Rugby Union news

Italy coach Jacques Brunel has made two changes to the side for Saturday's Six Nations clash with England in Rome.

Sale Sharks have tied down Welsh trio Dwayne Peel, Nick Macleod and Marc Jones to new contracts at Edgeley Park.

Cardiff Blues fly-half Dan Parks has announced he has played his last game for Scotland after retiring from the international game.

Wales centre Jamie Roberts feels Scotland could be a real threat in Sunday's Six Nations clash after their narrow defeat to England.

England interim head coach Stuart Lancaster claims competitive training sessions give his fringe players an opportunity to win a shirt.

England interim boss Stuart Lancaster will be boosted by the news Lee Dickson and Toby Flood are available for selection.

Ireland coach Declan Kidney is still targeting the RBS 6 Nations title despite their opening defeat to Wales in Dublin on Sunday.

Ryan Jones has warned that Wales must not rest on their laurels after Sunday's 23-21 win over Ireland in their RBS 6 Nations opener.

Scotland boss Andy Robinson has promised to put right his side's inability to score tries after the 13-6 defeat to England.

Jamie Roberts admits he had no idea if he was going to be ready to face Ireland on Sunday but was pleased to make the starting XV.

Keith Earls has been withdrawn from the Ireland squad for their Six Nations opener with Wales, Fergus McFadden will start in his place.

Scotland boss Andy Robinson is determined for his side to put their 'nearly men' tag behind them ahead of their clash with England.

Wales head coach Warren Gatland believes his side are in good shape ahead of their Six Nations clash with Ireland on Sunday

England have named their starting XI to face Scotland on Saturday with Owen Farrell and Brad Barritt paired together in the centres.

Munster utility back Keith Earls has been named at outside centre for Ireland's opening Six Nations clash with Wales on Sunday.

Wales' legend Shane Williams looks set to retire from all forms of rugby at the conclusion of the current season.

Thierry Dusautoir has warned his France team-mates to dismiss RBS 6 Nations opponents Italy at their peril.

New captain Chris Robshaw has revealed a united focus is driving on Stuart Lancaster's new-look England squad.

England interim coach Stuart Lancaster has backed Chris Robshaw's appointment as skipper despite his lack of international experience.

Delon Armitage has been suspended from the England Saxons squad by the RFU after being arrested on suspicion of assault on Saturday.

Thomas Waldrom and Matt Banahan have been included in the England squad ahead of Saturday's Six Nations opener against Scotland.

England try-machine Chris Ashton believes he has a lot to prove ahead of the Six Nations tournament this season.

France head coach Philippe Saint-Andre has called on his squad to be consistent ahead of the Six Nations tournament next month.

England Saxons playmaker Billy Twelvetrees has completed a deal that will see him at Gloucester in the next Aviva Premiership season.

Flanker Chris Robshaw believes it's important for England to find a balance of pace and power in the back-row this year.