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REACTION: South African Rugby Union President Mark Alexander has challenged his detractors to take their 'evidence' to the appropriate authorities.

WATCH the #RugbyLateTackle team break down each South African Super Rugby franchise squad and identify players who they feel will make a massive impact this season.

WATCH as the #RugbyLateTackle team looks at what the immediate future holds for the Springboks now that Allister Coetzee has vacated his Head Coach position.

WATCH as the Late Tackle team is joined by Joe Pietersen to pick his brain about why local players head overseas to ply their trade.

WATCH as the #RugbyLateTackle team looks at the current Springbok coaching conundrum and shares their opinions on what role Rassie Erasmus will play.

PRE-SEASON REPORT: The Waratahs have claimed a 47-5 victory over the Melbourne Rebels at Brookvale Oval in Sydney in the final trial match ahead of the 2018 Super Rugby season.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Warren Whiteley is back to lead the Lions for their opening Super Rugby match against the Sharks at Ellis Park on Saturday.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Robert du Preez junior and Makazole Mapimpi will both make their Sharks debuts in Super Rugby against the Lions at Ellis Park on Saturday.

PRE-SEASON REPORT: Highlanders centre Matt Faddes scored a first-half hat-trick in his team's 42-26 win over the Crusaders in a Super Rugby pre-season clash in Waimumu on Thursday.

SANZAAR has sent out sightly adapted procedures for dealing with head injury assessments (HIA) for Super Rugby in 2018.

PART ONE: Reds head coach Brad Thorn has revealed his decision to dump mercurial playmaker Quade Cooper was due in part because he ‘struggled’ in attack, game management and defence last season.

WATCH the footage of England’s scrummaging session with Georgia, which emerged following the run out between the two sides in London.

UPDATE: Six Nations Rugby has produced a statement on two incidents of Head Injury Assessments in the match between France and Ireland on 3 February 2018.

SUPER RUGBY SPOTLIGHT: Super Rugby's latest incarnation kicks off this weekend with event boss Andy Marinos vowing the slimmed-down tournament will deliver a "competitive and compelling" spectacle to end years of criticism.

PRE-SEASON REPORT: The Hurricanes have ended their pre-season campaign with a  26-14 win over the Blues in Auckland on Thursday.

REACTION: French rugby chiefs have launched "an internal investigation" which could recommend "sanctions" after a number of players were accused of "inappropriate behaviour" while in Scotland for last weekend's Six Nations clash

Defeat at Murrayfield, their second in two matches hurt France, and some may have sought solace in the evening activities of Edinburgh.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Concussion has ended the career of another professional rugby player, this time in Super Rugby.

OPINION: The demise of the once astral and luminous Currie Cup races towards us, as selfish union and personal interest seems to condemn this once great tournament to the scrap heap of South African Rugby.

World Rugby has issued a comprehensive document to clarify some aspects of Law relating to games which revert to uncontested scrums. It is about what happens when a team of 23 players has a front-row player carded. It could suffer more as a result.

EXCLUSIVE: When Michele Campagnaro underwent anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction of the left knee in September last year they suggested he could be sidelined for nine months.

TRANSFER NEWS: Wales internationals Ashley Beck has confirmed that he has signed for Premiership side Worcester Warriors for next season.

TRANSFER NEWS: England prop Kieran Brookes will be leaving Premiership side Northampton Saints at the end of the season.

SUPER RUGBY PRE-SEASON REPORT: Chiefs' scrumhalf Brad Weber scored a hat-trick of tries during his side's hard-fought 38-26 win over the Brumbies at the Sunshine Coast Stadium in Kawana.

IN THE SUPER RUGBY SPOTLIGHT: It often happens that promising rugby players take up a cricket career after school. Joey Mongalo is the polar opposite.

INJURY UPDATE: The Springbok Sevens' depth will seriously be tested as they will be without playmaker Justin Geduld for the next two World Rugby Sevens tournaments in Las Vegas and Vancouver.

SUPER RUGBY PRE-SEASON: Crusaders coach Scott Robertson has included nine All Blacks in his starting XV for their final match of the pre-season Highlanders.

SUPER RUGBY PRE-SEASON: Reds head coach Brad Thorn has handed Jono Lance his first start at flyhalf for their final pre-season match against Fiji Warriors on Thursday.

NEWS: It has flown under the radar for some, but there is finally new 'developments' in the Jurie Roux versus University of Stellenbosch saga.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Wallaby scrumhalf Will Genia will miss the Rebels' final Super Rugby trial against the Waratahs due to a back injury.

SUPER RUGBY PRE-SEASON: The Blues have brought in their All Blacks for their final pre-season match against the Hurricanes ahead of the start of the Super Rugby Championship.

DISCIPLINARY UPDATE: England centre Kyle Eastmond has been suspended for six weeks for two dangerous tackles during Wasps' win over Harlequins.

REACTION: Eddie Jones accused World Rugby of indulging in "retrospective refereeing" after the governing body said a mistake had been made in failing to award Wales a try during England's 12-6 Six Nations win at Twickenham.

LISTEN to the rugby365 team, as they chat to Franco Smith about his decision to turn his back on the Springbok coaching job.

When Jaco Peyper blows his whistle at Newlands at 15.00, he will start 2018 Super Rugby.

REACTION: rugby365 law expert Paul Dobson first pointed it out and World Rugby agrees: The TMO in the England versus Wales game got it badly wrong.

TRANSFER NEWS: Scotland international forward Cornell du Preez will be joining the Worcester Warriors ahead of the 2018/19 campaign on a two-year deal.

SQUAD ANNOUNCEMENT: Flanks Renato Giammarioli and Giovanni Licata return to Italy's 30-man squad named Tuesday by coach Conor O'Shea ahead of Italy's third Six Nations clash against France on February 23.

NEWS: Wales internationals Jonathan Davies, Gareth Davies and Jake Ball have all signed national dual contracts with the Scarlets and Welsh Rugby Union in a bid to prevent them being lured by clubs in England and France.

NEWS: Northampton Saints have just confirmed the signing of wing Taqele Naiyaravoro from the Waratahs.

UPDATE: Eight France players who went out in Edinburgh after the Six Nations loss to Scotland on Sunday were omitted from the squad announced on Tuesday for the next game, against Italy.

COMPETITION TIME! We're giving away 3 pairs of tickets to the Aviva Premiership game: Leicester Tigers v. Harlequins on Saturday 17th  February courtesy of LeoVegas.

INJURY UPDATE: Wales wing Alex Cuthbert has been released from the Six Nations squad after suffering a knee injury.

SUPER RUGBY SPOTLIGHT: There may be a bit more kicking from the Lions than usual when they host the Sharks in Johannesburg on Saturday.

Cancer has again fatally struck the Botha family. This time it is father Darius who has died.

AUDIO: Assistant coaches Paul Treu and Paul Feeney have both been given new roles at the Stormers.

VARSITY CUP, ROUND THREE WRAP: Reigning Varsity Cup Champions UP-Tuks suffered their third consecutive defeat in Round three.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Brumbies coach Dan McKellar has named a strong team to take on New Zealand outfit the Chiefs in the club’s final trial match at the Sunshine Coast Stadium in Kawana.

INJURY UPDATE: Sam Simmonds could miss England's upcoming Six Nations international away to Scotland after being omitted from the squad selected for this week's training camp in London.

NEWS: Hurricanes prop Reggie Goodes has been forced to retire from rugby due to a continuing series of concussions.

INJURY UPDATE: The Bulls received some good news in the wake of their pre-season victory over the Jaguares at the weekend.

UPDATE: The French team's flight back from Edinburgh, following their Six Nations defeat by Scotland at the weekend', was delayed on Monday.

As expected only the match in Russia between Spain and Russia was close. Georgia a big one and Romania a huge one.

SIX NATIONS ROUND TWO: It was a weekend of high drama, controversy and - most of all - entertaining rugby.

INJURY UPDATE: Ireland's Robbie Henshaw will miss the remainder of the Six Nations due to a shoulder injury, the Ireland medical team confirmed.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: French players have been detained by Scotland authorities, after their 26-32 defeat to Scotland this past Sunday.

We were wrong. The closest match was that between Ireland and Italy in Dublin.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Wasps confirmed that Danny Cipriani will leave the club when his contract expires at the end of the season.

BEWARE: As if Jordie Barrett’s skill set and athletic ability weren’t enough, the twice-capped All Blacks phenom has been ‘bulking up’ ahead of Super Rugby.

SUPER RUGBY PREVIEW 2018 - TEAM-BY-TEAM:  In the 15th and final instalment of our build-up to the season we look at the only non-Australian team in the Aussie pool - the Sunwolves.

