Strong Irish influence in Farrell’s Lions coaching staff

Richard Wigglesworth, Simon Easterby, Andrew Goodman, John Fogarty and John Dalziel have all been confirmed as part of Andy Farrell’s British and Irish Lions coaching team for the tour of Australia this summer. England senior assistant coach Wigglesworth is a surprise selection formerly solely in charge of England’s attack he now also works with a focus on kicking strategy.

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France overpower Scotland to win Six Nations title

France secured the Six Nations championship with a flourish – and quashed England’s hopes – by ultimately overpowering a dogged Scotland in Paris. Four French tries did not just secure the title in terrific style, it also brought their tally to 30 across the five games – a new Six Nations record, breaking a mark set by the English in 2001. Fabien Galthie’s team roared into an early 10-0 lead thanks to the first of Yoram Moefana’s two tries and a penalty from Thomas Ramos, who later surpassed Frederic Michalak as France’s all-time top points scorer.

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England demolish Wales to end Ireland’s title hopes

England are poised to profit on any slip-up by title favourites France after scoring 10 tries in a record Six Nations win over woeful Wales at the Principality Stadium. If France fail to beat Scotland in Saturday’s final match (20:00 GMT kick-off) then England will lift the trophy for the first time since 2020.

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Ireland limp to victory against inspired Italy

Ireland held off a spirited Italy to secure a bonus-point win in Rome and keep alive their faint hopes of winning a third consecutive Six Nations. Hugo Keenan’s first-half score and Dan Sheehan’s hat-trick ensured a win that took Ireland to 19 points in the table, three clear of France and four ahead of England. Italy scored tries through Monty Ioane and Stephen Varney, but ultimately paid the price for ill discipline.

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England run in seven tries against Italy to remain in contention

England are best placed to take advantage of any final-day slip-up by Six Nations leaders France after they moved up to second in the Six Nations table with a seven-try victory over Italy at Allianz Stadium. Wing Ollie Sleightholme crossed twice in an ultimately comfortable victory, but the hosts were made to sweat early on with Italy scoring two superb tries to stay within four points at half-time.

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