Robbie Henshaw handed Ireland an RBS 6 Nations fitness boost as Connacht thrashed Enisei-STM 47-5 to qualify for the European Challenge Cup quarter-finals.

Newcastle Falcons have announced that following his loan spell at Saracens, former Munster and Irish scrum-half Peter Stringer has arrived at Kingston Park until the end of the season.

The Barclays Premier League clash between title rivals Chelsea and Manchester United was the most high-profile casualty of this weekend’s snow and freezing temperatures as all of tomorrow’s top flight fixtures were postponed today.

Tomorrow’s high-profile Barclays Premier League clash between title rivals Chelsea and Manchester United became the most significant casualty of this weekend’s snow and freezing temperatures.

Kevin McLaughlin muted Leinster’s Heineken Cup quarter-final victory celebrations by insisting they must improve if they are to retain their crown.

NORTHAMPTON staged the kind of second-half comeback at Wasps yesterday that their Heineken Cup opponents Munster could have done with in the RDS, but still came up short, losing 20-15.

Carl Hayman has ended speculation that he was angling for an early return to New Zealand by confirming he will see out his current contract at Newcastle.

Jonny Wilkinson is set to make his return from shoulder surgery in Newcastle’s Guinness Premiership clash against Northampton on Sunday.

Sale today announced the signing of Mathew Tait, hours after Newcastle confirmed the England centre would be leaving them at the end of the season.

Alan Gaffney hopes his Saracens side can give the Ospreys food for thought in tomorrow’s Heineken Cup quarter-final showdown at Vicarage Road.

TOBY FLOOD openly admits he is enduring a week from hell as England prepare to complete their failed RBS 6 Nations campaign.

Toby Flood openly admits he is enduring a week from hell as England prepare to complete their failed RBS 6 Nations campaign.

ENGLAND star Jonny Wilkinson will head into the RBS Six Nations Championship convinced he has made the right decision by pledging his future with Newcastle.

NEWCASTLE boss John Fletcher has hailed England star Jonny Wilkinson’s new two-year contract with the Falcons, claiming: “He is the biggest name in rugby.”

Brian Smith is confident London Irish can put a frustrating away day at Welford Road behind them and blow Guinness Premiership form team Sale Sharks off course tomorrow.

Newcastle head coach John Fletcher believes yesterday’s thrilling 22-19 triumph at Saracens showed Jonny Wilkinson exactly why he should remain in the north-east.

Fabien Pelous hopes Leicester will feel the heat when they take on Toulouse in a crucial Heineken Cup clash tomorrow.

Connacht coach Michael Bradley has taken an 'if it ain't broke, don't fix it' approach to Sunday’s European Challenge Cup tie against Newcastle Falcons at Kingston Park by naming an unchanged side.

Newcastle boss John Fletcher believes “any number of factors” will determine Jonny Wilkinson’s future at the Guinness Premiership club.

CONNACHT coach Michael Bradley has warned his side against complacency following their dramatic 16-13 European Challenge Cup victory over Newcastle Falcons.

Jonny Wilkinson has insisted the departure of ’mentor’ Steve Black will be just one factor he considers when deciding whether to remain at Newcastle.

Michael Bradley has named the same 22 which beat Newcastle last Friday night at the Sportsground for his sides return clash with the English Premiership outfit at Kingston Park on Sunday, kick-off at 3pm.

Newcastle 25 Brive 19

Australian star Matt Burke is in talks with Newcastle about a new contract at Kingston Park.

Newcastle striker Michael Owen insists he is ready to return to Barclays Premier League action this weekend after coming through an hour-long work-out last night.

New Zealand prop Carl Hayman has confirmed he will join Guinness Premiership side Newcastle Falcons after the World Cup.

Guinness Premiership leaders Leicester will underline their enviable squad strength by parading the big guns against Madejski Stadium opponents London Irish on St Stephen's Day.

Struggling Newcastle have raided New Zealand to bolster their squad with Joe McDonnell, Mark Sorenson and Loki Crichton arriving at Kingston Park.

Newcastle Falcons 22 London Irish 27

In the European Challenge Cup tomorrow, London Irish tackle Newcastle at Kingston Park, hoping to continue impressive Guinness Premiership form that has thrust them into title play-off contention.

Munster coach Declan Kidney denies Leinster can be targeted up front in tomorrow’s Heineken Cup semi-final at Lansdowne Road.

London Irish 28 Leeds 24

Sale boss Philippe Saint-Andre hailed his medical staff after Mark Cueto and Jason Robinson were passed fit for tomorrow’s Heineken Cup quarter-final against Biarritz.

Newcastle 23 Connacht 3

FRANCE flanker Serge Betsen has been forced to postpone his return to competition by three weeks because of an injury to his left cheekbone.

Newcastle Falcons 20 London Irish 23

London Irish boss Brian Smith wants the Exiles to “steal a win” when they tackle Guinness Premiership rivals Newcastle at Kingston Park tomorrow night.

Jonny Wilkinson has been released from hospital in Japan after suffering an inflamed appendix and could make a swift return to action.

Newcastle today completed the signing of Italian international prop Tino Paoletti.

Lions boss Clive Woodward tonight received a double boost surrounding two of his potential Test-match stars against the All Blacks – Newcastle pair Jonny Wilkinson and Colin Charvis.

Australian forward Owen Finegan has agreed a two-year deal with the Newcastle Falcons.