Latest news with #rugby
BBC News
37 minutes ago
- Sport
- BBC News
'I was very raw' - Skelton itching for Lions rematch
Australia lock Will Skelton says he has been rewatching footage of taking on the British and Irish Lions as a rookie 21-year-old to whet his appetite for this summer's 33, one of Skelton's first senior matches was as part of a Waratahs side that lost 47-17 to the Lions in 2013."I was very raw," said Skelton."I didn't understand the magnitude of the tour as I do now with all the experience I have had now. "I watched the game again last week and I walked a lot of that game."I wasn't actually that good, I didn't have too many involvements - it was probably my third professional game."I wanted to look at what the atmosphere was like, how I was as a player then, how I have changed and improved, and just take it in as an experience because I know in a few weeks that is coming."Skelton, who moved to La Rochelle from Saracens in 2020, is the only overseas-based player in Australia's squad for their warm-up Test against Fiji on 6 6ft 8in tall and weighing nearly 23 stone, Skelton was asked whether his power could be a way for the Wallabies to get on top of the Lions forward pack."I will just try and be myself," he added."They have some great players, but we have also got some weapons in this team."It is about trying to fulfil that as best we can come those big games. "Aussie rugby in the last two years has improved a lot and this Wallaby team is playing a brand of footy the whole country is getting behind. We really want to take it to these guys."Skelton was part of Australia team that crashed out of the 2023 Rugby World Cup pool stages, but a calf complaint limited his involvement to their opening weekend win over returned to Australia colours for the first time since the tournament in the win over Wales in the 2024 autumn Lions' 2-1 series win in Australia in 2013 was their first tour victory in 16 years, and is also their most recent.
Telegraph
an hour ago
- Business
- Telegraph
Stuart Hooper to leave ECB over rugby rebel league role
A senior administrator will leave the England and Wales Cricket Board after it emerged he is one of the driving forces behind R360, the rugby union rebel league. Stuart Hooper, a former player and director of rugby at Premiership side Bath, will exit the ECB next week having resigned amid his role as co-founder and chief commercial officer with R360 being revealed. Insiders said his role had become 'untenable' and that ECB officials were unimpressed by the arrangement when they learnt about it earlier this year. Telegraph Sport revealed last month that the former second row, who also played for Saracens, Leeds and represented England Saxons, is one of the driving forces behind the proposed new league. Hooper, 43, was director of cricket operations for the England men's team, a key logistical role that organises the playing schedule and liaises with other nations' boards. He had only been with the ECB for around 18 months, having been hired to replace another rugby man, the former Ireland fly-half David Humphreys, who himself had a short stay at the ECB before leaving to take up a role with the Irish Rugby Football Union. Earlier this month, Telegraph Sport reported further information on R360, a breakaway league promising to pay rugby players seven-figure salaries by establishing new franchise teams and taking the game on a 'grand prix style' tour around the world. Hooper was named as one of the key players behind the competition, despite having worked for the ECB for the past 18 months. Also involved are the World Cup winner and member of the Royal Family Mike Tindall, the former players' agent Mark Spoors, and John Loffhagen, a lawyer who has been involved with LIV Golf and the IPL. By taking players out of the traditional club model, R360 represents a direct threat to the rugby establishment, with Premiership Rugby broadcasters TNT Sports recently describing the plans as 'delusional'. Hooper has resigned and is serving his notice period, which ends next week. He will be replaced internally by Rob Hillman, with ECB staff informed of the change on Friday. The ECB has moved quickly to replace Hooper, but still has another key role to fill. Tony Singh, the chief commercial officer, will leave to join Netflix later this summer. His replacement is likely to be heavily involved in securing the next major broadcast deal. The current deal with Sky, worth £220 million per year, runs out at the end of the 2028 summer, and is a key plank of the ECB's financial model.
