Sale director of rugby Alex Sanderson accepts that hopes of a top-four Prem spot are over after defeat by Northampton Saints.

Northampton Saints score seven tries to win 43-29 at Sale Sharks to go back to the top of The Prem.

Despite the off-the-field drama, it turned out to be a decent return for Wales' four professional sides with two wins, a draw and agonising defeat.

Glasgow Warriors move to the top of the URC table after a hard-fought bonus-point victory over Zebre in Parma.

Cardiff climb to fourth in the United Rugby Championship table thanks to a nervy 17-8 home win against Benetton.

Torrential rain meant that only eleven points were scored all match.

Jack van Poortvliet scores a stunning solo try as Leicester Tigers cruise past struggling Harlequins and move up to fourth.

Four tries from Noah Caluori helps eleven-try Saracens ruthlessly beat Newcastle Red Bulls 73-14 in The Prem at a blustery StoneX Stadium.

Clovers secured a 29-12 bonus-point win against Brython Thunder in Cork to register their third victory in a row in the Celtic Challenge.

Ellis Mee scored an 83rd minute try to secure a long awaited Scarlets victory over Ulster and lift his side off the foot of the United Rugby Championship (URC) table.

Finn Russell scores 15 points as Bath's late surge confines Gloucester to a ninth Prem loss in a fiercely fought derby contest.