Rugby Union Today: The short side and Super charged

Colin Newboult
Add as a preferred source on Google

Gloucester Rugby's Danny Cipriani throws a pass to set up their second try during the Gallagher Premiership match at Kingsholm Stadium, Gloucester.

Another busy day in the rugby union game as we look at the main talking points for the upcoming action in Europe, as well as Super Rugby, this weekend.

What’s on the site

It is the PRO14 final this weekend, while the Premiership has reached the last-four stage, 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 Crusaders’ clash against the Blues and the battle between Kurtley Beale and Emiliano Boffelli when the Waratahs hosts the Jaguares.

Finally, the 23s were named for Saturday’s Super Rugby action with Joe Moody returning to the defending champions’ XV and Pieter-Steph du Toit set for his 50th game for the Stormers. Check out all the squads in our Team Tracker.

What’s in the news

Joe Marler will, to an extent, make his international return when he plays for the Barbarians against England at the start of June. Marler announced his international retirement before the recent Six Nations, but the loosehead will turn out for the invitational side versus his former team-mates.

Meanwhile, an already good week for Northampton Saints has improved with the news that Jamie Gibson has signed a new contract. The Midlanders reached the play-offs last Saturday and have now managed to keep one of their most consistent performers.

Continuing in the Premiership and Danny Cipriani was announced as the Premiership’s Player of the Season following an exceptional campaign for Gloucester.

What’s on social media

It should be entertaining, both on and off the field, after it was announced that Joe Marler would play for the Barbarians against England.

What’s on TV

Glasgow Warriors and Leinster go head-to-head in the final of the PRO14 on Saturday and that match will be shown on Premier Sports.

In the Premiership, they are at the last-four stage where Saracens host Gloucester and Exeter Chiefs face Northampton Saints on BT Sport this weekend.

Finally, Sky Sports has all the Super Rugby action, which starts with the Reds heading to New Zealand to take on the Chiefs.

Features