RU Today: Jonathan Joseph and Kieran Read suffer setbacks
Another busy day in the rugby union game as Jonathan Joseph and Kieran Read both appeared to be ruled out of the June series.
What’s on the site
With the Challenge Cup semi-final taking place tomorrow, we preview Gloucester’s encounter against Newcastle Falcons at Kingsholm.
The site also looks ahead to Friday’s Super Rugby action with the Blues hosting the Highlanders and the Waratahs facing the Lions.
What’s in the news
Injuries have dominated the day’s proceedings with Kieran Read and Jonathan Joseph almost certain to miss their teams’ respective June games. New Zealand are due to face France while England take on South Africa.
Warren Whiteley is another to suffer a setback after withdrawing from the Lions’ touring squad due to a knee issue which has yet to fully recover.
What’s on social media
Brad Shields’ potential inclusion for England this June is causing controversy for a variety of reasons.
So me get this clear, its ok to jet Brad Shields in from New Zealand to play for Engalnd this summer but its not ok for Chris Ashton to play in Toulon?
— Brendan gallagher (@gallagherbren) April 19, 2018
Pointless blaming England for picking Brad Shields
Them’s the rules
Don’t hate the player, hate the game
As they used to say in South Central* where I grew up
*Gowerton, on the Gower Peninsula. The first designated area of outstanding natural beauty in the UK. Its tough there
— Paul Williams (@thepaulwilliams) April 19, 2018
What’s on TV
The Champions Cup has reached the semi-final stage with the two matches being split between Sky Sports and BT Sport. The latter will show Racing 92 against Munster while the former has the all-PRO14 clash between Leinster and the Scarlets.
Sky also has a packed Super Rugby schedule and will broadcast all seven matches, starting with the Auckland-based Blues hosting the Highlanders.