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RUGBY WORLD CUP 2019:  Has England gone from joint-favourites to fourth- or fifth-placed favourites overnight?

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENTS: Southern Kings coach Deon Davids made three changes to his side for the historic match against Ulster on Saturday.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Cheetahs coach Rory Duncan has made a few modification to his side for their first encounter against Connacht.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Wallabies hooker Tatafu Polota-Nau said he may be forced to look for an overseas club after failing to attract a Super Rugby contract in Australia following the axing of Western Force.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: New Zealand have no qualms accepting "compliments" from England coach Eddie Jones, the world champions head coach Steve Hansen said.

LISTEN as coach Allister Coetzee explains why Curwin Bosch is the right option for the Springboks' year-end tour.

TRANSFER NEWS: The Melbourne Rebels have strengthened their squad ahead of the 2018 Super Rugby season with the addition of experienced brothers Dane and Ross Haylett-Petty for the next two years.

TRANSFER NEWS: Just a few days after announcing their playing squad for 2018 the Highlanders have now completed their coaching team with the appointment of Cory Brown to the High-Performance coaching role.

BROTHERLY RIVALRY: The selection of Hurricanes wing Julian Savea has given the contest between the Barbarians and New Zealand an intriguing twist.

PODCAST: The rugby365 team talks about what role the Ireland versus South Africa game in Dublin on November 11 will play in the voting process to decide who hosts the 2023 World Cup.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Wallabies star Reece Hodge will be a marked man when his side takes on Japan in Yokohama on Saturday.

WORLD CUP 2023 REACTION: Irish chiefs reiterated their desire to compete for the right to host the tournemnt.

BLOCKBUSTER: The biggest ever crowd is expected for a 15-a-side match at BC Place - as Canada take on the Maori All Blacks on Friday.

JUST BEFORE THE BREAK: Competition is rife around the Pro14 this season and as Round Eight approaches there are plenty of teams whose ambitions to reach the Championship Final on May 26 in Dublin appear on track.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: The encounter between the Barbarians and New Zealand at Twickenham on Saturday has been turned into an All Black trial.

REACTION: New Zealand coach Steve Hansen reacts to the news that his team will face South Africa in their opening game in Japan.

VIDEO REACTION: rugby365 brings you reaction from a number of coaches, after the release of the schedule for the 2019 World Cup.

NEWS: Prop Coenraad Oosthuizen scooped the top award at the Sharks' award ceremony in Durban.

OPINION: It may seem like a small thing, but the scheduling of fixtures at the Rugby World Cup can be the difference between qualifying for the knockout phases or facing a humbling group stage exit.

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

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

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: The Maori All Blacks have included eight new caps in their side for their clash against Canada.

WORLD CUP 2019 REACTION: South Africa may have been drawn to face New Zealand in the opening match of the 2019 World Cup, but they remain confident they can go all the way.

WORLD CUP 2019: New Zealand will begin their quest for a third successive Rugby World Cup title with a heavyweight clash against South Africa at the 2019 tournament in Japan.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Wallabies coach Michael Cheika has been forced to reshuffle his backline ahead of Saturday afternoon's clash with Japan in Yokohama.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Beauden Barrett will captain the All Blacks for the first time when they take on the Barbarians at Twickenham on Saturday.

NEWS: The Lions have released a host of players, including some of their Currie Cup regulars.

VIDEO: The rugby365 team talks about how the iconic Kings Park stadium will become a 'car park' and get an Irish view on the World Cup 2023 bid process.

SQUAD ANNOUNCEMENT: Italy coach Conor O'Shea on Wednesday named five uncapped players in a 31-man squad for the November Tests.

INJURY UPDATE: France's problems mounted up, as they were forced into making more changes ahead of their year-end Tests.

VIDEO: Racing 92 beat Bordeaux 29-13 in a Top 14 match, despite finishing the game with just 12 men.

INJURY UPDATE: Wales coach Warren Gatland has been forced into making another change to his team fir the year-end internationals.

SQUAD ANNOUCNEMENT: A familiar face returns to the Chiefs set-up after a stint with the the Super Rugby Championship the Crusaders.

INJURY UPDATE: Ospreys wing Keelan Giles could be sidelined for a lengthy period due to a knee injury.

Scotty Stevenson and Mils Muliaina are back again on the Short Ball and getting emotional while talking to Corey Flynn about his 17-year career and life after rugby.

TRANSFER NEWS: Sale Sharks have confirmed that they have signed England wing Marland Yarde from Harlequins.

SQUAD ANNOUNCEMENT: Australia prop Toby Smith along with three rookies are just some of the new 11 faces in the Hurricanes' set-up for the 2018 season.

SQUAD ANNOUNCEMENT: The Blues have secured some exciting new additions to boost a settled core of proven performers for their 2018 Super Rugby Championship campaign.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Rugby could be to blame for South Africa's lack of gold medals at next year's Commonwealth Games.

VIDEO: Two iconic stadiums will miss out on the action if South Africa wins the bid to host the tournament. Jan de Koning reports.

TRANSFER NEWS:  With Sergeal Petersen and Raymond Rhule well on their way to Western Province, Cheetahs managed to fill the void with two new exciting signings.

SQUAD ANNOUNCEMENT: Highlanders have named their 38-man squad for the 2018 Investec Super Rugby season, including 30 players returning from the 2017 team.

SQUAD ANNOUNCEMENT: The Crusaders head coach Scott Robertson has named seven new players in his 38-man squad for the Super Rugby season.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Julian Savea said he was "very excited" about the challenge of facing his native New Zealand and younger brother Ardie for the Barbarians at Twickenham this weekend.

REACTION: Wales head coach Warren Gatland hopes that next Monday's joint training session between his forwards and England's scrum goes well and leads to similar initiatives in the future. 

VIDEO REACTION: The South African Rugby Union will not stoop to underhanded tactics to ward off last-ditch bids by France and Ireland in the race to host the World Cup.

INJURY UPDATE: Irish Connacht are battling with injuries ahead of their clash against the Cheetahs on Saturday.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Winning away from home in Europe will be vital for the Springboks' progression, especially as the 2019 World Cup draws nearer.

REACTION: Ireland's hopes of hosting the Rugby World Cup 2023 has taken mamoth knock after World Rugby board rcommended South Africa.

After a noisy climax the rugby fields in South Africa and New Zealand have fallen silent as the focus moves north.

CONFIRMED: The Rugby World Cup Limited Board has unanimously recommended to the World Rugby Council the selection of South Africa as Rugby World Cup 2023 host.

TRANSFER NEWS: The South African David Ribbans has re-signed with Northampton Saint on a new deal that will keep him at the Premiership side until 2020.

SQUAD UPDATE: The Springboks have called up Ruan Botha as a replacement for the injured Jean-Luc du Preez, who suffered a fractured ankle in Saturday's Currie Cup Final in Durban.

OPINION: The rugby365 team takes one final stab at identifying the Currie Cup season's nest players.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: On the eve of the Chiefs squad announcement, head coach Colin Cooper has named a highly experienced coaching team to prepare his men for their 2018 Super Rugby title hunt.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: All Blacks scrumhalf Aaron Smith said it will be strange to come up against Julian Savea in Saturday's clash against the Barbarians at Twickenham.

INJURY UPDATE: Bath wing Semesa Rokoduguni has been called up by England head coach Eddie Jones and will join the squad at their training camp in Portugal.

SQUAD ANNOUNCEMNENT: A player that is regarded as not good enough for Springbok selection has found favour with the famous Barbarians club.

LISTEN as Allister Coetzee explains why continuity, rather than experimentation, is key ahead of South Africa's year-end tour.

SEVENS PLAYER OF THE YEAR: World Rugby has revealed the shortlist for the Sevens Player of the Year.

INJURY UPDATE: SA Rugby confirmed on Monday that loose forward Jean-Luc du Preez will miss the Springboks' upcoming European Tour.

BIG HIT: He maybe 35-year-old but veteran Wycliff Palu still remembers how to hit.

NPC SPOTLIGHT: After action-packed National Provincial Cup, it comes as no surprise that Canterbury dominate rugby365's team of the tournament selections. Columnist Richard Neal reports.

REACTION: A revitalised Gloucester will be put to the test when they face the Premiership leaders Saracens at Kingsholm on Friday, November 17.

RugbyPass’s Jim Hamilton has made a bold claim heading into the November international period, saying that England currently would have the wood on the World Champion All Blacks.

WHAT THE COACHES SAY: It is a debate that has been raging for weeks and the hysteria will continue well into next month's year-end Tests.

