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SA 'A' returns to action against Zimbabwe in Gqeberha double-header on 20 June
The SA 'A' team returns to action for the first time since 2022, facing Zimbabwe in a curtain-raiser to the Springboks' clash with the Barbarians in Gqeberha on 20 June. Erasmus intends to use the fixture to assess fringe squad members and wider prospects, while the Sables — back at a Rugby World Cup for the first time since 1991 — will treat it as key World Cup preparation. Kick-off times are 12h00 and 15h00 respectively at Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium.
SA 'A' returns to action against Zimbabwe in Gqeberha double-header on 20 June
SA 'A' return from a near four-year absence to face Zimbabwe in a World Cup preparation fixture at Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium on 20 June, kicking off at 12h00 ahead of the Springboks' 15h00 clash with the Barbarians. Erasmus will use the match to assess fringe players, while the Sables — making their first Rugby World Cup since 1991 next year — treat it as a key development opportunity.
Pretorius signs new Lions deal, set for return against Glasgow
JC Pretorius has signed a new deal with the Lions and is in line to return from a long-term knee injury against Glasgow Warriors at Ellis Park on Saturday. Assistant coach Ricardo Loubscher confirmed the former Blitzbok flanker has been match-ready for several weeks. Morne van den Berg and Asenathi Ntlabakanye have also been cleared for the URC clash against the log leaders.
Jake White and Derek Page quit Selborne College amid headmaster interference claims
Jake White and director of rugby Derek Page have both walked away from Selborne College, with White submitting a formal complaint to the school's Foundation Trust accusing headmaster Andrew Dewar of interfering with rugby operations and blocking key appointments. Page, who has not received a response to his own earlier letter, says their hands were tied from the outset on coaching appointments, fixtures, and recruitment. Selborne's first side has struggled on the field, with heavy losses to Rondebosch, Pearson, and Framesby this season.
Jake White and Derek Page quit Selborne College amid headmaster standoff
Jake White and director of rugby Derek Page have both quit Selborne College after clashing with headmaster Andrew Dewar, who they accuse of blocking coach appointments, restricting fixtures, and refusing to implement a bursary system. White has written to the Selborne College Foundation Trust outlining his frustrations, while Page says a similar letter sent weeks earlier has gone unanswered. The school's first side has since suffered heavy defeats to Rondebosch Boys' High and Pearson, and currently has no director of rugby in place.
Stormers exit Champions Cup on heartbreak as late try ruled out in Toulon thriller
The Stormers were eliminated from the Champions Cup after a 28-27 defeat to Toulon at the Stade Mayol, with the match ending in controversy when a late Adre Smith try was ruled out by the TMO. Coach John Dobson questioned the decision, pointing to Toulon flank Charles Ollivon's position on the ground as a key factor, while acknowledging the Stormers were below their best in the scrum and some defensive sequences. The squad now refocuses on the URC, with Connacht coming to Cape Town on April 18.
Stormers exit Champions Cup on heartbreak call as Dobson questions TMO ruling
The Stormers were eliminated from the Champions Cup 28-27 by Toulon at Stade Mayol, with the game decided by a TMO ruling that disallowed a late Adre Smith try in debatable circumstances. Coach John Dobson disputed the call, arguing Toulon flank Charles Ollivon was on the ground and offside when he prevented the grounding. The Stormers now refocus on the URC, with Connacht coming to Cape Town Stadium on April 18.
Stormers exit Champions Cup on heartbreak call as Toulon edge thriller 28-27
The Stormers fell 28-27 to Toulon in the Champions Cup last 16 at Stade Mayol, eliminated by a controversial late TMO ruling that denied Adre Smith a match-winning try. Coach John Dobson questioned the call, pointing to Toulon flank Charles Ollivon being on the ground and in the field of play during the intervention. The Stormers now refocus on the URC, with Connacht at Cape Town Stadium on April 18 next up.
Nortje to leave Bulls for Japan after decade of one-club loyalty
Ruan Nortje will leave the Bulls at the end of the season to join a Japanese club, bringing to a close a career spent entirely at Loftus. The 27-year-old lock departs with 146 Bulls caps, 37 games as captain, and 18 Springbok appearances to his name. The move follows David Kriel's recently confirmed departure to La Rochelle.
Nortje to leave Bulls for Japan after near-decade of one-club loyalty
Ruan Nortje will leave the Bulls at the end of the season to join a Japanese club, ending a one-club professional career spanning 146 appearances and 37 captaincies at Loftus. The 27-year-old lock, who holds 18 Springbok caps, cited family considerations as central to the decision. The departure follows the recent confirmation of David Kriel's move to La Rochelle.
Mark Alexander unopposed as SARU presidential nominations close
Mark Alexander is the sole presidential nominee for SARU's four-year term, set to be confirmed at the 14 May AGM in Cape Town. Eight candidates are contesting the two open executive council positions, with incumbents Baartman and September facing six challengers.
Dobson urges Cape Town to fill DHL Stadium in honour of Chippie Solomon
The Stormers are mourning the death of long-serving team manager Chippie Solomon, who died from a heart attack on Saturday aged 64. John Dobson has urged Cape Town supporters to fill DHL Stadium for Saturday's URC clash with Connacht as a tribute to Solomon, who served the franchise from 2004. Player welfare manager Duncan Cruickshank will cover Solomon's duties this week.
Nations Championship 2026: Format and fixtures confirmed for new global competition
World Rugby's Nations Championship is confirmed to launch in 2026 as a new bi-annual global competition. The tournament will bring together leading Test nations from both hemispheres in a structured format, though full fixture and format details are yet to be widely published.
Sale Sharks sign Pumas lock JJ Scheepers
JJ Scheepers is leaving the Pumas to join Sale Sharks in the English Premiership. The move was confirmed by Sale head coach Alex Sanderson.
Bulls lock up Van Staden and Gumede in back-row double signing
The Bulls have retained back-row pair Marco van Staden and Mpilo Gumede, with Van Staden signing a two-year extension and Gumede committing for five years. The club held firm despite reported outside interest in both players.
Cardiff hand Van Zyl permanent head coaching role on long-term deal
Cardiff have appointed Corniel van Zyl as permanent head coach on a long-term deal. The South African's appointment ends any uncertainty over the role at the Welsh region.
Alexander confirmed for third and final term as SA Rugby president
Mark Alexander has been nominated unopposed for a third and final term as SA Rugby president, extending his tenure by a further four years.
Kolisi named in Sharks squad for URC tour as teenager set for debut
Siya Kolisi returns to the Sharks squad for a two-match URC tour. An 18-year-old is also named and in line for his debut. Full squad details were not available at time of publication.
Etzebeth sidelined again after recent return from suspension
Eben Etzebeth is out for the Sharks again, just weeks after returning from a 12-week ban. No further details on the nature or duration of the absence have been provided.
Jake White parts ways with Selborne College over lack of support
Jake White has left his consultancy position at Selborne College in East London, pointing to a lack of support from the headmaster as the reason for his exit.