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IN THE SPOTLIGHT: All Blacks captain Kieran Read was far from his best during 2018 season.

The next stop on our Japanese Rugby Wolrd Cup host city guide is Kumamoto on the southern island of Kyushu.

Happy New Year! We wish a wonderful 2019 to all referees and all those who have anything to do with them, including the kind people who send us the appointments each week.

WORLD CUP COUNTDOWN: Japan's biggest and most important match at the 2019 World Cup will probably be against Scotland.

Ireland are the reigning Six Nations Champions and would go into the 2019 championship as favourites.

ANALYSIS: Big signings always bring big expectations, however unrealistic they can be.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: The fine line between winning and losing can boil down to confidence.

NEWS: England’s Man of the Series during the recent November internationals decides long-term future.

In Queen Elizabeth II's 2019 honours list Billy Beaumont, rugby player and administrator, has been knighted and is now Sir Bill Beaumont.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: John Mitchell has already made a 'big impact' on the England squad ahead of next year's World Cup says England lock George Kruis.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Round 12 of Premiership Rugby – the last before the European and Premiership Rugby Cup break – the League table couldn’t be tighter.

SQUAD ANNOUNCEMENT: A 25-man Southern Kings playing squad departs for Edinburgh on Wednesday for their first Pro14 match of 2019.

DISCIPLINARY UPDATE: Leinster wing James Lowe faced the music on Thursday.

OPINION: Round 11 marked the final weekend of Premiership action of 2018 and it’s fair to say that the competition signed off in style for the calendar year.

TRANSFER NEWS: Saracens have announced that hooker Joe Gray has extended his stay at the club for another season.

TRANSFER NEWS: Former Maori All Black flank Luke Braid has left Bordeaux-Begles six months before his contract was up for personal reasons, the Top 14 club announced.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Questions have been raised over Johnny Sexton's leadership after Leinster's 17-26 loss to Munster in Limerick.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Harlequins hooker Dave Ward could face a lengthy ban after allegedly spitting on a Wasps player during Saturday’s Premiership game at Twickenham.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: England will be hoping to have a fully fit Billy Vunipola by the time the World Cup comes around in 2019.

NEWS: Bath confirmed it has agreed the release of Darren Allinson from his current contract with immediate effect.

NEWS: Scotland international prop Murray McCallum has put pen to paper on a two-year contract extension, keeping him at Edinburgh until at least 2021.

NEWS: Premiership club Sale Sharks announced that openside flank Tom Curry has signed a contract extension which will keep him in the North West until 2023.

DISCIPLINARY UPDATE: The PRO14 have decided to cite just one player after Munster and Leinster derby which saw a red card and two yellow cards issued by referee Frank Murphy.

SQUAD ANNOUNCEMENT: New faces in Jaguares squad for 2019 Super Rugby season.

VIDEO: Despite losing to South Africa Ireland this year, the All Blacks' superiority has not faded.

In this age when sporting seasons disappear, the all-rounder has also disappeared, his life gobbled by the year-long demands of one, professional sport. The all-rounder belonged to the innocent enthusiasm of the amateur.

PRO14 MATCH REPORT: Dragons earned a tense 23-22 win over Ospreys, snapping a streak of over four years without a win against their Welsh provincial rivals.

TRANSFER NEWS: Sale Sharks secured the services of World Player of the Year nominee Faf De Klerk until 2023.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: The year delivered some interesting events which had some supporters in tears and others celebrating well into the early hours.

INJURY UPDATE: Ospreys forwards Nicky Smith and Dan Lydiate are injury doubts for the start of Wales' Six Nations campaign.

TOP 14 WRAP: South African flank Jacques du Plessis produced a second-half double as Montpellier snapped a two-game losing streak with a 41-13 win over Pau.

INJURY UPDATE: England were left facing an anxious wait to discover the full extent of an ankle injury suffered by Sam Underhill while the forward was playing for club side Bath on Sunday.

PREMIERSHIP REPORT: Harlequins staved off a second-half fightback from Wasps to taste a 20-13 victory in the Premiership Big Game 11 at Twickenham Stadium.

PRO14 REPORT: Rey Lee-Lo scored two tries as Cardiff Blues ended Scarlets’ 27-month unbeaten home record in the Pro14 with a memorable 34-5 derby-day victory.

PRO14 REPORT: A rampant Munster side handed defending Pro14 champions Leinster only their second defeat of the season as they claimed a dramatic 26-17 interprovincial derby win.

REACTION: Sale Sharks Director of Rugby has reportedly been involved in an altercation with a journalist following his side’s 30-15 away win over Gloucester in the Premiership.

PREMIERSHIP REPORT: Sale Sharks bared their teeth as they overcame Gloucester 30-15 at Kingsholm with a scintillating attacking display to make it back-to-back Premiership wins.

MATCH REPORT: Bath Rugby overcame an early Leicester Tigers try to run out 23-16 winners in a hard-fought encounter at the Rec.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Double defending champions New Zealand will head into the 2019 World Cup in Japan as favourites, but Six Nations Grand Slam champions Ireland have proven there are chinks in the All Black armour.

PREMIERSHIP MATCH REPORT: Bristol Bears produced a stunning second-half comeback to defeat Newcastle Falcons in front of more than 18,000 fans at Ashton Gate in the Premiership Rugby.

TRANSFER NEWS: Sale Sharks have confirmed that Josh Beaumont is the latest member of the squad to extend his rugby career in the North West.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Springbok scrumhalf Faf de Klerk has improved his game in leaps and bounds since leaving the Lions in South Africa for the Sale Sharks in England 18 months ago.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: The Festive season brings with it a second helping of derby fixtures right across the Pro14 after Round 11 delivered tension and drama throughout the weekend.

TOP 14 PREVIEW: Clermont dip into the basement on Saturday for the points that will guarantee them top spot heading into 2019.

TRANSFER NEWS: New Zealand international Steven Luatua has committed his future to Bristol Bears, the club has revealed.

PREMIERSHIP REPORT: Saracens avenged their defeat to Exeter Chiefs last weekend with a battling 25-17 win over Worcester Warriors at Allianz Park.

NEWS: Three capped BlitzBoks, Ryan Oosthuizen, James Murphy and Heino Bezuidenhout, have been named in the SA Rugby Sevens Academy team.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: This weekend marks halfway point in the Premiership Rugby league season with another set of bumper crowds heading to watch top-flight rugby in England.

NEWS: Kiwi Wayne Pivac's first tour as Wales coach could not be tougher.

PRO14 REPORT: Stuart McInally scored the crucial try as Edinburgh clinched the 1872 Cup with a hard-fought 16-8 win over Glasgow Warriors at Scotstoun.

TRANSFER NEWS: Scott van Breda is the latest player to commit his future to the club by signing a new two-year contract.

PREMIERSHIP REPORT: Cobus Reinach scored a vital intercept try for the second straight week as he helped Northampton Saints to a 31-28 victory over Premiership leaders Exeter Chiefs.

NEWS: James Fish and George Furbank have committed their futures to Northampton Saints, by putting pen to paper on new deals which will see both players remain at Franklin’s Gardens until 2021.

NEWS: Premiership club Sale Sharks announced that openside flank Ben Curry has signed a contract extension which will keep him in the North West until 2023.

PRO14 REPORT: Tries from Luca Bigi and Federico Ruzza helped Benetton to a powerful 28-10 win over Zebre in the Pro14.

NEWS: This Wales and Ospreys stalwart could not recover from a shoulder injury.

PRO14 REPORT: Caolin Blade’s second-half try helped Connacht continue their impressive recent form with a hard-fought 21-12 Pro14 victory over Ulster at the Sportsground.

TRANSFER NEWS: Sale Sharks have announced that former Bulls flank Jono Ross has re-signed with the club until the end of the 2021-22 Premiership season.

SQUAD UPDATE: Connacht have bolstered their backline stocks for the next few months,

OPINION: There were some excellent performances in Round 10 of the 2018/2019 Premiership Rugby season.

WOLRD CUP SPOTLIGHT: World Rugby and Premiership Rugby's insurance dispute could leave some countries in heaps of trouble ahead of the World Cup 2019 in Japan.

