The Wallabies have suffered a heavy injury blow in the leadup to the final Bledisloe Cup match against the All Blacks, with lock Izack Rodda to undergo shoulder surgery and miss the rest of the season.
Warren Gatland has ruled out guiding the British and Irish Lions on another tour and said Ireland flanker Sean O'Brien's criticism of the coaching during the drawn series in New Zealand had played a part in his decision.
Oct 16 (Gracenote) - Fixture from the Test match between Australia and New Zealand on Saturday in Brisbane, Australia SATURDAY, OCTOBER 21 FIXTURES (GMT) Australia v New Zealand (0900)
Oct 16 (Gracenote) - Fixtures from the European Rugby Champions Cup Group Stage matches FRIDAY, OCTOBER 20 FIXTURES (GMT) Scarlets v Bath Rugby (1845) SATURDAY, OCTOBER 21 FIXTURES (GMT) Glasgow Warriors v Leinster (1200) ASM Clermont Auvergne v Northampton (1415) Benetton Rugby Treviso v Toulon (1415) Leicester Tigers v Castres Olympique (1630) Munster v Racing 92 (1630) Saracens v Osprey
Oct 16 (Gracenote) - Fixtures from the European Rugby Challenge Cup Group Stage matches THURSDAY, OCTOBER 19 FIXTURES (GMT) Gloucester Rugby v SU Agen (1845) FRIDAY, OCTOBER 20 FIXTURES (GMT) Brive v Oyonnax (1700) LOU v Sale Sharks (1730) Toulouse v Cardiff Blues (1900) SATURDAY, OCTOBER 21 FIXTURES (GMT) Krasny Yar v Edinburgh Rugby (0900) Enisei-STM v Dragons (1200) Zebre v Pau
* North, Faletau and Roberts to benefit from new '60-cap rule'
The Welsh Rugby Union is to allow players with at least 60 test appearances to be eligible for international selection regardless of which country they play their club in.
All Blacks loose forward and captain-in-waiting Sam Cane has committed to New Zealand rugby through to 2021.
All Blacks loose forward and captain-in-waiting Sam Cane has committed to New Zealand rugby through to 2021.
Oct 15 (Gracenote) - Results and standings from the European Rugby Champions Cup Group Stage matches on Sunday RESULTS Castres Olympique 17 Munster 17 Pool 4 Toulon 21 Scarlets 20 Pool 5 Northampton 13 Saracens 57 Pool 2 Ospreys 21 ASM Clermont Auvergne 26 Pool 2 STANDINGS P W D F A B Pts Pool 1 1. La Rochelle 1 1 0 34 27 1 5 2. Ulster 1 1 0 19 9 0 4