Joe Heyes resented being on England's tour of New Zealand last year. This year the prop has become a central figure in a team that beat the All Blacks.

Director of rugby Phil Dowson, head coach Sam Vesty and senior coach James Craig agree contract extensions with Northampton Saints.

Northampton winger James Ramm is banned for two games after receiving a red card in their European Champions Cup win in Pau.

Ireland's Aoife Wafer is expected to play her first game since breaking her collarbone and rupturing a medial ligament in September.

Ulster hooker Tom Stewart says he is getting "into a bit of a groove" ahead of Saturday's Challenge Cup trip to Cardiff.

Former Wales full-back Leigh Halfpenny signs a new contract with Cardiff and is set to return to action this weekend.

Exeter appoint former Bath and Northampton back James Wilson as their new assistant backs coach.

Saracens confirm the signing of England lock George Martin from Prem rivals Leicester Tigers.

Gloucester back row Deian Gwynne is banned for three weeks for making eye contact with Castres' Florent Vanverberghe.

Newcastle Red Bulls head coach Alan Dickens says the win over Lyon has created a "buzz" around Kingston Park.

Prop Will Stuart is a serious doubt for the start of England's Six Nations campaign after sustaining a suspected Achilles tendon injury on Bath duty.