Rugby Union Today: Ireland squad and Hot and Not

Colin Newboult
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Ireland's Tadhg Furlong scores his side's second try of the game during the 2019 Rugby World Cup Pool A match at Fukuoka Hakatanomori Stadium.

Another busy day in the rugby union game as Andy Farrell named his Ireland squad for the Six Nations, with Tadhg Furlong making a return.

What’s on the site

Tadhg Furlong has been called up to the Ireland squad despite not playing in almost a year due to injury. He takes his place among the 36-man group, but there is no Jacob Stockdale, who limped off during Ulster’s PRO14 match against Munster earlier this month.

Continuing in the Six Nations and England have been dealt a double blow following the withdrawal of Joe Launchbury and Joe Marler. Bath’s Charlie Ewels and Wasps’ Tom West have been brought into the squad as replacements.

Finally, ‘Who’s hot and who’s not’ returns to delve into the main talking points from the past seven days. Among a variety of topics, we discuss Cameron Redpath’s Scotland selection, Paul Gustard’s departure from Harlequins and the final match ever played at Newlands.

What’s in the news

Chris Ashton has a new club after signing a deal with Worcester Warriors until the end of the 2021/22 season. The wing only joined Harlequins in March 2020, but has decided to leave the Londoners after just 10 months at the club.

Elsewhere, Italy have named their squad for the 2021 Six Nations Championship, with head coach Franco Smith selecting four uncapped players in the 32-man group.

Meanwhile, there was plenty of contract news, with Paolo Odogwu extending his stay at Wasps, the Chisholm brothers agreeing new deals at Quins and Stephen Myler committing to the Ospreys for another year.

What’s on social media

An emotional weekend for those connected with South African rugby.

What’s on TV

The Premiership returns this weekend and all the matches will be shown on BT Sport. It starts on Friday as Bristol Bears and Bath go head-to-head in the round’s standout fixture.

There are also two rearranged PRO14 encounters on Premier Sports as Benetton host Munster and Leinster visit the Scarlets this Saturday.

Finally, it is the Currie Cup showpiece event as the Blue Bulls take on the Natal Sharks and that contest will be broadcast on Sky Sports.

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