Players from 'Tier 2' nations playing in Europe (2016/2017)

A country by country breakdown of the 350+ players from nations outside Tier 1 currently playing for clubs in one of the 5 fully professional leagues in Europe (Premiership, Championship, Top 14, Pro D2 and Pro12).

Players from 'Tier 2' nations playing in Europe (2015/2016)

For the 2015/16 season there are right now around 354 players from 31 nations outside Tier 1 playing for clubs in the 5 fully professional leagues in Europe (Premiership, Championship, Top 14, Pro D2 and Pro12), plus at least another 50+ in Espoirs squads in France. Here is a breakdown country by country of those players.

Andrei Igretsov to trial with the Newport Gwent Dragons

Russian tighthead prop Andrei Igretsov is reported by his club to be going to have a trial next month at the Welsh region the Newport Gwent Dragons.

Why the privately owned Club model is better for the global game than the Union run model

There are two diverging philosophies in the European club battle, one from the privately backed domestic game in England, France and the Welsh regions, the other from the Union run domestic game backed by the IRFU, SRU and WRU (who want more control over the regions). Here we say, from the perspective of the global game, who it would be preferable to triumph.

Sevens star Carlin Isles to make first foray into 15 man code

In exciting news for fans of the USA and rugby in general, it appears that Carlin Isles will be making his first foray into the 15 man code as RugbyMag reports he is to sign for Rabo Pro12 side Glasgow for the rest of the season.

Jeff Hassler fast improving and winning fans at the Ospreys

Becoming increasingly popular with fans, Canadian wing Jeff Hassler has been voted January player of the month for the Ospreys as his hard work pays off.