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Six Nations 2024: Ireland quartet in contention to face England at Twickenham​

Ireland's Hugo Keenan, Garry Ringrose, Oli Jager and Iain Henderson are all in contention to face England in the Six Nations on Saturday after training with the squad in Dublin on Tuesday.

Full-back Keenan missed Ireland's win over Wales with a knee injury.

Centre Ringrose has yet to feature this year because of a shoulder problem.

Second row Henderson has been battling a toe injury while prop Jager, who made his debut off the bench against Wales, had a knee issue.

"We were all on the field today, it was great," scrum coach John Fogarty told reporters at Ireland's Dublin training base on Tuesday.

"Garry, Hugo, Hendy, all trained today, Oli as well.

"So, yeah, it's such an important day for us to be on the field. A healthy squad training today is important for selection and it was great that they were all on the field."

Ciaran Frawley deputised for Keenan against Wales while Robbie Henshaw has partnered Bundee Aki in midfield in Ringrose's absence.

When asked about Keenan specifically, Fogarty added: "We've another session tomorrow, which is the most physical session of the week, where we'll properly test our plan and the players.

"So we'll see how he gets through tomorrow and then Andy [Farrell, head coach] will select his side [on Thursday]."

Ireland are top of the Six Nations table following three bonus-point victories against France, Italy and Wales.

 
Luke Murphy scored a try with the clock in the red to deny England the Under-20 Six Nations title and snatch a draw for Ireland.

Ben Waghorn's late try looked to have sealed the title with a game to spare, after Kane James' score drew England level.

Ireland scored their bonus-point try through Henry Walker and looked in control before the frantic ending, which leaves both sides still in the running to take the title heading into the final round.

Richie Murphy's Ireland side, who came into this game a point behind England, are in the strongest position to secure the Six Nations title as they face winless Scotland in their final game.

England face the more difficult task of travelling to France.

In an error-filled first half, fly-half Jack Murphy, son of head coach Murphy, took control for the visitors with a pin-point cross-field kick to Finn Treacy, who finished sharply in the corner to cancel out Finn Carnduff's opening try.

Treacy then turned provider for his full-back Ben O'Connor after a long pass from Murphy cut out the English defence.

The hosts' narrow defence was again exploited by the hands of Murphy for Hugo McLaughlin to score in the corner.

Replacement Oli Spencer finished off a cross-field kick to ensure England stayed in touch before the thrilling final stages.

With the scores level after James' try, England turned down a penalty in search of the bonus-point try, which would clinch the title, and sharp hands released Waghorn to score the potential title-winning try.

However, Ireland remained calm after the restart and worked their way up the field for Murphy to score and Sean Naughton to add the simple conversion which preserved their title chances.

England: Redshaw; Cousins, Waghorn, Kerr, Wills; Bellamy, McParland; Opoku-Fordjour, Oliver, Sela, Sodeke, Kpoku, Carnduff (capt), Pollock, Michelow.

Replacements: Isaacs, Kirk, Halliwell, Carr, James, Douglas, Makepeace-Cubitt, Spencer.

Ireland: O'Connor; Treacy, De Klerk, Gavin, McLaughlin; Murphy, Coffey; Usanov, Sheahan, Boyd, Spicer, O'Connell (capt), Hopes, Ward, Murphy.

Replacements: Walker, Howard, Bell, Corrigan, Edogbo, Brophy, Naughton, Colbert.

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Last-gasp try denies England U20 Six Nations title

Luke Murphy scores a try with the clock in the red to deny England the Under-20 Six Nations title and snatch a draw for Ireland.
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Italy 31-29 Scotland: Azzurri make landmark statement with Six Nations victory over Scotland​

Italy secured their first home Six Nations victory in 11 years with a hard-fought 31-29 comeback victory over Scotland at the Stadio Olimpico.

An attack-filled first 40 saw Scotland try to take control of the match, tries from Zander Fagerson, Kyle Steyn, and Pierre Schoeman, plus three efforts from Finn Russell's boot giving them the advantage.

However, Italy hit back with an off-the-cuff try from Ignacio Brex, plus three conversions from Paolo Garbisi and another from Martin Page-Relo as they went in at half-time trailing 22-16.

The second half saw an Italy fightback ensue, a Louis Lynagh try on debut plus a converted Stephen Varney effort giving the home outfit a 28-22 lead with 20 minutes to hold out.

With victory within touching distance, the Stadio Olimpico crowd ramped up and a Garbisi penalty gave Italy a two-score lead but Scotland came once again through Sam Skinner, Russell adding the extras to bring the score to 31-29 with just two minutes to play.

Scotland put together over 20 phases but Italy defended valiantly, the turnover coming to secure one of their biggest Six Nations wins.

It is a huge victory for Italy, their last home win coming over 10 years ago as they claimed a 22-15 victory over Ireland in the 2013 tournament.

Source: SKY
 
Six Nations 2024: Talking points after wins for England, Italy and France

Italy shocked Scotland in Rome, England ended Ireland's bid for back-to-back Grand Slams and France showed their class to defeat Wales in Cardiff.

The penultimate weekend of the 2024 Six Nations was thrilling and dramatic in equal measure and ensures the title race goes to the final round of games on Saturday.

What are the key talking points from another epic round?

England's World Cup semi-final defeat by South Africa was hailed as the best under Borthwick, but this time they got over the line.

"It was a breakout performance from that England team," former England fly-half Paul Grayson said on the BBC's Rugby Union Daily.

"They set off like a house on fire and stayed at it for the whole time whether they were ahead or behind.

"The pitch-side noise was deafening. Twickenham was absolutely superb."

As great as the victory was over the defending Grand Slam champions, England need to back up the performance against France in Lyon next Saturday.

England still have hopes of winning the title and will feel they have some misery to inflict after suffering an embarrassing record home defeat by France only 12 months ago.

England may have ended Ireland's bid to become the first Six Nations side to win back-to-back Grand Slams, but the championship remains in touching distance for Andy Farrell's ambitious side.

After picking up bonus points in every round so far, Ireland are four points ahead of England going into their final game against Scotland in Dublin.

"We talked about going back-to-back Grand Slams which would have been unbelievable," former Ireland wing Tommy Bowe said on the BBC's Rugby Union Daily.

"But the reason maybe Ireland had that chance is because there are a lot of teams in transition and we are not seeing them at the levels we have in the past.

"Ireland will go back to Dublin and regather themselves as it doesn't come much bigger than Scotland.

"They have such a proud record at home and will want to make amends."

A losing bonus-point should be enough to seal the title for Farrell's men, but after Borthwick claimed Ireland were "the best team in the world" - despite South Africa winning the World Cup - they will want to try to justify that tag with a memorable performance.

In round two, Gregor Townsend's side were denied victory against France by an inconclusive last-gasp try. That refereeing decision can no longer be blamed for a failed title bid.

An emphatic victory over England at Murrayfield sparked their championship hopes alive again. However, Italy outplayed Scotland for large portions of their game in Rome to record their first win in 14 matches against them.

"I don't think there is pressure on Gregor Townsend. We can't change the narrative that quickly," former Scotland captain John Barclay said on the BBC's Rugby Union Daily.

