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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.

INJURY UPDATE: The Southern Kings have picked up no serious injuries in their pre-season matches, but some of their players have dropped like flies on the training field. 

For the second weekend in a row England a clean sweep, their ladies enjoying the biggest victory of the three.

NEWS: Ulster announced that Jono Gibbes will join the Province as head coach ahead of the 2017/18 season, having signed a two-year contract.

PRE-SEASON SPOTLIGHT: Lions coach Johan Ackermann readily admitted that his team has a lot of work to do ahead of the start of the Super Rugby season.

INJURY UPDATE: Chiefs scrumhalf Brad Weber and prop Mitchell Graham will both play no part in this year's Super Rugby campaign.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: All 18 Super Rugby teams have entered their final preparations and we will now get to see them in action with a number of pre-season fixtures.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Shimlas and Pukke have established themselves as the front-runners after two rounds of action, however, the chasing pack are hot on their heels as we head into Round Three of the Varsity Cup.

REACTION: Guy Noves insisted France's error-riddled Six Nations victory over Scotland was not a step backwards.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Eddie Jones has revealed how a meeting with a fitness expert previously consulted by Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho has helped his England side stay unbeaten for over a year.

PRE-SEASON PREVIEW: The Reds have named a 29-man squad for their pre-season match against the Melbourne Rebels at Ballymore Stadium on Tuesday.

UPDATE: The Australian Rugby Union Integrity Unit has concluded its preliminary investigation into an incident involving Scott Higginbotham in Brisbane last weekend.

NEWS: All Blacks back Israel Dagg said Monday he had signed to stay in New Zealand until the end of 2019, turning down lucrative offers from overseas clubs.

INJURY REPORT: Stormers wing Leolin Zas has been ruled out of action for approximately a year with a broken leg.

It was the first round of Rugby Europe's top competition and it started with the surprising, first-ever victory of Germany over Romania.

REACTION: Scotland coach Vern Cotter refused to use injuries as an excuse for his team's 16-22 defeat to France in the Six Nations.

PRO12 SUNDAY WRAP: The returning Dave Kearney went over for a try double as Leinster cruised to a 40-14 win over Benetton Treviso at Stadio Monigo.

PREMIERSHIP REPORT: Joe Simpson rescued a draw for Premiership leaders Wasps with a late try at Exeter Chiefs in a pulsating end-to-end game, which featured 10 tries and a red card.

REPORT: Racing 92 ran in nine tries in a 59-20 bonus point rout of Bayonne on Saturday to maintain their hopes of making the French Top 14 play-offs.

NEWS: Ospreys revealed that Springbok tighthead prop Brian Mujati has signed on a short-term contract.

REPORT: France kept alive their hopes of a Six Nations title with a hard-fought 22-16 win over Scotland in Paris on Sunday.

REACTION: England coach Eddie Jones accepted his side had used up all their "get-out-of-jail cards" following a gripping 21-16 win away to Wales in the Six Nations.

REACTION: He might kick the odd "wounded duck", but Paddy Jackson's 18 points with the boot in a record 63-10 win over Italy could scupper Johnny Sexton's hopes of starting for Ireland against France in a fortnight.

REACTION: The Stormers have completed their pre-season with a third successive win, but it has come at a dear price.

REPORT: The Chiefs edged the Crusaders 12-5 in the Final of the inaugural Brisbane 10s.

SEMIFINAL WRAP: The Chiefs will meet the Crusaders in the Final of the inaugural Brisbane 10s.

QUARTERFINAL WRAP: The Chiefs and the Bulls will go head to head in the Brisbane 10s semifinals on Sunday.

AMERICAS CHAMPIONSHIP WRAP: Sebastian Cancelliere scored three tries and defending champion Argentina routed Uruguay 57-12, while the United States and Canada also took lopsided triumphs Saturday in the Americas Championship.

DAY TWO POOL WRAP: The Chiefs ended the run of Japan powerhouse Wild Knights at the Brisbane 10s.

NEWS: Former All Black Sione Lauaki has died at the age of 35, the New Zealand Rugby Union said Sunday.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: France captain Guilhem Guirado admitted on Saturday that his team are in desperate need of a win ahead of Sunday's Six Nations clash against Scotland.

PRE-SEASON REPORT: The Super Rugby franchise the Kings proved too strong as they registered a 42-24 win over the SWD Eagles at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium.

MATCH REPORT: Leicester Tigers claimed their first  Premiership Rugby win under Aaron Mauger as newboy Maxime Mermoz’s late score wrapped up a bonus-point 34-9 win against Gloucester Rugby at Welford Road.

MATCH REPORT: Flyhalf Ryan Mills kicked all of Worcester Warriors’ points as they secured a crucial 24-18 win over reigning Premiership Rugby champions Saracens.

REPORT: A late try by Elliot Daly helped England beat Wales 21-16 in a thrilling game in Cardiff on Saturday.

PRE-SEASON REPORT: The Stormers produced a stellar second-half performance to record a 57-40 victory against Lions at Newlands Stadium in Cape Town.

REPORT: A hat-trick of tries for Christiaan Stander and Craig Gilroy, and nine conversions from flyhalf Paddy Jackson, relaunched Ireland's Six Nations title hopes Saturday with a record 63-10 win over Italy in Rome.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Scotland may be getting a reputation for being an expansive running outfit but assistant coach Jason O'Halloran believes they can still mix it in the mud.

DAY ONE FINAL WRAP: The Bulls ended the opening day of the Brisbane 10s with a narrow 5-7 defeat to the Brumbies, after claiming victory in their opening match earlier in the day.

DAY ONE, WRAP TWO: Japanese side the Wild Knights secured their second victory at the Brisbane 10s when they edged the Rebels 17-12 while the Hurricanes go their campaign off to a winning start.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Italy coach Conor O'Shea has insisted there will be no question of divided loyalties when the Azzurri face his native Ireland in the second round of the Six Nations Championship on Saturday.

SIX NATIONS SPOTLIGHT: Centre Remi Lamerat admitted France are feeling the pressure ahead of Sunday's Six Nations clash against Scotland in Paris.

DAY ONE, WRAP ONE: The Bulls made a winning start to their Brisbane 10s campaign when they managed to come from behind to beat the Force while there were two massive upsets in the opening six matches.

PREMIERSHIP FRIDAY WRAP: Rhys Priestland nailed a last gasp penalty to seal an incredible game of rugby 32-30 in Bath's favour after a stunning Northampton Saints comeback.

PRO12 FRIDAY WRAP: Munster demonstrated why they are top of the Pro12 table with a 45-17 victory over Newport Gwent Dragons at Irish Independent Park.

PRE-SEASON SPOTLIGHT: Lions coach Johan Ackermann is using his team's trip to Newlands on Saturday as a last chance to experiment.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Stalwart Maties flank and captain Beyers de Villiers has been forced to retire from the sport following numerous concussions in a short period of time. Tauriq Ebrahim reports.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Italy captain Sergio Parisse has warned against "surprise plays" and Ireland's intention to "do damage" when they clash in a potential Six Nations bruiser in Rome on Saturday.

NEWS: Wales will give George North and Dan Biggar as long as they can to prove their fitness for Saturday's Six Nations clash against England in Cardiff.

NEWS: Ireland have called James Tracy in as cover for captain and hooker Rory Best, who is sick with a stomach bug ahead of their Six Nations test against Italy in Rome.

South African Jody Rose will start his third season at flyhalf for Romania against Germany in Offenbach on the opening round of Rugby Europe's Championship.

REACTION: Teammates from South Africa's 1995 World Cup winning squad carried the coffin of Joost van der Westhuizen into his memorial service on Friday in front of several hundred mourners.

VARSITY CUP REACTION: Despite their stellar performance being insufficient in Stellenbosch, WITS head coach Hugo van As believes his side can only improve as the competition grow.

SIX NATIONS ROUND TWO: The showdown between France and Scotland in Paris will be a special occassion for Scottish fullback Stuart Hogg as he brings up a milestone in his international playing career.

I Round 1 of the Women's Six Nations,  England and Wales were clear-cut winners, and in Round 2 they meet in Wales.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Scarlets loose forward John Barclay replaced the injured Ryan Wilson in the only change to the Scotland team announced on Friday for Sunday's Six Nations clash with France in Paris.

VARSITY CUP REACTION: After a horrendous loss in Round two, NMMU-Madibaz have enough quality to turn their fortunes.

REACTION: MyPlayers, the Rugby Players' Organisation, through its members paid tribute to Springbok great Joost van der Westhuizen ahead of his funeral and memorial service on Friday in Pretoria.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Flank Loann Goujon replaces Damien Chouly in coach Guy Noves's solitary change to his France team announced on Friday to face Scotland in the Six Nations on Sunday.

