All News

VODCAST: The Late Tackle team of Howie Kahn, Anton van Zyl and Morgan Newman introduce their new panel show for RugbyPass.

VODCAST: Howie Kahn, Anton van Zyl and Morgan Newman bring a South African flavour to the market with a unique style of banter and some interesting points of view on a range of topics.

MATCH REPORT: The Springboks ended the year on a poor note when they went down 22-24 to a Wales side missing a number of key players in Cardiff on Saturday.

DAY TWO, SEMIFINALS WRAP: The BlitzBoks will face New Zealand in the Cup Final at the Dubai Sevens on Saturday. 

DAY TWO, QUARTERFINALS WRAP: The BlitzBoks will face Fiji in the Cup semifinals at the Dubai Sevens.

PREMIERSHIP FRIDAY WRAP: Nili Latu scored from the final play of the game to help Newcastle Falcons earn a fine 24-22 win against Northampton Saints at Franklin’s Gardens.

PRO14 MATCH REPORT: Glasgow Warriors maintained their perfect record and secured their tenth successive PRO14 win with a 40-16 victory over Cardiff Blues at Scotstoun.

PRO14 MATCH REPORT: Christian Lealiifano’s dramatic last-gasp try ensured Ulster left the Dragons with a share of the spoils in a pulsating 32-32 encounter at Rodney Parade.

DAY ONE, ROUND THREE WRAP: The Blitzboks 28-0 victory over Canada concluded a perfect day for the World Sevens Series  Champions.

TRANSFER NEWS: Samoan flyhalf Tim Nanai-Williams has signed a three year contract with Clermont, the French Top 14 champions announced.  

In the final of the Women's Sevens in Dubai on Friday 1 December 2017, Australia b eat the USA 34-0.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: The Springboks play their last match of the season on Saturday against Wales in Cardiff, but captain Eben Etzebeth said his side will not need any extra motivation for the clash in the Principality Stadium.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENTS: Scrumhalf Herschel Jantjies has been named on the Scarlets' bench for their Pro14 clash against the Cheetahs in Bloemfontein on Saturday.

DAY ONE, ROUND TWO WRAP: BlitzBoks star Seabelo Senatla dazzled in his side's second match on Day One at the Dubai Sevens on Friday.

NEWS: The Springboks will host England in three Tests in Johannesburg, Bloemfontein and Cape Town during the three-Test series next June.

I was wrong when we discussed the similarities and differences in the treatment of a ball knocked over threw in-goal boundaries.

PRO14 MATCH REPORT: Sam Hidalgo-Clyne scored a hat-trick off the bench as Edinburgh Rugby secured an impressive 48-21 victory against Southern Kings in South Africa.

DAY ONE, ROUND ONE WRAP: The BlitzBoks were made to work hard for their 19-10 win against Uganda on the opening day of the Dubai Sevens tournament.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Injury-hit Wales' decision to play a fourth Test outside the international release window was a "balancing act", coach Warren Gatland said ahead of Saturday's match against South Africa.

TOP 14, WEEK 12: France's Top 14 might kick off at Saturday lunchtime, but Montpellier's trip to La Rochelle will determine who is top at the end of the weekend.

NEWS: Scrumhalf Augustine Pulu will captain the Blues in the 2018 Super Rugby Championship.

REVEALED: Good news for everyone stuck for gift ideas this Christmas – the new range of Kiwi Super Rugby jerseys have come out.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: This will go down in history as a Test between Wales and South Africa, the 33rd since the first in 1906. It will become a part of the list of Tests, many of them heroic encounters. And yet the teams will not be the best available to the two countries.

Of the 12 teams, three ended the pool sections with three wins in three matches - Australia, Canada and New Zealand.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: There will be an added intensity in the fight for match points in Round 10 of the Pro14 this weekend as six of the seven fixtures are in-Conference clashes. 

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: The South African team to face Wales in their year-end tour finale in Cardiff on Saturday shows 11 changes.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENTS: Edinburgh coach Richard Cockerill welcomed back six members of Scotland's successful Test squad for the Pro14 encounter with the Southern Kings in Port Elizabeth on Friday.

WATCH as former Ireland captain Brian O’Driscoll takes to the pitch once again - this time for a gruelling training session with the England Sevens squad.

NEWS: Brumbies coach Dan McKellar unveiled his squad for the forthcoming Super Rugby season, with nine new faces featuring - including returning Wallaby David Pocock.

HEARD IT THROUGH THE GRAPEVINE: Despite his somewhat comical denial this week, it is becoming obvious there is some truth to the suggestion that Allister Coetzee is about to walk the plank.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Wales have made five changes for their clash against South Africa in Cardiff on Saturday. 

LISTEN as Jan de Koning, Tauriq Ebrahim and Eugene Eloff analyse the Springboks' 2017 form and ask some pointed questions.

WORLD SERIES ROUND ONE: Defending champions South Africa promised to 'raise the bar' when the 2017/18 series get underway on Friday.

WATCH: Toulouse back Cheslin Kolbe gave glimpses of his footwork against Lyon on the weekend in the French Top 14.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Having seemingly taken inspiration from their Rugby League cousins, the Tongan Rugby Union team are looking to acquire the services of a couple of All Blacks for the 2019 World Cup.

MIDLANDS DERBY: A mere six points separate five teams at the top of Premiership  Rugby so we are in for another unpredictable and unforgettable round of the competition this weekend.

NEWS: Wales centre Scott Williams is to leave Pro14 side Scarlets and join Welsh regional rivals the Ospreys on a three-year deal starting from the 2018-19 season.

NEWS: Edinburgh and Scotland's New Zealand-born flank John Hardie has been handed a three-month suspension for gross misconduct.

The Bulls have unveiled their home kit for 2018, which is aimed at celebrating the Blue Bulls Rugby Union's 80 year anniversary.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Some players push the envelope too much and for one player this has earned him an unwanted record.

WATCH as Wales captain Alun Wyn Jones - along with teammates - tries to unravel the lekker South African lingo.

TRANSFER NEWS: Ireland internationals Luke Marshall, Rob Herring and Kieran Treadwell have signed three-year contract extensions with Ulster Rugby, which will keep them at Kingspan Stadium until 2021.

OFF THE FIELD: Fiji rugby stars Josaia Raisuqe and Waisea Nayacalevu went on trial in France over a drunken brawl outside a Paris nightspot, with Raisuqe answering charges of sexual assault.

OPINION: The year-end Internationals dominated headlines in recent weeks, so for this month’s Watchability Rankings, RugbyPass cast their net a little wider.

TRANSFER NEWS: Northampton Saints announced that a duo of Saints - Alex Waller and Mikey Haywood - have re-signed with the club.

INJURY UPDATE: English centre Matthew Hopper ruptured a knee ligament as Oyonnax drew with Clermont at the weekend and is unlikely to play again this season, the club confrimed.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: The Melbourne Rebels, led by new Head Coach Dave Wessels, has undergone a serious revitalisation with a refresh of the club’s rugby department and playing squad, including the recent recruitment of Wallabies vice-captain Will Genia and Adam Coleman.

SEVENS SPOTLIGHT: The South Africa Rugby Sevens Academy team in recent years not only produced commendable results in the International Invitational section of the Dubai Sevens, they also provided a solid supply of capable players to the Springbok Sevens set-up.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Munster head coach Johann van Graan is facing the prospect of losing the service of  CJ Stander and Peter O’Mahony leaving Ireland.

REACTION: World Rugby’s move to ban wording on players’ wrist tape has received widespread criticism - this time from leading administrators after players aired their grievances.

DISCIPLINARY UPDATE: Harlequins flank James Chisholm has been handed a three-week suspension for a tip-tackle.

THE SHORT BALL: This week Scotty Stevenson and Mils Muliaina are joined by All Black and current Blues captain James Parsons.

SQUAD ANNOUNCEMENT: Former Stormers and Brumbies prop Jean-Pierre (JP) Smith is one of 10 new signing named in the Queensland Reds squad for the 2018 Super Rugby season.

TRANSFER NEWS: Scotland flyhalf Finn Russell will replace Dan Carter at Racing 92 next summer, the club confirmed on their website as the player visited Paris.

The November Test window is shut now with just a crack open to let Wales play South Africa. It has been a fascinating month with much to interest those who are keen to watch the laws in action.

NEWS: The secrecy surrounding the removal of a liquidator from the Western Province bankruptcy saga has cast an even darker cloud over the entire process.

SEVENS SPOTLIGHT: After a memorable 2017 so far, Ruhan Nel has his sights set on winning more trophies over the next few months.  

