Rugby

RUGBY : Lions Mike Phillips and Matthew Rees look likely to be major Wales injury concerns for their RBS 6 Nations opener against England.

RUGBY : Premier Rugby have made an urgent request for the referee’s report after the Guinness Premiership match between Sale Sharks and Wasps was controversially postponed.

RUGBY : Wasps and England flanker Joe Worsley could be fit for the opening RBS 6 Nations match against Wales on February 6 after learning his knee injury will keep him out for a minimum of eight weeks.

RUGBY : Wales captain Ryan Jones has been ruled out of Saturday’s clash against Australia at the Millennium Stadium.

RUGBY : Brian O’Driscoll has scoffed at suggestions South Africa are a team in decline as Ireland target the prized scalp of the world champions at Croke Park on Saturday.

RUGBY : Wales backs coach Rob Howley has described Saturday’s Millennium Stadium clash against Australia as “a defining game.”

RUGBY : Ireland coach Declan Kidney refuses to be deceived by South Africa’s collapse in form.

RUGBY : Leicester head coach Richard Cockerill has received a four-week ban after admitting two offences of match official abuse.

RUGBY : England forward Joe Worsley has undergone scans on his right knee after going off in the second minute of last Saturday’s clash against New Zealand at Twickenham.

RUGBY : Wales coach Warren Gatland has made one change from the team that beat Argentina for Saturday’s autumn Test finale against Australia in Cardiff.

RUGBY : Martyn Williams anticipates another Wales versus Australia Test match high on entertainment next Saturday.

RUGBY : Wakefield boss John Kear has issued a statement playing down links with the England coaching vacancy.

RUGBY : Nathan Hines could not care less if he has to put up with a bit of stick after helping Scotland beat his native Australia for the first time in 27 years.

RUGBY : Joe Worsley tore medial ligaments in his right knee in the opening minute of England’s 19-6 defeat to New Zealand on Saturday.

RUGBY : England manager Martin Johnson has been given a vote of confidence despite losing two out of three autumn internationals.