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    ‘He’s a cultural architect’ – Chelsea make surprise hire of rugby league legend to help turn flailing season around

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    CHELSEA have made a surprise hire by naming Willie Isa in a player support role.The rugby league legend has been recruited from the Wigan Warriors.Willie Isa has started working at ChelseaCredit: GettyMatt Peet has backed Isa to make an impact at the clubCredit: GettyIsa, 36, retired from playing in January after winning four major trophies with the Warriors in 2024. During his career, he also impressed at Australian sides Penrith Panthers and Melbourne Storm.It was when he moved to England in 2011 he enjoyed a trophy filled decade which included two club world championships.Isa has been baked to make a positive impact at the club by Warriors head coach Matt Peet.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLHe told The Athletic: “I don’t expect the supporters to ever physically see the impact he has at Chelsea.”But he is a cultural architect.”He will make the environment better and all the individuals around the environment better.”Ignore the different shape of the ball that he is associated with, Willie’s skill set is all about high-performing teams, leadership and dealing with people.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS”Everyone at Wigan and in rugby league understands why Chelsea have made this move.”It’s intelligent.”‘Pressure shouldn’t be on the coach’ – Gary Neville slams Chelsea board for ‘unforgivable’ mistakeMARESC IS HISTORYENZO MARESCA is struggling again in the second half of the season – as he did at Leicester last term, despite their promotion…LEICESTER 2023-24 (All comps)Before Christmas – Games 25 Wins 21 Win rate 84%After Christmas – Games 27 Wins 15 Win rate 56%CHELSEA 2024-25 (All comps so far)Before Christmas – Games 27 Wins 18 Win rate 67%After Christmas – Games 10, Wins 3 Win rate 30%TOTAL (All comps)Before Christmas – Games 52 Wins 39 Win rate 75%After Christmas – Games 37 Wins 18 Win rate 49%Chelsea fans will be hoping that Isa has an immediate impact on Enzo Maresca’s squad.The Blues have dropped off in recent weeks, with only two Premier League wins in their last five games.This run of form has seen the club fall away in the race for the top four just two months after they were being considered as title challengers.The downturn has seen Maresca come underfire from some Chelsea legends.Former defender Frank Leboeuf took aim at the club after the defeat to Brighton as he criticised the lack of fight from the players. He said: “I saw a team that gave up after the second goal. We didn’t want to fight and didn’t know what to do.“That was so bad and so unprofessional.”William Gallas even hit out at the start of the season to claim there was not enough quality in the team.He said: “I’m looking at this squad of players and I don’t see nearly enough quality.“There is no way they’d get into the best Chelsea teams – half wouldn’t even get on the bench.“They aren’t good enough to win a title, which should always be the aim of a club like Chelsea.READ MORE SUN STORIES“Are they good enough to quality for the Champions League? I have serious doubts.“I don’t recognise this version of Chelsea anymore.” More

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      ‘Gem of a bet’ – Why Maguire is Man Utd’s dangerman & how foul play could be worth a flutter in Leicester v Arsenal game

