Rugby Union Today: Ireland v Italy off and Loose Pass

Colin Newboult

Ireland's Jonathan Sexton (left) and Italy's Luca Bigi pose for a photo with the Six Nations Trophy during the Guinness Six Nations launch at Tobacco Dock, London.

Another busy day in the rugby union game as the IRFU confirmed that Ireland’s match against Italy will not go ahead due to the coronavirus.

What’s on the site

Ireland will not face Italy in the Six Nations on March 7 after the encounter was postponed due to the coronavirus outbreak. The women’s and U20’s matches between the two countries have also been called off.

Elsewhere, Loose Pass returned to Planet Rugby and it delved into the contrasting approaches by Ireland and France to their rebuilding phases. The piece also looks at Eddie Jones’ selection policy and Dan Tuohy’s stark warning following retirement.

Finally, analyst Sam Larner discusses how some teams are currently looking to defend the lineout and whether attacks have managed to expose any potential weaknesses in the ploy.

What’s in the news

England have been boosted by the return of Anthony Watson and Mark Wilson, who were named in the Red Rose’s 25-man training squad ahead of the clash against Wales.

Meanwhile, four players have agreed new contracts at Northampton Saints, which will keep them at Franklin’s Gardens for the foreseeable future.

What’s on social media

It has been quite the season of controversy…

What’s on TV

It is the second – and final – fallow week in the Six Nations, which means focus turns to domestic matters in Europe. In the Premiership, three matches – Gloucester v Sale Sharks, Harlequins v Exeter Chiefs and Bath v Bristol Bears – will be shown live on BT Sport.

Meanwhile, five games take place in the PRO14 with Munster’s clash with Scarlets on Saturday the standout fixture on Premier Sports.

Finally, Super Rugby continues on Sky Sports and the action begins in Dunedin on Friday as the Highlanders and Rebels go toe-to-toe.

 

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