DISCIPLINARY NEWS: Ater a rollercoaster season in the Australian season to top it all off, prop Sekope Kepu has been given a three-week ban.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Fans might still be recovering from some huge shocks in Round Nine of the Premiership, but before you know it Round 10 will be upon us and a tantalising midlands derby awaits.

WATCH as the 1014 team - in Part two - takes a look at more matches from Week Three of the November Internationals.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Forget concussions, financial troubles in Pacific Island rugby and figuring out how to pick a World Cup host without pissing everyone off – World Rugby have shown clearly where their priorities are by apparently banning players writing on the tape on their arms.

NEWS: Wales appears to be more successful that South Africa in the annual year-end tug-of war with European clubs.

WATCH: This is quite simply one of the worst things you will ever see on a rugby pitch.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Three New Zealand coaches are believed to be shortlisted to succeed Warren Gatland as Wales coach after the 2019 Rugby World Cup.

Same sort of teams, similar incidents but different referees and different outcomes. It makes you wonder. rugby365's law guru, Paul Dobson, looks at both cases.

WATCH: After more than 14 000 votes were cast, Joaquín Tuculet's score for Argentina in the first test against England in June was named the IRPA (International Rugby Players' Association) Try of the Year 2017.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Thomas du Toit is set to become one of the heaviest Springboks ever after he was called in to provide front-row cover this week.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Rieko Ioane, the World Breakthrough Player of the Year award winner, has expressed a desire to return to the position he played as a schoolboy, and in large part for the Blues this year.

SEVENS SPOTLIGHT: Springbok Sevens forward Albertus 'Kwagga' Smith is not only determined to add another successful stint with the BlitzBoks to his already impressive rugby CV, he also wants to improve his skill set as a player.

OPINION: The final round of November internationals have come and gone and so we deliver the last our famous weekly selections for the year.

INJURY UPDATE: Springbok hooker Malcolm Marx and flank Siyamthanda Kolisi will return to the training field on Monday as the team begins their preparations for the last November tour match against Wales in Cardiff on Saturday.

NEWS: Ireland have replaced Australia in third place in the World Rugby Rankings thanks to the Wallabies' heavy defeat at the hands of Scotland at Murrayfield. 

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Toulon's troubles in the Top14 grew deeper on Saturday afternoon as the French giants lost 20-19 to Castres at the Stade Pierre-Antoine, yet that was not what had people talking after the game.

WATCH: Time has run out for authorities to cite All Black captain Sam Whitelock for this 47th minute incident involving Wales prop Tomas Francis.

TRANSFER NEWS: Head Coach Bernard Jackman has secured the marquee signing of British & Irish Lions and Wales star Ross Moriarty on a two-year deal with the Dragons.

WATCH all the highlights from Round Nine of the Premiership, which saw the mighty Saracens fall again.

WATCH all the highlights from Round Nine of the Pro14, which saw a number of interesting reults.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Black Ferns' success at the World Rugby Awards in Monaco is proof of the massive strides the women's game are taking.

WATCH as the 1014 team takes a look at Week Three of the November Internationals.

Man, that was a long one. The All Blacks played their 15th and last test match of 2017 over the weekend, a 33-18 win over Wales in Cardiff.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: All Blacks legend Dan Carter will be an instant hit in Japan after joining Top League club Kobelco Steelers next summer, a senior team official confirmed.

NEWS: Tests will return to Australia's Gold Coast next year as the Wallabies host Argentina, with Sydney and Brisbane the other Rugby Championship venues announced Monday.  

WORLD RUGBY AWARDS: Beauden Barrett emulated New Zealand great Richie McCaw when the All Blacks flyhalf won World Rugby's Player of the Year award for a second straight year on Sunday.

OPINION: The All Blacks closed out their year in Cardiff with an entertaining 33-18 win over Wales.

TOP 14 SUNDAY WRAP: Racing 92 swept aside Montpellier 26-0 to give the French Top 14 leaders' title aspirations a major reality check on Sunday.

REACTION: Clive Woodward believes a "versatile" England are on course to challenge for the 2019 World Cup under coach Eddie Jones.

PREMIERSHIP SUNDAY WRAP: Prop Moray Low scored the winning try as Exeter Chiefs extended their lead over Saracens at the top of the Premiership table with a 20-18 win at Allianz Park.

REACTION: Wales skipper Alun Wyn Jones says his team must channel their frustration at having lost to New Zealand into trying to post an unprecedented second successive victory over South Africa next weekend.

REACTION: "We've pretty much hit bottom," Mathieu Bastareaud, the French centre said after Les Bleus ended their November internationals with a 23-23 draw against Japan.

PRO14 REPORT: Alex Wootton crossed for a double as Munster were made to fight hard against Zebre before claiming a first win of Johann van Graan's reign.

PRO14 REPORT: George Horne was the star of the show as he helped Glasgow Warriors preserve their perfect start to the season with a comfortable 47-6 victory away to Ospreys.

SQUAD UPDATE: Thomas du Toit has been called up to provide front row cover for the Springboks and is set to join the tour squad on Monday in Cardiff, Wales.

PRO14 REPORT: Dan Jones inspired defending Pro14 champions Scarlets as they overcame a spirited Southern Kings in South Africa to keep themselves top of the tree in Conference B.

REACTION: Springboks head coach Allister Coetzee was pleased with his side's performance up front in difficult conditions against Italy in Padua on Saturday.

TOP 14 SATURDAY WRAP: Three-time European champions Toulon's struggles continued in the Top 14 as they lost 19-20 at Castres on Saturday while champions Clermont were held at Oyonnax.

UPDATE: A New Zealand rugby drugs cheat has refused to name star players on steroids despite being offered a reduction on his six-year playing ban if he did, according to a report Sunday.

REACTION: The Six Nations tournament next year will not be used for experimenting with fresh faces ahead of the 2019 World Cup, said Ireland head coach Joe Schmidt.

REACTION: England coach Eddie Jones has challenged his side to make Six Nations history next year after they ended 2017 with a 48-14 victory over Samoa at Twickenham.

REACTION: Australia head coach Michael Cheika insisted that prop Sekope Kepu's red card was no excuse for the record 24-53 hammering the Wallabies suffered in their final tour match to Scotland, but told his squad that they needed to improve their "mindset".

REACTION: Japan are "disappointed" but happy with their progress after coming within a missed conversion of causing a huge upset by beating France on French soil, forward Wimpie Van der Walt said.

REACTION: Italy's normally talkative Irish coach Conor O'Shea conceded he was speechless after South Africa ran in five tries to crush Italy 35-6 and avenge last year's historic defeat.

REACTION: All Black wing sensation Rieko Ioane was hailed as a phenomenon by coach Steve Hansen after a man-of-the-match two-try performance in a thrilling 33-18 victory over Wales on Saturday.

REPORT: Japan held France to a 23-23 draw in their final November international at U Arena in Paris on Saturday, with the hosts lucky to avoid a sixth straight defeat.

OPINION: England wrapped up their year-end series with a 48-14 victory over an outclassed Samoa side at Twickenham, securing their third win from as many games in the month of November.

PREMIERSHIP WRAP: Worcester Warriors claimed their first-ever win against Leicester Tigers at Welford Road to make it back to back Premiership Rugby victories.

OPINION: Jacob Stockdale will get the accolades, but it was clear Ireland had too much class for Argentina in the 28-19 win in their one-off Test at Lansdowne Road on Saturday.

OPINION: Italy dominated possession and territory, but still got outplayed by an impressive South African team in Padua on Saturday.

OPINION: The Wallabies have ended their November Test series with a heavy 24-53 defeat to Scotland at Murrayfield.

MATCH REPORT: Elliot Daly scored two tries as a much-changed England ended the year with a comfortable if scrappy 48-14 win over Samoa at Twickenham on Saturday.

OPINION: South Africa produced their best performance of the year-end tour to score an emphatic 35-6 win over Italy in Padua on Saturday.

MATCH REPORT: Jacob Stockdale's brace of tries spurred Ireland to a  28-19 win over Argentina at  Lansdowne Road on Saturday.

REPORT: New Zealand scored three second-half tries to secure a 33-18 win over an impressive Wales team in Cardiff on Saturday.

TRANSFER NEWS: New Zealand's Dan Carter will leave French Top 14 outfit Racing 92 and sign a two-year contract with Japanese club Kobelco Steelers at the end of the season, French media reported.

MATCH REPORT: South Africa had no trouble in disposing if Italy in Padua on Saturday, winning 35-6 in a rain-soaked encounter.

MATCH REPORT: Scotland closed their November campaign in style with a record 53-24 win over Australia at the Murrayfield on Saturday.

VIDEO: Johann Van Graan is just coming to the end of his first week as the head coach of Munster and has now given his first interview since joining the province.

