The latest rugby news from Wales and around the world
Tommaso Allan (L) and Paolo Garbisi of Italy celebrate victory over England(Image: 2026 Getty Images)
Here are your rugby morning headlines for Tuesday, March 10.
Sam Warburton admits ‘I got it wrong’
Sam Warburton admits Italy have proved him wrong after the former Wales captain previously said they were “not good enough” to be a part of the Six Nations.
The Italians have had a revival in fortunes in recent years having historically been the whipping boys of the tournament, losing 36 Six Nations games in a row in a seven-year run of defeats that only came to an end in 2022.
Their dismal run of form saw many question whether they were worthy of a place in the championship, with Warburton suggesting that a relegation play-off should be introduced to allow a second-tier side like Georgia to have a chance of taking their spot.
However, the Italians could now seal their best ever Six Nations finish if they beat Wales in Cardiff this weekend, having achieved a first-ever win over England on Saturday after beating Scotland in the opening round.
After watching Gonzalo Quesada’s side impress again, Warburton admits he got it wrong about Italy, adding that he is “delighted” that they are now “a genuinely good team”.
“I have no problem admitting when I’m absolutely wrong,” he told the BBC Rugby Union Weekly podcast. “Three years ago, I was sat in this chair deliberating relegation for Italy, because they had won two games in 50 in the Championship, 36 or 37 losses in a row by 20-point averages.
“I’m so happy they have proved me wrong. The tournament needs six really good, competitive teams, and I am genuinely delighted Italy are now a genuinely good team.
“They have got players like Menoncello, who can dine at the top table of world rugby. They probably haven’t had that since Sergio Parisse, no disrespect to anyone else back then. They have now got a team of players.”
Praising the Italian defence, Warburton added: “I thought England’s attack really struggled at times, but then I was looking at Italy when I was watching them and was trying not to look at it through England-tinted glass.
“I was watching Italy’s defence, their defence coach is Richard Hodges, who coached me at Cardiff and I always thought he was an exceptional defence coach and really enjoyed working with him.
“He has put in a lot of time as a defensive coach and he has gone to Italy and their defence was brilliant.”
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Eddie Jones makes feelings clear on Steve Borthwick
Eddie Jones has backed Steve Borthwick to remain as England head coach despite their miserable Six Nations Championship campaign.
England’s tournament has unravelled in dramatic fashion after a heavy defeat to Scotland at Murrayfield, a comprehensive loss to Ireland in Dublin and a historic first-ever defeat to Italy in Rome.
But former England boss Jones insists the reaction to the run of results has been over the top and urged supporters and pundits to keep perspective.
“I have had this rule for 30 years and it has never let me down,” Jones told Planet Rugby. “You are never quite as bad as the media and the fans are telling you. And you are never, ever, as good as the media and the fans are telling you.”
Jones believes England’s recent losses show a team that has been repeatedly rocked early in games — referencing boxing legend Mike Tyson to describe their struggles.
“Mike Tyson said everyone has a plan until they get punched in the mouth,” he said. “England have been punched in the mouth three times in three weeks.”
Despite the criticism directed at Borthwick following the defeat to Italy, Jones believes England are still led by the right man.
“Is there a better coach available than Steve Borthwick? No, there isn’t,” he said.
“Steve is a quite brilliant tactical coach. He is learning the emotional strategy of Test coaching on the job. And that is a really big task.”
Jones also called for patience around the current England squad, arguing that the team must be allowed to learn through difficult moments.
“Trust me, they are nowhere near as bad as people are making out,” he said. “Equally, they were nowhere near as good as people were making out when they were on their run.
“Patience and belief. Let these players fail on the job, because only when they fail on the job can they learn what it takes to succeed.”
Six Nations star to learn fate after shocking incident
Oscar Jégou will discover his fate today after being cited over an alleged eye-gouging incident during France’s dramatic Six Nations Championship clash with Scotland.
The flanker appeared to make contact with the eye area of Scotland hooker Ewan Ashman during a maul shortly before Darcy Graham crossed for his second try at Murrayfield.
Jégou has now been cited for alleged foul play contrary to Law 9.12, which covers physical abuse including contact with the eye or eye area.
A disciplinary hearing will take place today via video conference at 9.30am before an independent panel.
The incident sparked strong reaction after footage circulated online, with former Wales captain Sam Warburton saying it would have been a “straight red card” had it been spotted during the match.
Scotland went on to win the high-scoring encounter 50-40, leaving the championship title to be decided on the final weekend.
Former World Rugby referee Nigel Owens was surprised the incident wasn’t picked up by the TMO.
“It definitely should have been looked at,” he said on the BBC’s coverage at the full-time whistle. “It doesn’t look good, to be honest.
“Looking at that footage, that player is going to be in a bit of trouble.”
France’s Oscar Jegou has been cited(Image: BBC)
Rugby league star switches codes as he eyes World Cup
Rugby league star Zac Lomax has switched codes after signing a two-year deal with Rugby Australia and Western Force.
The 26-year-old will join the Super Rugby side with immediate effect after leaving Parramatta Eels, bringing an end to a months-long saga surrounding his future.
The deal means Lomax will be eligible for Australia ahead of the 2027 Rugby World Cup, which will be held on home soil.
Lomax had originally been released by the Eels to join the planned R360 breakaway rugby competition overseas, but when that project was postponed he was left in limbo after a proposed move to Melbourne Storm failed to materialise.
Now the winger will attempt to make the transition to rugby union in Super Rugby Pacific.
“I’m incredibly excited and thankful to be joining the Western Force after reaching an agreement with Rugby Australia to make the switch to rugby union,” Lomax said.
“This is a huge opportunity and a challenge I’m really looking forward to embracing. Stepping into a new code will push me as a player and that’s something that genuinely motivates me.”
The prospect of representing the Wallabies on the global stage was also a major factor behind the move.
“Like any player, the dream of one day representing the Wallabies and potentially competing at a Rugby World Cup is a powerful motivation,” Lomax added.
Phil Waugh, CEO of Rugby Australia, also welcomed the signing and believes Lomax could become a major asset as the Wallabies build towards the 2027 World Cup.
“Zac is a superb athlete with a proven track record at representative level in rugby league and we believe he has the talent and drive to make a successful transition to rugby,” Waugh said.
“He now has the opportunity to make a strong impression in Super Rugby Pacific and push for higher honours as we approach a home Rugby World Cup in 2027.”