Latest news with #RugbyChampionship
The South African
7 hours ago
- Sport
- The South African
Contract dispute settled with Stormers, Springbok star
Stormers and Springbok star BJ Dixon is currently recovering from a wrist injury, but he has recently been embroiled in a contractual dispute with the Stormers related to an exit clause. An arbitration process was subsequently conducted due to a disagreement over differing interpretations of certain wording related to a release clause in his contract, but the outcome of this has now been confirmed. The independent process found Dixon's contract is binding, with no revisions applicable, and he will remain a Stormers player until at least 2027. Stormers Director of Rugby John Dobson said that with the arbitration behind them, he looks forward to seeing Dixon give his all for the team. 'Ben-Jason is one of the most committed rugby players around and has been a vital cog in our team for some time. With this now settled, we know that he will continue to give everything on and off the field for us,' he said. Dixon said that with the matter now resolved, he is looking forward to making an impact on the field once again. 'I'm really grateful that both sides had the chance to bring everything to the table through arbitration and get clarity going forward. With this behind us, I'm looking forward to getting back to doing what I love — giving my best for the Stormers.' Although that is all fine and well, it does remain to be seen how things play out with the loose forward after such a disagreement. Dixon is expected to recover from injury in time to be considered for selection by the time the Rugby Championship arrives. Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 0211. Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
The Citizen
14 hours ago
- Sport
- The Citizen
Rising Bok star Aphelele Fassi knows he has a target on his back
Springbok fullback Aphelele Fassi said he is developing and adapting his style to meet the growing analysis done on him. Rising Springbok fullback Aphelele Fassi said he is well aware that international teams will be doing more analysis on him since his breakout season last year, but that only drives him to keep developing his game and even change his style where needed. The 27-year-old made his international debut in 2021, and has a total of 11 Test caps under his belt. But he only became a regular feature in the Springbok squad last year, where he played six matches for the national side, including Tests against Wales and Portugal and matches against New Zealand, Australia and Argentina in the Rugby Championship. He shone especially in the latter tournament, kicking well and finding gaps at pace, scoring four tries in those four games. His opposition did not know him well then. They certainly do now, ahead of the next international season, starting with the Springboks' match against the Barbarians in Cape Town on 28 June. 'That is why we are sportsmen' 'Each and every year that you play, you have a target on your back,' Fassi said. 'I think that is why we are sportsmen. That is why we want to develop our game and be able to not be predictable. It is up to me to tick those boxes and play a different style, or come up with a different approach in how I go into games and how I play.' The fullback has been a star at the Sharks for a long time, playing all his domestic rugby there since his debut in 2019. In terms of making the step up to international rugby, albeit over several seasons, Fassi said he had handled the pressure 'pretty well'. 'I feed off energy and I feed off guys… I see how guys do things and I try repeat the same thing,' he said. 'We set high standards within this group and we are not worried about what happens on the outside. If we can set ourselves standards and maintain those standards within this group, we are happy.' Fassi getting back to his best after injury Fassi was sidelined for almost four months after hurting his knee and ankle during a United Rugby Championship match against the Stormers in December. While he was glad to string six matches together since his April return, Fassi said he is still eager to hit top form again. 'It was good to get six games back from injury, be able to get my leg back. I am pretty excited for what is coming up next and how I can be able to develop my game and be able to play a lot of games.' 'I never know when my best is, honestly. Because I just want to keep on improving as a rugby player and being able to learn the way of rugby.'
The Citizen
a day ago
- Sport
- The Citizen
Springboks' latest call-up: Who is Boan Venter?