VIDEO: Clayton Blommetjies put in this excellent grubber kick for Craig Barry in the 27th minute en route to their side's 33-13 Pro14 victory over Edinburgh.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: New Zealand Rugby CEO Steve Tew has confirmed that the All Black head coaching job will be discussed at their December board meeting.

NOVEMBER SPOTLIGHT: Chris Robshaw returns to England's openside flank berth against Samoa at Twickenham on Saturday with a renewed understanding of the highs and lows of international Rugby Union.

NOVEMBER SPOTLIGHT: Cian Healy has established a reputation as a DJ and turned his hand to painting, but the grizzled Irish prop is delighted he has not had to take them up yet full-time.

PREMIERSHIP REPORT: Henry Purdy was the star of the show as Gloucester made it four Premiership wins on the spin with an impressive 29-7 victory at Newcastle Falcons on Friday.

PRO14 REPORT: Leinster powered away from the Dragons on Friday, scoring eight tries and 54 unanswered points to stay hot on the heels of Scarlets at the top of Conference B.  

PRO14 REPORT: Cardiff Blues were forced to battle hard to hold on for a topsy-turvy Pro14 victory that sees them leapfrog Connacht in Conference A.

IN THE PADUA SPOTLIGHT: Mbongeni Mbonambi is not everybody's cup of tea, but Springbok coach Allister Coetzee believes he will prove his detractors wrong.

PRO14 REPORT: Ulster's most-capped player Andrew Trimble stole his side the narrowest of victories right at the death, as the Irish province just edged out Benetton at the Kingspan.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Australia will have an added incentive to beat Scotland as they aim to send hooker Stephen Moore into retirement with a victory at Murrayfield on Saturday.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Samuel Whitelock has no desire for family history to repeat itself when he captains world champions New Zealand against Wales on Saturday.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Samoa coach Titimaea Tafua hopes his side can produce a stirring display against England at Twickenham on Saturday as they bid to revive their fortunes both on and off the field.

PRO14 REPORT: The Cheetahs recorded a 33-13 bonus-point win over Edinburgh in their Pro14 clash in Bloemfontein on Friday.

Lesego Legoete, whom everybody knows as Pro, was crowned as the Golden Lions Rugby Union top referee at a gala function in Midrand on Thursday evening.

South African referees have made their panels known, and for the first time ever a woman is on the top panel of nine referees - Aimee Barrett-Theron.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Ireland captain Rory Best believes the squad who line-up against Argentina on Saturday is in a "stronger place" than it was when the Pumas dashed their World Cup hopes in 2015.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Japan coach Jamie Joseph has made just one change to his team for Saturday's Test match against France following last week's win over Tonga.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: The All Blacks remain unfazed by the loss of talismanic skipper Kieran Read for the side's season-ending Test against Wales on Saturday, according to playmaker Beauden Barrett.

SEVENS SQUAD ANNOUNCEMENT: Simon Amor has named an experienced England Sevens side for the opening tournament of the 2017/18 World Rugby Sevens Series in Dubai on December 1-2.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENTS: The Southern Kings side have undergone a number of changes for their clash against Scarlets in Round nine of Pro14 on November 26

SQUAD ANNOUNCEMENT: Springbok Sevens coach Neil Powell welcomed back BlitzBoks regulars Kyle Brown, Albertus Smith, Justin Geduld and Seabelo Senatla to his squad for the Dubai tournament on December 1 and 2.

Watch as the 1014 Rugby team previews Week Three of the November Internationals.

TEAM UPDATE: Head Coach Gregor Townsend has made an injury-enforced change to the Scotland team to face Australia at Murrayfield.

TOP14, WEEK 11: Montpellier face a test of their title credentials this weekend against 2016 champions Racing 92, according to wing Benjamin Fall.

TRANSFER NEWS: After working alongside Dave Wessels at the Western Force, Joe Barakat has signed with the Melbourne Rebels as an assistant coach for the 2018 Super Rugby season.

SEVENS SQUAD ANNOUNCEMENT: Australian Men’s Sevens team has been named for the HSBC Sevens World Series leg in Dubai with the latest signings to the team, Maurice Longbottom and Ben O’Donnell to earn their first Australian Sevens caps.

NOVEMBER INTERNATIONAL SEASON: There is a cruel irony in financial firm Old Mutual Wealth being the sponsor for Saturday's match between England and Samoa at Twickenham.

TRANSFER NEWS: Wallabies back Karmichael Hunt has re-signed until the end of 2019, after putting pen to paper on a two year deal with Rugby Australia and the Queensland Reds.

NOVEMBER INTERNATIONAL SEASON: Retiring hooker Stephen Moore has warned the wounded Wallabies they will face a "tough test" against an increasingly confident Scotland in their European tour finale in Edinburgh on Saturday.

NOVEMBER INTERNATIONAL SEASON: Revenge will not be on Ireland's minds when they face Argentina on Saturday at Lansdowne Road.

NOVEMBER INTERNATIONAL SEASON: Warren Gatland renews the Lions rivalry with the All Blacks when he comes face-to-face with Steve Hansen as Wales host New Zealand on Saturday and bid to buck a 29-match losing streak dating back to 1953.

NOVEMBER INTERNATIONAL SEASON: rugby365's acclaimed writer Paul Dobson gives us his unique insights into the Test between Italy and South Africa on Saturday.

RACE HOTTING UP: After Round Eight produced more thrilling rugby and a total of 44 tries, the Pro14 resumes this weekend.

DISCIPLINARY UPDATE: Australia coach Michael Cheika has avoided punishment, after being investigated over allegations of a foul-mouthed rant.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Captain Kieran Read will miss the All Blacks' final match of the year - against Wales on Saturday.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Flank Giovanni Licata will make his first start for Italy against South Africa in Padova on Saturday.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Wallaby coach Michael Cheika has named Stephen Moore to start in what will be his 129th, and final, Test of a professional career that has spanned 15 years.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: An injury to Robbie Henshaw has obliged Ireland head coach Joe Schmidt to select an inexperienced centre pairing for Saturday's Test against Argentina at Lansdowne Road.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: France coach Guy Noves has changed six of his seven backs for Saturday's international Test match against Japan.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Bongi Mbonambi will make his first start for the Springboks against Italy in Padova on Saturday.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENTS: The Cheetahs will see a number of familiar faces when they host Edinburgh in a Pro14 Round Nine match in Bloemfontein on Friday.

THE SHORT BALL: Scotty Stevenson and Mils Muliaina discuss the fact that while you might hear about a Scottish B-Team, or a Welsh B-Team, you’d never hear it spoken of an All Blacks Test side.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Coach Warren Gatland has recalled his big guns for the one-off Test match against world champions New Zealand on Saturday in a bid to break a losing streak that dates back to 1953.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Eddie Jones has surprised with the captaincy when he named his squad to play Samoa in the final Test of year-end internationals on Saturday.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Right now, one player more than ever symbolises the exciting brand of rugby that the All Blacks are known for.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Samoa's players have vowed to continue doing their country proud on the field, despite the ongoing financial drama playing itself out in the boardroom.

NEWS: French Rugby Federation (FFR) President Bernard Laporte said he will stand for re-election in 2020, but that it would be his last candidacy.

NEWS: Wallabies lock Adam Coleman signed a deal to join the Melbourne Rebels and stay with the Australian national team for the 2019 World Cup.

INTERVIEW: It has been a meteoric rise for Wilco Louw and the young prop hopes to raise the bar significantly against Italy on Saturday.

NEWS: German rugby has been thrown into chaos after the men's national team decided to go on strike.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Japan coach Jamie Joseph says he's happy to sacrifice ranking points in order to better prepare the Brave Blossoms to compete at the World Cup they're hosting in two years' time.

TRANSFER NEWS: New Zealand international Luke McAlister has joined Clermont from Toulon on loan as injury cover.

TOP 14 SPOTLIGHT: Controversial Toulon president Mourad Boudjellal fumed that his team would stop playing on Sundays unless the French league pays them compensation.

TRANSFER NEWS: George North will leave English Premiership side Northampton at the end of the season and return to Wales on a national dual contract.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Hooker Ken Owens says Wales will need to be "alive for 80 minutes" when they tackle the All Blacks on Saturday, bidding to end more than 60 years of hurt.

REACTION: Scotland coach Gregor Townsend said the national side could suffer if players continue to move abroad.

REACTION: Scarlets' newest arrival, Australian lock Steve Cummins, on Tuesday headed to South Africa with his fellow teammates.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Gloucester Rugby’s comeback victory over Saracens and Exeter Chiefs’ ascent to the summit were just some of the highlights of Round Eight.

