The latest rugby news on the major tournaments from around the globe.
Gloucester prop Shaun Knight has agreed a new two-year contract with the Premiership outfit.
All the matches in this round were played on Friday night, giving the clubs and their spectators time to concentrate on Christmas. There were no real surprises in the round.
Toulouse's South Africa hooker Gary Botha broke his right leg in Friday's French Top 14 win over Montpellier and will be ruled out for up to four months.
Two weeks after calling time on his 91-cap England career, Jonny Wilkinson said on Friday that he will end his club career at French Top 14 side Toulon.
Gavin Henson made a winning return to rugby on his Cardiff Blues debut, but he was overshadowed by Wales fullback Leigh Halfpenny in 28-9 win over the Dragons at the Cardiff City Stadium.
Frédéric Michalak will be leaving Durban on the Indian Ocean and heading for Toulon on the Mediterranean.
Jim Mallinder is adamant that Northampton are braced for a tough challenge when they play Bath at Franklin's Gardens on Saturday (5.15pm).
The Aviva Premiership is back in full swing over the Christmas period and it is time to make a move for teams outside of the all important play-off places at the top end of the log.
The Aviva Premiership reaches its midway point over Christmas with a race for play-off places gathering pace behind runaway leaders Harlequins.
Treviso flank Francesco Minto has been suspended for six weeks following the red card he received in the European Cup clash with Biarritz last week for headbutting an opponent.
Will Skinner, the Harlequins flank, who received a red card in strange circumstances last weekend, has appeared before a European Cup hearing and has been suspended for two weeks.
This week marks the end of the first round of Top 14 matches - the half-way mark in the league portion of the tough competition. Things are getting increasingly serious. From Montpellier up there is the powerful desire to get, at least, in the top six for the play-offs. For the six below Montpellier there is the fear of relegation and the long drop to Pro D2.
Ian Gough has received a three-week ban after he was cited for a dangerous tackle during the Ospreys' Heineken Cup defeat against Saracens.
Harlequins flank Will Skinner has received a two week ban for last weekend's red card earned from the bench in his side's European Cup win at Toulouse.
Shontayne Hape accepts his England career has run its course as new interim head coach Stuart Lancaster plans a Six Nations overhaul.
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.
