Ospreys wing Giles facing knee surgery

7:13 PM BST

Ospreys wing Keelan Giles faces knee surgery after being hurt while in PRO14 action.

Giles, 19, was carried off during Ospreys' victory over the Dragons last Friday.

"Keelan has sustained a significant knee ligament injury and will require reconstructive surgery," Ospreys' medical performance manager Chris Towers said in a statement released by the Welsh region.

"We are currently in the process of seeking expert opinion to formulate the best course of management going forward, and will provide appropriate updates when necessary."

Although Giles is uncapped at senior Test level, he has been on the Wales coaching staff's radar for some time, and is viewed by many pundits as a challenger to make Wales' 2019 World Cup squad.

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Ospreys wing Giles facing knee surgery

RWC 2023: What gives South Africa the edge?

Gatland relishing scrum session with England

3:03 PM BST

Wales boss Warren Gatland has described next week's planned forwards training session with England as "a great idea."

The contested set piece work-out in Bristol will be staged five days before both countries launch their autumn Test schedules, with England hosting Argentina and Wales entertaining Australia.

The session will be overseen by top Welsh referee Nigel Owens, who controlled the 2015 Rugby World Cup final between New Zealand and Australia.

"It originated out of a conversation I had with [England forwards coach] Steve Borthwick about three or fours weeks ago, just floating the idea about whether he would be interested in meeting halfway for a session," Wales head coach Gatland said.

"He said he would need to check it with [England head coach] Eddie [Jones] and clear it with him, and he came back and said it was all go.

"Given our proximity, it is a great idea to be able to do that. We are looking forward to it. It should be good for both teams.

"I think it will be well managed. We are doing some lineouts against each other, then have a good scrummaging session. Both sets of forwards need to get as much out of it as possible.

"If we both get something out of it, it is definitely something that we could look at for the future, maybe before summer tours.

"If we can both benefit out of it, and it means that going forward it is going to help both [countries'] preparations for the World Cup and hopefully success in the World Cup, it is something we should look to do.

"We will see how Monday goes, and hopefully it is a good experience for both sets of forwards."

Gatland last week named a 36-man squad for the autumn Tests against Australia, Georgia, New Zealand and South Africa, with most public selection debate likely to revolve around Wales' 10-12 axis, given that vastly-experienced centres Jamie Roberts and Scott Williams were both left out.

The Australia clash will be Gatland's first in charge of Wales for more than a year -- he spent the 2016-17 season on British and Irish Lions duty -- and he is relishing the start of a 24-month World Cup countdown.

"I am very excited," he added. "We spoke last week about the countdown of the next two years.

"I need to stress we can win the World Cup. We know we need to stay healthy and not pick up too many injuries.

"What is exciting for us about this group of players is their age-profile and experience. We should be able to go in with a fantastic balance of youth and experience."

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Gatland relishing scrum session with England

South Africa wants to host 'triple win' World Cup

South Africa earns 2023 RWC recommendation

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European review: Player of the week, flop & more

Gloucester secure dramatic West Country derby win

Leicester's late surge breaks Falcons resistance

5:24 PM BST

Three second-half penalties from George Ford and a late Jonny May try finally ended Newcastle's resistance as Leicester Tigers beat the Falcons 30-10 in front of a sell-out 10,100 crowd at Kingston Park.

Ford clocked up 15 points, converting all three of the Tigers tries by Telusa Veainu, Ben Youngs and May and also kicked three penalties after the Falcons had battled their way back into the game.

The Tigers looked set for a comfortable half-time lead after scoring two tries in the space of seven minutes with Veainu scoring a cracker and making it easy for Youngs to add the second and Ford converting both to make it 14-3.

But Newcastle hit back right on half-time through a Vereniki Goneva try and with Toby Flood converting and kicking a penalty it was 14-10 at the break.

Both sides showed early intent Flood kicking a penalty to the corner to set up an attacking line-out and Ford doing the same for Leicester.

But Newcastle made a mess of their line-out while the Tigers ruthlessly did not with slick passing setting up Veainu to score a quite breathtaking try standing up a bewildered Falcons defence with a weaving run.

Ford converted and despite a 14th-minute penalty from Flood the Falcons slipped further behind when Veainu stepped inside the tackle again and popped the ball up for the simplest of tries for Ben Youngs, converted by Ford in the 18th minute and the Tigers led 14-3.

Newcastle were struggling with the pace of the game but their real problem was the number of high-tackle penalties they were conceding while their first-up tackling was also suspect.

The Tigers were clearly in control with Newcastle unable to retain the ball for any length of time, but they finally got it right with less than a minute from half-time with the ball moved along the line and back inside for Mathew Tait to swap passes with Goneva and the big winger scored easily, Flood converting for 14-10 at the break.

A Flood penalty two minutes into the second half made it 14-13 and it was anybody's game with a ferocious battle raging over the ball at the breakdown.

Ironically, it was a simple offside behind the scrum that led to a 50-metre penalty from Ford to edge the Tigers 17-13 ahead in the 52nd minute and the England fly-half was on target again in 65th and 69th minutes when Newcastle folded at the scrum and transgressed with another high tackle.

At 23-13 it looked enough for a Tigers victory and May charged over in the corner with Ford converting to wrap it up.

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Leicester's late surge breaks Falcons resistance

Quins hold on win 11-try Worcester thriller

Lions dossier, scrum session shine light on Jones' plan

Injury scare for England trio in Wasps win

Daly injured as Wasps beat Saints

5:33 PM BST

Injuries to Elliot Daly and Matt Mullan were the only blemishes as Wasps continued to display signs of revival after a troubled start to the season in a 38-22 Aviva Premiership victory over Northampton.

Daly failed to appear for the second half at Franklin's Gardens after sustaining a problem to his right knee before Mullan departed nursing a left shoulder complaint.

Adding to England's list of casualties was Piers Francis, the Northampton playmaker who had to be helped from the pitch in the closing moments.

All three have been named in England's training squad for their autumn series opener against Argentina at Twickenham on Nov. 11 and are due to attend next week's training camp in Portugal.

Injury-hit Wasps hardly needed fresh admissions into their treatment room but could at least celebrate a second successive victory that continues to place their five-match losing run in the rear view mirror.

The Premiership runners-up were more like the team that illuminated the top-flight over the last two seasons, crossing through Christian Wade, Ashley Johnson, Josh Bassett and Juan de Jongh to claim a bonus point.

Northampton slipped to a fourth successive defeat and there was a hint of controversy over the first of their two tries, but Wasps were also to blame for Ahsee Tuala dashing over in the 18th minute.

Willie le Roux failed to find touch and Ben Foden counter-attacked, making room on the short side and aided by a minor block by Jamie Gibson on Jamie Haskell before feeding Tuala the scoring pass.

It was a well-worked try, but as the half hour mark approached Northampton trailed 9-8 after indiscipline had enabled Jimmy Gopperth to land three penalties.

A frantic passage of play ended with a Wasps try that had a comical ending at odds with the thrilling build up that began when Daly and Wade attacked before Tuala and Nafi Tuitavake brought Franklin's Gardens to its feet with a riposte.

Thomas Young pounced for a turnover close to his line, however, and when Johnson kicked ahead Wade was able to gather the ball at a stroll in the absence of any Saints defence and touch down.

Wasps were denied a legitimate try by the linesman's flag as replays showed scrum-half Dan Robson's footwork to be precise as he darted down the narrowest of blindsides and they could feel doubly aggrieved as Foden was sin-binned for a deliberate knock-on as the line beckoned.

Foden's absence resulted in Northampton's defence being expertly stretched to breaking point, man of the match Guy Thompson making a tackle-busting down one wing before a long scoring pass from le Roux to Johnson exploited the space down the other.