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      SUNSPORT’S Weekend Wager uses in-depth stats and cutting-edge analysis to unearth the best value bets ahead of the sporting weekend.Joining our very own Will Pugh this week is football journalist Kweku Afari and betting expert Sam Rosbottom, who will be looking for the best value on a packed two days of action.SunSport’s Weekend Wager team are finding the best value bets for this weekendCredit: SunSportThere’s plenty at stake when Tottenham host Manchester United as Ange Postecoglou looks for his THIRD win of the season over the Red Devils.There’s also some great bets to be found in Arsenal’s trip to Leicester as they pray for a new goal scorer to emerge.And punters can get some tasty tips for the Betfair Ascot Chase, as well as the winner of this season’s Super League Grand Final.Check out all our best bets for the weekend below:READ MORE IN FOOTBALLManuel Ugarte could wind up in the book once againCredit: ReutersTOTTENHAM VS MAN UTDKWEKU AFARI: “There’s two selections I like in this game. United to win by exactly one goal, 4/1.“Plus Manuel Ugarte to be carded, 9/5.“I’ve put them both together: 11/1.“Ugarte is United’s most booked player in the Premier League with eight yellows.Most read in Football“The second most in the league, and that’s from 13, so I expect him in the book.“In terms of Spurs, they have already lost 13 games this season. 12 of those 13 have been by only one goal.“They’re always in games. I expect United to win but I expect it to be close.”Harry Maguire may be United’s dangerman against SpursCredit: APWILL PUGH: “I’m going Harry Maguire to have a shot and receive a card. That’s 9/2.“If you only like one, Maguire to have a shot is 8/11.“And Maguire to receive a card is 11/5.“Maguire has had five shots in his last eight league starts and has received four yellows in his last six starts.”Spurs are hoping to beat United for the third time this seasonCredit: ReutersSAM ROSBOTTOM: “I just can’t see United beating Spurs. This will be the third time they’ve played this season, Spurs won 3-0 and 4-3 in the cup.“United have conceded at least two goals in each of their last four league games against Spurs.“For me, Spurs to score over 2.5 goals at 5/2 is a solid bet.”SunSport’s best Tottenham vs Man Utd betsMan Utd to win by exactly one goal: 4/1Manuel Ugarte to be carded: 9/5Both bets combined: 11/1Harry Maguire to have a shot: 8/11Harry Maguire to receive a card: 11/5Both bets combined: 9/2Tottenham to score over 2.5 goals: 5/2Arsenal are being backed to beat Leicester with easeCredit: GettyLEICESTER VS ARSENALKWEKU AFARI: “Pretty straightforward. I’ve got Arsenal to win to nil, 11/10.“Arsenal are unbeaten in their last seven away league games. “Leicester have lost their last four league home games to nil.”Martin Odegaard could be Arsenal’s main goal threatCredit: GettyWILL PUGH: “Havertz is out. Their only real goal hope is Martin Odegaard.“So I’ve got Odegaard goal or assist at evens.“Leicester, no clean sheets in 17 league matches. Second most goals conceded.“Of Arsenal’s available players, Odegaard has had the highest XG of 0.27 across his last 30 games.”James Justin could have a tough timeCredit: AlamySAM ROSBOTTOM: “There’s something I really like here.“James Justin to commit two-plus fouls is 11/4.“He’s committed eight fouls in his last four appearances. Trossard will play left wing, he’s been fouled 15 times in his last 10 games.“Miles Lewis-Skelly has been fouled 13 times in his last five games. I think it’s a great bet.”SunSport’s best Leicester vs Arsenal betsArsenal to win to nil: 11/10Martin Odegaard goal or assist: EvensJames Justin to commit two-plus fouls: 11/4Corbetts Cross is hoping for glory at AscotCredit: PABETFAIR ASCOT CHASESAM ROSBOTTOM: “We can’t split Corbetts Cross and Pic D’Orhy at the moment. Both market favourites at 2/1.“L’Homme Presse is at 5/2 and Blue Lord is 10/1.“Then Le Patron at 16/1 and Flegmatik at 100/1.“Pic D’Orhy won this race last time and isn’t going to Cheltenham, they’re targeting Aintree.“Corbetts Cross going for the Gold Cup at Cheltenham. It’s difficult to pick between them.”SunSport’s best Betfair Ascot Chase betsCorbetts Cross: 2/1Pic D’Orhy: 2/1L’Homme Presse: 5/2Blue Lord: 10/1Le Patron: 16/1Flegmatik: 100/1Wigan are favourites to defend their Super League titleCredit: GettySUPER LEAGUESAM ROSBOTTOM: “It’s very similar to the regular season outright.“For Grand Final winners, Wigan are up there at 11/8.READ MORE SUN STORIES“Warrington are 5/1 and St Helen’s are 5/1.“Hull KR are 11/2. It’s an interesting one, expect these outright odds to shift around as results come in.”SunSport’s best Super League betsTo win the Grand Final:Wigan: 11/8Warrington: 5/1St Helen’s: 5/1Hull KR: 11/2Leeds Rhinos: 10/1Catalans Dragons: 11/1Remember to gamble responsiblyA responsible gambler is someone who:Establishes time and monetary limits before playingOnly gambles with money they can afford to loseNever chase their lossesDoesn’t gamble if they’re upset, angry or depressedGamcare – www.gamcare.org.ukGambleAware – www.gambleaware.orgFor help with a gambling problem, call the National Gambling Helpline on 0808 8020 133 or go to www.gamstop.co.uk to be excluded from all UK-regulated gambling websites. More

