England Rugby

Subterms

    More stories

    • 263 Shares169 Views

      in Soccer

      Meet England’s rugby Wags including daughter of MOTD pundit who will be cheering team on at the Rugby World Cup 2023

      by

      THE Rugby World Cup is upon us.England’s rugby team kick off their campaign against Argentina on September 9.
      Meet England rugby’s stunning WagsCredit: INSTAGRAM
      Beautiful Beth Dolling will be cheering on the RosesCredit: Instagram @bethdolling
      Beth is the partner of Marcus Smith
      The squad is currently in turmoil with captain Owen Farrell and Billy Vunipola missing the start of the tournament after receiving bans.
      Add to that a dismal run of defeats to Ireland and Fiji that mean the Roses are low in confidence.
      But, there’s plenty of talent in the squad to cause a dent in France.
      Off the pitch, the Wags will be cheering their partners on. From a stunning model to a co-founder of an online community for mums, meet the Wags cheering on our boys…
      Read more England rugby news

      Beth Dolling
      Beautiful Beth, 23, is the girlfriend of Marcus Smith.
      She has appeared in campaigns for online fashion giants PrettyLittleThing.
      She’s also embracing a career as a singer and has an Instagram account dedicated to her music.
      The pair have been together for four years.
      Most read in Football
      Hollie Shearer
      Gorgeous Hollie, 28, is the daughter of England legend and Match of the Day pundit Alan Shearer.
      Like Beth, she is a singer and songwriter – so surely a collaboration is on the cards.
      Hollie Shearer shows off her stunning bikini body to her 83,000 Instagram followers
      Hollie is the daughter of England legend Alan ShearerCredit: Instagram
      Joe Marchant and Hollie Shearer togetherCredit: https://www.instagram.com/hollieshearer/?hl=en
      She dates Joe Marchant, and they have been together for a year.
      Hollie’s Instagram has drawn 83,000 followers to her account, who are wowed by the incredible lifestyle she lives.
      Olivia Thomas
      Not much is known about very private Olivia Thomas, who is engaged to Harlequins hooker Jack Walker.
      The brunette beauty keeps her cards close to her chest by making her Instagram private.
      Brunette beauty Olivia keeps a private profileCredit: https://www.instagram.com/jwacker96/
      Jack Walker and Olivia recently got engagedCredit: https://www.instagram.com/jwacker96/
      However, she appears on Walker’s social media – often looking glam and fashionable.
      They share a dog they affectionately nickname ‘The Queen’, and revealed they are expecting a baby.
      Megan Ely
      Toulouse flanker Jack Willis is in a long term relationship with Meg, who lives in the South of France with her beau.
      They have a son together called Enzo, who was born in 2021.
      Meg Ely lives in the South of France, where her beau playsCredit: https://www.instagram.com/meganely_/?hl=en-gb
      Jack Willis and Meg are in a longterm relationshipCredit: https://www.instagram.com/meganely_/?hl=en-gb
      She is often seen at the Stadium de Toulouse – cheering on Willis and his team.
      No doubt she will be there supporting him in France.
      Annie Knowles
      Sadly, model Annie won’t at this year’s Rugby World Cup.
      The Wag of Sales Sharks star Ben Curry, he is a notable absentee after suffering a hamstring injury.
      Gorgeous Annie Knowles is a model with agencies in London and ManchesterCredit: https://www.instagram.com/anniekknowles/?hl=en-gb
      Ben Curry and Annie pose for a selfieCredit: https://www.instagram.com/anniekknowles/?hl=en-gb
      Annie is signed to J’adore Models in Manchester and BMA models in London.
      Her Instagram is full of glam images showcasing her beauty.
      Michelle Daly
      In 2021, Michelle and Elliot Daly said their ‘I do’s’ in a glitzy wedding ceremony.
      They posted a series of photos of their big day on Instagram, accompanied with the caption: “One month ago today I got to marry my soulmate. 10 years of knowing each other, four years engaged and now finally married.”
      Michelle Daly runs her own photography studio
      Michelle and Elliot Daly got married in 2021Credit: https://www.instagram.com/elliotdaly/?hl=en
      Michelle runs her own photography studio called Michelle Sylvia Photography.
      She is a graduate of the London School of Photography.
      Jessica Lawes
      Jessica is married to Northampton Saints star Courtney Lawes.
      They have four children together, and she is the co-founder of online community The Mum Club, which connects mums to various events close to them.
      Read More on The Sun
      She said on social media: “We honestly can’t believe the journey that The Mum Club has been on.
      “To think we started this driving across the country hosting brunches to 2.5 kids, and now we’ve six kids between the two of us, over 40 franchises, hosted over 500 plus events, a team of seven at HQ and now we’re entering international territory with a franchise opening in Dubai. Madness!”
      Jessica Lawes runs an online community for mums
      Jessica and Courtney Lawes have four children together More

