The Springboks Sevens side's Hong Kong curse continued at the weekend where they had to settle for a lowly ninth place.

Libbok is contracted to the Stormers until the end of the 2027 Rugby World Cup but could miss a chunk of the United Rugby Championship season to earn some yen in the Land of the Rising Sun. The 27-year-old benefits from the SA Rugby PONI system, which means that the union supplements his contract on top of his Stormers salary. However, he is weighing up his options next season and according to a report by South African publication Rapport, at least one Japanese team is interested in adding the 19-Test cap Springbok to their payroll. The Stormers are understood to be willing to let Libbok take up a sabbatical in Japan, considering the loyalty he showed to the franchise when clubs were interested in signing him, including French outfit Racing 92 who attempted to lure him to Paris before this season. With Juree Matthee and Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu in the squad, the Capetonians look to have enough cover in the flyhalf position if Libbok were to leave on a short-term basis. However, the Cape Town outfit will reportedly not entertain talks with Leinster over the possibility of Damian Willemse joining the Irish province. Leinster are in the market for a versatile back to fill the void of Jordie Barrett, who will return to New Zealand once his loan deal expires at the end of the season, and they have their eyes on the Bok fullback. Willemse is currently tied to the Stormers through the 2027 World Cup, having inked a five-year contract with the Cape Town-based team in 2022, and it seems they’re determined to hold onto this vital backline player, especially in a position where they do not enjoy as much depth.

Rugby Australia CEO Phil Waugh rules out any chance of Israel Folau playing rugby Down Under, six years after his sacking by the Wallabies. The post Waugh shuts door on Folau homecoming appeared first on SA Rugby magazine.

The 29-year-old started the first seven of Scott Robertson's matches in charge of the All Blacks last year, cementing his place as a regular feature in the matchday 23. His value to Robertson and New Zealand Rugby is highlighted by the playmaker signing beyond the Rugby World Cup and when the All Blacks are set to play the British and Irish Lions. McKenzie had been linked with a move abroad, with his re-signing ending such speculation. However, he is one of the players who have enjoyed a sabbatical in Japan, playing for Suntory Sungoliath in 2022 and could take up a similar loan deal further down the line. The 61-Test All Blacks back said he was strongly committed to continuing his career in New Zealand and striving to achieve his goals with the Chiefs and All Blacks. "I'm incredibly excited to re-sign with NZ Rugby and continue my journey with both the Chiefs and All Blacks," he said. "The opportunity to represent both teams is something that I'll never take for granted. I feel like I've still got a lot to give to New Zealand rugby and look forward to adding value where I can. I'm extremely motivated to win a championship with the Chiefs and ultimately hope to be a part of a successful Rugby World Cup in 2027 and campaigns beyond that." McKenzie debuted for the All Blacks against Argentina in 2016 and appeared in all 14 Tests in 2024, including 10 starts. He has also represented the Māori All Blacks from 2015 to 2017. "Damian is such a valuable member of our group. He has an incredible skill set and the ability to change a game. He is just continuing to get better and better, which makes him a critical signing for us heading into the next Rugby World Cup and beyond," All Blacks head coach Robertson said. NZR CEO Mark Robinson added: "Damian is a rare talent who has made a big contribution to the game in New Zealand for over than a decade for Waikato, the Chiefs and in a black jersey. His decision to remain in New Zealand through to 2029 shows his dedication and loyalty to the teams, people and organisations he represents." "We're thrilled he's committed to another four years and with his best rugby ahead of him it's exciting to look forward to the impact he will have on and off the field as we enter an exciting period for the international game." McKenzie is in his eleventh season of Super Rugby with the Chiefs after making his debut in 2015 and is the Chiefs' all-time leading points scorer with more than 1200. With 131 appearances, he is the third most-capped player in Chiefs history, alongside retired club legends Sam Cane and Liam Messam. "We are delighted Damian has committed to the Chiefs and NZ Rugby long term. It's a significant outcome given the high level of interest he received from offshore. His on-field performances with the Chiefs speak volumes. He influences games the way few people can, and he will continue to add to his legacy, which would have to rank among the elite players to have ever pulled on a Chiefs jersey," Chiefs head coach Clayton McMillan said. "What some people might not see, is the massive effort he puts into the community, and particularly the youth in the region. He's often the last off the field signing autographs and taking photos. It doesn't matter where we travel, he is always in demand, and he never takes for granted the impact he has on people by sharing a bit of his time."

