With the Japanese top division on hiatus for a week, all attention turns to Europe as a host of Australians were in action during the quarter-finals of the respective club competitions.
It was a big day in the Challenge Cup, with a trio of big-name Australians playing massive roles in their respective victories.
Watch every second of the 2026 Super Rugby Pacific season live and on demand via Stan Sport.
Back-rower Tom Hooper was at his brilliant best for Exeter, helping them to a high-scoring 44-41 win over Benetton.
Hooper totalled 14 carries and four tackle busts in the tense victory, with the Chiefs set to welcome back John Eales Medalist Len Ikitau shortly.
They will play Angus Bell and Ulster in the semi-finals in May after they defeated La Rochelle 41-24.
Bell topped the tackle count for the Irish side with 15 to help take down the two-time European champions, who felt the loss of Will Skelton.
Tom Banks was excellent as Montpellier defeated Connacht 45-22, having just re-signed with the club.
Banks recorded two line breaks, six tackle busts, and a try assist to book their spot in the final four against the Welsh side Dragons.
In the Champions Cup, former Wallaby Adam Coleman was one of the standouts as Bordeaux took down Toulouse 30-15.
The lock, who played for Tonga at the 2023 Rugby World Cup, was praised for his work rate after getting through 12 tackles and dominating the lineout game to take down their Top 14 rivals.
It was a tougher run for the other Australians, with Sam Talakai unable to help Glasgow find a late winner as they went down 22-19 to Toulon.
Josh Kemeny started for Northampton; however, they were defeated 43-41 by Premiership rivals Bath.
Meanwhile, Noah Lolesio continues to dominate the second division of Japan.
Lolesio scored a try in his 19-point haul in Toyota Industries Shuttles Aichi's 59-31 win over Green Rockets Tokatsu.