Two penalties from Francis narrowed the lead to 21-17 but Bassett side-stepped his way over after superb approach work from Gopperth and Joe Launchbury.

De Jongh showed strength to post Wasps' fourth try, but it was Saints who had the final word through a terrific solo touch down by Harry Mallinder.

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Daly injured as Wasps beat Saints

Saracens beat Irish to go top

5:26 PM BST

Owen Farrell scored 19 points as Saracens moved back to the top of the Aviva Premiership with a bonus point 44-13 win over London Irish at Allianz Park.

Mako Vunipola forced his way over in an opening half which saw Farrell miss three attempts at goal but still manage a conversion and two penalties.

The England fly-half converted his own try after the break though as Liam Williams and Chris Wyles ensured the bonus point before two late Nathan Earle scores.

David Paice managed a consolation score for Irish but Saracens remain unbeaten at home in the league since March 2016.

Fly-half Tommy Bell knocked over an early penalty but a powerful run by Vunipola soon had the home side ahead following some poor Irish tackling.

Farrell added the conversion but then missed his next two penalties as Saracens struggled to make their possession pay -- and in a rare venture into the Saracens half, London Irish earned a second penalty and Bell reduced the deficit to a single point on the half hour.

Saracens fly-half Farrell sent his third penalty of the afternoon wide of the uprights before eventually adding to the home side's points tally on 32 minutes.

London Irish then saw second row Paul Teofilo sent to the sin bin for an off-the-ball tackle.

The hosts kicked for the corner and earned a penalty in front of the posts which Farrell slotted to give Saracens a 13-6 advantage at the break.

And after a disappointing first 40 by his own high standards, it was Farrell who popped up to take an offload from winger Williams to give Saracens' their first try of the second half.

Irish skipper Paice pulled a try back from a powerful driving maul on 50 minutes, with Bell's conversion reducing the deficit to seven points.

However, the two-time European champions were soon back on the front foot as Williams took advantage of space out on the right wing to cross the tryline.

Farrell added the extras and a moment of magic from Andy Goode, who collected his own chip over the Irish defence, set up Wyles for the bonus point score.

Wyles turned provider as he cut an excellent line through the Irish defence with 65 minutes gone, allowing Nathan Earle to dot down unopposed.

And the replacement demonstrated his speed again as he burst through for his second try in the final moments.

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Saracens beat Irish to go top

LIVE: Wasps look to 'kick on' at Saints

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LIVE: Wasps look to 'kick on' at Saints

England to meet Wales for scrum session

12:24 PM BST

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  ESPN staff

England will meet Wales in Bristol for a competitive scrum session ahead of the autumn internationals as Eddie Jones looks to improve his side's set piece.

Jones warned his players Thursday to expect "chaos in the house" on the road to the 2019 Rugby World Cup and he believes the set piece is an area they can improve as they attempt to depose champions New Zealand.

International referee Nigel Owens has been lined up to officiate the session a week on Monday that will see the two groups of players engage in a series of scrum and lineout drills.

The get-together, which is expected to be full-bloodied, was the brainchild of Jones and his forwards coach, Steve Borthwick, who worked with Wales boss Warren Gatland on the summer's British & Irish Lions tour.

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England to meet Wales for scrum session

Chiefs go top of Premiership with 10-6 win at Sale

10:05 PM BST

Exeter withstood a late scare to record their fifth Aviva Premiership victory of the season and move to the top of the table following a narrow 10-6 triumph over Sale.

In conditions ideally suited for exciting rugby, the game was anything but. The Chiefs struggled to find holes in the Sharks' defence and had to be content with a solitary Gareth Steenson penalty in the first half.

To the Sharks' credit, they were resilient and well-organised, even if they failed to create too many chances, and were rewarded by Faf de Klerk, who levelled proceedings at the break.

Lachie Turner's converted try moved the visitors ahead in the second period but de Klerk kept things tight going into the final quarter following a second three-pointer. Sale duly pressed for the winning score but, despite a late yellow card for Stuart Townsend, the Chiefs held on.

Fresh from an exceptional victory over Montpellier in the Champions Cup, the defending Premiership champions began confidently.

A misjudged Will Addison kick almost let the visitors in as Ian Whitten and Harry Williams both made incursions through the opposition rearguard, but another knock-on ended a promising attack. Exeter were unrelenting, however, and they deservedly went ahead when Steve Diamond's men were penalised for obstruction and Steenson kicked the resultant opportunity.

Against the run of play, Sale equalised as de Klerk punished a visiting indiscretion at the set-piece to level matters at 3-3. The scrum-half then missed the chance to take the Salford-based outfit ahead from the tee before Henry Slade did the same for Rob Baxter's team, skewing an effort wide of the left-hand upright to leave the match locked at the interval.

Half-time only proved to be a brief respite for the Sharks as the West Countrymen continued to control territory and possession after the break. This time, the Devonians managed to remain composed as the hosts finally wilted and Turner strolled across the whitewash for a seven-point score.

De Klerk reduced the arrears with an impressive long-range three-pointer and the hosts looked to increase the intensity in the final 20 minutes. It was initially the Chiefs that had the upper hand in the latter stages but Sale produced one last surge.

Excellent hands from Bryn Evans allowed Denny Solomona to get to within inches of the line before the pressure led to a yellow card for Exeter's Townsend. However, Baxter's men held out and went away with a deserved victory.

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Chiefs go top of Premiership with 10-6 win at Sale

Concerns for Cheika, Jones after Wallabies win

Scrappy Wallabies edge past Barbarians

Wallabies vs. Baa-Baas: Think of Campo, let it sing

Launchbury: Wasps can 'kick on' at Saints

Two Wallabies tour spots still on offer

England's Marler free to face Australia

England's Marler free to face Australia

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England's Marler free to face Australia

Jones warns England to expect 'chaos in the house'

Scarlets boss Pivac extends contract

9:50 PM BST

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  ESPN staff

Scarlets head coach Wayne Pivac has signed a contract extension to keep him at the club until atleast the end of 2019-20 season.

Pivac, who took over the role from Simon Easterby ahead of the 2014-15 season, guided Scarlets the Pro12 title in 2016-17 and is now eyeing further success at the club.

"I've made no secret of the fact that I'm enjoying my time here," Pivac said. "I'm looking forward to the next few years and seeing the Scarlets continue to develop and grow and I'd like to thank the Board of Directors for their continued support.

"The next step is to be competitive in Europe on a regular basis. I think the last two weeks have shown that when we get our top side out there we are very competitive. We've had a few top class players unavailable. I think we're not far off."

Scarlets next match is against Cardiff Blues on Oct.28 in the Pro14.

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Scarlets boss Pivac extends contract

Weekend predictions: Prem, PRO14, Top 14

Prem team news: Solomona's Sale host Exeter

2:39 PM BST

• 

  ESPN staff

With Eddie Jones having named his squad for the November internationals, this weekend's Aviva Premiership games take on added incentive for the players selected as they bid to stake a claim for a starting place.

Sale host reigning champions Exeter Chiefs in Friday's only game, while Northampton Saints and Wasps do battle Saturday. Bath and Gloucester bring the curtain down on the weekend's action Sunday.

FRIDAY

Sale Sharks vs. Exeter Chiefs

AJ Bell Stadium, 7.45 pm

Ninth-placed Sale will hope England's Denny Solomona and Byron McGuigan (Scotland) can build on recent international call ups, to push them to a third win in seven, while James O'Connor and Faf de Klerk are at half-back.

Rob Baxter's Exeter lie second and hope to continue their impressive run of in Europe where they beat Glasgow and Montpellier. A five-day turnaround means there are starting spots for Carl Rimmer, Harry Williams, Ollie Akins and Sam Simmonds in the pack, while James Short starts on the wing.

