Exeter boss Rob Baxter says Ehren Painter's commitment to returning from a serious knee injury was key to offering him a new deal.

Gloucester-Hartpury head coach Dan Murphy remains pragmatic about Zoe Stratford, Tatyana Heard and Sarah Beckett leaving the club.

The ex-England scrum-half says she wants to 'create something special' on next year's inaugural tour in New Zealand.

Red Bull have had a challenging first season at Newcastle, as they play catch up with the rest of The Prem.

Cardiff will chase an upset when travelling to Stormers for their first United Rugby Championship play-off quarter-final on Saturday.

Leinster prop Paddy McCarthy is ruled out for the rest of the Irish province's season after suffering a foot injury in the Champions Cup final defeat by Bordeaux Begles.

Bath flanker Ted Hill says he feels his performances are "turning a corner" as the business end of the season approaches.

England and Northampton Saints scrum-half Alex Mitchell sustains another hamstring injury which leaves him doubtful for the remainder of the season.

Saracens agree to sign South African tighthead prop Corne Weilbach for next season.

Munster fly-half Jack Crowley is ruled out of Saturday's United Rugby Championship quarter-final against the Bulls in Pretoria.

Sale Sharks agree a deal to sign England's World Cup-winning captain Zoe Stratford.