Sports

Coach Clark Laidlaw concedes the “genuine X factor” of Fehi Fineanganofo will be missed by the Hurricanes when he leaves New Zealand. The electric wing scored four tries in the Hurricanes’ 45-10 dismantling of the ACT Brumbies in Christchurch on Saturday, having brought up his third hat-trick of the season before the interval. It lifts […]

Coach Tana Umaga says he is unsure if a buyer will save Moana Pasifika, but refuses to give up hope. World Rugby boss Brett Robinson told journalists on Friday the world governing body won’t bail out Auckland-based Moana, whose ownership group said this month it will cease its funding at the end of the season.

Leinster’s shock defeat to Benetton in Treviso on Saturday night had a major impact on the Vodacom URC log. The Italian club triumphed 29-26 thanks to flyhalf Jacob Umaga’s penalty goal at the death, with Leinster picking up two bonus points in defeat. The result left the Irish giants fourth on the log, behind the

Vodacom Bulls coach Johan Ackermann praised his side’s character after they held their nerve to edge the Scarlets 23-21 in Llanelli. The win, secured with a 79th-minute penalty goal from the unerring boot of Handré Pollard, moved the Bulls up to seventh on the URC log with home matches against Zebre (9 May) and Benetton

South Africa’s schools system continues to fast-track players into elite rugby, writes MARK KEOHANE. Writing for the Sunday Times, Keohane says Stormers coach John Dobson’s decision to hand 18-year-old Markus Muller a debut against the Glasgow Warriors is another example of a system that trusts readiness over age and rewards bold selection. Muller, fresh out

SA Rugby CEO Rian Oberholzer has voiced concern over reports the British & Irish Lions are considering changes to their long-standing 12-year rotation model. The Telegraph reported earlier this week that the Lions have begun exploring alternative touring models beyond their long-standing rotation between South Africa, New Zealand and Australia – a system in place

The Sharks are reportedly exploring two overseas options as they look to recruit an experienced flyhalf ahead of next season. Rapport understands that coach JP Pietersen is in talks with seasoned internationals James O’Connor and Tommaso Allan. O’Connor signed a one-year deal with the Leicester Tigers in June last year after replacing Handré Pollard, who

The Bulls are reportedly closing in on another major backline signing, and this time it could come at the expense of the Sharks. According to Rapport, teenage prodigy Luan Giliomee is on his way to Pretoria as Johan Ackermann continues building an explosive attacking squad at Loftus. The 19-year-old made his Vodacom URC debut for

Handré Pollard’s 79th-minute penalty goal snatched victory for the Vodacom Bulls against the Scarlets in Llanelli on Saturday night. The Springbok flyhalf scored 18 points in a crucial 23-21 win that moved the Bulls up to seventh on the Vodacom URC log, ahead of Ulster, with two rounds remaining. Pollard was successful with all five

Ivan van Rooyen says the Lions have put their playoff fate in their own hands, in stark contrast to previous seasons. The Lions extended their winning streak in the competition to six with a 33-21 victory against in-form Connacht at Ellis Park on Saturday. It moved them up to third on the log, with fourth-placed Leinster