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      in Boxing

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

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      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

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      in Soccer

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

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      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

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      in Soccer

      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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      in Soccer

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

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      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

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      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

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      in Soccer

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

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      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

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      in Soccer

      James Ward-Prowse sent off in Chelsea vs Nottingham Forest clash as fans say ‘thought he was playing rugby’

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      NOTTINGHAM FOREST ace James Ward-Prowse was sent off against Chelsea following a bizarre challenge.Ward-Prowse, 29, started for Forest in their Premier League clash against the Blues at Stamford Bridge, where the visitors picked up a 1-1 draw.Nottingham Forest ace James Ward-Prowse was sent off after lunging to the ball with his handsWard-Prowse was shown a second yellow card against ChelseaCredit: RexBut the midfielder was shown a second yellow card in the second half as he chased Chelsea star Nicolas Jackson down the halfway line for a loose ball.The England international lunged for the ball but lost his balance and fell on it with his torso.And he ultimately fell on the ball, grabbing it with both hands.The referee had no option but to give the West Ham loanee his marching orders in the 78th minute after booking him in the first half.Read More on FootballFans were left baffled by the ex-Southampton star’s reaction as it looked like he was playing rugby or cricket, rather than football.One fan tweeted: “Ward-Prowse thought they were playing rugby.”Another commented: “Bro, James Ward-Prowse just jumped on the ball like it was a fumble.”A third wrote: “Ward-Prowse just did one of the most comical actions in a football pitch ever.”Most read in FootballThis fan said: “That’s the dumbest red card I’ve seen all season, what is James Ward-Prowse thinking.”And that one posted: “Ward-Prowse. Red card. Cricket level fielding. This is the funniest thing of the day.”Chelsea vs Nottingham Forest: Player Ratings and Team PerformanceWard-Prowse joined Forest on loan from West Ham on transfer deadline day last summer.The central midfielder has since amassed five appearances across all competitions with the Tricky Trees.Chelsea player ratings vs Forest: Madueke shines again but hot-head Jackson too busy arguing CHELSEA were held by ten-man Nottingham Forest as frustration filled Stamford Bridge.Noni Madueke cancelled out Chris Wood’s opener but the Blues couldn’t find a winner.And frustrations boiled over with a mass brawl in added time.Here’s how SunSport’s Jack Figg rated the Blues stars.Robert Sanchez – 8Excellent positioning to snuff out Forest counter on hour mark and made two sensational late saves to deny the visitor’s a winner.Malo Gusto – 6Wasn’t able to prevent Nikola Milenkovic’s flick on to set up Wood’s opener but he produced a great block to deny Gibbs-White in the box.Wesley Fofana – 7Forming a good partnership at the back with Colwill. Finally some consistency at centre-half for Chelsea.Levi Colwill – 7Made a huge block to prevent Yates in the first half. John Terry-esque defending.Marc Cucurella – 5Lacked attacking creativity down the left having filled in at centre-back at times. Failed to form much of a threat with Sancho.Moises Caicedo – 6Agonisingly close to getting ahead of Wood to prevent the Forest opener. Took the role as deep-lying midfielder in front of back line.Enzo Fernandez – 5Still looks to be finding his best position under Maresca. Not a natural holding midfielder but denied preferred advanced role by Palmer.Cole Palmer – 6Looked lively when afforded space in the centre but the Chelsea superstar saw a huge chance saved thanks to Matz Sels double save.Noni Madueke – 8Constant threat down the right side with his goal well deserved. But the winger finds himself guilty of making the wrong choice in the final third.Jadon Sancho – 4Largely absent throughout the match with Aina doing a stellar job in keeping the tricky forward quiet. Lacked killer instinct going forward.Nicolas Jackson – 4Apart from pressing, quiet throughout. Slow to react in the box in a frustrating sign of inconsistency after recent goalscoring form. Spent more time arguing with team-mates at points.SubsJoao Felix (for Fernandez 80 mins) – 6Christopher Nkaunku (for Jackson 80 mins) – 6Mykhailo Mudryk (for Sancho 89 mins) -5Pedro Neto (for Madueke 89 mins) – 6Tosin Adarabioyo (for Colwill 90+3 mins) – 5 More

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      in Soccer

      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