Rugby World Cup

latest news & developments
The G20 leaders summit was held in South Africa last week. (GCIS)

Of flags, flowers, fashion and flashlights

Johannesburg not only hosted a successful G20 Leaders’ Summit, the first to take place on African soil, but also delivered an impressive and memorable global event.

Rassie Erasmus looks on during the Summer Rugby International match between South Africa and Wales at Twickenham Stadium on June 22, 2024 in London, England. (Photo by David Rogers/Getty Images)

Rassie Erasmus’ fly-half dilemma: Pollard versus Libbok for South Africa test against Ireland

Will the coach choose the master goal-kicker or ball-in-hand magician?

Lessons in sportsmanship from the Springboks and reflections on judicial accountability

The Springboks may have won the World Cup by being quiet, but that does not mean we must

Soul Train: South African singer Tyla’s song Water was huge this year. Photo: Axelle/Bauer-Griffing/Getty Images

The A-Z of 2023 for Africa

All Change for Archange: The Central African Republic held a constitutional referendum earlier this year, which, among other things, would allow President Faustin-Archange…

Dare to move forward in 2024

Let’s keep the high of winning the World Cup alive, and positively impact what is around us

The accusation that Bongi Mbonambi directed racist language at an England player reminds us that we should not cheapen the dangers of racism in sport. (Photo by Craig Mercer/MB Media/Getty Images)

Racism, respect and war in rugby

The accusation that Bongi Mbonambi directed racist language at an England player reminds us that we should not cheapen the dangers of racism in sport

The Boks’ real gift to South Africa is leadership

Rugby has shown us what real leaders look like – leaders who will fight for the people they represent

Damian Willemse of South Africa celebrates the victory with the supporters following the Rugby World Cup France 2023 Final between New Zealand (All Blacks) and South Africa (Springboks) at Stade de France on October 28, 2023 in Saint-Denis near Paris, France. (Photo by Jean Catuffe/Getty Images)

Ecstatic South Africans celebrate Rugby World Cup glory

President Cyril Ramaphosa, who was with captain Siya Kolisi when he lifted the Webb Ellis Cup, said sport had the ability to lift the spirits of entire nations

Sam Cane of New Zealand looks dejected as he walk past the Webb Ellis Cup after the Rugby World Cup Final match between New Zealand and South Africa at Stade de France on October 28, 2023 in Paris, France. (Photo by Lionel Hahn/Getty Images)

Red card will be with me forever, says All Blacks skipper Cane

Head coach Ian Forster was extremely proud of how his New Zealand side had taken it to the wire despite playing one man down for about 50 minutes.

Siya Kolisi acknowledges the fans after defeat to Ireland during the Rugby World Cup France 2023 match between South Africa and Ireland at Stade de France on September 23, 2023 in Paris, France. (Photo by Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images)

Siya Kolisi is our own Babe Ruth

Rugby, represented by the Springboks, is the country’s most symbolic, just as baseball is to Americans.

Game plan: Springboks head coach Jacques Nienaber (back) and South African Rugby Union director Rassie Erasmus should let the leashes off the players. Photo: Warren Little/Getty Images

Let the Boks play for the love of the game

The pressure of playing for South Africa and its myriad problems will be an obstacle to the Springboks beating New Zealand’s All Blacks

Siya Kolisi of celebrates victory with members of the crowd at full-time following the Rugby World Cup France 2023 Quarter Final match between France and South Africa at Stade de France on October 15, 2023 in Paris, France. (Photo by Chris Hyde/Getty Images)

Boks beat France in World Cup thriller to reach semis

Siya Kolisi said it was a hard game for the defending champions, who eventually walked away with a 29-28 win and will face England next week

Green and goals: Scott Barrett of New Zealand in possession of the ball ahead of Pieter-Steph du Toit and Faf de Klerk. (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images)

Rugby World Cup: The sweet sound of quarters clashes

An appetising round of matches has arrived for us to savour

Game, bet and match: The Springboks in action against Tonga in their Rugby World Cup game in Marseille, France, on Sunday. (Christophe Simon/AFP)

Tough choices ahead for Nienaber and Erasmus as quarters loom

Kriel or Am? Pollard or Libbok? Nails are being bitten as the South African team heads for the quarter-finals

All eyes on Boks and Ireland for epic clash

Will Manie Libbok spot-kick at number 10? Arguably the better kicker, Handré Pollard is back from injury