Players stress importance of unity and describe how war affects their preparations for the tournament
Latest editorial
Ireland sure referee Owens will protect stars against France
Ireland’s Johnny Sexton
IRELAND trust referee Nigel Owens to protect their top stars against any late hits from France in Paris on Saturday, forwards coach Simon Easterby said yesterday.
Linchpin fly-half Johnny Sexton was targeted with a string of late tackles at the Stade de France two years ago when Ireland slipped up 10-9 in the 2016 Six Nations.
Ireland will open their Six Nations campaign in Paris this weekend, with Easterby adamant the officials will keep both sets of players in line.
Similar stories
Governing body says officials acted within laws and player welfare remains top priority
Wallabies warned over potential breach of contract if they fail to release Test players
Twickenham clash looms ahead of three-Test summer tour to Argentina and United States