SEVENS SPOTLIGHT: Springbok Sevens coach, Neil Powell, was a pretty pleased man after the International Sevens tournament in Stellenbosch on Sunday.

TRANSFER NEWS: English Premiership club  Wasps have signed Springboks and Western Province loose forward Nizaam Carr on a three-month contract as injury cover.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: In the absence of regular skipper Kieran Read, All Blacks head coach Steve Hansen has given the captaincy responsibility to the formidable Beauden Barrett.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Rumours are circulating All Blacks wing Julian Savea has signed for the Premiership side the Harlequins after being overlooked by coach Steve Hansen. 

SQUAD UPDATE: The Maori All Blacks have selected Sean Paranihi and Shaun Stevenson to complete their 2017 northern tour squad.

TOP 14 WRAP: La Rochelle took their impressive European form into the Top 14 on Sunday, maintaining their undefeated home record with a 37-21 win over Toulouse despite being reduced to 14 men.

REACTION: Western Province coach John Dobson praised his side's commanding scrum display during their 33-21 win over the Sharks.

PREMIERSHIP WRAP: Owen Williams proved ice runs through his veins as he nailed an 88th-minute conversion to hand Gloucester Rugby the West Country bragging rights at Bath Rugby.

INJURY UPDATE: Injuries sustained in Wasps’ Premiership clash with Northampton Saints yesterday have knocked two England players out of Eddie Jones November Tests squad.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Warren Gatland hinted on Sunday that he would be open to leading the British and Irish Lions on their tour of South Africa in 2021 just two weeks after ruling out another stint in charge.

INJURY UPDATE: Aside from their 13-43 loss to Glasgow Warriors on Friday, Southern Kings head coach Deon Davids has to add additional injury casualties to their already long list.

SQUAD ANNOUNCEMENT: Springbok head coach Allister Coetzee has included four uncapped players in his 34-man squad for their upcoming Test Series in Europe.

REACTION: Curwin Bosch's selection in the Springbok team has once again raised eyebrows - especially because of his suspect defence.

TOP 14 WRAP: Toulon enjoyed a six-try 41-24 win over Brive on Saturday in a bizarre French Top 14 clash which saw their rock-bottom visitors struggle through part of the match with four players in the sin bin.

SQUAD ANNOUNCEMENT: Wallabies coach Michael Cheika has confirmed his 32-man squad for the upcoming Tour of Japan and the United Kingdom.

PRO14 REPORT: Scarlets extended their unbeaten home run in the Pro14 with a 30-17 bonus point victory over Cardiff Blues at Parc y Scarlets on Saturday.

PRO14 REPORT: Leinster earned derby-day bragging rights with a hard-fought win away at Ulster to leapfrog them into second place in Conference B.

PREMIERSHIP SATURDAY WRAP: Wasps were victorious at Northampton Saints' Franklin's Gardens fortress, as Christian Wade and Josh Bassett led the way in an impressive display of attacking rugby.

PRO14 REPORT: Dougie Fife crossed twice in the second half as Edinburgh gained their revenge on Benetton with a 24-13 win at the Stadio Monigo

PRO14 REPORT: A last-gasp penalty kick from Fred Zeilinga ensured the Cheetahs left Italy with a narrow 24-23 victory over Zebre on Saturday.

MATCH REPORT: Western Province put in a powerful performance up front to beat the Sharks 33-21 in their Currie Cup Final in Durban on Saturday.

INJURY UPDATE: Australia have lost a key player ahead of their year-end tour, following a disputed 31-28 win over the Barbarians on Saturday.

WATCH as Barbarians coach Alan Jones does what every other coach in the world wants to do, but simply can't - he gave the referee a piece of his mind.

Cecil Moss - Doc to many - died on the evening of 27 October 2017 after undergoing surgery. He was 92.

CUP FINAL MATCH REPORT: Richie Mo'unga scored a record 25 points as Canterbury claimed yet another National Provincial Championship title.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: New Zealand's new government has moved swiftly to target pay equality in Rugby Union.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Sharks coach Robert du Preez knows that his side will have to shut down his son in Saturday's Currie Cup Final against Western Province in Durban.

REPORT: It required two yellow cards in the final 10 minutes for Australia to edge the Barbarians in Sydney on Saturday.

VIDEO: Watch as Wellington won the right to return to return to the New Zealand National Provincial Championship Premiership division.

MATCH REPORT: Ederes Arendse's hat-trick made sure Griquas secure a hard-fought 59-26 win over the Griffons in their Currie Cup promotion-relegation macth in Kimberley on Friday.

PREMIERSHIP REPORT: Lachlan Turner scored the only try of the match as Exeter Chiefs moved top of the Premiership Rugby table with a hard-fought 10-6 win against Sale Sharks.

PRO14 REPORT: Tom Farrell’s fine solo score after Andrew Conway’s red card breathed new life into Connacht’s PRO14 campaign with a dramatic 20-16 victory over Munster.

PRO14 REPORT: The Ospreys got their season back on track with a 28-14 bonus-point victory over the Dragons to record their first win in eight games.

INJURY UPDATE: With the November Tests in less than two weeks, France have recieved some good news.

PRO14 REPORT: Glasgow Warriors marched to a seventh victory after they handed the Southern Kings a 43-13 beating on Friday.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENTS: The Cheetahs travelled to Italy this week - to take on Zebre in Round Seven of the Pro14 championship - with a new flyhalf.

NEWS: Prop Joe Marler will be available for the second match of England's year-end Test series after the expiry date of his three-week suspension for striking was brought forward.

CURRIE CUP FINAL: Western Province coach John Dobson knows that his side will have to keep their discipline in check and play in the right areas if they are to get the better of the Sharks in Saturday's Currie Cup Final at Kings Park.

Here’s why Scotty Stevenson thinks New Zealand's National Provincial Championship is tougher than England's Premiership.

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

TOP 14, ROUND EIGHT: Reigning champions Clermont host Stade Francais on Saturday, looking to get their Top 14 title defence back on track after rediscovering their best form in the European Champions Cup.

OPINION: On Sunday Allister Coetzee wil name his team for the Springboks' year-end tour.  What will be the biggest suprise?

WATCH THE FULL MEDIA BRIEFING: Mining magnate Andrew Forrest said his six-team Indo Pacific Rugby Championship could be up and running by late next year following talks with the Australian Rugby Union.

CELEBRATING RUGBY: Israel Folau, named Australian's best player, will put his sublime talents on display one more time on Saturday.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: England coach Eddie Jones insisted his focus was firmly fixed on the 2019 World Cup in Japan as he urged his side to learn from reigning champions New Zealand.

CURRIE CUP FINAL: The Currie Cup Premier Division will reach an epic conclusion at Kings Park in Durban on Saturday when the Sharks host Western Province in their seventh Currie Cup Final since 1984.

NEWS: Another leading All Black has committed his long-term future to New Zealand.

WATCH as French giants Toulon unveils their latest signing from New Zealand.

Since 1889 men have been refereeing South Africa's interprovincial matches. 128 Years later Jaco Peyper has the plum match of the year.

BACK FROM EURO ACTION: Derby fixtures and intriguing battles in Italy are all on the cards for the Pro14 this weekend.

SQUAD ANNOUNCEMENT: Ireland head coach Joe Schmidt has called up New Zealand-born centre Bundee Aki for the upcoming November internationals.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: The number of lineout steals is the poor cousin in rugby analytics.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: There were instant call-ups for recent signings Martin du Toit and Mzamo Majola when Southern Kings head coach Deon Davids earlier today named his squad to take on Glasgow Warriors in a Pro14 clash on Friday.

NEWS: Coach Allister Coetzee was given a scare this week, as it was hinted that he may have to select yet another new captain - for South Africa's year-end tour.

There are six women's Tests in Europe in November - in Spain, England and Scotland. Referees have been announced for the first six matches.

There are six women's Tests in Europe in November - in Spain, England and Scotland. Referees have been announced for the first six matches.

This past Monday was a pretty special time for four players across New Zealand, as NZ Rugby Union Chairman Brent Impey announced the All Black squad for next month’s tour to France, Wales and Scotland.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: There are five changes to the Western Province starting line-up for the Currie Cup Final against the Sharks in Durban on Saturday.

LISTEN as the Sharks' Springbok loose forward Jean-Luc du Preez talks about the sibling rivalry ahead of the Currie Cup Final.

BACK WITH A VENGEANCE: After an intriguing opening two rounds of European action, the Premiership returns with a bang as the exciting 2017/18 campaign gets back underway.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Sharks head coach Robert du Preez has made just one change to his starting XV for their Currie Cup Final clash against Western Province at Kings Park on Saturday.

