Townsend: Scotland still in championship mix

Scotland have an outside chance of claiming their first Six Nations title in a quarter of a century as they face improved Italy in Rome on Saturday.

Nel: Blitzboks ‘need to learn hard lessons’

Former sevens star Ruhan Nel has shared insight on the challenges facing the Blitzboks, while asking fans to be patient with head coach Sandile Ngcobo and his young squad.

Hurricanes say sorry for ‘redneck’ haka

The Hurricanes have apologised to the New Zealand government after their women’s team used a traditional haka dance to slam the government as a “redneck” coalition.

All Blacks star cops ban

Outside back Jordie Barrett was handed a heavy suspension after receiving a red card in the Hurricanes’ last-gasp Super Rugby win at the weekend.

Watch: Former Bok takes down Dricus

Springbok icon Victor Matfield catches UFC middleweight champion Dricus du Plessis off guard with a ‘rear naked choke’ during a social event.

Stransky: SA tour the real test for Ireland

Joel Stransky says Ireland’s supremacy will only be measured when they tackle the back-to-back world champion Springboks in the Republic this year.

Jean: SA teams used to playing regularly

Jean de Villiers says a “whole new level of rugby education” is required for local coaches, players and fans on how to navigate mid-season breaks in European competition.

Quick tap with Ruhan Nel

DHL Stormers centre Ruhan Nel fields a couple of questions, from his injury rehabilitation progress and home repairs, to being a new father.

Scotland drop Saffa prop

Veteran scrum anchor WP Nel is one of three players to fall out of the Scotland squad to face Italy in the Six Nations on Saturday.

Watch: Brannas fixes Bulls foe’s boo-boo

Skipper Deon Fourie assists wounded opposite number Marcell Coetzee during a bruising north-south derby between the DHL Stormers and Vodacom Bulls on Saturday.