Warren Gatland admits Italy showdown now ‘pretty important’ for wounded Wales
Warren Gatland says Wales cannot hide away from the importance of a Six Nations appointment with Italy in Rome after they were demolished 43-0 by France.
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Next gen 10s to take centre stage for years to come
So long the preserve of Johnny Sexton and Owen Farrell, with a side of George Ford, this afternoon's Ireland v England clash throws four young out-halves into the mix in what could be a fascinating narrative for years to come.
Preview: Simon Easterby's inauguration set for England test
As tempting as it is to start rebuilding for a World Cup crack in 2027, there is a significant piece of Six Nations history for Ireland to target in the short term.
Rio Ferdinand shares 'mad' Mathys Tel Man United transfer theory after Tottenham snub
Rio Ferdinand has delivered his verdict on a potential move to Manchester United for Mathys Tel. Ruben Amorim's side have been linked with a late January swoop for the 19-year-old Bayern Munich sensation.
Little known transfer rule hits Man City transfer business ahead of deadline day
Manchester City are unable to sanction any more overseas loan departures this month having filled their squad quota.
Man City face Real Madrid in pick of Champions League play-off ties
Reigning champions Real Madrid will face 2023 winners Manchester City in the plum tie of the play-off round of this season’s Champions League, following Friday’s draw.
Man Utd get shock Alejandro Garnacho transfer exit route as Mathys Tel decision changes everything
Mathys Tel has made the decision to stay at Bayern Munich amid interest from Manchester United.
Fabien Galthie questions red card call while Wales brace for 'huge' Italy game
France made their Six Nations opener look like a canter as they destroyed Wales on Friday but lost Romain Ntamack through a red card, which ruled the flyhalf out of next weekend's clash against England. Fabien Galthie's side rolled over the visitors in a 43-0 drubbing to add to their three victories in last year's autumn series with Antoine Dupont playing chief tormentor in a scintillating first half. "The team is different when Dupont is here. He is the best player in the world and brings energy to all the players with his talent," Gregory Alldritt said. Dupont was back in the Six Nations after skipping last year's championship to prepare for the Olympics before winning the Rugby Sevens gold, and he returned with a bang. The scrumhalf delivered three assists before being replaced shortly after the interval. Although Dupont had to have his calf strapped, Galthie was reassuring about his condition ahead of next weekend's clash against England in Twickenham. Galthie praised France's discipline, with only three penalties conceded although Ntamack's red card for a shoulder-to-head tackle was a woeful low for the flyhalf. Ntamack was back with France after missing the Six Nations last year and the World Cup through injuries. "There is no question it's a yellow card, whether it's a red is debatable because he doesn't fully engage into the tackle," Galthie argued, despite some damning TV footage.