The Guinness Premiership is settling in for a shoot out as Saracens and the Northampton Saints dig-in for a tug of war over the future [...]

The Twickenham Stoop will host a double header on Saturday 10th April when Harlequin FC take on Leeds Carnegie in the Guinness Premiership (2pm KO) followed by Harlequins Rugby League v St Helens in the Engage Super League (5.30pm KO).

I’d put this signing somewhere on a par with Andy Farrell’s departure to Saracens at the fag-end of an epic league career; let’s hope for the Crusaders sake that Thomas can make more of a impact in Wrexham than Farrell managed in an injury bedevilled spell at Watford though.

Although they will be without half back, Charlie Hodgson (toe) Sale welcome back British Lions’ prop, Andrew Sheridan, who is set to make his return to competitive action after facing down the Springbok eight in a famous third test victory in Johannesburg in July.

A projected NZ$30 million loss is bad enough but local news agency, Reuters, now report that it could rise as high as NZ$40 million (£16.75 million).

Sharks down the reigning Premiership champions to claim opening day victory.

Leeds Carnegie have been given a major boost ahead of the new Guinness Premiership season which starts this Sunday against Newcastle