Latest news with #DownUnder
Scoop
an hour ago
- Entertainment
- Scoop
TVNZ And TEG Sport Bring Winter Of Football To New Zealand Fans This July
TVNZ has partnered with TEG Sport to bring New Zealand audiences the Winter of Football this July, showcasing global football talent across seven epic matches. Viewers can enjoy Wrexham's Down Under tour, Singapore Festival of Football and Hong Kong Festival of Football live and free across TVNZ+, TVNZ 2 and DUKE. The highly anticipated Wrexham Down Under Tour for the Red Dragons kicks off against A-League runners-up Melbourne Victory on 11 July, followed by Sydney FC on 15 July. As one of the oldest football clubs in the world, the Welsh side recently celebrated its record-breaking third promotion in the English Football League since Rob McElhenney and Ryan Reynolds purchased the club in 2021. The tour's final whistle will be in Te Whanganui-a-Tara, with the Wellington Phoenix going head-to-head with Phil Parkinson's side at SKY Stadium on Saturday 19 July. Produced by TVNZ, this match promises to showcase some of Aotearoa's homegrown talent as they take on Wrexham in the capital. TVNZ and TEG Sport will also bring late-night football fever to Kiwis, with Singapore and Hong Kong's Festival of Football, with legendary football clubs including Arsenal FC, Tottenham Hotspur FC and Newcastle United battling it out. Liverpool FC, fresh off winning the English Premier League, will provide a thrilling match-up against European heavyweights, AC Milan. Melodie Robinson, Head of Sports, Events, & Partnerships said: 'Kiwis love football, and the huge viewership of UEFA EUROs on TVNZ+ in 2024 proves it. We're excited to partner with TEG Sport to bring top-tier clashes into homes across the motu this July, showcasing football from across the world.' Rachael Carrol, Managing Director TEG Sport, said: 'We're excited to deliver seven blockbuster matchups across four countries, showcasing nine top-tier clubs from some of the world's biggest leagues. While not everyone can experience them live, it's fantastic that fans in New Zealand can catch all the action free on TVNZ. It's set to be a huge winter of football, and we're proud to bring these games home to local supporters.' All games will be available live and replayed on TVNZ+, with Wrexham AFC vs Wellington Phoenix on TVNZ 2 and the international matches airing on DUKE. The full schedule is available below. Wrexham Down Under: Wrexham AFC vs Melbourne Victory, Friday 11 July, 9:30pm on TVNZ+ and TVNZ DUKE Wrexham AFC vs Sydney FC, Tuesday 15 July, 9:30pm on TVNZ+ and TVNZ DUKE Wrexham AFC vs Wellington Phoenix, Saturday 19 July, 5:00pm on TVNZ+ and TVNZ 2 Singapore Festival of Football: Arsenal FC vs AC Milan, Wednesday 23 July, 11:30pm on TVNZ+ and TVNZ DUKE Arsenal FC vs Newcastle United, Sunday 27 July, 11:30pm on TVNZ+ and TVNZ DUKE Hong Kong Festival of Football: Liverpool FC vs AC Milan, Saturday 26 July, 11:30pm on TVNZ+ and TVNZ DUKE Arsenal FC vs Tottenham Hotspur FC, Thursday 31 July, 11:30pm on TVNZ+ and TVNZ DUKE
The Independent
5 hours ago
- Sport
- The Independent
British and Irish Lions vs Western Force live: Latest score and updates as tourists play first match in Australia
The British and Irish Lions face the Western Force in their first match on Australian soil in Perth as the tourists bid to bounce back from defeat to Argentina. Andy Farrell was left furious with his side's showing Dublin as they fell to a narrow loss against the Pumas, though there were signs of encouragement for the head coach as his squad continue to get up to speed. Farrell has rung the changes for this initial outing Down Under having been able to more fully integrate the Leinster contingent, and those involved in the Premiership final, after their delayed arrival into camp. It is the Western Force selection, however, that has generated more of the talking points this week, with the Lions accusing Wallabies boss Joe Schmidt of breaching the terms of the tour agreement but failing to release some of his Australia stars. There are, however, a few familiar faces on show for the Super Rugby Pacific side: scrum half Nic White is one of the game's great pests and controllers, while playmaker Ben Donaldson, a late call-up after injury struck Kurtley Beale, had a strong Super Rugby Pacific season. Lions vs Western Force live British and Irish Lions vs Western Force live The British and Irish Lions have landed in Australia and begin life Down Under with an intriguing meeting with the Western Force. It was a disappointing start for the tourists as the curtain came up on their summer with defeat to Argentina in Dublin, leaving Andy Farrell ticking - though there was plenty to encourage the Lions head coach, too. To Perth, then, for the first match of the tour proper. Kick off at Optus Stadium is at 11am BST. Harry Latham-Coyle27 June 2025 11:13
Wales Online
19 hours ago
- Sport
- Wales Online
Tonight's Cardiff City news as Robertson gives three-word verdict and Bale would be 'a great fit'
