Latest Rugby News

In a gritty showdown at the United Rugby Championship, Connacht powered through to a decisive 31-14 victory over Scarlets, despite some hairy moments with their set-pieces. The match at Dexcom Stadium was a testament to resilience and tactical prowess, leaving Scarlets grappling with their position near the bottom of the table. Here are the five key takeaways from this thrilling encounter.

In a thrilling turnaround, Ulster surged from a halftime deficit to secure a decisive 40-19 victory against Edinburgh, bolstering their United Rugby Championship title ambitions. The match at Hive Stadium saw a dominant second-half performance by Ulster, overturning a 19-14 disadvantage through six tries, propelling them from sixth to a joint second in the standings, hot on the heels of Glasgow Warriors.

In a surprising turn of events that has stirred the pot in New Zealand rugby, former All Blacks fly-half Stephen Donald has voiced a bold plea to NZ Rugby following the eyebrow-raising decision to bench star full-back Will Jordan for a major Super Rugby Pacific clash. The Crusaders, without Jordan, faced a tough defeat against the Blues, losing 29-13 in a game where his absence was profoundly felt.

Stormers' centre Ruhan Nel is buzzing with excitement as he gears up for his comeback in the high-stakes Vodacom URC showdown against the Bulls at Loftus this Saturday. After a prolonged recovery from a calf injury, Nel not only returns to the starting lineup but also resumes his role as team captain.

Andy Goode, the former England fly-half, has issued a stark warning to the Rugby Football Union: shake things up or face historic defeat. With England's rugby team potentially staring down the barrel of their worst-ever Six Nations finish, Goode’s solution is drastic but clear—bring in ex-Wallabies coach Michael Cheika to replace current head coach Steve Borthwick.

As England's rugby team faces a crisis with three consecutive losses in the 2026 Six Nations Championship, former rugby legend Courtney Lawes points a finger at the 'sheltered' upbringing of the younger players, like rising star Henry Pollock, suggesting it has left them ill-prepared for the harsh realities of professional rugby.

The rugby transfer market is buzzing with major moves and key signings across South Africa, headlined by double World Cup winners and the resolution of a high-profile tug-of-war. The Sharks have successfully secured four of their talents on extended contracts, while the Bulls appear to have won the battle for Cobus Wiese, and a notable Springbok scrum-half is on the verge of a significant return to his homeland.

As the Stormers prepare to enter the fiery arena of Loftus Versfeld, attack coach Dawie Snyman is placing his bets on the seasoned pros in the lineup. The team is set to welcome back the experienced quartet of Neethling Fouché, Deon Fourie, Damian Willemse, and Ruhan Nel, with Nel stepping up as captain for the clash against the Bulls in the upcoming Vodacom URC face-off.

The Georgian rugby scene has been jolted by a doping scandal so severe it could shake the foundations of their aspirations in the sport. Six players from the national team have been suspended following a damning joint investigation by World Rugby and the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA). This probe exposed not just violations but a convoluted web of collusion and deceit involving Georgian Anti-Doping Agency (GADA) officials and team support person ...

The Georgian rugby scene has been shaken to its core as World Rugby, along with the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA), has slapped sanctions on six players and one coach for doping violations. These infractions were uncovered following an extensive investigation centered around the 2023 Rugby World Cup in France.

This weekend, the turf at Mattioli Woods Welford Road is set to blaze with action as Leicester Tigers and Exeter Chiefs clash in the PREM Rugby Cup Final. With Leicester parading seven internationals despite Six Nations call-ups, and Exeter bolstering their ranks with returning internationals, the stage is set for a showdown that could reshape the early season pecking order.

Get ready for an explosive clash as the Bulls and Stormers, rich with Springbok talent, go head-to-head this Saturday at Loftus Versfeld in the United Rugby Championship. Johan Ackermann has rolled out a starting lineup featuring 10 Springboks for the Bulls, while John Dobson's Stormers will counter with eight, including the seasoned Deon Fourie, who is set for just his second appearance this season after battling a series of injuries.

