Latest news with #EuropeanChampionsCup
IOL News
7 days ago
- Sport
- IOL News
Johan Ackermann takes the reins as head coach of the Bulls
Former Lions coach Johan Ackemann will succeed Jake White as coach of the Bulls. Image: BackpagePix Johan Ackermann secured the top job as head coach of the Bulls after the South African franchise named him as Jake White's successor on Wednesday. Ackermann, currently assisting the Junior Springboks at the World Rugby U20 Championship as a consultant, will formally be unveiled next week by the Blue Bulls Company. The former Springbok recently returned home after coaching in England and Japan. Before that, he took the Lions to three consecutive Super Rugby finals in 2016, 2017 and 2018. Now, though, he will be in the blue colours of the Bulls who have been putting together a formidable squad ahead of the new United Rugby Championship and European Champions Cup tournaments. 🚨 Official: Johan Ackermann is the new Head Coach of the Vodacom Bulls! 🐃 A former Vodacom Bulls player, Springbok and 3x SA Coach of the Year 🏆 💬 'His blood is blue.' 💬 'A dream come true.' FULL PRESS RELEASE: — Official Blue Bulls (@BlueBullsRugby) July 16, 2025 Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ 'I got goosebumps when I received the call, it is a dream come true,' Ackermann said from Italy where the Junior Boks are currently preparing for the final against New Zealand. 'It still feels too good to be true. I'm like a Grade 1 going to school for the first time. I'm so excited; it's a privilege and an honour. It's a great union with wonderful traditions and supporters. Eighty percent of my friends are Bulls supporters. 'The Bulls have been successful for so many years, and now I have that challenge and I would like to thank the Board for giving me that 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 make them grow and succeed even more.' 𝐁𝐑𝐄𝐀𝐊𝐈𝐍𝐆: The Vodacom Bulls have confirmed the appointment of Johan Ackermann as head coach 🐂#SSRugby — SuperSport Rugby (@SSRugby) July 16, 2025 Ackermann was crowned South African Coach of the Year three times and brings a wealth of experience to Loftus Versfeld. After the Bulls recently stuttered for the third time in the URC finals, the pressure will be on him in his first season in Pretoria. However, he will embrace the task at hand. Edgar Rathbone, CEO of the Bulls, said they are happy to welcome Ackermann home. 'The 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.'
Telegraph
11-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Telegraph
Porridge, Puerto Rican rap and lucky pants: Inside Henry Pollock's match-day routine
Video clips of Henry Pollock's half-time address during Northampton Saints' victory over Leinster in the semi-final of the European Champions Cup revealed just what a vocal influence the 20-year-old rookie is in the changing room. Here the British and Irish Lions back-row forward reveals details of his pre-match routine to Telegraph Sport. Contrary to his animated on-field persona, much of Henry Pollock's pre-match routine is designed to keep him in a relaxed state of mind, beginning with a card game with his team-mates the night before the game. Night before: Card games 'The night before I would get a takeaway and play some cards with some of the lads, we play a game called 'a---hole' or Blackjack,' he says. 'A---hole' is a well-known game in the rugby world: the loser has to buy a round of drinks or pay for the takeaway. Match-day morning: Porridge and visualisation 'On the morning of the game I normally have a bowl of porridge and I play some more cards with the boys to try to keep my mind off the game and remain as relaxed as possible. When I get to the stadium, I will walk around the pitch and visualise myself playing. 'I walk around the pitch to visualise myself in different positions in defence or an attack and receiving kick-offs. Just trying to get the mind slowly ticking over so when you go on the pitch, it's not like a massive shock. 