Rugby League

Subterms

    Latest story

    238 Shares129 Views

    My uncle is an England legend, now I’m a Premier League player making my way under Man Utd icon

    by

    ODELUGA OFFIAH may be the nephew of rugby legend Martin Offiah.But the 21-year-old is making his own way as a footballer under Manchester United legend Steve Bruce.Odeluga Offiah is making his own way as a Premier League footballer with BrightonCredit: GettyHe is currently on loan at Blackpool with Man Utd legend Steve BruceCredit: GettyUncle Martin was a top rugby league and union player in his primeCredit: AllsportOffiah, who plays in defence, is on loan at Blackpool from Brighton.He has also spent time with Scottish giants Hearts.And the ace, who has 10 Premier League appearances for Brighton, has plenty of famous relatives.Uncle Martin is a former rugby league star who won 33 Great Britain caps and 5 England caps.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHe also enjoyed a career resurgence in union during his later years with Bedford and Wasps.And Martin’s son Tyler Offiah is now hoping to follow in his footsteps after signing a pro contract with Bath on the back of his England U18s debut.Meanwhile, Martin’s nephew Odeluga has been making a splash in the beautiful game after joining Blackpool this summer.He has made two appearances for the Seasiders since United hero Bruce replaced Neil Critchley earlier this month.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSBut uncle Martin reckons Odel is on his way to being a star – mainly thanks to his dad Chike.Martin told the Argus: “Odel was playing rugby and football as a kid.Premier League fathers and sonsOdeluga was on loan at Hearts last seasonCredit: Willie VassThe ace hopes to have as much success as uncle Martin did in rugbyCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd“I said to Chike, ‘What is he going to do, be a rugby player or a football?’“He said he liked football, and I said, ‘You need to get him into an academy’.“I knew he was talented and played with adults at the park but he needed to get some coaching and people needed to see him.“They took him to Bromley and Odel was quite a late starter.“He tried to get into Crystal Palace and Charlton so Brighton was his third club.“I think Odel had the love more for football than rugby. Football was what he loved to do.“He is young with room to develop but he is already a bit of a beast.“He has got that Offiah speed.”Odeluga will be hoping to make his debut in tonight’s clash at Huddersfield, with games against Burtno and Lincoln also on the horizon.Speaking after his loan move, he said: “It feels good to be here. I’m really excited to show what I can do at this Club.READ MORE SUN STORIES“As soon as I heard of the interest I wanted to join, as this is a big Club with huge history and I want to be part of that.“I’m just excited to get going and get out on the pitch and play for this Club.”Can you name the famous fathers? More

    More stories

    • 163 Shares179 Views

      in Soccer

      Women’s FA Cup clash abandoned as goalkeeper rushed to hospital after medical emergency

      by

      A WOMEN’S FA Cup tie was abandoned due to a goalkeeper’s medical emergency.Salford’s Grace Pomfret went down off the ball in “very visible distress” at Wythenshawe FC and was rushed to hospital after treatment. The Women’s FA Cup second qualifying round tie was ended early due to a ‘distressing’ medical problem for Salford stopper Grace PomfretCredit: GettyHer club released a statement, explaining it was “too upsetting to continue” the match following the worrying incident in the 34th minute.Salford later said Pomfret was in a “stable condition” in hospital.Fans shared their relief on social media and posted get-well wishes to the stopper, who has been with home-town team Salford since 2020.The club said in a statement: “The game was stopped after goalkeeper Grace Pomfret went down off the ball in very visible distress.READ MORE FOOTBALL”Salford medical staff were quick to respond and call for emergency assistance, and we are thankful to all involved for their hasty and attentive response.”Due to the distressing scenes, it was decided that it was not possible to continue playing the game.”At Salford, we know that ‘The welfare of the people is the highest law’ and as a family of players and staff it was noted the environment was too upsetting to continue.”Grace was in a conscious state and was applauded off the pitch as paramedics took her to hospital, and we all wish her well for a full recovery.”Most read in FootballThe specific problem suffered by Pomfret during the second qualifying round game has not been disclosed.But fans were just encouraged to hear she was “stable”.One posted: “I was at the game and saw her go down, really upset me to see that, hope she makes a speedy recovery god bless Grace and her poor mum x”Another wrote: “Glad she’s doing better, I hope she recovers well .”Many others sent their good wishes.Meanwhile, with Pomfret’s condition rightly the priority, Salford explained that “a further update about the tie will be provided in due course”. More

