Ronan O’Gara has followed Michael Cheika in criticising a New Zealand referee after La Rochelle’s Top 14 defeat to Toulon on Sunday. The Irishman is not averse to taking aim at the officiating having received several bans over recent years and he once again had issues at the weekend.

When you scan your nose over the Six Nations table heading into the 25th edition, you almost feel the title is a process of elimination.

Tadhg Furlong has been ruled out of Ireland’s Six Nations opener against England next Saturday after suffering a recurrence of his calf injury in training.

Oscar Jegou and Hugo Auradou, who were investigated over rape claims last year before they were dismissed, will start on the bench for France's Six Nations opener against Wales, coach Fabien

An update on the assessment of the injury to Tadhg Furlong is due during the week after investigations are completed in Dublin.

Dupont links up with Toulouse colleague Romain Ntamack as his half-back partner, and there is a start for exciting Pau wing Theo Attissogbe for the injured Damian Penaud

World Player of the Year Thierry Dusautoir gives his verdict on who will win the Six Nations - and gives his judgement on the job Ronan O'Gara is doing with La Rochelle

ENGLAND have announced their starting xv to play Ireland in Dublin on Saturday. Steve Borthwick has made some bold selections for their Six Nations opener. Twins Tom and Ben Curry start in back

Ireland are hopeful that Tadhg Furlong will be fit to take some part in this year's Guinness Six Nations, following a recurrence of his calf injury.

British and Irish Lions prop Tadhg Furlong will miss Ireland's Six Nations opener against England on Saturday because of injury.

Fixtures and coverage times for the Under-20 Six Nations Championship, which begins on Thursday with defending champions England taking on Ireland in Cork.

Simon Easterby has explained that the selection of Sam Prendergast ahead of Jack Crowley for Saturday’s Six Nations opener against England was not a “preconceived” decision and that both tens will play plenty of rugby for Ireland in the years to come.