![\"Tommaso](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/0_JS399117951.jpg\")
<\/p>\nThe latest rugby news from Wales and around the world<\/p>\n
Tommaso Allan (L) and Paolo Garbisi of Italy celebrate victory over England(Image: 2026 Getty Images)<\/p>\n
Here are your rugby morning headlines for Tuesday, March 10.<\/p>\n
Sam Warburton admits ‘I got it wrong’<\/p>\n
Sam Warburton admits Italy have proved him wrong after the former Wales<\/a> captain previously said they were “not good enough” to be a part of the Six Nations.<\/a><\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n 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<\/a> to allow a second-tier side like Georgia to have a chance of taking their spot.<\/p>\n However, the Italians could now seal their best ever Six Nations finish if they beat Wales in Cardiff<\/a> this weekend, having achieved a first-ever win over England on Saturday after beating Scotland in the opening round.<\/p>\n 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”.<\/p>\n “I have no problem admitting when I’m absolutely wrong,” he told the BBC<\/a> 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.<\/p>\n “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.<\/p>\n “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.”<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n “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.<\/p>\n “He has put in a lot of time as a defensive coach and he has gone to Italy and their defence was brilliant.”<\/p>\n Get the latest Wales Rugby merch at Kitbag<\/p>\n This article contains affiliate links, we will receive a commission on any sales we generate from it. Learn more<\/a> from \u00a35<\/p>\n Kitbag<\/p>\n Buy Now on Kitbag<\/a><\/p>\n The Six Nations is running from February 5 to March 14 and Wales Rugby fans can get the latest jerseys, hoodies and more at Kitbag.<\/p>\n Eddie Jones makes feelings clear on Steve Borthwick<\/p>\n Eddie Jones has backed Steve Borthwick to remain as England head coach despite their miserable Six Nations<\/a> Championship campaign.<\/p>\n England\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n \u201cI have had this rule for 30 years and it has never let me down,\u201d Jones told Planet Rugby<\/a>. \u201cYou 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.\u201d<\/p>\n Jones believes England\u2019s recent losses show a team that has been repeatedly rocked early in games \u2014 referencing boxing legend Mike Tyson to describe their struggles.<\/p>\n \u201cMike Tyson said everyone has a plan until they get punched in the mouth,\u201d he said. \u201cEngland have been punched in the mouth three times in three weeks.\u201d<\/p>\n Despite the criticism directed at Borthwick following the defeat to Italy, Jones believes England are still led by the right man.<\/p>\n \u201cIs there a better coach available than Steve Borthwick? No, there isn\u2019t,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n \u201cSteve 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.\u201d<\/p>\n Jones also called for patience around the current England squad, arguing that the team must be allowed to learn through difficult moments.<\/p>\n \u201cTrust me, they are nowhere near as bad as people are making out,\u201d he said. \u201cEqually, they were nowhere near as good as people were making out when they were on their run.<\/p>\n \u201cPatience 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.\u201d<\/p>\n Six Nations star to learn fate after shocking incident<\/p>\n Oscar J\u00e9gou will discover his fate today after being cited over an alleged eye-gouging incident during France\u2019s dramatic Six Nations Championship clash with Scotland.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n J\u00e9gou 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.<\/p>\n A disciplinary hearing will take place today via video conference at 9.30am before an independent panel.<\/p>\n The incident sparked strong reaction after footage circulated online, with former Wales captain Sam Warburton saying it would have been a \u201cstraight red card\u201d had it been spotted during the match.<\/p>\n Scotland went on to win the high-scoring encounter 50-40, leaving the championship title to be decided on the final weekend.<\/p>\n Former World Rugby referee Nigel Owens was surprised the incident wasn’t picked up by the TMO.<\/p>\n “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.<\/p>\n “Looking at that footage, that player is going to be in a bit of trouble.”<\/p>\n France’s Oscar Jegou has been cited(Image: BBC)<\/p>\n Rugby league star switches codes as he eyes World Cup<\/p>\n![\"Content](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/0_Untitled-11jpeg.jpg\"\/)
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