Detroit Tigers catcher Bill Freehan sweeps pitcher Mickey Lolich off his feet as he screams with joy, after defeating the St. Louis Cardinals 4-1 in the final game of the World Series on Wednesday, Oct. 10, 1968 at Busch Stadium in St. Louis. Joining the celebration is Norm Cash (25). Lolich became the twelfth pitcher to win three games in the World Series. (AP Photo)
DETROIT (AP) — Mickey Lolich, who had three complete-game victories for the Detroit Tigers in the 1968 World Series, the last Major League Baseball pitcher to post the incredible feat, died Wednesday. He was 85.
The Tigers said Lolich’s wife told them that he died after a short stay in hospice care. An exact cause of death was not provided.
Denny McLain was the star of Detroit’s pitching staff in 1968, winning 31 regular-season games. But Lolich was the Most Valuable Player of the Series, with a ERA of 1.67 and a Game 7 road victory over Bob Gibson and the St. Louis Cardinals.
Bill Freehan threw off his catcher’s mask and caught a foul pop-up by Tim McCarver for the final out. Lolich jumped into Freehan’s arms — an iconic image of Detroit’s championship season.
“It was always somebody else,” Lolich told the Detroit Free Press in 2018, “but my day had finally come.”
He is No. 23 in career strikeouts with 2,832, ahead of many others who, unlike Lolich, are in the Hall of Fame, and fifth among all lefties, according to baseball-reference.com.
Lolich was an unlikely hero in 1968. During a reunion of the World Series team, he recalled how manager Mayo Smith had sent him to the bullpen for much of August. He returned to the Tigers’ starting rotation and was 6-1 in the final weeks.
“I was having a few problems, but I had been a starting pitcher ever since 1964,” said Lolich, who was upset about the bullpen move. “I remember telling him, ‘If we win this thing this year it’s going to be because of me.’ But I was only talking about the season. I wasn’t talking about the World Series.
“I got my revenge back in the World Series,” he said.
Lolich pitched Game 7 after only two days of rest. He figured he would get a Corvette from General Motors for being the Series MVP but had to settle for a Dodge Charger GT because Chrysler was the sponsor in 1968.
“Nothing against Chargers, nothing at all,” Lolich said in his book, “Joy in Tigertown.” “It’s just that I already had two of them in my driveway.”
Since Lolich, only Arizona’s Randy Johnson in 2001 has won three games in a World Series, though Johnson pitched about 10 fewer innings and was a relief pitcher, not a starter, in Game 7.
Lolich had a record of 220-192, including the postseason, over a 16-year career, all but three with Detroit. He left baseball after playing for the New York Mets in 1976 but returned with San Diego in 1978-79.
The left-hander was 25-14 in 1971, striking out 308 batters over 376 innings and finishing second in AL Cy Young award voting. He followed that up with a 22-14 record and 250 strikeouts in 1972.
In a statement, the Tigers expressed condolences to Lolich’s family and said his legacy “will forever be cherished.”
After his baseball career, Lolich, a native of Portland, Oregon, was in the doughnut business in suburban Detroit, making and selling them for 18 years.
“I doubt any other ballplayer has ever made that transition — from the diamond to doughnuts. But I did,” he wrote in his book.
Florida State offensive coordinator Gus Malzahn announced his retirement Monday after 35 years in coaching.
The former Auburn, University of Central Florida and Arkansas State head coach spent just one season with the Seminoles in 2025.
‘After 35 years, it’s time for me to step away from coaching,’ Malzahn said in a statement. ‘I am excited to spend more time with my family and focus on the next chapter of my life. I want to thank Coach (Mike) Norvell for giving me the opportunity to coach at such a prestigious program.’
Norvell promoted co-offensive coordinator and receivers coach Tim Harris to replace Malzahn, 60.
Florida State led the Atlantic Coast Conference in rushing (218.7 yards per game) and total offense (472.1) in Malzahn’s lone season as the play-caller in Tallahassee.
Malzahn compiled a 105-62 record as head coach at Arkansas State (2012), Auburn (2013-20) and UCF (2021-24), including a 3-7 record in bowl games.
During his first season at Auburn in 2013, the Tigers lost 34-31 to Florida State in the BCS Championship game and finished 12-2. Malzahn was named the national and SEC Coach of the Year.
Malzahn coached in the high school ranks from 1991-2005 before becoming the offensive coordinator at Arkansas in 2006. After two seasons as an assistant coach at Tulsa (2007-08), he joined Auburn as the offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach from 2009-11. In 2010, Tigers quarterback Cam Newton won the Heisman Trophy and Auburn completed a 14-0 season with a national championship.
HUGO, Okla. — An animal handler was killed by a tiger under his care at a preserve for big cats in southeastern Oklahoma, the organization said Sunday.
Growler Pines Tiger Preserve said in a statement that Ryan Easley died Saturday in “an accident” involving a tiger at the property near Hugo, not far from the Texas border.
“This tragedy is a painful reminder of both the beauty and unpredictability of the natural world,” the preserve said on its Facebook page. “Ryan understood those risks — not out of recklessness but out of love. The animals under his care were not just animals to him, but beings he formed a connection with — one rooted in respect, daily care and love.”
All tours have been canceled until further notice, the statement said.
The preserve is a private facility where visitors can book tours to view tigers and see demonstrations on how the animals are trained and cared for, according to its website.
Comerica Park, where the Detroit Tigers play, attracts tens of thousands of fans to downtown every game.
Detroit could generate tens of millions of dollars each year with a tax on tickets to sports and entertainment events, raising revenue that could reduce property taxes, fund city services, and help attract national events, according to a new study.
The Citizens Research Council of Michigan released the study Wednesday, pointing out that “Detroit is one of the few major cities in the U.S. that does not levy entertainment/amusement/admissions tax.”
Detroit has four professional sports teams downtown — the Tigers, Red Wings, Pistons, and Lions. Detroit City Football Club, a professional soccer team, is building a new stadium in Southwest Detroit set to open in 2027. The city is also home to dozens of entertainment venues, such as Fox Theatre, the Fillmore Detroit, Little Caesars Arena, the Masonic Temple, Detroit Opera House, the Fisher Theatre, the Aretha Franklin Amphitheatre, and Saint Andrew’s Hall, among many others.
While the city has missed out on revenue from the tax, the report said Detroit can learn from its experiences.
“Several Michigan cities serve as regional hubs for culture, commerce, sports teams, concerts, and conventions,” Eric Lupher, president of the Citizens Research Council, said. “Detroit stands alone as the largest city in this role, with four major professional sports teams, concert halls, theaters, and other venues that attract attendees from throughout Southeast Michigan and beyond.”
Detroit could raise more than $50 million a year with an admission tax, depending on the rate and how it’s applied. A 3% tax on admissions would bring in about $14.1 million, while a 10% rate could generate as much as $36.9 million, according to the report.
The study broke down how much each of Detroit’s professional sports teams could contribute based on ticket sales. In the most recent seasons, an admissions tax would have generated:
Lions (Ford Field): $0.99M at 3% to $3.3M at 10%.
Tigers (Comerica Park): $1.95M at 3% to $6.5M at 10%.
Red Wings (Little Caesars Arena): $2.31M at 3% to $7.7M at 10%.
Pistons (Little Caesars Arena): $1.29M at 3% to $4.3M at 10%.
At their attendance peaks in the past decade, Detroit’s four teams could have generated more than $28 million from a 10% admissions tax.
That estimate doesn’t include the numerous other concert venues in Detroit, or big music festivals such as Movement. Revenue could also be generated at events like the Detroit Grand Prix.
The revenue from the tax could be used to bolster city services that are stretched thin during major events, to diversify Detroit’s tax base, or to reduce the city’s notoriously high property taxes.
“An admission tax has the potential to contribute meaningful property tax relief to Detroiters who pay among the highest tax burdens in the nation,” the study noted.
It estimated that admissions tax revenue could lower Detroit’s property tax millage by as much as 5.7 mills.
Lupher said a local admissions tax would be “a strategic tool to diversify revenue, reduce resident tax burdens, and ensure that economic activity benefits municipal sustainability.”
