URC Round Two - teams and predictions
PREVIEW: The South African teams enter the fray with the United Rugby Championship still playing second fiddle to an international tournament - the Rugby Championship.
PREVIEW: The South African teams enter the fray with the United Rugby Championship still playing second fiddle to an international tournament - the Rugby Championship.
VIDEO: The Springboks and Los Pumas have more in common than just playing for the title of the Rugby Championship in Mbombela on Saturday.
PREVIEW: The WXV 2 kicks off this Friday when South Africa Women take on Japan Women at Cape Town Stadium.
RANKINGS UPDATE: South Africa will have to wait until November before they get a chance to reclaim their place at the top of the world rankings.
NEWS: The Welsh Rugby Union has issued 37 new full-time professional contracts to Wales Women players - it was confirmed as the squad prepares to face Australia in the WXV2 tournament hosted in South Africa this weekend.
NEWS: France loose forward Oscar Jegou has returned to training with La Rochelle despite being accused of aggravated rape in Argentina, the club's assistant coach Sebastien Boboul said on Thursday
TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Sharks head coach John Plumtree has revealed his matchday 23 for Saturday's United Rugby Championship Round Two clash against Connacht in Galway.
SPOTLIGHT: Despite being on top of the Rugby Championship table, South Africa's tournament stats make for bleak reading.
PREVIEW: There are three nations that will make their entrance onto the WXV stage when WXV 3 kicks off this Friday in Dubai.
NEWS: England have appointed Joe El-Abd as their defence coach ahead of the November internationals.
REACTION: If there's ever a sign the Bledisloe Cup has lost its edge, it's that the Wallaby coach is being backed by New Zealanders.
TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: New Zealand veteran Beauden Barrett was recalled to start at flyhalf against Australia this weekend, replacing Damian McKenzie who has been relegated to the bench.
VIDEO: Los Pumas coach Felipe Contepomi has come out in support of Manie Libbok, saying he has followed the Springbok flyhalf’s career for a long time.
VIDEO: Everyone is speculating who will step up to the plate to take the goal-kicking responsibilities for the Springboks against Argentina in Mbombela on Saturday, and Bok wing Cheslin Kolbe says he is also not sure if it will be him.
TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Argentina head coach Felipe Contepomi has revealed his team to face the Springboks in Saturday's Rugby Championship Round Six clash in Nelspruit.
VIDEO: Starting for the Springboks or coming off the bench with the Bomb Squad, hooker Malcolm Marx always goes about his business the same way.
WATCH as the @boks_office crew talks about props with pace and debate who is the most rapid of the front row club!
TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Star wing Marika Koroibete will miss Australia's Bledisloe Cup rematch against New Zealand on Saturday with a wrist injury, while scrumhalf Nic White has been axed from the matchday squad.
NEWS: Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus released three players to their local franchises.
NEWS: The Crusaders have confrimed the return of Leicester Fainga'anuku to the franchise for the 2026 Super Rugby season.
SPOTLIGHT: The Stormers will have a new captain in Dan du Plessis as they kick-off their URC season against Ospreys this Saturday.
INJURY UPDATE: Hooker Lindelwa Gwala suffered a calf strain and has been replaced by Roseline Botes in the starting team as Ayanda Malinga relishes her WXV debut.
SPOTLIGHT: 'Braveheart' Wallace Sititi says he is still processing his "crazy" rise this year from the fringes of the Chiefs to facing world champions South Africa with the All Blacks.
WATCH as Andrew Brace talks about his journey as a referee and what is key to being successful.
INTERVIEW: If they want to snatch the Rugby Championship title from the Springboks, Argentina needs to score tries. Still, coach Rassie Erasmus knows the threat the visitors will pose at the Mbombela Stadium on Saturday.
TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Ayanda Malinga will make a return to the Test arena for the first time since 2022.
SPOTLIGHT: New Munster outside back Thaakir Abrahams speaks about how he got into the game, his time at the Sharks and Lyon and how his time at Munster has been so far.
SPOTLIGHT: The WXV 2 kicks off this Friday in Cape Town and there is a sense of excitement that accompanies the tournament.
REACTION: South Africa Women will depend on their heavy artillery and a six-two forward-heavy split on the replacement bench when they face Japan Women in the WXV 2 opener in Cape Town on Friday.
VIDEO: Springbok flyhalf Manie Libbok will most likely not take any kicks at goal against Argentina in Mbombela on Saturday if coach Rassie Erasmus’ comments are anything to go by.
SPOTLIGHT: Heading into the final and deciding round of the Rugby Championship - South Africa and Argentina have different permutations in order to clinch the title.
SPOTLIGHT: Bulls Director of Rugby Jake White believes his team is now better equipped than ever to push for the United Rugby Championship title.
NEWS: Emerging Ireland has made a number of changes to their upcoming tour to South Africa.
SPOTLIGHT: The annual WXV kicks off this Friday, and there have been many questions surrounding this global tournament.
INJURY UPDATE: England scrumhalf Alex Mitchell will see a specialist on Thursday to discover the extent of a neck problem that has sidelined him this season.
NEWS: Wales will replace Italy in ninth place in the World Rugby Women's Rankings after achieving their first win over Australia at the seventh attempt in Newport last week.
SPOTLIGHT: Sam Cane will become the 13th All Blacks representative to notch 100 Tests when New Zealand face Australia in Wellington on Saturday.
TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Stormers coach John Dobson named a 29-man squad for a three-match United Rugby Championship tour.
TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Eben Etzebeth will set the record as the most capped Springbok of all time on in Nelspruit Saturday when he runs out at lock against Argentina.
NEWS: The match officials appointments of the United Rugby Championship Round Two fixtures have been confirmed.
SPOTLIGHT: The Wallabies have returned to Wellington for the first time since a pulsating 16-all draw against the All Blacks in 2020.
REACTION: France poster boy Antoine Dupont said he was "curious" about moving from scrumhalf to centre, having had talks with Toulouse coach Ugo Mola.
WATCH as Wallaroos No.8 Tabua Tuinakauvadra reveals her side has a chance to rewrite their wrongs when they take on Wales in the WXV 2 opener in Cape Town, South Africa.
NEWS: New Zealand centre Jordie Barrett has been ruled out of the second Test against Australia in Wellington with a knee injury.
SPOTLIGHT: Mention the name Eben Etzebeth and a colourful array of descriptions and opinions of the man mountain lock start appearing: GOAT, The Ultimate Enforcer, Most Feared Player, A Springbok Colossus.
IN THE SPOTLIGHT: There is no downplaying the importance of the WXV 2 tournament inside the Springbok Women camp.
INJURY UPDATE: Argentina will be without one of their key players when they face the Springboks in Saturday's Rugby Championship decider in Nelspruit.
SPOTLIGHT: There will be plenty of work-ons for the Springboks in training this week as they look to right the wrongs after their defeat to Argentina in Santiago del Estero.
VIDEO: Springbok assistant coach Daan Human has lauded the Los Pumas for their performances in the Rugby Championship this season and warned how dangerous they will be in Mbombela on Saturday.
REACTION: Lions Currie Cup coach Mziwakhe Nkosi went through the motions of being champion for ten seconds before a leadership malfunction in his team handed the golden cup to the Sharks on a silver platter.
SQUAD ANNOUNCEMENT: Sharks head coach John Plumtree has revealed a 27-man tour squad for their upcoming United Rugby Championship matches in Ireland, Wales and Italy.
NEWS: Black Ferns Sevens co-captain Sarah Hirini has recommitted to New Zealand Rugby (NZR) through to 2026.
NEWS: The South African Rugby Union confirmed that Marius Schoeman has stepped away from his role as Springbok Sevens High Performance Manager.
WATCH as Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus explains why the weekend's loss won't force him to change his pre-determined plan for Nelspruit.
OPINION: Manie Libbok's goal-kicking woes shouldn't overshadow his playmaking abilities which suits the direction the Springboks are moving towards to.
OPINION: The management of Manie Libbok in the lead-up to the final Rugby Championship fixture in Mbombela will be key, writes @rugby365com contributor Jon Cardinelli.
SPOTLIGHT: The WXV is only in its second year and has been growing rapidly.
SPOTLIGHT: South Africa’s unbroken 11-month reign at the top of the World Rankings is over following their dramatic 28-29 defeat to Argentina in Santiago Del Estero on Saturday.
SPOTLIGHT: Returning hooker Brandon Paenga-Amosa says the frustrated Wallabies are sick of "almost" delivering on their promise after falling short in their Bledisloe Cup opener against New Zealand.
MATCH REPORT: Sale edged out Harlequins 12-11 in an attritional contest in the English Premiership on Sunday, with England flyhalf George Ford kicking four penalties.
