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10/03/2021 - Injuries Force Three Changes To The Toyota Cheetahs Squad - Coach Hawies Fourie announced his team for the Preparation match between the Toyota Cheetahs and Cell C Sharks today. The kick-off in Toyota Stadium, Bloemfontein is at 19:00. Injuries have forced them to make three changes to the squad. Chris Smit replaces Dries Swanepoel at the centre, Howard Mnisi replaces Brandon Thompson on the 

10/03/2021 - Youthful Lions Set To Make Name for Themselves In Port Elizabeth - Eastern Province will host the Lions in the Nelson Mandala Bay Stadium today @ 16h45 in their second match of the Preparation Series. Eastern Province is desperate to convince SARU that they deserve a place in the Currie Cup Premier Division. Eastern Province lost 87-10 to a youthful Vodacom Bulls last weekend while the Lions had to 

10/03/2021 - Munster Into First Final In Four Years But Leinster Will Be Favourites - Johan van Graan’s Munster have booked a place in the Guinness PRO14 final for the first time in four years but their celebrations would have been tempered a bit had they watched the ease with which Leinster the following evening went about securing their own spot in 27 March decider. Leinster travelling away to Belfast to play Ulster at 

09/03/2021 - Only Six Of Starting Line-up Survive The Cut In Port Elizabeth - Experienced playmaker Courtney Winnaar will lead Eastern Province on Wednesday when they take on the Lions in the Nelson Mandala Bay Stadium. The hard-running fullback takes over the captaincy from the injured Inny Radebe for this 2021 Kick-Off Pools match, and will start in the No 15 jersey in the place 

09/03/2021 - Young Bulls Used Their Opportunities To Dominated Score-board in Mbombela - The New Nations Construction Pumas hosted the Vodacom Bulls this evening. The young Bulls side taking the points on offer and end as winners with 48-31. Some will say Rasta's was responsible for the Bulls victory, however, the ill-discipline by the home team gave the Bulls the opportunity to keep the scoreboard ticking.

09/03/2021 - Griquas "Comeback" Too Late To Secure A Win - Tafel Lager Griquas hosted the DHL Stormers in Kimberley today in the first match of round 2 of the Preparation Series. Griquas scored 19 unanswered points late in the second half but could not secure a win. The Stormers deserved their win (38-32) in the first 60 minutes of the game.

09/03/2021 - Youthful Bulls To Be Tested In Nelspruit - The New Nations Construction Pumas host the Vodacom Bulls this evening at @19h00 in Nelspruit. The match could be seen as a grudge match as the Pumas won their previous encounter convincing with 44-14 against a less experienced Vodacom Bulls outfit earlier this year at the Mbombela Stadium. The Pumas lost an entertaining match 32-28 to the Lions two 

09/03/2021 - Can Griquas Score Their First Win This Season? - Tafel Lager Griquas host the DHL Stormers in Kimberley today in the first match of round 2 of the Preparation Series. The match at Tafel Lager Park kicks off at 16h45. Griquas lost 10-35 against the Sharks last weekend while the DHL Stormers lost 33-34 against the Cheetahs. Griquas is still looking for their first win in the 2020/2021 season. Although the Stormers

08/03/2021 - A Youthful Lions Squad Travel To Port Elizabeth - The Lions team that travels to Eastern Province will give another host of young players the opportunity to showcase their talents when they face the EP Elephants on Wednesday afternoon. The young Lions side is brimming with youngsters who caught the eye during the national Under 21 tournament that was held at Emirates Airline Park last year and 

08/03/2021 - Same Matchday 23 For Sharks - After a 10-day break in action, the Cell C Sharks are back on the field to take on the Toyota Cheetahs in Bloemfontein on Wednesday afternoon in the second of the series of preparation matches. After despatching the Tafel Lager Griquas last Sunday in emphatic fashion, the Cell C Sharks will be up against a formidable opponent this week in what promises to be an exciting clash.

08/03/2021 - Ruan Pienaar Back As Captain For Toyota Cheetahs - Coach Hawies Fourie announced his team for the Preparation match between the Toyota Cheetahs and Cell C Sharks on Wednesday, 10 March. The kick-off in Toyota Stadium, Bloemfontein is at 19:00. Six changes were made to the starting line-up that narrowly won against the Western Province with 33-32 in Cape Town last weekend.

08/03/2021 - Vodacom Bulls Make No Change To Starting Line-up - Vodacom Bulls Director of Rugby, Jake White, has opted for continuity in the selection of the starting line-up when the Vodacom Bulls travel to Nelspruit to square off against the New Nation Pumas in a Prep Series warm-up on Tuesday, 9 March 2021 at Mbombela Stadium. Springbok Nizaam Carr continues in his role as captain which he performed superbly against

07/03/2021 - Only Five Survive The Cut In "New" Pumas Team Announced To Face The Vodacom Bulls - Pumas head coach retained only five players in his starting line-up after the 28-32 loss against the Lions at Emirates Airline Park last weekend. The Pumas will host the Vodacom Bulls in Nelspruit on Tuesday at 19h00. The Pumas won 44-14 the last time the Pumas and Vodacom Bulls faced each other.

