IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Former Australian golden boy James O'Connor plans to battle his way back into the Wallabies squad for next year's World Cup after facing his "darkness" at a meditation and sensory-deprivation retreat in Iceland.
REACTION: The Western Province might have displayed some impeccable skills on attack, however, the side's defence is still an area of concern for coach John Dobson.
NEWS: The Wallabies will slump to their lowest world ranking ever Monday, sparking soul-searching about what can be done with a troubled team that has managed just two wins in their last nine Tests.
RUGBY CHAMPIONSHIP REACTION: South Africa have managed to regain the tag of World Cup contenders after their 36-34 win over New Zealand, according to coach Rassie Erasmus.
OPINION: The Springboks’ stunning 36-34 win over the All Blacks in Wellington was an instant classic.
WATCH as All Blacks captain Kieran Read snubs teammate Anton Lienert-Brown in the changing room after New Zealand's 34-36 loss to the Springboks in Wellington on Saturday.
NEWS: Cornish Pirates tighthead prop Christian Judge has joined Saracens for a three-week period.
DISCIPLINARY UPDATE: Wallaby flank Lukhan Tui will face no further sanction, following his encounter with an Australian fan at the weekend.
RUGBY CHAMPIONSHIP REACTION: South Africa expect an enormous 'backlash' when they face New Zealand at Loftus Versfeld on October 6.
MATCH REPORT: Second-half tries from Marcell Coetzee, Angus Kernohan and Angus Curtis ensured Ulster prevented the Southern Kings from recording their first Pro14 win this season.
A tough time is expected for the Springboks in Windy Wellington this coming weekend when they, after losing successive matches come up against the All Blacks who seem incapable of losing.
INJURY UPDATE: All Blacks loose forward Liam Squire will sit the remainder of the Rugby Championship out after sustaining an injury in the side’s loss to South Africa on Saturday.
MATCH REPORT: Former Stormers centre Juan de Jongh bagged a brace of tries as Wasps racked up 41-35 win over 14-man Leicester Tigers.
CURRIE CUP REPORT: Western Province looks a good bet to retain their title, after the ease with which they dispatched the Golden Lions on Saturday.
EXCLUSIVE: The game has certainly evolved since speedster Tonderai Chavhanga tore up the field with his blistering pace and he believes speed is more important now than ever before.
VIDEO: Pieter-Steph du Toit's emotions said it all after the Springboks beat the All Blacks in their own backyard.
EXCLUSIVE: SA Rugby's reasons for wanting to have teams competing in the European leagues have been questions by former Springbok wing Tonderai Chavhanga.
REACTION: The All Blacks players and coach were at loggerheads Sunday as they debated whether they should have attempted a potential match-winning drop goal in their upset loss to the Springboks in Wellington.
PRO14 WRAP: Glasgow Warriors continued to dominate Conference A , as they secured a third win of the season.
RUGBY CHAMPIONSHIP REACTION: Troubled Wallabies coach Michael Cheika has refused to blame Israel Folau for their first home Test loss to Argentina in 35 years.
CURRIE CUP REPORT: Griquas scored their first win of the season, when they came from behind to run riot over the Free State Cheetahs in Kimberley on Saturday.
VIDEO: Distraught Australian flank Lukhan Tui is set to sit out the rest of the Rugby Championship after an angry confrontation with an abusive fan who appeared to push his young sister.
MATCH REPORT: Argentina scored their first win over Australia on Australian soil in 35 years when they downed the Wallabies 23-19 on Queensland's Gold Coast on Saturday.
MATCH REPORT: The Springboks produced a heroic performance to floor World Cup Champions the All Blacks 36-34 at the Westpac Stadium on Saturday.
RUGBY CHAMPIONSHIP REACTION: The All Blacks blamed themselves and not the referee or poor kicking as they underwent an immediate review following their shock loss to South Africa in Wellington on Saturday.
TOP 14 WRAP: Gael Fickou starred as Stade Francais crushed struggling Toulon 37-10 on Sunday to collect a bonus-point victory and jump to second in the French Top 14.
NPC SUNDAY WRAP: Auckland ended six consecutive losses to Canterbury when claiming a 34–29 win in their NPC game in Christchurch on Sunday, the first win in the south since 2007.
WATCH as one Australian fan - clearly upset with his team's 19-23 loss to Argentina at the Gold Coast on Saturday - got a bit hot under the collar.
PREMIERSHIP WRAP: Exeter Chiefs and Saracens retained their 100 percent starts to the season.
OPINION: The All Blacks have gone down to the Springboks 36-34 in Wellington after conceding a record number of points at home and bombing a chance to steal the match late.
OPINION: The Springboks pulled off a shock 36-34 victory over the world champion All Blacks in Wellington on Saturday.
TOP 14 WRAP: Replacements Yohan Beheregaray and Greig Laidlaw helped Clermont grab a 27-23 victory at Pau on Saturday to make it four straight Top 14 wins to start the season.
RUGBY CHAMPIONSHIP REACTION: New Zealand still have a comfortable six-point lead at the top of the standings, but they are feeling the pain of a rare defeat on home soil.
PREMIERSHIP REPORT: A brace from Charlie Sharples ensured Gloucester maintained their unbeaten record as they dispatched Bristol Bears in their second West Country derby in a week.
PRO14 FRIDAY WRAP: Hooker Rhys Marshall snaffled a brace of tries as a rampant Munster swept aside a much-changed Ospreys 49-13.
TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Kings have made four changes to for their Pro14 clash against Irish side, Ulster, at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium on Sunday.
TRANSFER SPOTLIGHT: Top 14 giants Toulon have set their sights on signing Springbok lock Eben Etzebeth.
RUGBY CHAMPIONSHIP ROUND FOUR: If the Springboks are not highly motivated and excitedly looking forward to Saturday's match, nothing will ever motivate them or excite them.
CURRIE CUP REPORT: The Blue Bulls picked up their third win of the season when they beat the Pumas 39-29 at Loftus Versfeld in Pretoria on Friday.
RUGBY CHAMPIONSHIP SPOTLIGHT: Wellington used to be a great hunting ground for the Springboks, at least in the pre-Cake Tin days.
RUGBY CHAMPIONSHIP BUILD-UP: The All Blacks are on the verge of wrapping up the Rugby Championship with two games to spare when they face a struggling Springbok side in Wellington on Saturday.
RUGBY CHAMPIONSHIP ROUND FOUR: Michael Cheika says Argentinian counterpart Mario Ledesma is like family, but the deadly serious Wallabies boss is in no mood for banter as he faces his former forwards coach on Saturday.
SAFFA FLAVOUR: The Premiership Rugby kicks off with a compelling west country derby as League new-boys Bristol Bears make the short trip to take on Gloucester Rugby on Friday.
NEW BEGINNINGS: Round Two of the Pro14 continued the trend of games going down to the wire with two matches decided with last-gasp penalties, while just four teams are still unbeaten even at this early stage.
IN THE SPOTLIGHT: The Currie Cup will move closer to the business end of the competition this weekend as three teams enter the second half of their campaigns, while the Blue Bulls will play their penultimate pool match
TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: The Cheetahs will have a new face leading the side when they host Glasgow Warriors in the Pro14 match at the Free Stata Stadium on Saturday.
NPC FRIDAY WRAP: Tasman unleashed their frustrations from the heavy loss to Auckland in their last NPC game to thrash hapless Taranaki 53-17 in Nelson on Friday.
TEAM UPDATE: Free State Cheetahs Daan Human has again been forced to scrape together a Currie Cup starting XV for their trip to Kimberley.
TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Captain Chris van Zyl will make his first start for Western Province this season against Golden Lions at Ellis Park on Saturday.
TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Flank David Pocock and back Israel Folau were declared fit enough to be included in the starting line-up Thursday in a big boost for the Wallabies ahead of their weekend clash with Argentina.
TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Golden Lions coach Ivan van Rooyen made three changes, one positional, to the side that will face Western Province in a Currie Cup Round Five clash at Ellis Park on Saturday.
NEWS: Wing Marika Koroibete became the latest Wallaby to commit his future to Australian rugby in a new deal that will take him through to at least the World Cup next year in Japan.
INJURY UPDATE: Wallabies skipper Michael Hooper on Friday pulled out of their weekend clash against Argentina, after hurting his hamstring in training, with David Pocock taking over as captain.
EXCLUSIVE: Retired Springbok wing Tonderai Chavhanga got a burning issue off his chest and went head first into the most-spoken about topic when the Springboks lose - quotas.
