Cardiff Blues have completed a double swoop, landing New Zealand centre Casey Laulala and former Wales and British and Irish Lions outside back Dafydd James.

The British and Irish Lions are ready to paint Durban red tomorrow by backing their unshakeable belief that they can stun world champions South Africa.

Martin Johnson has paid a glowing tribute to one of the players who could help destroy England on Saturday – Wales star Martyn Williams.

NEIL JENKINS has acclaimed the incredible achievements of England’s Jonny Wilkinson as he prepares to hand over his world Test points record today.

ONE MIGHT have thought the focus would be on the battle between Ronan O’Gara and Stephen Jones at out half or the alleged animosity between Brian O’Driscoll and Gavin Henson.

JASON LEONARD believes England are in a healthier state following the 2007 World Cup than they were after conquering planet rugby four years earlier.

Ulster have pulled off the signing of Australian lock Justin Harrison, famously branded an “ape, plod and plank” by England’s Austin Healey during the 2001 Lions tour of Australia.

Lawrence Dallaglio’s British and Irish Lions tour today ended in injury agony.

The British & Irish Lions today sent out a strong message of intent by naming a powerful side to take on Bay of Plenty in their opening tour match on June 4.

Lawrence Dallaglio admits the fabled All Blacks jersey still inspires awe in many of the Lions touring party.

Ian McGeechan today eased fears injury might force Simon Taylor and Malcolm O’Kelly out of the British and Irish Lions tour even before the squad depart for New Zealand.

Jonny Wilkinson today insisted he will not be left with any mental scarring from the injury nightmare which has blighted his post-World Cup career.

CLIVE Woodward’s old sparring partner, the Australia coach Eddie Jones, has backed his decision to take a 26-strong management team on next summer’s Lions tour to New Zealand.

Wales full-back Gareth Thomas will complete his move to two-time European champions Toulouse tomorrow morning.

ENGLAND’S most capped full-back Matt Perry is primed to make his Bath comeback in today’s Parker Pen Challenge Cup semi-final clash with Montferrand — just five weeks after undergoing pioneering back surgery.

GLOUCESTER’S worst fears have been realised with the withdrawal yesterday of England World Cup-winning tight head prop Phil Vickery from their side to meet Munster in the Heineken European Cup at Kingsholm tomorrow.

Charlie Mulqueen talks to Rob Henderson, just returning from his latest injury.

ONE of the best lineout jumpers in the world, both in attack and defence.

MUNSTER coach Alan Gaffney feels last year’s Leinster injury jinx may have followed him south.

Malcolm O’Kelly set his sights on the 2001 Lions tour four years ago when witnessing his Ireland team-mate Jeremy Davidson steal the show in South Africa.