Munster fought to 'bitter end'
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BreakingNews.ie
an hour ago
- BreakingNews.ie
Andy Farrell wants end to social media ‘nonsense' after son Owen's Lions call
Andy Farrell has urged British and Irish Lions fans to get behind his son Owen's shock call-up to Australia in the hope he escapes the type of negativity he faced at the 2023 World Cup. Farrell said he had 'no hesitation' summoning the former England captain once it became clear that Elliot Daly must return home because of a fractured forearm sustained against the Queensland Reds on Wednesday. Advertisement The Lions are reeling from the news that Daly's third tour is over just as he was playing his way into the Test team, robbing them of a player Andy Farrell described as a 'legend' for the elite of British and Irish rugby. But rather than replacing him with a similar alternative such as Wales' Blair Murray or Scotland's Tom Jordan, Andy Farrell has turned to a 33-year-old whose last Test was at the World Cup almost two years ago. Owen Farrell was booed by England fans during the tournament and became a target on social media, which his father described as a 'disgusting circus', and he stepped back from the international game to prioritise his mental wellbeing before joining French club Racing 92. A polarising figure, he is now en route to Australia where Andy Farrell wants his prior treatment to be consigned to the past. Advertisement 'I hope people can get past that. There has been a lot of that nonsense for some time,' the Lions head coach said. 'That was in the past. We all just need to move on and embrace what the Lions is all about and what we have got coming ahead. Owen, left, and Andy Farrell will soon be together in a British and Irish Lions camp once more (David Davies/PA) 'We feel that the timing is right now, that we can all move on and push on, not just with Owen's career but what we're trying to achieve here with the Lions.' Owen Farrell will arrive in Sydney on Friday, bringing with him the experience accumulated during 112 caps for England, whom he captained from 2018 to 2023. Advertisement He will be embarking on his fourth Lions tour having made six Test appearances across the 2013, 2017 and 2021 expeditions and will bring leadership, experience and organisation. However, his ill-fated season at French club Racing 92 was undermined by injuries and indifferent form and he missed the end of the season with a concussion sustained on May 4. He has since rejoined Saracens. 'Owen's fit or else he wouldn't be picked. I know that the guys have been keeping close touch with him in regard to that and he's been training full bore for quite some time now,' Andy Farrell said. 'He's the right man at this moment in time for us. We know how much he looks after himself and prides himself on keeping in good nick anyway. Advertisement 'At this stage there are plenty of players who haven't played for quite some time and experience – knowing what you can do – helps in that regard.' Saturday's clash with New South Wales Waratahs has come too soon and the third match in Australia will see Ireland's Tadhg Beirne take charge. Blair Kinghorn and Hugo Keenan will make their Lions debuts on the left wing and at full-back respectively.
Daily Mail
an hour ago
- Daily Mail
Can Rory McIlroy rediscover his form at The Open Championship? He is NOW 6/1 to win the prestigious major on home soil this month
After a stellar start to the calendar year - in which he won both The Players Championship and his maiden Masters title - Rory McIlroy has experienced a dip in form of late. He shot 7-over to finish 19th at the US Open before not making the cut at the US Senior Open most recently. Despite his lacklustre performances in recent times - McIlroy remains a red-hot contender to win The Open Championship this month when looking at the betting lines. At the time of writing - McIlroy is a BOOSTED 6/1 second-favourite to claim his sixth career major and second Open Championship title. There will be a little extra pressure on McIlroy this time around - as the tournament will take place in his home country of Northern Ireland. Can McIlroy rise to the occasion and rediscover his form? Or, will his drought at The Open extend to 11 years? We will have to wait to find out. When looking at the betting lines - McIlroy is behind that of multiple-time major winner and world No 1 Scottie Scheffler - who is currently the shortest-priced player in the market at 7/2. Sky Bet favourites to win The Open Championship: Scottie Scheffler 7/2 Rory McIlroy WAS 11/2 NOW 6/1 Bryson Dechambeau 14/1 Jon Rahm 14/1 Xander Schauffele 14/1
Wales Online
3 hours ago
- Wales Online
Major star leaves Scarlets as sudden announcement made
Major star leaves Scarlets as sudden announcement made Vaea Fifita has been at the Scarlets for three years, playing 56 times Vaea Fifita of Scarlets avoids the tackle from Luka Matkava of Black Lion (Image: Huw Evans Picture Agency Ltd ) Tonga international Vaea Fifita has left the Scarlets to join newly-promoted French Top 14 side Montauban. The French club reached the top flight after defeating Sam Davies' Grenoble following an unlikely Pro D2 play-off run. They have now moved to sign the 33-year-old Fifita, who also previously played Test rugby for New Zealand, ahead of their first season back in France's top division. Fifita leaves Llanelli after three years, having joined from Wasps back in 2022. It's understood the Welsh side have received a transfer fee as part of the move and have a replacement signing lined up. During his time at Parc y Scarlets, the mercurial lock and back-row played 56 times, scoring 10 tries. 'It's not been an easy decision for myself and my family to move from Scarlets and I have really enjoyed my time at Parc y Scarlets with a great group of players," said Fifita as he bid farewell. "We have been warmly welcomed into the Scarlets community from the moment we arrived three years ago, but I think this is the right move for us as a family at this stage of my career with the opportunity to experience and play in the Top 14. Article continues below 'I have some fantastic memories in a Scarlets jersey and I'd like to thank everyone at the club - coaches, players, staff and, of course, the fans for their support and friendship over the last three years. Sign up to Inside Welsh rugby on Substack for the exclusive five-week tour diary from Japan and Australia. 'I look forward to watching this exciting young Scarlets squad continue to develop and challenge over the coming seasons.' During his time in Llanelli, Fifita shone, being named in the United Rugby Championship's Elite XV after his first season at the club. He was linked with a move away from the Scarlets last year, but Fifita - who won the Super Rugby title during his time with the Hurricanes - ultimately ended up signing a new deal. 'We thank Vaea for his great contribution to our club; he has produced some outstanding moments during his time here at the Scarlets and we fully understand and support his decision to want to play in the Top 14," said Scarlets head coach Dwayne Peel. 'We wish him and his family well for their move to France.' The Scarlets return to pre-season next week as they prepare for a campaign back in the Champions Cup, having reached the URC play-offs this season. Peel added: 'We have worked hard to retain the core of our squad, a lot of home-grown Welsh international talent and made some exciting additions as well. Article continues below 'As a group, we are looking forward to getting back together, welcoming some new members into our squad and putting in the work before a big opening to the season at home here against Munster at the end of September.'
