A tournament that has already captivated, thanks largely to Japan’s heroics, will hope to plug into the ultimate feelgood sporting event in modern English history when France and Romania meet in the Olympic Stadium’s first pool match this evening.

Another day, another clean bill of health for Ireland’s World Cup squad and the luxury of not having to rush Robbie Henshaw back into service at the earliest opportunity.

Romania were the odd ones out in Pool D at the weekend when they had to sit and watch their four counterparts stretch their legs, but their best foot has been put forward for the meeting with France tomorrow in the form of their most experienced team of all time.

Three days later and the shock waves from Japan’s win against South Africa continue to ripple far beyond the shores of the genteel and chic coastal town of Brighton which now finds itself enshrined in rugby folklore.

THE Scottish Rugby Union have demanded answers from Edinburgh after Scotland full-back Chris Paterson was allowed to leave the club and join Gloucester.

Scotland full-back Chris Paterson has left Edinburgh to join Guinness Premiership side Gloucester.

EDINBURGH are boosted by the return of veteran Scott Murray and Munster by Paul O’Connell for the Magners League game at Murrayfield tonight.

Cardiff Blues 48 Edinburgh 0

Edinburgh 12 Ospreys 30

Edinburgh have moved quickly to compensate for the loss of Rob Dewey by announcing the signing of New Zealand-born lock Ben Gissing on a two-year deal.

Edinburgh 24 Llanelli Scarlets 14

EDINBURGH supremo Lynn Howells admitted his men had been outplayed by “a much better team” after a 31-14 home defeat by Gloucester.

BARRY MURPHY, a revelation for Munster last year, is ready to return to Heineken Cup action.

Edinburgh Rugby have been boosted by the announcement of Lynn Howells as their new head coach ahead of the visit of Leinster in the Magners League on Friday night.

Edinburgh Rugby have appointed Lynn Howells as their new head coach.

Neath-Swansea Ospreys tonight promised to “move heaven and earth” in assisting the Celtic Warriors if they are disbanded by Welsh rugby chiefs.

Wales coach Mike Ruddock could be faced by an injury crisis for this summer’s demanding tour of Argentina and South Africa.

THE sense of relief in the Munster camp last night was palpable after it was confirmed Ronan O’Gara’s ankle injury was not as serious as first feared and that he would definitely be fit to line out against Stade Français in the Heineken Cup quarter-final at Thomond Park on Saturday week.

Steve Hansen’s preparations for his last match as Wales coach have been disrupted by injury concerns.

Celtic Warriors 16 Perpignan 15

England World Cup star Neil Back believes that Leicester are good enough to land an unprecedented third European title in four seasons.

Leicester star Austin Healey has billed tomorrow’s Heineken Cup clash against Ulster as a “must-win game”.

CONNACHT will be at home in the first leg of their Parker Pen Challenge Cup quarter-final clash against Pontypridd on the second weekend of January.

COLM McMAHON could be pressed into action as a winger for Munster’s Celtic League quarter-final with Connacht at Musgrave Park on Friday.

Lynn Howells has returned to Pontypridd as head coach after two years at Cardiff.

Wales players have been warned to expect a stiff test on their five-match summer tour to Japan.

Scott Gibbs will not tour Japan with Wales this summer following his shock omission from the Lions squad.

Gloucester’s rampant forwards have been backed to cause more Heineken Cup mayhem after they roughed up Cardiff and sent them tumbling out of Europe.

The pool matches in next season's European competitions will not be played in the six-week block many British clubs had hoped for.