Rugby Union Today: Owen Farrell backed for Lions skipper

Colin Newboult

England's Owen Farrell during the Guinness Six Nations match at the Principality Stadium, Cardiff. Picture date: Saturday February 27, 2021. See PA story RUGBYU Wales. Photo credit should read: David Davies/PA Wire. RESTRICTIONS: Use subject to restrictions. Editorial use only, no commercial use without prior consent from rights holder.

Another busy day in the rugby union game as Ireland coach Paul O’Connell gave his opinion on the debate surrounding the Lions captaincy.

What’s on the site

Ireland coach Paul O’Connell believes that Owen Farrell is the man who should be entrusted with the British and Irish Lions captaincy. Farrell is one of the names that has been suggested, alongside the likes of Alun Wyn Jones and Maro Itoje.

Meanwhile, Exeter Chiefs director of rugby Rob Baxter has hit back at Warren Gatland following the Lions head coach’s comments on player availability in the Premiership yesterday.

Finally, ‘Super charged’ returns, which delves into the main talking points ahead of all the action in Super Rugby AU and Aotearoa this weekend.

What’s in the news

According to reports, All Black scrum-half TJ Perenara is considering crossing codes and moving to the NRL. Perenara is currently plying his trade in Japan but the Sydney Roosters are apparently interested in acquiring his services.

Continuing with the New Zealand theme and Crusaders centre Jack Goodhue will unfortunately miss the rest of 2021 after rupturing his anterior cruciate ligament.

Elsewhere, the upcoming Rainbow Cup will be trialling new law variations, including red card replacements, captain’s challenge and goal-line drop-outs.

What’s on social media

Plenty of tributes have been paid to Leinster forward and former Australia international Scott Fardy, who has announced his retirement.

What’s on TV

Following the recent European sojourn, the Premiership is back and starts with the clash between Northampton Saints and London Irish on BT Sport before last year’s finalists Exeter Chiefs and Wasps go head-to-head.

Elsewhere, Super Rugby AU continues as Western Force host the Waratahs and the Brumbies visit Melbourne to take on the Rebels, and both of those encounters will be streamed on the World Rugby website.