07/03/2021 - Griquas Change Four For DHL Stormers - Scott Mathie, head coach of Tafel Lager Griquas made four changes to the starting XV that will host DHL Stormers on Tuesday at 16:45. Griquas lost 10-35 to the Sharks in Durban last weekend. In the backline, Masixole Banda replaces James Verity-Amm at fullback, while Ederies Arendse replaces Daniel Kasende on the wing. Michal Haznar comes in at the centre to join

05/03/2021 - Irish Showdowns Could Determine PRO14 Finalists - The weekend will see two massive PRO14 Irish derbies which could once and for all determine the finalists for this year’s competition in a few weeks’ time. The Round 14 showdowns see Conference B leaders Munster host their only real challengers in Connacht on Friday while Saturday will see defending champions Leinster travel to their nearest 

05/03/2021 - Some Exciting Youngster Set To Make Appearance For DHL Stormers - Outside backs Sergeal Petersen and Sihle Njezula come into the DHL Stormers starting line-up for the preparation match against the Tafel Lager Griquas in Kimberley on Tuesday. Petersen is at fullback in place of the injured Tristan Leyds and Njezula gets an opportunity on the right-wing for the preparation 

05/03/2021 - Schoolboy Rugby @ Level 1- Latest News On Start Of Season - Since South Africa has moved to Covid19 level 1 on Monday, everybody is working behind the scenes to ensure a speedy start to the 2021 schoolboy rugby season. Special thanks must go to SARU and SASRA (SA Schools Rugby Association) who immediately started working and communicating with the Department of Basic Education since the 

05/03/2021 - Potgieter And Thompson Join Toyota Cheetahs - The two new signings at the Toyota Cheetahs, Jacques Potgieter and Brandon Thomson reported for duty at the team on Monday to start with their respective contracts. The former Springbok loose-forward, Potgieter, has signed a one-year contract at the Toyota Cheetahs after having gone through a trial period at the team.

05/03/2021 - Pro14 - Round 14 Previews - A mouth-watering weekend gets underway on Friday night when Conference B leaders Munster host nearest rivals Connacht knowing a win should book their place in the end-of-season showpiece. There is another thriller in Conference A on Saturday evening when second-placed Ulster have home advantage as they take on defending champions Leinster, who are currently six 

04/03/2021 - “I’m extremely happy with the youngsters" - Sean Everitt - Cell C Sharks head coach Sean Everitt praised his young charges enthusiastically after their 35-10 defeat of Griquas at Jonsson Kings Park on Sunday afternoon, citing an energetic and positive attitude in the way they went about dismantling the opposition. “I’m very happy for the youngsters, they only had two full days of preparation and I thought the 

04/03/2021 - Pienaar Set To Renew His Contract In Bloemfontein - OFM.co.za has reported that Ruan Pienaar is set to extend his contract with the Toyota Cheetahs. Pienaar was initially contracted for a period of two years at the Cheetahs following his return from France. The 37-year-old injured his knee early in the Super Rugby Unlocked series and only returned last weekend for the match against the DHL Stormers.

03/03/2021 - HSBC World Series To Conclude With Cape Town Sevens In December - The HSBC Cape Town Sevens will take on a new mantle after World Rugby announced that the popular event in the Mother City will be the final leg of a revamped and shortened HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series in 2021. The South African leg of the Series will return to the Cape Town Stadium from 10-12 December after a 

03/03/2021 - Let's Talk - Local news for the week ending 28/02/2021 - "Clowns" Spoil The Weekend - The first week of action in the local Preparation Series resulted in some great rugby but some "clown acts" spoiled the weekend. Myself and many people misunderstood the meaning of "Preparation". The teams are using this series to identify new talent and give players that did not get an opportunity to play 

03/03/2021 - Vermeulen, Vodacom Bulls Dominate Nominations - The Vodacom Bulls accumulated 11 nominations out of a possible 22 for which they were eligible, with Springbok No 8 Duane Vermeulen leading the individual lists with three nominations, in the categories for overall SA Rugby, Vodacom Super Rugby Unlocked, and Carling Currie Cup Player of the Year. Vermeulen, the SA Rugby Player of the Year 

03/03/2021 - Stormers "Appoint" New Head Coaches - Stormers head coach John Dobson revealed his assistant coaches will also get an opportunity to run the training sessions through the ‘Preperation’ campaign. He will still take responsibility for the Stormers' performances on the field. Forward coach Rito Hlungwani will take over the role of coach for their match against Griquas in Kimberley next Tuesday, March 9.

03/03/2021 - Women Rugby World Cup 2021 Set To Be Postponed - The recommendation is based on the evolution of the uncertain and challenging global COVID-19 landscape. It has become clear in recent discussions with key partners including New Zealand Rugby, the New Zealand Government and participating unions, that, given the scale of the event and the COVID-19-related uncertainties, it is just not  

02/03/2021 - Stormers Will Use The Preparation Matches To Grow The Depth Of Their Squad - The DHL Stormers will continue to use the preparation matches to grow the depth of the squad ahead of the upcoming Rainbow Cup. The first preparation match at Cape Town Stadium on Saturday saw the DHL Stormers team push a full-strength Toyota Cheetahs team all the way in an entertaining clash. Although there were a 

02/03/2021 - Missed Bonus Point Complicates It For Ulster Ahead Of Big Leinster Derby - It was just one solitary bonus point but by missing out on the full house of five log points against Ospreys at the weekend Ulster significantly added to what they need to do when they host Leinster in the plum fixture of the next round of the Guinness PRO14. With the top two teams in each conference advancing straight to the final of 

02/03/2021 - The Blue Bulls Rugby Union Reacts On Rugby Skills Company "Academy" - The Blue Bulls Rugby Union is appalled following a story that was run on SABC regarding poor living conditions for development players at a Pretoria Rugby Club. Even though the external company that ran the program was NOT affiliated to the BBRU in any way, management from the union has stepped in and managed to stop the 

02/03/2021 - The Rot In Pretoria's "Rugby Academies" Exposed - Cellphone footage of young rugby players came to our attention last week. The footage shows several boys sleeping in the toilets and changing rooms of the Tuine Rugby Club. These boys were part of a "Rugby Academy" managed/owned by Mr Theo Reynecke. During our investigation, we found that mr Reynecke is known in the Pretoria rugby community

01/02/2021 - SARU Take Active Role In "Return To Play" At Schools - SA Rugby announced on Monday that coaches, parents and players from schools across the country will be invited to a series of webinars as preparations step up a gear for a return to action later in the year. An announcement was made recently on the return to non-contact training for all amateur rugby – schools, clubs and associations – within specific 

28/02/2021 - Cell C Sharks See Off Griquas' Early Challenge - The Cell C Sharks hosted the Tafel Lager Griquas in their opening game in Durban today. After a yellow card and a penalty try with 25 minutes to go, the Sharks took advantage and eventually won with 35-10. The Sharks bench did what was asked of them and added some speed and accuracy to outplay the Griquas during the last 25 

28/02/2021 - EP Elephants Massacred In Pretoria - The Vodacom Bulls hosted hapless Eastern Province side and won with ease with 87-10

28/02/2021 - Tafel Lager Griquas Will Test The Cell C Sharks In Durban - The Cell C Sharks host the Tafel Lager Griquas in their opening game in Durban on Sunday 17h15 in the series of preparation matches. This match at Jonsson Kings Park opens the account for both sides in the 2021 Kick-Off Pools.

