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BIG NORTH-SOUTH DERBY: The extraordinary amount of rain to have hit Gauteng this week, proved to be an unwanted distraction for the Bulls.

PRE-SEASON SPOTLIGHT: Brothers Beauden and Jordie Barrett will take the field together for the first time when the Hurricanes play the Crusaders at the Border Rugby Club on Friday.

WORLD SERIES SPOTLIGHT:  With titles in four of five tournaments so far and 28 wins in 30 matches this season, South Africa's BlitzBoks rank as heavy favourites for the Vancouver leg of the Sevens World Series.

SUPER RUGBY REPORT: The Brumbies scored a late try against a 14-man Western Force to win a tight match 25-17 and record their first win of the 2017 Super Rugby season on Friday.

SIX NATIONS ROUND FOUR: rugby365's acclaimed writer Paul Dobson looks at the oldest contest in the game.

SUPER RUGBY REPORT: The Chiefs climbed to the top of the combined Super Rugby Standings with a 26-18 win over the Hurricanes in Hamilton on Friday.

NEWS: Utility back Kurtley Beale has signed a two-year deal with the Australian Rugby Union and Waratahs after rejecting a lucrative contract at England's Wasps to focus on the 2019 World Cup.

SIX NATIONS ROUND FOUR: Italy coach Conor O'Shea's admiration for France counterpart Guy Noves will face the acid test on Saturday when the sides meet in a highly-anticipated Six Nations clash in Rome.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: It may be the early rounds, but already there are a few matches that will give us some pointers as to where the season is heading.

It seemed unlikely that Scotland would put a dent in England's march towards the Grand Slam.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Former Sharks player David McDuling has been named in the Waratahs starting XV for Round Three, with Will Skelton to remain sidelined this weekend.

SIX NATIONS ROUND FOUR: Wales are set to host Ireland in front of a capacity crowd keen to return to winning ways after defeats to England and Scotland, but the visitors have a lot more on the line.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: A much-criticised Wales team are ready to bounce back against "favourites" Ireland on Friday after their Six Nations capitulation against Scotland, according to coach Robin McBryde.

NEWS: Owen Farrell gave England an injury scare just two days before their Calcutta Cup clash against Scotland at Twickenham when he limped out of training on Thursday.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Southern Kings coach Deon Davids has made five changes and a positional switch to his team to face the Stormers in Port Elizabeth on Saturday.

VARSITY CUP REACTION: It was not the most clinical of performances but the fact that they have shown tremendous guts is a pleasing aspect for Wits head coach Hugo van As. Leezil Hendricks reports.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Cheetahs coach Franco Smith has been forced to make a number of changes to the side that will take on the Sunwolves in Bloemfontein on Saturday.

CALCUTTA CUP TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Head coach Vern Cotter has made one change to the starting Scotland side to face England at Twickenham Stadium this Saturday in the Six Nations.

VARSITY CUP REACTION: The University of Johannesburg head coach Werner Janse van Rensburg has praised his side's consistency after their recent 36-28 win against NMMU-Madibaz.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: France coach Guy Noves made four changes to his side for this weekend's Six Nations clash in Italy.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Bjorn Basson is set to make his debut for the Stormers after being named in the starting XV to face the Kings in Port Elizabeth on Saturday.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Marvin Orie will make his debut for the Lions when they take on the Jaguares in Buenos Aires in a Super Rugby Round Three encounter on Saturday.

VARSITY CUP REACTION: Despite a record 100-0 win against CUT, UP-Tuks head coach Pote Human has warned his side not to rest on their laurels as they prepare for Shimlas.  Leezil Hendricks reports

CALCUTTA CUP TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Eddie Jones has made three changes to his side for England's Calcutta Cup match against Scotland at Twickenham Stadium on Saturday.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Scotland will go in search of just their fifth win in more than a hundred years of playing England at Twickenham.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Sharks head coach Robert du Preez has stuck with the team that did duty against the Brumbies last week for their clash against the Waratahs at Kings Park on Saturday.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Sunwolves coach Filo Tiatia has named five rookies in the matchday 23 to face the Cheetahs in a Super Rugby encounter in Bloemfontein on Saturday.

KEARSNEY FESTIVAL: On Tuesday Kearsney College of Botha's Hill launched the 10th edition of their high-profile Easter Festival.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Wales dominated the last British and Irish Lions squad in their winning tour to Australia, but interim head coach Rob Howley insists his misfiring team are focused solely on victory over Ireland on Friday.

NEWS: Veteran New Zealand forward Jason Eaton penned a new one-year deal with La Rochelle, committing himself to the surprise French Top 14 leaders until June 2018.  

UPDATE: Six men who attacked a group of French rugby stars with knives and machetes outside a nightclub were Wednesday sentenced to between one and four years in prison.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: The Crusaders cross the ditch this week to take on the Reds in Brisbane, with three players set to make their Crusaders debut on Saturday.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: The Reds have made three changes to their starting side for this weekend's match against the Crusaders at Suncorp Stadium.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Highlanders stars Luke Whitelock and Marty Banks return from injury to take on the Blues in Auckland this weekend.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: The Blues have named six All Blacks who will make their first start of the Super Rugby season to play the Highlanders at Eden Park on Saturday.

Jan de Koning and Tauriq Ebrahim discuss the latest developments at Newlands, the Springboks, Varsity Cup, Super Rugby and the Six Nations!

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: It is one of the most highly anticipated matches of the early rounds, but an adverse weather system may put a dampener on the opening match of the weekend.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: The Sharks will not be deterred playing a more expansive game.

VARSITY CUP SPOTLIGHT: Social media has been abuzz with the passionate, raw post-match interview of interim Wits captain Constant Beckerling but he had a firm chat with his troops before the game that really fired them up. Tauriq Ebrahim reports.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Ireland coach Joe Schmidt has named an unchanged starting XV for the Six Nations encounter with Wales in Cardiff on Friday.

NEWS: The Welsh Rugby Union has obtained a High Court injunction against an unofficial ticketing operation which was re-selling tickets and operating unofficial hospitality for the 2017 Six Nations matches at Principality Stadium.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Wales coach Rob Howley refused to bow to public pressure for wholesale changes.

NEWS: Gloucester's John Afoa has been hit with a one-week suspension after being found guilty of a dangerous tackle in his match against Harlequins on March 4.

SEVENS SPOTLIGHT: Australia Sevens will be without their captain Sam Myers for the Vancouver Sevens leg from March 11-12 and has been replaced by Simon Kennewell.

NEWS: Ulster have lured powerful front row forward Schalk van der Merwe to Belfast.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: The Western Force have made several changes to the 23 as they head to Canberra to take on the Brumbies on Friday.

SEVENS SPOTLIGHT: Stedman Gans, who travelled to the USA as the reserve player, has been promoted to the 12-man team for the Vancouver Sevens from March 11-12.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Brumbies coach Stephen Larkham has made two changes to the starting XV for the visit of the Western Force to Canberra on Friday.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Billy Vunipola could be in line for a recall to England's starting XV for this weekend's Calcutta Cup clash against Scotland at Twickenham if a photo is indeed an accurate guide to their line-up.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Loose head prop Loni Uhila and lock Mark Abbott have been ushered into the tight five for the Hurricanes.

B&I LIONS SPOTLIGHT: The Six Nations returns this week to begin its rapid run towards a climax, with the contest for British and Irish Lions tour places sure to provide plenty of compelling sub-plots.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Chiefs coach Dave Rennie named a physical and experienced line-up to face the Hurricanes on Friday.

NEWS: Georgian international hooker Shalva Mamukashvili joined Toulon as injury cover for Jean-Charles Orioli, the Top 14 club said.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: All Black legend Dan Carter says French champions Racing 92 need to build some momentum if they are to stand any chance of defending their title.

INJURY UPDATE: South African prop Jannie Du Plessis is set for a month on the sidelines with a hamstring injury, his French Top 14 club Montpellier said on Tuesday.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Carlo Canna will replace injured Tommaso Allan at flyhalf in one of three changes by Italy coach Conor O'Shea for Saturday's Six Nations clash against France at the Stadio Olimpico.

NEWS: France's top flight clubs reiterated their opposition on Tuesday to federation President Bernard Laporte's plan to introduce dual contracts.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Springbok coach Allister Coetzee praised the attitude of the 41 players who attended the three day training camp in Johannesburg.

NEWS: Scotland's Duncan Taylor has been ruled out of this weekend's Calcutta Cup clash against England, the Scottish Rugby Union announced Tuesday

NEWS: Gloucester Rugby head coach Laurie Fisher has left the Premiership side with immediate effect.

Six Nations is back with a crucial Calcutta Cup match at Twickenham with Mathieu Raynal of Perpignan to referee it.

