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      Charlton’s mystery takeover bidders revealed as Lenagan family – owners of Rugby League giants Wigan Warriors

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      CHARLTON ATHLETIC’S mystery takeover bidders are the Lenagan family — owners of Rugby League giants Wigan Warriors.The League One outfit have been a target for several parties but now the Lancashire-based family are close to a deal.
      Charlton’s takeover bidders have been revealed as the Lenagan FamilyCredit: Getty
      Family head Ian Lenagan is the RL club’s chief but has big football interests from his time at Oxford and as EFL chairman.
      His son Simon may be the family representative who steps in at Charlton as their main man if they conclude a move to buy 80 per cent of the club.
      Owner Thomas Sandgaard wants to sell the majority of the Addicks and recently brought in a new management team.
      Director of football Andy Scott was at Oxford during Lenagan’s reign while “deal fixer” Charlie Methven had links with the U’s before moving to Sunderland.
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      Methven also has allies at Charlton with the new regime and — despite denials — is a main player behind the scenes.
      The group should have no problems with approval for their plans.
      Charlton are 12th in the League One table amid a turbulent campaign.
      Dean Holden replaced Ben Garner as Addicks boss last month after a disappointing start to the season.
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      Holden’s side earned a 2-1 win over Lincoln on Saturday after beating Portsmouth in midweek.
      The Addicks are nine points above the third tier’s relegation zone and the same amount off the playoffs. More

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      Watch as Arsenal’s Emirates Stadium is dramatically transformed for England’s Rugby League World Cup semi vs Samoa

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      ARSENAL’S Emirates Stadium has been dramatically transformed for England’s Rugby League World Cup semi-final against Samoa. The goals at either end were changed from a rectangle to the letter H.
      Arsenal’s Emirates Stadium was transformedCredit: Twitter
      The North London venue is hosting England’s Rugby League World Cup semiCredit: Twitter
      England play Samoa on SaturdayCredit: Twitter
      Lines were redrawn and rugby posts were installedCredit: Twitter
      Staff worked tirelessly to redraw the lines on the pitch and the grass was carefully inspected.
      England’s rugby league World Cup semi-final opponents Samoa then trained on the pitch ahead of Saturday’s clash.
      Samoa caused an upset last weekend, defeating Tonga to reach the last four for the first time.
      However, things have been smoother for England, who have recorded convincing wins at every stage, with the most recent coming against Paua New Guinea with a 46-6 victory.
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      Confidence is sky high and England are charging towards a first final on home soil since 1995.
      England forward Victor Radley said: “We’re just worried about ourselves, not them.
      “They’re going to be stronger from the opening day, but we’re going to be stronger too.
      “They’ve got a talented team and it’ll take 17 tough Englishmen to stop them.
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      “Luckily, that’s what we’ve got.”
      Play is due to get underway at 2.30pm and will be free to watch on BBC One.
      Samoa trained at the Emirates in preparation for the big gameCredit: Twitter
      England are heavy favourites for the semi-finalCredit: Twitter More

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      Watch as Sonny Bill Williams is brutally KNOCKED OUT by 48-year-old MMA legend Mark Hunt in huge upset

