Russia's Group B match with Slovakia will come under increased scrutiny in Lille as the country has the threat of Euro 2016 expulsion hanging over it.

England rugby players are to be banned from bringing women back to their hotel rooms after four members of the touring squad were accused of a serious sexual assault.

French club rugby boss Serge Blanco has applauded the decision by England’s Guinness Premiership clubs to pull out of next season’s Heineken Cup if French teams press ahead with their expected boycott of the tournament.

ENGLAND Rugby Football (RFU) Union chiefs have urged their French counterparts to nominate alternative entrants for next year’s two European competitions if a proposed boycott goes ahead.