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Rugby's severest punishment of an infringement of the laws is a penalty try.

WATCH former Springbok and Saracens scrumhalf Neil de Kock sheds some light on those random trips while Scotland international Huw Jones takes us through his spectacular second try.

WATCH as Harlequins flyhalf Demetri Catrakilis opens up about his comeback from a life-threatening throat injury and The Rugby Pod's Jim Hamilton brings a fresh look at England's current state of affairs.

WATCH as former Kings player and co-owner of Frankees, Tim Whitehead, provides exclusive access into the administrative chaos that led to the franchise's bankruptcy and the impact it had on his then teammates.

WATCH as the #RugbyLateTackle team brings in former international referee Jonathan Kaplan to get a different view on the controversies surrounding Television Match Officials in the modern game.

REACTION: Eddie Jones has apologised 'unreservedly' as footage has emerged of the England coach referring to the Irish as 'scummy' in a seminar.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Brumbies head coach Dan McKellar has made six changes for the Brumbies' first home Super Rugby match of the season as they welcome the Sharks to GIO Stadium on Saturday.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Crusaders head coach Scott Robertson has named an unchanged forward pack for the clash against the Highlanders in Dunedin on Saturday.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Highlanders head coach Aaron Mauger has named a near-full strength side for the upcoming South Island derby against the Crusaders.

CATTLE DRIVE: The Bulls begin the New Zealand leg of their Australasian tour when they face the Chiefs in Hamilton on Friday.

TRANSFER NEWS: Wales centre Jamie Roberts is set to leave Harlequins after signing a contract with fellow Premiership side Bath.

SUPER RUGBY SPOTLIGHT: Sharks scrumhalf Cameron Wright is fully aware of the major threat the Brumbies' forwards pose ahead of their Super Rugby encounter on Saturday.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: South African-born prop Willem Nel has been named in Scotland's starting XV for their final Six Nations match against Italy.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Ireland have long looked to Jonathan Sexton and England to Owen Farrell.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Lions flank Albertus Kwagga Smith has turned down the opportunity to play for the Springboks Sevens side at the Commonwealth Games, according to recent media reports.

Two epidemics are much discussed in the South African media at present - listeriosis with its serious effect on health and sanctionary cards, mostly yellow, with their effect on the health of rugby football.

SQUAD ANNOUNCEMENT: England's Six Nations campaign was just bombarded with more bad news, Nathan Hughes and Courtney Lawes will miss their final Six Nations match.

SIX NATIONS SPOTLIGHT: Paul O’Connell’s famous ‘fear of God speech’ from 2007 may be a distant memory, but a fear still permeates the Irish rugby dressing room.

TRANSFER NEWS: The Pro14 side Cheetahs have handed new deals to hooker Jacques du Toit and fullback Malcolm Jaer.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Chiefs head coach Colin Cooper has named All Black Damian McKenzie at fullback when they host the Bulls in Hamilton on Friday.

VARSITY CUP ROUND SEVEN WRAP: Maties continued their unbeaten run and secured a home semi-final after recording a 19-0 win over Madibaz in Port Elizabeth.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: The bitter taste of defeat is familiar to some more than others but no one is more in need of a refreshing palate cleanser than Sergio Parisse.

Focus will be on Twickenham on St Patrick's Day when unbeaten Ireland, already indisputable Six Nations Champions, come to play against twice-beaten England.

SIX NATIONS SPOTLIGHT: Don Armand will hope to make a splash for England after answering Eddie Jones' Six Nations SOS, a call-up that cut short a swimming session for his daughter.

SIX NATIONS SPOTLIGHT: Wales coach Warren Gatland jokingly said he hoped France had been "partying all night" after beating England ahead of their Six Nations finale in Cardiff on Saturday.

SIX NATIONS SPOTLIGHT: Scrumhalf Conor Murray says being part of only the third Ireland team to achieve a Grand Slam would likely be the greatest moment of his sporting career.

OPINION: The Blues finally got their first win of the season and it was a big one.

SUPER RUGBY SPOTLIGHT: Fresh from signing an extension to his Brumbies contract, that will see him remain with the club until the end of the 2019 Super Rugby season, fullback Tom Banks is expecting better things this weekend.

SUPER RUGBY SPOTLIGHT: Blues ticked a lot of boxes against the Lions as they secured the hard-fought 38-35 win at Ellis Park.

EXCLUSIVE: Having a coach who is willing to give you the freedom to express yourself on the field will inevitably allow you to play your best, something Tim Whitehead experienced during his time at the Sharks.

SIX NATIONS SPOTLIGHT: Eddie Jones believes despite two 'very painful' defeats which ended England's two year Six Nations reign they can learn from the experience and bounce back.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Bulls captain Burger Odendaal is back in the starting line-up to face the Chiefs in Hamilton on Friday.

OPINION: Ireland were crowned the 2018 Six Nations champions when they comfortably beat Scotland 28-8 in Dublin in Round Four of the Six Nations.

France went into Round 4 as the only unbeaten side. They are no longer unbeaten as England ground out what looks like a comfortable win and they did so in France.

UPDATE: Despite a mounting controversy over the weekend surrounding footage which suggested Cian Healy played on despite suffering a head injury, the IRFU are claiming that the loosehead suffered a stinger injury.

SQUAD ANNOUNCEMENT: Scotland coach Gregor Townsend on Monday named a revised squad for their final Six Nations clash against Italy as they chase their third win of the tournament.

INJURY UPDATE: Injured France captain Guilhem Guirado is uncertain to face Wales in the Six Nations at the weekend with uncapped Pierre Bourgarit called up as cover on Monday.

France met England up in the Alps, a match that will decide the winner of the 2018 Women's Six Nations, and the French did it. The French are now the only unbeaten side.

INJURY UPDATE: The Stormers will have both lock Pieter-Steph du Toit and flank Cobus Wiese available for their encounter with the Blues at Newlands on Saturday.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: France's upset victory over England in the Six Nations at the weekend was the perfect result for the All Blacks' management as they prepare for the June series against France.

NEWS: The Springbok and former Racing 92 flyhalf Johan Goosen is currently training with the Pro14 side Cheetahs.

NEWS: Ireland celebrate winning the Six Nations title by moving above England and into second place in the World Rugby Rankings.

MATCH REPORT: Kearsney hosted Michaelhouse for the season’s first traditional fixture.  The match, and the first half in particular, was marred by typical first match rustiness and errors. 

WATCH as Springbok legend Bismarck du Plessis exhchanheges blows with his Montpellier teammate Mohamed Haouas.

After their massive win against Germany this weekend, Spain are a big step towards qualifying for the World Cup in Japan next year.

After their massive win against Germany this weekend, Spain are a big step towards qualifying for the World Cup in Japan next year.

REACTION: Sharks head coach Robert du Preez admits that the positive result is far more important than the side's performance.

WATCH as the 1014 Rugby team review Round Four of Six Nations 2018. 

SUPER RUGBY ROUND FOUR SPOTLIGHT: The Blues and Jaguares get their first wins of the season, Akira Ioane goes beastmode and two of Australia's best are struggling in this week's Winners and Losers.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: A global concussion advocate is among those levelling criticism at rugby following an on-field incident involving Cian Healy, in which the Irish loosehead appeared to play on following an alleged head injury.

INJURY UPDATE: Super Rugby champions Crusaders have new injury concerns following their defeat to the Hurricanes at the weekend.

EXCLUSIVE: Former Test referee Jonathan Kaplan has called on the current crop to stop trying to be amicable to both teams, instead they should focus on getting their decisions right.

INJURY UPDATE: Lions captain Warren Whiteley will only return to Super Rugby action in April.

TRANSFER NEWS: Fullback Tom Banks has agreed to a one-year contract extension that will keep him at the Brumbies for the 2019 Super Rugby season.

SQUAD ANNOUNCEMENT: Nathan Hughes and Courtney Lawes have been left out of England's squad to face Ireland after the pair suffered knee injuries in the Six Nations defeat to France.

TOP 14 SUNDAY WRAP: South African international flyhalf Morne Steyn kicked 13 points to help give Stade Francais a Top 14 lifeline with a 23-17 win over Castres on Sunday.

NEWS: New Zealand's world champion women's rugby team, the Black Ferns, are set to receive professional contracts for the first time, New Zealand Rugby (NZR) announced Monday.

DAY TWO WRAP: Fiji exploded for 19 unanswered points in the second half to race away to a 31-12 victory over Kenya Sunday in the Final of the World Rugby Sevens Series in Vancouver, Canada.

NEWS: Spain trounced Germany 84-10 on Sunday to keep alive their dream of direct qualification to the 2019 Rugby World Cup.

SIX NATIONS REPORT: George North marked his first start of this season's Six Nations by scoring two tries as Wales beat Italy 38-14 at Cardiff's Principality Stadium on Sunday.

