Sports

Talismanic Springbok loose forward Ruan Venter returns to the Lions team as they look to bounce back against the Sharks at Ellis Park on Saturday. Venter is back from a four-match suspension following his illegal tackle in the 23-22 win over the Sharks at Kings Park – a match settled in dramatic fashion by a […]

Pierre Mignoni is taking a mid-season break as Toulon head coach. The decision comes following a defeat that dropped his team out of the Top 14 playoff places. “Pierre Mignoni, director of rugby, wished to take a break this week and the club has of course accepted this legitimate request,” said Toulon. The club’s statement

Gregor Townsend believes Blair Kinghorn and Duhan van der Merwe will be fuelled by “huge determination” after being recalled to Scotland’s starting XV. Scotland take on Wales in a Six Nations Clash in Cardiff on Saturday. The British & Irish Lions duo were high-profile absentees from the 23 for Scotland’s opening two matches of the

As the race for playoff places in the Vodacom URC heats up, the Lions’ next generation is ready to front up and propel the team forward. MORNÉ ESBEN reports. The Joburg-based outfit is bracing for a brutal return to action as they host the high-flying Sharks at Ellis Park on Saturday. U21 captain Siba Mahashe

England captain Maro Itoje has come out in defence of young Ireland lock Edwin Edogbo, describing the impact of social media as “corrosive”. This after debutant Edogbo was subjected to racist abuse online. Edogbo, born and raised in County Cork to Nigerian parents, was targeted on social media following his Test debut in Ireland’s 20-13

Former Munster and Ireland scrumhalf Conor Murray admits he wonders what might have been had Rassie Erasmus stayed in Limerick a little longer. Murray, who played under Erasmus during his stint at Munster, believes the Bok boss was destined for greatness long before back-to-back World Cup titles confirmed it. “I was disappointed Rassie Erasmus left

The Stormers have turned to an unlikely source in a bid to improve their skills in the air. Coach John Dobson has brought in former Richmond assistant coach and player Steven Morris, who has a background in Aussie rules football, for a short-term stint to sharpen his side’s ability under the high ball ahead of

JP Pietersen’s team selection for Ellis Park is about more than beating the Lions, it is about building the Sharks for next season and beyond, writes MARK KEOHANE. Writing for TimesLIVE, Keohane argues that the head coach has made a deliberate shift from relying on fragments of a World Cup-winning spine to backing those who

Ireland coach Andy Farrell has changed his halfback pairing for Saturday’s Six Nations match against England at Twickenham. Jack Crowley will start at flyhalf, with Sam Prendergast, who started both their opening matches at No 10, omitted from the match 23. Crowley will be partnered by Jamison Gibson-Park, who returns at scrumhalf at the expense

Duhan van der Merwe and Blair Kinghorn have been recalled to Scotland’s starting XV for their Six Nations clash against Wales in Cardiff on Saturday. The British & Irish Lions duo were omitted from the match 23s for the first two fixtures against Italy and England following doubts over their form. Toulouse star Kinghorn will