NEWS: Wallabies coach Joe Schmidt wouldn't mind officials rethinking the Bledisloe Cup format after watching the treasured trophy slip out of Australia's grasp once more.
SQUAD ANNOUNCEMENT: Lusanda Dumke, a former SA Women's Player of the Year, has been included in the Springbok Women’s squad of 30 players for WXV 2, while Maria Tshiremba has also been included in the group.
OPINION: The Manie Libbok curse struck South Africa again - a missed penalty kick sending the Rugby Championship into decider in Nelspruit next week.
MATCH REPORT: Jordan Hendrikse slotted a sensational 59-metre penalty in extra time to steal a thrilling 16-14 win for the Sharks over his former team, the Lions, in the Currie Cup Final at Ellis Park on Saturday.
VIDEO: Believe in yourself, head down, pale toe.
REACTION: All Blacks coach Scott Robertson said he was optimistic his team were on the right track, but they need to rediscover their killer instinct to close out games.
WATCH as Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus absolves replacement flyhalf Manie Libbok of the blame for his team's loss to Los Pumas.
OPINION: Philip Bendon rates the Argentinean players after their 29-28 Rugby Championship win over South Africa.
REPORT: The Springboks' unbeaten run in the Rugby Championship has ended after a 28-29 defeat to Argentina in their Round Five clash in Santiago del Estero.
MATCH REPORT: A dramatic late try with the clock well in the red from David Shanahan ensured that Ulster opened their United Rugby Championship season with a 20-19 win over champions Glasgow Warriors.
REPORT: A 79th-minute try by Benetton denied Scarlets a gutsy victory on the opening weekend of the United Rugby Championships in Treviso.
PREMIERSHIP WRAP: Michael Cheika’s reign as Leicester Tigers head coach began in dramatic winning fashion as his team claimed a 17-14 Premiership victory over Exeter Chiefs at Sandy Park.
SPOTLIGHT: Salmaan Moerat is eager to repay the faith Rassie Erasmus has shown in him by delivering consistent performances worthy of the Springbok jersey and captaincy.
READERS’ FORUM: Welcome to our LIVE coverage of the Rugby Championship Round Five encounter between Argentina and South Africa at Estadio Único Madre de Ciudades, in Santiago del Estero.
MATCH REPORT: Munster opened their United Rugby Championship campaign with a 35-33 win over Connacht in an entertaining Irish derby at Thomond Park.
READERS’ FORUM: Welcome to our LIVE coverage of the Bledisloe Cup encounter between Australia and New Zealand in Sydney.
MATCH REPORT: Dragons have kicked off their era under new captain Ben Carter with a hard-fought 23-21 win over Ospreys on Saturday.
READERS’ FORUM: Welcome to our LIVE coverage of the Currie Cup Final face-off between the Lions and Sharks at Ellis Park in Johannesburg
REACTION: New Zealand head coach Scott Robertson praised Australia's "grit" and lamented how his side let slip a commanding lead in their 31-28 Bledisloe Cup win in Sydney.
REACTION: Wallaby coach Joe Schmidt said he was proud of the way Australia battled back into their clash with New Zealand, but admitted they still had plenty to work on.
MATCH REPORT: Fiji put in a dominant second-half performance to silence the Higashiosaka crowd and claim a 41-17 victory against Japan.
MATCH REPORT: New Zealand snapped a two-game losing streak with a nail-biting 31-28 win over Australia on Saturday, holding off a second-half charge to retain the Bledisloe Cup.
OPINION: The All Blacks lost starting fullback Beauden Barrett to illness before kickoff but they came out firing in Sydney with 28 first-half points.
OPINION: The Wallabies have fallen painfully short of what would’ve been an incredible comeback win over the All Blacks in Sydney. New Zealand appeared to be on their way to a cricket score early but the men in gold fought their way back, going down 28-31.
MATCH REPORT: Australia's rugby women have been left reflecting ruefully on a potential international win that got away after they succumbed to a last-gasp try in an agonising 24- 31 defeat by Wales.
MATCH REPORT: Cardiff launched their United Rugby Championship campaign with a four-try bonus point victory over their determined Italian guests, Zebre, at the Arms Park.
FRIDAY WRAP: Bath turned the tables on Premiership champions Northampton as they opened their league campaign with a 38-16 victory at the Recreation Ground.
MATCH REPORT: Leinster held on in the face of a late rally by the home team to edge Edinburgh 33-31 in a thrilling opening match of the new United Rugby Championship season.
PREVIEW: Sanele Nohamba v Siya Masuku. Quan Horn v Jordan Hendrikse. Renzo du Plessis v James Venter.
SPOTLIGHT: In the final part of our four part series - @rugby365com takes a look at the South African teams ahead of the 2024/5 URC season.
PREVIEW: This weekend the United Rugby Championship returns with an exciting round of games to kick off the 2024/2025 season.
SPOTLIGHT: In part three of our four part series - @rugby365com takes a look at the Welsh teams ahead of the 2024/5 URC season.
PREVIEW: England flyhalf Owen Farrell will face "one of the hardest challenges in the Top 14" when his Racing 92 side travel to Bordeaux-Begles in Round Three of the French Top 14 this weekend.
SPOTLIGHT: In part two of our four part series - @rugby365 com takes a look at the different squads of the Scottish/Italian teams ahead of the 2024/5 URC season.
OPINION: Springbok fullback Libbie Janse van Rensburg became the first woman in South African rugby history to score more than 200 points.
SPOTLIGHT: World Rugby has published the ranking permutations for the final round of the Pacific Nations Cup 2024 and the penultimate round of the Rugby Championship this weekend.
SPOTLIGHT: In part one of our four-part series - @rugby365com takes a look at the different squads of the Irish teams ahead of the 2024/5 URC season.
RUGBY CHAMPIONSHIP, ROUND FIVE: Springbok head coach Rassie Erasmus says his team cannot afford to let things get too loose when they face Argentina on Saturday.
RUGBY CHAMPIONSHIP, ROUND FIVE: The All Blacks are driven by the fear of being the first team to relinquish the Bledisloe Cup since Australia's last win 2002 ahead of the first Test against Australia in Sydney on Saturday.
SPOTLIGHT: @king365ed sat in as Test referee Andrew Brace and URC Head of Match Officials Tappe Henning explained how recent law changes impacted the game.
TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Lions coach Mziwakhe Nkosi made one change to his starting XV for the Currie Cup Final against the Sharks at Ellis Park on Saturday.
VIDEO: Two-time Currie Cup winner Tapiwa Mafura will happily end his career at the Lions having found a home where he is thriving on and off the pitch.
VIDEO: Kade Wolhuter will run out in his first Currie Cup Final against the Sharks at Ellis Park on Saturday for the team that has become his new home.
MATCH REPORT: The Springbok Women will head into WXV 2 with some momentum after they beat Spain by 36-19 in cold and blustery conditions in Cape Town on Thursday.
TRANSFER NEWS: South Africa's powerhouse prop Ox Nche has responded to speculation that he might be leaving the Sharks to join a French club.
REACTION: All Black coach Scott Robertson is expecting "a hell" of a Bledisloe Cup Test against Australia on Saturday.
TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Argentina head coach Felipe Contepomi has revealed his matchday 23 to face the Springboks in Saturday's Rugby Championship Round Five clash in Santiago del Estero.
SPOTLIGHT: Currie Cup Finals between the Sharks and the Lions are strange and it almost seems as if playing at home is a curse.
SQUAD ANNOUNCEMENT: Red Roses head coach John Mitchell has confirmed his 30-player squad to travel to Canada for the 2024 WXV 1 tournament.
SPOTLIGHT: A couple of Springbok players shared their views on Siya Kolisi's role in the coaches' box for Saturday's Rugby Championship clash against Los Pumas in Argentina.
WATCH as veteran flyhalf Handré Pollard explains how the Springbok team is becoming a better version of itself.
TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Sharks coach John Plumtree has made two key changes to his team for the Currie Cup Final face-off against the Lions at Ellis Park on Saturday.
MATCH REPORT: An extended Stormers squad ran in seven tries in their training match against the Pumas Nelspruit on Wednesday after the hosts came back strong in the second half.
This weekend, the Springboks could be crowned the 2024 Rugby Championship winners if they overcome a passionate Los Pumas team in Santiago del Estero.
TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Veteran Beauden Barrett was recalled to the New Zealand team named Thursday to face Australia in the Rugby Championship, as All Blacks coach Scott Robertson made four changes.
TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Veteran prop James Slipper will become Australia's most-capped Wallaby of all time when he runs out for his 140th Test against the All Blacks on Saturday.
