PRO12: Ulster claim vital win against Leinster

7:04 PM GMT

Ulster stayed on course to make the Guinness PRO12 play-offs by defeating Leinster 30-6 in a pulsating derby clash at the Kingspan Stadium.

The thoroughly deserved four points -- they might have got five but blew a try in the last minute -- kept fourth-placed Ulster in control of their own destiny heading into the final round of regulation games next weekend, in which they visit the Ospreys.

Leinster -- now in third -- will still be chasing a top-two finish when they host Treviso and will get it with a bonus-point win.

Leo Cullen's squad can have few complaints at the outcome after having both Rob Kearney and Luke Fitzgerald sin-binned, and now must deliver a big performance at the RDS next weekend.

Two tries in the last six minutes from Ospreys skipper Rhys Webb won a thrilling Welsh derby 40-27 against Cardiff Blues at the Principality Stadium.

For the first 50 minutes, Blues were the better side but Ospreys sprung to life to finish with six tries -- two each from Hanno Dirksen and Webb, with James King and Sam Underhill also crossing. Dan Biggar converted five to complete his side's scoring.

Gareth Anscombe kicked 17 points for Blues with five penalties and a conversion. Aled Summerhill and Josh Navidi scored their tries.

The Scarlets won at the third time of asking in the Pro12 as they grabbed a try bonus point to do the double over Newport Gwent Dragons with a 34-20 victory.

But there was concern about Wales prop Samson Lee who came off a short time into the match for a suspected head injury assessment and did not return.

The Scarlets did what they had to do to keep pace with fourth-placed Ulster in the race for the final play-off place which will conclude next weekend.

Centre Scott Williams crossed for a first-half try with all the other 15 points before the break for the Scarlets coming via fly-half Steve Shingler with a try, two penalties and two conversions against an Adam Warren try and two penalties and a conversion from outside-half Angus O'Brien for the Dragons.

Wing Steff Evans and replacement Gareth Davies added further Scarlets tries, with Shingler converting both, after the break against a second Dragons converted touchdown by wing Adam Hughes.

But it could have been much more as the Scarlets roared from the outset to swamp the Dragons.

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PRO12: Ulster claim vital win against Leinster

Mallinder nearly replaced match-winner Myler

Stephen Myler's late conversion sealed a 15-14 victory over Bath for Northampton. 

6:39 PM GMT

Stephen Myler's late conversion ultimately sealed a 15-14 victory over Bath for Northampton, but Jim Mallinder admitted he had come close to withdrawing the fly-half.

Two Jeff Williams scores inside the opening 20 minutes against the run of play knocked the wind out of the hosts' sails as they went into the interval 14-0 down.

But they scored 15 unanswered points in the second period, with man-of-the-match Teimana Harrison and Mike Haywood touching down either side of Myler's penalty, before the 31-year-old nailed his 72nd-minute conversion to steal the win.

And director of rugby Mallinder was left breathing a sigh of relief after the final whistle, as he revealed he came close to removing Myler from the action.

"It was similar to the Leicester game last week, conceding two tries out of the blue," he said. "We were attacking and then we lost two tries and were suddenly 14-0 down.

"But we talked about them having a big set of forwards and tiring in the second half, so we wanted to keep putting them under pressure and thankfully we got the results.

"I was worried all the way through from the first minute to the last to be honest. But we've seen Myler time and time again kick goals like that.

"We were thinking about bringing JJ Hanrahan on to change things up and bring a freshness, but we always had the thought that Stephen was in the groove kicking-wise, and we did well to keep him on.

"I said a few weeks ago that [Teimana] should be in for the full England tour. His carrying is unbelievable. He's not the biggest person physically but he plays well above his weight."

Bath came close to notching their first win at the Gardens since 2000, but Mike Ford was left rueing yet another missed opportunity with his side's ruthless finishing of last season deserting them once again.

He said: "We just lost our composure where we wouldn't have done that last year. It's an issue and one we've got to get right for next season.

"We've been competitive all year, but clearly our confidence of winning those small margin games like today has been tough. You can analyse too much and start thinking everything's wrong. Once we couldn't make the top six, we took a deep breath and we've played some good rugby in the past few weeks.

"It's difficult to put your finger on it and there are different factors, but I'm confident that this club will be there or thereabouts next year."

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Mallinder nearly replaced match-winner Myler

Tigers' Harrison suffers 'nasty' nose injury

Leicester's Sam Harrison left the field with heavy bleeding from his nose against Worcester. 

6:14 PM GMT

Leicester head coach Aaron Mauger revealed scrum-half Sam Harrison was taken to hospital with a "nasty" nose injury suffered in the 31-17 victory at home to Worcester which clinched their place in the Aviva Premiership play-offs.

Harrison was involved in a sickening clash of heads with Worcester centre Andy Symons at the start of the second half, which left both with blood-stained faces.

While Symons returned to the field after treatment, Harrison was substituted and went to the hospital across the road to get checked out.

Mauger said: "It was a nasty clash and there was lots of blood coming from his nose and mouth. Looking at the indent I'd say it's broken.

"He is going to hospital to get assessed so we will see how he is over the next few days. The medics told us it was a nasty one. He's a tough man, Sammy, and I'm sure if you gave him the opportunity he'd be back on the field tomorrow."

Leicester's bonus point win in front of a 21,682 crowd clinched them a semi-final place for the 12th successive season but Mauger was disappointed with the performance.

He felt the side were flat after four tough weeks, including last week's European Champions Cup semifinal defeat by Racing 92.

He said: "I'm pleased to get to the semis, it's a nice feeling. But the performance was a bit flat. It was probably a reflection of the last four weeks, four big, emotional games -- Gloucester, the European quarterfinal against Stade Francais, the derby against Northampton, and Racing.

"We could see during the week that the boys were mentally and emotionally flat and that transferred into the performance."

Leicester, in fourth place on 64 points, face Bath away in their final game and could play Saracens on their artificial pitch in the semifinals.

Mauger ruled out practising on a similar pitch, saying: "We did that last time and it didn't work. The key for us is nailing our performance.

"It doesn't really matter, the pitch is 100 metres long, 70 metres wide with goalposts at either end."

Mauger said England centre Manu Tuilagi, who missed the game with a knee injury, was "touch and go" for next week's trip to Bath but will be okay for the semifinals.

Leicester have now won 12 successive Premiership games against Worcester who have yet to win at Welford Road.

Their tries came from Vereniki Goneva, Opeti Fonua, Telusa Veainu and Will Evans, while the Warriors replied through Symons and Bryce Heem.

Worcester director of rugby Dean Ryan was left ruing several missed chances and said: "It was a great performance and we are disappointed we didn't win.

"We were always in the contest and we are frustrated we missed three or four chances. There were two forward pass decisions that were flat at best. They were tries.

"We are frustrated that it ended the way it did, a scrum reversal giving them the match and the bonus point. We were in the contest all the way through and looked sharp, dangerous and physical."

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Tigers' Harrison suffers 'nasty' nose injury

Guinness PRO12: Glasgow top after huge win

9:26 PM GMT

Defending champions Glasgow secured a second sweeping win over Zebre in three weeks on Friday to guarantee a Guinness PRO12 play-off berth.

Glasgow, who triumphed 43-14 in Parma on April 8, led 35-10 at half-time, with tries by Leone Nakarawa, Adam Ashe, Glenn Bryce [two] and Taqele Naiyaravoro. And they pulled further clear after the interval.

Nakarawa completed his hat trick, and Greg Peterson, Ali Price and Duncan Weir all dotted down, with the latter kicking every conversion in a 70-10 rout.

The Zebre tries were scored by Kayle van Zyl and Tommaso Boni. The result, coupled with Connacht's surprise 22-21 defeat at Benetton Treviso, lifted the Warriors top of the table.

Connacht secured a maiden PRO12 semi-final place despite suffering defeat to Benetton Treviso following Jayden Hayward's dramatic last-minute penalty.

The Irish province, leading 21-19, were penalised on the half-way line and full-back Hayward made them pay, helping to lift Treviso off the bottom of the table.

Although the losing bonus point helped Connacht qualify for the top four for the first time since the competition changed format to home and away fixtures in 2003-04, the defeat hampers their hopes of a home semifinal tie.

Connacht, who host Glasgow Warriors in their final game, had not scored a try at the Stadio Comunale di Monigo since April 2013, but they soon ended that drought by crossing twice in the first 14 minutes.

Rory Parata spotted a gap and dived over in the seventh minute and then Fionn Carr latched on to a kick to double their advantage, with both scores converted by John Cooney.

But the hosts, who have lost the last five games and beaten Connacht only once since 2011, responded with tries from Luca Morisi and Braam Steyn in the space of five minutes to narrow the deficit to 14-12 at half-time.

