Rugby Union

Saracens director of rugby Mark McCall says Sunday's heavy defeat by Harlequins capped "the toughest week" in the club's history.

Shaun Edwards says he opted to become France's defence coach because they offered him a longer contract than Wales.

Joe Launchbury will miss England's opening Six Nations match against France next weekend because of a knee injury.

Head coach Wayne Pivac says his past career as a policeman will help him in his new role with Wales.

Bristol Bears' brilliant second half sees off rivals Gloucester and secures a first Premiership win since November.

Scarlets believe they are one of only two leading European teams to have made a profit in their last financial year.

England's Ollie Thorley says there is "no difference" in the camp following Saracens' salary cap breaches.

Winger Darcy Graham will miss Scotland's Six Nations opener against Ireland next Saturday due to a knee injury, while Duncan Weir is called up in place of absent Finn Russell.

Cornish Pirates coach Alan Paver says Saracens' relegation to the Championship could benefit his side in the long run.

Wing Owen Lane is released from Wales' Six Nations squad following a "significant hamstring injury" sustained in training.

Jacques Nienaber is confirmed as South Africa's head coach as World Cup-winning boss Rassie Erasmus returns to the role of director of rugby.

Team news as Worcester host Wasps in Saturday's Premiership fixture at Sixways (15:00 GMT).

Team news as Exeter host Sale in Saturday's Premiership fixture at Sandy Park (15:00 GMT).

Team news as Bath host Leicester in Saturday's Premiership fixture at The Rec (15:00 GMT).

Team news as Harlequins host Saracens in Sunday's Premiership fixture at Twickenham Stoop (15:00 GMT).

Harlequins sign South Africa centre Andre Esterhuizen from Super Rugby's Sharks for next season.

BBC Sport guides you through the reasons why Saracens were fined £5.4m and docked 35 points for breaking the Premiership salary cap.

Worcester Warriors forward Michael Fatialofa is moved out of intensive care following his serious neck injury.

Saracens owner Nigel Wray apologises for the "ill-considered approach" to salary cap compliance which led to Saracens' relegation

Ireland fly-half Johnny Sexton says his side's disappointing performance at the World Cup in Japan keeps him awake at night.