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european champions cup
Stormers centre Jonathan Roche’s remarkable rise: from Varsity Cup to Springbok camp
Just over a season ago, Jonathan Roche was a star for the University of Cape Town in the Varsity Cup. Now, he is set to attend his first virtual Springbok alignment camp.
Rassie spoilt for choice with large local player selection for first alignment camp
Very few rugby-playing nations will come close to the depth that South Africa possess as the World Champions are set to start the new season with a camp in Cape Town.
Long-term Lions deal for captain Horn: We can still achieve big things
The Johannesburg team secured another one of their stars for the next three years as they continue to build on their squad for the United Rugby Championship and European competitions.
Eben Etzebeth’s concussion recovery must be about prioritising his health
Eben Etzebeth’s health should take precedence this season as the Sharks and Springboks navigate his concussion recovery, prioritising a successful return for the 2027 Rugby World Cup.
WATCH: Dive into the heart of South African rugby with The Last Word On Rugby podcast
Welcome to the exciting new podcast The Last Word On Rugby, presented by Independent Media Sport, that aims to bring more insights into the rugby sphere in SA and abroad.
Redemption on the cards for Sharks after heavy defeat in Bordeaux
The Durban side look to regain momentum as they face Cardiff Rugby in the United Rugby Championship (URC) following a heavy defeat in the Champions Cup.
Kunene cited as Sharks hope to bounce back against Cardiff
Sharks coach John Plumtree must address the high number of one-on-one missed tackles against Bordeaux as fullback Hakeem Kunene faces a disciplinary hearing for a high tackle.
‘I honestly don’t want to play my rugby anywhere else’: Neethling Fouché signs Stormers contract extension
The Stormers announced on Tuesday that “despite significant interest from several overseas clubs, Neethling Fouché has committed his future to the Stormers”.
SA rugby teams can’t be all things to all people
Explore the reasons behind South African rugby teams' struggles in European competitions and the implications for player management.
Lions and Bulls prosper as Shark and Stormers flounder
South African rugby teams faced a challenging week in European competitions, with only the Lions and Bulls performing well while others struggled.
Stormers’ fight delights coaches, despite bowing out of the Champions Cup
The Cape side fought until the end to clinch a win over the French club, but the loss dashed their hopes for glory in Europe’s elite club rugby tournament.
Sharks humiliated out of Champions Cup as Bordeaux run riot
The Sharks’ hopes were dashed as they suffered a humiliating loss to Bordeaux, with Damian Penaud scoring a remarkable double hat-trick.
Stormers shift focus to URC after Champions Cup exit
Despite picking up more injuries, the Cape side will be boosted by the return of several Boks and other experienced players ahead of facing Leinster.
Flyhalf poser for Bulls as Jake ‘very happy’ about ending losing run
The Bulls emerged out of their dark hole to knock over Stade Francais 48-7 and end their Champions Cup campaign on a high note, and qualify for the Challenge Cup round of 16.
Stormers knocked out of Champions Cup despite fighting effort in Paris
The Stormers put up a valiant fight against Racing 92 but fell short in a thrilling Champions Cup match, ending their hopes of progressing in the tournament.
We want to make Loftus alive again, says Cameron Hanekom as Bulls stampede past Stade Francais
Cameron Hanekom admitted that the Bulls had been feeling the pressure heading into the Stade Francais game after four consecutive losses, but they were determined to rectify things.
Goosen injured as Bulls break losing streak by dispatching Stade Francais to qualify for Challenge Cup
The Bulls scored seven tries against Stade Francais to bring some cheer to the die-hard 10 369 Pretoria souls – and those fans would be wondering where this team has been recently.
Gelant’s genius shines on and off the field for Stormers
Gelant has been one of the outstanding players for the Cape side in the United Rugby Championship and Champions Cup this season.
Far from a dead rubber for Bulls against Stade Francais, insists Jake White
While Jake White was beating the Challenge Cup drum yesterday, what might be even more important for the Bulls is to end their four-match losing run against Stade Francais.
Once more unto the breach for patched-up Sharks
Sharks coach John Plumtree faces an injury crisis as his team prepares to take on Bordeaux in a pivotal Champions Cup match.
Stormers eye upset against Racing 92, despite missing key Springboks
They are aware just how tough tonight’s final group stage match against their French hosts will be, but the Stormers will bank on winning momentum to get them a victory to qualify for the Champions Cup knockouts.
Jurenzo Julius, Siya Masuku start as Sharks hit by injuries for Battle of Bordeaux
Sharks coach John Plumtree said on Friday that he is at his wits’ end because of the deepening injury crisis ahead of Sunday’s Champions Cup clash against Bordeaux in France.
Goosen and Nortjé back, Moodie on bench for Bulls against Stade Francais
The comeback of lock Ruan Nortjé from a hamstring injury will make Jake White feel confident that the Bulls can end their four-match losing streak against Stade Francais on Saturday.
Stormers rest stars, but call on Springboks Evan Roos and Joseph Dweba for Racing 92 Champions Cup clash
It’s a pivotal Champions Cup match for the Stormers, but they made some strategic changes to their line-up on Friday while aiming for a win against Racing 92 in Paris.
Ruan Nortjé’s return brings hope for beleaguered Bulls
Ruan Nortjé was having a dream 2024 until he suffered a horror hamstring tear, but after two months of rehab and rare family time, he is raring to go for the Bulls against Stade Francais.