Rugby Union Today: Ireland team and Expert Witness

Adam Kyriacou

Ireland head coach coach Andy Farrel (left) and Jonathan Sexton during the Guinness Six Nations launch at Tobacco Dock, London. PA Photo. Picture date: Wednesday January 22, 2020. See PA story RUGBYU Six Nations. Photo credit should read: Steven Paston/PA Wire. RESTRICTIONS: Editorial use only. No commercial use.

Another busy day in the rugby union game as Ireland announce their team that will face Scotland while Expert Witness returns, with former France international wing Thomas Lombard our guest.

What’s on the site

Caelan Doris has been handed his debut for Ireland in their Six Nations opener this week, with Ronan Kelleher on the bench.

We also have an exclusive with Lombard building up to France versus England plus in the domestic game, analyst Sam Larner is back with a look at Harlequins’ lineout, which he feels will interest international coaches.

The other huge news of the day saw Israel Folau make a return to rugby league with Catalans Dragons, while Vern Cotter will be the new head coach of Fiji once his commitments with Top 14 side Montpellier conclude.

What’s in the news

Interim chief executive Ed Griffiths has resigned from his position at Saracens, less them a month into a one-year contract.

Elsewhere, Bristol wing Luke Morahan is flying home to Australia as he looks to make a push for Olympic Sevens selection.

What’s on social media

With so much going on today we have had to squeeze our Super Rugby quiz in here. 20 questions for you to have a stab at…

What’s on TV

The biggest annual international tournament returns on Saturday and it will once again be split between the BBC and ITV. This weekend, the former will show Wales versus Italy and France taking on England while the latter has Ireland’s clash with Scotland at the Aviva Stadium.

Super Rugby also begins and it starts on Friday as the Auckland-based Blues take on the Chiefs on Sky Sports. That channel will also broadcast the World Rugby Sevens Series, which comes from Sydney this weekend.