Latest news with #FinnRussell
The Sun
5 hours ago
- Entertainment
- The Sun
Meet the VERY glam British & Irish Lions WAGs… including stunning blonde who underwent jaw-dropping body transformation
THEY'RE the sporting superteam made up of the finest rugby players from England, Wales, Ireland and Scotland. The British & Irish Lions only come together once every four years to compete in a world tour - which kicks off tonight with a match against Argentina in Dublin before moving to Australia for Test matches in Brisbane, Melbourne and Sydney. 19 19 The talented squad are followed by a legendary group of fans - known as the "Sea of Red". But their biggest supporters are closer to home - and will be cheering them from the touchline as they take on the Wallabies down under, as well as playing seven pre-Test matches. Here we look at the loyal WAGS who celebrate every try alongside their very own Lionhearts. Emma Canning and Finn Russell, Scotland Former Scottish heptathlete, Emma Canning, 28, has been dating Scottish rugby player Finn Russell, 32, since 2017. They had a brief split in 2021 but have since patched up their relationship and now share two daughters, Charlie, three, and Skye, one. The family currently live in Bath, but prior to moving and becoming a mum, Emma was a promising track and field athlete. Unfortunately, she suffered a stress fracture to her shin when she was just 19 which impacted her training and performance and led to an operation to put a metal plate in her leg. In 2018, she took the decision to have the plate removed because she was "training in pain" but she was forced to take a lengthy break from competing, which left her admitting she "struggled mentally, emotionally and physically." This year she has returned to competitive athletics and recently hit back at a troll who commented: "Must be invigorating to know your only talent is to be in a relationship with a talented person.' She replied: 'Actually – there's room for two Scottish athletes in our relationship. Lol,' accompanied by a video of her long jump competition. Beth Dolling and Marcus Smith, England 19 London-based fashion model Beth Dolling, 25, has been dating English rugby player Marcus Smith, 26, since 2019. The brunette beauty has appeared in campaigns for online fashion giants such as PrettyLittleThing, Missy Empire, Rebellious and more. She has 37,000 followers on Instagram and frequently shares photos of her model shoots, her lavish lifestyle and her life with Marcus. Last month she posted a loved up snap of the couple with the caption: "5 years together with the loml! Love you with my whole heart." As well as modelling she is also budding singer, occasionally showing off her vocals to fans on TikTok. Dina Celina and Blair Kinghorn, Scotland Nutritionist Dina Celina, 32, is originally from Norway and is the fiancee of Scottish ruby player Blair Kinghorn, 28. The pair revealed their engagement in November last year after three years of dating. The proposal took place during a romantic break at the posh Gleneagles Hotel and the date has been set for August 25. Dina has a BSc Honours in Nutrition from Queen Margaret University with a Registered Associate Nutritionist (ANutr) accredition. She maintains that gut health is the main driver of health and posts videos of the healthy, anti-inflammatory meals she makes for Blair when he is in recovery from injury. The couple now live in France, where Blair plays for Toulouse. Sophie De Patoul and Josh van der Flier, Ireland Dublin born Sophie de Patoul tied the knot with her long term boyfriend Josh van der Flier, 32, at Luttrellstown Castle in Dublin in 2022. The happy bride shared a picture with the caption: "Got to marry my best friend." The pair have been together since 2019 but Josh didn't pop the question until 2021. Back in her college days, Sophie attended Muckross Park College before attaining a BA in Business and Spanish at Technological University Dublin. She also spent time studying at Universidad del País Vasco/Euskal Herriko in Spain where she brushed up on her Spanish. Sophie, who is also Belgian, worked part time as a waitress and as a sales adviser at Brown Thomas. Now, she works as a digital marketing freelancer. Nika van der Merwe and Duhan van der Merwe, Scotland 19 19 Edinburgh-based content creator Nika van der Merwe, wed Duhan, 30, in 2023 at a stunning venue in South Africa. As a content creator and "social media expert", Nika frequently shares work updates and glimpses into her personal life to Instagram. Nika is also the founder of social media agency, Sound Colour Social, and the women's hiking club, She Wanders. She also owns two adorable French bulldogs called Moosie and Ziggy. In the past, fans have referred to her as the "queen of the wags". Chloe Rose and Luke Cowan Dickie, England 19 Chloe Rose, from Cornwall, is wife to English hooker Luke Cowan-Dickie, 31, and regularly supports him at games. The couple welcomed their son Arlo during the 2020 Six Nations, just weeks before the 2019 World Cup. Sharing the news on social media, Luke wrote: 'So this is my little man, Arlo Cowan-Dickie, and he is already my [world]. Thanks for the kind messages – him and mum are doing great.' The couple had been dating for two years before Arlo was born. Chloe has recently been on her own