Paul Gustard, the former England defence coach and current head coach at Stade Français, offers a stark forecast for England's upcoming Six Nations clash against France in Paris. Known for his analytical approach, Gustard's insights demand attention as he dissects the strengths and potential pitfalls facing the England squad in this critical matchup.

As the curtain prepares to fall on the regular sevens season, Blitzboks captain Impi Visser is all geared up for a monumental showdown in New York. The Springbok Sevens squad, laser-focused on their goal, has been steadfast in their ambition to dominate the top tiers of the SVNS series. Now, as they head into the final tournament held at the Sports Illustrated Stadium, they face a nail-biting tie at the summit of the standings with Fiji—both team ...

Johan Ackermann has thrown the form book out the window ahead of the titanic north-south rugby clash between the Vodacom Bulls and the Stormers this Saturday at Loftus. Despite the Bulls packing their squad with Springboks in a bid to sustain their recent upswing, and the Stormers reeling from a trio of losses after a strong season start, Ackermann insists that past performances will not dictate the day’s outcome.

Eddie Jones has stirred the pot again, declaring that scrums have lost their edge in the 2026 Six Nations, a trend he expects to continue as Ireland faces Scotland. Backing him up is former Wallabies coach Ewan McKenzie, who notes a shift towards lineouts and quick tap strategies. Even the referees, particularly the English ones, seem keen to keep the game flowing past these traditional set pieces.

In a fierce tug-of-war with top English rugby clubs, the Sharks have triumphed by securing the signature of Springbok powerhouse Vincent Koch. The Durban squad announced on Friday that the formidable tighthead prop has inked a deal to extend his stay at Kings Park until 2028, shrugging off tempting offers from overseas.

The Stormers are set to inject some serious firepower into their lineup with the return of four pivotal players for the upcoming Vodacom URC face-off against the Bulls. This Saturday's showdown at Loftus Versfeld will see the seasoned quartet of Neethling Fouché, Deon Fourie, Damian Willemse, and team captain Ruhan Nel all reclaiming their spots in the starting squad.

Brace yourselves for a thrilling climax to the 2026 Six Nations as Super Saturday unfolds with title dreams and wooden spoon nightmares. The rugby battlegrounds are set from Dublin to Paris, with each match loaded with its own high stakes drama.

Wales captain Jac Morgan, sidelined since November due to a shoulder dislocation, has been seen back in training with Ospreys, signaling a potential early return. Morgan, a key figure in both his club and national team, suffered the injury while scoring against Argentina during the Autumn Nations Series. His presence in an Ospreys training session alongside Bristol Bears marks a significant step towards his comeback.

Rugby legend Naas Botha has made the headline-making decision to relocate to the USA with his family. After rumors started circulating earlier in the week, Botha and his wife Karen confirmed that they've settled down in Kansas. This move comes after two of their three daughters secured sports scholarships in the States.

The Vodacom Bulls are rolling out the big guns for the upcoming north-south derby, setting the stage with a Springbok-heavy squad to face off against the Stormers this Saturday at Loftus Versfeld. In a strategic move, coach Johan Ackermann has beefed up his starting line-up with a host of seasoned forwards, aiming to dominate in one of the most intense rivalries in South African rugby.

As the Six Nations 2026 hurtles towards its climax at Dublin's Aviva Stadium, Ireland and Scotland are poised for a showdown that could not only secure a Triple Crown but also potentially catapult the winner to the top of the table, depending on the outcome of the France vs. England clash in Paris. This finale, featuring teams coached by Andy Farrell and Gregor Townsend, highlights a tournament marked by unexpected twists and turns.

Grab hold of the latest digital edition of your favorite SA Rugby magazine without spending a dime! Not only do you get complimentary access, but you also stand a chance to pocket an eye-watering R100,000. This isn't just about reading; it's about winning big, too!

Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, the dynamic playmaker for the Stormers, recently shed light on the grueling mental and emotional challenges that professional rugby players face. Amidst a flurry of critique, Feinberg-Mngomezulu has come forward to discuss the pressures of maintaining peak performance consistently in the fiercely competitive world of professional sports.

