A look ahead to the opening weekend of the 2012 RBS Six Nations Championship.
Keith Earls has been forced to withdraw from Ireland's RBS Six Nations clash with Wales on Sunday.
Wales have been boosted by the return of Jamie Roberts and Rhys Priestland for the RBS Six Nations clash against Ireland on Sunday.
Shane Williams will retire from professional rugby at the end of the current campaign to take up an ambassadorial role with Ospreys.
Northampton Saints centre James Downey is to join Munster at end of the current season.
Brian O'Driscoll has no idea when he will be ready to retire from rugby but he acknowledges his body will be the one to make the decision.
Andrew Trimble has paid tribute to Brian McLaughlin amid reports that the coach will leave Ulster at the end of the season.
England head coach Stuart Lancaster has named three uncapped players in his starting XV for Saturday's RBS Six Nations match against Scotland.
Wales have been dealt another blow ahead of Sunday's RBS Six Nations tie against Ireland with the news that hooker Matthew Rees has been ruled out through injury.
Brian O'Driscoll's recovery is 'progressing nicely' and the Irish skipper is hoping he will get to see some action before the end of the season.
Shane Williams is expected to retire from professional rugby at the end of the season.
The next 48 hours will prove critical in Wales' bid to get Rhys Priestland, Dan Lydiate and Jamie Roberts fit for Sunday's RBS Six Nations clash against Ireland.
Andy Robinson has rung the changes ahead of Scotland's RBS Six Nations opener against England on Saturday.
Brian McLaughlin's future at Ulster is believed to be coming to an end with reports suggesting the coach will leave the province at the end of the season.
Chris Robshaw will captain England for Saturday's Calcutta Cup clash at Murrayfield despite only having played for his country once before.
Chris Henry and David Kearney are among the players that have been called up to the Ireland senior squad for the opening game of the RBS Six Nations against Wales on Sunday.
Delon Armitage has been dropped from the England Saxons Elite Player Squad following his arrested on suspicion of assault at the weekend.
Graham Henry has blasted England's failure to use their 'top-drawer attacking players' and he has urged interim coach Stuart Lancaster to adopt a different approach to the RBS Six Nations.