Irish & International Sports News, Fixtures & Results

South Africa's fly-half Handre Pollard kicks the ball during the Rugby Championship second round Test match between South Africa and Australia at the DHL Stadium in Cape Town on August 23, 2025. (Photo by RODGER BOSCH / AFP)

Pollard inspires Boks to victory over Australia

Handre Pollard put in a commanding performance at fly-half as a more pragmatic South Africa beat Australia 30-22 in their second Rugby Championship Test in wet conditions in Cape Town on Saturday to reignite the defence of their title.

Rugby • 24 Aug

Calvin Nash is set to earn his seventh cap on Saturday

Nash ready for 'massive' Loftus Versfeld challenge

Calvin Nash is hoping to count on his success with Munster in South Africa, ahead of Saturday's first Test with the Springboks in Pretoria.

Rugby • 04 Jul 24

The South African bench looks on as Ireland close out the game

Nienaber: 'Butchered' chances cost us, not kicking

Much of the focus in the wake of South Africa's tense World Cup loss to Ireland was centred around the Springboks' kicking woes, but coach Jacques Nienaber is more concerned with his side's botched opportunities.

Rugby • 28 Sep 23

Handre Pollard has recovered from a calf injury

Pollard starts for Springboks against Tonga

Handre Pollard will start at out-half in one of 12 changes for South Africa in their must-win Rugby World Cup Pool B clash against Tonga in Marseille on Sunday.

Rugby • 27 Sep 23

Handre Pollard only joined up with the Springboks squad on Monday morning

Erasmus adamant Pollard won't play against Ireland

Out-half Handre Pollard will not play for South Africa against Ireland, says Springboks director of rugby Rassie Erasmus, while lock Eben Etzebeth is on course for the World Cup clash on Saturday.

Rugby • 18 Sep 23

South Africa call up Pollard ahead of Ireland clash

South Africa have called up out-half Handre Pollard to their World Cup squad as an injury replacement, significantly strengthening their selection ahead of Saturday's Pool B showdown with Ireland, after injury forced them to leave him out initially.

Rugby • 17 Sep 23

Pollard will miss the Rugby Championship due to a calf injury

Calf injury rules Pollard out of Rugby Championship

South Africa out-half Handre Pollard will miss the Rugby Championship with a calf injury as director of rugby Rassie Erasmus concedes the loss of his first choice number 10 was a "worry" ahead of the World Cup in France.

Rugby • 27 Jun 23

Lukhanyo Am had been in excellent form for South Africa

Boks lose Am, Pollard for rest of Rugby Championship

South Africa have released Handre Pollard and Lukhanyo Am from their squad for the remainder of the Rugby Championship after both sustained knee injuries in last weekend's loss to Australia.

Rugby • 31 Aug 22

Handre Pollard take over as Leicester's out-half next season

Handre Pollard confirms move to Leicester Tigers

Leicester Tigers have announced the signing of South Africa international Handre Pollard.

Rugby • 07 Dec 21

Handre Pollard was used off the bench in Saturday's 30-15 win against Scotland

Pollard and De Jager return for South Africa v England

South Africa head coach Jacques Nienaber has made three changes to the Springboks starting XV for Saturday's Autumn Nations Series clash against England.

Rugby • 16 Nov 21

South Africa's centre Jesse Kriel goes over for the opening try

Battling Scotland fall just short against Springboks

Scotland gave as good as they got but were denied their first win over South Africa since 2010 as they were edged out 26-20 at BT Murrayfield.

Rugby • 17 Nov 18

Handre Pollard