Aviva Premiership

Andy Goode has been lured out of retirement on a short-term contract with Newcastle Falcons, providing injury cover for Mike Delaney.

Chris Robshaw's return to the scene of England's World Cup disaster was quickly forgotten amid a chaotic but brilliant Aviva Premiership clash that produced another RBS 6 Nations injury doubt in Jonny May.

Bath have moved to strengthen their back division options by signing former Leicester and London Irish player Dan Bowden.

Bath posted only a third Aviva Premiership win of the season - and their first for seven weeks - by edging out Recreation Ground visitors Worcester 21-14.

Saracens maintained their unbeaten record to return to the top of the Aviva Premiership table with a 26-16 victory over Wasps at the Ricoh Arena.

Northampton prop Kieran Brookes is set for an extended spell on the sidelines after undergoing knee surgery, Saints boss Jim Mallinder has revealed.

Exeter moved to the top of the Aviva Premiership with a 33-17 home bonus point victory over Sale.

Leicester shrugged off some poor finishing and a nightmare start to see off a gritty Newcastle side 22-10 at Welford Road to cement their place in the Premiership's top four.

London Irish produced one of the shocks of the season to defeat Northampton 25-23 in the Aviva Premiership match at the Madejski Stadium.

Greig Laidlaw will skipper Gloucester Rugby as they resume their Aviva Premiership campaign against Harlequins at Twickenham as part of Big Game 8 on December 27th.

Returning lock Matt Symons will captain London Irish for their Boxing Day Aviva Premiership clash with Northampton Saints (kick-off 2 30pm).

Former New Zealand fly-half Nick Evans has signed a new contract with Aviva Premiership title contenders Harlequins.

Centre Ben Te'o will leave Leinster for Worcester next summer.

Exeter have announced the signing of Australia international prop Greg Holmes.

Harlequins centre George Lowe has signed a new deal at the Aviva Premiership club.

Northampton Saints recruited as well as anyone in the Aviva Premiership in the build-up to the 2015/16 season.

England fly-half George Ford has extended his contract with Aviva Premiership club Bath.

Mike Ford believes Bath have recruited a world-class back row in Toby Faletau, but cautions that the Aviva Premiership must not "create a monster" by spending too much on player wages.

Leicester director of rugby Richard Cockerill insists Manu Tuilagi is "worth the gamble" after making the England centre the Aviva Premiership's highest-paid player despite his recent injury troubles.

Bath have announced the signing of Wales number eight Taulupe Faletau.