IN THE PRE-SEASON SPOTLIGHT: Stormers coach Robbie Fleck believes beating the Lions at Newlands on Saturday is an important part of his team's build-up to the Super Rugby season.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: England coach Eddie Jones believes his side have "moved on" from their harrowing 2013 loss in Cardiff as they once again prepare for a Six Nations match away to Wales.

NEWS: Free State Cheetahs captain Francois Venter walked off with the Player of the Year award at their annual award ceremony in Bloemfontein.

PREVIEW: Defending champions Argentina, who downed Canada 20-6 at snowy Langford last week, return home to host Uruguay at Bahia Blanca Saturday in the second round of the Americas Rugby Championship.

NEWS: The retractable roof at Cardiff's Millenium Stadium will remain open for Saturday's Six Nations Championship clash between Wales and England following a request by the visitors.

SIX NATIONS ROUND TWO: England have been doing so well that they are now everybody's target.

SIX NATIONS ROUND TWO: Avoiding delays, and another sluggish start, away to a determined Italy will be key as Ireland look to salvage their Six Nations title hopes with a win in Rome on Saturday.

Jan de Koning and Tauriq Ebrahim pay tribute to a true legend of the game and then also look at the weekend's games.

SUPER RUGBY PRE-SEASON: Some of the biggest names in the game - both past and present - will be on display when the Brisbane 10s take place on Saturday and Sunday.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Nine rounds remain in the Pro12 championship and this period during the Six Nations will test the mettle of all the title contenders.

VARSITY SHIELD WRAP: UWC had to fight off a determined CPUT side to claim a narrow 26-23 victory in the opening match of the Varsity Shield at the UWC Stadium.

The big match this week is Wales against England in Wales - two teams that won in the first round.

VARSITY CUP REACTION: Fresh from a defeat, CUT-Ixias head coach Tiaan Liebenberg prepares for a mammoth challenge against Wits.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Mat Luamanu has stressed the need for Harlequins to be quick out of the blocks if they are going to get back to winning ways against Bristol at Ashton Gate this weekend.

NEWS: Stormers flyhalf Brandon Thomson has joined Glasgow Warriors for two months on a short-term deal.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Captain Sergio Parisse has shaken off a neck injury to lead resurgent Italy into Saturday's Six Nations clash against embattled Ireland in Rome. 

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Ireland have decided to do without inspirational flyhalf Jonathan Sexton for their key Six Nations international against Italy in Rome on Saturday.

SQUAD ANNOUNCEMENT: Flank Marnus Schoeman will play no part in the Stormers' Super Rugby warm-up match against the Lions at Newlands on Saturday.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Star backs George North and Dan Biggar were both included Thursday in the Wales XV for their Six Nations international against England in Cardiff on Saturday after they each overcame injury problems.

VARSITY CUP REACTION: Despite bagging two bonus-point victories in the Varsity Cup thus far, Shimlas head coach Hendro Scholtz is not quick to pop the champagne just yet.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Southern Kings coach Deon Davids named a 30-man squad that will take on the South Western Districts Eagles in a pre-season friendly at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium on Saturday.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Sharks head coach Robert du Preez has made four changes to his starting XV that beat the Cheetahs 35-7 last week for their friendly against a Bulls XV on Friday.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Springbok flyhalf Elton Jantjies will lead the Lions against the Stormers at Newlands on Saturday.

PRE-SEASON REPORT: The Bulls put on display their Super Rugby prospects with an impressive 28-7 win over the Chiefs in a pre-season match in Brisbane on Thursday.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Jack Clifford has been recalled to an inexperienced England back row in place of Tom Wood for Saturday's Six Nations international against Wales in Cardiff.

NEWS: Scottish side Glasgow Warriors are set to sign another Stormers star soon.

SQUAD ANNOUNCEMENT: The Melbourne Rebels have made three change to their final squad for the inaugural Brisbane Global Rugby Tens at Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane this weekend.

NEWS: James Slipper believes he can help the Reds turn their fortunes around.

NEWS: All Blacks lock Patrick Tuipulotu has been "fully exonerated" of doping after his B-sample came up clean, New Zealand Rugby said Thursday.

REACTION: A security consultant accused of planting a listening device in a hotel used by the All Blacks said he was innocent Thursday, insisting he knew nothing about the "stupid bloody bug".

SIX NATIONS SPOTLIGHT: England football manager Gareth Southgate said it had been "fascinating" to spend time with Eddie Jones as a rival rugby coach compared the Australian to legendary football manager Brian Clough.

SIX NATIONS SPOTLIGHT: France international forward Sebastien Vahaamahina says he's coming out of his shell under Guy Noves after losing his way during the Philippe Saint-Andre era.

SIX NATIONS SPOTLIGHT: England flank Tom Wood has been passed fit to play in Saturday's Six Nations match away to Wales, but the title-holders could yet alter their back row line-up.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Wales star Sam Warburton has compared arch-rivals England to world champions New Zealand ahead of their Six Nations clash in Cardiff on Saturday.

NEWS: Edinburgh announced the re-signing of loosehead prop Rory Sutherland and scrumhalf Nathan Fowles.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: The 33rd St Stithians Easter festival takes place in the three days of 13-17 April.

There are 30 schools taking part in the 32nd Oakdale Rugby Week this year.

NEWS: Saracens have signed Samoan vice-captain Fa'atiga Lemalu on a short-term deal from Japanese Super Rugby side Sunwolves.

There are 30 schools taking part in the 32nd Oakdale Rugby Week this year.

REACTION: A new-look UJ outfit suffered their second consecutive Varsity Cup defeat on Monday and now faces a test of their character if they want to turn their season around.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: While there was understandable frustration from France following their failure to win at Twickenham in the opening round of the Six Nations, prop Cyril Baille insists they must have faith in their game plan.

NEWS: The Griffons and Griquas Country Districts will get the 2017 Under-18 Craven Week underway when they lock horns on Monday, July 17 at St Stithians College in Johannesburg.

PRE-SEASON BUILD-UP: Not having played against any New Zealand teams last year, the Bulls are in desperate need of game time against Kiwi franchise.

EXCLUSIVE: rugby365 law guru Paul Dobson provides clarity on when time is considered up, referencing the Women's Six Nations encounter between Scotland and Ireland.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Is this a curious case of a gamekeeper turn poacher? The strange twists and turns of the bugging saga in a New Zealand team room last year took a more intriguing twist this week.

RUGBY365'S SPECIAL BUMPER EDITION: In the fifth and final instalment - a half-hour long episode - Brendan Venter explains how Italy achieved their historic win over the Springboks. It is the best of Ethienne Reynecke, Venter and Ernst Joubert.

RUGBY365'S SPECIAL BUMPER EDITION: In a full-hour-long special Ethienne Reynecke, Brendan Venter and Ernst Joubert dissect South African rugby.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Andy Farrell has warned Ireland they must show an appetite for destruction if they are to rescue their Six Nations campaign against Italy this weekend.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Scotland assistant coach Jonathan Humphreys admits his team can't rely on the surprise factor any more after a cunning line-out move paid off in their Six Nations win over Ireland.

As the Six Nations moves on to Round 3, two winners meet in Cardiff on Saturday with Jérôme Graces to see fair play.

WIN WITH RUGBY365: You van win FREE tickets to watch the Stormers take on the 2016 Super Rugby runners-up, the Lions, on Saturday.

IN THE PREMIERSHIP SPOTLIGHT: Springbok Ashley Johnson explains to Jan de Koning why he left South Africa less than a year after making his Test debut and the benefits reaped of that decision.

REACTION: UCT-Ikeys may have ended their winless streak in the Varsity Cup, but silly mistakes are still a major concern for head coach Christiaan Esterhuizen.

REACTION: Maties may have come away with a victory in Round Two of the Varsity Cup but they are yet to find their groove and emulate their 2016 performances.

INJURY UPDATE: Italy skipper Sergio Parisse is undergoing an MRI scan to assess the full extent of the neck injury he picked up in Italy's 7-33 home defeat by Wales in Round One of the Six Nations.

INJURY UPDATE: Ireland and Leinster playmaker Johnny Sexton is highly unlikely to feature in Round two of the Six Nations against Italy in Rome this weekend.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: New signing Lodewyk de Jager will make his first appearance for the Bulls against the Chiefs in Brisbane on Thursday, after being named in the squad to take on the New Zealand team.

NEWS: Melbourne Rebels centre Mitch Inman believes the hit out has helped the squad’s preparations for the Brisbane Global Rugby Tens.  

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Australia and New Zealand Tuesday saluted "extraordinary" South African rugby legend Joost van der Westhuizen, hailing his skill and leadership as an inspiration.