The world champions have a mini prop crisis to deal with in this early part of the season. Boan Venter is set to feature for the Springboks this season. Picture: Ross Parker/SNS Group via Getty Images Due to a mini prop crisis in the Springbok set-up, coach Rassie Erasmus called up little known Boan Venter at the weekend to join the squad for the next four matches. The Boks take on the Barbarians in their season opener in Cape Town next Saturday, followed by Tests against Italy (two) and Georgia, before they turn their attention to the Rugby Championship. With Steven Kisthoff retired and Frans Malherbe, Trevor Nyakane, Gerhard Steenekamp and Ntuthuko Mchunu injured, Erasmus hasn't got as many prop options at his disposal as he'd like. Ox Nche and Vincent Koch are the most experienced and fit props remaining in the squad, followed by Thomas du Toit, Wilco Louw and then the rookies, Neethling Fouche and Asenathi Ntlabakanye. Jan-Hendrik Wessels can also play prop. Venter adds to the options for Erasmus, though he and Du Toit will not be available for the Barbarians match next weekend, due to 'international regulations'. Both men play abroad, at Bath and Edinburgh respectively, and because the match next week falls outside the Test window, will only join the Bok squad sometime during next week. Here is what you need to know about the Boks' latest call-up. Who is Boan Venter though? He is a specialist loosehead prop, tipping the scales at 124kg and standing 1.87m tall. He was born in Kimberley and is now 28 years old. He matriculated at Hoërskool De Aar. The powerful prop made a name for himself as the Griquas' U18 Craven Week captain, while he also played for the SA Schools side in 2015. After school he joined Free State and played Varsity Cup rugby for Shimlas and then also featured for the Cheetahs. In 2017 he was part of the Junior Springbok training squad. In 2021, Venter joined Edinburgh. According to the Edinburgh Rugby website, Venter became the first prop to score a hat trick of tries for Edinburgh in the professional era, bagging a treble against Ospreys at Swansea Stadium in January 2022. He has played 80 games for the Scottish club and also qualifies to play for Scotland. Boan Venter during a training session with the Cheetahs in 2020. Picture: Johan Pretorius/Gallo Images What Bok boss Rassie Erasmus says about Venter? 'Boan comes through the Cheetahs ranks and the junior structures in South Africa, and he has also been very consistent for Edinburgh. He knows what to expect from a scrummaging, mauling, and lineout perspective, so we are pretty sure he'll make it. 'We are aware that he could have qualified for Scotland, but for us it's not a case of denying opportunities to players abroad. We select the best players we can, and with Gerhard Steenekamp and Ntutuko Mchunu nursing injuries, he was the next best player on our radar.' Bok fixtures 28 June: Springboks v Barbarians 5 July: Springboks v Italy 12 July: Springboks v Italy 19 July: Springboks v Georgia 16 August: Springboks v Australia 23 August: Springboks v Australia 6 September: v New Zealand 13 September: v New Zealand 27 September: v Argentina 4 October: v Argentina 1 November: v Wales 8 November: v France 15 November: v Italy 22 November: v Ireland
The South African
a day ago
- Sport
- The South African
Springboks: Three stars out for the year
The Springboks will meet the Barbarians in their first encounter on South African soil in Cape Town on Saturday 28 June. This will then be followed by back-to-back Tests against Italy in Pretoria and Gqeberha on 5 and 12 July, and Georgia in Nelspruit a week later on 19 July. However, bigger challenges undoubtedly lie in wait when the Rugby Championship gets under way, while the team will end the year with some massive battles on their traditional November tour. Even before the season kicks off, it has been confirmed that talented loose forward Elrigh Louw will not be available for the entire year as he recovers from a serious leg injury. Louw had the ability to cover No 8 and blindside flank, and his absence will be missed, but it could lead to new opportunities for the likes of Vincent Tshituka, Evan Roos, Juarno Augustus and perhaps also Cobus Wiese. Of course, first-choice options such as Jasper Wiese and Pieter-Steph du Toit will feature prominently during the Rugby Championship. In what is a quite a worrying update, it's also been revealed by Rassie Erasmus that tighthead powerhouse Frans Malherbe could also miss the 2025 season due to a troublesome back injury. Although there is the experience of Vincent Koch to rely on, the Springboks will need to expose others to Test action, and in that regard they are at least well covered by Thomas du Toit and Wilco Louw, while newcomers Asenathi Ntlabakanye and Neethling Fouche could be called upon. The versatility of Du Toit to scrum down at loosehead or tighthead will be of particular importance when considering that veteran Trevor Nyakane is only likely to be back towards the end of 2025, and by then it's unlikely that the Springboks would call on the 36-year-old. Forwards: Lood de Jager (Wild Knights), Jean-Luc du Preez (Sale Sharks), Thomas du Toit (Bath), Siya Kolisi, Eben Etzebeth, Vincent Koch, Bongi Mbonambi, Ox Nche, Vincent Tshituka (all Sharks), Neethling Fouche, Salmaan Moerat, Evan Roos (all Stormers), Jean Kleyn (Munster), Wilco Louw, Marco van Staden, Jan-Hendrik Wessels, Cobus Wiese, Ruan Nortje (all Bulls), Malcolm Marx (Kubota Spears), Franco Mostert (Honda Heat), Asenathi Ntlabakanye (Lions), Kwagga Smith (Shizuoka Blue Revs), RG Snyman (Leinster), Marnus van der Merwe (Scarlets), Boan Venter (Edinburgh), Jasper Wiese (Urayasu D-Rocks). Backs: Damian de Allende (Wild Knights), Faf de Klerk, Jesse Kriel (both Canon Eagles), Andre Esterhuizen, Aphelele Fassi, Makazole Mapimpi, Grant Williams, Ethan Hooker (all Sharks), Manie Libbok, Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, Damian Willemse (all Stormers), Cheslin Kolbe (Tokyo Sungoliath), Kurt-Lee Arendse, Willie le Roux, Canan Moodie (all Bulls), Handre Pollard (Leicester Tigers), Cobus Reinach (Montpellier), Morne van den Berg, Edwilll van der Merwe (both Lions). Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 0211. Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
