Rugby Union

Subterms

    Latest story

    238 Shares20 Views

    Bumper week of sport sees Cheltenham, Champions League ties, bitter Six Nations rivalry, F1 return and Carabao Cup final

    by

    EXCITEMENT is building ahead of a jam-packed week of sport coming your way in March.A hectic schedule involving football, horse racing, rugby, F1, darts, tennis and golf lies ahead for fans from March 10 to March 16.Liverpool and Arsenal are in Champions League actionCredit: GettyMarch 11 to 14 is the Cheltenham FestivalCredit: PALewis Hamilton first race for Ferrari is on SundayCredit: GettyWe ease our way in with a Premier League clash as Newcastle head to West Ham on the Monday night.But things start getting chaotic on Tuesday as the Cheltenham Festival begins in the afternoon before the first batch of second legs in the last-16 of the Champions League kick-off that evening.Today’s draw revealed mouth-watering ties like PSG vs Liverpool, Real Madrid vs Atletico Madrid and Arsenal vs PSV.The dates of the games are not yet confirmed but there will be four on Tuesday night and another four on Wednesday night – both after huge days at Cheltenham.READ MORE IN SPORTOn Thursday, again the horse racing fills our afternoon before the Europa and Conference Leagues take centre stage.Tottenham, Manchester United and Chelsea are all set to be in action on the night of March 13.Spurs welcome AZ Alkmaar, United face Real Sociedad and the Blues come up against Copenhagen.For those that prefer darts, it is also night six of the Premier League from Nottingham.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSBumper week of sportIT promises to be an incredible week of sport from March 10th to March 16thThese are the highlights…March 10: Premier League – West Ham vs NewcastleMarch 11: Cheltenham Festival & Champions LeagueMarch 12: Cheltenham Festival & Champions LeagueMarch 13: Cheltenham Festival, Europa/Conference League, Premier League DartsMarch 14: Cheltenham Festival – Gold Cup DayMarch 15: F1 Australian Grand Prix qualifying, Six Nations including England vs Scotland, Premier LeagueMarch 16: F1 Australian Grand Prix race, Old Firm derby, Premier League including Arsenal vs Chelsea, Carabao Cup Final between Liverpool and NewcastleOn Friday 14, Cheltenham draws to a close on Gold Cup day.It sets fans up for a blockbuster weekend of wall-to-wall to sport.Europa League last 16 draw sees Man Utd face Real Sociedad and Tottenham take on AZ Alkmaar The Six Nations draws to close with THREE games on Saturday as Italy face Ireland, England take on Wales and France battle Scotland.There are also five Premier League games and the first qualifying session of the F1 season from the Australian Grand Prix.The race then takes place early on Sunday 16 morning from 4am before football regains our attention.At 12:30pm, it is the Old Firm Derby between Celtic and Rangers at the same time as Sheffield Wednesday clash with bitter rivals Sheffield United in the Steel City Derby.There are three Prem matches at 1:30pm as Arsenal vs Chelsea and Fulham vs Tottenham.It is then the Carabao Cup final from Wembley as Liverpool come up against Newcastle at 4:30pm.That is before we switch back to the Premier League as Man Utd head to Leicester.READ MORE SUN STORIESIf that was not enough, the weekend also brings us the tennis Indian Wells final in a tournament considered one of the biggest outside of the Grand Slams.And in golf, it is The Players Championship final day from Florida.The Six Nations comes to a close on SaturdayCredit: APThere is Premier League Darts on Thursday nightCredit: PA More

