Springbok legend Willie Le Roux is set to leave the Bulls at the end of the season, choosing not to extend his stay at Loftus Versfeld Stadium into a third year, as reported by Rugby Pass.
Spotted in Bath – a Premiership move brewing?
The two-time World Cup winner, 35, was recently seen in Bath according to Neil Fissler, sparking speculation of a Premiership return. Bath’s director of rugby, Johann van Graan, is reportedly on the hunt for a marquee full-back to bolster his title ambitions.
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A Premiership swansong?
Le Roux, who previously dazzled in the Premiership with Wasps, could end his illustrious career in the Roman spa city, adding one final chapter to his remarkable rugby journey.
98 Tests and counting
The fullback remains two caps short of becoming the eighth Springbok to hit the 100-Test milestone – a feat only three other South African backs have achieved. With 945 players donning the green and gold since 1891, reaching a century of caps would cement Le Roux’s status among South Africa’s all-time greats.
Test woes on tour
Le Roux’s path to the landmark has hit a few speed bumps. While he featured in the Springboks’ opening autumn Test against Scotland at Murrayfield, he was omitted from the squads to face England and Wales later in the series.
Could a move to Bath reignite his Test hopes and lead to that magical 100th appearance? Watch this space.
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Joe Marler Drops Bombshell: The Four Rugby Players He Just Can’t Stand
etiring England and Harlequinz prop Joe Marler has never been one to shy away from sharing his opinions – especially when it comes to players or personalities he’s not particularly fond of.
Here’s the lowdown on the four rugby figures who’ve landed on Marler’s bad side.
#1. Sir Clive Woodward
Marler’s feud with England’s 2003 World Cup-winning coach, Sir Clive Woodward, has been brewing for years. Things heated up when Woodward tore into Eddie Jones’ side during a webinar, particularly slamming Marler and fellow prop Dan Cole for their behaviour in a press conference ahead of England’s loss to South Africa in November.
Unimpressed, Marler fired back after reading Woodward’s comments on RugbyPass. Taking to Twitter, he directly called out the coach, tweeting: “Change the record Sir Clive – you should be grateful you can ‘milk the cow’ for another three years.”
#2. Israel Folau
Joe Marler has never shied away from taking a stand, and his public clashes with Israel Folau are a testament to that. Folau, whose homophobic views caused uproar in the rugby world, became a frequent target of Marler’s defiant humour.
In a series of tweets aimed at Folau, Marler attached pictures and GIFs of men kissing – a gesture that drew widespread praise from players and LGBTQ fans alike.
Marler later gave Folau an ironic nod by naming him in his dream team. On choosing the former Wallabies fullback, he quipped: “On the night out, after we had played our match on the Saturday, I’d take him out in Brighton to The Blue Oyster… a couple of clubs.”
#3. Marland Yarde
Marler’s relationship with Marland Yarde turned sour when the winger made an unusual mid-season switch from Harlequins to Premiership rivals Sale Sharks in 2017.
Speaking about Yarde’s exit, Marler admitted: “I hadn’t spoken to the bloke in 18 months. I’d lost the plot with him a good while ago. Let him be, let him do his own thing, because I’d given up on it.”
He added: “He’s one of those to just leave, as he won’t change in my mind. Me and him just don’t get on.”
#4. Marcos Ayerza
One of Marler’s more heated rivalries unfolded in 2011, when Leicester Tigers prop Marcos Ayerza clashed with him during a fiery Premiership match. Both players saw red as referee Wayne Barnes stepped in after Ayerza headbutted Marler, who retaliated with a series of well-placed punches.
The incident remains one of the most explosive moments in Marler’s career, cementing Ayerza’s place on the England prop’s “not-so-favourite” list.
Can you name the entire British & Irish Lions squad from their tour of New Zealand in 2005?
The British & Irish Lions’ tour of New Zealand in 2005 remains one of the most talked-about campaigns in rugby history.
Despite facing a formidable All Blacks side, the squad was packed with legendary talent representing England, Ireland, Scotland, and Wales.
From unforgettable tries to moments of controversy, this tour had it all—and it’s time to see just how much you remember!
Can you recall every player who pulled on the famous red jersey during that iconic tour? Dive into this quiz to test your Lions knowledge and relive a piece of rugby history!
