WALES centre Tom Shanklin has been ruled out for 16 weeks by his club – ending his hopes of touring South Africa with the British and Irish Lions.

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New Zealand gained revenge for their Dubai Sevens loss last week when they defeated South Africa in front of their home crowd 24-17 in a pulsating Emirates Airline George Sevens final at Outeniqua Park.

Bath prop David Barnes has been appointed tour captain of the newly-named England Saxons in this season’s Barclays Churchill Cup competition.

Former European Cup finalists Munster face the daunting prospect of travelling away from home in this season’s knock-out stages after struggling to beat Harlequins at Twickenham.

PHIL Vickery last night rallied Gloucester for their make-or-break Heineken Cup mission against Ulster, and vowed: “We will hit them with everything we’ve got.”

London Irish 18 Harlequins 12

England sevens skipper Simon Amor has made a rapid recovery from ankle trouble and will line up in Gloucester’s final pre-season friendly against Italian side Calvisano tomorrow.

Gloucester have agreed to release Argentinian prop Rodrigo Roncero from his contract.

WASPS and England second-row Simon Shaw remains a slight doubt for Sunday's Heineken Cup semi-final against Munster even though he has been named in the side.

WASPS overcame the loss of players to injury and international call-ups to pull off a dramatic last gasp Premiership win over Harlequins last night, courtesy of a late try from Ayoola Erinle, which Mark Van Gisbergen converted.

JONNY WILKINSON insists he will bounce back “stronger and fitter than ever” from the shoulder injury which has ruled him out of the 6 Nations championship.

Harlequins today announced several new signings for next season – including Irish players Gavin Duffy, Andy Dunne, Ben Willis and England prop Mike Worsley.

England sevens sensation Ugo Monye made things look easy in victories over Taiwan and Tonga – but coach Joe Lydon was still taking nothing for granted after day two of the Credit Suisse First Boston Hong Kong Sevens.

English rugby was in mourning today following the death of Harlequins’ scrum-half Nick Duncombe.

England boss Joe Lydon heaped praise on his side after they pulled off a shock to win the World Sevens Series in Brisbane today.

ENGLAND and Lions wing Dan Luger will end eight months of injury misery when he makes his comeback for Harlequins today.

A jubilant Conor O’Shea tonight described London Irish’s stunning 38-7 Powergen Cup final victory over Northampton as the greatest day in the club’s history.

Ailing Harlequins are hoping the return of talismanic Ireland captain Keith Wood will provide them with a speedy hangover cure.

Gloucester’s Henry Paul is aching to play against Zurich Premiership leaders Leicester on Saturday despite his new England Sevens team-mates flying off to Beijing without him.

Jason Robinson is the star attraction in the England squad for the Rugby World Cup Sevens which takes place between January 26-28 in Argentina.