"They could have had three wins on the board, but for a refereeing decision.

"From offering so much optimism from what they could do, now they are going to Dublin to almost save that campaign."

Mathematically, Scotland can still win the title but ifs, buts and maybes continue to haunt Scotland in the Six Nations.

Last season, Gatland said the Wooden Spoon was "the last thing you want" before a potential first whitewash in the Six Nations since 2003.

On the penultimate weekend Wales defeated Italy in Rome to avenge their surprise defeat in Cardiff in 2022.

This year, Gatland's side head into Saturday's game against Italy without a win and trailing a rejuvenated Italy side by four points.

"Italy have won there before with an amazing last-minute win, so they have got experience there," former England wing Chris Ashton said on Six Nations Rugby Special.

"They know how to win there and off the back of a win like that have to be confident."

Italy last finished fifth in 2015 - when Scotland finished bottom - and have picked up the Wooden Spoon eight times in a row.

Without their talisman they had lost their spark and energy in attack and only recorded one slightly fortuitous win.

Under-pressure head coach Fabien Galthie dropped scrum-half Maxime Lucu in favour of 21-year-old Nolann Le Garrec, who produced a player-of-the-match performance in Cardiff with a fearless display.

Le Garrec took inspiration from Dupont, who is currently with the France sevens team chasing an Olympic gold, by firing out an audacious 40-yard reverse pass to set up a break down the wing.

"It was the most unnecessary but brilliant piece of skill I have seen in the Six Nations," former England wing Ugo Monye said on Six Nations Rugby Special.

The diminutive scrum-half scored his side's second try in Cardiff and was a constant threat throughout the game. In a very Dupont-like performance, he also nailed the basics.

"Because he is inexperienced and young he just wants to get out there and play his game, which is sometimes what you need with younger players," Ashton added.

"He did it in his own way this weekend. He was outstanding. He was involved in everything good."

Source: BBC
 

Six Nations: Immanuel Feyi-Waboso out of England's trip to France due to concussion​

Immanuel Feyi-Waboso has been ruled out of England's Guinness Six Nations clash with France on Saturday after self-reporting symptoms of concussion.

Feyi-Waboso took a head knock in the 23-22 victory over Ireland that has revived England's title hopes and while he finished the match - making a crucial carry for big metres in the lead-up to Marcus Smith's match-winning drop-goal - he later began to feel the effects of a possible concussion.

The 21-year-old wing was a likely starter in the climax to the tournament in Lyon after making a big impact on his full debut against Andy Farrell's men.

"Manny felt a bit groggy, so he is unfortunately ruled out of the game, but we don't take any risks with that sort of stuff," attack coach Richard Wigglesworth said.

England have ruled out replacing Feyi-Waboso in their 36-man training squad, with Elliot Daly likely to replace him on the wing against France.

Cardiff-born Feyi-Waboso, who was persuaded to pledge allegiance to the Red Rose by Steve Borthwick in January, made his debut in the opener against Italy and then crossed against Scotland before impressing against Ireland on Saturday.

"There was no major incident. He had a knock and didn't feel quite right, so he reported the symptoms and then was removed accordingly," Wigglesworth said.

"He's obviously gutted but being the smart lad he is, he reported his symptoms. He did the right thing.

"It had been building for Manny. You have to integrate these players carefully and I think Steve did that well in how he exposed him to Test rugby so he was ready to fly.

"He played really well, got his hands on the ball and did what we asked him to do and brought his talents.

"It's very disappointing for him as I know how desperate he was to play again and how much he enjoyed his first start."

Source: SKY
 
Wales centre George North has announced he will retire from international rugby after the Six Nations on Saturday.

The home game against Italy will be his 121st and final Wales appearance.

North, 31, is Wales' third most capped player in history behind only Alun Wyn Jones and Gethin Jenkins.


BBC
 
Italy have made three changes to their side to face Wales in their final Six Nations Championship clash in Cardiff on Saturday as Lorenzo Pani comes in to replace the injured Ange Capuozzo at fullback.

The lively Capuozzo fractured a finger in the 31-29 victory over Scotland, opens new tab last weekend and has been ruled out, having been a key figure for the side when they defeated Wales 22-21 in their last visit to the Principality Stadium in 2022.

Other changes see Stephen Varney start at scrumhalf ahead of Martin Page-Relo, who drops to the bench, and Lorenzo Cannone comes in at number eight in place of Ross Vintcent, who is also among the replacements.

Paolo Garbisi keeps his place at flyhalf, while Louis Lynagh, who scored a try on his debut in the win over the Scots, and Monty Ioane are on the wings. The centre pairing is made up of Tommaso Menoncello and Ignacio Brex.

Cannone is joined in the back three by captain Michele Lamaro and Sebastian Negri, while brother Niccolo Cannone and Federico Ruzza make up the second row.

Hooker Giacomo Nicotera will have props Danilo Fischetti and Simone Ferrari either side of him.

Italy can complete a best ever Six Nations campaign with victory against the Welsh, who have lost all four of their matches so far this season.

Following a 13-13 draw against France in which Garbisi missed a kick for victory with the final play of the game, adding another win to their Scotland success would be an improvement on all previous years.

Italy could finish as high as third in the table with a bonus point victory but would need Scotland and France to lose their final matches to Ireland and England respectively.

Italy team:

15-Lorenzo Pani, 14-Louis Lynagh, 13-Ignacio Brex, 12-Tommaso Menoncello, 11-Monty Ioane, 10-Paolo Garbisi, 9-Stephen Varney, 8-Lorenzo Cannone, 7-Michele Lamaro (captain), 6-Sebastian Negri, 5-Federico Ruzza, 4-Niccolo Cannone, 3-Simone Ferrari, 2-Giacomo Nicotera, 1-Danilo Fischetti

Replacements:

16-Gianmarco Lucchesi, 17-Mirco Spagnolo, 18-Giosue Zilocchi, 19-Andrea Zambonin, 20-Ross Vintcent, 21-Manuel Zuliani, 22-Martin Page-Relo, 23-Leonardo Marin

 
England came from behind to beat France with a bonus point and clinch the Under-20 Six Nations title despite Ireland's earlier win over Scotland.

England were denied the title by a last-gasp try in their draw with Ireland last time out and found themselves 21-12 down at half-time.

Ireland's victory over Scotland meant England would have to win with the bonus point to lift the trophy in Pau.

England scored 33 second-half points to take their first title since 2021.
 
Italy beat Wales in Cardiff to achieve their most successful Six Nations and consign their hosts to a first Wooden Spoon in 21 years

A try from wing Monty Ioane and two Paulo Garbisi penalties gave Italy an 11-0 half-time lead.

Full-back Lorenzo Pani added a brilliant score with Garbisi and Martin Page-Relo kicking penalties.

Wales responded with tries from Elliot Dee, Will Rowlands and Mason Grady to give the score some respectability.

The three-point margin of defeat flattered Wales with Italy's win ensuring a repeat of the 2022 victory in Cardiff.

It was a sad end to center George North's Wales career as he was helped from the field in the closing stages in his final Test after announcing his international retirement.

