The latest rugby news on the major tournaments from around the globe.
France will go into their opening Six Nations match against Italy with a backbone of a World Cup-hardened team, but new coach Philippe Saint-Andre has also picked a number of players purely on current form.
After last weekend's surprises anything is possible. Two matches immediately stand out, the one in Paris and Sunday's tough encounter on the massif central. Clermont will want to make up for last weekend's drab performance while Toulon will not have taken their hiding happily. The same is true of Stade Français who were humiliated by Bordeaux-Bègles last weekend.
Steven Shingler's eligibility for Scotland was called into doubt hours after his call-up.
Danny Care's bid to "come back stronger" from his England ban will begin on Friday, when he starts for Harlequins against Northampton.
Nic Sestaret has warned Exeter Chiefs that they can ill afford another ill-disciplined display when they travel to Newcastle Falcons in the Premiership on Saturday.
Gloucester youngsters Gareth Evans and Dan Robson have committed their futures to the club by penning new deals.
Northampton have recalled Chris Ashton for Friday evening's enticing Aviva Premiership encounter with table-topping Harlequins.
There are a number of crucial clashes in the Premiership this weekend as the chasing pack continues to pursue Harlequins and Saracens who have opened up a healthy lead at the top of the standings.
The last round of Pro12 matches before the start of the Six Nations opens on Friday at Rodney Parade, where second placed Ospreys will be looking to consolidate their play-off place with a victory over Newport Gwent Dragons.
New France coach Philippe Saint-Andre has included two uncapped players in his provisional 30-man squad for the Six Nations.
Gloucester have wished Lesley Vainikolo well after confirming he has left the club to join La Rochelle on a two-and-a-half-year contract.
Scotland head coach Andy Robinson has named six uncapped players his 36-man squad for the upcoming Six Nations.
After eight years with the Leicester Tigers fearsome Samoan wing Alesana Tuilagi is set to leave the Premiership club at the end of the season to take up a lucrative contract in Japan.
Cheetahs coach Naka Drotske has lined up a series of testing warm-up matches to help him settle on his best squad and ensure that his team starts the new Super Rugby season with a bang.
Worcester boss Richard Hill admits he "wouldn't be surprised" if Miles Benjamin and Marcel Garvey opted to leave the Warriors in the summer.
Gilbert has released a new line of rugby cleats. The Gilbert Virtuo 8S is part of the exciting new product. Check it out.
The entire All Blacks apparel line has been updated for 2013/14. Check out the New Zealand All Blacks polo.
The Nike Tiempo is a solid rugby cleat and one of few styles still made from full-grain natural leather.
The Gilbert Blitz 8S rugby cleat is a great cleat at a great price of $69.99. Get a new pair of cleats today.
A cool looking all black rugby cleat with the high performance adidas is known for. Get in the Gear!
Wear the crest of the British and Irish Lions on your t-shirt. A great look for the summer.
$29.99
The All Blacks Performance t-shirt is black with hints of blue from the training jersey. Very Cool.
The New Zealand All Blacks training jersey for 2013/14. Get in the Gear!
The USA Rugby Pro Alternate rugby jersey is perfect for any fan of the Eagles. Get yours to wear during the summer Test matches.
The NEW All Blacks 2013/14 jersey has arrived at World Rugby Shop. Dare to wear the colors of the All Blacks.
