In this Sunday’s The Rugby Paper (05/02/23)

The Six Nations is back!

With both matches on Saturday we will have reports, reaction, player ratings and analysis from England vs Scotland and Wales vs Ireland.

The U20s are also in action, and we’ll be covering England vs Scotland, Wales vs Ireland and Italy vs France, with a preview coming for the senior game between the latter two sides.

Away from the big tournament, expert columnist Brendan Gallagher calls for more consistent refereeing across the game.

And Chris Hewett outlines why he feels the new shot clock is a bad idea for the sport and should be banned.

Men’s domestic top level action is on hold for this weekend, but we’ll have exclusive interviews from the Premiership with Sale Sharks flanker Sam Dugdale, London Irish hooker Agustin Creevy, Newcastle Falcons head coach Dave Walder, as well as Bristol Bears women’s star Simi Pam.

Pam will be in action against league leaders Gloucester-Hartpury in the Premier 15s, with reports in the paper also coming from Exeter vs DMP Sharks, Wasps vs Saracens and Sale Sharks vs Worcester all taking place on Saturday, and a preview of Harlequins vs Loughborough Lightning.

Former international referee Steve Lander takes us on a journey through his eventful officiating career in My Life in Rugby.

Our Dream Team feature sees Ealing Trailfinders winger and former Harlequins, Saracens and Newcastle player Nathan Earle choose the best XV he has played with and against.

And England U20s prop Archie McArthur shares how he’s settling into life at Gloucester after his sudden move from Wasps, as well as diving into his ambitions for the ongoing Six Nations as he features as our Young Gun.

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