With the launch of Buildcorp Super W, all four Australian Super Rugby clubs in action and the Six Nations reaching a crescendo, there was plenty of rugby to feast on this weekend.
What did you miss this week in the world of rugby?
Rebels women treated to surprise
The Melbourne Rebels women’s team left little to chance in their preparations to kick off their Buildcorp Super W campaign in Perth on Sunday.
Carlton AFLW captain Brianna Davey presented the Rebels with their playing jerseys at Box Hill Rugby Club in the lead up to their match against the Western Force Women and promised to keep track of the girls’ fortunes.
The 23-year-old Davey promised to get down to AAMI Park to see the Rebels strut their stuff.
Kerevi sporting battle scars
A nasty head knock didn't stop Samu Kerevi carving the Bulls up at Suncorp Stadium but the star centre was in for some pain post match.
Here's how Kerevi looked before the stitches went in...
And here's the result after.
Who said backs couldn't handle the tough stuff?
Ireland look to Japan in June
Wallabies coach Michael Cheika’s eyes are very much on the June Series against Ireland, who claimed the Six Nations crown with a win against Scotland and England's loss to France overnight.
Early ticket sales for the three June Tests are strong as both teams jockey for a top three spot in the world rankings.
Significantly, the tour is Ireland's last big away trip prior to the 2019 Rugby Word Cup and there has been some talk that coach Joe Schmidt will use the campaign as a World Cup simulation, of sorts, bringing his best squad to town.
That means that the Kiwi-born coach may look into the future and bed down some of the stars that he sees hitting their peak in 2019.
Whether that means leaving some of his British and Irish Lions stars at home after the success of their Six Nations campaign remains to be seen.
A source very close to the Ireland camp told RUGBY.com.au that the touring squad to Australia will have a “fresh look” about it.
That will present Schmidt the opportunity to blood several Ireland U20 stars and others as World Cup preparations move into top gear.
"With the pressure associated with the Six Nations, the only chance that a northern hemisphere national team coach gets to blood new talent is on a tour like this," the source said.
There will be pressure from Rugby Australia for Schmidt to pick as many of his front liners for this trip but with the match load that they have in Europe there is no other time between now and the World Cup to rest and recuperate.
Watch this space.
O'Connor bids farewell
On a lighter note to round out the week.
James O'Connor's bid farewell to his lairy car in true O'Connor style this week - via Instagram.
