Rugby chiefs look east

at a time when italy are not providing any real Six nations competition, it is relevant that the rFu revealed plans at their last council meeting to fix up games, as well as training opportunities, with romania and Georgia at under 20 level, and to help the rugby development of those countries where possible.

england’s senior team also had a scrummaging session with Georgia in the build-up to last Saturday’s defeat by Scotland.

For the future health of the Six nations, italy should play off with Georgia and romania for a place in the tournament sooner rather than later.

lSPORTS

strategists Jon Tibbs Association stood down as representatives of the three-way 2026 World Cup bid from the USA, Mexico and Canada following a conflict of interest, with new UEFA communications chief Phil Townsend’s wife Sevi being managing director of JTA. Arch-rivals Vero, who are working for Morocco 2026, have revealed they put their contract with UEFA on hold last December when appointed by Morocco, but did not announce it at the time.