Rugby Union Today: Premiership preview and The short side

Colin Newboult
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¤Worcester Warriors Ryan Mills is tackled by Newcastle Falcons Sami Mavinga and Callum Chick during the Gallagher Premiership match at Sixways Stadium, Worcester.

Another busy day in the rugby union game as we look ahead to this weekend’s action in the Premiership, which sees Leicester Tigers take on Wasps.

What’s on the site

Joe Simpson will make a landmark 250th appearance for Wasps having been named in the starting line-up against Leicester. Check out a preview of that game and the other encounters in the Premiership this weekend.

There are also six matches in the PRO14 on Saturday and Sunday where Benetton and Edinburgh go head-to-head in a key battle in Conference B.

Those two leagues, alongside France’s Top 14, are covered in this week’s short side, which looks at the main talking points ahead of the action.

Finally, in Super Rugby, the Rebels held off a Highlanders fightback to claim their second victory of the season. Highlights from that game and the earlier Hurricanes v Brumbies clash are both on the website.

What’s in the news

Cardiff Blues have been handed a huge boost with star flanker Josh Navidi committing his future to the club. Navidi has been at the region his entire professional career and has become a key part of Warren Gatland’s squad over the past year.

Elsewhere, two more South African sides are set to join the PRO14, according to reports. It has been discussed for a while but it is apparently moving closer with the league set to increase to 16 teams.

What’s on social media

After an injury-hit couple of years, Dane Coles looks back to his best.

What’s on TV

The Six Nations takes a break this weekend, but the domestic action in Europe continues with BT Sport showing Bristol v Gloucester, Leicester v Wasps and Newcastle v Worcester in the Premiership.

Meanwhile, Sky Sports will broadcast Racing 92’s encounter with La Rochelle and Stade Francais’ game against Toulouse, but it is Super Rugby which takes precedence on that channel, starting with the Hurricanes hosting the Brumbies.

Finally, the PRO14 is on Premier Sports and they have all seven matches, with Benetton v Edinburgh the standout contest.

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