Rugby Union: June 2009 Archives

South Africa coach Peter de Villiers has issued a spectacular climbdown and apologised for Schalk Burger's eye-gouging.

Coach Ian McGeechan feels future Lions touring sides need more time to prepare if they're to return victorious from their summer trips.

South Africa forwards Bakkies Botha and Schalk Burger will miss the final Test with the Lions after receiving bans for dangerous play.

South African duo Schalk Burger and Bakkies Botha will face disciplinary hearings on Sunday after being cited for alleged foul play.

British and Irish Lions props Gethin Jenkins and Adam Jones will miss the third Test against South Africa after undergoing surgery.

Warren Gatland has warned his British and Irish Lions players to take a backward step against South Africa on Saturday at their peril.

The British Lions have revealed that planning for the two matches to be played at altitude began two years ago on the gridiron.

The British and Irish Lions have made five changes for the second Test against South Africa with Phil Vickery left out of the squad.

South Africa flyer Bryan Habana has played down the significance of facing the Lions at altitude at Loftus Versfeld on Saturday.

Head coach Ian McGeechan was pleased with the Lions' display despite being held to a 13-13 draw against the Emerging Springboks.

New signing Lee Smith has insisted he will be ready for the "massive challenge" that awaits him at London Wasps.

Ireland A have claimed the Churchill Cup with a comprehensive 49-22 victory over England Saxons in Denver.

Adam Jones has jumped to the defence of Lions team-mate Phil Vickery after his display in the first Test defeat against South Africa.

Brian O'Driscoll believes everything is in place for the British and Irish Lions to shock world champions South Africa on Saturday.

David Wallace will play number seven for the Lions' opening Test with South Africa while Ugo Monye will start on the wing.

Euan Murray and James Hook picked up injuries against Southern Kings and will miss the Lions' first Test against South Africa.

Irish lock Donncha O'Callaghan has been named as Lions captain for Tuesday's clash with the Southern Kings.

Lions coach Ian McGeechan admits he faces some tough decisions when picking his side for next week's first test against South Africa.

The British and Irish Lions team manager Gerald Davies wants clarification on the events leading Ryan Jones' departure from the tour.

Riki Flutey will make his first start for the Lions on Saturday after recovering from a knee injury picked up against the Royal XV.

Gloucester chairman Tom Walkinshaw feels that the lack of a head coach at the club led to the exit of director of rugby Dean Ryan.

Leigh Halfpenny's tour of South Africa with the Lions is over because of a thigh injury, manager Gerald Davies has confirmed.

Brian O'Driscoll and Jamie Roberts return for the Lions in a "critical" warm-up clash against the Sharks in Durban on Wednesday.

It has been revealed legendary Wales fly-half Neil Jenkins is joining up with the Lions in South Africa as a specialist kicking coach.

Lions coach Ian McGeechan was full of praise for James Hook whose kicking helped the Lions maintain their 100% record in South Africa.

British Lions skipper Paul O'Connell believes simplicity is the key to success as they take on South Africa's Free State Cheetahs.

Andy Robinson says he is ready for the challenge of leading Scotland after being named the country's new head coach.

Wales wing Leigh Halfpenny has linked up with the British and Irish Lions in South Africa following his recovery from a thigh injury.

Michael Lipman, Alex Crockett and Andrew Higgins have quit Bath because of "unsubstantiated allegations" over missed drug tests.

South Africa coach Peter de Villiers has issued a spectacular climbdown and apologised for Schalk Burger's eye-gouging.

Coach Ian McGeechan feels future Lions touring sides need more time to prepare if they're to return victorious from their summer trips.

South Africa forwards Bakkies Botha and Schalk Burger will miss the final Test with the Lions after receiving bans for dangerous play.

South African duo Schalk Burger and Bakkies Botha will face disciplinary hearings on Sunday after being cited for alleged foul play.

British and Irish Lions props Gethin Jenkins and Adam Jones will miss the third Test against South Africa after undergoing surgery.

Warren Gatland has warned his British and Irish Lions players to take a backward step against South Africa on Saturday at their peril.

The British Lions have revealed that planning for the two matches to be played at altitude began two years ago on the gridiron.

The British and Irish Lions have made five changes for the second Test against South Africa with Phil Vickery left out of the squad.

South Africa flyer Bryan Habana has played down the significance of facing the Lions at altitude at Loftus Versfeld on Saturday.

Head coach Ian McGeechan was pleased with the Lions' display despite being held to a 13-13 draw against the Emerging Springboks.

New signing Lee Smith has insisted he will be ready for the "massive challenge" that awaits him at London Wasps.

Ireland A have claimed the Churchill Cup with a comprehensive 49-22 victory over England Saxons in Denver.

Adam Jones has jumped to the defence of Lions team-mate Phil Vickery after his display in the first Test defeat against South Africa.

Brian O'Driscoll believes everything is in place for the British and Irish Lions to shock world champions South Africa on Saturday.

David Wallace will play number seven for the Lions' opening Test with South Africa while Ugo Monye will start on the wing.

Euan Murray and James Hook picked up injuries against Southern Kings and will miss the Lions' first Test against South Africa.

Irish lock Donncha O'Callaghan has been named as Lions captain for Tuesday's clash with the Southern Kings.

Lions coach Ian McGeechan admits he faces some tough decisions when picking his side for next week's first test against South Africa.

The British and Irish Lions team manager Gerald Davies wants clarification on the events leading Ryan Jones' departure from the tour.

Riki Flutey will make his first start for the Lions on Saturday after recovering from a knee injury picked up against the Royal XV.

Gloucester chairman Tom Walkinshaw feels that the lack of a head coach at the club led to the exit of director of rugby Dean Ryan.

Leigh Halfpenny's tour of South Africa with the Lions is over because of a thigh injury, manager Gerald Davies has confirmed.

Brian O'Driscoll and Jamie Roberts return for the Lions in a "critical" warm-up clash against the Sharks in Durban on Wednesday.

It has been revealed legendary Wales fly-half Neil Jenkins is joining up with the Lions in South Africa as a specialist kicking coach.

Lions coach Ian McGeechan was full of praise for James Hook whose kicking helped the Lions maintain their 100% record in South Africa.