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Here are your rugby morning headlines for Thursday, February 12.
English star confirms Test future after Welsh interest
Ollie Hassell-Collins has appeared to end any lingering speculation over a potential switch to Wales by reaffirming his commitment to England.
The Leicester Tigers wing, who qualifies for Wales through his grandmother, had previously admitted he would consider representing Wales if his England opportunities dried up. But after returning to the international fold with England A last week, the 27-year-old made it clear where his focus lies.
“It’s a pleasure to put on the England jersey, no matter what it is – whether it’s the top [national side] or the A’s,” he told BBC Radio Leicester.
Hassell-Collins scored two tries for England A in their emphatic win over an Ireland XV at Thomond Park, staking his claim once again in a fiercely competitive back-three picture under Steve Borthwick.
While the fixture took place 24 hours before England’s senior side thrashed Wales in their Six Nations opener at Twickenham, Hassell-Collins insisted the pride in wearing the Red Rose is the same regardless of the stage.
“It was a great week and nice to be involved in some of that again,” he added.
The comments represent a notable shift in tone from this time last year. In February 2024, Hassell-Collins openly acknowledged that Wales was “still part of who I am” and said he would “never turn it down” if the opportunity arose, with Warren Gatland previously expressing interest in the winger.
Under eligibility rules, he would have been able to switch allegiance in 2026 had he not featured for England or England A again. However, his continued involvement in England’s A set-up has effectively shut that door for the foreseeable future.
Hassell-Collins has won two senior England caps, both during the 2023 Six Nations, and was one of the Premiership’s most prolific finishers last season with 18 tries in all competitions, including 13 in the league.
Despite stiff competition on the wing, with Henry Arundell and Tom Roebuck both impressing against Wales, Hassell-Collins made clear his international ambition remains firmly tied to England.
“Obviously I’d love to play for England again, that will always be my dream, but obviously there’s some very good wingers,” he said.
His recent England A involvement also ensured face time with Borthwick as he continues to push for a senior recall.
“During the week, Steve came in to watch one of the sessions,” Hassell-Collins revealed. “It’s little things like that and getting to speak to him, whereas some people may not be able to.
“But being able to come together as a group from different places and buy into the same thing is a unique thing and it’s a skill in itself.”
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Young star says Wales U20s laid down a marker ahead of France test
Osian Darwin-Lewis believes Wales Under-20s have already shown what they are capable of in this year’s Six Nations — and is backing his side to build on an encouraging display when France arrive at Cardiff Arms Park on Saturday night.
Wales fell to a narrow 19-16 defeat against England in their opener, but the performance, particularly in a dominant first half, has given the squad plenty of belief heading into their first home fixture.
“Overall it was a tough one to take,” said Darwin-Lewis.
“But I thought in the first half we were really good. We played in the right areas, had a lot of territory and did good things with that territory.”
Wales controlled large parts of the contest in Northampton and kept England scoreless for the entire first half, an impressive defensive effort away from home that underlined the physicality and work-rate within this young group.
“We knew they’d have a purple patch, and it was about how we would manage that purple patch. That’s something we’ll learn from as we grow as a team,” he added.
“But there’s a lot of positives there. We showed what we can do, especially in that first half. Now it’s about doing it for 80 minutes.”
England wrestled back control after the break with a more effective kicking game and sustained forward pressure, turning territory into points. But Darwin-Lewis believes the issues Wales need to address are minor adjustments rather than major overhauls.
“Our physicality was very good, especially in the first half. Keeping them to zero is something to be proud of. We know we’ve got that physicality and we’ll keep building on it,” he said.
“Their kicking game was a lot better than ours in the second half and they brought their aerial threats into it more. There were a few moments where we probably kicked a bit loosely and let them into our 22 too cheaply.
“Those are small details and they’re things we can fix.”
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Huw Jones vows to reignite Scottish attack against England
By Anthony Brown, Press Association
Huw Jones is determined to help Scotland’s much-vaunted back-line ignite against England after being stifled by Italy in their frustrating Guinness Six Nations opener last weekend.
The Scots were unable to get their free-flowing attacking game going as torrential rainfall turned their showdown in Rome’s Stadio Olimpico into an attritional battle.
Scotland went down to a dismal 18-15 defeat, cranking up the heat on head coach Gregor Townsend and his players ahead of this weekend’s visit from in-form England.
“England are obviously a brilliant team, so it’s a tough prospect,” said British and Irish Lions centre Jones.
“But I think this is probably the perfect game and opposition for us. You don’t need any more motivation, especially after a loss when everyone’s hurting.
“We didn’t really get to play on the weekend, so I think we all have that pent-up frustration and energy from a really frustrating game.
“Even if we’d won that, I think I would have come away from that being like, ‘I didn’t get to do anything’. I’m really angry about that and I think this week that adds to the fuel of just wanting to go out and show what we can do.”
Scotland have won three of the last four Calcutta Cup clashes at Murrayfield, including the last two, but Jones insists that will count for little this weekend.
“They’re a different team, we’re a different team,” said the 32-year-old. “I don’t think it’s ever that helpful to look back and be like, ‘we beat them a couple of years ago’.
“Knowing we beat England, I think that’s always a good thing, but it’s a different week, it’s a different game.
“It’s just about being focused on this game and what we’re doing this week.”
Saturday marked the first time Scotland had lost their opening Six Nations match since 2020 and Jones admitted it was “one of the tougher changing rooms I’ve been in”.
“It’s frustrating, obviously, because you want to start well,” he said. “The Six Nations is all about momentum and building those wins. We didn’t get the first one but you have to just let that go and forget about it.
“You don’t worry about being derailed and where you’re going to be on the table and all that stuff. It’s just game by game, so all that matters now is this game.
“We don’t worry about what’s happening after this game and what’s just happened. Our review process is done. Everything is focused on this.
“The deflation part comes straight after where you’re gutted sitting in the changing rooms. But once you’ve done that review process, that’s gone and you’re fully motivated again.”
Jones dismissed any notion that the Scotland set-up has become stale after almost nine years under Townsend.
“I think the environment’s adapted over the years,” he said. “I think it’s always growing. Right now I’d say no [it’s not stale]. I think it’s been growing and building and changing over the years.
“Obviously it’s largely the same guys, but I’ve seen growth in the team. I’ve seen players improve, I’ve seen coaches improve, and I’ve seen our game adapt and change and also improve. I believe in this group.”
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