England centre Mike Tindall will lead Gloucester into their final pre-season game against Glasgow Warriors at Kingsholm on Saturday.

Phil Pask - a key member of England's support staff for three World Cup campaigns - has landed a Twickenham return.

Paul Stridgeon has been appointed to the England management team as national fitness coach.

Bath Rugby has received a timely boost ahead of the new season with the announcement that scrum-half Michael Claassens has pledged his future to the club, by renewing his contract for another two years.

Discussions over staging a revamped Anglo-Welsh cup competition in time for the 2009-10 season are under way.

Newcastle Falcons go in to the Premiership season firmly on the front foot, after a convincing 37-10 victory over French big-spenders Racing Metro in Lille on Sunday.

A powerful forwards display saw Northampton Saints record a 22-3 victory over Australian Super 14 side Western Force in their latest pre-season friendly at Franklin's Gardens.

Shane Geraghty predicts Brian Smith will revive the unpredictability that has been missing from England's attack in recent years.

England have announced a return to their pre-2003 World Cup training base, during the managerial reign of Martin Johnson.

Riki Flutey is satisfied he made the right decision joining England after an influential former All Black approved his change of allegiance.

Andy Farrell looks set to miss Saracens' first five Guinness Premiership games after suffering a pre-season injury.

Former Newcastle Falcons head forwards coach and Scotland international Peter Walton will join the Elite Rugby Department of the Rugby Football Union on September 1.