THE THIRD TEST: The British and Irish Lions are hoping a beer and bungee jumping jolly will give them an advantage as they face an edgy All Blacks side in a Test match of historic proportions on Saturday.
THE SECOND TEST: The British and Irish Lions go into Saturday's all-or-nothing second Test against New Zealand knowing they must win the tactical battle as well as the physical clashes to upset the world champions and keep the series alive.
TWELVE YEARS IN WAITING: All Black coach Steve Hansen compared Saturday's first Test with the British and Irish Lions to a World Cup Final.
CRAVEN WEEK REPORT: Boland bounced back from their Day One defeat to hold on for a narrow 32-21 victory over a determined Griquas Country Districts outfit.
TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Griquas made a host of changes to their team for the opening round of the Currie Cup competition.
CRAVEN WEEK REPORT: The Griffons' fullback Qamani Kota was in sublime form as he led his side to an 80-5 thrashing of Border Country Districts in the opening match of Day Three at the 2017 Craven Week.
RUGBY CHAMPIONSHIP SPOTLIGHT: A host of new faces were called up by Wallaby coach Michael Cheika for a training squad ahead of their clash with New Zealand.
TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: The return of flyhalf Beauden Barrett and hooker Dane Coles are the features of the Hurricanes squad named to play the Brumbies in Friday's Super Rugby quarterfinal in Canberra.
CRAVEN WEEK SPOTLIGHT: South Western Districts prop walked away with the Coca-Cola Hero of the Day award following his performance in his side's 27-22 victory over Eastern Province on Day Two of the 2017 Craven Week.
In the main match on Wednesday, the Golden Lions play Western Province.
CRAVEN WEEK REPORT: There was an air of unreality about this match as this just does not happen to the Blue Bulls at any level - or so you think.
QUARTERFINAL SPOTLIGHT: The significant support for the team and the fact that they come to Cape Tow often makes the Chiefs 'feel at home' at Newlands.
IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Despite many writing them off, the Sharks still believe they can go to Ellis Park and beat the Lions in their Super Rugby quarterfinal on Saturday.
CRAVEN WEEK REPORT: South Western District hard work made sure their register a 27-22 win over Eastern Province on Day two.
TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: The Free State Cheetahs have added three BlitzBoks to their matchday 22 for their Currie Cup opener against the Sharks in Bloemfontein on Friday.
CRAVEN WEEK REPORT: Charles Williams contributed 17 of his side's points as Griquas opened their Craven Week account with a hard fought 42-20 victory over Eastern Province Country Districts.
NEWS: Newcastle Falcons' latest England international checked back in at his club on Monday, with Mark Wilson enthusiastic about their prospects for the Premiership season.
CRAVEN WEEK REPORT: The Leopards opened their 017 Craven Week campaign with an impressive 72-17 win over Zimbabwe.
IN THE SPOTLIGHT: The Stormers go into their Super Rugby quarterfinal clash against Chiefs with a poor record when it comes to play-offs. Warren Fortune reports.
The Under-18 Craven an d the Academy Weeks both enjoyed Day 1 at St Stithians College in Randburg.
CRAVEN WEEK REPORT: A Gerswin Mouton hat-trick helped Namibia open their 2017 Craven Week account with a strong 52-36 victory over the Falcons in the opening match of Day Two.
INJURY UPDATE: Hurricanes star Jordie Barrett is set to wear the No.13 jersey again when his side takes on the Brumbies in a Super Rugby quarterfinal in Canberra on Friday.
INJURY UPDATE: Centre Charlie Ngatai will play no part in the Chiefs' Super Rugby quarterfinal against the Stormers at Newlands on Saturday.
DAY ONE WRAP: Western Province, the Falcons, Eastern Province CD, the Griffons and the Sharks were all victorious on Day one of the Academy Week.
NEWS: New All Blacks Sevens head coach Clark Laidlaw has announced an experienced coaching line-up for the bumper 2017/2018 season.
IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Sebastian Jobb of Griquas Country Districts capped off a brilliant opening day's performance by being named the Coca-Cola Hero of the Day for Day One at the Craven Week.
NEWS: The Australian Rugby Union (ARU) has appointed former Wallabies playmaker Rod Kafer to a project role within its High Performance department, where he will lead the facilitation of Australia's elite coach development program.
TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Cancer survivor Christian Lealiifano will make his long-awaited return to Super Rugby for the Brumbies on Friday, nearly a year after being diagnosed with leukaemia.
INJURY UPDATE: New Blue Bulls coaching boss John Mitchell on Monday learnt that his job to improve the Pretoria outfit's fortunes have just become a lot more complicated.
CRAVEN WEEK REPORT: In the first half Border were still in the game but in the second half, the Golden Lions roared past them for a huge 44-8 victory.
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INJURY UPDATE: Stormers fullback Sarel Marais will be available for selection for his side's Super Rugby quarterfinal against the Chiefs at Newlands on Saturday.
CRAVEN WEEK REPORT: Western Province made sure they kicked off their Craven Week campaign in fine style with a 36-10 win over the Pumas.
IN THE SUPER RUGBY SPOTLIGHT: Brumbies coach Stephen Larkham was keeping his cards close to his chest about the possible comeback of Christian Lealiifano.
CRAVEN WEEK REPORT: Free State was in an unforgiving mood as they ran in 12 tries to punish Boland 81-26 in the third match of the opening day of Craven Week.
Lions coach Johan Ackermann and captain Jaco Kriel spoke after beating the Sharks in Durban on Saturday. The teams meet against next week - in the quarterfinal at Ellis Park.
CRAVEN WEEK REPORT: Limpopo Blue Bulls cruised to a comfortable 41-3 win over Border Country District in the second match of the Craven Week on Day one.
SUPER RUGBY SPOTLIGHT: After the final round of the regular season, it is the Lions who edge out the Chiefs with the most players in our selection this week.
CRAVEN WEEK REPORT: The accurate boot of Iwan Lombard helped Griquas Country Districts edge the Griffons 28-27 in the opening match of the 2017 Craven Week.
REACTION: The Bulls recorded their worst-ever Super Rugby campaign since finishing rock bottom of the Super 12 table in 2002, after losing their eleventh game of the season 33-41 to the Stormers at Loftus in Pretoria on Saturday.
NEWS: Wing Andrew Muirhead has signed a one-year deal to play Super Rugby with the Brumbies for the 2018 season.
NEWS: Talented midfielder Ryan Crotty has recommitted to the All Blacks, Crusaders and Canterbury Rugby for another year.
This coming weekend there are the four quarterfinals of 2017 Super Rugby - four matches, four referees.
St Stithians College in Randburg plays host to the Under-18 Craven Week and Academy Week this year. It is the 54th Craven Week.
REACTION: Cheetahs head coach Franco Smith believes his side has won a lot of fans since he took over as head coach in 2015.
REACTION: It was a bittersweet goodbye to Super Rugby for the Southern Kings when they lost their final game in the competition 20-21 to the Cheetahs on Friday.
NEWS: The Crusaders are set to be at full strength for their Super Rugby quarterfinal clash against the Highlanders in Christchurch on Saturday.
REACTION: Australian mining magnate Andrew Forrest pledged his support Sunday to embattled team Western Force to remain in next year's Super Rugby competition.
REACTION: After finishing on top of the Super Rugby standings for the 2017 season, The Lions are in a strong position to go all the way can become the first South African team to win the title in seven years.
REACTION: Sharks head coach Robert du Preez blasted his players for their lack of effort in their 10-27 defeat to the Lions at Kings Park on Saturday.
IN THE SPOTLIGHT: While the Stormers did show improvements on attack in their 41-33 win over the Bulls, defence is still a worrying issue for the side from Cape Town ahead of the play-offs.
NEWS: New Zealand fullback Ben Smith will reportedly take a sabbatical from rugby later in the 2017 season.
REACTION: Bulls coach Nollis Marais believes that the Stormers have the potential to challenge for the 2017 Super Rugby title - even if they are forced to play a knock-out fixture in New Zealand. Josh Isaacson reports.
SUPER RUGBY MATCH REPORT: The Lions ensured they will play all their play-off matches at home, after beating the Sharks 27-10 in Durban on Saturday.
SUPER RUGBY MATCH REPORT: The Stormers put their full array of attacking skills on display as they beat the Bulls 41-33 at Loftus Versfeld on Saturday.
SUPER RUGBY MATCH REPORT: The Western Force gave retiring captain Matt Hodgson a perfect send-off - with a 40-11 demolition of the star-studded Waratahs team in Perth on Saturday.
WORLD CUP NEWS: Tonga were gifted a spot at the 2019 Rugby World Cup on Saturday when Samoa slumped to a 16-38 loss against a rampant Fiji in the Pacific Nations Cup.
SUPER RUGBY REPORT: The Hurricanes 31-22 win over the Crusaders on Saturday, ended the seven-time Super Rugby champions' unbeaten run for the season.
SUPER RUGBY REPORT: The Chiefs fullback Damian McKenzie's brilliance made sure his side secure a 28-10 win over the Brumbies on Saturday.
