Latest news with #ex-England
The 42
18 hours ago
- Sport
- The 42
'Johnny is very different than what he was on the field'
JOHNNY SEXTON AND Richard Wigglesworth had a few run-ins on the pitch over the years, but now they're fighting for the same cause. The former Ireland out-half and ex-England scrum-half are both part of Andy Farrell's coaching staff for the British and Irish Lions tour to Australia. Renowned as intelligent operators during their playing days, Sexton and Wigglesworth were on opposing coaching teams earlier this year when Ireland beat England in the Six Nations. Given the history, they're enjoying being on the same side now. 'It's a bit different,' said Wigglesworth after the Lions' captain's run in Dublin this afternoon ahead of tomorrow's sold-out clash with Argentina. 'I've really enjoyed him, so very different than what he was on the field. I'm maybe similar, but without the extreme that Johnny was on the field and off it. 'We've had a good few debates about some match-ups we had. So no, we've had some good fun talking about it. Really enjoying working with him. Obviously, great knowledge, a good eye for what's going on, and just wants to help, like we all do.' Advertisement Farrell has six assistant coaches in total, the most since Clive Woodward's bloated 2005 tour. Ireland's Simon Easterby, John Fogarty, Andrew Goodman, and Sexton have joined Farrell, along with Scotland's John Dalziel and England's Richard Wigglesworth. The Lions didn't publicly announce what each of Farrell's assistants will focus on but most of it is clear. Easterby will be in charge of defence, Fogarty is the scrum coach, and Dalziel will lead the rest of the forward play. Wigglesworth at the Aviva Stadium today. Alamy Stock Photo Alamy Stock Photo Farrell has been in charge of Ireland's phase-play attack in recent years, with backs coach Goodman focusing heavily on the set-piece strike plays. Sexton works on Ireland's kicking game but also has input on the Irish attack, although he said this week that his Lions role revolves specifically around kicking. Wigglesworth is a senior assistant coach with England and guides their attack, while also being renowned as a kick strategy expert. So there appears to be an overlap of coaching specialities in attack and kicking. Wigglesworth wasn't willing to clarify exactly how the various responsibilities have been divided out, but said Farrell wants a collaborative approach. 'I wouldn't like to elaborate on it too much because I think it's Andy's to do when he gives it out,' said Wigglesworth. 'So, he wants us all to work together. We've got our little roles, but if Andy wants to expand on it more, then I'll let him do that.' He did say that Farrell wants a collaborative approach. 'Faz has said straight away that he wanted it to be as connected and cohesive as possible. So, everything's put on the table, really discussed and then try and come up with the best solution and the best help for the lads. 'Obviously, we've got our little individual responsibilities that you'll come up with and check in with each other, but I'm enjoying it immensely, how connected it is and how much we're trying to help each other and learn. So, it's definitely been a fun part so far.' Lions out-half Finn Russell with Wigglesworth. Alamy Stock Photo Alamy Stock Photo Whatever the job roles, there is plenty of coaching acumen in this Lions staff. This is Farrell's third tour and he has massive experience from his time as an England assistant coach, Ireland assistant, and as a Grand Slam-winning Irish boss. Easterby has been Ireland forwards and defence coach at different stages over the past decade or so and is just coming off a season as the national team's head coach. Fogarty has been with Ireland for some major successes since joining in 2020, having worked with Leinster before that. Goodman also worked with the eastern province before joining Ireland last year, having come through the New Zealand coaching ranks. Related Reads Three Irish players start for Lions as Furlong returns on bench Argentina name team for Dublin meeting with Lions Dalziel is a former Scotland U20s and Scotland 7s boss who has been Gregor Townsend's forwards coach with the senior Scotland team since 2020. And Wigglesworth helped Leicester to a Premiership title alongside Steve Borthwick before joining him in the England set-up in 2023. All of those backgrounds and experiences are leading to some fascinating coaching chats. 'Definitely, from our perspective of learning from all the different coaches and the little things that you see differently, all incredibly interesting on the back of it,' said Wigglesworth. 'So I've been absolutely loving that part of it.' There's no doubt Wigglesworth and Dalziel will go back to England and Scotland camps after this tour with a much deeper knowledge of how Farrell and co. like to do things with Ireland. But Wigglesworth said he hasn't been looking for any trade secrets. 'They've been pretty successful, haven't they? So I've not been drilling them too much on what they do or don't do.'
