Latest news with #Morgan
Wales Online
13 hours ago
- Business
- Wales Online
First Minister criticised by Labour Senedd members over 'scattergun' Welsh Government policy
First Minister criticised by Labour Senedd members over 'scattergun' Welsh Government policy Eluned Morgan faced tough questions over her government's international strategy First Minister Eluned Morgan (Image: PA Media ) Wales' First Minister Eluned Morgan was criticised over the Welsh Government's international strategy, including by some of her own party's Senedd members. She appeared at the Senedd's culture committee and was asked about international strategy and plans for an investment summit in December at the Celtic Manor in Newport. Labour's Llanelli MS, Lee Waters, asked what a planned summit would actually achieve. "You've created a summit. Well, having organised lots of conferences – conferences can take a lot of energy and deliver very little, so [it's] interesting how you measure that." The First Minister responded there were three priorities – to raise the nation's profile, grow the economy and establish Wales as a globally responsible country. For our free daily briefing on the biggest issues facing the nation, sign up to the Wales Matters newsletter here When she was further questioned, she said: "We've got a lot of ambitions and we're doing a lot of work on it and we're expecting it to deliver quite a bit.' Asked again what December's summit at Celtic Manor will deliver, she said: "Well, you'll have to wait and see because we don't know until it's actually happened." The First Minister who was previously accused of undermining scrutiny by earlier declining to give evidence, said she would not give "chapter and verse" on expectations for the summit. Article continues below Plaid Cymru's Heledd Fychan then said: "I have to say I'm really unclear about what the answer was to Lee Waters' question there. "It seems very scattergun rather than strategic – that's my impression from the evidence I've just heard – how are you able to reassure me, that's not the case?" Mrs Morgan deferred to Welsh Government officials: Andrew Gwatkin and David Warren. Mr Gwatkin said: "It's not a case of us being headless, jumping from one thing to another. "There is a constant and core to what we do…. but, of course, we're a small team – we can't adapt to everything… we can't do everything and our budgets, similarly, are what they are." The questioning then turned to the international strategy, which in a previous role, Mrs Morgan was responsible for. It contains 270 actions. During the meeting on June 18, she pointed to the impact of the pandemic, Brexit, war in Ukraine and US president Trump on that. However, another Labour MS then had his say. Blaenau Gwent MS Alun Davies, said: "What we want is to understand how the government is spending public money… to hold [the] government to account for that and that's a fair and reasonable request to make." She responded that "over the summer" the 270 actions would be looked at "so it's clear and more transparent". "There will be some things in there we haven't been able to achieve because the world has changed." She then added: "Just to manage your expectations, we've got one person working on this,' with Mr Davies earlier joking: 'I've been a member here for 20 years, first minister, my expectations are well managed." Article continues below
Wales Online
17 hours ago
- Sport
- Wales Online
Tonight's rugby news as Wales star reveals 'disgusting' training regime and Morgan's chances rated
Tonight's rugby news as Wales star reveals 'disgusting' training regime and Morgan's chances rated These are the rugby stories making headlines on the evening of Thursday, June 19 Jac Morgan warms-up during a training session (Image:) These are your headlines on the evening of Thursday, June 19 Page reveals 'disgusting' training regime Macs Page says training sessions in the intense heat at Wales' Vale base have been the hardest thing he's ever done. Matt Sherratt is busy preparing his side for their two-Test tour of Japan this summer and has been putting his players through a gruelling schedule in order to help them acclimatise. Temperatures in the Far East will reach sweltering levels during their visit and in preparation for the conditions, the heating in the gym at the Vale has been turned on to get temperatures up to more than 38°C. Sign up to Inside Welsh rugby on Substack to get exclusive news stories and insight from behind the scenes in Welsh rugby. Article continues below Sitting down in conversation with team-mate Taine Plumtree, the pair discussed what it's been like in their first week in camp. "The highlight was probably that chamber," Page began. "That's probably the hardest thing I've ever done. Yeah, it's disgusting. Getting used to that heat and being able to work in it. It's been good getting training. "All the boys have been good getting around me." Page, new to the squad this summer, said there had been a few tears when he told his family of his call-up. "The first person I told was my dad, I FaceTimed him and told him," he added. "Then I FaceTimed my mam," to which Plumtree asked "any tears?" "My mam was crying yeah!" he replied. "No tears from me." Page has earned some rave reviews for his performances in a Scarlets jersey last season and hopes a debut in the red of Wales could be the cherry on the top. "Well, that's the dream, isn't it, someone growing up in Wales, that's what you dream of," he said. " If I get that opportunity, it's obviously a proud day for me and my family if it happens and the people that have helped me the last few years." Woodward: Morgan good enough to start Tests Former Lions head coach Sir Clive Woodward says Jac Morgan is good enough to start in the Tests against Australia this summer but needs to show it. Morgan has been handed a first start under Lions chief Andy Farrell in the warm-up match against Argentina in Dublin