franklin’s Gardens until 2020.

NPC FINAL: Having won eight of the last nine Premierships, Canterbury were looking to add to their record by beating return finalists Tasman in the National Provincial Cup final at AMI Stadium on Saturday.

CURRIE CUP FINAL BUILD-UP: It is going to be a cracker! That sentence sums up the general consensus of Saturday's Currie Cup Final.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: All Blacks coach Steve Hansen has taken a swipe at Wales mentor Warren Gatland, telling him Wednesday to quit coaching if he doesn't enjoy it.

SQUAD ANNOUNCEMENT: Southern Kings are forced to face their biggest Pro14 test without first-choice pivot Kurt Coleman.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Western Province assistant coach Dawie Snyman has been impressed with the impact Ruhan Nel has made during this season's Currie Cup campaign.

REACTION: Scientific research on ideal rest breaks may be the way to end the threat of a strike by English Premiership players, the Rugby Football Union (RFU) suggested Tuesday.

NEWS: Dropped New Zealand wing Julian Savea is set to show the world champions what they are missing after being included in the Barbarians squad for their match against the All Blacks at Twickenham on November 4. 

UPDATE: Munster's record try scorer Simon Zebo's international future could be in doubt after accepting a lucrative offer from French Top 14 outfit Racing 92, according to the Irish Times

NEWS: Irish rugby great Donncha O'Callaghan announced on Tuesday that he will retire from the sport at the end of the season.

NEWS: The Southern Kings are planning to take elite international rugby to the community in a ground-breaking move next month. 

The Currie Cup final remains the top honour for a South African referee and Jaco Peyper has been appointed to his third Currie Cup final when the Sharks play Western Province in Durban.

CURRIE CUP SPOTLIGHT: The quality of the players means the two most deserving teams will contest the Final in Durban on Saturday.

SQUAD ANNOUNCEMENT: Head coach Gregor Townsend has named ten uncapped players in a 36-man Scotland squad for November's Tests.

This week there is the Currie Cup Final, a competition dating back to 1889. The referee for this final is Jaco Peyper, one of the top referees in the world. It will be his third final.

SQUAD ANNOUNCEMENT: Harlequins utility back Jamie Roberts has been omitted from the 36-man Wales squad for their upcoming November Test Series.

DISCIPLINARY HEARINGS: England head coach Eddie Jones could start the November Test series without the services of Dylan Hartley, Nathan Hughes and Joe Marler after the trio were cited by European Professional Club Rugby (EPCR).

NEWS: Munster Rugby and the Irish Rugby Football Union can confirmed that Simon Zebo will depart the province at the end of the current season.

VIDEOS: This Saturday the rugby eyes of  South Africa will be on Durban, where the Currie Cup Final will be taking place. Paul Dobson looks at past Finals.

NEWS: The first nominees have been revealed for the World Rugby Awards 2017, which take place at the Salle des Etoiles in Monte Carlo on November 26.

INJURY UPDATE: Sharks assistant coach Sean Everitt confirmed that wing Sibusiso Nkosi will face a spell on the sidelines after he suffered a dislocated elbow in their semifinal win over the Blue Bulls.

INJURY UPDATE: Wales and British & Irish flank Justin Tipuric will be on the sidelines following an injury he sustained on Saturday.

South Africa will go head to head with France and Ireland for the right to host the 2023 World Cup. Here's a glimpse of their campaign.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Wallabies utility back Drew Mitchell has reached another milestone in his career after being named for his Classic Wallabies debut.

INJURY UPDATE: There was some good news on the injury front for Western Province ahead of their Currie Cup Final against the Sharks at Kings Park on Saturday.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Barbarians coach Alan Jones has opted not to unleash Quade Cooper for their first match against the Classic Wallabies on October 24.

INJURY UPDATE: Ireland head coach Joe Schmidt faces a taxing selection problem with the news young centre Garry Ringrose will miss November's three Tests in Dublin because of a shoulder injury.

REACTION: It is the kind of statement that will make any coach choke on his breakfast serial - a rival suggesting his team is easy to read.

INJURY UPDATE: Montpellier's France international flank Yacouba Camara will miss the November internationals with an ankle injury that will sideline him for up to eight weeks, the player said on Monday.

BREAKING NEWS: A new dynamic 20-minute exercise programme,  performed by rugby players before training and pre-match, could dramatically reduce injuries in the sport according to a benchmark study.

