Rugby Union Today: European previews and predictions

Colin Newboult

DUBLIN, IRELAND - DECEMBER 15: Jonathan Sexton of Leinster looks on during the Champions Cup match between Leinster Rugby and Bath Rugby at the Aviva Stadium on December 15, 2018 in Dublin, Ireland. (Photo by David Rogers/Getty Images)

Another busy day in the rugby union game as we look ahead to the weekend’s action in Europe’s top-tier where Leinster and Toulouse go head-to-head.

What’s on the site

Leinster and Toulouse, who have won eight top-tier European titles between them, go head-to-head and we have previewed that game, as well as the others on Saturday and Sunday.

We have predicted the outcome of those encounters and also the matches from the Challenge Cup, with Clermont Auvergne’s clash against Northampton Saints being the standout contest.

What’s in the news

England and Bath flanker Sam Underhill has been ruled out of the Six Nations after undergoing surgery on an ankle injury he sustained against Leicester Tigers in their Premiership encounter last month.

Elsewhere, there was bad news for Hurricanes fans after Northampton announced the signing of All Blacks centre Matt Proctor, although that was offset slightly by Asafo Aumua committing to the franchise.

Finally, Wasps have announced that England loosehead prop Matt Mullan has left the club with immediate effect. Mullan has struggled with injuries and he departs alongside wing Ambrose Curtis, who has joined French Pro D2 club Vannes.

What’s on social media

This is a great story from the Glasgow Warriors with Rob Harley and Ryan Wilson both reaching major milestones in this weekend’s clash with the Cardiff Blues.

What’s on TV

The European Champions Cup returns on BT Sport with the channel showing all the games from Round Five. Leinster’s encounter with Toulouse is the pick but also check out Gloucester v Munster, Ulster v Racing 92 and Toulon v Edinburgh, which are crucial matches in the race for qualification.