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      SONNY BILL WILLIAMS was stunned by a brutal knockout from his 48-year-old opponent in a major upset. The former New Zealand rugby star, 37, took on MMA legend Mark Hunt in Sydney on Saturday night.
      Sonny Bill Williams could not cope with the power of Mark HuntCredit: Stan Sport
      The ex-rugby ace was stunned and failed to recoverCredit: Stan Sport
      The New Zealander was knocked out in round fourCredit: Getty
      Hunt produced a magnificent display to stun WilliamsCredit: Getty
      But things did not go to plan for the 6ft 4ins Aucklander.
      Midway through the fourth round of the eight-round heavyweight bout, tubby Hunt went on the attack.
      Williams could do nothing to stop the barrage of heavy blows.
      And he was left down on his knees as the referee waved it off.
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      That in turn ripped away his unbeaten professional boxing record after nine straight wins.
      Williams started his pro boxing career way back in 2009 with the aim of using the combat sport to improve him as a rugby player.
      But since retiring from rugby in early 2021, he has focused fully on the ring.
      Williams beat Waikato Falefehi by a unanimous decision last year and then flattened former Aussie Rules ace Barry Hall twice in his first-round KO win in March.
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      Many expected him to maintain his winning streak against Hunt.
      The All Blacks icon worked his way into the fight over the first three rounds, starting to take control and work out how to deal with Hunt’s short height but serious power.
      However, it all went wrong in the fourth.
      SBW – tipped to fight Jake Paul next – was floored by a big right hand from Hunt but got up in time to beat the count.
      Hunt refused to back off, though, and unleashed a relentless series of punches, to which Williams had no response.
      And with the ex-UFC veteran refusing to give in, it was all over in a staggering result.
      Williams made a strong start over the first three roundsCredit: Getty
      Hunt posed serious danger with his huge powerCredit: Getty
      Williams looked stunned as the fight ended in defeatCredit: Getty
      There was plenty of respect between the two fightersCredit: Getty
      Williams dropped to his knees, gutted and hurt, as Hunt celebrated wildly with his kids – before announcing he was done.
      Hunt said: “I’m smiling not because of the win, but I’m smiling because this is the last time I walked into a ring of combat of any sorts.
      “My first thought after was ‘s*** I want to do that again!’, but no [I won’t be back in the ring again].”
      Williams added: “I would like to say it was an honour to share the ring with Mark Hunt tonight, the Super Samoan.
      “I tried my best but it wasn’t good enough.
      Read More on The Sun
      “Not too much positives to take from that, but to share the ring with a legend like Mark, it was special.
      “Also to see a lot of Polynesian brothers get a chance on the card was special. Whatever happens happens.” More

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      Mouthwatering British sporting summer calendar revealed as ‘Fury vs Joshua on July 24’ added to Euro 2020 and Wimbledon

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      A remarkable British sporting calendar is taking shape in what promises to be a summer to remember.After the coronavirus pandemic put sport on its knees 12 months ago, events such as the European Championships and Wimbledon were postponed and cancelled as fans were left with little entertainment.
      This summer promises to be a sensational festival of sport
      England will be hoping to win a first major tournament in 55 years this summerCredit: Getty
      Now, one year on from that we are set for one of the best ever summers of jam-packed British sport as spectators return to whip up a frenzy.
      It all kicks off on June 11 with the postponed Euro 2020 which is being played for the first time ever across 12 different European countries.
      But the semi-finals and final of the tournament – which ends on July 11 – are scheduled to take place at Wembley Stadium, the first major international final at the ground for 25 years.
      While the Euros are going on, there is also the small matter of Wimbledon returning for the first time in two years on June 28.
      Incidentally, the final at the All England Club will be played on the same day as the conclusion of the Euros.
      From June through to September a festival of cricket will also be taking place with England taking on Pakistan and Sri Lanka in a number of one-day internationals, before a five Test series with India.
      And to top it all off, the inaugural edition of The Hundred gets underway in July.
      In athletics there is the Diamond League Anniversary Games at the London Stadium, an event which takes place just five days before another huge day in Formula 1 with the British Grand Prix.
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      Hamilton will look to secure a record-extending eighth British Grand Prix victory this summerCredit: AFP
      Ben Stokes will be hoping he can drive England to victory over India in their five Test seriesCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      Wimbledon will make a triumphant return after being cancelled last year for the first time since WWIICredit: Reuters
      The day before the British GP there is also the small matter of the Rugby League Challenge Cup final at Wembley on July 17.
      And then perhaps the biggest one of them all could be confirmed in the coming days as Anthony Joshua and Tyson Fury prepare for an undisputed heavyweight clash on July 24.
      The fight looks set to take place in the Middle East, but a 100,000 capacity crowd at Wembley Stadium has not yet been ruled out.
      Throw in a bit of golf action with The Open and Women’s British Open and you have yourself a blockbuster few months of UK sport.
      With events such as the London Marathon and Rugby League World Cup then rounding off 2021, it promises to be unquestionably one of the greatest ever years of British sport.
      You’d be a fool to miss it.
      The Anniversary Games at the London Stadium promises to be another special eventCredit: PA
      Hearn hits back at Tyson Fury’s dad John over lack of support for Anthony Joshua fight More