EXCLUSIVE: Retired Springbok Tonderai Chavanga pulled no punches as he shared his thoughts on the Springboks, Currie Cup and SA Rugby's plan to increase the number of teams in the PRO14.
TRANSFER NEWS: Queensland Reds have continued to bolster their squad with a further four players recommitting to Ballymore.
EXCLUSIVE: The All Blacks prove week in and week out just how good they really are, even when they make a host of changes.
IN THE SPOTLIGHT: With New Zealand's unbeaten run and South Africa's back-to-back defeats to Argentina and Australia, it is extremely evident who gets the favourite tag.
NPC MATCH REPORT: If three games in eight days are meant to be strength-sapping someone forgot to tell Waikato.
IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Rugby needs to have a plan in place over its future both on and off the pitch ahead of the 2019 World Cup if it is to survive, warned World Rugby vice-chairman Agustin Pichot.
TEAM UPDATE: The All Blacks were forced to make one change to their matchday squad for Saturday's Rugby Championship match against the Springboks.
INJURY UPDATE: Former Junior Springbok and current Worcester Warriors No.8 Cornell du Preez is recovering well after his throat injury
NEWS: Welsh rugby player Haydn Mainwaring, whose two extraordinary tackles for the Barbarians helped inflict South Africa's first defeat in the northern hemisphere in more than half a century, has died aged 85.
The @rugby365com team is joined by respected New Zealand coach Adriaan Kennedy, as they analyse the @SanzarTRC crunch match between @AllBlacks and @Springboks.
TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Argentina have made three changes for their clash with the Wallabies on Saturday, with Gonzalo Bertranou returning at scrumhalf as they look to bounce back from defeat to the All Blacks last weekend.
INJURY UPDATE: Scotland centre Duncan Taylor faces a race against time to be fit for next year's World Cup after being ruled out for the season following knee surgery.
NEWS: All Blacks centurion Ma'a Nonu has ended his time in France and said Thursday he is returning to New Zealand to play Super Rugby for the Blues.
TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Rassie Erasmus has made three changes and one positional switch to his starting XV for the Rugby Championship Round Four clash against the All Blacks in Wellington.
LISTEN as Springbok discard Lionel Mapoe talks about returning to the Currie Cup competition for the first time in three years, after being axed from the national team.
IN THE SPOTLIGHT: It’s been nearly a decade since the All Blacks had a true rival.
RUGBY SPOTLIGHT: Adam Ashley-Cooper is eyeing a return to Australia in a surprise bid to force his way into their World Cup squad, but Wallabies coach Michael Cheika insists he won't be getting any favours.
NEWS: The All Blacks Sevens have secured the services of Regan Ware, Sione Molia and Vilimoni Koroi through to the 2020 Toyko Olympics.
TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Ivan van Zyl and Dayan van der Westhuizen will make first starts for the Blue Bulls Currie Cup team this season on Friday, when they host Pumas at Loftus Versfeld.
TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Free State Cheetahs coach Daan Human was forced to make of a number of changes to the side that will take on Griquas on Saturday.
NEWS: Nathan Godfrey has resigned as CEO of the Canterbury Rugby Union.
TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: The Pumas will have a new captain when the head to Loftus Versfeld to face the Blue Bulls in the Currie Cup match.
NEWS: Racing 92 flank Bernard le Roux was handed a seven-week ban for a dangerous tackle on Clermont's Wesley Fofana.
OPINION: One match was entertaining, the other a dull affair. Not surprising then that the bulk of our team comes from the encounter between New Zealand and Argentina.
CURRIE CUP SPOTLIGHT: Hacjivah Dayimani can expect a few big hits when the Golden Lions take on Western Province in a Currie Cup Round Five encounter at Ellis Park on Saturday.
INJURY REPORT: The Golden Lions suffered a big blow ahead of their big Currie Cup clash against Western Province in Johannesburg on Saturday.
OPINION: Players from the Golden Lions dominate our Currie Cup Team of the Week for Round Four.
TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: All Blacks head coach Steve Hansen has revealed his team to face the Springboks in Wellington on Saturday.
More and more women referees are refereeing in the men's game. This time it Rebecca Mahoney who is going higher in New Zealand's men's rugby than any woman referee before her.
NEWS: Giant young lock Izack Rodda committed himself to the Queensland Reds for another two years in a boost to the Wallabies where he has become a mainstay.
NEWS: Premiership Chairman Ian Ritchie says allowing a takeover of English rugby's top tier is "not the preferred option", but he admitted the cash-strapped league is looking for investment.
NEWS: The Brumbies have signed exciting young inside back Tom Wright from National Rugby League Club, Manly Warringah Sea Eagles, on a two-year deal.
SPRINGBOK SPOTLIGHT: Are we to believe Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus when he suggests that he could be out of a job on Sunday?
ANALYSIS: The reason behind the All Blacks' ability to dominate teams – by an average scoreline of 40 to 12 - in 2018
There are clear regulations regarding team numbers, assistants next to the field in PRO14 matches and also the new HIA trial amendments.
TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Griquas have made a number of changes to their pack for Saturday's Currie Cup Round Five clash with the Free State Cheetahs in Kimberley on Saturday.
INJURY UPDATE: The Blue Bulls returned from their nail-biting 45-40 Currie Cup triumph over the Griquas with one crucial injury concern.
TRANSFER NEWS: The Bristol Bears have brought in Springbok fullback Zane Kirchner on a one-month loan deal.
NEWS: World Rugby are considering expanding the World Cup from 20 to 24 teams in 2023.
INJURY UPDATE: Ulster received some good and bad news ahead of the Pro14 clash against the Southern Kings in Port Elizabeth on Sunday.
Argentinian pocket rocket Santiago Cordero has landed in the perfect place in the Premiership.
RUGBY CHAMPIONSHIP SPOTLIGHT: Handre Pollard is set to wear the No.10 jersey when the Boks face the All Blacks in Wellington on Saturday.
Red cards have been a big talking point in French rugby this season.
NEWS: Australia have closed the gap on England in the World Rugby Rankings.
RUGBY CHAMPIONSHIP SPOTLIGHT: Matt Toomua's return to the Wallabies fold has injected some much-needed competition, Kurtley Beale said Monday, after the Leicester inside centre's standout performance against South Africa.
DISCIPLINARY NEWS: Bristol Bears loose forward George Smith will face an independent disciplinary panel following a dangerous shoulder tackle.
The second round of Premiership fixtures offered teams the chance at redemption or consolidation after the opening round of the season.
WATCH as France international centre Mathieu Bastareaud viciously attack Castres lock Christophe Samson during their Top 14 match on Sunday.
NEWS: Marc Cecillon, the former French rugby captain who served seven years in prison for murdering his wife while drunk, has been ordered back behind bars.
INJURY UPDATE: Toulouse star Cheslin Kolbe is set to start against the All Blacks in Wellington on Saturday
The owners of the Premiership clubs are meeting to discuss the £275m offer for a controlling stake in the competition, but that is not all that is on the agenda.
OPINION: In an incredible round of upsets, new leaders took the top spot on both tables and the old Log 'O Wood changed hands.
REACTION: Only time will tell if the Cheetahs' decision to play in two competitions simultaneously is a sustainable model.
RUGBY CHAMPIONSHIP REACTION: It will be the master against the pupil when Australia host Argentina in a Round Four encounter at the Robina Stadium on the Gold Coast this coming Saturday.
INJURY UPDATE: New Zealand coach Steve Hansen is not going to hold back and will unleash all his big guns on South Africa this coming Saturday.
EXCLUSIVE: South Africa Rugby president Mark Alexander recently stated that the number of professional contracts will be reduced, which could see an improvement in the overall standard of the game if implemented correctly.
TOP 14 WRAP: Resurgent Pau registered an impressive away win with a hard-fought 24-21 victory over Grenoble at a sunny Stade des Alpes in the Top 14 on Sunday.
REACTION: Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus denied hooker Mbongeni Mbonambi was replaced in the first half because of his misfiring line-outs.
NEWS: France great Frederic Michalak has returned to Lyon in an advisory role after retiring at the conclusion of last season.
CURRIE CUP REPORT: The Golden Lions climbed to the top of the Currie Cup standings after a 47-14 win over the Free State Cheetahs in Johannesburg on Saturday.
NATIONAL PROVINCIAL CHAMPIONSHIP WRAP: Auckland in the Premiership and Hawke's Bay in the Championship are the only unbeaten sides in the competition after week four action.
CURRIE CUP REPORT: The Blue Bulls got back to winning ways in this year's Currie Cup with a thrilling 45-40 win over Griquas in Kimberley on Saturday.
OPINION: Australia beat South Africa 23-18 in a scrappy game that was a showcase for just how pathetic both teams are.
