Newcastle Falcons

Former England star Jonny Wilkinson will aim to lead Toulon to their first French league title since 1992 in Saturday's Top 14 final against Toulouse at the Stade de France.

Former England kicking great Jonny Wilkinson kicked five penalties to inspire Toulon to a 15-12 victory over Clermont on Sunday and a place in the Top 14 final against defending champions Toulouse.

Newcastle Falcons will stay in the top flight of English rugby union next season, regardless of whether London Welsh win promotion later this month, the Rugby Football Union said on Wednesday.

Newcastle Falcons will stay in the top flight of English rugby union next season, regardless of whether London Welsh win promotion later this month, the Rugby Football Union said on Wednesday.

Newcastle Falcons on Friday signed Scotland scrum-half Lawson from Premiership club Gloucester.

South Africa's Gary Gold has been given one of the hardest jobs in English rugby after being put in charge at bottom of the Premiership Newcastle Falcons.

Scotland head coach Andy Robinson on Monday confirmed Alastair Kellock as captain of his 30-man squad for the World Cup in New Zealand.

Jonny Wilkinson may no longer command a place in England's starting line-up but the veteran fly-half could yet make history on Saturday if he comes off the bench to face France.

New Zealand rugby chiefs said Wednesday they would not change selection rules to let former All Black prop Carl Hayman play in the World Cup, despite his French club's willingness to release him.

London Irish fly-half Ryan Lamb put the boot into former club Gloucester as the Exiles secured a 23-16 victory to move up to second in the Premiership table on Sunday.

All Black prop Carl Hayman is to leave Newcastle at the end of the season and join French club Toulon, the English Premiership side announced Monday.

Jonny Wilkinson insists he can cope with the expectation that will be heaped on him when he makes his much-hyped return to the England team for the November internationals.