#Nathan Hughes

With COVID cancellations and postponements across different leagues, it feels important to be optimistic. Rugby has plenty of exciting attractions in 2022, both at the elite level, and emerging competitions. We preview seven rugby highlights to look forward to this year: After memorable performances from England, France, and Ireland in the Autumn…

Joe Heyes returns from England duty to start for Leicester Tigers against Bath on Saturday afternoon (3pm). The 22-year-old tighthead prop was released from Eddie Jones' squad having not featured in the first two rounds of the Six Nations, while Ollie Chessum, George Ford, Ellis Genge, Freddie Steward and Ben Youngs were retained. Heyes' cover…

Sale survived Bristol's second-half comeback and Arron Reed's 33rd-minute red card to make the Champions Cup quarter-finals for the third time. The visitors made light of Reed's dismissal for a high hit to race into a 24-3 lead early in the second half. Bristol reeled in the visitors via tries from Harry Thacker, Luke Morahan and Joe Joyce, but…

Under the new proposals, players will be able to represent the country of their or their ancestors' birth after a three-year stand-down period. The likes of All Blacks superstar Charles Piutau could represent Tonga as soon as next year in what would be a major boost to Pacific Island nations before the 2023 Rugby World Cup. The World Rugby council…

The 2022-23 Gallagher Premiership season kicks off on Friday with a west country derby between Bristol and Bath at Ashton Gate. It is the 26th Premiership campaign, and 11-time champions Leicester will defend the crown they won after a thrilling Twickenham final against Saracens. Here, the PA news agency looks at the 13 runners and riders,…