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Prem team news: Solomona's Sale host Exeter

Ireland include Aki, leave out Zebo

2:39 PM BST

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  ESPN staff

Ireland head coach Joe Schmidt has included Connacht's newly Irish-qualified centre Bundee Aki, while dropping Simon Zebo for autumn internationals against Argentina, Fiji and South Africa.

Zebo announced his end-of-the-season departure from Munster this week and has seen his place in the side go while Aki has been brought in after he qualified on residency.

Garry Ringrose (shoulder), Jared Payne (migraines), Jamie Heaslip (back) and Josh van der Flier (syndesmosis) have all been ruled out with injury while Rob Kearney is set to return after a spell on the sidelines due to a hamstring injury.

Joining Aki in the backs are three other uncapped players in Munster duo Darren Sweetnam and Chris Farrell and Leinster's Adam Byrne.

Ireland squad

Forwards: Best, Conan, Dillane, Furlong, Healy, Henderson, Herring, Kilcoyne, Leavy, McGrath, O'Brien, O'Donnell, O'Mahony, Porter, Ruddock, Ja. Ryan, Jo. Ryan, Stander, Toner, Tracy, Treadwell. BACKS

Backs: Aki, Byrne, Joey Carbery, Conway, Earls, Farrell, Henshaw, D Kearney, R Kearney, Keatley, Marmion, McCloskey, McGrath, Murray, Sexton, Stockdale, Sweetnam.

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Ireland include Aki, leave out Zebo

Haskell turns to Partridge after England snub

1:07 PM BST

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  ESPN staff

Wasps back row James Haskell turned to Alan Partridge for inspiration as he dealt with his omission from Eddie Jones' England squad Thursday.

British & Irish Lions tourist Haskell was the big name casualty as Jones revealed his selection for the autumn Test against Argentina on Nov. 11.

Having visited the flanker at his home last weekend, the England boss stressed that the door to a recall was far from shut to a player with 75 caps to his name.

Shortly the squad announcement, however, Haskell posted a short video clip on social media of fictional comedy character Partridge stating: "Catch the train to London, stopping at rejection, disappointment, back-stabbing central and shattered-dreams parkway."

Speaking to a news conference, Jones insisted that Haskell's current form did not warrant his selection ahead of younger back-row talent.

"We had a good chat, at the moment he's just not playing well enough but the door is never shut on him," Jones said. "We know he's a great player, he's been a good servant for English rugby, almost 80 caps and I'm sure he can regain his form."

Later, Haskell suggested on Twitter that he would be open to playing for the Barbarians against New Zealand on Nov. 4 now he would not be involved with England.

Yes👍🏻

— James Haskell (@jameshaskell) October 26, 2017

The squad announced Thursday morning can be seen as something of a changing of the guard in terms of the back row, with Tom Curry, Zach Mercer, Sam Underhill and Sam Simmonds all 23 or younger and included, while Tom Wood joins Haskell on the outside.

On in-form Exeter No. 8 Simmonds, Jones said: "He's a good young player. What I like about him more is his work off the ball, he runs very good support lines, very good defensively.

"Of course people like to talk about the tries that he scores but that's a small part of his game. He's got good acceleration and he might add something to our back row.

"He's one of those players who I think could play six, seven or eight so it gives us that utility value."

Jones, who was keen to stress that the disciplinary matters effecting Dylan Hartley, Nathan Hughes and Joe Marler were issues for their clubs to take care of, has welcomed Denny Solomona back into the fold following his expulsion from England's preseason camp.

Solomona was sent home along with Manu Tuilagi in August following a late night out, but Jones is confident the Sale wing has learnt from his mistake.

"He's a human being, everyone makes mistakes," Jones said. "He's made a mistake, he's atoned for it and we're expecting him to follow the team's culture. Which he will."

Jones added that Solomona's try-scoring record for Sale is what has edged him ahead of Marland Yarde in the England pecking order.

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Haskell turns to Partridge after England snub

England call up Simmonds, Haskell out

9:05 AM BST

Exeter's Sam Simmonds has earned a call up to the England squad ahead of the autumn internationals but there is no place in the 34-man party for James Haskell or Marland Yarde.

Eddie Jones has also called up uncapped duo fly-half Marcus Smith and back row Zach Mercer with both being included in apprentice roles.

Tom Dunn is the only other uncapped player in the party with Jones recalling Denny Solomona -- after he was sent home from their pre-season training camp -- and Jonathan Joseph, who was left out of their last squad.

Simmonds earns his call up after impressing in the back-row for Exeter and he will vie with Bath's Sam Underhill for a spot, with Jones previously saying he saw the Chiefs back-rower as an openside.

But there is no place for Haskell, who has featured prominently under Jones, Northampton pair Tom Wood and Teimana Harrison or Harlequins winger Yarde. Joe Marler is absent after he was hit with a three-week suspension on Wednesday.

Jones has emphasised this is a squad just for their opening Test against Argentina on Nov. 11 and further changes may be made with Australia up on Nov. 18 and Samoa a week later.

"Our first match against Argentina in the Old Mutual Wealth Series is a significant game for England and everything we have been doing in our training camps so far this season has been geared around getting the detail right in our preparation on how we want to play and win against them next month," Jones said.

"This will be the fourth time we have played against Argentina in the last 12 months and the last time we play them before 2019, so we want to make sure our record against them is 4-0."

With Smith and Mercer, at this stage neither will feature in the match day squads this autumn but will be involved in training and preparation.

England squad:

Backs: Brown, Daly, May, Solomona, Watson, Care, Farrell, Ford, Francis, Joseph, Lozowski, Slade, Smith, Youngs.

Forwards: Curry, Ewels, Hughes, Isiekwe, Itoje, Kruis, Launchbury, Lawes, Mercer, Robshaw, Simmonds, Underhill, Cole, Dunn, Genge, George, Hartley, Mullan, M. Vunipola, Williams.

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England call up Simmonds, Haskell out

Hartley citing dismissed but Marler, Hughes suspended

8:59 PM BST

Dylan Hartley's citing was dismissed by a disciplinary committee on Wednesday but Joe Marler will miss England's first two autumn internationals after being hit with a three-week suspension.

Hartley was cited for striking Clermont Auvergne prop Rabah Slimani in the 30th minute of their Champions Cup match on Saturday and was shown a yellow card at the time by Ben Whitehouse.

The England captain pleaded not guilty to the charge of 'striking with the hand' -- a charge that carries a low end suspension of two weeks and top end of anything up to a year -- and after a hearing of three hours, the committee found him to have committed a reckless act of foul play but said it did not warrant a red card.

ESPN understands the England captain's case was aided by a character reference from Eddie Jones -- he also submitted these for Marler and Nathan Hughes -- and a letter from Slimani, saying it was an unintentional act.

"The decision to cite Dylan from Saturday's game against Clermont was unjustified," Northampton coach Jim Mallinder said, who attended the hearing.

"Citings like this do beg the question of whether Dylan is being singled out for what has happened in the past rather than being judged solely on Saturday's game."

While Hartley is free to face Wasps on Saturday for Northampton, his England front-row colleague Marler was handed a three-week suspension after being cited for striking Wasps' Will Rowlands while on Harlequins duty in Sunday's Champions Cup match.

Marler pleaded guilty to the offence and while the panel said it warranted a red card, they said he struck the player with his arm, rather than elbow for which he was cited.

Despite that change, the panel hit Marler with a four-week suspension, but reduced this by a week due to the prop's remorse and guilty plea.

But that three-week suspension means Marler will sit out England's first two autumn international Tests against Argentina and Australia with the ban finishing on Nov. 19. He will be available for the match against Samoa on Nov. 25.

