Latest news with #Harlequins
Glasgow Times
2 days ago
- Sport
- Glasgow Times
Steve Borthwick challenges England to match Argentina counter-attack
Borthwick and his team have flown out to South America for a two-Test series against the world's fifth-ranked side before travelling onto Washington DC to take on the USA. And any danger that they might take the task lightly was quickly extinguished on Friday night when Argentina ran in three tries in an historic 28-24 win over The British & Irish Lions in Dublin in their opening fixture. Even without some key players based in France, including future Harlequins second row Guido Petti and Toulouse duo Juan Cruz Mallia and Santiago Chocobares, Argentina were lethal off turnover ball. Former Exeter Chiefs winger Santiago Cordero scored the winning try from a move that started in his own half, while Gloucester's Santiago Carreras was heavily involved in another long-range try finished by Tomas Albornoz. That ability to strike from nowhere did not go unnoticed by Borthwick, whose England side warmed up for their tour with a narrow home defeat to a France XV at Allianz Stadium. He said: Argentina are an enthusiastic, committed team who score fast in transition. They changed their strategy in a couple of areas against the Lions and ultimately, they got some opportunities and took them really well and took them quickly. 'It's a great challenge; it's one we are looking forward to and this group of players are really enthused by the chance to go to Argentina and go up against a really good team.' A new wave 🌊 Steve Borthwick has named ten uncapped players in his summer tour squad 👇 — England Rugby (@EnglandRugby) June 24, 2025 In the non-capped match against France, England bounced back from an early 12-0 deficit to get back in front 24-12, even after winger Immanuel Feyi-Waboso was shown a 20-minute red card for a high tackle. That looked as though it would be enough to claim the win, but France came back strongly in the last 10 minutes with two tries to snatch the win. Despite that, Borthwick was pleased at the way his team – featuring five uncapped players in the matchday squad – were able to seize control of the encounter. He said: 'The response after a couple of scores against us, the response then and to get back control of the game. Tactically then, for about 55-60 minutes, I thought the team were very good and we looked very dangerous. If you look at the 22 entries and the number of penalties the opposition conceded close to their line, that told us there was a lot of good in our game. That was the pleasing aspect to it. 'While we are disappointed by the scoreboard at the end and the last 10 minutes, I think that's going to be positive in the development of this young group.' Purchase your tickets to the Autumn Nations Series at Allianz Stadium
South Wales Argus
2 days ago
- Sport
- South Wales Argus
Steve Borthwick challenges England to match Argentina counter-attack
Borthwick and his team have flown out to South America for a two-Test series against the world's fifth-ranked side before travelling onto Washington DC to take on the USA. And any danger that they might take the task lightly was quickly extinguished on Friday night when Argentina ran in three tries in an historic 28-24 win over The British & Irish Lions in Dublin in their opening fixture. Even without some key players based in France, including future Harlequins second row Guido Petti and Toulouse duo Juan Cruz Mallia and Santiago Chocobares, Argentina were lethal off turnover ball. Former Exeter Chiefs winger Santiago Cordero scored the winning try from a move that started in his own half, while Gloucester's Santiago Carreras was heavily involved in another long-range try finished by Tomas Albornoz. That ability to strike from nowhere did not go unnoticed by Borthwick, whose England side warmed up for their tour with a narrow home defeat to a France XV at Allianz Stadium. He said: Argentina are an enthusiastic, committed team who score fast in transition. They changed their strategy in a couple of areas against the Lions and ultimately, they got some opportunities and took them really well and took them quickly. 'It's a great challenge; it's one we are looking forward to and this group of players are really enthused by the chance to go to Argentina and go up against a really good team.' A new wave 🌊 Steve Borthwick has named ten uncapped players in his summer tour squad 👇 — England Rugby (@EnglandRugby) June 24, 2025 In the non-capped match against France, England bounced back from an early 12-0 deficit to get back in front 24-12, even after winger Immanuel Feyi-Waboso was shown a 20-minute red card for a high tackle. That looked as though it would be enough to claim the win, but France came back strongly in the last 10 minutes with two tries to snatch the win. Despite that, Borthwick was pleased at the way his team – featuring five uncapped players in the matchday squad – were able to seize control of the encounter. He said: 'The response after a couple of scores against us, the response then and to get back control of the game. Tactically then, for about 55-60 minutes, I thought the team were very good and we looked very dangerous. If you look at the 22 entries and the number of penalties the opposition conceded close to their line, that told us there was a lot of good in our game. That was the pleasing aspect to it. 'While we are disappointed by the scoreboard at the end and the last 10 minutes, I think that's going to be positive in the development of this young group.' Purchase your tickets to the Autumn Nations Series at Allianz Stadium
The Citizen
3 days ago
- Sport
- The Citizen
Come run with athletics legend Zola Budd
