Rugby – United Rugby Championship 2021/22 – Benetton Rugby v Cell C Sharks – Stadio Monigo – Treviso – Italy

Mandatory Credit: Photo by Luca Sighniolfi/INPHO/Shutterstock/BackpagePix (12824431aj) Benetton Rugby vs Cell C Sharks. Sharks' Aphelele Fassi and Lorenzo Cannone of Benetton United Rugby Championship, Stadio Monigo, Treviso, Italy - 26 Feb 2022

Mandatory Credit: Photo by Luca Sighniolfi/INPHO/Shutterstock/BackpagePix (12824431aj)
Benetton Rugby vs Cell C Sharks. Sharks’ Aphelele Fassi and Lorenzo Cannone of Benetton
United Rugby Championship, Stadio Monigo, Treviso, Italy – 26 Feb 2022

Gallery

Juan de Jongh — Juan de Jongh dots down

Allister Coetzee and Brendan Venter

Allister Coetzee — Allister Coetzee faces the media at OR Tambo International Airport

Fans at the Cape Town Sevens

Tinus de Beer — Tuks flyhalf Tinus de Beer

Tuks lift the Varsity Cup

Pukke celebrate their maiden Varsity Cup

Rohan Janse van Rensburg

Fred Zeilinga

lj

Faf de Klerk on the run for Sale

Sarugbymag

Sarugbymag logo

Fantasy — Stormers flyhalf Damian Willemse against the Chiefs

Junior Springboks — The Junior Springboks maul against Wales

CANBERRA, AUSTRALIA – MARCH 31: David Pocock of the Brumbies runs onto the field before the round seven Super Rugby match between the Brumbies and the Waratahs at GIO Stadium on March 31, 2018 in Canberra, Australia. (Photo by Mark Nolan/Getty Images)

CANBERRA, AUSTRALIA – MARCH 31: David Pocock of the Brumbies runs onto the field before the round seven Super Rugby match between the Brumbies and the Waratahs at GIO Stadium on March 31, 2018 in Canberra, Australia. (Photo by Mark Nolan/Getty Images)

CANBERRA, AUSTRALIA – MARCH 31: David Pocock of the Brumbies runs onto the field before the round seven Super Rugby match between the Brumbies and the Waratahs at GIO Stadium on March 31, 2018 in Canberra, Australia. (Photo by Mark Nolan/Getty Images)

CANBERRA, AUSTRALIA – MARCH 31: David Pocock of the Brumbies runs onto the field before the round seven Super Rugby match between the Brumbies and the Waratahs at GIO Stadium on March 31, 2018 in Canberra, Australia. (Photo by Mark Nolan/Getty Images)

Kieran Read during an All Blacks training camp this week

Christchurch Boys’ High take on Paarl Boys’ High

Saffa coach Omar Mouneimne — Omar Mouneimne

The Super Rugby trophy

Lions flyhalf Elton Jantjies

Ben Smith

Ruan Ackermann

Travis Ismaiel — The Springboks celebrate Travis Ismaiel’s try

Celimpilo Gumede

France — Benjamin Fall collides with Beauden Barrett

Beast Mtawarira

Duane Vermeulen — Duane Vermeulen scores against England

Bok scrumhalf Faf de Klerk

Eddie Jones

Julian Savea — Julian Savea against the Highlanders

All Blacks wing Rieko Ioane — All Blacks wing Rieko Ioane heads for the tryline

Bulls coach John Mitchell

Ashley Young and Gareth Southgate of England.

JOHANNESBURG, SOUTH AFRICA – JULY 14: Manie Libbok of the Bulls breaks the Lions defence and go on to score a try during the Super Rugby match between Emirates Lions and Vodacom Bulls at Emirates Airline Park on July 14, 2018 in Johannesburg, South Africa. (Photo by Sydney Seshibedi/Gallo Images)

Akker van der Merwe — Akker van der Merwe scores for the Sharks

Rassie Erasmus

The Junior Springboks maul against Wales

Blitzboks — The Blitzboks

Ruan Combrinck — Lions wing Ruan Combrinck scores a try

Julian Savea — Hurricanes wing Julian Savea scores in the corner

Richie Mo'unga — Richie Mo’unga scores for the Crusaders

Crusaders George Bridge — The Crusaders celebrate George Bridge’s try

Lions wing Aphiwe Dyantyi — Aphiwe Dyantyi scores against the Waratahs

Sam Whitelock, Warren Whiteley — Sam Whitelock and Warren Whiteley

Ruan Combrinck — Lions wing Ruan Combrinck

Seta Tamanivalu — Seta Tamanivalu celebrates scoring the first try of the final

Richie Mo'unga — Crusaders flyhalf Richie Mo’unga

Cyle Brink — Lions flank Cyle Brink

Crusaders — Will the Crusaders be celebrating again?

Mnombo Zwelindaba — Mnombo Zwelindaba scores for SA Schools

Argentina Pumas anthem — Argentina sing the anthem

The Springboks — The Springboks celebrate a try against Argentina

Danie Mienie

All Blacks haka — The All Blacks haka

All Blacks fullback Ben Smith

Lukhanyo Am — Bok centre Lukhanyo Am scores a try

Nicolás Sánchez — Nicolás Sánchez scores for Argentina

Lukhanyo Am, Dyantyi — Lukhanyo Am congratulates Aphiwe Dyantyi

Beauden Barrett — Beauden Barrett on the run

Ruhan Nel — Ruhan Nel scores for Western Province

Springbok hooker Malcolm Marx

Springbok captain Siya Kolisi — Bok captain Siya Kolisi

Nicolás Sánchez — Nicolás Sánchez scores for Argentina

Kevin de Klerk/Lions — Kevin de Klerk

Lions race against time — Rassie Erasmus

Abongile Nonkontwana — Abongile Nonkontwana in action for the Blue Bulls

Nehe Milner-Skudder — All Blacks wing Nehe Milner-Skudder

TJ Perenara — TJ Perenara scores for the All Blacks

Ramiro Moyano — Argentina wing Ramiro Moyano

Michael Hooper — Michael Hooper scores for the Wallabies

Makazole Mapimpi – Tries — Makazole Mapimpi scores for the Boks

Abongile Nonkontwana

Hanro Liebenberg — Hanro Liebenberg scores for the Blue Bulls

Jordie Barrett, All Blacks — Jordie Barrett scores for the All Blacks

Aaron Smith, All Blacks — Aaron Smith scores for the All Blacks

Springboks, Willie le Roux — The Springboks celebrate a try

Rieko Ioane scores for the All Blacks

Cheslin Kolbe in a Rugby Championship match — Cheslin Kolbe celebrates

Aphiwe Dyantyi — Aphiwe Dyantyi scores his second try

Cheslin Kolbe — Cheslin Kolbe celebrates his try

The Sharks U17 — The Sharks U17 during day one

Marius Louw — Marius Louw scores for the Sharks

Aphiwe Dyantyi — Bok wing Aphiwe Dyantyi

Faf de Klerk — Faf de Klerk scores for the Boks

Eben Etzebeth — Bok lock Eben Etzebeth

Akker van der Merwe — Sharks hooker Akker van der Merwe

All Blacks haka Springboks — The Boks face the All Blacks haka

All Blacks Aaron Smith — All Blacks scrumhalf Aaron Smith

Springboks Siya Kolisi — Springbok captain Siya Kolisi

Sharks Leolin Zas — Sharks wing Leolin Zas scores a try

Sharks centre Marius Louw

S’bu Nkosi — S’bu Nkosi scores for the Sharks

Warren Whiteley — Lions No 8 Warren Whiteley

Juarno Augustus — WP No 8 Juarno Augustus

Blue Bulls scrumhalf Ivan van Zyl

WP fans

SP Marais — SP Marais goes for goal

Manie Libbok — The Blue Bulls celebrate Manie Libbok’s try

Paul de Wet, Damian Willemse, WP — Paul de Wet and Damian Willemse celebrate

Sharks No 8 Dan du Preez

The Sharks concede a penalty against WP earlier this year

Adriaan Strauss

Masixole Banda — Masixole Banda scores for the Kings

Jean-Luc du Preez — Sharks flank Jean-Luc du Preez

Sharks Currie Cup — The Sharks celebrate winning the Currie Cup

Adelaide Fisheries — Adelaide Fisheries celebrate their title win

S'bu Nkosi — S’bu Nkosi scores gainst England

England — England celebrate at Twickenham

Owen Farrell André Esterhuizen — Owen Farrell tackles André Esterhuizen

SA Rugby magazine Issue 253 — Issue 253

Damian McKenzie All Blacks — Damian McKenzie scores for the All Blacks

Aphiwe Dyantyi — Bok wing Aphiwe Dyantyi takes a high ball

Handré Pollard — Bok flyhalf Handré Pollard

Guilhem Guirado — France hooker Guilhem Guirado scores a try

S'bu Nkosi — Bok wing S’bu Nkosi scores against France

Duane Vermeulen — Duane Vermeulen against Scotland in 2015

Marika Koroibete Wallabies — Marika Koroibete scores for the Wallabies

Jesse Kriel — Jesse Kriel scores for the Springboks

Handré Pollard — Handré Pollard scores for the Springboks

Tomas Francis — Wales prop Tomas Francis scores a try

Cheslin Kolbe — Cheslin Kolbe steps Jonathan Davies

Liam Williams — Liam Williams scores for Wales

Jesse Kriel — Jesse Kriel scores for the Boks

Joe Schmidt and Andy Farrell

Schalk van der Merwe — Schalk van der Merwe playing for Ulster

Philip Snyman — Philip Snyman scores for the Blitzboks

Blitzboks player Justin Geduld — Justin Geduld heads for the tryline

Impi Visser

Rosko Specman

Siviwe Soyizwapi

Werner Kok — Werner Kok heads for the tryline

The Pro14 trophy

Bulls No 8 Duane Vermeulen

Lions captain Warren Whiteley

Handré Pollard — Bulls flyhalf Handré Pollard scores

Kwagga Smith — Lions loose forward Kwagga Smith

Corné Fourie — Stormers prop Corné Fourie

Stephen Donald

Kwagga Smith — Lions flank Kwagga Smith

Corné Fourie — Stormers prop Corné Fourie

Rosko Specman – Bulls — Bulls wing Rosko Specman

World Cup — Former Springboks captains John Smit and Jean de Villiers

Bulls hooker Schalk Brits

Elton Jantjies — Lions flyhalf Elton Jantjies

Lukhanyo Am — Sharks centre Lukhanyo Am

Damian de Allende — Stormers centre Damian de Allende

Ox Nche

Cheetahs prop Ox Nche

Ramiro Moyano tackles Damian McKenzie

Chiliboy Ralepelle

Money Man

Juan Pablo Castro — Argentina’s Juan Pablo Castro

Aphelele Fassi with Makazole Mapimpi on the cover and Lukhanyo Am of the Cell C Sharks during The Cell C Sharks training session at Jonsson Kings Park Stadium in Durban, South Africa. 21 May 2019 (Mandatory Byline Steve Haag)

Makazole Mapimpi of the Cell C Sharks during The Cell C Sharks training session at Jonsson Kings Park Stadium in Durban, South Africa. 21 May 2019 (Mandatory Byline Steve Haag)

Curwin Bosch of the Cell C Sharks during The Cell C Sharks training session at Jonsson Kings Park Stadium in Durban, South Africa. 21 May 2019 (Mandatory Byline Steve Haag)

Curwin Bosch of the Cell C Sharks during The Cell C Sharks training session at Jonsson Kings Park Stadium in Durban, South Africa. 21 May 2019 (Mandatory Byline Steve Haag)

Bulls want to sign Harold Vorster — Harold Vorster

Aaron Smith and Herschel Jantjies

Sebastian Cancelliere — Sebastian Cancelliere scores for the Jaguares

Western Province U13s

Matias Orlando and Emiliano Boffelli celebrate

Francois Steyn

Griquas

Elstadt — Rynhardt Elstadt secures the ball at a lineout

Ed Fidow breaks Russia’s defensive line

France

The World Cup playoff contenders

Cobus Reinach scores — Cobus Reinach on the run

Cobus Reinach — Cobus Reinach dots down

Michael Cheika and Eddie Jones

England wing Jonny May scores

Sibusiso Sithole and Christopher Hollis during training

The Springboks lift the World Cup

Faf de Klerk

De Klerk went to the official champions photoshoot in his South African-themed speedo

Eben Etzebeth

Siya Kolisi and SA president Cyril Ramaphosa

Siya Kolisi and John Smit

Owen Farrell and Jack Nowell of the Lions celebrate following their team's 24-21 victory during the second test match between the New Zealand All Blacks and the British &Irish Lions — Owen Farrell and Jack Nowell

Blitzboks playmakerGeduld against Fiji

Edinburgh vs Glasgow Warriors Pierre Schoeman and Duhan van der Merwe celebrate together — Pierre Schoeman at Edinburgh

Photo by Ross Parker / SNS Group / SRU — Duhan van der Merwe beats a defender to score

Dalton — James Dalton

Cobus Reinach’s try-saving tackle

Cheslin Kolbe charges forward/Toulouse/Getty — Cheslin Kolbe

JC Pretorius of South Africa evades Masakatsu Hikosaka of Japan during the match between South Africa and Japan at the 2020 HSBC Sevens at FMG Stadium Waikato — JC Pretorius breaks away to score against Japan

Brumbies egde Reds

The Blitzboks dejected

LIVE — Stormers vs Vodacom Bulls

Elton Jantjies addresses the media.

Hurricanes vs Sharks LIVE

Cheslin KOLBE of Toulouse — Cheslin Kolbe

Stormers

Money Man James Dalton Mark Keohane

Super Rugby

Cheslin Kolbe and Kwagga Smith could miss the Olympic Games — Cheslin Kolbe and Kwagga Smith

USA Rugby ball

Siya Kolisi

Allister Coetzee_Canon Eagles — Allister Coetzee

Makazole Mapimpi’s journey

Gio Aplon joined the Bulls — Gio Aplon has joined the Bulls

Bulls loose-forward Arno Botha — Arno Botha

Travis Ismaiel

Percy Montgomery will auction his 2007 World Cup semi-final jersey — Percy Montgomery

Springboks

Dan Carter

Tyrone Green

Cobus Reinach

Lesley Botha has signed for the Cheetahs — Lesley Botha in action for Grey College

Siya Kolisi and Herschel Jantjies/Social Media — Siya Kolisi and Herschel Jantjies

Cobus Reinach

White signs Nizaam Carr for Bulls — Nizaam Carr

Demetri Catrakilis

Brad Barritt

All Blacks Kangaroos — The All Blacks Beauden Barrett and the Kangaroos’ James Tedesco.

