Rowan Callaghan

South African sports writer and journalist who covers a wide range of sporting codes.

The Eben Etzebeth effect: Sharks lean on returning enforcer for Connacht knockout clash

Rowan Callaghan|Published

With a mounting injury list and a daunting trip to the Dexcom Stadium, the Sharks are leaning on their Springbok heavyweights.

Eben Etzebeth starts against Connacht as Sharks gives Hakeem Kunene fullback nod

Rowan Callaghan|Published

Option 1: The Tactical Shift Eben Etzebeth returns to the trenches as the Sharks head to Galway for a high-stakes EPCR Challenge Cup knockout.

Watch VideoParliament urges ASA board dissolution amid deepening governance crisis

Rowan Callaghan|Published

Parliament has delivered a " damning verdict" on Athletics South Africa, formally recommending the dissolution of its board.

Watch VideoThe search for certainty: Why replacing Mohamed Salah is Liverpool’s impossible task

Rowan Callaghan|Published

As Mohamed Salah prepares to leave Liverpool, the club faces the daunting challenge of replacing the " guaranteed" goals and reliability that have defined the Egyptian's ...

Fullback crisis threatens to derail Sharks’ European ambitions while Eben could lock in

Rowan Callaghan|Published

With teenage sensation Luan Giliomee joining a massive injury list, the Sharks face a fullback vacancy ahead of their EPCR Challenge Cup clash against Connacht in ...

Watch VideoMixed fortunes for SA relay teams in last-gasp World Relays qualification bid

Rowan Callaghan|Published

South Africa’s mixed 4x100m relay team sits on the brink of World Athletics Relays qualification after a strong showing in Gaborone, while the women's sprint team ...

Brave but battered: Bok Women’s Sevens face injury worries after mixed Sao Paulo showing

Rowan Callaghan|Published

South Africa’s resilience was evident in Brazil, but coach Cecil Afrika faces an anxious wait on key injuries – including to skipper Nadine Roos – ahead of the World ...

Tayla Kavanagh edges Glenrose Xaba in Cape Town thriller to win Spar 10km series opener

Rowan Callaghan|Published

KwaZulu-Natal runner surges late to deny defending champion as fast times set the tone for the Grand Prix series

Bok Women Sevens fight back after double blow in Sao Paulo

Rowan Callaghan|Published

Injuries and early losses to Spain and Kenya dent South Africa’s start, but emphatic win over Brazil restores confidence ahead of day two

Lions power into URC top four after bonus-point win over fiery Dragons

Rowan Callaghan|Published

The Lions continued their surge up the United Rugby Championship table with a hard-fought victory over the Dragons on Saturday.

Watch VideoResilient Sharks show new steel as JP Pietersen praises growth after Cardiff win

Rowan Callaghan|Published

Sharks coach JP Pietersen has praised the newfound resilience of his side following a gritty 21-15 victory over Cardiff at Kings Park.

Watch VideoSharks surge past Cardiff after JP Pietersen’s ‘bomb squad’ gamble pays off

Rowan Callaghan|Published

Sharks coach JP Pietersen made a high-stakes tactical gamble at Kings Park, deploying his Springbok front row early to overcome a yellow card and a first-half deficit. ...

Watch VideoJetlag-free Springbok Women’s Sevens ready to hit the ground running in Sao Paulo

Rowan Callaghan|Published

Despite resting star flyer Maria Tshiremba, the Bok Women are aiming to turn the tables on rivals Spain and Argentina as they conclude their South American tour. ...

Watch VideoVisa woe for Ethiopians opens door for all-SA showdown in Spar Grand Prix opener

Rowan Callaghan|Published

Absence of Diniya Abaraya and Salem Gebre clears the path for a homegrown podium battle — and a fast start to Glenrose Xaba’s bid for a record fourth Grand Prix ...

Lions forced into reshuffle as Springboks duo miss Dragons clash

Rowan Callaghan|Published

Morné van den Berg’s injury and Asenathi Ntlabakanye’s doping hearing prompt changes to the Lions’ starting side for United Rugby Championship clash against the ...

I should have won – Siboniso Sikhakhane out for Two Oceans redemption

Rowan Callaghan|Published

After a heartbreaking 31-second defeat last year, KwaZulu-Natal’s Siboniso Sikhakhane returns to the Totalsports Two Oceans Ultra Marathon on 11 April determined ...

Springbok Women’s Sevens secure SVNS World Championship spot

Rowan Callaghan|Published

Despite finishing third in Montevideo, the Springbok Women’s Sevens have achieved their primary goal of qualifying for the HSBC SVNS World Championship. Head coach ...

Watch VideoJP Pietersen proud of Sharks’ response after disrupted build-up to Munster clash

Rowan Callaghan|Published

Coach highlights physical dominance, improved defence and squad depth after emphatic win preserves top-eight hopes.

Watch VideoSithole strikes late to hand Arrows crucial win over Sekhukhune

Rowan Callaghan|Published

Golden Arrows leave it late in Umlazi as substitute Sabelo Sithole seals a vital three points to boost their top-eight ambitions.

Pieter Coetzé stuns Thomas Ceccon with double gold as Corbett bags bronze brace in China

Rowan Callaghan|Published

South African swimming star Pieter Coetzé dominated the China Swimming Open, defeating Thomas Ceccon in the 50m backstroke and adding a 100m gold to his tally.

Sharks' Pietersen praises Giliomee's impact, Mapimpi's enduring class in Munster mauling

Rowan Callaghan|Published

19-year-old Luan Giliomee didn't just survive his URC debut; he dictated it. Coach JP Pietersen discusses the " unbelievable talent" that inspired a 45-0 demolition ...

Sharks debutant Luan Giliomee shines as Makazole Mapimpi bags century brace against Munster

Rowan Callaghan|Published

A star is born in Durban as 19-year-old Luan Giliomee inspires a dominant win over Munster. We look at the teenager's all-round display and Makazole Mapimpi’s dream ...

Watch VideoKayla Reyneke urges perspective after Proteas Women’s stumble at Eden Park

Rowan Callaghan|Published

While the Proteas Women fell 2-1 behind in the series, 20-year-old Kayla Reyneke continues to cement her place as a middle-order force. We look at her " fighting ...

Proteas weren’t 'adaptable enough' as Black Caps ease home in third T20 at Eden Park

Rowan Callaghan|Published

Keshav Maharaj pulled no punches after a disappointing eight-wicket defeat in Auckland. Despite a " spicy" opening spell from the seamers, the Proteas' batting woes ...

Watch VideoKayla Reyneke 'incredibly impressive' but New Zealand too strong for Proteas Women in third T20

Rowan Callaghan|Published

20-year-old Kayla Reyneke provided a late-innings spark, but Sophie Devine’s clinical 55* ensured the Proteas Women remain on the back foot. Laura Wolvaardt reflects ...