Springbok Sevens coach Paul Treu on Friday expressed his support to Vuyo Zangqa who sustained serious facial injuries after being involved in a car accident in Johannesburg on Thursday.

The Bok Sevens star, who returned to Cape Town on Tuesday with the victorious South African Sevens team who were recently crowned IRB World Sevens Series Champions, will undergo an operation to his left eye next week. Zangqa also fractured his nose and mouth.

“It’s devastating news for us. He has been one of our stars in the Springbok Sevens team this season,” said Bok Sevens coach Paul Treu.

“Our thoughts and prayers are now with him. It’s never nice when one of your players or a member of the team is involved in any kind of accident. We’ll keep our fingers crossed and hopefully the state of the injury to his eye will not be as bad as it seems.”

The PRA is extremely concerned about the very serious allegations made publicly against three Bath players, and the conflicting statements made by the club and the players regarding their recent conduct, the Players Association said in a statement.

The PRA actively encourages and expects our members to maintain the highest standards both on and off the pitch, preserving the unique values and ethos of rugby union. Professional rugby players are role models for the game; their conduct and the way they are managed must reflect this in all respects.

The PRA is maintaining close channels of communication with the players, their legal representatives, and the club, and look forward to a speedy conclusion to the RFU's additional investigation into this matter.

Springbok players Renfred Dazel and Mpho Mbiyozo have been nominated for the International Rugby Board Sevens Player of the Year award, the first of the IRB awards this year.

The announcement Friday follows the introduction of a new format for the IRB awards. Starting this year, the winner of each of the 13 categories of awards will be named at different stages throughout the year, culminating in the announcement of the prestigious IRB Player, Coach and Team of the Year in November.

The IRB Sevens Player of the Year will be announced at a function in Murrayfield Stadium at the conclusion of the Edinburgh Sevens on Sunday, the final event of the 2008/09 IRB Sevens World Series.

Dallaglio's Heroes, Greene King's seasonal beer named after and created by British & Irish Lions legend Lawrence Dallaglio, will be available across the country at the end of May and throughout June. The ale, inspired by the British & Irish Lions great, is launched to benefit the PRA Benevolent Fund, the Players' Charity.

For every pint sold, Greene King will donate five pence to the Professional Rugby Players’ Association’s (PRA) Benevolent Fund. Established in 2001, the PRA’s Benevolent Fund provides financial support for players who have been forced to retire from the game due to serious injury or illness, and supports players’ families in the event of their untimely death.

Former Springbok Gaffie du Toit is one of five acquisitions who have been contracted by the SWD Eagles.

Du Toit and Bevin Fortuin of the Cheetahs are the two Boks who will be playing for the Eagles.

The province has also signed Samoan hooker Junior Leota, who can also play prop, Wicus Liebenberg,who played lock for Brive, and Jandré Blom of the Cheetahs.

Fortuin played almost 100 games for the Eagles before he left for Bloemfontein, and will be on loan from the Cheetahs.

An SA Rugby Task Team has completed an investigation into the safety standards in Border club rugby following the tragic death of 24-year-old Lihle Ntsepe at an Easter tournament in King William’s Town.

The team travelled to East London earlier this month to host a workshop that provided Border’s key rugby role-players with some easy-to-implement practical tips and strategies to deal effectively with serious injuries.

“We identified that little, if any, medical assistance was available at the majority of matches played in the Border region,” said SA Rugby’s Medical Manager, Clint Readhead.

Former Springbok Ruben Kruger’s brain operation was so successful that he was already able on Saturday to watch the Super14 semi-final on television.

“It was a huge tumour. As big as a man’s fist. The neurosurgeon, Dr Pieter Slabbert, said the operation was a big success,” said Kruger’s wife Lize on Monday about the operation on Friday in the Pretoria East Hospital.

A couple of weeks ago I watched with interest, on a prime time news report, that young people’s optimism about the future is at an all time low. The University students polled cited that the factors for their pessimism, ranged from the high level of crime, corruption, as well as the seemingly uncertain political future we are currently facing.

Although their concerns come from a real and valid place, hope is out there ….. if you are willing to look hard enough for it.

Former Leicester Tigers and England U21 player Matt Hampson has become the first ambassador for the PRA Benevolent Fund - The Players' Charity.

Matt's new role with The PRA Benevolent Fund was formally announced at the PRA Computacenter Rugby Players' Awards Dinner on Wednesday May 13th.

A training accident in 2005 left Matt paralysed from the neck down and unable to breathe unaided. Despite the nature of his injuries, Matt continues to show great courage in the face of adversity.

The All Blacks looks set to welcome back some heavy cavalry when a 30-man Tri-Nations squad is named on Saturday, none more so than superstar flank and regular skipper Richie McCaw. The All Blacks head into the Tri-Nations on the back of a string of poor performances and they will be low on confidence and the reinforcements can't arrive soon enough. Veteran No 8 Rodney So'oialo is also due back after a month's rest, while speedster Sitiveni Sivivatu (shoulder) hooker Andrew Hore (ribs) and centre Conrad Smith (hamstring) are all expected to return to the squad. "That's over a third of your side and it's a lot of test caps," All Blacks assistant coach Steve Hansen told the NZPA. "Not too many countries could lose the people we lost and still win test matches and still feel disappointed with the way they played. "We know we played poorly but we also know that we are exposing a lot of new people to test rugby and the experience. They will be better for it." The All Blacks will head into an intensive two-day next week but it doesn't seem enough to prepare for an Australian side who suffocated France 22-6 in Sydney on Saturday. "We don't have a choice do we?" Hansen said. "We have to get up and we have been in this situation before, so the world has not come to an end. "If you look at the three-match series, Kieran Read really put his hand up as an international No 8, JK [flank Jerome Kaino] has come back and performed really well and [lock] Isaac Ross has shown us he can perform at test level. He's still got some maturing and growing to do but he's don e some good things." The loose forwards selection will be the biggest squeeze but Liam Messam may pay for his mixed outing in the first French test, with Tanerau Latimer retained as openside cover for the restored McCaw while lock Jason Eaton may provide utility value as the sixth loose forward cover. "We just think that aerially he's not a world-class test player but he's still quite a handy person to have on that bench where he can play those two roles," Hansen said of Eaton. REPORT BY RUGBY365

The All Blacks looks set to welcome back some heavy cavalry when a 30-man Tri-Nations squad is named on Saturday, none more so than superstar flank and regular skipper Richie McCaw. The All Blacks head into the Tri-Nations on the back of a string of poor performances and they will be low on confidence and the reinforcements can't arrive soon enough. Veteran No 8 Rodney So'oialo is also due back after a month's rest, while speedster Sitiveni Sivivatu (shoulder) hooker Andrew Hore (ribs) and centre Conrad Smith (hamstring) are all expected to return to the squad. "That's over a third of your side and it's a lot of test caps," All Blacks assistant coach Steve Hansen told the NZPA. "Not too many countries could lose the people we lost and still win test matches and still feel disappointed with the way they played. "We know we played poorly but we also know that we are exposing a lot of new people to test rugby and the experience. They will be better for it." The All Blacks will head into an intensive two-day next week but it doesn't seem enough to prepare for an Australian side who suffocated France 22-6 in Sydney on Saturday. "We don't have a choice do we?" Hansen said. "We have to get up and we have been in this situation before, so the world has not come to an end. "If you look at the three-match series, Kieran Read really put his hand up as an international No 8, JK [flank Jerome Kaino] has come back and performed really well and [lock] Isaac Ross has shown us he can perform at test level. He's still got some maturing and growing to do but he's don e some good things." The loose forwards selection will be the biggest squeeze but Liam Messam may pay for his mixed outing in the first French test, with Tanerau Latimer retained as openside cover for the restored McCaw while lock Jason Eaton may provide utility value as the sixth loose forward cover. "We just think that aerially he's not a world-class test player but he's still quite a handy person to have on that bench where he can play those two roles," Hansen said of Eaton. REPORT BY RUGBY365

The All Blacks looks set to welcome back some heavy cavalry when a 30-man Tri-Nations squad is named on Saturday, none more so than superstar flank and regular skipper Richie McCaw. The All Blacks head into the Tri-Nations on the back of a string of poor performances and they will be low on confidence and the reinforcements can't arrive soon enough. Veteran No 8 Rodney So'oialo is also due back after a month's rest, while speedster Sitiveni Sivivatu (shoulder) hooker Andrew Hore (ribs) and centre Conrad Smith (hamstring) are all expected to return to the squad. "That's over a third of your side and it's a lot of test caps," All Blacks assistant coach Steve Hansen told the NZPA. "Not too many countries could lose the people we lost and still win test matches and still feel disappointed with the way they played. "We know we played poorly but we also know that we are exposing a lot of new people to test rugby and the experience. They will be better for it." The All Blacks will head into an intensive two-day next week but it doesn't seem enough to prepare for an Australian side who suffocated France 22-6 in Sydney on Saturday. "We don't have a choice do we?" Hansen said. "We have to get up and we have been in this situation before, so the world has not come to an end. "If you look at the three-match series, Kieran Read really put his hand up as an international No 8, JK [flank Jerome Kaino] has come back and performed really well and [lock] Isaac Ross has shown us he can perform at test level. He's still got some maturing and growing to do but he's don e some good things." The loose forwards selection will be the biggest squeeze but Liam Messam may pay for his mixed outing in the first French test, with Tanerau Latimer retained as openside cover for the restored McCaw while lock Jason Eaton may provide utility value as the sixth loose forward cover. "We just think that aerially he's not a world-class test player but he's still quite a handy person to have on that bench where he can play those two roles," Hansen said of Eaton. REPORT BY RUGBY365

THE South African Rugby Players Association (Sarpa) have declared a dispute with Eastern Province rugby over the salaries paid to the 10 players contracted by the union. According to Sarpa member liaison adviser Adrian Coetzee, EP officials have been given several opportunities to sort out the problem, but to no avail. “I have advised the EP Rugby Union as to the grievances of the players over their salaries, but have had no response from the union.

The recent trial with experimental law variations in international rugby have made some progress towards improving the games appeal and the architects of them ought to be commended for their innovation and forward thinking approach. Some of these experimental law variations now look set to become permanent changes and will have a subtle but important influence on how the game is played. These include laws relating to the quick throw, no gain in ground from a kick out of a team’s 22 when it is brought into that team’s 22 and the scrum off-side line.

Armitage brothers Delon and Steffon have both been nominated for Players' Awards by their peers in the shortlist for this season's PRA Computacenter Rugby Players' Awards, announced today. After both making their England debuts this season, Delon is nominated for Players’ Player while younger brother Steffon lines up on the shortlist for Young Player.

Damien Hopley thought it would take two years to get the Professional Rugby Players Association (PRA) off the ground and then it would be back to a job in the City. Eleven years on, he is still chief executive of the PRA, wiser, more erudite and continuing to enjoy the experience of running an organisation charged with looking after the interest and welfare of some of England's toughest sportsmen. The PRA is Hopley's baby, the product of the professional era in rugby union, a bit of vision and an accident. His career on the rugby field ended just three months after turning professional with Wasps at the age of 26, the result of a horrendous knee injury that failed to respond to treatment and kept him from adding to his three England caps. "I guess I was the first casualty of the professional era, and having to retire so early after seven operations and reconstruction of the knee it dawned on me that I wouldn't be the last player to retire from professional sport, and to mirror what has happened in football, cricket and other sports, what was needed was a players' union," he recalls.

Vuyo Zangqa, one of the stars of the 2008/09 IRB World Sevens Series Champion Springbok Sevens team, is recuperating at his home in East London after undergoing surgery following a car accident in Gauteng a few weeks ago. Zangqa, who turns 28 on Friday, suffered serious facial injuries in the accident. After two operations, medical doctors were able to save his left eye, but were not sure whether the fleet-footed Sevens maestro would regain sight in that eye. Paul Treu, coach of the Springbok Sevens, gave the assurance that SA Rugby, the national sevens team and he himself would make sure Zangqa is properly looked after following the accident.

Bakkies Botha sits in the living room of his home in the northern suburbs of Pretoria, a 29-year-old second row forward considered the hardest player in world rugby and the game’s best No 4 since Martin Johnson. He is 6’7”, 18st 7lbs and when he picks up his three-week-old daughter Carlein and then eases down onto a sofa, the newest addition to the Botha family disappears behind his left arm. Getting to meet Botha has been an adventure. Gerrie Swart, his attorney and friend who works the sports management company Essentially, had been the intermediary. “Bakkies would be delighted to do the interview,” Swart said. That was Monday, two days after Botha’s club team, The Blue Bulls, became champions of the southern hemisphere by smashing the Waikato Chiefs, 61-17 in the Super 14 final.

Bismarck du Plessis had called back with his mother’s offer of lunch and now we are in the dining room of the Du Plessis family home near Bethlehem in Eastern Free State. Eleven in all, seated at a long, rectangular table; Francois and Jo-Helene, two of their sons, Jannie and Bismarck, their daughter Inez, five family friends and a journalist. There is ham, beef, lamb, chicken, potatoes, vegetables, sauces and so much effort that lunch has become the grandest occasion. We share stories of backgrounds. They have been farmers in this area for generations, counting their blessings when the rains came, surviving when they didn’t. Afrikaner people who worked the land for food, hunted, fished and played rugby. They didn’t have much but they had enough. When they spent money, they made a note of it and tried to live by the dictum of Jo-Helene’s dad, Bismarck Fick: “Unless you can afford to pay at least 50% in cash, don’t buy it,” grandfather Fick always said.

The Springbok players playing in the final Test of the Castle South Africa 2009 Lions Series against the British & Irish Lions and whom are members of the South African Rugby Players Association (SARPA) will wear white arm bands in solidarity with Springbok lock Bakkies Botha after his two week suspension and unsuccessful appeal against transgressing Law 10.4 (j) by dangerously charging into a ruck without binding on a player. “The Springbok players all feel for Bakkies as he will miss this memorable final Test against the British & Irish Lions. As a sign of solidarity the Springbok players have decided to wear white arm bands during the Test match. At the same time the players want to send a clear message that they require the IRB to have an urgent and serious relook at Law 10.4 (j),” says Piet Heymans, CEO of SARPA. “Despite comprehensive submissions by the attorney acting for Bakkies Botha and SARPA, where a very important point of principle was developed as to the proper application of this Law, and in particular when a player lawfully binds or attempts to bind for the purpose of this Law, the appeal was not successful.

The Emirates Airline Dubai Rugby Sevens has maintained its commitment to giving something back to the game of rugby with over Dhs 100,000 raised and donated to the Professional Rugby Players Association (PRA) and Wooden Spoon (a charity organisation supporting mentally, physically and socially disadvantaged children and young people). This money was raised at the hugely popular Emirates Airline Dubai Rugby Sevens Long Lunch which takes place annually and marks the countdown to each year’s tournament. Over 700 people attended the 2008 event, where former rugby internationals David Duckham and Peter Fitzsimons kept the audience entertained with anecdotes from their respective careers both on and off the pitch.

SARPA made a significant contribution during last week's annual U/18 Coca-Cola Craven Week in East London through presentations to the young players' parents and officials on the role of SARPA in the careers of professional rugby players. The presentations were held at the Border Rugby Union headquarters in the city. SARPA was represented by its President, former Springbok Eddie Andrews, and three of its regional Member Liaison Advisers, Eugene Maqwelana (Western Cape region), Adrian Coetzee (South Eastern Cape region) and Jantoit van Jaarsveld (KwaZulu Natal region). Maqwelana explained the significance of SARPA in the lives of professional rugby players and the numerous benefits of being a member of the rugby players association. SARPA's membership has grown to 460 professional rugby players and it is the role of SARPA to promote and protect the interests of the players and to safeguard their rights.

The first Player Development Conference was held at the head- offices of the IRB in Dublin, Ireland during July 2009 to establish the level of player development programmes taking place in the various professional rugby playing countries. This great initiative was attended by various delegates from Australia, NZ, SA, Scotland, Wales, Ireland, England and others. The objectives & agenda for the two days were as follows: 1. International Inter-Programme Comparison 2. Identification of best practice principles 3. Programme Gaps and development of a matrix detailing gaps by country including actions to remedy 4. Professional development opportunities The following major aspects of player development were discussed by the various delegates who had to prepare a presentation before the conference: • Professionalism – Bryn Nyberg (NZRUPA) • Transition of players - Rosemary Towner (RUPA - Australia) • Player education and career development – Ross van Reenen (SARPA – South Africa) • Player welfare – Tim Nicholls (PRA – England)) • Gaps in transition sport – Mary Kean (SIS – Scotland) • Educational integration & intervention when players face injury – Alun Davies (WRU – Wales) • Performance management – Hamish Adams (IRUPA – Ireland) • Overview of the PCA & ECB Programme – Kate Green (PCA – England) • Anti- doping – David Ho (IRB anti-doping officer) • Work placement programs IRB presentation on Concussion & the Player Development (Model by Dr Mick Molloy of the IRB) • Management of players’ movements between Associations – discussion by All • Risk Management Strategies (alcohol, drugs, relationship with women, gang mentality, mental health, Face book and the likes (implications on public image, brand and sponsorship opportunities • Athlete Friendly Universities, Open Universities, other trade training organizations and sporting trade skills programs to the benefit of professional rugby players • Retention of PDMs in the various Associations around the world (how we manage them, support them adequately, up skill them, keep them on track and ensure that they are happy with where they are at and doing a good job) as they are critical in the player development welfare and success going forward • Certificate or post grad diploma in athlete career development and management (important to establish what is out there and is there merit in us looking at putting something together specifically for our players, ensure that there are some minimum requirements for future professionals in this area?) • Servicing of national teams (getting better but has historically been inexistent or poor - usually of no fault of the PDMs ) • How to contribute to the players that have retired? What programmes available for players that are not part of the game anymore and how do we get them involved again After the conference – that Hamish Adams facilitated very successfully - everybody was of the opinion that this was incredibly successful, great initiatives and new ideas were discovered through meaningful discussions by the delegates and the Player Development Managers Conference will definitely become an annual event on the Player Association calendar.

Anyone looking to quantify Victor Matfield's contribution to South Africa rugby just has to look at the Bulls' fortunes in recent years. In 2007 the lock led the Pretoria-based team to the Super 14 title after Bryan Habana's late try in the final against the Sharks snatched them a victory. But when he skipped the tournament the following year and aligned himself with French second division club Toulon, the side's fortunes plummeted. Even though the team had changed coaches from Heyneke Meyer to Frans Ludeke, no one expected the champion team to suffer such a quick decline as they won just six games and finished 10th. With Matfield back he returned to South Africa to play for the Springboks after his duties on the continent last year and immediately re-appointed as captain, the Bulls produced a stunning reversal in form this season by winning their second title in three years. Despite helping Toulon win promotion back into the Top 14 competition and being paid a terrific salary, Matfield said he always wanted to return to his homeland. "I did get homesick a lot. I wanted to be back home I missed the Bulls," the 2.01m lock said this week. "I must say I enjoyed the lifestyle but rugby-wise I wanted to be back with my friends. I love playing for the Bulls and Springboks and that is what I wanted to do. "I think it was the intensity, the whole history. When I grew up I wanted to play for the Bulls and the Springboks, just not being able to do it I play rugby to be able to play for those teams and then all of a sudden you are playing overseas and there are different goals for you. "It is not the same, so I missed it quite a bit." This morning Matfield again linked with his Bulls locking partner Bakkies Botha in the test against the All Blacks in Durban, the duo having formed one of the most lethal second row partnerships in the world at provincial, Super 14 and international level. There are few lineout leapers in the world that are as accomplished as the 32-year-old Matfield Against the All Blacks in Bloemfontein last weekend, a test the Boks won 28-19, he was in imperious form as hooker Bismark du Plessis continued to pick him out in the lineouts and the visitors declined to compete against the throw. Although the label of being the world's best lineout exponent continues to stick, he says the field is fast closing in. "I think it is a nice tag to have but I think everyone has caught up a bit," he said. "A year or two back I was probably one of the first guys who put a lot of analysing into lineouts and going into it with a game plan and everything. Ad Feedback "Everyone is doing it these days so it is tough to stay in front." The thought of no longer shaping up to the All Blacks he admits the haka gives him goose bumps and strutting his stuff on the international circuit also played a part in his thinking. "When you are sitting overseas, watching these big games and watching Super 14 semis and finals and you are not there, you wish you were back here because that's what I play rugby for to be tested against the best players in the world and the All Blacks are definitely right up there." FROM RUGBYHEAVEN (NZ)

At the Executive Committee meeting held at Border Rugby Union on 30th July 2009, Adrian Coetzee SARPA’s Membership Liasion Advisor for the South and Eastern Cape made a presentation as to how SARPA as the representative body for professional rugby players nationally, were willing to assist Border Rugby in their endeavours to turn-around all aspects of rugby in this area. “Since rugby has become professional there have been numerous challenges experienced in adapting to these changes. It is also true that there are problems unique to running a business, where the core is sport. SARPA has been very fortunate in being able to share and work together in facing these challenges with their worldwide counterparts. The smaller Unions due to limited resources and the related financial constraints are not always in a position to acquire the required specialised sports management skills” says Coetzee. “We as SARPA, are willing to share with Border Rugby the skills and resources at our disposal, in order to ensure that the young talent and passion for the game in this region, is channelled to enhance amongst other aspects, the professional game of rugby here in the Border. We have offered our support to see that our members in this region may also share in the benefits and opportunities associated with a lucrative and successfully run business” continues Coetzee. “We look forward to working with the Border Rugby Executive, where we hope to be seen and treated as a stakeholder rather than that of an adversary” concludes Coetzee. Programs already embarked on by SARPA nationally include: • Diversity workshops with the theme : Respecting Differences; • Assisting some of the smaller Provinces in as far developing strategies to retain their young talented players and development plans submitted to the sports SETA; • Assisting and advising parents and promising school players in their interactions with talent scouts and sports agents; • Assisting female rugby players to ensure that their specific needs are met; • Assisting young professional rugby players with life skills to ensure their wellbeing in the “life after rugby”. For more information please call Adrian Coetzee on 082 329 0652

Victor Matfield and Bakkies Botha will reach a new milestone in South African rugby on Saturday when they appear in their 50th Test as Springbok lock pairing. Matfield made his debut for South Africa against Italy in 2001 and will be playing in his 86th Test. Bakkies Botha made his debut for the Boks against France in 2002. He has 59 Test caps.

Jean de Villiers will be playing in his 51st Test for South Africa on Saturday against the Wallabies. He has played at both centre and wing for the Boks, and it will also be his 40th Test as centre for the Springboks, which will take him past the Bok record of De Wet Barry. The highly skilled De Villiers made his debut for South Africa in 2002 against France, but serious injuries prevented him from gaining a lot more Test caps.

The most experienced pair of locks in the history of South African Test rugby, Victor Matfield and Bakkies Botha, are aiming at driving the Springbok engine until at least the 2011 World Cup. They will be playing in their 50th Test together as a lock pairing for the Springboks, and have already passed the previous world record of 45 Tests held by All Blacks Ian Jones and Robin Brooke. Bakkies said it's not about records, but to go onto the field and make a difference to the Boks and focus on the things that matter. He believes that they compliment each other perfectly, as he "cleans out the rucks for two players so that Victor can run around in the backline a bit!". "Victor brings a lot of calmness to the side. We will do the same as in all the Tests before the 50th." Matfield said of Bakkies: "One can see the difference when he's not there. He takes the pack forward." Botha emphasised that their long term aim will be to play togehter in the 2011 World Cup.

Naas Botha was famous as a match-winner and points machine for the Springboks, then, years later, his Springbok record for most Test points was passed by Percy Montgomery, who had won many a game for the Boks with the boot over the past few years. Now Morne Steyn has taken over that role in spectacular fashion. In only six Tests since his unforgettable debut in Durban for the Springboks against the British & Irish Lions, he has already scored 83 points - 23 penalties, three conversions, a fine drop goal and a try. In his debut Test he showed that he had BMT when he clinched the series for the Boks with a spectacular last-minute penalty from inside his own half. In his last two Tests alone he scored an amazing 55 points (a record 31 points against the All Blacks in Durban, when he scored all the Boks points, followed by 24 points a week later against the Wallabies at Newlands). His haul of 31 points against the All Blacks is the most by any international player in a Test against New Zealand, while his 24 points against the Wallabies set a new Springbok points record in a Test against Australia. At this rate, one can only wonder what his points total will be at the end of the Tri Nations, and how long it will take him to pass Percy's points record for the Springboks.

The PRA strongly condemns the use of performance enhancing and illicit drugs in rugby, and fully supports the testing of rugby players for performance enhancing and illicit drugs according to the procedures laid down by the World Anti Doping Association (WADA). Having considered this week's judgement by the RFU Disciplinary Panel, the PRA welcomes the fact that Alex Crockett, Andrew Higgins and Michael Lipman have been cleared of drug taking. There was never any evidence to substantiate this charge, so the players' exoneration has been fully justified. The PRA endorses the Disciplinary Panel's judgement that these are three decent young men. However, they have been found guilty of bringing the game into disrepute by making an error of judgement in refusing to take a drugs test, albeit on legal advice from two independent sets of lawyers. The PRA will now work with these players to ensure that any time they spend away from playing the game will be put to constructive use to enable them to make a successful return to playing in the future. The PRA and its members will be working closely with both the RFU and Premier Rugby Limited to agree the proposed Illicit Drugs Policy and Programme, deliver a thorough education programme and ensure that procedures and policies on drug testing are clearly laid out in the standard playing contract.

The South African Rugby Union will answer charges of alleged misconduct at a hearing in Dublin on Monday, following the incident where South African players wore armbands to protest against the ban handed out to Bakkies Botha. SARU were charged by the International Rugby Board after the Springboks wore 'Justice' armbands for the third Test against the British and Irish Lions on July 4, in protest at Bakkies Botha's two-week suspension. Lock Botha was found guilty of a dangerous charge on Adam Jones during the second Test in Pretoria. Botha failed in an attempt to overturn the ban, sparking the Springboks' protest at Ellis Park. The independent disciplinary committee will feature two legal experts in Retired Honourable Justice John Hansen (New Zealand) and Judge Guillermo Tragant (Argentina), plus former Australia captain John Eales.

The Springbok team and management were congratulated by Oregan Hoskins, president of the South African Rugby Union on Monday at the conclusion of an outstanding domestic Test programme in 2009. Peter de Villiers’ team completed South Africa’s first clean sweep of home Vodacom Tri-Nations matches since 2005 when they followed up back-to-back victories over the Wallabies with a 29-17 victory over Australia at Newlands on Saturday. The performances in the Vodacom Tri-Nations complimented the Springboks’ hard-fought victory in the Castle South Africa 2009 Lions Series. The Springboks won five out of six home Tests and have now won nine of their last ten Tests. “We have been treated to some masterful performances by a special group of players and management and I would like to congratulate Peter, John Smit and the players for the results they have produced this season,” said Mr Hoskins. “The results have proved that the process we began last season was the right one. A new coach has introduced new players as well as managed to persuade others who had gone overseas to come back home and the blend has taken this team to another level. “I said before the start of the Lions Series that this team had the opportunity to write its name indelibly in the rugby annals and they did that against the Lions and now they have put another great opportunity within their reach.” Mr Hoskins wished the team well on their three-match tour of Australia and New Zealand – which begins next week – but cautioned that a very hard road lay ahead. “No-one knows better than Peter and the players that winning away from home in the Vodacom Tri-Nations is the very hardest challenge in the game of rugby football,” said Mr Hoskins. “All the results so far have gone with home ground advantage and it will take a mighty effort for any side to win away from home this season. “But the team has shown great composure and purpose through a daunting sequence of matches at home in 2009 and have richly deserved their status as the world’ No 1 ranked team. “This squad has grown into one very happy family and has set itself many goals. I regard it as one of the greatest squads and managements we have ever had and I hope supporters will join me in celebrating that fact. “We wish them well on their travels and know that they will be doing their utmost to add the Vodacom Tri-Nations to an already long list of significant achievements.” Issued by SA Rugby Communications

Griquas coach Dawie Theron says he is not surprised by his team's Currie Cup table-topping position, as the early pace-setters head toward the second round of the domestic competition. Griquas are sitting pretty at the top of the Currie Cup log with five wins from their five hit-outs and 23 log points. The Kimberley outfit will host the Blue Bulls this weekend before finishing the first round against the Sharks a week later. Theron says his team's ability to build on their Vodacom Cup success has been one of they key factors in their recent Currie Cup form and they now have a rare opportunity of being real title contenders. "We knew that we had to build on the momentum from the Vodacom Cup," Theron told rugby365.com on Tuesday. "We are very happy with the standings at the moment. We are not surprised, we knew that we could do it. We worked very hard to be here. [But] It's still early days and there's still a lot of rugby to be played. "It's been a very long time since Griquas had this opportunity so we want to keep the momentum going." Several Griquas players have stepped into the spotlight this season with Western Province discard Naas Olivier re-launching his career with the current logleaders. Olivier currently tops the individual point-scoring stakes with 69 points which includes two tries. He, along with skipper Jonathan Mokuena, scrumhalf Sarel Pretorius, Vodacom Cup hero Riaan Viljoen and Emerging Bok wing Bjorn Basson have spearheaded the Griquas campaign this season. "He's [Mokuena] a brilliant guy and a great captain. He's very professional," Theron said of his skipper. "Guys like Sarel came through this year and Naas re-launched his career here and he's doing great work for us at the moment. Bjorn and Riaan are also excellent players. I believe it's 'not the place that makes the man but the man that makes the place'. "The guys are happy to be here. They play for each other and they play for the jersey." The Blue Bulls will be smarting on the back of their loss to the Free State Cheetahs and Theron is under no illusions of the challenge at hand "The Bulls are the Super 14 champions despite missing a few players in the Currie Cup. They lost against Free State and they will go all out to get [log] points against us," Theron said. "We have to contain their kicking game but we've also been working hard on our kicking game. I think defence will also be key on Saturday." Theron did reveal that his charges will be aiming to make the most of the homeground advantage. "Kimberly [GWK Stadium] is very important for us. People are buying back into the Griquas supporters base. There's a lot of pride coming back and it will be tough for any team to come to Kimberley. " However, his team's preparations for this important Currie Cup showdown has been disrupted due to seasonal, with half dozen players battling to recover in time for Saturday's fixture. But an the upbeat coach is hoping that the extended break will have a positive spin-off. "We are in a very difficult week as our preparations for the Bulls game can't get underway. We have six guys down with flu. We've also got Sarel Pretorius and Ruan Du Preez with slight injuries. So we'll only start our training on Wednesday," Theron explained. "But I believe that the guys will be ready to go. Maybe the few days' rest might be a good thing." RUGBY365

The knives are out! South Africa's 29-17 Tri-Nations win over Australia over the weekend will in most parts be remembered for ill-discipline, yellow cards and Matt Giteau. Never mind the fact that the Springboks recorded their third win in the tournament on the trot, or that the Wallabies - like the All Blacks - talked the talk but then deflated due to unrelenting pressure from their hosts, or even that Morne Steyn or Heinrich Brussow are fast becoming the finds of the year. No, unfortunately inconsistencies by the citing commissioner were highlighted once again following an incident in the 35th minute involving Giteau, his victim Fourie du Preez and an elbow charge. The Wallaby pivot got ten minutes in the bin for his malicious hit on the Bok scrum-half, while Du Preez received medical attention on the pitch. Did we mention Giteau made no attempt to challenge for the ball, or try pull out of the altercation? Giteau's dangerous and blatant 'tackle' was met with a yellow card to match his jersey and little else. End of story. But hold the phone, while New Zealand citing officer David Gray can close the book on yet another unjust and completely inconsistent chapter in the IRB's book of fowl play - we cannot. Instead of being left to enjoy the Cape Town nightlife, had Giteau at least been cited and hauled in to explain his actions, perhaps then the disciplinary committee's decision to dismiss the act would be acceptable. That Giteau walks free without a 'trial' so to speak, further compounds the fact that the IRB process is hopelessly ineffective in dealing with citings. It's for this reason that South Africans believe their beloved Boks are the targets of the watchful eye of the dreaded citing commissioner. And who can blame them? I was fortunate to be at the game but unfortunate to hear the cries of foul play bellowing from Springbok supporters that if it were a green jersey and not a gold one, the penalty and consequences that followed would have been a lot harsher. Just imagine what might have happened if Bakkies Botha went charging in on Luke Burgess? Ten minutes in the bin? No citing? Hmmm.... one does wonder. There seems to be a conspiracy theory going around the country that acts of foul play involving a green and gold jersey will be dealt with and punished accordingly - no questions asked. Word on the street is that if you have the names 'Burger' or 'Botha' on your back - chances are you will be in trouble before even taking to the pitch. Ok, of course these two are no angels - but does that mean the rest of the rugby world are? It certainly looks that way. South Africa have every right to feel hard done by with the IRB's double standards. I would like to think that most level headed rugby fans will agree the citing process (both domestic and international) requires an overhaul. There are many instances that come to mind that I still struggle to come to terms involving South African rugby players and the citing commissioner: Brad Thorn's spear tackle on John Smit after the whistle had gone (no yellow card, suspended for one week), Andrew Sheridan's punch on Andries Bekker in the groin area (no citing), Sione Lauaki ripping Bryan Habana's head off in the Super 14 (no citing), Deon Stegman makes a spear tackle for the Bulls (six weeks), Bakkies Botha cleans a ruck and accidentally breaks Adam Jones' arm (two weeks)... All Bok supporters are asking for is a level playing field but at the moment it is though South Africa are playing Russian roulette and every chamber is loaded. It is exactly this type of inconsistency that leads to frustration and it all boiling up on the pitch. The thing that gets me the most though is that this was a blatant incident of foul play and yet the New Zealand commissioner knows that he can sweep it under the carpet and expect no consequences. Perhaps Du Preez should have stayed down or left the field injured as it appears if nobody gets hurt, no citing is deemed necessary. Where does it state in the laws that foul play is only illegal if you are effective at it? I always thought that the idea of citing and possibly banning players is to send out the message that foul play will not be tolerated. Foul play should be punished, not the consequences. Even now, the South African Rugby Union are awaiting a verdict following their IRB misconduct hearing before an 'Independent' disciplinary committee, relating to the alleged "misconduct" of Springbok players for wearing white armbands during the third Test against the British and Irish Lions on July 4. Their actions were a symbol of solidarity and protest for Botha, following the upholding of his two-week suspension by an appeal committee for dangerously charging into a ruck and taking out prop Adam Jones without binding on a player. Before, I believed that the arm band protest was perhaps not the ideal way of addressing a very serious problem in the game at the time, but after reflecting on the subsequent events I have changed my mind. The protest was against an unfair system established by the IRB that has led to glaring inconsistencies that impact on match results, individual pay and reputations. This was touched upon in detail by my colleague, so I will avoid going down the road again. However, if SA Rugby President Oregan Hoskins had come out after the Botha ban and publicly accused the IRB's disciplinary process of being totally inconsistent and said his team were sick of getting the rough end of the pineapple, it's unlikely that there would have been a "Justice 4" arm band protest to begin with. But following this Giteau incident, SARU would have plenty of ammo to fire at the IRB and their precious citing committee, but it may be too late... either that or the panel, like David Gray, will be wearing bullet proof vests. Untouchables, whereas any Springbok player is not. By Dave Morris PLANET RUGBY

The South African Rugby Union (SARU) is full of hope that it will be acquitted on the charge deriving from the Springbok team's armband protest last month against the suspension of Bakkies Botha. SARU, the Springbok team and Bok management on Monday appeared before a disciplinary committee of the International Rugby Board (IRB). Judgment was reserved after a marathon hearing of more than nine hours. The individuals who had to explain the Boks' behaviour on July 4 Test against the British and Irish Lions before the IRB disciplinary hearing were: SARU president Oregan Hoskins, SARU acting managing director Andy Marinos, SARU Communications manager Andy Colquhoun, Springbok coach Peter de Villiers and Springbok coach captain John Smit. De Villiers testified in Afrikaans and an interpreter translated his testimony to the three members of the disciplinary committee – Sir John Hansen from New Zealand (chairperson), Judge Guillermo Tragant from Argentina and the former Wallabies rugby captain, John Eales. According to reliable information, SARU on Monday fought the charge that it had brought the game into dishonour on two grounds. SARU firstly pointed out that the IRB's disciplinary committee didn't have the jurisdiction to hear the charge against them. They also claimed that the Springboks had acted in solidarity with Botha and in no way questioned the disciplinary process against the fiery Bok lock. Beeld has learned that SARU is fighting the disciplinary committee's jurisdiction on the grounds that Mike Miller, executive chief official of the IRB apparently personally requested the disciplinary procedure after the Boks team's actions. According to the IRB's regulations, Miller apparently could only request any disciplinary action if a recommendation in this regard had been made to him. Such a recommendation could only be made by the designated disciplinary official for the relevant match. SARU's legal representatives apparently heavily cross-examined Miller about his behaviour in the whole matter. As far as the Boks' appeal for their solidarity action with the Boks was concerned, SARU's legal representatives apparently said that the Boks were continually getting the short end of the stick regarding disciplinary actions. It was also apparently claimed that disciplinary procedures against players were not consistent and that there was a perception that the Boks were being singled out. Judgment in the matter is expected at the end of this week at the earliest, but SARU is hopeful that they will be acquitted on the technical point of the disciplinary committee's lack of jurisdiction as clear rules regarding the disciplinary process were broken. NEWS24

