Ellie Kildunne has been the Red Roses' figurehead throughout their rise to world champions, so why is she on the bench for Friday night's Test against the USA?

Prem champions Northampton Saints will be without fly-half Fin Smith for Saturday's meeting with Gloucester.

Uncapped hooker Kepu Tuipulotu has suffered a knee injury in training and will not be included in England's squad for the Australia fixture on 8 November.

Ireland head coach Scott Bemand says his side are ready for their "second ascent" as they target a historic series win over South Africa.

Renowned boxing promoter Eddie Hearn is expected to ramp up his influence in rugby union after meeting with Prem bosses in Monaco last week.

Wales wing Ellis Mee, 23, signs contract extension with Scarlets after impressing in first two years.

Ireland's Tadhg Furlong is cleared by a disciplinary committee of grabbing Gavin Coombes in the groin during Leinster's United Rugby Championship win over Munster.

Wales have the opportunity to finish the international year on a high on Saturday as they seek to complete a WXV double over Japan.

Scarlets director of rugby Nigel Davies thinks Macs Page's late international call-up is fully deserved.

Leicester Tigers captain Ollie Chessum has signed a new multi-year deal to stay at Welford Road.

Northampton Saints scrum-half Archie McParland signs a new, undisclosed-length deal with the Prem champions.

Former England prop Kieran Brookes is called up for an Ireland XV fixture against Fiji A next month.