Rugby Union Today: Loose Pass and Rugby Championship

Adam Kyriacou
Add as a preferred source on Google

Another busy day in the rugby union game as Loose Pass returns and we look at New Zealand’s and Australia’s Rugby Championship chances.

What’s on the site

Loose Pass takes a look at player welfare in the sport after the tragic death of Louis Fajfrowski, while they also comment on Ronan O’Gara’s experience of coaching in the southern hemisphere and how it should inspire others from the north to do the same.

With the Rugby Championship just a few days away, we have previewed the top-two from last year in Australia and New Zealand, and given our predictions for the upcoming tournament.

What’s in the news

Anthony Watson could miss England’s November internationals after re-tearing an Achilles tendon. He initially suffered the injury in March but surgery was not successful and he has had to go in for a second operation.

Continuing in the northern hemisphere, Alasdair Dickinson has decided to retire and has duly taken up a coaching role in the Scottish Rugby academy.

Elsewhere, South African internationals Lionel Mapoe and Elton Jantjies have signed new contracts with the Lions, taking them to the end of the 2019 season.

What’s on social media

England and Harlequins prop Joe Marler has his critics, but the loosehead is a great character as these pictures show.

What’s on TV

The Rugby Championship starts this weekend and Sky Sports will broadcast both matches as Australia take on New Zealand and South Africa host Argentina.

Elsewhere, the Mitre 10 Cup begins this week and Sky will show the games. North Harbour open proceedings when playing Northland on Thursday before Tasman and Canterbury face-off a day later.

Features