From the mag: Once in a lifetime

Japan enjoyed a fairytale World Cup campaign at their home tournament, qualifying for the playoffs for the first time, writes RICHARD FREEMAN.

11-year-old Australian banned for being too big

The Sydney Rugby Junior Union prevented an 11-year-old Australian from playing in a sevens tournament in New South Wales due to his size.

‘One of the toughest years of my life’

Former All Blacks wing Nehe Milner-Skudder has opened up about the mental challenges he has had to endure during his injury-plagued career.

Rugby Australia boss apologises to World Rugby

Rugby Australia CEO Raelene Castle has sent an apology to World Rugby regarding the behaviour of former coach Michael Cheika and other members of the Wallabies camp during the World Cup in Japan.

‘Nobody wants poisoned All Blacks job’

Former England international Ben Kay has labelled the All Blacks head coaching role as a ‘poisoned chalice’.

Am: I could have scored

Springbok centre Lukhanyo Am has revealed why he opted against scoring and instead set Makazole Mapimpi up for a try in the World Cup final.

Kolbe wins big at Top 14 awards

Cheslin Kolbe scooped up three awards at the annual Top 14 ceremony in Paris to cap a successful year for both club and country.

Lions confirm Jannie’s homecoming

Veteran tighthead Jannie du Plessis has been confirmed as one of 10 Lions props for next year’s Vodacom Super Rugby season.

Mehrtens: Drop SA Super Rugby teams

Former All Black Andrew Mehrtens believes that if New Zealand and Australia want to compete with the riches of northern-hemisphere clubs, they should disband from South Africa and Argentina and move into Asia.

Boks light up Champions Cup

Cobus Reinach, Jan Serfontein and Rohan Janse van Rensburg all scored to help the Northampton Saints, Montpellier and Sale Sharks to respective victories in round two of the European Champions Cup.