Inspirational Italy

This was the first time since 2015 and the past eight tournaments Italy had not finished bottom of the Six Nations table.

It has been a dramatic turnaround after they conceded 156 points in the final two 2023 World Cup pool defeats against New Zealand and France when Kieran Crowley was in charge.

Head coach Gonzalo Quesada has come in and following defeats by England and Ireland, guided his side to an away draw against France and victories against Scotland and Wales.

Italy have previously finished fourth, but the two victories and a draw is their most successful tournament of results since they joined the Six Nations in 2000.

The Azzurri had never avoided defeat in three consecutive Championship matches and had only won two matches in a Six Nations, in 2007 and 2013.

Wales woe​

In contrast, this Wales side are rivalling the results of the awful days of the late 1980s and early 1990s.

This was a 12th defeat in the last 13 games in the tournament, including seven successive Six Nations home defeats.

The only time Wales have previously lost all five of their Six Nations fixtures was in 2003 under Steve Hansen. Two years later Wales won the Grand Slam.

You would currently get good odds for that happening again given the current state of Welsh rugby which has been allowed to decline by the powerbrokers in recent years.

New Welsh Rugby Union (WRU) chief executive Abi Tierney has promised an overall strategy by June. It is long overdue.

This situation has been coming. Wales won the Six Nations title in 2021, but in 2020, 2022 and 2023 they finished fifth with only one victory in each tournament.

Now they have the suffered the humiliation of five defeats in one competition with the latest defeat seeing them slip to 10th in the world rankings and Italy rise to eighth.

Is Gatland still the man?​


The question will now be whether Warren Gatland is the man to lead the rebuild and revival, a coach who won three Grand Slams and reached two World Cup semi-finals during his first 12-year stint in charge.

The WRU think so with the executive director of rugby Nigel Walker previously calling Gatland the best coach in the world.

Since he returned to replaced Wayne Pivac in December 2022, Gatland has only won one game in 10 Six Nations matches, with a solitary away victory against Italy in Rome last year.

His overall record of his second spell in charge is six wins in 18 games, with four of those victories coming in the World Cup in France last year where Wales reached the quarter-finals before losing to Argentina.

Gatland has lost a lot of experience in the last year with the retirements of Alun Wyn Jones, Justin Tipuric, Rhys Webb, Dan Biggar, Josh Navidi, Leigh Halfpenny and now North.

Liam Williams, Gareth Anscombe, Tomas Francis, Taulupe Faletau, Jac Morgan, Taine Plumtree, Christ Tshiunza and Dewi Lake have been unavailable for this campaign because of injury or club commitments.

That has left Gatland handing Cardiff's Cameron Winnett, Alex Mann, Mackenzie Martin and Evan Lloyd a chance when they have played only a handful of professional games.

Gatland will also reflect on some of his own decisions, with his selections and replacement decisions during matches.

Grady and Rowlands reminded him of their talents against Italy in a campaign in which they were noticeably under-utilised.

It will not get easier as Wales prepare to play world champions South Africa and Australia this summer.

North bids farewell​


The afternoon had started full of emotion as North led the side out on his 121st cap for the final time.

It was 13-and-a-half-years after he made his debut as an 18-year-old against South Africa when he scored two tries in November 2010.

Four Six Nations titles, four World Cups and two Grand Slams later, only Alun Wyn Jones and Gethin Jenkins have more caps, only Shane Williams has scored more tries.

North, who was visibly emotional during the anthem, returned with Nick Tompkins after the centre pair were omitted from the starting side against France, with Joe Roberts and Owen Watkin dropped on this occasion.

Despite the endeavour, the Italy centres of player-of-the-match Juan Ignacio Brex and Tommaso Menoncello outplayed their opponents.

Quesada made three changes with full-back Ange Capuozzo injured and replaced by Pani, while Wales-born scrum-half Stephen Varney and number eight Lorenzo Cannone also started.

Italy in control​


Garbisi opened the scoring with two penalties as Wales looked laboured in the early exchanges.

Italy proved slick and a fluent move saw wing Ioane cross for the opening try. The home side were guilty of a series of unforced errors in the first half, typified by a mix-up between fly-half Sam Costelow and full-back Winnett which resulted in a needless knock-on.

The frustration spilled over when kicking coach Neil Jenkins had words with French referee Mathieu Raynal after a potential Italy high tackle. It ended with Raynal warning Jenkins about his conduct.

In four of the five games in the tournament, Wales failed to register a single point in a half and the opening 40 minutes against Italy was as poor as Gatland's side have been.

Wales started the second half encouragingly following breaks from Rio Dyer and Tomos Williams, but a neck roll penalty was given away by Adam Beard.

Italy demonstrated a significantly more clinical edge with a superbly well-worked try from a first phase line-out with the space created for Pani. Garbisi converted.

Too little, too late, for Wales​


Wales turned to the bench by bringing on Rowlands and Grady, who provided Wales with some much-needed ball-carrying momentum.

Scrum-half Williams almost scored, but was denied by a brilliant covering tackle by Exeter number eight Ross Vintcent.

Williams was carried off before Dee was driven over to give Wales some hope, but Italy regrouped through two late penalties.

North was helped off to a standing ovation as Wales rallied with two last-gasp tries through Rowlands and Grady, who was the bright spark for Gatland's side.

Italy will wonder how they only won by three points, but will celebrate their progress. For Wales, it's back to the drawing board.

Line-ups​


Wales: Winnett; Adams, North, Tompkins, Dyer; Costelow, Tomos Williams; G Thomas, Dee, Lewis, Jenkins (capt), Beard, Mann, Reffell, Wainwright.

Replacements: E Lloyd, Mathias, O'Connor, Rowlands, Martin, Hardy, I Lloyd, Grady.

Italy: Pani; Lynagh, Brex, Menoncello, Ioane; Garbisi, Varney; Fischetti, Nicotera, Ferrari, N Cannone, Ruzza, Negri, Lamaro (capt), L Cannone

Replacements: Lucchesi, Spagnolo, Zilocchi, Favretto, Vintcent, Zuliani, Page-Relo, Marin.

Match officials​


Referee: Mathieu Raynal (France)

Touch judges: Chris Busby (Ireland) & Morne Ferreira (South Africa)

TMO: Joy Neville (Ireland)

 
World Rugby is planning to run trials on red cards and examine tackle height in the elite game as part of moves to improve the sport's safety and appeal.

It is also looking at ways to speed up the game as part of a new five-stage plan unveiled on Tuesday.

The governing body says it is focused on "enhancing ball in flow, reducing stoppages and increasing welfare".

World Rugby chairman Sir Bill Beaumont said the measures would "excite the next generation of fans and players".

"Change is in rugby's DNA," he added.


BBC
 

Owen Farrell: Saracens fly-half still 'happy' with decision to step away from England duty​


Saracens fly-half Owen Farrell remains "happy" with his decision to step away from England and is focused on enjoying his rugby again.

The former England captain made himself unavailable for this year's Six Nations "in order to prioritize his and his family's mental wellbeing".

Next season Farrell will join Racing 92 which rules out a possible return.

