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2,991 items · Springboks
Ntlabakanye handed 18-month ban that rules him out of 2027 Rugby World Cup
Lions tighthead Asenathi Ntlabakanye has been handed an 18-month doping ban running from 13 May 2026, with the suspension ending on the day of the 2027 Rugby World Cup final after he tested positive for Anastrozole and self-declared the use of anabolic steroid DHEA.
SA Rugby revenues hit R2bn but R40m pre-tax loss underlines sustainability challenge
SA Rugby's revenues climbed 29 per cent to R2bn in 2025, with R500m invested in national teams, but the union still posted a R40m pre-tax group loss as it continues to work towards long-term financial sustainability.
TMO overreach is killing the game — and the Lions paid the price
The Mahashe disallowed try becomes a flashpoint for a wider argument that TMOs have abandoned the 'clear and obvious' mandate in favour of forensic overreach — with the Lions and the spectacle of the game paying the price. The column also takes aim at the All Blacks' overseas-player policy and previews the URC playoff picture.
Springbok prop Ntlabakanye handed 18-month ban for doping violation
Springbok prop Asenathi Ntlabakanye has been handed an 18-month ban by SAIDS for an anti-doping rule violation, ruling him out immediately and sidelining him from all rugby until November 2027.
De Villiers and Burger expect Mo'unga 'injury' workaround as NZ Rugby holds firm
De Villiers and Burger expect a creative injury workaround to get Mo'unga into the All Blacks squad for the August-September Springbok series, with both slamming NZ Rugby's rigid eligibility stance as needlessly self-defeating.
400 games, still proving himself: Why Willie le Roux deserves his flowers
As Le Roux hits 400 first-class appearances, Brenden Nel makes the overdue case for recognising a generational career that was built the hard way — and argues the South African public still hasn't given him his proper due.
400 games and still proving doubters wrong — the Willie le Roux story deserves more respect
Nel profiles Willie le Roux on the eve of his 400th first-class game, arguing that a career built on club rugby grit, self-funded academy fees, and a chip-on-the-shoulder mentality deserves far greater recognition than it typically receives. Le Roux's own quotes — on still feeling like he has to prove himself at 101 caps — are the centrepiece.
Willie le Roux reaches 400 first-class appearances — a career built on vision, not validation
Willie le Roux's 400th first-class appearance is the occasion for a warm but pointed reassessment — De Koning argues the criticism has always missed what coaches and teammates have long understood about his spatial intelligence and leadership value.
Fourie knee scan clouds Stormers career outlook after Henderson red-card incident
Deon Fourie faces a knee scan and potential career uncertainty after being injured by a croc roll from Ulster's Ian Henderson, who was ultimately red-carded, during the Stormers' URC match. Stormers defence coach Norman Laker confirmed the scan and called for consequences, while also flagging a near-identical incident involving Evan Roos in the same game.
Wales name 48-man Nations Championship squad with six uncapped players, Rassie's Boks among summer opponents
Steve Tandy names a 48-man Wales squad for the Nations Championship, featuring six uncapped players including England U20 back-rower Kane James, with the Springboks among their summer opponents.
Hooker targeting All Blacks opener after shoulder surgery, July Tests ruled out
Ethan Hooker is targeting the opening All Blacks Test in The Greatest Rivalry series after shoulder surgery, with the 23-year-old ruled out of all July Tests against England, Scotland and Wales.
Lions lose Ruan Venter to knee injury ahead of must-win Munster clash
Ruan Venter has returned to South Africa for knee scans after leaving the Lions' 7-31 defeat to Leinster in the fourth minute, ruling him out of Saturday's winner-takes-all URC clash against Munster.
Stuart Barnes: SFM is the next Dan Carter — 'quicker, maybe better'
Stuart Barnes makes the case in The Times that SFM's attacking gifts — the vision, acceleration, and physicality on display in the Ulster draw — already outweigh his technical rough edges, and that the 2027 World Cup will confirm him as the next Dan Carter.
Serfontein opens up on mental and physical battle that led to retirement
Jan Serfontein has opened up on the daily mental and physical toll that forced his retirement, describing the internal turmoil of walking away despite two years left on his Bulls contract.
Pietersen hails Siyaya's flyhalf audition as Sharks thrash Benetton 46-7
JP Pietersen has confirmed Zekhethelo Siyaya's shift to flyhalf was a deliberate succession move, praising the 18-year-old's performance in the Sharks' 46-7 win over Benetton, while Makazole Mapimpi recovered from a concussion and debutant Litelihle Bester scored on his URC debut.
Julius hat-trick and Esterhuizen masterclass power Sharks to 46-7 demolition of Benetton
Jurenzo Julius scored a hat-trick and Andre Esterhuizen delivered another commanding display as the Sharks beat Benetton 46-7 at Kings Park, with the scrum and lineout providing the platform for a comprehensive URC victory.
Hanekom's return to form headlines Bulls' 54-19 demolition of Zebre
Hanekom's 9/10 is the headline from Planet Rugby's Bulls ratings after the Zebre win, with Moodie's inconsistency, Le Roux's composed display at 10, and Gans's impact off the bench among the other talking points.
Jurenzo Julius hat-trick and Esterhuizen masterclass power Sharks to 46-7 demolition of Benetton
Jurenzo Julius's hat-trick and a ninth-rated display from captain Andre Esterhuizen drove the Sharks to a 46-7 win over Benetton at Kings Park, with the scrum and lineout providing a dominant platform throughout.
Hanekom returns to form as Bulls demolish Zebre — full player ratings
Hanekom's 9/10 performance signals a timely return to form, while Moodie's mixed outing encapsulates his inconsistent season — Planet Rugby's full ratings from the Bulls' big Loftus win break down who's pushing for Bok relevance and who still has work to do.
Mo'unga ruled out of Springbok clashes as NZR holds firm on overseas policy
NZR has confirmed no exemption will be sought for Richie Mo'unga, ruling him out of the July Tests and Rugby Championship matches against the Springboks in South Africa, though a late-season call-up remains possible if he returns to domestic play and injury strikes.