'Every kind of stadium and pitch is different. So just kind of getting my mind set on the game and with the feel of the pitch.' Pollock, who starts on the blindside flank for the Lions against the AUNZ invitational side in Adelaide on Saturday, will seek to retain a sense of calmness with a surprise choice of music. In the dressing room: Puerto Rican rap 'I guess pre-game I am very chill,' he added. 'I listen to Bad Bunny [a Puerto Rican rapper]. He is my top artist at the minute. I listen to him just to relax and also learn Spanish alongside my rugby. You probably expect me to be listening to something very different on my headphones, but it is likely to be some Spanish song that I don't know the words to. 'We have a family home in Menorca so when we have been there you always hear it in the bars and nightclubs. I picked it up there and enjoyed it and the Spanish speaking. 'I haven't really had anything kind of mentally, I don't really like to think about the game too much. I guess doing all kinds of sports when I was growing up was very beneficial, getting that hand eye coordination. When I was 16, I was still playing cricket, rugby, tennis and athletics. You've got to enjoy it.' Lucky pants, cutting socks and head tape Some players are superstitious in their pre-match routine. For Pollock it involves socks and tape. 'The way I do my socks is always the same,' he added. 'I cut them at a certain length, have grip socks underneath and then wrap some tape around them so it looks the same each time. Also, the way I do my leg tape and my blocks. 'I also wear the same boxer shorts each time, Step One.' The distinctive black head tape he wears to protect his ears has become Pollock's trademark, with kids turning up for games at Northampton wearing black tape to mimic him. 'It is because of my ears which are actually quite big,' he said. 'I hate the feeling of getting like them rubbed in the tackle. I used to wear a scrum hat, but I used to just go like a tomato, so red. 'I started thinking, what could be the next thing below that? I used to wear head tape under my scrum hat, and then my scrum hat used to always fall off, and so I ended up just wearing the head tape. 'Touch wood I haven't got a cauliflower ear yet. It is kind of mad it has become a big thing. When I rock up at Saints, and all the kids have got black head tape on. It is cool I guess, it is not something I would expect but it is only going to grow the game.' By then he has already studied video clips of the opposition to assist with his decision-making at the breakdown. 'The main thing you look for is where the tackler is,' he added. 'Are you the tackler or are you an assisted tackler? Depending on that, if he is in the way, it is probably best to leave it. I also scan to see where the ref is. If the ref is on the side of the tackler, then potentially he's going to see the tackler. It is picking the right time to go over the ball. I guess it's definitely something that I'm still working on. I love getting my head in there. And if I get whacked, and I get whacked, if not, hopefully I come up with the ball.' Ready for battle By the time he approaches kick-off, Pollock admits that his calm and reflective mood changes. 'I'm pretty on edge by then,' he added. 'In the change room, in the huddle, I definitely get hyped up and try to get the boys as hyped as possible. I'd say I'm pretty vocal in the changing room before games and pick on some weak individuals. 'You are encouraged to be yourself and I am not going to shy away from being vocal in huddles or voicing my opinion. If you like it, great. And if you don't, I guess I don't really care that much. 'I guess all players have been picked for a reason, that they think that you can make that Test squad. So there's nothing to lose. The Lions comes around once every four years, and I think you'll be kicking yourself if you look back on the tour and you haven't put your 100 per cent effort into it.'
