Rugby evening headlines as Word Rugby issue statement on Wales furore and McGeechan 'baffled' by Pivac tactics

Here are the latest Six Nations headlines on Sunday, February 27.

World Rugby have issued a statement in the wake of the controversy involving Wales star Tomas Francis.

Six Nations chiefs are now due to review the circumstances surrounding how Francis was allowed to return to the field against England despite appearing unsteady on his feet following a serious head collision.

It comes after an open letter was published by lobby group Progressive Rugby demanding answers and describing what unfolded as "a clear and flagrant breach of HIA protocol". You can read the full details of that here.

The WRU have declined to comment at this stage, but World Rugby have said: "Player welfare is paramount for everyone involved in rugby and a collaborative approach is at the heart of ensuring all processes, such as the Head Injury Assessment (HIA) operational in elite competitions, are followed for the good of the game.

"As with other elite international competitions, World Rugby works alongside Six Nations Rugby, who conduct reviews following every Championship game, to identify and address any potential issues that arise from these matches.

"This approach is supported by a dedicated HIA review process, which is available to tournament organisers where required.

"Meanwhile, World Rugby can confirm that all match officials involved in the current Six Nations participated in an education workshop delivered by the Chief Medical Officer last week to reaffirm their critical role in supporting the HIA process."

Michael Lowry shone on debut as Ireland returned to winning ways in the Guinness Six Nations by blitzing 13-man Italy with a 57-6 bonus-point success in Dublin.

Electric Ulster full-back Lowry and James Lowe claimed two tries