Tales from the Members Bar 7 - Jon Clarke You know things are not going your way when you sit out a summer tour for a precautionary operation on a groin problem and go through pre-season training for what everybody reckons could be your breakthrough year only to find that the only break you get is to your ankle half-an-hour into the new season. Such can be the painful realities in the life of a professional rugby player.

Doncaster lure Ellery Hanley Ellery Hanley was installed as Doncasters fifth coach in 12 months and insisted money was not the incentive for his return to Rugby League, writes David Burke.

Vickery to face Wilkinson Sport: Rugby union: Jonny Wilkinson and Phil Vickery are set to come face to face in the EDF Energy Cup

Rec Record Goes To Cardiff In Rain Fortress Rec was finally breached after more than 12 months when Cardiff Blues beat Bath 6-14 in the EDF Energy Cup. The wet and windy conditions may have been appalling but it didnt stop both teams from trying to play a good game of rugby and it was only after 80 minutes that Cardiff stretched their lead beyond three points.

EDF Preview: Harlequins v Ospreys Cup action returns to The Stoop on Sunday as Harlequins play their last pool match in the EDF Cup. This is the second of consecutive home matches against Welsh opposition with the Ospreys visiting The Stoop. The revised kick off is at 15.10 on Sunday December 2nd, as the match is being broadcast live by BBC Wales. Both sides have something to play for and we should be set for an excellent match.

Tales from the members bar 5 Christian Short puts his lack of a Geordie accent down to Irish parents and a good education. “Larn Yersel’ Geordie” is not part of the reading list at Hexham’s Queen Elizabeth High. His early rugby connections are with Gosforth where his father, John, is still Chairman.

Springboks star looks to get settled Sport: Rugby union: Ruan Pienaar on the World Cup win, racial quotas and following in his dads footsteps

Jonjos Preview of Sarries v Irish in the GP Once again we welcome those people with the amusing green hair to Vicarage Road on Sunday. After two weeks of EDF Anglo Welsh Cup and two weeks of Heineken Cup action, it may be worth reminding everyone that Saracens are lying 3rd in the league with London Irish 9th. If you think that guarantees a win, you havent been paying much attention to the results each week!