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Daily Record
19 hours ago
- Sport
- Daily Record
Findlay Curtis' phonecall of Rangers joy sparks tears from mum and dad as he makes a beeline for them
The winger was the hero as the Light Blues earned a first leg advantage against Panathinaikos From the B team to the Blue Sea in just a few months - Findlay Curtis was the boy wonder for Rangers against Panathinaikos. This time last year he found the net against Bo'ness United in the early rounds of the Challenge Cup. Now, the 18-year-old has done it against Greek heavyweights in only his sixth top team appearance - and drew the foul out of Georgios Vagiannidis that prompted the defender to see red. And the youngster confesses he is living his dream - with his moment of magic leaving his family in tears. He said: 'I found out I started on Monday morning. 'The manager named the team, and I phoned my mum and dad and they started crying. 'It was a good family moment. They've driven me for 12 years down to Auchenhowie, down to Ibrox, so all credit goes to them. 'I think it's just about working hard and obviously putting in the performances the manager wants, I picked them out (in the crowd) after the game. 'They waited after, I could see my mum crying in the stands, so it was a good moment. 'I felt on top of the world. I have been here since I was six years old. It gives me the hunger to do it every week, obviously football is a difficult sport, so I am here to do that and obviously start games. 'It's down to the manager - whoever he picks for the starting XI on Saturday (against Middlesborough) or the game against Panathinaikos I will just work my hardest in training.' Curtis now hopes to make a claim for a first-team spot - having been with Gers since the age of six. Rangers FC pre-season 2025/26 The 2025/26 season promises to be one filled with excitement, challenges, and opportunities for Russell Martin's team, with a full fixture list and key dates for the campaign this guide is all you need to kick off the new season! Order your copy here now for only £3.50. He added: 'Obviously I have been here (in the first team) since two pre-seasons ago. 'Obviously the jump was hard at first, from the 18s, through the B team to the first-team. It was a big jump. 'I think I have dealt with it well, and I think this pre-season what I have come back and done and what I have brought is that energy. And, I hope the manager likes what I'm producing. 'My goal is to bring what the fans want, and try to win every game, and start as many games as possible. His heroics led to a post-match dressing room pep talk from Sir Alex Ferguson, and the beaming winger said: 'He just congratulated me, and coming from a legend like that I'll take it. Obviously, it's a dream come true playing in a Champions League qualifier for this club.' But it was far from the only one-to-one conversation the teenager had inside the Ibrox cauldron. The Glasgow giants struggled to get a grip of the game against the Super League side in the first half - with Curtis branding his own performance 'sloppy'. But he revealed that teammates Joe Rothwell and Nico Raskin talked him through the game before some words of wisdom from boss Martin at the break. 'Panathinaikos are a great side. Nico and Joe came over and said 'calm yourself', and there were some sloppy moments for me that I take full responsibility for. 'I think it was just about passing the ball, taking touches of the ball and knowing when to release it. 'The manager came to me at half-time and said you are being positive - but just be more positive. I think the goal says it all, I was more positive in the way I was taking the ball and the goal proves that.' Djeidi Gassama would come on to replace the academy graduate and get on the scoresheet - but Curtis insists that the tie is far from over with the second leg facing the testing temperatures of Athens: 'I think it's going to be a difficult one. 'I have heard it's very hot, so obviously it's going to be hard in that heat but hopefully the boys get through it and get the win.'