Wasps No. 8 Hughes also received a ban after he was cited for striking Harlequins fly-half Marcus Smith during the same match.

Unlike Marler, Hughes chose to plead not guilty and was handed a two-week suspension after the panel ruled that his contact with Smith's neck was deserving of a red.

However, Eddie Jones will breathe a sigh of relief as the 26-year-old will be free to play from Nov. 6, meaning that he should be able to feature in all of England's upcoming fixtures.

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Hartley citing dismissed but Marler, Hughes suspended

Hartley citing dismissed but Marler suspended

3:16 PM BST

Dylan Hartley's citing was dismissed by a disciplinary committee on Wednesday but Joe Marler will miss England's first two autumn internationals after being hit with a three-week suspension.

Hartley was cited for striking Clermont Auvergne prop Rabah Slimani in the 30th minute of their Champions Cup match on Saturday and was shown a yellow card at the time by Ben Whitehouse.

The England captain pleaded not guilty to the charge of 'striking with the hand' -- a charge that carries a low end suspension of two weeks and top end of anything up to a year -- and after a hearing of three hours, the committee found him to have committed a reckless act of foul play but said it did not warrant a red card.

ESPN understands the England captain's case was aided by a character reference from Eddie Jones -- he also submitted these for Marler and Nathan Hughes -- and a letter from Slimani, saying it was an unintentional act.

"The decision to cite Dylan from Saturday's game against Clermont was unjustified," Northampton coach Jim Mallinder said, who attended the hearing.

"Citings like this do beg the question of whether Dylan is being singled out for what has happened in the past rather than being judged solely on Saturday's game."

While Hartley is free to face Wasps on Saturday for Northampton, his England front-row colleague Marler was handed a three-week suspension after being cited for striking Wasps' Will Rowlands while on Harlequins duty in Sunday's Champions Cup match.

Marler pleaded guilty to the offence and while the panel said it warranted a red card, they said he struck the player with his arm, rather than elbow for which he was cited.

Despite that change, the panel hit Marler with a four-week suspension, but reduced this by a week due to the prop's remorse and guilty plea.

But that three-week suspension means Marler will sit out England's first two autumn international Tests against Argentina and Australia with the ban finishing on Nov. 19. He will be available for the match against Samoa on Nov. 25.

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Hartley citing dismissed but Marler suspended

Hartley escapes ban for swinging arm incident

1:52 PM BST

• 

  ESPN staff

England captain Dylan Hartley has had his citing case dismissed by European Professional Club Rugby.

Hartley had a judicial hearing on Wednesday after he was yellow carded for a swinging arm to the face of Rabah Slimani during Northampton Saints' loss to Clermont in the Champions Cup on Saturday.

Hartley will be free to play for Northampton this weekend against Wasps in the Aviva Premiership.

More to follow.

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Hartley escapes ban for swinging arm incident

Hansen to Gatland: Don't coach if you hate it

10:57 AM BST

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  ESPN staff

Steve Hansen has reignited his war of words with Warren Gatland just over a month out from the All Blacks' Test against Wales in Cardiff.

The All Blacks coach has suggested that Gatland should quit coaching if he hates it, after the Wales boss said he hated being in charge of the British & Irish Lions during their 1-1 series draw against New Zealand back in July.

Gatland said he hated the tour due to the negative coverage he was subject to from the local press in New Zealand as well as the criticism he later received from Lions and Ireland back row Sean O'Brien.

"Why would you hate coaching the Lions? If you hate coaching, don't do it," Hansen said in an interview with Radio Sport.

"I love coaching any team I've been involved in, that's the reason I'm doing it.

"I'm lucky enough to coach the All Blacks, which is fantastic, if you are lucky enough to coach the Lions it is also fantastic."

Hansen suggested that Gatland should have thicker skin if he wants to coach the All Blacks in the future. Gatland is considered a possible replacement for Hansen after the 2019 World Cup in Japan.

"You are under constant pressure, constant scrutiny. People expect you to be able to front up and do the job well," Hansen said.

"In the All Blacks' case, we are expected to win every Test match and win it well."

The All Blacks leave New Zealand for London on Friday ahead of a clash with the Barbarians at Twickenham on Nov. 4.

A familiar face will line up against Hansen's side, with discarded winger Julian Savea named to play for the composite side.

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Hansen to Gatland: Don't coach if you hate it

Near-impeccable Priestland deserves Wales recall

Parkes, Watkin at centre of new-look Wales

England's Hartley, Hughes and Marler cited

7:34 PM BST

England captain Dylan Hartley is one of three England forwards to have been cited following the weekend's European action.

Hooker Hartley, No.8 Nathan Hughes and prop Joe Marler will all have disciplinary hearings on Wednesday after alleged offences during the Champions Cup, European Professional Club Rugby has announced.

The news will be of great concern to England coach Eddie Jones, who names his squad for the autumn internationals on Thursday.

More to follow.

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England's Hartley, Hughes and Marler cited

Hughes leads the way as Wasps finally win

Ulster well beaten at La Rochelle

6:01 PM BST

La Rochelle maintained a winning start to their debut Champions Cup campaign by following victory at Harlequins with a 41-17 home win over Ulster in Pool 1.

The team that led the regular Top 14 last season, and who only lost once at Stade Marcel Deflandre, physically dominated the Irish province after a tense first half that saw the visitors hold their hosts to 13-10.

But once the teams changed ends it was one-way traffic and La Rochelle ran in four tries to bag the bonus point and lay down a marker ahead of their back-to-back clashes with Wasps in December.

Having taken only three minutes to run in their first try at Harlequins in the opening round of games, La Rochelle were on the board after four minutes this time. Jeremy Sinzelle raced in from 40 metres after a long midfield pass from Ulster went to ground and was picked up by Ryan Lamb.

A brilliant wrap-around move involving Ulster's Australian international outside-half Christian Lealiifano gave Tommy Bowe room on the left wing and his inside pass allowed Lealiifano to cross for a try that he also converted. He then kicked a penalty to give Ulster a 10-7 lead after 15 minutes.

Two penalties in the second quarter by scrum-half Alexi Bales edged the home side into their narrow interval lead, and after that they made it a miserable afternoon for Ulster wing Andrew Trimble, who became his province's record most capped player with his 222nd appearance.

Ulster lost Lealiifano eight minutes into the second half and the first of the four tries run in by the home side in the final 40 minutes came when his replacement, John Cooney, cleared to the La Rochelle 10-metre line. But Cooney fatally missed touch and Victor Vito crossed as La Rochelle capitalised.

Three tries in the space of six minutes after the hour mark then demonstrated the dominance of the French side. Flanker Kevin Gourdon powered over from five metres, centre Pierre Aguillon was put in at the left corner by Vito and then the former All Blacks flanker sent skipper Jason Eaton over in the same corner on the narrow side of another ruck in the Ulster 22.

Bales converted the first of the three and then his replacement, Jean-Victor Goillot, added two superb touchline kicks to complete the home scoring. Ulster finished with a consolation try for Bowe, his 29th in the tournament, after he raced onto a chip through by Charles Piutau.

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Ulster well beaten at La Rochelle

Yarde dropped by Quins over 'disciplinary matter'

4:30 PM BST

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Marland Yarde has been dropped by Harlequins for their Champions Cup trip to Wasps due to an "internal disciplinary matter".

The England international's place on the right wing at the Ricoh Arena will be taken by Charlie Walker, the club confirmed ahead of kick off.

"Charlie Walker starts on the right wing after Marland Yarde was withdrawn from the squad following an internal disciplinary matter," a statement read. "The club will make no further comment on this."

Yarde's withdrawal from the Quins starting XV is one of three changes forced upon director of rugby John Kingston, after Will Collier and George Merrick both failed fitness tests.

