Rugby news

England have named the same starting XV that beat Scotland on Saturday for the weekend's Six Nations clash with Italy in Rome.

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.

Leeds Rhinos have been boosted by the news Australian second row Brett Delaney has signed a three-year deal extension at Headingley.

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.

Salford have been hit by the loss of hooker Wayne Godwin for two months due to rib cartilage damage.

Manly Sea Eagles coach Geoff Toovey says his side will try to take the cold weather in their stride when the face Leeds Rhinos.

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.

St Helens coach Royce Simmons feels his side have room to improve following their 34-24 Super League win at London Broncos.

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

Leeds Rhinos began the defence of their Super League title with a win over Hull KR but Brian McDermott said they had to "fight for it".

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Keith Earls has been withdrawn from the Ireland squad for their Six Nations opener with Wales, Fergus McFadden will start in his place.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

Wigan Warriors full-back Sam Tomkins has admitted he is raring to go for the upcoming Super League campaign.

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

Winter recruit Stefan Ratchford admits he made the decision to depart Salford for Warrington as he is eager to secure silverware.

Huddersfield Giants coach Nathan Brown says he is confident his injury-hit team will still be a match for Wigan in their season opener.

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.

London Broncos head coach Rob Powell has confirmed that Craig Gower will head a "leadership group" for the Broncos this season.