IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Ireland lock Donnacha Ryan says his teammates are determined to write their own piece of history as they attempt to upset the All Blacks at Chicago's Soldier Field this weekend.
COMPETITION TIME: rugby365 and adidas have combined to provide our readers with an opportunity to win a pair of their brand new Elements Pack boot range.
IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Wales coach Rob Howley has admitted the team's crushing June whitewash at the hands of the All Blacks had been a wake-up call.
IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Statistics do not lie. Wales' record in the November Tests is a dismal one, notably against opponents from the Southern Hemisphere.
IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Former Australia coach Robbie Deans said Friday the British and Irish Lions were "absolutely" capable of beating the All Blacks in next year's blockbuster Test series.
SQUAD ANNOUNCEMENT: The Melbourne Rebels have been boosted with the signature of New Zealand rising star Jackson Garden-Bachop for the 2017 Super Rugby season.
IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Ireland will attempt to emulate the Chicago Cubs by ending more than a century of futility on Saturday against a record-breaking New Zealand side chasing rugby immortality.
IN THE SPOTLIGHT: The Barbarians are one of two teams that have beaten the Springboks more often than they have lost to them.
TOP 14 WEEK TEN: Struggling Lyon will look to their Toulon old boys to stun the big-spending, three-time European champions when they clash in the Top 14 on Sunday.
TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Ireland coach Joe Schmidt wasted no time in recalling flyhalf Johnny Sexton to his starting XV.
TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Scrumhalf Aaron Smith returns at No.9 for the All Blacks in Chicago on Saturday.
TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Patrick Lambie will play at flyhalf when he leads the Springboks against the Barbarians in London on Saturday.
IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Malcolm Marx can get the inside track in the race to take over the Springbok No.2 jersey next year.
NEWS: After the suspension of Bristol Director of Rugby Andy Robinson, Heyneke Meyer is rumoured to take over at the club.
NEWS: The Southern Kings coaching staff has been bolstered with the announcements of Vuyo Zangqa and David Williams to assist head coach Deon Davids in Super Rugby.
IN THE SPOTLIGHT: After the success of the first ever 'Big Weekends' three teams are currently level on points at the top of the table in one of the most competitive Pro12 season in history.
TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Wallabies coach Michael Cheika has made two changes to his starting side for the Test against Wales at Millennium Stadium in Cardiff on Saturday.
NEWS: Bristol Rugby have decided, following their extremely disappointing start to the season, to suspend the current Director of Rugby Andy Robinson.
TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Fullback Leigh Halfpenny will start his first international Test in 14 months when Wales take on Australia on Saturday.
IN THE SPOTLIGHT: British and Irish Lions head coach Warren Gatland believes anyone can coach the All Blacks and still be successful.
IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Veteran Springbok loose forward Duane Vermeulen may be talking himself into retirement from the international stage.
NEWS: The Western Force have continued to add strength to their backline in the build-up to their 2017 campaign.
NEWS: Australia centre Anthony Fainga'a will join twin brother Saia at the Super Rugby franchise the Brumbies on a one-year contract.
NEWS: NPC Champions Canterbury Rugby Union handed Glen Delaney a three-year contract as head coach after the exit of Scott Robertson who heads to the Crusaders for the 2017 season.
TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Professionals Nick Civetta and Titi Lamositele were made available by their English Premiership clubs for the United State's match against the Maori All Blacks.
EXCLUSIVE: Jan de Koning and Tauriq Ebrahim discuss the candidates to take over from Adriaan Strauss as Springbok captain.
TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Argentina head coach Daniel Hourcade has named a powerful side for their clash against Japan at the Prince Chichibu Memorial Stadium in Tokyo on Saturday.
NEWS: Austalia loose forward Jack Dempsey has re-signed with Super Rugby franchise the Waratahs for two additional seasons.
IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Rarely can November's congested Test window have carried such importance, with not only rankings to be decided for the 2019 World Cup draw, but also players jockeying for spots on next year's British and Irish Lions tour.
NEWS: Australia will play Fiji, Scotland and Italy in home Tests next year with all three kicking off in the afternoon to make them more appealing to families.
TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: New Zealand Maori coach Colin Cooper has named four current All Blacks in his side for Friday's tour opener against the United States.
TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: South Africa will face four of their compatriots in the Barbarians starting line-up in Saturday's game at Wembley.
IN THE SPOTLIGHT: The Wallabies may have lost the Will Genia tug-o'-war, but they have an equally dangerous scrumhalf in Nick Phipps.
NEWS: New Sharks coach Robert du Preez is making some big moves.
NEWS: Incoming Steval Pumas head coach Brent Janse van Rensburg has already started work with the team on the first phase of pre-season training and the development of the rugby programme at the Union.
NEWS: Georgian tighthead prop Anton Peikrishvili has been added to Cardiff Blues' front row stocks after signing from Ulster.
IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Allister Coetzee is well aware of how far the Springboks have fallen behind the All Blacks.
NEWS: Wallabies utility back Ben Tapuai will continue his playing career at Premiership club Bath after being released from his Western Force contract.
NEWS: British and Irish Lions coach Warren Gatland began the mind games early ahead of next year's tour of New Zealand by accusing the world champions' fans of being arrogant.
NEWS: Crusaders lock and younger brother of Beauden Barrett, Scott, could make his New Zealand international debut against Ireland in Chicago on Saturday.
EXCLUSIVE: Eugene Eloff, a two-time former Under-19 World Cup winner, look at the latest boardroom developments in South Africa.
EXCLUSIVE: rugby365 law guru Paul Dobson looks a silly mistake that cost a team a famous victory.
SQUAD ANNOUNCEMENT: Western Force wing Marcel Brache, who represented Western Province from 2011 to 2013, could solidify his American Test eligibility when the US Eagles head to Europe.
NEWS: The Western Force have added depth to their second row stocks with the signing of Matt Philip and Richie Arnold for the 2017 Super Rugby season.
THIS WEEK'S CARTOON: rugby365's Matthew Ackermann looks at what to expect from the opening weekend of South Africa's year-end tour!
SQUADS ANNOUNCEMENT: The depth of New Zealand rugby will take centre stage in the 2017 Super Rugby competition as a total of 33 players will make their debut in the competition.
IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Wales great Neil Jenkins believes New Zealand are now the world's best side in any sport.
NEWS: New Zealand's Steve Hansen and England's Eddie Jones were among the nominees shortlisted for the annual World Rugby awards.
SQUAD ANNOUNCEMENT: There will be nine new faces in the Crusaders squad in 2017, and the return of one familiar face.
NEWS: Wales lock Alun Wyn Jones has withdrawn from Saturday's international against Australia in Cardiff following the death of his father, the Welsh Rugby Union (WRU) announced Tuesday.
EXCLUSIVE: rugby365 law guru Paul Dobson looks at what was described as: "One of the most ridiculous decisions you'll ever see."
NEWS: The Southern Kings will be boosted with the arrival of experienced prop Schalk van der Merwe who will report for Super Rugby duty as soon as his stint with the Barbarians is over.
IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Jaco Peyper and Rasta Rasivhenge will be at the Hilton Hotel in London, a posh place to be and a posh occasion as they have been nominated for the prestigious Referee of the Year award.
IN THE SPOTLIGHT: The Under-18 Craven Week will return to Johannesburg for the first time in 11 years in 2017.
REACTION: Jonathan Davies insists Wales cannot let captain Sam Warburton's absence affect their Australia mission in the opening game of the International Series.
IN THE SPOTLIGHT: The Springbok's match against the Barbarians will be the perfect opportunity for some of the uncapped players in the Bok squad to force Allister Coetzee's hand going forward.
NEWS: Brumbies scrumhalf Michael Dowsett has signed with Premiership club Worcester Warriors.
NEWS: Ireland rugby internationals Paddy Jackson and Stuart Olding have denied any wrongdoing after being questioned by police over alleged sexual offences.
NEWS: Wallabies star fullback Israel Folau could move to the midfield on the Australians' European tour.
IN THE SPOTLIGHT: The All Blacks will be looking to set things right against Ireland on Saturday after their less than satisfactory performance in their last outing against the Wallabies.
GOLD CUP REACTION: Rustenburg Impala head coach Nico le Roux praised his side for peaking at the right time after they secure the 2016 Gold Cup title against False Bay on Saturday.
IN THE SPOTLIGHT: South Africa Sevens coach Neil Powell has set his team a goal of becoming the number one team in the world leading up to the 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo.
The Test window is still closed, but not wholly. There is a chink which has let some Southerners play in the North.
