Dowd: Mitre 10 laws pave way for rucking return

The experimental laws introduced into the Mitre 10 Cup have been somewhat of a mixed, bag but one promising development has been a nod to the old art of rucking -- Craig Dowd writes.

Who will be England's new openside?

With injury ruling Jack Clifford and James Haskell out of the autumn series, we assess the contenders for England's openside berth.

VOTE: Who was your Aviva Premiership Player of the Weekend?

There were some fantastic performances during the fourth weekend of the Aviva Premiership season -- but who was your Player of the Weekend? Vote in our poll below.

Farrell nears Saracens return

Saracens and England fly-half Owen Farrell is nearing his return from a hip injury, according to Sarries director of rugby Mark McCall.

All Blacks' Milner-Skudder out for the year

World Cup-winner Nehe Milner-Skudder will miss the end-of-year northern hemisphere tour as he continues recovering from a shoulder injury.

Top 14 wrap: Toulon edge past Clermont

Toulon got back to winning ways against Clermont while Castres beat champions Racing 92.

Itoje's undefeated run comes to an end

For the first time in 31 matches England and Saracens star Maro Itoje has lost a match he started.

Harlequins stun champions Saracens

A superb performance from Harlequins saw them bring an end to Saracens' winning start to the season thanks to a 17-10 triumph at The Stoop.

Who said what in the Aviva Premiership - Round 4

After another weekend of dramatic Aviva Premiership action, we look at the best reaction from around the grounds in Round 4.

Wasps make it four from four at Saints

Wasps' winning start to the season continued with a 20-15 triumph at Northampton Saints on Saturday.

Newcastle triumph at Gloucester

Newcastle Falcons edged past hosts Gloucester 18-13 to secure an impressive Aviva Premiership win at Kingsholm.

Worcester and Sale play out thrilling draw

A rollercoaster of a match between Worcester Warriors and Sale Sharks finished locked at 34-34 at Sixways on Saturday.

Scarlets claim first PRO12 win of season

Warburton to captain Wales in the autumn

The 27-year-old Cardiff flanker is also in the frame for Lions role in 2017.

Mike Ford to join Toulon's backroom staff

Mike Ford is set to be confirmed as Toulon's new first team coach and will arrive at his new club on Monday.

Four-try Munster beat Edinburgh

A double from Conor Murray and an impressive performance from Tyler Bleyendaal saw Munster beat Edinburgh 28-14 on Saturday.

Cardiff Blues edge past Zebre

Cardiff Blues continued their winning start to the season with a nervy 23-21 triumph at Zebre.

Exeter run in five tries against winless Bristol

Bristol slipped to a fourth successive Aviva Premiership defeat as dominant Exeter underlined the huge task facing Andy Robinson's team to secure top-flight survival this season.

Sexton scores on return as Leinster beat Ospreys

Johnny Sexton marked his first game of the season with 16 points as Leinster won 31-19 at the RDS to end the Ospreys' unbeaten run in the Guinness PRO12.

Howley parks Lions speculation for Wales

Rob Howley's complete focus is on Wales this season - but he could also be part of the British and Irish Lions coaching staff in New Zealand next summer.

Ulster see off Warriors to go top of PRO12

Ulster made it four wins from four with a 22-17 victory at Glasgow Warriors which lifted them to the top of the Guinness PRO12 table.

Treviso beat Dragons for first PRO12 win of season

Benetton Treviso claimed their first victory of the Guinness PRO12 campaign at the fourth attempt, winning 27-11 at home to Newport Gwent Dragons.

Saracens will not appeal Ashton biting ban

Saracens have opted against appealing the 13-week ban given to Chris Ashton for biting after stating they accept the verdict of the disciplinary hearing.

First female fourth official for Premiership

Former sports writer for the Bath Chronicle took up a full-time role with the RFU refereeing team in August 2010.

England's Wilson swaps Bath for Newcastle

England prop David Wilson has re-signed for Newcastle Falcons with immediate effect.

Ashton disciplinary panel used bite-mark photos

Photographs of the wound inflicted by Chris Ashton's teeth formed part of the evidence used to suspend the England wing for 13 weeks, the disciplinary hearing's written judgement has revealed.

Clifford to miss England's autumn campaign

Jack Clifford, a replacement back row throughout England's Grand Slam march earlier this year, will miss England's autumn campaign through injury.

Is Ashton the Balotelli, Barton or Suarez of rugby?

Chris Ashton is not rugby union's answer to Mario Balotelli, nor Luis Suarez, according to Sir Clive Woodward, but instead Joey Barton.

Bath's Rec redevelopment plans could be foiled

Bath's ambition of building a new stadium on the existing Recreation Ground site hinges on a hearing at which a small group of residents will attempt to foil their plans.

Hansen calls for Six Nations-Rugby Championship playoff

A yearly match between the winners of the Six Nations and the Rugby Championship has been proposed by All Blacks coach Steve Hansen.

Exeter prop Francis banned for two weeks

Exeter prop Tomas Francis has been banned for two weeks after admitting a charge of kicking.

Chris Ashton cops lengthy ban for biting

Winger Chris Ashton's England career was hanging by a thread after he was handed a 13-week ban on Tuesday for biting an opponent.

England fly-half Farrell set for Saracens return

England fly-half Owen Farrell could make his first appearance of the Aviva Premiership season when Saracens face Harlequins on Saturday.