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Here is your chance to have your say. Vote now for your South African Team of the Week.

OPINION: Here it is, your chance to have your say and name your South African Team of the Week.

READERS' CHOICE: You asked for it and here it is: Your chance to have a say!

READERS’ CHOICE: You asked for it and here it is: Your chance to have a say!

Few people could argue that the four semifinalists have been the best teams in this year's FNB Varsity Cup; but who knows whether form, fate or luck will be the determining factors in the matches themselves.

SPOTLIGHT: Sharks coach Robert du Preez has been accused of operating a culture of "fear" and should be dumped along with his entire Super Rugby coaching team.

Sale Sharks have this week announced perhaps the Premiership’s biggest signing ahead of next season with the recruitment of Bulls and Springboks lock Lodewyk de Jager on a three-year contract.

SPOTLIGHT: The jersey that the Springboks will be wearing at the World Cup in Japan has been revealed.

REACTION: Lions coach Swys de Bruin says he is doing "much better" after returning home from New Zealand.

OPINION: Here it is - the readers' choices for the best South African players in Super Rugby.

NEWS: New Zealand secured their future in the flyhalf channel with a crucial signing.

CAREER-ENDING: It was a week of significant injury setbacks for the Brumbies, as they look to continue their climb up the standings.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: The Bulls will need a massive defensive display when they face the Stormers on Saturday.

SUPER RUGBY SPOTLIGHT: The Waratahs are intent on backing up their win over the conference-leading Melbourne Rebels with victory over South Africa's Sharks.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: With just three rounds to go, the Premiership Rugby table is taking shape, but there is still plenty to play for in what promises to be a thrilling Round 20 of action.

SUPER RUGBY REPORT: The Crusaders cemented their position as the tournament's most dominant team with a comprehensive win over the Lions.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: The stage is set for the final round of the regular season with so much still to play for in the Pro14.

TRANSFER NEWS: Warriors have made Blues and Northland hooker Matt Moulds their seventh new signing for the 2019/20 season.

SUPER RUGBY PREDICTIONS: A South African derby and all conferences wide open. Here's what awaits in this weekend's action... and these are the data-driven predictions to help you make your picks.

There are finals in England, Spain and Ireland with all the tension that goes with them.

Glenwood High School is one of the top rugby schools in South Africa. Over the Easter Weekend, Glenwood had three fixtures at the annual Kearsnery Easter Festival. Alec van der Merwe of the Glenwood staff reports on each of the three matches.

SUPER RUGBY SPOTLIGHT: The Lions' chances of making the Super Rugby play-offs this year may well depend on their key loose forwards staying fit.

OPINION: Players from the Lions and the Reds lead the way in our Super Rugby Team of the Week for Round Ten.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: The Stormers welcome back some experienced players for their Super Rugby North-South derby against the Bulls at Newlands on Saturday.

TRANSFER NEWS: The Southern Kings have made a giant leap in their efforts of building a competitive team.

INJURY UPDATE: For the second week in succession, the Lions have lost a key member of their squad on the eve of a match.

TRANSFER NEWS: Worcester Warriors have managed to lure another star to the Premiership club.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Sharks head coach Robert du Preez has named his team to face the Waratahs in a Super Rugby Round 11 clash in Sydney on Saturday.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Chiefs head coach Colin Cooper has reshuffled his matchday 23 ahead of this weekend’s derby match against the Hurricanes at Westpac Stadium on Saturday.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Record Hurricanes points scorer Beauden Barrett is among a trio of front line players who will return to the starting line-up for Saturday's match against the Chiefs in Wellington.

FINAL RE-RUN: The Lions, having lost to the Crusaders in the last two finals, will look at cause an upset of astronomical proportions.

Bryce Heem has made his final appearance for Worcester as his appeal against a four-week suspension has failed ahead of his summer move to Toulon.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Waratahs Head Coach Daryl Gibson has named his team to take on the Sharks on Saturday.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Liam Heagney takes a look at how South African coach Johann Van Graan should modify Munster's old ways.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Bulls have named their starting XV for the much-anticipated North-South derby against the Stormers on Saturday at Newlands.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Scrumhalf Matt Lucas and prop James Slipper are the only two changes to the starting XV for the Brumbies’ fixture with the Jaguares at the Estadio Jose Amalfitani.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: The Crusaders, fresh from a bye, will host the Lions this week in Christchurch and head coach Scott Robertson has named his side to take the field on Friday.

TRANSFER NEWS: English club Sale Sharks have signed another Springbok ahead of the 2019/2020 European season.

NEWS: Players from Leinster and Saracens dominate the shortlist for the prestigious EPCR European Player of the Year award.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT:  It’s been a tough season for the Stormers and this coming weekend it does not get any easier.

NEWS: Lee Jones has put pen-to-paper on a new two-year deal with Glasgow Warriors, which will see the 30-year-old remain at Scotstoun until at least June 2021.

OPINION: In 2012, Dave Rennie guided the Chiefs to a Super Rugby championship in his first year as coach.

SUPER RUGBY SPOTLIGHT: The Waratahs are determined to make the most of their newfound momentum, when they host the Sharks in a crunch Round 11 encounter.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: The Lions have made four changes to their starting XV to face the Crusaders in Christchurch on Friday.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Jordan Uelese hasn't played rugby for almost a year but the Melbourne Rebels hooker feels in the best shape of his career as he looks to stake a claim for a World Cup berth.

REACTION: Waratahs coach Daryl Gibson has declared the Super Rugby title race wide open after Melbourne Rebels squandered a golden opportunity to take command of the Australian conference.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Sunwolves have made two changes to their starting XV for Friday's match against the Highlanders in Tokyo.

TRANSFER NEWS: Warriors hooker Niall Annett has committed his future to the club for another season by signing a new one-year contract.

NEWS: An England and Saracens star will hang up his boots at the end of the season.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: SA Rugby was one of only eight of 19 South African sporting federations that achieved their transformation targets in 2017/18.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Jonny Wilkinson's last-second drop goal to win the Rugby World Cup for England in 2003 earned him iconic status but left him feeling empty and unable to cope.

REACTION: Alan Jones has given the most rational commentary on the sacking of Israel Folau, Australia’s best player.

INJURY UPDATE: The Bulls will be keeping a close eye on one of their Springboks ahead of their Super Rugby Round 11 clash against the Stormers in Cape Town on Saturday.

NEWS: The Hurricanes continue to position their squad well for the future by adding three more promising players to their roster for at least the next two seasons.

NEWS: On the back of successful tours to both Australia and New Zealand, current Wales coach Warren Gatland is set to lead a third British and Irish Lions campaign in 2021.

NEWS: Sale Sharks announced that Dorian West has taken a permanent role as forwards coach at the club.

NEWS: Mobile All Blacks hooker Nathan Harris has become the latest player to commit to New Zealand, extending his contract until 2021 with New Zealand Rugby and the Chiefs.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Following on from their Round 10 win against the Blues, Highlanders head coach Aaron Mauger has stuck largely with the same group of players for the clash against the Sunwolves.

SQUAD ANNOUNCEMENT: The Sharks have named a 27-man squad will depart on a three-week Australasian tour on Monday.

NEWS: Chiefs coach Colin Cooper has ruled out the prospect of Aaron Cruden returning to the franchise to alleviate their flyhalf injury woes.

UPDATE: Israel Folau's future in Australian rugby may be decided within two weeks.

SQUAD ANNOUNCEMENT: Sharks Super Rugby hooker Fezokuhle Mbatha and lock JJ van der Mescht will make their first appearances for the Junior Springboks in the UK

DISCIPLINARY NEWS: Worcester Warriors Bryce Heem is set to appeal his four week suspension.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Australian billionaire Andrew Forrest has hailed the first foray into Asia of his new rapid-form, high octane version of rugby and is convinced it can take the continent by storm.

UPDATE: The career of Australia's oldest Super Rugby player appears to be over after Brumbies hooker Josh Mann-Rea suffered a serious knee injury.

SUPER RUGBY SPOTLIGHT: The Waratahs are expecting some bruising encounters in the next few weeks.

