Rugby Union Today: Typhoon Hagibis fallout

Colin Newboult

Scotland's coach Gregor Townsend

Another busy day in the rugby union game as we look back at a dramatic day in the sport as two matches were cancelled due to Typhoon Hagibis.

What’s on the site

There is plenty of reaction to the decision to cancel two matches as a result of Typhoon Hagibis with Michael Owen returning as our Expert Witness to look at all the permutations in the groups.

‘The short side’ also delves into that topic and discusses the other main talking points ahead of the weekend’s action, including the two big Pool A encounters, which will hopefully take place on Saturday and Sunday.

Meanwhile, Italy captain Sergio Parisse was not happy having seen Italy’s qualification hopes ended by the inclement weather. The 36-year-old has claimed that the same decision would not have been made had New Zealand needed the win to reach the knockout stages.

What’s in the news

Scotland head coach Gregor Townsend is confident that their encounter with hosts Japan will go ahead, despite the threat of Typhoon Hagibis. At the moment, there are no plans to cancel the game but that could change should conditions be too severe on Sunday morning.

Elsewhere, Ireland have been boosted by the return of Robbie Henshaw, who starts alongside Bundee Aki at centre. They take on Samoa on Saturday with a victory confirming their passage into the quarter-finals.

Finally, away from a dramatic day in the World Cup and All Blacks legend Ma’a Nonu has signed a one-year contract to play in the USA. He will join San Diego Legion ahead of the 2020 season.

What’s on social media

This is a classy gesture from England prop Kyle Sinckler.

What’s on TV

The Rugby World Cup continues where all the games will be exclusively live on ITV. It should be another thrilling week of action with the battle in Pool A the main focus.

Away from the global tournament, it is the third round of the PRO14 and all the matches are being shown on Premier Sports. Even without their international stars, there are some intriguing encounters as the Cheetahs take on Munster and Leinster face Edinburgh.

On BT Sport, the Premiership Rugby Cup has reached the final round in the group stage as Gloucester host Bath, while Sky Sports are showing the Mitre 10 Cup.

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