Edinburgh's Allan Jacobsen has been described as one of the best loosehead props in the world by Scotland's scrum coach Massimo Cuttitta.
The 31-year-old is one of very few players to have featured in all nine Magners League seasons to date and has made almost 100 appearances in the competition.
Robinson prepared to compete
Leicester Tigers winger Lee Robinson knows it is going to be tough to become a regular starter in is Richard Cockerill's starting XV this season. Full Story
Williams targets October return
Blues hooker Gareth Williams hopes to have recovered from neck and shoulder injuries in time to return to action in October. Full Story
Henry wants to see job through
New Zealand coach Graham Henry has said he will not make wholesale changes for next weekend's Tri-Nations clash against South Africa. Full Story
Quade ponders league venture
Australia star Quade Cooper has said he will put any thoughts of a switch to rugby league to the back of his mind until the World Cup is over next year. Full Story
Simpson-Daniel ready to go
Gloucester's James Simpson-Daniel has admitted the squad can't wait to get their Aviva Premiership campaign up and running at the start of next month. Full Story
Cowan fit to face Springboks
New Zealand team doctor Deb Robinson has said scrum-half Jimmy Cowan is available for their Tri-Nations fixture with South Africa in Johannesburg on August 21. Full Story
Borthwick handed England hope
England coach Martin Johnson has refused to rule Steve Borthwick out from making a return as team captain ahead of the World Cup next year. Full Story
De Villiers cleared over ref comments
South Africa head coach Peter de Villiers has been cleared of misconduct following recent controversial comments about refereeing standards in the Tri-Nations this season. Full Story
Deans takes the positives
Australia head coach Robbie Deans felt that side had given an improved performance in their 20-10 defeat at the hands of New Zealand in Christchurch. Full Story
Henry's Bledisloe Cup delight
New Zealand coach Graham Henry admitted his side had not been at their best during the 20-10 victory against Australia although they were still good enough to retain the Bledisloe Cup for a seventh successive year. Full Story
Lewis wants Gatland stay
Wales Rugby Union chief Roger Lewis is hopeful national team coach Warren Gatland will remain in the hot-seat beyond next year's World Cup. Full Story
Foden pleased with improvements
England and Northampton Saints full-back Ben Foden believes the national team are progressing under head coach Martin Johnson. Full Story
Hodgson out with shoulder issue
Sale Sharks star Charlie Hodgson is expected to miss the first month of the new Aviva Premiership campaign through injury. Full Story
Deans seeking home comforts
Australia coach Robbie Deans will be hoping for a prosperous return to Christchurch as he takes his side into battle against his home nation New Zealand on Saturday. Full Story
All Black Read expects better
New Zealand forward Kieran Read has sounded an ominous warning to their Tri-Nations counterparts by insisting they can get better following their 49-28 Bledisloe Cup win over Australia in Melbourne last weekend. Full Story
Wilkinson to miss England camp
England coach Martin Johnson has been dealt a blow after it was confirmed Jonny Wilkinson would be unavailable for the team training camp at Twickenham next week. Full Story
Attwood relishing England chance
Gloucester lock Dave Attwood is hoping he can impress England coach Martin Johnson after winning a place in the Elite Player Squad. Full Story
Wessels dropped by Rugby Board
International Rugby Board referees chief Paddy O'Brien has confirmed that South African Cobus Wessels will not officiate in this weekend's Tri-Nations clash between New Zealand and Australia. Full Story
Weepu to start against Wallabies
New Zealand coach Graham Henry has made three changes to the side that thrashed Australia 49-28 on Saturday for this weekend's return match against the Wallabies in Christchurch. Full Story
Lamont faces short lay-off
Scotland international Rory Lamont will miss the start of Toulon's Top 14 campaign after suffering an injury to his hand in pre-season. Full Story
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