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Hansen: Stop trying to copy Rassie — it won't work
Steve Hansen argues that the rugby world's obsession with copying Rassie's Springbok formula is misguided — and explains why imitation won't get rival teams where they want to go.
Hansen to Rennie: Borrow from the Boks, but don't become them
Hansen warns Rennie against copying the Springbok model wholesale, arguing great coaches identify what suits their own culture and player pool — and that the All Blacks have distinct strengths worth building around on their own terms.
SA Rugby's Lions Dilemma: Oberholzer Flags the Cost of 2021 as Beyond29 Rethink Gathers Pace
Oberholzer calls a potential Lions snub 'tragic', citing the revenue-free 2021 tour, while the Beyond29 review quietly explores France, Japan, and the Americas as alternative destinations.
Carter flags Bok clashes as the All Blacks' season-defining test under Rennie
Dan Carter says the Bok Tests will define the All Blacks' season under Rennie — a signal of just how much weight the Rugby Championship clashes carry for New Zealand's rebuilding project.
Carter backs All Blacks to rise to the challenge — but consistency remains the question
Dan Carter backs Rennie's All Blacks to thrive under pressure, but the consistency question that plagued Robertson's tenure hasn't gone away — and the Springboks aren't waiting.
SA Rugby's School-to-Elite Pipeline: Are We Fast-Tracking Too Soon?
Mark Keohane questions whether South Africa's schools system is pushing players into elite rugby too quickly — and what that means for long-term development.
Du Preez faces race against time as Sale fear hamstring injury ends his season
Rob du Preez's season at Sale Sharks may be over after suffering a serious hamstring injury in their 52-33 win over Harlequins. Director of rugby Alex Sanderson has admitted he cannot see the centre recovering in time to play again this campaign.
SARU warns players: MRL trial participation means immediate expulsion from all competitions
SARU has warned players that taking part in Mzansi Rugby League trials will result in immediate expulsion from all its leagues and competitions. The governing body's position leaves no room for dual participation, placing players on notice ahead of any MRL trial activity.
SARU warns players face immediate expulsion over unauthorised trial competitions
SARU has issued a formal warning that players participating in unauthorised trial competitions outside the recognised global game face immediate expulsion. The statement also puts agents on notice for promoting or facilitating such events.
Burger commits future to Exeter Chiefs ahead of 2026/27 season
Ethan Burger has extended his stay at Exeter Chiefs, signing on for the 2026/27 season after making his Premiership debut in October 2025. The 25-year-old loosehead, a product of Tuks Rugby and the Bulls U21 system, has drawn strong praise from Director of Rugby Rob Baxter, who sees him becoming an increasingly important figure in the Chiefs pack.
Genia's Blueprint: Build a Midfield Monster to Match the Boks
Will Genia argues Australia must build around a Kerevi-Suaalii power midfield to match the Springboks' physicality — and says Super Rugby intensity is non-negotiable preparation for a home World Cup.
Robinson: Rugby 'can't sit still' as USA 2031 World Cup preparations intensify
World Rugby chair Brett Robinson has defended the sport's global health while acknowledging the US remains a difficult market ahead of the 2031 men's World Cup. More than 750,000 tickets have already been sold for Australia 2027, while a Springboks-All Blacks fixture in Baltimore this September is part of efforts to build an American fanbase for 2031. Robinson confirmed host cities for the US tournament will be announced after the 2027 edition.
End the lineout trial and ditch the first-name friendliness, says ex-refs boss
Ex-IRFU referees chief Owen Doyle calls for the crooked lineout throw trial to be scrapped at World Rugby's June meeting, and argues that referee chumminess with players is undermining discipline on the field.
Genia backs Kerevi-Suaalii axis as Australia's best weapon against the Boks
Will Genia is calling for Samu Kerevi's recall to partner Joseph Suaalii in a midfield combination he believes can match Springbok muscle at the 2027 World Cup.
Genia's World Cup blueprint: Kerevi-Suaalii midfield to match Bok muscle
Will Genia argues that recalling Samu Kerevi alongside Joseph Suaalii gives the Wallabies their best chance of matching Springbok physicality at the 2027 World Cup.
Genia backs Kerevi–Suaalii axis as Australia's best weapon against the Boks
Will Genia argues a Kerevi–Suaalii midfield combination is the clearest path for the Wallabies to close the physical gap on the Springboks before the 2027 World Cup.
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.
Graham Henry warns weak Super Rugby is an existential threat to All Blacks quality — not just a local problem
Graham Henry praises Rennie's player depth but warns that a weakened Super Rugby and geographic isolation are quietly eroding the All Blacks' development pipeline — a structural problem that goes beyond coaching.
De Villiers: Pollock's immaturity cost Northampton a Champions Cup semi-final place
Jean de Villiers argues Henry Pollock's yellow card in Northampton's Champions Cup quarter-final was a costly lapse in emotional control — and a maturity lesson the England back-rower can't afford to ignore.