Rugby Union Today: Owens retires and European action
Nigel Owens - Arbitre RUGBY : France vs Italie - Coupe d Automne des Nations - 28/11/2020 JBAutissier/Panoramic.
Another busy day in the rugby union game as we preview all the action taking place in the Champions Cup and Challenge Cup this weekend, as well as pay tribute to referee Nigel Owens.
What’s on the site
There are some big encounters in the Champions Cup this weekend and we have delved into the main issues going into the contests in ‘The short side.’
We have previewed all those games on Saturday, which includes Bristol’s mouth-watering tie against Clermont Auvergne, and Sunday, as well as the Challenge Cup action.
Finally, referee Nigel Owens called it a day at international level after the 49-year-old became the first man to take charge of 100 Tests when France faced Italy last month.
What’s in the news
RFU chief executive Bill Sweeney says that they are yet to receive any legal contact from the group of former players preparing claims for negligence against rugby’s governing bodies.
Meanwhile, Rugby Players Association player liaison Christian Day believes that the lawsuit could accelerate change within the sport, forcing further measures into play which will help protect those that are currently in the game.
What’s on social media
It was an emotional day for Nigel Owens and plenty have paid tribute to the 49-year-old.
Llongyfarchiadau ffrind. Congratulations on a wonderful career you were the best for many reasons but the main ones were empathy respect and humour. And for being on the same level as the players and not talking down to them. Enjoy farming😂😉👍
— Jonathan Davies OBE (@JiffyRugby) December 11, 2020
What’s on TV
After the Autumn Nations Cup action, the focus turns to European matters and the start of the Champions Cup pool stages. The matches will be shown on BT Sport, with Northampton Saints and Bordeaux-Begles kicking things off at Franklin’s Gardens.
Meanwhile, with the seasons in New Zealand and Australia over following the denouement of the Tri Nations, the attention has switched to South Africa where the Currie Cup continues on Sky Sports. That begins on Friday with Western Province versus the Pumas.