The South African U20s conceded their second defeat on their two week tour to France after going down 13-3 to a French Selection XV in Paris on Tuesday evening.

Springbok Sevens star Lionel Mapoe may well become the Cheetahs’ new midfield maestro, following his succesful move from wing to outside centre in a Super 14 pre-season outing at the weekend.

Springbok No.8 Pierre Spies has become the latest high profile player to be ruled out of the Bulls’ pre-season fixture against the Lions in Polokwane on Saturday.

The Vodacom Bulls will “go with faith” that their utility back Jaco van der Westhuyzen will arrive in time for the start of the Vodacom Super 14.
Dearth of fit wings.

World Cup-winning Springbok Wikus van Heerden has re-signed with the Golden Lions, just days after he announced his departure from English Premiership club Saracens.

Sharks coach John Plumtree appears to be ready to return home to New Zealand, after reports surfaced that he had applied to take over as Hurricanes coach next year.

The Golden Lions Rugby Union (GLRU) on Thursday announced another addition to the franchise from the International Rugby Academy of New Zealand ahead of the Super 14, in former All Blacks conditioning coach Wayne Taylor.

Unwanted as a Super Rugby franchise, the South African Rugby Union is expected to ‘export’ the Eastern Cape’s Southern Kings to some of the most far-flung corners of the globe.

The Lions have signed the Bulls Super 14 replacement flyhalf and Morne Steyn understudy Burton Francis with effect 1 November 2009.

The Lions have named an interesting squad for the game against the Bulls. They’re also looking to keep Jacque Fourie here in Jozi having lost Pretoors already to the Force.

Mistake sets Lauaki free | Top ref retires | Irish legend dies | Blasers vir Leeu-toer | O’Leary will miss tour | Vodacom results

Where there’s smoke, there’s fire – and there’s plenty smoke in the Cape. Like Jake White coaching the Stormers and Rassie moving – guess where?

It seems South Africa has finally waken up with the news that a new International Rugby Academy will be established in South Africa – headed by Bok assistant coach, Dick Muir.

Nominations for the SA Rugby player’s & teams of the year have been released – here they are with my own predictions.

There will be some international flavour to the Lions when they start their Super 14 campaign.