Wales head coach Steve Tandy has selected Max Llewellyn alongside Eddie James in midfield to face Japan in the Nations Championship on Saturday.

Ireland head coach Andy Farrell says he is excited by the prospect of another challenging journey as he admits his squad must improve before they can harbour realistic aspirations of winning next year's Rugby World Cup.

Finn Russell is frustrated at questions about when he might retire as the Scotland fly-half sounds refreshed as he prepares for another attempt to end their hoodoo against the All Blacks.

England are the second-best side in the world when they can keep 15 players on the pitch, says Rugby Football Union chief executive Bill Sweeney.

Great Britain sprint star Amy Hunt visited England's training base before Sunday's Nations Championship match against Australia.

Nick Timoney, Craig Casey and Sean Jansen will start for Ireland against Argentina in the Nations Championship on Friday night with Jamison Gibson-Park and Josh van der Flier on the bench at the Aviva Stadium.

What is the Nations Championship, who is winning and who plays who this weekend?

Scrum-half Alex Mitchell has been ruled out of the whole of England's Nations Championship after suffering his fourth hamstring injury of the year.

Wales flanker Jac Morgan believes he has added to his attacking game by moving to Gloucester in the Prem.

Clark Laidlaw, head coach at Super Rugby champions Hurricanes, has made a huge impact in New Zealand and would "welcome a conversation" about taking on the top job in Scotland.

Mike Blair says New Zealand are motivated by their undefeated record against the Scots going into their Murrayfield meeting.

Jack Conan tells the Ireland Rugby Social podcast of Andy Farrell's influence in implementing a cultural shift in camp, his shoulder injury and desire to keep playing while he feels physically and mentally able.