Wales flanker Dan Lydiate has been named the Six Nations' player of the tournament to round off a wonderful championship for Warren Gatland's team who last Saturday secured their third Grand Slam in eight years.

Wales fought its way to a third Grand Slam in eight seasons on Saturday, beating France 16-9 in a Six Nations match more notable for atmosphere than entertainment.

Former All Blacks captain and New Zealand Rugby Union (NZRU) Chairman Jock Hobbs has died of leukemia. He was 52.

Wales will go for a third Six Nations Grand Slam in eight seasons against France next weekend after beating Italy 24-3 in Cardiff on Saturday.

Ireland ended French hopes of the Six Nations Grand Slam on Sunday as they fought off a fierce France second-half comeback to draw 17-17.

The names Collins and Umaga are revered in New Zealand rugby, especially so at Wellington Regional Stadium where the duo were stalwarts for the Super Rugby Hurricanes, local provincial side and the All Blacks.

Ireland coach Declan Kidney refused to get carried away by Ireland's 42-10 victory over Italy at Lansdowne Road on Saturday to claim their first win of this year's Six Nations tournament and end a run of three successive home defeats.

Wales snatched a dramatic 19-12 win over England to win the Triple Crown and keep their hopes of a Six Nations Grand Slam alive at Twickenham here on Saturday.

French coach Philippe Saint-Andre on Sunday said that next weekend's Six Nations clash against Scotland would be a pivotal moment in his first tournament as the national handler.

Wales overcame a sluggish start to crush an error-prone and ill-disciplined Scotland 27-13 in the Six Nations on Sunday and make it two wins from two.