In Round 3 of Rugby Europe's top competitions, victories went as predicted.

NEWS: Versatile Springbok Zane Kirchner has signed a  contract with Pro12 side Newport Gwent Dragons.

NEWS: The Southern Kings have signed lock, Wilhelm van der Sluys on a loan from English Premiership side Worcester Warriors.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Stormers scrum coach Pieter de Villiers says new training methods has played a big part in the Cape side's scrum success in this year's Super Rugby tournament.

VARSITY SHIELD WRAP: UFH bagged a 28-16 victory against basement dwellers TUT in Alice.

The South African Rugby Sevens Academy Under-18 team won handsomely at the international tournament in Namibia.

REACTION: Patrick Lambie's calming influence on the field was a key factor in the Sharks' 27-22 win over the Brumbies on Saturday.

VARSITY SHIELD SPOTLIGHT: The Walter Sisulu University has become the latest side to have been docked 10 points after they were found to have fielded an ineligible player in their opening two Varsity Shield matches.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Ian Madigan signing for English Premiership club Bristol represents a huge gamble for both parties.

SQUAD ANNOUNCEMENT: Lions head coach Johan Ackermann will be without a number of key players when his team takes on the Jaguares in Argentina on Saturday. 

NEWS: The Highlanders have lost their second player for the season with Jason Emery rupturing his achilles playing for the Highlanders Braveheart's against the Crusader Knights in a curtain raiser last weekend.

NEWS: Veteran Ireland international lock Mike McCarthy will leave Leinster at the end of the season to join Narbonne.

INJURY UPDATE: The Bulls' Super Rugby season went from bad to worse on Monday.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: The Springbok game plan was in need of some 'freshening up', backline coach Franco Smith said.

VARSITY CUP REPORT: Maties wing Edwill Van Der Merwe scored a hat-trick as his side secured a comfortable 58-12 win over Shimlas to cement their spot on top of the table.

VARSITY CUP REPORT: Wits kept Pukke scoreless in the second half while overturning a six-point half-time deficit to claim a massive 22-13 victory in Potchefstroom.

VARSITY CUP REPORT: UJ were forced to dig deep to secure a 36-28 win over a resilient Madibaz side in Johannesburg.

VARSITY CUP REPORT: UP-Tuks recorded the biggest margin of victory in the history of the competition when they handed CUT-Ixias a 100-0 hiding in Pretoria.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: rugby365 law guru Paul Dobson looks at the power of the wind on a rugby field.   

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Lions coach Johan Ackermann will take his 'best available' team to Argentina, but his 'x-factor' player will stay behind.

NEWS: The Junior Springbok training squad kicked off their preparations for the Junior World Cup on a solid note on Monday with a jam-packed training day in Stellenbosch after getting together on Sunday.

NEWS: Pumas are delighted and humbled to be one of the seven teams in the new Premier Division of the Currie Cup.

INJURY REPORT: The Southern Kings will be without scrumhalf Louis Schreuder and lock Mzwanele Zito when they take on the Stormers in a Super Rugby encounter at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium on Saturday.

NEWS: Ireland international Ian Madigan has boosted Bristol after siging a three-year deal to move to the Premiership club in 2017.

NEWS: Bristol chairman Chris Booy believes incoming head coach Pat Lam will bring significant progress to the Premiership club.

SUPER RUGBY SPOTLIGHT: After some stirring performances, our Team of the Week for Round Two of Super Rugby features a lot more players from South Africa.

INJURY UPDATE: Cheetahs coach Franco Smith will be forgiven if he is a touch distracted this week.

REACTION: It was not the most clinical of performances, but the fact that they were able to come back every time when the chips were down, was pleasing says Springbok Sevens coach Neil Powell.

NEWS: Highly-rated flyhalf Callum Sheedy has committed his future Bristol Rugby.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Springbok coach Allister Coetzee says no names are 'popping up' at him, as he searches for a new captain.

NEWS: Exciting Chiefs wing James Lowe will depart New Zealand at the end of the year to join Leinster in Ireland.

REACTION: Reds centre Samu Kerevi said he and his teammates will have to keep it "simple" on the field when they face the Crusaders in Brisbane on Saturday.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: We are well and truly in the business end of the competition and while all teams are gunning for top four places, all eyes will be focused on the top of the table clash in Bloemfontein.

NEWS: Flyhalf Francois Trinh-Duc earnt an early recall to the France squad ahead of next weekend's Six Nations trip to Italy following a first appearance for Toulon since November.

NEWS: England forwards Billy and Mako Vunipola both enjoyed plenty of game time as title-holders Saracens won 35-27 away to Newcastle in the Premiership on Sunday.

INTERVIEW: Former Australia coach Bob Dwyer believes New Zealand would beat England if the sides met now even though a Red Rose team under his former player Eddie Jones are on the verge of equalling the All Blacks' record for successive Test wins.

FINAL WRAP: South Africa stretched their lead in the Sevens World Series with an impressive19-12 win over Fiji in Las Vegas on Sunday.

SEMIFINAL WRAP: South African will meet Fiji in the Final of the Las Vegas leg of the Sevens World Series.

TOP 14 WRAP: La Rochelle held off a stirring Toulouse fightback to storm back to the French Top 14 summit with a 27-21 win on Sunday.

PREMIERSHIP SUNDAY WRAP: Francois Hougaard and Bryce Heem were instrumental as Worcester Warriors secured a try bonus point in beating Bristol 41-24 at Sixways Stadium on Sunday.

REACTION: The Hurricanes may have thrashed the Melbourne Rebels at the weekend, but their celebrations focused more on small victories within the match rather than the lop-sided result.

REPORT: David Tameilau scored his second try in the 80th minute Saturday and Ben Cima's conversion kick lifted the United States into a 27-27 draw with Argentina to capture the Americas Rugby Championship.

REACTION: Stormers head coach Robbie Fleck believes the Jaguares gave them a glimpse of what to expect when they face the New Zealand sides later in their campaign.

REACTION: The BlitzBoks will have to show all their skill, courage and pride for the jersey if they want to trump hosts, USA, in the semifinals of the Las Vegas Sevens.

NEWS: Blues loose forward Steven Luatua has been suspended for dangerous play in his team's 26-41 loss to the Chiefs on Friday.

REACTION: Waratahs head coach Daryl Gibson said that his team were their own worst enemy in allowing their discipline and defence to fall by the wayside against the Lions in Johannesburg.

REACTION: Despite their impressive performance against the Waratahs, the Lions still have a lot of work to do, according to their head coach Johan Ackermann.

REACTION: The Jaguares are rueing their ill-discipline once again after their narrow 25-32 loss to the Stormers at Newlands on Saturday. 

QUARTER-FINAL WRAP: The Blitzboks were forced to dig deep in their Cup quarter-final encounter with Australia, eventually prevailing 17-14 to advance to the semi-finals.

ROUND THREE WRAP: The Blitzboks will meet Australia in the Cup quarterfinals after remaining unbeaten to finish on top Pool A.

TOP 14 WRAP: New Zealander Chris Masoe compounded Racing 92's blues by getting sent off just six minutes into Saturday's 10-19 Top 14 defeat at Grenoble.

PRO12 SATURDAY WRAP: Leinster returned to the top of the table thanks to a seven-try victory over Scarlets for their 22nd straight home win.

PREMIERSHIP SATURDAY WRAP: Kurtley Beale crossed for a double as Wasps stretched their lead at the top of the table with an impressive win over Bath.

SUPER RUGBY REPORT: The Cheetahs held off a powerful second-half charge by the Bulls to secure a thrilling 34-28 win in Bloemfontein on Saturday.

SUPER RUGBY REPORT: The Stormers maintained their winning start to the season with a hard-earned 32-25 win over the Jaguares at Newlands on Saturday.

SUPER RUGBY REPORT: The Lions earned a bonus-point 55-36 win over the Waratahs in a 13-try feast at Ellis Park on Saturday.

SUPER RUGBY REPORT: The Southern Kings scored a 37-23 win over the Sunwolves in a scrappy encounter in Singapore on Saturday.

SUPER RUGBY REPORT: The Sharks scored a try after the hooter for full-time gad sounded to steal a 27-22 win against the Brumbies in Canberra on Saturday.

SUPER RUGBY REPORT: The Crusaders came from 21 points behind, scoring four late tries, to bet the Highlanders 30-27 in Dunedin on Saturday.

ROUND TWO WRAP: With just a solitary round of Pool matches to be played before the playoffs, South Africa, Fiji, England, USA, Australia and New Zealand have already secured their passage into the Cup quarterfinals.

SUPER RUGBY REPORT: The defending champion Hurricanes cemented their place at the top of the standings with an eleven-try (71-6) rout of the Rebels in Wellington on Saturday.

