player welfare

France hit by injuries

Scrumhalf Antoine Dupont has been ruled out of France’s Six Nations campaign, while flyhalf Matthieu Jalibert and No 8 Kevin Gourdon also face lengthy injury layoffs.

England

England surge sinks Italy

Anthony Watson and Sam Simmonds each scored a double as England claimed a 46-15 bonus-point win over Italy in Rome on Sunday. CRAIG LEWIS reports.

Johnny Sexton

Sexton breaks French hearts

Johnny Sexton kicked a drop goal in injury time to steer Ireland to a 15-13 win over France in Paris on Saturday. JON CARDINELLI reports. France are back. The spirited side that put Ireland under pressure at the set pieces and at the breakdowns on Saturday was a far cry from the mob that lost four games against the Springboks… Read more →

Wonderful Wales upset Scotland

Wonderful Wales upset Scotland

Leigh Halfpenny scored 24 points as Wales recorded a 34-7 bonus-point win over Scotland at the Millennium Stadium in Cardiff on Saturday. MARIETTE ADAMS reports. The Six Nations is always hyped-up and this breathless 80-minute adrenaline rush of an encounter certainly justified it this year. In a clash worthy of being the tournament opener, Wales put on an incredible ball-in-hand… Read more →

Six Nations

Six Nations preview (Round 1)

England will begin their campaign for a third successive Six Nations title with what should be a comfortable win over Italy on Sunday, writes CRAIG LEWIS. Italy vs England Wily England coach Eddie Jones has attempted to deflect pressure off his team by suggesting that Ireland will head into this season as title favourites, but the fact remains that all… Read more →