The USA Men's National Team traded the availability of some overseas pros for the New Zealand test match for giving those players up for part or all of the rest of November.

That doesn't mean they played. Blaine Scully and Eric Fry weren't used as Leicester won and Newcastle lost in LV= cup action. Samu Manoa likewise wasn't used as Northampton won.

The Saracens players were more active, since the club played two games this past weekend. Chris Wyles started for Saracens as they beat a touring Western Province team. Meanwhile, Thretton Palamo started at inside center and Hayden Smith started at lock for Saracens as they beat the Ospreys out of Wales 21-9 in LV= Cup action.

This was a big deal for Palamo, who is now available for the last two games of the USA November matches.

Also available is Scott LaValla, who was released back to Stade Francais for one match, this past weekend against Clermont. It didn't help as Clermont won easily.

Back to Manoa for a minute. Northampton has confirmed that Manoa is entertaining offers from several French clubs for next season. Manoa is a star player for Northampton, but because he doesn't play for England, Northampton doesn't get a subsidy from the RFU for him. While he is valuable in helping the Saints win championships, which is indisputable, he comes at a cost. The French clubs don't have the same system, and know Manoa would be a big draw for any team, as well as a valuable addition on the field.

Judging by the comments from around the Northampton club, it might well be that Manoa switches to a French club next season.