Rowan Callaghan

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

Dladla demands response to Downs defeat as Durban City gear up for derby clash against Arrows

Rowan Callaghan|Published

Brooklyn Poggenpoel calls for a tactical and resilient showing as Durban City look to rebound against familiar rivals

Sevens speedster Quewin Nortje primed to ignite Blitzboks’ Hong Kong charge

Rowan Callaghan|Published

Winger Quewin Nortje returns to the Blitzboks, ready to tackle the intense challenge of the SVNS World Championship opener in Hong Kong.

Watch VideoSwinging doors for Blitzboks: Nortje in, Cupido out for Hong Kong

Rowan Callaghan|Published

After a frustrating injury layoff, Quewin Nortje rejoins the Springbok Sevens squad for the 2026 HSBC World Championship opener in Hong Kong, aiming to bolster the ...

Watch VideoMilestones beckon for Mbane and Dhlamini in Banyana’s Algeria tests

Rowan Callaghan|Updated

Veteran defender closes in on 100 caps as rising star nears 50 for South Africa. Ellis praises consistency and professionalism as duo approach major milestones

Watch VideoGerda Steyn aiming for seventh heaven at Two Oceans Ultra

Rowan Callaghan|Updated

Six-time champion Gerda Steyn chases a historic seventh crown on Saturday, while a stacked men’s field promises a thrilling showdown.

Watch VideoBanyana take next step in Wafcon buildup with key friendlies against Algeria in Durban

Rowan Callaghan|Published

Extra time allows South Africa to refine tactics, build fitness and deepen squad ahead of July tournament

Durban City edge Casric Stars to reach historic Nedbank Cup final

Rowan Callaghan|Published

Early own goal proves decisive as Citizens end giant-killing run and book first-ever final appearance

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 ...

Watch VideoArsenal’s Wembley wobble: Tactical masterclass or mental block for Arteta?

Rowan Callaghan|Published

Despite a 2-0 League Cup final defeat to Manchester City, Arsenal hold a nine-point lead in the Premier League. We analyse whether Nico O'Reilly’s brace signals ...

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 ...