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Sharks seek URC investigation into incident that dislocated Hooker's shoulder
The Sharks have asked the URC to investigate the incident that dislocated Ethan Hooker's shoulder, reportedly labelling the contact a cheapshot. The franchise has escalated the matter to the competition's governing body, raising the prospect of disciplinary action.
Ackermann backs Coetzee as the right man to lead the Bulls
Johan Ackermann has publicly backed Marcell Coetzee as the Bulls' captain, calling him a tremendous human being and an effective leader on and off the field.
Erasmus expects Robertson's Barbarians to deliver proper test in Gqeberha
Rassie Erasmus is anticipating a serious challenge from Scott Robertson's Barbarians in Gqeberha on 20 June. The Springbok coach's comments signal the match is being treated as meaningful preparation rather than a formality.
Stormers and Sharks Both Stumble as URC Crunch Time Arrives
The Stormers' late capitulation against Connacht and the Sharks' loss at Ospreys are framed as warning signs about South African franchise depth, while the URC's tightening play-off race sets up several must-watch fixtures over the coming rounds.
SA franchises under the microscope as URC climax looms and Sharks hit rock bottom
The Stormers' late collapse and the Sharks' elimination from URC contention dominate Planet Rugby's weekly hot-and-not column, with Moana Pasifika's Super Rugby exit adding to a grim weekend for rugby's finances.
Dobson admits Willemse wing experiment has run its course ahead of crunch Glasgow clash
Dobson concedes the Willemse-at-wing experiment must end, but with Senatla still out, Hartzenberg's fitness is the key variable as the Stormers prepare for a must-win clash against Glasgow.
Morgan defends post-try contact on Hooker as Sharks push for URC action over season-ending shoulder injury
Ospreys winger Luke Morgan has defended the post-try contact that dislocated Ethan Hooker's shoulder in the Sharks' 21-17 URC defeat, arguing the try was not yet scored when he made contact. JP Pietersen has slammed the officials for failing to penalise the incident, with the Sharks making a formal request to the URC. Hooker is expected to miss the remainder of the URC season.
Glasgow stay top of URC despite eight-try Lions mauling in Johannesburg
Glasgow Warriors were beaten by the Lions in Johannesburg — eight tries conceded — but retain top spot in the URC standings. The Lions' comprehensive win marks a significant home result for the Johannesburg franchise.
Lions demolish Glasgow to make URC history; Stormers capitulate in final quarter against Connacht
The Lions' historic demolition of Glasgow is celebrated, but the sharper read is Keohane's dissection of how the Stormers threw away a 10-point lead in the final quarter against Connacht — and what it means for their season.
Lions rewrite the script against Glasgow while Stormers' late-game fragility costs them again
The Lions are the URC's form team after burying Glasgow 54-12, while the Stormers' individual errors handed Connacht a comeback win in Cape Town — raising questions ahead of a crucial home clash with the league leaders.
SA 'A' returns to action against Zimbabwe in Gqeberha double-header
SA 'A' returns to the field for the first time since 2022 when they face Zimbabwe in Gqeberha on June 20, doubling as a curtain-raiser to the Springboks v Barbarians match. Erasmus sees the fixture as a chance to assess players outside his current rotation group, with Zimbabwe treating it as World Cup preparation after securing their 2027 qualification.
SA 'A' returns for Zimbabwe clash as Erasmus casts wider net ahead of World Cup
The SA 'A' side returns to action for the first time since 2022 when they face Zimbabwe's Sables on June 20 in Gqeberha, as a curtain raiser to the Springboks versus Barbarians. Erasmus is using the match to assess fringe players beyond his established rotation group, with the 2027 World Cup in mind. Zimbabwe, who have qualified for Australia, see the fixture as a key preparation marker.
Pollard Backs Papier to Let His Rugby Do the Talking
Pollard says Papier's only job is to keep playing the way he is — but the scrumhalf queue is longer than ever. The piece breaks down what's at stake.
Scarra Ntubeni to bow out with final home appearance for Stormers
Siyabonga 'Scarra' Ntubeni will play his final game for the Stormers against Connacht at Cape Town Stadium in URC Round 15. The 35-year-old hooker, who reached 100 Stormers caps in December 2023, says he will remain available as cover should the squad need him. His solitary Test cap came against Argentina in 2019.
Dragons' Euro buzz a double-edged sword ahead of Bulls visit
Tiatia is warning the Dragons against letting their Challenge Cup momentum become a distraction ahead of a Bulls side that's won all four previous meetings and needs the league points.
Breakdown battle the key as Lions look to ambush log-leaders Glasgow
The Lions have identified Glasgow's breakdown speed as the key weakness to exploit on Saturday, with Pretorius, Du Plessis, and Mahashe all available to contest the ruck — and a lot more than local pride riding on the result.
Breakdown battle: How the Lions plan to stop Glasgow's tempo machine
The Lions are targeting Glasgow's quick-ruck DNA through their loosie trio of Pretorius, Du Plessis and Mahashe — with the breakdown framed as the tactical hinge of a high-stakes URC clash.
Sharks' Top-Eight Bid Hanging by a Thread as Esterhuizen Demands Mental Switch
Seven points off the top eight with four to play and key players injured, the Sharks' season hinges on fixing the mental inconsistency Esterhuizen has publicly identified as their core problem.
Scarra Ntubeni's One-Club Stormers Career Ends Saturday — With Joy, Regret and Grief
Scarra Ntubeni bows out against Connacht on Saturday after 15 seasons as a one-club Stormer — a career shaped by persistent injury, a single Test cap, and a bond with the late Chippie Solomon that gives his farewell an unexpectedly poignant edge.
Accountability, anonymity, and a farewell to Chippie Solomon
Gavin Rich uses the Feinberg-Mngomezulu social media pile-on to argue that anonymous online criticism is fundamentally different from the accountable press era — and the piece ends with a heartfelt tribute to Stormers team manager Chippie Solomon.