Premiership

Window closing for Saffas abroad?

English-qualified quotas are expected to be strengthened in 2024 which could directly impact the number of South African players eligible to be fielded in Premiership matches.

HIGASHIOSAKA, JAPAN - MARCH 27: Lukhanyo Am of Kobelco Kobe Steelers breaks through the tackle run during the NTT Japan Rugby League One match between Kobelco Kobe Steelers and Toshiba Brave Lupus at Hanazono Rugby Stadium on March 27, 2022 in Higashiosaka, Osaka, Japan.

Saffas Abroad: Am’s Japan debut ends in disappointment

Here’s a wrap of all the action involving South African players in England, France and Japan, including how Lukhanyo Am’s debut for Kobe Steelers went.

EXETER, ENGLAND - MARCH 06: Jacques Vermeulen of Exeter Chiefs celebrates with team mate Jannes Kirsten after scoring their second try during the Gallagher Premiership Rugby match between Exeter Chiefs and Sale Sharks at Sandy Park on March 06, 2022 in Exeter, England.

Saffas Abroad: Fit-again Vermeulen sparks Exeter

SARugbymag.co.za wraps all the action involving South African players in England, France and Japan, including a look at Jacques Vermeulen’s man of the match performance in his first game back after a 10-month injury layoff.

Sale accuse Eddie of ‘overloading’ Tuilagi

Sale are keen to meet with the England rugby management after the Six Nations to ensure injury-prone Manu Tuilagi spends more time on the field than the treatment table.

NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE, ENGLAND - NOVEMBER 13: Dean Richards, director of Rugby at Newcastle Falcons reacts during the Pre-season friendly match between Newcastle Falcons and Ealing Trailfinders on November 13, 2020 in Newcastle upon Tyne, England. Sporting stadiums around the UK remain under strict restrictions due to the Coronavirus Pandemic as Government social distancing laws prohibit fans inside venues resulting in games being played behind closed doors.

Newcastle coach slams referees for ‘favouritism’

Newcastle Falcons boss Dean Richards accused the match officials of favouritism after his side was reduced to 14 men during the 15-14 loss to Exeter Chiefs on Sunday.

LONDON, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 25: 1995 Winning Captain Francois Pienaar during the Rugby World Cup 2023 Bid Presentations event at Royal Garden Hotel on September 25, 2017 in London, England.

Pienaar consortium takes over at Saracens

Saracens’ £32 million (R650 million) takeover by a consortium including World Cup-winning captain Francois Pienaar has been completed, it was announced Wednesday.

Eben ETZEBETH of Toulon celebrate the victory with with the tear-away jersey after the Top 14 match between RC Toulon and Union Bordeaux Begles at Felix Mayol Stadium on February 12, 2022 in Toulon, France.

Saffas Abroad: Etzebeth’s return lifts Toulon

Eben Etzebeth made his return to action from a three-month break and helped Toulon claim a crucial victory in the French Top 14 this weekend.

LEICESTER, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 05: Jasper Wiese of Leicester Tigers during the Gallagher Premiership Rugby match between Leicester Tigers and Worcester Warriors at Mattioli Woods Welford Road Stadium on February 05, 2022 in Leicester, England. (Photo by Tony Marshall/Getty Images)

Watch: Wiese goes on the rampage!

Jasper Wiese’s strength and temperament was showcased in the English Premiership on Saturday when he beat five defenders during Leicester Tigers’ win against Worcester Warriors.

SALFORD, ENGLAND - JANUARY 30: Daniel du Preez of Sale Sharks beats a challenge from Bryce Hegarty of Leicester Tigers to break through and score their fourth try during the Gallagher Premiership Rugby match between Sale Sharks and Leicester Tigers at AJ Bell Stadium on January 30, 2022 in Salford, England.

Saffas Abroad: Du Preez stars as Sale stun Premiership leaders

Daniel du Preez played an integral role in helping Sale Sharks claim a win over Premiership leaders Leicester Tigers, while there were also impressive performances from Cobus Reinach and Malcolm Marx over the weekend.

Andre Esterhuizen in action for Harlequins in the Premiership

Esterhuizen: I would rather run over you than past you

Springbok centre Andre Esterhuizen has opened up on the fearsome reputation his he has carved during his time with Harlequins in the English Premiership.