Rugby Union Today: Short side and team news

Colin Newboult

Tom Curry during the World Cup squad announcement at Blaise High School, Bristol.

Another busy day in the rugby union game as we look at the main talking points ahead of the World Cup warm-up matches this weekend.

What’s on the site

There are a couple of big international games on Saturday as England host Ireland and Scotland take on France, and we have delved into the big issues going into the contests in ‘the short side.’

England and Ireland also named their 23s for the upcoming encounter with the Red Rose bringing Tom Curry and Sam Underhill into the back-row and the visitors naming Ross Byrne at fly-half.

What’s in the news

England and former Worcester centre Ben Te’o has found a new club, joining French outfit Toulon on a short-term contract as Rugby World Cup cover.

Elsewhere in the northern hemisphere, Cardiff will host the 2020 PRO14 play-off final, a game which will take place on June 20.

Finally, James Haskell has found a new career after retiring from rugby at the end of last season. The former England flanker has become a mixed martial arts fighter and will make his debut next year.

What’s on social media

Another story which has caused a big debate online.

What’s on TV

There are two more World Cup warm-ups this weekend as England host Ireland at Twickenham on Sky Sports, while Scotland and France go head-to-head in the reverse fixture on Premier Sports.

Sky are also showing the Currie Cup and Mitre 10 Cup, which continues with Wellington’s game against Canterbury on Friday.