Rugby Union Today: The short side and Super charged
Leinster's Garry Ringrose tackles Saracens' Alex Goode during the quarter final of the European Champions Cup match at The Aviva Stadium, Dublin.
Another busy day in the rugby union game as we look at the main talking points in the upcoming European finals, as well as Super Rugby, this weekend.
What’s on the site
The finals take place in both the Champions Cup and Challenge Cup this weekend and the main issues going into the matches are discussed in the short side.
Super charged is also back as we look ahead to the Bulls’ game against the Crusaders and Luke Jacobson’s potential influence for the Chiefs following his impressive performance in Round 12.
Finally, check out the preview for the first European final at St James’ Park as Clermont Auvergne go head-to-head with fellow French team La Rochelle in Newcastle.
What’s in the news
London Irish continue to add impressive players to their squad ahead of the 2019/20 season, with Australian international second-row Adam Coleman the latest to commit to the Exiles.
Continuing in the northern hemisphere and Ospreys have announced that ex-Worcester Warriors head coach Carl Hogg will join their backroom team.
Elsewhere, it was all about the back-row in Super Rugby as Warren Whiteley returned to lead the Lions, while Elliot Dixon will play his 100th game for the Highlanders.
What’s on social media
Danny Cipriani won the RPA Player of the Year award on Wednesday and inevitably the question was raised over his continued international exile.
https://twitter.com/AndyGoode10/status/1126254725249286150
What’s on TV
It is European final weekend and BT Sport will broadcast both games from St James’ Park. Clermont Auvergne and La Rochelle open proceedings on Friday in the Challenge Cup showpiece event before the big one between Saracens and Leinster.
Elsewhere, the Super Rugby regular season continues on Sky Sports and it has reached Round 13. There are some intriguing encounters and it starts with the New Zealand North Island derby as the Blues host the Hurricanes in Auckland.