Manu out of RWC after conviction for assaulting a police officer

He'll be missed by England, but I think RFU and Lancaster have done the right thing.

Not the first time he has got into trouble either - hardly been fit either

I guess the silver lining from a Rugby perspective is his gametime has been so limited of recent for them, that they're not losing out on anything in that regard.

I guess we're probably looking at Barritt and JJ, or will farrell get the nod?

Agree, I'm more upset at him, attacking a taxi driver and then pushing police around just smacks of people thinking they're above certain things. This added to NZ world cup, the issue at 10 downing street and it just really annoys me that one of the best players of our generation throws away his talent and we'll miss him at the WC. I know the Aussies and Welsh will be happier to not be facing him.

As other said, on the positive side our centres actually looked creative in the 6N so we have options.

Amusing watching Richard Cockerill 'not condoning what Manu has done' by pretty much doing exactly that when interviewed earlier.

Don't showboat.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/rugby-u...linkname=wales

Can someone explain the Champion's Cup play off that Gloucester have to do to me?

Do they have to beat both Connaught AND whichever Top 14 side finishes 7th?

Do either of those sides just have to win one match?

No.
From Wiki:

The 7th place team in the Aviva Premiership will play a single match against the 8th placed team (or highest placed team not already qualified) in the Pro12. Home advantage in the match will be decided by a coin toss. In the event that the 2014–15 European Rugby Challenge Cup winner is an Aviva Premiership club, and that this club has not automatically qualified for the Champions Cup, it will take the place allocated to the 7th place team in the Premiership. As it transpired, Gloucester – who were ninth in the Aviva Premiership – qualified for the play-off, having beaten Edinburgh 19–13 in the Challenge Cup final. The winner of that game will host the 7th placed team in the French Top 14. The winner of that game will be considered the winner of the play-off and qualify for the Champions Cup.


It IS slightly unfair that the English/Celtic team would have to play 2 games to the French's 1, but then that's the nature of European Rugby nowadays.

Cheers, it does seem a bit weighted in favour of the French side.

Like they need any more help in getting into Europe, with their bigger salary cap and abundance of overseas players.

They don't exactly tend to over-exert themselves on the road though.

That is true, I guess Gloucester will be hoping to win that coin toss
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Elsewhere.....

Quins confirm Jamie Roberts signing

Interesting move, especially as Gatland wanted him back in Wales. Very good signing for Harlequins.

I think they have won the toss already .I'm, sure BT were advertising the game being at Kingsholm.

Also interesting to see he seemingly has a release clause in his contract. With all these new signings I do wonder whether Quins can afford the fine, or indeed if they'll step sanctions up having already fined Saints over North.

Perhaps the (pathetic, punitive, childish) fines will come out of his wages. How much are they?

There won't be much effect this year because of the World Cup - no tests outside windows or extra autumn int's.

Saints got £60k.

And they're hardly pathetic. Why do Wales think they should have access to their players for free when England have to compensate the clubs? Out-of-window matches are a privilege and not a right.

England training squad announced


No Armitage or Abendanon

also no Wade

I'm pretty content with the squad to be honest. No glaring omissions (other than the French based players but that's not really a shock).

Really pleased to see Ashton back in, and very happy that Itoje is in the squad, interested to see how he goes training with the elite squad.

Burgess is a sensible addition as well, the coaches will get more of a chance to see him around the best England has to offer and it'll either expose the huge holes in his game or highlight that he's integrated faster than they thought he would.

Yeah pretty good selection all round tbh. Nice to see Strettle back in the fold also

Maybe a bit early for Itoje to make the squad proper but he is going to be one hell of a player down the road

David Strettle really is in serious form

Definitely could be a bolter to make starting team in September

Great win away by Sarries

Immense game by Owen Faz. Stuart Lancaster will have some headache, though he may well play him 12

Anyone see the Bath game? Really interesting to see Burgess starting these big games. I think Ford answered Farrell pretty well on Sunday. Nice to have 2 very good 10s at the minute, opposite to NZ.

Saw bits and pieces. Bath's backline is just scary. Safe to say it is an outrage if Luther Burrell gets picked ahead of JJ or Eastmond.

Jonny May really put himself into contention also, with a towering display on Sunday v Connacht. I don't envy Lancaster at all there will be some massive decisions to be made

Right now are B. Youngs, Hartley, B.Vunipola and Robshaw the only actual guaranteed starters if fit?

Lawes, Dan Cole and JJ you'd have to imagine are pretty much assured though

I honestly think based on this season Goode should be given the 15 shirt, he's been immense and will probably end it with a winners medal

London Irish may play St Patrick's Day game in US


Interesting if it happens.

Dylan Hartley cited again

Oh dear oh dear

Yeah just saw that.

Tbf to Dylan there didn't seem much in it at the time, problem is his disciplinary record is so bad. His RWC place is under threat, it's like the Lions tour all over again.