Rugby Union Today: Short side and European previews

Colin Newboult

British and Irish Lions Kyle Sinckler during the captain's run at the Rotorua International Stadium.

Another busy day in the rugby union game as we look at the main talking points ahead of the big matches in the Champions Cup this weekend.

What’s on the site

There are some big encounters in the European Champions Cup this weekend and we have delved into the main issues going into the contests in ‘The short side.’

One of those huge matches takes place on Friday and we have previewed Harlequins’ clash against Ulster. The Irish province are currently unbeaten following three successive victories in Europe’s top-tier competition.

Finally, Loose Pass returned to Planet Rugby and discussed Ian Foster’s appointment as the All Blacks’ head coach, as well as the red card handed out to Ospreys full-back Dan Evans and the Lions’ 2021 schedule.

What’s in the news

Scott Robertson has given his first interview since being turned down for the All Blacks’ head honcho role. Despite the disappointment, the Crusaders boss insists that there is no animosity over New Zealand Rugby’s decision.

Elsewhere, the Wallabies have found their attack coach after Rugby Australia announced that Scott Wisemantel would take the position. The 49-year-old did a fine job for England during the Rugby World Cup and, as a result, had been one of the governing body’s main targets.

What’s on social media

Who remembers this stunning try from earlier in the year?

What’s on TV

The Champions Cup continues this weekend and BT Sport will broadcast all the games from Round Four. It is the second part of the double-header as Leinster and Northampton, Munster and Saracens, and Harlequins and Ulster are among those to do battle once again.

Elsewhere, the World Rugby Sevens Series comes from Cape Town this week and that will be shown on Sky Sports.

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