Niall Woods continued his rehabilitation from a serious knee injury when starting for Harlequins at the weekend. His decision to switch from London Irish last season to 'Quins was motivated by a desire to play at full back. He may yet move there but for Saturday's game against New Plymouth he started on the right wing, the full back position going to former Ireland Under-21 international Ryan O'Neill (Love Story to his friends). The latter departed injured after 24 minutes and this may have allowed Woods to switch to his favoured position. The former Blackrock and Leinster star contributed handsomely with the boot before being replaced early in the second half. Keith Wood did not play.

London Irish easily edged past Exeter in the same competition and amongst the try scorers were full back and captain Conor O'Shea, scrumhalf Kieran Campbell, flanker Eddie Halvey and new scoring sensation, the former Lansdowne, Leinster and Munster outhalf Barry Everitt, who crossed for two tries to augment his normal contribution with the boot. There was less pleasant news elsewhere for the Irish contingent in England. Cup holders Wasps crashed out to Bristol despite a try from the prolific Rob Henderson. Kevin Maggs was restored to his favoured centre position for Bath's game against Gloucester but could not prevent the home side from going down at the Recreation Ground. Darragh O'Mahony grabbed a brace of tries for Saracens in their win over Bedford - Australian legend Tim Horan made his long awaited debut - while Paul Wallace came on as a second half replacement at loosehead prop.