Sports

NZ Rugby has appointed Steve Lancaster as its permanent chief executive after a six-month stint in the role on an interim basis. The former Crusaders lock has been part of the NZ Rugby executive team since 2020 and led community rugby as general manager since 2016. NZ Rugby chairman David Kirk said the board had […]

Leinster assistant coach Tyler Bleyendaal has warned his side about the threat posed by the in-form Lions ahead of Saturday’s Vodacom URC clash at the Aviva Stadium. The Lions head to Dublin on a six-match winning run that has lifted them to third on the standings, level on points with fourth-placed Leinster. “They are extremely

The coach who transformed Ntuthuko Mchunu from a journeyman loose forward into a Springbok prop says the positional switch was inspired by his work with Tendai Mtawarira. Sean Everitt, the former Sharks coach now at the helm of Edinburgh, played a key role in moulding both front rowers after recognising they possessed the raw materials

Three former Springboks have weighed in on how Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry series between the Boks and the All Blacks should be decided if it ends 2-2. The two great foes will meet in three Tests in South Africa and once in Baltimore in the inaugural Greatest Rivalry series, but the even number of matches has

A big reason why South Africa are the best international rugby side in the world right now is their strength in depth. Ox Nché might be the leading loosehead of the team, but Gerhard Steenekamp is a capable replacement. When Siya Kolisi comes off, Marco van Staden is raring to go. You get the picture.

Siya Kolisi has delivered a brutally honest assessment of the Sharks’ season, admitting their failure to reach the Vodacom URC playoffs “hurt”. The Springbok captain didn’t hold back after the Durban side missed out on the top eight, despite boasting a squad packed with international quality. “It’s been a tough week for us, not making

Jeff Wilson has expressed concern about the All Blacks’ scrum ahead of the blockbuster four-Test series against the Springboks later this year. With the inaugural Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry series set to pit the two giants against each other in August and September, Wilson has raised serious doubts about New Zealand’s depth at loosehead prop –

Ireland legend Brian O’Driscoll says match officials should share the blame with French TV directors for missed head shots in the Investec Champions Cup semi-final in Bordeaux. Bath coach Johann van Graan claimed match officials missed three “clear headshots” in their 38-26 loss, blaming their inaction on the lack of TV images provided by the

Former Springbok prop Steven Kitshoff has named who he believes could be the next Springbok captain. If fit, Siya Kolisi will lead the Boks to the 2027 World Cup in Australia but the debate around who should take over after that, is heating up. Kolisi, who will be 36 at the World Cup, is expected

Juarno Augustus says Ulster’s focus won’t be divided when they run out at Ravenhill on Friday night. They face the log-leading Stormers in their penultimate Vodacom URC league-stage clash, with a place in the top eight at stake. Augustus, who joined Ulster from the Northampton Saints after last season, has scored three tries in 15