SUPER RUGBY REPORT: The Sunwolves' explosive second-half performance made sure they marched to a historic 48-21 win over the Blues on Saturday.
The fourth and last day of the 2017 Under-13 Craven Week ended at Grey College in Bloemfontein on Friday, 14 July 2017.
NEWS: Philip Orr, the former Ireland and Lions prop forward, was enrolled as the 130th President of the Irish Rugby Football Union at the annual Council meeting in the Aviva Stadium.
NEWS: Alun Wyn Jones was back at the Liberty Stadium on Thursday to launch his Testimonial season, recognising his outstanding service to his home region.
CRAVEN WEEK SPOTLIGHT: With South Africa's most prestigious schools' tournament - the Under-18 Craven Week - kicking off in less than a few days, many pundits will keep a close eye on the upcoming rugby talent.
The Grant Khomo Week for Under-16 provincial teams played out its last day at Grey College, Bloemfontein, on Friday, 14 July 2014.
IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Josh Matavesi believes he has found the perfect home at Newcastle Falcons, with the former Osprey tailor-made for the ambitious playing style of the Premiership club.
It was a Blue-and-White Friday for Western Province at Grey College as their Under-16 and Under-13 teams enjoyed the prestige of winning the main match on the last day, thus unofficially crowned as the unofficial winner of their tournaments.
NEWS: Cardiff Blues announced Clive Jones as their new Director of Development at the region.
MATCH REPORT: The Cheetahs said goodbye to Super Rugby with a narrow 21-20 win over the Southern Kings at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium in Port Elizabeth on Friday.
IN THE SPOTLIGHT: He may not agree with his players' decision to go abroad but Bulls coach Nollis Marais fully comprehends their reasons. Josh Isaacson reports.
TRANSFER NEWS: Australia debutant Eto Nabuli will remain with the Queensland Reds for the 2018Super Rugby season.
IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Springbok assistant coach Franco Smith is set for a new role at the Cheetahs, now that they are heading to Europe.
IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Lions flank Jaco Kriel - along with his teammate - fully supports the appointment of Zacharia Francois de Bruin as coach. Josh Isaacson reports.
SUPER RUGBY REPORT: The Jaguares came from behind to edge the Rebels 32-29 in a scrappy game in Melbourne on Friday.
NEWS: Australia will have training camps in the regional centres of Newcastle and Cessnock before converging on Penrith in the lead-up to the opening Bledisloe Cup clash in Sydney on August 19.
TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Cheetahs have made a late change to starting XV after Elandré Huggett was ruled out their final Super Rugby match against the Kings in Port Elizabeth.
TRANSFER NEWS: Brumbies have re-signed New Zealand-born flyhalf Wharenui Hawera to the franchise for a further two years following his debut season of Super Rugby.
SUPER RUGBY MATCH REPORT: The Highlanders scored a bonus-point 40-17 win over the Reds in Dunedin on Friday, to cement their place in the play-offs.
IN THE SUPER RUGBY SPOTLIGHT: You could not have asked for a more enthralling and entertaining finish to the league stages of the competition.
Patrick Bulwana of Border referees has been appointed to referee the prestigious last match of the 2017 Grant Khomo Week and Mothusi Shuping of the Golden Lions referees has been appointed to do the last match of the Under-13 Craven Week.
Friday is the last day of both the Grant Khomo Week and the Under-13 Craven Week, both being played in Bloemfontein at Grey College. Western Province has a team in each final match.
The unbeaten teams after three playing days at the Under-13 Craven Week being played at Grey College in Bloemfontein are from the East and the West of the Cape - Eastern Province and Western Province.
OPINION: In three hectic weeks, the series between the All Blacks and the British & Irish Lions was over. Now there is just a feeling of emptiness - bar the nostalgic mopping up.
IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Stormers head coach Robbie Fleck defended Pieter-Steph du Toit after the lock's error-ridden performance against the Sunwolves last weekend.
TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: The Stormers welcomed back the experienced trio of Rynhardt Elstadt, Juan de Jongh and Sikhumbuzo Notshe for their trip to Pretoria on Saturday.
TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: The Lions received a timely boost ahead of the final Super Rugby league encounter - against the Sharks in Durban on Saturday.
TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Flank Shaun Adendorff will make a first start for the Bulls when they take on the Stormers in Pretoria on Saturday - their final Super Rugby league game of the season.
TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Sharks coach Robert du Preez has selected a team as close to full strength for their final Super Rugby pool match of the competition against the Lions at Kings Park on Saturday.
IN THE SPOTLIGHT: With many of the Southern Kings' star players such as Lionel Cronje and Chris Cloete leaving at the end of the Super Rugby season, coach Deon Davids has spoken of the need to build a team for the future. Josh Isaacson reports.
NEWS: Rob Baxter insists there is a 'burning desire' amongst the Exeter Chiefs coaching staff to take the Devon club onto even greater things in the future.
TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: The Brumbies have made 12 changes to the team that was beaten by the Reds in Brisbane last week, for their final game of the regular season against the Chiefs in Hamilton.
TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: The Waratahs have made one change to the starting line-up for the match against the Western Force this Saturday in Perth.
TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Chiefs co-captain Sam Cane has dedicated their Super Rugby Round 17 encounter with the Brumbies to departing coach Dave Rennie.
TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: The Sunwolves have brought in a few fresh legs for their final Super Rugby game of the season against the Blues in Tokyo on Saturday.
TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Team legend and retiring great Matt Hodgson will start in his famous No.7 jersey against the Waratahs in his final appearance for the Western Force at nib Stadium on Saturday.
TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Charlie Faumuina and Steven Luatua will play their last games for the Blues in their Super Rugby season finale against the Sunwolves in Tokyo on Saturday.
TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: All Blacks Thomas Perenara, Beauden Barrett and Ardie Savea will return to the Hurricanes starting side against Crusaders at Westpac Stadium on Saturday.
TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: The Crusaders will play their final regular season game for 2017 in Wellington this Saturday when they take on the current Super Rugby title holders.
IN THE SUPER RUGBY SPOTLIGHT: You will hear the word 'emotional' a lot in the next couple of days - especially when people speak about the Southern Kings versus Cheetahs encounter.
GRANT KHOMO DAY TWO WRAP: On Day 2 of the Grant Khomo Week for Under-16 provincial teams, Western Province had a big win over Free State in a clash between two big winners on Day 1.
Championship-winning coach Eugene Eloff joins Jan de Koning in the studio as they talk about his stint in the United States, while Eloff also gives his opinion on the recent appointments of Rassie Erasmus (SARU) and Swys de Bruin (Lions).
COMPETITION TIME: rugby365 and adidas give you a chance to win a ZAR3,000 in the 'Ignites the Boot Game' competition.
TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Southern Kings coach Deon Davids made minimal changes to the team that will take on the Cheetahs in their last Super Rugby before heading to Europe.
TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Jaguares coach Raúl Pérez has made two changes to the starting XV that will face Melbourne Rebels at the AAMI Park on Friday.
Thursday is the third day of the Under-13 Craven Week being played at Grey College in Bloemfontein.
IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Lions coach Johan Ackermann spoke to Jan de Koning about the bet he lost and the beard that followed.
SQUAD ANNOUNCEMENT: England, France and Wales will be heading to South Africa to face the South Africa Schools team in August.
TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Cheetahs coach Franco Smith has made a few changes to his team for their final Super Rugby match.
After the hectic British & Irish Lions tour to News Zealand, life seems so quiet on the refereeing front.
TRANSFER NEWS: Melbourne Rebels versatile back Jonah Placid has agreed to join French Top 14 side Toulon.
TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Australia flank Sean McMahon has returned for the Melbourne Rebels' historic first game against the Jaguares at AAMI Park on Friday.
TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Reds coach Nick Stiles has made two changes to the side to take on the Highlanders in their final clash of the Super Rugby season.
YOUTH WEEK SPOTLIGHT: Springbok legend and rugby pundit, Victor Matfield will help unearth the Hero of the Day at the Under-18 Craven Week tournament.
TRANSFER NEWS: A quartet of key Hurricanes including new All Blacks Ngani Laumape and Vaea Fifita have re-committed to the Hurricanes for 2018 and beyond.
CAST YOUR VOTE: Is Zacharia Francois de Bruin the right choice as head coach of the Lions?
TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Highlanders coach Tony Brown has relied on his British and Irish Lion tamers for their final Super Rugby league match of the season.
GRANT KHOMO FIXTURES: On Wednesday, July 12, the second playing day of the Grant Khomo Week for Under-16 provincial teams takes place at Grey College in Bloemfontein.
DAY TWO WRAP: After two playing days at the 2017 Under-13 Craven Week being played at Grey College in Bloemfontein, four teams are unbeaten - Blue Bulls, Eastern Province, Golden Lions and Western Province.
NEWS: The Lions have confirmed that Swys de Bruin will take over as head coach after this year's Super Rugby campaign.