ROUND ONE WRAP: There were a few nervy starts and some blowouts in the opening round as the favourites stuck their hands up in Las Vegas.

NEWS: The play-off system currently used to determine promotion to English Rugby Union's elite Premiership is to be scrapped, it was announced Friday.

PREMIERSHIP FRIDAY WRAP: Exeter Chiefs kept up the pressure on Premiership leaders Wasps as they produced a 34-15 bonus-point win at Leicester Tigers with a hugely impressive pack performance.

PRO12 FRIDAY WRAP: Sam Davies returned to the Ospreys to inspire them to a hard-fought 13-9 Pro12 win over Edinburgh and move them back to the top of the standings.

NEWS: French rugby's governing body the LNR on Friday opened disciplinary proceedings against All Black Ali Williams and Australian international James O'Connor after both were busted with cocaine in Paris.

INJURY UPDATE: Billy Vunipola is set to return from injury for Saracens earlier than expected, which could also benefit England's bid to win successive Grand Slams.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Stormers coach Robbie Fleck said there was no pressure from Scotland over centre Huw Jones' availability for this weekend's Super Rugby clash with the Jaguares on Saturday. Warren Fortune reports.

NEWS: The Currie Cup will return to a more intense, strength-versus-strength format this year.

NEWS: Only overseas-based Springboks with more than 30 Test caps will be eligible for selection in future.

North vs South is an old rivalry in South African rugby and the schools are helping to keep it alive.

REACTION: Reds coach Nick Stiles pulled no punches and described his team's performance against the Western Force as 'atrocious'.

SEVENS SPOTLIGHT: Despite the loss of Albertus Smith and Seabelo Senatla, Blitzboks coach Neil Powell has faith the new guys can fill the void in Las Vegas.

It started in 1995 and this is the 23rd Kwagga Junior Week for Under-15 and Under-14 teams, hosted by Hoërskool Outeniqua of George.

TOP 14, WEEK 19: Champions Racing 92 and Toulon return to Top 14 action this weekend insisting their focus remains on their play-off battle following a turbulent week overshadowed by a cocaine scandal.

NEWS: Brumbies lock Sam Carter has re-signed a two-year extension with Australian Rugby and Brumbies, while Scott Fardy will leave at the end of the season. 

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Jaguares head coach Raul Perez has named Nicolás Sánchez in his starting XV who will face the Stormers at the Newlands Stadium on Saturday.

WORLD SERIES ROUND FIVE: The big question leading into the Las Vegas Sevens is whether or not anybody can stop the momentum and consistency of the Blitzboks, especially now that they are without prolific try scorer Seabelo Senatla.

SUPER RUGBY REPORT: The Chiefs continued their impressive early season form with a convincing 41-26 bonus-point win over the Blues in Hamilton on Friday.

PREVIEW: Argentina have called up Jaguares centre Gabriel Ascarate as they aim to clinch back-to-back title triumphs in the Americas Championship on Saturday with a home victory over the United States.

NEWS: All Black Byron Kelleher was fined €200 by a French court after being accused of domestic violence during a drunken spat at his Toulouse home.

INJURY UPDATE: England centre Kyle Eastmond will miss out on Wasps' bid to win the English Premiership crown after being ruled out for the rest of the season.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: The defending champion Hurricanes are preparing to unleash their big guns this weekend, but the pressure is on Super Rugby's lesser lights.

In Round 3 of Rugby Europe's top competition, pits Spain against Geoprgia in Madrid, a vital one for Spain.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Newcastle Falcons’ Fijian flyer Vereniki Goneva hopes to sow the seed of doubt in Saracens’ minds when the Premiership and European champions come to Kingston Park Stadium on Sunday.

April is coming to the Western Cape, certainly with rugby and - all hope - with rain to exterminate the drought.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: It's all change at the top of the Pro12 Championship table after Round 16 with Leinster now in first place after Munster Rugby's surprise defeat at home to Scarlets at Thomond Park. 

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: The Japanese Super rugby franchise the Sunwolves will be without the services of South African Riaan Viljoen when they take on  Kings in Singapore.

SQUAD ANNOUNCEMENT: Jared Payne and Joey Carbery were both included in the 36-man Ireland squad for the last two rounds of the Six Nations.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Etienne Oosthuizen's absence is a big blow for the Sharks, but they do have an able replacement in Springbok Stephan Lewies says head coach Robert du Preez.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Prop Retshegofaditswe Nché will replace Charles Marais in the starting XV against the Bulls in their second Super Rugby home game on Saturday.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: There are two changes to the Stormers team to face the Jaguares at Newlands on Saturday, with Dan Kriel and Sikhumbuzo Notshe both getting an opportunity in the starting line-up.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Springboks Malcolm Marx and Francois de Klerk will ply off the bench when the Lions host the Waratahs in a Super Rugby Round Two match on Saturday.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Bulls coach Nollis Marais drafted in Jason Jenkins to replace injured Lodewyk de Jager for their clash against the Cheetahs in Bloemfontein on Saturday.

SUPER RUGBY REPORT: The Western Fore came from behind to edge the Reds 26-19 in an arm-wrestle in Perth on Thursday.

NEWS: England Under-20 internationals Ben Curry and Tom Curry have both signed five-year contracts with the Sale Sharks.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: The Waratahs hve named an unchanged side for their Round Two Super Rugby clash against the Lions in Johannesburg on Saturday. 

NEWS: Kai Horstmann, Julian Salvi and Ollie Atkins have all agreed on new terms to stay at Exeter Chiefs.

NEWS: Harlequins fullback  Aaron Morris was handed three-week ban for a reckless tackle on Leicester Tigers wing Adam Thompstone. 

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Southern Kings coach Deon Davids has made two changes to his team to face the Sunwolves in a Super Rugby Round Two encounter in Singapore on Saturday.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Sharks head coach Robert du Preez has made two changes to his starting XV for their clash against the Brumbies on Saturday.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Brumbies coach Stephen Larkham kept the faith and named an unchanged line-up for Round Two of Super Rugby.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Crusaders head coach Scott Robertson has made eight changes matchday 23 that beat the Brumbies for their clash against the Highlanders.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: The Melbourne Rebels have welcomed back experience for the second round of the 2017 Super Rugby season against the Hurricanes at Westpac Stadium in Wellington.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: The Highlanders will have a new captain and welcome back two experienced players for the big Southern derby game against the Crusaders on Saturday. 

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Dane Coles, Beauden Barrett and Nehe Milner-Skudder have been named to start the Hurricanes' first home match.

Jan de Koning and Tauriq Ebrahim explain why they believe Springbok coach Allister Coetzee must now stop making excuses and start delivering the goods.

NEWS: All Black Ali Williams committed an "inexcusable error" and has been stripped of his ambassadorial role for Racing 92.

NEWS: Ireland's second choice flyhalf Paddy Jackson spurned advances from English Premiership suitors by signing a new two-year contract with his province Ulster.

Say what you like that first weekend in August surpasses all other weekends in a season that begins soon for Paarl Gim.

INJURY UPDATE: The Cheetahs will be without the services of star wing Sergeal Petersen for at least the next month.

LAS VEGAS SEVENS: Blitzbok playmaker Cecil Afrika is raring to go at the Las Vegas Sevens, after returning to full fitness following a spell on the sidelines.

PREMIERSHIP NEWS: Loose forward Matt Cox will remain at Sixways after putting pen to paper in a new deal with Worcester Warriors.

REACTION: Wallaby coach Michael Cheika says drug-tainted James O'Connor is a "good lad", but he needs help after being charged by French police with cocaine possession.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: It may only be Round Two, but you will expect teams to start making statement of intent.

NEWS: The last remaining Rebels Foundation player, Wallaby prop Laurie Weeks, has committed himself to the franchise until at least 2019.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: The Blues head into the Battle of the Bombays with six All Blacks, a Maori All Black and a New Zealand Under-20s player to call from the bench.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Japan captain Michael Leitch will make his first appearance of the 2017 Super Rugby season when he runs out at No.8 for the Battle of the Bombays in Waikato on Friday.

NEWS: After years of resisting hostile takeovers, Cheeky Watson has finally decided to walk away from the Eastern Province Kings.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Montpellier's South African coach Jake White said he is ready to retake the helm of his national side, which he led to glory at the 2007 World Cup.

REACTION: Conor O'Shea has accepted a change to the game's rules is inevitable, following Italy's controversial 'no-ruck' ploy against England.

NEWS: Bath revealed that front row duo Shaun Knight and Michael van Vuuren have both agreed contract extensions with the club.

The rainy month of February is past now and the soldiers are getting ready for war, a summer sport in ancient Rome and honoured by the god Mars.

SEVENS SPOTLIGHT: Blitzboks' conditioning coach Allan Temple-Jones is adamant that the player's welfare remains a top priority ahead of the Las Vegas Sevens tournament. 