The Irish Sun
19 hours ago
- Sport
- The Irish Sun
Topless hakas and wild celebrations – how rugby legend is bringing winning culture to Chelsea's billion pound youngsters
FROM doing a topless haka in the Chelsea dressing room to punching the dugout in celebration of the Club World Cup win, you can see the passion that Willie Isa brings to the Blues. The former world champion rugby league star, 36, started in the Advertisement 8 Willie Isa was named Chelsea's player support and development officer earlier this year - and is already very much at the heart of what's going on at Stamford Bridge Credit: Getty 8 Isa is a world championship-winning legend of rugby league Credit: Getty 8 Isa has gone viral in recent months for his hilarious antics at the Blues - including performing the haka in the dressing room Yet the viral videos of the Samoan demonstrate Isa is already very much at the heart of what is going on at Stamford Bridge. It comes as no surprise to Isa's former boss at Wigan Warriors that he has become so popular, so quickly in his new life in a new sport. In February 2024, head coach Matt Peet led Wigan to victory in the World Club Challenge. And Isa, who had been at the club since 2016, was the 'cultural architect' who set the standards on and off the field that underpinned the triumph. Advertisement READ MORE SPORT STORIES Peet told SunSport: 'It can sound vague I think, like wishy-washy words, when you talk about culture and standards. 'But it comes back to what are you willing to accept and what are you not willing to accept. 'And who's going to set where the line is and acknowledge when things fall below standard. 'Willie was someone who would be driving the cultural side of the environment, standards, behaviours, attitude, just 24/7. Those people are so important. Advertisement Most read in Football CASINO SPECIAL - BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS 'We all knew he'd be an addition to any environment. So it's just fair play to Just weeks after Isa became a world champion with Wigan in February last year, he suffered an horrific injury. Simons wants Chelsea move as Villa block Rogers exit | Transfers Exposed A fractured fibula and dislocated ankle put him out for months, but even then - especially then - he made sure he continued to contribute. Advertisement In the autumn, after Wigan had lifted the Challenge Cup and Super League without him on the field, Isa said: 'I was elevated a few years back as a leader and, with the injury, I wanted to play a part in the team in some other way. 'The one-to-one stuff I love but also leading in the group. I make sure our principles stay intact as a club in performance and as people.' Isa returned to training but never to matches before Chelsea offered him the chance to show his off-field skills were transferable to a different sport. You could say Isa was to Wigan what James Milner was to Liverpool under Jurgen Klopp, with the former Kop boss saying Milner was absolutely vital in setting the tone and standards which propelled the Reds back to the top. Advertisement It is a comparison which Peet agrees with and Isa would appreciate. Because, after joining Widnes Vikings in 2012, he became a committed Liverpool fan. He was in Madrid to watch Klopp's side win the Champions League in 2019 and long-term partner Gemma Bonner plays for the Reds' ladies side. 8 Isa was spotted pounding on the dugout in celebration at the Club World Cup 8 Isa is in a relationship with Liverpool Women's star Gemma Bonner, left Credit: Getty Advertisement But now Isa finds himself working for one of Liverpool's big rivals. The average age of a Chelsea starter last season - 24 years and 36 days - was the youngest in Premier League history. And Peet believes Isa is the perfect role model, mentor and confidant for Peet said: 'Any young player, they want to be challenged to improve. They want to be shown the way to lead your life as a professional, in high performance. Advertisement 'But first and foremost, they want to know that there's a genuine care there. 'That's what Willie will be good at. He'll put his arm around those that need it, but it won't be a softly, softly approach. 'It'll be driving them to be the best they can be. 'Whatever age group, whatever walk of life these players and staff are from, Willie will have a good way of engaging with people, building relationships and trust with everyone really.' Advertisement That was certainly the case at Wigan, as Peet recalled: 'The story I like telling about Willie is we were having a team culture discussion one morning. 'We asked all the players to talk about something that a team-mate had done for them which no one else knew about. 'There were 25 people in the meeting that shared and probably over half of the people mentioned Willie. 