Springbok mulls Premiership return

A double World Cup-winning Springbok is reportedly considering a return to the English Premiership. Scrumhalf Faf de Klerk’s contract with the Yokohama Canon Eagles expires at the end of the current Japan Rugby League One season in June. The 34-year-old recently...

Leinster stutter before beating Leicester

Leinster edged the Leicester Tigers on Friday night to open round two of the Investec Champions Cup pool stage. The four-time champions sputtered at Welford Road before pulling ahead to win 23-15. The Irish province dominated territory from the start but made repeated...

Ackers: Defence a big thing for Bulls

Johan Ackermann says the Vodacom Bulls’ defensive issues can’t be viewed in isolation. SIMON BORCHARDT reports. The Pretoria-based franchise is under pressure heading into Sunday’s Investec Champions Cup match against the Northampton Saints at Franklin’s Gardens...

JP confident Sharks can rediscover their bite

Interim coach JP Pietersen says he is energised by the challenge of righting a listing Sharks ship as they prepare to host Saracens in the Investec Champions Cup on Saturday. LINDIZ VAN ZILLA reports. Pietersen, appointed after John Plumtree stepped aside, admitted...

Stade Français blood giant SA youngster

A giant South African lock has been named in the Stade Français starting XV to take on the Cheetahs in Saturday’s EPCR Challenge Cup match in Amsterdam. Jacques Botha starred for the Hoërskool Monument 1st XV while representing the Lions at the U18 Craven Week and SA...