Saru's several stumbling blocks

The South African Rugby Union (Saru) is in the throes of major restructuring. Last week it sacked Jonathan Stones and Mpumelelo Tshume.

Two directors leave SA Rugby

SA Rugby on Friday confirmed the departure of Jonathan Stones and Mpumelelo Tshume from the board of directors.

Smit 'honoured' over Bok milestone

Springbok captain John Smit achieves a remarkable feat on Saturday against Wales in Bloemfontein. He will lead his side into a Test match for the 50th time, the first time a Bok captain has ever reached the half-century mark. Springbok coach Peter de Villiers confirmed Smit's selection on Monday.

Argentina to play Boks in first 'four nations' step

Argentina will play South Africa in Johannesburg on August 9 in the first move to include the World Cup semifinalists in southern hemisphere competition, SA Rugby said in a statement on Wednesday. A full-strength Pumas side will travel for the World Cup semifinal rematch against the champions in between the away and home legs of the Springboks' Tri-Nations campaign.

British and Irish Lions to roar in SA

The British and Irish Lions are to play 10 matches on their tour of South Africa next year, including three Tests against the world champions, the Springboks, organisers said on Thursday. The Tests against the Boks will take place on June 20 in Durban, June 27 in Pretoria and July 4 in Johannesburg.

Dispute erupts over Bok coach's contract

An unresolved contract dispute between appointed Springbok rugby coach Peter de Villiers and the South African Rugby Union has erupted again -- and remains unresolved. This time a constitutional matter lies at the heart of the matter, De Villiers's agent, Rian Oberholzer, said on Wednesday.

SA mulls bid for Rugby World Cup in 2015

South Africa is considering bidding for the 2015 Rugby World Cup. South Africa has sent a letter to the International Rugby Board (IRB) tails on the tender process, which is expected to end next year. SA Rugby managing director Jonathan Stones said the IRB was thinking of staging every "two out of three" World Cups in European time zones.

Agent denies Bok coach contract row

Media reports of a row over an "inferior" contract the South African Rugby Union purportedly offered new Springbok coach Peter de Villiers were unfounded, his agent said on Tuesday. Rian Oberholzer said his client's contract is still being negotiated. "There is no sensational new development," he said.

Saru sidestep no surprise

Hot on the heels of Springbok coach Jake White's announcement of his imminent departure, the South African Rugby Union (Saru) seems set to add the name of Dick Muir to its shortlist of candidates to replace White. This is the same Saru that claimed White could not be considered for an extension of his post because he had missed the deadline for applications.

'Far bigger than we ever imagined'

"Awesome", "unbelievable" and "like a fairy tale" is how the Springboks described their homecoming at OR Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg on Tuesday. Showing cool nerves during interviews that at times resembled a scrum, flanker Schalk Burger said he was still getting used to the idea of being a world champion.

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