Pretoria boasts an exciting new mass participation 5km Run/Walk event following the launch of Run with Zola, a race which takes place at the Harlequins Rugby Club in Pretoria this coming Saturday, 28 June. The event pays tribute to the legendary Zola Budd, who will also be in the field, while it will also raise awareness on gender-based violence. The field for this race is capped at 5000 and for the convenience of participants, the race will only start at 09:00, which is later than the normal time for road races. Zola Budd is a worldwide sporting icon. The barefoot prodigy broke numerous world records, became a symbol of South Africa's oppression and was infamously blamed for Mary Decker's Olympic fall in 1984. 'We would like South Africa to unite and come together with the Run with Zola initiative,' said event media manager, Ray de Vries, who coached and managed 14 Comrades winners during his illustrious career in the sport. De Vries encouraged athletes of all ages to run or walk 5km and pay tribute to Budd. In doing so, they will also show unity as the road race community against gender-based violence. According to De Vries the Harlequins club is a delightful venue for the inaugural event. 'It boasts ample parking and world class facilities. It's also centrally located in Pretoria. Zola has an excellent network and is one of the best known sporting personalities in South Africa and in many parts of the world. She has vast experience as a brand ambassador, coach and mentor. Many well-known personalities will join us for the run,' he remarked. The Run with Zola initiative is passionately dedicated to creating awareness of for this campaign against gender-based violence. 'Everyone can take part in Run with Zola. It provides such a delightful platform. Wheelchairs, crutches and especially bare feet are welcome,' De Vries emphasized. The organizers also want to establish this campaign as a celebration of the human spirit and the joy of running and walking. 'It's the coming together of South Africans for the common purpose of enjoying themselves and being part of something special,' De Vries commented. For De Vries and the organizers, this is more than just a race. 'It is a time for us to do life differently and to start to dream again. Whether you are fat or thin or just want to give up smoking. Everyone from all social backgrounds is welcome to run together. Everyone can Run with Zola,' De Vries concluded. Entries for Run with Zola are open at and limited to 5000 entries. Do you have more information about the story? Please send us an email to bennittb@ or phone us on 083 625 4114. For free breaking and community news, visit Rekord's websites: Rekord East For more news and interesting articles, like Rekord on Facebook, follow us on Twitter or Instagram At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
Scotsman
4 days ago
- Sport
- Scotsman
'Won't hold me back' - Scotland back row on the traumatic injury that forced team-mates to look away
Back-row forward still experiences pain but hopes to return to his best on tour Sign up to our Rugby Union newsletter – Regular news stories and round-ups from around Scotland direct to your inbox Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to The Scotsman, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... When Andy Onyeama-Christie fractured and dislocated his left ankle last October playing for Saracens against Harlequins, the effect it had on the other players on the pitch was startling. 'It was almost like a horror movie,' Saracens' director of rugby Mark McCall said. 'Players just couldn't look.' Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad The injury to the Scotland flanker at the Stoop came in two separate movements. A tackle by Quins hooker Jack Walker floored Onyeama-Christie and he knew something was broken. But as his team-mate Nick Tompkins tried to alert the referee to stop play, the Harlequins second row Stephan Lewies attempted to clear out Tompkins and succeeded in kicking Onyeama-Christie's fractured ankle. Andy Onyeama-Christie is back in the Scotland squad and trained this week at Oriam ahead of the summer tour. | SNS Group / SRU He later reflected that it was 'the worst pain imaginable' and also experienced the trauma of looking down to see his foot pointing the wrong way. 'I've been in the wars' Happily, Onyeama-Christie recovered far quicker than expected even if some of the pain has lingered. He joined up with the Scotland squad in Edinburgh this week and will fly with them to New Zealand for a summer tour which begins with a non-cap clash with the Māori All Blacks in Whangārei a week on Saturday and continues with Test matches against Fiji in Suva on July 12 and Samoa at Eden Park, Auckland on July 18. 'I'm feeling happy to be back in here,' said Onyeama-Christie at the team hotel on the western outskirts of Edinburgh. 'I have been in the wars a fair few times over the last couple of seasons but am feeling good and hopeful.' Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Andy Onyeama-Christie of Saracens is carried off after being injured during the Gallagher Premiership Rugby match between Harlequins and Saracens at the Stoop on October 13, 2024. | Getty Images If anyone deserves an injury-free run it is the combative Sarries forward who has missed more than his fair share of important fixtures in recent seasons. He twice broke his arm in a 12-month period between 2023 and 2024, causing him to miss the Rugby World Cup and last summer's Scotland tour. In between, he impressed enough in last year's Six Nations to suggest he could be a real asset in the Scotland back row. Then came the horrendous setback at the Stoop which put paid to hopes of playing in this year's Six Nations. He made his return for Saracens in a friendly against Edinburgh at Hive Stadium on March 14 and has played eight competitive games since, starting twice. He's still not back to where he wants to be but is way ahead of schedule. The pain still lingers 'No, I don't think I am at my best physically,' he says with admirable candour. 'The injury was a weird one but I got over it quicker than expected. It was supposed to be nine months' recovery and I got it in six which was brilliant and meant I could play some games at the end of the season for Saracens. 'I still get frustrated with it. Some will say that will last my whole career. Others say once I get over this season it will start easing off, so it is what it is. My main aim is to not let it hold me back. When I start training and playing I forget about it. The main thing is to stay on top of the rehab.' Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad It still feels sore and it means his preparation for games now takes longer but it's getting better. 