Latest news with #Kian
The Citizen
5 days ago
- Sport
- The Citizen
Hoedspruit teen selected for SA rugby tour to Spain
HOEDSPRUIT – A talented teenager from Hoedspruit is one step closer to achieving his dream of playing professional rugby after being selected by the Rugby Travel Academy (RTA) to represent South Africa on an international tour to Spain in December this year. Kian Conrad Lötter, who will turn 16 in September, lives on the Air Force Base in Hoedspruit and attends Ben Vorster High School in Tzaneen. His rugby journey began in pre-primary school, where he played informally with friends. In Gr 1, he joined the Drakensig Primary School rugby team and quickly proved himself to be a gifted and dedicated sportsman. 'Kian was a busy body from the start, he ran before he could walk,' says his mom, Cheree. 'We realised early on that he was a natural athlete. In primary school, he played every sport available, rugby, athletics, tennis, hockey and excelled in all of them.' Now a Gr 10 learner, Kian plays multiple rugby positions, including wing, scrumhalf, fullback and centre. His standout performance for the Limpopo Blue Bulls during the recent winter holiday caught the attention of RTA scouts, who contacted him directly after a match. On July 11, the family received the official invitation for Kian to join the international travelling team. 'This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity,' says Cheree. 'We were overwhelmed with pride. The RTA does not just offer international exposure; it also provides bursaries after school. It is a gateway to Kian's future.' However, the family now faces the challenge of raising R50 000 to cover the travel and tour costs, appealing to the public for financial support. Kian, who is committed to his sports and school, has already started raising the money by cutting grass for residents, assisting at weekend auctions, and looking for opportunities to wash cars in Tzaneen during his limited spare time. But with school rugby continuing every weekend until August, followed by 7s rugby and the athletics season in September, his availability is limited. Despite the challenges, the Lötter family remains determined. 'He has sacrificed so much for sport, attending a school 120km from home just to pursue better opportunities,' says Cheree. 'It's not easy, but seeing him get recognised makes it all worthwhile.' Kian himself is humbled by the opportunity. 'It's a dream come true. I've trained when others were playing around. I'm excited to meet and learn from players from other countries and to show what I can do on a bigger stage. I am extremely grateful.' The family has created a BackaBuddy account to raise money and welcomes any form of support. For those who wish to contribute or offer assistance, Cheree can be contacted at 084 697 8164. 'Every little bit helps,' she says. 'We're grabbing every opportunity we can, because we believe in Kian and what he's capable of.'
Extra.ie
7 days ago
- Entertainment
- Extra.ie
Inside Kian Egan and wife Jodi Albert's love story as singer posts birthday tribute
Kian Egan has paid a beautiful birthday tribute to his wife Jodi Albert. The Westlife singer married Jodi back in 2009, with the couple sharing three children together and Kian sharing a lovely pair of photos as they celebrated Jodi's 42nd birthday. Kian and Jodi met in 1999, but didn't get together until four years later. Pic: Jodi Albert/Instagram While many know Kian as a member of Westlife, his wife has also been heavily involved in the entertainment business; previously being a member of girl groups Girl Thing and Wonderland, and playing Debbie Dean in Hollyoaks. The couple (sort of) met in 1999, when a 19-year-old Kian met a 15-year-old Jodi backstage at Party in the Park when Jodi was in Girl Thing; with Kian previously saying that he asked their manager Simon Cowell, who was standing beside him, who she was. Nothing came of the encounter until four years later, with Kian and Jodi sharing their first kiss. While Jodi was in a relationship when they kissed, she has since joked that she's off the hook as she kissed her future husband. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Kian Egan (@kianegan) In 2009, Kian and Jodi wed in a lavish ceremony in Barbados — where they spent their first holiday together six years earlier — with them welcoming their first child into the world, son Koa, in 2011. In 2015, the couple welcomed their second son, Zekey, into the world, while their third son Cobi was born in 2017. The couple currently reside in Strandhill, Sligo. Taking to his Instagram on Wednesday, Kian wrote a touching tribute to Jodi as she walked the pair's dogs and posed with the pooches, saying 'What an amazing day we had yesterday celebrating my amazing wife @jodialbert on her birthday. We love you so much baby and hope you had the best day ever xxxx.' The couple wed in 2009, and share three sons – Koa, Zekey and Cobi – together. Pic: Jodi Albert/Instagram Just last year, the couple shared a lovely series of photos of Koa as they made an emotional tribute on his final day of primary school.
