Rowan Callaghan

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

Debut delight as Logan Welman helps Springbok Women open African title defence in style

Rowan Callaghan|Published

Debutant No 8 Logan Welman starred with a brilliant long-range try as the South African women overwhelmed Madagascar 64-5 to begin their Rugby Africa Women’s Cup ...

Watch VideoMorne Steyn: Lions No 10 Chris Smith is the best flyhalf in SA right now

Rowan Callaghan|Published

Legendary Springbok pivot Morné Steyn has questioned the national selectors after Lions playmaker Chris Smith was left out of the latest alignment camp.

Watch VideoLocal runners eye upset against marathon giants in Cape Town

Rowan Callaghan|Published

Inspired by Arthur Jantjies’ stunning Totalsports Two Oceans triumph, South Africa’s marathon hopefuls will believe they can challenge the sport’s global elite at ...

Watch VideoGood and bad news for Lions on the injury front ahead of Leinster URC quarter-final

Rowan Callaghan|Published

A torn biceps has ruled Morné van den Berg out for up to six months, leaving the Lions without their star scrumhalf for next weekend's historic URC quarter-final. ...

Watch VideoPietersen hails Sharks future as rebuild begins with Ivan van Zyl arrival

Rowan Callaghan|Published

Sharks coach believes the Durban side’s youthful core and growing identity can lay the platform for a stronger URC campaign next season.

Watch VideoJP Pietersen upbeat about Sharks' youth brigade despite difficult URC campaign

Rowan Callaghan|Published

With 60% of his match-day squad under the age of 23, JP Pietersen believes the Sharks have finally laid the blueprint for a top-flight resurgence.

Vintage Siya Kolisi inspires Sharks to emphatic season-ending URC win over Zebre

Rowan Callaghan|Published

Siya Kolisi signed off his Kings Park career with a magnificent first-half brace as the Sharks finished their URC season by hammering Zebre Parma.

Karla Pretorius brings belief and bite as Crinums chase another netball crown

Rowan Callaghan|Published

After falling short in last year's final, the Free State Crinums are perfect after six games — thanks in no small part to the return of a legendary veteran.

London’s long drop: Spurs and West Ham in direct battle for Premier League survival

Rowan Callaghan|Published

For the first time in years, the promoted clubs aren't the ones in trouble — leaving Spurs and West Ham to fight for their lives.

Comrades Marathon Association unveil new three-group start system amid record qualification rate

Rowan Callaghan|Published

More than 21,600 runners have officially qualified for the 2026 Comrades Marathon as organisers introduce an earlier start time, staggered three-group starts and ...

Pietersen hails workhorse lock Emile van Heerden as Sharks’ engine room leader

Rowan Callaghan|Published

While not always grabbing headlines like Siya Kolisi or Eben Etzebeth, Van Heerden’s consistency and work ethic have made him indispensable to the Sharks this season. ...

Watch VideoFoote praises composure and tactical growth after Junior Boks hold Baby Blacks to lift title

Rowan Callaghan|Published

Nervy finale in Gqeberha ends in shared spoils, but South Africa do enough to lift inaugural U20 title

Watch VideoSharks’ youth revolution: Emerging stars spark talent retention debate

Rowan Callaghan|Published

The Hollywoodbets Sharks’ injury-hit URC campaign has unearthed a new wave of backline talent, but can the Durban franchise keep hold of their rising stars amid ...

Sharks crush Benetton as Julius hat-trick sparks Kings Park revival

Rowan Callaghan|Published

Jurenzo Julius steals the show with a superb hat-trick while young flyhalf Zekhethelo Siyaya shows flashes of promise in a dominant 41-0 United Rugby Championship ...

Richard Kriel reaches 50-cap milestone as Lions get ready to front up to Leinster

Rowan Callaghan|Published

Richard Kriel celebrates his 50th Lions appearance when Ivan van Rooyen’s in-form side tackle defending URC champions Leinster at the Aviva Stadium in a clash with ...

Pietersen rues Sharks’ injury curse after derailed URC campaign

Rowan Callaghan|Published

Sharks coach JP Pietersen says constant injuries prevented the Durban side from building momentum this season, but believes the adversity has accelerated the rise ...

Pietersen says Siyaya switch to flyhalf is part of Sharks’ long-term vision

Rowan Callaghan|Published

JP Pietersen says the Sharks’ injury-hit season has forced them to unearth new talent, with Zekhethelo Siyaya handed a chance at flyhalf against Benetton as the ...

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 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.

Andy Birkett seals record-extending 16th Dusi crown while Christie Mackenzie bags first K2 win

Rowan Callaghan|Published

Birkett and Matt Fenn storm to back-to-back Dusi Canoe Marathon victories, while Christie Mackenzie and Saskia Hockly dig deep to win a thrilling women’s race decided ...

Mandla Mashimbyi demands winning mindset as Proteas Women take on Pakistan in ODIs

Rowan Callaghan|Published

After clinching the T20I series, South Africa shift focus to the 50-over format in Bloemfontein. Head coach Mandla Mashimbyi explains why " small victories" are ...

Similo Dlamini’s sixth Midmar Mile marks triumphant return after life-changing amputation

Rowan Callaghan|Published

Durban para athlete and SA parasurfing star Similo Dlamini completed her sixth Midmar Mile just months after a major amputation, proving once again that mobility ...

Watch VideoFassi, Julius shine as Sharks overpower Clermont in Durban Champions Cup blitz

Rowan Callaghan|Published

After a tense and error-strewn first half, the Sharks found their rhythm at the " Shark Tank" to put Clermont to the sword.