United Rugby Championship The action kicks off Friday night with Connacht facing Scarlets at 9:45 PM. The consensus among the pundits is a victory for Connacht, with predictions ranging from a 10-point to an 18-point lead, signaling a tough night for Scarlets. "Connacht by 18," declares Dylan Johnson, expecting a solid win.

Amidst the gritty clashes of the Six Nations, the World Rugby rankings are poised for a shakeup, with England eyeing a rapid ascent back to northern dominance. Scotland and Georgia are also on the brink of achieving record-high rankings, adding an extra layer of intensity to the weekend's fixtures. As the rugby world turns its eyes to the unfolding drama, here’s what’s at stake.

Tana Umaga, currently at the helm of Moana Pasifika, has addressed the swirling rumors about his potential leap to the All Blacks' coaching staff under newly appointed head coach Dave Rennie. With his Moana contract set to expire, the buzz around his next move is unavoidable.

As the Six Nations tournament heads into its electrifying finale, Ireland's coach Andy Farrell is banking on seasoned warriors for the upcoming battle against Scotland. The clash, set for this Saturday in Dublin, sees key players returning to the fray with both the Triple Crown and the championship title still within reach. Ireland trails Scotland and the leading French team by just two points, as France prepares to face a struggling England.

As the Six Nations tournament hurtles towards its climax on Super Saturday, Scotland's coach Gregor Townsend has insisted that his team is zeroed in on delivering a final victory rather than obsessing over title scenarios. Despite being in the running for the championship, Townsend maintains a laser-focus on the task at hand: defeating Ireland in Dublin. With France and Ireland also vying for the crown, the stakes couldn't be higher for the Scots ...

As the Irish squad gears up to clash with Scotland in the Six Nations this Saturday, coach Andy Farrell's team selection has unveiled clear winners and losers. Let's break down the dynamics that could shape the outcome of this critical match-up.

Former England fly-half Toby Flood has launched a scathing critique of the national team's coaching staff, pinpointing a distinct "lack of appetite" and emotional engagement following a disheartening loss to Italy in the Six Nations. Flood's comments come amid growing concerns about the team's direction under head coach Steve Borthwick, whose leadership style he openly questioned.

In a flurry of rugby transfers, Christian Wade secures another season with Newcastle Red Bulls, while Phil Cokanasiga gears up to bolster Gloucester's midfield. Meanwhile, scrum-half Sam Wolstenholme is set to bring his talents to Exeter Chiefs after his stint with Bristol Bears.

Maro Itoje found himself in the sin bin after a decisive yellow card call by referee Luc Ramos during a tight clash where England narrowly led Italy 18-16. This pivotal moment allowed Italy's Leonardo Marin to score, steering Italy towards a historic 23-18 win over England. Nigel Owens, weighing in on the decision, confirmed that the yellow card was a clear call, especially under the new directives from World Rugby aimed at eliminating cynical pl ...

The buzz around a proposed rugby clash between Zimbabwe and South Africa A, set as a precursor to the Springboks versus Barbarians showdown on June 20th at Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium in Gqeberha, might have been premature. Despite Rugby Africa President Herbert Mensah's enthusiastic reveal, reservations from the Zimbabwean Rugby Union (ZRU) suggest the fixture is far from confirmed.

Scotland's head coach, Gregor Townsend, has shuffled his pack ahead of the monumental Six Nations showdown against Ireland in Dublin this Saturday, aiming to clinch a historic title. Compelled by injuries, Townsend introduced fresh legs into the second row, with Max Williamson and Grant Gilchrist stepping in for the injured duo of Gregor Brown and Scott Cummings, who were casualties in the high-octane 50-40 triumph over France. Additionally, Zand ...

The Cheetahs, stung by their recent defeat, are gearing up for redemption as they face the Leopards in a pivotal SA Cup clash this Friday at Olen Park. Historically, the Free Staters have had the upper hand, demolishing the Leopards with overwhelming scores in the last two encounters. However, with both teams licking their wounds from heavy defeats, this match promises fireworks and fierce competition.

