Here are your rugby evening headlines for Friday, February 18.
Lawes in mix to face Wales
Courtney Lawes is in contention to feature for England against Wales in the Six Nations after resuming full training.
The big-hitting Lions Test man missed the opening two rounds of the championship because of concussion.
But he has completed his return-to-play protocols and could go straight back into Eddie Jones’ team for the clash at Twickenham on February 26.
“Courtney trained fully today (Friday), which is obviously really good news for himself and England,” defence coach Anthony Seibold said.
“That was the last box for him to tick. He’s had a very thorough return-to-play integration and did everything in the session.”
The availability of Lawes, who started all three Tests for the Lions in South Africa last summer, is a significant boost for England.
Jones picked Maro Itjoe at blindside flanker for the game with Italy in round two, but with Lawes fit again the Saracen can revert to his usual role of lock with his fellow Lion potentially filling the No. 6 jersey.
England will also need to decide whether to hand Lawes back the captaincy after he led the side in the autumn nations finale against South Africa.
Biggar sits out Northampton game
Dan Biggar will sit out Northampton's home Gallagher Premiership clash against Sale on Saturday after injuring himself playing for Wales against Scotland.
The Wales captain hobbled off towards the end of the 20-17 victory over the Scots in the Six Nations and was said to be playing on one leg.
He’s technically available to Northampton this weekend as it’s a fallow Six Nations week, but they are not pressing him into action a week ahead of Wales meeting England at Twickenham.
"He's taken a bang on the quad and he's got a fairly significant dead leg," said boss Chris Boyd.
“It's in the quad just above the knee and it's been a problem for him, so he won't be available for selection at the weekend. He's been injured."
The bump isn’t thought likely to keep Biggar out of Wales' big clash with Eddie Jones' side next weekend, but Wayne Pivac will be keen to welcome him back into camp to make their own check on his fitness.
‘Outstanding' Morgan backed to halt Marcus Smith
Jac Morgan still has a lot to learn in Test rugby — of course he has, with the 22-year-old having just a solitary senior cap in the bank.
But he coped well for Wales against Scotland and could next be heading for an assignment against England at Twickenham, where part of his brief would be to make things as difficult as possible for English rugby’s new wonder, Marcus Smith.
It’s a testing challenge for Morgan and the whole Wales team, but his Ospreys team-mate Stephen Myler, a former England international, believes the youngster will cope.
“Marcus Smith is a talented kid with various threats. He kicks well out of hand, off the tee, poses a running threat and brings people into the game. He’s also playing well,” said Myler, capped once at fly-half against Argentina in 2013.
“Wales had a good result last week and needed it.
“The game is going to be an interesting watch, for sure.
“But I know Jac really well and he’s been outstanding for us this year. I’m sure he’ll be ready for whatever is thrown at him.
"Whatever England decide to throw, the Welsh will be ready for it.”
As you were for Six Nations?
Six Nations chiefs have sought to end mounting speculation over South Africa joining the championship by ruling out any changes being made to the existing line-up.
Earlier this week the Springboks committed to remaining in the Rugby Championship until at least 2025, only for it to be suggested that they would align themselves with the northern hemisphere thereafter .
However, Six Nations organisers have denied there is any prospect of the Springboks being added or the competition saying arrivederci to Italy — who have lost 34 successive matches in the competition.
"Six Nations Rugby, comprising the six unions and federations and CVC, wish to confirm that they are not entertaining any discussion nor developing any plans to add or replace any participating Union," a statement read.
"All its energy is focused on the current strategic discussions regarding the July and November international windows and structure of the global season, and to ensure a positive outcome for the development of the game."
It is an emphatic rebuttal from the Six Nations and the PA news agency claims that even in the longer term there is no prospect of the world champions joining the tournament.
Time, as always, will tell.
Sexton fit for Ireland
Ireland are expecting Johnny Sexton to be fit for next weekend's clash with Italy after losing Ronan Kelleher for the remainder of the Six Nations.
Fly-half Sexton started the championship with a superlative performance against Wales but missed last Saturday's 30-24 defeat away to France because of a hamstring injury.
However, he has returned to training with the squad during a two-day camp in Dublin.
Asked for an update on Sexton, head coach Farrell replied: "All good. He's going through his protocols.
"He joined in training yesterday, he's worked through the end stages of rehab and we expect him to be fully fit next week."
But the good tidings on their captain is tempered by the news that Kelleher has been ruled out of the rest of the championship with a shoulder injury.
Corey’s comeback
Corey Baldwin will quietly return to rugby this weekend when he features for Llanelli against Aberavon in the Indigo Premiership encounter at Talbot Athletic Ground.
He hasn’t been seen on a pitch since sustaining a significant foot injury during the Scarlets’ pre-season friendly against Nottingham, a game that saw him return to the region after a year-long stint with Exeter Chiefs.
During his first spell with the Scarlets, he was said to have been rated by the region’s then head coach Wayne Pivac, while Exeter’s director of rugby Rob Baxter felt they had signed a “ special” player when Baldwin committed to them in 2020.
The Scarlets didn't want the 6ft, 15st 8lb three-quarter to depart in the first place, seeing him as a potential long-term successor to Jonathan Davies,
Now the dual-qualified player sets about reminding people of his talents.
Plenty will wish him well.
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