Sports

Lions scrum coach Julian Redelinghuys says “it’s terrible to see” the criticism Jacques Nienaber has received in Ireland. No sooner had Leinster lost 41-19 to Bordeaux Bègles in the Investec Champions Cup final in Bilbao than the finger of blame was pointed at the former Springbok coach. Irish Independent chief rugby correspondent Rúaidhrí O’Connor wrote […]

New Zealand referee Ben O’Keeffe says he remains proud of his performance in the 2023 World Cup quarter-final between France and the Springboks despite the fierce backlash. The Boks edged the hosts 29-28 in Paris in one of the greatest matches ever played, but several key decisions by O’Keeffe sparked outrage in France. Among the

Flank Dan Thomas says Cardiff will run out at Cape Town Stadium on Saturday to face the Stormers with “no excuses” and no fear. The Welsh side stunned the Stormers 22-16 at the Arms Park just two weeks ago to seal their playoff place, and Thomas believes that performance proved his side can compete with

Marcell Coetzee insists the Vodacom Bulls will not underestimate injury-hit Munster ahead of Saturday’s URC quarter-final at Loftus. The Irish club travels to Pretoria without a host of first-choice players, including props Tadhg Beirne, Oli Jager and Michael Milne, locks Edwin Edogbo and Jean Kleyn, flyhalf Jack Crowley, centre Tom Farrell and wing Calvin Nash.

Neethling Fouché insists the Stormers are taking nothing for granted ahead of Saturday’s Vodacom URC quarter-final against Cardiff at Cape Town Stadium. The Stormers head into the clash with a fair bit of confidence after hammering the Glasgow Warriors 48-12 in their final home league game, but the draw away to Ulster and loss to

Marcell Coetzee believes the Bulls’ pressure-filled Vodacom URC campaign has prepared them perfectly for the playoffs. Speaking ahead of Saturday’s quarter-final against Munster at Loftus, the Bulls skipper said his side has effectively been in playoff mode for weeks. “Throughout the season, we were under pressure,” Coetzee said. “That kind of forced us to be

Saracens have bolstered their front-row stocks by picking up a Stormers tighthead prop ahead of next season. Former Junior Springbok Corné Weilbach will make the move to the English Premiership club after struggling for regular opportunities in Cape Town. Weilbach was part of a talented SA U20 group that included current Springboks Jan-Hendrik Wessels, Canan

Rudolf Straeuli believes the Lions are reaping the rewards of standing by coach Ivan van Rooyen during a tough period. After years of frustration and near misses, the Lions have finally secured a place in the Vodacom URC playoffs and will face Leinster in Dublin on Saturday. But just a year ago, Van Rooyen’s future

The Crusaders have confirmed former All Blacks assistant coach Scott Hansen as their new head coach from 2027. Hansen will replace Rob Penney, who will step down after completing three seasons in charge of the Christchurch-based franchise. MORE: Crusaders dealt hammer blow Penney guided the Crusaders to the 2025 Super Rugby title – their eighth

The All Blacks will have to take on the Springboks without one of their key players later this year. Captain Scott Barrett will miss New Zealand’s highly anticipated tour of South Africa after being ruled out for up to five months with a serious back injury. Outgoing Crusaders coach Rob Penney confirmed on Wednesday that