Rugby Union Today: 2019 Predictions and Loose Pass

Colin Newboult
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DUBLIN, IRELAND - NOVEMBER 17: Jacob Stockdale of Ireland celebrates with team mates after the International Friendly rugby match between Ireland and New Zealand on November 17, 2018 in Dublin, Ireland. (Photo by Charles McQuillan/Getty Images)

Another busy day in the rugby union game as we predict what is going to happen in 2019, while Loose Pass returns to give their opinions on the week’s events.

What’s on the site

It is a big year for the sport with the World Cup and we have predicted what we think will happen in 2019, including the winners of the global tournament and the potential fallout from the competition in Japan.

Elsewhere, Loose Pass returns to run the rule over various topics. Once again Steve Diamond’s altercation is covered, while they also discuss the ill-tempered festive fixtures and Toulon’s remarkable decline.

Finally, take a look at this remarkable try from the Top 14 where Toulouse put together a stunning move, which ended in Cheslin Kolbe touching down against Toulon.

What’s in the news

England flanker Sam Underhill is going to struggle to be fit for the upcoming Six Nations after damaging ankle ligaments in Bath’s victory over Leicester Tigers at the weekend.

Meanwhile, in what has been a big week for Sale, both on and off the pitch, Steve Diamond has defended his management style and Tom Curry has perhaps backed him up by agreeing a new contract at the club.

What’s on social media

Excitement is building with the Six Nations just a month away where Ireland begin the defence of their title against England.

What’s on TV

The domestic leagues continue in Europe this weekend with BT Sport showing Sale v Saracens, Leicester Tigers v Gloucester and Wasps v Northampton in the Premiership.

On Sky Sports, Racing 92 host Toulon and La Rochelle visit Clermont Auvergne in the Top 14, while Premier Sports once again have extensive coverage of the PRO14.

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