A month out from the British & Irish Lions squad reveal and the selection subplot continues to simmer as both domestic and European seasons hurtle towards their respective conclusions.
Northampton Saints have confirmed that Temo Mayanavanua, Juarno Augustus and Fin Smith will return to the starting line-up for Friday’s Investec Champions Cup Round-of-16 fixture against ASM Clermont Auvergne.
Some suggest Andy Farrell’s class of 2025 could be a Wales-free zone, but who has the best chance of touring?
Tom Roebuck scored twice as Sale secured a thrilling 27-24 Gallagher Premiership bonus-point win over defending champions Northampton which boosted their play-off hopes.
England lock Ollie Chessum will return to Leicester Tigers' starting XV on Sunday as his side host Saracens in the Gallagher Premiership.
England captain Maro Itoje will return to captain a Saracens side containing four of his international team-mates during the Guinness Six Nations when they host Harlequins in the Gallagher Premiership on Saturday.
England fly-half Fin Smith has returned to Northampton Saints' starting line-up a week after the Guinness Six Nations campaign came to a close as his side host Leicester Tigers on Friday in the East Midlands Derby in the Gallagher Premiership.
Steve Borthwick’s team guaranteed themselves a top-two finish, ahead of favourites France hosting Scotland, in emphatic bonus-point fashion but Wales were condemned to a second successive wooden spoon and 17th Test defeat on the bounce – a record for a tier one nation in the professional era.
Borthwick’s tenure had been a snakes and ladders adventure until top, steps forward followed by more steps backwards, but their completion of a first four-wins-from-five Six Nations campaign since they last won the title in 2020 signals a giant leap for the head coach and the credibility of his team.
Northampton Saints' Henry Pollock could make his England debut from the bench on Saturday against Wales in round five of the Guinness Six Nations.