The Star
10-07-2025
- Sport
- The Star
Rugby-Northmore to debut for England as only change against Argentina
FILE PHOTO: Rugby Union - European Champions Cup - Pool 3 - Harlequins v ASM Clermont Auvergne - Twickenham Stoop, London, Britain - January 18, 2020 Harlequins' Luke Northmore scores their first try Action Images via Reuters/Adam Holt/File Photo (Reuters) -Luke Northmore will make his debut at centre as the only change to the England matchday 23 to face Argentina in the second test in San Juan on Saturday, replacing the injured Henry Slade in the starting XV. Coach Steve Borthwick has kept faith in the team that outclassed Argentina 35-12 in the first test last weekend, despite the fact they are missing a host of players on tour with the British & Irish Lions in Australia. "Saturday's match in San Juan is another great challenge," said Borthwick. "The players have trained with real focus and intensity this week, determined to keep improving in every area. "We're expecting a tactical battle as well as a tough, physical contest, and everyone is excited for what should be a fantastic test match." Harlequins centre Northmore, 28, will partner Seb Atkinson in the midfield, with George Ford at flyhalf and Ben Spencer in the number 10 jersey. The back three contains wingers Will Muir and Tom Roebuck, with Freddie Steward at fullback. Jamie George is at hooker with props Fin Baxter and Joe Heyes either side of him, and Charlie Ewels and Alex Coles make up the second row. Tom Willis is at number eight, with Ben Curry and Sam Underhill the two flankers. There is no change to the bench, retaining a 6-2 split between forwards and backs. Ford and George will again act as co-captains. After this weekend, England's summer tour concludes with a match against the United States in Washington D.C. on July 19. England team: 15–Freddie Steward, 14–Tom Roebuck, 13–Luke Northmore, 12–Seb Atkinson, 11–Will Muir, 10–George Ford, 9–Ben Spencer, 8–Tom Willis, 7–Sam Underhill, 6–Ben Curry, 5–Alex Coles, 4–Charlie Ewels, 3–Joe Heyes, 2–Jamie George, 1–Fin Baxter Replacements: 16–Theo Dan, 17–Bevan Rodd, 18–Asher Opoku-Fordjour, 19–Chandler Cunningham-South, 20–Guy Pepper, 21–Alex Dombrandt, 22–Jack van Poortvliet, 23–Cadan Murley. (Reporting by Nick SaidEditing by Christian Radnedge)
Straits Times
10-07-2025
- Sport
- Straits Times
Northmore to debut for England as only change against Argentina
Sign up now: Get ST's newsletters delivered to your inbox FILE PHOTO: Rugby Union - European Champions Cup - Pool 3 - Harlequins v ASM Clermont Auvergne - Twickenham Stoop, London, Britain - January 18, 2020 Harlequins' Luke Northmore scores their first try Action Images via Reuters/Adam Holt/File Photo Luke Northmore will make his debut at centre as the only change to the England matchday 23 to face Argentina in the second test in San Juan on Saturday, replacing the injured Henry Slade in the starting XV. Coach Steve Borthwick has kept faith in the team that outclassed Argentina 35-12 in the first test last weekend, despite the fact they are missing a host of players on tour with the British & Irish Lions in Australia. "Saturday's match in San Juan is another great challenge," said Borthwick. "The players have trained with real focus and intensity this week, determined to keep improving in every area. "We're expecting a tactical battle as well as a tough, physical contest, and everyone is excited for what should be a fantastic test match." Harlequins centre Northmore, 28, will partner Seb Atkinson in the midfield, with George Ford at flyhalf and Ben Spencer in the number 10 jersey. The back three contains wingers Will Muir and Tom Roebuck, with Freddie Steward at fullback. Jamie George is at hooker with props Fin Baxter and Joe Heyes either side of him, and Charlie Ewels and Alex Coles make up the second row. Top stories Swipe. Select. Stay informed. Business S'pore to launch new grant for companies, expand support for workers amid US tariff uncertainties Singapore Spike in piracy, armed robbery cases in straits of Malacca and Singapore in first half of 2025 Singapore Singaporean fugitive nabbed and charged with drug trafficking, may face death penalty Singapore KTPH trials 'smart diapers' for adult patients to prevent skin conditions, relieve burden on nurses Sport World Aquatics C'ships Singapore 2025 declared open by President Tharman Shanmugaratnam World 'Do some homework': 6 key exchanges between US Senator Duckworth and S'pore envoy nominee Sinha Singapore Singapore launches centre to