Take a knee row not worrying Diamond

Steve Diamond insists controversy generated by his South African players not taking a knee before the match with Harlequins is a “storm in a teacup” and will not distract the team as they prepare to face Gallagher Premiership leaders Exeter Chiefs at the AJ Bell Stadium on Friday. South African Minister of Sports, Arts, and Read More …

Burger backs Brits to be No8 success for Boks

Jacques Burger believes it would be a tactical masterstroke for South Africa to deploy veteran hooker Schalk Brits at No8 during the Rugby World Cup in Japan. Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus has hinted that the 38-year-old former Saracens hooker could play in the back row during the Cup to give the first choice players in Read More …

Gold standard set for USA at Rugby World Cup

A year ago Gary Gold guided the USA to an historic win over Scotland and now the Eagles head coach is planning to use the international success of the country’s sevens team to boost their confidence at this year’s Rugby World Cup in Japan. Mike Friday’s USA Eagles sevens held the No1 ranking until pipped Read More …

Lions are not a target for Ireland head coach Joe Schmidt

Ireland head coach Joe Schmidt has ruled himself out of taking charge of the British and Irish Lions tour to South Africa in 2021. Schmidt and Warren Gatland, the Wales coach, have made it clear they will both be taking a break from rugby after the World Cup in Japan and have not lined up Read More …

Hansen reveals close bond with opposite number Jones

All Blacks coach Steve Hansen has revealed his close relationship with England opposite number Eddie Jones and says the pair speak “probably every second week”. England will face New Zealand for the first time in four years at Twickenham on Saturday, with Hansen dismissing suggestions Jones is under severe pressure in his head coach role. Read More …

Hansen shuffles his pack while others struggle to find quality players

Steve Hansen’s gut instinct tells him this is the right time to give Richie Mo’unga the chance to prove he really is an international alternative to Beauden Barrett as New Zealand move menacingly towards next year’s World Cup in Japan. That is why Mo’unga makes his debut for the All Blacks against Argentina on Saturday Read More …

Wasps agree deal to get Willie le Roux back from South Africa test duty

Willie Le Roux, the most experienced back in South Africa’s squad, will play just three Rugby Championship matches and one test in November under a deal agreed with Wasps, his Gallagher Premiership club. Le Roux’s international rugby career has been revived by the arrival of Rassie Erasmus as Springboks coach and the full back was Read More …

No happy return to Saracens for favourite son Brits says Wray

Owner Nigel Wray today made it clear Schalk Brits will not be returning to Saracens for another season despite the hooker’s expected inclusion the South African match squad against England in Cape Town on Saturday, a month after ending his 10 year career at the Premiership champions. The 37-year-old, 10-times capped Springbok hooker, enjoyed a Read More …

Goode still not good enough for Eddie Jones and England

Alex Goode looks certain to miss out on England’s summer three test tour of South Africa despite proving he remains one of the most dangerous attacking forces in the Aviva Premiership. Head coach Eddie Jones has still not contacted Goode, who was in scintillating form again for Saracens as they destroyed Gloucester 62-12 to earn Read More …