Anthony Watson has hit back at critics on social media objecting to England players taking a knee before last Saturday’s Six Nations defeat by Scotland. Sixteen members of Eddie Jones’ squad made the gesture in support of the fight against racism during a designated ‘moment of reflection’ before the Calcutta Cup defeat at Twickenham. Watson is dismayed by the negative […]

England head coach Eddie Jones says he has moved Owen Farrell from fly-half to inside centre for the Six Nations game against Italy to “spread out the responsibility” of his midfield playmakers. Jones defended his skipper after a below-par performance in the Calcutta Cup debacle at Twickenham which led to scrutiny over his place, stating he would not drop Farrell […]

Zebre’s Jamie Elliott has warned England not to underestimate an “unpredictable” Italy side ahead of Saturday’s Six Nations match at Twickenham. The versatile back has called Parma home for two-and-a-half years after he made the surprise move across Europe in October 2018. Bedford-born Elliott started his career at Northampton and helped them win the Premiership during his eight seasons at […]

England head coach Eddie Jones has made five changes to his starting XV to face Italy in the Six Nations, the headline of which sees George Ford back at 10 and Owen Farrell moved to centre.  The other changes all come in the forward pack as the front-row is completely changed with props Mako Vunipola and Kyle Sinckler coming straight […]

England rugby coach Matt Proudfoot has spoken for the first time of the “fright” he was given by coronavirus. Eddie Jones’ forwards guru contracted Covid in January and Proudfoot admits: “You don’t realise how tough it is until you go through it. “Your body is not used to it, it’s something you’ve never experienced and it gives you a little […]

Danny Cipriani is understood to be considering offers from Bath, Newcastle and Top 14 giants Clermont following his departure from Gloucester in December. Cipriani announced he was leaving Gloucester on December 15, saying he had “mixed emotions” about the move, adding: “I am sad to leave a great club, but I’m excited for the challenges I have ahead.” Though he […]

England head coach Eddie Jones opts to go back to his tried and trusted partnership of George Ford and Owen Farrell… as defending champions seek to revive their Six Nations title prospects against Italy on Saturday George Ford set to reclaim the England No 10 shirt for this Saturday’s clash Coach Eddie Jones will move captain Owen Farrell to inside […]

SIR CLIVE WOODWARD: Eddie Jones must not be afraid to drop the big names… England’s player resources are massive and Saturday’s Six Nations clash against Italy is an opportunity to blood new players Eddie Jones has missed a trick by not grasping a chance to blood new players We have seen little beyond Youngs, Farrell and Ford at half-back in […]

Peter O’Mahony is sent off Ireland flanker Peter O’Mahony has been banned for three Guinness Six Nations matches after being sent off in Sunday’s defeat to Wales. The 31-year-old will miss games against France, Italy and Scotland before being eligible to return against defending champions England on the final weekend of the tournament. O’Mahony was dismissed by referee Wayne Barnes […]

France’s Antoine Dupont and experienced Ireland scrum-half Conor Murray are set to go up against each other during Sunday’s Six Nations clash in Dublin. Les Bleus are seeking to build on a resounding 50-10 victory over Italy, while the Irish are bidding to bounce back after a frustrating 21-16 loss to Wales. We take a closer look at one of […]