Morgan Bolton

Creator

Morgan Bolton

South African sports journalist and columnist who writes on a wide range of topics, including rugby, football and cricket.

Handré Pollard is eyeing a spot in the 2027 World Cup squad as he returns to the Springbok starting line-up against Australia.  |  Backpagepix
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Springbok veteran Handré Pollard targets 2027 World Cup as he embraces competition

Handré Pollard reflects on evolving into an elder statesman for the Springboks, mentoring younger flyhalves and targeting the 2027 Rugby World Cup in Australia.

André Esterhuizen becomes just the fifth centre in history to captain the Springboks as he leads South Africa against Australia in Perth.  |  AFP
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From 1896 to 2026: André Esterhuizen becomes just fifth centre to captain Springboks against Australia

André Esterhuizen joins an elite group of Springbok midfield leaders, becoming only the fifth centre to captain South Africa in Test rugby when he leads the Boks against…

Rising Lions star Siba Mahashe produced a Player of the Match performance against the All Blacks at Ellis Park as he targets a spot in the Springbok setup.  |  Backpagepix
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EXCLUSIVE | Siba Mahashe: The unstoppable Lions loose-forward chasing Springbok glory

From East London to tearing up Ellis Park against the All Blacks, rising Lions star Siba Mahashe opens up about his meteoric rise, team ethos, and big Springbok ambitions.

Sharks star Andre Esterhuizen will lead a revamped Springboks side as captain for the first time against Australia in Perth.  |  Backpagepix
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Andre Esterhuizen captains new-look Springboks as Rassie Erasmus makes 13 changes

Andre Esterhuizen will captain the Springboks for the first time as Rassie Erasmus names a heavily revamped side to face Australia in Perth.

Springbok captain Siya Kolisi has called on South African men to take responsibility and seek help to end gender-based violence.  |  Backpagepix
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Siya Kolisi is correct: We, South African men, are the problem and we must answer the call against GBV

In a personal column, Morgan Bolton reflects on Siya Kolisi’s raw plea to South African men, arguing that silence and passivity are forms of complicity in gender-based violence.

The Bulls made it to the final of the URC last season, only to be soundly beaten by Leinster.  |  Backpagepix
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South Africa target play-off clean sweep as 2026/27 URC season kicks off

A complete guide to the 2026/27 United Rugby Championship season for South Africa's four franchises: the Bulls, Lions, Sharks, and Stormers.

Ivan van Rooyen has backed Haashim Pead to make a major impact for the Lions in the upcoming URC season.  |  Backpagepix
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Ivan van Rooyen backs Haashim Pead for key Lions role amid Stormers transfer drama

Lions head coach Ivan van Rooyen insists scrumhalf Haashim Pead remains a central figure in their plans despite transfer interest from the Stormers.

The Lions produced a breathtaking, five-try display against the All Blacks at Ellis Park, reminding rugby fans of the sheer joy and entertainment of the tour matches despite their narrow defeat.  |  Backpagepix
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The best of Rugby's Greatest Rivalry: Lions’ fearless stand against All Blacks reminded us what rugby is about

While the Springboks claimed a 3-1 series victory over the All Blacks, it was the Lions' thrilling mid-tour performance that truly captured the heart and spirit of the rivalry.

Meeting icons like Roger Federer and witnessing Lionel Messi's final moments in an Argentina shirt remind us of the rare leaders who carry an entire nation's hopes and leave behind legacies that outlast their playing careers.  |  AFP
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When the giants walk away: Federer, Messi, and the slow dimming of this golden era

Reflecting on Roger Federer, Lionel Messi’s final Argentina appearance, and the bittersweet farewell to a defining era of global sports icons.

The Springboks celebrate after defeating the All Blacks 43-28 in Baltimore to seal a 3-1 victory in the inaugural Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry series, avenging their iconic 1996 series loss.  |  AFP
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Springboks v All Blacks: Five key takeaways in historic inaugural Rugby's Greatest Rivalry series

South Africa secured a historic 3-1 series victory over the All Blacks in Baltimore. Here are five key lessons from an unforgettable, hard-fought contest.

