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.
Newcastle Falcons boss Steve Diamond has spoken of his relief at his side getting their first win in 26 matches as they look to back up last weekend's Gallagher Premiership boilover result with another win.
A hard-fought Friday night performance saw the Falcons end a 25-game losing streak thanks to tries from Philip van der Walt and Jamie Blamire, who crossed twice, along with a brilliant Ethan Grayson drop goal.
Newcastle earned their first Gallagher Premiership victory in over a year after beating fellow strugglers Exeter 24-18 at Kingston Park.
Twenty-eight of the 36 players named by Steve Borthwick in the England squad for the upcoming Autumn Nations Series will start for their clubs in this weekend’s Gallagher Premiership.
With England versus New Zealand on the November 2 horizon and Steve Borthwick poised to name his Test squad on Wednesday for the four-game Autum Nations Series, a number of leading candidates have been pencilled in for some timely club action.
There are just four weeks to go before the All Blacks arrive at Allianz Stadium on November 2, so players will be vying to impress.
Duhan van der Merwe scored two tries as Edinburgh defeated European Challenge Cup opponents Castres 34-21 at the Hive Stadium.
Newcastle Falcons have confirmed the signing of back-rower Philip van der Walt on a three-year deal from South African Super Rugby side, the Sharks.
Both on the back of strong performances, the Sharks and Bulls have named their sides ahead of their South African derby.
