France head coach Fabien Galthie said on Tuesday he and his coaches take "complete responsibility" for including two players in his Six Nations squad who were investigated for rape in Argentina before the case was dismissed.

Ireland captain Caelan Doris said there's a feeling in the camp that they did not reach their potential during the November internationals.

LEINSTER coach Leo Cullen expects some of his players will be taking on opponents not on the pitch today – but that is fine by him.  Cullen’s men are in La Rochelle for what has become

Captains and head coaches from all Six Unions and Federations gathered in Rome, Italy, to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the Six Nations Championship.

It's not all good news for Leinster - or Ireland - as there is no further update on the condition of James Lowe.

World Player of the Year Thierry Dusautoir gives his verdict on who will win the Six Nations - and gives his judgement on the job Ronan O'Gara is doing with La Rochelle

Assuming the role of head coach on an interim basis in place of Andy Farrell, Easterby cut a relaxed figure among coaches more experienced at this annual event – Warren Gatland is heading into his 17th Championship and even Gonzalo Quesada had done his first last year.

Oscar Jegou and Hugo Auradou have been called up by France to prepare for the Six Nations after an Argentine court last month dropped aggravated sexual assault charges against the pair.

Scotland have been dealt a huge injury blow ahead of the Six Nations, with captain and influential midfielder Sione Tuipulotu a major doubt.

In December, the case against the 21-year-olds was dropped after the two forwards had faced accusations in July. Read more at straitstimes.com.

Townsend revealed that Finn Russell had been passed fit following a head injury scare at the weekend. It means he is on course to face Italy in Scotland’s opener at Murrayfield a week on Saturday.

There’s an obvious caveat that needs to be added, but there is a chance that this weekend could see the South African teams get over their EPCR competition hangovers by populating the top eight of the Vodacom United Rugby Championship log.