The third round of the 2024 Six Nations is nearly upon us with a fascinating trio of matches lined up for the weekend as the championship starts to move towards the business end of the competition.

After a well-earned rest week, Ireland look to continue their apparent grand slam procession against a young Wales side who have suffered two narrow defeats, England will also aim to make it three wins from three against a Scotland team still reeling from a heartbreaking loss to France last time out, while Les Bleus take on wooden spoon contenders Italy to round out the weekend.

Thursday afternoon saw three countries name their teams as England and Scotland’s line-ups for the Calcutta Cup were revealed and Andy Farrell announced Ireland’s 23 to square off against Wales – who selected their side earlier this week. France and Italy will name their squads for Sunday’s showdown on Friday.

Ollie Lawrence was preferred to Manu Tuilagi after recovering from injury at inside centre for Steve Borthwick’s England, who also sprung a selection shock by dropping star full back Freddie Steward and opting for George Furbank at 15. Meanwhile, Blair Kinghorn is fit again and joined recently-deposed captain Jamie Ritchie in a return to the Scotland XV, as Ireland replaced injured full back Hugo Keenan with Ciaran Frawley

Follow below for all the latest news ahead of the third round of matches this weekend:

Six Nations updates

• Scotland and England preparing for a Six Nations Calcutta Cup showdown on Saturday

• Ireland face Wales and France host Italy in the other games

• England stunningly drop full back Freddie Steward for George Furbank for Murrayfield trip

• Posolo Tuilagi set for first Test start as France confirm line-up for Italy clash

• Italy make significant changes after Ireland drubbing

Six Nations 2024 schedule in full: Fixtures, kick-off times and results

17:30 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Need a reminder of all the Six Nations results so far and the fixtures still to come in this year’s championship? We’ve got you covered.

Six Nations 2024: Fixtures, schedule, kick-off times and results

Bundee Aki’s breakfast? Six weetabix, a bagel and a banana

17:15 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Bundee Aki will be back amongst things in Irish green tomorrow, with the centre looking to pick up where he left off against France in round one after being rested against Italy. Aki was one of the stars of the World Cup and playing better than ever as he approaches his 34th birthday - here’s what is fuelling him.

England and Scotland face fork in the road in defining Calcutta Cup

17:00 , Harry Latham-Coyle

It’s often thorny when thistle meets rose - can Scotland continue their recent Calcutta Cup supremacy or will England establish themselves as Six Nations contenders?

England and Scotland face fork in the road with Calcutta Cup to define Six Nations

Jamie George using his mother’s recent death as inspiration for Scotland showdown

16:45 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Jamie George will draw inspiration from the heartwarming thought that his late mother will be watching down on him as he prepares to lead England into Saturday’s Calcutta Cup showdown with Scotland just over a week after her death.

The 33-year-old Saracens hooker found out on the same day that he was appointed captain last month that his mum Jane had been diagnosed with lung cancer. Her situation deteriorated quickly and she died last Wednesday.

George takes some solace from the fact a woman he described as “the biggest rugby fan on earth” was able to see her boy skipper his country for two matches, the Six Nations victories over Wales and Italy.

Jamie George using his mother’s recent death as inspiration for Scotland showdown

RFU ditches leaked plan to ‘sell Twickenham and buy half of Wembley’

16:30 , Jamie Braidwood

The Rugby Football Union (RFU) drew up extraordinary plans to sell Twickenham and buy half of Wembley Stadium, leaked documents have revealed.

According to reports in the Times and the Daily Telegraph, the RFU explored the option of selling Twickenham as an alternative to spending £663m on redeveloping the 82,000-capacity stadium in south west London.

As part of the plans, the RFU explored the possibility of buying 50 per cent of Wembley and sharing the stadium with the English Football Association.

RFU ditches leaked plan to ‘sell Twickenham and buy half of Wembley’

Wales eye up impossible Dublin job in Six Nations rivalry that risks losing its shine

16:53 , Luke Baker

There is probably a parallel universe, not too different from our own, where Wales head into round three of the 2024 Six Nations with two wins from two and still in the grand slam hunt.