NEWS: England head coach Eddie Jones has called on the expertise of Rugby League coach Jason Ryles to help them end their 10-year losing streak against the Springboks.
NEWS: New Zealand great Dan Carter and two other players from French side Racing 92 are to take their case to the public prosecutor after confidential medical records were made public by media, their club announced Monday.
REACTION: Wales defence coach Shaun Edwards has called on the side to climb the global rankings to improve their chances at the 2019 World Cup in Japan.
IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Scotland captain Greig Laidlaw has insisted the fact the Vern Cotter is entering the final months of his time as head coach will have no detrimental effect on the national side's form.
NEWS: Fledgeling flyhalf Joey Carbery could make his Test debut, as Ireland go in search of their first win over New Zealand.
IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Wales skipper Sam Warburton will miss his team's match against Australia due to a neck injury.
SQUAD ANNOUNCEMENT: Ireland will be without four key players when they take on New Zealand in Chicago on Saturday.
NEWS: Harlequins revealed on Monday that flyhalf Tim Swiel has committed his future to the London club.
IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Australia coach Michael Cheika has urged his side to aim high during their tour of Europe as they look to finish a tough 2016 with a flourish.
IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Springbok coach Allister Coetzee may rate his team's set-piece performances, but England will pose the biggest threat they have faced this season.
NEWS: Patrick Lambie will captain South Africa in their international match against the Barbarians at Wembley Stadium in London on Saturday.
SQUAD ANNOUNCEMENT: The yo-yo man of South African rugby Garth April has been included in the Sharks' provisional pre-season training squad ahead of the 2017 Super Rugby season.
REACTION: The Western Province Rugby Football Union has dismissed 'materially inaccurate' reports that they are engaged in court action with a commercial rights company.
IN THE SPOTLIGHT: rugby365 law guru Paul Dobson looks at a perculiar incident that occurred in a women's Test between New Zealand and Australia in New Zealand.
NEWS: The Sharks have signed two players from the Stormers as well as a French international ahead of the 2017 Super Rugby season.
NPC SPOTLIGHT: rugby365 columnist Richard Neal in his final wrap, gives us his take on the conclusion of an exciting season.
NEWS: Israel Folau is the player responsible for Michael Cheika's shoulder operation days out from the Wallabies' departure for their end-of-year tour to Europe.
IN THE SPOTLIGHT: All Blacks hooker Dane Coles is looking forward to his personal battle with Ireland captain Rory Best this coming weekend.
TOP 14 SUNDAY WRAP: Clermont boosted their lead in the French Top 14 on Sunday with a bonus-point 40-16 win at Brive, who suffered their first home loss since December.
MATCH REPORT: Semesa Rokoduguni broke Exeter Chiefs hearts after his 89th minute try secured a famous 13-10 Bath win at Sandy Park.
MATCH REPORT: Sale Sharks claimed their first away win of the season, and a bonus point, with a comfortable 31-13 Premiership victory over Bristol at Ashton Gate on Sunday.
MATCH REPORT: Jimmy Gopperth grabbed a last-gasp try to earn Wasps a bonus point as they beat Newcastle Falcons 31-6 to remain unbeaten in the Premiership at the Ricoh Arena this season.
IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Springbok head coach Allister Coetzee will keep a close eye on some of the Barbarians' South African players during their Wembley clash next weekend.
IN THE SPOTLIGHT: England coach Eddie Jones denied on Sunday he is ruling with an iron rod but insisted keeping one's distance from the players is key to being a success.
NEWS: The Western Force will be hoping that their fans will help them secure their future in Super Rugby and alleviate their financial troubles.
NEWS: All Blacks star Dan Carter suffered a calf injury and was forced to sit out Racing 92's 16-3 Top 14 win at Bayonne on Saturday after getting hurt in the warm-up, coach Laurent Labit revealed.
IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Don't expect the Springboks to light up Wembley with an expansive game when they face the Barbarians next weekend.
NEWS: England have added Josh Beaumont to the squad for their Portugal training camp as injury cover for Courtney Lawes.
TOP 14 WRAP: Three-time European champions Toulon gave new coach Mike Ford a winning Top 14 start with a commanding 42-12 victory over struggling Grenoble on Saturday.
PRO12 SATURDAY WRAP: A try for both Leinster wings saw them move to the top of the Pro12 table, level on points with Ospreys and Glasgow Warriors, after a 24-13 victory over Connacht.
REPORT: Rustenburg Impala on Saturday claimed the Gold Cup - their second national club title in three years.
SATURDAY PREMIERSHIP WRAP: Defending champions Saracens cemented their place at the top of the standings with another impressive showing.
NEWS: Gordon Tietjens' departure from New Zealand to Samoa has been put on hold.
INJURY UPDATE: England's second row resources may be further depleted, with seasoned lock Courtney Lawes the latest addition to their sickbay squad.
NEWS: Former Blues and Auckland coach Paul Feeney has extended his 10-day visit in Cape Town to a three-year stay.
NPC FINAL MATCH REPORT: A lightning start by Canterbury was backed by unrelenting defence in holding out some long Tasman attacking phases to retain the National Provincial Championship title.
IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Francois Venter may be one of the 'rookies' on the Springboks' year-end tour, but his leadership skills may yet prove invaluable. Josh Isaacson reports from the Bok camp.
PREMIERSHIP MATCH REPORT: Northampton Saints continue their winning-steak with a narrow 23-20 victory over Gloucester on Friday.
PRO12 FRIDAY WRAP: Rory Scannell’s late drop-goal secured Munster a dramatic 15-14 win over Ulster at Kingspan Stadium.
NEWS: With over 200 combined Chiefs caps Liam Messam and Tim Nanai-Williams have both return from Japan to join the Chiefs for the 2017 Super Rugby season.
SQUAD ANNOUNCEMENT: Japan new head coach Jamie Joseph has included 17 uncapped players in his 32-man squad for their November Test Series.
NEWS: Wales and Cardiff Blues star Sam Warburton has re-signed his national dual contracts, the Welsh Rugby Union announced on Friday.
IN THE SPOTLIGHT: South Africa's Super Rugby franchises took a significant step closer to private ownership this week.
INJURY UPDATE: The All Blacks will be without star lock Brodie Retallick for their first of two clashes against Ireland in Chicago on November 5.
IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Fast-tracked Rugby Union convert Marika Koroibete said Friday he doesn't expect to feature on the Wallabies' European tour but is keen to have a learning experience in his new game.
IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Toulon's new English coach Mike Ford said he will bring the excitement back to the three-time European champions as he prepares to take charge of the team for the first time on Saturday.
MATCH REPORT: A late drop goal by Bryn Gatland helped North Harbour edge Otago 17-14 in Friday's Championship Final at Forsyth Barr Stadium.
IN THE SPOTLIGHT: SA Rugby's three-nation championship for non-university clubs – will reach its climax in Rustenburg on Saturday in a titanic North v South Final between home side Impala and Western Province champions False Bay.
NEWS: The South African contingent in the Barbarians squad, to face the Springboks, has grown significantly on Friday.
NEWS: Hong Kong Sevens coach Gareth Baber was named as the new mentor of Olympic and world champions Fiji on Friday in what he described as an "incredible opportunity".
NEWS: Brumbies coach Stephen Larkham will move permanently onto the Wallabies coaching staff next year.
TOP 14 WEEK NINE: Big-spending Racing 92 and Toulon seek morale-boosting Top 14 wins this weekend after a traumatic fortnight which left their European Cup hopes bruised and battered.
IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Josh Isaacson reports for rugby365 from the Springbok training camp in Johannesburg.
BIG WEEKEND SPOTLIGHT: The second of the Pro12's big weekends arrives in Round Seven and looks set to cap off a massive month of high-stakes as the Championship recommences after two weeks of European action.
IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Ollie Devoto is banking on home comforts to help reignite the Exeter Chiefs ahead of Sunday's crunch Premiership encounter with former club Bath at Sandy Park.
NEWS: Former Junior Springbok lock Irné Herbst along with five other players have put pen to paper with the Super Rugby franchise the Southern Kings.
NEWS: Wallabies vice-captain and flank Michael Hooper has claimed the 2016 John Eales Medal, winning the award for a second time.
NEWS: Loose forward Jaco Kriel and prop Jannie du Plessis are both out of South Africa's end-of-year tour for different reasons.
The world is changing. Rugby football is no longer a sport just for men.
NPC SPOTLIGHT: Canterbury are aiming for their eighth National Provincial Championship title when they take on Tasman at AMI Stadium on Saturday.
IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Wallabies lock Will Skelton believes he is back to his best after struggling with his fitness over the last 12 months.