Tonight's Cardiff City news as Robertson gives three-word verdict and Bale would be 'a great fit' The latest Bluebirds news from Cardiff City Stadium Alex Robertson with Joner Football (L) (Image: YouTube/Joner Football ) Here are your Cardiff City headlines for Friday, June 27. Alex Robertson's verdict on Cardiff stay Alex Robertson underwent extra training during the off-season in his native Australia, teaming up with new Portsmouth signing Adrian Segecic. Segecic's agent is Robertson's dad, Mark, and the Australians clearly have a close bond, undergoing some drills with Joner Football, a coach who has set up his own YouTube channel Down Under. When asked by the host about his stint at Cardiff City, Robertson, whose maiden year at the club unfortunately ended in relegation, simply replied: "Good, really good." He was more effusive in his praise of his old loan club Pompey, saying: "That season before I went on loan (to Portsmouth) was just enjoyable because I was playing with the (Man City) under-23 and training with the first team quite a lot. "And then when I went on loan I loved it - I loved Portsmouth." Article continues below Robertson is someone who new head coach Brian Barry-Murphy will know well from his time at Manchester City. Opening up about his time at City, he said that Phil Foden was the best trainer he'd experienced and Lionel Messi was the best player he'd played against. Bale takeover talk 'exciting' and 'a great fit' Former Premier League midfielder Lee Hendrie has described Gareth Bale's bid to buy Cardiff City as an "exciting" development that could help rejuvenate the club following years of stagnation. Bale is fronting a consortium that has approached current owner Vincent Tan with a proposal to take over the club. The Wales legend publicly confirmed he has serious ambitions to return his hometown team to the Premier League. Cardiff are currently preparing for life in League One after suffering relegation from the Championship at the end of last season. But Hendrie believes Bale's potential involvement offers a rare opportunity for a reset and a long-term vision for success. 'There's been lots of links with Gareth Bale, and he's come out publicly and revealed that he badly wants to help buy Cardiff City to take the Welsh side back to the Premier League,' Hendrie told Football League World. 'I think it's exciting, I really do. Gareth Bale, behind the scenes at the football club, and clearly passionate about where he wants to take it – that's something that should be looked at with a lot of purpose.' The former Aston Villa man believes Bale's high-profile backing and emotional connection to the Bluebirds could be just what the club needs after years of inconsistency and underachievement. 'It has been stood still for quite some time, and I think Gareth Bale quite openly says he wants to take the club to a level where it should be, which is quality to hear,' Hendrie added. 'He's obviously looked at this in depth and feels there's bags of potential, which there is at a football club of that status. I'm sure Cardiff fans will be absolutely relishing the fact of that, and I think this would be a new journey for Bale and Cardiff – I think it would be a great fit.' Bale, 35, retired from football in 2023 after a stellar career that included five Champions League titles with Real Madrid and over 100 caps for Wales. He has made no secret of his desire to remain involved in the game and to invest in Welsh football. Cardiff City have yet to comment publicly on the takeover speculation. Reindorf raring to go at Newport County Newport County have completed the signing of Cardiff City forward Michael Reindorf on a season-long loan. The 20-year-old striker joins the Exiles as they prepare for the upcoming League Two campaign, and has already linked up with Dave Hughes' squad during pre-season. Reindorf, who has come through the youth systems at West Ham, Norwich City and most recently Cardiff, spent part of last season on loan at League One side Bristol Rovers. Now, he's aiming to take the next step in his development with regular minutes at Rodney Parade. 'Every club has given me something different,' said Reindorf. 'I started at West Ham, moved to Norwich, then Cardiff, and had my loan at Bristol Rovers. All of those experiences have helped me grow and learn. Now I want to take that into this next step. 'Everything was really positive. The manager is very big on standards and creating a good environment – that really stood out to me. That's something I'm looking forward to being a part of. 'I want to help the team push for the top end of the table. Personally, I want to score as many goals as possible – that's my job as a striker.' Article continues below Manager Dave Hughes, the Bluebirds' former head of academy, said he was delighted to bring Reindorf into the squad. 'He's a really good addition to what we already have,' Hughes said. 'He has great energy and a great ability to threaten space in behind. I'd also like to thank Cardiff City for trusting us to work with their young player and to help him develop, while understanding our responsibility to deliver a successful team on a consistent basis.'