Referees Claire Hodnett and Joy Neville will both make history in men's matches this weekend.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Scotland coach Gregor Townsend has made four changes to the side that lost narrowly to the All Blacks for the match against Australia this weekend.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: The All Blacks immaculate record over Wales is not the main priority on the visitors' agenda revealed lock Sam Whitelock.

INTERVIEW: Springbok Rohan Janse van Rensburg speaks about the excitement of playing in the Premiership and what his expectations are.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Wales defence coach Shaun Edwards admits he has one of the toughest jobs in sport this week as he attempts to devise a plan which will shut down the New Zealand attack.

IN THE PADOVA SPOTLIGHT: Italy won't have the wile of Brendan Venter in their corner this time around, but they still believe they have the beating of South Africa.

TRANSFER NEWS: Ronan O'Gara will leave French Top 14 side Racing 92 to take up a coaching role at the Crusaders in New Zealand.

SQUAD ANNOUNCEMENT: Coach Clark Laidlaw has announced Scott Curry and Tim Mikkelson will co-captain the New Zealand Sevens team.

TRANSFER NEWS: Brumbies have signed former Wests Tigers and Western Force wing Chance Peni on a two-year deal for the 2018 Super Rugby season.

OPINION: Scotty Stevenson reunites with a very tanned Mils Muliaina to discuss why Warren Gatland is misunderstood, Michael Cheika is misunderstood, and pretty much every coach is misunderstood.

INTERVIEW: The 1014 team interview Avan Lee the CEO of Hurricanes Rugby in New Zealand.

PADOVA POWER PLAY: South Africa were forced to change their training routine, but it may well come as a blessing in disguise.

TRANSFER NEWS: Rob Miller is the latest player to put pen to paper on a new deal with Premiership side the Wasps.

DISCIPLINARY NEWS: Australia international and former Waratahs centre Rob Horne has been suspended following Northampton Saints 15-30 defeat to Worcester Warriors.

VIDEO: rugby365's law guru Paul Dobson looks at the controversial final minutes of the Wales versus Georgia Test, after many pundits suggested Wales may have cheated.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Veteran centre Jamie Roberts is in contention for a Wales recall against world champions New Zealand in Cardiff on Saturday as the Welsh aim for their first win over the All Blacks since 1953. 

UPDATE: Australia coach Michael Cheika was left waiting to find out if he will be punished for his conduct during the Wallabies' 6-30 defeat by England last week, as officials confirmed a disciplinary probe was still ongoing.

UPDATE: New Zealand forward Ardie Savea has been put into isolation at the All Blacks' training base after contracting mumps, it was announced Tuesday.

SQUAD ANNOUNCEMENT: Scrumhalf Mike Phillips has agreed to come out of retirement to help his former club Scarlets.

NEWS: Australia veteran Stephen Moore is to retire from all competitive Rugby Union following the Wallabies' tour finale against Scotland this weekend, the Queensland hooker announced Tuesday.

INJURY UPDATE: Nathan Hughes has been ruled out of England's concluding November international against Samoa with a knee injury.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: The complex labyrinth of specious and discombobulating statements has further added to the disputable reputation of Western Province Rugby Football Union officials.

TRANSFER NEWS: Edinburgh have secured the signature of former Blues playmaker Simon Hickey from Bordeaux Bègles on a two-year deal.

VIDEO: Kenya has uncovered a schoolboy prodigy - Jeff Mutuku.

LISTEN as coach Allister Coetzee reveals what South Africa can expect from Italy when the two teams meet on Saturday.

INJURY UPDATE: Wales will be without the services of backline pair Liam Williams and Alex Cuthbert for their Test match against the All Blacks.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Marius Goosen is currently helping Italy plot another victory over the Springboks ahead of their showdown in Padova on Saturday.

TRANSFER NEWS: Following last week’s raft of re-signings, two more London Irish stars put pen to paper on new deals with the Premiership Rugby club.

OPINION: The 1014 team again does excellent work as they review the past weekend's major international matches.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Warren Gatland has urged Wales to be wary of New Zealand's 'X-factor' instead of his sideshow with counterpart Steve Hansen.

For the most part the international window starts to close this weekend.

SUPER RUGBY PRE-SEASON: The Bulls will again travel to Polokwane for a Super Rugby warm-up match in 2018, this time facing the Sharks at the Peter Mokaba Stadium on January 27 next year.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: All Blacks loose forward Sam Cane believes 2017 has been a big learning curve for the world champions, especially after their exploits in 2016.

TRANSFER NEWS: Scotland international lock Ben Toolis, who earned his sixth international cap against New Zealand at BT Murrayfield on Saturday, will be an Edinburgh player for at least the next two years.

TRANSFER NEWS: Brumbies have claimed the signature of lock Richie Arnold, twin brother of Rory, on a two-year deal that will keep him with the side until the end of the 2019 Super Rugby season.

VIDEO: Steven Prescott, of the 1014 team, chats with Blues team doctor Steven Kara about what exactly happens when a player leaves the field for an HIA (Head Injury Assessment).

TRANSFER NEWS: Maurice Longbottom who barnstormed onto the Rugby Sevens scene with an amazing performance at the Munich Sevens has committed to Rugby Australia and the Australian Sevens side until the 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games.

NEWS: Victorian hooker Jordan Uelese has committed to Australian Rugby until 2020, after the rising star was recognised for his breakout year with a new contract with Rugby Australia and the Melbourne Rebels.

REACTION: World Rugby dismissed "inaccurate" claims from Samoa's Prime Minister that the sport is bankrupt in the Pacific nation and the governing body interfered in coach selection.

NEWS: Australia coach Michael Cheika's conduct during his side's defeat to England at Twickenham is under investigation after he appeared to mouth an obscenity.

OPINION: England recorded their biggest win over Australia, so it comes as no surprise that English players dominate our Team of the Week for Week Two of the November Internationals.

NEWS: South Africa's narrow 18-17 win over France may have slightly settled their nerves,  but far from enough to climb any places.

INJURY UPDATE: Loose forward Pieter-Steph du Toit is set to regain his spot in the Springboks' matchday squad for Saturday's clash against Italy. 

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: The start of a new regime could not come at a better time for the Springboks.

SQUAD UPDATE: Saracens wing Sean Maitland and Glasgow Warriors hooker Fraser Brown were added to the Scotland squad ahead of this Saturday's match against Australia at Murrayfield.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Eddie Jones has hailed Danny Care as a creative maestro on a par with Arsenal footballer Alexis Sanchez after the England scrum-half inspired an impressive victory over old rivals Australia.

VIDEO: New Zealand already had Crockzilla [Wyatt Crockett] sent to the bin less than a minute earlier for a ridiculously cynical foul, and then this vile act happened.

TRANSFER NEWS: Glasgow Warriors have confirmed that flyhalf Finn Russell will leave the club at the end of the season.

INJURY UPDATE: Rieko Ioane and Luke Romano have been ruled out of New Zealand's final Test of the year against Wales on Saturday.

TRANSFER NEWS: South African utility back James Verity-Amm has signed a one-year contract with the Super Rugby franchise the Brumbies.

TRANSFER NEWS: Wellington skipper Brad Shields on Monday confirmed a move to Wasps in 2018, ending his All Black aspirations but opening the door to a potential switch to England for the 2019 World Cup.

REACTION: Louis Picamoles admitted France are fed up with losing after suffering a seventh reverse in 10 matches this year against South Africa in Paris.

TOP14 WRAP: Racing 92 staged a stirring second-half comeback to down Toulon 40-29 in a clash of Top 14 big-spenders, while Stade Francais held on to beat rock bottom Oyonnax on Sunday.

PREMIERSHIP WRAP: Exeter Chiefs leapfrogged Saracens at the top of the Premiership Rugby table after Jonny Hill's second-half double saw off Harlequins.

INJURY UPDATE: Liam Williams faces a race against time to prove his fitness for Wales' showdown against world champions New Zealand on Saturday.

INJURY UPDATE: Springbok captain Eben Etzebeth and hooker Malcolm Marx underwent X-rays to determine the severity of injuries sustained in Saturday’s 18-17 win over France in Paris.

REACTION: South Africa coach Allister Coetzee has shrugged off Handre Pollard's questionable kicking display and chose to pay tribute to the character of his "unbelievable" players.

REACTION: Scotland captain John Barclay was left rueing 'the one that got away' after his inspired side came close to a historic victory against New Zealand in a 22-17 defeat against the world champions.

OPINION: The All Black survived a scare against Scotland at Murrayfield, winning 22-17.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Japan coach Jamie Joseph hailed a performance of strength and application as his side overwhelmed Tonga 39-6 in southwest France on Saturday.

REACTION: Eddie Jones refused to entertain suggestions that England had been lucky after a 30-6 win over Australia.