This is the first set of results we have published this year, early for rugby and at a time when South and, especially, North have lots of rugby to keep us busy.

SIX NATIONS REACTION: World Cup-winning coach Clive Woodward said Eddie Jones's "honeymoon" was over after a 16-22 defeat by France in Paris on Saturday ended England's bid for a third successive Six Nations title under the Australian.

SUPER RUGBY REACTION: Lions head coach Swys de Bruin believes that his team played a style of rugby which suited the Blues during their 35-38 defeat to the Auckland-based team in a Super Rugby Round Four clash at Ellis Park on Saturday.

SUPER RUGBY REACTION: Blues head coach Tana Umaga was full of praise for his team's fighting spirit which saw them register their first victory of the season against the Lions at Ellis Park Stadium in Johannesburg on Saturday.

EXCLUSIVE: Former Stormers and Kings centre Tim Whitehead never planned on becoming a professional player but when his talent was spotted by current Stormers coach Robbie Fleck, he opted to give it a go.

REACTION: France coach Jacques Brunel hailed his side's "remarkable defence" after Saturday's 22-16 victory over England, a result which left Eddie Jones bemoaning his players' inability to better learn to contest the breakdown.

REACTION: England head coach Eddie Jones insists his side are "two to three percent away" from where they need to be after their hopes of retaining the Six Nations title were extinguished in Paris.

REACTION: Star flyhalf Johnny Sexton savoured the 'strange feeling' of Ireland winning their third Six Nations title under Joe Schmidt on Saturday with a game to spare.

TOP 14 SATURDAY WRAP: Top 14 leaders Montpellier steamrollered second-placed Racing 92 with a crushing 41-3 victory in the French top flight on Saturday, after a pre-match brawl that reminded coach Vern Cotter of the "good old days".

SQUAD ANNOUNCEMENT: The Queensland Reds have announced a 27-man squad for their upcoming tour of Argentina and South Africa.

SQUAD ANNOUNCEMENT: Sharks head coach Robert du Preez has selected a 27-man squad that will depart on Sunday for a four-week tour to Australasia.

VANCOUVER SEVENS, DAY ONE: The BlitzBoks will face Australia in the Cup quarterfinals at the Vancouver Sevens.

SUPER RUGBY REPORT: The Waratahs' strong finish was not enough to bring home a win against the Jaguares, going down 28-38 to the Jaguares in Buenos Aires on Saturday.

SIX NATIONS REPORT: Ireland were crowned the 2018 Six Nations champions after England went down 16-22 to France in Paris on Saturday.

SUPER RUGBY MATCH REPORT: Murphy Taramai's dramatic last-gasp score made sure the Blues produced a remarkable 38-35 win over the in-form Lions in Johannesburg on Saturday.

SIX NATIONS REPORT: Try machine Jacob Stockdale's two tries inspired Ireland to move to within one win of only their third Five/Six Nations Grand Slam with a 28-8 victory over Scotland on Saturday.

SUPER RUGBY MATCH REPORT: The Sharks produced a comfortable 50-22 win over an injury-plagued Sunwolves at Kings Park in Durban

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Esportif Intelligence has compiled and released the average ages of every starting position for New Zealand, Australian and South African Super Rugby sides.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Two senior Cricket South Africa officials face disciplinary action after posing with spectators wearing masks showing the face of All Black rugby player Sonny Bill Williams during the second Test against Australia on Friday.

DISCIPLINARY UPDATE: Rebels' Lopeti Timani and Brumbies' Matt Lucas have both been issued a warning by the SANZAAR after their Super Rugby match.

SUPER RUGBY MATCH REPORT: It was, it must be said, a match devoid of sparkle. It seemed to take an age, a tedious age.

NEWS: Declan Kidney and Les Kiss, who guided Ireland to Six Nations Grand Slam glory in 2009, have been reunited after joining the coaching set-up of English Premiership strugglers London Irish.

SUPER RUGBY REPORT: The Crusaders suffered their first defeat of the season when they went down 19-29 to the Hurricanes at Westpac Stadium in Wellington.

PRO14 REPORT: Irish star Seán O'Brien's comeback from injury lasted less than half-an-hour.

SIX NATIONS SPOTLIGHT: This time last year, England were one win away from back-to-back Grand Slams and a Tier One record of 19 consecutive victories.

The three matches in Rugby Europe's top competition are all expected to produce clear-cut winners. It's very much top three against bottom three with the bottom three each playing away.

In the 2018 Women's Six nations, France and England are unbeaten in three rounds and they meet in France this weekend. The winner could well end with a Grand Slam.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: The Azzurri are still chasing their first win of this year's Championship and their sole alteration from the side that lost in Marseille last time out sees Giulio Bisegni come in for the injured Tommaso Boni at outside centre.

SIX NATIONS, ROUND FOUR: Wales will be seeking their 12th consecutive win over Italy when the two sides meet on Sunday during the penultimate Six Nations weekend at the Principality Stadium.

WORLD SERIES ROUND SIX: South Africa will look to cement their lead as the global circuit head into the second half of the season.

EXCLUSIVE: The administration of the EP Kings manipulated their inexperienced players to such an extent that Tim Whitehead lost his love for the game.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Former Springboks coach Allister Coetzee has been named as the new coach of Japanese club Canon Eagles.

NEWS: Wallabies prop Taniela Tupou has agreed to a new deal with Rugby Australia and the Queensland Rugby Union until the end of 2020.

Paarl Boys' High, one of South Africa's great schools, is celebrating its 150th birthday, and part of the celebration is a rugby festival in which teams from nine countries take part.

TRANSFER NEWS: The Queensland Reds have added an experienced tighthead prop to their squad, with the signing of South African-born Ruan Smith through 2020.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Waratahs Coach Daryl Gibson has made one change to the starting line-up for this weekend’s Super Rugby match against the Jaguares in Buenos Aires.

SUPER RUGBY REPORT WITH HIGHLIGHTS: The Rebels opened a nine-point gap at the top of the Australian conference with a bonus-point win over the Brumbies.

NEWS: New Zealand Rugby (NZR) General Manager Rugby Neil Sorensen is hanging up his boots at the national union.

NEWS: Exceptional young All Blacks and Chiefs playmaker Damian McKenzie has signed a new deal with New Zealand Rugby, recommitting with the national body as well as his Chiefs through until 2021.

NEWS: Sydney's Daily Telegraph have reported that All Blacks flyhalf Beauden Barrett has been offered a deal that would make him rugby's highest paid player.

SIX NATIONS, ROUND FOUR: England coach Eddie Jones compared veteran French counterpart Jacques Brunel to a boxer who had gone the distance with heavyweight great Muhammad Ali as he forecast a gruelling Six Nations encounter for his side in Paris.

SIX NATIONS, ROUND FOUR: Joe Schmidt is a "rugby anorak" but it's his mastery of detail that can see Ireland edge to within a win of only their third Six Nations Grand Slam, Irish legend Brian O'Driscoll told AFP.

SUPER RUGBY REPORT WITH HIGHLIGHTS: The Highlanders overcame some early match jitters to record a bonus-point victory over the Stormers.

HURRICANE WARNING: The Hurricanes, the last team to beat the Crusaders, will have to overcome a  farcical travel schedule if they are to be victorious in the opening match on Saturday.

After three rounds, France are the only unbeaten side in this years Under-20 Six Nations. England will want rehabilitation in Béziers to go into the last round with hope of victory in the competition if not the Grand Slam.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: The Blues have welcomed back a number of All Blacks for their Super Rugby Round Four encounter with the Lions.

CATCH-UP MATCH: Leinster coach Leo Cullen has been forced into a number of changes for the encounter with the Scarlets at Parc y Scarlets on Friday.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Sunwolves head coach Jamie Joseph has made wholesale changes to his matchday 23 for their clash against the Sharks in Durban on Saturday.

SPOTLIGHT: The 1014 team previews Round Four of the Six Nations.

opinion: Will France build on their victory over Italy or will England bounce back from their Calcutta Cup loss?

OPINION: The billing of England v All Blacks looked to be the ultimate showdown of the two superpowers of North & South. 

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Lions head coach Swys de Bruin has named an unchanged starting XV for their clash against the Blues at Ellis Park on Saturday.

SUPER RUGBY SPOTLIGHT: Cyle Justin Brink is one of the unsung heroes in the Lions' three-match winning start to the 2018 season.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Owen Farrell will captain England against France in Saturday's Six Nations clash in Paris after injury ruled out regular skipper Dylan Hartley.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: France coach Jacques Brunel brought back experienced flyhalf Francois Trinh-Duc to his starting XV on Thursday in the only change to the team facing England in the Six Nations.

