FEBRUARY
Feb 4th: Six Nations action resumes with expected wins for England and Wales but Scotland upset the odds beating much-fancied Ireland 27-22 at Murrayfield.
Feb 6th: After a six year battle against Motor Neurone Disease, legendary Springbok and all-time great of the game, Joost van der Westhuizen, passes away, aged 45.
Feb 11th: With both countries united in celebrating the life of Joost with a cheering and rousing send off in Cardiff, Wales and England light up the Six Nations with one of the finest games played under the roof, with the visitors stealing the honours in the dying seconds, whilst France and Ireland also record wins.
Feb 12th: Rugby loses another shining star as former All Blacks and Chiefs back-row Sione Lauaki dies in Auckland, suffering from kidney failure aged 35.
Feb 19th: Victor Matfield leads the tributes to another passing as former Wallaby lock Dan Vickerman dies aged 37. “Waking up to sad news about Dan Vickerman this morning. Always enjoyed playing against him. A real competitor and a great guy.”
Feb 25rd: Eddie Jones makes the Six Nations headlines as he accuses Italy of refusing to play rugby, as the impish Conor O’Shea and Italy make England think hard about their rucking, whilst Scotland beat Wales for the first time in 10 years.