With Montpellier now crowned Top 14 champions, attention turns to the players each side has brought in to better their chances of winning the trophy next season. Newcomers Bayonne have been the busiest in the transfer market, releasing players...
Munster boss Johann van Graan was proud of his side after they came from behind to clinch a hard-fought 16-13 Champions Cup win at Castres.
The Champions Cup is in turmoil as organisers scramble to find a window in the already crowded schedule to stage the seven matches that have been postponed this weekend.
Harlequins survived a late fightback from Top 14 opponents Castres to open their Heineken Champions Cup account with a hard-fought win.
Other notable additions to the pack include Maori All Blacks prop Josh Hohneck, three-test Wallabies prop front-rower Jermaine Ainsley, and two-cap All Blacks lock Bryn Evans, both returning to New Zealand after stints overseas.
Former All Blacks loose forward Liam Squire will return to Super Rugby next year after signing with the Highlanders in 2021.
It's been the theme of the national provincial competition this year, with big names falling to minnows, surprising blowouts and the Ranfurly Shield steadily making its way around the country.
Auckland travel to Inglewood for their Round 5 clash with Championship team Taranaki this Saturday afternoon.
The All Blacks have been handed another injury concern, with Patrick Tuipulotu ruled out of Auckland's Mitre 10 Cup opener against Otago this weekend.
