Latest news with #Rugby
ABC News
3 hours ago
- Sport
- ABC News
From strangers to sisters: a Rugby commentary journey that gave us more than we knew we needed
Fiji's Taina Basiyalo was one of eight women selected for the recent Rugby Commentary & Mobile Journalism Program (CAMP) – a partnership between Oceania Rugby and ABC International Development – held in conjunction with the Oceania Women's Rugby Union Championship in Sigatoka, Fiji. Taina looks back on her time as part of the Oceania Rugby CAMP and reflects on the unexpected wins she and her fellow participants had. -- - It all began with a deep desire, not just to witness a Rugby World Cup, but to feel the energy and spirit of it all. I wanted to soak in the atmosphere and be part of something that holds so much meaning for women in sport. In November last year, I reached out to ABC International Development's Sally Eeles to ask if the Women in News & Sport program had any plans ahead of the 2025 Women's World Cup, happening in England in August and September 2025. Sally's response gave me exactly what I needed; a sense of reassurance and a spark of hope that this dream might become a reality. A few months later, she shared news of the Rugby CAMP program, a special initiative developed in partnership withSheridan Graham-Tupaea, who leads Women's Rugby Projects for Oceania Rugby. I knew it was something I had to be part of. Out of more than 70 applicants, 20 women were selected to take part in four weeks of online training. From that group, eight of us were chosen to move on to phase two, an in-person training held in Fiji over eight incredible days. 'A story, a skill, a perspective' The full crew group of eight Pacific women in the Oceania Rugby Commentary & Mobile Journalism Program (CAMP), Harriet Tuara, Manaini Bulu (Fiji), Kuini Vuli (Fiji), Taina Basiyalo (Fiji), Ebony Finau (Solomon Islands), Jamie Haro (Papua New Guinea), Gabrielle Apelu (Samoa), together with Sheridan Graham-Tupaea (Oceania Rugby), Sally Eeles (ABC International Development) and Rugby Commentator, Rikki Swannell. ( Aaron Kearney ) I remember that first morning so clearly. I was quiet and unsure after meeting the other women, not quite knowing what to expect thinking that this was 'just' another training. But it didn't take long to realise it wasn't/It was something far more meaningful, something life changing. I could see growth happening before my eyes, not just in me, but in each and every woman there. Over those eight days, I learned so much not only from the speakers who shared their knowledge and experience, but from the participants too. Each person brought something unique; a story, a skill, a perspective that enriched the entire journey. Stepping into the world of commentary and having Aaron Kearney guide us was exactly what I needed. His approach was clear, engaging and easy to understand. Then came another highlight: learning from the incredible Rikki Swannell, an internationally-renowned rugby commentator and champion of the women's game. Hearing her story, her challenges and how she began reminded me that you don't have to be perfect to start and that all you need is good preparation ahead of game day. It gave me hope and reaffirmed that passion and growth go hand in hand. Another standout moment for me was learning from Kuini Vuli, one of Fiji's respected referees who now mentors others. Gaining a referee's perspective added so much depth to our commentary training from understanding the field markings to interpreting hand signals and knowing what's coming next. It gave me a foundation I didn't even know I needed. 'A space where I could thrive and do what I love' The group of eight Pacific women in the Oceania Rugby Commentary & Mobile Journalism Program (CAMP) include, pictured here (L-R): Manaini Bulu (Fiji), Kuini Vuli (Fiji), Taina Basiyalo (Fiji),Ebony Finau (Solomon Islands), Sheridan Graham-Tupaea (Oceania Rugby), Jamie Haro (Papua New Guinea), Gabrielle Apelu (Samoa) and Noame Rabeni (Fiji Rugby Union). Not pictured here is Cook Islands' Harriet Tuara. ( Harriet Tuara ) For the longest time, even though I knew I had the voice, I struggled to put the right words together. I used to feel like every sentence I said had to be a gold nugget, something Aaron once told me I didn't need to worry about. This training helped me breathe. It showed me that commentary doesn't have to be perfect — it just has to be authentic. I gained the tools to be better, more confident and more effective. The entire experience reignited and deepened my love for rugby. I felt a stronger connection to the sport than ever before. It no longer felt like just work. It became my happy place. A space where I could thrive and do what I love, especially when it came to creating content. Those eight days flew by in the blink of an eye, but their impact will stay with me forever. I came away more eager, more excited and more inspired to pursue commentary. One of my biggest highlights was the content creation session with the amazing Arizona Leger. I stepped onto the field with her advice fresh in my mind, created and shared my content and it took off. It was picked up by ABC Pacific and Rugby Australia and received amazing feedback on Instagram and across social media. Fiji's Taina Basiyalo (centre), receiving her Certificate marking her completition of the Oceania Rugby Commentary & Mobile Journalism Program (CAMP), pictured with Sally Eeles (ABC International Developement) and Sheridan Graham-Tupaea (Oceania Rugby) ( Taina Basiyalo ) This journey has been truly transformative for me, especially as a woman working in sports media. But what made it even more meaningful was the bond we formed as women who share the same passion. We exchanged ideas, offered support, shared contacts and lifted each other up. It wasn't just about improving our skills. We built a sisterhood., a connection that goes beyond rugby, one that will last a lifetime. Now, whenever we need updates from our island homes we know exactly who to call.
