Another busy day in the rugby union game as Premiership Rugby confirmed that there will be no more pool matches in this season’s Champions Cup.
What’s on the site
The European competitions will go straight to the knockout stages when they resume later in the year after Premiership Rugby confirmed that the EPCR have decided to cancel the remaining group games.
Elsewhere, Liam Williams will miss Wales’ opening Six Nations encounter against Ireland after being handed a three-match suspension following his red card for the Scarlets against the Cardiff Blues last weekend.
Finally, our ‘Greatest rugby sides’ series continued with New Zealand’s outstanding Chiefs team, who sealed successive Super Rugby titles in 2012 and ’13 under the guidance of current Wallabies boss Dave Rennie.
What’s in the news
Edinburgh have received a boost after star flanker Jamie Ritchie agreed a new, long-term contract with the Scottish outfit. With Hamish Watson also re-signing recently, things are looking up for the Murrayfield-based team.
There is also positive news for Wales and the Ospreys with Alun Wyn Jones making good progress after sustaining a knee injury last December. The captain is a doubt for the start of the Six Nations but head coach of the Swansea side Toby Booth confirmed that Jones could take part in the game against Ireland.
What’s on social media
One of Wales’ greatest moments.
🗓️ On this day in 2008: New Welsh head coach Warren Gatland convinced Martyn Williams to come out of retirement for the Six Nations.
🏴 Wales would go on to win the Grand Slam with Williams scoring the trophy-sealing try against France. pic.twitter.com/dHaGX7OCOa
— Planet Rugby (@PlanetRugby) January 14, 2021
What’s on TV
After the suspension of the European competitions and Premiership Rugby’s decision not to reschedule matches, there is unfortunately very little rugby on TV this weekend.
There is, however, Glasgow Warriors’ derby clash against Edinburgh after the PRO14 took advantage of the free weekend to rearrange that encounter and it will be on Premier Sports.
