British and Irish Lions

Armitage, who has 26 England caps to his name and featured for Martin Johnson's side in the World Cup, has been linked with a move to the south of France alongside London Irish team-mate Nick Kennedy.

The Exiles' star is a fluent French speaker and would link up with his brother Steffon, who signed a two-year deal with Toulon last summer, if he did make the move.

Toulonhave already announced the signing of French star Frederic Michalak and are also rumoured to have captured the signature of Toulouse hooker William Servat.

Sam Warburton says he is 'absolutely delighted' after being chosen to lead The British & Irish Lions in Saturday's first Test match against the Qantas Wallabies.

British & Irish Lions head coach Warren Gatland admits he and his assistants faced some tough selection calls when picking the side to face the Qantas Wallabies in Saturday's first Test.

Less than four kilometres away from the Suncorp Stadium, venue for the opening Test between the British & Irish Lions and Qantas Wallabies on Saturday, lies the grave of the man who took the starring role in the first international between the two teams in 1899.