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Bayonne stun Racing 92 on opening day, Toulouse beaten

There were shock wins for Bayonne and Bordeaux-Begles as the Top 14 returned for the 2019-20 season on Saturday.

Mako Vunipola's return from injury was cut short, but England coach Eddie Jones is "cautiously optimistic" over the prop.

The Rugby World Cup is not far away but Ireland's performance against England showed they are not ready, according to Rory Best.

Ireland's hopes of moving to the top of the world rankings on Saturday were crushed by a brilliant England display at Twickenham.

Sam Skinner, Tommy Seymour and Blade Thomson were forced off as Scotland hit back to beat France a week after a heavy defeat.

The fixtures for the 2019-20 Champions Cup and Challenge Cup have been revealed, with Saracens starting their title defence at Racing 92.

Despite being seen as a potential successor to Eddie Jones, Jim Mallinder is leaving his role with England for a job in Scotland.

David Pocock has not played since March but Michael Hooper expects him to be key for Australia at the Rugby World Cup.

Jordan Petaia, 19, is the only uncapped Australia player in Michael Cheika's squad for the showpiece event, which starts on September 20.

For the first time in over a year, George Ford and Owen Farrell will be in England's starting line-up when they face Ireland.

Ross Byrne will start Ireland's meeting with England at fly-half as Johnny Sexton and Joey Carbery struggle with injury.

MMA promotion Bellator has signed former England rugby union star James Haskell, who is expected to make his debut in 2020.

England international Ben Te'o has joined Toulon until November to provide cover for players leaving the Top 14 side for the World Cup.

After overcoming a serious knee injury, hooker Leonardo Ghiraldini has been included in Conor O'Shea's 31-man squad.

Maxime Medard claimed a brace of tries as France ran riot against Scotland in Nice as part of their Rugby World Cup preparations.

Sbu Nkosi dazzled but South Africa were not at their best, earning a battling win against Argentina in their Rugby World Cup warm-up.