SQUAD ANNOUNCEMENT: Veteran Wasps loose forward James Haskell was left out of England's squad announced by coach Eddie Jones on Thursday for next month's three internationals at Twickenham.

NEWS: Napier will host a Hurricanes home match in 2018 when the Sharks make an historic Super Rugby visit to McLean Park.  

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Conor O'Shea believes he has found the right mix of youth and experience as Italy look for a breakthrough in three November tests against Southern Hemisphere sides to build towards the 2019 World Cup.

NEWS: Young prop Tom Robertson has pledged his future to Australian Rugby, re-signing with the ARU and the Waratahs until the end of 2020.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Star fullback Israel Folau was named to play on the wing Thursday in the Australia team to face the Barbarians this weekend, with Nick Phipps captaining the side.

Every final of the Currie Cup was special. Every one had stories that could be told about it. Every one had men who became heroes.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: South Africa have recalled a couple of veterans for their first warm-up tournament ahead of the 2017-18 Sevens World Series.

It is that time of the year when two teams go head-to-head in the Final of the oldest and one of the most prestigious domestic competitions.

SQUAD ANNOUNCEMENT: France recalled the biggest centre in the world for their one-off Test against New Zealand next month.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Imagine the humiliation of being told 'sports' like pole dancing, foot golf, dodgeball and kettlebell lifting is better than you.

OPINION: Soon Allister Coetzee will name his team for the year-end tour. rugby365 selects an alternative team from players based abroad. Who do you think will win?

DISCIPLINARY UPDATE: Seems like England head coach Eddie Jones' mission to scout for a stand-in captain has been halted ahead of the November Test Series. 

TRANSFER NEWS: Scrumhalf Ben Spencer has signed a new deal with Saracens which will see him remain at Allianz Park until 2020.

WATCH: Meetings are always an important place for everyone involved to learn and develop. Unless Siri thinks of other ideas...

INJURY UPDATE: A Springbok's hopes of playing for the famous Barbarians club has been shattered through injury.

FEATURE: The Currie Cup is named after a man and was from the beginning a sponsor's trophy. Paul Dobson takes a walk back in time!

TRANSFER NEWS: Northampton Saints has announced that Harry Mallinder has signed a contract extension at Franklin’s Gardens until 2020.

NPC FINAL: Having won eight of the last nine Premierships, Canterbury were looking to add to their record by beating return finalists Tasman in the National Provincial Cup final at AMI Stadium on Saturday.

CURRIE CUP FINAL BUILD-UP: It is going to be a cracker! That sentence sums up the general consensus of Saturday's Currie Cup Final.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: All Blacks coach Steve Hansen has taken a swipe at Wales mentor Warren Gatland, telling him Wednesday to quit coaching if he doesn't enjoy it.

SQUAD ANNOUNCEMENT: Southern Kings are forced to face their biggest Pro14 test without first-choice pivot Kurt Coleman.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Western Province assistant coach Dawie Snyman has been impressed with the impact Ruhan Nel has made during this season's Currie Cup campaign.

REACTION: Scientific research on ideal rest breaks may be the way to end the threat of a strike by English Premiership players, the Rugby Football Union (RFU) suggested Tuesday.

NEWS: Dropped New Zealand wing Julian Savea is set to show the world champions what they are missing after being included in the Barbarians squad for their match against the All Blacks at Twickenham on November 4. 

UPDATE: Munster's record try scorer Simon Zebo's international future could be in doubt after accepting a lucrative offer from French Top 14 outfit Racing 92, according to the Irish Times

NEWS: Irish rugby great Donncha O'Callaghan announced on Tuesday that he will retire from the sport at the end of the season.

NEWS: The Southern Kings are planning to take elite international rugby to the community in a ground-breaking move next month. 

The Currie Cup final remains the top honour for a South African referee and Jaco Peyper has been appointed to his third Currie Cup final when the Sharks play Western Province in Durban.

CURRIE CUP SPOTLIGHT: The quality of the players means the two most deserving teams will contest the Final in Durban on Saturday.

SQUAD ANNOUNCEMENT: Head coach Gregor Townsend has named ten uncapped players in a 36-man Scotland squad for November's Tests.

This week there is the Currie Cup Final, a competition dating back to 1889. The referee for this final is Jaco Peyper, one of the top referees in the world. It will be his third final.

SQUAD ANNOUNCEMENT: Harlequins utility back Jamie Roberts has been omitted from the 36-man Wales squad for their upcoming November Test Series.

DISCIPLINARY HEARINGS: England head coach Eddie Jones could start the November Test series without the services of Dylan Hartley, Nathan Hughes and Joe Marler after the trio were cited by European Professional Club Rugby (EPCR).

NEWS: Munster Rugby and the Irish Rugby Football Union can confirmed that Simon Zebo will depart the province at the end of the current season.

VIDEOS: This Saturday the rugby eyes of  South Africa will be on Durban, where the Currie Cup Final will be taking place. Paul Dobson looks at past Finals.

NEWS: The first nominees have been revealed for the World Rugby Awards 2017, which take place at the Salle des Etoiles in Monte Carlo on November 26.

INJURY UPDATE: Sharks assistant coach Sean Everitt confirmed that wing Sibusiso Nkosi will face a spell on the sidelines after he suffered a dislocated elbow in their semifinal win over the Blue Bulls.

INJURY UPDATE: Wales and British & Irish flank Justin Tipuric will be on the sidelines following an injury he sustained on Saturday.

South Africa will go head to head with France and Ireland for the right to host the 2023 World Cup. Here's a glimpse of their campaign.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Wallabies utility back Drew Mitchell has reached another milestone in his career after being named for his Classic Wallabies debut.

INJURY UPDATE: There was some good news on the injury front for Western Province ahead of their Currie Cup Final against the Sharks at Kings Park on Saturday.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Barbarians coach Alan Jones has opted not to unleash Quade Cooper for their first match against the Classic Wallabies on October 24.

INJURY UPDATE: Ireland head coach Joe Schmidt faces a taxing selection problem with the news young centre Garry Ringrose will miss November's three Tests in Dublin because of a shoulder injury.

REACTION: It is the kind of statement that will make any coach choke on his breakfast serial - a rival suggesting his team is easy to read.

INJURY UPDATE: Montpellier's France international flank Yacouba Camara will miss the November internationals with an ankle injury that will sideline him for up to eight weeks, the player said on Monday.

BREAKING NEWS: A new dynamic 20-minute exercise programme,  performed by rugby players before training and pre-match, could dramatically reduce injuries in the sport according to a benchmark study.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Glasgow Warriors head coach Dave Rennie refuses to entertain poor European Champions Cup performance as he shifts his focus back to the Pro14.

WATCH THE ULTIMATE REVIEW: The Wallabies beat the All Blacks in a classic Test in Brisbane. The 1014 Rugby team do their video analysis.

NPC SPOTLIGHT: rugby365 columnist Richard Neal looks at semifinal action of New Zealand's National Provincial Championship.

SQUAD ANNOUNCEMENT: Cheetahs head coach Rory Duncan confirmed his Pro14 squad for their upcoming two-match tour. 

SQUAD ANNOUNCEMENT: Ten new caps have been named in the Maori All Blacks squad for their 2017 northern tour to Canada and France.

SQUAD ANNOUNCEMENT: All Black coach Steve Hansen selected four uncapped players in the squad for the year-end tour.

INJURY UPDATE: Western Province appears to have lost at least two key players ahead of the Currie Cup Final this coming Saturday.

Tom van Vollenhoven, whose Springbok career was short but glorious, died at his home in Springs in the early hours of Saturday, 21 October 2017. He was 82.

In an exciting final in the Champion of Champions Sevens Tournament at Camp Discovery, Paul Roos had a narrow win over Waterkloof to become the Champion of Champions.

CHAMPIONS CUP REPORT: Wasps dominated in a 41-10 victory over Harlequins at Ricoh Arena on Sunday.

CHAMPIONS CUP REPORT: South African import Don Armand scored twice as Premiership champions Exeter Chiefs recorder an important away win against Montpellier.

CHAMPIONS CUP REPORT: La Rochelle remained unbeaten after a stunning second-half performance to beat Ulster 41-17 at Stade Marcel-Deflandre on Sunday.

WATCH as Sharks coach Robert du Preez speaks about the injury concerns ahead of the Currie Cup Final next week.

WATCH as Golden Lions coach Zacharia de Bruin reacts angrily to a suggestion he 'panicked' when he made a rash of first-half replacements in the 5-19 loss to Western Province.