REACTION: The structures in South African rugby are facing a major overhaul, with 'financial sustainability' one of the key areas.
NEWS: Zebre hooker Oliviero Fabiani has been suspended for nine weeks for biting an opponent during a European Champions Cup match last weekend.
NEWS: The High Court's decision to allow an appeal against the discharge without conviction for Losi Filipo's assault on four people means the Wellington rugby player could be incarcerated for two years.
Jan de Koning and Tauriq Ebrahim discuss a potential pitfall in Allister Coetzee's Springbok masterplan.
NEWS: Gary Gold has left his post as Sharks Director of Rugby with Robert du Preez being named the new head coach of the Sharks for Super Rugby.
IN THE SPOTLIGHT: England coach Eddie Jones believes Allister Coetzee can turn around South Africa's fortunes after a difficult year for the Springboks.
NEWS: Canterbury centre Rob Thompson has been selected for the the Maori All Blacks squad to tour Chicago and the United Kingdom.
World Rugby has made appointments for Women's Tests for October, November and December.
TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Ireland coach Joe Schmidt said players in the squad who do not make the Test with world champions New Zealand on November 5 should get some game time later in the month.
NEWS: Australian international back Matt Toomua is likely to miss six months of the season, delivering a hammer blow to English Premiership side Leicester Tigers on Wednesday.
REACTION : England wing Chris Ashton's decision to move to French giants Toulon next season ending his successful spell at Saracens is disappointing.
TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: France coach Guy Noves called up Toulon flank Charles Ollivon to replace the injured Bernard Le Roux in his 32-man squad announced Wednesday for next month's internationals.
Rasta Rasivhenge received the South African Rugby Union's Referee of the Year award on Monday night.
REACTION: Eddie Jones has warned his England side to beware of a "regenerating" South Africa as they try to end their "abysmal" record against the Springboks.
IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Franco Smith, one of the most attack-minded coaches in South Africa, will be helping the Springboks with their kicking 'skills'.
NEWS: At a time when the Eastern Province Kings find themselves back in court, another South African union also face financial ruin.
NEWS: Bath born and bred Tom Dunn has signed a new long-term contract extension with Bath Rugby.
NEWS: The Munster Rugby wing Keith Earls has been suspended for two weeks following an independent Disciplinary Hearing in London.
NEWS: The electric scrumhalf Michael Ruru has become the latest player to sign for the Western Force ahead of the 2017 Super Rugby season.
NEWS: Ollie Lindsay-Hague has been added to the England Sevens squad for the 2016/17 World Rugby Sevens Series.
NEWS: Gloucester Rugby lock James Hudson has retired with immediate effect having failed to overcome a serious knee injury.
NEWS: Ed Jenkins has stepped down from his role as Australia Sevens captain ahead of their 2016/2017 World Rugby Sevens campaign.
NEWS: Montpellier's South African lock Paul Willemse has extended his contract at the French Top 14 team by a year to 2019.
NEWS: EP Kings directors is currently under investigations following the Union's large amount of debt and failure to pay creditors and players.
NEWS: Wallaby coach Michael Cheika has named four development players, who will join the 32-man squad travelling to Europe for the year-end tour.
NEWS: Waratahs will test their strength against Super Rugby franchises Brumbies and the Highlanders in their pre-season trial matches ahead of the 2017 Super Rugby Season.
NEWS: The Queensland Rugby Union are proud to annouce the new faces that will provide support to the Queensland Reds head coach Nick Stiles for the 2017 season.
TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: England coach Eddie Jones has name six uncapped players in his 33-man squad for the year-end Tests.
THIS WEEK'S CARTOON: rugby365's Matthew Ackermann looks at the new currency that's available in South Africa!
NEWS: SA Rugby lauded the professional approach applied by the medical teams on duty in SA Rugby’s competitions especially in the recent frightening injury of the Springbok Julian Redelinghuys.
REACTION: Free State Cheetahs Director of Rugby Rory Duncan said the bulk of Currie Cup winning squad have been signed up until 2018.
IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Eddie Jones names his England squad for the end-of-year internationals on Wednesday, with a raft of injuries posing problems for the Australian coach.
Rugby in the Big Three of the South is almost at an end.
NEWS: Wales will hope star wing George North can prove his fitness for English Premiership club Northampton later this week ahead of next month's opening international against Australia in Cardiff.
NEWS: Zebre hooker Oliviero Fabiani will face a disciplinary hearing after he was cited for biting an opponent during his team's 7-52 loss to Connacht last weekend
IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Vern Cotter is disappointed his time as Scotland coach is coming to what he regards as a premature end.
REACTION: Scotland coach Vern Cotter hopes the five England-based players he selected in a 31-man squad for the November internationals will be available despite a payment row that threatens their participation.
REACTION: SA Rugby Player of the Year Pieter-Steph du Toit is hoping that the Springboks' end-of-year tour will be a springboard to success leading up to the 2019 World Cup.
NEWLANDS INDABA, PART THREE: Alister Coetzee believes that the new additions to his Springbok coaching panel will not ruffle the feathers of those already there. Jan de Koning reports.
IN THE SPOTLIGHT: The KwaZulu-Natal Rugby Union and The Sharks has appointed 24-year-old Siseko Jafta as General Manager of the KZNRU.
INJURY UPDATE: Darren Cave and Robbie Diack have recovered from their respective injuries and are available for Ulster's clash against Munster.
NEWS: England wing Chris Ashton is to leave Saracens for French side Toulon at the end of the season, the English Premiership and European champions announced, in a move that could end his Test career.
NEWS: Bundee Aki and Ultan Dillane have both signed contract extensions with Pro12 champions Connacht.
SQUAD ANNOUNCEMENT: South African-born prop Allan Dell will get another shot at making his Scotland debut after he was named in Vern Cotter's squad for three Tests in November.
SQUAD ANNOUNCEMENT: Highlanders star Ash Dixon will captain the Maori All Blacks on their Northern Hemisphere tour in November.
SQUAD ANNOUNCEMENT: Wallabies coach Michael Cheika included three uncapped players in a 32-man squad for their European tour as they look to bounce back from another demoralising defeat to the dominant All Blacks.
SOUTH AFRICAN RUGBY AWARDS: Pieter-Steph du Toit was voted the country's best player, while the Lions swept the boards at a glittering ceremony in Johannesburg on Monday.
EXCLUSIVE: rugby365 law guru Paul Dobson looks at two incidents in matches this past Saturday where tries were 'scored' and then cancelled for what happened earlier in the move.
INJURY UPDATE: England suffered a huge blow on Monday with the news that star lock Maro Itoje will require surgery after fracturing his hand while playing for Saracens.
REACTION: Blues wing Rieko Ioane was not expecting to make Steve Hansen's All Black squad for the end-of-year tour.
REACTION: The Bulls will not discard their expansive approach, but they will be a lot more pragmatic in next year's Super Rugby.
NEWS: Glasgow Warriors have signed New Zealand-born lock Brian Alainu'uese from the Waikato until the end of the season, subject to visa and medical.
NEWS: New Zealander Joe Schmidt will stay on as Ireland head coach up to the end of the 2019 World Cup in Japan, the Irish Rugby Football Union (IRFU) confirmed.
IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Wales defence coach Shaun Edwards admits that Argentina's involvement in the Rugby Championship over the last five years have turned them into one of the most attacking teams in world rugby.
CURRIE CUP SPOTLIGHT: After a fairytale Currie Cup Premier Division season, it comes as no surprise that our Team of the Tournament is dominated by players from the Free State Cheetahs.
NEWS: Toulon appointed Mike Ford as coach in place of the sacked Diego Dominguez, the Top 14 club's owner Mourad Boudjellal announced.
NEWS: Blue Bulls lock Marvin Orie will be joining the Lions ahead of the 2017 Super Rugby season.
OPINION: rugby365 columnist Brett McKay looks at the reasons why Australia failed to get that elusive Eden Park win.
NEWS: Wallabies flank Dean Mumm has been suspended for one match after striking All Blacks lock Brodie Retallick in Saturday's Test in Auckland as Australian coach Michael Cheika blamed the New Zealander for the incident.
INTERVIEW: Eddie Jones did a job on the Springboks as Japan coach at the World Cup last year and he again lies in wait at Twickenham next month.
REACTION: Free State Cheetahs coach Franco Smith believes that if they 'stay grounded' and work hard they can use their Currie Cup success as a Super Rugby Springboard.
EUROPEAN CUP REPORT: Leicester Tigers gained revenge for their Champions Cup semifinal defeat by Racing 92 last season as they got themselves back into the equation in Pool One.
EUROPEAN CUP REPORT: Stacey Ili scored a hat-trick as Connacht romped to their biggest win in the European Champions Cup.
