Marler’s Bakkies myth exposed

Joe Marler’s swipe at Bakkies Botha may grab attention, but it collapses under scrutiny, writes MARK KEOHANE. Writing for the Sunday Times, Keohane says the former England prop’s claim that Botha was a “world-class thug” is long on theatre and short on fact. Botha’s...

Lions lose lock to French club

A Lions lock will head to France at the end of June having signed a two-year deal with a Pro D2 club. According to Rapport, Raynard Roets is set to join Biarritz on 1 July after two seasons in Joburg. The 24-year-old former Junior Springbok is a product of Hoërskool...

Junior Boks lock adds bite to SWD pack

The SWD Eagles have bolstered their ranks with two battle-hardened loanees ahead of the SA Cup kick-off in George. According to Rapport, former Junior Boks lock Dylan de Leeuw and scrumhalf Tiaan Fourie have linked up with Heyneke Meyer’s troops, adding punch and...
All Blacks No 9 extends beyond World Cup

All Blacks No 9 extends beyond World Cup

One of New Zealand’s highly-rated scrumhalves has committed to the All Blacks and the Chiefs until the end of the 2028 season. Last year’s beaten Super Rugby Pacific finalists confirmed on Sunday that Cortez Ratima has signed a new two-year extension. The 24-year-old...

JP: Try blitzes, errors hurting Sharks

Sharks coach JP Pietersen says his side’s 41-12 Vodacom URC defeat to the Bulls at Loftus came down to tries conceded in clusters and a glut of unforced errors. The Bulls struck twice in quick succession on the way to a 22-0 lead at the break – a pattern Pietersen...

Ackers hails Bulls’ composure

Vodacom Bulls coach Johan Ackermann was encouraged by how his side managed momentum swings against the Sharks at Loftus Versfeld on Saturday. The Bulls raced into a 22-0 half-time lead and although the Sharks fought back to narrow the deficit to 10 points in the...