Rugby Union Today: Expert Witness and Loose Pass

Colin Newboult

Referee Ben O’Keeffe has a discussion with Alun Wyn Jones of Wales during the Guinness Six Nations between England and Wales at Twickenham Stadium in London, England on March 7, 2020. (Photo by Mitchell Gunn/ESPA/CSM/Sipa USA)

Another busy day in the rugby union game as Expert Witness and Loose Pass returned to delve into the controversial incident involving Joe Marler.

What’s on the site

There were contrasting opinions over the Joe Marler incident, which saw the loosehead prop cited for fondling Alun Wyn Jones’ genitals, as Loose Pass condemned the act while Lewis Moody in Expert Witness felt that it was a ‘trial by social media.‘

Elsewhere, the match officials have been named for this weekend’s games with Angus Gardner taking charge of the only Six Nations match going ahead on Saturday as Wales face Scotland in Cardiff.

What’s in the news

Saracens hooker Jack Singleton, who has also earned three England caps, will play for Gloucester next season after agreeing to join the Cherry and Whites on loan for the 2020/21 campaign.

Meanwhile, experienced Ireland prop Jack McGrath has signed a new contract at Ulster. McGrath joined the Belfast-based outfit from fellow province Leinster in 2019 and has now agreed a two-year deal to remain at the Kingspan Stadium.

In the southern hemisphere, two New Zealand internationals return for their respective franchises as Dane Coles starts for the Hurricanes and Damian McKenzie is named in the Chiefs XV.

What’s on social media

This was Gloucester’s rather excellent video for the Jack Singleton signing.

What’s on TV

With two postponements there’s just one Six Nations Round Five game this weekend as Wales face Scotland, live on BBC One.

Super Rugby continues with Round Seven starting on Friday with what should be a thriller between the Chiefs and Hurricanes. All of the seven matches, which run until Sunday, will be televised on Sky Sports.

Elsewhere, the Premiership Rugby Cup Final is live on BT Sport and takes place on Sunday when Sale Sharks host Harlequins.

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