    More stories

    • 275 Shares58 Views

      in Soccer

      Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s Ineos sued by the All Blacks for ‘failing to pay sponsorship fee’ in fresh blow to Man Utd owner

      by

      SIR JIM RATCLIFFE’S Ineos are being sued by New Zealand’s rugby team for “failing to pay sponsorship fees.”It is the latest headache for Manchester United’s owner, who has seen his Red Devils side struggle to click under new boss Ruben Amorim.New Zealand Rugby are suing Ineos for breaching their sponsorship agreementCredit: RexIneos struck a six-year deal with the All Blacks in 2021 but haven’t paid this year’s feeCredit: ReutersIt is the latest headache for Manchester United chief Sir Jim RatcliffeCredit: PARatcliffe’s Ineos agreed a six-year deal as an All Blacks’ shirt sponsor in 2021, with the move worth £3.65million each year.However, New Zealand rugby chiefs have now accused the petrochemical company of attempting to end their sponsorship three years early.They claim Ineos are yet to pay out any of this year’s fee.And legal proceedings have now been launched as the All Blacks look for a new sponsor.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLA bombshell statement read: “New Zealand Rugby (NZR) is disappointed that Ineos has breached its sponsorship agreement.“Most recently, it failed to pay the first instalment of the 2025 sponsorship fee, confirming its decision to exit our six-year agreement.“Having learned of Ineos’ decision to walk away three years early, we have moved to protect the interests of New Zealand Rugby and the wider game.“We have been left with no option but to launch legal proceedings to protect our commercial position.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUS“NZR is actively pursuing new commercial opportunities, and global interest in the All Blacks and other Teams in Black remains high.“We are committed to being world-class on and off the field, and deliver unique value to sponsors through our iconic brands.”Paul Scholes lays into Sir Jim Ratcliffe for ‘having the cheek’ to introduce ‘ridiculous’ Man Utd’s ticket prices Ineos have not commented on New Zealand’s claims.According to the Telegraph, it is not the first deal Ineos have dropped this year.Last month they parted ways with Ben Ainslie’s America’s Cup Team.And it comes as Ratcliffe embarks on drastic cost-cutting measures at Manchester United.Around 250 redundancies have been made as ticket prices have gone up.And Ratcliffe, who increased his minority stake to 28.94 per cent last month, now hopes to build a mega new stadium as part of an Old Trafford regeneration project.Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s first year at Man UtdSIR JIM RATCLIFFE’S minority takeover at Manchester United was announced on Christmas Eve in 2023 – and a lot has happened at Old Trafford since…December 2023 – Man Utd confirm Ratcliffe’s takeover on Christmas Eve, vowing to invest £245m into Old TraffordJanuary 2024 – Ratcliffe and right-hand man Sir Dave Brailsford photographed meeting Erik ten Hag during tour of Carrington January 2024 – Omar Berrada poached from Man City as new CEO February 2024 – Ratcliffe’s £1billion, 27.7 per cent takeover officially completed February 2024 – Former CEO Richard Arnold quits board as Ineos pair John Rees and Rob Nevin addedMarch 2024 – Ratcliffe bans words “awesome” and “lukewarm cappuccino” in bizarre moveMarch 2024 – Matt Johnson appointed head of women’s footballMarch 2024 – Ratcliffe announces plans to build “Wembley of the North” to replace Old TraffordMarch 2024 – Man Utd NYSE share price drops to $13.73 on March 21 – down from $20.52 immediately after Ratcliffe takeover in