New Gloucester captain Dewi Lake says the side wanted to lay down a marker in their opening Prem game at Exeter.

Australia are reduced to 11 men but dig in for a remarkable win against a much-changed South Africa side as they beat the world champions 42-38 in Perth.

Exeter boss Rob Baxter says hopes he will see a reaction from his side after their surprising 45-24 home loss to Gloucester.

The talking points as Dragons draw, Ospreys lose and Cardiff take the derby bragging rights against Scarlets on the opening weekend of the URC.

Saracens overcome a second-half red card for Nick Isiekwe to begin the Brendan Venter era with a 40-38 win at Leicester Tigers.

Cornish Pirates joint-head coach Gavin Cattle says his side are not as bad as their 73-40 defeat at Coventry would suggest.

England extend their unbeaten run to 41 Tests after Zoe Harrison scores a try in overtime as the Red Roses beat New Zealand 26-19 at the Allianz Stadium.

Beibhinn Parsons becomes Ireland women's all-time record try scorer as they hold off a late comeback from Japan to register a 31-24 win in the WXV Global Series at Dexcom Stadium.

England edge past New Zealand with a last-gasp try by Zoe Harrison as they embrace the growing competitiveness of women's rugby.

Wales may have suffered another Test defeat, but Sean Lynn's new-look side has given fans plenty to be optimistic about before next month's trip to Japan.