"The World Cup was difficult at times, but I really enjoyed the playing side of it," he said.

The 32-year-old Farrell added: "I have just tried to get back to enjoying his rugby and loving what I am doing and I am working to do that."

"I guess you sit and watch any massive game and wish you were involved, but I'm happy with the decision at the moment, not to say that won't be up and down."

The Rugby Football Union (RFU) does not allow players based abroad to be selected for England, with Farrell moving to the French Top 14 side on a two-year deal.

Capped 112 times by his country, Farrell's move to France all but prevents him playing for England again unless the eligibility rules are relaxed, something which head coach Steve Borthwick wants to happen.

Following criticism of his captain during England's third-place finish at last autumn's World Cup, Saracens director of rugby Mark McCall said certain members of the media "need to look at themselves" for their "unfair scrutiny".

"It's lots of things it's never one thing why you come to a decision, it's never just a specific one," said Farrell.

"I thought it would be the best thing for me and obviously there's a change happening off the back of it as well."

The fly-half, who captained his country to the World Cup final in 2019, admitted he deleted social media for the recent tournament in France, but does not put his recent decisions down to just that.

"I don't really look too much into it and it's hard to get away from it," he added. "You feel it at times, but it would be wrong for me to entertain it too much.

"I don't expect people to know what I'm like or how I am as a person, so when it does get personal it would be silly to listen to that on my part."

The three-time British and Irish Lion remains available for the next tour to Australia in 2025 when his father Andy will be head coach of the Lions.

Decisions will be made "closer to the time" whether Farrell will link up with his father, but in the meantime he remains focused on maximizing his club career.

"I want to play for as long as I am enjoying it," the fly-half added.

"I love playing and that has always been the case, even during the tougher bits I loved the game and the rugby.

"I want to enjoy all of it a bit more and I have been getting back to doing that here at the club and over the time during the Six Nations and I want to really do that towards the end of the year."

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Farrell still 'happy' with England decision

Saracens fly-half Owen Farrell remains "happy" with his decision to step away from England and is focusing on enjoying his rugby again.
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Saracens fly-half Owen Farrell remains "happy" with his decision to step away from England and is focused on enjoying his rugby again.

The former England captain made himself unavailable for this year's Six Nations "in order to prioritise his and his family's mental wellbeing".

Next season Farrell will join Racing 92 which rules out a possible return.

"The World Cup was difficult at times, but I really enjoyed the playing side of it," he said.

The 32-year-old Farrell added: "I have just tried to get back to enjoying my rugby and loving what I am doing and I am working to do that.

"I guess you sit and watch any massive game and wish you were involved, but I'm happy with the decision at the moment, not to say that won't be up and down."

The Rugby Football Union (RFU) does not allow players based abroad to be selected for England, with Farrell moving to the French Top 14 side on a two-year deal.

Capped 112 times by his country, Farrell's move to France all but prevents him playing for England again unless the eligibility rules are relaxed, something which head coach Steve Borthwick wants to happen.

Saracens director of rugby McCall criticises media as he defends fly-half Farrell

Following criticism of his captain during England's third-place finish at last autumn's World Cup, Saracens director of rugby Mark McCall said certain members of the media "need to look at themselves" for their "unfair scrutiny".

"It's lots of things it's never one thing why you come to a decision, it's never just a specific one," said Farrell.

"I thought it would be the best thing for me and obviously there's a change happening off the back of it as well."

The fly-half, who captained his country to the World Cup final in 2019, admitted he deleted social media for the recent tournament in France, but does not put his recent decisions down to just that.

"I don't really look too much into it and it's hard to get away from it," he added. "You feel it at times, but it would be wrong for me to entertain it too much.

"I don't expect people to know what I'm like or how I am as a person, so when it does get personal it would be silly to listen to that on my part."

'I want to play for as long as I can'

Source: BBC
 
George North has confirmed he ruptured an Achilles tendon in his final Test appearance for Wales.

British and Irish Lions back North was carried off the field in the 79th minute of Wales' 24-21 home defeat against Italy last weekend.

With recovery times measured in months it is unlikely the 31-year-old will play again for Ospreys before joining French club Provence in the summer.

"Not everyone gets the fairytale ending," North said on social media.

"A ruptured Achilles wasn't the way I wanted to bow out of international rugby. Still I have loved every second.

"On the recovery train now."

North announces retirement from Welsh rugby
Emotional North reflects on glittering career
North is Wales' third most capped player in history behind only Alun Wyn Jones and Gethin Jenkins.

He made his international debut in 2010 and won two Grand Slams and four Six Nations titles, and played at four World Cups, making two semi-finals. He also made three Test appearances for the British and Irish Lions.

The 121-cap Wales back began his club career as a wing with Scarlets before spending five years in England with Northampton Saints.

North returned to Wales to join Ospreys in 2018 and announced he will join French second division club Provence when his current contract with the Welsh region runs out at the end of this season.

Source: BBC
 
Finn Russell kicked 17 points as Bath beat Sale to move up to second in the Premiership.

The sides were tied after 60 minutes following tries from Matt Gallagher and two from Joe Cokanasiga for Bath, while Manu Tuilagi, Tom Roebuck and Sam Dugdale scored for Sale.

But a penalty and drop-goal from Russell broke the deadlock for Bath.

Tom Dunn's score sealed the bonus point before Ollie Lawrence added a fifth try as Bath moved above Saracens.

Sale remain eighth in the table and without a win in 2024, having now lost their last four Premiership games.

English Premiership table
Bath came out flying and opened Sale up twice within the first few minutes, and although a wayward pass to Lawrence denied him a try, the second opportunity saw full-back Gallagher teed up perfectly to have a clear run.

Sale grew into the game, winning the first penalty as Ford kicked them onto the board before they took the lead - albeit for a short-lived three minutes - as Tuilagi spun out of a tackle and ran over in the corner.

Russell and Dunn then punched holes through the Sharks defence and Redpath's one-handed over the top pass saw Cokanasiga swan-dive over the try-line.

Sale's kick-chase, though, was repeatedly effective and after launching themselves up the pitch, winger Arron Reed collected a grubber from Gus Warr only to be held up following an excellent sprint back from Ben Spencer as Bath kept their slender lead at the break.

They made a disastrous start to the second half as Roebuck intercepted a Spencer pass as he took the ball from a scrum and had an easy run past Russell to the corner.

There remained little between the sides as the lead swung like a pendulum, with Ted Hill - on his return from injury after being out since October - off-loading to Cokanasiga, who scored his second to edge Bath back in front.

But when Lawrence was sent to the bin for a head-on-head collision, Sale capitalised and touched down through Dugdale from the resulting penalty to make it 24-24.

Bath refused to let the numerical disadvantage have a further impact on them. Will Muir was denied a spectacular touchdown in the corner by Sale full-back Joe Carpenter, before Russell kicked a penalty and the first drop goal of his career to open a six-point advantage.

Suddenly everything started falling Bath's way as they were restored to XV and the coaches rang the replacements and Dunn powered over from a maul to earn the crucial bonus point and all-but secure the win.

