Irish & International Sports News, Fixtures & Results

The Lions face down the All Blacks' haka in 2017

Erasmus: Nothing should threaten future of the Lions

Rassie Erasmus has challenged the rugby world to fight to support the Lions' future.

South Africa's flanker Francois Louw is tackled by Argentina's hooker and captain Agustin Creevy

Erasmus: South African effort trumps errors

South Africa showed their real potential for only 20 minutes of Saturday's 34-21 win over Argentina in the Rugby Championship but it was on expected lines with several key players returning after layoffs, according to coach Rassie Erasmus.

Rugby • 19 Aug 18

Siya Kolisi will lead South Africa against England

Siya Kolisi named first black Springboks Test captain

Siya Kolisi has been confirmed as the Springbok captain for the three-game home series against England, the first black leader in a full Test match of a national rugby side criticised for failing to redress the racial imbalances of apartheid.

Rugby • 29 May 18

Rassie Erasmus was in charge at Munster from April 2016 to December 2017

Erasmus confirmed as Springboks boss

Former Munster director of rugby Rassie Erasmus has been confirmed as South Africa's new rugby coach.

Rugby • 01 Mar 18

Rassie Erasmus is a contender to succeed Allister Coetzee, who has been sacked after a tumultuous two years in charge of the Springboks.

Rassie in line for SA job after Coetzee sacking

South Africa coach Allister Coetzee has been sacked after a tumultuous two years in charge of the Springboks, meaning that former Munster director of Rugby Rassie Erasmus is in line to take up the position.

Rugby • 02 Feb 18

Gerbrandt Grobler faces an uphill battle to distance himself from his doping past

Doping bans force guilty 'to realign who you are'

A convicted Irish doper details the difficulty Gerbrandt Grobler faces in rehabilitating his reputation following his two-year ban for steroid use.

Rugby • 19 Jan 18

Van Graan upbeat despite loss of fitness coach to Boks

Munster coach Johann van Graan piled praise on "top quality" head of athletic performance Aled Walters as he confirmed the Welshman will move on in March to link up with Rassie Erasmus in South Africa.

Rugby • 09 Jan 18

Van Graan to start Munster reign as Erasmus makes exit

Munster have confirmed that Rassie Erasmus's time with the province is now officially over, and that new man Johann van Graan will begin his reign week.

Rugby • 13 Nov 17

Rassie Erasmus: "We finish every team talk by saying, '1,2,3 Axel!'."

'Johann is the Axel type of guy Munster need right now'

Rassie Erasmus believes Johann van Graan is the "Axel kind of guy" Munster need right now, and backed his fellow South African to form a special bond with the province.

Rugby • 13 Nov 17

Rassie Erasmus: 'It's tough; we didn't plan on leaving after 18 months'

Erasmus: It's tough to leave Munster

Rassie Eramus says that his stint as Munster director of rugby has taught him "a hell of a lot, on the field and off the field".

Rugby • 04 Nov 17

Rassie Erasmus wants to see a more disciplined display from his side this weekend

Erasmus eager to erase Munster errors

Munster head coach Rassie Erasmus wants to see his side cut out the ill-discipline that cost them against Leinster when they get their European campaign under way away to Castres.

Rugby • 11 Oct 17

Rassie Erasmus was frustrated by his team's display

'They deserved to win - our discipline was terrible'

Rassie Erasmus was left hugely frustrated by Munster's "terrible" discipline, as they suffered more Aviva Stadium disappointment against Leinster on Saturday afternoon.

Rugby • 07 Oct 17

Tommy O'Donnell on the charge against Leinster

Munster and Leinster battle to light up Aviva

The back row has generally been the most competitive area of the Irish rugby team in recent years, and this afternoon's clash of Leinster and Munster is set to serve up more mouthwatering match-ups.

Rugby • 07 Oct 17

Munster desperate to keep in-demand Simon Zebo

Rassie Erasmus hopes that Munster's "really competitive" contract offer to Simon Zebo will be enough to stave off interest in the Irish international.

Rugby • 30 Sep 17

Erasmus praised Munster's second-half performance in the 39-16 win over Cardiff Blues

Rassie Erasmus in the dark over Munster successor

Munster's Director of Rugby Rassie Erasmus says he doesn't know the identity of his successor and is adamant the province have made a "really competitive" contract offer for Simon Zebo.

Rugby • 30 Sep 17

Erasmus will return to his native South Africa to take up the position of director of rugby with the Springboks

Munster search for Erasmus successor down to one

Munster expect to name a replacement for the departing Rassie Erasmus "in the coming weeks" after whittling their options down to one candidate.

Rugby • 26 Sep 17

Chris Farrell: 'This team is so tight from last year. You can see that.'

'There's such a good feel about this Munster team'

Munster centre Chris Farrell said the province's deep-rooted culture of team spirit is in stark contrast to what he experienced in his time playing in France.

Rugby • 17 Sep 17

'South African teams will find feet & make impact'

Rassie Erasmus believes it will take time for the South African sides to acclimatise to the demands of the Pro14, but said the positives of their presence "far outweigh the negatives".

Rugby • 10 Sep 17

Munster's Jack O'Donoghue powers past Whetu Douglas

Erasmus: We answered questions & got what we wanted

Rassie Erasmus said Munster's "questions were answered" by Munster's squad in their opening-night Pro14 defeat of Treviso.

Rugby • 02 Sep 17

Munster enjoyed a resurgence last season, but how will they cope with the departure of Rassie Erasmus?

Pro14 preview: Turbulent Munster looking for stability

After a roller-coaster season of emotions, Munster will be hoping to build on last year's progress, but the departure of Rassie Erasmus will be a huge loss for the Irish province.

Rugby • 01 Sep 17

Rassie Erasmus: 'The players have been informed from day one. I'm sitting with them daily. They know what goes on in my head.'

'Munster players happy I'm getting Boks opportunity'

Rassie Erasmus says he was always honest in his dealings with the Munster players and is convinced the province will attract a "world class" coaching ticket such is their standing in the game.

Rugby • 24 Aug 17

Erasmus has triggered a six-month exit clause in his Munster contract

Horan: Erasmus exit 'the worst scenario' for Munster

Former Munster hero Marcus Horan has lamented the timing of the departure of Rassie Erasmus from Munster, suggesting it leaves the province facing the 'worst scenario' next season.

Rugby • 30 Jun 17

Rassie Erasmus is walking away from his Munster role

Rassie Erasmus to leave Munster in December

Munster have confirmed that director of rugby Rassie Erasmus and defence coach Jacques Nienaber will leave the province in December.

Rugby • 30 Jun 17

Rassie Erasmus led Munster to the Champions Cup semi-final and Pro12 final in his first season in charge

Springboks aim to install Erasmus as director of rugby

Reports in South African media claim Munster director of rugby Rassie Erasmus handed in his notice two months ago and that he will leave the province to take over the Springboks as soon as the Irish province find a replacement.

Rugby • 27 Jun 17

Jackman admits Erasmus exit rumours 'worrying'

Bernard Jackman admitted reports that Rassie Erasmus will leave Munster to take up a job with his native South Africa are "worrying", and expects the Springboks to do everything to turn his head.

Rugby • 19 Jun 17