Latest news with #JamisonGibson-Park


The Irish Sun
17-07-2025
- Sport
- The Irish Sun
Leinster Rugby make drastic change to new jersey ‘to align with wider club values' in major break from tradition
LEINSTER RUGBY has revealed the club's new home jersey - with a major change to previous kits. The province has ditched the four stars that used to adorn the shirt, representing their four 3 Leinster Rugby revealed a new home kit for 2025/26 Credit: Twitter/Leinster Rugby 3 Jamison Gibson-Park, Josh van der Flier, and Sam Prendergast modelled the shirt Credit: Twitter/Leinster Rugby 3 The shirt will no longer bear the four stars representing their Champions Cup titles Credit: Twitter/Leinster Rugby And while Leo Cullen's men will once again go in search for their fifth title in 2025/26, their past success will not be represented on the kit in non-European competition. The four stars will, however, remain on the European jersey worn in the Investec Champions Cup, in celebration of the victories in 2009, 2011, 2012 and 2018. Explaining why, Rugby club values, to ensure that the playing kit celebrates all the players and all the teams that wear it." The new kit will be worn by the men and women's teams, as well as the age grade and junior rugby squads this forthcoming season. Read More on Leinster Rugby They will be worn competitively for the first time in the upcoming Vodafone Senior Women's Interprovincial Championship next month. Leinster Rugby CEO Shane Nolan, said, 'This decision reflects our ambition to be representative of the whole club, across all teams and all competitions . 'We are incredibly proud of our Champions Cup history and the stars will remain on our European jersey, but we also believe the home jersey should speak to and celebrate the full Leinster journey for our men's and our women's teams and of course our age grade and junior rugby representative teams – past, present and future . 'There is no doubt that the landscape is changing. Most read in Rugby Union "We are entering a period of huge opportunity and growth for the women's game, in particular, and we want to be ahead of that change as best we can on a number of fronts. "This is just one example and Castore have worked very closely with us on that, as well as consulting with our players. Inside Scotland and Lions hero's stunning house that boasts giant basement room with bar for FIFTY people to party 'Importantly, the stars will remain on our European kit, as a proud tribute to our Champions Cup achievements and the rich legacy behind them. 'This new jersey represents us all. "We think that supporters will love it, and that our players will love pulling it on.' Fourteen Leinster players are currently with the British & Irish Lions for their tour of Australia . And seven of those have been named to start in the opening test against the Wallabies. Australia on Saturday morning at 11am Irish time, with the Provincial teammates And when it comes to the forwards,


Extra.ie
17-07-2025
- Sport
- Extra.ie
Andy Farrell favouring Lions reputation over form ahead of Australia clash
Andy Farrell is banking on players with outstanding pedigree really stepping up for the Lions in their series opener against Australia on Saturday — because his likely line-up is not awash with form picks. The visitors are set to rely on a side full of stellar reputations, but in several positions, the players who have performed best are expected to miss out. That is certainly the case at No. 8, where Ben Earl has made more of an impact than Jack Conan, but the Ireland specialist is preferred. Lions player Jack Conan. Pic: INPHO/Dan Sheridan There are other examples, as the head coach follows what so many predecessors have done by trusting players he knows best. James Lowe has been operating far below his exalted standards on the left wing, but he should make the cut, partly due to the injuries which have hampered back-three contenders Blair Kinghorn and Mack Hansen. At scrum-half, Jamison Gibson-Park is another member of the Leinster and Ireland contingent who will be deployed en masse in the belief that he will soar to a performance peak when needed. Lions player Jamison Gibson-Park. Pic: INPHO/Billy Stickland He was named man of the match against the Brumbies, but had blown hot and cold. Even the great Tadhg Furlong has just about located second gear — he is not at full tilt. However, there are pockets of form. Ellis Genge and Dan Sheehan are on a thunderous roll in the front row. At lock, Maro Itoje and Joe McCarthy have stood out with towering exploits. There is a fingers-crossed feeling about some of the marginal selections, but even allowing for the misgivings, this potential line-up should have far too much firepower for the Australians.


