The Sharks are changing the way they build, and it starts with backing youth when it matters most. Head coach JP Pietersen has outlined a clear shift in approach, revealing that emerging players will no longer be eased in through low-stakes matches, but tested in the heat of big-game rugby. “That was the issue last year,” Pietersen admitted at a media roundtable on Friday, referencing the challenges faced under former coach John Plumtree, where squad depth and preparation were stretched. MORE: Sharks rocked by Bok withdrawal “But as you can see now, there are a lot of youngsters who have been blooded into the senior squad, and we are giving them opportunities in big games, not like we used to by playing them in games that were not important. “You saw that in the game against the Stormers, where we gave new talent a chance (wing Jaco Williams), and this weekend against Munster, we have Luan Giliomee starting at fullback. “This is what we are going to do. Blood youngsters and see if they are capable of performing at URC level. We want to see them in pressure situations, so we are blending up-and-coming youth with the seniors that we already have.” It’s a deliberate strategy and one that signals a long-term vision rather than a short-term fix. The Sharks are not turning their backs on experience, though. SHARKS CEO: No role for Plum in new structure Veteran Springboks Bongi Mbonambi and Vincent Koch have both had their contracts extended, ensuring a strong leadership core remains in place to guide the next generation. Their presence is expected to be crucial in mentoring a wave of young front-row talent coming through the system, including Rambo Kubheka, Kai Pratt and Sethu Mnebelele. For Pietersen, it’s all part of a bigger plan. “We have a plan for the 2026/2027 URC season,” he said. “This is why the national Under-23 competition (which is getting underway) is important for us to see more of our youth coming through, and it will be the same with the Currie Cup.” Photo: Steve Haag Sports/Gallo Images The post JP: Sharks to shift to bold new blueprint appeared first on SA Rugby magazine.

The ACT Brumbies celebrated James Slipper becoming the most capped Super Rugby player ever in style. The Brumbies came from behind to claim a sensational 33-24 win against the Chiefs in Canberra on Friday. Inspirational All Black Damian McKenzie steered the Chiefs to a 24-7 advantage on the hour mark and they looked destined for victory. But the hosts came storming back with 26 unanswered points in the final 20 minutes. Wallabies winger Corey Toole converted try at the death sealed the points to spark celebrations for Slipper in his record 203rd game. The previous all-time appearance mark of 202 had been held by retired All Blacks and Crusaders great Wyatt Crockett since 2017. “The ones where you don’t win and you’ve got a milestone just don’t feel the same,” Brumbies coach Stephen Larkham said of ensuring the veteran prop marked the occasion with victory. “It was great to see the boys play the way they did in that second half,” he added. “We’ve had a couple of those [close wins] this year, and it builds confidence.” It was welcome relief for the Brumbies, who lost their past two clashes after winning their opening three games of the season. But it was hugely disappointing for the Chiefs, who have now lost two from five. “I definitely feel like we could have won the game … so we’ve got to be better there,” Chiefs captain Luke Jacobson said. “I’m pretty frustrated. We just weren’t able to build enough continuity in our attack.” ALSO: Blues land ex-All Blacks coach After Slipper received a guard of honour from both teams, the Brumbies struck early with Hudson Creighton flying over in the opening five minutes. But the Chiefs responded with two converted first-half tries and a McKenzie penalty giving them a 17-7 lead at the break. That was stretched when McKenzie dotted down in the 56th minute before the Brumbies flicked a switch with three tries in 10 minutes to Ryan Lonergan, Charlie Cale and Declan Meredith. Toole then ran the length of the field with McKenzie chasing as the clock ticked down to clinch the win. Photo: Mark Nolan/Getty Images The post Brumbies mark Slipper record in thriller appeared first on SA Rugby magazine.

