Wednesday Morning Round Up

January 30, 2019
1360
Ultimate Rugby

England squad update Ireland Week

England have retained 25 players as they prepare for their Guinness Six Nations match again Ireland in Dublin on 2 February 2019.

In addition, Joe Cokanasiga (Bath Rugby) and Brad Shields (Wasps) will remain with the squad to continue their reconditioning until Thursday when the team travel to Dublin. Ben Te’o (Worcester Warriors), who has a side strain, will also stay in camp while the team is in Portugal

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Vermeulen Reveals Why He Didn't Sign For The Stormers

The 32-year-old has confirmed that WPRFU (Western Province Rugby Football Union) president Theo Wakefield told him that the Stormers wanted to invest in their youth rather than sign him for the 2019 season.

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Six Nations Set to Introduce Relegation in New World League

Fiji and Japan are also set to join the Rugby Championship https://t.co/oIlHFQ9Oll
— Ultimate Rugby (@ultimaterugby) January 30, 2019

Discussions regarding the format of the new competition have included tier two nations Fiji and Japan joining sides from the Six Nations and Rugby Championship in a 12-team league.

If relegation is factored in, there will be two divisions in Europe and two in the southern hemisphere. The team that finishes bottom of the top-tier group of six would contest a playoff against the winner of the second tier.

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Tuilagi poised for first Six Nations start in six years

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Manu Tuilagi is set to start for England this weekend with Ben Te'o being ruled out through injury

A post shared by Ultimate Rugby (@ultimaterugby) on Jan 29, 2019 at 12:06pm PST

England have announced their squad that will travel to Ireland in hope of earning an opening day win against the Grand Slam Champions. Full Story

Romain N'tamack set to make test debut vs. Wales

Just a day before the release of his starting 23 to face Wales, head coach Jacques Brunel has reportedly dismissed Mathieu Bastareaud from his team for the Friday clash.

According to rugbyrama, Brunel has decided he will do without the vice-captain and personally told him he will remain in the stands on Friday evening.

The move will see 19-year-old Romain N'tamack earn his test debut in the starting line up alongside Wesley Fofana.

Predicted France line up to face Wales:

1. Poirot

2. Guirado

3. Atonio

4. Vaahamahina

5. Willemse

6. Lauret

7. Iturria

8. Picamoles

9. Parra

10. Lopez