BOB CASEY believes that London Irish's Heineken Cup "homecoming" will tell his Exiles how good they really are.

The Reading men may be riding high in the Guinness Premiership - they are currently second, one point behind Saracens - but tonight's Dublin trip to face European champions Leinster will be the ultimate yardstick.

Casey told this week's rfu.com podcast: "It's brilliant to be going 'home', not just for me but for London Irish as a whole.

A storm has erupted following the banning of Olivier Azam for 12 weeks by the RFU for accidentally kicking Steve Borthwick in the head. Gloucester Rugby have issued a statement highlighting the following key findings from the judgement:

Newcastle Falcons have made just two changes for the visit of Guinness Premiership leaders Saracens to Kingston Park on Sunday (kick-off 3pm).

Club captain Carl Hayman is named in the side after missing last Friday's draw with Harlequins, while the only other change to that team also comes in the pack as Ed Williamson returns to the back row following a bout of gastroenteritis.

As he prepares to host an unbeaten Sarries side, Falcons director of rugby Steve Bates said: "Their record this season speaks for itself, and we know what sort of a test we are in for this weekend.

Wales Women head coach Jason Lewis has named a training squad for a season which concludes with the Women's Rugby World Cup.

He has named a group of 34 which includes 6 uncapped players. Lewis will select his players for this November's friendly Test against Sweden and the Women's Six Nations Championship from this squad before narrowing it down ahead of the global tournament which will be held across the Severn Bridge in England next summer.

"It's a strong squad and we're probably flying in the face in terms of national squads, as we've increased the group to 34. I want to create a really competitive environment within the squad so no-one feels their place is secure. I think the squad is moving in right direction," said Lewis.