Richie ruled out of Bledisloe Cup

The All Blacks have suffered a double injury setback on the eve of the two-Test Bledisloe Cup series against the Wallabies. Flyhalf Richie Mo’unga and winger Fehi Fineanganofo have both been ruled out of the matches at Eden Park in Auckland on Saturday and Stadium...

‘Wilco walks in and says “I’m home”’

Head coach John Dobson admits this week’s Stormers lineup hasn’t been together for long, but is confident even the returning Springboks are on board with the mission. Dobson has named a match-day 23 with 11 Springboks and a possible debut for Haashim Pead for...

Dobbo on parking Gelant, Pead’s push

John Dobson says the Stormers didn’t want to wait any longer to expose Haashim Pead in Saturday’s derby, while explaining the omitted Warrick Gelant’s role this season. Pead is set to make his Stormers debut at Cape Town Stadium in the round-three URC clash against...

Saffa bruiser cops hefty ban

The versatile Jacques Vermeulen has been suspended for several Sale Sharks matches following an act of dangerous play. He received a four-match ban after accepting a charge relating to the 20-minute red card he was shown against Saracens on Sunday. The 31-year-old was...

World Rugby cracks down on ‘drop’ tackles

World Rugby has introduced measures targeting two dangerous tackling techniques in an effort to reduce the risk of serious leg injuries. The governing body has moved to explicitly outlaw the “hip drop” tackle, while also issuing new guidance to match officials on the...

Lions sweat on backline duo

The Lions could be without two key men for Saturday’s Jukskei derby against the Bulls at Loftus Versfeld in round three of the URC. Utility back Erich Cronjé is awaiting the all-clear after leaving the Ellis Park win over the Ospreys last week with a tight hamstring,...