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CURRIE CUP REPORT: The Sharks survived a second-half fightback from the Golden Lions to win their semifinal 33-24 and advance to this year's Currie Cup Final.

A new potential suitor has emerged as talks of Beauden Barrett’s post World Cup future heat up.

CURRIE CUP REPORT: It took extra time to separate Western Province and the Blue Bulls in an epic Currie Cup semifinal at Newlands in Cape Town on Saturday.

WATCH as Springbok captain Siyamthanda Kolisi is awarded an Honours Blazer at his former school - Grey High in Port Elizabeth.

NEWS: The South African Rugby Union has taken the drastic measure of suspending a union, because of its dire financial situation.

NATIONAL PROVINCIAL CHAMPIONSHIP WRAP: Auckland will host Canterbury next Saturday for the first time in a provincial Final, after a professional 38-17 Premiership semifinal victory over Wellington at Eden Park.

CHAMPIONS CUP REACTION: Barnstorming Manu Tuilagi reminded England coach Eddie Jones of his abilities, as two-time winners Leicester reignited their title bid with a 45-27 win over Scarlets on Friday.

CHAMPIONS CUP NEWS: Bath have taken the unprecedented step of writing to European Champions Cup organisers calling for their 20-22 pool defeat by Toulouse to be replayed because of "negligence" by the match officials.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Eddie Jones hopes Owen Farrell and Dylan Hartley can follow the example of Australia greats George Gregan and John Eales after naming the pair as England's co-captains for the November internationals at Twickenham.

NEWS: England and Wasps wing Christian Wade has decided to pursue an American football career in the NFL.

WATCH as a Western Province fan entertains the players with his own brand of commentating.

CHAMPIONS CUP REPORT: Munster ran in five tries as they defeated Gloucester 36-22 in a thrilling Champions Cup Pool Two clash at Thomond Park.

CURRIE CUP SPOTLIGHT: Western Province head coach John Dobson is expecting the Blue Bulls to show some improvement in the scrums in their Currie Cup semifinal at Newlands on Saturday.

NEWS: Michael Cheika has the full backing of Rugby Australia through to the World Cup next year, Chairman Cameron Clyne said Friday, easing pressure on the beleaguered Wallabies coach.

NEWS: French Top 14 side Toulouse have appealed the five-week suspension handed to New Zealander Jerome Kaino for a dangerous tackle on Bath player Jamie Roberts.

CHAMPIONS CUP REPORT: Leicester Tigers ended a run of five consecutive Champions Cup defeats with a 45-27 bonus-point victory over Scarlets at Welford Road on Friday.

NEWS: Francois Louw’s future at Bath Rugby seems anything but clear, with the club admitting they’ve yet to make a decision on the Springbok.

CHAMPIONS CUP SPOTLIGHT: Barn-storming France centre Mathieu Bastareaud makes a welcome return for three-time champions Toulon when the struggling Top 14 giants bid to resurrect their faltering season.

EURO GIANTS GO HEAD-TO-HEAD: Toulouse and Leinster, the two most successful clubs in the history of European club rugby with eight elite titles and 318 tournament matches between them, will meet this weekend in a heavyweight clash.

CURRIE CUP SEMIFINAL: At Kings Park, the Sharks will be determined to build on their 37-21 victory against the Golden Lions in a repeat of this match in the pool stages, but they will be wary of underestimating the visitors.

CURRIE CUP SEMIFINAL: In Cape Town, defending champions Western Province will have their sights set on earning their first home final since 2014 when they face the Blue Bulls in their semifinal at Newlands.

REACTION: Michael Cheika defended the Wallabies coaching team after a miserable season as he prepared for another tough assignment against the All Blacks next week in Japan.

NEWS: David Pocock has capped his stellar return to international rugby by claiming the John Eales Medal at the 2018 Rugby Australia Awards at Randwick Racecourse on Friday.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Munster head Johann Van Graan is expecting Gloucester Danni Cipriani to be the difference between victory and defeat when the two sides meet on Saturday.

SQUAD ANNOUNCEMENT: England head coach Eddie Jones has named a 36-man squad to prepare for their opening November clash against the Springboks.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Springboks flyhalf Elton Jantjies has urge SA Rugby to pay more attention to the Currie Cup.

NEWS: Lions defence coach Joey Mongalo's court case got underway in Sydney this week.

TRANSFER NEWS: South African and former Southern Kings flank Chris Cloete opted to extend his deal with Irish Pro14 side Munster.

NATIONAL PROVINCIAL CHAMPIONSHIP REPORT: For the 10th time in 11 years Canterbury will contest the Final of New Zealand's premier domestic crown - after coming from 6-13 down at half-time to beat Tasman 21-16 in Nelson.

REACTION: Fiji wing Alivereti Raka and South African lock Paul Willemse were thwarted in their attempts to be included in France's November Test squad on Wednesday after they were told they need to wait until they have their French passports in their hands.

NEWS: Northampton Saints announced that Courtney Lawes has extended his contract with the club.

NEWS: Malakai Fekitoa is set for a sensational switch to the Premiership, with Wasps to land the All Blacks centre according to reports

SQUAD ANNOUNCEMENT: Head coach Gregor Townsend named three uncapped players in a 40-man Scotland squad for the 2018 November Tests.

EXCLUSIVE: Springbok captain Siya Kolisi grew up watching the late Solomzi "Solly" Tyibilika in Zwide and was motivated by the ex-Springbok to be an inspiration to that area.

CURRIE CUP SPOTLIGHT: The completion regulations for the Currie Cup and other SARU competitions are written down but may well be filed away and remain pretty well unknown.

REACTION: Danny Cipriani was labelled England's "third-choice flyhalf" by coach Eddie Jones as he explained why he had left the in-form playmaker out of his squad.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Sharks coach Robert du Preez made a couple of significant changes to his team for their Currie Cup semifinal showdown with the Golden Lions in Durban on Saturday.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: The Golden Lions have a number of Springboks back for their Currie Cup semifinal showdown with the Sharks in Durban on Saturday.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Blue Bulls coach Pote Human made a number of changes ahead of the Currie Cup semifinal encounter with Western Province at Newlands on Saturday.

SQUAD ANNOUNCEMENT: Three uncapped players were named Thursday in the Wallabies squad to face the All Blacks in next week's third Bledisloe Cup Test in Japan, where Sekope Kepu is set to make his 100th appearance

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: There are four changes and a positional switch to the Western Province starting line-up for the Currie Cup semifinal against the Blue Bulls at Newlands on Saturday.

The Currie Cup in South Africa has reached the semifinal stage with Marius van der Westhuizen and Egon Seconds to referee them. Division 1 has reached a final with Cwengile Jadezweni to referee it.

LISTEN as the @rugby365com team looks at some of the strangest rugby games to take place.

CURRIE CUP SPOTLIGHT: Sharks centre Jeremy Ward says the combination of Robert du Preez at No.12 and Curwin Bosch at No.10 gave the Sharks a 'new dimension' on attack against Griquas.

NEWS: The Waratahs will play three Super Rugby matches in Western Sydney in 2019.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: There are only a few minutes to play. Toulouse are leading Bath by two points - 22-20 and then Freddy Burns blows a golden opportunity to win the match.

NEWS: The Wallabies' experienced flyhalf Bernard Foley has rebuffed foreign offers and opted to stay in Australia ahead of next year's Rugby World Cup.

NEWS: The Cheetahs have added two new players to their squad.

DISCIPLINARY UPDATE: Saracens centre Alex Lozowski has been suspended for two weeks which is good news for England.

UPDATE: Injury-hit England's problems intensified Thursday when Wasps No.8 Nathan Hughes was given an extended six-week ban, missing three November Tests, after slamming a disciplinary hearing as a "joke" on Twitter.

YOUTH OLYMPICS REACTION: South African Under-18 Sevens coach Marius Schoeman said his charges will take valuable lessons from the Youth Olympic Games in Argentina where they went down in the bronze playoff on Monday.

CURRIE CUP NEWS: The Golden Lions are set to be boosted by the return of two Springboks to their matchday squad for their Currie Cup semifinal against the Sharks in Durban on Saturday.

NEWS: Former Highlanders captain Nasi Manu has been diagnosed with testicular cancer.

SQUAD ANNOUNCEMENT: France coach Jacques Brunel has summoned debutant Demba Bamba and recalled Louis Picamoles to his squad announced Wednesday for November Tests against South Africa, Argentina and Fiji.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Western Province head coach John Dobson is sitting with a few selection conundrums any coach would love to have.

INJURY UPDATE: England were dealt a further injury blow ahead of their November Test series against South Africa, Australia and New Zealand.

SQUAD ANNOUNCEMENT: Wales have named two uncapped players in their 37-man squad for the forthcoming November international series.

