England

Billy Vunipola’s red card continues England’s pre-World Cup woes in Ireland loss

For the second straight week, an England player had their sin-bin upgraded to a red card to throw their World Cup preparations into disarray. Billy Vunipola was sent off as England’s stuttering...

Ireland wing Keith Earls has ‘burning desire’ to go to fourth World Cup

Keith Earls has a “burning desire” to travel to the fourth World Cup of his career after celebrating his 100th Ireland cap with a stunning try on an emotional outing against England. Munster...

VIDEO HIGHLIGHTS: Ireland v England

Wales ready to meet South Africa’s physicality head on

Aaron Wainwright admits Wales will face a team that sets the bar in terms of physicality when they meet World Cup warm-up opponents South Africa on Saturday. Wales’ final preparation Test promises...

Mack Hansen has Keith Earls’ initials shaved in green hair ahead of milestone

Ireland wing Mack Hansen has marked the occasion of Keith Earls’ 100th Test cap by having his team-mate’s initials shaved into an eye-catching green haircut. The Connacht player sported ‘KE’...

Courtney Lawes wary England might ‘peak too early’ following Owen Farrell saga

Courtney Lawes insists England must avoid drawing too heavily on their fury at the treatment of Owen Farrell when they face Ireland in Dublin on Saturday. Steve Borthwick railed against the “personal...

Owen Farrell absence dominates build-up – Ireland v England talking points

Ireland and England step up preparations for the World Cup when they clash in a warm-up fixture in Dublin. The rivals are at very different stages of their development. Here the PA news agency examines...

Warren Gatland impressed by competition for World Cup places in Wales squad

Wales head coach Warren Gatland believes that “depth and competition” has increased in his squad as World Cup selection looms large. Reigning world champions South Africa provide Wales’...

Talking points ahead of Wales’ final World Cup warm-up game against South Africa

Wales play their final World Cup warm-up Test on Saturday when they tackle South Africa at the Principality Stadium. It is a last opportunity for players to impress before Wales head coach Warren Gatland...

Boks emphasise the importance of “respect” against Wales

Springbok captain Siya Kolisi and assistant coach Mzwandile Stick emphasised the importance of showing Wales the respect they deserve to achieve the desired result when the teams meet at the Principality...