Australia lock Nathan Sharpe has revealed that he is set to retire at the end of the Super Rugby season.
Scotland have dropped outside the world's top 10 following their RBS 6 Nations home defeat against England on Saturday.
Former South African Under-21 captain Clyde Rathbone and fellow Wallaby Dan Vickerman may have been the trailblazers, but Rathbone's former mentor, Jake White, hopes to lure many more youngsters from his homeland to Australia.
Australia flanker Rocky Elsom has been confirmed as the new captain of the Waratahs.
Australia international David Pocock has been named captain of the Western Force for the upcoming Super 15 season.
Melbourne Rebels ace Kurtley Beale is still nursing the hamstring injury he picked up at the World Cup.
Former Wallabies centre Stirling Mortlock and flnak George Smith have both been appointed members of the Order of Australia in the annual Australia Day honours for 2012.
Wallabies and Queensland Reds lock Rob Simmons will remain in Australia until the end of 2013, after re-signing for a further two years.
Injured Wallaby flyhalf Quade Cooper is free to party on, according to Reds coach Ewen McKenzie.
France will play Australia, Argentina and Samoa in their November internationals, a source close to the French rugby federation said.
Wayward and capricious Wallaby star Quade Cooper has landed in hot water again, but the Queensland Rugby Union moved swiftly to dispel rumours that other Reds players were involved in the latest incident.
Former Australia boss Eddie Jones has been appointed the new head coach of Japan.
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