English League: English League leaders Sale Sharks were dealt a potential double injury blow for next weekend's Heineken European Cup quarter-final appointment with Biarritz in San Sebastien as they fought back to defeat Madejski Stadium hosts London Irish 29-21 on Saturday.

England wing Mark Cueto sustained an ankle injury after he tripped over an advertising triangle close to the touchline. He tried to catch a kick and fell onto the hard surface surrounding the pitch.

Former England captain Jason Robinson, meanwhile, lasted just 18 minutes before a hip problem forced him off.

Connacht's Challenge Cup opponents Newcastle suffered a heavy defeat at home to Northampton yesterday. Carlos Spencer was the inspiration behind a 32-13 win against a Newcastle team missing England centre Jamie Noon and Mark Mayerhofler.