Former England international Nick Abendanon has announced his decision to retire from professional rugby with immediate effect.

Clermont Auvergne has confirmed the signing of Japan international Kotaro Matsushima ahead of the 2020/21 season.

Clermont Auvergne came up with a dominating second half performance as they defeated Ulster 29-13 in their Heineken Champions Cup at Stade Marcel-Michelin on Saturday.

Clermont Auvergne ran an eight try riot as they trounced Bath Rugby 52-26 in their Heineken Champions Cup clash at Stade Marcel-Michelin on Sunday.

Clermont Auvergne came up with a dominating second half as they defeated Bath Rugby 17-34 in the third round of the Heineken Champions Cup at Recreation Ground.

John Cooney starred with 13 points as Ulster edged out Clermont Auvergne by five points in the second round of the Heineken Champions Cup at Kingspan Stadium on Friday.

Clermont Auvergne went on to register their third European Challenge Cup title when they defeated La Rochelle 36-16 in the final at St James' Park in Newcastle last weekend. Here are the highlights from the encounter.

So often the bridesmaid and never the bride, Clermont finally lifted European silverware on Friday night, defeating Top 14 rivals, La Rochelle, 36-16. It was Greig Laidlaw's calming influence and calmness from the tee that was the real difference between the two sides.

Quins produced a valiant comeback in the final 20 minutes after trailing 32-8 but failed to stop Clermont Auvergne from setting up an all-French European Challenge Cup final with La Rochelle after going down 32-27 at the Stade Marcel Michelin.

Patricio Fernandez contributed with 19 points as Clermont Auvergne trounced Dragons 7-49 at Rodney Parade on Friday to secure a home play-off spot in the European Rugby Challenge Cup.

Clermont Auvergne have confirmed former England U20 international George Merrick will join the Top 14 club at the end of the ongoing season.

Clermont convert, Warrior to Dragon, Going Goneva and Jackson's move

Scotland will be without Greig Laidlaw for their autumn international opener against Wales on 3rd November after his club Clermont Auvergne decided not to release the scrum-half.

Clermont Auvergne kick-started their European Challenge Cup campaign with a 20-41 bonus point victory over Northampton Saints at Franklin's Gardens on Saturday.

Rugby Rumours: Rebel Toomua, Tolofua's Top14 return, Chief Chiocci and Jacques at Bath

France international Scott Spedding has agreed to join Top 14 club Castres from rivals Clermont Auvergne on a one-year contract.

Maxime Machenaud contributed with 18 points as Racing 92 went on to edge out Leicester Tigers with a 20-23 margin at Welford Road on Sunday to make it to the play-off of the European Champions Cup.

Clermont Auvergne secured a home quarter-final berth in the European Champions Cup following a 24-7 win over Ospreys at Stade Marcel-Michelin on Saturday.

Northampton Saints secured their second successive win spread across all the competitions as they went on to beat Clermont Auvergne 34-21 in their European Champions Cup clash at Franklin's Gardens.

Rugby Rumours: Liam in Lyon, Saracens move on Lewington, the Bordeaux Beast and Moala to France