Rugby Union Today: Johnny Sexton back for Ireland

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Ireland's Johnny Sexton scores his side's first conversion during the Guinness Six Nations match at the Stadio Olimpico, Rome, Italy.

Another busy day in the rugby union game as Joe Schmidt named Johnny Sexton is his XV for Ireland’s final World Cup warm-up against Wales.

What’s on the site

After being rested for Ireland’s opening three warm-up encounters, Johnny Sexton has returned to the XV for their final match before the World Cup. Jean Kleyn also starts and he partners James Ryan in the second-row.

That contest and the battle between Kleyn and Wales’ Alun Wyn Jones is discussed in ‘the short side,’ which also looks at Japan’s rematch with South Africa and England’s reasoning behind playing Billy Vunipola for the fourth time over the past month.

Finally, there are a couple of interesting videos on the site. The first, from former Bok prop Brian Mujati, is hugely important, where he discusses his retirement from the sport and the problems he’s faced, while the second comes from England, who have released part nine of ‘Rising Sons.’

What’s in the news

Following an impressive outing for Canterbury in the Mitre 10 Cup after returning from injury, Ryan Crotty has been named in the All Blacks side to face Tonga on Saturday, while Beauden Barrett starts at fly-half.

Meanwhile, Josh Strauss, who will join the Bulls ahead of the 2020 Super Rugby season, has signed a short-term contract with Stade Francais.

What’s on social media

Happy birthday John Bentley, who is fondly remembered for his efforts during the 1997 British and Irish Lions series. We also caught up with him a couple of years ago for our ‘Life after Rugby’ feature to reminisce about that try and what he has done since retiring from playing.

What’s on TV

It’s the final weekend of the World Cup warm-ups and England’s clash with Italy at St James’ Park will be televised on Sky Sports.

They also have the All Blacks v Tonga match, while all the Mitre 10 Cup and Currie Cup action will be broadcast on that channel.

In Dublin, Ireland and Wales go head-to-head and that match takes place on Channel 4, while Premier Sports have Scotland’s return fixture versus Georgia.

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