    • 225 Shares169 Views

      in Soccer

      Gary Lineker and Marcus Rashford show footballers are a better opposition to the government than the actual Opposition

      by

      FOOTBALLERS, eh? What a bunch of loony-left woke snowflakes.Well, not really, no.
      Gary Lineker has been a vocal critic of the governmentCredit: EPA
      During Gary Lineker’s playing days, the overwhelming majority of professional footballers voted Conservative.
      And even now, here are a group of self-made men, many of them who grew up in deprived areas, who have fought their way up in a cut-throat industry, an absolute meritocracy, and become multi-millionaires through their own talent and willpower.
      What could be more Thatcherite than that?
      And in an export market damaged by Brexit, the Premier League — “the greed is good” league — is perhaps Britain’s most successful global business model.
      READ MORE IN SPORT
      It’s hardly a breeding ground for dangerous leftist militants.
      But as the Gary Lineker affair has underlined, footballers past and present are increasingly able to oppose Government policy more stridently and successfully than the actual Opposition in Westminster.
      Before Lineker’s suspension from Match of the Day and the remarkable near-blackout of BBC Sport, we had Marcus Rashford campaigning against child poverty and the determination of footballers to “take the knee” in support of racial equality.
      These are extraordinary times because, until recently, the stereotype of footballers as monosyllabic morons was a staple of comedy sketch shows. They were widely portrayed, unfairly, as a bunch of thickos.
      Most read in Football
      HOW TO GET FREE BETS ON THE CHELTENHAM FESTIVAL
      But in the social media age, footballers have found their voices — and many are intelligent, socially conscious, opinionated and extremely good at delivering messages.
      Premier League dressing rooms are some of the most racially diverse and cosmopolitan workplaces in the country.
      And the league itself is a success story for multiculturalism and internationalism, in an age when England has become insular and isolationist after Brexit.
      When footballers feel strongly about uniting to oppose, for example, racism, they do so from a position of knowledge.
      Likewise, Rashford experienced child poverty first-hand.
      Tory MPs enjoy kicking footballers and ex-pros in the media but it is not a popular strategy.
      After Rashford’s miss in the Euros final penalty shoot-out against Italy in 2021, Dover MP Natalie Elphicke claimed the Manchester United forward “should have spent more time perfecting his game and less time playing politics”.
      During that same tournament, several Tory MPs criticised the England team for taking the knee.
      And the opposition to that gesture centred around the Black Lives Matter organisation being “Marxist”
      Again, the idea of Premier League footballers, some of the nation’s highest earners, following the Communist Manifesto is laughable.
      You’d do well to find any coming out for post-match interviews and declaring: “At the end of the day, the proletarians have nothing to lose but their chains, Clive.”
      And Lineker himself is fighting the HMRC over a £4.9million tax demand — as part of a wrangle over his employment status.
      Marcus Rashford forced a government U-turn regarding child povertyCredit: Getty
      That debate over whether Lineker should be regarded as a BBC employee or a freelancer came up again after his “Nazi” tweet last week.
      Did he have to abide by the BBC’s vague impartiality guidelines, or was he free to speak his mind?
      When peace broke out, and Lineker’s return to Match of the Day was confirmed for next weekend, the unapologetic former England striker repeated his support for refugees.
      The whole fiasco has been a PR disaster for the BBC hierarchy.
      Thankfully it is now over and the public will be able to watch a proper BBC Match of the Day next weekend, including live coverage of two FA Cup quarter-finals.
      There are many football fans who cannot afford subscription TV and they have been let down badly by the Beeb’s ham-fisted approach to Lineker.
      But with the solidarity of his colleagues, Lineker has “won” his argument with the BBC.
      Just as Rashford forced government U-turns on child hunger and ended up being awarded an MBE.
      Neither Lineker or Rashford has ever come out as Labour Party supporters and it’s very possible they might vote for somebody else.
      But while Keir Starmer is too scared to speak freely about immigration or Brexit for the fear of losing votes, footballers have become the outspoken voices of reason in a fractured and angry nation.
      Maybe they should form a party of their own and stand at the next election. They’d probably win it.
      BOYLE IN THE BAG
      AFTER Chelsea beat Borussia Dortmund, I sat next to an elderly Scottish gentleman on the District Line, who was chatting to a couple of match-going tourists from America.
      They asked the man sitting next to me whether he’d been to the States and he certainly had.
      His name was John Boyle who, as well as winning a European trophy with Chelsea, had captained and then managed Tampa Bay Rowdies in the 1970s in the North American Soccer League.
      I asked him whether he’d played against Pele and it turns out Boyle had marked the great man, who was “still a fit lad in his mid-30s” when playing for New York Cosmos.
      Boyle sounded totally enthused by Chelsea’s performance against Dortmund.
      And coming from a man who marked Pele, that’s probably a more ringing endorsement than Blues boss Graham Potter might have imagined receiving a week or two ago.
      SOUL FAR AWAY
      ENGLAND’S record 53-10 defeat by France at Twickenham — after head coach Steve Borthwick had benched skipper Owen Farrell — was the equivalent of England’s footballers losing 7-1  to Germany in a  competitive match at Wembley after Gareth Southgate had dropped Harry Kane.
      But while there was isolating booing at the final whistle, the response of the 81,000 crowd was generally one of mild indifference.
      The Twickenham crowd, dominated by corporate day-trippers, will get behind England if they’re winning but it doesn’t actually seem to matter to them if their team loses.
      And that makes the whole experience feel pretty soulless.
      HORSING AROUND
      ANYONE keen on cutting public expenditure might ask why so many mounted police were deployed to the “posh derby” between Fulham and Arsenal.
      It is the least menacing fixture in the Premier League.
      And the Met’s horses were getting so much friendly attention, Craven Cottage felt like a petting zoo.
      BRAIN GAME
      ANTONIO CONTE claimed Spurs were “too soft” in their Champions League exit against AC Milan.
      Read More on The Sun
      But wasn’t his defensive general Cristian Romero sent off for two reckless challenges — the second of which scuppered an attempted late rally?
      Tottenham were too soft? Too brainless, more like. More

