"When I said that I believed he had been influenced I did not intend that to mean that he was improperly influenced."

Saracens director of rugby Brendan Venter explains himself during his RFU disciplinary hearing that followed an outburst aimed at referee David Rose. January 20, 2010

"It was an expensive lesson. I had to pay on three credit cards, including my mum's, so you can imagine the conversation I had with her afterwards. I think I'll stick to Wetherspoons in future."

Harlequins' Chris Robshaw relives the moment he realised the £6,000 bottle of vintage Krug he had just drunk in nightclub Chinawhite was not your average bottle of plonk. January 20, 2010

"You will never know how many people Bill brought to the game by the way he commentated."

Sir Ian McGeechan pays tribute to legendary commentator Bill McLaren following his death aged 86. January 19, 2010

"The amount of intellectual property he holds after almost 15 years of professional rugby is unsurpassed."

Brumbies coach Andy Friend defends his appointment of disgraced lock Justin Harrison to his leadership group. January 18, 2010

"I was brought up in New Zealand and I'm proud of where I come from but I'm proud to be an Englishman as well."

Bath's New Zealand-born centre Shontayne Hape reflects on his selection for the England Six Nations squad having qualified on residency grounds. January 15, 2010

"The fact that he [Dupuy] is French probably played a role."

Stade Francais club president Max Guazzini fires a parting shot after his scrum-half Julien Dupuy failed to overturn a six-month ban for eye-gouging. January 13, 2010

"The government is going to punish rugby."

National Assembly sports committee chairman Butana Komphela promises action against SA Rugby for their selection of Zimbabwean-born prop Tendai "Beast" Mtawarira. January 12, 2010

"You guys can write what you want. I'm here for the Waratahs."

Berrick Barnes is not eyeing the new Melbourne Rebels Super Rugby franchise. January 11, 2010

"We will certainly miss him, not only as a player but also as a true gentleman of the game."

Sharks coach John Plumtree will miss injured Pumas fly-half Juan Martin Hernandez. January 7, 2010.

"Having had the opportunity to work with him first-hand, I can see why he was by far the best fullback in the world for so many years."

Worcester boss Mike Ruddock pays tribute to former Wallaby Chris Latham following his announcement that he is to return to Australia. January 6, 2010

"Bourgoin's problems aren't over, close to it maybe, but we wanted to play well [in Paris]. We know how to play rugby and on the pitch at least, Bourgoin will be in the Top 14 next year."

Bourgoin coach Eric Catinot is in bullish mood following his side's victory over Racing Metro. January 5, 2010.

"Everybody wants to know why the game is dying. Maybe that is why the game is dying."

Saracens coach Brendan Venter vents his spleen over the performance of referee David Rose in his side's loss to Leicester. January, 2, 2010