The Springboks and Blitzboks at Peakview High Schools

Scrumhalf Cameron Wright

Aerial view of Newlands Stadium

Clinton Swart has signed for the Bulls

The Rebels on the run against the Force

Trevor Nyakane

Duane Vermeulen will captain the Bulls — Duane Vermeulen

British & Irish Lions tickets

Damian de Allende and RG Snyman Springbok — Damian de Allende and RG Snyman

Crusaders coach Scott Robertson and Warren Gatland / Getty — Crusaders coach Scott Robertson and Warren Gatland

Munster flank Chris Cloete in a scuffle

Lions tour

Super Saturday

Rassie Erasmus, Jacques Nienaber, Deon Davids and Mzwandile Stick

Rassie Erasmus, Jacques Nienaber, Deon Davids and Mzwandile Stick

Jeremy Ward and Curwin Bosch

Bulls

Lions

Springbok Showdown — Siya Kolisi and Lukhanyo Am

Elton Jantjies and Lukhanyo Am

Cheetahs

Bulls

Morne van den Berg

Bulls

Griquas

Stormers

Pumas

Bulls

Lions

Pumas

Bulls

Sharks

Griquas vs Stormers

Bulls

Sharks vs Griquas

Stormers

The All Blacks dejected — The All Blacks

Bulls

Cheetahs

Sharks vs Pumas

Bulls

Griquas

The Lions in action against Griquas

Ryno Pieterse

Andre Warner

Shaun Venter

Courtnall Skosan scores the opening try of the game

Superbru — Sbu Nkosi executes a clearance kick

Lions duo Willem Alberts and Jannie du Plessis against the Sharks — Willem Alberts in action

Currie Cup — Frans Steyn on the charge

The Lions team

The Sharks in a huddle

Tiaan Swanepoel looks to offload

James Hall

The Cheetahs

Cheetahs centre Frans Steyn — Frans Steyn

Jandre Marais scores

Stravino Jacobs on the run

Bulls

Lions scrumhalf Andre Warner kicks

Rainbow Cup — The Lions clash agains the Bulls

Sharks — The Sharks line up

The Bulls celebrate

Arno Botha scores in the Currie Cup — PRETORIA, SOUTH AFRICA – JANUARY 30: Arno Botha of the Vodacom Bulls scores a try during the Carling Currie Cup final match between Vodacom Bulls and Cell C Sharks at Loftus Versfeld Stadium on January 30, 2021 in Pretoria, South Africa. (Photo by Anton Geyser/Gallo Images)

Ruan Nortje celebrates the Bulls' Currie Cup victory — Ruan Nortje celebrates the Bulls’ Currie Cup victory

PRETORIA, SOUTH AFRICA – JANUARY 30: Ruan Nortje of the Vodacom Bulls celebrates the Bulls win after the Carling Currie Cup final match between Vodacom Bulls and Cell C Sharks at Loftus Versfeld Stadium on January 30, 2021 in Pretoria, South Africa. (Photo by Anton Geyser/Gallo Images)

Curwin Bosch and the Sharks mascot with a frontline worker

England

2023 RWC

Jean Kleyn — Jean Kleyn on the charge

Saffas Abroad

Saffas Abroad

Sharks

Keynan Knox

Stephan Lewies Harlequins — Harlequins captain Stephan Lewies

Jake Ball clears out Faf de Klerk

Damian McKenzie Chiefs — Chiefs star Damian McKenzie

Lions coaches 2021 South Africa tour

War Room Scrumhalf

Bok Half back pairing

Cornal Hendricks and Damian Willemse

Former Ulster player Marcell Coetzee — Marcell Coetzee

Bok

Crusaders Blues SR Aotearoa 2021

Bok

Stormers vs Sharks

Chris Smith scores for the Bulls

Boks

Abner van Reenen of the Stormers during the 2021 Rainbow Cup SA game between the Stormers and the Sharks at Cape Town Stadium on 1 May 2021 © Ryan Wilkisky/BackpagePix — Abner van Reenen

Bulls

The Boks and Lions in 2009 tourism — The Boks and Lions in 2009

Highlanders

Crusaders Brumbies

Stormers

Chiefs

Highlights

Lizo Gqoboka mallett — Lizo Gqoboka

Varsity Cup, UWC, UCT,

The Bulls' Trevor Nyakane and The Bulls' Walt Steenkamp during the 2020 Super Rugby Unlocked game between the Emirates Lions and Vodacom Bulls at Emirates Airline Park in Johannesburg on 07 November 2020 Photo: Christiaan Kotze/BackpagePix — Bulls lock Walt Steenkamp

UWC CUT

Sharks Stormers

Toulouse La Rochelle

NWU vs CUT FT0 Varsity Cup

Highlanders Crusaders

Varsity Cup UP-Tuks, Maties

UCT NWU Varsity Cup

Cheetahs vs Invitational FT00

Cheslin Kolbe

UCT vs Tuks Varsity Cup FT 20

Springbok

Rosko Specman

Lions

Sharks Lions Makazole Mapimpi

Chiefs vs Rebels FT1

Maro Itoje dejected after the 2019 RWC final

2002 Crusaders vs 2013 Brumbies - Game 10

RG Snyman and Damian de Allende

Bulls

Shimlas centre Shayne Bolton

Waratahs vs Chiefs

Game 11 - 98 Crusaders vs 17 Lions

VARSITY CUP 2021, Presented by FNB AND PARTNERS, at the Up TUKs Main field, Pretoria. Sunday 11 April 2021 G1 FNB UWC v FNB MADIBAZ Tinotenda P. Blithe Mavesere of FNB UWC Catherine Kotze/Varsity — Tinotenda Mavesere

Dillyn Leyds of the DHL WP tackles Hacjivah Dayimani of the Xerox Golden Lions during the Currie Cup Rugby match between the Xerox Golden Lions and DHL Western Province on September 15, 2018 at Emirates Airline Park in Johannesburg, South Africa. @Christiaan Kotze/BackpagePix — Hacjivah Dayimani

Game 11 - 98 Crusaders vs 17 Lions FT

Junior Springboks

Rainbow Cup

JJ Kotze scores one of his tries

PRETORIA, SOUTH AFRICA - JUNE 19: Louritz Van Der Schyff of the Bulls with the ball during the Carling Currie Cup match between Vodacom Bulls and DHL Western Province at Loftus Versfeld on June 19, 2021 in Pretoria, South Africa. (Photo by Sydney Seshibedi/Gallo Images) — Louritz Van Der Schyff

HOOKER / Tendai MTAWARIRA - 20.06.2009 - Afrique du Sud / Lions Britanniques - Test match - Durban, (Photo : Anton de Villiers / Icon Sport via Getty Images) — Tendai Mtawarira and Bismark du Plessis

Boks — Jean-Luc & Dan du Preez

Zander Fagerson in training

FT Junior Boks vs Argentina Jordan Hendrikse Canan Moodie

Vincet Tshituka of Lions tackled by Godlen Masimla of Western Province during the Carling Black Label Currie Cup Rugby match between Lions and Western Province on 23 June 2021 at the Emirates Airline Park / Pic Sydney Mahlangu/BackapagePix — Vincet Tshituka

Cornal Hendricks of Bulls celebrates a try with teammates during the Carling Black Label Currie Cup Rugby match between Bulls and Pumas on 25 June 2021 at the Loftus Versfeld Stadium / Pic Sydney Mahlangu/BackapagePix — Cornal Hendricks celebrates with his teammates

Griquas vs Cheetahs FT

British & Irish Lions vs Japan FT

New Lions Captain Conor Murray (centre) with Dan Biggar (left) and Owen Farrell (right) as the British and Irish Lions depart for South Africa from Edinburgh Airport. Picture date: Sunday 27th June, 2021. (Photo by Robert Perry/PA Images via Getty Images) — Dan Biggar, Conor Murray and Owen Farrell

Aphelele Fassi and Rosko Specman

Lionel Mapoe of South Africa during the 2018 The Rugby Championship South Africa training session at Loftus Versfeld Stadium, Pretoria on 01 October 2018 ©Samuel Shivambu/BackpagePix — Lionel Mapoe

Sango Xamlashe

Evan Roos and Thaakir Abrahams

Siya Kolisi Jacques Nienaber Handre Pollard — Siya Kolisi, Jacques Nienaber and Handre Pollard

Damian Willemse of South Africa challenged by Giorgi Kveseladze (l) and Merab Sharikadze of Georgia during the 2021 International Test Match Rugby Series between South Africa and Georgia at Loftus Stadium, Pretoria on 02 July 2021 ©Muzi Ntombela/BackpagePix — Damian Willemse

Ireland vs Japan

Junior Springboks vs Argentina U20 FT Jan-Hendrik Wessels

Van Rooyen

Game 14 - 2016 Hurricanes vs 2010 Bulls Beauden Barrett Morne Steyn

Ruan Nortje of the Vodacom Bulls during the 2021 Rainbow Cup match between Bulls and Stormers at Loftus Versfeld, Pretoria, on 04 May 2021 ©Samuel Shivambu/BackpagePix — Ruan Nortje

DURBAN, SOUTH AFRICA – JUNE 10: Brian O’Driscoll the Lions centre is tackled by Lwazi Mvovo just short of the line during the match between the Sharks and the British and Irish Lions on their 2009 tour of South Africa at Absa Stadium on June 10, 2009 in Durban, South Africa. (Photo by David Rogers/Getty Images)

Sharks vs British & Irish Lions FT

Beka Saginadze of Georgia is tackled by Cobus Reinach and Siya Kolisi of South Africa during the 2021 International Test Match Rugby Series between South Africa and Georgia at Loftus Stadium, Pretoria on 02 July 2021 ©Gavin Barker/BackpagePix — Beka Saginadze is tackled by Cobus Reinach and Siya Kolisi

JOHANNESBURG, SOUTH AFRICA - OCTOBER 10: (L-R) John Smit, coach Peter de Villiers and Victor Matfield of South Africa pose during the Springboks Arrival Media Conference at OR Tambo International Airport on October 10, 2011 in Johannesburg, South Africa. (Photo by Lee Warren/Gallo Images/Getty Images) — John Smit, Peter de Villiers and Victor Matfield

Werner Kok of the Sharks (l) with Elliot Daly of the BI Lions during the 2021 British and Irish Lions Tour rugby match between the Sharks and BI Lions at Loftus Stadium, Pretoria on 10 July 2021 ©Muzi Ntombela/BackpagePix — Werner Kok and Elliot Daly

LONDON, ENGLAND - NOVEMBER 27: Mike Tindall of England is tackled by Pierre Spies and Frans Steyn (13) of South Africa during the Investec Challenge match between England and South Africa at Twickenham Stadium on November 27, 2010 in London, England. (Photo by Warren Little/Getty Images) — Mike Tindall is tackled by Pierre Spies

Lions

Lukhanyo Am of South Africa A scores a try during the 2021 British and Irish Lions Tour rugby match between South Africa A and BI Lions at Cape Town Stadium on 14 July 2021 ©Ryan Wilkisky/BackpagePix — Lukhanyo Am

CAPE TOWN, SOUTH AFRICA - JULY 14: Rassie Erasmus, the South Africa Springbok head coach, acts as a water carrier during the match between South Africa A and the British & Irish Lions at Cape Town Stadium on July 14, 2021 in Cape Town, South Africa. (Photo by David Rogers/Getty Images) — Rassie Erasmus during the British & Irish Lions series

SA A

Lions

BRISBANE, AUSTRALIA - JULY 17: Marika Koroibete of the Wallabies looks dejected as he leaves the field after being given a red card and sent off for a high tackle during the International Test Match between the Australian Wallabies and France at Suncorp Stadium on July 17, 2021 in Brisbane, Australia. (Photo by Albert Perez/Getty Images) — Marika Koroibete

Australia

Wallabies celebrate — The Wallabies

SA A vs Bulls FT Johan Goose

BRISBANE, AUSTRALIA - JULY 17: Michael Hooper of the Wallabies speaks to referee Ben O’Keeffe during the International Test Match between the Australian Wallabies and France at Suncorp Stadium on July 17, 2021 in Brisbane, Australia. (Photo by Albert Perez/Getty Images) — Michael Hooper speaks to Ben O’Keeffe

Harold Vorster of the Bulls during the 2021 British and Irish Lions Tour game between South Africa A and the Bulls at Cape Town Stadium on 17 July 2021 ©Ryan Wilkisky/BackpagePix — Harold Vorster

PERTH, AUSTRALIA - AUGUST 29: John Smit, Bismarck du Plessis and Tendai Mtawarira of South Africa ready to scrum down during the Tri-Nations rugby match between Australia and South Africa on August 29, 2009 at Subiaco Oval in Perth, Australia. (Photo by Duif du Toit/Gallo Images/Getty Images) — John Smit, Bismarck du Plessis and Tendai Mtawarira

Cheetahs vs WP FT Ruan Pienaar Evan Roos

SOUTH AFRICA - OCTOBER 26: Victor Matfield, Bakkies Botha and Pierre Spies of South Africa hold the Webb-Ellis Cup during the Springboks Rugby World Cup victory parade between Pretoria and Johannesburg, on October 26, 2007 in South Africa. (Photo by Duif du Toit/Gallo Images/Getty Images) — Victor Matfield, Bakkies Botha and Pierre Spies

Springboks

Faf de Klerk of South Africa during the 2021 British and Irish Lions Tour South Africa Captains Run at Cape Town Stadium on 23 July 2021 ©Ryan Wilkisky/BackpagePix Boks — Faf de Klerk

The South African squad in a huddle

Cheetahs Sharks

The Boks sing the national anthem

Springboks — The Boks in a huddle

Siya Kolisi fends off BI Lions centre Robbie Henshaw

BI Lions players celebrate victory at the final whistle during the 2021 British and Irish Lions Tour first test between South Africa and BI Lions at Cape Town Stadium on 24 July 2021 ©Ryan Wilkisky/BackpagePix — British & Irish Lions players celebrate

Lions and Boks after the game

Bulls vs Lions FT Zak Burger David Kriel

South Africa Blitzboks vs Ireland FT Selvyn Davids

Evan Roos

Wandisile Simelane of the Lions challenged by Lionel Mapoe of the Bulls during the 2021 Carling Currie Cup match between Bulls and Lions at Loftus Versfeld Stadium, Pretoria, on 25 July 2021 ©Samuel Shivambu/BackpagePix — Wandisile Simelane challenged by Lionel Mapoe