    • 188 Shares179 Views

      in Soccer

      New Wales boss Craig Bellamy dealt selection blow with Dan James ruled out through injury

      by

      CRAIG BELLAMY has been dealt a selection blow after Dan James was ruled out of Wales’ Nations League double-header with Turkey and Montenegro next month.Leeds boss Daniel Farke revealed winger James has a hamstring injury and is out of Saturday’s Championship clash with Hull at Elland Road.Dan James attended a McDonald’s event on Thursday afternoonJames will miss Wales’ Nations League clashes with Turkey and Montenegro next monthNew Wales chief Bellamy had named James in his 24-man squad for the September internationals on Wednesday morning.But the fitness setback means the winger will now not meet up with his country.James, 26, said: “I’m gutted to miss out. It’s a shame but I hope the injury won’t keep me out for too long. “The injury isn’t not too bad. I only found out on Wednesday afternoon.read more in football”It’s a new environment for all the players with the new manager and I was looking forward to going in and experiencing that.”James was speaking at a McDonald’s Fun Football Day which saw over 500 children attend Bollington United to take part in a Fun Football session alongside their footballing heroes.James added: “This is the biggest football session I’ve ever been involved in! What McDonald’s is doing is incredible and something that should be applauded. “Football is all about fun and these sessions allow children to play football without any expectations or pressures on them,”Most read in FootballFarke announced the injury blow at his weekly press conference yesterday lunchtime but hopes James will be fit when Leeds take on Burnley on September 14.Farke said: “We are without Dan, who has a hamstring problem. It’s a minor injury. He also won’t travel to the Welsh squad so he can’t be involved.How superstar Mikel Merino is the final piece of Arsenal’s jigsaw – City should watch out”I hope to have him back for the Burnley game but he will definitely miss out on this game and also the international game.”Bellamy is already without Bournemouth attacker David Brooks, who is recovering from a dislocated shoulder sustained in last May’s Championship play-off final while on loan at Southampton.Ipswich pair Wes Burns and Nathan Broadhead are also sidelined with hamstring injuries.All four attackers – James, Brooks, Burns and Broadhead – will sit out Bellamy’s first matches in charge since he replaced Robert Page as manager in July.Wales host Turkey in Cardiff on September 6 followed by a trip to Montenegro three days later.McDonald’s Fun Football ambassador Dan James took part in the largest ever Fun Football session to celebrate the milestone of 500,000 children benefitting from the programme across the UK.Sign up to a free session near you at: https://www.mcdonalds.com/gb/en-gb/football.html More

    • 250 Shares139 Views

      in Soccer

      England clash risks being first in DECADES not to be shown on live TV amid frantic rush to agree deal

      by

      ENGLAND’S clash with Japan next month is in danger of becoming the first Red Rose men’s Test not televised live in decades.Rugby chiefs are reportedly scrambling to agree a deal for the clash with ex-boss Eddie Jones’ new team in Tokyo on June 22.Eddie Jones might yet find his Japan team’s long-awaited home clash with England in Tokyo in June not shown live on TVCredit: RexRed Rose coach Steve Borthwick will take on Japan twice this yearCredit: GettyThe Times say negotiations have yet to result in a solution.And if no answer is found, the RFU could end up streaming England’s summer opener on its website.Japan – coached by ex-Red Rose boss Jones – will travel to Britain this winter.After playing New Zealand, Australia and South Africa, Steve Borthwick’s men will finish their packed November schedule against the Brave Blossoms.READ MORE TOP STORIESBut the fixture before that, in the Japanese capital in five weeks’ time, is causing concern off the pitch.Sky Sports signed a deal with Southern Hemisphere rugby chiefs (Sanzaar) to show England’s two summer tests against New Zealand.The Red Rose face the All Blacks in Dunedin and Auckland on July 6 and 13.But Sanzaar does not cover Japan, meaning there is currently a broadcasting hole for that matchMost read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSEngland last played the Brave Blossoms in November 2022, registering a 34-12 win in a World Cup pool game at Nice Stadium.Japan have not visited Twickenham since a 52-13 defeat in November 2022.Meet the Six Nations WAGs cheering England, Ireland, Wales and Scotland stars onRed Rose chief Jones was sacked just a month after thatHe took charge of home country Australia for a second time in January 2023 – but resigned 10 months later after a dire World Cup saw the Wallabies slump to ninth in the world rankings.Jones then made it two spells leading Japan when they appointed him coach last December. More

