Chris Ashton and Shontayne Hape to be named in England’s Six Nations squad

Both players are rugby league converts who have made an impression in the Guinness Premiership

Martin Johnson gamble is to stick not twist to build England’s momentum

Wholesale changes are off the agenda ahead of the announcement of England's Six Nations elite squad

Martin Johnson must find time for Danny Cipriani’s artistic urges

Richard Williams: Martin Johnson's readiness to reintegrate England's most creative player will say a lot about his chances of success

Martin Johnson needs to shelve the gameplan and allow creativity to flow

Paul Rees: England's Six Nations squad must include fresh faces if the team are to stand any chance of winning the World Cup

Martin Johnson and England enjoy improved Six Nations outlook

Eddie Butler: Roundheads held sway in the autumn but cavalier talents are back to form and fitness as the Six Nations approaches

England prop Phil Vickery out of Six Nations but Julian White returns

England's problems at tighthead prop continued with news of Phil Vickery's ongoing absence but Julian White is expected back next week

English game flickers back to life as Noughties make way for new decade

Eddie Butler: The latter half of the Noughties was not too nice for English rugby, but the domestic game is getting to grips with the new laws and flickering back to life

What’s gone wrong with rugby union?

Paul Rees: The numbers are depressing – rugby has become a game where low-risk strategies reap the greatest rewards from the boot

Wales’ Mike Phillips could miss start of the Six Nations

The Ospreys' scrum-half Mike Phillips could be out for four months with ankle ligament damage

Andrew Sheridan to miss start of Six Nations following shoulder surgery

England international prop Andrew Sheridan is one of three forwards who will miss Autumn internationals

Ospreys try to persuade Gavin Henson not to turn his back on rugby

The Wales centre, who has been cursed by injuries, is thought to be disillusioned with the sport

Andy Robinson named as new head coach of Scotland

The former England coach Andy Robinson has signed a three-year deal to replace Frank Hadden at the helm of the underperforming Scottish national team

In-form Leicester can take gloss off Ireland’s year

Eddie Butler: English club is hitting form at the right time to take smile from the eyes of O'Driscoll's men

Frank Hadden departs Scotland after Six Nations flop

Scotland coach Frank Hadden has departed after disappointing Six Nations

Henson cautioned by police after assault allegation in Cardiff

Gavin Henson has been cautioned by police over his behaviour on a night out following Wales' Six Nations victory over England