The final round of the 2008 Tooheys New Shute Shield sees the second local derby round of the year take place across Sydney, making for some passionate encounters to finish the regular season.

Juan Martin Fernandez Lobbe will captain a strong Sale Sharks side in tomorrow’s pre season warm up game against Lyon at Edgeley Park. Sebastien Chabal will also start the game.

Leinster will face the Queensland Reds in Donnybrook this Saturday (KO: 6pm) in the final pre-season friendly before the start of the Magners League campaign next weekend.

Centre Andrew Bishop has handed the Ospreys a boost on the eve of the new season by signing a new four-year contract, making him the 13th player to commit his long-term future to the region during 2008.

Warringah will be looking to win the Jack Scott Memorial Cup for the fourth year in a row when they take on Sydney University in the Sydney Women’s Grand Final at Wills Ground, Earlwood on Saturday.

Munster have announced the signing of Western Province (Stormers) back row forward Justin Melck on a three month contract.

As London Irish embarks on its 110th year of existence and 13th consecutive season of top flight professional rugby it faces the challenge of building on the momentum established over recent seasons.

Full back Chris Wyles has joined Saracens on secondment from USA Rugby for the 2008/09 campaign.

Australian flank Rocky Elsom has appealed against a one-match suspension following his citing for an incident in Saturday’s Tri-Nations Test between Australia and South Africa in Durban.

With a fortnight until the start of the 2008/09 Guinness Premiership season, Northampton Saints director of rugby Jim Mallinder and captain Bruce Reihana have called on the Northamptonshire public to unite behind the team.