    • 175 Shares169 Views

      in Soccer

      Former Premier League stadium given bizarre new name but there’s a heartwarming reason why

      by

      A FORMER Premier League stadium has received a bizarre new name – but there is a heartwarming reason behind it.Wigan Athletic won promotion to the top-flight in 2005 under Paul Jewell.A former Premier League ground will be is now known as The Brick Community StadiumCredit: RexThe 24,000-seater ground’s new name starts from May 13Credit: GettyAgainst all the odds, the Latics managed to defy the odds and stay up for eight years before finally suffering relegation in 2013.However, even that year saw the club make history as they famously beat Manchester City to lift the FA Cup.The 25,138-seater DW Stadium, which opened in 1999 and is also home to Rugby League giants Wigan Warriors, hosted all of the ups and downs throughout that period, including Europa League matches after their Wembley success.However, things have continued to go downhill since and they now find themselves in League One.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLHowever, under boss and former midfield star Shaun Maloney, hopes are high that years of struggles are coming to an end and they can try and push for promotion next term.And that will all be done at their newly-named home – The Brick Community Stadium.Fans were initially in shock at the news, but now the club have explained the reason behind the switch.A statement explained: “The renaming of Wigan’s historic multi-sports stadium is in partnership with local charity, The Brick, whose work began over 100 years ago to improve the lives of those in the town most in need. Most read in EFLCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS“The Brick delivers effective solutions to address poverty and homelessness across the Wigan and Leigh Borough, providing supported and emergency accommodation services, street outreach services, wrap-around person-led support, a food community, and affordable furniture and essential household items to make a house a home.”It added: “The inspirational charity, which was Latics’ Official Charity Partner in both 2017/18 and 2018/19, has a long-standing affiliation with the Football Club, collectively raising much-needed funds to help people who are homeless, in poverty, or facing a debt crisis. Wigan and Bolton stars clash in huge brawl after feisty League One derby“The name will initially remain in place until the end of 2025 with further support for local charities to be announced in the coming weeks.“Both clubs will also continue to work together to secure a long-term commercial stadium partner for 2026 and beyond.”Both clubs have also vowed to work closely with The Brick to explore other ways that the partnership can benefit the town.Wigan Athletic chairman, Ben Goodburn, said: “The Stadium is a spiritual home for so many of our loyal fans across both clubs, many of whom will have been, in some way, impacted by the positive work of The Brick.”The ground has hosted Premier League and Europa League action over the yearsCredit: RexWigan’s ground will be called ‘The Brick Community StadiumCredit: Instagram @laticsofficial More

    • 250 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Shocking moment ‘piece of s***’ fan sucker punches 15-year-old during rugby match as furious dad vows to hunt him down

      by

      A RUGBY LEAGUE match was suspended after a fan punched a 15-year-old player.The Auckland Rugby League under-16s fixture between the Otara Scorpions and Manurewa Marlins was marred by the incident.A fan in a blue top walked onto the field to confront a playerCredit: X formerly Twitter / @mmmmaggyHe appeared to swing his fist at the player’s headCredit: X formerly Twitter / @mmmmaggyThe player managed to move out of the way of the punchCredit: X formerly Twitter / @mmmmaggyFootage has shown a man walking onto the field and throwing a punch at the Scorpions player.Fortunately, the player was able to move out of the way and reduce the amount of contact made by the attack.The father of the player has now called on social media to help him identify the fan.He wrote: “Needing help identifying this piece of s*** in the blue/yellow/white top who thought it was OK to run on the field and blind shot my 15yr old son.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”Manurewa Marlins won’t give up his name, so I’m letting social media do its thing.”The Marlins char Karla Matua argued that social media does “not always show the full context of the situation.”She also claimed that they are “aware and have evidence to support this.”Matua told New Zealand website Newshub: “Our priority has been to ensure our team and team management are safe mentally, physically and spiritually and we have wrapped support services around them.Most read in Football”We are in positive dialogue with Otara RL and both clubs want the same thing, for our kids to be safe and those responsible are dealt with appropriately.”We are following ARL (Auckland Rugby League) processes and look forward to positive outcomes for our kids and whānau [families].”Otara Rugby League club general manager Willie Maea has insisted that they are trying to identify the spectator alongside the help of the Marlins.The club will then bring the matter to the police once it is confirmed.Maea said: “While the actions on the field were controlled by the referee, they don’t condone adults coming on the field.”For us, we’re wanting to identify these men, charge them with assault and trespass them from this ground.”The ARL have also released a statement on the incident and confirmed that the police would be involved.It read: “ARL has zero tolerance for this type of violence and behaviour.READ MORE SUN STORIES”We have judicial processes in place and when necessary, we will involve the police.”This matter is now being managed by the police and we are unable to be commenting further.” More