Springbok Sevens coach Paul Treu has welcomed the recommendation by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) Executive Board to include Sevens Rugby in the Olympic Games. Treu coached the Springbok Sevens team to their first IRB Sevens World Series championship during the past 2008/09 season. If the recommendation is accepted by the full IOC Congress when it meets in October, rugby would be part of the 2016 Olympic Games. “This is a very significant day for Rugby and as a former Sevens player and now coach, I want to thank the IRB for their dedication and commitment to spreading this exciting sport to all corners of the globe. “The important recommendation is further proof that Sevens has now truly established itself as a world sport. The prospect of Olympic participation and the possibility of a medal at the world’s biggest sports gathering will have a profound influence on rugby players’ careers. I am absolutely delighted and I am sure that the recommendation will now change the perception of Sevens Rugby as a minor sport, even amongst the traditional rugby playing countries,” said Treu. Bernard Lapasset, President of the IRB, said in a statement: “We would like to thank the IOC Executive Board for selecting Rugby Sevens from what are seven strong and diverse sports. We recognise the significance of this milestone in our campaign but are also mindful that the ultimate decision rests with the IOC members when they meet in Copenhagen on October 9 2009. “The Olympic Games would be the pinnacle of the sport for all our athletes and the Rugby Family, providing the opportunity for the best men’s and women’s players in the world to showcase their talent on the world’s greatest sporting stage. The international Rugby community is united behind Rugby Sevens’ campaign and we now look ahead to October.” Sevens already features in multi-sport events, including the Commonwealth, World and Asian Games and has also been adopted into the Pan American Games for Guadalajara, Mexico, in 2011. Issued by SA Rugby Communications

The Rugby Union Players' Association continues its success in administering the Agent Accreditation Scheme, regulating the activity of all Player Agents in their dealings with Professional Rugby Bodies in Australia. Regulation of sporting Agents has long been a challenge worldwide, with a number of instances of unscrupulous behaviour tainting the reputation of Agents in general. In response to this, the RUPA Agent Accreditation scheme came into being in August of 2005, with its primary objectives being to raise skill and competence levels of Agents along with levels of moral and ethical behaviour. At the time the scheme was recognised as the first in World Rugby. All Agents who intend to represent, advise, counsel or assist Players must be accredited by the scheme. Chairman of the RUPA Agent Accreditation board Warwick McDonald said: "The success of the scheme is evident through recent survey results which show unanimous support by both the Agents and the Professional player group. We strongly believe that we have been achieving our underlying purposes as set out in 2005, having come a long way in a short space of time. We are continuing to set the required standards higher and higher to ensure that all players are offered the best level of service possible by their Agent." Wallaby and Waratah Player Adam Freier commented: "Since the inception of the scheme, players have felt far more at ease in knowing that all rugby player Agents are being regulated in their activity. The opportunity for Agents to attend workshops to develop their skills and buy into a code of practice not only benefits the players, it creates a better working relationship between the Agent and ARU/ State Unions." All in all, the scheme continues to develop and the survey results show that Agents and Players are supporting and embracing these improved developments to the scheme. The RUPA remain committed to ensuring that it sets the standard in relation to Rugby Agent Accreditation schemes worldwide, by requiring all Agents to now have Professional Indemnity Insurance and pass an exam annually. Recent survey results show unanimous support for the scheme from both players and agents. We thank the ARU and State Unions for their continued support. Without such, the success of the Scheme would not be possible. Agent Survey results In a recent survey of 40 Agents across Australia, the following keys statistics were shown: 92% of Agents think the Scheme has improved the quality and behaviour of Agents in general - compared to 85% in 2008 89% think the Scheme helps to maintain a credible image of Agents and protect against unethical behaviour - compared to 87% in 2008 89% of Agents believe the obligations between Agents and Players are clearer following implementation of the Scheme - compared to 84% in 2008 76% believe the Scheme creates a more competitive marketplace in terms of Agent services - compared to 81% in 2008 100% of Agents rated the administration of the Scheme by RUPA as Excellent or Good - compared to 89% in 2008 97% of Agents rated the Professional Development Workshop as Excellent or Good - compared to 92% in 2008 100% of Agents feel like they have a better knowledge/ understanding of the key documents and framework in which the players are employed as a result of the Scheme and the education/updates given by RUPA - compared to 92% in 2008 Player Survey results In a recent survey of 114 Professional Players across Australia, the following keys statistics were shown: 75% of Players (currently using an Agent) rate the service provided by their RUPA Accredited Player Agent as Excellent or Good. A further 22% rated the service provided by their Agent as ok. 87% of Players believe the RUPA Agent Accreditation Scheme has raised the standard of services their Agent is providing them 82% of Players regard the RUPA Agent Accreditation Scheme as Excellent or Good. RUPA

If there's one player who's actions have become the unwitting centre of a storm recently, it's South African lock Bakkies Botha. Botha's charging cleanout of Welsh prop Adam Jones at a ruck during the second B&I Lions Test sparked all the storm. The hit dislocated Jones' shoulder, leaving him out of the game for six months and leaving the Lions propless at a crucial time of the match. Botha was subsequently banned for two matches for the charge, which outraged the South Africans so much that they wore white armbands with the word 'justice' on them for the third Test, invoking in turn the wrath of the IRB who are still considering what disciplinary action to take. Fans and observers the world over have been divided over the cleanout's legality, with some saying that Botha was entitled to do what he did, others pointing out that it would not be the first time Botha had charged headfirst and armless into a ruck. It has now emerged that a key member of the former camp is none other than the hit victim Jones himself, who is convinced Botha did nothing wrong. "It was just one of those things that happens in rugby," said Jones to the Western Mail, speaking for the first time about the incident at the Ospreys' new kit launch on Thursday. "Botha shouldn't have been banned for it, nowhere near it. "I don't have any complaints. He just cleared me out of the ruck and I got caught. "Everyone counter-rucks nowadays and, if anything, I was in the wrong place. He just hit me and I was unlucky. "So I was surprised to see he got banned. I know we didn't cite him so I don't know why the independent commissioner did. "It was just a fair ruck from a hard player. When I have met him before he seems like a tidy enough bloke so I'm not seeing it as anything malicious. "I haven't heard from him since, though. But, then again, I was already on my way to hospital when the game finished." Either way, the hit ended Jones' Lions tour, a far harder thing to take than the injury lay-off. Jones was not even able to hang around and watch the third Test as he had to head home for treatment a couple of days later - sharing his flight with Brian O'Driscoll. The quietly-spoken Welshman, who lists the tour as 'the best thing I've ever done', said that not being able to stay until the end was his one regret of the whole experience. "I was absolutely devastated with the way it all ended," he said. "I really wanted to stay out for the duration and watch the final Test, but I had to come home for scans and stuff so that was really gutting. "It was really tough for me. I found out on the Monday night that I had to come home and it was hard to take. "Brian had to come home on the same flight as well. So we had two days of pretty hard drinking after that. "The flight home was a bit of a strange experience. We didn't talk about rugby at all and it was nice to spend some time getting to know him better because he is a really nice bloke. "But it was a great summer and I really enjoyed the tour. It was better than I thought it would be and I definitely want to do it again in four years. "It really helped that the squad was really tight and everything was well organised. To be fair, it was the best thing I've ever done. "I was delighted with the way I played and put down a marker. It was obviously disappointing not to start the first Test, but, when I got my chance, luckily I was able to do quite well with it. "The injury was naturally a big blow, but it was a good tour all round. I've had far worse things happen to me in the past and, at the end of the day, I now have two Lions caps to my name so I have to pleased with that." REPORT BY PLANET RUGBY

What is Swine Flu [A(H1N1) Influenza]? Swine flu is a respiratory illness caused by the type A flu (H1N1) virus. The current influenza pandemic (commonly known as swine flu) in countries around the world has been caused by a new version (strain) of the virus named as Pandemic (H1N1) 2009 by the World Health Organization (WHO). How do people become infected with the A(H1N1) virus? The virus is spread from person-to-person. It is transmitted as easily as the normal seasonal flu and can be passed to other people by exposure to infected droplets expelled by coughing or sneezing that can be inhaled, or that can contaminate hands or surfaces. These droplets typically spread about one metre. They hang suspended in the air for a while, but then land on surfaces, where the virus can survive for up to two to eight hours. Anyone who touches these surfaces can spread the virus on further by touching anything else. Is it possible to catch A(H1N1) twice? Yes, because the virus can mutate (change). If you become infected with the swine flu virus, your body produces antibodies against it, which will recognize and fight off the virus if the body ever meets it again. However, if the virus mutates, your immune system may not recognize this different strain and you may become ill again, although you may have some protection from having had a similar virus previously. Should one try and catch A(H1N1) now to build up immunity to more serious strains that may emerge later? No. Do not try to catch the virus as this may help it spread. Not everything is known yet about the virus, and it is too soon to assume it is only a mild disease. Catching this new strain of flu will not necessarily protect one from strains that may emerge later. What are the signs and symptoms of the new influenza A(H1N1)? Signs of A(H1N1) influenza are flu-like, and include a fever, cough, headache, muscle and joint pain, sore throat and runny nose, and sometimes vomiting and diarrhoea. Typical symptoms could manifest in a sudden high fever (38ºC/100.4ºF or above) and a sudden cough. Other symptoms may include tiredness, chills, aching muscles, or loss of appetite. How do I protect myself from catching A(H1N1) and reducing the spread of the virus? You can reduce, but not get rid of, the risk of catching or spreading swine flu by: •Always covering your nose and mouth with a tissue when coughing or sneezing. •Disposing of dirty tissues promptly and carefully •Maintaining good basic hygiene, for example washing hands often with soap and warm water – this helps to reduce the spread of the virus from your hands to face, or to other people •Cleaning surfaces such as door handles, telephones, workspaces often and thoroughly •Avoiding close contact with people who might have flu •Reducing the time spent in crowded settings •Improving airflow in your home and office by opening windows •Practising good health habits - get adequate sleep, eat nutritious food, and exercise regularly How long can influenza virus remain viable on objects (such as books and doorknobs)? Studies have shown that influenza virus can survive on environmental surfaces and can infect a person for up to 2-8 hours after being deposited on the surface. Should I wear a facemask? No. Healthcare workers should wear a facemask if they come into close contact with a person with symptoms (within one metre), to reduce their risk of catching the virus from patients. However, it is not recommend that healthy people wear facemasks to go about their everyday life. Why are facemasks not recommended? There is no evidence to suggest that this is a useful preventative measure. The virus is spread by people touching infected surfaces, or by someone coughing or sneezing at very close range. Unless you are standing close to someone with the virus, wearing a facemask will not make a difference. There are concerns about the risks of not using facemasks correctly. They must be changed regularly as they don't work as well when dampened by a person’s breath. People may infect themselves if they touch the outside of their mask, or may infect others by not throwing away old masks safely. Finally, wearing a facemask may encourage complacency. People need to focus on good hand hygiene, staying at home if they are feeling unwell and covering their mouth when they cough or sneeze. What is seasonal influenza? Seasonal influenza is an acute viral infection caused by an influenza virus. It occurs every year and, although the viruses change each year, many people have some immunity to the circulating virus which helps limit infections. There are seasonal influenza vaccines to reduce illness and deaths. What is the difference between seasonal influenza and the new influenza A(H1N1)? You will not be able to tell the difference between seasonal flu and influenza A(H1N1) without medical help. The symptoms of seasonal influenza and the new influenza A(H1N1) are similar. Does the current seasonal influenza vaccine protect against this new virus? Available data suggest there will be little or no protection offered by the seasonal vaccine against this new virus. Why are people so worried about the new influenza A(H1N1)? The new influenza (A(H1N1) virus has never before circulated among humans and is not related to previous or current human seasonal influenza viruses. As it is a new virus, most people have no or little immunity and, therefore, this virus could cause more infections than are seen with seasonal flu. According to the WHO, It is as contagious as seasonal influenza and is spreading rapidly, particularly among young people (aged 10 to 45). How serious is the new influenza A(H1N1)? The severity of the disease ranges from very mild symptoms to severe illnesses that can result in death. The majority of people who contract the virus experience the milder disease and recover fully within a week without antiviral treatment or medical care. Most people recover from infection without the need for hospitalization or medical care. Why are people dying from the new influenza A(H1N1) virus? Hundreds of thousands of people die every year from seasonal flu epidemics, and the new influenza A(H1N1) virus will be no different. Most cases of death generally occur as a result of complications or an opportunistic (secondary) infection, like pneumonia. There are certain factors that put some groups at increased risk of severe or fatal illness. Who are the high risk groups? The high risk groups include: pregnant women, people with underlying medical conditions (most notably chronic lung disease - including asthma), cardiovascular disease, cancer, diabetes, and those with weak immune systems. The WHO reports that some preliminary studies suggest that obesity, and especially extreme obesity, may also be a risk factor for more severe disease. The WHO reports: Within this largely reassuring picture, a small number of otherwise healthy people, usually under the age of 50 years, experience very rapid progression to severe and often fatal illness, characterized by severe pneumonia that destroys the lung tissue, and the failure of multiple organs. No factors that can predict this pattern of severe disease have yet been identified, though studies are under way. When should someone seek medical care? A person should seek medical care if they experience shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, their lips turn blue, have bloody or coloured sputum, experience chest pains, experience an altered mental status, low blood pressure, or if a high fever persists beyond three days. In children, danger signs include fast or difficult breathing, lack of alertness, difficulty in waking up, and little or no desire to play, continuing fever or convulsions (seizures). What medication is used to treat the A(H1N1) Influenza? The antiviral agents Oseltamivir (Tamiflu®) are drugs currently recommended for treatment in South Africa. As the majority of patients experience mild symptoms and make a rapid and full recovery, often in the absence of any form of medical treatment, antiviral treatment is only needed if you have been diagnosed with A(H1N1) Influenza or if a doctor or healthcare provider decides that you are at serious risk of developing severe illness. Clinical benefits associated with antiviral treatment include a reduced risk of pneumonia (one of the most frequently reported causes of death in infected people) and a reduced need for hospitalization. What do antivirals do? Antivirals are not a cure, but they help you to recover by relieving some of the symptoms, reducing the length of time you are ill by around one day, and reducing the potential for serious complications, such as pneumonia. Should I take an antiviral now just in case I catch the new virus? No. You should only take an antiviral if your healthcare provider advises you to do so. Individuals should not buy medicines to prevent or fight this new influenza without a prescription, and they should exercise caution in buying antivirals over the internet. Should I go to work or school if I have the flu but am feeling OK? No. Whether you have influenza A(H1N1) or a seasonal influenza, you should stay home and away from work through the duration of your symptoms. This is a precaution that can protect your work colleagues and others. Should I go to work or school if I have been in contact with someone who I know has swine flu? Yes, as long as you do not have flu-like symptoms. If you are feeling well, you should go about your normal activities, including going to school or work. It can take up to seven days (normally two to five days) after infection for swine flu symptoms to develop. If you develop symptoms, stay at home and follow the general advice. What is the incubation period for A(H1N1)? The incubation period between infection and appearance of symptoms is not kown with total certainty at this stage, but it is assumed to be between two and five days. When are people most infectious? People are most infectious from one day before they develop symptoms to up to seven days after they get sick, although they continue to shed the virus (for example, in coughs and sneezes) for up to five days (seven days in children). People become less infectious as their symptoms subside, and once their symptoms are gone they are no longer considered infectious to others. Children, especially younger children, might potentially be contagious for longer periods. It is therefore important for people to stay at home for at least seven days when they have symptoms to reduce spread to other people. How long can an infected person spread this virus to others? At the current time it is believed that this virus has the same properties in terms of spread as seasonal flu viruses. With seasonal flu, studies have shown that children, especially younger children, might potentially be contagious for longer periods. It is therefore important for people to stay at home for at least 7 days when they have symptoms to reduce spread to other people. Do we have tests available in SA for influenza A(H1N1)? Yes. The National Influenza Centre at the National Health Laboratory service at the National Institute for Communicable Diseases and Virology Laboratory at University of Stellenbosch are currently providing the testing for the virus where indicated. It is likely that additional laboratories will be providing testing in the coming weeks. Is there a vaccine available for A(H1N1)? No vaccine is currently available. Manufacturers are in the process of developing a vaccine. PREGNANT WOMEN Why are pregnant women at heightened risk? Pregnant women are more susceptible to all infections because their immune system is naturally suppressed in pregnancy. They are especially vulnerable to swine flu, as this virus is affecting younger age groups than that seen during seasonal epidemics. Reduce your risk of infection by avoiding unnecessary travel and avoiding crowds where possible. Pregnant women should also follow the general hygiene advice. WHO strongly recommends that, in areas where infection with the H1N1 virus is widespread, pregnant women, and the clinicians treating them, be alert to symptoms of influenza-like illness. What complications might occur during a pregnancy? Possible complications are pneumonia (an infection of the lungs), difficulty breathing and dehydration, which are more likely to happen in the second and third trimester. There is a small chance that these complications could lead to premature labour or miscarriage. There is not yet enough information to know precisely how likely these birth risks are. Should I stop breastfeeding if I am ill? No, not unless your healthcare provider advises it. Studies on other influenza infections show that breastfeeding is most likely protective for babies - it passes on helpful maternal immunities and lowers the risk of respiratory disease. Breastfeeding provides the best overall nutrition for babies and increases their defence factors to fight illness. Can I take antiviral drugs if I am pregnant? Yes, on the advice of your doctor or healthcare provider. CHILDREN UNDER THE AGE OF FIVE Incidences of seasonal influenza are often highest in young children and more severe illness leading to hospitalization occurs more commonly in this group than in older children or adults. High mortality rates have been seen in very young children (less than one year) in previous pandemics. In the US, the Centers for Disease Control interim guidance on A(H1N1) antiviral use, based on its guidance on seasonal flu, is that children younger than five years old should be considered as a high risk group for A(H1N1), noting that children younger than two years have the greater risk for severe complications from seasonal flu. It appears that this experience is being reflected with A(H1N1), with about 9% of US hospitalizations having been said to be in patients under the age of two. How do I tell if my child has A(H1N1) Influenza? Contact your doctor or healthcare provider immediately if your child has any of the following symptoms: •tiredness •headache •runny nose and sneezing •sore throat •shortness of breath •loss of appetite •vomiting and diarrhoea •aching muscles, limb and joint pain •temperature of 38°C or above •feverish, feels hot or is having convulsions (seizures) How do I treat my child who has A(H1N1) Influenza? Keep your child at home and follow the treatment you would normally give for any cold or flu. Make sure they drink plenty of liquids, get lots of rest and eat nutritious food. Prescribed or over-the-counter cold and flu remedies may be taken to help control temperature and flu/cold symptoms. Can children take antivirals? Yes, on the advice of your doctor or healthcare provider Can babies under the age of one take antivirals? Your doctor or healthcare provider will be able to advise you on a treatment regimen for your baby. The first line of protection for babies aged under one is respiratory and hand hygiene and frequent cleaning of surfaces, toys and equipment. If you are at all worried about your child, always call your doctor or healthcare provider for advice immediately PEOPLE OVER THE AGE OF 65 Although at present the risk of becoming infected in this age group appears to be lower than in other age groups, not much is known of the risk of more serious illness if the over 65 is infected. It would be appropriate to consider people over the age of 65 as at risk on a precautionary basis. Over 65s with mild disease have not been recommended as a target group for antiviral treatment by WHO. If someone with HIV or Aids gets A(H1N1) Influenza, are they more likely to suffer complications? People with underlying medical conditions are at heightened risk of becoming seriously ill or suffering complications like pneumonia if they get A(H1N1). Is it safe to eat pork and pork products? Yes. Influenza A(H1N1) has not been shown to be transmissible to people through eating properly handled and prepared pork (pig meat) or other products derived from pigs. The influenza A(H1N1) virus is killed by cooking temperatures of 160°F/70°C, corresponding to the general guidance for the preparation of pork and other meat. Can my pet catch swine flu? There is currently no evidence that pets could get this new strain of flu. The swine flu virus appears to be passing only from person to person or from human to swine. In general, flu viruses commonly infect just one species; for example, dogs and cats do not get seasonal flu from their owners. Who may I contact for further information? Answers to most questions are available on the following websites: • NICD Website: www.nicd.ac.za • World Health Organisation Website: www.who.int/csr/disease/swineflu/en/ • Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC, Atlanta): www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/ Telephonic enquiries can be made to: • Daytime NICD Influenza Hotline (8am to 5pm Monday to Friday) - 082 477 8026 • After-hours, weekends and public holidays – NICD Hotline - 082 883 9920 Electronic enquiries H1N1@health.gov.za Adapted from: •WHO: http://www.who.int/csr/disease/swineflu/frequently_asked_questions/en/index.html. Accessed 6 August 2009 •Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/swineflu_you.htm. Accessed 6 August 2009 •National Institute for Communicable Diseases (NICD) http://www.nicd.ac.za/ DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH

MAUL WORKING GROUP OUTCOMES The ELV Conference in March 2009 expressed a concern that the maul can be observed to be, and actually can be a form of legalised obstruction. This is evidenced by players at the back of an elongated maul holding the ball whilst the maul moves forward (Truck and Trailer). A Maul Working Group was established with agreed parameters: • There is a need to articulate the objectives and process to ensure that there is no perception that there are major Law amendments until after RWC 2011, following the 2009 changes. • The maul must remain in existence as an attacking force. • Any solutions must be able to be applied consistently by match officials. • Players and coaches must be able to apply the outcomes effectively The Chairman of the Rugby Committee has agreed that the outcomes reinforce Law and it is a matter of education of players, coaches and match officials. An educational programme has been developed and can be accessed via the link below. Please ensure that the coaching and match official communities within your Union have access to the link. You will also receive an e-shot with a direct link to the guidelines. - http://www.irblaws.com/EN/guidelines/ From: David Carrigy Head of External & Member Relations To view the video clips of the regulations CLICK HERE

The Professional Rugby Players Association (PRA) welcomes the significant reduction in Tom Williams sanction by the ERC Appeal Panel in Glasgow. PRA Chief Executive Damian Hopley said:" We are grateful to the ERC Disciplinary Panel that Tom's 12 month ban has been reduced on appeal, but the aftermath of this episode has left an indelible stigma on the professional game. "Tom is a fine young man of good character, even though he is guilty of a serious error of judgement, albeit under instruction from his employer. He has been under tremendous pressure since the original incident in April, but his determination to tell the truth and attempt to undo the damage done to himself, his family and the image of the game speaks volumes for the enormous remorse he feels. "The players have an increasing responsibility to act as role models for the sport, and must take a leading role in restoring the sport's damaged image and integrity. By continuing to invest in our world class education programmes the PRA will work tirelessly to support our members and ensure there can be no repeat of this incident. There is no place for orchestrated or fabricated cheating in rugby and the players welcome today's findings as an overdue wake up call and very strong deterrant." PRA WEBSITE

Under the agreement, all members of the RUPA (Wallabies, Reds, Brumbies, Waratahs and the Western Force as well as Masters of Rugby Alumni) will join Mission Australia’s ambassador program and support the charity’s services and fundraising events. Mission Australia’s CEO, Toby Hall, said he was thrilled at the partnership between the charity and RUPA. “As a massive fan of rugby union I’m very pleased to see this take shape. Mission Australia is extremely grateful for the support of the country’s finest rugby players,” said Mr Hall. “I know there are many people in our services – particularly young people in need – who will be inspired by meeting these top players and hearing about how they stay positive, keep their focus and rise to the challenges thrown at them while playing sport at an elite level. “And I’m sure the players will learn a bit about overcoming adversity and hanging tough when life doesn’t go your way from our clients,” said Mr Hall. The first function attended by RUPA Foundation members was the bbq for homeless people in Sydney on 7 August. Lachlan McCaffrey and Scott Fava, RUPA members from the Waratahs, attended the event to present those participating in the City to Surf with their gear and talk football with some keen rugby supporters. “It’s not often that people sit and have a chat with homeless people so being able to throw a footy around and wish the City to Surf people good luck was great” said Fava “I was really pleased to hear on Monday that they all finished – that’s a great achievement for anyone”. Additional information can be found at www.missionaustralia.com.au

Leeds Carnegie have announced that South African international Marco Wentzel will captain the club on their return to the Guinness Premiership this season. Wentzel, who joined Leeds Carnegie this summer from Leicester Tigers, will take over from USA international Mike MacDonald who led the side to promotion last season having taken over the captain's armband from Stuart Hooper at the start of the season. Commenting on the appointment Head Coach Neil Back said, "Myself and Andy Key have known Marco for a number of years from our time at Leicester and the qualities that convinced us to sign him for Leeds Carnegie are also the same qualities that have made him an obvious choice to captain the side this season. "He is a vastly experienced player and a natural leader. Playing in the second row, he is at the heart of our team and someone that understands the game and how we want to play it. "Mike MacDonald did a great job last season, during a tough campaign when we faced opposition for whom every game was their Cup Final. The Guinness Premiership will bring fresh challenges for us and all our players and Mike will be able to concentrate on his job in the front row. "We have worked hard to produce a leadership group within the team who will assist Marco and the coaching staff throughout the week. We have also spoke about collective and individual responsibility so it is certainly not all down to one person out on the field. "However, Marco is a consummate professional and a great role model for our players and we are delighted to offer him the captaincy for the new season," added Back. Commenting on his appointment, the 30-year-old Wentzel said, "It is a great honour to be offered the captaincy of the club and it will be a privilege to lead the team into the Guinness Premiership. "We are an ambitious club and hopefully we are in for some exciting times ahead. Andy Key and Neil Back have a great vision of where this team can be and collectively as players we will be looking to do our bit come the start of the season against Newcastle Falcons on 6th September." Leeds Carnegie play their final pre-season game this Saturday when they travel to Swansea to face the Ospreys. RUGBY365

Springbok forward coach Gary Gold says that on evidence of the past few weeks and months John Smit can be branded a fully-fledged tighthead prop. In an interview with News24, Gold said that "it’s been a frustration for this entire year to try to convince people to start branding him that. "The transition began before the end of last year; we got Plum’s (John Plumtree) buy-in to it and at the time Balie (Swart) at the Sharks. They did a lot of work with him in pre- and post-season which is the type of relationship you do need. "He went on tour for the Boks and did very well against Gethin Jenkins. Then he continued to develop at No 3 in a couple of Super 14 games, even if I’d have liked him to play one or two more. "But we’ve now played six Test matches this year with him at tighthead and I think the proof is in the pudding. And like any tight-head, he’ll have a couple of exceptionally good days and a few he’ll see as ones he can improve on. In my relationship with him on a daily basis, we both know there are a couple of technical issues we can improve – we know what they are and work on them." Asked if he has always been a firm advocate of Smit's switch from hooker to prop, Gold said: "Definitely, and for a couple of reasons. First because he wasn’t moving into a position he was completely foreign with. He’d played prop at age-group level and you don’t forget some of those (skills). "That said, asking an experienced hooker to move to one or three is still a transition - suddenly you don’t have anybody on one side of you at scrum time...technically and mentally he was always likely to be up for the challenge. So I was always a firm believer he could make the move. "Of course he remains a rookie in certain ways: when he comes up against a Tony Woodcock, it’s a case of a 50-cap loosehead against a 10-cap tighthead … Commenting on Smit's remark a few days ago that he didn’t envisage another change back to hooker, Gold said:"...I think he feels he’s getting better with every game, and we’re starting to see some dividends. With great respect to John, who has been an exceptional hooker over 70-odd Tests, that position in the present Springbok team is something we acknowledge has to be as a “fourth loose forward”: he will be the first to admit as he gets a bit (older) that his mobility does not necessarily lend itself to that. "But then there are also attributes to his tighthead play that very few in that position can boast - like in the tackle he can get back on his feet and steal the ball. So we’re very lucky in those respects." Gold believes Smit will get even better as he becomes more street-wise. "I honestly think he has to. He’s started very well, possibly caught some people off-guard, but they might go away and say 'we know what the next trick is'. John is aware this is a position where you can get a proper spanking; that you can’t just pitch up in it. "He has to be thinking: 'I don’t want a Phil Vickery day at the office.' That’s foremost on his mind. He’ll admit he relies very heavily in his new role on the three key men around him at scrum-time: Bismarck du Plessis next to him, Bakkies Botha behind and Juan Smith when he’s on the right-hand flank. That’s a key tighthead pod, if you like, for the Boks. Then Beast (Mtawarira) obviously has to work really hard on the left side to aid the equation."

Two of the Cheetahs' most promising youngsters, prop Coenie Oosthuizen and centre Robert Ebersohn have both signed long-term deals with the Free State Rugby Union. The pair have received numerous offers from other unions and their signing is a major boost for the Cheetahs who in the past have seen the back of many up-and-coming youngsters. Cheetahs coach Naka Drotske's policy of giving young players the chance to play appears to have been the key factors in persuading the duo to stay in Bloemfontein. Drotske admitted that Oosthuizen's decision to remain with the Cheetah means that he will soon consider playing four props in his matchday 22 . "Against the Leopards Coenie aggressively cleared the rucks 32 times," Drotske said. "He also handled the ball more than any of the players and his scrumming was excellent. "With Os du Randt in the camp and the fact that other teams' defensive lines are so good you need strong and big players to take you over the advantage line. A prop factor is therefore a possibility." RUGBY365

The International Rugby Board has taken a leaf out of the French book in an effort to counter the problem of uncontested scrums, which are sometimes used as a tactic by teams whose scrum, is in trouble. After a season of many uncontested scrums, the French introduced an extra player to the bench on condition that he was a prop, thus giving the team a full front row of replacements. This worked in France last season. Last season just two out of 994 matches in the top three divisions had uncontested scrums, as against 146 matches the season before. The IRB has now offered national rugby bodies the option of introducing the eighth replacement. Law 3.4 PLAYERS NOMINATED AS SUBSTITUTES For international matches a Union may nominate up to seven replacements/substitutes. For other matches, the Union with jurisdiction over the match decides how many replacements/substitutes may be nominated to a maximum of seven. A team can substitute up to two front row players and up to five other players. Substitutions may only be made when the ball is dead and with the permission of the referee. On 28 July 2009 the IRB altered the law to allow any national union to allow up to eight replacements for any matches within their union. For cross-border matches, both unions would have to agree. If a Union allows the naming of 23 players in a match day squad for any domestic competition, there must be a minimum of three specialist front row players within the named eight replacements comprising two props and a hooker. It is still possible that injuries may still strike a team so that they cannot replace an injured front-row player. They have had four props injured and neither of the replacement hookers can play prop. In such a case the scrums will become uncontested but the team which deficient will play on with 14 men. They will not be allowed to send on a replacement for the injured player. This means that the team will not benefit from causing scrums to be uncontested. This is a change to the laws as they exist. The change to eight replacements does not yet apply to international matches but the IRB intends to monitor its effectiveness in competitions in which it is applied. The IRB's chairman Bernard Lapasset said: “The IRB’s Member Unions requested that Council investigate suitable measures to address the issue of uncontested scrums within their own domestic competitions. Establishing a protocol that maximises the opportunity for matches to finish with meaningful scrums, while maintaining the highest regard for player welfare and safety, was a critical factor. “The solution needed to tackle the circumstances that lead to uncontested scrums, while ensuring that the unique shape and character of the scrum is retained. A process of thorough consultation and evaluation was undertaken, while a practical assessment in France demonstrated the merits of the alterations." RUGBY365

Bath have named scrum-half Michael Claassens as their captain for the 2009-10 season. South African-born Claassens joined the club from Super 14 side the Cheetahs in the summer of 2007. "At first it wasn't an easy decision. It was a massive honour and privilege but I did have to think about it," admitted the 26-year-old. Claassens has made 54 appearances and scored 11 tries for Bath and has eight international caps for the Springboks. He originally signed on a two-year deal but last year extended that contract by a further two years keeping him at the club until 2011. "I think by the end of last season I had already accepted that he would be captain this season," said head coach Steve Meehan. "He will be a very good leader and is somebody who will share the responsibility of that throughout the team as well." BATCH RUGBY WEBSITE

Die Valke Rugbymaatskappy en oudspelers het hulle geskille bygelê. Dit volg nadat die gekontrakteerde spelers vir 2008 se seisoen ’n geskil met die unie oor onbetaalde kondisioneringsbonusse verklaar het. Die spelers het hulle laaste kwartaallikse kondisioneringsbonusse op die spel geplaas ná ’n ooreenkoms met die afrigtingspan. In ruil vir die fisieke toetse, is daar ooreengekom dat as die Valke die promosie/relegasiewedstryde teen die Luiperds sou word. Hulle sou egter die bonusse verloor as hulle nie die wedstryde wen nie. Ná ’n formele arbitrasieproses in Kempton Park is daar ooreengekom dat dié dispuut bygelê sal word en dat 50% van die uitstaande bonusse aan ’n ooreengekome hoeveelheid spelers uitbetaal sou word. Volgens ’n gesamentlike mediaverklaring wat deur die Valke-Rugbymaatskappy en die Suid-Afrikaanse Spelersvereniging (SARPA) uitgereik is, is albei partye tevrede dat die beste moontlike ooreenkoms bereik is. Volgens Ruben Opperman van Sarpa is hy bly dat die probleme op dié wyse opgelos kon word en is spelers soos Hanno Coetzee en Sean Plaatjes gelukkig met die uitslag. "Die uitslag help om ’n beter werkverhouding met die Valke te bewerkstellig en kon enige kant toe gegaan het. Dis ’n aanvaarbare situasie vir albei partye,” sê betaal word, wat dit sal verdeel en in die spelers se rekeninge inbetaal. Volgens SJ de Beer, president van die Valke-Rugbyunie, is dit vir almal ’n wensituasie en is die besluit in die goeie gees van die spel en vir die spelers geneem. “Van die begin af het ons niks gedoen om enigiemand te benadeel nie. ’n Moontlike onsmaaklikheid is op ’n volwasse wyse uitgestryk,” sê De Beer. – Ockert de Villiers, SONDAG

World Cup-winning Springbok wing Bryan Habana will continue to play his rugby in South Africa for the next two years, but it will be in the colours of Western Province and the Stormers. Rugby365.com can reveal that Habana has accepted an offer from WP to move from Pretoria to Cape Town for a contract that will run until 2011. Bernie Habana, father of the Bok wing, confirmed on Sunday that Habana Jnr will be playing his domestic and Super Rugby in Cape Town for the next two years. "Some details of the contract still has to be sorted out, but Bryan has decided that Cape Town is where it is at," Habana Snr said, adding: "Those details will be sorted out in the next few days [before he departs with the Boks for Australasia on Tuesday]." This follows less than a week after he arrived in Cape Town, last Monday, for 'explorative talks' with Stormers coach Rassie Erasmus. Habana, winner of both the International Rugby Board and South African Rugby Union Player of the Year awards for 2007, also had an offer to stay with the Blue Bulls in Pretoria and had talks with the Bulls last Sunday. And as rugby365.com revealed last week, apart from the offers from the Blue Bulls (Pty) Ltd and WP Rugby (Pty) Ltd, there were no other written offers on the table. This was despite recent reports that suggested French Top 14 outfit Bayonne was leading the chase for his signature. The 26-year-old try machine, Habana - who was one of the key players in South Africa's 2-1 victory in the series against the British and Irish Lions earlier this year as well as the 2-0 whitewash over the All Blacks this month - has been repeatedly linked with a switch to Europe. But this has all proved to be unfounded media speculation. The decision to move to Cape Town follows after the Stormers head coach, Erasmus, made contact with Habana. Erasmus made the initial approach, to determine if there is any interest from the Bok flyer, and they then met last Monday. The Bulls, who managed to retain the services of fellow World Cup winner Wynand Olivier, despite moves to also lure him to Cape Town, will now look towards 20-year-old flyer Gerhard van den Heever to fill the void left by Habana's departure. Van den Heever and Springbok Akona Ndungane, who fractured his leg at the weekend, are the top wings in Pretoria at present. Van den Heever, who has come through the Bulls ranks and played for all their age-group teams, played for South Africa in the International Rugby Board Junior World Championships earlier this year. Despite making it a "top priority" for them to retain the services of Habana, the Bulls also made it clear they won't be offering him "outrageous amounts" to stay in Pretoria. WP, apart from losing out in the race to sign the Bulls midfielder, Olivier, have also recently lost the services of Springbok midfielder Jean de Villiers to Irish province Munster. De Villiers was present at Munster's pre-season match against Guinness Premiership club Sale Sharks at Musgrave Park last weekend. The Springbok centre was on a two-day tour of the Munster set-up before returning to the South Africa Tri-Nations squad last week. WP and the Golden Lions are currently also in a tug-of-war over the services of another World Cup-winning midfielder, Jaque Fourie, who has indicated that he is keen on joining his Bok teammate, Habana, in Cape Town. By Jan de Koning RUGBY365

