England's Red Roses return to winning ways, but without entirely vanquishing doubts over their position at the top of the women's game, as they see off the United States.

Leicester take maximum points to go top of the Prem before the rest of the weekend fixtures with a 22-16 win away at Bristol.

Joey Carbery scores 20 points as Leinster hammer Connacht 50-5 in the United Rugby Championship in Galway.

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.

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

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

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.