Daily Mail
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Katy Perry receives a message of support from Lauren Sanchez after ex Orlando Bloom cosied up to another woman - as she posts rare snaps with her daughter in Australia after skipping Venice wedding
Katy Perry received a sweet message from bride-to-be Lauren Sanchez on Friday after she skipped her wedding. The pop star, 40, is currently on her Lifetimes Tour in Australia while Lauren prepares to say 'I do' to billionaire Jeff Bezos in Venice. Yet Lauren, 55, proved there were no hard feelings as she reached out to Katy on the morning of her wedding after the singer's ex Orlando Bloom - who is in Italy to attend the nuptials - was spotted cosying up to another woman. Fresh from the news of Katy and Orlando's split going public, the British actor was spotted with his arm wrapped around an attractive brunette while he attended the pre-wedding dinner. The morning after Katy took to Instagram to share a series of snaps of herself with her arm wrapped around a quokka in a photo dump that she captioned: 'mood: Quokka.' Quick to share a sweet message of support, Lauren commented: 'We miss you Katy ❤️'. The morning after Katy took to Instagram to share a series of snaps of herself with her arm wrapped around a quokka in a photo dump, and Lauren was quick to comment In the photodump, Katy shared an array of snaps from her time Down Under, including a rare shot of her daughter Daisy Dove sitting in the captain's chair of a boat. She revealed she'd been having fun with her team as she posted a video of the group playing cards before heading out to enjoy the sunshine on a boat ride. Katy seemed in great spirits on the trip as she posted videos running along the beach and spending the day at Rottnest Island, which is famous for its friendly quoakkas. She proved she was making the most of her time in Australia - having jetted there last month for her tour. Katy will return to the States next month for her Denver show on July 10. While she has been Down Under with her daughter, Orlando was out partying with a mystery brunette. The newly single star was seen leaving the Madonna dell Orto cloisters with a glamorous brunette after guests were forced to end the pre-wedding party early following a freak thunderstorm in Venice. Orlando and other guests had to brave the heavy rainfall as the party's VIPs exited the historic venue to catch a boat ride back to the luxurious five-star Aman Hotel. She revealed she'd been having fun with her team as she posted a video of the group playing cards before heading out to enjoy the sunshine on a boat ride Everyone seemed in high spirits as they larked around on their boat ride Katy seemed in great spirits on the trip as she posted videos running along the beach But the weather certainly didn't dampen his spirits as he piled into a water taxi with several ladies, including a striking woman in a glitzy green dress. Once inside the boat, Orlando was caught wrapping his arm around her as they laughed together in their seats. The outing came shortly after his split from Katy was revealed, with sources confirming the separation on Thursday after weeks of rampant speculation. The couple first got together in 2016 before splitting up and getting back together in 2018. Orlando proposed to Katy in 2019 and they welcomed daughter Daisy Dove, now four-years-old, in August 2020. Rumors of 'tensions' between Katy and Orlando began to surface earlier this month. Several outlets alleged that the singer's poor-performing album 143 and the mocking she faced following her Blue Origin space trip — as well as her ongoing Lifetimes Tour — put 'stress' on the relationship. The Teenage hitmaker has also recently been seen without her engagement ring in recent weeks. Neither Katy or Orlando have spoken publicly on the split reports. Lauren is preparing to say 'I do' to billionaire Jeff Bezos in Venice on Friday in a ceremony that is set to be attended by several celebrities Orlando arrived in Venice on Wednesday afternoon along with the likes of A-list wedding guests like Kim Kardashian, Tom Brady and Leonardo DiCaprio. He shared a kiss with Kim, 44 — who he once famously 'checked out' while at an event with Katy last year — as he caught up with her and her sister Khloe just before the festivities began. Orlando and Tom, who are among the wedding's most eligible bachelors, grabbed a water taxi together while heading to Jeff and Lauren's doomed pre-wedding soiree at Madonna dell Orto on Thursday. Also in attendance were Kendall Jenner, Kylie Jenner, Kris Jenner, Oprah Winfrey, Gayle King, Ivanka Trump and her husband Jared Kushner.
