Challenge Cup

Lions pick Hendrikse at 10 in Montpellier

Jordan Hendrikse will get another opportunity to impress as the Lions have named a heavily changed side for the Challenge Cup match against Montpellier on Saturday night.

BLOEMFONTEIN, SOUTH AFRICA - DECEMBER 16: Ruan Pienaar of the Toyota Free State Cheetahs during the EPCR Challenge Cup match between Toyota Cheetahs and Hollywoodbets Sharks at Toyota Stadium on December 16, 2023 in Bloemfontein, South Africa.

Euro Cup Picks: Cheetahs pip Pau

The Cheetahs edge Pau in the Challenge Cup match on Sunday in Amsterdam, according to the SARugbymag.co.za team.

RECAP: Sharks blitz Oyonnax

The Sharks crossed the whitewash six times as they thrashed Oyonnax in Durban on Saturday.

CAPE TOWN, SOUTH AFRICA - DECEMBER 30: Werner Kok of the Sharks celebrate after scoring a try during the United Rugby Championship match between DHL Stormers and Hollywoodbets Sharks at DHL Stadium on December 30, 2023 in Cape Town, South Africa.

Kok: Sharks surfing changing tide

Werner Kok is confident that the Sharks are on the precipice of a change in fortunes as South Africa’s stragglers return to Challenge Cup action this weekend.

PERPIGNAN, FRANCE - DECEMBER 10: Jordan Hendrikse of Emirates Lions during the EPCR Challenge Cup match between USA Perpignan and Emirates Lions at Stade Aime Giral on December 10, 2023 in Perpignan, France.

Lions hunt ‘statement’ win in Montpellier

The Lions are confident that a youthful squad can snaffle an upset win against an underperforming yet star-studded Montpellier side on Saturday.

Mandatory Credit: Photo by Steve Haag Sports/INPHO/Shutterstock (14287794by) Hollywoodbets Sharks vs Emirates Lions. Marius Louw of Emirates Lions celebrates winning BKT United Rugby Championship, Hollywoodbets Kings Park, Durban, South Africa - 06 Jan 2024

Lions rest regulars for Montpellier mission

Lions Head coach Ivan van Rooyen has named a blended squad of experience and youth that will travel to Montpellier for round three of the European Challenge Cup.

Cheetahs draw claws for Netherlands voyage

The Cheetahs have named a strong 27-player squad for their Challenge Cup third-round match against French side Pau in Amsterdam on Sunday.

State of the Euro Cups: Stormers tackle stung Sale

The DHL Stormers can take a major step towards the Champions Cup playoffs when they host a Sale Sharks side boasting a few familiar faces on Saturday.

Best of 2023: Saffas charge to Euro cup glory

Home and abroad, South African players took centre stage in European club rugby action in 2023, with all five local franchises involved in the Champions and Challenge cups.

John Plumtree head coach of Sharks during the 2023 United Rugby Championships match between Sharks and Dragons at Hollywoodbets Kings Park Stadium in Durban on the 25 November 2023 © Sydney Mahlangu/BackpagePix

Plumtree rues Sharks’ set-piece woes

Head coach John Plumtree said the Sharks paid the price for a lack of execution at lineout and scrum time in a nail-biting loss to the Cheetahs on Sunday.