Rugby Union Today: Loose Pass and Stransky concerns

Colin Newboult

South Africa's Joel Stransky score three points from a penalty kick during the Rugby World Cup final match against New Zealand at Ellis Park in Johannesburg.

Another busy day in the rugby union game as Loose Pass returns to Planet Rugby to provide its unique take on several topics in the sport.

What’s on the site

Ring-fencing the English Premiership is once again one of the hot topics in the game and Loose Pass discusses the viability of that option. The column also looks at a number of other competitions which are facing their own issues, including the Six Nations and Lions.

On the subject of the Lions, Springbok legend Joel Stransky is concerned about the upcoming series that is set for later in the year. The two teams are due to play three Test matches in July and August but the coronavirus pandemic has put the tour in doubt.

Finally, another Premiership game has been cancelled due to Covid-19 with the Midlands derby between Northampton and Leicester now not going ahead due to an outbreak at the Saints.

What’s in the news

Edinburgh have been boosted after star flanker Hamish Watson put pen to paper on a new deal at the Scottish outfit. Following Duhan van der Merwe’s departure, which was a huge blow, this will provide a significant fillip.

Elsewhere, two-time World Player of the Year Beauden Barrett insists that he still wants to be the All Black fly-half. With the rise of Richie Mo’unga, Barrett has been shifted to full-back to accommodate the Crusaders star, but the 29-year-old is determined to reclaim the 10 shirt.

What’s on social media

They have an interesting way of deciding games in Japan.

What’s on TV

It is the final round of domestic action in Europe before the Champions Cup resumes. The Premiership kicks off on Friday as Bath face Wasps and Sale Sharks take on Worcester Warriors on BT Sport.

Premier Sports has all the PRO14 action and it is once again a derby weekend, with the top of the table clash between Leinster and Ulster the standout fixture.

Meanwhile, it is the final round of the Currie Cup and it will be shown on Sky Sports. They will only broadcast Griquas v Free State Cheetahs, however, with Western Province v Sharks cancelled due to Covid-19.