NEWS: Experienced Super Rugby trainer Phil Healey has been named to join the Blues with coaches Tana Umaga, Tom Coventry and Leon Macdonald.

INJURY UPDATE: Former captain Chris Robshaw has been ruled out of England's November Tests after undergoing knee surgery.

TRANSFER NEWS: Australia legend George Smith has signed a contract extension with Bristol, the English Premiership side announced.

DISCIPLINARY UPDATE: Two-time World Cup winner Jerome Kaino was handed a five-week suspension on Wednesday for a dangerous playing for Toulouse in last week's European Champions Cup clash against Bath.

OPINION: Players from Western Province and the Sharks dominate our Currie Cup Team of the Week for Round Eight.

NEWS: Hopes of Pacific Island Super Rugby team seem to be dwindling as World League negotiations put a cloud over the future of Super Rugby.

EXCLUSIVE: Springbok captain Siya Kolisi took some of his free time to speak about the Springbok revival and his softer side that not many get to see.

SQUAD ANNOUNCEMENT: The chance to pick Akira Ioane came as a surprise to NZ Maori head coach Clayton McMillan

INJURY UPDATE: The Blue Bulls were dealt another cruel blow in the build-up to their trip to Cape Town this week.

NEWS: Connacht and the IRFU announced that Ireland international Quinn Roux has signed a two-year contract extension up to the end of the 2020-21 season.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: The number of Anti-Doping Rule Violations at schoolboy level is "alarming".

NEWS: Backline stars Damian de Allende and Sergeal Petersen both claimed two awards at the 2018 WPRFU Awards evening.

NEWS: The Queensland Reds back row has been bolstered by flank Adam Korczyk putting pen to paper to remain at Ballymore next season.

NEWS: The Blue Bulls Rugby Union's coaching 'short-list' has just become even shorter.

NEWS: The Wallabies will wear an indigenous-themed jersey when they face England at Twickenham next month, the first time they have donned the kit overseas in tribute to the role Aborigines play in rugby.

NEWS: Luke Jones will be returning to the Melbourne Rebels in 2019 for two seasons, following a two-year spell in France with Bordeaux.

INJURY UPDATE: Montpellier pair Nemani Nadolo and Henry Immelman have been sidelined for several weeks after respective injury setbacks, the French Top 14 club announced Tuesday.

CURRIE CUP SPOTLIGHT: The Blue Bulls can expect a more determined and ruthless Western Province outfit when they go head-to-head in the semifinal at Newlands on Saturday.

NEWS: The Brumbies have added young prop Vunipola Fifita to their 2019 Super Rugby squad, completing their 39-man roster for the new season which will begin on Friday, February 15 against the Rebels at GIO Stadium.

INJURY UPDATE: La Rochelle's Australian forward Lopeti Timani will be out for at least six months after rupturing knee ligaments in the European Challenge Cup, the Top 14 club said on Tuesday.

NEWS: The True nature of England coach Eddie Jones' injury concerns were revealed on Monday.

REACTION: The Sharks have been in fine form with only one Currie Cup defeat en route to the semifinals.

SQUAD ANNOUNCEMENT: Stand-out Top 14 wings Semi Radradra and Josua Tuisova headline Fiji's 30-man squad named Tuesday for November Tests against Scotland, Uruguay and France.

NEWS: Scotland not only have to rely on a new scrumhalf, the side will also be without lock Richie Gray for the November Test Series.

It's time for the Currie Cup semifinals this weekend - at Kings Park and Newlands.

DISCIPLINARY UPDATE: Former All Blacks loose forward Jerome Kaino has been cited following his side Toulouse's win over Bath.

OPINION: The 2018/19 Champions Cup opened up on Friday in emphatic fashion, with reigning champions Leinster putting Wasps to the sword in Dublin, in a landslide 52-3 victory.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: All Black coach Steve Hansen produced a real bolter when he named the replacement for injured loose forward Sam Cane.

NPC SUNDAY WRAP: With only two weeks to play in the domestic season, finalists and semifinalists have been confirmed across New Zealand's National Provincial Cup.

OPINION: The final round of the regular season threw up some trying weather for teams to navigate one of the most stressful weeks of the competition.

REACTION: Saracens were left counting the cost of a hard-fought victory in Glasgow on Sunday and England coach Eddie Jones, about to name his squad for the November Tests, might share their pain.

CHAMPIONS CUP REACTION: Bath fullback Freddie Burns apologised after a showboating blunder cost his team a winning try as Toulouse claimed a 22-20 victory in the European Champions Cup on Saturday.

CURRIE CUP REACTION: Blue Bulls coach Pote Human was left scratching his head after his team's horror show in a 40-minute game against Western Province at Loftus Versfeld on Saturday.

NEWS: Springbok coach and SA Rugby Director of Rugby Rassie Erasmus is part of a four-man committee tasked with appointing the new Bulls coach.

NEWS: Wallabies forward Lukhan Tui has made a decision ahead of the upcoming November tour.

Sam Warlow introduces new All Black Dalton Papali'i to the world - at least those who have not seen him in action for Auckland in the National Provincial Championship.

CURRIE CUP REACTION: Western Province head coach John Dobson said his team will not be complacent as they head into this year's Currie Cup play-offs.

CHAMPIONS CUP REPORT: Newcastle Falcons pulled off one of the biggest shocks in European rugby history to beat RC Toulon at Stade Mayol 26-25 in the opening round of the Champions Cup.

CHAMPIONS CUP REPORT: The 2018 Challenge Cup winners Cardiff Blues continued their superb form on the road as they defeated Champions Cup debutants Lyon 30-21 at Matmut Stadium de Gerland.

CHAMPIONS CUP REPORT: A shocking blunder by fullback Freddie Burns has cost Bath their opening game of the European Champions Cup against Toulouse at the Rec.

CHAMPIONS CUP REPORT: Mike Rhodes scored the sole Saracens try as the two-time Champions Cup winners defeated Glasgow Warriors 13-3 at Scotstoun Stadium.

CHAMPIONS CUP REPORT: Exeter Chiefs and Munster Rugby’s Pool 2 match finished in a 10-all draw, after a thrilling contest between the two sides at Sandy Park.

EXCLUSIVE: Former All Blacks flyhalf, Stephen Donald, opens up about the toughest opponents he faced during his International and Super Rugby career.

CHAMPIONS CUP REPORT: Montpellier overcame a late scare to defeat Edinburgh Rugby 21-15 at the Altrad Stadium.

CHAMPIONS CUP REPORT: An impressive inspired second-half performance gave Ulster Rugby a convincing 24-10 win over two-time European champions Leicester Tigers at the Kingspan Stadium.

CURRIE CUP REPORT: The Golden Lions eased into the play-offs with a bonus-point 33-21 win over the Pumas in Nelspruit on Friday.

CHAMPIONS CUP REPORT: 2018 Champions Cup finalists Racing 92 took a 14-13 away victory from Llanelli thanks to a late penalty try in their Pool 4 opener against Scarlets.

CHAMPIONS CUP REPORT: Gloucester returned to Europe’s elite club competition after five years out, by beating Top 14 champions Castres Olympique 19-14 at a wet and windy Kingsholm Stadium.

NPC SATURDAY WRAP: The Otago Razorbacks have written another dramatic chapter in the long history of the Ranfurly Shield with a tense 23-19 victory over Waikato in Hamilton.

NEWS: The Blue Bulls Rugby Union are still looking for a new CEO, but at least they have certainty about their President.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Rassie Erasmus, Michael Cheika, Warren Gatland and even Steve Hansen all have plans to use the November Test window as preparation for the World Cup, however, England coach Eddie Jones refuse to follow the stream.

CHAMPIONS CUP REPORT: Leinster sent a strong message to the rest of Europe: 'You want the title? Come and get it.'

CURRIE CUP SPOTLIGHT: Blue Bulls head coach Pote Human said his decision to select Ivan van Zyl ahead of Embrose Papier in his team to face Western Province was based on experience.

CURRIE CUP REPORT: The Sharks' amplified their superiority with a comfortable 41-11 win over the Griquas on Saturday.

RUMOUR MILL: This week there were some very interesting rumours coming from the hosts Jim Hamilton and Andy Goode.

CURRIE CUP MATCH: Western Province upheld their unbeaten record with a 34-7 win over the Blue Bulls at Loftus Versfeld in Pretoria

New Zealand international Dane Coles made his long-awaited return from injury for Wellington in the NPC on Friday.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: The Western Province Rugby Football Union clubs will go to the polls in November and their choice appears to be as simple as Turkeys voting for Christmas.

INJURY UPDATE: England and Wasps second row Joe Launchbury will miss the November Test Series after undergoing knee surgery.

MATCH REPORT & HIGHLIGHTS: Wellington put the full stop on Taranaki's season of misery, dooming them to relegation to the NPC next season, as a result of their 34-10 win at Yarrow Stadium in New Plymouth.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: The investigation into the protracted stand-off between Stormers assistant coach Paul Treu and his colleagues appears to be coming to a head.

REACTION: Gloucester coach Johan Ackermann is confident he will have Springbok lock Franco Mostert in his camp early next month.

NEWS: Former Springboks and Bulls hooker Adriaan Strauss will captain the World XV for their match against Japan on October 26 at Osaka's Hanazono Rugby Stadium.

CHALLENGE CUP REPORT: Byron McGuigan scored a hat-trick as Sale Sharks came through a hot-tempered European Challenge Cup opener at Perpignan with a 41-24 triumph.

NEW BEGINNINGS: Leinster kick off the defence of their European Champions Cup title with a tricky home tie against Wasps on Friday.

OPINION: The dust has hardly settled on the Rugby Championship and already we are turning our attention to the year-end internationals.

UPDATE: It is likely that Nathan Hughes will now spend significantly longer on the sidelines as a result of a Tweet.

World Rugby has announced the referees for their Sevens Series for men and women.

FINAL ROUND SCRAMBLE: The scramble for play-off spots and the remaining home semifinal will reach fever pitch this weekend as the pool stages of the Currie Cup comes to a dramatic conclusion in the presence of several returning Springboks.

EXCLUSIVE: The dust has settled on the Rugby Championships and while initial thoughts were that the All Blacks would walk the competition, those thoughts are now a thing of the past as the Springboks proved to be worthy opponents.

Montpellier and Fiji winger Nemani Nadolo will have an extended period on the sidelines to have knee surgery.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Wasps received some great news ahead of their Champions Cup opener against defending champions Leinster Rugby.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: It seems like it won't be long until the rugby fraternity finally see who is the best between the Northern hemisphere and Southern hemisphere countries thanks to the new "league of nations".

IN THE NEWS: Springboks head coach Rassie Erasmus has included Schalk in his Barbarians side.

LISTEN as the @rugby365com team unpacks final round of the @SanzarTRC and look towards the year-end tour selections.

EXCLUSIVE: Stephen Donald who famously kicked New Zealand to the 2011 World Cup title after joining the squad before the semi-finals, believes the Springboks are back.

NPC REPORT: The Tasman Mako will have their home Premiership semifinal after a professional 29-0 shutout of the Hawke’s Bay Magpies at Nelson’s Trafalgar Park.

REACTION: The Blue Bulls Company’s search for a new Chief Executive Officer continues.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Western Province head coach John Dobson has revealed his team to face the Blue Bulls in Pretoria.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: The Pumas will have a new captain when they take on the Golden Lions in Nelspruit on Friday.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Blue Bulls coach Pote Human has named four returning Springboks for their big north-south Currie Cup crunch match - but it is at scrumhalf where he made the most interesting selection.

DISCIPLINARY UPDATE: Gloucester Lewis Ludlow has been handed a four-week suspension for stamping and trampling Wasps' Elliot Daly.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Golden Lions coach Ivan van Rooyen wasted no time in calling up a couple of returning Springboks.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Sharks head coach Robert du Preez has made a number of changes to his team to face Griquas in Kimberley on Saturday.

DISCIPLINARY UPDATE: Highlanders and Canterbury prop Daniel Lienert-Brown received five-week suspensions for headbutting an opposition.

NEWS: The Queensland Reds have continued to bolster their coaching staff for 2019 with the appointment of Peter Ryan as defence coach.

INJURY UPDATE: New Zealand hooker Dane Coles is set to make his long-awaited return following months on the sidelines due to an injury.

OPINION: South Africa may have closed the gap, dramatically, but the 2018 Rugby Championship was still a one-horse race.

UPDATE: Nathan Hughes will have to wait a week to find out if he can play in any of England's November internationals.

World Rugby has announced the referees appointed to the 45 international matches to be played in November - 45 matches, 90 teams, 2070 players. It is time to watch great action from players and smart action from match officials.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: The Griquas have made three changes to the starting XV for Saturday's Currie Cup match against the Sharks.

UPDATE: Ulster flank Matthew Rea has been banned for four weeks.

NEWS: Thirteen Springboks who were part of the squad for the last two Tests in the Rugby Championship, against Australia and New Zealand, were released for Currie Cup duty.

NEWS: Adam Ashley-Cooper could play at a fourth World Cup with the Wallabies.

TRANSFER NEWS: Bulls and former Stormers utility back Johnny Kotze has signed a short-term deal with Pro14 team Ospreys.

CONTRACTING NEWS: The Blue Bulls Company finally confirmed the news that has been in the media headlines for some time. BlitzBok Rosko Specman has been signed until 2020.

TRANSFER NEWS: Despite interest from various high-profile clubs, one of the world’s best scrumhalves Conor Murray has opted to remain in Ireland.

INJURY UPDATE: The Southern Kings returned home from their 5-28 defeat to Benetton in Treviso, with an additional three injury concerns.

SQUAD ANNOUNCEMENT: South African-born Johan Meyer and New Zealander Jimmy Tuivaiti were called up by Italy rugby coach Conor O'Shea for the first time ahead of upcoming November Internationals.

EXCLUSIVE: World Cup-winning All Blacks flyhalf Stephen Donald shares his thoughts on the Rugby Championships and more specifically, the Springboks.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Munster Rugby head coach Johann van Graan believes the European Champions Cup is "quite possibly" the biggest competition in the world after the Rugby World Cup.

NPC MATCH REPORT: Auckland is back atop the standings after a comfortable 56-8 victory over winless Southland in Invercargill.

NEWS: Under-fire Michael Cheika is contemplating whether to exclude Leicester Tiger duo Matt Toomua and Tatafu Polota-Nau from his November Test Series squad.

OPINION: Ben Smith takes a look at the question of who should take over injured Sam Cane's mantle as the All Black openside flank.

NEWS: Bristol Bears have identified All Black loose forward Victor Vito as a perfect acquisition to Pat Lam's Premiership team.

INJURY UPDATE: Montpellier's South African playmaker Johan Goosen will be out of action for "at least two months".

NEWS: Benetton Treviso and Zebre Rugby have secured their future in the PRO14 until at least 2023.

INJURY UPDATE: Australia prop Tom Robertson will undergo surgery next week after scans confirmed he has ruptured the anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee.

REACTION: The omission of a young Welsh star from Warren Gatland’s 60-man pre-Rugby World Cup year gathering has caused quite the stir.

Theuns Briers, a great Springbok wing in his playing days has died at just over 89 years of age.

INJURY UPDATE: Blue Bulls fans may have to wait a little bit longer to see Paul 'Tier' Schoeman in action.

INJURY UPDATE: Wales will be without one of their key players during the November Internationals.

INJURY UPDATE: Marland Yarde’s hopes of breaking into the England squad for the 2019 Rugby World Cup have suffered a major setback.

REACTION: Wasps Director of Rugby Dai Young speaks about what the future holds for Springbok fullback Willie le Roux at the Premiership club.

NEWS: The Golden Lions may have been boosted by the arrival of a quartet of Springboks, but injuries remain a major stumbling block.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Former Junior Springbok an Lions scrumhalf, Marco Jansen van Vuren has joined the South Africa Rugby Sevens Academy.

CHAMPIONS CUP SPOTLIGHT: Gloucester coach Johan Ackermann feels Gloucester is ready to go to the next level in Europe.

TRANSFER NEWS: Glasgow Warriors have signed Petrus du Plessis from London Irish on a deal until the end of the season.

INJURY UPDATE: New Zealand's impressive 32-30 win over South Africa was accompanied with a massive injury blow.

OPINION: The Premiership called time on its first block of fixtures of the season this past weekend, as all 12 teams now turn their attention to European competition for the next two weeks.

All Black Liam Messam was red-carded in Toulon’s loss to Montpellier in the Top 14 after this cheap shot on centre Yvan Reilhac.

RUGBY CHAMPIONSHIP REACTION: South Africa coach Rassie Erasmus believes his team can win the 2019 Rugby World Cup in Japan after their dramatic 30-32 loss to New Zealand in Pretoria Saturday.

CURRIE CUP SPOTLIGHT: Western Province will look to build on their momentum when they head to Loftus Versfeld to take on the Blue Bulls in the final round of the league phase of this year's Currie Cup.

TRANSFER NEWS: Sale Sharks have signed former Wasps loosehead prop Tom Bristow from Narbonne.

WATCH as England prospect and Harlequins flyhalf Marcus Smith's missed penalty produced a remarkable try for teammate Joe Marchant.

THIS WEEK'S VIDEO HIGHLIGHTS: In a truly incredible round of rugby, the NPC placings are almost set for 2018.

NEWS: There is no change to the positions of the leading nations in the World Rugby Rankings after this weekend’s final round of The Rugby Championship.

ANALYSIS: This one will be painful for the Springboks to watch back.

MATCH REPORT: Springbok centre Francois Venter bagged a try as Worcester Warriors secured a comfortable 52-7 win over newcomers Bristol Bears.

TOP 14 WRAP: A serious ankle injury suffered by South Africa flyhalf Johan Goosen put a dampener on Montpellier's 29-17 French Top 14 win over Toulon on Sunday.

NEWS: England forward Nathan Hughes could miss all of England's November internationals after being cited for foul play.

RUGBY CHAMPIONSHIP SPOTLIGHT: Micheal Cheika's second-half spray handed Australia the inspiration to record an impressive win over Argentina.

NEWS: A Disciplinary Panel will meet in Edinburgh on Wednesday to consider the red-card decision against flank Matthew Rea of Ulster which occurred against Connacht on Friday.

REACTION: All Blacks captain Kieran Read said his team had to "dig deep" to win a Rugby Championship thriller against South Africa in Pretoria Saturday.

OPINION: Australia produced a stunning second-half comeback to finish their campaign on a high note - a 45-34 win over Argentina in Salta on Saturday.

OPINION: South Africa conceded a 17-point lead to lose 30-32 to New Zealand at Loftus Versfeld on Saturday.

NEWS: The All Blacks are set to take 51 players on tour.

RUGBY CHAMPIONSHIP REACTION: The Springboks replacements’ lack of impact during their agonising defeat to the All Blacks has raised a few concerns.

PREMIERSHIP WRAP: A powerful finish from Rohan Janse van Rensburg was the icing on the cake as Sale Sharks lifted themselves off the bottom of the Premiership table with a scrappy win over Newcastle Falcons.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Wallaby coach Michael Cheika will have the chance to defend himself and present his future plans for the national team in front of the Rugby Australia board.

RUGBY CHAMPIONSHIP REPORT: Australia came back from a 24-point deficit to beat Argentina 45-34 in Salta on Saturday.

PRO14 SATURDAY WRAP: The South African teams' losing streak continued at the weekend.

Jurassic Park star Sam Neill has signed a deal to star in a film about Japan’s improbable World Cup 2015 victory over South Africa.

NPC SUNDAY WRAP: Bay of Plenty has snapped a six-game losing streak in dramatic style with a 26-22 win over the Southland Stags in Invercargill.

The All Blacks charged back from 17 points down to pick up a massive comeback victory 32-30 in Pretoria and conclude their Rugby Championship campaign.

RUGBY CHAMPIONSHIP REPORT: New Zealand extended their almost five-decade-long winning streak over South Africa at Loftus Versfeld.

A converted try in the last play of the Springboks final Rugby Championship match with the All Blacks in Pretoria shattered a South African dream of a double win over the World Champions.

PRO14 FRIDAY WRAP: Bill Mata and Jamie Ritchie scored late as Edinburgh Rugby secured a second home win in a week as they saw off the Cheetahs 37-21 in a thrilling battle at Murrayfield.

PREMIERSHIP REPORT: Gareth Steenson kicked his way past 1500 Premiership points as Exeter Chiefs overcame Bath 39-24 at The Rec with a dominant second-half performance.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Former Australian golden boy James O'Connor has expressed he has no desire to bid farewell to his Wallabies career.

RUGBY CHAMPIONSHIP BUILD-UP: Win or lose Australia will be foolish to part ways with Michael Cheika says Argentina head coach Mario Ledesma.

EXCLUSIVE: Springbok Schalk Burger's character on and off the field is what has elevated the loose forward to the status of legend.

FINANCIAL SPOTLIGHT: The South African Rugby Union admitted on Friday they are in a stand-off with five of their provinces over money.

Trying to speak things into existence can be seen as having unwavering faith or complete delusion depending on how you look at it.

RUGBY CHAMPIONSHIP BUILD-UP: Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus ensured veteran loose forward Francois Louw will feel the heat when South Africa host New Zealand in Pretoria on Saturday.

RUGBY CHAMPIONSHIP BUILD-UP: All Blacks captain Kieran Read is expecting the final Rugby Championship Test against South Africa in Pretoria will go right down to the wire.

TOP14, WEEK SEVEN: Triple European champions Toulon travel to last season's table-toppers Montpellier on Sunday struggling to score tries and win games but at least attempting to see the funny side.

NPC SATURDAY WRAP: An impressive 71-28 win against Northland has just about booked Waikato a home Championship semifinal, while the Taniwha are also into the semis courtesy of a tryscoring bonus point.

It's the last round of SANZAAR's Rugby Championship with the winner already decided - the All Blacks of New Zealand, who have lost just once in this year's tournament - to the Springboks in New Zealand. They play the Springboks again, this time in South Africa.

RUGBY CHAMPIONSHIP ROUND SIX: Desperate Australia coach Michael Cheika remained defiant ahead of their clash against Argentina Saturday that could decide his fate.

RUGBY CHAMPIONSHIP ROUND SIX: The game has that growling rivalry back - South Africa versus New Zealand.

RUGBY CHAMPIONSHIP REACTION: It was once labelled the 'Battle of the Giants' and that is exactly what it will be in Pretoria on Saturday.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: New Zealand are out for revenge when they confront arch-rivals South Africa Saturday in a Rugby Championship final-round 'dead rubber' in Pretoria.

REACTION: The Golden Lions Company is optimistic that they can retain one of their most valued resources, Chief Executive Officer Rudolf Straeuli.

RETURN OF THE PRODIGAL SON: This weekend the Premiership Player of the month for September Danny Cipriani will head to his old stomping ground when Gloucester travel to Wasps on Saturday, October 6.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: The Southern Kings Head Coach, Deon Davids, has made three changes to his starting XV that will be taking on Benetton in Round 6 of the PRO14 at Stadio Monigo in Treviso on Saturday.

DERBY DAY: Round Five brought the first set of derby matches this season and, as ever, we were not left disappointed on another weekend of thrilling rugby.

TRANSFER NEWS: The Sunwolves seem to be very busy ahead of the new Super Rugby season.

TEAM UPDATE: Wallabies coach Michael Cheika has made confirmed a five-three split on the bench ahead of Australia’s Test against Argentina in Salta on Saturday.

Wallabies prop Tom Robertson may be out of Australia’s Rugby World Cup plans after suffering a knee injury in Argentina.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Simplicity will help Wallabies alleviate some of their line-out problems says lock, Adam Coleman.

NEWS UPDATE: Italian club Zebre have sacked their Italian international prop Sami Panico.

NPC MATCH REPORT & HIGHLIGHTS: Two tries in three minutes at the three-quarter mark propelled Hawke's Bay to a comprehensive 45–17 win over neighbours Manawatu in their NPC game at McLean Park in Napier on Friday.

NEWS: Mario Galarza has opted to leave Premiership side Gloucester with immediate effect.

RUGBY CHAMPIONSHIP SPOTLIGHT: Handré Pollard and his Blue Bulls teammates will experience the thrill of a sell-out Loftus Versfeld for the first time in their careers.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Embattled Australia have recalled flyhalf Bernard Foley and shifted Kurtley Beale to centre for their final Rugby Championship match in Argentina Saturday.

DISCIPLINARY UPDATES: The Pro14 officials handed out a couple of bans on Wednesday, as they crack down on foul play.

LISTEN to a very special edition of the #podcast as the @rugby365com team is joined by Alejandro Cristian Moreno, a retired Argentine and Italian international prop.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus has made three significant changes ahead of their Rugby Championship encounter with the All Black in Pretoria on Saturday.

EXCLUSIVE: Schalk Burger's contract with Saracens comes to an end in June 2019 but the loose forward has still not closed the door on adding to his 86 Springbok caps.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Argentina welcomes back Ramiro Moyano, but must do without fellow wing Bautista Delguy when they host Australia Saturday in a Rugby Championship final-round Test in Salta.

Mark McCall has revealed Saracens want Wallaby lock Will Skelton to sign a new contract that would continue his self-imposed international exile.

NEWS: It’s not panic. Toulon, 11th in the Top 14 after the first six weeks of the season, have found two of the five players they are – quickly, but definitely not frantically – looking to recruit.

SCHOOLS SPOTLIGHT: Eastern Province took top honours in the Iqhawe Week at the Bill Jardine Stadium in Johannesburg on Thursday as they defeated the Golden Lions 18-10 in a competitive final match, which brought down the curtain on an exciting 2018 tournament.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Cheetahs coach Franco Smith has made a rash of changes to his team to take on Edinburgh in a Pro14 encounter at Murrayfield on Friday.

