Rugby Union Today: My rugby hero and news from Saracens
Another busy day in the rugby union game as we bring you a My rugby hero piece on Saracens back-row Billy Vunipola plus all the big news.
What’s on the site
Saracens and England number eight Vunipola is our focus today as we pay tribute to his career, in particular his performance in Sarries’ Champions Cup win over Leinster last year.
There’s also other news from Saracens, who announced their intention to furlough some of their staff and ask higher-earners to take a partial wage deferral.
Meanwhile, we also have an On this day feature in which we turn back the clock to look at Martin Johnson’s appointment as England’s team manager on April 16, 2008.
In other news
New Zealand Rugby have confirmed that they have reached an agreement with the New Zealand Rugby Players’ Association on a range of payment changes that apply predominantly to to their leading players.
Elsewhere, Northampton Saints have announced that up-and-coming duo Ollie Sleightholme and Connor Tupai have signed new contracts at Franklin’s Gardens.
What’s on social media
Plenty of classic matches to look forward to this weekend.
Three more classic games coming your way this weekend. 🏉🍿
RWC 1995: 🇳🇿 vs 🏴
📅 Fri, Apr 17
⏰ 19:00 BSTRWC 2015: ☘️ vs 🇦🇷
📅 Sat, Apr 18
⏰ 19:00 BSTRWC 2014: ☘️ vs 🇳🇿
📅 Sun, Apr 19
⏰ 16:00 BST📺 RWC Facebook / World Rugby YouTube pic.twitter.com/CCgikpQ6uT
— Rugby World Cup (@rugbyworldcup) April 15, 2020
What’s on TV
All potential rugby union action has been postponed due to the coronavirus.