Yokohama pitch relaid a month out from first match Organisers remain confident of ‘optimal conditions’ Rugby union has never been synonymous with luscious green grass and impeccable playing surfaces. But the venue for this year’s Rugby World Cup final did not have even a blade of grass on it when...

• Wing has operation in Italy after becoming ill at training camp• Eddie Jones gambles on ‘resilient’ Nowell being fit for JapanNo England player is enduring worse luck with injuries than Jack Nowell. The Exeter wing, still recovering from the ankle and knee damage sustained in last season’s Premiership final,...