28/02/2021 - EP Elephants Must Not Expect Any Favours - The Vodacom Bulls will host an unknown Eastern Province side with a team that is dominated by the next generation of stars at Loftus Versfeld on Sunday 15h15 today. The match will be the first for both teams in The 2021 Kick-off Pools but the EP Elephants must not expect any favours from the hosts.

27/02/2021 - The Stormers "New Era" Ends In A Boring Loss - The DHL Stormers hosted the Toyota Cheetahs at Cape Town Stadium for the time since moving to their new home. The match was supposed to signal the beginning of an exciting new era for the DHL Stormers. However, they started their "new history" the same way they did in their last match at Newlands with a loss. The 

26/02/2021 - Pumas On-field Decisions Cost Them The Game  - The Lions risk in giving several youngsters an opportunity against the Pumas almost backfired. The Lions walking off the pitch with a 32-28 win. The Pumas kicking at the poles and decisions not to attempt to convert three penalties at the end the difference. The decision from the Lions management to bring on Dameon Venter and 

26/02/2021 - Griquas Travel To Durban With An Experienced Team - Griquas will play against the Cell C Sharks on Sunday @ 17:15 in Durban in the last game of the first round of the preparations games. Tafel Lager Griquas head coach Scott Mathie has mainly stuck to the same side that lost 18-22 to the Toyota Cheetahs in their last Currie Cup game on 09 Jan 2021. Only three changes to the 

26/02/2021 - Springboks Kick Off World Cup Defence Against Scotland - The Springboks will kick off the defence of their 2023 Rugby World Cup crown on Sunday, 10 September 2023 against Scotland in the Stade Vélodrome in Marseille, it was confirmed when World Rugby officially revealed the dates and venues during a live online event in Paris on Friday.

26/02/2021 - Tafel Lager Griquas Confirm Zak Burger's Move To The Bulls - Although the team endured a testing 2020 season, Zak’s performances were always a massive positive; his ability to read the game, his incisive line breaks and his level of calmness elevated him amongst his peers, steering the Griquas into close contention in a number of their matches. It is these attributes and 

26/02/2021 - Sharks Announce "Familiar" Team For Battle In Durban - The Cell C Sharks host the Tafel Lager Griquas in their opening game in Durban on Sunday 17h15 in the series of preparation matches that pits teams from two pools against each other. The Cell C Sharks are joined by DHL Stormers, NNC Pumas and Eastern Province Elephants in Pool B, with each team taking on every other 

26/02/2021 - WP Professional Rugby Advertise For CEO Post - Reporting to the Board of Directors, you will be responsible for developing Western Province Professional Rugby into an outstanding sporting organisation, by ensuring the foundations are in place to consistently win on the field while delivering a return to shareholders. Together with the Western Province Rugby Football Union, the 

26/02/2021 - Vodacom Bulls Announce Squad To Host Eastern Province - The Vodacom Bulls will take to the field sporting a team that is dominated by the next generation of stars when they host the EP Elephants in a preparation match at Loftus Versfeld on Sunday, 28 February 2021. Director of Rugby, Jake White, named flank Nizaam Carr as captain and the experienced Springbok will lead not only 

25/02/2021 - DHL Western Province Is Looking Forward To Making A Big Impression At Their New Home - The DHL Stormers will kick-off their match against the Toyota Cheetahs at Cape Town Stadium on Saturday at 17h15. The match signals the beginning of an exciting new era for the DHL Stormers at the iconic stadium in Greenpoint, which is their new home. The experienced Chris Van Zyl leads a DHL Stormers team with a 

25/02/2021 - Women Rugby SARU's Number 2 Priority - Madness Or Madness? - SA Rugby has refocused its approach to women’s rugby as a major strategic objective for the organisation, Jurie Roux, CEO, said on Thursday. The Springbok Women will take part in the Rugby World Cup in New Zealand in September and will do so with the support of SA Rugby’s first High-Performance Manager for Women’s Rugby. Roux 

25/02/2021 - Ulster Continue Chase As Coetzee Injury Looks Better Than Expected - You could almost hear the sigh of relief in the Belfast headquarters of Ulster Rugby this week when the news was broken that the Springbok loose forward Marcell Coetzee’s injury was not as bad as expected. After all, Coetzee has a history of serious injuries and the South African is a massive part of the team’s success under coach Dan 

25/02/2021 - Toyota Cheetahs Announce Squad To Travel To Cape Town - For the first time ever the Toyota Cheetahs will be playing against the DHL Stormers on their new home ground in Cape Town Stadium. The action kicks off on Saturday, 27 February at 17:15 with a live broadcast on SuperSport. Coach Hawies Fourie announced his team for the encounter with the newly signed, Schalk Ferreira and Rynier Bernardo included 

25/02/2021 - Pro14 - Preview Round 13 - Leinster extended their lead over nearest rivals Ulster to five points in Conference A with a 35-29 victory at Dragons last Friday. Leo Cullen’s side is back in Dublin on Sunday when they take on fourth-placed Glasgow Warriors, whose hopes of catching the Ospreys suffered a major setback with a home defeat by Ulster. Ulster now hosts third-placed Ospreys, who are eyeing a fifth 

