This Planet Rugby retrospective takes stock of 2025's landmark rugby moments from the vantage point of mid-2026, asking whether the year's headline stories had lasting impact or faded quickly. For Bok fans, the centrepiece is South Africa's relentless 86% win rate across 15 Tests, with Erasmus rotating 50 players and Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu breaking Percy Montgomery's individual Test scoring record against Argentina. Six months on, however, the Boks have played just once — a lopsided win over the Barbarians — and the piece flags that the upcoming Nations Championship opener against England will test whether the squad's depth can compensate for an ageing core. Beyond the green and gold, the piece revisits the Lions' 2-1 series win over Australia (complete with a Melbourne Cricket Ground attendance record of 90,307) and Bath's unlikely treble under Johann van Graan — a run that has already stalled in 2025/26 with a trophyless campaign. The women's game gets significant coverage, with England's home World Cup win driving record attendances and Ellie Kildunne earning a BBC SPOTY nomination — momentum the piece argues has carried into 2026 Six Nations crowds.
Springbok dominance, Lions revival and women's rugby records — where are 2025's big stories now?
A mid-2026 stocktake on 2025's biggest rugby stories — Springbok dominance, the Lions series win, Bath's treble and England's Women's World Cup triumph — assessing what's had staying power and what's already faded.
Gelant not treating Barbarians clash as Bok audition
Warrick Gelant, the only Springbok in the Barbarians squad for the June 20 clash against South Africa in Gqeberha, says he will not treat the match as a Bok trial, insisting the experience with the invitational side stands on its own merits.
Erasmus explains family connection and hooker rotation behind Venter and Kotze selections
Erasmus explains the hooker rotation logic behind Andre-Hugo Venter's selection against the Barbarians, with a personal twist, while Lukhanyo Am features at 12 for SA 'A' against Zimbabwe as he bids to rebuild his Test case.
Rassie Erasmus & Mzwandile Stick | Springbok and SA 'A' team announcements | 16 June 2026
Rassie Erasmus and Mzwandile Stick announced the Springbok and SA 'A' teams on Tuesday, ahead of Saturday's season-opening double-header in Gqeberha, when the Boks will face the Barbarians at 15h00, preceded by the 'A' team's match against
Buthelezi and Sadie called up as Springbok camp gets underway in Johannesburg
Phepsi Buthelezi and Carlu Sadie have joined the Springbok training squad in Johannesburg, with on-field preparations underway ahead of the 20 June double-header in Gqeberha. The Nations Championship squad is set to be announced on 21 June.
Buthelezi and Sadie called up as Springbok camp gets under way in Johannesburg
Phepsi Buthelezi and Carlu Sadie have joined the Springbok camp in Johannesburg, with the Stormers players also reporting in after their URC semifinal in Ireland. The squad for the Nations Championship will be announced on 21 June.