Another busy day in the rugby union game as Six Nations squads are announced while there have been a couple of suspensions causing debate.
What’s on the site
Ireland have included the uncapped Jordan Larmour in their 36-man squad for the opening two rounds of this year’s Six Nations Championship, rewarding the Leinster full-back for his electric form in both the PRO14 and Champions Cup. Munster centre Chris Farrell is also in the 36.
They are not alone in naming their squad as France head coach Jacques Brunel confirmed his first group of players since taking on the job. He has named teenage fly-half Matthieu Jalibert alongside another youngster, 21-year-old Anthony Belleau, as les Bleus’ playmaking options.
Off the field suspensions handed to France and Toulon centre Mathieu Bastareaud and England and Wasps flanker James Haskell have affected their early-round Six Nations hopes and also caused plenty of debate amongst supporters. They’ve copped three and four week bans respectively.
What’s in the news
Eddie Jones has signed up for more in the England head coach position, inking a deal until 2021 which has a performance-based break clause, based on England’s performance at next year’s Rugby World Cup in Japan. Australian Jones will be in his 60s when his new contract finishes.
What’s on social media
Barely an hour after naming Bastareaud in the squad for their Six Nations openers, France had to post a fresh tweet due to his suspension.
?? Suite à la suspension de @BastaOfficiel par la commission de discipline de l’EPCR, @DantyJonathan est appelé pour le remplacer. #soutiensleXV #FRAIRL pic.twitter.com/1Icf85yLXb
— FF Rugby (@FFRugby) January 17, 2018
Meanwhile regarding the Jones news, BBC reporter Sonja McLaughlan said what many were thinking about the length of his deal. Lions calling?
So Eddie Jones extends contract until 2021. Sounds like someone fancies a crack at the @lionsofficial
— Sonja McLaughlan (@Sonjamclaughlan) January 17, 2018
What’s on TV
There’s plenty of Champions Cup and Challenge Cup action on BT Sport and Sky Sports this weekend as we reach the final round of the pools. Sky Sports will also televise Saturday’s only PRO14 game, between the Cheetahs and Kings, which takes place in Bloemfontein, South Africa.
The round’s Champions Cup fixtures and channel guide can be found right here.
The post Rugby Union Today: Six Nations squads taking shape appeared first on Planet Rugby.