Rugby Union Today: Premiership to return in August

David Skippers
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Another busy day in the rugby union game as Premiership Rugby confirmed the return of the competition, which was suspended in March due to Covid-19.

What’s on the site

Harlequins and Sale Sharks will mark the resumption of the Premiership campaign when they go head-to-head on August 14. There will be a number of midweek matches, however, as they attempt to complete the season by the end of the October.

In the southern hemisphere, the Reds came from 10 points behind to level their Super Rugby AU contest in Sydney, making history in the process. It meant the game went into ‘Super Time’ but neither side could find the winning score as the encounter ended 18-18. Check out highlights of that duel here.

Elsewhere, our ‘Greatest rugby sides’ feature continues and this piece looks at the outstanding Crusaders outfit which dominated Super 12 and 14 for a decade. With the men from Christchurch set to face their arch rivals the Blues in Super Rugby Aotearoa this weekend, we decided to delve into their story and discuss what made them arguably the best non-international team ever.

Finally, Video of the Week is all about Dan Carter and the legend’s return to New Zealand rugby. After signing a deal with the Blues, the great fly-half decided to get some match practice in by turning out for his local side Southbridge.

What’s in the news

Leicester Tigers have confirmed that five players, including England centre Manu Tuilagi, have departed the club after rejecting amended contracts. Kyle Eastmond, Greg Bateman, Noel Reid and Telusa Veainu, who has already signed for Stade Francais, are the others to have left.

Meanwhile, the teams were announced for Sunday’s Super Rugby Aotearoa encounter with the Hurricanes making fives changes and the Highlanders bringing back Scott Gregory.

What’s on social media

With Leicester confirming Manu’s departure, it ends a Tuilagi dynasty at the Tigers.

What’s on TV

Super Rugby AU continues on Saturday when the Waratahs take on the Force. That game comes after Super Rugby Aotearoa’s huge clash between the Crusaders and Blues. The Hurricanes and Highlanders face off on Sunday with all of these matches live on Sky Sports.

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