England scrum-half Natasha Hunt says the inaugural British and Irish Lions women's tour to New Zealand - the first Test of which is exactly a year away today - is a massive motivation as she prepares to make her comeback from injury.

There are "currently no plans or discussions" relating to Ireland playing a Six Nations match in the United States, the Irish Rugby Football Union (IRFU) says.

Former England prop Mako Vunipola was planning to retire as a player before a phone call from from Leicester Tigers head coach Geoff Parling changed his mind.

World Rugby would help any nation which wants to switch a Six Nations match to the United States as it continues its drive to spread the game stateside.

England captain Meg Jones wants the Red Roses to have access to fertility support and egg freezing.

With the first British and Irish Lions women's Test 12 months away, BBC Sport looks at how preparations are going and whether the tour will be a success.

Holly Aitchison will win her 50th England cap when she starts at fly-half in the Red Roses WXV opener against Australia on Saturday in Manchester.

Fraser Dingwall says his omission from England's past two squads is "disappointing", but does not make a return impossible.

Scrum-half Rhea Clarke will make her first start when Scotland begin their WXV Series campaign against Canada, while Evie Gallagher returns on the openside flank.

Ireland scrum-half Aoibheann Reilly says she is "grateful" to be back among the squad after recovering from her latest injury setback.

England head coach Steve Borthwick's extra six months buys time but doesn't indicate reserves of confidence from his Rugby Football Union employers.

Aoife Wafer says Ireland are capable of joining the world's elite teams as they build on progress made in recent years.