Saracens forwards Hayden Smith and Mako Vunipola both face lengthy lay-offs due to injuries.

Wasps scrum-half Nick Berry has been suspended for three weeks for a dangerous tackle during November 7’s A-team defeat to London Irish.

Martyn Thomas, the Rugby Football Union acting’s chief executive, will not face a misconduct charge for his role in the departure of John Steele.

Martyn Thomas has left the Rugby Football Union with immediate effect after the threat of a misconduct charge was lifted.

Newport Gwent Dragons have signed centre Andy Tuilagi on a two-year contract from Sale Sharks.

Mike Tindall has been reinstated to the England elite player squad and his fine reduced by 10,000 after a successful appeal against his punishment for his role in a shambolic World Cup campaign.

The British and Irish Lions will play Tests in Brisbane, Melbourne and Sydney on their nine-match tour of Australia in 2013.

Harlequins continued their best start with to a season with a 13th consecutive win in all competitions, brushing Newcastle aside 39-8 at The Stoop in the Aviva Premiership.

James Haskell refused to take part in England’s World Cup review process because he did not trust the feedback to remain confidential.

Australia warmed up for next weekend’s one-off Test against Wales with an eight-try 60-11 rout of the Barbarians at Twickenham.