Lupher added, “While it cannot solve all fiscal challenges, a local-option admissions tax provides a pragmatic, targeted means of recovering costs and investing in core services. With careful legislative drafting, public education, and transparent allocation, this tax could strengthen Detroit’s financial position and improve fairness in urban tax policy.”
The report also suggested dedicating a portion of the revenue to a fund for attracting major events, such as the NFL Draft, NCAA tournament games, or even a Super Bowl. The idea is “self-perpetuating as major events would draw attendees to pay the tax and position the city to draw new events.”
To impose a local admissions tax, state lawmakers would need to authorize it, the report states.
If there’s been one consistent complaint about this Phillies team in 2024, it’s been the fifth starter.
Taijuan Walker has been a failed experiment since he signed with the club before the 2023 season. Walker was 15-6 with a 4.38 ERA in 31 starts last year, which was nothing to sneeze at. The issue, especially with the fans, came playoff time and the time since.
Manager Rob Thomson decided not to use the veteran right-hander, which isn’t uncommon in the playoffs. Many teams opt to use a three-man rotation come playoff time to try to gain an advantage over the opposing team. However, Thomson decided not to use Walker at all, even in the bullpen, causing a little bit of controversy.
and pitched very well while Walker was making his way back from injury. He was moved to the bullpen once Walker was healthy before returning to the rotation on Wednesday against Detroit.
The Phillies have been one of the top teams in baseball all season, with little holes on the roster. People look at outfield depth and the fifth starter when assessing the Phillies’ biggest needs moving forward into the second half of the season.
Most teams would love to be in the Phillies’ position with four top pitchers in the starting rotation in: Zack Wheeler, Ranger Suárez, Cristopher Sánchez, and Aaron Nola. People don’t usually expect a fifth starter to be dominant or even that valuable to a team’s overall success.
The Phillies will be fine with Walker as the fifth starter moving forward when he returns from injury. They’ll be fine if Turnbull needs to take over the fifth starter spot down the line. They’ll even be fine if they need to opt for the ever-so-popular bullpen game when the fifth spot in the rotation rolls around.
Whoever’s pitching on the fifth day won’t be relevant come playoff time. The Phillies will likely use a three-man rotation again, anyway.
You know a team is good when everyone is complaining about a fifth starter.
Riley Greene was MASHING on Saturday against the Astros
The Detroit Tigers received surprising news Saturday morning when Houston Astros‘ ace, Justin Verlander, was scratched from his start due to neck discomfort. The veteran right-hander, who had a storied tenure with the Tigers from 2005 to 2017, was replaced by rookie Spencer Arrighetti. Making his MLB debut a day earlier than expected, Arrighetti faced a daunting challenge against a determined Tigers lineup.
Riley Greene Leads the Offensive Charge
Center fielder Riley Greene seized the opportunity and delivered a career-defining performance. “We knew it right when we got here,” Greene said, reflecting on the team’s quick adjustment. “We did our meeting, and we were good to go.”
In the second game of the three-game series at Minute Maid Park, Greene went 4-for-5 with six RBIs, marking his first four-hit game in the majors. His explosive performance included two home runs in the first and second innings, setting the tone for the Tigers’ 13-5 triumph over the Astros. The Tigers amassed a season-high 19 hits and five home runs, taking full advantage of Arrighetti’s inexperience and leaving him in the dust after just two innings.
Greene’s Hitting Streak and Batting Improvements
With his impressive showing, Greene extended his hitting streak to six games. “I’m going to enjoy it today,” Greene remarked after the game. “Tomorrow is a new day. You never know with this game. I figured out a few things last night during the game. I made some adjustments (to my approach), and I talked to Michael (Brdar, hitting coach) about it, and he’s like, ‘I love it.’ I’m just really trying to make those small adjustments until something clicks. Sometimes, it clicks. Sometimes, it doesn’t.”
Focus on Maintaining Momentum
Riley Greene emphasized the importance of maintaining the momentum from this victory. “Momentum is key for us,” Greene stated. “Just trying to ride that momentum every single day, every single at-bat. Just trying to do what we can to get more runs.”
The Tigers’ dominant performance against the Astros highlighted their potential when firing on all cylinders. As they head into the final game of the series, the team aims to build on this success and continue their offensive surge. Greene’s adjustments and growing confidence at the plate are crucial for the Tigers as they seek to maintain their winning ways.
Looking Ahead
As the Tigers prepare for the next game, the focus remains on sustaining their offensive prowess and capitalizing on their recent momentum. Riley Greene’s standout performance serves as a catalyst for the team’s ongoing efforts to secure victories and improve their standing in the league. With his recent improvements and strategic adjustments, Greene is set to play a pivotal role in the Tigers’ lineup throughout the season.
Rugby elation to rugby heartache, a footballing managerial merry-go-round, golfing greatness, boxing blockbusters and so much more. The 2023 Irish sporting landscape had a little bit of everything. Here, Sky Sports takes a look back at the highs and lows of the year.
It was a year in Irish rugby that saw historical success, huge expectation, unprecedented hope, and ultimately, heartbreak perhaps worse than ever before.
Towards the start of the year, Andy Farrell’s Ireland – ranked world No 1 since July 2022 – secured a sensational Six Nations Grand Slam.
Wales were blown away 34-10 on the opening weekend in Cardiff to sour Warren Gatland’s homecoming, while Round 2 saw one of the best contests in the history of the championship as Ireland put in a near-perfect display to beat reigning champions France 32-19 in Dublin.
From then, Farrell’s charges were favourites for the title, seeing off Italy in Rome, Scotland at Murrayfield despite a raft of injuries, and finally, England in Dublin to lift the Six Nations trophy and Triple Crown.
Ireland beat England on the last day of the Six Nations to clinch the Grand Slam on home soil for the first time
The warm glow continued during the pool stages of the Rugby World Cup as Ireland won all four matches, beating eventual champions South Africa in a Paris epic, and a ruthless dismantling of Scotland clinched top spot in Pool B and extended their winning streak to 17 matches.
Ireland’s quarter-final opponents were New Zealand due to a brutally lopsided draw, but the nation was now convinced this was their greatest chance for World Cup glory and to break their awful record of never having won a quarter-final.
Although Ireland had beaten the All Blacks in three of the previous four meetings, they didn’t perform to anywhere near their peak levels, while New Zealand produced their best performance in years.
Ireland fought back from 13-0 down to narrow the half-time gap to a single point at 18-17, but as the game ebbed and flowed on a knife’s edge, their inability to strike in the 22 enough proved a major factor as the All Blacks inflicted yet another agonising last-eight exit.
Ireland’s 2023 ended in devastating fashion with another quarter-final exit at the World Cup, at the hands of New Zealand for the second-straight tournament
Skipper Johnny Sexton and Keith Earls retired in the aftermath, bringing to an end stellar careers, but also a sense Ireland’s true time to become world champions had been lost.
Farrell has committed to Ireland until after the 2027 World Cup and is odds-on to lead to the British and Irish Lions in Australia in 2027. The rebuild starts now and the big question is who dons the No 10 shirt in Marseille on February 2.
Within provincial rugby, there were contrasting fortunes for Leinster and Munster. The men in blue dominated the majority of the season, only to lose late on to their arch-rivals in Dublin in the URC semi-finals, and then in the Champions Cup final again a week later to La Rochelle – this time after sprinting out to 17-0 and 23-7 leads at the Aviva Stadium. The loss was Leinster’s third in succession in European Cup finals.
Munster began the season terribly, losing five from their first seven fixtures under new head coach Graham Rowntree, but though much of the campaign was spent worrying about qualification for Europe, a remarkable final season run away from home of four wins and a draw saw them all the way to the URC final against the Stormers in Cape Town, and a superb 19-14 success – the province’s first silverware since 2011.
Like previous campaigns, Leinster have made a strong start to the season both on the domestic and European front, but it has been a mixed bag so far for the other three, with inconsistency a common theme.
Women’s rugby at lowest ebb
While men’s rugby in Ireland is in a good place, the women’s game endured one of the worst years in its history.