Nick Shehadie, who meant an enormous amount to rugby in Australia and indeed in the world, died peacefully on Sunday night, 11 February 2012, surrounded by his family - rugby player, captain, administrator, business man and a politician who was Lord Mayor of Sydney.

OPINION: After the embarrassing 7-34 loss to Wales in Cardiff, Scotland reorganised and produced a hard-fought 32-26 win over France.

rugby365 law guru Paul Dobson looks at the most contentious incident of the weekend - in the Six Nations match between England and Wales.

WATCH as the 1014 team review Week Two of the 2018 Six Nations.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: The Stormers' flyhalf spot has been a revolving door in the last few seasons. 

OPINION: France suffered their second consecutive Six Nations defeat after going down to Scotland at the Murrayfield.

TRANSFER NEWS: The Sunwolves have bolstered their backline stocks with the signing of Jason Emery.

In the women's Six Nations, England are the team to beat  for those whose ambition includes winning the championship.

PREMIERSHIP MATCH REPORT: Thomas Young scored two tries as 14-man Wasps produced a stunning 44-22 win over Harlequins at the Stoop.

PRO14 MATCH REPORT: Monty Ioane scored a sensational hat-trick as Benetton Rugby earned a bonus point 22-12 over reigning PRO14 champions Scarlets.

SIX NATIONS MATCH REPORT: Six second-half penalties by Greig Laidlaw earned Scotland a hard-fought 32-26 victory against France, kick-starting their Six Nations campaign after their crushing 34-7 loss to Wales in Cardiff.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Maties will look to record three consecutive wins when they host the current-title holders UP-Tuks at Danie Craven Stadium.

AMERICAS RUGBY CHAMPIONSHIP WRAP: The United States scored 15 unanswered points in the second-half for a 29-10 victory over Canada in the Americas Rugby Championship.

SIX NATIONS REACTION: After playing both teams, Italy captain Sergio Parisse believes Ireland can end England's run of two successive Six Nations titles.

INJURY UPDATE: Ireland dished out a 56-19 Six Nations thrashing to Italy in Dublin on Saturday, but Joe Schmidt’s side face an anxious wait after Tadhg Furlong and Robbie Henshaw were taken off injured.

SIX NATIONS REACTION: England coach Eddie Jones praised his side's "courage" after they saw off Wales 12-6 at a rainswept Twickenham to preserve an unbeaten start to their Six Nations title defence.

PRE-SEASON REPORT: Bulls coach John Mitchell says he has his 'best 23' mapped out for their opening match of the 2018 Super Rugby season.

REACTION: Wales coach Warren Gatland claims he could not understand why Gareth Anscombe was denied a try in the 6-12 Six Nations defeat to England at Twickenham.

PRO14 MATCH REPORT: Sam Arnold's double helped Munster to a five-try victory over Zebre and strengthen their hold on second in the Conference A table.

OPINION: After all the entertainment of the pre-match press conferences over the past week, England and Wales finally met on Saturday, with England edging a tense 12-6 win at Twickenham.

OPINION: Wales became stronger the later the game went on, but still lost 6-12 top England in  a thrilling Six Nations encounter at a rain-swept Twickenham on Saturday.

OPINION: Ireland picked up their second win of the Six Nations with a comprehensive 56-19 win over Italy.

PRO14 REPORT: The Cheetahs suffered their sixth defeat of the 2017/2018 Pro14 season when they went down 20-25 to the Cardiff Blues in Cardiff on Saturday.

PREMIERSHIP SATURDAY WRAP: Two first-half penalties from Chris Pennell saw Worcester Warriors make history by claiming their first-ever Premiership win over Exeter Chiefs.

SIX NATIONS REPORT: England held on in the face of a strong finish by Wales to go two-from-two.

OPINION: Italy are on course for the wooden spoon in this year's Six Nations tournament.

SIX NATIONS REPORT: Ireland showed Italy exactly how much ground they have to make up to be competitive in the Test arena.

DAY TWO WRAP: The Blues are the 2018 Brisbane 10s Champions.

NEWS: Worcester Warriors have managed to retain the services of their World Cup-winning Springbok.

TRANSFER NEWS: Reds coach Brad Thorn has continued his aggressive off-season recruiting, this time heading to Canberra - as he looks to turn the B Brisbane-based franchise into a competitive unit.

PREMIERSHIP MATCH REPORT: Freddie Burns kicked 17 points as Bath Rugby earned a 32-9 win over Northampton Saints to move themselves up to third in the Premiership Rugby table.

PRO14 REPORT: Glasgow Warriors extended their lead at the top of the PRO14 but only by two points as the Dragons held them to a 15-all draw.

PRO14 REPORT: Connacht are up to fourth place in Conference A of the Pro14 after an 26-15 victory over Ospreys in Galway.

PRO14 REPORT: Mark Bennett’s late try helped Edinburgh snatch a dramatic 29-24 victory in a nine-try tussle with Leinster at Myreside.

PRO14 REPORT: Craig Gilroy scored a hat-trick as Ulster got off to a fine start under head coach Jono Gibbes with a 59-10 win over Souther Kings.

SIX NATIONS SPOTLIGHT: Irish youngster Jordan Larmour possesses the character to handle Test rugby and the weight of expectation his sublime talents have attracted, Ireland captain Rory Best said.

SIX NATIONS SPOTLIGHT: Wales captain Alun Wyn Jones said he would have a word with his 'Uncle Eddie' following the England coach's attempts to rile his side ahead of their Six Nations clash at Twickenham on Saturday.

The home sides this week were the away sides last week when Wales, France and England won. England look the team to beat, though Wales look strong.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: The Cheetahs have been boosted by the return of Springbok centre Francois Venter for their Pro14 clash against the Cardiff Blues on Saturday.

DAY ONE WRAP: It is regarded as a young man's game, but the old heads will have an influential say as the tournament heads into finals day on Saturday.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Veteran Lionel Beauxis was France coach Jacques Brunel's surprise inclusion in the starting XV he named to face Scotland in the Six Nations on Sunday, six years since his last cap.

NEWS: It came as no surprise when the winner of the SA Rugby Player of the Year award was named on Friday.

SIX NATIONS ROUND TWO: Scotland coach Gregor Townsend will use all of the experience he gained during his five years as a player in France to get inside the heads of 'Les Bleus' this weekend.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Australian rugby will be boosted by David Pocock's return both on and off the field in 2018.

Rugby Europe's International Championship starts this weekend.

REACTION: Rugby Australia Chief Raelene Castle on Friday says Quade Cooper's contract situation was not "perfect", as the dumped playmaker prepares to play club games on a Super Rugby salary this season.

SIX NATIONS ROUND TWO: Two of the unbeaten teams in this season's Six Nations go head to head when champions England meet Wales at Twickenham on Saturday.

SIX NATIONS ROUND TWO: Ireland host Italy in the Six Nations on Saturday with the hosts seeking to make it two wins from two after Johnny Sexton's dramatic overtime drop goal sealed a 15-13 win over France last Saturday.

THE RETURN OF THE MACK: Premiership Rugby is back with a bang this weekend with the first of four consecutive rounds of League action kicking off at the Recreation Ground where Northampton Saints are the visitors.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Italy continues to rely on South African imports to be competitive in the international arena.

NEWS: One of Allister Coetzee's assistants is lost to the Springboks.

INJURY UPDATE: The Stormers are in for a tough start in this year's Super Rugby tournament.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: The Pro14 returns with its first full slate of games since December with fixtures playing out across Italy, Ireland, Scotland and Wales. 

France and England had comfortable wins in  Round 1 while Wales only just got home against Scotland.

SQUAD ANNOUNCEMENT: Stormers coach Robbie Fleck stuck with the tried and tested when he named his leadership group for the 2018 Super Rugby season.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Joe Schmidt has changed up his loose forwards for Ireland's Round Two Six Nations encounter with Italy.

SIX NATIONS SPOTLIGHT: England coach Eddie Jones is renowned for his trickery and it seems Wales are in for some special treatment.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENTS: Ulster and the Southern Kings are taking very different approaches to their Pro14 encounter at Kingspan Stadium on Friday.

SIX NATIONS SPOTLIGHT: After both recording comfortable victories in the opening round, England and Wales meet at Twickenham on Saturday.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Scotland head coach Gregor Townsend has made six changes to the starting Scotland side for this Sunday's Six Nations match against France at Murrayfield Stadium.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: The Bulls will have a new captain when they host the Jaguares in a Super Rugby pre-season outing at Loftus Versfeld on Saturday.