A converted penalty try moved Treviso 19-14 ahead in the 46th minute and, after Peter Robb's 52nd-minute effort appeared to hand Connacht the win, Hayward denied them at the death.

Francis Saili's 76th-minute try sealed a vital 27-19 bonus-point win for Munster against Edinburgh to put them on the brink of Champions Cup qualification.

Anthony Foley's men triumphed in Cork to move back into the top six, going five points clear of the Scots, who have fallen to seventh place.

The hosts led 20-13 at half-time thanks to tries from Rory Scannell, Simon Zebo and Andrew Conway -- all in the same right corner -- with Jason Tovey responding with two penalties and a superb solo seven-pointer.

Penalties from Tovey and replacement Sam Hidalgo-Clyne were the only scores of a nervy second half until centre Saili was driven over for the clinching touchdown.

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Guinness PRO12: Glasgow top after huge win

RFU drafts in Melville to replace outgoing Andrew

3:30 PM GMT

• Martyn Thomas

Rob Andrew will step down from his role as the RFU's director of professional rugby at the end of the season, it was confirmed on Friday.

Andrew resigned from his position having "instigated discussions" with RFU chief executive Ian Ritchie, but has agreed to continue working on the latest agreement with Premiership Rugby.

Andrew joined the RFU in 2006 and has held a variety of roles, leading the negotiations for the existing Heads of Agreement deal between the governing body and the English top-flight clubs.

The former England fly-half took up his current role in 2011 and oversaw a range of the governing body's activities, including regional academies, coaching development and referees.

Andrew said he was proud of the work he had done but felt it was time to step aside.

"After 10 years at the RFU and with the impending conclusion of the second Heads of Agreement, it feels like the right time to step down at the end of the season," he said.

"My role has primarily been to set up a structure that would ultimately deliver long-term success to England through a pipeline of talented players coming through the academy system.

"Bringing together the clubs to support the new academy scheme required recognition from the RFU to reward them to bring on successful academy players and I believe we have achieved this.

"The staff and coaches who have delivered this at both club and England junior level are the unsung heroes and I would like to give them the thanks and recognition they deserve.

"The pipeline is going from strength-to-strength and I believe will deliver Eddie Jones and his coaches the world-class players that England need to ensure increasing success going forward."

Ritchie added: "We are obviously disappointed to see Rob leave the RFU after 10 years which has seen him bring about a great deal of positive change at the professional end of the game in England in that time.

"Improving the relationship between the RFU and the professional clubs has been very important for us and Rob has been instrumental in that process."

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RFU drafts in Melville to replace outgoing Andrew

Rob Andrew to step down from RFU role

3:10 PM GMT

• Martyn Thomas

Rob Andrew will step down from his role as the RFU's director of professional rugby, it was confirmed on Friday.

Andrew resigned from his position following discussions with RFU chief executive Ian Ritchie, but has agreed to continue working on the latest agreement with Premiership Rugby.

More to follow...

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Rob Andrew to step down from RFU role

Bulls put foot down to thrash Force

1:12 PM GMT

The Western Force's losing streak extended to seven matches after copping a 42-20 hiding from the Bulls in Friday night's Super Rugby clash at nib Stadium in Perth.

Inside centre Jan Serfontein and hooker Adriaan Strauss each bagged two tries in the five tries-to-two rout in front of 9247 fans.

Force skipper Matt Hodgson produced yet another Herculean effort in defence, and he was also rewarded with a first-half try.

But it was to no avail as the Bulls unleashed a second-half barrage - piling on 24 points before teh Force scored a try with the last play of the game - to secure the bonus-point win.

The result left the Force with just one win ahead of next week's clash with the Sunwolves in Tokyo.

The Bulls have six wins and a draw from eight games, and they'll be aiming to further cement their status as a title contender when they take on the Brumbies in Canberra next week.

The Force trailed 18-13 at halftime, and they looked threatening early in the second half.

But a yellow card to substitute Brynard Stander in the 53rd minute for pulling down a maul spelt the end of the Force's hopes.

Less than a minute after Stander's exit, Serfontein spun between two tacklers to notch his second try.

And the floodgates opened from that point on, with the Bulls scoring another two tries to secure the bonus point.

Substitute Kyle Godwin scored a try after the final siren, but it was little consolation to the Force.

Free-flowing rugby was the theme of the night in the opening half, with the highlight being an 80m try to the Bulls in the 23rd minute.

Fullback SP Marais started the audacious play, slipping on the turf just 15m from his own try line before shaking off Ian Prior's tackle to send the Bulls forward.

A series of quick passes and sprints got the Bulls into their attacking half, before Serfontein found a gap to race towards the line.

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Bulls put foot down to thrash Force

Scott Williams set for Scarlets return vs. Dragons

12:22 PM GMT

Wales centre Scott Williams will make his first appearance for seven months when the Scarlets take on Newport Gwent Dragons at the Millennium Stadium.

Williams has not featured for his region this season, having suffered a serious knee injury during Wales' 28-25 Rugby World Cup win over England last September.

However, the Scarlets confirmed on Friday that he will start the Judgement Day clash in midfield, alongside Hadleigh Parkes.

Aled Davies, Michael Collins and Lewis Rawlins also come into the side as Wayne Pivac's men attempt to keep their PRO12 playoff hopes alive.

"Europe is at stake for us. We'd like to get a result and hopefully put that to bed," Pivac said, ahead of a game which is expected to be played in front of a 70,000 crowd in Cardiff.

"We know it's going to be a massive occasion, we're looking forward to it like all the other guys are."

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Scott Williams set for Scarlets return vs. Dragons

Chiefs grind out tough win over Sharks

10:29 AM GMT

The Chiefs, outscored three tries to two, clung on to edge out the Sharks 24-22 in New Plymouth on Friday night to stay top of the Super Rugby table.

The South African tourists produced a strong defensive effort to keep their line intact in the second half before closing to within two points with eight minutes to go.

But the Chiefs were able to close out the match and secure their seventh win in a row, twice turning down easy penalty attempts to ensure they hung on to the ball.

The Sharks had beaten the defending champion Highlanders the previous week, but couldn't quite get the result that would have lifted them in the wildcard spot in the South African group.

The Chiefs made a flying start at Yarrow Stadium, centre Seta Tamanivalu bursting through some weak defence to dot down after just 51 seconds.

They grabbed their second try in the 24th minute, with five-eighth Aaron Cruden's long floated pass finding No.8 Michael Leitch out wide.

But the Sharks' tactic of engaging the Chiefs into a kicking duel paid off as they wore the home side down.

The South Africans' dominant lineout maul and strong scrum also came to the fore.

Down 15-3, they got their opening try when hooker Kyle Cooper finished off a clinical lineout drive.

They tied the score 15-15 when another penalty was kicked to the corner and April showed some slick footwork to jink past five defenders to dot down, although he couldn't add the go-ahead conversion.

The Chiefs dominated possession and territory in the second spell, but weren't able crack the Sharks' defence, although three penalties from Cruden gave them the upper hand.

Down 24-15, the Sharks put another penalty into the corner and their lineout drive, which had been a huge weapon, again game up with the goods.

This time, it was substitute hooker Chiliboy Ralepelle who touched down and five-eighth Garth April added the extras to set up a tense finish.

Cruden, who resumed the kicking duties from fullback Damien McKenzie, finished with 14 points after landing five of seven shots at goal.

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Chiefs grind out tough win over Sharks

England confirm Hatley as new scrum coach

12:58 PM GMT

Neal Hatley has been confirmed as England's new scrum coach.

England Rugby announced that 46-year-old Hatley will join Eddie Jones' coaching staff from Aviva Premiership club Bath at the end of this season.

Hatley will work two days a week with the England team, with the rest of his time spent working in the Rugby Football Union's player development pathway.

He becomes the latest recruit to Jones' coaching team, linking up with forwards specialist Steve Borthwick and defence mastermind Paul Gustard.

More to follow...

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England confirm Hatley as new scrum coach

Saints hopeful Hartley will play before season's end

8:47 AM GMT

Northampton Saints are hopeful Dylan Hartley will play for them before the end of the season.

Hartley, who captained England through the Six Nations, was knocked out in the final match of the championship against France. He had an extended spell on the sidelines earlier in the season due to concussion and is still going through the requisite return-to-play protocols after the head knock in Paris.

With England set to tour Australia in June, both the Saints and the national side will hope Hartley is fit to play some part in Northampton's two remaining Aviva Premiership games

"Dylan is going through all the protocols as normal," Northampton coach Alex King said. "Fingers crossed we will see him before the end of the season whereas this weekend I don't know. Certainly, we are hoping to get him back on the pitch as soon as possible.

"I am not sure where he is medically or in terms of cycling and running. I know he is better than he was. He is not full contact training yet.

