Rugby Union Today: Hot and Not and Erasmus on Lions

Colin Newboult
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South Africa head coach Rassie Erasmus during the training session at Arcs Urayasu Park.

Another busy day in the rugby union game as we review the past seven days, while Rassie Erasmus revealed his desperation for the Lions series to go ahead.

What’s on the site

Who’s hot and who’s not returns to delve into the main talking points from the past seven days. Among a variety of topics, we discuss Alex Sanderson’s move to Sale Sharks, Japan’s new league structure and the embarrassing moments suffered by Nic Groom and Virimi Vakatawa.

Elsewhere, the planned series between the Springboks and the British & Irish Lions remains a hot topic, with South Africa director of rugby Rassie Erasmus giving his opinion on the current issues facing the tour.

What’s in the news

It was a good birthday for 24-year-old Blair Kinghorn, who signed a new deal with Edinburgh. He joins fellow Scotland internationals Hamish Watson and Jamie Ritchie in committing their futures to the Scottish outfit.

Continuing in Scotland and Glasgow Warriors have strengthened their squad with the signing of Ian Keatley. The former Ireland, Munster and Connacht fly-half had most recently been playing in Italy with Benetton.

Finally, ex-All Blacks centre Tamati Ellison has joined the Crusaders’ coaching team, replacing the outgoing Mark Jones, who recently agreed a deal with Premiership side Worcester Warriors.

What’s on social media

It’s fair to say it wasn’t a great weekend for either Nic Groom or Virimi Vakatawa.

What’s on TV

There may be no Champions Cup but there is once again the PRO14 to get your rugby fix in Europe. Four games are taking place on Premier Sports over the weekend, with Munster v Leinster the standout fixture.

There are also the Currie Cup semi-finals as the Blue Bulls take on Golden Lions and Western Province face the Sharks, and both of those matches will be on Sky Sports.

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