It’s certainly not too hard to imagine that rip-roaring second-half comeback against Scotland on the opening day leading to just one more measly try or penalty and thus a legendary victory, rather than an agonising 27-26 defeat. And it’s similarly easy to envisage them converting that hard-fought 14-5 half-time lead at Twickenham a fortnight ago into a win, rather than watching England successfully overcome their biggest Six Nations deficit to scrape a 16-14 triumph.

Wales have produced a good 80 minutes across the two games so far in this year’s championship. Unfortunately, their other 80 minutes have been two halves of scoreless rugby which means that, back in our actual world, the ledger reads: played two, lost two.

And now comes the biggest reality check of all – a clash with Ireland at the Aviva Stadium. No matter how vast the multiverse is, there might not be a single one where this inexperienced Wales squad is able to topple Andy Farrell’s green machine.

Wales eye up impossible Dublin job in Six Nations rivalry that risks losing its shine

Keiron Assiratti set to face Ireland just a year after career hung in balance

16:15 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Wales prop Keiron Assiratti is set to face Guinness Six Nations opponents Ireland a year after his professional rugby career hung in the balance.

He considered signing for Welsh Premiership club Merthyr as the regional game in Wales grappled with major financial issues that stalled contract offers to players.

Assiratti had nothing on the table from Cardiff, and he seriously considered dropping down a level, while also potentially finding work outside of rugby.

Keiron Assiratti set to face Ireland just a year after career hung in balance

Six Nations announce major kit changes to impact Ireland and Wales

16:00 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Ireland and Wales will be in their traditional green and red tomorrow for the final time in the Six Nations. Why? Well, it’s to help those who suffer from colour blindness, as we explain here:

Six Nations announce major kit changes to impact Ireland and Wales

Rob Howley demands ‘comfort in the chaos’ from Wales in Ireland showdown

15:45 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Rob Howley says Wales will aim to create rugby chaos when they face what most people believe is mission improbable against Ireland on Saturday.

Wales have not won a Guinness Six Nations game against Ireland in Dublin since 2012, drawing one and losing four of the subsequent fixtures.

Ireland are chasing back-to-back Grand Slams – a feat never previously achieved in the Six Nations – and have taken pole position following emphatic bonus-point victories over France and Italy.

Rob Howley demands ‘comfort in the chaos’ from Wales in Ireland showdown

How to watch Antoine Dupont in rugby sevens action

15:30 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Antoine Dupont is set to make his rugby sevens debut as the France star bids for Olympic gold.

Dupont has joined up with the French sevens team after skipping the Six Nations to focus on preparing for a medal effort at Paris 2024.

The outstanding scrum half has been named in the squad for SVNS series events in Vancouver and Los Angeles, with a first professional appearance in the format set to arrive in the Canadian city later this evening.

Here’s everything you need to know.

How to watch Antoine Dupont in rugby sevens action

Powerhouse Posolo Tuilagi earns first France start as Ross Vintcent gets Italy Six Nations call

15:15 , Harry Latham-Coyle

France have named 19-year-old lock Posolo Tuilagi in their starting lineup for the first time and confirmed Charles Ollivon as captain for Sunday’s Six Nations clash against Italy.

Tuilagi, who weighs nearly 150 kg and is the nephew of England star Manu Tuilagi, came off the bench in France’s opening two matches of this year’s championship, but now partners Cameron Woki in the second-row from the kick-off at Villeneuve-d’Ascq.

Powerhouse Tuilagi earns first France start as Vintcent gets Italy Six Nations call

Alfie Barbeary hoping to seize chance as England A face Portugal

15:00 , Harry Latham-Coyle

There is one more fixture this weekend that we have not yet touched on, with the grand return of England’s ‘A’ side at Welford Road. World Cup darlings Portugal are in Leicester for an intriguing encounter with a second-string squad chock full of bright young talents - with Alfie Barbeary one of England’s top prospects.

Alfie Barbeary: ‘I shot myself in the foot – but I know Steve Borthwick is watching’

Wales out to unsettle ‘world-class’ Ireland – Warren Gatland

14:45 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Warren Gatland wants Wales to show no fear and embrace the challenge when they tackle “world-class” Ireland in Dublin on Saturday.

