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Japan Times
22-07-2025
- Sport
- Japan Times
England players suffered racist abuse from fans in Argentina, World Rugby says
England lodged an official complaint with World Rugby after their players suffered racist abuse from spectators during their win over Argentina in San Juan on July 12, but the perpetrators could not be identified, the global governing body said on Monday. The RFU made the complaint on July 15, World Rugby said in a statement, adding that an immediate investigation was launched involving witness statements and video analysis. "While it is clear that an incident took place, we regret that the individuals responsible could not be identified," World Rugby said. "There is no place in rugby or society for discrimination, abuse or hate speech, and any complaint of discrimination is taken extremely seriously by World Rugby." World Rugby chair Brett Robinson condemned the incident. "We offer our full support to the players involved and want them to know that rugby stands with them in opposing racism. I applaud their courage in raising what must have been a highly distressing experience," he said. Argentine Rugby Union (UAR) President Gabriel Travaglini also condemned the incident, saying a "group of five or seven individuals" was responsible for the abuse. Over 20,000 spectators were at the Estadio Bicentenario as England sealed a 2-0 win in the two-match test series. "Unfortunately, despite an exhaustive search, it was not possible to identify the perpetrators," Travaglini said. "We will continue to work collaboratively with World Rugby to educate the fans and eradicate any similar manifestations in the future, ensuring that our events are spaces of respect and inclusion for everyone." England Rugby CEO Bill Sweeney also condemned the abuse. "Every player, regardless of their background, has the right to represent their country with pride and dignity, free from discrimination and abuse. We are in close contact with the players affected and have offered them our full support," he said in a statement. "We're pleased that World Rugby was able to act swiftly to investigate and thank UAR for their full cooperation and support throughout. We trust that they will take the necessary steps to prevent any recurrence of such unacceptable behaviour." In 2020, the UAR stripped Pablo Matera of the captaincy and stood him and two other players down from Argentina's final Tri Nations clash against Australia after the flanker allegedly published discriminatory and xenophobic posts on social media several years earlier.
The Independent
21-07-2025
- Sport
- The Independent
World Rugby upholds England's racism claim after Argentina clash
England rugby players were subjected to racial abuse during their second Test match against Argentina in San Juan on 12 July, World Rugby has found. The organisation conducted an "immediate and thorough investigation" into the incident but was unable to identify the individuals responsible for the hate speech. Following the investigation, World Rugby and the Argentine Rugby Union have developed an action plan to educate fans and prevent similar incidents in the future. Both World Rugby chair Brett Robinson and England Rugby CEO Bill Sweeney condemned the discriminatory behaviour, saying that racism has no place in the sport or society. The match saw England secure a 22-17 victory, completing a 2-0 series win over Argentina.
The South African
17-06-2025
- Sport
- The South African
Where Springboks stand in rankings ahead of 2025 season
The Springboks are heading ever closer to their season-opener against the Barbarians in Cape Town on Saturday 28 June, and they do so with a comfortable lead at the top of the World Rugby rankings. Despite the fact that the Springboks were out of action while the Six Nations took place earlier this year, their lead at the summit of the rankings never came under any real threat after Ireland underperformed in the southern hemisphere competition. As the Springboks now prepare for a jam-packed season, the world champions boast a healthy rankings gap of 2.42 points ahead of second-placed New Zealand, while they are 2.95 points clear of Ireland in third. In fourth place, France are now 3.27 points behind the Springboks, but there is then a significant gap from fifth-placed Argentina onwards. You can find the full rankings here. It can't be forgotten that the Springboks' world ranking position will be more important than ever in the context of the changes to the 2027 World Cup format. Scheduled for December 2025, the draw will be based on the World Rugby Men's Rankings at the end of the November international window. This approach aims to ensure a more accurate and up-to-date seeding process and adds significant weight to every international Test match played in the remainder of the calendar year. Scheduled for December 2025, the draw will be based on the World Rugby Men's Rankings at the end of the November international window. This approach ensures a more accurate and up-to-date seeding process and adds significant weight to every international test match played in the remainder of the calendar year. World Rugby Chair Brett Robinson said: 'As we head towards the most inclusive and globally representative tournament ever, with 24 teams competing in an expanded format and at least one nation from each of our regional associations, this final step on the 'Journey to Australia 2027' will be a celebration of ambition, resilience and the global spirit of rugby. 'We cannot wait to see which team earns the final place and joins us for what promises to be a unique celebration of rugby and Australia in 2027.' Rugby World Cup 2027 will be the first edition to feature an expanded format with 24 teams, a new round of 16 and increasing the number of matches to 52. Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 0211. Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
