Gavin Mairs

Plus: South Africa ‘definitely’ joining Six Nations, says Sharks chief executive

Plus, Gavin Mairs on how Gatland is keeping the Lions squad united

Springboks director of rugby Rassie Erasmus accused the Lions of running scared after Warren Gatland rejected their desperate plea to play another fixture against South Africa ‘A’ on Saturday.

After three blowout victories and a couple of dozen Covid positive tests, this vacillating Lions tour enters a new phase this week as head coach Warren Gatland revealed the heat is on over Test places.

Wales captain has told Gatland that he hopes to “get himself right”. Plus, Springbok skipper Siya Kolisi reveals his wish for upcoming tour

Murray captains neither country nor province but was picked over the likes of Owen Farrell and Stuart Hogg, plus Maro Itoje and Ken Owens

Plus: Gregor Townsend on how Lions squad are looking to revive the spirit of 1997 - and why Japan game will be the toughest opener ever

Warren Gatland has chosen five Scots for the Lions opening warm-up match against Japan at Murrayfield, but for the first time in 71 years no Englishmen will be represented in the starting XV.

Government has been warned that any further delay to the easing of restrictions could leave full restart of game on a knife-edge

In a separate nationwide development, the tackle height for under-15 to under-18 rugby will be lowered from shoulder to armpit

Saracens can now start making preparations for life in the Premiership following resounding Championship final win

Change is in the air at the Tigers, driven by the former England forwards coach and Andrea Pinchen, the Premiership’s sole female CEO

Channel 4 is understood to be in advanced negotiations for the rights and a deal with the RFU is expected to be completed on Thursday

Slade, who is on standby for this summer’s series, could still be called up even if he refuses to take the coronavirus vaccine

Geoff Irvine pulled Bedford Blues back from the brink but as he steps down as chairman he fears for the Championship’s future

Manu Tuliagi’s return after eight months put the cap on a fine performance of genuine substance that guaranteed Sharks a play-off place

Given the Lions’ profile, and the backdrop of the racial issues of South Africa, this is too important to be left until the last minute

The poster boy of Japan’s 2019 World Cup campaign has retired to study medicine and become a doctor

Exclusive interview: O’Gara treading a path to be the perfect modern-day coach, and is on the verge of leading La Rochelle to European glory

Kruis is enjoying his year with the Panasonic Wild Knights and has now signed up for another season