GLOBAL SHOWCASE: All 12 of the squads that will take part in the men's elite competition have been confirmed and there are some big names.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: England head coach Eddie Jones has made two changes to the starting line-up that beat Italy 46-15 for their clash against Wales at Twickenham on Saturday.

Kearsney of Kwa-Zulu Natal in its splendid setting up at Botha's Hill, has launched its prestigious Easter Festival for this year, its 11th such festival though it seems to have been around forever. There will be 12 teams taking part from seven different regions in South Africa.

SUPER RUGBY PREVIEW 2018 - TEAM-BY-TEAM:  In the 14th instalment of our 15-part build-up to the season we look at the next Australian team - the Rebels.

NEWS: Billionaire Andrew Forrest is pushing ahead with plans for the Indo-Pacific Rugby Championship regardless of Rugby Australia's approval. The six-team League will go ahead one way or another in 2019.

Argentina captain Agustin Creevy gives us his top five hookers in world rugby. Do you agree?

SIX NATIONS SPOTLIGHT: Former British and Irish Lions roommates Maro Itoje and Alun Wyn Jones will become fierce opponents when England face Wales in the Six Nations on Saturday.

SIX NATIONS SPOTLIGHT: Scotland wing Sean Maitland is in no doubt about the importance of Sunday's Six Nations clash against France, labelling the Murrayfield match a "must-win" game for both sides.

INJURY UPDATE: There was a mixed bag on the news front for the Sharks, as they prepare for the opening round of Super Rugby.

rugby365's law guru Paul Dobson looks at an interesting incident involving Springbok Francois de Klerk and two yellow cards.

Yet another thrilling chapter in the history of the Six Nations Championship was written in Paris last Saturday, when Ireland’s Johnny Sexton landed a dramatic late drop-goal to give his side a 15-13 victory over hosts France.

INJURY UPDATE: The Waratahs have a new injury concern ahead of the 2018 Super Rugby season.

SUPER RUGBY SPOTLIGHT: Wallaby star Kurtley Beale has come to the defence of discarded Reds flyhalf Quade Cooper.

WATCH as a Georgian rugby match squabble looks to have ended, then escalates massively.

WATCH as Gloucester's successful South African coach Johan Ackermann speaks about being ignored in his own country.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Wales coach Warren Gatland believes under the guidance of  Eddie Jones the British and Irish Lions can record a clean sweep in the 'the easiest' tour to South Africa in 2021.

SUPER RUGBY PREVIEW 2018 - TEAM-BY-TEAM:  In the 13th instalment of our 15-part build-up to the season we look at the next Australian team - the Waratahs.

THE NEW ERA: Former Springboks coach Peter de Villiers has been named the new head coach of Zimbabwe, according to local media reports.

When Nigel Owens refereed the Six Nations match between France and Ireland last Saturday, he broke two records.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Munster head coach Johann van Graan has denied that bringing in two South Africa teenagers is detrimental to the development of local-born Irish players.

SQUAD ANNOUNCEMENT: Italy coach Conor O'Shea trimmed back his Six Nations squad to 26 players ahead of their second tournament game against Ireland in Dublin on Saturday.

LISTEN as Leezil Hendricks attends a media briefing with South African Rugby Union Director of Rugby and new Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus - his first public appearance since returning from Ireland.

FEATURE: The Brisbane 10s take place on Friday and Saturday. Don't miss a single minute!

NEWS: Italy like to add a South African flavour to their coaching staff. They like it so much they have signed one until 2020.

It's Round 2 of the Six Nations for seniors, women and Under-20s. It would be wonderful if it was as classy and exciting as Round 1 - but without the controversy of Paris.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Wales head coach Warren Gatland has decided not to change a winning recipe ahead of their Six Nations clash against England at Twickenham on Saturday. 

WOMEN'S UPDATE: Paul Delport's appointment as South Africa Women's Sevens coach has done wonders for the team.

VARSITY CUP, ROUND TWO WRAP: Maties have firmly established themselves as a title contender after bagging their second successive bonus point victory of the competition.

Watch as the 1014 team review Week One of the 2018 Six Nations. 

INJURY UPDATE: Ben Youngs has now been ruled out for the remainder of England's Six Nations campaign after suffering a knee injury in the champions' opening victory against Italy.

SUPER RUGBY PREVIEW 2018 - TEAM-BY-TEAM:  In the 12th instalment of our 15-part build-up to the season we look at the next Australian team - the Reds.

SQUAD ANNOUNCEMENT: Jaguares coach Mario Ledesma added young prop Javier Diaz to his 29-man squad for their two Super Rugby matches in South Africa.

INJURY UPDATE: Byron McGuigan will miss Scotland's Six Nations clash with France on Sunday after suffering a hamstring injury.

REACTION: Sharks head coach Robert du Preez is pleased with the progress his team has made during the pre-season.

NEWS: Wallaby lock Adam Coleman will captain the Melbourne Rebels in this year's Super Rugby tournament.

NEWS: The South Kings have been dealt a cruel blow ahead of their three-match Pro14 tour.

INJURY UPDATE: The Bulls' form may be improving, but the Pretoria franchise has a new headache.

INJURY UPDATE: England coach Eddie Jones has been forced to call up reinforcements, as injury struck hard in the opening round of the Six Nations.

The Six Nations have released a fresh update regarding their review of two HIA incidents during the Ireland versus France match last Saturday.

SIX NATIONS ROUND ONE: It was an interesting weekend, with at least one surprise - the margin of Wales' win over Scotland.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: A new Under-19 league will be kicking off in Bloemfontein this week.

Ashleigh Murray is 22 and she is going places. This time it is to Hong Kong in April, her first expedition abroad to referee rugby.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Wales move above Scotland in the World Rugby Rankings following Saturday's result in the Six Nations.

HAMILTON SEVENS REACTION: BlitzBok captain Kyle Brown refused to make any excuses for his side's performance in Hamilton last weekend.

INJURY UPDATE: The Irish Rugby Football Union (IRFU) has confirmed Josh van der Flier will be sidelined for the rest of the 2017-18 season after suffering a serious knee ligament injury in his country's Six Nations victory over France.

In Round 1 of the Women's Six Nations, France, at home, and England, away, had big wins while Wales, at home, got a win by the skin of their teeth.    

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Springbok hooker Malcolm Marx walked away with four accolades at the Lions award ceremony for 2017.

REACTION: Eddie Jones feels England have unearthed a "great discovery" in the shape of Sam Simmonds after his outstanding Six Nations debut in a 46-15 drubbing of Italy.

In Round 1 of the Women's Six Nations, France, at home, and England, away, had big wins while Wales, at home, got a win by the skin of their teeth.

TRANSFER NEWS: New Zealander Thomas Waldrom confirmed he will leave the Exeter Chiefs at the end of the current 2017/18 season.

INJURY UPDATE: Blues flyhalf Stephen Perofeta is set to miss his team's Super Rugby opener due to a broken bone in his hand, according to reports.

SUPER RUGBY PREVIEW 2018 - TEAM-BY-TEAM:  In the 11th instalment of our 15-part build-up to the season we look at the first of the Australian teams - the Brumbies.

INJURY UPDATE: Eddie Jones revealed Ben Youngs is unlikely to be fit to face Wales next weekend after sustaining what appeared to be a serious knee injury early in England’s Six Nations win over Italy.

WATCH the incredible 41 phases of play that ended with Johnny Sexton's dramatic late drop goal in Paris.

INJURY UPDATE: The Stormers have a new injury concern ahead of the start of Super Rugby next week.

This discussion is prompted by an incident late in the match between Ireland and France, when a player was helped from the field with an injured knee which was claimed to be a possible head injury.

OPINION: England got their 2018 Six Nations campaign underway with a resounding away win in Rome, although they were made to work hard for 60 minutes by an Italian side that was not afraid to play against the reining champions.

OPINION: Italy showed glimpses of improvement in the first half of their 15-46 loss to England, but they still have a long way to go to be considered a real threat in the Six Nations.

UPDATE: Following Saturday's Ireland France clash in Paris, the Six Nations have addressed the controversy around the circumstances in which two France players were subject to HIA protocols, despite no clear head injuries having been sustained.

SIX NATIONS MATCH REPORT: England got their 2018 Six Nations campaign off to a perfect start with a 46-15 win over Italy in Rome on Sunday.

INJURY UPDATE: Talented young France scrumhalf Antoine Dupont's season is over due to a knee injury suffered against Ireland, national team coach Jacques Brunel told AFP on Sunday.