Courier-Mail
06-06-2025
- Business
- Courier-Mail
Lighthouse debuts as a waterfront beacon in Moreton Bay
Traders In Purple has launched Lighthouse, a second waterfront property at Newport in Moreton Bay. Following the success of Lasail, which sold out in record time prior to completion, Lighthouse presents an opportunity for downsizers and upgraders to embrace waterfront living and a relaxed coastal lifestyle. Lighthouse has two- and three-bedroom apartments and penthouses, three-bedroom garden villas and three-bedroom townhomes. Features to all dwelling types will be an abundance of natural light, indoor and outdoor living space, and views, including outlooks over Moreton Bay, the Newport waterfront and marina, Glass House Mountains, and gardens. Located at the corner of Trinity St and Lighthouse Esplanade alongside Lakeview Park, with a 22-berth marina frontage, Lighthouse has two buildings, Palm and Dune, connected by a subtropical porte cochere entry. Resident amenity includes a swimming pool for each building, outdoor entertaining areas, landscaped gardens and a shared Residents' Lounge. Sales of the first building, Palm, will begin this month, coinciding with the opening of an on-site sales display, featuring a full-sized kitchen and bathroom. Early price indications at the development will see two-bedroom apartments starting from $1.095m, three-bedroom apartments from $1.39m, townhomes from $990,000 and garden villas from $1.18m. Designed by Rothelowman, Lighthouse incorporates many design touches that add to the sense of being on holiday. 'There's a quiet harmony in the design – light, layered and grounded in the natural rhythm of southeast Queensland,' Rothelowman principal architect Jeff Brown said. 'From the point of arrival, as you travel deeper into Lighthouse, a series of garden lobbies and airy walkways have been carefully orchestrated to make the journey from outdoors to indoors beautiful and welcoming.' Interiors reinforce the sense of elegant simplicity, emphasising quality, light and warmth within a neutral colour and finishes palette. Traders In Purple chief executive Brett Robinson said the diversity of dwelling types was the result of listening to customers and appreciating what they valued most in their home. 'Lighthouse builds upon what we delivered to customers at Lasail, enhancing the offering with additional resident amenities including a Residents' Lounge and thoughtful inclusions like a herb garden, all designed to foster a strong sense of community,' he said. 'We have included more two-bedroom apartments and wherever possible all dwelling types feature a multipurpose room that can be used as a study or hobby space, second living room or guest accommodation. 'Careful thought has gone into designing homes from the inside out, thinking about the way people want to live, especially when they're in this incredible waterfront location with a climate that lends itself to outdoor living. 'That translates into large usable balconies and courtyards that extend the living space with vast floor-to-ceiling windows to take advantage of water views. 'It's about doing the simple things exceptionally well.' Mr Robinson said buyers were likely to come from the wider Pine Rivers region and Moreton Bay peninsula, many of them downsizing from a family home or upgrading from an older apartment. 'We have been fielding a huge amount of inquiry, including some of those who missed out on an opportunity to buy at Lasail, which sold so quickly,' he said. 'Some inquiry has also come from people renting at Lasail, who've had an opportunity to know our brand and the quality we deliver.' LIGHTHOUSE Developer: Traders In Purple Address: Corner of Trinity St and Lighthouse Esplanade, Newport Features: Two- and three-bedroom apartments and penthouses, three-bedroom garden villas and three-bedroom townhomes, priced from $990,000 Contact: 0408 721 050 More info:
Wales Online
22-05-2025
- Sport
- Wales Online
Tonight's rugby news as Lions tour hit by World Rugby bombshell and Welsh coach admits he didn't know players' names
Tonight's rugby news as Lions tour hit by World Rugby bombshell and Welsh coach admits he didn't know players' names The latest headlines from Wales and around the world This summer's British & Irish Lions tour is set to feature a controversial law (Image:) These are your evening rugby headlines on Thursday, May 22. Lions tour hit by red card bombshell World Rugby have confirmed that the controversial 20-minute red card will be used in all elite competitions from later this year after it was approved for a global trial. It will come into force globally from August 1, with the governing body confirming that it will be in operation for both the Women's Rugby World Cup and World Rugby U20 Championship, while it is also set to be used during this summer's British & Irish Lions tour of Australia, according to World Rugby-owned RugbyPass The law, which allows teams to replace a red-carded player after 20 minutes has elapsed, has divided opinion across the rugby world since it was first trialled on the international stage in the autumn. Ireland and France are among the top nations to publicly hit out at the law, with those calling for it to be scrapped claiming it undermines player welfare and does not provide an effective deterrent against dangerous tackling. Sign up to Inside Welsh rugby on Substack to get exclusive news stories and insight from behind the scenes in Welsh rugby. However, World Rugby chair Brett Robinson says the law "preserves the fairness and drama" of rugby by not punishing teams for the whole game or making contests too one-sided. 