NEWS: The Bulls confirmed this Springbok star will not be joining them for Super Rugby

It's a time of blessings, peace, joy and happy festivities - and also, it seems, a time for rugby, at least in the Six Nations.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Former All Blacks Test lock Ali Williams pays homage to departing head coach Steve Hansen.

WATCH an emotional tribute to Ireland's epic 2018 rugby season.

SIX NATIONS SPOTLIGHT: First there were two. Now there are six.

NEWS: Bristol Bears have beaten off interest from some of Europe’s biggest clubs to secure the re-signing of Chris Vui until 2022.

TOP 14 WRAP: Toulouse grabbed a dramatic 20-20 draw at Clermont on Sunday to stay only three points behind the leaders at the Top 14 summit, while reigning champions Castres suffered a second straight home defeat.

NEWS: Glasgow Warriors have been handed a boost ahead of next weekend’s second 1872 Cup fixture at Scotstoun with the news that Scotland international Zander Fagerson has signed a new three-year deal.

PREMIERSHIP REPORT: Bath picked up an important 24-14 win over Wasps as Freddie Burns shone brightest at a wet and wintery Ricoh Arena.

TRANSFER NEWS: All Black star's move to the Premiership from Toulon is ‘now a certainty’ according to reports coming out of France.

PREMIERSHIP REPORT: Billy Twelvetrees kicked a late penalty to give Gloucester a hard-fought win at Newcastle Falcons and strengthen their position inside the Premiership's top four.

NEWS: Three more rugby players in New Zealand have been banned for doping.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: World Cup winner Schalk Burger confirmed he is leaving Saracens at the end of the season.

NEWS: Gloucester flyhalf Owen Williams could be in hot water after Newcastle Falcons posted an image which appears to show the Welshman with his fingers in the eye area of a Falcons player.

TRANSFER NEWS: Wasps have managed to secure the signatures of five experienced players for next year's Premiership season.

Exeter ended Saracens unbeaten start to the season to move back top of the Premiership table with a 31-13 win at Sandy Park.

World Cup Rugby is less than a year away, and all the playing nations are eagerly waiting for the event to kick-off in Japan.

PREMIERSHIP MATCH REPORT: Exeter Chiefs laid down a marker as they ended Saracens unbeaten start to the season to move back top of the Premiership Rugby table with a 31-13 win at Sandy Park.

PRO14 MATCH REPORT: Leinster denied Connacht a first away victory in Dublin since 2002 as Leo Cullen’s men staged a stunning late rally to battle back from 17 points down to win 31-29.

VIDEO: Toulon put in a strong performance to beat Lyon 40-7 on Saturday.

MATCH REPORT: Rob Du Preez booted Sale Sharks to a crucial 27-10 victory over Bristol Bears at the AJ Bell Stadium as they continued their climb up the Premiership Rugby table.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: The French Rugby Federation (FFR) and the French National League (LNR) have proposed to World Rugby to lower the legal height of a tackle to waist level, they announced.

TOP 14 SPOTLIGHT: Just days before the Christmas, the Top14 has managed to provide the rugby community with a tantalising fixture.

REACTION: Pau academy coach James Coughlan has responded to the backlash against rugby following the death of 19-year-old Stade Francais academy player Nicolas Chauvin.

TOP 14 WRAP: After three straight defeats in the Top 14, Stade Francais returned to winning ways on Saturday with a 19-6 win at struggling Agen.

PRO14 MATCH REPORT: Luke Morgan grabbed the only try of a pulsating derby at the Liberty Stadium as the Ospreys ended Scarlets’ ten-game winning streak against Welsh regions in the PRO14.

PRO14 MATCH REPORT: Ulster claimed PRO14 bragging rights and moved back to second in Conference B with a bruising victory over rivals Munster at the Kingspan Stadium.

PREMIERSHIP REPORT: Cobus Reinach’s blistering solo try inspired Northampton Saints to a fine 32-6 victory on the road at Worcester Warriors.

NEWS: Fiji scrumhalf Frank Lomani has turned down an offer to join English club Wasps in the Premiership.

TRANSFER NEWS: Seems like fellow Australian Super Rugby franchises have no problem making space for Brad Thorn's unwanted men.

PRO14 REPORT: Benetton reigned supreme in a close fought Italian derby as Ratuva Tavuyara’s first-half try sealed a memorable 10-8 away victory in Parma.

MATCH REPORT: A Jonah Holmes inspired brace put to bed Leicester Tigers’ worse run since 1975 with an assured 35-24 victory over Harlequins.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Another Kiwi expressed his desire to play for Ireland.

PRO14 MATCH REPORT: Duhan van der Merwe scored two intercepted tries as Edinburgh beat rivals Glasgow Warriors 23-7 to take home the 1872 Cup.

Originally the Six Nations Championship was for senior men only. But recently it's become less exclusive. The Under-20s have their Six Nations and others like clubs and students enjoy the ride on the bandwagon, and since 1996 there has been a Women's Six Nations as well.

NEWS: Premiership clubs to receive more cash.

World Rugby has announced the Referees for the Americas Rugby Championship in 2019.

THE TOP DOG BATTLE: Premiership Rugby returns this weekend with a mouth-watering top-of-the-table clash as last year’s finalists Saracens and Exeter Chiefs do battle.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: After a European break the Pro14 returns with a bang in Round 11 and with derby season beginning it should be a thrilling weekend.

PRO14 MATCH REPORT: Cardiff Blues earned a thrilling inter-pro 19-16 victory over Dragons but that doesn’t tell half the story of the visitors’ rousing 14-man rearguard.

Europe's Championship will end its league fixtures in January 2019, Rounds 5 and 6. After this there come the tense knock-out rounds. Qualification for the quarterfinals is at stake in these matches.

OPINION: Now that we know the Springbok coaching position will be vacant after the 2019 World Cup, it is time to take a look at and analyse possible candidates.

UPDATE: Rory Kockett and Etienne Oosthuizen faced the music on Wednesday.

INJURY UPDATE: England and Gloucester flyhalf Danny Cipriani will be sidelined for a lengthy period.

NEWS: The Cape Town Stadium will host the double-header of Super Rugby pre-season matches featuring all four South African franchises.

TRANSFER RUMOURS: Seems like Racing 92 is not the only candidate that has caught the eye of All Blacks captain Kieran Read.

As Christmas draws nearer, rugby's minds turn more and more to the great happening at Bethlehem many years ago and the joys of being with loved ones in a great loving family around the world. We wish all in rugby and their loved ones a happy and blessed Christmas.

TRANSFER NEWS: Leicester Tigers are set to fill their defence coach vacancy with a former employee of the club who served a six-month ban for gambling on European Champions Cup matches.

TRANSFER NEWS: Glasgow Warriors head coach Dave Rennie has managed to secure the signature of talented Grant Stewart.

World Rugby has announced the appointment of match officials for the Women's Six Nations in 2019. Aimee Barrett-Theron of South Africa will blow the whistle to get it started.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Sale Sharks Director of Rugby Steve Diamond speaks to Chris Jones about the Premiership clubs bold plan to openly target South African player.

TRANSFER NEWS: Another Wallaby will make the move to Europe.

SUPER RUGBY SPOTLIGHT: Just over a week ago they were still on the 'wanted' list at the Bulls. Next year Western Province's successful Currie Cup coaching panel will be part of the Stormers set-up.

NEWS: Two former Wales captains will join Wayne Pivac's coaching team after next year's World Cup.

NEWS: Rugby Australia has announced significant changes to the Wallabies coaching set-up.

NEWS: The All Blacks will still have the services of one of their stars after World Cup 2019.

DISCIPLINARY NEWS: Castres veteran scrumhalf Rory Kockott could be out of the game for a very long time.

The four-time European champions, Toulouse, remain undefeated in Champions Cup pool play after a back-to-back double over Wasps.

VIDEO: All Blacks wing Rieko Ioane was in top form in 2018.

OPINION: With December 25 just around the corner, Paul Dobson took the time to take at significant events on the day!

