Here's your round-up of all the latest rugby headlines for Tuesday, February 22.
Principality named the top Six Nations Stadium
Sam Warburton and Danny Care have named the Principality Stadium as the best in the Six Nations.
The pair were discussing the credentials of each of the six grounds as part of the BBC Rugby Union Daily podcast, and eventually settled on a definitive ranking for all six.
Rome's Stadio Olimpico was at the bottom of the pile, with the pair critical of its location, atmosphere, and lack of competitive opposition.
Ireland's Aviva Stadium, and Murrayfield, were fifth and fourth respectively.
The Stade de France was third, while Twickenham was named the runner-up, with even former England international Care admitting it didn't quite have enough to knock the home of Welsh rugby off top spot.
Care said: "As much as I do love Twickenham, I do feel the atmosphere at the Principality is unrivalled in Europe, and over the world. I'd say it's the best place in the world to play rugby, even if I've had some awful experiences there.
"My first and only game I've gone to watch was in 2007. David Strettle, my housemate, got me tickets to go and watch a game. This was my first Six Nations game in the flesh, and it was in Wales. I remember going that day, 'Wow, I want to play here for England against Wales'."
Warburton added: "Given its proximity [to the city centre], it's size, the atmosphere, the roof - I can't think of anything that could beat that."
Dawson tips Youngs to return for Wales clash
Matt Dawson believes Eddie Jones will turn to Ben Youngs for Saturday's clash with Wales.
Youngs has seen his place in the starting XV come under increased scrutiny in recent weeks, particularly after Harry Randall's solid showing against Italy in Rome, where he starred in an exciting half-back alliance with Marcus Smith.
But Dawson believes Jones will likely turn to his first-choice nine for the visit of Wayne Pivac's men.
"I think Eddie will start Ben Youngs, with Harry on the bench," he said.
"It was a decent performance by Harry in Rome. He was very accurate and brought a lot of energy and threat, but I think Eddie will go back to that Ben Youngs-Danny Care model , by bringing Harry on with 20 minutes to go, to really ramp it up, when the gaps are around. He will be conscious that no one else manages the game like Ben does.
"Are you really going to have Youngs as a replacement going into a World Cup? Where is the value in putting him on the bench?
"Is he going to change the way the game is played in the last 20 minutes? There are probably other scrum-halves who can do that.
"In a high-intensity, pressure situation, Eddie has always gone to Ben. Sometimes he’s asked Ben to deliver something different and maybe he looks at that Scotland game and thinks it is time to move on and let someone else grab hold of the reins.
"Eddie is not scared to make big changes. But I just think there are another couple of big games for Harry to play from the bench first."
Etzebeth responds to Botha criticism
Eben Etzebeth has seemingly fired back at criticism from fellow South African Bakkies Botha over the circumstances around his Toulon departure.
Botha had previously claimed he was 'disappointed' in Etzbeth following his early exit from the French club, whom he will be leaving next season to join the Sharks back in South Africa.
Botha had said in an interview with French media: “Eben Etzebeth? Incredible fighter, best second row in the world. But I regret that he only shows his best face with the Springboks,” Botha told Midi Olympique. “In Toulon, he is still a little injured, concussed and in the end, never plays. “Obviously, he was not made for France and he will turn his back on the problems the club went through to return to South Africa.”
The interview had made headlines around the world, and Etzebeth took to Twitter to offer up a reply.
He wrote: "Noted. Next time you want to ENFORCE an opinion, you've got my number."
England star Kruis retires to focus on business
England lock George Kruis has decided to retire from rugby in order to pursue a business career.
The 32-year-old former Saracens second-row will retire in May, at the end of the current Japanese league season with Saitama Wild Knights. He won 45 caps for his country and represented the Lions.
He will finish his playing days with medals and memories from his part in a Grand Slam and another Six Nations triumph, four Premiership titles and three European Champions Cup conquests.
He hangs up his boots in order to focus on his CBD oil business, FourFive, with former Wales lock Dominic Day. You can read more about Day's role in the business here.
Beale returns to Australia
Kurtley Beale will return home at the end of the French Top 14 season, having signed a deal with Rugby Australia through to the end of the 2023 World Cup.
The Racing 92 full-back will bid to become the third Australian to feature at four World Cups after being recalled to Dave Rennie's Wallabies in the autumn.
Beale's deal means he will also return to Sydney-based Super Rugby side New South Wales Waratahs.
"I'm really happy to be returning to Australia and would like to thank RA (Rugby Australia) and the Waratahs for allowing me that opportunity," the 33-year-old said in a statement on Monday.
"There's nothing better than representing my state and my country and I'll be working hard to earn the right to do both when I return to Australia.
"From what I can see the Waratahs and the Wallabies are building really strong cultures and environments and I'll be looking to contribute as much as I can to ensure that continues."
It's reported that Beale has sacrificed around £370,000 to cut his time in Europe short and return home.
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