Rugby News

England prop Mako Vunipola made a powerful return to action following nine weeks out injured - but Saracens suffered a second successive league defeat, going down 31-23 to Gloucester at Kingsholm.

Leeds got off the mark in the Betfred Super League after coming from 8-0 down to beat promoted Leigh 17-14 in a nail-biting finish at the Sports Village.

Munster snatched victory from the jaws of defeat as Dave Kilcoyne's late try saw them secure a 25-23 success over the Ospreys and move back to the top of the Guinness PRO12.

James Short grabbed a hat-trick of tries as Exeter maintained their unbeaten record against Worcester in the Premiership with a 48-32 success at Sixways.

Leicester thrashed Bristol 50-17 to take their points haul from two successive home games to 84.

Bath continued their Aviva Premiership play-off push after centre Max Clark's try edged a 22-12 win over Harlequins at the Recreation Ground.

Ulster scored a brilliant length-of-the-field try to clinch a bonus point in their 37-17 victory over Glasgow Warriors in Belfast.

Cardiff Blues kept their slim Champions Cup hopes alive with a 52-20 demolition of Benetton Treviso.

Wigan captain Sean O'Loughlin is urging his team to create history when they take on Australian champions Cronulla in Sunday's World Club Challenge, live on Sky Sports 2 HD from 2.30pm.

Lee Smith is hoping his Super League experience can help revive the fortunes of Bradford Bulls.

Ireland fly-half Johnny Sexton will be given until Tuesday to prove his fitness for next Saturday’s Six Nations clash with France in Dublin.

Steve Borthwick has come to the defence of "fantastic" England captain Dylan Hartley amid speculation over his position in the team.