EUROPEAN CUP REPORT: Jimmy Gopperth converted Nathan Hughes's last-gasp try to earn Wasps a gritty 20-all draw at Toulouse in Pool Two of the European Champions Cup.
IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Coach Allister Coetzee has challenged the young guns to make it impossible for him to ignore them for future selections.
EUROPEAN CUP REPORT: There was no stopping Nemani Nadolo as he led Montpellier to a 22-16 European Champions Cup triumph over Leinster at the Altrad Stadium on Sunday.
REACTION: Mike Ford says there is still "plenty of work for us to do" after he saw his RC Toulon side get back on track in European Cup Pool Three with a 15-5 win at Sale Sharks.
NEWS: England coach Eddie Jones will be sweating over the fitness of start lock Maro Itoje.
INTERPROVINCIAL SEVENS WRAP: Their senior 15-a-side team may have stumbled at the final hurdle, but the Blue Bulls won South Africa's interprovincial Sevens title at the weekend.
NPC SPOTLIGHT: rugby365 columnist Richard Neal in his weekly wrap, looks at the semifinals in New Zealand's National Provincial Championship.
REACTION: The Australians were sour but elsewhere there was high praise for the All Blacks' world-record winning streak, with suggestions their unbeaten run is far from over.
REACTION: Australia coach Michael Cheika continued his rant against the All Blacks Sunday.
NEWS: The All Blacks named two new players Sunday for next month's Northern Hemisphere tour and included three Barrett brothers in their travelling squad.
REPORT: Paddy Jackson's 77th-minute drop goal capped a thrilling finish as Ulster edged out Exeter Chiefs 19-18 in a tense European Champions Cup Pool Five clash at the Kingspan Stadium.
REPORT: Defending champions Saracens continue on their winning path as they outplay a determined Scarlets in a 44-26 win at Allianz Park.
REPORT: ASM Clermont Auvergne claimed a 49-33 triumph over French rivals Bordeaux-Begles at the Stade Marcel Michelin.
IN THE SPOTLIGHT: The Free State Cheetahs' Francois Venter and Sergeal Petersen are among four uncapped players who received the call-up into the Springbok squad for the year-end tour.
REPORT: Castres Olympique cruise to a 41-7 victory over Northampton Saints at Stade Pierre Antoine.
REPORT: Munster paid fitting tribute to the late Anthony Foley with a bonus-point 38-17 win over Glasgow Warriors at an emotionly-charged Thomond Park.
IN THE SPOTLIGHT: After setting a world record for top tier sides with Saturday's Australia thrashing the All Blacks have immediately set their sights on the outright record seven games away.
REPORT: A record-breaking kicking display by Neil Marais ensured the Free State Cheetahs remained unbeaten and claimed the 2016 Currie Cup with a 36-16 victory over the Blue Bulls in Bloemfontein on Saturday.
REACTION: Bitter Wallabies coach Michael Cheika refused to congratulate the All Blacks on their world record number of wins Saturday after New Zealand thumped Australia 37-10 in Auckland.
MATCH REPORT: The National Rugby Championship has crowned a new champion as Perth Spirit ran out 20-16 winners over NSW Country Eagles in an enthralling contest at a chilly Scully Park in Tamworth on Saturday.
REACTION: All Black captain Kieran Read said the magnitude of his team's world-record achievement has not sunk in yet after their victory over the Wallabies at Eden Park on Saturday.
REACTION: Anthony Foley's widow Olive recalled the last time she spoke to her husband as she led the farewells to the late Munster and Ireland rugby legend on Friday.
MATCH REPORT: The All Blacks set a new world record amongst the tier one nations when they beat Australia 37-10 in their Bledisloe Cup tie at Eden Park in Auckland.
CHAMPIONS CUP REPORT: Toulon made the most of the fifth minute sin-binning of Magnus Lund to plunder 15 points that ultimately earned them a gritty 15-5 win over Sale Sharks.
REPORT: Cardiff Blues retook top-spot in European Challenge Cup Pool Four, but failed to bag a bonus-point in a convincing 27-12 triumph over Pau.
SA INTERPROVINCIAL SEVENS: The South African interprovincial Sevens tournament delivered a feast of tries on Day One.
NEWS: Worcester are furious that South Africa star Francois Hougaard has returned from international duty with a shoulder injury.
Just to help recall of occasions past it is fun to try to pick a Currie Cup final XV.
INJURY UPDATE: Saracens lock George Kruis has become the latest player to join England's injury list.
REACTION: In many ways it could have been a matchday as thousands of Munster rugby supporters wound their way past a sea of red on the way to the venue.
NEWLANDS INDABA, PART TWO: Jan de Koning reports from Newlands, after the conclusion of the mass gathering of South African rugby brains trust.
IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Free State Cheetahs head coach Franco Smith says there is more to the Blues Bulls than just a good kicking game.
IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Paarl Gimnasium are honoured to announce the 40 teams who will be participating in their annual Under-16 and Under-14 tournament in 2017.
IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Blue Bulls coach Nollis Marais believes that Saturday's Currie Cup Final between the Bulls and the Free State Cheetahs in Bloemfontein is shaping up to be another classic encounter between the two local rivals.
CHALLENGE CUP THURSDAY WRAP: Rhys Priestland marvellous kicking display ensures Bath ease to a 22-6 victory against Bristols in a hotly-contested derby at the Recreation Ground.
IN THE SPOTLIGHT: If you want to know why the All Blacks seek greatness you need to look at their history, according to coach Steve Hansen who pays homage to the pace-setting team of the 1965-1969 era.
IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Sale boss Steve Diamond has said his side will be up against Rugby Union's answer to football superpower Barcelona when they face Toulon in the European Champions Cup on Friday.
REACTION: Jan de Koning reports from Newlands, after the conclusion of the two-day coaching indaba.
IN THE SPOTLIGHT: The All Blacks are primed to make history while Australia did their best to shut down the hype as the world champions seek a record-breaking 18th consecutive Test win.
NEWS: The Western Force have signed Brumbies utility back Robbie Coleman for the 2017 and 2018 Super Rugby seasons.
CURRIE CUP FINAL: The Free State Cheetahs will have the chance to bag their first Currie Cup Premier Division title since 2007 when they face the Blue Bulls at the Free State Stadium on Saturday.
TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Australia have dropped playmaker Quade Cooper from a rejigged backline as they attempt to thwart the All Blacks' bid for a world record 18th Test victory in Auckland on Saturday.
IN THE SPOTLIGHT: A highly-emotional European Champions Cup match will be guaranteed at Munster on the weekend.
The SA Rugby Board was founded in 1889 to standardise the laws within South Africa and to establish a provincial competition for South Africa.
NEWS: South African lock Gerbrandt Grobler will next month make his delayed debut for Racing 92 after the completion of a two-year drugs ban.
NEWS: Springbok head coach Allister Coetzee said he and South Africa's Super Rugby franchises have mapped out a way forward to address certain issues surrounding skill sets in South African Rugby.
TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Free State Cheetahs head coach Franco Smith has made just one change to his starting XV for their Currie Cup Premier Division Final clash against the Blue Bulls in Bloemfontein on Saturday.
IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Paul Dobson spoke to Craig Joubert about the life of a referee - both on and off the field.
TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Jason Jenkins will start at lock for the Blue Bulls in Saturday's Currie Cup final against the Free State Cheetahs in Bloemfontein.
IN THE SPOTLIGHT: NSW Country Eagles will host their first ever home final when they lock horns with silent achievers Perth Spirit in the Grand Final of the Australian National Rugby Championship at Scully Park in Tamworth.
NEWS: Free State Cheetahs head coach Franco Smith and Golden Lions defence specialist JP Ferreira have been seconded to the Springbok management team for the end of year tour.
NEWS: Matt Hodgson has re-signed with the Western Force for the 2017 Super Rugby Season.
SQUAD ANNOUNCEMENT: Argentina head coach Daniel Hourcade has named a 31-man squad for their end-of-year tour to Japan and the UK.
IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Maro Itoje may be one of English rugby's rising stars but the powerful forward insisted Wednesday he can quite happily go "incognito" when he reverts to being a university student.
Jan de Koning and Tauriq Ebrahim discuss the 17 missing Springboks, as they look towards the year-end tour - which starts with a game against the Barbarians!
NEWS: New Zealand will do all they can to keep Aaron Cruden with the All Blacks, coach Steve Hansen revealed Thursday as the flyhalf weighs up a lucrative offer to join French club Montpellier.
