The Rugby Download 🏉
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This Week In Rugby 🏉
🤕 Not A Wyn For Wales? Wales Captain Alun Wyn Jones injured his shoulder in last Saturday’s loss to the All Blacks. The extent of the injury means he is set to miss the 2022 Six Nations.
💯 100% Competitor? Ireland Captain Johnny Sexton will win his 100th cap against Japan on Saturday. Twelve out of fifteen of the starting line-up are Leinster players. Full side here.
🌟 Wonderkid Benched? Despite speaking him up in the last few weeks England Head Coach Eddie Jones has decided to start Marcus Smith on bench against Tonga on Saturday, opting to start Owen Farrell at 10. Elsewhere although two specialist No.8’s were named in the initial squad Tom Curry gets the shirt, Alex Dombrandt is on the bench and Lions player Sam Simmonds has been released to his club. Full team here.
🦌 Back For The Boks? Flanker Ellis Jenkins will make his first appearance for Wales in three years on Saturday when they take on the Springboks. He last appeared against when Wales played the Boks back in 2018, he was man of the match before suffering a serious knee injury. Full team here.
🏠 Returning Home? Bath have confirmed that Wales and Lions No.8 Taulupe Faletau will leave at the end of the season to return to Wales. Cardiff are currently in pole position to sign him.
🧠 Another Legend Joins The Movement? Former All Blacks prop Carl Hayman has joined the legal action launched by former players against rugby authorities. It comes after he was diagnosed with early-onset dementia at the age of 41.
💰 Payday For Women? The Welsh Rugby Union is set to offer their first ever professional contracts to female internationals. 10 players will receive full-time deals and 15 more will receive retainer contracts.
What’s On? 📺
Internationals
Ireland vs Japan - Sat 1pm, Channel 4
Italy vs New Zealand - Sat 1pm, Amazon Prime
England vs Tonga - Sat 3:15pm, Amazon Prime
Wales vs South Africa - Sat 5:30pm, Amazon Prime
France vs Argentina - Sat 8pm, Amazon Prime
Scotland vs Australia - Sun 2:45pm, Amazon Prime
Gallagher Premiership
Leicester vs Bath - Fri 7:45pm, BT Sport 1
Wasps vs Harlequins - Sun 4:30pm, BT Sport 1
Top 14
La Rochelle vs Bordeaux - Fri 8pm, Premier Sports 1
Brive vs Racing 92 - Sat 4pm, Premier Sports 1
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Have a Ruck & Roll Weekend 🏉