24/02/2021 - Let's Talk - We Start At The B&I Lions And End With "entertaining" Rugby And Teazers - In our weekly "Let's Talk - International news for the week ending 21/02/2021" we at the B&I Lions and end with "entertaining" rugby and Teazers. Bart sees nothing wrong accepting the offer of ten million British Pounds from Rugby Australia. I am not amused and still says that if not played in 

24/02/2021 - Raubenheimer Pleased With Bok Women’s Progress - Springbok Women’s coach Stanley Raubenheimer expressed his satisfaction with the strides being made by his charges at their training camp in Stellenbosch as the countdown continues to the Rugby World Cup in New Zealand in September. Raubenheimer assembled a squad of 24 players early in January for the first stage of 

24/02/2021 - "Unknown" Eastern Province Team Announced - Eastern Province head coach Peter de Villiers has announced his squad to travel to Pretoria for their first match in the Preparation Challenge. Former Sharks flyhalf Inny Radebe will captain the EP Elephants in Sunday’s clash against the Vodacom Bulls.

24/04/2021 - Van Zyl Leads DHL Stormers Against Cheetahs - In the front row, hooker Scarra Ntubeni will have powerful props Ali Vermaak and Neethling Fouche at his side, while Van Zyl is joined in the second row by David Meihuizen. Juarno Augustus is at the back of the scrum and will link up with hard-working flanks Ben-Jason Dixon and Marcel Theunissen in the loose trio.

24/04/2021 - Preview - Pumas Travelling To Johannesburg To Give The Lions "A Go" - The Lions are taking a big risk in giving several youngsters an opportunity against a Pumas side who sent the Bulls "youngsters" home with a 44-14 hiding a few weeks ago. The two teams will meet in the opening match of the Preparation Series on Friday night @ 19h00.

24/02/2021 - Sandile Ngcobo's Road To Head Coach Of The SARU Sevens Academy - In 2019, when the SA Under-18 Sevens team travelled to Namibia for an international tournament, Ngcobo took the reins for the first time (assisted by his former captain, Philip Snyman), with Schoeman watching from the stands. Ngcobo also had a leading role in preparing the Academy side in Dubai in 2019, 

24/02/2021 - Pumas Welcome Back Injured Stars - Jimmy Stonehouse, head coach of the NNC Pumas has announced his squad for Friday's clash against the Lions in Johannesburg in the first "preparation" match of the 2021 season. 23-year-old Eddie Fouche will make his return at flyhalf after missing much of the 2020/2021 season after he sustained a serious knee and hip injury. Giovan Snyman 

23/02/2021 - Let's Talk - Local news for the week ending 21/02/2021 - Newlands Saga, Transfer News And Emotional Selection Questions At Schoolboy Level  - Western Province professional arm has made two new appointments to their board indicates that the professional side under mr Rasool might get their act together. The appointment of Steven Kitshoff is well deserved 

23/02/2021 - Lions Appoint New Captain And Coach - Coach Mziwakhe Nkosi will lead the Lions team for the preparation matches and will be assisted by Wessel Roux. Ivan van Rooyen will oversee proceedings as Head Coach of the Lions Rugby Company. Nkosi is a former SA Schools coach and a man who operated in that set-up for four-and-a-half years coming through the Lions Rugby systems. He

23/02/2021 - Bulls Confirm Departure Of Springbok - The Vodacom Bulls today confirmed that Springbok scrumhalf Ivan van Zyl will depart Loftus Versfeld to join the English club, Saracens, at the end of June.  Van Zyl joined the Vodacom Bulls in 2014, directly after finishing school across the road at Afrikaanse Hoër Seunskool. The 25-year-old former Junior Springbok made his first-class debut 

23/02/2021 - Three Lions Stars Extend Their Contracts - The Lions Rugby Company announced that Tiaan Swanepoel, Reinhard Nothnagel and Sti Sithole have all re-committed to the Johannesburg outfit. Tiaan Swanepoel (Fullback) burst onto the scene during the recent Super Rugby Unlocked and Currie Cup tournaments. He established himself at fullback with his kicking abilities saving the Lions 

23/02/2021 - Battle For Champions Cup Places Hots Up For PRO14 Teams - Leinster and Munster retained their strangleholds on their respective conference standings and still look on course to clash in the Guinness PRO14 final but after 12 rounds of competition it is the battle for Champions Cup places that is starting to look particularly interesting. The top three teams from each conference 

23/02/2021 - 2023 World Cup Pool Phase Extended By A Week - For the first time in modern Rugby World Cup history, no team will have a rest period of fewer than five days, optimising recovery and preparation, while World Rugby also aims to deliver the most balanced schedule to date in terms of overall rest periods, particularly for emerging nations. The full match schedule will be announced

23/02/2021 - A New Era Begins At The New Home Of WP Rugby - The start of the 2021 rugby season signals the beginning of an exciting new era for Western Province Rugby at its new home - Cape Town Stadium. The iconic venue in Greenpoint will be the home base for the DHL Stormers and DHL Western Province going forward, starting on Saturday, February 27 when the DHL Stormers face the Toyota Cheetahs in a 

21/02/2021 - Second Prize Also A Win For Blitzboks - Powell - Blitzboks coach Neil Powell said that, although it was a setback not being able to travel to Spain due to COVID travel regulations, he is more than happy with the hit-out as it served its purpose of getting some game time against competitive opposition. “It was a very good second prize and I am very happy with what transpired today, especially from a squad 

21/02/2021 - Are Kolisi's "6 Weeks Pre Season" A Clear Warning To The Springbok Captain? - Sunday newspaper Rapport reports that Springbok captain Siya Kolisi will be given six weeks to regain match fitness before the Sharks will consider him for selection. Siya Kolisi said during the press conference announcing his move to the Sharks, that he is grateful to Sharks head coach Sean Everitt for not forcing him to 