NEWS: Edinburgh Rugby will continue to play their home matches at Myreside for the next three seasons, with a select number of fixtures returning to BT Murrayfield in the 2017/18 season.
NEWS: London Irish will take on Harlequins in the season opener at the home of English Rugby, with Saracens locking horns with Northampton Saints beforehand.
IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Hurricanes assistant coach John Plumtree revealed his side will be less naive and more tactical against the Crusaders on Saturday.
NEWS: Brumbies loose forward Jarrad Butler has announced he will team up with Irish Province Connacht from 2018.
INJURY UPDATE: The Lions received a timely boost with the return to fitness of three key players ahead of the final round of Super Rugby league action.
IN THE SPOTLIGHT: If the Sharks want to build any momentum ahead of the play-offs they will have to beat a powerful Lions side, who are aiming for top spot in the overall standings.
YOUTH WEEK TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: The South Africa Learners with Special Educational Needs (LSEN) team were announced after a competitive jam-packed rugby week at Glenwood High School in Durban.
IN THE SPOTLIGHT: The Stormers are expecting the Bulls to provide them with a stern challenge ahead of the Super Rugby play-offs, which gets underway next weekend. Warren Fortune reports.
IN THE SPOTLIGHT: With the Super Rugby play-offs looming, Crusaders have called in some extra expertise to assist them ahead of their crucial encounter with the Hurricanes on Saturday.
IN THE SPOTLIGHT: The Southern Kings have an emotional week ahead of them as they build-up to their final appearance in a Super Rugby tournament with a clash against the Cheetahs at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium in Port Elizabeth on Friday.
NEWS: The Melbourne Rebels squad for the 2018 Super Rugby season has received a boost with the signature of Waratahs back David Horwitz.
NEWS: British and Irish Lions prop Kyle Sinckler was arrested while out on the town in Auckland just hours after the dramatic tied Test with the All Blacks, reports said Tuesday.
The Grant Khomo Week for provincial Under-16 teams is of great interest as the sign of things soon to come.
INJURY UPDATE: Ireland international Garry Ringrose is set for a lengthy lat-off after he underwent an operation last Monday.
INJURY UPDATE: The Bulls received a double boost ahead of their last Super Rugby match of the season, against the Stormers in Pretoria on Saturday.
DAY ONE WRAP: The Under-16 Grant Khomo Week and Under-13 Craven Week got off to a thrilling start at Grey College in Bloemfontein on Monday with a mixture of big wins and gripping encounters characterising the opening day’s play.
NEWS: Controversial referee Romain Poite and his French compatriots dominate the appointments for the Rugby Championship.
SUPER RUGBY SPOTLIGHT: The exact make-up of the play-offs may not be known until the completion of the very last match of the regular season.
INJURY UPDATE: Stormers centre Juan de Jongh and loose forward Sikhumbuzo Notshe will be available for selection against the Bulls at Loftus Versfeld on Saturday.
EXCLUSIVE: Jan de Koning chatted to Springbok defence coach Brendan Venter about rumours linking him to the Lions and who he thinks is the right man for the job.
TRANSFER NEWS: All Black Hosea Gear signed a deal with French Pro two club Narbonne on Monday.
IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Players from the Southern Kings dominate our Super Rugby Team of the Week for Round 16.
INJURY UPDATE: The Southern Kings will be without the services of lock Irne Herbst for their last Super Rugby match.
LIONS TOUR NEWS: Wales centre Jonthan Davies have been voted the British and Irish Lions Player of the Series.
REACTION: Brumbies scrumhalf Joe Powell admits on Monday his team were a bit off during their 15-16 defeat against the Reds at the weekend.
REACTION: Lionel Cronje's match-winning penalty in the 82nd minute against the Bulls last weekend has brought back a few memories for Southern Kings head coach Deon Davids. Josh Isaacson reports.
IN THE SPOTLIGHT: New Zealand Rugby revealed Monday that the British and Irish Lions series is set to deliver a bumper profit, but ruled out sharing more of it with the four nations whose players made up the touring team.
NEWS: Housemates and teammates Mitchell Drummond, Mitchell Hunt and George Bridge could look to extend their tenancy now that they have all re-signed to the Crusaders for another two years at least.
INJURY UPDATE: Australia's Brumbies will be without injured backs Kyle Godwin and Aidan Toua for the remainder of the Super Rugby season, the franchise said on Monday.
YOUTH WEEKS SPOTLIGHT: The best Under-13 and Under-16 players in the country will be excited at the opportunity to make their presence felt in the next few days at Grey College in Bloemfontein as the U13 Craven Week and U16 Grant Khomo Week kicks off.
INJURY UPDATE: All Blacks fullback Ben Smith has been ruled fit to play for his Super Rugby side the Highlanders.
REACTION: Bulls coach Nollis Marais knows his team's performances throughout the Super Rugby season have been below standard.
IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Stormers head coach Robbie Fleck was not a happy man after his team's unimpressive 52-15 win over the Sunwolves at Newlands on Saturday.
At the end of the Australian Schools Championship in Sydney, Australia named two schools team, for international competition.
LIONS TOUR NEWS: The aura of an unbeatable New Zealand rugby team is no longer a psychological barrier for northern hemisphere sides following the tied series with the Lions, claims England's World Cup winning coach Clive Woodward.
REACTION: Despite two big losses on the South African tour, Sunwolves head coach Filo Tiatia still believes his team can add value to Super Rugby.
SUPER RUGBY UPDATE: Western Force wing Chance Peni has been suspended for three weeks for striking a player in his side's 31-22 win over the Rebels on Friday.
SUPER RUGBY REACTION: The Southern Kings continued making history in their breakthrough Super Rugby season, with a 31-30 victory over the Bulls at Loftus Versfeld in Pretoria on Saturday.
LIONS TOUR REACTION: All the British and Irish Lions needed was extra preparation time and they would have won their Test series against New Zealand, tour manager John Spencer said.
LIONS TOUR REACTION: All Blacks coach Steve Hansen appealed Sunday for rugby's laws to be simplified, saying a referee's wrong call cost the All Blacks a chance to win the deciding Test against the British and Irish Lions.
WORLD CUP 2019 SPOTLIGHT: Fiji have become the second nation to emerge from the World Cup 2019 qualifying process after a 14-10 victory over Tonga in Nuku'alofa on Saturday.
IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Western Force wing Chance Peni is set to appear in front of SANZAAR Foul Play Review Committee following his red card in his side's 31-22 win over the Rebels on Friday.
SUPER RUGBY MATCH REPORT: The Stormers eased past the Sunwolves, 52-15, at Newlands on Saturday.
IN THE SPOT;IGHT: rugby365's acclaimned and award-wiining law guru Paul Dobson looks at the most controversial decision of the series between New Zealand and the British & Irish Lions. To read the law discussion, CLICK HERE!
SUPER RUGBY MATCH REPORT: Captain and flyhalf Lionel Cronje kicked the match-winning penalty in the 82nd minute as the Southern Kings edge the Bulls 31-30 in Pretoria on Saturday.
REACTION: British and Irish Lions coach Warren Gatland called drawing the series against New Zealand an "unbelievable achievement" for his team after they were "written off" by critics.
REACTION: The All Blacks said they would question match officials over a controversial refereeing decision after a 15-all draw left their series with the British and Irish Lions tied on Saturday.
OPINION: The All Blacks probably felt they were robbed of victory in their Third Test against the British and Irish Lions in Auckland on Saturday.
OPINION: The British and Irish Lions players played out of their skin in the third Test against the All Blacks to hold on for a 15-15 draw
ELITE CLUB: New Zealand Rugby has led the tributes to All Blacks captain Kieran Read who became their seventh Test centurion in the historic third Test of the Lions Series at Eden Park.
SUPER RUGBY REPORT: A first half Jaguares blitz, which saw them take a 22 point lead, set the tone for an eventual 40-27 victory over the Waratahs in Sydney.
REPORT: New Zealand and the British and Irish Lions had to settle for a share of the spoils after the final Test ended in a controversial 15-15 draw at Eden Park
REPORT: Fiji qualified for the 2019 World Cup in Japan with a second-half rally to beat Tonga 14-10 on Saturday in a Pacific Nations Cup match in Nuku'alofa.
This weekend is the start of SARU's Under-19 Provincial Championship with three matches.
NEWS: The Australian Rugby Union (ARU) announced that for the first time in history, the Wallabies will wear an Indigenous jersey to commemorate the role of Indigenous Australians in rugby’s past, present and future.
REACTION: The Cheetahs and Southern Kings could pave the way for more South African teams to dump SANZAAR and head north.
GIRLS U18 WEEK WRAP THREE: Western Province powered their way to a 15-13 victory against Border in the final match of the National Girls Under-18 Week to take the spoils in the third edition of the tournament at the HT Pelatona Projects Stadium in Welkom.
OBITUARY: Paul Dobson pays respect to Salie Fredericks, an outstanding forward of yesteryear, who died in Cape Town on Thursday, July 6.