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: The arrest of rugby stars Ali Williams and James O'Connor outside a Paris nightclub has cast a spotlight on rugby's cocaine problem.

OPINION: Eugene Eloff, a two-time former Under-19 World Cup winner, returns from his hiatus to share his wisdom with rugby365's readers.

NEWS: Warriors have swooped to sign Wasps Academy starlet Tom Howe ahead of the 2017/18 season.

REACTION: Bill Beaumont, the head of World Rugby, is to "discuss" Italy's controversial 'no-ruck' ploy at Twickenham last weekend after being urged to take action by England coach Eddie Jones.

NEWS: Hooker Chris Brooker has joined Bath Rugby on loan until the end of the season.

SQUAD ANNOUNCEMENT: Curwin Bosch, Zain Davids and Salmaan Moerat have all been included in the Junior Springbok training squad.

WIN WITH RUGBY365: You can win FREE tickets to watch the Stormers take on the Jaguares in the second round of the 2017 Super Rugby competition.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Reds head coach Nick Stiles has made just one change to his 23-man squad which beat the Sharks 28-26 for their clash against the Western Force.

VARSITY SHIELD WARP: UWC swooped into the top spot of the Varsity Shield competition after a 30-10 win against TUT on Monday in Cape Town.

VARSITY CUP REACTION: The Shimlas may have solidified their second place on the Varsity Cup log with a morale-boosting 35-23 bonus point victory over NWU-Pukke but it came at a cost. Tauriq Ebrahim reports.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: After featuring for several teams over the years, Sarel Marais finally got the opportunity to play for the team he idolised growing up.

NEWS: Scottish international forward Josh Strauss has signed a three year deal with English club Sale Sharks.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: The Western Force have shuffled their forward pack for the clash against the Reds at nib Stadium in Round Two of Super Rugby.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: South Africa Sevens Academy Under-18 head coach Marius Schoeman has named three 2016 SA Schools representatives in his sevens team that will travel to Namibia for the Windhoek Gymnasium Rugby Sevens Festival.

REACTION: The Sharks will be looking to work on their discipline and ball retention ahead of their clash against the Brumbies in Canberra on Saturday.

INJURY UPDATE: Bulls lock Lodewyk de Jager will miss the team's next Super Rugby match against the Cheetahs this weekend.

On a cold and gloomy night with raining pouring down and snow heaped on the touchlines, the sun shone on Scotland.

REACTION: England flank James Haskell admitted his side had been out-thought by Italy as the debate over the Azzurri's unorthodox approach to the breakdown continued on Monday.

NEWS: Toulon will suspend Australian international James O'Connor after Paris police charged him with possession of cocaine, the Top 14 club's President said Monday.

VARSITY CUP REPORT: The Shimlas retained second place on the Varsity Cup table after a scintillating 35-23 win against the reigning champs NWU-Pukke in Bloemfontein.

VARSITY CUP REPORT: UP-Tuks avoid a second successive defeat when they managed to get the better of a willing Wits outfit by 25-9 in Pretoria.

VARSITY CUP REPORT: UJ were in a ruthless mood and handed CUT-Ixias a lesson by running in nine tries in an emphatic 73-20 in Bloemfontein.

In the Six Nations Under-20, England and Ireland remain unbeaten, which could mean a decider in Ireland in the last Six Nations round.

VARSITY CUP REPORT: Maties scored six tries to secure a comfortable 47-16 win against UCT-Ikey Tigers at the Green Mile.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Springbok coach Allister Coetzee is looking forward to start in earnest with the preparation plans for the forthcoming international season. 

SUPER RUGBY SPOTLIGHT: After some brilliant performances, it comes as no surprise that our first Super Rugby Team of the Week for the year is dominated by Kiwi players.

OPINION: The famous rugby365 Team of the Week will continue to focus on the four Home Unions as the British and Irish Lions tour draws closer.

SQUAD ANNOUNCEMENT: Southern Kings head coach Deon Davids named a 25-man squad that will travel to Singapore where they will take on the Sunwolves in a Super Rugby match at the Singapore National Stadium on Saturday.

NEWS: The administration of the Eastern Province Rugby Union (EPRU) is set to be returned to local hands following a series of ground-breaking decisions at a special general meeting in Port Elizabeth on Saturday.

SQUAD ANNOUNCEMENT: Seabelo Senatla, the current World Rugby Sevens Player of the Year, has been included in an extended Springbok training squad for the first of three camps in Johannesburg. 

NEWS: Yorkshire Carnegie captain Ryan Burrows has become Newcastle Falcons’ latest signing as the club continues its recruitment for next season.

The Executive Council of SA Rugby reaffirmed its support for Springbok coach Allister Coetzee as it announced the coaching and management structure for eight national teams, involving 46 individuals.

NEWS: Fijian international centre Gabiriele Lovobalavu have signed with Wasps and will join the club ahead of the 2017/18 campaign, the club’s 150th Anniversary season.

SEVENS SPOTLIGHT: The Blitzboks head Neil Powell's plan is to ease his side into training ahead of the Las Vegas Sevens tournament.

INJURY UPDATE: Stormers centre Damian de Allende has been ruled out of action for approximately 12 weeks with an ankle injury.

NEWS: English club Northampton Saints have signed Springbok scrumhalf Cobus Reinach ahead of the 2017/18 season.

REACTION: Southern Kings head coach Deon Davids said they only had themselves to blame after their 26-39 home defeat to the Jaguares in Port Elizabeth last Saturday.

EXCLUSIVE: rugby365 law guru Paul Dobson looks back on the interesting tactic used by Italy against England in the Six Nations.

REACTION: England coach Eddie Jones tried to get an early blow in against Scotland by questioning whether they could back up "their big talk" in next month's Calcutta Cup clash at Twickenham.

REACTION: New Zealand media Monday accused Ali Williams of tarnishing the image of the All Blacks after French police charged the World Cup-winning former international with buying cocaine.

REACTION: England flyhalf George Ford urged rugby chiefs to outlaw the spoiling tactics employed by Italy at Twickenham on Sunday, saying they had the potential to "kill the game".

NEWS: Sharks lock Etienne Oosthuizen has been suspended for two weeks for striking an opponent during his team's 26-28 loss to the Reds last weekend.

NEWS: French police on Sunday charged All Black Ali Williams with buying cocaine and Australian international James O'Connor with possession of the drug, police sources said.

REACTION: England coach Eddie Jones accused Italy of playing "Trevor Chappell" rugby after the Azzurri threatened a huge upset in Sunday's Six Nations clash at Twickenham.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: The race to the Varsity Cup playoffs will intensify on Monday as the top five teams are separated by just five points. Tauriq Ebrahim looks at how the teams match up.

PRO12 SUNDAY WRAP: Ospreys climbed to second on the table as two tries in two second-half minutes saw them come from behind to seal a 26-15 bonus-point victory over Glasgow Warriors at Liberty Stadium.

PREMIERSHIP SUNDAY WRAP: Wasps utility back Jimmy Gopperth claimed 25 points, including a hat-trick, as his team restored a six-point advantage at the top of the table with a bonus-point 35-22 win over Gloucester.

INJURY UPDATE: Scotland's injury woes continue as back row John Hardie has been ruled out of the remaining Six Nations matches with a knee injury.

SIX NATIONS REPORT: A brace of tries by Jack Nowell hands England a 36-15 win against a resilient Italian side at Twickenham on Sunday.

INJURY UPDATE: Lions centre Howard Mnisi will play no further part in the 2017 Super Rugby competition after suffering multiple tears ligament tears that will require surgery.

AMERICAS CHAMPIONSHIP WRAP: Argentina and the United States produced two more big wins on Saturday to remain unbeaten going into a title showdown.

NEWS: Crusaders flyhalf Richie Mo'unga has been sidelined for between six and eight weeks after undergoing surgery on a fractured left hand.

SIX NATIONS REACTION: France coach Guy Noves is confident that the future remains bright, despite seeing hopes of the Six Nations title fade with a 9-19 loss away to Ireland.

SIX NATIONS REACTION: Johnny Sexton's masterful performance in returning from a five-week injury break to steer Ireland to a 19-9 win over France came as no surprise to coach Joe Schmidt.

SIX NATIONS REACTION: Scotland are aiming to keep rolling back the years by defeating England at Twickenham for the first time since 1983, after beating Wales for the first time in a decade.

SIX NATIONS SPOTLIGHT: Owen Farrell wins his 50th cap against Italy on Sunday with England coach Eddie Jones forecasting his best years in the international game are still ahead of him.

SIX NATIONS SPOTLIGHT: If Italy show anything like the same aggression on the field against England at Twickenham as coach Conor O'Shea has in championing their cause, the Six Nations holders could have a tough time on Sunday.

