Rugby Union Today: Short side and team news

Colin Newboult

Bath Rugby's Jonathan Joseph during The Clash match in the Gallagher Premiership between Bath Rugby and Bristol Bears at Twickenham Stadium, London.

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 action this weekend.

What’s on the site

There are some huge 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 the big matches taking place on Friday is Bath’s encounter against Clermont Auvergne and we have previewed the contest as both teams look to bounce back from defeats in Round Two.

Finally, After the Whistle returns with another interesting podcast as Lewis Moody and Leon Lloyd are joined by TV presenter Rav Wilding.

What’s in the news

Rugby Australia chief executive Raelene Castle has refuted reports which stated the governing body paid former Wallaby full-back Israel Folau AUS$8million to settle their dispute.

Elsewhere, England boss and ex-Australia head honcho Eddie Jones believes that RA should alter ‘Giteau’s Law’ to better deal with the global player movement. The current number of caps required to make an individual eligible if they are playing overseas is 60, but Jones has suggested reducing it to 40.

Meanwhile, the British and Irish Lions are still hopeful of seeing Premiership Rugby alter the date of their showpiece event ahead of the 2021 tour. The Lions revealed their schedule on Wednesday but the first game takes place just seven days after the English domestic final.

What’s on social media

This is an excellent feature with Premiership referee Craig Maxwell-Keys

What’s on TV

After a week’s break, the Champions Cup returns and BT Sport will once again broadcast all the matches from Round Three. There are several intriguing pool games, including Northampton Saints versus Leinster, Munster taking on Saracens and Toulouse hosting Montpellier.

Elsewhere, the 2019/20 World Rugby Sevens Series has kicked off with the Dubai leg of the competition and that will continue to be shown on Sky Sports.

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