Latest news with #Thomas
Wales Online
21 minutes ago
- Sport
- Wales Online
Tonight's rugby news as ex-Wales coach lands top Welsh club job and WRU pause women's game revamp
Tonight's rugby news as ex-Wales coach lands top Welsh club job and WRU pause women's game revamp The latest rugby news from Wales and beyond Former Wales forward Jonathan Thomas has been appointed head coach of Swansea RFC (Image: Swansea RFC ) Your rugby evening headlines on Saturday, June 28. Former Wales star appointed head coach of SRC club Former Wales forwards Jonathan Thomas has been appointed head coach of Super Rygbi Cymru outfit Swansea RFC. Thomas won 67 caps for Wales and played an integral role in two Six Nations Grand Slam-winning campaigns in 2005 and 2008. The 42-year-old began his playing career at Swansea before joining the Ospreys when the game went regional in 2003. After making 188 appearances for the Ospreys, which included 14 tries, he joined Worcester Warriors in 2013 before retiring in 2015 after getting diagnosed with epilepsy. Thomas has coached at the highest level with Bristol Bears (defence) and Worcester where he was head coach. Article continues below He was also part of Warren Gatland's backroom team with Wales, helping his country reach the quarter-finals of the Rugby World Cup in 2023 before departing in the December of that year. Thomas has now taken the helm at Swansea and will be tasked with reinvigorating the famous Welsh club who finished bottom of the SRC table last season. 'Swansea RFC has always been close to my heart," said Thomas. Sign up to Inside Welsh rugby on Substack to get exclusive news stories and insight from behind the scenes in Welsh rugby. "It was the club that gave me the opportunity and I'll always be grateful. "It's a big part of who I am and my time with the club at the start of my career really helped shape me as a person and a player. "I'm really excited about taking up this role and helping this historic club move forward. 'Since I first signed for Swansea as a youngster 25 years ago, it's been a relentless journey, always looking forward, and it's only when I've taken the last six months out to recharge have I really been able to appreciate the journey I've been on. "I looked at the team towards the end of last season and they certainly didn't look like a team that should have been at the foot of the table. "I need to get know the players I'm working with and find out more about their character and desire to improve "Yes, there's plenty of work to do, starting straight away, but the foundations of a good side is there and it'll be my responsibility to build on that. "It's exciting for the club and it's exciting for me. "Swansea is a big club with a proud history and I want to do that justice, while understanding our relationship with the Ospreys, where I know Mark Jones really well and expect to work closely with him." WRU postpone revamp of women's game The Welsh Rugby Union has put the brakes on the proposed revamp of the professional women's game in Wales, according to the BBC. Celtic Challenge teams Gwalia Lightning and Brython Thunder were to be replaced by new teams but this has been postponed. The WRU had initially asked the four professional clubs - Cardiff, Dragons, Ospreys and Scarlets - along with certain universities to bid to form new women's teams. But the BBC report they have seen an internal email between senior WRU officials who have paused the process due to "the ongoing transformation in the men's game." The WRU recently gave two-year notice to the Ospreys and Scarlets who refused to sign the new Professional Rugby Agreement (PRA) due to concerns the governing body had plans to turn Cardiff into a "super region" after it had acquired the capital city club. As it stands there is the very real possibility the WRU could go down to three, if not two, professional men's teams. Join WalesOnline Rugby's WhatsApp Channel here to get the breaking news sent straight to your phone for free This has had a knock-on effect on plans to further develop the women's game. According to the BBC an email from the WRU's head of women's rugby, Belinda Moore, said: "We have made the decision that Brython Thunder and Gwalia Lightning will continue to represent Wales in the flagship tournament next season. "We have taken this in the best interest of our players and management teams and believe this is the right way to guarantee a professional elite sporting environment for our players in the necessary timeframe. "It remains central to the WRU's strategy to grow marketable and commercially viable high-performance clubs for our women players in Wales and we will revisit this in the near future. "I would like to thank all parties for the work they have done to date during the tender process, it is not wasted, and we look forward to picking this up again in earnest at the appropriate time." Losing 'exceptional' Williams would be a huge blow for Lions, says former England wing Former British & Irish Lions wing Ugo Monye labelled Tomos Williams' performance as 'exceptional' in the 54-7 victory over the Western Force in Perth. The 30-year-old was outstanding and scored two tries for the Lions before getting forced off the field with a hamstring injury. Lions head coach Andy Farrell said it was too early to judge the seriousness of Williams' injury but he will almost certainly be out of the midweek game against the Queensland Reds in Brisbane. This poses a significant problem for the Lions with Jamison Gibson-Park also struggling with injury which would leave Alex Mitchell as the only fit number nine. Article continues below "Tomos Williams has been exceptional," Monye told the BBC. "The worry now for the Lions is with Jamison Gibson-Park struggling with injury and yet to play, and Williams with a possible hamstring problem, is them being left light at scrum-half." If both Gibson-Park and Williams were to be sidelined for a couple of games Farrell would almost certainly have to bring a new nine into the squad. England's Jack van Poortvliet trained with the squad in Portugal while Ben White is currently in New Zealand with Scotland.
1News
4 hours ago
- Politics
- 1News
Australian Greens candidate undergoes surgery after protest arrest
A Greens candidate who challenged Anthony Albanese at the May federal election is in hospital after being arrested at a protest, as police face brutality claims. Five people were arrested while protesting Israel's war in Gaza outside an Australian firm linked to the manufacturing of fighter jets used by the IDF. Hannah Thomas, 35, who was the Greens candidate for Prime Minister Anthony Albanese's seat of Grayndler, was taken to hospital with facial injuries suffered in the process of her arrest. A photo of Thomas in an ambulance shows her eye swollen shut and with blood on her face before she was taken for surgery. Video of the incident shows multiple police dragging one of the protesters as on-lookers repeatedly shouted, "get off her" and "let go of her". ADVERTISEMENT Police said matters escalated after officers issued a move-on direction to a group of 60 protesters who had blocked pedestrian access to SEC Plating in Belmore in Sydney's southwest Friday morning. They said Thomas was arrested for not complying with that direction. NSW Greens MP Sue Higginson labelled the policing "excessive" and "unnecessary" and called for an investigation "to avoid further horrific instances of innocent people being seriously injured". She has written to Police Minister Yasmin Catley, the NSW police commissioner and the state's police watchdog demanding the investigation. "Having witnessed the grievous injuries caused by the police to Hannah Thomas, spoken to on ground witnesses who witnessed what occurred, and with the knowledge that Hannah has experienced serious injuries and hospitalisation, I am calling for a critical incident to be declared urgently," Higginson wrote in her letter. A police statement said the medical advice they had received about the incident did not meet the threshold for a critical incident declaration. "Should further medical advice be received, the decision can be reviewed," it said. ADVERTISEMENT Protest organisers say another protester was grabbed by the neck and choked, while others were knocked to the ground. SEC Plating is reportedly providing plating services for various parts used in F-35 jets, of which the Israeli military has about 40. Zack Schofield, a 26-year-old Rising Tide organiser who was arrested, said he was "objecting to genocide and the complicity of Australia in this". "The excessive force used by police was brutal and will be put into question," he said. Greens Senator Mehreen Faruqi said Thomas had been a "tireless advocate" for the tens of thousands of people killed in Palestine. "Hannah has long been a fearless and strong advocate for the rights of all people to live without oppression and occupation... I am in awe of her courage and conviction in supporting people who need help," she said. The five arrested protesters were granted bail to appear in Bankstown Local Court on July 15.
USA Today
4 hours ago
- Sport
- USA Today
Two USC men's basketball players headed to 2025 NBA Summer League
Wednesday and Thursday marked the 2025 NBA draft. For just the second time in the past eight years, no USC players were selected during the event. However, two Trojans will have opportunities to prove themselves at the next level. Following the conclusion of the second round Thursday night, it was announced that two USC players will compete in the 2025 NBA Summer League. Saint Thomas will suit up for the Philadelphia 76ers, while Chibuzo Agbo will play for the San Antonio Spurs. Both Thomas and Agbo came to USC as transfers prior to the 2024-2025 season. In his lone season with the Trojans, Thomas averaged 9.5 points. 5.9 rebounds, and 4.2 assists per game. Agbo, meanwhile, put up 11.8 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 1.8 assists per contest. The 2025 NBA Summer League will take place from July 10-20 in Las Vegas. As undrafted invitees, Thomas and Agbo will be looking to show off for NBA teams with the hope of potentially getting a shot at a roster spot.
Irish Independent
7 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Irish Independent
See photos as rain fails to dampen Wicklow community's school fair
The weather wasn't on their side, but in between some showers, everyone took part in games and all the activities on offer. There was a brilliant atmosphere and buzz around the school as they welcomed back some familiar faces, with past and present pupils and their families all in attendance. There were plenty of stalls to visit as guests sampled tasty burgers and treats, while there were also opportunities to showcase your competitive side with a number of target games on offer. There was huge excitement for the 'Gerbil' game devised by Thomas and the children, as adults ad children alike took great joy as they waited to see which door the friendly gerbils would walk through. An obstacle bouncy caste proved a welcome addition to the fair, while everyone was also keen to try their hand at the new '5:0' game. Nevan Griffith also made an appearance with his 1944 Dodge WC51. The day would not have been possible if it wasn't for the volunteers led by the parents council, along with al the staff and community members who all pitched in and gave their time and energy. A huge amount of preparation went into the day and thanks are passed onto all the parents representatives who gave up so much of their personal time in order to ensure the event was such a resounding success. Local businesses and sponsors are also thanked for their generosity in donating prizes for the raffle, and always step up to the plate each year in support of the fair.
The Advertiser
9 hours ago
- Politics
- The Advertiser
Greens candidate undergoes surgery after protest arrest
A Greens candidate who challenged Anthony Albanese at the May federal election is in hospital after being arrested at a protest, as police face brutality claims. Five people were arrested while protesting Israel's war in Gaza outside an Australian firm linked to the manufacturing of fighter jets used by the IDF. Hannah Thomas, 35, who was the Greens candidate for Prime Minister Anthony Albanese's seat of Grayndler, was taken to hospital with facial injuries suffered in the process of her arrest. A photo of Ms Thomas in an ambulance shows her eye swollen shut and with blood on her face before she was taken for surgery. Video of the incident shows multiple police dragging one of the protesters as on-lookers repeatedly shouted "get off her" and "let go of her". Police said matters escalated after officers issued a move-on direction to a group of 60 protesters who had blocked pedestrian access to SEC Plating in Belmore in Sydney's southwest early Friday morning. They said Ms Thomas was arrested for not complying with that direction. NSW Greens MP Sue Higginson labelled the policing "excessive" and "unnecessary" and called for an investigation "to avoid further horrific instances of innocent people being seriously injured". She has written to Police Minister Yasmin Catley, the NSW police commissioner and the state's police watchdog demanding the investigation. "Having witnessed the grievous injuries caused by the police to Hannah Thomas, spoken to on ground witnesses who witnessed what occurred, and with the knowledge that Hannah has experienced serious injuries and hospitalisation, I am calling for a critical incident to be declared urgently," Ms Higginson wrote in her letter. A police statement said the medical advice they had received about the incident did not meet the threshold for a critical incident declaration. "Should further medical advice be received, the decision can be reviewed," it said. Protest organisers say another protester was grabbed by the neck and choked, while others were knocked to the ground. SEC Plating is reportedly providing plating services for various parts used in F-35 jets, of which the Israeli military has about 40. Zack Schofield, a 26-year-old Rising Tide organiser who was arrested, said he was "objecting to genocide and the complicity of Australia in this". "The excessive force used by police was brutal and will be put into question," he said. Greens Senator Mehreen Faruqi said Ms Thomas had been a "tireless advocate" for the tens of thousands of people killed in Palestine. "Hannah has long been a fearless and strong advocate for the rights of all people to live without oppression and occupation ... I am in awe of her courage and conviction in supporting people who need help," she said. The five arrested protesters were granted bail to appear in Bankstown Local Court on July 15. A Greens candidate who challenged Anthony Albanese at the May federal election is in hospital after being arrested at a protest, as police face brutality claims. Five people were arrested while protesting Israel's war in Gaza outside an Australian firm linked to the manufacturing of fighter jets used by the IDF. Hannah Thomas, 35, who was the Greens candidate for Prime Minister Anthony Albanese's seat of Grayndler, was taken to hospital with facial injuries suffered in the process of her arrest. A photo of Ms Thomas in an ambulance shows her eye swollen shut and with blood on her face before she was taken for surgery. Video of the incident shows multiple police dragging one of the protesters as on-lookers repeatedly shouted "get off her" and "let go of her". Police said matters escalated after officers issued a move-on direction to a group of 60 protesters who had blocked pedestrian access to SEC Plating in Belmore in Sydney's southwest early Friday morning. They said Ms Thomas was arrested for not complying with that direction. NSW Greens MP Sue Higginson labelled the policing "excessive" and "unnecessary" and called for an investigation "to avoid further horrific instances of innocent people being seriously injured". She has written to Police Minister Yasmin Catley, the NSW police commissioner and the state's police watchdog demanding the investigation. "Having witnessed the grievous injuries caused by the police to Hannah Thomas, spoken to on ground witnesses who witnessed what occurred, and with the knowledge that Hannah has experienced serious injuries and hospitalisation, I am calling for a critical incident to be declared urgently," Ms Higginson wrote in her letter. A police statement said the medical advice they had received about the incident did not meet the threshold for a critical incident declaration. "Should further medical advice be received, the decision can be reviewed," it said. Protest organisers say another protester was grabbed by the neck and choked, while others were knocked to the ground. SEC Plating is reportedly providing plating services for various parts used in F-35 jets, of which the Israeli military has about 40. Zack Schofield, a 26-year-old Rising Tide organiser who was arrested, said he was "objecting to genocide and the complicity of Australia in this". "The excessive force used by police was brutal and will be put into question," he said. Greens Senator Mehreen Faruqi said Ms Thomas had been a "tireless advocate" for the tens of thousands of people killed in Palestine. "Hannah has long been a fearless and strong advocate for the rights of all people to live without oppression and occupation ... I am in awe of her courage and conviction in supporting people who need help," she said. The five arrested protesters were granted bail to appear in Bankstown Local Court on July 15. A Greens candidate who challenged Anthony Albanese at the May federal election is in hospital after being arrested at a protest, as police face brutality claims. Five people were arrested while protesting Israel's war in Gaza outside an Australian firm linked to the manufacturing of fighter jets used by the IDF. Hannah Thomas, 35, who was the Greens candidate for Prime Minister Anthony Albanese's seat of Grayndler, was taken to hospital with facial injuries suffered in the process of her arrest. A photo of Ms Thomas in an ambulance shows her eye swollen shut and with blood on her face before she was taken for surgery. Video of the incident shows multiple police dragging one of the protesters as on-lookers repeatedly shouted "get off her" and "let go of her". Police said matters escalated after officers issued a move-on direction to a group of 60 protesters who had blocked pedestrian access to SEC Plating in Belmore in Sydney's southwest early Friday morning. They said Ms Thomas was arrested for not complying with that direction. NSW Greens MP Sue Higginson labelled the policing "excessive" and "unnecessary" and called for an investigation "to avoid further horrific instances of innocent people being seriously injured". She has written to Police Minister Yasmin Catley, the NSW police commissioner and the state's police watchdog demanding the investigation. "Having witnessed the grievous injuries caused by the police to Hannah Thomas, spoken to on ground witnesses who witnessed what occurred, and with the knowledge that Hannah has experienced serious injuries and hospitalisation, I am calling for a critical incident to be declared urgently," Ms Higginson wrote in her letter. A police statement said the medical advice they had received about the incident did not meet the threshold for a critical incident declaration. "Should further medical advice be received, the decision can be reviewed," it said. Protest organisers say another protester was grabbed by the neck and choked, while others were knocked to the ground. SEC Plating is reportedly providing plating services for various parts used in F-35 jets, of which the Israeli military has about 40. Zack Schofield, a 26-year-old Rising Tide organiser who was arrested, said he was "objecting to genocide and the complicity of Australia in this". "The excessive force used by police was brutal and will be put into question," he said. Greens Senator Mehreen Faruqi said Ms Thomas had been a "tireless advocate" for the tens of thousands of people killed in Palestine. "Hannah has long been a fearless and strong advocate for the rights of all people to live without oppression and occupation ... I am in awe of her courage and conviction in supporting people who need help," she said. The five arrested protesters were granted bail to appear in Bankstown Local Court on July 15. A Greens candidate who challenged Anthony Albanese at the May federal election is in hospital after being arrested at a protest, as police face brutality claims. Five people were arrested while protesting Israel's war in Gaza outside an Australian firm linked to the manufacturing of fighter jets used by the IDF. Hannah Thomas, 35, who was the Greens candidate for Prime Minister Anthony Albanese's seat of Grayndler, was taken to hospital with facial injuries suffered in the process of her arrest. A photo of Ms Thomas in an ambulance shows her eye swollen shut and with blood on her face before she was taken for surgery. Video of the incident shows multiple police dragging one of the protesters as on-lookers repeatedly shouted "get off her" and "let go of her". Police said matters escalated after officers issued a move-on direction to a group of 60 protesters who had blocked pedestrian access to SEC Plating in Belmore in Sydney's southwest early Friday morning. They said Ms Thomas was arrested for not complying with that direction. NSW Greens MP Sue Higginson labelled the policing "excessive" and "unnecessary" and called for an investigation "to avoid further horrific instances of innocent people being seriously injured". She has written to Police Minister Yasmin Catley, the NSW police commissioner and the state's police watchdog demanding the investigation. "Having witnessed the grievous injuries caused by the police to Hannah Thomas, spoken to on ground witnesses who witnessed what occurred, and with the knowledge that Hannah has experienced serious injuries and hospitalisation, I am calling for a critical incident to be declared urgently," Ms Higginson wrote in her letter. A police statement said the medical advice they had received about the incident did not meet the threshold for a critical incident declaration. "Should further medical advice be received, the decision can be reviewed," it said. Protest organisers say another protester was grabbed by the neck and choked, while others were knocked to the ground. SEC Plating is reportedly providing plating services for various parts used in F-35 jets, of which the Israeli military has about 40. Zack Schofield, a 26-year-old Rising Tide organiser who was arrested, said he was "objecting to genocide and the complicity of Australia in this". "The excessive force used by police was brutal and will be put into question," he said. Greens Senator Mehreen Faruqi said Ms Thomas had been a "tireless advocate" for the tens of thousands of people killed in Palestine. "Hannah has long been a fearless and strong advocate for the rights of all people to live without oppression and occupation ... I am in awe of her courage and conviction in supporting people who need help," she said. The five arrested protesters were granted bail to appear in Bankstown Local Court on July 15.