Lawrence then had the sold-out Rec crowd on their feet with five minutes left on the clock as he capped off a steady bout of Bath pressure with their fifth try.

Bath director of rugby Johann van Graan told BBC Radio Bristol:

"An all-round performance, I thought all parts of our game fired. It was a tough battle, I thought the turning point was the yellow card we managed that really well and got in front and I thought our impacts made a real difference.

"This week was all about process and we believe we followed our process and we're happy with the five points that we got and we gave them nothing.

"We've done one or two things tactically really well but all credit to the players, this was going to be a big challenge and we came through tonight.

"We haven't played together for nine weeks, everybody pitted in and a good team performance."

Source: BBC
 
England and Harlequins scrum-half Danny Care has announced his retirement from international rugby.

The 37-year-old played in all five of England's Six Nations matches this year and earned his 100th cap in the 23-22 win over Ireland on 9 March.


BBC
 

Saracens v Harlequins: Refereeing chiefs apologise for 'unfortunate occurrence'​

Refereeing chiefs have apologised for an "unfortunate occurrence" after the television match official dismissed an incident of foul play during Saracens' win over Harlequins on Saturday.

Match officials were accused of a "dereliction of duty" after apparent foul play by Harlequins captain Stephan Lewies on Saracens fly-half Owen Farrell was ignored.

The Professional Game Match Officials Team (PGMOT) expressed its "regret that questions have been raised about player safety and decision-making".

Ex-England player Austin Healey, working for TNT Sports, spotted a clear-out by the already yellow-carded Lewies - but the TMO was heard telling the referee he did not want to explore the matter.

TMO Stuart Terheege told referee Christophe Ridley during the live broadcast: "The problem I have got now is that it looks like Austin has instigated it, because we're late, so I don't want to talk about it, OK?"

In a statement on Tuesday, the PGMOT said Terheege had decided the foul, in which the already yellow-carded Lewies slid on his knees into Farrell, "was no more than a penalty advantage".

With that advantage deemed to have been taken when Saracens went on to score, he declined to review the incident.

But it added the conversation that was broadcast between the TMO and TNT director "was regrettable" and the conversation was "not intended to be heard outside of the broadcast truck, nor were they the reason for the incident of foul play not being formally reviewed".

"Terheege is disappointed that he allowed himself to be distracted with interactions with the broadcast team and did not communicate his decision to the on-field match officials," added the PGMOT.

"The incident was an unusual and unfortunate occurrence. The PGMOT, Premiership Rugby and TNT Sports are working closely together to make sure this does not happen again."

Source: BBC
 
Former health trust chief Hugh McCaughey will take over from Jonny Petrie as temporary Ulster Rugby CEO.

McCaughey coached Ulster and Ireland players at youth level and was manager of Ulster Rugby and the Irish Sevens team at the 2009 World Cup.

BBC
 

Danny Care: Former England scrum-half to play for the Barbarians against Fiji at Twickenham in June​


Former England scrum-half Danny Care will make his Barbarians debut against Fiji at Twickenham in June.

The 37-year-old announced his international retirement this week after winning 101 caps for England.

But he will return to the home of English rugby when the Barbarians play Fiji as part of a double-header with South Africa against Wales.

"I'm absolutely over the moon to be chosen to represent the Barbarians this summer," Care said.

Care was set to play for the Barbarians in the summer of 2022, but he won a surprise recall to the England squad, ending a four-year international exile.

He then became just the sixth Englishman to win 100 caps when he reached the milestone during the 2024 Six Nations.

"It's nearly happened a few times over the last few years, but now the stars have aligned and I cannot wait to finally wear that famous black and white shirt," he said.

"To do it at Twickenham as well is going to be so, so special for me."

Care will line up for the Baa-Baas alongside former England team-mates Ben Youngs, Jonathan Joseph and Zach Mercer.

"The chance to meet, bond, train with and then play alongside a group of players who I have admired and played against before in my career is going to be a unique experience," Care, who had a 16-year England career, added.

"I'll also get the opportunity to run out alongside some old friends as well, which will be really cool.

"I've always watched the Baa-Baas with such affection because of their style and how the team approaches the game.

"I feel like the Barbarians and myself could be a match made in heaven, so I really can't wait to throw my own bit of flair into an already incredible team."

Care will continue to play on next season, taking his professional career past the 20-year mark.

www.bbc.com

Danny Care: Former England scrum-half to play for the Barbarians against Fiji at Twickenham in June

Former England scrum-half Danny Care will make his Barbarians debut against Fiji at Twickenham in June.
www.bbc.com
 
Lewis Ludlam and Kyle Sinckler will be reunited with former England team-mate Dave Ribbans at Toulon
England forwards Lewis Ludlam and Kyle Sinckler will join Toulon for next season, say the French Top 14 club.

Bristol prop Sinckler, 31, and Northampton back-rower Ludlam, 28, are both to move across the English Channel on three-year deals.

The switch to the three-time Champions Cup winners would effectively end the England aspirations of both players.

Under existing rules, England head coach Steve Borthwick is unable to select players based with clubs abroad.

Toulon, who won the last of their four French titles in 2014, currently sit fifth in the Top 14 with seven rounds of the regular season remaining.

"They are two good signings who will complete our forward pack for many years," Toulon club president Bernard Lemaitre told the AFP news agency.

Ludlam will link up with former Northampton team-mate Dave Ribbans, who made the same move last summer.

"They respond to the profiles we're looking for in our recruitment," added Lemaitre.

"We're trying to have higher expectations on mentality, behaviour and lifestyle of players like their impressive compatriot Dave Ribbans."

Sinckler, 31, won the most recent of his 68 England caps at the Rugby World Cup in France last autumn.

Ludlam, 28, also played in the tournament, winning his 25th cap in the third-place play off against Argentina.

But both missed out on selection for Borthwick's squad for this year's Six Nations.

Former England great Jonny Wilkinson won the second of back-to-back European crowns with Toulon a decade ago.

Source: BBC
 
St Helens narrowly edged a contentious low-scoring local derby as two late tries from Tommy Makinson and Konrad Hurrell stunned 12-man Wigan Warriors.

Mark Percival's penalty gave Saints a 2-0 half-time lead.

Wigan looked like winning it on 55 minutes when Bevan French scored a superb individual kick-and-chase try.

But Liam Byrne was red carded on 64 minutes for a high challenge on Percival - and Saints cashed in on their man advantage to cross twice.


BBC
 
Tom Roebuck scored a hat-trick as Sale beat Exeter 41-5 to move back into the Premiership play-off mix.

Roebuck's early try helped Sale - who had not won a game since 22 December - to an impressive bonus-point win over an undisciplined Chiefs.

He scored a second a minute after half time, dropped the ball as he went to dot down a third before getting his hat-trick after an hour.

Sale ran-in six tries as they closed the gap to the top four.

The Sharks remain in eighth place in the Premiership, but are now only five points off the play-off places while Exeter remain fifth, two points off a top four spot with four rounds of matches to play.

Sale saw influential flanker Ernst van Rhyn limp off in the ninth minute with a leg injury, but his replacement Sam Dugdale played a major part in his side's opener a minute later.