fitness journey and often shares snaps of her herself flaunting her incredible body transformation, looking honed and toned. Mimi Fall and Maro Itoje, England 19 19 Maro Itoje popped the question to his now wife Mimi Fall during a holiday to Nigeria and Ghana in August 2024. Mimi revealed the engagement via social media captioning a picture of her shiny ring "Mrs I to be." They tied the knot last month in a glamorous ceremony in London's Mayfair, with Mimi posting: "We cried, laughed and danced - yes I had 5 outfits because life is for living." The pair, who are also models, allegedly met during a photo shoot. Today, Mimi models for W MODEL MGMT and Boom Models Agency. She is also a talented artist with her own dedicated page @mimifallart. Mimi is also a lover of food and shares artsy snaps of her dishes via her page @comedinewithmi. Katherine Egan and Dan Sheehan 19 Irish beauty Katherine Egan is Dan Sheehan's, 26, long-term girlfriend. The pair have shared adorable pics together over the years with one snap dating back to 2017. . While the Dan has made his name in rugby, Katherine has sporting pedigree in her own right as a hockey player with UCD, where she also studies Medicine. Ever supportive of one another, they attended the 2022 Leinster Rugby Awards Ball where Dan won LAYA Healthcare Men's Young Player of the Year. The pair also seem to love travelling together to a variety of exotic destinations such as Bali and Santorini.
Yahoo
a day ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Russell signs new deal at Premiership champions Bath
Scotland captain and British and Irish Lions fly-half Finn Russell has signed a new deal with Bath until 2028, the newly crowned Premiership champions announced on Thursday. The 32-year-old kicked 13 points and added an impressive interception in Saturday's 23-21 victory over Leicester in the Premiership final at Twickenham. Advertisement The win was Bath's first Premiership title in 29 years and sealed a treble, with the European Challenge Cup and the Premiership Rugby Cup already secured. Russell, who joined Bath in 2023, has made 45 appearances and scored 420 points in all competitions for the club. "I have loved my time here at Bath," said the playmaker, part of the Lions squad for their upcoming tour to Australia. "It's a great team and a great club. We've come a long way over the last couple of years and I am really looking forward to staying here and seeing what the club can achieve." Bath head of rugby Johann van Graan, who has transformed the team side from rock-bottom finishers in 2021/22 to league champions, said: "Finn is one of the world's best 10s, a player who performs in the big moments and more importantly he's an incredible team man and a family man. "He is one of the lads, his training is exceptional, and he's added so much to our group." jw/bsp
Yahoo
a day ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Russell signs new contract at Bath
Scotland captain and British & Irish Lions fly-half Finn Russell has signed a new three-year contract at Bath. The 32-year-old kicked 13 points and set up Max Ojomoh's try as Bath won their first Premiership title for 29 years on Saturday, when they beat Leicester at Twickenham. Advertisement Russell has made 45 appearances since moving to the club in 2023 from French side Racing 92, scoring 420 points, including four tries. He was a key part of the side that won the European Challenge Cup and the Premiership Rugby Cup earlier this year in a historic season. "I have loved my time here at Bath. It's a great team and a great club," Russell told the Bath website. "We've come a long way over the last couple of years, and I am really looking forward to staying here and seeing what the club can achieve. "The fans have been outstanding since I got here. We've had some big results at home and that's just our way of giving back to the fans and trying to represent them in the right way." 'One of the world's best 10's' Finn Russell kicked 183 points in the Premiership this season [Getty Images] Russell is one of the Premiership's star names and his continued time at Bath will give the league a boost. Advertisement It comes after Saracens re-signed Owen Farrell from Russell's former club Racing 92 earlier this week, with the likes of Marcus Smith and George Ford also staying in the league despite the lure of riches in France and Japan. "The way the club is developing and with the young players coming through, the belief and confidence that we've got week-to-week is just growing," Russell added. "There are some brilliant new signings coming in as well who will be great additions to the club, and I can't wait to get started next season." Russell is believed to be one of the league's best-paid players, reportedly earning £1m a season as Bath's non-salary cap player. Advertisement Bath head of rugby Johann van Graan says the club has secured one of the best global talents. Van Graan said: "It's amazing news. Finn is one of the world's best 10s, a player who performs in the big moments and more importantly he's an incredible team man and a family man. "He is one of the lads, his training is exceptional, and he's added so much to our group. "It's great that he'll be staying on at Bath Rugby and continuing his journey with the Blue, Black and White."
