Wales scrum-half Dwayne Peel has been ruled out of contention for the rest of the Six Nations after it was revealed that he was suffering from a torn hamstring, picked up while playing for Sale against Newcastle at the weekend.
Mike Phillips steps in to take his place in the starting line-up against Italy on Saturday, with London Irish fly-half Warren Fury slotting in on the bench for the first time since last year's tour to South Africa. Scarlets scrum-half Martin Roberts is also out with injury after damaging rib cartilage against Edinburgh.
"Martin has not been able to take a full part in training this week, but will be re-assessed early next week," said Wales physio Mark Davies. "Dwayne will be out for a minimum of four weeks after a scan revealed a tear to his hamstring and we all wish him a speedy recovery."
England fly-half Shane Geraghty has been ruled out of the remainder of the Six Nations after breaking a bone in his hand while on club duty with London Irish at the weekend. Geraghty's place in the squad has been taken by Gloucester utility back Olly Barkley ahead of Saturday's game against France.
Sales Sharks duo Luke Abraham and Chris Jones have both been banned by an RFU disciplinary panel. Abraham has been banned for eight weeks after being found guilty of headbutting an opponent during the Sharks' loss to Saracens on March 1. He will be eligible to play again on April 29, while Jones pleaded guilty to stamping in the same game and has been banned for a week.
Abraham has already been banned for the same offence this season after becoming involved in an incident during the loss to Bath just before Christmas.
Australia hooker Stephen Moore has committed a further two years of his future to the Brumbies and the Australian Rugby Union. Moore, one of the key players in Australia's resurgence last season, joined the Brumbies from the Reds at the start of the 2009 Super 14 season and is keen to add to his 33 Wallaby caps while in Canberra.
"I was keen to sign a contact that would hopefully allow me to play a part in the World Cup in New Zealand," he said. "And while 2011 is in back of mind I believe there are certainly some exciting times ahead for Australian rugby before then."
Ospreys wing Kristian Phillips has been ruled out for the rest of the season after dislocating his shoulder against Leinster last weekend. Phillips faces surgery and is expected to return after a six-month rehabilitation period.
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1. Max Verstappen ()