    • 225 Shares149 Views

      in Soccer

      I played in the 2007 Rugby World Cup final for England… now I’ve bought a non-league football team

      by

      A FORMER England Rugby player is one of the surprise people involved in the takeover of non-league club Yeovil Town. The National League side have finally changed ownership after weeks of speculation.
      Ex-Rugby star Paul Sackey (right) and Matt Uggla are among the main faces heading up the Yeovil takeoverCredit: Rex
      The SU Glovers group confirmed it had “taken on the stewardship” of the club earlier this week.
      And former England World Cup star Paul Sackey is among the group involved, it has emerged.
      The ace was a part of England’s rugby union side who got to the 2007 World Cup Final before losing to South Africa.
      But now he has moved onto pastures new and is looking to help turn Yeovil’s fortunes around after a difficult few years.
      READ MORE IN FOOTBALL
      The bid is believed to be headed up Sackey, businessman Matt Uggla and his mother Julie-Anne.
      Sackey and Uggla were interviewed about their intentions for the club in a video uploaded to Yeovil’s social media channels.
      Sackey, 43, said: “We love the history of the club. We’ve done a lot of research and background on the club and we love it.
      “It’s got such a passionate fanbase. It’s a big club but the position it’s in now, it’s probably too big for this place, so we want to bring [the club] back to where it needs to be.”
      Most read in Football
      CASINO SPECIAL – BEST ONLINE CASINOS FOR 2023
      Uggla added: “We’re really excited. It’s taken some time to get to this point but we’re really excited to be here and we’re hoping that we can move the club forward and bring it back to where it belongs.”
      Yeovil were relegated out of the EFL in 2019 after 16 consecutive seasons in the football league.
      Their mission for the rest of the season is to avoid being relegated again with the Glovers only out of the National League bottom four on goal difference. More

    • 263 Shares169 Views

      in Soccer

      Fans blaming Jonny Wilkinson for Harry Kane miss as video of him teaching England ace to kick ball OVER bar resurfaces

      by

      ENGLAND fans are doing their best to see the funny side as they try get over Saturday’s painful World Cup quarter-final defeat to France.Supporters have joked that Jonny Wilkinson is to blame for the 2-1 loss after a video of the rugby legend teaching Harry Kane to kick the ball OVER the bar resurfaced online.
      The England sporting heroes came together in 2018 to film a skit for Sport ReliefCredit: BBC
      Jonny Wilkinson taught Harry Kane how to take a penalty – insisting that you have to kick the ball OVER the crossbarCredit: BBC
      Kane then copied Wilkinson’s techniqueCredit: BBC
      Fans have jokingly blamed Wilkinson for Kane’s penalty miss against FranceCredit: Getty
      Kane skied a late penalty over the crossbar for the Three Lions that would have made the game 2-2, having earlier netted perfectly from the spot.
      The two England heroes came together in 2018 to film a skit for Sport Relief, which also included comedian John Bishop.
      It saw Wilkinson, who won the 2003 Rugby World Cup with a last-gasp drop goal, teach Kane how to score a penalty.
      After the Three Lions skipper buried a perfect spot-kick, Wilkinson said: “No, no… you’ve got it all wrong.”
      Read More On England
      Wilkinson then proceeded to place the ball on a tee and smash it over the bar, rugby style.
      He turned to Kane and said: “That’s how you do it.”
      The confused football star replied: “You just put it over by a mile.”
      But Wilkinson hit back: “Yes, but that’s how I won a World Cup though with England.”
      Most read in Football
      HOW TO GET FREE BETS ON THE WORLD CUP
      Kane then lined up and smashed an effort over the bar, drawing applause from Wilkinson.
      And devastated England fans, desperate for some light-hearted relief, have joked that the ex-rugby ace is to blame for Kane’s miss.
      After the video resurfaced, one wrote on Twitter: “I blame Jonny Wilkinson!”
      Another quipped: “This is why Harry Kane missed the penalty! We have to blame Jonny Wilkinson.”
      Ans a third added: “Definitely blame Jonny.”
      England football legends rallied around Kane after his penalty miss on social media.
      The brave Three Lions captain admitted it will “take some time” for him to get over last night’s defeat.
      He wrote on Twitter: “Absolutely gutted. We’ve given it everything and it’s come down to a small detail which I take responsibility for.
      “There’s no hiding from it, it hurts and it’ll take some time to get over it but that’s part of sport.
      Read More on The Sun
      “Now it’s about using the experience to be mentally and physically stronger for the next challenge.
      “Thanks for all the support throughout the tournament – it means a lot.”
      A devastated Kane is consoled by James MaddisonCredit: Getty More