Eye-gouging incidents have rocked the rugby world, with French flanker Oscar Jegou and South African lock Eben Etzebeth both facing disciplinary actions. However, the disparity in their punishments has ignited a storm of controversy among fans and professionals alike. While Jegou will miss only four games for his misdemeanor against Scotland's Ewan Ashman, Etzebeth has been slapped with a 12-match ban for a similar offence. This discrepancy has s ...

As Fabien Galthie unveils his lineup for the climactic Six Nations showdown against England, the France team reflects strategic tweaks rather than a full-scale overhaul, despite the unsettling defeat to Scotland. The starting XV and reserves have seen adjustments crucial for taking on the English challenge, as Galthie aims to steer his squad back to their winning ways and clinch the title.

Scotland's wing Kyle Steyn is all set to clash with Ireland after bouncing back to fitness, as coach Gregor Townsend shakes up his squad with three fresh faces for the Six Nations finale. This high-stakes game at the Aviva Stadium isn't just another match; it's a Triple Crown decider, with both teams eyeing the bigger prize of the Championship—though their fate partly hinges on France's performance against England.

When former England winger Ugo Monye sat down with Planet Rugby last week, he took on the challenge of selecting a combined England and France XV. The team, featuring a mix of ten French and five English players, reflects the current dominance and flair found in French rugby, alongside key English talents who refuse to be overshadowed.

Bryan Habana, the former Springbok wing, has unleashed a fierce critique on the disciplinary measures in rugby after France's flanker Oscar Jegou received a notably milder punishment compared to South African Eben Etzebeth for a similar offense. This disparity in sanctions has sparked outrage and disbelief, especially considering the gravity of the incidents involved.

David Brits, the gritty backbone of the Blitzboks' forward pack, is all geared up for the grueling face-offs in the trenches at the upcoming New York Sevens. This final showdown in the 2025-26 season pits the South African squad against Fiji in a fierce battle for the league championship. With a clear focus on setting a solid groundwork, Brits and his team are the unsung heroes enabling their flashy backs to dazzle on the field.

In a steadfast display of loyalty to his squad, Wales head coach Steve Tandy has opted for an unchanged starting lineup for the upcoming Six Nations clash against Italy at the Principality Stadium in Cardiff. Despite a 27-17 setback against Ireland last week and a disheartening 15-match losing streak in the tournament, Tandy is betting on consistency to turn the tide for the Welsh team.

In a bold move to fortify their lineup ahead of the monumental clash with England, France's head coach Fabien Galthié is doubling down on muscle power for their decisive Six Nations showdown this Saturday in Paris. With the Six Nations crown on the line, and after a bruising defeat by Scotland, France is reshuffling its pack to secure a historic consecutive title win, a feat last achieved in 2007.

The rugby world is reeling from recent disciplinary decisions surrounding eye-gouging incidents involving Eben Etzebeth and Oscar Jegou. While Etzebeth faces a hefty 12-game suspension, Jegou's mere four-week ban has sparked outrage for its apparent leniency, highlighting what many see as a baffling inconsistency in rugby's disciplinary system.

Schalk Burger, a titan of Springbok rugby, has thrown down the gauntlet for the new All Blacks coach, Dave Rennie, predicting a fiery initiation against the Springboks later this year. Despite the mounting pressure, Burger backs Rennie to swiftly marshal his troops, provided he establishes the right frameworks swiftly.

New All Blacks head coach Dave Rennie is poised to overhaul the team's core, according to Springboks legend Schalk Burger, though he warns that Rennie might face a tough crowd in New Zealand. Tasked with reversing the team’s fortunes ahead of the 2027 Rugby World Cup, Rennie’s prior successes with the Chiefs and Glasgow Warriors will be put to the test, although his stint with the Wallabies ended less favorably after a critical defeat and his rep ...

Oscar Jegou, the up-and-coming French flanker, has been slapped with a mere four-week suspension after a nasty eye-gouging incident in the recent Six Nations showdown against Scotland. This verdict seems almost lenient considering the on-field violence caught on camera during the tumultuous match at Murrayfield.