NEWS: A security consultant was charged Tuesday over a bugging device planted in the All Blacks' hotel before last year's rugby Test against Australia in Sydney, an incident which raised tensions between the teams.

NEWS: All Blacks vice-captain Ben Smith said Tuesday he had signed up to stay with the world champions until 2020, fending off interest from cashed-up French clubs.

On the opening weekend of Six Nations rugby, England and Wales women were each a part of their country's clean sweep.

OBIT: Joost van der Westhuizen's place in the pantheon of rugby greats is indisputable.

NEWS: New Zealand international centre Conrad Smith is close to extending his stay at Pau, but All Black fullback Ben Smith will not be joining the French Top 14 outfit.

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.

In the first round of the Under-20 Six Nations, Ireland just won, Wales won comfortably and England thrashed France.

VARSITY CUP REPORT: Reigning champions NWU-Pukke powered their way to a 37-7 win over a hapless NNMU-Madibaz at Fanie du Toit Sports Grounds on Monday.

VARSITY CUP REPORT: Precision kicking by flyhalf Theo Stapelberg ensured Maties claimed a nail-biting 26-14 victory over Wits in Stellenbosch.

VARSITY CUP REPORT: Four second half tries in the space of 16 minutes saw the Shimlas cruise to a convincing 47-29 victory over UJ in Johannesburg.

VARSITY CUP REPORT: Centre Rico Lategan's try in the last minute of the match handed UCT-Ikeys a 21-12 win against CUT-Ixias at the Green Mile.

INJURY UPDATE: The Sharks will be without Keegan Daniel for up to 12 weeks after the loose forward fractured his radius in the pre-season match against the Cheetahs last weekend. 

NEWS: Scrumhalf Dave Lewis will join the Harlequins from the 2017/18 season after signing from Exeter Chiefs.

REPORT: The Western Force beat a young and inexperienced Melbourne Rebels outfit 27-5 in their second pre-season Super Rugby match on the Gold Coast on Monday.

BREAKING NEWS: Springbok legend Joost van der Westerhuizen has lost his battle to motor neuron disease and died on Monday, February 6.

NEWS: Tom Varndell has committed his future to Bristol until the end of the 2017/18 campaign.

NEWS: Scotland international Huw Jones will leave Newlands at the end of 2017 to join Glasgow Warriors on a two-year deal.

NEWS: Northampton Saints announced the signing of Rob Horne into the club's squad ahead of the 2017/18 season.

INJURY UPDATE: England lock George Kruis will undergo surgery on Tuesday for a knee ligament injury he sustained in training last week.

NEWS: Injured Springbok prop Julian Redelinghuys will remain in the game, even if his neck injury prevents him from playing again.

Egon Seconds, for the first time, joins the referees squad for the 2017 Super Rugby Tournament.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: The second round of Varsity Cup action sees two opening round winners go head to head in a round littered with close calls.

NEWS: Former Springboks head coach Heyneke Meyer has become the Managing Director of a Hong Kong-based sports marketing business. 

INTERVIEW: Celebrated World Cup Final referee Nigel Owens asked to be chemically castrated by his doctor after realising he was gay, he told the BBC.

NEWS: All Blacks lock Patrick Tuipulotu has been suspended following a positive drugs test, New Zealand Rugby has revealed. 

INJURY UPDATE: Argentine Pumas scrumhalf Tomas Cubelli will miss the early months of the Brumbies' Super Rugby season with a knee injury, the team said on Monday.

REACTION: Interim coach Rob Howley called on Wales to "improve in all areas" before facing England after overcoming a tedious first half to secure a 33-7 win over Italy in their Six Nations opener on Sunday.

REACTION: Italy coach Conor O'Shea invited media to "watch the first two minutes" of his side's 7-33 Six Nations defeat to Wales amid claims the hosts received unfair officiating.

REACTION: Springbok Sevens all-time try-scoring record holder, Seabelo Senatla said the back-to-back tournament wins for the BlitzBoks was the perfect way for him to end his current involvement with the team.

REACTION: Southern Kings head coach Deon Davids was not a happy man after his team's 28-10 win over Border on Saturday.

REACTION: Springbok Sevens coach Neil Powell said he is super proud of his squad after the BlitzBoks won the Sydney Sevens. 

REACTION: Stormers head coach Robbie Fleck is excited to see how much his team have progressed when they face the Lions in their final pre-season friendly at Newlands on Saturday.

REPORT: Leigh Halfpenny kicked 18 points while Jonathan Davies, Liam Williams and George North touched down as Wales got their Six Nations campaign underway with a 33-7 win over Italy in Rome on Sunday.

PRE-SEASON BUILD-UP: The Melbourne Rebels have named 13 uncapped players in an extended 31-player squad for the team's first trial match of the year against the Western Force at Bond University.

NEWS: The Australian Rugby Union (ARU) is investigating an incident involving Reds player Scott Higginbotham in Brisbane on Sunday.

AMERICAS WRAP: Second-half tries by Santiago Medrano and Segundo Tuclet powered defending champion Argentina over Canada 20-6 Saturday while the United States edged Uruguay 29-23 in Americas Rugby Championship openers.

REACTION: Scotland head coach Vern Cotter believes his team's thrilling 27-22 opening day win at home to Ireland has "changed the dynamics" of their Six Nations campaign.

FINAL WRAP: The BlitzBoks increased their lead at the top of the World Sevens Series table when they beat England 29-14 in the Sydney Sevens Cup Final.

REACTION: England coach Eddie Jones promised to do a better job after his "awful" Grand Slam champions launched the defence of their Six Nations title with a scrappy 19-16 win over France at Twickenham.

SEMIFINALS WRAP: South Africa beat Australia 26-12 to secure their place in the Sydney Sevens Cup Final on Sunday.

QUARTERFINALS WRAP: South Africa booked their spot in the Cup semifinals after they beat the United States 21-10 in their quarterfinal on Day Two of the Sydney Sevens.

PRE-SEASON REPORT: Kings secure a hard-fought 28-10 victory against Border Bulldog at Buffalo Stadium in East London

PRE-SEASON REPORT: The Stormers scored nine tries to pick up a convincing 57-14 victory against South Western Districts Eagles at Outeniqua Park in George on Saturday.

PRE-SEASON REPORT: Replacement Jarryd Sage scored a brace as Lions demolished SupaBarbarians 49-19 in a pre-season friendly at Wits Stadium.

REPORT: A 70th minute converted try by substitute Ben Te'o helped England secure a nervy 19-16 victory over France at Twickenham on Saturday, to hand England their 15th consecutive victory.

REPORT: A dogged defensive display, coupled with excellent finishing, ensured Scotland got their Six Nations campaign off to the perfect start with a 27-22 victory over Ireland at Murrayfield on Saturday.

SYDNEY SEVENS REACTION: Springbok Sevens coach Neil Powell admits his side need to step up after a lost to England in their final pool A match at the Sydney Sevens.

PRE-SEASON REPORT: The Waratahs put down a big marker when they beat the Brumbies 53-17 in their Super Rugby pre-season outing in Mudgee on Saturday.

DAY ONE WRAP: England, as they did in Cape Town, beat South Africa in a crucial match - this time in a decisive pool fixture on Day One at the Sydney leg of the Sevens World Series.

NEWS: Springbok legend and 1995 World Cup winner Joost van der Westhuizen is in a critical condition in hospital.

PRE-SEASON REPORT: The seven-time Super Rugby champion Crusaders outplayed the Highlanders, winning 50-33 to claim the Farmlands Cup in Darfield on Saturday.

DAY ONE WRAP: Wales caused the first upset on Day One at the Sydney leg of the Sevens World Series.

PRE-SEASON REPORT: Two first half tries to young centre Jonah Lowe and a late match-winner to prop Chris Eves have punctuated the Hurricanes 38-33 win over the Blues.

DAY ONE WRAP: The big guns had little trouble with the first round opponents on Day One at the Sydney leg of the Sevens World Series.

SIX NATIONS SPOTLIGHT: After England coach Eddie Jones talked of a "war" against France on Saturday, scrumhalf Ben Youngs said opposite number Baptiste Serin was the latest French rugby "general".

PRO12 REPORT: Munster reclaimed top spot in the Pro12 after a tense win against a stubborn Edinburgh side thanks to a second half penalty from flyhalf Tyler Bleyendaal.

INJURY UPDATE: England have still to discover just how long George Kruis will be out of action after the lock decided to seek a second opinion regarding a knee injury.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: France captain Guilhem Guirado warned his side they must match the ferocity of champions England if they are to spring a Six Nations surprise in "Le Crunch" at Twickenham on Saturday.

PRE-SEASON REPORT: The Sharks scored five tries en route to a 35-7 victory over the Cheetahs in their main game in Umlazi on Friday.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: England captain Dylan Hartley has no worries about being "rusty" for the champions' Six Nations opener against France at Twickenham on Saturday even though it will be his first match for over a month.

