GLOUCESTER rookie Anthony Allen says his England call-up for a Test match baptism of fire against World Cup favourites New Zealand is “pretty unbelievable”.

Munster star Peter Stringer believes the Heineken Cup holders face a tougher task trying to retain their European title than when they won it in unforgettable fashion last season.

Barry Coughlan

Harlequins have completed the signing of Argentinian international forward Pablo Bouza.

European champions Wasps were on Thursday kicked out of the Powergen Cup for fielding an ineligible player in their sixth round victory over Bristol Shoguns last weekend.

Ireland coach Daryl Powell has promised his side will “give it a go” in the European Nations Cup final against England at Warrington this weekend.

Welsh international Dafydd James will make his first Zurich Premiership start when Harlequins face fellow strugglers Worcester at Sixways tomorrow.

Bath had their allocation of England international match tickets cut by the Rugby Football Union yesterday after two tickets last season ended up in the hands of an "unlicensed hospitality provider".

Last-ditch attempts were being made last night to rescue crisis rugby club Rotherham from the brink of extinction.