    • 188 Shares109 Views

      in Soccer

      Alan Shearer’s daughter Hollie ‘confirms’ romance with rugby hunk Joe Marchant in loved-up Dubai pics

      by

      ALAN SHEARER’S daughter Hollie appears to have confirmed her romance with England rugby star Joe Marchant after sharing more pics of the couple online. The 25-year-old singer has posted numerous shots with the popular Harlequins centre, who first appeared on her Instagram during a trip to Dubai in March.
      Hollie and Marchant were first pictured together in DubaiCredit: INSTAGRAM
      Hollie described the getaway with Marchant as ‘the best holiday’Credit: INSTAGRAM
      The popular Harlequins and England Centre wrapped his arms around the 25-year-oldCredit: INSTAGRAM
      The pair were also snapped with friends in front of the iconic Jumeirah HotelCredit: INSTAGRAM
      Singer Hollie is the second oldest of Shearer’s three childrenCredit: INSTAGRAM
      Marchant, 25, who has played for England four times since his 2019 debut, can be seen wrapping his arms around Hollie on a yacht.
      In another picture, the pair can be seen drinking with friends in front of the iconic Jumeirah Hotel.
      Hollie, daughter of Blackburn Rovers, Newcastle United and England legend Shearer, described the getaway with Marchant as “the best holiday”.
      Marchant also appeared on Hollie’s Instagram over the weekend, wearing a flamboyant outfit in honour of Burning Man Project.
      .css-16e4f55{margin:16px 0;}.css-1546w7m{background-color:rgba(237,245,242,1);margin:16px 0;}.css-1tapza8{padding:20px 15px;}.css-1bk4jdt{padding:20px 15px;}.css-1qsre5o{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;height:100%;-webkit-align-items:flex-start;-webkit-box-align:flex-start;-ms-flex-align:flex-start;align-items:flex-start;-webkit-align-content:flex-start;-ms-flex-line-pack:flex-start;align-content:flex-start;-webkit-box-flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-wrap:nowrap;-ms-flex-wrap:nowrap;flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-direction:column;-ms-flex-direction:column;flex-direction:column;-webkit-box-pack:justify;-webkit-justify-content:space-between;justify-content:space-between;}.css-16djrfc{overflow:hidden;-webkit-line-clamp:1;-webkit-box-orient:vertical;display:-webkit-box;word-wrap:break-word;padding-top:2px;}.css-1skzs3j{overflow:hidden;-webkit-line-clamp:1;-webkit-box-orient:vertical;display:-webkit-box;word-wrap:break-word;padding-top:2px;}.css-7ysxcx{padding:0;text-transform:uppercase;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-7ysxcx:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-jkwlot{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;height:100%;-webkit-align-items:center;-webkit-box-align:center;-ms-flex-align:center;align-items:center;-webkit-flex-direction:row;-ms-flex-direction:row;flex-direction:row;-webkit-box-pack:justify;-webkit-justify-content:space-between;justify-content:space-between;padding:0;text-transform:uppercase;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-jkwlot:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-1x7hydu{font-family:The Sun;font-size:24px;line-height:1.1666666666666667;font-weight:400;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:semi-condensed;padding:1px 0px;}.css-1x7hydu::before{content:”;display:block;height:0;width:0;margin-bottom:calc(-0.24520833333333342em + -0.5px);}.css-1x7hydu::after{content:”;display:block;height:0;width:0;margin-top:-0.2333333333333334em;}.css-1lobn43{display:inline;font:inherit;margin:0;color:rgba(0,0,0,1);}.css-1lobn43 svg{fill:rgba(0,0,0,1);}Read more in