Rugby Union Today: Loose Pass and Analysis

Adam Kyriacou
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Another busy day in the rugby union game as Loose Pass takes a look at Beauden Barrett’s brilliance, England’s controversial characters and the Premiership’s financial issues.

What’s on the site

Loose Pass is back and discusses Beauden Barrett’s performance against Australia before having a look at Danny Cipriani and Chris Ashton, who have been making headlines for the wrong reasons over recent weeks. Then there is the issue of sustainability and how the financial reports of England’s top clubs makes grim reading.

On a more positive note, excitement is building towards the start of the Gallagher Premiership and we have taken a look at the best signings in the competition. There is a similar video on the PRO14, which also begins on Friday when defending champions Leinster are among the teams in action.

Finally, Sam Larner analyses the New Zealand v Australia contest and what particularly accounted for the visitors’ demise.

What’s in the news

Gloucester have been dealt a blow with the news that lock Tom Savage could be out of action for up to 10 weeks, although it is not as bad as first feared. New signings Ruan Dreyer and Jaco Kriel will also miss the first game of the campaign, alongside back three player Tom Marshall.

In further injury news, reports in France have stated that Toulon back-five forward Mamuka Gorgodze will be missing for three months due to a ruptured bicep.

Elsewhere, the Brumbies have announced that Junior Wallabies player Bayley Kuenzle has signed a two-year contract with the franchise.

What’s on social media

The Top 14 returned last weekend and Cheslin Kolbe impressed with this outstanding break, which led to Toulouse’s only try of the game against Lyon.

What’s on TV

With the Rugby Championship taking a break this weekend, all focus shifts to the northern hemisphere and the start of the Premiership and PRO14 seasons.

BT Sport will broadcast four matches from England’s top-tier with Bristol v Bath, Gloucester v Northampton, Exeter v Leicester and Newcastle v Saracens being shown.

Meanwhile, the PRO14 will make its debut on Premier Sports and they will televise all seven encounters from the opening round.

On Sky Sports, they have plenty of Top 14, Mitre 10 and Currie Cup action, with Sunday’s encounter between Racing 92 and Clermont Auvergne the highlight.

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