Sexton back as Ireland call on big guns
Ireland talisman Johnny Sexton is restored to the flyhalf starting berth for Saturday’s crucial Six Nations match with England where victory would ensure the Irish maintain hopes of the title.
Ireland talisman Johnny Sexton is restored to the flyhalf starting berth for Saturday’s crucial Six Nations match with England where victory would ensure the Irish maintain hopes of the title.
Wales coach Wayne Pivac has named Josh Navidi at openside flanker for the Six Nations match against France in Cardiff on Friday, while also handing a return to veteran centre Jonathan Davies.
Antoine Dupont has been cleared to lead a depleted France into Six Nations battle against Wales in Cardiff on Friday.
Ireland captain Johnny Sexton said he hopes to go out on “a high, not a whimper” after he signed a contract extension through to the 2023 Rugby World Cup on Tuesday.
Duhan van der Merwe has been banned from Scotland’s final two games of this season’s Six Nations Championship after the wing was sent off in an English Premiership match.
France suffered a scare ahead of Friday’s Six Nations clash with Wales as captain Antoine Dupont left training with his left arm bandaged and an ice pack wrapped round it.
Wales say prop Tomas Francis is available for selection against France in the Six Nations on Friday despite a strong warning from a surgeon that he risks “serious harm” after suffering a head injury against England.
England boss Eddie Jones says Ireland are “the most cohesive side in the world”, installing Andy Farrell’s men as favourites for Saturday’s Six Nations showdown at Twickenham.
Scotland have called up Adam Hastings for Saturday’s Six Nations clash with perennial strugglers Italy in Rome.
Lock Iain Henderson has returned to the Ireland squad ahead of this weekend’s Six Nations clash against England at Twickenham, Irish rugby chiefs announced on Monday.