The elusive Super Rugby appearances record will remain tantalizingly out of reach for another week as James Slipper is set to sit out the upcoming fixture. The ACT Brumbies have decided to rest Slipper, who is tied at 202 appearances with the legendary Wyatt Crockett, postponing his shot at history until a home game next week.

Tommaso Allan, the seasoned flyhalf for Italy, basked in the glory of their monumental victory over England, marking a shift from perennial underdogs to contenders in the Six Nations. This victory in Rome, where Italy edged out England 23-18, is not just any win—it's a historic first over the rugby giants. Allan, reflecting on a career that once routinely saw Italy at the bottom of the table, now finds himself at the heart of a renaissance.

In a decision that's stirring up the rugby world, French flanker Oscar Jegou has been handed a mere four-week suspension following his eye-gouging incident against Scotland's Ewan Ashman. The altercation, which occurred during last Saturday's fiery match at Murrayfield, has left fans and pundits questioning the consistency of rugby's disciplinary actions.

As the Vodacom Bulls prepare to lock horns with the Stormers at Loftus Versfeld this Saturday, Duane Vermeulen, a veteran of both squads, suggests that recent trends might not be the best predictors of the outcome. The Bulls, after snapping a demoralizing seven-match losing streak, have clawed their way back into the top eight with three consecutive victories. Conversely, the Stormers have tumbled from the top spot to fifth following three succes ...

Former All Blacks standout Justin Marshall has thrown his support behind Tana Umaga, suggesting he could be the missing piece in Dave Rennie's coaching jigsaw as he takes on the task of a cultural overhaul. Despite not topping the charts as a coach, Umaga's commanding respect in rugby circles is undeniable, making him a potentially transformative figure for the All Blacks' setup.

The All Blacks landscape has finally steadied with the recent appointment of Dave Rennie as head coach, a move that has injected a fresh dose of optimism into New Zealand's rugby scene. Following a tumultuous period marked by the dismissal of Scott Robertson in January, Rennie’s selection brings a calming presence to the helm. Beauden Barrett, a key figure in New Zealand rugby, was involved in the comprehensive review process that led to this piv ...

When the Bulls lock horns with their arch-rivals in what promises to be a brutal derby, the spotlight will be intensely focused on the world-class talents occupying the No. 10 jerseys. However, it’s the Stormers' fly-half, Super Sacha, who is expected to tip the scales in this fiercely contested battle. This isn't just another game; it's a showcase of skill, strategy, and sheer willpower where only the supreme will triumph.

As the Vodacom URC gears up for another intense weekend, all eyes will be on the grizzled warrior, Deon Fourie, as he prepares to charge into the fiery cauldron of Loftus Versfeld for a classic north-south derby. After enduring a relentless barrage of injuries, the seasoned Stormers stalwart is set to make his latest comeback against the Bulls this Saturday in Pretoria.

Plunging into a spiraling descent after a stellar 12-match winning streak, England's rugby squad faces a stern reality check. Former wing Jonny May declares the team has hit rock bottom following a series of crushing defeats in the Six Nations, casting a heavy shadow over coach Steve Borthwick's future. As they brace for a daunting clash against France, the pressure mounts, signaling a pivotal moment for English rugby.

In the eye of a storm, Stormers director of rugby John Dobson has fiercely defended his young star, Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, amid a barrage of criticism following a dip in his performance. Despite a strong start to the 2025/26 United Rugby Championship, where the Stormers topped the league after initial victories, recent consecutive losses have seen a downturn in their fortunes and Feinberg-Mngomezulu's form.

England's rugby landscape might soon witness a seismic shift if head coach Steve Borthwick can't turn the tide. Under his watch, England has plummeted to a discouraging fifth in the Six Nations standings after an unprecedented loss to Italy and a string of three consecutive defeats. Former Wallaby Jeremy Paul has thrown a stark prediction into the mix, foreseeing an ‘embarrassment’ at the hands of France that could spell the end for Borthwick.