BBC News
4 hours ago
- Entertainment
- BBC News
Love Rugby Festival celebrating arts and sport to boost town
A festival getting under way in Rugby will celebrate arts and culture along with sport and Love Rugby Festival starts later and runs until 6 July, and one of the highlights will be the Couch to 5K fun run through the town centre on the last day, with the finish line at Whitehall Recreation Borough Council said the festival had been organised to boost pride in the borough and increase footfall in the town coincides with Rugby School's Festival on the Close, and Warwickshire Open Studios' Summer Art Weeks festival. The council said the run was to celebrate sport and to tie in with the festival's theme of improving people's mental and physical will follow a route that takes them past landmarks such as Rugby School, Caldecott Park and the Clock Tower. 'Celebrating the best' The festival lineup includes several exhibitions at Rugby Art Gallery and Museum, which is celebrating its 25th anniversary with a "birthday bash" on Saturday. Displays for children and families include self-portraits and crafted animal figures.A butterfly trail has been organised in Caldecott Park, where people can pick up a sheet and search for 15 colourful, wooden events are being held to celebrate Pride, including a speed-meet, a cinema night and march and picnic, on events include a football festival all weekend, triathlon taster sessions on Monday and Tuesday, and paddlesport at the Rugby Canoe Club on leader Michael Moran urged people to join in, be part of something special and celebrate "the very best" of the town. Follow BBC Coventry & Warwickshire on BBC Sounds, Facebook, X and Instagram.
Business Standard
12 hours ago
- Business
- Business Standard
Bisleri Powers GMR Rugby Premier League as the Official Hydration Partner
NewsVoir Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], June 19: Bisleri International, India's leading packaged drinking water brand, is proud to announce its partnership with the inaugural GMR Rugby Premier League (RPL) as the Official Hydration Partner. This collaboration underscores Bisleri's commitment to promoting health and wellness through sports, aligning with the league's mission to establish rugby in India. GMR Rugby Premier League, a groundbreaking franchise-based Rugby 7s competition, kicked off on June 15, 2025, at the Andheri Sports Complex in Mumbai. Featuring six city-based teams--Bengaluru Bravehearts, Chennai Bulls, Delhi Redz, Hyderabad Heroes, Kalinga Black Tigers, and Mumbai Dreamers--the league highlights top-tier talent from India and across the globe. Spanning 34 matches over 15 action-packed days, the RPL promises to captivate audiences nationwide. Backed by an exclusive 15-day window granted by World Rugby, the league has attracted marquee international stars, including Olympic medallists, World Champions, and former World Player of the Year honourees. Expressing his excitement on this association, Tushar Malhotra, Director of Sales & Marketing at Bisleri International Pvt. Ltd., said, "We're thrilled to partner with GMR Rugby Premier League in its inaugural season--a tournament that distinguishes itself through both its bold vision and international impact. This collaboration is part of Bisleri's broader sports marketing program, which now includes 56 active partnerships across various disciplines. Through this association, we're proud to support some of the world's top rugby athletes with our premium hydration solutions, while engaging global sports fans through compelling content and immersive experiences." Satyam Trivedi, CEO, GMR Sports, said, "We are delighted to welcome Bisleri International as our Official Hydration Partner. Hydration is essential for peak athletic performance, and Bisleri's reputation for premium quality aligns perfectly with our commitment to providing world-class facilities and experiences for our players and fans of rugby. We are excited about the innovative content and engagement opportunities this partnership brings." The RPL is broadcast live on JioHotstar, bringing the excitement of Rugby to fans across the country. With