RUGBY CHAMPIONSHIP SPOTLIGHT: New Zealand remain the No.1 team and are outright favourites against South Africa in Pretoria on Saturday.

NEWS: Gloucester flyhalf Danny Cipriani was named Premiership Rugby Player of the Month for September 2018.

Referees having ‘on the run’ chats with the TMO could become a thing of the past if new trial Laws are adopted.

RUGBY CHAMPIONSHIP SPOTLIGHT: The All Blacks will be looking for better execution when they face the Springboks in Pretoria on Saturday.

RUGBY CHAMPIONSHIP SPOTLIGHT: The Wallabies wing Tom Banks says that he and his teammates have moved on from their shock home defeat to Argentina in Round Four of the Rugby Championship.

UPDATE: Waikato wing Sevu Reece has officially lost his contract with Pro14 Irish side Connacht.

OPINION: New Zealand bounced back from their loss to South Africa and proved they are still the best team in the world.

CURRIE CUP REACTION: The Sharks were given a "wake-up call" in Cape Town when they went down 28-50 to Western Province.

Joe Marler has astonishingly revealed that he tried to pick up red cards and suspensions to avoid having to join up with the England squad.

With the opening round of the European Champions Cup creeping ever closer, the 20 competing teams have all now submitted their initial 41-man squads for the tournament.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Steve Hansen has revealed his New Zealand team named to play South Africa in the sixth and final round of the Rugby Championship in Pretoria on Saturday.

NPC REPORT: Three Otago intercept tries, one each to Matt Faddes, Josh Ioane and Vilimoni Koroi rocked a game Bay of Plenty side as the home team claimed a 45–34 win in the NPC championship in Dunedin on Wednesday.

NPC REPORT: Auckland returns to the top of the NPC Premiership standings – and retains the Fred Lucas Memorial Trophy – after a 29-24 win in windy Wellington.

Fifteen schools are taking part in the School Sevens Championship to take place at the Pirates RFC in Greenside, Johannesburg from 5 to 6 October 2018.

WATCH as two Two young players, from the Western Province and Eastern Province Under-19 teams, spark a brawl that will most likely earn them both lengthy bans.

INJURY UPDATE: Exeter Chiefs and England forward Sam Simmonds may not feature in next year's World Cup after being ruled out for six to nine months due to a knee injury.

World Rugby's Council has proclaimed a law change that is to be applied immediately.

EXCLUSIVE: Saracens tend to go through a slump during the international season in November and it with that in mind that they have focussed on making a fast start to their Premiership season.

RUGBY CHAMPIONSHIP SPOTLIGHT: Despite securing the Rugby Championship title in Buenos Aires last weekend, there is still a lot of pressure on the All Blacks to teach the Springboks a rugby lesson in Pretoria.

Despite being linked with a number of Top 14 clubs in recent weeks, RugbyPass understands that Exeter Chiefs back row forward Don Armand has agreed to extend his stay in the south-west.

RUGBY CHAMPIONSHIP SPOTLIGHT: South Africa's two-match winning streak in the Southern Hemisphere championship can be linked to the fact that they have reverted to a brawn-based game.

EXCLUSIVE: Springbok legend Schalk Burger, who has been recovering from a lengthy injury layoff, took some time out to chat about all things Springboks, his career and a fun story or two.

NEWS: Former England international Simon Halliday has been re-appointed independent chairman of European Professional Club Rugby (EPCR) until the end of the 2020-2021 season, the organisation announced Wednesday.

INJURY UPDATE: Blue Bulls enter the final week of their three-week bye in the Currie Cup with a midfield injury.

REACTION: Western Province booked a home semifinal in fine style with a remarkable 50-28 win over the Sharks and are eager to emulate the result against Blue Bulls at Loftus Versfeld.

The All Blacks captured their 16th Rugby Championship/Tri-Nations with a win over Argentina, but back-to-back World Rugby Player of the Year Beauden Barrett added another illustrious award to his list of achievements.

NEWS: There is no change to the positions of the leading nations in the World Rugby Rankings after this weekend's penultimate round of The Rugby Championship.

RUGBY CHAMPIONSHIP SPOTLIGHT: The Springbok coach staff will have to make some astute selection choices when they name the team to face the All Blacks at Loftus Versfeld on Saturday.

RUGBY CHAMPIONSHIP: The Wallabies will be out to avoid the Rugby Championship wooden spoon when they face Argentina in Salta on Saturday.

NEWS: Waikato wing Sevu Reece is set to lose his contract with Pro14 Irish team Connacht, reports the Irish Examiner.

DISCIPLINARY UPDATE: Former Cheetahs flank Uzair Cassiem will face a disciplinary panel after he was cited following the Scarlets' convincing 54-14 win over the Southern Kings on Saturday.

INJURY UPDATE: Southern Kings were dealt a triple injury blow following their PRO14 Round five defeat to the Scarlets in Llanelli, Wales, over the weekend.

With the four-year World Cup cycle inching closer to the showpiece event, the 2015 edition becomes further and further in the rear view mirror, and with it the style of rugby that conquered all in that era.

After the second day of the Iqhawe Week for Under-15 provincial teams at the Bill Jardine Stadium in Johannesburg, two teams have won both of their matches and a draw has meant that the Griffons are also unbeaten.

OPINION: Saracens’ run of bonus point wins to start the season continued unabated in Round Five, as they dispatched Bath 50-27 at Allianz Park in a ruthless display of clinical attacking rugby.

OPINION: We're coming to the end of the competition, already. And the cream is rising to the top.

TEAM UPDATE: Experienced flank Francois 'Flo' Louw has rejoined the Springbok squad in Pretoria ahead of the final Rugby Championship match against the All Blacks on Saturday.

TRANSFER NEWS: Former South African Schools utility back Tim Swiel has opted to leave Harlequins for Newcastle Falcons.

EXCLUSIVE: Springbok Nizaam Carr is loving life at Wasps as he feels he is able to play his natural game, despite it being suited to dry underfoot conditions.

An Italian international prop has been arrested in Italy on suspicion of drug dealing.

INJURY UPDATE: Saracens captain Brad Barritt will have an operation on a facial injury picked up in Saracens’ Premiership match against Bath on Saturday.

PREMIERSHIP REACTION: England flyhalf George Ford was hailed as "world-class" by Leicester boss Geordan Murphy after kicking the Tigers to a 19-15 win at home to Sale on Sunday.

RUGBY CHAMPIONSHIP SPOTLIGHT: South Africa can gear up for a monstrous onslaught in the scrums when they face New Zealand at Loftus Versfeld.

NEWS: The EPCR announced that the city of Marseille will host the 2020 Champions Cup and Challenge Cup finals.

NEWS: The 2018 attendance figures revealed the Highlanders’ had the highest average home crowd across all five Super Rugby franchises.

There were seven matches on the opening day of the sixth Iqhawe Week for Under-15 players at the Bill Jardine Stadium in Johannesburg and in those seven matches the teams scored a total of 47 tries were scored.

OPINION: The Springboks beat the Wallabies 23-12 in Port Elizabeth, but Rassie Erasmus' will not be happy with some of his players' performances.

PREMIERSHIP REPORT: George Ford proved the difference as the England international kicked Leicester Tigers to a narrow victory over Sale Sharks at Welford Road.

WEEK SEVEN WRAP AND VIDEO HIGHLIGHTS: Auckland's upset loss to Otago in the National Provincial Championship crossover game has seen Tasman and Canterbury move ahead of it on the Premiership points table.

TOP 14 WRAP: Stade remained second in the standings, but now trail Clermont, who thrashed Toulon on Saturday, by six points. Racing stayed third, but closed to within a point of their neighbours.

NEWS: Worcester Warriors have announced that the club is under new ownership following its successful sale to a consortium.

PREMIERSHIP REACTION: Bath boss Todd Blackadder insisted he'd no regrets over fielding a significantly weakened team for a 27-50 loss to reigning champions Saracens at the weekend.

RUGBY CHAMPIONSHIP REPORT: New Zealand won the Rugby Championship for the sixth time by beating Argentina 35-17 in Buenos Aires on Saturday as they put a stunning home defeat by South Africa behind them.

CURRIE CUP MATCH REPORT: Western Province showed why they are outright favourites to retain their title as the country's domestic champions.

'RUGBY CHAMPIONSHIP REACTION: Argentina coach Mario Ledesma offered hope Sunday to teams who will challenge New Zealand in the 2019 World Cup.

PRO14 SATURDAY WRAP: Scarlets skipper Jonathan Davies marked his return from injury after 11 months on the sidelines with two tries in a blowout 54-14 bonus-point win over the Southern Kings.