TRANSFER NEWS: Reds playmaker Duncan Paia'aua is bound for Toulon at the end of 2019.

OPINION: The European Cup headed off into the Christmas break in fine fettle this weekend, as Saracens, Toulouse and Racing 92 all maintained their 100 percent starts to the competition.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: With Cape Town Sevens' huge success over the last four years, the City of Cape Town Council is keen to keep the tournament in the Mother City for another three years.

NEWS: Exciting Australian Schoolboys and Under-18 international talent Reesjan Pasitoa has agreed to join the Brumbies in 2020 following the completion of his studies at Nudgee College in Brisbane.

NEWS: English Premiership side Leicester announced the appointment of Geordan Murphy as head coach on a permanent basis on Tuesday despite a poor run of results under his leadership.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Ireland captain Rory Best believes Joe Schmidt should be the man to coach the British and Irish Lions in 2021.

INJURY UPDATE: Clermont's All Black Isaia Toeava is expected to be out for six months, the club said on Monday, after injuring his shoulder in the 49-24 European Challenge Cup win over the Dragons at the weekend.

INJURY UPDATE: Ireland will have to readjust their pack following the news of Iain Henderson.

CHAMPIONS CUP REACTION & HIGHLIGHTS: French giants Toulouse afforded themselves a 'smile', but English rivals Saracens were 'grumpy' after both teams remained unbeaten.

NEWS: Duncan Weir has committed his future to Warriors by signing a new two-year contract to remain at Sixways.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: England test prop Ellis Genge has hit out at the English game's “private school mould,” stating that it is stopping the sport from progressing.

CHAMPIONS CUP REPORT: A superb first-half performance ensured Racing 92 stayed top of Pool Four with a resounding 34-11 victory over Leicester Tigers at Welford Road on Sunday.

TRANSFER NEWS: Worcester Warriors captain GJ van Velze has extended his Sixways stay after signing a new two-year contract.

CHAMPIONS CUP REPORT: Edinburgh put in a superb second-half display to defeat Newcastle Falcons 21-8 at Kingston Park on Sunday.

NEWS: A familiar face will return to the Super Rugby scene in 2019.

REACTION: New Zealand Rugby Union Chief Executive Steve Tew has confirmed that the search for a new coaching staff won’t commence until after next year’s World Cup.

CHAMPIONS CUP REPORT: Castres Olympique blew Pool Two wide open after a dramatic 13-12 victory over Munster at Stade Pierre Fabre on Saturday.

CHAMPIONSHIP CUP REPORT: Reigning champions Leinster set up a mouth-watering Round Five clash against Toulouse.

NEWS: South Africa will have an ideal opportunity to fine-tune their preparations for next year's World Cup in Japan.

REACTION: Crusaders coach Scott Robertson has signalled his interest in the All Blacks head coaching job.

CHAMPIONS CUP REPORT: Glasgow Warriors' hopes are still alive after a 21-10 win over Lyon at Scotstoun Stadium on Saturday.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Teams at the World Cup could be facing a major problem when it comes to preparation, after an insurance wrangle between the Premiership Rugby Limited and World Rugby.

REACTION: The gloves will come off in the wake of revelations that seasoned Springbok Eben Etzebeth has been courted by French club Toulon.

COACHING SPOTLIGHT: In an era when many former internationals are racing to get high-profile coaching positions, finding a Springbok helping out at school and club level is a rarity.

CHAMPIONS CUP REPORT: Two-time former champions Saracens maintained their 100 percent record and cemented top spot in Pool Three.

CHAMPIONS CUP REPORT: Toulouse claimed a 42-27 bonus-point victory over Wasps at Stade Ernest Wallon, Toulouse, on Saturday and remain top of Pool One.

NEWS: Wallabies assistant coach Stephen Larkham appears to be on the outer, as Rugby Australia consider changes to the national coaching setup.

REPORT: All Black legend Dan Carter slotted five conversions and one penalty as his Kobelco Steelers crushed the Suntory Sungoliath 55-5 to grab the Japan Rugby Top League crown on Saturday.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Steve Hansen has confirmed he will bring an end to his hugely successful reign as New Zealand coach, following next year's World Cup in Japan.

TRANSFER NEWS: Wallaby Israel Folau's younger brother John will join his superstar sibling at the Waratahs next season.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: When next year’s World Cup comes to a conclusion, so too will Steve Hansen’s current contract as All Blacks coach.

WATCH as the Stormers unveil the jersey they hope to "blow the opposition away" with in 2019.

NEWS: European Professional Club Rugby are launching a review of events which led to the cancellation on Saturday of the Challenge Cup match between Romanian side Timisoara Saracens and visitors Northampton.

CHAMPIONS CUP REPORT: Exeter Chiefs put a massive dent in Gloucester's play-off hopes with a bonus-point 29-17 win a Kingsholm Stadium on Friday.

CHAMPIONS CUP REPORT: Ulster kept the pressure on Racing 92 in Pool Four, with a commanding bonus point win over Scarlets.

WATCH as All Black coach Steve reveals his future plans ... post World Cup 2019.

SPOTLIGHT: Michael Cheika will survive the axe as Wallaby coach, but his powers will be curtailed.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Francois de Klerk started this year exiled from the Test arena, but will head into 2019 as one of South Africa's most important weapons as they bid for World Cup glory in Japan.

WATCH as the Bulls' new Director of Rugby, Alan Zondagh, explains how he will cure the ills that have plagued the franchise in recent years.

CRUNCH TIME: Former champions Toulouse, Saracens and last season's runners-up Racing 92 can all clinch qualification for the quarterfinals with fourth-round wins this weekend.

SPOTLIGHT: Former Wallabies flanker George Smith has stated his desire to continue playing despite his advanced age.

TRANSFER RUMOURS: As we approach January 1, when Premiership players can officially put pen to paper with a rival club from the same competition, more and more deals are getting closer to completion.

SUPER RUGBY SPOTLIGHT: The Sharks have found a special way to honour one of the true legends of the game - Tendai Mtawarira.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: There is a belief that it is New Zealand who steals players galore from the (other) islands and that they wouldn't be nearly as good otherwise.

TRANSFER NEWS: The rumours proved to be true. Another All Black will be heading to France for a European swansong.

SPOTLIGHT: Ben Smith take a look at the options available to All Black Beauden Barrett when he takes a sabbatical.

REACTION: Professional clubs across Europe will pay tribute this weekend to Nicolas Chauvin, the young Stade Francais player who died after breaking his neck in a youth match last Sunday.

INJURY UPDATE: France internationals Rabah Slimani and Alivereti Raka risk missing Les Bleus' Six Nations campaign after suffering injuries with Clermont that will sideline them for "several months".

TRANSFER NEWS: An All Black and a Springbok have joined the growing exodus to Europe.

As Christmas gets closer, club rugby continues to rule. In the case of EPCR rugby, it is club rugby of the highest calibre.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Springbok Director of Rugby Rassie Erasmus sat down with Matthew Pearce to discuss all the trials and tribulations of his first season at the helm of the Boks.

NEWS: Malcolm Marx, who on Tuesday was named the Players' Player of the Year at the annual 'Choice Awards', is in line for yet another accolade.

REACTION: Victor Matfield took on and overcame some tough hurdles in his playing career, but the 'high-risk environment' of coaching was too much to stomach for the Springbok legend.

NEWS: Ireland head coach Joe Schmidt turned down the opportunity to become part of the All Blacks coaching team last year.

NEWS UPDATE: The next few days will be critical to the survival of retired Springbok Naka Drotské.

WATCH as Wallaby legend David Pocock gives a concerning update about his ongoing neck injury.

NEWS: The Dragons have announced that Bernard Jackman will leave his post at the region with immediate effect.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENTS: Springbok second row Franco Mostert will make his first start for Gloucester on Friday.

This is Hans Saestad's 10th book and it may just be his best, as he continues to make a marvellous contribution to South Africa's rugby literature.

On The Rugby Pod this week, the issue of players asking for more money in their new contracts was a hot topic.

SPOTLIGHT: From trick plays to dodgy DJs to crossbar challenge contest.