REACTION: Wallabies head coach Michael Cheika refused to criticise referee Ben O’Keeffe and insisted there would be no excuses after his side were beaten 6-30 by England in a match packed with controversial incidents.

REACTION: Wales coach Warren Gatland denied there was an attempt to manipulate the rules after his team's lacklustre 13-6 victory over Georgia ended controversially.

OPINION: France surprised many by pushing South Africa as far as they did but came up agonisingly short, despite a late surge.

OPINION: The match never set the night alight but the Springboks did enough to ensure they bounced back to secure their first victory in the November international Test window.

NOVEMBER INTERNATIONAL REPORT: Fiji came close to beating an inexperienced Ireland team in a pulsating clash in Dublin on Saturday but the home side clung on for a sixth win a row.

PREMIERSHIP ROUND EIGHT WRAP: Bryce Heem's hat-trick earned Worcester Warriors their first Premiership win of the season while Christian Wade's double helped Wasps to six-try win over Newcastle Falcons.

OPINION: The Wallabies' good recent run of form came to an end at a very dreary Twickenham. 

OPINION: England blew the cobwebs and some of their lingering criticisms away with a 30-6 victory over Australia, their fifth over the Wallabies during the Eddie Jones tenure, in a game where the scoreline certainly flattered the home side.

NOVEMBER INTERNATIONAL REPORT: The French fought valiantly to steal a late victory but their efforts fell just short as the Springboks managed to hang on for an 18-17 victory in Paris.

MATCH REPORT: Wales were given a scare by Georgia on Saturday before clinging on to win 13-6 in a remarkable finish in Cardiff.

REPORT: It took an injury-time tackle from New Zealand flyhalf Beauden Barrett on Scotland's flying fullback Stuart Hogg to deny a dogged Scotland the chance of an historic victory against the All Blacks on Saturday.

MATCH REPORT: Argentina scored 17 unanswered points in the final 20 minutes on Saturday to beat Italy 31-15 in a November international in Florence.

MATCH REPORT: Elliot Daly scored the decisive try of the match as England beat Australia 30-6 at Twickenham on Saturday.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Australia will look to put the lessons of four successive defeats by England to good use when they meet their old rivals in Saturday's clash at Twickenham.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: England coach Eddie Jones has made no secret of wanting his side to "physically dominate" Australia at Twickenham on Saturday but the life-long cricket fan stopped short of a 'Bodyline' approach.

NOVEMBER INTERNATIONALS: Japan will use Saturday's game against Tonga to match up against bigger and stronger opponents on their difficult road to hosting the 2019 World Cup.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Australia captain Michael Hooper backed rising star Blake Enever to come good against England after the Brumbies lock's dramatic late call into the Wallabies' side for Saturday's clash at Twickenham.

PREMIERSHIP MATCH REPORT: Second-half tries from Ollie Thorley and Tom Hudson ensured Gloucester keep their perfect home record intact with a remarkable come-from-behind 23-17 win over Saracens.

INJURY UPDATE: Scotland lock Tim Swinson will miss his country's Six Nations campaign after being ruled out for at least four months with a hand injury.

DISCIPLINARY UPDATE: Sale Sharks Director of Rugby Steve Diamond has been handed a six-week stadium ban after his feisty reaction after his side's 6-10 defeat to Exeter Chiefs.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: England and British & Irish Lions star Tom Croft has confirmed his retirement from professional rugby with immediate effect.

TRANSFER NEWS: Brumbies are delighted to announce the signing of South African born prop Mees Erasmus on an EPS [Extended Playing Squad] contract for 2018.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: South Africa captain Eben Etzebeth lauded the return of powerful back rower Duane Vermeulen for Saturday's international Test against France.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: England coach Eddie Jones has criticised Australia counterpart Michael Cheika for showing a lack of respect towards referee Ben O'Keeffe by trying to influence him through media comments rather than meet with him face-to-face.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: France will have revenge on their minds when they host South Africa in Paris on Saturday, according to captain Guilhem Guirado

TRANSFER NEWS: Scotland captain John Barclay is returning to his homeland after Edinburgh announced his arrival from Scarlets on a two-year contract.

TEAM UPDATE: Wallabies have been forced into a late change after Adam Coleman was ruled out with a thumb injury.

SEVENS SPOTLIGHT: With the Springbok Sevens team for the Dubai Sevens to be named in a weeks time, the competition for a spot can only enhance the side admits Chris Dry.

NEWS: The Sharks confirmed the appointment of Dick Muir to their coaching team ahead of the 2018 Super Rugby season.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: England wing Jonny May believes he's quicker than ever heading into Saturday's Cook Cup clash against Australia at Twickenham.

NOVEMBER INTERNATIONAL SEASON: Sonny Bill Williams confesses to being unaware that the All Blacks have never lost to Scotland but insists the back-to-back world champions are "on edge" as they prepare for a Test that falls on the 112th anniversary of the first match between the countries.

TOP 14, WEEK 10: Franck Azema, the coach of champions Clermont, has admitted to being annoyed at the rapid transfer of power towards Saturday's opponents Lyon.

NOVEMBER INTERNATIONAL SEASON: Italy coach Conor O'Shea named an unchanged side from last week's win over Fiji for this weekend's Test against Argentina in Florence.

NEWS: The parent body of Australia's Western Force went into voluntary administration on Friday over "financial constraints" after its vain attempt to save the team from being axed from Super Rugby.

NOVEMBER INTERNATIONAL SEASON: Eddie Jones has urged England to "physically dominate" Australia when the old rivals contest the Cook Cup at Twickenham on Saturday.

NOVEMBER INTERNATIONAL SEASON: For the second week South Africa will face one of the other contestants for the 2023 Rugby World Cup. 

REACTION: Australia did their best to turn the tables on an England side coached by Eddie Jones ahead of Saturday's clash at Twickenham by insisting their rivals are "spoilt" and tackle late.

REACTION: Eddie Jones wants a big performance from Owen Farrell on Saturday when England face an Australia side he labelled the "best in the world at the moment."

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: New Zealand's matchday 23 for their clash against Scotland features just two changes from the team which beat France 39-18 in Paris last weekend.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Chris Farrell makes his Test debut for Ireland in Saturday's one-off Test with Fiji.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: South Africa-born Cornell du Preez starts for Scotland for the first time against world champions New Zealand in Saturday's one-off Test at Murrayfield.

NEWS: Former South African schools player Jaco van der Walt, recently cit from the Golden Lions' roster, will Pro14 outfit Edinburgh.

IN THE SHADOW OF TEST RUGBY: Having heartily sunk their teeth into the Anglo-Welsh Cup over recent weeks, the Premiership clubs can now look forward to reacquainting themselves with league action.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: France coach Guy Noves said his players deserved a second chance.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Springbok coach Allister Coetzee has made 10 changes to the matchday 23 to face France in Paris on Saturday.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: England coach Eddie Jones asked for a 'full-strength' Australia and Wallaby rival Michael Cheika obliged.

OPINION: Traditionally, success in rugby has usually come from good player and coach development at all levels, underpinned by effective governance.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Dan Lydiate will captain Wales for a third time, as he leads his country in their first outing against Georgia in Cardiff on Saturday.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: England head coach Eddie Jones has made four changes to the side that defeated Argentina 21-8 for their clash against Australia at Twickenham on Saturday.

NEWS: Extra seats will be installed and 3000 additional tickets per day be made available for the previously sold-out Cape Town Sevens tournament, SA Rugby confirmed.

Amidst claims of underhanded dealings and rules having been broken, Jan de Koning, Eugene Eloff and Tauriq Ebrahim look at the shock decision to award the 2023 World Cup to France.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: What a difference a few months can make. Ben Smith puts Kurtley Beale on centre stage.

NEWS: The Melbourne Rebels have added an international quartet to their squad for the 2018 Super Rugby season.

OPINION: A very dusty Scotty Stevenson chats with Mils Muliaina about a wide range of topics, from the 2023 RWC hosting decision to Ronan O’Gara to the problems in Pacific Island rugby.

REACTION: Bernard Laporte twice fell short in coaching France to victory in the World Cup, but 10 years after his second semifinal defeat he delivered his country the right to host the sport's most prestigious tournament.

NEWS: A parliamentary inquiry said the Australian Rugby Union chose to axe Western Force from Super Rugby months before a review process was completed and a decision was announced.

WORLD CUP: New Zealand Rugby Union boss Steve Tew defended a shock decision to stage the 2023 World Cup in France.

REACTION: England scrum coach Neal Hatley said the decision to drop George Kruis ahead of this weekend's clash with Australia is proof of their "ridiculous riches" at lock.

WORLD CUP 2023 REACTION: The Irish Rugby Football Union (IRFU) has expressed its disappointment that it couldn’t count on Scotland and Wales during the 2023 World Cup bidding process.

