South Africa head coach Rassie Erasmus has extended his contract for a further four years.
South Africa lock Eben Etzebeth has been handed a 12-week suspension for what an independent disciplinary committee considered an 'intentional' eye gouge of Wales' Alex Mann last Saturday.
At the 2023 Rugby World Cup, the four best sides in the world by a considerable margin - and ranked in the top four as such - were Ireland, South Africa, France and New Zealand. Yet, all four ended up on the same side of the draw and met in the quarter-finals.
England will face Wales, Tonga and Zimbabwe in the pool stages of the Rugby World Cup in 2027.
South Africa inflicted Wales' worst-ever defeat in Cardiff as the hosts lost 73-0, conceding 11 tries.
To face this current iteration of South Africa's Springboks is one of the biggest challenges in rugby at the moment. To face them with the majority of your matchday squad unavailable borders on ludicrous.
Rugby's key dates, fixtures and schedule for 2026: England, Ireland, Wales, Scotland, Red Roses, Six Nations, Nations Championship summer and Autumn Tests, Women's Six Nations.
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