A huge weight of expectation will rest on Lima Sopoaga’s granite shoulders when he makes his Wasps debut in London on Saturday.
REACTION: Coach Steve Hansen gave his rearranged All Blacks a pass mark after their 46-24 victory over a much-improved Argentinian side Saturday, but conceded they weren't as good as they should have been.
OPINION: The All Blacks have continued their winning ways with a 46-24 victory over Argentina in Nelson.
RUGBY CHAMPIONSHIP REPORT: Australia ended a four-match losing streak, as South Africa's drought in Brisbane continues.
OPINION: Australia beat South Africa 23-18 in a scrappy game that was a showcase for just how pathetic both teams are.
NPC WRAP: Hawke's Bay extended their lead in the Championship after a last-gasp 29-28 victory over Bay of Plenty at Napier's McLean Park on Saturday.
OPINION: As the All Blacks prepare for the next leg of their Rugby Championship campaign, one player is preparing for the biggest game of his young career.
RUGBY CHAMPIONSHIP REACTION: Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus said he was willing to "accept the consequences" for South Africa's decline under his guidance.
PREMIERSHIP REPORT: Sale Sharks survived a second-half scare as they overcame a spirited Worcester Warriors side 21-15 at the AJ Bell for their first win of the season.
TOP 14 SATURDAY WRAP: Clermont continued their ominous start to the Top 14 season by crushing Stade Francais, who started the day in second place, 42-20, on Saturday.
MATCH REPORT: The Sharks' second-half performance made sure they secure a hard-fought 28-12 win over the Pumas at Kings Park in Durban on Friday.
REACTION: Wallabies skipper Michael Hooper Friday urged rugby chiefs to start taking neck roll tackles more seriously.
EXCLUSIVE: Golden Lions loose forward Hacjivah Dayimani has set the Currie Cup alight this season but still needs some time developing his skills before being granted a chance at the highest level.
EXCLUSIVE: Australia head coach Michael Cheika desperately needs to bag a victory against the Springboks in order to restore the nation's confidence in him.
MATCH REPORT: Wales flyhalf Dan Biggar started his Premiership journey in fine style as he helped Northampton Saints to a 25-18 win over Harlequins on Friday.
NEWS: Facing a four-team repechage for a place at the Rugby World Cup, Germany have hired Mike Ford, the former England and British Lions defence coach and Bath and Toulon head coach.
NPC WRAP: All Black Patrick Tuipulotu has overcome a string of career frustrations to score a hat-trick for Auckland en route to a table-topping 36–10 win over Tasman at Eden Park on Friday.
PRO14 SATURDAY WRAP: Braces from Justin Tipuric and Alun Wyn Jones saw Ospreys comprehensively beat the Cheetahs 46-14 as they made it back-to-back wins in the Pro14 in Swansea.
RUGBY CHAMPIONSHIP REPORT: New Zealand showed just how large the chasm between them and the rest of the world is with a classy performance in a historic match in Nelson on Saturday.
NEWS: Chris Ashton has been denied the chance to play before England name their year-end squad, after the date for the conclusion of his suspension was moved to October 15.
PREMIERSHIP SATURDAY WRAP: Henry Slade and Sam Simmonds scored two tries apiece as Exeter Chiefs made it two wins from two in thrilling fashion with a 42-31 Premiership victory over Wasps.
INJURY UPDATE: Back-row forward Sergio Parisse, the Stade Francais captain, will be out for "three to five weeks" with a calf injury.
TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Coach Franco Smith named his new captain ahead of their Pro14 Round Two encounter with on Ospreys at the Liberty Stadium in Swansea on Saturday.
TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Southern Kings head coach Deon Davids has made four changes to the team for their Pro14 second round fixture against the Dragons in Wales.
LISTEN as Springbok utility forward Pieter-Steph du Toit explains how they plan to blunt the Wallabies' two-pronged attack at the breakdown in Brisbane on Saturday.
INJURY UPDATE: Australia's prospects of ending their losing streak suffered another cruel blow, just hours before their Rugby Championship encounter with South Africa.
RUGBY CHAMPIONSHIP ROUND THREE: After six years in the Rugby Championship, Argentina believe they are finally maturing, know how to best use their Latin flair, and are looking to make an emphatic statement at next year's World Cup.
LASTING CONSEQUENCES: did all the talking on the opening weekend of the Pro14 with expansive rugby and nail-biting finishes on offer in equal measure.
SPOTLIGHT: After a cracking opening round one, Round two starts in Northampton Saints where their hosts the Harlequins, while the other highlight of the weekend is the fixture between Bath and Gloucester derby.
RUGBY CHAMPIONSHIP ROUND THREE: Two teams under fire meet at Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane on Saturday - Australia and South Africa.
FRIDAY WRAP: An Adam Hastings-inspired first-half blitz helped Glasgow Warriors maintain their imposing home record as Munster were put to the sword at Scotstoun.
IN THE SPOTLIGHT: The Sharks and Golden Lions will look to stretch their winning runs to three matches in what marks the halfway stage of their pool rounds this weekend.
TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Free State Cheetahs coach Daan Human has made two changes to his team for their Currie Cup Round Four clash against the Golden Lions in Johannesburg on Saturday.
TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: BlitzBok Dylan Sage has been included on the Blue Bulls bench for their Currie Cup Round Four clash against Griquas in Kimberley on Saturday.
TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: The Golden Lions will have a new back-three combination when they take on the Free State Cheetahs in a Currie Cup Round Four clash in Johannesburg on Saturday.
TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Australian coach Michael Cheika, like his South African counterpart Rassie Erasmus, made a few crucial selection changes.
TOP 14, WEEK THREE: The Scottish presence in France's Top 14 might be small, in every sense, but as the league enters its third round, the signs are it could prove pivotal this season.
NEWS: Controversial former Springbok wing Ashwin Willemse's days as a television analyst appears to be over.
INJURY UPDATE: Australia suffered a setback on the eve of their Rugby Championship encounter with South Africa.
TRANSFER NEWS: The Brumbies have signed Murray Douglas for the 2019 and 2020 Super Rugby seasons.
NPC REPORT: Canterbury brought their trademark efficiency when it counted, but the Manawatu Turbos showed real commitment and intensity as the home side prevailed 34-23 in Christchurch in a Thursday crossover fixture.
TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus has made seven changes to his starting XV for the Rugby Championship Round Three encounter with the Wallabies.
SPOTLIGHT: Kenya has called up four players from its sevens team to reinforce the national squad as it prepares for a last-ditch bid to grab one of the last places at next year's World Cup.
NEWS: It seems like the Reds discard Quade Cooper could return to the Super Rugby stage next season.
RUGBY CHAMPIONSHIP SPOTLIGHT: Head coach Steve Hansen revealed the time was right to put Richie Mo'unga in the driver's seat.
WATCH as The Short Ball team calls into question South Africa's continued involvement in SANZAAR.
IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Eddie Jones insisted the World Cup door was not closed on Danny Cipriani and Chris Ashton despite their failure to steer of trouble on and off the pitch.
After a week off, the rugby Championship is again in action with two matches in Australasia. Glen Jackson may just be refereeing the tougher of the two, between two desperate teams.
FINANCIAL NEWS: It seems like the English Premiership' cash crunch could already be a thing of the past.
TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Argentina, exuding a renewed self-belief, have made four changes to their side for the Rugby Championship clash against the All Blacks in Nelson on Saturday.
INJURY UPDATE: Some bad news for Cheetahs
INJURY UPDATE: There was some bad news on the injury front for Saracens.
TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: All Blacks head coach Steve Hansen has made a number of changes to his team for their Rugby Championship match against Argentina at Trafalgar Park in Nelson on Saturday.
TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: The Pumas have opted to bring in former Sharks loose forward Francois Kleinhans when they head to Durban on Friday.
RUGBY CHAMPIONSHIP: Despite their record against the All Blacks, Argentina believe they have what it takes to upset their opponents in Nelson on Saturday.
NEWS: New Zealand's well-known holiday destination Alexander will host their very first professional Super Rugby fixture on February 1, 2019.
RUGBY CHAMPIONSHIP SPOTLIGHT: Hooker Codie Taylor described his All Blacks teammate Rieko Ioane as a "freak" ahead of their Rugby Champions Round Three encounter with Argentina.
IN THE SPOTLIGHT: It took the Springbok Sevens until the very last game of the final tournament of the 2017/18 World Rugby Sevens Series to clinch the overall title for a second consecutive season.
TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Sharks head coach Robert du Preez has made just two changes to the team that defeated Free State in Bloemfontein last weekend for their upcoming clash against the Pumas.
