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Lions' record transfer demands kill Pead move to Stormers
The Stormers are walking away from a move for Lions scrumhalf Haashim Pead after the Lions demanded a record transfer fee — more than double what the Sharks received for Kolisi — and insisted on full upfront payment, leaving the 21-year-old facing limited options and continued competition for game time in Johannesburg.
Erasmus Warns of 'Different Challenge' as Springboks Touch Down in Australia
Rassie Erasmus has acknowledged the threat posed by a resurgent Wallabies side as the Springboks arrived in Australia following their 3-1 series victory over the All Blacks. The world champions face a one-off Test in Perth on 27 September against an Australian outfit buoyed by their own series win in Argentina. Player management will be critical after a demanding travel schedule that has taken the squad from Baltimore to Sydney via Dallas.
Springboks arrive in Australia with player management front of mind ahead of Perth Test
The Springboks have arrived in Terrigal ahead of the September 27 Test against the Wallabies in Perth, with Rassie Erasmus prioritising player recovery after a gruelling run of matches and long-haul travel, while warning that a confident Wallabies side will present a different challenge to Argentina and the All Blacks.
Erasmus braces Springboks for fired-up Wallabies in Perth
Rassie Erasmus has warned his Springbok squad to expect a completely different challenge when they face Australia in Perth on 27 September. The world champions arrived in New South Wales on Wednesday following their series victory over the All Blacks, and will begin preparations for a one-off Test that doubles as reconnaissance ahead of the 2027 Rugby World Cup. Erasmus emphasised the Wallabies' recent form and anticipated a determined performance in front of their home crowd.
Rassie warns Boks of fired-up Wallabies ahead of Perth clash
Rassie Erasmus is bracing the Springboks for a fired-up Wallabies side in Perth on 27 September.
Springboks touch down in Australia with Perth Test firmly in sight
The Springboks have arrived in Terrigal, Australia, and will begin training on Friday ahead of their one-off Test against the Wallabies at Optus Stadium in Perth on 27 September, with Erasmus citing player recovery and a fully committed Wallabies side as the key considerations this week.
Springboks base in Terrigal ahead of Perth Test as Erasmus flags Wallabies threat
The Springboks have arrived in Australia and based themselves in Terrigal ahead of their 27 September Test against the Wallabies at Optus Stadium in Perth, with Erasmus warning of a different challenge to those posed by Argentina and the All Blacks.
Cardiff debutants of 2018 hungry to rewrite history in Wales
Four Springbok Women who made their debuts in a 19-5 defeat at Cardiff Arms Park in 2018 — Babalwa Latsha, Lindelwa Gwala, Aseza Hele and Felicia Jacobs — are targeting a first win in Wales when the two nations meet on Friday, with South Africa now ranked 10th in the world to Wales's 13th.
Wales lose Powell to hamstring injury ahead of Springbok Women clash at Cardiff Arms Park
Kayleigh Powell has been ruled out of Wales' entire WXV Global Series campaign with a hamstring injury, adding to the absences of Donna Rose, Kelsie Webster and Hanna Tudor ahead of Friday's Test against the Springbok Women at Cardiff Arms Park.
Van der Merwe fit and available as Munster prepare for URC opener
Marnus van der Merwe has recovered from the calf injury he brought to Munster and is available for selection ahead of their URC opener against Glasgow Warriors, with his return also welcome news for Springbok hooker depth.
Springboks' series triumph masks persistent attacking shortcomings despite 3-1 win
South Africa's 3-1 series victory over New Zealand showcased the world champions' trademark resilience, but exposed lingering issues in converting pressure into points. After falling behind at Ellis Park, the Springboks relied on their set-piece dominance to grind out three consecutive wins, though matches remained tight deep into second halves. Individual brilliance from Cheslin Kolbe and Kurt-Lee Arendse papered over cracks that may yet prove costly in tighter contests.
Springbok Women begin Wales preparations despite travel fatigue and wet conditions
The Springbok Women completed their first training session in Cardiff on Monday, shaking off the effects of a long-haul journey from Cape Town as they prepare for Friday's WXV Global Series opener against Wales at Cardiff Arms Park. Co-coach Laurian Johannes-Haupt expressed satisfaction with the session despite windy and rainy conditions, emphasising clarity and match simulation as the squad targets a first victory over Wales since 2010.
Springbok Women adapt to Welsh conditions ahead of WXV Global Series opener
The Springbok Women trained at Cardiff Metropolitan University on Monday ahead of Friday's WXV Global Series opener against Wales at Cardiff Arms Park, with co-coach Laurian Johannes-Haupt reporting a productive session despite difficult weather. South Africa have not beaten Wales since 2010 and face them for the first time since 2021, with Felicia Jacobs replacing the unavailable Anacadia Minnaar in the touring squad.
Erasmus reflects on Greatest Rivalry revival after Springboks claim series
Rassie Erasmus has spoken about the significance of the revived Greatest Rivalry series against New Zealand, which the Springboks won 3-1 after matches on home soil and a finale in Baltimore. The head coach drew on memories of the isolation era and the 1996 All Blacks tour to South Africa, emphasising the series rekindled the intensity that defines Test rugby between the two nations. Erasmus also acknowledged the competitive edge extended beyond the pitch, with both coaching camps and media outlets fully engaged throughout the campaign.
Springbok Women settle into Cardiff camp ahead of WXV opener against Wales
The Springbok Women trained in Cardiff on Monday ahead of Friday's WXV Global Series opener against Wales at Cardiff Arms Park, with co-coach Laurian Johannes-Haupt satisfied with the session despite post-travel fatigue and wet conditions. Felicia Jacobs replaced the unavailable Anacadia Minnaar in the touring squad, with the match-day team to be announced on Wednesday.
Springbok Women open Wales camp with productive session ahead of WXV opener
The Springbok Women completed their first training session in Cardiff on Monday ahead of Friday's WXV Global Series opener against Wales, with co-coach Laurian Johannes-Haupt citing match clarity as the focus. Felicia Jacobs replaced the unavailable Anacadia Minnaar in the touring party, and the team will be named on Wednesday.
Kirwan slams officiating after All Blacks fall to Springboks in Baltimore decider
Sir John Kirwan has criticised the refereeing in Saturday's Rugby's Greatest Rivalry finale, claiming a controversial incident involving Cameron Hanekom and Kurt-Lee Arendse represented a 14-point turnaround. The All Blacks legend spent nine minutes of the Rivals podcast dissecting the decision that allowed Arendse's 70-metre try to stand.
Springboks cement dominance as All Blacks slip a length behind world champions
South Africa's 3-1 series victory over New Zealand in the Rugby's Greatest Rivalry series has underlined the gulf between the two nations, with the Springboks demonstrating superiority in power, intelligence and creativity. The world champions recovered from an opening defeat in Johannesburg to win three consecutive matches, culminating in a commanding 43-28 triumph before a record crowd of more than 68,000 in Baltimore. New Zealand's media have acknowledged their side now trails the Boks by a significant margin.
Bleskop: Rassie and management team shave heads after Baltimore victory
Rassie Erasmus, scrum coach Daan Human, the broader Springbok management team and captain Siya Kolisi all shaved their heads after the 43-28 win over the All Blacks in Baltimore, with Erasmus describing it as "the prize of a bet" — the details of which have not been revealed.
Springboks and Springbok Women fixtures: 2026–27 schedule in full
A full rundown of the 2026–27 Springbok and Springbok Women fixture schedule, including the Nations Championship, WXV, and a third Rugby's Greatest Rivalry Test against the All Blacks at FNB Stadium.