NZRU Pro Rugby Manager Neil Sorensen has said that New Zealand is unlikely to use the option of fielding an extra prop on team benches next year. An IRB ruling this week decreed that, at each union or league's discretion, teams would be permitted to field an extra prop on the bench, in an effort to erase the scourge of uncontested scrums from the game. Furthermore, it was ruled that teams reverting to uncontested scrums would have to carry on with one man fewer on the field. Sorensen said it was not a problem he believed affected the SANZAR unions too much and doubted whether the concept would be taken up in the south. "It's a law that's there to be utilised if required," Sorensen said to Rugby Heaven. "We're concerned about the amount of pressure put on provincial unions or franchises to have that quantity of front-rowers, especially across all competitions. "We don't think that the occurrences [of uncontested scrums] have been that high. "We also think that in the professional game it's a lot of money to have another person on the bench. "From what we can gather talking to our referees, it's viewed as a tactical issue offshore. Coaches are using it as a tactical ploy rather than a safety issue. "We're not overly warm on the idea but we're not saying we wouldn't. Technically it could be done for 2010 but it would require a lot of consultation with our coaches and provincial unions. "It's not on any agendas at SANZAR level." RUGBYHEAVEN

South Africa's rugby team has been found guilty of bringing the game into disrepute and fined for protesting Bakkies Botha's suspension by wearing armbands during the third Lions test. The punishment, which included a £1 000 fine for team captain John Smit and £10 000 (around R127 000) for the South African Rugby Union, was announced on Monday by the International Rugby Board. The charges stem from the Springboks decision to wear armbands in the third Test against the British and Irish Lions on July 4 marked with the words "Justice 4 Bakkies" to protest the two-week suspension for lock forward Botha. Botha was cited for a challenge on Lions prop Adam Jones which left the Welshman with a dislocated shoulder during the Springboks' 28-25 victory at Pretoria in the second Test. NEWS24

The IRB statement in full: "The South African Rugby Union, members of the South Africa squad and team officials have been found guilty of acts of bringing the Game of Rugby into disrepute in breach of the IRB Regulations Relating to the Game. "The ruling was issued today [Monday] by an Independent Disciplinary Committee chaired by the John Hansen (New Zealand), Guillermo Tragant (Argentina) and former Australian captain John Eales AM (Australia). The independence of the Committee is a feature of the IRB judicial system which is respected by the IRB and its constituent members. "The action arises from the South Africa national team and management wearing armbands during the third Test against the British & Irish Lions on July 4 as a protest action following the upholding of Bakkies Botha’s two-week suspension by an independent Appeal Committee for dangerously charging into a ruck without binding onto a player. "The guilty verdicts follow a misconduct hearing before the Independent Committee which was held in Dublin on August 10. During the hearing, the Committee heard submissions and evidence from SARU and members of the South Africa national team and team management (including John Smit and Peter de Villiers, the Springbok captain and coach respectively), before retiring to consider its verdict and sanction. "While, for technical legal reasons, the Independent Committee dismissed the Misconduct charges under Regulation 17, the committee expressly found that on the merits of the case the actions of SARU, its players and team management 'brought the game into disrepute, criticised the judicial process and was misconduct'. The Independent Committee separately noted 'such misconduct to be serious' in nature and commented that 'there has been no formal apology, acknowledgement, contrition or clarification from either the players or the SARU themselves'. "The Independent Committee made it very clear in its ruling that 'the playing arena is no place for protest' and that the wearing of the armbands 'showed a serious lack of respect and consideration for their opponents'. It was clear that 'If players choose to wear on their uniforms armbands or other emblems which bring the game into disrepute, then they have breached that Regulation [11]'. "The Independent Committee criticised SARU 'because they allowed the Game and the IRB to be brought into disrepute by not only by failing to attempt to prevent this protest, but by approving of it and effectively consenting to [...] conduct which was prejudicial to the best interests of the IRB and of the Game'. "The Independent Committee therefore imposed a fine of £10,000 (ZAR127,000) on SARU, £200 (ZAR2,500) against each of the other players who wore the protest armbands and £1,000 (ZAR12,700) against John Smit who the Committee determined as captain of the South Africa team has greater role model responsibilities. "The Independent Committee was unanimous in its view that, had it not been for the legal technicalities (including the fact that the Committee felt it had to take a 'necessarily strict interpretation' of certain aspects of Regulation 17), both SARU and the Springbok players and management would have faced much more serious sanctions, including a more severe fine in the case of SARU and the suspension of the Springbok players and management from the Rugby World Cup 2011 (such sanction to have been suspended in the absence of further acts of Misconduct before then). "The Independent Committee ended its judgment with a clear statement that it believes its decision will deter 'all rugby players from adopting such an unwise and ill considered way to make their feelings clear to the IRB, or the general rugby watching public'. "The IRB had sought significant sanctions in this case which was unique in Rugby terms, dealing collectively with a Union, its national representative team and senior management who acted in unison without regard for the best interests of the Game. "Whilst welcoming the guilty verdicts, the IRB is extremely disappointed at the level of sanctions imposed against the South African Rugby Union and its players in light of the clear findings that they have brought the Game of Rugby into disrepute and acted in a manner which is prejudicial to the best interests of the IRB and the Game of Rugby. "The IRB is giving urgent and serious consideration to the decision of the Independent Committee and the further options available to it, which include whether or not to bring an appeal against the level of sanctions imposed by the Committee. This ruling will be taken into consideration along with the recent Burger and Parisse eye-gouging cases, as part of the IRB’s ongoing review of Regulation 17. "The IRB works tirelessly with all 116 Member Unions and key stakeholders to ensure the safety of players and the reputation of the Game is protected. "The IRB will be making no further comment on this case while it considers its options." * The IRB has 14 days from the date of the written decision in which to make any appeal in relation to sanctions.

The South African Rugby Union, members of the South Africa squad and team officials have been found guilty of acts of bringing the Game of Rugby into disrepute in breach of the IRB Regulations Relating to the Game. CLICK HERE TO READ THE FULL JUDGEMENT>> The Independent Committee made it very clear in its ruling that “the playing arena is no place for protest” and that the wearing of the armbands “showed a serious lack of respect and consideration for their opponents”. It was clear that “If players choose to wear on their uniforms armbands or other emblems which bring the game into disrepute, then they have breached that Regulation [11]”. The Independent Committee criticised SARU “because they allowed the Game and the IRB to be brought into disrepute by not only by failing to attempt to prevent this protest, but by approving of it and effectively consenting to [...] conduct which was prejudicial to the best interests of the IRB and of the Game”. The Independent Committee therefore imposed a fine of £10,000 on SARU, £200 against each of the other players who wore the protest armbands and £1,000 against John Smit who the Committee determined as captain of the South Africa team has greater role model responsibilities. The Independent Committee was unanimous in its view that, had it not been for the legal technicalities (including the fact that the Committee felt it had to take a “necessarily strict interpretation” of certain aspects of Regulation 17), both SARU and the Springbok players and management would have faced much more serious sanctions, including a more severe fine in the case of SARU and the suspension of the Springbok players and management from the Rugby World Cup 2011 (such sanction to have been suspended in the absence of further acts of Misconduct before then). The Independent Committee ended its judgment with a clear statement that it believes its decision will deter “all rugby players from adopting such an unwise and ill considered way to make their feelings clear to the IRB, or the general rugby watching public”. The IRB had sought significant sanctions in this case which was unique in Rugby terms, dealing collectively with a Union, its national representative team and senior management who acted in unison without regard for the best interests of the Game. Whilst welcoming the guilty verdicts, the IRB is extremely disappointed at the level of sanctions imposed against the South African Rugby Union and its players in light of the clear findings that they have brought the Game of Rugby into disrepute and acted in a manner which is prejudicial to the best interests of the IRB and the Game of Rugby. The IRB is giving urgent and serious consideration to the decision of the Independent Committee and the further options available to it, which include whether or not to bring an appeal against the level of sanctions imposed by the Committee. This ruling will be taken into consideration along with the recent Burger and Parisse eye-gouging cases, as part of the IRB’s ongoing review of Regulation 17. The IRB works tirelessly with all 116 Member Unions and key stakeholders to ensure the safety of players and the reputation of the Game is protected. The IRB will be making no further comment on this case while it considers its options. Note: The IRB has 14 days from the date of the written decision in which to make any appeal in relation to sanctions.

The South African Rugby Legends Association has volunteered to pay the fine imposed on the Springboks by the International Rugby Board (IRB). John Allan, chief executive of the Legends and a former Scotland and Springbok hooker, confirmed on Tuesday that they are dissatisfied with the manner in which the IRB acted against the Boks and will therefore pay the fines. The IRB fined the Springboks and South African Rugby Union (SARU) about R220 000 for bringing the game into disrepute with an armband protest against Bakkies Botha’s ban in the third Test against the British and Irish Lions. Every player was fined about R3 000, captain John Smit R13 000 and SARU R130 000. "We are here to safeguard rugby’s values and believe the IRB are targeting the Springboks," said Allan. "The Springboks are the best team in the world because they stick together and the IRB do not like it." Allan believes Botha was punished for something that did not warrant punishment and that the IRB applies double standards. "Bakkies is punished, but Wallaby flyhalf Matt Giteau, who took Fourie du Preez (Bok scrumhalf) out, is not." The CEO of the South African Rugby Players Association, Mr Piet Heymans, on Wednesday welcomed the solidarity shown with the Boks by the SA Rugby Legends. "Their spontaneous willingness to pay the fines imposed on the Springboks is a wonderful gesture and is greatly appreciated by all the players involved," Heymans said.

To say that I am pissed off about the IRB’s decision to find the Springboks and SA Rugby guilty of bringing the game into disrepute is only because I can’t come up with a stronger expression. The IRB’s so-called Independent Committee, chaired by Sir John Hansen of New Zealand with Judge Guillermo Tragant of Argentina and former Wallaby captain John Eales, has played it by the book and in the process let down one of rugby’s great figures, John Smit, and the game itself. In the course of a “judgment” running to some 35 pages the trio have left SA Rugby with little room to manoeuvre with dire threats of how the penalties could have been greater and how South Africa’s world champions were at risk of being banned (although a subsequent passage revealed that such a sanction would have been suspended) from the next World Cup tournament. The committee “expressly found that on the merits of the case the actions of SARU, its players and team management brought the game into disrepute, criticised the judicial process and was (therefore) misconduct. “The committee separately noted such misconduct to be serious in nature and commented that ‘there has been no formal apology, acknowledgement, contrition or clarification from either the players or the SARU themselves.’ “The independent committee made it very clear in its ruling that the playing arena is no place for protest and that the wearing of the armbands showed a serious lack of respect and consideration for their opponents. It was clear that if players choose to wear on their uniforms armbands or other emblems which bring the game into disrepute, then they have breached that Regulation [11]. “The committee criticised SARU because they allowed the game and the IRB to be brought into disrepute by not only failing to attempt to prevent this protest, but by approving of it and effectively consenting to conduct which was prejudicial to the best interests of the IRB and of the game.” The Hansen committee has thus chosen to look at the armband incident in isolation and not delve into the reasons for it occurring. It is a classic case of treating the symptom and not the cause because Messrs Hansen, Tragant and Eales elected, copping out in my opinion, to ignore the reason for the Springboks resorting to their protest. In so doing they failed to heed a heartfelt message from the world’s most-capped captain and one of the most-capped and most-decorated squads of players in history. The Springboks are not some two-bit little outfit from the backwoods. They are the current world champions and are No 1 on the IRB’s ranking list. For them (and the union they represent) to decide to show dissent in a way they probably knew would lead to tumult in the oval world’s corridors of power in Dublin surely deserved greater consideration. The amount of capital letters the IRB affords itself and its functionaries in all its communiqués is revealing of the kind of stuck-up organisation it is and it is guilty of shooting the messenger, in this case SA Rugby and the Springboks, rather than paying heed to a Problem that is Seriously bringing The Game into Disrepute. The IRB’s disciplinary process is a mess that delivers inconsistent and flawed outcomes almost on a weekly basis. Not only is the judicial system out of step with the ethos of the game it purports to protect and represent but it does not enjoy the support and confidence of the players and the public at large. The Springboks deciding to make a stand on Bakkies Botha being suspended for an action that takes place numerous times in almost any senior game played around the world was not some knee-jerk by the squad but the result of frustration at inequities visited on them over many seasons. To even link John Smit’s name to the phrase “bringing the game into disrepute” is an insult that cannot be allowed to stand. The Springbok captain has suffered severely and unfairly at the hands of officialdom – Paul Honiss telling him to have a chat to his players at Lansdowne Road and allowing Ronan O’Gara to score a try while the Boks’ backs were turned; being unjustly severely punished with a six-week ban when, while in possession of the ball, his hand-off made contact with French captain Jerome Thion’s throat at the Stade de France; Brad Thorn up-ending him in a spear tackle in which he was injured at Eden Park and then receiving a suspension of only one week and the punishment meted out to Bakkies Botha for a rugby action while Andrew Sheridan escaped any censure whatsoever for aiming punches at Andries Bekker’s testicles. There have been many other incidents in the course of Smit’s long career in which the scales of justice have been weighted against his team or one or another of his teammates. Given wiser council the Springboks might have decided not to wear the armbands but the steps taken and the language used by the IRB is a raging disgrace. How disappointing that the much respected John Eales, who in my estimation was the kind of captain John Smit is, has lent his name to such calumny. The great pity is that Louis Luyt is not still the president of SARU because boy would they have had a fight on their hands! by Dan Retief | 26 August 2009 (10:39) SUPERSPORT WEBSITE

In response to a request by the USA for clarity on the obligations of a player joining a ruck, the IRB has ruled that a player is required to bind on a team-mate if one is there or on an opponent if no team-mate is there. This is Ruling 7 of 2009 and was given by the Designated Members of Rugby Committee, a committee which deals with matters of law. That there are so many rulings so soon after many changes to the laws is indeed a pity for it means that the laws are not expressed clearly enough. The request from USA Rugby The request for a Ruling arises from the way that players are required to join a ruck which appears to be covered by a number of sections in the Law Book and in particular: Law 16.2 (b) A player joining a ruck must bind onto the ruck with at least one arm around the body of a team-mate using the whole arm. Law 10 4 (j) Players must not charge into a ruck or maul without binding onto a player in the ruck or maul. This leads to the following questions: 1. Does a player joining a ruck have to bind on a team-mate? 2. Can a player joining a ruck bind on to an opposition player? 3. Does the contact with the arm have to precede contact with any other part of the body? 4. Does the contact with the arm have to be simultaneous with contact with any other part of the body? 5. Can contact with the shoulder precede contact with the binding arm? Ruling The Designated Members in reviewing the request for ruling also had in mind Law 10 4 (g). Law 10.4 (g) Dangerous Charging. A player must not charge or knock down an opponent without trying to grasp that player. The grasping of a player on contact in open play and binding on contact at rucks and mauls is designed to protect players on impact. Bearing this in mind the Designated Members have ruled: 1. If a team-mate is the hindmost player in the ruck then a player must bind onto that player in accordance with Law 16.5 (c) – Offside at the ruck Law 16.5 (c) Players joining or rejoining the ruck. All players joining a ruck must do so from behind the foot of the hindmost team-mate in the ruck. A player may join alongside this hindmost player. If the player joins the ruck from the opponents’ side, or in front of the hindmost team-mate, the player is offside. Penalty: Penalty Kick on the offending team’s offside line 2. It is recognised in a dynamic game that rucks are not perfectly formed and therefore to comply with Law 16.5 - Offside at the ruck, contact may have to occur with an opposition player. This contact would require a bind to take place in accordance with Law 10.4 (j). Law 10.4 (j) Players must not charge into a ruck or maul without binding onto a player in the ruck or maul. Penalty: Penalty Kick 3. In answer to questions 3, 4 and 5 the bind onto another player when joining the ruck must either precede or be simultaneous with contact with any other part of the body including the shoulder of the joining player RUGBY365

Sharks coach John Plumtree and the Vodacom Free State Cheetahs prop WP Nel on Thursday received the awards of Absa Coach and Player of the Month at the Absa Stadium in Durban. Plumtree’s team is currently leading the Absa Currie Cup and have only suffered one defeat in the Premier Division since their loss to Vodacom Western Province in the opening round of the competition. The Absa Currie Cup Coach and Player of the Month competition, is designed to acknowledge and reward coaches for outstanding leadership; while players who are consistent and significantly contribute to the overall performance of the team, are also awarded. “Coaching is a tough job and would be untenable without a good management team whose input and advice are essential – so I feel honoured to have been voted as Absa Currie Cup Coach of the Month especially with this year’s competition being so closely contested,” said Plumtree. “A coach’s result has much to do with the performance of the players and it goes without saying that our recent form is due to the player’s hard work rate and enthusiasm. So my nomination is a direct result of reaping the benefit of all the hard work we as a team have put in over the last while. My thanks also to Absa for their continued support of this competition.” Nel said he was surprised with the award and added, “I am very thankful and appreciate the votes. I am so honoured to be this month’s winner and still can’t believe it!” Issued by SA Rugby Communications and Absa

Scrumhalf Fourie du Preez has defended South Africa's tactics on the eve of his 50th Test for the Springboks, stating that they play "total rugby". "We do whatever works. We can shift the ball to the wings, counter-attack or launch hanging kicks," Du Preez said ahead of Saturday's Tri-Nations match against Australia at the Subiaco Oval. Du Preez, who is arguably one of the world's best rugby players, is nevertheless his usual humble self. "It's nice to get to my 50th Test – it's six years on, but it's not about me. I would never have arrived here without my team-mates. However, I'm very happy that I made it this far," he said. Du Preez is reluctant to accept the acclaim of possibly being the finest scrumhalf since Welsh legend Gareth Edwards. He is as cerebral about the game as one can be about sport. "The game has slowed down since the ELVs have gone and that is why defences have more time to regroup," said Du Preez. "I don't really care what people say about the way we play the game. We are probably going to lose a few games playing like this, but I believe we will win more. "Like my previous Bulls coach, Heyneke Meyer, I believe there are two kinds of rugby – winning rugby and losing rugby. Wings no longer run around the last line of defence in Test rugby, but we saw JP Pietersen and Bryan Habana score lovely tries after running through the middle against the British and Irish Lions. "We don't make the laws, that is someone else's problem. Our challenge is to adapt to the laws. Last year the Bulls were slow to learn, but this year we adapted really well. Now it was a question of who could adapt the quickest to the latest changes." Du Preez is hoping South Africa can win the Tri-Nations for the first time since 2004, when he made his Test debut. "South Africa have only won the Tri-Nations twice, but I hope we can make it number three. I have a lot of time for Will Genia (Wallaby scrumhalf). He is not as tactically astute as Luke Burgess, but will quicken the pace of the game". NEWS24

Springbok captain John Smit praised his team for a "job well done" after their 32-25 victory over the Wallabies in Perth on Saturday, which strengthened their grip on the 2009 Tri-Nations trophy. Outscoring the Australians by four tries to three, despite having been branded as boring by their Australasian rivals in recent weeks, South Africa have taken a near unassailable lead in the competition. With two more games - against the Aussies in Brisbane next week and New Zealand in Hamilton a week later, two more points will give the Boks their third Tri-Nations title. But it was the clinical manner in which the Boks dismantled the Wallabies in the first half in Perth, taking a 23-6 lead at the break, that really impressed. And becoming the first team this year to score a four-try bonus point also sent a strong message to their rivals. The Bok captain, Smit, said his team got the result they wanted - five points on the standings from the game. "We shortened our week [arriving in Perth in two shifts, on Monday and Tuesday] and we were fresh. We saw the energy in the first 50 [minutes]," Smit said in his post-match reaction. He admitted that the Boks got into a bit of a "defensive mode" in the last 30. "The one thing about the Aussies, they just keep coming for the 80 minutes, no matter what," the Bok skipper added. Asked about being the first team this year to score four tries in a Tri-Nations game, Smit said it was all part of the plan. "We said all along that we will do whatever we need to win and tonight was a bit of running and a few tries and it did the job," the Bok captain said. He admitted that they were happy with their defensive effort, for most part, despite conceding two late tries - in the 75th and 79th minutes - to give the Aussies a bonus point. "We spoke about it [defence] at half-time, about getting another half-a-metre, just getting on the referee's good side. "There was a lot of penetration coming and we just needed to stay organised," he said. He admitted that Bryan Habana's 52nd minute try was the killer blow. "Half-time [leading 23-6] there was big talk about putting just one more nail in just after the break and the boys listened for a change," Smit added. RUGBY365

It may not ignite the public's interest or imagination quite like a test match. But arguably rugby's most significant and important contest of the next decade kicked off amid tight secrecy on Friday night when Rupert Murdoch's News Ltd made an offer to New Zealand and its Sanzar partners to continue broadcasting the game. The exact nature of what's offered is a secret for now but rugby administrators were breathing a sigh of relief that Murdoch has come back to the negotiating table. For a while it appeared he may not, which would have had huge implications for the game. The millions of dollars the media baron pays to broadcast rugby is the life-blood of the game in New Zealand. In June, Sanzar, the alliance body of southern hemisphere rugby, nearly disintegrated. New Zealand and Australia threatened to go it alone when South Africa would not make any concessions about the shape and format of competitions, namely when to start and stop them, and how many teams should participate. A deal was brokered and Sanzar opened negotiations with News Ltd before its June 30 deadline. News had 60 days to respond and did so at the 11th hour on Friday night. Murdoch is a major shareholder in Sky New Zealand and News Ltd on-sells the rights to the Kiwi pay TV provider which in turns broadcasts rugby to its New Zealand subscribers. New Zealand Rugby Union boss Steve Tew would confirm only that "an email from News came in on Friday night" and that it contained a "headline figure". But the usually candid chief executive would give nothing else away. "We will end up talking round and round in circles," he said when quizzed by the Sunday Star-Times. "I can't afford to release any details. It would breach our contract. We won't be negotiating in the media on this one and all I can say is we have received an offer or contract from News. We need to go through the fine print and that process could take some time as it is a lengthy and complex agreement." Tew said he and his equivalents in Australia and South Africa, John O'Neill and Andy Marinos, were scheduled to assess the detail of the deal this week. Sanzar has one of three options: to accept, try to bump up Murdoch's offer, or try to sell the rights to another broadcaster. The second option, unless News Ltd has offered an extremely tasty sum of money, is the most likely outcome, given the lack of competition in the New Zealand pay TV market. Unlike last renegotiation, when the original 10-year agreement brokered in 1995 was renewed, Sanzar has differed in its sale approach. News Ltd bought every competition on offer in December 2004 through to 2010. But this time Sanzar is selling Super rugby, the Tri Nations and domestic competitions separately. Also on the table are free to air, pay TV and internet rights, in what's called an unbundled sales package. "That's why this deal could take some time," said Tew. "But this is a step in the right direction." RUGBYHEAVEN NZ

Australia could lose its proposed new Melbourne-based Super 15 franchise and millions of dollars in broadcasting revenue, with a South African team poised to exploit the infighting over the Victorian licence, ARU executive director John O'Neill has warned. An ARU board meeting tomorrow is expected to endorse a management recommendation to award ownership of a fifth Australian Super 15 franchise to a group of former VRU directors backed by a Sydney mining magnate but O'Neill said a SANZAR meeting in October could award the licence to a Port Elizabeth team. O'Neill met South African officials in Perth on the eve of the Tri Nations match between the Wallabies and Springboks and learnt the South African Government is willing to invest heavily in a sixth Super 15 team based in a predominantly black region of the Republic. This would inevitably devalue Australian broadcast rights because a Port Elizabeth team would be forced to play in an Australian pool with Australia's four Super 15 teams, under a 2011 restructure of the SANZAR competition which creates more local derbies. The deadline for News Ltd's offer for the Australian and New Zealand rights to broadcast SANZAR games closes today, and it is understood an upgraded bid is predicated on five Australian teams playing each other twice. O'Neill said the feuding between the successful bid team, Vic Super 15 and the establishment VRU, was undermining Australia's hopes of a fifth team. ''Everyone wants to be on the bus but they're squabbling over who wants to be the driver,'' O'Neill said, pointing out the image of the ARU has been tarnished by the uproar. ''It's very much about local personalities, and it's exploded like Mt Vesuvius with a bucket of the proverbial being thrown over the ARU. ''If Melbourne don't get their act together, there is a real risk of losing the franchise to South Africa. ''There is another bidder for the licence, and rugby people have got to realise this is not an ARU decision but a SANZAR decision where the team is located. ''Sure the 15th team will play in the Australian conference with the other four Australian teams [Queensland Reds, NSW Waratahs, ACT Brumbies and Western Force] but the location of the team is yet to be determined. ''People are entitled to ask how can you have a team on the eastern coast of South Africa playing in an Australian conference but Melbourne has got to realise the South African Government is a major backer of a sixth team from South Africa. The Eastern Cape team would be called the Southern Kings and based in Port Elizabeth.'' O'Neill said the likely but ludicrous possibility of a Port Elizabeth team would devalue the broadcast rights and be a logistical disaster. ''Four Australian teams travelling in and out of South Africa every second week would be far from ideal,'' he said. ''We're in the middle of selling our broadcast rights, and News Ltd have indicated they will pay a premium if the fifth team is based in Australia. ''The significant increase in local content is the driver of the expected increase.'' The number of SANZAR games in 2011 will rise from 91 to 120 with more local derbies. Assuming SANZAR at its October meeting endorses Melbourne as the 15th team, games played in Australia will rise from 26 to 40, and South Africa, New Zealand and Australia will each produce a champion and a guaranteed place in the play-offs. If Port Elizabeth is awarded the licence, the number of games played in Australia will increase from 26 to 32, with more matches in viewer-unfriendly timeslots and possibly two conference champions from South Africa. RUGBYHEAVEN

The Waratahs said on Monday they have signed Emerging Springboks lock Hendrik Roodt on a two-year Super 14 deal. Roodt, 21, who at two metres and 121 kg will add considerable bulk to the Waratahs' forward pack, will join the squad for pre-season training in November, officials said. "We've looked long and hard for another lock to strengthen our second row stocks and we believe we've found that with Hendrik Roodt," head coach Chris Hickey said. "Adding Hendrik into the mix will only serve to strengthen the tight five, particularly at the scrum and lineout." Australian Super 14 teams are permitted to contract a developing foreign player who has yet to represent his native country at Test, Sevens or A-team level and could qualify for the Wallabies after three years of consecutive residency, in line with international rugby regulations. "As a developing player who has come through the traditional pathways of South African rugby, we've got high hopes that Hendrik may be able to follow in the footsteps of Dan Vickerman and Clyde Rathbone and put himself in contention for national selection once he's qualified," Hickey said. Last week the Waratahs secured Chiefs outside back and former All Black Sosene Anesi as their "marquee" foreign international. NEWS24

The International Rugby Players Association (IRPA) is the world representative body for Professional Rugby Players on international issues of importance to players and the game. IRPA’s membership is currently made up of the national Professional Rugby Players’ Associations from South Africa, England, Australia, Scotland, Ireland, Wales, France, Argentina and New Zealand. All member Associations have representation on the IRPA Board. IRPA’s Chairman is Damian Hopley, a former Southland Stags player and England rugby international. Damian is also the founder and CEO of the English Professional Rugby Association (the PRA). The Executive Director of IRPA is Rob Nichol. Rob is also the founding CEO of the New Zealand Rugby Players’ Association. IRPA is only as strong as its members. At a domestic level, Rugby Player Associations have come a long way over recent times and many are now an entrenched part of their respective rugby landscapes. There have been significant advances made in respect of professional players’ terms of employment and their relationships and partnerships with their National Unions and other rugby stakeholders. Strong Player Education, Career and Personal Development Programs now exist, as well as sophis-cated player communication and support structures. These services can always be improved, however, and one of IRPA’s key objectives is to support its member Associations to develop the levels of support and assistance they provide to their members, the professional players. What does IRPA do in practice? In practice IRPA: Acts as the Professional Players’ world representative body and voice on international rugby issues of importance to professional players and the game of Rugby Union. Examples include issues relating to a. Player Education, Career and Personal Development b. Player Welfare and Support c. Anti-doping and the WADA code d. Tournament Terms of Participation (i.e. RWC, IRB Sevens) e. Injury, Illness and Insurances f. Illegal and Foul play g. International Eligibility h. Rugby in the Olympics i. Season structure j. Laws of the Game k. Interna-onal Player Release l. Agents m. Player Movement Provides support and assistance to member Player Associations including the sharing of best practice, information and initiatives. Why is IRPA important to players and the game of rugby? As a key stakeholder in the game it is essential that professional players have interna-onal representation and input into the development of rugby – IRPA provides the means to achieve this. Professional rugby players all face the same issues. By working collectively and in a professional and united manner they will be more efficient and effective, and more respected. What is IRPA’s relationship with the IRB and its Member Unions? In 2007 IRPA and the IRB agreed a Memorandum of Understanding that provided for the recognition of the IRB as the world governing body for the game and IRPA as the world representative body for professional Rugby Union Players. Under the terms of the MOU the IRB and IRPA agreed to consult on issues of importance to professional players and the game of Rugby Union. The parties acknowledged that the game of rugby faced many opportunities and important decisions at both a professional and amateur level. IRPA and the IRB believe that unity and cooperation is essential to ensure these opportunities are maximised for rugby. The relationship has progressed since this agreement, and IRPA is now involved and across many different issues in the sport. What are the main initiatives IRPA is currently working on? Conferences / Sharing of Best Prac4ce - 1. Bi-annual forums share information, initiatives and new ideas. These forums are crucial in ensuring the ongoing development of current Players’ Associations, but also to help new Player Associations such as Argentina to establish themselves. The latest conference was held in June in Cape Town and the next conference will be in the Northern Hemisphere in November. Player Career, Education and Personal Development Programs (CEPD) - In July IRPA held the first Player Career, Education and Personal Development (CEPD) conference at the IRB offices in Dublin. Representatives from the member Associations working in this area acended, presenting their own programs and sharing case studies. The conference helped to develop new benchmarking criteria, best practice models for player development programs and how the respective programs can assist players moving between countries and competitions. The conference was highly successful and will now become an annual fixture. It is an IRPA objective to establish and develop CEPD programs to the stage where every professional player has access to the support, services and benefits they provides. Its goal is to see professional rugby players have the support to achieve successful and rewarding rugby careers and then go on to achieve in other aspects of their life, including giving back to the game. CEPD programs are integral to ensuring this happens. Regulations relating to the game - From time to time the IRB review the various regula-ons relating to the game. IRPA is now actively providing submissions on behalf of professional rugby players to the IRB and Member Unions. There are still a number of regulations and laws that IRPA believes need to be addressed and updated. IRPA attended the recent ELV conference and voiced its concern over how amendments to the game’s laws were considered and trialled, and the nega-ve impact they had on the game as a result, despite their merit and the positive intentions of those involved. The issues raised were noted and agreements reached on future processes, specifically from IRPA’s perspective the need for greater player involvement, understanding and buy-in from the outset. Anti-doping - There has been much publicity regarding the new WADA anti-doping whereabouts requirements. IRPA is working with the IRB and WADA in an acempt to address these issues. IRPA is also in discussion with other international sporting Players’ Associations such as football, cricket and basketball on how to go about working together to address what is a significant area of concern for modern day athletes. This group is meeting in September 2009 with this one of the issues on the agenda. Rugby World Cup (RWC) 2011 - IRPA has provided its initial submission on behalf of players in relation to the initial dram Terms of Participation for RWC 2011. There are a number of macers raised that are currently being worked through. Ensuring that Players’ receive fair financial reward and recognition for their contribu-on to the commercial success of RWC while maintaining an appropriate balance towards the allocation of funds for the development of the game is one of IRPA’s most pressing goals. Rugby at the Olympics - IRPA has provided ongoing support for rugby’s bid to be included in the Olympics. With a final decision due later this year, the prospects for Sevens Rugby and the game as a whole if we are successful is significant. Season Structure - IRPA was represented at the IRB Season Structure Review held in Woking, England, in December 2007. Since that time IRPA has been disappointed at the lack of progress made to address the issues relating to the international season structure. IRPA is currently reviewing an IRB working group paper rela-ng to the June and November test schedule that stemmed from that conference.