SUPER RUGBY MATCH REPORT: The Western Force won on the scoreboard, but it was a show of collective force by the players in Perth on Friday.
REACTION: The Southern Kings are excited about the opportunities which can potentially unlock new commercial markets following a strategic SANZAAR decision to revamp the Super Rugby competition.
IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Bulls coach Nollis Marais believes that the Southern Kings are on a mission to give the Bulls a 'hiding' when the two teams clash in a Round 16 Super Rugby match-up in Pretoria on Saturday.
IN THE SPOTLIGHT: A rugby fever unmatched since the 2011 World Cup Final has gripped Auckland as the city readies for a winner-takes-all showdown between the All Blacks and the British and Irish Lions.
REACTION: Denials all-round. This is the reaction to reports that the Lions are about to 'discard' one of their most successfully coaches.
SUPER RUGBY MATCH REPORT: The Reds broke a three-year drought against the Brumbies, when they beat them 16-15 in Brisbane on Friday.
TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: The Sunwolves have made a number of changes to their side for their clash against the Stormers at Newlands on Saturday.
CRAVEN WEEK SPOTLIGHT: The Coca-Cola Hero of the Day will once again add some spice to the 2017 Under-18 Craven Week taking place at St Stithians College from July 17-22.
NEWS: Munster and the Irish Rugby Football Union confirmed the signing of flank Chris Cloete and lock Gerbrandt Grobler.
IN THE SPOTLIGHT: The All Blacks and British and Irish Lions wrapped up preparations for Saturday's deciding third Test, with the visitors confident they are on the verge of an historic victory.
NEWS: The Cheetahs and the South African Rugby Union have reached an 'amicable' settlement on their future and their departure from Super Rugby.
IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Fullback Warrick Gelant has been in exceptional form throughout the past couple of weeks - for both the Bulls and the South Africa 'A' team.
IN THE SUPER RUGBY SPOTLIGHT: On a day when only one of the teams will be involved in the play-offs later this month, it is the resurgent Southern Kings that take centre stage.
DAY THREE WRAP: The Falcons took top honours in the Learners with Special Education Needs (LSEN) Week at Glenwood High School in Durban as they delivered an impressive performance to defeated Boland 25-12 in the final match of the tournament.
IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Stormers captain Siyamthanda Kolisi wants his team to give 19-year-old South Africa Under-20 star Juarno Augustus the platform to shine in their Super Rugby Round 16 encounter against the Sunwolves at Newlands on Saturday.
REACTION: The Lions have denied reports they are about to 'discard' one of their most successfully coaches. Jan de Koning reports.
LIONS TOUR SPOTLIGHT: Steve Hansen may be one defeat away from becoming only the second New Zealand rugby coach to lose a Test series to the British and Irish Lions, but he is keen to put that into perspective.
TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: World Rugby Under-20 Championship Player of the Tournament Juarno Augustus will make his Stormers debut against the Sunwolves at Newlands on Saturday.
TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Kings head coach Deon Davids has made only one injury enforced change for their penultimate Super Rugby match against Bulls at Loftus Versfeld in Pretoria.
TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Argentina captain Agustin Creevy returns to lead the Jaguares into battle against the Waratahs in Sydney on Saturday.
NEWS: Harlequins confirm that fullback Aaron Morris has extended his contract with the club.
INJURY UPDATE: Springbok and Sharks flyhalf Patrick Lambie said he has no plans to retire as he continues to battle concussion symptoms.
TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Travis Ismaiel has returned to the Bulls starting line-up for their Super Rugby crunch encounter with the Southern Kings at Loftus Versfeld on Saturday.
SUPER RUGBY SPOTLIGHT: It hardly reregistered on the New Zealand media scale - given the hype surrounded the decisive third Test between the All Blacks and the British & Irish Lions.
LSEN WEEK, DAY THREE: The Falcons and Boland will again contest the last match of the LSEN Week on Day Three at Glenwood High School in Durban.
INJURY UPDATE: New Zealand breathed a collective sigh of relief, with the news that star fullback Ben Smith is not suffering from concussion symptoms.
REACTION: British and Irish Lions coach Warren Gatland downplayed suggestions Thursday he was in line to take over the All Blacks, but said "what will be, will be" after the 2019 World Cup.
GIRLS U18 WEEK DAY TWO WRAP: The second day of the Girls Under-18 Week proved to be a try festival on Wednesday at the HT Pelatona Projects Stadium in Welkom, as five of the eight winning teams scored over 35 points each in an exciting round.
IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Lock Maro Itoje has transformed in New Zealand from the baby of the British and Irish Lions camp into a cult hero who fans believe can inspire a historic Test series win over the All Blacks.
REACTION: All Blacks coach Steve Hansen said "cool, calm, collected" Jordie Barrett could handle the pressure-cooker atmosphere of the decisive British and Irish Lions Test after gambling on rookies on Thursday.
TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: The Waratahs have made two selection and one positional change to the starting team for the match against the Jaguares on Saturday at Allianz Stadium in Sydney.
IN THE SPOTLIGHT: New Toulon wing Chris Ashton admitted he had shut the door on his England career with a move to the Top 14.
IN THE SUPER RUGBY SPOTLIGHT: In an all-Australia day, the Brumbies are the only team that has something riding on the last two rounds of league action.
TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: British and Irish Lions coach Warren Gatland named an unchanged starting line-up and bench for the decisive third Test against New Zealand in Auckland on Saturday.
TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Jordie Barrett will join older brother Beauden in the New Zealand starting XV that will face the British and Irish Lions in the tour decider on Saturday.
NEWS: New Zealand head coach Steve Hansen stated he will step down after the 2019 World Cup in Japan and New Zealand Rugby Union already drew up a list of successors for the job.
Jan de Koning and Tauriq Ebrahim talk about the tour decider between the All Blacks and B&I Lions, D-Day for teams facing the Super Rugby axe, the Pro12 factor and look at the weekend's matches.
NEWS: Harlequins signing Demetri Catrakilis is eager to display his kicking prowess at his new Premiership side.
IN THE SPOTLIGHT: The Southern Kings are confident they can put the seal on a wonderful season with a win over the Bulls at Loftus Versfeld.
NEWS: Will Addison has said the Sharks want to shock people this season, as the side look forward to the announcement of the Premiership fixtures on Friday.
TEAM ANNOUNCEMENBT: Scott Sio will return to Brumbies action this weekend, when the team heads to Brisbane to face the Reds on Friday.
TEAMS ANNOUNCEMENT: Veteran Wallaby Stephen Moore will lead the Reds when they play the Brumbies in Brisbane on Friday.
TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Rebels coach Tony McGahan made eight changes to the matchday 23 for the penultimate round of the 2017 Super Rugby season.
TRANSFER SPOTLIGHT: Springboks Siya Kolisi, Damian de Allende and Steven Kitshoff have all signed contracts with Western Province Rugby which will see them play for the Super Rugby franchise the Stormers until the end of 2019.
TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Western Force have included speedster Chance Peni and flyhalf Jono Lance in their 23-man squad to take on the Rebels at nib Stadium on Friday.
IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Hooker Jamie George says the British and Irish Lions cannot let the occasion overwhelm them, as they chase a historic Test series win over the All Blacks.
NEWS: Centre Jared Payne has withdrawn from the British and Irish Lions tour after suffering from migraines.
GIRLS U18 WEEK FIXTURES: The National Girls Under-18 Week is back on the field on Wednesday, July 5.
IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Montpellier have long been a much-maligned side in the Top 14, derided for their South African-heavy, forward-based gameplan under former Springbok coach Jake White.
All eyes will be on Eden Park for the third and final Test of the British & Irish Lions' tour of New Zealand.
DAY TWO WRAP: The prestigious last match of the LSEN Craven Week will again be a clash between Boland and the Falcons.
TRANSFER NEWS: Harlequins' most exciting prospects Joe Marchant has extended his contract with the Premiership club.
REACTION: Lions flank Albertus Smith has praised his teammates for the rich vein of form he is experiencing.
SQUAD UPDATE: The Super Rugby franchise Sunwolves have added Kazushi Hano to their squad for their South Africa tour.
NEWS: Stormers flyhalf Brandon Thomson has been released from his contract with Western Province Rugby to join the Glasgow Warriors.
TRANSFER NEWS: Prop Kieran Longbottom has extended his stay by signing a one year deal with the Saracens ahead of the 2017/2018 season.
IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Stormers assistant coach Paul Feeney was pleased with Damian Willemse's performance in his Super Rugby run-on debut in Bloemfontein in Round 15.
DAY ONE WRAP: The Leopards, Golden Lions, Boland, Western Province and Golden Lions EE stamped their authority on the Day one at Glenwood High School in Durban.
TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: A Highlanders squad, less its international players, has been named to take on the Crusaders in a warm up match in Timaru.
TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: The Crusaders will play the Highlanders for the third time this season in a warm-up game in Timaru this Thursday.
NEWS: The Queensland Rugby Union continues to build its squad for the 2018 season with the re-signing of loose forward Caleb Timu, while also locking in Australian Under-20s second-row pair Angus Blyth and Harry Hockings.