Ireland finished a gruesome 2023 Women’s Six Nations dead last with the Wooden Spoon after losing all five matches by an average margin of over 30 points.
They were then placed into the third tier of the new WXV tournament during October, the result of which meant they played Kazakhstan, Colombia and Spain – beating the latter only due to a try with five minutes to play.
The side has gone from Six Nations champions in 2015 to bottom of the pile in 2023, having failed to qualify for the last World Cup in 2022 too.
Captain Nicola Fryday retired from international rugby at the age of just 28 – the second captain of the women’s side to do so in two years after Claire Molly in late 2021, who still plays for Bristol in Premiership Women’s Rugby.
Ireland came last in the 2023 Women’s Six Nations, losing all five of their matches
All the while, the IRFU has come under huge scrutiny for their running of the women’s game. While France, England, Wales and Scotland have all professionalised their women’s teams, the same cannot be said of Ireland.
In April, an unnamed player expressed concerns of sexism in a Telegraph report, with the IRFU likened to an “old boys club”, with allegations players were denied protein supplements as they prepared for a summer tour to Japan and that the switch from white to blue shorts over period concerns was done without proper consultation with the squad.
The anonymous player also alleged squad members learnt they were dropped via email, with some omitted from mailing lists, while the IRFU are also said to have refused to explore the option of a “hybrid contracts” – a specific request from players – with the union instead favouring a “full-time or nothing attitude.”
The IRFU disputed all the claims in a statement, but as high performance director David Nucifora’s impending exit was confirmed – David Humphreys will replace him in 2024 – it was noteworthy there was no response from anyone in the women’s game.
Football: Republic of Ireland’s World Cup odyssey ends in management change
It was, for reasons good and bad, a landmark year for the Republic of Ireland women’s team.
All roads led to Australia and New Zealand, where Ireland made their maiden major tournament bow at the World Cup. In itself a historic achievement, but performances on the pitch struggled to catch fire while off-field issues overshadowed the build-up and conclusion.
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Vera Pauw strongly denied allegations against her of body-shaming and inappropriate behaviour during her time at Houston Dash
Vera Pauw strongly denied allegations against her of body-shaming and inappropriate behaviour during her time at Houston Dash
Just weeks before the tournament began, allegations of body shaming were made against Ireland manager Vera Pauw, relating to her time in charge of Houston Dash in the USA’s National Women’s Soccer League. Pauw strongly denied the allegations, but they undeniably cast a shadow over Ireland’s preparations.
Captain Katie McCabe’s wonder goal in their second game against Canada was the highlight of a tournament which ended for Ireland after the group stage, having lost to Australia and Canada before drawing with Nigeria.
Pauw departed upon conclusion of the World Cup, with the FAI opting not to extend her contract.
Captain Katie McCabe scored directly from a corner to put Ireland ahead against Canada, but they could not hold on to the lead
Eileen Gleeson, assistant under Pauw, was appointed interim manager and guided the team through an outstanding Nations League campaign. Ireland won all six of their games, scoring 20 goals and conceding just two – ensuring they will be in League A for the Euro 2025 qualifiers.
That success no doubt informed the FAI’s decision to hand Gleeson the reins on a permanent basis on December 18, with the Dubliner now tasked with leading their Euro 2025 qualifying campaign.
It was also a year of change for Northern Ireland, who themselves were on a managerial hunt after Kenny Shiels departed in January following a four-year stint which saw the team reach their first major tournament at Euro 2022.
Former Chelsea assistant coach Tanya Oxtoby took up the reins in August, and oversaw a Nations League campaign in which Northern Ireland recorded two wins, a draw and three losses.
A third-placed finish in their group means they face a two-legged play-off with Montenegro in February, where they must win to avoid dropping into League C for the upcoming Euro 2025 qualifiers.
Time runs out for Kenny and O’Neill’s return fails to spark NI response
Like their female counterparts, the Republic of Ireland men’s team opted for a change of manager.
After three and a half years in charge, Stephen Kenny left upon expiry of his contract after a disappointing Euro 2024 qualifying campaign.
Drawn in a group with France and the Netherlands, a top-two finish was always a tall order, but Ireland never gave themselves a chance of reaching next summer’s tournament. They won just two of their eight games, both against minnows Gibraltar, and there was little clamour for Kenny to be given another bite at the cherry as Ireland seek a fresh start.
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Former Ireland international Stephen Kelly admits he wasn’t surprised to hear that the Football Association of Ireland won’t be renewing Stephen Kenny’s contract
Former Ireland international Stephen Kelly admits he wasn’t surprised to hear that the Football Association of Ireland won’t be renewing Stephen Kenny’s contract
As for Northern Ireland, hope abounded as Michael O’Neill – back for a second stint as manager having previously taken the side to Euro 2016 – returned to guide them through what looked on paper to be a very favourable Euro 2024 qualifying group.
However, disappointing early home losses to Finland and Kazakhstan, coupled by a defeat by Denmark in Copenhagen, realistically ended NI’s hopes of qualification after only four games.
A 2-0 win over Denmark in their final qualifier in November did however see Northern Ireland bow out with a spring in their step.
Having struggled with injuries, O’Neill will hope to have some key faces back to pair with his young players in 2024.
Golf: McIlroy and Maguire bring it home for Europe
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Relive Rory McIlroy’s two wins, which saw him claim a fifth Race to Dubai title, and his starring role in Europe’s Ryder Cup triumph.
Relive Rory McIlroy’s two wins, which saw him claim a fifth Race to Dubai title, and his starring role in Europe’s Ryder Cup triumph.
It was another year to remember for Ireland’s golfers with Rory McIlroy once again leading the charge.
A Scottish Open win took his tally of PGA Tour titles to 24, before the world No 2 claimed the Race to Dubai title for the fifth time. However, McIlroy’s 2023 peaked in the early autumn heat of Rome.
After a poor display at Whistling Straights in 2021 ended in tears, McIlroy turned the page on his own Ryder Cup story to claim four points from a possible five at Marco Simone to finish as the highest individual scorer in the 2023 competition. Leading the charge both on the course and off it, when he became involved in a heated car-park confrontation with Team USA caddy Joe LaCava, as Europe regained the trophy.
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Andrew Coltart provided his thoughts on one of the moments of the golfing year, where Rory McIlroy had a dispute with caddie Joe LaCava at the Ryder Cup. You can listen to the Sky Sports Golf Podcast now
Andrew Coltart provided his thoughts on one of the moments of the golfing year, where Rory McIlroy had a dispute with caddie Joe LaCava at the Ryder Cup. You can listen to the Sky Sports Golf Podcast now
Despite the successes, the hunt for the elusive fifth major goes into another year after some more near-misses at the flagship events.
McIlroy came second at the US Open behind Wyndham Clark, while there were top-10 finishes at the PGA Championship and The Open. He remains one of the game’s leading lights, and the Holywood man now enters 2024 hoping to claim a major title for the first time in a decade.
His compatriot Shane Lowry also played his part in Europe’s Ryder Cup redemption, winning 1.5 points from three matches while also claiming three top-20 finishes in 2023’s majors.
It was a breakthrough year for 20-year-old Tom McKibbin, who became Irish golf’s youngest tour winner since McIlroy (who hails from the same town in County Down) when he won the DP World Tour’s European Open in June.
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Maguire claimed three crucial points as Europe retained the Solheim Cup having lost the opening day foursomes 4-0
Maguire claimed three crucial points as Europe retained the Solheim Cup having lost the opening day foursomes 4-0
Meanwhile, Cavan’s Leona Maguire enjoyed another fruitful year, the highlight of which came at the Solheim Cup.
Maguire shone, as she did on tournament debut in 2021, winning three points including a crucial 4&3 win over Rose Zhang as Europe retained the cup after a 14-14 draw.
Maguire also claimed her second LGPA Tour title as a spectacular final round saw her clinch a two-shot win at the Meijer LPGA Classic.
A good year could have been a great one, with Maguire taking a one-shot lead into the final round of the Women’s PGA Championship, before shooting a disappointing 74 on the final day with China’s Ruoning Yin winning the major. Maguire’s compatriot Stephanie Meadow impressed at the tournament, finishing tied for third.