The Springbok rugby team's unhappy marriage with the International Rugby Board took another intriguing turn on Monday, with the revelation that the South Africans have asked for an "explanation" from the IRB about a string of puzzling rulings by New Zealand referee Bryce Lawrence in South Africa's 32-25 Tri-Nations win over Australia. Neville Heilbron, the South African Rugby Union's refereeing advisor with the Bok squad, confirmed to rugby365 that they have been in touch with IRB referees boss Paddy O'Brien and are awaiting his response. Bok coach Peter de Villiers also told a media gathering in Brisbane, ahead of Saturday's showdown with the Wallabies, that they have sought clarity on a number of rulings - after being heavily punished by Lawrence in Perth at the weekend. The Boks, who penalised a total of just 16 times in their three pervious Tests in this year's Tri-Nations, conceded 15 penalties in one match under the Kiwi ref. Their three previous Tests were all handled by Northern Hemisphere officials - Alain Roland (Ireland - in Bloemfontein and Cape Town) and Nigel Owens (Wales - in Durban). The Boks, in beating the All Blacks 28-19 in Bloem, were penalised just four times by Roland. Owens awarded seven penalties against the Boks in their 31-19 win over the Kiwis in Durban a week later and Roland saw just five transgressions by the Boks in their 29-17 win over the Aussies in Cape Town. Yet Lawrence penalised the Boks 15 times, five of those penalties coming at scrum time, in Perth. "I can't understand the penalties and where they came from," De Villiers told a media gathering in Brisbane. "We honestly don't know what many of them were for, particularly the ones against us for scrum infringements. "We want clarification from Paddy [O'Brien] before our scrumming session tomorrow [Tuesday], because we can't understand it. "We want to know what is going on before Saturday's return Test against the Wallabies in Brisbane." The Boks, who were leading 15-0 at the end of the first quarter, were heavily penalised in a 20-minute period - in the latter stages of the first half and the early parts of the second half. The Boks still managed to build up a 22-6 half-time lead and held a 32-13 advantage going into the final 10 minutes. Even though the Springboks were able to overcome perceived refereeing inconsistencies, the Bok coach felt that the matter needed to be addressed. "We can't play the game like that," De Villiers said. "With all that free possession gifted to them they gained confidence and we had to defend really well to keep them out." The Boks will be happy to learn that this week they are back in Northern Hemisphere hands, with England referee Wayne Barnes in charge of the match. The Boks' "query" over Lawrence's handling of the Perth match comes amidst the backdrop of the fall-out over the South Africans' armband protests during the third Test against the British and Irish Lions - over what they felt were inconsistencies in the citing and judicial systems. The Boks have made it clear that they have long held the suspicion that they may be the target of over-officious members of the Australasian fraternity and it would not have been lost on the Bok management that the latest furore has once again been sparked by a New Zealand official's handling of their match. RUGBY365

The NZRPA has embarked on a Research Project to gather information from retired rugby players, who’ve played professionally in New Zealand and / or overseas after the game turned professional in 1996. There are many options now open for players to extend their careers in rugby well beyond their playing days. With our great depth of knowledge, passion and understanding of the game, coaching is an increasingly popular career choice for many ex-New Zealand players. With extensive on-field experience, exposure to different techniques and coaching styles during their careers, New Zealand players have a clear head-start in the coaching ranks. With the right guidance and carefully selected stepping-stones, our players are well-placed to become sought amer coaches on the world scene. One player on the early rungs of the coaching career ladder is Nick White. Forced to hang up his boots prematurely due to arthritis making it difficult for him to run, White is now turning his hand to coaching. Startng with the Mt Albert Grammar Club pre-season, White has also been working his way around Auckland Schools running an ARFU scrum clinic. He has also been appointed as Auckland’s scrum coach for the Air New Zealand Cup. During his playing career coaching was always a back-of-the-mind option for White, “I spent -me at the Highlanders, the Crusaders and the Blues and I used to write down coaching notes all the time. If a coach pointed something out, or I liked someone’s approach I would write it down in a notebook to try and keep as much information as I could. “I have found the transi-on to coaching very enjoyable,” said White. “It is great working with the kids. You get to practice your delivery and how to structure a training session. The school kids are much more forgiving than Super 14 players, so if you get things a little out of order, they don’t tend to notice. You don’t get that sort of leeway with professional teams. So this year is all about learning for me.” White says former players who are now coaching are an inspiration, “Guys like Todd Blackadder, Keith Robinson, Mark Hammet and recently Jono Gibbes have all come straight out of their playing careers and into coaching roles. I think that the fact they are fresh and up-to-date with current coaching methods is a big plus.” NZRPA NEWS

Pierre Spies wants to erase the bad memories of his debut Test for the Springboks at the Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane in 2006. On that day the Boks suffered a humiliating 49-0 thrashing at the hands of the Wallabies when Jake White was still the Bok coach. "I remember it well. I made my debut along with Akona Ndungane in that game. It was just one of those nights when we really did not know what was happening. The Aussies cut the line at will. It has been a while since then and our team has reached a different level in recent times," Spies said at the Springbok hotel on Tuesday. According to the powerful No 8 the team is not even thinking of that game anymore and the focus is now on enjoying the rugby and they are looking forward to Saturday's clash. "All we want to do is to improve on our weaknesses and strengths. I am always keen on growing and just getting better, fulfilling my role in the team and try to become the best I can be. That's why I want to be there," he explained. Spies made his name by scoring extravagant tries, but he feels it is not always possible in Test rugby. "In test rugby defenses are tight and you don't always get the opportunity to score spectacular tries. As a forward I enjoy doing the hard work and getting my hands dirty as well. Spies has already racked up 26 caps. "It's funny in a team like this 26 caps doesn't seem a lot. "I am just glad to be able to pick up as much experience as possible and building on that. In a few years time we will be the senior players who will have to show the youngsters the ropes." Spies believes its going to be a huge battle amongst the two sets of forwards especially amongst the loose forwards. The Wallabies have made a few changes to their loose trio. They have moved their captain George to eighth man. Wycliff Palu drops to the bench with David Pocock coming into the starting line-up. Spies believes the Bok loose-trio will have their work cut out against their Wallaby counterparts "Juan (Smith) and Heinrich (Brüssow) and I, will just have to work together as a unit, get the balance right and try to complement each other. "Everybody is going to try to make a step up and climb in at the breakdowns and try to steal balls. Sometimes it comes off and other times it doesn't. Last weekend was a good result and we will just have to build on that," he added. NEWS24

Die Vrystaatse bond van oud-spelers, VRYBOS, het saamgespan en geldelike bystand verleen om te verseker dat die oud-Springbok van die Vrystaat, Joggie Jansen (61), ‘n duur rugoperasie kan ondergaan. Die Vrystaat-span wat in 1976 die Curriebeker gewen het, het verlede jaar in Februarie byeengekom en die idee om oud-spelers geldelik by te staan, het daar ontstaan, vertel Theuns Stofberg, die voorsitter van VRYBOS, en ook ‘n oud-Springbok. “Joggie moet ‘n gespesialiseerde rugoperasie ondergaan en ons gaan hom geldelik daarmee bystaan. Hy is die eerste oud-speler wat op hierdie vlak by VRYBOS gaan baatvind.” Die bond is verlede jaar in Oktober met die reünie van 1976 se Vrystaatspan gestig. Verskeie bekendes was teenwoordig, o.a. die oudste lewende Springbok kaptein, Basie Viviers, wie die Springbok toerspan in 1956 na Nieu-Seeland aangevoer het. Benewens Stofberg is daar ander bekendes soos Ross van Reenen, Neels Barendrecht, Eben Jansen (Joggie se broer), Edrich Krantz, Dirk Froneman, Gerrie Germishuys en Jan Schlebusch wat in die “raad” dien. Oud-Vrystaters en ander belangstellendes kan Theuns Stofberg skakel by 083 981 3119.

The reaction to the buying and/or poaching of players remains a very emotional issue among Sport24's users. Suggestions I made a couple of weeks back regarding the Western Province/Stormers recruitment policy certainly got a lot of fingers typing and some of those comments turned rather personal. Any columnist must be prepared to "take it" if he/she wants to dish it out, but maybe one can look at the whole issue of player movements in a less emotional way. Let’s look at the facts and what they show us. When can a province like the Bulls or Stormers or Sharks, "lay claim" a player? Does a union have the right to claim a player just because he went to school in that province? Or does it start when the player makes a Craven Week or some representative schools side? Most player recruitment takes place after school, but I am sure all of you know or have heard of some school kid who was offered some sort of assistance to move to another school. Sometimes it is the availability of a hostel or residence at school while sometimes the payment of school fees is the determining factor. Or does the real development of a player start once he gets his first professional contract? Representative rugby For example, can the Bulls claim CJ Stander by way of the fact that they will develop him over the next five years, or did Outeniqua, a well recognised rugby school, put enough investment into the former SA Schools captain for SWD to justify a claim to him, taking into consideration that unions often have no impact on schools rugby other than paying for their Craven Week kit? Let’s take it further. Let’s say a union can claim a player where he played his FIRST representative rugby, after all it was this union who made the call to pick that player, who paid him his first match fee and must bear the consequences on that player’s ability to take the step up to the next level. There is no doubt that Grey College in Bloemfontein is the biggest nursery of rugby players in the country. But, are they not weakening Free State schools rugby in the process? For example. Frans Steyn, Jannie du Plessis and Bismarck du Plessis all attended the same primary school in Bethlehem followed by the same high school in Bloemfontein some 200km away. Coincidence? Not at all. But the impact Grey have on national rugby is so massive that one can almost forgive them for what they do to schools rugby in their own province. First provincial side Let’s take the WP and Blue Bulls sides that will play this weekend and see how they shape up. First, let’s list them according to the region in which they attended school and then by the first provincial side for which they were picked. Due to space limitations, I will just analyse the starting XVs in each case, with WP first. Joe Pietersen (Free State), Tonderai Chavhanga (Zimbabwe), Juan De Jongh (Boland), Morgan Newman (WP), Gio Aplon (Boland), Peter Grant (Natal), Dewaldt Duvenhage (WP), Luke Watson (EP), Duane Vermeulen (Pumas), Francois Louw (WP), Anton Van Zyl (WP), Chris Jack (New Zealand), Brok Harris (Lions), Deon Fourie (Bulls), Wicus Blaauw (Griquas). So we have four WP scholars, two from Boland and one each from Griquas, Lions, Bulls, EP, Pumas, Free State, Natal, Zimbabwe and New Zealand. If you take the same XV and take a look at where they got their first senior provincial start (Currie Cup), the situation changes somewhat in that WP gave Pietersen, De Jongh, Newman, Aplon, Grant, Louw and Fourie (seven in total) their first starts. The Bulls side displays a similar tale. Zane Kirchner (SWD), Gerhard van den Heever (Bulls), Jaco Pretorius (Natal), Stefan Watermeyer (Bulls), Francois Hougaard (WP), Burton Francis (Leopards), Heini Adams (Boland), Dewald Potgieter (EP), Pedrie Wannenburg (SWD), Deon Stegmann (FS), Wilhelm Steenkamp (WP), Flip van der Merwe (FS), Werner Kruger (Valke), Derick Kuün (Bulls), Jaco Engels (Leopards). They have three local boys, two from the Leopards, SWD, Free State and WP and one each from Natal, Boland, EP and the Falcons. Looking at the players' first provincial starts, the Blue Bulls can lay claim to 10, in Van den Heever, Watermeyer, Hougaard, Francis, Potgieter, Wannenburg, Stegmann, Steenkamp, Kruger and Kuün, with Griquas, the Leopards, Free State, the Lions and Boland the other unions to first select Saturday's Blue Bulls starting XV. This is only one example, but maybe it shows that the Bulls have a better scouting system in place. What it does show is that there is no guarantee that your own schoolboy stars will stay with you IF YOU DON’T PAY THEM WELL. Maybe that is the main reason for the movement of players. The fact that some provinces are more successful than others may also be bait as the road to national teams does start in places like Pretoria, Durban and Cape Town. What is also clear is that the likes of the Leopards, SWD and Boland remains valuable contributors to our national game. The question SA Rugby needs to ask itself is whether these lesser lights must remain feeder teams to other bigger unions for the rest of their existence or whether, with the right investment, they can become forces in their own right, as they clearly have the players. JJ HARMSE FOR NEWS24

Controversial South African flanker Luke Watson is amongst a list of around 70 southern hemisphere internationals who are set to have a huge impact on the English Premiership season which starts on Friday. Steve Kefu, Schalk Brits, Carlos Spencer, Carl Hayman, Nick Evans, Rico Gear, Greg Somerville, Butch James, and Sisaro Koyamaibole are among impressive cast of big names registered with Premiership clubs for the upcoming campaign. England coach Martin Johnson has seen several Test players opt to play their club rugby in France, but it is far from one-way traffic as the English game welcomes a host of imports. Watson, capped ten times by his country, will join Bath in November from Western Province, having admitted further Test honours are on the back burner for the time being. The back rower's career has been mired in controversy since he was forced into the national side by the South Africa Rugby Union in 2007, against the wishes of then-coach Jake White, and Watson says he is still not happy with the rugby environment in his homeland. But fellow South African, and Bath captain Michael Claassens, is welcoming Watson to the Recreation Ground with open arms. "I think he is going to be a big boost for the club," said Claasens. "He is not only a class player but he is a great leader on and off the field. He leads by example and what he said was taken out of proportion." Bath have had an eventful pre-season, with four players leaving the club over lurid drugs allegations. But the episodes could not dissuade the 25-ear-old Watson from decamping to England. "I'm a very clean-living guy," Watson insisted. "I don't touch alcohol or anything and I think that helped with Bath's decision. It was part of the reason I was asked to go there." Fijian back-rower Koyamaibole, who has joined Sale, could be one of the signings after two disappointing years at French club Toulon. The 29-year-old has been on a strict conditioning regime to shed weight but Sale boss Kingsley Jones is convinced he is the man to replace Frenchman Sebastien Chabal, who has returned home. "This guy has got the lot," said Jones. "He is the person we are missing to go forward in the back row. He can do everything Chabal did - he just needs to get his fitness right. "He is a guy who has run 100 metres in under 11 seconds and who weighed 139 kilos. He is now down to under 127 kilos - his target is 119. Once he gets his pace he can bring a lot to the team and the Premiership." Add in London Irish's Samoan three-quarters Sailosi Tagicakibau and Seilala Mapusa, who caused havoc last term along with Gloucester flanker Akapusi Qera, and it is clear the imports will have a huge bearing on the outcome of the English season. Brits, a 28-year-old hooker, arrives from the Stormers to join Saracens where he will link-up with a fellow Springbok in fly-half Derick Hougaard, the former Bull, who had a stint at Leicester. "Schalk is a world-class player right in his prime, he has the 'X' factor that can turn the game in an instant," said Director of rugby Brendan Venter. With scrum-half Nils de Kock already at the club along with back row forward Wikus Van Heerden, and prop Frik Venter and second row Mouritz Botha joining the north London outfit, fans were worried Saracens were being turned into a South African outpost. But Venter tried to allay their fears by saying: "We speak English at Saracens. We don't speak Afrikaans or Italian or Fijian." PLANET RUGBY

Wallaby coach Robbie Deans serenaded a belated 80-minute performance from his team after they had beaten the Springboks 21-6 in the Tri-Nations at a Suncorp Stadium where South Africa have since 1971 not won a rugby Test. Bok captain John Smit and his team will have to wait another few years to exorcise the memory of their previous visit to Brisbane, where they were walloped 49-0 in 2006. But after Saturday's battle, where South Africa were outplayed by their hosts, neither coach Peter de Villiers nor Smit were pressing any panic buttons. South Africa, with a 9-point advantage on the log over second placed New Zealand - their opponents in Hamilton next weekend - are still overwhelming favourites to clinch the trophy for only the third time in 16-years. "Not giving them a start helps," said Deans of the recipe that set his team on their way to victory. Australia scored the first points and led on the scoreboard from the first minute to the last, as opposed to Perth a week earlier where they were always chasing the game. "The boys kept playing for eighty minutes. We had three tries over the line disallowed (by the TMO) and the guys kept coming and kept their heads up for 80 minutes. " It was evident at the end there that some belief and confidence kicked in, showing great spirit for such a young group of players and that's what we've been looking for," said Deans. Wallaby captain George Smith hailed the performance of Zimbabwean-born openside flank David Pocock, who made his run on debut and delivered a five star performance at the breakdown. "The pressure on "Poco" was immense. But it was fantastic the way the guys got up and were looking for work. At the ruck area we were fantastic and we counter-rucked a couple of times too. We played well in that area," said Smith. Deans was also full of praise for scrumhalf Will Genia, who also started his first Test and made a big difference to the performance of playmaker Matt Giteau and the Wallaby backs. Even though Genia tapped and ran a penalty close to the poles, being denied a try by the TMO after opposite Fourie du Preez had ripped the ball out of his hands, Deans refused to criticise the rookie No 9 for his rash decision. "There's no doubt both (Pocock and Genia) made a difference to us. Will cleaned up a few times and got us out of jail. "What we want is when we throw a rope to those blokes is for them to do well. It was fantastic that he took a tap and went for the line. We want everyone in the group to be prepared to take the initiative and back their instincts," said Deans. The other Wallaby receiving post-match accolades was loosehead prop Benn Robinson, who twice popped Smit out of the scrum and won two penalties in a set piece where the Springboks have been struggling. "It's great to see the growth of our scrum and being rewarded in an area we have worked hard on that is now one of our strengths," said Deans. Smit said "the intensity was not quite where it should have been. It's hard to pinpoint where it went wrong. We had our moments and just couldn't put it together. "Nevertheless, we still created pressure and they beat us at our own game. "Obviously we started on a bad foot and kept chasing the score-line. It is healthy in the Tri-Nations to try and get into your opponents half. A lot of calls were not going our way. Sometimes you get them, sometimes you don't. "But at halftime, at 9-6, we were happy because they were dominant and we felt we had made the best of a bad first forty. "We came out in the second half and for a while it looked as if we might turn it around. But we didn't spend enough time in their half and create pressure. "We looked up with eight minutes to play at creating those opportunities by setting up a drive, but were not given those opportunities. No one loses four on the trot (Wallabies) and just rocks up. They were far more formidable, but rest assured we will be fired up for our final game in Hamilton," said Smit. De Villiers said Bryan Habana, who left the field in the first half with an injury, had a tight hamstring. "The risk of keeping him on was far greater than taking him off," he said. He said the scrums, where South Africa have struggled in recent weeks, had become the "new grey area of rugby". "It used to be the breakdown, now it is the scrum. You do not know which way it is going to go and sometimes it is more guesswork," he said.

Former Springbok captain Bob Skinstad presented the Springboks with their match jerseys on Friday ahead of the Tri-Nations showdown with the All Blacks at Waikato Stadium in Hamilton on Saturday. Skinstad, who represented South Africa in 42 Tests and captained the Boks 12 times, retired after winning a World Cup medal in 2007. He is now a familiar face on SuperSport and is part of their commentary team in Hamilton. "It is a privilege for me to be on tour with the Boks and I am just happy I don’t have to do the daily fitness work," he quipped when he spoke to the squad. In his message to the players he said: "I have one regret and one ambition to talk about. "The regret is that I should have enjoyed things more when I had the privilege to be in your position. When I see how important your role is, not only in South Africa, but also around the world, I realise that I did not appreciate it as much as I should have. "If you can understand this and embrace it you will go on to be remembered as one of the greatest Springbok teams ever. "Over the next two year to the 2011 Rugby World Cup you will face numerous challenges. If you pour the energy that you will need for these challenges into your preparations for tomorrow’s Test you will do well and that is my ambition for this team," he said. Skinstad’s message was well received by the team. Meanwhile, the Boks hosted two young South African cancer sufferers for lunch at their Hamilton hotel on Friday. Leon, 15, lives in Auckland and Moryan, 11, lives in Hamilton. The two met with some players and attended the Springbok press conference before joining the team in the dining room. The Boks also celebrated Chiliboy Ralepelle’s 23rd birthday on Friday. RUGBY365

The Springboks claim they will only get better as they work towards the defence of their World Cup title and say winning this year's Tri-Nations title would be a big step forward for them. The pace-setting Boks have a chance to wrap up just their third Tri-Nations title when they play the All Blacks in Hamilton tomorrow night. Two years on from their last World Cup win in France and two years out from the defence of that crown in New Zealand, skipper John Smit expressed satisfaction with the state of his South African side but also a real belief that there is plenty of room for improvement. "I think it's a wonderful group of players that we have and we have got a coaching staff that understands what direction this group of players need to move," said South African captain John Smit. He said in winning the 2007 World Cup the age group of the team meant they most of them would be in their true prime in 2011. "If I was looking at us I'd be reasonably pleased with where we are sitting but I'd keep the boat sailing in the right direction." Vice-captain and lock Victor Matfield went further, saying: "There are a lot of youngsters and the more exposure they get the better they can become. I think they can get much better... definitely better than we are at the moment. I think the team can develop every year." The All Blacks four year reign as Tri-Nations champions is under real threat and the Boks, who beat New Zealand twice in South Africa, are desperate to seal the deal tomorrow, rather than have to wait to watch the outcome of the tournament's last match next week when the Wallabies play in Wellington. "We haven't had the Tri-nations since 2004. It wouldn't be about breaking them (the All Blacks), it would be about us getting our hands on it a few more times than usual," said Smit. "It's a tournament that the All Blacks have dominated and rightly so – they have played the best rugby in the past to do that. "It's a tough tournament and it's only got tougher with the extra game against each country. So to win the Tri-Nations is no small feat in this day and age." Matfield said last year's win in Dunedin had given the Springboks plenty of confidence that they could win in New Zealand again. Smit said last week's loss to Australia in Brisbane had steeled the side to bounce back in Hamilton. RUGBYHEAVEN NZ

Springbok captain John Smit hailed his side's victory in Hamilton as 'epic', and expressed his delight in having wrapped up the Tri-Nations with a win in New Zealand that will rank amongst his greatest achievements. It was Smit's first Test win in New Zealand, as he missed out on the thrilling victory in Dunedin last year after being injured by a Brad Thorn spear tackle in Wellington a week earlier. He got his own back in more ways than one, producing one of the moments of the game with a massive legal hit on the All Black lock. "I've waited a long time to win [a Test] in New Zealand," Smit said. "Its the first one i've got, so it was very satisfying for me as a person, "But more so than ever, this is a team that worked very hard. We have come from a World Cup triumph win and built on that so i’m very proud of the boys." Smit hailed Frans Steyn's goalkicking, dubbing the France-bound talent a 'rocket launcher', and praised his side's character in holding off a second-half All Black onslaught to hold on for the 'epic' three-point win. "It was epic," he said. "We said at halftime the All Blacks are an 80 minute team. "We wanted to come out strong in the second and I’m just happy the boys stuck it out to seal it off at the end." The 90-Test veteran paid tribute to the All Blacks for 'chasing us to the last second', and after having wrapped up the country's third Tri-Nations crown, the skipper is already looking forward to the side's next conquest - an end-of-year tour to Europe. "To our guys, you deserve this, may you all go back to the Currie Cup, work hard and we'll catch up again in November." Smit's Springbok team now holds the World Cup, Lions series and Tri-Nations crowns. RUGBY365

Bryan Habana says South Africa's fliers will be happy to chase high kicks right through to the Rugby World Cup if it means winning test matches. The Springboks continued to pressure the All Blacks in Hamilton on Saturday night with towering up-and-unders and their star wing said he had no issue with the tactics after the Tri-Nations was added to a bulging trophy cabinet. "I enjoy it. When you are winning and doing stuff within a structure that's benefiting the team that is what counts," Habana said. "The contribution we make with our kick-chase is more important than the kicks themselves. The way the game is played you can either just kick and hope or kick and have a great chase. "In the past we used to have one or two players going after that ball, now we have four or five helping increase that pressure. "Myself and JP [Pietersen] and Odwa [Ndungane] have grown into something that [is vital to what] the structure is about," he said. "It doesn't just stop with the wings, it goes from one to 15 to the guys on the bench." South Africa's first try in Hamilton, to halfback Fourie du Preez, came after All Blacks wing Joe Rokocoko spilled a high kick. It was one of numerous examples where the Springboks created pressure through kicks. "I'm not worried because the only way to win test match rugby is to get points on the board, playing a territorial game that benefits you," Habana said. "As long as we are winning. We scored two tries today, so I'm not worried about where the game is going. We scored four tries in Perth and I think this team is building on its strengths." Habana believed South Africa had an edge on the All Blacks in the quality of their tactical kickers. "We are lucky to have guys like Fourie, who is probably the best player in the world at the moment I believe, and Morne Steyn, who has come on in leaps and bounds. "He's won the Super 14, a Lions series, then you have a guy like Frans [Steyn] who can kick goals from 60 metres. The kick-chase was probably one area where we were a bit more dominant than them." South Africa have scored 10 tries during the series, more than either New Zealand or Australia who have six each. RUGBYHEAVEN NZ

Springbok midfielder Jaque Fourie has appealed his four-week ban for a spear tackle on All Black centre Ma’a Nonu during Saturday's Tri-Nations title victory in Hamilton. Fourie appeared before the judicial officer, Paul Tully, at a hearing held in Hamilton on Sunday after being cited by Citing Commissioner Scott Nowland for the tackle on Nonu in the 70th minute of the match. The Bok centre believes that Tully was wrong to rule that he had breached rule 10.4 (i) with his tackle. Fourie's agent, Peet van Zyl confirmed to rugby365.com that the player has already lodged a written appeal and they are awaiting SANZAR's response. Van Zyl also said that Fourie did not plead guilty in Sunday's hearing. "Obviously I wasn't in New Zealand when he received the ban but we have lodged an appeal already," Van Zyl told rugby365.com. "We are waiting for them to come back to us with their findings and we hope to have it as soon as possible. "We have looked at the different options and they may lessen the ban but first prize would be for them to overturn the ruling." SA Rugby spokesperson Andy Colquhoun said that they are aware of the appeal and the player has the Union's full support. Fourie's ban has highlighted the inconsistencies that has plagued South Africa's international season in 2009. The Springboks launched protest action in the final Test against the British and Irish Lions after lock Bakkies Botha was banned for illegally clearing a ruck. The South African Rugby Union, skipper John Smit and the players were all subsequently fined by the International Rugby Board for their actions. RUGBY365

Australia have been the closest nation to immediate World Cup “repeat” success, claiming the William Webb Ellis trophy in 1991 and 1999, although the link was spoiled in 1995 by a certain Francois Pienaar and company. South Africa, for their part, have also claimed global rugby’s grandest accolade twice, 12 years apart -- it may be a very long time before any other individual experiences Os du Randt’s twin medal-winning feat with so lengthy a gap in between. Of course New Zealand will be ruefully quick to remind the world that peaking between World Cups is not a recommended formula. That may temper, to some extent, the glee of South African supporters basking in 2009 Tri-Nations glory and licking their lips for the broader 2011 jamboree on Kiwi soil. At the same time, any descent into irrational pessimism is hardly warranted, either: the Boks, after all, do look like smart-money tips, at this long-range point, to make history at that World Cup. Coach Peter de Villiers speaks of bigger things to come from his jubilant charges, and there are few sound reasons to summarily dismiss his contention. Encouraging smoke signals from Bok veterans like their cherished (an important consideration) captain John Smit and lineout maestro Victor Matfield that they may push on to 2011 only enhance the prospect, by my book, of a World Cup repeat. That said, there’s a fine line between satisfaction with the status quo and suspicion that meaningful “freshening” may be in order, isn’t there? I say that because I’m wondering what the SA media reaction would have been had Dan Carter’s late, late cross-kick gone to a waiting All Black hand - rather than fractionally been overcooked into touch - and they’d snatched the Hamilton thriller at the death. The Boks would still have secured the Tri-Nations because they’d have banked a “within seven” bonus point and the All Blacks would only have registered three tries themselves, yet some of the gloss would have been taken off as it would have represented a second tour defeat on the trot for South Africa. And under those circumstances I reckon some domestic critics might have been inclined to suggest a few seasoned Bok legs were creaking – especially as a perception would have been enhanced that the team loses vital puff in the final quarter of matches. But the key thing is that it didn’t happen: the more salient point, for me, was that once again this team managed to close out a tight, critical encounter in their favour, only underlining the composure which strong, experienced minds bring. Toughest terrains to conquer The nucleus of this Bok team, after all, now boasts successive triumphs in New Zealand – among the toughest terrains to conquer anywhere -- in the space of a year, and it must stand the 2011 squad, even if it is sure to be tweaked to at least some degree, in good stead. Nor will the 2011 Boks be a bunch of all-too-obvious old crocks anyway … we ought not forget that. When England won the 2003 tournament, theirs was far more a Dad’s Army than South Africa’s will even be in two years’ time. The pack for the final against Australia included captain Martin Johnson (33), Neil Back (34), Lawrence Dallaglio (31) and Richard Hill (30). In addition, a 35-year-old Jason Leonard came off the bench late in the game. If you examine the Bok eight which started the Hamilton Test, by 2011 only Matfield (34 then), Bakkies Botha (32) and Smit (33) would fall into the 30-plus category, and it is quite feasible that only Jean de Villiers (if he has returned to the SA environment by then) of a 2011 backline will have turned 30 – even the seemingly long-serving Fourie du Preez would still be 29. Could Matfield, the likely oldest customer, indeed go the distance to that World Cup? I don’t see why not, when you consider that he keeps his body in fine nick – he even proudly reminded me a month ago that his fighting weight these days is a lean 108kg, to maximise his legendary athleticism as a jumper, from an early-career 118-120kg as a Golden Cats rookie in the old Super 12. And why shouldn’t Smit actually be a better tighthead prop by then? People forget that this was his big “re-education” year as a prop and he now knows far more, towards the end of it, about the stamina, strength and other requirements of the job at Test level than he did at the outset of it. It must be a comfort that come 2011, players like Beast Mtawarira, Bismarck du Plessis, Pierre Spies, Heinrich Brussow, Morne Steyn and JP Pietersen will be pretty much in their rugby primes and Frans Steyn (a hard-to-believe 24 then) arguably not even quite there yet! Genuinely exciting As always, too, the 2009 Currie Cup is offering up some genuinely exciting Young Turk names for Bok contention a year or two yonder. The wounded All Blacks, of course, are sure to regroup with some vengeance. Australia, I think, will be a much tougher nut to crack two years on, while there is even some cheeky new optimism north of the equator. Former England and Lions lock Paul Ackford suggested in the Daily Telegraph a few days back that “Martin Johnson’s England and Marc Lievremont’s France, historically the two big beasts of the northern hemisphere, appear to be working the kinks out of their systems”. He reminded also that Wales “have the best coaching group in the world in Warren Gatland, Rob Howley and Shaun Edwards”. The way things look at present, though, immortality does appear to beckon fairly tantalisingly in 2011 for several of the Bok class of ‘07 … By Rob Houwing, Sport24's chief writer

Community rugby is alive and thriving with a total 145,472 players signing up to play rugby in New Zealand – a four per cent increase on last year’s total. The New Zealand Rugby Union (NZRU) has announced its player numbers for 2009. The total number of players in 2009 represents an annual increase of 5,193 players registered with New Zealand’s 26 Provincial Unions (PUs). One of the biggest increases comes in the under 13 age group with a six percent growth in this area. NZRU General Manager Community Rugby Brent Anderson welcomed the increase as a positive sign that rugby is continuing to have an important place in New Zealand communities. "Following last year’s small increase, this year’s four per cent increase is great news after a year of many challenges. The increase is a testament to the initiatives in the Community Rugby Plan and the ongoing hard work of our PUs to deliver the game to their communities," Anderson said. "Opportunities are being provided for kids to enter the game via our Small Blacks and Rippa Rugby programmes and the kids are availing themselves of these opportunities. "While players in the 13-20 year age group are down slightly [down one percent], players in the over 21 age group have increased four per cent and this highlights the ongoing need to focus on teenagers given the choices they now have. The increase in players aged 21 and over is great news for clubs around the country." Anderson was especially pleased with the 23 percent increase in registered administrators and volunteers. "A concerted effort was made to capture the details of the many people who give up their time, so they can benefit from Rugby World Cup 2011 ticketing offers and more than a 1000 have opted to do so. "Rugby at the community level has had a very strong feel about it this year, reflected in the reports of increased interest and spectators at schools and club games and evidenced by the pleasing increase in numbers. “What is important now is that we build on this growth to ensure rugby at all levels is strong, positive and continuing to give New Zealanders a great experience," Anderson said. National registrations for 2009: (Stats 2008; 2009) Players: 140,279; 145,472 - (4 percent increase) Coaches: 10,287; 10,557 - (3 percent) Referees: 2,394; 2,255 - ( minus 6 percent) Administrators & Volunteers: 5,246; 6458 (23 percent increase) RUGBY365

The Golden Lions Rugby Union is ready to "fight to the bitter end" to retain the services of star Springbok centre Jaque Fourie, as their tug-of-war with Western Province heads to arbitration later this month. The contractual dispute between the GLRU, the Bok centre, Fourie and WP Rugby (Pty) Ltd is being "closely monitored" by the South African Rugby Players Association as a "watershed" case. Fourie, who has an offer worth almost ZAR4-million from WP on his table, claims that his contract with the GLRU is not binding - a statement disputed by his current union. The two unions, the Lions and WP, have agreed to an arbitration meeting - scheduled for September 28 and 29, to be chaired by advocate Schalk Burger - but GLRU President Kevin de Klerk has made it clear they will not stop there in their battle to end the mass exodus that has plagued the Lions since Eugene Eloff was sacked as head coach in June. Others who are leaving the union or have already left include lock Gerhard Mostert (Sharks), Anton van Zyl (Western Province), Dewald Senekal (Toulon, France), Cobus Grobler (Dax, France), Jannes Labuschagne (out injured, contemplating retirement again), André Pretorius (Western Force), Willie Wepener (Clermont, France), Ernst Joubert (Saracens, England) and Ethienne Reynecke (Saracens, England). It is for this reason that the GLRU have decided to "dig in their heels" on the Fourie case. GLRU President Kevin de Klerk remains adamant that their contract with Fourie is binding, despite strong protestations to the contrary from Fourie, as well as his agent and lawyer. De Klerk, speaking from his hospital bed where he was preparing for appendix surgery, told rugby365 that it is the same 20-page contract all player sign in South Africa and is valid till next year October. "We, as President and CEO [Manie Reyneke], will to go arbitration, but I can't see what they are going to arbitrate - because there is a contract. "We feel very strongly about this, and we will dig in our heels." Asked if they will abide by what happens at the arbitration hearing De Klerk said: "If it is in our favour. If it is not [in our favour] we will continue to fight, we are not going to let this go easy. "There are players who are far to quick and too easy to depart. "Manie [Reyneke, the CEO] and myself have decided to dig in our heels and we will not allow that to take place. "If SARU and other unions want to be lax on it, good luck to them, we are not going to be a pushover." De Klerk admitted that the departure of so many senior players - as part of the fall-out over Eloff's axing - is reason for concern. "Very much so," he said when asked if they are concerned, adding: "That is the reason why we are digging in our heels. "There are lots of reasons why people left, some of those are very valid and one or two maybe not so valid. "We have taken a decision not to let our current [contracted] players go." SARPA CEO Piet Heymans told rugby365 that they are monitoring the situation very closely, but are not directly involved. "It is a watershed case," the players' union boss said, adding that they have spent a lot of time and money to draw up the 'collective agreement and standard players contract' and that this case could have serious repercussions for them as a players' union. Heymans, who may have to give evidence at the arbitration hearing, said they will only make a call once the arbitration and subsequent actions of the two unions have reached its conclusion. Christo Ferreira, the General Manager legal matters at SARU/SA Rugby, also confirmed that the national body is not playing any role in the matter - even though Western Province requested their intervention. "Initially Western Province asked us, in terms of the regulations, to make a ruling on the release certificate, because there is a dispute between the two parties," Ferreira told rugby365. "We told them to sort out the validity of the contract and then come to us. "They wanted a ruling because we ruled in the Brian Mujati case [also between WP and the Lions], but that [Mujati] was a different case, with very different circumstances and the rules don't make provision for us to rule on the validity of a contract." By Jan de Koning RUGBY365

Two facilities in Port Elizabeth's previously disadvantaged areas will be upgraded thanks to a healthy cash injection of ZAR2 million by SA Rugby and the British & Irish Lions Charitable Trust, following the hugely successful tour of South Africa. Several proposals for facilities to be considered for development/upgrading in the Port Elizabeth area were submitted to SA Rugby and The Lions. After careful consideration and recommendations from the Eastern Province Rugby Football Union (EPRU) as well as the Sports Portfolio Committee of Parliament, it was decided to support the upgrading of two fields at the Isaac Wolfson Stadium and one at the Windvogel Sports Grounds, both located in townships in the outlying areas of Port Elizabeth. The projects were initiated at a sod-turning ceremony on Friday at the Windvogel Facility attended by the chairman of the Parliamentary Sports Portfolio Committee, Butana Komphela, Johan Prinsloo, CEO of the South African Rugby Union and Cheeky Watson, the president of the Eastern Province Rugby Football Union, among other dignitaries. "These are multi-purpose sports grounds, but the rugby fraternity in the area will have priority use of the upgraded fields," said André Homan, SA Rugby's Project Manager for the Lions Tour. "These grounds host many of the township clubs in Port Elizabeth, both for training and the playing of games. The grounds belong to the Nelson Mandela Bay Metro [NMBM] and are in desperate need of upgrading. The metro fully support the initiatives of SA Rugby and the Lions," Homan added. Two rugby fields at the Isaac Wolfson Stadium, in the heart of Kwazakhele Township, will be upgraded. This area has a very rich history when it comes to black rugby in South Africa and the fields are used by the following clubs: Zwide United, PE Villagers, St. Cyprian, and Sunday Stars. Several schools also use the fields – Phakamisa High, Thamsanqa High, Mzontsundu High and Seyisi Primary. Windvogel Sports Ground is situated in the heart of the previously disadvantaged community of Windvogel and is close to Zwide Township. It is also used by numerous rugby clubs in the area, such as Windvogel United (junior and senior), Hillside High and Republic Primary. John Feehan, Chief Executive of the Lions said: "We are delighted to be involved in this project and to leave a legacy behind after this memorable Tour to South Africa." According to Homan, the pitches, fencing, lighting and irrigation at both grounds will be upgraded. The NMBM has indicated that they are considering getting onboard with this project by upgrading of the change-rooms at the Isaac Wolfson Stadium at their own expense. Noqanda Engineering has been identified by the EPRU and the Portfolio Committee to act as contractors. They will manage this project with the input and support of the NMBM. Local sub-contractors will be used, which will be screened properly by SA Rugby and the NMBM. SA Rugby has appointed Luvuyo Matsha as consultant to oversee the project. This entire project will be completed with the contributions received from SA Rugby and the Lions. "The NMBM Council has given a guarantee that these facilities will be properly maintained, while caretakers will be appointed to manage the usage and maintenance, as well as provide security," added Homan. "The plans have now been approved by all the South Africa stakeholders and work will start within the next few days. We will provide continuous progress reports, while the contribution of the Lions will be acknowledged." RUGBY365

The Blue Bulls Company (Pty) Ltd has secured the services of the Griquas' tighthead prop Bees Roux. The 27-year-old Roux has signed a two-year contract with the Bulls on Thursday and he will join up with his new teammates on November 1. Roux, who made his Currie Cup debut in 2005, for the Leopards, before he joined the Griquas in 2007, says he is extremely excited about all the new challenges and opportunities that await him at Loftus Versfeld, and he is convinced that it was the right thing to do at this stage of his career. "I've have a wonderful time in Kimberley with the Griquas and I am sad to leave, but an offer to play for the Bulls is a once in a lifetime opportunity," Roux said. "The Bulls are a highly successful team and it will be a huge honour to play with all their world class players. "I can obviously learn a great deal from them and I would like contribute to what they have achieved in the last couple of seasons." Head coach Frans Ludeke added that it was very important for the Bulls to sign another experienced tighthead and he is full of confidence that Roux will be able to anchor the Bulls' scrum. "Bees has done very well for the Cheetahs in the Super 14 and together with Werner Kruger, Frik Kirsten and Rossouw de Klerk we will be able to go from strength to strength in the future." RUGBY365

