RFU on Eddie's ref comments, PRO14 suspended, Sam Lousi banned for 5 weeks & more
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RFU issue statement criticising Eddie Jones' ref comments
The RFU have released a statement following Eddie Jones’ comments regarding the referee in the Six Nations match against Wales last weekend.
After England's 33-30 win at Twickenham, Jones said New Zealand referee Ben O'Keeffe's decision meant it was 13 against 16 players, suggesting the official was on Wales' side.
“...You might as well just say you let him go, because how else are you supposed to tackle him? This bit about where your arms are – what a load of rubbish...'' Full story
PRO14 season suspended over coronavirus
PRO14 bosses have issued a statement confirming the indefinite suspension of the PRO14 season following the escalating coronavirus outbreak.
There was already disruption involving the Italian teams, with Ospreys' trip to Zebre and Ulster's game at Benetton both postponed on 29 February.
Resuming the season will be under constant review, but no end date to the suspension can be provided at this moment in time. Full story
Super Rugby Round 7 - Games To Look Forward To
Round 7 of Super Rugby has some mouth-watering prospects in store, most notably the two derbies in New Zealand and South Africa.
The Chiefs and Hurricanes will do battle in Hamilton tomorrow, the former’s tails will be up after the thrashing they administered on the Waratahs in Round 6 while the Canes will be looking to find their feet again after an unexpected loss to the Blues.
The Sharks host the Stormers in a top-of-the-conference clash which promises to exhibit the hard, uncompromising spirit which characterises South African derbies. Full article
Scarlets lock slapped with a heavier ban than French prop for punching
Scarlets lock Sam Lousi been slapped with a five-week suspension for his punch on Fineen Wycherley in the Scarlets' loss to Munster on February 29, 2020.
His suspension cames a day after France prop Mohamed Haouas was handed a three-match ban for a similar offence as he was shown a red card in France's loss to Scotland in round 4 of the Six Nations. Full story
Alun Wyn Jones To Equal World Record As Wales Reveal Their Team To Face Scotland
Wales captain Alun Wyn Jones will equal the world record for test appearances in Cardiff on Saturday as he draws level with Richie McCaw on 148 appearances.
The inspirational captain will make his 139th appearance for Wales and with his nine international British & Irish Lions caps he will make his 148th test appearance.
Jones will line-up alongside Cory Hill in the second-row, who makes his first start for Wales since February 2019. Wyn Jones and uncapped prop WillGriff John come into the front-row for Wales alongside Ken Owens, whilst the back-row remains unchanged with Ross Moriarty, Justin Tipuric and Josh Navidi packing down together.
Three Changes To Scotland's Line Up For Six Nations Finale
Scotland Head Coach Gregor Townsend has made three changes to the starting Scotland team for this Saturday’s Six Nations finale against Wales in Cardiff (14 March, kick-off 2.15pm).
All three adjustments come in the, where hooker and vice-captain Stuart McInally, number 8 Magnus Bradbury (both Edinburgh), and second-row Sam Skinner (Exeter Chiefs) come in – the latter starting for the first time this campaign.
Fraser Brown and Scott Cummings move to the bench as a consequence, with Matt Fagerson coming into the match-day squad to take the place among the replacements vacated by the promoted Bradbury, with Nick Haining unavailable through illness.
WATCH: HOW SCOTLAND ENDED FRANCE'S GRAND SLAM HOPES