It was the French who caught the eye in round one with six of their eight teams winning, including Stade Rochelais and Toulon away from home.
It has been a very long time in between drinks (games) for fit-again pair, Manu Tuilagi of Sale and Bristol's Harry Thacker.
14 years after first arriving in Japan from Australia, 39-year-old former Wallabies lock Daniel Heenan is eyeing up a fourth Top League title with the Panasonic Wild Knights against Beauden Barrett's Suntory Sungoliath on Sunday.
It's been nine years since Isaac Ross left New Zealand for Japan, but doubt has now been cast on his career due to an obscure Top League rule.
New Zealand-born NRL star Jordan Rapana is reportedly deep in negotiations with to make a shock code switch to rugby union.
Brisbane's biggest festival of rugby is just around the corner, with the two-day Global Rugby tens tournament kicking off on February 9 at Suncorp Stadium.
Robbie Deans is on the verge of winning a fourth Japan Top League rugby title with the Panasonic Wild Knights after his side came away with a tight 17-11 semifinal victory over Toyota Verbitz on Saturday.