FRANCIS RETURN TO SAINTS

Piers Francis is set to be available for Saints’ game at Worcester Warriors on Saturday after being released by England. Francis had been part of a 35-man group to assemble at Pennyhill Park on Sunday evening ahead of this weekend’s clash with Australia at Twickenham.

IRELAND IN SPAIN FOR SIX NATIONS PREP

The Ireland Rugby Ream have jetted off to Spain for a five day warm weather training before the start of the Six Nations tournament, according to reports. Coach Joe Schmidt is preparing the team ahead of the tournament but not at the usual venue: the Carton House. Schmidt decided to take the team abroad following …

ENGLAND WIN TO SET UP FINAL WITH AUSTRALIA

England reached a first World Cup final since 1995 as they survived a late Tonga fightback in Auckland to set up a meeting with holders Australia. Wayne Bennett’s side were leading 20-0 with seven minutes remaining after tries from Jermaine McGillvary, Gareth Widdop and John Bateman. But Tevita Pangai Junior and Siliva Havili then crashed …