Thursday 12 Hour Round Up

Diamond previews Challenge Cup match against Montpellier

"They are one of the super French sides," said Diamond.

"They are full of South African and French internationals, second in the table and will be formidable opposition.

"The bigger the opposition for us, our team responds really well, so bring them on and let's give them a Northern Welcome.

"I'm looking forward to it, it should be a great night – hopefully we'll get a big crowd to watch a great night of European Rugby."

Six changes to the side that beat London Irish last weekend include: Magnus Lund (captain) with Johnny Leota, Tom Brady, Ross Harrison, Vadim Cobilas, and TJ Ioane coming into the starting line-up.

Hong Kong Sevens Line-Up includes some big names

A number of star rugby players are determined to secure places for the Rio 2016 Olympics Games and will be out to make a strong bid at the Hong Kong Sevens this weekend.

They include Sonny Bill Williams and Liam Messam from New Zealand, Nick Cummins for Australia and New England Patriots NFL Superbowl winner, Nate Ebner.

Meanwhile, Virimi Vakatawa returns for France after the Six Nations, Ryan Kankowski is back for South Africa, defending champions Fiji recall France-based star Semi Kunatani, Australia also welcome back Ed Jenkins and Cameron Clark and England have captain Tom Mitchell available alongside former star Oliver Lindsay-Hague. Chris Knight returns for Wales, but Vladimir Ostroushko, who scored Russia's late winner here last year to secure their core team status, is a late injury withdrawal. 

Tom English re-signs until 2018

English, who first joined the club as an extended playing squad member in 2012, has re-signed with the club until the end of 2018.

The back won Rebels’ Rookie of the Year award in 2013 and has gone on to score 9 tries in 44 Super Rugby appearances.

Ben Smith ruled out of Reds clash

Injuries have forced the Highlanders to revamp their team for their clash with the Reds in Brisbane on Saturday night.

All Blacks fullback Ben Smith will miss his first game of the season due to a concussion suffered against the Force last Friday and will be replaced by Matt Faddes who moves from the wing to fullback.

Brendan Edmonds ruled out of title defence with knee injury

Highlanders prop Brendon Edmonds suffered a season-ending knee injury during the 32-20 Super Rugby victory over the Force last Friday and will have to miss their clash against the Reds this Saturday.

The 25-year-old ruptured ligaments in his left knee and will require reconstructive surgery. The procedure will be scheduled before the end of the month.

The injury means Daniel Lienert-Brown comes off the bench and will start in his 18th game for the club.