NEWS: Giant Fijian wing Nemani Nadolo has revealed that he was racially abused in front of family members while on a night out following a Top 14 match.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Maties will be feeling confident going into their clash with Shimlas after their season opener against UJ.

REPORT: The United States launched their defence of the Americas Rugby Championship with a dramatic 17-10 triumph over Argentina XV on Saturday at StubHub Center in Los Angeles.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: The Springboks have been sliding down a rabbit hole for the last two years. However, newly appointed Director of Rugby Rassie Erasmus believes they will soon dig their way out. 

DAY TWO, FINALS: Fiji edged the BlitzBoks 24-17 in an epic Cup Final at the Hamilton Sevens on Sunday.

WATCH as Scotland coach Gregor Townsend blasts his team for their 7-34 loss to Wales on the opening day of the Six Nations on Saturday.

DAY TWO, SEMIFINALS: The BlitzBoks will face Fiji in the Cup Final at the Hamilton Sevens on Sunday.

REACTION: Ireland head coach Joe Schmidt was lost for words as his 'inspirational' side somehow dug out a late 15-13 victory over France at Stade de France courtesy of a Johnny Sexton drop goal.

MATCH REPORT: Uruguay came from behind to defeat Canada 32-31 in Montevideo and qualify for next year's World Cup in Japan.

DAY TWO, QUARTERFINALS: The BlitzBoks advanced to the Cup semifinals at the Hamilton Sevens with a comfortable 22-0 victory over Scotland in the last eight.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Questions have been raised following France’s loss to Ireland in Paris, after doubt was cast over the home side’s insistence that two players were in need of Head Injury Assessments.

REACTION: John Barclay was rendered “speechless” by Scotland’s error-strewn display as they began their 2018 Six Nations campaign with a 34-7 hammering at the hands of Wales.

Day 2 of World Rugby's Sevens Series taking place in Hamilton on the North Island of New Zealand is taken up with knock-out matches when happiness can suddenly turn to grief, despair to hope.

WATCH AS Warren Gatland picked up his 50th win as Wales head coach with a bonus point 34-7 victory over Scotland in the Natwest 6 Nations on Saturday.

SUPER RUGBY PRE-SEASON REPORT: There was no separating the Stormers and the Bulls in an entertaining pre-season encounter in Wellington.

SIX NATIONS MATCH REPORT: Ireland captain Johnny Sexton slotted a 45-metre drop-goal, four minutes into referee's additional time, to secure a thrilling two-point win over France.

SIX NATIONS MATCH REPORT: Wales defied all pre-tournament odds and predictions to shatter Scotland's dreams in the opening match of the season.

SIX NATIONS SPOTLIGHT: England coach Eddie Jones wants Ben Te'o to lead a "brutal and absolutely ruthless" effort when his side launches their Six Nations title defence against Italy in Rome on Sunday.

SUPER RUGBY PRE-SEASON REPORT: The Rebels came into the match with huge expectations and much hype, after their massive raid on the discarded Western Force resources.

SUPER RUGBY PRE-SEASON REPORT: The Sharks put down another impressive marked in their build-up to the 2018 season.

DAY ONE, ROUND THREE: New Zealand finished on top of Pool C when they edged Argentina 17-12 in a thrilling game at the Hamilton Sevens.

Day one

DAY ONE, ROUND TWO: It was not massive margins however the big teams continued to secure routine victories in Round two of the Hamilton Sevens.

DAY ONE, ROUND ONE: There were some shaky wins in the opening Round of the 2018 Hamilton Sevens.

Apart from the senior teams from the Six Countries, there are also other Six Nations match - the Women's Six Nations and the Under-20 Six Nations, and they are highly competitive matches.

SIX NATIONS SPOTLIGHT: Wales' team is dominated with Scarlets players, but that doesn't mean head coach Warren Gatland will change his style of play. 

SIX NATIONS SPOTLIGHT: The last time France captain Guilhem Guirado teamed up with new head coach Jacques Brunel they helped Perpignan win the French Top 14 title.

SIX NATIONS SPOTLIGHT: Captain Rory Best has urged his Ireland team not to lose the winning habit when they take on France in their Six Nations opener in Paris on Saturday.

The Six Nations started in 2000 with the introduction of newboys Italy.

SUPER RUGBY PRE-SEASON: For the majority of the South African teams, the start of the season is just two weeks away.

SQUAD ANNOUNCEMENT: There were few surprises when Southern Kings head coach Deon Davids today named his 28-man squad for the team's upcoming three-match tour of Europe. 

SIX NATIONS ROUND ONE: Coach Conor O'Shea insists the groundwork is being laid to break the cycle of defeat as Italy prepare to avoid another mauling against champions England in Rome this weekend.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Ben Te'o will make his first England appearance in nearly a year after being selected at outside centre in the defending champions' Six Nations opener against Italy in Rome on Sunday.

NEWS: The South African Rugby Union and Allister Coetzee have parted ways with immediate effect.

SUPER RUGBY PRE-SEASON REPORT: Waratahs suffered a 29-55 defeat to the Highlanders in cold conditions in Queenstown.

EXCLUSIVE: Having just returned to training, following surgery in July 2017, Springbok Bryan Habana revealed to the #RugbyLateTackle team that he is contemplating his future as his Toulon contract reaches its end.

SANZAAR has announced that the recent amendments to the Laws of the Game will apply to its competitions - Super rugby and the Rugby Championship..

SUPER RUGBY PRE-SEASON REPORT: Hurricanes sent out a stern warning with their impressive 43-22 win over Champions Crusaders on Friday.

Your favourite site has linked with #RugbyLateTackle and the Cape Town 10s, to bring you behind the scenes coverage of the event.

SIX NATIONS ROUND ONE: Injuries have deprived Wales of several experienced internationals, however Warren Gatland hope the Scarlets' winning formula can rub off when they welcome a resurgent Scotland to Cardiff for their Six Nations opener on Saturday.

SIX NATIONS ROUND ONE: France will host the World Cup in five years' time and coach Jacques Brunel appeared to have one eye on that objective with his team selection for the season-opening clash against Ireland on Saturday.

SUPER RUGBY PRE-SEASON REPORT: Young gun Waimana Riedlinger-Kapa's double help Blues record an easy 45-19 win over the Chiefs in their pre-season match.

There is something really grand about the Six Nations stadiums - the perfect carpet of grass, the meticulous markings, crowds joyous and passionate and the perfect ceremonies. But then it goes back longer than any other international competition in rugby, way back to 1871.

SUPER RUGBY PREVIEW 2018 - TEAM BY TEAM: In the 10th instalment of our 15-part build-up to the season we look at the last of the New Zealand teams, the Blues. It will be followed by the Australian conference.

INJURY UPDATE: Ospreys hooker Scott Baldwin has been released from Wales' Six Nations squad due to a foot injury sustained in training.

SQUAD ANNOUNCEMENT: Simon Amor has made two changes to the England Sevens side that will play in the New Zealand leg of the Sevens World Series in Hamilton on Saturday and Sunday.

INJURY UPDATE: The Bulls are turning to Swiss medical expertise to heal one of their star players.

The Lions Master Coach Rugby Factory launched its academy at Laerskool Kenmare in Krugersdorp and will launch it again at Laerskool Randhart in Alberton at 15.00. 

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Ireland have selected James Ryan at second row for their Six Nations opener against France in Paris on Saturday.

INJURY UPDATE: Springbok Sevens veteran Branco du Preez will join the team in New Zealand after injury struck yet again, ruling out potential debutant Muller du Plessis from the forthcoming tournament in Hamilton.

WATCH as the Short Ball team of Scotty Stevenson and Mils Muliaina debate the suggestion that all is not well in the All Black paradise.

SQUAD ANNOUNCEMENT: The Stormers have included a few of their Springbok stars in their squad for Saturday's pre-season clash against the Bulls at Boland Stadium in Wellington.

WORLD SERIES ROUND FOUR: The BlitzBoks will be looking to hold onto their lead at the top of the World Rugby Sevens Series standings in Hamilton this weekend.

SUPER RUGBY SPOTLIGHT: All Black legend Brad Thorn has taken the no-nonsense he was famed for as a player into his coaching career.

Rasta Rasivhenge of South Africa referees the first match and the last match of the Sevens at the Waikato Stadium in Hamilton, New Zealand. And when he referees that last match, between Argentina and New Zealand, it will his 250th match on World Rugby's Sevens Series.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Rudolph Snyman will start in the No.5 jersey when the Bulls take on the Stormers in a Super Rugby pre-season clash in Wellington on Saturday. 

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Teenager Matthieu Jalibert will make his France debut in the Six Nations against tournament favourites Ireland on Saturday.