VIDEO REACTION: Attacks by bid rivals France and Ireland over the past fortnight cost South Africa, as they lost out to France to host the 2023 World Cup.

REACTION: It seems that everyone was shocked with the World Cup 2023 outcome...expect France rugby icon Sebastien Chabal.

REACTION: World Rugby chairman Bill Beaumont denied being 'humiliated' after the global game voted against the recommendation and France won the right to stage the 2023 World Cup.

TRANSFER NEWS: Wasps hooker Tom Cruse has joined Ashley Johnson in signing a contract extension with the Premiership side.

REACTION: Shock and horror. That is the reaction when France won the right to host the tournament.

NEWS: France internationals Yoann Maestri and Jean-Marc Doussain will both quit Toulouse at the end of the season.

BREAKING NEWS: France have won the right to host World Cup 2023.

SQUAD ANNOUNCEMENT: Springboks scrumhalf Rudy Paige has been included in the Bulls Super Rugby 2018 squad despite speculations of an exit.

OPINION: All is not rosy in rugby right now. Bankruptcy, mismanagement, race issues and the structure of the game itself have created turmoil in some of rugby’s most storied outposts, to the point where the future of the game in those countries is genuinely in doubt.

OPINION: It is no surprise that on-field success in rugby is in large part driven by the performance of the governing body and structures behind the national team.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Scotland captain John Barclay has warned his team not to be in awe of New Zealand.

INJURY UPDATE: Wales regular captain Sam Warburton revealed he does not expect to recover from injury in time to feature at the Six Nations next year.

LISTEN as assistant coach Franco Smith reveals the "immediate impact" the arrival of veteran loose forward Duane Vermeulen has had on the Springboks.

INJURY UPDATE: Wallabies could be forced to tweak their set-piece approach for their blockbuster Test match against England this weekend.

REPORT: New Zealand coach Steve Hansen felt he had plenty to pleased about, after his touring team's midweek mission.

TEAM NEWS: Saracens lock George Kruis's career appears to be at a crossroads.

Last Saturday, the second Saturday of November, was the start of the Autumn Tests in the Northern Hemisphere. All of the Six Nations countries were in action against teams from the south - exciting, interesting matches.

SUPER RUGBY NEWS: They may be arch rivals on the field, but the Stormers and Bulls join forces to make history next year.

DISCIPLINARY UPDATE: France flank Kevin Gourdon is free to play against the Springboks in Paris on Saturday.

NEWS:Dan Carter is expected to finish his playing career in Japan next year, according to French reports.

OPINION: Damn Springboks, you were so close. Everything was going well after the heroic loss to the All Blacks in Cape Town, then you go to Dublin and get hosed by the Irish.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Australia had a lot to celebrate after opening their November Test Series with a win over Wales.

VIDEO: With just under 10 minutes to play in their Test in Dublin, Ireland held a 17-3 lead over South Africa. What happned next decided the match.

TRANSFER NEWS: After picking up a number of scrumhalf injuries over the last month, Director of Rugby John Kingston has brought in the former New Zealand Under-20 international Jono Kitto with immediate effect.

INJURY UPDATE: Wales and Scarlets centre Jonathan Davies has been ruled out for up to six months after suffering a foot injury.

NEWS: One of South Africa's top senior advocates will be representing Cheeky Watson in his fraud and money laundering trial.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Australia scrumhalf Will Genia's performance will be the difference between victory and defeat on Saturday says England scrumhalf Danny Care.

WATCH as a careless medic causes Springbok Coenie Oosthuizen further pain in Dublin.

LISTEN as Springbok coach Allister Coetzee explains where his team went wrong against Ireland and what they can expect against France.

PREVIEW: The fog of war that has afflicted the race to host the 2023 Rugby World Cup will lift on Wednesday and is expected to reveal South Africa as outright victor to stage the quadrennial showpiece.

REACTION: Eddie Jones has said sorry for a foul-mouthed outburst during England's 21-8 victory over Argentina at Twickenham last weekend after being told off by his 93-year-old mother.

INJURY UPDATE: Scotland have called up prop forward Jon Welsh after losing three players to injury ahead of their clash with world champions New Zealand at Murrayfield on Saturday.

SQUAD UPDATE: Sebastien Taofifenua has been given a first call-up for France for Saturday's Test against South Africa after Raphaël Chaume was ruled out through injury, the France team said.

NOMINEES: Beauden Barrett could follow New Zealand great Richie McCaw in winning World Rugby's player of the year award two years in a row.

THE ULTIMATE ANALYSIS: The 1014 team reviews Scotland versus Samoa, England versus Argentina and Wales versus Australia.

THE ULTIMATE ANALYSIS: The 1014 team reviews Ireland versus South Africa and France versus New Zealand.

TRANSFER NEWS: Another Springbok who missed the cut for South Africa's year-end tour has been offered a contract in Europe.

It's more of the exciting same this week as the teams from last week get shuffled. Again there will be big, enthusiastic crowds. Again the referees will be on their toes. It is devoutly to be hoped that it will again be a controversy-free weekend.

OPINION: It has been a weekend of records - especially the Irish, who embarrassed the bumbling Springboks in Dublin.

TRANSFER NEWS: Wasps hooker Ashley Johnson has signed a contract extension with the club.

INJURY UPDATE: Saturday's 38-3 record win over South Africa has been accompanied by a number of casualties Ireland confirmed.

SQUAD UPDATE: Wales have bolstered their squad ahead of their clash against Georgia in Cardiff on Saturday.

TRANSFER NEWS: Australia centre Matt Toomua's new long-term deal with Leicester Tigers had officially ruled him out of the 2019 World Cup in Japan.

SQUAD UPDATE: Experienced No.8 Duane Vermeulen has been called up to the Springbok squad as replacement for Coenraad Oosthuizen who sustained a serious knee injury on Saturday in Dublin.

OPINION: Is this the worst Springbok team ever? This question, posed after the record loss to Ireland at the weekend, prompted me to do some digging.

DISCIPLINARY NEWS: France could continue the November Test Series without teh serveices of flank Kevin Gourdon.

NEWS: Australia and Ireland both improved their rating points in the World Rugby Rankings thanks to wins over Wales and South Africa but not enough to climb any places.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: All Blacks loose forward Liam Squire is keen to work himself back into the Test side when New Zealand take on a France XV side in Lyon on Tuesday.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Australia have some unfinished business to attend to in London this week according to hooker Tatafu Polota-Nau.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Mako Vunipola has told his England teammates they must raise their game against Australia otherwise the Wallabies will "take them apart".

WATCH: Pretty much everyone has put the boot into the Springboks performance against Ireland in Dublinb at the weekend - were they shipped 38 points, scoring just three.

Ireland and South Africa match may have seemed like a mismatch, but one area of the game which was most hotly contested was at scrumtime.

VIDEO: Soso Matiashvili. Remember the name. The Georgia fullback chased down a boot down field and it looked like all was lost. But he some how reaches it, with literally milimetres to spare.

REACTION: Australia's renaissance continued in Cardiff with a fourth consecutive win in a run of seven unbeaten and head coach Michael Cheika was not ruling out another triumph against England next weekend.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Hooker Dane Coles could be out of action for six months, after suffering ligament damage in New Zealand's 38-18 win over France at the weekend.

ACTION AND REACTION: England coach Eddie Jones said he hoped his native Australia would bring their "absolute best game" when the two sides meet at Twickenham on November 17.

REACTION: Ireland coach Joe Schmidt said it is not bad for the game if South Africa is knocked down the pecking order a bit.

REACTION: All Blacks coach Steve Hansen backed Sonny Bill Williams, despite an error against France that nearly cost his team dearly against France.

INJURY UPDATE: The Springboks' already limited front row resources were further reduced at the weekend.

REACTION: South Africa have to pick themselves up and restore their pride.

OPINION: New Zealand may have beaten France 38-18 in Paris, but coach Steve Hansen would not be happy with the second-half performance.

OPINION: The Wallabies have begun their European tour with a good 29-21 win over Wales following up their thumping of Japan last week. 

OPINION: Just when you thought it could not get any worse than a 0-57 defeat to New Zealand, the Springboks managed to prove the nation wrong.

OPINION: The Ireland's magnificent killer blow in the in the last 10 minutes made sure they extend the woeful Springboks winless run to five matches.

OPINION: England got their November Test Series off to a victorious start at Twickenham earlier today, defeating Argentina, 21-8, in a resilient but rusty performance.

MATCH REPORT: Ian McKinley kicked a penalty on his international debut as Italy got their November Test series off to a winning start with a 19-10 victory over Fiji in Sicily.

