The SVNS stars in action as northern hemisphere competitions ramp up

While action on the domestic front is starting to wind down in the southern hemisphere, for the north, things are only ramping up.

As the fourth round of PREM Rugby prepares to get underway, the action also continues in the Top 14 and Pro D2, with over 70 current and former sevens players in action across the two competitions.

RugbyPass gives a lowdown on the action this weekend in the north, as eyes inevitably turn to preparation for the upcoming SVNS Series.

PREM Rugby

Among several of the sevens stars in action in round four this weekend, Newcastle will be looking to get their first win of the season when they host Sale Sharks in England’s north.

Simón Benítez Cruz has been a regular feature on the bench, so far this season, but the Red Bulls could also turn to the likes of Zack Henry, Benjamín Elizalde and Christian Wade for the clash.

The Sharks meanwhile will look to push themselves further up the table with a third win, likely making use of the services of Fijians Ponepati Loganimasi and Elia Canakaivata, both of whom have already been put to good use in the early stages of their campaign.

On Saturday, the Bristol Bears will welcome Leicester Tigers, currently sitting in the middle of the table but having a great opportunity to move themselves up with a strong victory at home.

Despite coming in off a loss to the Stormers, the side did find success in Matías Moroni and Max Pepper on the right wing, weapons that will likely be utilised again this weekend.

Finally, on Sunday, Harlequins will host Saracens in the London Derby, with the hosts desperate to get their first win of the year but having a good weapon in their ranks in Rodrigo Isgró on the right wing, who had a strong day up in their EPCR Challenge Cup fixture against Vannes.

Saracens will also have an Argentine weapon in their ranks, with Lucio Cinti likely to be unleashed at outside centre.

Top 14

Week seven of the Top 14 sees Toulouse and Pau ahead after six weeks, with both sides set for significant fixtures this weekend.

Toulouse will host banana skin side Perpignan this weekend, fresh off their victory over Exeter Chiefs in the Champions Cup. That side featuring cross-code stars Antoine Dupont and Teddy Thomas are likely to have a quick turnaround.

Going down to the Dragons in their corresponding fixture, the visitors make use of Théo Forner on the left wing, and have the options of sevens talent in Tavite Veredamu, Jefferson-Lee Joseph and Jerónimo de la Fuente at their disposal.

Pau meanwhile will travel to face Toulon later that day, with Olympic Gold medalist and recent Les Bleues deputant Aaron Grandidier-Nkanang likely to feature in the starting side.

Toulon will likely utilise the skills of Ignacio Brex at outside centre, following his strong performance against Racing 92 earlier in October.

The final match of the round will see La Rochelle host Bordeaux, with the hosts recently calling on the skills of Andy Timo in their clash against Lyon, utilising sevens alumni Levani Botia off the bench.

Bordeaux has put Salesi Rayasi to good use at fullback, with the Fijian international and All Blacks Sevens star set to cause all sorts of problems for the hosts.