19/02/2021 - Kitshoff And Mbonambi Share Tricks Of The Trade With Bok Women - The 2021 Rugby World Cup takes place in New Zealand in September and the national women’s squad are currently hard at work for their participation in the showpiece event. The Bok duo’s visit follows on the heels of Springbok head coach Jacques Nienaber and scrum coach Daan Human, who also recently spent time at the Bok 

19/02/2021 - Final Fixtures And Times Announced For Preparation Matches - SA Rugby and SuperSport announced on Friday that they will be broadcasting all 16 preparation fixtures live when the local rugby season kicks off next weekend. As a result, the fixtures have been amended. Eight local unions will each play four matches – two at home and two away – from Friday, 26 February until Sunday, 28 

19/02/2021 - Two Independent Directors Join The WP Professional Rugby Board - The additional Directors are two top female independent legal minds, Janine Myburgh and Melene Rossouw. It is expected that their appointment will support the drive to ensure governance stability and integrity. The WPPR Board boasts three female Independent Directors and the appointment of Rossouw and

19/02/2021 - Tambwe Joins The Vodacom Bulls - Tambwe, who was born in Kinshasa; the Democratic Republic of the Congo, joins from the Cell C Sharks and stands at 1.86m and weighs in at 92kgs. The 23-year-old former Parktown Boys' High School scholar made a name for himself at the Xerox Lions where his try-scoring ability and strength on the wing allowed him to move quickly up the ranks.

19/02/2021 - Ulster’s Return To Action Heats Up Pro14 Conference A - Ulster’s return to action for the first time in five weeks will leave no room for error as they chase defending champions Leinster in PRO14’s Conference A battle. Since the last time the Belfast side played on January 8, Leinster have stormed back to the top of Conference A of the tournament, and now lead their northern rivals by four points, 

19/02/2021 - Let's Hold Thumbs For The Dirt Trackers - The Unsung Heroes of Schoolboy Rugby - This week started on a very positive note for the 2021 schoolboy rugby season with rugby training that kicked off at schools in certain provinces. There will be one month of non-contact training that will be followed by one month of contact training, as per SARU prescripts. The first games may be 

19/02/2021 - Today's Hit-out Crucial To Check Progress – SARU Sevens Academy Coach - The first organised sevens hit-outs of 2021 bring a huge sense of anticipation and relief as all involved are very keen to measure the progress they have made thus far this year. That is the view of SA Rugby Sevens Academy coach, Sandile Ngcobo, as his team will join the Springbok Sevens, the Stellenbosch 

19/02/2021 - Pro 14 - Round 12 Preview - Bar a couple of re-arranged fixtures, the 12 teams now know what awaits them as they battle to reach the final and secure European places continue. Champions Leinster, bidding for a fourth successive title, and nearest rivals Ulster both have away games on Friday night with Leo Cullen’s men sitting four points ahead in Conference A. Munster, who won the last 

18/02/2021 - Planning Your Future Star's Career - Questions You Need To Ask A Rugby Academy (Episode 8) - In our Episode Eight of how to plan your future star's career, we were negative regarding the role of rugby academies in developing your child to stardom. Unfortunately, our readers saw this as a witch-hunt. This is not the case. We asked a question and the readers' response 

18/02/2021 - Bok Lock Orie Joins WP Rugby - Springbok lock Marvin Orie has signed with WP Rugby and will join the DHL Stormers training squad in their preparations for the upcoming season. A product of Tygerberg High School, Orie represented DHL Western Province throughout his school career, wearing the blue and white hoops at the U13 Craven Week, U16 Grant Khomo Week and U18.

18/02/2021 - Women's Rugby Appoint High-Performance Manager - SA Rugby has re-focused its approach to women’s rugby as a major strategic objective for the organisation, Jurie Roux, CEO, said on Thursday. The Springbok Women will take part in the Rugby World Cup in New Zealand in September and will do so with the support of SA Rugby’s first High Performance Manager for Women’s Rugby.

17/02/2021 - Lets Talk - International Rugby News (14/02/2021) - SANZAAR's Law Changes Will Kill Rugby - Lets Talk - International Rugby News (14/02/2021). Exciting test in Europe with warnings issued to South African franchise to compete in the Pro14 while SANZAAR is busy killing the game of rugby. The Six Nations again gave a red card gift to Wales which secured their win with 25-24 against Scotland. Italy 

17/02/2021 - Siya Kolisi Is Officially A Shark  - This is a historic day for The Sharks, as Kolisi joins our proud franchise as a South African national icon, having led our Springbok team to the top of the world rankings in 2019. Kolisi’s ongoing strong appetite to win trophies and better himself on the field, matched with The Sharks strategic vision and defined blueprint for success, drove Kolisi’s motivation to expand 

16/02/2021 - Muzi Manyike R.I.P. - Former SA Schools captain and Jeppe High School's head boy Muzi Manyike's family issued a media statement confirming his death earlier today. Muzi disappeared on 18 November 2020. The 20-year-old utility back, who played most of his schoolboy rugby at centre, also represented South Africa’s U17 and U18 sevens team, winning the Capricorn sevens tournament in 

15/02/2021 - Lets Talk - Discussing The Past Week's Local News (14/02/2021). We End With Some Sympathy For Zelt Marais - A lot of news on the local front to discuss with some sympathy for Zelt Marais at the end. Bafana Nhleko's appointment as the new u/20 national coach is one of the highlights of the past week. Bart knows Bafana for several years and discusses the merits of his 

16/02/2021 - Evan Roos' Move To Western Province Confirmed - It has been confirmed that SA Schools and Sharks loose-forward Evan Roos will be available to the Western Province after a 9 months loan agreement was agreed upon by the Sharks. This is good news for Western Province especially since the rumours started of the department of current #8 Juarno Augustus.

15/02/2021 - Planning Your Future Star's Career - Is Rugby Academies A Money-Making Scam? (Episode 7) - In Episode 7 of our Planning your future star's career, we look at the rugby academies in South Africa. There are no criteria set by SARU as a "regulating authority" assisting parents and players when deciding if and/or when they have to make decisions in planning your kid's rugby future.