Collier's place in the front row has been taken by Phil Swainston, with Josh McNulty being elevated to the replacements' bench, where he will be joined by Dino Lamb who has come in for Merrick in the match-day 23.

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Yarde dropped by Quins over 'disciplinary matter'

Steenson hands Exeter fine win in France

Saracens show class to cast Ospreys aside

10:02 PM BST

Saracens shrugged off their post-Northampton lethargy to reclaim top place in Pool Two of the Champions Cup by registering a bonus-point 36-34 victory over a spirited Ospreys at Allianz Park.

Six days after running in eight tries to send Saints tumbling to a record defeat at Franklin's Gardens, the European champions toiled against a team that props up Conference A of the PRO14.

The Ospreys overcame the loss of Wales back rows Justin Tipuric and Dan Lydiate to back injuries on the day of the match to accumulate a 17-7 lead by the 26th minute, crossing twice through full-back Dan Evans.

But Saracens used the boot of Owen Farrell and sin-binning of Evans to seize control, adding tries through Liam Williams and Nick Tompkins to pull clear after Chris Wyles and Schalk Brits had already touched down.

A penalty try awarded against Evans for a deliberate knock-on completed the Champions Cup holders' scoring, helping them extend their unbeaten European record to 20 games, while the Ospreys were at least able to claim a bonus point.

Crisp passing almost yielded an early try for Williams but Saracens could not be kept out at the ensuing scrum as smart handling from Farrell and Alex Goode sent Wyles over. It was the set-piece that provided the Ospreys with the platform to hit back almost immediately, Cory Allen drifting off the left wing to pop a pass to Evans when tackled and the full-back raced over.

The Welsh region were quickly back on the offensive and having patiently worked their way into the opposition 22, they struck through Evans who took Dan Biggar's pass and slipped between a large gap that had formed between Farrell and Mako Vunipola.

Duncan Taylor limped off to be replaced by Tompkins and as half time sounded, Saracens had drawn level. Brits started and finished the move that led to the fourth try of the half, sending a long pass to Williams who chipped ahead, before popping up on the left wing to capitalise on good footwork from Vunipola.

Evans almost completed his hat-trick shortly after the interval but dropped Biggar's pass with the line at his mercy and his hitherto perfect evening continued to unravel when he conceded a penalty try and was sent to the sin-bin.

Farrell's break made the Ospreys scramble and when Saracens later looked to exploit an overlap, Evans was guilty of a deliberate knock-on, although referee Marius Mitreas' decision to award a try under the posts looked harsh given cover was on its way.

A brilliant off-load from Tompkins while falling found Williams and the Lions wing raced over to grab the bonus point, but the Ospreys replied with a well-worked try from centre Owen Watkin.

Saracens' lead was now only two points, but Tompkins stretched his arm across the whitewash after Jamie George had galloped through a hole before Sam Cross crossed to clinch the bonus point for the visitors.

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Saracens show class to cast Ospreys aside

Munster secure narrow win over Racing

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Munster secure narrow win over Racing

Veainu hat trick helps inspire Tigers

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Late penalty denies Treviso famous win

6:14 PM BST

Francois Trinh-Duc struck a late penalty as Toulon won 30-29 at Treviso.

The sides scored two tries each, Juan Ignacio Brex and Edoardo Gori going in for Treviso, while Semi Radrada and Josua Tuiosva scored for the visitors.

Trinh-Duc's failure to convert both, as Ian McKinley successfully did for Treviso, looked to be costly.

The two men traded five penalties apiece until Trinh-Duc won it with his sixth attempt.

Treviso sit bottom of Pool Five as a result, with Toulon level top with Bath.

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Late penalty denies Treviso famous win

Clermont condemn Saints to second loss

Leinster seal BP win in Glasgow

3:19 PM BST

A brace of Cian Healy tries subjected Glasgow to another harsh lesson in European rugby as they lost 34-18 at home to Leinster.

Warriors' hopes of qualifying from Pool 3 of the European Champions Cup suffered a fresh blow after losing 24-15 to Exeter last week.

The hosts enjoyed the majority of possession but in reality were not clinical enough with the ball compared to their Irish opponents, whose powerful forward display proved enough to get the win in an entertaining encounter.

Stuart Hogg played a significant role on his return from a long-term injury, scoring once and setting another up, but could not drag Warriors to victory.

Jonny Sexton, who scored 17 points on the day, opened the scoring with simple penalty before a scrappy interlude in which both sides fell victim to the inclement weather, with handling errors aplenty in the driving Glasgow rain.

After a slow start, Hogg grabbed the game by the scruff of the neck with a searing break down the right wing which saw him beat several defenders with ease, eventually earning a penalty for his side which dragged the hosts back level.

The fullback was then on hand to finish a fine flowing move as Glasgow turned on the style in the 16th minute, Finn Russell looping round the back of Sam Johnson before kicking through for Tommy Seymour who poked the ball on for Hogg to dot down and open up a 10-3 advantage.

A poor clearance from Warriors enabled Leinster to fight back with territorial pressure, and after working their way over to the left wing eventually were rewarded eight minutes later as Healy burrowed over against the run of play to bring it back level.

Glasgow continued the pressure in their opponents' 22, but were made to pay for their wastefulness as a powerful rolling maul powered over the line with Healy again touching down for a 17-10 half-time lead.

The hosts came out with a point to prove after the break, but left a gaping hole in their defence for Luke McGrath to gallop through before Sexton was dragged down 10 metres out.

The ball made its way back to the fly-half and after exchanging passes with Scott Fardy he touched down in another clinical Leinster attack.

Seymour gave Glasgow a sniff after scoring in the corner but Noel Reid exposed a weak defence to secure a bonus point for Leo Cullen's men in what was a ruthless performance that effectively ended Glasgow's hopes of escaping the pool.

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Leinster seal BP win in Glasgow

Bath beat Scarlets in Wales

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Wallabies snap Bledisloe losing streak

Edinburgh seal 10-try rout in Russia

12:49 PM BST

Edinburgh took control of Pool 4 of the Challenge Cup with a comprehensive 73-14 rout of Krasny Yar in Moscow.

Blair Kinghorn scored Edinburgh's first try just five minutes into the contest and it set the tone as Sam Hidalgo-Clyne, Lewis Carmichael, Neil Cochrane, Murray McCallum (two), Fraser McKenzie, Stuart McInally, and Kinghorn again all crossed, adding to a penalty try.

Kinghorn added three conversions, as did James Tovey and Hidalgo-Clyne, who also added a penalty.

Edinburgh started the day level on five points with Krasny Yar at the top of the group.

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Edinburgh seal 10-try rout in Russia

CC team news: Carter back for Racing

LIVE: Wallabies vs. All Blacks, Bledisloe III

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Do the Wallabies have the mental strength to down the All Blacks?

Ben Youngs: Jonny May thinks he's Jamie Vardy

10:40 PM BST

Free-scoring wing Jonny May is bidding to outdo Jamie Vardy as Leicester's most prolific scoring sensation.

Leicester Tigers star May has been telling team-mates that he wants to rival Leicester City striker Vardy's Premier League consecutive scoring record of 11 goals in 11 games from 2015.

May has racked up seven tries in as many matches since swapping Gloucester for Leicester in the summer, and Tigers scrum-half Ben Youngs revealed the lightning wing is far from satisfied despite his scoring glut.

"Jonny's seven from seven and he keeps telling everyone he's the new Jamie Vardy and that he's going to go on this new run and go better than Vardy!" said Leicester and England scrum-half Youngs.

"While he's scoring I'll just leave him be, I'll let him get on with it. Jonny's Jonny, it's hard to really sum him up.

"He never really knows where he's going half the time when he's got the ball, but somehow he bounds about, gets through and does his thing!

