The Crusaders' bid for a third straight Super Rugby title - and 10th overall - continued with a dominant defeat of the Highlanders.
Having seen his contract terminated, Israel Folau is now hoping to receive donations to aid his legal fight against Rugby Australia.
England's injury-hit hooker Dylan Hartley may not feature in the Rugby World Cup after being left out of Eddie Jones' training squad.
After no agreement was reached, World Rugby stopped plans for a Nations Championship.
Rob Baxter is not putting a timescale on how long Jack Nowell will be out, but does not believe he is a Rugby World Cup doubt.
Munster, Racing 92 and the Ospreys will take on holders Saracens in the pool stage of the 2019-20 European Champions Cup.
New Zealand and the Highlanders have been boosted by Ben Smith's imminent return to Super Rugby action this week.
France will head to the 2019 Rugby World Cup without Mathieu Bastareaud after their Six Nations vice-captain was left out of a 31-man squad.
After Toulouse beat Clermont Auvergne to win the Top 14 title for the 20th time, Ugo Mola paid tribute to his players.
Toulouse won the Top 14 final for the first time in seven years thanks to Yoann Huget's double against Clermont Auvergne.