RU Today: Two uncapped players in Ireland squad

Colin Newboult
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Another busy day in the rugby union game as Ireland named their squad for the upcoming game against Italy at Soldier Field in Chicago.

What’s on the site

Our regular feature ‘who’s hot and who’s not’ once again looks back at the week’s events and discusses New Zealand’s victory over Australia and Christian Wade’s ‘retirement’ from rugby to pursue a career in the NFL.

There is also a quiz on the action which took place over the weekend. It has 10 questions on the Bledisloe Cup, PRO14 and Top 14, so test your knowledge.

Finally, check out highlights from the PRO14 and Top 14, where there were impressive results for Munster, Zebre, Clermont Auvergne and Stade Francais.

What’s in the news

Ireland have named a 26-man squad to take on Italy in Chicago, but Joe Schmidt has left out several experienced campaigners, including Johnny Sexton and Rory Best.

Meanwhile, the Azzurri have already announced their team, with Michele Campagnaro captaining the side in the absence of inspirational leader Sergio Parisse.

Continuing on the international scene, Scotland have called up Harlequins’ James Lang and Edinburgh’s Darcy Graham for the upcoming internationals.

Elsewhere, Toulon have signed Christopher Tolofua from Saracens on a three-year deal while Robert du Preez has joined Sale Sharks on a short-term contract.

What’s on social media

We enjoyed this Tommy Bowe tweet from the weekend of Donncha O’Callaghan and Peter Stringer celebrating Munster’s dramatic victory over Glasgow Warriors.

What’s on TV

It is a packed schedule this weekend with the November internationals starting in earnest and Sky Sports will show England’s match with South Africa, as well as two Top 14 games, while the BBC will broadcast Wales v Scotland.

Premiers Sports have Ireland’s clash with Italy but the channel will also broadcast all seven games from Round Eight of the PRO14.

On BT Sport, it is the second round of the Premiership Rugby Cup, with Bristol Bears v Gloucester and Harlequins v Newcastle Falcons featured.

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