Six-strong list for Rugby Union Writers’ Club award

Planet Rugby

France scrum-half Antoine Dupont is one of six international stars included on the shortlist for the Rugby Union Writers’ Club personality of the year for 2021.

The recently crowned World Rugby Player of the Year has excited supporters in recent times as he boasts the complete game that’s inspired France and Toulouse.

Joining Dupont on the shortlist is Wales and British & Irish Lions captain Alun Wyn Jones, Pacific Islands rugby campaigner Dan Leo and England’s Marcus Smith.

There’s also nominations for England Women’s second-row Zoe Aldcroft and coach Simon Middleton, following the side’s 18-game winning streak for the Red Roses.

The winner of the coveted award will be announced later this month.

‘Play all Six Nations Tests in one country’ – Rob Baxter

Meanwhile, playing this year’s Six Nations in one country has “got to be better than cancelling it”, according to Exeter Chiefs director of rugby Rob Baxter.

There is plenty of uncertainty about the competition although Ireland and Wales are set to meet in the tournament opener in Dublin on February 5 before Scotland and England go head-to-head at Murrayfield later that day.

Current regulations imposed by the Welsh Government, due to the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic – particularly its Omicron variant – means all Wales’ scheduled home Tests against Scotland, France and Italy must be played behind close doors.

The Scots are in a similar position for games at Murrayfield, while it has been reported that Wales could consider moving their Principality Stadium fixtures against Scotland, France and Italy to England.