Here are the latest rugby headlines on Monday, October 3.
Wales' final 12 games nailed down
Wales' final 12 fixtures before the Rugby World Cup at the end of this season have been officially confirmed.
Wayne Pivac's side will play England twice next August ahead of the 2023 Rugby World Cup in France, as well as meeting world champions South Africa in Cardiff as part of their preparations for the tournament.
Those three games will follow the usual five Six Nations fixtures, as well as four matches in Cardiff next month against New Zealand, Argentina, Georgia and Australia.
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Head coach Pivac said: "With less than a year to go until Rugby World Cup 2023 we have a clear programme set out for the squad in readiness for the tournament.
"I'm pleased we are able to confirm warm-up matches against England - home and away - and at home against South Africa as part of this.
"These three matches are a key element of our final Rugby World Cup preparations and we look forward to seeing as many fans as possible at them before the squad departs for France."
Wales will welcome England to Cardiff on August 5 before making the trip to Twickenham seven days later.
South Africa, who beat Wales in the semi-finals of the 2019 World Cup in Japan, will visit the Principality Stadium on August 19.
Wales star celebrates club milestone
Wales centre Nick Tompkins has spoken of his pride at reaching his 150th cap milestone for Saracens.
Former team-mates Chris Wyles and Brad Barritt racked up over 250 appearances for Sarries, and Tompkins now wants to get within touching distance of them.
"I’ve had to fight throughout my career for a starting spot against the likes of Brad Barritt, Chirs Wyles, Marcello Bosch, Duncan Taylor, Alex Lozowski and Eliot Daly," he said.
“For me, that puts a different perspective on the achievement. Now I just want to keep on going and see if I can get close to both Brad and Chris with more than 250 games.
“I got a message from both of them wishing me all the best against Harlequins and the players were great in mentioning my personal landmark in the team meetings in the build-up. That made it a very special occasion for me.
“I still see myself as a kid in this team. There are so many outstanding generals in the ranks I just need to keep on concentrating on what I am doing, rather than sticking my oar in.
“I’ve always been a player who feels my actions speak louder than any words and I try to lead by example. My job is to ensure I play to my very best in order to stay in the team.
“I think I’m one appearance behind Maro Itoje, so I need to keep going to try to overtake him. He and I graduated through the academy together and it has been an incredible journey for both of us so far.”
Finn Russell nearing Racing 92 exit
Scotland and Lions fly-half Finn Russell looks set to leave French outfit Racing 92, according to RugbyPass.
Rumours have been circulating in recent weeks that Beauden Barrett or Mathieu Jalibert could be joining the Parisian outfit following the 2023 France World Cup, with Russell's contract set to come to an end.
British and Irish Lion Russell was previously linked with a move to Japan last year, with 'Green Rockets' offering him a lucrative contract that could have made him the highest paid player in the sport, according to some reports.
However, at just 30 years old, Russell still has a lot to play for in his career, so a move elsewhere in Europe, or back home to Scotland is also being mooted.
Situation worsens for Worcester Warriors
Worcester Warriors' matches against Gloucester and Harlequins have been cancelled with immediate effect, with their opponents set to be awarded five-point walkover victories.
The club has also seen the beginnings of what is set to be a mass exodus of players in the short term. England internationals Ted Hill and Ollie Lawrence are among four Worcester Warriors players who will join Bath on loan this week, according to multiple reports.
The Rugby Football Union have suspended Worcester from all competitions, including including Gallagher Premiership Rugby, Allianz Premier 15s, and Allianz Cup.
Following its suspension, the Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport (DCMS) announced on Tuesday that it had placed the club into administration.
"We have worked around the clock with the club’s directors, the PRL and the RFU to explore all possible options but during this time the owners’ have been unable to secure new investment for the club."
"In order to give the club the best possible chance of survival, and to protect a significant taxpayer investment, we have today agreed to the directors’ request to place the club into administration."
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