SQUAD ANNOUNCEMENT: All Blacks Sevens coach Clark Laidlaw has made two changes to the team that finished in fifth place in Sydney for this weekend's Hamilton Sevens.

NEWS: All Black legend Daniel Carter has told the South China Morning Post he would be "silly not to have a look at" playing for Hong Kong in the Indo-Pacific League if it goes ahead.

NEWS: Japanese club Suntory Sungoliath has sacked Wallaby great George Smith, following his arrest over the alleged assault of a taxi driver.

SUPER RUGBY PRE-SEASON ACTION: The Blues will a test a number of new combinations in the pre-season clash against the Chiefs on Friday. 

NEWS: Brumbies duo Sam Carter and Christian Lealiifano will continue in the role of co-captains for the duration of the 2018 Super Rugby season.

NEWS: The Reds have gone with one of the most experienced players in Australian rugby to lead them in this year's Super Rugby season.

St Stithians College in Randburg will be hosting its 35th festival over the Easter Weekend.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Ulster confirmed that Les Kiss will be leaving his post as Director of Rugby by mutual consent.

SUPER RUGBY PREVIEW 2018 - TEAM BY TEAM: In the ninth instalment of our 15-part build-up to the season we look at the Highlanders. It will be followed by the last of the New Zealand teams and then the Australian conference.

Clive van Ryneveld, a man of great all-round abilities, has died in Cape Town after being in poor health for a long time.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Sharks coach Robert du Preez Snr has opted to name his son Robert Du Preez Jnr at flyhalf for their Super Rugby pre-season match against Racing 92 in Hong Kong.

TRANSFER NEWS: All Black and Crusaders wing Seta Tamanivalu has confirmed that he will be heading to France at the end of the Super Rugby season.

WATCH as the 1014 team looks at the 2018 Six Nations tournament.

NEWS: A French court sentenced Fijian player Waisea Nayacalevu to 120 hours of community service for an alcohol-fuelled punch-up outside a Paris nightclub.

SQUAD ANNOUNCEMENT: Cheetahs' Pro14 campaign received a huge boost with the return of regular captain Francois Venter.

WATCH as critics question Springbok Ruan Pienaar's time-wasting (running the clock) tactics during Montpellier's 30-29 win over Clermont at the weekend.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: South African-born No.8 Cornell Du Preez has been named in the starting XV for Scotland's opening Six Nations clash against Wales on Saturday.

SCHOOLS SPOTLIGHT: The annual Wynberg Sports Festival has been cancelled due to the ongoing drought in the Western Cape.

SUPER RUGBY SPOTLIGHT: New Brumbies coach Dan McKellar believes his team can behave like the animal they are named after.

SQUAD ANNOUNCEMENT: Australian Men’s Sevens coach Andy Friend has made three changes to his side ahead of the Hamilton Sevens this weekend in New Zealand

TRANSFER NEWS: England stalwart James Haskell has confirmed his depatrure from Premiership side Wasps at teh end of the season.

SIX NATIONS SPOTLIGHT: Players may be fitter, faster and stronger than ever before but away wins remain hard to come by in the championship.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Prosecutors have outlined the case against Ireland Rugby stars Paddy Jackson and Stuart Olding and two other men on the first day of their rape trial at Belfast Crown Court.

TRANSFER NEWS: After signing former playmakers Jono Lance and Ben Lucas, the Reds coach Brad Thorn has gone back to the past again to sign another former fullback in Aidan Toua to cover Michael Hunt’s absence.

PRE-SEASON OPENER: There is an air of excitement ahead of the defending champion Crusaders' pre-season outing against 2016 champions Hurricanes at Rugby Park in Greymouth on Friday.

TRANSFER NEWS: Scotland international Tim Visser signed a two-year contract renewal with the Premiership side the Harlequins.

SUPER RUGBY PRE-SEASON ACTION: All Black Ben Smith will make his long-awaited return to the field when the Highlanders host a new-look Waratahs side in Queenstown as preparations for the 2018 Super Rugby season.

NEWS: World champions New Zealand will play fierce rivals Australia in Japan later this year.

LISTEN as the rugby365 team gets an Irish opinion on the disconcerting public spat surrounding the Springbok coaching staff.

SUPER RUGBY PREVIEW 2018 - TEAM BY TEAM: In the eighth instalment of our 15-part build-up to the season we look at the Chiefs. It will be followed by the rest of the New Zealand teams and then the Australian conference.

Before each Six Nations match there is that joyous moment of patriotism as players sing their country's anthem.

TRANSFER NEWS: The French club that Charlie Ngatai will be heading to has finally been revealed.

INJURY UPDATE: France's depth in the No.2 jersey will be seriously tested when this year's Six Nations starts.

INJURY UPDATE: England boss Eddie Jones has received a major boost ahead of the Six Nations opener against Italy after three of his star players were passed fit.

SQUAD ANNOUNCEMENT: Head coach Swys de Bruin will be relying on a number of experienced campaigners to help the Lions go in search of that elusive Super Rugby title.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Along with their 0-29 Cup Final defeat to Australia in Syndey, the BLitzBoks also have to deal with the loss of regular captain Philip Snyman.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Worcester wing Josh Adams will make his Wales debut in Saturday's Six Nations opener against Scotland, with head coach Warren Gatland forced to juggle his resources because of injuries to key players.

TRANSFER NEWS: South African-born wing Dean Hammond has committed his future to Worcester Warriors by signing a new contract to remain at Sixways.

INSIDE THE SARU BOARDROOM: Jan de Koning delves into Springbok coach Allister Coetzee's  contemptuous letter to Jurie Roux, CEO of the South African Rugby Union.

TRANSFER NEWS: Gloucester head coach Johan Ackermann could be a vital component in the move of two Springboks and Lions stars to the Premiership side.

VARSITY CUP WRAP: NWU-Pukke got their Varsity Cup campaign off to the perfect start while Maties, Wits and Shimlas bagged victories of their own in a round that produced 27 tries.

UPDATE: All Blacks and Chiefs centre Charlie Ngatai confirmed that he will be heading to France at the end of this year's Super Rugby tournament.

REACTION: Hurricanes assistant John Plumtree will be named as Boyd's successor as head coach after the Northampton Saints confirmed Boyd had signed on as their Director of Rugby at the conclusion of this Super Rugby season.

SIX NATIONS SPOTLIGHT: Injuries during the Six Nations are one thing, but the fact they are a major talking point even before this season's edition kicks off highlights the increasingly brutal nature of professional Rugby Union.

SUPER RUGBY PREVIEW 2018 - TEAM BY TEAM: In the seventh instalment of our 15-part build-up to the season we look at the Hurricanes. It will be followed by the rest of the New Zealand teams and then the Australian conference.

INJURY UPDATE: Pre-season outings may be a vital part of any team's campaign, but they could also prove costly - especially if you play two matches on one day.

INJURY UPDATE: Scotland's Six Nations prospects were dealt a cruel blow, when they lost one of their key players to injury.

TRANSFER NEWS: Another successful New Zealand coach will depart his country to coach in the Northern Hemisphere.

SQUAD ANNOUNCEMENT: England head coach Eddie Jones has named a 36-man squad that will convene at Pennyhill Park ahead of the opening Six Nations match against Italy in Rome.

It's on this week. Six Nations start in three sections and the Sevens heads for Hamilton.

INJURY UPDATE: New Zealand international flyhalf Aaron Cruden will be out for up to a month with a torn thigh muscle, his club Montpellier said on Monday.

NEWS: Former Springboks coach Jake White is set to add to his strong South African contingent at Japanese side Toyota Verblitz.

REACTION: It must be the most used cliche in the game, to take 'positives' out of a defeat.

First there were two. Now there are six. For much of the time, there were five. These are the nations which have been playing annually in Europe, the elegant top dogs of European rugby.

INJURY UPDATE: Springbok Sevens captain Philip Snyman and the experienced Ruhan Nel have returned to South Africa following injuries sustained at the Sydney Sevens tournament last weekend.

UPDATE: Wallabies star Karmichael Hunt faced the Brisbane Magistrates Court on Monday for drug charges.

SPOTLIGHT ON TEAMS: Scotland's agonising defeat in the 2015 Rugby World Cup quarter-final brought them to a crossroads.

INJURY UPDATE: The Sharks suffered a big blow ahead of their 2018 Super Rugby campaign.

SPOTLIGHT ON TEAMS: Ireland had a disappointing Six Nations last year by their lofty standards. They inflicted the only defeat of Eddie Jones’ England tenure on the final day of the championship, to rescue what had been a poor campaign.