Coach John Plumtree says that Ruan Pienaar’s game of musical chairs is over and he will be used at scrumhalf for the Sharks for the rest of the Currie Cup. Plumtree, mightily relieved after the log-leading Sharks edged out the challenging Free Staters 24-13 at King’s Park on Saturday evening, said it was time the some order and stability returned to Pienaar’s rugby life. Pienaar has been shunted between scrumhalf, flyhalf and fullback for the Springboks and his rugby has suffered. Bok coach Peter de Villiers reportedly said at the weekend that he still regarded Pienaar as South Africa’s best flyhalf although he has been replaced by Morne Steyn and his prodigious boot. Pienaar wants to be a scrumhalf and Plumtree is happy to accommodate him. “Ruan needs to start feeling good about his game and the game of rugby again. Circumstances (an injury to Juan Martin Hernandez) may result in him having to play at flyhalf again but the plan at the moment is to use at scrumhalf.” Pienaar took over from Charl McLeod at scrumhalf against Free State and he became increasingly more influential as the Sharks resisted a strong Cheetahs’ revival to win. Plumtree said he had heard not a word from the Springnok coaching staff about Pienaar. “They all on holiday, aren’t they? he asked with a smile. “I’m working.” And he had a tough job on Saturday as his Sharks mixed good with bad in a generally untidy display. “It was a bit of a mess of a match,” said Plumtree, “and neither side could get good clean ball and any momentum from the scrum and the breakdown were there was so much going on. “It went exactly as I thought it would. Free State are a proud team and I knew they would life difficult for us. I’m just relieved to have won. We knew it was going to be a difficult week full of disruptions as we tried to integrate the Boks back into the system. “We certainly needed to tighten up in the second half and our kicking game was far too loose. But know we can work on our combinations and we can rest some players and use some Boks who need more game time, guys like Adi Jacobs, Jannie du Plessis and Ryan Kankowski , who have done a lot of practising but very little playing.” The Sharks looked vulnerable for long periods on Saturday when they faffed about in their own half or when the Free Staters, and particularly fullback Fabien Juries, split their defence. Fortunately, for the Sharks, the small fullback ran away from his support on three occasions and tries went missing. Cheetahs coach Naka Drotske said that Juries, one of world’s top sevens players, was always going to replace the injured Hennie Daniller but he had kept that a secret to prevent the Sharks’ exploiting the new fullback’s deficiencies under the high ball. “But I thought Juries was the best player on the field.” He said that the Free Staters lost because they twice turned over possession in the first half (which the Sharks turned into tries) and they missed four kicks at goal. He was also envious of the Sharks who had the luxury of returning Springboks to act as game-breakers in the second half. The Sharks had a forgettable day with flyhalf Hernandez, playing on his heels, among those making a string of errors under pressure. Fullback Stefan Terblanche was again sound, saving two certain tries with head-on tackles, and making one for Waylon Murray with a remarkable one-handed take and pass, while centre Andries Strauss and lock Steven Sykes were also prominent in the win. The Sharks did lose two players to injury with Craig Burden (damage to the shoulder joint) and big flank Jean Deysel (knee) hobbling off. Plumtree said that Burden was likely to be sidelined for three weeks and the initial medical assessment was that Deysel’s injury was not serious. The Sharks now face the Leopards at King’s Park on Friday evening and, as Plumtree conceded, they will have learnt a valuable lesson on Saturday evening – that you cannot keep trying to play rugby deep in your own half against quality opposition. NEWS24

The Blue Bulls' team doctor Org Strauss confirmed on Monday afternoon that Fourie du Preez won't be able to play against the Vodacom Free State Cheetahs. Du Preez has a haematoma (a localized swelling filled with blood resulting from a break in a blood vessel) in his quad muscle that is taking longer to heal than initially expected and he will therefore not be able to face Naka Drotske's team. Good news for the Blue Bulls is that Wynand Olivier (ankle) will start training with his team mates on Tuesday afternoon and Werner Kruger (rib) is making steady progress. A final decision on Kruger's fitness will however only be made on Wednesday. SAPA

Springbok 'rocket launcher' Francois Steyn arrived in France on Monday and met his new teammates at Parisian outfit Racing-Metro. The club said the 22-year-old superboot would start training this week and could be included in the squad for Saturday's home game against Montpellier. Racing-Metro languish one from bottom of the Top 14 league and badly need the skills of the Sharks and Bok star. Steyn, the youngest ever World Cup winner at age 19 in 2007, is hoping that despite moving to France on a three-year contract he will be back in Springbok colours at the next World Cup - which will be staged in New Zealand in 2011. In addition to prodigious kicking ability, Steyn also offers considerable versatility - having played Tests for South Africa in all the backline positions except scrumhalf. Steyn, who made his Bok debut against Ireland at Lansdowne Road in Dublin as a 19-year-old in 2006, has played 36 Tests and scored five tries. He played a key role in South Africa's victorious Tri-Nations run this year when he started at fullback in the decisive Test at the Waikato Stadium, Hamilton, earlier this month. He landed three monstrous penalties - from 53 metres, 58 metres and 60 metres - to help the Boks to a 32-29 win - which clinched the Tri-Nations title for South Africa for a third time. RUGBY365

Western Province wing Tonderai Chavhanga has signed a two-year contract with the Lions for next season. Chavhanga's manager Neil Minnaar confirmed this deal with the Cape Times, saying that WP have failed to show any interest in retaining his services after his contract expires at the end of October. "Tonderai is going to the Lions, he has signed a two-year contract," Minnaar confirmed. "I asked Western Province at the end of the Super 14 what Tondie's situation is as his contract ends on October 31, but nothing has been forthcoming. "So I put his name out in the market and there was lots of interest all over the world. We only heard from WP recently. We met with Rassie Erasmus on September 8, and he said that there would be something from the union by September 14. "Teams in France and the UK wanted to sign him, but I advised Tondie to rather stay in the country. He definitely still wants to play Test rugby, so it would be better for him to play in South Africa." It is understood that Chavhanga, 26, was unhappy when he heard that WP have lured Springbok Bryan Habana to the Cape from the Bulls, and was less than pleased at the prospect of having to battle Habana, Fijian Sireli Naqelevuki and Nick Koster for a place in the Stormers starting team in the Super 14 season. Meanwhile, Stormers coach Rassie Erasmus has confirmed that he had a fruitful meeting with representatives of Boland on Monday, and the upshot is that Hilton Lobberts will be turning out for them for the remainder of the season. “Hilton was out injured for nine weeks, and then he was out with flu for a few more weeks, so he has hardly been able to play this season,” said Erasmus. “We figured out it would only be fair to him if we let him go and play for Boland and thus at least get some game time. He has to play three games for Boland to qualify for their promotion-relegation fixtures,” said Erasmus. Lobberts signed for WP from the Bulls last season. NEWS24

The SANZAR Appeals Committee comprising Terry Willis (Australia, Chairman), Bruce Squire QC (NZ) and Jannie Lubbe SC (South Africa) convened to hear the appeal lodged by Springbok centre Jaque Fourie arising from the decision of the Judicial Officer Paul Tully suspending the player for four matches following the Tri-Nations Test between New Zealand and South Africa at Hamilton, NZ, on 12 September 2009. The Committee, after hearing submissions from Aaron Lloyd, Counsel for the player, and reviewing all the available evidence, upheld the decision that the tackle in question was a lifting tackle and in breach of IRB Law 10.4 (i). While upholding the decision as to the breach, the Committee found that in all the circumstances the penalty was inappropriate and amended the sanction so that the player was suspended from 14 September up to and including 3 October 2009. Fourie will be unavailable for two Absa Currie Cup matches, on 26 September and 3 October. Issued by SANZAR

Western Province added to its depth at flyhalf with the acquisition of Brumbies youngster Matt Toomua, hailed in Australia as one of the wonderboys of rugby. A product of the well-known Brisbane State High School, Toomua made his debut for the Brumbies last year as an 18-year-old as a substitute against the Hurricanes. This season he has regularly played for the Brumbies. Toomua's services for the rest of the Currie Cup is good news, following Willem de Waal's injury that could rule him out for as long as 6 months.

The Blue Bulls have brought tighthead prop Ross Geldenhuys across from the Lions for the remainder of the Currie Cup. Geldenhuys, 26, has been playing for Pirates at the national club championships and featured in the Lions' Currie Cup sides of 2008 and this year, as well as Western Province before then. The Bulls have been forced to increase their depth at tighthead following the unavailability of Rayno Gerber (departed for Europe), Ruan Vermeuelen (retired) and Frik Kirsten (neck injury) and with Werner Kruger injuring his ribs against the Boland, the well of props had almost run dry. Geldenhuys should make his first appearance this coming weekend. PLANET RUGBY

The Lions have been dealt a major blow as scrumhalf Jano Vermaak has been ruled out of action for four months after picking up an ankle injury during last weekend's 31-36 loss to Griquas in Kimberley. Vermaak was referred to a specialist on Wednesday morning who has advised he undergo an operation on Friday. He will not be available for this weekend's clash against Boland and his place will be taken by Chris Jonck, who comes into the startling line-up. Vermaak has two torn ligaments in his ankle, and the operation will rule him out of rugby for the next four months. "It has been found that Vermaak has two town ligaments in his ankle, and will thus need to be operated on this Friday," the Lions said in a statement. "The operation will rule Vermaak out of the game for four months." Meanwhile, Willem Alberts, who was ruled out of last week's game, returns at No.8 and will assume the vice-captain duties. The Lions are sixth on the Currie Cup log and head coach Hans Coetzee said they were intent on climbing the standings. "We are a proud team, and our pride is at stake. We are not underestimating Boland, but we will be going in with all guns blazing and playing to the best of our abilities," he said. "After the match we will assess our situation, and then prepare for the next game. "We are not going to give up or lose focus or throw in the towel," he added. "We will prepare for each match as we have for the last 11." Lions: 15 Alwyn Hollenbach, 14 Dusty Noble, 13 Jannie Boshoff, 12 Doppies la Grange, 11 Johan Jackson, 10 Herkie Kruger, 9 Chris Jonck, 8 Willem Alberts, 7 Derrick Minnie, 6 Baywatch Grobbelaar (captain), 5 Franco van der Merwe, 4 Willems Stoltz, 3 Gert Muller, 2 Hans Van Dyk, 1 JC Janse van Rensburg. Replacements: 16 Derek Harwood, 17 Kevin Buys, 18 Nico Luus, 19 Todd Clever, 20 Earl Rose, 21 Walter Venter, 22 Jaco Taute. RUGBY365

The Rugby Football Union have launched a national campaign called 'This is Rugby' to promote and protect the core values of the sport. The ground-breaking initiative, that was two years in the making, was devised to address concerns that standards of behaviour were changing as more people became involved in rugby. A task group looked at issues ranging from abusive parents on the touchline at mini-rugby to players becoming less respectful to officials and fans at elite matches growing more hostile. English rugby's governing body published the results of their survey, which is separate from the Image of the Game task force appointed in the wake of this summer's 'Bloodgate' scandal, at Twickenham following an extensive consultation exercise at all levels of the game. The research project produced five core values - Teamwork, Respect, Enjoyment, Discipline and Sportsmanship - that the RFU believe underpin the sport and recommended that their place at the heart of the game be vigorously promoted. "These five values are what brought us into the sport and what keep us part of it. They are what rugby union has to offer and go way beyond the pitch and the clubhouse," said RFU President John Owen. "Rugby can be proud of its unique spirit, but it's important to make sure that it is protected for the future. Our next task is to share and promote them within the whole game." Now the RFU, in partnership with Premier Rugby Limited (PRL) and the Professional Rugby Players Association (PRA), will work to promote the core values through the 'This is Rugby' campaign to everyone involved in rugby from the England team to the grassroots game. It is supported by the International Rugby Board and closely linked to the IRB Playing Charter, the expression of the sport's principles made by the game's global governing body. "The Core Values are a key theme of our Strategic Plan, enshrined in our mission statements and codes of conduct, and it's the intention of the RFU and its partners to communicate them to the whole game," said RFU Chief Executive Francis Baron. "Our resources include a promotional film, Z cards, and printed and online materials that will reach all our 1900 member clubs and 3100 member schools, as well as a series of workshops that will run throughout the country." Premier Rugby boss Mark McCafferty threw the weight of the Guinness Premiership behind the campaign. "The qualities engendered by the Core Values have been a key component in making the Guinness Premiership a vibrant competition, attracting a wide and growing audience that includes many women, children and families," he said. "It is the responsibility of the Guinness Premiership clubs to live up to those Core Values and we will be promoting them to our supporters at our grounds and through our award-winning community programmes." His thoughts were echoed by PRA Chief Executive Damian Hopley who said, "As we have seen this summer there are new challenges the sport has come across. The key issue is how we react. This is a tangible investment from the Rugby Football Union and the Premiership clubs. This is a very positive step forward. "Yes, there were some serious body blows to the game but we should not lose sight of the fact that there are some outstanding individuals playing, coaching and refereeing the game after a pretty horrific summer. The players have a burning ambition to restore the reputation of the game by adopting these core values that transcend the amateur and professional game." The RFU proudly boasted that rugby union is the fastest growing major sport in the country (according to a recent Sport England survey) and was, "attracting more people than ever to enjoy a vibrant game as professional and amateur players, volunteers and supporters." But they acknowledged that the growth of the game brought with it new challenges with many people new to the game unaware of the, "standards that are its strengths." These concerns led to the formation of the RFU's Core Values Task Group in 2007 to evaluate what the game stood for and what it should represent in the future. The work of this group, chaired by past RFU president Bob Rogers, uncovered many examples that demanded attention. These included parents acting and shouting aggressively towards referee and opponents; the hostile behaviour of some spectators at elite matches; and players adopting a less respectful attitude towards match officials. The core values project is the first time a sport has set out to define its value system in formal terms and the evidence assessed included written and oral testimonies, focus groups and an online survey. The RFU's Image of the Game task force, formed in response to the recent fake-blood and drugs-related scandals that blighted the game earlier this year, will publish their initial findings at Twickenham next week. The 'This is Rugby' Core Values: Teamwork: Teamwork is essential to our sport. We welcome all new team members and include all because working as a team enriches our lives. We play selflessly: working for the team, not for ourselves alone, both on and off the field. We take pride in our team, rely on one another and understand that each player has a part to play. We speak out if our team or sport is threatened by inappropriate words or actions. Respect: Mutual respect forms the basis of our sport. We hold in high esteem our sport, its values and traditions and earn the respect of others in the way we behave. We respect our match officials and accept their decisions. We respect opposition players and supporters. We value our coaches and those who run our clubs and treat clubhouses with consideration. Enjoyment: Enjoyment is the reason we play and support rugby union. We encourage players to enjoy training and playing. We use our sport to adopt a healthy lifestyle and build life skills. We safeguard our young players and help them have fun. We enjoy being part of a team and part of the rugby family. Discipline: Strong discipline underpins our sport. We ensure that our sport is one of controlled physical endeavour and that we are honest and fair. We obey the laws of the game which ensure an inclusive and exciting global game. We support our disciplinary system, which protects our sport and upholds its values. We observe the sport's laws and regulations and report serious breaches. Sportsmanship: Sportsmanship is the foundation upon which rugby union is built. We uphold the rugby tradition of camaraderie with team-mates and opponents. We observe fair play both on and off the pitch and are generous in victory and dignified in defeat. We play to win but not at all costs and recognise both endeavour and achievement. We ensure that the wellbeing and development of individual players is central to all rugby activity. © Scrum.com

Melbourne's bid to secure a place in the Super 15 seems to be in tatters after it was revealed that their key financial backer, VicSuper15, has withdrawn. The VicSuper15 consortium, including mining magnate Kevin Maloney, have decided to pull out because of dissatisfaction with the Australian Rugby Union handled the bid process. According to a report in the Australian Newspaper, the VicSuper15 directors will not invest in the new private ownership model to be created by the ARU for the team. There have been varying reports about how much money Maloney would inject into the team, ranging from $400,000 to $2million a year. The ARU has appointed Melbourne merchant banker John Wylie to construct the ownership model. The consortium was unhappy with the way the ARU handled the bid process, which also included Melbourne Rebels (in conjunction with the Victorian Rugby Union) and Geoff Lord's Belgravia Group. ARU management had agreed to award the Melbourne licence to VicSuper15, but the ARU board did not ratify the decision. The ARU is now managing Melbourne's application to SANZAR, which is due on Friday. "VicSuper15 proposed forming a strategic alliance with the VRU including a seat on the board," VicSuper15 spokesman Travis Atkins said in a statement. "To date, there has been significant conflict of interest in the bidding process as a result of the VRU's position of supporting only one party and not being prepared to establish a separation between commercial and community rugby in line with ARU policy. "To signal its dissatisfaction with the handling of the bid process and to avoid a perception of continuing conflict by the VRU, VicSuper15 has formally withdrawn from the process." The Victorian bid will compete with South Africa's Southern Kings, from the Eastern Cape region, for the spot in the news extended SANZAR competition. A decision is expected from the governing body on October 21. PLANET RUGBY

A bidding race that began with seven Australian consortiums striving for a Super 15 licence will end with the Australian Rugby Union taking over the fight against South Africa's Southern Kings. The ARU will submit its application for Melbourne to be admitted to the expanded competition from 2011 today. The controversial bid process got messier this week when the one-time preferred syndicate, VicSuper15, withdrew its interest in the licence on Wednesday. VicSuper15 believed it had already gained ARU approval a fortnight ago, when it, along with the Victorian Rugby Union, presented to the ARU board in Sydney. In a statement, VicSuper15 cited an inability to work together with the VRU and a conflict of interest in the bid process for the consortium's withdrawal. ''The ARU will now construct and may have to fund an ownership model for the new entity and the structure will be separate from the VRU to enable it to focus on its core responsibilities of managing and growing community rugby,'' the statement read. The governing body appears to have taken over the bid but an ARU spokesman dismissed a report the franchise would be headed by senior officials Matt Carroll and David Nucifora, as chief executive and coach respectively. Neither VRU nor VicSuper15 officials were prepared to comment yesterday but held hope they could be involved with the proposed team. Both the ARU and South African Rugby Union will present their bids to SANZAR on October 21. AAP

All Blacks coach Graham Henry believes advancements in technology have contributed to the sport becoming a less attractive spectacle. Henry has also re-opened the Experimental Law Variations debate by insisting the game was much more enjoyable to play and watch during the controversial trial that was scrapped by the International Rugby Board earlier this year. In an interview with The Independent newspaper, Henry also said the over-reliance on kicking at the top level was a disadvantage to the natural running instincts of his side and Australia and suggested reducing the value of a penalty to one point. "The quality of the ball, like everything else such as the quality of the boots, is constantly improving," Henry said. "Guys are kicking the ball 60m these days because the ball has improved so much. Kicking is a skill but it is transforming the game and I don't think that was in the original ideas of rugby. "We can't increase the length of the field; there might be opposition to that at places like Twickenham and Eden Park. But on the same size field as long ago, you can now kick the ball 10m-15m further. That changes both the nature of the game and the nature of the penalty." The shift in emphasis would impact most on the All Blacks and Wallabies, Henry believed, not only on the field but off it, where interest levels could wane. "People that have been traditional fans are now questioning the game because of the laws," Henry said. "There is nothing Australia and New Zealand can do about it. We wanted to make the ELVs permanent but we got out-voted. But the consequences of doing nothing about this in this part of the world are serious. It is a real problem because we do not have the population numbers in this country. Getting bums on seats is a big challenge, especially in a recession." Henry said the current rules promote safety-first rugby. South Africa dominated the Tri-Nations on the back of a kicking strategy which reduced the chances of being penalised. "Because of the rules, sides don't take risks and don't pass the ball very often," Henry said. "They are wary of playing a wider, more expansive game and scared of giving away penalties. It is becoming even more of a chessboard game than it ever has been. The way the game is played now is often like a tennis match with the ball kicked downfield so much." Henry said reducing the value of a penalty would be a radical move but suggested its impact would be positive. "Wouldn't that create widespread cheating?" he said. "It may do but it gives the possibility to the other side that if they get the ball there are ways of winning the game other than kicking goals." Henry also suggested allowing a mark to be called when the ball is caught and play then taken back to where the kick was made. "It is a matter of the people that have got the power making the correct decisions. But the problem at the moment is, what is the correct decision in one country isn't necessarily the correct decision in another. So I think you need impartial people to make these decisions for the good of the game. "I do think the rulemakers have got to re-visit this. The game under the ELVs last year was much more enjoyable to play and much better to watch." © Scrum.com

SA Rugby on Friday submitted a compelling case for the inclusion of the Southern Kings franchise in the planned 2011 Vodacom Super 15 competition. The 60-page Bid Document was delivered to SANZAR who will decide whether the Kings or a Melbourne-based franchise will fill the expansion berth. “The Bid document makes a very exciting and compelling case for the Southern Kings’ inclusion,” said Andy Marinos, acting managing director of SA Rugby. “SA Rugby has taken the lead in the organisation and preparation of the Bid Document with input from all stakeholders in the three provinces and, all together, it makes for an outstanding case. Marinos said the bid was based on the fact that SANZAR faced a rugby and business decision. “We have put together a strong and sustainable business plan based on realistic sponsorship and attendance projections,” said Marinos. “In addition, the Kings’ Bid is not a case of having to reinvent the wheel – they can be operational very quickly: the Kings have a ready audience; they have a fantastic stadium; there is a rich heritage of rugby in all communities and a significant number of schools that continue to produce outstanding young players. “Key personnel with Super Rugby experience in Alan Solomons (director of rugby) and Stefan Pretorius (managing director) are ready to fill the main leadership roles and they have already identified players with top-level experience who are willing to sign in due course.” Solomons coached the Kings in their inaugural match against the British & Irish Lions, pushing the tourists all the way in a 20-8 defeat, “This region really is a hotbed of rugby and the match against the Lions underscored the potential,” he said. “We have already identified the coaching team and have taken soundings with Super Rugby quality players both here and overseas and are convinced we can put together a very competitive squad.” Marinos said that the Kings forecast an average attendance of 24,000 in their first year of existence and that initial planning and inquiries suggested that a budget in excess of that of some current South African franchises was attainable. “The assumption has been made that that the 15th team has to be based in Australia because it will feature in the log of the Australian Conference, but that is far from the case,” said Marinos. “SANZAR has to make a decision that makes rugby sense and business sense and the Southern Kings fills both criteria. Even the claims that it makes logistical sense to be based in Australia do not stack up to close examination – the Kings would have only one more match overseas than does a South African franchise at the moment.” The Kings would play six matches overseas – SA teams currently play five matches in Australasia every other season – while Australian teams would play three matches in South Africa, a schedule they currently enjoy every other season. Marinos dismissed fears that the franchise might be uncompetitive on the field. “There are 74 South Africans playing in the French Top 14 and English Premiership compared to 20 Australians and plenty more where they came from looking for the opportunity of top flight rugby,” said Marinos. “The Kings pulled together a very competitive team to take on the British & Irish Lions in June and only Derick Kuün could be counted as a current Super 14 player – it shows the depth that we can tap in to. “The Kings are a franchise waiting to burst to life.” SANZAR are expected to announce their decision on October 21. If a consensus cannot be reached the matter will go to arbitration. Issued by SA Rugby Communications

New Zealand Rugby Union have on Sunday announced their plans for a new ten-team Air New Zealand Cup and Division One Championship. NZRU Chief Executive Steve Tew explained that four outfits competing in this season's top division will find themselves demoted into the second tier. Tew said that the new format - from next term - will provide the most suitable fit in the financial climate alongside fitting in with the Super Rugby schedule. He also revealed that it was a fair process when deciding who would face the drop. "[They] are reasonable and good indicators of who should be in this competition and who should not be," said Tew, speaking to NZPA. "If those criteria mean your union isn't one of the ten then you've got every opportunity with the support of your community to stick it back to us next year and win the [Division One] competition." The four sides facing relegation have yet to be made public and Tew was under no illusions that there will be a heated response from the quartet. "There's an unfortunate inevitability about that but you can't cry away from decisions that are necessary and right," he said. "We hope they will reluctantly accept their situation, bite the bullet, buckle down and work really hard so they're in a good position to win the competition next year." However, in a change to the original structure that was announced two months ago, there will now be just a one-up-one-down system from next season instead of two. "[There was] a fair amount of anxiety among provincial unions that we would create a lot of instability and uncertainty with that number of teams being in promotion or relegation zone," explained Tew. PLANET RUGBY

WP Rugby Pty (Ltd) Managing Director Rob Wagner has quashed reports suggesting that discarded Wallabies wing, Lote Tuqiri, could be on his way to Cape Town to play for the Stormers in next year's Super 14. Australian media on Sunday reported that Tuqiri is in the process of negotiating a deal with the Cape franchise ahead of the 2010 Super 14. Tuqiri's Wallaby contract was torn up by the Australian Rugby Union for an apparent breach of discipline in July this year but he has been weighing up a number of lucrative offers since. He's considering a return to Rugby League and there are offers in Wales, Japan while several French clubs are also reportedly chasing the dual code international's signature. "I'm talking to Toulon and I might even be playing against the boys next year in South Africa [in the] Super 14," Tuqiri said while commentating on Australian club rugby at the weekend. "We will wait and see. A lot of things have to happen before that." Western Province senior professional coach, Rassie Erasmus, has made a string of acquisitions in 2009 with All Black lock Chris Jack, Lions lock Anton van Zyl and Aussie youngster Matt Toomua all joining WP during this year's Currie Cup campaign. Bulls and Springbok speedster, Bryan Habana, is also on his way to the Mother City. However ,Wagner told rugby365.com on Monday that the former Waratahs wing is not on the franchise's wishlist and there has been no talks between either parties. He stressed that Tuqiri's acquisition is pure specualation. "It's absolute nonsense," Wagner told rugby365.com when asked about the possibility of Tuqiri joining the Cape franchise. "I don't know where they got that. He [Tuqiri] certainly hasn't spoken to anybody at Western Province." RUGBY365

Harlequins have allowed hooker Gary Botha to prematurely finish his association with the club in order to return to his family in South Africa. The Guinness Premiership outfit reached a mutual agreement with the player and were keen to thank Botha, who will play his last game against Bath this weekend, for his services. "I am personally very saddened to see Gary departing us for South Africa. He has been an integral part of the recent success of Quins," said Head Coach John Kingston. "Equally, the club understands his situation and were clearly happy to facilitate his return back home." Botha had good things to say about his period at the Twickenham Stoop and will be a keen observer of how things materialise this season. "I have clearly enjoyed my time at Quins and it is with a heavy heart that I will be leaving," he explained. "I would like to place on record my gratitude to Quins for agreeing to my situation and allowing an early release from my contract. I have made many friends in my time at the club and will watch with interest the progress of the team." PLANET RUGBY

Western Province can go all the way and win this year's Absa Currie Cup. That is the opinion of Jonathan Mokuena, captain of Griquas. WP convincingly beat Griquas 43-3 on Saturday at a wet and windy Newlands and are finely positioned in second place on the points' table. Afterwards the Griquas leader was full of praise for the victors on the day. “They are a very balanced team with some good players. Gio Aplon, Tonderai Chavhanga, Luke Watson... those are phenomenal individuals. “I would say they have the will and the game plan to go all the way.” According to the official WP website, Griquas coach Dawie Theron said it was a good performance from WP, but added his side made it easier for WP by committing silly errors. “I was telling somebody earlier when it rains like this in Kimberley we don't even practice. We are not used to it. I thought we had a kicking game that suits these conditions, but I didn't take into account these guys train in these conditions every second week. “We haven't seen rain for two seasons. Province played well. They adapted well to these conditions and we didn't. We looked like an incapable team. That is the way the cards are dealt and we just have to go back and work hard on our game. The former Springbok prop added that opposing coach Allister Coetzee could be happy with his side's performance, but said they made it easier for the home side. “We won enough possession in the first half but we knocked the ball on too many times. “Our tactical kicking was also poor on the day. The plan was to keep it in front of the forwards but our up-and-unders were not deep enough. So it was a very good performance from WP, but we made them look good.” NEWS24

The French national rugby team could soon benefit from a raft of top-class South Africans and other nationalities plying their trade in the Top 14 and now eligible for selection for 'Les Bleus'. Rugby union's world governing body, the IRB, specifies that players seeking international honours must have either been born in said country, have one of their parents or grandparents born there, or lived there for 36 months prior to initial selection. Players must also not have appeared for the national, 'A' or sevens team of another country. All that bodes well for France, with an embarrassment of riches coming through the French first division. They include hard-hitting South African back-row forwards Antonie Claassen and Gerhard Vosloo, and also Mark Gasnier and Sonny Bill Williams - top-notch rugby league converts who played for Australia and New Zealand in the 13-man code. That quartet, along with a dozen others, have or are close to having served their residency period and could realistically be decked out in the colours of the Tricolors in the near future. That scenario was not one that sat happily France coach Marc Lievremont - at least at first. "When I started out as national coach two years ago, it was not a question for me of picking foreign players for the national team," Lievremont told L'Equipe sports newspaper. "That came out of a question of principle and because there was an enormous potential among young French players. I was holding on to this French identity in the national team." He added: "Last year [French rugby federation president] Pierre Camou asked me to draw up a team made up solely of foreign players. "It seemed like a snapshot to me, one which wouldn't go much further. This season, my point of view is not totally the same. "I'm not saying that I'm ready for a a complete turnaround, but let's say that I'm struggling to find the equivalent among young French players of the generation of [Fulgence] Ouedraogo, [Francois] Trinh-Duc, [Fabien] Barcella, [Maxime] Mermoz and [Maxime] Medard... "It is there but I don't think that it'd be a good idea to throw them up against the South Africans or All Blacks come November." That said, Lievremont insisted that for the moment he had his eye on just one foreigner in the Top 14. "I watch all the Top 14 games on the television, I visit stadiums and from what I've seen, the only one I really like is Brive's Antonie Claassen," he said. "Of course, there's Vosloo, but for me it's Claassen who corresponds to what I look for in the back row." Claassen responded by stressing that his objective of playing French league rugby was to go on to play for the France team, adding that turning out for the Springboks was not an option. "It's very flattering for Marc Lievremont to speak of me," Claassen said. "My goal is the France team. If it wasn't, I wouldn't be playing in France. "When I was young, I watched the Five Nations and supported France. "I've spoken about it with Gerhard Vosloo: it would be interesting to play at that level. I don't have any contact with the Springboks. I don't think they need me. They have a lot of good players in this position. And me, I'm in France!" Vosloo also has aspirations to play for his adopted homeland in the same way Stade Francais prop Pieter de Villiers and centre Brian Liebenberg have done. "You've always got to have an objective in your head," said the former Cats flank who was named alongside Argentinian Juan Martin Hernandez and All Black Byron Kelleher as the three best players of the 2008 season. "On leaving South Africa, I wanted to become the best blindside in the French championship. And to play for France." Two other South Africans, Eric Melville and Dries van Heerden, have also turned out in French colours and Vosloo said: "If others have done it, you can still hope!" AFP

The Springboks will play Guinness Premiership log leaders Saracens at Wembley Stadium on Tuesday, November 17 (kick-off 19h30) as part of their Vodacom Outgoing Tour schedule. The midweek fixture at the 94,000-seat stadium is in addition to Tests against France, Italy and Ireland and a tour opener against Leicester Tigers. Tickets for the Wembley match have been attractively priced at £10 for adults and £5 for under-16s. Andy Marinos, acting managing director of SA Rugby, said: “Many South Africans have been excited by Saracens’ outstanding start to the season, and we look forward to playing our full part in what will be a great evening for our players and coaches, and also the large expatriate South African community in London and south-east England.” The South African squad will travel to London after playing France in Toulouse on Saturday November 14 and will then move on to Udine, where they play Italy on Saturday November 21. “This is sure to be another fantastic occasion,” said Saracens chairman Nigel Wray. “The Springboks are indisputably the No.1 team in the world at the moment, and it will be tremendous honour and a privilege for us to welcome them at Wembley, our new home from home in north London.” Peter de Villiers, Springbok coach, said: “We have enjoyed a fantastic year so far, and this match – against an in-form club team at one of the great stadiums in the world – will certainly become yet another highlight in this memorable season. “Overseas tours always provide us with an opportunity to expose our emerging young talents to the international game and this will be a fantastic platform through which to do that. We expect Saracens to be tough but also believe in the abilities of our squad.” Saracens are coached by former Vodacom Stormers and Vodacom Western Province coach Brendan Venter. He said: “This is yet more evidence of our club’s ambitions. I can assure you our players will need no extra motivation for this match.” Tickets will be available through Ticketmaster as www.ticketmaster.co.uk. Issued by SA Rugby Communications

The soap opera that Jaque Fourie's contractual dispute with the Golden Lions Rugby Union has become is set to drag on after Tuesday's arbitration hearing was adjourned until October 12. Fourie is trying to get out of his contract with the Johannesburg Union in order to join Western Province but the GLRU are adamant that Fourie is contractually bound to stay with the Union until October 2010. The Springbok centre is keen to join the exodus from the struggling Lions, and taken up an offer from WP - reportedly worth a record ZAR4-million - claiming that his contract is not binding. All three parties were heard at Monday's hearing at Coca-Cola stadium. The South African Rugby Players Association are said to be keeping a close eye on the potentially "watershed" case since Fourie's contract with the Lions is identical to those signed by other players in South Africa. "In reference to the arbitration between Jaque Fourie and the Golden Lions Rugby Union, no finality has been reached at this stage. As such, the hearing has been adjourned to reconvene on Monday, 12 October 2009," read a statement from the Lions. Fourie is currently not eligible to play after being given a two-week suspension for a dangerous tackle on All Black centre Ma'a Nonu in the Springboks' last Tri-Nations match in New Zealand PLANET RUGBY

They have yet to sign their contracts, but Sharks head coach John Plumtree has no doubt that the Du Plessis brothers, hooker Bismarck and prop Jannie, will be staying on in Durban. The two Springbok front-rowers are the only Sharks’ Springboks yet to sign for the 2010 season but Plumtree said yesterday that they would not be moving. “Both players are happy to stay here,” he said. “They’ve had some good offers from around the world, but both have committed verbally to me that they are staying and I’m happy with that.” Plumtree said the pair had important roles to play for the Sharks in the future. “They’re world class and their signatures are certainly very important to the Sharks.” While the brothers have apparently agreed verbally to extending their stay in Durban, their agent Gerrie Swart – who was also involved in young Frans Steyn signing for Racing Metro in France - and the Sharks are finalising minor details in their contracts. The Sharks committed themselves to Bismarck du Plessis last year when they signed him as their first-choice hooker, a decision which resulted in Springbok captain John Smit moving to tighthead prop. Plumtree said that the 31-year-old Smit would have to be carefully nurtured if he was to take the Springboks through to the 2011 Rugby World Cup. “If we want him to last to 2011, he needs to be well managed. There is a lot of rugby for him in the years ahead but he is a key man for the Boks and he will need to be looked after by the concerned parties (Sharks and Springboks).” Plumtree said he expected Smit, who is contracted with the Sharks until the end of next year, to see out the 2011 RWC “and then that will probably be it for him.” THE WITNESS

The hapless Boland Cavaliers, battling for survival in the Currie Cup, is now faced with a court case that could further rip the struggling and cash-strapped union apart. The Son newspaper reported that Boland Cavaliers head coach Deon Davids is suing the Boland Rugby Union for more than ZAR1-million, following Chester Williams' appointment as Director of Rugby earlier this month. Davids and his assistant, Louis Koen, was told about Williams' appointment minutes before the team started their preparation for the Currie Cup match against Griquas at Wellington three weeks ago. Since then Williams has been in charge. Under Davids the Cavaliers recorded one win, against the Leopards in Week One, and eight defeats - the biggest of those a 71-point hammering at the hands of Griquas. Since Williams has taken over they have lost all three their matches - including a 16-72 defeat (against the Blue Bulls) and 15-88 hammering (against the Lions) in the past fortnight. In this time Williams has recruited a host of 'loan' players from Western Province - including Hayden Groepes, Hilton Lobberts, George Earl, PJ Vermeulen, Schalk Ferreira, Zandre Jordaan and Dandré Gerber. They will all feature in the Cavaliers side that will face WP at Newlands on Saturday. Davids has a contract till 2012 and therefore filed a legal case against his employer. Boland CEO Piet Bergh confirmed action has been taken. "Yes, we know about the case against us. We have forwarded it to our legal advisors and can therefore not comment on the issue," he told the newspaper. RUGBY365