TRANSFER NEWS: Leicester Tigers announced that South Africa international centre Jaco Taute will join the Premiership side from Munster at the start of the 2019/20 season.

INJURY UPDATE: Clermont fullback Nick Abendanon has been ruled out for the rest of the season with a cervical injury, the Top 14 club announced.

SUPER RUGBY REACTION: Aside from a 17-19 defeat at home, the Stormers could find themselves without the services of two valuable second-row players.

CHAMPION CUP REACTION: A mouth-watering Final awaits fans on May 11.

SUPER RUGBY REACTION: Sharks head coach Robert Du Preez believes that his side's defeat to the Reds can be put down to a couple of soft tries.

REPORT: Title-holders Leinster beat Toulouse 30-12 in the European Champions Cup semi-final in Dublin on Sunday.

SUPER RUGBY SPOTLIGHT: The Crusaders will be without three All Blacks for their Super Rugby Round 11 clash against the Lions in Christchurch on Friday.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Billy Vunipola said being confronted by a spectator after Saracens' European Champions Cup semi-final win over Munster was "quite scary".

Pretoria Boys High were looking for their third win at the festival when they came up against HTS Middelburg, hungry for their first win.

The final day of the Standard Bank Kearsney Easter Rugby Festival opened with a primary school’s game, as had the first two days.

The third match on the final day was a much-anticipated game between two Eastern Cape powerhouse teams, Selborne College and Hoërskool Framesby. The two evenly matched teams spent most of the first half playing in midfield, with defensive patterns preventing either side from getting near the try-line.

INJURY UPDATE: The long-awaited return of Australia flank David Pocock has once again been delayed.

Most of the results are from the first two days of the six big Easter Festivals being played in South Africa.

CHAMPIONS CUP SPOTLIGHT: In a sport where size is increasingly valued as a prime asset, one South African pocket-rocket plying his trade for Toulouse has bucked that trend to become arguably the most dynamic player in European rugby.

RUGBY WORLD CUP: The Springboks will reveal their new jersey for the competition in April. Here's what we know about the kit.

SUPER RUGBY REPORT: The Stormers suffered their fifth defeat of the season when they went down 17-19 to the Brumbies at Newlands in Cape Town.

CHAMPIONS CUP REPORT: Saracens beat Munster 32-16 in the European Champions Cup semifinal at Coventry's Ricoh Arena on Saturday.

SPOTLIGHT: @rugby365com's law guru Paul Dobson looks at a new trend that has emerged among referees.

SUPER RUGBY REPORT: The NSW Waratahs have breathed fresh life into their Super Rugby campaign with a crucial comeback win over the conference-leading Melbourne Rebels.

CHALLENGE CUP REPORT: ASM Clermont Auvergne held off a late Harlequins fight back to win 32-27 at the Stade Marcel-Michelin and reach the European Rugby Challenge Cup Final.

Easter Monday is the final day for the six big Easter Festivals in South Africa.

It was Day 2 on the St John's Easter Rugby Festival on the Burger Field at the foot of a steep koppie crowned with the school's stone building. It kicked off with a thrilling match, won in the last minute.

NEWS: The club game could get a whole lot bigger.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: The European Champions Cup semifinals are finally here.

The weather put an end to rugby on this second day of the Easter Rugby Festivals. Holy Saturday produced lightning in Gauteng and in Durban.

SUPER RUGBY REPORT: The Lions conquered their off-field challenges to secure a 23-17 win over the Chiefs in Hamilton.

SPOTLIGHT ON SIDESHOW: For the second week running the headlines were dominated not by on-field issues, but by the Israel Folau sideshow.

BREAKING NEWS: The Lions will complete their tour of New Zealand without coach Swys de Bruin, whilst defence coach Joey Mongalo is facing an internal disciplinary hearing.

SUPER RUGBY REPORT: The Highlanders got their season back on track with a hard-fought 24-12 win over the Blues on Saturday.

The third match of the day saw hosts Kearsney College taking on Hoërskool Framesby, a well-conditioned unit from Port Elizabeth.

CHALLENGE CUP REPORT: La Rochelle booked their spot in the European Rugby Challenge Cup Final after producing a terrific performance to defeat Sale Sharks 24-20 in an enthralling last-four battle.

A low-scoring first half between HTS Drostdy and Welkom Gim saw the boys from Worcester 9-5 in the lead after three penalties by Carlton Pietersen. It was a try by hooker Martley Bayman that gave Welkom their points.

After a full day of running rugby and a darkening sky, two jerseys, both navy and yellow, made it difficult for the referee and spectators alike. EG Jansen did have a yellow stripe over the shoulders which helped slightly.

In contrast to the earlier game, the second game of Day 2 between Hoërskool Transvalia and Pretoria Boys High saw few points in the first half. At the break it was Transvalia leading 5-3.

SQUAD UPDATE: Lions have paid a dear price for their 23-17 win over the Chiefs in Hamilton.

SUPER RUGBY: Need some help with your predictions? We've got them all right here. This week, we want your votes.

As the European Cup builds to its climax, here's a quick look at the South African rugby players who'll be in action when Saracens and Munster square off in the semi-final on Saturday.

LISTEN as 2007 @rugbyworldcup-winning @Springboks team psychologist Henning Gericke reveals one of the secrets behind the All Blacks' winning recipe.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Bernard Foley said that the NSW Waratahs have enough depth to cope without Israel Folau, hitting out at his long-time teammate for disrupting their season.

Rugby Australia’s elite coaching director Rod Kafer recently put his neck on the line after Israel Folau’s sacking, claiming the Wallabies will benefit without him on the field.

SUPER RUGBY REPORT: The Sharks produced another poor performance when they went down 14-21 to the Reds at Kings Park in Durban on Friday.

NEWS: Another Springbok has announced his retirement from the game this week.

SUPER RUGBY REPORT: The Hurricanes' second-half blitz made sure their record a 29-23 win over the Sunwolves in Japan on Friday.

Expect Thrills and Spills at Kearsney Festival, Day 2

Holy Saturday is Day 2 of the six big Easter Rugby Festivals in South Africa. Here are the fixtures.

NEWS: Another 2007 World Cup-winning Springbok has decided to hang up his boots.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Pinching a rare win against the Sharks in Durban is a must according to Queensland captain Samu Kerevi.

SPOTLIGHT: Sale Sharks captain Jono Ross is the hardest working player in the Premiership and admits he is getting increasingly frustrated by the lack of interest from England coach Eddie Jones.

It's Holy Week - a time to meditate and a time to celebrate and, it seems, a time to play excellent schoolboy rugby.

What a recovery for Rondebosch? After last week's big defeat at the hands of Paul Roos, Rondebosch came back with a win over the strong Boland Landbou side, a match Rondebosch have not won for a decade.

JEKYLL AND HYDE: When Robert Louis Stevenson's penned The Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde in 1886, he would not have thought there would be a real-life reincarnation more than a century later.

UPDATE: Toulouse's Samoan lock Joe Tekori was Thursday cleared to play in Sunday's European Champions Cup semifinal against holders Leinster.

OPINION: Here it is, the South African Team of the Week as selected by you … the readers!

In a very special edition, the @rugby365com team welcomes a special member of the 2007 @rugbyworldcup-winning @Springboks team - psychologist Henning Gericke.

Maundy Thursday, 18 April 2019, was the first day of six big Easter Tournaments in South Africa.

The final game on the first day of Kearsney Easter Rugby Festival was between locals DHS and Hoërskool Transvalia, making their first visit to the festival. It was a case of ‘if only’ for DHS who made too many mistakes and these were capitalised on by the boys from Vanderbijlpark.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: There are three changes and a positional switch in the Stormers starting line-up to face the Brumbies at Newlands on Saturday.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Five of their six member unions are believed to not be in favour of the proposed Nations League, but the Six Nations has collectively decided to tease out the World Rugby proposal some more by opting for a period of due diligence. 

REACTION: Australian sport is divided as the Israel Folau saga escalates.