    • 163 Shares129 Views

      in Soccer

      Championship club’s former stadium looks unrecognisable as rugby ground with just 2000 capacity

      by

      A CHAMPIONSHIP club’s former stadium looks unrecognisable after being transformed into a rugby ground with a capacity of just 2,000.The Sheffield Olympic Legacy Stadium is home to the Sheffield Eagles rugby league side.The Sheffield Olympic Legacy Stadium looks completely different these daysCredit: https://twitter.com/OLPSheffieldIt was built over the site of the demolished Don Valley StadiumCredit: ReutersDon Valley used to host Rotherham and was the second-largest athletics arena in the UKCredit: PA:Empics SportThe 25,000-seater has now been transformed into a modest 2,000 rugby league stadiumCredit: https://www.instagram.com/sheffieldolympiclegacypark/Built between 2021 and 2022, it was opened two years ago following a £10million construction project.The arena holds 2,000 people and also plays host to the Sheffield Giants American football team.It was the previous home of Sheffield United Women too.But it looked very different back when Championship side Rotherham played there.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSThe Sheffield Olympic Legacy Stadium was built over the site of the Don Valley Stadium, which closed in 2013 and was demolished a year later.The £29m arena, opened in 1990, was the second-largest athletics stadium in the country and could hold 25,000 spectators.That number doubled for concerts and similar events.But it also played host to Rotherham when the club was without a home for four years.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERBetween 2008 and 2012, up to 10,000 fans were allowed in for each game before Rotherham moved into the New York stadium – where they remain to this day.However, the Don Valley Stadium was closed by Sheffield City Council 11 years ago as part of a £50m budget cut.The site, which had previously been renovated in 2008, was entirely demolished.But in 2014, it was announced that an Olympic Legacy Park would be built over its remains.As well as the new stadium, the site now contains an indoor sports arena and several schools.It now plays host to the Sheffield Eagles, who had also played at the Don Valley Stadium and were forced to ground-share in Doncaster, Rotherham and Wakefield until the 2022 opening of the Legacy Stadium.Speaking ahead of its opening, captain Anthony Thackeray said: “It’s been a long time coming.“It’s really important for the club, the fans and everyone involved.”Rugby league side Sheffield Eagles play at the Legacy StadiumCredit: AlamyThe ground was only opened in 2002Credit: AlamyIt took eight years to build and also houses some schoolsCredit: AlamyIt is a lasting legacy to the Olympic gamesCredit: Alamy More

    • 225 Shares109 Views

      in Soccer

      Major sporting event could be MOVED after 26 years due to Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s controversial Man Utd plans

      by

      RUGBY LEAGUE chiefs are drawing up alternative venues for Super League’s Grand Final should Manchester United’s Old Trafford home be bulldozed.Except for 2020 due to Covid, United’s stadium has hosted the showpiece since 1998 — but Red Devils’ new part-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe has the ground earmarked for a massive redevelopment.Sir Jim Ratcliffe has some bold plans for Old Trafford which could impact Rugby League chiefsCredit: PARatcliffe could propose a new venue on the land next to the current groundThat could mean a temporary shift of venue with Manchester City’s Etihad likely to be the preferred choice.Newcastle’s St James’ Park and the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, which have hosted Magic Weekend and the Challenge Cup final respectively, are also in the frame.Ratcliffe, 71, has admitted Old Trafford has become “tired” and needs updating. To that end, the Ineos chief’s preference is to build a new stadium on the land owned by Man Utd.READ MORE ON MAN UTDOne ambitious plan comes under the guise of Ratcliffe wanting to build a so-called “Wembley of the North” with the help of taxpayer funds.Another includes a 90,000 seater stadium with a new Stretford End.He said: “It’s about time someone built a national stadium in the north of England.”If it can be achieved, it would clearly be my preference.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS”I would be very excited for the north of England.”A stunning step towards this goal includes a five-year plan to redevelop Old Trafford to be a site which stretches down to the water and links to MediaCity.Erik ten Hag insists he does have Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s backing amid rumours Man Utd boss faces sack in summerAmenity plans include a five-star hotel and a host of other facilities to accommodate Man Utd’s global supporter base, with only a megastore and museum currently at the club’s disposal.Huge infrastructure projects like the one proposed on the grounds of Old Trafford are nothing new to Ineos, who are currently building a £5billion petrochemicals plant in Antwerp, Belgium.Ratcliffe completed his deal for a 27.7 per cent stake in Man Utd in February.Inside Ratcliffe’s Man Utd plansEverything you need to know as Sir Jim Ratcliffe takes charge at Manchester United… More

