Lions count cost of bruising loss

The Lions’ 24-17 defeat to Munster in Limerick was compounded by injuries to two key players ahead of their Vodacom URC quarter-final against Leinster. No 8 Francke Horn and centre Henco van Wyk left the field in the 39th and 70th minutes of Saturday night’s match,...

Ackers: Bulls must be much sharper on attack

Coach Johan Ackermann says the Vodacom Bulls have to improve their decision-making and execution ahead of the URC quarter-finals. The Bulls will host Munster on 30 May after beating Benetton 45-19 at Loftus Versfeld on Saturday. “There’s still a lot of work to be...

SA teams want to stay in Champions Cup

South Africa’s leading clubs have made their feelings clear on a possible exit from the Investec Champions Cup. According to Rapport, the Vodacom Bulls, Stormers and Sharks are all against such a move. Speculation around South Africa’s future in Europe intensified...

Bosch 2.0: I enjoy pressure now

Curwin Bosch says he is returning to South Africa as a more mature player who now embraces pressure rather than fearing it. The former Sharks flyhalf will join the Vodacom Bulls in July on a three-year deal after two seasons with French club Brive. Once regarded as...

Goosen stays in the game

Johan Goosen has moved into coaching despite not formally announcing his retirement as a player. According to Rapport, the former Springbok flyhalf served as an attacking and kicking coach under head coach Phiwe Nomlomo as the Bulls XV claimed a dramatic 33-32 victory...

Sharks circle young Lions star

The Sharks are reportedly eyeing a move for a Lions youngster amid ongoing concerns over the long-term health of one of their regular starters. According to Rapport, the Sharks are monitoring the situation of Lions scrumhalf Haashim Pead as concerns grow over...

Bok back high on Dobbo’s wishlist

Stormers director of rugby John Dobson hopes to lure a prominent Springbok to Cape Town to help drive Project 2029. Cheslin Kolbe remains a top target for the Stormers, despite having extended his contract with Japanese club Tokyo Suntory Sungoliath through to the end...

Banned Bok prop ponders next move

Lions and Springbok prop Asenathi Ntlabakanye could appeal his 18-month doping ban. According to Rapport, Ntlabakanye and his representatives are set to meet with stakeholders in Johannesburg on Monday to discuss the verdict and possible next steps in the process....