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      Tottenham snap up England star’s son seven months after older brother signed contract in different sport

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      TOTTENHAM have signed Martin Offiah’s son Phoenix.The rugby league legend scored over 500 tries throughout his career and is the top try-scoring English player ever. Phoenix Offiah has signed for TottenhamCredit: InstagramHis dad Martin is a rugby league legendCredit: Graham Hughes – The TimesHis youngest son Phoenix, 15, has been snapped up by Spurs after previously being on the books of Crystal Palace, Brentford and Queens Park Rangers. Having put pen to paper on his contract, the young striker wrote on Instagram: “Thank you to everyone who helped me along my journey.”Happy to say that I have signed for Tottenham. Grind don’t stop now.”His proud dad, who has passed his lightening quick pace down to his kids, said: “Another proud day in the Offiah household. READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”Phoenix signs for Spurs seven months after his older brother Tyler signed for Bath Rugby. The hard work starts now my boy.”On his journey, dad Martin previously said: “It’s been a long road for Phoenix to get this far. He played rugby union at Ealing Trailfinders, like his brother, up until the age of eight and scored a really good try at Twickenham.”After that, he said ‘Dad, I want to play football’, but he was just as good at rugby as Tyler. “It wasn’t for him, though, and I said, ‘It’s your life, I’ll support you on your journey’. Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUS”So when he was about ten he got scouted by QPR and Fulham.”He chose QPR because it was closer to home and spent two years in their development system. Inside making of Spurs whiz Bergvall who outshone Kulusevski and Gyokeres as kid “When QPR told Phoenix that he wasn’t the finished article, he was very distraught and went away to work hard on his skills.”Phoenix’s brother Tyler, 18, is yet to make his senior rugby union debut but has featured for England’s Under-18s.Sport runs in the Offiah family as their cousin Odeluga is on the books of Brighton.The 22-year-old defender has featured ten times for the Seagulls and is currently out on loan at League One outfit Blackpool.Odeluga Offiah plays for BlackpoolCredit: Getty More

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      Rugby match called off after mass brawl which left one player with a broken jaw

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      AN amateur rugby match was abandoned following a mass brawl in front of shocked spectators.The ruck was sparked when two opposing players were sent off for fighting.An amateur rugby match was abandoned following a mass brawl in front of shocked spectators (stock photo)Credit: AlamyOne, playing for Gravesend then allegedly punched opposition Reeds Weybridge’s coach, who is said to have hit him back — knocking the player out and breaking his jaw.Other players and family and friends on the touchline then piled in on Saturday afternoon, witnesses said.The Regional 2 South East match, in Hersham, Surrey, was abandoned and police called.A witness said: “Throughout the game there were punches thrown and handbags.read more on rugby“Then at the end of the game there were two red cards for fighting.“Gravesend’s player walks off, punches the Reeds coach and he hit him back and it knocked him out.”Officers arrested and later bailed a man aged 30 on suspicion of causing actual bodily harm.Another witness said: “What happened was a disgrace, especially with kids present.Most read in Football“The book should be thrown at both clubs.”A horrified dog walker said: “The match ended in a huge fight. It was absolutely disgraceful scenes.”It was a mass brawl with punches and stamps. Children were watching.”I went on a dog walk through Whitley Village. Instead I witnessed a reenactment of Passchendaele.”A South East Coast Ambulance Service spokesman said: “We attended the scene following reports of a facial injury.Eighth-tier football club move into former Rugby Premiership stadium with bigger capacity than Premier League side “One person was assessed and treated before being taken to St Peter’s Hospital in Chertsey.”A joint statement from both teams read: “An unfortunate incident occurred towards the end of the game between Reeds Weybridge RFC and Gravesend RFC which saw a Gravesend player get injured.“The incident was dealt with properly at the time by the referee and pitch-side medical support from both clubs.“We would like to reassure our supporters that the player appears to be on the road to recovery and both clubs continue to support all those involved.READ MORE SUN STORIES“The incident was subsequently reported to the relevant authorities.“The management of both clubs have and continue to work closely together but we will not be making any further statements until all investigations have been completed.”The Regional 2 South East match, in Hersham, Surrey, was abandoned and police calledCredit: Getty More