A former All Blacks coach will replace Blues boss Vern Cotter at the end of the season. Jason Holland will take over the reins at the Auckland-based club on a three-year deal when Cotter leaves to take up a role with the Reds. It’s the latest chapter in an 18-year coaching career for Holland, who has built his reputation across both hemispheres. He has previously held assistant roles at Munster, the Crusaders and the Hurricanes, before stepping up as Hurricanes head coach, and more recently returning to the club in an assistant capacity. MORE: Rennie’s Japan stint sparks All Blacks concerns Holland said his immediate focus remains with his current role. “But the opportunity to join the Blues from 2027 is incredibly exciting,” he added. “It’s a club with a proud history and I see huge potential to add to that legacy.” His appointment comes amid wider changes in the coaching landscape, with Cotter heading to the Reds to replace Les Kiss. Holland had also recently stepped away from the All Blacks setup, opting not to renew his contract under then head coach Scott Robertson, who has since been replaced by Dave Rennie following mixed results. ALSO: Tony fires All Blacks warning While Holland prepares for his next move, his current side the Hurricanes are setting the pace in Super Rugby. They underlined their title credentials with a dominant 50-7 win over the Highlanders in Dunedin on Friday, running in eight tries in a ruthless attacking display. – AFP Photo: Sam Barnes/Sportsfile via Getty Images The post Blues land ex-All Blacks coach appeared first on SA Rugby magazine.

Lightning took centre stage in Bloemfontein on Friday night during the SA Cup clash between the Cheetahs and Pumas. The match was abandoned in the first half after repeated weather interruptions, with both sides forced to settle for two log points. Kick-off was already delayed by more than an hour due to electrical storms in the area, and it quickly became clear that the conditions would dictate proceedings. When play did get underway, the Pumas struck first through hooker Gustav du Rand, who finished off good work from flanker Ntsika Fisanti to give the visitors an early edge. The Cheetahs responded soon after, with captain Louis van der Westhuizen crossing from a powerful rolling maul. Fullback Cohen Jasper added the extras to level matters at 7-7. ACKERS: Cameron showed his class But just as the contest began to find some rhythm, the weather intervened again. Players were forced off the field for close to an hour midway through the half as lightning struck nearby, before briefly returning, only for the match to be halted once more within minutes. Referee Christopher Allison initially blew for full-time amid safety concerns, before play briefly resumed when conditions appeared to improve. KEO: Papier in power performance as Bulls charge in URC That proved short-lived. Officials soon returned to the field, armed with lightning detectors, and after a short discussion, the decision was made to abandon the match altogether. At that point, the Pumas held a narrow 10-7 lead, but with the game officially called off, neither side could claim victory. SA Cup Round 3 fixtures Saturday, 21 March Boland Cavaliers vs Valke (3pm) Griffons vs Leopards (3pm) Griquas vs Border Bulldogs (3pm) Eastern Province vs SWD Eagles (5pm) Photo: Johan Orton/Gallo Images The post Points shared as lightning strikes in Bloem appeared first on SA Rugby magazine.

Connacht produce a powerful second-half display to secure a statement United Rugby Championship victory over Ulster at the Affidea Stadium.

Bath 62-15 SaracensFinn Russell kicks 17 points and Arundell scores twiceChampions Bath left no doubt about their appetite for another title as they swept Saracens aside 62-15 at the Rec to regain top spot. The Londoners started brightly and did not lack effort but Bath’s killer instinct earned them nine tries in front of another capacity crowd.Scotland’s Finn Russell kicked 17 points from seven conversions and a penalty. Russell and the club captain, Ben Spencer, were straight back into action after ultimately frustrating Six Nations campaigns with their respective countries. Continue reading...

Scarlets come out on top of the United Rugby Championship basement battle, running in six tries against a lacklustre Zebre.

