Pro 12

Benetton Treviso stood firm to beat Zebre 17-15 as the Guinness Pro12's bottom two sides produced a good contest at the Stadio Comunale di Monigo.

Two first-half tries from Tim Visser helped Edinburgh reclaim the 1872 Cup with a 20-8 Guinness Pro12 victory over Glasgow at Murrayfield.

Connacht overturned a 13-point deficit to claim a rare victory over Munster, running out 24-16 victors in a gusty Guinness Pro12 clash in Galway.

Cardiff Blues avenged their Boxing Day home defeat to Newport Gwent Dragons by holding on to claim a 11-9 win at Rodney Parade.

Whilst we all sat down to our turkey dinners and third helpings of mince pies, rugby players up and down the country were preparing for their vital festive schedules, with derbies galore across the British Isles.

Dan Lydiate has completed his dual contract move from Racing Metro to the Ospreys that will "send a message" about Welsh rugby's new bargaining power.

The Greene King IPA Championship looks on course to have a healthy representation in the quarter-finals of the B&I Cup, with English sides topping four of the pools with two rounds to go and Leinster, winners of the competition for the last two years, heading a fifth.

No Aviva Premiership this weekend, but with a full-slate of Guinness Pro 12 and LV= Cup rugby, there were plenty of opportunities for players to make a name for themselves and boost their stock.

There is no excuse for missing any of the best rugby on TV this weekend or letting anything get in the way of your rugby viewing thanks to our handy guide to the best of what's on the box...

Guinness PRO12 leaders Ospreys made it six wins from six by beating Welsh rivals Cardiff Blues 26-15 in a one-sided clash at the Liberty Stadium.

Les Kiss will leave the Ireland set-up after Rugby World Cup 2015 to become Ulster's full-time director of rugby.

Fergus McFadden is a major doubt for Ireland's autumn Test series after being ruled out of action for six weeks with an ankle injury.

Munster stole the headlines this week with a 34-23 away victory over Leinster, whilst Bath once again impressed with a 21-11 win against Saracens at The Rec.

The Ospreys have announced a new three-year deal for their Canadian wing Jeff Hassler.

The former Sharks and SA u20 player has moved to Scotland. Born in a family of backs Allan Dell turned out a prop. However stong similarities can be made of him and Beast as they both have exceptional abilities in the loose and the tight. Can adapt to the physical side of the game while at home with ball in hand.

Wales lock-forward Andrew Coombs has been handed a three-week ban after being cited for allegedly stamping on an opponent’s head.

Another bumper weekend of domestic rugby has given us plenty to consider for this week’s edition of TRU’s Stock Watch, not least a tight Welsh derby between the Newport Gwent Dragons and Ospreys, or Saracens’ obliteration of a directionless-looking Quins side at The Stoop.

Warren Gatland hopes that Wales' first dual-contracted players could be signed up during the next "three or four weeks".

After back-to-back titles you would assume Leinster won't be looking to change much heading into the new Guinness PRO12 season, and according to new skipper Jamie Heaslip, ‘you'd be dead right.’