Sports

JJ Kotzé has been handed a suspension that will rule the Stormers front-row forward out until after the November international break. An independent disciplinary committee on Wednesday heard the hooker’s case and handed him a three-week suspension for his 20-minute red card in the Investec Champions Cup match against Bristol Bears last week. Referee Kevin […]

Ireland coach Andy Farrell has recalled three experienced players for next month’s Nations Championship Tests that includes a 21 November clash against the Springboks. Winger Mack Hansen returns after almost a year of injury-enforced exile from Test rugby. He joins utility forward Ryan Baird and loosehead prop Andrew Porter in a 36-man group announced by

Paul de Villiers is excited to lead one of the most progressive Stormers lineups in recent years, featuring four former Junior Springboks skippers and 19-year-old Markus Muller. Muller, who became the youngest player to represent the club last season, will start his first URC match in a new-look midfield pairing against the Scarlets at Cape

Hooker JJ Kotzé faces a more severe punishment if the Stormers’ appeal of his suspension for foul play last week fails. Kotzé was sent off against the Bristol Bears in the Investec Champions Cup clash at Cape Town Stadium for a dangerous hit on Kieran Marmion, in contravention of Law 9.13. Referee Kevin Bralley issued

John Dobson has dismissed reports linking Jonathan Roche with an overseas move, confirming the centre has agreed to extend his Stormers contract. Roche qualifies for Ireland through his paternal grandmother and has attracted attention from Irish rugby. His agent Matt Norton said the 23-year-old’s ambition is to remain in the Republic. He is also eligible

Former Wallabies scrumhalf Will Genia believes Cam Roigard has the star quality of a Springbok great. Speaking on the I Love Rugby podcast with hosts George Gregan and John Smit, Genia said Roigard had mastered the modern scrumhalf’s role as a playmaker, drawing comparisons with former Bok 9 Fourie du Preez. “Roigard has been phenomenal,”

Stormers boss John Dobson has revealed when Cheslin Kolbe is set to return from injury, while also discussing SA Rugby’s engagement with clubs over Springbok game time. Kolbe broke his jaw against the All Blacks on 9 September and his recovery timeline meant he could play against Italy on 7 November in the Nations Championship,

The Lions have issued a statement on behalf of Hyron Andrews’ family following the death of the 31-year-old lock in France last Friday. Andrews was found unresponsive in the shower at the team’s hotel on the Île de Ré, a day before the Lions’ Investec Champions Cup clash against La Rochelle. Emergency services were called

Stade Français midfielder Jeremy Ward is set to be a surprise inclusion in France’s 42-man squad for next month’s Nations Championship. According to L’Équipe, France coach Fabien Galthié has decided to call up the 30-year-old South African. Ward, however, will only be eligible to represent Les Bleus next year after completing the five-year residency period required

Junior star Markus Muller will start his first URC match against the Scarlets on Saturday at Cape Town Stadium in a Stormers side showing 18 changes to the match 23. The 19-year-old Muller, who became the youngest player to represent the club last season, will run out in a new-look midfield pairing with Wandisile Simelane.