Biggest Winners and Losers in World Rugby for Weekend of March 28-29

The standings were shaken up on both sides of the equator this past weekend as teams from Super Rugby, the Aviva Premiership and Top 14 alike went through highs and lows of an extreme nature.

One of Wales' brightest stars was also unfortunate to be knocked unconscious for the fourth time this season, while New Zealand have cause to be upbeat after extending the contract of their own talismanic player.

Read on for a breakdown of the biggest winners and losers in world rugby this past weekend.

Winner: Hurricanes Rampant

A runaway start to the 2015 Super Rugby campaign continued for the Hurricanes this weekend after they claimed their sixth successive victory thanks to a comfortable 36-12 trampling of the Rebels.

The result sees the 'Canes move seven points clear at the summit of the overall standings, maintaining their unbeaten start to the season and galvanising their bid for this term's title.

The visitors from Melbourne were missing several players themselves, but what makes the outcome even more impressive is the fact that Beauden Barrett, Ben Franks and Julian Savea were rested.

The Hurricanes now boast an even more domineering lead at the head of the table, underlining their stance as the southern hemisphere's team to watch at present.

Loser: George North

Wales winger George North was awfully unfortunate to suffer another concussion during Northampton Saints' 52-30 win over Wasps last Friday, his fourth of the 2014-15 campaign.

Nathan Hughes was shown a red card for kneeing North in the head as he surged on the try line, after which it swiftly became clear all was not well with the bruising speedster.

Former World Rugby medical adviser Barry O'Driscoll is quoted by BBC Sport as recommending North not play again this season, saying: "There should be no more rugby for George North this rugby year."

Concussion and the care taken toward treating such injuries is a hot topic in rugby at present, but with a Rugby World Cup to think about, North may do well to preserve himself and listen to O'Driscoll's advice.

It's a testament to the youngster's will that he keeps returning with as much vigour as before, but the misfortune is beginning to add up in North's case.

Winner: Toulouse, Stade Francais

Toulouse's chances of securing a playoff finish took a major turn for the better on Saturday after Guy Noves' men clinched a dramatic 34-24 victory against Top 14 leaders Toulon.

Maxime Medard scored a brace of tries in the second half to overturn Toulon's half-time lead of 18-7 and seal a result that stops Bernard Laporte's side in their tracks for now.

Somewhat unfortunately for Toulouse, Stade Francais and Racing Metro also won their Week 21 fixtures, but Stade's win over Clermont Auvergne ensures two points now separate first from third.

Loser: London Welsh

It's been a long time coming, but the finishing touches were put on London Welsh's Premiership demise after a 29-14 home defeat to Bath on Sunday left them with just a point to their name after 18 outings.

After conceding a woeful 829 points this season, it's clear the minnows have seriously struggled in acclimating to the demands of England's first tier.

However, London Welsh head coach Rowland Phillips is upbeat about what the future holds for the club, per ESPN Scrum:

"

We had a lot of positives today and we will be looking to build on that performance. The club is too proud just to switch off and accept defeat. There is always speculation and rumour at this time of the season, but the key thing is that you learn your lessons. We know we are relegated but our ambition to come back is greater than ever.

"

It's common for a promoted team to go through hardship during their maiden Premiership term, but Sunday was the day their relegation became official.

Winner: Jerome Kaino Commits to Home Comforts

Phil Walter/Getty Images

The financial prospects on offer in Europe is something that's tempted a host of southern hemisphere giants in recent years, but New Zealand star Jerome Kaino has committed his future in New Zealand.

It's been reported by ESPN Scrum that Kaino's new deal runs until 2018, dismissing any notion that he could leave Super Rugby in the years to come. The Blues back-rower was pleased to announce his extension:

"

Having been overseas and experienced that, home does have a lot of positives. On the rugby front, I remain very committed to the Blues. I know our fans are doing it tough but I believe a lot of good things have been put in place here and we will see the benefits in the next year or two.

I am also driven to be part of the All Blacks again - there's no greater honour than to wear the black jersey. The over-riding reason though is my family. They enjoy being home close to their friends and family and with them happy, then I am happy to focus on being the best rugby player that I can be.

"

Some might debate Kaino's place as an assured starter for the All Blacks these days, but to even have him as an option in the years to come is a tremendous boost for Hansen and Co.

The Blues captain may not be going through a great patch in terms of his Super Rugby fortunes, but New Zealand are assured of another stellar international option for the World Cup and further thanks to Kaino's new deal.