sport.css-1gojmfd{margin-bottom:16px;}.css-gmec1d{display:-webkit-inline-box;display:-webkit-inline-flex;display:-ms-inline-flexbox;display:inline-flex;height:auto;-webkit-align-items:center;-webkit-box-align:center;-ms-flex-align:center;align-items:center;-webkit-align-content:center;-ms-flex-line-pack:center;align-content:center;-webkit-box-flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-wrap:nowrap;-ms-flex-wrap:nowrap;flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-direction:row;-ms-flex-direction:row;flex-direction:row;-webkit-box-pack:start;-ms-flex-pack:start;-webkit-justify-content:flex-start;justify-content:flex-start;margin-left:calc(-20px/2);margin-right:calc(-20px/2);}.css-fh9577{display:-webkit-inline-box;display:-webkit-inline-flex;display:-ms-inline-flexbox;display:inline-flex;margin-left:calc(20px/2);margin-right:calc(20px/2);}.css-65fvqt{max-width:302px;max-height:294px;}.css-1exhbll{box-sizing:border-box;overflow:hidden;background-color:rgba(237,245,242,1);-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;position:relative;display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;-webkit-flex-direction:column;-ms-flex-direction:column;flex-direction:column;max-width:302px;max-height:294px;}.css-bk55po{box-sizing:border-box;display:block;position:relative;margin-bottom:0;}.css-1shocxe{box-sizing:border-box;}.css-1a2irou{box-sizing:border-box;padding:0;}.css-1a2irou a:not(.nk-card-link){z-index:2;position:relative;}.css-1uyse24{-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;border:none;}.css-1uyse24 .nk-headline-kicker{color:rgba(0,114,238,1);}.css-1uyse24:hover:not(:disabled) .nk-headline-kicker{color:rgba(0,86,180,1);-webkit-text-decoration:underline;text-decoration:underline;}.css-1uyse24:active:not(:disabled) .nk-headline-kicker{color:rgba(0,62,129,1);-webkit-text-decoration:underline;text-decoration:underline;}.css-1uyse24:visited:not(:disabled) .nk-headline-kicker{color:rgba(71,30,121,1);}.css-1uyse24 .nk-headline-heading{color:rgba(34,37,38,1);}.css-1uyse24:hover:not(:disabled) .nk-headline-heading{color:rgba(0,86,180,1);-webkit-text-decoration:underline;text-decoration:underline;}.css-1uyse24:active:not(:disabled) .nk-headline-heading{color:rgba(0,62,129,1);-webkit-text-decoration:underline;text-decoration:underline;}.css-1uyse24:visited:not(:disabled) .nk-headline-heading{color:rgba(71,30,121,1);}.css-1uyse24:before{content:”;top:0;right:0;bottom:0;left:0;overflow:hidden;position:absolute;z-index:1;}.css-n392go{border-width:0 1px 1px 1px;border-style:solid;border-color:rgba(155,201,183,1);padding:12px;max-height:104px;min-height:98px;}.css-1p5s3t0{padding:0;border-width:0 1px 1px 1px;border-style:solid;border-color:rgba(155,201,183,1);padding:12px;max-height:104px;min-height:98px;}.css-124tga5{overflow:hidden;-webkit-line-clamp:3;-webkit-box-orient:vertical;display:-webkit-box;word-wrap:break-word;line-height:1;}.css-5jzxpx{overflow:hidden;-webkit-line-clamp:3;-webkit-box-orient:vertical;display:-webkit-box;word-wrap:break-word;line-height:1;}.css-i1acvs{margin:0;padding:0;color:rgba(34,99,73,1);text-transform:uppercase;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;font-family:The Sun;font-size:18px;line-height:1.333;font-weight:700;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:normal;display:inline;}.css-i1acvs:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}GREAL A BIG DEAL .css-8h3gc3{margin:0;padding:0;color:rgba(34,37,38,1);-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;font-family:The Sun;font-size:18px;line-height:1.333;font-weight:700;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:normal;display:inline;}.css-8h3gc3:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}Grealish to land million pound Gucci sponsorship in ‘unprecedented’ deal
      The Burning Man Project is an annual event held in August at Black Rock City in the Nevada desert.