'Giving them a lift to training. Borrowing them some money. Allowing them to stay at his house rent free when things had gone wrong for them... Advertisement 'Or when they had moved over from another country, just catching up with the lads for a coffee or doing things for their families. 'You would think, in a meeting like that after a while, certain people would be friends with some groups more than others. 'But it was really evident that Willie was a good team-mate to a cross-section of the team.' 8 Isa has swapped the oval ball for the round ball Credit: Getty Advertisement 8 Isa has brought his Samoan haka from the rugby pitch to Chelsea's dressing room Behind his strapping physique and competitiveness, Isa really is a man for all seasons. Peet said: 'He's interested in his sport, no doubt. When he was in the rugby club he was 100 per cent rugby league, but then at the weekend he'd go watch Gemma or Liverpool. 'He also had a diverse range of interests. What he'd read about, what he'd talk about, politics, social issues. Advertisement 'I know that weekly he'd visit homeless shelters. Not as an appearance, they wouldn't even know he was a professional athlete. He'd just go and do it off his own bat. 'He's just an interesting guy. He's happy to have a conversation about a range of subjects. 'It'll be seen as a team role that he has, linked to culture and environment. But it's really built on individual connections and that's where Willie will excel.' By all accounts, Isa is really making an impression at Chelsea. Advertisement He is a daily presence at the club's training ground in Cobham and part of the backroom staff for every match. A popular figure. A leader of men. And, just months after swapping an oval ball for a round one, part of a world championship-winning team again. 8
Scottish Sun
19 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Scottish Sun
Topless hakas and wild celebrations – how rugby legend is bringing winning culture to Chelsea's billion pound youngsters
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) FROM doing a topless haka in the Chelsea dressing room to punching the dugout in celebration of the Club World Cup win, you can see the passion that Willie Isa brings to the Blues. The former world champion rugby league star, 36, started in the brand new role of player support and development officer for the Premier League club only in February. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 8 Willie Isa was named Chelsea's player support and development officer earlier this year - and is already very much at the heart of what's going on at Stamford Bridge Credit: Getty 8 Isa is a world championship-winning legend of rugby league Credit: Getty 8 Isa has gone viral in recent months for his hilarious antics at the Blues - including performing the haka in the dressing room Yet the viral videos of the Samoan demonstrate Isa is already very much at the heart of what is going on at Stamford Bridge. It comes as no surprise to Isa's former boss at Wigan Warriors that he has become so popular, so quickly in his new life in a new sport. In February 2024, head coach Matt Peet led Wigan to victory in the World Club Challenge. And Isa, who had been at the club since 2016, was the 'cultural architect' who set the standards on and off the field that underpinned the triumph. READ MORE SPORT STORIES Gotta be kitting Fans baffled at bizarre kit quirk during Lionesses semi-final with Italy Peet told SunSport: 'It can sound vague I think, like wishy-washy words, when you talk about culture and standards. 'But it comes back to what are you willing to accept and what are you not willing to accept. 'And who's going to set where the line is and acknowledge when things fall below standard. 'Willie was someone who would be driving the cultural side of the environment, standards, behaviours, attitude, just 24/7. Those people are so important. CASINO SPECIAL - BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS 'We all knew he'd be an addition to any environment. So it's just fair play to Chelsea for identifying him. They had obviously done their homework.' Just weeks after Isa became a world champion with Wigan in February last year, he suffered an horrific injury. Simons wants Chelsea move as Villa block Rogers exit | Transfers Exposed A fractured fibula and dislocated ankle put him out for months, but even then - especially then - he made sure he continued to contribute. In the autumn, after Wigan had lifted the Challenge Cup and Super League without him on the field, Isa said: 'I was elevated a few years back as a leader and, with the injury, I wanted to play a part in the team in some other way. 