14/02/2021 - Talk @ http://Ruggas.co.za - It Is Time That SA Rugby Reward Effort And Success Rather Than The Colour Of Your Skin - The letter by Rademan addressed to SARU came after Eastern Province was not automatically promoted to the Currie Cup Premier Division, and will compete in 2021 against Second Division teams. Rademan failed to mention that Eastern Province was included in the 

14/02/2021 - An Unusual Act Of Sportsmanship By An Affie - Whilst we eagerly await the hopefully imminent return of school rugby after what feels like an eternity of silent rugby fields, one is constantly reminded of the many reasons why we miss this game - schoolboys at all levels playing for their schools with pride and passion, the camaraderie that is developed during tough battles on the field, the often

14/02/2021 - Western Province Confirm Kolisi's Immediate Release - Siya Kolisi is set to part ways with Western Province Rugby after an 11-year journey, which has spanned his entire professional rugby career to date. Kolisi signed with Western Province Rugby straight out of school, learning his trade at the Western Province Rugby Institute and playing in the DHL Western Province U19 team in 

13/02/2021 - Bafana Nhleko Replace Chean Roux As u/20 Head Coach - SA Rugby has rejigged coaching roles in the Rugby Department and the governing body confirmed the appointment of Bafana Nhleko as the head coach of the Junior Springboks (u/20). “We’re committed to ensuring there is a development pipeline for our coaches and with Bafana we’ve accomplished that as he has

12/02/2021 - Department Of Education Allow Contact-Sport Training AND Bans Travelling For ALL Other Sport - The Department of Basic Education authorised the restart of contact sport training with immediate effect. However, Contact sport training may resume: Provided that all social distancing, hygiene and safety measures are observed and that there is no physical contact between participants during training.

11/02/2021 - Blitzboks Out Of Madrid Tournaments - The Springbok Sevens team will not participate in the Madrid Sevens tournaments at Campo UCM Central later this month after the national government of Spain extended their COVID-19 related travel restrictions on a number of countries, including South Africa. This means South Africans are not allowed entry into Spain until 2 March, 

12/02/2021 - Ruggas.co.za Challenge The Bulls And Willem Strauss - The Blue Bulls Company announced the appointment of Wessel du Plessis as their new head of junior rugby late June 2020. Jake White said at that stage that he intended to improve the schools and club rugby structures and appointing a coach of Du Plessis' calibre was a step in the right direction. Du Plessis just started at the 

12/02/2021 - "Franchise Cup" Fixtures Announced - SA Rugby announced the kick-off of the 2021 season with a number of preparation fixtures for eight provincial teams as national planning focuses on entry to the international Rainbow Cup and the Springboks’ forthcoming Test season, starting with the series against the British & Irish Lions. The series of encounters have been specifically 

12/01/2021 - Eighteen Players Nominated For BrightRock Players Choice Awards 2020 - Opponents come in all shapes and sizes. Some are stronger, some are faster, and some are meaner than others. But last year, every player, no matter their team or position, faced an opponent like never before. An opponent that changed the conditions, that changed the play, that changed the rules again and again. 

11/02/2021 - Schoolboy And Amateur Rugby To Commence Immediately -SARU - SARU just announced that due to the easing of Adjusted level 3 lockdown regulations and with the infection rates on a downward curve a recommendation was made by the working group of SA Rugby, consisting of members from SA Rugby, Provincial Unions and the South African Schools Rugby Association (SASRA),

11/02/2021 - Amateur And Schoolboy Rugby Set For A Surprise Early Return - It is expected that the Minister of Basic Education, Angie Motshekga will announce the return to play of contact sports at schools in the next few days. According to informed sources, it was decided that all contact sports can return to training and matches within the next few weeks by the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture 

10/02/2021 - We Discuss The Six Nations, Failure Of Italy, The Appointment Of Pro Players As Coaches Without Any Experience - We discuss the Six Nations, discuss the appointment of Peterson as coach and end with Varsity Cup. Big wins for Scotland and Wales while the French win was expected against a very poor Italian team. Franco Smith's claim to be building a super team is laughed at. Franco's plan is maybe

10/02/2021 - Muller du Plessis Believes In Bouncing Back Better - ‘It’s not how hard you fall, but how quickly you get up’ is a well-used slogan in sport and for Muller du Plessis, this is true in many ways. The 21-year-old Springbok Sevens player, who has had to endure some unfortunate injuries during crucial stages of his budding career, has heard – and applied – this slogan many times before. Du Plessis admits the 

10/02/2021 - Latsha Making Her Mark In Women’s Rugby In Africa - The hard-working prop, who is currently participating in the national women’s training camp in Stellenbosch as they prepare for the 2021 Rugby World Cup, was named as one of 11 members on Rugby Africa’s sub-committee for Player Welfare & Participation, which falls under the organisation’s broader Women’s Rugby Advisory Committee (WRAC).

09/02/2021 - Deal Done - Kolisi's Move To The Sharks Set To Be Announced - According to Netwerk24, Western Province and the Sharks agree to a transfer fee of R1 million for Springbok captain Siya Kolisi. It is further reported that the Sharks will confirm the transfer of Kolisi by the end of the week. An agreement between the Sharks and MVM Holdings, an international investment consortium spearheaded by Marco Masotti, 

09/02/2021 - Connacht Boosted Their Prospects Of Reaching The Guinness PRO14 Final - Connacht boosted their prospects of reaching the Guinness PRO14 final with a 30-20 win over the Dragons. Tries from Matt Healey, Abraham Papali'i, Caolin Blade and Tom Daly, along with 10 points from the boot of Jack Carty, helped then moved 10 points behind Conference B leaders Munster.