"The summer tour is still a long way off. Hopefully he will get some game time with us before the end of the season but that will be determined by how the next week goes. I think everyone is in the same boat as regards to Dylan.

"We just want to get him back 100 per cent and whether that's next week, two weeks or three weeks that will be decided by himself and the medical team."

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Saints hopeful Hartley will play before season's end

Warburton reveals dream Lions coaching team

8:19 AM GMT

Sam Warburton has backed Wales coach Warren Gatland to lead the British & Irish Lions to New Zealand in 2017 but has also raised the possibility of Ireland coach Joe Schmidt and Scotland boss Vern Cotter working alongside him.

Gatland coached the Lions to their 2-1 series win in Australia in 2013 and is the favourite to lead the Lions to New Zealand next year. Warburton knows Gatland's coaching capabilities well having worked with him at Wales and the Lions but has also raised the possibility of Schmidt and Cotter joining him for the tour of New Zealand next June.

All three are New Zealand-born and Warburton feels the trio working together could give the Lions a key advantage as they chase their first series win on New Zealand soil since 1971.

"Warren has obviously got the most experience and he knows what Lions tours are all about so I can understand why he would be a lot of people's front runner," Warburton told the Daily Telegraph. "He has also obviously won a Test series before so it puts him in a great position.

"I think the summer tours will have a bit of a bearing and ideally it would be great to pick two or three coaches out of the home nations. From what I have seen I think they are all great coaches. Warren has been the best coach I have played under but it would be great to get the other guys involved.

"It does put them in a strong position, being Kiwis. I think it puts them at an advantage over a coach who has achieved the same things who might be European, for example.

"The fact that they have psychologically a little bit of inside knowledge on the way Kiwis play rugby and how they might approach matches could be quite important."

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Warburton reveals dream Lions coaching team

Imhoff on Argentina's radar for Rio 2016

Quins' Rowntree 'proud' of England Grand Slam

7:59 PM GMT

Graham Rowntree admitted he was "proud" of England's Six Nations Grand Slam, despite accepting frustrations to be watching from the sidelines and not coaching.

Rowntree hailed Eddie Jones' "great job" in dragging England out of their post-World Cup mire, on his unveiling as Harlequins' new forwards coach for next season.

England's former forwards coach tipped Stuart Lancaster to make a quick return to frontline coaching, revealing the World Cup boss is just waiting for the right offer.

Rowntree will join Harlequins in the summer when John Kingston will replace Conor O'Shea as rugby director, with Mark Mapletoft head coach and Nick Easter assuming a player-coach role.

"To be given the opportunity to come and coach here, I couldn't resist, honestly it really excites me," said Rowntree. "I've been speaking to John Kingston on and off for a long time but when he mooted this to me I said 'yes, yes please'. It was a very quick decision.

"I loved the Six Nations, and I was very proud of them winning, because we were so close for such a long time. So for those lads involved in those near-misses, and the whole rugby nation, the whole disappointment of the World Cup, for the rugby nation to have those two trophies, I'm proud."

Rowntree's appointment at Harlequins just leaves Lancaster still seeking coaching work from England's World Cup backroom staff.

England became the worst-performing hosts in World Cup history in October, eliminated from their own tournament after just 16 days.

Lancaster, Andy Farrell, Mike Catt and Rowntree paid with their jobs, with former Australia boss Jones drafted in and since guiding England to the Grand Slam.

Farrell has since been appointed Ireland's defence coach, while Catt will join O'Shea with Italy in the summer.

England felt the frustration of four second-place Six Nations finishes under Lancaster, but Rowntree insists there is no bitterness whatsoever in the new-found success under new boss Jones.

Asked if he felt any frustration in watching England succeed under Jones where they had fallen short under Lancaster, Rowntree said: "Of course, of course. But no resentment, absolutely none. I think they did a great job, the new coaching team.

"We've all moved on. I've moved on. The time since the World Cup has gone very quickly, I had a lot of time with the family, I've watched a lot of rugby, I've probably watched more rugby than ever, looking at it from a different context.

"I was keen to get back coaching as soon as I could, I had an enforced exile from the game, that was well-documented.

"It was a hard period to be honest with you, but I'm not going to dwell on that much, because I learned a lot in that period and I'm going to use that going forward. And you've got to look forward, very quickly, six months down the line, I'm here, I'm refreshed, and ready.

"Fresh to go, ready to start tomorrow, they wouldn't let me by the way. I've got a lot of energy to give the game still, so here I am."

Incoming rugby director Kingston will seek to bolster Quins' recruitment of overseas stars, and appoint a sports psychologist.

The current head coach explained "poacher-turned-gamekeeper" Easter will focus mostly on his role of defence coach next term, while also available to play as required.

Lancaster has already spoken of his interest in coaching in the southern hemisphere, and Rowntree tipped the former England boss to be back in a frontline rugby job in next to no time.

"I'm sure he'll be back in work soon," said Rowntree of Lancaster. "I know he's had various opportunities and offers and he's just picking the right one, like we all are."

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Quins' Rowntree 'proud' of England Grand Slam

Marler hit with two-week ban for foul play

1:12 PM GMT

Harlequins and England prop Joe Marler has been suspended for two weeks for foul play.

Marler was cited following Harlequins' European Challenge Cup semifinal win over Grenoble for kicking Arnaud Heguy.

His case was heard on Wednesday with the disciplinary panel deciding not to take into account his recent two-week suspension for verbal abuse.

The two-week ban means he is free to play in Harlequins' Challenge Cup final against Montpellier on May 13 and it will not impact on England's tour of Australia in June.

"The [disciplinary] committee found that Marler had committed an act of foul play that warranted a red card," a statement from European Professional Club Rugby read. "It determined that the offence was at the low end of World Rugby's sanctions and selected four weeks as the appropriate entry point.

"In deciding to disregard the player's recent suspension as it was of an entirely different nature, the committee then reduced the sanction by two weeks -- 50 per cent of the entry point -- before imposing a suspension of two weeks.

"Marler is free to play on Monday, May 9. Both the player and EPCR have the right to appeal the decision."

Wasps prop Simon Macintyre's was also banned for two weeks after he was cited for kicking Saracens' Maro Itoje in Saturday's Champions Cup semifinal.

Macintyre was handed a four-week suspension but this was reduced by 50 per cent "due to McIntyre's timely apology to Itoje, his clean disciplinary record, good character and good conduct at the hearing".

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Marler hit with two-week ban for foul play

Team GB gets kitted out for Rio 2016

Tom Mitchell (left) models Team GB's Sevens kit alongside Jessica Ennis-Hill, Stella McCartney, Tom Daley and Olivia Breen. 

3:58 PM GMT

• PA Sport and ESPN Staff

Diver Tom Daley reckons the Great Britain kit for the Rio Olympic and Paralympic Games is the best yet.

The adidas kit, designed by Stella McCartney, is red, white and blue, includes the Union Flag and also features a distinctive coat of arms.

The College of Arms, which includes references to all four home nations, has been granted to the British Olympic Association (BOA) and British Paralympic Association (BPA) for use from 2016.

Daley's swimming trunks, which he will wear while plunging off the 10-metres diving platform in a bid to improve on bronze at London 2012, were the smallest item of kit designed.

"This year's kit is just incredible," Daley said at the launch in London. "It's so different to 2012 -- it's even better. Stella has done an amazing job with designing it, in making it functional, yet it still looks amazing.

Team GB unveil the Sevens kits for Rio 2016 - fans of them? http://pic.twitter.com/166SzIka0Z

— ESPN Scrum (@espnscrum) April 27, 2016

"The swimming trunks are definitely the smallest piece of kit. They look great, especially using the coat of arms, especially designed for Team GB. It is something that is going to be iconic for this year and can be used for many Olympics to come."

Daley, along with hepthatlete Jessica Ennis-Hill and cyclist Laura Trott, was part of the design process.

He added: "I was heavily involved in the way the trunks were going to be cut, to ensure you're all in place when doing your dives and nothing goes awry."

Ennis-Hill, who won heptathlon gold on 'Super Saturday' four years ago, said: "It's an amazing design and I think it will give British athletes a massive sense of pride and give us an edge in Rio."

England rugby duo Emily Scarratt and Tom Mitchell were just two of the stars modelling Team GB's new kit in London on Wednesday. The blue and red kits will be worn by both the women and men's rugby sides in Rio when Sevens has its first exposure at the Olympics.

There are 1,679 different items of kit across Team GB and ParalympicsGB and more than 130,000 items for the athletes going to Rio.

The kit was designed in the UK and the manufacturing process saw it finished in the UK. Eleven other countries were involved: Belgium, China, Germany, Indonesia, Pakistan, Philippines, Portugal, Thailand, Tunisia, Turkey and Vietnam.

