RaboDirect PRO12 News

Edinburgh winger Lee Jones admits he has had to pinch himself at his rapid rise that has seen him go from sevens to XVs international in the space of just two years.

At a disciplinary hearing today Mauro Bergamasco, Aironi back row forward, appeared before a disciplinary committee chaired by John Kirk (Scotland), Dr Barry O'Driscoll (Ireland) and Rob Flockhart (Scotland), in respect of a citing from the Ospreys v Aironi match on Friday 17 February.

Tom Smith has confirmed that he has signed a two-year deal with Aviva Premiership side London Irish.

After losing against two Irish teams, Benetton Treviso continue their Celtic adventure in Wales for Round 16 of the RaboDirect PRO12.

Munster hooker Damien Varley has placed success in the Heineken Cup this year on a par with defending their RaboDirect PRO12 crown.

The Scarlets will be looking to home and a supportive Parc y Scarlets crowd on Thursday evening as they face a vital game against Treviso in their RaboDirect PR012 top four ambitions.

Rhys Webb has been given the all-clear to continue playing despite suffering a broken nose during last Friday's RaboDirect PRO12 win over Aironi.

Newport Gwent Dragons have named a 24 man squad for their trip to Italy to face Aironi on Sunday (26 February, 4.30pm local time).

Benetton Treviso head coach Franco Smith has warned his troops that they have to improve the way they start games if they are to have any chance of ending their winless run in 2012.

Prop Jamie Hagan insists Leinster must match Glasgow's desire if they're to maintain their unbeaten run at Firhill.

Scarlets captain Matthew Rees is set to take the lead yet again and sign a contract extension with the RaboDirect PRO12 club despite an exodus of players from their Welsh regions.

Scotland and Edinburgh Rugby winger Lee Jones has capped a breakthrough season with an extended deal that will keep him at the Murrayfield club until 2014.

Glasgow Warriors have made their second significant signing in as many days, with confirmation that Newcastle Falcons lock Tim Swinson is to move to the Scotstoun-based club for the start of season 2012/13.

Pedrie Wannenburg has returned to the Ulster squad ahead of Ulster's must-win RaboDirect PRO12 game against Ospreys at Ravenhill on Friday (kick off 7.05pm).

Following the match between the Ospreys and Aironi on Friday 17 February, Mauro Bergamasco, Aironi back row forward, has been cited by the independent RaboDirect PRO12 Citing Commissioner for the match, Richard Gwynn, for foul play under IRB Law 10.4 (a)*.

Connacht Rugby are delighted to announce they have secured the services of tighthead prop Nathan White for next season.

Cardiff Blues chairman Peter Thomas has revealed former Wales and Lions international Martyn Williams will not be offered a new contract as the RaboDirect PRO12 club look to tighten their belt.

Following Friday night's victory over the Scarlets, there are no fresh injury concerns for the Leinster management ahead of Saturday's RaboDirect PRO12 trip to Firhill to face the Glasgow Warriors (KO: 6pm).

Edinburgh Rugby are delighted to announce that try-machine Tim Visser has extended his commitment to the club with a new deal that will keep him at Murrayfield for another three years.

Despondent Glasgow prop Jon Welsh is hoping Connacht's last-gasp equalising penalty on Saturday won't leave a lasting effect on the club with RaboDirect PRO12 leaders Leinster next up for the play-off chasing Warriors.