Ackers: Bulls tour a success but job not done

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...

Bulls swoop on Sharks young star

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...

Sharks look abroad for experienced No 10

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...

Schools wrap: Grey High win festival thriller

Grey High came from behind to beat Michaelhouse in Gqeberha on Saturday, while there were notable wins for Oakdale, Jeppe and Paarl Gim in Kimberley. On the opening day of the Grey High School Festival, the hosts produced a strong second-half display to secure a 28-19...

Oberholzer: Tragic if Lions didn’t tour SA

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...

Benetton do Stormers, Lions a big favour

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...

Good enough is old enough

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...

Umaga: Glimmer of hope for Moana Pasifika

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...

Hurricanes lament looming loss of winger

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...