OPINION: The Wallabies have a toxic mix of outstanding talent and those who are not worthy to be in a Wallaby jersey.

RUGBY CHAMPIONSHIP REPORT: The Springboks picked up their third win in the 2018 Rugby Championship after they beat Australia 23-12 at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium in Port Elizabeth on Saturday.

PREMIERSHIP SATURDAY WRAP: A second hat-trick of the season from Liam Williams saw Saracens extend their 100 percent start to the season with a 50-27 victory over Bath.

RUGBY CHAMPIONSHIP REACTION: The pressure on Wallaby coach Michael Cheika is being ramped up, after Australia lost their sixth game in eight starts this year.

RUGBY CHAMPIONSHIP REACTION: South Africa's coach, Rassie Erasmus, admitted that New Zealand will prove to be a far more formidable foe in Pretoria this coming Saturday.

TOP 14 WRAP: Clermont eased past struggling Toulon with a bonus point 28-8 win to stretch their lead and leave the three-time European champions with the woeful record of just one win in the Auvergne in over 80 years.

WATCH as Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus talks about the candidates to lead South Africa at the World Cup in Japan next year.

OPINION: Australian Rugby is as at one of the lowest points in its long history.

MATCH REPORT: Edinburgh weathered an Italian second-half storm to record a 31-30 win at BT Murrayfield, despite Luca Sperandio bagging himself a hat-trick for Benetton.

NPC SATURDAY WRAP: Waikato has made a successful 42-11 Ranfurly Shield defence - the second of their current tenure - over the Southland Stags in Hamilton.

EXCLUSIVE: Players are often given the opportunity to test themselves at the highest level but that same concept should be applied to other levels within a Union's structure.

NPC REPORT: Auckland have had their six-match winning streak ended by fiercely committed Otago side 31-26 at Eden Park on Friday.

MATCH REPORT & HIGHLIGHTS: Manawatu punished Bay of Plenty whose handling failures in attacking situations cost them dearly as the visitors achieved their first win 17-15 in Rotorua since 1951.

MATCH REPORT: Wasps picked up their third successive Premiership Rugby away win with a tense 23-22 victory against Newcastle Falcons.

MATCH REPORT: Cheetahs wasted a perfect opportunity to secure a win after Cardiff Blues overturned a 12-point deficit for the 24-21 victory over the South Africans at the Arms Park.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Kiwi Dave Rennie picks holes in England's World Cup challenge and discusses his next career move.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Former England captain Phil Vickery believes Joe Marler’s decision to quit international rugby is a 'red flag' that can't be ignored and warns the sport is at a tipping point.

NEWS: Todd Blackadder will remain Bath’s Director of Rugby until the end of the 2019-20 season, but will step aside once the Premiership side feels Stuart Hooper is ready to take over.

TEAM UPDATE: Wallabies hooker Tatafu Polota-Nau has succumbed to a hamstring injury and will miss Australia’s clash with South Africa at Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium in Port Elizabeth.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: The outcry that Rugby Union is going soft may become louder if the latest dispatches around the tackle law are to be believed.

A combined Pacific Islands team could be launched as a Super Rugby franchise based in Hawaii in 2020 after a group of American football players from the region offered US$4.5m to make the concept a reality.

On day one each of the 16 teams - the 14 provinces plus Limpopo and SA LSEN - played each other in their pools.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Munster captain Peter O’Mahony feels an in-form Jean Kleyn could be a perfect fit for Joe Schmidt’s Ireland in the years to come.

RUGBY CHAMPIONSHIP ROUND FIVE: Argentina backline star Emiliano Boffelli wishes New Zealand had won their last match, instead of suffering a stunning home defeat to South Africa.

TOP 14, WEEK SIX: Toulon head to Top 14 leaders Clermont on Saturday seeking just a second victory in Auvergne in more than 80 years of rivalry in a crunch match that could well set the tone for the season.

WESTERN PROVINCE V SHARKS: Western Province and the Sharks will go head-to-head in a table-topping thriller in the Currie Cup in Cape Town on Saturday, where the winning side will secure a home semifinal.

EXCLUSIVE: Cheslin Kolbe will make his Springbok run-on debut when they play against Australia in Port Elizabeth and the diminutive wing's former Stormers teammates could not be happier for him.

TRY FEAST: The 2017/18 Pro14 season set new attacking records, with 861 tries scored, but with a scintillating Round Four this year now under out belts new heights are being reached in the championship.

RUGBY CHAMPIONSHIP ROUND FIVE: Three weeks ago Australia's Wallabies beat South Africa's Springboks 23-18 in Brisbane. Now they meet again in Port Elizabeth.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Southern Kings coach Deon Davids has named an unchanged starting XV that will take on Scarlets in Round Five of the Pro14 at Parc y Scarlets on Saturday.

QUARTER-MILE: Almost one quarter of the way through the season and this weekend produces another compelling round of Premiership Rugby.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Wallabies coach Michael Cheika has made four changes to his starting XV ahead of Australia’s Test against South Africa in Port Elizabeth on Saturday.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Cheetahs head coach Franco Smith has made one change to his starting XV for their Pro14 clash against Cardiff Blues in Wales on Friday.

TRANSFER NEWS: The Brumbies have signed 86-times capped Wallabies prop James Slipper on a two-year deal commencing with the 2019 Super Rugby season.

NEWS: Harlequins prop Joe Marler has announced his retirement from international rugby in order to spend more time with his family.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: All Blacks head coach Steve Hansen has revealed his team for the Rugby Championship Round Five clash against Argentina in Buenos Aires on Saturday.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: There are eight changes to the Western Province starting line-up against Sharks at Newlands on Saturday.

LISTEN as the @rugby365com team chat about the role the @BlitzBoks can play in adding value to the @Springboks.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus has been forced into making changes to his team for the Rugby Championship Round Five encounter with the Wallabies.

NEWS: The All Blacks have lost the services of one of their key playmakers ahead of their clash against Argentina.

DISCIPLINARY UPDATE: South African and Edinburgh prop Pierre Schoeman has been suspended for four weeks, following his cheap shot on Dan Leavy.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Sharks coach Robert du Preez has made two changes to his matchday 22 for the crucial Currie Cup encounter with Western Province at Newlands on Saturday.

NEWS: The Queensland Reds have strengthened their coaching team for 2019 and beyond with the appointment of Super Rugby Championship winning coach Jim McKay as the new attack coach.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Argentina have relaxed a locals-only policy again by picking Stade Francais prop Ramiro Herrera for a Rugby Championship Test against New Zealand in Buenos Aires Saturday.

SUPER RUGBY NEWS: The Sunwolves have named Tony Brown as their new head coach following Jamie Joseph's appointment as Japan coach.

RUGBY CHAMPIONSHIP SPOTLIGHT: All Blacks centre Ryan Crotty has warned Argentina the world champions are still hurting after a rare Test defeat and want to make amends against the Pumas this Saturday.

OPINION: The plight of Argentinean rugby has been one of the game’s most intriguing stories since the turn of the millennium.

When Romain Poite of France blows his whistle for the first time on Friday, 12 October 2018, he will start the European Professional Rugby Clubs' Heineken Champions Cup for the season 2018-19.

The Rugby Championship goes into its penultimate round with each of the Australasian teams away from their Pacific homes.

NEWS: Japan rugby prop Takuma Asahara has missed the team's training camp after being hit by a car.

CHAMPIONS CUP SPOTLIGHT: Peter O’Mahony turned 29 this month, he clocked up many miles during his rugby career since he turned pro in the 2011/12 season.

EXCLUSIVE: Wasps centre Juan de Jongh felt hurt not to be included in the Springboks' squad after an injury crisis in the centre position potentially gave him a route back into the setup.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Springboks head coach Rassie Erasmus' selection headache at tighthead is a problem any coach would love to have says Vincent Koch.

CURRIE CUP SPOTLIGHT: Springbok and Sharks prop Coenie Oosthuizen had a "frustrating" time on the sidelines.

INJURY UPDATE: Wales' November Test series has taken a huge blow with the news of openside flank James Davies.

NEWS: The Blue Bulls Company confirmed that loose forward Boom Prinsloo will be retiring from professional rugby with immediate effect.

RUGBY CHAMPIONSHIP SPOTLIGHT: Sevens star Ruhan Nel's Springbok stay has been short-lived.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Following Australia's 19-23 defeat to Argentina, the side can’t be more content to be on tour, says forward Allan Alaalatoa.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: World Rugby said it is "examining models" for the annual Test windows from 2020, signalling a potential shake-up following reports of a new world league for national teams

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: The Rugby World Cup will remain the preserve of a handful of top sides and will fail to evolve unless players from smaller nations are properly rewarded, international players chief Omar Hassanein told AFP.