NEWS: Former France internationals Julien Dupuy and Olivier Azam were on Monday added to French Top 14 side Stade Français's coaching staff for next season.
IN THE SPOTLIGHT: British and Irish Lions prop Tadhg Furlong says he knows what the wounded All Blacks will bring to the Test series decider in Auckland on Saturday, and it's going to be brutal.
IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Assistant coach Ian Foster has urged the All Blacks to express themselves and use their brains in this weekend's Test series decider against the British and Irish Lions.
CAPE SCHOOLS DAY TWO WRAP: On the second - and last - day of the Cape Schools Festival the Western Cape schools won four of the five matches played.
NEWS: Reds flyhalf Jake McIntyre has signed a two-year deal with Agen, the newly-promoted Top 14 club announced Monday.
INJURY UPDATE: The revitalised Bulls have paid a dear price for the impressive 30-17 win over the Sharks at the weekend.
REACTION: Sunwolves captain Willem Britz has called on his team to raise their game when they play the Stormers in Cape Town on Saturday.
NEWS: Harlequins can confirm today that former Bristol second row Ben Glynn has joined the club as injury dispensation cover for Sam Twomey.
REACTION: The Southern Kings will head to Pretoria this week determined to make a statement about their future in Super Rugby.
INJURY UPDATE: The Stormers have lost another two centres to injury ahead of their clash against the Sunwolves on Saturday.
INJURY UPDATE: The Sunwolves have suffered a double injury blow ahead of their clash against the Stormers at Newlands on Saturday.
The impressive Lions produced a masterclass of attacking rugby as they thrashed the Sunwolves, running out 94-7 winners at Ellis Park in Johannesburg
NEWS: A Southern United club player is in the intensive care unit at Middlemore Hospital, following a serious incident during a game against Taupiri club on at the weekend.
ROUND 15, PART TWO: Only teams from the two Africa conferences were involved this past weekend and there were plenty of tries in the four matches.
NEWS: The Western Force continue to strengthen their side for 2018, with the re-signing of classy flyhalf Jono Lance for next season.
SUPER RUGBY SPOTLIGHT: The eight quarterfinalists have been decided, but the final positions are far from being confirmed.
NEWS: The Melbourne Rebels have retained four key players for the 2018 Super Rugby season with captain Nic Stirzaker, hooker James Hanson, lock Steve Cummins and prop Fereti Sa'aga recommitting to the franchise.
LIVE STREAMING: rugby365, in partnership with School Sport Live, brings you Day Two coverage of the Cape Schools Festival hosted by Rondebosch Boys High School.
NEWS: The wounded All Blacks will bring an "edge" to the deciding third Test in Auckland after their rare loss to the British and Irish Lions, lock Brodie Retallick said Monday.
IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Warren Gatland says his British and Irish Lions "poked the bear" with their second Test win over the All Blacks and warned against riling up the world champions ahead of this weekend's series decider.
REACTION: Alun Wyn Jones is bracing for a furious All Blacks backlash when the British and Irish Lions arrive in Auckland for Saturday's third Test series decider.
YOUTH WEEKS SPOTLIGHT: The first two Youth Weeks start this Monday, July 3.
CRAVEN WEEK SPOTLIGHT: Below are the 20 teams to play at the 2017 Craven Week, hosted by St Stithians in Randburg from July 17-22.
REACTION: Stormers coach Robbie Fleck admitted discipline is one of the key issues to be addressed before they reach the Super Rugby play-offs.
REACTION: Sharks coach Robert du Preez said his side will "go back to the drawing board", after their disappointing 17-30 loss to the Bulls at the weekend.
NEWS: The British and Irish Lions received a massive boost with the news that flank Sean O'Brien has been cleared on a charge of striking an opponent.
REACTION: Even after securing 2017 Super Rugby Africa two conference honours for the second year in succession, Lions coach Johan Ackermann is not getting carried away with his teams achievements yet.
CAPE SCHOOLS DAY ONE WRAP: East meets West at the Cape Schools Week (now three days) being played at Rondebosch Boys' High in Cape Town.
East meets West at the Cape Schools Week (now three days) being played at Rondebosch Boys' High in Cape Town.
NEWS: Stormers flank Rynhardt Elstadt and Cheetahs counterpart Henco Venter were both slapped with one-week bans for their involvement in an unsavoury incident at the weekend.
CRAVEN WEEK BUILD-UP: At the Northvaal "Bondedag" for teams heading to the 2017 Craven Week, the Golden Lions showed their powerful teeth.
REACTION: Disgraced All Blacks centre Sonny Bill Williams was accused of costing his team the second Test against the British and Irish Lions.
NEWS: All Black centre Sonny Bill Williams was Sunday suspended for four weeks for a dangerous tackle in the second Test against the British and Irish Lions.
REACTION: British and Irish Lions assistant coach Graham Rowntree warned the tourists must improve their discipline for this coming Saturday's third Test decider with the All Blacks.
MATCH REPORT: The United States Eagles thrashed Canada 52-16 on Saturday, to qualify for the 2019 World Cup.
NEWS: Stormers flank Rynhardt Elstadt and Cheetahs counterpart Henco Venter will both be in the dock for their involvement in an unsavoury incident at the weekend.
SUPER RUGBY REPORT: It seemed as though the Lions were participating in a practice match as they ran in 14 tries to claim a mammoth 94-7 victory over the Sunwolves in Johannesburg.
SUPER RUGBY REPORT: A 74th-minute Sikhumbuzo Notshe converted try proved to be the difference between the Stormers and the Cheetahs in a highly entertaining 40-34 victory for the Cape side.
LIONS TOUR REACTION: All Blacks coach Steve Hansen said there would be no "whining" from the New Zealanders over the Sonny Bill Williams red card that proved pivotal in his side's dramatic loss to the British and Irish Lions.
LIONS TOUR REACTION: The British and Irish Lions tempered celebrations after they snatched a late 24-21 victory over the All Blacks on Saturday, saying the shock dismissal of Sonny Bill Williams had a significant bearing on the game.
OPINION: The Lions almost ruined a perfect opportunity to shut out the All Blacks when their lack of discipline saw them trailing against 14 men.
OPINION: A reckless tackle by New Zealand midfielder Sonny Bill Williams in the 25th minute saw him leave the field due to a red card.
MATCH REPORT: The British and Irish Lions recorded a thrilling and hard-fought 24-21 win against the All Blacks in Wellington to level the three-Test series 1-1 with one match to go.
NEWS: Former British and Irish Lions star Ian McGeechan was taken to hospital after collapsing at Westpac Stadium ahead of the second Test against the All Blacks in Wellington on Saturday.
REACTION: New Zealand rugby boss Steve Tew believes future tours by the British and Irish Lions may be trimmed, but he is adamant they must continue and not be scrapped.
SUPER RUGBY MATCH REPORT: The Southern Kings score a historic first-ever win in Buenos Aires when they edged the Jaguares 31-30 on Friday.
NEWS: The South African Rugby Union's desire to join a Northern Hemisphere competition has been confirmed.
NEWS: The South African Rugby Union has remained silent on its recent court loss.
MATCH REPORT: The Bulls scored their first away win of the season when they upstaged the Sharks 30-17 in Durban on Friday.
TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: World Rugby U20 Championship Player of the Tournament Juarno Augustus will make his senior debut for Western Province if he comes off the bench in the National Provincial Challenge quarterfinal against the Free State Cheetahs XV on Sunday.
B&I TOUR SPOTLIGHT: Rival captains Sam Warburton and Kieran Read have given strong backing to future British and Irish Lions tours following speculation that the 129-year-old tradition could fall victim to pressure from clubs.
IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Innovation and experimentation are part of being Saracens, according to the club's CEO Heath Harvey, and that's why he had no doubts about taking on Newcastle Falcons in Philadelphia.
NEWS: Springbok Sevens star Cecil Afrika will be making his Free State debut on Sunday in the National Provincial Challenge.
NEWS: Rassie Erasmus will be re-joining SA Rugby to fill a vacant role it was confirmed on Friday.
WORLD CUP QUALIFIER: A berth in the 2019 Japan Rugby World Cup is at stake Saturday when the United States Eagles play host to Canada in a winner-take-all showdown at San Diego, California.
REACTION: Young flyhalf Damian Willemse will get a chance to show what he is made of at Super Rugby level when the Stormers take on the Cheetahs in Bloemfontein on Saturday. Warren Fortune reports.
NEWS: Lions stand-in captain Jaco Kriel has denied reports that he is in talks to sign for Premiership club Wasps. Josh Isaacson reports.
IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Wellington may be far-flung for most British and Irish Lions, but for huge prop Mako Vunipola, who grew up dreaming of being an All Black, it is a return home.
NEWS: The Brumbies have re-signed Ben Alexander for the 2018 Super Rugby season, the team legend agreeing to terms on a new one-year deal.