NEWS: The former Eastern Province Rugby Union President Cheeky Watson has pleaded 'not guilty' to charges of fraud and money laundering in the Port Elizabeth Commercial Crimes Court on Tuesday.

REACTION: The surge of sentiment to get rid of Michael Cheika as Australian coach is gathering momentum.

REACTION: All four South Africa’s four Super Rugby teams will get support from the Rassie Erasmus and his Springbok coaching team in the 2019 season.

NEWS: Premiership Rugby chairman Ian Ritchie on Tuesday insisted his organisation remain on track to complete a multi-million-pound investment deal that will change the face of Rugby Union.

NEWS: The final piece of the Reds 2019 coaching puzzle has been added.

NEWS: The Irish Rugby Football Union has managed to lock one of its key assets into a long-term contract.

EURO SPOTLIGHT: This past weekend brought the Champions Cup to the halfway mark of the pool stage and helped dispel plenty of pre-tournament predictions on who might make the knockout rounds.

NEWS: A French teenager has passed away after suffering a heart attack while playing rugby at the weekend.

AWARDS: South Africa's players have revealed who they rate as the best in the country.

BREAKING NEWS: The Bulls have officially unveiled their new Super Rugby coach for 2019.

INJURY UPDATE: Two of South Africa's key players are in a race against time to be fit for the New Zealand leg of the Sevens World Series.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: A collaborative anti-doping education meeting involving the key stakeholders in South Africa was held on Monday - at Newlands, Cape Town.

NEWS: Five players have been banned, after a New Zealand Rugby Judicial Committee completed the latest anti-doping hearings of allegations brought by Drug Free Sport New Zealand.

WATCH: The story of the Cape Town Sevens in sixty seconds. What a show!

OPINION: Alex Shaw brings us the best from the past weekend's Champions Cup games!

TRANSFER NEWS: The steady stream of All Blacks heading for the exit door is not dissipating.

Ben Smith takes an analytical look at the changes Ireland made to the defensive structures that allowed them to beat New Zealand.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Rassie Erasmus is busy preparing the way for a replacement to take over from him as Springbok coach after the World Cup in Japan next year.

REACTION: Stuart Lancaster has finally answered the speculation surrounding his future.

NEWS: Rugby Australia Chairman Cameron Clyne on Monday addressed the media in a somewhat farcical press conference.

NEWS: There appears to be no shortage of candidate to replace Eddie Jones as England coach.

NEWS: A French teenager is in a serious condition in intensive care after suffering a heart attack while playing rugby at the weekend.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Rassie Erasmus is busy preparing the way for a replacement to take over from him as Springbok coach after the World Cup in Japan next year.

SPOTLIGHT: The steady stream of players heading for the exit door has painted a picture of Europe being the proverbial 'pot of gold' at the end of the rainbow.

NEWS: A marquee player system similar to the one operating in the English Premiership is being considered across the Channel in France.

INJURY UPDATE: South Africa paid a dear price for their improved performance in the Cape Town leg of the Sevens World Series.

NEWS: Reports that Reds wing Izaia Perese is set for a shocking code switch, after linking up with the Brisbane Broncos, have been confirmed.

NEWS: The South African Rugby Players' Association has a new President.

TRANSFER NEWS: The Reds have added firepower to their backline ahead of the 2019 Super Rugby season.

CHAMPIONS CUP REPORT: Racing 92 sit top of Pool Four after a pulsating 36-26 bonus-point victory over Leicester Tigers in Paris.

CHAMPIONS CUP REPORT: Munster put in a battling performance against a stubborn Castres Olympique side to win 30-5 at Thomond Park on Sunday.

FINAL WRAP: Fiji beat the United States 29-15 in the Cup Final and secure their first World Sevens Series victory in South Africa since 2009.

REACTION: Legendary All Blacks loose forward Wayne Shelford has set the bar for talented Blues number eight Akira Ioane.

INJURY UPDATE: Wasps’ injury problems have worsened after Nathan Hughes was removed from the field just 19 minutes into his side’s crunch clash with Toulouse at the Ricoh Arena.

REACTION: The Bulls will know on Monday where they stand with Springbok legend Victor Matfield, in the protracted coaching saga.

NEWS: Reports out of France claim that All Black captain Kieran Read is close to agreeing on a seven-month contract to play with Top 14 club Racing 92 after next year’s World Cup.

REACTION: All Black Jerome Kaino has come out in support for his former school, following heated debate surrounding player poaching in the schoolboy game.

COACHING SPOTLIGHT: Reports that Victor Matfield will soon be unveiled as the new coach of the Bulls ahead for the 2019 Super Rugby season appear to be premature.

CHAMPIONS CUP REPORT: In a repeat of the 2004 Final, undefeated Toulouse beat Wasps 24-16 on Saturday to remain on course for a quarterfinal spot and all but knock the English club out.

WATCH as we bring you all the #VIDEO highlights from Round Three of the European Champions Cup.

CHAMPIONS CUP REPORT: Four-time European champions Leinster beat Pool One rivals Bath 17-10 after a hard-fought battle at The Recreation Ground on Saturday.

CHAMPIONS CUP REPORT: Gloucester put in a terrific second half performance to pick up a vital 27-19 away victory against Exeter Chiefs in a Pool Two match on Saturday.

World Rugby's Sevens caravan moves down from Arabia to the bottom of Africa, European clubs are going into Round 3 of their Championship and Challenge Cup and the Varsity matches take place at Twickenham.

CHAMPIONS CUP REPORT: Both RC Toulon and Montpellier took try-scoring bonus points from their Pool Five clash on Saturday.

CHAMPIONS CUP REPORT: Glasgow Warriors kept alive their dream of a play-off spot with a bonus-point 42-22 win over Lyon on Saturday.

READERS' FORUM: Follow our LIVE updates of the Cape Town Sevens, Round Two of the World Series!

RugbyPass columnist Liam Heagney shines the spotlight on the contrasting approaches to the vexed issue of player management.

SEMIFINAL WRAP: The United States will appear in the Final of the South African leg of the World Series for the first time.

DAY ONE WRAP: Vilimoni Koroi scored a try in overtime to save New Zealand from the ignominy of missing out on the Cup quarterfinals.

QUARTERFINAL WRAP: We are set for two cracking semifinals in Round Two of the Sevens World Series.

REACTION: An ambitious bid to set up a Pacific Islands Super Rugby team has failed, it the Fiji Rugby Union revealed on Thursday.

CHAMPIONS CUP REPORT: Ulster held off a late charge from Scarlets to keep alive their chances of qualifying for the playoffs.

REACTION: Pundits appear to be getting ahead of themselves in the ongoing debate over the Premiership's promotion-relegation saga.

NEWS: The concept of dual captaincy seems to be taking off, with new Blues coach Leon MacDonald the latest to embrace the idea.

 The Six Nations competition starts on 1 February 2019 when Wayne Barnes blows the whistle at Stade de France to start the match between France and Wales. It ends on 16 March 2019 when Paul Williams blows the final whistle of the Calcutta

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: South African Super Rugby teams will be assigned a Super Hero as their look for the home derbies next season.

NEWS: South African and French rugby is in a state of shock after the news that Barend Britz has been beaten to death.

The Rugby Pod this week brought up some interesting discussions on the possible futures of two South African stars.

CHAMPIONS CUP WIN: Edinburgh came back from a half-time deficit to blow Newcastle Falcons away and go top of pool five.

Fhatuwani Rasivhenge, probably the best-known Sevens referee in the world, whom the rugby world knows as Rasta, has decided that the World Rugby Sevens Tournament in Cape Town will be his last Sevens tournament as he then wishes to concentrate on 15-a-side rugby where he has already achieved great things.

WATCH as Rob Vickerman breaks down last week's Dubai Sevens and some of the incredible rugby on show.

NEWS: One of New Zealand’s top schools has been ‘kicked out’ of the 1A Auckland First XV competition.

ROUND THREE SPOTLIGHT: The pivotal round of the European Champions Cup takes place this weekend.

Paddy O'Brien and the other carers looking after the Cape Town Sevens' match officials, have announced the match officials appointed to the matches on Day 1.