The forward burst through from a line-out to set up field position which Roebuck skipped in from moments later before a George Ford penalty further extended the lead.

Exeter gave away seven penalties in the first 30 minutes and were punished for their indiscipline when former Exeter stalwart Luke Cowan-Dickie was mauled over from a 10-metre line-out.

Source: BBC Sports
 
New Zealand's most-capped player Sam Whitelock will retire at the end of the French club season in June.

The lock, who played 153 times for the All Blacks, retired from international rugby after defeat by South Africa in last autumn's World Cup final.

The 35-year-old won back-to-back World Cups in 2011 and 2015 and moved to Top 14 side Pau last year.


BBC
 
Double Rugby World Cup-winning skipper Siya Kolisi accepts that he may lose the Springboks captaincy in 2024.

Head coach Rassie Erasmus recently said that he believed that Kolisi was playing “some of his best rugby” but admitted that there could be a change of captaincy in 2024.

In 2018, it was Erasmus who handed the captaincy to Kolisi as he became the first black player to skipper the Springboks, and when fit, he has retained the armband, leading the side to two World Cup titles.

Siya Kolisi accepts that he may lose Springboks captaincy
However, after the 2023 Rugby World Cup, Kolisi joined French Top 14 club Racing 92, which automatically put his future as captain of the side in doubt.

Source: Planet Rugby
 
England flanker Sam Underhill has signed a new contract to stay with Bath until the end of the 2025-2026 season.

The 27-year-old made his Bath debut in 2017, having previously played for Gloucester and Ospreys.

He has since made 85 appearances for the club, including eight so far this campaign, and he played in all five of England's Six Nations matches this year to take his total caps to 35.

Bath head of rugby Johann van Graan said Underhill is "world-class".

"He is one of the best players in Europe and is an exceptional openside flanker. I am very glad he is staying at Bath," Van Graan said.

Underhill joins a long list of Bath players who have extended their stays with the club, with back-rower Ethan Staddon, fly-half Orlando Bailey, full-back Tom de Glanville, number eight Jaco Coetzee and forward Josh Bayliss to agree new terms in the last two weeks.


BBC
 

Michael Hooper makes Australia sevens debut in win against Fiji​

Former Australia captain Michael Hooper said it was "pretty daunting" to make his international sevens debut in his country's 12-0 win against Fiji.

The 32-year-old came on as a substitute for Nathan Lawson with less than three of the 14 minutes left to play in the Hong Kong Sevens game on Friday.

Hooper is targeting a place in Australia's sevens squad for the 2024 Olympics in Paris.

"I came on and did what I had to do," said Hooper.

"I just had to come on in and finish it off for us.

"I've got a wealth of games under my belt, so I'm trying to lean into that.

"The fact is, I'm completely new at this so finding out where I can impact the game, coming up against Fiji round one is pretty daunting. So I'll just take it step by step from here."

Hooper has played 125 times for Australia XVs but was left out of the 2023 World Cup squad before attempting to secure a sevens spot for Paris.

"He did well," said Australia head coach John Manenti.

"He came on and did what he does pretty well, pilfer, so that was pretty significant.

"He's been working really hard to get here. We said from the start, nothing was going to be given, he had to earn everything.

"You could see the boys that were on before him playing pretty good footy so he's going to have to keep fighting and keep proving himself."

Source: BBC
 

Jack Dixon: Dragons centre retires from rugby at age 29​

Dragons centre Jack Dixon has retired from rugby at the age of 29.

Dixon has not played since he suffered a head injury against Leinster in November.

But his surprise decision to quit the sport after 13 years is not injury-related.

"Rugby and the Dragons has been a huge part of my life since I was 16 years old, but I feel it's the right time to step away, move on and start the next chapter of my life," he said.

Newbridge-born Dixon became the youngest player to play Welsh regional rugby when he came off the bench in an LV= Cup tie at Wasps in October 2011, aged just 16 years 313 days.

He broke the record set by team-mate Hallam Amos just 33 minutes earlier, when he had started the same game.

The following summer, Dixon became the youngest player to appear in the Junior World Championships when he was selected by Wales Under-20s at just 17 years old.

Later in the tournament he started in the 9-6 victory over New Zealand - the first defeat the Baby Blacks had suffered in four years at the competition.

He turned out for Ebbw Vale, Bedwas, Cross Keys and Pontypool but remained at Dragons throughout his career, making 172 appearances.

He was named in Wales' extended squad prior to the 2015 Rugby World Cup but never won a senior cap.

"My career has nowhere near reached the heights I dreamt of, but I look back at my time with great pride as I can say, hand on heart, I gave 100% every time I stepped over the white line," he said.

"Playing at Rodney Parade was always incredibly special to me."

Dixon suffered a serious ankle injury in March 2023, also against Leinster. He returned to start this season, having signed a new two-year contract, but has started just once - against Munster in November.

Dragons head coach Dai Flanagan said: "You cannot overstate Jack's contribution to this club, and I have huge admiration for what he has achieved.

"To play for one club as successfully as Jack has for such a length of time is an outstanding achievement.

"He has been a superb role model for our young aspiring players, someone who leads by example and sets the highest of standards. He finishes with an impressive legacy."

Source: BBC
 

England: No plans to change eligibility rules - Bill Sweeney​

There are no plans to change England's eligibility rules, says Rugby Football Union chief executive Bill Sweeney.

Rules state that players selected for England must compete in the Premiership.

Sweeney said departing players have had conversations with head coach Steve Borthwick and "partly a lifestyle choice" was their reason for leaving.

"If you look at the number of players going abroad, it doesn't really impact our core group," Sweeney said.

"Where we currently stand on the policy of only selecting players based in England stays as it is."

Saracens fly-half Owen Farrell will move to Racing 92 at the end of season. He will be joined in the Top 14 by England internationals Kyle Sinckler, who has joined Toulon for next season, with Northampton's Lewis Ludlam expected to follow.

This comes after World Cup squad members Jack Willis and Henry Arundell, who both moved to France after the demise of Wasps and London Irish, opted to extend their contracts with Toulouse and Racing and rule out a return to the Premiership ahead of this season.

"If you actually look at the players we've got abroad, they probably made a decision in terms of 'where's my England career currently?'" he added.

"'Am I in contention for a place in those hybrid contracts? Am I in that core group of England players going forward?'"

England centre Manu Tuilagi will also leave Sale Sharks at the end of the season to join Bayonne.

Former Harlequins centre Joe Marchant moved to Stade Francais after starting in the centre for England with Tuilagi during the World Cup, but is rumoured to be considering a return to the Premiership.

"There are maybe one or two that you think we would rather have over here," Sweeney added.

"Joe Marchant is rumoured to be coming back to the Premiership this year, so from our perspective, we are okay with it.

"We think there is a performance advantage to having those players based in your own country."

Source: BBC
 

Scotland 0-46 England: Visitors continue perfect start to Women's Six Nations​

England continued their perfect start to the Women's Six Nations as they swept to a comprehensive win over Scotland at Edinburgh's Hive Stadium.

