•All Blacks Dan Carter has been given a one week ban after a dangerous tackle during their game with Wales last Saturday. The ban will have him miss out in the All Blacks upcoming game against Italy at the San Siro in Milan.

•After being invited to join as a 4th nation for the 2012 Tri Nations by SANZAR a few months ago, Argentina have switched their focus towards becoming a world power in rugby. They’ll look to provide proof of their new aspirations during their upcoming game against England, which they’ll be expecting to win.

•England’s recent 18-9 loss against Australia saw them drop to 8th in the IRB World Rankings. Despite a loss to New Zealand, Wales were able to jump them in the rankings at 7th. South Africa remains as the number one seed.

•Munster, who have been plagued with injury, announced the signing of Wian du Preez on a three month contract from the Free State Cheetahs.

•Danny Grewcock of Bath has been given a two week ban after striking Neil de Kock of the Saracens in their 12-11 loss at the end of October.

•Lawrence Dallaglio has recently released a book entitled “Rugby Tales”, which consists of rugby stories from his 19 year career with the London Wasps and England national team. He refers to the book as “a tribute to all the people who still play purely for the sport”. The book is due to release in December and all proceeds go to the Rugby Players’ Association.