The Sun
an hour ago
- Sport
- The Sun
Lions vs Argentina: Start time, live stream, how to watch and team news as Andy Farrell's side play first test
ANDY FARRELL takes charge of his first British and Irish Lions game in Dublin. His side will clash Argentina in the 1888 Cup in the first of TEN matches the Lions will play this summer. 4 The British and Irish Lions are heading down under this summer, and will take on Australia in a three-test series. Last time the Lions went down under, they beat Australia 2-1, winning a third and deciding test in convincing 16-41, with the side that day seeing ten Welsh players start. This time around, there are only TWO Welsh players in the whole squad, with Jac Morgan of Ospreys and Tomos Williams of Gloucester the only two picked by Andy Farrell. Farrell already has a selection headache for the tour, with 16 players having taken part in domestic finals just SIX days prior to the first Lions test. How to watch Lions vs Argentina and is there a live stream? British and Irish Lions take on Argentina from the Aviva Stadium in Dublin on Friday, June 20. The match, like all Lions matches, will be available with English commentary on Sky Sports. The clash will be available for stream on Sky Go, the Sky Sports app and NOW TV - but will also stream FREE with Welsh commentary on S4C, which is available via BBC iPlayer. Alternatively, follow along with SunSport's comprehensive live blog of the action. When is British & Irish Lions vs Argentina? The match between British & Irish Lions and Argentina will take place on Friday, June 20. The clash will be the first of TEN matches Andy Farrell's side take part in throughout their tour. Taking place at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin, the game kicks-off at 8pm BST. Sky Sports will have English commentary of the game, while a FREE stream is available on the BBC iPlayer in Welsh. British & Irish Lions vs Argentina team news Andy Farrell is without 17 of the squad he picked, with Leinster, Bath, Leicester and Toulouse all playing in domestic finals just one week before the clash in Dublin. Furthermore, Farrell will be missing Scottish tighthead prop Zander Fagerson, who is ruled out of the tour with a calf injury, while Tadhg Furlong's fitness remains a question. Finlay Bealham of Connacht was called into the squad full-time for Fagerson, while Asher Opoku-Fordjour and Jamie George have come in as other forward options. Toulouse fullback Blair Kinghorn would have missed out due to the Top 14 finals, but Kinghorn remains injured ahead of the tour. 4 This means 17 players are out, including 12 from Leinster, those 17 being: Dan Sheehan (Leinster) Ronan Kelleher (Leinster) Andrew Porter (Leinster) Tadhg Furlong (Leinster) Joe McCarthy (Leinster) James Ryan (Leinster) Jack Conan (Leinster) Josh van der Flier (Leinster) Jamison Gibson-Park (Leinster) Garry Ringrose (Leinster) Hugo Keenan (Leinster) James Lowe (Leinster) Will Stuart (Bath) Finn Russell (Bath) Ollie Chessum (Leicester) Zander Fagerson (Glasgow) Blair Kinghorn (Toulouse) British & Irish Lions XV: 15. M Smith, 14. Freeman, 13. Tuipulotu, 12. Aki, 11. Van Der Merwe, 10. F Smith, 9. Mitchell; 1. Genge, 2. Cowan-Dickie, 3. Bealham, 4. Beirne, 5. Itoje (C), 6. T Curry, 7. Morgan, 8. Earl. Felipe Contepomi takes charge of the 1888 Cup for the first time as Argentina head coach. A number of Argentine players ply their trade in Europe, such as Santi Carreras, who this season played for Gloucester, but will move to Bath next season. Leicester Tigers captain Julian Montoya will captain Los Pumas. Argentina XV: 15. Carreras, 14. Isgro, 13. Cinti, 12. Piccardo, 11. Mendy, 10. Albornoz, 9. Garcia; 1. Vivas, 2. Montoya (C), 3. Scalvi, 4. Molina, 5. Rubiolo, 6. Matera, 7. Gonzalez, 8. Oviedo.
Daily Mail
an hour ago
- Sport
- Daily Mail
Tommy Freeman, Duhan van der Merwe and Luke Cowan-Dickie all to score tries NOW 15/2 - as the British & Irish Lions' summer gets underway with pre-tour clash against Argentina
The British & Irish Lions' summer starts tonight - as Andy Farrell's side go head-to-head with Argentina in a pre-tour clash at Dublin's Aviva Stadium. It will be the first of six warm-up games the British & Irish Lions will play ahead of their three Test series against Australia in July and August. The Lions are overwhelming favourites to kickstart their summer tour with a victory - with the hosts priced at a very short 1/16. Conversely, Argentina are 7/1 outsiders to upset the applecart in Ireland, while a drawn match is the widest in the market at 20/1. For those in search of more detailed bets - there is a Featured Price Boost and a further three Price Boosts on offer for tonight's match-up. Firstly, the Featured Price Boost is valued at 11/8 and requires the Lions to score a try in the first ten minutes of the match (00:00 - 09:59). Meanwhile, the three Price Boosts need the Lions to win by 16-20 points at 6/1, Tommy Freeman, Duhan van der Merwe and Luke Cowan-Dickie all to score tries at 15/2, and each team to score 2+ tries in each half at 12/1. Freeman, Van der Merwe and Cowan-Dickie combined to score 42 tries across all competitions this season. Sky Bet odds for British and Irish Lions vs Argentina: British and Irish Lions 1/16 Argentina 7/1 Drawn Match 20/1 Sky Bet Featured Price Boost for British and Irish Lions vs Argentina: British and Irish Lions to score a try in the first ten minutes of the match (00:00 - 09:59) WAS 1/1 NOW 11/8 Sky Bet Price Boosts for British and Irish Lions vs Argentina: British and Irish Lions to win by 16-20 points WAS 5/1 NOW 6/1 Tommy Freeman, Duhan van der Merwe and Luke Cowan-Dickie all to score tries WAS 13/2 NOW 15/2 Each team to score 2+ tries in each half WAS 11/1 NOW 12/1
Telegraph
2 hours ago
- Sport
- Telegraph
The best place to reconnect with my old rugby pals is on our beautiful golf courses
