More than 30 years after Switzerland was cast as the best bobsleigh team in the world in the film Cool Runnings, their nation’s rugby team are using the classic 1993 film as inspiration for their debut season in the Rugby Europe Championship.
Outwith the Six Nations spotlight, emerging nations jostle for position in another thrilling REC - with the added carrot of Rugby World Cup qualification.
The Brittany club has swiftly embraced the ex-England prop in their debut Top 14 campaign.
There, separated by just a crease and pair of staples, are the best two teams in all the land. Soon, the curtain will rise as the whistle sounds, and they won’t be separated at all.
Will the ghosts of Le Crunches past haunt Fabien Galthie's team in transition on a red-hot Saturday night in Lyon?
The Ospreys have flown the flag for the struggling Welsh regions and their head coach has been fundamental to their resilience
A round-up of the most impressive performers from round two of the Heineken Champions Cup, a weekend which saw a number of compelling contests, including Leinster's trip to Toulouse and Newcastle Falcons hosting French high-flyers Montpellier.
Budgets, players to watch, arrivals and departures - and an overview of each club at the start of the new season. Welcome to the Rugby Pass club-by-club Top 14 season preview