The fate of the British & Irish Lions tour this summer remains up in the air with a final decision having been deferred until next week. The home unions also have their own tours scheduled as part of their build-up to the 2023 Rugby World Cup in France. France could have their star centre Virimi Vakatawa back available for the Six Nations game against England at Twickenham next week. Following a meeting between the French Rugby Federation president, Bernard Laporte, the education minister, Jean-Michel Blanquer, and the sports minister, Roxana Maracineanu, it has been confirmed that Les Bleus’ participation is not in doubt. England, however, have chosen not to release Paolo Odogwu and Ollie Lawrence back to Wasps and Worcester respectively.

Source: The Irish Times March 06, 2021 11:37 UTC