North Wales Chronicle
07-07-2025
- Sport
- North Wales Chronicle
‘Open-minded' Andy Farrell says Lions Test places still up for grabs
Maro Itoje returns as captain for the Canberra showdown to lead a starting XV full of players considered first choice in their positions, including half-backs Jamison Gibson-Park and Finn Russell. The Brumbies are the strongest of Australia's Super Rugby franchises, having finished third in the table, and the fixture is being treated as a dry run for the series opener against the Wallabies on July 19. Our team to face the Brumbies in Canberra! 🦁#Lions2025 — British & Irish Lions (@lionsofficial) July 7, 2025 But Farrell insisted his Lions stars still have to earn the jersey after leaving the door open for others to stake their claim, with Saturday's match against an AUNZ Invitational XV the final opportunity to impress. 'The truth of the matter is we have got a good side that's going to take the field on Wednesday and I will tell you what I said to the team,' the head coach said. 'There's always going to be speculation, but it's up to people to put their best foot forward for a Test spot from now on in with regards to the chance they have got on Wednesday and on Saturday. 'Players can play themselves in and players can play themselves out, but we are looking for a cohesive team performance and that is what we are trying to achieve. 'There has to be movement in selection. The nature of the format of these two games allows for us to be open-minded. 'We play on Saturday after this and have four weeks worth of training, so you have to stay open-minded. A closed book is not good for anyone. 'I wouldn't call it a blank slate, you have always got ideas, but you need to leave wriggle room for things to unfold and make a judgement on what you see over the next couple of games.' Providing X-factor on the bench are back row Henry Pollock and versatile playmaker Marcus Smith in an opportunity for both England stars to prove they are viable options against Australia. In normal circumstances flanker Tom Curry and prop Tadhg Furlong would be assured of Test places, but they need big games following underwhelming tours so far. Prop Ellis Genge, flanker Ollie Chessum and full-back Blair Kinghorn must also put their best foot forwards amid fierce competition for places. The likes of Dan Sheehan, Itoje, Gibson-Park, Russell and Jack Conan are nailed-on starters. After a disappointing performance against the New South Wales Waratahs on Saturday, the Lions are looking to build momentum before heading to Adelaide for their penultimate midweek game. The Brumbies were the only provincial side to beat the Lions in 2013 and are dangerous opponents. Team is in for @lionsofficial 🦁 The Hooper brothers could play together for the first time in a professional capacity. Prop Cameron Orr has also been drafted in for this game and could also make his Brumbies debut from the bench. Read more: — ACT Brumbies (@BrumbiesRugby) July 7, 2025 'There is a real sense of excitement because there's a lot of history that goes with this fixture,' Farrell said. 'The last two occasions we have played the Brumbies there have been four points in it, for and against. We know the challenge ahead and it's something we have been looking forward to. 'I have heard reports of how enthusiastic and good training has been for the Brumbies as you would expect when the Lions are coming to town.'

The National
07-07-2025
- Sport
- The National
‘Open-minded' Andy Farrell says Lions Test places still up for grabs
Maro Itoje returns as captain for the Canberra showdown to lead a starting XV full of players considered first choice in their positions, including half-backs Jamison Gibson-Park and Finn Russell. The Brumbies are the strongest of Australia's Super Rugby franchises, having finished third in the table, and the fixture is being treated as a dry run for the series opener against the Wallabies on July 19. Our team to face the Brumbies in Canberra! 🦁#Lions2025 — British & Irish Lions (@lionsofficial) July 7, 2025 But Farrell insisted his Lions stars still have to earn the jersey after leaving the door open for others to stake their claim, with Saturday's match against an AUNZ Invitational XV the final opportunity to impress. 'The truth of the matter is we have got a good side that's going to take the field on Wednesday and I will tell you what I said to the team,' the head coach said. 'There's always going to be speculation, but it's up to people to put their best foot forward for a Test spot from now on in with regards to the chance they have got on Wednesday and on Saturday. 'Players can play themselves in and players can play themselves out, but we are looking for a cohesive team performance and that is what we are trying to achieve. 'There has to be movement in selection. The nature of the format of these two games allows for us to be open-minded. 'We play on Saturday after this and have four weeks worth of training, so you have to stay open-minded. A closed book is not good for anyone. 'I wouldn't call it a blank slate, you have always got ideas, but you need to leave wriggle room for things to unfold and make a judgement on what you see over the next couple of games.' Providing X-factor on the bench are back row Henry Pollock and versatile playmaker Marcus Smith in an opportunity for both England stars to prove they are viable options against Australia. In normal circumstances flanker Tom Curry and prop Tadhg Furlong would be assured of Test places, but they need big games following underwhelming tours so far. Prop Ellis Genge, flanker Ollie Chessum and full-back Blair Kinghorn must also put their best foot forwards amid fierce competition for places. The likes of Dan Sheehan, Itoje, Gibson-Park, Russell and Jack Conan are nailed-on starters. After a disappointing performance against the New South Wales Waratahs on Saturday, the Lions are looking to build momentum before heading to Adelaide for their penultimate midweek game. The Brumbies were the only provincial side to beat the Lions in 2013 and are dangerous opponents. Team is in for @lionsofficial 🦁 The Hooper brothers could play together for the first time in a professional capacity. Prop Cameron Orr has also been drafted in for this game and could also make his Brumbies debut from the bench. Read more: — ACT Brumbies (@BrumbiesRugby) July 7, 2025 'There is a real sense of excitement because there's a lot of history that goes with this fixture,' Farrell said. 'The last two occasions we have played the Brumbies there have been four points in it, for and against. We know the challenge ahead and it's something we have been looking forward to. 'I have heard reports of how enthusiastic and good training has been for the Brumbies as you would expect when the Lions are coming to town.'

