Sara and Ashy chat to Lions head coach Andy Farrell and four of his assistant coaches.

 In a ground-breaking new partnership, Pick n Pay has signed a four-year contract as a Tier 1 sponsor of SA Rugby, with the company's logo set to feature in gold on the back of the Springbok jersey, as well as those of all other national teams. The South African retail giant's logo will make its debut on green and gold at the Cathay/HSBC Hong Kong Sevens, when the Blitzboks take on Uruguay at 11:56 (SA time) on Friday, 28 March 2025. The Pick n Pay logo will also appear on the front of all national teams' training apparel in a new departure for SA Rugby's sponsorship model. Historically, the rights to the front of the playing jersey and training jersey have been the preserve of a single partner. The sponsorship will also have an impact at community level as Pick n Pay have also acquired the naming rights to the national club championship, the Gold Cup, and an exciting new women's rugby competition, the details of which will be announced later this year. The agreement with Pick n Pay marks the coming together of two loved and iconic brands, both deeply rooted in resilience, passion, and a commitment to making a difference in the lives of ordinary South Africans. "This sponsorship is about more than just a logo on a jersey - it's about celebrating the values that unite us as South Africans," said Sean Summers, Pick n Pay CEO. "The Springboks are a symbol of unity, and for decades, Pick n Pay has been a trusted partner in homes and communities, always backing South Africans through great value, creating opportunities, or supporting communities when they need us most. "We are incredibly proud to back the Springbok teams as they push forward on their journey of excellence, and we are excited to help grow rugby from grassroots to the professional stage, ensuring that our customers and supporters can be part of this journey every step of the way "The Springboks are a true symbol of determination, and we could not be prouder to announce this sponsorship as we ourselves take bold steps to drive our growth," added Summers. Rian Oberholzer, CEO of SA Rugby, said: "Through this partnership, Pick n Pay and SA Rugby unite to uplift, empower, and inspire. Just as the Springboks and our other national teams play for the pride of the nation, Pick n Pay's people have made a difference every day for over 50 years. "The company has a proud legacy, serving South Africans and always being there for communities in need. Both teams prove that through teamwork and commitment, we can inspire a nation, both on and off the field. "We are particularly excited that Pick n Pay will be assisting us in promoting the community game through their partnership with the Gold Cup. Similarly, they are backing our commitment to the women's game by partnering us in a new elite competition that is in the planning stage."

He is now the third head coach Ireland have had since November, with both Farrell and Easterby previously leading them through the Autumn Nations Series and Six Nations respectively. O'Connell is a bona fide Ireland legend after an outstanding playing career in the green jersey. Across his Test career, the Munsterman won 108 caps and helped them win three Six Nations titles. He also went on three Lions tours. His coaching career began with the Munster academy before quickly moving to the Ireland U20s set-up in 2017. He also had a brief stint with Top 14 outfit Stade Francais before joining Farrell's Ireland staff in 2021 as forwards coach. Commenting on the news, IRFU performance director David Humphreys said: "Simon's appointment means that an opportunity arises for a new interim Head Coach for the two-match summer tour to Georgia (5th July) and Portugal (12th July), and Paul O'Connell will assume the role for this tour. Details around the remainder of the Ireland coaching team will be announced next week." Humphreys also took time to recognise the three assistants who had been drafted into Farrell's coaching staff for the upcoming tour of Australia. "On behalf of the IRFU, I would like to congratulate Simon (Easterby), John (Fogarty) and Andrew (Goodman) on their respective selections for the forthcoming British & Irish Lions tour to Australia," he said. "It is a huge statement of faith in their skill-sets and standing within the wider game, and I have no doubt that they will contribute greatly to a successful Lions tour. "Their appointments mark significant milestones in their coaching careers, as it will for Vinny Hammond and Aled Walters, who were previously confirmed earlier this year. They will proudly follow in the footsteps of a long list of Irish coaches who have represented Ireland previously with the Lions coaching and management teams. "To Head Coach Andy Farrell and to all those players who will hopefully be selected in a few weeks, we wish them all the very best of luck."

