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

Dublin-born Joshua Brennan is called into the France squad for their Six Nations opener against Ireland in Paris on 5 February.

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.

Wolfhounds move top of the Celtic Challenge with a bonus-point 52-26 victory over Glasgow Warriors at Virgin Media Park.