Scotsman
a day ago
- Sport
- Scotsman
'If you're linked with Rangers...': Club told to reject Ibrox transfer approach as 'more mileage' claim made
Rangers have been linked with a transfer for the England international. Sign up to our Football newsletter Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to The Scotsman, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... Rangers transfer target Conor Coady would 'no doubt' be a good signing for the Ibrox giants this summer but Leicester City should not sell him to the Ibrox club this summer, according to one Sky Sports pundit. The 10-cap England international faces an uncertain future at the King Power Stadium following Leicester's relegation from the English Premier League, with the future of manager Ruud van Nistelrooy still uncertain heading into the new season. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Strongly linked with a move across the border to Rangers, head coach Russell Martin reportedly keen to add the ex-Wolverhampton Wanderers captain to his squad due to his leadership qualities and experience as a ball-playing centre-back that could fit his defined, expansive, possession-based style of play. Rangers have a reported interest in ex-England defender Conor Coady. | Getty Images Limited to just 19 starts last term, the 32-year-old is entering the final year of his contract at Leicester and could be tempted across the border for more regular first team football, while he also has a prior relationship with Rangers' sporting director Kevin Thelwell, with the pair working together during his year long loan stint at Everton during the 2022/23 campaign. However, with Leicester under the threat of a potential points deduction due to alleged breaches of the English Football League's (EFL) Profitability and Sustainability Rules (PSR), the club must keep hold of Coady and reject any approaches from Rangers by Sky Sports pundit and former England midfielder Lee Hendrie, with his extensive experience likely to be invaluable as the club target an immediate return to the top flight. "I could see him at Ibrox, for sure,' Hendrie FootballLeagueWorld. 'I think that he could certainly step in and do a job at Rangers. There's no doubt about that. He still offers a lot in the line of experience. He has been limited on game time, but I think, particularly with Leicester being in the Championship, he'd be one you look at and think that he's got a bit more mileage in him to go on and kick on in the Championship. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad "If you're linked with Rangers, I'm sure that would certainly give him something to think about. I'd be looking at it from a Leicester point of view, thinking that he'd be one that I want to keep hold of, given some of the players that they have at the club. Rangers and Scotland centre-back John Souttar. | SNS Group Meanwhile, Rangers centre-back John Souttar has taken the first step in his road to recovery after undergoing surgery for a hernia problem recently. The Scotland international had delayed the operation in order to be able to play a part in the international friendlies against Iceland and Liechtenstein, and now faces a race in time to be fit for the Champions League qualifying match against Panathinaikos on July 22.
Daily Record
a day ago
- Daily Record
Autistic schoolboy hooked on trendy snus after being forced to buy vapes for other kids
A mum, from Wishaw, spoke out as a leading advice charity warned of a worrying surge in reports of young people experimenting with nicotine pouches - widely used by sports stars and celebrities. A mum has told how her 13-year-old autistic son got hooked on trendy 'snus' after being forced to buy nicotine products for other teenagers. The healthcare worker, from Wishaw, spoke out as a leading advice charity warned of a worrying surge in reports of young people experimenting with the nicotine pouches - widely used by sports stars and celebrities. The 'devastated' mum said her son had been 'coerced' by other youngsters, some who carry knives, to buy vapes - even though he is clearly underage. Now he has been caught stealing to fund his own habit for vapes and white tobacco pouches, which users place between their upper lip and gum. The 41-year-old, who has turned to Advice Direct Scotland for support, said: 'It's like living with an addict now because that's what these things are - addictive. 'His personality has changed. He used to be quite calm but now he goes into a meltdown if he can't get a vape or snus. 'I'm absolutely devastated. My son is only 13. He's autistic and vulnerable and yet he's been coerced and manipulated by older kids who should know better. 'Some of these kids carry knives. They saw his kindness, his eagerness to fit in, and they exploited it. They coerced him into buying vapes for other underage kids, knowing full well he wouldn't say no. My son looks 13 so there is no doubt that he's underage and he's going in there with his uniform on. 'It is terrifying. He stole £170 from us and that is so out of character. It is unbelievably stressful and yet nothing is being done.' Earlier this month, new data emerged suggesting that young people under the age of 18 are now more aware of nicotine pouches. Sports stars like ex-Celtic boss Neil Lennon and ex-England forward Jamie Vardy have been known to use snus, along with former boxer Mike Tyson and late superstar DJ Avicii. A survey commissioned by charity Action on Smoking and Health (Ash), found the percentage of 11-17 year olds who said they knew of the pouches grew from 38% in 2024 to 43% this year. Nearly 4% of children in this age group had tried the pouches, equivalent to 210,000 young people. Hazel Knowles, consumer lead at Advice Direct Scotland, said: 'We have noted increased concerns from people about the rising use of nicotine pouches among young people. 'There are fears that marketing strategies that include sweet flavours, trendy packaging and social media promotion are seen as targeting youth and non-smokers. 'Many young users are unaware that nicotine pouches contain addictive substances. 'Open, non-judgmental conversations and access to educational resources are key to prevention. 'People can reach out to us if they have any issues about the sale of these pouches to youngsters or any other consumer issues relating to this growing phenomenon.' Concerns over snus were raised after the charity logged more than 100 reports of kids - many still in their school uniforms - being sold vapes in the last year. It says enforcement is failing to stop rogue traders from selling vapes to children - some as young as 11 years old. Join the Daily Record WhatsApp community! Get the latest news sent straight to your messages by joining our WhatsApp community today. You'll receive daily updates on breaking news as well as the top headlines across Scotland. No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the Daily Record team. All you have to do is click here if you're on mobile, select 'Join Community' and you're in! If you're on a desktop, simply scan the QR code above with your phone and click 'Join Community'. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose 'exit group'. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice. From June 1, it became illegal to buy or sell disposable vapes. Only devices considered to be reusable are legal. Knowles added: 'We have noticed the growing prevalence of underage vape sales - a trend that threatens the health and wellbeing of children. Vaping products are finding their way into the hands of children with disturbing ease. 'Every sale to a child is a breach of trust, a moment where profit is placed above protection. We urge anyone with any concerns to contact us so that we can work to counteract this worrying trend.' For free advice, go to or call 0808 164 6000.
