How Lion king Maro Itoje has come of age to be perfect leader of boss Andy Farrell's pride in Australia
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Daily Mail
an hour ago
- Daily Mail
Andy Farrell backed to lead 2029 New Zealand tour despite Lions missing out on Test sweep in disappointing defeat by Australia
Andy Farrell opened the door to leading the Lions against New Zealand in 2029 despite the disappointing end to this tour of Australia. Farrell's first tour in charge saw the Lions lose the final Test and miss out on a clean sweep but the 50-year-old insisted he will fly home full of pride. He is favourite to lead the team again in four years, with senior players ready to throw their support behind him when the review begins. 'Everyone knows what I think about this concept,' said Farrell, when asked if he wants to lead the next tour. 'I love everything that the Lions is about and I've thoroughly, thoroughly enjoyed the last eight weeks. 'There's always ups and downs but the inner circle is a special place to be. Read into that what you want but I suppose four years, there's a long time between drinks, isn't there?' The Lions were outmuscled in the final Test in Sydney, which was interrupted by a lightning storm that resulted in a 40-minute delay in the second half. His team were outsmarted in the wet conditions and Farrell said: 'There is going to be frustration there. We wanted to win every game but the best team won on the night. 'I said to the lads it might take one, it might take two beers but they will be unbelievably proud of what they achieved throughout this tour. 'We all know how hard it is to be successful on a Lions tour against a good side like Australia, and they are a good side, they proved that over the series so, when we get a bit of time to ourselves, we will be unbelievably proud of what we have achieved. 'The legacy for us is in that changing room, the togetherness, not just of the players. The whole group has been an absolute delight to work with. 'We have played some outstanding rugby and that has accumulated into a performance last week that was an unbelievably special moment that will stay with us for ever.'
Daily Mirror
2 hours ago
- Daily Mirror
Team GB star fights back tears after missing aunt's funeral to win British title
Britain's fastest man dedicated his 100m triumph in Birmingham to aunt Iola, whose funeral was taking place in Anguilla at same time as his race Zharnel Hughes fought back tears when dedicating his British 100m title to an aunt whose funeral was taking place while he was competing last night. The national record holder was comfortable enough to celebrate before the line, finishing three-hundredths ahead of Jeremiah Azu in a time of 9.94secs. But Hughes was consoled by world indoor champ Azu when stepping on to the podium and revealed that he had been battling his emotions while mourning the passing of Iola Ebanks in Anguilla. 'A very difficult day for me,' Hughes said. 'I was very close with her. 'Today was a bit of a mental strength game for me. I had to keep suppressing the insides and I couldn't speak with my family because I was getting too emotional. 'Jeremiah was trying to console me a little bit because I almost started crying but this win was for her. I know she would have loved to have seen this. I dedicate this win to my family and everyone back home.' There was a shock in the women's final as favourite Daryll Neita was disqualified for a false start before Amy Hunt ran a lifetime best 11.02secs to secure her place in next month's World Championships in Tokyo. Desiree Henry finished second to Hunt but must still run the 11.10secs qualifying time by August 26 to secure her spot. Hunt planned to toast Saturday night's win with a trip to Nando's but returns on Sunday for the 200m and a duel with Dina Asher-Smith. 'We're 1-1 in the head to head so far this year,' Hunt said. 'I'm ready to bring it. I want to win two titles.' Georgia Hunter Bell wants to win the national 800m title on Sunday afternoon before deciding whether to make a double run for gold at next month's World Championships. The 1500m Olympic bronze medallist plans to seek advice from Dame Kelly Holmes, who won both middle distance titles in Athens 21 years ago, about the logistics of targeting two distances. However with her team-mate and reigning Olympic champ Keely Hodgkinson yet to return from injury, Hunter Bell admits her path to a global title appears clearer over two laps. And that is largely down to Kenyan superstar Faith Kipyegon being so far ahead of the rest over 1500m. 'It's hard to see how you can get gold when she's in it,' said Hunter Bell after comfortably qualifying fastest from Saturday's trials heats, with Jemma Reekie next best. The top two will be guaranteed their seat on the plane. Hunter Bell's place over the longer distance in Tokyo is already secure thanks to her podium finish in Paris last summer. But she added: 'The 1500m is so good and this year has moved on from last year. Whereas the 800m is not as strong. 'So looking at it, at the end of the day you want to win a medal. There's stuff to consider but that's an issue for next week.' World indoor champion Molly Caudery was a class above in the pole vault - not joining the competition until a height of 4.35m that proved high enough for Tilly Hooper to claim silver. And after successfully making it over 4.85m, Caudery said: 'That was so much fun. I've just kind of been finding my flow again and figuring a few things out but it was really exciting to jump over the 80s again.' Elsewhere in the field Lawrence Okoye slung a championship record 65.93m for discus gold and promised: "There is quite a lot still to come because I didn't quite get it altogether out there." Anna Purchase also produced a championship record 72.96m in the hammer. But there was a surprise in the men's long jump as favourite Jacob Fincham-Dukes finished sixth while Alessandro Schenini leapt 7.85m to win. Alicia Barrett won the 100m hurdles and Scott Lincoln claimed his 20th national title in the shot put.
Belfast Telegraph
3 hours ago
- Belfast Telegraph
I didn't expect to be on pace to smash lap record so soon at Bishopscourt… and I still haven't hit peak, declares Kyle Ryde
British Superbike Champion Kyle Ryde says he has more to come after shattering the 15-year-old lap record in the GP250 class at Bishopscourt's GO Classic Bike Festival on Saturday.
