Rugby Union Today: PRO14 suspended and Eddie apology
Glasgow's Kyle Steyn is held by Leinster's Garry Ringrose, Robbie Henshaw and Andrew Porter during the Guinness PRO14 Final at Celtic Park, Glasgow.
Another busy day in the rugby union game as the PRO14 announced that their league season has been suspended indefinitely due to coronavirus.
What’s on the site
The PRO14 is the latest competition to be affected by the coronavirus after the governing body announced that the league season has been suspended. Teams from Wales, Ireland, Scotland, Italy and South Africa all take part, which means air travel is common.
Wales’ game against Scotland is still going ahead for now, however, and the teams were named for that encounter. Alun Wyn Jones is set to make his 148th Test appearance, equalling Richie McCaw’s record, while the visitors have selected Magnus Bradbury, Sam Skinner and Stuart McInally in their XV.
Finally, check out Super charged, which delves into the main talking points ahead of the action in the southern hemisphere. This week, we look at the South African derby between the Sharks and the Stormers, as well as Lachlan Boshier’s impact for the Chiefs.
What’s in the news
Eddie Jones and the RFU have apologised to referee Ben O’Keeffe following the England head coach’s comments at the weekend. The Australian described the Red Rose as playing against ’16 men’ after Ellis Genge and Manu Tuilagi received cards late on.
Scrum-half Danny Care has defended Harlequins team-mate Joe Marler after the loosehead was criticised for grabbing Wales captain Jones’ genitals during the England v Wales encounter last Saturday.
Meanwhile, France’s Mohamed Haouas has been banned for three weeks following his red card against Scotland. The tighthead was sent-off for punching Jamie Ritchie after a scuffle broke out in the first half of their 28-17 defeat to the Scots.
What’s on social media
In what has not been a great week for the sport, this is probably the most disappointing story to read.
This is a monumental disgrace. Piece by @ameliagentleman about how Joe Cokanasiga’s father – a British Army veteran – is being barred from returning to the country. Shameful way for our hapless Government to treat Fijian soldiers & their families. https://t.co/BKi7b0eOXF
— Chris Foy (@FoyChris) March 11, 2020
What’s on TV
With two postponements there’s just one Six Nations Round Five game this weekend as Wales face Scotland, live on BBC One.
Super Rugby continues with Round Seven starting on Friday with what should be a thriller between the Chiefs and Hurricanes. All of the seven matches, which run until Sunday, will be televised on Sky Sports.
Elsewhere, the Premiership Rugby Cup Final is live on BT Sport and takes place on Sunday when Sale Sharks host Harlequins.