Rugby News

London Irish have signed Ospreys loose-forward Tom Smith on a two-year deal. Smith, 26, is a former Wales Under-21 captain who has made 60 appearances for the Ospreys.

Northampton have agreed contract extensions with first-team prop Tom Mercey, plus fringe wing Anders Mogensen and hooker Ross McMillan.

Scotland head coach Andy Robinson has made four changes in personnel for Sunday's Six Nations clash with France at Murrayfield. Stuart Hogg is to make his first Test start at full-back, with his Glasgow team-mates John Barclay and Graeme Morrison recalled and Mike Blair also in.

Owen Farrell has extended his Saracens contract, the club said on their website.

15-Stuart Hogg, 14-Rory Lamont, 13-Sean Lamont, 12-Graeme Morrison, 11-Lee Jones, 10-Greig Laidlaw, 9-Mike Blair, 8-David Denton, 7-Ross Rennie, 6-John Barclay, 5-Jim Hamilton, 4-Richie Gray, 3-Geoff Cross, 2-Ross Ford (captain), 1-Allan Jacobsen

Leicester number eight Thomas Waldrom has signed a new contract with the Aviva Premiership club.

Worcester have signed England international scrum-half Paul Hodgson on a three-year deal from London Irish which will start next season.

Scotland winger Lee Jones has extended his Edinburgh contract by two years.

Glasgow have announced their second signing in 24 hours with confirmation that Newcastle lock Tim Swinson will join them in the summer.

Prop Gethin Jenkins will join the Welsh player exodus to France next season with a move to Toulon from Cardiff Blues set for completion.

Sam Warburton has recovered from injury and will captain Wales when they bid for the Triple Crown against Six Nations title rivals England at Twickenham on Saturday.

Leigh Halfpenny; Alex Cuthbert, Jonathan Davies, Jamie Roberts, George North; Rhys Priestland, Michael Phillips; Gethin Jenkins, Ken Owens, Adam Jones, Alun Wyn Jones, Ian Evans, Dan Lydiate, Sam Warburton (capt), Toby Faletau