NEWS: England captain Dylan Hartley is aiming to make his first appearance in six weeks when Northampton travel to Castres in the European Champions Cup on Saturday.
TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Blockbusting wing Julian Savea returns to the New Zealand line-up in one of only three changes for Saturday's world record bid.
IN THE SPOTLIGHT: The Currie Cup is named after a man and was from the beginning a sponsor's trophy.
REACTION: Jan de Koning reports on Allister Coetzee's address at the two-day South African rugby coaches' indaba, which began in Cape Town on Wednesday.
Since 1890 men have been refereeing South Africa's interprovincial matches. 126 years later Jaco Peyper has the plum match of the year.
NEWS: Toulouse coach Ugo Mola has confirmed that France wing Sofiane Guitoune will be sidelined for at least six weeks after he suffered a groin injury.
NEWS: European Champions Cup organisers have confirmed that the match between Munster and Glasgow Warriors will go ahead as scheduled despite the death of the Irish province's head coach, Anthony Foley.
NEWS: South African-born fullback Louis Ludik has taken a massive step in becoming Irish-qualified in 2017 by extending his contract with Ulster by a further three years.
NEWS: The funeral of Munster head coach Anthony Foley will take place at St Flannan's Church in his home town of Killaloe, County Clare, on Friday.
REACTION: Jan de Koning reports for rugby365 from the Springbok coaching indaba at Newlands.
NEWS: Former Wales Under-20 tighthead prop Nicky Thomas has linked up with Scarlets with immediate effect from Premiership side Gloucester.
NEWS: Springbok coach Allister Coetzee has asked for a "common philosophy" between the Super Rugby coaches and the Springboks at the SA Rugby Coaches' Indaba being held in Cape Town.
THIS WEEK'S CARTOON: rugby365's Matthew Ackermann looks at the Currie Cup Final!
NEWS: National Sevens coaches scouting for available talent to be drafted into the professional Sevens structures will be present at the SA Rugby Interprovincial Sevens tournament when it kicks off in Nelspruit on October 21-22.
EXCLUSIVE: rugby365 columnist Ethienne Reynecke looks at the role of social media and the armchair critics.
NEWS: Wasps head coach Dai Young calmed fears of a fresh club versus country row after two players suffered serious injuries at an England training camp.
NEWS: All Blacks great Dan Carter insists he has never come across banned substances in rugby after being cleared in a doping probe.
NEWS: Gloucester confirmed that they have completed the signing of Australian international prop, Salesi Ma'afu, from Pro12 side the Cardiff Blues.
NEWS: Wales could be without their England-based players for their opening end-of-year Test against Australia in Cardiff because of an eligibility row.
NEWS: Munster and Ireland rugby legend Anthony Foley died of an "acute pulmonary edema", an autopsy revealed.
IN THE CURRIE CUP SPOTLIGHT: Eighteen months ago Franco Smith set off on a journey to turn the Cheetahs into a successful professional outfit.
NEWS: Toulon will face the next five games without star Fijian wing Josua Tuisova, who has been ruled out for around a month with a badly sprained ankle, the club announced Tuesday.
NEWS: England flyhalf Shane Geraghty has joined Bristol Rugby from London Irish with immediate effect.
NEWS: A film producer and a lawyer are in advanced talks to buy Toulon from the French Top 14 giant's colourful owner Mourad Boudjellal.
NEWS: Ruan Pienaar has given Ulster Rugby a fitness boost ahead of their crucial European Rugby Champions Cup clash with Exeter Chiefs.
NEWS: The Springboks will come up against some of New Zealand's top young players when they face the Barbarians in the Killik Cup match at Wembley Stadium on November 5.
SQUAD ANNOUNCEMENT: Wales head coach Rob Howley has named a 36-man squad for their upcoming four-Test campaign in November and included a number of returning stars.
NEWS: Montpellier head coach Jake White insists his players are keen to right the wrongs of their narrow European Rugby Champions Cup defeat at Northampton Saints.
This Saturday there is the Final of the Currie Cup, a competition born in 1890, and the referee for this iconic match is Jaco Peyper.
NEWS: Jaco Peyper, the Bloemfontein lawyer, will referee the 2016 Currie Cup Final in Bloemfontein on Saturday.
NEWS: After a splendid season in the National Rugby Championship prop Markus Vanzati is keen to prove himself in the Reds' jersey in 2017.
NEWS: French club Racing 92 announced Tuesday that All Blacks great Dan Carter and two other players had been cleared by a doping probe.
INJURY UPDATE: Springbok prop Julian Redelinghuys is showing positive signs after his neck operation.
NEWS: Utility back David Havili has committed his future to the Super Rugby franchise the Crusaders by re-signing a contract that will keep him there until 2019.
NEWS: Scrumhalf Augustine Pulu has been called up to the All Blacks squad ahead of this weekend's Bledisloe Cup match at Eden Park in Auckland.
REACTION: French club Lyon has 'no legal claim' on the services of Springbok lock Franco Mostert. Jan de Koning reports.
IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Star forward David Pocock is optimistic of being fit after a month out with a broken hand as the Wallabies look to halt the All Blacks' bid for a world-record 18th consecutive Test win on Saturday.
NEWS: French rugby club Lyon said they were taking legal action after South African international Franco Mostert moved to Japan despite a two-year deal with the promoted Top 14 side.
IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Some former Springbok coaches may be snubbing the Cape Town coaching indaba, but the Currie Cup finalists will both have their head coaches in attendance.
IN THE SPOTLIGHT: After their amazing 55-17 semifinal win over the Golden Lions, the Free State Cheetahs have a whopping 11 players in rugby365's famous Team of the Week.
NEWS: Kenya have named former player Innocent Simiyu as their new Sevens rugby coach after failing to nab New Zealand legend Gordon Tietjens.
REACTION: Flags flew at half-mast Monday in the southern Irish province of Munster as books of condolence were opened across Ireland with the country reeling from the sudden death of rugby great Anthony Foley.
NEWS: French authorities will carry out a post-mortem following the death of Irish rugby legend Anthony Foley in a Paris hotel, a source close to the probe said Monday.
INJURY UPDATE: Blue Bulls lock Rudolph Snyman will play no part in this year's Currie Cup Final against the Free State Cheetahs in Bloemfontein on Saturday.
NEWS: All Black great Dan Carter has been cleared of doping following a probe implicating the star flyhalf and two other Racing 92 players, L'Equipe sports paper said Monday.
NPC SPOTLIGHT: Rugby365 Columnist Richard Neal in his weekly wrap, looks at the final week of round robin matches in New Zealand's National Provincial Championship.
INTERVIEW: All Black legend Richie McCaw told New Zealand fans to stop moaning and enjoy the moment as their team chases a record 18th straight Test win this weekend.
IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Wallabies coach Michael Cheika said Monday he is looking forward to finally beating the All Blacks in New Zealand this weekend, declaring "bring it on".
NEWS: All Black scrumhalf Aaron Smith has voluntarily stood down from Saturday's Bledisloe Cup tie with Australia in the wake of his toilet tryst scandal, New Zealand Rugby said Monday.
MATCH REPORT: Top 14 leaders Clermont Auvergne served up a five star performance to avenge their Sandy Park defeat in last season's Champions Cup and kick-off their Pool Five campaign with a 35-8 victory against the Exeter Chiefs.
REACTION: Golden Lions head coach Johan Ackermann believes that Free State Cheetahs wing Sergeal Petersen is ready to play for the Springboks.
MATCH REPORT: Bordeaux-Begles left it late to breakdown a brave Ulster defence and claim a 28-13 European Rugby Champions Cup triumph.
NEWS: Munster head coach and Irish international Anthony Foley died suddenly in a Paris hotel on Sunday at the age of 42, triggering a flood of tributes from stunned former teammates, opponents and admirers of the rugby hardman.
INJURY UPDATE: The Golden Lions confirmed that prop Julian Redelinghuys underwent a successful neck operation on Sunday.
REACTION: Blue Bulls coach Nollis Marais believes that the Free State Cheetahs will head into the Currie Cup Final with plenty of pressure on their shoulders, after defeating the Golden Lions in their semifinal in Bloemfontein.
REACTION: The Free State Cheetahs produced some of their best rugby in recent years during their 55-17 semifinal win over the Golden Lions and captain Francois Venter believes they are on the cusp of a new era in Bloemfontein.
REACTION: Western Province coach John Dobson believes that the Bulls are deserving of their place in the 2016 Currie Cup Final.
REPORT: At Pittwater Park the Perth Spirit steamrolled their way into their second National Rugby Championship Final appearance, after using their set piece and consistent breakdown pressure to overcome the spirited Sydney Rays 42-24.
