Biggest Winners and Losers in World Rugby for Weekend of April 11-12

Exeter Chiefs claimed an important victory over Northampton Saints on Sunday to move into the top four of the Aviva Premiership and continue their bid to feature among England's elite.

The West Country side rank among world rugby's biggest winners thanks to that result, but there were also big victories for Uruguay and Super Rugby's Blues to speak of.

Meanwhile, Sean Maitland came upon some disappointing news and France's coaching setup is poised for an overhaul later this year.

Read on for further discussion of rugby's biggest winners and losers this past weekend.

Winner: Exeter Chiefs

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Thanks in part to Leicester Tigers' 22-6 loss at Saracens on Saturday, Exeter Chiefs could climb within three points of second spot and into the Premiership's top four this weekend.

Sunday's 21-10 win over Northampton Saints came at a crucial juncture for Rob Baxter's side, but the elation may not last at Sandy Park with the team eyeing a terrifically difficult run-in.

Chiefs next travel to Wasps before making their way to Saracens and rounding their campaign off with the visit of Sale Sharks next month.

For now, though, Dean Mumm will tell his troops to savour a victory that could change the tide of their prospects this season, showing against Saints that they can assuredly contend alongside the cream of the crop.

Loser: Sean Maitland

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There was sad news for Glasgow Warriors' Sean Maitland on Saturday after it emerged the winger has played his last game for the club and won't feature again this season following shoulder surgery.

The Scotland speedster underwent the operation in January and held hopes to boost Warriors before season's end, but ESPN Scrum reports Maitland is now in a race to be fit for the 2015 World Cup.

National team coach Vern Cotter will be as eager as any to see the New Zealand native return before summer, while Warriors coach Gregor Townsend explained Maitland's current situation and paid tribute, saying:

"Sean got some tough news last week when it became clear his shoulder would require surgery. But the operation at Spire Murrayfield Hospital was a success and he's targeting to be back for the World Cup. I'd like to take this opportunity to thank Sean for his contribution to the club, he's been an excellent player for us."

Maitland will move to London Irish when his Glasgow contract expires at the end of this season, bringing an end to his three-year tenure in Scotland.

Winner: Blues Get 2015 Up and Running

The Blues finally got their 2015 Super Rugby campaign off the ground on Friday after surprising the Brumbies in Auckland to claim a 16-14 win.

Ihaia West held his nerve to slot a last-gasp penalty for the home outfit and lift the franchise off the foot of the Super Rugby standings, although the New Zealand side came close to coming undone.

After heading in at half-time with a 13-0 lead, West's 77th-minute effort produced the hosts' only points of the second period as their guests made a resounding comeback attempt.

One victory does not a season make, however, and Blues fans will hope this is merely the beginning of things to come and not the height of their 2015 plight.

Loser: Philippe Saint-Andre

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The wheels of change are in motion at the head of the French hierarchy after it came to light Philippe Saint-Andre is set to be replaced after this year's Rugby World Cup.

It will be seen as an overdue change for some, but the Associated Press (h/t Daily Mail) reports the FFR officially launched the application process to find their coach's successor this past Friday.

Saint-Andre has won just 15 of his 37 games in charge of Les Bleus, making for a far from satisfactory record since he took over from Marc Lievremont four years ago.

Applicants have until April 25 to launch their nomination bid.

Winner: Uruguay

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Glancing toward South America, Uruguay began the 2015 South American Championship on Saturday with a 77-3 hammering of continental minnows Paraguay.

In the tournament's opening fixture, Los Teros ran in no fewer than 11 unanswered tries and prevented their foes from scoring a single one to give their 2015 Rugby World Cup preparations a welcome boost.

Uruguay will return to the World Cup after a 12-year absence later this year, and triumph in the South American Championship would serve as fine warm-up for the global extravaganza.

The South American tournament takes place over four weeks, with Uruguay playing against Brazil next Saturday before travelling to fourth and final participants Chile in May.