Paddy O'Brien, World Rugby's manager of referee, has announced the referees appointed to Day 1 of World Rugby's Sevens tournament in Vancouver in British Columbia.

EXCLUSIVE: Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus' technical knowledge and his unique look at analysing various aspects of the game bodes well for the country to return to its former glory.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Sharks head coach Robert du Preez has made a number of changes to his matchday 23 for Saturday's clash against the Sunwolves at Kings Park on Saturday.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Springbok flyhalf Handre Pollard will change positions again, as the Bulls prepare to tackle the Reds in the first match of their Australasian Super Rugby tour.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: The Reds have made one personnel change and three positional shifts in the backline for their Super Rugby match against the Bulls in Brisbane.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Crusaders head coach Scott Robertson has made three changes to his starting XV for their clash against the Hurricanes in Wellington on Saturday.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: The Hurricanes are set to mark a double milestone at Westpac Stadium on Saturday when they host the defending Super Rugby champions Crusaders in their first home match of the season.

The rugby365 team has a new driver and a new voice - as they analyse the pros and cons of new Springbok coach Johan Erasmus.

The mark or fair catch is an ancient aspect of rugby's laws.

NEW ZEALAND HOODOO: The Stormers must break a five-year drought on New Zealand soil if they are to put their campaign back on track.

NOMINATIONS FOR ELECTIONS: South African Rugby Union President Mark Alexander will be challenged for the top job at a General Council meeting next month.

VANCOUVER SEVENS SPOTLIGHT: BlitzBoks' Ruhan Nel is more than happy to be seen as one of the pillars on defence for their upcoming Sevens tournament in Vancouver.

The mark, fair catch, free kick is one of the very oldest modes of play in the rugby game. It is included in the first written laws, back in 1846.

ANALYSES: The rise of Rieko Ioane as the new wunderkind sensation last year forced a relatively young 26-year old Julian Savea back to New Zealand's NPC for the first time in a long while.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: England head coach Eddie Jones is being lined up to take over as Australia head coach should Michael Cheika step down after the 2019 Rugby World Cup.

LISTEN as veteran Sharks and Springbok loose forward Keegan Daniel explains how the Sharks will end their winless run in Super Rugby.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Scotland Gregor Townsend has made one change to the starting XV for this their Six Nations match against Ireland in Dublin on Saturday.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Taulupe Faletau will lead Wales for the first time as he returns to the starting line-up as captain for Sunday’s Six Nations clash against Italy in Cardiff.

TRANSFER NEWS: South African Omar Mouneimne has signed a new two-year deal as Defence & Kicking Strategy coach at Worcester Warriors.

SIX NATIONS SPOTLIGHT: Grand Slam – the two words that are not being uttered around Ireland’s training base.

VARSITY CUP SPOTLIGHT: The reigning Varsity Cup champions UP-Tuks have gone without winning a single match in the 2018 season and have taken desperate measures to salvage the rest of season.

INJURY UPDATE: The Lions' Springbok flank Jaco Kriel faces an extended stay on the sidelines.

SIX NATIONS UPDATE: Ospreys prop Rhodri Jones has been called into the Wales squad ahead of their Six Nations fixture against Italy in Cardiff on Sunday.

WEEKEND TEAMS: The Super Rugby 2018 enters round four this weekend.

TEAM ANNOUNCMENT: The Melbourne Rebels have made four changes to the match-day 23 for Friday’s game against the Brumbies at AAMI Park in Melbourne.

SPRINGBOK SPOTLIGHT: New Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus has rubbished claims that he got such a sweet deal as Springbok coach because he does business with the South African Rugby Union.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Brumbies coach Dan McKellar has made two changes to the starting line-up for Friday’s clash against the Rebels at AAMI Park in Melbourne.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Highlanders have opted for a look of consistency, however an injury to co-captain  Ash Dixon have forced the Dunedin side to tweak their starting XV for the Stormers on Friday.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: An injury crisis at lock has forced the Stormers to rush Salmaan Moerat into the frontline of their Super Rugby Round Four encounter with the Highlanders.

SIX NATIONS SPOTLIGHT: England are red-hot favourites to beat France in Saturday's Six Nations match at the Stade de France, beleaguered French coach Jacques Brunel has admitted.

INJURY UPDATE: Ireland stars Tadhg Furlong and Iain Henderson are set to face Scotland in Saturday's Six Nations clash after returning to training on Tuesday.

INJURY UPDATE: England have been hit with some bad news ahead of their crucial Six Nations clash against France in Paris on Saturday.

NEWS: John Plumtree will take the Hurricanes' head coach role for the 2019 Super Rugby season.

There is a great deal of urgent action in the Northern Hemisphere this week.

SUPER RUGBY SPOTLIGHT: The controlled conditions of Dunedin's Forsyth Barr Stadium could suit the Stormers.

SEVENS WORLD SERIES: Seriously, what were these security staff thinking?

TRANSFER TALK: Two fellow New Zealanders could be on their way to join Chris Boyd in Northampton, according to media reports. 

TRANSFER NEWS: Ulster's Neil Doak will mover to Worcester Warriors as the Attack and Backs coach on a two-year contract.

WIN with rugby365 and Hisense, as the proud sponsor of the Lions, is giving away two sets of double stand tickets to rugby365 readers for this weekend's game.

TRANSFER NEWS:  England international wing Tom Varndell has joined the Pro14 side Scarlets on a short-term contract until the end of the season.

LISTEN as Scotty Stevenson and Mils Muliaina, from the Short Ball team, Scotty and Mils talk to Bryce Lawrence, manager of New Zealand referees about dangerous tackles.

SUPER RUGBY SPOTLIGHT: The teams have been ranked, from one to 15, according to the appeal of their jerseys. Let us know if you agree!

WORLD U20 CHAMPIONSHIP: Despite some withdrawals from their wider training squad, Junior Springbok coach Chean Roux is positive that the second training camp in Stellenbosch will build serve as good momentum for the World Rugby U20 Championship in France.

OPINION: After their impressive 45-28 win over the Stormers, the Crusaders dominate out Super Rugby Team of the Week for Round Three.

SUPER RUGBY UPDATE: The Stormers, winless on their Australasian tour, were dealt a triple dose of bad news.

VARSITY CUP ROUND SIX WRAP: Maties amplified why they are the best in Cape Town with a 33-14 win over UCT-Ikeys on Monday.

INJURY UPDATE: The Springbok Sevens head coach Neil Powell has turned to Marco Labuschagne to replace Werner Kok for the Canada Sevens at Vancouver on March 10 and 11.

WATCH: Many are calling this Perry Baker solo try the best in Sevens' history.

WATCH: In the first of a three part series, the 1014 Rugby team explore the big changes in Rugby Union since the 2015 Rugby World Cup. 

EXCLUSIVE: Once a player retires from the professional game and heads into everyday life, the transition can be so daunting that some end up in a downward spiral form which they cannot return.

NEWS: Troubled All Black Zac Guildford will return to European Rugby after failing to secure a Super Rugby contract.

SIX NATIONS SPOTLIGHT: Eddie Jones may break up his trusted George Ford and Owen Farrell 10-12 partnership for England's crunch Six Nations clash against France, warning "no one is indispensable".

SQUAD ANNOUNCEMENT: The Western Force unveiled a squad for its 2018 World Series of invitational matches against Super Rugby teams as well as national representative teams.

REACTION: Scotland assistant coach Mike Blair said the decision to recall "fantastic" John Hardie to the Six Nations squad was a straightforward decision.

INJURY UPDATE: The Bulls received a double boost ahead of their opening match of a three-game Australasian tour.

SUPER RUGBY ANALYSES: Francois John Mostert was a 'no-name' brand, unwanted young lock when he joined the Lions in 2013. Now, five years later, he is one of the most talked-about second row forwards in South Africa.

In Round 3 of Rugby Europe's championship, Romania recovered from their disappointment against Spain and beat their neighbours and old foe Russia.

TRANSFER NEWS: Newcastle Falcons centre Juan Pablo Socino will be leaving the club at the end of the current season to join PRO14 side Edinburgh.

INJURY UPDATE: Ireland, who are are bidding for their first Grand Slam in nine years, received a timely boost ahead of their Six Nations clash against Scotland at the Aviva Stadium.

SQUAD ANNOUNCEMENT: Scotland head coach Gregor Townsend has picked fit-again Richie Gray for the remainder of the Six Nations, the Scottish Rugby Union announced on Monday.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: The Highlanders put their bye week to good use as they prepare for the Super Rugby match against Stormers on Friday.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Crusaders flyhalf Richie Mo'unga has as been issued with a warning for a dangerous tackle during his side's 45-28 win over the Stormers.

SIX NATIONS SPOTLIGHT: England know what they need to do to get back to winning ways in this year's Six Nations tournament.

