Here are today's evening rugby headlines on Monday, February 2.
Scotland blow for Wales game
Scotland flanker Jamie Ritchie will miss this weekend's Six Nations clash with Wales through injury.
The 25-year-old was taken off on the buggy during the second half of Saturday's 20-17 victory over England after suffering damage in his hamstring and groin area.
He left the stadium on crutches afterwards, casting doubt on his participation in the remainder of the tournament.
It was confirmed on Monday by the Scottish Rugby Union that Ritchie, who was one of the team's vice-captains in the victory over Tonga in October, has not joined up with the squad to prepare for the trip to the Principality Stadium.
Bath back-row forward Josh Bayliss, who has been suffering from concussion recently, is still not ready to join up with the squad.
Edinburgh hooker Dave Cherry has been called into Gregor Townsend's pool ahead of the trip to Wales.
A statement on the SRU's Twitter feed confirmed: "Jamie Ritchie and Josh Bayliss have not met up with the squad this week through injury.
"Dave Cherry has joined up with the team today."
Woodward goes after Jones
Sir Clive Woodward has ripped into England coach Eddie Jones, describing his decision to replace Marcus Smith during the second half of the defeat to Scotland as 'ludicrous'.
Woodward questioned a series of decisions Jones made before and during the game, claiming he gets an easy ride and is accountable to nobody at the RFU.
He wrote in his MailOnline column: "There is nobody at Twickenham qualified to hold Eddie Jones to account in the rugby sense, he clearly has them all in his pocket. He can’t be questioned, which is a massive weakness.
"When he made a mess of the Six Nations last year the RFU apparently held a cosy little inquest with a collection of ‘rugby experts’, which was in itself an acknowledgement there was no one at Twickenham willing to question Jones.
"In the absence of anybody from above questioning Jones, will the England senior players demand a few words with Eddie on Monday? The likes of Owen Farrell, if he’s in camp, Maro Itoje, Ben Youngs and increasingly Tom Curry.
"This is their team, they must take ownership. And those senior players should also admit to Eddie that they got things wrong as well. An adult conversation is badly needed.
“England could or even should have won what was always going to be a tricky game. This tournament isn’t over for them but they need to debrief honestly and look in the mirror — that is where the faults lie, nowhere else.”
Ireland ready for "test of all tests" after beating Wales
Andy Farrell is braced for the "test of all tests" away to France after Ireland stylishly launched their Guinness Six Nations campaign by swatting aside reigning champions Wales.
The in-form Irish are flying on the back of nine consecutive victories but face a major examination of their title credentials next weekend with a visit to the pre-tournament favourites in Paris.
Ireland made an ideal start to the championship on Saturday afternoon as they dismantled the depleted Welsh during an emphatic 29-7 bonus-point success in Dublin.
While Les Blues were below their vintage best in overcoming minnows Italy 37-10 a day later, head coach Farrell anticipates one of the toughest assignments in world rugby.
"We know how difficult it is to go to Paris," he said. "We are lucky, I suppose, to be on a winning run.
"You are always hungry to get off to a good start and we have managed to do that. We will lick our wounds and we will prepare properly for the French test.
"It is the test of all tests isn't it, at this moment in time? Everyone knows how well they are playing."
Scarlet joins Saracens
Scarlets prop Alex Jeffries has joined Gallagher Premiership side Saracens on a short-term loan deal.
The 26-year-old tight-head joins the North London club as injury cover.
Wales U-20s international Jeffries joined Scarlets from fellow United Rugby Championship side Ospreys in 2019.
"I'm really looking forward to joining the club," he told the Saracens website.
"It's a great opportunity for me and I can't wait to get started."
All Black aims for boxing career
Former All Blacks hooker Keven Mealamu is aiming to start a new sporting career as a boxer.
The New Zealand legend, who made more than 130 international appearances, retired from rugby seven years ago.
Speaking to the New Zealand Herald, Mealamu revealed his intention to pursue a career in the ring, which will begin when he takes on former NRL star Wairangi Koopu in July.
“I’d love the opportunity to go further and do the sport really well – I’m willing to put in the time and work to make sure I learn my craft,” the 43-year-old, who is a Blues veteran of more than 160 matches, said.
“I would be very excited at that opportunity, but coming from a sporting background, I realise I’ve got to take care of what is in front of me first, which is Fight for Life.
“I don’t want to jump too far ahead and make predictions before I’ve even jumped in the ring.”
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