09/02/2021 - Do Not Expect Good News For Amateur And Schoolboy Rugby - Several meetings were held during this and last week to determine the road for the successful return to play for the rugby community. News regarding the play of the Rainbow Cup, Franchise Cup, Currie Cup, Currie Cup B Division and the Varsity Cup has been leaked during the past 14 days, but still no word regarding the return of amateur and 

09/02/2021 - Cheetahs Announce Squad For 2021 - With the 2020/21 Currie Cup something of the past, everyone anxiously awaits the announcement of the next local rugby competition. The Toyota Cheetahs started with training last week Wednesday and the vibe in the camp is good. The players who are currently in the Toyota Cheetah squad are:

08/02/2021 - Twizza 7's Series Cancelled For 2021 - I trust that you are all safe & well. It is with regret that I inform you that the Twizza 7s Series for 2021 has been cancelled.  In light of the Covid-19 Pandemic and the uncertainty around if any schools 7s will take place this year and as a result of being unable to plan, the decision was made to call it off. I would like to thank Twizza for their support over the past 3 years with the 7s

08/02/2021 - Planning Your Future Star's Career - Don't Go To University To Just Play Rugby (Episode 6) - In the sixth episode of the "Planning your future star's career" we look at the Varsity Cup as a pathway for your child. With the Young Guns competition not a focus of the Varsity Cup anymore the questioned asked is if it is worth it to waste time at a university for only four to six games a year. The answer is actually a

08/02/2021 - "My Challenge To Wessel du Plessis Is As Follows" - Willem Strauss - The Blue Bulls Company announced the appointment of Wessel du Plessis as their new head of junior rugby late June 2020. Jake White said at that stage that he intended to improve the schools and club rugby structures and appointing a coach of Du Plessis' calibre was a step in the right direction. Du Plessis just started at the Bulls last week 

06/02/2022 - The "Franchise Cup" And Currie Cup First Division Will Go Ahead - SARU held a meeting on Thursday to finalise the scheduling for the 2021 senior rugby season. During this meeting, it was decided that the "Franchise Cup" will go ahead as well as the play of a Currie Cup for the B Division teams. The fixtures of the Franchise Cup will only be scheduled after a final decision was taken regarding the 

05/02/2021 - Sticking To The Basics Key For Du Preez And Blitzboks - A year ago, Branco du Preez etched his name into the Blitzboks and HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series history books when he assisted South Africa to a historic come-from-behind win over Fiji. His exploits in Los Angeles saw him first score a try and then kick a clutch conversion that forced extra time in the final of the USA tournament, which

05/02/2021 - Pro14 - Connacht Need A Win To Stay In The Race For Top Spot In Conference B - As the Guinness PRO14 counts down to completing all fixtures to Round 11, Dragons will host Connacht on Friday night in one of just three remaining rescheduled games. This Round 5 fixture was originally scheduled to take place in early November and now provides rugby fans with some Friday night action 

05/02/2021 - Toyota Cheetahs Announce Long-term Sponsorship - As part of the partnership, BLK Sport will supply the Free State franchise with high-performance match kit, training and off-field apparel, and a range of supporters’ merchandise. “We are excited to partner with the Toyota Cheetahs and are eager to bring our products to them and their supporters”, says BLK Brand Executive, Carika Van Blerk.

05/02/2021 - Who Were The Up And Coming Stars Of The 2020/21 Rugby Season? - In an impossible task, we selected our eight up and coming stars that impressed us during the recent Super Rugby Unlocked and Carling Currie Cup Championships. The decision to stay in South Africa was praised by us with the eye on the advantages the junior players will get to play with and against the seasoned stars.

05/02/2021 - Coach Jake White Thanks Bulls Supporters In A Personal Letter - You would have also noticed the number ‘24’ on all of our marketing, communication and around the stadium over the last few months. The explanation of ‘24’ becomes a lot easier now, with our short-term goals being achieved. ‘24’ was a dream… a vision… a target… a goal. We used the number as an image and a symbol to work 

04/02/2021 - No Global Rugby Season Until 2024 - Within an extensive and collaborative process, World Rugby has been facilitating discussions between major unions, international and domestic club competitions, and International Rugby Players with the joint ambition of exploring multiple options and seeking a solution that optimises player welfare, competition opportunities for emerging nations, and 

04/02/2021 - Concussion - World Rugby Protocols To Return To Play - For all forms of the sport outside of the elite level, the process may only commence once the player has completed the requisite physical rest period (this means beginning the return to play process after seven days for community-level adult players and after 14 days for children and adolescent players) and only if the player is symptom-free. 

04/02/2021 - Carling Currie Cup Rewards All Teams As The Vodacom Bulls Are Crowned Champions - In a year where global sports and entertainment was hard-hit by restrictions due to COVID19, South Africa’s leading beer brand partnered with SA Rugby as title sponsor of the Currie Cup. The partnership set out to inspire consumers and players to dig deep, “reach for the gold” and find the 

03/02/2020 - We discuss Varsity Cup, Crowdfunding For The Cheetahs And Crazy Aussie - The news that dominated this week in the world of rugby must be the Aussie "offer" to host the B&I Lions and Springboks in Australia. My personal view that if the tour can not go ahead in 2021 the tour must be postponed until 2022. However, Bart believes South Africa will play anywhere in the world if they can gain financially.

