Devin Hermanus

Akker van der Merwe of Vodacom Bulls tackled by Morgan Naude of the Emirates Lions during the United Rugby Championships 2023 match between Emirates Lions and Vodacom Bulls at Emirates Airline Park, Johannesburg on 17 February 2024 ©BackpagePix

Bok snub drives Akker to ‘work harder’

In-form hooker Akker van der Merwe won’t “creep into a hole” and feel sorry for himself after not being included in the first Springbok alignment camp of the year.

Deon Fourie (captain) of the Stormers is challenged by Willie le Roux of the Bulls during the 2023 United Rugby Championship game between the Stormers and Bulls at Cape Town Stadium on 23 December 2023 ©Ryan Wilkisky/BackpagePix

Bulls unfazed by ‘perfect’ Stormers

Akker van der Merwe says the Vodacom Bulls are focused on improving their game for what is tipped to be a sold-out North-South derby against the DHL Stormers in Pretoria.

Shilton van Wyk and Ryan Oosthuizen for Blitzboks

Blitzboks stumble out the blocks in Canada

The Blitzboks will have to beat Ireland in their final Pool C clash of the Vancouver Sevens to keep their quarter-final hopes alive in BC Place after an opening day of mixed results.

Photo: Andrew Matthews/PA/BackpagePix France's Posolo Tuilagi during the Guinness Six Nations match at the Orange Velodrome in Marseille, France. Picture date: Friday February 2, 2024.

France’s Posolo proud to be a Tuilagi

The Tuilagi surname has been synonymous with rugby across the globe for decades and Sunday will mark an even bigger part of the name’s history in France.

Photo: David Davies/PA/Backpagepix England's Courtney Lawes and Maro Itoje dejected following the Rugby World Cup 2023 semi final match at the Stade de France, Saint-Denis. Picture date: Saturday October 21, 2023.

England star to end career in France

Former England captain Courtney Lawes will leave Premiership leaders Northampton at the end of the season to join Brive due to a “transformational offer” from the French side.

epa10853082 Scotland’s Finn Russell (R) in action against South Africa’s Siya Kolisi (L) during the Rugby World Cup 2023 Pool B match between South Africa and Scotland, in Marseille, southern France, 10 September 2023. EPA/SEBASTIEN NOGIER

Russell: Scots have learned Bok blitz lesson

Finn Russell hopes Scotland can turn the pain of a Rugby World Cup defeat by South Africa to their advantage when they face England in the Six Nations on Saturday.

Werner Kok of the Sharks challenged by Hacjivah Dayimani of the Western Province during the 2021 Carling Black Label Currie Cup match between Sharks and Western Province at Jonsson Kings Park Stadium, Durban, on 28 August 2021 ©Samuel Shivambu/BackpagePix

SA URC stars to make sevens switch

DHL Stormers forward Hacjivah Dayimani and Blitzboks alum Werner Kok reportedly headline a list of 15-man players to potentially feature for Team SA at the 2024 Olympics.

Photo: Gareth Fuller/PA/BackpagePix South Africa's Damian Willemse (right) is tackled by Ireland's Jamison Gibson-Park during the Rugby World Cup 2023, Pool B match at the Stade de France in Paris, France. Picture date: Saturday September 23, 2023.

Boks finding ‘new ways’ to stay No 1

Damian Willemse can’t wait to work with coaches Jerry Flannery and Tony Brown, as the Springboks look for “something different” to beat Ireland and New Zealand this year.

epa11121998 Posolo Tuilagi (C) of France in action against James Ryan (R-down) of Ireland during the Six Nations rugby match between France and Ireland at Stade Velodrome in Marseille, southern France, 02 February 2024. EPA/Guillaume Horcajuelo

France turn to teen Tuilagi for Italian job

Giant lock Posolo Tuilagi will make his first France start against Italy on Sunday, after head coach Fabien Galthie named a settled team for the Six Nations clash.

EXETER, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 30: Ross Vintcent of Exeter Chiefs goes over to score their sides fourth try during the Premiership Rugby Cup match between Exeter Chiefs and London Scottish at Sandy Park on September 30, 2023 in Exeter, England. (Photo by Harry Trump/Getty Images)

Saffa loosie starts for Italy in Les Bleus duel

South Africa-born Exeter flanker Ross Vintcent makes his first start at No 8 for Italy when the Azzurri face France in the Six Nations in Lille on Sunday.