Ronald Brown, the electric playmaker of the Blitzboks, has thrown a nod to teammates Dewald Human and Tristan Leyds for keeping his fiery gameplay in check. Scoring a whopping 31 points at the Vancouver Sevens, Brown helped his team clinch the title and draw level with Fiji atop the series standings as they head to the final showdown in New York.

Steve Borthwick has slightly tweaked the England lineup following their upset against Italy, with Tom Curry's injury being the sole change to the squad facing France. Here’s a breakdown of the winners and losers from the team selection:

As the 2026 Six Nations Championship hurtles towards its climax, the final showdown between France and England is set to be an eyesore due to a glaring kit clash, all because of a nostalgic jersey choice by France that could have been easily avoided. The historic rivals will face off on Super Saturday, but the visual spectacle may be less than stellar.

Stormers prop Neethling Fouché is adamant that only a few minor adjustments and a boost in morale are needed for the Cape Town team to reverse their recent misfortunes. With a disheartening three-match losing streak, all against local rivals, the Stormers have plummeted to fifth in the overall URC standings as they head into the high-stakes north-south derby against the Vodacom Bulls this Saturday.

The Sale Sharks are beefing up their front row firepower by snapping up South African powerhouse Cebo Dlamini. The 24-year-old prop, fresh from captaining Griquas to a Currie Cup victory, is set to join the English side on a two-year contract starting the 2026-27 season. Dlamini, who kicked off his pro career with the Bulls and later showcased his talents in loan stints with the Sharks and the Dragons, is now taking his robust game to the Premier ...

As Wilco Louw prepares to close his Vodacom Bulls chapter and return to the Stormers, the stakes are high for his final appearance in the iconic north-south derby at Loftus Versfeld. Louw, a formidable force in the tighthead position, is determined to make a lasting impression this Saturday, promising that his loyalty lies squarely with the Bulls for now, wearing their colors "without any stripes."

As England's rugby team reels from a third consecutive defeat, this time a historic loss to Italy—their first in 33 encounters—the call for a resurgence in team spirit becomes ever louder. Springbok legend Victor Matfield points to the blueprint of the Vodacom Bulls as a method of revival, emphasizing the importance of camaraderie and enjoyment in the sport. Despite the mounting pressure on coach Steve Borthwick, the Rugby Football Union (RFU) ma ...

As the rugby world spins ever more global, Dave Rennie, the new All Blacks coach, is shouting into the wind, urging New Zealand Rugby to snap out of their dated selection policies. It's 2026, and the insistence on domestic-based player eligibility feels like a relic from a bygone era. While New Zealand dithers, other rugby powerhouses have adapted, understanding that modern rugby's geography stretches far beyond home borders.

As England gears up to face France in the climactic fifth round of the Six Nations, Steve Borthwick's selection for the 23-man squad signals a steadfast commitment to the kicking game, despite recent underperformance in that area. Here are five critical insights from the lineup announcement that could shape the upcoming match.

England's rugby coach Steve Borthwick is sticking to his guns, making just a solitary change to his squad facing the rampant French team this Saturday in Paris. Amidst a backdrop of criticism, Borthwick's team is under pressure to avoid what could be their most dismal Six Nations finish ever.

Just when you thought the dust had settled on the Antoine Dupont-Ben White feud from the recent Six Nations showdown at Murrayfield, new footage has surfaced, adding another layer to the drama. After France's crushing 50-40 defeat to Scotland, which obliterated their Grand Slam dreams, Dupont notoriously snubbed White's handshake, sparking a firestorm of criticism against the French skipper. But hold your horses—this saga has a twist.

The first time the world saw Batho Hlekani on the jumbotron, his bewildered face became an instant meme. That viral moment during a Junior Boks match seemed like light-hearted fun, but the backstory is more jarring than jovial. Hlekani recently revealed he was actually suffering from a concussion when the cameras caught his puzzled expression, a detail that sheds new light on the incident and sparks a conversation about player safety in rugby.