NEWS: Melbourne Rebels forwards Coach Joe Barakat has decided to conclude his time in Melbourne with the franchise.
The @rugby365com team analyses the weekend's crucial @SanzarTRC encounter between the @qantaswallabies and @Springboks in Brisbane.
EXCLUSIVE: We delve into the mindset of an Australian coach as a crucial Rugby Championship match between Australia and South Africa awaits.
IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Take a look at some of the prospective candidates for the Leicester coaching job.
RUGBY CHAMPIONSHIP SPOTLIGHT: Will Genia says Wallaby players were not doing their jobs.
INJURY UPDATE: The Golden Lions could be without the services of key forwards when they take on the Free State Cheetahs in Johannesburg on Saturday.
OPINION: Players from the Golden Lions and Western Province dominate our Currie Cup Team of the Week for Round Three.
RUGBY CHAMPIONSHIP SPOTLIGHT: There will be a big focus on the two flyhalves in Saturday's Rugby Championship Test between Australia and South Africa.
IN THE SPOTLIGHT: With loads of attention on Argentina's scrummaging, All Blacks have also identified the line-outs as an area of interest ahead of the Rugby Championship match.
INJURY UPDATE: Ospreys flyhalf Luke Price has been ruled out of action for the remainder of 2018O after breaking his leg during Friday's opening Pro14 win over Edinburgh.
NEWS: The IRFU have confirmed that Ireland will play four fixtures in August and September 2019 in preparation for the Rugby World Cup in Japan.
TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: The Griquas have made three changes to the side that will take on the Blue Bulls in a must-win Currie Cup match.
NEWS: The Wallabies lock stocks are set to be boosted ahead of next year's World Cup.
INJURY UPDATE: Clermont back Peter Betham is out of action for six weeks after hurting his right knee as his team thumped big-money Racing 92 on their own turf last weekend.
NPC MATCH REPORT: After starting their season with three straight losses, Waikato have finally recorded a win.
IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Steve Hansen is very cautious of the rejuvenated Argentina team especially under the guidance of new coach Mario Ledesma.
NEWS: England will play a home Test match in Newcastle for the first time as the part of four 2019 World Cup warm-up internationals.
NEWS: The 2018/19 season has claimed its first casualty, on a day of high drama on Monday.
INJURY UPDATE: The Blue Bulls, having lost two of their first three Currie Cup matches, suffered an injury setback at the weekend.
REACTION: Sharks' lack of patience on attack could be the side's Achilles heel heading into the last few weeks of the Currie Cup season.
The Premiership returned with a bang for the 2018/19 season this weekend, with Bristol Bears’ 17-10 victory over fierce rivals Bath stealing the headlines.
EXCLUSIVE: The Springboks head to Australasia still licking their wounds from their previous round defeat, however, the 'bigger picture' needs to be front of mind during this competition.
REACTION: Kings head coach Deon Davids is left scratching his head again after ill-discipline aided to a disappointing start to their Pro14 campaign.
RUGBY CHAMPIONSHIP SPOTLIGHT: South Africa will hope that uncapped French-based back Cheslin Kolbe can provide the spark to fire up their under performing backline.
Danny Cipriani’s first Premiership game in cherry whites was largely a success, guiding the side to a 27-14 victory over the Northampton Saints.
NEWS: Julien Dumora, Semi Radradra and Ben Botica have been shortlisted for the 2017-18 Top 14 Player of the Year award, the French league announced on Tuesday.
REACTION: Blue Bulls head coach Pote Human believes his team's ill-discipline played a big role in their 35-38 defeat to the Golden Lions at Loftus Versfeld on Saturday.
OPINION: The short turn-around matches began this round with Taranaki and Counties Manukau first up.
TRANSFER NEWS: The Hurricanes have added two more players to their roster for the next two seasons after the signing of prop Fraser Armstrong and loose forward Du'Plessis Kirifi.
WATCH as retired Lions President Kevin de Klerk talks about his successor and the challenges facing the game in South Africa.
NEWS: Springbok head coach Rassie Erasmus dismissed rumours that he has offered to be the Bulls' head coach in next year’s Super Rugby tournament.
PREMIERSHIP REPORT: Alex Lewington marked his Saracens debut with two tries as Mark McCall’s men started their Premiership title defence with a 32-21 victory over Newcastle Falcons.
REACTION: Western province head coach John Dobson was pleased with a number of individual performances in his team's impressive 57-28 win over the Pumas in Nelspruit on Friday.
RUGBY CHAMPIONSHIP SPOTLIGHT: Australia and South Africa will both be desperate for a morale-boosting win when the two teams meet in Brisbane next weekend.
WATCH as Australian fullback Israel Folau attempts to explain why South Africa struggle to win in Brisbane.
NEWS: The Brumbies are currently leading to the race to secure the signatures of a prominent Reds figure.
EXCLUSIVE: While the Blue Bulls have been trying to keep themselves in the Currie Cup running, you have missed a Springbok-turned-consultant in their coaching department.
INJURY UPDATE: Worcester Warriors No.8 Cornell du Preez is understood to have undergone surgery on his throat.
TOP 14 WRAP: Clermont inflicted a 40-17 defeat on Racing 92 in the Top 14 on Sunday, handing the big-money club their first defeat at their new home in Paris' La Defense business district.
INJURY UPDATE: The All Blacks received a double boost ahead of their home Rugby Championship matches against Argentina and South Africa.
INJURY UPDATE: Bristol Bears have been boosted with the news that Charles Piutau does not require surgery and could be available for selection by late October.
SQUAD ANNOUNCEMENT: Israel Folau has been rushed back into a revamped Australia squad for their upcoming Rugby Championship matches against South Africa and Argentina.
REACTION: Gloucester centre Henry Trinder saluted troubled Danny Cipriani after the England flyhalf inspired a 27-16 victory over Northampton on Saturday.
CURRIE CUP REPORT: Western Province sent a strong message to all their rivals - they are the team to beat.
SATURDAY AND SUNDAY WRAP: All Black loose forward Shannon Frizell demonstrated his emerging class with a dominant display as part of Tasman's 32-20 win over North Harbour at QBE Stadium in Albany on Saturday.
PRO14 REPORT: Bryan Byrne scored with three minutes remaining, as Leinster snuck a 33-32 victory over Cardiff Blues to open the defence of their title with a win.
PRO14 REPORT: Munster maintained their magnificent opening day record in the Pro14 with a 38-0 mauling of the Cheetahs on Saturday.
CURRIE CUP REPORT: Two late tries from Hacjivah Dayimani helped the Golden Lions to a thrilling 38-35 win against the Blue Bulls in Pretoria on Saturday.
PRO14 REPORT: Benetton held on for a well-earned 21-17 win over the Dragons at Rodney Parade in what was just their second win in Wales in the last five years.
CURRIE CUP REPORT: The Sharks avoided what would have been a shock defeat to the young Free State Cheetahs when they managed to secure a 33-29 win in Bloemfontein on Saturday.
WATCH as the South African Rugby Union President Mark Alexander explains why they have decided to have one leg in the Northern Hemisphere, while keeping another in the Southern Hemisphere.
It was the 50th running of the Villager Sevens on Friday 31 August 2018, and Bishops won it.
SQUAD ANNOUNCEMENT: Former Western Province outside back Cheslin Kolbe has been added to the Springbok squad for their Australasian leg of the Rugby Championship as the only uncapped player.
PREMIERSHIP SATURDAY WRAP: Summer signing Danny Cipriani inspired his new side to victory as Gloucester overcame Northampton Saints in a compelling encounter at Kingsholm.
NEWS: Eddie Jones met up with Rugby Football Union referees' chief Tony Spreadbury in the hopes of solving England's breakdown issues ahead of next year's Rugby World Cup.
IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Former All Black centre Malakai Fekitoa hasn't ruled out playing in a Rugby World Cup again, according to reports.
WATCH as Scotty Stevenson & Mils Muliaina decipher the chances of All Blacks flyhalf Beauden Barrett plying his trade in Europe after the Rugby World Cup 2019.
PRO14 REPORT: Ulster snatched a dramatic last-minute win as they beat last year’s Pro14 finalists Scarlets 15-13 at the Kingspan Stadium.
PRO14 REPORT: Bryan Byrne scored with three minutes remaining, as Leinster snuck a 33-32 victory over Cardiff Blues to open the defence of their title with a win.
PRO14 REPORT: George North made a perfect first impression on the Ospreys faithful, as his debut double saw the Welsh side begin their campaign with a scrappy 17-13 victory over Edinburgh.
IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Brendan Venter says SA Rugby and fans should be patient with Bok head coach Rassie Erasmus.
PREMIERSHIP REPORT: Alapati Leiua scored the winning try ten minutes from time as Bristol Bears upset Bath to win the first game of the season in front of a record crowd.
WATCH as Kevin de Klerk explains why he has quit as Golden Lions Rugby Union President.
PRO14 REPORT: Craig Ronaldson came within the distance of a post of giving Connacht victory over Glasgow Warriors but in the end it was Stuart Hogg’s drop goal that proved the matchwinner in a 27-26 success.
INJURY UPDATE: Wallabies' midfield problems have been amplified after it was confirmed that Samu Kerevi will be sidelined for another two months.
Ben Smith suggests that legendary NBA coach Gregg Popovich may have helped influence the All Blacks' counter strategy.
LET THE ACTION BEGIN: Newly promoted Bristol Bears' Premiership campaign has already taken a huge blow.
TEAM ANNOUNCEMENTS: Cheetahs head coach Franco Smith was forced to name seven debutants in his team that will take on Munster on Saturday on Ireland.
The Sharks are playing the Blue Bulls in Durban. This incident happens around 56 minutes in the match.
NEW ERA: The Pro14 returns to action - set to deliver naturally fast play, incredible breakdown battles and the sharp wits of the men in the coaches' boxes.
IN THE SPOTLIGHT: The 2018 Currie Cup Premier Division enters the third round.
NPC MATCH REPORT: Romping out to a 40-0 lead at halftime Wellington marked the difference between the upper and lower levels of the NPC Cup when going on to beat Southland 52-7 at Westpac Stadium on Friday.
EXCLUSIVE: With Super Rugby set for another potential change to the format, a case can be made for SANZAAR to do the same to the Rugby Championship, to manage the workload of the southern hemisphere players.
Please ,note that teams’ replacement allocation is not affected by the revised HIA application. This includes if teams have used all their replacements.
TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Sharks head coach Robert Du Preez named an unchanged starting XV for their Currie Cup clash against the Free State Cheetahs on Saturday.
INJURY UPDATE: The All Blacks will be without one of their first-choice props for the rest of the Rugby Championship.
TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Golden Lions will be without the services of Springboks Ross Cronje when they take on the Blue Bulls at Loftus Versfeld on Saturday.
IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Western Province are very well prepared for the 'Pumas' predictable' game plan says coach John Dobson.
TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Trevor Nyakane will make his first Currie Cup appearance for the Blue Bulls when they take on the Golden Lions at Loftus Versfeld on Saturday.
TEAM ANNOUNCEMENTS: Kings have included six debutants in the team that will kick off their the Pro14 campaign against Italian side Zebre at the Stadio Sergio Lanfranchi in Parma on Friday.
TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Rudy Paige will lead a new-look Free State Cheetahs team when they take on the Sharks in a Currie Cup Round Three clash in Bloemfontein on Saturday,
PRO14 INJURY UPDATE: Scarlets No.8 Uzair Cassiem will miss the opening rounds of the 2018/2019 Pro14 season.
NEWS: New Zealand Rugby (NZR) bought back a private investor's stake in the struggling Blues after an independent review found the ownership structure was "unsustainable", the governing body said.
READERS VIEW: Regular rugby365 reader Brian Holdsworth, based in South East Melbourne in Australia, looks at the dire financial situation of the South African Rugby Union and makes a few suggestions for a turnaround plan.
CURRIE CUP SPOTLIGHT: The Sharks may be red-hot favourites, but there is no chance of complacency when they face the Free State Cheetahs.
BREAKING NEWS: Golden Lions Rugby Union has lost the services of one of the giants of the game.
IN THE SPOTLIGHT: South Africa Rugby Union President Mark Alexander fuels north versus south debate.
Castres play at home in the Top 14 for the first time in almost four months Saturday and have a lot to share with their fans.
TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Damian de Allende and Wilco Louw will start for Western Province in the Currie Cup encounter against Pumas in Nelspruit on Friday.
RUGBY CHAMPIONSHIP SPOTLIGHT: Wallaby back Dane Haylett-Petty believes there is nothing wrong with Australia's fitness levels after their two Bledisloe Cup losses to the All Blacks.
PRE-SEASON SPOTLIGHT: Former England flyhalf Andrew James Goode makes some interesting calls on who he feels will be the Premiership semifinalists.
RUGBY CHAMPIONSHIP SPOTLIGHT: All Blacks flyhalf Beauden Barrett revealed there is no 'magic or secret' in achieving his level of perfection.
RUGBY CHAMPIONSHIP SPOTLIGHT: New Zealand fans are no doubt still reflecting on Beauden Barrett’s outstanding Bledisloe Cup performance after a big win against Australia this past Saturday.
TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: The Pumas have named an unchanged team for their Currie Cup clash against Western Province in Nelspruit on Friday.
EXCLUSIVE: Springbok lock Lood de Jager sheds some light on his road to recovery, what has been keeping him busy, and shares his thoughts on the Springboks' embarrassing defeat to Argentina.
NEWS: Flyhalf Gavin Henson and scrumhalves Tavis Knoyle and Rhodri Davies will all have late fitness tests ahead of the Pro14 league opener with Benetton at Rodney Parade on Saturday.
RUGBY CHAMPIONSHIP ROUND TWO: Never before has a team been as dominant as the current New Zealand outfit.
SQUAD ANNOUNCEMENT: Head of England Sevens Simon Amor has named his 20-man squad for the 2018/19 season which will include the World Rugby Sevens Series and the Rugby Europe Sevens Series.
The Rugby Championship has a week off but that does not mean no rugby. There is a great deal being played in north and south.
NEWS: Scrumhalf Moses Sorovi will call Ballymore home for at least another two seasons, after signing with the Queensland Reds through 2020.
FINANCIAL SPOTLIGHT: Supposedly one of the richest competitions in the world, the English Premiership is also in trouble.
RANKINGS: The schools season has come to a dramatic conclusion and for the sixth time of the past decade, Grey College of Bloemfontein has emerged as our number one school on our famous Top 20.
LAW DISCUSSION: Law guru Paul Dobson looks at a contentious issue during a schools match
On Friday, 31 August, the 50th tournament of the Villager Sevens will take place at the famous club at Brookside in Claremont.
LISTEN as the @rugby365com team chats to respected New Zealander Adriaan Kennedy about why the Kiwi coaching systems are so much further ahead than their main rivals.
IN THE SPOTLIGHT: An in-depth analysis into how Premiership teams are correctly utilising their academies.
IN THE SPOTLIGHT: The Kings and Cheetahs will both have a point to prove when they kick off in their second PRO14 season this weekend.
MATCH REPORT: Taranaki picked up their second win with a 26-19 victory over Counties Manukau in Pukekohe.
PARODY: If you don’t know Michael Cheika by now, you never will.
CURRIE CUP SPOTLIGHT: Patience and concentration are the two key areas for the Golden Lions to work on this week.
OPINION: Players from Western Province dominate our Team of the Week for Round Two of Currie Cup 2018.
NEWS: The Blue Bulls continue to re-sign some of their most promising players.
IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Is it the cattle or the coach? Or, something bigger?
WATCH as Toulouse's South African star Cheslin Kolbe shows once again that he's one of best broken-field runners in the game.
NEWS: Harlequins has announced that Wallaby James Horwill and England international Chris Robshaw will be co-captains of the club for the coming season.
TRANSFER NEWS: Brumbies have welcome Bayley Kuenzle to the club after the flyhalf/centre signed a two-year contract with the club to be part of the Wider Training Squad in 2019.
TRANSFER NEWS: Northampton Saints confirmed that Paul Grayson will join Chris Boyd’s coaching staff for the 2018/19 season as a consultant kicking coach.
TRANSFER NEWS: Mauricio Reggiardo will return to the "club of his heart" and take over as manager at French champions Castres next season, his current team Agen announced.
SQUAD ANNOUNCEMENT: England-based forward Gaston Cortes has been included in a 30-man Argentina squad for Rugby Championship matches in New Zealand and Australia.
WORLD RANKINGS: South Africa dropped below Scotland in the latest World Rugby rankings.
CURRIE CUP REACTION: The Sharks seemed to have unearthed a fine talent out wide in the form of Aphelele Fassi.
RUGBY CHAMPIONSHIP: The Springboks could be in for a world of pain, unless they find a solution for the embarrassing implosion they suffered in Mendoza at the weekend.
SQUAD ANNOUNCEMENT: The Cheetahs have revealed their squad for the trip to Europe.
IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Wallabies coach Michael Cheika won the backing of his bosses who pledged their support ahead of next year's World Cup despite a dismal run of defeats deemed "not acceptable."
CURRIE CUP REACTION: Western Province head coach John Dobson admitted it will be hard to analyse his team's performance after their 32-0 win over the Free State Cheetahs in Cape Town.
NEWS: Hooker Damien Fitzpatrick confirmed that he has extended his contract with the NSW Waratahs.
TRANSFER NEWS: Scarlets have confirmed that they have signed experienced hooker Marc Jones from Sale Sharks.
REACTION: Embarrassing was the only word to sum up the Springboks' 19-32 defeat to Argentina, according to head coach Rassie Erasmus.
The 2018/19 Premiership season is upon us, with 11 teams intent on knocking Saracens off their perch as reigning champions.
TRANSFER NEWS: Munster Rugby and the IRFU confirmed the short-term signing of New Zealand scrumhalf Alby Mathewson.
TRANSFER NEWS: Teenage star Noah Lolesio has signed a two-year deal with the Brumbies.
IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Wallabies flank David Pocock admits he has concerns for his long-term health after another match of being heavily targeted by New Zealand in Auckland.
Lyon's England fullback Delon Armitage's season is almost certainly over - after he suffered a horrific knee injury.
OPINION: In such a short competition, every round is meaningful and for several teams their season looks bleak already.
SUPER RUGBY SPOTLIGHT: Plans for Super Rugby's latest format revamp should be finalised in November, New Zealand Rugby Chief Executive Steve Tew said Monday.
IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Quade Cooper has opened up about the continued exploration of his heritage and expressed a desire to one day play for the New Zealand Maori.
TOP 14 NEWS: Lyon said that fullback Delon Armitage is out for the season, after the England international injured a knee in Sunday's draw with Toulouse.
OPINION: Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus admitted he should carry the blame for the team's poor performance in Mendoza, a 19-32 loss to Argentina that effectively confirmed New Zealand will retain the Rugby Championship.
REACTION: Blue Bulls head coach Pote Human has defended Springboks centre Jesse Kriel after the side error-ridden performance against the Sharks.
IN THE SPOTLIGHT: As the All Blacks celebrated going to the top of the Rugby Championship table, they were also pondering a new-look line-up for their next match against Argentina.
REACTION: Bloodied Argentina skipper Agustin Creevy hailed a 32-19 Rugby Championship triumph over South Africa this weekend as "satisfying" because it ended a humiliating string of defeats.
IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Michael Hooper found it difficult to identify the core problem with Wallabies following their second successive convincing defeat at the hands of New Zealand in the Rugby Championship.
The curtain came down on the 2018 schoolboy season on a bitterly cold and wet winter's morning in Cape Town. The South African College High School (SACS) hosting archrivals Wynberg Boy’s High. The weather did not deter the boys and the fans as Wynberg put on a composed and clinical display to beat SACS 30-17.
CURRIE CUP REPORT: Western Province got their campaign off to an impressive start with a 32-0 whitewash of the Free State Cheetahs at a very wet Newlands on Saturday.
TOP 14 MATCH REPORT: Reigning champions Castres opened the new French season on Sunday as they had ended the last by beating Montpellier, although this time the finish was much tenser.
And so the schools season shuts down - another season of excitement, determination, exercise and friendship, another season in which schoolboy rugby seems to be growing in interest while adult rugby seems to be waning.
"Anything can happen at Interschools," said the wise man. And on Saturday at Brackenfell he was again proved true when Tygerberg beat the runaway favourites Brackenfell 19-8 on Brackenfell's home ground.
NEWS: Wallabies prop Ben Alexander Monday called time on his rugby career after 72 appearances for his country and a record 154 games for the Brumbies.
The opening round of the Top 14 saw one of the most puzzling red cards in history over the weekend.
CURRIE CUP REPORT: The Sharks started their campaign with an impressive 26-10 demolition of the Blue Bulls in Durban on Saturday.
RUGBY CHAMPIONSHIP REACTION: New Zealand coach Steve Hansen allowed the outside world a peek into the inner sanctum of the All Blacks.
PREMIERSHIP SPOTLIGHT: Wasps are facing a flyhalf crisis just a week before the season is scheduled to start.
RUGBY CHAMPIONSHIP REPORT: There are some obvious things that we believe after this 26-point turnaround in just a week when Argentina beat South Africa 32-19 in a Rugby Championship match.
RUGBY CHAMPIONSHIP REACTION: Under siege Wallabies coach Michael Cheika rejected suggestions that his position is in jeopardy.
OPINION: The Wallabies went down 12-40 at Eden Park as the All Blacks retained the Bledisloe Cup in the second test.
OPINION: The All Blacks locked away the Bledisloe Cup for another year with a 40-12 victory at Eden Park.
NPC WRAP, PART TWO: Canterbury is back on track after defeating Wellington 27-20 in round two Premiership action at a sun-drenched Christchurch Stadium.
REACTION: The Free State Cheetahs' Currie Cup campaign is about to get a lot more challenging as the team shift their focus to the Pro14.
TOP 14 WRAP: Stade Francais kicked off the Top 14 season and their new era under coach Heyneke Meyer in style, with a 46-15 thrashing of newly-promoted Perpignan on Saturday.
OPINION: Argentina put a huge dent in South Africa's Rugby Championship hopes with a commanding 32-19 win in Mendoza on Saturday.
REACTION: The Currie Cup, once the most coveted domestic title on offer, could go from an 'afterthought' to an international competition.
A powerful northwester blew wildly down the Piley Rees field when Bishops and Rondebosch battled against the elements and each other, and ended in a 10-all draw.
NEWS: The Namibia club the Welwitschias were forced to withdraw from South Africa's First Division tournament.
RUGBY CHAMPIONSHIP SPOTLIGHT: Captain Siyamthanda Kolisi said that the Springboks will be looking to deliver another big physical performance against Argentina.
CURRIE CUP REPORT: The Golden Lions got their Currie Cup campaign underway with a 62-41 win over Griquas at Ellis Park in Johannesburg on Friday.
MATCH REPORT & HIGHLIGHTS: Beauden Barrett's four-try masterclass help New Zealand to a 40-12 victory over Australia at Auckland's Eden Park on Saturday.
RUGBY CHAMPIONSHIP ROUND TWO: It's not just the All Blacks that Australia faces on Saturday, but also the Eden Park curse - which has denied visiting teams a taste of victory for 24 years.
IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Australia international George Smith admits he has a "massive" challenge on his hands as he prepares for the English Premiership season with new side Bristol after nearly two decades at the top of the game.
Mendoza is a remarkable city. Based in a relatively dry area, similar to the Great Karoo, it has little rainfall but lots of water.
RUGBY CHAMPIONSHIP ROUND TWO: The tournament flies west and then up to the foot of the mighty Andes, to the beautiful city of Mendoza.
RUGBY CHAMPIONSHIP SPOTLIGHT: No tries in 99 Tests for Owen Franks - no worries. Possibly not enough food for the big man at his wedding - now that's serious.
TRANSFER NEWS: Fijian Olympic Games gold medal winner Semi Kunatani has joined the Premiership club the Harlequins.
NPC WRAP: Scrum power has long been the basis of successful Shield tenures and Taranaki demonstrated that by the spadeful in seeing off Manawatu's challenge 41–21 during their Mitre 10 Cup game in New Plymouth on Friday.
IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Sonny Bill Williams has shut down speculation linking him with another return to the NRL and insisted he wants to represent the All Blacks at next year’s Rugby World Cup.
NEWS: The Springboks looks set to retain the services of star scrumhalf Francois de Klerk for the entire Rugby Championship.
MATCH REPORT: Two NPC wins in two attempts by Bay of Plenty have seen them set the pace in the Championship with their latest a 22-17 win over Counties Manukau in Pukekohe.
WATCH as one of Gloucester's latest imports, Springbok Jaco Kriel, explains why the way to go for South African teams is European competitions.
TOP 14 BUDGETS FOR 2018/19 REVEALED: Multiple reports have emerged in the French media highlighting the budgets of the Top 14 clubs for the 2018/19 season.
The RFU have handed Chris Ashton a massive ban after he appeared before an independent disciplinary panel Thursday.
RUGBY CHAMPIONSHIP SPOTLIGHT: After a June Test series defeat to Ireland and a defeat to New Zealand last weekend, the Australian rugby fraternity is getting a little exasperated of seeing Michael Cheika as the head coach.
IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Defending Currie Cup champions, Western Province, the Sharks and the Golden Lions will be determined to make strong statements in their opening Currie Cup Premier Division matches this weekend.