The Independent
a day ago
- Sport
- The Independent
British & Irish Lions vs Argentina Prediction, Best Bets & Rugby Odds
The British & Irish Lions face Argentina in Dublin on Friday as they step up their preparations for next month's Test series against Australia (8pm, Sky Sports Main Event). Andy Farrell's side travel to Australia after Friday's match to play a series of warm-up games before three matches against Australia, starting in mid-July. Farrell opted to name 16 players from the national side he usually coaches, Ireland, in his 38-man squad and13 from England, including skipper Maro Itoje, who became the first English captain of the side for more than 20 years when he was named last month. Seven players were named from Scotland, including Finn Russell, who helped Bath to their first Premiership final in 29 years with two conversions and three penalties in their 23-21 win over Leicester Tigers on Saturday. There are just two Wales players named in the squad, with Tomos Williams and Jac Morgan both in line to make their Lions debuts, and after a disappointing year so far with Wales, they will be looking forward to getting back in international action. Rugby betting sites make the Lions odds-on to go down under and win the series, just as they did in 2013, while you can get 5/2 on the Aussies and 33/1 on a series draw. Brirish & Irish Lions vs Argentina Betting Preview: Lions to Roar in Dublin While the focus will be on peaking for the Test series against Australia, Friday's game in Dublin will be a special occasion for many as they get their first taste of Lions rugby. Betting sites are backing the Lions for the win at the Aviva Stadium at 1/7 while they are favoured by around 17 points on the handicap. A shock Argentina win has shortened to 7/1 and it's 50/1 on a pretty rare draw. The last time the two sides met it did finish all square at 25-25, but that was back in 2005 at Cardiff's Millenium Stadium, when Sir Clive Woodward was in charge of the side. Argentina lost two out of three of last year's internationals in Europe, beaten by France and Ireland but they did secure a 50-18 win over Italy in November. They were the last three internationals the side played so it will be interesting to see what type of form they are in but let's not forget they did beat both South Africa and Australia last year, although both matches were on home turf. The Lions are without the majority of Leinster, Bath and Leicester Tigers players, who only joined up with the squad on Monday after the United Rugby Championship and Premiership finals, with Leinster hooker Ronan Kelleher the only player involved as he is named on the bench. The Pumas are also without several of their France-based players with Toulouse's Juan Cruz Mallia and Bordeaux-Begles second row Guido Petti involved in the Top 14 play-offs. The last time the Lions played on British or Irish soil they saw off Japan 28-10 at Murrayfield in 2021 and a similar margin of victory is expected here. British & Irish Lions vs Argentina Line Ups British and Irish Lions: Smith; Freeman, Tuipulotu, Aki, Van der Merwe; Smith, Mitchell; Genge, Cowan-Dickie, Bealham, Itoje, Beirne, Curry, Morgan, Earl. Replacements: Kelleher, Schoeman, Furlong, Cummings, Pollock, Williams, Daly, Hansen. Argentina: Carreras; Isgro, Cinti, Piccardo, Mendy; Albornoz, Garcia; Vivas, Montoya (c), Sclavi, Molina, Rubiolo, Matera, Gonzalez, Oviedo When using gambling sites be aware that sports betting can be addictive. Please take steps to remain in control of your time and budget. The same applies whether you're using new betting sites, slot sites, casino sites, casino apps, or any other gambling medium. Even the most knowledgeable punter can lose a bet, so always stick to a budget and never chase your losses. It's particularly important not to get carried away by any free bets or casino offers you might receive, both of which are available in abundance on gambling sites, but must be approached with caution. You can stay in control by making use of the responsible gambling tools offered, such as deposit limits, loss limits, self-exclusion and time-outs. You may also want to visit the following free organisations to discuss any issues with gambling you might be having:
Yahoo
a day ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
British & Irish Lions vs Argentina Prediction, Best Bets & Rugby Odds