NEWS: The South African Rugby Union remains silent about who the SApringbok coach for 2017 and beyond will be.

NEWS: Bordeaux's France international prop Jean-Baptiste Poux has put retirement on hold and will extend for a year with the Top 14 side as he moves into coaching, the club President said Friday.

SYDNEY SEVENS TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Wales Sevens coach Gareth Williams hopes the return of Luke Treharne will add experience for the upcoming Sydney Sevens tournament.

SQUAD ANNOUNCEMENT: Bulls head coach Nollis Marais has named flyhalf Handré Pollard to captain his squad at the inaugural Brisbane 10s.

PRE-SEASON SPOTLIGHT: The Lions may have one of the most settled teams, including a rash of Springboks, but that does not guarantee any player a spot in the squad.

NEWS: Bath Rugby back row Zach Mercer has signed a senior contract extension, which will see the Academy player promoted to the senior squad and commit his future to the Club until the end of the 2018/19 season.

PRE-SEASON BUILD-UP: Dillyn Leyds will captain a 30-man Stormers squad in their pre-season friendly against franchise partners, the South Western Districts Eagles, in George on Saturday.

SYDNEY SEVENS TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: After their success at  Wellington Sevens last week, Springbok Sevens coach Neil Powell sticks with the tried and tested as he named an unchanged side to contest the Sydney Sevens this week.

It will be keen and in fact has been growing in stature with better support. In fact women's place in rugby is growing.

REACTION: Olympic gold medal-winning coach Ben Ryan has welcomes news that SANZAAR is prepared to 'talk' about the prospect of a Fijian team in Super Rugby.

SIX NATIONS ROUND ONE: Italy head coach Conor O'Shea is fully focussed on his side given their all throughout the competition, starting with Wales on Sunday.

SYDNEY SEVENS TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: The Tasman duo of Trael Joass and Andrew Knewstubb will get their starting caps for the All Blacks Sevens in the fourth leg of 2016/17 World Series in Sydney this weekend.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Canada head coach Mark Anscombe has named a fairly young starting line-up for Saturday’s 2017 Americas Rugby Championship opener against Argentina.

SIX NATIONS ROUND ONE: England, who are riding the crest of the rugby wave, will be hoping to wash France out of the way at Twickenham on Saturday.

SIX NATIONS ROUND ONE: Scotland coach Vern Cotter has warned his emerging side they face "a huge task" against Ireland in their Six Nations opener at Murrayfield on Saturday.

REACTION: England coach Eddie Jones is confident Maro Itoje can make up for the absence of Chris Robshaw.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Jordie Barrett will share the Hurricanes fullback duties with Nehe Milner-Skudder as the defending Super Rugby champions start their 2017 preseason campaign against the Blues in Auckland on Saturday.

WORLD SERIES ROUND FOUR: The pundits are wondering if anybody can stop the South African Sevens juggernaut. The bookmakers suggest nobody can.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: After being hampered by injuries over the years, Patrick Lambie is hoping he can make a valuable contribution to the Sharks cause during this year's Super Rugby campaign.

NEWS: The Stormers have moved swiftly to plug the gap left by the injury to Lions import Stephan de Wit.

PRE-SEASON BUILD-UP: The Sharks and Cheetahs will go head-to-head in a double-header in Umlazi on Friday in what will be the first glimpse of either team's potential.

This year's Six Nations Under-20 Championship is the tenth since the first in 2008.

PRO12 CATCH-UP MATCH: Edinburgh's first run-out at Myreside Stadium in the Pro12 promises to be a fascinating affair with visitors Munster looking to reclaim their position at the top of the table.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Ireland head coach Joe Schmidt has named a powerful side to take on Scotland in the Six Nations on Saturday.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: France head coach Guy Noves has included the young scrumhalf Baptise Serin in his starting XV to face England in the Six Nations opener at Twickenham.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Scotland head coach Vern Cotter has included Stormers centre Huw Jones to start Scotland's opening Six Nations match against Ireland on February 4 at BT Murrayfield.

NEWS: Prop Derrick Appiah has joined Edinburgh Rugby on a short-term loan from Worcester Warriors.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Seasoned scrumhalf Ross Cronjé will lead the Lions in their Super Rugby pre-season outing against the against the SupaBarbarians XV in Johannesburg on Saturday.

NEWS: Former England coach Clive Woodward has urged the Six Nations to become a straight five-week tournament to boost Europe's chances of producing another World Cup-winning side.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Scrumhalf Rhys Webb has been named in Wales' starting XV for their Six Nations clash against Italy on Sunday.

NEWS: Northampton Saints have signed Jamal Ford-Robinson and Mitch Eadie from Bristol for the 2017/18 season.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: With the likes of Jerome Kaino, Charlie Faumuina and Rieko Ioane set to miss the Blues Super Rugby opener head coach Tana Umaga is keen to discuss the early-season with All Blacks coaches.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: England have made five changes to the starting XV that defeated Australia in November for their opening Six Nations clash against France.

INJURY UPDATE: Western Force captain Ben McCalman will take no part in the inaugural Brisbane Tens.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: The Southern Kings are in for a rude awakening if they think their first pre-season outing, against the Border Bulldogs, will be the proverbial walk in the park.

NEWS: Australia Rugby Union are doing everything in their power to stop Ben Barba playing for Toulon at the Brisbane Global Tens.

SYDNEY SEVENS TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Australian coach Andy Friend has named three debutants in his team ahead of this weekend's Sevens World Series event in Sydney.

NEWS: Wales lock Lou Reed  hs left Premiership side Sale Sharks with immediate effect.

PRE-SEASON BUILD-UP: The Brumbies have named a strong starting XV to tackle the Waratahs in their latest trial match in Mudgee this weekend.

PRE-SEASON BUILD-UP: The Crusaders and Highlanders kick off their 2017 pre-season matches with the clash at Darfield Rugby Club on Saturday.

INJURY UPDATE: French centre Yann David's hopes of playing his first international in seven years were shattered Wednesday.

NEWS: Racing 92 scrumhalf Xavier Chauveau has been ruled out of the rest of the season after the French champions confirmed he will require shoulder surgery.

NEWS: France centre Maxime Mermoz has joined Leicester from Toulon until the end of the season.

INJURY UPDATES: George Kruis has added to England's injury woes after being ruled out of the Grand Slam champions' Six Nations opener against France at Twickenham on Saturday.

NEWS: Springbok utility back Francois Steyn's appeal against his four-week suspension was dismissed.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Record-breaking former Springbok coach Nick Mallett chatted to Jan de Koning about the reasons for the player and coaching exodus from South Africa.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Edoardo Gori will form a halfback partnership with Carlo Canna as new-look Italy look to cause the first big upset of the Six Nations with a win over Wales in Rome on Sunday.

VARSITY CUP REACTION: NMMU-Madibaz took a step in the right direction in their Varsity Cup opener on Monday, which delighted head coach David Maidza.

VARSITY CUP REACTION: With 10 debutants on the field and testing conditions to play in, UJ coach Werner Janse van Rensburg remains upbeat despite going down in their opening fixture on Monday.

NEWS: Leukaemia patient Christian Lealiifano will have a 'captaincy' role at the Brumbies, despite still receiving treatment for his illness.

NEWS: Cardiff Blues revealed that skills coach Paul John will leave the region to become head coach of Hong Kong Sevens.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: South Africa's players have their feet firmly planted on the ground, despite ruling the Sevens world at present.

SQUAD ANNOUNCEMENT: The Melbourne Rebels have named seven internationals and a former Australian vice-captain in their squad for the inaugural Brisbane 10s on February 11 and 12.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: England Sevens head coach Simon Amor has opted to maintain the same squad for a fourth successive tournament when they compete in Sydney on February 3-5.

INJURY UPDATE: England lock George Kruis could be in doubt for England's Six Nations opener against France on Saturday after suffering a knee injury during training on Tuesday.

A RUGBY365 EXCLUSIVE: In the fourth instalment of Rugby With Reynecke, Ethienne Reynecke, Ernst Joubert and Brendan Venter discuss whether the Springboks can be successful without foreign-based players like Duane Vermeulen.

A RUGBY365 EXCLUSIVE: In the fourth instalment of Rugby With Reynecke, Ethienne Reynecke, Ernst Joubert and Brendan Venter discuss whether the Springboks can be successful without foreign-based players like Duane Vermeulen.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Scotland captain Greig Laidlaw has told rival scrumhalf Conor Murray to expect another tough encounter when Ireland open their Six Nations campaign at Murrayfield on Saturday.

INJURY UPDATE: Edinburgh tighthead prop Willem Nel has undergone surgery on a neck injury sustained in his side's win over Harlequins at Twickenham Stoop on Saturday, January 14.