'Our mission is to ensure rugby is a compelling sport to play and watch," he said. "The 20-minute red card preserves the fairness and drama of elite competition by punishing the individual, not the entire team or the spectacle. Article continues below 'Player welfare is non-negotiable. We monitor data around head injuries, tackle height, and concussion rigorously – and transparently. If evidence ever indicated this trial posed greater risk, we would end it immediately.' However, World Rugby also confirmed that referees will still be able to issue a full and permanent red card for any foul play considered deliberate and highly dangerous. Two yellow cards, however, will result in a 20-minute red card being shown, unless the second yellow card offence in itself meets the requirements for a full red card. Welsh coach admits he didn't know players' names Wales scrum coach Adam Jones has admitted he initially didn't know the names of some of the squad when he came into camp for the first time ahead of this year's Six Nations. The legendary prop was brought in by Warren Gatland ahead of the tournament to act as a scrum consultant, on secondment from Harlequins. While he went back to the Gallagher Premiership side following the culmination of the Six Nations campaign, he has now returned to the Wales set-up for the summer tour of Japan as part of Matt Sherratt's team. While he is now up to speed with the squad - and even recommending players to be called up - Jones admits that when he first arrived in camp, he was unfamiliar with "a lot of the players" he was brought in to work with. Appearing on the latest episode of The Overlap's Stick To Rugby podcast, the three-time Grand Slam winner said: 'I wouldn't say I had watched a lot of the URC. 'A lot of the players, the backs coming, I was having to ask: 'What's his name?' I coach in the Premiership, so I don't see a lot of it. I went in with a clean slate." However, after getting to know the squad a bit better, Jones was impressed by the mentality on display amongst the players. "What I did find out straight away is that, they are young, but the main thing is, and this is a phrase Jerry Flannery used to say all the time: 'You can tell the Welsh boys care'," he said. 'They do care, and that is the main thing I took out of it. They are tough, they are not the biggest anymore, but they care, they're tough, we've got to build something around that as well. "We're never going to have the biggest players, you're never going to have a 150kg right-hand lock or a 160kg tight-head prop, unless you want to pick me again! 'That mentality of the Welsh - never know you're beaten, they'll fight to the end," he added. "That's the one thing I saw straight away.' Springbok banned after hit on Cardiff star Springboks star Damian Willemse will miss the Stormer's URC quarter-final against Glasgow after being handed a three-match ban. The full-back was sent off during the South African side's win over Cardiff in Cape Town on Friday, following a high hit on wing Gabriel Hamer-Webb shortly before the hour mark. The 27-year-old accepted he had committed an act of foul play and a red card offence and he was given a six-match suspension, which was then reduced to three due to his good disciplinary record. If he agrees to attend World Rugby's Coaching Intervention Programme - also known as 'tackle school' - Willemse's suspension will be reduced by one week. As a result, he will miss the Stormers' quarter-final clash against Glasgow next weekend, as well as their semi-final match if they make it through. If they are knocked out in the quarter-finals, however, Willemse will instead miss South Africa's uncapped match against the Barbarians in June. Pollock tipped to shine with Lions By Duncan Bech, PA England Rugby Correspondent Henry Pollock is being backed by England boss Steve Borthwick to continue his startling breakthrough season by becoming a Test British and Irish Lion this summer. Pollock won his only England cap against Wales in the final match of the Six Nations but that Cardiff cameo and some rampaging displays for Northampton in Europe have propelled him into Andy Farrell's squad for Australia. Still only 20, the high-energy flanker is one of the most exciting talents in English rugby and Borthwick believes his remarkable career trajectory could produce an appearance against the Wallabies. 'Nobody would bet against it. What struck us is that each and every level he steps up to, he really embraces that challenge,' Borthwick said. 'I sense he's somebody who just jumps all into it and doesn't contemplate it too much. Simply jumps into it and embraces the contest. And I expect him to do the same again this summer. 'Look at how quickly he's grown from being at our Six Nations training camp, then playing a couple of games with the Under-20s, to then joining our training camp again and playing at the end of the Six Nations. 'The form he's shown for Northampton since then – and in some of the biggest games – has been brilliant. He's clearly an incredibly talented player who just loves the challenge.' While Pollock will have responsibility for looking after the Lions' cuddly toy mascot 'BIL' for the entire tour due to being the squad's youngest player, another England forward will head Down Under as the first amongst equals. Maro Itoje has been placed in charge of the Lions for the 10-match itinerary that opens against Argentina in Dublin on June 20 – and Borthwick believes he will lead by example. 'I always remember an interview with Martin Johnson after 2003 and they were asking him 'what's the most important thing for a captain to do?'' said Borthwick in reference to England's World Cup-winning skipper, who also led the Lions in 1997 and 2001. Article continues below 'And in the typical Johnno way, with very few words, he replied: 'play well'. That's exactly what Maro does. 'Each and every week he plays 80 minutes of every contest. He's exceptional. That's the kind of role model you want as a captain. He also understands the game really well.'