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      Incredible British sporting summer calendar revealed with potential Fury vs Joshua on July 24 added to Euros & Wimbledon

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      A remarkable calendar of British sport is taking shape in what promises to be a summer to remember.After the coronavirus pandemic put sport on its knees 12 months ago, events such as the European Championships and Wimbledon were postponed and cancelled as fans were left with little entertainment.
      This summer promises to be a sensational festival of sport
      England will be hoping to win a first major tournament in 55 years this summerCredit: Getty
      Now, one year on from that we are set for one of the best ever summers of jam-packed British sport as spectators return to whip up a frenzy.
      It all kicks off on June 11 with the postponed Euro 2020 which is being played for the first time ever across 12 different European countries.
      But the semi-finals and final of the tournament – which ends on July 11 – are scheduled to take place at Wembley Stadium, the first major international final at the ground for 25 years.
      While the Euros are going on, there is also the small matter of Wimbledon returning for the first time in two years on June 28.
      Incidentally, the final at the All England Club will be played on the same day as the conclusion of the Euros.
      From June through to September a festival of cricket will also be taking place with England taking on Pakistan and Sri Lanka in a number of one-day internationals, before a five Test series with India.
      And to top it all off, the inaugural edition of The Hundred gets underway in July.
      In athletics there is the Diamond League Anniversary Games at the London Stadium, an event which takes place just five days before another huge day in Formula 1 with the British Grand Prix.
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      Hamilton will look to secure a record-extending eighth British Grand Prix victory this summerCredit: AFP
      Ben Stokes will be hoping he can drive England to victory over India in their five Test seriesCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      Wimbledon will make a triumphant return after being cancelled last year for the first time since WWIICredit: Reuters
      The day before the British GP there is also the small matter of the Rugby League Challenge Cup final at Wembley on July 17.
      And then perhaps the biggest one of them all could be confirmed in the coming days as Anthony Joshua and Tyson Fury prepare for an undisputed heavyweight clash on July 24.
      The fight looks set to take place in the Middle East, but a 100,000 capacity crowd at Wembley Stadium has not yet been ruled out.
      Throw in a bit of golf action with The Open and Women’s British Open and you have yourself a blockbuster few months of UK sport.
      With events such as the London Marathon and Rugby League World Cup then rounding off 2021, it promises to be unquestionably one of the greatest ever years of British sport.
      You’d be a fool to miss it.
      The Anniversary Games at the London Stadium promises to be another special eventCredit: PA
      Hearn hits back at Tyson Fury’s dad John over lack of support for Anthony Joshua fight More

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      John Terry ready to help England’s Rugby League World Cup victory bid after striking friendship with England boss Wane

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      SHAUN WANE will team up with a captain, leader, legend as England look to win rugby league’s World Cup – John Terry.
      And he is in no doubt that Super League this year is stronger than ever, thanks to the likes of John Bateman coming back and Greg Inglis joining.

      John Terry will be asked to help England ahead of their bid to win the Rugby League World CupCredit: PA:Press Association

      National boss Wane has been taking part in a sporting directorship course to fill his days while the 13-a-side code is out of action.
      Now Aston Villa assistant boss Terry is also studying and he will be asked to tell England’s players what it takes to succeed at the highest level, as will golfer Lee Westwood.
      Wane said: “I’ve had quite a few chats with John and he’s very knowledgeable. I did a chat for Uefa coaching badge attendees and he was one of them.
      “All I talked about was standards and what we did at Wigan. He loved it and we’ve kept in touch. I learn from him and him from me.

      “He’ll be going up to training. He’s really keen, very smart and loves our way of thinking in rugby league.