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Team GB gets kitted out for Rio 2016

Rowntree joins Harlequins in new-look setup

Rowntree joins Quins in new-look setup

2:37 PM GMT

• 

  Tom HamiltonRugby Editor

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  • Joined ESPN in 2011
  • Grew up in Bath but has New Zealand roots
  • Covered England for the past two seasons, including their tour to New Zealand
  • Was ESPN's man on the ground for the 2013 British & Irish Lions series

Former England coach Graham Rowntree has joined Harlequins ahead of next season as part of their new-look backroom set-up.

Director of rugby Conor O'Shea will leave Harlequins at the end of the season to take up the top job at Italy and he will be replaced by current Quins head coach John Kingston. Mark Mapletoft, who played for Quins and returned in a coaching capacity in 2010, will step up to take Kingston's previous role as head coach with Rowntree joining as forwards coach.

Nick Easter, Harlequins' No.8, will shift into a player-coach role next term and will look after the Aviva Premiership side's defence. Collin Osborne continues as skills coach with Tony Diprose promoted to academy and global development director.

For Rowntree, it will be his first full-time role since he left England in the wake of the 2015 Rugby World Cup. Rowntree's appointment means all three of Stuart Lancaster's former backroom staff are now back in coaching with Andy Farrell at Ireland and Mike Catt joining O'Shea at Italy.

"To have the opportunity to coach at such a prestigious and historic club really excites me," Rowntree said. "Harlequins has a very talented playing squad with a wealth of top class experience and a fantastic crop of youngsters. I can't wait to join up with the new coaching group and get started."

The confirmation of Kingston's appointment as Quins' director of rugby comes a little over three months after O'Shea confirmed he was leaving the club at the end of the season.

Quins were linked with a number of coaches including Wayne Smith, Heyneke Meyer and Gregor Townsend as they looked for O'Shea's replacement but opted for an in-house appointment in Kingston who has been with the side since 2001.

"I'm immensely proud of what I have achieved in the last eight years as head coach and taking the role of director of rugby is an exciting and well timed new challenge for me," Kingston said.

"Conor O'Shea will leave a lasting legacy on this club with the success we have achieved over the last six years and it is something I am excited to build on heading into our 150th year. He has made a massive impression on me, the squad, staff and supporters and we know he will be greatly missed by the whole club.

"I'm looking forward to getting the best out of a great group of players and a wonderfully exciting new coaching group during the next era for Harlequins."

Harlequins CEO Dave Ellis added: "When we set out on the journey to find a new director of rugby we were very clear that we needed somebody who would help drive us onto the next level, while building on our style of play and culture that makes us Harlequins.

"After conducting an extensive and thorough search I am delighted to announce John as our new director of rugby. John impressed us all throughout the process. His passion for the club and our style of play, coupled with his great insight and understanding of our game, will stand us in good stead, and convinced us all he is the right man for the job.

"With the announcements today we are able to augment the strength of our current coaching set up with new thinking and freshness to keep us pushing forward with our ambitions."

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Rowntree joins Quins in new-look setup

Rowntree joins Quins in new-look set-up

2:37 PM GMT

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  Tom HamiltonRugby Editor

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  • Joined ESPN in 2011
  • Grew up in Bath but has New Zealand roots
  • Covered England for the past two seasons, including their tour to New Zealand
  • Was ESPN's man on the ground for the 2013 British & Irish Lions series

Former England coach Graham Rowntree has joined Harlequins ahead of next season as part of their new-look backroom set-up.

Director of rugby Conor O'Shea will leave Harlequins at the end of the season to take up the top job at Italy and he will be replaced by current Quins head coach John Kingston. Mark Mapletoft, who played for Quins and returned in a coaching capacity in 2010, will step up to take Kingston's previous role as head coach with Rowntree joining as forwards coach.

Nick Easter, Harlequins' No.8, will shift into a player-coach role next term and will look after the Aviva Premiership side's defence. Collin Osborne continues as skills coach with Tony Diprose promoted to academy and global development director.

For Rowntree, it will be his first full-time role since he left England in the wake of the 2015 Rugby World Cup. Rowntree's appointment means all three of Stuart Lancaster's former backroom staff are now back in coaching with Andy Farrell at Ireland and Mike Catt joining O'Shea at Italy.

"To have the opportunity to coach at such a prestigious and historic club really excites me," Rowntree said. "Harlequins has a very talented playing squad with a wealth of top class experience and a fantastic crop of youngsters. I can't wait to join up with the new coaching group and get started."

The confirmation of Kingston's appointment as Quins' director of rugby comes a little over three months after O'Shea confirmed he was leaving the club at the end of the season.

Quins were linked with a number of coaches including Wayne Smith, Heyneke Meyer and Gregor Townsend as they looked for O'Shea's replacement but opted for an in-house appointment in Kingston who has been with the side since 2001.

"I'm immensely proud of what I have achieved in the last eight years as head coach and taking the role of director of rugby is an exciting and well timed new challenge for me," Kingston said.

"Conor O'Shea will leave a lasting legacy on this club with the success we have achieved over the last six years and it is something I am excited to build on heading into our 150th year. He has made a massive impression on me, the squad, staff and supporters and we know he will be greatly missed by the whole club.

"I'm looking forward to getting the best out of a great group of players and a wonderfully exciting new coaching group during the next era for Harlequins."

Harlequins CEO Dave Ellis added: "When we set out on the journey to find a new director of rugby we were very clear that we needed somebody who would help drive us onto the next level, while building on our style of play and culture that makes us Harlequins.

"After conducting an extensive and thorough search I am delighted to announce John as our new director of rugby. John impressed us all throughout the process. His passion for the club and our style of play, coupled with his great insight and understanding of our game, will stand us in good stead, and convinced us all he is the right man for the job.

"With the announcements today we are able to augment the strength of our current coaching set up with new thinking and freshness to keep us pushing forward with our ambitions."

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Rowntree joins Quins in new-look set-up

Kevin Sinfield announces retirement from rugby

11:57 AM GMT

Kevin Sinfield has announced that he will retire from all forms of rugby at the end of the current rugby union season in May.

The former Leeds and England rugby league captain, who turns 36 in September, switched codes with the Rhinos' sister club Yorkshire Carnegie last November and had another 12 months left on his contract. However, Sinfield announced at a press conference at Headingley on Wednesday his intention to hang up his boots after receiving several job offers.

Sinfield said: "I have been privileged and deeply honoured to have enjoyed a 20-year career as a professional rugby player and to retire on my own terms rather than through injury is something I feel lucky to be able to do.

"I have always said that some day I will need to get a proper job and that day has now come. I have thoroughly enjoyed the last seven months with Yorkshire Carnegie and I would like to thank the coaches, players and supporters for making me feel so welcome.

"I have always given total commitment to every team I have ever played in and, therefore, I have decided to hang up my boots at the end of this season. A number of opportunities have become available to me for life after rugby and I need to make the right decision for me and my family.

"However, before then we have got hopefully four massive games ahead of us, starting this Sunday against a very good Doncaster side at Headingley Carnegie."

Sinfield took up his new sport after guiding the Rhinos to a domestic treble at Old Trafford in October.

Yorkshire Carnegie head coach Bryan Redpath said: "It has been great to have Kevin involved in our squad this season, especially for the large number of young players we have in our group.

"He is a total professional and the example he sets is something that all young players can aspire to. He has had an incredible career in rugby league and it has been great for us to have him finish his career as a Yorkshire Carnegie player.

"He is a natural winner and that attitude and drive will be more important than ever for us as we head into the play-offs looking to book our return to the Aviva Premiership."

Despite missing the start of the season, Sinfield is the leading scorer for Carnegie with 177 points in his 14 appearances so far. He helped the team reach the final of the B&I Cup and a third-place finish in the Greene King IPA Championship.

Carnegie will play Doncaster in a two-legged semi-final, with the aggregate winners progressing to the two-legged final to contest the right for promotion to the Aviva Premiership. Sinfield will be hoping to bow out of rugby union on a high, just as he did in rugby league, in which he left an indelible mark.

In his glittering 19-season professional career in rugby league, Sinfield led Leeds to seven Grand Final victories, back-to-back Challenge Cup triumphs and three World Club Challenge successes.

He scored 3,967 points from 521 appearances for Leeds and won 40 caps for England and Great Britain, captaining his country in the 2013 World Cup, while his career total of 4,231 points, from 569 matches, put him third in the all-time list, behind Neil Fox and Jim Sullivan.

Sinfield, who won the 2012 Golden Boot - the award for the world's best rugby league player - remains England's highest points scorer and currently holds the Super League records for most appearances, goals and points.

He was awarded an MBE in the 2014 Queens' Birthday Honours and was runner-up to Andy Murray in the BBC Sports Personality Awards last December.

