Rugby Union Today: Friday’s previews

Adam Kyriacou
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Another busy day in the rugby union game as we bring you the first match previews of the new Premiership and PRO14 seasons.

What’s on the site

Bristol and Bath start the new Premiership campaign and we preview that match plus Friday’s three fixtures in the PRO14. We also bring you a 15 question quiz on the history of the Premiership.

In the international game New Zealand have suffered a blow with loosehead prop Joe Moody ruled out with a thumb injury.

What’s in the news

Ireland defence coach Andy Farrell was reportedly approached by England to replace the outgoing Paul Gustard but snubbed the offer in favour of remaining with the current Six Nations holders.

Meanwhile former Cardiff Blues, Wales and Lions flank Sam Warburton has opened up on his decision to retire from playing.

What’s on social media

Ahead of the new season, Premiership players get behind World Rugby’s anti-doping awareness campaign.

What’s on TV

With the Rugby Championship taking a break this weekend, all focus shifts to the northern hemisphere and the start of the Premiership and PRO14 seasons.

BT Sport will broadcast four matches from England’s top-tier with Bristol v Bath, Gloucester v Northampton, Exeter v Leicester and Newcastle v Saracens being shown.

Meanwhile, the PRO14 will make its debut on Premier Sports and they will televise all seven encounters from the opening round.

On Sky Sports, they have plenty of Top 14, Mitre 10 and Currie Cup action, with Sunday’s encounter between Racing 92 and Clermont Auvergne the highlight.

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