Rugby Union Today: Six Nations teams announced

Colin Newboult
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DUBLIN, IRELAND - NOVEMBER 17: Rob Kearney of Ireland celebrates after the International Friendly rugby match between Ireland and New Zealand on November 17, 2018 in Dublin, Ireland. (Photo by Charles McQuillan/Getty Images)

Another busy day in the rugby union game as four of the sides named their squads for the second round of the 2019 Six Nations.

What’s on the site

Gregor Townsend has sprung a slight surprise by dropping last week’s hat-trick hero Blair Kinghorn, with Sean Maitland, who has recovered from injury, replacing the Edinburgh player.

Ireland also named their side and they have altered five of their XV. Four of those are due to injury, with Garry Ringrose, Robbie Henshaw, Devin Toner and CJ Stander all out, while Sean O’Brien is preferred to Josh van der Flier.

Wales have made several changes as well, although it is out of choice having rotated their side. Jonathan Davies captains from centre and Aaron Wainwright is given an opportunity on the blindside but it is a risky strategy against Italy, who have brought Edoardo Padovani into the team with Michele Campagnaro switching to centre.

Elsewhere, check out ‘the short side’ which looks at the main talking points in the second round of the Six Nations, while there is a video of last year’s encounter between Ireland and Scotland.

Finally, with Super Rugby just around the corner, we have put together a feature listing the ins and outs at all the franchises.

What’s in the news

David Wessels has extended his contract at the Melbourne Rebels, penning a new two-year deal to remain at the franchise until at least 2021.

Continuing in Australia and centre Anthony Fainga’a has announced his retirement from the game due to concussion, revealing the concerning symptoms he suffered and the problems it caused during his everyday life.

Elsewhere in the southern hemisphere, back-five forward Pieter-Steph du Toit has been named South Africa’s Player of the Year following a fine season at international level.

What’s on social media

This is a rather heartwarming clip from Cardiff.

What’s on TV

Six Nations hits Round Two and kicks off on Saturday with Scotland versus Ireland on the BBC. ITV then televises Italy versus Wales before Sunday’s clash between England and France will also be shown on ITV.

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