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World Rugby bans hip drop and knee drop tackles from November 1
World Rugby has banned hip drop and knee drop tackles from November 1, following lobbying that included Springboks coach Felix Jones, after Elrigh Louw spent 10 months on the sideline with a fractured leg and knee ligament damage sustained from a hip drop in early 2025.
Felix Jones helped shape World Rugby's new hip-drop and knee-drop tackle laws
Felix Jones was part of the World Rugby working group that has formalised penalties for hip-drop and knee-drop tackles, with the law changes coming into effect on 5 October and 1 November respectively.
SA Super Rugby return not on table, but NZ relationship 'really tight' — Lancaster
NZ Rugby CEO Steve Lancaster says a South African return to Super Rugby is not being discussed, with SA Rugby committed to the URC and bullish about their current competition structure, while the bilateral relationship between the two unions is described as 'really tight' following the Rugby's Greatest Rivalry series.
Cheetahs snap up Junior World Champion Malgas from Stormers
The Cheetahs have signed versatile back Dominic Malgas from the Stormers. The 21-year-old, a member of South Africa's 2025 U20 World Championship-winning squad, covers the full back three and is a capable goal-kicker.
Nche endorses Sharks' cultural shift as structural changes take hold
Ox Nche has backed the structural and cultural changes at the Sharks, with defence coach Joey Mongalo pointing to the appointments of Rory Duncan as chief of staff and Dave Williams as general manager as the foundation of a more rugby-focused organisation — as the log-leading Sharks prepare to face the Stormers in Cape Town on Saturday.
Venter relishes personal edge of Jukskei Derby against Bok teammates
Lions loosehead Boan Venter says Saturday's Jukskei Derby at Loftus carries a personal edge as he prepares to face Bok teammates, with the Lions looking to back up nine points from two rounds and repeat last season's win over the Bulls.
Nche plays down personal duel with Louw ahead of Sharks-Stormers clash
Ox Nche has played down the anticipated personal scrum battle with Wilco Louw ahead of the Sharks' trip to Cape Town, stressing collective pack performance after their dominant set-piece display in last week's 26-20 win over Leinster.
Fourie backs Paulo as Stormers own line-out collapse collectively
Deon Fourie has defended Vernon Paulo over the Stormers' 11 line-out losses against Edinburgh, calling the set-piece failure a collective issue rather than the young hooker's fault, with the side now turning their focus to hosting the Sharks at DHL Stadium on Saturday.
Pietersen hails Sharks' 'unreal' URC start after Springboks deliver against Leinster
JP Pietersen says he was nervous about fielding his returning Springboks on one training session before the Sharks' win over Leinster, but the side's perfect 10-point start to the URC has left him pleasantly stunned ahead of Saturday's trip to face the Stormers.
Etzebeth brilliance seals Sharks statement win over Leinster
Eben Etzebeth produced a moment of attacking magic to set up André Esterhuizen's decisive try as the Hollywoodbets Sharks defeated defending champions Leinster 26-20 in round two of the United Rugby Championship. The victory, built on the defensive steel of returning Springboks, leaves the Sharks top of the standings with maximum points from two matches. Coach JP Pietersen credited his World Cup winners with providing the injection needed to overcome the Irish province.
Etzebeth-to-Esterhuizen try highlights Sharks' Bok combination in URC round two
Edwill van der Merwe, Eben Etzebeth and André Esterhuizen combined for a coast-to-coast try in the Sharks' URC round two match.
Returning Boks flood back for Stormers ahead of derby clash with Sharks
The Stormers host the Sharks on Saturday bolstered by a wave of returning Springboks, though complex loose forward selection and a looming fitness test for Evan Roos cloud an otherwise positive picture after a six-point URC tour. Cheslin Kolbe remains the only Bok unavailable, still out with a broken jaw.
Etzebeth brilliance and Bok steel carry Sharks past Leinster as SA franchises dominate URC standings
The Sharks lead the URC with a perfect 10 points after beating defending champions Leinster 26-20, sparked by a stunning Eben Etzebeth break and try assist in the 69th minute. The Lions are third after a 35-19 bonus-point win over the Ospreys, while the Bulls (lost 26-22 to Munster) and Stormers (lost 17-13 to Edinburgh) both dropped points in games their coaches felt were there for the taking.
Stormers set for near-full Springbok contingent against Sharks
Norman Laker confirms the Stormers will have a near-full Springbok contingent available for Saturday's clash against the Sharks at Cape Town Stadium.
Stormers set for near-full Springbok contingent against Sharks
Norman Laker confirms the Stormers will have near-full Springbok availability for Saturday's URC derby against the Sharks in Cape Town.
Savea ruled out until Super Rugby return as Rennie backs Barrett to remain relevant
Ardie Savea faces surgery and a potentially delayed Super Rugby return after his shoulder dislocation in Soweto, while Rennie has backed Beauden Barrett to continue contributing — primarily at fullback — despite falling behind Mo'unga and the injured Ruben Love in the first-five pecking order.
Bok Women shut out Spain 20-0 to end WXV Global Series tour on a high
The Springbok Women shut out Spain 20-0 in Seville to end their WXV Global Series tour, with co-head coach Franzel September highlighting disciplined defence and set-piece control despite front-row injuries to Babalwa Latsha and Nombuyekezo Mdliki. The squad returns home on Tuesday ahead of two Tests against Ireland in Cape Town.
Bok Women blank Spain 20-0 to end WXV Global Series tour on high note
The Springbok Women beat Spain 20-0 in Seville to end their WXV Global Series tour, despite losing two props to injury and playing in extreme heat, with Ireland in Cape Town next on the agenda.
Springbok Women shut out Spain 20-0 to close WXV Global Series tour
The Springbok Women closed their WXV Global Series tour with a 20-0 shutout of Spain in Seville, overcoming front-row injuries to Babalwa Latsha and Nombuyekezo Mdliki while maintaining set-piece dominance and full discipline throughout.
Springbok Women shut out Spain to end European tour with seventh straight win over hosts
The Springbok Women beat Spain 20-0 in Seville to end their WXV Global Series European tour, recording a seventh straight win over the hosts through tries from Catha Jacobs, Aseza Hele and Jakkie Cilliers.