Blitzboks

Rassie Erasmus during the Springboks Press Conference on 24 January 2020 at Southern Sun Hotel, Pretoria , Pic Sydney Mahlangu/BackpagePix — Rassie Erasmus

Rassie Erasmus

Cape Town , South Africa - 24 July 2021; South Africa head coach Rassie Erasmus speaks to his players during the first test of the British and Irish Lions tour match between South Africa and British and Irish Lions at Cape Town Stadium in Cape Town, South Africa. (Photo By Ashley Vlotman/Sportsfile via Getty Images) — Rassie Erasmus speaks to his players

Cape Town , South Africa - 24 July 2021; Lions players applaud the South Africa players who they defeated in the first test of the British and Irish Lions tour match between South Africa and British and Irish Lions at Cape Town Stadium in Cape Town, South Africa. (Photo By Ashley Vlotman/Sportsfile via Getty Images) — Lions players applaud the Springboks

Rassie

Bulls

Siya Kolisi

Cape Town , South Africa – 31 July 2021; Pieter Steph du Toit of South Africa receives treatment during the second test of the British and Irish Lions tour match between South Africa and British and Irish Lions at Cape Town Stadium in Cape Town, South Africa. (Photo By Ashley Vlotman/Sportsfile via Getty Images)

Gatland — Tempers flare up between Eben Etzebeth and Alun Wyn Jones

Springbok — Makazole Mapimpi scores

Makazole Mapimpi of South Africa celebrates with try scorer Lukhanyo Am of South Africa during the 2021 British and Irish Lions Tour second test between South Africa and BI Lions at Cape Town Stadium on 31 July 2021 ©Ryan Wilkisky/BackpagePix — The Boks celebrate

Ben O’Keeffe chats to Siya Kolisi and Alun Wyn Jones

Makazole Mapimpi of South Africa during the 2021 British and Irish Lions Tour first test between South Africa and BI Lions at Cape Town Stadium on 24 July 2021 ©Ryan Wilkisky/BackpagePix — Makazole Mapimpi

Peter de Villiers

Handre Pollard and Morne Steyn

Lions Griquas

Springboks vs Lions (3rd Test)

Matfield — Schalk Burger with Joel Stransky and Victor Matfield

South Africa's right wing Cheslin Kolbe (L) scores a try ahead of British and Irish Lions' fly-half Finn Russell during the third rugby union Test match between South Africa and the British and Irish Lions at The Cape Town Stadium in Cape Town on August 7, 2021. (Photo by PHILL MAGAKOE / AFP) (Photo by PHILL MAGAKOE/AFP via Getty Images) — Cheslin Kolbe

South Africa's lock Eben Etzebeth (R) and South Africa's blindside flanker and captain Siya Kolisi celebrate after victory with teammates in the third rugby union Test match between South Africa and the British and Irish Lions at The Cape Town Stadium in Cape Town on August 7, 2021. (Photo by RODGER BOSCH / AFP) (Photo by RODGER BOSCH/AFP via Getty Images) — Eben Etzebeth and Siya Kolisi

Springboks — South Africa celebrate with trophy after the 2021 British and Irish Lions Tour third test between South Africa and BI Lions at Cape Town Stadium on 7 August 2021 ©Ryan Wilkisky/BackpagePix

Morne Steyn

Trevor Nyakane of South Africa reacts as Lions concede penalty, Kyle Sinckler of BI Lions reacts in disappointment during the Third Test of the 2021 British and Irish Lions Rugby Tour between South Africa and BI Lions at Cape Town Stadium on 07 August 2021 ©BackpagePix — Trevor Nyakane

Jacques Nienaber, coach of South Africa during the Second Test of the 2021 British and Irish Lions Rugby Tour between South Africa and BI Lions at Cape Town Stadium on 31 July 2021 ©BackpagePix — Jacques Nienaber

Damian de Allende of South Africa during the 2021 British and Irish Lions Tour third test between South Africa and BI Lions at Cape Town Stadium on 7 August 2021 ©Ryan Wilkisky/BackpagePix — Damian de Allende

Cheslin Kolbe

British and Irish Lions' captain and lock Alun Wyn Jones speaks with media representatives after defeat in the third rugby union Test match between South Africa and the British and Irish Lions at The Cape Town Stadium in Cape Town on August 7, 2021. (Photo by PHILL MAGAKOE / AFP) (Photo by PHILL MAGAKOE/AFP via Getty Images) — Alun Wyn Jones

Lukhanyo Am & Makazole Mapimpi

Bulls

(L-R) Eben Etzebeth, Lood de Jager, Franco Mostert, Jasper Wiese, Cobus Reinach, Handre Pollard of South Africa during the Third Test of the 2021 British and Irish Lions Rugby Tour between South Africa and BI Lions at Cape Town Stadium on 07 August 2021 ©BackpagePix

Franco Mostert of South Africa during the 2021 British and Irish Lions Tour third test between South Africa and BI Lions at Cape Town Stadium on 7 August 2021 ©Ryan Wilkisky/BackpagePix — Franco Mostert

Limerick , Ireland - 30 October 2017; Munster scrum coach Jerry Flannery and Munster director of rugby Rassie Erasmus in conversation during Munster Rugby Squad Training at the University of Limerick in Limerick. (Photo By Diarmuid Greene/Sportsfile via Getty Images) — Jerry Flannery and Munster director of rugby Rassie Erasmus

AUCKLAND, NEW ZEALAND - AUGUST 14: Ardie Savea of the All Blacks makes a break during The Rugby Championship and Bledisloe Cup match between the New Zealand All Blacks and the Australian Wallabies at Eden Park on August 14, 2021 in Auckland, New Zealand. (Photo by Hannah Peters/Getty Images) — All Black star Ardie Savea

Springboks

Bulls

Jasper Wiese Nienaber Springboks — Jasper Wiese with ball in hand

Springboks flyhalf Elton Jantjies — Elton Jantjies

Frans Steyn in action against Argentina

Springboks — Siya Kolisi in action

BUENOS AIRES, ARGENTINA - JULY 20: Joaquin Diaz Bonilla and Felipe Ezcurra of Argentina react after losing a match between Argentina and New Zealand as part of The Rugby Championship 2019 at Jose Amalfitani Stadium on July 20, 2019 in Buenos Aires, Argentina.

BUENOS AIRES, ARGENTINA – JUNE 21: Joaquin Diaz Bonilla of Jaguares goes against Marty McKenzie of Chiefs during a Quarter Final match between Jaguares and Chiefs as part of Super Rugby 2019 on June 21, 2019 in Buenos Aires, Argentina. (Photo by Marcelo Endelli/Getty Images)

Joaquin Diaz Bonilla against the Sharks

Duane Vermeulen

Cobus REINACH of Montpellier and Eben ETZEBETH of Toulon during the Top 14 match between Montpellier and Toulon at GGL Stadium on May 11, 2021 in Montpellier, France. (Photo by Alexandre Dimou/Icon Sport via Getty Images) — Cobus Reinach is tackles by Eben Etzebeth

GQEBERHA, SOUTH AFRICA - AUGUST 14: Damian Willemse congratulates try scorer Aphelele Fassi of South Africa during the Castle Lager Rugby Championship match between South Africa and Argentina at Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium on August 14, 2021 in Gqeberha, South Africa. (Photo by Richard Huggard/Gallo Images/Getty Images) — Damian Willemse congratulates Aphelele Fassi

Cheetahs

PRETORIA, SOUTH AFRICA - AUGUST 06: Henco van Wyk of the Lions during the SA Rugby U20 Cup match between Vodacom Bulls U20 and Lions U20 at Loftus B-Field on August 06, 2021 in Pretoria, South Africa. (Photo by Lee Warren/Gallo Images) — Henco van Wyk in action for the Lions U20 side

Springboks

Pumas

Malcolm Marx of the Springboks during the 2021 Rugby Championship game between Argentina and South Africa at Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium in Port Elizabeth on 21 August 2021 ©Deryck Foster/BackpagePix

Malcolm Marx of the Springboks during the 2021 Rugby Championship game between Argentina and South Africa at Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium in Port Elizabeth on 21 August 2021 ©Deryck Foster/BackpagePix

Damian de Allende

Lukhanyo Am of the Springboks during the 2021 Rugby Championship game between Argentina and South Africa at Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium in Port Elizabeth on 21 August 2021 ©Deryck Foster/BackpagePix — Lukhanyo Am

Springboks

Griquas

Courtnall Skosan of Lions during the 2021 Carling Black Label Currie Cup rugby match between Lions and Pumas on 30 July 2021 at Emirates Airline Park / Pic Sydney Mahlangu/BackapagePix — Courtnall Skosan

Courtnall Douglas Skosan of the Lions during the 2021 Rainbow Cup SA match between Lions and Stormers at Ellis Park Stadium in Johannesburg on the 15 May 2021 ©Muzi Ntombela/BackpagePix — Courtnall Skosan in action during the Rainbow Cup SA

Cheslin Kolbe

Pumas Griquas

PERTH, AUSTRALIA - SEPTEMBER 05: Damian McKenzie of the All Blacks runs for a try during the Bledisloe Cup match between the Australian Wallabies and the New Zealand All Blacks, part of The Rugby Championship, at Optus Stadium on September 05, 2021 in Perth, Australia. (Photo by James Worsfold/Getty Images) — Damian McKenzie

The Bulls and Sharks

Johan Goosen of the Vodacom Bulls during the 2021 Carling Black Label Currie Cup match between Bulls and Griqua at Loftus Versfeld Stadium, Pretoria, on 11 August 2021 ©Samuel Shivambu/BackpagePix

PRETORIA, SOUTH AFRICA – SEPTEMBER 03: Johan Goosen of the Vodacom Bulls on his way to score a try during the Carling Currie Cup semi final match between Vodacom Bulls and DHL Western Province at Loftus Versfeld on September 03, 2021 in Pretoria, South Africa. (Photo by Anton Geyser/Gallo Images)

Bulls Final

Springboks v Wallabies

The Bulls celebrate

Chris Smith (10) celebrates try with teammates during the 2021 Rainbow Cup SA match between Lions and Bulls at Ellis Park Stadium in Johannesburg on the 22 May 2021 ©Muzi Ntombela/BackpagePix

PRETORIA, SOUTH AFRICA – SEPTEMBER 11: Harold Vorster of the Vodacom Bulls on attack during the Carling Currie Cup final match between Vodacom Bulls and Cell C Sharks at Loftus Versfeld on September 11, 2021 in Pretoria, South Africa. (Photo by Anton Geyser/Gallo Images)

Harold Vorster

The Bulls celebrate

Bulls celebrate Currie Cup win last season

Siya Kolisi on the charge

Siya Kolisi

epa09474495 Springboks players react after losing the Round 4 Rugby Championship match between the Australian Wallabies and the South Africa Springboks at Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane, Australia, 18 September 2021. EPA/DARREN ENGLAND — Bok players during Saturday’s game

Len Ikitau scores for the Wallabies

epa09474493 Siya Kolisi of the Springboks is seen in a rolling maul during the Round 4 Rugby Championship match between the Australian Wallabies and the South Africa Springboks at Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane, Australia, 18 September 2021. EPA/DAN PELED

Faf de Klerk puts boot ot ball

Handre Pollard kicks a penalty during the Rugby Championship

epa09474467 Willie Le Roux (C) of the Springboks is tackled as S’busiso Nkosi (L) of the Springboks runs in support during the Round 4 Rugby Championship match between the Australian Wallabies and the South Africa Springboks at Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane, Australia, 18 September 2021. EPA/DARREN ENGLAND

Springboks in action against Australia

Will Jordan on the run

epa09474611 Puma players react after an All Blacks try during the Round 4 Rugby Championship match between the Argentina Pumas and the New Zealand All Blacks at Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane, Australia, 18 September 2021. EPA/DARREN ENGLAND AUSTRALIA AND NEW ZEALAND OUT

epa09474589 Jordie Barrett (C) of the All Blacks in action during the Round 4 Rugby Championship match between the Argentina Pumas and the New Zealand All Blacks at Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane, Australia, 18 September 2021. EPA/DARREN ENGLAND AUSTRALIA AND NEW ZEALAND OUT

epa09474567 The All Blacks perform the Haka before the Round 4 Rugby Championship match between the Argentina Pumas and the New Zealand All Blacks at Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane, Australia, 18 September 2021. — New Zealand perform the haka

Siya Kolisi on the charge

VANCOUVER, BC - MARCH 08: Angelo Davids #1 of South Africa goes in to score but try disallowed in Match #29, South Africa vs USA (Cup QF 1) during the Canada Sevens, Round 6 of the HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series, held on March 8, 2020, at BC Place in Vancouver, Canada. (Photo by Allan Hamilton/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) — Angelo Davids of the Blitzboks

epa09474471 Izack Rodda (C-L) of the Wallabies wins the line out from Eben Etzebeth (C-R) of the Springboks during the Round 4 Rugby Championship match between the Australian Wallabies and the South Africa Springboks at Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane, Australia, 18 September 2021. EPA/DARREN ENGLAND

BRISBANE, AUSTRALIA – SEPTEMBER 18: South Africa sing the national anthem prior to The Rugby Championship match between the Australian Wallabies and the South Africa Springboks at Suncorp Stadium on September 18, 2021 in Brisbane, Australia. (Photo by Chris Hyde/Getty Images)

South Africa's Faf de Klerk gestures during the rugby Championship match against Australia at the Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane on September 18, 2021. - -- IMAGE RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE - STRICTLY NO COMMERCIAL USE -- (Photo by Patrick HAMILTON / AFP) / -- IMAGE RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE - STRICTLY NO COMMERCIAL USE -- (Photo by PATRICK HAMILTON/AFP via Getty Images) — Faf de Klerk

Australia’s Len Ikitau (2nd L) celebrates a try with teammates during the rugby Championship match against South Africa in Brisbane on September 18, 2021. – — IMAGE RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE – STRICTLY NO COMMERCIAL USE — (Photo by Patrick HAMILTON / AFP) / — IMAGE RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE – STRICTLY NO COMMERCIAL USE — (Photo by PATRICK HAMILTON/AFP via Getty Images)