TRANSFER NEWS: Wasps are lined up to lose three of their biggest stars by the end of the season.

INJURY UPDATE: Saracens have suffered a blow with the news that their England lock Maro Itoje will be absent for their busy Christmas schedule.

SUPER RUGBY SPOTLIGHT: The three-time losing finalists, the Lions, have unveiled their new look for 2019.

WORLD SERIES ROUND TWO: The global roadshow moves into the shadows of the picturesque Table Mountain, but don't let the serene setting fool you.

Nick Koster, will be playing his last rugby match when he captains Cambridge against Oxford in the Varsity Match on Thursday, 6 December 2018.

NEWS: Former France international Thomas Lievremont has been sacked as coach of Romania after winning just one of three matches in November, the national federation announced on Friday.

BACK-TO-BACK CLASHES: The competition has reached the crucial halfway stage, ahead of the year-end break.

Two men who became Springboks in the same year and retired to Onrus, died within five days of each other. One was Gertjie Brynard, the other Wynand Mans, Brynard in Onrus, Mans in Hermanus.

WORLD SERIES SPOTLIGHT: Still smarting from their below par performances in Dubai last week, the South African players are looking to put up a "special" performance on home soil.

SPOTLIGHT: Chris Jones interviewed Wasps deputy chairman Nick Eastwood about the rumours of a looming player exodus as a result of the club's cash crunch.

OPINION: Andy Goode, a RugbyPass pundit and former England flyhalf, gives his reasons for retaining the promotion-relegation system in the Premiership.

In the 137th Varsity Match at Twickenham on 6 December 2018, Oxford beat Cambridge 38-16, five tries to one after Cambridge had led for most of the first half.

EURO SPOTLIGHT: Leinster will enter a crucial period of their campaign, as they look to retain both their titles - the Champions Cup and the Pro14.

SPOTLIGHT: The third and fourth rounds of European competition are now upon us and with arguably the most competitive relegation battle in the professional era, is it time for certain Premiership clubs to cash in their chips and turn away from Europe for the season?

REACTION: SANZAAR Chief Executive Andy Marinos has hit back at the latest rumours surrounding a Super Rugby revamp.

NEWS: The boardroom drama enveloping the recent Western Province Rugby Football Union elections took a dramatic new twist on Wednesday.

One of the oldest rugby matches takes place on Thursday, 6 December 2018, the first Thursday of December. That is the day that Oxford and Cambridge meet on the rugby field as they did for the first time on 10 February 1872 when Oxford won by a goal to nil.

NEWS: New Zealand's two-time World Cup winner Victor Vito has signed a three-year contract extension with La Rochelle.

Springbok lock Franco Mostert arrived at Gloucester and rather than putting the normal questions to him, the club handed junior supporter Chloe the microphone to interrogate the burly second row forward.

DISCIPLINARY UPDATE: Two players have been slapped with bans by the Rugby Football Union, followed this weekend's Premiership action.

On Thursday, 6 December 2018, Oxford play Cambridge in a women's Varsity match for the 32nd time.

DESTINATION CAPE TOWN: Two of the main protagonists in Round Two of the Sevens World Series are having contrasting fortunes ahead of this coming weekend's tournament.

Dr Gert Brynard played on the wing for South Africa in its worst of years but survived to enjoy the victories of three years later.

NEWS: Munster and the Irish Rugby Football Union confirmed 12 player contract extensions for the province.

The hopes of playing at next year’s World Cup for former All Black utility back Charles Piutau have taken a significant hit, with attempts to bring forward an Olympic-qualifying Sevens tournament forward failing.

TRANSFER NEWS: Scotland and Glasgow centre Huw Jones appears to have made a dramatic about-turn.

Banks Yantolo, the manager of South African referees, has announced the match officials' panels for 2019. There are few changes.

WATCH as we build towards the second leg of the Sevens World series, in Cape Town this coming weekend!

ROUND THREE SPOTLIGHT: It is with great excitement that the spotlight shifts from the domestic stage to Europe's premier competition.

NEWS: European Professional Club Rugby revealed why the opening round of the 2019-20 Champions and Challenge Cups will be delayed.

OPINION: The Premiership signed off for the upcoming European window in fine fashion, with Round Nine of the competition offering up some eye-catching results.

NEWS: Another of New Zealand's prominent coaches will be heading to Europe to further his career.

REACTION: Gloucester coach Johan Ackermann brushed aside the ongoing tug-of-war with the Golden Lions over the services of Springbok lock Franco Mostert.

VIDEO: The next stop on our Rugby World Cup guide is the prefecture of Oita on the southern island of Kyushu.

New Zealand Rugby Chief Executive Steve Tew has cleared up rumours surrounding All Black coach Steve Hansen.

In the first of our Rugby Wolrd Cup city guides, Jaybor Staunton visits the prefecture of Fukuoka, which sits on the northern shore of Japan’s Kyushu Island.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: It has been a maligned start to a dual-playmaking system with both Beauden Barrett and Damian McKenzie in the All Blacks starting line-up.

PREMIERSHIP REPORT: Joe Cokanasiga's late try rescued a share of the spoils for Bath in a wet and windy low-scoring Premiership clash with Sale Sharks on Sunday.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Martyn Thomas looks at the value Alun Wyn Jones brings to Wales as we start building towards the 2019 World Cup.

LATEST: Springbok World Cup winner and former Super Rugby coach Naka Drotske was pictured Saturday making a thumbs-up sign from his hospital bed after being shot during an armed robbery.

NEWS: SANZAAR is set to tinker with the Super Rugby format yet again!

WATCH as another European-based Springbok sends out a timely reminder to the national selector about his credentials.

TOP 14 WRAP: France wing Yoann Huget scored twice as Toulouse beat Stade Francais 49-20 to close the gap to three points on Clermont at the summit of the Top 14 table on Sunday.

PRO14 REACTION: A second Welsh regional coach could be set for sanction after his criticism of refereeing.

DISCIPLINARY UPDATE: Two players have been cited by the Rugby Football Union, followed this weekend's Premiership action.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Former Australian Rugby Union chief executive John O’Neill believes the struggling union are in need of a “radical overhaul” and “urgent repair”.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Montpellier lock forward will be available for France in the Six Nations after announcing on Friday that his French citizenship had been confirmed this week.

PRO14 REPORT: Leinster hit 50 for the second match in succession, as nine tries saw them emerge from Newport with a dominant 59-10 victory over the Dragons.

PRO14 REPORT: Connacht clinched a third successive victory for the first time since March 2017 with a 21-17 victory over Cheetahs in Bloemfontein.

MATCH REPORT: Elton Jantjies slotted a late drop-goal as the Springbok-laden Barbarians came back from 7-28 down to post a 38-35 win over Argentina on Saturday.

PREMIERSHIP WRAP: Saracens moved to the top of the standings, but the most intriguing results of Saturday's Round Nine matches were the big wins by Bristol Bears and Gloucester.

PRO14 REPORT: Glasgow Warriors extended their lead at the top of Conference A with a stunning victory 29-20 victory over high-flying Scarlets despite playing the majority of the game with 14 men.

PRO14 REPORT: A first-half hat-trick from Hame Faiva ensured Benetton returned to winning ways as they consigned Southern Kings to their sixth consecutive defeat.

PRO14 REPORT: John Cooney delivered the telling blows on his return from international duty as Ulster bounced back from their defeat against Scarlets with a hard-fought 16-12 win over Cardiff Blues.

NEWS: The Bulls, after months of speculation, unveiled their new Chief Executive Officer.

NEWS: The Sharks have unveiled a new addition to their coaching panel for 2019 - completing their Super Rugby roster.

REACTION: South Africa's sixth place in the Dubai Sevens at the weekend was one of their worst starts in the World Series in recent seasons.

FINAL WRAP: New Zealand ended a nine-year wait for another title in Dubai.

TOP 14 WRAP: An outstanding all-round display from scrumhalf Morgan Parra inspired leaders Clermont to a hard-fought 28-23 win at Montpellier on Saturday, moving them eight points clear at the top of the Top 14.