In a hard-fought physical encounter between Glenwood and Dr EG Jansen, back after missing last year, the game was on a knife edge for the last quarter. Glenwood went into a slender one-point lead for a brief period before EG Jansen snatched it back. Glenwood did not give up and scored in the final seconds to win the nail-biter.

An evenly matched first half saw HTS Drostdy from Worcester scoring just before half-time for a 19-14 lead. The two sides had each scored twice before the try that gave Drostdy the lead.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Yoshiro Mori announced his surprise resignation as honorary chairman of the Japan Rugby Football Union, officials said Thursday, just months before the country hosts the World Cup.

DISCIPLINARY UPDATE: Tommaso Benvenuti of Benetton faced a Disciplinary Hearing via video conference and has been banned for a period of two weeks as a result.

LISTEN as the @rugby365com welcomes @pauldelport9 to the show. The SA #womensrugby #7s coach gives his views on the struggling @THESTORMERS and chats about the @OfficialHK7s.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Waratahs head coach Daryl Gibson announced his side that will take on the Rebels on Saturday at the SCG.

Selborne College, who is at the festival for the 12th consecutive time, used their forward power to win the majority of the possession and territory. Noord-Kaap spent most of the first half defending. Selborne scored three tries and were over the line on two other occasions, but Noord-Kaap defence prevented them dotting down.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: There are only minor changes to the Highlanders' starting team this week for the Gordon Hunter Memorial Trophy match against the Blues.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Melbourne Rebels stand-in captain Angus Cottrell has been ruled out of Friday’s Australian Conference derby against the Waratahs with concussion.

NEWS: Jason Leonard has been appointed Chairman of the British & Irish Lions Board.

CHAMPIONS CUP NEWS: Toulouse's Samoa lock Joe Tekori will appear in front of a disciplinary hearing a few days before this weekend's Champions Cup semifinal against holders Leinster.

The second game of Kearsney Easter Rugby Festival saw two powerhouses, Framesby from Port Elizabeth against Welkom Gimnasium in their second year at the festival.

This week on The Short Ball, Scotty Stevenson and Ali Williams delve into the nitty-gritty of Israel Folau’s social media use.

Kearsney traditionally opens their Standard Bank Kearsney Easter Rugby Festival and this year, the 12th, it was against Pretoria Boys High. Kearsney had the better of the first half, but it was all Pretoria Boys High in the second half for a 27-11 win.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Brumbies head coach Dan McKellar has made only one change to the starting XV that will take on the Stormers at Newlands this Saturday.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Irrepressible hooker James Parsons is set to become just the sixth Blues player to earn 100 caps for his team.

NEWS: Pat Lam will take charge of the Barbarians once more when they return to face an England XV in a match on June 2.

SUPER RUGBY SPOTLIGHT: He's played most of his career with Will Genia and Quade Cooper, so Waratahs lock Rob Simmons knows how good they are.

NEWS: Ulster and Ireland captain Rory Best has confirmed that he will retire from professional rugby when his current contract expires after the Rugby World Cup in Japan.

VARSITY CUP AFTERMATH: FNB Maties lived up to their billing as FNB Varsity Cup favourites by easing to a 34-12 win over FNB UP-Tuks in the final on Monday.

UPDATE: Wallabies fullback Israel Folau has formally challenged Rugby Australia's decision to sack him.

NEWS: Todd Blackadder announced that he will leave Bath at the end of the season.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Chiefs head coach Colin Cooper has named his team to face the Lions in a Super Rugby Round Ten clash in Hamilton on Friday.

DISCIPLINARY NEWS: Rohan Janse van Rensburg (Sale Sharks) and Bryce Heem (Worcester Warriors) appeared before a disciplinary panel.

NEWS: New Zealand Rugby have announced a loss of NZ$1.9-million for the 2018 financial year at its AGM meeting in Wellington.

OPINION: Whispers are quickly growing louder that Montpellier and All Black Aaron Cruden could be about to take a sizeable pay cut to relocate from the south of France to the cooler climates of Glasgow.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: The Queensland Reds have made three changes to their starting XV for Friday's match against the Sharks at Kings Park in Durban.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: The Hurricanes have named a largely experienced side to meet the Sunwolves for their round 10 Super Rugby match in Tokyo on Friday.

The Easter weekend is syonymous with school rugby festivals, but this year it is later than normal, coming three weeks into the second term for state schools. Many of those playing in the 12th Standard Bank Kearsney Easter Rugby Festival have already played a number of matches, providing some indication of comparative strengths.

SQUAD UPDATE: The Lions have been forced to make some changes to their matchday 23 for Friday's match against the Chiefs in Hamilton.

NEWS: Shaun Edwards’ on-off saga with Wales has taken another fresh twist following the revelation of a startling contract wrangle.

MATCH REPORT: Junior Springbok coach Chean Roux attributed his team’s 34-33 defeat against Argentina in the U20 International Series at Paul Roos Gymnasium on Wednesday to ill-discipline and said they will continue to learn as the season progresses.

VOTE NOW: We saw this week, at the Varsity Cup Final, how the South African anthem was butchered yet again. But who is the worst?

The best that European Rugby has to offer will be on show this weekend. And, if you need some help with your predictions, we’re here to lend a hand.

OPINION: There were some big movements at the weekend - the Crusaders opening an 11-point lead at the top and the Bulls moving into second place.

The Blues came back to Earth with a close 29-33 loss over rivals the Chiefs, extending an eight-year dry spell against their southern neighbours.

DISCIPLINARY NEWS: A Disciplinary Committee will meet on Wednesday in Edinburgh to consider the citing complaint made against Italy and Benetton star Tommaso Benvenuti.

TRANSFER NEWS: Northampton Saints confirmed that Andrew Kellaway and Nafi Tuitavake will be leaving the Club at the end of the 2018/19 season.

TRANSFER NEWS: Worcester Warriors’ long-serving scrumhalf Jonny Arr is to leave the club at the end of the season.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Sunwolves have made a few changes to their starting XV for the match against Hurricanes in Tokyo on Friday.

NEWS: France's next coach has been revealed by French newspaper L'Equipe on Tuesday.

WATCH some of these colossal Premiership hits from seasons past!

CHAMPIONS CUP SPOTLIGHT: Munster's poor record in semifinals in the last few years might be a concern ahead of their trip to the Ricoh Arena in Coventry on Saturday.

SUPER RUGBY SPOTLIGHT: Hearing an Australian speaking rhapsodically about 'braais' rather than 'barbeques' tells you a lot about his roots.

SPOTLIGHT: Since news broke that Damian McKenzie’s ruptured ACL has ruled him out of World Cup contention, one question has continued to burn on the public’s mind: Who will replace him in the All Blacks’ squad in Japan later this year?

SPOTLIGHT: Since the news broke that CVC Capital Partners would be investing over £200m for a 27 percent stake in Premiership Rugby, rumours have been rife about what it might mean for the competition.

There will a lot of focus on Ricoh Arena in Coventry and Aviva Stadium in Dublin for the Heineken Cup semifinals this weekend when the referees in the middle are Jérôme Garcès and Wayne Barnes.

FNB Maties beat FNB UP-Tuks 34-12 in Stellenbosch on Monday to win the FNB Varsity Cup for a second-straight year.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Sharks head coach Robert du Preez has named his team to face the Reds in a Super Rugby Round Ten clash in Durban on Friday.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Junior Springbok coach Chean Roux said his team was ready to measure themselves in what will mark their toughest assignment thus far this year. 

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: All Blacks 2011 World Cup-winner Israel Dagg opened up on Tuesday about the mental health battles that nearly drove him out of the game.

REACTION: One of Israel Folau's teammates has praised Australian rugby bosses for acting quickly over the furore.

INTERVIEW: Despite the limited lock resources, Stormers coach Robbie Fleck is not tempted to return season Springbok Pieter-Steph du Toit to the second row.

Billy Vunipola and Saracens have issued two separate statements in the wake of the fallout over the Number 8’s support of Israel Folau’s recent homophobic Instagram post.

TRANSFER NEWS: International flyhalf Gareth Anscombe will leave the Cardiff Blues for rivals the Ospreys at the end of the season, the Liberty Stadium region announced.

