Here are the latest rugby headlines on Thursday, October 13.
Premiership in meltdown
English rugby's flagship domestic competition is in meltdown with Wasps following Worcester by being suspended from the Gallagher Premiership.
The four-time Premiership champions also face a "likely" move into administration and had already withdrawn from Saturday's scheduled league fixture against Exeter at Sandy Park.
In a statement, the Rugby Football Union said: "The RFU's Club Financial Viability Group has met this evening [Wednesday] and confirmed that Wasps are suspended from the Gallagher Premiership.
"We appreciate this is a very difficult time for Wasps players, staff and supporters who will be concerned at news that the club is likely to enter administration. The RFU will continue to work with the club, PRL (Premiership Rugby) and any potential administrator or future investors to find the best possible outcome for the club."
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It is understood that Wasps would need to reapply for the suspension to be lifted if they can demonstrate means and commitment to pay rugby creditors.
It is another colossal blow for the English domestic game as chronic financial issues continue to engulf its professional arm.
Worcester have been suspended from Premiership action for the rest of this season, with relegation to follow, after the club's partial liquidation.
Worcester to appeal
Administrators for Worcester Warriors will appeal against the Rugby Football Union's decision to suspend the Premiership club for the season and relegate them to the Championship.
Julie Palmer, from Begbies Traynor Group, told the BBC they will contest the punishments on a "no fault insolvency" basis.
Warriors went into administration late last month before their season-long ban and relegation were confirmed 10 days later.
Under the RFU's insolvency regulations, any punishments for entering administration can be "reduced" or even "waived" if the club can satisfy the governing body that the reasons for doing so "would not have occurred but for an event or circumstance which was beyond the control and without the fault or negligence of the affected club".
Worcester hope to prove the issues were down to the impact of the coronavirus pandemic, which severely affected sport clubs across the country.
10-team Premiership backed
Exeter director of rugby Rob Baxter says a 10-team Premiership could be the best way to ensure England's top tier thrives in the future.
All 13 Premiership shareholding clubs have been in the top flight since Saracens' promotion in 2021.
"I thought it was madness to go to 13," Baxter told the BBC of the changes in the wake of the pandemic which saw no side relegated for the past two seasons. "Going to 13 in a weird kind of way almost signed a warrant for someone to not be able to stay in there. Before anything else it doesn't make any common sense and it wrecks the calendar anyway."
When asked what his ideal number of teams would be, Baxter said he could see a case for a reduced number to what is currently in place now.
"I would have always said 12 if I'm honest with you, because that was the structure we grew into and got used to playing in. I would say 10, because the reasons of the pressure is coming on in all kinds of ways now.
"You've got clashes with international rugby, and I genuinely think Premiership supporters are wanting to see more of their competitive games with more of their high-profile players. I think that is a genuine wish, and there's some genuine frustration.
"A league of 10 home and away, with their international commitments and a cup competition for the guys not involved in internationals, starts to sound very common sense. Obviously alongside that you've got the commercial pressures of less home games, but then hopefully what you do is you attract bigger crowds to a better spectacle."
Jantjies set for France move
Disgraced Springboks Elton Jantjies is set for a career lifeline in the French Top 14 amid reports the scandal which saw him sent home from Argentina during the Rugby Championship will cost him his job.
Jantjies was sent home after allegations surfaced that he and Springboks dietician Zeenat Simjee were having an affair. Both have denied that.
The 32-year-old first-five returned to Japan to rejoin his club team, the NTT Docomo Red Hurricanes, but New Zealand outlet Stuff report that there are suggestions the scandal will cost him that job.
Rugby publication Midi Olympique report that he is set to join French giants Toulon.
“This week should allow the RCT to finalise the arrival of the South African world champion … it’s just a matter of days and details. Elton Jantjies will, barring last-minute setbacks, join Toulon as an additional player,” Midi Olympique reported.
“The South African... will be officially dismissed by his Japanese franchise. In the process, he should finalise his commitment to the RCT with immediate effect."
Butchers' World Cup dream over
Wales flanker Alisha Butchers sustained a significant knee injury during the World Cup win over Scotland on Sunday and will return home for further investigation and treatment.
Head coach Ioan Cunningham said: “Alisha is a fantastic player, she’s a huge part of our environment on and off the field and I have every confidence she will work as hard on her rehab as she does in training and on the pitch. We wish her a speedy recovery and look forward to having her back in our programme as soon as possible.”
Wales will make a decision regarding her replacement in the coming days. Cunningham's side next face reigning champions New Zealand this Sunday (3.15am UK kick-off time) in the second round of pool matches.
England boss predicts much tougher test against France
England coach Simon Middleton is expecting a "close contest" when his side take on France in their second match of the World Cup on Saturday. The Red Roses started their campaign with an 84-19 rout of tournament debutants Fiji, scoring 10 tries in the second half.
Marlie Packer will return against France at openside flanker - the only change made to Middleton's matchday squad from the opener at Eden Park. Lark Davies remains unavailable, with Middleton saying she will be fit for the final group game against South Africa on October 23.
France have a new coaching set-up since they were beaten 36-10 by England in June, and Middleton said of the game: "France always present a huge challenge and this time it will be no different. We look forward to another big test and what I expect to be a close contest.
"They're starting from scratch because they've got a new coaching team in there. We haven't beaten that coaching team as such, so it's a new set for them but they've certainly got a few differences to their game that we've got to be aware of. There are things we think we can get, but things that we've got to be really conscious of in terms of how we go about playing."
Sarah Hunter will captain the side to earn her 137th cap and become the joint-highest appearance-maker for England, drawing level with Rocky Clark.
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