Rachel Kolisi showed support for female referee Aimee BarrettTheron after she handled a disrespectful player during a United Rugby Championship match. The URC also stood up for BarrettTheron after negative comments were made about her physical abilities. The incident reflects the shift towards promoting mutual respect and equality in rugby.
The World Rugby Awards in Paris celebrated rugby players’ achievements and contributions to the sport, with New Zealand’s Ardie Savea winning Player of the Year and Andy Farrell of Ireland winning Coach of the Year. Eben Etzebeth was included in the World Rugby Men’s 15s Dream Team of the Year, while John Smit received the International Rugby Players Special Merit Award. The Springboks’ experience at the awards highlighted the significance of acknowledging not just the winners on the field, but also the crucial players behind the scenes, and the event’s lasting impact united the global rugby fraternity in a shared appreciation of the sport’s finest talents.
The rugby world is mourning the loss of one of its most legendary figures, Ian McIntosh. He was fondly viewed as the ‘Godfather’ of Sharks Rugby, having coached Natal during the late 1980s and early 1990s. Under his guidance, Natal won their first Currie Cup championship in 1990, and McIntosh ultimately went on to oversee four Currie Cup victories as the team’s coach. He also coached the Sharks to two Super 12 finals.
