In addition to more familiar names like AJ MacGinty, Cam Dolan, and David Ainu'u, former Germany international Chris Hilsenbeck has been included in the USA's extended player squad for 2025 when 2027 World Cup qualification is on the line.
Exeter picked up only their second Gallagher Premiership win of the season with a come-from-behind triumph against old adversaries Saracens.
The defending age-grade Six Nations and World Rugby Championship holders have retained the still-underage Josh Bellamy, Jack Bracken, Ben Coen, Kane James and George Timmins while also appointing Dave Walder, the ex-Newcastle boss, as an assistant.
This weekend’s return of the Gallagher Premiership following a five-week hibernation was given its banner headline on Wednesday when Joe Marler confirmed he will retire from playing with immediate effect following Friday night’s Harlequins match at home to Bristol.
Saracens suffered a surprising 29-19 defeat to Ealing Trailfinders in their Premiership Rugby Cup opener at Trailfinders Sports Club.
Newcastle Falcons director of rugby Steve Diamond is stunned his 18-year-old scrum-half Joe Davis has not been included in England's U20 elite player squad.
It was last March when the class of 2023/24 clinched the championship with a win away in France and they followed up that success by securing World Cup glory in July in South Africa.
A loan spell at Sale after the 2019 World Cup didn't work out as well as Mark Wilson hoped but he is now back at Newcastle with even greater responsibility.
The former London Irish boss stepped away from Bath last summer but he hasn't been out of the Premiership for long after getting a call from Paul Gustard.
Newcastle Falcons have confirmed the signing of back-rower Philip van der Walt on a three-year deal from South African Super Rugby side, the Sharks.