Every story on the wire.
1,205 items · Springboks
Morgan's cheap shot on Hooker deserves outrage, not Welsh deflection
Louw argues that the Welsh deflection around Luke Morgan's elbow-first dive on Ethan Hooker is unjustified — and that South African anger is proportionate to a reckless act that has now sent Hooker home with a dislocated shoulder ahead of the international season.
Lions' URC endgame: Why the next four weeks will define their season — and their future
Cardinelli argues the Lions are finally equipped to end their URC play-off drought — but the Connacht clash this weekend and a tour to face Leinster and Munster will expose whether Van Rooyen's squad has truly broken the pattern of late-season fade.
Coetzee credits team-mates as he reaches Bulls captaincy milestone
Marcell Coetzee has paid tribute to his team-mates after reaching a Bulls captaincy milestone, crediting those around him for the achievement.
Evan Roos leads URC try-scoring charts with 10 for the season
Evan Roos leads the URC try-scoring charts this season with 10 tries for the Stormers, making him the most prolific scorer in the competition.
SFM on trolls, milestones and what the Stormers have built in him
SFM opens up on dealing with social media criticism, credits the Stormers system for shaping his game, and sets the stakes for a crucial home fixture against Glasgow.
Grant Williams to leave Sharks for Japan at end of season
Grant Williams will leave the Sharks at the end of his contract in June to join a Japanese club, with Yokohama Eagles the likely destination given Faf de Klerk's departure from the club to the Cheetahs. The 28-cap scrumhalf spent his entire professional career with the Sharks after coming through their ranks from 2017.
Willemse on the Wing Is a Luxury the Stormers Can't Afford
The author argues that deploying Willemse on the wing — well-intentioned as it may be — pulls one of the Stormers' most effective operators away from where he's actually needed, at a point in the season when every selection call counts.
Coetzee warns Bulls can't take Scarlets lightly in Llanelli
Coetzee is sounding cautious ahead of Saturday's trip to Llanelli, calling the Scarlets "very dangerous" as the Bulls look to end their losing streak on Welsh soil.
RG Snyman ruled out for up to 12 months after ACL rupture
Leinster have confirmed RG Snyman ruptured the ACL in his right knee against Glasgow Warriors on 21 March, with a recovery timeline of six to 12 months. The lock will miss the July Nations Championship Tests and the Springboks' series against the All Blacks. It is Snyman's third ACL rupture, though his first to the right knee.
Japan's League One as World Cup prep: Why Bok management is relaxed about the exodus
With Nortjé the latest Bok heading to Japan, this piece makes the case that League One's lower physical demands could actually be the ideal preparation environment for defending the World Cup in Australia.
Pollard on managing the physical and mental toll of near year-round professional rugby
Pollard opens up on coping with the demands of a near year-round rugby calendar — relevant reading for anyone tracking his form and longevity at the highest level.
Eben at the Sharks: Big price, mixed returns
SA Rugby Mag questions whether the Sharks have got what they paid for in Eben Etzebeth — worth reading for the full breakdown.
Etzebeth's Sharks stint: big price, questionable return
Simon Borchardt questions whether the Sharks have got anything close to fair value from their costly Eben Etzebeth signing.
Sharks lodge formal complaint with URC citing commissioner over Hooker shoulder injury
The Sharks have formally requested a URC citing commissioner investigation into the Luke Morgan incident that dislocated Ethan Hooker's shoulder during the 21-17 loss to Ospreys, submitting a report and medical documents on the night of the match. Hooker, now back in Durban awaiting scan results, is expected to miss the rest of the URC season and is a doubt for the July internationals. The match also drew scrutiny over the Ospreys' use of uncontested scrums following what some have questioned were genuine prop injuries.
Am Still in Bok Frame: Japan Stint No Barrier to Three-Peat Dream
Lukhanyo Am says his Springbok ambitions are very much alive from Japan, and his inclusion in last month's overseas alignment camp suggests the coaching staff agree he's not done yet.
Sharks cite Ospreys wing Morgan after Hooker shoulder injury in Bridgend
The Sharks have cited Ospreys wing Luke Morgan after he dived onto Ethan Hooker as the Sharks wing was scoring a try just before halftime in Bridgend, leaving Hooker with a dislocated shoulder. The injury is expected to sideline Hooker for two to three months, ending his URC season and potentially threatening his availability for the Springbok international season. Referee Mike Adamson took no action during the match, prompting the Sharks' tour management to approach the URC citing commissioner.
Feinberg-Mngomezulu brushes off critics, demands a win to mark his 50th
Feinberg-Mngomezulu shrugs off social media critics, owns the Connacht loss as a player failure, and warns the squad there's no room for "fluffiness" with three must-win games left.
Coetzee Still Delivering at 34 as Bulls Fight to Hold URC Play-Off Spot
Marcell Coetzee is in career-best form at 34, and the Bulls need every bit of it as they cling to the final URC play-off spot with three games to go.
Siba Mahashe is drawing Kolisi comparisons — and backing them up on the field
Lions flanker Siba Mahashe is drawing Siya Kolisi comparisons after a standout start to his URC career — four tries in seven games, elite tackle stats, and a leadership pedigree that stretches back to SA Schools.
JP Pietersen hits back as Luke Morgan defends tackle that dislocated Hooker's shoulder
Luke Morgan insists his tackle on Ethan Hooker was clean. JP Pietersen disagrees — loudly.