REACTION: Coach Michael Cheika is preparing for a difficult Northern Hemisphere tour for his evolving team.

REACTION: The All Blacks won't be hitting the panic button, following the weekend's loss to Australia.

REACTION: Star fullback Israel Folau will miss Australia's year-end tour to Japan and Britain following a long, demanding season.

VIDEO: Forwards James Slipper and Ben McCalman will return to the Wallabies after long-term injuries in a squad for this week's clash with the Barbarians in Sydney.

CHAMPIONS CUP REPORT: A Telusa Veainu hat-trick and Jonny May double set Leicester Tigers up for an emphatic 54-29 bonus-point victory over Castres.

CHAMPIONS CUP REPORT: Munster paid the perfect respect to their late coach, Anthony Foley, on the anniversary of his death, by claiming a narrow 14-7 victory over Racing 92.

INJURY UPDATE: French flyhalf Camille Lopez will miss the November internationals as well as the Six Nations after breaking his ankle in Clermont's 24-7 European Cup win over Northampton on Saturday.

CHAMPIONS CUP REPORT: Saracens remained top of Pool Two as they narrowly edged Ospreys 36-34 at Allianz Park to top Pool Two.

CHAMPIONS CUP REPORT: France flyhalf Francois Trinh-Duc kicked a last-minute penalty as three-time champions Toulon escaped a Champions Cup humiliation by edging out battling Italian minnows Treviso 30-29.

CHAMPIONS CUP REPORT: Charlie Cassang bagged a brace, after coming on to replace Camille Lopez to guide Clermont to a 24-7 victory over Northampton Saints to remain unbeaten in Pool Two.

CHAMPIONS CUP  REPORT: Jonathan Sexton and Rhys Ruddock led by example as Leinster outgunned Glasgow Warriors 34-18 to make it back-to-back bonus point wins.

MATCH REPORT: Western Province will face the Sharks in next week's Currie Cup Final after they beat the Golden Lions 19-5 in their semifinal clash at Newlands.

MATCH REPORT: The Sharks advanced to the 2017 Currie Cup Final after they beat the Blue Bulls 37-27 in their Currie Cup semifinal clash in Durban on Saturday.

The opening day of the Champion of Champions Sevens tournament took place at Camp Discovery, a wonderful facility some 60km north of Pretoria.

MATCH REPORT: Australia made sure Stephen Moore had a good farewell with a rare 23-18 victory over the World Champions New Zealand on Saturday.

TRANSFER NEWS: Crusaders have injected some significant experience into their backline for 2018, with centre Tim Bateman re-signing with the team and utility back Mike Delany also joining the squad.

INJURY UPDATE: Scotland hooker Fraser Brown will miss the November Test series due to a knee injury.

EURO CHALLENGE CUP WRAP: Cardiff Blues and Gloucester were among the big winners as Round Two got underway.

REPORT: The Griffons and their Under-20 team successfully defended their titles in a thrilling day of action on Friday at the HT Pelatona Projects Stadium in Welkom.

CHAMPIONS CUP  REPORT: Welsh international Rhys Priestland kicked six penalties to send Bath to the top of Pool Five.

CURRIE CUP SEMIFINAL SPOTLIGHT: The Golden Lions have the ability to change tactics, should they be required to do so at Newlands on Saturday.

DISCIPLINARY NEWS: Star Scotland flank John Hardie will most likely miss their year-end Tests after being suspended from on Friday.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Sharks captain Ruan Botha said his team has enough experienced players to get past the Blue Bulls in their Currie Cup semifinal at Kings Park on Saturday.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Munster players will wear the Irish Heart Foundation's logo on their jerseys when they play French side Racing 92 on Saturday in an emotional rematch a year after the death of head coach Anthony Foley.

DRUM ROLL PLEASE: And the 2017 Pilecki Medal winner for players' player of the year goes to.... Reds flank George Smith.

TEAM UPDATE: All Black flank Matt Todd has been ruled out of the third Bledisloe Cup Test, on the eve of the Brisbane clash.

BLEDISLOE CUP: Australian skipper Michael Hooper said the Wallabies were ready to test themselves against world champions New Zealand in this weekend's Bledisloe Cup match in Brisbane.

INJURY UPDATE: Talented scrumhalf Ereatara Enari will miss what would have been his debut season with the Crusaders in 2018, after breaking his leg playing for Canterbury in the National Provincial Cup.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Western Province captain Chris van Zyl said his side learned a lot from their 20-29 loss to the Golden Lions two weeks ago ahead of their semifinal clash with the same opponents at Newlands on Saturday.

TRANSFER NEWS: The Melbourne Rebels have bulked up its front row with the addition of Reds Sam Talakai and Western Force Jermaine Ainsley.

BLEDISLOE CUP: Australia will look to repair their international reputations when they face the ultimate test against New Zealand.

REACTION: Wales scrumhalf Rhys Webb blasted the Welsh Rugby Union on Thursday for not informing him of new rules regarding Test selection before he agreed to join French side Toulon.

CURRIE CUP SEMIFINAL: The clash between Western Province and the Golden Lions will mark the sixth time the teams meet in the play-off stages since 2011 – two of which were in the Currie Cup finals of 2015 and 2014, with each of the teams winning one.

SCHOOLS SEVENS: Camp Discovery north of Pretoria is the venue for the  Champion of Champions Sevens tournament, which starts on the afternoon of Friday, 20 October with the knock-out rounds on Saturday.

CURRIE CUP SEMIFINAL: The clash in Durban is the KwaZulu-Natalians' first appearance in a Currie Cup knock-out match since 2014 and it's also the first time the Sharks and Blue Bulls meet in the semifinal in five seasons.

EUROPEAN SPOTLIGHT: Fresh from their scintillating display and bonus-point win at The Stoop, La Rochelle play their first home game, when they host Ulster.

OPINION: The Rugby World Cup is less than two years away and the November Internationals are almost upon us.

VIDEO: This year’s third Bledisloe test will again be a dead rubber, with New Zealand wrapping up the series in a classic game two in Dunedin.

TRANSFER NEWS: Connacht have secured the services of a talented New Zealand midfielder, Pita Ahki.

NEWS: Alex Lozowski has signed a contract extension with Saracens.

CURRIE CUP SEMIFINAL SPOTLIGHT: The Blue Bulls have a long history of producing world-class locks.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Western Province coach John Dobson has made some changes to the backline for the Currie Cup semifinal against the Golden Lions at Newlands on Saturday.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Golden Lions coach Zacharia de Bruin drafted two more Springboks into his starting XV for the trip to Cape Town.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Blue Bulls coach John Mitchell has delayed a decision on injured lock Aston Fortuin, ahead of the trip to Durban.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: It's time for the Currie Cup semifinals this weekend - at Kings Park and Newlands. Paul Dobson takes a trip down memory lane.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Sharks head coach Robert du Preez has made three changes to his starting XV for their Currie Cup semifinal clash against the Blue Bulls at Kings Park on Saturday.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: It's the same depressing tale we hear every year: a Pacific Island nation tours, plays Tests against tier one nations and the players receive a pittance in return.

NEWS: The Queensland Reds have added depth to their backline stocks with the re-signing of Chris Feauai-Sautia and new signing of exciting Fijian flyer Filipo Daugunu.

NEWS: Sevens stalwart Sherwin Stowers has announced his retirement from professional rugby after a prominent career for the All Blacks Sevens and Counties Manukau Steelers.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Karmichael Hunt was a surprise omission from an experienced Wallabies team named Thursday to face the All Blacks this weekend in what will be Stephen Moore's last home Test.

INJURY UPDATE: Clermont's Scottish scrumhalf Greig Laidlaw will be sidelined for between 10 and 12 weeks, after breaking his leg in last Sunday's European Champions Cup opener.

NEWS: With the rigours of a winless run in the first six rounds of the Pro14 now behind them, the Southern Kings have called on some reinforcements.

DISCIPLINARY UPDATE: Bath's Springbok flank Francois Louw has been slapped with a three-week ban.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: New Zealand coach Steve Hansen has made four changes to his team for the Bledisloe Cup dead rubber in Brisbane on Saturday.

Jan de Koning and Eugene Eloff dissect the Currie Cup semifinals, while Ian Cameron tells us how South African players like Francois de Klerk and Pat Lambie fared in Europe.

CURRIE CUP SPOTLIGHT: The Sharks are desperate to shake off the chokers tag which have been haunting them for years.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Springboks prop Frans Malherbe is one of the 12 players that have been invited to a four-day training, despite a season-ending neck injury. 

