Round six of the Gallagher Premiership promises to deliver another thrilling weekend of action, with teams looking to solidify their positions ahead of a break before the Test rugby returns in November.
The Gallagher Premiership table after round one highlighted how you can get strange quirks in this game, defending champions Northampton finding themselves at the bottom 16 weeks after they lifted the trophy at Twickenham.
Chiefs Manawa have made some stunning off-season signings as they look to return to champions status in 2024.
Ardie Savea would have to be considered a clear favourite for another prestigious honour in New Zealand.
The six teams have been named ahead of the first round of WXV 1 in Wellington. All matches will be played at Sky Stadium, kicking off with England vs Australia on Friday 20th October. On Saturday 21st October Canada will face Wales before home side New Zealand take on France in a RWC2021 semi-final rematch.
Allan Bunting has named some outstanding young talent who impressed in the recent Farah Palmer Cup season and the return of global superstar Ruby Tui.
Respective USA, Samoa and Scotland internationals Greg Peterson, Logovi’i Mulipola and Gary Graham have been included on the list of 15 players leaving Newcastle this summer, a group that also includes Carl Fearns and Sean Robinson.
Michael Hooper is struggling to find form in Super Rugby Pacific.
Black Ferns co-captain and World Cup winner, Ruahei Demant has collected three major prizes at the 2022 ASB Rugby Awards, including the supreme Kelvin R. Tremain Memorial Player of the Year.