SUPER RUGBY SPOTLIGHT: Another week, another defeat and yet another search for a solution to the Blues’ never-ending sob story. Scotty Stevenson analyses the Auckland-based franchise.

SIX NATIONS SPOTLIGHT: Ireland legend Brian O’Driscoll revealed that  he is not ready to totally respect Scotland...not just yet anyway.

INJURY UPDATE: Stormers lock John Schickerling is set to return to action towards the end of this year's Super Rugby tournament.

LAS VEGAS SEVENS REACTION: BlitzBoks might not have emulated last year's Las Vegas Sevens results, but their overall performance without key players impressed head coach Neil Powell.

EXCLUSIVE: Aphiwe Dyantyi's sublime Super Rugby performances has numerous people calling for the 23-year-old to become a Springbok sooner rather than later but those calls are premature.

NEWS: The Blues have not had a good start to their two-match South African tour.

INJURY UPDATE: The Chiefs' injury crises has become worse following the news that they lost a few players to long-term injuries.

WORLD SERIES ROUND FIVE: Speedsters Perry Baker and Carlin Isles combined as the United States won their first title on home soil.

TOP14 WRAP: Reigning French champions Clermont snapped a calamitous six-match losing run on Sunday with a gritty 21-17 win over La Rochelle, while Ben Botica excelled as Oyonnax grabbed themselves a Top 14 lifeline.

DERBY DAY: Bragging rights are on the line when Maties host UCT-Ikeys Tigers in the Cape Town derby at the Danie Craven Stadium on Monday.

PREMIERSHIP SUNDAY WRAP: Joe Simmonds produced a mercurial display for Exeter Chiefs as they strengthened their lead at the top of the Premiership Rugby standings with a 24-12 victory over Saracens at Sandy Park.

SUPER RUGBY REACTION: Sharks head coach Robert Du Preez admits the 24-all draw to the Waratahs is really frustrating.

SUPER RUGBY REACTION: Bulls coach John Mitchell believes Lions dominant maul exposed his side's vulnerability during their Super Rugby defeat in Pretoria.

SUPER RUGBY REACTION: Lions head coach Zacharia de Bruin was full of praise for Franco Mostert's versatility during their 49-35 win over the Bulls in Pretoria.

INJURY UPDATE: Stormers lock JD Schickerling has returned to Cape Town after sustaining a shoulder injury during the side's defeat to Crusaders. 

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Newly appointed Springbok coach Johan 'Rassie' Erasmus has highlighted the Boks lack of accuracy under the high ball as the main area of improvement under his reign.

SQAUD ANNOUNCMENT: Bulls coach John Mitchell inlcuded  Warrick Gelant in his 27-man touring sqaud.

EXCLUSIVE: Former Saracens scrumhalf Neil de Kock lifts the lid on how the reigning two-time European Champions have achieved success on the field by investing in their players off the field.

SUPER RUGBY REACTION: Waratahs have a new injury concern ahead of next weekend's clash with Jaguares in Buenos Aires.

TRANSFER NEWS: The Golden Lions have signed current Paarl Boys High head coach Sean Erasmus

LAS VEGAS SEVENS DAY TWO: South Africa, the defending champions and current World Rugby Sevens Series leaders, booked their semi-final spot at the Las Vegas Sevens on Saturday with a 29-17 victory over Australia.

SUPER RUGBY MACTH REPORT: Securing a win was all it was about for the Hurricanes who beat the Jaguares 34-9 on the basis of resolute defence in their Investec Super Rugby game in Buenos Aires.

PRO14 REPORT: Niel Marais showed great composure from the tee to slot a 80th minute penalty to seal a late win for Cheetahs over Connacht at the Free State Stadium.

PREMIERSHIP SATURDAY WRAP: Newcastle Falcons saw off a late Gloucester comeback to end the hosts’ unbeaten home record with their fifth win on the road in the Premiership.

INJURY UPDATE: The Blues will be without captain and scrumhalf Augustine Pulu for their two-game tour to South Africa.

SUPER RUGBY REPORT WITH HIGHLIGHTS: The Lions' domination of South African rugby continues - as they have now gone 20 games and almost three years without defeat against their compatriots.

SUPER RUGBY REPORT WITH HIGHLIGHTS: The Sharks and Waratahs played to a tame 24-all draw in a scrappy game in Durban on Saturday.

POST-MATCH REACTION AND HIGHLIGHTS: All Blacks flyhalf contender Richie Mo'unga may be sidelined for several weeks.

HEADS INJURIES IN THE SPOTLIGHT: United States Sevens stalwart Zack Test has announced his retirement following a severe brain bleed as the result of a head collision.

SIX NATIONS SPOTLIGHT: England, desperate not to fall further behind Ireland, received a timely boost.

REACTION: Utility back Damian McKenzie may have been struggling to find the same form at flyhalf that he has shown at fullback. However, he is unperturbed by the media hype.

SUPER RUGBY REPORT: The Crusaders scored 26 unanswered points in the opening quarter of their Round Three encounter with the Stormers, as they continued to stamp their authority on the tournament.

LAS VEGAS SEVENS DAY ONE: Argentina provided the main headlines in the opening rounds.

SUPER RUGBY REPORT: Jack Maddocks scored three of the Melbourne Rebels' six tries as they cemented their spot at the top of the Australian conference.

PRO14 MATCH REPORT: Luzuko Vulindlu scored two tries as the Southern Kings recorded their first ever win in the competition, with a 45-13 victory over the Dragons.

OPINION: After being on the receiving end of alleged physical and verbal abuse whilst travelling back from England’s loss to Scotland in Edinburgh, head coach Eddie Jones has vowed never to use public transport again citing security fears.

SUPER RUGBY SPOTLIGHT: Crusaders lock Luke Romano is set to become the 18th Crusader to reach 100 Investec Super Rugby games, having been named on the bench for the side’s match against the Stormers.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Wales and Ospreys wing Eli Walker has been forced to quit rugby at the age of 25 because of a lower back injury.

WATCH as Nick Kennedy takes the Rugbypass team beyond the field and explain his - and his coaching staff - unenvious position from day one.

Romania have been to every Rugby World Cup since its inception in 1987. But now, after losing to Spain, the prospect of Japan in 2019 seems to be slipping away.

SQUAD ANNOUNCEMENT: Muller du Plessis will become BlitzBok No.168 this weekend when he takes to the field for the Springbok Sevens in the USA Sevens, to be played at the Sam Boyd Stadium in Las Vegas.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Mthokozisi Mkhabela will start at scrumhalf for the Cheetahs in their Pro14 clash against Connacht in Bloemfontein on Saturday.

REACTION: New Springbok coach Johan Erasmus said he will be 'creative' with his team selections during the June window.

NEWS: Head coach Jono Gibbes will leave Ulster at the end of the season to return to New Zealand.

NEWS: Ospreys announce that Ma’afu Fia as the sixth player to sign a new contract since the start of 2018.

NEWS: Sale Sharks' long-term ambitions have received yet another major boost with Scotland wing Byron McGuigan signing a new three-year contract with the club.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: The Stormers can't afford to be bullied up front when they face the Crusaders in Christchurch on Saturday.

EXCLUSIVE: Huw Jones' incredible second try against England in Round Three of the Six Nations, may not have been the pre-planned set-play Scotland wanted but it worked out perfectly for the 24-year-old.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Two powers of French rugby are feeling an icy chill and it isn't the Siberian "Beast from the East" that has frozen France, but the draught from the Top 14 trap door.

SQUAD ANNOUNCEMENT: All Blacks Sevens Coach Clark Laidlaw has named his squad for the Las Vegas leg of the Sevens World Series.

TRANSFER NEWS: Veteran Australian flyhalf Brock James on Thursday penned a one-season deal to play for Bordeaux-Begles next season, ending his two-year association with La Rochelle.

SUPER RUGBY REPORT: The Reds can celebrate their first win of the season, but they are a long way off the competition's pacesetters.

NEWS: New Zealand Rugby announced a partnership with English club Harlequins that could reportedly see star All Blacks on international sabbaticals playing for the London-based side.

SUPER RUGBY MATCH REPORT: The Blues' dry run against New Zealand opposition continues.

APPETISING SCHEDULE: There are some felicitous matches, with a few sub-plots that makes for a marathon of satisfactory games.

AS COLD AS ICE: The race for a place in the Aviva Premiership Rugby semi-finals and a spot in the European Rugby Champions Cup are heating up despite all parts of the country currently being affected due to the inclement weather.

ROUND FIVE: World Series leaders South Africa will have a massive target on their backs in the resort city in Nevada's Mojave Desert.

LISTEN as new Springbok coach Johan Erasmus explains what role the much-maligned Mzwandile Stick will play in the national team set-up.