NEWS: Injuries could see promising Wales flank Thomas Young make his Test debut against Italy in this weekend's opening round of the Six Nations Championship.

NEWS: Montpellier's South Africa flyhalf star Francois Steyn appealed on Tuesday against the four-week ban imposed for a dangerous tackle on Leinster counterpart Jonny Sexton in a European Champions Cup tie earlier this month.

INTERVIEW: The Southern Kings hit the ground running in Port Alfred as they began the team camp with their first day of training in the Eastern Cape coastal town on Tuesday. 

VARSITY CUP REACTION: Despite losing an integral player in the opening minutes the UP-Tuks showed character to secure a 13-9 victory over Maties, says head coach Pote Human.

INJURY UPDATE: Ireland flyhalf ace Jonathan Sexton and flank Peter O'Mahony were both ruled out Tuesday of the Six Nations opener away to Scotland at Murrayfield on Saturday.

NEWS: The Concussion Management Review Group (CMRG) has concluded its review into a head injury incident involving Sale Shark's TJ Ioane.

NEWS: Sharks head coach Robert du Preez is eager to test certain combinations when his team comes up against the Cheetahs in two warm-up matches on Friday.

NEWS: French Top 14 giants Toulon on Tuesday recruited Australian Ben Barba, who is switching codes from Rugby League.

NEWS: Premiership Rugby and the RFU have signed a new agreement that will add significant benefit to the current coach development programme in England.

VARSITY CUP REACTION: Despite being narrowly edged in their opening Varsity Cup match, Wits will continue to add value to the broader Lions philosophy by playing an exciting brand of rugby.

INJURY UPDATE: All Black centre Charlie Ngatai is still not ready to take to the field as he is still suffering from concussion symptoms.

VARSITY CUP REACTION: UCT-Ikey head coach Christiaan Esterhuizen is keen to focus on the positives despite his side’s shock 8-36 defeat to the Madibaz at Florida Park in Cape Town. Leezil Hendricks reports.

INTERVIEW: Reds star Karmichael Hunt is starting to feel the excitement as this year's Super Rugby tournament draws closer.

INTERVIEW: Justin Geduld believes he is afforded the necessary freedom on the field to express himself in his role as Springbok Sevens playmaker when the Sydney Sevens kicks off on Saturday.

SQUAD ANNOUNCEMENT: Highlanders head coach Tony Brown has selected Luke Whitelock to captain the 23-man squad vying for the inaugural Brisbane Global Tens trophy.

NEWS: The Leicester Tigers lock Ed Slater has been suspended for two weeks following an independent Disciplinary Hearing in London.

SQUAD ANNOUNCEMENT: The Blues will take a strong mix of proven and exciting talent to compete at the Brisbane Global Tens Tournament.

REACTION: Cheetahs coach Franco Smith has bucked the trend that resulted in an exodus of coaching brains trust from South Africa.

SQUAD ANNOUNCEMENT: The Crusaders have named a strong side to contest the inaugural Brisbane Global Tens competition on February 11 and 12.

SQUAD ANNOUNCEMENT: Chiefs have included returning duo Liam Messam and Tim Nanai-Williams in the 26-man squad to compete in the first ever Brisbane Global Rugby Tens.

INTERVIEW: Brumbies prop Allan Alaalatoa says his time with the Wallabies has made him hungrier for more success this season.

Six Nations for men and women starts this weekend, and so does the Americas Cup.

NEWS: Veteran centre Aurelien Rougerie will spend a 19th professional season with Clermont after signing a one-year contract extension with the Top 14 giants.

INJURY UPDATE: England received a boost ahead of their defence of the Six Nations, with prop Joe Marler set for an extraordinary comeback for the Grand Slam champions against France on Saturday.

NEWS: The Jaguares have resigned some of their most prolific talent on for the next three years, ensuring the Argentinean franchise can build for the future.

NEWS: Laurent Labit and Laurent Travers, who led Racing 92 to a Top 14 title and the European Champions Cup Final in 2016, have extended their contracts with the Paris club by two years until 2021.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Guy Noves' France team will be under pressure to perform when it matters as they take on England in their Six Nations opener on Saturday.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Scotland great Jim Telfer blasted England coach Eddie Jones for acting the "big man".

NEWS: Six Nations Chief Executive John Feehan says there are no plans for promotion and relegation to be introduced into European Rugby Union's showpiece international tournament in the "short to medium term".

VARSITY CUP REPORT: UP-Tuks were forced to dig deep as they left it late to secure a 13-9 victory against Maties at Loftus Versfeld.

VARSITY CUP REPORT: The Madibaz outclassed UCT-Ikeys as they recorded a comfortable 36-8 win at Florida Park in Ravensmead to open their Varsity Cup Campaign in style.

VARSITY CUP REPORT: Schalk Hugo's boot proved to be the difference between defending champions NWU-Pukke and UJ in Johannesburg as the Potchefstroom side claimed a narrow 16-12 victory.

VARSITY CUP REPORT: A 72nd minute try by replacement hooker Francois Steyn secured Shimlas a hard-fought 26-21 bonus-point victory over Wits in Johannesburg on Monday.

The Bulls recently announced their new Under-19 arrivals for 2017.

REACTION: The Cheetahs may have started their pre-season matches with a big loss, but that is no measure of their ability to compete in Super Rugby this year.

NEWS: Injuries, rather than the failure to advance to the Cup stages, were the biggest setback for Australia at the conclusion of the Wellington leg of the Sevens World Series.

NEWS: Samoan international Alapati Leiua is set to join Bristol Rugby at the end of the season.

NEWS: Joe Simmonds says he will look to make the most of the opportunities afforded to him after he put in another assured performance for the Exeter Chiefs during their weekend win.

NEWS: SAZAAR has announced changes to the semifinal draw for this year's Super Rugby tournament.

NEWS: Scotland centre  Alex Dunbar has signed a new contract with Glasgow Warriors, which will keep him at Scotstoun until at least May 2019.

INTERVIEW: BlitzBok star Ruhan Nel believes depth in the squad has played a key role in South Africa's success so far in the 2016/2-17 Sevens World Series. 

NEWS: Matt Giteau on Monday announced his departure from Toulon at the end of the French Top 14 season to embark on a new chapter in his career in Japan.

INJURY UPDATE: The Southern Kings won't risk playing Chris Cloete in their pre-season match against the Border Bulldogs in East London on Saturday.

NEWS: Wales scrumhalf Rhys Webb has given acting coach Rob Howley a huge Six Nations boost by declaring himself '100 percent fit' for their Championship.

NEWS: The Sunwolves have brought in five new players ahead of their Super Rugby campaign. 

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Now it is the Six Nations Championship - the International Championship - and it kicks off this  exciting weekend.

NEWS: The Blues announced they will stage a Super Rugby game in Samoa later this year.

A RUGBY365 FIRST: In the third instalment of the series Rugby With Reynecke, Ethienne Reynecke, Ernst Joubert and Brendan Venter talk about the Springbok indaba, money and whether SA Rugby can create consistency and continuity.

A RUGBY365 FIRST: In the third instalment of the series Rugby With Reynecke Ethienne Reynecke, Ernst Joubert and Brendan Venter talk about the Springbok Indaba, Money and whether SA Rugby can create consistency and continuity.

TOP 14 WRAP: Veteran New Zealand kicker Stephen Brett marked his Clermont debut with a last-minute penalty which allowed the French Top 14 title chasers to escape from Bordeaux with a 23-all draw on Sunday.

DRAW: Sevens World Series leaders South Africa will face the only team that has beaten them so far this season, England, in the pool stages in Sydney.

NEWS: France on Sunday called up back row Bernard Le Roux to replace injured Raphael Lakafia in the squad for the Six Nations opener against England.

SIX NATIONS INJURY UPDATE: Wing Anthony Watson is to miss title holders England's opening Six Nations match with France next Saturday because of a hamstring injury.

REACTION: South Africa may be sitting pretty at the top of the Sevens world, but they are not about to ease off.

The Golden Lions have thrown the net over the whole country and have come up with a fine body of recruits for 2017.

Mourad Boudjellal, Toulon's millionaire owner, expects Matt Giteau, Wallaby, to leave Toulon at the end of the season and head for Japan.

REACTION: Although satisfied with his team's 43-7 victory against the Cheetahs in Harare, Stormers coach Robbie Fleck knows that there is still some hard work ahead.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: The 10th instalment of the varsity Cup competition gets underway on Monday, January 30, in what is almost certain to be another highly entertaining competition.

FINAL WRAP: South Africa stretched their lead at the top of the Sevens World Series with a commanding 26-5 victory over Fiji in the Final of the Wellington leg in Sunday.

