Centre Henry Slade, who did not play a minute of England’s Six Nations campaign earlier this year, has been recalled to the starting line-up to face Fiji.

Ireland boss Andy Farrell makes nine changes to his starting XV to face Japan; Sean Jansen to make debut from start at No 8; fellow forwards Billy Bohan, Sam Illo and Bryn Ward also set for international debuts from bench; Tadhg Beirne captains Ireland from the start for the first time

🗣️ “None of the 23, I believe, have played South Africa for Scotland in South Africa and it’s the ultimate challenge, but we see it as an opportunity.”

York Knights secure a third consecutive Super League victory for the first time in their history – as Hull FC’s poor away form continues.

Former England international Kieran Brookes signs a two-year deal with Munster, while Michael Ala’alatoa pens a one-year extension.

Japan’s Eddie Jones, back from a four match ban, makes one change to the side that defeated Italy

Nathan Cleary scores two tries in an inspirational performance as New South Wales stun Queensland to clinch the State of Origin series with victory in Brisbane.

Tom Hooper hopes he can win a Prem title with Exeter before he returns to Australia in 2028.

🗣️ “That’s the major thing, but he’s a quick learner and I like the way he plays and his intensity.”

🗣️ “This year is such a difficult one for South Africa, a year out from the World Cup.”

It’s lining up to be an all-timer! 😲

Andy Farrell includes four uncapped players in matchday 23

Anton Segner is set to become the first player born in Germany to play for the New Zealand All Blacks when he makes his debut off the bench against Italy in the second round of rugby’s Nations Championship.

Australia flanker Tom Hooper extends his contract at Exeter by a further season before agreeing to return to Super Rugby.

Finn Russell is set to be unleashed against South Africa this weekend when Scotland take on the world champions in Pretoria.

Virimi Vakatawa, whose power and pace graced France’s midfield, could turn out for Fiji against England on Saturday.

BBC Sport Wales charts the colourful 58-year rugby history of Argentina hosting Wales.

Damian Willemse missed out on the individual award after beating England after a mix-up meant it was presented to team-mate Damian de Allende instead.

Springboks ring changes for Scotland visit in Nations Championship; scrum-half Embrose Papier make first appearance for South Africa in eight years while Pieter-Steph du Toit continues to deputise for injured captain Siya Kolisi; Springboks began tournament with 45-21 victory over England

Wigan Warriors emerge victorious in a chaotic, stormy and thrilling derby with St Helens as Magic Weekend ends with a bang at the Hill Dickinson Stadium.

Wing Josh Adams hopes Wales can prove to Argentina and South Africa they have moved on since suffering heavy November losses to the southern hemisphere sides.

George Furbank to miss upcoming matches against Fiji and Argentina after appendicitis ruled him out of Saturdays heavy 45-21 Nations Championship loss to South Africa in which Tommy Freeman and Guy Pepper were both shown yellow cards late on

Super League’s Magic Weekend will return to Everton FC’s Hill Dickinson Stadium on May 1 and 2, 2027.

Decisive kick added to Sam Prendergast’s redemptory end to the season

South Africa has torn apart England 45-21 after a stunning three-try blastoff in Nations Championship rugby at Ellis Park.

Gregor Townsends side have now won four of their six Tests this calendar year after an away victory in Argentina; Scotland face South Africa next as Argentina host Wales in Saturdays Nations Championship fixtures

Everything you need to know ahead of the inaugural edition of the competition

Replacement Australia fly-half Ben Donaldson misses a last-gasp penalty as Ireland claim a comeback bonus-point win in an enthralling Nations Championship contest in Sydney.

Will Jordan scores twice to help New Zealand beat France as the inaugural Nations Championship opens with a captivating, nine-try thriller in Christchurch.

Toulouse romped to a 10-try mauling over Catalan Dragons as they had their best ever night in the Super League.

Springboks host Steve Borthwick’s side in Johannesburg in Nations Championship opener

Springboks host Steve Borthwick’s side in Johannesburg in Nations Championship opener

Head coach Andy Farrell says former Leinster wing James Lowe is unlikely to feature for Ireland while he is playing in Japan, but didn’t completely close the door on him being selected for the 2027 World Cup.

Reports had suggested that Ellis Park would be far from full for the Nations Championship clash

Scotland will begin their Nations Championship against Argentina without Finn Russell as he works his way back to full fitness.

🗣️ “We’ve created a lot of momentum and we’re looking to hit the ground running on Saturday.”

Sam Prendergast’s strong end to the season with Leinster earns him a recall to the Ireland starting team for Saturday’s Nations Championship opener against Australia in Sydney.

This week’s match against Fiji has been overshadowed by a pay dispute between players and the Welsh Rugby Union

George Furbank makes first England start since November 2024; Henry Pollock remains on bench for Steve Borthwicks side; England begin their Nations Championship campaign against South Africa in Johannesburg on Saturday

Finn Russell will not feature for Scotland in their opening Nations Championship match of the summer series against Argentina, while Jonny Gray makes his return after missing this year’s Six Nations.

Leinster confirm the return of Ireland international Joey Carbery before the 2026-27 season.

Wales head coach Steve Tandy has made six changes for the Nations Championship opener from the side that defeated Barbarians.

Head coach Steve Tandy says he is glad the latest dispute between Wales players and the Welsh Rugby Union (WRU) has been resolved.

Prendergast returns at No 10 after being dropped during the Six Nations

With just over a year until the World Cup, injury-hit Ireland look to begin the inaugural Nations Championship with victories over Australia, Japan and New Zealand.

The Welsh Rugby Union has moved to appease disgruntled Wales players after a row over match fees threatened to derail the team’s Nations Championship campaign.

Wales boost backroom team before WXV by bringing in forwards coach Steve Salvin on a full-time basis.

Ireland coach Simon Easterby says he expects Australia to try and “impose themselves” in Saturday’s Nations Championship opener in Sydney.

The owners of Premier League club Bournemouth complete their takeover of Prem Rugby side Exeter Chiefs.

In-play, in-picture adverts will not be part of ITV’s coverage of the Nations Championship in July, but the 20-second slots are set to return in November.