Rugby Union Today: Expert Witness, analysis and early teams

Adam Kyriacou
Add as a preferred source on Google

Another busy day in the rugby union game as we have World Rugby Sevens Series exclusives, Expert Witness and an analysis piece to go with Six Nations team announcements from France and Wales.

What’s on the site

James While talks to former England and British & Irish Lions fly-half Rob Andrew, who builds up to this weekend’s Six Nations action, while our analyst Sam Larner returns to moneyball some rugby.

France have named an unchanged squad to face Ireland on Sunday while Grand Slam chasing Wales are forced into one tweak as Adam Beard replaces the injured Cory Hill for their clash with Scotland.

We also have exclusives from former USA Sevens star Zach Test and current World Rugby Sevens Player of the Year Perry Baker, who both offer an insight into how rugby continues to grow in the country.

What’s in the news

England second-row Maro Itoje is a doubt for their game against Italy this weekend after he appeared to suffer an injury during training. The forward went to ground in front of head coach Eddie Jones.

Meanwhile, Wales hooker Ken Owens admits he is concerned about the proposed move to merge the Scarlets and Ospreys. Ospreys chairman Mike James has today resigned due to the chaos in Wales.

What’s on social media

It’s fair to say rugby is throwing up some unpopular stories at the moment…

What’s on TV

The Six Nations returns this weekend with the BBC showing the opening game of Round Four between Scotland and Wales. England v Italy and Ireland v France then follow and they will be televised on ITV.

Despite that annual competition restarting, the Premiership continues with BT Sport airing Bath v Saracens and Harlequins v Gloucester.

Meanwhile, Sky Sports will broadcast all the Super Rugby encounters which take place this weekend, starting with the Hurricanes taking on the Highlanders in an all-New Zealand clash.

Features