New Zealander Brad Thorn could create rugby history in tomorrow's Heineken Cup final between Leinster and Ulster at Twickenham.

The last time Jonny Wilkinson and Iain Balshaw appeared together on a rectangle of mud down Twickenham way, they were overshadowed by a swaggering newcomer by the name of Danny Cipriani as England put 33 points on Ireland and finished second in the 2008 Six Nations. The two red-rose oldsters will be back in town this evening for the Amlin Challenge Cup final between Biarritz and Toulon at the Stoop and while Wilkinson is being given the top-of-the-bill treatment, they could easily find themselves marginalised again.

Wade, Youngs and Lowe thrown in at deep end in 42-man England squad for tour of South Africa

England coach Stuart Lancaster has included 13 uncapped players in his 42-man squad for the five-match, three-Test summer tour of South Africa.

Harlequins and England captain Chris Robshaw was last night named Player of the Season at the Aviva Premiership Rugby Awards.

Wales defence coach Shaun Edwards is to join the London Irish coaching staff after the Grand Slam winners' summer tour to Australia.

Wasps beat the drop by trusting their academy – all clubs must learn that such patience is a virtue

From the Front Row

Wasps v Newcastle

London Irish have confirmed the signing of fly-half Ian Humphreys from this season's Heineken Cup finalists Ulster.

Mike Catt believes England head coach Stuart Lancaster could still tap into the expertise of Wayne Smith - despite the New Zealander turning down the chance to be involved in the national set-up.

London Irish have announced the signing of Catalan Dragons rugby league star Setaimata Sa on a three-year deal.

England head coach Stuart Lancaster is convinced his plans are still on course despite a second setback in his bid to recruit an additional assistant.

Wayne Smith will decide whether to accept an offer from Stuart Lancaster to join the England coaching team within the next 10 days.