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553 items · Springboks · Reports
SA Rugby weighs Champions Cup exit as Alexander warns of tough calls ahead
SA Rugby is weighing a withdrawal from the Champions Cup to ease player workload, with president Mark Alexander confirming a July workshop will determine which competitions the organisation retains, as 14 years of global calendar talks continue to stall over New Zealand Rugby's resistance to shifting Super Rugby Pacific.
Bulls face Benetton without Coetzee and Arendse as Pollard, Le Roux return
The Bulls face Benetton on Saturday without flu-stricken Marcell Coetzee and Kurt-Lee Arendse, with Pollard, Le Roux and Louw returning to a reshuffled side. A bonus-point win could move them into the top four and earn a home quarterfinal. Willie le Roux plays his 400th first-class match; Stravino Jacobs earns his 100th Bulls cap.
Springboks open inaugural Nations Championship against England at Ellis Park
The Springboks face England at Ellis Park in 50 days to open the inaugural Nations Championship.
Ntlabakanye handed 18-month ban that rules him out of 2027 Rugby World Cup
Lions prop Asenathi Ntlabakanye has been suspended for 18 months following doping violations involving Anastrozole and DHEA, with the ban running until 13 November 2027 — the day of the Rugby World Cup final — ruling him out of the tournament.
Rassie Erasmus to receive Order of Ikhamanga — South Africa's highest national honour
Rassie Erasmus will receive the Order of Ikhamanga — South Africa's highest national honour — from President Cyril Ramaphosa at an investiture ceremony on 19 May, recognising his role in the Springboks' back-to-back World Cup titles and his contribution to national unity.
Ntlabakanye handed 18-month ban that rules him out of 2027 Rugby World Cup
Lions tighthead Asenathi Ntlabakanye has been suspended for 18 months from 13 May 2026, with the ban expiring on the day of the 2027 Rugby World Cup final after he tested positive for Anastrozole and self-declared use of the anabolic steroid DHEA.
Ntlabakanye handed 18-month ban, set to miss 2027 Rugby World Cup
Asenathi Ntlabakanye has been banned for 18 months by the IDHP after testing positive for Anastrozole and self-declaring DHEA use, ruling him out until November 2027 and ending his hopes of featuring at the Rugby World Cup. The Lions say they will stand by him as he weighs an appeal.
SA Rugby revenues hit R2bn as half a billion flows to national teams
SA Rugby's revenues rose 29 per cent to R2bn in 2025, with R500m spent on national teams and record sponsorship income of R739m, though the group still recorded a R40m pre-tax loss.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.