Here are your rugby headlines for Saturday, October 8.
Northampton explain tough decision over 'legend' Biggar
Northampton Saints director of rugby Phil Dowson admits it is a "huge decision" to allow Wales fly-half Dan Biggar to leave the club.
The Saints announced on Friday that Biggar would leave Franklin's Gardens at the end of the current season, with the restraints of the Premiership's salary cap playing a part in Biggar's five years at Northampton coming to an end.
Speaking about the 103-cap fly-half who he describes as a "legend of a man", Dowson admitted it was a tough decision to make.
"Yeah it was a huge decision because you have to understand who's going to fill those shoes," said Dowson. "You have to bear in mind the impact around the club, not just in terms of playing, it's in terms of his leadership, his competitiveness, the way he drives standards around the place.
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"Dan adds a lot and he will right up to the point where he does leave. It's a huge decision and they're tough decisions because you know you can trust Dan and you know the level of performance he's going to bring to the table."
He continued: “It has been well documented that for this season and next, the salary cap for Premiership clubs is lower than it was previously.
"There is also a reduction in marquee players from two to one, which presents an additional challenge in building a balanced and competitive squad.
"We have to start putting a longer-term plan for the team in place, so these are all factors we have considered in making this decision."
Explaining further why Biggar will leave such a huge void, he added: "When you see Dan on the field, there are loads of examples of him being fairly vociferous, not just to referees but to his own team-mates. He's not afraid to hold people to account and on the field he pushes the highest standards, likewise in training.
"Off the field, he couldn't be any more different. He has the time of day with the young guys, he's always Saints first in terms of his attitude, in terms of how he spends his time and how he tries to develop the people around him, how he tries to help the coaches.
"He's totally different off the pitch. He's such a kind and generous bloke and I've got a lot of time for him. A legend of a man."
Exeter hammer Bristol to go top
Exeter Chiefs ran in seven tries to emphatically beat Bristol Bears 50-14 at Ashton Gate to move to the top of the Premiership table.
Wales fly-half Callum Sheedy set up Toby Fricker for the opening try with a lovely cross-field kick under immense pressure, but that was as good as it got for Bristol.
Try doubles from Jack Nowell and Olly Woodburn saw the Chiefs pull ahead. Will Capon got one back for the hosts, but tries from Luke Cowen-Dickie, Ruben van Heerden and Richard Capstick restored Exeter's dominance.
With the autumn nearing, Christ Tshiunza continued his run of games at openside for Exeter in another solid outing.
England Women crush Fiji
England Women began their World Cup campaign with a resounding 84-19 win against Fiji overnight.
It was the Red Roses' 26th consecutive victory, rubber-stamping their position as clear favourites for the competition as they ran in 14 tries at Eden Park. It was only Fiji's seventh Test match.
Wales begin their campaign against Scotland on Sunday.
Springbok hit with injury blow
South Africa have been dealt an injury blow after winger Canan Moodie was ruled out of the November Tests with a hamstring problem.
Bulls coach Jake White confirmed that the 19-year-old, who burst through into the Springbok set-up earlier this year, would miss the autumn internationals after suffering a hamstring strain against Connacht in the United Rugby Championship last week.
Moodie was expected to play some part for the Springboks this autumn.
“Canan is out for about 8 weeks,” White said at his team announcement on Friday.
“He won’t play any part in our last few games in the URC before the November break and won’t be available to tour with the Springboks. Hopefully he will be back at the end of November to start the second part of the URC with us.”
Read more:
The making of Dewi Lake, the humble boy who didn’t flinch in stormy local Welsh derby
Wales Under 20s international 'interesting' four clubs after losing job with immediate effect
Ulster v Ospreys team news as coach makes nine changes with Wales and Lions stars left out