SQUAD ANNOUNCEMENT: Golden Lions coach Zacharia de Bruin kept his word and made minimal changes to his squad for the Currie Cup semifinal showdown with Western Province at Newlands on Saturday.

TRANSFER NEWS: Connacht have stopped all contractual discussion with Fijian centre Eroni Vasiteri due to eye-gouging ban.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Springbok legend Juan Smith will play his last professional match this Saturday - in Japan.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: New Zealand Rugby Union is set for a huge modification after recent findings of a review into the culture within the sport.

WATCH: This week Scotty Stevenson and Mils Muliaina talk to Taranaki assistant coach Paul Tito, who is taking the Bulls to the National Provincial Championship semifinals against Tasman.

CURRIE CUP SEMIFINALS BY THE NUMBERS: The statistics of the season seems to tell a very different story to the final positions on the standings.

INJURY UPDATE: New Zealand-born centre Ben Te'o is likely to be sidelined for England's forthcoming internationals after suffering an ankle injury.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Australia will host Ireland in the first three-Test series ever played between the two nations next year, it was announced Wednesday.

TRANSFER NEWS: Australia utility back Digby Ioane has called it quits on his short stint with the Super Rugby champions the Crusaders.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Warren Gatland said Wednesday he still hopes to coach in New Zealand, potentially with the All Blacks, despite the hostile reception he received during this year's British and Irish Lions tour.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Centre Huw Jones would love to hold the Currie Cup trophy aloft before he says goodbye to Western Province and Cape Town.

NEWS: Springbok Sevens player Stephan Dippenaar has called an end to his playing career and will join a family farming business near Moorreesburg in the Western Cape.

INJURY UPDATE: Wales will have to do without star wing George North for their forthcoming end-of-year Tests because of a knee injury, his English club Northampton Saints revealed on Tuesday.

UPDATE: Ireland's second-choice flyhalf Paddy Jackson will stand trial on a charge of rape, a judge ruled on Tuesday.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Sharks loose forward Keegan Daniel said he and his teammates are wary of the Blue Bulls' dangerous ball runners out wide.

DISCIPLINARY UPDATE: South Africa could be without the services of one of their key loose forwards for their year-end tour, with an eye-gouging cloud hanging over his head.

LISTEN as Golden Lions coach Zacharia de Bruin explains how they will manage star hooker Malcolm Marx in the interest of the Springboks.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Australia hooker Stephen Moore looks set to be given a home Test farewell against the All Blacks in Brisbane this Saturday.

UPDATE: Wales scrumhalf Rhys Webb is in danger of becoming the first high-profile casualty of his country's new selection policy.

TRANSFER NEWS: Melbourne Rebels flyhalf Jackson Garden-Bachop will return to New Zealand after sealing a two-year deal with the Hurricanes.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Warren Gatland may have come within a whisker of becoming only the second British and Irish Lions coach to beat New Zealand in a Test series, but he insisted Monday he would never coach them again.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: All Blacks coach Steve Hansen has leapt to Sonny Bill Williams' defence after critics suggested the cross-code star was in decline and should be dropped.

REACTION: Wales hooker Scott Baldwin feared he would have to have his left hand amputated after an incident in South Africa when a lion bit him last month.

INJURY UPDATE: The Blue Bulls could be without one of their key players when they head to Durban on Saturday for a Currie Cup semifinal showdown with the Sharks.

Europe enjoys its second week but in New Zealand and South Africa a lot of it is second last.

Fancy yourself a true creator on the sports field? If so, have some fun with adidas and rugby365 and you could win one of two sets of match tickets to Saturday's Currie Cup semifinal at Newlands.

CURRIE CUP ROUND 14: The Golden Lions and Western Province needed to win and did so in emphatic fashion to secure their places in the semifinals.

TRANSFER NEWS: Bath Rugby have confirmed the signing of James Wilson, who has joined the Club on a three-month contract.

TRANSFER NEWS: New Zealand international scrumhalf Alby Mathewson has signed for Toulon on an initial one-year deal, the French Top 14 side announced on Monday.  

TRANSFER NEWS: Worcester Warriors have strengthened their options in the back row with the signing of USA international Andrew Durutalo.

INJURY UPDATE: Western Province will have two experienced campaigners back available for their Currie Cup semifinal against the Golden Lions at Newlands on Saturday.

CHAMPIONS CUP, ROUND ONE: The Champions Cup kicked off this weekend and reminded us all just what we have been missing over the last five months.

LISTEN as Blue Bulls coach John Mitchell explains how he is coping with the impetuous nature of his young team.

INJURY UPDATE: Sharks head coach Robert du Preez confirmed that centre Jeremy Ward will play no part in this year's Currie Cup play-offs.

TRANSFER NEWS: Former Springboks assistant Gary Gold has called in an old South African friend to assist him at Worcester Warriors.

NEWS: All Black scrumhalf and 2011 Rugby World Cup winner Piri Weepu has retired from all forms of rugby.

LISTEN as Cheetahs coach Rory Duncan explains how they coped with playing in two competitions - the Pro14 and Currie Cup.

Hoërskool Rustenburg won the Brandwag Sevens, beating the hosts 21-12 in the final.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Australia improvement since their last meeting with New Zealand will be put to the test when the two sides clash in the third Bledisloe Cup match this Saturday.

NPC SPOTLIGHT: rugby365 columnist Richard Neal looks at Round Nine of New Zealand's National Provincial Championship.

REACTION: John Mitchell has praised his players for the way they have adapted to change since he took over the coaching reigns in August.

SQUAD UPDATE: The All Blacks called up uncapped Richie Mo'unga Monday to bolster their backline stocks in the squad to face Australia in Brisbane this weekend.

NEWS: Outstanding All Blacks loose forward Sam Cane has agreed a new contract extension, which will see him stay with New Zealand Rugby, his Chiefs Super Rugby franchise and the Bay of Plenty province for four more years.

CHAMPIONS CUP REPORT: Clermont Auvergne's sheer power was enough to earn them victory as the Ospreys' difficult patch continued in their Champions Cup Pool Two encounter at the Liberty Stadium.

CHAMPIONS CUP REPORT: Toulon survived a Leigh Halfpenny-led fightback from Scarlets to edge to a 21-20 opening European Champions Cup victory in southern France on Sunday.

CHAMPIONS CUP REPORT: Holders Saracens kicked off their European Champions Cup campaign in style with eight tries in a 57-13 thrashing of Northampton on Sunday at Franklin's Gardens.

MATCH REPORT: Munster were relieved to leave the Stade Pierre Fabre with two points after surviving several late scares in their 17-17 draw in the sunshine at Castres Olympique.

REACTION: Sharks head coach Robert du Preez does not want his side's 20-31 loss to Western Province to derail their Currie Cup campaign.

REPORT: Unheralded Russian side Krasny Yar pulled off one of the biggest shocks in club rugby when they beat defending European Challenge Cup champions Stade Francais, a result that left one of the Parisian club's coaches describing the Top 14 giants' performance as "catastrophic and ridiculous"

REACTION: Western Province flyhalf Robert du Preez proved once again that he can be an asset for the Sharks in next year's Super Rugby campaign.

REACTION: Golden Lions head coach Swys de Bruin said the belief to go all the way and win this year's Currie Cup is strong his squad.

FIRST DIVISION: The Griffons will face arch-rivals, the Leopards, in their second successive First Division Final next Friday after they fought their way through to the top two in thrilling semifinals this past weekend.

REACTION: Free State Cheetahs head coach Rory Duncan said the Lions' desire to keep their Currie Cup hopes alive on Saturday was there for all to see at Ellis Park.

VIDEO: Malcolm Marx is the man of the moment, but what is the hype all about?

CHAMPIONS CUP REPORT: Bath absorbed plenty of Benetton pressure before picking them off ruthlessly with a 23-0 victory, but failed to bag a bonus-point in their Pool 5 opener at the Rec

CHAMPIONS CUP REPORT: Debutants La Rochelle turned on the French flair and produced a phenomenal 34-27 win over Harlequins at Twickenham Stoop on Saturday.

CHAMPIONS CUP REPORT: English Premiership champions Exeter Chiefs managed to overcome a brutal onslaught from Glasgow Warriors to make a winning start to their European campaign.

CHAMPIONS REPORT: Racing 92's solid performance made sure they record a 22-18 win over a relentless Leicester Tigers in the European Champions Cup Pool 4 fixture at the Stade Yves Du Manoir in Paris.

NEWS: The fraud and money-laundering case involving former Eastern Province Rugby President Cheeky Watson has been set down for trial 2018.