      Hollie often gives her 50,000 Instagram followers an insight into her lavish lifestyle.
      Last November, Hollie took a trip to the Maldives, and shared snaps of her in a skimpy blue bikini whilst also wearing a snorkel.
      But when she’s not jetting around the globe, she’s busy working on her music career.
      .css-qu9fel{border-top:1px solid #dcdddd;}.css-b9nmbi{margin-bottom:16px;border-top:1px solid #dcdddd;}.css-1qsre5o{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;height:100%;-webkit-align-items:flex-start;-webkit-box-align:flex-start;-ms-flex-align:flex-start;align-items:flex-start;-webkit-align-content:flex-start;-ms-flex-line-pack:flex-start;align-content:flex-start;-webkit-box-flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-wrap:nowrap;-ms-flex-wrap:nowrap;flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-direction:column;-ms-flex-direction:column;flex-direction:column;-webkit-box-pack:justify;-webkit-justify-content:space-between;justify-content:space-between;}.css-q8gelu{margin-bottom:24px;}.css-7ysxcx{padding:0;text-transform:uppercase;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-7ysxcx:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-jkwlot{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;height:100%;-webkit-align-items:center;-webkit-box-align:center;-ms-flex-align:center;align-items:center;-webkit-flex-direction:row;-ms-flex-direction:row;flex-direction:row;-webkit-box-pack:justify;-webkit-justify-content:space-between;justify-content:space-between;padding:0;text-transform:uppercase;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-jkwlot:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-1x7hydu{font-family:The Sun;font-size:24px;line-height:1.1666666666666667;font-weight:400;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:semi-condensed;padding:1px 0px;}.css-1x7hydu::before{content:”;display:block;height:0;width:0;margin-bottom:calc(-0.24520833333333342em + -0.5px);}.css-1x7hydu::after{content:”;display:block;height:0;width:0;margin-top:-0.2333333333333334em;}.css-1lobn43{display:inline;font:inherit;margin:0;color:rgba(0,0,0,1);}.css-1lobn43 svg{fill:rgba(0,0,0,1);}Most read in Football.css-1gojmfd{margin-bottom:16px;}.css-zdjvqv{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;height:100%;-webkit-align-items:flex-start;-webkit-box-align:flex-start;-ms-flex-align:flex-start;align-items:flex-start;-webkit-align-content:flex-start;-ms-flex-line-pack:flex-start;align-content:flex-start;-webkit-box-flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-wrap:nowrap;-ms-flex-wrap:nowrap;flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-direction:column;-ms-flex-direction:column;flex-direction:column;-webkit-box-pack:space-around;-ms-flex-pack:space-around;-webkit-justify-content:space-around;justify-content:space-around;margin-top:calc(-12px/2);margin-bottom:calc(-12px/2);}.css-zdjvqv:before,.css-zdjvqv:after{content:”;display:block;}.css-1meuhfk{display:-webkit-inline-box;display:-webkit-inline-flex;display:-ms-inline-flexbox;display:inline-flex;margin-top:calc(12px/2);margin-bottom:calc(12px/2);}
      FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS – BEST NEW CUSTOMER OFFERS
      Last May, she released her first track Love You Better and records just over 30,000 monthly listeners on Spotify.
      Hollie’s 2020 single Leave Right Now has been streamed 516,000 times.
      Her music is a big hit with fellow Geordies Ant and Dec, who gave it the stamp of approval on Instagram.
      On her song Love You Better, Dec said: “Love it! Nice work Hol! Dx.”
      Marchant and Hollie wearing flamboyant outfits in honour of Burning Man ProjectCredit: INSTAGRAM
      Marchant in action against France last monthCredit: REX FEATURES More

