The CA Brumbies began their pre-season preparations for the 2009 season today with the aim of being fitter and tougher than any other side in the Investec Super 14 competition.

The inaugural Independent Colleges Shield (ICS), held for the first time over two days at Ballymore in Brisbane on October 23 and 24, may develop into a new weekly school rugby competition in 2009.

Munster remain top of the Magners League table despite suffering their first loss of the season to Ulster at Ravenhill on Saturday night  -  coincidently the venue for their last away loss in April - the welcome win lifting the Ulstermen off the bottom of the table.

A new look QR Reds rugby squad assembles at Ballymore on Monday (October 27) to begin preparations for the 2009 Investec Super 14 season.

The CA Brumbies have signed former Western Force scrumhalf James Stannard for one year.  The 25-year-old made his Investec Super 14 debut in 2008 against the Sharks and played 10 matches for the West Australians.

Newport Gwent Dragons centre Ashley Smith will become the youngest player to captain the region this weekend as the Dragons clash with Gloucester at Kingsholm in the EDF Energy Cup on Saturday 25 October, kick-off 3pm.