on Friday night. Farrell has gone strong in the Lions' first proper hit-out, with Morgan named alongside Tom Curry and Ben Earl in the back-row. Morgan will know he has stiff competition for his shirt but Woodward believes he has the talent to make the jersey his own, if he shows what he's all about. "There are only two Welshmen in this Lions squad - Morgan and scrum-half Williams," Woodward wrote in his Mail column. "Wales have had such an awful time of it in the last two years or so. "But I've been hugely impressed with flanker Morgan. To stand out as he has at international level in a team that has struggled so badly is very, very impressive. "He fully deserved his Lions selection and it's great for him that he starts against Argentina. "Alongside Tom Curry and Ben Earl, Morgan forms part of a very dynamic back-row. I like what I see in that area. "The back row is probably the most competitive area of this Lions squad and there are the likes of Josh van der Flier and Jack Conan still to come into the equation. "Morgan is good enough to start the Tests. He just has to show it." Russell signs new deal By Rachel Steinberg, PA Scotland fly-half Finn Russell has signed a new deal with Bath that will keep him at the Gallagher Premiership champions until 2028. The 32-year-old kicked 13 points and added an impressive interception in Saturday's 23-21 victory over Leicester to inspire Bath to an historic treble and first Premiership title in 29 years. Russell, who joined Bath in 2023, has made 45 appearances and scored 420 points in all competitions, and finished the 2024-25 Premiership season with 183 points. 'I have loved my time here at Bath,' the British and Irish Lion told the club website. '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. '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.' '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. 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.' Bath head of rugby Johann van Graan, who has transformed the Somerset side from rock-bottom finishers in 2021-22 to league champions, added: '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.' Care backing Smith to make mark By Ed Elliot, PA Danny Care has tipped 'incredible' Harlequins team-mate Marcus Smith to hit greater heights as he bids to make his mark with the British and Irish Lions. Smith began this year's Guinness Six Nations as England's first-choice fly-half before being shifted to full-back and dropped to the bench due to the emergence of rival playmaker Fin Smith. In preparation for this summer's series in Australia, the 26-year-old will start Friday's pre-tour send-off fixture against Argentina in Dublin in the Lions' number 15 jersey, with namesake Fin selected at 10. Care believes his long-term half-back partner has been a victim of his own versatility and also suffered at international level due to an underwhelming season for Quins, which concluded with a seventh-placed finish in the Gallagher Premiership after a 62-0 thrashing by Leinster in the last 16 of the Investec Champions Cup. Fin Smith, meanwhile, helped Northampton finish runners-up to Bordeaux in the European competition following last season's Premiership title triumph. 'I don't think he's got anything to prove,' former England scrum-half Care, speaking of Marcus Smith, told the PA news agency. 'He played in the autumn internationals against some pretty good teams not long ago and everyone was saying he's England's best player and he was wearing the 10 shirt. 'Unfortunately, I think Harlequins' form probably hasn't helped because we've not been playing in the big games, or giving ourselves a chance in those big games this season, whereas Northampton have been playing really well and got themselves to a European final. 'My belief in Marcus' ability is he's still going to get better and better; he's already incredible and he deserves everything he gets.' Marcus Smith was a late addition to the 2021 Lions squad as injury cover for Finn Russell but did not make a Test appearance during the series defeat in South Africa. Russell is the other fly-half selected by head coach Andy Farrell this time around, with fellow Scotland star Blair Kinghorn and Ireland's Hugo Keenan the alternatives at full-back. Following the Aviva Stadium clash with Los Pumas, the Lions will fly to Australia to prepare for Test matches against the Wallabies on July 19, 26 and August 2. 'They are three very different 10s, which I think is great for Andy,' said 38-year-old Care, who will officially retire from professional rugby at the end of this month. 'Maybe there are games where he can pick and choose a certain style that maybe he wants to see. 'Obviously Marcus almost suffered from his own success in a way: he's so good at playing 15 as well that he's so interchangeable. 'I'd imagine you're going to see him in a 10 and a 15 jersey this summer, whereas the other two are out-and-out 10s.' While the two Smiths took part in last week's Lions training camp in Portugal, Russell only joined the group on Monday after becoming a Premiership champion with Bath on the back of Premiership Rugby Cup and European Challenge Cup glory. 'I've been a massive Finn Russell fan ever since playing against him, seeing him throwing some of those incredible passes, unlocking our defence with England a few times,' said Care, who won 101 England caps and made a record 395 appearances for Quins. 'And Fin Smith has come in and taken to international rugby so well. I've been blown away by his professionalism. Article continues below 'He's a wise head on young shoulders but he's a real confident lad and it's shown again with the Lions that it's timing: if you get your timing right and you can get in and play really well in that Six Nations and your club form is good then you can find yourself on a Lions tour. 'Three different 10s to choose from and each of them would deserve a pick, so I'm looking forward to seeing how they go.'