Melbourne's chances of landing the next Super Rugby franchise were boosted yesterday as peace broke out between the two factions bidding to be the competition's Victorian representative. In front of the state's rugby faithful at a quarterly Edward ''Weary'' Dunlop lunch, the Melbourne Rebels and Vic Super15 consortiums announced they would merge into a single entity - to be known as the Rebels and led by advertising guru Harold Mitchell. The deal was hammered out only in the past three days after the main players met in Mitchell's South Melbourne office. It leaves the unified Melbourne bid as a strong front-runner to win admission to the competition from 2011. ''It took some time but ultimately everybody realised it was better to all be in together,'' Mitchell said. ''There has been much comment and speculation about the competing forces in the effort to bring Super Rugby to Melbourne. Today that ends.'' The compromise has strong backing from the State Government, which is keen to see the Rebels ensconced at the new Swan Street rectangular stadium, and has also been accepted by the Australian Rugby Union. Disunity and internal competition had threatened to scupper Melbourne's bid for the 15th Super Rugby licence as both bid teams, the Victorian Rugby Union and the Australian Rugby Union bickered in recent months over which bid should be put forward by Australia and how the consortium should be set up. Given that the only other contender for the spot is South Africa's Eastern Cape consortium and that the winning bidder would be expected to play home matches in Australia, it would have been a disaster for the sport if the factions had lost out to the South Africans because of internal fighting. Mitchell said he was no expert on rugby but that he was an expert on Melbourne and what it would take to succeed in the city's crowded sporting market. ''You can tell me more about rugby than I will ever know but what I can tell you about is this great city,'' he told the gathered guests. Ray Evans, a director of the VicSuper15 consortium, backed by Sydney businessman Kevin Maloney, had initiated the compromise on Friday and said it was in the best interests of rugby in Victoria. ''Certain directors and investors in VicSuper15 have agreed to join forces. We all agree this will help galvanise the game and the rugby community in Victoria,'' he said. The Australian Rugby Union had awarded Vic Super15 the right to be Australia's bidder but later revoked it after a series of disputes about the role of the Victorian Rugby Union. The state body appears to have accepted a lesser role in the new entity, though VRU chief Gary Gray is still expected to be a behind-the-scenes force. Gray said the VRU would give its blessing to the merger. ''We must be engaged and we must be respected,'' he said. ''That's non-negotiable. But we go forward confident and we go forward excited.'' With time running out until the SANZAR governing body makes its decision on October 21, the process of joining the two bidders into one entity will be overseen by ARU appointee John Wylie. The major players from both sides are to be represented on a board that will be presided over by Mitchell. There was a bullish confidence yesterday that - having overcome the internecine strife - Melbourne was well placed to secure the 15th licence. Melbourne Victory owner Geoff Lord - at one stage leading a third Melbourne bid - will not be an investor but has lent his support. Plans are already under way to link with Victory and share back-room staff, cutting overheads in areas such as membership sales and merchandising. Gray said the consortium was hoping for regular crowds of 15,000 with larger showings for high-profile fixtures. RUGBYHEAVEN

Vodacom Western Province coach Allister Coetzee and the Vodacom Free State Cheetahs winger Lionel Mapoe on Wednesday received the awards of Absa Coach and Player of the Month in Cape Town. Coetzee’s team is currently in second place on the Absa Currie Cup log and is only one point behind The Sharks. WP have enjoyed an impressive run this season and currently boast an undefeated home record at Newlands in the competition. The Absa Currie Cup Coach and Player of the Month competition, is designed to acknowledge and reward coaches for outstanding leadership; while players who are consistent and significantly contribute to the overall performance of the team, are also awarded. “It’s a great privilege and an honour to receive this kind of recognition,” said Coetzee. “However I must admit that rugby is a team sport and I firmly believe that my nomination has everything to do with the recent on-field performances of Vodacom Western Province. As a team, we continuously strive for consistency and our second position on the Absa Currie Cup log is a direct result of the effort being put in by the players and management. “I would like to thank the judges for nominating me as the Absa Currie Cup coach of the month for September. It would also be great though, if at the end of October, I could again walk away with the coach of the month after we have an Absa Currie Cup winner!” It was a unanimous decision made by the judges to select Coetzee as the September winner of the Absa Currie Cup Coach of the Month award. The judges felt that the Vodacom Western Province coach has done a superb job with his team this season, without many of his Springboks available for selection. Mapoe, who represented the Springboks Sevens team during the 2008/ 2009 season, has been in excellent form for the Vodacom Free State Cheetahs during this season’s Absa Currie Cup. “It’s indeed an honour and a privilege for me to accept this award if you consider that there are many outstanding players competing in the Absa Currie Cup,” said the Vodacom Free State Cheetahs winger. There were many players in the running for the Absa Currie Cup Player of the Month award. However Mapoe’s impact on the field for the Vodacom Free State Cheetahs this month ensured that he walked away with the grand prize for the month of September. “With the tournament coming to a climax and play-off positions at stake, there will be little room for error from the coaches and the players in the next two rounds. With one of the closest races for play-off positions in recent history, Absa Currie Cup fever is sure to grip the country and make for a memorable month of rugby leading up to the Final on the 31 October,” said Absa Sponsorship Manager, Desiree Pooe. Issued by SA Rugby Communications

Veteran English lock Simon Shaw is one of several overseas players on the shopping list of the Golden Lions Rugby Union (GLRU) as they bid to strengthen their squad for next year’s Super14. The 36-year-old toured South Africa with the British and Irish Lions this year. “We are negotiating with a number of overseas players, including Shaw,” said GLRU chief executive Manie Reyneke. He added that the current experienced lock pairing of Nico Luus and Willem Stoltz will still be available for the Lions next year, but that they have to bolster certain positions to be able to be competitive in the Super14. Shaw is a hard man who will be capable of stoking the Lions’ engine room. His experience can also benefit younger players in the region. Reyneke added that they will also be looking for a scrumhalf, flyhalf and centre. The latter is a position that may be particularly relevant if Springbok midfielder Jaque Fourie is allowed to continue his career at Western Province. His arbitration hearing, which started this week, has been postponed until 12 October, but Reyneke said that the GLRU are happy with the manner in which the hearing has progressed. A glance at the Lions team down to play the Sharks in Durban on Saturday gives one an idea of the pressure under which the union’s management finds itself to bolster the side. André Pretorius, Willie Wepener, Ethienne Reynecke, Dewald Senekal, Ernst Joubert and Anton van Zyl have all sought out greener pastures in recent months. Injuries have also robbed the Lions of the services of Heinke van der Merwe, Gert Muller, Jano Vermaak, Louis Ludik, Alwyn Hollenbach, Dusty Noble, Earl Lewis, Henno Mentz and Derek Harwood. That is why most experts are not giving the Lions much chance of beating the Sharks on Saturday. However, for those players that will be in action, the Lions’ shopping list should serve as a warning. With little playing time left in 2009, every member of the 22-man squad will be keen to show management that they are worthy of a place in the “new” set-up from 2010. That will probably include a new Super14 coach. The post was advertised recently and an announcement is expected shortly. NEWS24

A Rugby Football Union task group set up in response to recent scandals has found no evidence of widespread cheating in the English game. Rugby union's image has been hit by several recent incidents, including Harlequins' fake blood injury and drug-related issues at Bath. The panel found no evidence to support "the speculation that the England team has fabricated blood injuries". It also recommended looking at trialling rolling substitutions. Rugby league employs a rolling substitution system, and the idea is likely to be one of the more controversial aspects of the report. "There are two sides to every argument," RFU director of elite rugby Rob Andrew told BBC Radio 5 live. "Some would argue we should go back to 15-a-side with no replacements and play until it's last-man standing. "We have to be sensible and look at where the game is moving. There are issues around player welfare. "We've already gone to eight substitutions so we've got 23 players taking part in every game. It's something the game needs to address." The task group, which was established at the end of August, made 16 recommendations in all. Other suggestions included agreeing a definition of cheating and creating a specific regulation to issue severe sanctions against those found guilty of it. The report also called upon the game to develop a policy on illicit drug use, improve disciplinary processes and ensure that medical personnel working in the sport are guided first and foremost by their professional ethics rather than their tie to a club. "You talk to people involved in the game and they do not want to be tarnished with this kind of thing associated with our sport," added Andrew. "They want the RFU to move forward, draw a line in the sand and ensure the core values of the sport - which have been there for a long time - are maintained." The report took evidence from 129 professional players, and also surveyed coaches, medics and physios in the pro game and grassroots rugby. "In looking at things like the feigning of injuries and the blood issues, what the task force has uncovered - and this has been done with a lot of help from people right across the game - is a number of issues," former England captain Lawrence Dallaglio, who was part of the task force, told BBC Radio 5 live. "We know in sport there's no room for complacency. We've come forward with some recommendations and now our job is to take those recommendations forward." The RFU wants to get the co-operation of other countries and global governing body, the International Rugby Board, in order to extend its ideas worldwide. "The IRB has been supportive of what we've been doing," said Andrew. "They've been aware that some of these issues are global issues - the incidents of the summer happened on our patch but the IRB is not naïve enough to think that there aren't practices going on in other parts of the globe. "We as a union need to make recommendations to the IRB and then its up to the IRB council to decide if they want to implement some of these recommendations." The panel also included Bath prop and players' union chairman David Barnes, Worcester owner Cecil Duckworth and chairman of London Irish Andrew Coppel. BBC RUGBY

I do mind if the world body in the game, the IRB, makes a call that the Springboks brought the game in disrepute. I understand their need to protect their officialdom and the judicial process in the game, but I don’t understand their pettiness towards our team. There are many untold stories with regard to the Bakkies Botha incident, as there are with the whole ‘citing’ saga and the subsequent trial. I have used this forum before to complain about the IRB’s call on that matter and would like to use it again to ask if justice will be done, come the IRB awards, to be held in November. The Boks have been acknowledged in the past, with them being voted team of the year in 2004 and 2007 and Jake White voted coach of the year on both occasions. We also produced the player of the year on both those occasions, with Schalk Burger and Bryan Habana being worthy recipients. I would love to see who would walk away with it this year. Can the same team who brought the game in disrepute (and was found ‘guilty’) be the team of the year? Can the same coach who allowed it, be coach of the year? And can the same captain who instigated it, be player of the year? Interesting times ahead, that is for sure. By the way, my reporter and supporter instincts could not be split on this one. Player of the Year: Fourie du Preez Coach of the Year: Paul Treu Team of the Year: The Springboks! Runners-up, Morné Steyn, Pieter de Villiers and the Blitsbokke! JJ HARMSE, RAPPORT

The cash-strapped Boland Rugby Union is set to lose several stars in the next couple of weeks. With the union having already admitted their is no money for contracts for 2010, agents are making calls all around South Africa in an attempt to move their players to greener pastures. Marnus Hugo, one of South Africa's most improved scrumhalves, has signed a one-year contract with Griquas. "Yes, the contract is for a year, but I have the option to renew. I'm looking forward to the challenge," Hugo said. Experienced fullback and points machine Justin Peach has decided to go back to Port Elizabeth where he started his career. He also signed a one-year contract with the EP Elephants with the option to renew. Peach will join the EP outfit early in November. Loosehead prop Janro van Niekerk also confirmed that his agent is trying to get him into another union. Asked if the rumours were true that he might join the Golden Lions, Van Niekerk said: "That is one of the options. However, looking overseas is another." It will not come as a surprise either if flyer Deon Scholtz and flyhalf Elgar Watts also get important calls in the next couple of days. SAPA

England manager Martin Johnson says rugby league-style rolling replacements are needed in rugby union. The Rugby Football Union is considering experimenting with interchanges from next season to ensure Harlequins' fake-blood scandal can never be repeated. "Some form of rolling substitutions needs to be looked at," he said. "I liked it when 15 guys had to battle it out and you had to be fit for 80 minutes, but you come around to thinking about it as a possibility." The controversial proposal was one of 16 recommendations in a report drawn up by the RFU's Image Of The Game task force, which aims to restore rugby union's reputation after the blood and drugs scandals of the summer. Johnson also said he agreed with the panel's suggestion that rolling replacements would benefit player welfare, as they would allow potential cases of concussion to be properly diagnosed. "Player safety is an issue with players getting bangs on the head," he said. "It needs to be looked at carefully and I am sure it will be trialled. Maybe it is inevitable." As the rules stand, a temporary replacement is only permitted if a player has a blood injury. However, the rule was abused last season when Harlequins winger Tom Williams went off with fake blood coming from his mouth to be replaced by Nick Evans. Johnson is concerned the existing rules can lead to a player staying on the pitch with concussion. Phil Vickery needing a long lay-off after he suffered serious concussion in England's Six Nations win over Scotland this year, an incident which was hard to diagnose at the time. "At the time, in the first 90 seconds, our doctor said it was difficult for him to diagnose how bad Phil was, whether he was just dazed or badly concussed," said Johnson. "Fortunately, at the time Phil needed treatment for a cut so he could come off for a blood injury and have time to be assessed properly. "When that was done it was obvious that no way was he going back on a rugby field that day or even for quite a while." BBC RUGBY

The Australian Rugby Union said Sunday it will make a cash donation and launch a series of fund-raising initiatives to assist tsunami victims in Samoa and Tonga. Tsunami waves spawned by a massive 8.0-magnitude undersea quake last Tuesday have left at least 180 people dead in Samoa, American Samoa and neighbouring Tonga. The ARU said it will donate 10,000 dollars (8,700 US) along with training and playing equipment and will organise a collection at the Wallabies' public training session here on Thursday ahead of their tour to Britain and Ireland. Wallaby players are also prepared to raffle or auction gear, including playing jerseys and boots, in a bid to raise further funds, the ARU said. "This tragedy has affected so many lives and rugby has a part to play in helping the people of Samoa and Tonga on the road to recovery," ARU managing director John O'Neill said in a statement. "We have been told by the Samoan Rugby Union that there are young men in those villages who will be keen to return to some sense of normality by starting to play rugby again. "That is why we will be sending as much as we can in the way of rugby clothing and equipment." Other international rugby bodies have also offered assistance to the stricken Pacific Island communities. The New Zealand Rugby Union organised collections at domestic matches this weekend. Welsh and French authorities plan fund-raising ventures around Tests against Samoa in Cardiff and Paris next month. AFP

Australia skipper Stirling Mortlock will make a decision on his long-term playing future after the Wallabies' November Test tour of the northern hemisphere. Mortlock, 32, visited Japan during his recent time off while recovering from a knee injury and was reportedly offered a AU$3.75 million contract with a club there prior to re-signing in Australia. He is off contract at the end of 2010. "Basically I've got to work out my long-term future," he told AAP. "It's something I'll just have a look at down the track. At this stage, nothing's really changed. Probably after the (European) tour I'll be able to sit down and have a good long, hard look at that, where to next. "It was a good opportunity to just go over there and have a look at it. Whenever I'm in a situation where you have to make a decision, I want to make a very informed decision. "It was part of gaining an understanding of what it's like culturally, I've got a family and everything else so there's a lot of things you've got to factor in as far as making decisions about the future." The Brumbies centre will head back to Japan with the national side at the end of October for a Bledisloe Cup Test match against New Zealand in Tokyo. He has recently returned to their camp after missing the majority of the Tri-Nations through injury and is confident of taking his place in the line-up for the game. The Wallabies' other injury concerns include lock duo James Horwill and Nathan Sharpe as well as flanker Phil Waugh. © Scrum.com

New Zealand rugby fans and players will be invited to express their sympathy and support for victims of the devastating Pacific Islands earthquake and tsunami at New Zealand’s domestic rugby matches this weekend. A moment’s silence will be held prior to kick-off at all Air New Zealand Cup and Heartland Championship matches, as well as the women’s national provincial championship final in Christchurch, as a mark of respect to remember the victims and the many people impacted by the tragedy. “Rugby has many connections with the Pacific Islands as well as the community here in New Zealand and the thoughts of the entire New Zealand rugby community are with those affected by this terrible disaster,” NZRU CEO Steve Tew said. The NZRU is also working with Provincial Unions to organise collections at this weekend’s matches so fans can make donations to help the relief efforts. NZRPA

It's been a favourite topic of discussion around pubs, barbies and braais for years: What if, somehow, you could put together three teams of the southern hemisphere's top exports? Well, we're suckers for punishment here at Planet Rugby, so in the latest edition in our series of 'Best of' teams (the dust is yet to settle from the uproar created by the 'Team of the Tri-Nations' and the 'Greatest of the pro era') we've decided to take a trip to Tri-Nations LaLaLand and give you our picks for Australia, New Zealand and South Africa - made up exclusively of players plying their trade overseas. Admittedly, the majority of these choices were far easier to make than those of the fantasy teams mentioned above (though it was pretty hard to get some of the PR staff talking to each other again after the handbag fight resulting from the editor's final choices for the Greatest pros team.) Right, down to business. What started off as a relatively simply task of slotting in those who pick themselves - i.e. Jean de Villiers - we soon faced the selection headache that comes with picking any team: Who do you leave out? As is the case back in the Republic, the number of quality South African loose forwards receiving pay cheques in pounds or Euros boggles the mind. It was awfully tough to choose between Saracens' Wikus van Heerden and Brive's Gerhard Vosloo, who has been one of the best players in the Top 14 for a couple of years now. A few interesting patterns emerged too. There's no shortage of quality fly-halves from the South to choice from. A quick look at the list of players who didn't make the cut - Derick Hougaard, Andrew Merhtens, Jimmy Gopperth and Stephen Larkham - and you see what we mean! While you'd be hard-pressed to find a European team that doesn't have one, or in some cases a couple of South African front rowers on their books, finding fatties from Australia is near-impossible. While Rodzilla was an immediate selection at tighthead, we couldn't find a single quality hooker. (Jeremy Paul left Gloucester in 2007 and hasn't been heard from since.) So, one by one here, these are our starting XVs and why we made the choices we did: Expat South Africa: 15 Francois Steyn (Racing Métro), 14 Brent Russell (Clermont), 13 Marius Joubert (Clermont), 12 Jean de Villiers (Munster), 11 Philip Burger (Perpignan), 10 Butch James (Bath), 9 Neil de Kock (Saracens), 8 Shaun Sowerby (Toulouse), 7 Gerhard Vosloo (Brive), 6 Joe van Niekerk (Toulon), 5 Gerrie Britz (Perpignan), 4 Ross Skeate (Toulon), 3 CJ van der Linde (Leinster), 2 Schalk Brits (Saracens), 1 Daan Human (Toulouse). The back-line wasn't very difficult to pick. Brad Barritt (Saracens) would have given Marius Joubert a run for his money at outside centre, but since he's played for England Saxons, he can't be considered. Brent Russell isn't a specialist wing, but we had to find a place for him somewhere - the story of his career! Perpignan's favourite big-mouth Philip Burger is normally a full-back, but makes a decent wing. Scrum-half was a tough one: Falie Oelschig and Micheal Classens have been doing very well at Stade Français and Bath respectively, but Neil de Kock has been a great leader at Sarries over the years. Wikus van Heerden can feel a little unlucky not to make the cut, but Gerhard Vosloo has been on fire at Brive as has his team-mate Antonie Classens, who would also waltz into most other teams (even France coach Marc Lièvremont has an eye on him.) Gary Botha made our choice at hooker easy when he left Harlequins to return to Pretoria. At tighthead it was a dead heat with BJ Botha (Ulster) losing a coin toss to CJ van der Linde. PLANET RUGBY

Wallabies coach Robbie Deans will use a simulated inter-squad 'game' between two teams in order to finalise his selection calculations prior to Friday’s naming of the 35-man squad for the year-end Grand Slam tour. The Wallabies have re-assembled in camp at Coogee Beach in Sydney at the weekend ahead of their Bledisloe Cup Test against the All Blacks in Tokyo on October 31. Deans originally wanted a Wallaby trial in order to gauge his players ahead of the tour but it was reportedly binned due to extraordinary pay demands from the players. The Rugby Union Players' Association (RUPA) said that due to the fact the Wallabies trial match was to replace the cancelled Australia A fixture at Sydney Football Stadium it was only reasonable the players be paid the usual fee for a similar Australia A type as the New South Wales Rugby Union would then be able to fulfil its obligations to its members and therefore generate revenue. If on the other hand the purpose of the match was solely to be used in preparation for the All Blacks match in Tokyo and for tour selection purposes then the Wallabies would be happy to play the game at a local suburban park without request for a match fee. Deans was said to be deeply disappointed when confronted by the demand from RUPA as he assumed the players would naturally want to play in the game as a way of confirming their selection in the historic grand slam tour. However, Deans now seems to have gotten around the payment muck-up by introducing the trial at the Wallabies camp which will be held at Sydney's St Ignatius College on Thursday, which is also open to the public. Players were divided into teams at Tuesday's session ahead of the clash and will complete preparations as rival outfits. Wing Drew Mitchell expects the trial to reach Test-match intensity as players battle it out for a place in the squad. "It should be good and if the last two days of training are any indication it's going to be pretty confrontational," Mitchell said. "The last two training days have probably been the most competitive we've had in the last two seasons so the boys are pretty much ready to rip into each other and I guess put their foot forward to possible selection for this spring tour. "It's going to be a fantastic session out there and if anyone's in the area it wouldn't be too bad a one to come down and watch." He admits there is a definite edge in the air as players prepare to go head to head. "Not so much sledging it's more just silence at the moment," he said. "You find that the guys who you're opposing on Thursday might just walk past and give you a bit of a glance and won't say too much. Although we're a squad at the moment we're two teams essentially, we're training together as two teams and looking to go at each other on Thursday." The Wallabies training squad will break camp at the conclusion of training on Thursday and the Bledisloe Cup and grand slam touring party will be named on Friday October 9. RUGBY365

Judging by the season's red and yellow cards thus far, the Bulls and the Free State are the competition's most disciplined sides. The Bulls only had one yellow card handed out against them and the Free State two. At the other end of the scale, the Leopards and Griquas are the biggest sinners when it comes to cards. The Leopards collected no fewer than eight yellow and three red cards so far, while Griquas stand on eight yellows. It may be argued that the Leopards are a team mostly under pressure during matches, which would explain the big number. But on the other hand, the Boland Cavaliers are even lower on the log than the Leopards, and should be under just as much pressure. Yet they have only conceded three yellow cards, the same number as Western Province. The Sharks, second on the log, have conceded seven yellows and the Lions five.

Western Province captain Luke Watson currently heads the Currie Cup competition's try-scoring list with 11 tries, with Free State winger Jongi Nokwe hot on his heels with ten tries. They are followed by the young Blue Bulls speedster Gerhard van den Heever with nine and Griquas centre Barry Geel with seven. Geel's teammates Bjorn Basson and Sarel Pretorius, Jacques Botes and Craig Burden of the Sharks and Frans Viljoen of Free State have each scored six tries.

The Springboks enjoyed their best average home attendance in more than a decade in 2009 – apart from one year – despite the global economic downturn. SA Rugby announced on Wednesday that 288 551 people watched the Springboks’ six home Test matches at that an average of 48 085 fans per Test in 2009 – an average exceeded only by the 48 550 who attended matches in 2004 – the last occasion the Springboks won the Vodacom Tri-Nations title. Springbok average attendances had hovered around the 40 000 mark in the intervening four seasons. In addition, 90 percent of all tickets were sold for the matches, despite the fact that matches were held at venues with capacities of 45 500 or more – the best return for four seasons and bettered in only three seasons in the past decade. “The pulling power of the Springboks and the success they have enjoyed in 2009, led to satisfactory attendances overall, despite the economic downturn and soft demand at the start of the Vodacom Tri-Nations,” said Andy Marinos, acting managing director of SA Rugby. “To have more than a quarter of a million people watch the team in the space of two months is a testimony to the enduring appeal of the Springboks, but we are not complacent and we are listening to the public.” The Tests against the British & Irish Lions in Pretoria and Australia at Newlands in the Vodacom Tri-Nations were both sold out, but the other four matches saw tickets go unsold. Marinos launched an investigation into the issue at the end of July. “Pricing is one of the key concerns in any business,” said Marinos. “And the question of affordability dominated the soundings we took and in our monitoring of the rugby blogs. “People strongly felt that pricing in the Vodacom Tri-Nations was to blame for the lower than expected attendances in Bloemfontein and Durban but among other factors identified by the survey were ‘event fatigue’ in a busy sporting year; the difficulty of obtaining tickets online and the outcome of the final Lions Test.” Marinos explained that Test match ticket prices were set by provinces. Part of the price – approximately one third – is paid to SA Rugby as a rights fee to cover Springbok expenses and other running costs. “The balance is retained by provinces to assist in funding their annual wage bill and own running costs,” said Marinos. “Retaining the best players in South Africa is not cheap and as much as we’d all like to cut prices in half, the fact is that if we did that we’d be losing a lot more players to overseas clubs. “Vodacom Tri-Nations prices were frozen at 2008 levels this year and have lagged behind inflation for the past 11 years. This year’s price of R425 would have been R513 if tickets had been pegged to inflation since 1998. “But we’re fully appreciative of the tough economic times and have already had discussions with the provinces on the financial model.” Marinos said his goal was to ensure that every Springbok Test was sold out and that he would be making recommendations to assist in achieving that goal to the board of SA Rugby. Issued by SA Rugby Communications

GWK Griquas captain Jonathan Mokuena was on Wednesday cleared following a SARU disciplinary hearing as a result of receiving three yellow cards in matches during this season’s Absa Currie Cup. The 28-year-old flanker received yellow cards in matches against the Vodacom Blue Bulls in Kimberley last month and against Vodacom Western Province at Newlands two weeks ago. He also received a yellow card during his team’s 61-27 defeat to the Vodacom Blue Bulls at Loftus Versfeld last Saturday. Judicial Officer Advocate Jannie Lubbe viewed the video evidence on Mokuena’s sin-binning in all three matches and studied the reports from the referees who officiated in the various fixtures. It was ruled that the player was not involved in any foul play during all three yellow card offences. In two of the occasions, the GWK Griquas team was on general warnings by the match official. On these grounds, Advocate Lubbe decided that due to his unblemished record as a player, no further action was deemed necessary. Mokuena, who has represented South African in 29 Sevens matches and has more than 100 Absa Currie Cup caps to his name, has never been found guilty of any citable offences during his rugby career. Issued by SA Rugby Communications

Munster and Ireland prop John Hayes will miss the start of Munster's Heineken Cup campaign after being banned from rugby for six weeks. Hayes was sent off on Saturday for stamping on the face of Leinster prop Cian Healy and was sanctioned by the IRFU at Ravenhill on Tuesday. Hayes will also miss Magners League games against Edinburgh and Ulster, on top of Munster's Heineken Cup matches against Treviso and Northampton Saints, but the ban ends a day before the start of Ireland's November series against Australia, Fiji and South Africa. Am IRFU panel of Hugh Logan, Stephen Hilditch and Neil Jackson convened in Belfast this evening where Hayes was handed his sanction. "Having studied the match footage and heard all available evidence, the disciplinary panel confirmed that the offence constituted a high end entry level in terms of sanctions," the IRFU said. "Having also considered all mitigating factors, the panel imposed a six week suspension from the date of the offence." Hayes has the right to appeal the decision. PLANET RUGBY

Gloucester hooker Olivier Azam has been banned for 12 weeks for kicking England captain Steve Borthwick in the head. Saracens forward Borthwick needed five stitches in an eye wound following the incident on 27 September. Azam, who had just returned from a nine-week eye-gouging ban, will miss Gloucester's first four Heineken Cup matches and six Premiership games. Gloucester lock Adam Eustace was also banned for three weeks for stamping on Justin Marshall in the same match. The suspensions bring to four the number of players Gloucester have had banned from the opening five matches of the season. Captain Gareth Delve had a three-week ban for punching reduced to two weeks on appeal, while flanker Andy Hazell has already been forced to sit out a week for stamping. Frenchman Azam insisted after the Premiership match against Saracens that any contact with Borthwick had been accidental and that he only lashed out with his right leg because his left ankle was being twisted at the bottom of a ruck. But at a Rugby Football Union hearing in Bristol, Azam pleaded guilty to the charge and was banned from playing until 29 December. Borthwick is expected to return to action on 15 October, when Saracens face Toulon in the Challenge Cup. Meanwhile, the RFU has cleared Bath winger Joe Maddock of a dangerous tackle on Leicester's Geoff Parling. BBC RUGBY

We got into an argument here at PR about this a while ago. Not much came of it, as there were things like Lions tours to concentrate on. But with the Tri-Nations done and dusted and the November Tests and Heineken Cup still some time away, we figured we'd throw this debate open to the public: What has been the greatest international XV since 1995, the year when it was not only the grass that was tainted with green in the world of rugby. A great XV from the past ten years. Think of the choices! Do you pick Carter or Wilkinson? Hayman or De Villiers? Gregan or Van der Westhuizen? We are willing to bet that not a single one of you will agree with us on the results of those - and other - choices in the side, but here it is - think back to some of these players and enjoy! 15 Christian Cullen (New Zealand) - Nobody has yet mastered the art of surreptitiously slipping into an attacking line and then tearing out of it for a score like the former Hurricane and Munsterman. Unbelievable pace was hidden in this long and languid stride that left you gaping every time. 14 Doug Howlett (New Zealand) - The record Super 14 try-scorer, New Zealand's record try-scorer... that's the kind of guy you want on the wing 13 Brian O'Driscoll (Ireland) - Europe's rugby statesman finally added the Heineken Cup and a Grand Slam to an already-impressive list of achievements last season. Good enough to re-invent his game after age sapped his pace, he has become one of the all-round greatest ever. 12 Tana Umaga (New Zealand) - Ironic, considering his partner is the man who accused Umaga of crocking him out of a Lions series with a spear tackle. But it's the same Umaga who rushed to Colin Charvis' aid when the latter had been knocked out on New Zealand turf, and who once famously responded to a refereeing call of heavy no-arm tackling: "we're not playing tiddlywinks here mate!" 11 Rupeni Caucaunibuca (Fiji) - How can you leave out Jonah and Bryan Habana, never mind Shane Williams or even Christophe Dominici!? But the Fijian with the flawed temperament did things on a rugby field that nobody else will probably ever do. Just put his name into You Tube and watch. 10 Dan Carter (New Zealand) - a three-way tie between Carter, Wilkinson and Stephen Larkham if we were honest. But the team needed a goal-kicker as well as a playmaker, so Carter's total points were just higher than the other two. The greatest ever? 9 Gus Pichot (Argentina) - Again, how do you leave out Gregan, who has the most Test caps of any player, or the scintillating Joost? But Pichot brought qualities to scrum-half play, so often in adversity and so often with the extra responsibility of leadership through the adversity, that neither of the others had. We always wonder what his talents would have done for a team like New Zealand, but his rugby is so responsible for Argentina's accession to senior Test status that we'd not have it any other way. 8 Lawrence Dallaglio (England) - Another close-run thing, with Sergio Parisse snapping at Dallaglio's heels, but the Italian's blotted disciplinary copybook - we know Lol is no angel, but he never gouged - saw him relegated to second. And let's face it, would you not like to go into battle with Dallaglio on your side? 7 (openside) Richie McCaw (New Zealand) - Undoubtedly the greatest exponent of openside play there has been. George Smith deserves a mention, and maybe Heinrich Brussow will eclipse McCaw in a few years, but until then the All Black captain is in a class of his own. 6 Richard Hill (England) - The most unsung of all English rugby heroes, but he'd have it no other way. If you didn't see him much, it was he was forever at the bottom of the ruck, putting limb and digit where others feared to put but many trod... 5 Martin Johnson (England) - The biggest, darkest and most brooding of the driving forces behind England's World Cup win. We reckon the moment when he hoisted Bill was the first time he had smiled on a rugby pitch! Now bringing that menace to England's national team, Johnno takes the captain's armband in this team as well. 4 John Eales (Australia) - This one will have Saffers everywhere raging; how can we leave out Victor and Bakkies? Because Johnno's meaner than Bakkies, and because Victor was not nicknamed 'Nobody' as Eales was (because Nobody's perfect), despite his obvious talents. We felt Eales offered perhaps just a little more grunt. We're now running for cover... 3 Carl Hayman (New Zealand) - This one was much easier. Hayman has been peerless at tighthead for some time now - New Zealand still miss him. 2 John Smit (South Africa) - Has now won every honour going in the game except for the Super 14. We know he plays tighthead now, but for a solid anchor in the scrum, an extra dose of leadership and some pinpoint line-out throwing, Smit's the man - just edging out Rafa Ibañez. 1 Rodrigo Roncero (Argentina) - The Argentine beefcake was so close to being our player of the 2007 Rugby World Cup after a series of stellar performances. Discipline remains an issue, but you'd be hard-pushed to find a number one in the world who has contributed so much so regularly to his team's loose play. PLANET RUGBY

Eight world class CVs are on the desk of Golden Lions Rugby Union Chief Executive Manie Reyneke - including from New Zealand, Australia and England. And Jake White's winning Ways company may also continue their association with the union. Media speculation has named White's former Springbok assistant coach and current Western Province mentor Allister Coetzee as the front-runner for the position of Super 14 head coach. However, Reyneke has dismissed the suggestion that they have already decided on a Director of Rugby, the position they advertised this week. "The applications only close on Friday [October 9]," Reyneke told rugby365 in an interview on Thursday. "I have eight world class CVs on my desk - from New Zealand, Australia and England. There are also some very, very good applications from within South Africa," he added. Reyneke declined to name any names. "It would be unethical of me to do so," he said, when asked if Coetzee's name was amongst those. The Lions chief confirmed that they will draw up a shortlist of names on Monday and present that to the board. They are expected to announced the name of the new Director of Rugby by next Friday, October 16. Reyneke also confirmed that he has a proposal on his desk from the World Cup-winning former Bok coach, Jake White, about the continued involvement of his Winning Ways company with the GLRU. "I will present the [Winning Ways] proposal to the [GLRU] board and they will make a call [on their continued involvement]," Reyneke told rugby365. White's company assisted the Lions in the Currie Cup this year and it was at their insistence that Hans Coetzee, a close ally of White, was appointed as an interim coach for the Currie Cup. Although the Lions have failed to reach the Currie Cup play-offs, the team's performances - despite having lost a host of their most senior players - have pleased the bosses in Johannesburg. They had a meeting with White this week, at which he outlined his future plans for the Lions and that proposal will now go to the board. It would not be a major surprise if that proposal includes a suggestion that the WP head coach, Allister Coetzee, be appointed as the Director of Rugby and Super 14 coach. According to media reports Stormers head coach Rassie Erasmus has already been informed of Coetzee's a desire to coach at Super 14 level. Robbie Fleck is also likely to take over from Allister Coetzee as the Stormers' backline coach next year. Added to the fact that Allister Coetzee, like his namesake Hans Coetzee, is a close ally of White - having been his assistant throughout White's four-year term as Bok coach - and it would not be too far fetch to suggest that White's proposal would include the name Allister Coetzee. By Jan de Koning RUGBY365

The Springboks will play the opening match at the new Aviva Stadium in Dublin – on the site of the old Lansdowne Road – when the 50 000 capacity stadium hosts its first rugby International on 6 November next year (2010). SA Rugby announced on Thursday that it had accepted an invitation from the Irish Rugby Football Union to be the first international opposition to play Ireland in the new Stadium. The Aviva Stadium is due to be handed over to the Irish Rugby Football Union and Football Association of Ireland upon completion in April next year. Ireland are already scheduled to play Samoa, New Zealand and Argentina during November in 2010 as part of the international calendar. The Springbok fixture has been added to that schedule to open the international season. The historical significance of the game will also see a reversal of the age-old international rugby tradition of the home team changing its jersey in the event of a colour clash. To mark the special occasion SA Rugby has agreed to wear an alternative strip to allow the Ireland team to wear their traditional green jersey. “We’re delighted to have been invited to help Ireland mark this historic occasion,” said Andy Marinos, acting managing director of SA Rugby. “It is an honour to have been asked and is the second time that the privilege has gone to the World Champion Springboks. In 1999 we were the opposition when the Welsh Rugby Union opened the Millennium Stadium in Cardiff.” IRFU Chief Executive Philip Browne said, “The Aviva stadium promises to become an iconic landmark for Irish sport and we are delighted that World Champions South Africa have agreed to be the opposition for the game.” Issued by SA Rugby Communications

