The Irish Times

Lions have learned the hard way that defence is a matter of pride for Springboks

Damien de Allende, Jean de Villiers and Brian O’Driscoll on the green wall that awaits

Sat Jul 24 2021 - 06:00

Jean de Villiers: I can’t see a big margin in opening Test

Former Munster centre says rugby can be a shining light in a dark time

Fri Jul 23 2021 - 06:00

Brian O’Driscoll: ‘The Tana thing is all fine now, it dragged out too long’

The former Lions captain looks back on the highs and lows of his days in the famous red jersey

Sat Jun 26 2021 - 06:00

South Africa’s Damian de Allende to join Munster next season

World Cup winning centre has agreed a two-year deal with the Irish province

Mon Nov 04 2019 - 15:59

‘By lifting others, you also lift yourself ’ - John McGrath’s remarkable journey

The Waterford man whose only limits are those of his imagination

Tue Jan 09 2018 - 19:00

Jean de Villiers gives seal of approval to new Munster man van Graan

Springbok legend would ‘love to see’ likes of O’Connell and O’Gara on province’s ticket

Thu Nov 09 2017 - 12:27

Battered Boks hit new low, says former captain De Villiers

‘Last year losing by 42 points was a low point, but we didn’t think it could get worse’

Sat Sept 16 2017 - 11:19

Jean De Villiers: Springboks ‘at an all-time low’ after Italy loss

Former skipper among former players unhappy at loss to Conor O’Shea’s side

Sat Nov 19 2016 - 18:14

Ireland’s Jamie Heaslip receives Try of the Year award

Number eight handed award for Italy try, Beauden Barrett named Player of the Year

Mon Nov 14 2016 - 10:16

Jared Payne set to start at 15 in much-changed Ireland side

Joe Schmidt to choose between Henderson or Dillane to partner Toner at secondrow

Thu Jun 09 2016 - 01:06

South Africa name hooker Adriaan Strauss as captain

New coach Allister Coetzee has named a new-look squad for series against Ireland

Mon May 30 2016 - 17:27

Johnny Holland ready to kick on after Munster breakthrough

Munster outhalf has become key man as province aim to secure top-six place

Sat May 07 2016 - 06:01

South African rugby still a black and white issue

Pressure mounts on coach Allister Coetzee to give more black players a chance

Tue Apr 12 2016 - 20:53

South Africa’s need to win to provide cutting edge over Scotland

Scotland accused of fielding weakened team with an eye on final pool match against Samoa

Fri Oct 02 2015 - 18:30

Jean de Villiers retires after being ruled out of World Cup

The South African captain has hung up his boots after breaking his jaw against Samoa

Sun Sept 27 2015 - 21:52

South Africa’s Jean de Villiers ruled out of the World Cup

Springboks captain sustained fractured jaw during 46-6 win over Samoa at Villa Park

Sun Sept 27 2015 - 12:32

Samoa in the firing line as Springboks plan powerful response

South Africa to rely on traditional game to banish memories of defeat to Japan

Sat Sept 26 2015 - 01:00

South Africa coach apologises to nation for Japan defeat

‘It was just not good enough. It was unacceptable and I take full responsibility’

Sun Sept 20 2015 - 13:10

Fiji and South Africa name teams for World Cup openers

John McKee and Heyneke Meyer named XVs for respective clashes v England and Japan

Wed Sept 16 2015 - 11:15

RWC 15: World in union one more time

Rugby Correspondent Gerry Thornley sets the scene for Rugby World Cup 2015

Thu Sept 10 2015 - 07:00

South Africa named experienced and versatile World Cup squad

Nine players from squad that won title in 2007 included in Heyneke Meyer’s 31

Fri Aug 28 2015 - 19:09

Heyneke Meyer says he has full backing of South Africa squad

Springboks coach criticised by country’s biggest trade union for ‘racist choices’

Wed Aug 12 2015 - 12:25

Jean de Villiers returns to captain Boks against Argentina

He underwent major knee surgery after being injured against Wales last November

Wed Aug 05 2015 - 11:37

South Africa's De Villiers poised for return against Argentina

Former Munster centre has been out since last November with a knee injury

Tue Jul 28 2015 - 13:19

Richie McCaw relishing last bout in South Africa

New Zealand have much to gain with victory in Johannesburg

Fri Jul 24 2015 - 21:44

Schalk Burger to lead South Africa against New Zealand

Backrow praised by coach Heyneke Meyer after return from injury and serious illness

Tue Jul 21 2015 - 16:18

Jean de Villiers ahead of schedule in World Cup fitness race

‘He is way ahead of where he is supposed to be and we are really happy with his progress’

Tue May 05 2015 - 11:07

South Africa’s Jean de Villiers touch and go to make World Cup

Doctors expect at least an eight-month lay-off for Springboks captain

Mon Dec 01 2014 - 16:12

Jean de Villiers could face extended time out of game with knee injury

World Cup doubts surround South Africa captain after knock picked up against Wales

Sun Nov 30 2014 - 15:56

Joe Schmidt plays down alleged stamp on Dominic Ryan

Referee JP Doyle declined to consult TMO despite appeals from Ireland captain Eoin Reddan

Mon Nov 17 2014 - 08:16

Robbie Henshaw sees plenty of room for improvement

Young centre delighted to get win against South Africa

Sun Nov 09 2014 - 13:24

Jared Payne to undergo scan on foot injury on Monday

Centre is a doubt for Georgia game with suspected sprain

Sun Nov 09 2014 - 13:12

Joe Schmidt praises courage of Irish players after famous win over South Africa

Ireland coach not racing ahead of himself after great start to November campaign

Sat Nov 08 2014 - 20:27

Springbok midfield’s ability must be tested well behind their gain line

Joe Schmidt’s men braced for the inevitable massive physical challenge the Boks represent

Fri Nov 07 2014 - 18:29