Rugby

Fin Smith steps up training with hopes of facing Australia

The England fly-half suffered a calf injury in Northampton’s defeat by Leicester on October 24.

Injury blow for England as Alex Mitchell ruled out of autumn internationals

Mitchell suffered a hamstring injury at the weekend.

What time and channel is Ireland vs Argentina on? TV and live stream info

Ireland take on the Pumas in their opening Nations Championship game

Alex Mitchell and Archie McParland to miss England showdown with Australia

The scrum-halves are out of contention for the autumn opener.

Three things we learned from Stormers v Ulster: How a promising start turned into another painful defeat

Ulster had more possession and territory in Cape Town but still lost 33-7. From a costly scrum battle to a questionable tactical shift, here is why a promising afternoon unravelled.

Ulster still searching for first URC win after defeat to Stormers

Province depleted by international absentees

Robbie Diack’s heart is still with Ulster as former Stormer hopes for Cape Town upset

The former Ireland back-row has swapped Belfast for Stellenbosch, but still follows Richie Murphy’s side closely and believes their results disguise plenty of promise ahead of Saturday’s clash with his other old club.

James Hume and Rob Herring set for season bows in South Africa

With Robert Balacoune and Jacob Stockdale shaped holes to fill in the back three, Zac Ward, Ethan McIlroy and Michael Lowry are given a shot from the off.

Gareth Steenson: Ulster can hurt the Stormers - stopping them is another matter

With nine players missing on Ireland duty, Steenson believes Ulster can still cause problems in Cape Town, although another slow start against formidable South African opposition could prove costly.

England sweat on Fin Smith fitness ahead of Australia clash

George Ford or Marcus Smith will come in should Fin Smith be unavailable.