The Vodacom Bulls scored six tries in a convincing win against Cardiff at Loftus on Friday night. The 40-7 victory saw Johan Ackermann’s men leapfrog the Lions into seventh place on the Vodacom URC log. It was just the result the Bulls needed after last week’s disappointing loss to the Stormers, keeping their playoff fate in their own hands with five league-stage matches remaining. ALSO: AfricaPicks’ guide to rugby betting The Bulls made a poor start when a handling error from fullback David Kriel on halfway gifted a try to Cardiff centre Harri Millard. You lose it there… it’s over. Harri Millard had a clear run. #BKTURC #URC | #BULvCAR pic.twitter.com/33kSmsdYPU — BKT United Rugby Championship (URC) (@URCOfficial) March 20, 2026 But Cardiff flank Alun Lawrence was yellow-carded shortly after for a cynical breakdown infringement and the Bulls made the Welsh club pay, with loose forward Marcell Coetzee and hooker Johan Grobbelaar going over from lineout mauls. Lock Cobus Wiese’s try, against 15 men, was ruled out because of obstruction, but Kriel then dotted down to make amends for his earlier mistake. Late in the half, the Bulls countered from a Cardiff box kick that went too far, with winger Kurt-Lee Arendse putting scrumhalf Embrose Papier away for the bonus-point try. Papier KLA Magic from the Vodacom Bulls to score the bonus point 🪄 Stream #VURC on DStv: https://t.co/0P0NNhnwKw pic.twitter.com/ryfD2xLzTv — SuperSport Rugby (@SSRugby) March 20, 2026 On the stroke of half-time, Elrigh Louw collected an innovative cross-kick from fellow loose forward Nizaam Carr to score the Bulls’ fifth try and Handré Pollard’s fourth conversion made it 33-7 at the break. Nizaam channeled his inner Messi with that kick ‍@Vodacom #URC | #ExtraOrdinaryLeague | Vodacom @BlueBullsRugby pic.twitter.com/0fJFlxWxQE — vodacomrugby (@VodacomRugga) March 20, 2026 The highlight of a scoreless first 15 minutes of the second half was the introduction of Cameron Hanekom off the bench after a nine-month injury absence. And the No 8 made an immediate impact, gaining ground from the back of a scrum before another replacement, Ruan Vermaak, went over. URC Influence Index: The Top 10 SA players The game became disjointed as both sides emptied their benches, with Cardiff showing great character to prevent any further damage. The Welsh club now travels to Durban to face the Sharks next Friday, while the Bulls host Munster next Saturday. BULLS – Tries: Marcell Coetzee, Johan Grobbelaar, David Kriel, Embrose Papier, Elrigh Louw, Ruan Vermaak. Conversions: Handré Pollard (4), Kriel. CARDIFF – Try: Harri Millard. Conversion: Callum Sheedy.  Photo: @BlueBullsRugby/X The post Bulls’ first-half blitz stuns Cardiff appeared first on SA Rugby magazine.

The Sharks have been forced into a late change for Saturday’s Vodacom URC match against Munster at Kings Park. Centre Ethan Hooker has been withdrawn from the starting lineup “due to personal reasons”, according to the Sharks, with his place taken by Le Roux Malan. The 26-year-old Malan is a Namibian international who comes straight into the lineup, having not been named in the original match 23. SHARKS CEO: No role for Plum in new structure Coach JP Pietersen had announced a team with eight changes from the side which started the 41-12 defeat to the Bulls at Loftus two weeks ago. The Sharks are 11th on the log with six league-stage matches remaining. SHARKS – 15 Luan Giliomee, 14 Yaw Penxe, 13 Le Roux Malan, 12 André Esterhuizen (c), 11 Makazole Mapimpi, 10 Jordan Hendrikse, 9 Grant Williams, 8 Phepsi Buthelezi, 7 Vincent Tshituka, 6 Siya Kolisi, 5 Emile van Heerden, 4 Jason Jenkins, 3 Hanro Jacobs, 2 Fez Mbatha, 1 Phatu Ganyane.Bench: 16 Eduan Swart, 17 Ox Nché, 18 Vincent Koch, 19 Corné Rahl, 20 Nick Hatton, 21 Bradley Davids, 22 Jean Smith, 23 Hakeen Kunene. Weekend teams Photo: Steve Haag/Gallo Images The post Sharks rocked by Bok withdrawal appeared first on SA Rugby magazine.

