Sale and Worcester have been drawn together in Pool One of next season's Amlin Challenge Cup alongside French giants Biarritz.
Worcester's former England scrum-half Shaun Perry has been forced to retire because of a knee injury.
Newcastle have announced the signing of former Scotland scrum-half Mike Blair on a two-year contract.
Former England and Scotland coach Andy Robinson has been appointed as Bristol's new director of rugby.
South African-born Antonie Claassen expects pressure after his surprise call-up for France's Six Nations clash against England.
Interim Scotland coach Scott Johnson admits he is still to make a decision on just who will replace record-breaking scrum-half Mike Blair
Edinburgh centre Matt Scott insists retired Scotland scrum-half Mike Blair will go down as one of the nation's greatest rugby players.
Chris Paterson hailed Mike Blair as a Scotland great after the former national team captain retired from the international stage.
Former Scotland captain Mike Blair has retired from international rugby at the age of 31.
Flanker Matt Garvey scored two tries for London Irish who overturned a 18-10 half-time deficit to Sale and opened their LV= Cup campaign with a 34-28 win.
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