Here's your round-up of all the latest rugby headlines for Saturday, October 22.
Halfpenny worry emerges
Wales star Leigh Halfpenny's involvement in the Autumn internationals has been thrown into slight doubt after he was withdrawn from the Scarlets' starting XV on Friday night.
The full-back was replaced just before Friday night's clash with Connacht, with the Scarlets citing a possible hamstring issue.
The extent of the issue isn't yet clear, but it will immediately spark questions over his possible involvement in the upcoming schedule, with Wayne Pivac's side set to take on New Zealand on November 5.
Scarlets went on to lose 36-14 at the Sportsground, meaning Dwayne Peel's men have just one URC victory to their name so far this season.
Wales Women's fate in the balance
Wales Women's Rugby World Cup hopes are in the balance after a 13-7 defeat to Australia overnight.
Ioan Cunningham's side did pick up a losing bonus point, which may yet prove crucial to hopes of qualifying for the knockout stages. Australia overcame a valiant defensive effort from the Welsh to seal their automatic place in the next round.
Sioned Harries' try had offered Wales hope but a series of second half penalties proved costly, with the Wallaroos eventually edging clear with the boot late on.
Wales could still qualify for the last eight as one of two best third-placed sides, depending on other results. Boosted by a losing bonus point, they finished the day on five points and will be keeping a close eye on France v Fiji in Pool C later today.
France are favourites to progress on six points while Fiji have four. In Pool B, Italy and USA are both on five points.
England facing double injury blow
Jonny May and Henry Arundell have emerged as major doubts for England's autumn series after suffering injuries in Gloucester's 22-21 win over London Irish on Friday night.
May was in agony after attempting to tackle Irish winger Ben Loader resulted in him dislocating his elbow. He was treated for some time by medics on the field, who administered pain-killing gas.
Teenage sensation Arundell hobbled off with strapping on his right foot, rendering him an early doubt for England's opener with Argentina on November 6. Again, it was Loader who collided with his Exiles team-mate after they both tried to deal with a Louis Rees-Zammit chip and chase.
The 19-year-old soldiered on for what seemed longer than necessary, before eventually leaving in the 19th minute in clear discomfort.
All Blacks star drops retirement hint
All Blacks halfback Aaron Smith has hinted at a possible retirement from international rugby following next year's World Cup.
Smith is currently a part of the squad set to undergo an annual tour of the northern hemisphere, and posted a message on his social media channels suggesting this version of the tour would be his last.
"Off on my last end of year tour. Still remember going on my first one back in 2012 like it was yesterday. Time flys [sic]," Smith wrote.
The veteran of 110 appearances for the All Blacks, is already one of several senior members of the team expected to hang up their black jersey at the end of next year's World Cup.
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