NEWS: Steve Hansen has reportedly been presented an offer to remain as the All Blacks head coach after next year’s Rugby World Cup.

TRANSFER NEWS: Four clubs are competing for the signature of England hooker Luke Cowan-Dickie.

The Barbarians are renowned for their sense of humour and their espousal of the old-school ‘social’ values of Rugby Union.

PREMIERSHIP REPORT: Harlequins inflicted Exeter Chiefs' first defeat of the season in an epic 28-26 showdown at The Stoop as Joe Marchant's late try sealed a stunning win.

PRO14 REPORT: Luke Morgan crossed for a treble as Ospreys claimed a bonus-point 43-0 win over Zebre at the Liberty Stadium on Friday.

NEWS UPDATE: Springbok and Super Rugby coach Naka Drotske was in a "stable" condition in hospital Friday, after being shot during an armed robbery outside Pretoria.

The clock has reached half-time with England leading Australia 13-10.

WATCH as Rosko Specman hits the jets and scores an absolute beauty for South Africa in Dubai!

SEMIFINAL WRAP: New Zealand will face the United States in the Final at the opening round of the World Series.

QUARTERFINAL WRAP: Two of the main protagonists on the World Series, Fiji and South Africa, were knocked out in the quarterfinals on Saturday.

TRANSFER NEWS: Waratahs are keen to add South African lock Le Roux Roets to their 2019 Super Rugby roster, head coach Daryl Gibson confirmed.

NEWS: There is no substance to the allegations of unfair discrimination or unfair labour practices made by Stormers assistant coach Paul Treu.

DAY ONE: There was no upsets in the opening round of matches, as the 2018/19 World Series got underway on Friday.

DAY ONE: Defending series champions South Africa were given a rude wake-up call in the opening round of the 2018-19 season.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Argentina will have the chance to end the year with a win after enduring a tough tour.

AWARDS: The Blue Bulls Company held their 2018 awards ceremony on Thursday.

PRO14 REPORT: Keith Earls crossed for a first-half hat-trick as Munster made light work of Edinburgh on Friday - winning 44-14, their sixth win on the spin.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENTS: Southern Kings hooker Kerron van Vuuren will be the latest player to make his Pro14 debut when the side takes on Benetton in a Round 10 clash at the Nelson Mandela University's Madibaz Stadium on Saturday.

NEWS: One of the rising stars of the French game, Romain Ntamack, has extended his contract with Toulouse for another four years until 2023, the Top 14 side announced on Friday.

United States flyer Carlin Isles shows his outrageous pace to score this beauty at the #Dubai7s.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: With another break for European action around the corner, Round nine of Premiership Rugby is crucial as clubs look to head into those clashes off the back of a promising result.

SCINTILLATING PLAY: The next round of the Pro14 is swiftly approaching and comes hot on the heels of a weekend filled with plenty of eye-catching results.

NEWS: South Africa has been rocked by the news that one of their 1995 World Cup winning squad has been shot in an armed robbery and is in critical condition.

OPINION: It has been an interesting month, with some intriguing results - which is reflected in @rugby365's famous selection.

DAY ONE: There were no upsets in the opening round of matches, as the 2018/19 World Series got underway on Friday.

NEWS: Jake White has offered to replace under-siege Michael Cheika as Wallabies coach and was due to have a phone hook-up with Rugby Australia Thursday, but it was cancelled after news of the call was leaked, reports said.

TRANSFER NEWS: France captain Guilhem Guirado will be moving to Montpellier at the end of the season, the Top 14 club announced on Thursday.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENTS: The Cheetahs and Connacht have both made a number of changes to their teams for the Round Pro14 encounter in Bloemfontein on Saturday.

NEWS: Wallaby loose forward Sean McMahon will play Super Rugby next year, but in the colours of the Sunwolves.

LISTEN @rugby365com team unpacks the year-end tours and reveal some interesting pointers ahead of the 2019 @rugbyworldcup.

WORLD RUGBY AWARDS REACTION: Sitting in the crowd at the World Rugby awards, you could have forgiven Malcolm Marx for feeling a twinge frustration, as Ireland swept the gongs in the coach, team and men’s categories.

TOP 14: One of the most humiliating weeks in the history of French rugby ends with a sliver of salvation as leaders Clermont head to last season's beaten finalists Montpellier to kickstart Round 11 on Saturday.

OLYMPIC QUALIFIERS: The 2018/19 World Series, which gets underway at the Sevens Stadium on Friday, will have the added spice of Olympic qualification added.

N THE SPOTLIGHT: The November Tests have concluded and the next time the Northern hemisphere's finest meets their Southern hemisphere counterparts will be at the World Cup in Japan.

TRANSFER NEWS: Bath Rugby announced the re-signing of utility back James Wilson.

NEWS: France international Lionel Beauxis is to leave Top 14 side Lyon at the end of the season and switch to Oyonnax, the second division club announced on Thursday.

The colourful, extravagant presents of November's Tests have been put away now and rugby seems more ordinary, more normal but still intensely competitive for those on northern fields.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: It is all change for Argentina as they prepare to face the Barbarians in their final match of the year at Twickenham on Saturday.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: New Zealand great Wyatt Crockett will captain the Barbarians against Argentina at Twickenham on Saturday.

TRANSFER FOCUS: All Blacks’ captain Kieran Read is so keen on a post-World Cup career in Paris that he is even willing to forgo even more money elsewhere, according to reports in France.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: 'Individual egos and selfish players' played a big role in England's poor showing at the 2015 World Cup, Sam Burgess has claimed.

European Professional Club starts again on Friday, 7 December with Round 3 and continues a week later with Round 4 in both the Heineken Champions Cup and the Challenge Cup.

TRANSFER NEWS: Northampton Saints revealed that centre Fraser Dingwall has put pen to paper on his first senior contract at Franklin’s Gardens.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Australian referee Angus Gardner admits he was wrong not to give South Africa a penalty at the end of the match against England.

SQUAD ANNOUNCEMENT: Sunwolves new head coach Tony Brown has revealed his 29-man squad for next year's Super Rugby season.

NEWS: Rugby in New South Wales enters a new era following the announcement of a multi-million dollar investment from the NSW Government.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Following one of the worst seasons in Wallabies history with just four wins from 13 tests, the chorus for change grows louder, with prominent former Wallabies publicly advocating for Rugby Australia to end Cheika’s reign.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Springbok hooker Schalk Brits has opened up about his failed move to the Stormers.

NEWS: All Blacks head coach Steve Hansen is set to take up a newly created role as New Zealand's Director of Rugby after next year's World Cup.

A 18-37 loss to England put the final nail into coffin of the Wallabies 2018 season, sealing it as one of their worst ever with just four wins from 13 test matches.

REACTION: Reigning champions New Zealand may remain the team to beat at the 2019 World Cup in Japan, but November's internationals confirmed that Ireland is hot on their heels.

SEVENS FOCUS: Clutching at his knee, desperately fighting off the pain of a torn knee ligament, Kyle Brown saw the chequered flag of his BlitzBoks career being waved, as he lay prone on the pitch of the Singapore National Stadium.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: The mechanical engineering side of Impi Visser has taught him to be patient, scientific and pragmatic and to trust the construction of designs.

ELECTION NEWS: On a day of high drama Zelt Marais became the new President of the Western Province Rugby Football Union.

INJURY UPDATE: Exeter Chiefs and England star Jack Nowell will be out for around eight weeks with a hamstring tear.

New Zealand has chosen a panel of 34 referees for 2019. Of the 34, 12 are new to the panel and two are referees returning to the panel.

SQUAD ANNOUNCEMENT: Seems like the Barbarians match against Argentina could count as an extra TEst match for the Springboks.

NEWS: Paddy Jackson’s career-saving move to France is quickly set to pay off.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Crusaders coach Scott Robertson revealed his interest in taking up the role as the new New Zealand head coach after the 2019 World Cup amidst speculation of Steve Hansen's future plans.

Watch South Africa wing Aphiwe Dyantyi’s acceptance speech following his World Rugby Breakthrough Player of the Year award.

