Thursday Morning Round Up
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Hosts Japan Name Rugby World Cup Squad
Japan kick the tournament off against Russia with Ireland, Scotland and Samoa all in the host's pool.
【日本代表】
— 日本ラグビーフットボール協会 (@JRFUMedia) August 29, 2019
日本ラグビーフットボール協会は、9月20日(金)に開幕する「ラグビーワールドカップ2019(#RWC2019)」へ向けた日本代表最終登録メンバー計31名を決定しました→https://t.co/cA70bBuVKz #rugbyjp #OneTeam pic.twitter.com/IAyyYxFo7T
"And I would imagine his leadership qualities are coming out in full force this week" - Jamie Heaslip
Highlanders add four players to 2020 Super Rugby squad
The Highlanders have recruited Mitchell Hunt, Jona Nareki, Ngane Punivai and Connor Garden-Bachop for the 2020 season. Hunt an experienced player with 42 Super games to his name can play fullback or first-five while the other three have all shown considerable promise at a young age and now have the opportunity to press their claims at Super Rugby level.
O'Driscoll confident Ireland can turn form around 'very, very quickly'
Brian O'Driscoll is concerned by Ireland's form a month out from the Rugby World Cup but believes they can swiftly turn their fortunes around.
Ireland were the dominant team in world rugby in 2018, winning the Six Nations Grand Slam and defeating world champions New Zealand.
But this year has been a different story, with a humbling 57-15 reverse to England in Saturday's World Cup warm-up at Twickenham providing cause for concern.
Jack Nowell 'touch and go' for Rugby World Cup according to Exeter's Rob Baxter
Jack Nowell has been labelled as 'touch and go' to be fit in time for the Rugby World Cup by Exeter Chiefs director of rugby Rob Baxter.
How Scotland are preparing for the Rugby World Cup
England update: Mako Vunipola
View this post on InstagramGood news for England as Mako Vunipola’s injury won’t rule him out of #RWC2019
Brunel still unsure of final France squad for Rugby World Cup