English star ruled out, as Six Nations launches

England captain Owen Farrell has been ruled out of the entire Six Nations championship after suffering a second serious ankle injury in the latest blow to head coach Eddie Jones's preparations for the competition that begins next week.

Farrell had surgery in November on an ankle he injured playing against Australia then injured the other ankle in training as he prepared to return to action with his club Saracens last week.

Saracens confirmed on Wednesday that Farrell would have an operation later in the day and would be out of action for eight to 10 weeks.

"It's a massive blow for him personally, and for the team but it's obviously an opportunity for other guys to step up into leadership roles, for other players to play for that 12 jumper," Jones said.

"In today's rugby having your best team on the field is a rare occurrence. We're pretty used to it. Last night we had to leave our hotel (in Brighton) because of a fire outside, so the boys are adaptable, they know how to get on with it and there's an opportunity there to build a bit more leadership depth."

Farrell had been set to start at inside centre, with Marcus Smith at flyhalf, when England open their campaign away to Scotland on February 5th.

Jones has now recalled specialist flyhalf George Ford to the squad but, with Manu Tuilagi also out injured, he will need to come up with a yet another new plan for his midfield.

England finished fifth in last year's competition having won it in 2020.

Injuries to hamper Wales title tilt

New Wales captain Dan Biggar says the upcoming campaign feels like his first as he prepares to lead a squad missing 680 caps to injury, including regular skipper Alun Wyn Jones.

Biggar will make his bow as captain in Wales' opener against Ireland in Dublin on February 5th, as they seek to retain the title they won last year.

The flyhalf has tapped up Jones for some advice, but also believes wearing the number 10 jersey has its own kind of pressure that has prepared for the senior leadership role.

"He (Jones) said to just be my own man. I have worked with him for a number of years, so have picked up one or two of the bits that he does around the place," Biggar told reporters.

Biggar has 95 caps for his country and if he stays injury-free through the Six Nations will reach three figures in their final fixture at home to Italy on March 19.

"It will be a huge day for me personally. But I am more interested in how many more I can get. I am not looking at one hundred and out. It is about getting through to the next World Cup and excelling," he said.

Scotland hoping to improve

Coach Gregor Townsend says Scotland must build on the potential they have shown in recent Six Nations championships as they seek a first title success since 1999.

Scotland open against England at Murrayfield on February 5th, having claimed a memorable 11-6 win at Twickenham last year, which they followed up with win victories over Italy and France.

But narrow losses to Wales, by a single point, and to Ireland by three saw them miss out on the trophy.

"It is about the first two games for now," he said.

"Let's see what we can do against England and see how we can improve against Wales. Then we will know where we are in the championship after that.

"But we have the experience, players and belief that we can do as well as we have ever done."

Italian legend hoping for one last hurrah

Italian rugby great Sergio Parisse could still get the swansong he has longed for at the Six Nations next month, with coach Kieran Crowley saying he could be selected if fit and in form.

Italy's leading appearance maker was due to retire from international rugby after the 2019 World Cup before changing his mind, while the coronavirus pandemic put paid to a scheduled farewell appearance at last year's Six Nations.

Parisse declared himself available for this year's tournament, only to be omitted from the original squad with a wrist injury, but Crowley insisted the door is open for the 38-year-old to make his long-awaited farewell.

"He's always indicated that he would like to come back, if his form was up to it," said Crowley.

Parisse's 142 international test caps trail only Wales' Alun Wyn Jones and New Zealand's Richie McCaw on the all-time list.

Italy will need all of Parisse's experience as they look to bring an end to a 32-match losing streak in the Six Nations, a run which stretches back to 2015.

Ireland looking long term

A challenging Six Nations schedule over the next two months will allow Ireland more opportunity to prepare thoroughly for next year's World Cup, according to their coach Andy Farrell.

Ireland start against defending champions Wales in Dublin on February 5th and are then away against France on Feb. 12 and later against England at Twickenham on March 12 in a tough fixture list.

"Having the champions at home for the first game is unbelievable, challenging and exciting at the same time," Farrell told a virtual news conference to launch this year's competition.

"Going to Paris and going to Twickenham is where we want to be, we want those challenges. We want it to be as tough as we possibly can because we keep finding loads about ourselves."

Farrell said the World Cup preparations were now in full swing, following their win at home over top ranked New Zealand in November.

-Reuters