'It's the ankle itself. It gets stiff more than it would before. It gets more painful and I have to warm up properly. I used to be able to run out onto the pitch but now I need a bit of time to do bits around it and warm up. It's not a major concern of mine. Like I say, when I play I don't think about it which is great. Compared to when I first returned to playing it is ten times better. Andy Onyeama-Christie playing for Saracens against Toulon in the Investec Champions Cup round of 16 in April. He returned to action for quicker than expected. | Getty Images 'I have played a good few games [since the injury]. People say it takes three or four games to get up to match fitness after pre-season. My vision of it is I am really excited for the tour and getting some games out there and then will take my time off and relax a bit and go into a good pre-season with Saracens. I don't know how it will go but a big part of it is to accept what has happened and get on with it. 'I might well get back to my best on this tour. I had a lot of appearances off the bench after I returned and only had two starts. Sometimes you need more and more minutes to get back right.' Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Return to New Zealand after learning from All Blacks great Having made his Scotland debut as a replacement against France in the 2022 Six Nations, Onyeama-Christie has had to be patient as injuries have conspired against him. He has eight caps now and is looking forward to adding to the tally next month. 'I am so proud to be back in the environment and it has been a long time since I have been,' said the player who qualifies for Scotland through his maternal grandparents. 'I know how proud I am and my family is to get back with Scotland.' Andy Christie has not played for Scotland since the 2024 Guinness Six Nations. | SNS Group Going to New Zealand holds extra appeal to Onyeama-Christie who played over there in his early days as a pro and was taken under the wing of Rodney So'oialo, the great All Blacks back-rower. 'I spent three months in Wellington when I was 19 at the end of my first season at Saracens in the senior academy. I had a couple of niggles so they sent me out there to get some more game time. I was part of the Wellington academy but played club rugby for Petone. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad
South Wales Argus
4 days ago
- Sport
- South Wales Argus
World Cup finalist Shaunagh Brown even more excited by home event
The former Red Rose and Harlequins player amassed 30 international caps and featured in England's agonising 34-31 defeat to New Zealand in the World Cup final in Auckland in 2021. But though she will not be donning the white shirt this time out, the prospect of sell-out stadiums and a boom in visibility means Brown is more excited than ever for the summer ahead. 'I am looking forward to this World Cup more than I did the one I actually played in because it's at home,' said the prop. 'I've been part of the build-up, I've been on the trophy tour, I've been to the volunteer kick-off events and the buzz is unreal. 'The ticket sales just keep going up and up and the number of conversations I have with people telling me that they can't get tickets. That's incredible news because you're making them hot property if you can't get something, you want it even more. 'I'm really excited to see how England perform.' Though New Zealand got the better of the Red Roses on their territory four years ago, Brown believes that hosting the tournament English soil can help them over the line to produce a moment akin to the Lionesses victory at Euro 2022. More importantly, though, she wants to see sporting bodies and authorities ensure momentum from the tournament is captured to keep shifting attitudes towards women's rugby. 'I still move in circles where people don't really know what rugby is and think it is just a sport that posh white boys do,' Brown explained. 'I hope we will get a Lionesses' moment, and I really hope England win the World Cup but it's all about the build-up, the tournament doing it right and local authorities getting involved. 'It'll be people seeing, hearing, and realising that most people can play rugby and you don't have to be from a certain school or certain background or look a particular way. 'If you look at a lineup of a rugby team there's such a variation in shape, size, skin colour and hair type and you think, 'Oh maybe rugby is for me. Maybe I can do that. She looks like me, she sounds like me, maybe I can give it a go.'' The importance of role models was brought home to Brown as she spoke on the final day of the Youth Sport Trust's National School Sports Week at Torriano Primary School in Camden. Alongside Olympic sprinter Montell Douglas and Paralympic footballer Alistair Patrick-Heselton, Brown got involved in a carousel of different activities led by the pupils as they celebrated the importance of being active. Torriano encourages activity everyday with pupils wearing active footwear and no uniform so that they are able to hit their recommended 60 minutes of activity each day. Brown and her sporting peers also participated in a Q&A to inspire the Torriano pupils, who were dressed up as their sporting heroes for Sports Star Friday. 'We want people to participate, we want people to enjoy winning but as a mass group of children and in a whole generation we just want to encourage movement,' explained Brown. 'I'm very passionate about the active uniform principle. It's about not making it a big thing that you have to get changed into your PE kit before you can run. 'Actually, just make activity a normal part of their everyday with no barriers. They're in the playground because they've got trainers on so they can just run around.' National School Sports Week is an annual campaign by the Youth Sport Trust, dedicated to celebrating the power of PE, sport, and play to build brighter futures. This year, powered by Sports Direct x Under Armour, marks the 30th anniversary of the Youth Sport Trust, who is a UK leading children's charity for improving young people's wellbeing through sport and play. Visit