NEWS: Former All Black Simon Mannix quit as Pau head coach on Tuesday after a poor run of results that sees the club languishing 11th in the Top 14.

NEWS: New Zealand Rugby and the Highlanders are celebrating further good news with All Blacks hooker Liam Coltman re-signing with his Super Rugby club and New Zealand Rugby through to 2022.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Warren Whiteley is back to lead the Lions for their Super Rugby Round Ten clash against the Chiefs in Hamilton on Friday.

REACTION: Wallaby and Waratahs utility back Israel Folau is a step closer to the exit door.

WATCH: South African singer and songwriter Kurt Darren has joined the hall of infamy.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Liam Heagney takes a look at how seasoned South African coach Alan Solomons is bucking the trend in Europe.

Wigan aims to draw a line under the Shaun Edwards saga after confirming his about-turn on their head coach position.

SUPER RUGBY REACTION: It has become increasingly clear that the Sharks' players haven't got the right attitude or mindset to be real contenders in Super Rugby.

Anyone, at least in South Africa, who sets out to write about sport in schools starts on the defensive. There will be a consciousness of the largely uncontested dictum that we are a sport-mad country. Therefore anyone who is both sophisticated and keen on sport may feel it necessary to apologise for his (usually his) enthusiasm, justify it or water it down. We blame the balmy climate, or limited cultural stimulation, or our national aggressions.

NEWS: Harlequins co-captain and former Wallaby and Reds captain James Horwill will retire at the end of the 2018/19 Premiership season.

LISTEN as @King365ed chats to @SouthernKingsSA CEO Charl Crouse about their 'collaboration' with @RCTofficiel and what it all means.

WATCH: The Sharks had an extraordinary response to their 17-51 loss to the Jaguares at the weekend.

SUPER RUGBY REACTION: Lions head coach Swys de Bruin was in a philosophical mood when speaking to reporters after his team's latest defeat.

Check out all the action from the final day at the #Singapore7s.

SUPER RUGBY REACTION: The Stormers produced their best performance of the season without some of their big names.

FNB Maties may be unbeaten in this year’s FNB Varsity Cup, but in FNB UP-Tuks they face Final opponents capable of denying them the fifth title they so desperately want.

Gregg van Molendorff, the deputy headmaster of Graeme College of Grahamstown, has serious concerns about the way sport in schools is developing. He has opened his concerns to further thought and debate.

TOP 14 WRAP: Leaders Toulouse touched down the 10th try of the game with less than three minutes left on Sunday to edge second-place Clermont 47-44 and clinch a place in the Top 14 play-offs.

FNB UP-Tuks had one blip during their FNB Varsity Cup campaign but, if anything, it should confirm that they can do the unexpected in the final.

Dale won the 181st match between Queen's College in Queenstown and drew level with their Border rivals. It was a match that carried a stamp of approval - a Classic Clash.

Stormers loosehead prop Steven Kitshoff has had a steady career since making his senior debut in 2011. Here are some key stats.

SUNDAY WRAP: The BlitzBoks produced a stunning second-half comeback to beat Fiji 20-19 in the Cup Final of the Singapore Sevens.

DISCIPLINARY UPDATE: Reds player Hamish Stewart escaped with a warning after he recklessly entered a ruck during his team's 17-32 defeat to the Bulls in Pretoria on Saturday.

WORLD SERIES SEVENS: The 2018-19 World Series Sevens series is shaping up to be quite something. Here's the Sevens log after the 2019 Singapore leg.

INJURY UPDATE: The All Blacks go into their first pre-World Cup camp on Monday hampered by a rising injury toll and expecting more casualties before they begin their title defence in Japan in September.

SQUAD ANNOUNCEMENT: Brumbies star David Pocock is on a plane to Cape Town.

Paarl Gim certainly have a strong side - again - this year. They scored their highest score in 19 matches with Affies in winning 46-19 on an overcast afternoon in Paarl.

The number of matches has grown in this year of late Easter with the long weekend to come with its various tournaments.

SUPER RUGBY ROUND NINE: Watch as we bring you all the highlights from Round Nine!

UPDATE: Unrepentant Wallabies star Israel Folau stood by his controversial anti-gay comments Sunday

SUPER RUGBY REACTION: Brad Thorn has challenged his side to maintain their consistency after the Reds floundered in the first game of a season-defining road trip.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Brumbies flyer Tom Banks put his hand up to replace Wallabies fullback Israel Folau with a stunning return to form against the Lions.

PREMIERSHIP REPORT: South African star Willie Le Roux was among the try-scorers as Wasps secured an impressive bonus-point 26-19 win over Premiership leaders Exeter on Sunday to stay in the hunt for a play-off spot.

OPINION: The Sharks surprised many pundits with their performance at Ellis Park in Round Eight.

Don't you love Rondebosch? Their results are always in on Saturday. In fact, they are the first to arrive, and the results don't seem to matter as much as playing the game.

NEWS: Cheetahs coach Franco Smith looks set to take over the Italian job.

PREMIERSHIP REACTION: The booing of England star Billy Vunipola every time he touched the ball in Saracens Premiership loss to Bristol on Saturday "was unexpected" said Sarries Director of Rugby Mark McCall.

SUPER RUGBY REPORT: The Bulls moved to the top of the South African conference with a bonus-point win over the Reds in Pretoria on Saturday.

SUPER RUGBY REPORT: A week after their biggest win in years, the Sharks were brought back to earth in spectacular fashion.

PREMIERSHIP WRAP: Gloucester continued their impressive run, as they cemented their place in the top three.

PRO14 REPORT: Glasgow Warriors put in a display characterised by resilience and punctuated with glorious tries as they ended Leinster's unbeaten record at the RDS Arena with a 39-24 triumph.

PRO14 REPORT: Tian Schoeman scored 18 points to hand Cheetahs a hard-fought win over Dragons in South Africa.

PRO14 REPORT: Uzair Cassiem's double inspired a crucial victory for Scarlets as the Welsh side kept their play-off qualification hopes alive with a brilliant performance against Zebre.

SUPER RUGBY REPORT: The Lions got their Australasian tour off to a poor start with a 20-31 defeat to the Brumbies in Canberra on Saturday.

SUPER RUGBY REPORT: The Chiefs edged the Blues 33-29 in an entertaining Super Rugby Round Nine match in Hamilton on Saturday.

BREAKING NEWS: The Blue Bulls Company are investigating the possibility of fraud by a former employee.

DAY ONE WRAP: South Africa may be out of the running for the series title, but they showed the class in beating Fiji in pool play on Saturday.

REACTION: Another player has come out in support of Wallaby star Israel Folau.

PRO14 REPORT: Jack Carty inspired Connacht to a fourth consecutive win to secure a top-three spot in Conference A, by beating Cardiff Blues 29-22.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: There is still a big chance Ma'a Nonu could be playing in the World Cup in Japan this year.

NEWS: Springbok and Bulls flyhalf Handre Pollard could be heading to France at the end of this year’s Rugby World Cup in Japan in what would be a major blow for the South African Rugby Union’s new contract model.

REACTION: Under fire Wallaby Israel Folau has received support from within the players' ranks.

PRO14 REPORT: Dan Evans helped himself to a hat-trick as the Ospreys kept their Pro14 play-off hopes alive with a 43-7 win over the outclassed Southern Kings team in Port Elizabeth on Friday.

PREMIERSHIP REPORT: Guy Thompson scored two tries and made a crucial turnover as Leicester Tigers won a thrilling game against Newcastle Falcons 27-22 at Kingston Park.

PRO14 REPORT: Munster surged back to the top of the Conference A table with a powerful second-half display away at play-off-chasing Benetton.

There are lots of interesting results this week as we get closer to Easter and its tournaments.

SUPER RUGBY REPORT: The Stormers ended their Australasian tour with a valuable 41-24 victory over the Rebels in Melbourne on Friday.

COURTING CONTROVERSY: The Waratahs is one of three teams on a bye this week, but it is one of their players that dominated the headlines this week.