South Africa's Handre Pollard looks on during the rugby Championship match against Australia at the Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane on September 18, 2021. - -- IMAGE RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE - STRICTLY NO COMMERCIAL USE -- (Photo by Patrick HAMILTON / AFP) / -- IMAGE RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE - STRICTLY NO COMMERCIAL USE -- (Photo by PATRICK HAMILTON/AFP via Getty Images) — Springbok vice-captain Handre Pollard

Eben Etzebeth tries to stop Marika Koroibete

Handre Pollard

The Boks sing the anthem

Springboks

CAPE TOWN, SOUTH AFRICA - SEPTEMBER 21: Springbok coach Jacques Nienaber and Duane Vermeulen during the South African national men's rugby team announcement virtual media conference on September 21, 2021 in Cape Town, South Africa. (Photo by Ashley Vlotman/Gallo Images) — Springbok coach Jacques Nienaber and Duane Vermeulen

Mandatory Credit: Photo by Matteo Ciambelli/INPHO/Shutterstock (12463378z) Zebre vs Emirates Lions. The Lions team huddle before the game United Rugby Championship, Stadio Sergio Lanfranchi, Parma, Italy - 24 Sep 2021 — The Lions in a huddle

Lions coach Ivan van Rooyen

Mandatory Credit: Photo by Matteo Ciambelli/INPHO/Shutterstock (12463378ab) Zebre vs Emirates Lions. Jaco Kriel of Emirates Lions United Rugby Championship, Stadio Sergio Lanfranchi, Parma, Italy – 24 Sep 2021

Lions coach Ivan van Rooyen

Burger Odendaal celebrates with Wandisile Simelane and Jordan Hendrikse

(12463543w) Vincent Tshituka (Lions) carries the ball United Rugby Championship match Zebre Rugby Club vs Emirates Lions, Parma, Italy - 24 Sep 2021 — Vincent Tshituka

Burger Odendaal

Mandatory Credit: Photo by Matteo Ciambelli/INPHO/Shutterstock (12463378bu) Zebre vs Emirates Lions. Rabz Maxwane of Emirates Lions is presented with the Player of the Match award by Burger Odendaal United Rugby Championship, Stadio Sergio Lanfranchi, Parma, Italy – 24 Sep 2021

The Boks face up to the haka

Springboks — Dejected Boks

Kwagga Smith

Faf de Klerk in action against the All Blacks

epa09486974 Duane Vermeulen of the Springboks (front) is tackled by Hoskins Sotutu of the All Blacks during the Rugby Championship Round 5 match between New Zealand's All Blacks and South Africa's Springboks at Queensland Country Bank Stadium in Townsville, Queensland, Australia, 25 September 2021. EPA/DARREN ENGLAND AUSTRALIA AND NEW ZEALAND OUT — Duane Vermeulen is tackled by Hoskins Sotutu

Malcolm Marx

epa09486969 Brad Weber of the All Blacks (R) in action during the Rugby Championship Round 5 match between New Zealand’s All Blacks and South Africa’s Springboks at Queensland Country Bank Stadium in Townsville, Queensland, Australia, 25 September 2021. EPA/SCOTT RADFORD-CHISHOLM AUSTRALIA AND NEW ZEALAND OUT

Mandatory Credit: Photo by Luca Sighinolfi/INPHO/Shutterstock (12465541e) Benetton Rugby vs DHL Stormers. Stormers’ Paul De Wet during the warm-up United Rugby Championship, Stadio Comunale Monigo, Treviso, Italy – 25 Sep 2021

Mandatory Credit: Photo by Luca Sighinolfi/INPHO/Shutterstock (12465541h) Benetton Rugby vs DHL Stormers. DHL Stormers Head Coach John Dobson United Rugby Championship, Stadio Comunale Monigo, Treviso, Italy - 25 Sep 2021

Mandatory Credit: Photo by Alfio Guarise/LiveMedia/Shutterstock (12465598b) Scarra Ntubeni United Rugby Championship match Benetton Rugby vs DHL Stormers, Treviso, Italy - 25 Sep 2021 — Scarra Ntubeni

Mandatory Credit: Photo by Billy Stickland/INPHO/Shutterstock (12465718j) Leinster vs Vodacom Bulls. Vodacom Bulls Head Coach Jake White with the media ahead of the game United Rugby Championship, Aviva Stadium, Dublin - 25 Sep 2021 — Jake White

United Rugby Championship

Mandatory Credit: Photo by Billy Stickland/INPHO/Shutterstock (12465718k) Leinster vs Vodacom Bulls. A view of URC branding at the Aviva Stadium United Rugby Championship, Aviva Stadium, Dublin – 25 Sep 2021

Mandatory Credit: Photo by Ryan Byrne/INPHO/Shutterstock (12465668a) Leinster vs Vodacom Bulls. A general view of the Aviva Stadium United Rugby Championship, Aviva Stadium, Dublin – 25 Sep 2021

Leinster vs Vodacom Bulls. Bulls' Bismarck Du Plessis during the warm-up United Rugby Championship, Aviva Stadium, Dublin - 25 Sep 2021 — Leinster vs Vodacom Bulls. Bulls’ Bismarck Du Plessis during the warm-up United Rugby Championship, Aviva Stadium, Dublin – 25 Sep 2021

Mandatory Credit: Photo by Billy Stickland/INPHO/Shutterstock (12465718b) Leinster vs Vodacom Bulls. Bulls' Marcell Coetzee with the media ahead of the game United Rugby Championship, Aviva Stadium, Dublin - 25 Sep 2021 — Marcell Coetzee

Bulls boss Jake White speaks to the media

The Blitzboks in action

The Sharks’ Boeta Chamberlain against Munster

Mandatory Credit: Photo by Dan Sheridan/INPHO/Shutterstock (12465868y) Munster vs Cell C Sharks. .Cell C Sharks Head Coach Sean Everitt with Former Ireland U20 Coach and new Sharks Assistanct Coach Noel McNamara United Rugby Championship, Thomond Park, Limerick - 25 Sep 2021 — Sean Everitt with Noel McNamara

Munster boss Johann van Graan

Limerick , Ireland – 25 September 2021; Cell C Sharks head coach Sean Everitt, left, with Cell C Sharks consultant Brendan Venter before the United Rugby Championship match between Munster and Cell C Sharks at Thomond Park in Limerick. (Photo By Piaras Ó Mídheach/Sportsfile via Getty Images)

Sharks head coach Sean Everitt

Mandatory Credit: Photo by Dan Sheridan/INPHO/Shutterstock (12465868dh) Munster vs Cell C Sharks. Munster’s RG Snyman offloads United Rugby Championship, Thomond Park, Limerick – 25 Sep 2021

Mandatory Credit: Photo by Dan Sheridan/INPHO/Shutterstock (12465868dk) Munster vs Cell C Sharks. Sharks' Ruan Pienaar dejected after the game United Rugby Championship, Thomond Park, Limerick - 25 Sep 2021

Mandatory Credit: Photo by Dan Sheridan/INPHO/Shutterstock (12465868dj) Munster vs Cell C Sharks. Munster’s Mike Haley celebrates after the game with RG Snyman United Rugby Championship, Thomond Park, Limerick – 25 Sep 2021

Sharks players during the URC

Munster vs Cell C Sharks. Sharks' Yaw Penxe runs in a try United Rugby Championship, Thomond Park, Limerick - 25 Sep 2021 — Sharks wing Yaw Penxe against Munster

Mandatory Credit: Photo by Mattia Radoni/LiveMedia/Shutterstock (12465618d) Rikus Pretorius (DHL Stormers) United Rugby Championship match Benetton Rugby vs DHL Stormers, Treviso, Italy – 25 Sep 2021

Mandatory Credit: Photo by ≈≈≈ (12465618f) Manie Libbok (DHL Stormers) United Rugby Championship match Benetton Rugby vs DHL Stormers, Treviso, Italy - 25 Sep 2021 — Manie Libbok

Mandatory Credit: Photo by Alfio Guarise/LiveMedia/Shutterstock (12465598p) Stormers Celebrates try United Rugby Championship match Benetton Rugby vs DHL Stormers, Treviso, Italy - 25 Sep 2021

Darren Adonis in action against Hong Kong

Faf de Klerk of the Springboks (C) kicks the ball during the Rugby Championship Round 5 match between New Zealand's All Blacks and South Africa's Springboks at Queensland Country Bank Stadium in Townsville, Queensland, Australia, 25 September 2021. EPA/DARREN ENGLAND AUSTRALIA AND NEW ZEALAND OUT — Faf de Klerk

Springboks vs ABs

Connacht

epa09501264 Springboks player Lukhanyo Am in action during Round 6 of the Rugby Championship match between South Africa's Springboks and New Zealand's All Blacks at CBus Stadiumon on the Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia, 02 October 2021. EPA/DAVE HUNT AUSTRALIA AND NEW ZEALAND OUT — Springbok centre Lukhanyo Am

epa09501308 Springboks player Eben Etzebeth in action during Round 6 of the Rugby Championship match between South Africa's Springboks and New Zealand's All Blacks at CBus Stadiumon on the Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia, 02 October 2021. EPA/DAVE HUNT AUSTRALIA AND NEW ZEALAND OUT

Bongi Mbonambi on the charge for Boks

epa09501260 South African players look on as T J Perenara leads the All Black Haka during Round 6 of the Rugby Championship match between South Africa's Springboks and New Zealand's All Blacks at CBus Stadiumon on the Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia, 02 October 2021.

Handre Pollard kicks a penalty goal

Mandatory Credit: Photo by Ryan Byrne/INPHO/Shutterstock (12521484bn) Munster vs DHL Stormers. Stormers' Salmaan Moerat dejected after conceding a try United Rugby Championship, Thomond Park, Limerick - 02 Oct 2021

epa09501290 Springboks player Bongi Mbonambi (C) in action during Round 6 of the Rugby Championship match between South Africa's Springboks and New Zealand's All Blacks at CBus Stadiumon on the Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia, 02 October 2021. EPA/DAVE HUNT AUSTRALIA AND NEW ZEALAND OUT — Bongi Mbonambi charges forward against the All Blacks

Boks face the All Blacks haka in the 2018 Rugby Championship

Cheslin Kolbe scores for Toulouse against Clermont.

Bulls

(12530208ai) Ospreys vs Cell C Sharks. Anthony Volmink of Cell C Sharks kicks a drop goal United Rugby Championship, Swansea.com Stadium, Wales - 08 Oct 2021 — Boeta Chamberlain

Mandatory Credit: Photo by Ryan Hiscott/INPHO/Shutterstock/BackpagePix (12530208ar) Ospreys vs Cell C Sharks. Anthony Volmink of Cell C Sharks United Rugby Championship, Swansea.com Stadium, Wales - 08 Oct 2021 — Sharks flyhalf Boeta Chamberlain

Mandatory Credit: Photo by Simon King/ProSports/Shutterstock/BackpagePix (12530111v) Ruan Pienaar of Sharks kicks a penalty during the United Rugby Championship match between Ospreys and Cell C Sharks at Swansea.com, Swansea Ospreys v Cell C Sharks, United Rugby Championship – 08 Oct 2021

Mandatory Credit: Photo by Simon King/ProSports/Shutterstock/BackpagePix (12530111z) Dylan Richardson of Sharks during the United Rugby Championship match between Ospreys and Cell C Sharks at Swansea.com, Swansea Ospreys v Cell C Sharks, United Rugby Championship – 08 Oct 2021

Mandatory Credit: Photo by Simon King/ProSports/Shutterstock/BackpagePix (12530111r) Jeremy Ward of Sharks celebrates scoring his sides first try during the United Rugby Championship match between Ospreys and Cell C Sharks at Swansea.com, Swansea Ospreys v Cell C Sharks, United Rugby Championship – 08 Oct 2021

The Sharks celebrate

Boeta Chamberlain in action against Ospreys

Mandatory Credit: Photo by Ben Evans/Huw Evans/Shutterstock/BackpagePix (12531067s) Johan Goosen of Bulls leaves the field with medical staff. Cardiff Rugby v Vodacom Bulls - United Rugby Championship - 09 Oct 2021 — Bulls playmaker Johan Goosen is nursing his way from injury.

Snyman — Limerick , Ireland – 2 October 2021; RG Snyman of Munster during the United Rugby Championship match between Munster and DHL Stormers at Thomond Park in Limerick. (Photo By Brendan Moran/Sportsfile via Getty Images)

Limerick , Ireland - 25 September 2021; RG Snyman of Munster during the United Rugby Championship match between Munster and Cell C Sharks at Thomond Park in Limerick. — RG Snyman

Hugh Bladen

Cardiff

Bulls

Ulster vs Lions

Dragons Rugby vs Stormers

Mandatory Credit: Photo by Steve Haag/Hollywoodbets/Shutterstock/BackpagePix (12537685bl) Dylan Richardson of the Cell C Sharks during the Cell C Sharks Training United Rugby Championship match Cell C Sharks Training, Cardiff International Sports Campus, Wales, UK - 14 Oct 2021 — Dylan Richardson

Leolin Zas

Ulster Lions

Mandatory Credit: Photo by Craig Watson/INPHO/Shutterstock/BackpagePix (12540728g) Edinburgh vs Vodacom Bulls. Bulls’ Bismarck Du Plessis during the warm-up United Rugby Championship, The DAM Health Stadium, Edinburgh, Scotland – 16 Oct 2021

Mandatory Credit: Photo by Ashley Crowden/INPHO/Shutterstock/BackpagePix (12539546at) Dragons vs DHL Stormers . DHL Stormers' Warrick Gelant is presented with the Player of the Match award by Salmaan Moerat United Rugby Championship, Rodney Parade, Wales - 15 Oct 2021 — Stormers fullback Warrick Gelant and captain Salmaan Moerat

Jake White – Vodacom Bulls — Jake White

Bismarck du Plessis – Vodacom Bulls

Lizo Gqoboka - Vodacom Bulls

Vodacom Bulls Lineout – Ruan Nortje

Warrick Gelant and Evan Roos

Referees Aimee Barrett-Theron, Ben Whitehouse and Marius van der Westhuizen

Alun Wyn Jones, Siya Kolisi, Stuart Hogg and Owen Farrell

Siya Kolisi (captain), Ox Nche, Mbongeni Mbonambi and Trevor Nyakane of South Africa sing national anthem before the 2021 British and Irish Lions Tour first test between South Africa and BI Lions at Cape Town Stadium on 24 July 2021 ©Ryan Wilkisky/BackpagePix — Ox Nche, Bongi Mbonambi and Trevor Nyakane

Jordan Hendrikse after his operation

Springboks Limited Edition collab jersey

Western Province flyhalf Sacha Mngomezulu

Cobus Reinach (l) and Aphelele Fassi of South Africa (r) during the 2021 International Test Match Rugby Series between South Africa and Georgia at Loftus Stadium, Pretoria on 02 July 2021 ©Gavin Barker/BackpagePix

GQEBERHA, SOUTH AFRICA – AUGUST 14: Aphelele Fassi of South Africa and Jesse Kriel congratulate Cobus Reinach of South Africa during the Castle Lager Rugby Championship match between South Africa and Argentina at Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium on August 14, 2021 in Gqeberha, South Africa. (Photo by Richard Huggard/Gallo Images/Getty Images)

PRETORIA, SOUTH AFRICA - JULY 02: Aphelele Fassi of South Africa breaks with the ball during the Rugby Union international match between South Africa and Georgia at Loftus Versfeld Stadium on July 02, 2021 in Pretoria, South Africa. — Aphelele Fassi

Champions

Springboks v Wales

New Zealand — Monty Ioane and Dane Coles

France No 8 Emeline Gros scores a try against the Bok Women in Vannes.