Ireland centre Stuart McCloskey and Scotland winger Kyle Steyn are shortlisted for the 2026 Six Nations Player of the championship award.

Australia rugby’s outgoing boss celebrates the high points, ‘not end points’, as he prepares to guide the side in three Tests before handing over the keysJoe Schmidt was in Melbourne’s west coaching Footscray RFC’s under-18s on Monday night, then conducting a 20-minute Q&A that ran to two hours. The next day he called together the Wallabies leaders and challenged them to set the standards at their Super Rugby clubs. By Wednesday he was deep in meetings with Queensland Reds boss Les Kiss, the coach who will take over the national side in July.Schmidt is just off another call with Kiss when he arrives to speak with Guardian Australia, biceps bulging after a workout and eyes gleaming ahead of another day spent dragging the Wallabies back to respectability and priming them for the 2027 World Cup on home soil. Continue reading...

Steve Borthwick will be reprieved by the RFU’s review but there are other factors at play from the makeup of his backroom team to the conveyor belt of English talentThe Rugby Football Union’s review into England’s least successful championship for 50 years is already up and running with an alacrity that would impress Louis Bielle-Biarrey. And one detail seems clear: barring something spectacular, Steve Borthwick will still be coaching the team this summer. As one well-placed insider put it: “This review is about supporting Steve to make improvements. If change is needed change is needed but it’s not about punishing him. He’s absolutely going to be in post this summer, there’s no question about that.” Continue reading...

Head coach John Mitchell includes a clutch of new faces in England's Women's Six Nations squad as he aims to build on September's Rugby World Cup triumph.

Morné van den Berg is set to reach a major milestone when the Lions host Edinburgh at Ellis Park on Saturday. Affectionately known as ‘Krappie’, the Springbok scrumhalf will make his 100th appearance for the Joburg-based side, capping a journey that began in 2019 and has seen him grow into one of the team’s most influential figures. The milestone comes at a key moment in the Lions’ campaign, with the hosts kicking off a four-match home run that could define their push for a playoff place. AFRICA PICKS: URC race to the eight They’ll do so with a timely boost. Springboks Ruan Venter and Asenathi Ntlabakanye both return to the match 23 after missing the clash against the Stormers – Venter following concussion protocols and Ntlabakanye after a family bereavement. In the backline, there’s a positional shift, with Erich Cronjé moving from centre to the left wing in place of the injured Kelly Mpeku, while Angelo Davids retains his spot on the opposite wing after an eye-catching display last time out. MORE: Setbacks fuel Venter’s comeback With Edinburgh boasting their own forward power, the Lions have stacked their bench with impact, including Batho Hlekani, Renzo du Plessis and Haashim Pead, as they look to maintain intensity in the second half. LIONS – 15 Quan Horn, 14 Angelo Davids, 13 Henco van Wyk, 12 Bronson Mills, 11 Erich Cronjé, 10 Chris Smith, 9 Morné van den Berg, 8 Francke Horn (c), 7 Ruan Venter, 6 Siba Mahashe, 5 Darrien Landsberg, 4 Etienne Oosthuizen, 3 Asenathi Ntlabakanye, 2 PJ Botha, 1 SJ Kotze. Bench: 16 Franco Marais, 17 Eddie Davids, 18 RF Schoeman, 19 Reinhard Nothnagel, 20 Batho Hlekani, 21 Renzo du Plessis, 22 Haashim Pead, 23 Richard Kriel. Weekend teams Photo: Anton Geyser/Gallo Images The post Ton up for Krappie appeared first on SA Rugby magazine.