Growing up, life in our corner of Ireland was a glorious mix of muddy fields on the farm and manicured greens at the local golf club. It was my middle brother, Mark, who was the golf enthusiast. He'd disappear off there for the day while Simon, my older brother (and former Ireland international) and I were more likely to be found helping Dad farming. But golf was never far away for me. I played a bit at university and during my rugby career I'd squeeze in a round here and there when time allowed. Then, as retirement loomed, the sport took on a whole new significance for me. Being a sportsperson, I needed something to keep me competitive, but also somewhere I could relax and be with friends. And when you have the array of golf courses we have here on the island of Ireland, it proved to be the perfect pastime for me. I still get that buzz from a close match, but I also appreciate the chance to be outdoors, enjoying good company and just the sheer thrill of hitting a really good shot. That never goes away. During my playing days, we'd often get away on our time off from training to play a round at Royal Belfast, which was such a treat. Paul O'Connell was always one of the best players in our Ireland squad at the time. Brian O'Driscoll was very good too – but such a bandit! He was the captain, though, so he made the rules when it came to handicaps – you couldn't complain! The first two holes at Royal Belfast I remember being so tough, but if you emerged unscathed from those you could go on to score well there. But you do need a draw to play that course – I recommend you pack one in your bag! When you retire from rugby it's very easy to lose touch with your old team-mates – people you've worked and played with so closely for years. It's strange. So I've started little golf trips with some old colleagues, which has been amazing. I took a group to Rosapenna in County Donegal last year, which is one of the finest places to play on the island of Ireland. We did a three-day blast, playing the three courses they have there: Sandy Hills, Old Tom Morris and St Patrick's. The greens at St Patrick's were just something else – massive slopes, it felt like almost a 20-foot drop from top to bottom on some of them, and so hard to read too. But it was all about the craic, the competition, and that special camaraderie you only get with old mates. We'd do a draw at lunchtime to work out who plays who, and the losers would buy dinner and drinks for the winners that night. We're already planning another trip for next year. From a family point of view, Donegal holds a particularly special place in my heart. We had a place up at Portnoo, and family holidays always meant rounds at Donegal Golf Club in Murvagh. It's been a while since I played there, but I have such fond memories: the panoramic views of Donegal Bay and the Bluestack Mountains while taking on those challenging holes and being blown about by the Atlantic winds. Wonderful. I'll always remember our journeys to Donegal. Before my sister was born, it was me and my two brothers sitting in the back of the car with all the nonsense you'd get with three boys like that. But the journey was always a sure sign we were on our way to a proper break. And Donegal has this unique vibe. The winding country roads, sheep everywhere you look, the little towns with their wool shops and Donegal tweed. It's a place with a real sense of heritage, the peat fires, the smell of the sea, it all adds up to something quite special. And, of course, it's also where you can explore the stunning Malin Head – which I recommend to anyone making their way to this part of the world. Another place I'd recommend to visitors is Westport, nestled in County Mayo on the Wild Atlantic Way. It is a charming town with a really vibrant atmosphere, Georgian architecture and stunning natural surroundings. It's overlooked by Croagh Patrick, Ireland's holy mountain, and bordered by the tranquil Clew Bay. You can cycle the scenic Great Western Greenway, explore historic Westport House, or just enjoy lively traditional music in welcoming pubs. I've also enjoyed visits to Bushmills Distillery, which is one of the key stops on the Northern Ireland Whiskey Trail, and will happily take guests there as part of a day out. It's the world's oldest licensed whiskey distillery, dating back to 1608. It provides guided tours showcasing traditional whiskey-making processes and the tour finishes with a tasting session, which is always popular. I did a promo day there back in the day with Denis Leamy, the former Munster number 8. He was my room-mate when we were on Ireland duty together. It was quite unusual to have players from different teams rooming together, but we got on famously and he was a groomsman at my wedding. The distillery called us the Bushmills Brothers when we were doing the work for them, which we both quite enjoyed. And Bushmills isn't so far from Royal Portrush of course (in truth, you're never far away from some of the world's best golf courses wherever you are on the island of Ireland). Viewers from around the world will get some understanding of its greatness when they watch this year's Open – but you really have to play it to understand it. I find it is somewhere you can get completely immersed in the game. Each hole feels like its own little world, totally different from the last, offering unique challenges and those breathtaking views we're so lucky to have. The fifth is probably the most beautiful of all – and I know I'm guilty of bombarding people with photos from it. It's such a wonderful hole to play. It seems like it should be good to score on because it's quite short – but you've got to place your drive perfectly to give yourself the best approach to the green with the White Rocks in the background. Go too far with that and you're out of bounds over the back. Too short, and the slope of the green takes you all the way back to where you were coming from. Nearer home for me, Royal County Down is my absolute favourite. Joining the club about five years ago was a dream realised, because the place has deep family connections for me and there's something magical about it. I love just ringing up on a Saturday morning, grabbing a bite and joining a random draw. You meet all sorts of people and you always get a great game. The first tee is simply magnificent. Standing up there with the wind coming on from the left and you can see the whole layout of the course unfold – it's hard to beat. The island of Ireland is more than just where I live. It's in my blood. It's the sound of the wind off the sea, the smell of peat smoke, the laughter of friends on the golf course, and the simple joy of being outdoors. It's home, pure and simple. And you need to visit. Golf offers and packages
