Lions hopeful Alex Cuthbert will be basing his challenge for a 2013 tour spot from these shores after agreeing to stay with Cardiff Blues.

Steve Shingler's international future lies only with Wales after the International Rugby Board's council returned a unanimous verdict ruling against his availability for Scotland.

Qantas, Australia's premium airline, has been appointed as Official Airline to The British & Irish Lions for their tour to Australia in 2013.

Three-tour Lion Brian O'Driscoll is confident he will recover from knee surgery to complete a hat-trick of Heineken Cup finals.

Australia head coach Robbie Deans reckons Rob Howley's 38-man Wales squad illustrates the major threat posed by the Six Nations champions this summer.