    • 213 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Alan Shearer’s glam daughter Hollie flashes bra in see-through lace top as fans call her ‘beautiful woman’

      by

      ALAN SHEARER’S daughter Hollie has left her fans in awe as she hung out in the streets of Paris.Shearer’s 29-year-old daughter has built a strong following on social media with a series of glam pics and is often sharing fashion tips online.
      Hollie Shearer took social media by storm once moreCredit: Instagram
      Hollie took to the streets of Paris with a glam outfitCredit: Instagram
      Hollie left her Instagram followers in aweCredit: Instagram
      This time she took to the streets of the French capital with a see-through top and a pair of jeans.
      Hollie issued the following caption on Instagram: “Strolling the streets of Paris.”
      Her 83,000 followers took to the comments’ section soon after she posted those three photos.
      One fan posted: “Beautiful woman.”
      Read More on Football
      Another commented: “Gorgeous.”
      A third wrote: “Lovely pictures.”
      This fan said: “Stunning.”
      And that one gushed: “Beaut.”
      Most read in Football
      Away from the camera, Hollie is a singer-songwriter and released a number of singles over the past few years.
      The social media model is dating England rugby superstar Joe Marchant and lives in Paris with the Stade Francais centre.
      Alan Shearer’s glamorous daughter Hollie shows off her toned tummy in crop top leaving fans in love with her outfit-
      The couple recently holidayed in Marrakech and kept fans up to date with their travels.
      Inside Hollie’s glamorous life as singer, model, football icon’s daughter and rugby Wag…
      Hollie is the glam daughter of Newcastle legend and pundit Alan Shearer
      Father and daughter; Hollie with dad Alan
      Hollie has become a social media star in her own right
      Hollie boasts over 83,000 followers on Instagram
      Singer Hollie dreams of living in Nashville, Tennessee
      She supported Sam Fender at her father’s foundation nightCredit: Instagram
      Hollie dazzled in glittery fishnet stockings as she performed on stageCredit: Instagram
      Hollie, left, posed with brother Will and sister Chloe, right on a recent holidayCredit: Instagram/@chloeshearer1
      Hollie has been dating England rugby star Joe Marchant since 2022Credit: Instagram @hollieshearer
      Hollie cheered on partner Joe from the stands at the World Cup in France alongside his sister Melita, mum Sue and dad JoeCredit: Instagram @hollieshearer
      Hollie wowed in this revealing bikini… but she stole it from her sisterCredit: Instagram / @hollieshearer
      Hollie often leaves fans swooning with her incredible toned bodyCredit: Instagram
      Hollie showed off her beach body on a swanky holiday to Greece
      Hollie cuts an elegant figure in a stunning red dress
      Hollie turned into a biker girl as she posed in a crop top and leather trousersCredit: Instagram
      She has accumulated a substantial following on InstagramCredit: Instagram
      Hollie frequently posts pictures to her adoring fans on social mediaCredit: @blackboughswim
      She treats fans to regular glimpses into her lifestyleCredit: Instagram
      The singer-songwriter loves being on the water in an array of colourful bikinisCredit: INSTAGRAM / @hollieshearer
      She loves maintaining her impressive tan on holidayCredit: INSTAGRAM / @hollieshearer
      Hollie shares the same confidence in front of the camera that her dad showed in front of goal
      Hollie posed in a pink bra and thong for PrettyLittleThing Valentine’s Day shootCredit: PrettyLittleThing
      Hollie’s posts regularly have fans hailing her as a ‘stunning princess’Credit: Instagram / @hollieshearer
      Hollie looks equally as glamorous when not just in a bikiniCredit: instagram @hollieshearer More