SNOWED IN: Five of the seven Pro14 matches in Round 17 have been postponed due to adverse weather conditions.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: There are minimal changes to the Southern Kings starting XV for their Pro14 clash against the Dragons at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium on Friday.

NEWS: Golden Lions Under-21 Championship coach Bafana Nhleko has been added to a trimmed down Junior Springbok management team.

TRANSFER NEWS: The Worcester Warriors confirmed that Springbok centre Francois Venter will be joining the club on a two-year deal from Pro14 side the Cheetahs at the end of the European season this year.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Bulls head coach John Mitchell named an unchanged squad to face the Lions in their Super Rugby clash at Loftus Versfeld on Saturday.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Louis Schreuder will start at scrumhalf when the Sharks take on the Waratahs at Kings Park in Durban on Saturday.

NEWS: The Sharks have given new meaning to the phrase "media blackout" by asking journalists to give up their objectivity to support the Durban team.

SUPER RUGBY SPOTLIGHT: This past weekend Super Rugby went into overdrive, with 14 teams back in action for the first time in 2018 - after the South African conference kicked off proceedings the week before.

WEEKEND TEAMS: Super Rugby 2018 enters Round Three this weekend.

NEWS: Pro14 Rugby has confirmed that at least three matches have been postponed.

NEWS: England coach Eddie Jones vowed to never use public transport again after allegedly being subjected to physical and verbal abuse on a train journey following his side’s Six Nations defeat to Scotland.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: A new second-row combination and back row trio will take to Kings Park on Saturday when the Waratahs take on the Sharks in Durban.

NEWS: Johan Erasmus will spearhead the Springbok management team until the end of the 2023 World Cup.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: The Melbourne Rebels have made two changes to the matchday-23 for Saturday's game against the Sunwolves at Prince Chichibu Memorial Stadium in Tokyo, Japan.

NEWS: New Zealand Rugby (NZR) announced a record NZ$33 million profit ($23.8 million) Thursday on the back of last year's British and Irish Lions tour.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: The Crusaders have lost All Black loose forward Matt Todd to injury ahead of their clash against the Stormers in Christchurch on Saturday.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Dillyn Leyds will start at flyhalf in one of four changes to the Stormers starting line-up to face the Crusaders in Christchurch on Saturday.

SECOND CHANCES: Three of the four teams in Friday's matches will look to bounce back from opening-round losses.

The eight quarterfinals of European Professional Club Rugby (EPCR) will be played over the weekend of 30 March - 1 April 2018.

VEGAS SEVENS SPOTLIGHT: Blitzbok Siviwe Soyizwapi believes that the younger players keen to prove themselves keep the intensity high in the camp.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: England and Scotland will not face any further disciplinary actions for their players Six Nations pre-match altercations in the tunnel at Murrayfield.

SUPER RUGBY ROUND THREE SPOTLIGHT: As SuperRugby prepares to launch into Round Three it’s an excellent time to take a look at the hard numbers behind this weekend’s fixtures and ensure we all make sound decisions when lodging bets with the local bookie.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: The announcement of a successor to sacked Allister Coetzee as Springboks coach will be made Thursday in Johannesburg, a South African Rugby statement said.

TRANSFER NEWS: Warriors have announced that Australian flyhalf and Reds' journeyman Jono Lance will be returning to the Premiership club ahead of the 2018/19 season on a two-year contract.

SUPER RUGBY SPOTLIGHT: On the surface, Jesse Kriel looks unstoppable. Ben Smith takes a closer look!

The Six Nations has a week off but Europe's championship continues. The top match of this round is between the leading teams, Georgia and Spain after Spain's important victory over Romania in Madrid. Spain are well placed to qualify for the 2019 Rugby World Cup.

LISTEN as Lions coach Zacharia de Bruin explains to Jan de Koning why the Bulls are favourites for this week's trans-Jukskei derby.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Blues' Super Rugby season is not off to a good start and the latest news of Sonny Bill Williams just adds new pressure on coach Tana Umaga ahead of their crucial clash against Chiefs.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: The ever experienced Liam Messam returns to teh starting XV as one of three changes for the Chiefs' Super RUgby  mathc gainst against northern rivals the Blues at Eden Park in Auckland.

DISCIPLINARY UPDATE: Blues loose forward Antonio Kiri Kiri was suspended for one week by the Super Rugby judiciary over two disciplinary breaches during his side's loss to Highlanders.

TRANSFER NEWS: Jerome Kaino has called time on his All Blacks career by announcing he is set to move France at the end of the Super Rugby season.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENTS: Rory Arnold and Lachlan McCaffrey are the only two changes to the Brumbies starting XV for their showdown with the Reds at Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane.

LISTEN as rugby365's law guru Paul Dobson takes us inside the referees' sanctum and explains why they were correct with the penalty tries and yellow cards awarded this past weekend.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Wallabies coach Michael Cheika says he will likely quit if he fails to lead Australia to victory at the World Cup in Japan next year.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: The Reds have made two forced personnel changes to their starting XV for their first Super Rugby home game against the Brumbies on Friday.

INJURY UPDATE: Ireland centre Chris Farrell is likely to miss the rest of the Six Nations after suffering ligament damage in training, the Irish Rugby Football Union said on Tuesday.

SQUAD ANNOUNCEMENTS: A strong Springbok Sevens team will be in action as part of Team South Africa at the 2018 Gold Coast Commonwealth Games in Australia, where they will defend the title they won four years ago.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Lock Francois Mostert will start in the No.7 jersey when the Lions take on the Bulls at Loftus Versveld in Pretoria on Saturday.

NEWS: Eight players have committed their future with the Cheetahs until 2019.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Fortunes may have been won and lost in Las Vegas, but Springbok Sevens players Branco du Preez and Stedman Gans only have good memories of this iconic city.

INJURY UPDATE: Wales and Scarlets prop Wyn Jones will miss the remaining Six Nations fixtures due to a hamstring injury.

OPINION: There was some entertaining rugby on display in New Zealand in Round Two of Super Rugby.

DISCIPLINARY UPDATE: Reds lock Lukhan Tui has been suspended for three weeks following his side's 19-45 defeat to the Rebels.

VARSITY CUP ROUND FIVE WRAP: UP-Tuks' hopes of reclaiming the Varsity Cup took another dent after being handed their fourth-straight defeat as they fell to UCT-Ikeys at the Green Mile on Monday.

TRANSFER NEWS: Hurricanes utility forward Blade Thomson has confirmed he will join the Scarlets at the end of the Super Rugby season.

SUPER RUGBY SPOTLIGHT: All aboard the Aphiwe Dyantyi hype train, which is officially leaving the station.

RUGBY MEETS CRICKET: After their successful win over the Stormers last weekend, the Waratahs have opted to take a more relaxed approach for their match against Sharks.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: The Sharks have been working hard on their scrums ahead of their clash with the Waratahs at Kings Park in Durban on Saturday.

NEWS: France coach Jacques Brunel has kept faith in his squad that earned a first win in nine matches against Italy last weekend ahead of next week's crunch Six Nations encounter with England.

NEWS: Scotland forward Ryan Wilson has been cited for making contact with the eye of Nathan Hughes during Saturday's thrilling 25-13 victory over England, Six Nations authorities said on Monday.

INJURY UPDATES: The Bulls are sweating over the fitness of their captain, but the Lions are likely to have their best team on the field in their trans-Jukskei derby on Saturday.

NEWS: All Blacks and Crusaders prop Wyatt Crockett has announced his retirement.

NEWS: Wales will be the 'warm-up' match for South Africa, ahead of their June series against England.

France are the only unbeaten side after their whacking of Italy and England's defeat at the hands of the delighted Scots on a good day for Scottish rugby. But what a battle in Donnybrook!

SIX NATIONS SPOTLIGHT: While losing to Scotland for the first time in ten years will weigh heavily over the England squad, they now have to wait and see if Owen Farrell will face punishment for the scuffle in the tunnel before kick-off. We've got new footage of the incident. 

England and France are heading for a decider with yet more big wins in the Women's Six Nations.

SEVENS SPOTLIGHT: The Springbok Sevens team may have won three of the last five USA Sevens tournaments, but they will not be resting on their laurels this week as they start their defence of this title in the Sam Boyd Stadium in Las Vegas on Friday.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Scarlets' promising back-row forwars Jack Condy has been forced to retire due to a knee injury.

SUPER RUGBY WEEK TWO SPOTLIGHT: We take a quick look at who stepped up and who had a week to forget.

NEWS: Scotland's first win over England in 10 years has seen them climb up to fifth in the World Rugby Rankings.

OPINION: The 1014 team, in their unique way, takes a look at Week Three of the Six Nations.

