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Rennie rules out Mo'unga for Springbok series, confirms squads already set
Dave Rennie has ruled Richie Mo'unga out of New Zealand's 44-man squad for the four-test 'Greatest Rivalry' series against the Springboks, citing eligibility rules, while confirming the All Blacks have already mapped out their squads for all four tour fixtures ahead of the opening test in Johannesburg on 22 August.
Rennie rules out Mo'unga for Springboks series despite eligibility push
All Blacks head coach Dave Rennie has confirmed Richie Mo'unga will not feature in New Zealand's four-test series against the Springboks in August. The 32-year-old fly-half remains ineligible under national union rules until October, having returned from three seasons in Japan. Mo'unga could only join the tour as an injury replacement.
Rennie rules out Mo'unga for Springboks series, confirms squad planning well advanced
Dave Rennie has ruled out Richie Mo'unga for the All Blacks' four-test series against the Springboks, confirming the fly-half's NZR eligibility won't be met until October. Rennie says provisional selections are already in place for all four tests, with the series opening in Johannesburg on August 22.
Giliomee red card dismissed, Junior Bok free to play in World Championship Final
Luan Giliomee's red card from the Junior World Championship semifinal has been dismissed after a full disciplinary hearing found no foul play, freeing the utility back to play in the final.
Mo'unga ruled out of Springboks series as Rennie confirms NZ Rugby stance holds
Dave Rennie has confirmed Richie Mo'unga will not tour South Africa in August, with NZ Rugby's eligibility policy remaining unchanged. Mo'unga can only join the squad as an injury replacement once his NPC commitments make him eligible.
Van Heerden credits Stormers revival ahead of long-awaited Springbok debut
Ruben van Heerden will make his Springboks debut against Wales in Durban on Saturday, capping a career resurgence that began when he returned from Exeter Chiefs to join the Stormers in 2023. The 28-year-old lock credited the Cape Town coaching staff with restoring the confidence that had ebbed during a difficult spell in England. He is one of four uncapped players set to earn their first Test caps in the Nations Championship fixture.
Van Heerden credits Stormers move with turning Test dream into reality
Lock Ruben van Heerden, set to debut against Wales in Durban on Saturday alongside three other uncapped players, credits his move from Exeter to the Stormers in 2023 with revitalising his career and ultimately bringing him into Rassie Erasmus' Nations Championship squad.
SA Schools 'A' steal dramatic one-point win over SA Schools in Gqeberha
SA Schools 'A' recovered from a 14-point half-time deficit to beat SA Schools 34-33 in a dramatic finish at Grey High School's Kolisi Field in Gqeberha, with fullback Rhandzu Mkhabela's late try proving the difference.
SA Schools 'A' stage dramatic comeback to pip SA Schools 34-33 in Gqeberha
SA Schools 'A' overturned a 14-point half-time deficit to beat SA Schools 34-33 in a dramatic 10-try encounter at the Kolisi Field at Grey High School in Gqeberha, with fullback Rhandzu Mkhabela's late try proving the difference.
Sharks clip highlights what Springbok debutant Jaco Williams brings to the table
A Sharks clip has put the spotlight on Springbok debutant Jaco Williams ahead of his anticipated Test debut.
Owens rules Roos try should have been disallowed after restart infringement
Former Test referee Nigel Owens has stated that Evan Roos's try in the Springboks' 42-28 victory over Scotland should have been ruled out. Owens judged that Boan Venter's actions in carrying Cobus Wiese forward whilst the lock was airborne prevented Scotland from defending legally, warranting a penalty against the hosts.
Italy to appeal Quesada ban as coach becomes first sanctioned under World Rugby's new referee-abuse process
The Italian Rugby Federation will appeal Gonzalo Quesada's two-Test ban — the first issued under World Rugby's new Match Official Abuse Sanction Process — which rules him out of Italy's Tests against Australia and the Springboks.
SA Schools Girls edge past 'A' side 31-17 in historic Gqeberha clash
SA Schools Girls defeated SA Schools Girls 'A' 31-17 in Gqeberha, scoring five tries in a match that was tighter than the scoreline suggests at half-time before the senior side pulled clear in the second half.
Stormers XXIII coach leans on Ntubeni experience for Currie Cup opener
Tom Dawson-Squibb says Ntubeni is a key presence as the Stormers XXIII begin their Currie Cup campaign on Friday as self-described underdogs.
Moyo ready to fire on Springbok debut against Wales, Pollard's guidance a key factor
Twenty-year-old Vusi Moyo makes his Springbok debut against Wales at Kings Park on Saturday, bolstered by Handré Pollard's counsel and Rassie Erasmus's praise for his kicking, physicality and composure.
Quesada becomes first coach banned under World Rugby's new ref-abuse process, will miss Springbok Test
Gonzalo Quesada has been handed a two-match ban — the first issued under World Rugby's new Match Official Abuse Sanctioning Process — for his post-match criticism of referee Luc Ramos after Italy's 47-17 loss to New Zealand, ruling him out of Tests against Australia and the Springboks.
Van Heerden's long road to Bok debut runs through Cape Town
Ruben van Heerden, 28, makes his Springbok debut against Wales at Kings Park on Saturday, with his move from Exeter Chiefs to the Stormers — where he developed into a No 5 and lineout leader after Marvin Orie's departure — proving the catalyst for his belated international call-up.
Van Heerden's Long Road to Test Debut Reaches Durban Climax
Ruben van Heerden will make his first Springbok start against Wales on Saturday after years of perseverance at the Stormers. The 28-year-old lock, who earned the URC Tackle Machine award last season with 171 tackles at 98 percent success, replaces the injured Salmaan Moerat. Van Heerden is one of four debutants in the Nations Championship fixture at Kings Park.
Van Heerden credits Stormers move as he prepares for belated Springbok debut against Wales
Ruben van Heerden makes his Springbok debut against Wales at Kings Park on Saturday, with the 28-year-old lock crediting his move to the Stormers — and his evolution into the No 5 jersey — as the turning point in a career that stalled at Exeter Chiefs before finding new life in Cape Town.
Van Heerden set for first Test start as Stormers move pays off
Ruben van Heerden earns his first Springbok Test start against Wales on Saturday, having been called into the squad as injury cover for Moerat. The 28-year-old Stormers lock credits his move to Cape Town in 2022 as the catalyst for a career that has now reached the highest level.