CURRIE CUP MATCH REPORT: The Golden Lions knocked out the defending champion Free State Cheetahs in an exciting conclusion to the league stages of the competitions.

CHAMPIONSHIP REPORT: Leinster launched their bid for a fourth European title with a nail-biting 24-17 home victory over Montpellier in their Champions Cup Pool 3 opener at the RDS Arena in Dublin.

CURRIE CUP MATCH REPORT: Robert du Preez junior scored 21 points as Western Province upset the Sharks 31-20 in Durban on Saturday.

INJURY UPDATE: Another Springbok will spend a lengthy period on the sidelines as a result of an injury.

EUROPEAN CHALLENGE CUP WRAP: Sale Sharks were denied a famous victory over four-time Champions Cup winners Toulouse by a late penalty from Sebastien Bezy at the AJ Bell Stadium.

THE ULTIMATE ANALYSIS: Despite coach Allister Coetzee's best efforts to wipe it from the record books, the annus horribilis that was 2016 happened. However, it appears the Springboks have turned a corner in 2017.

SQUAD ANNOUNCEMENT: Wallaby coach Michael Cheika has added a couple of Reds players to his squad for the final Bledisloe Cup clash with the All Blacks in Brisbane next Saturday.

NEWS: French Top 14 club Racing 92 suspended Tongan international prop Ben Tameifuna for two matches on Friday, after his drunken outburst on October 1 outside a Paris nightclub.

MATCH REPORT: Ulster came from behind to beat Wasps 19-9 on Friday as the European Champions Cup got underway at Belfast's Kingspan Stadium.

MATCH REPORT: The Blue Bulls recorded a 52-32 bonus point win against the Pumas in Pretoria on Friday to boost their chances of finishing in the top four.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Western Province head coach John Dobson says his side will have to be more ruthless against the Sharks in Durban to ensure they finish in the top four in this year's Currie Cup.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: All Blacks flyhalf Aaron Cruden will miss Montpellier's opening European Champions Cup match against Leinster on Saturday due to an injury.

REACTION: Springbok Sevens coach, Neil Powell is keen to ger the season going at the Dubai Sevens, to be played on December 1-2 at The Sevens Stadium in Dubai.

An excellent new rugby book, Rugby at Ellis Park, has just been published and already it's rare.

BEYOND THE RUGBY FIELD: With wildfires and a shortage of water in the Western Cape, the Lions Rugby Union's helping hand to the home of the Western Province Rugby Union could not come at a better time.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Super Rugby Champions Crusaders have lured another Australian to their shores, this time a Knox Grammer student from Sydney.

DUBAI SEVENS SPOTLIGHT: Series champions South Africa's Pool fixtures make retaining their title a little easier when the series gets underway in Dubai on November 30 to  December 2.

DISCIPLINARY SPOTLIGHT: Newcastle Falcons centre Juan Pablo Socino has been suspended for two weeks after a striking Exter Chiefs Ian Whitton

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Two former international coaches have come out with diametrically opposed views to the All Blacks' last test victory - and one of them used to be in charge of the world champions.

IN THE SPOTIGHT:  Warriors vice-captain Gerrit-Jan van Velze feared his career was over following a concussion injury in the opening game of the 2016/17 season.

At the AGM last month, the Free State Referees' Society elected Lourens van der Merwe its new chairman.

SQUAD ANNOUNCEMENT: The Blue Bulls flank Jacques Potgieter is the only South African selected in the Barbarians side for their upcoming match against the Australia.

VIDEO: The final minutes of this year’s Rugby Championship brought one of its most controversial moments.

CREAM OF THE CROP ON SHOW: Already the kings of Europe for the last two years and top of the English Premiership, Saracens will be boosted by the return of British and Irish Lions flyhalf Owen Farrell for the start of their title defence.

In November, the Test window is flung open and Test matches are allowed to happen - many of them.

VIDEO: Reports of another Springbok star be lured abroad by a cash-flush European club is premature.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: The Currie Cup Premier Division semifinal race will come to a dramatic end this weekend as five teams battle it out for three remaining play-off spots, with a number of potential scenarios to spice up the weekend.

NEWS: Springbok coach Allister Coetzee has confirmed that Eben Etzebeth will retain the captaincy of the national side on the year-end tour to the Northern Hemisphere in November and December.

NEWS: British and Irish Lions Test hooker Jamie George has signed a long-term contract extension with English Premiership leaders Saracens.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Two Springboks have been rushed back by Western Province coach ahead of their final league game of the Currie Cup season.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: As promised Free State Cheetahs coach Rory Duncan wasted no time in drafting in the bulk of his Pro14 players.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Golden Lions coach Zacharia de Bruin has not named all his Springboks in the starting XV to face the Free State Cheetahs in a crucial Currie Cup encounter.

VIDEO: It delights us that this sort of thing still goes on in the game we all love.

WATCH as we bring you five of the best tries ever scored by France. Will they reproduve this in November.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Sharks head coach Robert du Preez has gone with continuity in selection for his team's final Currie Cup league clash against Western Province in Durban on Saturday. 

SPOTLIGHT ON EUROPE: Take a closer look at the five pools and the individual teams, concentrating on their current domestic form and their previous appearances in the Champions Cup.

TRANSFER NEWS: The Rebels have lured former All Black manager Tony Thorpe across the Tasman to fill the franchise's new Team Director role.

REACTION: Munster believes Johann van Graan a is a "recognised rugby intellectual" and that is why he is the perfect replacement for Johan Erasmus.

NEWS: The Brumbies will kick-off their 2018 Super Rugby pre-season campaign with a fixture against the Melbourne Rebels in Queanbeyan on Saturday, February 3. 

NEWS: Springbok and Lions lock Franco Mostert is a wanted man in Europe.

LISTEN: Jan de Koning, Tauriq Ebrahim and Eugene Eloff welcome a surprise guest in the studio, while dissecting an intriguing round of Currie Cup. Ian Cameron looks at the start of Europe's premier competition, the Championship Cup.

IT'S OFFICIAL: What Springbok coach Allister Coetzee cast aside as 'rumours' and 'hearsay' less than two weeks ago, has become a reality.

SQUAD ANNOUNCEMENT: A South African Rugby Sevens Academy Under-17 squad of 25 players was selected after the recent Interprovincial Sevens tournament in Kimberley.

FIRST DIVISION SEMI-FINAL: The four semi-finalists will have one goal in mind when they take to field this weekend – to win at all costs in the hope of booking their places in the final next week.

WATCH as the 1014 looks through the tournament finding patterns in the statistics. It is the ultimate review!

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Former Chiefs coach Dave Rennie is about to unleash his considerable coaching skills on the European stage.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: The Blue Bulls were unable to call up any of their Springboks for the Round 14 Currie Cup encounter with the Pumas.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Pumas coach Brent Janse van Rensburg has played his biggest trump card by including flank Chris Cloete in his starting line-up for Friday’s Currie Cup fixture against the Blue Bulls at Loftus Versfeld.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Sharks wing Odwa Ndungane has revealed that his long, illustrious rugby career is due to hard work and the endless passion for the game.

CONFIRMED: Wallabies assistant coach Mario Ledesma has confirmed that he will return to Argentina, to take up the role as head coach of the Jaguares for the 2018 Super Rugby season.

PODCAST: Scotty Stevenson and Mils Muliaina gives us a New Zealand view of just how good Springbok hooker Malcolm Marx is.

DISCIPLINARY UPDATE: Bath Rugby Freddie Burns has been suspended for three weeks after a tip tackle during his side's Premiership match against Worcester Warriors.

DISCIPLINARY UPDATE: Blues and Counties Manukau scrumhalf Augustine Pulu has been suspended for two weeks after receiving a red card for a dangerous tackle in his team’s National Provincial Cup match against Manawatu on Thursday, October 5.

Rugby Europe's competitions get started this week on three levels.

NEWS: Dillyn Leyds was the big winner at the 2017 WPRFU Awards evening, claiming three awards at a ceremony held in Cape Town on Tuesday.

TRANSFER NEWS: Wales and Ospreys scrumhalf Rhys Webb has signed a three-year contract to play for Toulon from next season, the French club announced Tuesday.

SQUAD UPDATE: The Golden Lions confirmed that five of their Springboks have returned to training in Johannesburg to prepare for a crucial Currie Cup clash against the Free State Cheetahs at Ellis Park. 

SQUAD ANNOUNCEMENT: Irish coach Conor O'Shea on Tuesday called up five uncapped players for Italy's 34-man squad for three Test matches in November.

