Rugby News

Ulster kept their Champions Cup hopes alive by the narrowest of margins by registering a vital first win to see off Exeter, whose own European ambitions now look all but over in Pool Five.

Wayne Bennett expressed his satisfaction after making a winning start as England head coach.

England have an injury concern over key forward Maro Itoje after he was hurt while playing for Saracens on Saturday.

Saracens' impressive start to the defence of their European title continued with a 44-26 victory over the Scarlets, but there were potentially alarming repercussions for England and Wales.

South Africa have dropped veteran fly-half Morne Steyn for their tour of Europe next month and included four uncapped players for tests against England, Italy and Wales.

Edinburgh moved three points clear in European Challenge Cup Pool Five with a thrilling 36-35 defeat of Harlequins at Murrayfield.

Munster were left to defeat Glasgow with 14 men after Keith Earls was shown a red card for a tip tackle on Fraser Brown.

Fly half Neil Marais booted 21 points as the Free State Cheetahs completed a perfect season with a 36-16 home victory over the Blue Bulls in the final of South Africa's domestic championship on Saturday.

Captain Peter O'Mahony hoped Munster "did Axel proud" after producing an emphatic 38-17 victory on the day rugby remembered Anthony Foley.

Castres ran in five tries in a 41-7 demolition of old European rivals Northampton courtesy of a dominant forward performance that saw the visitors' pack shoved all over the park.

Anthony Foley's sons joined the Munster players for a rendition of 'Munster Stand Up and Fight' after their emotional win against Glasgow.

Munster returned to action with an emotional 38-17 win over Glasgow at Thomond Park on Saturday.

New Zealand  beat Australia  37-10 to set a new record of successive tier-one Test victories at Eden Park on Saturday.