Ireland flyhalf Johnny Sexton is hunted down by Japan’s Lappies Labuschagne at Aviva Stadium in Dublin.

South-Africa’s hooker Lindelwa Gwala (L) tackles France’s flanker Emeline Gros (R) during the women’s international rugby test match between France and South Africa at Stade de la Rabine in Vannes, north-western France on November 6, 2021. (Photo by Jean-Francois MONIER / AFP) (Photo by JEAN-FRANCOIS MONIER/AFP via Getty Images)

PRETORIA, SOUTH AFRICA - JULY 02: Frans Steyn of South Africa looks on during the Rugby Union international match between South Africa and Georgia at Loftus Versfeld Stadium on July 02, 2021 in Pretoria, South Africa. (Photo by David Rogers/Getty Images) — Frans Steyn

Elton Jantjies

Makazole Mapimpi makes a break against Wales in Cardiff.

Siya Kolisi, Wales v South Africa - 2021 Autumn Nations Series — Siya Kolisi against Wales in 2021

Springboks celebrate victory over Wales in 2021

Editorial use only. No book use. Mandatory Credit: Photo by Aled Llywelyn/Huw Evans/Shutterstock/BackpagePix (12591775be) Makazole Mapimpi of South Africa’s disallowed try Wales v South Africa - Autumn Nations Series - 06 Nov 2021 — Makazole Mapimpi

Duane Vermeulen in action against Wales

Mandatory Credit: Photo by Morgan Treacy/INPHO/Shutterstock/BackpagePix (12591822am) Wales vs South Africa. Wales' Taine Basham with Kwagga Smith of South Africa Autumn Nations Series, Principality Stadium, Cardiff, Wales - 06 Nov 2021 — Kwagga Smith against Wales

Siya Kolisi lifts the Prince William Cup

(12591822p) Wales vs South Africa. The South Africa team line up for the national anthem Autumn Nations Series, Principality Stadium, Cardiff, Wales - 06 Nov 2021

The Springboks in action against Wales

Wales Boks — Damian de Allende and Lukhanyo Am

Duane Vermeulen

Handre Pollard loads up to pass the ball in Cardiff.

EDINBURGH, SCOTLAND - NOVEMBER 07: Duhan Van Der Merwe of Scotland breaks away from Michael Hooper of Australia during the Autumn Nations Series match between Scotland and Australia at Murrayfield Stadium on November 07, 2021 in Edinburgh, Scotland. — Duhan van der Merwe

Finn Russell offloads in the tackle at Murrayfield.

Duhan van der Merwe

GOLD COAST, AUSTRALIA – OCTOBER 02: The Wallabies sing the anthem before The Rugby Championship match between the Argentina Pumas and the Australian Wallabies at Cbus Super Stadium on October 02, 2021 in Gold Coast, Australia. (Photo by Jono Searle/Getty Images)

BAGSHOT, ENGLAND – NOVEMBER 09: (L-R) Jonny May, Max Malins, Marcus Smith and Owen Farrell look on during the England training session held at Pennhill Park on November 09, 2021 in Bagshot, England. (Photo by David Rogers/Getty Images)

Sam Cane and his All Blacks teammates New Zealand — Sam Cane and his All Blacks teammates

CARDIFF, WALES – OCTOBER 30: Beauden Barrett of New Zealand celebrates with team mates after receiving his 100th cap during the Autumn International match between Wales and New Zealand at Principality Stadium on October 30, 2021 in Cardiff, Wales. (Photo by Dan Mullan/Getty Images)

Ireland sing their anthem

Argentina sing the national anthem

Players of France during the Autumn Nations Series match between France and Argentine on November 6, 2021 in Paris, France. — France players celebrate

NORTHAMPTON, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 30: Courtnall Skosan of Northampton Saints avoids a tackle from Freddie Burns of Leicester Tigers during the Gallagher Premiership Rugby match between Northampton Saints and Leicester Tigers at Franklin's Gardens on October 30, 2021 in Northampton, England. (Photo by Henry Browne/Getty Images) — Northampton Saints wing Courtnall Skosan

Warrick Gelant

Bok Women vs Wales

Springboks v Scotland

Mandatory Credit: Photo by Morgan Treacy/INPHO/Shutterstock/BackpagePix (12601379al) Scotland vs South Africa. South Africa's Eben Etzebeth is tackled by Zander Fagerson and Matt Scott of Scotland Autumn Nations Series, BT Murrayfield Stadium, Edinburgh, Scotland - 13 Nov 2021 — Eben Etzebeth

Mandatory Credit: Photo by Morgan Treacy/INPHO/Shutterstock/BackpagePix (12591822n) Wales vs South Africa. South Africa's Eben Etzebeth during the warm-up Autumn Nations Series, Principality Stadium, Cardiff, Wales - 06 Nov 2021 — Eben Etzebeth

Ireland's Jamison Gibson-Park (centre) celebrates after Ronan Kelleher (not pictured) scores his sides second try during the Autumn International match at Aviva Stadium, Dublin. Picture date: Saturday November 13, 2021. (Photo by Niall Carson/PA Images via Getty Images) — Ireland scrumhalf Jamison Gibson-Park celebrates

New Zealand's Codie Taylor celebrates scoring his sides first try during the Autumn International match at Aviva Stadium, Dublin. Picture date: Saturday November 13, 2021. (Photo by Niall Carson/PA Images via Getty Images) — New Zealand hooker Codie Taylor celebrates

epa09580572 Freddie Steward of England celebrates scoring a try during the Rugby Union Test match between England and Australia in London, Britain 13 November 2021. EPA/FACUNDO ARRIZABALAGA — Freddie Steward celebrates with his England teammates

EDINBURGH, SCOTLAND - NOVEMBER 13: Makazole Mapimpi of South Africa in action during the 2021 Castle Lager Outgoing Tour match between South Africa and Scotland at Murrayfield on November 13, 2021 in Edinburgh, Scotland. (Photo by Steve Haag/Gallo Images/Getty Images) — Makazole Mapimpi is tackles

Makazole Mapimpi

Springboks v England

Mandatory Credit: Photo by Morgan Treacy/INPHO/Shutterstock/BackpagePix (12601379ap) Scotland vs South Africa. South Africa's Makazole Mapimpi scores a try Autumn Nations Series, BT Murrayfield Stadium, Edinburgh, Scotland - 13 Nov 2021 — Makazole Mapimpi scores

Mandatory Credit: Photo by Billy Stickland/INPHO/Shutterstock/BackpagePix (12611048bd) England vs South Africa. The Springboks dejected after the game Autumn Nations Series, Twickenham Stadium, London, England - 20 Nov 2021 — The Springboks dejected after the loss to England

Mandatory Credit: Photo by Patrick Khachfe/JMP/Shutterstock/BackpagePix (12611247bg) - Mandatory by-line: Patrick Khachfe/JMP England v South Africa, UK - 20 Nov 2021 — Cobus Reinach

Mandatory Credit: Photo by Billy Stickland/INPHO/Shutterstock/BackpagePix (12611048z) England vs South Africa. South Africa's Handre Pollard takes a kick Autumn Nations Series, Twickenham Stadium, London, England - 20 Nov 2021 — Handre Pollard kicks at goal

LONDON, ENGLAND - NOVEMBER 20: Jacques Nienaber, Head Coach of South Africa during the warm up prior to the Autumn Nations Series match between England and South Africa at Twickenham Stadium on November 20, 2021 in London, England. (Photo by David Rogers/Getty Images) — Jacques Nienaber

LONDON, ENGLAND - NOVEMBER 20: England Head Coach Eddie Jones during the pre match warm up ahead of the Autumn Nations Series match between England and South Africa at Twickenham Stadium on November 20, 2021 in London, England. — Eddie Jones

LONDON, ENGLAND - NOVEMBER 20: South Africa Head Coach Jacques Nienaber talks to his coaching team during the pre match warm up ahead of the Autumn Nations Series match between England and South Africa at Twickenham Stadium on November 20, 2021 in London, England. (Photo by Craig Mercer/MB Media/Getty Images) — Jacques Nienaber talks to Deon Davids and Daan Human

LONDON, ENGLAND - NOVEMBER 20: Eben Etzebeth of South Africa breaks during the Autumn Nations Series match between England and South Africa at Twickenham Stadium on November 20, 2021 in London, England. (Photo by Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images) — Eben Etzebeth

LONDON, ENGLAND - NOVEMBER 20: Marcus Smith of England celebrates after being awarded a penalty on the last play during the Autumn Nations Series match between England and South Africa at Twickenham Stadium on November 20, 2021 in London, England. (Photo by Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images) — Marcus Smith celebrates

LONDON, ENGLAND - NOVEMBER 20: Joe Marler and Kyle Sinckler of England celebrate victory following the Autumn Nations Series match between England and South Africa at Twickenham Stadium on November 20, 2021 in London, England. (Photo by David Rogers/Getty Images) — England props Kyle Sinckler and Joe Marler

LONDON, ENGLAND - NOVEMBER 20: Siya Kolisi of South Africa is shown a yellow card by Referee, Adam Brace during the Autumn Nations Series match between England and South Africa at Twickenham Stadium on November 20, 2021 in London, England. (Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images) — Siya Kolisi is shown a yellow card by referee Andrew Brace

LONDON, ENGLAND - NOVEMBER 20: Siya Kolisi of South Africa looks dejected during the Autumn Nations Series match between England and South Africa at Twickenham Stadium on November 20, 2021 in London, England. (Photo by David Rogers/Getty Images) — Siya Kolisi looks dejected

Australia head coach Dave Rennie looks on before the Autumn Internationals match at BT Murrayfield Stadium, Edinburgh. Picture date: Sunday November 7, 2021. See PA story RUGBYU Edinburgh. Photo credit should read: Steve Welsh/PA Wire. RESTRICTIONS: Use subject to restrictions. Editorial use only, no commercial use without prior consent from rights holder. ( — Dave Rennie

CARDIFF, WALES - NOVEMBER 20: Australia number 8 Rob Valetini is red carded by referee Mike Adamson during the Autumn Nations Series match between Wales and Australia at Principality Stadium on November 20, 2021 in Cardiff, Wales. (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images) — Referee Mike Adamson sends off Rob Valetini

EDITORIAL USE ONLY No use with unauthorised audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or "live" services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images, no video emulation. No use in betting, games or single club/league/player publications. Mandatory Credit: Photo by TOM SANDBERG/PPAUK/Shutterstock/BackpagePix (12609483cl) Siya Kolisi, Captain of South Africa leads his side in the national anthem during the Autumn Nations Match between England and South Africa at Twickenham Stadium on 20 November 2021. Photo: Tom Sandberg/PPAUK England v South Africa, Autumn Nations, Rugby, Twickenham Stadium, London, UK - 20 Nov 2021 — Captain Siya Kolisi and the Boks sing the national anthem

LONDON, ENGLAND - NOVEMBER 20: Damian de Allende of South Africa offloads the ball in the tackle of Jonny May of England during the Autumn Nations Series match between England and South Africa at Twickenham Stadium on November 20, 2021 in London, England. (Photo by Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images) — Damian de Allende offloads

Mandatory Credit: Photo by Simon West/Action Plus/Shutterstock/BackpagePix (12610059bn) Twickenham, London, England, Autumn Series International rugby, England versus South Africa: Siya Kolisi offloads to Jesse Kriel of South Africa under pressure from Freddie Steward of England; . England v South Africa, International Rugby, Twickenham Stadium, London, UK - 20 Nov 2021 — Siya Kolisi offloads to Jesse Kriel

Mandatory Credit: Photo by Patrick Khachfe/JMP/Shutterstock/BackpagePix (12611247ay) Tempers flare between the two sides as Maro Itoje of England gets involved England v South Africa, UK - 20 Nov 2021 — Tempers flare between Maro Itoje and Frans Steyn

LONDON, ENGLAND - NOVEMBER 20: Referee, Adam Brace reviews with TMO during the Autumn Nations Series match between England and South Africa at Twickenham Stadium on November 20, 2021 in London, England. (Photo by Dan Mullan - RFU/The RFU Collection via Getty Images) — Referee Andrew Brace reviews with TMO

Marcus Smith celebrates beating the Springboks at Twickenham.