Springbok veteran Deon Fourie extended his record as South Africa's oldest Test player against the All Blacks in Baltimore.  |  Backpagepix

Ageless Springbok Deon Fourie defies time to extend record as oldest Bok ever ahead of 40th birthday

Springbok utility forward Deon Fourie continues to make history, extending his record as the oldest Bok ever as he approaches his 40th birthday.

Re-elected Safa president Danny Jordaan faces a daunting battle to restore public trust and prove his fourth term will bring genuine administrative reform.  |  Backpagepix
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Re-elected Danny Jordaan: Will his fourth SAFA term be any different?

Can Jordaan convince a weary nation that SAFA can change?

Springbok head coach Rassie Erasmus has overseen a historic run of victories against the All Blacks since 2018.  |  AFP
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Five of the best: Rassie Erasmus’ most iconic Springbok wins over the All Blacks ... so far

With Rassie Erasmus hitting a landmark milestone of victories against New Zealand, we look back at five of the Springboks' greatest wins over the All Blacks in the Erasmus era.

The Springboks and All Blacks face off at Baltimore's M&T Bank Stadium as rugby expands its footprint into the US.  |  AFP
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Beyond the tradition: How the US market holds the key to rugby’s financial future

While fans may lament playing the Springboks vs All Blacks decider in the US, World Rugby’s commercial drive targets the lucrative American market ahead of RWC 2031.

Siya Kolisi became South Africa's most successful Test captain this past weekend after claiming his 55th win as Springbok skipper.  |  AFP
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Siya Kolisi’s record-breaking Springbok captaincy journey: Year-by-year breakdown

A year-by-year look at Siya Kolisi’s record-breaking Springbok captaincy, tracking every milestone from his 2018 appointment to his historic 55th Test victory.

The future of LIV Golf in South Africa hangs in the balance following the tour's bankruptcy filing in the US.  |  Backpagepix
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LIV Golf bankruptcy: How the breakaway league’s financial collapse impacts South Africa

After filing for Chapter 11 bankruptcy following the exit of Saudi funding, LIV Golf's uncertain future threatens a major economic boost for South African golf.

Springbok hooker Malcolm Marx celebrates scoring the decisive try against the All Blacks at FNB Stadium in Johannesburg this past weekend.  |  AFP
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Peerless Malcolm Marx emulates Sean Fitzpatrick: Springbok hooker reaches greatest of all time heights

Malcolm Marx’s iconic celebration at FNB Stadium brought a 30-year journey full circle, cementing his status as one of rugby union's greatest-ever hookers.

The Springboks and All Blacks produced an unforgettable spectacle across South Africa ahead of their final Test in Baltimore.  |  AFP
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Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry: Highs and lows from the South African leg ahead of Baltimore finale

As the South African leg of Rugby's Greatest Rivalry wraps up, we review the dramatic highs and embarrassing lows before the Boks and All Blacks clash in Baltimore.

Springbok lock Lood de Jager has detailed the fine technical nuances of set-piece play and his road back to health as he targets the 2027 World Cup in Australia.  |  Backpagepix
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Lood de Jager reflects on injury nightmare, set-piece detail and 2027 World Cup ambition

Springbok lock Lood de Jager discusses set-piece demands, overcoming serious health scares, and his determination to push for the 2027 Rugby World Cup.

Captains Ardie Savea of the All Blacks, left, and Siya Kolisi of the Springboks played a massive part in rallying their troops for Rugby's Greatest Rivalry |  Backpagepix

Springboks v All Blacks: Epic series rekindles rugby’s greatest long tour

With no pre-match flyover distractions at FNB Stadium, South Africa and New Zealand delivered a riveting three-Test series for the ages.