PRO14 REPORT: Ulster sealed second place in Conference B, with a professionally won 29-7 triumph on the road at 'Murrayfield.

SUPER RUGBY REPORT: The Crusaders put in a superb second-half performance to thrash the Highlanders 43-17 in Christchurch on Friday.

TRANSFER NEWS: Scarlets have confirmed that four members of the current squad will be leaving at the end of the 2018-19 season.

SQUAD UPDATE: The Lions have received a massive boost with the return of captain Warren Whiteley.

NEWS: French clubs have opposed the idea of having a foreign coach for the national team, according to the results of a referendum released on Friday.

TOP 14, WEEK 22: Toulouse and Clermont prepare for the European semifinals in a week's time by facing each other in a sold-out French Top 14 blockbuster showdown on Sunday.

SUPER RUGBY SPOTLIGHT: The Bulls are looking to 'set the record straight' when they host the Reds in a Round Nine encounter in Pretoria on Saturday.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Cheetahs head coach Franco Smith has revealed his team for their Pro14 clash with the Dragons in Bloemfontein on Saturday.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Most pundits would give the Wallabies no chance of winning the World Cup without Israel Folau.

WORLD SERIES ROUND EIGHT: The United States, Fiji and New Zealand will look to secure qualification to the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games this weekend in Singapore.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: There are just four rounds of Premiership Rugby remaining, and while two semi-final spots have already been bagged there is still plenty to play for up and down the table.

VARSITY CUP REACTION: FNB Maties sealed their place in the final of the FNB Varsity Cup with a clinical performance against FNB UFS Shimlas to reiterate why it will take an extraordinary performance to stop them.

OPINION: Here it is, the South African Team of the Week as selected by you ... the readers!

Need some help with your Super Rugby predictions for round nine? We've got some suggestions. Use at your own risk.

UPDATE: NSW Rugby Union has stood down Israel Folau from all player duties with the NSW Waratahs until further notice.

Grey College of Bloemfontein drop down from the Highveld to the warm East London coast to play Selborne College.

Glenwood High School of Durban will play host to Hoërskool Monument of Krugersdorp this Saturday, in a feast of interschool competition that will include 15 rugby matches.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Last weekend saw the rare occurrence of two draws out of the seven Pro14 matches in Round 19.

The two great Border schools, Queen's College of Queenstown and Dale College of King William's Town first played each other in 1891. Since 1926 when transport became easier, they have played regularly, mostly twice a year, and they are at it again this Saturday in a Classic Clash.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: The Jaguares have unveiled their team to face the Sharks in Durban on Saturday.

REACTION: Not only has Israel Folau's social media post been labeled 'unacceptable', but now Rugby Australia have made it clear that they "have intention to terminate his contract,"

The match between the Bulls and the Jaguares in Pretoria was decided in the last ten minutes. For the Bulls it was suicide rather than simple defeat.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: The Sharks have unveiled their team for their Super Rugby Round Nine clash against the Jaguares in Durban.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Brumbies received a timely boost ahead of their Super Rugby match against Lions on Saturday.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Lions head coach Swys de Bruin has made a number of changes to his team to face the Brumbies in Canberra on Saturday.

FINALLY THEY MEET: Four weeks ago the Crusaders and Highlanders were scheduled to meet in Dunedin. The Christchurch massacre resulted in that match being cancelled.

Two of South Africa's most powerful rugby schools, Paarl Gimnasium and Afrikaanse Hoër Seunskool, meet in a Premier Interschools match in Paarl on Saturday. It will be a match worth watching.

It's a bit of a migration, this fixture. Apart from 21 rugby teams, there are 21 hockey teams and other activities - golf, debating, fishing, chess, mountain biking, cross country, tennis and squash.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: The Southern Kings have named their team that will take on Welsh side, Ospreys, in their last Pro14 home fixture for the 2018/19 season on Friday.

NEWS: Munster Rugby confirmed that Ronan O’Mahony will retire from professional rugby with immediate effect.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: All Blacks centre Sonny Bill Williams is facing a lengthy period on the sidelines.

NEWS: The Queensland Rugby Union confirmed that Reds coach Brad Thorn will remain at Ballymore through 2020.

WATCH as one player flattens another in a schoolboy match between Monument and Paarl Boys.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: The Queensland Reds have made four changes to their starting XV for Saturday's match against the Bulls at Loftus Versfeld Stadium in Pretoria.

SUPER RUGBY INTERVIEW: Lions coach Swys de Bruin was cautiously optimistic ahead of his team's departure on a three-match Australasian tour.

UPDATE: All Blacks legend Dan Carter underwent surgery on his neck.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Springbok scrumhalf Faf de Klerk is honing his survival skills in the English Premiership in preparation for South Africa’s bid for World Cup glory in Japan.

UPDATE: The Premiership have demanded that club, in particularly Saracens are required to supply information to the Rugby Salary Cap Manager.

NEWS: Concerning comments from RugbyWA Chairman John Edwards suggests that things are not all peachy in Western Australia.

Vlok Cilliers has just turned 51, having spent most of his life kicking rugby balls to great effect. Playing days over, the 1996 Springbok coached kickers in Blue Bulls, men who included Morné Steyn who profited greatly from the coaching.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Former Wallabies captain George Gregan on Wednesday backed England to win a wide-open Rugby World Cup in Japan. 

DISCIPLINARY UPDATE: Leicerster Tigers Tom Youngs appeared before an independent disciplinary panel and was handed a three-week suspension.

NEWS: Wallaby utility back Israel Folau could be heading for a showdown with Rugby Australia boss Raelene Castle, after he again took to social media to express his religious beliefs.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Chiefs head coach Colin Cooper has selected a strong matchday-23 to face the Blues at FMG Stadium Waikato on Saturday.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Bulls coach Pote Human wasted no time in rushing a host of Springboks back for their Super Rugby Round Nine encounter with the Reds.

TRANSFER NEWS: Sale Sharks announced that former All Black second-row Bryn Evans has signed a one year extension to remain in the Premiership.

SEVENS SPOTLIGHT: In terms of consistency, finishing seventh one week and winning the next may not be ideal, but it’s something the Springbok Sevens team managed to pull off, as recently as last month.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: A new captain to steer the ship might be the sliver of hope the Stormers need to secure a win on tour.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Crusaders coach Scott Robertson has named a side that features seven changes, for their Super Rugby Round Nine encounter with the Highlanders in Christchurch on Friday.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: All Black great Ben Smith will play his 150th game for the Highlanders against the Crusaders on Friday.

SPOTLIGHT: A stark report in The Guardian had laid bare the precarious finances of clubs in the English Premiership.

Paddy O'Brien moves the Sevens caravan from Hong Kong to Singapore this weekend, club competitions in Europe are heading for a climax, Super Rugby rumbles on, there are two Under-18 international tournaments, and there are three finals in South Africa. There is lots to keep the referees away from mischief.

CONFIRMED: SANZAAR revealed the abbreviated six-match schedule for this year's Rugby Championship including all match venues and kick-off times.

ANALYSIS: For a player who made the ‘unbelievable’ a regular occurrence over the last three years, the magic and aura around the two-time World Rugby Player of the Year has slowly dissipated in 2019.

NEWS: Harlequins confirmed  that current Academy Transition Coach and former player Tom Williams will leave the Club at the end of the current season to pursue a career outside of rugby.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: The Stormers have named a new captain for the final match of their Australasian tour.

SUPER RUGBY INTERVIEW: The Brumbies looks set to welcome back some of their big guns when the Lions arrive in Canberra for a Round Nine encounter on Saturday.

NEWS: Scotland's most capped player Ross Ford is to leave Edinburgh at the end of the season, ending a 12-year association with the side.

REACTION: Sale Sharks prop Jake Pope has received a six-month ban, following his second violation of the Rugby Football Union Illicit Drugs Programme.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Wallabies back Jack Maddocks is among the injured Melbourne Rebels players to be ruled out of their Super Rugby home clash with the Stormers.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: There might be loads of speculations, however, one thing is certain the Crusaders will not change their name... just yet.

