The current strength of the Premiership does not warrant eight of its 10 clubs being involved in Europe's elite tournament.
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.
Gallagher Premiership round seven away to Harlequins on November 29 is the Bears’ debut date ringed in his calendar but who knows, we might see him sooner if he is ready and Fiji want him involved on a four-match tour where three of the matches fall under the World Rugby regulation nine player release.
Domestic derbies and national rivalries are a rich part of rugby offering compelling drama.
Newcastle Falcons are set to unveil their new centre partnership of Connor Doherty and Sammy Arnold on Friday night against Bristol Bears in the opening round of the Gallagher Premiership at Kingston Park.
As the Gallagher Premiership season approaches we take a look at the physical makeup of each of the league's ten sides.
The Spanish have the honour of opening the pool the DHL Stadium this Saturday, taking on a French team that didn’t fire on all cylinders in a Six Nations campaign that only merited third place.
A glossy 28-page programme was published for that edition of the tournament and the preview intro certainly hyped what was set to unfold in Manchester.
The Welsh signed off on the recent Six Nations with a fifth place finish following home wins over Scotland and Italy and are now preparing for pool fixtures in Cape Town versus New Zealand, Spain and defending champions France.