SUPER RUGBY NEWS: AJ Jacobs is the only new Super Rugby referee for 2018.

NEWS: It is being reported that two more All Blacks are set to make the switch to the Top 14.

SPOTLIGHT ON TEAMS: England come into the 2018 Six Nations bidding to win their third-straight championship, a feat that has not been achieved since France did so in 1988, albeit with Les Bleus sharing the title with Scotland and Wales in two of those three years.

NEWS: Willem Britz is one of two captains in the Sunwolves squad for the 2018 Super Rugby season.

SUPER RUGBY PREVIEW 2018 - TEAM BY TEAM: In the sixth instalment of our 15-part build-up to the season we look at the Crusaders. It will be followed by the rest of the New Zealand teams and then the Australian conference.

REACTION: Having broken a six-year Seven World Series drought, Australia believe they can now go on to achieve greater heights.

REACTION: Disappointment was the main sentiment in the South African camp in Sunday, despite the BlitzBoks moving back to the top of the Sevens World Series standings.

TOP 14 NEWS: All Blacks flyhalf Aaron Cruden suffered another setback in his injury-plagued Montpellier career on Sunday.

WATCH as South African flyhalf Elton Jantjies discusses his career development in Japan, his heroes and how the young Springboks are building towards 2019.

REACTION: As the saying goes: 'A new broom sweeps clean.' New Jaguares coach Mario Ledesma has made his first significant statement.

REACTION: Lions coach Swys de Bruin will show his hand on Monday, when he names his squad for the Super Rugby season.

WORLD CUP QUALIFIER: Uruguay stormed back from a 10-point first half deficit to defeat Canada 38-29 in a 2019 Rugby World Cup qualifying match in Vancouver.

SEVENS WORLD SERIES ROUND THREE WRAP: Australian managed to claim gold by whitewashing South Africa in Sydney on Sunday.

SEMIFINAL WRAP: South Africa and Australia will meet in the Final at the Sydney leg of the Sevens World Series.

SPOTLIGHT ON TEAMS: Coming into the 2018 Six Nations, there is a positivity around Wales’ chances that has been absent for the last two or three tournaments.

SIX NATIONS SPOTLIGHT: It appears the 'underdog' tag has become almost more popular than winning the championship.

QUARTERFINAL WRAP: Two massive upsets marked the start of the play-offs at the Sydney leg of the Sevens World Series.

TOP 14 WRAP: New Zealand international pair Jason Eaton and Tawera Kerr-Barlow helped send La Rochelle to the top of the French League with a 33-24 win over Brive on Saturday.

DEAR SARU: Springbok head coach Allister Coetzee has hit back at the South African Rugby Union with an explosive letter addressed to CEO Jurie Roux, according to reports.

SUPER RUGBY PRE-SEASON SPOTLIGHT: Sharks Makazole Mapimpi scored a brace tries in their 31-14 win over the Bulls at the Peter Mokaba Stadium in Polokwane.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Italy will play two Test matches against Japan in June, the Italian Rugby Federation confirmed.

SIX NATIONS SPOTLIGHT: The Irish rugby team are no longer satisfied with finishing second, the only thing that counts is winning the Six Nations, their star scrumhalf Conor Murray revealed.

SUPER RUGBY PRE-SEASON REPORT: Lions produced a superb 66-22 win over the Bulls in Johannesburg on Saturday.

Day 3 is the final day of World Rugby's men's Sevens series in Sydney. It is the day of knock-outs cruel and glorious. There is a lot at stake, at this event in itself and for the series.

SYDNEY SEVENS REACTION: Springboks Sevens head coach Neil Powell was pleased with his side's defence following wins over Spain and England, however, he is sweating over Rosko Specman's availability for the quarter-finals.

DAY TWO, ROUND THREE: Fiji finished on top of Pool A when they edged New Zealand 19-17 in the game of the weekend so far at the Sydney Sevens.

NEWS: All Black Adam Thomson remains at Tsukuba Memorial hospital in Tokyo, still unable to walk following his mystery illness more than a month after being struck with "excruciating pain".

DAY TWO, ROUND TWO: It was more of the same on Day Two of the Sydney Sevens with the big teams continuing their winning ways.

The excitement is building as we approach kick-off the Six Nations and the RugbyPass team was at the Hurlingham Club in London to meet the teams.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Ospreys opted to use forwards coach Allen Clarke as a temporary head coach after Steve Tandy's departure.

TRANSFER NEWS: Back row Guy Thompson has agreed on a move to Leicester Tigers from Wasps for the start of the 2018-19 season.

PRE-SEASON TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Sharks head coach Robert du Preez has named two teams for his side's Super Rugby pre-season clash against the Bulls at the Peter Mokaba Stadium in Polokwane.

SUPER RUGBY PREVIEW 2018 - TEAM BY TEAM: In the fifth instalment of our 15-part build-up to the season we look at the Jaguares. It will be followed by the New Zealand and Australian conferences.

WATCH as the 1014 team explore THE DNA for each Six Nations team. 

DAY ONE, ROUND ONE: There were some big wins on the opening day for the 2018 Sydney Sevens.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Not really what the world expected, but Japan have opted to blend its love of all things cute with its rich cultural heritage as inspiration for their interesting mascots for the 2019 Rugby World Cup.

In those innocent days before Adam ate the apple, there were no referees. Players played the way they should.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Super Rugby and World Cup winning coach Graham Henry is set to return to coaching in New Zealand.

TRANSFER NEWS: Japanese Super Rugby franchise the Sunwolves have added South African Pieter 'Lappies' Labuschagne to their pre-season training camp.

CONTRACT SPOTLIGHT: Forwards coach Matt Proudfoot has become the first member of the 2017 Springbok staff to talk publicly about his future.

AMERICAS RUGBY CHAMPIONSHIP: Canada will be aiming to extend their proud record of World Cup appearances on Saturday as the 2018 Americas Rugby Championship kicks off with a ticket to next year's tournament in Japan up for grabs.

TOP14, ROUND 15: New Zealander Vern Cotter won't be able to enjoy his return to Clermont this weekend as he bids to solve Montpellier's dire away form which he likened to playing in "flip-flops".

SQUAD ANNOUNCEMENT: Injured wing Leonardo Sarto was out but young prop Marco Riccioni moved closer to his first cap as Conor O'Shea named his 31-man Italian Six Nations squad.

INJURY UPDATE: Rhys Webb may have played his last match for Wales as he joined a growing injury list with a knee problem that threatens to rule the scrumhalf out of the entire Six Nations Championship.

SUPER RUGBY PREVIEW 2018 - TEAM BY TEAM: In the fourth instalment of our 15-part build-up to the season we look at the Bulls. It will be followed by the last of the teams in the South African conference - then the other conferences.

INTERVIEW: BlitzBok captain Philip Snyman will play his 50th World Rugby Sevens Series tournament in Sydney this weekend, but that is only the tip iceberg for the 30-year-old in 2018.

SQUAD ANNOUNCEMENT: Prop Coenraad Oosthuizen has been included in the Sharks' 2018 Super Rugby squad, despite the probability that he will be out of action for the entire tournament.

NEWS: The Saracens loose forward Schalk Burger has been suspended for one week following an independent Disciplinary Hearing in London.

LISTEN as Eugene Eloff and Jan de Koning, in the first episode of 2018, tackle the South African Rugby Union over their lack of transparency.

NEWS: Rob Baxter says he is expecting both Sam Hill and James Short to get even better over the next two years after the duo both agreed terms on new deals with the Exeter Chiefs.

Sevens are back in action in Sydney this week and for men and women.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Ireland legend Ronan O'Gara said he noticed the Crusaders from a young age, admiring their culture and style play.

OPINION: As news surfaced that Duane Vermeulen could return to South Africa in the near future, the #RugbyLateTackle team - more specifically Morgan Newman - makes an argument for central contracting in the country.

WORLD SERIES ROUND THREE: Are South Africa one-season wonders? Did the bubble burst in Cape Town in December?

ANALYSIS: Wasps have uncovered a magic combination this year with flyhalf Danny Cipriani and Springbok fullback Willie Le Roux.

SIX NATIONS SPOTLIGHT: Two days spent with Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has given Scotland's rugby coach Gregor Townsend some ideas which could help him guide his country to their first ever Six Nations title.

SIX NATIONS REACTION: England are the team everyone else always wants to beat - and coach Eddie Jones would not have it any other way.

NEWLANDS SAGA: All is fair in love and war. This certainly holds true for combative Aerios boss Costas Constantinou.

SUPER RUGBY PRE-SEASON TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Lions centre Howard Mnisi will make his long-awaited return against the Bulls on Saturday.

