The Crusaders send an ominous warning to the other Super Rugby teams when they produced a 23-3 hammering of the Blueson Saturday.
Ronan O'Gara has agreed to become assistant coach of Racing Metro after announcing his retirement from rugby.
South Africa's Sharks overcame a slow start to beat the Western Force 23-13 in their Super Rugby clash in Perth on Friday to end a five-match losing streak.
Joe Schmidt set his sights on a trophy double after watching Leinster win the Amlin Challenge Cup with a 34-13 destruction of Stade Francais.
The Rebels managed to finally turn one of their numerous close losses into a win, and it was composure that helped them edge the Stormers.
Leinster emulated Chelsea by winning the Amlin Challenge Cup to ease the blow of losing their status of European champions.
The Golden Lions erased some of the bitter memories of their axing from Super Rugby by claiming a record fifth Vodacom Cup title.
Jonny Wilkinson admits he is craving one last title ahead of Toulon's Heineken Cup showdown with Clermont Auvergne on Saturday.
Australia's Gold Coast will again play host to the opening round of the 15th edition of the IRB Sevens World Series.
Pumas mentor Jimmy Stonehouse will coach the SA President's XV at the IRB's Tblisi Cup in the Georgian capital next month.
When the Rebels played the Stormers in Melbourne on Friday, there were two incidents that provoked discussion. In total they were worth two points to the Rebels.
The British and Irish Lions are gearing up for their summer tour of Australia. The team is training at the Vale of Glamorgan in Hensol, Wales with the Rhino Vortex Elite ball the star of the sessions.
The Stormers let down their supporters, and themselves, on Friday - plus they have more injuries to contend with.
The International Rugby Board (IRB) has announced the dates for the HSBC Sevens World Series 2013/14, with another season set to kick off on Australia's Gold Coast and climax in London, England. The tour makes its stop in Las Vegas on January 24 - 26.
All Black great Dan Carter backed calls to overhaul the global playing calendar, saying the off-season is too short and risks player burnout.