'The one-to-one stuff I love but also leading in the group. I make sure our principles stay intact as a club in performance and as people.' Isa returned to training but never to matches before Chelsea offered him the chance to show his off-field skills were transferable to a different sport. You could say Isa was to Wigan what James Milner was to Liverpool under Jurgen Klopp, with the former Kop boss saying Milner was absolutely vital in setting the tone and standards which propelled the Reds back to the top. It is a comparison which Peet agrees with and Isa would appreciate. Because, after joining Widnes Vikings in 2012, he became a committed Liverpool fan. He was in Madrid to watch Klopp's side win the Champions League in 2019 and long-term partner Gemma Bonner plays for the Reds' ladies side. 8 Isa was spotted pounding on the dugout in celebration at the Club World Cup 8 Isa is in a relationship with Liverpool Women's star Gemma Bonner, left Credit: Getty But now Isa finds himself working for one of Liverpool's big rivals. The average age of a Chelsea starter last season - 24 years and 36 days - was the youngest in Premier League history. And Peet believes Isa is the perfect role model, mentor and confidant for Enzo Maresca's youthful squad. Peet said: 'Any young player, they want to be challenged to improve. They want to be shown the way to lead your life as a professional, in high performance. 'But first and foremost, they want to know that there's a genuine care there. 'That's what Willie will be good at. He'll put his arm around those that need it, but it won't be a softly, softly approach. 'It'll be driving them to be the best they can be. 'Whatever age group, whatever walk of life these players and staff are from, Willie will have a good way of engaging with people, building relationships and trust with everyone really.' That was certainly the case at Wigan, as Peet recalled: 'The story I like telling about Willie is we were having a team culture discussion one morning. 'We asked all the players to talk about something that a team-mate had done for them which no one else knew about. 'There were 25 people in the meeting that shared and probably over half of the people mentioned Willie. 'Giving them a lift to training. Borrowing them some money. Allowing them to stay at his house rent free when things had gone wrong for them... 'Or when they had moved over from another country, just catching up with the lads for a coffee or doing things for their families. 'You would think, in a meeting like that after a while, certain people would be friends with some groups more than others. 'But it was really evident that Willie was a good team-mate to a cross-section of the team.' 8 Isa has swapped the oval ball for the round ball Credit: Getty 8 Isa has brought his Samoan haka from the rugby pitch to Chelsea's dressing room Behind his strapping physique and competitiveness, Isa really is a man for all seasons. Peet said: 'He's interested in his sport, no doubt. When he was in the rugby club he was 100 per cent rugby league, but then at the weekend he'd go watch Gemma or Liverpool. 'He also had a diverse range of interests. What he'd read about, what he'd talk about, politics, social issues. 'I know that weekly he'd visit homeless shelters. Not as an appearance, they wouldn't even know he was a professional athlete. He'd just go and do it off his own bat. 'He's just an interesting guy. He's happy to have a conversation about a range of subjects. 'It'll be seen as a team role that he has, linked to culture and environment. But it's really built on individual connections and that's where Willie will excel.' By all accounts, Isa is really making an impression at Chelsea. He is a daily presence at the club's training ground in Cobham and part of the backroom staff for every match. A popular figure. A leader of men. And, just months after swapping an oval ball for a round one, part of a world championship-winning team again.
The Citizen
4 days ago
- Sport
- The Citizen
Johan Ackermann returns home to lead the Vodacom Bulls
Benoni-born Johan Ackermann has been appointed as the new head coach of the Vodacom Bulls—an opportunity he described as a dream come true. The three-time South African coach of the year comes to Loftus Versfeld with elite-level experience, having coached both locally and overseas, most recently with the South African U20s. Ackermann, currently in Italy assisting the Junior Springboks ahead of the World Rugby U20 Championship final, reacted to his appointment in a press statement issued by the Vodacom Blue Bulls. 'The moment I received the call, I got goosebumps! It still feels too good to be true. I'm like a Grade One going to school for the first time. I'm so excited. It's a privilege and an honour.' 'It's a great union with a wonderful tradition and incredible supporters. Eighty percent of my friends are Bulls supporters. The Vodacom Bulls have been successful for many years. I now face that challenge, and I must thank the Board for the opportunity. 