IN THE SUPER RUGBY SPOTLIGHT: While New Zealand focus on the much-hyped Test series against the British and Irish Lions, the African conferences resume their Super Rugby campaigns.
In a match streamed live, Grey High School of Port Elizabeth beat Daniël Pienaar of Uitenhage 43-25 at Grey on Saturday.
NEWS: Newly promoted French Top 14 outfit Agen said they had secured the services of Fiji's experienced flank Akapusi Qera on a two-year deal from Montpellier.
TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Willem Britz will captain the Sunwolves against his former side the Lions on Saturday in Johannesburg.
IN THE SPOTLIGHT: British and Irish Lions coach Warren Gatland has gambled everything in his selection of Owen Farrell at inside centre and Jonathan Sexton at flyhalf for the make-or-break second Test with New Zealand on Saturday.
TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: South Africa Under-20 star Damian Willemse will don the Stormers' number 10 jumper in their Super Rugby encounter with the Cheetahs in Bloemfontein on Saturday.
TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: The return of seasoned lock Daniel Hugo is one of several changes to an injury ravaged Cheetahs team.
NEWS: Toby Flood’s return to Newcastle Falcons was perfectly timed to be involved in the Philadelphia match against Saracens, and he believes it will provide an ideal bonding opportunity for the squad in the city nicknamed "The City of Brotherly Love".
NEWS: Halfway through his first week at the Sale Sharks, new signing Jono Ross has said he is looking forward to getting a taste of Premiership Rugby, and battling it out for a place in the back row.
TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: The Lions have brought out their big-name players for their Super Rugby clash against the Sunwolves on Saturday.
IN THE SPOTLIGHT: John Mitchell's arrival in Pretoria is still more than two weeks away, but his influence is already felt by the Bulls.
YOUTH WEEKS TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: The Free State Rugby Union have selected their teams for the 2017 Youth Weeks, and Grey College along with Louis Botha dominate the Under-18 Craven Week and Academy side.
IN THE SPOTLIGHT: The British and Irish Lions have Sonny Bill Williams in their sights in the second Test against the All Blacks in Wellington on Saturday as they battle to keep the series alive.
IN THE SPOTLIGHT: All Black coach Steve Hansen insisted Thursday his so-called war of words with British and Irish Lions counterpart Warren Gatland had been ramped up by the media.
IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Sharks prop Coenraad Oosthuizen believes the Bulls are still one of the better teams in Super Rugby, despite the Pretoria side's poor form in Super Rugby this season.
TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Southern Kings coach Deon Davids has named a strong side to take on the Jaguares in a Super Rugby encounter in Buenos Aires at the Estadio Jose Amalfitani on Saturday.
REACTION: All Blacks coach Steve Hansen said Thursday the media needed to stop ridiculing British and Irish Lions coach Warren Gatland and disputed any suggestion of animosity between the pair.
IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Warren Gatland's dream of one day coaching the All Blacks - already a long shot - is almost certainly doomed unless his British and Irish Lions can muster a Test win this weekend.
TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Jaguares head coach Raúl Pérez has made six changes to his side for their clash against the Southern Kings in Buenos Aires.
INJURY UPDATE: All Blacks fullback Ben Smith has been ruled out for the remainder of the Test series against the British and Irish Lions series because of concussion, coach Steve Hansen confirmed.
INJURY UPDATE: Welsh wing George North and Ireland centre Robbie Henshaw have both been ruled out of the rest of the British and Irish Lions tour in New Zealand with injuries.
TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Sam Warburton will captain the British and Irish Lions against New Zealand in the second Test in Wellington on Saturday.
CRAVEN WEEK BUILD-UP: Last weekend the Free State had its warm-up matches for Craven Week. This week its Northvaal's turn.
Tauriq Ebrahim and Jan de Koning look at the big news events of the week - which include Rassie Erasmus and Warren Whiteley - as well as the weekend's games.
TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Ngani Laumape has been called up to the New Zealand team for the second Test against the British and Irish Lion.
It's the last weekend of schools playing rugby against each other for a while as winter holidays kick in.
INJURY UPDATE: They say it never rains, but it pours. That certainly rings true for Cheetahs coach Franco Smith.
TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Two of the Sharks' star players, Springboks Tendai Mtawarira and Jean-Luc du Preez will not play against the Bulls in Durban on Friday.
IN THE SPOTLIGHT: rugby365 law guru Paul Dobson looks into the debate about numbers at the end of half-time during the match between South Africa 'A' and the French Baabaas in Soweto.
TRANSFER NEWS: Top 14 outfit Lyon have signed Australian flank Liam Gill from Toulon on a one-year deal with an option to extend a further season, his new club said on Wednesday.
TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Springboks centre pair Jesse Kriel and Jan Serfontien will continue their partnership for the Bulls when their face the Sharks on Saturday in Round 15 of the Super Rugby.
REACTION: Lions coach Johan Ackermann has not given up hope of seeing regular captain Warren Whiteley featuring in the Super Rugby play-offs.
NEWS: Hooker Schalk Brits believes there is much more to the Premiership Rugby contest between Saracens and Newcastle Falcons in Philadelphia than just the match itself.
IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Wallabies assistant and Waratahs assistant coach Nathan Grey will move permanently into a national coaching role at the end of the 2017 Super Rugby season, after signing a new two-year contract with the Australian Rugby Union.
TRANSFER NEWS: New Zealand-born wing Chance Peni has extended his stat at the Western Force for two more seasons.
TRANSFER NEWS: The Blues have bolstered their inside back stocks with the signing of Otere Black and Bryn Gatland as Ihaia West moves to the Hurricanes.
SCHOOLS RANKINGS: There have been few matches these last two weeks but we have had enough to be able to draw up a new Schools Top 20.
IN THE SPOTLIGHT: British and Irish Lions coach Warren Gatland has given the strongest indication yet he will overhaul the forward pack.
PROVINCIAL DUTY: Boland Rugby Union have selected a relatively inexperienced squad to represent the Union at the respective South Africa Youth Weeks starting in July.
IN THE SPOTLIGHT: The Stormers will have the luxury of having prop Steven Kitshoff available for their final three league phase games of Super Rugby, but probably not for the play-offs.
IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Harlequins second row Mark Reddish has announced that he will retire from the game due to concussion.
INJURY UPDATE: Springboks and Sharks flyhalf Patrick Lambie is set to be ruled out of action for the rest of the season due to concussion symptoms.
INJURY UPDATE: Lions captain Warren Whiteley has been ruled out for the rest of the Super Rugby season.
CURRIE CUP SPOTLIGHT: The Free State Cheetahs have accumulated the services of Blitzboks trio Rosco Specman, Chris Dry and Cecil Afrika.
NEWS: Western Force prop Ben Daley has re-signed for a further two seasons with the Western Australian franchise, securing his future until the end of the 2019 season.
NEWS: Brumbies wing Lausii Taliauli has recommitted to the team for the 2018 Super Rugby season, signing a new two-year deal with the franchise.
REACTION: All Black Jerome Kaino on Tuesday rejected allegations he maliciously targeted British and Irish Lions scrumhalf Conor Murray and predicted a backlash from the tourists after their first Test loss.
MATCH REPORT: A late second-half fightback helped the Hurricanes snatch a 31-31 draw against the British and Irish Lions in Wellington on Tuesday.
INJURY UPDATE: Springbok Handré Pollard is one of several key players that will not accompany the Bulls on their trip to Durban on Friday.
SCHOOLS REPORT: It was a brilliant match at Paarl Boy's High's Brug Street ground on Saturday, a brilliant Saturday.
INJURY UPDATE: The Lions will have to wait another "day or two" before they know when captain Warren Whiteley will resume playing.
SQUAD ANNOUNCEMENT: Southern Kings coach Deon Davids wasted no time in rushing back his star players for the trip to Argentina.
INJURY UPDATE: Stormers centre Daniel du Plessis has suffered another dislocated shoulder, this time playing for Western Province over the weekend.
NEWS: Scotland-capped prop Allan Dell and lock Anton Bresler have extended their contracts with Edinburgh.
REACTION: Rebuilding the Springbok culture. That is at the heart of the motivation for South Africa's 3-0 series whitewash of France.
Springboks Ruan Dreyer, Francois Hougaard and Jaco Kriel spoke after South Africa's 3-0 whitewash of France. They also look forward to the Rugby Championship.
SCHOOLS NEWS: The Cape Schools Rugby Festival starts at Rondebosch Boys' High on Saturday, July 1.
REACTION: Dramatic reform in the French game, rather than firing the coach, is the solution to the onfield problems of Les Bleus.
NEWS: Sharks lock Ruan Botha has been suspended for three matches following a disciplinary hearing for a dangerous charge in the match between South Africa 'A' and the French Barbarians at Orlando Stadium in Soweto on Friday.
SCHOOLS REEPORT: Westville ended the season on a high note after a remarkable 27-17 win over Kearney on Saturday.
SCHOOLS REPORT: Graeme College travelled to Graaf-Reinet and produced an impressive 43-19 win against Union High School on Saturday.
