Top 14

When RC Toulon and Clermont Auvergne meet at Twickenham this weekend, it will mark the second time in three years that Europe’s premiere rugby tournament has been contested by two French sides, as well as the third year running that Europe’s flagship side will hail from the Top 14.

Lawrence Dallaglio views the poor performance of English clubs in Europe as a "crisis" for French rugby rather than evidence of a gulf in class between the Aviva Premiership and Top 14.

French club Bayonne have announced the signings of England-capped back Mathew Tait on a two-year contract and All Black Tom Taylor, who has agreed a three-year deal.

Steffon Armitage is being held in custody at a French police station, his club Toulon have confirmed.

Uncapped Clermont Auvergne winger Noa Nakaitaci has been included by France coach Philippe Saint-Andre in a preliminary 31-man RBS 6 Nations squad.

Toulon full-back Delon Armitage must wait until Friday to discover the outcome of his appeal against the 12-week ban issued for using abusive language after his hearing was adjourned.

With 2015 now well under the way, transfers across the rugby world will start being announced thick and fast, as players plan their post-Rugby World Cup futures.

French club Bordeaux-Begles have announced the signing of Australia star Adam Ashley-Cooper.

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Toulon forward and former England international Andrew Sheridan has today announced that he will be retiring from rugby with immediate effect.

Australian Matt Giteau has ended speculation over his future by agreeing a new two-year deal with Toulon.

ales star Leigh Halfpenny's career with European champions Toulon could become clearer in the next few days.

Fly-half Jonny Sexton faces a race against time to be fit for Ireland’s autumn international Test series after breaking his jaw in action with his French club Racing Metro.

Johnny Sexton is expected to complete a four-year deal to return from France to former club Leinster at the end of the coming season.

Saracens will open their European Rugby Champions Cup campaign by renewing hostilities with Clermont Auvergne, the French side they trounced to reach last term's Heineken Cup final.

Iain Balshaw has announced his retirement from professional rugby.

English champions Northampton and Heineken Cup runners-up Saracens have been handed tough European draws next season.

Wales Head Coach Warren Gatland has said that he may consider not selecting players based in England in the future.

Cardiff Blues centre Dafydd Hewitt will bring up a decade of service next season after completing a new contract with the Arms Park outfit.

World Cup Winner Bryan Habana has admitted that the change of nationality for Munster’s South African-born flanker CJ Stander is a real “loss” for the Boks, after the news broke that the forward has now qualified to play for Ireland through residency.