SPOTLIGHT: There's a line he won't cross, but the Wallabies plan to tap into Joe Schmidt's trade secrets on the All Blacks as they bid to end more than two decades of Bledisloe Cup heartache.
NEWS: The Springboks’ new flyhalf sensation Sacha Feinbergh-Mngomezulu needs surgery and will only be ready to play for the Boks' outgoing Tour in November.
PREVIEW: Wales Women will host Australia Women for the first time at Newport Parade on Friday.
PREVIEW: The South Africa Women will take on Spain Women on Thursday in their final Test before the WXV 2 tournament.
SPOTLIGHT: All Black hooker Codie Taylor said his team will be looking to build on some of the positives that came out of their recent tour to South Africa.
TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Coach Simon Easterby has named a 33-player Emerging Ireland squad for the upcoming three-match tour to South Africa.
AUDIO: The Sharks head to Ellis Park on Saturday to face the Lions in the Currie Cup Final with some inside info on their opponents in their back pockets.
TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: The Western Force's 30-player squad for the upcoming three-game tour of South Africa has been named.
IN THE SPOTLIGHT: The long injury lay-off has given Evan Roos a new lease on life, the Stormers' loose forward revealed.
OPINION: Rassie Erasmus' savvy selections of Handré Pollard and a six-two forward-heavy bench highlight the Springboks' respect for Argentina and the occasion in Santiago del Estero.
SPOTLIGHT: The match official appointments for the United Rugby Championship Round One fixtures have been confirmed.
TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus has made 10 changes to his starting team for their penultimate Rugby Championship clash against Los Pumas in Santiago del Estero on Saturday.
NEWS: Simon Easterby will take temporary charge of Ireland while Andy Farrell is with the British and Irish Lions, the Irish Rugby Football Union (IRFU) announced.
SQUAD ANNOUNCEMENT: A 26-man Stormers squad will face the Pumas in a training match at Nelspruit Rugby Club on Wednesday.
SPOTLIGHT: The 2015 Currie Cup saw the Lions go on a remarkable run, staying unbeaten and completely dismantling every opponent in their way.
WATCH as the Boks Office crew share their views on why South African players are so sought after around the world.
STAT ATTACK: Rassie Erasmus has rotated his matchday squad once again as he aims to build depth and test new combinations.
SPOTLIGHT: England's Tom Curry said he "curled up in a ball" and cried when he was told the full extent of a hip problem that saw him miss most of last season and left the Sale flank fearing for his career.
WATCH as Springbok assistant coach Deon Davids gives some insights into the team's preparations for the Los Pumas face-off.
SPOTLIGHT: The 2024/25 Premiership season kicks off on Friday with a repeat of last season’s final between Bath and Northampton at The Recreation Ground, while Bristol travel to Newcastle.
SPOTLIGHT: In the final part of our URC squad transfers breakdown, @rugby365com reporter Angus Opperman takes a look at the player movements of the South African teams.
SPOTLIGHT: Tom Curry has spoken about the intriguing November prospect of taking on the Springboks – and Bongi Mbonambi – for the first time since last year’s controversial World Cup semifinal.
WATCH as Stormers Director of Rugby John Dobson speaks about his 'tricky' selection poser.
WATCH as Springbok loose forward Kwagga Smith previews his team's crucial Rugby Championship face-off with Los Pumas.
SQUAD ANNOUNCEMENT: Italy Women will head to South Africa for the WXV 2 tournament without the prolific player Alyssa D’Inca.
The wounded Wallabies have bunkered down, intent on escaping the external pressure of trying to break one of the most infamous droughts in Australian sport.
SPOTLIGHT: Franco Smith insists Glasgow Warriors are embracing the challenge of having a target on their back as the new United Rugby Championship season gets underway.
IN THE SPOTLIGHT: The Springboks are not underestimating the Los Pumas as they prepare for their penultimate Rugby Championship clash in Santiago del Estero on Saturday.
NEWS: Fijian international Vinaya Habosi, currently playing for French Top 14 team Racing 92, was arrested on Sunday following allegations of domestic violence.
INJURY UPDATE: Leinster head coach Leo Cullen has provided an injury update on his squad ahead of their season opening clash against Edinburgh.
SQUAD ANNOUNCEMENT: Wales head coach Ioan Cunningham has named the 30-strong squad to represent Wales at WXV2 in South Africa in September and October.
NEWS: Former Ireland international Joey Carbery picked up an injury during his first appearance for Bordeaux Bègles in the Top 14 on Saturday.
TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Springbok Women performance coach Swys de Bruin has made two changes to the starting team that will face Spain at Cape Town Stadium on Thursday, and three tweaks to the bench from their comprehensive victory over the Barbarians just over a week ago.
VIDEO: The Cheetahs’ Director of Rugby, Frans Steyn, is working hard behind the scenes to get his side playing international rugby again, if politics don’t interfere.
SPOTLIGHT: Dragons head coach Dai Flanagan urged his side to make the most of their 2024/5 URC fixture draw.
SPOTLIGHT: Australia are bracing themselves for a fired-up All Blacks side following their winless tour of South Africa to target them in Sydney.
MATCH REPORT: Australia Women have been handed a 10-36 hammering by Ireland in Belfast, just a week after their male counterparts suffered a similar chastening loss at the hands of Argentina.
NEWS: Veteran lock Patrick Tuipulotu will rejoin the New Zealand squad on Monday for the Bledisloe Cup Tests against Australia after recovering from injury.
SPOTLIGHT: @rugby365com reporter Angus Opperman delves into the squad depth of the Welsh URC outfits for the upcoming season.
VIDEO: Lions coach Mziwakhe Nkosi lauded his bench for victory over the Cheetahs in the Saturday Currie Cup semifinal at Ellis Park.
SPOTLIGHT: Stalwart Eben Etzebeth is trying his best to stay away from all the talk that is surrounding the Springbok Test cap record.
SPOTLIGHT: Springbok head coach Rassie Erasmus expects a hostile environment in Argentina where his team will face Felipe Contepomi's side in their Rugby Championship Round Five clash in Santiago del Estero on September 21.
MATCH REPORT: Scotland claimed a dominant 59-15 result against Fiji at Edinburgh Stadium.
MATCH REPORT: Japan booked their spot in the Pacific Nations Cup Final against Fiji following their 49-27 victory over Samoa in Tokyo on Sunday.
REACTION: Sharks head coach John Plumtree revealed that there was some confusion around the red card rule among the officials in his team's Currie Cup semifinal against the Bulls in Pretoria.
REACTION: Bulls coach Phiwe Nomlomo praised his players for their efforts in Saturday's Currie Cup semifinal against the Sharks, but he acknowledged that his team lacked the patience needed to close out the game.
NEWS: Injured All Black Fletcher Newell will miss next week's Rugby Championship Test against Australia, but New Zealand Rugby said on Sunday fellow-prop Ethan de Groot is fit to play.
WRAP: England captain Owen Farrell scored five points as Racing 92 beat Clermont 33-20 in the French Top 14 on Saturday.
MATCH REPORT: The Red Roses defeated the Black Ferns at Twickenham Stadium with a comprehensive 24-12 win in their final Test before travelling to Canada for WXV1.
MATCH REPORT: The Sharks booked a spot in the Currie Cup Final courtesy of a superior try-scoring tally in their 40-40 draw with the Bulls in extra-time at Loftus Versfeld on Saturday.
READERS’ FORUM: Welcome to our LIVE coverage of the Currie Cup semifinal face-off between the Bulls and Sharks at Loftus Versfeld in Pretoria.
MATCH REPORT: The Lions will host this year's Currie Cup Final after they beat the Cheetahs 43-34 in their semifinal clash in Johannesburg on Saturday.
MATCH REPORT: Fiji moved into a Pacific Nations Cup Final against either Japan or Samoa after beating the United States 22-3 in Tokyo on Saturday.
READERS’ FORUM: Welcome to our LIVE coverage of the Currie Cup semifinal face-off between the Lions and Cheetahs at Ellis Park in Johannesburg.
INJURY UPDATE: The Bulls have been forced into making a late injury change to their matchday 23 for the 2024 Currie Cup semifinal against the Sharks.
IN THE SPOTLIGHT: The Currie Cup seems to have hit the sweet spot according to former Lions hooker and commentator Owen Nkumane.
The importance of the Currie Cup can not be debated said Springbok legend Naas Botha ahead of the 2024 semifinals.
PREVIEW: On current form, the Lions should be considered firm favourites against defending champions, the Cheetahs, when the two sides meet in the semifinal of the Currie Cup at Ellis Park on Saturday.
NEWS: The URC has dismissed talks of media claims that the competition is in talks with the English Premiership regarding a British and Irish leauge to combine and exclude Italian and South African teams.