LONDON, ENGLAND - NOVEMBER 20: Players of England celebrate after winning a penalty during the Autumn Nations Series match between England and South Africa at Twickenham Stadium on November 20, 2021 in London, England. (Photo by Steve Bardens - RFU/The RFU Collection via Getty Images) — England players celebrate after defeating South Africa

CAPE TOWN, SOUTH AFRICA - NOVEMBER 23: Damian Willemse during the DHL Stormers training session at High Performance Centre on November 23, 2021 in Cape Town, South Africa. (Photo by Grant Pitcher/Gallo Images) — Damian Willemse at Stormers training

Muller du Plessis of South Africa looks for support during the match between Kenya and South Africa on day 2 of the HBC Canada Sevens Edmonton held at the Commonwealth Stadium in Edmonton, Canada on 26th September 2021. — Muller du Plessis

Blitzboks playmaker Selvyn Davids

The Blitzboks in a huddle

Christie Grobbelaar

Stormers coach John Dobson talks to his team during the Stormers Captains Run held at the Cape Town Stadium in Cape Town on 26 November 2021 ©Shaun Roy/BackpagePix — Stormers coach John Dobson talks to his team

Ronald Brown of the Blitzboks

South Africa celebrate winning the Cup on day two of the Dubai Emirates Airline Rugby Sevens 2021 women's competition on 27 November, 2021. Photo credit: Mike Lee - KLC fotos for World Rugby/BackpagePix — The Blitzboks celebrate winning the Dubai Sevens tournament

The Blitzboks celebrate winning the Dubai Sevens tournament

Editorial use only. No book use. Mandatory Credit: Photo by Mark Lewis/Huw Evans/Shutterstock/BackpagePix (12591939n) Eben Etzebeth of South Africa Wales v South Africa - Autumn Nations Series - 06 Nov 2021 — Eben Etzebeth

Madosh Tambwe of the Bulls challenged by Aphelele Fassi of the Sharks during the 2021 Preparation Series match between Sharks and Bulls at the Jonsson Kings Park in Durban on 26 March 2021 ©Muzi Ntombela/BackpagePix — Madosh Tambwe and Aphelele Fassi

Trevor Nyakane of South Africa during the 2019 Springbok Squad Announcement at Ulwazi Centre MultiChoice City, Johannesburg, on 26 August 2019 ©Samuel Shivambu/BackpagePix — Springbok prop Trevor Nyakane

DURBAN, SOUTH AFRICA - JUNE 12: Trevor Nyakane of the Vodacom Bulls during the PRO14 Rainbow Cup SA match between Cell C Sharks and Vodacom Bulls at Jonsson Kings Park on June 12, 2021 in Durban, South Africa. (Photo by Steve Haag/Gallo Images) — Vodacom Bulls prop Trevor Nyakane

Damian Willemse during the Stormers Captains Run held at the Cape Town Stadium in Cape Town on 26 November 2021 ©Shaun Roy/BackpagePix — Damian Willemse

Vodacom Bulls — Ruan Pienaar and Morne Steyn

Dubai Sevens

Stormers

Springbok centre Lukhanyo Am. (Photo by Steve Haag Sports)

South Africa's JC Pretorius fends off the Ireland defense on day one of the Dubai Emirates Airline Rugby Sevens 2021 men's competition on 3 December, 2021. Photo credit: Mike Lee - KLC fotos for World Rugby/BackpagePix — JC Pretorius

CAPE TOWN, SOUTH AFRICA - DECEMBER 04: Vincent Tshituka of the Lions during the United Rugby Championship match between DHL Stormers and Emirates Lions at DHL Stadium on December 04, 2021 in Cape Town, South Africa. — Vincent Tshituka

CAPE TOWN, SOUTH AFRICA - DECEMBER 04: Vincent Tshituka and Wandisile Simelane of the Lions celebrate after scoring a try during the United Rugby Championship match between DHL Stormers and Emirates Lions at DHL Stadium on December 04, 2021 in Cape Town, South Africa.

epa09621461 Players of South Africa celebrate with the trophy after winning the Emirates Dubai 7s Rugby tournament final match between Australia and South Africa in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, 04 December 2021. EPA/ALI HAIDER — The Blitzboks celebrate with the trophy

epa09621490 Players of South Africa celebrate with the trophy after winning the Emirates Dubai 7s Rugby tournament final match between Australia and South Africa in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, 04 December 2021.

The Blitzboks celebrate

epa09594473 Handre Pollard of South Africa lines out a penalty during the Rugby Union Autumn International Test match between England and South Africa in London, Britain, 20 November 2021. EPA/FACUNDO ARRIZABALAGA — Handre Pollard

CARDIFF, WALES - NOVEMBER 06: Lukhanyo Am of South Africa breaks with the ball during the Autumn Nations Series match between Wales and South Africa at the Principality Stadium on November 06, 2021 in Cardiff, Wales. (Photo by David Rogers/Getty Images) — Lukhanyo Am, Siya Kolisi and Makazole Mapimpi

BARNET, ENGLAND - JUNE 20: Vincent Koch of Saracens celebrates after their victory during the Saracens v Ealing Trailfinders Greene King IPA Championship Play Off Final 2nd Leg at StoneX Stadium on June 20, 2021 in Barnet, England. (Photo by David Rogers - RFU/The RFU Collection via Getty Images) — Vincent Koch

Damian de Allende

Jan Serfontein

Rosko Specman

Bakkies Botha and Schalk Burger

Victor Matfield and Mark Andrews

Bulls flank Elrigh Louw on the charge

BLOEMFONTEIN, SOUTH AFRICA - JULY 21: Ruan Pienaar of the Toyota Cheetahs during the Carling Currie Cup match between Toyota Cheetahs and DHL Western Province at Toyota Stadium on July 21, 2021 in Bloemfontein, South Africa. (Photo by Johan Pretorius/Gallo Images)/BackpagePix — Cheetahs captain Ruan Pienaar

Angelo Davids celebrates

Bulls

Lions

Simphiwe Matanzima of the Bulls during the Carling Currie Cup 2022 game between Western Province and the Bulls at Cape Town Stadium on 19 January 2022 ©Ryan Wilkisky/BackpagePix — Simphiwe Matanzima on the charge

Canan Moodie of the Bulls goes past Tristan Leyds of Western Province during the Carling Currie Cup 2022 game between Western Province and the Bulls at Cape Town Stadium on 19 January 2022 ©Ryan Wilkisky/BackpagePix — Canan Moodie

Marcel Theunissen of Western Province is tackled by Marcell Coetzee of the Bulls during the Carling Currie Cup 2022 game between Western Province and the Bulls at Cape Town Stadium on 19 January 2022 ©Ryan Wilkisky/BackpagePix — Marcel Theunissen

Thomas Bursey of Western Province gets his pass away during the Carling Currie Cup 2022 game between Western Province and the Bulls at Cape Town Stadium on 19 January 2022 ©Ryan Wilkisky/BackpagePix

DURBAN, SOUTH AFRICA - JANUARY 19: Dan Jooste of the Cell C Sharks scores a try during the Carling Currie Cup match between Cell C Sharks and Tafel Lager Griquas at Hollywoodbets Kings Park on January 19, 2022 in Durban, South Africa. (Photo by Darren Stewart/Gallo Images/BackpagePix) — The Sharks celebrate a try for Dan Jooste

DURBAN, SOUTH AFRICA - JANUARY 19: Zander du Plessis of the Tafel Lager Griquas during the Carling Currie Cup match between Cell C Sharks and Tafel Lager Griquas at Hollywoodbets Kings Park on January 19, 2022 in Durban, South Africa. (Photo by Darren Stewart/Gallo Images/BackpagePix/BackpagePix) — Griquas flyhalf Zander du Plessis

JOHANNESBURG, SOUTH AFRICA - JANUARY 19: Phumzile Maqondwana of the Pumas with the ball during the Carling Currie Cup match between Sigma Lions and New Nation Pumas at Emirates Airline Park on January 19, 2022 in Johannesburg, South Africa. (Photo by Sydney Seshibedi/Gallo Images/BackpagePix) — Phumzile Maqondwana of the Pumas

Bulls

Marcell Coetzee, Captain of the Vodacom Bulls leads his team onto the field during the United Rugby Championship 2021/22 match between the Sharks and Bulls held at Kings Park in Durban on 03 December 2021 ©Gerhard Duraan/BackpagePix — Marcell Coetzee leads the Bulls onto the field

The Springbok Sevens squad

MALAGA, SPAIN - JANUARY 19: Siviwe Soyizwapi of South Africa during the 2022 HSBC Spain Sevens captains photocall session at Malagueta Beach on January 19, 2022 in Malaga, Spain. (Photo by David Van Der Sandt/Gallo Images) — Blitzboks captain Siviwe Soyizwapi

Blitzboks huddle after the game against Scotland on day one of the HSBC Spain Sevens Malaga at Ciudad de Malaga Athletics Stadium on 21 January, 2022. Photo credit: Martin Seras Lima/World Rugby/BackpagePix — The Springboks Sevens team celebrate

Makazole Mapimpi of the Cell C Sharks during the United Rugby Championship 2021/22 game between the Emirates Lions and the Sell C Sharks at Ellis Park Stadium in Johannesburg on 22 January 2022 ©Willem Loock/BackpagePix — Makazole Mapimpi charges into Jaco Visagie

JOHANNESBURG, SOUTH AFRICA - JANUARY 22: Aphelele Fassi of the Sharls cuts the Lions defence and score a try, which he celebrates with teammates, including Makazole Mapimpi during the United Rugby Championship match between Emirates Lions and Cell C Sharks at Emirates Airline Park on January 22, 2022 in Johannesburg, South Africa. (Photo by Sydney Seshibedi/Gallo Images) — Aphelele Fassi celebrates with Makazole Mapimpi

Rabz Maxwane of the Emirates Lions during the United Rugby Championship 2021/22 game between the Emirates Lions and the Sell C Sharks at Ellis Park Stadium in Johannesburg on 22 January 2022 ©Willem Loock/BackpagePix — Lions wing Rabz Maxwane is tackled by Sharks centre Ben Tapuai

Gerhard Steenekamp of the Vodacom Bulls during the United Rugby Championship 2021/22 game between the Vodacom Bulls and the DHL Stormers at Loftus Versfeld in Pretoria on 22 January 2022 ©Christiaan Kotze/BackpagePix — Gerhard Steenekamp offloads

Marvin Orie of the DHL Stormers during the United Rugby Championship 2021/22 game between the Vodacom Bulls and the DHL Stormers at Loftus Versfeld in Pretoria on 22 January 2022 ©Christiaan Kotze/BackpagePix — Elrigh Louw is tackled by Marvin Orie

Chris Smith of the Vodacom Bulls and Cornal Hendricks (C) of the Vodacom Bulls during the United Rugby Championship 2021/22 game between the Vodacom Bulls and the DHL Stormers at Loftus Versfeld in Pretoria on 22 January 2022 ©Christiaan Kotze/BackpagePix — Cornal Hendricks against the Stormers

Ruan Nortje of the Vodacom Bulls during the United Rugby Championship 2021/22 game between the Vodacom Bulls and the DHL Stormers at Loftus Versfeld in Pretoria on 22 January 2022 ©Christiaan Kotze/BackpagePix — Ruan Nortje of the Vodacom Bulls

Kurt-Lee Arendse of the Vodacom Bulls during the United Rugby Championship 2021/22 game between the Vodacom Bulls and the DHL Stormers at Loftus Versfeld in Pretoria on 22 January 2022 ©Christiaan Kotze/BackpagePix — Kurt-Lee Arendse of the Vodacom Bulls

Seabelo Senatla of the DHL Stormers during the United Rugby Championship 2021/22 game between the Vodacom Bulls and the DHL Stormers at Loftus Versfeld in Pretoria on 22 January 2022 ©Christiaan Kotze/BackpagePix — Seabelo Senatla

MALAGA, SPAIN - JANUARY 22: General view of South African players during the 2022 HSBC Spain Sevens match between South Africa and England at Estadio Ciudad de Malaga on January 22, 2022 in Malaga, Spain. (Photo by David Van Der Sandt/Gallo Images) — Neil Powell speaks to the Blitzboks

MALAGA, SPAIN - JANUARY 22: General view of South African players during the 2022 HSBC Spain Sevens match between South Africa and England at Estadio Ciudad de Malaga on January 22, 2022 in Malaga, Spain. (Photo by David Van Der Sandt/Gallo Images) — The Blitzboks huddle

MALAGA, SPAIN - JANUARY 22: Mfundo Ndhluvo of South Africa during the 2022 HSBC Spain Sevens match between South Africa and England at Estadio Ciudad de Malaga on January 22, 2022 in Malaga, Spain. (Photo by David Van Der Sandt/Gallo Images) — Mfundo Ndhluvo of the Blitzboks

South Africa's Justin Geduld attacks against the England defense on day two of the HSBC Spain Sevens Malaga at Ciudad de Malaga Athletics Stadium on 22 January, 2022. Photo credit: Martin Seras Lima/World Rugby/BackpagePix — Justin Geduld of the Blitzboks

Seabelo Senatla of the DHL Stormers during the United Rugby Championship 2021/22 game between the Vodacom Bulls and the DHL Stormers at Loftus Versfeld in Pretoria on 22 January 2022 ©Christiaan Kotze/BackpagePix — Seabelo Senatla passes with Bulls players in hot pursuit at Loftus Versfeld.

The Blitzboks huddle

Blitzbok veteran Branco du Preez slots a conversion

MALAGA, SPAIN - JANUARY 19: Siviwe Soyizwapi of South Africa during the 2022 HSBC Spain Sevens captains photocall session at Malagueta Beach on January 19, 2022 in Malaga, Spain. (Photo by David Van Der Sandt/Gallo Images) — Blitzboks captain Siviwe Soyizwapi

Selvyn Davids

epa09705417 South African players celebrate their gold medal following their victory against Argentina on their at the HSBC World Rugby Sevens series match held in Malaga, Spain, 23 January 2022. EPA/DANIEL PEREZ — The Blitzboks celebrate their gold medal in Malaga

South Africa's Selvyn Davids races away from the Argentina defense on day three of the HSBC Spain Sevens Malaga at Ciudad de Malaga Athletics Stadium on 23 January, 2022. Photo credit: Martin Seras Lima/World Rugby/BackpagePix — Blitzboks playmaker Selvyn Davids

Elrigh Louw, Phepsi Buthelezi and Evan Roos

Henco van Wyk

Sharks

Bulls

Seville Sevens

Spain Sevens Seville Blitzboks LIVE Day 3

Springbok Sevens — Impi Visser leads out the Blitzboks

Kurt-Lee Arendse of the Vodacom Bulls and Ruben Schoeman of the Emirates Lions during the United Rugby Championship 2021/22 game between the Emirates Lions and the Vodacom Bulls at Emirates Airline Park in Johannesburg on 29 January 2022 ©Christiaan Kotze/BackpagePix — Kurt-Lee Arendse of the Vodacom Bulls

Embrose Papier of the Vodacom Bulls scoring his try during the United Rugby Championship 2021/22 game between the Emirates Lions and the Vodacom Bulls at Emirates Airline Park in Johannesburg on 29 January 2022 ©Christiaan Kotze/BackpagePix — Embrose Papier

Lukhanyo Am, Captain of the Sharks during the United Rugby Championship 2021/22 match between the Sharks and Stormers held at Kings Park in Durban on 29 January 2021 ©Gerhard Duraan/BackpagePix — Lukhanyo Am

Herschel Jantjies of the Stormers spins the ball out to Manie Libbok of the Stormers during the United Rugby Championship 2021/22 match between the Sharks and Stormers held at Kings Park in Durban on 29 January 2021 ©Gerhard Duraan/BackpagePix — Stormers scrumhalf Herschel Jantjies

