In this Sunday’s Rugby Paper: Alphonsi, Worcester, and Red Roses opener

It’s been a dark and painful week not just for Worcester Warriors fans, but for English Rugby in general, as part of the club was liquidated, and the men’s team were suspended for the rest of the season and relegated.

It will be a major talking point for our columnists Jeremy Guscott, Shane Williams, Nick Cain, Peter Jackson, Chris Hewett, Brendan Gallagher, and Jeff Probyn, who have followed the saga right to its conclusion.

With Worcester absent we only have three reports from the Premiership – Bristol 14-50 Exeter, Leicester 16-26 Sale, Bath 17-21 Gloucester – but we will also provide an in-depth look at Sunday’s matches as fellow strugglers Wasps face Northampton and Newcastle host unbeaten Saracens.

On a more positive note, Maggie Alphonsi expresses her thoughts on whether England can deal with the tag of being strong favourites and win the World Cup, and we have reports from South Africa 5-40 France, Fiji 19-84 England, Australia 17-41 New Zealand, and previews for USA vs Italy, Japan vs Canada, Wales vs Scotland, as the tournament gets underway.

There is plenty of URC Action with Connacht 20-11 Munster and Edinburgh 19-22 Lions on Friday, before Zebre 20-37 Stormers, Scarlets vs Cardiff, Glasgow vs Bulls, Ulster vs Ospreys on Saturday, and a look ahead to Benetton vs Dragons on Sunday.

Additionally, there’s action in the Championship with Doncaster 50-19 Bedford, Hartpury 39-31 Nottingham, London Scottish 32-46 Coventry, Caldy 19-34 Jersey Reds, and a London Derby as Ealing beat Richmond 56-19.

Neil Fissler’s Blindside Column showcases the latest rugby gossip and transfer news, with a busy week expected after WRFC Players Ltd’s liquidation.

In My Life in Rugby we have former Highlanders, Sale Sharks and Samoa centre Johnny Leota giving us the story of his career.

Joe Jenkins is the subject of our Young Gun column after the 18-year-old Bristol Bears centre burst onto the scene in last week’s Premiership Cup match against Exeter.

Finally, Hartpury back-rower and former Bristol and Northampton player Mitch Eadie chooses his Dream Team of the best XV players he has played with or against.

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The Barbarians take on the All Blacks XV for the Killik Cup on Sunday 13 November – KO 2:00pm at the world class Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. The first-ever international rugby union match to be played there.

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Super Rugby & European Champions Cup winning coaches Scott Robertson and Ronan O’Gara will head up the Barbarians with top players likely to feature include: Zach Mercer (Eng), George Bridge (NZ), Baptiste Serin (FR), Will Skelton (Aus), Camille Chat (FR), Dillyn Lyeds (SA), & James Kerr-Barlow (NZ) plus many more stars.

Fans will be treated by both teams and the stadium to a truly exceptional experience both on and off the pitch.  Guaranteed attacking rugby at an outstanding venue, delivering phenomenal sporting entertainment.

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