03/02/2021 - World Rugby U20 Championship 2021 Cancelled - The World Rugby U20 Championship 2021 will not take place this year due to the ongoing impact of the global COVID-19 pandemic. The decision was made in consultation with potential hosts and participating unions considering all aspects from financial impact to player welfare implications. World Rugby is now working with regions and unions to 

03/02/2021 - It's Been 10 Years Since 14 Year Old Ben Robinson Died On A Rugby Field And Still, The Message Is Being Ignored - Ten years after his son, Ben Robinson, was killed, Peter Robinson is still working to better protect young sportspeople's from brain injuries. It’s strange people talk about how time’s a healer,” Peter Robinson said to the Guardian, “but I don’t think we’ve ever found that.” It’s 

03/02/2021 - Decision Making, Captaincy And The Bench Determined The Home Of Carling Currie Cup - The Vodacom Bulls won the Carling Currie Cup for the first time since 2009 when they defeated the Cell C Sharks in a dramatic and nail-biting final at Loftus Versfeld in Pretoria on Saturday, which only ended after a weather-enforced suspension in play and 20 minutes of extra time. The critical reviews by the 

03/02/2021 - Uncertainties Mke It Difficult For Peter De Villiers And EPRU - Eastern Province Elephants head coach Peter de Villiers said in an interview that the uncertainties surrounding the SARU competitions make it difficult to do planning regarding players and contracts. De Villiers said to netwerk24.com that they are currently busy with offering contracts to their announced squad. However, they can only offer short term 

03/02/2020 - The Decision Regarding The Hosting Of The British And Irish Lions Tour Expected This Week - The British and Irish Lions organisers are set to discuss the various options of where to host the South African tour during this week. Ultimately their decision will be influenced by which option will guarantee the maximum financial success. The various options to the organisers are:

03/02/2021 - Varsity Cup Fixtures For 2021 "Announced" - It was decided earlier this week by the organisers of the Varsity Cup that the Varsity Cup, as well as the Varsity Shield, will take place in 2021. However, the Young Guns competition was cancelled for the 2021 season. No official list of fixtures has been released as a final decision regarding the Covid19 protocols that will be required is still 

02/02/2021 - We Pushed The Bulls To The 100th Minute - As Carling Currie Cup Finals go, the 2020 show-piece, played in 2021, after a year of global upheaval, will be remembered as a tight, tense and thrilling climax to South Africa’s oldest and most elite rugby competitions. It was tight in respect of the game going into extra time and only delivering a winner with the final act of the game and there was so little between the 

02/02/2021 - Coetzee Released Early To Join Bath - DHL Western Province loose-forward Jaco Coetzee has been released early from his contract and will join Bath after signing a deal with the English Premiership team. The former SA Schools captain moved to Cape Town straight after school and attended the Western Province Rugby Institute in 2015. He represented DHL Western Province U19 and DHL Western 

02/02/2020 - Pro14 Review - Leinster Make Big Statement - On a day when the other main contenders Munster had to dig deep to survive against lowly Benetton, it was champions Leinster who made the big statement as they overtook Ulster to reclaim the lead in Conference A of the Guinness PRO14. Leinster went to Wales to play against Scarlets at Parc Y Scarlets needing to win to overtake their fellow Irish rivals, 

01/02/2021 - Confirmed - Varsity Cup And Shield Will Take Place In A Bubble - It was decided today by the organisers of the Varsity Cup today that the Varsity Cup, as well as the Varsity Shield, will take place in 2021. However, the Young Guns competition was cancelled for the 2021 season. No list of fixtures has been released as a final decision regarding the Covid19 protocols that will be required is still outstanding. SA Rugby 

01/02/2021 - Planning Your Future Star's Career - The Questions You Need To Ask The Unions (Episode 5) - During episode five of "Planning your future star's career" we concentrate on the top 100 school leaving rugby players in South Africa that is offered contracts at a South African Rugby Union/Franchise. The proposed agreement is a thorough document which mostly protects the rights of the Unions/Franchises. Therefore, it 

30/01/2021 - Vodacom Bulls A Deserved Carling Currie Cup Champion - Every inch counted when the Vodacom Bulls and Cell C Sharks crossed paths in the Carling Currie Cup final in Pretoria with the Vodacom Bulls ending the 2020/2021 season as the undeniable champions of South African Rugby. At the end of full-time, the score was 19-19 which forced extra time. At the end of the first 10 minutes of 

30/01/2021 - Territory Is Crucial In Order To Succeed In Pro16 - John Dobson - DHL Western Province was often criticised for the "type" of rugby they played although they qualified for a home semi-final after finishing second on the competition log. They lost the semi-final with 09-19 against the Cell C Sharks. DHL Western Province Head Coach John Dobson said that a big focus on the return to rugby had been 

30/01/2021 - Jaden Hendrikse Is Our Preferred Scrumhalf - Sean Everitt - The Cell C Sharks and Vodacom Bulls meet in tomorrow’s Carling Currie Cup Final in an epic conclusion to the most testing and frustrating rugby season in history. For both sides, this is about a reward – for sheer hard work paying dividends against all odds and in a disruptive period that has tested players, teams and coaches’ 

29/01/2021 - Schalk Ferreira Sign Two Year Deal With Toyota Cheetahs - The seasoned campaigner, Schalk Ferreira, has joined the Toyota Cheetahs on a two-year deal. Ferreira will link up with the Toyota Cheetahs just days before his 37th birthday, but despite his age, the prop will bring a lot to the Cheetahs, especially experience. Ferreira is a product of Paul Roos Gymnasium in Stellenbosch and has previously represented 

28/01/2021 - Leinster Poised To Go Back To The Top In Guinness PRO14 - Champions Leinster get an opportunity to go back to the top of their conference in the Guinness PRO14 when they travel to Wales this weekend for a game against Scarlets that was rescheduled because of a prior coronavirus outbreak. Leinster led Conference A in the early weeks of the competition but fellow Irish province Ulster 

28/01/2021 - Springbok Women To Face France In RWC Opener - The Springbok Women will hit the ground running at the Rugby World Cup in New Zealand in September after being drawn to face France in their opening match in Auckland. The team will play the French, who are currently in fourth place on the Women’s World Rankings, at Eden Park – the venue of the 2011 Rugby World Cup final for men – 

28/01/2021 - Blitzboks To Keep Pushing For That Perfect Game - Despite the lack of game time in the last year, the Springbok Sevens squad can ill afford one sub-standard training session as it could come back to bite them at a vital stage when the season finally resumes. That is the firm belief of Blitzboks captain, Siviwe Soyizwapi, as they prepare for a warm-up tournament in Spain next month.