WORLD RANKINGS: A first victory over France and an all-time high of eighth in the global standings.

INJURY UPDATE: South Africa's Johan Goosen is set for a return with Montpellier, after missing more than six weeks with an ankle injury.

WATCH as the Irish Rugby Football Union confirms that Joe Schmidt will retire from coaching following the World Cup in Japan next year.

INJURY UPDATE: Italy wing Mattia Bellini looks set to miss the Six Nations after being ruled out for four months following surgery on a dislocated right shoulder picked up in the November Test against Australia, his club Zebre revealed.

REACTION: South Africa coach Rassie Erasmus doffed his cap to Wales after the Springboks went down 11-20 in Cardiff on Saturday.

NEWS: Eddie Jones may have put England’s Chariot back on track for next year’s World Cup in Japan after an impressive November series.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Scarlets face an uphill battle in their pursuit of current Melbourne Rebels coach Dave Wessels.

PRO14 REPORT: Jack Carty guided Connacht to a second consecutive Pro14 victory as they overpowered the Southern Kings 31-14 at the Madibaz Stadium.

NEWS: Just a day before their 11-20 defeat, South Africa were forced to evacuate their hotel due to a bomb scare.

OPINION: The All Blacks have capped their 2018 season with an emphatic 10-try 66-3 victory over the Azzurri in Rome.

WORLD RUGBY AWARDS: Some have cast the relationship between Ireland coach Joe Schmidt and Johnny Sexton as like father and son - and the latter has from the outset been in the precocious category.

OPINION: South Africa will have to readjust their tactics following the final November Test match against Wales.

At their sparkling awards function in Monaco on Sunday evening, 25 November 2018, Angus Gardner of Australia was named World Rugby's Referee of the Year for 2018.

PREMIERSHIP REPORT: Alex Lozowski inspired Saracens survived a rousing Leicester Tigers comeback to return to the top of the Premiership table with a 27-22 win.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Wales' 20-11 victory over South Africa have finally made the world realize that they have a solid chance of claiming the 2019 World Cup trophy.

WATCH how 2018 World Rugby Player of the year Johnny Sexton produced a very unconventional acceptance speech.

REACTION: Vice-presidential candidate Ronald Bantom confirmed that he is considering obtaining a court interdict in the wake of the Western Province Rugby Football Union election bombshell on Friday.

REACTION: Australia coach Michael Cheika says he will assess his own performance after a disappointing year for the Wallabies as the Australian Rugby Union refused to rule out changes to his backroom staff.

REACTION: Mathieu Bastareaud was an angry man after his side lost 14-21 to Fiji in Paris on Saturday.

REACTION: Australia coach Michael Cheika ripped into South African referee Jaco Peyper over two key decisions in the 18-37 defeat by England at Twickenham on Saturday.

NEWS: England prop Kyle Sinckler has never been the shy, retiring type.

PRO14 REPORT: Munster registered their 13th straight win over Zebre but they were made to work hard for their 32-7 victory.

MATCH REPORT: Fiji beat France 21-14 on Saturday to claim a historic first victory over the French in more than 60 years less than a year before the World Cup.

TOP 14, SUNDAY WRAP: New Zealand centre George Moala scored twice as Clermont returned to the summit of the Top 14 with a 31-11 thumping of Lyon on Sunday.

MATCH REPORT: Wales complete their first November Test Series clean-sweep with a 20-11 win over South Africa on Saturday.

PRO14 REPORT: The Dragons won their first Pro14 match since September as they held off Edinburgh 18-12 in a gritty battle at Rodney Parade.

On Saturday in Rome, Andrew Brace of Ireland was refereeing Italy vs New Zealand at the Stadio Olimpico. Injury forced him from the field and he was replaced by Pascal Gaüzère of France, a rare occurrence in rugby football, just the 14th time in Tier 1 Tests since the first one a 106 years ago.

MATCH REPORT: Ireland's second-string overpowered an ultimately outclassed United States 57-14 in Dublin on Saturday to end a brilliant year on a high.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Michael Cheika has denied he tried to cover-up the real reason for Kurtley Beale's surprise axing from the Wallabies team, after it emerged he was dropped for allowing women into his hotel room.

PRO14 MATCH REPORT: Daniel Maartens grabbed two second half tries as Cheetahs got their second win of the season with a 31-25 victory over Benetton Rugby.

MATCH REPORT: England ended 2018 with a 37-18 win over Australia at Twickenham on Saturday to claim their sixth win in a row over the Wallabies.

REACTION: Wales will not be getting carried away with themselves ahead of next year's World Cup after a victory over South Africa Saturday ensured a first-ever November cleansweep, according to coach Warren Gatland.

MATCH REPORT: Scotland beat Argentina 14-9 in their final November Test on Saturday thanks to a second-half try from Sean Maitland.

REACTION: England coach Eddie Jones was in buoyant mood as his side headed into a World Cup year on the back of a 37-18 victory over his native Australia.

MATCH REPORT: New Zealand bid farewell to the November Test Series with a massive statement as they marched to comfortable 66-3 win over Italy on Saturday.

REACTION: Argentina head into the final game of their European tour, against the Barbarians at Twickenham next Saturday, on a five-match losing streak but coach Mario Ledesma insists his side are making improvements on the road to next year’s World Cup.

TOP 14, SATURDAY WRAP: Toulouse went first in the French Top 14 with a 15-13 victory over Pau on Saturday despite missing a raft of players injured or on international duty including captain Julien Marchand and Scotland lock Richie Gray.

REACTION: Conor O'Shea's Italy turn their focus to next year's Six Nations and the Rugby World Cup with morale at a low after another bruising defeat 3-66 at the hands of New Zealand.

PREMIERSHIP WRAP: Robert du Preez, along with Denny Solomona, made sure the Sale Sharks secure an 18-13 win over Northampton Saints.

NEWS: World number one New Zealand have chosen Tonga for their final dress rehearsal before defending their crown at the World Cup in Japan next year.

PREMIERSHIP REPORT: Eleven points from the boot of Toby Flood on his 100th appearance for Newcastle Falcons helped them battle past Bath 16-8.

VIDEO: Fiji shocked France 21-14 in Paris on Saturday.

PRO14 REPORT: Leinster were in seventh heaven as they ran in a septet of tries, bringing up the 50-point mark in the process, as they sent out a message with a 52-7 win against the Ospreys.

PREMIERSHIP REPORT: Nick Schonert’s first-half try set Worcester Warriors on their way to a vital Premiership victory, 20-13 at home to Harlequins.

In this exclusive article @rugby365com's Jan de Koning puts Western Province Rugby Football Union presidency candidates Peter Jooste and Zelt Marais in a head-to-head interview.

NOVEMBER SPOTLIGHT: South African captain Siyamthanda Kolisi on Friday hailed coach Rassie Erasmus for having restored self-belief in the Springbok camp.

With the score 0-0, Jayden Hayward of Italy kicks out for a line-out to Australia about eight metres inside the Australian half on Australia's left.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Several international teams plan to wear rainbow laces in support of former Wales captain Gareth Thomas this weekend, but England may avoid a similar gesture because they do not fit into their boots.

It's the last round of the November Tests this weekend. Can we hope fervently that it, unlike the previous three weeks, will be without controversy, that all refereeing/TMO decisions will be brightly clear and obvious and intelligible in terms of law. 

DAVID VERSUS GOLIATH: Italy coach Conor O'Shea concedes his side are braced for a 'David against Goliath' challenge against world champions New Zealand in their final November Test on Saturday at the Stadio Olimpico.

REPORT: Canada will face reigning champions New Zealand and South Africa at next year’s Rugby World Cup after beating Hong Kong to secure the final place at the event.

NOVEMBER INTERNATIONALS: Hundred-and-twelve after they first met, Wales and South Africa meet again - this time in Cardiff at the posh Millennium Stadium.

NEWS: Fiji-born wing Alivereti Raka could feature for France in the 2019 Six Nations and at the World Cup after his application for French nationality was confirmed earlier this month.

NOVEMBER INTERNATIONALS: England coach Eddie Jones has warned his side to stay "sharp and smart" when they bring down the curtain on their 2018 against his native Australia at Twickenham on Saturday.