A storm is brewing for SANZAR over the host of the 15th Super rugby team. Later this month the South African, New Zealand and Australian unions will discuss where the new team will be based from 2011. While there has been a suggestion Melbourne will host the new franchise, the reality is far different. The SARU is fully behind the Port Elizabeth-based Southern Kings winning the spot, while the continual bickering among interested parties in Melbourne has damaged its bid. For any SANZAR decision there must be unanimous agreement and NZRU CEO Steve Tew admitted there was the potential for negotiations to break down if the ARU and SARU refused to budge from supporting the teams in their countries. ''We've raised that issue with our colleagues,'' Tew told Auckland's Sunday News. ''Both countries have assured us that they will make an assessment based on the facts and decide based on what's in the best interest of SANZAR. ''At this point in time we have no reason or option but to take their word for it. I'm looking forward to that meeting. ''There is a default mechanism in our contract for the joint venture, which is to go to a commercial mediator or arbitrator ultimately. ''Our view is that we wouldn't be doing our duty if we didn't manage to get a decision in the room. ''But in the end it won't be New Zealand that causes that, it will be one of the other two parties. We will clearly make a decision on what we think is the right decision. ''We've got both bids now, we've studied them carefully, it's now a matter of getting together and seeing where the decision-making process leads.'' The new franchise will play in the Australian conference but that doesn't mean it has to be based there and when SARU put forward its 60-page bid document a fortnight ago, its acting managing director Andy Marinos believed they had a compelling case. We have put together a strong and sustainable business plan based on realistic sponsorship and attendance projections,'' Marinos said. ''In addition, the Kings' bid is not a case of having to reinvent the wheel - they can be operational very quickly. They have a ready audience, a fantastic stadium and a rich heritage of rugby.'' Marinos also staunchly refuted the widely held suggestion that Melbourne had already won the race. ''That is far from the case,'' he said. ''SANZAR has to make a decision that makes rugby sense and business sense and the Southern Kings fills both criteria. Even the claims that it makes logistical sense to be based in Australia do not stack up to close examination - the Kings would have only one more match overseas than does a South African franchise at the moment.'' Those comments suggest an almighty bun fight is on the cards and could cause further damage to a SANZAR relationship that was severely tested over how a new Super 15 season would be structured. Negotiations turned so sour that SARU made noises about pulling out of SANZAR. A solution could be for SANZAR to accept a majority decision on this one rather than unanimous. ''We suggested that at the last meeting,'' Tew said. ''But South Africa in particular said 'no'.'' RUGBYHEAVEN

Lions doctor James Robson claims that rugby union has reached a "watershed" over the issue of impact injuries. The recent tour to South Africa saw a string of casualties, including Wales props Adam Jones (dislocated shoulder) and Gethin Jenkins (cracked cheekbone). Robson intends to raise the issue at a medical conference hosted next month by the International Rugby Board. "We're getting to the point where we're getting collisions, but not necessarily the entertainment," said Robson. "People are trying to run through the opposition, rather than around them," he added in an interview conducted as part of a Sport Wales investigation for BBC Wales. "Players are so big and so bulky that maybe skills have dropped a little. My hope is that coaches recognise that and we get a little bit smaller and faster and more skilful - that players win the space rather than the collision." The full report will be on the Sport Wales programme on Friday evening Robson, the Scotland team doctor who is a veteran of five Lions tours, has completed his tour report in which he stresses the need for greater better medical back-up for all elite players. "We have a fantastic sport. It engenders so much passion," Robson added. "We have to be careful that we don't do a disservice to the people who are at the real heart of it and they are the players." The Sport Wales programme reveals that next month's conference will focus on the area of concussion from impact injuries and how it is treated on the field of play. It also discloses that referees were told by the IRB to adopt a zero-tolerance policy towards illegal clear-outs at rucks or counter-rucking this season and were provided with video footage of examples. Wales and Ospreys prop Jones was injured by a clear-out at a ruck during the Lions' 28-25 second Test defeat at Loftus Versfeld, Pretoria. Another case was Neath scrum-half Gareth Jones, who was tragically injured in a collision at a ruck during a Welsh Premier Division match between Cardiff and Neath in April 2008. The 28-year-old Jones later died in hospital from complications resulting from the neck injury he sustained during that match. The investigation also highlights recent reports by the Rugby Football Union, which has conducted a seven-year audit of injured players in the Guinness Premiership. The figures presented by English rugby's governing body show that an average of close to two players are injured in every match and that those players will be sidelined for an average of 20 days. Although the overall number of injuries has not increased since 2002, the data shows that 75% of all injuries occur in contact situations. One of the audit's authors, Simon Kemp, the England team doctor, said: "We don't believe there is an increased risk with the ruck when it's done legitimately. "There has been some concern expressed by game stake-holders and some players around the risk associated with the counter-ruck. "The IRB have acted in terms of issuing guidelines to referees about what should be permissible under law and what isn't." BBC RUGBY

The Professional Rugby Players' Association (PRA) has today announced that the organisation is refocusing and expanding to become the Rugby Players' Association (RPA). The RPA, launched today, will be more inclusive and will increase the number of players who can benefit from the RPA's excellent range of services. As well as over 500 players from the Guinness Premiership, the RPA will now be opening its membership to rugby players from different tiers of the game. This includes players from the Championship, elite players from Women's rugby and retired players, who will form the RPA Alumni. The RPA also launched a new brand identity including a new logo, new colour pallet and a new brand proposition: "For the Players, For the Game." RPA members England Captain, Steve Borthwick and young Wasps player Joe Simpson joined the RPA today to make the landmark announcement. Damian Hopley, RPA CEO said: "We are very excited to announce a new positive direction and new name for our organisation. The Rugby Players' Association will embrace a broader membership, promoting and protecting their interests to safeguard their futures both on and off the pitch. "While the organisation has had an exceptional record of success since its inception 11 years ago, the changes announced today will ensure the RPA is even better positioned to support the players and the growth of Rugby Union. "The new direction of the RPA will help provide our members with the best chance of achieving their full potential as sports men and women." David Barnes, PRA Chairman said: "The RPA has undertaken a great deal of positive work to support our members, including world class education programmes that help players to be role models for young people and be positive ambassadors for Rugby Union. "The expansion announced today will ensure that the players continue to benefit from an effective and independent players' union." Steve Borthwick, England and Saracens Captain said: "I am delighted to support the RPA in their new direction. For the players, it is vital that we have a strong, proactive and supportive union. Today's announcement shows the RPA is responding to the changing needs of the players and the sport." At today's media briefing, the RPA were also delighted to announce former Leicester Tigers player Matt Hampson as the first RPA Benevolent Fund Ambassador. Matt suffered a catastrophic injury whilst training with England U21 in 2005, and was presented with a cheque for £20,000 from the RPA Benevolent Fund to assist with the costs of installing a hydrotherapy pool in his purpose built house. The RPA Benevolent Fund - The Players' Charity - was established in 2001 to provide financial support for players who have been forced to retire from the game due to serious injury or illness, and support players' families in the event of their untimely death.

The Golden Lions Rugby Union have confirmed that they have signed Jonathan Mokuena to join the team from November 1, 2009 ahead of the 2010 Vodacom Super 14. Mokuena has played for the Leopards, Cheetahs and was captain of the Griquas up until his signing with the GLRU. The GLRU are thrilled to have the former SA Sevens Captain and member of the Emerging Boks who played the British & Irish Lions recently joining their camp. "Mokuena has a definite energy, and we cannot wait for him to join our squad. There is little doubt that this leader will bring new dynamics to the team and be an inspiration to his teammates", GLRU chief executive Manie Reyneke said. NEWS24

Xerox Lions hooker Hans van Dyk has been cited for allegedly biting Vodacom Western Province flanker Francois Louw on the forearm during the first half of an Absa Currie Cup Premier Division match in Johannesburg on Saturday. Van Dyk was cited by commissioner, Attorney Mr Andy Prior of Durban, after reviewing video and other evidence. Van Dyk is currently on leave and out of the country. A date for the hearing will be set on his return. Issued by SA Rugby Communications

SANZAR announced on Wednesday the appointment of sports marketing agency Essentially to secure a title sponsor for Super Rugby. Any new sole naming rights will come into effect at the start of the 2011 season when the competition expands to 15 teams. This is the first time that SANZAR has sought a global title sponsor for the premier Southern Hemisphere rugby union competition. Essentially was selected after a competitive tendering process. “For SANZAR to collectively market one of our key assets centrally and to appoint a sole agency is a first for the organisation,” said Andy Marinos, SANZAR CEO and SA Rugby’s acting Managing Director. “The new developments in Super Rugby, including a new format and the inclusion of a 15th team clearly illustrate that there has never been a more exciting time for potential sponsors to partner with southern hemisphere rugby. “The appointment of Essentially is a reflection of its global footprint within rugby union and impressive track record of delivering high-quality sponsors into the game. Essentially understands our needs and we look forward to working with its team to secure these key deals.” Essentially’s clients include the Heineken Cup, the 2009 British & Irish Lions as well as all of the cricket Test Match Ground venues in the UK and commercial inventory including the recent Ashes in-stadia rights. Bart Campbell, Essentially’s chief executive, said: “We are thrilled to be working for SANZAR on this ground-breaking assignment. “The Super Rugby event is one of the biggest tournaments and most exciting sponsorship opportunities in world rugby and we are honoured to be appointed. We will be mobilising all our offices in each of the key rugby territories and we are delighted to work with SANZAR on this project.” SANZAR hopes to conclude rights negotiations by the end of the year. Issued by SANZAR

Jaque Fourie does not have a standard players contract with the Golden Lions Rugby Union (GLRU) and that is just one of the reasons he believes his agreement with the union is not binding. He is also believed to be tired of having to play above himself to carry the Lions along with a handful of team-mates, and is said to be tired of the losing culture of the union. Fourie wants to leave the Lions to join Western Province, so that he can play for the Stormers next year. Arbitration in the dispute between Fourie and the GLRU ended in Johannesburg on Tuesday, but a finding is only expected early next week. The collective agreement between the South African Rugby Players’ Association (Sarpa) and the South African Rugby Employers Organisation (Sareo) determines that rugby unions must enter into agreements with players on standard players contracts. Fourie does not have a standard players contract with the union. He did, however, enter into an agreement with them on August 11, 2008. Sareo already on June 26, 2008 sent the standard players contract and new collective agreement to rugby unions, and there was no reason for the GLRU to not apply it to Fourie. The agreement that Fourie reached with the GLRU does not stipulate his remuneration for the second year of the so-called contract. Furthermore, the terms of his remuneration such as allowances, deductions, match fees and bonuses have not been filled in. Fourie’s contract with the GLRU indicates that he has been appointed as a “professional analyst” and not a rugby player. The Springbok centre believes his relationship with the GLRU has broken down because he was prevented from joining French club Clermont earlier this year and his salary for next season was not revised. Fourie apparently followed grievance procedures, but talks with Lions chief executive Manie Reyneke and union consultant Jake White did not solve the problems. He is tired of the losing culture at the union, which is preventing him from reaching his professional, personal and financial goals. Sarpa chief executive Piet Heymans called on rugby unions and player agents to use the standard players contract. “All the parties have to do on the standard players contract is to fill in the remuneration and the term. The rest is determined by a broad process of negotiations between Sarpa and Sareo. The provinces should take cognisance of the collective agreement, of which the standard contract is an attachment,” said Heymans. Six Lions players do not have standard contracts. Willem Alberts and Louis Ludik are also among them. Both have offers from the Sharks.

Heinrich Brüssow, one of the stars of the 2009 season, has been nominated five times and heads the list of nominees with three of his Springbok team mates for awards to be made at the SA Rugby Player of the Year Banquet which will take place at a glittering event at Vodaworld, Midrand, on Monday, November 2. Apart from Brüssow, Fourie du Preez (four), Springbok captain John Smit (three) and Morné Steyn (three) have also been nominated for multiple awards. Springbok coach Peter de Villiers has been rewarded for his remarkable achievements with the national team with a nomination for the Absa Coach of the Year Award. Paul Treu, who guided the Springbok Sevens team to glory in the IRB World Sevens Series, has also been nominated in this category. Brüssow, who made his Test debut against England in November 2008, has been nominated for the prestigious SA Rugby Player of the Year Award, as well as the Young Player of the Year, Vodacom Super 14 Player of the Year, Castle South Africa 2009 Lions Series Test and Provincial Player of the Year. Du Preez has been nominated for SA Rugby Player of the Year, Vodacom Super 14 Player of the Year, Castle South Africa 2009 Lions Series Test Player of the Year and Supersport Try of the Year. Smit’s nominations are for SA Rugby Player of the Year, Castle South Africa 2009 Lions Series Player of the Year and Supersport Try of the Year. Steyn, a new Springbok in 2009 who contributed 114 points in their series victory over the British & Irish Lions as well as the successful Vodacom Tri-Nations campaign, has three nominations – SA Rugby Player of the Year, Vodacom Super 14 Player of the Year and Castle South Africa 2009 Lions Series Test Player of the Year. The Springboks’ vice-captain, Victor Matfield, has been nominated along with Brüssow, Steyn, Smit and Du Preez for the SA Rugby Player of the Year award. Two special awards will be made this year, to commemorate the Castle South Africa 2009 Lions Series. It will be handed to the outstanding player in the seven non-Test matches, as well as in the three Tests. All the nominations are (in alphabetical order): SA Rugby Player of the Year Heinrich Brüssow Fourie du Preez Victor Matfield John Smit Morné Steyn Young Player of the Year Heinrich Brüssow Juan de Jongh Francois Hougaard Lionel Mapoe Frans Steyn Team of the Year GWK Griquas – Vodacom Cup and Absa Currie Cup Springboks Springbok Sevens Vodacom Bulls – Vodacom Super 14 Vodacom Western Province – Absa Currie Cup Absa Coach of the Year Allister Coetzee – Vodacom Western Province Peter de Villiers – Springboks Frans Ludeke – Vodacom Bulls Dawie Theron – GWK Griquas Paul Treu – Springbok Sevens The Absa Currie Cup Premier Division Player of the Year Juan de Jongh – Vodacom Western Province Joe Pietersen – Vodacom Western Province Sarel Pretorius – GWK Griquas Stefan Terblanche – The Sharks Luke Watson – Vodacom Western Province The Absa Currie Cup First Division Player of the Year Cecil Afrika – Griffons De Wet Barry – BA Mighty Elephants Ricardo Croy – SWD Eagles Allistair Kettledas – Pumas Braam Pretorius – Pumas Castle South Africa 2009 Lions Series Provincial Player of the Year Heinrich Brüssow – Vodacom Free State Cheetahs Willem de Waal – Vodacom Western Province and Emerging Springboks Mpho Mbiyozo – Southern Kings Joe Pietersen – Vodacom Western Province Dewald Potgieter – Emerging Springboks Castle South Africa 2009 Lions Series Test Player of the Year Heinrich Brüssow Fourie du Preez Tendai Mtawarira John Smit Morné Steyn Vodacom Super 14 Player of the Year Heinrich Brüssow – Vodacom Cheetahs Fourie du Preez – Vodacom Bulls Wynand Olivier – Vodacom Bulls Pierre Spies – Vodacom Bulls Morné Steyn – Vodacom Bulls Vodacom Cup Player of the Year Cecil Afrika – Griffons Francois Brummer – Vodacom Blue Bulls Jonathan Mokoena – GWK Griquas Naas Olivier – GWK Griquas Riaan Viljoen – GWK Griquas) Supersport Try of the Year Fourie du Preez – second try in the Vodacom Super 14 Final, Vodacom Bulls v Chiefs in Pretoria on May 30. Jaque Fourie – Second Test in the Castle South Africa 2009 Lions Series in Pretoria on June 27. Bryan Habana – Second Test in the Castle South Africa 2009 Lions Series in Pretoria on June 27. Fabian Juries – Absa Currie Cup, Vodacom Free State Cheetahs v Vodacom Blue Bulls in Pretoria on September 26. John Smit – First Test in the Castle South Africa 2009 Lions Series in Durban on June 20. Note: Awards will also be made in the following categories – Coca-Cola Craven Week Player of the Tournament, Marriott Referee Award, Women’s Achiever of the Year, SAA Club Championship Player of the Tournament, SA U20 Player of the Year and Springbok Sevens Player of the Year. Issued by SA Rugby Communications

The South African Rugby Players Association (SARPA) yesterday received feedback from the Boland Cavaliers rugby players on their meeting with the Boland Rugby Union on player contracting for next season and incentives for success in their upcoming promotion/relegation matches with the winner of the ABSA Currie Cup First Division. In view of the fact that their contracts expire at the end of October, the players were unhappy about the fact that by the end of last week there had been no formal contractual undertakings from the Union with regard to the contracting for next year. However, the Union and the players met on the matter yesterday and had what was described as “constructive talks”, after which the players gave feedback to SARPA. The CEO for SARPA, Mr. Piet Heymans, welcomed the positive negotiations with the players. “In view of these developments there would be no further need for SARPA to intervene should these undertakings be honoured by the Boland Rugby Union,” Heymans said. “We are now awaiting the written agreements from the Union to settle the matter.” SARPA

The South African Rugby Players’ Association (SARPA) has announced the five nominees for the highly popular SARPA Players’ Player of the Year Award. The SARPA Players’ Player of the Year is chosen through voting by the 452 members of SARPA, which include all the Springboks and professional players of the 14 provincial unions, and has therefore from a player’s and a professional perspective a very high prestige value. The five players who have received the most nominations from their fellow players are Fourie du Preez (Blue Bulls), Morné Steyn (Blue Bulls), Heinrich Brüssow (Free State Cheetahs), Sarel Pretorius (Griquas) and Stefan Terblanche (Sharks). The CEO of SARPA, Mr. Piet Heymans, pointed out that the selection of the SARPA Players’ Player of the Year for 2009 will differ from previous years in the sense that there will be two rounds of casting votes. “Whereas in the past the player who had received the most nominations from the members of SARPA automatically received the award, this year all the members have been requested to vote again for these five nominees only in a second round of voting which closes on midnight, Sunday the 18th of October 2009” he said. “The nominations are a true and fair reflection of the performances in the Currie Cup as well as at international level. To be nominated by a player you have played against is a great honour and confirms that such a player is respected by his peers. I am sure that whatever the result, any one of these nominees will be a worthy winner of the SARPA Players’ Player of the Year Award.” The Award will be made at the SA Rugby Player of the Year Banquet which will take place at Vodaworld, Midrand, on Monday, November 2. For more information, please contact Mr. Piet Heymans at (021) 685-5011. EDITORS NOTE: PREVIOUS WINNERS OF SARPA PLAYERS’ PLAYER OF THE YEAR AWARD: John Smit 2005, Kabamba Floors 2006, Willem de Waal 2007, Jean de Villiers 2008 End.

In only its second decade of professionalism, rugby is still a relative newcomer to the practice of professional sport. Where once the game was played at the top level for pride alone, there are now salaries, contracts and clauses. Each club or union has to deal with the balance of having top stars drawing in the crowds, young players being given the chance to develop, and the players' international 'responsibilities'. Peter Hassard, President of the KwaZulu-Natal Rugby Union (the amateur arm of the Sharks), talks to rugby365 about the pitfalls of professional rugby, the possible Springbok exodus, and whether or not the Sharks will have to leave the Absa Stadium. Hassard explains the structure of rugby in KwaZulu-Natal. "In our union we have the professional division which is the Sharks Pty Ltd, and we have the KwaZulu-Natal Rugby Union, who handle all the amateur rugby; clubs, schools and so on. We also used to handle the Under-19s and Under-21s up to 2007, but from 2008 they became professional teams too. So we handle the referees, coaching, development, transformation, and all the clubs in KwaZulu-Natal, and the Sharks professional arm handles the 4 professional teams; The Sharks, the Sharks XV who play in the Vodacom Cup, the Under-21s and the Under-19s." Hassard says that the strength of the amateur game is vital to the professional sides, and the KZNRU take serious steps to ensure that the depth of rugby in KwaZulu-Natal is strong throughout the province. "We as a union are pumping millions into club rugby every year, and we have signed a major sponsor for club rugby in KwaZulu-Natal. We have shown growth in numbers too. If you go back to the beginning of 2008, and compared it to the beginning of 2009, the numbers of players in all clubs have increased. I put it down to the Sharks winning the Currie Cup last year. There was more interest shown across the board." The development of previously disadvantaged players is equally as important to the growth of the game in South Africa, and Hassard's team is making sure that everything that can be done is carried out so that opportunities are offered to those who may not have had them before. "We have now got 21 black clubs playing rugby here, and on the books we have about 25,000 children of colour between Under-13 and Under-17 playing rugby in KwaZulu-Natal. We have an inter-sub union club tournament for Under-13s, Under-15s and Under-17s, and the top 30 players from each age group are taken out and given specialised training. You find all those top players are picked up by the schools in the area and given bursaries, so they also get a good education which is invaluable." Speaking about the need to have a stream of talent coming through the system, Hassard says that the key to the balance lies in signing the players young, so that they have experience of the club's culture when they turn out for the senior teams. "We signed 12 of the top provincial schools players this year, their contracts start on the 1st of January 2010. We have continuity throughout the system. They go from under 19 to under 21 to Vodacom Cup to the Sharks, so we have a continuous stream of players going through." Hassard says that it in their current spending, Western Province might be detracting from the talent that would normally be coming through their youth system. "What's happening is the pool of talent coming through in Western Province is seeing that they aren't getting a chance to run on the field with the Stormers or Province sides, so what they are doing is moving to other unions such as the Sharks and the Bulls." In addition, the act of buying players can also be problematic, with Jaque Fourie's current legal battle highlighting the issues. Hassard says that there should be more communication between the three parties. "Jaque Fourie has signed a contract until the end of 2010 with the Lions, and according to the contract, he can't severe his ties. I don't see the point of having a chap there who doesn't want to play, but the Lions and Stormers should be talking to each other. The Lions should tell the Stormers that if they want the player, pay the transfer fee and they can have him. The Stormers seem to have endless money at the moment; they are buying players left, right and centre." But Hassard says that it is not just the loss of talent that has made the Lions fight so hard to keep Fourie. He mentions that there is a dangerous outcome at stake where players will not be forced to honour contracts. "There are rules and regulations. If you relax the rules that are in place in any sporting body people will just walk away from contracts. When Bakkies wanted to leave the Bulls last year he got advocates involved to argue his case, but he lost because he had signed a contract saying he would stay in Pretoria until the end of 2010." But, according to Hassard, it is not just the players who are to blame. "Their agents are the biggest culprits. The agents will phone us and say 'we have a player that wants to move to the Sharks', so you sit around the table with the agent and talk numbers. Then the agent goes back to the player's union and say 'this is what the Sharks offered us, are you prepared to match it?' which is rubbish, we hadn't made an offer, we just talked. There is a lot of dirty laundry involved." It is not just domestic transfers that are cause for worry. As speculation of a Springbok exodus to Europe mounts, Hassard says that there is little that the South African unions can do to keep up with the European salaries. "The problem, from a South African perspective, is the strength of the Euro and the Pound. The clubs in Europe are pulling our top players because of their currency. What it is doing, it is pushing our contract fees up, so it's costing us a hell of a lot of money to keep a professional team on the park. The Springboks want to make as much money out of the game as possible, but I don't blame them, they are in business, let them earn as much as they can while they can. A rugby player's career can end tomorrow." Hassard says this is not a new concept, and that it is not just the high profile players that get lured to Europe. "Here in Durban we lose about 30 to 40 players a year out of club rugby to go play club rugby in Britain. I don't blame them, they get ZAR150 match fee over here, and they get £150 over there. So they go over there, and find themselves a job, have a ball for two or three years playing some good rugby, and they come back to South Africa again. And a lot of them come back and start playing for their original clubs." In addition, the former Natal Country Districts player believes that there won't be the full scale exodus that everyone has been talking about. "There is a limit to everything in life. They might take a few key players, but they can't take them all. The clubs in Europe at the moment are cash-strapped - barring the French; I don't know where the French are getting all their money from. When the British and Irish Lions were over here, I had dinner with the Presidents of the Home Unions, and they were saying that the clubs there are struggling; their sponsors are feeling the recession. Once the recession is finished, maybe then the cash will come back and they will start buying more players." Though South African rugby has lost a few international stars, there has also been interest in their domestic competition from foreigners in the form of Chris Jack, Todd Clever and Juan Martin Hernandez. Luckily for South Africa, the Currie Cup and the Super 14 remain big draw cards for foreign players wishing to test themselves against the premier players of world rugby, and because of that interest, the Sharks are delighted to have the talent of Argentinean Hernandez at their disposal. "We were struggling to find a flyhalf after Butch James left. We started looking around, and Juan Martin kindly accepted our offer. What a charming young man, very nice chap. Juan Martin has played Heineken Cup rugby, International rugby, World Cup rugby and his comment the other day was that out of all of them, Currie Cup rugby is the hardest. He is really looking forward to playing Super 14 next year." Hassard says that those international stars are vital in helping blood the younger generation of players while the Springboks are away on duty. "In the Currie Cup, out of 14 pool matches, the Springboks only play three. If we make the final they play five out of 15, so they play a third of the matches - and unfortunately the Sharks supply 12 Springboks." Though, Hassard admits, the Sharks are fortunate to have enough depth in talent to cope while the big names are away. "Even without our 12 Springboks, our youngsters took us right through to the top of the log. Those young chaps are dedicated. There are no airs and graces about them, and there are no contract wars with them - they are playing rugby because they want to play rugby." Each Springbok who plays for the Sharks is vital to their challenge for the Currie Cup trophy, but Hassard says there is no question about who makes the biggest impact on his return. "John Smit is an absolute gentleman and an unbelievable man. He is loyal to his province. He went to France, and the minute he wasn't happy he phoned us immediately to ask if he could come back to the Sharks. He makes a massive difference to the side. They (the rugby community) rate him as the best captain in the world, and I can see it. Whenever he plays for the Sharks they play a different standard of rugby." With so much good happening on the field for the Sharks it is unfortunate that there are issues off it, with the of possibility of having to move stadiums hanging over the Durban outfit. Though, Hassard believes, the decision is best left to those who use the stadium the most. "We have 32,000 permanent members - supporters who have season tickets. The only fair thing to do in that situation was to ask the members whether or not they wanted to move to the new stadium, and the answer from them was 'no'. They want to stay because it's their home; they know they have the fields around the stadium where they can have their braais after the game. They are happy with their season tickets and they are happy with their boxes." While he hopes that there is an amiable resolution to the issue, Hassard says that legally speaking the Sharks cannot be forced to change homes. "Our legal department has told us that our contract with the corporation allowing us to stay at the ABSA Stadium until 2056 is all in line, and we cannot be forced out of the stadium." As those in power decide the future of the brand, this weekend the Sharks team will be looking to seal a spot in this year's Currie Cup final. With such a strong squad they will be difficult to dismantle, but regardless of the result, those behind the scenes will be working to ensure that rugby in the province continues to improve in the future. By Keith Moore FOR RUGBY365

Springbok assistant coach Dick Muir is set to beat Super 14-winning former Bulls coach Heyneke Meyer in the race for the position as Golden Lions Director of Rugby. The Golden Lions Rugby Union on Friday declined to confirm or deny the rumours that Muir had already been appointed, but a source close to the GLRU executive told rugby365 that Muir has been offered the position. If appointed, Muir will coach the Lions in the Super 14 next year. Western Province coach Allister Coetzee, despite denying that his name was in the hat, was one of eight 'world class' CVs that landed on GLRU CEO Manie Reyneke's desk. The Lions boss earlier this week said they should be able to reveal the name of the Director of Rugby, who will double as the Super 14 coach, by the weekend. "I am busy working through the applications and we want to make an appointment by the weekend," Reyneke told rugby365. Reyneke, on Friday, spent the afternoon interviewing candidates. Last week Reyneke told rugby365 that he has "eight world class CVs" on his desk - including from New Zealand, Australia and England. And Jake White's Winning Ways company may also continue their association with the union. However, Reyneke has refused to confirm or deny any of the names speculated about. If Muir accepts the offer to coach the Lions, he will be in the same boat as Bok forwards coach Gary Gold - who assists the Stormers in the Super 14. By Jan de Koning RUGBY365

The Irish Players' Association (IRUPA) has publicly criticised the IRB for inconsistencies in disciplinary measures in recent times. IRUPA Chief Niall Woods spoke to the Irish Examiner on the subject, claiming the players were not at all happy with the inconsistencies and questioning the credentials of the disciplinary panels. "Players have grown exceedingly frustrated and disappointed with the continued inconsistencies in the application of disciplinary sanctions," Woods claimed. "That concern is not just in Ireland; it is worldwide." He also questioned: "whether disciplinary personnel have the required rugby experience in order for them to fully appreciate the playing situations that professional players find themselves in". "Whilst IRUPA does not condone foul play whatsoever and believes that those players that do commit foul pay should be disciplined, players must see some uniformity in the manner in which the administrators hand out sanctions in order for them to regain any form of trust in the system. The criticism comes in the wake of the 12-week ban issued to Shane Jennings for making contact with the eye area of opponents and a similar one given to Alan Quinlan in last year's Heineken Cup that cost the Munster flanker his Lions tour place. On the tour, Springbok flanker Schalk Burger was found guilty of the same offence, yet was only banned for eight weeks, as was Italy's Sergio Parisse for the same offence. "There are inconsistencies everywhere and we're not happy with the fact that, in European Cup Rugby, for instance, citings are referred to one single person for judgement," continued Woods. "We don't agree with that and our view is that urgent consideration must be given to the whole process, including whether disciplinary personnel have the required rugby experience in order for them to fully appreciate the playing situations that professional players find themselves in. "There is too much unpredictability in the level of sanctions handed out and this is why there is a complete lack of trust in the system amongst players," he said. Woods also had things to say on the growing trend of play-acting and over-reaction on the field of play, saying the players had a responsibility to be honest. PLANET RUGBY

ARU chief executive John O'Neill knows the code is in trouble. But he told Greg Growden yesterday it is not yet time to give up on Australian rugby. Q With television ratings and crowd figures dropping, and the Wallabies in a slump, is the Australian game on the wane? A The game is not where it should be and not where it's been. Our decline has been over a four- or five-year period. We peaked in terms of popularity at the end of 2003-04, which you would expect us to with the hosting of the World Cup, and slowly but surely have not been able to maintain those levels of success. It's not slit-your-wrists time, but if people are not hearing the alarm bells, they need to. The message is that this is a collective problem and it can only be solved collectively. Rugby is a game that people feel passionate about and the Australian rugby fans are used to success. We have a very loyal fan base but they are getting very impatient. We are a bit of a boutique sport, but we have won two World Cups. Nonetheless, success has eluded us for quite some time. We've only won two Tri Nations in 14 years, haven't won the Bledisloe Cup since 2002, came somewhere between fifth and eighth in the last World Cup and only won two Super 14 titles. Now we've finished last in the Tri Nations. We haven't won the things that matter. And it all revolves around success on the field. People can blame the laws of the game and all sorts of things, but, at the end of the day, everyone is operating under the same laws. We can't blame anyone but ourselves. The brand health is a collective on on-field and off-field matters and they are directly related. We used to be knocked over in the rush by sponsors and broadcasters in the days of full-house success between 1998-2003. Q So the crux of the problem is that the Wallabies' success rate is on the wane. If they start winning, will a lot of the problems be alleviated? A Absolutely. Since Robbie Deans has taken over, we've played 25 games [including two Barbarians matches] and won 15. Nine of the 10 losses are against the two best teams in the world - South Africa and New Zealand. Over 2008-09, the All Blacks are 6-1 up on us - so that's the first set and we've got one to go in Tokyo - while we're three-all with the Springboks. So being three-all with the world champions is not bad. And the one we did win over the All Blacks last year in Sydney, people are still talking about it. No excuses. We've got to get ourselves back into the 75-80 per cent win-loss ratio, because if you are achieving that sort of success, everything else follows. I've seen it in too many places. I ran the ARU for eight years first time around, and ran Football Australia for three years. I saw what happened with the Socceroos, where they hadn't bothered anyone for 32 years. They then got into the round of 16 at the World Cup and you would have thought they had won the World Cup. What did it unleash around Australia? If the Wallabies get back over the next few years with Bledisloe Cup, Tri Nations and hopefully World Cup victories, it will all change. The main game is to win and entertain. It is not just up to the Wallabies - it involves the Reds, Waratahs, Force and Brumbies as well. It also revolves around the Sydney and Brisbane heartland - just talk to the broadcasters. What are the markets that really matter? Sydney and Brisbane. Q If Sydney and Brisbane are so crucial, why not play far more Test matches there? A We have to be more attentive to Brisbane and Sydney. The Bledisloe Cup being out of Sydney for a couple of years really hurt Sydney. It's not a market you can take lightly. We have to get the balance right, because we probably have spread ourselves a bit thinly. Q Are you concerned about the health of the Wallabies? A Wellington was really disappointing. We had lost four Tri Nations on the trot, but you felt in those games they were capable of winning them. Then we did beat the Springboks in Brisbane and they turned that capability into reality. We all thought we had turned the corner and then Wellington took us from the penthouse to the outhouse. From the coach down, we found out it was much harder than what we thought. Still, we have plenty of good cattle. [Former Springboks coach] Jake White, who I just saw in Dublin at an IRB meeting, said: ''You're three or four players away from being a great team.'' And I agree with him. I am very optimistic. Robbie's decision to recommend Rocky Elsom and Berrick Barnes as the new Test captain and vice-captain is a sound one. It's not complicated. Successful sporting bodies are hallmarked by the administration, the coach and the captain being on the same wavelength. Besides Elsom and Barnes, you have Benn Robinson, Stephen Moore, Tatafu Polota-Nau, James Horwill, David Pocock and Adam Ashley-Cooper, who are all leaders of the future, while Stirling Mortlock and George Smith have captained Australia. Remember the great 1999 team - they had an abundance of leaders. The words of Leo Williams came back to me yesterday, when we received the very sad news of his death. Leo recruited me into rugby. I got a letter from him when I came back into rugby, which said: ''Mate, good luck. You will need it. You were blessed first time around by being handed one of the greatest Australian teams in history. You will need to create another one.'' And he's right. Q Is Robbie Deans safe? A Absolutely. I don't think this is an experience he's had before. Robbie is a first-rate coach, a first-rate person. He's a good communicator and good man manager. Sydney … Australia is not Christchurch. The exposure, the concentration of media attention, the mischief, the agendas, figuring out who to trust and not to trust … I believe he has a good handle on that right now. Q What about your own future? There has been speculation you might be moving on. A There are any number of people who would like me to. The same people who didn't want me to come back to rugby want to see me leave. There's quite a bit of game-playing at the moment involving several episodes, including the Lote Tuqiri controversy, but in terms of my future, I was invited back to the ARU for a five-year stint. I'll be at the halfway point come the end of this year and I don't intend to go anywhere. I am appointed by the ARU board and if the board is happy with my performance, fine. If they're not, I'm sure they will let me know. Q But you seem to have become an easy target for some. A Let's just say there has been viciousness in some of the attacks, and they have largely been anonymous. But the suspects are the usual ones. RUGBYHEAVEN

Finally the Blue Bulls can put right that little blip of 2005. That was when the Free State Cheetahs came and snatched the Currie Cup from the Blue Bulls at Loftus Versfeld in the last minute. Try as they might, the Bulls have not been able to win the trophy since, even though they have bagged two Super14 titles. They did share the trophy a year later, but have not been able to win it in front of their home crowd since. Bulls captain Victor Matfield now wants them to use the opportunity. “When we last won three in a row, everyone thought it would continue for a long time, but it has not happened for us in the wake of 2005. We now have to grab this opportunity because we do not know when it will come around again,” said Matfield. The lock believes poor lineout play by Western Province, rather than a high tackle by Sireli Naqelevuki, gave the Bulls the opportunity of winning their semi-final in the last minute. “We won two lineout balls which gave us the chance to get momentum again and get in their area. The one throw-in was poor and the other was at the wrong place, which allowed me to steal it,” said Matfield. Matfield said he had considered his options before deciding that Steyn should kick at goal. “Fourie (du Preez) wanted to take a quick tap to try and win another 10m and I thought of an attacking lineout. But Morné was certain that it was inside his range and I had no doubt about handing him the ball,” he said. Matfield praised WP for their contribution to a great game. “They definitely made it difficult for us. It was a tough one we had to pull off, but one thing this team has is determination,” he said. Bulls coach Frans Ludeke also admitted that it was close and that his team had to dig deep. “The momentum definitely swung in their favour in those last 15, 20 minutes. They started taking our balls and playing the right rugby at the right times. Those last two lineouts gave us the chance we needed,” said Ludeke. “Victor and Danie poached balls there and it gave us the opportunity to get into a position from where Morné could win the game for us.” Ludeke believes the home crowd was a factor. “Newlands was a huge ally for WP and the crowd definitely lifted them. It felt hostile at times,” he said. He is relieved that the final against the Cheetahs will be played at Loftus. “It is a bonus for us. We were not in a good position in the series at one stage and to be able to host the final now is definitely a bonus,” said Ludeke. “We are one game away from a very special season, but it will require another big effort.” NEWS24

The Golden Lions and Springbok centre Jaque Fourie has won his contractual case against the Golden Lions Rugby Union. His attorney, Mr Frikkie Erasmus, has confirmed that in the arbitration case it was ruled that Fourie did not have a binding standard players contract with the GLRU. Fourie's agent, Peet van Zyl, confirmed that Fourie will sign a contract with Western Province from 1 November 2009 to 31 October 2011. Fourie may now join fellow Springbok Bryan Habana, who has also signed with the Cape side, in the Western Province and Stormers jersey next season.

