South Africa

Mo'unga Starts at 10 as Canterbury Chase Shield Back Off Otago

Richie Mo'unga starts in the Canterbury No 10 jersey for the first time since 2020 in Sunday's Ranfurly Shield challenge at Forsyth Barr Stadium, days after being ruled ineligible for the All Blacks tour of South Africa. Johnny McNicholl returns and Brodie McAlister plays his 50th game.

Rugby Union · 8/6/2026

Hansen Warns All Blacks: Stormers Want to Rip Your Head Off

Sir Steve Hansen says franchise sides on tour play to hurt, as New Zealand open six weeks in South Africa against the Stormers in Cape Town on Friday with Kirwan and Wilson split on what winning there requires.

Rugby Union · 8/5/2026

SA Provinces Chase 50-Year First as All Blacks Tour Opens

More than 2,000 fans welcomed the All Blacks to Cape Town as the first full tour of South Africa in 30 years began - with the mayor promising "no mercy" and four URC coaches weighing a shot at history against their own pre-season.

Rugby Union · 7/31/2026

Contepomi Bloods 10 Uncapped Pumas as Boks Come to Buenos Aires

Felipe Contepomi has picked 10 uncapped players in a 34-man Argentina squad for August Tests against South Africa and Australia, with Julian Montoya and Tomas Albornoz both banned after the England fallout.

Rugby Union · 7/31/2026

Rennie Names 44 for Toughest Tour in Rugby as Savea Delays Arrival

Dave Rennie has named a 44-man All Blacks squad for the inaugural Rugby's Greatest Rivalry tour of South Africa and the United States, retaining all 34 Nations Championship players and adding three uncapped men. Captain Ardie Savea will miss the franchise games entirely, and Du'Plessis Kirifi's omission has become the loudest talking point.

Rugby Union · 7/29/2026

Ma'a Nonu Joins Sharks as Mentor Ahead of All Blacks Tour

Two-time World Cup winner Ma'a Nonu has joined the Sharks in a short-term mentoring role, reuniting with JP Pietersen just before the All Blacks tour South Africa.

Rugby Union · 7/25/2026

Fitzpatrick Tells All Blacks: Win in South Africa, Cup Follows

As New Zealand prepare for a four-Test tour of South Africa, All Blacks great Sean Fitzpatrick, Dan Biggar and Schalk Burger all size up Rugby's Greatest Rivalry.

Rugby Union · 7/25/2026

Hansen lays out All Blacks blueprint to unsettle the Springboks

As Dave Rennie's rebuilt All Blacks prepare for a four-Test tour of South Africa, Steve Hansen and Jim Hamilton set out how New Zealand can unsettle Rassie Erasmus's unbeaten world champions — and where the series could be decided.

Rugby Union · 7/24/2026

Rennie's All Blacks Draw Rave Reviews as Bok Tour Looms

Three Tests into Dave Rennie's reign, an unbeaten Nations Championship has convinced pundits the All Blacks' lost aura is returning. Dan Biggar and glowing player ratings back the revival as New Zealand turns to its Greatest Rivalry tour of South Africa.

Rugby Union · 7/24/2026

Erasmus Recalls Big Guns as Boks Split Squad for All Blacks

The Springboks coach has recalled Eben Etzebeth, Siya Kolisi and Handre Pollard and divided his squad in two as South Africa prepare for Argentina and a four-Test tour by the All Blacks.

Rugby Union · 7/23/2026