Rugby Union Today: Chris Harris starts for Scotland
Another busy day in the rugby union game as Chris Harris was a surprise inclusion in Scotland’s XV to take on Wales in the Six Nations.
What’s on the site
We previewed the top-two from last season’s Six Nations as England and Ireland prepare to battle for the title once again.
Meanwhile, analyst Sam Larner once again gave another interesting insight, this time breaking down London Irish’s issues with their first phase defence.
What’s in the news
Chris Harris will make his first start for Scotland after being named in their team to take on Wales in Cardiff. The Newcastle Falcons centre has impressed this season and has been rewarded with a place in Gregor Townsend’s first XV.
Onto southern hemisphere matters and New Zealand and Australia will play their third Bledisloe Cup game in Japan on October 27.
Finally, in the club scene, Wasps announced that James Haskell will leave at the end of the season, while Tim Visser has signed a new contract with Harlequins.
What’s on social media
The rugby community rallied behind Tom James following the news that the Wales international wing is being treated for depression.
Best wishes to Tom James who has taken the first, bravest and most important step to recovery in acknowledging that he is contending with a bout of depression.
Full marks to @cardiff_blues for their sensitive and supportive handling of the situation.— Phil Steele (@philsteele1) January 31, 2018
Hope Tom James is okay.
Poor bloke.
Depression is/ can be crippling.
But can also be beaten.
— Paul Williams (@thepaulwilliams) January 31, 2018
What’s on TV
It is a big weekend for rugby on the TV with BBC and ITV once again showing the Six Nations. The BBC will broadcast the double-header on Saturday while ITV have the Italy-England game on Sunday.
Meanwhile, Sky Sports have the rights to the England women’s matches and their encounter with Italy will be shown on Sunday.
Elsewhere, the Anglo-Welsh Cup continues on BT Sport, with them broadcasting the Northampton-Harlequins and Wasps-Leicester encounters.