South Africa rugby

Lions rugby tour in jeopardy as coronavirus cases spike in South Africa and Britain

Kiwi coach Warren Gatland was due to guide the Lions in eight games in South Africa – including three tests against the world champion Springboks in July and early August.

However, new strains of Covid-19 infection rates in both South Africa and Britain and Ireland and ongoing international travel restrictions mean the tournament is now in jeopardy.

Lions managing director Ben Calveley said the Lions board would monitor the situation at meetings in January and February before making a final decision.

Springboks given 48-hour deadline for Rugby Championship decision

The southern hemisphere championship, which also includes Australia, New Zealand and Argentina, will be held entirely in Australia this year because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Rugby South Africa said last weekend that "several hurdles" needed to be cleared before they could confirm the Springboks' participation and that they hoped to make a decision early this week.

Teams named for Springboks trial game, with Kolisi set to resume captaincy

The Green team is coached by Mzwandile Stick, with SA Rugby director Rassie Erasmus serving as the team commissioner, while Deon Davids is the Gold team coach and Springbok head coach Jacques Nienaber team commissioner.

Stick was forced to make three changes to his matchday squad for the clash after utility forward Oupa Mohoje tested positive for Covid-19 and prop Trevor Nyakane was withdrawn from the squad after being in close contact with his former  Cheetahs teammate. Ex-Junior Springbok utility back Mnombo Zwelendaba was ruled out due to a hip injury.

Stormers secure the signature of Springboks fullback from rival Bulls

The fleet-footed World Cup winner, who turns 25 on Wednesday, is one of the most exciting outside backs in South Africa and will add firepower to a Stormers backline which already features the likes of Herschel Jantjies, Damian Willemse, Sebaelo Senatla and Sergeal Petersen.

Fiji to meet South Africa in the LA 7s Cup final

Vilimoni Botitu and Aminiasi Tuimaba scored two tries each while Jerry Tuwai, Asaeli Tuivuaka and Livai Ikanikoda scored a try each.

Fiji led 19-7 at half-time.

Captain, Meli Derenalagi was yellow carded in the first half for challenging a player in mid-air.

South Africa beat New Zealand 17-0 in the second Cup semifinal.

NZ beat France 29-14 in their quarterfinal while South Africa beat USA 12-10.

     

Iconic Springbok dies

The death of the winger, who scored 14 tries in 27 appearances for the Springboks including four in a single test, comes just weeks before the World Cup kicks off Japan. He was due to attend as one of the event's past legends.

His fellow wing James Small, another charismatic member of South Africa's title-winning side of 1995 in which Williams was the only non-white player, died less than two months ago.