England will attempt to continue their dominance of Australia and in-form Wales host South Africa in another mouthwatering Test on Saturday.

HIGH FLYING: Fresh from a historic win over New Zealand, Ireland will be out to end November Test Series on a high note when they host the USA on Saturday.

NOVEMBER SPOTLIGHT: Australia backs Kurtley Beale and Adam Ashley-Cooper were dropped for Saturday's match against England at Twickenham after bringing women into their hotel room near Cardiff earlier on tour.

PRO14 REPORT: Scarlets kept the heat on in Conference B as Tom Prydie's second-half try helped earn a bonus-point 29-12 win to overtake Ulster.

PRO14 REPORT: Niko Matawalu marked his 100th appearance for Glasgow Warriors with two tries as they cruised past Cardiff Blues 40-15.

NOVEMBER SPOTLIGHT: Fiji face France in Paris on Saturday looking to make history by beating the hosts for the first time in their history.

NOVEMBER SPOTLIGHT: Argentina have insisted they will be fully focused on the task at hand when they face Scotland at Murrayfield on Saturday despite the death of forward Marcos Kremer's partner this week.

TOP SPOT: Another intriguing six games are on the cards this weekend as the Premiership Rugby action continues with what promises to be an exciting Round eight.

WELCOME BACK: There is a whole host of intriguing match-ups, cross-conference clashes and no shortage of attacking this week.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Southern Kings head coach Deon Davids has made five changes to his starting team that will take on Irish side, Connacht in Port Elizabeth.

SQUAD ANNOUNCEMENT: New Zealand great Wyatt Crockett are among the latest group of players added to the Barbarians squad to face Argentina on December 1.

INJURY UPDATE: Australian back row forward David Pocock has been ruled out of Saturday's international against England, just over a day before the Cook Cup clash at Twickenham.

NOVEMBER SPOTLIGHT: Eddie Jones should be given an extended contract as England coach in recognition of his achievements since taking charge, according to Australia counterpart Michael Cheika.

INJURY UPDATE: Australia star David Pocock has been ruled out of Saturday's international against England, just over a day before the Cook Cup clash at Twickenham.

SQUAD ANNOUNCEMENT: Impi Visser will make his Springbok Sevens debut in Dubai next weekend after he was included in the travelling squad by BlitzBok coach Neil Powell.

NEWS: A wider Stormers training squad began preparations for the 2019 Super Rugby season this week.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENTS: Springboks discard Rudy Paige has been named on the Cheetahs bench for their Pro14 match against Benetton.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: USA Head coach Gary Gold has named his match-day 23 to face Ireland on Saturday.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Wallabies coach Michael Cheika has yet again made a number of changes to the team that will face England at Twickenham on Saturday

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Italy head coach Conor O'Shea has made just one change to Italy starting XV that will face New Zealand in Rome.

OPINION: On the back of last weekend’s defeat to Ireland, Steve Hansen and his fellow coaches won’t be pushing the panic button just yet but they’ll certainly have a few things to mull over.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Wales have made one change from the side that beat Australia a fortnight ago for their final year-end Test against South Africa on Saturday.

OPINION: Ireland's impressive win over New Zealand has earned them plenty of rewards in @rugby365com’s famous weekly selection.

@rugby365com law guru Paul Dobson looks at Scotland's line-out try against South Africa.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: The All Blacks will persist with a two-pronged attack against Italy on Saturday, despite coach Steve Hansen ringing the changes after last week's loss to Ireland.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus has retained his winning recipe for the final match of their November campaign.

The @rugby365com team brings you the lowdown on the three candidates that are on the shortlist to replace John Mitchell as the Bulls' @SuperRugby coach.

Wales have been tough opponents for the Springboks for 112 years. It was so in the beginning and more so in the last four years.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Prop Rabah Slimani and fullback Benjamin Fall have been named in France's starting line-up to face Fiji in Paris this weekend, the French Rugby Federation announced on Thursday.

REACTION: "Excited kid" Manu Tuilagi has been promised an early sight of the ball by Leicester and England teammate Ben Youngs should he come off the bench against Australia at Twickenham on Saturday.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Following their impressive win over the All Blacks, Ireland head coach Joe Schmidt has handed a worthy break to some of his star performers.

NEWS: Ireland star flyhalf Jonathan Sexton have been named the has been named the Rugby Writers of Ireland Player of the Year.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: England head coach Eddie Jones has named his team to play Australia on Saturday in their last Test of the 2018 November internationals.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Fiji coach John McKee named a side Thursday he said was capable of springing an upset win over France in Paris this weekend.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: The Argentinean team to take on Scotland in the final match of their November tour shows a couple of changes from that which lost to France last week.

Following some impressive recent results in the November Tests, is this the smallest we've seen the gap between Southern and Northern Hemisphere sides?

New Zealand flanker Sam Cane hopes to return in time for the end of the 2019 Super Rugby season after breaking his neck against South Africa last month.

TRANSFER NEWS: Zebre Rugby confirmed the signing of New Zealand scrumhalf Joshua Renton who has joined the Parma-based franchise from the Highlanders in Super Rugby.

NOVEMBER SPOTLIGHT: Wales are cock-a-hoop heading into their final year-end encounter.

NOVEMBER SPOTLIGHT: Pete Samu could be the suitable candidate to don the Wallabies No.8 jersey against England, should David Pocock fail to recover from injury.

TRANSFER NEWS: Gloucester Rugby revealed that Bulls hooker Jaco Visagie has joined the club on a short-term loan deal.

INJURY UPDATE: Australia are waiting anxiously to see whether stars Bernard Foley and Israel Folau recover from illness in time for Saturday's one-off Test with England at Twickenham.

INJURY UPDATE: Manu Tuilagi has one last training session to prove his fitness for England's final November Test against Australia at Twickenham on Saturday.

NEWS: World Rugby CEO Brett Gosper has asked referees to show more red and yellow cards in a continued effort to stop dangerous tackles.

The Southern Kings are looking to continue their try-scoring spree at home, when the Pro14 resumes this coming weekend.

NOVEMBER SPOTLIGHT: South Africa may be on an upward trajectory, but it could all come crashing down in Cardiff on Saturday.

SQUAD ANNOUNCEMENT: England coach Simon Amor has named an experienced side for the opening round of the 2018/19 Sevens World Series - which takes place in Dubai on November 30 and December 1.

TRANSFER NEWS: Jordan Petaia has put pen-to-paper on a new four-year

NEWS: World Rugby's vice-chairman Augustin Pichot has drawn enormous criticism online for publishing the percentage of players in Tier 1 nations born outside of the countries they represent.

INJURY UPDATE: England wing Chris Ashton is unavailable for Saturday's Test with Australia, because of a calf injury.

INJURY UPDATE: Leigh Halfpenny has been ruled out of Wales’ clash with South Africa this weekend after failing to recover from a concussion.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Head Coach Gregor Townsend has made nine changes to the starting Scotland line-up for the final match in the 2018 November Test series against Argentina at BT Murrayfield.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: France players will wear rainbow laces during their match against Fiji in support of Gareth Thomas, the French Rugby Federation's vice president Serge Simon said on Tuesday.

WATCH as we look back to the last time Wales and South Africa met - in Washington in June.

SQUAD ANNOUNCEMENT: Australian Sevens Head Coach Tim Walsh has named his squad for the opening round of the Sevens World Series in Dubai next weekend with NSW Waratahs’ player, Michael Wells to earn his first cap for Australia since 2014.

RugbyPass columnist Jamie Lyall looks into the consequences of World Rugby's lack of action in the Siyamthanda Kolisi headbutting saga.

INJURY UPDATE: England’s preparations to take on Australia at Twickenham on Saturday have taken a significant blow.

INJURY UPDATE: Scrumhalf Kieran Marmion has become the latest Ireland player to face a lengthy spell on the sidelines.

SQUAD ANNOUNCEMENT: All Blacks Sevens Coach Clark Laidlaw has named a 13-man team for the first legs of the 2018/19 Sevens World Series in Dubai and Cape Town.