NEWS: All Blacks star Dan Carter limped out of Racing 92's Top 14 clash at Lyon on Saturday after appearing to have suffered a groin injury.

SEMIFINAL WRAP: South Africa will meet Fiji in the Final of the Wellington leg of the Sevens World Series.

TOP 14 WRAP: Toulon President Mourad Boudjellal was so angry at seeing his superstars slump to a 20-23 home loss to La Rochelle in the Top 14 on Saturday that he immediately cancelled their vacation.

QUARTERFINAL WRAP: South Africa cruised into the semifinals at the Wellington leg of the Sevens World Series on Sunday.

TOP 14 WRAP: A last-gasp penalty from Australian flyhalf Brock James ensured La Rochelle kept up their unlikely Top 14 title tilt in a thrilling 23-20 win against triple European champions Toulon on Saturday.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: The Bulls confirmed that flyhalf Handré Pollard will be captaining the Super Rugby franchise going into the season, while regular captain Adriaan Strauss is still recovering from surgery and expected to miss the first few games of the competition.

NEWS: Baptiste Serin looks set to feature in the Six Nations for the first time in 2017 and the France scrumhalf has revealed that he has been getting regular advice from a former French nine Dimitri Yachvili.

NEWS: Rising Ireland star Joey Carbery's chances of making his Six Nations debut have been handed a significant boost after returning to training with Pro12 side Leinster.

PRE-SEASON REPORT: Stormers outscored the Cheetahs by seven tries to one to secure a 43-7 victory in their first warm-up game of the season in Harare on Saturday.

PRE-SEASON REPORT: Western Force secure a 22-14 win against Perth Spirit as the Super Rugby franchise looked to dicover some new talent in Busselton.

REACTION: After a successful Day one, Springbok Sevens coach Neil Powell urges his side to avoid Day two complacency ahead of the cup quarterfinals against France on Sunday.

PRE-SEASON REPORT: The Bulls kick-off their pre-season campaign in style as they registered a 38-17 win against the Lions in Harare.

PRE-SEASON REPORT: The Brumbies claimed a comfortable victory in their opening trial of the season as they defeated the Australian Barbarians 59-0 at Viking Park in Erindale.

NEWS: Anthony Watson has added to England's injury concerns ahead of their Six Nations opener against France next week after suffering a hamstring strain.

DAY ONE, ROUND THREE WRAP: South Africa will play France in the Cup quarterfinals after they went through their Pool unbeaten at the Wellington Sevens.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: England will look to become only the sixth team to win back-to-back Grand Slams in what is now the Six Nations when this season's Championship gets underway next weekend.

DAY ONE, ROUND TWO WRAP: South Africa showed their mettle in their second-round match against Australia on Day one of the Wellington Sevens.

DAY ONE, ROUND ONE WRAP: There were few surprises in the first round of games on Day One at the Wellington Sevens.

Recently the SANZAAR referee camp was held in Sydney for referees, their managers and team coaches. The latest law applications for 2017 were discussed.

NEWS: Fiji back row forward Peceli Yato has made such a big impact in just five matches at Clermont that he has been handed a new contract that will him keep him at the club until 2020.

PRESEASON REPORT: The Jaguares ended their second and final Super Rugby preseason warm-up match with a comprehensive 68-14 victory over an Argentina XV side in Buenos Aires on Friday.

Clarifications of rugby law, previously called rulings, are important as they have the force of law.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Bulls coach Nollis Marais wasted no time in rushing some of his new recruits into battle against the Lions in their Super Rugby pre-season outing in Harare on Saturday.

NEWS: Australian wing Adam Ashley-Cooper is to leave French Top-14 outfit Bordeaux at the end of the season, the player revealed on Friday.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: South African coach Neil Powell will be highlighting the importance of consistency in performance and some early rhythm for the BlitzBoks at the Wellington leg of the Sevens World Series.

NEWS: Leicester Tigers star Ed Slater will appear before a European Professional Club Rugby (EPCR) disciplinary hearing for foul play.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Shimlas head coach Hendro Scholtz enters uncharted territory as he heads into the Varsity Cup season with a younger looking squad. Tauriq Ebrahim reports.

SQUAD ANNOUNCEMENT: Wallaby playmaker Quade Cooper will once again spend a Super Rugby pre-season in the boxing ring, rather than training with the oval ball.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: The Nelson Mandela Bay University Madibaz face an uphill battle in this year's Varsity Cup as they will not have any home fixtures. Tauriq Ebrahim reports.

NEWS: Wallaby Pat McCabe has joined the Brumbies Board as Player's Representative Director. 

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: There are two new caps in the New Zealand team for Wellington leg of the Sevens World Series.

NEWS: Veteran Springboks wing Bryan Habana signed a new one-year deal at three-time European champions Toulon, keeping him at the French giants until 2018.

TOP 14 WEEK 17: Shock French title chasers La Rochelle can snatch top spot on Saturday when they attempt to add triple European champions Toulon to their impressive list of victims on the road.

A RUGBY365 EXCLUSIVE: In the second instalment of the Rugby With Reynecke series Ethienne Reynecke, Ernst Joubert and Brendan Venter talk about the necessity of a model in rugby where a player can gain experience and build character before being exposed to top flight rugby.

A RUGBY365 EXCLUSIVE: In the second instalment of the Rugby With Reynecke series Ethienne Reynecke, Ernst Joubert and Brendan Venter talk about the necessity of a model in rugby where a player can gain experience and build character before being exposed to top flight rugby.

WORLD SERIES ROUND THREE: The Wellington leg of the Sevens World Series kicks off on Saturday with poor crowds again dominating the build-up to the two-day event.

Without a doubt they are the star rugby school in modern times. They are a benchmark for all rugby schools in South Africa.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: England may be the bookmakers' favourites, but renowned coach and analyst Nick Mallett would wager a few bob on Ireland in the Six Nations.

It is Kearsney College's 10 Eastern Rugby Festival.

Bishops have been playing something like rugby since 1861, and still 156 years later there is vast enthusiasm for the game in the school.

St Benedict’s started preseason training in October 2016.

NEWS: SA Rugby Acting High Performance Manager Louis Koen said the objectives were achieved at the two Junior Springbok assessment camps this week.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: New CUT-Ixias coach, former Springbok hooker Tiaan Liebenberg, is feeling the pressure of being a first-time coach in the Varsity Cup competition. Tauriq Ebrahim reports.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: After a horrendous 2016 Varsity Cup season, new UCT-Ikeys head coach Christiaan Esterhuizen has decided to return to basics as they gear up for the 2017 edition. Leezil Hendricks reports.

NEWS: South African lock Gideon Koegelenberg has extended his stay with Italian side Zebre until 2019.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: The University of Johannesburg find themselves in a "funny, yet fun" predicament ahead of the 2017 Varsity Cup competition. Tauriq Ebrahim reports.

PRE-SEASON BUILD-UP: There will be no room for laziness when the Stormers take on the Cheetahs in a pre-season match in Harare on Saturday.

The last match of the 2017 Wildeklawer Tournament in Kimberley this year is a big one - Grey Bloem against Paarl Gim.

A RUGBY365 FIRST: In the first instalment of the new Rugby With Reynecke series Ethienne Reynecke, Ernst Joubert and Brendan Venter discuss the Springbok coaching position.

NEWS: English Rugby Union bosses revealed the sport's most recent anti-doping statistics prove the game is clean after only four positive tests were found last season.

NEWS: Under-fire Springbok coach Allister Coetzee will know his fate next week, according to a statement from SA Rugby.

NEWS: The complaint against the Worcester Warriors fullback, Ben Howard has been dismissed.

Schools are organised places, at least when it comes to rugby. Already last year the 2017 fixtures were becoming known.

NEWS: Exeter Chiefs head coach Rob Baxter has strengthened his side for next season and beyond with the signings of Toby Salmon and Tom O’Flaherty.

World Rugby's first series for 2017 kicks off at the Westpac Stadium in Wellington this weekend. The referees and TMO for the matches have been appointed.

NEWS: Shane Williams has been linked to Ospreys once again, almost four years after his final appearance in the famous shirt, this time accepting an ambassadors role.

NEWS: Scotland international Ryan Grant has signed a contract to join Premiership side Worcester Warriors with immediate effect.

NEWS: The Melbourne Rebels have signed Japanese international wing Kentaro Kodama for the 2017 Super Rugby season.

OPINION: Ronan Calvert gives rugby365's readers an Irish view on the final round of Europe's premier club competition - the Champions Cup.

INTERVIEW: Guy Noves believes France must become "killers" in the Six Nations if they are to turn narrow defeats into victories.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Springbok Sevens speedster Seabelo Senatla knows he needs only seven tries to equal the BlotzBoks all-time try scoring record, currently held by former sevens great Fabian Juries.

