There was a minor shock in the EPCR Challenge Cup as the Georgian Black Lion defeated a Top 14 side for the first time, earning a 22-19 win against a depleted RC Vannes who travelled to Tbilisi without some of their main stars.
EPCR have announced that Black Lion from Georgia and South Africa’s Toyota Cheetahs will continue their participation as invited clubs in the Challenge Cup for the next two seasons.
The Black Lion have defended their Super Cup crown with a 29-17 victory over the Tel Aviv Heat in Tbilisi over the weekend.
England lock Maro Itoje recognises the impact becoming the first black captain of the British and Irish Lions would have on the sport.
The European Champions Cup has reached it's final stages with Leinster being knocked out by Northampton, and Bordeaux overcame a tough test from Toulouse in the other semi-final.
It’s never easy to predict what the next 12 months of rugby will look like but that hasn’t stopped this writer from trying for a third year in a row.
The last time an Australia-New Zealand composite side took the field, there were few All Blacks to speak of.
Black Ferns World Champion hooker welcomes the prospect of tackling the British & Irish Lions on a New Zealand tour.