a legacy of over 50 years, Bisleri International Pvt. Ltd. has grown to become one of the largest premium beverage businesses in India. Being the makers of the country's largest-selling packaged drinking water, Bisleri follows a stringent process of 114 quality tests and a 10-stage purification. It remains true to its core value of providing consumers with pure, safe and healthy water. Bisleri International has a strong presence with 128 operational plants and a robust distribution network of over 6,000 Distributors and 7,500 Distribution Trucks across India and UAE market. It offers a range of beverages that are produced for all occasions. Whether it is the promise of goodness, trust, and purity with Bisleri Mineral Water or a daily dose of health offered through Vedica Himalayan Spring Water. Besides, Bisleri International has ventured into fun-filled refreshments with a diverse range of carbonated drinks available in multiple flavours, such as Limonata, Spyci Jeera Rev and Pop. These Bisleri products are also available on the e-commerce platform - Bisleri@Doorstep. This D2C platform reassures customers that they will receive a safe and uninterrupted supply of their most trusted brand at their doorstep. The core values of Bisleri International lie in yielding growth and embedding sustainability by being responsible in all aspects of the business. The organization has unveiled Sustainability 2.0 with Bisleri Greener Promise that focuses on creating greener future for all through implementing initiatives under the program of recycling, water conservation and sustainability. For more information on Bisleri International, our people, brands, and OSR initiatives, visit
Daily Mail
14 hours ago
- Sport
- Daily Mail
Shamed Rufus McLean called up by USA... and could face Scotland at Murrayfield later this year
Shamed former Scotland star Rufus McLean is set to make a controversial return to international rugby with the USA - and could potentially face Gregor Townsend 's side at Murrayfield this year. The ex-Glasgow Warriors winger looked set to become a regular fixture in the Scotland squad when he won three caps and scored twice on his debut against Tonga in 2021. Then came the shocking revelation McLean had subjected his former partner Cara Haston to a two-year campaign of domestic abuse. Handed a 120-hour community payback order by Sheriff Matthew Auchinloss and banned from contacting Haston for 10 years, the former Merchiston High pupil was sacked by Scottish Rugby for 'gross misconduct and breach of contract'. Now, having since moved to America, he is set to return to the international fold with the US after fulfilling World Rugby's regulation that states a player is eligible to switch nationalities after a three-year 'cooling off' period in which they haven't been capped. McLean's final Scotland appearance was on July 16, 2022. Now McLean could play against Scotland for the USA in the Autumn Test series He has been named in the USA Eagles' squad for their summer fixtures and could make his debut against England at Audi Field in Washington DC on July 19. McLean could also line up against Scotland at Murrayfield later this year when the countries meet in the November Test series. Boston-born McLean moved to the US last year when he was signed by the Colorado-based American Raptors before switching to the Houston SaberCats earlier this year. USA Eagles head coach Scott Lawrence said: 'Generally across the outside backs, one of the things we wanted to do was increase the team speed. 'So when you look at a guy who runs 10.4 metres per second, and who has played at a high level of rugby, you go: 'Yeah, that's a guy that helps us achieve that'. 'It's good to have him (McLean) in the mix this year. I think that's a huge one.' McLean engaged in a campaign of 'aggressive' and 'controlling' domestic abuse against his former partner. He admitted in court he had regularly sworn at her and been verbally abusive towards her, pushed her to her injury, tracked her movements via her phone's location service, requested passwords for her social media accounts and dictated what she could and couldn't wear.