In a bold yet controversial move, England's head coach Steve Borthwick has decided to maintain the bulk of his squad, making only a single change to the starting XV for the upcoming showdown against France. Despite recent setbacks, including a historic loss to Italy, Borthwick's team selection signals a clear strategy of continuity as they prepare to salvage pride in Paris.

The injury plague has struck hard as Ireland and Scotland gear up for a crucial Six Nations showdown, with both sides forced to make significant changes to their squads. The casualty list is extensive and ill-timed, reshaping the teams as they head into a critical weekend.

Marco van Staden is poised to make his 100th appearance for the Vodacom Bulls this coming Saturday at Loftus Versfeld, a milestone that he describes as deeply meaningful. From humble beginnings through club and varsity rugby to becoming a stalwart at a professional level, Van Staden's journey has been nothing short of remarkable. In recent times, he has emerged as an indispensable element of both the Bulls and the Springboks setups, thanks to his ...

Marcell Coetzee, captain of the Vodacom Bulls, is bracing his team for a formidable showdown against the Stormers this Saturday at Loftus Versfeld. The Bulls are riding a wave of resurgence, having clawed their way back from a tough series of losses to claim their spot as the top South African squad in the Vodacom URC. Meanwhile, the Stormers, who once led the pack, have stumbled to fifth after three consecutive defeats. Despite this, Coetzee str ...

The spotlight is intensely fixed on England's rugby duo: head coach Steve Borthwick and captain Maro Itoje, as the nation's rugby woes deepen this Six Nations. This dissection isn't just about losing games; it's about how they’re being lost, hinting at issues far beyond the playing field itself.

For those who may be wondering where Botha is now, there is talk that the iconic former flyhalf and his wife, Karen, have made the move to Kansas in America to be closer to their daughters.

In a persuasive move by Rassie Erasmus, Frans Malherbe has decided to delay his retirement plans, anchoring hopes for a potential return to the Springboks lineup. In parallel developments, the Boks' scrum coach, Daan Human, has shared insights on Trevor Nyakane’s progress, who is metaphorically 'two years younger' due to his injury hiatus.

The Blitzboks squad has been hit with a sudden injury shuffle as they prepare to take on the final SVNS series event in New York. Christie Grobbelaar, a key player, is out with a knee injury sustained during their victorious campaign in Vancouver. Stepping up to fill his boots is Jayden Nell, a promising talent yet to make his mark in the Blitzboks jersey. The upcoming New York showdown will not only witness Nell's potential debut but also determ ...

Owen Doyle, the former director of referees at the IRFU, has come out swinging against the officiating in Wales' recent Six Nations clashes against Scotland and Ireland. Doyle's scathing critique highlights what he perceives as unfair treatment towards the Welsh team, particularly in their dire loss to Ireland, a game that marked their 13th consecutive defeat in the tournament.

Alfie Barbeary, a rising star in English rugby, is gearing up to join Saracens from Bath, while James Harper is set to strengthen Newcastle Red Bulls, and Hamish Watson makes a surprising move to Leicester Tigers on a short-term loan. Here’s the latest scoop on the rugby transfer market shaking things up.

The sparks flew at Crusaders training this Tuesday, with prop Kershawl Sykes-Martin and lock Will Tucker throwing punches in a heated contact session in Christchurch. The scuffle, which unfolded in front of the media gathered for post-training interviews, was quickly broken up by team captain David Havili. The incident underscores a season already fraught with challenges for the Crusaders, who find themselves in a disappointing eighth place in th ...

In an electrifying revelation on the Behind the Ruck podcast, Eddie Jones delved into his eye-opening experience with Rassie Erasmus' analytical prowess during the 2007 Rugby World Cup. As he stepped into a brief advisory role for the Springboks under then-head coach Jake White, Jones inherited Erasmus' laptop and with it, a treasure trove of rugby insights.

Stuart Barnes, the former England fly-half turned pundit, didn't mince words when he dissected England's first-ever defeat to Italy in the Six Nations, describing the final play as a "surrender" under the coaching of Steve Borthwick. As the final whistle blew in Rome with a score of 23-18 against the Azzurri, England landed a disappointing fifth in the standings, sparking a wave of criticism from Barnes over the team's tactics and decision-making ...

