Premiership

Playoff predictions: Bulls a tricky pick

On a weekend of sumptuous semi-finals and finals, the Vodacom Bulls alone are exposed to the risk of suffering double disappointment.

e: Sunday February 13, 2022 SaracensÕ Vincent Koch celebrates after his team win a penalty during the Gallagher Premiership match at the StoneX Stadium, London. Picture dat

Koch: ‘Bad words’ fuelled Saracens push to final

Springbok prop Vincent Koch says the “bad words” aimed at Saracens helped propel the club’s rise from relegation to this weekend’s Premiership final.

Limerick , Ireland - 25 September 2021; Ruben Van Heerden of Cell C Sharks during the United Rugby Championship match between Munster and Cell C Sharks at Thomond Park in Limerick.

Sharks lock completes England move

English Premiership side Exeter Chiefs have boosted their pack by officially announcing the signing of Sharks lock Ruben van Heerden for next season.

BARNET, ENGLAND - JUNE 11: Andre Esterhuizen of Harlequins is tackled by Jamie George and Owen Farrell of Saracens during the Gallagher Premiership Rugby Semi-Final match between Saracens and Harlequins at StoneX Stadium on June 11, 2022 in Barnet, England.

Farrell calls for common sense around high tackles

England captain Owen Farrell has added his voice to calls for a more common-sense approach to punishing high tackles after four yellow cards were dished out in the Premiership semi-final between Saracens and Harlequins.

LEICESTER, ENGLAND - JUNE 11: Jasper Wiese of Leicester Tigers takes on Api Ratuniyarawa of Northampton Saints during the Gallagher Premiership Rugby Semi Final match between Leicester Tigers and Northampton Saints at Mattioli Woods Welford Road Stadium on June 11, 2022 in Leicester, England.

Saffas Abroad: Wiese, Koch get shot at Premiership title

Here’s a wrap of all the action involving South African players in the Premiership and French Top 14 playoffs, including excellent performances from Springboks Jasper Wiese and Vincent Koch.

Ruhan Nel with Seabelo Senatla and Marvin Orie

Playoff predictions: Stormers going to the final

It’s not looking pretty for the Vodacom Bulls, but the Stormers have got the green light from the SA Rugby magazine team to make home ground advantage count against Ulster in the Vodacom United Rugby Championship semi-finals this weekend.

SALFORD, ENGLAND - JUNE 04: Cobus Wiese celebrates with Faf de Klerk of Sale Sharks after scoring a try during the Gallagher Premiership Rugby match between Sale Sharks and Bristol Bears at AJ Bell Stadium on June 04, 2022 in Salford, England.

Saffas Abroad: Bok trio shine on Sale farewell

Faf de Klerk was among the Springboks who bid farewell to Sale Sharks as the Premiership and French Top 14 playoffs were confirmed on Saturday and Sunday.

Van Graan handed the rugby reins at Bath

Incoming Bath coach Johann van Graan will take complete responsibility for all rugby matters after being appointed as the club’s head of rugby.

Esterhuizen named best in England

Springbok centre Andre Esterhuizen had his sensational form for Harlequins rewarded with the RPA players’ player of the year award at the Premiership awards evening on Wednesday.

Saffas Abroad: Esterhuizen stuns Premiership leaders

Here’s a wrap of all the action involving South African players in the UK, Ireland, France and Japan, including Andre Esterhuizen’s last-gasp winner for Harlequins in the English Premiership.