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Kevin Sinfield announces retirement from rugby

Team GB's Rio 2016 Sevens kit unveiled

Tom Mitchell (left) models Team GB's Sevens kit alongside Jessica Ennis-Hill, Stella McCartney, Tom Daley and Olivia Breen. 

11:25 AM GMT

The kits Team GB's Sevens sides will wear at Rio 2016 were unveiled on Wednesday.

England duo Emily Scarratt and Tom Mitchell modelled the kit made by adidas and designed by Stella McCartney.

Team GB unveil the Sevens kits for Rio 2016 - fans of them? http://pic.twitter.com/166SzIka0Z

— ESPN Scrum (@espnscrum) April 27, 2016

The blue and red kits, including a newly designed British Coat of Arms, will be worn by both the women and men's Team GB rugby sides at the Summer Games when Sevens has its first exposure at the Olympics.

Bill Sweeney, British Olympics Association CEO, said: "adidas have created yet another iconic look for Team GB. The detail that has gone into the creation of the huge range of technical and leisure products enables us to go to Rio as the best prepared team, with the perfect fusion of performance with style.

"Its eye-catching design means our fans will easily be able to pick out their favourite stars.

"With just 100 days to go this is a real moment of excitement on the journey to Rio."

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Team GB's Rio 2016 Sevens kit unveiled

Team GB's rugby kit for Rio 2016 is unveiled

Tom Mitchell (left) models Team GB's Sevens kit alongside Jessica Ennis-Hill, Stella McCartney, Tom Daley and Olivia Breen. 

11:17 AM GMT

The kits Team GB's Sevens sides will wear at Rio 2016 were unveiled on Wednesday.

England duo Emily Scarratt and Tom Mitchell modelled the kit made by adidas and designed by Stella McCartney.

Team GB unveil the Sevens kits for Rio 2016 - fans of them? http://pic.twitter.com/166SzIka0Z

— ESPN Scrum (@espnscrum) April 27, 2016

The blue and red kits, including a newly designed British Coat of Arms, will be worn by both the women and men's Team GB rugby sides at the Summer Games when Sevens has its first exposure at the Olympics.

Bill Sweeney, British Olympics Association CEO, said: "adidas have created yet another iconic look for Team GB. The detail that has gone into the creation of the huge range of technical and leisure products enables us to go to Rio as the best prepared team, with the perfect fusion of performance with style.

"Its eye-catching design means our fans will easily be able to pick out their favourite stars.

"With just 100 days to go this is a real moment of excitement on the journey to Rio."

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Team GB's rugby kit for Rio 2016 is unveiled

Glasgow star Nakarawa to depart for France

9:15 AM GMT

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  Tom HamiltonRugby Editor

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  • Grew up in Bath but has New Zealand roots
  • Covered England for the past two seasons, including their tour to New Zealand
  • Was ESPN's man on the ground for the 2013 British & Irish Lions series

Glasgow Warriors have suffered a huge blow ahead of next season with their Fijian second-row Leone Nakarawa leaving the club to take up an offer in France.

Nakarawa, one of the stars of last year's Rugby World Cup, has established himself as a key player for Glasgow having made 66 appearances for the Warriors and scored four tries.

He played a prominent role in their charge to the Guinness PRO12 title last season and will leave the Warriors a year before the end of his contract.

"Leone has attracted a lot of interest from other clubs due to the form he's been in over the last year," Glasgow coach Gregor Townsend said. "During the Rugby World Cup a lot of clubs were interested in signing him and although we were looking to retain him, we have now agreed to let Leone leave a year early.

"Right from when there was interest in him I've been fully involved with Scottish Rugby in the discussions with Leone and his agent, and the deal which was subsequently agreed has allowed us to strengthen our squad for next season."

Townsend added: "Leone has been a fantastic player for the club and has been a pleasure to coach. He has worked hard and developed into one of the best second-rows in the world during the past three years.

"He has worked very hard to improve and has shown on numerous occasions how much he cares for his teammates and this club.

"We are looking forward to Leone delivering similar performances as we enter a very exciting run of games at the end of this season."

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Glasgow star Nakarawa to depart for France

Castro suspended after partying with Zlatan

Martin Castrogiovanni, right, told his club he was heading to Argentina for a family matter. 

8:42 AM GMT

French heavyweights Racing 92 have suspended prop Martin Castrogiovanni after he was spotted in Las Vegas last weekend.

The Italian told his club he could not play in their Champions Cup semifinal with Leicester last Sunday because he was attending to a family matter in Argentina.

However, he was pictured in Sin City in the company of players from French football team Paris Saint Germain, including the club's talisman and striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Marco Verratti, Javier Pastore and Salvatore Sirigu.

In a statement, translated from French, Racing said: "Following publication in the media of photographs showing Martin Castrogiovanni in the company of Paris Saint Germain this weekend at a hotel in Las Vegas, while the entire team was in Nottingham to contest a European Cup semifinal, Racing 92 decided to suspend the player as a precautionary measure to launch a legal procedure."

Castrogiovanni's absence appeared not to matter to the Top 14 side as they beat Leicester 19-16 to set up a European final with Aviva Premiership leaders Saracens on May 14.

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Castro suspended after partying with Zlatan

Cheika fires back at Hooper detractors

Racing suspend Castro after Vegas jaunt

Martin Castrogiovanni, right, told his club he was heading to Argentina for a family matter. 

7:41 PM GMT

French heavyweights Racing 92 have suspended prop Martin Castrogiovanni after he was spotted partying in Las Vegas last weekend.

The Italian told his club he could not play in their Champions Cup semifinal with Leicester last Sunday because he was going to see his sick grandmother in Argentina.

However, he was pictured in Sin City in the company of players from French football team Paris Saint Germain, including the club's talisman and striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic.

In a statement, translated from French, Racing said: "Following publication in the media of photographs showing Martin Castrogiovanni in the company of Paris Saint Germain this weekend at a hotel in Las Vegas, while the entire team was in Nottingham to contest a European Cup semifinal, Racing 92 decided to suspend the player as a precautionary measure to launch a legal procedure."

Castrogiovanni's absence appeared not to matter to the Top 14 side as they beat Leicester 19-16 to set up a European final with Aviva Premiership leaders Saracens on May 14.

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Racing suspend Castro after Vegas jaunt

Glasgow stalwart Eddie hangs up boots

12:31 PM GMT

Glasgow Warriors back-rower James Eddie has retired from rugby with immediate effect.

Eddie is currently out with a shoulder injury and has decided to join his family-run Fish and Seafood Merchants.

He retires with 136 appearances to his name for the Warriors and also represented Scotland in Sevens at the 2014 Commonwealth Games.

"It was a tough decision to make as rugby has been such a major part of my life, but following my recent injury I felt it was the right time to hang up the boots and move on to the next chapter," Eddie said. "Some of the memories I have out on the pitch are unbelievable.

"You almost can't compare the club now, to what it was like ten years ago. It's amazing to see how much the club has grown and how the supporters have really got behind the team."

Glasgow Warriors head coach Gregor Townsend added: "James has been a great role model for what the Warriors are all about -- working hard every day to improve himself and also doing all he can to get the best out of his teammates.

"He has also been a great ambassador for the club and is rightly held in high regard from our supporters.

"James has shown resilience in the face of a number of setbacks due to injury and improved year-on-year in his time as a Warrior.

"Reaching 100 caps was a proud day for James and his family against Toulon two seasons ago. We will miss his positive influence around the group and he is someone who will be remembered fondly by everyone at the club."

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Glasgow stalwart Eddie hangs up boots

Dominic Day swaps Bath Rugby for Japan

12:20 PM GMT

Bath second-row Dominic Day will leave the club at the end of the season to take up a contract in Japan.

Day arrived at Bath from the Scarlets in 2012, has since made over 100 appearances for the club and has also won three caps for Wales.

"I've absolutely loved my time with Bath, and will be sad to leave," Day said. "This has been an incredible club to be part of for the last four years, and I'll be watching and cheering the team on from Japan.

"I'd like to thank all the people who I've played with and worked with, and the supporters of Bath, who have been fantastic.

"At this stage in my career, I just felt the time was right for a fresh challenge, and that will certainly be the case in Japan. In the meantime though, I'll be concentrating on doing everything I can to help the team get the results we want in the final two games of the season."

Bath coach Mike Ford added: "Dom has been a great servant to the club in his time here. He's a great player who you know will always give his all for you on the pitch, and is a brilliant character to have in the squad.

"We're sad to see him go, but understand the decision he has made. We wish him all the very best, and I'm sure he'll be a success in Japan."

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Dominic Day swaps Bath Rugby for Japan

Marler and Farrell to learn fates on Wednesday

10:03 AM GMT

England duo Joe Marler and Owen Farrell will face disciplinary panels on Wednesday following Monday's citings.