Wales Online
a day ago
- Sport
- Wales Online
Lions to play eight different opponents on tour as two special teams formed
Lions to play eight different opponents on tour as two special teams formed From Argentina in Dublin to a string of Super Rugby heavyweights, here is who Andy Farrell's side will take on Jac Morgan and the Lions face a number of different teams in Australia (Image: 2025 Getty Images ) It is not just Australia who lie in wait this summer – the Lions will take on seven other teams as part of the tour. All the fixtures are fully confirmed, with games in Australia kicking off at 11am UK time. After Friday's match against Argentina in Dublin, the tour will begin as a host of Super Rugby sides and special invitational teams await the challenge of facing the iconic team from Britain and Ireland. Here's a look at what to expect… Argentina: Friday, 20 June (8pm KO) Visitors to Dublin for the Lions' first-ever match in Ireland this Friday, Argentina have flown under the radar of late despite having an impressive 2024/25 season. They beat South Africa, New Zealand, and Australia in the Rugby Championship, eventually finishing third, only two points behind The All Blacks. Article continues below They have stars across their 23, with recognisable names like Julian Montoya, Santiago Carreras and Juan Martín González all plying their trade in the Premiership. Los Pumas will present a tough test to start the 2025 Tour. Western Force: Saturday, 28 June (11am KO) The Lions' first opponents on tour, Perth-based Western Force, are Australia's weakest Super Rugby side. With four wins from a possible 14, they comfortably missed the Super Rugby Finals despite showing flashes of the team they could be in years to come. The Force's squad features Wallabies Ben Donaldson and Carlo Tizzano, amongst others, and could cause trouble for the Lions on their day. Openside flanker Tizzano has been in particularly fine form for club and country, leading Super Rugby in tackles in 2024 and impressing in Green and Gold last autumn. Queensland Reds, Wednesday, 2 July (11am KO) The Queensland Reds are perennially there or thereabouts in Super Rugby. Led by the likes of Fraser McReight, Tate McDermott and Harry Wilson, they play a flash brand of rugby that can be brilliant to watch at times. Jac Morgan of Wales and Fraser McReight of Australia at full time. Head coach Les Kiss's main issue is finding consistency, as they have built a tendency to let half-time leads slip and have suffered some damaging defeats late in games. New South Wales Waratahs, Saturday, 5 July (11am KO) The Waratahs have had an up-and-down season in Super Rugby but may boast the most star power of any of the Australian sides, with Joseph Sua'ali'I shining the brightest. The cross-code star phenom is a truly dynamic athlete who can often beat teams on his own. With talent elsewhere in the 23, including Taniela Tupou, Jake Gordon, and Angus Bell, the Tahs could cause the tourists problems if they find the same form that helped them beat the table-topping Chiefs in April. ACT Brumbies, Wednesday, 9 July (11am KO) With nine wins from 13, the Brumbies were the shining light of Australian rugby during the regular season and made the Finals with ease, including a statement win over the Auckland Blues at Eden Park. Their squad is packed with Wallabies, including flying full-back Tom Wright, but they were well beaten 37-17 by Waikato Chiefs in the semi-finals. The cross-code star, formerly of the Manly Sea Eagles, has scored 10 tries in 37 appearances for the Wallabies, including a hat-trick against Wales in the autumn. When he is in top form, the Brumbies usually are too. Invitational Australia & New Zealand, Saturday, 12 July (11am KO) The Australia & New Zealand invitational side is one of two wild cards on the tour. This team will likely be made up mainly of players currently playing in Japan. Such names would include the likes of Aaron Smtih, Richie Mo'unga and Samu Kerevi, so the 23 aren't to be written off. They will be led by Reds head coach Les Kiss, who will then become Wallabies head coach after the Lions tour. First Nations & Pasifika XV, Tuesday, 22 July (11am KO) Like the Aus & NZ XV, there is not yet too much indication of who will be playing for the First Nations & Pasifika. It is a combination of players from First Nation and Polynesian heritage, which opens up some intriguing options. Ardie Savea, Kurtley Beale, and Will Genia are all available for selection, with Genia sending out a 'come and get me' plea to both of the invitational sides' head coaches. The Wallabies, Saturday, 19 July; Saturday 26 July; Saturday, August 2 (all 11am KO) Article continues below As 2023 turned into 2024, before the arrival of Joe Schmidt, the Wallabies seemed to be in disarray. With the Lions tour looming, many were predicting a complete tour whitewash. Just over a year later, however, Schmidt has righted the ship, and Australia are ready to tear into the tourists. Although they finished bottom of the Rugby Championship, their performance in the autumn has raised hopes as they beat both England and Wales away from home.