CONTRACT NEWS: South African international Werner Kruger has become the latest player to put pen to paper to agree a new deal with the Scarlets.

The Highlanders’ season got off to an inauspicious start back in February when they had to come from behind to pip the Chiefs by three points in Hamilton.

SQUAD ANNOUNCEMENT: The Junior Wallabies squad has been named for the 2019 Oceania Under-20 Championship and boasts several Super Rugby up-and-comers, including Queensland Reds utility Isaac Lucas.

NEWS: Edinburgh have confirmed their plans to construct a new purpose-built 7,800-seater stadium on the back pitches at Murrayfield are still waiting to get the all-clear

INJURY UPDATE: Springbok Sevens forward Zain Davids will undergo shoulder surgery on Wednesday and has been ruled out of the last three tournaments of the World Rugby Sevens Series.

NEWS: Reports emerging from Wales claim that Gareth Anscombe has lost his appeal against the wage band he was placed in under the new pay system introduced by the Professional Rugby Board.

DISCIPLINARY UPDATE: Leicester Tigers and England hooker Tom Youngs is due to appear before a disciplinary panel.

DISCIPLINARY UPDATE: Rebels centre Bill Meakes will be available for selection when his side face the struggling Stormers on Friday.

INJURY UPDATE: The Blues will be without the services of two of their key players for the upcoming fortnight as Sonny Bill Williams and Blake Gibson have been ruled out due to injury.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Rugby Australia is working on other options if the mooted world league doesn’t go ahead, with a more meaningful Rugby Championship on the SANZAAR agenda.

INJURY REPORT: There is some good and bad news on the injury front for the Bulls ahead of their Super Rugby Round Nine clash against the Reds in Pretoria.

VIDEO: If Sébastien Chabal and an entourage of men clad as cavemen performing ‘I’m Gonna Be (500 miles)’ at the Hong Kong Sevens last week was not strange enough, things have become even more bizarre.

HONG KONG SPOTLIGHT: If anyone has wondered what 41-year-old former French international Sebastien Chabal is doing these days, they would have been surprised to see him appear on their television screens at the Hong Kong Sevens at the weekend.

NEWS: This player was regarded as one of the most devastating finishers in English rugby during his club career.

SQUAD ANNOUNCEMENT: Lions head coach Swys de Bruin revealed his 26-man squad for their Australasia tour.

CONTRACT NEWS: Glasgow Warriors coach Dave Rennie has signed a one-year contract extension, which will see him remain at Scotstoun until at least June 2020.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: In the wake of the historic triumph at Loftus Versfeld, a first-ever win in Durban does not seem so far-fetched for the Jaguares.

VARSITY CUP SEMIFINALS WRAP: FNB Maties will host FNB UP-Tuks in the 2019 FNB Varsity Cup Final after they won their respective semifinals on Monday.

NEWS: The Blue Card will be rolled out across South Africa in the next few weeks at all levels of the game, except elite adult tournaments or matches where World Rugby have approved the use of HIA (Head Injury Assessments).

SUPER RUGBY SPOTLIGHT: The Stormers might need a miracle if they are to turn their season around after a string of poor performances.

WATCH: Not only was this try a great team effort, but the Jaguares may have found their next big star in Domingo Miotti.

LISTEN as Lions coach Swys de Bruin speaks about the problems that resulted in his team's heavy loss to the Sharks at the weekend.

INJURY UPDATE: Under fire Stormers coach Robbie Fleck sent an SOS to Cape Town for reinforcements, as he looks to salvage something from a winless Australasian tour.

Theo Pieterse's Itembelihle township team played the Lambs XV, a touring team from England chosen from some 20 different schools. It is an organisation started in 2006 along Barbarian lines. Pieterse reports from a match played as part of the 125th birthday celebrations of Kingswood College.

Graeme College were very proud to host Gill College on Saturday, which is one of our oldest rugby derby weekends.

NEWS: The French rugby federation was ordered by an industrial tribunal Monday to pay 1.0 million euros in compensation to sacked national coach Guy Noves.

TRANSFER TALK: All Black star Julian Savea could join South Africa's Southern Kings according to reports.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Tendai Mtawarira, affectionately known as Beast, readily admits a scrawny referee once gave him some scrumming tips.

NEWS: All Black star centre Malakai Fekitoa has been called up by the Barbarians for their match against England XV

CONTRACT NEWS: Munster Rugby and the IRFU confirmed that Head Coach Johann van Graan has extended his contract for a further two years, and will remain with the province until June 2022.

SUPER RUGBY REACTION: The plaudits flowed freely for Sharks prop Tendai Mtawarira, who celebrated a record 157th appearance by a South African player.

SUPER RUGBY REACTION: Stormers coach Robbie Fleck has come under some heavy criticism from fans after his side slumped to a 12-24 loss to the Reds in Brisbane.

PRO14 REPORT: Josh Lewis held his nerve with a late penalty to earn the Dragons a share of the spoils in a dramatic 18-all draw with Southern Kings on Sunday.

SEVENS SPOTLIGHT: The Hong Kong Sevens is getting ready to farewell its long-term home.

When the All Blacks travelled to England for the 2015 World Cup, there was never any question marks over who would start in the New Zealand midfield come the knockout stages of the tournament.

INTERVIEW: Wallabies coach Michael Cheika says he is in no hurry to appoint a new attack coach after Stephen Larkham was axed.

SUPER RUGBY REACTION: Bulls coach Pote Human did not hide his disappointment with his players' lack of discipline in their 20-22 loss to the Jaguares at the weekend.

DISCIPLINARY NEWS: Bill Meakes of the Rebels will appear at a SANZAAR judicial committee hearing, after being cited for foul play during a Super Rugby match at the weekend.

SUPER RUGBY REPORT: The Jaguares' second-half comeback made sure they record their first-ever win over the Bulls at Loftus Versfeld.

TOP 14 RE{ORT: Maxime Machenaud failed with a last-minute penalty goal as Racing 92 drew 31-31 with Clermont in the French Top 14 on Sunday.

SUPER RUGBY REACTION: Stormers and Springbok captain Siyamthanda Kolisi put his hand up and accepted 'blame' for his team's third straight loss on their tour of Australasia.

NEWS: Rugby Australia returned to profit last year after controversially axing one of its Super Rugby sides,.

PRO14 REPORT: Cory Allen scored the crucial bonus-point try as Ospreys cruised to 31-14 win over Cheetahs to keep their pursuit of a place in the PRO14 Final Series alive.

SUPER RUGBY REACTION: The Melbourne Rebels are looking to run away with conference honours and leave Australia's traditional heavyweights scrambling desperately for a play-off berth.

In a Premier Interschools match on Saturday, Maritzburg College went down to a wet Durban as underdogs and came close to ending top dogs. The fairytale ending did not happen, but some truths were told.

PRO14 REPORT: Iliesa Ratuva Tavuyara drove over in added time as his Benetton side drew 27-27 with Leinster in a thrilling fixture which kept the home side’s  PRO14 Final Series hopes alive.

PREMIERSHIP REPORT: A first-half Mark Atkinson hat-trick ensured Gloucester pressed home their top four credentials with a thrilling 40-31 victory against Northampton Saints at Franklin's Gardens.

PRO14 REPORT: Jaco van der Walt produced nine minutes of magic as Edinburgh came from behind to beat Scarlets 20-12 in Llanelli.

WATCH all the highlights from the weekend's Round Eight Super Rugby matches.

PREMIERSHIP REPORT: Exeter Chiefs ran in seven tries at Welford Road to put a major dent in Leicester Tigers’ hopes of Premiership survival.

FINALS WRAP: Fiji made history with FIVE straight titles in a row in the Sevens World Series' showpiece event.

PREMIERSHIP REPORT: Saracens found their feet in the second half and Alex Lozowski crossed at the death to claim a hard-fought bonus-point 26-12 win against Newcastle Falcons at Allianz Park.

TOP14 WRAP: Former New Zealand international Malakai Fekitoa scored twice as Toulon ended Toulouse's record 14-match unbeaten run in the French Top 14 with a 25-10 victory on Saturday.

