Today's rugby headlines as Wayne Pivac's comments spark backlash amid 'shocking' decision

Here's your round-up of all the latest rugby headlines for Thursday, March 10.

Wayne Pivac is embroiled in a continued row over the selection of Tomas Francis after his head injury against England.

Pivac explained his stance on Wednesday, rejecting the claims of lobby group Progressive Rugby and their representative Professor John Fairclough, who described picking the prop for tomorrow's game against France as "a grave mistake".

However, Pivac responded by claiming that he would be following the experts in brain injuries - something he suggested Fairclough necessarily wasn't.

“No disrespect to the gentleman you’re alluding to, we’re going with experts in concussion," he said.

"I know he was a leading surgeon in another area of the body, I think. We’re doing everything in our power that we can do. The decision has not been taken lightly."

Progressive Rugby responded publicly, saying: "Wayne Pivac dismisses Prof John Fairclough as a leading surgeon ‘in another area of the body’. Well, he is, but he was also responsible for management of head injuries both pitch side & inpatient & continues to be involved in Sports Medical research nationally & internationally.

Alix Popham, the former Wales international diagnosed with early onset dementia after head injuries sustained playing rugby, told the i website “I just can’t understand that he [Francis] is playing. They are following the protocols but the protocols aren’t fit for purpose. It needs calling out and what is going on is shocking."

Pivac says his side's hopes of victory against France on Friday night will likely depend on their ability to keep captain Antoine Dupont quiet.

The Toulouse scrum-half has been passed fit for the clash at the Principality Stadium, having