SQUAD ANNOUNCEMENT: Celimpilo Gumede and Diego Appollis will add international experience to the SA Rugby Under-18 Sevens Academy squad for the Windhoek International 7s on March 9 and 10, where coach Marius Schoeman’s team will look to defend their title.

Banks Yantolo, the manager of SARU's referees, has sent out the playing times for rugby in primary and high schools in South Africa.

SIX NATIONS ROUND THREE: The Six Nations passed the halfway mark, as the runners and riders positioned themselves for their final push for success in the two rounds still to come.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Ireland and Leinster No.8 Jamie Heaslip has announced his decision to retire with immediate effect.

REACTION: Melbourne Rebels Head Coach Dave Wessels revealed that his side have plenty of room for improvement despite a record 45-19 win over the Queensland Reds at AAMI Park on Friday.

RUMOUR MILL: Sydney Roosters chairman Nick Politis has addressed rumours that Sonny Bill Williams was set to return to the NRL club in 2018.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Ospreys have identified Stormers head coach Robbie Fleck as the perfect replacement for Steve Tandy, according to various UK media outlets.

REACTION: England coach Eddie Jones was adamant all was far from lost for England following their shock Calcutta Cup defeat by Scotland.

OPINON: Former international referee Jonathan Kaplan added his voice to the growing concern around the current standards of the television match officials.

DICPLINARY NEWS: BLues flank Antonio Kiri Kiri will appear at a SANZAAR Judicial Committee Hearing after being cited for foul play during a Super Rugby match at the weekend.

INJURY UPDATE: The Stormers are sweating over the fitness of starting flyhalf Damian Willemse ahead of their clash against the Crusaders in Christchurch on Saturday.

NEWS: England and Scotland have been asked to explain a brief tunnel ruckus that erupted ahead of their Six Nations match in Edinburgh on Saturday.

TOP 14 WRAP: Ma'a Nonu scored a crucial late try as Toulon pulled off a 27-20 victory at previously high-flying La Rochelle on Sunday.

UPDATE: Queensland Reds skipper Scott Higginbotham will miss three weeks of Super Rugby following his red card early in his team's opening match against the Melbourne Rebels, SANZAAR said on Monday.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Wits could join Maties at the top of the table when the two sides clash at the Wits Stadium on Monday.

PREMIERSHIP SUNDAY WRAP: Telusa Veainu's fine solo try helped Leicester Tigers claim a bonus point 28-20 win over Saracens as the hosts missed out on the opportunity to go top of the Premiership table.

REACTION: Crusaders head coach Scott Robertson was satisfied with the way his side contained Chiefs star Damian McKenzie in their opening Super Rugby clash on Saturday.

PRO14 REPORT: The boot of Jarrod Evans proved the difference as Cardiff Blues won a war of attrition with Zebre to record their third win on the spin in the Pro14.

REACTION: The Waratahs will head to South Africa full of confidence after their tense 34-27 win over the Stormers in Sydney on Saturday.

REACTION: While disappointed with the result, Reds head coach Brad Thorn said he was pleased with the fight shown by his side in their 19-45 loss to the Melbourne Rebels.

REACTION: Lions head coach Swys de Bruin believes wing Aphiwe Dyantyi has the potential to achieve big things in the game with the right support.

REACTION: Bulls head coach John Mitchell believes his side's surprise 21-19 win over the Hurricanes is a good platform to build on for the rest of the Super Rugby tournament.

REACTION: The Stormers probably squandered their best opportunity to win on their Australasian tour in Super Rugby this year.

REACTION: Eddie Jones accepted the blame after England saw their hopes of another Six Nations title dented by a 13-25 defeat to Scotland.

REACTION: Finn Russell insisted there was nothing "risky" about his game after playing a key role in ending Scotland's decade-long wait for a victory over England at Murrayfield on Saturday.

INJURY UPDATE: French wing Teddy Thomas suffered an ankle injury in Racing 92's defeat to Pau on Saturday, just 11 days after he was axed from the national team for a boozy night out while on Six Nations duty.

REACTION: Ireland head coach Joe Schmidt has defended Johnny Sexton after his performance during Ireland’s 37-27 win over Wales.

OPINION: The 125th edition of the Calcutta Cup played out today and, with little surprise, it duly delivered a fascinating rugby spectacle.

PRO14 REPORT: A superb second-half performance from Scarlets gave them a 34-10, bonus-point victory over Ulster at Parc y Scarlets and gave defending champions some breathing room in the fight for a place in the play-offs.

OPINION: Huw Jones scored two tries to help Scotlan produced an historic win over England at the Murrayfield.

PRO14 REPORT: A second-half revival from Connacht saw the Irish side halt Benetton in their tracks and bring their five-game winning run to a close.

PRO14 REPORT: Sam Davies held his nerve to kick Ospreys to victory over the Cheetahs and keep alive their faint hopes of a play-off berth.

PREMIERSHIP WRAP: Exeter Chiefs reclaimed first place on the standings with a come-from-behind win over Northampton Saints on Saturday.

OPINION: A Jacob Stockdale intercept with the clock in the red wrapped up a 37-27 win for Joe Schmidt’s side, to keep them on track for the Grand Slam.

OPINION: Warren Gatland's 100th match in charge of Wales ended on a rather sour note.

SIX NATIONS MATCH REPORT: Scotland produced a huge upset to beat Six Nations champions England 25-13 at Murrayfield on Saturday.

SUPER RUGBY REPORT: The Bulls showed grit not seen in years to battle past the Hurricanes in a bruising encounter in Pretoria on Saturday.

SUPER RUGBY MATCH REPORT: The Lions moved to the top of the standings with an impressive seven-try demolition of the Jaguares at Ellis Park on Saturday.

SIX NATIONS MATCH REPORT: A late intept try by Jacob Stockdale made sure Ireland keep their Six Nations Grand Slam hopes alive with a pulsating 37-27 victory over Wales at Lansdowne Road on Saturday.

SUPER RUGBY REPORT: Bed Hanigan scored the winning try deep into referee's additional time, as the Waratahs stole the match from the Stormers.

SUPER RUGBY REPORT: Dour tries in the last quarter, including a penalty try, saw the Crusaders race away from the Chiefs in their opening match of the season.

DISCIPLINARY UPDATE: Three players will appear at SANZAAR hearings after Friday's Round Two matches in the Super Rugby competition.

THE CALCUTTA CUP: There are many great rivalries in the world of rugby union. As with most things in life, opinions vary from place to place when selecting the greatest of all rivalries.

SUPER RUGBY REPORT: The Brumbies held on in the face of a fierce, late charge by the Sunwolves to secure the win in their opening match of the season.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Scotland captain John Barclay feels England are "massive favourites" for Saturday’s Calcutta Cup clash at Murrayfield.

PRO14 REPORT: Edinburgh kept up the pressure at the top of Conference B in the Pro14 as Cameron Fenton secured a last-gasp score to seal 12-25 against the Dragons.

PRO14 REPORT: Ciaran Frawley put in a scintillating performance as Leinster strengthened their grip at the top of Conference B with a 10-try 64-7 victory over the Southern Kings.

PRO14 REPORT: Munster refused to stand on ceremony as they ensured that Rob Harley's record-breaking Glasgow Warriors appearance ended in defeat.

SIX NATIONS REPORT: Mathieu Bastareaud celebrated his return to the France side following a three-week ban for a homophobic slur with a try in Friday's 34-17 Six Nations victory over Italy.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Fears over the fitness of Ireland's star flyhalf Johnny Sexton ahead of Saturday's Six Nations clash with Wales have been allayed by Irish skipper Rory Best.

TRANSFER NEWS: South African flyhalf Morne Steyn will leave Stade Francais to join Brive at the end of this season, according to a source at his new club.

NEWS: Harlequins announced contract extensions for Academy graduates Archie White and Josh Ibuanokpe, and former Gloucester prop Josh McNulty.

UPDATE: Wasps centre Gaby Lovobalavu was this week suspended for four matches by an independent disciplinary panel.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Cheetahs have kept their changes to a minimum as they seek continuity for the Pro14 fixture against Ospreys at the Liberty Stadium.

TRANSFER NEWS: Samoan wing Sinoti Sinoti will be thrilling Newcastle Falcons fans beyond the end of this season after the star agreed on a contract extension to remain at Kingston Park Stadium.

WATCH as England wing Anthony Watson says his added muscle mass hasn’t affected his speed and says he’s happy to stay at his new weight.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Ireland star Donncha O’Callaghan believes more needs to be done to protect players from the dangers of concussion.

NEWS: In a historic event, the boards of Rugby Victoria (RV) and Melbourne Rebels came together to unanimously vote in support of the constitutional change to usher in a new era for Victorian rugby.

TEAM UPDATE: Bulls fullback Warrick Gelant has been pulled out of the side on the eve of their Super Rugby match against Hurricanes on Saturday. 