WATCH as Blue Bull coach Pote Human explains how they will help Jesse Kriel regain his place in the Springbok squad.
Wallaby lock Adam Coleman explained to the media post-Bledisloe One that the All Blacks unexpectedly ran a two-pod lineout defence that they weren’t prepared for.
Tygerberg go north from Parow for their Interschools matches with Brackenfell on Saturday, a Classic Clash to be televised live.
The four big school on the Cape Peninsula enjoy great relationships and competitions. They meet each other twice a year, always at the end of term. The second Wynberg match is at SACS this week, SACS's last chance to beat one of the other three in 2018.
It is the second round of SANZAAR's Rugby Championship after wins by New Zealand and South Africa in the first round.
RUGBY CHAMPIONSHIP SPOTLIGHT: Talk, talk and talk some more has become the catchcry for Ngani Laumape as the standby All Black is thrust into the firing line for Saturday's return Test against Australia in Auckland.
NEWS: Newcastle Falcons prop Scott Wilson has been forced to retire from professional rugby due to injury.
TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Argentina, like South Africa, made only one change - to the second row - for their Rugby Championship rematch.
TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus made just one change to his team for their Rugby Championship Round Two match.
TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Dillyn Leyds will play in his third position of the 2018 season, when they host the Free State Cheetahs at Newlands on Saturday.
TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Springbok 'discard' Jesse Kriel will make a long-awaited return to the Blue Bulls on Saturday.
TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Cheetahs have opted to change their halfback pairing for Saturday's Currie Cup match against the Western Province.
Johan Blankenberg of Cape Town asks about a rare incident on a rugby field. It must be rare as I have not seen or heard of it in over 70 years of involvement in rugby on all the continents. But let him ask his question.
IN THE SPOTLIGHT: When the new Premiership Rugby season gets underway a host of stars will be donning new colours for the very first time.
CURRIE CUP DOCUMENTARY: What was once South Africa's premier tournament, has now become a 'development' event.
VIDEO: No change from Lions' Cash
TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Jordie Barrett won the nod to start at fullback in an injury-enforced backline reshuffle by New Zealand.
NEWS: Premiership has launched an initiative to reduce the number of undiagnosed concussions in the English club game by introducing a new revolutionary "spotter system".
TRANSFER NEWS: New Zealand-born Caleb Timu has re-signed with the Reds for the 2019 season.
CURRIE CUP SPOTLIGHT: Western Province hooker Siyabonga Ntubeni will have the chance to make the No.2 jersey his own again after Ramone Samuels suffered a serious knee injury in a pre-season friendly against Montpellier.
WATCH as James Haskell bemoaned the "trial by social media" inflicted on Danny Cipriani after his former Wasps and England teammate's conviction over a nightclub incident on a pre-season tour.
TRANSFER NEWS: The Blue Bulls have literally 'shut the gate' on an attempt by Western Province to lure two of their key players to Cape Town.
TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Griquas have made three changes to their starting XV for their Currie Cup Round Two clash against the Golden Lions in Johannesburg on Friday.
WATCH as The 1014 Rugby team examines the minutes played by replacements, position by position.
TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Wallabies coach Michael Cheika has revamped his misfiring front row and given Dane Haylett-Petty a shot at fullback for the must-win second Bledisloe Cup Test in Auckland on Saturday.
RUGBY CHAMPIONSHIP ROUND ONE: The first shots were fired in the 2018 version of the tournament and the usual suspects are at the top of the pile.
The schools season is petering out and yet there was still room for telling results over this last two weekends.
TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: The Sharks have six Springboks in their starting XV for their opening Currie Cup clash of the season against the Blue Bulls in Durban on Saturday.
RUGBY CHAMPIONSHIP ROUND TWO: Argentina's recent track record may suggest South Africa should bag a second consecutive win in the 2018 version of the tournament.
CURRIE CUP ROUND ONE: The season got off to a low-key start, with just two matches and three teams on byes.
UPDATE: Danny Cipriani avoided a ban despite being found guilty of conduct prejudicial to the game Wednesday after England rugby chiefs decided not to impose any further sanctions over a nightclub incident.
INJURY UPDATE: Matthieu Jalibert, the teenage flyhalf who tore a knee ligament on his France debut in February, has reinjured the knee and will be out for six months, his club Bordeaux-Begles said on Tuesday.
IN THE SPOTLIGHT: The world-champion All Blacks confirmed Thursday they have one of Rugby League's hottest properties, Kalyn Ponga, on their radar and are ready to talk if he seriously wants to switch codes.
The @rugby365com team shines the spotlight on the @SanzarTRC and @TheCurrieCup - with a few intriguing titbits thrown it.
ANALYSIS: With the game in the balance and the All Blacks holding a slim 12-6 lead, the Wallabies received a scrum on their own 40-metre line in the 51st minute.
TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: The Lions have named star Junior Bok centre Wandisile Simelane on their bench for their opening 2018 Currie Cup game against Griquas on Friday.
All Black assistant coach Ian Foster takes a look at the challenge New Zealand will face from Australia in the second Bledisloe Cup Test.
RUGBY CHAMPIONSHIP SPOTLIGHT: Argentina are running out of time to build a competitive squad ahead of next year's World Cup in Japan.
RUGBY CHAMPIONSHIP: Australia coach Michael Cheika has acknowledged fans have a right to be angry after yet another Bledisloe Cup disappointment but insisted he is still the right man to lead the Wallabies.
RUGBY CHAMPIONSHIP SPOTLIGHT: Wallabies hooker Tatafu Polota-Nau has backed Michael Cheika in the wake of yet another Bledisloe Cup loss to New Zealand last weekend, saying the coach's players let him down.
RUGBY CHAMPIONSHIP SPOTLIGHT: The Wallabies are set for another tough time in the line-outs when they face the All Blacks in Auckland on Saturday.
CURRIE CUP SPOTLIGHT: The Sharks will want to capitalise on the momentum of a positive pre-season when their take on the Blue Bulls this weekend.
RUGBY CHAMPIONSHIP SPOTLIGHT: The Wallabies are desperate to avoid a 16th consecutive Bledisloe Cup failure ahead of their must-win match against the All Blacks.
RUGBY CHAMPIONSHIP SPOTLIGHT: All Blacks scrumhalf Aaron Smith has pinpointed his team's set-piece attack as an area that needs improvement ahead of their Test against Australia in Auckland on Saturday.
RUGBY CHAMPIONSHIP SPOTLIGHT: The Springboks will face a test of character when they take on Argentina in Mendoza on Saturday
REACTION: Argentina is planning to cut off South Africa's supply of quality possession at source.
REACTION: The Rugby Players' Association (RPA) in England does not support the Rugby Football Union's (RFU) decision to charge Danny Cipriani after his arrest in Jersey last week.
TRANSFER NEWS: The Southern Kings have bolstered their backline stocks ahead of the 2018/2019 Pro14 season.
SQUAD ANNOUNCEMENT: Argentina have added some extra backline pace ahead of the Rugby Championship match against Springboks on Saturday.
RUGBY CHAMPIONSHIP SPOTLIGHT: Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus admitted the decision to travel to Argentina a day later is a calculated risk.
NEWS: England captain Dylan Hartley could be set to make his first appearance in five months after recovering from concussion.
OPINION: The New Zealand NPC roared into action this weekend with some tantalising derbies and fascinating storylines.
WORLD RANKINGS: New Zealand stretched their lead at the top of the World Rankings.
INJURY UPDATE: The Blue Bulls' 34-12 bonus point over the Cheetahs was accompanied with an injury setback.
SPOTLIGHT: An exciting new era has dawned for the Southern Kings with the announcement of the proudly Eastern Cape side's proposed new owners.
PRO14 SPOTLIGHT: There is only one South African in the 2017/2018 Pro14 Dream Team.
Amelia Earhart did with her flying, what Aimee Barrett-Theron is doing with refereeing.
IN THE SPOTLIGHT: When the World Cup comes to the small northern Japanese town of Kamaishi in just over a year, it will stir emotions far beyond the pitch.
REACTION: Despite pleading guilty to common assault and resisting arrest last week, Danny Cipriani remains a positive influence among the Gloucester squad, says coach Johan Ackermann.
EXCLUSIVE: The Sharks latest coaching acquisition is a decision that has some excited, especially that a foreign coach is coming to South Africa.
EXCLUSIVE: The All Blacks are once again the overwhelming favourites to claim lift the Rugby Championship trophy, however, the Springboks could bag a rare victory over the New Zealanders.