Springbok prop Brian Mujati could face a lengthy suspension, anything from six months to a life ban, after he was cited for physical contact with a match official. Mujati is one of two of Northampton Saints' South African players, the other is Juandre Kruger, who are to appear at independent disciplinary hearings as a result of citings from the Heineken Cup Round Two match against Perpignan at the weekend. The citings lodged by the citing commissioner for the match, Murray Whyte (Ireland). Perpignan won the match, at Stade Aime Giral last Friday, 29-13. Mujati, the Saints replacement prop forward, was cited for an alleged push in the back of referee Nigel Owens (Wales) in contravention of Law 10.4 (l). The independent Judicial Officer will be appointed as soon as practicable. Law 10.4 (l) - Acts contrary to good sportsmanship. Kruger, the Northampton Saints lock, was cited for alleged stamping on Perpignan player Nicolas Durand (No.9) in contravention of Law 10.4 (b). The independent Judicial Officer will be appointed as soon as practicable. Law 10.4 (b) Stamping - A player must not stamp on an opponent. The Saints prop, Mujati, faces a six-month for the alleged push on the referee, Owens. The Saints were stunned by Monday's citing, saying that no complaint had been made after the match and they were reviewing the tape of the game to see what the tighthead prop had been accused of. Mujati, a second-half replacement, joined Northampton in the off-season from the Stormers and has won 12 caps for South Africa. Under International Rugby Board regulations he faces a minimum 24-week suspension if he is found guilty, with a life ban the maximum punishment available for the disciplinary committee that will consider the case at a date yet to be set. Neil Back received a six-month ban for shoving referee Steve Lander in 1996, while retired Springbok fullback, Percy Montgomery, now South Africa's kicking coach, was banned for two years, 18 months of which was suspended, for pushing a touch judge to the ground while playing for Newport at Swansea in 2003. Mujati scored one of Northampton's two tries in the defeat in France. RUGBY365

The Free State Cheetahs face the prospect of losing star lock David de Villiers for the Currie Cup Final showdown with the Blue Bulls in Pretoria next Saturday, October. Christo Ferreira, General Manager Legal Matters at the South African Rugby Union, confirmed on Tuesday that both De Villiers and the Sharks' Springbok lock Johann Muller had been cited - following the Cheetahs' 23-21 win over the men from Durban in the semifinal last Saturday. De Villiers had been cited for striking Sharks loose forward Keegan Daniel with an elbow, under Law 10.4(a): 'Punching or striking - A player must not strike an opponent with the fist, arm, including the elbow, shoulder head or knee(s).' Muller was cited for a dangerous tackle on Cheetahs hooker Richardt Strauss, which resulted in Strauss having to leave the field with swollen eye, under Law 10.4(e): 'Dangerous tackling - A player must not tackle an opponent early, late or dangerously.' The term 'dangerous tackle' includes 'above the line of the shoulders' and a 'stiff arm tackle'. However, there is great unhappiness in the Cheetahs camp that Bulls lock Bakkies Botha was not cited for what appeared to be the same kind of 'elbow charge' that caused De Villiers to be cited. Botha was yellow carded in the first minute of the Blue Bulls' 21-19 semifinal win over Western Province last Saturday, but no further action was taken. Ferreira confirmed that De Villiers will appear before an independent disciplinary hearing on Wednesday, while Muller's hearing has been scheduled for Thursday. RUGBY365

Springbok stalwart Jaque Fourie is a free agent and can negotiate a contract with Western Province for 2010, but that may not be the end of his public spat with the Golden Lions. Fourie's lawyer, Frikkie Erasmus, confirmed to rugby365 that the arbitration ruling had gone in favour of Fourie, which effectively makes him a free agent. Advocate Schalk Burger, who headed the arbitration hearing, ruled that Fourie did not have a standard players' contract with the Golden Lions Rugby Union, which ensured that the player was now free to move to Western Province and the Stormers before the end of the year. The arbitration hearing ended in Johannesburg on Tuesday last week and the verdict has not been formally released. However, Erasmus and Piet Heymans, the CEO of the South African Rugby Players' Association (SARPA), both confirmed that the ruling was in favour of Fourie. "We are delighted," Erasmus told rugby365, but declined to elaborate on the ruling. However, both Heymans and GLRU CEO Manie Reyneke confirmed that Fourie had won because the GLRU had failed to agree to the amount of Fourie's remuneration for 2011 - which effectively made the contract null and void. Reyneke said he had not seen the full ruling, but once he had a copy he would meet with the union's legal advisors to determine their next course of action. The GLRU boss said he had not given up yet and might even opt to enforce the clause that allowed the Lions to counter any offer Fourie got from elsewhere. Heymans said the whole sorry saga once again proved how important the standard, collective agreement - as agreed to by the South African Rugby Players' Association (SARPA) and the South African Rugby Employers Organisation (SAREO) - was for unions. "We have worked very hard to make these documents available to unions and it is up to them to ensure the correct contracts are signed," Heymans told rugby365. He added that it appeared that the failure of GLRU not to stipulate the remuneration for the second year of Fourie's contract, for 2010, might have been the result of the arbitration ruling going in favour of the player. Fourie's contract with the GLRU also indicated that he had been appointed as a 'professional analyst' and not a rugby player. "The unions need to be very careful what conditions they attach to the collective agreement," Heymans said, adding that they would continue to work closely with players and unions in an effort to avoid a repeat of cases like these. But the onus remains on unions to ensure they have the documentation in place. Erasmus confirmed that Fourie would now start negotiations with Western Province (Pty) Ltd, with the player having gone public with his wish to move to Cape Town. If the negotiations are concluded and he moves to Cape Town, as expected, he will join fellow Bok backline star Bryan Habana at the Stormers in 2010. And Fourie is not the last in an ongoing exodus of leading players at the Lions. It has been rumoured that burly No.8 Willem Alberts and star utility back Louis Ludik are negotiating with the Sharks for 2010. Add to this the departure of a host of senior players like hookers Willie Wepener (to Clermont in France) and Ethienne Reynecke (to Saracens in England), locks Anton van Zyl (to Western Province), Dewald Senekal (Toulon, France), Gerhard Mostert (Sharks) and Jannes Labuschagne (injured/retired), Bok flyhalf André Pretorius (who has signed with the Western Force) and No.8 Ernst Joubert (Saracens, England), and it is clear there remains great unhappiness with the administration in Johannesburg. The GLRU last Friday confirmed that Springbok backline coach Dick Muir would be the new Director of Coach, and Super 14 head coach, but he would start with a player core devoid of experience. At the heart of the player unhappiness was the acrimonious departure of former coach Eugene Eloff, who was sacked a week before the team's encounter with the British and Irish Lions at the behest of Jake White's Winning Ways company - which resulted in a player strike. It is worth noting that White's company, Winning Ways, who assisted stand-in Currie Cup coach Hans Coetzee, is unlikely to continue its involvement with the GLRU. It has been rumoured that the union needed to free up cash to sign Muir and as a result did not see its way clear for White's continued involvement. By Jan de Koning RUGBY365

The SANZAR Executive Committee met today to consider the applications from Melbourne and the Southern Kings to be the 15th Super Rugby team. Following discussion it was clear that the Executive Committee would not reach the required unanimity with the ARU expressing its support for Melbourne and SA Rugby expressing its support for the Southern Kings. As a result no vote was taken by the Executive Committee and it was agreed that the matter should proceed to arbitration in accordance with the SANZAR Joint Venture Agreement. SANZAR will move quickly to set up an independent arbitration process which will result in a binding decision. Issued by SANZAR

Vodacom Free State Cheetahs lock David de Villiers was on Wednesday cleared of foul play following a SARU disciplinary hearing which was held at Newlands in Cape Town. De Villiers, who was represented at the hearing by Gerrie Swart, was cited for striking The Sharks flanker Keegan Daniel with the elbow during last Saturday’s Absa Currie Cup semi-final match in Durban. The Vodacom Free State Cheetahs won 23-21. Judicial Officer Attorney Willem Gaum viewed the available evidence and determined that the incident did not warrant a citing. De Villiers will be available for selection in preparation of next Saturday’s Absa Currie Cup final against the Vodacom Blue Bulls at Loftus Versfeld in Pretoria. Issued by SA Rugby Communications

Naka Drotske and Ashley Johnson of the Vodacom Free State Cheetahs on Thursday received the Absa Currie Cup Coach and Player of the Month awards respectively at a ceremony held at Vodacom Park in Bloemfontein. The Bloemfontein side, coached by Drotske, has been in excellent form in the competition after working their way up from the bottom of the log to book their place in next Saturday’s Absa Currie Cup final where they will take on the Vodacom Blue Bulls at Loftus Versfeld. The Absa Currie Cup Coach and Player of the Month competition, is designed to acknowledge and reward coaches for outstanding leadership; while players who are consistent and significantly contribute to the overall performance of the team, are also rewarded. “It’s a huge privilege to win this award,” said Drotske. “We are obviously focused on a win next week but it is also a huge honour to be awarded for the rugby that we have planned this month. I couldn’t have done it without the players and the team. Next week will be tough, we are up against world stars but the pressure will be on the Vodacom Blue Bulls as the game is in their home stadium. We will give it a full shot and are confident that we can beat them and win the Absa Currie Cup this year!” The judges needed no explanation to award Drotske in this final month of the competition. The Vodacom Free State Cheetahs coach demonstrated excellent leadership in encouraging and guiding his team to defeat the Sharks in last Saturday’s Absa Currie Cup semi-final. Ashley Johnson received the majority of votes for his standout performances during this final month of the Absa Currie Cup action. Johnson was consistent in both defence and attack, and all of the Vodacom Free State Cheetahs’ go-forward ball on the field, were as a result of his input. “For me personally, it is a great accolade and very rewarding for the rugby that has been played, but it’s also an accolade for the team, especially thanks to the performances of the tight five. They’ve really contributed to the overall performance of the side,” said Johnson. “It’s going to be a huge feat to beat the Vodacom Blue Bulls as they have many Springboks in their team. It will be a very tough match. But I am confident in our ability, we know what we can do as a team.” The Vodacom Free State Cheetahs players have been nominated and awarded more than any other team in this year’s Absa Currie Cup awards. Fellow players WP Nel and Lionel Mapoe were previously acknowledged and rewarded for their outstanding performances during the season, bringing the total to three out of the four players during this year’s tournament. “This year’s Absa Currie Cup has been full of surprises, unexpected twists and turns as well as excellent form on the rugby field,” said Absa Sponsorship Manager, Desiree Pooe. “We congratulate all coaches and players for their contributions to making this year’s tournament very enjoyable and memorable, and look forward to an exciting final in Pretoria next weekend.” Note to editors: Hi resolution images of the award ceremony are available on request. Issued by SA Rugby Communications

He can probably rightly be viewed as the most influential player in South African rugby and the number of trophies he has won, is indicative of that. Even so, Fourie du Preez feels just as passionate about the Currie Cup as he did in 2001 when he represented the Blue Bulls for the first time as a 19-year-old. And while he has sipped champagne from the cup, he is very thirsty as the Bulls have not won the trophy outright since 2004. They shared it with the Cheetahs in 2006. “It is one of those unique aspects of South African rugby. The emotion the Currie Cup stirs in you, you won’t find anywhere else,” said the 27-year-old in spelling out his motivation for next Saturday’s final against the Cheetahs. Du Preez is also extremely competitive and refuses to lose, even on the golf course. That is one of the reasons that he is so successful at international level – he simply wants to be the world’s best scrumhalf. It is even more intense at provincial level as he is a dyed in the wool Blue Bull. His father, Fourie du Preez sr, played for the team in the late 1960s when they won the Currie Cup. The Cheetahs will have to be on their guard for the driven scrumhalf, even though a mistake in the 2005 final led to the visitors unexpectedly winning. A seemingly harmless high kick landed between Du Preez and fullback Johan Roets, and Meyer Bosman was allowed in to score the winning points. Since then, Du Preez has showed why he is so highly rated. In the World Cup group match between the Springboks and England in 2007 he destroyed the English with three flashes of individual brilliance inside 18 minutes. The Chiefs received even less mercy. Du Preez was even more clinical in the Super14 final and it took him only 7 minutes to rip the heart out of the visitors with 2 tries. “The Cheetahs are a side that does not give up easily,” said Du Preez, dismissing thoughts of an easy win. “However, we showed in the Super14 match in Bloemfontein last year that we are capable of posting a big score against them.” NEWS24

The Rugby Players Association hope compulsory rest periods for all players during the season will be introduced by Premier Rugby. RPA chief executive Damian Hopley is concerned by the burden being placed on players with many clubs forced to trim their squads because of the bleak financial climate. Hopley insists that despite the cutbacks the number of competitions remain the same, increasing the demands on the players. "A key action point regards the inevitable reduction in squad sizes across the Premiership due to the tough economic climate," he said. "All 12 Premiership clubs are involved in three domestic and European competitions and the emergence of midweek games against touring international sides means club players are facing an unrelenting schedule of fixtures in the coming weeks. "Therefore we will be sitting down with Premier Rugby to discuss compulsory rest periods for all players during the season. "We also want to identify a solution that can ensure player welfare remains the primary concern for everyone involved in the sport." England second row Simon Shaw yesterday called for the length of the season to be shortened and for the frequency of overseas tours to be reduced. Player welfare has become a key issue since six guaranteed starters - including an entire front row - have been ruled out of England's autumn schedule through injury. PLANET RUGBY

There's been a lot of press about fingers in the eyes over the past few months. There's been a lot of press about faking things. Combine the two and you'd be in real trouble, wouldn't you? The two are already being combined in a sinister little sideshow on a more and more frequent basis, a part of another scourge to rugby that needs to be eradicated at source: that of the con artist. In a cracking weekend of Heineken Cup action with cross-channel clashes and one-score games aplenty, things are bound to boil over. The fist will, on occasion, be thrown. Boots will be stamped rather than raked. The fine line between the legal and the illegal, the physical and the thuggish, will be crossed. It is the nature of sport to do that, and with rugby's combative nature it is going to be more brutal in nature than other sports. That's the edge we love. The judiciary and governing bodies are going about cleaning such things up. The plethora of cameras picks up any transgression at any time, including the secretion of a blood capsule in a sock fifty metres off the ball. An innocuous punch, such as the hardier player would normally simply laugh at, is now punishable with a two-week suspension. Some tackles are penalised, it seems, simply for being too hard - see Matt Banahan's yellow card against Stade Français on Sunday. So, as though their hearing is in a kangaroo court, players caught are seeking to get their mitigation in early, on the pitch if possible. Thus it is that on at least two occasions the past weekend we saw an exchange of pugilistic pleasantries on the pitch, broken up by the referee's whistle and then mitigated by players furiously protesting that they, too, had been gouged, or stamped on, or punched first or... whatever it was, it was a far worse crime than the fisticuffed retaliation just meted out. Then there's the theatricals. Players being obstructed off the ball and falling to ground with arms raised to the heavens or slumping to the floor as though cracked round the head with a crowbar. Remember Olivier Azam's milking of Tom James' idiocy in last year's Heineken Cup classic? James might have got a red card anyway, Azam made damned sure. That sort of thing. Back to last weekend and I recall at least two incidents of fights breaking out and being broken up, and with one protagonist or the other waving his hand over his face and screaming his eyes had been attacked. True or not - and the cameras can't pick up everything - it's not adherent to the dignity with which our beautiful game is supposed to be played. Even an on-pitch bust-up should be honest. Accountability, the streamlining and consistency of disciplinary measures, the cleaning up act of the sport, these are all good influences, all a part of making the sport more professional. Gouging, a disgraceful act which has long been buried in the amateur depths, is being weeded out, as are other acts of brutality. It does not need a bunch of players crying wolf to make it that much harder. How ironic that as the governing bodies seek to use the disciplinary measures to keep professional rugby that much more honest, players themselves are resorting to one of the most dishonest measures of all to gain their advantage. By Danny Stephens PLANET RUGBY

The Rugby Players' Association (RPA) Management Board gathered in Birmingham on Monday for the first meeting of the 2009-10 season, and made several key decisions that will define the direction and priorities of the Association for the season to come. The first action of the Board, which consists of player representatives from each of the 12 Premiership clubs, was to re-elect Bath player David Barnes as their Chairman for 2009-10. The Board agreed that the fundamental objective for the RPA this season is to agree a long term funding deal with the game's stakeholders to ensure the RPA can continue independently to deliver its essential educational, insurance and benevolent programmes to all RPA members. Following a full briefing and discussion, the Board welcomed the role the RPA have to play in working on and approving an Illicit Drugs Policy and testing programme for the game. Board members also instructed the RPA Executive to continue discussions with Premier Rugby and the RFU exploring the implementation of dedicated rest weekends and rotation for Premiership players during the season, to mirror the EPS (England's Elite Player Squad) arrangement currently in place. In addition, the RPA Board gave their overwhelming support to the efforts of the Premiership's Samoan players to fundraise on behalf of the Samoan Tsunami Appeal, and to new RPA Benevolent Fund Ambassador Matt Hampson's forthcoming fundraiser, Walk for Matt 2010, which will raise money for charity Special Effect as well as the RPA Benevolent Fund and Matt's own charity. RPA Chairman David Barnes said: "I am delighted to have been re-elected to lead the RPA Board for the coming season. After the events of last summer, the fundamental need for an independent, strong and dynamic Players' Association is clear for everyone to see, and there are some key issues and policies that we will be driving through during 2009-10. "The Board welcome the game's proposals to implement a full Illicit Drugs Policy and programme this season, and were fully supportive of it's principle to put player health and welfare at the heart of the policy. "We will take an active part in negotiating the detail of the programme in the coming months, and the decision to give players final approval on the policy will guarantee full buy in from all our members when the policy is introduced." RPA CEO Damian Hopley said: "Following a very positive and productive meeting, the Board are determined to agree a new long term funding programme to ensure their fellow players continue to benefit from the outstanding services of the RPA. "One of the other key action points resulted from comments around the Board table regarding the inevitable reduction in squad sizes across the Premiership due to the tough economic climate. All twelve Premiership clubs are involved in three domestic and European competitions, and the emergence of midweek games against touring international sides means club players are facing an unrelenting schedule of fixtures in the coming weeks. Therefore we will be sitting down with Premier Rugby to discuss compulsory rest periods for ALL players during the season and identify a solution that can ensure player welfare remains the primary concern for everyone involved in the sport." David Barnes has held the post as Chairman of the RPA Management Board since first being elected in 2005. The RPA Management Board for the 2009-10 season is: David Barnes, Bath Rugby; Will James, Gloucester Rugby; Tom Williams, Harlequins; Jonathan Pendlebury, Leeds Carnegie; Sam Vesty, Leicester Tigers; Chris Malone, London Irish; Tim Payne, London Wasps; Hall Charlton, Newcastle falcons; Mark Hopley, Northampton Saints; James Jones, Sale sharks; Tom Ryder, Saracens; James Collins, Worcester. Matt Hampson is a former Leicester Tigers and England U20 player, who suffered a dislocation of his neck in 2005 which trapped his spinal cord and has left him paralysed more the neck down. Matt was awarded the RPA Blyth Spirit Award in the summer of 2006 for remarkable courage in the face of adversity. The RPA Benevolent Fund recently donated £20,000 towards the cost of installing a hydrotherapy pool in Matt's new, purpose built house. Matt raises money to support his own 24 hour care and also to support other charities and causes. He is patron of charity SpecialEffects and the RPA Benevolent Fund's first ambassador. The RPA Benevolent Fund provides financial support for players and their families in the event of their serious injury, illness or untimely death. RPA WEBSITE

Pumas loose forward Pieter Meyer was allegedly the victim of a bite in Saturday’s promotion-relegation match against Boland. The incident comes two weeks after Lions hooker Hans van Dyk was cited for allegedly biting in a Currie Cup match. Meyer approached referee Jonathan Kaplan shortly before half-time with what he alleged was a bite mark on his right arm. The Boland players were asked by management at half-time to own up if the guilty party was in their midst, but nobody stepped forward. Citing officer Edwin Wyngaardt said that he could not identify a specific player on Sunday. However, he still has video material of the last three minutes of the first half to work through. SA Rugby requires a player to be cited within 24 hours, but as in the case of Van Dyk, an extension can be requested if available evidence is not sufficient. Van Dyk was cited for allegedly biting Western Province flank Francois Louw after additional evidence was acquired. Rawsonville rugby club wing Hayne Anthony was last week suspended for four years for biting the ear of Pukke scrumhalf Andries Mahoney. Meanwhile, Boland cannot allow this investigation to derail them ahead of Friday’s second promotion-relegation clash. The Cavaliers were narrow 36-35 winners over the Pumas and will have to play exceptionally well to achieve the same feat in Witbank. Only one of these teams can play in the Premier League next year and it will be the one that gathers the most points on a log system from the two games. Both teams captured bonus points on Saturday. The Cavaliers picked up 5 points and the Pumas 2. A win without a bonus point will therefore be enough to ensure that the Cavaliers retain their Premier League status. Should the Pumas win their home game with or without a bonus point, they will be promoted. NEWS24

Hans van Dyk Disciplinary Hearing Media are advised that a Discliplianry Hearing into the citing of Xerox Lions hooker Hans van Dyk will take place on Tuesday. Van Dyk was cited following an alleged biting incident involving Vodacom Western Province flanker Francois Louw during an Absa Currie Cup match played at Coca-Cola Park earlier this month. The Xerox Lions defeated WP 27-25. Judicial Officer Jannie Lubbe will chair the hearing, which will take place at the offices of the Golden Lions Rugby Union in Johannesburg at 15h00. Issued by SA Rugby Communications

The biggest rugby match in existence! That is how Free State Cheetahs flank Heinrich Brüssow views Saturday’s Currie Cup final against the Blue Bulls in Pretoria. The Springbok fetcher described the clash between the sides as the “ultimate final” and he is looking forward to measuring himself against several of his national team-mates. Brüssow won the Tri-Nations and a series against the British and Irish Lions this year, but still feels the Currie Cup is very special. He believes it is special because it is the jewel in South Africa’s domestic crown. “Those things (Tri-Nations and British and Irish Lions) are very special, but the Currie Cup is very important because it is the crown among South Africa’s players,” he said. “You play against friends and guys you know well. It is special to be able to win against those guys.” It will be Brüssow’s first start in a Currie Cup final. He was part of the Cheetahs 22-man squad for the final against the Bulls in 2006 and Lions in 2007. However, he was on the bench on each of those occasions. “It’s the domestic competition and nice to be able to start. I’m really looking forward to it,” he said. The flanker established himself as a world class player this year and will be able to walk into any starting line-up. That is why he may have an enormous influence on the final. If he’s on form, he’ll steal the ball from under the Bulls’ noses. He gave the Sharks headaches in the semi-final. Brüssow won't stand back in terms of physicality, even though he is small of stature. He will be licking his lips in anticipation of tackling his Bok team-mates. The Cheetahs have unearthed an impressive loose-trio in Brüssow, No 8 Ashley Johnson and Frans Viljoen (flank). So much so that the likes of Hendro Scholtz and Kabamba Floors have been consigned to bench duty. Brüssow steals, Viljoen brings a physical edge and Johnson breaks so well that the Cheetahs may just get the better of the Bulls’ loose-trio. Brüssow said that a victory will crown an incredible rugby year for him. “It will be very special,” he said. NEWS24

Leeds Carnegie head coach Neil Back believes flanker Hendre Fourie is ready for an England call-up. The 30-year-old South African qualifies for England through residency. Back told BBC Radio Leeds: "I highlighted a few players in our squad to Martin Johnson when he came along at the start of the season. "Hendre was one of those. He's certainly playing outstandingly well for us last season and this, and it'll only be a matter of time." Back added: "But from a selfish point of view I hope Johnno ignores this and doesn't look at him." England coach Johnson has been forced to shuffle his pack for next month's autumn internationals with nearly 20 players unavailable. Veteran Bath prop David Barnes and uncapped forwards Richard Blaze and Courtney Lawes have been called up, while fly-half Andy Goode, scrum-half Richard Wigglesworth, winger David Strettle, back-rower James Haskell and prop Duncan Bell all join the elite squad. Experienced forwards Steve Thompson and Lewis Moody also return. Fourie, 30, joined Leeds from Rotherham in 2007 but missed six months of the season after injuring his bicep in his debut game. He was Leeds' player of the year in the 2008-09 promotion season, scoring nine tries in 20 appearances. BBC RUGBY

Xerox Lions hooker Hans van Dyk was on Tuesday cleared of foul play following a SARU disciplinary hearing which was held at the offices of the Golden Lions Rugby Union in Johannesburg. Van Dyk, who pleaded not guilty and was represented at the hearing by Marius Botha, was cited for allegedly biting Vodacom Western Province flanker Francois Louw during an Absa Currie Cup Premier Division match played at Coca-Cola Park earlier this month. The Xerox Lions won 27-25. Judicial Officer (JO) Advocate Jannie Lubbe viewed all the available video recordings and determined that the evidence did not warrant a citing. As a result, the JO dismissed the citing. Issued by SA Rugby Communications

Always expect the unexpected from Jaco van der Westhuyzen - and this time it is his new contract with the Blue Bulls Company (Pty) Ltd that has caught most of his former team-mates unaware. Former Springbok utility back Van der Westhuyzen came on as a replacement in the 2007 Super 14 final when the Bulls beat the Sharks with that now famous last-gasp try of Bryan Habana's. "Jaco has been signed until the end of 2012," said the BBC's high performance manager Ian Schwartz on Tuesday. "He will join us from his club side in Japan as soon as the club has fulfilled their fixtures for the season." Van der Westhuyzen played for the Leicester Tigers before joining the NEC Green Rockets in Japan in 2004/05 and this season still played for them in Japan's Top League. At this stage it seems certain that the Green Rockets will be eliminated before the play-offs of their league which will allow the utility back to play Super 14 for the Bulls. Van der Westhuyzen played for the Southern Kings against the British and Irish Lions in Port Elizabeth earlier this year. He played the last of his 32 Tests in the 2006 loss against Australia in Brisbane and turns 32 in April next year. NEWS24

SANZAR has appointed former Rugby World Cup-winning captain David Kirk and retired High Court Judge, the Hon Barry Paterson QC, to act as the independent Expert Determination Panel to adjudicate on the location of the 15th Super Rugby team from 2011. The matter was referred to the Panel for a binding decision after the SANZAR Executive Committee was unable to reach unanimity on whether Melbourne or the Southern Kings should be awarded the 15th team licence. Mr Kirk MBE is the former Chief Executive Officer of Fairfax Media, President of the New Zealand Rugby Players Association and was the Rugby World Cup winning All Blacks’ Captain in 1987. Retired New Zealand High Court Judge Mr Paterson CNZM, OBE, QC, is the Chairman of the New Zealand Sports Tribunal and a Member of the Court of Arbitration for Sport, and is also a former New Zealand Cricket Board Member. The Panel will review SANZAR documentation and the detailed applications received from ARU, supporting Melbourne, and SA Rugby, supporting the Southern Kings. The Panel may also request further information by way of clarification and/or validation from the applicant SANZAR Member Unions if necessary. SANZAR expects that a decision will be announced within two weeks. Media are advised that the members of the Expert Determination Panel will not be available for interview or comment. SANZAR unions will only comment on the matter once the process is complete. Issued by SANZAR

The Blue Bulls' Springbok trio of Bakkies Botha, Victor Matfield and Fourie du Preez will celebrate their 50th Currie Cup appearance for the Bulls when they play the Free State Cheetahs in the Final in Pretoria on Saturday. Du Preez has actually played his 50th Currie Cup match for the team in the 21-19 semifinal win against Western Province at Newlands, but the Blue Bulls' custom is to celebrate your half-century at Loftus Versfeld. The trio of superstars, who have played an enormous role in the Bulls' success over the last couple of years, will lead the team onto the field Saturday. Botha started his provincial career with the Falcons in 1999 and two years later, in 2001, he started playing for the Blue Bulls. He made his Super Rugby as well as Springbok debut in 2002 and has since played in 63 Tests for South Africa. He also holds the world record with his good friend Victor Matfield for most Tests as a lock combination in the starting line-up - 53. Matfield first played for the Blue Bulls as a 20-year-old in 1998 and after representing the Griquas in 1999 and 2000 he was again contracted by the Bulls in 2001. Matfield is a veteran of 89 Tests and he has already captained the Boks in 10 internationals. Du Preez, who is a couple of years younger than Matfield and Botha, made his provincial debut for the Blue Bulls in 2001 and after first tasting Super Rugby in 2003 he played his first Test for South Africa in 2004. He has since starred in 52 Tests for his country. The Blue Bulls said in a statement they would like "congratulate Bakkies, Victor and Fourie with their achievement and we would like to thank them for their colossal contribution". "Thanks for what you have done over the years and all the best for Saturday! You are world class heroes and an inspiration to thousands of supporters." RUGBY365

Springbok fullback Zane Kirchner and Tiger Mangweni extended their contracts with the Blue Bulls on Wednesday. Kirchner, who joined the Bulls at the end of 2007, signed a three-year deal while Mangweni will be available for the Bulls for another year. Since moving to Pretoria from the Griquas the 25-year-old Kirchner has been selected to play Test rugby for South Africa and in the Super 14 tournament he has shown that he has all the potential to develop into one of the world's most feared fullbacks. Kirchner said on Wednesday afternoon, after finalising his contract, that he looks forward to the years that lie ahead and added he has had a tremendous time at Loftus since he arrived in November 2007. "I think my rugby has developed over the last two years," Kirchner said, "but I still think I can get better and my goal is to keep improving as a player. "It is a privilege to play with so many talented guys and I want to do my bit to ensure that the Bulls remain a world class franchise." NEWS24

The Blue Bulls may have been installed as outright favourites by the bookmakers, most of whom are giving the Free State Cheetahs a 10-point handicap start, but Bulls coach Frans Ludeke is not buying into the favouritism tag attached to his team fore the Currie Cup Final in Pretoria on Saturday. Ludeke, who is also quick to dismiss the team's Super 14 triumph as a "closed chapter", said it is certainly a "50-50 game". He feels that while previous encounters between the two teams - the Cheetahs won 24-15 in Bloemfontein and the Bulls triumphed 30-27 in Pretoria - do have a story to tell, those tales will have no bearing on Saturday. "This is a new game," Ludeke told rugby365, as his team stepped up preparations for the Loftus Versfeld showdown. "Both teams know exactly what to expect and this will be finals rugby," he said, adding: "The key will be pressure and how you get out of those situations. "Both teams will have their opportunities and will at some stage have the initiative in the game and that is when they must be able to maintain level heads to capitalise on it and put points on the board." A lot has been made of the various head-to-head battles - with the Cheetahs seemingly having a better scrum and the Bulls' line-outs said to be their ace up the sleeve. It means the 'decider' could be the breakdowns - where Springbok poacher Heinrich Brüssow will go head-to-head with former Grey College teammate Deon Stegmann. "Both teams have very good loose forwards," Ludeke told this website. "It will be a key battle in the game, but we are confident that our players - with Deon Stegmann at the forefront, along with Dewald Potgieter, Derick Küun and Wynand [Olivier] - will give us the edge." Ludeke agrees that the Stegmann versus Brüssow battle could be one of the highlights of the game, but he feels the key battles in the Final will not be won by individuals. "We look at the game in a very different way, we see it as a team effort - with the players mentioned above. It is a team effort at the breakdown, but we know that indirectly Deon Stegmann leads the charge in that aspect [of the game] and we have faith in him. "He is up against a top player, with Heinrich Brüssow having proved his worth throughout the year and he is indeed a quality player. "It will be an interesting battle at the breakdown." Ludeke feels that the set pieces will also have a crucial role to play. "All the set pieces will be key: the scrums, line-outs and restarts - those are the things that will help secure territorial advantage and ensure there is a sound platform from which to attack," Ludeke said. The other aspect that the bookies feel help make the Bulls favourites are their experience, with a host of Springboks having already won a World Cup, beaten the British and Irish Lions, along with winning the Tri-Nations - not to mention the fact that the entire Bulls team have a victorious Super 14 campaign behind them, where they put 60 points past the Chiefs in the Final. Ludeke admits that experience do play a key role in the game, although he feels the Currie Cup Final will not be a runaway game. "The important thing is to get into position by putting the opposition under pressure," Ludeke told rugby365, adding: "Once you are in the position the experience will shine through, it will allow the players to make the right decisions to ensure at crucial stage you put points on the board. "Obviously we have players, several, who have been in those situations often enough. "We have confidence that players like Victor [Matfield], Bakkies [Botha], Fourie [du Preez], Wynand [Olivier], Bryan [Habana] and Morné [Steyn], the guys who have been there before, will impose themselves on the game and that we are able to benefit from that." But he feels what they achieved in the past, like winning the Super 14, will not come into play - it is about performing on the day. "This is a new game, we closed that [Super 14] door behind us. It was an incredible competition, but this is a new phase for this team. "The opposition is different and if you look at the Currie Cup, throughout the season it was very close. "What makes this different is that the players know each other so well and there won't be too many surprises - we all know what to expect. "It is about those 80 minutes and which team will use their chances best." By Jan de Koning RUGBY365

Experience, attitude and a good dose of aggression. These are attributes required of any tight five in rugby and while the Blue Bulls possess them all, the application thereof will determine whether they can see off the Cheetahs’ onslaught in Saturday’s Currie Cup final at Loftus Versfeld. That is the take of former Springbok and Bulls hooker Gary Botha on the battle between the two forward packs. Botha, who played in five consecutive finals for the Bulls, believes the difference between winning and losing lies in the number of players that “pitch up”. “You want at least 10 players in your team to be at their best on the day. That will determine who wins the Currie Cup,” said Botha. He cannot find fault with the Bulls’ tight five. “Look at how good they fared in the Super14. There you play against international players every weekend and there weren’t any problems. I can’t see why it will be any different now,” he said. Botha believes the Bulls showed against Western Province that their scrumming problems are something of the past. “Province expected to dominate the scrums and it never happened. Finals are emotional occasions and the Bulls’ forwards will have fire in their bellies,” he said. Botha believes the set phases do not only provide a platform off which to play, but makes the game unique. “That is what distinguishes the game from rugby league and ensures that the game is played by people of all shapes and sizes. That is particularly the case in the tight five,” he said. He believes that Derick Kuün can play a decisive role in the final. “His play in the loose makes him valuable. He has done everything that is expected of him to date. The longer a team plays together, the better the unit becomes and that is what is happening with the Bulls’ forwards,” said Botha. He also has a healthy regard for the Cheetahs’ ability in this regard. “There is a lot of knowledge among the Free State coaching staff. Naka Drotské and Os du Randt are guys with immense knowledge of the set phases and have travelled a long road together,” he said. “They will impart that knowledge to the Cheetahs’ pack and therefore the set phases should be a strength of theirs.” Bulls scrum coach Balie Swart said earlier the Cheetahs will not be able to repeat their powerful performance in the scrums of two weeks ago. “I had my doubts about the commitment with which some of the Sharks played in the semi-final and it was particularly apparent in the scrums,” said Swart. He believes the Bulls’ work ethic ensures that they will take the right attitude into the game so that they can achieve the double of a Super14 and Currie Cup title in a year. “No other team with which I have been involved believes as much in hard work as the Bulls do,” said Swart. NEWS24

There are always complaints and accusations about who poached whom and so on when it reaches crunch time in the Currie Cup. We look at the backgrounds of the 44 chosen for this year's Currie Cup Final. We shall give place of birth and then, because place of birth may be of a short duration: born, place of education, because that is where the player grew up, probably his real origin. The province names we refer to are the rugby provinces they were born into or schooled in. Blue Bulls: Zane Kirchner: born - George (South Western Districts); school - PW Botha (South Western Districts) François Hougaard: born - Paarl (Western Province); school - Paul Roos (Western Province) Jaco Pretorius: born - Johannesburg (Golden Lions); school - Randburg (Golden Lions) Wynand Olivier: born - Welkom (Griffons); school - Affies (Blue Bulls) Bryan Habana: born - Johannesburg (Golden Lions); school - KES (Golden Lions) Morné Steyn: born - Bellville, Cape Town (Western Province); school - Sand du Plessis, Bloemfontein (Free State) Fourie du Preez: born - Pretoria (Blue Bulls); school - Affies (Blue Bulls) Pierre