Since 2006, Irish clubs and Scottish clubs have picked an international team and played each other. Since 2011, they have played for the Dalriada Cup.

SUPER RUGBY REPORT: The new-look Rebels took full advantage of being a man up for 70 minutes to rout an indisciplined Reds team in Melbourne on Friday.

SIX NATIONS, ROUND THREE: Winning may not be everything in sport, but as far as England coach Eddie Jones is concerned it sure beats being "entertaining".

SUPER RUGBY REPORT: The Highlanders gave their new coach, Aaron Mauger, a winning start.

SIX NATIONS ROUND THREE: Warren Gatland's 100th Test in charge of Wales will taste doubly sweet if it delivers victory over Ireland in what former Irish star Shane Horgan labels the "grudge match of the Six Nations"

The only teams who have won two out of two so far are England and France. They could well be comfortable winners  this weekend, saving the final decision for their meeting in Grenoble on 10 March 2018, in Round 4.

SIX NATIONS ROUND THREE: Mathieu Bastareaud knows he's been given a few chances in his life and at the age of 29 the burly centre has no intention of letting this one go.

WALL-TO-WALL: Strap yourself in. There are 12 hours of uninterrupted action on the first full Saturday of the season.

This week the big contest will probably be in Donnybrook - a great place for a scrap - when Ireland play Wales. It could well decide who comes third in the 2018 Under-20 Six Nations.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Andrew Porter will have to fill the sizeable boots of British and Irish Lions star Tadgh Furlong when he makes his first Six Nations start against Wales at Lansdowne Road on Saturday.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Jaguares coach Mario Ledesma has made two changes to his team for their Super Rugby Round Two encounter with the Lions at Ellis Park on Saturday.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: There were a few changes made by Southern Kings head coach Deon Davids when he named his team to take on Leinster in a Pro14 championship clash on Friday.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: London Irish host in-form Worcester Warriors in the first game of a Sunday Premiership double-header, before Leicester Tigers travel to league-leaders Saracens.

RATINGS PREVIEW: It may have been a rather one-sided match-up in recent years, but there is still something very special about a Calcutta Cup clash between Scotland and England, especially one played at Murrayfield.

SUPER RUGBY SPOTLIGHT: One of the beauties of the New Zealand derbies is that we get head-to-head All Blacks trials in several positions.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: After a weekend of great drama in the Pro14 the battle to reach the Final Series has reached a fierce intensity.

SQUAD ANNOUNCEMENT: The experienced Philip Snyman is back from injury to lead the Springbok Sevens' next weekend in Las Vegas when they contest Round Five of the World Rugby Sevens Series.

TRANSFER NEWS: Warriors have signed South African Scott van Breda on a one-year deal.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: The Lions team to face the Jaguares in a Super Rugby match at Ellis Park on Saturday shows two changes.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Bulls coach John Mitchell named four Springboks in his starting team for their Super Rugby opener against the Hurricanes.

SEVENS WORLD SERIES:  Australian coach Andy Friend has made three changes to his side ahead of the Las Vegas tournament next weekend.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Nathan Hughes (Wasps) returns to the side at No.8 for the first time this year following a knee injury he picked up in December.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Three new caps have been included in the starting XV for the Hurricanes, as they prepare to kick off their Super Rugby season against the Bulls at Loftus Versfeld on Saturday.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Four players will make their Waratahs Super Rugby debuts against the Stormers in Sydney on Saturday.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Pieter-Steph du Toit and Sarel Marais both return from injury for the Stormers' encounter with the Waratahs in Sydney on Saturday.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Chiefs head coach Colin Cooper has selected a physical and experienced line-up for Saturday's clash against the Crusaders in Christchurch.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Crusaders head coach Scott Robertson has named a strong starting XV for the New Zealand derby match against the Chiefs, including nine All Blacks with 281 test caps between them.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: South Africans Pieter Labuschagne and Grant Hattingh will both make their Sunwolves debut against the Brumbies in Tokyo on Saturday.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: The Brumbies have announced a strong side for their first fixture of the 2018 Super Rugby season as they prepare to face the Sunwolves in a chilly Tokyo on Saturday. 

NEWS: Multiple media outlets in France are now reporting that Johan Goosen has been bought out of his Racing 92 contract by Montpellier in an unprecedented mega deal.

REACTION: Finn Russell's place in the Scotland Six Nations team was "never in doubt".

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Maxime Mbanda will make his first start in this year's Six Nations as Italy coach Conor O'Shea made three changes for Friday's clash against France in Marseille.

THE REAL DEAL: Last week was an appetiser. The competition starts for real this week.

TRANSFER NEWS: Warriors confirmed that back-row Alafoti Faosiliva has signed a one-year contract extension to keep him at Sixways.

OPINION: Super Rugby’s coaching carousel has come to a stop for now, with nine teams – almost two-thirds of the competition – featuring a new man at the helm.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Scotland coach Gregor Townsend opted for continuity after naming an unchanged starting XV for Saturday's Six Nations showdown with England at BT Murrayfield.

WATCH as Former Springbok coach Peter de Villiers - now the mentor of Zimbabwe - lashes out as only he can. How we have missed his eccentric media briefings.

SUPER RUGBY SPOTLIGHT: The Lions believe they are still way off the pace, despite starting their 2018 campaign with a win

PREMIERSHIP NEWS:  Gloucester coach Johan Ackermann and his son Ruan will face no action from the police over an alleged nightclub assault.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Mathieu Bastareaud made his return to the France Six Nations team to face Italy named by coach Jacques Brunel on Wednesday following a three-week ban for using a homophobic slur.

BEYOND THE GAME: Tributes are pouring in after a Doncaster Knights prop tragically died during a training session yesterday.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Blues coach Tana Umaga has named Bryn Gatland at flyhalf for his side's Super Rugby match against the Highlanders on Friday.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: New Highlanders coach Aaron Mauger has made only one change to his starting XV for their first Super Rugby match against the Blues in Round two.

PREDICTION TIME: The rugby365 team steps into murky waters of the prediction world as the Super Rugby season gets into full swing.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Reds head coach Brad Thorn will hope that his modifications during the off-season will pay off as his side welcome back Izack Rodda and Eto Nabuli into the starting XV for a trip to Melbourne Rebels.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Finally, Wallabies scrumhalf Will Genia will make his much-anticipated start for the Rebels in their Super Rugby clash against the Reds in Round two.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Wales head coach Warren Gatland says nullifying the threat of halfback stars Johnny Sexton and Conor Murray is key to victory in Saturday's Six Nations clash in Dublin.

INJURY UPDATE: Scans confirmed that Sharks loose forward Daniel du Preez has a shoulder ligament tear.

It's the 47th Edition of the South African Rugby Annual and again quite the best of any country's rugby annual. 

Six Nations are back in action as they reach half-way. Six different levels are in action.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Wales head coach Warren Gatland has named Dan Biggar at flyhalf for the Six Nations match against Ireland in Dublin.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Stormers assistant coach Russell Winter is expecting Sikhumbuzo Notshe to reach new heights after his stint with the Springbok Sevens team.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: England will use battery powered heated track suits to help their replacements combat the cold against Scotland in Saturday's Six Nations clash at Murrayfield.

INJURY UPDATE: Southern Kings' centre Harlon Klaasen has returned to South Africa due to an injury.

OPINION: There were only two games in Round One of Super Rugby, which means only there were four teams to pick from for our first Team of the Week.

VARSITY CUP, ROUND FOUR WRAP: Fresh from a defeat, NWU-Pukke made sure they gave the Fanie du Toit faithful something to celebrate with a narrow 18-15 win over UJ.

INJURY UPDATE: Wales have received a timely boost ahead of their Six Nations clash with Ireland after the whole squad, including Dan Biggar, Leigh Halfpenny and Taulupe Faletau, was passed fit.

UPDATE: A French appeals court acquitted Australia international prop Salesi Ma'afu of a conviction for assault, his lawyer said on Monday.

NEWS: Outspoken Toulon President Mourad Boudjellal will face a European disciplinary hearing after blasting authorities over their "morality" in the wake of Mathieu Bastareaud's citing for using a homophobic slur.

TEAM UPDATE: With no new injuries, Bulls coach John Mitchell is likely to field a very familiar team in their opening match of the Super Rugby season.

Rugby365 law guru Paul Dobson looks at Kwagga Smith's try against the Sharks in the opening round of Super Rugby and sides with referee Glen Jackson on his call.

SUPER RUGBY REACTION: The Stormers believe touring early in the season is the perfect remedy for any ills in the team

WATCH all the SUPER RUGBY Round One highlights - the tries and best moments.

SUPER rugby spotlight: John Tabaiwalu Fakavale Matson is a familiar face in Christchurch. However, this week the 'welcome' might not be so friendly.