SUPER RUGBY REACTION: The Stormers hit Newlands running, much to the delight of the home crowd but their 37-24 victory over the Bulls came at a massive price with news that centre Damian de Allende will be sidelined.

SUPER RUGBY REACTION: The Bulls were staring down both barrels at half-time against the Stormers, trailing 0-24, but they stuck to their guns and fought back valiantly in the second half to grab four tries.

PREMIERSHIP SATURDAY WRAP: Reigning champions the Saracens return to winning ways instyle after a 29-18 win against an in-form Sale Sharks side.

REPORT: The Stormers got their Super Rugby campaign off to a perfect start when they beat their old foes the Bulls 37-24 at Newlands on Saturday.

REPORT: Jonathan Sexton made a sparkling return to international duty as he guided Ireland to a 19-9 victory over France at Dublin's Lansdowne Road on Saturday that kept their Six Nations title hopes alive.

REPORT: A superb try by Jaguares scrumhalf Gonzalo Bertranou highlighted a 39-26 Super Rugby triumph for the Argentines over Southern Kings in South Africa Saturday.

REPORT: Tommy Seymour and Tim Visser both scored tries as Scotland beat Wales for the first time in a decade with a 29-13 victory in a Six Nations international at Murrayfield on Saturday.

REPORT: The Lions started their 2017 Super Rugby campaign with a narrow 28-25 win over the Cheetahs in Bloemfontein on Saturday.

NEWS: All Black Ali Williams and Australian international James O'Connor were arrested in Paris on Saturday after being found in possession of cocaine, police said.

SIX NATIONS SPOTLIGHT: France are showing signs of a revival after a 'malaise' of several years because they have chosen the right coach in Guy Noves, that's according to former Irish great Gordon D'Arcy.

SUPER RUGBY REPORT: The boot of Reece Robinson proved to be the difference in the Waratahs' 19-13 victory over the Force as handling errors and a high penalty count led to a stop-start affair.

SUPER RUGBY REPORT: The Crusaders got their campaign off to a winning start with a narrow 17-13 victory over the Brumbies in Christchurch as they were made to work hard throughout the encounter.

SUPER RUGBY REPORT: An unbelievable display of offloading and attacking saw the Hurricane blow the Sunwolves to pieces in a massive 83-17 bonus-point victory in Tokyo.

PREMIERSHIP REPORT: Leicester Tigers kept alive their English Premiership play-off hopes after a hard-fought 27-18 win at Harlequins on Friday night.

PRO12 FRIDAY WRAP: Scarlets produced a scintillating second-half performance to register an unexpected 30-21 win over Munster on Friday.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Coach Joe Schmidt says Ireland must beat France at Dublin's Lansdowne Road on Saturday to keep alive their hopes of winning the Six Nations.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: It is not Ireland's standout flyhalf Johnny Sexton who is France's major headache but their back row, French forwards coach Yannick Bru admitted on the eve of Saturday's Six Nations clash at Lansdowne Road.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Bay of Plenty’s Clayton McMillan has been given the honours of coaching the New Zealand Provincial Barbarians for the opening match of NZ Lions Series.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: England scrumhalf Danny Care believes his former club boss Conor O'Shea is the right man to oversee a revival in Italy's fortunes despite a tough start to his first Six Nations with the Azzurri.

NEWS: Sale director of rugby Steve Diamond has moved to quell talk of Auckland-born star Denny Solomona playing for England

NEWS: Sharks lock Etienne Oosthuizen has been cited for foul play during his team's 26-28 Super Rugby loss to the Reds in Brisbane on Friday.

NEWS: Francois Louw's appeal against a two-week ban for a dangerous tackle was dismissed by an RFU Disciplinary appeal panel.

SQUAD ANNOUNCEMENT: England Sevens have named an unchanged squad for a fifth-successive tournament ahead of the World Rugby Sevens Series in Las Vegas next weekend.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Ben Te'o is poised for his full debut, with Danny Care recalled to the starting side, as England coach Eddie Jones rang the changes for Sunday's Six Nations international against Italy at Twickenham.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Stormers captain Siyamthanda Kolisi believes their back-row configuration won't be a weakness when they face the Bulls at Newlands on Saturday.

SIX NATIONS ROUND THREE: Mike Brown says there is no complacency in the England camp ahead of their match against Italy in third round of the Six Nations on Sunday.

It's Round 3 of the Women's Six Nations with England looking the team to beat.

NEWS: Northampton Saints has announced new deals with 11 members of the current squad.

SUPER RUGBY REPORT: The Reds got their 2017 season off to a winning start, coming from behind for a 28-26 squeaker against the Sharks.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: The France rugby team still have the ability to strike fear into their opponents, Ireland wing Simon Zebo admitted ahead of their much-anticipated Six Nations clash on Saturday.

REACTION: Former Australian Rugby Chief John O'Neill has called for Argentina and Japan to be dumped from the troubled Super Rugby competition, along with a South African side.

SIX NATIONS ROUND THREE: rugby365's acclaimed writer Paul Dobson takes a look at the key encounter between Ireland and France in Dublin on Saturday.

SIX NATIONS SPOTLIGHT: George North and his Wales teammates will all have the chance to earn a place in the record books as they look to extend their winning run against Scotland on Saturday and so revive their Six Nations title hopes.

SUPER RUGBY REPORT: The Chiefs recorded a 24-15 bonus-point win over the Highlanders to get their 2017 season underway in perfect fashion.  

SUPER SATURDAY: Wall-to-wall rugby, custom fit. Throw in the fact that it is Round One and you know a few household chores are abound to be left undone.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Owen Farrell has insisted he has yet to feel totally relaxed in the England set-up even though he is on the brink of winning his 50th Test cap.

Is this the year of England? The senior team, the women's team and their Under-20 team are all well placed to win Six Nations Grand Slams.

VARSITY CUP REACTION: Despite a defeat at the hands of reigning champs NWU-Pukke, the UCT-Ikey Tigers are eager to produce yet another upset against Maties in this unpredictable tournament. 

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: After Round 15 produced plenty of drama and entertainment with 39 tries scored, the action in the Pro12 continues this weekend with games taking place across all four participating countries. 

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Jaguars coach Raúl Perez named just one uncapped player in his starting XV to face the Southern Kings in the opening round of Super Rugby.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Standout flyhalf Johnny Sexton will start his first match for Ireland since limping off against New Zealand last November in the Six Nations clash at home to France on Saturday.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Southern Kings coach Deon Davids named four rookies in his team to face the Jaguares in the opening round of the 2017 Super Rugby season.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Sale Sharks' Mark Jennings believes is confident his in-form side can continue their progress in the upcoming Premiership Rugby encounter with Saracens.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: EW Viljoen will make his Stormers Super Rugby debut in the clash against the Bulls at Newlands on Saturday.

VARSITY CUP REACTION: Despite his team magnificent performance, Maties head coach Hawies Fourie believes the route to the playoffs is still filled with unpredictability.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: John Barclay will replace the injured Greig Laidlaw as Scotland captain for Saturday's Six Nations international against Wales at Murrayfield.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Sharks head coach Robert du Preez says jet lag will not be a factor when his team takes on the Reds on Friday.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Torsten van Jaarsveld will be leading the Cheetahs in their first Super Rugby encounter of the season on Saturday against the Lions in Bloemfontein. 

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: France coach Guy Novès has made three changes for Saturday's Six Nations clash against Ireland in Dublin.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENTS: Lions head coach Johan Ackerman has named eight Springboks in the starting XV against the Cheetahs on Saturday, February 25.

NEWS: Exeter Chiefs props Ben Moon and Carl Rimmer together with hooker Shaun Malton have all agreed to extend their stays at Sandy Park.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Springbok lock Lodewyk de Jager will make his Super Rugby debut for the  Bulls on Saturday in Cape Town against the Stormers.

NEWS: Sale Sharks Director of rugby Steve Diamond has been charged with a six-week suspension. 

SUPER RUGBY REPORT: The Blues started the 2017 season with a try-scoring (56-18) win over an error-prone Rebels in Melbourne in the competition's first Thursday mach.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Otere Black will guide the Hurricanes into their first match of the Super Rugby season after being named to start in the pivotal No.10 jersey against the Sunwolves in Tokyo on Saturday.

SEVENS SPOTLIGHT: Springbok Sevens backline player Branco du Preez will play in his 50th tournament when the World Rugby Sevens Series commences in Las Vegas in the USA on March 3.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Willem Britz will make his Sunwolves debut when the Japanese outfit takes on the defending Super Rugby Champions the Hurricanes in Tokyo on Saturday.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Bernard Foley was ruled out of the Waratahs' clash with the Western Force as he is still recovering from a head knock sustained against the Highlanders in the pre-season game.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: The Western Force's matchday 23 for their clash against the Waratahs features a host of new faces with up to eight players set to run out in the Western Force colours for the first time.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Israel Dagg will become the latest Super Rugby centurion when he takes the field at fullback when the Crusaders face the Brumbies in Christchurch on Saturday.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Seven players are in line to make their Brumbies debut with four named in the starting line-up for their opening Super Rugby clash against the Crusaders in Christchurch.

