Here's your round-up of all the latest rugby news for Saturday, February 11.
Kalamafoni to leave Scarlets
Scarlets have confirmed Tonga number eight Sione Kalamafoni will leave the club at the end of the season. In a statement released on Friday evening, the Welsh side revealed the 34-year-old will depart "to pursue an opportunity in France".
He has made a major impact since arriving from Leicester in 2020, and last season made the second-most carries of any player in the league, while he was also sixth on this list when it came to tackles.
Scarlets head coach Dwayne Peel said: “Sione has been an invaluable member of our squad, an outstanding player, professional and leader who has helped mentor our young players at the club. We are sad to see him leave, but we know he will play a big part in our push to climb the URC table and challenge for silverware in the Challenge Cup for the remainder of the season.”
Kalamafoni said: “Myself and my family have loved our time at the Scarlets over the last three seasons and it has been a tough decision to move on. There is a special group of fans here at the Scarlets and hopefully we can give them a strong finish to the season in the URC and the Challenge Cup.”
Peel previously said of the back-rower: "A lot gets talked about overseas signings. I think in terms of quality and what he’s given he would be right up there with anyone that the Welsh regions have signed."
Scarlets general manager of rugby Jon Daniels added: “Sione is a quality player and human being and would be an asset to any squad. We are disappointed to lose him but fully respect his decision.”
Murray ready to face France despite family worry
Ireland scrum coach John Fogarty insists Conor Murray is ready to face France, despite the scrum-half's father suffering serious injuries in a road accident. Murray was initially a doubt, after his father Gerry was taken to hospital on Tuesday after being hit by a truck near Limerick while riding his bike.
However, after consulting with coach Andy Farrell, the Munster star has been selected for Saturday's blockbuster clash.
"He's (Murray) back in with the group and he's in good form and he’s looking forward to [Saturday]," said Fogarty. "We wish his dad the very best from the squad and a quick recovery. Conor's good, he's great, all considered."
LIVE UPDATES: Scotland v Wales Six Nations match updates
Dublin 'not far off hell' for France
Meanwhile, France coach Raphael Ibanez insists his side will arrive in Dublin as underdogs on Saturday.
"We feel very privileged and honoured to play against the world number one team, currently," he said. "It's a big challenge so we come here with the attitude of challenger. We know they're pretty proud of their fitness, their athleticism, their physicality as well and their good tactics, this is why they deserve their current position in the world ranking. They will be ready but we will be ready too."
Ibanez believes the ferocity of the passionate home crowd could well play a role, and says his side will need to manage the challenge.
"I do not believe Lansdowne Road is hell," he said. "It is not far off hell, but also it is not far off paradise either."
Farrell takes on fly-half duties for England v Italy
Owen Farrell has been entrusted with the fly-half duties for England's Guinness Six Nations clash with Italy after Steve Borthwick underlined the role played by Henry Slade's return in unlocking his midfield selection. Marcus Smith has been dropped to accommodate Farrell's move from inside centre to the number 10 jersey, breaking up the playmaking axis that has been in place for the last eight Tests.
Completing the overhaul for the round-two match at Twickenham is Slade's return at outside centre after missing the defeat by Scotland because of a groin injury and Ollie Lawrence's return at 12.
With Farrell restored to his preferred position and Lawrence offering a powerful running option, the midfield has a balance that has been made possible by Slade.
"In terms of the dynamic, having Henry available this week is very important," said Borthwick, England's head coach who served as Eddie Jones' number two from 2016 to 2019. "When I was an assistant coach with England, Henry played in some very important games for us and he brought some strengths in some really important games. Coming back, I can't tell you how impressed I have been with him. He's a seasoned campaigner, at both international level and club level and has an outstanding skillset."
Smith's omission means Farrell, the Gallagher Premiership's form fly-half, makes his first start for England in his preferred position since the 2021 Six Nations.
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