Rugby

New Zealand defended their Wellington Sevens title with a 24-7 victory over Fiji in the final at the Westpac Stadium.

Scotland A showed their senior counterparts the way ahead of the Calcutta Cup clash at Murrayfield as they emphatically beat England Saxons in Galashiels.

Wales have received a significant double boost ahead of Sunday’s RBS 6 Nations opener against Ireland, with World Cup stars Rhys Priestland and Jamie Roberts both declared fit.

Newport-Gwent Dragons’ Angol-Welsh Cup tie against Saracens fell victim to freezing weather.

Aviva Premiership strugglers Newcastle have announced a new three-year contract for their New Zealand import Jimmy Gopperth.

Former France international Sebastien Chabal has left Metro Racing over a disagreement on a contract extension, the Top 14 club said.

Keith Earls was forced to withdraw from Ireland’s opening Six Nations championship match against Wales after his newborn daughter was taken ill.

The Ospreys have announced that former Wales wing Shane Williams will end his playing career with them in May this year. Williams retired from Test rugby in December after winning 87 caps and scoring a Wales record 58 tries.

15-Ben Foden, 14-Chris Ashton, 13-Brad Barritt, 12-Owen Farrell, 11-David Strettle, 10-Charlie Hodgson, 9-Ben Youngs; 8-Phil Dowson, 7-Chris Robshaw (captain), 6-Tom Croft, 5-Tom Palmer, 4-Mouritz Botha, 3-Dan Cole, 2-Dylan Hartley, 1-Alex Corbisiero

England have named three uncapped players in their starting XV for the Six Nations opener against Scotland at Murrayfield. Saracens duo Brad Barritt and Owen Farrell make up the centre pairing, with Northamptons Phil Dowson also making his debut at No.8.