SQUAD ANNOUNCEMENT: Jonathan Joseph has been dropped from the England side to face Italy in the Six Nations this weekend as the Bath centre was omitted from a 24-man squad announced by the reigning champions.

NEWS: New Zealand Rugby (NZR) expressed shock Thursday after a provincial player pleaded guilty in court to assault with intent to rape.

Jan de Koning and Tauriq Ebrahim reveal their predictions for the opening round of Super Rugby, while they also look at the Six Nations and Varsity Cup.

NEWS: Ireland will face the United States in a June Test match in suburban New York.

NEWS: Georgia's hopes of playing in the Six Nations any time soon have been dashed after the tournament's Chief Executive insisted there was no vacancy.

NEWS: Wasps tighthead prop Phil Swainston has signed for Harlequins in one of several player developments announced on Wednesday.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: A new Super Rugby season kicks off on Thursday, with bosses pledging to tackle its unwieldy conference structure, exhausting travel schedules and lopsided contests.

NEWS: Bath confirmed that Dan Bowden has been released from his contract by mutual consent.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Italy head coach Conor O'Shea has handed Abraham Steyn a starting role for Sunday's Six Nations encounter with England at Twickenham.

NEWS: Newcastle Falcons have added another proven top-level try-scorer to their squad with the news that Canada and Scarlets wing DTH van der Merwe is moving to Kingston Park Stadium later this year.

SEVENS: Ambrose Curtis will make his return to the Sevens World Series after being named in the All Blacks Sevens squad for the Las Vegas and Vancouver legs of the Series in March.

NEWS: Ospreys revealed that Hanno Dirksen has signed a new two-year deal.

NEWS: Springbok Francois Louw and Samoan interational Kahn Fotuali'i have both been slapped with two-week bans.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Wales have opted to make a solitary change for their crucial Six Nations encounter against Scotland by bringing fit-again George North back into the matchday team.

SEVENS: Cecil Afrika and Stephan Dippenaar have been brought into the South African Sevens squad to fill the void left by Seabelo Senatla and Albertus Smith for the upcoming legs in Las Vegas and Vancouver.

LET THE GAMES BEGIN: It is with great excitement that we await the opening salvos of the 2017 Super Rugby season - which, for the first time, includes a Thursday game.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Veteran Wallabies flank George Smith will make his Reds debut on Friday when the Queensland side hosts the Sharks at Suncorp Stadium.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Experienced French fullback Clement Poitrenaud could make his Super Rugby debut from the bench for the Sharks' opener against the Reds in Brisbane, however, the focus will be on Lwazi Mvovo's milestone achievement.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: All Blacks prop Nepo Laulala will make his long-awaited return to the field after being handed a starting role for the Chiefs in their Super Rugby opener against the Highlanders in Dunedin on Friday.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: All Blacks centre Malakai Fekitoa will start the 2017 Super Rugby season on a high note as he brings up his 50th Highlanders cap against the Chiefs in Dunedin on Friday.

NEWS: Tom Arscott signed for second tier Yorkshire Carnegie on Tuesday, a month after being sacked by Sale for giving inside information to his brother ahead of a Premiership clash with Bristol.

NEWS: Lyon have signed Argentina international loose forward Facundo Isa as medical cover, the French Top 14 side said on Tuesday.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: The Lions believe having a host of their senior players based in Japan during the off-season is a good fit for them.

VARSITY CUP REACTION: Despite a 20-15 win against UCT-Ikey Tigers, NWU-Pukke head coach Jonathan Mokuena admits that the hard labour starts now as they prepare for  Shimlas.

For the second year Loftus Versfeld in Pretoria will host its Prestige Rugby Evening with 10 schools matches on Tuesday, 7 March 2017.

NEWS: Loose forward Siyamthanda Kolisi has been appointed as captain of the Stormers in 2017, with lock Eben Etzebeth his vice-captain.

VARSITY CUP REPORT: Shimlas were forced to dig deep for a hard-fought 22-13 victory over CUT-Ixias in Bloemfontein.

NEWS: Alan Solomons has joined Bristol as coaching consultant with immediate effect.

REACTION: Hat-trick hero James Short praised the contribution of the Exeter Chiefs pack as they brushed aside the attentions of Worcester Warriors in their latest Premiership encounter on Saturday.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Cheetahs coach Franco Smith played down expectations that his team will automatically transform the Currie Cup success into Super Rugby form.

NEWS: Brighton's Amex Stadium where Japan caused the greatest upset in World Cup history with a 34-32 win over two-time world champions South Africa in 2015 has become a magnet for many Japanese tourists.

NEWS: Steve Gorvett has decided to step down as Chief-Executive at the end of the 2016/17 campaign.

NEWS: Glasgow Warriors have signed Hurricanes flank Callum Gibbins ahead of the 2017/18 season, subject to visa and medical. 

NEWS: Warriors have captured the signing of Jersey Reds tighthead prop Simon Kerrod.

VARSITY CUP REACTION: UJ's dramatic 18-17 victory over UP-Tuks not only handed them their first victory over the Pretoria side in seven years, but also blew the Varsity Cup competition wide open.

SQUAD ANNOUNCEMENT: Saracens prop Mako Vunipola has returned to the England camp as 28 players assembled at Pennyhill Park to train for Sunday's Six Nations game against Italy at Twickenham Stadium.

NEWS: The Sunwolves added two more players to their squad ahead of this year's Super Rugby tournament.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: The Melbourne Rebels have named three Super Rugby debutants in the starting line-up and two on the bench.

VARSITY SHIELD WRAP: Log-leaders WSU yet again produced a stellar performance to beat TUT-Vikings 17-13 in Pretoria.

NEWS: It's an action-packed week for the world's top referees.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: The Blues will be without a number of stars for their Super Rugby opener against the Melbourne Rebels on Thursday.

NEWS: Wallabies star Dane Haylett-Petty has committed his future to Australian Rugby, signing a two-year extension with the ARU and the Western Force until the end of 2019.

NEWS: New Zealand legend Dan Carter revealed Tuesday that a luxury car maker has dropped him as a brand ambassador after he was caught drink-driving in Paris last week.

INJURY UPDATE: Italy coach Conor O'Shea called up Leicester's Michele Rizzo to replace injured prop Dario Chistolini.

INJURY UPDATE: Ireland stars Johnny Sexton, Rob Kearney and Conor Murray are expected to prove their fitness for Saturday's Six Nations showdown with France.

INJURY UPDATE: Barrelling centre Mathieu Bastareaud is out of Saturday's Six Nations clash away to Ireland due to a head injury.

INJURY UPDATE: Springbok Jan Serfontein is one of three players that will miss the Bulls' trip to Newlands on Saturday.

VARSITY CUP REPORT: A nervous final five minutes saw UP-Tuks fight back with a late try to trail by just a point against UJ but Joshua Stander failed to add the conversion from right in front to hand UJ an 18-17 victory.

VARSITY CUP REPORT: NWU-Pukke bounced back from a Round Three defeat to secure a 20-15 victory over UCT-Ikeys in Potchefstroom.

VARSITY CUP REPORT: Maties were forced to dig deep in the second half to overturn a six-point half-time deficit to claim a bonus point 35-16 victory over the NMMU-Madibaz in Stellenbosch.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Stormers head coach Robbie Fleck believes he is now better prepared to coach at Super Rugby level. Warren Fortune reports.

NEWS: Newcastle Falcons' ambitious recruitment plans for the 2017-18 season have advanced with the news that Fijian international Josh Matavesi and younger brother Joel Matavesi have both signed for the club.

NEWS: Bath Rugby is pleased to announce that scrumhalf Darren Allinson has agreed to a deal to rejoin the club on a two-year contract from the start of the 2017/18 season.

SUPER RUGBY FUN: Here is your chance to prove you know more than the rugby365 staff!

VARSITY CUP UPDATE: The Bloemfontein derby between CUT-Ixias and Shimlas has been abandoned due to a waterlogged pitch.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: All Black Kieran Keane has left the shores of New Zealand to join Connacht rugby as their new head coach.

WIN WITH RUGBY365: You can win FREE tickets to watch the Stormers take on their arch rivals, the Bulls, in the opening round of the 2017 Super Rugby competition.

NEWS: Northampton Saints legend Phil Dowson has returned to his former stomping ground taking up the role as assistant coach for the 2017/18 season.