      England boss Shaun Wane is eager for his players to learn from as many people as possible ahead of the World Cup
      “He’s got a real understanding about rugby league and he loves the game – and he’s a very proud Englishman.
      “Lee Westwood is another one and he’ll be getting involved with us.
      “It’s important for the players to get a perspective from another sport. Lee is very individual in terms of the sport he plays while John has played for England.

      “I love speaking to people like that about how they train, what they do, what their thought process is and what their standards are.
      “I’m assuming that our players will have a thirst for that too and if they don’t, I want them to have an open mind about things like that.”

      Golfer Lee Westwood will also give Wane’s men the benefit of his expertiseCredit: Paul Edwards – The Sun
      Wane has effectively been kicking his heels after the Covid-19 pandemic saw England’s Ashes series with Australia cancelled.
      But as far as he is concerned, his side will be facing the Exiles, a team made up of Super League’s best ex-NRL players, on June 27 and hopes to face Fiji about 10 days before the World Cup’s opening game against Samoa on October 23.
      And he believes the pool is getting stronger after Bateman returned to Wigan after a stellar NRL stint, while Super League dropping matches from its schedule would not be a bad thing.
      He added: “John is going to be a great addition and Greg is obviously a fantastic player, it won’t take him long to get back into shape.
      “But the competition is going to be stronger with John in, no question. We just need more great games of the intensity of Wigan-St Helens or Wigan-Warrington. I hope we’ll see that.”

      Shaun Wane would be happy for Great Britain international Blake Austin to line up for the Exiles against EnglandCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      England taking on the Exiles could see Wane’s men face the likes of Inglis, Israel Folau, James Maloney and Bevan French.
      But he also hopes one-time Great Britain internationals Jackson Hastings and Blake Austin face the country they qualify for
      He said: “Absolutely I would. I want that Exiles team to be as strong as possible and they’d be a lot stronger with Blake Austin in, no question.
      “I want that game to be like a Test match.” More

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      Maro Itoje signs up to Jay-Z’s super-star sports agency Roc Nation joining likes of Marcus Rashford and De Bruyne

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      MARO ITOJE has been signed-up to Jay-Z’s super-star sports agency.
      The England, Lions and Saracens hero joins the likes of Marcus Rashford and Kevin De Bruyne at the rapper’s Roc Nation management company.

      Maro Itoje is the third rugby star to join Jay-Z’s agencyCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      Itoje, arguably the world’s best player and a future England and Lions captain, turned 26 last month.
      The second row was previously with the same company who looks after Gareth Bale and engineered his loan deal from Real Madrid to Tottenham Hotspur.
      In switching agents, Itoje has now joined World Cup winning captain Siya Kolisi, the first black man to lift the Webb Ellis Cup, as well as his Springboks teammate Cheslin Kolbe.
      And that makes the Londoner just one of three rugby stars managed by Jay-Z’s agency.

      Itoje’s new reps are likely to be busy behind the scenes already, too.
      His club Saracens were relegated from the Championship last season.
      They promised Itoje and Co that they would look into facilitating loan moves for them to play anywhere in the world.
      A move to French giants Racing 92, the Paris side who lost this year’s Heineken Champions Cup final to Exeter Chiefs, had been agreed.

      Marcus Rashford has already been signed up by hip-hop entrepreneur Jay-ZCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      Manchester City star Kevin De Bruyne is part of Roc NationCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      But then £1million short-term switch was blocked.
      England boss Eddie Jones and his club coach Mark McCall open to Itoje getting experience in another country.
      Jay-Z’s crew will continue to look at the options for their new man.

      Jay-Z’s super-star sports agency will be busy working behind the scenesCredit: AP:Associated Press

      Jason Robinson looks back to when he lead the England Rugby team out and became nation’s first-ever black captain More

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      UK Sport: Return dates and how to watch on TV – Premier League football, England test cricket, rugby, F1 and golf

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      SPORT is coming back to our screens soon, with most sporting events being played without audiences and having to adjust to new rules in order to abide by legal guidelines and minimise the spread of the coronavirus.  Follow all the drama and suspense below with all the key information for the much awaited return of […] More