The British & Irish Lions are ready to take on Argentina (Getty Images) Lions vs Argentina Betting Tips Lions to win by 16-20 - 6/1 Bet365 The British & Irish Lions face Argentina in Dublin on Friday as they step up their preparations for next month's Test series against Australia (8pm, Sky Sports Main Event). Advertisement Andy Farrell's side travel to Australia after Friday's match to play a series of warm-up games before three matches against Australia, starting in mid-July. Farrell opted to name 16 players from the national side he usually coaches, Ireland, in his 38-man squad and13 from England, including skipper Maro Itoje, who became the first English captain of the side for more than 20 years when he was named last month. Seven players were named from Scotland, including Finn Russell, who helped Bath to their first Premiership final in 29 years with two conversions and three penalties in their 23-21 win over Leicester Tigers on Saturday. There are just two Wales players named in the squad, with Tomos Williams and Jac Morgan both in line to make their Lions debuts, and after a disappointing year so far with Wales, they will be looking forward to getting back in international action. Advertisement Rugby betting sites make the Lions odds-on to go down under and win the series, just as they did in 2013, while you can get 5/2 on the Aussies and 33/1 on a series draw. Brirish & Irish Lions vs Argentina Betting Preview: Lions to Roar in Dublin While the focus will be on peaking for the Test series against Australia, Friday's game in Dublin will be a special occasion for many as they get their first taste of Lions rugby. Betting sites are backing the Lions for the win at the Aviva Stadium at 1/7 while they are favoured by around 17 points on the handicap. A shock Argentina win has shortened to 7/1 and it's 50/1 on a pretty rare draw. Advertisement The last time the two sides met it did finish all square at 25-25, but that was back in 2005 at Cardiff's Millenium Stadium, when Sir Clive Woodward was in charge of the side. Argentina lost two out of three of last year's internationals in Europe, beaten by France and Ireland but they did secure a 50-18 win over Italy in November. They were the last three internationals the side played so it will be interesting to see what type of form they are in but let's not forget they did beat both South Africa and Australia last year, although both matches were on home turf. The Lions are without the majority of Leinster, Bath and Leicester Tigers players, who only joined up with the squad on Monday after the United Rugby Championship and Premiership finals, with Leinster hooker Ronan Kelleher the only player involved as he is named on the bench. Advertisement The Pumas are also without several of their France-based players with Toulouse's Juan Cruz Mallia and Bordeaux-Begles second row Guido Petti involved in the Top 14 play-offs. The last time the Lions played on British or Irish soil they saw off Japan 28-10 at Murrayfield in 2021 and a similar margin of victory is expected here. Lions vs Argentina prediction 1: Lions to win by 16-20 - 6/1 Bet365 British & Irish Lions vs Argentina Line Ups British and Irish Lions: Smith; Freeman, Tuipulotu, Aki, Van der Merwe; Smith, Mitchell; Genge, Cowan-Dickie, Bealham, Itoje, Beirne, Curry, Morgan, Earl. Replacements: Kelleher, Schoeman, Furlong, Cummings, Pollock, Williams, Daly, Hansen. Advertisement Argentina: Carreras; Isgro, Cinti, Piccardo, Mendy; Albornoz, Garcia; Vivas, Montoya (c), Sclavi, Molina, Rubiolo, Matera, Gonzalez, Oviedo Replacements: Bernasconi, Wenger, Coria Marchetti, Grondona. S, Moro, Benitez Cruz, Moroni, Cordero Please gamble responsibly When using gambling sites be aware that sports betting can be addictive. Please take steps to remain in control of your time and budget. The same applies whether you're using new betting sites, slot sites, casino sites, casino apps, or any other gambling medium. Even the most knowledgeable punter can lose a bet, so always stick to a budget and never chase your losses. Advertisement It's particularly important not to get carried away by any free bets or casino offers you might receive, both of which are available in abundance on gambling sites, but must be approached with caution. You can stay in control by making use of the responsible gambling tools offered, such as deposit limits, loss limits, self-exclusion and time-outs. You may also want to visit the following free organisations to discuss any issues with gambling you might be having: We may earn commission from some of the links in this article, but we never allow this to influence our content. This revenue helps to fund journalism across The Independent.