The Irish Sun
7 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Irish Sun
‘So sweet' – Westlife star Kian Egan shares touching birthday tribute to wife Jodi as fans gush over ‘beautiful' snaps
KIAN Egan has left fans gushing after he shared a touching birthday tribute to his wife. The singer has been married to 2 Kian shared a touching tribute to his wife Credit: Instagram 2 Jodi celebrated her birthday yesterday Credit: Instagram Jodi celebrated her 42nd birthday yesterday and The star shared two beautiful snaps of his wife posing in their garden with their two dogs. She looked fabulous in a pair of brown leggings, a black jacket and matching brown boots. The mum-of-three completed her look with a hat, a pair of sunglasses and wore her hair down. READ MORE ON KIAN EGAN Kian captioned his post: " What an amazing day we had yesterday celebrating my amazing wife @jodialbert on her birthday. " We love you so much baby and hope you had the best day ever ." Jodi was quick to respond in the comments: "Thank you for the most perfect day... love you." Fans and friends flocked to the comment section to share their love for his post. MOST READ IN THE IRISH SUN One fan said: "Aw this is so sweet Kian. Hope Jodi had the most amazing birthday!" Dona wrote: "Beautiful photo of your love Jodi. Amazing and lovely couple." Kian Egan pays touching birthday tribute to late dad during gig Valentina gushed: "Thank you, Kian for sharing these moments!!! It's amazing!!! Have a wonderful day! Kisses from Italy to you and to your beautiful family." Jacob commented: "Beautiful pictures." Another added: "So sweet." Last month, Westlife made The iconic Irish band kicked off their first ever world tour, Where Dreams Come True Tour, at the Newcastle Arena on February 9, 2001. FEEHIL-ING SAD To mark the special milestone, the lads have launched their 25th anniversary celebrations. Taking to Instagram on their joint account, they wrote: "Who would have thought we would still be here 25 years later? "We have so many exciting plans to share with you very soon, which will include new music, an album, special shows, and many, many more surprises along the way." However, they "sadly" revealed that The band wrote: "We hope he can join us back on stage when he is ready and able. He sends his love and positivity to you all as always. "The four of us can't quite believe it's been 25 years. We could only have dreamt of the continued love and loyalty you have consistently with shown us around the world. "We are so lucky to have all of you with us and we can't wait to celebrate together."
Extra.ie
16-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Extra.ie
Nicky Byrne needs VAR after Westlife lads try 'splitting the G'
Three of the members of Westlife almost came to blows (not really) after they tried their hand at 'Splitting the G.' For the uninitiated, fans of pints of plain have been trying to split the G — i.e. drink the first gulp of their pint in such a way that when it resettles, the G in the Guinness on the glass will be split in half. While there's not really a prize involved outside of bragging rights and another pint, there is a sweet science to it, and more and more people are hopping on the challenge — including Nicky Byrne, Shane Filan and Kian Egan of Westlife after they filmed themselves attempting to split the G after a gig last week. @westlife No messing around when Nicky's playing 😂 Reckon you could take us on? #Westlife #GuinnessChallenge #SplitTheG #BTS ♬ original sound – Westlife The lads showed up at Ed Sheeran's homecoming gig in Ipswich last week, and after headed to the pub backstage — with Nicky explaining that after such a mammoth gig, it was time for them to try and split the G. After explaining the rules for their international fans, the trio had their swigs, and while Kian and Shane were just above the line, Nicky appeared to have it won — although there was a challenge from his bandmates. Kian was insistent that Nicky was below the line, even going so far as to say he was 'perfect on one side but below on the other,' before Nicky joked that he needed to go to VAR; in this scenario being three lads at the table next to them. Three of the members of Westlife almost came to blows (not really) after they tried their hand at 'Splitting the G.' Pic: Westlife/TikTok The lads gave Nicky the VAR decision, with Shane congratulating him; but their fans were divided if Nicky properly did it. 'Shane [thinking] 'it's easier to let Nicky win, it's fine,'' one person joked, while another was sure he got it — commenting 'he definitely did it!' 'Defo Nicky split the G,' another commented, while another added 'Kian's in denial!' Nicky emerged victorious, but not after a VAR challenge by Kian and Shane. Pic: Westlife/TikTok The lads made a special guest appearance at Ed Sheeran's homecoming on Friday night, where the trio (minus Mark, who had a serious health battle last year) to perform Flying Without Wings — with Ed saying that he would pretend to be in Westlife when he was a kid. 'The reason I wrote Shape of You was that I wanted to go in the studio with one of the men that was behind Flying Without Wings [Steve Mac],' Ed wrote. 'One of my favourite songs of all time.' 'I used to pretend I was in @westlife when I was like 9. But tonight I got to actually be a member, playing with Steve and @beogamusic on stage for the homecoming shows at @ipswichtown. Just pure magic. Thank you for flying over lads, will never forget that moment x.'
India.com
04-07-2025
- Entertainment
- India.com
7 Indian Baby Names Starting With ‘K'
Muskan Kalra Jul 03, 2025 Kavya means poetry, literary work, and its origin is in Sanskrit and is used for females. It's a short form of Krishna, meaning 'attractive' or 'divine', a name used for males. Kiara means bright, luminous, or little dark one (multiple meanings across cultures; in India, often means 'light' or 'divine') Kian means the grace of God, ancient, and it's an Indian name used for males. Kriti means work of art, creation, and it's a Sanskrit name used for females. Kunal means lotus, also the name of Emperor Ashoka's son, and it's a Sanskrit name used for males. Kaira means peaceful, unique, princess-like, and it's a modern name used for females. Read Next Story
