Rugby Union Today: Weekend previews

Colin Newboult
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Another busy day in the rugby union game as we look ahead to the action in the Premiership, PRO14 and Top 14 at the weekend.

What’s on the site

There are five games taking place on Saturday and Sunday in the English Premiership and there is a preview looking at those matches from Round Nine.

It is a packed weekend of domestic action in the northern hemisphere and we also look ahead to both the PRO14 and Top 14 encounters.

Finally, there is a betting preview giving a rundown of the best odds from two of the games in the Premiership and PRO14.

What’s in the news

There was some awful news to come out of South Africa today as former Springbok hooker Naka Drotske was shot three times following an attempted robbery and is in a critical condition.

Elsewhere, it was confirmed that the Bulls have acquired the services of experienced front-rower Schalk Brits. The former Saracens player announced his retirement earlier this year but has now committed to the Pretoria outfit to fight for a place in next year’s World Cup.

Meanwhile, Ireland legend Brian O’Driscoll has called on Rugby Australia to keep faith with current Wallabies head coach and former Leinster boss Michael Cheika, despite their poor form in 2018.

What’s on social media

England Sevens flyer Dan Norton showed why he is one of the best in the game by touching down for his 300th try in the World Rugby Sevens Series in Dubai. An impressive feat from the former Bristol wing.

What’s on TV

Argentina may be facing the Barbarians on Saturday, which will be shown on the BBC, but it is effectively the end of the November internationals and the northern hemisphere domestic season takes precedence once again.

The English Premiership returned two weeks ago and continues on BT Sport with the channel showing Harlequins v Exeter Chiefs, Saracens v Wasps and Bath v Sale Sharks.

On Premier Sports, they have Round 10 of the PRO14, where Glasgow Warriors v Scarlets is the standout contest, while Sky Sports will broadcast Toulon’s game with Grenoble and Toulouse’s clash with Stade Francais in the Top 14.

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