SEVILLE, SPAIN - JANUARY 29: Selvyn David in action during the HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series 2022 match between South Africa and Spain at Estadio de La Cartuja on January 29, 2022 in Seville, Spain. (Photo by Fran Santiago/Getty Images) — Selvyn Davids of the Blitzboks

Zain Davis of South Africa in action during the Men's HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series 2022 match between Spain and South Africa at the La Cartuja stadium in Seville, on January 29, 2022. (Photo by DAX Images/NurPhoto via Getty Images) — Zain Davis scores for the Blitzboks against Spain

Bismarck du Plessis of the Vodacom Bulls during the United Rugby Championship 2021/22 game between the Emirates Lions and the Vodacom Bulls at Emirates Airline Park in Johannesburg on 29 January 2022 ©Christiaan Kotze/BackpagePix — Bismarck du Plessis celebrates with Bulls teammates

Sharks team under the posts during the United Rugby Championship 2021/22 match between the Sharks and Stormers held at Kings Park in Durban on 29 January 2021 ©Gerhard Duraan/BackpagePix — The Sharks

Lukhanyo Am, Captain of the Sharks finds the gap in the Stormers defence during the United Rugby Championship 2021/22 match between the Sharks and Stormers held at Kings Park in Durban on 29 January 2021 ©Gerhard Duraan/BackpagePix — Lukhanyo Am in action against the Stormers

Boeta Chamberlain of the Sharks during the United Rugby Championship 2021/22 match between the Sharks and Stormers held at Kings Park in Durban on 29 January 2021 ©Gerhard Duraan/BackpagePix — Boeta Chamberlain

Warrick Gelant of the Stormers during the United Rugby Championship 2021/22 match between the Sharks and Stormers held at Kings Park in Durban on 29 January 2021 ©Gerhard Duraan/BackpagePix — Warrick Gelant of the Stormers

Herschel Jantjies of the Stormers during the United Rugby Championship 2021/22 match between the Sharks and Stormers held at Kings Park in Durban on 29 January 2021 ©Gerhard Duraan/BackpagePix — Herschel Jantjies has signed a new two-year deal with the Stormers

Marius van der Westhuizen (Referee) and Thomas du Toit, (V/C) of the Sharks discusses points of concern during the United Rugby Championship 2021/22 match between the Sharks and Stormers held at Kings Park in Durban on 29 January 2021 ©Gerhard Duraan/BackpagePix — Marius van der Westhuizen chats to Thomas du Toit of the Sharks

Ox Nche of the Sharks during the United Rugby Championship 2021/22 match between the Sharks and Stormers held at Kings Park in Durban on 29 January 2021 ©Gerhard Duraan/BackpagePix — Ox Nche of the Sharks on the charge

Angelo Davids of the Stormers uring the United Rugby Championship 2021/22 match between the Sharks and Stormers held at Kings Park in Durban on 29 January 2021 ©Gerhard Duraan/BackpagePix — Angelo Davids of the Stormers

Aphelele Fassi of the Sharks during the United Rugby Championship 2021/22 match between the Sharks and Stormers held at Kings Park in Durban on 29 January 2021 ©Gerhard Duraan/BackpagePix — Aphelele Fassi

Sharks were dominant in the scrums during the United Rugby Championship 2021/22 match between the Sharks and Stormers held at Kings Park in Durban on 29 January 2021 ©Gerhard Duraan/BackpagePix — The Sharks scrum against the Stormers

Damian Willemse of the Stormers congratulates Warrick Gelant of the Stormers on his try during the United Rugby Championship 2021/22 match between the Sharks and Stormers held at Kings Park in Durban on 29 January 2021 ©Gerhard Duraan/BackpagePix — Warrick Gelant and Damian Willemse

Siya Kolisi of the Sharks during the United Rugby Championship 2021/22 match between the Sharks and Stormers held at Kings Park in Durban on 29 January 2021 ©Gerhard Duraan/BackpagePix — Siya Kolisi and Sharks captain Lukhanyo Am

Shaun Williams of South Africa runs with the ball during the Men's HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series 2022 match between United States and South Africa at the La Cartuja stadium in Seville, on January 29, 2022. (Photo by DAX Images/NurPhoto via Getty Images) — Shaun Williams in action for Blitzboks

Justin Geduld of South Africa in action during the Men's HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series 2022 Final match between Australian and South Africa at the La Cartuja stadium in Seville, on January 30, 2022. (Photo by DAX Images/NurPhoto via Getty Images) — Justin Geduld of the Blitzboks

Sharks

Cheetahs — Cheetahs flyhalf Siya Masuku

DURBAN, SOUTH AFRICA - FEBRUARY 02: Sikhumbuzo Notshe of the Cell C Sharks during the Carling Currie Cup match between Cell C Sharks and DHL Western Province at Hollywoodbets Kings Park on February 02, 2022 in Durban, South Africa. (Photo by Darren Stewart/Gallo Images) — Sikhumbuzo Notshe and Cameron Wright

DURBAN, SOUTH AFRICA - FEBRUARY 02: Fezo Mbatha of the Cell C Sharks scores a try during the Carling Currie Cup match between Cell C Sharks and DHL Western Province at Hollywoodbets Kings Park on February 02, 2022 in Durban, South Africa. (Photo by Darren Stewart/Gallo Images) — Sharks hooker Fez Mbatha scores

South Africa's Ronald Brown is HSBC player of the Final on day two of the Dubai Emirates Airline Rugby Sevens 2021 men's competition on 27 November, 2021. Photo credit: Mike Lee - KLC fotos for World Rugby/BackpagePix — Springbok Sevens playmaker Ronald Brown

Bulls

Sharks

Ruan Pienaar, Allan Donald and Frans Steyn

PRETORIA, SOUTH AFRICA - FEBRUARY 05: Carlu Sadie of the Emirates Lions in action during the United Rugby Championship match between Vodacom Bulls and Emirates Lions at Loftus Versveld Stadium on February 05, 2022 in Pretoria, South Africa. (Photo by Anton Geyser/Gallo Images) — The Lions scrum against the Vodacom Bulls

PRETORIA, SOUTH AFRICA - FEBRUARY 05: Madosh Tambwe of the Bulls during the United Rugby Championship match between Vodacom Bulls and Emirates Lions at Loftus Versveld Stadium on February 05, 2022 in Pretoria, South Africa. (Photo by Lee Warren/Gallo Images) — Madosh Tambwe tackled by Stean Pienaar

Dublin , Ireland - 5 February 2022; Mack Hansen of Ireland makes a break during the Guinness Six Nations Rugby Championship match between Ireland and Wales at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin. (Photo By Harry Murphy/Sportsfile via Getty Images) — Mack Hansen races away from Louis Rees-Zammit

Dublin , Ireland - 5 February 2022; Garry Ringrose of Ireland is tackled by Tomas Francis of Wales during the Guinness Six Nations Rugby Championship match between Ireland and Wales at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin. (Photo By Harry Murphy/Sportsfile via Getty Images) — Ireland centre Garry Ringrose tackled

Dublin , Ireland - 5 February 2022; Dan Biggar of Wales in action against Andrew Porter, left, and James Ryan of Ireland during the Guinness Six Nations Rugby Championship match between Ireland and Wales at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin. (Photo By Brendan Moran/Sportsfile via Getty Images) — Wales captain Dan Biggar

DUBLIN, IRELAND - FEBRUARY 05: Johnny Sexton of Ireland is tackled by Adam Beard of Wales (R) during the Guinness Six Nations match between Ireland and Wales at Aviva Stadium on February 05, 2022 in Dublin, Ireland. (Photo by Charles McQuillan/Getty Images) — Ireland captain Johnny Sexton

Seabelo Senatla of the Stormers is held by Makazole Mapimpi and Jeremy Ward of the Sharks during the United Rugby Championship 2021/22 game between the Stormers and the Sharks at Cape Town Stadium on 5 February 2022 © Ryan Wilkisky/BackpagePix — Seabelo Senatla is tackled by Makazole Mapimpi

Seabelo Senatla of the Stormers scores a try during the United Rugby Championship 2021/22 game between the Stormers and the Sharks at Cape Town Stadium on 5 February 2022 — Seabelo Senatla

Blue Bulls players during the United Rugby Championship 2021/22 rugby match between Blue Bulls and Lions on the 05 February 2022 at Loftus Versfeld Stadium / Pic Sydney Mahlangu/BackpagePix — Bulls players

Stormers celebrate a try scored by Adre Smith of the Stormers during the United Rugby Championship 2021/22 game between the Stormers and the Sharks at Cape Town Stadium on 5 February 2022 © Ryan Wilkisky/BackpagePix — The Stormers celebrate a try

Warrick Gelant of the Stormers goes past Aphelele Fassi of the Sharks during the United Rugby Championship 2021/22 game between the Stormers and the Sharks at Cape Town Stadium on 5 February 2022 © Ryan Wilkisky/BackpagePix — Warrick Gelant evades Aphelele Fassi

Bulls captain Marcell Coetzee on the charge against the Lions

Sale Sharks' Faf de Klerk (centre) celebrates with team-mates after victory in the Gallagher Premiership match at Twickenham Stoop, London. Picture date: Sunday February 6, 2022. (Photo by John Walton/PA Images via Getty Images) — Sale Sharks’ Faf de Klerk celebrates with teammates

Montpellier's South African scrum-half Cobus Reinach celebrates after their victory at the end of the French Top 14 rugby union match between Montpellier and Pau on February 5, 2022 at the GGL stadium in Montpellier, southern France. (Photo by CLEMENT MAHOUDEAU / AFP) (Photo by CLEMENT MAHOUDEAU/AFP via Getty Images) — Montpellier scrum-half Cobus Reinach celebrates

Gloucester Rugby's Ruan Ackermann tackled by London Irish's Olly Cracknell during the Gallagher Premiership match at the Kingsholm Stadium, Gloucester. Picture date: Friday February 4, 2022. (Photo by David Davies/PA Images via Getty Images) — Gloucester Rugby’s Ruan Ackermann

Sale Sharks' Faf de Klerk (right) and Lood de Jager celebrate victory after the final whistle in the Gallagher Premiership match at Twickenham Stoop, London. Picture date: Sunday February 6, 2022. (Photo by John Walton/PA Images via Getty Images) — Sale Sharks’ Faf de Klerk and Lood de Jager

LEICESTER, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 05: Jasper Wiese of Leicester Tigers during the Gallagher Premiership Rugby match between Leicester Tigers and Worcester Warriors at Mattioli Woods Welford Road Stadium on February 05, 2022 in Leicester, England. (Photo by Tony Marshall/Getty Images) — Leicester Tigers No 8 Jasper Wiese

BAGSHOT, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 01: Eddie Jones, Head Coach of England looks on during a training session at Pennyhill Park on February 01, 2022 in Bagshot, England. (Photo by Dan Mullan - RFU/The RFU Collection via Getty Images) — Eddie Jones

Sharks players after warm up before the United Rugby Championship 2021/22 game between the Stormers and the Sharks at Cape Town Stadium on 5 February 2022 © Ryan Wilkisky/BackpagePix — Sharks players warm up

Makazole Mapimpi Player of the month — Makazole Mapimpi

Gallagher Premiership Rugby player of the month for January is Harlequins, Andre Esterhuizen who poses with his Gallagher Player of the Month Trophy. Photo: Tom Sandberg/PPAUK/Gallagher — Springbok and Harlequins centre Andre Esterhuizen

Bulls

France

Stormers fullback Warrick Gelant

Sharks captain Lukhanyo Am and Bulls captain Marcell Coetzee

JOHANNESBURG, SOUTH AFRICA - FEBRUARY 12: Warrick Gelant of the DHL Stormers gets the pass through to Hacjivah Dayimani of the DHL Stormers during the United Rugby Championship match between Emirates Lions and DHL Stormers at Emirates Airline Park on February 12, 2022 in Johannesburg, South Africa. (Photo by Gordon Arons/Gallo Images) — Stormers No 8 Hacjivah Dayimani.

BATH, ENGLAND – MAY 14: Jean-Luc du Preez of Sale Sharks charges upfield during the Gallagher Premiership Rugby match between Bath and Sale Sharks at The Recreation Ground on May 14, 2021 in Bath, England. Sporting stadiums around the UK remain under strict restrictions due to the Coronavirus Pandemic as Government social distancing laws prohibit fans inside venues resulting in games being played behind closed doors. (Photo by David Rogers/Getty Images)

Suleiman Hartzenberg During the Varsity Cup match between the FNB NWU Eagles vs. FNB UCT Ikeys at the Fanie du Toit Sports Grounds in Potchefstroom On the 14th of February 2022 — UCT centre Suleiman Hartzenberg in action against the NWU Eagles

Griquas

Lions

SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - FEBRUARY 18: Izaia Perese of the Waratahs is tackled during the round one Super Rugby Pacific match between the Waratahs and the Fijian Drua at CommBank Stadium on February 18, 2022 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Brett Hemmings/Getty Images) — Izaia Perese of the Waratahs is tackled

KIMBERLEY, SOUTH AFRICA - FEBRUARY 18: Sibabalo Qoma of Tafel Lager Griquas during the Carling Currie Cup match between Tafel Lager Griquas and DHL Western Province at Tafel Lager Park on February 18, 2022 in Kimberley, South Africa. (Photo by Charle Lombard/Gallo Images) — Griquas wing Luther Obi charges toward Ali Vermaak

KIMBERLEY, SOUTH AFRICA - FEBRUARY 18: Alex-Zander du Plessis of Tafel Lager Griquas during the Carling Currie Cup match between Tafel Lager Griquas and DHL Western Province at Tafel Lager Park on February 18, 2022 in Kimberley, South Africa. (Photo by Charle Lombard/Gallo Images) — Griquas centre Zander du Plessis

Western Province wing Leolin Zas

KIMBERLEY, SOUTH AFRICA - FEBRUARY 18: Theo Boshoff of Tafel Lager Griquas during the Carling Currie Cup match between Tafel Lager Griquas and DHL Western Province at Tafel Lager Park on February 18, 2022 in Kimberley, South Africa. (Photo by Charle Lombard/Gallo Images/BackpagePix) — Griquas flyhalf Theo Boshoff

KIMBERLEY, SOUTH AFRICA – FEBRUARY 18: Jonathan Charles Francke of Tafel Lager Griquas during the Carling Currie Cup match between Tafel Lager Griquas and DHL Western Province at Tafel Lager Park on February 18, 2022 in Kimberley, South Africa. (Photo by Charle Lombard/Gallo Images/BackpagePix)

