The European Cup has been the central to the pro season overseas this fall, and shining most brightly has been Chris Wyles.

The USA captain was brilliant in the Saracens defeat of Oyonnax on September 13, and while he was rested this weekend in the return leg, he’s been a huge part of Sarries’ success. Saracens won again and they sit 4-0 in Pool 1 in the European Cup, and 6-0 in the Aviva Premiership. 

Also in the European Cup, Glasgow won, without Greg Peterson, to move to 3-1, and Toulon won, with Samu Manoa being rested, to move to 3-1.

The Cardiff Blues had Blaine Scully on the bench and did not use Cam Dolan in tough loss to Montpellier 23-22. The Blues dropped to 2-2 in Pool 3 of the European Challenge Cup. We didn't see Eric Fry, Todd Clever, or AJ MacGinty in Newcastle's win over Connacht this past weekend. MacGinty is out injured - he inured his knee against Munster and it out probably until January.

Elsewhere in the pros, Nick Civetta continues to be a regular starter for Medicei in Italy’s Serie A, and last week he scored a try for the team in their 26-10 defeat of Capitolina, and he was singled out by his coach for his superior play. 

Taku Ngwenya continues to suit up for Biarritz team that continues to struggle. Biarritz slipped to 5-8 with a 22-13 to last-place Tarbes in France’s Pro D2.  

Thretton Palamo has left London Welsh and is now playing with the USA 7s team in residency. Meanwhile, Andrew Durutalo has left the USA 7s setup to play for the Sunwolves, the new Japanese team in Super Rugby. Durutalo become the second USA player, after Todd Clever, to play Super Rugby.

And in case you missed it, Scott LaValla has retired from international and pro rugby, so won’t be playing anymore for Stade Francais.