First-half tries from Amy Cokayne, Abby Dow and Ellie Kildunne put the visitors in control in front of a record crowd for Scottish women's rugby, and the scoring continued after the break despite Cokayne being sent off for her second yellow-card offence.

Sadia Kabeya and Kildunne scored either side of a Jess Breach double, before Marlie Packer added further gloss.

Defending champions England are top of the standings with three bonus-point wins, while Scotland are fourth after their second defeat of the championship.

In the shadow of Murrayfield, England dominated possession and territory from the off, and the pressure soon told.

Cokayne, starting her first Red Roses game in a year after overcoming a calf injury, stepped off her left foot to beat one defender, before crashing through another attempted tackle to open the scoring.

Scotland's resolute defence was a feature of both their win over Wales and their narrow defeat by France, and they were forced to make tackle after tackle in the opening stages as England piled forward in blustery conditions.

However, a lovely offload from Kabeya released Dow down the right, and the England winger pinned her ears back to score in the corner.

The visitors thought they had a third score when Maud Muir blasted her way over from close range, but Cokayne was sin-binned for an illegal clearout on Evie Gallagher in the build-up and the try was chalked off.

The numerical disadvantage did not slow England down though, and the third try arrived soon after in stunning fashion.

Holly Aitchison's grubber kick was weighted perfectly for Meg Jones, who showed superb vision to kick the ball square for the onrushing Kildunne. England's full-back beat Alex Stewart to the ball to score under the posts.

Scotland did have their moments in attack, but they were hamstrung by a malfunctioning lineout and several handling errors, as the windy Edinburgh conditions played a part.

Kabeya had the simplest of finishes following a dominant England scrum, which wrapped up the bonus point, and Breach then crossed for her first try of the contest after a clinical backs move.

England played the majority of the second half with 14 players, after Cokayne received a second yellow card for a high tackle on Lana Skeldon.

However, Scotland were unable to turn the tide, and Breach, who said this week that she wanted to "ruin" the home crowd's day, skipped past Helen Nelson to score her second.

The hosts found themselves more and more overrun as the game went on, and Kildunne had the freedom of Edinburgh to stroll into the corner for her sixth try of the tournament.

Regular England captain Packer came off the bench to complete the scoring with a strong finish from close range after Scotland coughed up possession from their own lineout throw.

Bryan Easson's Scotland side have progressed steadily since they went professional and pushed France close last time out, but this was a reminder of just how far ahead England are in the women's game.

The Red Roses have now won 27 consecutive matches in the tournament and are eyeing a third Grand Slam in a row.

Source: BBC
 
Rob Baxter says Exeter will learn from their heavy Investec Champions Cup quarter-final loss at Toulouse.

His talented young side were beaten 64-26 in France as the star-studded Top 14 hosts scored 47 second-half points.

Exeter had been just 17-16 behind at half-time before Toulouse ran in seven tries after the interval to end the Chiefs' European hopes for this season.

"I've been here and experienced far worse things than today in Europe," Baxter said after the defeat.

"I think the first time we went to Clermont I'm not even sure we fired a shot.

"I remember coming off going 'we were overawed', we didn't even do anything in the game, we just kind of stood there, we looked around the stadium and you could see we were completely overawed.

"Some of those guys went on to win a Champions Cup and win Premierships.

"We've got to make sure that's how we use experiences like today."

Having had a host of star players like Stuart Hogg, Sam Simmonds, Jack Nowell, Dave Ewers, Luke Cowan-Dickie and Harry Williams leave in the summer there had been concerns that Exeter's new-look squad would find the going difficult.

But they impressed in the group stage in Europe and are still in the hunt for a Premiership play-off place as the likes of Immanuel Feyi-Waboso, Ethan Roots, Dafydd Jenkins, Greg Fisilau, Josh Hodge and Ross Vintcent begin to make their names in the game.

"We were way ahead of ourselves today than we were at the start of other European journeys with other groups of players, because a lot of these guys are getting experience very quickly - that's been the plan," Baxter added.

"Some of them have jumped way ahead of our expectations whether they've become internationals this season or done things.

"But as a group we've still got some maturing, both physically and mentally, to do because it is a young team.

"Dafydd's the Wales captain but he's only just turned 21, Manny's 20, Greg Fisilau 20, and they're some of our guys who we expect to the carry the mantle for quite a long time.

"They're going to need to be tough through days like today and they're going to have to not brush it off, learn from it, and they're going to have to learn that you can beat the best - but staying competitive is the next step."

Source: BBC
 
Wales forward Josh Turnbull has retired from rugby with immediate effect and says his 17-year career has passed "in the blink of an eye".

The 36-year-old has confirmed his 200th appearance for Cardiff last month is to be his last.

Turnbull began his career with Llanelli in 2007 and only Connacht's John Muldoon made more appearances than his 245 in the United Rugby Championship.

Source: BBC
 
Will Reed looks to pass with Joe Westwood in support as Dragons attack

Will Reed has scored 107 points in 34 Dragons appearances since his March 2022 debut
Fly-half Will Reed has become the latest to commit his future to Dragons.

The 22-year-old is a Dragons academy product and will stay with them for 2024-25, but the club have not stated the duration of his new contract.

"Will has had a very good season for us and really benefited from game time," said Dragons head coach Dai Flanagan.

"His performances have improved throughout the season, and we are excited about his development curve and his continued growth."

Reed joins established senior squad members Rio Dyer, Aaron Wainwright, Taine Basham, Matthew Screech and Angus O'Brien in staying at the east Wales region.

"Will is still a young man with a bright future ahead of him and he is one of a number of exciting homegrown talents that we can build our club around," added Flanagan.

Former Wales Under-20s cap Reed said: "The exposure to senior rugby and playing the number of games I have this season has been hugely beneficial to me.

"I've learned a great deal and I'll take that forward now and look to kick on for Dragons in the seasons ahead."

Source: BBC
 
Six Nations champions Ireland will take on New Zealand in their Autumn Nations Series opener on Friday, 8 November before matches with Argentina, Fiji and Australia.

Source: BBC
 
Scotland and Glasgow Warriors hooker Fraser Brown is to retire at the end of this season.

Brown, 34, has not played since May 2023 after rupturing his anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) playing for a World XV versus the Barbarians.

Capped 61 times by Scotland, he played at the 2015 and 2019 World Cups and scored five international tries.

Source: BBC
 
Leicester centre Kata handed three-game ban

Leicester Tigers centre Solomone Kata has been suspended for three matches for his dangerous tackle on Northampton's Fraser Dingwall.

The Tonga international was shown a red card for the incident when Tigers were just a point down against Saints in Saturday's East Midlands derby.

Northampton took full advantage of his sending-off, as they went on to run in three unanswered tries to win 40-17.

Kata's ban means he could miss the remainder of Leicester's regular season games but if he applies to undertake a World Rugby coaching intervention course, his suspension will be reduced to two matches.

The heavy derby defeat saw Tigers end the weekend eighth in the table and six points adrift of a play-off spot with three matches remaining.

Source: BBC
 
Farrell clinches win over Bath as Saracens go second

Owen Farrell kicked a late penalty as Saracens laid down a major marker in the Premiership title race by beating Bath to move above them into second.

