With the 2017 British & Irish Lions tour getting closer all the time it pays to keep an eye out for who is turning in the big performances.
As part of a weekly feature, we wrap up the action across Europe this weekend and pick out some stand-out performances across the four countries for you to consider.
Top points scorers
While some international stars were wrapped in cotton wool ahead of the Six Nations, there were plenty of players shining from the kicking tee.
None more so than Welshman Jason Tovey who racked up 18 points in total for the Dragons in their impressive victory over Leinster.
Staying in the PRO12 and Ian Keatley kicked 11 points for Munster to give Ireland coach Joe Schmidt a reminder of his talents.
In England, Tom Heathcote kicked 15 points for Worcester Warriors in a losing effort, while fellow former British & Irish Lions Charlie Hodgson and James Hook managed 15 and 14 for Saracens and Gloucester respectively.
Top try scorers
On a quiet weekend for try scoring there were doubles in the Premiership for both Nev Edwards and Charlie Walker.
Edwards crossed twice as Sale Sharks put London Irish to the sword at the AJ Bell Stadium while Walker’s brace was not enough to prevent Harlequins falling to a narrow defeat to Newcastle Falcons.
Thomas Waldrom only got one try this weekend but that continues his remarkable recent record – the England No.8 was the Premiership’s top try scorer last season and is back on top of the standings this season with seven and counting.
Top tacklers
In tough winter conditions defences dominated and the tackle counts reflect that around the British Isles.
In Wales the Dragons had two heroes in Cory Hill (18) and Nic Cudd (17) who put in a monumental effort in their victory over Leinster.
Edinburgh lost out to Cardiff Blues in a low-scoring affair but Cornell Du Preez (18) and Hamish Watson (17) also impressed.
Staying in Scotland and Rob Harley returned from injury to compile 14 tackles for Glasgow Warriors while in England Dom Barrow’s 15 hits helped Leicester Tigers see off Gloucester.
Top metre makers
Fans of Wales and Ireland will have been licking their lips when they glanced down the metre makers board this weekend as two big names returned from injury.
Full-back Liam Williams made his return from a foot injury sustained at the World Cup last year, turning out for Scarlets in their defeat to Connacht and impressing with 77 metres with ball in hand.
On the other side was Ireland’s returning hero Robbie Henshaw – released back to his province Connacht for the second week in a row – and he made 89m in the victory.
Elsewhere, Dan Evans made 72m and scored a vital late try for the Ospreys in their draw with Glasgow and Rob Miller made 60m for Wasps in their victory on Friday night over Northampton.
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