Wales have been largely written off – they are a 14-1 chance with some bookmakers – on the back of successive defeats against Scotland and England, while their last Six Nations win in Ireland was 12 years ago.

Ireland have lost just twice in their last 40 home Tests, need one more victory to equal England’s Six Nations record of 11 successive wins and are on a seemingly unstoppable march towards achieving historic back-to-back Grand Slams.

Wales out to unsettle ‘world-class’ Ireland – Warren Gatland

Finn Russell relaxed about facing England’s blitz defence

14:30 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Scotland talisman Finn Russell is unfazed by the prospect of being targeted by England’s new blitz defence in Saturday’s Calcutta Cup showdown at Murrayfield.

The Red Rose have adopted a more aggressive approach for this year’s Guinness Six Nations after highly-regarded defence coach Felix Jones joined Steve Borthwick’s backroom team in the wake of helping South Africa win the World Cup.

England are expected to try to swarm stand-off Russell and his midfield colleagues in an effort to neutralise Scotland, but the 31-year-old has no issue with the possibility of being singled out.

Finn Russell relaxed about facing England’s blitz defence

Peter O’Mahony expecting tough test against Wales

14:15 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Ireland captain Peter O’Mahony says it would be disrespectful to regard rivals Wales as a “banana skin” ahead of Saturday’s Guinness Six Nations clash in Dublin.

Warren Gatland’s winless visitors arrive at the Aviva Stadium as major underdogs on the back of narrow championship defeats to Scotland and England amid a transitional period.

Reigning champions Ireland have not lost at home in three years and are in pole position to retain their crown following thumping bonus-point victories over France and Italy.

Munster flanker O’Mahony, who returns as one of seven personnel changes from the 36-0 victory over the Azzurri in round two, believes Wales’ players are a “different animal” when representing their country.

“I think a banana skin is a disrespectful term for this Welsh team,” said the 34-year-old.

“I’ve learnt the hard way a good few times; these people are very, very proud and they grow massively when they pull on that red shirt.

“They’re a different animal, a different team and I’ve been on the receiving end of some heavy losses to these guys a few times.

“There is transition but it’s the Welsh 15 coming tomorrow, it’s no one else and I know from experience they’re an unbelievably proud nation and they play big and earn the jersey.

“That’s what we’ll 100 per cent be expecting tomorrow.”

Andy Farrell challenges Test rookie Ciaran Frawley to deputise with distinction

14:00 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Andy Farrell has challenged Test rookie Ciaran Frawley to “prove a point” after handing him a long-awaited full Ireland debut in place of the injured Hugo Keenan.

Versatile Leinster back Frawley received his first call-up in the autumn of 2021 but has so far been restricted to 44 minutes of international action across two appearances from the bench.

The 26-year-old will start Saturday afternoon’s Guinness Six Nations clash with Wales at full-back after Keenan sustained a knee issue in the 36-0 round-two win over Italy.

Andy Farrell challenges Test rookie Ciaran Frawley to deputise with distinction

Scotland vs England talking points: Another missed chance for Gregor Townsend’s side?

13:45 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Gregor Townsend admitted that the history and emotion of a clash with England made it Scotland’s “most important game of the season”, but the head coach also knows that settling old scores is only part of the bigger picture. A golden generation in the nation’s rugby history, epitomised by their fly-half genius Finn Russell, is in danger of passing without winning any silverware and after the injustice of seeing a late match-winning try disallowed against France in round two, they can not afford any more slip ups. Time is running out for Russell’s Scotland to prove they are a serious team.

Scotland vs England talking points: George Furbank’s second coming

13:30 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Steve Borthwick is capable of throwing curve balls in selection - think Marcus Smith at full-back, Alex Mitchell starting at scrum-half at the World Cup - and the latest example is George Furbank’s return at full-back. Freddie Steward controls the air against any opposition but Borthwick has cast aside England’s safety blanket in favour of a more natural ball player who will provide a counter-attacking threat and greater mobility in defence. Promoting Furbank is a bold call and even if the six caps won between 2020 to 2022 failed to provide compelling evidence of his Test pedigree, he is an exciting pick who has been on fire for Northampton this season.