Boxing: Revenge for Taylor after first pro defeat as five qualify for Olympics
The main headline from an Irish boxing perspective this year saw Olympic legend Katie Taylor suffer the first defeat of her professional career at the 23rd attempt, losing to England’s Chantelle Cameron in Dublin by majority decision in May.
Seeking revenge, Taylor fought Cameron again on November 25 in Dublin, becoming a two-weight undisputed world champion when she showed her mettle to win by majority decision. Taylor has since said she would fight Cameron again, and has made no secret of her desire to do so at Croke Park.
Elsewhere in the Irish boxing world, Belfast’s Michael Conlan suffered two defeats in 2023, having only previously lost once in 19 professional bouts. The 32-year-old lost to Mexico’s Luis Alberto Lopez by TKO in the fifth round of their fight in May for the IBF featherweight title, and then lost to Englishman Jordan Gill by TKO in the seventh round on December 2 for the vacant WBA International super-featherweight title.
Earlier this year, Kellie Harrington, Ireland’s Tokyo Olympic gold medallist, and four other Irish boxers qualified for the Paris Olympics: Aoife O’Rourke, Jack Marley, Michaela Walsh, Dean Clancy. Roscommon’s O’Rourke and Dublin’s Marley are considered exciting medal prospects.
GAA: Dublin at the double as Limerick continue dominance
Dublin captain Carla Rowe (left) and Leah Caffrey lift the Brendan Martin Cup after their All-Ireland final victory over Kerry
Just when you thought the Dubs were in a downturn.
After a three-year absence, the Sam Maguire and Brendan Martin Cups are back residing in the capital. Their previous stays were lengthy ones, six and four years respectively, but football is a much more competitive environment these days.
The Dublin’s women’s team will attest to that, having watched neighbours Meath rise from the intermediate ranks and win back-to-back All-Irelands at senior level. Plenty of motivation, then, and Dublin lay down a marker by twice beating the defending champions in the Leinster Championship.
A two-point home loss to Kerry in the All-Ireland group stages proved a momentary setback. Dublin’s winning margin across the next three games was over 15 points as they booked a return date with a Kingdom side chasing a league and championship double.
A first final in the women’s code between these two footballing heavyweights was all but over by the interval, Dublin leading by seven after former Ireland rugby international Hannah Tyrrell kicked eight first-half points. With Mick Bohan on board for an eighth season as manager, they will again be among the frontrunners in 2024.
James McCarthy, Stephen Cluxton and Michael Fitzsimons are no strangers to getting their hands on the Sam Maguire Cup
The Dublin men’s team timed their run to perfection as they became the first non-Division One team to win the All-Ireland since Armagh in 2002.
Dessie Farrell’s side began the year in the unfamiliar surrounds of the league’s second tier, which allowed them to stay under the radar and slowly build up a head of steam.
After yet another cakewalk in Leinster – it’s now 13 provincial titles in a row and 18 in 19 seasons – a below-par draw with Roscommon in the All-Ireland group stages provided Dublin with a timely shot in the arm. They powered to a mouth-watering final with defending champions Kerry, for whom David Clifford was shooting the lights out all summer. However, the Kingdom talisman was unable to hit his usual high standards in the decider, and a late scoring burst saw Dublin home.
Captain James McCarthy has committed to another season as he chases a record-equalling 10th All-Ireland medal, while Stephen Cluxton could follow suit as the Boys in Blue look to retain their crown.
Derry, with Mickey Harte at the helm, will have something to say about that, as will the likes of Armagh, Galway and Kerry. However, Gaelic football remains a sport in crisis, blighted by packed defences and incessant handpassing. Armagh and Crossmaglen great Aaron Kernan described the sport in its current guise as “boring” and “monotonous” and warned it could get even worse before it gets better, while the split season continues to divide.
Aaron Gillane was Limerick’s leading scorer with 3-47 in seven championship matches
No such concerns in hurling, split season aside, as Limerick head into 2024 bidding to become the first county to win five All-Ireland Senior Hurling Championships in a row.
They recovered from a loss to Clare in the Munster Championship group stages, their first championship defeat since 2019, to book a rematch with their neighbours in the final, where a one-point success secured a fifth consecutive provincial title.
Limerick reinforced their reputation as a second-half team with devastating performances at Croke Park, overturning half-time deficits against both Galway and Kilkenny in the semi-finals and final respectively. John Kiely’s men saved their best performance for the final, outscoring the Cats by 0-19 to 0-5 in a majestic final half-hour. Can anyone stop their drive for five?
Cork captain Amy O’Connor completes her incredible hat-trick against Waterford
Speaking of majestic, Amy O’Connor was Cork’s hero as they ended their five-year wait for an All-Ireland Senior Camogie Championship.
O’Connor produced one of the moments of the year when she smashed a hat-trick in less than two minutes during their dominant victory over a Waterford side appearing in their first All-Ireland final since 1945.
Olympics: Record medal haul should be target in Paris
The sky is the limit for 21-year-old sensation Rhasidat Adeleke
Ireland record medal tally at an Olympics came in 2012 when they won six in London, and hopes are high they can match or perhaps even better that in Paris this summer.
Tallaght sensation Rhasidat Adeleke has enjoyed a record-breaking 12 months and her upward curve will continue after deciding to turn professional. Rhys McClenaghan (pommel horse) is a back-to-back world champion while freestyle swimmer Daniel Wiffen will be targeting a medal in Paris after smashing the 800m world record.
Daniel Wiffen smashed the 800m freestyle world record by almost three seconds
In Ciara Mageean and Sarah Healy Ireland possess two serious competitors in the 1500m. Mageean finished fourth in world-class company at the World Championships last August, with Healy joining the Down athlete and Sonia O’Sullivan as the only Irishwomen to run the 1500m in under four minutes.
Throw in Ireland’s rowing stars – Olympic gold medallists Fintan McCarthy and Paul O’Donovan claimed their third World Championship in September – and the long list of boxing contenders headed by Kellie Harrington, and this has the potential to be a ground-breaking Games.
Hull FC and Hull KR will kick off the 2024 Betfred Super League season at the MKM Stadium on Thursday, February 15; the full fixtures for next year will be revealed at 8.30am tomorrow; For the first time, watch every game of the 2024 Super League season live on Sky Sports
Last Updated: 22/11/23 7:01pm
Hull FC and Hull KR will get the 2024 Super League season under way with a derby clash next February
A Hull derby will kick off the 2024 Betfred Super League season, with every match to be shown live on Sky Sports.
Cross-city rivals Hull FC and Hull KR meet at the MKM Stadium in the season-opener on Thursday, February 15.
The match-up was announced on Thursday evening as all 12 clubs confirmed their first home games of next year.
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Hull FC claimed the bragging rights the last time they met Hull KR in the Betfred Super League, winning 16-6 at Sewell Group Craven Park
Hull FC claimed the bragging rights the last time they met Hull KR in the Betfred Super League, winning 16-6 at Sewell Group Craven Park
Friday, February 16 sees three matches taking place as Leeds Rhinos host Salford Red Devils, St Helens welcome promoted London Broncos, and Leigh Leopards face Huddersfield Giants.
Castleford Tigers’ new head coach Craig Lingard faces arguably the toughest opening game possible as they host reigning champions Wigan Warriors on Saturday, February 17.
The other game that day see Grand Final runners-up Catalans Dragons welcome Warrington Wolves to Stade Gilbert Brutus.
After travelling to their rivals on opening night, Hull KR face Leeds in their first home game on Thursday, February 22, at the start of Round 2.
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Highlights of the 2023 Betfred Super League Grand Final between Wigan Warriors and Catalans Dragons
Highlights of the 2023 Betfred Super League Grand Final between Wigan Warriors and Catalans Dragons
The Broncos’ first home game back in Super League sees them host Catalans at Wimbledon’s Cherry Red Records Stadium the following night, with Warrington welcoming Hull FC to the Halliwell Jones Stadium on the same day.