'It's a bit different from my previous roles, where I had to help build teams up. The Bulls are already there—now I must help them grow and succeed even more,' said Ackermann. Journey Ackermann's journey through rugby is one of resilience, transformation, and quiet authority. Born in Benoni in 1970, he forged a robust playing career as a lock, earning 13 Test caps for the Springboks between 1996 and 2007. Known for his relentless physicality and grit, he became a formidable presence—and when he made his Test debut at age 37, he became the oldest Springbok debutant in history. After retiring in 2008, Ackermann transitioned seamlessly into coaching, beginning with the Lions in Johannesburg. Initially appointed as forwards coach, he took over as head coach in 2013 and ushered in a bold new era. Under his stewardship, the Lions reached two consecutive Super Rugby finals. His teams played expansive, high-tempo rugby grounded in discipline and player empowerment. He cultivated a culture of respect and trust, transforming overlooked talent into Springboks and rekindling pride in the Lions jersey. Ackermann's tactical acumen and emotional intelligence earned him acclaim and international recognition. He led the SA 'A' side in 2016 and 2017 before joining Gloucester in England, where he guided the club to a Challenge Cup final and a Premiership semi-final. In Japan, he continued to leave his mark with the Red Hurricanes and Urayasu D-Rocks, bringing cohesion and values-based leadership to diverse squads. Ackermann returned to South African rugby earlier this year as a coaching consultant for the SA U20s. Ackermann's influence extends far beyond the field. Steeped in faith and shaped by his time in the police force, he values character and resilience as deeply as tactics. Whether developing young talent or rebuilding team identity, he remains a coach committed to building both champions and men of character. New chapter for Bulls Willem Strauss, president of the Blue Bulls Rugby Union, affirmed, 'He's the right person at the right time.' 'He's a Carlton League legend, he played his first Test at Loftus, and he played for the Bulls. His blood is blue! This was always meant to be. His management of people and ability to drive culture are renowned.' Strauss's view is echoed by Edgar Rathbone, the chief executive of the Blue Bulls Company. 'Johan is not just an outstanding coach; he is a leader who lives and breathes the values of this union. His reputation for forging powerful team cultures, developing players to their full potential, and delivering results at the highest level is well proven. 'The Vodacom Bulls are a club built on legacy and ambition, and with Johan at the helm, we are confident our future will be shaped by excellence, resilience, and unity. This appointment marks an exciting new chapter for Bulls rugby, and we are thrilled to welcome him home.' At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
The 42
5 days ago
- Sport
- The 42
Third time's a charm as 'matured' Finn Russell primed to lead Lions
TOMORROW WILL HAVE felt a long time coming for Finn Russell. Now 32, the Scotland out-half is on his third Lions tour but Saturday's opening Test with the Wallabies will mark his first time starting a Test game in the famous red jersey. He's had his critics over the years but there's been little argument around his involvement on this tour. We spend months debating selections when it comes to Lions tours but Russell's hold on the 10 shirt has looked locked in for some time now. The past year has arguably been the best of Russell's career. The old spark that makes him such an enjoyable player to watch is still there, but with age comes wisdom and Russell's game management is better than ever. That should perhaps come as no surprise given the road he's travelled, taking in different experiences across three leagues. Russell was a Pro12 winner before he left Glasgow in 2018 to spend five years at Racing, playing four seasons in the highly-competitive Top 14 before signing for Bath in 2023. Under head coach Johann van Graan, Russell has been central to a transformative period for the club. In Russell's first season at the Rec Bath were beaten Premiership finalists – representing their strongest finish in nine years, with Russell an instant hit as he was named Bath Supporters' Player of the Season. This season, Bath kicked on by going all the way in the Premiership for the first time since 1996 – edging Leicester Tigers in the final – while also adding a Challenge Cup title for an impressive double. Advertisement Russell won a double with Bath last season. Alamy Stock Photo Alamy Stock Photo This tour arrives at an ideal time for Russell. In 2017, at the age of 24, he