Rugby Union Today: Team of the Year and Exeter’s honours

Adam Kyriacou

Another busy day in the rugby union game as we publish our Team of 2020 plus there is team news for New Year’s Day.

What’s on the site

On the back of our Readers’ XV, it is our turn to select a side as James While compiles the team. Who would win in a face-off between the line-ups?

There’s one game in the Premiership on Friday as Bristol Bears clash with Newcastle and two games in the PRO14, which are Welsh derby matches.

Elsewhere, Exeter Chiefs director of rugby Rob Baxter was given an OBE in the New Year Honours list while there’s an MBE for fly-half Joe Simmonds.

What’s in the news

There’s bad news for Glasgow and Scotland after hooker Fraser Brown was ruled out for three months with a neck injury sustained against Ireland.

Meanwhile, Ospreys centre Keiran Williams has revealed he is “flattered” by comparisons being made with his game to Wales legend Scott Gibbs.

What’s on social media

The banter has begun at the Chiefs following the titles given to their boss and captain, with second-row Jonny Hill already changing contact details.

What’s on TV

It’s another week of Premiership and PRO14 on the schedule and the action kicks off on Friday afternoon when Bristol Bears host Newcastle Falcons on BT Sport. In the PRO14 the derbies continue this week, starting with Scarlets v Dragons on Premier Sports.