The duo were cited following last weekend's European semifinals and will appear in front of European Professional Club Rugby disciplinary committee in London.

Marler, who was recently suspended for two weeks for verbal abuse, will face a foul play charge following Harlequins' European Challenge Cup win over Grenoble. Marler is alleged to have kicked Arnaud Heguy.

For Farrell, his charge relates to the tackle on Wasps No.9 Dan Robson in Saturday's Champions Cup semifinal which saw him sin-binned.

Wasps prop Simon Macintyre is also in the dock on Wednesday for allegedly kicking Saracens' Maro Itoje in the same game.

Macintyre was sin-binned for the incident during the match while Itoje has been issued with a citing commisioner's warning which equates to a retrospective yellow card.

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Marler and Farrell to learn fates on Wednesday

Ian Costello leaves Munster for Nottingham

Ian Costello will be charged with steering Nottingham to the top of the Championship. 

7:56 AM GMT

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  Tom HamiltonRugby Editor

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  • Joined ESPN in 2011
  • Grew up in Bath but has New Zealand roots
  • Covered England for the past two seasons, including their tour to New Zealand
  • Was ESPN's man on the ground for the 2013 British & Irish Lions series

Munster assistant coach Ian Costello will leave the province at the end of the season to take up the head coach role at Championship side Nottingham with the news coming just a day after Rassie Erasmus was confirmed as Munster's new director of rugby.

Costello was the province's kicking and defence guru and previously coached their Munster A side. He was present at Nottingham's match against the Cornish Pirates at the weekend and is looking forward to getting started at The Bay.

"I'm delighted to be joining Nottingham and from what I witnessed on Saturday, I think we have a fantastic opportunity next season," Costello said. "The club already has a really strong set-up, with a great team of people both on and off the field.

"I hope to be able to build on that, and working with the coaching and support team already in place, I'm sure we can continue to compete in what is a very tough Championship."

Costello will replace Martin Haag at Nottingham and their CEO Simon Beatham was delighted with the appointment saying he hoped the appointment will herald in a "new era" for the club.

"His coaching experience and pedigree is highly thought of and we know we've picked the right man for the job," Beatham said. "He came through what was a very tough selection and interview process, with a number of other excellent candidates up for the role.

"We feel Ian is a perfect fit for us, with our emphasis on nurturing young talent and putting players on that developmental pathway, as well as leading the next phase for Nottingham Rugby in the Championship."

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Ian Costello leaves Munster for Nottingham

Wallaby Tomane could miss England series

Munster appoint Erasmus as director of rugby

3:09 PM GMT

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  Tom HamiltonRugby Editor

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  • Grew up in Bath but has New Zealand roots
  • Covered England for the past two seasons, including their tour to New Zealand
  • Was ESPN's man on the ground for the 2013 British & Irish Lions series

Rassie Erasmus has been confirmed as Munster's new director of rugby on a three-year deal.

Erasmus, who won 36 caps for the Springboks, joins Munster after stints with the Cheetahs, Stormers and a role as South Africa's high performance manager.

"It is a huge honour to have been appointed by Munster Rugby in the newly created role of director of rugby," Erasmus said with him taking up the post on Jul. 1. "It is an opportunity which comes with a huge responsibility not only to the club who has a proud 137-year history, but also the supporters and the wider community.

"It is a challenge which I humbly accepted but with a clear desire to use all my past experience as a player, coach and administrative High Performance manager, to make Munster Rugby one of the top rugby clubs in Europe.

"The decision was ultimately a personal one which I made with my family in what we believe is the right time and without a doubt the best Club to experience something different as part of our personal goals we have set."

Munster are yet to confirm whether Erasmus will bring in his backroom staff with current head coach Michael Foley contracted until 2017.

Of Erasmus' role, Munster CEO Garrett Fitzgerald said: "The director of rugby role will lead Munster's senior team, academy and coaches to deliver Munster's Strategic Plan with ultimate responsibility for team performance and results. The role will have overall responsibility for defining on field strategy and ensuring its implementation."

He added: "In recruiting Rassie we are securing the services of a world-class individual who was the stand out candidate for this newly created position.

"In addition to his extensive playing and coaching experience Rassie's current role has afforded him the opportunity to develop his skill-set further, garnering invaluable knowledge and expertise while implementing an all-encompassing rugby programme which will be key to this role."

Erasmus will take up his new position with Munster after the Springboks' June Test series against Ireland and SARU CEO Jurie Roux has paid tribute to him.

"I'd like to thank Rassie for the massive contribution he has made in establishing the rugby department and ensuring SA Rugby remain leaders on and off the field," said Roux. "It will be difficult to replace Rassie, but we'll make an appointment in due course.

"The rugby department is functioning extremely well with experts at all levels ensuring the department runs smoothly on a daily basis.

"Hopefully this will not be the end of Rassie's contribution to rugby in South Africa. He's done so much, as a player, team manager and coach for various teams in South Africa, and in the last four years at SA Rugby. We'd like to wish him well for his future endeavours."

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Munster appoint Erasmus as director of rugby

SARU banned from bidding for major tournaments

1:09 PM GMT

The South African Rugby Union will not be permitted to host or bid for any major international tournament after failing to meet transformation targets, according to the country's sports minister Fikile Mbalula.

Mbalula confirmed the news on Monday with the decision set to be reviewed next year.

The news came off the back of Mbalula receiving the annual transformation report from the eminent persons group (EPG).

While football has met the target, Mbalula said of other sports: "I have resolved to revoke the privilege of Athletics South Africa (ASA), Cricket South Africa (CSA), Netball South Africa (NSA) and South African rugby (SARU) to host and bid for major and mega international tournaments."

This decision will be reviewed when considering the results of the 2016/2017 Transformation Barometer. #EPGreport

— RSA Min of Sport (@MbalulaFikile) April 25, 2016

The news could affect South Africa's plans to bid for the 2023 Rugby World Cup after they were confirmed as one of four interested parties alongside Ireland, Italy and France. SARU CEO Jurie Roux said the organisation will seek further clarification from Mbalula over the implications of Monday's announcement.

"We understand and support the Minister's urgency in addressing the issue of transformation," Roux said. "There is no question that we have more work to do and we could be moving faster, but our sport has undergone a major overhaul in how we do business and how we measure ourselves in the past two or three years and we have definitely made great progress.

"Transformation is a key strategic imperative for SA Rugby to remain competitive and to survive in the sports landscape in our country. Our barometer for 2015 shows that we have achieved our target in 11 out of 13 dimensions as agreed with government.

"We have made further progress on and off the field in 2016 to date and over the coming months our commitment to transformation will become even more evident. We are confident that the suspension will be lifted at the next reporting of the EPG."

The winning bid for the 2023 World Cup will be confirmed in May 2017 but Monday's announcement will not impact on existing international events such as Super Rugby, the June Test series, the Rugby Championship Test programme or the HSBC Cape Town Sevens.

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SARU banned from bidding for major tournaments

French side apologise after barbecuing trophy

12:21 PM GMT

French amateur side Chamalieres have apologised after they were roundly condemned for burning the trophy they received for winning an Auvergne regional title.

Chamalieres beat Cisternes 23-6 in Saturday's final of the 2eme Serie, the region's fourth-tier competition, to crown their 50th anniversary season in style.

But, a matter of hours later, their triumph gave way to shame as the players celebrated with a barbecue and a photograph emerged on Snapchat, the photo-sharing app, of the wooden trophy smoking in the embers.

Auvergne Rugby Committee official Jean-Yves Dijol took them to task with a post on his Facebook page which began: "A little personal message to our 'friends' in Chamalieres..." Dijol wrote: "This piece of wood (represents) a history shared by all the rugby players of our region. (It) belongs to nobody, and especially not to those who do not respect the values of the oval ball.

"After the excellent regional finals, where hundreds of volunteers worked hard for you and so that rugby can grow, this hurts."

In a statement released by Chamalieres, club president Michel Lafarge said: "On Saturday, I felt for the third time the great joy of a regional title with my lifelong club.

"This morning, my sadness is infinite and I do not know what the future of the club will be.

"In a matter of hours, these unthinkable actions plunged the club into total disarray, into a feeling of incredulity, incomprehension and shame.

"I am truly sorry for this situation and wish to present my apologies to all friends of Chamalieres rugby."

Lafarge also promised the club would fund the provision of a replacement trophy.

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French side apologise after barbecuing trophy

SARU banned from hosting major tournaments

11:35 AM GMT

The South African Rugby Union will not be permitted to host or bid for any major international tournament after failing to meet transformation targets, according to the country's sports minister Fikile Mbalula.

Mbalula confirmed the news on Monday with the decision set to be reviewed next year.

