Latest News & Developments
rugby
URC Awards: Feinberg-Mngomezulu wins but Wilco Louw was the real workhorse
Roger Federer star-struck me — and the URC panel may have been star-struck too. Why Wilco Louw should have won Player of the Year.
Rugby World Cup 1995 | On this day: All Blacks annihilate Japan in record-breaking rout
On 4 June 1995, New Zealand crushed Japan 145–17 in Bloemfontein, setting several enduring records in one of Rugby World Cup history’s most lopsided matches. Meanwhile, Ireland edged Wales in a thrilling Pool C decider, and England secured top spot in Pool B.
Jake White has some big calls to make as Bulls wary of Edinburgh ‘momentum’ for URC quarter-finals
Coach Jake White will announce his Bulls team on Friday afternoon, and he has a number of major decisions to make to ensure that his team get off to a necessary flying start against the plucky Scottish club Edinburgh.
Jake White now not so ‘scared to put guys in’ as Bulls eye URC title
Crunch time has arrived in the URC, and it is all about beating Edinburgh in Saturday’s quarter-final at Loftus Versfeld for the Bulls and coach Jake White.
Club World Cup: A gimmick, or true test for rugby’s best?
As discussions unfold about the proposed Club World Cup, is it a romantic dream or merely a gimmick destined to fail, asks Ashfak Mohamed.
‘Hope’ springs eternal for Jake White as lessons of loss can turn Bulls into URC winners
After a heart-breaking loss and the passing of teammate Cornal Hendricks, the Bulls are determined to rise again in the URC, drawing on past lessons to secure victory.
Teenager dies after participating in dangerous rugby 'run-it-straight challenge'
A tragic incident in New Zealand highlights the dangers of viral social media challenges, as a teenager dies from a head injury sustained during the 'run-it-straight challenge'.
Eben and Anlia Etzebeth share joyful news: baby girl number two is on the way!
Eben Etzebeth and his wife Anlia joyfully announce they are expecting a baby girl, sharing their excitement and family values on social media.
Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus will spread his selection net beyond players invited to alignment camps
The second Springbok alignment camp ended on Friday, and coach Rassie Erasmus cleared the air on some selection issues ahead of the start of the international season in late June.
30 years on, unforgettable memories of the Springboks’ opening match of the 1995 Rugby World Cup
It is 30 years since the Springboks opened their Rugby World Cup campaign against the Wallabies on May 20, 1995. It was a special time for the fledgling Rainbow Nation.
Sublime Matthieu Jalibert leads Bordeaux-Begles to their first Champions Cup victory
Bordeaux-Begles clinched their first Champions Cup title in a thrilling 28-20 victory over Northampton, thanks to flyhalf Matthieu Jalibert's outstanding performance.
Zenay Jordaan’s return potential game-changer for Springbok Women ahead of Rugby World Cup
With the Rugby World Cup 2025 approaching, Springbok Women's performance coach Swys de Bruin emphasises the invaluable insights of player-turned-coach Zenay Jordaan, who aims to enhance the team's performance and foster the development of female coaches.
Ntokozo Makhaza’s rags-to-riches progression from ‘nobody’ to Springbok alignment camp
Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus surprised many when he called up Varsity College star Ntokozo Makhaza to the latest alignment camp, and it has been a meteoric rise for the young wing.
‘Electric vibe’ among Springboks as Rassie Erasmus delighted with alignment camp
The Springboks are just over a month away from their first game of the year, and intensified their preparations at an alignment camp in Cape Town.
Welcome new World Rugby red card law punishes the individual, not the team or spectacle
World Rugby deserves a pat on the back for promulgating a red card law that allows a sent-off player to be replaced after 20 minutes, writes Mike Greenaway.
Fixing the flaws: How the URC can reach its full potential
The United Rugby Championship is bursting with promise – a cross-hemisphere league packed with star players, proud clubs, and passionate fans. But to truly shine, the competition must overcome key structural challenges. From scheduling frustrations and player availability issues to financial constraints and regional imbalances, the URC has growing pains it can’t ignore.
Augustus, Van der Merwe made their presence felt as Springbok alignment camp kicks off in Cape Town
The Springbok alignment camp is under way in Cape Town, and coach Rassie Erasmus has made significant changes at hooker and loose forward.
Barbarians coach Robbie Deans names All Black and Irish stars for Springbok clash in June
The Springboks begin their international season on June 28 against the Barbarians. and they will be up against a star-studded line-up.
Predicting Springbok XV to face Barbarians in Cape Town is all experimental
Rassie Erasmus has named a 54-man Springbok alignment squad, with the second camp in Cape Town this week. Independent Media's focus turns to predicting the potential line-up for the Barbarians match in June.
Should Bulls captain Ruan Nortjé stay at flank in Edinburgh URC quarter-final?
The Bulls face a crucial decision on their loose-forward selection for the URC quarter-final against Edinburgh, with captain Ruan Nortjé's position under scrutiny. Can Jake White find the right balance to secure victory?
So many questions for Rassie at Bok camp as Sacha, RG push for starts
With the Springbok alignment camps underway, Rassie Erasmus faces critical decisions as players like Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu and RG Snyman compete for starting positions ahead of the international Test against Italy. Who will secure their place in the squad?
SA's Rayno Nel just wants to have a 'Black Label' after historic World’s Strongest Man triumph
Former SA rugby player Rayno Nel has made history as the first African to win the World’s Strongest Man title, overcoming fierce competition and personal challenges.
Former media tycoon Tony O’Reilly was a hit on and off the field for Lions in South Africa
The British and Irish Lions are about to tour Australia, but today's polished professionals won't have the fun had by the Lions of the amateur era, writes Mike Greenaway.
Under-par Sharks grind out vital URC win over Scarlets in Durban
The Sharks arm-wrestled the Scarlets into submission in a tight United Rugby Championship encounter in Durban on Saturday night.
Lubabalo Dobela the late hero as Lions end URC season with thriller over Ospreys
The Lions clinched a narrow 29-28 victory over the Ospreys at Ellis Park, showcasing the talent of new flyhalf Lubabalo Dobela and a spirited team performance.