New dad Kyle Steyn keen to keep Calcutta Cup in Scotland’s hands

13:15 , Harry Latham-Coyle

New father Kyle Steyn is intent on helping Scotland maintain their recent ownership of the Calcutta Cup this weekend after watching helplessly from his couch as his team-mates suffered an agonising Guinness Six Nations defeat against France last time out.

The Glasgow wing was named in the starting XV for the Murrayfield showdown with Les Bleus a week past Saturday, but he had to withdraw on the morning of the game after his wife Ally went into labour late on the Friday afternoon.

Steyn’s daughter, Arabella, eventually arrived via Caesarean section late on Monday morning, almost two days after the 20-16 defeat by France in which the Scots were controversially denied victory after the officials decided against awarding them a late try when Sam Skinner thought he had grounded the ball on the whitewash.

New dad Kyle Steyn keen to keep Calcutta Cup in Scotland’s hands

Ben Earl: England equipped to deal with ‘anything that’s thrown at us’

13:00 , Harry Latham-Coyle

England are confident they have the composure to cope with any mind games played by Scotland in Saturday’s Calcutta Cup clash.

The rivals collide in round three of the Guinness Six Nations, with Gregor Townsend’s hosts aiming to continue their recent dominance of the fixture that reads three successive victories.

Ben Earl: England equipped to deal with ‘anything that’s thrown at us’

Danny Care is not done yet - England’s great survivor on his longevity and newfound freedom

12:45 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Danny Care wins cap number 99 against Scotland tomorrow, picked to start at Murrayfield by Steve Borthwick even two months after his 37th birthday. The veteran scrum half still loves playing rugby.

Danny Care is not done yet – England’s survivor on Scotland and ‘freedom’

Ireland vs Wales talking points

12:30 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Wales boss Gatland led the British and Irish Lions on their last three tours, including masterminding a Test series triumph against Australia in 2013 and a drawn series with New Zealand four years later. He has left big shoes to fill for next year’s Australia mission, but his successor Farrell was emphatically the leading candidate to take over on the back of Ireland’s stunning successes in recent seasons and he knows the Lions ropes, having worked as one of Gatland’s coaching assistants 11 years ago. Their tactical battle this weekend will be fascinating as two of the finest rugby brains around put masterplans into operation.

Talking points as Ireland look to continue Grand Slam hunt against winless Wales

Wales’ set-piece game has to function against Ireland

12:15 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Wales’ Six Nations campaign so far has been a tale of two halves. In the first 40 minutes against Scotland they failed to score a point, then in the second 40 minutes against England they did not trouble the scorers either. Wales almost did enough to win both games, losing 27-26 and 16-14 respectively, and were left reflecting on what might have been. Wales lost six lineouts on their own throw in the Scotland clash, with that key area proving shambolic at times, and the scrum has also creaked occasionally amid many good moments. There is no wriggle room against Ireland. If Wales get their set-piece basics wrong, they will be punished mercilessly.

Herculean task awaits Wales

12:00 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Wales are rank outsiders on their latest Aviva Stadium visit, rated no better than a 14-1 chance by some bookmakers, but it is not difficult to see why. While Wales have lost nine of their last 10 Six Nations games, victory for Ireland would also see them equal England’s record of 11 straight victories in the tournament. When Ireland’s home record is factored in – two defeats from the last 40 starts – it all adds up to mission improbable for Warren Gatland’s team. They went desperately close to defeating Scotland and England in their opening Six Nations fixtures, but Ireland in Dublin is a challenge on another scale.

Andy Farrell will not underestimate Wales in Ireland’s Grand Slam bid

11:45 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Andy Farrell is braced for a “war of attrition” against winless Wales and knows any hint of complacency could wreck Ireland’s pursuit of successive Grand Slam titles.

The reigning Guinness Six Nations champions are overwhelming favourites to back up dominant bonus-point wins over France and Italy with another victory on Saturday afternoon in Dublin.