SUPER RUGBY PREVIEW 2018 - TEAM BY TEAM: In the third instalment of our 15-part build-up to the season we look at the Sharks. It will be followed by the rest of the teams in the South African conference - then the other conferences.

INJURY UPDATE: Wales wing Liam Williams could not only miss the macth against Scotland, but could be out for the entire Six Nations, according to reports.

SIX NATIONS SPOTLIGHT: England captain Dylan Hartley said "injuries were the nature of the beast" as his side prepared to begin the defence of their Six Nations title with 15 players missing.

INJURY UPDATE: Kings captain Michael Willemse will be available for their Europe trip after a minor injury scare.

SUPER RUGBY PRE-SEASON TEAM ANNOUNCEMENTS: In an acute move, Bulls head coach John Mitchell has opted to rest his top stars for the two pre-season matches against Sharks and Lions on Saturday.

WATCH as British & Irish Lion and England international lock Geoff Parling, in his first media conference in Australia, expresses his excitement on playing Super Rugby.

NEWS: While the South African Rugby Union is playing smoke and mirrors over the national coaching set-up, an unwanted former Springbok coach is set to take charge of their neighbours, Zimbabwe.

SQUAD UPDATE: Australian Sevens forward Simon Kennewell has been ruled out of the Sydney7s following a heartbreaking knee injury at training.

Sevens are back in action in Sydney this week and for men and women.

INJURY UPDATE: England's fitness problems ahead of the Six Nations intensified Tuesday after prop Kyle Sinckler had to leave the squad's training camp in Portugal.

INJURY UPDATE: Lions wing Courtnall Skosan is set to be out of action for a lengthy period with a knee injury.  

SUPER RUGBY PREVIEW 2018 - TEAM BY TEAM: In the second instalment of our 15-part build-up to the season we look at the Stormers. It will be followed by the rest of the teams in the South African conference - then the other conferences.

SYDNEY SEVENS SPOTLIGHT: The South Africa Sevens side need to get the basics right from the start if they want to retain the number one spot revealed speedsters Rosco Specman and Seabelo Senatla.

NEWS: Players from eight different clubs and all three European professional leagues are among the 15 nominees for the EPCR European Player of the Year 2018 award.

NEWS: Police were searching the headquarters of the French Rugby Federation on Tuesday as part of an investigation into suspicions of favouritism concerning supremo Bernard Laporte, a source close to the case told AFP.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: The Bulls may be stronger and fitter in 2018, but head coach John Mitchell believes his side still has a long way to go before they become real contenders for the Super Rugby title.

VIDEO: Scotty Stevenson and Mils Muliaina reveal the All Blacks' controversial plans during Super Rugby,

INJURY UPDATE: England suffered another injury setback ahead of this year's Six Nations tournament.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Did the South Africa Rugby Union give a subtle hint that former backline coach Mzwandile Stick might return to the Bok set-up?

WATCH: BlitzBoks and Lions star Albertus 'Kwagga' Smith will be looking to build on an impressive 2017 season and hopefully earn a spot in the Springboks squad in 2018.

SQUAD ANNOUNCEMENT: Australian Men's Sevens coach Andy Friend has made two changes to his side ahead of the Sydney Sevens this weekend at Allianz Stadium kicking off on Australia Day. 

SUPER RUGBY NEWS: The Highlanders will move their traditional annual fixture from Invercargill to Fiji in 2018, meeting the Chiefs in Suva on June 30.

REACTION: The absence of Springbok scrumhalf Rudy Paige has been the talking point of the Bulls' squad announcement and coach John Mitchell pulled no punches when he explained his decision.

INJURY UPDATE: Having earned a recall to the France squad for the first time in two years, Morgan Parra is now out of the Six Nations opener against Ireland with a knee injury.

WATCH as Springbok Heinrich Brüssow, in his first interview since arriving at Northampton Saints, expresses his excitement about playing in Europe.

SUPER RUGBY SQUAD ANNOUNCEMENT: The Bulls' new coach, John Mitchell, has opted for a practice that is common in his home country of New Zealand.

IN THE SEVENS SPOTLIGHT: Defending champions South Africa are looking to be even more dangerous on attack.

WATCH as, with one simple admission, JP Doyle earns both the players respect and that of the watching public.

SQUAD UPDATE: Munster prop James Cronin has been added to the Ireland squad ahead of the 2018 Six Nations.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Pro14 side Ospreys head coach Steve Tandy will be leaving his position with immediate effect, the region confirmed.

REACTION: Springbok assistant coach Franco Smith has drawn a veil of silence over his future with the national team.

SUPER RUGBY PREVIEW 2018 - TEAM BY TEAM: In the first instalment of our 15-part build-up to the season we look at the Lions. It will be followed by the rest of the teams in the South African conference - then the other conferences.

TRANSFER NEWS: All Black flyhalf Stephen Donald was set to join Ulster, however, the move has hit a massive iceberg.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: The pool stage of the Champions Cup came to a thrilling conclusion this past weekend, as 14 teams bade to join Leinster in the knockout rounds.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Willie Le Roux contributed with a five-pointer as Wasps 26-7 bonus point win ended Ulster's hopes of reaching the knock-out stages.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Some of the girls wear hijabs, others are barefoot and the sandy pitch is marked out in charcoal. But the 14 players could be Ghana's rugby stars of the future.

WATCH as the 1014 team explore the MVP (Most Valuable Player) for each Six Nations team.

What better way to start the new year than with a bit of fantasy rugby.

WATCH as the 1014 team ask some serious questions about the global game.

NEWS: The Scarlets may be forced to give up home ground advantage for their European Champions Cup match against La Rochelle.

NEWS: The Queensland Reds have added further experience to their backline for the 2018 Super Rugby season, with the signing of Jono Lance.

REACTION: Stormers head coach Robbie Fleck is not worried about the depth in his squad as Super Rugby draws near.

PRO14 REACTION: Southern Kings head coach Deon Davids revealed that he was frustrated with his team's second successive derby defeat to South African rivals the Cheetahs.

ONLY A FEW SURVIVED: The Champions Cup quarter-finals have been confirmed with title holders Saracens heading to Dublin to take on top seed Leinster.

CHAMPIONS CUP REPORT: Munster scored six tries as they defeated Castres Olympique 48-3 to top European Rugby Champions Cup Pool 4 and clinch a home quarter-final at Thomond Park.

CHAMPIONS CUP REPORT: La Rochelle marked their debut in the European Rugby Champions Cup by topping Pool 1 and qualifying for the quarter-finals with a hard-fought 16-7 home win over Harlequins.

CHAMPIONS CUP REPORT: Wasps ended Ulster's hopes of qualifying for the quarter-finals in the pouring rain at the Ricoh Arena with a 26-7 bonus-point win on Sunday.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Club captain Jack Yeandle heads up a list of four Exeter Chiefs players who have penned new deals with the Premiership champions.

CHAMPIONS CUP REPORT: French heavyweights Racing 92 progressed to the quarter-finals with a 23-20 win over Leicester Tigers in a nail-biting affair.

WATCH how Referee Wayne Barnes reprimands New Zealand's  Ma'a Nonu during Toulon's 27-30 defeat to Scarlets.

INJURY UPDATE: David Pocock's return to Super Rugby has been put on hold after he underwent surgery on Saturday.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Australian international Christian Lealiifano certainly has had plenty of challenges in his life.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: England could be heading to Georgia midway through this year's Six Nations campaign to improve their forward play.

VIDEO: Cheetahs loosehead prop Retshegofaditswe Nché showed he has a plenty of gas, getting on the end of a chip over the top against the Southern Kings.

EUROPEAN CHAMPIONS CUP REPORT: Bath raced in seven tries in a 47-28 victory over Benetton, as they made a spirited effort to reach the quarterfinals.

EUROPEAN CHAMPIONS CUP REPORT: Scarlets advanced to the quarterfinals with a 30-27 win over Toulon in a thrilling arm-wrestle.

EUROPEAN CHAMPIONS CUP REPORT: Leinster finished top of Pool Three with a 100 percent record and top seeding in the quarterfinals as they knocked Montpellier out of the competition.

EUROPEAN CHAMPIONS CUP REPORT: Glasgow Warriors ripped the heart out of Exeter Chiefs' quarterfinal quest with a sensational display of running rugby, claiming a 28-21 win at Scotstoun on Saturday.

SUPER RUGBY PRE-SEASON REPORT: The Stormers scored 11 unanswered tries in their dominant 77-0 victory against SWD Eagles in George on Saturday.

