Sports

Batho Hlekani experienced a range of emotions after being promoted from the Lions bench to the starting lineup shortly before kick-off against Lyon. Batho Hlekani’s MOTM debut for the Lions was chaotic He wasn’t meant to play until a late injury to Siba Qoma in the warm-ups forced the coaches into a change Will he […]

Sharks coach JP Pietersen says Saturday’s Vodacom URC clash with the Lions at Ellis Park is an opportunity for players to “put up their hands”. The Sharks are without several senior Springboks such as Andre Esterhuizen and Siya Kolisi, who are being managed according to resting protocols. Instead, Pietersen has handed opportunities to youngsters and

Sam Costelow will start at flyhalf with debutant Gabriel Hamer-Webb on the wing for Wales against Scotland in Cardiff on Saturday. Scarlets’ Costelow and Leicester’s Hamer-Webb were two of four changes to the starting side announced by coach Steve Tandy on Thursday, following last week’s 54-12 thrashing by France – Wales’ 13th straight Six Nations

Sharks coach JP Pietersen has opted to rest many of his Springboks for Saturday’s Vodacom URC match against the Lions at Ellis Park. Vincent Tshituka captains an impressive-looking side despite missing several Boks due to player welfare rest protocols. Regular captain Andre Esterhuizen, Ox Nche, Siya Kolisi, Ethan Hooker and Grant Williams are therefore unavailable

The Lions are bracing for Test match intensity in their Vodacom URC derby against the Sharks at Ellis Park on Saturday. The Joburgers are looking to bounce back from their heavy defeat to the Bulls, and halt a Durban side that is rapidly building momentum. MORE: Lions weigh lock switch for returning Bok After suffering

Jamie Joseph, one of the front runners to take over from Scott Robertson as All Blacks coach, is reportedly frustrated with the selection process. According to New Zealand Herald rugby writer Gregor Paul, Joseph is not impressed with how NZ Rugby is handling the appointment of a new head coach. Joseph and Dave Rennie are

Former England utility back Ben Foden believes it would be good for rugby if France can topple the Springboks in the build-up to the 2027 World Cup. Les Bleus have made a strong start to this year’s Six Nations, winning their opening two matches as they look to defend the title they reclaimed last season

A Wallabies veteran will hit a new landmark this weekend when he becomes the first Australian to play 200 Super Rugby games. ACT Brumbies prop James Slipper will enter rarefied air on Sunday when he takes the field in Christchurch against the Crusaders. It will also bring the 36-year-old one step closer to the all-time

Stormers Director of Rugby John Dobson is expecting big things from new recruit Vernon Paulo. The 24-year-old linked up with the Cape club from the Cheetahs at the beginning of February, and has already been part of the squad’s training sessions as they prepare for their derby against the Lions in Johannesburg at the end

JP Pietersen says a telling moment in his first meeting as interim coach revealed just how much work lay ahead at the Sharks. The former Sharks and Springbok winger, who was confirmed as permanent head coach on Wednesday after stepping in for John Plumtree in December, recalled being stunned by the players’ response – or lack