Warren Gatland’s side arrive at a sold-out Aviva Stadium seeking to stave off the threat of the wooden spoon following narrow losses to Scotland and England.

Ireland head coach Farrell acknowledges Wales could very easily have been in contention for a championship clean sweep of their own at this stage and is taking nothing for granted.

Andy Farrell will not underestimate Wales in Ireland’s Grand Slam bid

England and Scotland face fork in the road with Calcutta Cup set to define their Six Nations

11:30 , Harry Latham-Coyle

“There’s certainly going to be some niggle,” predicted Kevin Sinfield, a smile spreading almost involuntarily across his face. England’s assistant coach may not be as versed in the Calcutta Cup rivalry as some on Steve Borthwick’s staff, but the ex-rugby league star has learned quickly what this fixture means, a tussle of thistle and rose so often appropriately thorny.

“When you’ve got two angry, nasty forward packs wanting to go at each other, there’ll be some niggle,” Sinfield expanded. “It’s a Test match, there’s a lot at stake, we haven’t won against them for a number of years – no doubt there’ll be some niggle.”

For England, this trip north feels like a game of paramount importance. It is four years since they last swigged the sips of success from the old silver chalice, and seven since they put on a performance to be proud of in this fixture. The middle weekend is the natural Six Nations pivot point but England’s path from here will be significantly rockier if their rough recent run does not end. Win and they’ll carry momentum through to a demanding two-week coda in which performances may matter more than results; lose and another two-win tournament may well beckon with fixtures against Ireland and France to come.

England and Scotland face fork in the road with Calcutta Cup to define Six Nations

Antoine Dupont gives fast and furious sevens new life in quest for greatness at Olympics

11:15 , Harry Latham-Coyle

The France side still looks strange without Antoine Dupont’s name in it, but today’s a big day for the best male rugby player on the planet - Dupont is set to make his sevens debut later in Vancouver. Can he make a success of his format switch as he targets home glory at the Paris Olympics?

Antoine Dupont gives fast and furious sevens new life in quest for greatness

Who is Posolo Tuilagi?

11:00 , Harry Latham-Coyle

And here’s a little bit more about France’s new second row, the latest product from a famous rugby family.

Who is Posolo Tuilagi? Manu’s massive nephew set to make France debut in Six Nations

France team news: Teenager Posolo Tuilagi set for first Test start

10:50 , Harry Latham-Coyle

France have also confirmed their line-up for Sunday’s clash in Lille, with young gun Posolo Tuilagi a first-time Test starter in the second row. He partners Cameron Woki while Paul Boudehent is also brought into the starting side, covering for the injured Gregory Alldritt as Francois Cros shifts to number eight.

Like Italy, there are six forwards on the French bench, including potential debutant Esteban Abadie.

More from Jamie George on the death of his mother

10:43 , Luke Baker

“Taking time off is the last thing she would have wanted me to do,” said George. “It’s not what I wanted to do. I feel very privileged to do what I do and hopefully the boys will agree that I’ve been able to fulfil my role as captain and fulfil my role as a player in this team.

“It’s not an ideal situation to be in, but there was never any doubt in my mind that I wanted to be involved in this game. Wherever she is now, she will be looking down telling everyone that is there that her son is the England captain. I know for a fact that meant a huge amount to her.

“Whenever I’ve played, I’ve always wanted to make my family proud. It’s been a huge driver for me. That won’t change this weekend – it will probably be enhanced this weekend. It will be emotional for me coming out. It will be the first game that she won’t be there. She wasn’t able to come to the first two games to watch, which has been tough in itself, but before that she was always there, she never missed it. My dad, my uncle, my cousin and both brothers are coming up this weekend. It’s going to be great for them to be able to be there. It’s amazing what rugby can do in situations like this.

“When I first became captain, I spoke a lot about showing how much it means to play for England and what an amazing impact you can have on people’s lives. I have seen it first-hand because my mum was on her deathbed talking about the England rugby team and how proud she was of me being able to do what I do.

“That’s absolutely incredible. She will be with me in some capacity on Saturday and that means a huge amount to me.”

