Rugby Union Today: James Ryan handed Ireland start
Another busy day in the rugby union game as lock James Ryan is picked ahead of Devin Toner to start their Six Nations game against France.
What’s on the site
Former England flanker Peter Winterbottom gives his views on the upcoming Six Nations in this week’s Expert Witness, while our Video of the Week looks back at the 2017 version of the competition.
There is also a betting preview, looking at some of the best odds the bookmakers are offering for the 2018 tournament.
What’s in the news
There were a couple of selection surprises with Ireland bringing in young lock James Ryan, while 19-year-old Matthieu Jalibert is named at fly-half for France’s opening Six Nations encounter against Joe Schmidt’s men.
In Super Rugby, Scott Higginbotham was named as Reds’ skipper but there was less good news for George Smith, who was sacked by Japanese side Suntory Sungoliath after being arrested for allegedly assaulting a taxi driver.
What’s on social media
Dai Lama has released the 2018 version of the Six Nations drinking game and it is as brilliant as ever.
It’s that special time of year again.
Here’s this year’s #SixNationsDrinkingGame
Spread the word 🍻 pic.twitter.com/nslEdJz0CZ— Dai Lama (@WelshDalaiLama) January 31, 2018
Meanwhile, Scottish rugby fans have been giving their team advice as to how they can overturn the Welsh side this weekend.
Best of luck.
You know what must be done! pic.twitter.com/XIYgIi6qlx— Graham Love (@GLove39) January 31, 2018
What’s on TV
It is a big weekend for rugby on the TV with BBC and ITV once again showing the Six Nations. The BBC will broadcast the double-header on Saturday while ITV have the Italy-England game on Sunday.
Meanwhile, Sky Sports have the rights to the England women’s matches and their encounter with Italy will be shown on Sunday.
Elsewhere, the Anglo-Welsh Cup continues on BT Sport, with them broadcasting the Northampton-Harlequins and Wasps-Leicester encounters.