NEWS: The Western Force have added some fire power to their forward pack next season with the re-signing of hooker Anaru Rangi.
The June Test window is shut - well almost. There still are Test matches, notably in Wellington.
REACTION: All Blacks coach Steve Hansen lit the fuse on simmering tension with rival Warren Gatland Monday, labelling the British and Irish Lions mentor "a bit desperate" for accusing his side of dangerous play.
IN THE SPOTLIGHT: A stranded British and Irish Lions supporter has told how a stranger's act of kindness resulted in him bunking down at the home of All Blacks sensation Rieko Ioane and his brother Akira.
IN THE SPOTLIGHT: British and Irish Lions prop Joe Marler will be out to right the wrongs against defending Super Rugby Champions the Hurricanes on Tuesday.
SCHOOLS REPORT: At Bishops on Saturday, Rondebosch scored three tries in the last 10 minutes to beat Bishops an exciting 32-19.
CLASSIC CLASH REPORT: The South African College High School (SACS) hosted arch-rivals Wynberg Boys’ High School in their annual Classic Clash.
REACTION: Stand-in Springbok captain Eben Etzebeth gave an offbeat response what epitomises the newfound joy of South Africa's national team.
REACTION: France leave South Africa with three defeats, but learnt some 'valuable' lessons after being whitewashed by the Springboks. Jan de Koning reports from Ellis Park.
INJURY UPDATE: South Africans will be breathing a sigh of relief after SA'A' coach Johan Ackermann confirmed that flyhalf Handré Pollard’s late withdrawal from the team which defeated the French Barbarians 48-28 in Soweto was a precautionary matter.
NEWS: Japanese Super Rugby side Sunwolves have added another two players to their squad for their trip to South Africa.
REACTION: The British and Irish Lions were "second best by quite a distance" in losing the first Test against New Zealand, according to former coach Clive Woodward.
There are again few matches between schools.
There are again few matches between schools.
There are again few matches between schools.
INJURY UPDATE: Wallabies wing Sefa Naivalu is in doubt for his team's Bledisloe Cup opener against the All Blacks in Sydney on August 19.
NEWS: All Blacks centre Sonny Bill Williams has made another heart-warming gesture, this time presenting his All Blacks shorts and socks to a young Lions fan as he left the field after the first test in Auckland.
REACTION: All Blacks coach Steve Hansen has fired up the verbal war with the British and Irish Lions again, suggesting they play New Zealand's style to be competitive in the second Test in Wellington next week.
REACTION: Italy coach Conor O'Shea says he's gutted to come so close to upsetting Australia but proud of the strides the Azzurri have made to become a competitive rugby force.
TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Disappointed British and Irish Lions coach Warren Gatland sees Tuesday's clash with the Hurricanes as a way for players to force their way into the Test line-up.
TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: The Hurricanes will have try-scoring potency when they play the British and Irish Lions on Tuesday with three members of the All Blacks squad released for the game.
MATCH REPORT: Mike Te'o and Nick Civetta each scored two tries for the United States as the Eagles played host Canada to a 28-28 draw Saturday in a 2019 Rugby World Cup qualifier.
MATCH REPORT: Ramiro Moyano was the villain and the hero as Argentina won for only the second time in 11 Tests by defeating Georgia 45-29 Saturday in San Salvador de Jujuy.
REACTION: The Springboks and Lions will be sweating over the groin injury that kept No.8 Warren Whiteley out of the third Test against France at the weekend.
OPINION: France's lack of creativity and inability to convert pressure into tries contributed to their 12-35 defeat against the Springboks at Ellis Park - their first-ever defeat at the venue.
OPINION: The Springboks walked away with a series whitewash over France following their 35-12 victory at Ellis Park - ending France's undefeated reign at the venue in the process.
NEWS: Robbie Deans will coach the Barbarians against his native New Zealand when the teams meet at Twickenham later this year.
REPORT: The Springboks ended France's dominance over them at Ellis Park when they secured a 35-12 victory that also ensured a 3-0 series whitewash on Saturday.
B&I TOUR REACTION: All Blacks coach Steven Hansen said the surprise tactical switch of playing the British and Irish Lions at their own game did the trick after the world champions swept to victory in the first Test on Saturday.
LIVE STREAMING: rugby365 continues our partnership with School Sport Live to bring you LIVE coverage of the match between Grey High and Daniël Pienaar.
LIONS TOUR REACTION: Coach Warren Gatland said his forwards had under-performed and indicated he was ready to wield the axe after the British and Irish Lions crashed 15-30 to the All Blacks on Saturday.
OPINION: They were hailed as the team to finally stop the All Blacks' march. However, the British and Irish Lions were rather underwhelming in their 15-30 loss in Auckland on Saturday.
REACTION: Australian coach Michael Cheika said his side were improving and would be ready to take on New Zealand in the Rugby Championship after fighting off Italy 40-27 on Saturday.
SCHOOLS RESULTS: Glenwood Highschool strengthen their position in the Schools Top 20 rankings after a 34-17 win over Maritzburg College on Saturday.
OPINION: New Zealand struck the first blow in the year's most anticipated contest - beating the British and Irish Lions 30-15 in Auckland on Saturday.
SCHOOLS RESULTS: Paarl Boys' High School extend their unbeaten run to 13 wins after a 38-33 win over Boland Landbou on Saturday in Paarl.
JUNE INTERNATIONAL REPORT: Ireland overpowered Japan 35-13 on Saturday to finish with a perfect record in their three-game summer tour.
LIONS TOUR MATCH REPORT: New Zealand's 30-15 win over British and Irish Lions at Eden Park on Saturday just emphasised why they are simply the best team in the world.
JUNE INTERNATIONAL REPORT: High-flying Fiji made sure they end their June International Series in style with a historic 27-22 victory over Scotland in Suva on Saturday.
JUNE INTERNATIONAL REPORT: Australia produced two late tries as they survived a fightback from Italy to win their one-off rugby international 40-27 in Brisbane on Saturday.
REACTION: Wales players had to overcome a debilitating virus sweeping their camp to beat Samoa, coach Robin McBryde revealed Saturday.
REACTION: South Africa 'A' captain Francois Venter believes that his side's 48-28 win over the French Barbarians is testament of the good change in South African Rugby.
MATCH REPORT: South Africa 'A' secured back-to-back victories against the French Barbarians with a 48-28 win in at Orlando Stadium in Soweto on Friday.
HTS Daniël Pienaar go from the Uitenhage home to Grey High school in Port Elizabeth to play rugby.
PRE-MATCH BUILD-UP: The series may be won, but the Springboks are not about to go into 'cruise' mode. Jan de Koning reports.
JUNE INTERNATIONAL: Japan will be eager put their unbearable 22-50 defeat against Ireland behind them when the sides lock horns for their Second June Test on Saturday in Tokyo.
SCHOOLS PREVIEW: Maritzburg College will go down to warmer Durban on the coast for 22 rugby matches as the sardines get closer to Durban
CLASSIC CLASH PREVIEW: It's not a long way up the Peninsula from Wynberg to SACS but it could ba a tough destination for the first XV this week.
JUNE INTERNATIONALS: Scotland would want to end their June Tour Test-series on a high when they lock horns with Fiji in Suva this Saturday.
SCHOOLS PREVIEW: It will be tense at Paarl Boys' High on Saturday when Boland Landbou comes to play.
RUGBY CHAMPIONSHIP VENUES: South African Rugby has confirmed that the Springboks will host the All Blacks at Newlands in Cape Town on October 7, 2017.
BRITISH AND IRISH LIONS TOUR: All Blacks captain Kieran Read left no room for argument on Friday about the first Test against the British and Irish Lions - New Zealand expect to win.
IN THE INTERNATIONAL SPOTLIGHT: Wallabies coach Michael Cheika said he is expecting surprises from unpredictable Italy in Saturday's Test in Brisbane as the hosts grope for form after last week's surprise loss to Scotland.
INTERNATIONAL SPOTLIGHT: New Zealand-born Georgia coach Milton Haig fears a backlash from an Argentina team that has suffered five consecutive losses when they clash in a one-off Test on Saturday.
TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Argentina coach Daniel Hourcade has chosen a new back row for a one-off Test against Georgia in the western city of San Salvador de Jujuy on Saturday.
WORLD CUP QUALIFICATION: Canada is hoping to continue its dominance over the United States in World Cup qualifying when they square off against the Eagles in the first leg of a two-game series in Hamilton, Ontario on Saturday.
TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Loose forward Jack Dempsey is set to make his Wallabies debut, after he was named on the bench for Saturday's clash with Italy at Suncorp Stadium.
NEWS: Wallaby star Christian Lealiifano has made an emotional return 10 months after he was diagnosed with leukaemia.
JUNE SPOTLIGHT: Acclaimed rugby365 writer Paul Dobson gives us his take on the third and final test between the Springboks and Les Bleus.
REPORT: A two-try effort from Steffan Evans gave Wales a narrow 19-17 win over Samoa in Apia on Friday on a quagmire pitch.