Italy team news: Gonzalo Quesada makes changes for France clash

10:39 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Some intriguing selection calls from new boss Gonzalo Quesada as Italy travel to Lille. Federico Mori is rewarded for his impressive form at Bayonne with a start in midfield, with Tommaso Menoncello shifting to the wing with no place for Louis Lynagh yet. Martin Page-Relo is the third different scrum half starter of the tournament with Quesada keen to assess his options at the position, while Ross Vintcent starts in the back row, where one-cap flanker Ricardo Favretto also earns a recall.

Jamie George using his mother’s recent death as inspiration for Scotland showdown

10:31 , Luke Baker

Jamie George will draw inspiration from the heartwarming thought that his late mother will be watching down on him as he prepares to lead England into Saturday’s Calcutta Cup showdown with Scotland just over a week after her death.

The 33-year-old Saracens hooker found out on the same day that he was appointed captain last month that his mum Jane had been diagnosed with lung cancer. Her situation deteriorated quickly and she died last Wednesday.

George takes some solace from the fact a woman he described as “the biggest rugby fan on earth” was able to see her boy skipper his country for two matches, the Six Nations victories over Wales and Italy.

“We’ve been going through a lot as a family for a long period,” he said, speaking with remarkable composure about his ordeal from England’s team hotel in Edinburgh city centre on Thursday evening. “The deterioration she had was really fast. I found out on Sunday about the fact that she was terminal, and she passed away on Wednesday (last week).

“My mum was the biggest rugby fan on earth, she loved this team, loved watching me play, she never missed a game. The text I’ve got from her before my first game as captain is something I will treasure forever. She said it was the proudest day of her life so given what she was going through, to still be able to put a smile on her face was huge.”

Sam Costelow returns as Wales name team to face Ireland in Six Nations

10:16 , Luke Baker

Fly half Sam Costelow has been recalled to the Wales starting line-up for Saturday’s Six Nations clash against Ireland in Dublin.

The Scarlets number 10 went off because of a neck problem suffered when Wales were beaten 27-26 by opening Six Nations opponents Scotland.

He was replaced by Ioan Lloyd, who started at fly half in the Twickenham appointment with England, but Costelow now returns as a solitary change from that game.

Elsewhere, there are further starts for squad newcomers Cameron Winnett and Alex Mann, while centre George North wins his 120th cap and is only the third Wales player to reach that mark after Alun Wyn Jones and Gethin Jenkins.

Uncapped Cardiff back-row forward Mackenzie Martin, meanwhile, features on the replacements’ bench.

Wales team: 15 Cameron Winnett; 14 Josh Adams, 13 George North, 12 Nick Tompkins, 11 Rio Dyer; 10 Sam Costelow, 9 Tomos Williams; 1 Gareth Thomas, 2 Elliot Dee, 3 Keiron Assiratti, 4 Dafydd Jenkins (capt), 5 Adam Beard, 6 Alex Mann, 7 Tommy Reffell, 8 Adam Wainwright

Replacements: 16 Ryan Elias, 17 Corey Domachowski, 18 Dillon Lewis, 19 Will Rowlands, 20 Mackenzie Martin, 21 Kieran Hardy, 22 Ioan Lloyd, 23 Mason Grady

Ciaran Frawley given chance for Ireland at full back against Wales

10:05 , Luke Baker

Ciaran Frawley will make his first Test start in Ireland’s Six Nations clash with Wales after being selected in place of injured full-back Hugo Keenan.

The versatile 26-year-old won his two previous caps as a replacement, including playing the final four minutes of the championship curtain-raiser away to France.

Keenan has been virtually ever-present in his country’s No 15 jersey during the past three years but will miss Saturday’s match in Dublin due to a knee injury suffered in the round-two victory over Italy.

Head coach Andy Farrell, who has included uncapped Munster prop Oli Jager among the replacements, has made seven personnel changes to his starting XV from the 36-0 win over the Azzurri on February 11.

Ciaran Frawley given chance for Ireland at full back against Wales

Jamie Ritchie comes in from the cold for Scotland’s Six Nations showdown with England

09:55 , Luke Baker

Jamie Ritchie has been restored to Scotland’s starting XV for Saturday’s Calcutta Cup showdown with England a fortnight after being dropped from the squad altogether for the Six Nations home defeat by France.

