Rugby world cup 2019

Clips of Faf de Klerk cavorting about the South Africa dressing room in his patriotic ‘budgie smugglers’ and Frans Steyn encouraging Prince Harry to chug bottles of beer had hardly had time to circulate on social media before attention turned to the future. The Springboks’ historic victory over England in Saturday’s World Cup final in Yokohama was a wonderful, historic moment for rugby. And for South Africa as a nation. The sight of Siya Kolisi, the Springboks’ first black captain, leading his multi-racial team in the post-match celebrations was an image to compare with Nelson Mandela congratulating Francois Pienaar all those years ago.  Indeed, speaking at the world rugby awards, Pienaar described... … [Read more...] about ‘Planning for the Lions begins now’: South Africa are already shaping next phase to build on World Cup glory

Eddie Jones has been told by Saracens that he has no reason to fear England’s Six Nations campaign being wrecked by the withdrawal of their players. Two days after accepting a 35-point deduction and a fine of £5.36 million for breaching the salary cap, the Premiership champions held clear the air talks with their entire playing squad. Team boss Mark McCall addressed the group, answering questions and assuring the players that withdrawing them from England duty in order to bolster Saracens’ relegation fight would not happen. Sarries have plunged to the foot of the table, 26 points adrift and five of their remaining 18 league games clash with the Six Nations. But McCall said: “To be clear, I support our players playing for England 100 per cent. I genuinely want them to. It's the absolute pinnacle of the game.” Saracens supplied six of the team that started the World Cup final and Jones reckons the club’s plight could have a “significant … [Read more...] about Eddie Jones assured that Saracens players will put country first in Six Nations

Courtney Lawes used to dream of winning Grand Slams — but at Wimbledon rather than Twickenham. The England star is in the mix to start against visitors France in round two of the Six Nations on Sunday, with Maro Itoje out for at least two matches with knee-ligament damage suffered in Saturday's win over Ireland. Lawes is the most experienced forward available to head coach Eddie Jones — his next cap will be his 70th, and only three England locks have won more. For a decade he has made brutal hits, yet he started out smashing tennis balls rather than opponents on the rugby pitch. “Growing up, I didn’t have a set plan— other than to play sport,” said Lawes, who turns 30 on February 23 — the day England play Wales in Cardiff. “I loved football and tennis, which I played all the time. Tennis gave me good hand-eye co-ordination and helped me in other ways — you’re on your own. You can’t rely on anyone else to do it for … [Read more...] about Six Nations 2019: England’s Courtney Lawes reveals surprising past as TENNIS player

The key talking points of Saturday's Champions Cup fixtures, including a repeat of one of the tournament's most memorable finals... Northampton vs Leinster headlines 'moving day'There's a repeat of the 2011 final in Pool 1 on Saturday - one of the best finals the tournament has ever produced.Saints were 22-6 up at half-time in Cardiff that day before the Irish province fought back in the second half for a 32-22 victory. Saints were not at their best for the years that followed that final, but following a revival led by coach Chris Boyd, they come into this game top of the Gallagher Premiership standings and with just one loss to their name across all competitions this season.Leinster, however, have largely stayed at that high level, and have gone one better than Northampton and navigated this season unbeaten so far.It all means the game at Franklin's Gardens is set to be a memorable one - can Saints officially announce their return to Europe's elite with a victory over last season's … [Read more...] about Champions Cup: Northampton-Leinster headline Saturday’s action

Sir Kenny Dalglish was bestowed with a prestigious Lifetime Achievement gong at this year's Mirror Pride of Sport Awards. The prize for the Liverpool legend capped off a truly inspirational evening as the world of sport and showbiz joined forces to honour the unsung heroes of grassroots sport and some elite competitors who inspire them. Anfield great Dalglish, 68, was deservedly recognised for his remarkable achievements both on and off the field - including his incredible charity work to raise millions of pounds in the fight against cancer. Ben Stokes, the stand-out star of the unforgettable summer of cricket who inspired England’s historic World Cup win before one of the greatest Test innings of all time, was also honoured with the Inspirational Performance Award. And Dina Asher-Smith won the Sporting Hero accolade following her historic 200m sprint triumph at this year's World Athletics Championships. The star-studded event too place at Grosvenor House in London’s Park … [Read more...] about Pride of Sport Awards 2019 winners as Liverpool legend Sir Kenny Dalglish is honoured