Tom Parton crossed first for Saracens in a highly physical match, before Rotimi Segun added a second try in an expertly managed first half from the visitors.

But the pendulum swung Bath’s way after the break as the hosts’ bench made an impact, with tries from replacements Thomas du Toit and Cameron Redpath levelling the score.

But Farrell's penalty with three minutes to go secured Saracens the win and pushed them above Bath in the table by a point.


BBC
 
Exeter win at Gloucester to maintain play-off hopes

Exeter kept themselves in contention for the Premiership play-offs and closed the gap to the top four with a bonus-point 38-17 win at Gloucester.

Jacques Vermeulen, Dan John and Olly Woodburn scored in a dominant first half from Exeter, as Jonny May and Jack Clement replied for Gloucester.

Immanuel Feyi-Waboso added the crucial bonus-point try and while Arthur Clark replied during a spell on top for Gloucester, Vermeulen got a second to take the game away from the hosts.

Exeter stay seventh but closed the gap to fourth-placed Bristol to four points, with two games left to play.


BBC
 

England's Vunipola fined after arrest in Majorca​

England number eight Billy Vunipola has been fined 240 euros (£205) following an incident in Majorca on Sunday in which he was arrested.

BBC Sport understands the 31-year-old was Tasered by police in the early hours of Sunday morning in Palma, the capital of the Spanish island, and subsequently charged with "resisting the law".

While the police investigation is now closed, Saracens, Vunipola's club, say they will deal with the matter "internally".

Vunipola says the incident was an "unfortunate misunderstanding" and he will cooperate with Saracens' internal investigation.

"Contrary to media reports, there was no violence, no fight and I did not threaten anybody at any stage, with bottles or chairs or anything else," said Vunipola.

Vunipola has paid the fine and says he "unreservedly apologises" to those involved.

He will fly back to the UK on Monday.

Vunipola has played for England on 75 occasions, with his last cap coming in the World Cup semi-final defeat by South Africa in 2023.

The former Wasps number eight was a second-half substitute for Saracens during their 15-12 victory against Bath on Friday night.

Saracens, who are second in the Gallagher Premiership, are not scheduled to play again until 11 May when they take on Bristol.

Source: BBC
 
England forward Maro Itoje could miss Saracens' Premiership run-in after being cited for a dangerous tackle.

The 29-year-old British and Irish Lion is accused of making head contact with Bath’s Alfie Barbeary in their 15-12 win at the Recreation Ground on Friday.

Itoje, who has won 81 caps for England and five Premiership titles with Sarries, was shown a yellow card for the challenge but the citing officer deemed it a red-card offence after reviewing it.

He faces a tribunal on Tuesday and would likely receive a minimum two-game ban should he be found guilty - which would rule him out of league games against Bristol Bears and Sale Sharks.

Reigning Premiership champions Saracens are second in the table and could well make the play-offs, meaning any ban longer than two matches would rule Itoje out of the knockout matches.

Source: BBC
 
hassan918 said:

England's Vunipola fined after arrest in Majorca​

England number eight Billy Vunipola has been fined 240 euros (£205) following an incident in Majorca on Sunday in which he was arrested.

BBC Sport understands the 31-year-old was Tasered by police in the early hours of Sunday morning in Palma, the capital of the Spanish island, and subsequently charged with "resisting the law".

While the police investigation is now closed, Saracens, Vunipola's club, say they will deal with the matter "internally".

Vunipola says the incident was an "unfortunate misunderstanding" and he will cooperate with Saracens' internal investigation.

"Contrary to media reports, there was no violence, no fight and I did not threaten anybody at any stage, with bottles or chairs or anything else," said Vunipola.

Vunipola has paid the fine and says he "unreservedly apologises" to those involved.

He will fly back to the UK on Monday.

Vunipola has played for England on 75 occasions, with his last cap coming in the World Cup semi-final defeat by South Africa in 2023.

The former Wasps number eight was a second-half substitute for Saracens during their 15-12 victory against Bath on Friday night.

Saracens, who are second in the Gallagher Premiership, are not scheduled to play again until 11 May when they take on Bristol.

Source: BBC
Click to expand...
Saracens confirm England forward Billy Vunipola will face no further action from the club after an internal investigation following him being tasered at a nightclub in Majorca.

Sky News
 
Toulouse battle past Quins to reach Champions Cup final

Investec Champions Cup semi-final

Toulouse: (31) 38

Tries: Lebel, Mauvaka, Flament, Dupont 2, Mallia Cons: Kinghorn 3, Ramos

Harlequins: (12) 26

Tries: Smith, Evans, Murley, Green Cons: Smith 3

Toulouse had to withstand a spirited second-half fightback to beat Harlequins and book their place in a first Investec Champions Cup final for three years.

The five-time winners cruised into a healthy lead in the south of France after five tries in the opening 40 minutes from Matthis Lebel, Peato Mauvaka, Thibaud Flament and two for talisman Antoine Dupont.

Quins had crossed through Marcus Smith and Will Evans but trailed by 19 points at the break before testing Toulouse's resolve with tries by Cadan Murley and Tyrone Green.

The visitors reduced the deficit to five points and could smell an upset at a nervy Stadium de Toulouse before Jack Walker was sent to the sin bin for making direct head contact with Dupont.

Toulouse, with the player advantage, immediately punished the hooker as Juan Cruz Mallia scored in the corner to register the hosts' first points of the half and break Quins' resistance.

The Top 14 side will face four-time winners Leinster in a final meeting of the two most successful sides in Champions Cup history at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London on Saturday, 25 May.



BBC
 

GB's men and women reach SVNS Grand Final in Madrid​

Great Britain's men and women both qualified for this year's SVNS Grand Final after finishing eighth overall.

The men were beaten by Ireland in the semi-final in Singapore before claiming the final qualifying place with a 26-5 victory over Australia in the bronze medal match.

The women's 35-5 victory over Brazil in the group stages secured the last qualifying spot before they were beaten by eventual winners New Zealand in the quarter-finals.

New Zealand claimed the double in the final leg of the league campaign in Singapore as the men beat Ireland in the final to follow the women, who overcame Australia and were also crowned 2024 league winners.

Argentina, meanwhile, became the sixth nation to be crowned men's league winners for the first time in their history.

The inaugural SVNS Grand Final takes place in Madrid between 31 May and 2 June.

GB men's captain Robbie Fergusson says progress makes the tough moments "worthwhile" as they also look forward to next month's final Olympic qualifying tournament as they bid to reach Paris 2024.

"There’s total belief between the 18 boys, the ones that are at home and couldn’t make this trip that are injured that are ready to come back in for the next one, and the boys that have slogged it out here for the last six games," said Fergusson.

"It’s tough going on the body but these moments make it all worthwhile."

GB women have already qualified for the Olympics but their place in the Grand Final was under threat until they beat Brazil and Fiji overcame Japan in their thrilling knockout game.

"We knew we’d put in the work behind the scenes and we had analysed Brazil so we knew exactly what we were going to do coming into this game," said GB's Isla Norman-Bell.

Source: BBC
 
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