"The pace, and that ability to break up the game, is pretty exciting. With guys like Telusa Veianu in there as well, it's good to see what happens when teams kick us the ball."

Leicester host Castres in Champions Cup action on Saturday, with May scenting more scores, even if Youngs believes he has yet to lay the right amount of credit at the feet of playmakers George Ford and Matt Toomua.

May's improvised livewire style can excite and infuriate in sometimes equal measure, with Youngs revealing the 27-year-old is yet to master the art of reading play.

"I don't think he's once thanked George Ford or Matt Toomua for those passes they've been giving him," said Youngs.

"Even my brother or Coley (prop Dan Cole) could finish some of those!

"But Jonny made the decision to move, the club wanted him, he's come and settled in really quickly, he has given us something we probably haven't had for a while in terms of that out-and-out finisher.

"Jonny's unique but if he's unique and keeps scoring, then happy days.

"With Jonny, one of his biggest strengths is his work off the ball.

"Sometimes he'll be lurking off nine, 10, 12 for three or four phases and nothing will come of it.

"Sometimes it's annoying because he'll call for it then shout 'not on!' just as you've passed him the ball - that's genuinely happened twice already.

"But he's always looking for work, and if he's roaming around and cutting lines off nine then even if he doesn't get the ball it's opening avenues for guys elsewhere. It's another positive for us as a backline."

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Ben Youngs: Jonny May thinks he's Jamie Vardy

Cardiff defeat Toulouse in France

11:02 PM BST

Cardiff Blues made it two wins from two in the Challenge Cup after holding out to defeat Toulouse 17-15 in a seesaw contest at the Stade Ernest Wallon.

Nick Williams' try plus Jarrod Evans' conversion and penalty gave the Welsh side a 10-3 advantage after the first quarter but Romain Ntamack and Antoine Dupont dotted down before the interval to give Toulouse a 15-10 half-time lead.

Macauley Cook's 51st-minute try was converted by Evans, and - although Cardiff were unable to give themselves a cushion - they held on to secure what could prove to be an important victory.

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Sopoaga replaces Barrett for Australia clash

5:39 PM BST

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  ESPN staff

Lima Sopoaga has been confirmed at fly-half as New Zealand named a squad featuring four changes for Saturday's trip to face Australia.

Regular starter Beauden Barrett is unavailable after sustaining a head knock, meaning Highlanders' Sopoaga will win a 13th All Blacks cap at Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane.

Also earning a starting role is Waisake Noholo, who steps up in the wake of Nehe Milner-Skudder's shoulder surgery while there are two changes on the bench -- TJ Perenara and Anton Lienert-Brown making the 23.

All Blacks head coach Steve Hansen said: "Both teams have their own goals and expectations. From Australia's point of view, they'll be desperate to win as they haven't done so for some time. For us, our goal is to never be satisfied at where we're at, and that means it's greater than just the outcome.

"It's about how we play, individually and collectively as a unit. We're always striving to get better every game and this week is no different.

"As always, to do that, our preparation has to be spot on and bone deep. It's an individual focus for each player. The job of the team management is to facilitate a training week which provides them with clarity and the right amount of intensity so that they can arrive on Saturday ready to hum.

"It'll be another great opportunity for this young team to show what they've learnt throughout the year and playing at Suncorp Stadium will be another fantastic learning experience for them all. It's a great ground with a lot of tradition and there'll be huge support for the All Blacks, which we're looking forward to."

With two victories over the Wallabies in August, the All Blacks have already ensured they will maintain their winning Bledisloe Cup run, which stretches back to 2002.

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Sopoaga replaces Barrett for Australia clash

Wallabies confirm Ireland for three-Test series

Solomona hopes development can fire England dream

Baldwin in contention for Ospreys return

Injury sidelines George North for six weeks

5:28 PM BST

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  ESPN staff

Wales will be without star winger George North for the bulk of the autumn internationals after he was ruled out for between six to eight weeks.

North suffered a "sprain to his posterior cruciate ligament" in their defeat to Saracens on Sunday, according to Northampton Saints.

The club say he needs rehabilitation which puts his time on the sidelines between six to eight weeks.

With Wales kicking off their four-Test autumn internationals programme against Australia on Nov. 11, North looks likely to miss their games against Georgia the week later and then their clash with the All Blacks on Nov. 25.

If the rehabilitation goes well, then he could feature against South Africa on Dec. 2 while his club Northampton will hope he's back fit for their European Champions Cup fixtures in December.

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Injury sidelines George North for six weeks

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Assessing Wales' change in selection policy

WRU announce changes to 'Gatland's Law'

12:16 PM BST

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  ESPN staff

The Welsh Rugby Union has announced it is changing their Senior Players Selection Policy [SPSP], more commonly known as Gatland's Law.

Under the old law, Wales head coach Warren Gatland was able to pick three overseas based players for international duty, while it was set to increase to four players for the upcoming season.

Monday's announcement now sees Wales following a similar model to Australia -- whereby players who have made 60 Test appearances or more will be available for international selection regardless of where they ply their trade at club level.

Taulupe Faletau, George North and Jamie Roberts fit the criteria with the trio all having played over 60 caps and are now based in England.

More to follow.

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European review: Player of the week, flop & more

Deja vu for Northampton as Saracens score 50

7:47 PM BST

Northampton collapsed to another harrowing rout by Saracens after being overwhelmed 57-13 in their Champions Cup clash at Franklin's Gardens.

Saints opened their season with a 55-24 defeat to the European champions at Twickenham after trailing 41-3 at half-time, and the parallels with this Pool Two clash were clear as they entered the interval 29-6 down before crumbling to an even heavier loss.

Saracens had wrapped up the bonus point by the 40th minute, with Liam Williams running in two of their tries in a superb performance that delivered a statement of intent in their quest to emulate Toulon by claiming a hat-trick of Champions Cup titles.

Courtney Lawes was the chief source of home resistance, but his team-mates were far too passive in defence and Saracens expertly exploited their frailties in an eight-try canter that saw Williams, Brad Barritt and Nick Isiekwe excel.

Jamie George edged his duel with rival England hooker Dylan Hartley but he evidently benefited from playing in a dominant visiting pack that bullied Saints from start to finish.

To add to Northampton's misery, George North limped off in the first half after crumbling beneath a knee injury that was initially incurred when tackled by Barritt, his efforts to run off the knock taking a significant toll.

Forceful carries from Isiekwe and prop Vincent Koch helped the European champions make a strong start and several phases later Chris Wyles fed Williams, who picked a clever inside line to evade Cobus Reinach and Ahsee Tuala and touch down.

Relentless pressure was taking a toll on Northampton, who cracked for a second time in the 21st minute when a line-out drive ended with Barritt falling over the line.

When Saints finally built some phases, a mazy run by North ended with Barritt stealing the ball and shortly after the Wales wing collapsed in a heap, his match over.

Saracens renewed their attack and Maro Itoje and Marcelo Bosch were prominent in the build-up to Williams' second try that was well finished, before Owen Farrell was penalised for an elbow on England team-mate Teimana Harrison.

Northampton's collapse continued unchecked, lock David Ribbans sent to the sin-bin for bringing down a maul before another line-out drive concluded with Calum Clark securing the bonus point.

Whatever director of rugby Jim Mallinder said to his Saints players at half-time had little effect as two minutes after the break Saracens struck for a fifth time, Farrell ghosting between Alex Waller and Kieran Brookes and several carries later Koch was over.

George Kruis and Mako Vunipola combined for the latter to add the London club's sixth and then it was the turn of the backs to deliver, a set move from a scrum involving Farrell and Williams finished by Alex Lozowski.

Replacement hooker Mikey Haywood crossed for Saints, but inevitably Saracens had the final say when Ben Spencer touched down.