DecemberApril 2024 – Senior staff club credit cards and private cars cancelled April 2024 – John Murtough quits as football director April 2024 – Jason Wilcox appointed technical director after compensation package agreed with Southampton May 2024 – Ratcliffe turns Carrington “toxic” after sending email to employees slamming “disgraceful” lack of cleanlinessMay 2024 – Work finally starts on leaking Old Trafford roofMay 2024 – Man Utd finish eighth in Premier League, worst-ever finish May 2024 – Ratcliffe gives employees just one week to decide if they want to accept redundancy May 2024 – Staff forced to pay for own transport to FA Cup final and only given one ticketMay 2024 – Pre-match party and hotel for senior staff before FA Cup final axedMay 2024 – Man Utd shock rivals Man City to win FA Cup despite suggestions Erik ten Hag will be sacked regardless of resultJune 2024 – Man Utd announce £50m plans to upgrade Carrington training ground June 2024 – Ratcliffe introduces strict “back to work” policy forcing staff to come into officeJune 2024 – Ratcliffe scores own goal with comments about women’s teamJuly 2024 – Man Utd finally agree deal to bring in Dan Ashworth as sporting director after four months of gardening leave at Newcastle, who received £3m in compensationJuly 2024 – Erik ten Hag signs shock new contract extension until 2026July 2024 – Ruud van Nistelrooy and Rene Hake appointed assistant managers, Andreas Georgson first-team coach and Jelle ten Rouwelaar goalkeeper coach. Darren Fletcher’s role changes from technical director to first-team coach. Steve McClaren, Mitchell van der Gaag and Benni McCarthy depart.July 2024 – Ex-Chelsea technical director Christopher Vivell joins on short-term basis as interim director of recruitment July 2024 – Jean-Claude Blanc added to Man Utd board  July 2024 – Man Utd cut down number of staff on US pre-season tour to 125July 2024 – Ratcliffe makes 250 redundancies including popular media man John Allen, historian Cliff Butler and kitman Alex WylieAugust 2024 – Man Utd splash out £199m in the summer transfer window August 2024 – Matchday staff lunchboxes scrapped and some forced to eat beside toiletOctober 2024 – Man Utd stop paying £2m-a-year ambassador salary to Sir Alex FergusonOctober 2024 – Staff Christmas party cancelled October 2024 – “Back to work” policy costing Utd fortune to convert hospitality suites into temporary offices between home matchesOctober 2024 – Erik ten Hag sacked with club 14th in Premier League table, costing club £15mNovember 2024 – Ruben Amorim appointed new Man Utd manager on deal until 2027 after stumping up £10m release clause November 2024 – Coach Ruud van Nistelrooy axed by new manager Ruben Amorim November 2024 – Man Utd chiefs locked in blame game over summer shambles including Erik ten Hag situation and transfer signings November 2024 – Ratcliffe reportedly set to half £40,000 budget paid to Manchester United Disabled Supporters AssociationDecember 2024 – Ratcliffe admits “mediocre” Man Utd “still in last century” December 2024 – Fans protest after OAP and children concessions tickets ditched and minimum home ticket cost up to £66December 2024 – Dan Ashworth sacked after five months as sporting directorDecember 2024 – £100 staff Christmas bonus ditched for £40 M&S voucherDecember 2024 – Ceiling starts leaking during Ruben Amorim’s press conference after 3-0 defeat to BournemouthDecember 2024 – Reports of a mice infestation at Old Trafford as rodent droppings found in food kiosks and plush suites as food hygiene ratings drops to just two starsDecember 2024 – SunSport reveals Ratcliffe cuts £40,000 funding donation to Association of Former Manchester United Players charity More

