Rugby Union Today: Referees named and mind-games begin

Adam Kyriacou

Another busy day in the rugby union game as the referees are announced for the Rugby World Cup semi-finals plus England head coach Eddie Jones suggests his team have been spied on at training.

What’s on the site

It’s Nigel Owens and Jerome Garces in the middle for England v New Zealand and Wales v South Africa respectively this weekend.

England head coach Jones has started the mind-games early for their clash with the All Blacks, saying someone was filming them. Ahead of the other semi-final, Wales coach Shaun Edwards has praised Cheslin Kolbe.

We also publish another edition in our My Rugby World Cup hero series, with retired Ireland hooker Rory Best our next player.

What’s in the news

After their World Cup exit, Scotland full-back Stuart Hogg has given Gregor Townsend his backing to continue in the Test hot-seat.

Meanwhile, England backs Owen Farrell and Anthony Watson have been speaking in the build-up to their semi-final on Saturday.

What’s on social media

Joining Best in retirement from the international game is Australia back-row star David Pocock. The flanker shares a message here.

What’s on TV

The Rugby World Cup continues where the games will be exclusively live on ITV. It has reached the semi-final stage and there will be a couple of thrilling matches as England take on New Zealand and Wales face South Africa.

Away from the global tournament, the Premiership has reached Round Two and BT Sport will continue their coverage with Friday night’s game between Bath and Exeter Chiefs.

Elsewhere, the PRO14 returns after a week’s break with Edinburgh’s encounter against the Scarlets the standout match on Premier Sports.

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