Newsweek
18 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Newsweek
WWE's Liv Morgan To Undergo Surgery: Report
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. A new report has provided a significant update on the status of WWE Women's Tag Team Champion Liv Morgan. She suffered a legitimate shoulder injury on the June 16 episode of Monday Night Raw. According to PWInsider, Morgan will reportedly require surgery to repair her dislocated shoulder. This news suggests she will be out of action for an extended period. Details On Liv Morgan Injury The injury occurred during Morgan's match against Kairi Sane. Just moments into the bout, Morgan landed awkwardly on her shoulder after a leg takedown. The match was immediately stopped, and she was taken backstage for medical attention. It was announced on the broadcast that she had suffered a dislocated shoulder. Major Storylines In Jeopardy This injury comes at a very difficult time for Morgan and WWE. She had just kicked off a high-profile feud with the returning Nikki Bella the previous week. It was widely expected this angle would lead to a marquee match at the upcoming Evolution 2 premium live event. That match, rumored to involve a reunited Bella Twins, is now off the table. RIYADH, SAUDI ARABIA - NOVEMBER 1: Liv Morgan looks on during Crown Jewel Kickoff at Mohammed Abdo Arena on November 1, 2024 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. RIYADH, SAUDI ARABIA - NOVEMBER 1: Liv Morgan looks on during Crown Jewel Kickoff at Mohammed Abdo Arena on November 1, 2024 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. WWE/Getty Images More news: WWE News: Steve Austin Reveals Real-Life Vince McMahon Confrontation Championship Future And Injury History As one-half of the reigning WWE Women's Tag Team Champions with Raquel Rodriguez, the titles will likely need to be vacated. This is also not Morgan's first major shoulder injury, as she missed significant time for a similar issue in 2023. A specific timeline for her return has not been announced. The length of her absence will depend on the outcome of the surgical procedure. Summary of Liv Morgan's WWE Accomplishments Liv Morgan's WWE career is a story of steady growth and perseverance, evolving from a member of a rebellious faction to a multi-time world champion. Morgan began her career in NXT before debuting on the main roster in 2017 as part of The Riott Squad alongside Ruby Riott and Sarah Logan. The group was a fixture on both Raw and SmackDown, establishing Morgan as a key player in the women's division. Her breakout moment as a singles star came in 2022 when she won the Women's Money in the Bank ladder match. She cashed in her contract on the same night, defeating Ronda Rousey to win her first SmackDown Women's Championship (now known as the Women's World Championship), a title she would win for a second time in 2024. Morgan has also achieved massive success in the tag team division. Teaming with Raquel Rodriguez, she is a record-setting four-time WWE Women's Tag Team Champion. In 2024, she became the inaugural WWE Women's Crown Jewel Champion by defeating Nia Jax in Saudi Arabia. Her career has been marked by a character evolution that has seen her transform from a fan-favorite underdog into a cunning main event star as a member of The Judgment Day. More WWE News: For more on WWE, head to Newsweek Sports.