James O’Connor

Harry Wilson scores

DUNEDIN, NEW ZEALAND - FEBRUARY 19: Ardie Savea of the Hurricanes makes a break during the round one Super Rugby Pacific match between the Crusaders and the Hurricanes at Forsyth Barr Stadium on February 19, 2022 in Dunedin, New Zealand. (Photo by Joe Allison/Getty Images) — Pablo Mater and Ardie Savea

QUEENSTOWN, NEW ZEALAND - FEBRUARY 19: Sam Cane of the Chiefs shakes hands with Pita Gus Sowakula (L) following the round one Super Rugby Pacific match between the Chiefs and the Highlanders at Wakatipu Rugby Club on February 19, 2022 in Queenstown, New Zealand. (Photo by Phil Walter/Getty Images) — Sam Cane and Pita Gus Sowakula

NELSPRUIT, SOUTH AFRICA - FEBRUARY 19: Clayton Blommetjies of the Free State Cheetahs during the Carling Currie Cup match between Airlink Pumas and Toyota Cheetahs at Mbombela Stadium on February 19, 2022 in Nelspruit, South Africa. (Photo by Dirk Kotze/Gallo Images/BackpagePix) — Cheetahs fullback Clayton Blommetjies scores against the Pumas

NELSPRUIT, SOUTH AFRICA - FEBRUARY 19: Frans Steyn of the Free State Cheetahs during the Carling Currie Cup match between Airlink Pumas and Toyota Cheetahs at Mbombela Stadium on February 19, 2022 in Nelspruit, South Africa. (Photo by Dirk Kotze/Gallo Images) — Cheetahs centre Frans Steyn charges the Pumas

JOHANNESBURG, SOUTH AFRICA - FEBRUARY 19: Mpilo Gumede of the Cell C Sharks scores a try during the Carling Currie Cup match between Sigma Lions and Cell C Sharks at Emirates Airline Park on February 19, 2022 in Johannesburg, South Africa. (Photo by Gordon Arons/Gallo Images) — Sharks No 8 Mpilo Gumede scores against the Lions

NELSPRUIT, SOUTH AFRICA - FEBRUARY 19: Siya Masuku of the Free State Cheetahs during the Carling Currie Cup match between Airlink Pumas and Toyota Cheetahs at Mbombela Stadium on February 19, 2022 in Nelspruit, South Africa. (Photo by Dirk Kotze/Gallo Images) — Cheetahs flyhalf Siya Masuku

VARSITY CUP 2022, Presented by FNB AND PARTNERS, at UP TUKS MAIN FIELD, Pretoria. MONDAY 14 February 2022 FNB TUKS vs FNB MATIES TEAM MATIES Catherine Kotze/Varsity — Maties players sing the national anthem

Scrum During the Varsity Cup match between the FNB NWU Eagles vs. FNB UCT Ikeys at the Fanie du Toit Sports Grounds in Potchefstroom On the 14th of February 2022 — UCT scrumhalf waits to feed a scrum against the NWU Eagles

VARSITY CUP 2022, Presented by FNB AND PARTNERS, at UP TUKS MAIN FIELD, Pretoria. MONDAY 14 February 2022 FNB TUKS vs FNB MATIES TEAM TUKS Catherine Kotze/Varsity — UP-Tuks players sing the national anthem

14 2 2022 *** 2022 FNB Varsity Cup Round 1, FNB UWC vs FNB Shimlas at UWC stadium. Litha Nkula from FNB Shimlas with the ball and a try Photo by Nasief Manie — Litha Nkula from the Shimlas scores against UWC Photo by Nasief Manie

Lukhanyo Am, Captain of the Cell C Sharks pushes back Morné Steyn of the Vodacom Bulls during the United Rugby Championship 2021/22 match between the Sharks and Bulls held at Kings Park in Durban on 03 December 2021 ©Gerhard Duraan/BackpagePix — Sharks captain Lukhanyo Am and Vodacom Bulls flyhalf Morné Steyn

Morn Steyn of the Vodacom Bulls during the United Rugby Championship 2021/22 game between the Emirates Lions and the Vodacom Bulls at Emirates Airline Park in Johannesburg on 29 January 2022 ©Christiaan Kotze/BackpagePix — Morne Steyn

Chadd Adams during the match between the FNB Shimlas and FNB Maties at Shimlapark in Bloemfontein. 21 February 2022 — Shimlas scrumhalf Chadd Adams

Shimlas Celebrations during the match between the FNB Shimlas and FNB Maties at Shimlapark in Bloemfontein. 21 February 2022

Wiaan LIEBENBERG of La Rochelle during the Top 14 match between La Rochelle and Clermont on November 8, 2020 in La Rochelle, France. (Photo by Eddy Lemaistre/Icon Sport via Getty Images) — Wiaan Liebenberg of La Rochelle

Mandatory Credit: Photo by Ryan Hiscott/INPHO/Shutterstock (12520558as) Scarlets vs Emirates Lions. Jordan Hendrikse of Emirates Lions United Rugby Championship, Parc y Scarlets, Wales - 01 Oct 2021 — Lions flyhalf Jordan Hendrikse

Shimlas Celebrations during the match between the FNB Shimlas and FNB Maties at Shimlapark in Bloemfontein. 21 February 2022 — Shimlas trounced CUT to consolidate top spot

Lions fullback Quan Horn

Jaque Fourie speaks to Morne van den Berg, Quan Horn and Edwill van der Merwe

SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - FEBRUARY 25: Jordan Petaia of the Reds celebrates a try during the round two Super Rugby Pacific match between the NSW Waratahs and the Queensland Reds at Leichhardt Oval on February 25, 2022 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Mark Evans/Getty Images) — Australian teams are struggling and hampered by loss of players overseas

Connacht

Mandatory Credit: Photo by Massimiliano Carnabuci/LiveMedia/Shutterstock/BackpagePix (12823234c) Embrose Papier (Bulls) celebrate the try with MAdosh Tambwe United Rugby Championship match Zebre Rugby vs Vodacom Bulls, Sergio Lanfranchi stadium, Parma, Italy - 25 Feb 2022 — Embrose Papier celebrates a try with Madosh Tambwe

Mandatory Credit: Photo by Massimiliano Carnabuci/LiveMedia/Shutterstock/BackpagePix (12823234k) Lionel Mapoe (Bulls) carries the ball United Rugby Championship match Zebre Rugby vs Vodacom Bulls, Sergio Lanfranchi stadium, Parma, Italy - 25 Feb 2022 — Lionel Mapoe

Mandatory Credit: Photo by Dan Sheridan/INPHO/Shutterstock/BackpagePix (12823240y) Leinster vs Emirates Lions. Lions' Stean Pienaar with Dan Leavy of Leinster United Rugby Championship, RDS, Dublin - 25 Feb 2022 — Lions’ Stean Pienaar in action against Leinster

Mandatory Credit: Photo by Dan Sheridan/INPHO/Shutterstock/BackpagePix (12823240aa) Leinster vs Emirates Lions. Lions' Morne van den Berg United Rugby Championship, RDS, Dublin - 25 Feb 2022 — Lions scrumhalf Morne van den Berg

Mandatory Credit: Photo by Dan Sheridan/INPHO/Shutterstock/BackpagePix (12823240s) Leinster vs Emirates Lions. Lions' PJ Steenkamp with Dan Leavy and Jamie Osborne of Leinster United Rugby Championship, RDS, Dublin - 25 Feb 2022 — Lions lock PJ Steenkamp carries into contact

Mandatory Credit: Photo by Dan Sheridan/INPHO/Shutterstock/BackpagePix (12823240af) Leinster vs Emirates Lions. Lions' Morne van den Berg with Nick McCarthy of Leinster United Rugby Championship, RDS, Dublin - 25 Feb 2022 — Lions scrumhalf Morne van den Berg dashes away from the Leinster defence

Dublin , Ireland - 25 February 2022; Dave Kearney of Leinster is tackled by Jordan Hendrikse and PJ Steenkamp of Emirates Lions during the United Rugby Championship match between Leinster and Emirates Lions at RDS Arena in Dublin. (Photo By Harry Murphy/Sportsfile via Getty Images) — Dave Kearney tackled by Jordan Hendrikse and PJ Steenkamp

DUNEDIN, NEW ZEALAND - FEBRUARY 26: Ardie Savea of the Hurricanes charges forward during the round two Super Rugby Pacific match between the Blues and the Hurricanes at Forsyth Barr Stadium on February 26, 2022 in Dunedin, New Zealand. (Photo by Joe Allison/Getty Images) — Ardie Savea of the Hurricanes charges forward

BATH, ENGLAND - JANUARY 28: Tyrone Green of Harlequins runs with the ball during the Gallagher Premiership Rugby match between Bath Rugby and Harlequins at The Recreation Ground on January 28, 2022 in Bath, England. (Photo by David Rogers/Getty Images) — Tyrone Green of Harlequins

SALFORD, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 25: Dan du Preez of Sale Sharks crashes through the tackle of Olly Cracknell and Nick Phipps of London Irish during the Gallagher Premiership Rugby match between Sale Sharks and London Irish at AJ Bell Stadium on February 25, 2022 in Salford, England. (Photo by Jan Kruger/Getty Images for Sale Sharks) — Sale Sharks N0 8 Dan du Preez

Galway , Ireland - 26 February 2022; Herschel Jantjies, right, and Steven Kitshoff of DHL Stormers celebrate a penalty scrum during the United Rugby Championship match between Connacht and DHL Stormers at The Sportsground in Galway. (Photo By Harry Murphy/Sportsfile via Getty Images) — The Stormers celebrate

Mandatory Credit: Photo by Evan Treacy/INPHO/Shutterstock (12824107au)/BackpagePix Connacht vs DHL Stormers. DHL Stormers' Steven Kitshoff is tackled by Jarrad Butler and Shane Delahunt of Connacht United Rugby Championship, Sportsground, Galway - 26 Feb 2022 — Stormers captain Steven Kitshoff

Galway , Ireland - 26 February 2022; Damian Willemse of DHL Stormers evades the tackle of Denis Buckley, left, and Jarrad Butler of Connacht on his way to scoring his side's second try during the United Rugby Championship match between Connacht and DHL Stormers at The Sportsground in Galway. (Photo By Harry Murphy/Sportsfile via Getty Images) — Stormers centre Damian Willemse

Mandatory Credit: Photo by Evan Treacy/INPHO/Shutterstock (12824107ba)/BackpagePix Connacht vs DHL Stormers. DHL Stormers' Evan Roos United Rugby Championship, Sportsground, Galway - 26 Feb 2022 — Stormers No 8 Evan Roos on the charge

EDINBURGH, SCOTLAND - FEBRUARY 26: Duhan van der Merwe of Scotland breaks away from Romain Ntamack of France during the Six Nations Rugby match between Scotland and France at BT Murrayfield Stadium on February 26, 2022 in Edinburgh, Scotland. — Duhan van der Merwe

Mandatory Credit: Photo by Luca Sighniolfi/INPHO/Shutterstock/BackpagePix (12824431t) Benetton Rugby vs Cell C Sharks. Sharks' Aphelele Fassi celebrates scoring their second try with teammates United Rugby Championship, Stadio Monigo, Treviso, Italy - 26 Feb 2022 — Aphelele Fassi celebrates with Sharks teammates

Mandatory Credit: Photo by Luca Sighniolfi/INPHO/Shutterstock/BackpagePix (12824431j) Benetton Rugby vs Cell C Sharks. Sharks' Siya Kolisi United Rugby Championship, Stadio Monigo, Treviso, Italy - 26 Feb 2022 — Siya Kolisi

Mandatory Credit: Photo by Luca Sighniolfi/INPHO/Shutterstock/BackpagePix (12824431p) Benetton Rugby vs Cell C Sharks. Sharks' Aphelele Fassi scores their second try United Rugby Championship, Stadio Monigo, Treviso, Italy - 26 Feb 2022 — Aphelele Fassi scores

France's Antoine Dupont with the Auld Alliance Trophy after winning the Guinness Six Nations match at Murrayfield Stadium, Edinburgh. Picture date: Saturday February 26, 2022. (Photo by Jane Barlow/PA Images via Getty Images) — France’s Antoine Dupont with the Auld Alliance Trophy

Mandatory Credit: Photo by Evan Treacy/INPHO/Shutterstock (12824107as)/BackpagePix Connacht vs DHL Stormers. DHL Stormers huddle before the game United Rugby Championship, Sportsground, Galway - 26 Feb 2022 — The Stormers huddle

Mandatory Credit: Photo by Evan Treacy/INPHO/Shutterstock (12824107bi)/BackpagePix Connacht vs DHL Stormers. DHL Stormers huddle during the game United Rugby Championship, Sportsground, Galway - 26 Feb 2022 — The Stormers huddle in Galway

LONDON, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 26: Marcus Smith of England shakes hands with Alex Dombrandt of England after the final whistle during the Guinness Six Nations Rugby match between England and Wales at Twickenham Stadium on February 26, 2022 in London, England. (Photo by David Rogers/Getty Images) — Marcus Smith shakes hands with Alex Dombrandt

Singing of the anthem during the match between the FNB Shimlas and FNB Maties at Shimlapark in Bloemfontein. 21 February 2022 — Shimlas players

VARSITY CUP 2022, Presented by FNB AND PARTNERS, at UP TUKS MAIN FIELD, Pretoria. MONDAY 28 February 2022 FNB UP TUKS vs FNB UCT IKEYS Kabelo Mokoena, of UP TUKS Catherine Kotze/Varsity — Tuks wing Kabelo Mokoena Catherine Kotze/Varsity

VARSITY CUP 2022, Presented by FNB AND PARTNERS, at UP TUKS MAIN FIELD, Pretoria. MONDAY 28 February 2022 FNB UP TUKS vs FNB UCT IKEYS Tuks celebrate a fast try by Dian Schoonees, of UP TUKS Catherine Kotze/Varsity — Tuks celebrate a fast try by Dian Schoonees

VARSITY CUP 2022, Presented by FNB AND PARTNERS, at UP TUKS MAIN FIELD, Pretoria. MONDAY 28 February 2022 FNB UP TUKS vs FNB UCT IKEYS Duran Koevort, of UCT IKEYS Catherine Kotze/Varsity — UCT Ikeys fullback Duran Koevort

Pumas v Sharks

Bulls

Cheetahs