REACTION: Scotland captain Greig Laidlaw believes his side's increasingly potent attack can hurt their rivals during the upcoming Six Nations.

REACTION: Italy coach Conor O'Shea has urged his side to end the debate over their Six Nations status during this season's tournament.

REACTION: Did England coach Eddie Jones slip or was he pushed?

NEWS: Highlanders flyhalf Hayden Parker has sustained a knee injury during pre-season training.

NEWS: Worcester Warriors have revealed that former Springbok assistant coach Gary Gold will join the club as Director of Rugby from next Monday, January 30. 

NEWS: The Southern Kings have moved to solve their scrumhalf headache by signing seasoned No.9 Louis Schreuder ahead of the start of the 2017 Super Rugby season.

A RUGBY365 FIRST: In the first instalment of the new Rugby With Reynecke series Ethienne Reynecke, Ernst Joubert and Brendan Venter discuss the Springbok coaching position.

NEWS: Wales new captain Alun Wyn Jones insists that the new leadership will be the evolution not the revolution of Wales.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Traditionally, the team promoted to the Cup division have been the whipping boys but Wits will look to change all that when they return to the Varsity Cup fold. Tauriq Ebrahim reports.

REACTION: After being named captain of England Dylan Hartley admits he has been struggling with his tackle technique.

PRE-SEASON BUILD-UP: The Bulls will hold back their big guns for the Chiefs, in their second Super Rugby pre-season outing.

INJURY UPDATE: Ireland coach Joe Schmidt is confident flyhalf Johnny Sexton will be fit in time to face Scotland in Six Nations opener.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: With last year's disappointment serving as motivation, Maties will once again display their exciting brand of rugby as they pursue the ultimate prize. Tauriq Ebrahim reports.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Despite his recent lack of match action, Dylan Hartley had been confirmed as England captain for the upcoming Six Nations.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: England head coach Eddie Jones pitch up with a nasty black eye and cut face at the Six Nations launch press conference.

NEWS: All Blacks wing Nehe Milner-Skudder signed a three-year contract extension Wednesday, committing himself to New Zealand's Rugby World Cup defence in 2019.

NEWS: Worcester Warriors fullback Ben Howard has been cited for foul play following his club's European Rugby Challenge Cup match against Ensei-STM at Sixways on Saturday.

SQUAD ANNOUNCEMENT: Samoa Sevens head coach Gordon Tietjens is ready to paint New Zealand blue as he returns to face his former side in the World Rugby Sevens Series in Wellington on January 28 and 29.

NEWS: The possibility of a long-term solution to Eastern Province Kings' financial woes took a giant leap forward this week.

NEWS: SA Schools captain Salmaan Moerat and SA Schools vice-captain Damian Willemse headline a strong Western Province Institute intake for 2017.

SQUAD ANNOUNCEMENT: Eight Wallabies will spearhead the Brumbies squad selected to compete for the inaugural Brisbane Global Rugby Tens title.

NEWS: Scrumhalf Nick Phipps has signed a new deal with the Australian Rugby Union and the Waratahs, as he pushes for selection for the 2019 World Cup in Japan.

NEWS: SA Schools captain Salmaan Moerat and SA Schools vice-captain Damian Willemse headline the strong intake for the Western Province Rugby Institute for 2017.  

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: France coach Guy Noves insisted his team go into next month's Six Nations under little pressure, but hoping for a much-improved performance after last year's fifth-place finish.

NEWS: Scotland will welcome world champions New Zealand to Murrayfield as part of their home three-Test programme in November, the Scottish Rugby Union said.

NEWS: Munster announced that they had signed the Irish trio of JJ Hanrahan, Chris Farrell and James Hart for the start of next season.

NEWS: Cash-strapped London Welsh were kicked out of professional Rugby Union on Tuesday and removed immediately from England's second-tier Championship.

INJURY UPDATE: France faced more injury woes Tuesday ahead of their Six Nations clash with England after loose forward Raphael Lakafia and hooker Camille Chat pulled out through injury.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Captain Sergio Parisse said Italy won't be relying on the memories of their historic victory over South Africa when they host Wales then Ireland in tough openers to this year's Six Nations.

NEWS: Tighthead prop Henry Thomas has signed a new three-year contract with Bath Rugby.

SQUAD ANNOUNCEMENT: Lions head coach Johan Ackermann has named a 28-man squad to take on the Bulls in a pre-season match in Zimbabwe.

NEWS: Despite losing a vast majority of experienced campaigners, NWU-Pukke head coach Jonathan Mokuena is keen to retain the Varsity Cup title.

INTERVIEW: England's players will have their access to mobile phones limited in the build-up to the 2019 World Cup after hiring a visual awareness coach.

VARSITY CUP: Varsity Cup has always been at the forefront of introducing and experimenting with new laws and the 10th edition of the tournament proves no different.

NEWS: Italy head coach Conor O'Shea could not contain his enthusiasm with the appointment of new defence coach Brendan Venter as the side prepare for the Six Nations.

NEWS: Leicester Tigers have suspended forward Ed Slater from playing for two weeks following an internal disciplinary hearing.

NEWS: Scarlets confirmed that 22-year-old flank Will Boyde has extended his time at the region having signed his first senior contract.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Stuart Hogg hopes Scotland can take a leaf out of Glasgow's book by beating the major powers in Europe when the Six Nations gets underway next month.

Time flies. January is already at an end with the Sevens in Wellington to brighten it and in the South Super Rugby stirs again

SQUAD ANNOUNCEMENT: A shoulder injury to former Australia Sevens captain Ed Jenkins will see him miss the World Series event in Wellington on January 28-29.

NEWS: Sharks Head Coach Robert du Preez announced that flyhalf Patrick Lambie will captain the Durban-based side in Super Rugby. 

INJURY UPDATE: James Haskell could be facing an uphill battle to make the matchday squad for titleholders England's opening Six Nations match with France after he returned home instead of joining up with the squad in Portugal.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Former Leicester Tigers Director of Rugby Richard Cockerill says it is a privilege to be helping coach the 'rock stars' who play for Top 14 giants Toulon.

SQUAD ANNOUNCEMENT: Canada head coach Mark Anscombe has named an experienced 29-man squad for the 2017 Americas Rugby Championship as they work towards 2019 Rugby World Cup qualification.

NEWS: Lions star Warwick Tecklenburg has decided to retire from all rugby with immediate effect.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: The Jaguares of Argentina, the Super Rugby side, have contracted a foreign player for the first time.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Wales believe Taulupe Faletau is "progressing well" from his latest injury setback but have yet to decide if the No.8 will be fit for their Six Nations opener.

NEWS: Toulon centre Mathieu Bastareaud is back in the French squad after more than a year's absence for their Six Nations clash against England at Twickenham on February 4.

REPORT: The Jaguares paid a dear price for a comprehensive 61-7 win over Uruguay in their first Super Rugby pre-season match.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: With Stephan de Wit out with a broken ankle, the Stormers will lean on some familiar faces once again to fill that openside flank role. Warren Fortune reports.

SQUAD ANNOUNCEMENT: The Bulls will take a 39-man squad to Harare for their first Super Rugby pre-season outing.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Former Springbok coach Pieter De Villiers is adamant that South African Rugby Union's failure to identify the core problem will results in a horrendous year for the Boks.

NEWS: South African rugby has lost the services of yet another expert, with Brendan Venter having signed with Italy until the 2019 World Cup.

REACTION: Defending champions Saracens director of rugby Mark McCall admits his side face a huge test as they lock horns with Glasgow Warriors in the quarterfinal stages of the European Rugby Champions Cup.

NEWS: Italy hooker Carlo Festuccia has re-joined Wasps on a short-term contract from Zebre until the end of the 2016/17.

INJURY UPDATE: Kings wing Malcolm Jaer and lock Tyler Paul have been given the all clear to start training with the squad ahead of the Super Rugby Season.

VARSITY CUP: The pressure is squarely on UP-Tuks' shoulders to deliver a title in the 2017 Varsity Cup competition, having last hoisted the trophy in 2013. Tauriq Ebrahim reports.

INTERVIEW: Returning Reds No.8 Leroy Houston has set his expectations really low as he pushes for a regular spot in the starting XV ahead of the Super Rugby season.

SQUAD ANNOUNCEMENT: The Ireland coaching group have named a 40-man squad for the opening two rounds of the 2017 Six Nations Championship. 

PRE-SEASON BUILD-UP: The Lions will enter uncharted territory when they start their Super Rugby campaign next month. Jan de Koning reports.

INTERVIEW: Springbok Sevens wing Siviwe Soyizwapi will make his Wellington Sevens debut this weekend since making his BlitzBok debut last season and he is eager to make a valuable contribution.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Two new coaches will be dipping their toes into the expanded Varsity Cup competition this year and the signs of success seem to be in their favour. Tauriq Ebrahim reports.