    • 238 Shares139 Views

      in Soccer

      Steve Black dead at 64: Jonny Wilkinson’s mentor and former Newcastle coach passes away as Alan Shearer leads tributes

      by

      FORMER Newcastle coach Steve Black has passed away aged 64.The fitness coach was known for his excellent motivational skills and wisdom.
      Black with Wilkinson at the Newcastle FalconsCredit: PA
      ‘Blackie’ played a big role working on the psychology side of Kevin Keegan’s Entertainers era and trained the players on Tynemouth beach. 
      He was also part of the club’s backroom staff during the 2015/16 season.
      The Geordie also had a stint in Premiership rugby with the Newcastle Falcons, where he helped mentor World Cup-winning England fly-half Jonny Wilkinson.
      In his time at the Falcons, he played a leading role in Newcastle’s promotion to the Premiership in 1996 and their title win in 1998.
      Black’s all-round skillset also led to him being offered a job by Graham Henry, New Zealand’s World Cup-winning coach who was in charge of Wales at the time.
      English rugby union player Danny Cipriani paid tribute to Black in his 2019 Telegraph column.
      @font-face{font-family:’The Sun’;src:url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Regular.woff2’) format(‘woff2’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Regular.woff’) format(‘woff’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Regular.ttf’) format(‘truetype’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Regular.svg#’) format(‘svg’);font-style:normal;font-weight:400;font-display:swap;}@font-face{font-family:’The Sun’;src:url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Medium.woff2’) format(‘woff2’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Medium.woff’) format(‘woff’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Medium.ttf’) format(‘truetype’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Medium.svg#’) format(‘svg’);font-style:normal;font-weight:500;font-display:swap;}@font-face{font-family:’The Sun’;src:url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.woff2’) format(‘woff2’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.woff’) format(‘woff’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.ttf’) format(‘truetype’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.svg#’) format(‘svg’);font-style:normal;font-weight:400;font-stretch:semi-condensed;font-display:swap;}@font-face{font-family:’The Sun’;src:url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Bold.woff2’) format(‘woff2’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Bold.woff’) format(‘woff’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Bold.ttf’) format(‘truetype’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Bold.svg#’) format(‘svg’);font-style:normal;font-weight:700;font-stretch:normal;font-display:swap;}@font-face{font-family:’The Sun’;src:url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.woff2’) format(‘woff2’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.woff’) format(‘woff’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.ttf’) format(‘truetype’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.svg#’) format(‘svg’);font-style:normal;font-weight:700;font-stretch:condensed;font-display:swap;}.css-qu9fel{border-top:1px solid #dcdddd;}.css-b9nmbi{margin-bottom:16px;border-top:1px solid #dcdddd;}.css-1qsre5o{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;height:100%;-webkit-align-items:flex-start;-webkit-box-align:flex-start;-ms-flex-align:flex-start;align-items:flex-start;-webkit-align-content:flex-start;-ms-flex-line-pack:flex-start;align-content:flex-start;-webkit-box-flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-wrap:nowrap;-ms-flex-wrap:nowrap;flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-direction:column;-ms-flex-direction:column;flex-direction:column;-webkit-box-pack:justify;-webkit-justify-content:space-between;justify-content:space-between;}.css-q8gelu{margin-bottom:24px;}.css-7ysxcx{padding:0;text-transform:uppercase;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-7ysxcx:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-jkwlot{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;height:100%;-webkit-align-items:center;-webkit-box-align:center;-ms-flex-align:center;align-items:center;-webkit-flex-direction:row;-ms-flex-direction:row;flex-direction:row;-webkit-box-pack:justify;-webkit-justify-content:space-between;justify-content:space-between;padding:0;text-transform:uppercase;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-jkwlot:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-1x7hydu{font-family:The Sun;font-size:24px;line-height:1.1666666666666667;font-weight:400;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:semi-condensed;padding:1px 0px;}.css-1x7hydu::before{content:”;display:block;height:0;width:0;margin-bottom:calc(-0.24520833333333342em + -0.5px);}.css-1x7hydu::after{content:”;display:block;height:0;width:0;margin-top:-0.2333333333333334em;}.css-1lobn43{display:inline;font:inherit;margin:0;color:rgba(0,0,0,1);}.css-1lobn43 svg{fill:rgba(0,0,0,1);}Most read in Football.css-1gojmfd{margin-bottom:16px;}.css-zdjvqv{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;height:100%;-webkit-align-items:flex-start;-webkit-box-align:flex-start;-ms-flex-align:flex-start;align-items:flex-start;-webkit-align-content:flex-start;-ms-flex-line-pack:flex-start;align-content:flex-start;-webkit-box-flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-wrap:nowrap;-ms-flex-wrap:nowrap;flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-direction:column;-ms-flex-direction:column;flex-direction:column;-webkit-box-pack:space-around;-ms-flex-pack:space-around;-webkit-justify-content:space-around;justify-content:space-around;margin-top:calc(-12px/2);margin-bottom:calc(-12px/2);}.css-zdjvqv:before,.css-zdjvqv:after{content:”;display:block;}.css-1meuhfk{display:-webkit-inline-box;display:-webkit-inline-flex;display:-ms-inline-flexbox;display:inline-flex;margin-top:calc(12px/2);margin-bottom:calc(12px/2);}
      He wrote: “When you have someone that you can rely on and trust in, the way you feel – and therefore the way you can play – is second to none. That person, for me, is Steve Black.
      “I met Steve in 2013 while I was with Sale Sharks. I was in my mid-twenties and I would have been sceptical, although I knew he had worked with Jonny Wilkinson. I probably thought, ‘Do I really have to open up to another person?’
      “We had a three-or-four-hour conversation. It was engrossing, and I learned so much about myself.
      “From there, over a period of about two years, he helped de-fog my brain. He helped me understand things, why I felt certain ways.
      “Sometimes you cannot address a feeling until you go through a process.
      “Blackie was amazing at that, and my four seasons at Sale were an important time of my life on and off the field.”
      Tributes are pouring in for Black, who would have celebrated his 65th birthday on Tuesday.
      Newcastle legend Alan Shearer tweeted: “Awful news. RIP Blackie.”
      Former club Huddersfield Town have also paid tribute to Black, who had ‘infectious positivity.’ More