MATCH REPORT: Samoa couldn't end a troubled week with a memorable victory, but the Pacific Islanders went down fighting in their thrilling 38-44 loss against Scotland on Saturday.

MATCH REPORT: New Zealand wracked up their 2000th international try and threatened to hand France a sound thrashing before a second-half rally limited them to a 38-18 win in Paris on Saturday.

MATCH REPORT: Ireland recorded their biggest win over South Africa on Saturday with a 38-3 hammering at Lansdowne Road.

MATCH REPORT: Australia racked up a 13th straight victory over Wales with a 29-21 win in Cardiff on Saturday.

MATCH REPORT: England opened their November Test Series with a win, but it was not the kind of performance expected from a side, who occupies the second spot on the World Rugby Rankings.

NRC MATCH REPORT: Queensland Country have won their first NRC title after defeating Canberra Vikings 42-28 in an electrifying match at Viking Park, in front of a fired-up crowd of more than three thousand people.

On Day 2 of the Oceania Sevens, being held in Suva, Fiji, the home side delighted fans by beating New Zealand 26-0 in the final while New Zealand's women won their final by beating Australia 12-5.

REACTION: Ireland's bid to host the 2023 Rugby World Cup has been "holed" but not sunk by the report which placed them third of the three bids, Philip Browne, the IRFU Chief, told AFP in an interview.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: History means England will always be a prized scalp for their opponents but captain Dylan Hartley accepts their revival under coach Eddie Jones has made the Red Rose an even more inviting target.

CAPTAIN'S MEDIA BRIEFING: Ireland skipper Rory Best is expecting a real test of his side's mettle on Saturday.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: England's Elliot Daly has insisted there is a perfectly rational explanation for a quicker than expected return from injury that has seen him nicknamed 'Lazarus' by his teammates.  

LISTEN as coach Allister Coetzee explains why Elton Jantjies is a better option than Handré Pollard at flyhalf for the Springboks.

WATCH as the 1014 team examine the relevance of the 2017 November Tests in the build-up to the 2019 World Cup.

THE BIG DEBATE: South Africa is still the preferred bidder to host the 2023 World Cup, after officials said they had "addressed in full "clarification requests" from rivals Ireland and France.

NRC GRAND FINAL: The nation’s capital is set for a thrilling Final with the Canberra Vikings and Queensland Country both chasing their first NRC premiership.

NOVEMBER INTERNATIONAL SEASON: Warren Gatland is banking on increased finesse behind the scrum to help end Wales' desperate run of defeats by Australia when the two sides meet at Cardiff's Principality Stadium on Saturday.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: All Blacks head coach Steve Hansen tipped flying wing Rieko Ioane to demonstrate to French fans on Saturday just why he's ousted Julian Savea from New Zealand's starting XV.

CLEANING UP: The Australia Rugby Union has undergone a huge transformation after the Super Rugby axing of the Western Force.

REACTION: New Zealand-born Bundee Aki is fully entitled to play for Ireland, insists Irish flank Peter O'Mahony.

The Oceania Sevens, for men's and women's teams kicks off in the National Stadium in Suva, Fiji, on Friday.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Eddie Jones is banking on his racehorse trainer-style "gut feel" paying dividends against Argentina at Twickenham on Saturday after leaving out both Owen Farrell and Maro Itoje for England's end-of-year Test series opener.

INJURY UPDATE: England rising star Tom Curry will miss the whole of the November international programme with a wrist injury, the Rugby Football Union announced.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Irishman Ian McKinley is moving on from being known as the 'Goggle Guy' to making his debut for Italy against Fiji in Sicily on Saturday - nearly eight years after losing the sight in his left eye.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Scotland coach Gregor Townsend has told his side to prepare for a typically proud Samoa at Murrayfield on Saturday regardless of the financial meltdown that has engulfed the Pacific islanders. 

NOVEMBER INTERNATIONAL SEASON: Four days after this match, 39 votes will decide where the 2023 World Cup will take place.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: New Zealand Prop Nepo Laulala will have something to prove when he lines up against France on Saturday after being told last year that he would never play rugby again.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Argentina will match strength with strength when they take on England at Twickenham on Saturday.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Darryl Marfo is set to make his international debut after he was named in Scotland's starting side to play Samoa at Murrayfield on Saturday.

TRANSFER NEWS: English Premiership club Leicester announced the signing of Australian hooker Tatafu Polota-Nau on a two-and-a-half year contract.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Elton Jantjies has held onto the Springboks' No.10 jersey for Saturday's Test against Ireland on Saturday.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: New Zealand-born Bundee Aki makes his Test debut for adopted country Ireland on Saturday in their one-off Test with South Africa after coach Joe Schmidt unveiled his starting XV.

Here are the nominations for World Rugby's Try of the Year. Which is your favourite?

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Mathieu Bastareaud returned to the starting XV after a two-year absence as France coach Guy Noves picked four uncapped players to face New Zealand in Paris on Saturday.

Egon was slow to start playing and then raced ahead on a glittering path. He was reluctant to start refereeing and then flashed into international prominence in no time.

REACTION: World Rugby CEO Brett Gosper has once again defended the 2023 World Cup bidding review process as "robust and fair" following criticism from Ireland and France.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Wallabies coach Michael Cheika has made three changes to his starting XV ahead of the Test against Wales in Cardiff on Saturday.

VIDEO: No, that isn't a typo. On 6 November 2009 Leicester Tigers really did take on and defeat then-World Champions South Africa in an exhibition match at Welford Road.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Wales coach Warren Gatland gave home debuts to three players when he announced his side to play Australia in Cardiff on Saturday.

RUGBY365: Jan de Koning and Ian Cameron go head-to-head over Ireland's virulent letter to World Rugby in the #2023 World Cup bid.

TRANSFER NEWS: Wing Anthony Volmink will be joining the Southern Kings on loan with immediate effect from the Golden Lions whilst centre Jarryd Sage will leave the Port Elizabeth side.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: England will be without stars Owen Farrell and Maro Itoje for their clash against Argentina at Twickenham on Saturday.

YEAR-END TOUR: South African rugby is in the headlines for all the wrong reasons - the contentious 2023 World Cup bid.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Maori All Blacks head coach Clayton McMillan has made four changes to the run-on side with two players to make their debut against the French Barbarians.

INJURY UPDATE: England centre Manu Tuilagi revealed that he had consulted a witch doctor in his native Samoa in a desperate attempt to cure the long-standing injury problems which have plagued his career.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: World Rugby said it will look at the game's governance in Samoa after administrators in the Pacific nation admitted they were bankrupt and could not pay their bills.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: All Blacks coach Steve Hansen has called up the cavalry for Saturday's clash with a depleted France in Paris with Kieran Read returning to lead the strongest available New Zealand side. 

INJURY UPDATE: France's injury woes ahead of Saturday's Test match against the All Blacks continued.

ANGRY OUTCRY: If South African Rugby Union CEO Jurie Roux had hoped for an ethical and moral race he was sadly mistaken.

LISTEN as veteran South African prop Tendai Mtawarira talks about taking on one of the stars of the British and Irish Lions.

Normally we would never condone this sort of behaviour but we have also watched Ricky Januarie dish out similar offences and as the old adage goes, if you are going to give it you have to be able to take it too.

INJURY UPDATE: Ireland forward coach Simon Easterby is keeping a close eye on his loose forwards after another setback.

WATCH as The 1014 team share their unique analysis of Pool D for the 2019 World Cup with our readers.

TRANSFER NEWS: Worcester Warriors Director of Rugby Gary Gold has swooped to bring in the South African hooker Kurt Haupt on a short-term deal.

rugby365's law guru, Paul Dobson, takes a look at how referees make up the laws as they go along. This may ruffle a few feathers!

SQUAD ANNOUNCEMENT: England wings Elliot Daly and Jonny May are in contention for the Test against Argentina this weekend despite injury scares.

With tough challenges coming up in the November internationals, former South Africa stalwart Fourie du Preez hopes to see the Springboks back on top at some point in the next two years - after falling short again in the Rugby Championship.

PODCAST: Scotty Stevenson and Mils Muliaina discuss the upcoming France versus New Zealand Test, and get a double dose of All Blacks on the phone - Colin Slade calls in from Pau, while Wyatt Crockett pauses his Paris dinner for a chat.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Sale Sharks Director of Rugby Steve Diamond's rowdy reaction after the 6-10 defeat to Exeter Chiefs landed the coach a date with the disciplinary panel.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: France wing Yoann Huget on Tuesday rated his side's chances of upsetting the world champion All Blacks at just "10 percent" ahead of Saturday's showdown in Paris.  