The news came off the back of Mbalula receiving the annual transformation report from the eminent persons group (EPG).

While football has met the target, Mbalula said of other sports: "I have resolved to revoke the privilege of Athletics South Africa (ASA), Cricket South Africa (CSA), Netball South Africa (NSA) and South African rugby (SARU) to host and bid for major and mega international tournaments."

This decision will be reviewed when considering the results of the 2016/2017 Transformation Barometer. #EPGreport

— RSA Min of Sport (@MbalulaFikile) April 25, 2016

The news could affect South Africa's plans to bid for the 2023 Rugby World Cup after they were confirmed as one of four interested parties alongside Ireland, Italy and France.

SARU CEO Jurie Roux, speaking in June 2015, confirmed South Africa's interest in hosting rugby's premier tournament, saying: "We know there will be stiff competition, having bid for the past three tournaments to be awarded, but we also know we have a compelling offering for the world game and its followers: a tournament set against a backdrop of a stunning landscapes in magnificent stadiums against a passionate and knowledgeable audience.

"We believe there is no other 'tour' like a South African rugby tour and we want the world to experience it once more."

The winning bid for the 2023 World Cup will be confirmed in May 2017.

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SARU banned from hosting major tournaments

Bath confirm RFU approach for Neal Hatley

8:27 AM GMT

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  Tom HamiltonRugby Editor

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  • Joined ESPN in 2011
  • Grew up in Bath but has New Zealand roots
  • Covered England for the past two seasons, including their tour to New Zealand
  • Was ESPN's man on the ground for the 2013 British & Irish Lions series

Bath's Mike Ford has confirmed the Rugby Football Union has made an approach for their coach Neal Hatley.

Hatley, who looks after Bath's defence and forwards, has been lined up as England's new scrum guru, a role Ian Peel filled on a temporary basis during the Six Nations. Hatley still has three years left on his Bath deal but Ford will not stand in his way if he wants to join Eddie Jones' setup.

"There's nothing sorted, they've just approached us. I'm pleased for Hats," Ford said in the Bath Chronicle after their win over Sale at the weekend. "Obviously, he's been recognised for his work here over the last three or four years.

"Just like a player playing international rugby, he has ambitions as well. He's a fantastic coach. The players love him, they really do.

"Scrummaging is his forte, but he's done the defence for us this year and the contact area as well. It would be a big loss for us if he left, but an opportunity for me to have a look at our coaching set-up and the roles and responsibilities in that.

"With every door that shuts, another one opens."

Bath forward David Denton said Hatley would be a "massive loss for Bath" but added the potential job offer from the RFU is a "massive compliment to him as a coach and a person".

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Bath confirm RFU approach for Neal Hatley

Carter: Saracens are Champions Cup favourites

Carter steers Racing 92 into uncharted waters

Crusaders ease past Brumbies to win seven straight

9:12 AM GMT

The Brumbies slumped to a record low in Canberra when smashed 40-14 by the rampaging Crusaders in their Super Rugby clash on Sunday.

The 26-point defeat is the ACT club's biggest-ever at GIO Stadium, surpassing by one point their previous worst loss to the Chiefs just three weeks ago.

For the Crusaders, who earned a bonus-point, it was their seventh consecutive victory and sixth straight against the Brumbies dating back to 2009.

It sends Brumbies coach Stephen Larkham's men (5-3) back into the middle of the Australasian Group, one behind new Australian conference leaders the Melbourne Rebels, who beat the Cheetahs on Friday to go 5-3 for the season.

Errors proved the Brumbies downfall, with the classy Crusaders taking advantage of almost every turnover in front of a healthy crowd of 16,418.

Little seemed to go the Brumbies' way - especially in the first half, when the hosts managed just one try to the Crusaders' four.

The visitors pounced on every mistake and got the points to show for it, with the always-damaging man mountain centre Nemani Nadalo, Jone Macilai, Israel Dagg and Codie Taylor all crossing over for a 26-7 lead at the break.

Robbie Coleman's effort in the 10th minute was all the Brumbies could muster.

The Brumbies carried some late momentum into the second half with Joe Tomane scoring in the 45th minute, but another turnover led to Taylor's second try moments later.

Marty McKenzie's five-pointer in the 65th extended the lead to 40-14 and sealed the victory.

The Brumbies travel to Invercargill, New Zealand, to play the Highlanders on Saturday, while the Crusaders have the bye.

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Crusaders ease past Brumbies to win seven straight

Saracens hungry for Euro success - Barritt

6:56 PM GMT

Brad Barritt admits it will be "the icing on the cake" if Saracens are crowned European champions this season.

A 24-17 semifinal victory over Aviva Premiership rivals Wasps at the Madejski Stadium means Saracens will face Leicester or Racing 92 in Lyon on May 14.

It will be Saracens' second European final appearance in three seasons, but England international centre Barritt has no doubt that his team will remain grounded during the build-up.

"In terms of frustrations in the past, by no means have we won anything yet," Saracens skipper Barritt said. "There is still this hunger and desire within this team. We now have a final to look forward to and prepare for.

"The pleasing thing with this team is the resilience. The things we speak about at length, but more importantly put into practice. We know that every team is going to have their 'golden moment' in a game, and it's about staying focused for your next task. That's what we did -- we applied the pressure.

"The hugely-pleasing thing about this team is that there are on-field generals across the pitch. There are guys who are leading in their own departments and are making a stand and helping and coaching each other off the ball.The resilience within the squad is huge.

"It [winning the European Champions Cup] has been a driving force for us for five seasons now. We've slowly edged our way closer and closer. We've gone from qualifying to a quarterfinal, two semifinals and a final.

"It would be the icing on the cake to lift the trophy, but we are not there yet and we are not going to talk about it until it happens. But it's a huge driving force, and this team is very hungry for that success."

Saracens took another giant stride towards a possible domestic and European double, although the Premiership leaders were tested physically by a resilient Wasps side.

But flanker Michael Rhodes' first-half score, which was followed by a penalty try that Owen Farrell converted as part of a 14-point haul, proved enough.

Wasps led through an early Dan Robson try and substitute hooker Ashley Johnson touched down late on, with fly-half Jimmy Gopperth kicking both conversions and a penalty, but Saracens dominated large chunks of possession and territory and were worthy winners.

Saracens rugby director Mark McCall added: "I thought we were brilliant today. We were physical and intelligent in the way we played the game, but we couldn't get away on the scoreboard.

"We knew our set-piece was going to be important. Our scrum was outstanding all the way through the game, and our defensive line-out was outstanding too. It was a great effort by the forwards, but a great effort by everybody.

"There were times today when we could have got a little bit frustrated -- obviously after one minute when you are seven points behind -- but we felt we dominated the rest of the half."

Wasps rugby director Dai Young said: "They had a bit of a stranglehold on us in the first half, and you have got to give them a lot of credit. We struggled to break Saracens' defence down, but we kept on playing.

"We have come a long way in a relatively short space of time and maybe their experience over the last couple of years in some big semifinals perhaps gave them a little bit of an edge."

And Wasps captain James Haskell added: "When you play a game like that, you get the initial disappointment, but we gave it everything we had.

"Credit to Saracens, they are a team that plays that strangling rugby a lot of the time, and it is very difficult to make inroads. When we did, we looked very dangerous.

"They see an opportunity. If you are on the front foot going at them, then that kinds of stops them, but if you don't, it kind of plays a little bit into their hands and it is very difficult to deal with."

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Saracens hungry for Euro success - Barritt

Itoje's star continues to rise

Stormers leave it late to see of Reds

3:39 PM GMT

The Stormers came from behind to secure a 40-22 Super Rugby victory over the Reds at Newlands.

The Reds were leading going into the final quarter but the hosts came back for their sixth win from eight this season while their opponents have only one victory to their name.

Kobus van Wyk, Leolin Zas, Nic Groom and Vincent Koch scored the Stormers' four tries while JP du Plessis and Brandon Thomson kicked 20 points between them.

Liam Gill, Karmichael Hunt and Eto Nabuli crossed for the Reds, for whom Jake McIntyre landed seven points with the boot.

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Stormers leave it late to see of Reds

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Sunwolves record first Super Rugby victory

Marler didn't kick Heguy in head - O'Shea

10:00 PM GMT

Conor O'Shea insists Joe Marler did not kick Grenoble hooker Arnaud Heguy in the head and does not deserve another ban.

Marler could be back in hot water with rugby's authorities after appearing to kick out at Heguy during Harlequins' 30-6 victory over Grenoble in Friday's European Challenge Cup semi-final.

The England prop was playing his first game following a two-week ban for his "Gypsy boy" slur against Wales' Samson Lee, but courted fresh controversy, clashing with Heguy in the 26th minute.

