Six Nations - All Jerseys will have names

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This change comes after the women's tournament from the previous year, and it is hoped to assist draw in casual fans.

Rugby jerseys typically only have numbers on the back, unlike football jerseys.

Although several nations have previously used their names on the backs of shirts, the Six Nations have yet to embrace this practice.

Unions have supported the action, which the tournament will likely formally approve.

During August World Cup warm-up matches, Ireland wore player names on the back of their jerseys; England and Scotland did the same during the 2022 Autumn Nations Series, and they carried on the tradition during the Six Nations alongside Italy.

In the year 2022, Bill Sweeney, the CEO of Rugby Football Union, stated, "We think player names on shirts may have the potential to bring fans to get Six Nations tickets and closer to the international stars of our game, and we look forward to seeing the reaction to this initiative."

Ireland, who won their first championship since 2018 last year, will defend their crown against France when the Six Nations begins on February 2.

Ireland: Hansen and O Brian to miss six nations

Much to the dismay of the Irish fans with Six Nations tickets, Jimmy O'Brien and Mack Hansen, two more Irish wings, have been ruled out of the Six Nations by injury.

Hansen, 25, will miss three to four months of action due to a dislocated shoulder, according to Connacht.

Later on Monday, Leinster announced that O'Brien had sustained a neck injury and would be out "for several months".

 With the prop sidelined for six months due to a shoulder injury, the two and Dave Kilcoyne will be missing the Six Nations.

Hansen's injury, sustained during his team's victory against Munster in the United Rugby Championship on New Year's Day, will be operated on Monday.

The Australian-born player has 21 Ireland caps and was vital in their Grand Slam victory the previous season.

In addition, he started Ireland's three group matches at the 2023 World Cup and their Paris quarterfinal loss to New Zealand

With eight caps for Ireland, O'Brien entered the game as a replacement during the World Cup last-eight match.

The 27-year-old last appeared in a game on December 16 when Leinster defeated Sale in the Investec Champions Cup.

On February 2, Ireland will defend their Six Nations title against France in Marseille.

Head coach Andy Farrell will name an expanded group the following week for a training camp in Portugal before the 2024 competition.

Mack's prolonged absence from Connacht is upsetting for us, head coach Pete Wilkins said to RTE Sport.

"There will undoubtedly be repercussions for the Irish Six Nations campaign, not to mention Mack's unhappiness.

"After being somewhat erratic during the World Cup, he was beginning to regain some form and rhythm.

"It's on to us to fill that vacuum and allow other players to step up because everyone loses out in that sense, and the fans will miss watching him play.

"Thankfully, he still has a great sense of humour. Even though he was wearing a sling, he was out and about with us at the end of last week.

"He left for surgery earlier today. We've communicated with him frequently. It's about attempting to lift his mood. The most important thing is to finish the surgery in the first few days so that you can begin your rehabilitation program.

"He's had a shoulder injury before, a similar injury when he was at Brumbies in Australia, so although that's terrible to have it twice, at the same time, he's familiar with the surgical process, rehab, and that length of time."

Feyi Waboso to don English colours

Immanuel Feyi-Waboso, the star winger for Exeter, will indeed select England over Wales ahead of the Six Nations, which will boost head coach Steve Borthwick.

The 21-year-old, born in Cardiff, played age-grade Rugby for Wales and was expected to be called up to Warren Gatland's team.

However, it's known that he'll be attending this week's England alignment camp, much to the delight of the English fans with Six Nations tickets.

It's still a big step, even though there's no certainty he'll make Borthwick's final Six Nations selection.

Rob Baxter's young team has been impressive in both the Premiership and Champions Cup and last week, Borthwick stated he had spoken with Feyi-Waboso about his excellent form for the Chiefs this season.

"On January 17, I will choose a squad, and the players must perform competently to merit a spot in the lineup. It's a competitive blend, according to Borthwick.

"Several clubs are contending and playing well in the Premiership right now.

"With so many teams vying for a spot in the top four, we can clearly see that the competition is competitive. It's an excellent competition. We are observing the teams' performance in the first two European rounds. I'm witnessing a lot of excellent work."

Feyi-Waboso was raised in Llandaff, playing club rugby with Rumney RFC before beginning his professional career at Cardiff in 2021.

After that, in 2022, he joined Wasps, but later that year, after Wasps failed, he transferred to Exeter.

However, Feyi-Waboso's familial ancestry also qualifies him for England, and he is presently pursuing a medical degree at Exeter University in addition to his rugby career.

Should he play for the reconstituted A squad against Portugal in February, he may still be "captured" by England even if Borthwick does not select him for this Six Nations.

Farrell out to prioritize mental health

Owen Farrell, the captain of England, has decided to prioritize his and his family's mental health by withdrawing from the 2024 Six Nations.

English fans with Six Nations tickets have got behind their skipper. According to Saracens, his club, Farrell "has decided to take an absence from global rugby" and "will have the full backing of everyone at the club".

The 32-year-old will continue performing for and leading Saracens.

Head coach Steve Borthwick of England Rugby stated, "Everyone at England Rugby fully supports Owen's decision."

"Elite athletes have demanding demands placed on them, and he has been a vital member of the England team for more than ten years since his debut.

"He is a model player, captain, and leader who consistently puts his all into representing his nation.

Owen has chosen to be this honest with us, and he does so with characteristic bravery. I will do everything I can with the rest of us at England Rugby to ensure he gets the help he needs moving forward."

England's Six Nations campaign begins in Italy on February 3 and concludes with a match in France on March 16.

With a penalty against Samoa in their Pool D encounter last month, Farrell—who took over for Dylan Hartley as England's captain under Eddie Jones in 2019—became the nation's all-time top points scorer at the World Cup, surpassing Jonny Wilkinson's lifetime total of 1,179 points.

By the end of the campaign, the fly-half and centre had moved up to second place in the all-time international points scorers list, behind only Dan Carter of New Zealand with 1,598.

Although he has been captain since 2019, he was suspended for a violent tackle during England's warm-up match against Wales in August. Therefore, he missed the country's first two World Cup matches.

South Africa defeated England in the event held in France after they advanced to the semi-finals.

The playmaker for Saracens, who has 112 caps and made his debut for his country in 2012, was also on the losing side as he led England to the 2019 World Cup final in Japan against the Springboks.

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