The Test window is now flung open wide. In fact Tests dominate this week's appointments. Excitement is high and referees will be on their toes.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: The All Blacks have been left scrapping for food and the best seats on the team bus as the old heads of the world champion outfit are forced to accommodate a raft of young guns.

NEWS: Stade Francais centre Jonathan Danty has come into the French B squad to play New Zealand, taking the place of Gael Fickou who has moved up to the first team.

European Professional Club Rugby has named the referees for Rounds 3 & 4 of its Champions Cup and its Challenge Cup, and in Round 5 there is an historic appointment.

REACTION: French rugby chief Bernard Laporte has raised the stakes in a bitter war of words over the destiny of the 2023 World Cup on Tuesday by saying the sport risks being seen as weak over doping.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: There is a strong case for Handre Pollard to wear the Springboks' No.10 jersey for their tour opener against Ireland in Dublin on Saturday.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: England and Wales latest forward pack session has given Wallaby prop Scott Sio a clear indication of their focal point for Saturday's Test. 

SQUAD UPDATE: Highlanders and Canterbury loose forward Luke Whitelock has been called into the All Blacks squad as cover for Jerome Kaino.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Despite Argentina's ill-discipline, lack of composure and erratic goal-kicking, England prop Dan Cole believes Los Pumas' forward pack makes them formidable opponents.

REACTION: The Sharks have hit back at a report suggesting there is unrest in their camp over coach Robert du Preez's decision not to pick hooker Mahlatse 'Chiliboy' Ralepelle for the latter stages of the Currie Cup.

INJURY UPDATE: Young All Blacks star Rieko Ioane is over a bout of mumps and will be fit to play France next Saturday, New Zealand rugby officials told AFP.

REACTION: Scotland skills coach Mike Blair says the loss of the country's most-capped player Ross Ford is a major blow.

INJURY UPDATE: Wales could be without a number oif key players when their year-end campaign gets underway.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: The All Blacks, keen to avoid a repeat of being taken "to the wire" in last year's narrow 24-19 victory over France, expect nothing but the very best from the home team when they meet again in Paris on Saturday.

OPINION: The beginning of the year-end internationals proper are now just days away, as the Southern Hemisphere’s elite round off their seasons by taking on the best the Northern Hemisphere has to offer.

WATCH: It was meant to be a 'secret' session behind closed doors, but the cameras were rolling.

INJURY REPORT: The Southern Kings will be without their regular captain Michael Willemse until January next year.

SQUAD ANNOUNCEMENT: Munster great Donncha O'Callaghan has accepted the Barbarians' invitation to return to Thomond Park to face Tonga on Friday.

IN THE YEAR-END SPOTLIGHT: Coach Allister Coetzee is faced with a midfield conundrum this week, ahead of the Test against Ireland.

INJURY UPDATE: Springbok coach Allister Coetzee said he is happy to have a fully fit squad to choose from for the Springboks' year-end tour opener against Ireland in Dublin on Saturday.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: The Springbok Sevens squad received a massive boost with the inclusion of Western Province loose forward, Sikhumbuzo Notshe.

TRANSFER NEWS: Wales options at scrumhalf increased after Rhodri Williams inks a deal with the Dragons.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Amidst the escalating public spat surrounding the 2023 World Cup bidding process, there looms a massive Test this week.

TRANSFER NEWS: The Sharks have announced another big signing ahead of the upcoming 2018 Super Rugby season.

REACTION: An emotional Johan Erasmus said goodbye to Munster over the weekend before he heads back to South Africa to take up the post of SA Rugby's Director of Rugby.

Rugby football is about defence and attack. Win one of those and you are on the way to victory; win both and you will win, as Western Province proved true in the last rounds of the Currie Cup.

SQUAD ANNOUNCEMENT: England head coach Eddie Jones has called up 33 players ahead of England’s first Test of the Test Series against Argentina on Saturday.

INJURY UPDATE: All Black wing Rieko Ioane could miss Saturday's Test against France after it was revealed that he has mumps.

UPDATE: Mining magnate Andrew Forrest's ambitious Indo Pacific Rugby Championship will clash with Super Rugby when it kicks off in 2019, meaning it is likely to be missing Australia's top stars.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Indiscipline, poor conditioning, lack of composure, erratic goal-kicking and struggling set pieces are among the reasons why Argentina have lost eight of nine Tests this season.

TOP 14 WRAP: South African centre Francois Steyn and Fiji wing Nemani Nadolo grabbed two tries apiece as coach Vern Cotter masterminded Montpellier's 28-24 win over his former club Clermont on Sunday.

SQUAD UPDATE: France coach Guy Noves summoned Toulouse centre Gael Fickou to replace injured Remi Lamerat on Sunday for the November Tests with world champions New Zealand looming next weekend.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Springboks captain Eben Etzebeth knows that his side's results on their end-of-year tour to Europe will determine if 2017 has been a success or not.

REACTION: Young talent Reece Hodge proved once again what an important player he is in the Wallabies squad.

REACTION: New Zealand coach Steve Hansen praised the "composure" shown by an experimental All Blacks side after they came from behind to launch their tour of Europe with a 31-22 win over the Barbarians at Twickenham.

REACTION: Flamboyant Toulon owner Mourad Boudjellal on Saturday likened his flying backs to the cutting edge of 21st century PlayStation technology but claimed his forwards were struggling to master 1980's Atari games.

INSIDE THE DRESSING ROOM: Watch as the players speak and the Barbarians do a special haka.

TOP 14 WRAP: French Top 14 leaders Lyon slumped to a first home defeat this season as title rivals La Rochelle clinched a rain-swept Top 14 battle of attrition 19-15 on Saturday.

PRO14 REPORT: Cardiff Blues got back to winning ways on Saturday with a comprehensive five-try, 37-8 win over Italian side Zebre.

REACTION: New Zealand coach Steve Hansen suggested referee Nigel Owens had not been as "focused" as he would have been for a Test match.

PRO14 REPORT: Blair Kinghorn inspired Edinburgh to a fifth straight victory in all competitions, as they grabbed a try bonus point at the death in their 37-10 win over Ospreys.

PRO14 MATCH REPORT: Connacht outsmarted a naive Cheetahs team to secure a 23-15 win at a wet Sportsground, in Galway, on Saturday.

TOP 14 WRAP: Toulouse held on for a topsy-turvy 38-37 victory over Bordeaux-Begles.

REACTION: World Rugby chiefs hit back after French federation boss Bernard Laporte criticised the technical report for the 2023 World Cup amid an escalating war of words between the bidders.

REPORT: New Zealand won and entertaining match 31-22 against an inventive Barbarians team at Twickenham on Saturday.

INJURY UPDATE: France coach Guy Noves received more bad news on Saturday as his mounting injury crisis deepened.

WATCH THE HIGHLIGHTS: Japan captain Michael Leitch admitted his team was out of their depth in their 30-63 loss to Australia in Yokohama on Saturday.

PRO14 REPORT: Irish outfit Ulster required two converted tries in the last 10 minutes to edge ahead of a willing South Kings team.

DANCE KINGS: As the Barbarians limber up for their clash with the All Blacks at the weekend, RugbyPass’s Jim Hamilton turned up at the training ground to get the low down with one of World Rugby’s most enigmatic invitational teams.

REPORT: There was allround approval for the New Zealand Maori team, after their opening match of their year-end campaign.

REPORT: Australia had no trouble in disposing of Japan, winning 63-30 in a 12-try encounter in Yokohama on Saturday.

WORLD CUP 2023 REACTION: Exactly what South African Rugby Union CEO Jurie Roux did not want, the French have done.

PRO14 MATCH REPORT: JJ Hanrahan put in a masterful performance to guide Munster to a 49-6 bonus point victory over the Dragons at Irish Independent Park.

PRO14 MATCH REPORT: Dan Jones emerged the victor in the battle of the flyhalves at Parc y Scarlets, scoring 15 points to Ian McKinley's eight to claim a win for the hosts.

PRO14 MATCH REPORT: Niko Matawalu's incredible individual performance paved the way for an eighth successive victory for Glasgow Warriors, after an exhilarating win over Leinster.

DISCIPLINARY UPDATE: All Black scrumhalf Aaron Smith has again escaped with a slap on the wrist following his highly publicised airport toilet tryst.

SQUAD ANNOUNCEMENT: Struggling Argentina have named a 32-man squad packed with familiar faces for "difficult" Tests in England, Italy and Ireland during November.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: All Black legend Dan Carter has hinted what the future may hold for him.

INJURY UPDATE: It never rains, but it pours. This adage certainly rings true for one New Zealander.

TRANSFER NEWS: Stade Francais confirmed Friday the signing of an Argentine international prop.

CONFIRMED: It may not exactly be a state secret, but the first two big off-season signings by the Sharks have been confirmed.