"It was not a boot, it was nowhere near a boot -- it was a shin," said O'Shea, with Marler in danger of a ban that could jeopardise his place on England's June tour to Australia.

"Any test for a citing has to pass the red-card test. Should he do it? No. Is it a red card? No.

"It's disappointing to have to talk about it because I thought his scrummaging was excellent. But he is under the microscope.

"Things happen, we never condone it but if that is a red card there's a heck of a lot of things that happen on the pitch that are worse.

"So I'd focus on the positives, I'll have a word with him, but there are things happen on the ground. He got up, he did something, but it wasn't a red card."

Citing commissioner Iain Goodall now has 48 hours to determine whether Marler should face a disciplinary hearing for the incident.

Jamie Roberts, Nick Evans and George Lowe claimed the tries that sent Quins into their first European final since 2011, where they will face the winners of Saturday's Montpellier's clash with Newport Gwent Dragons.

O'Shea's side could yet be without Marler for the final in Lyon on May 13 if he does face another suspension, but Quins' rugby director offered a staunch defence of his player after Friday's victory at The Stoop.

Marler initially escaped censure for his taunts against prop Lee in England's 25-21 Six Nations victory over Wales at Twickenham on March 12.

Global governing body World Rugby later intervened and called a misconduct hearing, however, dissatisfied with the leniency of Six Nations and RFU bosses. Marler admitted the charge and was banned for two matches and fined £20,000.

The loosehead prop had only just returned from that suspension for Quins' last-four European tussle at The Stoop on Friday night, and has appeared to waste little time in courting further controversy.

"Joe will be fine, he'll be disappointed that attention was drawn to him again," said O'Shea. "But when you're a marked man you're a marked man. People probably look more for things when Joe Marler's involved than with others, but that's life.

"He needs to control his emotion, it is an aggressive game and you need to control your discipline."

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Marler didn't kick Heguy in head - O'Shea

Preview: Leicester vs. Racing 92

11:10 AM GMT

Leicester vs. Racing 92

The City Ground, Nottingham.

Sunday, 15.15 BST

Sunday's semifinal will see Leicester Tigers and Racing face off in European competition for the first time in their history. With both sides sitting fourth in the Aviva Premiership and Top 14 respectively, this should be a real humdinger of a tie: Racing have conceded the least tries in the competition while Leicester have scored the most. And with them possessing the competition's top two leading scorers -- Dan Carter and Freddie Burns --Nottingham could be in for a classic.

Team news

Opeti Fonua is given the nod at No.8 for the Tigers while Lachlan McCaffrey and Mike Fitzgerald are named in the back-row. Mathew Tait captains the team from fullback with Manu Tuilagi joining Peter Betham in the centres. Racing 92 have Dan Carter at fly-half with Maxime Machenaud captaining the team at No.9. Johan Goosen will offer a kicking option from No.13 with Luke Charteris and Francois van der Merwe packing down in the second-row.

Key head-to-head

Former All Black Dan Carter has been mercurial since joining Racing after the Rugby World Cup. Richard Cockerill and his Tigers coaching staff have been busy making plans to keep the reigning World Player of the Year quiet. Carter is currently the competition's top scorer, although Tigers counterpart Freddie Burns is only five points behind him. Don't be surprised if this tie is settled with the boot.

Key stats

*Leicester are the only side in this season's Champions Cup to achieve a success rate of 90% or better at both the scrum (91%) and the lineout (92%).

*Dan Carter has missed just one of 20 shots at goal in the Champions Cup this season, giving him the best success rate (95%) of any of the 24 players to attempt 10+ place kicks.

*Racing have conceded the fewest tries (7) of any team in the competition this season. Leicester, meanwhile, have scored the most (30).

Form guide

Leicester - WLWWW

Racing 92 - LLWWL

Odds

Racing have been given odds-on status to win the match, with bet365 pricing them at 8/13 to qualify for the final. Carter and Co are 4/6 to win the tie in the normal 80 minutes, while you can get 6/5 on a Tigers victory after 80 minutes. Cockerill's side are also priced 6/5 to reach the final.

Prediction

Leicester were rampant last time out in the competition as they put five tries past a hapless Stade Francais in their quarterfinal clash at Welford Road. Racing, though, are battle-hardened: their testing 19-16 last eight win over Toulon will stand them in good stead. Will home-ish advantage be enough to see Leicester over the line? Only if they can subdue Carter. Racing to win by 1-5 points.

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Preview: Leicester vs. Racing 92

Saracens vs. Wasps - ECC semifinal preview

11:06 AM GMT

Saracens vs. Wasps

Madejski Stadium, Reading

Sunday, 15.15 BST

Saturday's all-English European Champions Cup semifinal will be the third time that Saracens and Wasps have faced each other this season -- and it's tightly poised. Reading will play host to top against second in the Aviva Premiership as both sides aim for that coveted European final spot. Sarries beat Wasps in Coventry just after Christmas but Dai Young's side gained domestic revenge with a huge victory at the Allianz in February. Now, they clash for the first time in European competition.

Team news

Saracens have their England contingent all starting with Owen Farrell at fly-half, Mako Vunipola at loose-head, Billy Vunipola at No.8, Alex Goode at fullback, Chris Ashton on the wing and George Kruis and Maro Itoje packing down in the second-row. Michael Rhodes gets the nod at blindside with Brad Barritt captaining the side at inside centre. For Wasps, James Haskell captains the team while Lorenzo Cittadini is at tighthead, Bradley Davies packs down alongside Joe Launchbury and Jake Cooper-Woolley and Kearnan Myall miss out.

Key head-to-head

Nathan Hughes' battle against Billy Vunipola at No.8 should be mouthwatering. Vunipola is the man in charge of the England No.8 shirt at present but Hughes is seen as the man who may dethrone the Saracens back-rower when he qualifies for England. The gainline battle will go a long way to deciding this match and that head-to-head should be fascinating.

Key stats

*Saracens have won just one of four previous Champions Cup semifinals, beating Clermont 46-6 in 2014 -- the biggest margin of victory in a tournament semifinal.

*This will be Wasps' third Champions Cup semifinal appearance; they won both previous matches at this stage and went on to lift the trophy on both occasions in 2004 and 2007.

*Saracens remain undefeated in the Champions Cup this season; no side has ever won the competition after winning all of their pool games.

Form guide

Saracens - LWWWW

Wasps - WWWWW

Odds

Despite Wasps heading into the clash in slightly better form, it is Saracens who favourites with bet365 pricing them at 4/9 to win the match -- and 2/5 to qualify for the final. Young's men are currently 7/4 to win the match in 80 minutes.

Prediction

Wasps simply do not know when to give in; Jimmy Gopperth's last-gasp conversion saw them clinch victory over Exeter in one of the most memorable European Cup quarterfinals in history earlier in April. However, Saracens may just have too much clash for them on this occasion. Mark McCall's side to win by four.

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Saracens vs. Wasps - ECC semifinal preview

Bath suspend Alafoti Faosiliva

9:42 AM GMT

Bath have suspended their Samoa international back-row forward Alafoti Faosiliva.

The Aviva Premiership club said in a statement that 30-year-old Faosiliva had appeared at Bath Magistrates' Court on Thursday and pleaded guilty to assault.

"Bath Rugby can confirm that Alafoti Faosiliva appeared at Bath Magistrates' Court yesterday and pleaded guilty to assault, with sentencing due in early May," the club said. "The club takes matters such as this very seriously.

"It does not condone behaviour of this sort, and can confirm that Faosiliva has been suspended pending conclusion of the judicial process.

"Bath Rugby will not be making any further comment until the conclusion of this process."

Faosiliva joined Bath in 2013. He has won 15 caps for Samoa, including makiing two appearances at last year's World Cup when he lined up against the United States and Scotland.

Bath have three Premiership games left this season, hosting Sale Sharks on Saturday before visiting Northampton and then concluding their campaign at home to Leicester on May 7.

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Bath suspend Alafoti Faosiliva

PRO12 needs radical overhaul - Shane Williams

Jones encourages English coaches to go abroad

7:57 AM GMT

Eddie Jones has urged English coaches to look abroad to aid their development.

There are four southern hemisphere coaches currently in charge of the Home Nations but it is a rarity to see English coaches leaving the country to go in search of inspiration abroad.

Stuart Lancaster, the former England coach, has spoken of his wish of coaching in the southern hemisphere and Jones -- who has coached in England, Australia, South Africa and Japan -- believes more should embrace the challenge of managing overseas.

"I think it is really important that English coaches do it," Jones told BBC Five Live. "I think the Premiership here has been very strong but it is quite insular and they need to get English coaches to coach overseas.

"There are good things in New Zealand rugby, there are some good things in Australian rugby and good things in South African rugby. For English coaches to experience that I think would definitely help their development."

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Jones encourages English coaches to go abroad