After being deemed to have fielded ineligible players, Romania and Spain have appealed against Rugby World Cup qualifying sanctions.
Eddie Jones is confident England will have "opportunities" to create history in South Africa.
After handing captain Brad Barritt a new contract this week, Saracens have tied director of rugby Mark McCall down to a new deal.
Brive have announced the signing of Stuart Olding, who was released by Ulster last month despite his acquittal in a rape trial.
History will be made when Stormers flanker Siya Kolisi leads the Springboks in three home Tests against England in June.
Toulouse's Richie Gray has joined Alex Dunbar in pulling out of the Scotland squad for their June fixtures.
Saracens have announced a new contract for skipper Brad Barritt, who is staying with the club for at least the next two seasons.
Jared Payne has ended his playing career on medical advice and will take up a role as defence coach at Ulster.
Winger Chris Ashton was happy to continue his try-scoring form with a hat-trick for the Barbarians against England.
A return to the England set-up remains an aim for Chris Ashton and he boosted his chances with a hat-trick for the Barbarians.
Wales will have to do without Aaron Shingler and Ashton Hewitt when they come up against the Springboks and the Pumas in June.
World Rugby's proposed new law to protect players in the tackle has been endorsed by All Blacks coach Steve Hansen.
A mammoth 43-man squad has been selected for matches against Wales and England by Springboks chief Rassie Erasmus.
Victory over the Scarlets saw Leinster become the first team to combine European Champions Cup success with the Pro14 title.
The Lions and the Brumbies both grabbed late victories as a pair of red cards had a big say on two tense Super Rugby...
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Racing 92 pushed late on, but they were unable to find a way past Castres in the Top 14 semi-finals.