RUGBY CHAMPIONSHIP SPOTLIGHT: Springbok wing Aphiwe Dyantyi could find it tough out wide against the Wallabies in Port Elizabeth on Saturday.

REACTION: If Western Province want to remain unbeaten they must alleviate their ill-discipline ahead of the upcoming Currie Match against the Sharks.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: England defence coach John Mitchell recognises that New Zealand set the benchmark in international rugby but is confident Eddie Jones’ men can dethrone the All Blacks at the World Cup.

SQUAD ANNOUNCEMENT: The Cheetahs have unveiled their squad for their tour to Wales and Scotland in the Pro14.

EXCLUSIVE: Wasps duo Juan de Jongh and Nizaam Carr were probably unlucky not to be included in the Springboks squad for the Rugby Championship but that doesn't mean that their dream of once again donning the green and gold has died.

TRANSFER NEWS: Fijian wing Nemani Nadolo has extended his contract with Montpellier on a three-year deal.

The SA Rugby Under-17 Interprovincial Sevens takes place at the Fanie du Toit Sports Grounds in Potchefstroom this Friday and Saturday, 28 and 29 September 2018.

OPINION: Players from Western Province and the Sharks dominate our Currie Cup Team of the Week for Round Six.

MATCH REPORT & HIGHLIGHTS: Hawke’s Bay have snapped a two-match losing streak and moved to joint top of the NPC standings with a free-flowing 55-41 victory over Northland at McLean Park.

RUGBY CHAMPIONSHIP SPOTLIGHT: The call-up of uncapped Ruhan Nel may just be the X-Factor missing from the Springbok squad.

RUGBY CHAMPIONSHIP SPOTLIGHT: Springbok scrumhalf Faf de Klerk has called on his teammates to be more clinical in the strike zone when they face the Wallabies in Port Elizabeth on Saturday.

In what could be World Rugby’s most game-changing play since the introduction of the Rugby World Cup in 1987, plans for an annual ‘League of Nations’ tournament show the governing body’s intent to keep the international game on top.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: With a year to go ahead of the 2019 World Cup in Japan, Argentina's Pumas are on the prowl, rejuvenated by their rugged former hooker, Mario Ledesma.

RUGBY CHAMPIONSHIP SPOTLIGHT: New Zealand coach Steve Hansen's stinging criticism of his team is having the desired affect.

TRANSFER NEWS: Former Northampton forwards coach Dorian West has joined Premiership rivals Sale Sharks as their new forwards coach with immdiate effect.

NEWS: Georgia have bolstered their coaching staff ahead of the Rugby World Cup next year, with the addition of Graham Rowntree as the team’s forwards coach.

Former England flyhalf Stuart Barnes doesn’t believe John Mitchell is the right man to help Eddie Jones’ England side.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Red cards meted out as part of a crackdown on concussion-related injuries are here to stay, World Rugby Chief Brett Gosper said Sunday, despite frustration over recent decisions.

OPINION: The highlight of the weekend’s action in the Premiership was undoubtedly Worcester Warriors’ 44-37 victory over Leicester Tigers at Welford Road.

TRANSFER NEWS: South African lock Jean Kleyn has signed a three-year contract extension with Irish side Munster.

The back end of the tournament has begun and the gap between the haves and the have-nots is widening.

CURRIE CUP SPOTLIGHT: Missing out on a bonus point in their 21-37 defeat to the Sharks could prove to be costly for the Golden Lions' play-off hopes.

Rugby Australia CEO Raelene Castle has hinted that changes to the Wallabies coaching staff could be made, if results don’t improve during the final stages of the Rugby Championship.

EXCLUSIVE: As the Rugby Championship returns and reaches its climax, the Springboks will need to prove their victory over the All Blacks was not a fluke.

INJURY UPDATE: England's casualty list is mounting at an alarming rate, with at least three more key players out of their training camp this week.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Samoa's struggling national rugby team are rebuilding for next year's Rugby World Cup and determined to cement a place among the game's elite, new coach Steve Jackson said Tuesday.

DISCIPLINARY NEWS: Toulon have lodged an appeal to EPCR ruling which imposes a five-match points deduction when competing in the tournament.

INJURY UPDATE: The Southern Kings have paid a dear price for their impressive 38-28 bonus-point victory over Glasgow Warriors at the weekend.

SQUAD ANNOUNCEMENT: Rassie Erasmus has revealed his squad for the Springboks' final two Rugby Championship home matches against the Wallabies and the All Blacks.

TOP 14, SUNDAY WRAP: France international centre Gael Fickou continued his blistering new life with Stade Francais by scoring two more tries in a 25-13 away win over Pau in the Top 14 on Sunday.

CURRIE CUP REACTION: The Sharks will be heading to Cape Town full of confidence after their impressive 37-21 victory over the Golden Lions in wet conditions in Durban on Saturday.

NPC, SUNDAY WRAP: The Wellington Lions have poured salt into what has been a disappointing season for the Manawatu Turbos so far with a thumping 49-7 win in Palmerston North.

NEWS: Kiwi flyhalf Ben Botica was named the French players' player of the 2017-2018 Top 14 season on Monday despite his club Oyonnax being relegated.

FROM THE GRAPEVINE: Ireland and Munster scrumhalf Conor Murray is set to land a bumper new contract with the Irish Rugby Football Union.

NEWS: Ben Moon (Exeter Chiefs) has been called up into the England training squad in Bristol.

RUGBY CHAMPIONSHIP SPOTLIGHT: All Blacks head coach Steve Hansen believes his team's performance in their 34-36 loss to the Springboks was their worst since the 2007 World Cup quarterfinal loss to France.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: United States Eagles flyhalf AJ MacGinty has dismissed claims that John Mitchell does not have skills to be England’s new defence coach.

PRO14 SATURDAY WRAP: Martin du Toit’s double inspired the Southern Kings to a 38-28 bonus-point victory over Glasgow Warriors that earned the South Africans a first win of the campaign.

PREMIERSHIP SUNDAY WRAP: Maro Itoje grabbed a brace as Saracens ended Gloucester’s unbeaten start to the Premiership with a 38-15 bonus-point victory at Allianz Park.

PRO14 MATCH REPORT: The Cheetahs remain winless, but it required a dramatic late score from Wallaby Henry Speight to earn Ulster a draw.

TOP 14, SATURDAY WRAP: Baptiste Serin helped Bordeaux-Begles bring Clermont's four-match winning streak to an end with a nail-biting 23-19 victory in the Top 14 on Saturday.

PRO14 MATCH REPORT: Two tries from scrumhalf Tomos Williams gave Cardiff Blues their first win of the season as they surged past Munster 37-13.

RUGBY CHAMPIONSHIP SPOTLIGHT: Wasps Director of Rugby Dai Young revealed that Willie le Roux is available for the Springboks final two Rugby Championship matches against Australia and New Zealand.

CURRIE CUP REPORT: The Pumas kept alive their hopes of reaching the play-offs, as they comprehensively beat the Free State Cheetahs 42-14 in Bloemfontein on Friday.

SATURDAY WRAP: Wasps finally broke their AJ Bell Stadium curse, winning there for the first time as they beat Sale Sharks 31-13.

PREMIERSHIP REPORT: The Simmonds brothers combined for 17 points as table-toppers Exeter Chiefs maintained their 100 percent start to the season with a hard-fought 24-17 win at Newcastle Falcons.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Springboks head coach Rassie Erasmus 'politely requested' that Damian Willemse starts at fullback this weekend, says Western Province Currie Cup coach John Dobson.

MATCH REPORT: Western Province scored six tries in a comfortable 38-12 victory against Griquas at Newlands on Saturday to make it four straight wins in the Currie Cup this season.

EXCLUSIVE: John Dobson's success in the Currie Cup is a classic example of a coach who deserves to make the step-up to franchise level, especially after the lack of success of Robbie Fleck with the Stormers.

SQUAD ANNOUNCEMENT: All Blacks captain Kieran Read will skip his team's trip to Argentina.

MATCH REPORT: The Sharks uphold their unbeaten Currie Cup run with a 37-21 win over the Golden Lions in a very wet Durban on Saturday.

SQUAD ANNOUNCEMENT: Wallabies coach Michael Cheika has been forced readjust his loose trio combinations for the tour to South Africa and Argentina over the next two weeks.

NPC SATURDAY WRAP: Auckland have clung onto their unbeaten record in 2018 with a nail-biting 31-30 victory over Taranaki in New Plymouth.

NPC MATCH REPORT: Waikato have underlined their Championship credentials with a thumping 21-54 win over Bay of Plenty in Rotorua to claim the Chiefs Country Cup and move 6 points clear at the top of the Championship ladder.

