rugby

Playing Thursday 25 May, 7pm: St Helens take on Wigan Warriors

St Helens’ new head coach Justin Holbrook takes charge of his side for the first time in the home derby match against Wigan Warriors.

The Australian has retained the same squad squad that thrashed Hull FC 45-0 at Magic Weekend.

Champions Wigan have Thomas Leuluai back from a broken jaw and Sam Powell after an ankle problem.

The Warriors won 29-18 in the reverse fixture on Good Friday when Saints prop Kyle Amor was sent off early on.

Source: BBC Sport

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Showing 7:30pm 9 November: Womens rugby – England v France

Rochelle Clark is set to equal Jason Leonard’s England cap record on Wednesday as England Women take on France in the first of their November internationals at the Twickenham Stoop.

The Worcester Valkyries prop has been named on the bench for the clash with the reigning Six Nations champions, and will match Leonard’s mark of 114 caps if she comes on.

The 35-year-old made her debut back in 2003 and was part of the England team that won the World Cup two years ago.

And she admits the idea of equalling the cap record was something she could never have predicted when she made her Test bow 13 years ago.

“When I got my first cap, I never imagined I would go on to get so many,” Clark told BBC Sport.

“Getting my 100th cap was special and I imagine it will feel like that. I just want to get through the warm-up and make sure I am in one piece.

Source: rbs6nations.com

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Showing 2.30pm, 29 October: England v New Zealand, Four Nations

Wigan centre Liam Farrell and stand-off George Williams will be trimmed from England’s squad to face New Zealand in the Four Nations opener on Saturday.

Coach Wayne Bennett will stick with half-backs Gareth Widdop and Luke Gale, while Dan Sarginson comes in at centre.

John Bateman is set to feature in the second row, while captain Sam Burgess will make his first England appearance since returning from rugby union.

“George Williams will be out, as will Liam Farrell,” said Bennett.

South Sydney Rabbitohs’ Burgess, who was banned for the friendly win over France last week, last played league for England in the World Cup semi-final defeat by the Kiwis at Wembley in 2013.

“Sam’s ready to pull on the England rugby league shirt,” added Australian coach Bennett.

Source: BBC Sport

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Showing 7.45pm, 20 October: European Rugby Challenge Cup – Bath v Bristol

Bath make seven changes from the side that beat Pau as they host local rivals Bristol in the European Rugby Challenge Cup at the Recreation Ground.

Matt Garvey and Guy and Zach Mercer make up the back row, with Taulupe Faletau and Francois Louw among 14 Bath players sidelined with injuries.

Fly-half Billy Searle makes his first competitive start for Bristol, as Andy Robinson makes 11 changes to his side.

Bristol have lost all seven of their competitive matches so far this season.

Robinson is without 15 of his first-team squad, with Samoa fly-half Tusi Pisi the latest to join the injury list.

Source: BBC Sport

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Showing 7:45pm, 13 October: Harlequins v Stade Francais European Rugby Challenge Cup

Harlequins make three changes to the side which beat Northampton as they begin their European Challenge Cup campaign at home to Stade Francais.

Quins reached the final of the competition last season, but were beaten 26-19 by Montpellier in Lyon.

Tim Swiel starts at fly-half while prop Joe Marler has recovered from a back spasm and Will Collier also starts in the front row.

Forwards Kyle Sinckler and Mark Lambert are ruled out with concussion.

Stade Francais lie 11th in the French Top 14 after eight games of the season, having won three times and suffered four defeats.

France lock Pascal Pape captains the side, which also includes Italy number eight Sergio Parisse.

Quins and Stade Francais are in Pool Five of the European Challenge Cup, alongside Edinburgh and Romanian outfit Timisoara Saracens.

Source: BBC Sport

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Showing 7.30pm, 8 October: Argentina v Australia Rugby Championship

Argentina and Australia will both be keen to end this year’s Rugby Championship in style when the southern hemisphere tournament breaks new ground at Twickenham on Saturday, live on Sky Sports 3 HD from 6.30pm.

It will be the first time a Rugby Championship fixture has been staged in the northern hemisphere, with organisers hoping to tap into the two countries’ expatriate following in London in the hope of a big crowd.

Source: SkySports.com

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Showing 3pm 8 October: Harlequins v Northampton

Harlequins make four changes to the side which lost to Wasps last weekend.

England international Joe Marler, Rob Buchanan and Kyle Sinckler form a new front-row partnership and Nick Evans returns at fly-half.

Captain Tom Wood returns for Northampton, one of five changes to the XV which beat Exeter Chiefs.

Full-back Ahsee Tuala, centre Luther Burrell and fly-half Stephen Myler are named in the back line, while Teimana Harrison is back at number eight.

Harlequins have won both of their home games so far this season, but Saints have been victorious in the last seven meetings between the two sides in all competitions.

Source: BBC Sport

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