Huddersfield’s first home match is against St Helens on Saturday, February 24, while Wigan are pencilled in to face Leigh in the ‘Battle of the Borough’ at the DW Stadium.
The second round of the 2024 Super League season is rounded off by Salford hosting Castleford Tigers on Sunday, February 25.
The full fixture list for next year’s regular season will be announced at 8.30am on Thursday, November 23.
Betfred Super League 2024 opening fixtures
Round 1
Thursday, February 15: Hull FC vs Hull KR.
Friday, February 16: Leeds Rhinos vs Salford Red Devils, St Helens vs London Broncos, Leigh Leopards vs Huddersfield Giants.
Saturday, February 17: Castleford Tigers vs Wigan Warriors, Catalans Dragons vs Warrington Wolves.
Round 2
Thursday, February 22: Hull KR vs Leeds Rhinos.
Friday, February 23: London Broncos vs Catalans Dragons, Warrington Wolves vs Hull FC.
Saturday, February 24: Huddersfield Giants vs St Helens, Wigan Warriors vs Leigh Leopards.
Sunday, February 25: Salford Red Devils vs Castleford Tigers.
Watch every match of the 2024 Betfred Super League season, including Magic Weekend, the play-offs, and men’s, women’s and wheelchair Grand Finals, live on Sky Sports. Also stream with NOW.
Ugo Monye, who now works as a TV pundit, revealed on social media a supporter repeatedly targeted him with a racist insult after Exeter Chiefs’ victory over Gloucester; Police have “made contact” with a man in connection with the incident
Last Updated: 22/11/23 1:08pm
Ugo Monye says he was a victim of ‘blatant racism’ at Exeter’s Sandy Park on Sunday
Police have “made contact” with a man in connection with the alleged racist
abuse suffered by former England international Ugo Monye after Sunday’s match between Exeter and Gloucester.
The 40-year-old ex-Harlequins player, now a television pundit, said the incident occurred as he was leaving Sandy Park following the Chiefs’ 25-24 Gallagher Premiership victory.
Devon and Cornwall Police said in a statement: “We have identified and made contact with a man in connection to the incident and we are in the process of speaking to the victim.
“Our enquiries are currently ongoing into the incident.”
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Monye wrote on X, formerly known as Twitter, that one supporter running through the crowd repeatedly shouted a racist insult.
He added: “Disgraceful. Not a single person said a word, challenged or even reported it.
“He walks off after a mild scuffle and fans are now telling me ‘We’re with you’ B******S you’re with me. You weren’t with me when you saw and heard the most blatant racism I’ve seen from a supporter at a live game. So fed up.”
Exeter swiftly issued a statement vowing to investigate the matter and apologising to Monye.
It read: “In light of recent accusations regarding an incident of racist abuse at Sandy Park following the conclusion of our victory over Gloucester in the Gallagher Premiership, Exeter will be launching a full investigation.
“This behaviour will not be tolerated at our rugby club, and we condemn it in the strongest possible terms.
Devon & Cornwall Police later confirmed they were investigating the incident.
In a statement released on Tuesday, superintendent Antony Hart said: “We take all reports of hate crime extremely seriously and we will not tolerate this behaviour.
“Anyone who has any information regarding this incident is asked to contact police quoting 258 20/11/23. Reporting makes a difference and can prevent these incidents happening to someone else.”
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The Rugby Football Union said in its own statement on Monday: “We are appalled by the racist abuse Ugo Monye faced following the Exeter Chiefs game against Gloucester.
“Ugo is a great champion of rugby, inclusion, and diversity; he has our full support. Racism cannot be accepted in our sport.
“Rugby authorities, clubs, fans, players and volunteers must all act consistently and without tolerance to any form of abuse of discrimination.”
France captain Antoine Dupont is set to take a break from the 15-a-side game in order to focus on sevens in the build up to the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris; the decision is set to be announced on Monday
Last Updated: 15/11/23 5:59pm
France’s Antoine Dupont is set to announce his intention to miss the Six Nations in order to prepare for the 2024 Olympic Games
France captain Antoine Dupont is set to miss next year’s Six Nations in order to prepare for the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris.
The French rugby federation (FFR) told AFP the news on Wednesday, with the decision coming just a month after the disappointment of an early World Cup exit.
Dupont, 27, is set to miss the Six Nations, held between February 2 – March 16 next year in order to participate in legs of the World Rugby seven-a-side circuit, now known as SVNS.
His club Toulouse, the FFR and Dupont are set to hold a press conference on Monday, 250 days from the start of the Games, when they are expected to announce Dupont’s intentions.
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Members of the France squad and head coach Fabien Galthie criticise the standard of refereeing following their quarter-final defeat to South Africa
Members of the France squad and head coach Fabien Galthie criticise the standard of refereeing following their quarter-final defeat to South Africa
Dupont will join France’s sevens squad in January before SVNS events in Vancouver, Canada on February 23-24 and Los Angeles on March 2-3.
Scrum-half Dupont’s most recent 15-a-side appearance for France was last month’s agonising World Cup quarter-final defeat to eventual winners South Africa at the Stade de France.
The stadium in northern Paris will also host next July’s sevens competitions, for men and women, at the Olympics.
As far back as last December, Dupont opened the door to playing in the event, which first featured in the Olympics in 2016.
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Despite thrashing Namibia 96-0 for their biggest win ever, the Rugby World Cup hosts will be concerned to have seen Antoine Dupont go off in the second half with an injury
Despite thrashing Namibia 96-0 for their biggest win ever, the Rugby World Cup hosts will be concerned to have seen Antoine Dupont go off in the second half with an injury
“It’s highly motivating,” Dupont told RTL.
“It’s incredible when you see the enthusiasm it can create. There is a desire from my side to put things in place for me to participate.
“It will be a discussion between the different coaching staffs,” he added.
A host of other leading 15-a-side players have featured at past Olympic Games including South Africa winger Cheslin Kolbe and former New Zealand centre Sonny Bill Williams, who have both won the World Cup twice.
Fiji have won the two men’s gold medals since seven-a-side rugby was introduced into the Olympics with the longer format of the sport having last featured in 1924.
The absence of Dupont in the Six Nations will force France head coach Fabien Galthie to name a new captain and starting scrum-half for the Six Nations, which they start against Ireland on February 2.
Bath returned to winning ways with a big win over Gloucester in a rollercoaster West Country derby that featured eight tries; Bath are two points ahead of Exeter, with Gloucester still in eighth after a third loss of the season
Last Updated: 10/11/23 10:23pm
Bath produced a stunning second-half performance to win a pulsating West Country derby against Gloucester 45-27 at a sold-out Kingsholm.
Trailing 20-10 at the interval, after being comfortably second best in the first half, Bath turned the game on its head with their pack taking control to score four tries in a devastating 15-minute spell as their opponents imploded.
Ollie Lawrence scored two tries for Bath with Will Muir, Thomas du Toit and Beno Obano also touching down for the visitors. There was also a penalty try award with Finn Russell adding five conversions and a penalty.
Santiago Carreras, Chris Harris and Matias Alemanno scored Gloucester’s tries with George Barton kicking two penalties and three conversions.
Gloucester made an explosive start, with Jonny May heavily involved. A pre-planned move saw the former England international tear through the Bath ranks to set up a period of pressure, with the wing soon producing another strong run which ended with Carreras being hauled down metres from the try-line.
Bath captain Ben Spencer was yellow-carded as he sought to slow down Gloucester’s possession and the hosts soon capitalised with a Barton penalty.
The away side’s response was swift with a Russell penalty rewarding a powerful burst from Lawrence, meaning Spencer was able to return to the fray with no damage done to the scoreboard.
After 17 minutes, Gloucester’s early dominance was rewarded when Harris powered over after Bath’s defence had been dragged from side to side as the hosts’ skilful inter-play had them chasing shadows.
Bath beat Gloucester at a sold-out Kingsholm
Bath then missed a golden opportunity for an immediate reply when another break from Lawrence set up a scoring chance for Miles Reid but the flanker stumbled when challenged by Carreras with the line beckoning.
