Rugby Union Today: Loose Pass and Chris Ashton’s move

Adam Kyriacou

Another busy day in the rugby union game as Loose Pass explains why the sport needs to remain on free-to-air TV while Chris Ashton has wasted no time in finding a club, with Harlequins signing him.

What’s on the site

Loose Pass is once again a must-read as it delves into why the probable paywall for the Six Nations would be such as disaster for supporters and the sport itself. LP is incredibly concerned with where the game is headed.

Ashton has completed his switch to the Stoop after he was recently released from his contract at Premiership rivals Sale Sharks, while staying in England, Wasps have moved for Worcester Warriors centre Ryan Mills.

Elsewhere, Mako Vunipola is available to play for his club side Saracens, despite England saying the prop is in self-isolation.

What’s in the news

Gloucester have announced that back-row forward Freddie Clarke has put pen to paper on a contract extension at Kingsholm.

Meanwhile, World Rugby have said that concussion cases at the World Cup were down on 2018’s elite competition average.

What’s on social media

As clubs continue to think of new ways to reveal new contracts or moves, here’s Gloucester’s for the aforementioned Clarke deal.

What’s on TV

It is the penultimate round of the Six Nations this week, albeit the Ireland v Italy game has been postponed, where ITV will show England’s encounter against Wales and BBC will broadcast the Scotland v France match.

Domestic action in Europe continues with BT televising Worcester v Northampton and Bristol v Harlequins from England.

In the PRO14, there is one game scheduled on Premier Sports as the Dragons take on Benetton in the rearranged contest.

Finally, Super Rugby continues on Sky Sports with the Sunwolves opening proceedings against the Brumbies on Friday.