Schedule: Times and Details for This Week’s Team Announcements
CARDIFF, WALES - FEBRUARY 06: A general view during the RBS Six Nations match between Wales and England at the Millennium Stadium on February 6, 2015 in Cardiff, Wales. (Photo by Clive Mason/Getty Images)
With the second rest week in the books, the RBS 6 Nations returns for Round Four starting with Friday night’s clash between Wales v Ireland.
TUESDAY
First up on Tuesday Conor O’Shea will name his Italy side to take on France, looking to follow in the footsteps of Nick Mallett and Jacques Brunel in beating Les Bleus.
O’Shea’s team will be announced at 12pm GMT (1pm Italian time) with a trio of players hoping to make their international debuts, winger Luca Sperandio, fly-half Matteo Minozzi and second row Federico Ruzza.
On Wednesday the teams for Friday night’s clash in Cardiff will be announced, with Wales first up at 11am.
Rob Howley’s side come into the game off the back of successive defeats and will be keen to put that right in their final home game of the Championship.
Then Joe Schmidt will name his Ireland team with at least one change to the matchday 23 guaranteed after Andrew Trimble was ruled out of the Championship.
Tommy Bowe has been called up in his place and could challenge provincial colleague Craig Gilroy for a spot in the squad.
The remaining three teams will be announced on Thursday, starting with Guy Novès’ France side for their trip to Italy.
That will be announced at 9.30am GMT (10.30am French time), with a couple of new faces called up over the weekend, fly-half François Trinh-Duc and centre Jonathan Danty.
Then at 10am Eddie Jones will name his England squad to take on Scotland with Billy Vunipola back fit again, while Jonathan Joseph has also been recalled after missing the win over Italy.
Finally Vern Cotter’s Scotland team will be out around midday, with at least one change guaranteed after John Hardie was ruled out of the remainder of the Championship.