It mattered little as Lawrence took matters into his own hands by brushing off Stephen Varney’s tackle to score Bath’s opening try, with Russell’s conversion bringing the scores level. However, Gloucester were soon back in front with more intricate back play creating the space for Carreras to walk over in the corner.
A Russell penalty attempt rebounded back off a post but Barton had no such issues as he slotted over from 30 metres out to give his side a deserved 20-10 interval lead.
After the restart Bath were quickly out of the traps and roared back into contention when Muir collected Max Ojomoh’s long pass before bumping off two defenders to score. Russell converted before Bath took the lead for the first time when Du Toit finished off a succession of forward drives.
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In the second half, it was one-way traffic as Gloucester could not get out of their 22 and it came as no surprise when Obano crashed over for Bath’s bonus-point try.
Gloucester conceded a fourth score in the space of 15 minutes, a penalty try being awarded with their flanker Jack Clement sin-binned for collapsing.
Gloucester showed some spirit with a try from Alemanno before Clement returned from the sin-bin in time to see Lawrence seal Bath’s victory with his second try of the night.
Kevin Sinfield to run seven ultra-marathons in seven days to raise funds for motor neurone disease; 43-year-old will start in Leeds, then head to Cardiff, Birmingham, Edinburgh, Dublin and Brighton before finishing in London; Sinfield has raised millions for MND since Rob Burrow diagnosis
Last Updated: 08/11/23 10:30am
Kevin Sinfield will run seven ultra-marathons in seven days in December to raise funds for MND
Kevin Sinfield will undertake a new challenge to help those affected by motor neurone disease by running seven ultra-marathons in seven days in December.
Sinfield has raised millions of pounds for MND charities since his former Leeds Rhinos team-mate and great friend Rob Burrow was diagnosed in 2019.
The 43-year-old, currently defence coach of the England men’s rugby union team, will start in Leeds on December 1.
He will then head to Cardiff, Birmingham, Edinburgh, Dublin and Brighton before finishing in London on December 7, when he runs from Twickenham Stadium to The Mall.
Sinfield will run 27.2 miles a day – full marathon length plus an extra mile to show how people can always do even more to help friends needing support.
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Sinfield says carrying Rob Burrow over the finish line at the Leeds Marathon was ‘really, really special’
Sinfield says carrying Rob Burrow over the finish line at the Leeds Marathon was ‘really, really special’
This will be Sinfield’s fourth fundraiser, with the former Rhinos man telling the BBC: “I did say last year that the Ultra 7 in7 would complete the trilogy, but there was always that caveat that Rocky 4 was my favourite Rocky film.”
“For the MND community, every second counts and we will be making the most of every step on this challenge to raise awareness, funds and support for that community.
“The MND community have always given us incredible support and we wanted to find a way we could show that support for more people around the country.
The charities supported by this latest challenge include the Rob Burrow Centre for MND in Leeds.
Donations will also go to the My Name’5 Doddie Foundation, the Irish MND Association, the Darby Rimmer MND Foundation, and the 4ED campaign, with the latter supporting former Leicester rugby union player Ed Slater.
Slater, who also represented Gloucester and Nottingham, was diagnosed with MND in 2022.
Three Sumatran tigers have been born at a zoo in Tennessee
ByThe Associated Press
October 28, 2023, 11:28 AM
NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Three Sumatran tigers have been born at the Nashville Zoo.
Zoo officials announced that the two female and one male cubs were born Oct. 20. It’s the first time that Sumatran tigers were born at the zoo. The cubs’ mother, 9-year-old Anne, arrived at the Nashville Zoo from the San Diego Zoo in December.
Sumatran tigers are native to the rainforests of Indonesia. The International Union for Conservation of Nature lists the Sumatran tiger as critically endangered with fewer than 600 in existence worldwide due to habitat loss and poaching.
Nashville Zoo veterinary officials performed a routine checkup on the cubs Thursday.
“All three cubs are doing well and are now back with their mom, Anne, in the privacy of their indoor den,” the zoo said in a statement Saturday on Facebook.
The cubs’ father, Felix, remains separated from Anne at the Nashville Zoo’s Tiger Crossroads Exhibit.
Two Sumatran tigers also were born at the San Diego Zoo’s Safari Park in July.
England got their WXV campaign off to a winning start beating Australia 42-7 last Friday; They come up against Canada on Friday in the second of their three games in New Zealand
Last Updated: 25/10/23 2:16pm
England Women’s will take on Canada on Friday after winning both games against them during pre-season
England Women’s interim head coach Louis Deacon has praised the changes made by the World Rugby Council saying it will help the women’s game grow.
The transformational reforms for the women’s game mean there will be no overlap between international and club fixtures for the first time from 2026.
It will allow for clearly defined global and regional player release periods in the women’s game which will promote opportunity and growth ahead of an expanded 16-team Rugby World Cup in 2025.
“This is massively exciting for the women’s game that these things have been put in place, really positive, it shows that it is continuing to grow and it will mean the players can solely focus on international periods or domestic periods,” said Deacon.
Red Roses captain Marlie Packer echoed this sentiment saying it will allow players will benefit from a schedule which should see less fixture congestion.
“The players will get a proper rest period so we can come into our pre-season ready to do,” Packer said.
“Calendars won’t be overlapping with each other which means seasons can be prolonged or extended or we have a quick turn around of tournaments.
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“It’s about the welfare of the players and I think it’s a really good thing that will happen to the game.”
The Red Roses will continue their inaugural WXV campaign this Friday when they take on Canada after kicking off the tournament with an emphatic 42-7 victory over Australia last Friday.
England have made nine changes to their starting line-up for their second match of the WXV 1 tournament against Canada on Friday.
Canada also began their WXV campaign with an impressive 42-22 win over Wales, but lost to England in their two pre-season matches, albeit the scoreline becoming tighter each time.
“Canada are a very athletic side, and their set-piece is very good. For me the standout player is Sophie de Goede, she can make anything happen. The way she plays the game and sees the game is exceptional,” said Packer.
Canada captain De Goede scored the opening try within four minutes and added six conversions in her side’s opening game against Wales.
England got their WXV tournament campaign off to a winning start with a 42-7 victory over Australia
During England’s game against Australia, Packer scored two tries and keeps her place in the side while full-back Ellie Kildunne – who has three tries in her last two outings against the Canadians – and wing Claudia MacDonald return to the back three, alongside Abby Dow.
Helena Rowland switches to outside centre where she will join Amber Reed in midfield, with scrum-half Natasha Hunt named as Holly Aitchison’s half-back partner.
“When you have got a squad of 30 players, you need to have players that are adaptable. In our first game it was about giving people opportunities and that was one of the combinations we looked at,” said Deacon.
“Players need to be versatile when you have 30 available, so that’s why we’ve moved Helena around.”
A fresh front row sees Mackenzie Carson, Lark Atkin-Davies and Sarah Bern start, while Cath O’Donnell is back in the second row beside Zoe Aldcroft.
Morwenna Talling is selected at blindside flanker as captain Marlie Packer and Alex Matthews continue at openside flanker and No 8 respectively.
“Every player will be ready for the game, just because we have played Canada twice won’t make us any less aware of what we’re going into and we have to put a good performance in,” said Packer.
“We’ve been training with each other and there’s been a lot of time to discuss things but whatever 15-players go out there, I know they will do the job.
“We’re striving to be the best version of ourselves and it doesn’t matter about who has started and who hasn’t.”
In a study of the brains of 31 former players, CTE was present in 21 of the brains (68 per cent) donated to research institutes in the USA, UK & Australia; Professor Willie Stewart: “Our data shows risk is linked to length of rugby career, with every extra year of play increasing risk”
Last Updated: 23/10/23 9:16pm
A player’s risk of developing an incurable brain disease uniquely associated with repeated head impacts is relative to the length of their career
A player’s risk of developing an incurable brain disease uniquely associated with repeated head impacts is relative to the length of their career, a new study indicates.
Each additional year of playing was found to increase the risk of chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) by 14 per cent, in a study of the brains of 31 former players whose average career length was 18 years.