WATCH THE ULTIMATE REVIEW: The Wallabies beat the All Blacks in a classic Test in Brisbane. The 1014 Rugby team do their video analysis.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Glasgow Warriors head coach Dave Rennie refuses to entertain poor European Champions Cup performance as he shifts his focus back to the Pro14.

NPC SPOTLIGHT: rugby365 columnist Richard Neal looks at semifinal action of New Zealand's National Provincial Championship.

SQUAD ANNOUNCEMENT: Cheetahs head coach Rory Duncan confirmed his Pro14 squad for their upcoming two-match tour. 

SQUAD ANNOUNCEMENT: Ten new caps have been named in the Maori All Blacks squad for their 2017 northern tour to Canada and France.

SQUAD ANNOUNCEMENT: All Black coach Steve Hansen selected four uncapped players in the squad for the year-end tour.

INJURY UPDATE: Western Province appears to have lost at least two key players ahead of the Currie Cup Final this coming Saturday.

Tom van Vollenhoven, whose Springbok career was short but glorious, died at his home in Springs in the early hours of Saturday, 21 October 2017. He was 82.

In an exciting final in the Champion of Champions Sevens Tournament at Camp Discovery, Paul Roos had a narrow win over Waterkloof to become the Champion of Champions.

CHAMPIONS CUP REPORT: Wasps dominated in a 41-10 victory over Harlequins at Ricoh Arena on Sunday.

CHAMPIONS CUP REPORT: South African import Don Armand scored twice as Premiership champions Exeter Chiefs recorder an important away win against Montpellier.

CHAMPIONS CUP REPORT: La Rochelle remained unbeaten after a stunning second-half performance to beat Ulster 41-17 at Stade Marcel-Deflandre on Sunday.

WATCH as Sharks coach Robert du Preez speaks about the injury concerns ahead of the Currie Cup Final next week.

WATCH as Golden Lions coach Zacharia de Bruin reacts angrily to a suggestion he 'panicked' when he made a rash of first-half replacements in the 5-19 loss to Western Province.

REACTION: Coach Michael Cheika is preparing for a difficult Northern Hemisphere tour for his evolving team.

REACTION: The All Blacks won't be hitting the panic button, following the weekend's loss to Australia.

REACTION: Star fullback Israel Folau will miss Australia's year-end tour to Japan and Britain following a long, demanding season.

VIDEO: Forwards James Slipper and Ben McCalman will return to the Wallabies after long-term injuries in a squad for this week's clash with the Barbarians in Sydney.

CHAMPIONS CUP REPORT: A Telusa Veainu hat-trick and Jonny May double set Leicester Tigers up for an emphatic 54-29 bonus-point victory over Castres.

CHAMPIONS CUP REPORT: Munster paid the perfect respect to their late coach, Anthony Foley, on the anniversary of his death, by claiming a narrow 14-7 victory over Racing 92.

INJURY UPDATE: French flyhalf Camille Lopez will miss the November internationals as well as the Six Nations after breaking his ankle in Clermont's 24-7 European Cup win over Northampton on Saturday.

CHAMPIONS CUP REPORT: Saracens remained top of Pool Two as they narrowly edged Ospreys 36-34 at Allianz Park to top Pool Two.

CHAMPIONS CUP REPORT: France flyhalf Francois Trinh-Duc kicked a last-minute penalty as three-time champions Toulon escaped a Champions Cup humiliation by edging out battling Italian minnows Treviso 30-29.

CHAMPIONS CUP REPORT: Charlie Cassang bagged a brace, after coming on to replace Camille Lopez to guide Clermont to a 24-7 victory over Northampton Saints to remain unbeaten in Pool Two.

CHAMPIONS CUP  REPORT: Jonathan Sexton and Rhys Ruddock led by example as Leinster outgunned Glasgow Warriors 34-18 to make it back-to-back bonus point wins.

MATCH REPORT: Western Province will face the Sharks in next week's Currie Cup Final after they beat the Golden Lions 19-5 in their semifinal clash at Newlands.

MATCH REPORT: The Sharks advanced to the 2017 Currie Cup Final after they beat the Blue Bulls 37-27 in their Currie Cup semifinal clash in Durban on Saturday.

The opening day of the Champion of Champions Sevens tournament took place at Camp Discovery, a wonderful facility some 60km north of Pretoria.

MATCH REPORT: Australia made sure Stephen Moore had a good farewell with a rare 23-18 victory over the World Champions New Zealand on Saturday.

TRANSFER NEWS: Crusaders have injected some significant experience into their backline for 2018, with centre Tim Bateman re-signing with the team and utility back Mike Delany also joining the squad.