Weekend Round Up
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Pierre Spies announces his retirement
Former Springbok and Bulls loose forward Pierre Spies has announced his retirement from all from all forms of rugby following a career that last 13 years. Full story
Jano Vermaak replaces injured Ross Cronjé in Bok squad
Stormers scrumhalf Jano Vermaak has been called up to the Springbok squad as a replacement for Ross Cronjé, who sustained a right ankle injury in the Springboks’ 37-15 victory over Argentina. Springbok tour squad
Bulls grant Nollis Marais leave for the rest of season
The Blue Bulls confirmed on Sunday evening that Blue Bulls Head Coach Nollis Marais has been granted leave for the remainder of the 2017 season. Full story
New Zealand mourns Sir Colin Meads
All Black great Sir Colin Meads passed away peacefully at Te Kuiti Hospital on Saturday morning (19 August) after a battle with pancreatic cancer. He was 81. Full story
Ireland Women Injury Update
Ruth O'Reilly has suffered a back injury and has been ruled out for the remainder of the tournament. Ulster's Ilse Van Staden has been called into the squad. Full report
All Blacks squad update
UPDATE: @Nmilnerskudder @DavidHavili Kane Hames @IoaneAkira & apprentice Atu Moli are rejoining squad in Dunedin ahead of #Bledisloe2
— All Blacks (@AllBlacks) August 20, 2017
The Weekend's Rugby action
The Rugby Championship
Australia vs New Zealand
New Zealand got their Rugby Championship campaign off to a superb start when they claimed a 54-34 victory over Australia in Sydney.
The All Blacks raced into a 6-40 half time lead. See the match reaction, stats and more here
South Africa vs Argentina
South Africa began their Rugby Championship on a positive note with a 37-15 victory over Argentina at Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium in Port Elizabeth.
The Springboks have now won 4 of their 4 Tests in 2017. See the match reaction, stats and more here
Mitre 10 Cup
North Harbour, Canterbury, Hawke's Bay, Taranaki, Counties Manakau, Northland and Wellington all claimed victories in their opening round of the Mitre 10 Cup.
See all the Highlights here
Currie Cup
Western Province thumped the Golden Lions 39-3 at Newlands on Friday, while the Cheetahs edged the Blue Bulls 31-30 and the Pumas claimed a 6 point victory over the Griquas in Kimberley.
Currie Cup Standings
After 6 rounds of action, the Cheetah remain at the top of the Currie Cup standing with the Sharks trailing by a single point, while the Lions are at the foot of the table with 9 points.
PRO D2
Pro D2 rugby returned with the likes of Massy and Nevers making their debuts in the tournament.
Massy made a big statement as they claimed a 10-49 victory over Carcassone.
See all the highlights and more here
Top League
The Japanese Top League also kicked off this past weekend with some thrilling clashes.
Toyata Verblitz & Yamaha Jubilo played in front of a record 27 871 capacity crowd (Highest ever attendance for a Top League match)
See all the results and match reaction here