Ireland's Erin King believes she is playing alongside some of the best back rows in the world during the Women's Six Nations.

NZ Rugby was left embarrassed when the logo of a major sponsor it was suing appeared on All Blacks Sevens kit. The post NZ Rugby caught with pants down appeared first on SA Rugby magazine.

British and Irish Lions head coach Andy Farrell is "open-minded" when it comes to selecting France-based players, including son Owen, for the upcoming tour of Australia. The post Lions coach Farrell ‘open’ to picking son Owen appeared first on SA Rugby magazine.

Siya Kolisi has wowed friends and foes alike with his recent try-scoring spree for the Sharks. But the Springbok captain's coaches still want their pound of workaholic flesh from his performances.

Ulster back row James McNabney says "it was a bit surreal" to be included as a development player in Ireland's Six Nations squad.

Owen Farrell’s form for Racing has been criticised but his selection would bring undoubted valuable experience Andy Farrell gathered his newly appointed British & Irish Lions coaches at the upmarket Rosewood hotel in London on Monday. They spent most of Tuesday chewing the fat, then sunk their teeth into a steak dinner at Hawksmoor restaurant. Bread was broken, the next significant signpost towards the summer tour of Australia ticked off. If there were no major surprises on his coaching staff – three from Ireland and one each from Scotland and England – it felt telling that while you could make a pretty good guess, no one has been assigned specific roles yet. Farrell wants his staff to work in harness rather than worry about precise remits in isolation. To build cohesion rather concern themselves with detail just yet. Continue reading...

The Boks will wear the new-look jersey for the first time in July.

Head coach Andy Farrell says the British and Irish Lions may try to strike deals to free up leading Top 14 players to join the tour early.

Coach Andy Farrell says "a hell of a lot of good players" won't make the British & Irish Lions squad for their tour of Australia in July and August. The post Farrell: 75 players still in Lions contention appeared first on SA Rugby magazine.

While Wigglesworth, Easterby, Goodman and Fogarty were all expected to be named, Scotland coach Dalziel’s appointment as forwards coach is a surprise inclusion. Easterby, Goodman and Fogarty have also served under Farrell during his tenure with Ireland. Commenting on his selections, Farrell said: "This is a special day for The British & Irish Lions and our five new Assistant Coaches who came together yesterday for the very first time. "Putting together a Lions coaching team is an honour and a privilege - and the five phone calls made to this group of coaches reminds you just how special and unique it is. "This coaching group has versatility and are interchangeable in their skillset, which is a vital asset to have on a Lions Tour. "I think we have a fantastic mix and every one of these guys will bring their own character and personality to the team. "A Lions Tour is all about understanding the demands that we will face on and off the pitch, and a fresh perspective amongst this coaching group is something that I am really excited by. "We now have a month and a half to come together and select players ahead of a historic squad announcement at The O2 in front of our Lions fans." Lions CEO Ben Calveley added: "I would like to place on record my thanks to our Union CEOs who send their coaches off to the Lions with their full backing and support. "These appointments are always incredibly special, and Andy was always clear in his mind that he wanted to give potential staff members the opportunity to put their hand up during the Six Nations. "Bringing together players and staff from across different Unions, in such a short space of time, really is the ultimate test and this is what the Lions is all about." British & Irish Lions chair and tour manager Ieuan Evans said: "Today marks another special day in a Lions Tour year as Andy brings these coaches together for the very first time. "With the squad announcement coming up on May 8, this truly is a memorable period for Lions fans ahead of the Tour to Australia. "Andy has left no stone unturned in assembling this coaching set-up and he is a master at bringing people together and creating the ultimate team environment."

Andy Farrell draws up 75-man squad to face AustraliaFive-man backroom includes England’s attack coach Andy Farrell has revealed that an initial squad of 75 players has been drawn up by the British & Irish Lions for their summer tour of Australia and has confirmed Richard Wigglesworth and Simon Easterby as assistant coaches. The England No 2 Richard and Ireland’s recent interim coach are among the five names announced on Wednesday. Scotland forwards coach John Dalziel has also been recruited, with Ireland’s John Fogarty and Andrew Goodman completing the management team. Continue reading...