CTE can only be diagnosed postmortem, and to date the only recognised risk factor for CTE is traumatic brain injury and repeated head impact exposure.
The study, published in Acta Neuropathologica in the week of the Rugby World Cup final, found CTE present in 21 of the 31 brains (68 per cent) donated to research institutes in the United States, the United Kingdom and Australia.
Cases with CTE averaged a career length of 21.5 years, while in those without CTE the average was 12.1 years.
The study’s lead author Professor Willie Stewart said: “In this study, we have combined the experience and expertise of three leading international brain banks to look at CTE in former rugby players.
“These results provide new evidence regarding the association between rugby union participation and CTE. Specifically, our data shows risk is linked to length of rugby career, with every extra year of play increasing risk.
“Based on this it is imperative that the sport’s regulators reduce exposure to repeated head impacts in match play and in training to reduce risk of this otherwise preventable contact sport related neurodegenerative disease.”
Twenty-three of the players played at amateur level only, while eight also played at the elite level. The study found no correlation between the level the individual had played at and an increased risk of CTE, nor between whether they played as a forward or a back.
World Rugby is exploring ways to mitigate the risk of concussion and improve how diagnosed or suspected concussions are managed.
The governing body’s executive board has recommended that unions participate in an opt-in global trial of lowering the tackle height in the community game to below the sternum – also known as a “belly tackle”.
World Rugby also promotes a ‘recognise and remove’ approach to dealing with concussion in the amateur game, while it has detailed return-to-play protocols at that level and in the elite game.
A group of former professional and amateur players diagnosed with early-onset dementia are involved in legal action against World Rugby, the Rugby Football Union and the Welsh Rugby Union.
The players claim the governing bodies were negligent in that they failed to take reasonable action to protect them from permanent injury caused by repetitive concussive and sub-concussive blows.
A World Rugby spokesperson said: “World Rugby is aware of the findings from the University of Glasgow study and we are committed to always being informed by the latest science.
“Our Independent Concussion Working Group recently met with Boston University representatives, including Professor Ann McKee, alongside other world leading brain health experts, to continue our dialogue on how we can make the game safer for the whole rugby family.
“What all the experts told our Independent Concussion Working Group was, that we should continue to reduce the number of head impacts, and that is exactly what we will do.
“World Rugby will never stand still when it comes to protecting players’ brain health which is why community players around the globe are taking part in trials of a lower tackle height this season.
“It is also why we have rolled out the use of world leading smart mouthguard technology in WXV, our new elite women’s competition, and from 2024 all elite competitions using the Head Injury Assessment will use smart mouthguards, in addition to the current independent doctors and in-game video footage to ensure that players are receiving the best possible care.”
Wasps were considering building a multi-use stadium, training facilities and a hotel on the outskirts of Swanley, with a public consultation planned next month; Wasps have been without a permanent home since leaving Coventry when they were suspended from all competitions last year
Last Updated: 23/10/23 5:11pm
Wasps have revealed a plan to try and move to a permanent location in Kent
Former Premiership giants Wasps have announced their intention to explore the
possibility of establishing a permanent home in Kent.
The club, who were removed from the Premiership last year after falling into administration, say they are “actively engaged” with Sevenoaks District Council to identify a suitable location.
A prospective move to Kent would mark another geographical shift for the club, who played most of their 156-year history in London, before moving to High Wycombe in 2002 and Coventry in 2014.
Wasps, who are two-time European champions and six-time Premiership winners, had £95m worth of debts when the club went into administration and said this decision “signifies a new chapter in the club’s journey, reaffirming its commitment to professional rugby”.
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A statement read: “Having faced significant challenges with regulation and funding, the club has persisted with its determination to revive Wasps at the highest possible level.”
The club has also agreed an option of utilising Worcester Warriors’ Sixways ground for both training and playing purposes, while Wasps say they will be actively exploring temporary facilities to underpin its operations in Kent.
A Sevenoaks District Council spokesman said Wasps were considering building a multi-use stadium, training facilities and a hotel on the outskirts of Swanley, with a public consultation planned next month.
Wasps played their home games in Coventry before dropping out of the Premiership
“As a top-tier club, with an international profile, we firmly believe this is a once-in-a-generation opportunity,” the spokesman added.
“Wasps would bring unparalleled economic, sports development, health, education, and skills benefits to the district and we are keen to explore how that could be achieved.”
It has yet to be confirmed what level of the league pyramid Wasps will be able to return to.
Ahead of England’s Rugby World Cup semi-final, we take a look at some reasons for optimism; England vs South Africa takes place on Saturday (8pm kick-off UK time); the match in Paris is a repeat of the 2019 final which the Springboks won
Last Updated: 19/10/23 5:52pm
England will be optimistic that they can provide an upset when they face South Africa in the semi-finals of the Rugby World Cup
The beauty of knockout rugby is that there is always an upset on the cards and an England win on Saturday could be one for the ages.
Despite being a finalist against South Africa back in 2019, England’s form has significantly dipped, fresh faces and a fresh coaching team headed by Steve Borthwick now helping to drive a side which entered the competition with very little expectations on them from fans.
‘They won’t get out of the group,’ was the first cry, then it was ‘Fiji will get them in the quarter-finals like they did at Twickenham’, now it is ‘South Africa will cruise past England in the semi-finals’.
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England head coach, Steve Borthwick backs his players to succeed against South Africa in their Rugby World Cup semi-final on Saturday and has hailed their progression throughout the tournament
England head coach, Steve Borthwick backs his players to succeed against South Africa in their Rugby World Cup semi-final on Saturday and has hailed their progression throughout the tournament
The first two statements were proven to be incorrect and England will believe they can also prove the third as false too. Let’s take a look at why…
Producing a performance too early: Building towards the big dance
Throughout the years in the Rugby World Cup, several nations have performed magnificently in the last four, before failing to hit the same heights in the final. They’ve been said almost to have played their final in the semi-finals.
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Former England winger Mark Cueto does not rule out an England victory against South Africa in the Rugby World Cup semi-final and says all the pressure is on favourites South Africa.
Former England winger Mark Cueto does not rule out an England victory against South Africa in the Rugby World Cup semi-final and says all the pressure is on favourites South Africa.
This year, the script was slightly different as two of the quarter-finals produced final-esque clashes.
Ireland and New Zealand had fans at the edge of their seat in a war of attrition which the All Blacks ultimately won before France and South Africa dazzled with their skill and the Springboks edged by just one point. Both games set new heights and brought with it all the emotion that the latter stages of tournament rugby bring.
For England, their quarter-final was a slightly more muted contest against Fiji and it could be something which helps them come Saturday.
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James Cole has all the latest news ahead of the Rugby World Cup semi-finals as Freddie Steward is set to be recalled by England in place of Marcus Smith.
James Cole has all the latest news ahead of the Rugby World Cup semi-finals as Freddie Steward is set to be recalled by England in place of Marcus Smith.
Being on the opposite side of the draw to the tough Pool B, England’s group has not been where the eyes and attention have been focused and with each match, they have built confidence while flying slightly under the radar.
Knockout rugby is about backing performances up and while Ireland dazzled in their win against South Africa and France looked like a tournament favourite, both sides couldn’t bring it home in the moment it mattered.
England have made it to the big dance before and will have the confidence they have the know-how and the rugby smarts to do it again.
Picking up points: Farrell vs Libbok
Although everyone loves to see dazzling tries like those in the opening 20 minutes of the France-South Africa quarter-final but in big matches, it is paramount to pick up points when they are on offer and so focus always turns to the place kicker.
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South Africa have announced their line up for the World Cup semi-final against England.
South Africa have announced their line up for the World Cup semi-final against England.
Indeed, with the way in which Owen Farrell has been kicking from the tee recently, especially in his man-of-the-match performance against Fiji, it is one of England’s big strengths heading into Saturday.
Starting South Africa fly-half Manie Libbok has kicked dreadfully in the World Cup to date, and the man who has often taken over the duties in Faf de Klerk is sat on the bench.
