BBC Radio Northampton's Graham McKechnie reflects on the differences between Northampton Saints' 2024 title winning squad and this year's.

BBC Sport NI assesses the credentials of the three uncapped players named by Ireland head coach Andy Farrell in his squad for the upcoming Nations Championship fixtures.

Worcester Warriors name former England lock Joe Launchbury as their new head of academy at Sixways.

Tackling above the base of the sternum will be outlawed in the grassroots game around the world by World Rugby from July.

Exeter wing Immanuel Feyi-Waboso and Northampton scrum-half Alex Mitchell are set to make surprise returns to their club sides for Saturday's Prem final at Twickenham's Allianz Stadium.

Uncapped Connacht trio Billy Bohan, Sam Illo and Sean Jansen are named in Ireland's squad for next month's Nations Championship fixtures, but injured fly-half Jack Crowley is ruled out.

Harlequins add rugby league legend Sean Long and ex-player Jordan Turner-Hall to full-time roles on their backroom staff.

Leinster captain Caelan Doris is fit to start Friday's United Rugby Championship final against the Bulls as Tadhg Furlong returns to the line-up.

Max Ojomoh and Noah Caluori will have the chance to press their case for Test starts after being named in the England team to face a France XV on Friday.

Northampton Saints winger Tommy Freeman says the club has the same DNA as their 2024 winning squad despite a much-changed line-up.

Ulster complete the signings of props Eduardo Bello and Keynan Knox as well as back Chay Mullins.