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Deja vu for Northampton as Saracens score 50

Scarlets claim losing bonus point

8:15 PM BST

The Scarlets gave three-time Champions Cup winners Toulon an almighty fright before finally being edged out 21-20 in their Pool Five encounter in France.

The Welsh side bounced back from letting the home side take an 18-point lead as they forced their noses in front in the second half before finally coming up just short.

Toulon scored at a point a minute in the opening quarter of an hour as they punished last season's Guinness PRO12 champions. They scored two tries and looked in complete control of their opening game of the tournament.

Scrum-half Eric Escande intercepted a pass by opposite number Aled Davies from a line-out near halfway to scamper 40 metres to the line, and then skipper Guilhem Guirado rounded off a thrilling break from the 22 with a try in the corner.

Outside-half Anthony Belleau converted Escande's try and also kicked two penalties to leave the Scarlets trailing by 18 points.

But they were eventually able to get some possession and got points on the board before the break when Leigh Halfpenny kicked a penalty against his former club.

Home full-back Hugo Bonneval was sent to the sin-bin for taking out Davies at the breakdown and Scarlets almost scored at the end of the first half with a one-man advantage - Johnny McNicholl reached the line after a sweeping move from right to left, but lost the ball in the act of scoring.

Scarlets made their extra man count at the start of the second half when McNicholl leaped above Chris Ashton to pick off a crossfield kick from Rhys Patchell to bag a try that Halfpenny converted.

Things got even better eight minutes later when the Scarlets and Lions full-back knifed through for a try that he converted to make it a one-point game.

Now it was the visitors who were in the ascendancy and when Halfpenny stepped up to kick a penalty on the hour it was the Welsh side who were ahead after scoring 20 unanswered points.

The lead did not last long as four minutes later Tadhg Beirne was penalised at the breakdown and Francois Trinh-Duc regained the lead for his side with a 30-metre penalty.

The drama did not end there as Halfpenny kicked a difficult penalty wide of the mark and Toulon's Sebastien Tillous-Borde was held up over the line in the 81st minute.

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Scarlets claim losing bonus point

Munster escape with draw against Castres

4:53 PM BST

Munster survived a second-half Castres onslaught to escape from Stade Pierre-Fabre with a hard-fought 17-17 draw in their Champions Cup Pool Four opener.

The Irish province had won nine of the previous 12 meetings between the sides, but could not add to that number on their 159th Champions Cup appearance, which coincided with the first anniversary of coach Anthony Foley's death in Paris.

With what would turn into an increasingly capricious wind at their backs early on, Castres dominated the opening exchanges. But they could not make their pressure count until centre Robert Ebersohn intercepted a Munster pass on halfway to race unopposed under the posts on 12 minutes. Benjamin Urdapilleta added the extras.

Connor Murray was already in the sin-bin for a desperate tap-tackle on Yannick Cabellero without the ball when the flanker looked to have a clear run to the line. And Simon Zebo was perhaps fortunate not to join his club and country team-mate on the sidelines little more than a minute later after what looked like a deliberate knock-on five metres from his own line. Referee Matthew Carley decided a penalty was sanction enough.

Munster finally opened their account on the half-hour. Zebo crashed over from close range as the visitors made the most of their first serious visit into Castres' red zone. Tyler Bleyendaal levelled the scores at 7-7.

But the Top 14 side were back in front inside two minutes. Zebo's opposite number Julien Dumora waltzed home after captain Rodrigo Capo Ortega had blitzed through Munster's defensive line. Urdapilleta again converted.

Bleyendaal then cut the deficit to four points with a penalty two minutes before half-time, after Ebersohn had been sin-binned for an infringement under the posts.

Munster briefly took the lead six minutes into the second period when prop Dave Kilcoyne powered over from a five-metre lineout, and Bleyendaal added the extras.

But Murray gave Urdapilleta the opportunity to level via a penalty moments later, and he made no mistake.

Castres thought they had surged ahead again just before the hour, when Anthony Jelonch broke from the back of a rumbling maul and fed Rory Kockott, but the scrum-half put a foot in touch on his way to the line.

Two minutes later, with the home fans on their feet again, Afusipa Taumoepeau was bundled into touch following a barnstorming break from No.8 and man-of-the-match Maama Vaipulu.

Replacement fly-half Ian Keatley had a chance to restore Munster's lead, but fired a 67th-minute penalty just wide. By now the visitors were in control, keeping Castres pegged back in their half -- but Munster could not find a way through the determined French defence.

Castres could have won it late on, however. The strong breeze held up Urdapilleta's 78th-minute penalty, before the Argentinian fired an after-the-hooter drop-goal attempt wide of the upright.

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Munster escape with draw against Castres

Ospreys give Clermont fright

Exeter end Glasgow's unbeaten start to the season

Bath keep Treviso scoreless

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Bath keep Treviso scoreless

La Rochelle stun Quins in Champions Cup bow

Carbery inspires Leinster to bonus point win

3:05 PM BST

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  ESPN staff

Joey Carbery stepped up in the absence of Johnny Sexton as Leinster started their Champions Cup campaign with a bonus point 24-17 win over French powerhouse Montpellier at the RDS in Dublin.

Playing at fullback, the 21-year-old was a constant threat with ball in hand, scoring one try and making several clean breaks to cause the visitors all sorts of problems in defence.

Carbery's try from Leinster was followed by one from openside Josh van der Flier which gave the home side a 12-0 lead.

Montpellier looked threatening through their monster winger Nemani Nadolo who scored the first of his two tries just before the break to reduce Leinster's lead to five points at half-time.

Robbie Henshaw -- another star performer for the home side -- latched onto a loose ball from a Ross Byrne cross-field kick to score Leinster's third to restore a 12 point lead.

Nadolo scored his second to give Montpellier a sniff in the latter stages of the second half but Barry Daly responded immediately with Leinster's bonus point score.

A Ruan Pieenar penalty brought the gap back to seven points, and Leinster were forced to defend stoically in the final stages as Adam Byrne was shown a yellow card for a failed interception.

But the visitors -- coached by former Scotland boss Vern Cotter -- failed to make the most of the numerical advantage as Leinster held on for victory while Montpellier picked up a losing bonus point.

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Carbery inspires Leinster to bonus point win

LIVE: Harlequins vs. La Rochelle

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Leicester left to rue missed chances in Racing loss

5:12 PM BST

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  ESPN staff

Leicester Tigers will leave Paris frustrated after failing to convert several try-scoring chances as the brilliance of Leone Nakarawa was enough to give Racing 92 a 22-15 win in the Champions Cup.

Matt O'Connor's side got off to a flying start after a quick tap from Ben Youngs led to a Luke Hamilton try in the third minute.

But Racing 92 hit back as Nakarawa left his mark on the game with the French side's first try on 18 minutes before a pair of ridiculous offloads saw Bernard le Roux and Teddy Thomas over not long after to lead 19-10.

The home side's momentum was halted when Virimi Vakatawa was shown a yellow card for a high tackle and Jonny May made Racing pay with his seventh Leicester try in as many matches.

The visitors almost took the lead at half-time through Matt Smith who looked to have Leicester's third only for Census Johnston to dislodge the ball in a desperate try-saving tackle.

The second half turned scrappy as May came close to scoring his second while Maxime Machenaud extended Racing's lead to seven points with a penalty.

Leicester threw everything at Racing in the latter stages as George Ford narrowed the gap to four points but the Parisians held on for their second consecutive victory in this competition over the Tigers.

More to follow.

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Leicester left to rue missed chances in Racing loss

LIVE: Ford leads Leicester's charge in Paris

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LIVE: Ford leads Leicester's charge in Paris

Ulster consign Wasps to fifth straight defeat

9:45 PM BST

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Two tries in as many minutes was enough for Ulster as Les Kiss' side saw off a spirited Wasps side 19-9 in the opening Champions Cup fixture at the Kingspan.