SPOTLIGHT: @rugby365com reporter Angus Opperman dives into the squad depth of the URC Scottish and Italian teams.
TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: The Lions have bolstered their side with the inclusion of Springboks Ruan Venter and Quan Horn for the Currie Cup semifinal against the Cheetahs at Ellis Park on Saturday.
World Cup-winning former Springbok captain John Smit tells @king365ed how @SARugbyLegends are 'mining for gold' at the #iqhawerugby and #VukaRugby youth weeks.
PREVIEW, SEMIFINAL: The fixture between Bulls and Sharks at Loftus Versfeld will go down as another Currie Cup classic.
NEWS: World Rugby has confirmed the appointment of Nicky Ponsford as Director of High Performance following a global process.
NEWS: Legendary Bulls colleague 'Tannie Saartjie Olivier", as she was known, passed away after an illness earlier this week.
SPOTLIGHT: Ruan Nortje is a prime example of what can be achieved when you go the extra mile on the road to success.
TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Bulls head coach Phiwe Nomlomo has made some big calls for his team's Currie Cup semifinal match against Sharks at Loftus Versfeld on Saturday.
TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Two Cheetahs will run out in their 50th game in the Currie Cup semifinal against the Lions at Ellis Park on Saturday.
PREVIEW: Racing 92 begin life without Siya Kolisi as they host Clermont in the French Top 14 on Saturday in a stadium very different to their ultra-modern indoor Paris La Defense Arena.
NEWS: Super Rugby will change from a top-eight play-off format to a top six in 2025, with the competition featuring only 11 teams following the Rebels' axing.
TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: The Wallabies are banking on stability to help them rebound from their horror loss to Argentina when they confront the All Blacks in the Bledisloe Cup.
NEWS: Former Scotland captain Stuart Hogg is set to miss Montpellier's Top 14 clash against Perpignan following his bail release.
PREVIEW: The 2021 (2) World Cup Finalists are set to face off at Twickenham Stadium on Saturday, September 14.
WATCH as Munster coach Graham Rowntree speaks about the jeopardy of touring South Africa.
NEWS: South Africa has been forced into a late change to their tour squad for Argentina.
SPOTLIGHT: Lions head coach Ivan van Rooyen believes his team could've had one more representative in the Springbok squad in this current Test season
NEWS: The 2024 New Zealand Schools, Barbarian U18 and Mãori U18 has all been announced by New Zealand Rugby ahead of international clashes.
PREVIEW: Ireland Women will host Australia Women for the first time since the teams met in 2017 World Cup.
WATCH as Stormers Director of Rugby John Dobson discloses his solution to the loss of Steven Kitshoff.
TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Sharks head coach John Plumtree has revealed his team to face the Bulls in Saturday's Currie Cup semifinal at Loftus Versfeld.
NEWS: Former national Sevens captain Phillip Snyman has been appointed as head coach of the BlitzBoks after taking care of the team in an acting capacity for the last six months.
NEWS: Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii is set to go from the NRL finals to a year-end tour in a little over a month, as he closes in on a Wallabies debut in Europe.
NEWS: Australian star James O'Connor will likely finish his career overseas after not extending his contract at the Queensland Reds.
NEWS: Brumbies announced the appointment of Andy Friend as the new Super Rugby Women’s head coach, signing on for the 2025 season.
SQUAD UPDATE: Twelve members of the All Blacks' Rugby Championship squad will represent their provincial unions this weekend during Round Six of the NPC.
TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Argentina coach Felipe Contepomi has recalled French-based prop Lucio Sordoni for the last two rounds of the Rugby Championship, against South Africa.
WARNING: The South African Rugby Union issued an urgent warning to supporters to beware of online websites claiming to have tickets for sale for the Springboks' last home match of the year.
NEWS: The women's game will take centre stage in 2025, in what could be a watershed year for the female version of the sport.
This weekend is another big milestone for South Africa’s Women Rugby as the country’s very own Aimee Barrett-Theron will make history at Twickenham on Saturday.
WATCH as Stormers Director of Rugby John Dobson and Sharks coach John Plumtree speak candidly about the decision to postpone the South African matches in the opening Round of the URC.
SPOTLIGHT: Argentina might still be one of the most inconsistent sides in the game, but they have more than enough in the tank to upset the Boks in Santiago del Estero.
TRANSFER NEWS: The Stormers will be bolstering their squad with some talent from Kimberley ahead of the 2024/2025 United Rugby Championship season.
NEWS: Hot on the heels of a spectacular weekend of international matches in Cape Town, local fans have another Test coming their way next week.
WATCH as the Boks Office crew share their thoughts on Handre Pollard's role in the Springbok squad after the rise of Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu.
REACTION: Bulls Director of Rugby Jake White says Kurt-Lee Arendse's short stint in Japan is another example of the sacrifices he is willing to make to keep his stars.
WATCH as Cheetahs Director of Rugby Frans Steyn reveals the 'cost' of having banned Springbok wing Sibusiso Nkosi on their books.
TRANSFER NEWS: The Western Force confirmed the signing of one-cap All Black centre Matt Proctor ahead of the 2025 Super Rugby Pacific season.
NEWS: Racing 92 Director of Rugby Stuart Lancaster said the French club will be patient before signing a replacement for newly-departed South African captain Siya Kolisi.
OPINION: Big results in the Rugby Championship have given Rassie Erasmus the leeway to further develop his game plan and squad in the coming months.
IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Sharks loose forward Vincent Tshituka revealed that the return of Springbok captain Siya Kolisi will add to the healthy internal competition at the Durban franchise.
WATCH as @rugby365com brings you injury updates on Springbok World Cup winners Steven Kitshoff and RG Snyman.
REACTION: Springbok superstar Eben Etzebeth could not contain his excitement when he was asked for his view on Siya Kolisi's return to Durban.
WATCH AS Munster coach Graham Rowntree gives an injury update that will have the Springbok coaches salivating.
TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus has named his team to travel to Argentina for Round Five of the Rugby Championship.
NEWS: Osea Kolinisau has been tasked with taking Fiji to rugby gold at the 2028 Olympics after his contract as coach of the Sevens team was extended.
IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Seven Springboks squad members who secured thrilling wins over New Zealand at Johannesburg and Cape Town in the last week are Japan-bound.
NEWS: The Cheetahs will not have the benefit of banking on help from SARU to assist them with their current financial situation.
UPDATE: Sibusiso Nkosi has accepted his fate, unlike fellow Springbok Elton Jantjies, and received a "discount' from World Rugby.
REACTION: Sharks coach John Plumtree is hoping for some good news on the injury front, ahead of the team's trip to Pretoria and a Currie Cup semifinal face-off against the Bulls.
REACTION: Springbok Women assistant coach Laurian Johannes-Haupt vowed that the Springboks women's team will take their game to the next level as they get ready to host the WXV 2.
SPOTLIGHT: The Wallabies' slide down a slippery slope of mediocrity continues.
SPOTLIGHT: The incredible depth in South African game at Test level is the envy of the world.
SPOTLIGHT: Malcolm Marx’s latest record show why the hooker can be regarded as one the best in the world.
SQUAD ANNOUNCEMENT: Thirty-five players will assemble at Hazelwood to prepare for the Red Roses’ second September international against the Black Ferns.
`NEWS: The worst-kept secret in the game! Siya Kolisi's return to the Sharks have been confirmed.Here's the reason why!
IN THE SPOTLIGHT: The Springboks are on the verge of adding another piece of silverware to their already incredible collection.
NEWS: Racing 92 formally said goodbye to Siya Kolisi on Sunday.
REACTION: Coach Joe Schmidt says he won't do anything drastic ahead of the Bledisloe Cup, despite the Wallabies copping a record 67-27 hiding in Argentina.
MATCH REPORT: The Sharks put down a big marker ahead of the Currie Cup semifinals, beating the Bulls 24-18 in their Round 10 encounter in Durban on Sunday.
READERS’ FORUM: Welcome to our LIVE coverage of the Currie Cup Round 10 encounter between the Sharks and Bulls at Kings Park in Durban.
WRAP: Former England captain Owen Farrell was on the losing side in his Racing 92 debut as Castres snatched the victory at the death to record a 31-28 win in the Top 14 on Saturday.
REACTION: There will be a lot of soul-searching in the All Black camp over the next two weeks after they failed to capitalise on winning positions against the Springboks in South Africa.
REACTION: Head coach Rassie Erasmus said former All Blacks flyhalf Tony Brown has been a vital component in the Springboks' back-to-back wins over the All Blacks.
REACTION: Cheetahs Director of Rugby Frans Steyn expressed satisfaction after his side's dominant 41-14 over the Pumas in the Currie Cup.