The recently-deposed captain is back in the side as one of three changes made by Gregor Townsend, with experienced duo Blair Kinghorn and Kyle Steyn returning to the back three.

Kyle Rowe, Harry Paterson and Matt Fagerson – all of whom started against Les Bleus – drop out of the squad altogether, with the bench unchanged.

Jamie Ritchie comes in from the cold for Scotland’s Six Nations showdown with England

When will France and Italy announce their teams?

09:45 , Luke Baker

We’ve had four team announcements already this week and you maths whizzes out there will be able to work out that means there are two to go...

They’ll come from France and Italy today ahead of their Sunday showdown in Lille. France are lined up to name their side at 10.45am GMT – so about an hour’s time – with Italy to follow later this afternoon.

All eyes on the Azzurri to see if Louis Lynagh – who is the son of Wallabies legend Michael and recently confirmed an impending move from Harlequins to Benetton – is given a first call-up to the matchday 23 by Gonzalo Quesada.

England spring selection surprise as Freddie Steward dropped for George Furbank in Scotland clash

09:39 , Luke Baker

George Furbank is a surprise England starter with Freddie Steward dropped for the Calcutta Cup clash against Scotland.

Furbank is preferred to Steward at full back, with Ollie Lawrence returning to the side from injury for the Six Nations round three fixture.

George Martin is also back in the matchday squad on the bench, while Danny Care wins his 99th England cap as the starting scrum half, but there is no place for a fit-again Manu Tuilagi.

Props Ellis Genge and Dan Cole swap into the starting side instead of Joe Marler and Will Stuart, who drop to the bench.

England spring selection surprise as Steward dropped for Furbank in Scotland clash

England team news: Freddie Steward dropped for Calcutta Cup clash

09:38 , Luke Baker

England have made a surprise selection call at full-back for the Calcutta Cup clash with George Furbank preferred to Freddie Steward.

Steward’s demotion comes just a fortnight after a starring role in England’s win over Wales, with the Leicester back left out for only the second time since his international debut.

Ollie Lawrence returns in midfield after injury, but there is no place in the matchday 23 for Manu Tuilagi.

England team to face Scotland at Murrayfield (4.45pm GMT, Saturday 24 February)

15. George Furbank (Northampton Saints, 6 caps)

14. Tommy Freeman (Northampton Saints, 5 caps)

13. Henry Slade (Exeter Chiefs, 59 caps)

12. Ollie Lawrence (Bath Rugby, 21 caps)

11. Elliot Daly (Saracens, 66 caps)

10. George Ford (Sale Sharks, 93 caps)

9. Danny Care (Harlequins, 98 caps)

1. Ellis Genge (Bristol Bears, 59 caps)

2. Jamie George (Saracens, 87 caps) – captain

3. Dan Cole (Leicester Tigers, 109 caps)

4. Maro Itoje (Saracens, 78 caps)

5. Ollie Chessum (Leicester Tigers, 20 caps)

6. Ethan Roots (Exeter Chiefs, 2 caps)

7. Sam Underhill (Bath Rugby, 32 caps)

8. Ben Earl (Saracens, 27 caps)

Replacements:

16. Theo Dan (Saracens, 9 caps)

17. Joe Marler (Harlequins, 90 caps)

18. Will Stuart (Bath Rugby, 35 caps)

19. George Martin (Leicester Tigers, 9 caps)

20. Chandler Cunningham-South (Harlequins, 2 caps)

21. Ben Spencer (Bath Rugby, 4 caps)

22. Fin Smith (Northampton Saints, 1 cap)

23. Immanuel Feyi-Waboso (Exeter Chiefs, 1 cap)

Six Nations team news

09:35 , Luke Baker

Welcome to The Independent’s live coverage of the 2024 Six Nations, with all the latest news from the championship.

England and Scotland are preparing for Saturday’s Calcutta Cup clash, while Ireland and Wales are doing likewise for their showdown. France and Italy will also name their teams today ahead of Sunday’s match.

Stick with us for full live coverage.