Time of India
20 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Kairi Sane offers emotional statement as Liv Morgan suffers serious shoulder injury
Image via WWE WWE fans were left stunned during this week's episode of Monday Night RAW after Liv Morgan suffered a legitimate shoulder injury mid-match. The bout against Kairi Sane was building momentum when Morgan landed awkwardly during a takedown and immediately clutched her right shoulder in pain. Medical officials rushed in, and the match was stopped without a conclusive finish. It was later confirmed that Morgan had dislocated her shoulder and would need surgery, ruling her out of action for the foreseeable future. Kairi Sane responds with sincere apology Following the incident, Kairi Sane issued an emotional statement on social media, expressing her heartbreak over the situation. 'One of the most painful things for me is when a match is decided not by wrestling, but because of an injury,' she wrote on X (formerly Twitter). 'I always step into the ring with deep respect for my opponent, and I train hard every day to give the audience something they can truly enjoy.' She added, 'Even if it was never intentional, knowing that someone was hurt in a match with me is something I carry deeply. It breaks my heart. I hope with all my heart for a full and speedy recovery.' Creative plans disrupted behind the scenes The injury also caused a ripple effect backstage. WWE Hall of Famer Nikki Bella, who was scheduled to appear during the match, was pulled from the segment due to the uncertainty surrounding Morgan's condition. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like What She Did Mid-Air Left Passengers Speechless medalmerit Learn More Undo According to Wrestling Observer, Bella was supposed to escalate her ongoing storyline with Morgan through a surprise run-in, but those plans were abruptly scrapped. This leaves WWE in a difficult position as the feud between the two stars was gaining momentum, especially ahead of the all-women Evolution 2 premium live event. Liv Morgan's injury also impacts the WWE Women's Tag Team Championship picture. She currently holds the titles alongside Raquel Rodriguez, and with surgery sidelining her for months, WWE is now considering next steps. Traditionally, the company either strips the team of the belts or finds a replacement partner for the uninjured champion. Fans have speculated that Roxanne Perez, a Judgement Day associate, could step into Morgan's place - but no official decision has been made yet. As Morgan begins her recovery, fans across the WWE Universe are rallying behind her with support. Meanwhile, Kairi Sane's heartfelt message has earned praise for its grace and sportsmanship during a difficult moment for both superstars. Also Read: Hulk Hogan's body has paid the price: A look at his most brutal surgeries Game On Season 1 kicks off with Sakshi Malik's inspiring story. Watch Episode 1 here
Time of India
21 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Out for months, but Liv Morgan's comeback could be worth the wait
Image via WWE Liv Morgan may have suffered a setback, but it could lead to something big. Liv Morgan has been on the run of a lifetime since the better part of 2024. She had a captivating run as the WWE Women's World Champion. At the start of 2025, she and Raquel Rodriguez were ruling the roost as the tag team champions. However, an unfortunate incident occurred on the June 16th edition of RAW, resulting in her shoulder injury. The Miracle Kid had to be escorted out of her match and was evaluated upon reaching the backstage area. Furthermore, a report by PWInsider has stated that Morgan will require surgery and is expected to be out for six months. Despite a major setback at the prime of her career, Morgan can still make an impact upon her return. A monster push can put Liv Morgan back at the top of the WWE women's division upon her return Liv Morgan was scheduled to compete in a singles match against Kairi Sane on RAW this week. As the bout began, the duo engaged, and in the first few moments, Morgan dropped on the mat awkwardly. This led to her suffering a dislocated shoulder and the match being immediately stopped. Morgan was able to walk out on her own, but had assistance from the WWE officials. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like "왜 여배우들은 화장보다, 이 유산균을 더 챙겨먹을까?" 가꾸기 Undo Now, with the recent update on her injury, she will miss a significant time on WWE television. While such a hiatus can lead to fans forgetting about the stars and they losing their spot, that does not seem to be the case with Liv Morgan. Immediately after she was injured, Liv Morgan received immense support and well wishes for a speedy recovery from her fan base. Amidst her absence, she could continue to engage with the audience through her social media and outside public appearances. Moreover, she could utilise this time to pursue other major projects like she did recently with the Hollywood film, 'Bad Lieutenant: Tokyo', significantly boosting her fame further. Moreover, the fans would surely be waiting for her return, considering the star power she commands. All this can lead up to a thunderous return, possibly as a surprise entrant in the Women's Royal Rumble 2026 in Saudi Arabia. Morgan, after finishing as a runner-up for years, can finally etch that accolade to her resume and earn a major title match at WrestleMania 42. This could be huge for her resurgence in WWE and also mark the start of a potential second reign as the WWE Women's World Champion. So it remains to be seen if WWE could turn this setback into an opportunity for Liv Morgan's ascension to even greater heights. Also read: Liv Morgan's shocking injury on RAW can spark major shift in WWE Evolution Game On Season 1 kicks off with Sakshi Malik's inspiring story. Watch Episode 1 here