    • 188 Shares106 Views

      in Soccer

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

      by

      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

    • 225 Shares139 Views

      in Boxing

      I used to be a Six Nations rugby star but now I’m working in security at Tyson Fury fights

      by

      A FORMER Wales star has swapped the rugby pitch for a high-profile security job – which involves working at Tyson Fury events.Lou Reed hung up his boots in 2017 after getting fed up with the wear and tear the gruelling sport had on his body.Former Wales international Lou Reed retired from rugby in 2017Credit: GETTYReed now spends his days working security at boxing eventsCredit: INSTAGRAM@LOUREED514Reed was in attendance for Fury’s rematch with Oleksandr Usyk last DecemberCredit: INSTAGRAM@LOUREED514The former Scarlets and Cardiff star now passes the time by being a heavy for Lyons Den Security security firm, which is part of former heavyweight champion Fury’s wider security team.During an appearance on the BBC’s Scrum V podcast, he told former team-mates Alex Cuthbert and Ellis Jenkis: “I’m a medical salesman, for now, and a little bit of security.”It’s quite broad, it’s quite different but it seems to have helped me with the transition [from rugby], which is daunting for anyone.”When I called it a day on my career, I sent a couple of emails out.READ MORE BOXING NEWS”I was actually in Morgan Stoddart’s rental home in Aberporth, and I sent an email to a guy from Bridgend who was in charge of Wimbledon security.”I was then on the tennis courts at Wimbledon, a complete baptism of fire because I had no experience on the radio.”These guys are military trained on the radios, they know everything about everything and there was me on Court Three with all the top seeds, trying to work out where I fit in.”But it served me well, keep it light and wing it and you’ll be surprised how far you can go.Most read in BoxingJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUS”I’m [now] part of Tyson Fury’s security team, the wider security team.”We work closely with the Riyadh Season over in Saudi Arabia and if there’s work in the UK, we also jump in and do that. We travel the world.”Tyson Fury WILL still fight Anthony Joshua and they’ll even be friends after, says British champ in shock predictionReed’s primary gig is looking after iconic announcer and boxing Hall of Famer Michael Buffer, who he’s developed a good relationship with.He said: “My exclusive job in Saudi Arabia is to deal with Michael Buffer, the ring announcer.”How that came about was someone needed a break and the door was empty, so I was told to stand on the door.”He came out and we started chatting, light-hearted. It’s very difficult sometimes in security because you’re there to do a really serious job, but you can be diligent and light-hearted, you’re easy to be around.”I think I went above and beyond really, because that’s how I like to treat people. “I made him feel good and got the rota for his day and tried to stick to it and communicate with him.”Essentially, I would walk him to the stage, he’d do his announcing and I’d walk him back to his car, keep fans who were a bit overzealous from getting on to him, and that would be my week.Lou Reed’s main job in Saudi Arabia is looking after iconic announcer Michael BufferCredit: GETTY”There’d be a press conference where he would be announcing it and I’d stand at the side of the stage, there would be weigh-ins, where the boys would stop the fighters from getting at each other.”Some do it for the camera but others are genuinely that passionate.”It’s been seven years since former lock Reed, who played for his country in the Six Nations, announced his retirement.But his new job sometimes reminds him of the life he left behind aged just 30.He continued: “For the night itself, I get to the arena and walk him into the ring, down the actual fighters walk.READ MORE SUN STORIES”It’s in a stadium so I get that rugby feel, I really do. “I don’t struggle from not playing rugby but it’s really nice to dip your toe in now and again.” More

    • 250 Shares169 Views

      in Soccer

      Rugby ace Joe Marler left stunned as ex-footballer and Soccer AM star Jimmy Bullard reveals his biggest wage of career

      by

      RUGBY star Joe Marler was left gobsmacked when he found out how much Jimmy Bullard was earning in his heyday as a Premier League footballer.Two of the UK’s most popular sports, rugby and football, have got drastically differing wages.Jimmy Bullard has revealed the biggest contract of his football careerCredit: TIKTOK/ thingspeoplepodRugby star Joe Marler was left shocked by the huge numberCredit: TIKTOK/ thingspeoplepodMarler, who retired from international rugby this month, has played for one of rugby union’s top teams, Harlequins, for his entire career.But despite always being at the top of his sport, he was shocked to learn how much mid-table journeyman Jimmy Bullard was pocketing as a Premier League footballer.Bullard, 46, spent his career playing for the likes of Hull City, Fulham and Wigan Athletic.But when asked by Marler how much he was earning in his heyday, Bullard revealed a stunning number.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLSpeaking on Marler’s Things People Do podcast, he said: “My biggest contract was £50k-a-week”.Marler was in disbelief at the hefty salary, that would have meant Bullard was earning £2.6MILLION per year.Bullard was asked to give an estimate on what kind of money a “top Premier League footballer” would be earning these days, with the former midfielder retiring in 2012.He said: “I’d have to say a few of the Man City boys must be on £350k a week”. Most read in FootballJimmy Bullard’s careerA brief look at Jimmy Bullard’s playing career…1998 – 1999: Ebbsfleet1999 – 2001: West Ham2001 – 2003: Peterborough2003 – 2006: Wigan Athletic2006 – 2009: Fulham2009 – 2011: Hull City2011 – 2012: Ipswich Town2012: MK DonsFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSFootball salary site Capology claims that Man City duo Kevin De Bruyne and Erling Haaland are the Prem’s two top earners.It’s said that De Bruyne is pocketing a whopping £400,000-per-week, while Haaland makes £375,000 every week himself.Top 10 highest paid footballersBy comparison, previous England captain Owen Farrell is the current highest-paid rugby union player in the world.Farrell is understood to be earning £1.2MILLION-per-year at Racing 92, the equivalent of £23,077-a-week.That means Kevin De Bruyne earns Farrell’s annual salary every 21 DAYS.Owen Farrell is rugby union’s top earnerCredit: GettyKevin De Bruyne is the Premier League’s top earner, and makes over 17 times more than FarrellCredit: Getty More