Kitshoff was a vital cog in the Springboks machine under the guidance of Erasmus when they won back-to-back Rugby World Cups in Japan in 2019 and in France in 2023. However, the 33-year-old announced his retirement last month after sustaining a life-threatening neck injury while on Currie Cup duty for Western Province last year. Erasmus was in conversation with Kitshoff and sports physician Jon Patricios, who were his guests on his Rassie+ podcast, when he revealed how Kitshoff was initially going to lead the Boks in a Rugby World Cup warm-up match against Argentina in Buenos Aires in 2023 before he eventually handed the captaincy to Bongi Mbonambi. "I actually even one time promised him, and I must say he's one of the guys that handled it the best, I promised him the captaincy," said Erasmus. "I said, 'Kitsie, if nothing changes, you're probably going to be Springbok captain next week.' He wasn't captain. Never even asked me again. Just pitched up for training." Kitshoff represented South Africa as a loosehead prop in 83 Tests between 2016 and 2024 and captained the Stormers when they were crowned the inaugural United Rugby Championship champions in 2022. He expanded on Erasmus' decision not to hand him the captaincy for that clash with Los Pumas. 'You'll probably captain us against Argentina' "Rassie came to me and said, 'listen, if everything goes to plan, no injuries, you're looking good after this weekend, you'll probably captain us against Argentina,'" said Kitshoff. "And then in that week, he realised – I think either medical staff or someone told him – 'listen, Kitsie's been playing a lot of minutes back-to-back every weekend.' "Then he turned around and said, 'listen, Kitsie, I think you're more important to us for New Zealand in two weeks' time. I'm going to keep you out of the squad this weekend. You're going to run water, run touch, carry all the messages, play a massive role in the game, but we're going to give Bongi the captaincy.' "I understood what my role was for that weekend so I enjoyed Argentina. "I had a bit more drinks on Wednesday with the steak, and then I could only focus on carrying messages onto the field."

The Springbok hooker thought he'd scored in the ninth minute after joining a massive driving maul from a lineout he threw in 10 metres from the halfway line. The Dynaboars were utterly unable to halt the advance but the ball was held up after Marx was bundled over the line and no score was awarded. When his try did come in the 19th minute it came in similar but much more simple fashion. The lineout was much closer to the tryline and Dynaboars offered almost zero resistance as the Spears maul marauded over their line and Marx got his try. Marx ran for 35 metres in the game and made six tackles in addition to his try to become a key feature in the Spears' big victory. Damian de Allende was the only South African on the field as his Saitama Wild Knights took care of the Urayasu D-Rocks 54-20, while Jesse Kriel featured for the Yokohama Canon Eagles as they were beaten 29-17 by Toyota Verblitz. Elsewhere in Japan Rugby League One, Cheslin Kolbe bagged the bragging rights over Kwagga Smith after the Suntory Sungoliath beat the Shizuoka Blue Revs 22-17 in a nailbiting encounter. Other South Africans to play in Japan Rugby League One: Sanele Nohamba (Shizouka Blue Revs), Ruan Botha (Kubota Spears), Rikus Pretorius (Kubota Spears), Merve Olivier (Kubota Spears), Tyler Paul (Kubota Spears), Freddie Olivier (Mitsubishi Dynaboars), Mattys Basson (Honda Heat), Janko Swanepoel (Honda Heat), Dawid Kellerman (Honda Heat), and Willie Potgieter (Toyota Verblitz). French Top 14 Rohan Janse van Rensburg did everything he could to help Bordeaux, including a late try, but was unable to do enough to prevent them falling to a narrow 36-31 defeat to Racing 92. The result could prove to be crucial for Bordeaux, who fall five points behind Toulouse at the top of the standings as a consequence. Centre Jan Serfontein and scrumhalf Cobus Reinach played key roles for Montpellier as they beat Stade Francais 38-32. Reinach came off the bench at halftime and added a new layer of dynamism to the Montpellier backline, while Serfontein played the whole game making seven carries and several important tackles. Other South Africans playing in the French Top 14: Dan Jooste (Pau), James Hall (Perpignan), Jeremy Ward (Stade Francais), Uzair Cassiem (Bayonne), Pieter Scholtz (Bayonne), Dillyn Leyds (La Rochelle), Lee-Marvin Mazibuko (Racing 92) and Hacjivah Dayimani (Racing 92). Gallagher Premiership Thomas du Toit came off the bench as Bath employed their version of a bomb squad in the 47-28 thrashing of Harlequins. Du Toit was one of four forwards that were subbed on immediately after halftime and changed the game for Bath as they scored five unanswered tries to come from behind and claim a resounding win. The big prop ran for 28 metres in seven carries and helped Bath dominate the frontal engagements where they had been struggling in the first half. Handre Pollard contributed seven points with the boot (a penalty and two try conversions) but it wasn't enough to help prevent the Leicester Tigers from going down 29-22 to Saracens, while Ruan Ackermann played for Gloucester in their 53-28 hammering of Bristol Bears. Other South Africans to play in the Gallagher Premiership: Francois van Wyk (Bath), Jaco Coetzee (Bath), Irne Hebst (Harlequins), Stephan Lewies (Harlequins), Tyrone Green (Harlequins), Jordan Els (Harlequins), JL du Preez (Sale Sharks), Ernst van Rhyn (Sale Sharks), Hyron Andrews (Sale Sharks), Rob de Preez (Sale Sharks), Burger Odendaal (Northampton), Juarno Augustus (Northampton), Kwenzo Blose (Exeter Chiefs), Seb de Chaves (Newcastle Falcons) and Bernhard Janse van Rensburg (Bristol Bears). United Rugby Championship Henco Venter fronted up for the Glasgow Warriors in their 42-0 demolition of the Lions in the URC, making 10 tackles and hitting the gain line an equal number of times, as the Scottish outfit bullied the South African team. Springbok lock Jean Kleyn continued his encouraging return from injury by coming off the bench in Munster's 30-24 win over Irish rivals Connacht, while Rhyno Smith helped Benetton to a nail-biting 20-19 win over Cardiff Blues. Other South Africans to play for overseas teams in URC: Johan Mulder (Cardiff Blues), Marnus van der Merve (Scarlets), Jarrod Taylor (Scarlets), Evardi Boshoff (Ospreys), Tom Botha (Ospreys) and Boan Venter (Edinburgh). 