CHALLENGE CUP SATURDAY WRAP: Russian side Einsei-STM caused a big upset when they edged English side Worcester Warriors 19-12 in Russia in Moscow Saturday.
EUROPEAN CUP REPORT: Two tries from DTH van der Merwe helped the Scarlets kick off their European Rugby Champions Cup Pool Three campaign with a comfortable 28-11 victory over Sale.
MATCH REPORT: Connacht comeback earns them their most famous victory in Europe as they condemned Toulouse to a record fifth successive away defeat in their 23-21 Champions Cup victory.
MATCH REPORT: Stephen Myler struck an injury-time penalty to seal a dramatic 16-14 European Rugby Champions Cup triumph over Montpellier.
NEWS: Springbok prop Julian Redelinghuys will undergo neck surgery in a Bloemfontein hospital on Sunday, after he suffered a frightening injury on Saturday.
MATCH REPORT: Leinster Rugby snatched a 33-15 victory against Castres Olympique to get their European Rugby Championship Cup campaign off to a good start in Dublin.
MATCH REPORT: Defending Champions Saracens secured a 31-23 win which ended RC Toulon's proud European Rugby Champions Cup unbeaten home record at the Stade Félix Mayol.
MATCH REPORT: It required a 78th-minute try by replacement scrumhalf Ivan van Zyl for the Blue Bulls to advance to the Currie Cup Final.
MATCH REPORT: Ruthless Wasps ran in 12 tries as they cruise to a record 82-14 victory against Zebre in their European Rugby Champions Cup opener at the Ricoh Arena.
MATCH REPORT: The Free State Cheetahs will host the Currie Cup Final in Bloemfontein next Saturday, October 22.
REPORT: The NSW Country Eagles will host the National Rugby Championship Final in Tamworth after a dominant 50-24 semifinal win over Melbourne Rising in Newcastle.
CHALLENGE CUP FRIDAY WRAP: A total of 24 tries were scored in the four European Challenge Cup matches played on Friday with each winning side bagging a bonus point.
MATCH REPORT: Glasgow Warriors got their European Champions Cup campaign off to a perfect start with a 42-13 victory over Leicester Tigers on Friday.
NEWS: England's governing Rugby Football Union announced Friday it had almost doubled its revenue for the last financial year after staging the 2015 World Cup even though their side suffered an embarrassing first-round exit.
NEWS: Springbok legend Joel Stransky says there needs to be drastic changes if South African Rugby is to compete with the best in the world again.
NEWS: Wallaby star Christian Lealiifano may never play again, as he faces a crucial bone marrow transplant in his fight against leukaemia.
CHALLENGE CUP REPORT: Harlequins ran in seven tries in a thumping 43-21 victory over Stade Francais as the European Challenge Cup got underway.
NEWS: Springbok Johannes Goosen will start at flyhalf as he replaces the All Black legend Dan Carter in Racing 92 starting XV.
IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Jan de Koning spoke to Mpumalanga Rugby Union CEO Pieter Burger about the future of small unions in the professional era.
IN THE SPOTLIGHT: After a dramatic final round of pool stages a tough battle awaits the eight remaining Gold Cup quarter-finalist.
Tension does not abate this weekend asthe Currie Cup season goes into the semifinals and the unpredictable.
NEWS: Legendary Sevens coach Gordon Tietjens was unveiled as Samoa's new mentor on Friday.
IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Blue Bulls coach Nollis Marais has responded to his counterpart John Dobson's mind games ahead of the rematch of last year's Currie Cup semifinal in Pretoria on Saturday.
NEWS: Wallaby coach Michael Cheika recalled David Pocock and Sean McMahon for the final Bledisloe Cup Test against New Zealand in Auckland next week.
IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Not only have the National Rugby Championship semifinals been massively boosted by the return of Wallabies, the league has also welcome Fiji in 2017.
CURRIE CUP SEMIFINAL: The Free State Cheetahs have had a dream season so far in this year's Currie Cup Premier Division with eight wins from eight.
IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Western Province head coach John Dobson believes his two returning Springboks are in the right frame of mind for their Currie Cup Premier Division semifinal against the Blue Bulls on Saturday.
CURRIE CUP SEMIFINAL: The clash between the Blue Bulls and Western Province at Loftus Versfeld is expected to be a humdinger given the intense rivalry between the teams.
REACTION: Racing 92 are trying their best to ignore the positive doping tests for All Black legends Dan Carter and Joe Rokocoko, as well as Argentinian wing Juan Imhoff.
IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Toulon and the Top 14 will be aiming to re-establish their superiority when the three-time winners host champions Saracens on the opening weekend of the European Champions Cup.
IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Golden Lions coach Johan Ackermann is banking on his team's play-off experience when the defending Currie Cup champions travel to Bloemfontein on Saturday.
EXCLUSIVE: Eugene Eloff, a two-time former Under-19 World Cup winner, tells the South African Rugby Union bosses to grow a backbone and save the game from ruin.
NEWS: Harlequins are delighted to confirm that Luke Wallace has re-signed for the club.
TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Free State Cheetahs head coach Franco Smith has made three changes to his starting XV who will be taking on the Golden Lions in the Currie Cup semifinals in Bloemfontein on Saturday.
TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Western Province coach John Dobson has included Springbok duo Juan de Jongh and hooker Bongi Mbonambi to take on Blue Bulls in the Currie Cup semifinal at Loftus on Saturday.
TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Springbok scrumhalf Francois de Klerk has been named on the Golden Lions bench for their Currie Cup semifinal.
TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Springbok scrumhalf Rudy Paige will make a first start for the Blue Bulls in the Currie Cup on Saturday.
EXCLUSIVE: rugby365 law guru Paul Dobson takes a closer look at two tries, two possible knock-ons and the talk about 'control'.
NEWS: A Mid Canterbury Union player has been stood down after he was charged with assault with intent to commit rape following an alleged incident after a game in Gisborne earlier in October.
NEWS: Kristian Dacey is the latest player to pledge his future to Cardiff Blues after signing a new long-term deal with the region.
Jan de Koning and Tauriq Ebrahim look at the alternatives to Allister Coetzee's Springbok selections and also talk about the Currie Cup play-offs!
NEWS: Muster Rugby prop James Cronin was slapped with a four-week ban after appearing before an independent Celtic Disciplinary Committee.
NEWS: European and English champions Saracens have called a halt to their pursuit of South Africa lock Eben Etzebeth.
NEWS: The Pumas have scooped up former Boland Cavaliers coach Brent Janse van Rensburg.
INTERVIEW: The Golden Lions' harmonised structures are beginning to filter through to the junior teams and reaping rewards.
NEWS: Northampton Saints' French import Louis Picamoles is relishing the chance to lock horns with former side Montpellier in a mouthwatering European Champions Cup clash.
NEWS: Scotland international captain Greig Laidlaw will leave Gloucester at the end of the current season after penning a three-year deal with French club Clermont.
NEWS: Scotland international fullback Stuart Hogg has provided Glasgow Warriors with a massive boost after pledging his commitment to the club until at least May 2019.
NEWS: Wasps' New Zealand-born playmaker Jimmy Gopperth will continue to fly at the Premiership club after becoming the fourth player to recently re-sign with the club.
IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Veteran No.8 Duane Vermeulen has become the first player to publicly speak out about the rot that is destroying South African rugby.
NEWS: Blues head coach Tana Umaga has gained the services of Dave Ellis, who will take up a full-time role as skills coach.
SQUAD ANNOUNCED: The Reds have officially revealed their 38-man squad for the 2017 Super Rugby which features a number of Wallabies.
THIS WEEK'S CARTOON: rugby365's Matthew Ackermann looks at Springbok coach Allister Coetzee's declaration that there are 'not many' better players outside the current team!
NEWS: French referee Jérôme Garcès will be the man in charge when England hosts South Africa in the one the most high-profile Test matches next month.
NEWS: The vacant Crusaders' team manager position has been filled by the current principal of Southbrook School and former Canterbury team manager, Shane Fletcher.
NEWS: Suva, Fiji will play hosts to the 2016 Oceania Sevens Championship in November and will be the perfect lead up to the start of the 2016/2017 World Sevens Series that kicks off in Dubai in December.
NEWS: Wales international Andy Powell announced his retirement on Tuesday after failing to recover from a knee injury.
NEWS: England suffered a fresh injury blow on Tuesday when Mike Williams became the fourth openside to be sidelined for the forthcoming internationals.
The Rugby Championship came to an end last week when the All Blacks humiliated the Springboks.
INTERVIEW: Free State Cheetahs coach Franco Smith has not lost sight of the Currie Cup play-offs, but he has his eye on the bigger picture.
