Toulon made light of the imminent departure of coach Philippe Saint-Andre with a 30-5 win over Biarritz in Saturday's only game in the opening round of the French Top 14 championship.
England manager Martin Johnson is no fan of selection 'gambles' so it says something about Andrew Sheridan that the powerhouse prop is in the World Cup squad after an injury-marred season.
Coaches and teammates may have come and gone during a Test career spanning over a century of caps but Chris Paterson is now on the verge of becoming the first Scotland player to appear in four World Cups.
It is one of the great talking points of modern Welsh rugby: where do you play James Hook?
A representative Queensland Reds XV will give Canada one final hit-out ahead of their World Cup campaign when the two clash in an opposed training session at Ballymore on Tuesday.
Ireland flanker David Wallace has been ruled out of the World Cup after sustaining a knee injury in the 20-9 defeat by England on Saturday.
England-based Springbok Brian Mujati has accused fellow Bok Heinke van der Merwe and another South African, Steven Sykes, of making racist remarks towards him.
The Golden Lions cemented their position at the top of the Currie Cup standings with an impressive 28-19 win over the second-placed Sharks on Saturday.
England ensured they set off for the World Cup on a winning note with a 20-9 victory over Ireland in their final warm-up match at Lansdowne Road in Dublin on Saturday.
Mike Tindall is sure Manu Tuilagi will improve with every match after the England centre marked his second international cap with a second try.
Griquas scored two tries within two minutes to sink the Cheetahs 23-20 in a Currie Cup match in Kimberley on Saturday.
Martin Johnson's England signed off their World Cup preparations with a 20-9 victory over Ireland at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin on Saturday.
Leinster are investigating after Northampton prop Brian Mujati claimed he was the subject of racist remarks during Friday night's friendly.
New Zealand captain Richie McCaw said his team will look for positives from their narrow 20-25 defeat to Australia in the Tri-Nations decider in Brisbane on Saturday.
Australia boosted their hopes of a third World Cup success in New Zealand next month, with a spirited three tries to two (25-20) victory over the All Blacks in Brisbane on Saturday.
