Inspired Italy claim historic win over England

England suffered a historic first defeat to Italy with a 23-18 collapse at the Stadio Olimpico raising the grim prospect of falling to their worst Six Nations finish. An 18-10 lead built through tries from Tommy Freeman and Tom Roebuck and the boot of Fin Smith crumbled in the third quarter when Paolo Garbisi turned the tide by landing two penalties. Italy then took advantage of Sam Underhill and Maro Itoje being sent to the sin-bin to strike the decisive blow when Leonardo Marin finished a thrilling try down the left touchline.

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Seven try Scotland stun France ending Grand Slam hopes

Rampant Scotland annihilated French Grand Slam dreams with a stunning seven-try victory at Murrayfield that blew the Six Nations championship wide open. In a staggering contest of 13 tries and 90 points, Gregor Townsend’s men were astonishing in every way until a madcap endgame that saw France run in a battery of tries. The Scots landed seven scores and a half century of points against the previously imperious but now seriously beleaguered French.

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Ireland survive Wales scare to keep title hopes alive

Ireland kept alive their slim hopes of reclaiming the Six Nations title with a bonus-point victory over spirited Wales in Dublin. A fortnight on from dismantling England in ruthless fashion, Ireland were prevented from producing another statement performance by a hard-hitting Wales team who were chasing a first championship win since 2023. Andy Farrell’s home side ultimately dug deep to pick up the five points they needed, with tries from Jacob Stockdale, Jack Crowley, Jack Conan and Jamie Osborne.

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Dave Rennie named new All Blacks coach

Dave Rennie has been charged with guiding New Zealand to a fourth World Cup triumph in Australia next year after being named as Scott Robertson’s successor as head coach. The 62-year-old former Wallabies coach beat out Jamie Joseph for one of the biggest jobs in world rugby after an extensive recruitment process that started when Robertson made the surprise decision to step down halfway through his contract in mid-January.

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Wales fly-half Costelow ruled out of Ireland clash

Wales outhalf Sam Costelow has been ruled out of Friday’s Six Nations match against Ireland in Dublin. Costelow has not recovered from an ankle injury he sustained in the defeat to Scotland but could return in time for his country’s final match of the tournament against Italy. Costelow’s absence could mean a swift return to the starting line-up for Dan Edwards, who was dropped against Scotland.

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