Irish Times
15 hours ago
- Sport
- Irish Times
Australia squad thin on playmakers may come back to bite Joe Schmidt
Australia coach Joe Schmidt named his 36-man squad to face Fiji and the British & Irish Lions , recalling the enigmatic Will Skelton from La Rochelle, rewarding the uncapped Nick Champion de Crespigny's rousing form for Castres Olympique, and bringing giant lock Darcy Swain in from the cold. Former star prop Taniela Tupou had wondered publicly if he'd forgotten how to play the game but Schmidt believes he can rekindle his glory days. Perth-born Carlo Tizzano is in having led Super Rugby try-scoring and tackle counts all year. And Sevens bolter Corey Toole, who scored twice in the Brumbies' semi-final loss, looks set for a Test debut with Queensland's Tim Ryan missing out. With half-a-million fans set to attend nine sold-out games on this ninth Lions tour, Schmidt knows 2025 must be a game-changer for Rugby Australia . The tour, a 12-year circus, needs to fund the vaunted 'golden era' of a home 2027 men's World Cup, the 2029 women's World Cup and the 2032 Brisbane Olympics. France reported a $2.5bn injection into their economy after hosting the 2023 RWC, and Australia's 2027 tournament, featuring an increased 24 teams, could be even bigger. However, the only currency that matters for fans is on-field success and having extended his reign until July 2026 Schmidt has adopted a 'win at all costs' credo. READ MORE Australia's Langi Gleeson. Photograph: Anne-Christine Poujoulat/AFP via Getty Images Previously, the 59-year-old has preferred picking local loyalists rather than overseas players. Yet Wednesday's squad was notable for featuring flanker Langi Gleeson (who Schmidt once uninvited to camp after he signed to play in France), outhalf Noah Lolesio (heading to Japan in 2026), centre Len Ikitau and flanker Tom Hooper (both off to Exeter) and prop Angus Bell (taking a sabbatical to Ulster). It's a sign Schmidt will forgive such double-agents if it means maintaining depth. A powerful Lions squad lands on Saturday for three Tests, four tour games against Australia's state sides, plus two invitational fixtures featuring a hybrid Australia and New Zealand team and a First Nations & Pasifika XV. A high attrition rate is expected along the way so Schmidt has relaxed his stance on his squad playing Tests or tour games, not both. Last month he told media he intended to 'safeguard' a core of 25 players and release the rest of the squad to represent their states or the invitational side to be helmed by incoming national coach Les Kiss. 'We don't want to deprive someone of the opportunity of playing against the Lions if they're not going to get the Test jersey,' Schmidt said. In naming a host of injured players – hooker Matt Faessler (hamstring), winger Max Jorgensen (ankle), outhalves Lolesio (HIA) and Tom Lynagh (finger) and star signing Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii (jaw), Schmidt has backtracked to ensure his men are fit for the Lions challenge. 'To get a game under their belt before they actually come into Wallaby camp may be the most advantageous situation,' he said. The Wallabies and Flying Fijians have met 23 times over 73 years, splitting their first two series in 1952 and 1954 before 69 years and 83 days of Australian supremacy. The banana skin for Schmidt is that this streak ended at the side's last meeting, the 39-21 cataclysm in France that sent Australia home early from the 2023 World Cup. Despite the retirement of captain Waisea Nayacalevu, Fiji have improved since then, defeating Wales and almost upsetting England. Under new coach Mick Byrne – a former assistant to Michael Cheika – they will be ready to punish their hosts again when they face them in Newcastle on July 6th. Fiji's Waisea Nayacalevu in action against Australia during the 2023 World Cup. Photograph: Andrew Cornaga/Photosport/Inpho The bad omens don't end there. When Australia played their first Test in Newcastle, another calamity ensued. The 2012 team, coached by Robbie Deans and led by now senator David Pocock, braved rain and 120kph gales in an ugly 9-6 loss to Scotland. The only silver lining that dark night was a debut by one Michael Hooper. Let's hope that ghost story doesn't feature at camp, nor that of Arthur Seddon, first captain of the Lions, who drowned in Newcastle's Hunter River on the 1888 tour. Instead, Schmidt must get busy building combinations and getting inside the brains of his players with a game plan to undo Lions coach Andy Farrell's UK all-stars. He has elected to do so without the 'Three Amigos'. Active veterans James O'Connor and Kurtley Beale, who almost stole the 2013 series from the Lions, missed selection, something third amigo, Quade Cooper, warns might come back to bite a Wallabies squad thin on playmakers and badly in need of a creative director at 10. Schmidt has 36 pieces and less than a month to assemble the Wallabies puzzle. There are hungry Lions on the doorstep and plenty of Australian pride on the line. – Guardian