SCHOOLS SPOTLIGHT: Aside from hosting the 2018 Craven Weeks in July, the prestigious Paarl Boys' High will host the biggest school rugby festival on April 2 to 7 in 2018.

The score between South Africa and New Zealand at Newlands on Saturday was 3-3 when a try was awarded to New Zealand, scored by Ryan Crotty.

INTERVIEW: South African Faf De Klerk believes the lesson from the first six Premiership games of the season is that Sale Sharks need to start firing out of the blocks.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: PRO14 Rugby will introduce an exciting change to its Champions Cup qualification process that will see the seventh-ranked team decided by a Play-Off match that will form part of the PRO14 Final Series.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: For the second Saturday in a row, a top rugby match in South Africa was stopped because of the weather.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Saracens will start the defence of their European Rugby Champions Cup next weekend in excellent form, after a 38-19 home win over Wasps on Sunday lifted them to the top of the Premiership.

CURRIE CUP ROUND 13: The Golden Lions and Griquas both produced amazing come-from-behind victories at the weekend.

WATCH: The Boks bounced back from a 0-57 thrashing a few weeks ago to show the world that Springbok rugby will never be kept down following an epic encounter with the All Blacks in Cape Town.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: The consistency of the Red card was one of the vital topics discussed at the European Champions Cup Disciplinary Conference in Bilbao ahead of the start of the tournament.

WATCH: Eben Etzebeth put in a truly enormous shift versus the All Blacks, proving that he is once again back at the top of the 'Lock' tree.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: A new era of professional sevens rugby in New Zealand is officially here as All Blacks Sevens coach Clark Laidlaw introduces new talent, rejuvenates experienced legs and unveils a new home base for the squad.  

INJURY UPDATE: English forward Carl Fearns is out for the rest of the season after rupturing his cruciate knee ligament, the Lyon No.8 revealed on Monday.

REVIEW: Jamie Wall reviews the 2017 Rugby Championship, looking at some controversial moments, standout players and one unbelievable try. 

INJURY UPDATE: The Blue Bulls have a new injury concern as they head into the decisive final round of Currie Cup league action.

WATCH: With good reason, fans have been critical of the red cards being doled out for players connected with players fielding balls in the air.

CURRIE CUP SHOOTOUT: Golden Lions coach Zacharia de Bruin will not hesitate to rush back all his available Springboks for the final round of league action.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Ruan Ackermann - son of coach Johan - played a key part in Gloucester's win over Northampton on Saturday.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: After more than ten years of service for the Sharks franchise, Odwa Ndungane closes the curtain on an illustrious career at the end of the 2017 Currie Cup season.

NEWS: The Springboks' 24-25 loss to the All Blacks at Newlands has seen them drop down to fifth in the latest World Rugby Rankings.

OPINION: Australia ended their Rugby Championship Campaign with a 37-20 win over an error-strewn Argentina in Mendoza.

RUGBY CHAMPIONSHIP SPOTLIGHT: With six wins from six games, it comes as no surprise that players from New Zealand dominate our 2017 Rugby Championship Team of the tournament.

Following the addition of the Cheetahs and Southern Kings to the Pro14 this season, the South African Rugby Union is keen to expand their Northern Hemisphere options for the 2018/19 campaign.

In Sydney, New Zealand Schools beat Australia Schools 34-11 on Saturday on the TG Millner Field.

Four lucky rugby fans got to spend some quality time with some members of the @allblacks squad and @adidasZA #BlackReinforced #NextIsEverything

KIWI VIEW: Radio Sport NZ’s Martin Devlin and RugbyPass’s Jamie Wall finally got the All Black versus match they were so desperately looking for, and give it a decent run down.

INJURY REPORT: Highlanders loose forward Elliot Dixon will be out of action for three to four months due to a torn bicep.

VIDEO: The Cheetahs joining the Pro14 gives rise to all sorts of ‘big cat’ puns, analogies and general fun for the Northern Hemisphere fans and media outlets.

AUDIO: An angry Western Province coach John Dobson is hoping the return of some Springboks will help put his team's Currie Cup campaign back on track.

PRO14 REACTION: Glasgow Warriors flyhalf Finn Russell believes his side's bonus-point win over Cheetahs hands them good momentum ahead of their European clash against Exeter Chiefs on Saturday.

INJURY UPDATE: South Kings coach Deon Davids will be relieved that his team's two-week European break has finally arrived.

INJURY UPDATE: New Zealand wing Nehe Milner-Skudder's dismal injury run continues, with the All Blacks confirming Monday that a shoulder problem will sideline him for six months.

REACTION: Australia coach Michael Cheika hailed wing Reece Hodge after a 37-20 victory in Argentina this weekend secured second place in the Rugby Championship behind New Zealand.

TOP 14 WRAP: La Rochelle kept pace with the leaders with a workmanlike 16-9 victory over Racing 92 in a dire encounter on Sunday.

PREMIERSHIP REPORT: England hooker Jamie George scored three tries to inspire Saracens to a 38-19 win over Wasps.

VIDEO: Steven Kitshoff produced an outstanding performance in the Boks 24-25 defeat to the All Blacks in Cape Town, but he says his "boytjie" Malcolm Marx was an absolute "beast" on the field.

REACTION: Damian McKenzie's unpredictable nature and his versatility on the field for the All Blacks in their 25-24 win over the Springboks at Newlands has brought a smile to head coach Steve Hansen's face.

CURRIE CUP MATCH REPORT: The young Golden Lions upset the apple cart with an impressive 29-20 win over a seasoned Western Province at Ellis Park on Sunday.

INJURY UPDATE: Wing Nehe Milner-Skudder paid a dear price for New Zealand's nail-biting 25-24 win over South Africa at the weekend.

NEWS: Errant replacement Damian de Allende got away with a proverbial slap on the wrist for his costly act of indiscretion in South Africa's 24-25 loss to New Zealand at the weekend.

NPC SPOTLIGHT: rugby365 columnist Richard Neal looks at Round Eight of New Zealand's National Provincial Championship.

FIRST DIVISION WRAP: The Griffons will meet the Boland Cavaliers and the Falcons will host the Leopards in the semifinals of the First Division.

REACTION: All Blacks coach Steve Hansen said his side really had their character tested against a spirited and much-improved Springbok team in Cape Town on Saturday.

TOP 14 WRAP: Veteran France utility back Frederic Michalak kicked 10 points as surprise package Lyon went top of the French league with a 25-6 win at newly-promoted Agen on Saturday.

REACTION: The rickety Wallaby scrum is likely to become even more suspect.

NEWS: Errant replacement Damian de Allende is to face the music for his costly act of indiscretion in South Africa's 24-25 loss to New Zealand at the weekend.

REACTION: The Springboks lost to the All Blacks again, but they certainly lifted spirits in South Africa with their tenacious performance against the World Champions at Newlands on Saturday.

PREMIERSHIP WRAP: A brace from Henry Trinder helped Gloucester Rugby to a thrilling 29-24 victory as they ended Northampton Saints run of four straight Premiership.

RUGBY CHAMPIONSHIP REPORT: Reece Hodge bagged a brace of tries to secure a bonus-point 37-20 victory over Argentina in Mendoza, to secure second place in the Rugby Championship.

PRO14 MATCH REPORT: Rory O’Loughlin’s first-half double was enough for Leinster as they registered a 23-17 win over Munster to claim four points in Conference B.

OPINION: New Zealand escaped with a narrow 25-24 win over a resilient South Africa side in Cape Town on Saturday.

OPINION: The Springboks narrow 24-25 defeat to the All Blacks at Newlands on Saturday has proven that a wounded animal's behavior can be very unpredictable and lethal.

PRO14 MATCH REPORT: Italian side Benetton cruised to a comforable 31-3 win over South African side the Southern Kings on Saturday in Italy.

RUGBY CHAMPIONSHIP REPORT: South Africa showed tremendous improvement as they challenged New Zealand to dig deep for a narrow 25-24 win at Newlands on Saturday.

CURRIE CUP REPORT: Griquas second-half performance made sure the side record a narrow 38-35 win over the Pumas in Nelspruit on Saturday.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Australia superstar Israel Folau remains adamant that he will not waver from his opposition to same-sex marriage, despite worldwide criticism.

PREMIERSHIP REPORT: Tim Visser’s double powered a fast-starting Harlequins back to winning ways with a bonus-point 42-26 victory over Sale Sharks.

PRO14 REPORT: Cardiff Blues scored five second-half tries to grab a bonus point 43-29 victory over Welsh rivals Dragons.

PRO14 REPORT: Jacob Stockdale lit up Kingspan Stadium with a memorable score as Ulster returned to winning ways in a tense 16-8 victory at home to Irish rivals Connacht.

