Saracens back-row forward Paul Gustard has announced his retirement from professional rugby at the end of this season.

SARACENS face a crucial Heineken Cup clash against Ulster in Belfast tonight, with rugby director Steve Diamond admitting: “We don’t need to motivate the players for this game.”

Saracens face a crucial Heineken Cup clash against Ulster in Belfast tomorrow night, with rugby director Steve Diamond admitting: “We don’t need to motivate the players for this game.”

International rugby latest:

Scotland were looking to end their Australasian tour and a 16-Test international season with an unlikely victory over the Wallabies at Sydney’s Telstra Stadium.

Iain Fullarton, the 17-stone Saracens-bound lock, has been confirmed as Stuart Grimes’ replacement in the Scotland side to play Australia in tomorrow’s second Test at Telstra Stadium.

Scotland coach Matt Williams was no closer to clearing the confusion over who will play in the second row in Saturday’s second Test against Australia after naming both Iain Fullarton and Craig Hamilton as possible partners to captain Scott Murray.

ENGLAND skipper Lawrence Dallaglio last night left his players in no doubt what he expects from them when they embark on a second Test salvage mission against the All Blacks.

Bath back-row forward Scott Gray will earn his first cap for Scotland in the Staffware Challenge match against the Barbarians on Saturday.

Craig Joiner has been named in the Scotland squad for a two-day training camp this week – four years after winning his last cap.

Saracens today announced a mass player clear-out with Scottish international hooker Robbie Russell among those leaving the Zurich Premiership strugglers.

Scotland coach Matt Williams insists he will not discriminate against English-based players in future international squads but maintains his loyalty will remain with those staying north of the border.

Sale Sharks scrum-half and former Scotland captain Bryan Redpath will miss the rest of this season due to a shoulder injury.

Returning Scotland lock Stuart Grimes admits he was far more concerned about regaining his place in Ian McGeechan’s World Cup plans than winning a 50th cap.

Scotland A team manager Dougie Arneil has made wholesale changes to his side for their game against Italy A on Friday.

England forwards Lawrence Dallaglio and Julian White look certain to miss national squad training today after picking up injuries during the latest round of Zurich Premiership action.

Sale Sharks have continued to strengthen their set-up today by agreeing contract extensions with four more players and team manager Steve Diamond.

Scotland coach Ian McGeechan may be tempted to cast an envious eye towards Bob Dwyer in tonight’s game against the Barbarians at Murrayfield.

Three players have been called into the Scotland A squad for their Six Nations meeting with Wales A in Edinburgh on Friday (7pm).