NEWS: Sale Sharks Director of Rugby Steve Diamond will appear before an RFU Disciplinary panel on Wednesday, February 22.

SUPER RUGBY SPOTLIGHT: Don't be surprised if the Japanese teamsheet at the 2019 World Cup includes the name Willem Stephanus Britz. Jan de Koning reports.

NEWS: The Rugby Players’ Association (RPA) has officially launched a new campaign that aims to help remove the stigma surrounding mental health issues.

NEWS: Former Leicester manager Richard Cockerill will become Edinburgh's new head coach later this year, the Celtic League side announced on Monday.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: The Reds are not expecting the Sharks to be adventurous with ball in hand in their Super Rugby Round One clash in Brisbane on Friday.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: The Australian Rugby Union has "considered a range of proposals and potential competition models" for the much-maligned Super Rugby tournament.

NEWS: Test rugby will return to Canberra for the first time in seven years when the Wallabies host Argentina at GIO Stadium in September this year.

NEWS: The Brumbies have included scrumhalf Dewet Roos in their 2017 Super Rugby Championship squad. 

Egon Seconds, a Super Rugby star turned referee, has been appointed to referee his first Super rugby match - Tokyo.

REACTION: South African flyhalf Willie du Plessis kicked 12 points as Montpellier defeated Toulouse 27-18 in the Top 14 on Sunday, but the vanquished 19-time French champions insisted that he should not have even been on the pitch.

Beaten in Round 1 by Germany, Romania, at home, beat Spain in Round 2 of Rugby Europe's top competition.

SQUAD ANNOUNCEMENT:  Racing 92 backs Brice Dulin and Henry Chavancy were amongst seven players added to France's initial Six Nations squad for next Sunday's clash with Ireland in Dublin.

TOP 14 WRAP: Montpellier stayed on course for the Top 14 play-offs with a 27-18 win over Toulouse on Sunday, a result which left the slumping 19-time French champions marooned in mid-table.

PREMIERSHIP REPORT: Sonatane Takulua scored a hat-trick as Newcastle Falcons staged a roaring second-half comeback to defeat Northampton Saints 46-31 in a pulsating Premiership Rugby clash at Kingston Park.

PREMIERSHIP REPORT: Denny Solomona delivered one of the best individual displays ever seen at the AJ Bell Stadium as his hat-trick helped Sale Sharks stun Premiership Rugby leaders Wasps with a 34-28 win.

SQUAD ANNOUNCEMENT: Ireland head coach Joe Schmidt has included Jonathan Sexton in his 34-man squad for the upcoming Six Nations clash against France.

NEWS: Dan Biggar has emphasised the importance of beating Scotland at BT Murrayfield next Saturday if Wales are to retain hope of lifting the Six Nations crown.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: The tussle for a semifinal spot is well underway as we approach the halfway point of the 2017 Varsity Cup competition and this round will certainly separate the contenders from the pretenders.

AMERICAS CHAMPIONSHIP WRAP: Mike Te'o scored three tries to power the United States over Canada 51-34 while defending champion Argentina routed host Chile 45-10 to stay atop the Americas Rugby Championship.

NEWS: Wallabies and Brumbies back Christian Lealiifano is determined to return after a successful bone marrow transplant.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Wallabies lock Dan Vickerman has passed away suddenly at the age of 37.

TOP 14 WRAP: Racing 92 put Dan Carter's drink-driving shock behind them with a 33-25 win over Brive in the French Top 14 on Saturday.

PRO12 REPORT: First-half tries for Tiernan O'Halloran and Caolin Blade set reigning Pro12 champions Connacht up for a 14-9 victory over Newport Gwent Dragons.

PRO12 REPORT: Munster returned to the top of the Pro12 table after a last-gasp David Kilcoyne try gave the Irish outfit victory over Ospreys.

PREMIERSHIP REPORT: James Short scored a hat-trick as Exeter Chiefs scored seven tries in a 48-32 victory over Worcester Warriors at Sixways to move level on points with Saracens.

PREMIERSHIP REPORT: Max Clark's second-half try and the boot of Rhys Priestland secured Bath a hard-fought 22-12 victory over Harlequins.

PREMIERSHIP REPORT: JP Pietersen's first-half try double inspired Leicester Tigers to an eight-try 50-17 Premiership win over Bristol.

PRO12 REPORT: Ulster, with Springboks Marcel Coetzee and Ruan Pienaar in superb form, jumped above Glasgow Warriors and into fifth in the Pro12 standings.

PRO12 REPORT: Matthew Morgan starred as Cardiff Blues secured their first Pro12 victory since Boxing Day.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Conor O'Shea says he has approached the huge challenge of being Italy head coach like an alcoholic addressing his addiction and admitting there is a problem.

SQUAD ANNOUNCEMENT: Stormers head coach Robbie Fleck has named a 45-man squad ahead of the 2017 Super Rugby season.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: With Keegan Daniel out injured, youngster Jacques Vermeulen is set to play a more prominent role in the Sharks back row.

PRE-SEASON: The Sunwolves warmed up for their 2017 Super Rugby campaign with a 24-12 win over a Japan Top League All Stars side.

NEWS: The Queensland Rugby Union Ltd (QRU) will report positive earnings before interest and depreciation of AUS$174 329 in 2016.

PREMIERSHIP REPORT: Richard Hibbard's 75th-minute try fired Gloucester to a remarkable 31-23 victory over reigning Premiership champions Saracens at Kingsholm.

PRO12 REPORT: Steff Evans turned in a dazzling try-scoring performance for Scarlets as they claimed a vital bonus-point 42-7 home win against Zebre to remain fourth.

PRO12 REPORT: Flyhalf Joey Carbery and Barry Daly scored two tries a piece as Leinster saw off Edinburgh 39-10 on Friday.

SQUAD ANNOUNCEMENT: Jaguares head coach Raúl Pérez has named a 27-man squad for his team's opening Super Rugby games against the Southern Kings and the Stormers in South Africa.

INJURY UPDATE: Scotland No.8 Josh Strauss will take no further part in the Six Nations Championship after sustaining an injury to his kidney.

SQUAD ANNOUNCEMENT: The Cheetahs have named a 37-man for this year's Super Rugby tournament.

NEWS: The international match between Tonga and Wales scheduled to take place in Nuku'alofa on June 17 will have to be moved to another country because of pitch problems, rugby officials said on Friday

It's the second round of Rugby Europe's main competition, often referred to as the Six Nations B this weekend.

NEWS: Scotland international Peter Horne has signed a new three-year contract with Glasgow Warriors.

SUPER RUGBY LAUNCH: Pay TV channels in New Zealand, Australia and South African have unveiled their campaigns and it show vastly different styles.

PREVIEW: Unbeaten United States visits Canada on Saturday for a critical match in the Americas Rugby Championship, with the Americans trying to keep pace with table-topping defending champions Argentina.

PRE-SEASON REPORT: The Blues capped off their pre-season with an impressive 26-14 victory over the Chiefs 26-14 in Alexandra Park on Friday.

SANZAAR has announced that it has made an amendment to the Television Match Official (TMO) protocol for the 2017 Super Rugby season.

NEWS: Exeter Chiefs lock Jonathan Hill has been suspended for two weeks for striking an opponent last weekend.

NEWS: Reds scrumhalf Nick Frisby has signed a two-year contract extension to remain at Ballymore until 2019. 

PRE-SEASON REPORT: Ngani Laumape capped off a day of fun, sun and rain at Border Rugby Club in Waverley with the winning try as the Hurricanes beat the Crusaders 33-27.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Dylan Hartley's chances of captaining the British and Irish Lions in New Zealand later this year have "gone backwards", according to former skipper Gavin Hastings.

TOP 14, WEEK 18: Time is running out for Englishman Mike Ford at three-time European champions Toulon ahead of this weekend's Top 14 matches.

REACTION: New Zealand Rugby Union legend Dan Carter apologised for a "massive error in judgement" after French police stopped him for drink-driving in Paris.

Jan de Koning and Tauriq Ebrahim look at the 'party' that makes Varsity Cup such a unique and great event!

NEWS: All Black legend Dan Carter has reportedly been caught by drink-driving by French police.

NEWS: French giants Toulon signed Argentina international back row forward Facundo Isa on a two-year deal.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: The Pro12 championship takes centre stage this weekend as the focus returns to club rugby.

NEWS: Newcastle Falcons have added title-winning prowess and proven international class to their side after signing French centre Maxime Mermoz.

REACTION: The Reds have struggled in the last few seasons of Super Rugby, but they will be no pushovers this time around says Sharks head coach Robert du Preez.

SQUAD ANNOUNCEMENT: The Lions have named nine Springboks in their strong 40-man squad for the upcoming 2017 Super Rugby season.