INJURY UPDATE: Garry Ringrose has joined the Ireland squad ahead of their Six Nations clash against Wales at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin on Saturday.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Fiji star wing Nemani Nadolo has urged SANZAAR to introduce a Pacific Island team to the competition.

SQUAD ANNOUNCEMENT: Junior Springboks coach Chean Roux has named his squad for four training camps and a UK tour planned as preparations for the World Rugby U20 Championship – in the south of France from May 30 to June 17.

INJURY UPDATE: The Reds have been dealt a devestating blow as star wing Izaia Perese will be sidelined until early April.

NEWS: Chiefs stars Sam Cane and Charlie Ngatai have been named as co-captains for the 2018 Super Rugby season.

TRANSFER NEWS: All Blacks great Jerome Kaino’s long-heralded move to France is set to go ahead in the next few weeks, according to New Zealand media outlets.

NEWS: England No.8 Thomas Waldrom will be heading back to the Southern Hemisphere.

INJURY UPDATE: The Melbourne Rebels will have Wallabies Adam Coleman and Will Genia fit for their opening Super Rugby clash against the Reds at AAMI Park on Friday.

SQUAD ANNOUNCEMENT: Nathan Hughes has been named in the England squad for the Six Nations clash with Scotland on Saturday after recovering from a knee injury.

NEWS: Wallabies and Queensland Reds star Karmichael Hunt avoided conviction Monday when a cocaine charge against him was dropped, although he admitted possession of a restricted prescription drug.

TOP 14 WRAP: Racing92 scored three tries in the first half and held off a second-half fightback by La Rochelle to win 19-12 and leapfrog into second place.

SUPER RUGBY REACTION: When seasoned coaches Johan Ackermann and JP Ferreira left the Lions, the naysayers and sceptics started writing the Lions' obituary.

PRO14 MATCH REPORT: Benetton set a club record of five consecutive wins with a 18-15 victory over Dragons at Rodney Parade.

PREMIERSHIP MATCH REPORT: Marcus Watson scored the crucial try as Wasps secured a tight victory against Exeter Chiefs.

SUPER RUGBY REACTION: The Sharks have a couple of injury concerns, but a lack of patience is a bigger problem for coach Robert du Preez.

SQUAD ANNOUNCEMENT: The Stormers received a timely boost, just hours ahead of flying out for a three-match Super Rugby tour of Australasia.

SUPER RUGBY REACTION: The Jaguares require a serious attitude adjustment or their lack of discipline will continue to cost them.

SUPER RUGBY SPOTLIGHT: Last season’s competition saw the likes of Rieko Ioane burst onto the scene for the Blues.

SUPER RUGBY SPOTLIGHT: In December, SANZAAR held a camp in Stellenbosch to discuss the management of the coming season.

SCHOOL FESTIVAL: It's summer in South Africa, but already rugby is on the go. 

THE BURNING QUESTION: Can anybody end the unbeaten run of the University of Stellenbosch?

INJURY UPDATE: The Waratahs forwards are ready to take on the Stormers' monstrous pack, despite injury concerns up front.

AMERICAS RUGBY CHAMPIONSHIP WRAP: Former Chicago Bears NFL player Paul Lasike scored a try on debut as the United States maintained their 100 percent start to the competition.

TOP 14 SATURDAY WRAP: Chris Ashton scored his second hat-trick of the season as Toulon romped to a 43-5 victory over Stade Francais in the French Top 14 on Saturday.

PRO14 REPORT: Jarrod Evans' composure from the kicking tee gave Cardiff blues an impressive 25-18 win over Munster at Cardiff Arms Park, as the hosts weathered an Irish storm.

PRO14 REPORT: All Blacks star James Lowe scored two tries as Leinster moved clear at the top of Conference B with a 20-13 win over Scarlets at the RDS Arena.

PREMIERSHIP REPORT: Northampton Saints produced a superb second-half fightback at Franklin’s Gardens with three second-half tries seeing off London Irish for a 25-17 win.

PREMIERSHIP REPORT: Worcester Warriors claim the local bragging rights with a 25-15 victory over Gloucester at Sixways. 

INJURY UPDATE: The Stormers will head off on their three-match Australasian tour on Sunday without their Springbok hooker.

PREMIERSHIP REPORT: Matt Toomua scored 23 points as Leicester Tigers kept alive their hopes of a 14th consecutive appearance in the semi-finals with a 33-18 win over Harlequins.

SUPER RUGBY REPORT: The Lions got off to a winning start in this year's Super Rugby tournament with a 26-19 victory over the Sharks at Ellis Park on Saturday.

SUPER RUGBY REPORT: The Stormers survived a strong Jaguares fightback in the second half to record a 28-20 win at Newlands in Round One of Super Rugby.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: New All Blacks sensation Asafo Aumua has been left out of the Hurricanes squad to tour South Africa and Argentina – pushing back a potential Super Rugby debut until at least week three.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: The man in charge of the 1995 World Cup final referee recalled the "extraordinary transformation" in South Africa after receiving a public honour from Britain's Queen Elizabeth II for his services to rugby.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Scotland WP Nel has returned to training ahead of next week's Calcutta Cup clash with reigning champions England at Murrayfield.

PREMIERSHIP REPORT: Newcastle Falcons completed the double over Bath for the first time in 20 years with an impressive bonus-point victory at Kingston Park.

PREMIERSHIP REPORT: Mark McCall's Saracens moved to the summit of the table as they won a tight contest against Sale Sharks thanks to an opportunist try from Liam Williams.

PRO14 REPORT: Zebre ended Connacht's three-game unbeaten run in all competitions with a courageous display at the Sportsground.

PRO14 REPORT: Duncan Weir struck a last-minute drop-goal to kick Edinburgh to a dramatic 17-16 victory over Ulster and move them up to third in Conference B.

PRO14 REPORT: Two second-half penalty tries proved crucial as Ospreys denied Southern Kings a first-ever win at the Liberty Stadium.

PRO14 REPORT: Glasgow Warriors continued to put daylight between themselves and their rivals in Pool A.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: With moves to the Northern Hemisphere confirmed for the likes of Brad Shields, Lima Sopoaga, Charlie Ngatai and Seta Tamanivalu, amongst others, in recent months, it has clearly prompted the New Zealand Rugby Union to act.

NEWS: Six Nations top try-scorer Teddy Thomas has paid for his role in France's infamous night out in Edinburgh by losing the ethics bonus given by his club Racing 92.

TRANSFER NEWS: Ireland utility back Andrew Conway has signed a contract extension with Munster Rugby and the IRFU.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Queensland Rugby Union Chairman Damien Frawley believes the appointment of Brad Thorn as Reds head coach will not only benefit Super Rugby but also the financial stature of the franchise.

WATCH as Wallaby flank Michael Hooper shows how fast he is during Waratahs's Pre-season win over Melbourne Rebels.

TOP14, ROUND 16: France's beleaguered rugby team will relish the chance to escape the spotlight this weekend as the Six Nations takes a break and the battle for Top 14 play-off berths resumes.

INJURY UPDATE: Welsh centre Jonathan Davies' season is now over in what is a body blow for Scarlets and Welsh rugby at large.

TRANSFER NEWS: New Zealand rugby has won the battle to sign cross-code star Etene Nanai-Seturo after the league club Warriors opted to release the youngster to the 15-man code.

OPINION: As we near the start of the highly anticipated Super Rugby season, the #RugbyLateTackle team identifies South African players who they feel will make a big impact for their franchise.

SEARCHING FOR ENTERTAINMENT: It is another new start - not because it is a new season, but there is an attempt to revive an ailing competition.

SQUAD ANNOUNCEMENT: Nine new Hurricanes have been included in the squad to prepare for their opening two matches of the Super Rugby season.

SQUAD ANNOUNCEMENT: The Melbourne Rebels have finalised their squad for the 2018 Super Rugby season following Thursday's final pre-season trial match.

REACTION: Not many teams can afford to lose two internationals locks and still feel they have a second row capable of coping with the demands of Super Rugby.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: With just seven rounds left to go in the Pro14 Round 15 promises plenty of fiery competition as six of the seven fixtures are in-Conference clashes. 

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: The Southern Kings have made one change to their starting XV for their clash against Ospreys in Wales on Friday.

DOWN TO THE WIRE: As the Premership hit Round 15 the race to teh semi-final has been impossible to call.

INJURY UPDATE: Experienced France scrumhalf Morgan Parra will miss the whole of the Six Nations as he needs a knee operation, his club Clermont said on Thursday.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Four players are set to make their Stormers debut in the Super Rugby season-opener against the Jaguares at Newlands on Saturday.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Niel Marais will start in the No.10 jersey when the Cheetahs take on the Glasgow Warriors in Glasgow on Friday.