Sports

Johan Ackermann says the Vodacom Bulls’ defensive issues can’t be viewed in isolation. SIMON BORCHARDT reports. The Pretoria-based franchise is under pressure heading into Sunday’s Investec Champions Cup match against the Northampton Saints at Franklin’s Gardens having lost their opener to Bordeaux Bègles at Loftus last weekend. The Bulls have conceded 17 tries in six […]

The Newcastle Red Bulls have named Boeta Chamberlain at fullback for Saturday’s EPCR Challenge Cup match against the Lions. The 26-year-old knows the Joburg-based franchise well, having played against them for both the Sharks and Vodacom Bulls before heading to England. Meanwhile, prolific winger Christian Wade will make his Red Bulls debut after a spell with

The Cheetahs have been forced into a backline reshuffle for Saturday’s EPCR Challenge Cup clash against Stade Français in Amsterdam. Coach Frans Steyn’s side is looking to bounce back from a 42-12 defeat to the Exeter Chiefs at Sandy Park last weekend. Flyhalf George Lourens replaces Jaco van der Walt, who is sidelined with a

JJ van der Mescht and Henry Pollock will start for the Northampton Saints against the Vodacom Bulls at Frankin’s Gardens on Sunday. Former Junior Boks lock Van der Mescht has made a big impact since joining the Premiership club from Stade Francais, while England rising star Pollock was nominated for the 2025 World Rugby Breakthrough

Flyhalf Kade Wolhuter will make his Vodacom Bulls debut in Sunday’s Investec Champions Cup clash against the Northampton Saints. The Pretoria-based side recently secured the services of Wolhuter on a loan deal from the Lions, who he represented seven times in the Vodacom URC and twice in the EPCR Challenge Cup. The Bulls have made

Toulouse head into Saturday’s Investec Champions Cup showdown against Glasgow with more attention on the courtroom than the pitch, as a fresh salary-cap investigation threatens to derail their campaign. The six-time European champions – led by superstar Antoine Dupont – spent Monday defending themselves before a French national league (LNR) disciplinary panel over the 2022

England and Harlequins utility back Marcus Smith has given some insight into his kicking routine, which could be useful for up and coming kickers. Fleck: Sacha’s a bit like Marcus Smith Welcome to the Marcus Smith kicking school pic.twitter.com/Y0P237oiQO — Rugby on TNT Sports (@rugbyontnt) December 12, 2025 Photo: Warren Little/Getty Images The post Watch:

While the Stormers made a winning start, the rest of the South African teams are seeking their first victories in European competition this weekend. The Stormers opened their Investec Champions Cup campaign with an impressive 26-17 away win against Bayonne and will look to carry their formidable form into round two when they take on

The Lions have rung the changes for Saturday’s EPCR Challenge Cup match against the Newcastle Red Bulls at Kingston Park. After opening their campaign with a 26-18 defeat to Benetton at Ellis Park, the Joburg-based side has made several personnel adjustments. WJ Steenkamp takes over the captaincy and starts at No 8, with flanker Siba

SA Rugby general manager for high performance Dave Wessels has praised Rassie Erasmus for creating a “golden era” of South African rugby. Erasmus’ tenure – both as director of rugby and Springbok head coach – has delivered unprecedented dominance: back-to-back World Cup titles in 2019 and 2023, a British & Irish Lions series victory in