A four-year cycle towards the next Rugby World Cup begins, with Les Bleus facing a Tour de France, Ireland looking to scale the heights again, and Italy with a mountain to climb. We preview one of the highlights of the sporting calendar as the Six Nations starts under the Friday night lights

Harry Maguire is fancied to score in a wide-margin England win

Italy are three points behind England and level with Ukraine in Qualifying Group C

In-form Scotland must scent a first win over the auld enemy since 1999

“The Rugby World Cup is a stage where heroes are born, legends are made, and dreams come true.” — John Eales. We shine the spotlight on the all-star cast at the tenth Rugby World Cup, with opening night on Friday heralding more pure theatre.

Australia may have retained the Ashes but England’s Oval motivation is greater

England face a second do-or-die Test on the bounce a Old Trafford

Significant injuries and teams in transition make this Women’s World Cup very open

In-form Australia are in rude health and can seal consecutive Edgbaston wins

A point in Italy would be a more than palatable result for England