As England gears up for their final Six Nations clash against France at the Stade de France, all eyes are on Steve Borthwick's lineup choices, with the team playing solely for pride after a string of defeats. This match, once hyped as a potential Grand Slam decider, has become a test bed for tactical experimentation, with Borthwick poised to shake things up in response to recent setbacks.

The Stormers are gearing up for a monumental clash against the Bulls this Saturday at Loftus Versfeld, bolstered by the return of several key players from the treatment room. As the Cape Town squad tries to claw their way back from a trio of defeats that saw them tumble from the top of the log, the timing couldn’t be better.

In a bold cross-code raid, Rugby Australia has successfully signed NRL sensation Zac Lomax on a two-year deal with an immediate effect, pulling him into the rugby union fold with the Western Force. Lomax, who has racked up 133 appearances in the NRL featuring for St. George Illawarra and Parramatta Eels, and also boasting caps for New South Wales and Australia, is set to bring his athletic prowess to the 15-man game.

In a controversial twist during the Six Nations clash at Murrayfield, French flanker Oscar Jegou has been cited for an alleged eye-gouging incident involving Scottish replacement Ewan Ashman. The contentious moment, occurring before Darcy Graham scored his second try, was captured by television cameras but unfortunately missed by the match officials during the game. Jegou's fate now hangs in the balance as he faces a disciplinary hearing schedule ...

It’s the ultimate South African showdown as the Vodacom Bulls prepare to lock horns with the Stormers in a colossal clash this Saturday at Loftus Versfeld. The stakes? Bragging rights in the last local derby of the regular URC season.

Ethan Hooker is all about breaking the mold. Fresh off clinching the Young Player of the Year title at the SA Rugby Awards, this 23-year-old is flirting with the idea of shaking things up by stepping into a hybrid player role for the Springboks, much like André Esterhuizen. "I play where the coach and the team need me. If they want me to play there, I will gladly do it," Hooker shared with Netwerk24, his ambitions clear as day.

As Scotland gears up for their monumental clash against Ireland in the 2026 Six Nations, head coach Gregor Townsend is prepping his squad for a battle of attrition, with hopes of snagging their first championship trophy since the expansion beyond the Five Nations. With three consecutive wins under their belt and neck-and-neck with France in the leaderboard, Scotland is just a victory away from potentially topping the table, contingent on England' ...

In a devastating turn of events for the Waratahs, Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii is set to miss six to eight weeks of critical game time due to a hamstring injury sustained during the warm-up before their recent showdown with the Hurricanes. This setback could not have come at a worse time for the Waratahs, who were looking to capitalize on their strong start to the Super Rugby Pacific season.

It was a weekend of thrillers and blowouts as the SA Cup kicked off with some unexpected fireworks. The Boland Cavaliers shocked the Cheetahs right in their den in Bloemfontein, while the Griquas didn’t just beat the Leopards, they practically rewrote the record books.

The All Blacks might just have found their secret weapon against the Springboks in Dave Rennie. Known for his knack for dismantling South African squads, Rennie's recent appointment as head coach is sending shivers down the spine of every Springbok fan.

Italy's seismic 23-18 Six Nations victory over England at the Stadio Olimpico wasn't just a win; it was a dramatic upheaval in the European rugby landscape. Steve Borthwick’s tactical missteps and England's indiscipline under the Roman sun have left his coaching tenure hanging by a thread, as Italy savored a moment 33 years in the making.

Brodie Retallick, the towering lock for the Kobe Steelers, has weighed in on Dave Rennie's appointment as the new All Blacks head coach, suggesting Rennie’s tumultuous tenure with the Wallabies has only honed his coaching prowess. After being axed by Rugby Australia in 2023, Rennie's journey hasn’t been smooth, marred by Australia's dismal performance at the World Cup, failing to advance past the pool stages for the first time. Yet, Retallick see ...