Leader Live
07-07-2025
- Sport
- Leader Live
‘Open-minded' Andy Farrell says Lions Test places still up for grabs
Maro Itoje returns as captain for the Canberra showdown to lead a starting XV full of players considered first choice in their positions, including half-backs Jamison Gibson-Park and Finn Russell. The Brumbies are the strongest of Australia's Super Rugby franchises, having finished third in the table, and the fixture is being treated as a dry run for the series opener against the Wallabies on July 19. Our team to face the Brumbies in Canberra! 🦁#Lions2025 — British & Irish Lions (@lionsofficial) July 7, 2025 But Farrell insisted his Lions stars still have to earn the jersey after leaving the door open for others to stake their claim, with Saturday's match against an AUNZ Invitational XV the final opportunity to impress. 'The truth of the matter is we have got a good side that's going to take the field on Wednesday and I will tell you what I said to the team,' the head coach said. 'There's always going to be speculation, but it's up to people to put their best foot forward for a Test spot from now on in with regards to the chance they have got on Wednesday and on Saturday. 'Players can play themselves in and players can play themselves out, but we are looking for a cohesive team performance and that is what we are trying to achieve. 'There has to be movement in selection. The nature of the format of these two games allows for us to be open-minded. 'We play on Saturday after this and have four weeks worth of training, so you have to stay open-minded. A closed book is not good for anyone. 'I wouldn't call it a blank slate, you have always got ideas, but you need to leave wriggle room for things to unfold and make a judgement on what you see over the next couple of games.' Providing X-factor on the bench are back row Henry Pollock and versatile playmaker Marcus Smith in an opportunity for both England stars to prove they are viable options against Australia. In normal circumstances flanker Tom Curry and prop Tadhg Furlong would be assured of Test places, but they need big games following underwhelming tours so far. Prop Ellis Genge, flanker Ollie Chessum and full-back Blair Kinghorn must also put their best foot forwards amid fierce competition for places. The likes of Dan Sheehan, Itoje, Gibson-Park, Russell and Jack Conan are nailed-on starters. After a disappointing performance against the New South Wales Waratahs on Saturday, the Lions are looking to build momentum before heading to Adelaide for their penultimate midweek game. The Brumbies were the only provincial side to beat the Lions in 2013 and are dangerous opponents. Team is in for @lionsofficial 🦁 The Hooper brothers could play together for the first time in a professional capacity. Prop Cameron Orr has also been drafted in for this game and could also make his Brumbies debut from the bench. Read more: — ACT Brumbies (@BrumbiesRugby) July 7, 2025 'There is a real sense of excitement because there's a lot of history that goes with this fixture,' Farrell said. 'The last two occasions we have played the Brumbies there have been four points in it, for and against. We know the challenge ahead and it's something we have been looking forward to. 'I have heard reports of how enthusiastic and good training has been for the Brumbies as you would expect when the Lions are coming to town.'