News about Graham Rowntree

ALEX BYWATER AT FRANKLIN'S GARDENS: Northampton's supporters survived, and Saints director of rugby Phil Dowson said his team's supporters could have a dream of what could be a spectacular double. Dowson's men progressed to the quarter-finals after competing with Harlequins and Exeter in a thrilling European battle. In the last eight, Northampton will meet the Bulls of South Africa. Saints will unquestionably fancy their prospects. They are currently five points up on the Premiership table and will face the Bulls on Saturday night at home and have a great advantage over the Bulls.

After defeating England, the St Patrick's weekend celebrations will culminate in a tumultuous climax at 7 p.m. on Saturday, when Ireland clinches the Six Nations championship and their fourth Grand Slam in history. There is no hint of danger or confusion in the air. Put green ribbons on the trophy now and line up the 'black stuff' for the celebration. The party's sighs are beyond today's visitors to Aviva Stadium, as Steve Borthwick's gap fear will be backed up once more. After No. 2 France trounced them at Twickenham last weekend, England's head coach knows exactly how far his team lags behind the sport's new heights, and the No. 1 nation is poised to pounce on the exposed English jugular. This could be a traumatic, painful experience.