Owen Farrell vs Manie Libbok: Rugby World Cup 2023
Conversions made:
Owen Farrell
10
Manie Libbok
5
Meanwhile, Farrell’s accuracy has improved as the tournament has unfolded and the England skipper knows how to step up on the big occasions.
The Springboks if required would call on Handre Pollard from the bench but if England have managed to take the contest that deep and make it about the tightest of points margins, they will be happy to have Farrell on their side.
Strength in depth: Avenging the 2019 loss
England’s Rugby World Cup final loss to South Africa in 2019 was a heartbreaking one and most certainly will be fuel for the fire on Saturday.
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England captain Owen Farrell says that the Rugby World Cup semi-final against South Africa on Saturday is a new challenge and nothing to do with the 2019 final when the two teams met in Japan.
England captain Owen Farrell says that the Rugby World Cup semi-final against South Africa on Saturday is a new challenge and nothing to do with the 2019 final when the two teams met in Japan.
The squad will want to avenge that moment and with Jonny May, Manu Tuilagi, Elliot Daly, Owen Farrell, Joe Marler, Jamie George, Dan Cole, Maro Itoje, Courtney Lawes, Tom Curry, Kyle Sinckler, Billy Vunipola, and George Ford all involved in the matchday 23 from four years ago, there will be an abundance of desire in the dressing room to get the job done.
The experienced members of the squad who carry that scar will be alongside an abundance of youth too that carry no extra weight into the contest and so the coupling of the two could work out to be the driving force behind an England victory.
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Sky Sports News’ James Cole previews England’s semi-final clash against South Africa at the Rugby World Cup.
Sky Sports News’ James Cole previews England’s semi-final clash against South Africa at the Rugby World Cup.
Freddie Steward is back in the side in place of Marcus Smith and the full-back will try and nullify the dangerous high kicks that South Africa can produce.
If the effort matches the energy and the stars align, England will believe they can continue their unbeaten run in this Rugby World Cup.
On Saturday in Paris, we will find out if this is the case.
Mark Telea starts on the left flank in place of Leicester Fainga’anuku, who drops out of the matchday 23 for the All Blacks’ World Cup semi-final against Argentina
New Zealand have made two changes for their World Cup semi-final showdown against Argentina on Friday with Mark Telea and Sam Whitelock coming into the starting XV.
Telea was left out the All Blacks’ 28-24 quarter-final victory over Ireland after breaching team protocols.
The 26-year-old starts on the left flank in place of Leicester Fainga’anuku, who drops out of the matchday 23, despite scoring the first of the Kiwis’ three tries against the Irish.
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Veteran second-row Whitelock swaps roles with Brodie Retallick in the other alteration to Ian Foster’s starting XV to win his 152nd cap. Retallick is on the bench.
Samisoni Taukei’aho takes the spot of fellow hooker Dane Coles among the replacements.
New Zealand players celebrate after beating No 1 side Ireland last weekend
Head coach Foster has warned his players “not to get softened” by the acclaim which followed their thrilling win over Ireland.
“The best way to recover is to refocus really quickly on what the next challenge is and not to listen too much to any praise you’re given as a group for a performance,” said Foster, who was assistant to Steve Hansen four years ago when New Zealand lost to England in the semi-finals.
“Not to go down that path, not to get softened because everyone’s patting you on the back saying you played well.
“That’s not a good place to be as a team.
“I love the way the team has buckled down, we’ve redefined the challenge for us as a group, we’re not satisfied with where we are now and when you’re clear about your goal for the week the recovery comes along pretty quickly.
“You know that if we’re not right on Friday night at Stade de France, it’s going to be a sad old night and we don’t want it to be like that.
“You get people talking to you about tomorrow and trying to take your eyes off today.
“In 2019 we probably didn’t stop being patted on the back after the quarter-final, hence some of my language today and we’re just trying to dial this back, keep things simple and let’s just worry about Friday.”
Argentina have shaken off a dismal opening-game loss to England to advance to the semi-finals
The Pumas have swapped Gonzalo Bertranou to start ahead of Tomas Cubelli in anticipation of a much faster game than when they overcame Wales 29-17 in Marseille.
There are seven survivors from their last World Cup semi-final in 2015, a loss to an Australia team coached by current Pumas mentor Michael Cheika.
The list includes Matias Alemanno, Agustin Creevy, Tomas Lavanini, Nicolas Sanchez, Guido Petti, captain Julian Montoya and No 8 Facundo Isa, who will play his 50th Test.
Another sell-out crowd of 80,000 fans is expected in Paris for what will be the third World Cup encounter between the two sides, and their second in the knockout stages.
The teams met earlier this year in Mendoza, where the All Blacks opened the Test season with a 41-12 win.
New Zealand: 15 Beauden Barrett, 14 Will Jordan, 13 Rieko Ioane, 12 Jordie Barrett, 11 Mark Telea, 10 Richie Mo’unga, 9 Aaron Smith; 1 Ethan de Groot, 2 Codie Taylor, 3 Tyrel Lomax, 4 Sam Whitelock, 5 Scott Barrett, 6 Shannon Frizell, 7 Sam Cane (c), 8 Ardie Savea.
Tiger Woods has another world-class field for his Hero World Challenge in the Bahamas
ByThe Associated Press
October 16, 2023, 12:57 PM
FILE – Tiger Woods drives the 18th hole on his way to winning the 100th U.S. Open Golf Championship at the Pebble Beach Golf Links in Pebble Beach, Calif., on June 18, 2000. A 60-foot birdie putt sunk on the 18th at St. Andrew’s before a playoff loss to John Daly at the 1995 British Open. A front-row seat to history paired with Tiger Woods in the final round of the 1997 Masters. Then a career-defining singles win over Woods later in ’97 that helped Europe win the Ryder Cup. It’s been nearly three decades since Costantino Rocca put Italian golf on the map and it’s hard to imagine the Ryder Cup being held near Rome this week would have happened without him. (AP Photo/Elise Amendola, File)
The Associated Press
NASSAU, Bahamas — Tiger Woods has another world-class field for his Hero World Challenge in the Bahamas. Still to be determined is whether he is part of it.
Woods on Monday announced 19 players in the 20-man field for Albany Golf Club the first weekend of December, which includes every eligible member of the U.S. Ryder Cup team, along with two players who were left off the team.
Missing is Brooks Koepka. The Hero World Challenge is sanctioned by the PGA Tour, and Koepka is suspended from that for being part of the rival Saudi-funded LIV Golf League. The PGA champion was a captain’s pick for the Ryder Cup.
Woods has not played competitively since withdrawing from the Masters after making the cut. He had ankle surgery a short time later for injuries related to his February 2021 car accident, though he was seen hitting wedges during a foundation event at Pebble Beach last week.
Viktor Hovland, the two-time defending champion in the Bahamas, is among three players from Europe’s winning Ryder Cup team in Rome.
Sponsor exemptions were awarded to Rickie Fowler and Justin Thomas. Both are among the top 25 in the world ranking, which illustrates the strength of the field. Players must be among the top 50 to get an exemption, part of the provision for the unofficial event getting world ranking points.
The criteria allows for an exemption to be used on the tournament host — Woods — if he needs one.
Antoine Dupont will start for France vs South Africa in Sunday’s Rugby World Cup quarter-final
France captain Antoine Dupont has been named to start vs South Africa in their Rugby World Cup quarter-final on Sunday, a little over three weeks after suffering a fractured cheekbone.
France: 15 Thomas Ramos, 14 Damian Penaud, 13 Gael Fickou, 12 Jonathan Danty, 11 Louis Bielle Biarrey, 10 Matthieu Jalibert, 9 Antoine Dupont (c); 1 Cyril Baille, 2 Peato Mauvaka, 3 Uini Atonio, 4 Cameron Woki, 5 Thibaud Flament, 6 Anthony Jelonch, 7 Charles Ollivon, 8 Gregory Alldritt.
Replacements: 16 Pierre Bourgarit, 17 Reda Wardi, 18 Dorian Aldegheri, 19 Romain Taofifenua, 20 Francois Cros, 21 Sekou Macalou, 22 Maxime Lucu, 23 Yoram Moefana
More to follow…
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