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Junior Boks run in 16 tries in 104-7 demolition of Uruguay to open JWC title defence
The Junior Springboks opened their JWC title defence with a 104-7 demolition of Uruguay in Tbilisi, scoring 16 tries — including hat-tricks from Risima Khosa and Jordan Steenkamp — to extend their winning run at the tournament to seven matches, equalling their all-time best streak.
Junior Boks run in 16 tries against Uruguay to open JWC title defence
The Junior Springboks opened their JWC title defence with a 104-7 win over Uruguay in Tbilisi, crossing for 16 tries including hat-tricks from Risima Khosa and Jordan Steenkamp to extend their unbeaten run at the tournament to seven matches.
Koch try not enough as Wales edge Faf's Barbarians at Twickenham
Vincent Koch scored for the Barbarians at Twickenham but Wales edged the Faf de Klerk-led side in a hard-fought match.
Fassi to take Japan sabbatical as Sharks face fullback shortage
Aphelele Fassi will spend the 2026/27 season in Japan as part of a sabbatical clause in his Sharks contract, returning to Durban in July 2027. The move leaves the Sharks without three fullbacks for next season, with Hakeem Kunene and Luan Giliomee both having departed to the Bulls.
Koch scores but Barbarians fall short as Wales edge 33-31 thriller
Wales beat the Barbarians 33-31 in a ten-try Twickenham thriller, with Vincent Koch and a two-try George North among the Baabaas' scorers. Wales record back-to-back wins for the first time since the 2023 World Cup ahead of their Nations Championship campaign against Fiji, Argentina and the Springboks.
Kubheka leads Junior Boks against Uruguay U20 in World Championship opener
Rambo Kubheka leads the Junior Springboks against Uruguay U20 in their Junior World Championship pool opener in Tbilisi, after squad captain Siphosethu Mnebelele is named on the bench.
Koch try not enough as Wales edge Faf's Barbarians at Twickenham
Vincent Koch scored for the Barbarians but Wales edged the Faf-led side in a tight contest at Twickenham.
Paulse backs Erasmus's youth gamble as Springboks build depth towards 2027
Breyton Paulse has praised Rassie Erasmus for fast-tracking Junior Springboks into the senior squad ahead of the Nations Championship, highlighting a cultural shift from his own playing days. The 46-man squad includes three uncapped U20 graduates and reflects a deliberate strategy to build depth without discarding experienced campaigners. Paulse singled out Stormers flanker Paul de Villiers as one to watch after an outstanding URC and Champions Cup season.
Springbok Women's Test against USA to honour Walter and Albertina Sisulu legacy
The Springbok Women's Test against the USA at Ellis Park on 4 July will be played in honour of Walter and Albertina Sisulu, following an agreement between SARU and the Sisulu Foundation.
Springbok Women's blockbuster 2026 schedule confirmed with Italy Test added
The Springbok Women's 2026 schedule features home Tests against the USA, Black Ferns and Ireland, plus a trip to Italy — all four opponents ranked in the world's top 10.
Junior Boks begin title defence with Uruguay clash in Tbilisi
The Junior Springboks open their World Rugby U20 Championship campaign against Uruguay in Tbilisi on Saturday evening, with captain Rambo Kubheka insisting the defending champions will not rest on last year's triumph. Head coach Kevin Foote has emphasised continuity and conditioning after a clean sweep in the U20 International series in Cape Town, while acknowledging the target now painted on South African backs. Pool A also features Wales and hosts Georgia, who recently defeated New Zealand 22-19 in a warm-up fixture.
Kubheka to lead Junior Boks in JWC title defence opener against Uruguay
Rambo Kubheka captains the defending champion SA U20s against Uruguay in their Junior World Championship Pool A opener in Tbilisi on Saturday evening, with regular skipper Siphosethu Mnebelele on the bench.
Fassi heads to Japan on sabbatical as Sharks confirm 2026/27 absence
Aphelele Fassi will join a Japanese Rugby League One club for the 2026/27 season on sabbatical, returning to the Sharks in July 2027 under the terms of his renewed contract.
Werner Kok joins Newcastle Red Bulls on one-year deal
Werner Kok has signed a one-year deal with Newcastle Red Bulls, leaving Ulster after two seasons to join the Gallagher Premiership side ahead of pre-season next month.
Werner Kok signs with Newcastle Red Bulls for 2026/27 Premiership season
Werner Kok has signed a one-year deal with Newcastle Red Bulls for the 2026/27 Premiership season after leaving Ulster, with his arrival coming amid speculation Fehi Fineanganofo will not honour his contract at Kingston Park.
Boks regroup in Johannesburg ahead of Nations Championship opener against England
The Springboks wrap up a week of Johannesburg training on Thursday and reassemble Sunday for Test-week preparations ahead of their Nations Championship opener against England at Ellis Park on July 4.
How former Lions doctor's refusal to testify sealed Ntlabakanye's 18-month ban
The IDT's 44-page ruling in the Asenathi Ntlabakanye doping case reveals that former Lions team doctor Rob Collins refused to testify in the prop's defence, a decision the tribunal identified as critical to the outcome. Ntlabakanye, banned for 18 months until November 2027, argued the prohibited substances entered his system entirely through the Lions' internal medical structure, but the panel found his reliance on that system — genuine as it was — fell short of the 'utmost caution' standard required under anti-doping rules.
Springboks host Wales at Kings Park on 18 July in Nations Championship opener
South Africa host Wales at Hollywoodbets Kings Park in Durban on 18 July (17:40 local) in the Nations Championship, with Andrew Brace refereeing and SuperSport broadcasting.
Erasmus satisfied as Springboks complete Nations Championship training camp
The Springboks concluded their Nations Championship training camp in Johannesburg on Thursday, with head coach Rassie Erasmus expressing satisfaction at the groundwork laid ahead of the competition opener against England. The squad will reassemble on Sunday to begin official Test-week preparations for the 4 July fixture at Ellis Park, following productive sessions that addressed learnings from warm-up matches against the Barbarians and Zimbabwe.
Augustus still in Springboks' plans despite Nations Championship absence
Rassie Erasmus confirms Juarno Augustus remains in Springbok plans but is currently injured and unavailable for the Nations Championship, with the Ulster back-rower still awaiting a first Test cap.