REACTION: Western Province Director of Rugby John Dobson expressed his disappointment in his side's 29-37 loss to Griquas in the Currie Cup.
REACTION: The Lions achieved their two goals as they routed the Griffons in the last round of the Currie Cup league stage at Ellis Park on Saturday.
REACTION: Australia coach Joe Schmidt says he won't "bury the squad" after their record 67-27 loss to Argentina on Saturday, but will demand an immediate response from his young players.
REACTION: Springbok captain Siya Kolisi rated his team's historic Freedom Cup win as second only to their World Cup victory in France.
REACTION: All Black head coach Scott Robertson admitted that it is going to be tough to go back to New Zealand and face his critics after two defeats against the Springboks in South Africa.
MATCH REPORT: Argentina stayed alive in the Rugby Championship with a record, 67-27, rout of Australia in Santa Fe on Saturday.
MATCH REPORT: The Springboks have won the Freedom Cup for the first time since 2009 and their Round Four match of the Rugby Championship by beating the All Blacks 18-12 in Cape Town on Saturday.
READERS’ FORUM: Welcome to our LIVE coverage of the Rugby Championship Round Four match between Argentina and Australia in Santa Fe.
OPINION: Finn Morton rates the New Zealand players after their 12-18 Rugby Championship loss to South Africa in Cape Town on Saturday.
OPINION: They always talk about the famed 'bomb squad'. On Saturday, South Africa unleashed a nuclear bomb on a rampant New Zealand team.
READERS’ FORUM: Welcome to our LIVE coverage of the Rugby Championship Round Four match between South Africa and New Zealand in Cape Town.
READERS’ FORUM: Welcome to our LIVE coverage of the Currie Cup Round 10 encounter between the Pumas and Cheetahs at the Mbombela Stadium in Nelspruit.
MATCH REPORT: The Cheetahs booked their place in the Currie Cup semifinals with a 41-14 rout of the Pumas in a Round 10 encounter at the Mbombela Stadium, in Nelspruit, on Saturday.
MATCH REPORT: South Africa’s Bok women turned the tables on the Barbarians after a brilliant 59-17 victory in Cape Town on Saturday.
INTERVIEW: In terms of welcomes it will never come much bigger for Breton club Vannes who mark the start of their first ever season in France's Top 14 by hosting the game's royalty Toulouse on Sunday.
RUGBY CHAMPIONSHIP, ROUND FOUR: The Springboks will be out to avoid a repeat of what happened during their July series against Ireland when face the All Blacks in Cape Town on Saturday.
IN THE SPOTLIGHT: The Springboks have set a clear mandate for when they take to the field against the All Blacks on Saturday.
SPOTLIGHT: Wallabies warhorse James Slipper is set to equal George Gregan as Australia's most-capped player but his path to the record has been anything but golden.
SPOTLIGHT: Wallace Sititi will have some big shoes to fill when he runs out in the No.6 jersey against the Springboks in Cape Town on Saturday.
SPOTLIGHT: All Black captain Scott Barrett is expecting the Springboks to give the ball some more air in Saturday's Rugby Championship Round Four clash at Cape Town Stadium.
Nothing divides the city of Cape Town like a good old Springboks versus All Blacks Test match.
NEWS: New Zealand Rugby stakeholders advised that they have a reached agreement on the implementation of the most significant governance reform to New Zealand Rugby in recent times.
NEWS: England head coach Steve Borthwick has acquired the services of Dan Tobin to his coaching team as strength and conditioning coach.
MATCH REPORT: The Lions have cemented top spot on the Currie Cup table with an emphatic 62-5 win over the Griffons at Ellis Park.
READERS’ FORUM: Welcome to our LIVE coverage of the Currie Cup Round 10 encounter between the Lions and Griffons at Ellis Park.
MATCH REPORT: Griquas have snatched victory from the jaws of defeat as they claimed another scalp against Western Province by 37-29 in the Currie Cup in Kimberley.
READERS’ FORUM: Welcome to our LIVE coverage of the Currie Cup Round 10 encounter between Griquas and Western Province in Kimberley.
VIDEO: Former Chiefs and All Blacks scrumhalf Brad Weber has come out in support of South Africa following the disruption of the haka during the Test against the All Blacks at Ellis Park last weekend.
NEWS: The Springbok Women is out to match the occasion of Test rugby when they host the Barbarians in a curtain raiser to the Springboks in Cape Town on Saturday.
SPOTLIGHT: The 10th and final round of the Currie Cup league phase has plenty on the line with the Bulls and Lions fighting for top spot while the Pumas look to kick the Cheetahs out of fourth position.
'There are games where we want to grow our team, and then there are games where we want to win.'
PREVIEW: It is a basement clash in the fourth round of the Rugby Championship but Australia and Argentina have not lived up to expectations and will look to deliver a much more slick performance than they have up to now.
TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Los Pumas captain Julián Montoya will earn his 100th cap when Argentina faces Australia in the Rugby Championship in Santa Fe on Saturday.
NEWS: South Africa will relinquish its top spot in the rankings should it lose to the All Blacks by more than 15 points in the Rugby Championship in Cape Town on Saturday.
NEWS: Springbok wing Kurt-Lee Arendse will join Japan for five months as part of a sabbatical that was granted to him by the Bulls.
PREVIEW: There is a sense of optimism in South Africa with the Springbok Women starting a new chapter under the guidance of new head coach Swys de Bruin.
TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: James Slipper is set to equal George Gregan’s record of 139 Tests for the Wallabies when the side takes on Argentina in Santa Fe on Sunday.
Rassie Erasmus revealed why captain Siya Kolisi is able to lead his side in the Rugby Championship Round Four clash against the All Blacks on Saturday, despite sustaining a facial fracture.
NEWS: Former Sharks and Lyon utility back Thaakir Abrahams is set to make his first start for the former URC champions Munster against Gloucester at Musgrave Park on Friday, September 6.
SPOTLIGHT: The battle for the Pacific Nations Cup is heating up as the tournament as we head into the third and final round of the tournament.
NEWS: The resignation of Felix Jones as England defence coach after only seven months is "deeply disappointing", said Rugby Football Union chief executive Bill Sweeney.
TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Springbok captain Siya Kolisi has been cleared to lead the Boks against the All Blacks in the Rugby Championship in Cape Town on Saturday.
SPOTLIGHT: The Springbok brand has outgrown the South African commercial market and needs to be dollar-based.
SPOTLIGHT: All Black head coach Scott Robertson admitted that his team's performance in the final quarter of matches this season influenced his selection for Saturday's clash against the Springboks in Cape Town.
OPINION: The Springboks must address their first-half failings ahead of a Freedom Cup decider that could echo into eternity.
TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: All Black head coach Scott Robertson has made four changes to the starting line-up that went down to South Africa at Ellis Park.
Springboks captain Siya Kolisi took part in a training session on Wednesday morning at the Cape Town Stadium.
INTERVIEW: The Springboks need to be a little smarter in defence if they want to secure back-to-back wins over All Blacks.
SPOTLIGHT: The Bulls have made it five appearances in the Currie Cup play-offs from the last five attempts.
WATCH as the Boks Office crew – host Hanyani Shimange, along with Springbok legends Jean de Villiers and Schalk Burger - with guest, retired All Black Andrew Mehrtens, analyse the Razor Robertson reign.
SPOTLIGHT: Producing a full 80-minute minute performance against the Springboks at Cape Town will probably be New Zealand's main objective on Saturday.
REACTION: Prop Allan Alaalatoa has denied the Wallabies purposely avoided scrumming against South Africa, with the Australians seeing the set piece as a major strength.
SPOTLIGHT: All Black loose forward Ethan Blackadder expressed his disappointment over the realisation that he doesn't get to play against the South African opposition as often as he would like.
SPOTLIGHT: Usually by now the Springboks team would have been named giving pundits and fans the whole week to dissect Rassie Erasmus' strategy.
NEWS: An Argentine court on Tuesday allowed two French players who have been held for almost two months on rape charges to leave the country.
NEWS: The Currie Cup Final won its battle with the start of the United Rugby Championship.
TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Nolusindiso Booi will lead the South African women's team laden with Test experience against the Barbarians selection in Cape Town on Saturday.
The Springboks are on the cusp of making history when they take on the All Blacks in the fourth round of the Rugby Championship at Cape Town Stadium on Saturday.
STAT ATTACK: South Africa's improved tackle technique and discipline is reflected in the statistics of the Rugby Championship.
RANKINGS UPDATE: South Africa's advantage over Ireland at the top of the World Rugby rankings are now 1.25 points.
SPOTLIGHT: All Black assistant coach Jason Ryan was very diplomatic when he was asked to give his opinion on the refereeing during last weekend's Ellis Park showdown with the Springboks.