SQUAD ANNOUNCEMENT: Italy captain Sergio Parisse has been recalled to the Italy squad for November tests against New Zealand, South Africa and Tonga.
IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Despite suffering a defeat last week at the hands of Connacht, Ireland back row Robbie Diack is adamant Ulster Rugby is ready to take on Bordeaux for their Champions Cup opener on Saturday.
NEWS: Former Stormers flyhalf Demetri Catrakilis will join English Premiership club Harlequins ahead of the 2017/2018 European season.
NEWS: Western Province are bracing themselves for an aerial bombardment when the travel to Pretoria to take on the Blue Bulls in their Currie Cup Premier Division semifinal.
Ever wondered how the DHL Stormers stay fit when they're not on the field? We caught up with Siya Kolisi, Brandon Thomson and Strength and Conditioning coach Stephan du Toit to get the lowdown.
INJURY UPDATE: The Blue Bulls have a scrumhalf crisis ahead of their Currie Cup semifinal showdown with arch rivals Western Province in Pretoria on Saturday.
NEWS: The Golden Lions are well represented amongst the nominations for the 2016 SA Rugby Player of the Year Awards.
NEWS: Versatile Springbok Johan Goosen was named by his peers as the best player in the Top 14 for the 2015-16 season.
REACTION: Springbok head coach Allister Coetzee said the national coaching indaba this month will be vital to help get the national team out of the gutter.
OPINION: New Zealand's dominance of the game can be found in many statistics and events - such as the Rugby Championship.
NEWS: The Springboks have dropped down to fourth in the world after their 15-57 defeat to the All Blacks in Durban.
NEWS: The defending champion Golden Lions have lost four players to injury ahead of their trip to Bloemfontein on Saturday.
INJURY UPDATE: Western Province have been significantly strengthened ahead of their Currie Cup Premier Division semifinal against the Blue Bulls in Pretoria on Saturday.
OPINION: Tauriq Ebrahim examines the claim that the current squad of Springboks are the best South Africa have.
IN THE SPOTLIGHT: One of the reasons why the All Blacks are continuing to set new benchmarks on the international stage, is because their players demand the best from each other.
NEWS: Springbok lock Lodewyk de Jager received a one-match ban after he was found guilty for a dangerous charge in his team's 15-57 loss to the All Blacks in Durban last weekend.
NEWS: Saracens are optimistic Owen Farrell will make his first appearance of the season when they face French club Toulon in the European Champions Cup this coming Saturday.
TOP 14 SUNDAY WRAP: Clermont returned to the top of the French League with a tight 29-25 victory over Toulouse in the Top 14 on Sunday.
REPORT: Jamie George climbed off the bench to score a second-half try double that secured Saracens a 30-14 bonus-point win over Wasps and return to the Premiership summit.
REACTION: Australia's Leroy Houston thanked his English Premiership teammates for helping him become a full Wallaby international.
NEWS: England coach Eddie Jones has insisted trying to play New Zealand at their own game is the wrong way to topple the All Blacks from the summit.
NPC SPOTLIGHT: rugby365 columnist Richard Neal, in his weekly wrap, looks at some of the best matches in New Zealand's National Provincial Championship.
NEWS: Australia's Nick Phipps escaped with a warning after shoving a member of Argentina's medical staff during the Wallabies' 33-21 Rugby Championship win at Twickenham on Saturday.
NRC ROUND SEVEN WRAP: NSW Country Eagles, Melbourne Rising, Sydney Rays and Perth Spirit have all secured their places in the National Rugby Championship semi-finals following an exciting end to Round Seven.
TOP 14 SATURDAY WRAP: Shaken by revelations that three of their players tested positive for cortisone during their Top 14 Final victory last season, Racing92 snatched a 29-22 win over Stade Francais in the Parisian derby on Saturday.
NEWS: Springbok lock Lodewyk de Jager faces an anxious wait after he was cited for foul play during his side's 15-57 defeat at the hands of New Zealand in Durban on Saturday.
REACTION: Argentina captain Agustin Creevy has no regrets about playing at Twickenham after his side enjoyed plenty of support despite going down 21-33 to Australia.
REACTION: Wallabies coach Michael Cheika said his side will need to be sharper when they return to the northern hemisphere to face England in December after ending the Rugby Championship with a 33-21 win over Argentina at Twickenham.
REACTION: Springbok captain Adriaan Strauss believes there is still a bright future in store for the Springboks, despite a 15-57 home defeat to the All Blacks in Durban.
REACTION: The Springboks have seemingly hit rock-bottom after their humiliating 15-57 loss to the All Blacks in Durban last Saturday.
REACTION: It seems there is no stopping Steve Hansen's All Black team as they continue to break new ground in the game of rugby.
OPINION: Australia returned to the scene of their World Cup semifinal victory over Argentina with another impressive performance at Twickenham Stadium.
REACTION: New Zealand coach Steve Hansen refused to get carried away after a 57-15 demolition of arch-rivals South Africa.
REACTION: Springbok coach Allister Coetzee insisted there are no players left in South Africa that could strengthen his squad.
OPINION: Argentina were left to rue another bad start to the game against Australia at Twickenham on Saturday - a game they lost 21-33.
PRO12 SATURDAY WRAP: Isa Nacewa grabbed a double as Leinster moved to second of the PRO12 table with a 25-14 victory over fierce rivals Munster at Aviva Stadium in Dublin.
OPINION: New Zealand gave an exhibition of how the game should be played and in the process set a few records.
INJURY UPDATE: Exeter Chiefs wing Jack Nowell is the latest England player to face a lengthy spell on the sidelines as a result of national coach Eddie Jones' controversial training camp.
OPINION: South Africa is at a low ebb in their rugby history - a place where it seems the game is dying a slow death.
MATCH REPORT: Australia finished their Rugby Championship campaign on a high, beating an error-prone Argentina 33-21 in London on Saturday.
PREMIERSHIP SATURDAY WRAP: Damien Welch’s last-gasp try snatched a dramatic draw for Exeter Chiefs in an enthralling derby with Gloucester Rugby at Sandy Park.
MATCH REPORT: New Zealand smashed a pathetically poor South African side 57-15 in their Rugby Championship finale Durban on Saturday.
IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Wallaby legend Michael Lynagh believes a lack of depth lies behind Australia's post World Cup slump.
PREMIERSHIP FRIDAY WRAP: George Ford was Bath's hero from the tee as they battled to a dominant 30-3 victory over Sale Sharks to move up into second on the table.
PRO12 FRIDAY WRAP: Defending champions Connacht produced a stellar performance to down league leaders Ulster 30-25 as Cian Kelleher bagged a double.
REPORT: The Griffons spread their wings in the second half to claim an emphatic 44-25 victory over the Leopards to claim the First Division title in Potchefstroom on Friday.
NEWS: Englishman Damian McGrath has been appointed head coach of the Canadian Sevens team after coaching Samoa's Sevens side in the 2015/16 season.
TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Australia back row forward Leroy Houston could make his Test debut off the bench after securing the last spot among the replacements for the Rugby Championship finale against Argentina at Twickenham on Saturday.
IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Springbok captain Adriaan Strauss says he won't be getting emotional when runs out for the Springboks on Saturday.
NEWS: Argentina captain Agustin Creevy will have "revenge" on his mind when he leads his Pumas out against Australia at Twickenham on Saturday in the first Rugby Championship match played in the northern hemisphere.
IN THE SPOTLIGHT: All Black captain Kieran Read says playing in South Africa in front of the boisterous Springboks fans always brings out the best him and his teammates.
REACTION: Dan Carter's French club, Racing 92, insisted that the All Black legend had been "authorised" to receive a cortisone injection before the Top 14 Final.
IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Josh Isaacson interviewed South African Sevens star Philip Snyman about his experience at the Rio Olympics and his future goals on and off the field.
IN THE SPOTLIGHT: All eyes will be on the North West city of Rustenburg on Saturday when the drama of the final round of the Gold Cup, SA Rugby’s championship for non-university clubs, is broadcast to an international television audience.
RUGBY CHAMPIONSHIP ROUND SIX: Argentina and Australia will both be keen to end this year's Rugby Championship in style.
IN THE SPOTLIGHT: England coach Eddie Jones is at odds with the Premiership clubs over the intensity of a training camp this week.
IN THE SPOTLIGHT: New Zealand could equal the top-tier rugby nations' world record of 17 consecutive victories that they share with South Africa if they beat the Springboks in Durban on Saturday.
NEWS: The Canterbury Rugby Football Union will soon begin a process to appoint a CEO, having made a joint decision with the Super Rugby franchise Crusaders to move to a separate management structure going forward.