Chris Ashton was shown a red card by referee Roman Poite in the 46th minute of the pre-season fixture between Castres Olympique and Sale Sharks last Friday.
SQUAD ANNOUNCEMENT: Rassie Erasmus, Springbok coach and the South African Rugby Union Director of Rugby, trimmed his squad for Round Two of the Rugby Championship.
CURRIE CUP REACTION: The impending departure of John Mitchell to England next month will not detract the Blue Bulls from their stated goal of wanting to play an expansive game.
INJURY UPDATE: There is growing concern in New Zealand over yet another concussion suffered by star midfielder Ryan Crotty.
INJURY UPDATE: Australia has lost the sting of their attack, ahead of Bledisloe II - which is also Round Two of the Rugby Championship.
OPINION: The Springboks got their Rugby Championship campaign off to a winning start when they beat Argentina 34-21 in Durban.
UPDATE: Gloucester Rugby have fined England flyhalf Danny Cipriani following his nightclub arrest in Jersey.
REACTION: Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus is planning some changes to his team for their return fixture with Los Pumas.
REPORT: Namibia booked their place at the World Cup for the sixth successive time on Saturday with a 53-28 victory over Kenya.
It is always sad to reach the end of a Winter season. Nothing brings together a school better than a Winter derby fixture, and to have one as old as Muir is an incredible way to end the season.
There was, of course, that match of enormous interest in Bloemfontein, when unbeaten met unbeaten and Grey College stayed unbeaten.
In the third and final round of the Under-18 International tournament, played at the South African College Schools, France defeated Wales a massive 52-7, which meant that they were undefeated in the tournament.
NPC WRAP, WEEK ONE: Did Tasman fire its best shot too early in the National Provincial Cup Premiership?
REACTION: All Black playmaker Beauden Barrett on Saturday revealed how long-dormant soccer skills picked up in Ireland helped his scintillating display in New Zealand's 38-13 demolition of Australia.
OPINION: Mario Ledesma's first game in charge of Argentina ended in a 21-34 defeat to the Springboks in Durban on Saturday.
RUGBY CHAMPIONSHIP REPORT: For almost 40 minutes Australia thought they were in the game. In the end, New Zealand scored a comprehensive 38-13 win in the Bledisloe Cup opener.
The All Blacks opened their Bledisloe series and Rugby Championship campaign with a 38-13 victory of Australia at in Sydney. Sam Warlow rates the New Zealand players!
MATCH REPORT: The Sharks made a strong statement when they edged French club Bordeaux 19-17 at the Moses Mabhida Stadium.
REACTION: The emotion was tangible on Sunday as French club Aurillac kicked off their league season with a tribute to Louis Fajfrowski, who died after a collision in a pre-season game.
NEWS: The Golden Lions have a new coach - the latest in a batch of new emanating from Ellis Park.
The Wallabies opened their Bledisloe series and Rugby Championship campaign with a 13-38 loss to the All Blacks in Sydney. Ben Smith rates the Australian players!
Oakdale went down to Boland Landbou, in both senses. They must have travelled in great hope, because all the prematch signs suggested a comfortable victory. It certainly did not happen.
The top two teams in South Africa, Grey College and Paul Roos Gymnasium, met on Saturday in Bloemfontein in a Premier Interschools match. It was a thriller of the highest standard, which Grey won 28-26 with a penalty a few minutes before the final whistle.
MATCH REPORT: The Blue Bulls put down a big marker when they beat the Cheetahs 34-12 in their Currie Cup opener at the Free State Stadium in Bloemfontein.
INJURY UPDATE: The All Blacks will be without both first-choice centres for Bledisloe II, coach Steve Hansen said Sunday.
UPDATE: Danny Cipriani is to face disciplinary proceedings, the Rugby Football Union said, following his guilty plea to charges of common assault and resisting arrest at a nightclub.
MATCH REPORT: Pumas kicked of their Currie Cup season with an impressive 42-19 win over the Griquas in Nelspruit on Friday.
TRANSFER NEWS: The Lions have turned to France to bolster their dwindling front row resources.
EXCLUSIVE: Lions coach Swys de Bruin is the latest name to be added to the coaching wishlist of the Bulls.
RUGBY CHAMPIONSHIP REPORT: The Springboks started their 2018 Rugby Championship campaign with a hard-fought 34-21 win over Argentina in Durban on Saturday.
All Black wing Waisake Naholo exploded in the second half against the Wallabies in Bledisloe One, finishing with a game-high 126 running metres on 17 carries.
NPC WRAP: The Tasman Mako made an emphatic early statement about their 2018 NPC Premiership aspirations with a 25-17 victory over the defending champion Canterbury in Blenheim on Friday.
PREMIERSHIP SPOTLIGHT: Australian rugby legend George Smith says the manner of his departure from Japanese side Suntory earlier this year will not be how he is remembered when he finally retires.
IN THE SPOTLIGHT: A commentator on Australian national television has been criticised for his use of outdated terminology to describe a player’s haircut.
FIXTURES: Leinster will begin the defence of their European Champions Cup title with a mouthwatering clash against Wasps at the RDS Arena on Friday, October 12.
NEWS: Japanese international Amanaki Mafi has been banned from team activities by Top League side NTT Communications Shining Arcs until a verdict is made in his assault case.
UPDATE: England and Gloucester flyhalf Danny Cipriani has pleaded guilty to assault at a Jersey court on Thursday.
Grey College and Glenwood were both unbeaten. They met and drew. Now unbeaten Grey play unbeaten Paul Roos, the top schools match of the 2018 season.
NEWS: The Lions are ensuring that they are well covered for the future after they confirmed the names of 13 junior players that have extended their contracts with the union.
RUGBY CHAMPIONSHIP: For almost 40 minutes Australia thought they were in the game. In the end, New Zealand scored a comprehensive 38-13 win in the Bledisloe Cup opener.
RUGBY CHAMPIONSHIP ROUND ONE: This is a significant Test match. Whatever is really going on by way of experimentation with the 2019 World Cup in mind, this match has a significance of its own.
REPORT: Western Province finished their Currie Cup preparations with a 7-26 defeat against Montpellier in Millau on Thursday.
NPC WRAP: It was a boil-over in Rotorua as Bay of Plenty inflicted Taranaki their first loss in the city since 1975.
IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Reigning European champions Leinster will kick off this season's competition when they entertain English side Wasps on October 12, the organisers announced.
WORLD CUP NEWS: Kenya must scale new heights if they hope to overtake leaders Namibia and qualify for a maiden Rugby World Cup, coach Ian Snook admitted.
RUGBY CHAMPIONSHIP ROUND ONE: Australia aim to make a flying start against New Zealand in Sydney this weekend.
IN THE SPOTLIGHT: The opening clash of the 2018 Currie Cup season will be in Nelspruit, where the Pumas will host Griquas, while the Free State Cheetahs and Blue Bulls will meet in Bloemfontein on Friday.
With two rounds to go in last season’s Premiership Rugby campaign, Bath languished in eighth place in the table, having suffered eleven league defeats, their squad depth tested to breaking point. By the full-time whistle in Round 22, their rabbit-from-a-hat finish had seen them bag ten points and a sixth-place Champions Cup spot with big wins over Gloucester and London Irish.
It's Round 3, the last Round of the International Under-18 Tournament, that will be played at SACS in Newlands on Saturday,
EXCLUSIVE: One of the most recognisable referees in the rugby world with his speed and engaging personality will be Late Tackle's special guest and we want you to get involved.
INJURY UPDATE: The Springbok team was dealt a cruel blow on the eve of the opening round of the Rugby Championship.
NEWS: Another eight players have signed new contracts with the Lions.
TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Four experienced forwards have been included in the Springbok team to face Argentina in the opening Round of the Rugby Championship.
NEWS: Promising young back rower Angus Scott-Young has re-signed with the Queensland Reds through 2019.
NEWS: Hooker Connal McInerney has committed his future to the Brumbies by agreeing to a new two-year deal with the Super Rugby team that will keep him in the national capital until 2020.
Martin Pelser, perhaps the toughest Springbok of all time, died in Johannesburg on Wednesday at the age of 84.
Boereoorlog? No, but farmers of Riversdale will come down the mountain to play farmers of Agter-Paarl in an intense contest. In other words, Boland Landbouskool vs Hoër Landbouskool Oakdale. It has always been a hotly contested encounter - and then everybody goes home.
TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Argentina coach Mario Ledesma has named his team for Saturday’s Rugby Championship encounter against the Springboks at Kings Park in Durban.
Nick Easter spoke, EXCLUSIVELY, to RugbyPass about his decision to move to Durban and take up a coaching job at the Sharks.