    • 175 Shares169 Views

      in Soccer

      The Mo Salah of rugby, Adam Radwan, ready to produce more magic for England

      by

      MO SALAH’S rugby equivalent was playing in front of a handful of people outside of Middlesbrough when Eddie Jones became England boss.But in two weeks’ time the ‘Egyptian Prince’, Adam Radwan, could be hot-stepping his way across the Twickenham turf in front of 82,000.
      Adam Radwan is the quickest player in the Premiership and scores for fun – just like Egyptian star Mo Salah
      Like Liverpool’s Ballon d’Or hopeful, Newcastle Falcons winger Radwan has been scoring for fun since he burst on to the Premiership scene last season.
      The 23-year-old, whose tailor-turned-chef dad comes from Port Said on the Mediterranean coast, even bagged a hat-trick on his international debut against Canada this summer.
      However, a full-blown England Test against Tonga, Australia and South Africa next month would be even bigger for his fans in both North Africa and the north east.
      Radwan said: “Most of my family are in England and it’s only my dad and his side who are Egyptian.
      “They had probably never heard of rugby until I started playing it.
      “I am proud to have the roots that I have got. But I am very English.
      “I was born in England in a little village in Yorkshire and have lived here all my life — so I am an Englishman.”

      Radwan, one of four Falcons in Jones’ latest squad, was dumped by Newcastle as a teen.
      Boss Dean Richards then picked him up again when a canny scout tipped him off about a local lad scoring tries for fun at Billingham, just north of Middlesbrough.
      And after a knee ligament injury ruled Anthony Watson out of the autumn internationals and Six Nations, everything is falling into place for the new Red Rose rocket.
      “I knew I was good enough to be a professional rugby player, I just didn’t know if it would be for Newcastle or how long it would take to get back into their set-up.
      “But I was pretty confident I was capable of still doing it.
      “Releasing me was definitely the right decision. They stuck by their word.
      “They said that if I went away and worked on certain things that I wouldn’t be far away and they would be back in touch. 
      “The path I’ve taken has helped me get where I am at the minute.”
      Not only has Radwan had to rise up through the ranks twice, but he’s also had to rebuild his running style.
      Despite being the quickest player in English rugby, he reckons he can get even faster as he no longer shuffles across the turf.
      He added: “There’s definitely still improvements to be made. I still aim to get quicker.
      “I didn’t use to lift my feet when I was running. I just kind of scuttled along the floor.
      “Lifting my knees up a bit more and getting a bit more force through the floor was a big one.
      “At first it was a little bit strange because you’ve got to change the way you’ve been running for a while.
      “I looked at a clip recently and now I’m running totally differently. But I don’t really feel it now. It’s just the way I run now.”
      Marcus Smith told he can be England’s ‘bus driver’ after Eddie Jones reveals his 34-man squad for autumn internationals at Twickenham More

    • 250 Shares109 Views

      in Soccer

      Football fans set to be allowed to drink alcohol at their seats after 36-year ban if review recommendation is allowed

      by

      FOOTBALL FANS could be allowed to drink alcohol in STANDS in the near future following a fan-led government review.Supporters haven’t been allowed to enjoy booze while watching football since 1985 but a change in the rules is to be recommended.
      Fans are allowed to drink from their seats at cricket matchesCredit: Getty
      According to The Times, ex-sport minister and Conservative MP Tracey Crouch has completed an independent review of the matter.
      She is set to push for a pilot on serving alcohol at clubs in the National League and League Two with a view to extending it to a higher level.
      British football’s 36-year ban on alcohol being drank in stands was introduced in a bid to battle hooliganism.
      Other top European leagues allow supporters to enjoy a pint in their seats while they watch the action unfold.
      There is also no such ban in other British sports, such as cricket and rugby.
      Crouch believes the move could encourage fans not to binge drink before games and will generate much-needed revenue for lower-league clubs.

      FREE BETS: GET OVER £2,000 IN NEW CUSTOMER DEALS

      She told The Times: “Take a club like Dulwich Hamlet, which is in National League South. It’s revenue is generated through its refreshments.
      “If it gets promoted to the National League Premier, it effectively stops generating that revenue during a game.
      “They said openly in evidence to us that they cannot afford to get promoted because of the rules around alcohol.
      “Lots of clubs generate a lot of their income through their bars and I think it’s time to look at this issue again.

      “We do have this bizarre situation where you can go to Headingley and drink as a cricket fan, but go to Elland Road and you can’t drink as a football fan.
      “We kettle people into drinking quickly at half-time. And that is the unhealthy aspect of the football fan’s relationship with alcohol.
      “They drink a lot in a short space of time. So my recommendation is to pilot this and not have to down a pint at half-time.”
      Chelsea fans go wild after beating Villa on penalties – but can you see why not everyone is happy More