LISTEN as freelance journalist Antoinette Muller explains to the @rugby365com team the recipe the Rosslyn Park National Schools Sevens use to make it a success.

SUPER RUGBY SPOTLIGHT: Wallabies flank David Pocock has paid tribute to Tendai Mtawarira on Twitter, before the prop becomes South Africa's most capped Super Rugby player.

Playing at home, a fired up Durbanville side, outlasted SACS in an impressive display to win 33-24 (half-time: 7-12).

SEMIFINALS WRAP: France advanced to the Final for the first time ever, where they will meet Fiji!

DAY THREE WRAP: South Africa's final hopes of retaining their World Series crown was well-and-truly ended by the blistering pace of American speedster Carlin Isles.

PREMIERSHIP REPORT: Nathan Hughes scored a double as Wasps powered to a 28-16 bonus-point win over Worcester Warriors at Ricoh Arena.

SUPER RUGBY MATCH REPORT: Wallabies star Israel Folau broke the all-time record for tries, but it was not enough to earn the Waratahs victory against the Blues.

VARSITY CUP SPOTLIGHT: For FNB UP-Tuks the semifinals of the FNB Varsity Cup will be a question of whether being rested is better than being match-hardened, and trying to rewrite history.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Pro14 is a tougher competition than what the Cheetahs were faced with in Super Rugby says CEO Harold Verster.

DAY TWO WRAP: The United States Eagles are still in the fight, despite narrow losses to England and Wales in the tournament's final pool matches on Saturday.

PRO14 REPORT: Connacht took a huge step towards the PRO14 Final Series with a nervy 6-5 victory over Zebre.

PRO14 REPORT: Munster came from behind to beat Cardiff Blues 45-21 and secure their Pro14 Finals place.

PREMIERSHIP REPORT: Eleven points from Rhys Priestland helped Bath Rugby claim the West Country bragging rights with a bonus-point 26-19 win over Bristol Bears at Twickenham Stadium.

SUPER RUGBY MATCH REPORT: The Crusaders came back from a half-time deficit to stamp their authority on the game and smash the Brumbies 36-14 in Christchurch on Saturday.

SUPER RUGBY REPORT: The Hurricanes held on in the face of a number of fierce raids by the Highlanders to record a crucial 31-28 win in Dunedin on Friday.

TRANSFER TALK: New Zealand head coach Steve Hansen is set to become the director of rugby at Japanese club Verblitz according to media reports.

SUPER RUGBY REPORT: Fullback Reece Hodge scored a hat-trick as the Rebels eased past the Sunwolves, winning 42-15 in Brisbane on Saturday.

DAY ONE WRAP: There were very little to get excited about as Samoa, South Africa, England, USA, New Zealand, Fiji, Argentina and France all won their opening pool matches.

SQUAD ANNOUNCEMENT: Brad Thorn has backed a rejuvenated Lukhan Salakaia-Loto to be among the men to lead a depleted Reds on their tour of South Africa.

SUPER RUGBY REPORT: The Reds got their campaign back on track with as 24-12 win over the Stormers in a scrappy affair in Brisbane on Friday.

PREMIERSHIP REPORT: A metronomic 23 points from the boot of AJ MacGinty steered Sale Sharks to a crucial 28-17 victory over Harlequins that reignites their Premiership top-four hopes.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENTS: The Cheetahs are highly motivated to finish their season on a memorable note.

SUPER RUGBY REPORT: The Sharks produced their best performance of the season when they smashed the Lions 42-5 at Ellis Park on Friday.

SUPER RUGBY SPOTLIGHT: Bulls head coach Pote Human is not too concerned about heading into Saturday's match against the Jaguares without star flyhalf Handré Pollard.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENTS: A few years ago Berton Klaasen had given up the dream of playing professional rugby.

MILESTONE MATCHES: The Sharks' veteran Springbok loosehead prop Tendai Mtawarira and South African referee Jaco Peyper will reach special milestones this weekend.

NEWS: One of Gloucester Rugby’s longest serving players, Tom Savage, will embark upon a new playing challenge at the end of the current season when he moves to Japan to join Suntory Sungoliath.

NEWS:  Saracens have confirmed Marcelo Bosch will leave the club at the end of the season.

PRO14 REPORT: Xander Fagerson crashed over to seal a 30-7 bonus-point win for Glasgow Warriors as they retain their place at the summit of the Pro14 Conference A.

NEWS: The Southern Kings and French club Toulon have agreed to a close working relationship between the two sides.

FNB Maties wrapped up their fifth unbeaten FNB Varsity Cup campaign with an emphatic 84-26 win against FNB UWC on Monday, which is allowing them approach the playoff stage in confident - though considered - mood.

SUPER RUGBY SPOTLIGHT: @rugby365com's law guru Paul Dobson looks at another controversial moment in last week's Round Seven action.

NEWS: England coach Eddie Jones has ruled himself out of replacing the Wallabies' Michael Cheika after this year's World Cup, saying Australia needs "generational change".

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: The Pro14 returns after an exciting quarterfinal round of the European Champions Cup.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Jaguares have made a few modifications to the side that will face the Bulls at Loftus Versfeld on Saturday.

NEWS: One of the most exciting players of his generation, All Black, Crusaders and Hawke's Bay outside back Israel Dagg, is hanging up his boots.

European Professional Club Rugby has named the match officials for the semifinals of the Heineken Cup and the Challenge Cup.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: With five rounds left of Premiership Rugby action there is still plenty to play for, and Round 18 promises to be another cracker.

Paarl Gim go to Rondebosch on Saturday to play Bishops, a match that was first played 90 years ago.

SEVENS SPOTLIGHT: Zimbabwe is hoping to snap up a berth on the World Series this week in Hong Kong - with a little help from their friends.

OPINION: Scotty Stevenson, Mils Muliaina and Ali Williams heap praise on the Blues and Crusaders.

THE ULTIMATE TEST: Sevens fans are in for a treat this weekend as the World Series moves on to the seventh round in Hong Kong.

SUPER RUGBY SPOTLIGHT: The Blues will be chasing a fourth straight win when they host the desperate Waratahs at Eden Park.

TOP 14, WEEK 21: Top 14 leaders Toulouse will turn their attention from Europe to a tough away trip to Toulon at Marseille's Velodrome this weekend, as one player plots to use space research to give the side an edge.

SUPER RUGBY SPOTLIGHT: Sharks head coach Robert du Preez believes his team will be taking some "momentum" into their clash with the Lions, despite their defeat to the Bulls last weekend.

The @rugby365com team welcomes on board a new voice, freelance journalist Antoinette Muller, as they discuss the ever-increasing number of schools tournaments.

Two great South African Rugby schools meet in Paarl on Saturday when Paarl Boys' High host thirteen teams from Hoërskool Outeniqua of George.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Melbourne Rebels coach Dave Wessels knows all too well the big threat Sunwolves' flyhalf Hayden Parker poses.

Need some help with your Super Rugby predictions for the weekend? We've got your back.

FRIDAY FRENZY: Desperation is not a word you would have heard from the cliche-driven media briefings this week.

Jaco Peyper reaches a century this weekend - a century of Super Rugby matches refereed.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Robbie Fleck believes it won't be long before the Stormers find their perfect balance.

SPOTLIGHT: Wasps forward Ashley Johnson says the club is up for the fight, as they look to finish their campaign with a flourish in their five remaining games.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Two club rugby players have been banned from rugby following New Zealand Rugby Judicial Committee hearings into anti-doping charges brought by Drug Free Sport New Zealand (DFSNZ).

Self-confessed French rugby doper Anthony Martrette has been found dead at the age of 41 in his apartment in Port-Vendres in the Pyrenees-Orientales.

How important is intentionally in awarding a penalty? This may well be a case of unintentionally.

As they have done for 98 years, Glenwood and Maritzburg College meet on the rugby field with enthusiasm undimmed by time.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Crusaders head coach Scott Robertson has named his side for Saturday's Super Rugby Round Eight match against the Brumbies.