News.com.au
a day ago
- Automotive
- News.com.au
New series to revive Aussie racing's golden age
The golden age of Australian motorsport will return in 2026 as Ford turns back the clock to the kind of racing that made Peter Brock and Allan Moffat superstars. Back then, racing heroes would take a car from the showroom, make a few minor modifications and hit the track. These days, modern Supercars racing sees multimillion-dollar, purpose-built racing machines fretted over by teams of mechanics and engineers. But a new series from Ford will turn back the clock and make racing a V8-powered Mustang cheaper and easier than before. The Mustang Challenge is a new series in the US that will reach Australia next year.. Andrew, Birkic, President and chief executive of Ford Australia, says the Mustang 'holds a special place in the hearts of Australians, and a dedicated one-make series featuring the Dark Horse R is a natural and incredibly exciting fit for our market'. 'This new championship provides a clear pathway for aspiring drivers and adds another thrilling dimension to the Mustang's legendary racing heritage down under,' he said. 'We can't wait for 2026 to see these incredible cars battling it out on tracks all over Australia.' The series will be run by Driving Solutions, a firm with decades of experience in motorsport and automotive events. We are incredibly proud and excited to partner with Ford Performance to bring Mustang Cup Australia to life,' Driving Solutions director James Stewart said. 'The Mustang Dark Horse R is a spectacular race car, and we believe a one-make series featuring this machine will be a huge drawcard for Australian drivers and fans. 'Our aim is to build a professional, competitive, and accessible series that provides a fantastic opportunity for young drivers to hone their skills, and for experience drivers to enjoy racing a high-performance and market-relevant race car. 'We look forward to working hard to make this series a roaring success.' The series puts drivers in identical Mustang Dark Horse R racing cars, which are purpose-built by Ford Performance in the US but are nearly-identical to the road-legal Mustang except for the added safety features - just like what Brock, Moffat and co. raced in the 1970s. One example of the Mustang Dark Horse R is already in the country to help drum up interest for the category, and six Australian drivers have signed up for June's special race at Le Mans, France. Chris Ward, Ford's global one-make category manager, is overseeing Mustang Challenge and is confident that the series will hit Aussie tracks next year. While there are still a few fine details to get resolved, Ward is confidently planning for an Australian series and said he would be 'thrilled' with a 20 car grid for the first season. Australia already has plenty of racing categories, including the Porsche Carrera Cup and Toyota GR 86 Series, but Ward believes the unique appeal of the Mustang will make it a worthy addition to the local racing scene. 'We are not coming to the market to disrupt what's already there,' he said. 'We want to supplement that, if that's the right word. We want to be supportive. We readily realise that there's a finite number of people in the Australian market that have the wherewithal to go sports car racing. So we're not looking to disrupt that.' Ford's goal, Ward explained, is to help introduce both young and older amateur drivers into the world of racing and hopefully have them progress up through its established pathway of other track-ready Mustangs that includes the GT4 and GT3 class cars. 'We're looking to further the sports car market in Australia where people that are track day enthusiasts, not have such a giant leap to go from the track day warrior, let's call them, to let's say GT4 racing or GT3 racing. We want to fill that little niche in between people that have taken their street cars onto the racetrack to go GT4 racing,' he said. One example of this is reigning Mustang Challenge champion Robert Noaker. The 21-year-old is a throwback to the likes of a young Peter Brock, racing for his own family-run team with only his dad and a few friends to help work on his car. His success in the inaugural season has seen him signed up to be part of Ford's 'junior team' of young drivers that it will groom for future sports car drives across its various activities. This allows him to dream of becoming a professional racing driver, something that was otherwise out of reach for him before Mustang Challenge. 'I'm still keeping the mindset of 'it's not going to happen', so I'm gonna just keep focusing on the business side, with the team. But I'm still doing whatever I can to try to make something out of the program and to try to step up the ladder [into GT4 or GT3].' Not surprisingly, like any racing driver, he has dreams of racing at Australia's greatest track - Mt Panorama, Bathurst - having previously run a race there in a different category. 'Personally, my favourite track is Bathurst. After I ran it, my first lap I'm like 'this has ruined everything else'. So I'd love to do the 12 hour or the 1000. And you know, being Ford is involved in the cars that race in that, I have the experience at the track already and maybe something could happen at some point. And that's the beauty of the program. You know, if you're the right fit for something, you're already in the program and you're able to go up their ladder.'