NEWS: Southern Kings coach Deon Davids have opted for 'experience' when he named prop Schalk Ferreira as the team's captain for 2017.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Matt Scott is demanding a reaction from Gloucester as they prepare to take on champions Saracens on Friday, just six days after their Premiership defeat at Leicester Tigers.

NEWS: Allan Robson will be retiring as the Northampton Saints chief executive at the end of the 2016/17 season.

NEWS: New Zealand legend Ma'a Nonu has signed a one-year contract extension with Toulon, the French Top 14 club's President Mourad Boudjellal said on Thursday.

VARSITY CUP REACTION: Reigning champions NWU-Pukke take no time to dwell on the negative as they prepare for a hard-hitting clash against UCT-Ikey Tigers in Potchefstroom. Leezil Hendricks reports.

PRE-SEASON REPORT: A last-gasp penalty helped the Highlanders beat the Waratahs 50-47 in a thrilling pre-season encounter in Brookvale on Thursday.

PRE-SEASON SPOTLIGHT: Not only will the Cheetahs start the season without their captain and another centre, but two props are set to miss the entire season.

SQUAD ANNOUNCEMENT: Head Coach Robert du Preez has named some exciting youngsters alongside some experienced campaigners in his 27-man touring squad that depart for Australia on Saturday.

VARSITY CUP REACTION: CUT-Ixias head coach Tiaan Liebenberg could be without six senior players against Shimlas in Bloemfontein. Leezil Hendricks reports.

NEWS: Rising star Reece Hodge has re-committed to Australia and the Melbourne Rebels, signing through until the end of 2020.

NEWS: SANZAAR confirmed a new and updated judicial process that will be implemented for Super Rugby 2017.

REACTION: Europe-based All Black Pat Lam slammed Steve Hansen on Thursday after the world champions' coach labelled him an "ex-New Zealander" in a row over players.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Sam Whitelock, who will lead a powerful Crusaders team in their final pre-season Super Rugby hit-out, will have two assistants this season.

NEWS: Springboksand BlitzBoks wing Cornal Hendricks has joined the Bulls for medical and fitness testing.

NEWS: Injured prop Julian Redelinghuys beat a number of his Springbok teammates when he was named Player of the Year for 2016 at the Golden Lions Rugby Union's awards.

NEWS: Italian side Zebre bolstered their front row ranks with the acquisition of Griquas hooker Sidney Tobias.

NEWS: Scotland suffered a major blow as it was confirmed that captain Greig Laidlaw will miss the rest of the Six Nations with an ankle injury.

PRE-SEASON SPOTLIGHT: When the Southern Kings made their Super Rugby debut in 2013, Siyanda Grey emerged as one of the young players to show immense promise.

VARSITY CUP REACTION: For the past few years, UCT-Ikey Tigers have been a side who plays an attractive brand of rugby, however, they were forced to adapt their usual running game to a kicking one. Tauriq Ebrahim reports.

NEWS: The South African Rugby Union may have been dragging their feet, but indications are that Allister Coetzee will remain as Springbok coach.

REACTION: The Reds will bank on defence as they head into Super Rugby 2017, after it stood them in good stead in their final pre-season outing.

VARSITY CUP REACTION: Wits have already given two 2016 SA Schools players a taste of the Varsity Cup and we can expect to see more young players being given a chance to shine in the competition. Tauriq Ebrahim reports.

NEWS: Bristol Rugby Mark Sorenson has announced his retirement from professional rugby at the end of the 2016/17 campaign.

NEWS: The Stormers have confirmed the worst-kept secret of the year - that prop Oliver Kebble will join the Glasgow Warriors.

SQUAD ANNOUNCEMENT: The Bulls have named all their off-season signings in a 46-man squad for the 2017 Super Rugby season.

NEWS: Dwayne Peel is set to join Ulster as Assistant Coach ahead of the 2017/18 campaign.

NEWS: Gloucester Rugby revealed that the meeting with European Professional Club Rugby board about a takeover by Montpellier owner Mohed Altrad was fruitful.

PRE-SEASON SPOTLIGHT: The Stormers are determined to shed their tag as a dour, defensive-orientated team. Jan de Koning reports.

NEWS: Fiji Warriors will start the defence of their World Rugby Pacific Challenge title in March.

NEWS: Exeter Chiefs have strengthened their options at scrumhalf with the addition of Welsh international Martin Roberts.

PRE-SEASON PREVIEW: Highlanders head coach Tony Brown has named a strong starting XV against NSW Waratahs in Sydney.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: The Sharks believe that French star Clément Poitrenaud still has a lot to offer on the rugby field, despite the fullback being 34-years-old.

INJURY UPDATE: Bordeaux's New Zealand flank Peter Saili has suffered a fresh ruptured tendon in his comeback match, club manager Raphael Ibanez said on Tuesday.

SQUAD ANNOUNCEMENT: Italy coach Conor O'Shea made no changes as he announced a 31-man training squad for an upcoming Six Nations clash against England.

SQUAD ANNOUNCEMENT: Forwards Camille Chat, Eddy Ben Arous and Paul Jedrasiak were recalled to the France squad on Tuesday to prepare for their next Six Nations match against Ireland.

NEWS: South Africa international brothers Jannie and Bismarck Du Plessis will miss Montpellier's clash with Toulouse on Sunday after returning home following their father's death, the Top 14 club said on Tuesday.

NEWS: Scotland trio Gordon Reid, Josh Strauss and Mark Bennett will leave the Glasgow Warriors at the end of the season.

NEWS: The IRFU and Leinster announced that Jamie Heaslip has signed a new IRFU contract, which will see him play his rugby in Ireland until the end of the World Cup in Japan.

VARSITY CUP REACTION: Despite the positive result against Madibaz on Monday, UP-Tuks head coach Pote Human is still not content with his side's performance and discipline.

VARSITY CUP REACTION: Maties put in a performance worthy of the favourites tag on Monday against Pukke in Stellenbosch but coach Hawies Fourie believes there is more work to be done. Tauriq Ebrahim reports.

NEWS: England flyhalf George Ford is to return to Leicester from Premiership rivals Bath in time for the start of next season, the Tigers said on Tuesday.

PRE-SEASON REPORT: The Reds sent a warning to future opponents when they beat the Melbourne Rebels 32-13 in Brisbane on Tuesday.

OPINION: Ronan Calvert gives rugby365's readers his view on the latest action in the Northern Hemisphere's three top leagues - Premiership, Pro12 and the Top 14.

Six Nations has time off but Europe's top competition goes into its second week.

REACTION: Former Sale wing Tom Arscott has been given a written warning by the Rugby Football Union for passing on inside information to his brother, Luke, before the Sharks' Premiership match at Bristol.

NEWS: New Zealand forward Steven Luatua signed to play for English Premiership strugglers Bristol next season.

REACTION: Wales great Shane Williams said interim coach Rob Howley needed to stop picking Alex Cuthbert in "blind hope" after the wing came under fire for England's match-winning try in Saturday's dramatic Six Nations clash in Cardiff.

NEWS: Anthony Watson returned to the England squad after being named Monday in a 25-strong party for this week's training camp in central London, the Rugby Football Union announced.

REACTION: Sharks head coach Robert du Preez says they will be working hard on their ball retention ahead of their two-match tour to Australia.

VARSITY CUP REPORT: UP-Tuks proved too strong for Madibaz, as they secured a comfortable 33-16 win in Round Three of the Varsity Cup Monday.

VARSITY CUP REPORT: UCT-Ikey Tigers caused a big shock in the Varsity Cup as they recorded a 22-7 win against Shimlas in Bloemfontein.

VARSITY CUP REPORT: Maties got their revenge over NWU-Pukke when they put in a complete performance to secure a 31-9 victory at the Danie Craven Stadium in Stellenbosch.

VARSITY CUP REPORT: Wits came good in Round Three as they bagged their first 2017 Varsity Cup victory when they ran in five tries to defeat CUT-Ixias 41-3 in Johannesburg.

NEWS: Brendon O'Connor and Mike Fitzgerald have agreed to new terms to extend their time with Leicester Tigers.

With a strong win over Wales up at Parc Eirias, England look certainties to won the Under-20 Six Nations.

INTERVIEW: Australian Rugby League standout Ben Barba has arrived at Top 14 club Toulon promising to put a drug tainted past behind him and make the most of a fresh start.

OPINION: In this year when the British and Irish Lions go on tour, we will focus on the four Home Unions when selecting the famous rugby365 Team of the Week.

NEWS: Scrumhalf Jono Kitto and forward Greg Bateman have both agreed new terms with Leicester Tigers.

NEWS: Harlequins announced hat former London Welsh flank Ryan Hodson has joined the club with immediate effect as short-term injury cover for the back row.