After a try-less first half where Wasps led 6-3, Jacob Stockdale and Stuart McCloskey scored in quick succession to give Les Kiss' side the advantage.

Christian Leali'ifano -- in his first Champions Cup encounter -- kicked consecutive penalties to see Wasps head back to Coventry empty handed.

More to follow.

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Ulster consign Wasps to fifth straight defeat

LIVE: Piutau lines up against former club

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LIVE: Piutau lines up against former club

ESPN UK quiz: European Champions Cup

1:10 PM BST

• Steven Lynch

Every week, Steven Lynch compiles ESPN UK's sports quiz to discover who is the biggest boffin.

European club rugby returns this weekend. Saracens will be looking to defend their Champions Cup title for the third consecutive season, while Stade Francais are the holders of the Challenge Cup. But your knowledge of Europe's elite competitions is going to need to go back further than that to succeed at this quiz.

Take the quiz below, then let us know how you scored in the comment section.

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Isiekwe, Malins sign new deals at Saracens

10:53 AM BST

• 

  ESPN staff

Saracens have locked up two promising young England talents for the next two seasons with Nick Isiekwe and Max Malins signing contract extensions at the north London club.

Second row Isiekwe -- who made his England debut in June during their tour of Argentina -- has played in all of Saracens' Premiership games this season having made his debut last November.

Malins -- who lead England from fly-half at this year's Under 20 Junior World Championships -- made his Saracens' debut last season and came off the bench in the Premiership at the weekend.

"It's really promising and obviously really pleasing," Isiekwe said.

"This is my third season now, so to get that new contract and to see what I can do in the next few years is what I am looking forward to."

Malins added: "To be able to come in here and train every day -- keep getting better -- and know that I'm going to be doing that for the foreseeable future is something I'm very happy about."

Both players came through Saracens' academy system.

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Nowell adds to England's injury list

4:51 PM BST

Exeter wing Jack Nowell could miss England's autumn Tests after suffering "a couple of fractures" around his cheek and eye socket.

Although Chiefs' rugby director Rob Baxter does not want to put a definite time-frame on Nowell's recovery at this stage, an absence of anything between four and eight weeks is likely.

Nowell, who has scored 11 tries in 23 Tests for England and toured New Zealand with the British and Irish Lions earlier this year, was hurt during Exeter's Aviva Premiership victory over Newcastle last weekend.

"Jack has got a couple of fractures around the top of his cheek and his eye socket," Baxter told reporters at Sandy Park Wednesday.

"At this stage, it is looking likely he will require an operation to settle it down. Until the surgeon moves in and does some more investigation, that's about as far as I can tell you.

"Depending on when the operation happens, if it is definitely required, which is looking likely, and the severity of the injury, that will then decide whether there is no way back for the autumn internationals.

"It is still a little early to write him off for the whole of the autumn internationals, but that is something we will assess in the next week or so."

England head coach Eddie Jones has already lost injured Saracens No. 8 Billy Vunipola and Leicester centre Manu Tuilagi from his autumn plans, and Nowell could now follow suit.

England play Argentina on Nov. 11, followed by Australia and Samoa on successive weekends.

Baxter added: "It is always a blow when you lose good players, but that's why you put a squad of people together.

"I am disappointed for him personally. He is in good form, starting this season really well for us, and obviously he wanted to have a couple of big rounds in the European Champions Cup to get himself right in the frame for England.

"That, unfortunately, has been damaged now with a pretty innocuous and unfortunate injury. Now, he is going to be held back for the next six to eight weeks.

"It is in and around his eye. We are not anticipating any issues with his vision but obviously there are optical nerves and facial nerves around that area that an operation will disturb. Those things will take a little while to settle as well.

"I don't want to say the wrong thing. Until we have fully got right into the crux of what is going on there...we are still waiting to see the consultant.

"I think six weeks from the time of injury is a figure that we've had bandied around. There is the potential for it to be four weeks, there is the potential for it to be eight weeks."

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Burns given three-week ban, will miss ECC start

9:40 PM BST

Bath flyhalf Freddie Burns has been given a three-week suspension following his red card on Saturday for a dangerous tackle on Worcester's Josh Adams.

Burns, 27, was sent off on what was his first Bath start after upending Adams with a tip-tackle in the 63rd minute of the Aviva Premiership contest at the Recreation Ground, which the hosts won 29-13.

Burns appeared before a Rugby Football Union disciplinary panel on Tuesday.

And in a subsequent statement from the RFU, the panel's chairman Gareth Graham said: "The panel heard evidence from the player as to the tackle and concluded that this was a reckless tackle that had, by the player's own admission, 'gone wrong' as opposed to an intentional act of foul play.

"Given that there was no injury to the Worcester player, the panel found it was a low-end entry point.

"The player accepted the charge in full, apologised immediately on-field and to the Worcester player post-match and has a clear disciplinary record. Therefore the panel gave full mitigation reducing the sanction to three weeks".

Burns will be available to play again from Oct. 31, meaning he will miss Bath's first two European Champions Cup fixtures against Benetton and Scarlets as well as the visit for Burns' former club Gloucester to the Rec in the Aviva Premiership .

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Burns given three-week ban, will miss ECC start

Pacific Islands stars fear more tragedies

1:37 PM BST

Pacific Islands rugby stars fear more "tragedies" like the suicide of Tarbes prop Isireli Temo unless they act now over issues of loneliness and depression.

The Pacific Rugby Players' Welfare (PRPW) group has extended its organisation to France, a year ahead of schedule -- because players in the country insisted they needed help urgently.

Fijian prop Temo died in December 2016, and Pacific Islanders based in France have now banded together to combat depression and isolation among their community in Europe.

Fiji hooker Sunia Koto reached out to PRPW chief executive Dan Leo to extend their service to France. The Macon front-rower had to inform Temo's family of his death, and insists he never wants to have to carry that burden again.

"That's one of the most dreadful experiences I've gone through, having to share that news with his family," Koto told Press Association Sport, of breaking the news of Temo's death.

"Personally going through that, I just want to dedicate the rest of my time in rugby and in France towards stopping any more tragedies like that.

"It's so important for players to know that this group is there, where people will have time to listen to your problems and help you deal with them.

"We pride ourselves on not showing our emotions. We'll make jokes but we hide that fragile part in us.

"But now we're trying to say, 'hey, this is a different world altogether'.

"We've got each other to confide in, so open up and share your experiences.

"This is all for future generations, so that they don't have to go through some of the same difficulties we did."

Leo's PRPW organisation will now set about gaining accurate figures for the number of Pacific Islanders plying their trade in France.

The former Samoa lock admitted previous estimations of 300 are now expected to fall way short, with potentially almost 500 Pacific Islanders trying to make a living from rugby in France.

A host of high-profile stars based in France have assumed roles on PRPW's players' board, with former Samoa flanker Henry Tuilagi among the biggest names.

Chief executive Leo admitted PRPW fast-tracked their mission in France on advice from players who fear further incidents could occur without great community support.

"We initially thought it would be another 12 months before we moved into France, but senior players based there expressed some strong issues, so we've been able to accelerate that timescale," said Leo.

"We've massively underestimated how many Pacific Islanders are playing rugby in France.

"We thought initially there would be something like 300 but now we believe it could be closer to 500 Pacific Islanders based in France alone.

"We'll get more of a handle on that in the next few months as we spread the word.

"There are Pacific Islands players at clubs in the lower leagues in France that other Pacific Islanders still aren't aware of, and that's one of the issues we're trying to address."

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Pacific Islands stars fear more tragedies