PRO14 REPORT: Duncan Weir kept his nerve and slotted a late penalty as Edinburgh returned to winning ways, 16-14, against in-form Zebre in a tense encounter at Myreside.

PRO14 MATCH REPORT: The table-topping Glasgow Warriors ended the Cheetahs' winning streak with an impressive come-from-behind 29-26 win in Bloemfontein on Friday.

CURRIE CUP REPORT: The Blue Bulls prevailed against the Free State Cheetahs in a 15-try, 100-point thriller in Bloemfontein ion Friday.

SPECIAL FEATURE: There's a case to be made that the most passionate supporters of the All Blacks aren't in the shallow, banking stands behind the posts at Eden Park.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Loose forward Sikhumbuzo Notshe will earn his 50th cap for Western Province when he comes off the replacements bench against the Golden Lions on Sunday.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Golden Lions coach Swys de Bruin has opted for youth when their face Western Province in the Currie Cup clash in Johannesburg on Sunday.

RUGBY CHAMPIONSHIP ROUND SIX: Pointless Argentina need a win over Australia in Mendoza on Saturday to avoid the 2017 campaign being the worst since they joined the competition five years ago.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: If ever there was a time for Lodewyk de Jager to start rediscovering the form that made him a star in 2015, it would be in Saturday's clash against the All Blacks at Newlands on Saturday.

TRANSFER NEWS: Ospreys scrumhalf Rhys Webb has informed Wales and his province of his intention to leave Welsch Rugby next season.

Greg Garner may just be the fittest rugby administrator in the world.

DERBY WEEKEND: A cracking round of rugby await, with derby games taking place in Ireland and Wales - while Italy, Scotland and South Africa all host intriguing matches.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Kings Head Coach Deon Davids has opted to twig his backline for the Pro14 match against Italian side outfit Benetton Treviso.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: All Blacks loose forward Liam Squire says the Springboks have too much depth to put out a weak loose trio for Test match rugby.

DISPLINARY UPDATE: Fijian Dura centre Eroni Vasiteri has been handed a nine-week ban for eye-gouging Canbera Vikings Hooker Folau Faingaa during their National Rugby Championship fixture.

REACTION: All Blacks star Sonny Bill Williams will be wanting to put in a strong performance against the Springboks to say thank you to his supporters in Cape Town.

TOP14 PREVIEW: French Top 14 leaders Montpellier will have their title credentials seriously tested when they travel to Stade Francais on Saturday without the injured Aaron Cruden and Jannie du Plessis.

RUGBY CHAMPIONSHIP ROUND SIX: It's the last round of the Rugby Championship with the winners and wooden spoonists already decided, but still a great deal to play for.

SUNDAY SHOWDOWN: Flank Thomas Young has fond memories of the last time Wasps met Saracens but he insists it counts for nothing ahead of their first meeting of the new season.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: The scramble for semifinal places in the Currie Cup Premier Division will reach boiling point in the penultimate pool round this weekend, with the results set to be decisive in the teams' top four aspirations.

REACTION: Springbok head coach Allister Coetzee believes he has the perfect loose-forward combination to take on the All Blacks at Newlands on Saturday.

There was just a conversion between the best two teams at the Under-15 Week, which ended in  the Bill Jardine Stadium in Johannesburg.

There was just a conversion between the best two teams at the Under-15 Week, which ended in  the Bill Jardine Stadium in Johannesburg.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: The Rugby Championship has become too predictable over the years with New Zealand's dominance over their opponents.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: The Springboks have been forced to make changes to their starting XV to face the All Blacks at Newlands on Saturday.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Cheetahs fans are set to say goodbye to two of the team's flyers when they face Pro14 log leaders, Glasgow Warriors, in Bloemfontein on Friday.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: The Pumas have made just one change to their team for their much-anticipated Curie Cup Round 13 encounter with Griquas.

INJURY UPDATE: Another Springbok will return to South Africa as a result of an injury he suffered abroad.

PODCAST: Scotty Stevenson and Mils Muliaina talk about the benefits of the All Blacks playing in Cape Town, a bit of NPC and get a surprise call from World Cup hero Stephen Donald.

NEWS: The Reds have finally given up on Australians and have dipped into the New Zealand market for a coach.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: The five All Blacks who travelled to South Africa early have all been named in the matchday 23 to face the Springboks at Newlands on Saturday.

WATCH OUTRAGEOUS SHOW-AND-GO: Ruan Combrinck's dream of a speedy return to the Springboks has been shattered.

Western Province and Boland will play the prestigious final match at the Under-15 Week taking place at the Bill Jardine Stadium in Johannesburg.

The rugby365 team shines the spotlight coaches who sometimes lose the plot when they front up to the media. Jan de Koning, Eugene Eloff and Tauriq Ebrahim also look at the final round of the Rugby Championship, with Ian Cameron giving us his views on the Pro14.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: South Africa host arch-rivals New Zealand at Newlands in their final Rugby Championship match of the season on Saturday. What do the numbers say?

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Wallabies centre Israel Folau's 11th Test try of 2017 in the 27-all draw with South Africa puts the fullback in a great position to grab the World record for the most Test tries in the calendar year.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: There is a measure of desperation in the Free State Cheetahs' team selection, as they prepare for a Currie Cup Round 13 encounter with the Blue Bulls.

RUGBY TAKES A BACK SEAT: From intense football rivalry to playing basketball with All Blacks legend Jeff Wilson and listening to endless repeats of  'Despacito'. Jamie Wall recaps his time in the streets of Buenos Aires.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Blue Bulls executive of rugby John Mitchell has named an unchanged starting team in their pursuit consistency for the Currie Cup fixtures against the Free State in Bloemfontein on Friday.

FIRST DIVISION SPOTLIGHT: The five teams battling it out for the three remaining semi-final spots in the Currie Cup First Division will have their last throw of the dice this weekend as the pool rounds reach a thrilling conclusion.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: All Blacks shift their focus to set-piece accuracy in preparation for their 'tough week' in Cape Town.

DISCIPLINARY UPDATE: Harlequins prop Kyle Sinckler will miss England's NOvember Test series after he was banned for seven weeks on Tuesday for eye-gouging.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: New Zealand coach Steve Hansen has dismissed a defeatist comment by South Africa counterpart Allister Coetzee as "reverse psychology" ahead of a Rugby Championship clash this weekend.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: It surprising to think that a player as talented as Steven Kitshoff has not had a Test start for the Springboks yet.

NEWS: Wallabies discard Quade Cooper was Wednesday named to captain the Barbarians against Australia later this month as signs grew that his time with the national team may be over.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Just before half-time in the match between South Africa and Australia in Bloemfontein, there was an incident that provoked a great outburst of emotion.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Springbok scrum coach Matthew Proudfoot says veteran prop Tendai Mtawarira continues to set the standard for other players in the Bok squad.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: All Blacks lock Sam Whitelock and hooker Dane Coles shift their focus to set-piece accuracy in preparation for their 'tough week' in Cape Town.

It the last round for the Rugby Championship, which New Zealand have already won - with a match to spare.

CURRIE CUP ROUND 12: The Sharks continue to dominate South Africa's premier domestic competition and they are once again rewarded in rugby365's famous weekly selection.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: New Zealand assistant coach Ian Foster admits that his side has to put in a full 80-minute performance after their second-half scare against Argentina in Buenos Aires.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Prop Ruan Dreyer is still learning to adapt to different situations at scrum time, according to Springbok scrum coach Matthew Proudfoot.

TRANSFER NEWS: Premiership club Warriors have signed Australian flyhalf Jono Lance on a short-term deal with immediate effect.

IN THE RUGBY CHAMPIONSHIP SPOTLIGHT: Australia are breaking some mental barriers as they continue their growth in 2017.

On Sunday, the Blue Bulls played Western Province at Loftus Versfeld and the referee referred to the teams by their names.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: All Blacks legend Dan Carter said Tuesday he still "feels sick" about drink driving in France earlier this year and is grateful no one was hurt by his actions.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Despite the Rugby Championship title already locked in the bag and a 57-0 win over the Springboks, All Blacks flank Sam Cane refuses to underestimate the old foe.

NEWS: Springbok Pat Lambie could make his Racing 92 debut at La Rochelle next weekend, it has emerged.

OPINION: From beating the champions on the opening day of the season to equalling their biggest ever Premiership defeat against Sale a few short weeks later, Gloucester must be the most frustrating team in the world to support.

VIDEO: It has been 10 years since South Africa hosted New Zealand in a Test in Cape Town. This is why ...