Indian Express
2 days ago
- Sport
- Indian Express
‘England should beat India if they temper Bazball and use some common sense': Geoffrey Boycott
Former England player Geoffrey Boycott urged the Ben Stokes-led England team to temper their Bazball style of batting and apply some common sense in the upcoming 5-match Test series against India, adding that winning is more important than entertaining. 'England should beat India if they temper Bazball and use some common sense. At times their cricket has been thrilling and super enjoyable but also reckless batting has lost them Test matches. Their only thought should be winning because it is no use telling us how good you are when the last three World Test Championship finals have been played in our country but England have not qualified for any of them. They should be embarrassed. Their aim should be to make the next WTC final,' Boycott wrote in his column for the Daily Telegraph. 'The new cycle starts now and somebody needs to get through to the England players that being a winner is better than being known as an entertainer. If you can win and entertain, that is a bonus. At the moment England are like a one-trick-pony. It's Bazball or Bazball and that is the way we play; take it or leave it. They don't want to change or learn from their losses. It doesn't seem to make any difference that so many top class ex-England Test players keep telling them to moderate their batting. So please, get your act together, bring your best game and apply some cricket nous,' he added. Bazball is the term associated with England's aggressive style of play under head coach Brendon McCullum. Essentially, it gives players license to be more attacking and emboldened with their shot-making and field placings, and be free from recrimination. Last month, Bazball was in full flow against Zimbabwe in England's one-off Test match win where Zimbabwe folded inside three days as expected and the Three Lions won by an innings and 45 runs with four sessions to spare in a worthy warmup for India's five-test tour starting on June 20 in Leeds.
News18
2 days ago
- Sport
- News18
Geoffrey Boycott: 'Kohli's Absence Bigger Blow To India Than Rohit's Retirement'
Last Updated: Geoffrey Boycott feels Virat Kohli's absence is a bigger blow to India in England than Rohit Sharma's retirement. Former England batter Geoffrey Boycott believes that Virat Kohli's absence is a greater blow to India than Rohit Sharma's retirement ahead of the five-match Test series in Leeds. Kohli was considered their key player by the right-handed batter. Both Rohit and Kohli announced their retirements from Test cricket in May, leaving significant gaps in India's lineup at the opening and number four positions, respectively. Kohli, 36, amassed 9,230 runs in 123 Tests, placing him fourth on India's all-time Test run-scorers list. 'The retirement of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma hurts the chances of India beating England. Kohli is the biggest loss as he has been their best batsman and talisman in all three formats. With so much international cricket played by India, and so little rest, it takes its toll and the mind becomes fatigued. 'It does not matter how much talent or experience you have, if you are not mentally fresh and up for the challenge then it becomes draining. Rohit was a superb batsman. At his best, a beautiful stroke player, but he won't be missed as much as Kohli because his Test record was good rather than exceptional. In the last couple of years his batting was a little inconsistent, which was not surprising in his late 30s. 'Rohit was never a natural athlete like Kohli and he knows that opening the innings in England can be pretty tough because the new ball moves around more. You really have to be up for the challenge to have any chance of success. I just think that over time the wear and tear of opening the innings and being captain in all three formats wore him down," wrote Boycott in his column for The Daily Telegraph on Wednesday. England enter the crucial series against India after defeating Zimbabwe in a one-off Test at Trent Bridge last month. Boycott has urged the Ben Stokes-led side to moderate their Bazball style of batting to ensure victory against India, alongside applying some common sense. 'Their only thought should be winning because it is no use telling us how good you are when the last three World Test Championship finals have been played in our country but England have not qualified for any of them. They should be embarrassed. Their aim should be to make the next WTC final. 'The new cycle starts now and somebody needs to get through to the England players that being a winner is better than being known as an entertainer. If you can win and entertain, that is a bonus. At the moment England are like a one-trick-pony. 'It's Bazball or Bazball and that is the way we play; take it or leave it. They don't want to change or learn from their losses. It doesn't seem to make any difference that so many top class ex-England Test players keep telling them to moderate their batting. So please, get your act together, bring your best game and apply some cricket nous," he concluded. First Published:
