Latest news with #PlayeroftheTournament
IOL News
2 days ago
- Sport
- IOL News
Rudy Paige: Haashim Pead will be a Springbok . . . sooner rather than later
Scrumhalf Haashim Pead, who starred for the Junior Boks at the World Rugby U20 Championship, is currently training with the Springboks. Image: Maurilio Boldrini / World Rugby Former Springboks scrumhalf Rudy Paige says Junior Springboks star Haashim Pead has all the attributes to become a star for the Springboks following his incredible performances at the World Rugby Under-20 World Championships. Pead won the Player of the Tournament award after the Junior Boks beat their New Zealand counterparts in the final to lift the trophy for the first time since 2012. The speedy No 9 scored six tries and assisted four during the tournament. He also surpassed France star Antoine Dupont's record for running metres by a scrumhalf at the tournament, racking up 232m from 15 carries during the pool stages. 'When I met him, I really liked how he sees the game and his hunger to evolve as a player and go to bigger heights,' Paige said, during an event hosted by Generation Schools in Cape Town on Wednesday. 'On the field, he ticks all the boxes. His fundamentals are really good and he has got the pace. But he also has the instincts and his feel for the game is superb. 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 ✕ Ad loading 'We must celebrate him and what he has achieved in his short career and what the team achieved. He has got a really bright future ahead of him.' Pead is currently in camp with the Springboks ahead of their home Rugby Championship matches against Australia. He and fellow Junior Boks, flank Bathobele Hlekani and outside centre Cheswill Jooste, were invited to see first hand how the Boks prepare for a big tournament. Paige, who played 13 Test matches for the Springboks and played in the 2015 Rugby World Cup, says Pead's involvement in the Bok camp is massive for his development, as he will be able to see first-hand what it takes to play for the Springboks. 'I always say you learn a lot through the ears and the eyes. He is going to learn a lot from people like Grant Williams and Cobus Reinach, what they do on a day-to-day basis, what they do post training, their habits and what type of questions they ask in team meetings,' the former Bulls scrumhalf said. 'I think being there is going to put him and the others ahead of their peers. It's going to be three amazing weeks for them with the Boks. 'He still has a lot to learn and needs to play in big competitions such as the United Rugby Championship to develop his game even more. But we are going to see Haashim Pead in a Springbok jersey sooner rather than later. He has all the capabilities to make it.' Springboks coach Rassie Erasmus just week said Pead and other two Junior Boks have fitted in nicely. While he doesn't foresee them playing any Test matches this year, the Bok mentor is hoping that the exposure will give them the desire and hunger to improve their game and push for a senior call-up. 'The coaches will be involved in the team until 2027, so it's important for us to continue developing our depth and ensuring that we have at least three players to pick from in each position,' Erasmus said. 'We don't see the Young Guns playing Test matches this year, but exposing them to this environment and allowing them to participate in all our boardroom and field sessions is great for them to learn. 'They've fitted in well and they appear to be enjoying it, while it's also good for the more experienced players to see the talent that is coming through the ranks.' The Springboks start their Rugby Championship campaign against the Wallabies at Ellis Park in Johannesburg on August 16. The Boks and Aussies will then travel to Cape Town for their second match a week later on August 23.
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Four Lionesses in Euro 2025 team of the tournament
Four England players have been named in the Euro 2025 team of the tournament after their triumph in Switzerland. Goalkeeper Hannah Hampton, right-back Lucy Bronze, forward Chloe Kelly and striker Alessia Russo have all been picked. Hampton played every minute of the Lionesses' six games, making key saves throughout the competition. She was named Player of the Match in the final against Spain, saving two penalties in England's 3-1 shootout victory following a 1-1 draw. Her Chelsea team-mate Bronze - who revealed she had played the whole tournament with a fractured tibia - was also a key figure and scored a crucial penalty in the quarter-final shootout victory over Sweden. Kelly did not start a single match at the Euros, but was nevertheless a crucial figure in England's remarkable achievement of defending their trophy. She scored the winner against Italy in the semi-final and provided the assist for Russo to score England's equaliser in the final, before breaking Spanish hearts with the trophy-clinching penalty. There are also four representatives from beaten finalists Spain, including all three midfielders. Patri Guijarro, Alexia Putellas and Aitana Bonmati - who was named Player of the Tournament - are all included, as is central defender Irene Paredes. Germany pair, forward Jule Brand and left-back Franziska Kett, and Italian centre-back Elena Linari complete the XI.
Straits Times
4 days ago
- Sport
- Straits Times
Aitana Bonmati crushed after Spain's shoot-out defeat by England
Spain's Aitana Bonmati looking dejected after the penalty shoot-out defeat by England in the Women's Euro 2025 final at St Jakob-Park in Basel on July 27. BASEL – Spain playmaker Aitana Bonmati cut a disconsolate figure as she picked up her Player of the Tournament award at Euro 2025 on July 27, minutes after her side finished as runners-up after losing a penalty shoot-out 3-1 to England in the final. Bonmati bounced back from a meningitis scare ahead of the tournament to play a crucial role in Spain's progress to the final. La Roja got off the mark on 25 minutes when Ona Batlle's cross was headed home by Mariona Caldentey. England equalised 12 minutes after the break in similar fashion as Alessia Russo nodded Chloe Kelly's cross past Cata Coll. However, in general Spain struggled to unlock the England defence and Bonmati missed her spot-kick in the shoot-out as she slumped to another painful defeat, following her club side Barcelona's Champions League final loss to Arsenal in May. 'It's hard to see you right now,' she told reporters. 'Two months ago I found myself in this situation with the club. You have to value more when things are going well, we have been better on the pitch, not on penalties.' It was a sentiment shared by her coach Montse Tome. 'I think this team deserved more. We worked so hard for a long time to get here, to the final against a top-level side in England, and I thought the team deserved more, or at least to not be left with the feeling we have now,' Tome told reporters after the match at St Jakob-Park in Basel. Top stories Swipe. Select. Stay informed. Asia Thailand, Cambodia agree to 'immediate and unconditional ceasefire' to de-escalate border row Asia Gunman kills 5 near Bangkok's Chatuchak market before taking own life Singapore Tanjong Katong sinkhole: BCA to conduct independent probe, act against any non-compliance Singapore Foreign workers who rescued woman from sinkhole given tokens of appreciation Singapore COE quota up 2.6% to 18,701 for August-October period Business SIA's first-quarter profits fall by 59%; airline group sees volatile times ahead Singapore Ong Beng Seng set to plead guilty on Aug 4 in case linked to ex-transport minister Iswaran Singapore Jail for former pre-school teacher who tripped toddler repeatedly, causing child to bleed from nose The 27-year-old Bonmati apologised to the Spanish people for not being able to deliver a victory against an England side that was no match for them in terms of skill, but who refused to give up. 'I assume my part of my responsibility, I play for the team and for many more people. There is no point in playing a better game and missing penalties,' she said. 'For me, England is a team capable of not playing well and winning. There are teams that don't need much to win.' Spain, appearing in their first ever European Championship final, enjoyed 60 per cent of the possession overall and had 24 attempts on goal to England's 10. But they paid the price for not putting the game to bed. 'I thought we were the better team but in football it is not always the best team which wins,' Tome added. 'England are a great side and have been so competitive throughout the tournament. They got the equaliser and then defended to try to get to penalties, and in the shoot-out we chose the penalty-takers who we thought would be most effective.' England took the chance they were offered and though Spain found themselves on the losing side, Bonmati was philosophical. 'We haven't lost a game (in 90 minutes), we have received support and I feel bad about that too. We have won off the field of play and that is valuable too,' she explained, before promising to come back stronger. 'We are a trained team, we have already shown that we know how to overcome. We hope to reach (Euro) 2029 at full capacity and try again.' REUTERS, AFP
Hans India
4 days ago
- Sport
- Hans India
Adelaide Strikers re-sign Jemma Barsby and Liam Scott ahead of WBBL 11 & BBL 15
New Delhi: Adelaide Strikers have announced the re-signing of two pivotal players, Jemma Barsby and Liam Scott, ahead of the upcoming Women Big Bash League 11 and BBL 15 seasons. Jemma, a captain of the South Australian Women's Cricket team, joined the Strikers in WBBL 07 after successful stints with the Brisbane Heat and Perth Scorchers. The two-time WBBL Strikers Championship winner made an immediate impact in her first season in blue, boasting the second-best bowling economy amongst her teammates. She adds another option to Strikers spin attack this season that will feature England's Sophie Ecclestone alongside leg-spinners Amanda-Jade Wellington and Anesu Mushangwe. "It's an absolute privilege to continue my journey with the Adelaide Strikers. Winning two championships with this group has been incredibly special, and I'm excited to see what we can achieve together in the upcoming season. I love the team culture, and I'm eager to get back out there with the girls," Barsby said in a statement sgared by the Strikers. Scott, a dynamic all-rounder, made his debut for the Strikers in BBL 10 and was a crucial local replacement player last season. A prominent member of the South Australia Men's team, Scott's exceptional form was recently recognised with the Player of the Tournament award for the 2024/25 One-Day Cup campaign. He established himself during the Strikers' final match of BBL 14, delivering a standout performance with a vital 67 runs from just 43 balls. This impactful innings, featuring four fours and five sixes, marked his maiden Big Bash half-century. "I'm absolutely thrilled to be signing with the Strikers again. This club feels like home, and I've loved every moment I play here. The support from the fans and the team environment is incredible, and I'm really looking forward to contributing to more success in the upcoming season," said Scott. Head Coach Tim Paine said, "Having Liam back in the squad is fantastic news for us. He's a player with immense talent and a real fighting spirit. His development has been remarkable, and we believe he'll continue to be a significant asset for the Strikers."
The Hindu
4 days ago
- Sport
- The Hindu
Dejected Bonmati hopes to bounce back stronger after UEFA Women's Euro 2025 final loss to England
Spain playmaker Aitana Bonmati cut a disconsolate figure as she picked up her Player of the Tournament award at Euro 2025 on Sunday, minutes after her side finished as runner-up after losing a penalty shootout to England in the final. Bonmati bounced back from a meningitis scare ahead of the tournament to play a crucial role in Spain's progress to the final. However, on Sunday, Spain struggled to unlock the England defence and Bonmati missed her spot-kick in the shootout as she slumped to another painful defeat following her club side Barcelona's Champions League final loss to Arsenal in May. 'It's hard to see you right now,' she told reporters. 'Two months ago I found myself in this situation with the club. You have to value more when things are going well, we have been better on the pitch, not on penalties,' she said. The 27-year-old apologised to the Spanish people for not being able to deliver a victory against an England side that was no match for them in terms of skill, but who refused to give up. 'I assume my part of my responsibility, I play for the team and for many more people. There is no point in playing a better game and missing penalties,' she said. ALSO READ: Spain coach Tome says her team deserved more after shootout loss to England 'For me, England is a team capable of not playing well and winning. There are teams that don't need much to win.' England took the chance it was offered, and though Spain found itself on the losing side, Bonmati was philosophical. 'We haven't lost a game (in 90 minutes), we have received support and I feel bad about that too. We have won off the field of play, and that is valuable too,' she explained, before promising to come back stronger. 'We are a trained team, we have already shown that we know how to overcome. We hope to reach (Euro) 2029 at full capacity and try again.'