REACTION: Racing 92 centre Gael Fickou said he will "respect" Siya Kolisi's choice if the South Africa captain decides to leave the French.
INTERVIEW: Ben Donaldson is relishing another chance to kick the Wallabies to victory over Argentina in the Rugby Championship and says the win is a boost to their confidence.
INTERVIEW: It is astonishing to think that an incredible player like Pieter-Steph Du Toit is still focused on taking his game to next level.
VIDEO: Experienced centre Zintle Mpupha is appealing to fans going to the stadium in Cape Town on Saturday for the Rugby Championship to turn out in numbers early in the day to support the women as they take on the Barbarians.
REACTION: Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus took the high road when he responded to a cheap shot from a Kiwi hack.
REACTION: The All Blacks accepted the South African Rugby Union's apology over Saturday's haka interference, but they still fired a dig at their hosts.
NEWS: The South African Rugby Union has apologised to the New Zealand Rugby Football Union for a sequence of events that led to the conclusion of the haka being obscured.
SQUAD ANNOUNCEMENT: Seven stars of women’s rugby are set to make their final international appearance for the Barbarians when they face the Springbok Women in Cape Town on Saturday in a curtain raiser for the Springbok Test against the All Blacks.
SPOTLIGHT: South Africa has delayed a decision on the fitness of injured captain Siya Kolisi, ahead of the second Test against New Zealand in Cape Town on Saturday.
VIDEO: Springbok flyhalf Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu summed up the battle at Ellis Park against the All Blacks in one word on Saturday - it was a ‘dogfight’.
WATCH as All Black coach Scott Robertson and captain Scott Barrett speak about how they could turn things around after a heartbreak Test loss to the Springboks
REACTION: The Lions' big Currie Cup win over the Bulls in Olifantsfontein in Round Nine has not only put them in a favourable position heading into play-offs, but it was also a morale-booster heading into the upcoming United Rugby Championship.
MATCH REPORT: The Pumas will head into their final Currie Cup league match against the Cheetahs needing a win to advance to the Currie Cup semifinals.
MATCH REPORT: The United States secured a place in the semifinals of the Pacific Nations Cup with a 28-15 win over Canada in Carson, California on Saturday.
INJURY UPDATE: Springbok captain Siya Kolisi will most likely miss the Test against the All Blacks in Cape Town on Saturday.
VIDEO: Springbok captain Siya Kolisi said Saturday's win against the All Blacks was written in the stars even though the Springboks had to stage a massive comeback after trailing 17-27 after 50 minutes of play.
READERS’ FORUM: Welcome to our LIVE coverage of the Currie Cup Round Nine encounter between Western Province and the Pumas in Stellenbosch.
WATCH as All Black flyhalf Damian McKenzie speaks about the 'disrespectful' behaviour of the crowd during the haka and the untimely flyover by an aeroplane by the local organisers.
REACTION: The Bulls were hit with a harsh reality check in their first Currie Cup defeat of the season on Friday.
OPINION: Argentina’s bright start to the Rugby Championship is now firmly in the rearview mirror as they let slip a late lead to fall to the Wallabies 19-20 in La Plata.
OPINION: The Wallabies met Argentina in cold and wet conditions at Estadio Jorge Luis Hirschi and came away with a 20-19 win.
REACTION: Australia fought back to earn a nail-biting 20-19 away victory over Argentina on Saturday to snap an eight-match losing streak in the Rugby Championship.
READERS’ FORUM: Welcome to our LIVE coverage of the Rugby Championship Round Three encounter between Argentina and Australia in La Plata.
MATCH REPORT: The Wallabies have rallied in the wet for a 20-19 comeback win against Argentina thanks to a Ben Donaldson penalty kick on the siren.
VIDEO: Pieter-Steph du Toit is becoming the ultimate utility forward for the Springboks as he moved between three positions against the All Blacks at Ellis Park on Saturday.
OPINION: It was a comeback of epic proportions as the Springboks secured a hard-fought 31-27 win over the All Blacks at Ellis Park on Saturday.
OPINION: The All Blacks have lost their second Test of the year under Scott Robertson after falling 27-31 to the world champion Springboks at Ellis Park.
MATCH REPORT: The Springboks moved a step closer to winning this year's Rugby Championship title after they edged the All Blacks 31-27 at Ellis Park on Saturday.
MATCH REPORT: The Sharks booked their place in the semifinals with a 75-19 win over the Griffons at Kings Park on Saturday.
READERS’ FORUM: Welcome to our LIVE coverage of the Rugby Championship Round Three encounter between South Africa and New Zealand in Johannesburg.
VIDEO: Siya Kolisi v Ardie Savea - the one World Rugby Player of the Year and the other one of the most enigmatic captains the sport has ever witnessed.
NEWS: As South Africa gets ready for one of the greatest Springbok Tests on home soil in Round Three of the Rugby Championship at Ellis Park on Saturday, a brand new competition between these two rivals is being planned behind the scenes.
READERS’ FORUM: Welcome to our LIVE coverage of the Currie Cup Round Nine encounter between the Sharks and the Griffons in Durban.
WATCH as All Black coaches and New Zealand players explain what threats Tony Brown's addition to the Springbok coach panel brings to their game.
INTERVIEW: Prop Taniela Tupou is back in the Wallabies fold as they face Argentina in Buenos Aires to try and notch their first Rugby Championship win of 2024.
WATCH as All Black captain Scott Barrett reveals what is 'motivating' him ahead of the Rugby Championship face-off with the Springboks at Ellis Park.
READERS’ FORUM: Welcome to our LIVE coverage of the Currie Cup Round Nine encounter between the Bulls and Lions at Midstream College.
MATCH REPORT: The Griquas have dealt the Cheetahs' playoffs hope a hammer blow in their 44-31 bonus-point win in Kimberley in the Currie Cup.
MATCH REPORT: The Lions moved to the top of the Currie Cup table with a resounding 57-33 win at Midstream College in Olifantsfontein.
WATCH as All Blacks assistant coach Scott Hansen speaks about taking over the attack portfolio in the wake of Leon Macdonald's controversial departure last week.
READERS’ FORUM: Welcome to our LIVE coverage of the Currie Cup Round Nine encounter between Griquas and the Cheetahs in Kimberley.
WATCH as Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus and All Black rival Razor Robertson speak about their long-standing rivalry.
SPOTLIGHT: The penultimate of round of the Currie Cup season sees a top-of-the log tussle between the Bulls and Lions on Friday, while a couple of teams will realise it’s make or break as the semi-finals loom.
JERSEY LAUNCH: Wales have unveiled their new jerseys which is inspired by the national flag.
OPINION: New Zealand-based RugbyPass scribe Ben Smith believes the All Blacks should follow a simple game plan if they want to beat the Boks at Ellis Park.
SQUAD ANNOUNCEMENT: Assistant coach Laurian Johannes-Haupt says the new Springbok Women coaching team is on the same page heading into the WXV 2 tournament in Cape Town next month.
MATCH REPORT: Samoa held off a second-half revival by visitors Tonga to post a 43-17 win in Apia on Friday and their first victory in the Pacific Nations Cup.
SPOTLIGHT: World Rugby has published the ranking permutations ahead of the third round of the Rugby Championship this weekend.
VIDEO: Springbok Cobus Reinach is very aware of the threat his direct opponent, TJ Perenara will pose but the Bok scrumhalf says it will be a mistake to focus on individuals when they face the All Blacks at Ellis Park on Saturday.
RUGBY CHAMPIONSHIP, ROUND THREE: The match between Argentina and Australia in La Plata is set to be a hometown farewell for the Pumas' most capped international Agustin Creevy.
SPOTLIGHT: In part three of our four-part-series, we take a look at which foreign players represented the Lions over the years.
PREVIEW: It still remains the greatest rivalry in the game - the Springboks versus the All Blacks - regardless of the competition or the arena in which it is staged.
TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Wallaby head coach Joe Schmidt has revealed his team to face Argentina in La Plata on Saturday.
TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Los Pumas made minor changes to their starting line-up that went down to New Zealand ahead of their Rugby Championship clash with Australia in La Plata.
NEWS: With less than a month to go ahead of the 2024/25 season the United Rugby Championship has finalised outstanding fixture information while a number of other games have been adjusted.
VIDEO: Ben-Jason Dixon is well on his way to becoming the next Pieter-Steph du Toit but the young flank says he is still far off from the kind of player Du Toit is.
AWARDS: All the winners at the Bulls Awards Ceremony of 2024 has been revealed.
JERSEY LAUNCH: The Bulls have unveiled their 'Forever Blue' jersey ahead of the 2024/5 URC season.
TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: All Black head coach Scott Robertson has revealed his team to play South Africa in their Round Three clash in the Rugby Championship at Ellis Park in Johannesburg.
SPOTLIGHT: Ahead of the highly anticipated World Cup 'rematch' between South Africa and New Zealand this Saturday - @rugby365com reporter Angus Opperman looks at the Springboks' record against the old foe at Ellis Park in the professional era.
SPOTLIGHT: Three England players have expressed their shock and disappointment at the departure of influential assistant coaches Felix Jones and Aled Walters.
BREAKING NEWS: Springbok lock Eben Etzebeth has been given the green light to face New Zealand in the Rugby Championship at Ellis Park this Saturday.
VIDEO: Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus' message to fullback Aphelele Fassi this week has been simple: ‘Just do it”.
SPOTLIGHT: The Wallabies are bracing for a volatile experience - on and off the field - when they tackle Argentina in their Rugby Championship showdown in Buenos Aires this weekend.
SPOTLIGHT: In part two or our four-part series, we take a look at the amount of foreign born players that represented the Sharks at Super Rugby and/or URC level.
NEWS: Stormers will take on French side RC Toulon in Round One of the Champions Cup at Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium in Gqeberha.
WATCH: Jasper Wiese says there is no use questioning the six-match ban he received in May following a red card that kept him sidelined for three and a half months.
WATCH: The Springboks might spring a surprise and still select Eben Etzebeth for the Test against the All Blacks at Ellis Park on Saturday.
IN THE SPOTLIGHT: The Springboks will have to hold on to Tony Brown extremely tightly amid the worldwide coaching conundrums.
OPINION: Rassie Erasmus' brave yet necessary selections point to a more expansive approach in the Freedom Cup series-opener against the All Blacks at Ellis Park on Saturday.
NEWS: The IRFU announced central contracts for 37 players across the Women's High Performance Programme, as the Ireland Women's 15s and Sevens squads build towards the 2024/25 season.
WATCH as All Black flyer Mark Tele'a promises to 'entertain' against the Springboks at Ellis Park.
TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus rang the changes for the Rugby Championship Test against New Zealand at Ellis Park in Johannesburg on Saturday.
SPOTLIGHT: The Bulls are eager to inspire the next generation of South African players when they face the Lions in the Currie Cup on Friday.
NEWS: Former Australia flank Brett Robinson pledged "strong, transparent and inclusive leadership" after officially throwing his hat into the ring Tuesday to succeed Bill Beaumont as chairman of World Rugby.
VIDEO: Springbok prop Gerhard Steenekamp made his international debut a little over a year ago but says he still learns from the ‘best tightheads in the world’.
Rugby Australia confirmed John Manenti has resigned from his role as Head Coach of the Australian Sevens team to take up another coaching opportunity overseas.
OPINION: @rugby365com columnist Peter Ryan is taking a deep dive into the troubles faced by the game in Wales and offer possible solutions.
There is little doubt that rugby changed the life and fortunes of Nadine Roos, but the journey is far from over for the 28-year-old utility back.
WATCH as double World Cup winner Jesse Kriel explains why the Springbok class of 2024 is better than last year's champions.
WATCH as Springbok forwards coach Deon Davids ponders the prospects of the World Cup Final replay between South Africa and New Zealand.
REACTION: Winning the Currie Cup will be nothing sort of amazing for the Lions, however, head coach Mziwakhe Nkosi encourages his team to contain their excitement as the tournament reaches its business end.
SPOTLIGHT: Stormers and Western Province supporters might have to brace themselves for more changes as the franchise attempts to reposition its brand.
WATCH as Springbok forwards coach Deon Davids reveals the extent of the team's lock crisis and the available options.
NEWS: England stalwart Maro Itoje will take on more responsibilities after he was unveiled as Saracens' new club captain.
SPOTLIGHT: Building depth in key positions is the big goal for the Springboks this season and they are currently on the right track.
SPOTLIGHT: Noah Lolesio is fine-tuning his short kicking game as the Wallabies prepare to attack Argentina by foot in Buenos Aires.
INJURY UPDATE: The Springboks have lost a few senior locks ahead of their clash against the All Blacks.
SPOTLIGHT: Cheetahs Director of Rugby Frans Steyn admitted that his team is experiencing some 'growing pains' after they suffered their second consecutive home defeat in the Currie Cup.
SPOTLIGHT: The All Blacks' victory over the Springboks at Ellis Park in 2022 is still very fresh in the players' minds.
SPOTLIGHT: Paul Roos finished unbeaten for the first time in 23 years, Garsfontein rebounded to win the Noordvaal Cup, while Jeppe and Milnerton pulled off a couple of titanic upsets.
NEWS: Scottish Rugby has secured the signature of former Irish Rugby High-Performance Director David Nucifora on a two-year deal.
IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Israel Folau has claimed that media spin was largely responsible for his 2019 dismissal by Rugby Australia (RA).
WEEKEND WRAP: The schoolboy rugby season came to a thrilling conclusion this weekend.
MATCH REPORT: The Pumas kept their play-off hopes alive and piled the pressure on the Cheetahs with a 45-26 win over the Griffons in Welkom on Sunday.
READERS’ FORUM: Welcome to our LIVE coverage of the Currie Cup Round Eight encounter between the Griffons and the Pumas in Welkom.
NEWS: Steve Borthwick's England coach team is falling apart.
REACTION: Sharks head coach JP Pietersen praised his side's character in their 31-12 victory over Western Province in the Currie Cup.
REACTION: Western Province assistant coach Rito Hlungwani took the positives from his side's latest defeat in the Currie Cup to the Sharks at Cape Town Stadium.
WATCH as Pretoria-born Jordi Viljoen explains why he will have 'divided loyalties' when South Africa plays New Zealand next Saturday.
SPOTLIGHT: The Springboks’ will be ’hellishly hard to beat’ when they host the All Blacks in two highly-anticipated Tests.
MATCH REPORT: The Lions took a massive leap towards the Currie Cup play-offs with a bonus-point win over the Cheetahs in a nine-try thriller in Bloemfontein on Saturday.
WATCH as Bulls coach Phiwe Nomlomo explains their plans for the final run-in to the Currie Cup play-offs. @king365ed reports!
MATCH REPORT: The Sharks continued their upward curve in the Currie Cup with a 31-23 win over Western Province in their Round Eight fixture in Cape Town on Saturday.
READERS’ FORUM: Welcome to our LIVE coverage of the Currie Cup Round Eight encounter between the Cheetahs and Lions in Bloemfontein.
WATCH as the Behind the Ruck crew, Springboks Rudy Paige and Juan de Jongh, chat with former All Black flyhalf and current Springbok attack coach Tony Brown.
READERS’ FORUM: Welcome to our LIVE coverage of the Currie Cup Round Eight encounter between Western Province and the Sharks in Cape Town.
PREVIEW: The table-topping and unbeaten Bulls could secure their place in the play-offs, two weeks ahead of the end of the regular season.
SPOTLIGHT: Finn Russell will prolong his playing career for as long as possible with the role of Scotland’s chief conductor at the 2027 World Cup firmly in his sights.
NEWS: Head Coach Eddie Jones has named 34-year-old centre Harumichi Tatekawa as the captain of Japan’s squad in the Pacific Nations Cup.
SPOTLIGHT: Former Wallaby Cameron Shepherd expects Tom Lynagh to play a part in the upcoming two-match series against Los Pumas in Argentina.
MATCH REPORT: The unbeaten Bulls cemented their place at the top of the Currie Cup standings and booked their place in the semifinals, with a bonus-point 47-24 rout of Griquas.
READERS’ FORUM: Welcome to our LIVE coverage of the Currie Cup Round Eight encounter between the Bulls and Griquas at Loftus Versfeld in Pretoria.
REPORT: Defending champions Fiji opened the Pacific Nations Cup with a resounding 42-16 victory over Samoa.
SPOTLIGHT: In part one of our four-part series, we take a look at how many and which foreign players played Super Rugby and/or URC for South African franchises.
SQUAD UPDATE: The All Blacks suffered another blow ahead of their two Rugby Championship matches against the Springboks in South Africa.
SQUAD ANNOUNCEMENT: Swys de Bruin is determined to not only prepare the Springbok Women for a best-ever performance at next year's Women’s World Cup in England but to also deliver eye-catching performances at next month’s WXV 2 in Cape Town.
NEWS: Siya Kolisi’s much-anticipated return to the Sharks could be on the brink of collapse after negotiations between the South African franchise and his current employers, Racing 92, look to have hit a major stumbling block.
SPOTLIGHT: Tim Horan believes the Wallabies should be in talks to get Leon MacDonald on board after he walked away from the All Blacks.