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      Alan Shearer’s glam daughter Hollie reveals engagement to rugby star by sharing brilliant pic with ‘my favourite person’

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      ALAN SHEARER’S daughter Hollie has announced her engagement.England rugby star Joe Marchant, 28, popped the question to his glamorous new fiancee in Paris.Alan Shearer ‘s daughter Hollie is now engaged to England rugby star Joe MarchantThe singer proudly showed off her gorgeous diamond ring on InstagramHollie took to Instagram to share the romantic moment with her 81,000 followers.The 29-year-old posted photos taken in front of the Eiffel Tower with the world’s most romantic monument beautifully-lit.A thrilled Hollie proudly showed off her stunning diamond ring.Her jubilant caption read: “BEST DAY EVER!! 💍 Got to say yes to my favourite person ❤.”READ MORE SPORT NEWSDoting dad Alan rushed to congratulate the couple as he replied: “😍😍😍😍👏👏👏.”And England rugby No10 Marcus Smith wrote: “Congratulations buzzing for you both.”While Marchant’s team-mate Danny Care added: “Congrats guys!!”She is the second eldest of Alan and wife Lainya’s three childrenHollie and Marchant were first pictured together in DubaiFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSHollie confirmed her romance with the former Harlequins ace back in April 2022 after they had started dating four months prior.Most read in FootballThe couple moved to a luxurious new home in Paris earlier this year after Marchant joined Top 14 side Stade Francais. Mick Schumacher’s model girlfriend sends clear message on engagement after being invited into ‘inner circle’Marchant was a key figure for Steve Borthwick’s England side as they finished third at last year’s World Cup.But he won’t be playing for his nation against Australia later today, as he’s currently ineligible for England as he is playing abroad.In July, Hollie took to Instagram to announce her new French abode while holding keys in front of a bright red front door with gold handles, showing sweet matching Eiffel Tower keyrings. Hollie has also shared a number of holiday snaps of herself and Marchant basking on hot beaches and on lavish yachts.Hollie is no stranger to the sporting life, with her dad being the Premier League’s top goalscorer with 260 strikes.The pair moved to Paris to follow Marchant’s rugby careerThe happy couple frequently enjoy stunning trips abroadWhen previously asked about his daughter’s romance with Marchant, Shearer quipped: “I’m just glad it’s not a footballer.”Hollie has chosen to pursue her dreams of music instead of sport, and her top single on Spotify has garnered more than 1.3 million listens.READ MORE SUN STORIESShe has had a passion for singing since an early age and is an alumnus of BIMM, a prestigious British music institute.Hollie is the second oldest of Shearer and wife Lainya’s three children, with the couple also sharing daughter Chloe, 31, and son Will, 23.Hollie is the glam daughter of Newcastle legend and World Cup pundit ShearerThe 29-year-old has become a celebrity in her own rightShe boasts almost 81,000 followers on InstagramCredit: InstagramHollie has been dating Marchant since 2022Credit: InstagramHollie often posts dazzling snaps on InstagramThe couple are engaged after two years of dating More

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

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      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

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

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      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

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

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      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

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

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      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