Herman Mostert recaps Round 14 of the United Rugby Championship.

Former Ireland international Lindsay Peat feels the side's "nice variety of tries" in the Women's Six Nations victory over Italy provides "redemption" for their attack.

Ireland record a first away win in the Women's Six Nations since 2021 with a 54-12 victory over Italy in Parma.

After stumbling on the United Rugby Championship leg of their three-week tour of the UK, Lions coach Ivan van Rooyen has concluded that 20 points from their remaining games will secure them a place in the knockout phase.

Watch all the tries from Anna McGann's "fantastic" hat-trick for Ireland in their 52-14 victory against Italy in the Women's Six Nations.

Ireland record a first away win in the Women's Six Nations since 2021 with a 54-12 victory over Italy in Parma.

Argentina won their first ever Hong Kong Sevens on Sunday when they outmuscled France 12-7 in the final to kick off a fresh era for the famous tournament at the city's new $3.85 billion Kai Tak stadium.

The armwrestle continued deep into the sweaty Durban night as Leinster found themselves 10-7 up with seconds left on the clock. The Sharks won a kickable penalty and there was clearly some debate on the field, but captain Kolisi ultimately decided to kick for touch and go for broke. Earlier in the second half, fellow Springbok Bongi Mbonambi bundled over for a try off the back of a lineout maul. The Sharks opted for the same strategy but the canny Leinster forwards wrapped up the ball carrier and when the maul went to ground, referee Ben Breakspear judged that Leinster had won the ball. Speaking to the press afterwards, Plumtree revealed he would have made a different decision to the double World Cup-winning captain. "I don't like losing, so I probably would've preferred to go for the poles, but it was Siya's decision on the field," said the Kiwi. "He wanted to go for the four points, and that cost us one point. If we had scored, then it would be a different conversation. "It's frustrating that we got held up. The Irish are masters at stuffing your ball up in those types of moments, and again, it was just another opportunity that we didn't take. "It's not really about who makes the decision, it's about feeling the moment and often the players feel different out on the park than what we feel in the coaches' box. They felt like they could do it. "Bongi scored off the back of a dominant drive, and that would have been in Siya's mind as well, but we just didn't execute it. "If Siya looks to the coaches' box to get the decision, then that is a different conversation."