    • 225 Shares119 Views

      in Soccer

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

      by

      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

    • 263 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Peter Crouch gets hit in the face and Joe Cole screams in terror as football legends try hand at new sport

      by

      PETER CROUCH was left red-faced after his face was struck by a ball when the ex-Liverpool striker and Joe Cole tried their hands at rugby.The former footballers were put through their paces by England World Cup winner Ben Kay.Joe Cole and Peter Crouch travelled to Saracens’ StoneX ground to give rugby a goCrouch took one right to the face during the TNT specialChaos ensued when the former footballers contested a rugby line-outSince retiring from football, Crouch and Cole have come together to form a new partnership within TNT’s broadcasting team.And now, they’re turning their hands to a new sport entirely – a spot of rugby – with hilarious results.Crouch and Cole joined English rugby legend Kay, at Saracens’ StoneX Stadium as a part of their Autumn Nations Series promotion for TNT.Kay had them try everything from a penalty conversion, contesting a line-out, tackling drills and even a bit of argy-bargy with each other.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSBut the hysterical blunder came when Crouch attempted to catch a kicked high-ball – and failed.The former Stoke striker looked like he wanted to kick the ball instead, before the ball smacked off his face after it bounced off the pitch.In another scene, Cole shrieked in terror while he was being hoisted into the air to catch a ball from a line-out.Crouch then came out second best to the Chelsea full-back while contesting a line-out.Most read in FootballThe pundits were put through their paces by England World Cup winner Ben KayCole came out on top in the end after winning the line-out contestFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSThat’s despite the fact that Cole, who is 5ft 9, is almost a foot smaller than Crouch, who stands at 6ft 7 inches.The action ends with former England team-mates trying to wrestle one another to ground, as if they were back on the school playground.Chelsea icon Joe Cole scores outrageous goal as ex-England star rolls back the years in a Sunday league team aged 42Cole told Crouch: “I would’ve loved to have done this at school.”All 21 matches of the Autumn Nations Series will be broadcast live on TNT Sports. The full episode of Crouch vs Cole: Rugby is available to watch on discovery+ from midday today.The episode ends in argy-bargy as the pair wrestle each other to the groundSaracen academy stars hilariously watched on as Crouch failed miserablyWho are these famous footballers? More