OPINION: You have had tour say and named your South African Team of the Week. As was the case last week, it makes for some interesting reading.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Waratahs have named some changes to their starting line up ahead of Round Eight of Super Rugby where they’ll travel to Auckland to take on the Blues.

NEWS: After an additional round of testing, Springboks and Sharks hooker Chiliboy Ralepelle's B-sample also revealed the presence of the banned substance, Zeranol.

VARSITY CUP BUILD-UP:  Going into the final round of the league phase of the FNB Varsity Cup, FNB Maties and FNB UP-Tuks looked odds-on favourites to set up a fourth final between them - but FNB NWU Pukke put paid to such presumptive talk.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: The Blues have named virtually an unchanged side to host the Waratahs in their third straight home game at Eden Park on Saturday.

SUPER RUGBY SPOTLIGHT: After seven rounds of competition, the Sharks have once again failed to live up to their potential in Super Rugby.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: The Melbourne Rebels have kept the faith with their starting XV, naming only one change to the side which defeated the Queensland Reds by 19 points.

SOCIAL MEDIA REACTION: The all South African affair between the Sharks and the Bulls at Kings Park Stadium on Saturday proved to be a heated encounter, as the visitors came away with a 19-16 win.

WATCH a classic Blast from the Past, when Western Province was riding the crest of the wave and the Du Plessis brothers ruled the roost.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Bulls head coach Pote Human has named his team to face the Jaguares in Pretoria.

OPINION: There was an early-season wobble, but the Crusaders are back to their best.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Sunwolves have made a few changes to their forward pack to face the Melbourne Rebels at AAMI Park on Saturday.

INJURY UPDATE: Saracens will keep a close eye on injured captain Brad Barritt.

VARSITY CUP SPOTLIGHT:  FNB UFS Shimlas coach Hendro Scholtz is under no illusions about the task at hand now that his charges have claimed the final semifinal place in this year’s FNB Varsity Cup.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Reds attack coach Jim McKay has made no secret of their intention when they host the Stormers on Friday.

SQUAD UPDATE: Chris Dry has been promoted to the Springbok Sevens 12-man squad at the Hong Kong Sevens after Zain Davids was ruled out due to a shoulder injury picked up in training earlier on Wednesday.

NEWS: SA Rugby posted a modest post-tax profit of R2m after two years of losses, it was announced at the Annual Meeting of the organisation in Cape Town on Wednesday.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Brumbies head coach Dan McKellar has revealed his team to face the Crusaders in a Super Rugby Round Eight match in Christchurch on Saturday.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: There are seven changes in the Stormers starting line-up to face the Reds in at Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane on Friday, with five of those coming up front.

NEWS: Former France skipper Raphael Ibanez will once again don his coach's hat from July to October with New Zealand club Thames Valley.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: The Queensland Reds have made three changes to their starting XV for Friday’s match against the Stormers at Suncorp Stadium.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Lions head coach Swys de Bruin has revealed his team to face the Sharks in a Super Rugby Round Eight clash in Johannesburg on Friday.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: The Sharks team named to take on the Lions in Johannesburg on Friday shows just two changes to last week’s side for this important Super Rugby derby match.

SUPER RUGBY SPOTLIGHT: The Brumbies won't be lacking in effort when they take on the Crusaders after expectations were made "crystal clear" by their Super Rugby coach Dan McKellar.

NEWS: The Crusaders said they were considering a name change.

The first of the big interschool derbies which forms part of the Premier Interschools series, kicks off in Durban on Saturday, 6 April 2019,  when Glenwood play Maritzburg College.

The Crusaders showed why they are Super Rugby's most successful team - with nine titles. Jan de Koning provides the reasons and the stats to back it up!

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Australia's under-fire coach Michael Cheika insisted Wednesday that the Wallabies will come out firing at this year's Rugby World Cup, despite a wretched year of results.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Just two changes have been made to the Hurricanes starting XV to face the Highlanders in the Round Eight Super Rugby match in Dunedin on Friday.

OPINION: European rugby returned with a bang this weekend, as the Champions Cup quarterfinals reminded us all that there is still plenty of life left in the 2018/19 European season.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Highlanders head coach Aaron Mauger has named his team to face the Hurricanes in a Super Rugby Round Eight clash in Dunedin on Friday.

TRANSFER NEWS: Gloucester and flyhlaf Danny Cipriani have finally shut down  all the speculation as he signed a new contract with the English Premiership club.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Zacharia 'Swys' de Bruin has set his sights on taking the Lions from consistent Super Rugby finalists to Super Rugby champions.

DISCIPLINARY UPDATE: The mystery surrounding Bulls and Springbok hooker Schalk Brits’ disciplinary hearing has been settled.

TRANSFER RUMOURS: The Stormers have set their sights on Springboks and Sharks' forgotten flyhalf Curwin Bosch.

NEWS: SA Rugby have announced changes to their 2019 competition structures.

WRAP: In what was a day of reckoning for four teams vying for a FNB Varsity Cup semifinal place, FNB UFS Shimlas had the answers.

INJURY UPDATE: Ireland rugby captain Rory Best is a relieved man after a scan revealed he had not suffered as serious an ankle injury as first feared.

TRANSFER NEWS: The Scarlets have bolstered their pack for next season.

INJURY UPDATE: The wing suffered a grade two MCL (medial collateral ligament) injury in training.

TRANSFER NEWS: Leinster's experienced Irish international prop Jack McGrath says he will play for Ulster from next season in a bid to revive his career which has stagnated.

DISCIPLINARY UPDATE: Southern Kings have been given a boost ahead of the PRO14 Round 19 match against Dragons.

Ashley Johnson has lifted the lid on how he positively coped with the mental trauma of his six months drug ban.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: In the wake of Schalk Brits' controversial ban, take a look at some of the most ugliest and vicious fights - definitely worthy of lengthy bans.

NEWS: Wallabies hopeful Jake Gordon has signed a two-year contract extension with Super Rugby's Waratahs as he pushes for a place in this year's World Cup.

The Border Rugby Union has no home and the provincial team will play no games for the next two years.

Glenwood High of Durban went down to the Cape and played two matches in the World Schools Festival - against John McGlashan College of New Zealand on 25 March 2019 and the Africa Pacific Dragons on 29 March 2019.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Saracens Rugby Club and Tottenham Hotspur Football Club announced an exciting five-year partnership that will see Saracens play its annual showpiece fixture at the new, state-of-the-art Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

TRANSFER NEWS: The Bulls have bolstered their front row stocks.

SUPER RUGBY SPOTLIGHT: The Reds are ready to repay the Stormers 'in kind' when the two sides meet in Brisbane on Friday.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: A 31-man touring squad departed Llandarcy Academy of Sport on Monday for a two-game Pro14 mini-tour to South Africa.

DISCIPLINARY UPDATE: The Sharks will be without hooker Akker van der Merwe for the next few weeks after his fist fight with Schalk Brits.

DISCIPLINARY UPDATE: The mystery surrounding Bulls and Springbok hooker Schalk Brits' disciplinary hearing deepened on Monday.

CHAMPIONS CUP REACTION: Toulouse captain and former New Zealand loose forward Jerome Kaino said his team's 22-21 Champions Cup quarterfinal win over Racing was the best club rugby result of his 15-year senior career.

NEWS: Former Premier League football manager Ian Holloway will become Warriors’ new kicking coach ahead of the 2019/20 season.

INJURY UPDATE: Ireland will be without one of their star loose forwards at this year's World Cup in Japan.

SEVENS SPOTLIGHT: He has been around the block – and the globe – with the Blitzboks, and he arrived in Hong Kong for his eighth visit this weekend, so when Chris Dry said that Springbok Sevens team will aim “to keep things simple this week”, his advice will be taken to heart.

SQUAD UPDATE: The Stormers will be without two key forwards for their Super Rugby Round Eight clash against the Reds in Brisbane on Friday.

NEWS: The Springboks management team has a new member.

TRANSFER NEWS: Another All Black star will be leaving New Zealand after this year's World Cup in Japan.

WATCH all the highlights from the weekend's main matches - Super Rugby Round Sevens and the European Champions Cup quarterfinals.