IN THE SPOTLIGHT: The UC Vikings will look to Wallabies veteran Ben Alexander to help them pull off a massive upset when they take on the inform Perth Spirt on Saturday.
RUGBY CHAMPIONSHIP ROUND SIX: It is, sadly, a match that has lost its shine - at least for the present.
IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Establishing a platform for victory in Test-match rugby always starts up front and it will be no different when the Springboks take on the mighty All Backs at Kings Park.
REACTION: All Black legend Dan Carter's agent rejected any implication his client was a drug cheat.
Some of the biggest rugby stadiums across the UK and Ireland will host fixtures in Round Six as the "Big Weekend" will also seek to create new rivalries between the Italian and Scottish teams outside of their own national derby games.
IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Loose forward Matt Todd will be hoping to make a big impression when he runs out for the All Blacks against the Springboks at Kings Park this weekend.
NEWS: England new-boy Dan Robson and Wasps teammates Thomas Young and Kearnan Myall all signed new contracts with the Premiership club.
TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: It will be an injury-ravaged Argentinean team that will face Australian in a historic match at Twickenham on Saturday.
IN THE SPOTLIGHT: rugby365 law guru, Paul Dobson analysis and incident which caused some debate at Newlands when Western Province played Boland.
REACTION: Scrumhalf Francois de Klerk will have another opportunity to prove himself on the international stage when the Springboks take on the All Blacks in Durban on Saturday.
NEWS: Western Province's Johnny Kotze will join the Blue Bulls at the end of the year, the Pretoria side confirmed on Thursday.
IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Northampton Saints prop Kieran Brookes believes the commitment the side are showing for each other could be the decisive factor in claiming victory from tight Premiership Rugby encounters.
INJURY UPDATE: Bath wing Anthony Watson is likely to miss England's forthcoming internationals, after suffering a broken jaw.
REACTION: With the wealth of talent he has at scrumhalf, All Blacks head coach Steve Hansen will not be too worried about Aaron Smith's absence for their Rugby Championship showdown against the Springboks in Durban.
NEWS: Premiership club Harlequins confirmed that tighthead prop Kyle Sinckler has re-signed with the club.
IQHAWE WEEK RESULTS: South Western Districts were crowned supreme after a hard-fought 13-8 victory against defending champions, the Western Province, at the Bill Jardine Stadium in Roodepoort.
IN THE SPOTLIGHT: The Sunwolves new coach Filo Tiatia already faces some familiar problems as players are reluctant to join the side for the upcoming Super Rugby season.
NEWS: World Rugby has changed the panels for its men's and women's series for 2016-17.
TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Francois de Klerk and Damian de Allende were included in Springbok starting line-up to face the All Blacks in Durban on Saturday.
NEWS: The Western Force have signed Namibian-born Richard Hardwick for the 2017 Super Rugby season.
IN THE SPOTLIGHT: The Leopards will be hunting back-to-back titles and their 19th consecutive victory in the First Division when they host the Down Touch Griffons, champions in 2014, in the Final at Profert Olën Park in Potchefstroom on Friday.
IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Jan de Koning and Tauriq Ebrahim wade into the murky waters that is the Springbok game plan and the way forward - with the All Blacks lurking around the corner.
REACTION: All Black scrumhalf Aaron Smith's partner Teagan Voykovich has confirmed she does not wish to speak to the media after Smith's public betrayal.
TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: New Zealand have made four changes for their final Rugby Championship Test against South Africa on Saturday, while retaining TJ Perenara at the expense of disgraced scrumhalf Aaron Smith.
TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Lopeti Timani will receive his first start for the Wallabies when they play Argentina in the final round of the Rugby Championship at Twickenham on Saturday.
NEWS: Filo Tiatia promised to shake up the Sunwolves' performance following a disappointing maiden season as Japan eyes a boost ahead of the 2019 World Cup.
NEWS: Australia's Taqele Naiyaravoro, Wycliff Palu and Will Skelton as well as World Cup winner Andy Ellis of New Zealand have been unveiled as the first four members of the Barbarians squad for the November matches.
NEWS: All Black scrumhalf Aaron Smith has been slapped with a one-match ban for 'breaching team standards'.
Charlie Cockrell, a great rugby man and a fine gentleman, died of a heart attack on the evening of 4 October 2016.
NEWS: Munster-bound Sharks prop Thomas du Toit has committed his immediate future to the Sharks.
COMPETITION TIME: rugby365 and Asics have combined to provide our readers with an opportunity to win tickets to the Test match between South Africa and New Zealand in Durban on Saturday.
INJURY UPDATE: The defending champion Golden Lions were dealt a double blow ahead of the Currie Cup semifinals.
NEWS: World Rugby has made a slight change to the format of the final day's action at each leg of the World Sevens Series to align with the Olympic Games.
NEWS: The Springbok Sevens team are all smiles after head coach Neil Powell was reappointed for a fourth full season with the team as preparations for the 2016/17 season commences.
NEWS: Saracens revealed that lock forward Alistair Hargreaves has retired with immediate effect - following a concussion injury.
IN THE SPOTLIGHT: For six weeks, the Antidorcas marsupialis has been elusive and unsighted, however that has now changed as rugby365's famous weekly selection spotted a number of them as they emerged from the wilderness.
IN THE SPOTLIGHT: All Blacks head coach Steve Hansen faces a tough decision when he picks his midfield combination for the Test against the Springboks in Durban on Saturday.
REACTION: Transformation is at the heart of the brain drain at the Boland Rugby Union. rugby365 shines the spotlight on this development!
WP AWARDS: Scotland international Huw Jones walked away with the coveted Players' Player of the year Award, as well as the Most Promising Back at the 2016 Western Province Rugby Football Union Awards evening Tuesday, October 4.
NEWS: Hooker Damien Fitzpatrick will return home to the Waratahs from France after signing a two-year contract with the Sydney-based franchise.
THIS WEEK'S CARTOON: rugby365's Matthew Ackermann explains why it was NOT a good weekend to be an Aussie in South Africa!
IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Morne Steyn will once again be the Springboks' biggest weapon when they face the All Blacks in Durban on Saturday.
It's the last round of SANZAAR's rugby championship which New Zealand had won by Round 3, if not Round 1.
IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Springbok hooker Adriaan Strauss received a lot of love from his New Zealand counterpart, Dane Coles, ahead of their meeting at Kings Park on Saturday.
ENGLAND NEWS: Sam Jones has suffered a setback in his bid to become England's openside flank for their forthcoming internationals after being sidelined with an ankle injury.
There were still big scores on thee second day of thee Iqhawe Week in Johannesburg.
NEWS: Wales captain Sam Warburton will have surgery on his fractured cheekbone but is still expected to feature in his country's forthcoming internationals.
NEWS: Argentina has officially announced its bid to host the 2027 World Cup.
NEWS: Springbok backline coach Mzwandile Stick will be hoping Jesse Kriel makes a full recovery from his injury so that he and Juan de Jongh can continue their growth as a combination in the Bok midfield.
CURRIE CUP SPOTLIGHT: Golden Lions coach Johan Ackermann will welcome back a couple of Springboks for the Currie Cup semifinals.
OPINION: rugby365 columnist Brett McKay feels looks at the Wallaby tactics this past weekend and sees the future of the game Down Under.
NEWS: Harlequins announced that backrow Mat Luamanu has committed himself to the club after having signed a contract extension.
NEWS: The departure of top-flighting coaching staff from the Boland structures continues.
NEWS: The retired Andy Fenby will return to the field after signing a short-term deal with immediate effect at Saracens.
NEWS: Wales and British & Irish Lions legend Gerald Davies has expressed his delight at the entertaining start to the Pro12 Championship season ahead of the first Big Weekend.
NEWS: Sharks prop Thomas du Toit is one of three new signings by Irish province Munster.
NEWS: England new recruits Nathan Hughes and Alex Lozowski celebrated their callups to Eddie Jones England Provisional Squad in style this weekend by topping the Premiership Rugby stats charts.
IN THE SPOTLIGHT: The Wallabies playmaker Quade Cooper admits Australia have to improve their attack when facing an Argentina side keen for revenge at Twickenham Stadium in London.
IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Australia has an alarmingly low 25 percent success rate this year and have dropped from second on the world rankings to fourth.
CURRIE CUP SPOTLIGHT: It was a weekend of entertaining and high-scoring Currie cup matches, with the two most impressive teams dominating rugby365's famous weekly selection.
IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Despite a 16-match winning streak, All Black lock Brodie Retallick says he and his teammates are still targeting an 80-minute performance.