    • 150 Shares199 Views

      in Motorsport

      F1 star George Russell reveals awkward Prince George moment at rugby match

      by

      GEORGE RUSSELL has recalled a hilarious but awkward case of mistaken identity between himself and Prince George.Formula One driver Russell is used to being swarmed by fans around the world as he races in the quickest machines on the planet.George Russell has recalled a funny story when he mistook himself for Prince GeorgeCredit: GettyIt came when Russell and Prince George were both watching an England rugby gameCredit: EURO 2024 News Pool (ENP)However, he has lifted the lid on how the spotlight was taken from him when royalty was in town.Speaking in an interview earlier this year, the 26-year-old said: “There’s actually a funny story.”I was at a rugby match watching England play and suddenly everyone in front of me turned around and were looking up.”And they were screaming, ‘George, George, Prince George, Prince George’.READ MORE IN F1″And I thought this is a bit strange. Like all these people screaming at me.”And then I turned around and the real Prince George was standing behind me.”So (laughing) that kind of made sense.”It is not clear exactly what game this took place at, though Russell is known to be a big rugby fan after playing it at school.Most read in MotorsportBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSThe Brit was seen attending the opening game of the Rugby World Cup last year as France beat New Zealand 27-13 with his partner, Carmen Montero Mundt.Russell recovered from a pitlane start to finish a strong P6 in Sunday’s US Grand Prix feature race – won by Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc.Toto Wolff has his say on Lando Norris’ penalty for leaving the track and gaining an advantage over Max Verstappen However, Russell was hit with a five-second penalty en route to that result, which had left Mercedes boss Toto Wolff fuming at the “total joke” decision by stewards.Russell had been judged to run Valtteri Bottas off the track at Turn 12, but a later incident that saw Max Verstappen appear to run Lando Norris off the track saw him go unpunished.When Russell asked whether Verstappen received a penalty for it, Wolff replied over the team radio: “No, he didn’t get a penalty and at the end Lando got a penalty for being forced off and overtaking on the outside.”I guess it’s a bit biased decision-making but not surprising.”F1 returns next weekend in Mexico in the second race in a triple-header.🏁 Complete F1 2024 race calendar – details on every Grand Prix and start time this year 🏁F1 reporter Isabelle Barker’s predictionI EXPECT Max Verstappen to go all guns blazing over the next six-rounds. I also think his experience and aggression could give him the edge.It seems too little too late for Norris showing consistency, despite that dominant win in Singapore last time out.You can’t help think what could have been had he sorted out his first-lap issues sooner.Norris needs to prove he has the mental fortitude, because we all know he’s got the speed, the team and the fastest car.Verstappen has endured an eight-race winless streak, but he has still managed to score points, with three second-places during that time.So I think the Dutchman will lift his fourth world-title this season, by the skin of his teeth.  More

    • 200 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      England rugby coach Steve Borthwick issues foreign manager warning as he reacts to Thomas Tuchel appointment

      by

      ENGLAND rugby manager Steve Borthwick welcomed Thomas Tuchel into the international club – but warned that foreign managers do not tend to produce winning sides.Borthwick suggested that the testimonials of Tuchel’s former club players represent the biggest reasons to believe he can be a Three Lions success.England rugby head coach Steve Borthwick has welcomed Thomas Tuchel into the international clubCredit: PATuchel has been unveiled as the new England football managerCredit: GettyBut the Red Rose chief, who worked under Eddie Jones with Japan and England and then succeeded the Aussie, pointed to the history of top level sport to suggest Tuchel will have to break the mould of history.Borthwick said: “I’ve not met Thomas, although I’ve read a lot about him – and probably in the last 12 hours read even more about him.“I would look forward to hopefully having the opportunity at some stage to learn more from him.“The players speak really well of him and they are the best judges.READ MORE ON ENGLAND“You hear them and read what they say. Good players say good things about him.”Hopefully I will have an opportunity to meet him in the future.”Asked whether a coach’s nationality matters, Borthwick added: “First and foremost it is about having the best coach for the team that you have.“Different coaches are needed for different teams and what a team needs at any one point in time is going to be really, really clear.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS“But what we have also seen is that not too many major trophies have been won by teams coached by a coach from another nation.“That is just fact. The key point is, get the right coach. That is the most important thing.” Watch Thomas Tuchel’s awkward reaction when asked why he chose England over Man UtdANDY DILLON: Thomas Tuchel has all the ingredients to become a classic England manager – tactical nous, drive and a tangled love lifeBy Andy DillonTHOMAS TUCHEL possesses all the ingredients to become a classic England manager.Tactical nous, drive, energy, experience – a tangled love life.English football should welcome back the most explosive, dynamic, charismatic and impossibly tall and gangly coach to have lit up the Premier League.Chelsea’s colourful former boss has been leading a settled life in Munich of late.Far enough away from ex-wife Sissi but close enough to see his two daughters.Walking his dog in the streets in the east of Germany’s most fashionable city, residing in the posh Bogenhausen area. Living relatively quietly with his Brazilian girlfriend.Tuchel is a vastly different personality to the man who led England quietly but assuredly to the brink of World Cups and European Championships.An excitable nature can make him hard to handle for those seeking calm and who like to impose their way on a manager they view very much as an underling.Read more on why Tuchel REALLY IS the best man for the England job More