was called up from Scotland's tour of Australia to join Warren Gatland's squad in New Zealand, where Johnny Sexton, Owen Farrell and Dan Biggar were all fighting for the 10 shirt. Russell made just one appearance, replacing Biggar off the bench against the Hurricanes. On the 2021 tour Russell was used off the bench against the Sharks and started against the Sigma Lions. An Achilles injury kept him sidelined for five weeks, with his Test involvement limited to one impressive showing in the third Test, replacing the injured Biggar after just 10 minutes as the Lions fell short against the Springboks. Russell never looked like being the starting 10 on that tour but as one of the Lions' strongest performers on the day, his display left supporters wondering what might have been. Four years later he finally gets a chance to run things from the start. He still plays the Russell way, sniping at defences, throwing those wonderful long passes and using his kicking game to good effect, but it's not entirely a case of just playing what you see. Russell has spoken of how the scrum-halves take some of the decision-making onus off him, allowing the Lions 10 more time to scan and read the pictures in front of him. The Lions are getting a more matured, well-rounded version of Russell than the 'maverick' of a few years ago. This is something Johnny Sexton, previously critical of Russell's game, highlighted during the week, going as far as to single Russell out as 'probably our best defender in the backline on this tour so far'. While he might not be viewed as a 'Test match animal' in the mould of a Sexton or Farrell, he's a more experienced and commanding operator than England pair Fin Smith and Marcus Smith. And despite his laid-back character, Russell's teammates talk of a dedicated trainer who spends more time than most in the video room, looking for ways to unlock the opposition defence. Russell starts alongside Jamison Gibson-Park in the half-backs. Dan Sheridan / INPHO Dan Sheridan / INPHO / INPHO He's also become increasingly durable and reliable in terms of his fitness. Before heading on tour Russell had played 31 games for Bath and Scotland across the 2024/25 season. All but one of those came in the starting team, and on 24 occasions he went the full 80 minutes. Russell's total minutes for the past two seasons, 2,319 minutes (24/25) and 2,379 minutes (23/24) are the highest season totals he's clocked across his career. Only six players played more minutes in the Premiership than Russell last season. Bath has proved a good fit for Russell. His flair game suited the type of rugby Racing look to implement, but at Bath, a more structured approach, backboned by a strong pack, helps him dictate the play off quick ball. In a Champions Cup pool clash back in January, a Russell-inspired Bath attack caused Leinster all sorts of problems, leading at half-time before the home side pulled clear in the second period. He's also been able to adapt his game. In the 2024 Six Nations no player had more kicks in play than Russell's 81, a distance clear of Tomos Williams, who was next-best on 50. In 2025 Russell dropped out of the top 10, making just 28 kicks in play across his five outings in the competition. He can still frustrate as part of a frustrating Scotland team – who have managed just two top-three finishes in the Six Nations across the last 10 years – but can thrive if the heavily-fancied Lions find their stride against the Wallabies. Joe Schmidt will still look at Russell and feel there will be opportunities to expose the Lions 10. While Russell will have his homework done on the Wallabies, the home side will also be looking to pick off some of those long Russell passes and put his decision making under pressure. It should help that Russell will be surrounded by familiar faces, with centres Huw Jones and Sione Tuipulotu forming an all-Scotland 10/12/13 axis – the first time those three positions have been picked from one nation since since the 1993 Lions tour. 3 - With Finn Russell, Sione Tuipulotu and Huw Jones, @lionsofficial will start a Test match with a 10/12/13 axis comprised of three players from the same nation for the first time since the opening Test of the 1993 tour of New Zealand, when England trio Rob Andrew, Jerry Guscott… — OptaJonny (@OptaJonny) July 17, 2025 Jones offers an attacking option off Russell's shoulder while Tuipulotu brings ballast and has an important role as a communicator to help Russell read the on-field pictures. And Russell's relationship with Jamison Gibson-Park already looks an ideal match, with the pair forming a quick understanding and showing moments of real quality across the Lions' warm-up games. Many positions in this Lions team have been hotly contested, but for once, Russell's role has been anything but unpredictable.