drive sustainable aviation in Asia-Pacific Multimedia 60 objects to mark SG60: Which is your favourite? Tom Willis is at number eight, with Ben Curry and Sam Underhill the two flankers. There is no change to the bench, retaining a 6-2 split between forwards and backs. Ford and George will again act as co-captains. After this weekend, England's summer tour concludes with a match against the United States in Washington D.C. on July 19. England team: 15–Freddie Steward, 14–Tom Roebuck, 13–Luke Northmore, 12–Seb Atkinson, 11–Will Muir, 10–George Ford, 9–Ben Spencer, 8–Tom Willis, 7–Sam Underhill, 6–Ben Curry, 5–Alex Coles, 4–Charlie Ewels, 3–Joe Heyes, 2–Jamie George, 1–Fin Baxter Replacements: 16–Theo Dan, 17–Bevan Rodd, 18–Asher Opoku-Fordjour, 19–Chandler Cunningham-South, 20–Guy Pepper, 21–Alex Dombrandt, 22–Jack van Poortvliet, 23–Cadan Murley. REUTERS
Edinburgh Reporter
10-07-2025
- Sport
- Edinburgh Reporter
Hibs kick start 150th anniversary season with a victory over Rot-Weiss Essen
Hibs ran out 3-2 winners after a thrilling encounter with German side Rot-Weiss Essen at Easter Road last night. The match kick started the Club's 150th anniversary and the opponents were selected as the pair had faced each other 70-years ago in the first ever European Champions Cup. New signings Rachael Sallinger, Josh Mulligan and Jamie McGrath all made their Easter Road debut. Ahead of kick-off Club legend, Pat Stanton, commemorated the renaming of East Stand in his honour by delivering the match ball to a huge standing ovation. The visitors packed out the lower tier of the South Stand and their presence known, chanting and cheering throughout the game. There was a familiar face in the middle of the park with former Hibs goalkeeper, Sean Murdoch, officiating the game. Hibs opened the scoring after only 70-seconds when Lewis Miller picked out McGrath and the Irishman's initial shot was saved by Jakob Golz but he was able to fire home the rebound from close range. Without consulting 150-years of record books, it is unlikely that any Hibs player has made such an early scoring contribution on his home debut. The hosts added a second in the 13th minute when Junior Hoilett set up Chris Cadden, who was denied by Golz at his near post but the ball found its way back to the Canadian who curled a superb strike into the top right corner of the net. Despite going two-nil down, the Rot Weiss Essen fans continued to cheer their heroes. Hibs almost made it 3-0 in the 23rd minute but Hoilett and captain for the night Rocky Bushiri had efforts blocked. At the other end Jack Iredale and Chris Cadden did well to deny Ramien Safi who twice broke clear. Miller was forced to leave the field after picking up an injury and was replaced by Warren O'Hora. Gray replaced Hoilett with Ellie Youan for te second while the visitors replaced their entire starting XI. And that paid dividends with two goals in the opening five minutes to the delight of their fans. Dominik Martinovic swept home Franci Bouebari's low cross then added a second with a powerful strike from outside the area. On the hour mark Mulligan played a neat one-two with McGrath before finding Bowie, but his shot on the turn beat Felix Wienand only to rebound off the post. That was his last action as Gray made five substitutions with Martin Boyle, Josh Campbell, Alasana Manneh, Jacob MacIntyre and Marvin Ekpiteta all entering the fray. With play raging from end to end it was the home side that grabbed the winner when Boyle cut inside from the right before slamming a left foot shot past Wienand from 18 yards. Youngster Lewis Gillie joined the list of home debutants in the 82nd minute replacing Chris Cadden. With three minutes remaining the visitors were awarded a penalty when Ekliteta was adjudged to have fouled Torben Musel. Musel elected to take the spot-kick but Sallinger produced a wonderful save and the honours fell to Hibs. Hibernian: Sallinger, Miller (O'Hora 32'), Levitt (Megwa 71'), Bowie (Boyle 61'), C. Cadden (Gillie 81'), Iredale (Campbell 61'), McGrath, N. Cadden, Mulligan (Manneh 61'), Hoilett (Youan 46' (MacIntyre 62')), Rocky (Ekpiteta 61'). Substitutes not used: Smith, Johnson. Rot-Weiss Essen: Golz (Wienand 46'), Arslan (Shultz 46'), Safi (Gjasula 46'), Obuz (Martinovic 46'), Brumme (Musel 37'), Celebi (Kaiser 46'), Alonso (Bouebari 46'), Moustier (Mizuta 46'), Bazzoli (Owusu 46'), Kraulich (Schulte-Kellinghaus 46'), Hofmann (Swajkowski 46'). Substitutes all used. Referee: Sean Murdoch. Attendance: 12,622. Like this: Like Related