TRANSFER NEWS: All Blacks Sevens star Leroy Carter has confirmed he will make his Super Rugby Pacific debut in a Chiefs jersey.
TRANSFER NEWS: The NSW Waratahs announced that Wallabies prop Isaac Kailea has signed for the 2025 Super Rugby Pacific season.
With exactly one year to go until Women’s Rugby World Cup England 2025 kicks off in Sunderland, excitement is sweeping across the host nation in anticipation of what will be the biggest and most accessible celebration of women’s rugby ever.
WATCH as Springbok legend and Cheetah boss Frans Steyn discusses the merits of two prodigious talents - Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu and Damian Willemse.
With exactly one year to go until hosts England kick off the opening match of the Women’s World Cup England 2025, World Rugby has announced an exclusive UK broadcast rights partnership with the BBC.
SPOTLIGHT: Garsfontein’s chances of defending their Noordvaal Cup title will hinge on their defensive display against Waterkloof in the Final on Saturday.
OPINION: @king365ed explores his memory banks to find five of the most iconic Springbok versus All Black encounters he attended at the famous Ellis Park stadium.
REACTION: Scott Robertson admitted there was a 'conflict' in his All Black coaching panel.
IN THE SPOTLIGHT: To imagine that the back-to-back World Cup-winning Springboks can exceed their current success is one scary thought for any opposition in the modern game.
NEWS: The South African Rugby Union has confirmed key changes to the coaching line-up of its national teams in a bid to emulate the success enjoyed by the Springboks.
NEWS: Glasgow Warriors have bolstered their front-row options with the signing or Australian international prop Sam Talakai.
STAT ATTACK: The first two rounds of the Rugby Championship are done and dusted and some interesting stats have emerged.
REACTION: In a pleasing display of the country’s depth at age-group level, South Africa’s two teams that participated in the recent Under-18 International Series, the SA U18 and the SA U18 ‘A’ sides, delivered impressive performances to finish the annual series unbeaten.
SQUAD ANNOUNCEMENT: Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus has revealed his squad for or the Rugby Championship Tests against New Zealand.
OPINION: Bulls Director of Rugby Jake White shares valuable insight ahead of the Rugby Championship match between South Africa and New Zealand.
STAT ATTACK: Springbok superstar Pieter-Steph du Toit is the gift that keeps on giving.
NEWS: The All Blacks will travel to South Africa without Patrick Tuipulotu and Stephen Perofeta for the Rugby Championship showdown with the Springboks at Ellis Park and Cape Town next weekend.
TRANSFER NEWS: The Premiership club Exeter Chiefs have finally confirmed the signing of Stormers prop Kwenzo Blose ahead of the 2024/25 season.
MATCH REPORT: South Africa finished the Under-18 International Series on a high and undefeated note when they beat England 39-14 at Paarl Boys' High School on Monday, adding to their impressive victory over Ireland last Friday at Paarl Gimnasium.
IN THE SPOTLIGHT: With the Southern Hemisphere solely focused on the Rugby Championship, it is a perfect time for the North to preview and review their teams before the Nations Series later this year.
VIDEO: The list of first on Scottish referee Hollie Davidsons’ resume keeps mounting and if you don’t know the name by now, you are most certainly not a rugby fanatic.
TRANSFER NEWS: Welsh region Ospreys confirmed that wing Dan Kasende would be joining the team on a permanent deal from the Cheetahs in October 2024.
OPINION: @rugby365com columnist @jon_cardinelli looks at some of the selection posers facing @Springboks coach @RassieRugby.
SPOTLIGHT: The Currie Cup season is heading into the home stretch and seven of their eight teams are still alive in the play-off race - some hanging by a thread.
OPINION: New Zealand-based RugbyPass scribe Ben Smith points out the Springboks' weaknesses ahead of their two matches against the All Blacks in the Rugby Championship.
SPOTLIGHT: Retired former All Black captain Kieran Read has some handy advice for New Zealand ahead of their two-Test Rugby Championship trip to South Africa.
SQUAD ANNOUNCEMENT: Coach Joe Schmidt has named an uncapped trio in his 35-man squad for the Wallabies' two Rugby Championship Tests in Argentina.
PREVIEW: South Africa and England named their teams for Tuesday's round of matches in the Umder-18 international series at Paarl Boys’ High School.
WRAP: Paul Roos saved their most emphatic performance for last when they thumped Grey College 36-3 to finish the season with a flawless 15-0 record.
NEWS: South African coach Scott Mathie will join Edinburgh as their new attack and backs coach.
WATCH as New Zealand coach Scott Robertson speaks about 'locking horns' with South African rival Rassie Erasmus.
VIDEO: Wallabies coach Joe Schmidt says even he was caught off guard after his team suffered an unexpected front row injury crisis that forced them to use four captains in the 12-30 loss to South Africa.
READERS' FORUM: Welcome to our LIVE coverage of the Currie Cup Round Seven encounter between the Griffons and Griquas in Welkom.
MATCH REPORT: Griquas recorded their second win of the season when they routed the Griffons 59-7 in their Currie Cup Round Seven encounter in Welkom on Sunday.
`SPOTLIGHT: Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus said New Zealand will be a 'step up', following the back-to-back victories over the Wallabies.
WEEKEND WRAP: In the Western and Southern Cape region - Paul Roos claimed their status as the best schoolboy team in the country with a resounding 36-3 victory over Grey College at Markotter Stadium.
REACTION: Sharks Currie Cup captain Nick Hatton singled out the Sharks' belief following their last gasp 25-20 win over the Cheetahs in Bloemfontein.
REACTION: Cheetahs head coach Izak van der Westhuizen and captain Victor Sekekete laments their side's missed opportunities in the aftermath of their shock 20-25 loss to the Sharks in the Currie Cup.
AUDIO: The Lions continued with their winning ways in the Currie Cup and are challenging the top spot in the standings after their emphatic win over Western Province at Ellis Park on Saturday.
AUDIO: After two emphatic victories in Australia, the iconic Ellis Park Stadium beckons, and a triumphant All Blacks side awaits the Springboks.
REACTION: Western Province Currie Cup assistant coach Dawie Snyman praised the influence of the experienced players in the side that went down to the Lions by 22-41 at Ellis Park on Saturday.
NEWS: New Zealand captain Scott Barrett will return from injury for their Rugby Championship matches in South Africa, the All Blacks said Sunday, but the team has fitness concerns elsewhere.
NEWS: Sean Everitt has bolstered his Edinburgh coaching staff with a new attack coach ahead of the 2024/25 season.
MATCH REPORT: The Sharks' dream of reaching the Currie Cup semifinals just got a major boost as they shocked the defending champions Cheetahs in Bloemfontein.
REACTION: New Zealand captain Ardie Savea wants his team to be more consistent as they turn their attention to the Springboks in the Rugby Championship.
READERS' FORUM: Welcome to our LIVE coverage of the Currie Cup Round Seven encounter between the Cheetahs and the Sharks in Bloemfontein.
OPINION: The All Blacks have bounced back after a dominant first half to beat Argentina 42-10 at Eden Park in Auckland.
OPINION: New Zealand got their Rugby Championship campaign back on track with a first-half blitzing of Argentina to secure a 42–10 win in Auckland.
OPINION: South Africa set their stall at the top of the Rugby Championship standings with back-to-back wins in Australia.
OPINION: Finn Morton rates the Australian players after their 12-30 loss to South Africa in Perth on Saturday.
MATCH REPORT: Flank Renzo du Plessis scored a hat-trick of tries as the Lions beat Western Province 41-22 in their Currie Cup Round Seven clash at Ellis Park.
REACTION: Despite the loss to the back-to-back World Cup Springboks in Perth on Saturday, Wallabies coach Joe Schmidt felt his side was always in the fight.
READERS' FORUM: Welcome to our LIVE coverage of the Currie Cup Round Seven encounter between the Lions and Western Province at Ellis Park in Johannesburg.
WATCH as Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus gives an injury update after his team's 30-12 demolition of the Wallabies in a very wet Perth on Saturday.
MATCH REPORT: The Springboks recorded back-to-back wins in the Rugby Championship when they beat Australia 30-12 in the second Test in the Rugby Championship in Perth on Saturday.
READERS' FORUM: Welcome to our LIVE coverage of the Rugby Championship Round Two encounter between New Zealand and Argentina at Eden Park in Auckland.
READERS' FORUM: Welcome to our LIVE coverage of the Rugby Championship Round Two encounter between Australia and South Africa in Perth.
MATCH REPORT: New Zealand send a strong warning to South Africa, ahead of their two-Test series in the Republic.
NEWS: Exeter and Wales lock Dafydd Jenkins is set to miss the start of the new season after undergoing knee and shoulder surgery.