SCHOOLS PREVIEW: Twice a year, there is a trek along Tullyallen Road for matches in the Bishops-Rondebosch derby.
IN THE SPOTLIGHT: The Orlando Stadium in Soweto, home of Orlando Pirates soccer club, is set to host a rugby spectacle as South Africa 'A' do battle against the French Barbarians on Friday.
JUNE SPOTLIGHT: South Africa have given their unconditional support to Australian referee Angus Gardner for their final June fling.
SCHOOLS PREVIEW: After a successful Founder's day reunion, Kearsney College have to set sail to take on Westville Boys' High School on June 24.
INJURY UPDATE: Clermont's French international lock Arthur Iturria has been ruled out for four to six months to have a shoulder operation, the French Top 14 champions announced on Thursday.
TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Italy head coach Conor O'Shea opted to change just three with the focus solely on continuity ahead of the Test against Australia in Brisbane on Saturday.
TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Lions prop Ruan Dreyer will make his debut for the Springboks on Saturday in the final Test against France in Johannesburg.
TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: France have made three changes for the dead-rubber final Test against South African in Johannesburg Saturday, including recalling flyhalf Jules Plisson.
TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Fiji head coach John McKee has made five changes to the team, with Josua Tuisova, Mosese Ducivaki, Sikeli Nabou and John Stewart set to make their debut in front of their home crowd at the ANZ Stadium.
NEWS: Western Force have re-signed prop Shambeckler Vui for a further two seasons.
TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Hooker Ross Ford will become the most-capped Scotland player in history while centre Nick Grigg debuts in the national team's third and final June tour Test against Fiji this Saturday.
TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Ireland head coach Joe Schmidt has made six changes to the side that will take on Japan at the Ajinomoto Stadium in Tokyo on Saturday.
IN THE INTERNATIONAL SPOTLIGHT: Matt Sherratt has warned Wales they will face a brutally physical opening quarter when they meet Samoa in their second tour clash in Apia on Friday.
REACTION: British and Irish Lions coach Warren Gatland couldn't resist a dig at his All Blacks rival Steve Hansen on Thursday, saying he was happy to be "getting up his nose".
REACTION: The All Blacks believe they've cracked the code to beating the British and Irish Lions rushed defence, with coach Steve Hansen saying Thursday they have plans to outsmart their lightning line speed.
IN THE SPOTLIGHT: A swarming red army of up to 30 000 British and Irish Lions fans are ready to party in New Zealand as the Test series against the world champion All Blacks looms.
Tauriq Ebrahim and Jan de Koning talk about the changes in the Springbok camp - both on and off the field - and why they are so successful at the moment.
NEWS: Todd Clever, the United States' most-capped senior test player and an 11-year professional, has announced he will retire from international rugby following the USA's World Cup 2019 Qualifier in San Diego July 1.
TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Stephen Moore returned to captain the Wallabies as coach Michael Cheika axed six players Thursday for this weekend's Test with Italy in Brisbane.
TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Ireland's Peter O'Mahony, who led the Lions in their victory over the Maori All Blacks, has retained the captaincy for the first Test against New Zealand at Eden Park on Saturday.
IN THE SPOTLIGHT: South Africa 'A' coach Johan Ackermann believes that the Springboks have enough depth and talent in their ranks to select a team which will challenge for the 2019 World Cup in Japan. Josh Isaacson reports.
TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: The All Blacks has handed Rieko Ioane his starting debut when he takes to the field on the left wing while Kieran Read returns to the back of the scrum to resume his captaincy role.
IN THE INTERNATIONAL SPOTLIGHT: The pain of being axed drove seasoned prop Coenraad Victor Oosthuizen to work harder than he has ever before.
TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: The French Barbarians have made wholesale changes to their starting XV for their second International match against South Africa 'A' at the Orlando Stadium in Soweto on Friday.
PROVINCIAL DUTY: Vusile Dlepu, the SACS captain, has been named the captain of the Western Province team for the 2017 Craven Week in Johannesburg.
TRANSFER NEWS: All Black centre Francis Saili has signed a contract with Premiership club the Harlequins from Munster.
TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Springbok flyhalf Handré Pollard has been named on the bench of the South Africa 'A' side that will play against the French Barbarians at Orlando Stadium in Soweto on Friday.
TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Samoa head coach Namulauulu Alama Ieremia has made seven changes ahead of their Friday's Test against Wales at Apia Park.
TRANSFER NEWS: Bath have signed James Phillips, who is set to leave Bristol Rugby at the end of the 2017/18 season.
TOP14 SPOTLIGHT: Toulon have announced that it had increased its capital to ensure it kept its place in the Top 14.
TRANSFER NEWS: Australian centre Mitchell Inman returned to the French Top 14 after signing for Oyonnax.
MORE THAN RUGBY: Inmates of a maximum security prison in Argentina are now seeking redemption through the rough and tumble of rugby.
LIONS TOUR SPOTLIGHT: British and Irish Lions coach Warren Gatland has vowed to "let the rugby do the talking" as his side prepares for a blockbuster first Test against the world champion All Blacks.
LIONS NZ TOUR: All Blacks captain Kieran Read has overcome a thumb injury and will face the British and Irish Lions in the first Test in Auckland.
TRANSFER NEWS: Western Force have re-signed scrumhalf Michael Ruru for two more seasons, after a strong start to his Super Rugby career playing nine games for the Western Australian club, including three run-on starts this season.
TRANSFER NEWS: Wasps have strengthened their forward pack with the signing of two props Paul Doran-Jones and David Langley, while loosehead Tom Bristow is confirmed to leave the Premiership side.
IN THE INTERNATIONAL SPOTLIGHT: There is nothing sinister about the Springboks moving their captain and No.8 Warren Whiteley to blindside flank at scrum time.
TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Ospreys lock Rory Thornton will make his international debut for Wales in Friday's Test against Samoa at Apia Park.
NEWS: Scarlets confirmed that centre Gareth Owen has been released from his current contract with the region to link up with Leicester Tigers.
IN THE INTERNATIONAL SPOTLIGHT: Cynics believed the Springbok scrum would be no match for the French 'monsters'.
INJURY UPDATE: Springbok scrumhalf Ross Cronjé will miss the third and final Test against France on Saturday because of delayed concussion symptoms, the Springbok management confirmed on Tuesday.
IN THE SPOTLIGHT: South Africa 'A' coach Johan Ackermann has left a lasting legacy not only on his Lions team but also the SA 'A' team. Josh Isaacson reports.
NEWS: Sale Sharks have announced the latest in a wave of world class signings, as they confirm Australian International James O'Connor will join the club for the 2017/2018 season, on a three-year deal.
SUPER RUGBY NEWS: The Australian Rugby Union endorsed the decision to scrap one of the country's Super Rugby teams and stuck with its embattled chief executive Bill Pulver, who has been under pressure over the move.
IN THE SPOTLIGHT: rugby365 columnist Ethienne Reynecke explains to us what the haka is really about in New Zealand.
NEWS: The Western Force confirmed the re-signing of lock Richard Arnold for the next two seasons.
SPRINGBOK SPOTLIGHT: Star loose forward Jaco Kriel is set to end an eight-month absence from the Springbok matchday squad this coming Saturday.
MATCH REPORT: Jack Nowell scored a sparkling try double as the British and Irish Lions ended their mid-week slump in style with a 34-6 win over the Chiefs Tuesday, just four days ahead of the first All Blacks Test.
NEWS: Australia coach Michael Cheika made a surprise call to an irate fan whose long rant about the misfiring team went viral on Facebook.
NEWS: Brumbies lock Blake Enever has re-signed with the franchise on a new three-year deal.
IN THE SPOTLIGHT: rugby365 law guru Paul Dobson clears up what the referee means when he states "taken down by red."
It's the first Test between the B&I Lions and New Zealand this week with Jaco Peyper to referee it.
IN THE SPOTLIGHT: South Africa 'A' captain Juan de Jongh has promised that his team and the French Barbarians will continue with their try-scoring antics when the two sides meet in the second match at the iconic Orlando Stadium in Soweto on Friday.
YOUTH WEEKS SPOTLIGHT: The Griffons from Northern Free State have selected the teams for the 2017 Youth Weeks.
INJURY UPDATE: Springboks' Jesse Kriel has recovered from concussion and is available for selection for Saturday's third Test against France in Johannesburg. Jan de Koning reports.
NEWS: South Africa have dropped to sixth in the latest world rankings, despite their victory over France in Durban last weekend.
In front of a large, festive crowd St Andrew's College finished the game off early against their cross-town rivals, running out eventual 72-5 victors.
NEWS: Former France international rugby player Eric Melville has died at the age of 55 after suffering a heart attack, his former team Toulon confirmed on Monday.
There are not many this weekend as most schools do not play rugby over long weekends.
IN THE SPOTLIGHT: British and Irish Lions Test hopefuls will be giving everything they got against the Chiefs on Tuesday ahead of the first Test against New Zealand in Auckland on Saturday.