Rugby Union Today: Rugby Championship news and previews

Adam Kyriacou

Another busy day in the rugby union game as we look ahead to the Rugby Championship, which starts with Australia v New Zealand this weekend.

What’s on the site

There are Rugby Championship previews of both South Africa and Argentina, who will be looking to improve on last season’s efforts.

In ‘who’s hot and who’s not,’ various topics are discussed, including Michael Hooper’s new contract and SANZAAR’s Super Rugby team of the year, which was heavily criticised for only featuring one Crusader.

What’s in the news

South Africa have been handed a boost with lock Eben Etzebeth available for their opening Rugby Championship game against Argentina and Rassie Erasmus looks set to name him in the XV.

Continuing in the Rugby Championship and Will Genia has surprised many by declaring that the Bledisloe is more important than the World Cup.

In the northern hemisphere, Ulster have suffered a blow with the news that Jacob Stockdale will miss up to two months after sustaining a hamstring problem.

What’s on social media

James Hook and Dan Biggar were team-mates last season but faced each other in a friendly on Saturday as Northampton Saints beat the Ospreys.

First pre season game against a familiar face in unfamiliar kit #thesameonlydifferent

A post shared by James Hook (@james___hook) on

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 facing Northland on Thursday before Tasman and Canterbury face-off a day later.