REACTION: Toulouse captain Thierry Dusautoir will be on a personal as well as professional revenge mission when the French giants face Munster for a place in the European Champions Cup semifinals.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Chris Ashton has said the combination of his ongoing England exile and his treatment by rugby's disciplinary authorities prompted his decision to leave Saracens for Toulon.

SQUAD UPDATE: Racing 92 captain Henry Chavancy has been given his first France call-up in place of injured centre Wesley Fofana for the Six Nations opener against England on February 4.

EUROPEAN CUP MATCH REPORT: This was supposed to be another easy run around for high-flying Wasps, but it turned out to be anything other than that before they finally secured their trip to Dublin to face Leinster in the quarterfinals.

REPORT: Toulouse held off a spirited Connacht effort to book their place in the European Champions Cup quarterfinals, 19-10, and deny their Pool Two rivals.

NEWS: The European Champions Cup quarterfinalists have been confirmed following the conclusion of the Poll stage on Sunday.

NEWS: The Junior Springboks' preparations for the World Under-20 Championship in Georgia gets underway this week, with Curwin Bosch and Zain Davids among 11 returning players to the broader assessment squad.

REACTION: Exeter Chiefs director of rugby Rob Baxter believes his side will be better equipped for an assault on the European Champions Cup next season, after their humbling at Clermont.

REACTION: Glasgow Warriors lock Tim Swinson was overjoyed after creating history by advancing to the European Champions Cup quarterfinals.

EUROPEAN CUP MATCH REPORT: If Munster thought Racing 92 were going to come to Thomond Park and roll over, then they got it hopelessly wrong.

EUROPEAN CUP MATCH REPORT: Glasgow Warriors stormed into the European Champions Cup quarterfinals by inflicting a record defeat on Leicester Tigers at Welford Road.

INJURY UPDATE: French international centre Wesley Fofana will miss the Six Nations after rupturing his Achilles tendon in Clermont's thumping 48-26 European Champions Cup win over Exeter on Saturday.

ON THE SPOTLIGHT: It's a question many rugby fans inside and outside France have asked themselves in recent years - whatever happened to 'French flair'?

EUROPEAN CUP MATCH REPORT: Saracens overcame Toulon 10-3 in one of the closest fought matches Allianz Park has seen to book a home quarterfinal in the European Champions Cup.

EUROPEAN CUP MATCH REPORT: Sale Sharks earned their first victory of the seasoned ended a 10-match losing run with a 25-23 triumph over Scarlets.

EUROPEAN CUP MATCH REPORT: ASM Clermont Auvergne will be the top seeds in the European Champions Cup quarterfinals after romping to a 48-26 victory over Exeter Chiefs.

EUROPEAN CUP MATCH REPORT: Bordeaux Begles piled more misery on Ulster with a 22-26 victory in their European Champions Cup encounter at Kingspan Stadium.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: England have long been a side the rest of the world want to beat, but they have no intention of adopting a "siege mentality" when they begin their Six Nations title defence next month.

REACTION: Springbok legend Joost van der Westhuizen is 'still going strong' and not permanently on ogygen as reports calimed.

REACTION: Reports that Johan Erasmus will soon meet with the South African Rugby Union over the Springbok coaching position has been dismissed as 'fabrication'.

EUROPEAN CUP REPORT: Northampton Saints went down to their fourth defeat in six Champions Cup pool matches as they were beaten by a Montpellier side inspired by giant Fiji wing Nemani Nadolo. 

EUROPEAN CUP REPORT: Leinster were held to a 24-24 draw by Castres on Friday leaving them facing an anxious weekend wait before they can be guaranteed of a home European Champions Cup quarterfinal tie.

NEWS: England coach Eddie Jones is determined to avoid the "attraction" of a British and Irish Lions tour place becoming a "distraction" to his side during the Six Nations as he focuses on facing a revitalised France.

NEWS: There is a silver lining around the dark cloud that enveloped the liquidated Eastern Province Kings. Jan de Koning reports.

REACTION: Tom Arscott expressed his disappointment at being sacked by English Premiership club Sale following a disciplinary hearing into an alleged leak of information to rivals Bristol where his brother Luke plays. 

NEWS: A pair of forgotten Force players have re-emerged in Japan's Super Rugby outfit, the Sunwolves, for the 2017 season.

REACTION: Eddie Jones included Dylan Hartley in his Six Nations squad Friday, but refused to guarantee his Grand Slam-winning captain a starting place.

NEWS: England coach Eddie Jones has appointed visual awareness coach Sherylle Calder to his backroom staff.

INJURY UPDATE: Scotland and Edinburgh Rugby prop Willem Nel has been ruled out of the forthcoming Six Nations with a neck injury.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Legendary Springbok scrumhalf Joost van der Westhuizen who has battled motor neurone disease since May 2011, has been placed on oxygen to survive.

SIX NATIONS SQUAD: Eddie Jones has named three uncapped players in his England squad ahead of the 2017 Six Nations.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Josh Isaacson chatted to South African Sevens coach Neill Powell ahead of their trip to New Zealand.

NEWS: Springbok lock Franco van der Merwe is set to leave Ulster after sealing a deal with Cardiff Blues ahead of the 2017/18 season.

SQUAD ANNOUNCEMENT: Interim All Blacks Sevens head coach Scott Waldrom named four new caps in the 14-man squad for the Wellington Sevens tournament

NEWS: Stephen Larkham and Andrew Walker will step out of retirement to make a return to Brumbies Rugby colours in February as the former backs duo are set to figure in the Global Rugby Tens to be held in Brisbane.

NEWS: A short time after making his first team bow, Gloucester Rugby are delighted to confirm that Academy scrumhalf Ben Vellacott has signed his first senior contract with the club.

CRUNCH TIME: Defending champions Saracens will host three-time winners Toulon in a mouth-watering pool decider in European Champions Cup action on the weekend.

NEWS: French internationals Brice Dulin and Yannick Nyanga will face an anti-doping probe.

NEWS: Sale wing Tom Arscott has been sacked by the English Premiership club following a disciplinary investigation.

REACTION: The Southern Kings are looking for a 'senior' scrumhalf, after confirmation that James Hall is not returning to Port Elizabeth.

NEWS: The Stormers and Western Province are investing heavily in their youth, as they look to build for the future.

NEWS: Australian playmaker Matt Giteau is back in the nick of time to boost Toulon in their quest to make the European Champions Cup quarterfinals at Saracens on Saturday.

NEWS: The Rugby Football Union want to impose a five-year residency rule on England after Nathan Hughes' inclusion in the England squad this season.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: The Cheetahs have learnt one very valuable lesson from the Lions, ahead of the 2017 Super Rugby season. Jan de Koning reports.

NEWS: Gloucester No.8 Gareth Evans has become the latest player to commit his future to the club.

SQUAD ANNOUNCEMENT: New Fiji Sevens coach Gareth Baber has made five changes to the side that will represent Fiji at the Wellington Sevens.

NEWS: Springbok veteran Bryan Habana is in talks to extend his contract with French Top 14 club Toulon, but nothing has been decided yet.

INJURY UPDATE: The Stormers suffered a blow ahead of Super Rugby with the news that new recruit Stephan de Wit broke his ankle in training.

NEWS: The Waratahs revealed the re-signing of New South Wales country-born lock Ned Hanigan for the 2017 and 2018 seasons.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Japan coach Jamie Joseph wants to forget the country's astonishing 2015 World Cup run as he looks to create his own blueprint for the future.

NEWS: Veteran South Africa fullback Gio Aplon committed his future to Grenoble with a new three-year deal, despite the Top 14 club flirting with relegation.

NEWS: The Western Force have added to their backline depth with the signing of Country Eagles outside back Alex Newsome to the team's wider training squad.

SQUAD ANNOUNCEMENT: USA Captain Madison Hughes has been included in the squad which will travel to Wellington Sevens following his early exit during the Cape Town leg of the Series.

NEWS: Springbok Francois Steyn has been suspended for four weeks after he was found guilty for a dangerous tackle during Montpellier 3-57 defeat to Leinster in the European Champions Cup.

UPDATE: An independent Disciplinary Committee found that Timisoara Saracens had breached the European Rugby Challenge Cup Rules following the cancellation of the Romanian club's Challenge Cup Round Five match against Stade Français Paris.

NEWS: Rob Baxter has confirmed Exeter Chiefs prop Alec Hepburn could be out for at least 10 months after injuring his knee.

SQUAD ANNOUNCEMENT: After winning the Cape Town Sevens, England Sevens head coach Simon Amor has selected the same squad for the upcoming Wellington Sevens.