TOP 14, WEEK: Newly-promoted clubs Perpignan and Grenoble remain winless and rock bottom of the Top 14 table, though the two sides face off Saturday in the hope of a first victory.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Southern Kings loose forward, CJ Velleman is set to make his long-awaited return to the field and Pro14 debut when the Port Elizabeth-based side takes on Glasgow Warriors in Port Elizabeth on Saturday.

INJURY UPDATE: Scotland's Test plans have been dealt a blow after Glasgow fullback Stuart Hogg was ruled out for up to three months following ankle surgery.

NEWS: Rising stars the Ioane brothers have committed their services to the All Blacks and the Blues on long-term deals, New Zealand Rugby (NZR) said Friday.

BREAKING NEWS: Seventeen players will get together in Port Elizabeth on Friday, when they will start their preparations for the final two Tests in the Rugby Championship.

REACTION: Eddie Jones says his decision to axe Danny Cipriani from England's training squad wasn't influenced by the flyhalf's off-field problems.

OPINION: The pressure building on Beauden Barrett has been palpable this year.

NEWS: South African club rugby player Kyle Barnes has passed away following a fatal tackle.

TRANSFER NEWS: The Southern Kings have secured the services of scrumhalf Stefan Ungerer, who will join the Pro14 side at the end of the Currie Cup season from the Pumas.

NEWS: Clermont have decided not to sign Scottish international John Hardie, who had been at the French club on a trial basis since the start of August.

THE LEGACY: It has already been a record-breaking Premiership Rugby campaign and that looks set to continue in Round 4 as Richard Wigglesworth eyes up a personal milestone.

MOVING TO SOUTH AFRICA: Round Three of the Pro14 was a record-breaking affair with a remarkable 51 tries across the seven matches, at an average of more than seven a game.

EXCLUSIVE: London Irish prop Pat Cilliers was not a favourite of former Leicester Tigers coach Matt O'Connor, which saw the Springbok leave the club with one year left on his contract.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Six members of the Springbok squad that recently returned from Australasia will feature in the Currie Cup this weekend.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: The Sharks will be bolstered by the inclusion of two Springbok front row forwards for their Currie Cup Round Six encounter with the Golden Lions on Saturday.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Western Province have been boosted by the inclusion of five Springboks for their Currie Cup encounter with Griquas at Newlands on Saturday.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Golden Lions head coach Ivan van Rooyen has revealed his team to face the Sharks in a Currie Cup Round Six clash in Durban on Saturday.

CURRIE CUP INTERVIEW: There will be no repeat of the hammering the Golden Lions suffered at the hands of the Western Province last week.

CURRIE CUP INTERVIEW: The Golden Lions should be forewarned. They will face a Sharks team in devastating form.

WORLD CUP SPOTLIGHT: World Rugby Chairman Bill Beaumont suggested Thursday the World Cup could be held in non-traditional rugby nations following France in 2023.

NPC MATCH REPORT: The Northland Taniwha are up to third on the Championship table after a clear, but far from convincing, 26-10 home win over the cellar-dwelling Southland Stags.

SQUAD ANNOUNCEMENT: England coach Eddie Jones has recalled two of the country's most errant players.

NEWS: Wallabies centre Samu Kerevi penned a new deal with Rugby Australia and the Queensland Reds on Thursday, but only for one year.

LISTEN as the @rugby365com team unpacks a rare Springbok win over the All Blacks in New Zealand.

INJURY UPDATE: Clermont's Nick Abendanon faces another three months away from the game as he undergoes an operation on a cervical hernia.

NEWS: Japan head coach Jamie Joseph is set to relinquish control of Super Rugby's Sunwolves to concentrate on the host team's run-in to the 2019 World Cup.

SPOTLIGHT: This truncated version of the Currie Cup, with its erratic fixture list, has thrown up an intriguing run-in to the play-offs.

SPRINGBOK SPOTLIGHT: Ben Smith looks at what makes nuggety Francois de Klerk such a monster on defence.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENTS: The Cheetahs will face a tough battle as they line up against the unbeaten Ulster team in round four.

No Tests but lots of testing activity.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: The Griquas have opted to power up the pack for Saturday’s Currie Cup clash against the Western Province on Saturday.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: The Free State Cheetahs will look to erase the big ZERO from their record when they host the Pumas in Bloemfontein on Friday.

TRANSFER NEWS: The Sharks have taken advantage of the uncertainty in Pretoria to lure a Junior Springbok to Durban.

NEWS: Former Blues head coach Steve Jackson has been handed the role as Samoa head coach.

EXCLUSIVE: South Africa's victory over the All Blacks in New Zealand took the rugby world by surprise, so much so that all critics were made to eat humble pie.

NEWS: One of the worst-kept secrets has finally been confirmed! John Mitchell has been appointed as England's new defence coach.

OPINION: South Africa won for the first time in New Zealand in almost a decade. They are duly rewarded in @rugby365com's famous weekly selection.

NEWS: New Zealand Rugby has appointed three directors to Blues Super Rugby club Board.

WORLD CUP SPOTLIGHT: World Rugby has warned teams and supporters to cover up tattoos in public to avoid causing offence at next year's World Cup.

DISCIPLINARY UPDATE: Toulon captain and French international battering-ram Mathieu Bastareaud has been banned for five weeks after a brutal attack on an opponent in a Top 14 game.

DISCIPLINARY UPDATE: Leicester Tigers lock WIll Spencer has been suspended following the controversial red card during the defeat to Wasps.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Pumas will take on the Free State Cheetahs in Bloemfontein without prop Kwezi Mona.

EXCLUSIVE: South Africa's dramatic victory over the All Blacks in New Zealand has certainly breathed new life into the hopes that the Springboks will be contenders to lift the 2019 World Cup.

RUGBY CHAMPIONSHIP SPOTLIGHT: Willie le Roux was a relieved man at the end of the epic Rugby Championship match between the All Blacks and the Springboks in Wellington.

OPINION: The halfway mark of the tournament sees Auckland leading Wellington, Canterbury and Tasman in the Premiership, with Taranaki sitting in the relegation zone.

In rugby football, we claim we have referees and yet they are, perhaps, more correctly umpires while cricket has umpires who are, perhaps, more correctly referees.

NATIONAL PROVINCIAL CHAMPIONSHIP REPORT: Tasman lifted themselves to a share of the lead of the Premiership when beating Manawatu 29-19 in Palmerston North on Wednesday.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: In the wake of Willie Le Roux’s release to Wasps, the Springboks have been left with a huge void to fill.

OPINION: Western Province sent an ominous warning to future opponents after they hammered the Golden Lions in Johannesburg in Round Five of Currie Cup 2018.

NEWS: Boks move up in the latest World Rugby Rankings.

NEWS: Since Clayton Blommetjies started the first match of season at Scarlets, but seems like the fullback has fallen down the pecking order at the Pro14 side.

OPINION: Gloucester continued their undefeated start to the season in Round 3 of the Gallagher Premiership, beating Bristol Bears at Kingsholm and shoring up their place in the top four.

NEWS: Springbok coach and the South African Rugby Union Director of Rugby Rassie Erasmus has landed himself one of the most sought-after jobs.

DISCIPLINARY UPDATE: Leicester Tigers Will Spencer is due to appear before an independent disciplinary panel after controversial red card.

RUGBY CHAMPIONSHIP REACTION: Listen as victorious Springbok captain Siyamthanda Kolisi explains to the media how important it is that they repeat the form they showed in Wellington this past weekend.

OPINION: Ben Smith takes a close look at New Zealand's gameplan in their 34-36 loss to South Africa and explains why they used the correct tactics.

TRANSFER NEWS: Hooker Joe Gray has joined Saracens on a deal until the end of the season.

INJURY UPDATE: Montpellier's All Black flyhalf Aaron Cruden will miss a month with a torn calf.

EXCLUSIVE: When your resume includes victories over the All Blacks in New Zealand in 2008 and 2009, you would think that person would be able to take a country like Zimbabwe to the 2019 World Cup.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Former Bulls head coach John Micthell will start his new job as England's defence coach on Sunday.

A giant fan - said to be the brother of Stade Francais player Sekou Malacou - invaded the pitch in the apparent attempt to get at Julian Savea.

NEWS: Springboks have released fullback Willie Le Roux and nine other players from their Rugby Championship squad following their 36-34 win over New Zealand.

NEWS: Neville Jardine has been appointed as the newly elected president of the Golden Lions Rugby Union.

NEWS: England's Sam Burgess is being investigated by Australian rugby league chiefs after being caught up in a lewd video chat scandal, with the star forward admitting it had been "a tricky few days".

NEWS: The Blue Bulls have been boosted by the return of three Springboks, ahead of a mid-season trip to Windhoek.