Courtney Lawes believes Maro Itoje could thrive at blindside flanker for England in the absence of Chris Robshaw.
Stuart Barnes discusses bonus points, England's midfield dilemma and more problems for France in his Six Nations preview.
The Six Nations is being billed as a two-horse race between England and Ireland and that is perfect for Wales.
Leicester booked a place in the Anglo-Welsh Cup semi-finals with a battling 27-20 home win over neighbours Northampton.
Alex Dunbar has signed a new contract with Glasgow Warriors that keeps him at the club until May 2019.
Injuries hurt Ireland in last year's Six Nations but an historic end to 2016 has them firmly back in title contention.
The Blues will host their Super Rugby clash against the Reds in Apia, five days before facing the Lions at Eden Park.
Scotland will look to build on their impressive performances in the autumn and capitalise on three home fixtures.
Dean Richards hailed both teams for entering "into the spirit of it" after Rodney Parade was turned into a quagmire.
Italy coach Conor O'Shea has been described as "a master motivator" ahead of his coaching bow against Wales on Sunday.
Alapati Leiua will join Bristol at the end of the season from Wasps.
Italy will be hoping that their recently-bolstered coaching staff can bring better fortunes in the 2017 Six Nations.
Newcastle grabbed their first Anglo-Welsh Cup victory in three attempts this season at an almost flooded Rodney Parade.
South Africa crushed Fiji 26-5 to win the Wellington Sevens and extend their lead at the top of World Series competition.
France kick off their Six Nations campaign against England at Twickenham, with revenge on their minds.
England winger Anthony Watson has been ruled out for three to four weeks by a hamstring problem.
Mourad Boudjellal was so angry after Toulon's 23-20 home loss to La Rochelle he immediately cancelled their vacation.
Ospreys stretched their unbeaten Anglo-Welsh Cup record with a 20-14 win over Bristol on Saturday.
Harlequins came from behind to put themselves top of the Anglo-Welsh Cup Pool 3 with a 28-22 victory over Worcester.
Exeter kept their hopes of progressing to the Anglo-Welsh Cup semi-finals alive with an eight-try thrashing of Wasps.