EUROPEAN CHAMPIONS CUP REPORT: Saracens kept alive their play-off chances with an emphatic 62-14 demolition of fellow Premiership outfit Northampton Saints.

PRO14 REPORT: The Cheetahs closed the gap on Munster in Pool A, with a comprehensive 45-24 drubbing of the Southern Kings in Bloemfontein on Saturday.

EUROPEAN CHALLENGE CUP REPORT: Adam Radwan scored his second hat-trick against Enisei in a week as Newcastle Falcons finished their Pool One campaign with a 100 percent record.

WATCH: Super Rugby reverts to a 15-team format in 2018.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Judging by their player signings over the last few months, the Melbourne Rebels should be no pushovers like they were in previous seasons.

NEWS: Wales and Scotland will launch their end-of-year Test campaign when they meet for the inaugural Doddie Weir Cup in Cardiff in November.

CHALLENGE CUP REPORT: Pau claimed a Challenge Cup home quarter-final with a splendid 34-24 win over Gloucester Rugby in Pool three at Kingsholm Stadium.

INJURY UPDATE: England No.8 Billy Vunipola will definatley miss the entire Six Nations due to an broken arm, according to his club Saracens.

TRANSFER NEWS: England and Saracens wing Nathan Earle has signed a contract with Harlequins and will join the south-west London club at the end of the season.

TRANSFER NEWS: Young Argentina prop Facundo Gigena joined English Premiership side Leicester Tigers.

INJURY UPDATE: Wales flyhalf Rhys Priestland is set to miss a huge portion of the Six Nations due to an injury, adding to head coach Warren Gatland's selection headaches.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Wasps coach Dai Young hinted that the return of Nizaam Carr to the Premiership side is not 'totally' far-fetched.

EUROPEAN CHAMPIONS CUP, ROUND SIX: Saracens will be relying on their eight-strong England contingent to drag the title-holders out of a hole at home to Northampton this weekend.

NEWS: Former Springbok coach Heyneke Meyer will fulfill one of his dreams when the inaugural World Schools Festival gets underway in Paarl in April.

REACTION: Eddie Jones believes the uncapped pair of Lewis Boyce and Alec Hepburn have what it takes to succeed in the demanding role of an international loosehead prop.

WATCH: England’s Jonny Wilkinson showed his tremendous potential back in 1999 when playing against Scotland in the Six Nations.

NEWS: The Ospreys announced that Adam Beard has committed his future to the region, signing a new two-year contract to stay at the Liberty Stadium.

Chiefs flanker Liam Messam has signed a two-year deal with Toulon and will join the French club after the Super Rugby season.

THE APPETIZER:  The 2018 Super Rugby is upon us and teams have all entered their last few weeks of preparation with a number of exciting pre-season matches.

SUPER RUGBY TRANSFER NEWS: Reds utility Ben Lucas, who was apart of their championship-winning season in 2011, is back at Ballymore for a second stint with the side.

SUPER RUGBY PRE-SEASON: Not only does he have to deal with constant raids on his player resources, but Lions coach Swys de Bruin needs to carefully manage his charges in 2018.

PRO14 SPOTLIGHT: After last weekend's first-ever South African Derby in the Pro14 the Cheetahs will host the Southern Kings in Bloemfontein to complete their back-to-back fixtures. 

INJURY UPDATE: All Blacks captain Kieran Read will be sidelined for several months through injury.

ONE LAST CHANCE: It promises to be a tension-packed weekend in what many regard is perhaps the most hotly contest season.

REACTION: James Haskell has been left to rue his colourful disciplinary record.

INJURY UPDATE: La Rochelle's Top 14 campaign were dealt a cruel blow.

REACTION: Eddie Jones joked his England side "might as well not turn up" to the Six Nations Championship after injuries and suspensions left the reigning champions without 13 players ahead of next month's tournament opener against Italy.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: The return of captain Michael Willemse at hooker was the most noteworthy change made to the Southern Kings starting XV by head coach Deon Davids for the Pro14 clash against the Cheetahs in Bloemfontein on Saturday.

NEWS: Harlequins announced contract extensions for Director of Rugby John Kingston, head coach Mark Mapletoft and forwards coach Graham Rowntree.

INJURY UPDATE: The Sharks will be without one of their star players for this year's Super Rugby season.

NEWS: Both Mitch Lees and Ian Whitten have committed their futures to the Exeter Chiefs.

AWARDS: Centre Francois Venter scooped the top prize at the Cheetahs' awards ceremony on Wednesday.

SQUAD ANNOUNCEMENT: England head coach Eddie Jones has selected eight uncapped players in his 35-man squad ahead of their first match of the Six Nations against Italy in Rome.

RUMOUR MILL: Andy Goode and Big Jim Hamilton reveals what Springbok Duane Vermeulen said when asked how things are at Toulon.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Brumbies prop Allan Alaalatoa believes Christian Lealiifano will return to a leadership role within the Brumbies campp when he returns from Ulster.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: It is often said that Jonah Lomu changed the game in more ways than one.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Eddie Jones could be the man to coach the British and Irish Lions for their South African Tour in 2021.

REACTION: The lure of the Springbok captaincy is not the only reason behind the decision of veteran Springbok Duane Vermeulen's to return to South Africa.

SQUAD ANNOUNCEMENT: Jordan Larmour has been handed a first Ireland call-up after the Leinster full-back was named on Wednesday in Joe Schmidt's Six Nations squad.

INJURY UPDATE: Springbok captain Eben Etzebeth is in a race against time to be fit for the June Tests against England.

DISCIPLINARY UPDATE: Wasps flank James Haskell's hopes of featuring in England's Six Nations campaign was dealt a harsh blow on Wednesday.

DISCIPLINARY UPDATE: French and Toulon centre Mathieu Bastareaud has escaped with no more than a slap on the wrist for his vile outburst.

SIX NATIONS SPOTLIGHT: Wales and Scotland both named their respective squads on Wednesday, and with Gatland’s line-up having a noticeable number of players currently nursing injuries, we took a look at the injury concerns of all four home nations.

SQUAD ANNOUNCEMENT: Despite being embroiled in a homophobia storm, burly centre Mathieu Bastareaud was included in France coach Jacques Brunel's Six Nations squad.

SQUAD ANNOUNCEMENT: Springbok Sevens coach Neil Powell has included Stormers loose forward Sikhumbuzo Notshe to the squad for the next two Sevens Series tournaments in Sydney and in Hamilton.

TRANSFER NEWS: The Cheetahs have bolstered their forward stock with the signing of Golden Lions' lock JP du Preez.

TRANSFER NEWS: Scotland international hooker George Turner has signed a two-year contract with Glasgow Warriors.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Eddie Jones has signed a contract extention which will se him stay in England until August 2021.

TRANSFER NEWS: Bath have made sure they bagged the services of powerful wing Cooper Vuna until the end of the season.

EXCLUSIVE: The cash-strapped Blue Bulls Company (Pty) Ltd has been dragged to court in a labour dispute.

FAREWELL: Springbok Andries Bekker has officially confirmed his retirement from rugby.

SQUAD ANNOUNCMENT: All Blacks Sevens Coach Clark Laidlaw has included 18-year-old Caleb Clarke -son of former All Black Eroni Clarke - in his squad for the Sydney Sevens. 

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Australia flank George Smith has been arrested by the Tokyo Police, according to Japanese Media.

NEWS: European Professional Club Rugby (EPCR) is currently carrying out an investigation into comments made by Toulon President Mourad Boudjellal when he defended Mathieu Bastareaud.

REACTION: France coach Jacques Brunel on Tuesday defended centre Mathieu Bastareaud, who faces a hearing on Wednesday over homophobic insults and could be suspended for the Six Nations. 

NEWS: The Bulls and the Stormers will no longer be playing a Super Rugby pre-season match in Los Angeles.

It's the last round of pool play in Rugby Europe's club competitions. The next stage will be the cruel knock-outs.

NEWS: Yet another French team is looking for a new coach.

PRO14 SPOTLIGHT: The Cheetahs need to dramatically cut down on the number of penalties and resultant yellow cards if they are to progress to the play-offs.

SQUAD ANNOUNCEMENT: Simon Amor has named an experienced squad for the Sydney Sevens which takes place on January 26-28.

SQUAD ANNOUNCEMENT: The uncapped duo of Worcester wing Josh Adams and Scarlets flank James Davies were included in a Wales squad for the first time as coach Warren Gatland on Tuesday named 39 players for the Six Nations.

SQUAD ANNOUNCEMENT: Scotland have been boosted by the return of several experienced players, absent from recent campaigns, for their upcoming Six Nations campaign.